No Spend November – How Did I Do?

~ thecfomom

November is almost over. This month has definitely taught me alot! Here’s my end of the month review:

General Reflections

  1. Create a zero-based budget – 100% Success! I don’t think I can ever go back to my old budget. It really helps giving every dollar a job.
  2. Use a cash envelope system food, eating out, kids, charity, spending money. and myself – 70% Success! I was really good the first half of the month. Having cash vs. credit card curbed our spending tremendously. However, on the second half, I didn’t fill my envelops right away. As a result, I overspent in groceries and struggled to make up for the different the rest of the month.
  3. Create a weekly meal plan and grocery shop weekly – Fail! I know I should, but I hate doing it. Fun read: Meal Planning is Like Food Prison
  4. Eat leftovers and try for a zero wasted food – 80% Success Since I overspent on groceries, I have been very vigilant in trying to make sure it lasts.
  5. Spending fast: buy only needs –Fail – I had 10 days were I brought stuff that I didn’t need.
  6. Use coupons/discounted gift cards – 50% Success –I did get some good Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals. 
  7. Buy used or second hand – Fail – I didn’t buy anything used this month.
  8. Goal: 15 no spending days – 100% Success! Final total – 16 no spending days! 
  9. Get invited somewhere for Thanksgiving  – 100% Success Except now I want a new house.

I am so ready for December! How did your month go?

Published by thecfomom

10 thoughts on “No Spend November – How Did I Do?”

  1. I found the envelope system really helpful but I did struggle meal plans at times. I totally get why some people don’t like it. I used the meal plan when extensively when getting out of debt but now I prefer to play it by ear.

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  2. I hate meal planning! With just the 2 of us, it is easier to go to the market and pick up what we want for that day. We have a lot less food waste now – could also be we are cooking for 2 not maybe 3 or 4!

    I want to try a no-spend “adventure” but I don’t think December is the best month to try it. Impressed you had 16!!

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  3. I love the no spending idea. I found I was spending money practically every single day. It took me about 3 months of working hard on my budget to realize that there’s not really much that I need and if there is something I need, it can go in the budget.

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