Everyone wants to hijack your January.
Others thinkits time to go vegan.
But one resolution Im looking forward to anxiously is my tradition of a Spend-Free January.
Dont you feel sick of opening parcels?
My holiday shopping tends to follow a one for you, one for me pattern.
to the point where I end up spending two to three times as much as I anticipated.
By the end of the month I have a spending hangover.
it’s possible for you to buy groceries.
you’re free to go out to eat a few times.
But just dont buy anything else.
Definitely do not buy anything online.
Your goal is to have no packages waiting for you on the stoop/in the lobby/at the post office.
Yes, youll save money, which is especially great if you overspent in December.
That eensy credit card bill youll get at the end of the month feels pretty grand.
But the real benefit of not spending in January is the amount of mental space it frees up.
Its a huge relief not to be acquiring things all the time.
What to Do Instead of Shopping
Dont even browse online.
When you think of something you want to buy, which you will, just tell yourself Next month!
and write it down if youre worried youll forget something essential.
That goes for things you think you need (A ten-pack of sponges is never a frivolous purchase!)
Instead, shop your house.
The cans of soup in the cupboard that you keep around but havent eatenwhy not have one for lunch?
You have books you havent read, clothes youve barely worn, apps youve barely used.
And if youre lucky, you got a few new things for the holidays that should keep you occupied.
Every thing you buy makes everything you own less valuable.
This really stuck with me, and helps when Im tempted to buy something I dont need.
I want, as we all do, to be less attached to things.
before the clock strikes 12 on December 31, then go into spending hibernation for the month.
