“Going Cash Free for a Week”
by Mel @ brokeGIRLrich / March 12, 2014
From reading various blogs, I’ve found different ways people are saving their dollars. One idea that popped up quite often is having a “No Spend” day or week. At the end of February, I had less cash than I’d have liked. To balance my financial situation and prepare for some upcoming expenses like birthdays and travel plans, I decided to give the ‘No Spend Week’ a shot.
So what’s a ‘No Spend Week’? It’s as straightforward as it sounds. You don’t spend any money at all during that week. I thought it was a practical strategy to save some quick cash.
Luckily, I had already done my grocery shopping over the weekend. With the groceries and other stuff at home, I was sure I could sail through the week without spending anything more. My immediate needs were already sorted – food and a Metrocard for travelling.
However, my schedule was intense for the week with long working hours over seven consecutive days. Being busy did help to some extent, but it also highlighted a habit which was causing my cash drain: eating out. I discovered that even a simple dollar slice of pizza after a tiring day looked extremely appealing to me.
Walking past my favorite food spots in NYC during the week was indeed a test of my resolve. The urge to stop by Dunkin Donuts for my favorite Boston Cream donut, despite not being particularly hungry, made me realize my susceptibility towards impulsive eating.
Throughout the week, my relationship to food and a newfound sugar addiction became evident. Another important lesson from the experience was the value in being mindful before making a purchase. Many things that initially seemed necessary or appealing lost their luster by end of the week.
There were some positives too. I used my gym membership way more than usual; hitting the gym six out of the seven days. I did end up spending on postage for some eBay packages, but considering it was an investment to earn money, it seemed in line with the spirit of ‘No Spend Week’.
Overall, it was an eye-opening experience. If I face a tight budget like February again, I’ll certainly opt for another ‘No Spend Week’, perhaps with more challenges next time. It could be fun trying to figure out free ways to hang out with friends.
Have you ever attempted a ‘No Spend Day’ or ‘No Spend Week’? What were your hardest moments? Let me know your experiences.