I love making the challenge into a game. I track my hours that I volunteer and that I spend at senior center to keep busy. Meeting people instead of spending money.
I had to make a no spend life style when I retired..first I am getting much less money from my pension, second I used to get paid every 2 weeks now I get paid once a month..so I have to make ends meet from month to month..so far it's been working out well .I've been retired for 3 yrs..believe me if I can function on a no spend life style so can others..I wish everyone embarking on this type of life style I wish you well!!!
I save $5 in an envelope for each no -spend day. This past year I had 231 no-spends for a total of $1155 to divide in my binders for my two grandsons. Aiming for even more no-spend days during this year.
Hey folks! I mentioned once that you are "like the aunt and uncle I never had," but today I would like to add more. As sort of a "holiday gift" I'm going around to some people and letting them know something they probably don't. Your content is geared toward frugality but is also helping myself and a bunch of my other LGBT+ friends that were rejected by our families. We spent our time being ridiculed rather than being allowed to learn how to live. Thank you for being here to help us fill in the gaps. The quality of my life, and those of several of my friends, has improved greatly. You touch more lives than you think you do
Matthew 11 28 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. ✝️
These are tips that have impact. I’m an emotional spender. It fills the void from having no family and extreme loss. I need to focus on appreciating the wonderful home and dogs I have. I need nothing. I think Hope said one time ‘if I can’t eat it, I’m not buying it!’ That’s my mantra for a no-spend January. I work from home. I don’t even need to leave the house anymore and spend money on transportation. I have groceries delivered and even though there’s a fee and a tip associated with that it costs me less than the excess I would spend by grabbing things I don’t need at the grocery store, plus time on task plus transportation cost, plus the physical effort of packing up groceries. My goal is pay off less than $20K in the next few months to be debt free, no mortgage with a new home (rebuilt after I lost everything to a housefire two years ago). I’m 62 want to retire to an encore career soon. Romans 8:28 sustains me.
I had a friend who told me she spends less money by buying two meals a week from one of the these packaged food services and then having her groceries delivered for the other meals she has planned. This keeps her from impulse buying and wasting veggies she doesn't use. A side bonus is that her husband now actually helps her prepare the packaged meals. I guess it is not as overwhelming because the steps are already written out. I suspect some kids can also learn to cook in this way. My friend is an excellent cook, but nobody in the family was ever interested in food preparation before. This works for her.
I wish you success in your challenge. I also suggest one way to keep happy and busy is to volunteer heavily during your challenge time. This can be good in so many ways, but especially filling your time in a meaningful way. Good luck. I bet you can do it!
I lost 45lbs in 4months my pants would fall down (not a pretty sight) I'm 77 had to buy pants. Then I got carried away with Christmas so I spent way to much on that. My goal is to pay off my credit cards , I figure by March I should have those taken care of (keeping my fingers crossed) So I am a no spend until at least April. I'm an avid reader and also decluttering SO I will have plenty of things to keep me busy. Wish me luck. A just a short tidbit. When your dreams turn to dust ---vacuum. I'll let you know how it's going at the end of January. Have a safe New year and a blessed one.
Yep, all those dead dreams just clutter up your mind! And some of us have had more than others. Time to clean your spiritual house, too, and focus on what is really important.
I'm so thankful for your commitment to these videos. I try to catch every one of them as they offer encouraging words to stay the course. Sometimes I fail due to a month lacking discipline, but I pick myself back up and get back on the horse. The thing I'm most proud of in the past year is that I now work with a retired friend who lives on $1320 disability check and together we found a budget that works for her. Watching her find her power is a true joy. She fails sometimes too, but she gets right back up and starts again. I always say, each of us needs mentors and we need to be a mentor to others. Thank you for being an excellent mentor to me. I've incorporated many little budgeting tips and tricks into my daily routine - Thank you!
I love the idea of getting creative with DIY! we are currently doing a low spend/no spend and needed a second cat bed so our furry friend had a warm place to be both inside and outside. Instead of buying one on Amazon, I put an old blanket into a basket that we received as part of a Christmas present. Less than an hour later, the cat was snuggly warm and purring in her new bed. She likes it better than her “proper” cat bed from the store!
I’m shifting my mindset to the joy of refining my life, enjoying what I have, uncluttering my physical space, and almost completely being debt free which feels like a huge weight is lifted off my shoulders. Being debt free means less fear, as I can certainly scratch up enough income to cover basic expenses and utilities. And while I still have a high paying job, squirrel away each month one month’s worth of expenses to carry me forward for retirement and to help others and be generous. After all, nothing belongs to us, God allows all His bounty to flow through us. We should do everything for the glory of God. 1 Cor 10:31
I have a no-spend plan for January as well as a pantry clean out (use what I have before buying more groceries). My goal is to get my car loan paid off early. Looking forward to making it more fun.
Our no spend January & February will focus mostly on food. using up freezer and pantry stock, cutting out junk food, and not eating out. money saved will go to spending money for our vacation in March. I’ll make a chart showing what we can do on vacation at each level of $ saved up!
I So agree it's emotional! I kept Amazon in business solely for a while lol. Now I decided if I NEEDED things I would only order once a month. I use the lists option on the site to mark all the things I want and then review on a specific day a month. Now I delete most if not all of my list each month because I didn't really need the item or want it. Saving $$$.
I am finishing up my no spend year. Once I got over the shock of not buying everything I want, it became quite freeing to not spend just because I could. I will be doing another no spend this year, with a few tweaks. 4:32
Wow! A whole year? I'm just getting started here and I did have a couple of months where I cut back enough to where we could pay off a $3,000 loan that we got in addition to our mortgage because we had to fix the driveway unexpectedly😅 That was really nice but I learned a lot about my experience with feeling deprivation and frustration. Hard discipline can only take you so far. Have to be kind to yourself. Having good food to eat and nice things to drink are important. I got a Yeti insulated cup for My birthday in November. Really adds up not going by the tea house but instead using my collection of tea to make my own delicious drink when I go to pick up grocery orders in town which is like 35 minutes away. I've also been packing snacks such as homemade granola and Greek yogurt. This time around I'm eating out once a month. I'm choosing wisely with local and even family run businesses.
This is the first time I will do the No-Spend Challenge. My porpoise is to finish a house. I am new to your channel, and it makes me see how irresponsible I have been with my money. I'm glad I came across your channel.
I’m doing a no spend challenge even with pantry…. I do one about every 3 months on a fixed income.. unless necessary I’m not spending a dime..I need to get $500 in my emergency fund and that would get my $1000.. I did a food inventory today and I’m going to create meals based on what I have…,my goal is 30 dinner meals somehow..
@@rochellethundercloud346trust me I have enough one of my local stores had baby back ribs @ .89 cents a pound I bought 2 whole slabs today.. that’s at least 8-10 meals alone somebody marked that wrong I believe I grabbed fastshocked ne so I took a photo of it
Yes! Just started food pantry last week for first time!! What an amazing experience!! Super nice, non judgemental volunteers. @@rochellethundercloud346
I convinced my family to do a month-long no-spend challenge with me by "scheduling" it for February, we can handle the shortest month! Next step a 30 day month; then the moon!!
I did a low/no spend challenge Jan-Nov two years ago. Put a chunk of money towards my debt. Whenever I thought I "needed" something (non-food), I'd put it in my cart. I didn't purchase anything. When I looked at my cart 10 months later, I really only needed 2 or 3 things. I deleted the other 20 or 30 items.
I believe in you too. Be kind to yourself. Frustration and deprivation can derail you. Using my insulated cup for tea and packing a lunch and snacks helps me when I have to go out. Eat and drink well ❤
I'm combining your no spend challenge with another channel's rotating and using my pantry food only. I just made spaghetti from my last 3 jars of homemade sauce that I made in 2022. I now can start using sauce made this last summer. I know I probably have jars of odds and ends that may be older but still good (good seals). As I check for them, I will not only use up that stock but have more clean jars to refill and restock. Much of my food is newer, so I can find recipes to use the older jars with possibly some rice or pasta, of which I have PLENTY! I won't waste food and can check on canning dates at the same time. I started about a week ago. Great way to combine to tasks at once. 😊
One year I needed to use my older home canned food, I put a yarn tie around the neck, that way I knew which jars to use up, then I knew the others were newer 😉 If I still canned a lot I’d probably color code by year, but we don’t can much now. I’m more organized now though and find color codes are an easy organizing for me.
@@tinabennett8524 I like that idea with the colored yarn. I have food stashed in all sorts of places as I tried new recipes and added jars of older recipes. I remember canning 6 or 8 jars of one or two recipes my first year. Now I count cases of items!
My dad is a parts salesman and he made a point to me that people make emotional decisions. And the funny thing is my husband is an architect programmer and he mentioned the same thing to me the other day. Now hear you guys are saying it. 😅 It's true. It really is true. People make emotional decisions a lot of the time and I would say that's the majority of people. But there is a margin of people that don't.
Doing a no spend challenge for the month of May 2024 for the first time! I picked certain categories, no vending machine snacks, no eating out at all not even the taco truck, no clothing (which is easy I don't buy it anyway but I might as well get credit for it lol), and no unplanned donations. Reason: I had an unexpectedly large tax bill lol.
First day of my first ever no spend/low spend "game." Yes, I am making it as fun as I can. I heard a friend last night mention to our group she had an abundance of greens she would share if anyone needed some. This morning, I texted her to inquire if she was still willing to part with some of her surplus. She was, and I soon became the recipient of some hearty, leafy collard greens - 3 large bunches. Thankful!
I love that most (maybe all?) of your Ebooks are free. Just shows how much you believe in what your saying and how much you truly want to help people. My wife and I are going to adjust our food spending by lowering our grocery bill and eating out less. In fact we are eating at home all of January for sure. May even try to take it into February. We always take our lunch to work already. So one down! Lol. Happy New year!
I’m planning on a no spend challenge for the first quarter of 2024. I’m saving to replace my old asphalt drive with concrete, and it is not cheap!! And as someone on a fixed income, I’m going to save the cost of living raise I will be receiving. Hopefully this will help reach my goal quicker.
Oh thank you! I love a goal that has a plan associated with purpose and planning! This will work! I'd like to share my 'eating'out': diet sodas from the fast food lane and Reeses peanut butter cups added to my grocery shop, neither needed, both trigger driven. Thanks for reminding me that these two choices I'm making are actually holes in my budget that add up to significant amounts over time. My son moved back home in December. He needs a great example of a defined purpose driven Mom (as do my 3 daughters who already lived with me). This will really force me to 'adult' as the new adult kids say. I've already changed the habit of full sugar soda to diet, and stopped bingeing on chips, etc when tired at night. I lost 60 pounds and am a normal weight now. I created a budget and my adult kids who can pay (not the oldest with RA) are paying a share of the bills and saving the rest. I love seeing my adult kids do crafts like knitting or crocheting, making art, reading, going for walks, game nights, watching a weekly install of a favorite series together.❤ You guys are so inspiring! This is a complete overhaul from something that is usually seen as a hardship to a mental shift that effects you positively long-term. One more thing: transparency. While i am paying the bills, i will post them on the frig next to the menu. I have kids with sensory issues and three with food allergies, so meal planning is always a stumbling block. I'm going completely vegan with my food prep, so if they want pizza, they will have to order it!
Hope! Excellent observations on "emotional trigger spending." I think many people would like to hear you incorporate more of this issue in your talks about frugality. Blessings to you and Larry.
Thank you for a great "no spend challenge" video. Thinking what we want to do, and prioritizing what we want to save for or pay off, will help so much! And...you are so right about the triggers!
We are saving to replace our kitchen cabinets and get a new oven (ours doesn’t work) and make room for a dishwasher (which we don’t have). Every time I wash dishes by hand is motivation enough. We don’t eat out in general so our kitchen is very important. We plan to do the work ourselves this summer. Thanks for the video. Im paying off my car this month and plan to put extra towards saving for the kitchen renovation. I never used to be very good at saving but am getting better.
I'm going to take stock of items and shop to fill in; otherwise necessity of milk, bread, salad items, hopefully. I will include my monthly menu in thhe planning.
No spend January, and probably February and March. Planning on only buying groceries for about 50 a month. That s all. Nothing else. And eating from my pantry. I need to save a large amount on a very low income, very fast and i am aiming for 500 in 3 months this way. It will be hard, but i like a challenge. Especially January is ideal. This is our chance. Not much social or any activities in January. Its cold outside. And people just started their new years resolutions, so it is easier to tell someone about it and encourage each other, than for example in summer or fall towards the holidays.
I never had a problem saving for nothing but when something happens, like a home repair, seeing that number go down hurts that much more. To be honest the home repair should have been done ages ago but I got fixated on seeing that number get bigger and bigger. Balance is so hard sometimes haha
Watching this coming out of a no spend January. I wasn't 100% successful, but I am really pleased with my efforts to stop that impulse spending. My purchases were perfume - possibly not a need, but my teenage daughter and I share one fragrance and it completely ram out. I tried to hold out into Feb but she wasn't into that! I did shop around and found it half price, so wasn't terrible. The other purchase was seed potatoes, garlic and onion sets, I missed out on the varieties I wanted to try last year so wasn't going to miss it this year! Total spend about £30 so not terrible, I'm letting myself off! 😂 I've just now decided I'm going to attempt to do no spend in each of the months with 31 days for the rest of this year. Just need a solid goal or two to go with that ambition!
One thing I've done for over 40 years is i stock up on food that goes on sale seasonally. One month, it might be pork,beef, cereal,fruit ect. I try to buy enough for 6 months & prep it for storage. You will often see 10 boxes of cereal on my shelf at .50c a box.
As a senior mint mobile gives the first 3 months free $116. Fir the first 6 months for 2 lines then 15 per line each month. Switching from T-Mobile now thanks for the advice. You guys are awesome.
Love your videos. They encourage and help us all. I have been in a no spend mode for the last three months, was able to pay off three bills. My goal starting in Jan is to continue that till I get two more bills paid off. I have a set amount for groceries and can’t go over that which helps keep on a budget. Thanks for the help. My only gonna purchase for next year is a Opues. I want to get two with solar .
I gamified saving money with circles & an amount to save monthly & fill in the circle. It IS fun! Also reviewing budget daily which I never did before to help focus & dopamine from reaching goals instead of spending money! Thanks for all you do & Happy New Years 🎉!
Planning on a no spend January. I've already cut back by changing internet providers and changed some subscriptions. My no spend challenge will be to cut out nonessentials, including my beloved ALDI Aisle of Shame. My goal is to pay off/down some home improvement bills.
no spend January- I am all in- it will give me time to go through the pantry and the freezers- I can’t wait to see how long I can go without having to go to the grocery store-I am starting Jan 1st!
I’m gearing up for a low-spend/no-spend January by getting my pantry and freezers organized and put into a list and stocking up on a few things that I know I will need for January. The low-spend comes into play with things like birthdays or other gifts that I know I need. Hitting up the clearance aisles before the New Year to take advantage of all the sales out there.
I have been given a number of gift cards to restaurants, plus I have purchased gift cards over the past holidays during their promotional events. I received for the most part 25% off on the gift cards that I purchased. However, we just don't seem to go out to eat a lot, and in the past some of these restaurants have gone out of business. So one of my challenges is to actually go to a restaurant once a month and use these gift cards . That may sound great to some people, but it's just not our Norm to go out to a restaurant. Plus in addition to this my husband and I have decided to challenge ourselves to eat down the food in our freezer. As my son would say we have enough food to feed an army
2024 will be my 4th year no buy challenge and I feel it is just a way of life for me now. I am pretty sure I will meet my big target savings goal this year if I stick to the plan and alter my budget a bit. I love the challenge and have my budget and goals in place. I have thought up some strategies and have already set some of those up. I am excited and motivated. Wishing everyone well on their financial journey into the new year.
Yes, I agree I believe we do mostly emotional spending. The temporary pleasure of the item, or the great deal can help us feel smart. People who hoard often have emotional reasons. My mother told us stories of their childhood, a large family in the 40’s and 50’s. All of the thrift, the different style of living, each child had two outfits, one for school, one for home. When they were old enough to work, they contributed to the household. This is a different perspective from the way we live in America, but when times get “difficult” for me, I remember how previous generations lived. Working hard to eat, cook, be warm or do laundry. Then my life looks abundant, and it is.
Along with my absolute no spend week between Christmas and New Year's (not even groceries or gas!), I decided to return 4 items I had bought and never even opened on Black Friday. I decided I don't need those items as much as I'd like the cash!
I did a no-spend in October and am doing it again for Jan/February, I also took your tip on things that are drawing electricity which was something I had never thought of, and have been faithfully keeping them unplugged when I don't use them, and cut my electric cost by 115 kilowatts from last November to this one
I have decided to NOT spend via online purchases. I need to get some debt paid off and this has to get done!! Yep no spend for things I don't need or have the money for. I am 64 and for the 1st time in my life have two jobs!! I never in my life thought I would be in this boat. It will be fixed in 2024
I think you'd agree that it's important to be mindful and intentional with your finances across the entire year. I like the idea of having short term goals that you can track...
This is my 4th month of no spend challenge. I failed the first 2 months. Last month was successful. Only spent 10 days last month. Goal for this month is only spending 9 days.
Yes that's me. I'm doing a no spend challenge in January. I got my hair cut today in advance and my fridge, freezer and pantry are full. I am scheduled for an oil change in January and I will consider that a necessity. What would you do about that? Put it off? I hope to only spend on my utilities, rent, insurance and minimal groceries for the entire month. I'm hoping this helps me understand how much unnecessary spending I do
Hope I would love to hear how you did through out the year with your reduced food budget. Did you clean out your freezers? What did you decide to do in 2024 just curious. Thank you for what you do for all of us. Happy New Year to you and Larry
This is our first year trying a no spend January. Looking forward to some relief after the holidays. Recruited a couple of my kids to join me. It will be interesting to see how we do! Thanks for making it seems doable!
I've been doing "little spends" since watching your channel . Doing first "no spend " this year . Reflecting on the past 6 months I'm def making progress compared to a year ago so pleased with that . Biggest downfall is still buying lunch out / at work , so will be working on that . Thanks for making it fun ! :)
Yes, looking forward to a no spend January. My husband is going to help me because I just give him the money and I have to ask him for what I need so my reasoning has to be good.
I’m prob only able to do “low spend” at this point. If I feel too deprived, I tend to later binge. What works better for me is to focus on just one area, such as “no dining out for one month.” I tend to do much better with an “everything in moderation” approach. It’s a lot like full on fasting vs fasting only certain items at certain times. At least for me tho as I tend to be quite a binger so I really have to watch that with my own temperament.
I watched this twice as it was worth it. I am preparing to have my roof and plumbing done in 2024. Both big projects. I will save again and continue paying off my mortgage after that. I hope and pray I can get back on track before the year is up. Hope you have a Happy New Year 🎊
I have been waiting a couple of years for a new internet provider to come into my area. I have just changed and dropped cable TV. This will mean a savings of $183.00 a month. My goal is to use a Roku and stream TV. I hope to discipline myself and not be tempted to pay for added streaming. You have taught me other money saving tips. Thank you for your advice. Happy New Year!
We are trying to use up leftovers the next day. If some need frozen, we are trying to use them the next week so the freezer can be for sales. Pork loin was $1.99 a lb. Cut it up for about six meals. Yay!
I am a long time viewer. I just wanted Hope to know that your hair looks very nice lately. My husband and I do a no spend challenge, but we call it spending freeze.
Happy newyear from the Netherlands! I had no spend challenge for the last three months to get my alcohol markers which I like to have. But instead off buying the big set off 320 en bought now the set off 104. Win - win I think! Thanks for the video's. By the way, this must be an American thing, but I never go out to a restaurant.
My mom said no to almost everything i called her cheap. She challenged me to find free things to do!! Library walks window shopping hanging out with a friend tv .
I did a no spend challenge in November to finish paying off My student loans. Now I'm debt-free!
That's awesome!🎉
Congrats 🎉
I love making the challenge into a game. I track my hours that I volunteer and that I spend at senior center to keep busy. Meeting people instead of spending money.
It's a frugal haircut!
Great idea!
I had to make a no spend life style when I retired..first I am getting much less money from my pension, second I used to get paid every 2 weeks now I get paid once a month..so I have to make ends meet from month to month..so far it's been working out well .I've been retired for 3 yrs..believe me if I can function on a no spend life style so can others..I wish everyone embarking on this type of life style I wish you well!!!
No spend challenge...great insight...diffentiate between wants and needs
I save $5 in an envelope for each no -spend day. This past year I had 231 no-spends for a total of $1155 to divide in my binders for my two grandsons. Aiming for even more no-spend days during this year.
Hey folks! I mentioned once that you are "like the aunt and uncle I never had," but today I would like to add more.
As sort of a "holiday gift" I'm going around to some people and letting them know something they probably don't.
Your content is geared toward frugality but is also helping myself and a bunch of my other LGBT+ friends that were rejected by our families. We spent our time being ridiculed rather than being allowed to learn how to live. Thank you for being here to help us fill in the gaps. The quality of my life, and those of several of my friends, has improved greatly.
You touch more lives than you think you do
You will never be rejected by God your heavenly father❤️
Matthew 11
28 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.
30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.
✝️
Community is so important!
I'm so glad that you have found a safe space here! Much love to you ❤️
@@princessbabibear4794❤
These are tips that have impact. I’m an emotional spender. It fills the void from having no family and extreme loss. I need to focus on appreciating the wonderful home and dogs I have. I need nothing. I think Hope said one time ‘if I can’t eat it, I’m not buying it!’ That’s my mantra for a no-spend January. I work from home. I don’t even need to leave the house anymore and spend money on transportation. I have groceries delivered and even though there’s a fee and a tip associated with that it costs me less than the excess I would spend by grabbing things I don’t need at the grocery store, plus time on task plus transportation cost, plus the physical effort of packing up groceries. My goal is pay off less than $20K in the next few months to be debt free, no mortgage with a new home (rebuilt after I lost everything to a housefire two years ago). I’m 62 want to retire to an encore career soon. Romans 8:28 sustains me.
I had a friend who told me she spends less money by buying two meals a week from one of the these packaged food services and then having her groceries delivered for the other meals she has planned. This keeps her from impulse buying and wasting veggies she doesn't use.
A side bonus is that her husband now actually helps her prepare the packaged meals. I guess it is not as overwhelming because the steps are already written out. I suspect some kids can also learn to cook in this way. My friend is an excellent cook, but nobody in the family was ever interested in food preparation before. This works for her.
I wish you success in your challenge. I also suggest one way to keep happy and busy is to volunteer heavily during your challenge time. This can be good in so many ways, but especially filling your time in a meaningful way. Good luck. I bet you can do it!
I lost 45lbs in 4months my pants would fall down (not a pretty sight) I'm 77 had to buy pants. Then I got carried away with Christmas so I spent way to much on that. My goal is to pay off my credit cards , I figure by March I should have those taken care of (keeping my fingers crossed) So I am a no spend until at least April. I'm an avid reader and also decluttering SO I will have plenty of things to keep me busy. Wish me luck. A just a short tidbit. When your dreams turn to dust ---vacuum. I'll let you know how it's going at the end of January. Have a safe New year and a blessed one.
Love it 'when your dreams turn to dust....vacuum'!
Yep, all those dead dreams just clutter up your mind! And some of us have had more than others. Time to clean your spiritual house, too, and focus on what is really important.
I'm so thankful for your commitment to these videos. I try to catch every one of them as they offer encouraging words to stay the course. Sometimes I fail due to a month lacking discipline, but I pick myself back up and get back on the horse. The thing I'm most proud of in the past year is that I now work with a retired friend who lives on $1320 disability check and together we found a budget that works for her. Watching her find her power is a true joy. She fails sometimes too, but she gets right back up and starts again. I always say, each of us needs mentors and we need to be a mentor to others. Thank you for being an excellent mentor to me. I've incorporated many little budgeting tips and tricks into my daily routine - Thank you!
So true!! We are here to help each other. Many times those we help bring us great insite and inspiration. And most certainly God’s love ❤️
Shannon, well done.
I did my first no spend challenge last January and was able to pay off some credit cards. Excited for this time around to see what I can get done!
Yes. I did, too. I love the challenge.
Beautiful 🎉
I love the idea of getting creative with DIY! we are currently doing a low spend/no spend and needed a second cat bed so our furry friend had a warm place to be both inside and outside. Instead of buying one on Amazon, I put an old blanket into a basket that we received as part of a Christmas present. Less than an hour later, the cat was snuggly warm and purring in her new bed. She likes it better than her “proper” cat bed from the store!
I’m shifting my mindset to the joy of refining my life, enjoying what I have, uncluttering my physical space, and almost completely being debt free which feels like a huge weight is lifted off my shoulders. Being debt free means less fear, as I can certainly scratch up enough income to cover basic expenses and utilities. And while I still have a high paying job, squirrel away each month one month’s worth of expenses to carry me forward for retirement and to help others and be generous. After all, nothing belongs to us, God allows all His bounty to flow through us. We should do everything for the glory of God. 1 Cor 10:31
I have a no-spend plan for January as well as a pantry clean out (use what I have before buying more groceries). My goal is to get my car loan paid off early. Looking forward to making it more fun.
Our no spend January & February will focus mostly on food. using up freezer and pantry stock, cutting out junk food, and not eating out. money saved will go to spending money for our vacation in March. I’ll make a chart showing what we can do on vacation at each level of $ saved up!
I So agree it's emotional! I kept Amazon in business solely for a while lol. Now I decided if I NEEDED things I would only order once a month. I use the lists option on the site to mark all the things I want and then review on a specific day a month. Now I delete most if not all of my list each month because I didn't really need the item or want it. Saving $$$.
Love the KNOW-SPEND challenge. When we know our spending, we are able to cut our spending, as we are now doing it with "awareness"
I am finishing up my no spend year. Once I got over the shock of not buying everything I want, it became quite freeing to not spend just because I could. I will be doing another no spend this year, with a few tweaks. 4:32
Wow! A whole year? I'm just getting started here and I did have a couple of months where I cut back enough to where we could pay off a $3,000 loan that we got in addition to our mortgage because we had to fix the driveway unexpectedly😅
That was really nice but I learned a lot about my experience with feeling deprivation and frustration.
Hard discipline can only take you so far.
Have to be kind to yourself.
Having good food to eat and nice things to drink are important.
I got a Yeti insulated cup for My birthday in November.
Really adds up not going by the tea house but instead using my collection of tea to make my own delicious drink when I go to pick up grocery orders in town which is like 35 minutes away. I've also been packing snacks such as homemade granola and Greek yogurt.
This time around I'm eating out once a month. I'm choosing wisely with local and even family run businesses.
Congratulations on paying off that $3,000 debt.
I love Larry's hair cut 😊
This is the first time I will do the No-Spend Challenge. My porpoise is to finish a house. I am new to your channel, and it makes me see how irresponsible I have been with my money. I'm glad I came across your channel.
I’m doing a no spend challenge even with pantry…. I do one about every 3 months on a fixed income.. unless necessary I’m not spending a dime..I need to get $500 in my emergency fund and that would get my $1000.. I did a food inventory today and I’m going to create meals based on what I have…,my goal is 30 dinner meals somehow..
If needed,use food pantries.this is exactly why they exist
@@rochellethundercloud346trust me I have enough one of my local stores had baby back ribs @ .89 cents a pound I bought 2 whole slabs today.. that’s at least 8-10 meals alone somebody marked that wrong I believe I grabbed fastshocked ne so I took a photo of it
Yes! Just started food pantry last week for first time!! What an amazing experience!! Super nice, non judgemental volunteers. @@rochellethundercloud346
There are websites where you plug in what you have and it will tell you meal ideas.
I convinced my family to do a month-long no-spend challenge with me by "scheduling" it for February, we can handle the shortest month! Next step a 30 day month; then the moon!!
I did a low/no spend challenge Jan-Nov two years ago. Put a chunk of money towards my debt. Whenever I thought I "needed" something (non-food), I'd put it in my cart. I didn't purchase anything. When I looked at my cart 10 months later, I really only needed 2 or 3 things. I deleted the other 20 or 30 items.
Yes that’s me! I am really going to try for a no spend January and a dry January and February. I believe in self
I believe in you too. Be kind to yourself. Frustration and deprivation can derail you. Using my insulated cup for tea and packing a lunch and snacks helps me when I have to go out. Eat and drink well ❤
I'm combining your no spend challenge with another channel's rotating and using my pantry food only. I just made spaghetti from my last 3 jars of homemade sauce that I made in 2022. I now can start using sauce made this last summer. I know I probably have jars of odds and ends that may be older but still good (good seals). As I check for them, I will not only use up that stock but have more clean jars to refill and restock. Much of my food is newer, so I can find recipes to use the older jars with possibly some rice or pasta, of which I have PLENTY! I won't waste food and can check on canning dates at the same time. I started about a week ago. Great way to combine to tasks at once. 😊
One year I needed to use my older home canned food, I put a yarn tie around the neck, that way I knew which jars to use up, then I knew the others were newer 😉 If I still canned a lot I’d probably color code by year, but we don’t can much now. I’m more organized now though and find color codes are an easy organizing for me.
@@tinabennett8524 I like that idea with the colored yarn. I have food stashed in all sorts of places as I tried new recipes and added jars of older recipes. I remember canning 6 or 8 jars of one or two recipes my first year. Now I count cases of items!
My dad is a parts salesman and he made a point to me that people make emotional decisions. And the funny thing is my husband is an architect programmer and he mentioned the same thing to me the other day.
Now hear you guys are saying it. 😅 It's true. It really is true. People make emotional decisions a lot of the time and I would say that's the majority of people. But there is a margin of people that don't.
My Dad and my grandparents told me the same thing when I was growing up
Yes-it will be my first No Spend Challenge! Looking forward to it and hopefully my husband will join in!
Doing a no spend challenge for the month of May 2024 for the first time! I picked certain categories, no vending machine snacks, no eating out at all not even the taco truck, no clothing (which is easy I don't buy it anyway but I might as well get credit for it lol), and no unplanned donations. Reason: I had an unexpectedly large tax bill lol.
First day of my first ever no spend/low spend "game." Yes, I am making it as fun as I can. I heard a friend last night mention to our group she had an abundance of greens she would share if anyone needed some. This morning, I texted her to inquire if she was still willing to part with some of her surplus. She was, and I soon became the recipient of some hearty, leafy collard greens - 3 large bunches. Thankful!
I love that most (maybe all?) of your Ebooks are free. Just shows how much you believe in what your saying and how much you truly want to help people. My wife and I are going to adjust our food spending by lowering our grocery bill and eating out less. In fact we are eating at home all of January for sure. May even try to take it into February. We always take our lunch to work already. So one down! Lol. Happy New year!
The money I spent when I lost my mother last year was incredible I kept buying cloths and food for comfort
You mean Clothes
I’m planning on a no spend challenge for the first quarter of 2024. I’m saving to replace my old asphalt drive with concrete, and it is not cheap!!
And as someone on a fixed income, I’m going to save the cost of living raise I will be receiving. Hopefully this will help reach my goal quicker.
Living within ones needs is fun and takes away stress course u guys already know this thanks for the great ideas
Oh thank you! I love a goal that has a plan associated with purpose and planning! This will work!
I'd like to share my 'eating'out': diet sodas from the fast food lane and Reeses peanut butter cups added to my grocery shop, neither needed, both trigger driven. Thanks for reminding me that these two choices I'm making are actually holes in my budget that add up to significant amounts over time.
My son moved back home in December. He needs a great example of a defined purpose driven Mom (as do my 3 daughters who already lived with me). This will really force me to 'adult' as the new adult kids say.
I've already changed the habit of full sugar soda to diet, and stopped bingeing on chips, etc when tired at night. I lost 60 pounds and am a normal weight now.
I created a budget and my adult kids who can pay (not the oldest with RA) are paying a share of the bills and saving the rest.
I love seeing my adult kids do crafts like knitting or crocheting, making art, reading, going for walks, game nights, watching a weekly install of a favorite series together.❤
You guys are so inspiring! This is a complete overhaul from something that is usually seen as a hardship to a mental shift that effects you positively long-term.
One more thing: transparency. While i am paying the bills, i will post them on the frig next to the menu. I have kids with sensory issues and three with food allergies, so meal planning is always a stumbling block. I'm going completely vegan with my food prep, so if they want pizza, they will have to order it!
Yes. There is wants and needs.The goal is a healthy emergency fund.Also bought a Oupes Mega Three.
Hope! Excellent observations on "emotional trigger spending." I think many people would like to hear you incorporate more of this issue in your talks about frugality. Blessings to you and Larry.
Thank for these advices. I am a single mum with a good salary trying to aim to buy me and my boy a house. We are sving up for it the next year
You are beautyfull!
Thank you for a great "no spend challenge" video. Thinking what we want to do, and prioritizing what we want to save for or pay off, will help so much! And...you are so right about the triggers!
We are saving to replace our kitchen cabinets and get a new oven (ours doesn’t work) and make room for a dishwasher (which we don’t have). Every time I wash dishes by hand is motivation enough. We don’t eat out in general so our kitchen is very important. We plan to do the work ourselves this summer. Thanks for the video. Im paying off my car this month and plan to put extra towards saving for the kitchen renovation. I never used to be very good at saving but am getting better.
I saw the penny challenge on Facebook today. I didn't believe you could find over 600 dollars. Well I'm gonna try this starting January 1st.
When the going gets tough, the tough go shopping. Yep, it's emotional. A walk is much better, lol.
We are doing a no spend during our 21 day fasting and praying. I hope to keep it going all year. We need to rebuild our emergency fund
I'm going to take stock of items and shop to fill in; otherwise necessity of milk, bread, salad items, hopefully.
I will include my monthly menu in thhe planning.
No spend January, and probably February and March. Planning on only buying groceries for about 50 a month. That s all. Nothing else. And eating from my pantry. I need to save a large amount on a very low income, very fast and i am aiming for 500 in 3 months this way. It will be hard, but i like a challenge.
Especially January is ideal. This is our chance. Not much social or any activities in January. Its cold outside. And people just started their new years resolutions, so it is easier to tell someone about it and encourage each other, than for example in summer or fall towards the holidays.
I never had a problem saving for nothing but when something happens, like a home repair, seeing that number go down hurts that much more. To be honest the home repair should have been done ages ago but I got fixated on seeing that number get bigger and bigger. Balance is so hard sometimes haha
Yes. U need motivation....and,a small reward throughout to have something to look forward to
Watching this coming out of a no spend January. I wasn't 100% successful, but I am really pleased with my efforts to stop that impulse spending.
My purchases were perfume - possibly not a need, but my teenage daughter and I share one fragrance and it completely ram out. I tried to hold out into Feb but she wasn't into that! I did shop around and found it half price, so wasn't terrible.
The other purchase was seed potatoes, garlic and onion sets, I missed out on the varieties I wanted to try last year so wasn't going to miss it this year!
Total spend about £30 so not terrible, I'm letting myself off! 😂
I've just now decided I'm going to attempt to do no spend in each of the months with 31 days for the rest of this year.
Just need a solid goal or two to go with that ambition!
Hope, your hair looks so wavy, pretty and healthy! Larry, nice haircut! Happy New Year!
One thing I've done for over 40 years is i stock up on food that goes on sale seasonally. One month, it might be pork,beef, cereal,fruit ect. I try to buy enough for 6 months & prep it for storage. You will often see 10 boxes of cereal on my shelf at .50c a box.
I gamify my whole budget and spending. It’s relieves stress and makes if fun.
As a senior mint mobile gives the first 3 months free $116.
Fir the first 6 months for 2 lines then 15 per line each month. Switching from T-Mobile now thanks for the advice. You guys are awesome.
Love your videos. They encourage and help us all.
I have been in a no spend mode for the last three months, was able to pay off three bills. My goal starting in Jan is to continue that till I get two more bills paid off. I have a set amount for groceries and can’t go over that which helps keep on a budget. Thanks for the help.
My only gonna purchase for next year is a Opues. I want to get two with solar .
I gamified saving money with circles & an amount to save monthly & fill in the circle. It IS fun! Also reviewing budget daily which I never did before to help focus & dopamine from reaching goals instead of spending money! Thanks for all you do & Happy New Years 🎉!
Planning on a no spend January. I've already cut back by changing internet providers and changed some subscriptions. My no spend challenge will be to cut out nonessentials, including my beloved ALDI Aisle of Shame.
My goal is to pay off/down some home improvement bills.
no spend January- I am all in- it will give me time to go through the pantry and the freezers- I can’t wait to see how long I can go without having to go to the grocery store-I am starting Jan 1st!
I’m gearing up for a low-spend/no-spend January by getting my pantry and freezers organized and put into a list and stocking up on a few things that I know I will need for January. The low-spend comes into play with things like birthdays or other gifts that I know I need. Hitting up the clearance aisles before the New Year to take advantage of all the sales out there.
I have been given a number of gift cards to restaurants, plus I have purchased gift cards over the past holidays during their promotional events. I received for the most part 25% off on the gift cards that I purchased. However, we just don't seem to go out to eat a lot, and in the past some of these restaurants have gone out of business. So one of my challenges is to actually go to a restaurant once a month and use these gift cards . That may sound great to some people, but it's just not our Norm to go out to a restaurant. Plus in addition to this my husband and I have decided to challenge ourselves to eat down the food in our freezer. As my son would say we have enough food to feed an army
2024 will be my 4th year no buy challenge and I feel it is just a way of life for me now. I am pretty sure I will meet my big target savings goal this year if I stick to the plan and alter my budget a bit. I love the challenge and have my budget and goals in place. I have thought up some strategies and have already set some of those up. I am excited and motivated. Wishing everyone well on their financial journey into the new year.
My trigger for spending is feeling the need to stock my pantry. But doing a pantry challenge this month as well as a no spend challenge.
Happy New Year! I have decided to do a no spend for 2024 and bumped into your video. Thanks so much. I feel motivated and encouraged.
Yes, I agree I believe we do mostly emotional spending. The temporary pleasure of the item, or the great deal can help us feel smart. People who hoard often have emotional reasons. My mother told us stories of their childhood, a large family in the 40’s and 50’s. All of the thrift, the different style of living, each child had two outfits, one for school, one for home. When they were old enough to work, they contributed to the household. This is a different perspective from the way we live in America, but when times get “difficult” for me, I remember how previous generations lived. Working hard to eat, cook, be warm or do laundry. Then my life looks abundant, and it is.
Thank you for another excellent video. Hope that’s a lovely colour sweater! You are both looking healthy, happy greetings from Central Alberta Canada.
As A senior i look for seniors
Discounts medicare is going to pay for my cataract surgery
Along with my absolute no spend week between Christmas and New Year's (not even groceries or gas!), I decided to return 4 items I had bought and never even opened on Black Friday. I decided I don't need those items as much as I'd like the cash!
Love your Videos and this is my first No Spend Challenge🙏❤
Larry and Hope - You both look so nice today. You have attractive, up-to-date hair styles and outfits. For me, this makes you more credible.
Trying my first one this year!
Not try it - do it. You can make it.
I did a no-spend in October and am doing it again for Jan/February, I also took your tip on things that are drawing electricity which was something I had never thought of, and have been faithfully keeping them unplugged when I don't use them, and cut my electric cost by 115 kilowatts from last November to this one
Yes, this is my first time to do a low spend January! Your info looks amazingly helpful.
I always like a good challenge. Im competitive so I could make it into a game. Good ideas about a no spend challenge.😮
I have decided to NOT spend via online purchases. I need to get some debt paid off and this has to get done!! Yep no spend for things I don't need or have the money for. I am 64 and for the 1st time in my life have two jobs!! I never in my life thought I would be in this boat. It will be fixed in 2024
January-March each year I stop buying from Amazon or any online retailer
Yes that's me. Setting goals and making it fun. Thanks guys!
I think you'd agree that it's important to be mindful and intentional with your finances across the entire year. I like the idea of having short term goals that you can track...
This is my 4th month of no spend challenge. I failed the first 2 months. Last month was successful. Only spent 10 days last month. Goal for this month is only spending 9 days.
Thank you both! I’m going to try my first in Jan. Your tips are so helpful. Happy New Years!
Yes that's me. I'm doing a no spend challenge in January. I got my hair cut today in advance and my fridge, freezer and pantry are full. I am scheduled for an oil change in January and I will consider that a necessity. What would you do about that? Put it off? I hope to only spend on my utilities, rent, insurance and minimal groceries for the entire month. I'm hoping this helps me understand how much unnecessary spending I do
Hope I would love to hear how you did through out the year with your reduced food budget. Did you clean out your freezers? What did you decide to do in 2024 just curious. Thank you for what you do for all of us. Happy New Year to you and Larry
This is our first year trying a no spend January. Looking forward to some relief after the holidays. Recruited a couple of my kids to join me. It will be interesting to see how we do! Thanks for making it seems doable!
Yes that's me, first time doing a no spend month!
I've been doing "little spends" since watching your channel . Doing first "no spend " this year . Reflecting on the past 6 months I'm def making progress compared to a year ago so pleased with that . Biggest downfall is still buying lunch out / at work , so will be working on that . Thanks for making it fun ! :)
This will be my 3rd year of no and low spend love them
Yup! I'm a newbie!
I have done this, but not often enough. I will be doing this more in the future.
Going to try a.no spend January. Been trying to put back each month. Love you videos and like Larry's new hair cut.
I agree that we spend alot of money for emotional reasons.
Totally. I used to spend way more when I had less, in order to fill up a void. Now I'm a lot more careful..... and happier too.
I'm going to try the no spend challenge.
Yes, looking forward to a no spend January. My husband is going to help me because I just give him the money and I have to ask him for what I need so my reasoning has to be good.
Yes, I need to know about this!!! ❤
I’m prob only able to do “low spend” at this point. If I feel too deprived, I tend to later binge. What works better for me is to focus on just one area, such as “no dining out for one month.” I tend to do much better with an “everything in moderation” approach. It’s a lot like full on fasting vs fasting only certain items at certain times. At least for me tho as I tend to be quite a binger so I really have to watch that with my own temperament.
I watched this twice as it was worth it. I am preparing to have my roof and plumbing done in 2024. Both big projects. I will save again and continue paying off my mortgage after that. I hope and pray I can get back on track before the year is up.
Hope you have a Happy New Year 🎊
Tonya, you have some terrific goals! We love how you've thought through them. You're all set and ready to go on January 1st.
That's me! Never did this. Thank you for introducing this to me! 🤗
I have been waiting a couple of years for a new internet provider to come into my area. I have just changed and dropped cable TV. This will mean a savings of $183.00 a month. My goal is to use a Roku and stream TV. I hope to discipline myself and not be tempted to pay for added streaming. You have taught me other money saving tips. Thank you for your advice. Happy New Year!
yes thats me
thank *U* both n god bless
We are trying to use up leftovers the next day. If some need frozen, we are trying to use them the next week so the freezer can be for sales. Pork loin was $1.99 a lb. Cut it up for about six meals. Yay!
Absolutely emotional spending happens! And then returns happens!
I am a long time viewer. I just wanted Hope to know that your hair looks very nice lately. My husband and I do a no spend challenge, but we call it spending freeze.
No spend January, March, August and November 2024. Excited to meet our goals!
I love how specific your list of no-spend months is!
I picked these months to avoid birthdays and activities that will require spending!
@@glendagrosjean477, very smart!
Happy newyear from the Netherlands! I had no spend challenge for the last three months to get my alcohol markers which I like to have. But instead off buying the big set off 320 en bought now the set off 104. Win - win I think! Thanks for the video's. By the way, this must be an American thing, but I never go out to a restaurant.
Yes am going to do ns challenge for January
I agree with you. I definitely spend money because of emotion and desire. Thank you for this!
My mom said no to almost everything i called her cheap.
She challenged me to find free things to do!! Library walks window shopping hanging out with a friend tv .