The No Spend Challenge is right around the corner. I have to say I am excited to get started! Still, the challenge of it is not lost on me. My husband is questioning how we will make do without some of the normal “comfort” items we are accustomed to, but I am seeing the benefits. You see, I hope to gain more than just a little wiggle room in our budget. I truly believe this financial challenge will transcend the sphere of money and teach us life lessons in other areas.

Financially – Perhaps the most obvious aspect of the No Spend Challenge is the fact that we won’t be spending money on non-essentials. I expect this to give us more room in our monthly budget and give us a jump start toward a few of our financial goals. The thought of reaching these goals has me jazzed, but the benefits don’t stop there.

Spiritually – I have a sneaky suspicion that the way I spend money permeates my spiritual life as well. I expect to create more space for God when I’m not filling my life with stuff. I can’t help but think of the VeggieTales story of Madame Blueberry and her trip to “StuffMart.” When I’m busy buying things, what am I missing out on? I hope to find out.

Educationally – It’s time for me to learn a new way of living, new habits that will serve me better than my old ones. I can’t recognize and replace the habits that keep me stuck until I do something to bring them to light. I trust this journey will teach me about myself and lead me to critique my lifestyle then motivate me to constructively create new patterns.

Socially – Spending is a social sport in many instances. We have to buy the right clothes, shop at the right stores, and spend time eating out or shopping with friends to foster relationships. Or do we? Christmas has become a poster child for the consumerism that defines our society. Putting a hold on spending will put me at odds with society in an instructive way. I want to curb my consumption and focus on communion (fellowship and community) instead.

These are the four main areas I expect to see growth in during this challenge, although I’ll be pleasantly surprised to grow in other ways as well. My brother is a personal banker and he often comments on how he can tell what a person’s values are by the way the individual spends money. What does my money say about what I value? I’m confident I will learn more about what is important to me and discover new ways to do what matters most.

~ Alyse