No Spend September

[StellaCruella]

Hi all
We have around £6.5k debt that I am determined to pay off as quickly as possible so we can start to build some meaningful savings.
To kick start this, I am planning a no spend September.
Anyone with me?

Spent a tenner today on some special delivery post. Needed though.

Nice one everyone!
Had some unexpected expenses and underestimated petrol so won’t be finishing on £500 savings - but should be close to £300 as long as I can be good next weekend! Pay day on the 25th then a new monthly budget.
Also very much indulged in a £4 PSL last weekend - enjoyed every sip!

This is the hardest time of the month for me spend wise. I seem to do really well at the start, but then think fuck it! This isn’t fair 🙈

I’ve spent £18 on shite this afternoon. But I’m determined not to spend any more and avoid the slippery slope I’m at the top of!

Yes be strong @oObyeOo

I like reading the Mr Money Mustache blog as it's really good about the mindset and philosophy of not being sucked into consumerism - I read it I need keeping on the straight and narrow.
Sounds like you've had a good month on the whole @StellaCruella - well done and finger crossed 🤞 for the final week!

Today needs to be a NSD as I have a busy week ahead where money will be spent. Let's get the discipline on!

I actually had a good weekend which was a bit of a surprise when I looked at my bank account this morning.

I bought tickets for an upcoming event

And booked a restaurant and had to pay a deposit.

Both were items I could have postponed so I felt quite bad about that - but I didn't actually spend anything else all weekend! Which I'm super pleased about!

Third week check in - managed to save some of the weekly budget.
Do have a small shopping list I need to go and buy.

Doing much better. Not managing many NSDs but having many more 'Spending Much Less Days' which is good for me!

As I mentioned earlier in the thread, I made a spreadsheet to log all of my spending, with columns of 'a good buy' and 'could have waited' and 'want not need'. It's really helped me to be more mindful!

I haven’t spent this week so far!… But I am going away this weekend, although I’ve allocated £200 specifically for this. I’m hoping not to spend it all!

How many no spend days did you manage in the end @oObyeOo ? I always end up having to buy something! Fruit never lasts in my house without going funny so I end up buying my fruit most days on the way to work for a start.

Having another low cost weekend so far.

One thing I've found very interesting is we're doing toddlers favourite things rather than shopping/going to places she's happy just pottering round local areas of beauty and we've spent so much less money!

How is everybody feeling going into the final few days of the month?

I ended up £50 over my £200 budget this weekend due to my camping stove setting on fire! 😣… I’d bought £40 worth of food for me and my daughter to cook lunch and dinner, but ended up buying out all weekend at the event we were at!

Frustrating. But this is the 1st month we’re I’ve had different money pots allocated, so feeling positive as I’m usually skint by this point!

Imagine how much you'd have over spent or been unprepared without this. It's all a journey of better financial health.
Anybody up for an October challenge?

Yes me @OKbutwhyplease as our circumstances massively change next week and we'll be living on a lot less. This month of logging all of my spending has really been a wake up call.

I'm up for it too! I've spent a fair bit this month, mostly due to stress and calming measures (although still mindful purchases), but I need to rein it in now and will be doing a Very Low Spend October.

Well I've bought an autumn garland, a (FOURTH) Christmas tree and the Dolly Parton wine. I also went to Starbucks yesterday so I have spectacularly failed.

What I will say though that's been interesting is how well I did up until yesterday when I had a bad day at work and then just "emotionally spent" I guess you'd say. So it has been useful in showing me my habits.

I also need to take note that I've done much better with my own personal budget and have not bought any unnecessary things like candles or make up like I usually would, so I will take that victory, at least one pot is preserved!

Yes, emotional spending is definitely a thing!

I'm up for a Low Spend October but a No Spend isn't practical, especially in the run up to Christmas and having a family, house and dogs! Oh and half term too.

Had a bit of a spendy day today
My daughter was sick all over her doll and I couldn't bear to clean it so I brought a replacement 😆 I consider that £5 worth spent.
Also went to the children's charity shop which is in association to a local playgroup and raises funds for this and spent a fiver on two dresses and a onesie.
Was going to have coffee but didn't which I'm pleased about.
Payday tomorrow so all in all ok with how this month went I think :-)

@StellaCruella will there be a November thread? I really liked this no spend September thread. 🙂

I tried an October thread but it didn't work. We need stellacruellas no spend charm!

@OKbutwhyplease ah I didn’t see that thread at all! The beginning of October was absolutely crazy for me so no wonder I missed it. Would you like to try again for November and tag everyone from this thread? 🙂

@JingsMahBucket sure :-)
I'll probably pop it on my to do on the laptop tomorrow I'll get too confused on my phone.