It’s my nickname 🥰 and it brought tears to my eyes hearing you read my words!! Today, I (and my daughter) went into Target with my necessity list and walked out with just that! Actually, we both did!! Did we stop and smell our favorite brand of body scrubs ~ yes! My new favorite ones are on my wishlist 😊 and hers is on hers. We are going to move forward using the low spend model. Thank you!!
You know it has been a good month when your CC company sends you an email stating there has been over ($****) amount reduced on your balance!!!! I normally get your spending has went up by ($****) ~ Thank you Kate!
I planned on doing no spend February along with January. My hubby was a trooper. In January, 3 of my 4 cats got really sick and ended up in the vet hospital. Thankfully we had an emergency fund just for the cats. They are all better, but their fund is not. Hubby suggested going into March with the no spend since we still have quite a bit of food on hand, don't really need anything and we need to build the cat fund back up. My hubby who was not in favor of this challenge is actually keeping us both accountable! YAY......
Goodness, I understand. My 3 yr old boy kitty ended up in kitty ICU in December for a urinary medical emergency. That emergency fund was near depleted. I was actually shocked at the total cost. He is perfect now.
No spend January help keep me out of the Goodwill or not buying when I did go! I love the feeling that I don't really need or want anything; satisfied & blessed as I am! I bought food for a couple on the sidewalk & a couple hitchhiking instead of buying non-necessities for self!
So many good ideas. Before no spend January I was treating myself to a meal out every Sunday. I haven't eaten out all month, which I plan to continue because it is helping with my 12 week goal of losing weight!!
I’m doing no spend months on the months that are going to be the easiest - February, April, May, June, August and October. These are the months with little to no extraneous things like birthdays, baby showers, graduations, etc. Plus it gives me a break in between to stock up on things I need for my no spend months, buy the gifts for the months where I need them, and allows me to use my no spend months to clean my basement, get other work done around the house, etc. that doesn’t require money.
Love the idea 💡, I have been working the two months on really trying to a budget down. I know, I will have a hard with a whole month, in February, I'm going to see how days in a row I do. I'm on the competitive side so I think this will be more of a motivator for me. Like idea of breaking the months some. I know their is a tirp in June and family visiting in the fall.
No spend has been a great boost for 2024! I am going to do a pantry/freezer challenge for February, since my biggest money waster is food and eating out!
I have never used a budget until I started watching your videos. I am a senior who still works and I have spent so much money on things I didn’t need over the years! Wish I had started using a budget years ago! I am having fun doing this no spend January, finding new ways to put money into my retirement savings thanks to your videos and the great comments from other viewers. I plan to keep going for a no spend February!
After feeling ashamed for OVER expending in 2023, I made my budget for 2024 and I set up jars to put money that I know I will need throught 2024 (car maintenance, vet visit, taxes, school supplies, ect), I am not leaving that money in the bank, to avoid any risk of expending it. Also I save 15% of my income in a Tfsa, I made a whishlist with only one item a month and then, only at end if I have some money left, I go to my fav bakery for coffee and cookies. I feel so much better and accomplished, and will continue doing it for February, march, April and so on ..... Thank you Kate for the encourage.
I am pretty much no spend all of the time. I had stockpiled my pantry and other than fresh food like milk and eggs I dont grocery shop. Using what I have. A long time ago I learned to only buy what i NEED. which is rent, utilities, and what is needed to sustain life. (groceries, meds, etc) I never buy things on a whim,,,,,,,,,,,execpt for the goodie aisle at Aldis! In a way, this is kinda frustrating because since I have already cut out most of the wants, I don;t have that extra cash bounce from not spending on the wants! I think I need to find an extra income stream. Well, actually I did. my 401k loan was just paid off so that is $500 extra per month "income"
I did not eat out all this month! I'm super proud of myself!!!! My son name is Caiden also FYI lol. We get pizza usually once a week at the dinne. Good deal for 2 large pizzas for 25 bucks. We didn't even do that this month!
My no spend crashed & burned when the guys at my work pulled a sick 8 week old kitten out from under the building. I think she was dumped, but $450 vet bill later.. we have a new fur friend
I ended up on a No Spend 😂. I took my daughter skiing and surprise 🎉 the boots I had for her didn’t fit the skis I had for her so it was $50 more than I had budgeted. And then there was a surprise 🎉 field trip for two of my kids which, in combination with a new school pizza day, came out to $50. I am new to running on a real budget and working on my “budget buffer” and it is so clear now why I need one!
My biggest take away was finding satisfaction with reaching my savings goals. I saved $328. That's over and above my regular savings. It looks like I'll reach my goal in my emergency fund by the end of February. Which also means that most of my tax refund will go to filling my sinking funds. Then I'm off to extra on my mortgage.
I'm going to do a no spend for February and March, and I'm working on low spend budget rest of year for spending on replacement items/food pantry and medical needs.
This month of no-spend really broke a bad habit of Amazon shopping. I could really relate with that comment you read. I noticed that all our food is being eaten and none wasted with 'no grabbing food' this month. I have also done a pantry/freezer challenge and played The Minimalist Game this month. I want to try another month for all three challenges. I feel like I'm forming good habits and I'll be spending more mindfully after this. Thanks Kate! Oh, and I quit watching influencers who try to convince you to buy things! They are good at what they do!
I'm going to continue with a low spend February & March, January ended up being low spend, not No Spend, no take out food, and only two grocery shops this month. Will continue pantry challenge, tried a few new recipes, more of that coming as we transition to even more plant based eating! I've unsubscribed from all shopping emails. Library books, ebooks, audio books, are a great help. Have been doing more of my hobbies, and more de-cluttering! Thanks so much for the encouragement!!
Sometimes just reflecting on all the places your money needs to go can help you not spend. Like… we have $227,000 left on our mortgage, 3 kids to help pay for college, 2 potential weddings to pay for, $90k of home maintenance/improvements on the back burner for now…. This keeps me loading up my crockpot every Sunday morning instead of going out to eat after church every Sunday.
NO! I actually started a no spend on October 1st. I messed up on October 5th but have had no problem since then. Plan on continuing the no spend for the rest of 2024.
When my sister was visiting last weekend she helped me mix and match clothes I already have. I tend to wear the same tops with pants and she helped me think outside my little box. I feel like I have a new wardrobe! So close to paying off a second cc this month! I'm going to continue with low spend and pantry challenge in February (while restocking on loss leaders).
I’m trying to stop spending on things that I don’t need. I have so much “stuff” that I bought because I thought I needed it and now it’s just sitting in a pile in my home. I have some repairs that need to be done on my house so that is going to be my focus this year. So I’m going to continue with no spend the rest of the year.
I’ve stayed with it so far as not needed purchases. I’ve gone over budget because I’ve taken advantage of some of the super sale prices on foods we normally use. But to answer your question, I definitely plan to stick with it. I received an extra $54, it was transferred immediately to my No Spend bank account.
I am continuing my no spend into February. I have a list of 10 things I have an abundance of and do not need more of. I will be purchasing necessary consumables as needed.
We are doing a no spend three months to pay for our college freshman’s college cost so she doesn’t finish the year with a balance. Love your videos and I wouldn’t have thought to pay for school this way without your advice. We definitely don’t need more stuff and no vacations until June anyway and it’s not an expensive trip.
No spend January has been easy for me. Of course had to spend a little but eating what I have on hand and spending very little on food. But I had an unexpected, necessary expense come up and had the money to take care of it with no sweat. What a blessing. 😊
I’ve been saving soo much freakin money since I started watching your vids in dec2023! Your UA-cam page is abundantly informative can’t thank you enough for the vids you create
I did low spend all last year and will do again until I accomplish what I need to. I did no spend this month. I did buy some gifts for Christmas but did not go overboard
Attitude is everything. I am content in what I have. So buying new things are not a temptation to me. Before my divorce I would stress shop the fabric store. So now all I have to buy is thread. LOL. Going to retire in a year or so and I have my habit fully funded!!!!!!!!!!!
Layoffs are happening at my large company right now and supposedly all year long. I believe my job is safe, but will continue this year as a low-spend year. I feel for those who have already been laid off, as this is not a good job market (as the powers that be would want you to believe).
I'll review what I did on my No Spend January...what worked and what didn't work. So far, I did very well, I did get a savings started, I got started on organizing, donating (no cost only time) and seeing what I have (my sewing and clothing) so I don't buy again/duplicate items because sometimes I can not find exactly what I am looking for and purchase it again. I did fall off the new spend wagon with 2 birthdays in January (not unexpected birthday but not planned for). Also, an unexpected email offer from the company I bought a "used" laptop computer in December, they company I bought it from (and trust) offered a 2 year extended warranty. For me, this brings me peace of mind for my computer for the next 2 years. I appreciate how well my No Spend January went! Thank you Kate!
I have a couple of packages to get sent out and a couple of organizational items, but other than those things, I will be doing a low spend year. I want to really get focused on paying off my debt BEFORE 3 years (2027).
January was more of a low spend… we spent as little as possible on everything else… so that we could cash flow our flights and tickets to Disney. Goal met! February will be similar, minimal spend to save up for hotel and spending money while at Disney. 🥰
I will continue in February. I did overspend in December so no spending in January made it correct again but didn’t give me money to save. So February is going to be the month to start the saving. And I did set a goal for savings this year so I will have to keep the buying as low as possible.
We fudged a bit eating out because of scheduling but cut that amount in half so we are doing no spend on eating out for February. We did really good on boot buying items we didn’t need and started a wish list. On a very tight budget we did save a couple of hundred dollars and it feels great! ❤
I bought a $16 wedding gift for a coworker & a $52 Giants collectible so I failed but not tremendously. Live edit: you're an Aquarius?! No wonder I was drawn to these vids.
31 December I Said I will go a year without spending money on takeouts but I didn’t know how hard It would turn out to be omg. I have allready broke that challenge 😂 so I will start No spend month and not focus In one year becouse It’s first time trying no spend year It’s better go step by step like focus on one month
Boy did I realize I’m an emotional shopper. I was so committed to a no spend. And then I bought two pairs of shoes because I was just so happy. Back on track for me. My strategy is still a no spend…. Oh, and no shoes. I have several :)
I alternate every week: One week no spend, one week normal/low spend. That way I can have these no spend spurts that are fun and it helps me think a little ahead😅 it delays impulse in that when low spend arrives I often don't need that thing I thought I needed, but thinking I only have to wait a week, makes it feel less strict.
I have done the no spend January and loved it. I did choose to treat 2 meals to a friend, took food to her house. This felt like a blessing that I had margin in my spending to look after some one else. I too have started a list on things I might want to buy and I will see if they still are a value to me in the next few weeks. Love your show!
I plan on creating a zero based budget BUT budgeting for the unplanned (separate from my emergency savings). My kiddo is very busy with extracurriculars (dance/baseball) and little things pop up all the time. I don’t want to feel guilty or worried about spending when the unexpected happens so if I have an “unplanned” line item the spending won’t be an issue. The money is already there.
I'm going to try again at no spend in march. January was not great with my health and so that's been stressful, so we need to cut ourselves some slack, also we're going on a holiday towards end of February, so trying again in February won't work. But I do want to do it again.
I will continue to budget as I did before No Spend January. However, I will stick to my budget more than I did before. If it's not in the budget, then it's not a need.
I am literally addicted to Amazon shopping sooooo, in Jan I deleted the Amazon app from my phone. I have not ordered anything from Amazon since snd surprisingly have not missed it and I’m on budget for a change. So going forward I will continue to be mindful of my spending and fo a low spend Feb but I believe I will not reinstall the Amazon app on my phone in order to avoid temptation
No spend January and 12 Week year paused for me on January 13th when I had to take my son (wife was out of town for work) to emergency room. Two surgeries and 14 (and counting) days in hospital threw me into survival mode. Not giving up just paused.
@@KateKaden yes! Thanks to God providing amazing doctors and nurses he is on his healing journey. One more weekend in hospital and should be home by Tuesday. Thank you for inquiring.
I was talking to my grandma last week about the no spend/low spend January. She was first worried that I was having money issues. I told her I redo my budget every so often and pay attention to where my money is going. That I have full freezers and pantry. So was working on using stuff up. I will be continuing in Feb, probably March. The money I saved, I applied to knocking down debt. She was a single mom. She took care of herself and her family on a waitress paycheck. She has always been frugal. We've talked about how I want to payoff my debt. Which is mostly my house and a car. After I get the car paid off I'm going to apply more to my retirement. (I have work matching up to 5% . Plus I have more going in.) Like you I started later in getting my retirement started. She's very supportive and always great to talk to about stuff like this.❤
Just wanted to say thank you for all your encouragement on this no spend month my endeavor is to spend only for what is needed after the no spend January.
No spend January went well! But today I came home from work to a broken water heater that has to be replaced. I have the cash for it, but an inconvenience!! So I’ll probably do no spend Feb also. Doing no spend Jan got me in the right mindset. I’m better in sprints also 😊
Full disclosure. I probably won't be doing much spending at all. I have debt reduction goals. And for things to do instead of shopping, crafting with the stuff I purchased last year. Sometimes thrifting and Dollar Tree is dangerous.
Hi Kate, hugs to Kaden. Great video! In spite of some hiccoughs, this month has gone well. So well in fact that I think I am going to continue my no spend, pantry challenge and no alcohol into February! It might have something to do with the 119 extra hours I have put in at work this month, (on top of my regular 40 a week), so I don't have time to spend money. I cancelled Prime, and took amazon off my computer. I will shop locally if i really need something. Not one restaurant meal this month and no takeout. Low low grocery bills. Yay, so far it's a WIN!
I have been successful in no spend January so far, not even groceriesa as I'm a prepper and have a huge upright freezer full of fresh Veggies and fruits and meat,a huge pantry so I'm going to continue with no spend February for the most part as I have to replenish my fur babies supplies food, snacks, litter it's not been that hard for me also haven't driven in a month as my friends pick me up for church. Been great doing this
All month long, I've been ill with one thing after another. It's given me lots of time to reflect on our spending. It's meant supplies have been being run down. Hopefully I'm finally getting well again, and then it's bulk buying of stuff we actually use, so going into grocery stores less often, and that means less times of being tempted to deviate from the list.
I also made a list of items that I divided up by needs, wants which really caused me to evaluate what was actually a need. My needs were even divided up by need, need-but not right now. That helped.
Great video! You are the best cheerleader! I’m going to reflect and glean much from this month. Learning weaknesses will help to flip them to strengths! Thank you, Kate!
No Spend January was successful beyond my expectations. I had enough to completely pay off a credit card balance for the month. So glad I passed up buying new sleepwear!! Easing off a January No Spend is a very good idea. I will try the list idea and a new budget.
My alternative to shopping this month was: 1. Terrible snow storm, no water, electricity, wifi, internet. 2. Even if I could get out, there is nothing to buy in this poverty stricken town 3. I'm not an internet shopper since I'm a baby bomber. So, there you go 😅😅😅 ps I am afraid what will happen when the weather clears up 😅😅
Thursday, Jan 25th, is my day off. I felt like having tea instead of going to Tim's or Stars. I came home and made my own. I have not used my credit card all month even though I've been tempted. I decided not to buy a couch because I really never use it much anyway. I didn’t eat all month. I did a 10% put away from pay, but I also devised my plan with putting more away since last setptember, and it's been working. So, I also found a few meals to make. For a few days, while I worked, I typed out the recipe and made a grocery list at the end of it, and it's worked. Keep me on track.
I did no spend but ended up using most of my emergency fund to replace a falling down fence. I started this fund when I came to your channel and you were emphasizing it. Between having the money and knowing I wasn't throwing extra money away, my anxiety level has been practically nil. Now to rebuild the ER fund back up... Which I now know I can do. Thx Kate
I’m going to create a wish list and put anything I want from Amazon in the basket and click on the save for later and wait. I’ve found this month that after time I don’t need that thing and am relieved I didn’t spend on it. PS can anyone tell me where do I find the community posts? I can’t see them on my mobile. Thank you x
Hey Nia! If you tap on my youtube homepage, you will see tabs in the middle of the screen ish "home, videos, shorts, LIVE, playlists-then slide it over a little more to the right and you will see Community and membership and store" Click on community! BOOM!:)
I had 3 things in my basket overnight. I went back and realized I didn’t need any of them. One I’ll wait on. Actually I wanted to get the one thing and wanted same day delivery. I had to have $25 of qualifying purchases to get it. So I searched and found 2 things I’d probably like to have. I used to do that a lot. And I have unopened boxes around the house to prove it. I’ve found a few things that are still in the returnable window and they’re going back.
So on Saturday 1.27.24 I totaled all of my shopping expenses. Groceries weren’t too bad and I only bought what was on my shopping list but since I haven’t really kept track of it before, I felt like I had overspent. My sweet husband thought I did amazing since I was only shopping one day a week. So he is all in for another month of No Spend February and we’re going to see if we can cut the grocery bill even further. We definitely saved money not buying online and in other areas too so it was a total Win Win. I actually journaled my grocery items every week so at the end of the month I knew exactly what I bought versus just what I spent. Love your channel and your sweet upbeat personality!!! Thank you!!! Kim
Would you do one on people like myself who lives in an apartment about budgeting? I’m good about budgeting. and I don’t have any intentions of buying a house , I’m retiring this year. and I’ve been preparing for this for a while, so I’m doing all I can do with my retirement, but I’m always willing to do more, learn more. Because some of us will never own a house, everyone of you are always talking about buying a house. what about us.
Hi Retta! I rented for 7 years before getting a house. I wasn't sure if I'd ever buy one either:) I budget almost exactly the same as I did when I was renting except now I throw all I can at the big DEBT I owe:) If I didn't have the mortage, I would happily pay my rent and not worry about the big house debt I'm chipping away at:)
@@KateKaden thanks for your response, I’m debt-free, praise God!!! all II have to pay is the monthly rent & stuff, it’s just I never heard nobody talk about us renters
Hey Kate I plan to do another no spend in March. It will be after our vacation to Disneyland and I just know after that I’ll need a reset. It fun to go but it better to be in control of your spending 😅.
I'm doing low spend next month, I'm challenging myself to go as long as I possibly can. I've been watching a few 1.25 tree videos but nothing that I really have to go out and buy once the month is over
This month has been extra spending but it wasnt on frivolous stuff. I bought insulated curtains for the doors (my house was built in the early 1800s so drafty). They were on sale for $27 from $50 and i am trying to get the electric bill down (it was $800 this month. 😳). Our mixer died and i needed a new one because we were committed to grind meat for rhe fire department. So while we spent more than we intended, we didnt spend on extra stuff. Otherwise, i think we are doing alright, but not as good as i hoped.
I will never complain about my $400 electrical bill (our spring/summer/fall are always high as there is no difference in temperatures ~ hot!) again! Holy Toledo!!
@@Mo.Vintage15 it ended up being $1074 because the meter reader wouldn't come out in bad weather so the bill period was a week longer. 😭 We are planning to install a wood stove with our tax return
I’m like Angie - as long as I’m not spending, it’s easy to just keep not spending. I do have a list so that I can mindfully shop for specific needed things but not be in a rush about it. I have historically been pretty bad at sticking to my budget but no spend made my budget work!
I saved $1000 in January went straight into savings in February it's low spend but I buy coffee ball of wool peace cake or lunch with my adult daughter when she goes to rehab
My low spend was doing great until I helped a family member taking their pet to the vets. I don’t regret it but will have to get creative on how to pay the cc bill.
We are going on a vacation in February for a week. Flights and all-inclusive hotel paid for so the next few weeks will be saving for spending money. It’s a good motive 😊
January was a good month. Only ate out twice which is awesome for us. Didn’t bring any unnecessary items in. No amazon purchased 😊❤😊 $300 to HYSA THANKS TO JANUARY. We r doing a low spend year
I am definitely doing Feb., No Spend. This month I have planning my goals for year & to do my vision board, starting my 12 Week Plan & unfortunately got bronchitis. I am just starting to feel better. So I'm not beating myself up, just restarting everything & moving on. My No Spend I have been tracking on calendar & giving myself a certain amount each day I don't.
It’s my nickname 🥰 and it brought tears to my eyes hearing you read my words!! Today, I (and my daughter) went into Target with my necessity list and walked out with just that! Actually, we both did!! Did we stop and smell our favorite brand of body scrubs ~ yes! My new favorite ones are on my wishlist 😊 and hers is on hers. We are going to move forward using the low spend model. Thank you!!
Mo this just made me SO HAPPY! WAY TO GO!!!!
You know it has been a good month when your CC company sends you an email stating there has been over ($****) amount reduced on your balance!!!! I normally get your spending has went up by ($****) ~ Thank you Kate!
0:44 0:56 1:07 1:11
2:49 2:52 2:52 3:07 3:07 3:07 3:08 3:08 3:08 3:08 3:08 3:08 3:08 3:08 3:08 3:09 3:17 3:32
I planned on doing no spend February along with January. My hubby was a trooper. In January, 3 of my 4 cats got really sick and ended up in the vet hospital. Thankfully we had an emergency fund just for the cats. They are all better, but their fund is not. Hubby suggested going into March with the no spend since we still have quite a bit of food on hand, don't really need anything and we need to build the cat fund back up. My hubby who was not in favor of this challenge is actually keeping us both accountable! YAY......
I’m with you. The vet bills and medications kill my no spend every month. It’s frustrating.
Goodness, I understand. My 3 yr old boy kitty ended up in kitty ICU in December for a urinary medical emergency.
That emergency fund was near depleted. I was actually shocked at the total cost.
He is perfect now.
No spend January help keep me out of the Goodwill or not buying when I did go! I love the feeling
that I don't really need or want anything; satisfied & blessed as I am! I bought food for a couple on the sidewalk & a couple hitchhiking instead of buying non-necessities for self!
So many good ideas.
Before no spend January I was treating myself to a meal out every Sunday. I haven't eaten out all month, which I plan to continue because it is helping with my 12 week goal of losing weight!!
Thanks so much for watching! And thanks for sharing with us!
I’m doing no spend months on the months that are going to be the easiest - February, April, May, June, August and October. These are the months with little to no extraneous things like birthdays, baby showers, graduations, etc. Plus it gives me a break in between to stock up on things I need for my no spend months, buy the gifts for the months where I need them, and allows me to use my no spend months to clean my basement, get other work done around the house, etc. that doesn’t require money.
I was thinking of doing the same thing. Great idea 💡
Love the idea 💡, I have been working the two months on really trying to a budget down. I know, I will have a hard with a whole month, in February, I'm going to see how days in a row I do. I'm on the competitive side so I think this will be more of a motivator for me. Like idea of breaking the months some. I know their is a tirp in June and family visiting in the fall.
No spend has been a great boost for 2024! I am going to do a pantry/freezer challenge for February, since my biggest money waster is food and eating out!
Love the freezer challenge idea!
Stop going grocery weekly. Go bi-weekly and save more $$.
I have never used a budget until I started watching your videos. I am a senior who still works and I have spent so much money on things I didn’t need over the years! Wish I had started using a budget years ago! I am having fun doing this no spend January, finding new ways to put money into my retirement savings thanks to your videos and the great comments from other viewers. I plan to keep going for a no spend February!
YES BRENDA!!!!! LOVE THISSSS!
After feeling ashamed for OVER expending in 2023, I made my budget for 2024 and I set up jars to put money that I know I will need throught 2024 (car maintenance, vet visit, taxes, school supplies, ect), I am not leaving that money in the bank, to avoid any risk of expending it. Also I save 15% of my income in a Tfsa, I made a whishlist with only one item a month and then, only at end if I have some money left, I go to my fav bakery for coffee and cookies.
I feel so much better and accomplished, and will continue doing it for February, march, April and so on .....
Thank you Kate for the encourage.
You've GOT THIS Catherine!
No. It’s an AS NEEDED 2024. 👍🤗
This!!!
I am pretty much no spend all of the time. I had stockpiled my pantry and other than fresh food like milk and eggs I dont grocery shop. Using what I have. A long time ago I learned to only buy what i NEED. which is rent, utilities, and what is needed to sustain life. (groceries, meds, etc) I never buy things on a whim,,,,,,,,,,,execpt for the goodie aisle at Aldis!
In a way, this is kinda frustrating because since I have already cut out most of the wants, I don;t have that extra cash bounce from not spending on the wants! I think I need to find an extra income stream. Well, actually I did. my 401k loan was just paid off so that is $500 extra per month "income"
I did not eat out all this month! I'm super proud of myself!!!! My son name is Caiden also FYI lol. We get pizza usually once a week at the dinne. Good deal for 2 large pizzas for 25 bucks. We didn't even do that this month!
This is AMAZING! WAY TO GO!!!! Yay to our Kaden/Caiden (s)!!!!!!!
Aldis has awesome take and bake pizzas. Cheap!!!!!
My no spend crashed & burned when the guys at my work pulled a sick 8 week old kitten out from under the building. I think she was dumped, but $450 vet bill later.. we have a new fur friend
God Bless you for taking care of her!
I ended up on a No Spend 😂. I took my daughter skiing and surprise 🎉 the boots I had for her didn’t fit the skis I had for her so it was $50 more than I had budgeted. And then there was a surprise 🎉 field trip for two of my kids which, in combination with a new school pizza day, came out to $50. I am new to running on a real budget and working on my “budget buffer” and it is so clear now why I need one!
BUDGET BUFFER! YASSSS!
My biggest take away was finding satisfaction with reaching my savings goals. I saved $328. That's over and above my regular savings. It looks like I'll reach my goal in my emergency fund by the end of February. Which also means that most of my tax refund will go to filling my sinking funds. Then I'm off to extra on my mortgage.
YASS CONNIE!
I'm going to do a no spend for February and March, and I'm working on low spend budget rest of year for spending on replacement items/food pantry and medical needs.
It’s going so well, we are going to continue through February! 🎉
This month of no-spend really broke a bad habit of Amazon shopping. I could really relate with that comment you read. I noticed that all our food is being eaten and none wasted with 'no grabbing food' this month. I have also done a pantry/freezer challenge and played The Minimalist Game this month. I want to try another month for all three challenges. I feel like I'm forming good habits and I'll be spending more mindfully after this. Thanks Kate! Oh, and I quit watching influencers who try to convince you to buy things! They are good at what they do!
I had a no spend December and January is going great.No trouble.🎉
I am planning to continue to no spend…to be sure to budget and stay with the budget.
I'm going to continue with a low spend February & March, January ended up being low spend, not No Spend, no take out food, and only two grocery shops this month. Will continue pantry challenge, tried a few new recipes, more of that coming as we transition to even more plant based eating! I've unsubscribed from all shopping emails. Library books, ebooks, audio books, are a great help. Have been doing more of my hobbies, and more de-cluttering! Thanks so much for the encouragement!!
YASSSS!!! Way to go!
Sometimes just reflecting on all the places your money needs to go can help you not spend. Like… we have $227,000 left on our mortgage, 3 kids to help pay for college, 2 potential weddings to pay for, $90k of home maintenance/improvements on the back burner for now…. This keeps me loading up my crockpot every Sunday morning instead of going out to eat after church every Sunday.
NO! I actually started a no spend on October 1st. I messed up on October 5th but have had no problem since then. Plan on continuing the no spend for the rest of 2024.
Low spend feb I have to book a hotel for a family celebration, cost are funded in a sinkingfund.
When my sister was visiting last weekend she helped me mix and match clothes I already have. I tend to wear the same tops with pants and she helped me think outside my little box. I feel like I have a new wardrobe! So close to paying off a second cc this month! I'm going to continue with low spend and pantry challenge in February (while restocking on loss leaders).
Love this!
I’m trying to stop spending on things that I don’t need. I have so much “stuff” that I bought because I thought I needed it and now it’s just sitting in a pile in my home. I have some repairs that need to be done on my house so that is going to be my focus this year. So I’m going to continue with no spend the rest of the year.
I’ve stayed with it so far as not needed purchases. I’ve gone over budget because I’ve taken advantage of some of the super sale prices on foods we normally use.
But to answer your question, I definitely plan to stick with it.
I received an extra $54, it was transferred immediately to my No Spend bank account.
I am continuing my no spend into February. I have a list of 10 things I have an abundance of and do not need more of. I will be purchasing necessary consumables as needed.
We are doing a no spend three months to pay for our college freshman’s college cost so she doesn’t finish the year with a balance. Love your videos and I wouldn’t have thought to pay for school this way without your advice. We definitely don’t need more stuff and no vacations until June anyway and it’s not an expensive trip.
No spend January has been easy for me. Of course had to spend a little but eating what I have on hand and spending very little on food. But I had an unexpected, necessary expense come up and had the money to take care of it with no sweat. What a blessing. 😊
LOVE THIS JANICE!
I’ve been saving soo much freakin money since I started watching your vids in dec2023! Your UA-cam page is abundantly informative can’t thank you enough for the vids you create
THIS JUST MADE MY ENTIRE WEEKEND!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I did low spend all last year and will do again until I accomplish what I need to. I did no spend this month. I did buy some gifts for Christmas but did not go overboard
Attitude is everything. I am content in what I have. So buying new things are not a temptation to me. Before my divorce I would stress shop the fabric store. So now all I have to buy is thread. LOL. Going to retire in a year or so and I have my habit fully funded!!!!!!!!!!!
Ooooh! Retirement is a year away! So exciting!
Ive done extra work, low spend jan and cleared our car payments completely. Next to the mortgage, 2 yrs 9 months and counting!
My son's birthday is on February 2nd, too.go, Groundhogs 🎉
Layoffs are happening at my large company right now and supposedly all year long. I believe my job is safe, but will continue this year as a low-spend year. I feel for those who have already been laid off, as this is not a good job market (as the powers that be would want you to believe).
I'll review what I did on my No Spend January...what worked and what didn't work. So far, I did very well, I did get a savings started, I got started on organizing, donating (no cost only time) and seeing what I have (my sewing and clothing) so I don't buy again/duplicate items because sometimes I can not find exactly what I am looking for and purchase it again. I did fall off the new spend wagon with 2 birthdays in January (not unexpected birthday but not planned for). Also, an unexpected email offer from the company I bought a "used" laptop computer in December, they company I bought it from (and trust) offered a 2 year extended warranty. For me, this brings me peace of mind for my computer for the next 2 years. I appreciate how well my No Spend January went! Thank you Kate!
I have a couple of packages to get sent out and a couple of organizational items, but other than those things, I will be doing a low spend year. I want to really get focused on paying off my debt BEFORE 3 years (2027).
I did have set backs challenges my reflection on this no spend is remove yourself from triggers to spend and stress
January was more of a low spend… we spent as little as possible on everything else… so that we could cash flow our flights and tickets to Disney. Goal met!
February will be similar, minimal spend to save up for hotel and spending money while at Disney. 🥰
I plan to use all the items that I already bought especially clothes bags and shoes and tied my hands on spending at all in 2024.
I will continue in February. I did overspend in December so no spending in January made it correct again but didn’t give me money to save. So February is going to be the month to start the saving. And I did set a goal for savings this year so I will have to keep the buying as low as possible.
We fudged a bit eating out because of scheduling but cut that amount in half so we are doing no spend on eating out for February. We did really good on boot buying items we didn’t need and started a wish list. On a very tight budget we did save a couple of hundred dollars and it feels great! ❤
I bought a $16 wedding gift for a coworker & a $52 Giants collectible so I failed but not tremendously. Live edit: you're an Aquarius?! No wonder I was drawn to these vids.
31 December I Said I will go a year without spending money on takeouts but I didn’t know how hard It would turn out to be omg. I have allready broke that challenge 😂 so I will start No spend month and not focus In one year becouse It’s first time trying no spend year It’s better go step by step like focus on one month
Totally! :)
Boy did I realize I’m an emotional shopper. I was so committed to a no spend. And then I bought two pairs of shoes because I was just so happy. Back on track for me.
My strategy is still a no spend…. Oh, and no shoes. I have several :)
I alternate every week: One week no spend, one week normal/low spend. That way I can have these no spend spurts that are fun and it helps me think a little ahead😅 it delays impulse in that when low spend arrives I often don't need that thing I thought I needed, but thinking I only have to wait a week, makes it feel less strict.
Love it!
I have done the no spend January and loved it. I did choose to treat 2 meals to a friend, took food to her house. This felt like a blessing that I had margin in my spending to look after some one else. I too have started a list on things I
might want to buy and I will see if they still are a value to me in the next few weeks. Love your show!
Thank you so so much! WAY TO GO!
I plan on creating a zero based budget BUT budgeting for the unplanned (separate from my emergency savings). My kiddo is very busy with extracurriculars (dance/baseball) and little things pop up all the time. I don’t want to feel guilty or worried about spending when the unexpected happens so if I have an “unplanned” line item the spending won’t be an issue. The money is already there.
February is my stock up, for a year💕
Love it!
I'm going to try again at no spend in march. January was not great with my health and so that's been stressful, so we need to cut ourselves some slack, also we're going on a holiday towards end of February, so trying again in February won't work. But I do want to do it again.
I will continue to budget as I did before No Spend January. However, I will stick to my budget more than I did before. If it's not in the budget, then it's not a need.
Good morning from the UK everyone
HELLO! So great to see you!
@@KateKaden you too my lovely friend!
January was quiet Oke but have to continue untill end of the year due to renovation. But upstairs is getting finished next week so it is worth it.
Good morning happy frugal Friday 😊
Happy Frugal Friday!
I am literally addicted to Amazon shopping sooooo, in Jan I deleted the Amazon app from my phone. I have not ordered anything from Amazon since snd surprisingly have not missed it and I’m on budget for a change. So going forward I will continue to be mindful of my spending and fo a low spend Feb but I believe I will not reinstall the Amazon app on my phone in order to avoid temptation
Don’t forget valentine day coming up for feb budgeting!
Great reminder!
No spend January and 12 Week year paused for me on January 13th when I had to take my son (wife was out of town for work) to emergency room. Two surgeries and 14 (and counting) days in hospital threw me into survival mode. Not giving up just paused.
Lynette, is your son okay?!?!
@@KateKaden yes! Thanks to God providing amazing doctors and nurses he is on his healing journey. One more weekend in hospital and should be home by Tuesday. Thank you for inquiring.
I was talking to my grandma last week about the no spend/low spend January. She was first worried that I was having money issues. I told her I redo my budget every so often and pay attention to where my money is going. That I have full freezers and pantry. So was working on using stuff up. I will be continuing in Feb, probably March. The money I saved, I applied to knocking down debt. She was a single mom. She took care of herself and her family on a waitress paycheck. She has always been frugal. We've talked about how I want to payoff my debt. Which is mostly my house and a car. After I get the car paid off I'm going to apply more to my retirement. (I have work matching up to 5% . Plus I have more going in.) Like you I started later in getting my retirement started. She's very supportive and always great to talk to about stuff like this.❤
planning on a no spend Feb...Jan was a huge success so I am carrying on
Just wanted to say thank you for all your encouragement on this no spend month my endeavor is to spend only for what is needed after the no spend January.
No spend January went well! But today I came home from work to a broken water heater that has to be replaced. I have the cash for it, but an inconvenience!! So I’ll probably do no spend Feb also. Doing no spend Jan got me in the right mindset. I’m better in sprints also 😊
Omg that was the cutest intro! Loved it 😍🎶
AHHH! Thank you so much! LOL!
Kate, my birthday is the 1st!!! Yay for us February babies
AHH! HAPPY EARLY BIRTHDAY! WOOT WOOT!
Full disclosure. I probably won't be doing much spending at all. I have debt reduction goals. And for things to do instead of shopping, crafting with the stuff I purchased last year. Sometimes thrifting and Dollar Tree is dangerous.
Hi Kate, hugs to Kaden. Great video! In spite of some hiccoughs, this month has gone well. So well in fact that I think I am going to continue my no spend, pantry challenge and no alcohol into February! It might have something to do with the 119 extra hours I have put in at work this month, (on top of my regular 40 a week), so I don't have time to spend money. I cancelled Prime, and took amazon off my computer. I will shop locally if i really need something. Not one restaurant meal this month and no takeout. Low low grocery bills. Yay, so far it's a WIN!
No I will try to continue
I have been successful in no spend January so far, not even groceriesa as I'm a prepper and have a huge upright freezer full of fresh Veggies and fruits and meat,a huge pantry so I'm going to continue with no spend February for the most part as I have to replenish my fur babies supplies food, snacks, litter it's not been that hard for me also haven't driven in a month as my friends pick me up for church. Been great doing this
All month long, I've been ill with one thing after another. It's given me lots of time to reflect on our spending.
It's meant supplies have been being run down.
Hopefully I'm finally getting well again, and then it's bulk buying of stuff we actually use, so going into grocery stores less often, and that means less times of being tempted to deviate from the list.
Hope you are getting better Willow!! Sending you all the healthy vibes!
@@KateKaden i just finished the antibiotics for my most recent illness, and so far there's no sign of another one coming up. So it's promising.
I also made a list of items that I divided up by needs, wants which really caused me to evaluate what was actually a need. My needs were even divided up by need, need-but not right now. That helped.
Love this Tricia!
I’m doing a no/low spend February.
Great video! You are the best cheerleader! I’m going to reflect and glean much from this month. Learning weaknesses will help to flip them to strengths! Thank you, Kate!
Thank you so much Mary! I'm so glad you're here!
@@KateKaden , me too! 🥰
No Spend January was successful beyond my expectations. I had enough to completely pay off a credit card balance for the month. So glad I passed up buying new sleepwear!! Easing off a January No Spend is a very good idea. I will try the list idea and a new budget.
Keeping the no spend months going to April 😊😊
My alternative to shopping this month was: 1. Terrible snow storm, no water, electricity, wifi, internet. 2. Even if I could get out, there is nothing to buy in this poverty stricken town 3. I'm not an internet shopper since I'm a baby bomber. So, there you go 😅😅😅 ps I am afraid what will happen when the weather clears up 😅😅
Thursday, Jan 25th, is my day off. I felt like having tea instead of going to Tim's or Stars. I came home and made my own. I have not used my credit card all month even though I've been tempted. I decided not to buy a couch because I really never use it much anyway. I didn’t eat all month. I did a 10% put away from pay, but I also devised my plan with putting more away since last setptember, and it's been working. So, I also found a few meals to make. For a few days, while I worked, I typed out the recipe and made a grocery list at the end of it, and it's worked. Keep me on track.
I did no spend but ended up using most of my emergency fund to replace a falling down fence.
I started this fund when I came to your channel and you were emphasizing it.
Between having the money and knowing I wasn't throwing extra money away, my anxiety level has been practically nil.
Now to rebuild the ER fund back up... Which I now know I can do.
Thx Kate
This is amazing!!!! So proud of you for making that fund and anxiety is practically nil! YESSSSSSS!!!!
I’m going to create a wish list and put anything I want from Amazon in the basket and click on the save for later and wait. I’ve found this month that after time I don’t need that thing and am relieved I didn’t spend on it.
PS can anyone tell me where do I find the community posts? I can’t see them on my mobile. Thank you x
Hey Nia! If you tap on my youtube homepage, you will see tabs in the middle of the screen ish "home, videos, shorts, LIVE, playlists-then slide it over a little more to the right and you will see Community and membership and store" Click on community! BOOM!:)
I had 3 things in my basket overnight. I went back and realized I didn’t need any of them. One I’ll wait on.
Actually I wanted to get the one thing and wanted same day delivery. I had to have $25 of qualifying purchases to get it. So I searched and found 2 things I’d probably like to have. I used to do that a lot. And I have unopened boxes around the house to prove it. I’ve found a few things that are still in the returnable window and they’re going back.
I'm doing a no spend February and March as well, with exceptions. I'm helping my mom fix her house after renters destroyed it
So on Saturday 1.27.24 I totaled all of my shopping expenses. Groceries weren’t too bad and I only bought what was on my shopping list but since I haven’t really kept track of it before, I felt like I had overspent. My sweet husband thought I did amazing since I was only shopping one day a week. So he is all in for another month of No Spend February and we’re going to see if we can cut the grocery bill even further. We definitely saved money not buying online and in other areas too so it was a total Win Win. I actually journaled my grocery items every week so at the end of the month I knew exactly what I bought versus just what I spent. Love your channel and your sweet upbeat personality!!! Thank you!!! Kim
Pre Happy birthday.
Whats your go to cake. My birthday cake is Carrot cake without the frosting
THANK YOU! My FAV cake is YELLOW cake with CHOCOLATE FROSTING!
In Spain,January is still a difficult as far as spending, but I pulled my horses and I did my best.Thanks for your cheering Up!! Lots of love🥰
Way to go!!!! Proud of you!
Where do you live in Spain? My husband is from Ponferrada and we live in Ohio.
Garfield yodie.Congradualtions even if you only plan one week at time is good instead of not even doing one day.
@@michellecipriano1245 Hi!! I live in Teruel, Aragón.Not very we'll known but full of beautiful landscapes,buildings and nice people😃.Lots of hugs!!
@@cathypeterson8465 Thank youuuu😃🥰
I had a low spend january and I want to have a low spend february too
Maybe in march I will buy some extra clothes for spring ✌️
YEAH! Love it!
Would you do one on people like myself who lives in an apartment about budgeting? I’m good about budgeting. and I don’t have any intentions of buying a house , I’m retiring this year. and I’ve been preparing for this for a while, so I’m doing all I can do with my retirement, but I’m always willing to do more, learn more. Because some of us will never own a house, everyone of you are always talking about buying a house. what about us.
Hi Retta! I rented for 7 years before getting a house. I wasn't sure if I'd ever buy one either:) I budget almost exactly the same as I did when I was renting except now I throw all I can at the big DEBT I owe:) If I didn't have the mortage, I would happily pay my rent and not worry about the big house debt I'm chipping away at:)
@@KateKaden thanks for your response, I’m debt-free, praise God!!! all II have to pay is the monthly rent & stuff, it’s just I never heard nobody talk about us renters
Hey Kate I plan to do another no spend in March. It will be after our vacation to Disneyland and I just know after that I’ll need a reset. It fun to go but it better to be in control of your spending 😅.
Just a thought: I volunteer at an animal shelter. They are always in need of fostering. The one I’m at supplies everything. Food, vet visits, ect…
This is the hard week for me!
I'm doing low spend next month, I'm challenging myself to go as long as I possibly can. I've been watching a few 1.25 tree videos but nothing that I really have to go out and buy once the month is over
Kate… I’m loving the nails 💅 ❤
Oh thank you! I barely have any, but i do what I can:)
This month has been extra spending but it wasnt on frivolous stuff. I bought insulated curtains for the doors (my house was built in the early 1800s so drafty). They were on sale for $27 from $50 and i am trying to get the electric bill down (it was $800 this month. 😳). Our mixer died and i needed a new one because we were committed to grind meat for rhe fire department. So while we spent more than we intended, we didnt spend on extra stuff. Otherwise, i think we are doing alright, but not as good as i hoped.
I will never complain about my $400 electrical bill (our spring/summer/fall are always high as there is no difference in temperatures ~ hot!) again! Holy Toledo!!
@@Mo.Vintage15 it ended up being $1074 because the meter reader wouldn't come out in bad weather so the bill period was a week longer. 😭
We are planning to install a wood stove with our tax return
@@kempfreehold9450 Oh my goodness!!! I have always lived in central Florida and I honestly can’t fathom what you experience.
@@Mo.Vintage15 craziest part? I'm not even that far north! I'm on the eastern shore of Maryland so it doesn't even get as bad as the northern states
I’m like Angie - as long as I’m not spending, it’s easy to just keep not spending. I do have a list so that I can mindfully shop for specific needed things but not be in a rush about it. I have historically been pretty bad at sticking to my budget but no spend made my budget work!
I saved $1000 in January went straight into savings in February it's low spend but I buy coffee ball of wool peace cake or lunch with my adult daughter when she goes to rehab
I am going to do a low spend for February and hopefully another no spend in March 2024!
My low spend was doing great until I helped a family member taking their pet to the vets. I don’t regret it but will have to get creative on how to pay the cc bill.
We are going on a vacation in February for a week. Flights and all-inclusive hotel paid for so the next few weeks will be saving for spending money. It’s a good motive 😊
Hello I am ending January by saving most of my last paycheck. .
January was a good month. Only ate out twice which is awesome for us. Didn’t bring any unnecessary items in. No amazon purchased 😊❤😊 $300 to HYSA THANKS TO JANUARY. We r doing a low spend year
4 birthdays in February.. and made plans for bowling with my friend and our kids.. but other than all that .. no meaningless spending 🤞🤞🤞
Love it Jwooo!
Great video Kate!! Sher.
Going to keep doing no-spend until my vet bills are all paid, probably until April. But I'm finding that I don't miss spending money on things.
🤷
I am definitely doing Feb., No Spend. This month I have planning my goals for year & to do my vision board, starting my 12 Week Plan & unfortunately got bronchitis. I am just starting to feel better. So I'm not beating myself up, just restarting everything & moving on. My No Spend I have been tracking on calendar & giving myself a certain amount each day I don't.