The end of no money month: the final results

• At the end of Jan, I had more money saved in my bank account than I had ever saved in a typical month before, and it will go towards our vacation. We could not have gone if we had not had no money month.
• I had money left over at the end of the month in my bank account. (THIS HAS NEVER HAPPENED BEFORE, PEOPLE, EVER!)
• I spent zero dollars on food, but family members bought food (milk, coffee creamer, cumin, fresh vegetables). The 40 dollars I had allotted went to other things that I can never plan for (Mom, I need...) and was never replaced in my wallet, so technically I never did get a chance to spend it. But I also learned what to stock up on (if shelf stable) and what to always have in the house as an alternative. This is helpful for emergency planning too.
• We ate well, didn't really miss eating out, but it did take more planning and more time. (Counteract that with freezer meals, prepping foods in advance and making mixes) 
• We have a ton of food here that never gets eaten. I need to shop in my cupboards before I run to the store. I successfully substituted many ingredients in recipes this past month.
• I learned that if I make it a game (no money month, write everything that you are spending down, save every 5 dollar bill that comes your way) that I am more likely to stick to it. 
• I spend way too much money on "crap" (forgive the language) and I have things at home stored away that I have forgotten about. 
• I have ways of entertaining myself and my kids without spending money. Lots of ways, actually.
• I am way more conscious of how I am spending money now. I am less impulsive with purchases. 
• I am pretty creative and love to look at reusing or repurposing things. Pinterest has been a great springboard for that.
• Moneywise, it helps if you move the whole amount over, more than you think you can save, and put it in your savings account. That way, every time you go to look at your bank balance, it is there, smiling at you, and that is really reenergizing.
• My money should go towards my goals, and not just be frittered away. Frittering is the path of least resistance! 

Did I not spend any money? No. I did spend money, but I spent a LOT less money and I was aware of every dollar.  And all of the money that I did spend, went towards a personal goal, except maybe the 2 cokes that I bought and the drinks out with a sad friend.

All in all, it was really successful and I am going to try it again in March!