Let’s get real: weekends are sneaky little budget busters. One ‘I deserve this’ coffee turns into brunch, a Target run, and somehow you’re impulse-buying throw pillows and $14 granola. A no-spend weekend might sound boring—or slightly terrifying—but it can actually be kind of fun. Like a challenge. With snacks. (That you already have.)

Here’s how to do it without feeling like you’re grounded.

1. Raid your pantry like it’s Top Chef: Leftovers Edition

The rule: use what you’ve got. That random can of black beans? Those three slightly bruised apples? There’s a meal in there somewhere. Get creative, channel your inner cooking show contestant, and challenge yourself to make meals without running to the store ‘just for one thing.’ Spoiler: it’s never just one thing.

2. Make a plan to avoid boredom

Spending usually creeps in when you’re bored. So head it off at the pass. Make a list of free things you can do ahead of time—things like:

  • Decluttering (and maybe even listing stuff for sale)
  • Taking a long walk with your favorite playlist or podcast
  • Starting a puzzle, book, or free online course
  • Having a movie marathon with what you already stream
  • Hosting a game night or DIY spa night

3. Use what you’ve got for entertainment

Library card? Gold mine. YouTube? Free workouts, tutorials, and recipes. Closet full of half-finished hobbies? Now’s their time to shine. There’s probably more fun stuff in your home than you think—you just haven’t looked at it in a while because TikTok.

4. Reframe it as ‘resting your wallet’

This isn’t punishment. It’s a reset. A breather. A break for your bank account to stretch, recharge, and recover from the weekday chaos. Think of it like a little spa weekend—for your finances.

5. Keep track of what you didn’t spend

Sometimes the biggest motivator is seeing what you saved. No coffee shop run? $6. Skipped takeout? $20. Walked right past the ‘new arrivals’ section? Priceless. Tally it up—it feels good.

TL;DR

A no-spend weekend doesn’t have to feel like a budget boot camp. With a little planning and the right mindset, it can be low-key delightful—and it just might change how you spend the rest of the month. Worst case? You finally clean out that junk drawer. Best case? You save money and feel smug about it.

Brigit does not provide personalized financial, investment, or legal advice. This content is for general informational purposes only and should not be relied upon as financial advice.