If your bank account is looking bleak after this summer, you're not alone. It's incredibly common for people to spend above their means during the warmer months. According to a PwC consumer poll conducted earlier this year, 71% of U.S. adults planned to spend the same amount or more this summer than they did last summer: a rough average of $2,892 on travel and fun. 

The solution? Take a vacation from spending and join the thousands of people who participate in No Spend September. 

What is No-Spend September?

No-Spend September is a social media challenge in which participants cut out all expenses for the month, aside from the essentials like mortgage or rent, groceries and gas.  

If you already have a trip planned or know you'll need to make a pricey purchase, you don't need to take it off the agenda. No-Spend September is to help you become more aware of your spending habits and encourage you to say no to those repetitive small purchases that add up, or look for alternatives. 

3 High-Spend Areas to Avoid

Dining Out and Food Delivery

Find a few simple, tasty recipes and make it your goal to try them out this month. If cooking every night is a challenge, spend part of your days off meal prepping for the week. 

Last-Minute Plans and Social Spending 

Instead of meeting up with friends and family for lunch or the movies, suggest free alternatives like catching up in a park or browsing the library. 

Impulse Buys and Sweet Treats

Whenever you go shopping in September, make a list and stick to it. Skip the coffee shop in the grocery store and don't eye the candy aisle for too long. 

What to Do with Your Extra Money

All the money you save in September will give you a huge leap in your savings goals.