Plan for the unplanned. Expect the unexpected.  

We all know life has a way of throwing curveballs – and while we can’t always dodge them, sometimes the little habits we build can help us catch them before they knock us off course. 

One of those habits? A no spend day. A simple way to challenge yourself to regularly cut back on non-essential purchases, set some money aside and form better savings and spending habits. 

At Hodge, our own research shows most people are caught off guard by an unexpected cost on a regular basis. If you’ve got a pet, a car, a child, a home, a holiday, a friend or even just teeth – you’re in the territory of things that can cost you money when you least expect it. 

An emergency fund can give you a financial buffer and breathing space for those unexpected costs or even those, ‘I knew it was coming but not when’ moments. But building that buffer? That’s the trickier part. So, we’re exploring no spend days: what they are, how they work and how they can help you set some money aside for life’s more expensive surprises! 

What is a no spend day? 

A no spend day is exactly what it sounds like – a day where you don’t spend any money on non-essential things. Your usual bills, rent, mortgage or main food shop and things you’ve already budgeted for are all fine. It’s looking to skip on the extras, like top-up shops, takeaway coffees, spontaneous online purchases or extra snacks added to the basket.  

Some people try a no spend day a few times a week and others a few days in a row. Those who want a bigger challenge will try for a whole month or even longer. The great thing is it’s entirely flexible so it can work around your lifestyle. The goal isn’t perfection -it’s progress. 

How no spend days can help you save money 

We’ve all heard “watch the pennies and the pounds will look after themselves” — and this is exactly that in action. Cutting back on the small, regular spends (and the occasional impulse splurge) adds up more than you might think. 

Whether it’s building a pot for a rainy day, a trip you’ve been putting off, or even helping you save for a deposit — these small savings can go a long way toward bigger goals and can help make sure you’re spending more of your money on the things you really want. 

 

No spend challenge – four tips to make it work for you 

1. Plan ahead 

Without a proper plan in place, no-spend days can feel like a struggle. Think about your routine: a morning takeaway coffee before the office, popping to the shops at lunch for a meal deal and maybe an impulse purchase in the sale, then grabbing a few extra bits if there’s something you fancy for tea on the way home. Those spendy habits creep in quickly. Planning will help you avoid the need and the temptation of spending more than you need to – bring your own coffee in a flask, prep lunch at home, and meal-plan to avoid last minute dinner dashes. It might even lead to healthier choices too. 

2. Review your necessary spends 

Some bills are fixed, but others have a little wiggle room. Take subscriptions, for example, according to finder.com, nearly half of UK households have two or more streaming services at any one time. An avid TV viewer could be spending £500+ a year across a few of the main streaming platforms. Rotating them, switching packages, or cancelling ones you barely use can free up unexpected extra cash. 

3. Have a social backup plan 

We all love spending time with friends and family so saying no to spendy socials can feel like saying no to fun. But there are options to spend time with people without spending all your money. Suggest cheaper alternatives: invite friends over, have a film night, go for a walk, or cook something together at home. Spending less doesn’t mean missing out. 

4. Track your wins 

It’s always a good idea to track progress, especially when you are starting a new habit. Seeing the progress your making will help keep you motivated. Mark you’re no spend days on a calendar or app, you’ll see how far you’ve come from the start – another boost along with seeing your savings pot grow. 

How no spend days can support your emergency fund 

Recent Hodge research found one in five UK adults aren’t currently saving for emergencies – and with the rising cost of living, it’s easy to see why.  It’s simply not always possible to build up savings without first creating space to save within your budget.   

Whether you’re cutting back on non-essentials or just trying to stay within tight margins, a no spend challenge can be a savings tool offering a low-pressure, flexible way to take back control. It also allows you to build your emergency fund at your own pace, so if those unexpected costs arise, you’ve got a fallback plan ready. 

And if they don’t? 

If the car passes the MOT, the insurance covers the vet bill and the bulging suitcase  somehow isn’t over the baggage allowance, well, you’ve gained an extra bit of savings to go toward something joyful instead: a treat, a trip, or even just a more confident feeling about your finances. 

What to do with the money you don’t spend 

Here’s where the habit really starts to pay back (no pun intended). If you normally would’ve spent £15 on a takeaway, or £20 on a spontaneous purchase, move that amount into a savings pot as soon as you skip it. 

An easy-access savings account works well — available if you need it, but just far enough out of reach to avoid temptation. Some people even pay themselves first: putting money into savings at the start of the month, rather than waiting to see what’s left. If you need to dip in later, it’s there. But you’ll probably surprise yourself and often, you won’t need it. 

Want to learn more simple saving habits? 

If you’re interested in building better habits — whether that’s learning to save little and often, working out how to start an emergency fund, or simply understanding where your money goes — check out these helpful reads: 

You can also explore our savings accounts, including Easy Access savings account, Fixed Rate Bonds and Cash ISAs — helpful if you’ve received a lump sum, inheritance, or just want to stop yourself from dipping into funds too soon.