Are you searching for a creative way to save money in 2020? Or do you feel like you need a budget re-set after all the cash you spent over the holidays? A no-spend challenge could be exactly what you’re looking for!
A no-spend challenge is a quick way to kick start your savings. And it can also help you get your spending back on track if you’ve been overspending and are struggling to rein it in. So, what is a no-spend challenge? Let’s talk about it!
What Exactly is a No Spend Challenge?
A no-spend challenge is exactly what it sounds like. A challenge to yourself and your family to not spend any money during a set period of time.
Most people start by choosing a time frame for their no spend challenge. If you’ve never done a no-spend challenge before, starting with a weekend or workweek challenge is a useful way to test the waters.
Once you’re a pro at no spend challenges you can work up to longer periods of time. For example a no-spend month.
What Are the Rules of a No Spend Challenge?
The great thing about a no-spend challenge is that you get to set your own rules. You get to decide how long the challenge will be. What your goals are. And what the limits are of the “no spend”.
Once you’ve chosen a time-frame for your no spend challenge you can decide what types of spending you plan to eliminate. For a no-spend weekend, you might be able to get away with not spending any money at all.
But a no spend month is obviously going to run into necessary expenses like bills, gas, and food.
Decide before your challenge what you consider to be a necessity during the time you’re planning to avoid spending money. And then create a budget for those necessities that you can stick to.
If the thought of figuring this all out seems overwhelming there are a number of no spend challenges available online that provide all the rules and guidelines for you. Do a quick search to find one that suits your goals.
Avoid Over Spending Before and After a No Spend Challenge
While you may want to stock up on necessities before starting a no-spend challenge it’s best to avoid using your challenge as an excuse to spend wildly before and after your spending free timeframe.
Plan to get groceries, gas, and pay your bills ahead before a no-spend weekend. But stick to things you really need. And don’t use it as an excuse to fill your house with “just in case” items you wouldn’t normally buy.
If there is something you want but don’t actually need during your no spend challenge, the time off from spending is a good opportunity to have a cooling off period and avoid making an impulse purchase.
Use the time to research your planned purchase and decide if you actually need it rather than pining away and blowing your hard-earned savings the moment your no spend challenge is over.
How to Make Your No Spend Challenge a Success
One of the best ways to make your no spend challenge a success is to have a goal in mind when you start. Whether you want to pay off debt, put extra money into emergency savings or are trying to save for a trip, having a “why” for your no-spend weekend, week, or month can motivate you to stick to the rules you set for yourself.
Keeping track of your spending before the challenge and then also during can give you an opportunity to compare. And show you how much money you actually saved during your no spend time period. Chances are you’ll be pleasantly surprised.
Save Money Fast with a No Spend Challenge
Whatever your financial goals, a no-spend challenge is a great way to make a start on saving money. Challenge yourself and your family to a no spend month and see what financial goals you can reach!
