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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:
TeacupDrama · 27/12/2021 16:14

a time limit before you buy non essentials even reviewing after 24 hours can help or as someone else said leave in basket for days
if you don't like something enough to pay full price you don't love it enough, if you would pay full price but just glad to get it for less then maybe it's a keeper
if you buy a t shirt for £10 instead of £20 you haven't saved £10 you just spent £10, you have only saved £10 if the t shirt was absolutely essential because you really don't have enough clothes without it. That mindset can help cut down impulse purchases> impulse purchases are what ruin most peoples budgets

Thisislifefornow · 27/12/2021 16:34

I'm in, really need to balance out the books this year. Aiming for a year of only buying essential clothing as my wardrobe is packed so no excuses really.

Helpstopthepain · 27/12/2021 16:53

Buying lunch at work is definitely a bad habit that I started this year.
I’ll take something with me.

AlexCabot · 27/12/2021 17:29

[quote Thatginismine]@AlexCabot
Dunlop - green, farmer style but cheap and last forever. Female and make versions.[/quote]
Of course! I had a brilliant pair of Dunlop's that lasted for years, completely forgot about them. Off to google!

alicesfavouritepen · 27/12/2021 19:40

I'm completely in. I really hope that I do this and can use this thread to hold myself accountable!

Original poster
ivykaty44 · 28/12/2021 10:47

there are many different meal prep videos that can be used for lunch at work

you could end up down a rabbit hole of prepped lunch

but be careful not to buy all the containers- use pickle jars instead of mason jars as its much cheaper, use takeaway pots for the lunches or other containers you already have

I make overnight oats, with water and without chia seeds. I then top with frozen fruit of different combinations, its cheaper to buy frozen fruit. I have also used grated carrots with sultanas and peanut butter - bit like carrot cake. I use jam jars for storing and taking with me - they are an ideal size and free with the jam

OP posts:
AlexCabot · 29/12/2021 11:08

Wellies ordered, £15 from Shoe Zone with free delivery!

DrRamsesEmerson · 29/12/2021 11:10

I’m in, it’s been an expensive autumn! Have theatre tickets booked but won’t count those as they’re paid for, and in any case restrictions may do for them.

Original poster
ivykaty44 · 29/12/2021 12:25

Two days to go, Ive been particularly good though and not spent a penny this week so far!

I have to pop to the supermarket for a few bits for tonight and top up for using up left overs.

Going to plan to meet a few friends for walks this weekend and hopefully that ll stop me spending in the sales or coffee out

OP posts:
Mogloveseggs · 29/12/2021 12:29

Oh me! It's ds's birthday mid January and I need to get some under bed storage from ikea but apart from that I'm spending nothing. Going to put my phone in my bag at all times to stop me browsing and do the shopping online which always cuts the spending.

Doublechins · 29/12/2021 13:55

Well the first 3 days of January will definitely be no spend for me. Got a text from my bank to say I'd gone overdrawn (as I'm over my overdraft 🙈) have transferred money from DH account so that's sorted but we're seriously finishing this month of with very little spare.

I say this every year as well but I am DETERMINED that we will each put £20 a week into a Tin so we don't end up like this next Xmas.

AlbertBridge · 29/12/2021 14:20

I'm in! January is a long-ass month, though. So very long.

TabithaTittlemouse · 29/12/2021 18:57

I’m starting the month with just enough money to pay the bills and my food and fuel money set aside so should be okay as there’s no room for treats anyway! And like @AlbertBridge says January really is a long month!
I get paid on the 25th usually but it’s always early in December which feels great at the time but makes January longer! ( Christmas is paid for from my Christmas account so I don’t need to suddenly find money or get into debt).

IloveM · 29/12/2021 19:16

I'm in

AlbertBridge · 29/12/2021 19:42

I hate it when companies pay you early for Christmas. It makes January even longer.

Spottyphonecase24 · 29/12/2021 21:19

I’m in. I’ve just done my January meal plan and budget for the month. We have no birthdays or anything so I won’t need to shop for anything.

I’m using up the chest freezer and cupboards as much as I can. I have enough bread flour and yeast for the month.

MondeoFan · 29/12/2021 21:31

I'm in. It's my DD birthday on 4th but I've bought all her presents in December so January will still count as a no spend month for me.

NovRainbow5 · 30/12/2021 03:54

I’m I’m! I had a baby in November and my pay will be going down soon (maternity pay) so we really need to start being more sensible with money.

Lifeispassingby · 30/12/2021 04:24

@Doublechins

Well the first 3 days of January will definitely be no spend for me. Got a text from my bank to say I'd gone overdrawn (as I'm over my overdraft 🙈) have transferred money from DH account so that's sorted but we're seriously finishing this month of with very little spare.

I say this every year as well but I am DETERMINED that we will each put £20 a week into a Tin so we don't end up like this next Xmas.

This is my plan as I say every year! EDF doing it this year
Lifeispassingby · 30/12/2021 04:27

I am in as need to recoup money spent on Xmas etc. We consolidated a lot of debt in sept which saved us money but in the autumn have overspent so need to deal with that! We also couldn’t afford to buy each other Xmas gifts so want to avoid that next year x

chimichangaz · 30/12/2021 09:00

I came on hoping to find a thread like this!

I'm in, but I'm going to take it week by week as committing to a month upfront is quite daunting....

I've had a horrible six months with family illness followed by death, meaning lots of travel to support loved ones while doing major house renovations. Because I was knackered I've way overspent on virtually everything (shopping, impulse buys, Christmas) and am massively out of control with my finances which I used to manage to the penny.

Renovations now almost completed, I have had a wardrobe clear out and ordered stuff in the Next sale, I have a huge toiletries stash to sort out and a fairly well stocked freezer. One thing I need to do is to adjust my shopping/cooking habits as I live with my 20yo DS who's recently started a job where he works evenings and doesn't really eat an evening meal any more, so I have to get used to cooking for one!

coraka · 30/12/2021 10:32

I really want to do this. Putting things in the Amazon basket but not buying is a really good tip.

Original poster
ivykaty44 · 30/12/2021 12:28

I live with my 20yo DS who's recently started a job where he works evenings and doesn't really eat an evening meal any more, so I have to get used to cooking for one!

or cook for two and freeze the second portion or eat the following night, you get two weeks for the price of one

OP posts:
teaandtoastwithmarmite · 30/12/2021 12:42

Just realised I'd booked my hair in for cut and colour in January Confused. Apart from that though I can do it.

gracedentsleftbumcheek · 30/12/2021 14:34

I'm in. We've spent ridiculously in the last few months and are (fingers crossed) due to buy a house in Feb which we want to renovate, so we are looking to cut down big time, mainly on groceries! Luckily we won't be going out in Jan as we want to avoid getting covid and delaying completion so that should save. Our major sin is food - we spend SO much on this. Another £85 in shops today to "get us through" to Sunday FFS - but then, we are done. Quite a bit in freezer and cupboards now so hoping we can have at least the first week of Jan with a very minimal spend.

We also fell into the trap for the last few months of buying lunch each day. That is stopping and it's either soup and bread or a home made sandwich for work lunches!

I still have to buy nappies and wipes so those, plus food count as essential items.