50 Money-Free Things to do During a No-Spend Challenge

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50 Money-Free Things to do During a No-Spend Challenge

50Money-Free Things to doDuring aNo-Spend Challenge

50Money-Free Things to doDuring aNo-Spend Challenge

Every February, my family does a no-spend challenge for the entire month. I like to call it a “the financial reset button.” Many of us are still recovering from all of the holiday spending in February, so it makes sense to try a no spend challenge. Also, I am participating is a savings challenge this year, so the extra money not spent this month will go towards my savings goal. I have compiled a fun list of money free activities to participate in with family.

What is a No Spend Challenge?

Obviously, it is hard to spend absolutely no money for a whole month. There are still housing, food, transportation, and more expenses that need to be paid. During a no spend challenge; you will eliminate the unnecessary spending categories such as entertainment, dining out, fun money, and any other expense that is not needed to survive.

In our house, we live off of 50% of our income during a no spend challenge. To make sure we do not go over budget, we are on CASH ONLY for the entire month, no debit cards. This is the hardest part for me. Paying cash for everything makes you more aware of how much you are spending. No more swiping the debit card and walking away. (Insert sad face…lol) Now I have to make sure I have the cash; if not, I will be putting grocery items back on the shelf (yep, I have done it).

Money-Free Ideas

  1. Get organized
  2. Attend free music/movies in the park
  3. Have a picnic
  4. Hike
  5. Go to a park
  6. Bike ride
  7. Go swimming
  8. Play board/card games
  9. Host a potluck
  10. Learn a new skill
  11. Write a story
  12. Cook together (Make a new recipe with pantry ingredients)
  13. Create some art for the home
  14. Sort, print and organize photos on your phone and computer
  15. DIY something (make soap or paint)
  16. Visit a free museum
  17. Volunteer
  18. Camp in your backyard
  19. Go fishing
  20. Go to the beach
  21. Visit the library
  22. Take pictures
  23. Make lists (holiday, meal plans, back-to-school)
  24. Write family goals
  25. Garden
  26. Relax! Take a nap
  27. Play a video game
  28. Organize your cabinets and closets
  29. Dance contest
  30. Meet your neighbors
  31. Create a vision board
  32. Learn origami
  33. Make a funny home movie
  34. Talk about finances (Parents teach your kids!)
  35. Play a sport
  36. Play a card game
  37. Make a time capsule
  38. Movie day with favorite DVD’s
  39. Paper airplane contest
  40. Rearrange living room furniture
  41. Build a giant blanket fort
  42. Video chat with long distance family
  43. Learn another language
  44. Make homemade birthday cards
  45. Research family tree
  46. Exercise together
  47. Write letters to your future self
  48. Plan a vacation
  49. Donate unwanted items to charity
  50. Star gazing

Money Free Ideas

What money free activities does your family participate in during a no spend challenge? If you have tried anything on the list, let me know how it went.

Proverbs 25:28 – A man without self-control is like a city broken into and left without walls.

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