For the past couple of years we have started the year with a commitment to spending nothing. We do still live in the real world, so here is how we do it:

1. All our utility, insurance, tithe and regular bills are on auto-pay. They come out automatically and we do continue these this month.
2. I am a bit of a prepper, so year round I look for things at their rock bottom prices and then stock up for several months when I see them at this price. So we have a decently stocked pantry and freezer.
3. If we have gift cards people have gifted us over the year, we are allowed to use these.
4. We do use points we have accumulated over the year from Amazon or Walgreens, etc.
5. January happens to coincide with my birthday month so I take advantage of app freebies and store gifts, unless it requires a purchase.
6. We can use loose change around the house. We do not have much, but we do have some, and it is fair game.
7. If we need cash for something, we try to sell something on facebook or through some other means to get some ready cash. We are still committed to giving generously in our local giving groups so I will keep decluttering and giving away things.
8. I will borrow things, ask for them in our local “buy nothing” group, make do with something else, trade or go without something if possible.

Some details we have ironed out in past years:

Medical care is normally covered using our HSA so we do not count that as a cheat, even if it something preventative like the dentist or chiropractor.

I said we should not buy gas and really limit our driving and my husband said absolutely not, haha. So we do not limit gasoline purchases.

If someone gives us a treat, we are allowed to consume it. We are not required to turn it down.

My birthday on the 31st is an exception.

Last year we decided to push ourselves further and do a no-spend February as well. We had some grocery gift cards and it seemed like we never really felt pushed. By the end of February, we did! We were ready to replenish several things when March came around! This year we are not starting out with any grocery gift cards so I gave us a VERY MODEST grocery budget at a max of $25 a week for the six of us. I will also host friends here for tea or meals, using our existing pantry. Because we do have a decent pantry and freezer, this will help us reduce those items that might risk getting old, but we will not be hungry.