New year, no spend - the money reset you need this January

January’s the month for big promises – eat better, move more, spend less. And after the festive blowout, a no-spend challenge is the perfect financial detox.

In plain terms, it’s saying: “I’m not spending a penny unless I absolutely have to.” Bills, food, commuting – fine. Everything else? Park it. No impulse buys, no “just one pint” at the pub, no late-night online shopping spree. A no spend challenge can last as long as you want it to – a day, weekend, week or even month.

With tap-to-pay and mobile wallets, spending’s become so slick you barely notice those little taps adding up. This type of challenge is a circuit breaker. It makes you pause, take stock, and remember every tiny tap does actually count.

Savings during the challenge can range from just a few quid to thousands of pounds depending on how long you give yourself (and how much you spend on non-essentials).

How easy is it to stick to a no-spend challenge?

The beauty of a no-spend challenge is you set the rules. Start small – think of it like a financial Couch to 5k. Pick a weekend or the week before payday when motivation’s high.

Our resident consumer expert Vix Leyton says: “Once you’ve done it once, you realise how many of your ‘defaults’ are optional, and that’s where the real shift happens.

“When the spend gates are back open, odds are you’ll have a few tweaks you’re comfortable moving forward with but scheduling in regular financial detoxes is a great way to check in with yourself and stop passive spending getting out of hand.”

Top tips for a successful no spend challenge

Here are Vix’s top tips for pulling off your first no spend challenge (and resetting your money habits in 2026).

1. Treat your kitchen like a game show.

Audit your cupboards and freezer. Work out what you can make and what extras you need. Be realistic – beans on toast every day will break you. A little planning goes a long way.

2. Batch cook before you start.

Having meals ready makes it easier to stick to the plan. Variety is key – spices can turn mince into three different meals. Give yourself a “break glass” option for tired nights, and check loyalty points for a cheeky freebie.

3. Check community sharing apps.

Apps like Olio are brilliant for free surplus food and even clothes or homeware. Great for saving money, cutting waste, and trying something new.

4. Audit your subscriptions ruthlessly.

Don’t just cancel – pause and see what you miss. It’s like decluttering, but for your direct debits.

5. Hunt down free entertainment.

Walking routes, museums, comedy previews, even TV recordings. Apply for free audience tickets – from The Martin Lewis Money Show to Graham Norton. Or host a no-spend dinner: everyone brings a cupboard creation and raids the drinks cabinet.

6. Bring others on board.

It’s easier when mates join in. Share ideas, swap meals, and keep each other accountable. Plus, fewer “shall we just go out for one?” texts.

7. Move the money.

Every time you don’t spend – coffee, takeaway, taxi – move that amount into a separate pot. Watching it grow can be so satisfying.

After a no-spend challenge, you’ll have a clear view of your habits and where you can save without pain. When saving feels like a game, it stops being sacrifice and starts being strategy. Freeing up cash for the things you actually want, not the things you do out of habit.