Optimal Finance Daily · Monday, August 31, 2026
Philip Taylor of PT Money and his wife undertook a week-long experiment to stop spending money, challenging themselves to live on existing funds and any money earned from selling or returning items. Despite initial concerns about their spending habits, particularly dining out, they managed to end the week with a $3 surplus.
“So instead of dipping into our savings or using debt, we are challenging ourselves to not spend any money this week.”
“We started with a beginning balance of $0. Craigslist sales brought in $38. The consignment shop, $10. PT's return, $74. Mrs. PT's return, $16. Then the spending. PT's Tuesday lunch, minus $10. Sunday dinner, minus $13. Sunday groceries, minus $60. Friday dinner, minus $3. Christmas cards, minus $42. And a birthday card and baby clothes, minus $7. That left us with an ending balance of $3.”
“I'd say it was a success. We actually made $3 at the end of the week.”