By Abhishek Thakur | Founder – EarnHubs.com
Welcome to EarnHubs
No-Spend Challenge: Hello, I’m Abhishek Thakur, founder of EarnHubs.com, where I share honest, tried-and-tested ways to earn and save money online. As a content creator and software engineer, I’ve explored everything from blogging to freelancing and affiliate marketing. But one thing I’ve learned is: it’s not just how much you earn, but how smartly you save.
Recently, I challenged myself to something different — the No-Spend Challenge — and it changed how I think about money. In this post, I’ll share my personal journey of how I saved over ₹10,000 in just 30 days without increasing my income.
What Is a No-Spend Challenge?
The No-Spend Challenge is a simple but powerful budgeting experiment. You commit to not spending money on anything unnecessary for a set time — usually a week or a month. The goal is to cut out impulsive purchases and focus only on essentials like food, rent, medicines, and bills.
This doesn’t mean living miserably or denying yourself joy — it means choosing intentional spending. When done right, it can lead to surprising savings.
Why I Decided to Try This
I’ve always tracked my earnings closely, but I wasn’t paying much attention to my small, daily expenses — snacks, coffee, online shopping, late-night food deliveries. One day I realized I was leaking money in ways I couldn’t even explain.
So I decided to hit pause.
For 30 days, I stopped spending on all non-essentials — no Amazon sales, no Swiggy orders, no unnecessary subscriptions. The goal was simple: save ₹10,000 in one month.
My 30-Day No-Spend Journey
Week 1: Track Everything
I started by installing a free expense tracking app called Walnut. Every time I spent even ₹10, I noted it down. This helped me understand exactly where my money was going. I realized I was spending ₹1,500+ a week just on snacks and drinks. Eye-opening!
I also canceled all unnecessary subscriptions like Netflix, Canva Pro, and apps I hadn’t used in months.
Week 2: Remove Temptation
This week, I took action. I uninstalled Amazon, Flipkart, and Swiggy from my phone. Out of sight, out of mind. I cooked all meals at home and even carried snacks when going out. I also informed my friends I wouldn’t be dining out for the month — and they surprisingly supported me!
Week 3: Smart Substitutions
Instead of buying things, I found creative alternatives. I used YouTube for free workout videos instead of the gym. I borrowed books from friends instead of ordering them online. And I began using free AI tools instead of renewing expensive digital software.
Transport-wise, I avoided cabs and switched to walking and metro wherever possible.
Week 4: Stick to the Plan
By the final week, I was fully in control. The urge to buy had reduced, and I began appreciating what I already owned. I wore old clothes with pride, reused kitchen ingredients creatively, and started saving leftover food.
I also took this opportunity to review all future spending and planned a monthly budget based on what I truly need — not what I feel like buying in the moment.
The Result: ₹10,230 Saved!
Here’s a breakdown of how I managed to hit my savings goal:
|
Expense Area |
Money Saved (Approx.) |
|
Snacks & Outside Food |
₹2,500 |
|
Subscriptions |
₹1,800 |
|
Online Shopping |
₹3,000 |
|
Transport & Travel |
₹1,700 |
|
Miscellaneous |
₹1,230 |
|
Total |
₹10,230 |
What I Learned
This challenge wasn’t just about money — it was about mindset.
- Small expenses matter – A coffee a day might seem cheap, but over a month, it drains your wallet.
- You don’t need most things – We often buy out of boredom or impulse.
- Discipline leads to peace – I felt more in control of my life, not just my wallet.
My Advice to You
If you’re struggling with savings or feel like you never have money left at the end of the month, try this challenge. Start small maybe a 7-day No-Spend Week — and extend it. Trust me, the results will surprise you.
Use your savings to:
- Start a side hustle
- Invest in mutual funds or gold
- Buy a domain and start a blog (like I did with EarnHubs)
The key is not to just save, but to grow that saved money.
Final Words – From Abhishek Thakur
I believe in financial freedom through smart action, not just high income. Saving is not about being stingy — it’s about being intentional. Through EarnHubs, I want to help you take control of your financial life, just like I did.
Let this be your starting point. Try the No-Spend Challenge and let me know your results.
Stay wise, stay wealthy
Abhishek Thakur
EarnHubs.com