by Hope
Kicking off 2025 with a no spend month. This will be my first no spend month since being an empty nester. Evidently, I did a no spend January back in 2019. (See here: No Spend January – 2019 and Update on No Spend January – 2019.)
I’ve been fascinated by a slew of TikTok videos touting a no spend 2025…a year. It looks like a lot of people are struggling with finances and subsequently doing their best to button down and make better decisions. Most all have identified their own rules. And their own rewards for sticking to it. I love this on so many levels.
But I know better than to bite off more than I can chew. So I am sticking with my No Spend Month of January for now.
The Rules
Because of my “forecast” method, I know my required spend for the month.
| Utilities | $280 |
|---|---|
| Mortgage (February) | $1,015 |
| Cell Phone | $90 |
| Car Insurance | $480 |
| Credit Cards (min pymts) | $276 |
| Groceries (fresh veggies & fruits) | $40 |
| Total | $2,181 |
My goal is no deviation from this forecast for this month. No extra spending money, no eating out, and no entertainment.
Mortgage
My mortgage for January is already paid. I’ve been paying a month ahead and every month. So while I technically don’t have a mortgage payment due this month, I do want to maintain my 30 days ahead on this payment.
Groceries
I’ve given myself $10 per week for fresh veggies and fruits if needed. But I’m hoping I don’t need it. I have meal planned for the month. And don’t anticipate much activity that would require me to deviate from my plan. I also put an extra $40 for dog food should it be needed.
A Quiet but Exciting Month
Gymnast will visit Georgia this month. He will be spending a week here. And the #1 goal is to get the kids’ car titles (Gymnast and Princess) transferred to them. (This visit is only reason I anticipate needing gas; otherwise, I am not sure I would leave the house.) As I mentioned last month, he has paid off his car loan in its entirety. He now owns his car free and clear. I am so proud of him.
Hope is a resourceful and solutions-driven business manager who has spent nearly two decades helping clients streamline their operations and grow their businesses through project management, digital marketing, and tech expertise. Recently transitioning from her role as a single mom of five foster/adoptive children to an empty nester, Hope is navigating the emotional and practical challenges of redefining her life while maintaining her determination to regain financial control and eliminate debt.
Living in a cozy small town in northeast Georgia with her three dogs, Hope cherishes the serenity of the mountains over the bustle of the beach. Though her kids are now finding their footing in the world—pursuing education, careers, and independence—she remains deeply committed to supporting them in this next chapter, even as she faces the bittersweet tug of letting go.
Since joining the Blogging Away Debt community in 2015, Hope has candidly shared her journey of financial ups and downs. Now, with a renewed focus and a clear path ahead, she’s ready to tackle her finances with the same passion and perseverance that she’s brought to her life and career. Through her writing, she continues to inspire others to confront their own financial challenges and strive for a brighter future.
Great to see that cell phone bill finally under $100. I assume financed devices finally paid off and it’s now just you?
If so, consider taking a look at Visible! The current deal is $$30 per month including your smart watch service. I switched a few years back from a lifetime on Verizon and have zero regrets. I work full time from home, use the hot spot a ton, travel internationally, etc. No regrets beside wishing I had done it sooner.
I just included the portion I pay. The cell phone bill is $320, but the 3 kids pay their portion. Mine is probably lower than $100 to be honest. I do have a cell phone plan and a ipad data plan. No financed equipment. We quit that several years ago. Now if the kids want a new phone, they either have to pay it upfront or do one of those trade in deals. It extends their contracted time, but no $$$.
What about utilities? Health insurance costs? Are you eating out of your stored food/freezer? Extra food with a teen boy visiting for a week?
Paid all bills last month. I tend to stay one month ahead these days.
As far as food, my son will only be here for 36 hours. He’s spending most of his visit in Atlanta with Princess. So I’ve got plenty for the time he is here. And yes, I eat very simply being alone so will easily live off what I have here. But I did want the option to get some fresh fruits/veggies thus the $40 budgeted item.
All the best with this initiative!
Although, you should add lines for
– Gas / Auto
– Healthcare Premium
– Taxes (quarterly estimates due in Jan, plus self-employment & unemployment ins if you are self-employed)
My business taxes, etc are covered out of my business account and I leave 30% of all income there to cover those things. I do not include it in my blogging here other than to state it is planned for a covered.
I paid for the health insurance when I purchased it a few weeks ago, so no payment due in January.
I filled up with gas on New Years Eve and other than one round trip drive into Atlanta this month, I rarely go more than a mile or two from my house. That tank of gas should last me the month. (And that’s part of the challenge!)
Where is the new health insurance?
Paid when purchased!
I’m all for a budget and watching what you spend, but you absolutely need to be realistic. Where’s your health insurance payment? Rent help for daughter? Electric bill? Etc etc. It’s great to say you’re not spending anything, but you just have to be realistic about what is required. Unless your pantry is crazy stocked, $40 for food seems way below what is needed.
I paid all bills for January in December, as they came in. It felt really good to be able to do that especially knowing that I was going into a month with very little expected income. This reflects all that’s left to pay this month. And let’s me focus on not stressing on what I need to go out but sourcing income.
You also have utilities and the health insurance you just got (which is great!).
I actually paid EVERYTHING I had bills for in December. (And paid for the health insurance when I signed up for it.) So while those bills will hit again in February, all January bills outside of those listed are paid. This month is just for focusing on work. Yeah!
What about utilities including internet (since you work from home), the $40 dog food, and the new health insurance premium?
Scratch that, I see you already paid for January which is awesome! I hope setting up the preventative care appointments goes smoothly. I suggest getting the most out of your insurance that you can! There may be wellness programs where you have free access to things (for example mine had a thing where I participated and got a free FitBit)
I just received the documentation yesterday so will have to read through and see if there are any initiatives that I should pursue.
Good luck with this! I would double your fresh food budget for real success, personally. Won’t there be at least one day in this month when you will be craving a meal that you’ll need groceries for? It’s ok to buy some fresh meat or really good ingredients to cook something that will last a few days. You say you eat simply, but I can’t see how one could eat anything but beans, rice, and pasta on this budget and as we get older we need more fresh food for health. What about yogurt, cheese, eggs, fresh bread? You know, the things most people need to replenish every couple of weeks.
I have meat and bread in the freezer. These days I typically cook one big meal on Sundays and it keeps me through Wednesday-ish (or I get tired of it and the dogs get leftovers) and then fill in with sandwiches, cheese and meat, and fruits and veggies.
I also cook a pound of bacon and that lasts me through most of the week for breakfast when I just fry up an egg or two. I tend to stay away from carbs due to diabetes and focus on protein and veggies. I’m not Keto anymore, was for quite a while, but still very much focus on good protein and fiber. I think $10 per week for fresh fruit and veggies is plenty for me as a single person.
We are doing this too! Time to reset our finances and eat from the pantry and freezer.
Good luck to you!