My 2026 No Spend Challenge actually began on December 30 so I’m a little over a week in. Things are going mostly as planned so far.

I filled up the car’s gas tank yesterday and had to order a $7 part for a toilet. The part will be here tomorrow.

This is a perfect example of how life happens and sometimes you have to buy without guilt – even during a challenge. Note that a month ago, I would have added a book or some random thing to my Amazon order since it was so little money.

I didn’t do that this time because rules are rules.

Tomorrow I will make a list of any grocery items that I need this week but it shouldn’t amount to much and I’ll make a point of sticking to the list better than I normally do.

While this week has been sort of busy, I am focusing on healthful meals that use up some things in the freezer and on restful sleep. I still need to form a plan for all that darn frozen spinach!

The first real temptation arrived last night when I realized that a favorite author has a new book out this month. I will want to own this book but it will have to wait. Books and groceries are probably my biggest weaknesses so this is a great exercise to curb overspending. I can have it but not this minute and waiting never hurt anyone!

Are you doing a challenge this month? I would love to hear about it!