How To Create a “No-Spend” Day or Weekend That Feels Empowering

A no spend-day is a must this December or make it a challenge and go the whole weekend. The best way to save money this holiday season is to spend no money at all. A no-spend day is a day where the goal is to spend money only on essential needs and try to avoid spending on unnecessary items.  Preplanning, setting goals, and finding the fun in free are just a few tips to make the day less of a challenge.

Transform Your Life With Planning

Before the no-spend day comes, preplanning will increase your chances of sticking to your goal. Preplanning prevents last-minute spending and helps identify the most significant challenge that will arise on the no-spend day. Turn off your cards, disconnect Apple Pay uninstall your favorite shopping apps, and even hide your wallet if necessary to prevent temptation is a challenge tip.

Go to the grocery store before starting your no-spend day. Meal planning ahead of time is another way to avoid spending money spontaneously. Spending money on fast food and snacks can quickly add up, and making a random trip to the grocery store is an expense that can be avoided later.

But if you feel like that is cheating, a challenge tip is create a meal using what you already have. Look up a new recipe online or use the AI app DishGen. Use DishGen to help you create a dish based on what you already own. Find joy in the little things, record yourself cooking as if you’re filming for a Food Network show, try a new dish, or practice creating a signature dish for your next gathering.

Master Your Day With Purpose

The next challenge tip is to set your intentions and define the goal you plan to achieve with a no-spend day. Setting intention turns your depressing day into a day of empowerment. Looking at the day from a positive perspective versus thinking about what you are giving up. And when the habit of impulse spending crosses your mind, you can look at your intentions to keep you on track and motivated.

Create a routine and set goals to help give your no-spend day structure, preventing it from feeling stagnant or dragging. Sleeping all day is one way to save money, but the ultimate goal is to master the no-spend day.

Setting goals gives you something to look forward to and a sense of accomplishment or helps you schedule your day effectively. The goals can be as simple as saving $100, deep cleaning around the house, or making self-care a priority. A challenge tip for extra motivation: Set a reward system in place for each goal you complete.

Transform Your Space for Free

Do a home reset, taking the time to clean and organize your space. Whatever housework you have put off for the last couple of months, now is the time to do it. Cleaning is a great way to pass the time and creates a cozy space that is inviting to spend time in. 

A challenge tip is to rearrange your space, giving it a new look and a fresh vibe, making it feel like a new place, not your usual room at home. If your no-spend day theme is self-care, you want to make your environment as relaxing as possible. Another challenge tip, lighting a candle, changing the bed sheets, blocking out the sun, and playing soft music are a few examples of how to change your environment for free on your no-spend day.

Power Up Your Free Fun

Again, free does not have to be boring, and you don’t have to spend money to have fun. Find ways to enjoy the free things in life, and romanticize free activities. Sometimes, life gets hectic, and people forget to appreciate the simple pleasures, such as enjoying the moment and doing nothing.

Grab your favorite snack and binge-watch a TV series without feeling guilty. Spend time outside by going for a walk or finding a free workout class in the park. 

Google free things to do in your city,’ and you never know what free festival or activity is around the corner. Take time to give back to your community. ‘Tis the season for giving back and helping others. Try looking for volunteering opportunities at a toy drive or a soup kitchen.

Celebrate Your Money-Saving Wins

At the end of your no-spend day, reflect on your experience. Journal down if you learned anything, for instance, a new recipe or something you learned about your spending habits. Take notes on the way you saved money or if you had any temptation to spend. Plan something you’d like to add to your next no-spend day and something you can do the following week to save money.

Congratulations if you made it through the whole no-spend day without spending anything. If not, learn from your habits and notes and try the challenge again.

Disclaimer: The information in this article is for general informational and inspirational purposes only. It is not intended as financial advice, nor should it replace guidance from a qualified financial professional. Always make spending and budgeting decisions based on your own circumstances and comfort level.