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Read the Entire Series: Day 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7

Tonight marks an interesting turn in my dream to reduce my debts and save more. This just may be another ordinary, summer Saturday night to you, but to me, it’s the beginning of a little adventure. For the next 7 days I won’t purchase anything. I’m calling it, “The 7-Day Buy Nothing Challenge.”

The experiment came to me as I was driving – yet again – to the supermarket. It was the second trip of the day. I had planned poorly and hadn’t followed my own shopping advice. Unfortunately, I got home and realized I forget bread. A few hours later I was back at the store and primed to spend.

Then, I pondered if I could actually make it a week without spending money on anything. It couldn’t be simpler, right? Just stop buying stuff! And yet, look at your receipts, how many days have you gone without a purchase?

We are primed for consumption, and sometimes we don’t know how to turn it off. It’s often easier said then done, and I struggle with it sometimes.

For the next 7 days, I aim stop shopping and see my Mint.com account show zero, nada, nothing, zilch, squat, zip. Part reflection and part education, I will write a journal-style entry to you every day.

The Buy Nothing Challenge rules are simple:

No household goods (discretionary or non-discretionary), food, or gas purchased. Nothing necessary, desired, or wanted purchased/ordered. To aid in this process, leave credit, debit, and cash at home. If an emergency occurs, ignore the first three rules.

When I started telling people about this experiment, some scoffed, others laughed, and a few were excited. To me, it’s a win-win. I get to write to you and I learn what it’s like in the process. I wonder if I’ll be able to go a week. Likewise, I’m nervous if I properly prepared for the adventure. I’d love to know what you think in the comments below!

Here goes nothing! Wish me luck. Be sure to follow along!

Read the Entire Series: Day 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7