No Spend Lent: How I'm Daring to Ditch the Dollar for 40 Days

It's Ash Wednesday today! A happy Ash Wednesday to you! Now, I'm not sure if people usually greet each other like this on Ash Wednesday, but it's a significant day because it marks the beginning of the Lenten season. Although I'm not a Catholic, I attended a Catholic school for four years. During this time, I was introduced to the practice of observing Lent, and I've adopted the practice into my life.

For those who may not know, Lent is a significant Catholic religious observance that occurs every year. It's a time to remember the 40 days that Jesus Christ spent fasting in the desert, facing temptation from Satan, all before he began his public ministry, as narrated in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke. 

Lent isn't just about remembering these biblical events. It's also a season of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. It starts on Ash Wednesday and ends at sundown on Holy Thursday. The purpose of this season is to prepare for the celebration of the Lord's Resurrection at Easter. So, during Lent, we strive to connect with the Lord in prayer by reading Sacred Scripture, serve others through giving alms, and practice self-control through fasting.

Most people observing Lent choose to either give something up or take on something new during these 40 days. The idea is that this sacrifice will bring you closer to God. This is the part of Lenten practice that I personally resonate with. I don't usually abstain from eating meat on Fridays, but perhaps I might give it a shot this year.

I've decided to do something different this year - a 'No Spend' Lent. This means that for the next 40 days, I won't be spending on things that aren't necessary. I've noticed that my spending has been a bit on the high side this year, and I'd really like to get back to a place where I'm comfortable with my finances.

To stay true to my 'No Spend' Lent, I'll stick to the same rules I followed during my 'No Buy' last year:

1. No Online Shopping
2. No Food Delivery Services
3. No Eating Out (unless someone else invites me)
4. No Credit Card Charges
5. No New Shoes/Clothes/Purses
6. No New Makeup/ Skincare/ Haircare (until time for replacement)

However, I'm making one exception. I had already planned to buy and budgeted for a new pair of racing shoes, so I'll still go ahead and make that purchase.

Honestly, I'm quite excited to see where I'll be at the end of this 40-day journey. How much money will I have saved? How will my mental and spiritual well-being be? The last time I undertook a No Buy/ No Spend challenge, it brought about some transformative changes, so I'm expecting something similar this time too. Let's see how it goes in 40 days!

So, what about you? Are you planning to observe Lent this year? I'd love to hear about your traditions or any new practice you're planning to adopt this season.