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If you’ve scrolled your socials lately, you might’ve noticed something a little... quieter. Among the usual hauls and weekend look at me content, a new trend is gaining traction: the No Spending Weekend. It’s exactly what it sounds like, a weekend where people intentionally spend no money. No Uber Eats. No quick trips to the Big W. Not even a flat white.
At first glance, it might sound restrictive or even snores. But more and more Aussies are embracing the idea as a way to reclaim their time, recharge, and reset their relationship with money.
Let’s dig into why it’s trending and how you can use it to get ahead financially, too.
The trend has roots in a broader social shift: burnout from constant consumption. We’re bombarded with ads, influencer recommendations, and the pressure to always be doing something. Ideally, something luxurious and Instagram worthy that raises our social status.
According to The Boar, people are craving stillness. A ‘quiet weekend’ offers space to rest, reflect, and connect without the noise of shopping centres, brunches, and impulse buys.
TikTokers share how these weekends help them feel grounded, present, and more in control both emotionally and financially.
It’s also a subtle rebellion against hustle culture. Instead of using the weekend to squeeze in productivity or status-symbol activities, more of us are learning to enjoy doing nothing. And our wallets are breathing a sigh of relief.
Taking just two days off spending can have a surprising ripple effect:
And if you’ve recently used Beforepay’s Pay Advance to get through a tight patch, a No Spending Weekend can be a great way to pause and start fresh.
This isn’t about deprivation. It’s about intention. Here’s how to get started:
Do a quick stock take on Friday night. Got pasta? Veggies? Protein? Tinned beans? Get creative with what you have. You might surprise yourself with a few MasterChef-worthy meals when you are forced to use what is in the fridge only.
Think of things you love that don’t cost a cent:
This isn’t a punishment weekend where you have a lack mentality. It’s about rediscovering joy without spending.
Channel your inner Marie Kondo. Clean out your wardrobe, sort your drawers, and rearrange your furniture. Digital detox too: delete files, remove all the photos taken to get one right, and unsubscribe from email lists that no longer serve you. It’s wildly satisfying and totally free.
Use your no-spend weekend to:
If you’re using the Beforepay app, this is a great time to reflect on how you're tracking and where you want to be by next payday.
Invite a friend for a park walk. Call your nan. Kick a footy with your cousin. These moments fill your cup way more than a bottomless brunch.
Want to make it more fun? Set a group challenge: everyone does a No-Spending Weekend and shares their best low-cost activities in a WhatsApp Group.
No-Spending Weekends aren’t just a TikTok Trend. They’re a clever reset button for your mind and your money. Whether you’re paying off debt, saving for something big, or just want to feel more in control, choosing stillness over spending could be the best investment you make all week.
If you do need a top-up, Beforepay’s Pay Advance is here to support your short-term needs. But in the meantime, why not gift yourself a weekend of simplicity?
You might just find you don’t miss the spending at all.
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