The No-Spend Challenge: Can You Survive 28 Days?

In this 247th Episode of the Small Scale Life Podcast, Tom and Adam discuss origins, tips and guidelines for the February No-Spend Challenge (or Frugal February Challenge) on Small Scale Life. Can you survive the No-Spend Challenge for 28 days?

Table of Contents

Introduction to the No-Spend Challenge: Reality Check

Unfortunately, this is the season….to pay the piper. December is usually expensive and gets us in trouble. The holidays bring us expenses with presents, gatherings, parties, events and vacations.

January brings us the cold hard reality: we have bills to pay and usually don’t have enough money to cover the rest of the month. It can be stressful: there were times where Jules and I had $50 in the account to get us through the month!

Fortunately, February isn’t usually as cold as January. We have an opportunity to catch our breath and dig ourselves out of a financial hole (provided that we don’t blow it all out on Valentine’s Day). We can literally thaw the deep freeze on our wallets and bank accounts if we take control of our budgets and cut spending.

How is your bank account looking right now?

Maybe it is a pocket full of sunshine and you are smiling.
Maybe it is empty as the grasslands of South Dakota and has tumbleweeds blowing across it.

Whatever situation you might be in right now, events and decisions in far off places are going to hurt our accounts. The fact is that tariffs on goods and energy are going to hurt the American consumer.

We need to acknowledge that fact and prepare accordingly, so even if you have a fat wallet and happy bank account, we need to prepare for what is coming at the stores and at the pump. It doesn’t matter what you believe politically, there will be repercussions from policy decisions and actions in the far off Heart of the American Empire. Failing to prepare is preparing to fail. This is a hard reality, and I hope you understand that as we move forward and prepare accordingly.

If you are struggling financially, there are a few ways to get out of it. One way is to make more money (side hustles, extra jobs, etc.). Another way is to dramatically cut back on expenses, especially the ones that are not necessary. We are going to focus on cutting expenses dramatically in No-Spend Challenge or Frugal February.

Remember: February is the shortest month of the year. You can do this; we can help!

Tips for a Successful No-Spend Challenge

A No-Spend February is a great way to reset your finances, save money, and become more mindful of your spending habits. Here’s how you can make it successful:

1. Set Clear Goals

Decide why you’re doing this—saving for something specific, paying off debt, or just building better spending habits.
Set rules for what expenses are allowed (e.g., rent, groceries, bills) and what’s off-limits (e.g., eating out, impulse shopping).

2. Plan Ahead

Stock up on essentials before February starts (but don’t go overboard). We have already started February, but there is still time to do this.
Meal plan to avoid unnecessary grocery trips.
Cancel or pause any unnecessary subscriptions for the month.

3. Find Free Activities

Instead of spending on entertainment, look for free options: hikes, library books, free community events, or game nights at home.
Challenge yourself to use what you already own—read unread books, watch movies you haven’t seen, or try free workout apps.

4. Avoid Temptation

Unsubscribe from marketing emails and avoid window shopping.
Leave your credit card at home when going out if possible.
Find alternatives to emotional spending—journal, go for a walk, or call a friend.

5. Track Your Progress

Keep a log of what you do spend on and review it daily. This log will give you picture of your expenses and help you build a budget. We have FREE tools that will help you with budgeting.
Celebrate small wins—each day you don’t spend is a success!
If you slip up, don’t quit. Reflect on why and get back on track.

6. Get Support

Involve friends or family for accountability.
Join a No-Spend Challenge group online for motivation. Join us on the Small sCale Life Facebook Page for support!

At the end of the month, reflect on what you learned and decide which spending habits to keep going forward. Are you ready to commit to it?

Links

Show Sponsor

This live-stream is brought to you by A Modern Frontier Farms: Modern Frontier Farms Website

Get all your pasture-raised beef, pork and chicken from A Modern Frontier Farms! Grass Fed; Grass Raised; 100% Delicious!

When he isn’t at a Farmer’s Market or hanging out with his wonderful wife and beautiful kids, Adam can be found at the following locations:

Other Related Shows

Adam has been a guest on the Small Scale Life Podcast a number of times. Here is a quick list of shows where he has been the guest or cohost:

DISCLAIMER

At Small Scale Life, we are not medical professionals, doctors, psychologists, psychiatrists, or therapists. We are not in or connected to the medical community. Always consult a professional before trying any of these activities or any practice. Create and live your Small Scale Life as you choose, but do it carefully. Any actions you participate in are voluntary and at your own risk.

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Special Thanks

For Small Scale Life Podcasts, I would like to thank Sean at Osi and the Jupiter for the intro song "Harvest." Sean wrote this specifically for us, and I really enjoy all of his work. You can find more Osi and the Jupiter at their Bandcamp site: https://osifolk.bandcamp.com/

I would also like to thank Austin Quinn at Vlog Vibes for the intro and outro music. For more information abut Austin and Vlog Vibes, please see the Vlog Vibes YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCY80LeqtJf-YBzJy2TWKpDw

The No-Spend Challenge: Can You Survive 28 Days?

Introduction to the No-Spend Challenge: Reality Check