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The major hurdles are complete, as I’m about to complete “The 7-Day Buy Nothing Challenge.” In this sixth day of abstaining from credit, debit, and cash, an ease set in. There’s only one more day left. I can see the finish line, and I’m looking forward to crossing it.

Throughout this experiment, I’ve learned that food storage and preparation are the largest concerns. Shopping malls, credit cards, and convenience stores weren’t really difficult to stay away from when compared to questions about my next meal. Lasting, diverse provisions are an important variable for future challenges.

My foods have quickly disappeared. Cupboards are now vacant caves. Getting creative is a necessity.

Becoming A “Prepper”

There’s a particular breed of survivalist junkies that calls themselves, “Preppers.” These people imagine apocalyptic, tragic, disaster scenarios to prepare and prevent loss of life. Sometimes it can lead to underground bomb shelters, years of dried, preserved foods, and FEMA-like trainings.

The Amish are an example of this lifestyle. Usually, they grow their own foods, build furniture, travel eco-friendly (horse and carriage or walking), and prep for difficult days. This intense preparation pays when economic downturns occur and/or emergencies swallow up traditional food and money sources.

Living this way, with whatever’s left in the pantry, has enlightened me. In the future, I know that there are things I should be doing to better prepare for a lights out, no spending period of time. From more frozen/canned fruits and veggies to sealed packages of chips and breads, all of these will be incorporated to better prepare and save money.

Windfalls And Belt-Tightening

Yesterday, I spoke about being invited and treated to a meal. Some called it cheating. Maybe it’s true that being treated to a meal is a circumvention to the Buy Nothing Challenge. But, I’m hesitant to say this is a failure or mistake.

Life is full of belt-tightening and windfall periods. There are a variety of political reasons for economic distress and growth. These polar events have long been correlated with boom and bust cycles that we experience.

I’m a firm believer that a no-spend week can simultaneously exist with a surprise opportunity or offer.

Learning To Make Do

When I was in high school, I went on a canoe trip across the northern border into Ontario, Canada. The small group of us lived out of hefty backpacks and paddled our way across expansive lakes. I had the time of my life and learned to love getting by.

Food options were limited on this journey, but it never detracted from the pleasure of paddling along beautiful landscapes and working together to travel tens of miles. Seven days passed then, as seven days will pass now. Each time I jump into these treks, I feel more capable and realize the simple joys.

Day 6: $0 spent.

Stay tuned for tomorrow’s report and follow along!

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Motivated by an eagerness to curtail wasteful spending and take control of my budget, I started “The 7-Day Buy Nothing Challenge.” Five days have passed since I plunged into credit, debit, and cash darkness. My wallet is empty, as I prevent any spending and stay accountable.

Today I received a surprise text message from old friends from Colorado. They were driving through the Midwest and wanted to catch up. Because of this week-long experiment, I couldn’t take them out to eat. Before I could explain, they offered to treat. Suddenly, rejuvenated, I knew I could make it.

Stepping Up To Spend

My girlfriend has repeatedly mentioned that if she treated for a meal or bought groceries, it would essentially be cheating. She’s right, too. If I couldn’t make it on my own, but allowed her to help, I would be defeating the purpose of this challenge.

Throughout the journey, she’s been interested in helping. Without a doubt, it comes from a wonderful place. But she also wants to support me in following this goal. The latter has won out, thankfully.

Then, my friends from Colorado came into the picture. They stepped up, treated from a kind-hearted place, and gave me the leftovers. In a way, it feels like I’m cheating. But, sometimes there are unexpected windfalls and surprises in life. I’ll roll with this one.

Stuck With Staples

Frankly, I planned inadequately with my food storage. As I mentioned in past articles, I’m low on fresh fruits and vegetables. I’ve been sticking to staples like rice, beans, spaghetti, and turkey sandwiches.

Next time I try this little experiment, I’ll plan for more diverse food options and meals. When variety is hampered by food shortages, there’s an increasing desire for more, different. As I walk and take buses, passing nearby restaurants, my mouth seems to salivate to imagined meals.

For Those With Less

I’ve never been impoverished. I didn’t grow up in a ghetto, low-income household, or economically-disadvantaged upbringing. Now, even with nearly $40,000 in debt, I don’t necessarily see the effects of this financial conundrum. I’m in a privileged position that enables me to potentially delay financial concerns, but I’m done with debt. I want out.

This experiment has helped me develop a greater empathy to those who suddenly run out of money and must make do with what’s left. Whether it’s accurate or fair, I suddenly empathize with the struggle that arises when budgets are crimped.

Day 5: $0 spent.

Stay tuned for tomorrow’s report and follow along!

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Four days of frugal living are complete! Amidst the sweltering heat of the Midwest summer and dwindling food supplies, I continue to spend $0 per day. My Mint.com account continues to show zero transactions and my monthly budget is quite happy with me. I’m well on my way to completing, “The 7-Day Buy Nothing Challenge.”

Throughout the day I participated in medical research studies and wrote for a variety of online sites. I took a free, local bus and walked everywhere. Ironically, I found $0.50 while walking. It pays to be frugal.

Coffee Shop Temptation

I popped over to a local coffee shop with my girlfriend. She was eager to enjoy an iced coffee on this sweltering day. I tagged along for the ride, but soon wondered what I’d do once I got there. 

It’s genuinely awkward walking into a business and not buying something. There are scripts that people seem to follow – engrained in our society. Once you enter a place of business, you follow a line to a counter and hand over a payment. Instead, I grabbed a cozy spot to work, write, and talk.

I was tempted to bargain with the cashier to get a coffee or pastry. Funny how quickly my mind jumped to negotiation and convincing. In the end, I bought nothing and felt better for it.

Meaningful Moments

I chose an open, colorful picture to begin this article because that’s what truly matters. Meaning isn’t found within a shopping mall or theme park. It isn’t in the impulse purchase or empty calories. The important moments surround us.

These have been the most productive writing and reading days I’ve ever had. A variety of articles will be published this week and next, and I’ve truly enjoyed the creativity that has resulted. Somehow, by not rushing to spend, I found more time to reflect and write. I want this more often.

Risky Relapse, Spend

Many commenters on Reddit have criticized me for not buying food or other staple necessities while on this spending cleanse. For the most part, I completely agree that I wouldn’t be able to maintain this lifestyle much longer without some resupply. But, I really did want to get down to zero – true zero.

While not a complete lifestyle shift, the Buy Nothing Challenge is/was meant to be a brief experiment, foray to learn where my money was going; more importantly, where it shouldn’t go. Some people have argued that this significant purge can result in a relapse to heavy spending upon completion.

I can’t predict my feelings after the adventure, but I’ll keep you posted if these nefarious effects kick in.

Day 4: $0 spent.

Stay tuned for tomorrow’s report and follow along!

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