This Is How I Do: No-Spend Months

Join me for no-spend March!

I would generally describe myself as a pretty low-key spender—I don’t get my nails done regularly, I don’t pay to have someone cut my hair (thanks, mom!), I *very* rarely shop inside Target (I typically only go to return something I’ve bought online), I use the library instead of buying books online, and, nine times out of ten, I bring lunch to work so I’m not tempted to order out.

But last year, I actually bought all of the things I added to my online cart (instead of my typical routine of enjoying the dopamine rush of browsing and then closing the tab). I missed the return window on several purchases. I went to a coffee shop at least once a week. It wasn’t uncommon for me to drop $50+ on charcuterie board items.

I spent, and I spent, and I spent. I didn’t limit myself. I bought what I wanted to buy.

It felt good to get what I wanted.

Then, right around early December, it started to feel bad.

I consistently feel overwhelmed at Christmas time. The excessive spending on stuff makes my skin crawl. AND YET, I want that navy loungewear set from GAP! I want a new purse from ABLE, jeans from Madewell, and fancy lip products from Sephora! So, last December, I told myself, “I’m doing a no-spend month in January,” and I let myself enjoy giving and receiving gifts.

Quick back story: I started doing no-spend months years ago after hearing of Nancy Ray’s contentment challenge in 2014. I think 2023 was the first year in at least five that I didn’t do a no-spend month.

According to our online billing statements, which I reviewed in shock and dismay on January 1st, I did the complete opposite of no-spend months in 2023.

So, yeah. I felt *very* motivated to practice restraint.

My rules for no-spend month(s):

• If I want to buy something for myself, I can use gift cards, merchandise credit, or money received from doing a return.¹ I have Starbucks money, a $30 gift card and merchandise credit for Marshalls, and some merch credit at Target. That’s it! That’s all I’ve got to work with! I bought myself one Starbucks drink in February. It felt like a huge luxury, and I enjoyed every sip. I’m holding off on using the gift card and merch credit for as long as possible. I plan to use them for a few warm-weather tops.

• I can use the cash I receive from selling on FB Marketplace if it’s a personal item. Unfortunately, I hate the time involved in selling items online, so this hasn’t happened yet.

• My no-spend month only applies to my stuff. We have line items in our budget for things like buying people gifts, going out to eat, etc. I’ve bought a few gifts for loved ones, and I went out to eat to celebrate a friend’s birthday. (I’ve only paid for one of the three meals I’ve eaten out in the past two months—my manager paid for one, and my mom paid for another.)

I’ve felt a lot of shame over my spending last year. Besides our mortgage, my spouse and I don’t have any debt, but I could have saved us a lot of money if I had purchased less/been more thoughtful with my spending.² I have a choice: I can sit in that shame, or I can tell myself that now I know better and I’m doing better. I’ve completed two months of no personal spending!

See you later, shame. I’m proud of myself.

Do you have any questions about my experience?

Do you want to join me in no-spend March? Or are you like, HA! HARD PASS!

^ This gif. 😂 This is how I feel every time I have to endure ads on Spotify now that we no longer pay for Premium subscriptions.

Honestly, zero judgment from me if you’re not interested. But if you are… I’d love to chat over Starbucks.³ 😜

1. I recently contacted LUS Brands because I experienced intense hair loss after using their products. I waited for the refund (over $60) to hit my bank account before I purchased a different shampoo and conditioner.

2. My guy says he is equally guilty of overspending in 2023. Golf is not a cheap hobby!

3. Click here to contribute to my Starbucks fund.

This is what I tell my friends: I can meet up for a walk/hike (see top pic w/ my bestie), I can meet at Starbucks, or you can come over to my house. Internet friends: I’m on Voxer.

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