The end-of-year holidays already seem far away, winter has taken hold and it can be tempting to comfort yourself with a good meal or an impromptu purchase. While some have embarked on “Dry January”, this new practice which consists of not drinking alcohol throughout the month of January, others are now letting themselves be tempted by “No spend January”, under heard “January without expenses”, in order to only spend the minimum necessary during these 31 days. How does this challenge that teaches you how to save work?
January is here and it stands out as one of the longest winter months with short days and freezing temperatures. While the sales have just started, it can be nice to make a few unforeseen purchases to get out of the gloom and thus treat yourself. This is without counting on the birth of a new challenge, “No spend January”, which consists of avoiding all unnecessary expenses during the month.
In line with “Dry January” and popularized by social networks, “No spend January” aims to save money during the month and avoid the cicada syndrome with unreasonable spending. It also seeks to raise awareness of a budget and to list expenses, between necessity and compulsive purchasing. As reported by our colleagues at RMC, according to Olivier Dauvers, journalist specializing in economics, this “interesting” challenge combines playful and sociological dimensions.
To carry out this “No spend January”, it is therefore essential to note all your expenses for the past month, or even previous months, in order to observe your budget. It is then necessary to carry out a study of your expenditure items in order to sort them out. You can, for example, list expenses related to housing, transport or telephony according to their importance.
The area of expenditure linked to food requires particular attention. It is important to differentiate between meals eaten at home, made with ingredients purchased during food shopping, and delivery services or even restaurants. The first scenario is defined as essential, unlike the second.
Thanks to “No spend January”, a study of consumerism is being carried out. While you may question the need to buy a takeaway coffee or get a new dress, everyone is free to place their essential spending wherever they want. “No spend January” should therefore not be associated with too strict a deprivation.
As Olivier Dauvers explains, “consumption is a happy, fulfilling, voluntary act that gives pleasure […] the balance of power must not be reversed”. At a time of good resolutions, “No spend January” can, however, stand out as a useful way to review your priorities and relearn how to consume intelligently.
