No spend January

anon_fisherman

Hi Everybody.

So i think i may be becoming an anti-consumer. I love the idea of having zero debt and i dont like the damage that is being done to the planet for the sake of the economy. Recently my Iphone 5s contract was up and instead of upgrading to a 'shiny, bigger, better' phone i just went on to a sim only plan and saved a ton of money. This is just one example of my new way of thinking.

I've been reading up a bit about anti-consumerism and feel inspired by the pushback against things like black friday. I'm thinking of trying to do a no spend January and would love to hear your thoughts and feedback on this theme and any tips/advice on what to include and leave out(i.e i still need to buy food)

cheers

DawnW

Sounds good to me! I will join you. One thing that springs to mind is clothes - when I look at the SOA documents that people post, I am sometimes blown away by the amount people allocate to this. I do understand, if you have children you have to buy more clothes (and their shoes are expensive, and essential).

So what I am going to do is to look in my wardrobe and chest of drawers and check up on things I already have, but might not have worn for a while, before I mindlessly buy something new

Another area is food waste - this is easy to avoid if a) you don't over buy, or if you do b) use your freezer wisely. Most things can be frozen for use later instead of just being thrown away

Karonher

I try and spend just £50 on food in January. There are 2 of us and I do stock up before Christmas.

Depending on circumstances it may be possible but not for most people. even if I topped up the car at the end of December I would still need more before the end of the month. Friends and I don't buy presents now but arrange a meal out in January so there is more money.

I watch premiership football and even with a season ticket there is travel and money for the day.

You ask about what to leave out but without knowing your interests that is hard to say.

I would imagine it would be not buying what you would normally buy. Putting a purchase off a few weeks into February would seem pointless.

Sharon87

Sounds like a good idea to me. My pay was less in December as I finished my job, but I'm starting a new one in January. I also have a tax bill to pay at the end of January so need to be very frugal!!

My plan is to buy less food, I have tons in the house already so I only need to buy fresh stuff. I will NOT be buying lunches at work. If I do forget my lunch I will go to Sainsburys and buy a tin of soup and some bread.

I may also ebay some stuff to raise a bit of cash!

My main weakness is eating out, so having stuff in the house, nice stuff you can make or that's already prepared and frozen can help resist those takeaway/restaurants urges. I currently have 2 curries and 3 spaghetti bologneses in the freezer! Shoving one of those in the microwave saves more time than waiting for a takeaway!

Keep busy at home is another thing, instead of being lured by internet ads telling you to buy something as you viewed it last week. Read a new book (free from libraries/borrowed/free kindle books), play computer games, watch telly or movies, or whatever else you like to do, keeping busy can help resist the urge for online shopping!

selloptape

Interesting idea...

I think I'd start by working out essential spends (mortgage, bills, grocery, travel costs to work etc). Then try and work out how to avoid leisure spending (running/cycle instead of gym, inviting friends round instead of meeting in pub etc).

I think I would find it really tough, good luck ☺️

Ilona

I think a No Spend month is a bit vague, everyone has to spend something. All depends on your lifestyle. I assume you can buy food, though I probably have enough in to last me. I have car insurance and road tax coming up next month, that has to be paid. And I might need some petrol, though I could use my bus pass for local journeys, and I do like walking.

Just out of curiosity, what did you do with the £12,500 you had spare in October, Fisherman? You didn't go back to the thread you started.

Ilona

determined_new_ms

a few years ago we did a frugal fast in January. We spent almost nothing. All food in the house had to be consumed before we bought more. Only bread, milk and fruit was allowed. We had a challenge to go to as many free museums within a reasonable driving distance. Still had drinks and treats left from Christmas. It's a great time to do it as so many people are reigning it after the excesses of Christmas so doesn't feel like such a hardship, organised to get together with various friends to socialise at each other's houses. Its a great time to do it!

Pixie5740

I stock up for Christmas in January buying wrapping paper, cards, crackers, things that will keep until December.

I do like the idea of reducing how much we buy though. We had a major clear out in November which involved selling some items, giving some stuff to charity, re-using, recycling and then a trip to the tip with whatever was less. I do not want to be doing the same thing in November 2017.

anon_fisherman

Hi thanks for all the replies so far. I will keep you updated with how it's going and am excited to hear how you all do as well.

Ilona I settled my car loan and paid the max 10% capital repayment on my mortgage. I'm down to 4K now. So I'd like to build my savings back up.

anon_fisherman

Down to 4K savings, not mortgage balance(that would be nice)

Ilona

Sounds good anon. Good reason to embrace the no spend January challenge. Keeping your eye on the ball eh!
Ilona