This February 1st, I embarked on a “No Spend Challenge” for the month. 🚫

That meant consciously considering where my energy and money flows for travel, work & family. πŸ’«

I also decided to be IntentionalΒ about all aspects of life. ✨ Yes, I chose a “Word for the Year”, but that’s a post for another day.Β 

As I began to review my habits, I realised I could make some positive changes. But, Golly, it’s easy to slip subconsciously into a pattern that’s not serving you! πŸ‘‡

What's a No Spend Challenge?

So I outlined some areas that I could improve and know many of you could also too:

β˜‘οΈ Path to living debt-free life (mortgage, cars, credit cards etc.)

β˜‘οΈ Chance to reset finances after Christmas, New Year and School Holidays

β˜‘οΈ Break some spending habits and form new onesΒ 

β˜‘οΈ Less wastefulΒ 

β˜‘οΈ Planned spending, instead of just spending (be intentional about it!)

What's the GOAL of a NO Spend Challenge?

The other benefit for me is to slow down in all aspects of life. πŸ™Œ

What is essential to me and my household might vary to you. πŸ€·β€β™€οΈ

Right now, needs include a couple of driving lessons for my youngest, food, bills, birthdays for immediate family etc. $

It doesn’t mean going without or missing out. It just means I’m reevaluating the necessity. πŸ€”

 

How does a NO Spend Challenge Work?

Things I predict I may find hard:

  • Lunch… I always forget my lunch πŸ€¦πŸΌβ€β™€οΈ

  • Weekends – outings with children πŸš—

  • Doing things around the house – always finding things that need fixing – trips to Bunnings πŸ˜‚πŸ€¦πŸΌβ€β™€οΈ

 

 

So far this month has gone like this:

Day 1 – so far, so good. Only a couple of top-up items for dinner (salad and fruit for school) πŸŒπŸ“πŸ₯‘

Day 2 – Here are a couple of essential costs that I have for this month that some may not consider essential but to us they are. πŸ‘‡

I’ve intentionally chosen to say yes to these outgoings – not a random impulse spend. These are either one-off costs or annual and they happen to fall due now so yes these will be getting paid in my no spend month.

πŸ‘‰ Year 12 leavers jacket $100

πŸ‘‰ Netball registration x2 $500Β 

But on a good note, no lunches were bought at work. 😬

Day 3 – My monthly massage is essential. Set out in my rules because it’s all about self-love and self-care to realign my body, remove any stress and living my best intentional life in 2022.

The other thing is that I pay for Private Health insurance (PHI) so may as well use it. Therefore it only cost me $20, not the full $100.

Leftovers for lunch so winning still there.

Day 4 – I collected new client docs… Which happened to be situated right next door to a plant place 😬😬😬

But as tempted as I was …. none made it into the car πŸ˜‚πŸ˜‚πŸ˜‚πŸ˜‚

 

I’ll continue to keep you updated throughout the month and let you know how I’m going.

Here’s to being Intentional in 2022! This is my year, I’m ready for it. πŸ’β€β™€οΈ

Let me know, would starting a No Spend Month benefit you?

Nadine Rawlings Garnet Business Solutions Profit First Perth Accountant

Nadine Rawlings Garnet Business Services


Take the No Spend Challenge with me.

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https://mailchi.mp/garnetaccounting/no-spend-challenge