So I thought I would go a little deeper into what we are doing with our no spend year. we have set out some rules for ourselves to make this a bit clearer and easier to stick to because obviously we do have to spend some money.
Rule #1 We are paying rent/ utilities/ groceries/ Swimming lessons/ pet vet bills.
Rule #2 NO luxury items. At all. If it is possible for me to make a cheaper alternative at home from staple household supplies then I will. (that should be interesting)
Rule #3 No bulk or stocking up shopping beforehand. If something we own breaks or runs out during the year, there will be a serious discussion about if we should replace it or not. If we do we will replace it with a quality and permanent replacement as we try to move away from single use items.
Rule #4 We want the smallest utility bills possible, so everything from turning off a light to negotiating with supply companies is on the table for us. Also all subscriptions will be cancelled.
Rule #5 A complete clothes buying ban for my husband and I. As our daughter is only 2 and growing 17 inches a day she will inevitably need clothes this year. we will purchase everything possible from thrift stores for her.
Rule #6 Our cars will be properly fixed this January no matter the cost. this is long overdue and needs to happen before we cause further damage and bigger problems.
Rule #7 We will buy gifts for our daughter for her birthday and Christmas but no gifts for ourselves for any occasions this year.
As we move through the year we will keep a list of everything we wanted to buy and constantly update it. I’m willing to bet by the end of the year very few things on that list will still be important to us.
Our no spend year will be vlogged in detail on our you tube channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjv3QDuYnFXfYv9PTgOVUog including updates with real figures, triumphs and fails, along with all sorts of money saving recipe attempts. this is where we will be discussing any purchases that need to be made throughout the year, and our progress on digging ourselves out of a mountain of debt.
Until next time xx CC
Family seeks freedom 