November’s here, and you know what that means: the holiday countdown has officially begun!
With all the fun stuff coming up—Christmas parties, gifts, Noche Buena feasts, and family gatherings—it’s also the season for big spending.
But what if this year, instead of blowing through your 13th month pay and Christmas bonus in a flash, you saved up a little in November so you could spend without a worry in December?
Welcome to No Spend November, a little challenge that could make a big difference.
The goal? Keep your spending to the essentials this month so you can build a buffer for the holiday season.
We’re talking about cutting back on the little things, finding creative ways to celebrate, and hitting December with more pesos in your pocket and a plan in place.
Think of it as a financial refresh—a chance to step back, realign, and make December all about joy, not stress.
Ready to give it a go? Let’s jump into some fun, practical tips that’ll make No Spend November feel like an empowering challenge rather than a restriction.
By the end of the month, you’ll be set to celebrate the holidays with a happier wallet and a lighter mind!
Practical No Spend November Tips
1. Prioritize “Wants” vs. “Needs” (and Be Real About It!)
Let’s start with a classic but super powerful move.
Take a few minutes to list out what’s actually necessary and what’s not for November and December.
For instance, Noche Buena essentials might go in the “needs” list, but new Christmas decor? Maybe that’s a “want” this year.
If it helps, try putting a peso limit next to each “need.” It’ll help keep spending focused and intentional!
2. Use What You Have at Home (You’ll Be Surprised!)
This is a classic hack, but it works.
For one month, challenge yourself to shop your own pantry, fridge, and closet.
Got instant noodles hiding in the cupboard? Leftover coffee grounds you can brew? Half-empty shampoo and body wash bottles?
Using up what you already have can save a surprising amount of cash.
Plus, it feels oddly satisfying to declutter and make room before the holiday season!
3. Skip Paid Events for Free Festivities
We’re lucky in the Philippines because as Christmas season rolls in, malls and parks start hosting free events like concerts, holiday light shows, and parades.
Gather your barkada or family and take advantage of these! Look up local event pages or check your city’s Facebook page to stay updated on free activities you can enjoy without spending a centavo.
4. DIY Your Christmas Décor
Christmas decorations can be pricey, so why not make it a bonding activity at home?
Try out easy, inexpensive DIY decorations with stuff you already have, like old mason jars, twine, and even recycling cardboard.
Not only does it save money, but you get that added personal touch.
Plus, there are tons of tutorials on YouTube and TikTok to help you make cute, Pinterest-worthy decorations on a budget.
5. Plan Gift Exchanges with a Theme
It’s not the holidays without exchanging gifts, but this can be a huge budget-killer.
Instead, why not plan a themed gift exchange to add some fun while keeping costs down?
A “₱100 or Below” challenge, DIY gifts only, or even a “Gift a Skill” exchange (think: “one free guitar lesson” or “cooking a meal for you”) can make gift-giving memorable and budget-friendly.
6. Start a “No Takeout” Challenge
Food deliveries and eating out can add up quickly, especially if work gets busy.
So, how about a “no takeout” or “bring your own lunch” challenge?
Get creative with home-cooked meals, and if you’re really pressed for time, there are affordable meal-prep ideas online.
This one simple habit can free up a lot of cash by month-end, and you might even pick up some new recipes.
7. Cash-Only Spending Days
Choose a few days each week to go cash-only and leave your cards at home.
Physically seeing the money leave your wallet can make you rethink small purchases and focus on essentials.
Pro tip: Set aside your change for the “No Spend” jar, so by December, you’ll have extra savings for holiday treats.
8. Hold Off on 11.11 Sales Temptations
Ah, the 11.11 sales! It’s tempting, right?
All those apps pushing notifications, and discounts everywhere!
Here’s a suggestion: skip adding items to your cart on 11.11, and instead, revisit them on 12.12 if you still want them.
You might find that most things you were ready to buy on impulse weren’t even necessary.
9. Clean and Declutter for Cash
November is a perfect time to do a little house decluttering—clear out what you don’t need, from clothes to old gadgets.
And hey, those pre-loved items might find a new home through Facebook Marketplace or Carousell, putting extra pesos in your wallet.
10. Swap Out Coffee Runs with Home Brews
Coffee lovers, this one’s for you! If you’re buying coffee daily, try making it at home, even if it’s just for November.
A quick coffee brew at home can save you around ₱100–₱200 per day. Multiply that over a month, and you’ve got a good amount saved that you can put towards your Christmas expenses.
11. Create a “No Spend Buddy” System
Having a friend to do No Spend November with makes it more fun and way easier to stick to!
You can hold each other accountable, share tips, and maybe even do some free activities together like cooking meals at home, going for walks, or just hanging out without spending.
You could even set a shared savings goal for the end of the month and celebrate with a low-cost activity.
Saving together can help you stay motivated and make the whole process feel less restrictive.
12. Set Mini-Challenges for Yourself Each Week
Break down the month with smaller, themed challenges.
For example:
- Week 1: Pantry Week – Cook all meals using items you already have in your pantry.
- Week 2: No “Wants” Purchases – Only buy essential items this week, focusing on strict needs.
- Week 3: DIY Gifts Week – Start planning and creating holiday gifts using what you have.
- Week 4: Transportation Challenge – Try alternatives to save on commuting costs, like walking, biking, or carpooling.
These mini-challenges can make each week feel fresh and goal-oriented without overwhelming you with a whole month of restrictions.
13. Set Up a “Savings Jar” or Digital Piggy Bank
Put aside all the money you would have spent on “extras” in a physical jar, envelope, or digital wallet (like GCash or Maya).
Label it your “December Fun Fund” so you’re literally watching your holiday budget grow.
By the end of November, you’ll have a solid amount saved up specifically for holiday treats, gifts, or experiences.
It’s super motivating to watch your jar or digital account fill up as you make little sacrifices!
14. Start a “Wish List” to Control Impulse Buying
If you’re used to making impulse buys, a wish list can help curb that habit.
When you feel the urge to buy something, add it to your list instead. Then, commit to revisiting it in December.
You’ll often find that the urge to buy fades, and by waiting, you can make more intentional spending decisions.
This also helps prevent the December shopping frenzy and ensures you’re only buying things you genuinely want or need.
15. Identify and Replace “Stress Spending” Triggers
If you find yourself reaching for your wallet every time you’re stressed or feeling bored, try substituting that urge with a different activity.
Love online shopping when you’re bored? Try a new hobby like sketching, journaling, or reading.
If you’re used to rewarding yourself with a little retail therapy after a long workday, replace it with something budget-friendly, like a movie night at home or a self-care activity.
Not only will you save money, but you’ll also build healthier habits!
16. Take Stock of Your Subscriptions
Subscriptions can add up—think Netflix, Spotify, gaming, and more.
Take November to assess which ones you’re actually using.
Maybe you can pause or cancel one or two just for the month and put that money toward your December budget.
Every little bit counts, and you may even discover you don’t miss some of those subscriptions as much as you thought.
17. Tap into Free Resources for Entertainment and Learning
For one month, challenge yourself to get your entertainment and learning from free sources.
Libraries, online courses, YouTube tutorials, and free e-books can give you all the entertainment and knowledge you need.
This can be a great opportunity to develop new skills or even explore hobbies that you never had time for before.
18. Pre-Plan December Splurges and Set a Budget
We know December’s going to be filled with get-togethers, food, gifts, and celebrations, so plan for them now.
While you’re in November’s “no-spend” mindset, make a list of what you’ll realistically want to buy next month and set a budget.
Read my 50-30-20 Budget Guide for Filipinos to help you get started with budgeting.
Include categories like food, gifts, and even transportation if you’ll be traveling to family gatherings.
Setting a budget now can help you avoid overspending when December excitement kicks in.
Download our FREE budget templates below to get started.
19. Gamify Your Savings with a Personal Challenge
Turn No Spend November into a game! Set a personal challenge for yourself, like “Save ₱1,000 by the end of November” or “No online shopping for 30 days.”
Each time you resist a purchase or find a way to save, reward yourself by tracking the amount saved in your jar or savings app. It’s fun, satisfying, and makes the whole process feel like a win-win.
20. Set a “Gratitude Budget” for the Holidays
During your No Spend November, think of ways you can give meaningful (not necessarily costly) gifts of gratitude come December.
Whether it’s handwritten letters, DIY tokens, or offering your help in place of a material gift, planning your “gratitude budget” can help you feel generous and thoughtful without overspending.
Why No Spend November is Worth It
Taking part in No Spend November isn’t about missing out; it’s about getting the most out of your hard-earned money.
Every peso saved in November means a more stress-free December, where you can confidently buy gifts and celebrate without worrying about the bills.
After all, nothing says “Merry Christmas” like peace of mind!
Financial Speaker with Heart
If you’re thinking, “Wow, I wish someone would explain this stuff to my office or community group!”—I’ve got you covered.
As a financial speaker, I’ve had the opportunity to connect with people across various companies and communities, guiding them through the unique Filipino experience with money, including how to make the most of 13th month pay and Christmas bonuses.
My goal is to make financial advice practical, fun, and relatable.
Here’s what some clients and attendees have said after our sessions:
“Ang galing ni Ms. Janice! When I saw a picture of her with Bo Sanchez sa introduction, I already knew that she’s a high-caliber speaker. No doubt, very engaging from start to end. No dull moments! Kudos to the hosts and the team who organized the Lunch & Learn. Love it so much!” – <3 from CRG-BA
“Thank you for bringing in an excellent speaker. She really seemed to know what she’s sharing. The topic is so engaging and the speaker as well as the hosts are clear and very informative. The presentation is also great and high quality.” – Elaine
“The topic is very helpful and would be extremely helpful if it was done earlier than December. Just in time for my holiday shopping! Made me think twice about what I should spend on.” -Dani
If your company or community is looking for a financial talk this season, feel free to get in touch! I’d love to help you and your team prepare for a financially secure holiday season and a smarter start to the New Year.
