7 Expenses To Cut To Make the Most of No-Spend January
January can feel like an afterthought of a month. All the fun of the holidays is over, and the magic of spring is still around the corner. It’s like a boneyard of failed resolutions (who were you kidding when you thought you’d get up for the gym at 6 a.m.?).
But what if January became the month that kickstarted better money management all year round — starting with your spending?
“No-Buy” or “No-Spend” January has become a popular challenge in which participants go without spending money on nonessential items and services. By curbing discretionary spending, you can not only recoup some of your holiday funds but also adopt habits that help reduce spending throughout the year.
MoneyLion took a look at some of the expenses you should say “sayonara” to during No-Spend January if you want to get the most out of the month.
1. Dining Out
You and DoorDash may have been inseparable, but it’s time to part ways during No-Spend January. Instead of ordering delivery or going to your favorite restaurants, try meal prepping at home.
Writing for Yahoo Creators, Katalin Nagy, creator of Spatula Desserts, observed, “Meal planning plays a central role for many households. Cooking at home regularly is one of the most immediate ways to reduce discretionary spending. Leftovers and simple recipes often become staples throughout the month.”
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2. Planners
The idea of going through January without a planner might give you the vapors. However, planners rank among the expenses that YouTube creator Simple Happy Zen is forgoing throughout 2026, and her reasoning makes sense. “I’m just not a planner person,” she said.
If you’re like her and have tried several different planners only to find they don’t inspire you, consider skipping the purchase this January — or even indefinitely.
3. Clothing
Unless gremlins snatch your entire wardrobe or you receive a surprise wedding invitation, you likely don’t need new clothes this month. If you’re bored with what’s in your closet, try finding new ways to mix and match your existing pieces.
You might also discover that you enjoy not chasing trends. When Simple Happy Zen talked about including clothing on her own no-buy list, she said it gave her “such peace of mind.”
4. Going to the Movies
Let’s be real: January isn’t exactly known for blockbuster releases. During the post-award-season, pre-blockbuster lull, take advantage of the movies and shows piling up on the streaming services you already pay for. The Libby app can also help you access titles through your local library, free of charge.
5. Makeup
There’s an entire Reddit thread devoted to the no-buy lifestyle, and it offers a wealth of ideas for expenses to cut. In a post asking Redditors about their no- or low-buy goals for the year, many shared that they planned to stop buying new makeup — at least in January.
6. Coffee Dates
You might figure coffee is much less expensive than a meal at a restaurant or even getting a pizza delivered — surely a latte a day isn’t that much of a burden on your wallet. While it’s not going to destroy the global economy — as millennials were once scolded — coffee shop trips can add up. Why not invite your bestie over and brew coffee at home, where refills are free?
To enjoy her daily caffeine fix without giving her wallet the jitters, content creator McKenzie Mack added coffee dates to her no-buy list, opting instead for homemade lattes. She and her partner turned preparing coffee at home into a personal ritual and a fun way to connect. “Whatever your budget is, you can make some really amazing coffee at home,” she said.
7. Alcohol
While grocery shopping is still permitted during No-Spend January — after all, you have to eat — skipping alcohol can save money and give your mind and body a break. If your state allows wine or beer sales at grocery stores, consider forgoing alcohol entirely. You could even participate in Dry January alongside No-Spend January — a two-for-one winter wellness trend.
Tips for Succeeding During No-Spend January
The prospect of going an entire month with severely reduced spending might feel overwhelming. That’s understandable. Here are a few tips for surviving — and thriving — during the challenge:
Define your rules: Nonessential spending can mean something different to everyone. Clearly outline which purchases align with your needs and which are off-limits. Groceries, for example, are necessary, but if your pantry is already stocked with dry goods, you may decide to move those items into your “no spend” category.
Focus on your goals: Remind yourself what you’ll gain by going ultra-frugal — whether that’s more money in your emergency fund, extra cash for travel, or a few hundred dollars to put toward debt.
Be loud about your budget: Friends and family can be your greatest sources of support — or unintentional enablers. Be upfront about your plans and explain why you’d rather bring coffee to the park than go to Starbucks: You’re saving money this month.
Reduce temptation: Unsubscribe from retailer email lists, mute favorite cafes and restaurants on social media, or get a library card. Do whatever you need to avoid accidental overspending.
Be kind to yourself: You’re taking a big step toward spending less and saving more. Even if you slip up, don’t let it derail your No-Spend January journey — just get back on track.
The Bottom Line
No-Spend January can be a great way to build smart money habits in the new year. Just remember, you get to set the tone. If the process feels so restrictive that it disrupts your daily life, you can always recalibrate — or try again next year.
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This article was provided by MoneyLion.com for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, legal, or tax advice.
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