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Original poster

No spend January

696 replies

ivykaty44 · 24/12/2021 21:06

anyone up for a no spend January?

just the normal utilities, food shopping and transport costs

then put the purse/wallet away and don't spend till February

a good way to rebalance the balance after xmas

OP posts:
MrsSkylerWhite · 26/12/2021 20:58

No spend January26
OP’s posts: See all
Show OP
Today 20:49 ivykaty44

For birthdays try not to get cards in supermarkets, they are expensive compared to the places in town centres …”

You’re not kidding. Smiths, too. Usually buy boxed Christmas cards but wanted to buy a couple of specific, personal ones for parents and grandchild this year. Saw a pretty one in Smiths (just plain card, lovely print, simple words, no embellishments). Looked at the code/price: £4.99 for a double square of cardboard!!

Original poster
ivykaty44 · 26/12/2021 21:04

Card factory is particularly good, organise and purchase jan to June cards and put away ready

OP posts:
Helpstopthepain · 26/12/2021 21:06

Birthday presents in boots sale to get points is an amazing idea! I’m on it!

I need new slippers but going to try to repair them first.

I did look at the sales online but nothing tempting!

I’ve got clothes to put on vinted and it’s my go to for when I need to replace clothing but at the moment I don’t need anything.

I had a big sort out of the larder/fridge/freezers a couple of weeks ago so meal planning should be easier. Although I think we’ve got enough food to keep us going for a while!

TokyoSushi · 26/12/2021 21:16

I'm going to try for a very low spend January. Good luck folks!

GrowThroughWhatYouGoThrough · 26/12/2021 21:23

@AlexCabot Schuh wellies just there bog standard brand there about £20 me and my husband both have a pair and find them much better than expensive ones

Helpstopthepain · 26/12/2021 21:26

Nothing inspiring me as gifts in the boots sale.

Hotyogahotchoc · 26/12/2021 21:28

I need this

I usually love Boxing Day shopping but i on statutory mat pay and need to cut down

If I could avoid spending on sakes that's would be amazing!

I may even make some money back by selling on Vinted

Bonbon27 · 26/12/2021 22:40

This is a good idea but I will be buying some presents in the sales for birthdays. Boots have a good sale, it's also my husband's and sisters 40th.

SaveThePennies · 26/12/2021 23:53

I'm in!

I do have 2 birthdays in January, but I can buy those presents before the end of December.

The plan is to eat well, stock the freezer/cupboards once all the Xmas food as gone, no takeaways, give the kids pocket money to last them the month and keep away from amazon!

Original poster
ivykaty44 · 27/12/2021 06:08

Nothing wrong with window shopping at Amazon, but you can’t buy anything in your basket until February. I’ve gone off the item by February and usually delete the entire basket - saves a fortune that rule

OP posts:
Thatginismine · 27/12/2021 06:11

@AlexCabot
Dunlop - green, farmer style but cheap and last forever. Female and make versions.

Original poster
ivykaty44 · 27/12/2021 06:22

Slippers here won’t break the bank youknowwhos.co.uk/products/ladies-pom-pom-slippers

OP posts:
autieok · 27/12/2021 06:32

I try not to plus I do dry January. And I try to stick to Aldi/Lidl. I find I break even as there usually some Christmas stuff on credit card.

Hotyogahotchoc · 27/12/2021 07:22

The only thing I want and was hoping to get in the sales is some shaping jeans eg Spanx as I saw myself in a photo in some Next jeans and I had a double true. It's partly where the jeans cut into my belly but mainly postpartum baby weight...

Not sure they're even in the sale though?!

Maybe I just but some before January? Grin

MakeUsACuppa · 27/12/2021 07:27

I'm in and like a previous poster I also do Dry January. Plus I'm adding in a walk every day, keeps me off Amazon!

My plan is to food shop once a week and only allow top up shops is a maximum of £5, so fruit and veg can be bought fresh.

I do menu plans anyway and I intend to sort through wardrobes to locate 'new' clothes I'd forgotten about.

Hopefully this thread can keep me on track!

Toffeecaramelapple · 27/12/2021 07:28

Definitely me.

I’m getting married in early 2022 and we will properly merge finances then but until then I am solely responsible for nursery fees and half the mortgage and it’s crippling me. I never have any money!

Helpstopthepain · 27/12/2021 12:50

Thanks @ivykaty44 for the slippers link!

PeaceONoeuf · 27/12/2021 12:53

I’m in! Have another thread where I’m saving for style and beauty improvements and have to cut down. Have no need for anything.

blacktiger · 27/12/2021 14:25

I'd like to join in! My finances are a mess just now after a tricky year. Got two January birthday presents to buy and still want to take my 6 year old swimming on a Sunday as he loves that so that's not included on the no spend. Other than that it's essentials only!

Original poster
ivykaty44 · 27/12/2021 14:33

Children’s extra curriculum activities are definitely not included - but take a hot thermos with you filled with hot chocolate & a snack - that way you’re not spending at the pool cafe but still have a drink to share afterwards to warm you up

I have gym membership to pay January ( for December free in a deal & a 10% discount on the monthly fee) I’m certainly counting that in my essential bills

OP posts:
Original poster
ivykaty44 · 27/12/2021 14:35

only allow top up shops is a maximum of £5, so fruit and veg can be bought fresh.

I get dd to fetch any top up shops as she literally only buys the items I request, big saving

OP posts:
zebrarobot · 27/12/2021 14:38

Im in

MakeUsACuppa · 27/12/2021 15:05

@ivykaty44

only allow top up shops is a maximum of £5, so fruit and veg can be bought fresh.

I get dd to fetch any top up shops as she literally only buys the items I request, big saving

That's a good idea, I do tend to get waylaid!

However I'm thinking of taking £20 out in cash at the beginning of the month and just taking £5 in cash, no cards so I can't get carried away Wink🤞

35andThriving · 27/12/2021 15:36

Low spend rather than no spend for me, I reckon.

I'm going to try and create some healthy habits this coming year.

Original poster
ivykaty44 · 27/12/2021 15:55

35andThriving indeed, its about changing habits

making your lunch each evening to grab and take to work

purchasing smoothy mix in the frozen isle at supermarket - to pre make smoothy to take to the gym instead of buying one at the cafe afterwards

taking water with you, rather than buying a bottle

just for a month to rebalance the bank balance

but some habits you may stick with 80% of the time

OP posts: