No Spend September Challenge 2019

August burnt me out. Every weekend this month I’ve had some type of expensive activity that I needed to do or attend. August started with hosting my brother’s baby shower, then I had another baby shower to attend, the next weekend a house warming, the weekend after that I was in a wedding, and then we are ending August with a lake trip for LDW. Not to mention I just paid for our Costa Rica trip for October. I’M WORN OUT!!

After listening to a few financial budgeting podcasts, I didn’t realize that the “No Spend September” challenge was a real thing. But I’m all for a challenge. (I don’t know why I keep setting myself up for this stuff)

The purpose of this challenge is to:

Reset your spending habits
Help you analyze your wants vs needs
You can save money for your emergency fund/pay down debt
And much much more!

I would love for anyone to join me during this No Spend Challenge, and tell me your thoughts on how hard/easy it was, how much did you save (I know that is personal info, so you really don’t have to tell me this information), and if you would do it again!

Okay, so here are the rules:

No impulsive shopping (That means when you are at Target for your groceries, only get groceries…not the new Mielle Organics hair butter)
Only spend money on your NEEDS. Dave Ramsey states your basic needs are transportation, utilities, Rent/Mortgage, and groceries (You can not eat out during this challenge, unless it is pre-planned in your spending budget, for example birthday dinners)
If you have events that you have already planned for in the month of September, DO THEM! Just include them in your spend budget for the month.

There are always some exceptions, but I’m trying to take care of those exceptions now in the month of August so I can really take full advantage of the No Spend September.

For me, I know my brother + a close friend have a birthday in September, and I’m headed to Atlanta Georgia for Curl Fest (I purchased the ticket in August tho….so this counts right?) But other than that, I think I’m good to go. Those are my ONLY exceptions.

I will check back in around the end of September to update you on my struggles (probably not eating out), and how much I was able to save by not swiping my card for impulse purchases.

Are you wanting to join me? Let me know in the comments below so we can keep each other accountable.

I can’t wait to hear how your “No Spend September” is going!

Infamously Yours,

Joi