my first NO SPEND CHALLENGE of 2024 (spoiler: it didn't go too well...) | WEEK IN MY LIFE VLOG

[@ZoePritchard]

are you going to try a no spend week in 2024?!

[@lynntetteh]

Already tried a few no spend days.. thanks for the inspo And yes we do want more 🧡

[@scarpelliproductions]

Going for a no spend (smart spend) year!!

[@tamaraesquivel7663]

Yes I am 😬

[@poppycalliope]

Yes! ✨️

[@ZoePritchard]

@@scarpelliproductions amaaazing!! good luck 💖

[@fdora20]

Dear Zoe, thank you for not deleting this video! I've been struggling quite a bit with spending so I'm doing a no spend challenge in February. I find your content soo relatable and just so comforting. It does not really matter if we buy that one coffee or not, what matters is the mindset❤️✨ thanks for the amazing content, I look forward to your videos ☺️

[@JoJoSimple-o1g]

Thank you for sharing! Also fyi we are boycotting Starbucks for 🍉. Will save you tons of money too. ❤

[@oliviajerebic3811]

Thank you for still posting this video despite the challenges your encountered during that week. As someone who also struggles with perfectionism, it was refreshing to see someone else deal with things not going going to plan. Give yourself grace

[@jaleelatafolabi8073]

Legit thank you for being so transparent. You are one of the realest KZbinrs ever

[@ZoePritchard]

🥹🩷🩷🩷

[@marynahoum]

When I do a no spend challenge, I have an exception list! Health, parking and groceries, etc! You did as good as you could! Sometimes purchasing things in different cities, hold a bigger meaning/memory! You’ll forever remember that memory in Quebec City with your family anytime you wear those PJs 😊

[@ZoePritchard]

❤️❤️ haha without a single exception you're basically locked in your house eating frozen dinners 😂

[@marynahoum]

@@ZoePritchardfair enough 🤣🤣🤣

[@jenn.mbautista]

I just found your channel about a month ago and I barely comment on any videos but I’ve been binge watching your videos and I must say it has really change my perspective on finance. I don’t know if it’s because you’re also from Montreal and it feels “easier”/relatable to adapt some of your advices. But all this to say I just wanted to say thank you. Budgeting and just finance in general is something I really enjoy but end up always giving up because it’s overwhelming but being in my early 30s and having a family of my own, you’ve made me realize how important it is even more so now to really take charge of my finances (even better when you’re younger and single) I’ve decided to take on the challenge to do cash envelope method and my husband is as excited as I am. With our 2nd baby on the way we feel soo good that we’ve taken this step towards really taking charge of our finances. So thank you!!!!

[@ZoePritchard]

ohhh my goodness what a beautiful comment! im so excited for you guys 🩷 it takes a bit to get used to the envelopes, so dont give up after months 1 & 2! congrats on your growing family ✨

[@hollycvlogs]

The key to a no-spend week is preparation. Right now, I don't have a no-spend week planned, but I do set a monthly goal of no-spend days. Last month, I did 5 no-spend days and this month I am doing 10 no-spend days.

[@ZoePritchard]

amazing!!!

[@alexisbreana]

Hi Zoe, thank you so much for posting this. I have been attempting a no buy or low buy month. I was doing good, until I bought take out last week and it honestly broke my spirit so bad. I felt super disappointed in myself and once I entered the “simple” $13 into my expense tracking sheet, it crushed my soul. I appreciate your honesty and being so open. I find myself relating to you the more I watch your videos. I don’t ever comment on videos, but felt I needed too here. Keep pushing forward, you’re doing amazing💝

[@noelle8301]

Glad you didn’t Delete this video! I love the no spend week idea. We made an eating at home more mindset… so we started ordering meat from the butcher box online (not sure if they have it in Canada). This has been super fun to find fun and different recipes. 🎉😊

[@ZoePritchard]

thank you!! we have similar boxes but I need to find one that is in Quebec (my province) 🙈 such a good idea!

[@nykiafree7866]

Love the honesty !! I know I would struggle too 😢❤

[@ZoePritchard]

💖💖

[@charlottemillington4711]

Absolutely love this video! Quebec is beautiful!

[@ZoePritchard]

sooo beautiful!! thank you💖

[@musicmoviestrailers1]

This video is real and appreciated much more relatable than most of the ones I see and that’s what I’m here for

[@ZoePritchard]

💖💖

[@jessie-2023]

Love this video. I have 3 kids.. so I’m in your older viewer category ❤but lemme tell you this is still 100 percent relatable even for me. It’s hard to get through a week without spending … it’s hard to do/ maybe impossible/ and a little exhausting😅. But I don’t call this video a fail. It’s just real life. I appreciate your honesty and sharing. I think being mindful and tracking helps us all be more aware and that’s a win in itself.

[@elizamartin4263]

This video was inspiring, Zoe! I definitely feel less guilty for making unplanned purchases when I see that it's challenging for everyone (especially someone like you who we all admire!). This video got me thinking about my finances in a positive way

[@ZoePritchard]

yayyy this makes me so happy! youre sweet 🩷✨

[@filibusterfirework74]

For the hello fresh thing my suggestion would be to make some freezer meals! At least they can go to use then?

[@poppycalliope]

I really like watching your no spend weeks and I'm glad you're documenting them. Also it's really nice that you share the reality with us. I feel like you really needed and deserved that coffee, it made you feel better and gave you some energy for your class. It is completely fine if you don't always follow all the rules. I really enjoyed this video, it was real, honest and fun ❤

[@emilyadler1568]

Echoing the sentiment of fellow commenters - so glad you didn't delete this video! I love how relatable your content is and how honest you are with your process. It's so helpful to see this type of challenge where there's a realistic balance between goal setting and living life to its fullest. In the past, I've deprived myself of souvenirs on vacations and I always regret it. As great as it is to achieve a goal, it's important to recognize what's a fun challenge versus what's necessary. You're at a great place with income, debt, etc., so it's perfectly okay to allow some fluidity to your allotted spending. Again, thanks for showing it all

[@vickysdesire]

Kudos to you for having the courage to post this video! ❤

[@ZoePritchard]

haha gotta keep it real!

[@libertysprings2244]

Ha ha every time I try not to spend, my favorite store has a free shipping and/or 20% off sale. I think they know. Loved your video! Downloaded for smoothie recipes to use later too.

[@ZoePritchard]

hahaha of course they know!

[@lfgnelkwlgnl4823]

Dear Zoe, thank you for posting this video. I like watching your spending. Keep being real! I splurged on a 150€ jacket this month. Your videos help me feel good about it. ☺️

[@ZoePritchard]

🩷🩷🩷

[@stephaniemiersch]

About your barre class: don't worry, the prep will get easier as you gain teaching experience. I started teaching an accounting class at my local cegep a couple of years ago and at my very first class, I was so stressed and freaked out that I completely froze and told the students I was having tech issues and cancelled the class (it was Jan 2021 and we were online). Since then I have improved thank goodness and can now teach my in-person accounting class with my eyes closed. So don't give up! It gets easier!

[@AriH68]

Zoe you did your best and that is the most important thing! The goal is to control your habits however sometimes life happens and you just need a coffee (I’ve been there, I’ll be there tomorrow haha). Maybe in the future you can break the challenge down by habit or category to switch things up 🤷🏽‍♀️♥️♥️.

[@ZoePritchard]

love it!!! great idea

[@carolinekouba-marquet695]

Hello Zoé, thank you for this video ! Last year no spend week help me set up a one week a month no spend so first of all, thanks for that. Regarding you spending, it all seemed essential to me and I have one rule : no budget on holidays (you never now if you will go back!) I also wanted to add that having conscious no spend moments help think more of the spending throughout the year, that’s a huge change !

[@ZoePritchard]

💖💖 love this!

[@johnpapalonishow]

@Zoe - I don't think it's just you, somethings up with January in Canada lol. I've been depressed for no damn reason, I board a plane and leave Canada I'm happy, come back depressed lol. I am working via laptop even when I leave so it's not the "VACATION" bs, I am LITERALLY LIVING my life EXACTLY how I want, do what I want when I want, work if I want and Don't if I don't want to. So point is that I have no reason to be depressed, but somehow I am feeling it. Might be Winter blues, maybe I suffer from it or not I don't know, this is just ODD. Point aside from my RANT, I think somethings just off this January, you're not the only one who had a Wonky Week.

[@leylabay6873]

Zoe , I wished you vlogged your Quebec trip 😭😭😭. It looks so amazing.. I hope you had fun.

[@teresascafasci7027]

Thank you for being so transparent. I try a no spend challenge and I fall off and feel guilty. Thank you for being real❤

[@jaytee419]

I agree with JS about Hello Fresh! I used to love it years ago and the recipes have never been bad, but then the portions kept getting smaller and it just wasn’t worth the price anymore. They also did the same thing where they were sending me boxes with no notification at all except the charge on my card which i didn’t appreciate. I’m sure they do it on purpose to get the money.

[@kaiulanisallas9005]

I’m so glad you made this video! And I’m so proud of your honesty! You truly could have “hid” all of those purchases, no one would have known. But that’s what makes your channel so great. I did a no buy January and had 4 total no spend days but.. I was very successful in not buying ONE item online Amazon included!!! So that was a total win And I liked what you said about being more aware of our spending So glad you shared this video And I super enjoyed JS and you making breakfast It looked yummy and I definitely want to try it!!! Maybe you could announce a week in March ahead of time and then we can all do it together ❤

[@ZoePritchard]

hiii, I love all of this! and what a great idea to do it together 😍😍 I will pick a week soon and post it to my community posts here on YT and on Instagram as well

[@nisaokten1884]

It was so fun to watch ❤ thanks for posting this video.

[@mmccart1]

Zoe there’s so much space and nuance between success and failure!! And you ended the week SPENDING time with your family and loved ones - what’s more valuable than that?

[@chanellegoulet6165]

You are so hard on yourself! Little slip ups are not fails, you won in so many ways whether it was learning lessons about the reality of a busy life or not spending in other categories. I often try no-spend challenges for a week also and end up "failing" for the same reasons. Watching you go through it yourself and being honest about it makes me feel better about how mine turn out. Progress is progress, maybe we need to erase the term "failed" so its not so pass/fail more like an improvement because at the end of the day we are still lowering the cost of our spending. Language makes such a difference!

[@annamariav8251]

Inspiring me to do my first no spend (or low spend, in my case!) week this year!

[@ZoePritchard]

yayyy!! make your own rules and give it a try ✨💸

[@itsrolji]

I think you the bangs suits you so much

[@mariadevoto7254]

the only failure is in not trying something! I definitely want to try this sometime this year and reflect on it through journaling and my personal finance substack

[@ZoePritchard]

amazing!! i hope you do give it a try 🥰

[@lynntetteh]

so true about mental health and spending.. 😢

[@ZoePritchard]

🙃😭

[@saraholiveras]

Being loving your videos recently 🫶🏽 I have really bad TMJ too and the only thing that’s provided consistent/long-ish term relief is Botox in my jaw and eyebrows/forhead 💅🏽 Also - I’m dual citizen in Canada and US but live in the US - everyone says Canadian health care is super cheap so I was SHOOK at the PT price tag??

[@belengauto3801]

I love the "emotional support latte"😂 I totally understand

[@anagavric6012]

Amazing video!! Thank you 😊

[@greenlantern1986]

You didn't blow your budget (other than Hello Fresh messing with you) and you learned some good lessons for the next No Spend Week. No harm no foul as long as you remember how it went for the next time you want to do this.

[@ZoePritchard]

thanks!!

[@diamondbooker5825]

Hi, could you possibly do a video on budgeting w/ an inconsistent income?? I feel it’s harder to plan for the next month when you don’t know how much you’ll be paid especially for business owners/self employed. I’m not sure 😊

[@ZoePritchard]

Hi!! I often talk about this is my monthly money videos. But my best trick is to set your budget based on your lowest possible paycheque. Then the rest feels like a fun bonus!

[@alysonlindley]

Not for everyone, but maybe someone here just needs to know that it is possible. Since covid we switched to a 2 week meal plan. We grocery shop every other Thursday and we never go over budget anymore on groceries.

[@shannonclarke3621]

The biggest thing I did to save money on groceries when living in Montréal was to shop at Maxi or Super C! I think Maxi's produce and meats were better, but still very affordable. If you collect PC optimum points, you can earn/redeem them there, for extra savings. I would sometimes shop at Provigo or IGA but my bill was always way higher 😅

[@jessicatounkara8753]

Do a do-over on the spending challenge.

[@christiecaplinger5242]

❤❤❤❤

[@lapetiteyara]

Tell your Dad that from now we accept him only saying "Hi Blonds" no "Hi vlog" ; dddd

[@ZoePritchard]

hahahaha agreeee 🩷🩷🩷

[@diannatoma2831]

Habibi, if you don't want to age wear sunscreen and stay out of the sun. In the other sense, aging is such a privilege :) Enjoyed your video as always.

[@ZoePritchard]

thank you 💖💖💖

[@KayGee_yt]

While a no-spend is possible, to me a low spend is so much more realistic. I'm not going to not eat or not pay rent if it comes up, so a no-spend isn't even real! I'd rather keep my grocery/subscription/necessity budgets the same and limit my "fun money" to whatever feels reasonable. Maybe $30 a week for me. That way instead of "no, I can't have anything at all!" and feeling limited, I can ask myself something like "do I really want this coffee and car wash or would I rather save my fun money for brunch this weekend?". I just find it more realistic and productive.

[@fallinlove3210]

Zoe, as a dentist have you thought about Botox or acupuncture for your TMJ? I have only heard of patients doing it...never referred a patient myself....but you may ask your dentist and look into it if you need other alternatives!

[@ZoePritchard]

yess accupuncture is my next step! botox scares me so much 😭 but ill do it if i have to

[@madisonmakingit]

Hey!! I just wanted to warn you that if you are taking hormonal birth control or an SSRI, eating/drinking grapefruit can affect your medication and make it less effective!! If you don’t, no worries- but I just wanted to put that out there❤️❤️

[@ZoePritchard]

omg that is wild!! i'm not on either haha but great PSA 🙈

[@marynahoum]

Also, that breakfast sounds delicious!!!

[@medioreblatherskite]

Aw I thought we were all just boycotting Starbucks :(

[@cynthiar3013]

We don’t want cheap frugal lives, we want healthy sustainable joyful lives ❤

[@MeganEmma3006]

Definitely ask for your money back from Hello Fresh!!!

[@ashleynorthover5084]

where's the link to the recipe?

[@ZoePritchard]

just added it to the description! scroll to the middle to find the breakfast :)

[@Elizabethgitana12]

How many times a week you go to the grocery store!? You already did grocery shopping what twice in this videos and then your boyfriend once !? Is there a reason you guys prefer to do it this way ?

[@ZoePritchard]

we go often! like almost every other day 😂 he actually spends waaay more on groceries than i do, i just happened to go in twice in this video

[@lolarose4252]

Here's a trick: Just leave your wallet at home, bring your essentials only and maybe just a $5 bill ....it is extreme but it will work

[@Reindeers-Money]

My No spend year in 2024 FAILED😂😂😂 so No I’m trying to just trying to do one month and see 😂

[@jessicatounkara8753]

Protip: you will get way more coffee if you say ice on the side in a separate cup.

[@MasqueMurky]

Zoe: *berating self for getting a coffee* Me: munching on my $15 takeout that I got specifically as a co-treat for the new upload 👁👄👁

[@ZoePritchard]

obsessed with you 💖

[@dianasorchids]

Zoe, why not activate the “buy me a coffee” for your subscribers to gift you a coffee? ❤

[@tharealgeminiprincess5858]

U should of already had ur food shopping done tbh it kinda ruins the no spend vibe when u buy stuff at the grocery store almost every day

[@ZoePritchard]

maybe next time! but i spoke about this before but if I have to prep for the whole weeks groceries I will just put it off and never do a no spend week 😂

[@augustek5382]

Grocery shopping is coming from your budget. No spending challenge is when you do not buy things you don't need- clothing, cosmetics, dining out etc. That is how I understand this challenge, and this was for only a week. Usually, people do this challenge for much longer than this. How would you avoid grocery shopping for 6 months?

[@nataliao8868]

🥰❤️👍💐

[@ZoePritchard]

🩷🩷🩷