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It seems like there’s endless content floating around about different ways to become wealthy quickly and with little to no effort. It probably gets your brain working and blood pumping, daydreaming about what you would do if you had more money.

The reality is, there’s no such thing as getting rich quickly without some trade-off, but a spend-free challenge is a perfect way to find money fast and without worry.

It doesn’t require you to get another job or pinch pennies at the grocery store. It also doesn’t need you to spend hours researching and wakeless nights deciding if your investment’s too risky. It only requires you to make a short, realistic commitment that can start increasing your available cash right away.  

A spend-free challenge is exactly how it sounds. You’ll set a realistic timeline to commit to no spending on unnecessary items. That’s all there is to it.

Not only will you find more money in your finances, but you’ll end the challenge with a better understanding of your spending habits. You can even use the challenge to save for your next big expense, like a vacation.

What You Won’t Have to Give Up

The spend-free challenge is not about cutting out your favorite foods at the grocery store or turning the heat down and freezing your way to saving a few dollars. Of course, those are valid ways to cut your expenses, but we’re giving you an even easier way to find more money in your budget without sacrificing comfort.

In fact… ensuring you have all of the comforts covered like groceries, electricity, mortgage/rent, toiletries, and grooming are essential to your success in this challenge.

The Magic, Money Saving Formula  

Okay, there’s no real magic here, but you’ll be amazed at how this simple challenge can increase your available cash quickly.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to getting started ASAP:

1. Set a realistic time limit – This is the time you will pledge only to buy necessities and nothing else for the duration of the challenge. It could be for one week, two weeks, or one month. Whatever you choose, make sure it pushes your limits while still attainable for you and the family.

    

   If this is your first spend-free challenge, start by committing to just one week, then to one week more, then to one week more, and so on. Taking on the challenge one week at a time will help you keep positive momentum.
   

2. Prepare for the challenge – Get your essentials for the week, two weeks, or month – whatever time limit you choose. This includes the groceries, grooming, toiletries, electricity, mortgage/rent, etc.

   Remember to stay within your budget; no need to stockpile – it’s not an apocalypse. Instead, have enough on hand, so you feel comforted knowing you have everything you need.
   

3. Let your friends know you’re on a spend-free challenge – Your friends like you so much that they want to spend time with you doing fun things, but that could derail your goals. So, make sure you let your wonderful friends know you’re on a spend-free challenge and that you would be happy to spend time with them doing anything that doesn’t require money until you’ve completed the challenge.

Tips for Staying Committed

Saying and doing something are two different things. We get it. Even the most enthusiastic, disciplined person is tempted to quit on occasion.

Follow these two trusty tips to keep you going when your commitment starts to wane.

1. Decide your WHY – Before you start the challenge, think about why you want to do it, write it down, and put it somewhere you’ll see every day.

   Maybe you need to buy a new stove, or you want to take a vacation soon. Perhaps you want to give yourself a little more cushion in your emergency fund. Whatever your reason to find more money in your finances, keep it close in mind to keep you focused on your end goal. 

2. Find new, free ways to spend your time – This is the second-best reward you’ll get next to having all of the money you’ll save from the challenge… the reward of discovering fulfillment doing fun, free activities over spending money on unnecessary items.
   

Instead of turning to Amazon for retail therapy when you’re bored, try exploring hikes and trails around your area for fresh air. You can also try getting into a new activity like yoga or drawing that’s enjoyable alone, with family, or friends. You’ll find tons of free tutorials on YouTube.

Warning! You may even find what you thought you wanted to buy with all of your newfound money isn’t quite as appealing now. But, don’t worry, you’ll find other meaningful ways to use your cash.

If you need more ideas, check out our recent article for more tips on how to stick to no-spending.

At the end of the challenge, you should have a clear picture of what tempts you to spend money, a better understanding of your finances, and have more money in your bank account in return.

If you like this challenge, make sure you share it with your friends and family. After all, everyone could use a little extra money without the extra work.