But could Lewis Brown and Sue Gilson cope with not spending a penny?


Lewis Brown

Me. Money. The two just don't go hand in hand, I'm afraid.

I've never really quite understood those folk who appear from nowhere when a one pence piece twinkles on the pavement, and say with an annoying amount of wisdom 'look after the pennies and the pounds will look after themselves'.

But they don't. Because I'd have to wait half a century to save enough pavement pennies to afford a piggy bank.

Plus I would much rather buy a can of coke and eat a scrumptious, but expensive (they don't come cheap), fat slice of cake for lunch.

Seeing as I am a pro money-waster, going one whole day without flashing the cash was actually rather difficult.

Project Moneysave began the night before, preparing my lunch with lots of goodies to satisfy my sugar-filled diet.

I also filled up the car with an abundance of petrol to cover all of my road trips.

The morning started brightly, with three hours passing me by with not a twinge of wanting to go to the shops.

Lunchtime was just as successful. A friend wanted to borrow some money, but I proudly exclaimed the noble challenge I had taken on and after a few cackles of laughter he left me be.

But hang on. I then became aware of several gold shiny pound coins in my wallet. The mind games had begun. Was it worth ruining the challenge just to purchase an album I desperately wanted? No, there was always tomorrow.

Did I really need to buy a packet of chewing gum or would I let the world around me feel the wrath of my coffee-breath? I decided to not give in and plough on.

As it neared the end of the day I felt close to victory. Chuffed with the new man I had become, I got in my car and breathed a sigh of relief - I had done it.

I parked outside my house and burst through the front door. The phone rung and it's dear old mother. My smile could not have changed to a frown quicker.

Mum needed the rent and she needed it now. I was doomed - I should have been more prepared. Having my bat mobile ready wasn't enough. And after all the mental anguish I've been through.

I have failed you all. But despite my disorganisation I think I can hold my head up high, knowing I lasted nearly 12 hours without spending a penny.


Sue Gilson

Beg, steal and borrow

I fell at the first hurdle, of course.

Sitting on my desk was a Post-it note reminder of Buy Nothing Day.

I had already put £3 into the car park meter. That would teach me for not cycling on such a lovely day.

I then wrote 'no spend' on my hand which my freelance friend noticed when I was out for a quick coffee with her a bit later on, and asked me what it meant.

"It means you are paying for our coffee," I said weakly.

The nice Big Issue seller on the pavement outside was bemused by my excuses, and who could blame him. I made a mental note to buy one of his magazines the next day.

Returning to work I ran the gauntlet of the likes of H&M and Kew but counted pavement slabs to keep me focused.

Then back at base things were busy as ever. I never have time to online shop or anything that other people seem to manage during work time.

I have remembered to bring home-made soup so don't have to dish out £3 or so for lunch. Ignoring 'hands off' notes on milk in office fridge I pinch some for my tea. Will be in trouble again with the milk police.

There are no redundancies this week so no leaving collections, and the office bonus ball is not til Friday.

At 4pm my 15-year-old does his usual of getting home starving, scouring the cupboards for snacks, finding none and texting me 'bring home sum food & drink plse'.

I text back 'can't, no spend' and when I get home son berates me for not supporting local economy.

There is not bread and dripping for tea though as cunningly I did my online shop the day before which gets delivered in time to stop sons wasting away.

A kind colleague has bought me my daily Guardian which I usually spend 80p on each day, doing the crossword over a cuppa. Sad I know but it helps keep me sane.

Later I go to the gym, put £1 in the locker but get it back again after work-out and swim.

My car beeps 'no petrol' at me on the way home, but that can wait til the morning.

I have managed to spend just the £3 on the car park in the morning, whereas, totting it all up, on a typical day I may well have spent around £30 or so.

So, it has been a bit beg, steal or borrow, but all in all, a shop-free success.