I’m not sure how many of you are on board for this month’s challenge but the gauntlet has been tossed and I am calling on ALL of you to try, in your own way, with your own rules, to do this with me. Right here, right now commit to a whole month of no spending:
31 Days of Living Well and Spending ZERO
If you’ve read this blog for longer than a week you probably already know that my husband and I just finished a 30 day spending freeze. For the entire month of September, we cut out all of our non-essential (and even most of our ‘essential’) spending. (To read about the 5 financial lessons I’ve learned so far, check out Friday’s post here.)
I’m not gonna lie, there were some tough moments. By the third day I was really, really regretting my lack of foresight to stock up on a few bottles of wine, and about halfway through the month I think I would have traded both my children for just one double -tall-one-and-a-half-pump-cinnamon-dolce-lattes.
We ate more than a few very random–and not in a good way–meals and we sometimes found ourselves talking longingly about all the favorite restaurants we used to frequent. Princess is literally counting the days until we can go back to the Golden Corral. Yep, we really know how to live. 
But guess what? At the end of the month we had saved over $1,000, tackled some very hard money discussions that we had previously avoided, cleared out much of the long-forgotten food in our freezer & pantry, and ultimately realize that we need so much less than what we have.
I wish I could say we didn’t fight about money that whole time, but in a strange twist, we actually had a doozy of a fight when Husband wanted spend a few dollars on something and I said no, that it wasn’t “essential.” (Let me tell you, having had ALL our previous money fights originate from MY spending habits, it was practically like the Twilight Zone to have it go the other way.) But we lived!
So would I do it again? In a heartbeat! I am ready to start all over again, this month, with YOU. To be perfectly honest, I am far more concerned about committing to writing a blog post a day for 31 days then I am to committing to another month of no spending.
But this month is not just about spending ZERO, although that will be our main goal. It will also be about living WELL while we do it. It will be about finding out just how much we already have and how little more we really need. And hopefully, by the end of them month, my definition of “living well” will also be yours: A life rich with faith, family, friends, & creativity, secure in the idea that a life well lived has nothing to do with what we have but who we are.
I thought it would be fun to put together some printables for this challenge to help you complete the challenges & track your progress. Not every day will have one, but some days will and as you print them out you can put them in a folder or binder and create your own (cute) 31 day notebook. If there is anything I love more than a 31 day challenge, it is a cute notebook to go with it!
Get your printable notebook cover sheet here
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So let’s get started, shall we? Today your task is pretty simple. First, you have to COMMIT! You can’t approach this half-heartedly or you will fail. If you are married you will also need to get your spouse on board–you will need each other! Once you’ve signed it, snap a picture and tweet it with the hashtag #31DaysLWSZ or upload it to the LWSL Facebook Group.
Get your printable commitment page here
Next, you will also have to set some ground rules for your challenge. Our ground rules last month were very basic: no spending on anything that wasn’t absolutely essential.
For us that meant paying only our regular bills, as well as giving to the church, buying one birthday gift, and purchasing a handful of other “essentials” (such as seeds for our garden, a needed part to fix the car, etc.) The only food items we allowed ourselves to buy during the month were milk, bread, eggs, & cheese. The rest of our food we ate all month came from our pantry and freezer, using what we had on hand.
Your rules should account for your own circumstances. If you have a birthday or event or vacation already on the schedule, just account for it in your plan and move on. If you do not have a huge stockpile of food stored up, eating only from your pantry & freezer probably won’t work, so you will have to include limited food purchases in your rules. This month, with our freezer and pantry already depleted, we will most likely run out of food. However, our plan is still to use what we have before we buy more. Resist the temptation to make too many exceptions ahead of time. The point is to stop spending!
There are a few expenses that should definitely be cut out for the month:
- Eating at restaurants
- Starbucks
- Clothing
- Hobbies–crafts, golf, etc.
- Entertainment
- Toys
- Toiletries
- Alcohol & other vices
- Lottery Tickets
- Furniture/Home Decor
Get your printable ground rules worksheet here
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So who’s ready to take on this challenge? What are your fears or concerns? What are you most excited about? Do you have any questions? Let’s do this!
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Sharing this post with: The Nester’s 31 Days of Change, Women Living Well Wednesdays
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Denise September 30, 2012 at 9:28 pm
The closer it got to the end of the month, the more nervous I got! But now that it is finally here, I am excited. We have gotten very careless with our spending lately and I am ready to get back on track. Thank you so much for doing this!
Ruth October 1, 2012 at 8:54 am
You’re welcome Denise! I promise it won’t be too painful.
Glad to have you on board!
Sarah L. September 30, 2012 at 9:46 pm
I don’t know exactly why I find this so scary but I do. I know we need it though, and my husband is excited so we are going to give it a try. Thanks Ruth!
Ruth October 1, 2012 at 8:56 am
You’re welcome! Thanks for joining us!
Jessi September 30, 2012 at 10:26 pm
While *I* may be committed to seeing just what we’re capable of doing re: not spending, I’m having a hard time getting my husband “on board”. And you know that you can’t attempt something this life-changing if only HALF of you is fully committed. What can I do/suggest to get him to try something like this?
Ruth October 1, 2012 at 8:59 am
That is tough Jessi! Is there something in particular he is worried about cutting out of your expenses? I would suggest maybe just printing out the ground rules worksheet and showing him that you guys can still account for certain things. Maybe you could explain that you feel it is really important to your family and to you, and offer to give him a small amount of “pocket money” that would be just for him. Good luck. Let us know how it goes!
Debra September 30, 2012 at 11:15 pm
I’m looking forward to following you this month. We usually do our no spend month in February – this upcoming one will be our fifth year. I would like to add another month since the family is finally on board for Feb. So I hope to add another month in 2013.
Ruth October 1, 2012 at 9:00 am
Wow Debra, it sounds like you are a PRO! I hope you will share a lot of your tips and tricks with us along the way.
Thanks for joining in!
Zoey October 1, 2012 at 8:47 am
I love this! I could use a kick in the pants when it comes to overspending! I’m not sure I’m ready but I’m going to try!
Ruth October 1, 2012 at 9:02 am
You’ll do great! Glad to have you on board Zoey!
Keirra October 1, 2012 at 9:55 am
I have recently took over our finances. My husband and I decided it was a little confusing have 2 people trying to pay bills and keep up on things. So for October we are going on a bit of a spending freeze. Bills and food ONLY! Hopefully my kids don’t hate me by the end of the month =P
Ruth October 1, 2012 at 10:34 am
They won’t.
Glad to have you join us Keirra!
Crystal October 1, 2012 at 10:10 am
I am not an overspender, but husband sure is when it come to lunches. He buys lunch out every work day and often stops at a gas station for a drink and some chips. We’ve had “the talk” about this and while it seems he is on board for a few days, he quickly goes back to his old ways. It’s not horrible though and I have to say that once (long before kids) I dropped $50 plus at Starbuck’s each week…. This is going to be a fun challenge and definitely worth the work!!! Thanks, Ruth!!!!
Ruth October 1, 2012 at 10:35 am
You’re welcome! I’m excited to hear how it goes for you guys! Glad to have you join in the fun!
Jessica@sweatismysanity October 1, 2012 at 11:07 am
As a Financial Peace University graduate, I love all things Dave Ramsey and let’s face it I’ve been on a spending spree lately and it’s time to pay the piper! I was just thinking of freezing my spending this morning and then remembered I have kids on fall break for 3 out of the 4 weeks this month. Hmmm??? That’s my hesitation, I have some fun things planned and they cost money, plus it’s my bday month.
I’ll have to think on it, because I know we need it badly. BTW, pop over and give Ruthanne some comment love on today’s MMM post.
xo, Jessica
SweatIsMySanity.com
Ruth October 1, 2012 at 8:39 pm
Girl, I know how you hate commitment but this is one month of your life….you can do it!
Oh, and done and done. xoxo
Peggy October 1, 2012 at 11:42 am
I have a hard time understanding why someone who subscribes to “Living Well, Spending Less,” especially the head “saver,” would need to give up “Starbucks.” Spending less and including Starbucks as an expense is an oxymoron to say the least. Their coffee is more expensive than any others and it doesn’t even taste any better than others. That’s not something I could drop from my list of expenses, because I refuse to pay for it at any time.
Crystal October 1, 2012 at 12:07 pm
Everyone has their “vice”. Some people like Starbucks over other coffee shops or vice versa. To each his own, but do undertand that some people actually budget for a “coffee treat”. I buy the bagged Starbucks coffee- mainly when on sale, paired with a coupon, and gift card. Then I take my empty bag in to my local Starbucks and get a free tall drip coffee. A definite treat for me. Let’s not judge.
Ruth October 1, 2012 at 8:48 pm
LOL Peggy I can tell you must be new to LWSL because I am by no means a financial wizard!
Far from it, actually. I originally started this blog because I was a shopaholic in danger of spending my marriage to death. (You can read all about it here and here and here) In any case, welcome! I am so glad to have you here & hope you will be able to find lots to relate to here, even if you don’t share my deep and abiding love of overpriced (but oh-so-delicious) coffee. 
Laurie October 1, 2012 at 11:54 am
I did a spending freeze last year and it was FABULOUS! So empowering to have the ability to just say no to buying the inessentials!
Ruth October 1, 2012 at 8:50 pm
So does that mean you are joining us this year?
Brandi October 1, 2012 at 12:57 pm
I’m in. going to go over my rules for the month right now!
Ruth October 1, 2012 at 8:50 pm
Woot woot….glad to have you Brandi!
Dolores Smith October 1, 2012 at 1:41 pm
I’m in, Ruth. As a single retiree, I need to learn to cut down on the shopping. Have a pantry full and freezer full of food that needs eating before I add a single thing AND I’ve already been working on it for a month. It’ll take some time, but my budget will love it!
Ruth October 1, 2012 at 8:51 pm
Ms. Dolores, I am so glad to have you!
Angie D. October 1, 2012 at 1:50 pm
Wow, this is awesome (but scary). However, if you could do it last month, then we can do it together this month. I can’t wait to push myself and see how creative I can get with the stuff in my cupboards. Besides, any reason to start a cute binder is awesome!!
Ruth October 1, 2012 at 8:54 pm
Yay! So glad to have you on board Angie!
Nicole October 1, 2012 at 3:14 pm
This sounds amazing! It would be hard to do this month since I start Christmas shopping in October.
Ruth October 1, 2012 at 8:53 pm
I hope you’ll join us Nicole! You could do one of 2 things….budget a certain amount for Christmas shopping this month (in your ground rules) OR spend this month working on FREE gifts–either homemade or recycled. You might be surprised at how creative you can be once you set a few limits.
April October 1, 2012 at 5:12 pm
I want to do this, but the idea of being cut off what I want to do is scary. Before you did this for the first time, did you stock up on some things? Anything? I know you said you wish you had on some other things… Part of me wants to stockpile before I start, but I’m not sure that’s the point.
Ruth October 1, 2012 at 8:57 pm
We did not stock up on things–that would defeat the purpose! If you run out & it is something you absolutely cannot live without, you can always buy more. The point is to use what you have.
Theresa October 1, 2012 at 9:11 pm
Great ideas! hmmm…I need to think about whether I am ready for this challenge..
Amanda October 1, 2012 at 10:52 pm
This is perfect timing. My husband and I decided we would make October “no spend month” in our household even before I stumbled on your blog. So I will be following along! Problem is, i actually failed already today on Day 1, totally by accident. So I am just going to tack on another day.
I am also doing the 31 days too. My topic is “31 Days to Healthier Grub!”
Christie October 2, 2012 at 12:20 am
I found you via The Nester. I’ve already committed to a no-spend on the house over the next month, so I’m going to try it for the other categories too. Not sure I’m organized enough for groceries, but I think if I only buy perishables I could do it. Thanks for the challenge, and the fun printables!
Chloe October 2, 2012 at 12:56 am
Boy, how I wish I could commit to a month of no spending. (Except bills of course). Honestly, I just don’t think I could do it. Maybe one day, because I would LOVE to see how much we save!
Jeniece October 2, 2012 at 9:25 am
ok I am in!!! I have a blog so I will be keeping my progress on blog too. this is a great idea!
Heather October 4, 2012 at 2:01 am
wow, in October? I’m gearing up for Christmas! I’m going to watch and see how you all do, and then go ahead and try this out in January.
Alison October 4, 2012 at 6:49 pm
Ruth, you’re a woman after my own heart
An Australian charity is doing ‘Buy Nothing New Month’ for October, and I’m doing that along with my 31 Days series. Buying nothing new isn’t hard for me. Buying non-essentials is a harder challenge – especialy when it comes to coffee – and one I’m embracing this month (I’ve already failed on several occasions!!). Makes it interesting when I’m in the process of renovating my house!!
patty October 5, 2012 at 12:38 pm
no where’s near ready for a challenge like this (cin dolce is my fav, too-but i went to dbl nonfat latte w whip to save calories and decrease sugar). love your definition of living well, too. perfect.
Shannon October 15, 2012 at 2:39 pm
Fantastic challenge! Saw you on Frugal girl the a.m. Now getting caught up reading your 31days project…I’m doing one myself. Cheers!
Helena @ LivingGreenDayByDay February 11, 2013 at 2:36 pm
I absolutely love your quote at the end: “A life rich with faith, family, friends & creativity, secure in the idea that a life well lived has nothing to do with what we have but who we are.”
I hope you don’t mind but I mentioned it in my blog post from today and linked it back to your website of course. Totally fit with something that happened this weekend that I was writing about and then I saw your quote today and thought-wow, she totally gets it!
Virginia April 18, 2013 at 3:33 pm
Starting today! We just got married and are learning to balance our finances, at a rapid rate! I also printed your budget sheet, and some coupon-ing tips and tricks! This is my favorite blog find yet, thanks for all the great advice!
Anonymous May 13, 2013 at 4:53 am
I am in on this.
Kim May 18, 2013 at 11:53 pm
I feel like to do this type of thing it would take a lot of preparation and saving up to go on the “big shopping trip.” I do know that for two weeks we’re able to live off of our pantry and can get by with only getting essentials (like formula and diapers and purified nursery water). We tried buying stuff for a month’s time and didn’t really plan out anything (I told the hubby about the idea and he went on a spree when I sent him to the store…). Still left us near penniless at the end of the month. So I feel like its something to plan for.
HOWEVER – I really want to do it for the experience of it and to see how much of a difference it would be. For one if it saves us money I’m all up for that. And two, I’m TRYING to start up my own blog so anything I can blog about would be great. Perhaps I can blog about the preparation for it. Ha~