MSE Molly's No-Spend October diary - here's what happened

Former_MSE_Molly

Hello there Forumites!

I have a lot of you to thank for this blog based on your support from the No Spend October blog (especially cathybird for letting me join in!).

I'd love to hear your thoughts below!

I challenged myself to spend NOTHING for half a month - here’s what happened

When was the last time you had a day where you spent nothing? Don't worry, I didn't know the answer off the top of my head either.

But those little spends sure can add up quickly without us even realising, such as paying for parking, a bottle of water etc. You know the score, and I feel you.

Sometimes it’s unavoidable. But on top of this, I also love a bargain. I try my best not to pay full price for anything such as clothes, events and eating out, so if there’s a discount code, I know it, if there’s a loyalty scheme, I’m part of it.

But despite these cheap thrills, I found my ‘good’ habit for bargain hunting was adding up too…

You can read the full blog here.

- MSE Molly

Takeaway_Addict

Well done Molly, like anything its a good starting point and something to improve on should you try again.

Happy_Monday

Really enjoyed reading your blog Molly - I've just joined the NSD challenge, I'm on day 7, and the initial newness and excitement of bagging a NSD has really worn off, and I'm getting a bit bored of it now! I'm a bit like you as well and have been questionning everything I buy, can I get it cheaper, do I really need it, is it just a flight of fancy.........I think I need to find some balance.

lynneee

Interesting read! Well done for having a go and nearly getting 15 NSDs. It's amazing how all those little spends here and there add up. If you feel you've saved money, then it's a win!

LameWolf

I've just read your No Spend diary, Molly, and I have a tip that may help.

It involves a little outlay to start with, but will pay dividends later.

Non-perishables that are used on a daily basis - in your diary you mentioned having to buy hairspray and deodorant as emergency spends - I always have one on the go and one spare; when I start the spare, I put that item on my shopping list, and buy it when I next shop.

I do this for all cleaning products as well as toiletries, and also for store-cupboard staples such as tinned beans and tomatoes etc.

It eliminates the need for emergency purchases.

jwil

I do the same as Lame Wolf - have a spare and then replace when I start using it.

My only query was about the cough/cold meds you spent £10 on - would there have been cheaper unbranded options? Whether cough medicine works anyway is questionable, and honey and lemon can be as effective as cough syrups. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/cough/

cathybird

Molly, I think nine days is pretty good given that you hadn't tried it before! You did really well and the blog is instructive too, for other people who want to try it So pleased the no-spend challenge was a help, that's great to hear

cathybird

Happy_Monday wrote: »

Really enjoyed reading your blog Molly - I've just joined the NSD challenge, I'm on day 7, and the initial newness and excitement of bagging a NSD has really worn off, and I'm getting a bit bored of it now! I'm a bit like you as well and have been questionning everything I buy, can I get it cheaper, do I really need it, is it just a flight of fancy.........I think I need to find some balance.

Happy Monday, think you are right that it is all about balance ... at the end of the day it isn't the most frugal person who's the winner, it's the one who lived within their means, saved for their goals but had a fulfilling time who wins. Sometimes a little spending can make a lot of difference! But challenges are good! I know what you mean about NSDs, there is such a thing as too many, but they keep me on my toes.

Former_MSE_Molly

jwil wrote: »

I do the same as Lame Wolf - have a spare and then replace when I start using it.

My only query was about the cough/cold meds you spent £10 on - would there have been cheaper unbranded options? Whether cough medicine works anyway is questionable, and honey and lemon can be as effective as cough syrups. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/cough/

Annoyingly, these were the non-branded versions, believe it or not! And I had already been trying days of honey and lemon by that point haha!

It's tough because you can't always fit the minor details like these into blog posts - but I really appreciate you asking! Thank you! Hopefully it helps others think about their spending habits and create a conversation :beer:

jwil

MSE_Molly wrote: »

Annoyingly, these were the non-branded versions, believe it or not! And I had already been trying days of honey and lemon by that point haha!

It's tough because you can't always fit the minor details like these into blog posts - but I really appreciate you asking! Thank you! Hopefully it helps others think about their spending habits and create a conversation :beer:

At least you tried the cheaper versions I agree, these blog posts are helpful to get people thinking.