I Tried to Go One Day Without Spending Money: Here’s What I Learned

Hi there!

Last month, I decided to track how many “no-spend” days our family could have in September. I thought it would be eye-opening, but I wasn’t prepared for just how challenging it actually was! Every single day, something came up: groceries, gas, a subscription payment, a last-minute Amazon order - even on the days we stayed home, a little “Oh, I’ll just e-transfer you” snuck in.

I realized that the habit of spending every day was more concerning than the dollar amount itself. Somehow, daily spending had become part of our routine.

What Are “No-Spend” Days?

This month, we’re doing something different: blocked-out “no-spend” days. If we need something, it has to wait until a spending day. Already, this simple habit is helping us:

• Think twice before making a purchase

• Get creative with what we already have at home

• Make things last longer than we thought possible

If your family has been feeling like there’s always something to pay for, this strategy might help.

Make it a Family Lesson

To get kids involved, I created a simple printable: The “Delayed Gratification Challenge.” It’s just a few quick questions you can discuss together as a family - perfect for dinner or a car ride.

Download the Challenge!

You don’t need to prep or teach, just start the conversation and watch how your kids respond. Let us know how it goes!

Victoria