The No Spend Month Challenge

I have been intrigued by the many stories of people who have decided for a variety of reasons, to have a no spend year in all aspects of their life, both personal and professional. All frivolous and unnecessary spending is completely eradicated, only spending money on the very basics and certain necessities. It really does take a lot of willpower but by the end of the year, many not only have saved so much more money but also have gained a new perspective on spending and waste which they find extremely liberating.

So, could you challenge yourself to a no spend day, week or month in the workplace, just to see how much money you could save? This type of idea is a growing trend among many employees looking to save money and to curb unnecessary expenses during their working day. The challenge invariably involves committing to not spending any money on typical workplace extras such as coffees, lunches and snacks, in addition to any other unnecessary outgoings, for a set period of time. While it does sound rather daunting at first, it really is an excellent opportunity to build financial discipline, become more creative and reassess your spending habits.

Workplace expenses can quietly and quickly drain your budget. Daily coffees, bars of chocolate, a few lunches out each week and various vending machine snacks can considerably add up. A no spend at work challenge can help you to identify where exactly your hard earned money is going and then you can redirect it towards savings or other goals you may have.

Advance meal preparation is crucial so take time to carefully and thoughtfully prepare your lunches and snacks for the week, ensuring that they are tasty and nutritious while keeping costs to a minimum. Use a flask to take your own coffee to work. Even if you have to invest in a new one, you’ll probably begin to see savings by the end of the first week. Remember, even the smallest of changes that can save significant amounts of money over time. In addition to saving money, a no spend challenge can promote healthier habits such as eating more balanced home prepared meals. It also encourages mindfulness, helping you to become more aware of spending triggers and unnecessary purchases.

You may even choose to take it one step further and decide to not buy any new clothes for work, making do with what you have. As long as they are clean and smart, it really doesn’t matter if you have had them a while! Additionally, if distance is not an issue, you may choose to walk or cycle to work instead of driving or using public transport, saving even more money in the process.

Keep a record of the money that you would have spent as this can be extremely motivating and can reinforce your commitment to the challenge you have set for yourself. With thoughtful preparation and determination, you may be surprised at how much you can save and how empowered you feel by the end of the month!