You can get the same result with either sending one extra payment per year (great use of a tax refund) or if that feels too big. Take the amount of one months payment, divide by 12, and add that to each month. (If your payment is $1200 / send $1300 instead. $1200 pmt/12 = $100 -> add $1200 pmt plus1/12th and send $1300).
All have the same effect.

Thanks, J! I’ll let you know how it goes. :)

Stephanie – awesome! I hope it’s helpful for you. There’s something very liberating about a “no spend” month. I’ve done 6-8 “no spend” months in the past where I’ve tried to cut everything except “essentials”. It definitely helped, but I also found I expended a lot of mental energy deciding what was essential, and then rationalizing things that were on the borderline. I also didn’t really track my spending either, so although I saw positive results overall, it didn’t change my behavior long term. For this year, I’m tracking in my planner every night what I’ve spent that day, and aiming for 50% no spend days a month means I don’t have to rationalize quite so much – I’ve either spent money or I haven’t. It’s cleaner for me, and I feel more accountable and can celebrate the win of a no-spend day when I mark my planner at the end of the day. I’m still early into the challenge, but I’m definitely finding it fruitful so far. It’s like a game, and it makes turning down those extra/mindless cups of coffee, ice cream (boo!), dining out, or whatever worth it.

oh good! i hope you do!

And that’s perfectly okay!! Owning is NOT for everyone, and even for those who can afford it (like those who prefer to invest in other places instead). It’s all about finding your own comfort levels and then being strong enough to stick to them :)

I LOVE YOU BOTH SO MUCH!!!

Will you both come back to let me know how it goes, please?! :)

I’ve never tried a literal no spend day/month before, but I kinda like the twist… Similar to drinking I find it’s much easier to just do completely without than tempt yourself with exceptions :)

Leah, as February starts soon, I’m getting ready to begin a no-spend month. That means only needs, like milk (some people suggest buying in quantity and freezing it, but I HATE frozen, thawed out milk), fresh veggies/fruit, and medical co-pays. You get the idea. I like how you’re tracking your no-spend days! Last time I did this I made some huge discoveries about myself, and found that some needs are really, truly, just wants. Yes, I CAN survive when I run out of my fav flavored coffee creamer. No-spend month is a very serious endeavor for me as it points out in glaring detail my not so great habits, yet gives me an opportunity to grow my money-handling skills.
I can’t wait to hear how you progress as the year wears on; I specifically do a month so I can evaluate and then decide when I can do it again. Cheers girl!!!