Save money with a no-spend weekend

If you’re on TikTok, you’ve probably seen a new trend gaining popularity - no-spend weekends.

So what does this actually involve?

Well, it means enjoying fun and fulfilling activities that don’t cost you loads of money.

And that could make a big difference if money is tight or you’re trying to build up your savings.

What are the benefits of a no-spend weekend?

You might think at first that a no-spend weekend simply means abstaining and depriving yourself of things you enjoy.

But that’s not true.

With a no-spend weekend, you could:

Save money

If you struggle to keep up with your day-to-day expenses, or you’re trying to save for the future, build an emergency fund or work towards a specific financial goal, then every penny counts.

So think about how much difference that, say, one no-spend weekend a month could make to your finances.

Reset your spending habits

Do you often make impulse purchases, or not really think about how much you’re spending on drinks on a night out?

A no-spend weekend can help you break this habit and be an important reminder that fun doesn’t have to cost a fortune.

Encourage creativity

Free weekends are the perfect excuse to try new things, flex your imagination, and make the most of what you already have.

Appreciate the simple things

Finding joy in the little things in life is so important, both in terms of your finances and your mental health.

12 no-spend weekend ideas

Okay, so you’re on board with the idea behind a no-spend weekend and the benefits it can bring.

But what could you actually do?

Here are just a few options.

1.    Get cooking

Challenge yourself to make a tasty meal only using things you already have in your cupboards and freezer.

Whether you’re feeding the family or having friends round, it’s a great - and affordable - way to come together with your loved ones.

2.    Head outdoors

Explore a local park, go for a hike, or just take a long walk somewhere new.

3.    Do some DIY 

Have you got small jobs in the house that you’ve been putting off?

Maybe you need to paint the bathroom or hang up some picture frames.

Use a no-spend weekend to finally tackle those little tasks that you haven’t quite go round to.

4.    Declutter

A no-spend weekend could be the perfect opportunity to sort through bursting cupboards, drawers and piles of paperwork.

You might even find a few items that you don’t want but could be worth selling on platforms like Vinted.

There’s nothing quite like a declutter to make you feel lighter, organised and ready for the future.

5.    Enjoy free entertainment

Take a look at noticeboards in your local supermarket or library, and on social media.

Whether it’s gigs, exhibitions, community cinema nights or free festivals, there’ll be plenty going on in your area that doesn’t cost a penny to attend.

6.    Have a pamper night

Go through your bathroom cupboards and you might have a relaxing night in ready to go.

Whether it’s bubble bath, a face mask or some moisturiser, you may have everything you need to pamper yourself and take your time doing it.

7.    Enjoy a board game night

If you’ve got board game in the back of the cupboard, get them out and play them with friends or family.

8.    Exercise at home

You don’t need an expensive gym membership to get in shape.

Just fire up YouTube and you’ll find everything from yoga classes to Pilates sessions free of charge.

9.    Have a movie marathon

Instead of paying over the odds for a cinema ticket, why not put on a DVD or use your favourite streaming service and watch a movie with your friends?

Each person could even bring snacks and drinks so you can make a night of it for a fraction of the cost of going out.

10.    Read a book

Have you got novels that have sat on your bookshelf unread?

It could be time to put that right and finally dive into those books that are gathering dust.

11.    Visit local museums

Many museums are free to enjoy and could be great places to go if you want to get out of the house without spending money.

12.    Get creative

Use supplies you may already have, such as paints, clay and scraps of fabric scraps, and challenge yourself to make something worth displaying.

A no-spend weekend can be a refreshing change of pace and make you look at how to fill your time in a new way.

So why not give it a try?