A pregnant mum has taken her desire to save money to a whole new level – and plans to spend nothing unnecessarily for the whole of 2025.
Natasha Tovey, 35, from Gloucestershire, is now undertaking a ‘no buy’ year which involves avoiding spending money on anything but absolute necessities.
It is a challenge that has recently gained popularity on TikTok.
- Advertisement -
Natasha admits that she has not always been a big saver but as a mum to two teenage daughters, who is currently expecting a baby boy in May, she understands the importance of having an emergency fund.
“It’s important to always have an emergency fund reserved for unexpected expenditures that come with having children – school trips, extra-curricular activities and such,” the 35-year-old, who runs an e-commerce business, told What’s The Jam.
“I have been saving for years to some degree, though never as meticulously planned or challenging as this attempt.
“Having spent last year’s savings on furnishing the nursery, buying everything baby needs and a family holiday, I decided it would be beneficial to save again towards mine and my family’s future.
“I am intrigued to find out if I can beat last year’s savings goal by challenging myself to keep track of my daily spending and forgoing the ‘little things in life’ we often pay little attention to such as to-go coffees, weekend takeaways and online purchases.”
- Advertisement -
Having saved £4,000 last year by keeping back her extra cash, Natasha is hoping to significantly add to her emergency fund in 2025.
She said: “This year I have forecasted my monthly budget to allow me to save at least £400 a month, which should in theory allow me to save just under £5,000 (£4,800).
“I am buying necessary items for the home, kids and pets and have even set aside a budget for miscellaneous expenses each month to cover minor unexpected expenses related to school a football boots for PE for instance.
- Advertisement -
“But generally, I am asking myself ‘Can we live without it?’ If the answer is yes, then I will think twice before buying it.
“We are not ‘going without’ as such, we will have everything we need, but we will substitute where we can to save money – cooking at home as opposed to eating out, for example.”
Already two weeks into the year, Natasha has managed to go days without parting with a single penny.
In fact, she has already managed to save an impressive £675 in January so far.
She said: “It’s still early days, but I have not purchased anything ‘unnecessary’ as of yet.
“I have saved the £400 I planned to save, I saved a little birthday money I was gifted on the 9th, and I even won £250 on premium bonds!
“I can’t say that I’ve found it particularly challenging as yet.
“It’s hard to say as I’ve had a lucky month with a small win and being gifted money for my birthday, but I haven’t given in to any temptations yet either.”
When it comes to the purpose of the money, Natalie said she is simply thinking ahead for the sake of her growing family and plans to use it to help with necessities like nursery fees.
It comes after it was revealed that the average nursery cost for a child under two in England equates to a whopping £8,299.72 on a part-time basis or £15,865.72 full time.
Natasha is also helping herself by avoiding browsing online shops, where she has previously found herself spending on unnecessary items.
While a no-buy year might sound extreme to many, Natasha stressed that it doesn’t mean she won’t still be enjoying life.
She said: “Budgeting doesn’t necessarily mean missing out on things but perhaps substituting where possible.
“For example, days out don’t need to cost money! We can venture out as a family and make the best memories for little to no cost.
“Budgeting also means you can still buy what you need, but you’re more likely to stick to a plan.
“Making a shopping list and not going over budget means I will have what I need but no added extras that I didn’t budget for.
“As well as budgeting it’s important to consider what your money is doing behind the scenes.
“Is it working for you?
“I have an interest-paying bank account and I receive cashback on bills, little rewards like that can also add up or cover an expense.”
After successfully saving £4,000 with no clear plan in 2024, Natasha has shared her top easy tips for anyone else looking to save.
She advises not to leave your money sitting stagnant and to look for good interest and rewards from banks, whether it’s switching offers or cashback.
Planning ahead with your spending, she says, is also key and not falling prey to online marketing from influencers who are selling things like ten-step skincare routines.
She added: “Don’t go without entirely.
“This can lead to impulse shopping, instant gratification and blowouts.
“Budget, plan and have goals but allow yourself the small things once in a while so you’re not tempted to spend if you feel you’re not enjoying your saving journey.
“Saving shouldn’t be something you dread, it can be rewarding.
“How you feel after saving just a little is nothing compared to how you’ll feel if you manage to save a lot.
“Then if you really want something extravagant – a holiday or another baby perhaps – you’ve earned it and can enjoy it more.”
READ MORE: Good news for holiday season as doctor says eating CHEESE will prevent hangovers
