Each month we spend money on things that we don’t necessarily need. We buy iced coffee, video games, and other non-essential items. But what if we took a month to eliminate those non-needed purchases?
Have you ever thought about doing the No spend month challenge? During this challenge, you would cut out any extra purchases and only buy the necessities. It is a great way to save money and get caught up.
What Are Necessities
Necessities are something that you have to have to live. Paying your bills is obviously a necessity. But what other items would be considered a necessities?
Hygiene Products
Hygiene products are considered necessities for your everyday life. They help keep you healthy and free from disease. Examples of hygiene products include:
- Shampoo & Conditioner
- Toothpaste and Mouthwash
- Soap & Body wash
- Feminine Products
- Deodorant & Antiperspirant
Medical Product Necessities
Medical products are also necessities of your everyday life. These items also help you be healthy and free from disease. These items can be physical or non-tangible. Some examples of medical product necessities include:
- Therapy Appointments
- Medicine
- Bandages
- Insulin Pumps
- Nebulizers
Utilities
Utilities are things that we pay for that allow us to function. Examples of utilities include:
- Electricity
- Water
- Gas
- Sewage & Sanitation
Communication
Communication is needed not only for our mental health but for work purposes and emergencies. Without communication, it would be hard to do some of your activities. Examples of a communication expense include:
- Cell Phone
- Internet
- Home Phone
Food And Beverage
For us to stay alive, we need food and water. You can not survive without these basic necessities. Examples of food and beverage include:
- Water
- Herbal Tea
- Vegetables
- Fruit
- Meat
Transportation Necessities
We all need to get places to fulfill our duties. We have many things going on in our daily lives and, most cannot be completed from our homes. Just like us having some mode of transport to leave our houses. Examples of transportation expenses include:
- Car Payment
- Uber Or Lyft
- Train Fair
- Bus Pass
- Airplane Ticket
What Are Not Considered Necessities
We have many things in our lives that are not considered necessities. We use and spend money on them every day without a second thought. These are the items that you should eliminate for your one-month no-spend challenge.
Entertainment
While entertainment is fun and can help your day go faster, it is not a necessity. It doesn’t provide you with something that enhances your health, safety, or wellbeing. Examples of entertainment include:
- Movies
- Concerts
- Video Games
- Sporting Events
- Comedy Clubs
Non-essential Food Items
While food is a necessity, many foods are non-essential. We should meet our caloric needs for the day with healthy food choices. The following are examples of luxury non-essential food items.
- Chips
- Candy
- Ice Cream
- Soda
- Iced Coffee
Conclusion
If you are up for it, try the one-month no spend challenge. Use the money that would have been spent on non-essentials and put it into savings. Allow yourself to see how much you are spending on these items each month.