If you’ve ever felt like your spending is getting out of control, or that your budget needs a serious reset, a no spend year can seem like the ultimate challenge. And it is—but it’s also a life-changing experience that can help you transform your financial future.
As a family, we were buried in consumer debt, living paycheck to paycheck, and often drowning in stress about money. But when we committed to a no spend year, we not only paid off debt faster than we thought possible—we also learned some valuable lessons that changed the way we think about money, spending, and what truly matters.
Before you throw your hands up and think, “There’s no way I can do this!”, hear me out. This journey might seem overwhelming, but it’s absolutely doable with the right mindset, planning, and preparation.
In this post, I’ll share exactly how we planned, prepared, and survived a no spend year, plus some ideas for a low spend year if you’re not quite ready to dive into the deep end.
1. What Exactly is a No Spend Year?
A no spend year is exactly what it sounds like: you commit to not spending money on anything that isn’t a necessity for the entire year. That means no eating out, no shopping for non-essentials, and no impulse buys—at all.
It’s about being intentional with your purchases, identifying wants versus needs, and making a plan to live without the excess. But remember, you don’t have to be perfect. It’s about progress, not perfection.
2. How a Low Spend Year Works
If a full-blown no spend year feels too intense, you might want to try a low spend year instead. The goal here is to cut back on discretionary spending without completely eliminating it.
For example, you might:
- Cut back on eating out but still enjoy an occasional date night.
- Limit shopping but allow yourself to buy essentials like clothing or replacement items.
- Reduce entertainment costs, but you may still indulge in an occasional treat (like a movie night out).
The key is to cut back and be mindful of how much you’re spending while still allowing yourself some flexibility.
3. Plan Your No Spend Year (or Low Spend Year)
A successful no spend year doesn’t just happen. It requires thoughtful planning and preparation. Here’s how to get started:
Create a Budget (And Stick to It!)
A clear and realistic budget is the foundation for any no spend year or low spend year. Begin by analyzing your current spending habits. List your essential expenses (mortgage, utilities, groceries, transportation) and non-essential ones (subscriptions, eating out, entertainment). From there, decide where you can cut back.
Set Clear Goals and Milestones
What do you hope to achieve during your no spend year? Whether it’s paying off debt, saving for a down payment, or building your emergency fund, make sure you set specific, measurable, and attainable goals. Break them down into monthly milestones so you can track your progress.
Plan for Special Occasions
Let’s be real: You can’t skip your best friend’s birthday or ignore holidays. Instead of blindly following a “no spend” rule, plan ahead. Create a strategy for how you’ll handle birthdays, holidays, and special events. Maybe you’ll make homemade gifts or plan a free family day out instead of spending money.
4. Get Creative with Substitutions
One of the most important skills you’ll learn during a no spend year is how to get creative. Some of the best experiences we had during our challenge were the ones that didn’t cost a dime. Here are a few ideas to help you stay on track:
- Free Activities: Go on a hike, visit a local park, or host a game night with friends. Explore the free fun in your community.
- DIY Gifts: Instead of buying gifts, consider making them. We made homemade candles, baked treats, or gave experiences as presents.
- Free Entertainment: Swap your Netflix subscription for free audiobooks from the library or free streaming services.
Alternative for Low Spend: If you don’t want to completely eliminate these activities, set limits. Perhaps you’ll allow one paid entertainment activity per month, but you’ll need to find a way to make the rest free.
5. Track Your Progress (And Celebrate Milestones!)
Tracking your progress is essential during a no spend year or low spend year. It will motivate you, show you how far you’ve come, and help you stay on track. Use a debt payoff progress chart or a savings tracker to visualize your goals.
Don’t forget to celebrate your milestones! Every time you hit a goal (whether it’s saving $500 or cutting out all non-essential purchases for a month), treat yourself—just keep it frugal. Maybe a “free” treat like a picnic in the park or a fun family activity you can do for little to no cost.
Alternative for Low Spend: If you’re doing a low spend year, you can still celebrate with small rewards that align with your goal of cutting back.
6. Build Your Emergency Fund
One of the most important things we did during our no spend year was build up our emergency fund. It gave us peace of mind knowing we could cover any unexpected expenses without resorting to credit cards or loans.
As part of your plan, set a target for your emergency fund. If you already have one, use your no spend year to boost it! Aim for 3 to 6 months’ worth of expenses.
Alternative for Low Spend: Even if you’re not committing to a full no spend year, you can still use this time to boost your emergency savings. Try setting aside a portion of your “savings” from cutting back.
7. Be Flexible (Life Happens!)
No matter how well you plan, life happens. You’ll have days when you slip up, when unexpected expenses arise, or when your willpower fades. The key is to be flexible and adapt.
It’s okay to change your strategy mid-year. Maybe you need to reduce your goals or make adjustments. The important thing is to keep going, no matter what.
Alternative for Low Spend: For a low spend year, it’s even easier to allow some flexibility, especially when unexpected expenses crop up. The goal is progress, not perfection.
8. Stay Motivated by Your “Why”
When the going gets tough, it’s crucial to remind yourself why you’re doing this in the first place. Whether your goal is to pay off debt, save for a home, or simply learn to live with less, keep that reason at the forefront.
For me, I kept thinking about the financial freedom we could achieve by eliminating debt, the stress we would reduce by being intentional with our spending, and the peace of mind that would come with knowing our future was financially secure.
Conclusion: Can You Do It?
A no spend year (or low spend year) is a powerful way to reset your finances, eliminate debt, and start saving for the future. The key is to plan ahead, stay committed, and celebrate your progress.
If you’re ready to take on this challenge, remember that it’s not about perfection—it’s about doing your best and embracing the journey toward financial freedom. Whether you decide to go all-in with a no spend year or opt for a more flexible low spend year, the important thing is that you’re taking control of your finances and making intentional choices for a better future.
If you’re not quite ready to commit to a full year, start small by trying a No Spend Month instead! It’s a great way to dip your toes into the challenge without feeling overwhelmed. In my post on how to survive a no spend month, I walk you through how to prepare, what to expect, and how to succeed. It’s a perfect first step if you want to test the waters before committing to a longer-term goal. Give it a try, and you might just find that it’s easier—and more rewarding—than you think!
Have you ever considered doing a no spend or low spend year? What would be your biggest challenge? Find me on YouTube and join the community. Amazing conversations are happening there everyday in the comments of my posts and videos.
