I feel like the only “true” NSM I had was my very first one.
Many, a few random things popped up, spends wise but overall I was quite impressed. By November 3rd, I realized I was out of contacts and needed to update my eye exam. Not a great start, but again I always expect things to pop up.
I also ended up getting my daughter her first “real” haircut aka not from mom.
Her hair felt much better brushing that I realized, I really wanted to cut my split ends as well. However, I did manage to save way more then expected on my grocery bill. My goal was at least $100 and I saved almost $300.
Say what?!
That I was honestly proud of because I made a more conscious effort to prep meals for work and bring snacks for the kiddos after I teach.
We sometimes would get things from the vending machine or cafe at work. While it’s a dollar or two here and there, it can add up to over $20 or more.
I focused on buying less single serving things and just buying more in “bulk” to divide them into containers. This is something I used to do all the time, so not sure why I stopped.
I also stopped relying on using Instacart so much. I even saved on the nursery and worked out a few times at my house instead of going to the gym with them.
The point of this no spend month was to avoid unnecessary spending and to really budget within what I NEED vs. what I WANT.
By the end of the month, I wanted to reduced my spending in these areas:
- Coffee Runs: $40
- Candles: $25
- Gym Nursery Fees: $60
- Ordering Food For Work: $50 – $60
- Groceries: $600
Here’s what they came out to for my “NoSpendVember:”
- Coffee Runs: $26 (-$14)
- Candles: $10 (-$15)
- Gym Nursery Fees: $25 (-$35)
- Ordering Food For Work: $0
- Groceries: $335 (-$265!!!)
EXTRA SPENDS:
- Contacts + Eye Exam: $80
- Haircuts: $60
- Dine Outs: $30
- Gas to NYC: $45
- Christmas Mugs: $5
Total OVERALL Saved: $169
So why do I do the “no spend month” in November?
To have “extra” money for Christmas. While I do save money aside for Christmas in general, it’s nice to feel like I didn’t spend too much when I do the “no spend” month.
Hope everyone is having a wonderful holiday season.
Remember to take things one day at a time.
❤
If you missed my other no spend months check these two out:
Minimalist[ish] Coffee Mom 
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