Spend Nothing December

Rainy-Days

Other than food shopping I spend as little as I can in December and have done so for years.

I always used to put extra cash by through October, November and then December to use in the post Christmas sales. I just identify now what I want (which is way easier to do being as I can do that online) have my list ready to go and see what gets reduced. Works well for me and saves allot of cash.

The old saying "a stich in time..."

Nargleblast

TasmanianMinimalist - have a look at the Fabby December NSD Challenge thread. (Debt Free wannabe Challenges forum) You are more than welcome to join us on there. If you decide to keep with your own diary, that's fine, horses for courses and all that, but look at the thread anyway - the first couple or so posts give some practical suggestions for avoiding spending which you might find helpful.

It is easy to get caught up in the whole consumerist spendfest, so well done on making a stand. We really don't have to bankrupt ourselves to have a nice Christmas.

TasmanianMinimalist

Hi there, the reason I have set myself this challenge is that after I paid my house off and a lot of credit card debt a few years ago I thought I had really become set in my frugal ways. For the first time in my life I was saving and living thoughtfully. But I have started to slip a little. Not with the credit card as I ditched that 3 years ago, but a little of this and a little of that until I was not saving very much and couldn't account for what I was doing with it. I thought I'd begin with December as this is traditionally a more challenging month and because I only joined the forum a few days ago. No point waiting. my job is very stressful and I would like to go part-time before I am 50 ( six years to go) so this is a step in that direction.

Thank you for reading, TM

TasmanianMinimalist

On another note, I asked not to be included in the end of year dinner at work, thus saving $15 by bringing my own lunch and I asked my brother that we don't swap money for his two kids and my one. It was a token gesture that none of the kids needed anyway, thus saving a potential $50.

My brother seemed quietly relieved!

TasmanianMinimalist

It is December 2 and I am pleased to announce I have had yet another NO SPEND DAY. It's amazing what help it is to have it all written down and accounted for does for one's thinking.

Thank you for reading
TM

[Deleted User]

Well done TM

Day two and I too have not spent anything yet.You have got the right idea and once you become focused it will get even easier.

Great idea about presents .My tribe of grandchildren ,the older ones at least, get small token presents to open as three of the older ones earn three times what I have to live on and it would be just plain silly to try to buy anything too expensive for them.Christmas is about families and not always about what presents they get.

When they were small they had lots of toys etc but now as adults its easier to buy something they will appreciate more

I tend to try to find books or something they will use rather than just boxed up gift sets.My DDs ma-in-law I make up a shoe box, and cover it with Xmas paper and fill it with lots of things she wouldn't buy for herself, a nice soap,some unusual jam or marmalade ,some 'posh' biscuits in a small package as she has to watch her diet, a package of peppermint tea.all sorts of small gifts that when put together in a box gives a nice surprise. Doesn't cost very much and yet it gives so much pleasure, that is the secret of a nice present I think.

Goldiegirl

TasmanianMinimalist wrote: »

Hi there, the reason I have set myself this challenge is that after I paid my house off and a lot of credit card debt a few years ago I thought I had really become set in my frugal ways. For the first time in my life I was saving and living thoughtfully. But I have started to slip a little. Not with the credit card as I ditched that 3 years ago, but a little of this and a little of that until I was not saving very much and couldn't account for what I was doing with it. I thought I'd begin with December as this is traditionally a more challenging month and because I only joined the forum a few days ago. No point waiting. my job is very stressful and I would like to go part-time before I am 50 ( six years to go) so this is a step in that direction.

Thank you for reading, TM

I can relate to what you say, as I went part time when I was 50, and retired last year when I was 55.


Your challenge will give you a kick start, but after that, I think I'd set up a regular monthly plan that is sustainable, so you find you're not 'slipping back' It'd be very difficult to continue spending nothing, month after month, so your regular plan could allow for treats and mindful spending.

VfM4meplse

Dec 2 another NSD for me.

Am looking forward to having my goodies delivered this afternoon. Am sharing the love with my mum and encouraging her to return the beauty devices that do the exact same thing she bought from Boots last week. So theoretically as a family we'll be above balance!

Was tempted to head to Aldi for some mince pies but this thread has inspired me not to.

NewShadow

I think I'm going to pay very close attention to this thread as I'm intending to have a no spend January I think.

Another thread made me wonder how long I could go without buying groceries, but I still want to be able to buy reduced christmas bits on boxing day.

Plus, there are too many works do's and get togethers in December - The foods paid for already (organised, me?), but I'll need to contribute to the tips and buy a drink, plus a secret santa and the odd small gift for friends.

I recon I could do 30 days from the stocks - It's the things like my once a week coffee break with a work colleague that might be tricky - I guess I'll switch to fruit tea and take my own bags...

*need a planning and plotting emote*

Would be a good time to start as I aim to have an annual grocery spend challenge of around £1500 a year (c.£125 a month) for all household bits and bobs in 2016.





On the understanding this excludes the stuff for the cats - I probably spend £2k on them - spoilt little s*ds.

VfM4meplse

NewShadow wrote: »

*need a planning and plotting emote*

Let us know when you find it, please?

Another NSD for me yesterday. Made a huge vat of soup instead, which went straight in the freezer when cool. Should get me through winter

Not sure that I can get away without spending today or tomorrow though, I'll just have to be careful with what I buy.