Most of us probably have some sort of financial resolution to spend less, and save more. But the idea of “cutting back on spending” can be abstract and hard to achieve. It’s like saying you want to “learn how to cook” without ever picking out a recipe or buying the necessary ingredients. Instead, try starting small with one specific, attainable goal to give a whirl this year: A "no-spend" weekend.
It's exactly what it sounds like: Go 48 hours without handing over any cash or swiping any card. A no-spend weekend can be a great way to reset your finances, avoid impulse purchases, and appreciate what you already have. With some planning and self-control, you can go an entire weekend without spending any money. Here are some tips to make your no-spend weekend a success.
Plan ahead
Giving yourself time to prepare is key. Make a list of everything you'll need for the weekend—food, entertainment, gas, etc.—and purchase necessary items ahead of time. Meal prep and stock up on groceries on Friday so you don't need to go to the store. You don't need to be a great cook to make good, cheap food.
Don't go overboard, of course, or else you risk spending more money than you would have over the course of the weekend anyways. Your goal here is make sure you have everything you need—and nothing you don't. This weekend is about removing the temptation to buy impulsively or throw money at an extra round of drinks you don't really need.
Find free activities
Look up free events happening locally, like outdoor concerts, museum days or hiking trails. Search online event calendars and local blogs. You can have fun experiences without spending.
Leave cash at home
Carry only what you absolutely need for the weekend. If you have extra cash in your wallet, you're more likely to make exceptions and spend "just a little." Leave it at home so it's not burning a hole in your pocket.
Stay away from temptation
Don't torture yourself by hanging around places you like to spend money, like your favorite store or café. The temptation to spend "just a few bucks" could be too great. Find activities in areas without too many shops and restaurants. And if you planned well, grocery shopping on Sunday can wait.
If you find yourself reaching for your wallet, consider taking a beat and making an argument for it. I don't just mean in your head: Physically write down a convincing argument for why you need this thing during your no-spend weekend. Otherwise, push it off to Monday. You may find that your urge to buy the thing has worn off anyway.
Be transparent about your budget
There are two main perks to letting those around you know that you’re sticking to a budget. First off, good friends will respect your boundaries and be less likely to pressure you into spending more than you’re comfortable with.
Secondly, you’ll be more likely to hold yourself accountable. Rather than feeling the pressure to spend, you’ll feel pressure to save. The key here is to be casual, but firm. You don’t want others to feel like you’re complaining, asking for help, or passing judgment on their spending habits.
Reward yourself (a little) afterward
When you make it through the weekend without spending, treat yourself a little. For any sort of restriction to really work, you need to be flexible and gentle with yourself, too. Otherwise, you risk financial bingeing—overspending or avoiding budgets altogether. Forming a healthy relationship with money means indulging thoughtfully. Ask yourself, “How do I expect this purchase will make me feel? What do I want it to make me feel? What feelings am I trying to avoid by buying it?”
If nothing else, a no-spend (or barely-spend) weekend is all about becoming a more conscientious spender. But with smart preparation and avoiding temptations, you can absolutely go 48 hours without spending money.