For people in debt management, participating in a “No Spend Week” is a fun and effective savings tactic. For some, a no spend week can be the ultimate challenge, but one they embrace willingly and with open arms. No Spend Week (or day or month) is pretty simple. It’s a period of time where you spend nothing. Zip. We’ve provided some tips to help you successfully execute a no spend week and get ahead of your consumer debt.
A no spend week can help your debt management efforts.
Tuesday Tip – No Spend Week
Pick a Time Frame
You can set any “no spend” time frame you want. When doing so, try to set yourself up for success. If you’re new to the no spend trend, start slowly with a no spend day or even a no spend work week to feel it out. Once you get the hang of things, then gradually work up to longer periods of time for a real challenge.
Plan Ahead
I can’t stress this enough, preparation is key. In order to successfully have a no spend week, you must prepare in advance. Plan your grocery shopping, your meals, how you’re planning to get that morning jolt of caffeine, and any other expense you can think of. The point of a no spend week is to cut down on extra expenses. This way, you can prove to yourself that you CAN go a week without Starbucks, eating out, or any of the other “wants” we sometimes confuse as “needs”. Our debt counselors know how easy it is to consider “wants” as “needs” and winding up with debt.
Trial and Error
Not spending a dime for a whole week may feel unnatural at first. You may have some trouble adjusting; you may get off track, or even have an unforeseen expense that you must address. Don’t beat yourself up over it! No spend week is supposed to be a fun challenge that helps you get ahead and feel accomplished in your debt management journey. Trial and error is normal, so if you splurged on a bag of chips or a coffee, try not to spoil the entire experience over one setback. Setbacks can serve as a reminder to better prepare for the next time.
Exceptions
If you’re taking part in a no spend week, or even a no spend month, of course you will have some expenses that are unavoidable. Things like gas, medications, and grocery shopping may not be able to wait the duration of your cutback. Again, a no spend week is a chance for you to challenge yourself to eliminate spending & consumer debt and build up the funds you would have spent to put towards your debt or savings goals.
If you’re struggling to pay off debt, ACCC can help. Schedule a free credit counseling session with us today.
