no spending for a year?

spookybuffy

With new year coming up i've been looking for something to do and I been reading online about how people have had a "no spending for a year" in the u.s and you pay for your bills, emergency stuff and thats it. No clothes, dvd, cds, games, take outs or eating outs, going for days out or lush iteams. Has one one tryed "no spending for a year"? is it possible to do it here? and still stay sane?

sam.4000

Could not live without lush items. That would be a hard challenge.

Rummer

I would not cope with that :rotfl:

inkie

Depneds how motivated you are. I would say that with some careful planning it would be possible - you only have to take a look at the demotivator tool to see what you could potentially save. Rather than going for the full year, why not see how you get on with a week to start with - or a month? I expect of you have a goal to save the money towards then that would keep you focussed too.

chanie

WHen I first read this, I though it would be impossible, but the more I think about it, the more I realise that for many people/families, this is how life is. I think there are two way of doing this. One, being a miserable g*t and not doing anything and two, ensuring that it is cost neutral e.g. if you ebay/do surveys etc putting that money towards the treats.

Here's my ideas on how it may work:
OH and I have Sky, so we don't buy films
you could borrow CD's from friends
save up vouchers for free days out
Museums in London are free as is general sightseeing
taking a picnic to the park/beach so you aren't spending (thats if you can get there)
Go to the library for books/magazines

Beccatje

Maybe I could cope with that.. but my family wouldn't. They would divorce me for sure!. Especially the teenagers. ;-)
But really.. could you do it? No birthday celebrations, no presents, no christmas, no social stuff with friends, no clubs, no sports?..
I think that would be very harsh..

CountingPennies

Try reading "How i lived on just £1 a day for a year". Makes very interesting reading. Based in the UK. You can pick up copies on Ebay and Amazon. I'm gonna be taking some tips out of the book for the new year.

elsien

I think it probably also depends where you live. I remember an article written by someone doing this who lived in London, and there were all sorts of free events, exhibitions, foodie things etc that she used to treat herself with and to keep occupied.
I suspect my small town in the midlands might have rather less to offer.

Cat501

Could never do it! I don't go out often but sometimes I just have to, not giving that up! Or any of the other things mentioned! I'd be utterly miserable - saving money is GREAT - but being happy AND saving money is better!

sam.4000

CountingPennies wrote: »

Try reading "How i lived on just £1 a day for a year". Makes very interesting reading. Based in the UK. You can pick up copies on Ebay and Amazon. I'm gonna be taking some tips out of the book for the new year.

The book is a small fortune for a mere £302.91
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Lived-Year-Just-Pound-Day-Kelly-Kath-/140656138107?pt=Non_Fiction&hash=item20bfc2577b

Or for £200
http://www.amazon.co.uk/How-Lived-Year-Just-Pound/dp/1906593124/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1325197348&sr=1-1

CountingPennies

sam.4000 wrote: »

The book is a small fortune for a mere £302.91
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Lived-Year-Just-Pound-Day-Kelly-Kath-/140656138107?pt=Non_Fiction&hash=item20bfc2577b

Or for £200
http://www.amazon.co.uk/How-Lived-Year-Just-Pound/dp/1906593124/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1325197348&sr=1-1

OMG! I paid around £5 off ebay for it about 8 weeks ago... Maybe its time to re-invest. I'll start the bidding off here at £100, :rotfl::cool:

EDIT: Just looked at Amazon link. You can get it used from £4.55