The 30-Day Spending Rule: A Simple Money Reset That Works

You may not be done with holiday spending yet for the month, and that’s completely fine. You’ll survive the gifts, the travel, the extra dinners out. No need to feel guilty.

But once January comes, and really any month after, is the perfect time to try a simple challenge that can change how you spend money without making you feel deprived.

Let’s talk about the 30-Day Spending Rule.

What is the 30-Day Spending Rule?

The good thing about this rule is that the 30-Day Spending Rule is exactly what it sounds like. When you buy something non-essential, you wait 30 days before purchasing it.

This means no impulse buys and no “add to cart” adrenaline rush. You’ll be pausing yourself for 30 days.

After 30 days, you can:

• Buy it guilt-free OR
• Realize you don’t actually want it anymore

Most of the time, it’s the second one because the shininess has worn off. 

Why This Rule Works So Well, Especially After the Holidays

During the holidays, spending is emotional as it’s about tradition, generosity, and yea sometimes stress. Once the calendar flips, our brains will get some breathing room.

The 30-Day Rule works because it:

• Separates “want” from “need.”
• Breaks the dopamine rush of impulse shopping
• Gives you time to compare, reconsider, or forget entirely
• Helps you spend with intention instead of momentum

So it’s not about restricting your purchases but giving you a clearer mindset on it.

What Counts as a 30-Day Rule Purchase?

This rule is for non-essential spending, like:

• Clothing or shoes you don’t need right away
• Home decor or furniture upgrades
• Gadgets, tech accessories, or upgrades
• Online impulse buys
• “I deserve this” purchases

It does NOT apply to:

• Bills or necessities
• True replacements (like a broken phone you actually need)
• Planned expenses already in your budget

Think of the 30-Day Rule as a useful tool, and not a punishment.

How to Use the 30-Day Rule Without Overthinking It

1. Write it Down

When you feel the urge to buy something, write it in your Notes app or keep a “30-Day List.” Just seeing it written down will often reduce the urgency.

2. Set a reminder

Add a calendar reminder or note the date. If you still want it in 30 days, you can revisit your decision!

3. Ask yourself a simple question

After 30 days, ask yourself, “Would I still buy this today if I hadn’t seen it last month?” If the answer is no, then you’ve saved money without trying.

The Sneaky Benefit: You’ll Spend Less Without Feeling Like You Are

The magic of the 30-Day Rule is that it doesn’t feel like budgeting.

Since you’re not:

• Tracking every dollar
• Cutting out all fun
• Saving “never”

You’re just pausing and saying, “Not right now.” And often, “not right now” turns into “actually, I’m good,” and you end up not needing it anyway.

Make it a January or Anytime Challenge

Instead of a strict no-spend month, try this:

• January = 30-Day Rule Month
• You’re allowed to shop, but only after the pause

By February, you’ll likely notice:

• Fewer impulse purchases
• More money stays in your account
• Less buyer’s remorse
• More confidence in your spending decisions

It’ll also help with your New Year’s resolutions!

The Money Move

You’ll break the rule sometimes, and that’s OK. Your goal isn’t perfection, it’s making little progress and raising awareness of your spending habits. Even stopping one impulse buy a month can add up to hundreds or even thousands saved over the year!

So enjoy the holidays when they happen and spend intentionally when it matters. And when January (or your next reset moment) rolls around, try the 30-Day Spending Rule to see how your relationship with spending evolves.

Read more:
How to Save $1,000 Fast – Even if You’re Starting from $0