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For several years now I begin the first week of January and start my "End of Year Fund." I put $1 the first week: $2 the second week; $3 the third week and so on. Now I get creative knowing that when I start getting to $30+ weeks it will be a little more of a sacrifice. But by staying focused at the end of the year I have $1378. This money is used every other year to go see our children and granddaughters in Texas. It's a habit I'm glad I have now.
Ì've heard of something similar, but where the dollar amounts are randomized through the year, which can make it a little easier, rather than the last couple of months of the year having all the large dollar amounts.
I do the same! I happened to start in July 2020 so by July of the following year I have the $1,378. We use them to take a trip to a near city for 3 days. Pay the hotel, food, entertaining, gas, etc. No debt after that trip. This July I put $3 instead of $1 and every week I put $3 more. :)
I’M READY!! I’m seeing this vid now, a year later, but what the heck😀 I’m diving in!-no spend challenge here I come!! Let’s do this!! Thank you two, for all you do!!! GOD’S Abundant Blessings on you both!! 🙏 ❤️ 🌷👧🏻
One thing that will help if you are tempted by driving by fast-food places at lunch (or dinner) is to take a different route. Drive home through the scenic route instead of the quickest route on the main roads where all the restaurants are. And on lunch breaks at work, I've found if I bring something really good to eat, then I plan where I'm going to go to eat it and that keeps me from wanting to go out and get something. I need something to look forward to and sitting at my desk at lunch is NOT it. But if there is a park nearby or even sitting in your car and watching a youtube video on your lunch break while you eat lunch can make it more fun and something you will look forward to.
Thanks for the inspiration! I was going to take 2 teenage grandkids out to dinner and a movie. Instead we are going to stay in and watch an old movie, eat frozen pizza and pop our own popcorn and drink our own lemonade. $38 dollars saved! I just want to spend quality time with them. You reminded me I don’t have to spend to do that! You guys are awesome. 😊
Saved a little, nephew getting married & I'm going to give him a thousand dollars but not until after their married. I saved it wisely, I want him to spend it wisely, not on the wedding or honeymoon. We have conversations on saving & obtaining better credit, he listens, now applying it, time will tell. When you get older, you want to feel you left the kiddos with the best advice you can give them.
I'm ready! love your channel and all the great tips and savings challenges you share with us. With your help, last winter I brought my heating and electric bill down from $200 to $73 dollars. I was so proud of myself.
We do a sinking fund for christmas and other gifts during the year. I set aside around $125 a month and that cover pretty much all gifts, christmas presents, all the baking and food for christmas. I’ve already started buying christmas presents, I have different focuses during the autumn. In october I try to buy most of the gifts, in november I decorate and bake, in december I try to focus on getting cozy 🎄
We were forced into a no spend month in July. Protests cut off our town from deliveries here in Panama. Our town ran out of gas/propane. We stayed home all month avoiding the 12 hour gas lines the few times tankers were able to deliver gas. I keep track of our expenses each month & we saved $353 from our tight budget. Since then we've come under budget every month so it's a challenge but doable. For the first time in my 66 years, I'm sharing meals when we go out to eat. My husband & I save alot of money splitting a sandwich, instead of ordering 2 meals & taking home leftovers (they always serve too much food here). Thanx for the tips. Good advice.
Surprising..I found that waiting in line at the food bank is a great social event.. The place is open 6 days a week and there are always at least 15 people waiting .In that group usually there are two or three of us willing to exchange ideas and good humor..and help people with language barriers. I don't have the physical ability to volunteer at the food bank however it is still an opportunity to be helpful
Last year For the month of January, I did a no spend challenge and that included groceries. We did end buying fresh produce on the last week, but it helped to decrease the excess we had in our short and long term pantries. In February, I then started to slowly replace anything that we were low on and of course only when it went on sale!
When my mother died I had an overwhelming sense of financial fear. She had always backed me up if something bad happened financially. I stopped spending for a year and a half. I managed to save $50,000 which is now my emergency fund. Mind you we were wearing underwear with holes in it during this time and have since restocked on clothes and household goods. It was really hard to do, and tough on my teenage kids. We even cancelled Christmas. But it was worth it not to have that fear.
@@MaryKane-qv5vz thanks Mary. But I have actually changed now, and have exchanged "money" for items that I need, including prepping. My money was disappearing in front of my eyes every time I went to the shops. I've fully restocked my house, food, fridges, car, clothes and just a little bit of emergency money left. We are on the cusp of massive change and money is just paper. Happy New year 💜✌
Our church does a big missions challenge for the kids at Vacation Bible school, and ever year we save all our loss change and that is what we give to missions on top of our regular giving and missions that we give each week. Last year my daughter was able to give $176 in change to missions , and it’s a great way to teach that money adds up and giving is a blessing. The change sits on the kitchen window and even we come home we add our change. It’s amazing how fast that change frame fills up. And it’s a great visual and conversation piece when people come over.
Did a no spend last Jan and used all my old food and ate from garden. Throughout the year you will find yourself doing no spend weeks. Currently on a no spend in Oct. Buckled on something for $5.75, but there are still more days remaining in the month. Larry is correct...stay away from temptation!
I'm ready. I have a confession too. I wait until the last minute to buy Christmas gifts so I won't spend too much. My children usually end up getting giftcards and baked goods. I think they prefer it that way since they are 21 and 18 now.
It's interesting to see the comments from people who have Barely even begun watching start typing their excuses of how this couldn't possibly work for them.
I have not used my charge card since the first week of Sept. I made a rule that I can only pay cash, thereby feeling the pain of spending first hand. The only cash I have on hand is from my humble side hustle. I might have only 25$ at the end of the day...I bank anything over $20 so that it's not sitting in my pocket. I love your no spend challenge and am enjoying my new attitude toward money. thank you so much.
1. I have been saving my pennies for the last ten years and I have two full sparklets bottles full. 2. I rounded up my mortgage payment to the nearest ten and paid my house off five years early. 3. I canceled my cable tv ($125 per month) and got Roku with no upgrades now I pay $0.00
Right now I’m in the process of a Christmas challenge to save for 12 weeks. It ends up being 300$ by Christmas but I already have a sinking fund for Christmas. Also the zero out challenge same as what you explained “keep the change”. The same as the penny challenge there is a nickel challenge. It’s just a fun way to save. I did no spend challenge last month. During the time I realized how much unnecessary groceries I go buy extra. And also just being bored walking around stores buying stuff I do not need.
I'M READY! Thank you for taking the time to share with us. After a year of telling my husband about your ideas and implementing them, he is now watching your program before I get to see them. He likes how you give sound advice and how those ideas work in our home. He is all for frugal living. Awww at last!
I'm ready. My vehicle had a complete engine failure in June. Luckily it was still under warranty, but I still had to pay for belts, motor mounts, fluids, and my 75K maintenance. It was a definite hit to the budget - and it was at the time when I thought I could start saving money each month...so a no spend month or two would be a great way to get back on track. Yep, got to see what is still in the big freezer!
For many years I have had a change jar. I now keep about a $1 or $2 in quarters in my purse (my granddaughter asked one time if I had a quarter for a gum ball machine, the first time she had ever asked me for anything! (she was 8 years old) and I didn’t have any coins at all! I use my change jar money to pay for my yearly weekend trip with my three daughters! Those quarters, dimes, nickels, and pennies really add up!
I’ve done the penny challenge a few times, but usually only until September because setting aside $2 plus dollars a day is not really feasible, especially in December. However, the amount I saved is actually around 300-400, which goes in an emergency envelope in a safe.
I know in no spend January a lot of us have an eat up month too. Eat down the freezer and food cupboard. This is a really good idea as you rotate your food supplies which keeps things fresh. I always find a few extra meals in the freezer so an inventory is essential. It also helps to eat up extra Christmas food and foodie gifts
I like to save all the change I find on the ground. I find at least .05 per week, and usually more. Last weekend I found over $1 on the ground throughout the weekend! Earlier this year I cashed in all the ground change from the last couple years and it helped me move across the country. Super win!
When I was married I would save our change n that would be use for vacation in June we would have anywhere between $1200-$1500 saved. Now I save my change all yr n I use it for Christmas gifts. I started "no spend challenge" in June to save money n now I don't miss spending on things I don't need. I have gone over a month not spending
I need a visual reminder of my "savings". Each time I avoid spending, I write down the amount "saved" in a small notebook. Then I review it when temptation is hitting me. Amazing how fast savings add up.
Not only am I in, I’ve already started. A few months ago, I decided to use up extras from my pantry and freezer. Since I’ve had a life “plot twist” and won’t be able to use up that food, I’ve told my daughter to use my pantry as her ‘store’ and not buy anything other than fresh stuff.
We try to eat through our pantry and freezer every three months or so, to try to cut down on food waste. We spent so many years living pay check to paycheck that we won’t call it a no spend challenge, we don’t want to romanticize deprivation. But we do rotate through from month to month things we know we can cut back on each month on a rotating basis. Ex: we spend so much time outside in summer,that’s when we cut streaming tv services. We can cut down on groceries during months we can eat from the garden. We def avoid doing no spend in Jan because we feel like it justifies over spending in Dec and often we buy things in Jan when they are on sale AFTER holidays instead of during.
Just want to say if needed, buy a sack of self rising flour, sugar, eggs. Vanilla ect. And bake some delicious cakes and cookies for Christmas Presents. It really isn't that hard. 😕....we hardly ever eat out and if we do. Cracker Barrel, It's good am reasonable....also shop at Dollar General or Big Lots
I started my preparing for a no spend 4th quarter of the year. First I reinventoried all 4 of the 4 corners of my food storage. Second I made lists of the items I wanted to add to my preps. Then I purchaced all the food prepparation instruments needed, like dehydrator, steam canner, water bath canner and all supplies. The only spending I allow myself is farmers market produce for prep, storage and gifts. My senior friends and I are making all the gifts for the holidays in our kitchens. We are canning and dehydrating.
Cross country skis can often be free. We got 4 pairs for free and around $60 on boots. No ski passes needed. We just gp down the road and around the yard. Another is most towns have a free swim or skate each month or a free museum day now and then . If you live where it is cold enough... the outdoor ice rinks are usually free as is sledding. The library also has quite a few free programs. Our kids have done winter scavenger hunts, winter snow painting with food coloring and warm water in a spray bottle as well as making homemade bird feeders.:) Deep North here ....brrr....but the kids go outside every day .
Yes! Staying out of the places where one shops impulsively is key! For a number of years I was "addicted" to buying craft materials. Michaels, Hobby Lobby and Jo-Anns were my "suppliers". About 6 years ago I made a decision to stay out of these stores for a year (unless there was some emergency where a store like this was the only place I could find a needed item). Long before the year was over I recognized that I felt better for not having shopped in at least one of those places every week. Once that year was over, I didn't want to break my record and I extended it to a second year. Now I can enter such a store (and it is very infrequent that I do), I can usually get in and get out without buying much more than I went in to buy. I'm not gonna lie - it is difficult to brace against the lure of all the attractive merchandise, and I rarely get out without purchasing something I didn't go there intending to buy, but I don't go often anymore, and when I do go into one of these stores, I can withstand temptation much better than I was able to before my year-long self-impossed moratorium on shopping in these places. I'm sure I've saved several thousands of dollars by breaking my impulsive craft buying habit. Thank you for your great videos. I'm leaning toward trying the Penny Challenge. Great idea!
Way back in the early seventies I was able to pay for half my wedding dress by saving nickle. I was in college at the time and others found it interesting. My roomnates and visiting friends would add nickles to it. Yes i did leave it out where it would be seen
I stopped buying Christmas presents years ago. Saw absolutely no point in it. I read somewhere that the average family spends over $800 a year on Christmas presents. What a waste.
Speaking of gift giving - homemade items have more meaning I make rag rugs. I use old clothes and sheets. It clears out excess stuff from the house and costs ZERO
We are doing a two year no spend challenge so we can get land with a home. I have done the live on half challenge but with only one wage earner ( I can't work with health issues) We did it for one year and my husband said no more, He is more up for the no spend challenge than living on half. Also the save all $5.00's , I have done it for years and last year we saved $1550.00 in $5.00's. God's blessing to you and yours
About 4 years ago, I started off doing smaller challenges and progressed to a no buy year 2 years ago and haven't stopped. Every year I adjust (tweak) my rules. For example, this year I knew I needed to replace my sofa and had budgeted for it. However, I was gifted some money so I wanted to use that to purchase my sofa. It took me until last month to find the sofa that suited my needs. At the beginning of the year, I set the rule that I was allowing myself this purchase because my sofa was on it's last legs, however my no spend rule was that that was the only item I could purchase in the furniture category. I write down my rules , know why I am doing this and I track everything. My bank account balances keeps me motivated and honestly at this point I think it is just habit. So far this year, I have stuck to my rules except in the eating out category because we went out for dinner when we had an unexpected visitor. Next year, I will budget $100 for the year in this category. I have exceeded my savings goals this years only because I continue to push myself to do extra monthly challenges within the no spend year. I enjoy challenges.
I’m ready! Coming up this will be our fourth no-spend January. We’re sprinkling in some no-spend weeks throughout the year as well. It’s difficult but makes a HUGE difference!!
When I was a teen in high school and young adult in university, my dad used to save some of his change for me in a vintage bucket. The deal was that I had to roll it (before banks would count it for you in the U.S.). About once or twice a year, he would give it to me. I used to regularly end up with around $100 US. Back in the day, that could get a person quite far!!!!! (Even now, I wouldn't turn it down!) Quite literally, I could fuel up my 1996 Chevy Corsica, good times.... :) Heidi in Canada
They work!!! ❤❤❤ this is the first year I have done a no spend with rules evaluated quarterly- and I have over 1000. For the holidays in a sinking fund😮🎉 they work 🎉
10% off at Foodland in South Fort Worth the first Friday of the month, I got my eye on some bone-in Ribeye's for $4.99 a pound making the about $4.50 a pound. Got to use those discounts.
I'm in. Bought an electric pressure canner to can our home made chili and vegetable soup. This will give easy options on the nights we don't want to cook to avoid eating out. Already save change and money left over from the week goes to savings.💰💲
This is perfect! I've been a little spendy on fast food lately duringa busy time of life. I've been needing to use up my older food storage, so I can keep everything fresh in my pantry. That will save me money and get rid of older inventory. These challenges can be fun! Thanks!
I’m in my biggest challenge is not shopping on Amazon but I’m determined not to go on any of those sites , thank you both for everything you do to help us be frugal.
I'm in ! I usually do a no spend month at the beginning of the year but I have "fallen off the wagon" this year and need to reset! Thank you for your videos. It reminds me that I can do this!
I'm in for a no-spend january. Just did my freezer inventory. I am preparing for no spend and only $200 for food (total) for January- so 2 $100 each grocery shops. I'm also really looking around for what I can sell. My daughter and I hope to visit my parents this coming summer and need to save up for that. I have not had a vacation since 2014 so this will be fun, but to get enough money I am going to need a couple more "no spend" months, and sell some items... Thank you for your information and encouragement!
I'm in, and going to save like never before. Thank you both for being such an inspiration on this frugality journey. Wouldn't be doing this if not from your urging.
Hi Hope and Larry. Watching your awesome and informative information. Me personally, I think the penney challenge is doable. Especially in these very hard times. Thank you kindly.
Declutter, sell or do swapping with friends. Clothing and kitchen are good places to start. Make gifts for Christmas like mini herb gardens grown from seeds or propagating what you or your friends have. Shop secondhand for gifts others didn’t want and upcycle eg make cool unused tea towels into cushions with scrap material or old blankets or TShirts
I’m ready! Between now and Christmas, I’m truly trying to only spend money on absolutely only necessary things and eat what we have in the pantry, so we can go on a vacation.
Along with checking your pantry and freezer, you could check "that" cupboard where you keep any birthday or Holiday decorations, plates etc and work around what you already have. You may even find gifts that you bought "just in case". You may find that you can have a no-spend decorations 2022 or buy at op-shops/thrift shops etc. Check out your craft supplies as well - making something is another way to entertain ourselves when not spending. Good luck!
This is a great video,listening to this has shown me why my no spend challenge has not worked. It is because I have no plan, especially for me eating out can really add up🙏❤
Yes! I've been doing this for about 12 days now. I'm in the process of completely redoing our budget (or lack thereof) so this is like a giant reset button for us! Super excited to change my habits.
We use cash only for all in store purchases. At some point in the spring we started taking every five dollar bill that we got as change or from the bank when we would take out cash, and quickly put that into a separate section of our wallets. As soon as we get home we put those five dollar bills away. The rule is we can’t get more cash out to compensate for those subtracted bills. We actually have done quite well with this method and don’t miss the cash from our wallets. We managed to save over $300 the first time that we could use on vacation. We are setting aside our current stash five dollar bills for our wedding anniversary celebration. It adds up quickly and you truly don’t miss it once it is out of sight out of mind and you are otherwise stick to a frugal budget.
I always save all my change…i try not to spend on anything extra than what i need in the house…so far im doing really good..i dont go out to eat…i dont spend on things i dont need…save gas by just going to work and home…so it is working…all my bills are paid off except for my home…so once you start its hard to not keep this set of mind…it works for me so i continue to do it…ty both for giving us your tips and tricks and advice❤️
My husband and I save our change. I have a garden and do can a lot. We decided last night to challenge ourselves to eat what’s here for as long as possible without shopping except for bread and lettuce, produce. We have canned everything including meats.
Just started 3 No spend Monts for Christmas.And I've got 2 Pipes. I save the 1 Euros in there for a year. A few years ago I did That too. I Had 440 Euros after 1 year.That was nice for the vacation time👍 With the groceries we save Points. And I'm saving now until Christmas. Offen I have 15-20 Euros. Thats a nice extra with Christmas.👍
My daughter and I do the 52 week challenge and fund it by saving from our envelope funds (misc, grocery, household, auto) each week. By the end of the year we have $1378.00. If we make extra money from side hustles that also goes towards the 52 week challenge so some years we have more money. We use the challenge as our vacation fund. During the summer we take a 2 week vacation traveling around the states by car. We always plan a main destination and see what we can see on the way there and back. This has been working for us for the past 3 years. Since I use the cash envelopes, I save all my change and once a year I turn it in and put the money in my "next" house savings account (looking to move in the next 4 years to a small farm property). I have averaged abut 250.00 a year saving my change. Every bit counts.
I'm in! I have been doing the keep the change for most of my adult life as I hate to have coins in my purse, but am too impatient to count out cents in the shops. My challenge will be to also keep the 1 and 2 Euro coins...
September is a three paycheck month for us. We have set aside our Christmas money with a detailed Christmas budget the first week of October every year. We know that amount comes out of the budget the same time every year and it’s never a stress come Christmas time. This year we are starting an adult secret Santa so we are lowering our Christmas budget this year 🎉
I'm in, I have been saving in so many ways now and the only pleasures we have are eating out and shopping in second-hand stores on discount days, I think I can do the penny challenge, I'll put my calendar up and start keeping track, Thank you
I been doing this save change and it does add up and really helped me save up. I’m doing an emergency fund or rainy days jar also. I’m aiming to built atleast 2 months of our expenses to help us out incase of emergency or something.
I fell off the no spend challenge this last week. I just wanted to go through the drive through to get a coffee treat and a breakfast meal. It's a transition as I'm starting Medicare thus month. - scary
I'm ready! It's been super helpful that I'm presently working 7 days a week. I don't have time to go shopping and , when I'm honest with myself, I know I don't have time to use frivolous purchases (heck, I'm struggling to find the time and energy to do the laundry and dishes😅).
I'm ready! Don't have to buy food, can eat from pantry and freezer. I even have milk frozen. I spend $5 per week on lettuce and a couple pieces of fruit. I spent $100 in June when grocery had 10 for $10 items. Haven't spent much more since then, but I did can big from my garden.
fascinating oneness between these two. How are they writing the script so that they now when one finishes and the other has to continue the thought??? They do it so fluently, like in a movie!! well done!!
If you are doing the save a penny a day challenge, dont start in January!! The end of your challenge will be December and that's a hard time to save. instead start September/October. You will only be saving a small amount over Christmas and the dreaded January, and the challenge will end in time for next holiday season, great for saving for gifts x
I'm ready... I started mine since my last pay day( 20th last month) and its been great so far. My aim is to use up food items I have had for a while in the freezer and pantry. In the process of saving up a house deposit and really close to end target. Haven't gone out to eat in over 3years and cannot recall the last time I had take out lol
I’ve been on a low spend for groceries this whole year. I’m trying to use up what is in my freezer. I focused on purchasing fresh locally grown fruit this summer and was able to grow most of the vegetables.
I don’t understand how people “find” money to save. Even with a no spend challenge. I make a frugal budget at the beginning of the year, and stick to it religiously. There’s not an extra $20 to “find” somewhere. I’d have to spend ahead to get what I need, or catch up on purchases later. But, my budget includes sinking funds, so I have a category for things like gifts, vacation, and vehicle repairs, that you don’t spend on monthly, but will need later. (And I already have a healthy emergency fund, and saving for that is also a line item in my budget.)
I’m ready. I started saving - $2 per day- not 2-4-6 but actually $2. I may increase to $3 but even at $2 that will be over $700 in a years time! Not a hard or bad habit!
a set budget means you wouldn’t have extra to spend. Currently cutting back expenses to cover the cost of inflation… so yea don’t have extra to spend especially when I’m cutting my groceries to keep my lights on
Great tips. I may have to try that savings challenge but with my online banking as we don’t have pennies in Canada anymore. I do save my change and roll it and take it to the bank, you are right it does add up. 💕🇨🇦
Great ideas! Love the Penny Challenge! Having a specific goal for these savings is key for me. I’m goal-oriented. I agree about the eating out or even going to Starbucks weekly for a coffee. That really adds up! Great tips! Pat in Colorado
These savings challenges work! I've been doing the save the change/ round up at my bank for over 10 years. I'm in my second year of doing the penny challenge, the 5.00 challenge and the 100 envelope challenge.
I save change ! Last time was $10.97 but often I will have $30+ dollars it adds up and is fun 😄 Oh my gosh if you did the Penny Challenge with kids how fun that would be. At the end of the year divide into 3rds. They spend a third, save in the bank a third, and donate a third
To know if a comment or response is from us - look for the checkmark! If there is not a checkmark, it isn't us - even if you see our name or photo. Beware of scammers!
Thanks for doing this. I am looking into certification of my email because this issue is becoming a bigger issue.
For several years now I begin the first week of January and start my "End of Year Fund." I put $1 the first week: $2 the second week; $3 the third week and so on. Now I get creative knowing that when I start getting to $30+ weeks it will be a little more of a sacrifice. But by staying focused at the end of the year I have $1378. This money is used every other year to go see our children and granddaughters in Texas. It's a habit I'm glad I have now.
Ì've heard of something similar, but where the dollar amounts are randomized through the year, which can make it a little easier, rather than the last couple of months of the year having all the large dollar amounts.
I do the same! I happened to start in July 2020 so by July of the following year I have the $1,378. We use them to take a trip to a near city for 3 days. Pay the hotel, food, entertaining, gas, etc. No debt after that trip. This July I put $3 instead of $1 and every week I put $3 more. :)
Great idea! I've also heard of folks doing it in reverse and starting with $52 and reducing a dollar weekly instead of increasing.
great idea!!
I’M READY!!
I’m seeing this vid now, a year later, but what the heck😀
I’m diving in!-no spend challenge here I come!!
Let’s do this!!
Thank you two, for all you do!!!
GOD’S Abundant Blessings on you both!!
🙏
❤️
🌷👧🏻
me too!
One thing that will help if you are tempted by driving by fast-food places at lunch (or dinner) is to take a different route. Drive home through the scenic route instead of the quickest route on the main roads where all the restaurants are. And on lunch breaks at work, I've found if I bring something really good to eat, then I plan where I'm going to go to eat it and that keeps me from wanting to go out and get something. I need something to look forward to and sitting at my desk at lunch is NOT it. But if there is a park nearby or even sitting in your car and watching a youtube video on your lunch break while you eat lunch can make it more fun and something you will look forward to.
Thanks for the inspiration! I was going to take 2 teenage grandkids out to dinner and a movie. Instead we are going to stay in and watch an old movie, eat frozen pizza and pop our own popcorn and drink our own lemonade. $38 dollars saved! I just want to spend quality time with them. You reminded me I don’t have to spend to do that! You guys are awesome. 😊
Saved a little, nephew getting married & I'm going to give him a thousand dollars but not until after their married. I saved it wisely, I want him to spend it wisely, not on the wedding or honeymoon. We have conversations on saving & obtaining better credit, he listens, now applying it, time will tell. When you get older, you want to feel you left the kiddos with the best advice you can give them.
I'm ready! love your channel and all the great tips and savings challenges you share with us. With your help, last winter I brought my heating and electric bill down from $200 to $73 dollars. I was so proud of myself.
We do a sinking fund for christmas and other gifts during the year. I set aside around $125 a month and that cover pretty much all gifts, christmas presents, all the baking and food for christmas. I’ve already started buying christmas presents, I have different focuses during the autumn. In october I try to buy most of the gifts, in november I decorate and bake, in december I try to focus on getting cozy 🎄
We were forced into a no spend month in July. Protests cut off our town from deliveries here in Panama. Our town ran out of gas/propane. We stayed home all month avoiding the 12 hour gas lines the few times tankers were able to deliver gas. I keep track of our expenses each month & we saved $353 from our tight budget. Since then we've come under budget every month so it's a challenge but doable. For the first time in my 66 years, I'm sharing meals when we go out to eat. My husband & I save alot of money splitting a sandwich, instead of ordering 2 meals & taking home leftovers (they always serve too much food here). Thanx for the tips. Good advice.
Surprising..I found that waiting in line at the food bank is a great social event.. The place is open 6 days a week and there are always at least 15 people waiting .In that group usually there are two or three of us willing to exchange ideas and good humor..and help people with language barriers. I don't have the physical ability to volunteer at the food bank however it is still an opportunity to be helpful
Wow, I've been participating in a no spend mode for awhile now and didn't realize it. And I don't eat out at all.
Last year For the month of January, I did a no spend challenge and that included groceries. We did end buying fresh produce on the last week, but it helped to decrease the excess we had in our short and long term pantries. In February, I then started to slowly replace anything that we were low on and of course only when it went on sale!
You all really do make frugal living look fun. I can see why your channel is so popular.
Hi Money Mom!
Money mom your channel is awesome too.
Awwwh Dawn, you’re such a lovely youtuber. Love your content with Jan and also with Kate.Kaden. Maybe you could do something with Hope and Larry soon?
Hi, Dawn! I love your channel so much, too. I hope you're feeling well.
When my mother died I had an overwhelming sense of financial fear. She had always backed me up if something bad happened financially. I stopped spending for a year and a half. I managed to save $50,000 which is now my emergency fund. Mind you we were wearing underwear with holes in it during this time and have since restocked on clothes and household goods. It was really hard to do, and tough on my teenage kids. We even cancelled Christmas. But it was worth it not to have that fear.
You have taught your family very good life lessons.
@@MaryKane-qv5vz thanks Mary. But I have actually changed now, and have exchanged "money" for items that I need, including prepping. My money was disappearing in front of my eyes every time I went to the shops. I've fully restocked my house, food, fridges, car, clothes and just a little bit of emergency money left. We are on the cusp of massive change and money is just paper. Happy New year 💜✌
A penny saved is a penny earned!! I’m in!!
Our church does a big missions challenge for the kids at Vacation Bible school, and ever year we save all our loss change and that is what we give to missions on top of our regular giving and missions that we give each week. Last year my daughter was able to give $176 in change to missions , and it’s a great way to teach that money adds up and giving is a blessing. The change sits on the kitchen window and even we come home we add our change. It’s amazing how fast that change frame fills up. And it’s a great visual and conversation piece when people come over.
We love this SOOO much! We'd love to use this as an example for an upcoming program on the importance of giving to others.
Did a no spend last Jan and used all my old food and ate from garden. Throughout the year you will find yourself doing no spend weeks. Currently on a no spend in Oct. Buckled on something for $5.75, but there are still more days remaining in the month. Larry is correct...stay away from temptation!
I'm ready. I have a confession too. I wait until the last minute to buy Christmas gifts so I won't spend too much. My children usually end up getting giftcards and baked goods. I think they prefer it that way since they are 21 and 18 now.
It's interesting to see the comments from people who have Barely even begun watching start typing their excuses of how this couldn't possibly work for them.
You spelled "exasperating" wrong.
It's "exasperating" to see the comments....
😂
I just love your channel. I'm a single income household, it's so helpful to me and I'm sure so many others! Thank you!
I have not used my charge card since the first week of Sept. I made a rule that I can only pay cash, thereby feeling the pain of spending first hand. The only cash I have on hand is from my humble side hustle. I might have only 25$ at the end of the day...I bank anything over $20 so that it's not sitting in my pocket. I love your no spend challenge and am enjoying my new attitude toward money. thank you so much.
1. I have been saving my pennies for the last ten years and I have two full sparklets bottles full. 2. I rounded up my mortgage payment to the nearest ten and paid my house off five years early. 3. I canceled my cable tv ($125 per month) and got Roku with no upgrades now I pay $0.00
Right now I’m in the process of a Christmas challenge to save for 12 weeks. It ends up being 300$ by Christmas but I already have a sinking fund for Christmas. Also the zero out challenge same as what you explained “keep the change”. The same as the penny challenge there is a nickel challenge. It’s just a fun way to save. I did no spend challenge last month. During the time I realized how much unnecessary groceries I go buy extra. And also just being bored walking around stores buying stuff I do not need.
I'M READY! Thank you for taking the time to share with us. After a year of telling my husband about your ideas and implementing them, he is now watching your program before I get to see them. He likes how you give sound advice and how those ideas work in our home. He is all for frugal living. Awww at last!
I'm ready. My vehicle had a complete engine failure in June. Luckily it was still under warranty, but I still had to pay for belts, motor mounts, fluids, and my 75K maintenance. It was a definite hit to the budget - and it was at the time when I thought I could start saving money each month...so a no spend month or two would be a great way to get back on track. Yep, got to see what is still in the big freezer!
For many years I have had a change jar. I now keep about a $1 or $2 in quarters in my purse (my granddaughter asked one time if I had a quarter for a gum ball machine, the first time she had ever asked me for anything! (she was 8 years old) and I didn’t have any coins at all! I use my change jar money to pay for my yearly weekend trip with my three daughters! Those quarters, dimes, nickels, and pennies really add up!
I’ve done the penny challenge a few times, but usually only until September because setting aside $2 plus dollars a day is not really feasible, especially in December. However, the amount I saved is actually around 300-400, which goes in an emergency envelope in a safe.
I know in no spend January a lot of us have an eat up month too. Eat down the freezer and food cupboard. This is a really good idea as you rotate your food supplies which keeps things fresh. I always find a few extra meals in the freezer so an inventory is essential. It also helps to eat up extra Christmas food and foodie gifts
Every week I take 5€ from my weekly budget of 50€ and save it for Christmas. These 260€ are sufficient for the Christmas meal and some modest gifts.
I like to save all the change I find on the ground. I find at least .05 per week, and usually more. Last weekend I found over $1 on the ground throughout the weekend!
Earlier this year I cashed in all the ground change from the last couple years and it helped me move across the country. Super win!
When I was married I would save our change n that would be use for vacation in June we would have anywhere between $1200-$1500 saved. Now I save my change all yr n I use it for Christmas gifts. I started "no spend challenge" in June to save money n now I don't miss spending on things I don't need. I have gone over a month not spending
I need a visual reminder of my "savings". Each time I avoid spending, I write down the amount "saved" in a small notebook. Then I review it when temptation is hitting me. Amazing how fast savings add up.
Not only am I in, I’ve already started. A few months ago, I decided to use up extras from my pantry and freezer. Since I’ve had a life “plot twist” and won’t be able to use up that food, I’ve told my daughter to use my pantry as her ‘store’ and not buy anything other than fresh stuff.
We try to eat through our pantry and freezer every three months or so, to try to cut down on food waste. We spent so many years living pay check to paycheck that we won’t call it a no spend challenge, we don’t want to romanticize deprivation. But we do rotate through from month to month things we know we can cut back on each month on a rotating basis. Ex: we spend so much time outside in summer,that’s when we cut streaming tv services. We can cut down on groceries during months we can eat from the garden. We def avoid doing no spend in Jan because we feel like it justifies over spending in Dec and often we buy things in Jan when they are on sale AFTER holidays instead of during.
Just want to say if needed, buy a sack of self rising flour, sugar, eggs. Vanilla ect. And bake some delicious cakes and cookies for Christmas Presents. It really isn't that hard. 😕....we hardly ever eat out and if we do. Cracker Barrel, It's good am reasonable....also shop at Dollar General or Big Lots
I started my preparing for a no spend 4th quarter of the year. First I reinventoried all 4 of the 4 corners of my food storage. Second I made lists of the items I wanted to add to my preps. Then I purchaced all the food prepparation instruments needed, like dehydrator, steam canner, water bath canner and all supplies.
The only spending I allow myself is farmers market produce for prep, storage and gifts. My senior friends and I are making all the gifts for the holidays in our kitchens. We are canning and dehydrating.
Lots of great advice as usual. A video on Frugal Hobbies might be fun....especially since winters can be long and money is tight for many.
Cross country skis can often be free. We got 4 pairs for free and around $60 on boots. No ski passes needed. We just gp down the road and around the yard. Another is most towns have a free swim or skate each month or a free museum day now and then . If you live where it is cold enough... the outdoor ice rinks are usually free as is sledding. The library also has quite a few free programs. Our kids have done winter scavenger hunts, winter snow painting with food coloring and warm water in a spray bottle as well as making homemade bird feeders.:) Deep North here ....brrr....but the kids go outside every day .
Yes! Staying out of the places where one shops impulsively is key!
For a number of years I was "addicted" to buying craft materials. Michaels, Hobby Lobby and Jo-Anns were my "suppliers". About 6 years ago I made a decision to stay out of these stores for a year (unless there was some emergency where a store like this was the only place I could find a needed item). Long before the year was over I recognized that I felt better for not having shopped in at least one of those places every week. Once that year was over, I didn't want to break my record and I extended it to a second year. Now I can enter such a store (and it is very infrequent that I do), I can usually get in and get out without buying much more than I went in to buy.
I'm not gonna lie - it is difficult to brace against the lure of all the attractive merchandise, and I rarely get out without purchasing something I didn't go there intending to buy, but I don't go often anymore, and when I do go into one of these stores, I can withstand temptation much better than I was able to before my year-long self-impossed moratorium on shopping in these places.
I'm sure I've saved several thousands of dollars by breaking my impulsive craft buying habit.
Thank you for your great videos. I'm leaning toward trying the Penny Challenge. Great idea!
Especially stay off of the internet for purchases
Way back in the early seventies I was able to pay for half my wedding dress by saving nickle. I was in college at the time and others found it interesting. My roomnates and visiting friends would add nickles to it. Yes i did leave it out where it would be seen
Lol loved your nickel story.I once sold a ten speed for $ for a wedding dress..Should of kept the damn bike...
I stopped buying Christmas presents years ago. Saw absolutely no point in it. I read somewhere that the average family spends over $800 a year on Christmas presents. What a waste.
Speaking of gift giving - homemade items have more meaning I make rag rugs. I use old clothes and sheets. It clears out excess stuff from the house and costs ZERO
We are doing a two year no spend challenge so we can get land with a home. I have done the live on half challenge but with only one wage earner ( I can't work with health issues) We did it for one year and my husband said no more, He is more up for the no spend challenge than living on half. Also the save all $5.00's , I have done it for years and last year we saved $1550.00 in $5.00's. God's blessing to you and yours
About 4 years ago, I started off doing smaller challenges and progressed to a no buy year 2 years ago and haven't stopped. Every year I adjust (tweak) my rules. For example, this year I knew I needed to replace my sofa and had budgeted for it. However, I was gifted some money so I wanted to use that to purchase my sofa. It took me until last month to find the sofa that suited my needs. At the beginning of the year, I set the rule that I was allowing myself this purchase because my sofa was on it's last legs, however my no spend rule was that that was the only item I could purchase in the furniture category. I write down my rules , know why I am doing this and I track everything. My bank account balances keeps me motivated and honestly at this point I think it is just habit. So far this year, I have stuck to my rules except in the eating out category because we went out for dinner when we had an unexpected visitor. Next year, I will budget $100 for the year in this category. I have exceeded my savings goals this years only because I continue to push myself to do extra monthly challenges within the no spend year. I enjoy challenges.
I’m ready! Coming up this will be our fourth no-spend January. We’re sprinkling in some no-spend weeks throughout the year as well. It’s difficult but makes a HUGE difference!!
When I was a teen in high school and young adult in university, my dad used to save some of his change for me in a vintage bucket. The deal was that I had to roll it (before banks would count it for you in the U.S.). About once or twice a year, he would give it to me. I used to regularly end up with around $100 US. Back in the day, that could get a person quite far!!!!! (Even now, I wouldn't turn it down!) Quite literally, I could fuel up my 1996 Chevy Corsica, good times.... :) Heidi in Canada
They work!!! ❤❤❤ this is the first year I have done a no spend with rules evaluated quarterly- and I have over 1000. For the holidays in a sinking fund😮🎉 they work 🎉
10% off at Foodland in South Fort Worth the first Friday of the month, I got my eye on some bone-in Ribeye's for $4.99 a pound making the about $4.50 a pound. Got to use those discounts.
I'm in. Bought an electric pressure canner to can our home made chili and vegetable soup. This will give easy options on the nights we don't want to cook to avoid eating out. Already save change and money left over from the week goes to savings.💰💲
I’m totally ready!
This is perfect! I've been a little spendy on fast food lately duringa busy time of life. I've been needing to use up my older food storage, so I can keep everything fresh in my pantry. That will save me money and get rid of older inventory.
These challenges can be fun! Thanks!
I’m in my biggest challenge is not shopping on Amazon but I’m determined not to go on any of those sites , thank you both for everything you do to help us be frugal.
I'm in ! I usually do a no spend month at the beginning of the year but I have "fallen off the wagon" this year and need to reset! Thank you for your videos. It reminds me that I can do this!
I'm in for a no-spend january. Just did my freezer inventory. I am preparing for no spend and only $200 for food (total) for January- so 2 $100 each grocery shops. I'm also really looking around for what I can sell. My daughter and I hope to visit my parents this coming summer and need to save up for that. I have not had a vacation since 2014 so this will be fun, but to get enough money I am going to need a couple more "no spend" months, and sell some items... Thank you for your information and encouragement!
I'm in, and going to save like never before. Thank you both for being such an inspiration on this frugality journey. Wouldn't be doing this if not from your urging.
Hi Hope and Larry. Watching your awesome and informative information. Me personally, I think the penney challenge is doable. Especially in these very hard times. Thank you kindly.
Declutter, sell or do swapping with friends. Clothing and kitchen are good places to start. Make gifts for Christmas like mini herb gardens grown from seeds or propagating what you or your friends have. Shop secondhand for gifts others didn’t want and upcycle eg make cool unused tea towels into cushions with scrap material or old blankets or TShirts
We have done the save the change challenge for many years. It always surprises us with how much adds up. We turn it in once a year.
I’m ready! Between now and Christmas, I’m truly trying to only spend money on absolutely only necessary things and eat what we have in the pantry, so we can go on a vacation.
I’m in this already! Fasting and cleansing my life and soul
Along with checking your pantry and freezer, you could check "that" cupboard where you keep any birthday or Holiday decorations, plates etc and work around what you already have. You may even find gifts that you bought "just in case". You may find that you can have a no-spend decorations 2022 or buy at op-shops/thrift shops etc. Check out your craft supplies as well - making something is another way to entertain ourselves when not spending. Good luck!
I have a candle and bar soap as "Just in case gift"from last Christmas,,😁
Good idea! I have a cupboard full of party decor, cupcake papers, balloons. Love the idea of getting creative without spending.
@@cynthiamantzouranis7134 Have fun being creative!
Starting the beginning of the year I put $10 a week in a jar. At the end of the year I will have $520. It was my yearly challenge
This is a great video,listening to this has shown me why my no spend challenge has not worked. It is because I have no plan, especially for me eating out can really add up🙏❤
Yes! I've been doing this for about 12 days now. I'm in the process of completely redoing our budget (or lack thereof) so this is like a giant reset button for us! Super excited to change my habits.
I’m ready! TFS I love your channel. I’m so prone to that bad habit extracurricular spending.
I'm doing a no spend in December since I'm getting 3 paychecks almost ready for 🎄.
We use cash only for all in store purchases. At some point in the spring we started taking every five dollar bill that we got as change or from the bank when we would take out cash, and quickly put that into a separate section of our wallets. As soon as we get home we put those five dollar bills away. The rule is we can’t get more cash out to compensate for those subtracted bills. We actually have done quite well with this method and don’t miss the cash from our wallets. We managed to save over $300 the first time that we could use on vacation. We are setting aside our current stash five dollar bills for our wedding anniversary celebration. It adds up quickly and you truly don’t miss it once it is out of sight out of mind and you are otherwise stick to a frugal budget.
I am ready.
I always save all my change…i try not to spend on anything extra than what i need in the house…so far im doing really good..i dont go out to eat…i dont spend on things i dont need…save gas by just going to work and home…so it is working…all my bills are paid off except for my home…so once you start its hard to not keep this set of mind…it works for me so i continue to do it…ty both for giving us your tips and tricks and advice❤️
I had a successful no-spend January and I'm currently in a no-spend October. I'm considering more frequent ones next year.
My husband and I save our change. I have a garden and do can a lot. We decided last night to challenge ourselves to eat what’s here for as long as possible without shopping except for bread and lettuce, produce. We have canned everything including meats.
You guys are gurus on financial wisdom! I listen to you to have money set aside for tithes and offerings and also for giving comfortably
I’m in! I try to do a couple a year. It’s time to do one. Thanks for all of your inspiration!
Just started 3 No spend Monts for Christmas.And I've got 2 Pipes. I save the 1 Euros in there for a year. A few years ago I did That too. I Had 440 Euros after 1 year.That was nice for the vacation time👍
With the groceries we save Points. And I'm saving now until Christmas. Offen I have 15-20 Euros. Thats a nice extra with Christmas.👍
My daughter and I do the 52 week challenge and fund it by saving from our envelope funds (misc, grocery, household, auto) each week. By the end of the year we have $1378.00. If we make extra money from side hustles that also goes towards the 52 week challenge so some years we have more money. We use the challenge as our vacation fund. During the summer we take a 2 week vacation traveling around the states by car. We always plan a main destination and see what we can see on the way there and back. This has been working for us for the past 3 years. Since I use the cash envelopes, I save all my change and once a year I turn it in and put the money in my "next" house savings account (looking to move in the next 4 years to a small farm property). I have averaged abut 250.00 a year saving my change. Every bit counts.
I'm in! I have been doing the keep the change for most of my adult life as I hate to have coins in my purse, but am too impatient to count out cents in the shops. My challenge will be to also keep the 1 and 2 Euro coins...
September is a three paycheck month for us. We have set aside our Christmas money with a detailed Christmas budget the first week of October every year. We know that amount comes out of the budget the same time every year and it’s never a stress come Christmas time. This year we are starting an adult secret Santa so we are lowering our Christmas budget this year 🎉
I'm in, I have been saving in so many ways now and the only pleasures we have are eating out and shopping in second-hand stores on discount days, I think I can do the penny challenge, I'll put my calendar up and start keeping track, Thank you
I been doing this save change and it does add up and really helped me save up. I’m doing an emergency fund or rainy days jar also. I’m aiming to built atleast 2 months of our expenses to help us out incase of emergency or something.
I'm doing a no spend currently.
of course,we will be buying necessary items,such as cleaning supplies,household and pet supplies,etc.
I fell off the no spend challenge this last week. I just wanted to go through the drive through to get a coffee treat and a breakfast meal. It's a transition as I'm starting Medicare thus month. - scary
I am ready😊. Love the penny challenge $660 is crazy!! Will be doing this for 2024!! Excited to enforce the tips you all shared😊. TFS❤
I'm ready! It's been super helpful that I'm presently working 7 days a week. I don't have time to go shopping and , when I'm honest with myself, I know I don't have time to use frivolous purchases (heck, I'm struggling to find the time and energy to do the laundry and dishes😅).
I'm ready! Don't have to buy food, can eat from pantry and freezer. I even have milk frozen. I spend $5 per week on lettuce and a couple pieces of fruit. I spent $100 in June when grocery had 10 for $10 items. Haven't spent much more since then, but I did can big from my garden.
I'm in! Thanks for the encouragement!
fascinating oneness between these two. How are they writing the script so that they now when one finishes and the other has to continue the thought??? They do it so fluently, like in a movie!!
well done!!
If you are doing the save a penny a day challenge, dont start in January!! The end of your challenge will be December and that's a hard time to save. instead start September/October. You will only be saving a small amount over Christmas and the dreaded January, and the challenge will end in time for next holiday season, great for saving for gifts x
Great idea
I never thought about that! You're right. That would be better.
Stupid question: why do people dread January?
@@josi4381 Because its cold, dreary and last 96 days 🤣
I thank God for running across your videos! I desperately need the information you are sharing. Love this video.
I'm ready... I started mine since my last pay day( 20th last month) and its been great so far. My aim is to use up food items I have had for a while in the freezer and pantry. In the process of saving up a house deposit and really close to end target. Haven't gone out to eat in over 3years and cannot recall the last time I had take out lol
Kudos!
I’ve been on a low spend for groceries this whole year. I’m trying to use up what is in my freezer. I focused on purchasing fresh locally grown fruit this summer and was able to grow most of the vegetables.
I live in Spain. You make frugal living easier. Thank you.
I'm certainly ready.
I don’t understand how people “find” money to save. Even with a no spend challenge. I make a frugal budget at the beginning of the year, and stick to it religiously. There’s not an extra $20 to “find” somewhere. I’d have to spend ahead to get what I need, or catch up on purchases later. But, my budget includes sinking funds, so I have a category for things like gifts, vacation, and vehicle repairs, that you don’t spend on monthly, but will need later. (And I already have a healthy emergency fund, and saving for that is also a line item in my budget.)
Our supermarket has a rewards / cash back scheme. We have been saving ours up and we have $150 to spend at Christmas 🎄
I do this too at my grocery store.
I’m ready. I started saving - $2 per day- not 2-4-6 but actually $2. I may increase to $3 but even at $2 that will be over $700 in a years time! Not a hard or bad habit!
a set budget means you wouldn’t have extra to spend. Currently cutting back expenses to cover the cost of inflation… so yea don’t have extra to spend especially when I’m cutting my groceries to keep my lights on
You two are so inspiring and helpful! Thank you so much for all the free resources you put out for us
Great tips. I may have to try that savings challenge but with my online banking as we don’t have pennies in Canada anymore. I do save my change and roll it and take it to the bank, you are right it does add up. 💕🇨🇦
Great ideas! Love the Penny Challenge! Having a specific goal for these savings is key for me. I’m goal-oriented.
I agree about the eating out or even going to Starbucks weekly for a coffee. That really adds up!
Great tips!
Pat in Colorado
These savings challenges work! I've been doing the save the change/ round up at my bank for over 10 years. I'm in my second year of doing the penny challenge, the 5.00 challenge and the 100 envelope challenge.
I save change ! Last time was $10.97 but often I will have $30+ dollars it adds up and is fun 😄
Oh my gosh if you did the Penny Challenge with kids how fun that would be. At the end of the year divide into 3rds. They spend a third, save in the bank a third, and donate a third