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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:
SparkleWhale · 01/01/2022 18:50

I'm in. I'm doing a no buy January and I know it's very early to be celebrating success but I haven't bought anything yet Grin

Klinkerbell · 01/01/2022 19:10

I'm in, but I did buy a calendar today. Didn't get one for Christmas for the first time.

coodawoodashooda · 01/01/2022 19:16

[quote ClaraTheImpossibleGirl]@AgathaQuiztee I received a £50 Amazon voucher for Christmas and thought great, I'll use that to treat myself to a Kindle Unlimited subscription. Except you can't, because Amazon don't let you spend vouchers on that. Grrrr Angry[/quote]
Ebay it?

WildStallyn · 01/01/2022 19:20

I've just ordered a takeaway as neither of is is feeling up to cooking after a heavy NYE. But as of tomorrow I reckon I can do this and my bank account will definitely thank me.

TabithaTittlemouse · 01/01/2022 19:26

@Invasionofthegutsnatchers

Ugh. Thought I was being clever spending 1.5 hours batch cooking shepherd's pie. All ingredients from Lidl so cheap. DS suddenly announced as I dished it up that he's not eating lamb anymore. DD decided 2 weeks ago to give up beef after a school lesson on climate change. I said, eat the mash and veg.
You can eat it can’t you? Shepherds pie for a month Grin
TabithaTittlemouse · 01/01/2022 19:27

@ancientgran I hope it’s not too awful for you.

Pheebs2021 · 01/01/2022 19:38

Jumping in from January 4th.

I'm going to add I am pregnant though so I might need to spend a little here and there on pregnancy related things.

Until then got a few pre planned things where I'll minimise my spends but will be a spend.

SaveThePennies · 01/01/2022 21:56

No spend day for me. Also started the 1p challenge, have put away Januarys contributions - will try and do it on 1st of the month rather than daily.

Nearly got a takeaway this evening... ended up having bits from the freezer. I have everything for a roast tomorrow, meant to be today but couldn't bring myself to have a roast on a Saturday lol!

I need to do a big shop on Monday, dreading how much it'll cost!

carrottopper · 01/01/2022 21:58

Takeaways are the Bain of our life and bank account. We have at least one a week!!! It's the ease of it and the comfort. No missing ingredients. Less washing up. What we fancy.

Hotyogahotchoc · 01/01/2022 21:59

I bought a newspaper today that I probably won't read because whenever I go to the post office I feel like I should buy something.

Does anyone else do this?

I'm selling things on Vinted so it's not such a rare occurrence I go to the post office either!

Mogloveseggs · 01/01/2022 23:13

Macdonalds for Dd and her cousin today so £8 ish. But that was it. Need cordial from the shop tomorrow but have change in the change jar for it.

coodawoodashooda · 02/01/2022 00:11

@carrottopper

Takeaways are the Bain of our life and bank account. We have at least one a week!!! It's the ease of it and the comfort. No missing ingredients. Less washing up. What we fancy.
What is your favourite?
carrottopper · 02/01/2022 01:20

Chicken Kebab Usually which I know I can make at home but just easier for a takeaway

InvincibleInvisibility · 02/01/2022 06:36

Could you switch to a supermarket prepared meal instead of a takeaway?

We never get takeaways (not in the UK, I would definitely get fish and chips if I was!) but we do get supermarket pizza instead of takeaway pizza. Much cheaper

sandgrown · 02/01/2022 06:49

Can I join. I really need to get my finances under control. I took an extra temporary job over Christmas which has helped . Hopefully they will take me on again when it gets busy . I have changed our phones to SIM only and looking for other ways to cut down . A friend has given me a small extra freezer so that should help .

Original poster
ivykaty44 · 02/01/2022 07:44

Could you switch to a supermarket prepared meal instead of a takeaway?

Great idea
Some do the takeaway packages for Chinese or Indian food

OP posts:
MakeUsACuppa · 02/01/2022 08:08

No spend day for me yesterday.

My plan today is to go through the cupboards, fridge and freezer and do a menu plan. Might be a random one but if they're hungry they'll eat it!

TheLeigh · 02/01/2022 09:44

I'm in.
I'm hoping for no spend January and February,using the same parameters as OP.
Will RTFT then try to post each day to confirm NS status.

Pheebs2021 · 02/01/2022 09:46

Much recommend the Indian box in Asda for a curry without the £40 price tag. Add some poppadoms and mango chutney and a Indian for less than a tenner and only takes about half an hour in the oven.

woodlandarchitect · 02/01/2022 09:49

We’re failing at our no spend January :(

We had to buy some bits to fix a leak yesterday. And I’ve just remembered I have a hair appointment booked in this week and I can’t cancel it as 1) I’ve left it too late and 2) my hair has grown out looking weird!

DS also needs a new electric toothbrush

Sad I’m hoping to make it up by doing super frugal weekly shops! For £40- £50 instead of £80.

No idea how but we have lots in the freezer!

carrottopper · 02/01/2022 10:24

Yes those supermarket takeaway inspired meals are very good. Will try those out again. Thanks

Invasionofthegutsnatchers · 02/01/2022 10:53

Just used a gift voucher to buy new wellies as my old ones are knackered. So zero spend as no money was taken from my account.

Instead of buying lunch at the trampoline park we're making a big meal at home.

Took DS for a long walk to the park this morning which was free of course.

specialsauce · 02/01/2022 10:59

May I join!
It's the takeaways I'm going to miss. If it gets bad am I allowed to just pick up a small tarka dhal (£2.75) from an indian and have that with some shop bought poratha's? Or is that not allowed

Pheebs2021 · 02/01/2022 11:43

@specialsauce
Personally I say allowed. Not much more expensive than supermarket and you've got to eat.

I don't think there's a set list of rules it's about making it work individual to your life as no life's are the same

ancientgran · 02/01/2022 11:54

Failed today. I have 2 birthdays for close family in January and was happy with that as presents bought wrapped and delivered with the Christmas stuff. Realised this morning that I need to get 2 cards so that was £4.75. I have stamps and didn't go into any other shops so didn't get tempted. Still a bit sad to fail on day 2 but I did spend the money from cashback site, transferred £30 yesterday and got it out of the cash machine this morning, so I feel like it wasn't "real" money and I now have £25.25 in my purse.