Dealing With The End Of Your No Spend Challenge And Beyond

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All good things must come to an end, and that same saying goes for your no spend challenge too! You may be excited and so happy it’s all over but you may also feel a bit of fear, apprehension or loss during this time too! It’s totally normal.. you’ve come so far and learned so much that you’re probably worrying that you might fall back into bad habits and lose all the progress you’ve made.

Don’t panic! If you take what you’ve learnt over the past week or month, chances are you can apply that knowledge toward creating new and healthy financial practices. Read on for some advice on dealing with the end of your no-spend challenge and beyond. 

Reflecting on a no spend challenge

Take Stock

As you’re coming to the end of your challenge, take some time to write down the lessons you’ve learned. Ask yourself important questions and be honest. Determine what was hardest for you and what wasn’t as difficult as you’d expected.

How did you feel during the whole process and how does it feel to have saved so much? The answers to these questions will help you determine how you want to move forward.

Decide What to Use

Next, it’s time to decide what to take you with you as you move forward. Perhaps you’ve decided to give up that expensive daily morning coffee habit for good now that you see that making a drink at home is almost as good and super cheap!

Maybe you’ve decided that treating yourself on occasion is more rewarding than indulging every day. Whatever the lessons, take stock of them and keep them in mind as you move past your challenge. Remember what you’ve achieved in such a short period of time both physically and mentally.

Avoid Going Overboard

Take it slow as you move out of your challenge period. Don’t jump straight right back in and go overboard with your spending. Take it steady.

You’ve lived this long without spending a dime on ‘fun stuff’ so why go wild and ruin all your progress?!

Avoid the temptation to run to the clothes shop or book a weekend getaway with your friends, instead, allow yourself smaller indulgences. It’s totally okay to reward yourself for all your hard work but make sure you do so responsibly and in moderation. You will feel better than going all out.

Consider Another Challenge

Bear in mind that this doesn’t have to be the last no spend challenge you ever do. Look how far you’ve come! You can opt to try again any time you feel like your spending is getting out of control. Perhaps a week re-set may be all you need or maybe you’ll want to take on an even longer challenge now that you have the confidence you can succeed. Do what fits your lifestyle and your needs best. 

Keep this advice in mind when your no spend challenge comes to an end. It will help you to avoid going right back to your old habits, and you’ll be better able to use the lessons you’ve learned during this time.