Podcast Summary: Happier with Gretchen Rubin

Episode 571: Want to Join Us for a No-Spend February? Plus a Better Word for “Squats”
Release Date: January 28, 2026
Hosts: Gretchen Rubin & Elizabeth Craft

Episode Overview

This episode dives into the idea of doing a "No-Spend February"—a month devoted to mindful spending—and explores the psychological and practical impacts of pausing unnecessary purchases. Gretchen and Elizabeth share personal experiences, revisit listener feedback, and lay out ground rules and strategies for this challenging but enlightening habit reset. The episode also explores a listener-suggested, more elegant term for the exercise "squats," and touches on the theme of makeshift solutions versus buying the “right” tool. As always, Gretchen and Elizabeth sprinkle the discussion with candid self-reflection, practical tips, and sisterly banter.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Listener Updates: "I Could Do This Better Myself" (01:00–04:30)

• The hosts revisit their earlier prompt—recognizing the feeling "I could do this task better myself"—and highlight how listeners acted on that insight:
  • Jenny’s Career Change “I looked at what our software engineers were doing and thought, I really think I could do this better. So I went back to school, got a master's degree ... and have been working as a software engineer ever since.” (02:03, Gretchen reading Jenny’s email)
  • Debbie’s Walking Tours “Even though this docent opportunity is not as convenient geographically, I have learned so much and I am thrilled to be spending time sharing my love of my state...” (03:05, Gretchen reading Debbie’s email)

2. Finding a Visual Symbol for "Neighbor"—The Pineapple (03:31–04:40)

• Gretchen discusses her ongoing search for a personal symbol representing her one-word theme "neighbor" for 2026.
• Kelsey suggests the pineapple: a classic symbol for warmth, hospitality, and welcome.
  • “The pineapple is often associated with warmth, welcome and hospitality. I love that idea.” (03:52, Gretchen)

3. Try This at Home: No-Spend February (04:43–17:06)

Why No-Spend February?

• A no-spend month clarifies spending habits, reveals “underbuyer” misconceptions, and provides a financial—and mental—reset:
  • “We discovered, oh, we buy plenty ... we're not under buying as much as we thought.” (05:29, Gretchen)
  • “It's helpful to just look at what you do spend money on and question whether or not you need to.” (05:12, Elizabeth)

Benefits Noted

• Increased appreciation for what you already have
• Using and noticing stockpiled items (“Please, whatever you do, do not buy a thing of nutmeg. We have four bottles of nutmeg.” (06:41, Gretchen))
• Opportunity to reflect on values and priorities

Setting Personal Ground Rules

• Essentials (groceries, bills, transportation) are allowed; boundaries are personal:
  • Elizabeth: “My big thing ... to be off limits is food delivery. And it is the thing that when you say, like the habit reset, that's the habit reset I need more than any other.” (07:44)
  • Eating out with friends for social reasons is OK for both hosts.
  • Gretchen makes an exception for her “Ticket 26” goal—purchasing tickets for live experiences aligns with her values.
  • Chat about limiting book purchases, clothes, and new subscriptions.

Unexpected Insights & Listener Hacks

• Elizabeth notes she spends more time “shopping” online without buying, and hopes not-buying will save her time.
• Highlight of past listener hacks, such as “Survivor Pantry Island”—a fun, gamified way to use up pantry goods.

Advice from Sarah Fain’s No-Spend Year (14:27–15:52)

• Categorizing purchases (e.g., no new mugs, t-shirts)
• Recognizing preferences: experiences vs. things
• Experimenting with “cash only” purchases to increase mindfulness

Takeaway

• The purpose is not deprivation, but intentionality: “The more intentional we are with our actions, the more our lives can reflect our values. And this is one way to try to do that with ... money.” (16:15, Gretchen)

4. Happiness Hack: A Better Word for “Squats” (20:13–21:29)

• Listener Emmy suggests using “grand plié” (a ballet term) instead of “squats.”
  • Gretchen: “Squats are very similar to a ballet exercise, the grand plié ... So I'm going to be doing 12 grand pliés ... I will never squat again.” (20:52, Gretchen)

5. Know Yourself Better: Do You Like Makeshift Solutions? (21:38–27:41)

• Listener Jen poses a self-reflection question: “Do you appreciate or enjoy makeshift solutions?”
• Discussion covers:
  • The satisfaction (or frustration) of makeshift solutions (e.g., using printer paper to prop up a monitor or turning old mask straps into a ponytail holder).
  • The underbuyer tendency to “make do” longer than advisable.
    • Gretchen: “I will often use a broken umbrella for a really, really long time ...” (24:50)
  • The joy of having exactly the right tool, and the personality spectrum from “MacGyver” types to those who avoid makeshift fixes.
    • Elizabeth: “It’s like the MacGyver gene. ... If you like to tinker and build and engineer, then you like makeshift solutions.” (26:42)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Spending Awareness:
  • “Sometimes you’re just in the habit of hitting one click ... So it’s good to cut those habits off.” (05:36, Gretchen)
• On Flexibility:
  • “Do what works for you. So someone’s No Spend February might not include tickets and others will.” (09:55, Elizabeth)
• On Shopping Without Buying:
  • “I do spend a lot of time ... looking at clothes online and looking at sales. So to me, the knowledge that I’m not going to buy anything will keep me from just spending an hour checking out different sales and will give me more time to do other things.” (11:14, Elizabeth)
• On the Joy of the Right Tool:
  • “Beautiful tools make work a joy. ... It can feel really good to get exactly the right [thing].” (25:40, Gretchen)
• On Personalizing No-Spend Rules:
  • “It’s not so much about having an absolute rule. It’s how are the rules right for you?” (10:13, Gretchen)
• On Makeshift Pride:
  • Elizabeth’s mask-turned-hair-tie moment: “I was so proud. I, like, presented it to Adam.” (24:04, Elizabeth)

Important Segment Timestamps

• No-Spend February Main Segment: 04:43–17:06
• Happiness Hack – “Grand Plié”: 20:13–21:29
• Know Yourself Better – Makeshift Solutions: 21:38–27:41
• Listener Stories (“I could do this better myself”): 01:00–04:30
• Advice from Sarah Fain: 14:27–15:52

Tone and Language

The tone is warm, humorous, relatable, and thoughtful, balancing lighthearted exchanges with deeper habit and happiness insights. Both Gretchen and Elizabeth are candid about their quirks, challenges, and small victories—always encouraging listeners to reflect and “do what works for you.”

Final Reflection

This engaging episode uses “No-Spend February” as a springboard to discuss mindfulness, values, and self-awareness in financial decisions and everyday life. With practical advice, lively anecdotes, and genuine curiosity, Gretchen and Elizabeth make the challenge of saying “no” to spending—and “yes” to reflection—accessible and inspiring for all.

For more info and listener resources, visit: happiercast.com/571 Contact: podcast@gretchenrubin.com

Books referenced:

• “Half His Age” by Jeanette McCurdy
• “What We Lose and Gain from Midlife Splits” by Jocelyn Elise Crowley

Next steps: Try out No-Spend February, share your discoveries, and join the conversation!