YouTuber Kate Kaden: 4 Realistic Ways To Have a Successful ‘No Spend’ January
Kate Kaden is a YouTube personality who has created a channel all about frugal living. With the new year of 2025 fresh underway, lots of people are trying to make resolutions that stick, with one of them being “No Spend” January.
The essence of this idea boils down that during the month of January individuals should try not to spend any money. Knowing that there are essential cost of living expenses that must be paid, such as food and housing, the concept is really more about spending less and only on what you need.
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With the help of Kaden, she offered advice in her new video for four realistic ways to have a successful “No Spend’ January” that anyone can follow.
Also read more about the YouTuber’s tips to save thousands of dollars in 2025.
4. Keep It Simple
Kaden urged her to consider “No Spend” January does not have to be a complex concept. In actuality, Kaden highlights that it really comes down to “needs” versus “wants.”
Coming off the holidays, there are a lot of personal purchases that could be considered needs of the season but are really festive wants. Now that the big spending holiday season is behind us, Kaden asked viewers to consider in January what they truly need to pay for in life instead of what they might want to needlessly spend money on.
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3. Keep a Journal for Spending Feelings
There are journals for thoughts, personal reflections and secrets. Kaden has a different kind, one that will help anyone get through “No Spend” January.
She recommended that everyone purchase a reasonably priced blank notebook and use it to jot down moments where you feel like you want to spend money on something that is indulgent rather than required.
In February, you can look back on this journal to analyze all the instances where, for example, you wanted to go through the drive-thru even though you knew it was financially more responsible to go home and cook the groceries you bought earlier in the week.
2. Keep Rules that Work for You
Everyone’s lifestyle, budget, income, and needs are different. Kaden recognizes this, which is why she recommended setting rules around “No Spend” January, but tailoring them to fit your financial life accordingly.
In fact, she recommends that these rules all culminate with a goal at the end of the month.
“Make it a goal that is irresistible,” suggested Kaden. “Make it a goal that makes you want to get out of bed in the morning and not spend money. Make it something that you really want so it keeps you motivated.”
1. Keep a Word for the Year in Mind
“No Spend” January is a great time to set an overall intention for the year. Kaden recommended that anyone trying to get a handle on their personal finances focus on one word that can help set a theme for them to obtain their goals.
Kaden offered viewers a few of her past themes (i.e. “simplify”) then puts it back onto the individual — knowing their own circumstances and situation — to come up with one word that they can use as a touchstone, not just through the first month of the year, but all throughout 2025.
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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: YouTuber Kate Kaden: 4 Realistic Ways To Have a Successful ‘No Spend’ January