Categories: 31 Days of Living Well & Spending Zero

Get Ready for 31 Days

October is just two weeks away, and my friends, I am giddy.

Last year, as you might remember, I did a series called 31 Days of Living Well & Spending Zero.

It was a challenge to go one whole month without spending on anything but the barest necessities, and it was, at least for me, life-changing. In fact, it was such a good experience, not to mention such an amazing boost to our bank account, that my husband and I have committed to making a no-spend month an annual event.

But this year I wanted to do something just a little different. You see, over the couple of years, and especially since last year’s 31 days series, there has been a change that has come over me. After a whole lifetime of always wanting more, of out-of-control shopping and overspending and consumption, I find myself now craving something different.

What I really want is LESS.

Less heartache, less stress, less stuff.

But I also want MORE.

More joy, more peace, and more contentment.

Anyone else want that too?

This coming October, my dear friend Edie and I will be bringing you  31 Days of Less & More.

Here at Living Well Spending Less, I will be writing about LESS, while Edie tackles the idea of MORE over at her blog, Life in Grace. Each day we will give you (and ourselves) a shared daily challenge to eliminate one unessential aspect of our life, while increasing our focus on the something else that really matters.

We hope you’ll join us for a potentially life-changing month. If you don’t already, be sure to follow both Life in Grace on Facebook and LWSL on Facebook, as we will be sharing lots of great discussion and ideas on both pages all month long.

Finally, for those of you who want to do another 31 Days of Living Well & Spending Zero, please feel free to do that too! These two series can definitely be tackled at the same time, and I will personally be doing a spending freeze again this October. If you would like to join the no-spend challenge, be sure to join the dedicated Facebook group here.

*   *   *

31 days of change:  Are you in?

Ruth Soukup

View Comments

  • I'm looking forward to this! We're moving soon. We are cleaning out and spending less because we do not need stuff. Can't take it to heaven, not going to move it with us... only the necessities. Hard lesson, but an important one. Wish is have cleaned out and spent less a lot earlier in life!!

  • My husband and I will be trying the spending zero starting in October for the first time. Just found your blog and it's great!!

  • This is what I think I have been looking for especially when the weather changes. I have been searching ,and writing on my blog to know if I am on the right path that I need to be, and to keep out of the funk I keep finding myself in!I am excited!!In!

  • Ruth, I have no idea how I found your website, but that doesn't really matter. I have been reading a lot of your posts. Your depression story is unfortunate, but filled with hope! I have been purging for the last 2 1/2 years and am still not done! I too have come to the conclusion that I DO NOT want such excess clutter in my life. And for the record I love your post on why you took your kids toys away...Are you still homeschooling this year?

  • I'm in!!! Really looking forward to it. Your thoughts in your post above, echo exactly what I've been feeling lately. I too want less...and more!

  • I am very excited about the challenge. My husband and I will be doing it even though our anniversary is in October. We will just plan a special dispensation for that day and make a budget when we are deciding on the rules. Cant wait to see how everyone handles life's little curve balls.

  • I'm looking forward to October and the many wonderful 31 days series it brings. I will be looking forward to reading what you and Edie both share because I, too, need less and more! I'll be writing 31 Days of Freezer Cooking, as I attempt to get back on track with my menu planning.

    • 31 days of freezer cooking sounds great Kristen! Can't wait to check it out!

  • I love the idea. I don't think I can do it. I NEED to...I enjoy shopping too much to be good, and while we don't have that kind of debt, my hubby has med school loans and we have a mortgage...so we are in too deep, even if it is "better" debt. But I just don't think I can do it. Maybe I"ll do a 31 days of cutting back? Maybe I'll be inspired by your series. I've only been reading your blog (or any blogs) for a couple of months now, so maybe in action it'll inspire me...at least to spend LESS.

  • I have already started a spending freeze(as I found your blog 2weeks ago). Just wrote down my pantry/freezer supplies! I like how easy your directions are to follow. I also LOVE edie's blog! Best of both worlds during October!!!! Will be glad to work alongside others... Thanks!

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Ruth Soukup

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