I’ve spent more than 12 years studying happiness and human nature, and I’ve found that money is one of the most complex and fascinating contributors to a happy life.
While it’s true that money alone can’t buy happiness, our spending decisions can certainly contribute or detract from it. This insight led me to design a rule that adds more clarity, energy and freedom to my life: Take a no-spend month.
A no-spend month is exactly what it sounds like: a full month of avoiding non-essential purchases. With a no-spend month, you still pay rent, utilities, bills and other necessary expenses. But discretionary spending — like buying new gadgets, books, or restaurant takeout — is off the table.
A no-spend month breaks the dopamine loop of impulse buying. Research shows that although impulse buys give us a brief dopamine spike, the pleasure fades quickly. It’s also true that often, when we don’t feed our cravings, they don’t build up; instead, they fade away.
You’ll also gain more self-knowledge. If you’re like me, you may find yourself spending money without really thinking about it: a coffee here, a new shirt there, a subscription you haven’t cancelled but rarely use. Without the ability to “swipe away” stress or boredom, we become more aware of our spending habits.
