Going an entire month without buying anything sounds virtuous. But behavioral economists say extreme deprivation triggers revenge spending. What happens in February? You starve your wallet. What happens in March? You buy four sweaters and concert tickets. The smarter alternative: low-spend weeks with clear exceptions (groceries, gas, one social outing). Restriction without flexibility creates binge cycles, just like dieting. The new rule: cut mindless spending, not essential joy. Skip the daily latte but keep the Friday pizza. Sustainability beats heroics. Finance is a marathon, not a 30-day Instagram challenge.