Anyone want to join for a No spend January

[ivykaty44]

As done in other years, a no spend January

But also perhaps a budget cooking month, to really keep costs down

the idea is we only spend money on transport & food shopping - so those items don't count, but lets try and keep the shopping spends low

I shall be following the likes of cardiff mum and taming twins for budget ideas for food, especially using slow cooker and doubling up recipes.

I shall also be cooking some slow cooker recipes in January and doubling up, that way can cook for the first 2 weeks of January and freeze for the next two weeks

Purchasing birthday present for January on Black Friday next week, that way getting a good deal.

Its a reset on finances which will be especially needed in the household to curb some unnecessary spending and leave me with money in the bank on 31 January. I did this about 4 years ago and had an extra £110 in my account.

doing free things, , freecycle after Christmas, walks, cycling, library trips, free talks etc

Some take it into February

Yep - I'd be in for this! Pretty frugal already but room for improvement. 😀

Yes definitely would like to join.
when I put my mind to it I can be very frugal - and I really need to be at the moment

Would love to join! I need to curb my spending..

I would love to join in. Lots of unplanned spending this year. I want to have a struct few months at start of next year

Sounds good👍

I'm in 👍

I’ve started planning my meals. Trying to use similar ingredients to reduce waste.

so I have a chicken casserole with bacon and leeks, crème fraiche then planning a leek & potato soup which will use up the leeks and cream.

chilli con carne and beef enchiladas so getting a large pack of mince beef and both can be done in the slow cooker

ive ordered Xmas presents and added in January birthday presents.

some more planning needed, but getting there.

want January to be pleasant not miserable

Yes, I'd like to join. Dec, Jan, Feb are going to be the most expensive for heating bills, so anything that can be squirrelled away will hopefully help.

I'm fairly careful with our food budget anyway (£50 or less a week for two). I find it quite easy to manage and will cover our xmas food and when DD is home from uni at xmas. Thinking I'll make a list of warm filling meals for the next few months which are fairly cheap.

Luckily only birthday we have in January, just needs a card.

Thinking local walks, taking a sandwich or flask and snack if going up the hill as we can sit on bench and appreciate the views. We have two supermarkets within 12 mins, I rarely use the car for a food shop, but will make sure I carry back max each time I'm on food to avoid that (not easy though as it's up a slight gradient on way back).

I will join this!

I also need to get my adult children living at home, on board

They eat too many takeaways and take taxis rather than a bus!

I need to get a new bed next year so I'm planning essential purchases now

I would like to join. I just need to stick to my budget. £50 a week but that includes my going out coffee money once a week seeing friends.
I have two grandchildrens birthdays in January. Going to buy some cheap veg in the run up to Christmas I can freeze them for cheap soups and meals in January

I'm in!

I would love to, DH’s birthday is in January but other than that I don’t need to spend on anything.

The reason I purchase presents for birthdays in January during December, is due to the fact that then means I don't get tempted by the January sales. Not going to the shops is a big bonus, so purchasing the present and card and putting away safe for a date in January is much better planning for me.

Count me in.

I'm in!

In as well.

I'm in 👍

I'm in. Great idea.

I'm in too, great idea 👍

Absolutely!

Im in. Can I make a small budget (like under 10) for work meals? Usually i cheap out and pack but occasionally i go for super cheap takeaway

I’m in although I will be paying out for my personal trainer.

It’s all about changing habits and not spending other than monthly bills, I shall still pay for my gym membership monthly. Thinking of doing things in different ways

buy cartons of soup to take to work on the days you’ve not made lunch or having leftovers from the night before. Or if you make dinner and there is an extra portion - freeze it for that day you’re running late without lunch

Am beginning to make a plan for the new year and so far I've got -
No buying new clothes unless to replace something worn out (and only then if it's really needed)
Weekly meal plan
Walk to work as much as possible to save fuel
Save £ each month for Christmas and birthdays

Any other suggestions gratefully received!

Can I join please. I joined a thread like this last January and oh my days!! My eyes were opened to what a shopaholic I am/was. A great tip on the last thread was if you want to buy something then write it on a list. Well from January to today I have over 50 things on my list. Would I buy them today... no.

Also taking car snacks, water bottles. Packed lunches.

Cancelled dd I didn't need or even knew that I had. Had free family days out. Made do a mend a lot.

The money I didn't fritter away I've put into a savings account. That account now has £9k in it.

Determined to keep going in 2023.

Hope this post brings positivity. I was clueless with money but now more in control ( I think 🤷‍♀️)