As a single mom, managing finances can be OVERWHELMING bills, groceries, and unexpected expenses. With “No Spend November” around the corner, you may be wondering how on earth you can pull off an entire month of no spending with two kids. The secret to success? PREP YOUR A- OFF. The month before November is all about “G.Y.S.T” (Getting. Your. S- Together) this means, getting organized, stocked up, and mentally ready for a challenge that could have big financial benefits!

As your virtual mom bestie, I feel like it’s MY job to help put you mamas on game!

1. Assess Your Spending Habits in October

Okay, so I use Rocket Money to keep track of my spending, and at the moment I have a few mixed feelings about it, mainly because it’s a little off on certain things like not accurately tracking “hidden” subscriptions like it advertises, but also I genuinely don’t feel like I’ve spent $1,003 this month and it’s only the 22nd. I MAY be wrong, but, I digress. Before diving into a month of no spending, it’s important to understand where your money is going. The goal is to identify areas where you can cut back and prepare accordingly.

• Track Your Expenses: For one week in October, write down everything you spend money on—from groceries to coffee runs to random Amazon orders. This will give you a clear picture of any unnecessary spending.
• Categorize spending: Break your expenses into categories like groceries, entertainment, utilities, kids’ activities, and miscellaneous. This will show you which areas need the most attention.
• Find your pain points: Are there small purchases that add up quickly? Baby I will go to Target multiple times a week and play dumb when I run out of money. It’s okay we ALL have something. Identifying these habits will help you plan ways to avoid them in November.

2. Create a November Budget

Next, plan out the bare minimum expenses for the month of November. This was hard for me. While the goal is to avoid spending, you’ll need to account for essentials like:

• Bills and utilities: These aren’t negotiable, so make sure they’re factored in.
• Groceries: You’ll want to stock up beforehand, but don’t forget perishable essentials that might require a small grocery run halfway through the month. Keep this to a minimum.
• Emergencies: Set aside a small emergency fund for unforeseen events. This will give you peace of mind without derailing your no-spend efforts.

3. Stock Up on Essentials in October

That’s right, let this be the last Amazon order until December. So you better get your skin care products! To make it through November without breaking the no-spend rule, you’ll need to be fully stocked on essentials. Here’s a list of items to prepare:

• Groceries and pantry staples: Buy shelf-stable items like pasta, rice, canned goods, and frozen vegetables. These will get you through meal prep without needing a weekly grocery trip. Don’t forget snacks for the kids—you’ll thank yourself later.
• Household essentials: Stock up on items like toilet paper, paper towels, laundry detergent, and cleaning supplies in October. This ensures you won’t run out mid-November and be forced to make a Target run.
• Kids’ necessities: Check your kids’ clothing and shoes. Are they about to outgrow anything? If so, buy what they’ll need before November starts. Also, stock up on school supplies like paper, pencils, and snacks to avoid any unexpected school-related purchases. Since baby girl isn’t completely potty trained yet, I’m going to make sure I OVER PREPARE.
• Pet supplies: If you have pets, make sure you’re stocked on food, litter, and any other essentials.

4. Meal Plan- FOR YOUR LIFE!

Okay, by now, y’all know I’m dramatic. With two kids in the house, meals can be a major source of spending—especially if you’re not prepared. Planning meals ahead of time will help you avoid the temptation of Uber Eats or last-minute grocery trips.

• Plan a month’s worth of meals: Look for budget-friendly, simple meals that you can prepare in bulk. Dishes like soups, casseroles, and pasta bakes are great options. You can even freeze portions to make cooking easier. I personally plan on buying some cuts of chicken that can be thrown in the crockpot.
• Cook from your pantry: Use the stockpile of groceries you’ve bought to create meals that are both nutritious and cost-effective. Challenge yourself to create new recipes with what you already have. Yes girl, EXPERIMENT, this is not the time to try that new dish on TikTok.
• Snack prep for kids: Prepping snacks ahead of time is a game changer. Make homemade granola bars, fruit slices, or trail mix, and store them in easy-to-grab containers for your kids.

Side Note: This is where you may have to depend on leftovers to keep spending down, also, if you have kids like mine who LOVE their fresh fruit, this is something you can budget for so you’re not completely cutting them off.

5. Plan Free Activities for the Kids

One of the biggest challenges during No Spend November is keeping the kids entertained without spending money. October is the time to start planning out a list of free or low-cost activities to keep them engaged.

• Check local events: Many communities offer free activities, especially in the fall. Look for free festivals, library events, or nature walks in your area. Since we Homeschool, our Coop Board has some free activities the kids can get involved with.
• Get creative at home: Plan DIY crafts, movie nights, and scavenger hunts. Create a weekly schedule of fun, no-cost activities like board games, baking together, or even “camping” in the living room.
• Outdoor fun: Nature is your best friend. Plan trips to local parks, playgrounds, or hiking trails. Fall is a beautiful time to enjoy the outdoors, and it’s completely free!

6. Get the Kids Involved!

Kids are quick to notice changes, and if they’re used to spontaneous toy purchases or weekend outings, they might resist the shift. It’s important to talk to them about No Spend November in a way they’ll understand. If your kids are anything like mine, hear them out, they might actually have some really good ideas you can do together.

• Explain the challenge: Pretend it as a fun challenge for the family to save money. You can even create a goal for what you’ll do with the savings—whether it’s putting money towards a trip (cough, cough, DISNEY), a special outing in December, or just building up your savings.
• Make it interactive: Create a savings chart where your kids can track how much money the family is saving. This will help them feel involved and excited about the goal.
• Reward participation: Offer non-monetary rewards for sticking to the challenge. Maybe it’s extra playtime, choosing a family movie, or a fun indoor activity as a reward for not spending money.

7. Mentally Prepare Yourself

No Spend November can lead to big financial wins, it can also be hard, especially as a single mom. Mentally preparing yourself in October is crucial.

• Know your triggers: Do you tend to shop when you’re stressed or tired? Identify what leads to impulse buys and find healthier ways to cope, like exercising or journaling. I know I impulsively shop on Amazon when I’m bored, so finding other ways to occupy my time is going to help along the way,
• Accountability partner: Consider finding an accountability partner or a fellow mom who’s also doing No Spend November. Check in with each other regularly for support.
• Embrace the challenge: Remember, this isn’t about deprivation—it’s about resetting your spending habits and focusing on what matters most. Keep your financial goals in mind as you push through the tough days.

8. FINALLY- Plan for Post November

Once November is over, it’s important to reflect on what you’ve learned. Did you discover any unnecessary spending habits? Were there areas where you were able to save without sacrificing your quality of life? Use this as an opportunity to reassess your finances and continue implementing some of the frugal habits you’ve developed.

Final Thoughts

“No Spend November” can be a powerful way to gain control over your finances, especially as a single mom managing a household. By preparing the month before—stocking up on essentials, planning meals, organizing activities, and getting your kids on board—you’ll set yourself up for success. It’s not just about cutting costs, but about finding creative ways to thrive and teaching your kids the value of mindful spending. With a little prep and the right mindset, you’ll breeze through November with savings to show for it! God Speed mamas, You Got This!