I live in a small house, I don’t have enough storage space… then I realised that my clothes and shoes had expanded into 3 cupboards. A big declutter, sold stuff on eBay and bought wood for shelves. Voila, a pantry cupboard in the bedroom!
You've done fabulous so far. I started fiver Friday and put £20 for December in a put in January already so on track. As of washing the car, I alternate it as I have MS and some days no chance, when I've done it I celebrate saving a tenner and also a sense of accomplishment. I've had 15 NSD this month and hoping to do better next month😊
Hi Nicola, very well done with what you are achieving. I intended a no spend January but that hasn't worked out. But, I've learnt some important lessons about my impulse buying and how I'm wasting money. That awareness is invaluable and I've committed myself to a Low Spend Year. That feels doable with a bit of grace to make mistakes and have the occasional coffee etc. I'm learning budgeting as a very mature woman!!!
@@NicolaatTheFrugalCottage Thank you. Also, if anybody reads this, Nicola's budget planner and cash wallet are helping me so much in my efforts to get on top of things. Well worth the money!
I had 8 no spend days so far this month, where I did no purchases at all, then I had 6 green light purchases, which are basically groceries ( I buy food in smaller batches as I don't drive and walk to the stores which takes me about 15 minutes each way. There is no direct bus to the supermarket and I'd rather use the £6 I would spend on the fares to buy something else and also have some exercise that way as well). I also had 3 orange light purchases: one was for a new pack of knickers for £3.50, (I desperately needed them, lol), one for booking trains for a trip with my friend for her birthday which came from my Birthdays sinking fund anyway and cost me £22 return for both of us! and the third one was a trip to Heron Foods where I got treats for myself for the next 2 weeks (I absolutely didn't need them, but I caved in, lol) that cost me around £6 I think (I absolutely love Heron Foods and the discounted prices for brand foods!). All in all, I think I am doing ok in my No spend January 😀
I'm making the most of my pantry, keeping a list so that I know what I use and what I don't, organised my sinking funds, recognised that I haven't given myself any personal spending money just in case I want to buy a something to decorate my home with , I really want a stove top kettle, but am going to put a tenner each month as a reward if I stick with no spend months throughout the year.
Great work so far! :) I love these challenges - love to also see the kinds of entertainment/food etc people use so glad you're talking about that in the next vid!
Hello, I discovered your Chanel this morning. I want do a no year spend too cause my life changed drastically. I think you can encourage my finances😊. I hope read your book soon as possible. Perhaps in 2026, I don't know ❤ bye
Hi Nicola, your doing well, yes Jan does feel like its dragging on with the cold. I keep two of each with tinned & dried food in the cupboard enough to make several meals if I was ever stuck indoors. Its sensible not to run out. Take care 😊
You are doing really well, i would always advocate stocking up on some tinned / long shelf life / frozen items. You will find them a godsend if you are ill and can't go shopping or have a financial emergency and you literally can't spend on food for a week or so.
Your doing great. I never doubted it. I would stock up on tinned/dried and staples. You can store them under the bed, in the boot of your car 😉 or in any other available space. If a truly unexpected financial drain popped up you’d have a stash of tinned food. I was introduced to Fray Bentos tinned pies. I wouldn’t recommend ‘em but if there’s nowt else they are palates. 🤣
You seem chirpier and more optimistic so well done on your update and month so far. January is definitely a draaag. 🫣 Great work, keep it up! I'm also all for food storage not just being in the kitchen but amy space you can find. A bag of pasta next to coats in a wardrobe, squash bottles and tins of tuna under the bed. 😂 Just gotta remember where everything is or else it is a weird Easter egg hunt this year... 😅
I do a 6wk (someone takes me) stock up on tinned food, cleaning products personal and holdhold, bulky things like toilet/kitchen roll ... I don't stock up on goodies eg crisps, biscuits as I'd eat them b4 the next big shop 😂. A big help in not impulse when buying fresh goods, I no longer own a car, so everything must fit into 2 bags and also not too heavy. My Tuesday fiver challenge is looking healthy, I'm in front of as if I get an extra one I have been putting that in too 😊 My no spend January isn't too bad, but I've Xmas gift vouchers to use ... I've been tempted to buy unnecessary items, so far resisted, but I do need new clothes or do I???
youve done great! better than i have , i got paid early in december aswell and its been a week since payday, and have managed to put some cash away for a change so hoping i can keep hold of it for the next 4 weeks, heres hoping i can do a no spend until next payday 🤞
There is nothing quite like the security of having actual cash on hand so I think I would only spend maybe 5 pound on stock ups,especially when they’re on sale and then put any left over money in your envelopes.Doing this lowers the anxiety of unexpected bills. Cleaning the car is easy with a large sponge,hose and something to stand on to give you the height.You might feel intimidated by this if you are not used to doing it but it’s actually easier than cupboards and curtains and really only takes me about 10-15 minutes. You are doing brilliantly as usual.
I like the first point about security; thanks for saying that. And maybe I should try to wash my car myself next time! Would need to buy stuff the first time but probably would save money in the long run? 🤔
I know space wise it’s going to be an issue but I would definitely stock up on things you use regularly especially if you see them on offer. I usually shop in Tesco but always seem to get sent money off voucher for sainsburys every January so have been going there. I got sent a 15% off code for Ocado to use this week if you spend £80 so I went through their site and found things we use every week and that were on offer like my sons bear yo-yo treats or pepperami he has for school so I bought 2-3 packs. Yes it worked out an extra £68 of food shopping this week but it should hopefully decrease my next few weekly shops 🤞 I understand this won’t work for everyone as you need the extra funds upfront to buy more groceries but just an idea. You are doing so well with your January budget. Mine is a bit up and down as I’ve had to find funds to get the cat microchipped and vaccinated but hoping to put some money aside to get her spayed in March 🤞🤞❤
Well done! I’d personally do a small stock up and then roll over the money to Feb for food. I’m also shocked how much your car wash was as the min in my area is £10!
You are doing so well with your no spends. I’ve done 13 days but I think we may do it differently? If I have a direct debit coming out but have spent nothing else that is still a spend day for me, I think maybe you don’t count direct debits as spending do you?
We don’t do a no spend, especially in January.. when a lot of stuff that we use goes on sale or Christmas clearance that we can use. I think it’s irresponsible not to buy stuff that you normally use when it’s on sale . I understand Pantry challenges for those people who do not rotate food so it doesn’t go to waste. But to pass up good a money saving sales because you’re doing a no spend …no thank you . If you buy things that you need and not want, you wouldn’t have to do no spend . That’s just my personal opinion.
I live in a small house, I don’t have enough storage space… then I realised that my clothes and shoes had expanded into 3 cupboards. A big declutter, sold stuff on eBay and bought wood for shelves. Voila, a pantry cupboard in the bedroom!
Don’t forget space under the bed!
I love this idea!
You've done fabulous so far. I started fiver Friday and put £20 for December in a put in January already so on track.
As of washing the car, I alternate it as I have MS and some days no chance, when I've done it I celebrate saving a tenner and also a sense of accomplishment.
I've had 15 NSD this month and hoping to do better next month😊
15 NSDs is fab!
Hi Nicola, very well done with what you are achieving. I intended a no spend January but that hasn't worked out. But, I've learnt some important lessons about my impulse buying and how I'm wasting money. That awareness is invaluable and I've committed myself to a Low Spend Year. That feels doable with a bit of grace to make mistakes and have the occasional coffee etc. I'm learning budgeting as a very mature woman!!!
Being more aware and learning about your own triggers is so important. You’re doing great 💜
@@NicolaatTheFrugalCottage Thank you. Also, if anybody reads this, Nicola's budget planner and cash wallet are helping me so much in my efforts to get on top of things. Well worth the money!
You are doing so well Nicola.
An inspiration to all of us xxx
Thank you 💜
I had 8 no spend days so far this month, where I did no purchases at all, then I had 6 green light purchases, which are basically groceries ( I buy food in smaller batches as I don't drive and walk to the stores which takes me about 15 minutes each way. There is no direct bus to the supermarket and I'd rather use the £6 I would spend on the fares to buy something else and also have some exercise that way as well). I also had 3 orange light purchases: one was for a new pack of knickers for £3.50, (I desperately needed them, lol), one for booking trains for a trip with my friend for her birthday which came from my Birthdays sinking fund anyway and cost me £22 return for both of us! and the third one was a trip to Heron Foods where I got treats for myself for the next 2 weeks (I absolutely didn't need them, but I caved in, lol) that cost me around £6 I think (I absolutely love Heron Foods and the discounted prices for brand foods!). All in all, I think I am doing ok in my No spend January 😀
I think you’re doing fab 😍
I'm making the most of my pantry, keeping a list so that I know what I use and what I don't, organised my sinking funds, recognised that I haven't given myself any personal spending money just in case I want to buy a something to decorate my home with , I really want a stove top kettle, but am going to put a tenner each month as a reward if I stick with no spend months throughout the year.
You’re doing great!
Loooong month. I am still hanging in on no spend but had a couple of close calls.
Very long month - totally agree!
Great work so far! :) I love these challenges - love to also see the kinds of entertainment/food etc people use so glad you're talking about that in the next vid!
Thanks lovely ☺️
Hello, I discovered your Chanel this morning. I want do a no year spend too cause my life changed drastically. I think you can encourage my finances😊. I hope read your book soon as possible. Perhaps in 2026, I don't know ❤ bye
Hi Nicola, your doing well, yes Jan does feel like its dragging on with the cold. I keep two of each with tinned & dried food in the cupboard enough to make several meals if I was ever stuck indoors. Its sensible not to run out. Take care 😊
That does sound sensible ☺️
Great job Nicole
Thank you!
You are doing really well, i would always advocate stocking up on some tinned / long shelf life / frozen items. You will find them a godsend if you are ill and can't go shopping or have a financial emergency and you literally can't spend on food for a week or so.
Good point ☺️
Thank you for the update. You are doing fantastic, keep going ❤.
Thank you 💜
Your doing great. I never doubted it. I would stock up on tinned/dried and staples. You can store them under the bed, in the boot of your car 😉 or in any other available space. If a truly unexpected financial drain popped up you’d have a stash of tinned food. I was introduced to Fray Bentos tinned pies. I wouldn’t recommend ‘em but if there’s nowt else they are palates. 🤣
I think I will stock up ☺️
You seem chirpier and more optimistic so well done on your update and month so far. January is definitely a draaag. 🫣 Great work, keep it up! I'm also all for food storage not just being in the kitchen but amy space you can find. A bag of pasta next to coats in a wardrobe, squash bottles and tins of tuna under the bed. 😂 Just gotta remember where everything is or else it is a weird Easter egg hunt this year... 😅
Thank you! And yes, I can imagine it can be tricky if you forget where things are 🙈
Hi Nicola,
You are doing Great at the no spend! Sincerely hope you achieve your savings goals and get that work done around your property. 🙂
Thank you! ☺️
I do a 6wk (someone takes me) stock up on tinned food, cleaning products personal and holdhold, bulky things like toilet/kitchen roll ... I don't stock up on goodies eg crisps, biscuits as I'd eat them b4 the next big shop 😂. A big help in not impulse when buying fresh goods, I no longer own a car, so everything must fit into 2 bags and also not too heavy.
My Tuesday fiver challenge is looking healthy, I'm in front of as if I get an extra one I have been putting that in too 😊
My no spend January isn't too bad, but I've Xmas gift vouchers to use ... I've been tempted to buy unnecessary items, so far resisted, but I do need new clothes or do I???
Glad it’s going well ☺️ as for clothes, could you do a one in one out system?
youve done great! better than i have , i got paid early in december aswell and its been a week since payday, and have managed to put some cash away for a change so hoping i can keep hold of it for the next 4 weeks, heres hoping i can do a no spend until next payday 🤞
You’ve got this 💪
Well done I have been tidying up and clearing out. Now off to the tip.😅
Well done ☺️
If there’s a good offer on store cupboard/laundry/cleaning products that you’d use then maybe use some spare cash on that if not just carry it forward
Good idea ☺️
Glad to see you doing well!
Thank you! ☺️
I always think it’s a good idea to stick up just in case of any emergency.
Great update Nicola 👏🏼
Thank you!
Store it in your wardrobe thats what i do or fill your freezer with chicken and meats ❤ x
I’d not thought about the wardrobe! Thank you for that ☺️
There is nothing quite like the security of having actual cash on hand so I think I would only spend maybe 5 pound on stock ups,especially when they’re on sale and then put any left over money in your envelopes.Doing this lowers the anxiety of unexpected bills.
Cleaning the car is easy with a large sponge,hose and something to stand on to give you the height.You might feel intimidated by this if you are not used to doing it but it’s actually easier than cupboards and curtains and really only takes me about 10-15 minutes.
You are doing brilliantly as usual.
I like the first point about security; thanks for saying that. And maybe I should try to wash my car myself next time! Would need to buy stuff the first time but probably would save money in the long run? 🤔
I know space wise it’s going to be an issue but I would definitely stock up on things you use regularly especially if you see them on offer. I usually shop in Tesco but always seem to get sent money off voucher for sainsburys every January so have been going there. I got sent a 15% off code for Ocado to use this week if you spend £80 so I went through their site and found things we use every week and that were on offer like my sons bear yo-yo treats or pepperami he has for school so I bought 2-3 packs. Yes it worked out an extra £68 of food shopping this week but it should hopefully decrease my next few weekly shops 🤞 I understand this won’t work for everyone as you need the extra funds upfront to buy more groceries but just an idea. You are doing so well with your January budget. Mine is a bit up and down as I’ve had to find funds to get the cat microchipped and vaccinated but hoping to put some money aside to get her spayed in March 🤞🤞❤
Hope you manage to cat funds 😻
Well done! I’d personally do a small stock up and then roll over the money to Feb for food. I’m also shocked how much your car wash was as the min in my area is £10!
Ps I also feel like it’s been an age since payday as I got paid early in December
I thought this one was a lot! It’s not cheap is it 😕
@@NicolaatTheFrugalCottage def not! I try to hold off as long as possible before doing it🤣
You are doing so well with your no spends. I’ve done 13 days but I think we may do it differently? If I have a direct debit coming out but have spent nothing else that is still a spend day for me, I think maybe you don’t count direct debits as spending do you?
I don’t count direct debits as they need paying regardless ☺️
@@NicolaatTheFrugalCottage in that case I’ve had 15 no spend days, which is amazing for me 😁
That is amazing!
Oh and how are the savings challenges going?
Good! I’ve got £15 in the Fiver Friday and £13 in the 52 Weeks one so far ☺️
Why don't you put the extra into your emergency fund? Then you can use it when you need it.
That’s not a bad idea!
Work out the ingredients for one store cupboard meal, buy those and store, remainder to Emergency fund.
Why don’t you split the difference and spend half on stocking up and the other half put in your emergency fund
Good idea ☺️
Oops * predicted text
It should have been household not holdhold 😂😂
We don’t do a no spend, especially in January.. when a lot of stuff that we use goes on sale or Christmas clearance that we can use.
I think it’s irresponsible not to buy stuff that you normally use when it’s on sale . I understand Pantry challenges for those people who do not rotate food so it doesn’t go to waste.
But to pass up good a money saving sales because you’re doing a no spend …no thank you .
If you buy things that you need and not want, you wouldn’t have to do no spend . That’s just my personal opinion.
Fair enough, you do what works for you!
Can you please skip a week in your diary because you're always going to be a week off and it will really annoy me! 😂 😂
Lol sorry 🙈🤣
Why don’t you split the difference and spend half on stocking up and the other half put in your emergency fund