Scottish reporter saves £3,000 in six months thanks to ‘one simple rule’

On January 1 this year, I made a daring decision: to undertake a no-spend challenge. The aim?

To boost my savings and re-evaluate my spending habits.

Along with the typical New Year’s resolutions of healthier eating and fitness, I thought it was high time to take control of my expenses and curb my online shopping addiction.

The objective?

To simplify my life, save for my future and establish an emergency fund after a costly wedding and honeymoon depleted most of my savings, reports the Daily Record.

My rules were straightforward. No purchasing of:.

Naturally, essentials like mortgage payments, bills, and travel were excluded. I also permitted myself to spend on holidays, occasional dinners or drinks out and gifts for others.

But physical items?

Absolutely not.

Why, you might wonder?

Like many others, I had succumbed to the pitfalls of overconsumption and overspending. My wardrobe was bursting with clothes I hardly wore, my bathroom shelves were buckling under the weight of numerous beauty products, and my home was scattered with trinkets that, while delightful, served little function.

I realised I was living with far too much clutter, and my bank account was constantly depleted. It was time for a change.

What exactly is a no-spend challenge?

The principle of a no-spend challenge is simple: you continue to pay for necessities, such as your rent or bills, but the focus is on reducing any additional spending on non-essential items, whether it’s clothing or takeaway coffee.

Setting a goal to work towards is often a good strategy. This could be anything from a holiday, wedding, saving for a mortgage, or even home renovations.

What you consider as an ‘unnecessary’ item is up to you. The aim of a no-spend challenge is to gain control over your expenses and save some extra money.

So, how did I fare with the no-spend challenge?

Month one.

Just to set the scene, I’m married with no children and own a flat with a mortgage (and a dog). Both my husband and I work full time, so we have two incomes coming in.

The first month was surprisingly straightforward. Fueled by the excitement of my New Year’s resolution, I found myself eagerly taking on the challenge.

I cancelled subscriptions, unsubscribed from tempting marketing emails, gave up my pricey gym membership, removed shopping apps from my phone, and resisted the allure of targeted Instagram ads. Instead, I focused my energy on activities that didn’t require spending: I immersed myself in books I already owned, rediscovered my passion for cooking, and enjoyed long walks in the park with my dog.

Before the challenge, I was addicted to the rush of online shopping, only to be faced with guilt when the item arrived and, inevitably, remained unused or unworn.

The feeling of not purchasing anything new was liberating. I began to appreciate what I already owned and realised how little I needed to be content.

My evenings and weekends were filled with reading, gardening, walking with friends, visiting family or trying out new recipes. It was a refreshing change.

Month two.

As the excitement of January faded, February presented some challenges. The initial thrill of not spending started to wear off, and I found myself drawn to sales and new arrivals in stores.

Having a wedding to attend in Mexico didn’t help matters. Normally, a holiday would involve a large shopping spree for the latest trends, and I had to remind myself why I embarked on this journey in the first place.

To fight the temptation, I introduced one rule – keeping a journal. Each time I felt the urge to buy something, I wrote down what it was and why I wanted it.

More often than not, I realised these were impulsive desires rather than genuine needs. This rule helped me understand my triggers, to pause and take a step back.

The impulse would usually disappear after a good night’s sleep and I’d feel relieved not to have given in to temptation.

Months three to five.

By March, I had established a rhythm. The journal had become a powerful tool in managing my impulses, and I was discovering new ways to enjoy life without spending money.

I marked my 30th birthday without splurging on a new outfit, instead opting to re-wear pieces from my existing wardrobe. Any presents I received from loved ones were deeply cherished and helped curb the urge to indulge in online shopping.

However, there was one thing I couldn’t shake off: I missed clothes. To combat this, I decided to reorganise my wardrobe and stumbled upon items I had completely forgotten about.

I also adopted a minimalist approach, gradually decluttering my space. I sold items I no longer needed on Vinted and Facebook Marketplace, adding the extra cash to my savings pot.

By the time April rolled around, marking the fourth month of my no-spend challenge, I noticed significant changes. My savings account was looking healthier, I had managed to pay off a credit card and my spending habits had undergone a transformation.

But it was at the beginning of the fifth month that I hit a stumbling block. With upcoming weddings and holidays planned for the summer, I found myself mindlessly browsing for clothes online and filling up virtual shopping baskets.

I knew something had to change.

To satisfy the shopping itch, I sold an item on Vinted and used the proceeds to buy a secondhand H&M dress which I wore to a wedding. I realised that the challenge wasn’t about deprivation anymore; it was about making mindful decisions.

I became more thoughtful about my purchases, prioritising quality over quantity.

So, what did I learn and what are my top tips?

As we enter June, my no-spending challenge has come to a close. In just half a year, I’ve managed to save an average of £500 per month, bringing my total savings to just under £3,000.

This was achieved by cutting back on spending and selling items I no longer needed.

What did I buy first?

I’ve saved up half the money required for a bathroom renovation, something I never thought possible in such a short time. I’m fully aware of the privilege I have to be able to do this, especially as I don’t have any dependants relying on this extra income.

This challenge was the hardest I’ve ever set myself. As someone who loves online shopping, resisting temptation was difficult, particularly with targeted ads and influencer culture everywhere.

The key strategy that helped me was writing down each item I wanted to purchase and the reasoning behind it. I can assure you that six months later, there won’t be anything on that list you’ll be glad you bought.

I’ve also learned to value what I already own. Instead of buying a new outfit for a special event, I reused an old one.

Instead of splurging on beauty products, I used what I already had. My perspective shifted from focusing on what I didn’t have to appreciating what I did.

I’ve realised that the no-spend challenge has taught me the value of restraint instead of instant gratification. The occasional dinner or activity now feels like a treat rather than a default way to pass the time.

My home, once cluttered, is no longer bursting at the seams with useless junk. And most importantly, I’m building a financial cushion that definitely brings me peace of mind.