The No-Spend Year: Back To Basics

Right before Thanksgiving I noticed something unsettling. During a time to be thankful, I was feeling burdened. Weighed down by stuff. I embrace minimalism, yet am stuck in a cycle of getting items then getting rid of stuff. As I looked for a solution, I read about having a No Spend Year.

The basis of a No Spend Year is to get rid of all unnecessary spending: clothes, shoes, accessories, décor, toys, etc., for a full year. Why a year? Research shows, on average it takes more than 2 months before a new behavior becomes automatic and between 18 days to 254 days to form a new habit (Read Here). As an addiction counselor, I can tell you for most people it is way past 18 days.

Initially, my motivation to do a No Spend Year was to reduce spending, save more money, and get out of the cycle of buying then getting rid of stuff. My first thought was “this will be easy, I don’t spend that much money.” Then I started thinking about it. I spent all summer (almost every Friday) going to garage sales, purchasing items we don’t need. Hours and hours were wasted on Facebook Marketplace looking “just to see what’s on there.” I spent hours at Thrift Stores looking for clothes, sometimes not buying anything but shopping for hours. Reflecting on this I realized the unnecessary money spent is a problem, but the real issue is the time wasted.

Outside of grocery shopping, I estimated spending a minimum of 120 hours shopping. That is 120 hours (3 full work weeks) away from my kids and family. I don’t know about you, but I would rather go on a 3-week vacation with my family than waste time and money shopping. That 120 hours doesn’t even take into account the amount of time spent reorganizing, maintaining, and decluttering throughout the year.

In 2023 I want to reset my actions. I am embracing the journey of a No Spend Year. To start, I defined my “why”. To change a behavior, you must clearly define why you want to make that change. That way on days you aren’t feeling motivated, you can reference back to “why” you want to make the change.

My “whys”

1. Spend more time with my kids/family

2. Save 3-6 months of expenses

3. Appreciate what I have

4. Reduce waste

5. Spend less time decluttering, organizing, maintaining things 

Shopping releases dopamine, the pleasure hormone, which keeps you going back for more and more. Your mind is a master manipulator and will try to convince you to return to old ways, return to what is comfortable, what feels good. You can’t go “cold turkey” with shopping. You still have to buy groceries and other necessities. That is why it is crucial to make a list of what you are allowed to buy and not allowed to buy. That way you know instantly if you broke your shopping ban and your brain can’t keep tricking you. Everyone’s list will look different. Consider your true problem areas and set a clear boundary for yourself.

Here are my rules for my No Spend Year:

Allowed to buy:

• Groceries 

• Gas

• Travel out of town 1x a month 

• Toiletries

• Only 1 back up of an item 

• Things that need to be replaced (no clothes)

• Try to live without it first

• Gifts 

• Stay within budget

• focus on consumable/experience gifts

NOT allowed to buy:

• Clothes/shoes/accessories

• Décor

• Furniture 

• Toys for kids

• Items not on the grocery list 

• Streaming services

• Indoor plants 

I am looking forward to this challenge! I hope you follow my journey and good luck! Happy New Year 2023! List in the comments why you want to do a No- Spend Year!