No Spend November: rules, tips, and how to save money and reset your spending habits this month

No Spend November encourages participants to refrain from non-essential spending throughout the month

• Essential expenses include bills, groceries and necessary medications
• Non-essentials encompass dining out, entertainment and shopping
• Starting the challenge on 1 November is ideal, but it’s never too late to join and adjust your goals
• Setting clear spending rules and meal planning can help you avoid impulse purchases

It’s 1 November! A brand new month awaits, full of promise and wonder.

While some folks will be shaving their faces clean for the start of Movember, another month-long challenge rolls into view: No Spend November.

No Spend November is a financial challenge designed to help people hit the "pause" button on non-essential spending for a whole month.

It’s an opportunity to re-evaluate your relationship with money, trim unnecessary expenses and hopefully, save a little (or a lot) extra for upcoming holiday expenses or future goals.

What is No Spend November?

No Spend November is a challenge where participants commit to not spending money on any non-essential items or services for the entire month.

As far as what constitutes “non-essential” spending, during No Spend November you should refrain from forking out on things like takeaway food, entertainment, clothing, and other discretionary purchases.

On the other hand, essential spending includes bills, groceries, medication, and other necessary expenses.

The concept has gained popularity in recent years as people look for ways to reign in overspending, especially before the holiday season.

For many, it’s an exercise in self-discipline and a way to identify which expenses are truly necessary versus those that are just convenient or habitual.

Is it too late to start?

At the time of writing, it is 1 November, which makes it the perfect time to begin. But if you’re reading this a few days (or even weeks) into November, it’s still possible to jump in.

You can modify the challenge to fit the remaining days or set specific goals for the time left.

The primary purpose of No Spend November is to create awareness and reset your spending habits, so every day you commit to not spending on non-essentials will make a difference.

How can I get through No Spend November?

No Spend November can feel daunting, especially if you’re used to spending freely. But with a little preparation and some creativity, it can be a rewarding and eye-opening experience.

Begin by defining what “no spend” means to you. Write down a list of necessary expenses that you’re allowed to spend on, like rent, utilities, transportation, and groceries.

Then, identify non-essential areas you plan to avoid, such as eating out, clothing purchases, or unnecessary household items. Having clear rules will help you stay focused and avoid temptations.

One of the biggest spending pitfalls is food, so plan your meals at the beginning of each week, making a list of ingredients you already have and what you need to buy.

This will help you avoid impulse purchases, reduce food waste, and keep grocery spending in check. Embrace batch cooking to make quick and easy meals throughout the week, which reduces the urge to order takeaways.

Entertainment can also be a significant non-essential expense, so before the month gets underway, make a list of free activities to keep yourself engaged.

This could include going for walks, watching movies you already own, doing DIY projects or having game nights at home. By having a go-to list of no-cost activities, you’ll be less tempted to spend on entertainment.

This month is also the perfect time to “shop your home” for things you might need. Instead of buying new cleaning supplies, books, or toiletries, go through what you already have.

This approach can also extend to clothing, beauty products and pantry staples. Get creative with what’s already in your home, and you might be surprised at how much you can avoid spending.

As you embark on your No Spend November journey, we’d love to hear from you! Share your tips, experiences and challenges in the comments section