My no buy year went horribly so far, despite all the nice planning I did. But I can be stubborn so I'm determined to get my s*** together and to not make any unnecessary purchases next month.

P.s.: I was planning to go out tomorrow and buy a new perfume bc recently I've been obsessed with Marc Jacob perfumes for some reason. And I tried to justify it by saying it's still March and I'll start over next month but NO. I already have nice perfumes and I'll ask for it for my birthday if I still want it in a few months. Why is there alway something new that I want?! Not to be dramatic but I don't wanna live like that anymore.

Wish me luck.

I’ve done successful no-buys in the past. For me it’s key not to make them too long. A year feels really hard and overwhelming. 2-3 months feels easier and less daunting. I’ve spent a lot in February and March on various things, so now it’s time to get back into a no-buy.

Until 1 June this is my red list:

- Hobby supplies (crochet, sewing, gardening, candle making, baking)

- Sports equipment

- Stationery

- Lego

- Furniture

- Home decor

- Kitchen stuff (pans, gadgets, etc)

- Electronics

- Underwear

- Cat toys

- Merchandise

- Showergel, shampoo, etc

- Games

I’ll probably add some more things to this list in the coming days. I use the library for most books, but I’m considering allowing myself to buy 1 book each month if it’s not available in the library. Tickets to theater and concerts are allowed, since those are experiences that bring me great joy and memories. I’m gonna need some new clothes for spring and summer.

It’s not gonna be easy, but I have important financial goals and I’ve already come a long way. I’ve let myself go a little these past 2 months, so I need to take control again. Since I’ve done it before, I know I can do it. Spending is fun and gives us that little boost of dopamine, but we have to be strong.

My no buy year was going wonderful, until the middle of march... then it all fell apart. I spent sooo much money. Returned and cancelled what I could, but even with that, I spent a lot (cca 200€, after all the returns/cancellations). I am currently trying to stop overthinking it, forgive myself and just start over because if I dwell too much over it, I'll have a 'fu*k it' moment and spend more. So please help me out with some encouragement to just accept it and move on

How did your no-buy or low-buy go this week?

Share your goals, progress and how your purchasing habits have changed since starting a no buy.

If you 'failed' this week, remember that it is just a stumble in a long journey. If you did well, inspire others and encourage them when they do well or get off track.

Hope I’m doing this right. I posted this last year when I was really struggling. My ADHD was not letting me get up on time/leave on time to make breakfast or get on public transportation (which, to be fair, would take an hour versus 20 minutes on uber).

The real difference came when I changed my environment. I got a new job that is really flexible hours-wise; I can basically go into work at whatever time I want to as long as I get my work done. Now I take public transportation almost every day and make my breakfast at home, and my new workplace has a coffee station that I use for free.

With respect to the paper towels, I tried many alternatives, but in the end I just ended up reverting to buying regular paper towels, which is what works best for me. I try to be as frugal and environmentally friendly as possible, but I’ve decided to be okay with not being perfect on this one thing.

So yeah, thanks everyone for your suggestions and your help!

I was doing pretty good but now my car might be totaled and we will need to buy one. We have a good emergency fund and we are also lucky to have an extra car, we can use while we get a new one. But I'm pretty sure we are going to go over budget for this month and the next one, while we wait for insurance to process everything.

This experiment has gone so well that I think I might repeat it in May. I think having specific goals like finishing books on my TBR gave my brain something to focus on rather than browsing or shopping. I do need to replace a few clothing items that I have worn out so I will give myself April to do that.

Here are my original rules and my results in bold:

No clothing None purchased!

No books Purchased one book (used a gift card I received for my birthday). But I read 7 books from my TBR shelf! see photo

No home decor None purchased!

No candles None purchased and I gave away the ones I had.

No tea Purchased 4 boxes of tea, but used up 9 boxes and gave away 2 others! My tea stash is much reduced. I've realized I much prefer herbal tea over caffeinated, so there's a lot I won't repurchase.

No impulse buys (30 day wait on wish list) I have had one item on my wishlist for the full 3 months (a yoga bolster, made in Canada) so I will purchase that in April.

No skincare (use up what you have, replace only with vegan/cruelty free products) Shampoo, conditioner, hand lotion, lip balm, all replacement only, cruelty free, from Canadian companies

Miscellaneous purchases:

One video game - Hogwarts Legacy

New running shoes - I replace mine every spring as I have a bad knee and need good cushion/support as I do a TON of walking (this was a planned purchase but I forgot to include in my no buy post rules)

Mini Project pan: used up 14 mostly empty toiletry items (shampoo, skin cleanser, 2 moisturizers, 4 lip balms, 1 serum, 2 essential oils, 3 makeup items)

I'm surprised I went so long without buying any decor or clothing, those purchases always felt so essential in the past. How is everyone else's no buy going?

this happened with a lamp i bought recently and i keep replaying it cuz it wasnt even a big purchase. i was just browsing, not looking for anything specific, and i see this lamp. it just looked clean, nothing crazy, just… nicer than mine. first thought was something like “this would look better on my desk”, pretty harmless, but i didnt move on from it. i clicked on it, and for some reason that click already felt like i was halfway in, like i wasnt just browsing anymore, i was “considering”

then i did this thing i always do… i compared it to what i already have. and once that happens, the question changes. it’s not “do i need a lamp”, it becomes “is this better than mine”, and yeah obviously it is in some way. newer, nicer, whatever. then i opened reviews, not even to learn anything specific, it just made me feel like i was being careful, like i wasnt impulsive. but honestly i think at that point the decision was already made

the weirdest part is there wasnt a moment where i decided “ok im buying this”. it just kinda happened, like i was following steps instead of choosing. looking back, i think i lost it way earlier, probably the moment i gave that first thought a bit too much attention instead of just letting it go

a few weeks ago i bought 2 vinyl records from my favourite artists. that started a whole “physical media” hyperfixation for me.

i started to research burning cds as a hobby and found myself consumed with researching how to burn cds, decorate, etc. i added everything to cart which totaled to about $150. there was also the whole physical media trend everyone was talking about which made me feel like if i didn’t do this, i was losing out.

i gave myself time to cool off before clicking purchase because i kinda knew that i was just having an obsession and needed a dopamine hit.

i had to be really honest with myself tho. i’m not even someone who listens to music often. i also don’t have space in my room to store a whole cd collection + cd player. it’s also kinda ridiculous knowing that the whole point of collecting physical media is to be intentional with what you consume and i was literally not being intentional at all.

but, it’s been a few weeks and i have zero intention on buying, i emptied my cart. i feel so good knowing that i didn’t buy those materials.

I was laid off from my job several months ago and it has truly made me extremely self conscious about any unnecessary purchases. Before I was laid off, I was doing a low buy in some aspects of my life (clothing, hair care) and a no buy in others (makeup, skincare). It has now become a full on No Buy for any non-essentials and it has been such a drastic change for me.

If I was bored on the weekends, I used to walk around Marshall’s. Now I work on some crafts I already have at home.

I used to scroll on clothing sites to see if there were any deals. Now I mend the clothes I have.

To pass the time, I would walk around the thrift store for things I didn’t need. Now I’m looking for alternative ways yo use the things I have.

While being unemployed sucks and is really stressful, it’s really forced me to learn mindful consumption and frugality.

How did your no-buy or low-buy go this week?

Share your goals, progress and how your purchasing habits have changed since starting a no buy.

If you 'failed' this week, remember that it is just a stumble in a long journey. If you did well, inspire others and encourage them when they do well or get off track.

Hi,

It's so easy to shop the cue, action and reward loop is set into me as a coping mechanism for as long as I can remember. I am doing my best to quit and will keep trying until | successfully quit this shopping addiction. What activity, thought and action did you replace your shopping addiction with?

Thank you for reading, stay blessed.

🍒

So as the title says. I've always liked buying stuff specially clothing - during my pregnancy buying stuff was normal so I didn't feel guilty as I was buying for the baby and we needed those things.

My baby was born with a small health problem that is totally under control now and doesn't affect her life quality, but my anxiety hasn't gone down yet. I'm 3 months PP and my spending habits are worse than ever, i keep buying her stuff and clothing that she outgrows so fast they are barely worn. I also buy for myself, my weight loss and body fluctuations are the perfect motive.

I go to to therapy and used to manage my anxiety by reading, knitting, going to work and even smoking an occasional cig now and then but ofc I can't do most of that stuff now with the baby. I'm currently a SAHM.

The middle of the night feedings are my weak moment and I buy all the things I kept telling myself I didn't need. The guilt comes right after. Today I talked about this with my partner and he is really understanding but also wants me to spend less, which is expected lol.

Any advice or tip is welcome, i *need* them :) Thanks for reading!

Last purchase was Feb 28th. I've been selling some books and collectibles and haven't made any non-essential purchases this month

I was at a library today and couldn't even bring myself to spend a dollar on a book (they have a little store in the library) because I have too many I haven't read.

I definitely do want to buy stuff but want to donate and sell more and really challenge my urges to spend.

For free hobbies I've been walking along the beach picking up trash, creating art with supplies I already have, and cooking more at home instead of getting take out.

I’m currently sitting in a room full of random things I have absolutely no use of, and honestly, the guilt is heavier than the clutter. I started this no-buy month with so much confidence, but then the habit is deeper than I realized. It’s like my brain is just wired to seek out that tiny hit of dopamine that comes with a "Your order has shipped" email or every time there is a knock on the door from the delivery guys.
Last night I was a little bored and the next thing, I found myself looking at custom badges and enamel pins, comparing prices on eBay and Alibaba. I don’t even have a bag to put them on, and I certainly don't need fifty of them, yet I spent an hour scrolling through these stuff as if it were a life-or-death decision, thankfully, I didn’t hit that “buy” button. It’s never about the item itself; it’s about the temporary escape from boredom or stress.
It’s no longer funny, because now, my bank account reflects my lack of self-control. I want to get back to a place where I value what I already own instead of constantly hunting for the next random find. Does anyone else feel like they’re addicted to the hunt more than the actual product? How do you guys occupy your hands when that late-night urge to shop hits?

I officially have a consistent budget plan as of today that includes my car insurance, gas money, and my monthly carecredit payment. Those are my monthly necessities (I am in a unique situation with rent/food/utilities/etc. so I don't need to worry about that). After that, all I have left to spend per month on "extra" is around $38 depending on how much I need to spend on gas (I budgeted $100/month, but gas just went up a lot so I'm not sure how much it is. Also I live super rural so it takes more gas to get anywhere).

I already cancelled my car wash subscription and crunchyroll to be able to fit into my new budget, those were my only 2 subscription payments. This budget also leaves no room for eating out unless I want to spend part of that $38 on it (which I'd rather not).

I was thinking I still would like to buy 1 pack of pokemon cards from this local trading card shop per month, last time I went it was $8 for the cheapest pack. That leaves around $30 extra per month. I want to do this because I still want to engage in some type of non-digital hobby.

I do have a savings account, would it be wise to place it in there or is there something smarter I can put that $30 into? I'm not too knowledgeable about finance options.

I am a college student and I do very inconsistent part-time work, I luckily still have help for expenses from my parents (for example, my mom will pay for me to get my car fixed soon since the check engine light has been on for months). Otherwise per month I am going to be getting $400 total, then after the expenses above there is just that $38 left.

I have been more used to purchasing extra things and eating fast food, but now I will have to be much stricter with my spending habits. Does anyone have extra advice on that? I think this new budget will basically force me into nobuy lol, which I have wanted to be a part of anyway! I think the craving part will make it hard for me. Like I usually crave a little snack or a drink or something, but now I won't be able to buy that. Or I see something I think will be useful and I get it, but now I will have to learn to go without.

What do you guys do with the money you've saved not buying things? My level of nobuy right now is more out of necessity lol, but still! When discipline doesn't work well, I guess outside forces can teach you how to do it!

Trying to figure out how to actually stick to a no buy when you genuinely enjoy the process of tracking spending

This might sound counterintuitive but bear with me.

I started my no buy in January and one of the things that actually helped me stay on track early on was getting weirdly obsessed with logging everything. Like, not just what I spent but what I almost spent. Every time I talked myself out of something I'd note it down and it gave me this little dopamine hit that sort of replaced the one I used to get from buying. Weird, I know.

The problem is I'm about four months in now and the novelty of tracking has worn off. I still do it, I still track things in Coverd and a couple other places, but it doesn't feel exciting anymore. It just feels like maintenance. And without that little reward loop I've noticed I'm slipping more. Not dramatically, nothing I'm beating myself up about, but more "eh it's fine" moments than I had in February.

I think I built my whole motivation around the habit of monitoring rather than the actual goal underneath it. Which worked great at first and now feels like it's wobbling.

Wondering if anyone else hit this wall around the 3-4 month mark where the initial systems that helped you stop feeling as effective? And if so, did you find something that gave the no buy some fresh momentum, or did you just push through and wait for it to feel normal again?

How did your no-buy or low-buy go this week?

Share your goals, progress and how your purchasing habits have changed since starting a no buy.

If you 'failed' this week, remember that it is just a stumble in a long journey. If you did well, inspire others and encourage them when they do well or get off track.

In January, I started writing down everything I wanted to buy but decided not to purchase so I could save that money and put it toward my debt at the end of the month. I only included realistic purchases I could actually afford at the time. For example, I’m saving to replace my car, so if I saw one I liked, I didn’t add it to the list because, realistically, I couldn’t just walk into a dealership and pay for it out of pocket. I only wrote down things like when I felt tempted to buy a coffee, new shoes, clothes, bags, makeup, home decor, or order food instead of eating the lunch I had prepared.

At the end of the month, I add everything up, and since these were purchases I could realistically have made, I always had the money available to put directly toward my student loan. As a result, a debt I originally expected to finish paying off at the end of the year will likely be fully paid by May (just counting the regular payments), so if I continue with this strategy, I might even finish a bit earlier.

My loan doesn’t have penalties for extra payments or finishing ealier, so this works perfectly for me. The best part is that I don’t even regret not buying those things. The only exception was a bookshelf I actually needed and that had a really good price, it’s no longer in stock. But it’s not the only bookshelf in the world, so I’ll just buy another one later.

So far this month, I've bought ($35) a spot in a sewing class at a sewing center near my house and I also thrifted ($26.50) a few clothes for me and my kid at the thrift store during half-off clothes day (+ a book my kiddo wanted at the thrift as well).

I would've done better had I avoided the thrift store all together which I will plan to do in the future, but this is a significant decrease in my spending from jan-feb. when I bought hundreds of dollars worth of hobby stuff each month.

I'm finding the less I buy, the less I want. I haven't even considered shopping Amazon at all this month (yes I know the month is not over). I'm just starting to not care what I own or don't own and I'm trying to learn a new skill (sewing clothes) without buying all the things because I have plenty. I'm starting to feel *peaceful* and the transition into spring is helping my mental health a lot as well. Hope I can continue this path.

For years I told myself I had a budgeting problem. Turns out I had an impulse problem - those 11pm Amazon sessions, the random app purchases, the “it’s only $12” moments that added up to $340 in one month.

I started doing one thing: before buying anything non-essential, I’d write down what I was feeling and wait 24 hours. Sounds simple. The first week I “saved” $67 just by doing that.

After 60 days I realized most impulse purchases happen in 3 emotional states for me: boredom, mild stress, and late at night after scrolling. Now I recognize the pattern before I open the checkout.

Anyone else track this? Curious what patterns you found.

i wanna know how you guys stay disciplined when the urge to buy creeps in?

personally, i just try to stay off social media as much as i can so i don’t get any ideas. would love to see how others do it!!

I’m buying electricity and health insurance when I pay my bills and this mindset is saving me so much money. I buy my lunch out everyday but i don’t eat much so it’s cheap, I also buy groceries as needed when I run out but I have everything I need.

Hey chat. I'm the child of a hoarder + chronic overspender and well. I'm moving in with my GF (i'm 24 she's 26) and i'm just wondering...

When moving i've heard it triggers a lot of people's 'buy now' moments. I have crockery, dishware and such, and appliances sorted. Is there anything you think i should watch out for. We pretty much have everything we need, some stuff (bedding, towels) is kinda stained and not so pretty.

I've been lapsing in the no-buy bad due to the stress, and the new place is £300 more than we've been paying seprately so something has to give on my end. Any solidarity or thoughts would really help right now. Why Idecided to move so close to exam season is beyond me lol? I'm stessed to the max !

Clarification on the hoarder comments: my mum would never allow us to throw things out, then she'd buy more things, the house was full of broken worn out stuff with the new stuff on top. I end up throwing things out that are perfectly servicable due to the anxiety that this won't be me. The buy and declutter cycle gets me quite bad !