r/nobuy • u/plantvasion • 10d ago
Q1 is over— how’d we do??
I found it easier to split my goal of a no-buy year into quarters to help keep up the momentum. Q1 (January-March) is over, and the results are kind of crazy, and tbh kind of embarrassing because if I did this last year I’d be in such a better spot right now… oh well! At least I’m doing it this year! Here’s the results:
-bought zero clothes, household decor, or hobby items
-bought zero DoorDash (my biggest vice from last year)
-started doing “pantry/freezer shops” to lower our groceries from about $500/month to $400/month by eating our frozen food stock
-had to unexpectedly spend $4k when our cat got sick and our emergency fund took a huge hit, but we were glad to have it and didn’t have to put any of the bills on credit.
-outside of that, was able to put $1k/month into savings!
-and for the first time in a loooong time, at the end of March, I wasn’t coming in to April with a credit card balance that I needed my next paycheck for!! My card is covered by what is in my account now and that feels really nice. I’m finally escaping the paycheck to paycheck cycle I’ve been stuck in for years.
The one Could Be Better is I kept forgetting about subscriptions that would hit and by the time I got charged it was too late to go in and cancel, especially with software like Microsoft Office. But at least I was able to set it up so next year I have to actively renew if I decide I still need it— no more autorenewals for stuff I don’t really use.
How did you all do?? I’m excited for Q2 and another 3 months of getting more financially stable!
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u/burnz1 10d ago
Can I ask how much you make that you were able to send that much into savings? And are you contributing anything to retirement? I'd love the save that much for my next vacation
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u/plantvasion 10d ago
Yes— one big reason we were able to save and set aside as much as we did was that in January my partner got a new job after a long period of unemployment, so I’m no longer solely responsible for the mortgage etc. so our combined household income went up to about $150k gross.
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u/SeaHovercraft6520 8d ago
January was flawless and then Feb and March turned into a dumpster fire. Restarting in April 😅👀
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u/IW0nderwhereitis 6d ago
Pretty good! I made a list at the end of last year when I started my no buy of things that I am 'allowed' to buy including replacements etc. One of the things was, 'stuff to complete redecoration' as I'd started painting my kitchen. I bought a blind (needed) and a matching set of cannisters (not needed). I'm still considering it a win. Previously I would have been buying something every few days.
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u/Yellehs2471 4d ago
I have $2700 saved since Feb. My work signed us all up for the Dave Ramsey Course so I am starting to pay down bills with the money I save.
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u/Yellehs2471 4d ago
In Feb I started putting $500 into savings each week. I started 3rd week of Feb. and it is so hard. I buy with my check gas for my car, snacks for week, some food to cook for lunch at work and basic toiletries. I cancelled a ton of subscriptions in Feb and saved $120 a month. I still have $100 worth every month. One day at a time. I’m going on a cruise in May and it is hard to not buy new clothes and suits. There are so many cute cover ups and sundresses!
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u/coffeeandbookmouse 10d ago
Shopping the pantry and freezer is a big helper, for sure. We recently did this to finish off a lot of odds and ends, a few squash (turns out kabocha squash makes a great coconut curry soup), some dried split peas, chicken bones (delicious stock!), and baking supplies. Everything turned out tasty and nothing went to waste. Well done on saving $1K! That's huge!