This month we are talking all about how to successfully pull off a no-spend January (or any other month!). We have given you top tips on planning for a no-spend month, and today we will be covering what not to do.
It is important to recognise your triggers when planning a no-spend month. Do you always walk by your favourite cafe that leads to you picking up a coffee and a homemade cookie? Walk a different way to work. Do you have one friend who you always go shopping with? Plan to go on a hike instead. It is important to be honest with yourself about what and when you spend, so you know exactly what you will need to avoid to be successful.
We have a tendency to overestimate our willpower when it comes to depriving ourselves of certain things. If your colleagues invite you out for a few drinks in the afternoon, you might think to yourself ‘I’ll just drink water and chat’, but very rarely will you be able to stick with this. Instead, make a plan to go out with them when your no-spend is over, and go home to make your pre-planned dinner.
Remember why you are doing the no-spend month. Write your savings goal, or the thing you are going to spend on on a piece of paper and put it next to your credit card. If you begin to feel like the depravity will never end, you are more likely to throw in the towel and start spending again.
Stay tuned for more no-spend tips next week!