How much could you save in a week?
We’ve challenged a selection of our team, content creators, our partners and the public to only spend their money on the essentials for one week. Check out the My No Spend Week hub for some inspiration on saving. Maybe a ‘no spend’ week could change how you view your spending habits?
We’ve quizzed our diarists how they feel about their spending habits before their challenge week and then after, how they might approach saving and spending in the future.
Hi, my name is Ed Mowe and I am the Head Groundsman at Leicester Tigers Rugby Club. I live in Leicestershire with my wife and son.
Are you a saver?
My wife and I are trying to save money to pay off a credit card, save for holidays and days out with our son and save for work on the house! My son is getting more grown up so also our aim is to save for clothes and presents for him.
Through lockdown, we have definitely been saving money on petrol, work lunches and things like family social events. The money we are saving is going straight into a savings pot. To help me with my saving I use my online banking app to set the months spend out, pay off any credit cards and monitor our big savings. I get my pocket money (from myself!) of £200 a month to spend and save as I like.
Take the No Spend Challenge
Monday
As I was based at Oval Park Training Ground, I had to fill the car up with petrol - not the thing you want to be doing on a Monday morning! This was £20 spent before lunchtime but obviously an essential to get me to work and back. Then, after a long hard day working, I decided to treat myself to a sandwich from my favourite local café which was £4.
Overall spend: £24
Tuesday
Today I was based at Mattioli Woods Welford Road Stadium which meant a quick run to Morrisons for milk and a few bits for this evening’s dinner, overall, I spent £8!
Overall spend: £8
Wednesday
I’m back at the Oval Park Training Ground today but I did remember to bring in my own lunch from home today and resist the café over the road. My first no spend day.
Overall spend: £0
Thursday
On Thursdays I’m based at the Mattioli Woods Welford Road Stadium and as the players were in today too, I managed to get lunch from work today, so again - another no spend day!
Overall spend: £0
Friday
As today is a match day I’m back at the stadium. I ran to Morrisons again for milk and also some dinner to have at work as it’s going to be a long day! Somehow, I managed to spend £12...
Overall spend: £12
Saturday
Today is a day off from work so I cracked on with some DIY jobs around the house and then took my dog for a walk with my son to tire them both out for a relaxed evening. On the walk I did put the lottery on and get my son some sweets so this was £4.
Overall spend: £4
Sunday
Today, I enjoyed a nice relaxing Sunday but still had a couple of DIY jobs to pick up around the house before I could fully switch off! I did take my dog out for a walk again today but managed to avoid the corner shop. So, a Sunday without spending any money.
Overall spend: £0
My total spend for the week was £48
The verdict
Looking at the £200 pocket money I allow myself a month this week my total spend is £48, not bad for one week especially as £20 was essential petrol for getting to and from work. This gives me £152 to enjoy for the rest of the month so I would say I am on track to treat my son!
Your No Spend Week?
So, what do you think? Could you go a whole week and only spend on essentials? No treats or coffees or new clothes? Let us know via a message on Twitter and Facebook if you’d like to write your own ‘My No Spend Week’ diary. Check out our range of savings accounts and our Essential Savings Guides too for some more tips and tricks for saving money.
The featured content creators have been asked to take part in and keep a diary of their ‘My No Spend Week challenge’ as a team member of a partner of The Nottingham. However the views, thoughts, and opinions expressed belong solely to the content creator. There is no commercial relationship between The Nottingham or content creator and any products or brand mentioned in their diary.
*The featured content creators have been paid to take part in and keep a diary of their ‘My No Spend Week challenge’. However the views, thoughts, and opinions expressed belong solely to the content creator and the opportunity is open to members of the public too if they also wished to take part in the challenge. There is no commercial relationship between The Nottingham or content creator and any products or brand mentioned in their diary.
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