It’s nearly the end of September.
It’s no secret that people around the world are struggling financially. According to news.com.au, RBA boss Michelle Bullock admitted that the cost of living wasn’t easing, despite a decrease in inflation.
According to Caitlin Davey on the ABC, Instagram creator, Lou Gibson, aka ‘The Money Mum‘ took on ‘No Spend September’. She took on the challenge for the past two years. She told the ABC why she took on the chalkenge:
It’s mainly to stop unconscious, habitual, spending and to focus on all the wonderful things in my life that are completely free.
(‘No spend September is kicking off on social media to help people save,’ Caitlin Davey, 31 August 2025)
Gibson wasn’t the only one. She is part of a growing number of people who swore to ditch takeaway coffee and other luxuries throughout the month of September.
Financial literacy advocate, Ketvi Roopnairainwas positive about the challenge.
About ‘No Spend September’
What is No Spend September? No Spend September is a global social mefia trend where creators vow to eliminate unnecessary spending throughout September. Currently, there are 1757 posts with the hashtag #nospendseptember on TikTok.
No Spend September gained some traction on Instagram, too, amassing over 1,000 posts.
Here are some of yhe Instagram creators who took on the trend:
- madison.hungerford, by her own admission, is very self – sufficient. However, she describes herself as a “Costco addict”. She tod her followers she will only buy cream for coffee.
- A Purposeful Home: Andrea offered a course on reducing spending
- the.brokegeneration suggested people go into shops only to take a photo of items to trick the brain and provide the same dopamine hit
- sweewtfrugallife offered six tips when doing the challenge. They were:
- Tell your friends
- Seek free community events
- Remind yourself why you’re doing the challenge
- Unsubscribe from non – essential emails and social media accounts that tempt you
- Prepare meals in advance
- Forgive yourself for slip ups
The impact of No Spend September
When Gibson did the challenge last year, it had a positive impact on her family. Her family had:
More family time, park plays and board games meant that we didn’t feel deprived.
In my opinion, it seems like No Spend September could reveal to people what really is important.
Alternatives to No Spend September
No Spend September may not work fpr everyone. If you believe that may be you, Roopnairain suggests selling your unused belongings for extra money. She even suggests getting rid of thirty belongings in thirty days. She also suggests looking at utility plans and try and get the best one. You can also megotiate for better deals with your current utility company.
No Spend September isn’t bad, but it doesn’t change the real issue
I think No Spend September (and selling unused possessions) isn’t bad. It may be good for some peoole, or at least offer some financial relief.
However, it’s important to point out that this doesn’t fix the state of the economy. The issue of the economy goes beyond middle – class (and lower – class) families. Unless those who hoard wealth, buy multiple properties, making the cost of housing worse, avoid paying taxes, many families will continue to struggle.
