Heres Why You Should Rethink That No Spend Challenge – FLARE
Posted: November 23, 2019 at 7:49 am
You dont have to fall far into the rabbit hole that is Personal Finance On The Internet to stumble upon someone doingor exhorting you to doa No Spend Challenge. (Its No Spend November, so you might be seeing them even more than usual!). If youre not familiar, theyre exactly what they seem like: A person challenges themselves to expend zero dollars beyond the necessities of life, such as housing, food and transport.
At face value, theyre a fairly innocuous way of reigning in your expenditures, becoming aware of mindless extra purchases and saving a little cash along the way. You resist that Aritizia sale, forgo Uber in favour of the TTC, meal prep your lunches instead of buying take-out (OK, that only lasted the first week but still) andemerge a hero, refreshed from this foray into minimalist living, one step further along in your road to financial freedom. Because this is 2019, you also probably documented your struggles on social media. #millionairemindset #goaldigger #onabudget
What you may not have realized you were doing as you tightened your belt by not buying that belt in the Matches sale? You were also participating in an activity thats the purview of only the most privileged in the world.
I could do a No Spend Challenge and it might get me $20 at the end of the month, says Laura Cattari, a Hamilton, Ont.-based anti-poverty activist who, while not in poverty anymore, has experienced exactly what its like to spend every last cent on essentials like food and shelterand still be in need. Even now, her disposable income is limited. I wouldnt say I find this challenge offensive, but I do think targeted to a very particular group.
Read this next:5 Millennial Women on How Much They Make and How They Spend It
This particular group, of course, is people who actually have disposable income. Spending becomes a choicesomething that you dont have when youre living in poverty. Your entire life is one long and painful No Spend Challenge.
Its very hard to imagine poverty until youve been there, explains Cattari, who found herself there after chronic illness met a diabolically-timed layoff, despite having previously worked jobs that paid $80,000 a year. When youre not buying something because youre doing a challenge, theres never that fear that comes with poverty. That fear of not being able to eat, of becoming homeless.
Cattari is an advocate of what she calls simple living, and shes all for being wise with your money and checking your consumptionand maybe not blasting your privilege all over your feed? For her, you see, the issue with this challenge comes when its paired with a lack of awareness about the experiences of people for whom this is not a fun activity to post about on social media, or a personal development goal to tick off as a sign of your admirable restraint or frugality.
To think that [your effort] in any way, shape or form resembles real poverty is way off base, she says. For her, real poverty is when youre faced with doing impossible math like: If your social assistance for the month is $1,100, and your fixed housing cost is $1,000, how on earth do you decide what to prioritize with that remaining $100? Do you give up your phone, and risk not being able to call for help as a woman living alone? Do you keep your phone and see if you can eat from food banks that month? Or do you not pay your utility bill and risk it getting shut off, meaning the food youd bought could potentially spoil instead?
Read this next:Real Women on How to Talk Money Without Ruining Your Relationship
There is also, of course, the isolation, a sense of being different from your peers thats the polar opposite to the post-watch-the-likes-roll-in experience of conspicuously not spending on social media. When I was on [social assistance], I wasnt able to buy Nutella, shares Cattari. Its a small thing, but Im Italian, I grew up on it. It just brought home how you have no choice in your life.
For Meagan Loose, a writer for the personal finance site Money After Graduation, the No Spend Challenge is just a symptom of much broader issues within the world of personal finance, and its linked to that ignorance (whether blissful or willful) that Cattari is referring to.
These challenges to cut spending are all marketed to people who are already financially secure, she says. In so much personal finance advice, theres this assumption that people are already fed or have a bed to sleep in that night. You see people trying to save 10K for a downpaymentbut Im just trying to make enough to eat today.
Alberta-born, Loose moved to Toronto six years ago, and since then says shes been struggling to get by. Her only expenditures are on food, transiting and housing. She hasnt bought clothes in three years, and would love to be buying gifts for her family this holiday seasonbut when every last cent is spoken for already, thats just not in the cards. She only recently moved into her own apartment, and doesnt have parents to fall back on like other young people she knows. Its because of this that she writes about personal finance for people who find themselves in a similar situation.
Read this next:How to Bring up Finances on a Date Without Killing the Mood
Its frustrating to see advice from people who cant understand the place of the people theyre advising. For example, I havent bought clothes in three years, so telling me to spend less on clothes? Thats not helpful. But writing from a poverty perspective? Theres solidarity in that.
And speaking of solidarity: Loose says the answer to this isnt necessarily *not* doing a No Spend Challenge. Its simply recognizing the privilege you have in being able to do that, and going forth in sensitivity. In fact, shed like to see the change starting with the people issuing the challenges in the first place. If youre putting forward the idea of doing a No Spend Challenge, preface it with something like If youre in a position to do this, she explains. Its as simple as acknowledging that there are people who are in different situations.
Alternately, you can swap out the No Spend Challenge for something like The Welfare Challenge. Its one she often asks politicians to do, says Laura Cattari, and involves seeing how many days you can make an average social assistance benefit stretch. (In Ontario, thats $730 a month.)
The most important part of doing The Welfare Challenge, she says, is that honest assessment of how it impacts you. When you realise how difficult it is, its a good way of understanding how impossible it is to get out of poverty.
We all know what its like to not get what we want, she adds. Thats still not the same as poverty. A mindfulness of that privilege can go a long way.
Read the original:
Heres Why You Should Rethink That No Spend Challenge - FLARE
- Getting Back On Track And Winning The Race [Last Updated On: April 7th, 2010] [Originally Added On: April 7th, 2010]
- NLP Coaching Testimonial for Michael J. Emery [Last Updated On: April 8th, 2010] [Originally Added On: April 8th, 2010]
- Chicago Motivational Speaker- How would you like an extra day in your week [Last Updated On: April 10th, 2010] [Originally Added On: April 10th, 2010]
- Create a Plan with Chrisitan Leadership and Skills Development [Last Updated On: April 13th, 2010] [Originally Added On: April 13th, 2010]
- Financial Freedom with Chrisitan Leadership and Develop Skills [Last Updated On: April 13th, 2010] [Originally Added On: April 13th, 2010]
- Prayer in Personal Chrisitan Leadership and Skills Development [Last Updated On: April 14th, 2010] [Originally Added On: April 14th, 2010]
- How to Implement Chrisitan Leadership and Skills Development [Last Updated On: April 14th, 2010] [Originally Added On: April 14th, 2010]
- The Mystery of the Broken Sunflower Stalk and Your Success [Last Updated On: April 16th, 2010] [Originally Added On: April 16th, 2010]
- FLEAs Barriers to Success for Personal Leadership [Last Updated On: April 17th, 2010] [Originally Added On: April 17th, 2010]
- Shout out! Stellar healing powers of Journey Work [Last Updated On: April 18th, 2010] [Originally Added On: April 18th, 2010]
- Winning In Life Now: How To Separate Through To A More Joyrful You [Last Updated On: April 19th, 2010] [Originally Added On: April 19th, 2010]
- You don't know what you don't know [Last Updated On: April 21st, 2010] [Originally Added On: April 21st, 2010]
- Prosper Now Business Seminar Long Beach Craig Duswalt [Last Updated On: April 21st, 2010] [Originally Added On: April 21st, 2010]
- Fox and Rabbit Story, Personal Development Building Confidence [Last Updated On: April 22nd, 2010] [Originally Added On: April 22nd, 2010]
- Self Help Online Personal Development Program of Miiionaires [Last Updated On: April 22nd, 2010] [Originally Added On: April 22nd, 2010]
- Chicago Personal Development Speaker - How To Cange Your Mindset - Pt. 1 [Last Updated On: April 29th, 2010] [Originally Added On: April 29th, 2010]
- Chicago Personal Development Speaker-How To Change Your Mindset - Pt. 2 [Last Updated On: April 29th, 2010] [Originally Added On: April 29th, 2010]
- The Difference Between Faith Light VS Flash Light [Last Updated On: April 30th, 2010] [Originally Added On: April 30th, 2010]
- Personal Development Are You Lukewarm About Your Success? [Last Updated On: April 30th, 2010] [Originally Added On: April 30th, 2010]
- Do YOU Love YOURSELF-Network Marketing Success Tip [Last Updated On: May 4th, 2010] [Originally Added On: May 4th, 2010]
- Building Your Belief Daily by John Di Lemme: Personal Development Success [Last Updated On: May 10th, 2010] [Originally Added On: May 10th, 2010]
- Best Place to Make a Change in Yourself [Last Updated On: May 11th, 2010] [Originally Added On: May 11th, 2010]
- Michael J. Emery NLP and Hypnosis - Personal Development Coach & Trainer [Last Updated On: May 11th, 2010] [Originally Added On: May 11th, 2010]
- NLP Coaching Gym with Michael J. Emery - Personal Development Coach and Trainer [Last Updated On: May 11th, 2010] [Originally Added On: May 11th, 2010]
- Search for Much more Happiness by Michelle Prince: Personal Development Book [Last Updated On: May 12th, 2010] [Originally Added On: May 12th, 2010]
- How To Earn Million Dollars in Network Marketing: Personality Development [Last Updated On: May 13th, 2010] [Originally Added On: May 13th, 2010]
- Putin comments to Ministries of Finance and Economic Development [Last Updated On: May 15th, 2010] [Originally Added On: May 15th, 2010]
- Full Potential Ep. 1 Creating High Value Routines [Last Updated On: May 17th, 2010] [Originally Added On: May 17th, 2010]
- The Sufficient Line by John Di Lemme: Personal Development Success [Last Updated On: May 19th, 2010] [Originally Added On: May 19th, 2010]
- Undeniable Attitude by John Di Lemme: Personal Development Motivation [Last Updated On: May 19th, 2010] [Originally Added On: May 19th, 2010]
- How to Perform a Personal SWOT [Last Updated On: May 20th, 2010] [Originally Added On: May 20th, 2010]
- Oscoda, MI Personal Coaching Program - George Morse [Last Updated On: May 20th, 2010] [Originally Added On: May 20th, 2010]
- Time Mangement by John Di Lemme: Personality Development [Last Updated On: May 20th, 2010] [Originally Added On: May 20th, 2010]
- Full Potential Ep 6Taking Action When You're Not 100 % Ready [Last Updated On: May 21st, 2010] [Originally Added On: May 21st, 2010]
- Discover Greater Happiness by Michelle Prince: Best Personal Development Books [Last Updated On: May 21st, 2010] [Originally Added On: May 21st, 2010]
- The Benefits and Features of the Lifestyle Freedom Club - Personal Development [Last Updated On: May 21st, 2010] [Originally Added On: May 21st, 2010]
- setting goals, achieving goals, SMART goals, Realistic goals, goal setting, [Last Updated On: May 21st, 2010] [Originally Added On: May 21st, 2010]
- Learn How To Develop Your Mindset Through - Personal Development Success [Last Updated On: May 24th, 2010] [Originally Added On: May 24th, 2010]
- Full Potential Ep.7 Two Keys to Creating Greater Wealth [Last Updated On: May 24th, 2010] [Originally Added On: May 24th, 2010]
- Full Potential Show Ep 8 pt 1 How to Take Control of Your Financial Situation [Last Updated On: May 25th, 2010] [Originally Added On: May 25th, 2010]
- Full Potential Show Ep 8 Pt. 2 How to Take Control of Your Financial Situation [Last Updated On: May 25th, 2010] [Originally Added On: May 25th, 2010]
- "Mindset For Success" Your "Personal Development" Success Plan [Last Updated On: May 25th, 2010] [Originally Added On: May 25th, 2010]
- Help Promote Self Development and Motivation in Your Life [Last Updated On: May 25th, 2010] [Originally Added On: May 25th, 2010]
- Full Potential Show Ep 9 Pt.1 3 Levers for Greater Wealth [Last Updated On: May 26th, 2010] [Originally Added On: May 26th, 2010]
- Full Potential Show Ep 9 Pt.2 - 3 Levers for Greater Wealth [Last Updated On: May 26th, 2010] [Originally Added On: May 26th, 2010]
- Full Potential Show Ep10 Deal Effectively with Social Anxiety [Last Updated On: May 27th, 2010] [Originally Added On: May 27th, 2010]
- Benefits of Being a LifeStyle Freedom Club Member: Self Help Personal [Last Updated On: May 28th, 2010] [Originally Added On: May 28th, 2010]
- Learn How You Can Become a Member Today - Positive Personal Development [Last Updated On: May 31st, 2010] [Originally Added On: May 31st, 2010]
- Full Potential Show Ep11-2 Interview with Youngest Climber to Summit 7 Peaks [Last Updated On: June 4th, 2010] [Originally Added On: June 4th, 2010]
- FP Ep 11-1 Interview with Youngest to Summit 7 Peaks [Last Updated On: June 4th, 2010] [Originally Added On: June 4th, 2010]
- Giving Your child the Gift of Experiences [Last Updated On: June 4th, 2010] [Originally Added On: June 4th, 2010]
- The Gift Of Goodbye: Self Help Success [Last Updated On: June 7th, 2010] [Originally Added On: June 7th, 2010]
- Secrets To Combat The Negative Bombardment Of The Fear Flu: Self Help Definition [Last Updated On: June 9th, 2010] [Originally Added On: June 9th, 2010]
- Faith Light VS Flash Light with John Di Lemme: Motivation Speaker [Last Updated On: June 9th, 2010] [Originally Added On: June 9th, 2010]
- Are You Hardwired For Success? Get a Millionaire Mind! [Last Updated On: June 10th, 2010] [Originally Added On: June 10th, 2010]
- Results of Reality Responsibility by John di Lemme: Positive Personal [Last Updated On: June 10th, 2010] [Originally Added On: June 10th, 2010]
- The Importance Of Leadership In Your Home Business [Last Updated On: June 10th, 2010] [Originally Added On: June 10th, 2010]
- Download FREE Expert Downloads on Panel of Personal Development Experts [Last Updated On: June 15th, 2010] [Originally Added On: June 15th, 2010]
- Release You Past and Speak Your Future by John Di lemme: Self Help Positive [Last Updated On: June 17th, 2010] [Originally Added On: June 17th, 2010]
- 3 Tips on Choosing The Right Personal Development [Last Updated On: June 22nd, 2010] [Originally Added On: June 22nd, 2010]
- Sherrie Munday - CO Letting Go film release Interview [Last Updated On: June 30th, 2010] [Originally Added On: June 30th, 2010]
- Stuart Bell - NL Letting Go Movie Release Comments Video [Last Updated On: July 3rd, 2010] [Originally Added On: July 3rd, 2010]
- Shifting Your Focus & Shifting Your Emotions [Last Updated On: July 3rd, 2010] [Originally Added On: July 3rd, 2010]
- Aimee Daniels - DC Letting Go film release Interview [Last Updated On: July 4th, 2010] [Originally Added On: July 4th, 2010]
- Jenny Biggers - CO Letting Go Movie Release Comments Video [Last Updated On: July 5th, 2010] [Originally Added On: July 5th, 2010]
- Katy McPherson - CO Letting Go Movie Release Comments Video [Last Updated On: July 6th, 2010] [Originally Added On: July 6th, 2010]
- John Assaraf (The Secret) + Massive Action = Massive Results [Last Updated On: July 7th, 2010] [Originally Added On: July 7th, 2010]
- Joseph Mullan - UK Letting Go Movie Release Comments Video [Last Updated On: July 7th, 2010] [Originally Added On: July 7th, 2010]
- Doris Griffin - CA Letting Go Movie Release Comments Video [Last Updated On: July 9th, 2010] [Originally Added On: July 9th, 2010]
- Maarten Klatte - NL Letting Go Movie Release Comments Video [Last Updated On: July 10th, 2010] [Originally Added On: July 10th, 2010]
- New Show! Today Is That Day [Last Updated On: July 11th, 2010] [Originally Added On: July 11th, 2010]
- Gary Balke - Sedona Letting Go Movie Release Comments Video [Last Updated On: July 12th, 2010] [Originally Added On: July 12th, 2010]
- Wendy Shand - UK Letting Go Movie Release Comments Video [Last Updated On: July 12th, 2010] [Originally Added On: July 12th, 2010]
- Wealth Tribes Part 1 of 2 at the WealthVest Seminar in Vegas [Last Updated On: July 14th, 2010] [Originally Added On: July 14th, 2010]
- Achieve Success in Work at Home Business and Personal Life [Last Updated On: July 15th, 2010] [Originally Added On: July 15th, 2010]
- Barbara Lovejoy - CA Letting Go Movie Release Comments Video [Last Updated On: July 19th, 2010] [Originally Added On: July 19th, 2010]
- Wake up with Jay! 07-20-10 Personal Development! [Last Updated On: July 20th, 2010] [Originally Added On: July 20th, 2010]
- Give More to Achieve Business Success and Financial Freedom [Last Updated On: July 24th, 2010] [Originally Added On: July 24th, 2010]
- Fran Menley - CO Letting Go Movie Release Comments Video [Last Updated On: July 25th, 2010] [Originally Added On: July 25th, 2010]
- Write Down Goals to Clarify and Reach Your Success [Last Updated On: July 30th, 2010] [Originally Added On: July 30th, 2010]