Stocking The Shelves

As discussed last year, when considering having a no-spend month, it occurred to me that it is a skill that takes time. A good starting point would be to start with a weekend. 
A no-spend weekend can go smoothly if you have some simple goals, not forgetting transport can cost money too, so keep that in mind. 
If you want to do some social things, plan that. You may want to watch a game with your friends, or if it is warm, do a BBQ at home with some friends. They can bring their own drinks and meat, and you could provide snacks and salads. We have done this for years at social occasions, and it works well. 
Or you want a quiet weekend with a foot batch, some of your time, or perhaps you want to read a book you have meant to get to.

Where is the money going?

For a no-spend day, make sure you’re stocked with what you need. Data shows that people are spending a lot of money on drinks and beverages, even at home. That is an easy place to start tackling. 
If you are worried about food, you live in the country, or there are food shortages. Stocking up can help a little bit. If you are gluten-free or dairy-free, get some basics and make your own. Stocking up by making your own, like filling the cookie jar or similar, can get you through the week or fortnight.
For some further ideas, check out these websites:

MOO – make your own for a month using basic ingredients

Tracking what you are spending on drinks

Cloth Diapers/Nappies means they are available

Filter your own water

How to stock a pantry

Having basic items on hand, like rice, flour, sugar, or beans, can help make some meals. A menu plan for a month would take the pressure off. There are plenty of templates and ideas out there. Decide what you need, and try a no-spend weekend and see what you think.