You might be wondering, what’s the point of depriving ourselves? Shouldn’t we be able to enjoy the money we earn?
When I did my first No Spend challenge in 2008, I learned to appreciate what I had. The restaurant and take out dinners became a special treat, I found clothes at the back of my closet that I loved, and I used the piles of fabric I already owned to complete sewing projects. I stopped taking things for granted. (And let’s not forget all the money saved from not eating out or making impulse buys!)
Technically, I wasn’t depriving myself since all my basic needs were being met. I had shelter, I had food, and I had clothing. And really, I had so many things in my home I didn’t miss spending my money on expensive, useless stuff! My husband and I found alternatives to the movie theatres and dinner dates.
What I realized after my month of No Spending in 2008, is that I was able to find Joy and Happiness in making do without and finding creative alternatives to the expensive things. I’m talking about finding joy in the little things again.
I no longer feel like I have to spend tons of money to find the best things in life for me. I find quite a bit more happiness in finding ways to do things that aren’t wasteful, in terms of money, time and other resources. Don’t get me wrong, I feel the freedom today to spend larger amounts of money if I want. Take for example, the trip my husband and I took to Mexico to see his only sister get married. That was important and in no way were we not going to go. Sometimes you just have to to spend money to experience life to the fullest and in turn not disappoint what’s really important in life, family and friends!
How do you view the No Spend Challenge?
I haven’t felt deprived and I am so surprised by it. When someone brings me a Tim Horton’s coffee now, I am even more grateful for it and it is now a treat instead of an everyday thing that I USED to think was a NEED. (I’ve been making coffee at home everyday instead). There are always exception to the rule as I did attend a girls night in on the weekend where I was to bring a meat/cheese/cracker tray so spent about 30 on it (drinks were supplied 🙂 Even though it was not a NEED, it did come out of my grocery budget. Even with that, so far this month and all the changes I have made – I have saved $400.00 over and above what I normally would have – and it isn’t even months end!!!
I totally get that! I'm making a few exceptions this month since I'll be heading out of town to visit some relatives. I probable will just try to limit myself more then I normally would on a vacation. Thanks for stopping by and all the best for when you do try it! 🙂
Hmmm… Well it's not that I feel that i'm "entitled" or can't have fun without spending money, or am ungrateful for what I have. But when i've had plans for months that are important to me & others, i'd rather not let down my friends & family. I will definitely take part in this challenge sometime in the future, just not this month. 😉