Every “no spend” needs to come with a set of rules. If not, you will just find excuses to buy things that you didn’t think of before. Since I have been planning, doing research, and putting PLENTY of thought into my NO SPEND YEAR for months prior to 2020, I have some solid rules established.

While I have these rules established, it hadn’t really occurred to me that I should SHARE them with you all. No matter how nitty-gritty and specific they seem. It finally occurred to me yesterday when my husband judged me SO HARD for suggesting we go out to dinner and that I would pay. It then made me realize that besides myself, I hadn’t truly let anyone see the depth of my intentions or my rules.

If you’re interested in a “no buy,” whether it’s for a week, month, quarter, year- whatever, I have made a handy little printable to help you workshop the “rules” like I have here! You can download it for free here.

Here are the rules I have set up for myself. Remember, we are all different. We have different vices and spending habits and goals. This is what I have set up to ensure CONTENTMENT. If your goal is saving money, your rules could look very different than mine. Also, if you prefer listening to me ramble about my rules, you can see the video below.

MY 2020 NO SPEND RULES

1. THINGS I CANNOT BUY WITH MY MONEY

• Clothing
• Shoes
• Accessories
• Makeup
• Skincare
• Home Decor
• Starbucks Drinks
• Unnecessary Solo Dining

2. THINGS OKAY TO BUY WITH MY MONEY

• Necessary Replacements
• Anything if given a gift card
• Purchases in collaboration with sponsored content that will be reimbursed/paid for advertisement
• Overage on allowances given by blog collaborations within reason
• Dining out/experiences with others
• Items for resale (Quick turnaround ONLY)
• Items for 100% charity donation
• Dining alone ONLY if on the go/no options
• Self care (mani/pedi, brows, massage) 6-8x per year/ea.

3. EXCEPTIONS/EXPLAINATIONS

• MY MONEY = personal spending money
  
• The same holds true for joint budget with the following exceptions:
• Will purchase new phones/cases in May
• New mattress purchase in January
• Items needed for Clara
• Not holding my husband to these standards
• Sentimental items/photo printing/finishing baby book

I hope this helps you to understand my NO SPEND much more clearly. It’s always nice to see defined rules, and it’s nice for me to have so many people keeping me accountable. I have some measurable ways that I am defining my progress, so I can’t wait to do quarterly updates as well throughout the year- as well as some helpful hints and ideas I have as I am going through the process.

Have you ever tried a NO SPEND? Even just a month can be eye opening! Let me know in the comments below.