I thought I'd replied to this on a different device, but I don't see it here. This response is aimed at the "No Spend Month" concept. Here's a story I've posted before, but it bears repeating, IMO.
Long before MMM existed, Dicey was lookin' to get out early. Amy Dacyczyn was my guiding light. I'd read YMoYL, but I didn't want to live in a dilapidated old rental house in Berkeley with scads of roommates and wear Birkenstocks*. Joe's message was interesting, but not the one that spoke to me. I was so focused on saving, I thought I knew where every penny went.
One year, in the early part of the century, I decided to do a No Spend Month** in February, because it is the shortest month. I literally bought nothing. I had a $20 dollar budget for fresh vege and milk, but everything else had to come from the fridge, freezer or pantry. At the end of the month, I had over $1500 extra, which was a LOT on my small income. A couple of weeks later, I was speaking with a dear friend who was ill. She had taken a turn for the worse and was going to be hospitalized. She couldn't work and was unsure of how she would make her rent. I sent her a check for two month's rent and a Trader Joe's gift card (her favorite store). Yup, exactly $1500. I didn't hesitate because I knew I had the extra money.
Sadly, my friend did not live long enough to pay the second month's rent, but I KNOW it gave her peace of mind not to have to worry about it. You see, she had a beloved kitty, and she didn't want to abandon her to the streets. After she passed, her favorite nephew took all of her lovely furniture and Anabelle, the kitty. I never said anything about the money, but as her sole heir, I know he got the remainder and I hope he took good care of Miss "A" with it.
*Nothing against Birkenstocks, except they are not meant for people with long, bony feet.
** It was not called that then. It had no name. It was just a thing I wanted to do to remind me to be aware of my spending. I might or might not have been a badass even then, but that label didn't exist then, either.
tl:dr - Just try it, you have nothing to lose and maybe something wonderful to gain. If you choose not to, don't mock others who do.