Embracing Frugality: How We Survived a No-Spend Weekend as a Family
As someone who has opted out of extreme spending restrictions, I was surprised to find myself considering a no-spend weekend. But with a toddler in tow, I wondered if it was even possible. Would we be stuck at home, bored and restless? Or could we find ways to have fun without breaking the bank?
What We Did Instead
Our no-spend weekend turned out to be a refreshing change of pace. We spent our days exploring the outdoors, taking advantage of the winter weather. My toddler, HP, loves being outside, and I’ve learned to appreciate it too, once I figured out how to dress properly for the cold. We went on walks, visited parks, and even brought a lightweight shovel to help clear sidewalks. Who knew being outside in short bursts could be so invigorating?
Indoors, we got creative. HP enjoyed coloring and playing with pots and pans, while I tackled some household tasks. We also took inventory of our toys and books, rotating them to make old favorites feel new again. And, I started purging some items, including toddler clothes, to donate or sell.
Free Fun for All
We discovered that our local libraries offered a treasure trove of free activities. We stocked up on books and puzzles, and even visited a library with a train table and toys. No library card? No problem! Anyone can visit to play and read. We also considered visiting a museum, but opted out due to the holiday crowds.
Lessons Learned
This no-spend weekend taught me some valuable lessons. First, I realized that I still default to shopping, even when I know I shouldn’t. I’m working on curbing my online browsing habits and focusing on more meaningful hobbies. Second, not spending money frees up time for other activities, like reading, writing, and baking. Finally, I learned that spending smarter, not more, can make a big difference. By being mindful of our grocery shopping, I saved $5 on our weekly budget.
Final Thoughts
Our no-spend weekend was a success, and it didn’t feel drastically different from our usual routine. However, it did feel like we had more time, and that was refreshing. While no-spend days aren’t a cure-all for our busy lives, they are powerful and important. We might not do one every weekend, but we’ll definitely revisit this idea again soon.
So Tell Me…
Do you participate in no-spend challenges? Do you think they’re harder with kids? Share your experiences and tips in the comments!
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