Rate my zero-dollar beginner study plan for semi-fluency (GoldList + Comprehensible Input)
I’m a total beginner starting my Spanish journey from scratch. My ultimate goal is to hit a solid conversational, semi-fluent level (around B2 long-term).
I don't have a budget to drop on expensive apps or subscriptions right now, so I spent some time researching free/low-cost methods and mapped out this daily 45-minute routine.
I’d love to get some feedback from real people who have been through this process. Does this look solid, or am I missing something major?
My Tool Stack:
\- Vocabulary: The physical GoldList Method (using a standard paper notebook/pen for long-term memory instead of flashcard apps).
\- Listening/Immersion: YouTube (specifically starting with Dreaming Spanish for comprehensible input).
\- Grammar: StudySpanish.com (using it strictly as a reference tool to understand rules, not for heavy grinding).
\- Output/Speaking: Gemini AI (for free text/chat practice right now), with plans to transition to a paid Preply tutor once I build a baseline of \~500+ words.
My Daily Routine (Under 45 Mins):
- Vocab (15 mins): Write 25 new words into my GoldList notebook (and handle distillations on a rolling cycle once I hit Day 15).
- Immersion (15-20 mins): Watch 1-2 videos on Dreaming Spanish (Superbeginner) with no English subtitles, just focusing on context/gestures.
My Weekly Additions:
\- Grammar (2x a week, 10 mins): Read through one quick concept on StudySpanish.com to understand sentence structures.
\- AI Chat Practice (3x a week, 10 mins): Text back and forth with an AI to actively force myself to use the words I'm learning.
For those who have achieved fluency: Is GoldList a reliable replacement for Anki/flashcards if I stick to the 14-day lockout rule?
And is 15-20 minutes of comprehensible input a day enough to start building an ear for the language, or should I scale that up sooner rather than later?
Thanks in advance for any tips or advice !
Posted Jun 8, 2026, 5:02 AM UTC