No spend January

 

In Sweden the time period between shortly before Christmas until next paycheck is what is usually said to be the poorest time of the year. Most of us get paid once a month (25th or 27th) but now instead of 4 weeks between paychecks we now have 5 since we get our pay a week earlier. Combined that with everything that is Christmas and New Years.

And I'm not alone in this but I have a lot of food in the house and wanted to do a no spend month.

So far my rules are: 

 I can

* use everything in fridge, freezer and pantry. Focusing on opened items and jars on the bench.

* buy seasonings

* get fresh “dairy” like oat drink, butter, bread etc.

* eat out once a month

* buy new vegetables both fresh and frozen when I run out

* get something in specific what either of my children needs

Soda, candy etc only twice a month

As for everything: situations and needs may change as long as there is still a focus on spending less money and using more of the food I already have.