No Spend August + PDF Download

Mid July I mentioned on Instagram that I was going to do a “No Spend August”. In my stories I welcomed anyone to join me and thought mayyybbeeee five people would be interested… Turns out that number was a whole lot higher!

I talk about budgets and finances on my channel a fair bit but like I always say - I’m not perfect at it all the time. Or any of the time, actually. I won’t lie… There have been quite a few larger bills as of late. I don’t regret any of the purchases because they were all somewhat necessary; like Merediths new bed, stuff to get the house more organized, new bras (long overdue), and a list of other things that just added up. There are few things I hate to my stomach more than the feeling of getting a somewhat unexpected large bill. To top it off, inflation and these insane gas prices have really messed up my grocery budget.

To sum up - there’s been a heavy amount of money going out of this home. And so doing a “no spend challenge” for the month of August will be just the refresh I need!

When I saw how many of you were pumped about doing a no spend with me, I got really inspired. Like - WOW! Some of that inspiration led to me making a FREE printable “No Spend Sheet” for you to download and fill in. There are 31 hexagons for each day of August on the sheet. For every day you get through without spending any unnecessary money, colour in the hexagon with the corresponding day. I have also included a few lines for you to write down your goals. It serves well to have a visual daily reminder of WHY you are participating in this challenge. Maybe your goal is to save up for a larger purchase, or a vacation, or just to help you get ahead of those bigger bills… Whatever it is, write it down.

GUIDELINES:

There are some guidelines to follow for this “no spend”. They are as follows:

• The only things you are allowed to buy are necessities. Necessities include necessary groceries and gas. “Necessary groceries” just means that you don’t buy what you don’t need. And no - coffee shop coffees are not a necessity (but sometimes my heart tells me they are). Necessities change from person to person so decide what yours are and stick to them.

• This may be the time to use your gift cards… Like the ones you have had sitting in your wallet for years! But there’s a catch… You cannot spend over the gift card limit. So if you want to go out for dinner because you have a gift card for $100 to your favourite restaurant, enjoy your meal, but be sure to spend no more than $100 so that you don’t spend your own money.

• Sales do not justify spending. If the best store ever is having a 75% off sale storewide you are gonna have to use all the determination you have to not pull your money out. Just close your eyes and run.

• Birthdays are different… If a friend or family member has a birthday this month and you want to buy something for them, I say go for it!

Overall, just don’t spend your money on anything you don’t ACTUALLY need.

TIPS TO MAKE THE MONTH EASIER

• “Mute” all social media accounts or email subscriptions that will most likely tempt you to purchase their product. This is one I will be doing religiously…

• Stop yourself from online browsing. Try to find something else to do instead (i.e. scroll Pinterest, read a book, watch a show).

• If you go out with friends, try leaving your wallet at home or hidden in your car. I like having my card on me at all times incase of an emergency, but if I don’t want to spend money I leave my card in the car so that I literally can’t buy anything.

THINGS TO DO INSTEAD OF SPENDING MONEY

• Find a new book to read (borrow from a friend)

• Make plans with friends

• Explore new walking trails

• Memorize Scripture

• Try some new recipes

• Attend free park events

• Host a games night

• Declutter your home

• Begin an exercise or stretching routine

• Go to the beach

• Host a potluck

• Create self portraits

DONT FORGET to download and print off this sheet that I made for YOU! I hope it helps keep you all motivated and focused on your goals!

HOPEFULLY you have found some ideas and some motivation here. I’m really looking forward to this “no spend” because your excitement has got me super excited! I’ll be checking in on IG regularly with everyone to see how you are doing with this challenge. There will be good days and hard days I’m sure… but at the end of the month it will have been so worth it! Remember, this is supposed to be mostly enjoyable so try not to get stressed or frustrated when you have to say “no” to friends or sales. Be open with your friends and family if they invite you somewhere that would cost money! If you share with them that you are doing a “no spend challenge” they may get inspired by your determination and join in too!

Happy no spending!

-Rachel