The No-Spend Challenge Guide: How to Stop Spending Money Impulsively, Pay off Debt Fast, & Make Your Finances Fit Your Dreams

by Jen Smith

**UPDATED FOR 2022!**In this book, you’ll learn how to use No-Spend Challenges to reach your financial goals faster and transform your spending habits to finally be able to stick to a budget.Budgeting and money management are some of the hardest concepts for people to nail down. You can have all the knowledge available and suck at executing it. Jen Smith, co-host of the #1 frugal living podcast, Frugal Friends Podcast, went from not being able to stick to a budget longer than two weeks to paying off $78,000 of debt in less than two years. She shares her experiences and strategies using No-Spend Challenges to change her money mindset and budget like a (mostly) pro. In The No-Spend Challenge Guide you’ll - Why budgeting alone isn’t working - The psychology behind your impulsive spending - How to pay off debt fast while still having fun - Ways to do for free what you’ve probably been wasting money on - Ways to save money on your financial obligations - How to make the most of your time without spending money - Discover what you value You’ll also get a free resource guide with every recommendation in the book in one place. Whether you’re paying off student loan debt, saving for your first home, or just trying to control your spending; This is a personal finance book you’ll return to again and again. Scroll up and Buy Now to start mastering your budget!

Genres: Nonfiction, Finance, Self Help, Money, Personal Finance, Reference, Adult

136 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 8, 2017

Reviews

[D.J. · Rating 3 out of 5]

I got this book for free a month or two ago, after seeing it on a friend's facebook page.

I had been planning on doing a no-spend challenge anyway after realizing that setting budgets just wasn't working for me and my fiance anymore. To be honest, I think I'll keep about 30% of the advice in here and chuck the rest because I've either tried it and it didn't work, or because it didn't apply to me. I don't have student loans and I'm not actually in debt (huzzah!), I just want to live a more minimalistic lifestyle and not careen off a cliff INTO debt.

I'm not a fan of some of the advice given, especially the bits of side hustles and Swagbucks. I know the Penny Hoarder loves to recommend Swagbucks, and I tried it. I really did. I made an honest effort, but I never qualified for any of the surveys and they were just heaps of emotional labor I didn't want to give in my free evenings. I barely made any SB to even get a $5 Starbucks card, and I put a LOT of effort into looking for points. I really did. On top of that, a lot of the ways to earn SB were...shady. Lots of ads, lots of malware, lots of spam emails. No thank you.

The advice about side hustles...sigh. Okay, Rover.com. That was actually my MAIN hustle for a solid year, where I made about $100 a week for a LOT of work. This is not side-hustle material unless you are just very, very lucky. Most of the time, you won't get any clients. Not a single one. You're competing with hundreds of other sitters and walkers in your area who are charging prices they should not be charging, without any sort of qualifications (I actually did take doggy CPR and stuff because like I said, this was my main bag). If you got into Rover.com early, good for you! You probably snagged some clients immediately and have turned them into repeats and don't have to worry. But if you were late to the game? Sorry. Your mileage varies, but one thing remains the same: You will be doing a lot of self-marketing. This takes a LOT of time. You're basically your own boss, and you need to act like it. Sure, there are some people who can do babysitting or pet sitting as a side gig, but if you think it's going to help "move the needle," you're better off getting a steady part time job instead where you'll at least get a pay check every week.

The rest is kind of no brainer stuff. Plan out your meals, cook them all in a big batch on Sunday, shop at Aldi, look at flyers, sell your stuff.

[Laura · Rating 1 out of 5]

This was free on Amazon. It’s basically just a long blog post. Did you know that making coffee at home can save you money? GROUNDBREAKING.

[Jessica Blydenburgh · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has the most relatable and realistic advice I have gotten about paying off my debt faster! It’s motivated me to try a No Spend Challenge so I can achieve this goal. In the past I felt stuck, like my debt was just too big of a monster to tackle. Hearing Jen’s story, and how she started off feeling the same way, has encouraged me to begin taking baby (or big girl) steps towards that goal. I follow her blog at https://www.savingwithspunk.com and she gives great advice and encouragement to reach debt freedom! She’s a prime example of what you can accomplish with hard word and dedication. Her passion for budgeting and saving money has definitely rubbed off on me.

Through her book, Jen has actually made doing a No-Spend-Challenge sound fun! I know, crazy right! Not everyone can do a No-Spend-Challenge the same way but this book offers so many options to make it easier and make it your own that you will definitely find something you CAN do! I especially like the “Go Do The Things” list at the end of each chapter because it gave me simple steps to get started right away.
I will definitely be getting a hard copy so I can reread it and have it on hand for ideas and encouragement when the struggle to NOT spend is real!

[Jennifer Henry · Rating 1 out of 5]

I felt like I was reading an extended blog post, the type of annoying blog post that always seems to get in the way when you're trying to hunt for a recipe online; it always quickly dissolves into the back story of the blogger and why they make mundane choices about their life. The coffee section was way too long, and at this point cutting out coffee shop brews is always the first piece of advice that anyone seems to mention when referencing how to maintain a budget or save money. I mean, all of the suggestions were lovely, but so generic that I felt like if this wasn't originally a blog post, then at the very least it was a paper for a class that she decided to publish. I'm impressed with the amount of money that they paid off, and because of that I was really hoping for more formulas, particular ways to tackle debt.

[Angie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm debt-free, but there's some good tips in here. I like having money.

[Damond Ng · Rating 2 out of 5]

Practical tips and motivation to make a budget, but nothing ground-breaking with some questionable sources.

[Katelyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Actual review 3.5.
I love Jen! I listen to the frugal friends podcast, which she is one of the hosts of.
This book had lots of great tips for anyone beginning a debt pay off journey, or anyone looking to spend less money and save it for what matters.
I enjoyed that it was a how-to guide, rather than a memoir style. Two big downfalls for me were that it read a bit like a long blog post, and that as a Canadian, some of the advice won’t apply to me. Other than that, I recommend this if you’re looking to dip your toes into a more financially responsible lifestyle.

[BJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

You won't find any great revelations in this book, though I don't think you would in any financial related guide. Most of us already know what we have to do, we just need a little structure and a little motivation.

This guide was quick and practical, and I think just what I might have needed at this point in my life.

[Lesley Looper · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a helpful book to look through. I'm not much of a budget follower, preferring big and small savings goals. Either way, this book provided some good ideas for focusing on those financial goals, whatever they are. Good find on Kindle Unlimited!

[Careen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Something to consider


This is a budget app i can see myself using in real life. I will definitely try to implement in the near future

[Keely · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not bad! I’ve been cutting back on spending and saving money for a while now, so a lot of the tips I’ve already been practicing. But there are still some good nuggets in here. Short read, but good if you’re ready to get going on your challenge and need some ideas on how to start.

[Arnel Joyner · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book has some useful tips and strategies in it, but nothing ground breaking. I was aware of most of the info prior to reading this book.

[Queen Rosalind · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was expecting more from this book on how to begin this challenge.

[Stephanie Eikum · Rating 1 out of 5]

I got this for free on amazon. Read in less than an hour. Nothing new. Read like a blog post. Very simple steps and ideas good for beginners.

[Mindy Tharnish · Rating 3 out of 5]

Easy read. This would be a good read if you’re new to personal finance and if you like an ‘all or nothing’ life styles.

[Joel Warnock · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good

Good balance of serious and light hearted helpful financial tips to become more frugal or cheap or just save more and pay off debt.

[Des · Rating 4 out of 5]

Challenging! Very practical approach and not depriving so I'll try this soon 🙏

[Gabrielle · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was okay!

The book is okay. I am an intermediate Budgeter, I was reading this book to take my budgeting to the next levels. I kept waiting for the part where she explained more on the No Spend Challenge, but all I kept reading was tips and information on how to save money or make more money. I never got that Ahhh hah moment that I was looking for. I do like how the author kept the book interesting and fun. If you Have NO ideal on how to start budgeting this is a good book for you.

[Alyce Reddell · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not bad- it’s great for a beginner. I think I’m past that stage and was looking for more.

[Helen Bess · Rating 1 out of 5]

Misleading title

I thought - from the title- this would be a book that had challenges written out for you, much like a 30 day challenge (here's what to do this day, this day, this day etc.) This book literally was a book of only tips. Quick online money making sites, ways to seel your things, suggestions for free activities (some of which were biking, running, and yes board games, as if I didn't realize that those activities were free already). There were a few out of the box suggestions, like her home depot suggestion and yelp suggestion. But overall I was very disappointed with what this book turned out to be.

[Gi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good read if you're new to no spending challenges. This book will motivate and guide you through the process. It is an easy read and the author provides various examples how to manage to stay focused while the challenge lasts.

I'm from a third world country but nowhere near the amount of debt someone can get from college or credit cards. I sure owe some money to some people but I'll think I'll be able pay off my debt if I keep this book advice in mind.

[Karen Hewitt · Rating 4 out of 5]

"The No Spend Challenge" by Jen Smith is an insightful and practical book that provides valuable guidance for anyone looking to save money and develop a healthier relationship with spending. The book presents a unique approach to personal finance, emphasizing the importance of conscious spending and intentional living.

One of the strengths of this book is its focus on mindfulness. Smith encourages readers to take a closer look at their spending habits and to identify areas where they may be overspending or wasting money. She provides practical advice for developing a more mindful approach to spending, and encourages readers to focus on experiences rather than material possessions.

Another strength of this book is its accessibility. The writing is clear and easy to follow, making the book accessible for readers of all backgrounds and education levels. Smith presents her ideas in a practical and actionable manner, providing readers with concrete steps they can take to implement the no spend challenge in their own lives.

However, some readers may find the book to be overly simplistic or difficult to implement. The no spend challenge may not be suitable for everyone, particularly those who are dealing with financial hardship or who have a significant amount of debt.

Overall, "The No Spend Challenge" is a highly informative and practical book that offers valuable guidance for anyone looking to save money and develop a healthier relationship with spending. If you're looking to take control of your finances, develop a more mindful approach to spending, and cultivate a greater sense of financial security and freedom, this book is definitely worth a read.

[Leah · Rating 3 out of 5]

I downloaded this kindle e-book for free with my Amazon prime subscription. It was a really quick read. In fact, if I didn't have a children's picture book on my TBR, it would probably fit the "shortest book (by pages) on your TBR list" Popsugar Reading Challenge category. The primary audience for this book is people (mostly young people, as Smith seems to be writing to a 20- and 30-something audience) who are in debt and looking to cut back on spending. I've been out of debt for years, and while there are a few side hustle websites I learned about from this book I'd like to check out, the fundamental concept of not spending money on things you don't need is one I've pretty much mastered at this point. Of course, no one is perfect, and this book can also serve as good motivation for frugal people who are looking to get back on track and/or kick their savings habits up a notch.

2021 Reading Challenge Category: The book on your TBR list with the ugliest cover. (Sorry, cover artist!) Not that this book cover is especially ugly, it's just I had to pick one unlucky book for this category and I couldn't quite figure out what the drawings on the cover (particularly the ones on the left) were meant to represent. Money angels? Flying money? And what (if anything) do they have to do with the money handcuffs on the right? All of this is completely irrelevant to one's enjoyment of the book, so don't judge the contents by the cover. :)

[Shanea · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great, easy book! I'm already part way into my no but when I decided to pick it up, but it is really helping me keep my head in the game because unfortunately most of the people in my life just don't get it. It really concerns on the idea of a no spend as a way to get out of debt, as the name implies, which honestly wasn't really a factor when I personally chose to embark on one, so it was a new and interesting take on the challenge for me. She adds boatloads of practical current references and advice that made me pull out my phone for notes multiple times. A must read for anyone considering a no buy or no spend, and a definite recommend to anyone finding life a bit off but not sure how to slide things back on track.
There's a lot of little things that might not be applicable to everyone, but no spend/ no buys are for better or worse something that are always going to need to be tweaked to the individual.

[Timothy Federwitz · Rating 4 out of 5]

There are some good solid ideas in this book, and a lot of common sense reminders that are good to bring back to the front of your mind. I didn’t buy this book because I could read it for free with Prime Reading, which is just part of an Amazon Prime membership. It is a very short read and I think the price of it is pretty small, so I would *maybe* have spent the money on it.

The author is obviously younger than me by quite a bit, but that just meant that things *she* talked about wanting to do that cost money or what she was spending on didn’t even come close to my lifestyle, but that truly doesn’t matter for the *concepts* to apply.

She also lays out, very nicely and systematically, the best ways to go about decluttering and selling things, along with potential “side hustles”.

I believe I will come back to this for review and capture the pieces I find most valuable in something external to jog my memory (my commonplace book - Google it).

[Helen Nix · Rating 2 out of 5]

Useful for tips, but there’s better books on this subject out there.

This book’s chapters are short and the summaries are a list of concrete actions to deliver. That’s all good. The first two chapters are about the psychology of changing habits, but I found these frustratingly woolly and in places inaccurate. The chapters relating to setting the rules of your no-spend challenge as well as preparing for it, I thought was basically helpful. I was pleased to see a section about what to do with time no longer being filled with shopping, such as learning new skills, creating side hustles to generate revenue or decluttering. ‘Writing a series of books for Amazon’ is on the list of side hustles, and I wondered whether this book had been a side-hustle for the author, because that would explain why this is an unsatisfying to read. This book is fine as an initial introduction, but I’ve found out as much or more from no-spend Facebook groups as this book.

[Jenny T · Rating 2 out of 5]

I had high hopes for this book that never came to fruition. I don't get how this 78-page minibook is so popular. Smith spends seven pages talking about coffee! I didn't really find out why I overspend in any insightful way. What gaps am I filling? It seems the author lacks authority on the subject and just spends time talking about ways she tries to save money. There are many typos, grammatical and formatting errors, and lists that would make more sense in a blog. She does give tips for saving money, but her point doesn't seem to go beyond "stop spending and start living" (which, of course, is good advice). I didn't get an actual plan or approach. She just tells readers to stop spending for a week, month, or year. That's like a diet book that tells readers just to stop eating so much. No methodology. Poor transitions. It's unprofessional and it over promises.

[Ashley Boyd · Rating 2 out of 5]

I am giving this book 2 stars because I feel like it is a good quick read, but a lot of the information is available just looking online not many new insights. I will say that me and my family are currently credit card debt free and have been since we got together at 17. (Very proud of this accomplishment). But we are trying to pay off our house by the time my husband is 30. That is only 2 years away. It is crunch time and only having one income is harder. So books like this help to keep pushing us forward to our goal. Reading about her perspective really helps. It may not all be advice for my specific situation, but knowing about how someone else stops spending in order to save for a goal helps shape my plans better. Like I said it isn’t a new concept, but for how quick the book is to read it’s worth it. It’s close to talking with a friend about their ideas.

[Rachella · Rating 4 out of 5]

Worth the Read

If I had never done a shopping challenge before, this would be one of the books I started with. Not only does Smith explain the challenge well, but also covers the psychology behind spending and how to shift into saving. I also really liked the reflection chapter as a lot of what I've read before doesn't cover that aspect.
As someone who has done no-shopping challenges before, I found a few new insights while reading. I do feel encouraged to start a new challenge.
The only thing I didn't like was some of the examples given. It seems assumed that everyone has a great paying job or 7 to 10 close friends. For those of us living on far less or loners, this doesn't really apply. However, I got the gist of what was being said and could think of my own way to follow through.
Overall, well worth the read.

[May · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think this is a great book to read. I like the fact that this author shares her experiences with the No-Spend Challenges. This book has many great tips on how to not spend money, save money, and make more money. I think this is a very useful and informative book. I agree with the fact that it takes a long time to change a habit. And people can work on changing their habits about how they spend money or not spend money. And they also need to have the desire to want to change their habits. I know that when we were younger, we probably had the tendency to spend money impulsive and without thinking about it. When you are older, you think more about your priorities and maybe about how you spend money.