In January, I took up a no-spend challenge. That’s right — I refrained from making nonessential purchases for one whole month.
After my first few times reflexively opening the Target TGT, +0.09% or Amazon AMZN, -2.13% apps, I realized I mostly shop online out of boredom. So I decided to reserve two apps specifically for mindless scrolling: Instagram and Twitter TWTR, -2.48%. Once I exhausted those, I’d have to put the phone down and find another way to pass the time. Usually, I’d opt to read a book or do laundry, both of which were much more productive and much less expensive. The urge to shop dwindled by the day.
When some stray cleaning spray left a noticeable bleach stain on my jeans, my impulse was to order a new pair. Replacing ruined clothing isn’t the same as shopping for the heck of it, right? But the more I thought about it, the less I could justify the purchase. I have more jeans in my drawer. Besides, I’m working from home and wear yoga pants most days anyway. I ultimately decided against it.I did, however, buy a new pair of shoes for my 1-year-old son in the next size up.
Our grocery spending increased, but not significantly. We noticed that we wasted less food by cooking more often and using up what we had. We netted out about $100 in savings per week on food — so $400 for the month.When I add it all up, I spent roughly $500 less in January than I would have if I hadn’t set my no-spend goal. Not a bad cushion for my emergency fund.
Not sure your being honest. Detail how please.
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