February was my no spending month. While I had built in some provisions, it was a totally new journey and I’m glad I ventured out for 29 days! The results were rather surprising, despite not knowing what to expect from and for myself even. Here’s what happened:

So, I’ve said one ladies’ night per week (free drinks plus spending time with my friends) and one brunch would be allowed. Well, I didn’t do any of these.

During the first week in February, I had 3 business meetings and honestly speaking, I was dreading them. How would they react if I were to talk about my no spending month? Was bringing the topic up even an option? What if I were to buy something? I couldn’t fail my little experiment the first week! Luckily, I didn’t have to approach the topic, everything went very smoothly and my partners offered to pick up the bill. Next time is on me!

The expenses

There were 8 occasions when I did pay for something other than necessary groceries, transportation and the utility and phone bills:

2 refreshments at golf with a former colleague

1 drink at the quiz night with the neighbours

1 orange juice at Ripe Market

2 take out dinners for one of my sick loved ones

1 business breakfast

1 business lunch

3 business networking events

A former colleague flew in for his business and we met for our usual round of golf at Al Badia. There was no guilt for this expense.

Our neighbours are new to Dubai and I was grateful for their invitation to the quiz night. I figured that drink would be swapped for one of the ladies’ nights. The quiz night actually became my only social outing that week.

I did, however, feel bad when we visited the Ripe Market. It’s such a beautiful place and my urge for something to drink in that wonderful environment conquered my will power.

With one of my loved ones being sick, we opted for comfort take out dinners on 2 nights. Looking back, a proper chicken & noodle soup would have probably cured them a lot faster. For them, this was more helpful and if you’ve been around anyone sick, you know how much you spoil them to feel better.

The business events were mainly pre-arranged and as they’re driving the business forward, they were absolutely worth it!

In total, I’ve spend AED 3,518 (USD 958) on groceries, transportation, utilities and phone bills and the above mentioned expenses.

The surprises

In hindsight, I would have expected to cook more, have friends over and entertain at home. This month made me realise how much of a going out lifestyle we actually have. While I’ve been out on a few occasions, I appreciate my loved ones and friends for going out low key with me and using the Entertainer vouchers to pay for my meal.

Not having cooked as much as home, the pantry is still stocked and I’m wondering whether I’d cook more next time I’ll go on a no spending month.

It was also surprising to see how easy it was not buying anything. The urge was initially there and with every day passed, it became less. It made me realise again how much we already have in our home and how I don’t need anything more. Towards the end, I became inventive when a product ran out and looked at my stocks for similar products. I was determined to buy nothing!

The results

I felt a lot calmer not having to give into consumerism every day. It was hard at the beginning as temptation is everywhere and take out coffee was not viewed as an essential food. As the days passed, there was also a mind shift.

How much can I really have? I have enough.

The month focused more on time with friends, enjoying the great outdoors more with this fabulous weather and looking internally for appreciation and gratuity.

Overall, I can only applaud anyone who’s embarked on a no spending month or even months. It’s a great feeling of accomplishment and I’m proud to have made it. In fact, I’m also entertaining the thought of doing it a second time this year. After all, the savings helped to pay for an extra mortgage payment.

What are your thoughts on no spending months? Have you ever tried it? Would you give it a go knowing now that you can even do it in Dubai? Give it a try!

Until next time,
Agni