So how did I do at not spending any discretionary income in January? Well, I did spend more than $0, but I have no regrets.
As planned, I spent discretionary income for one restaurant meal – our quarterly dinner on the way home from medical Botox injections. Spousal Unit & I thoroughly enjoyed it, as usual. [We ate in our vehicle, because we’re still not dining indoors.] We also bought lunch at the grocery store on this trip, but one could argue that belongs in the groceries category, rather than discretionary income. Either way, it’s what we do once every quarter, and I always enjoy it very much.
Other than that planned expense, I also spent discretionary income this month on presents for a couple of family members. In addition to these presents, we also paid for postage to pass along a few things we no longer use to 1. a family member and 2. a friend who wanted them. [Downsizing for the win!]
And I bought more anticavity fluoride mouthwash, which arguably would fall under a budget line item for sundries, but it is notable as the only thing I bought from Amazon this month.
So I did spend some discretionary income this No Spend January but I still consider it a win because the spending fast *did* reset the profligate mindset I had in December.
[Note: When I reconciled my credit card statement for January, it reminded me that I also spent for Patreon support of my favorite podcast, The Golden Ratio. Gotta remember those subscriptions!]
I was strongly tempted once this month to get takeout, but was saved from myself by the fact that the restaurant was closed when I attempted to place an order. (Thus leading to my discovery that they’re only open for breakfast and lunch.) Since then, I have had no major cravings for takeout.
I was also tempted several times to buy things I need/want for ongoing house renovations (which arguably are also things one could plan for in one’s budget). But I resisted because the greater goal was to reset my spending mindset.
Since I am an abstainer, once I go off the rails in December, I need a spending fast in January to get back on track. (Resetting from ALL to NOTHING.) However, it is also true that I could just set aside a designated amount to spend during the holidays and stick to my budget, and hopefully that would prevent me from getting into the SPEND mindset. Maybe I’ll try that this year.
As far as the criticism that some people manipulate the challenge by shifting their spending to the month before or the month after a no-spend month? To be fully transparent, I do intend to order some of those home renovation items in February. My goal for January was to reset my spending mindset, which I believe I have done. But the projects still need to be completed.
However, I will continue to try to resist takeout meals in February. We have house guests coming in March, so I hope to defer my eating out and entertainment spending until then.
In the mean time, we will continue to eat down the pantry, and we will continue to catch fresh seafood. It’s really not a deprivation to avoid takeout when you have the ocean’s bounty to (sustainably) enjoy.
RESULTS: I did not succeed in spending no discretionary income in January, but I spent in alignment with my values (one treat meal, presents for family, healthcare item, podcast that brings me joy).
CONCLUSION: I found that this No Spend January made me reflect on the excesses of the holidays (not only spending but also eating). I think I’ll try this year to resist the temptation to buy ALL THE THINGS and eat ALL THE THINGS by being mindful of the fact that I am an abstainer and that it is so easy for me to get derailed by the holidays, and by enacting some safeguards ahead of time to keep me from getting off track and needing to spend at least a month afterward recovering.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT: I acknowledge that it is a privilege to have discretionary income, and that it is a privilege to have enough money to be able to splurge at the holidays. It is also a privilege that I did not have any emergencies come up during January to force me to spend money, discretionary or otherwise.
BOTTOMLINE: No Spend January *did* reset my spending mindset, as expected. If you are a moderator, you may not need this or find it helpful. If you are an abstainer, give it a try and see what you think. It might be just the ticket to get you back on track.