I hope you find this video helpful, and if you have any video ideas, requests, things I've missed (as I'm on this journey too) then please let me know!! Immy x
Hi Immy! How would you feel about people responding with videos of their own (as long as they link back to you!) I think making videos of my own would help keep me accountable :)
Really enjoyed the video and the conversational style, looking forward to updates on how you find it. I would find it interesting to hear you touch on the differences between what you and your partner spend your respective money on (you mentioned it’s quite different) and how you manage that as a couple.
Things I’m doing well so far: -I opened a high yield savings account in 2024! -I shopped 2nd hand for everything -I put $375 from every paycheck into savings -I have no debt on my car, house, or student loans! 🎉
This video has come at such a good time for me as I am just starting a low buy year. I bought a book and realised when I put it on the shelf, that I already had it🤦🏻♀️. Big wake up call.
Buying used books can be addictive. I dont keep track but the money spent on them adds up. I plan to read the many I already have instead of continually buying more.
Just a suggestion on the cookbook and books, you can request your local library purchase a copy of a book. That's great data for library usage (I'm a Librarian). Or if they don't have the budget, ask them about Inter-Library Loaning for a book.
5 things im doing good * Stopped going into stores just to browse. * Started a Roth account * Reading books on finance and spending habits and the psychology behind it to better understand the impulse and reasons behind buying. * Use my library for free access to books and events for my family * Removed my name from coupon lists so that I'm not tempted by a good deal. Went through my email and unsubscribe or blocked account trying to sell me goods.
Ditto!! I was watching this video and then had to do something, but instead of pausing it I just left it on as soothing background noise and then rewatched it later. Girl your voice is so lovely and calming.
I am a dedicated “gift giver on a budget”! I love giving gifts and celebrating the special people in my life!! One thing I have learned indirectly from you, Immy, is the gift of home baking. Who doesn’t love a dozen home-baked bagels with a jar of jam, or a tin of Vanilla Scones? I have used many of your recipes and I put them in a thrifted tin or platter. Thank-you for this! These types of gifts are so appreciated, and let’s be real… I’d rather bake than shop any day of the year. Much appreciated💕Ⓜary🎁
@@LeslieStinson I 💯 agree with you @LeslieStinson!! If someone takes the time to make me something, or scour the thrift stores looking for a secondhand treasure that they know I will love, to me, that is the best gift ever. Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Ⓜ️ary
i found it very relaxing to not have the stock video cutaways in the video. really felt like we were sitting down to have a chat. i'm also planning to do a low-buy next year. been watching your videos casually over a few years now and finally subscribed, looking forward to the new year :)
What about bringing 25 things into our lives in 2025? This doesn’t include consumables like groceries. This may be 5 spending camping trips and 20 replacements/gifts to self/thrifted items. Got this thought from Lindseyscribbles on YT.
I'm a student with my finances being, well, scarce. My whole objective for my entire time studying is not creating any debts. I'm incredibly lucky that studying is made affordable in my country, so that if you try your best, it's realistic not to be in debt. But still, that leaves me with a whopping 10 bucks a month left for personal use and hobbies. Definitely loving this content and the community that it brings!
My positive shopping habits are: finding bargains, I know that cheapest isn’t always best, do research about item I’m buying, and buy the best quality I can afford. I’m really enjoying this video!
Your videos have helped me immensely. I have ADHD and have always had issues with impulse spending but your videos simplify financial planning and make it seem very lowkey and chill. Before watching these I would pretend bank statements didn't exist and I always felt guilty buying stuff but still did it anyway. Plus, I realised I was spending so much money because I didn't have hobbies to keep me occupied in my spare time. I have a long way to go to financial security (don't we all) but I feel so much more in charge now. Thank you :)
This video was brilliant, Immy! Financial literacy is so important as is understanding needs vs. wants, knowing ourselves and what makes us happy. Thank you for all the work you are putting into this series and sharing your life with us. Love from 🇨🇦
I had $3900 in out of pocket dental work done this year. A queen needs her crowns I guess lol...AND I chipped my front tooth, that was $1100! Anyways....dentist says I'm all good now so I am definitely hoping next year is better! I also spent way too much on food, but my freezers are FULL and so is the pantry, so I'm doing a pantry challenge
Dude. Aging is such a scam. I feel you on the trendy anti-aging crap. Just focus on SPF while you're in CO. I swear, having grown up there and wearing it religiously, bathing in it, really, since the age of 11, I look AMAZING at 31, almost 32, and I get questions from new friends and strangers on what I use as skincare. I literally still only wear sunscreen and basic CeraVe moisturizer and that's it. I wash my face with the dove white bar I use on my body too sooooo.....
You are being so organized about this-- I'm impressed! Thanks for sharing, very helpful stuff. I'm not doing no-buy but I'm definitely planning to reduce my consumption and I know that seeing how you do it will help. Sorry if your dental bills have been the product of our crappy medical/health insurance system here. I really hope something can change for our country so we take better care of our people.
I love your new formats, you gave it quite some thought. Thank you for the dedication and heart you put into it! I hope the algorithm brings them to wider viewership because it's of utmost importance to learn the skills needed (financial literacy and management in this case) in order to overcome current and future hardship while staying at ease with one's own conscience. And remaining safe and sane ❤.
2025 is my year of financial recovery after I moved houses last year, so this is so motivating and perfect timing! Excited and motivated to join in on the challenge. X
I tried a low buy year 2024, and I found I fell off a few months and sort of forgot I was even doing it, lol. I am curious to see how it goes for you! I am excited for the check-ins. I will try again this year too.
so easy to do!! I'm trying to think about it in terms of days, weeks, months, and quarters so I don't get overwhelmed and stay on track but these videos are definitely holding me accountable!
Life is expensive… it makes sense to have a plan. I just spent $16K on rebuilding and outfitting our well. Clean drinking water is a high priority when ya live in the wilderness. I don’t have a concrete budget, but I do pay very close attention to inflow and outflow of my money. I appreciate the heightened awareness that you are helping me to create as to what I value spending my money on. Thanks for the great discussion this morning. Ⓜary💕💵
I don't live in the wilderness but do want to get solar panels this coming year since 1. Climate change and not wanting to be a burden on our poor planet, and 2. My research tells me it's better to use our government subsidy on going solar with good quality panels and support system than on cheaper ones (I'm in Australia, so sun costs zero). Big spend items are a challenge on a fixed income as an older person now on superannuation. I think you really help us “upregulate” our thinking about so, so many things Immy. You are a champion of living a better life!
@@Mimulus2717 I hear ya!! So many things that we buy are luxuries, but when ya live in a rural area or the wilderness (I’m in northern 🇨🇦), you learn right away that water and septic are total necessities! Happy flushing to you!! Ⓜary🚽🚰🚿
@@tosca... I live in northern 🇨🇦 where we sometimes don’t see the sun for days at a time. Solar panels in Australia seems to make sense. I’m an older person too, and I understand the nervousness around massive renovations and big spendy items. I hope you find the answers and the renewable energy upgrades that you are looking for. Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Ⓜary⛄
I've used rocket money to track stuff and while it is like $10 per month, I was never going to do it myself (I've tried many times), so the trade off has been great because I've actually done it! And I was able to look back like you said to, and see what my big purchases were, and kind of see if there are any behavior patterns I wanted to change. Thanks so much for making this video and I can't wait to go on this journey with you! Reflecting on my positive habits: This year I used your tip on auto-saving monthly for big expenses and it saved me a lot of peace of mind. I've been tracking my purchases and reflecting on them much more than before. Lastly, I'm self-employed too, and in June I made the decision to give myself "paychecks" and save the rest in my business account and it has made budgeting SO MUCH EASIER. And if I'm making a lot more, I can just give myself a bonus instead of feeling the ups and downs of cash flow so much because that is quite stress inducing.
My financial goals this year are: - Max out my TFSA (I am Canadian) - Reduce the number of places I spend money from, to allow me to keep better track. - Stick to a 60-20-20 budget. 60% needs, 20% retirement, 20% wants. Unfortunately, my mortgage and property taxes require this to be 60% - Increase my 3 month emergency fund to a 5 month emergency fund. - Review my budget more frequently, (I dropped off for multiple months in 2024) - Talk about money with friend more. I want to tell people what I am learning and learn from others
It's great that you called out the fact that you're not going to pay down your student loan. Not all loans/debt are the same and you really need to consider the monthly/annual impact of the payment vs the impact of paying it down faster vs any potential penalties for paying off schedule. As an extreme example: I know a couple who were paying off the hospital where their son was born for over 40 years, but the payment was something stupidly low, like $20 a month (they negotiated the payment in the late 70s), so it absolutely made more sense to leave the bill as it was and just continue to pay it slowly over time.
I think I would be worried about how much you would be paying in interest on the loans over the years! That would be the main argument for paying it off asap
I applaud you and your goals! I am a frugal New Englander in her middle 60's and am debt free. I own my home, cars, and was able to put two daughters through private schools and help with college expenses. The only way to do it is to save. Putting the maximum in a Roth helped us with school expenses. You can also touch the principal in an emergency. You probably already know this. My husband is retiring next year and I documented all our expenses . We spent a lot of time traveling with our family! This year however, I decided not to use our debit card in favor of the Discover Card starting last January. If you are disciplined and pay it off every month, you make money. Every three months Discover targets certain expenses for 5 percent cash back. I particularly love it when it goes to gas and grocery purchases. It's free money, as long as you don't carry a balance over! I feel your tooth pain! In the last two years I have had two implants and my husband one. I love your channel and your book! Thank you!!
Thank you for this video Immy, it’s exactly what i needed to set intentions for 2025 and build healthier financial habits. Just the word ‘finance’ spikes my anxiety, I want to stop being scared of money, take control and hopefully minimise the sleepless nights and shame surrounding this area of life! Sending 🤍
I would give yourself some more grace around your no buy around clothes. Its so amazing and brave to do a no buy on clothes but if you are going through body changes, just like we have to replace kitchen appliances we also sometimes need to replace clothes that don't fit. If you find in 2025 you begin to experience body change that may impact what clothes you are wearing maybe allow for a replacement of jeans or bras. I loved this video and I followed along with you, it made me so excited for the new year 🎉❤
You inspired me to start my low buy quarter at the beginning of the year! I'm planning to buy a house in the spring or summer so I know I'll have lots of expenses that come with that. Being mindful of my spending habits before I have a lot of expenses coming up will be so good for me to avoid overconsumption.
This video was very helpful. And thank you for pointing out how expensive some things are in the US, sometimes it feels like the rest of the world thinks we're all living like millionaires.
Two winter tips from me: a small spin dryer (2800 rpm) removes much more water from laundered clothes than the wash/spin cycle on my washing machine. After a quick spin, clothes dry much quicker, the air can blow and penetrate, it also removes residual suds. I have a metal filing cabinet outside the back door which is our cool pantry in the winter. It’s completely water/vermin/insect proof and often even colder than the fridge. No electricity needed.
I loved this! 🥰 thank you for breaking it down in a way that makes it feel absolutely manageable! The level consumerism nowadays is sickening 😳 and I know I’m guilty of it, but admitting you have a problem is the first step! 😂 Also love that we have the same joys..seeing wildlife, eating delicious food, sunrise and sunsets over mountains and beaches, being near water..literally all of the best things!! 😍 cheers to a GREAT savings year!! 🥂
Recent advice I saw, that I found helpful was to put away at least a thousand, then use the snow ball method to clear debts then go back and top up that thousand with enough to get you through 3-6months if you suddenly lost your income. In the UK we have building societies, one such is Nationwide, they give the option to do spare change savings, called impulse saver, this takes any spare change it predicts you will have based on your current months spending and auto save that for you every month. I’ve done a no spend year before and managed to clear almost all debts. 2025 is going to be a low spend/essential buy year. Mostly I want to be better prepared and better skilled including managing blackouts with disabilities (as we are getting more and more power outages in the UK as well as planned rationing of power) and generally I want to be better prepared for almost any scenario. Safe and independent is the goal whilst living a more essential life.
This is realy good and realistic advice, thank you! I love buying skincare and makeup and get triggered by watching too much beauty content on youtube and Instagram. Since 3 years i reduced my shopping because i realised i can only use so much and i have so much stuff alread, too much for one person. Regaining sanity is wholeaome and your video emphasizes it so thank you ✨
Hi Immy, In terms of clothing I can give you some tips because it's a bit of a hobby of mine. This year instead of buying new clothes you can try to investigate which clothes would fit you the best based on 3 criterias. 1) kibbe body type. For example I am dramatic classic so I can only wear tailored straight simple clothing to suit me. 2) find your colour season, for example I am a soft summer so I look the best in muddy pastel colours that are cool tone 3) find your style essence. Mine is classic so I like simple neutral clothing which looks preppy, British country, old money, feminine, no patterns, no glitter etc. Find all these for yourself and then you can start shopping for new clothes. Now I look great in all my clothing but took a while 😅
I'm trying a low spend/ no buy quarter (with an intention to go at least 6 months and maybe a year) thanks to your Vlogmas video! Because I'm self employed, money has been tight and I want to get back on track and start saving again. Also, my consumption (second hand but still) was a bit higher this year as we moved long distance and were setting up in our new place. So a no buy/ low spend is perfect! I found this video incredibly helpful, it was great putting everything down on paper. I'm excited to be on this journey with everybody and looking forward to your videos! Just a side comment: I live in Canada and $300/ month for food seems very very low. That's about what I spend for my half (my husband and I alternate grocery trips).
I loved this format! Will definitely try the low buy for the coming year and track my finances more thoroughly. I’ve had emotional buying habits for a while and realised how little joy these purchases brought me and how much financial strain they created instead.. The chit chat type of videos will always be my preferred kind, feels more honest and calm
This is such a great video, Immy! I really appreciate that instead of just listing your personal low-buy rules, you explained the process of how you came up with them. I’m more inspired to try to do a low-buy year myself based on this! I’m going to rewatch this and go through the steps.
Things I/my fam already do: 1. I take the bus instead of drive to work 2. We buy grocery store brand items instead of name brand wherever possible 3. I try to make my own coffee to take to work 4. We cut our own hair 5. We try not to blast the heat/AC all the time This was a really great video, Immy, and super helpful! Thank you for creating it!
I am determined to do this in 2025 but facing up to the fact that I have a spending problem has been tough. When you said we need to look through our bank statements, I gasped - the idea of looking at them and not just ignoring the fact scares me! I'm glad lots of us are in this together
Yay. I’m excited to watch after I take my nap hehe. You inspired me to cook from scratch and more seasonally. I also watch you on my tv’s RUclips app lol! 😊
Thanks for this video ❤ also planning to bring my expenditure down to the Essential and what makes me truly happy (gifts, time with people I love, discovering new places)
I have been a follower for many years, and am really loving the new content you are putting together. I’m in a similar spot on my life as you, and will be having a similar plan for 2025, so I’m happy to see this journey. I also agree on keeping things real with less production. Thank you for always being real with us and putting out beautiful content. ❤
Thank you for this video. I like how you have spelled it all out and run through everything with prompters to pause and do the work with you. I am embarking on my first no/low spend year in 2025. I'm on a fixed low income but have created a plan that could have me saving $20,000 in 5 years! I will also have 500 hours of art experience AND a bachelor's degree!! Last year, I completed a diploma, which was my pathway into a Bachelor of Theology. I received the certificate this month, and suddenly, I feel like I can actually accomplish big things. One year doesn't feel so big anymore....
This is my first video i've seen of yours and i found it extremely helpful and calms down the panic of me not getting my life together before the new year
I would like to thank you for this video as this is so useful and clear for someone who is dyslexic and struggles with processing information. You explained this video so clearly and well, I want to do a low buy year and I have started organising for this year as there's clear instructions from this video.
Things I’m doing well 1. An AVC pension fund going in work 2. Strict savings of at least 500pm 3. Negotiating/switching bills every year 4. Sinking funds for yearly expenses 5. No credit card debt
I love this video! I am totally IN for the no buy year. My mother recently had a stroke. She’s well enough now, so I’m packing up her apartment and moving her closer to family & better weather. I’ll work on my lists in the scratch notebook I’m traveling with. Then be fully on board by 7 January (once I’m back home).
I love the style of this video Immy - casual like a friend is taking me through how to do something rather than super curated. I'm not planning to do a no/low-buy year but you have motivated me to intially look at our finances and do a bit of an overhaul. So thank you for that! Best wishes for 2025!
i write down ALL my expenses in a monthly Excel sheet, I already put down my monthly income (which is the same each month) and the set expenses (like rent, insurances, gas/electricity etc.), so i know what i have left for that month for groceries and other items. that way i can see in my Excel sheet immediately how much money there still is. I do a round up each month of how much % of my income I have spent. If it's really high I take a close look and see how i can improve next month. It also teaches me that spending is a bit of an up/down situation. Some months i just run out of a lot of stuff or need extra so they are more expensive, other months i only buy groceries. It's very insightful, i highly recommend it.
I am starting a low buy year and it is entirely because you gave me the idea with you previous video on the subject. Thank you very much ! Happy new year
Loved the video! Well thought out and presented. I just finished a list of 25 items I will not be buying in 2025 (some are items I will purchase when we use up what we have, some are off the list such as cookbooks for me too!) so this was perfect timing.
Just the right time to have found you (suscribed)! Your calm, open approach is exactly what I need right now. I'm retired now and on a fixed income with an itch to find another stream of income. Investing in yourselves through retirement savings is smart. I wish I had started earlier than I did as I probably be on a cruise ship right now. In short, thank you for this motivation to push through another inflationary period instead of wishing I was back spending .28 cents a gallon of gas, $40 grocery weeks and $140 apartment rental in California no less.
Writing down positive habits as a start is a great idea. Doing a second low buy year in 2025, not for budget reasons but for a more sustainable life to do my small part in face of the climate emergency. I fully plan to spend the money I save from not buying products on more and better food though 😁
I went through all my accounts and credit card statements for 2024 and was shocked at where I was spending the most money. I reached my income goal for 2024 but not my savings goal. So my 2025 budget is set and I’ve also increased my income goal by 25%. This will force me to finally increase my rate to match my colleagues.
I have a finance budget from Clever Fox and have used it for 3 years! I’ve learned so much just doing this, but still focusing on a low buy for 2025. Great video!! I’ll be following along on your journey!
the end of 2024 really slipped away from me in terms of budget, i spent way too much money on both myself and others, so this video definietly came at a right time. after finishing school i got my first stable job, so my income about tripled compared to earlier, making it really hard to NOT spend on stuff i couldn't really afford until now. however it's clear that this attitude is not gonna be sustainable in the long run. things i'm doing good so far: -using public transport EXCLUSIVELY (thus no car payments, dept or anything related to that) -no credit card -keeping subscriptions under 5 -opened my first independent bank account, so noone else has access to it -stopped buying books i haven't heard anything about just because they had a great price in a charity shop
Coming from Germany, where health insurance is mandatory by law and covers all essential medical services needed to stay healthy, I can’t help but feel grateful. People often complain about the healthcare system, and there are certainly issues, but having to pay for everything yourself-that’s just unimaginable. It’s even worse to think that those with more money receive better care.
What a great review of your budget. I found sinking funds over 2 years ago and now have six savings account dedicated to them in addition to emergency fund. They are life changing. No more panic when large bills come I .
Such a wonderful video, thank you! ☘️🌻🧶 The timing & realness helps your message hit harder, in a good way 😊 As a long time sustainability lover, I completely relate to feeling as though my relationship with consumption has warped over the last few years and resulted in a feeling of unbalance. Definitely a main goal for 2025. It's so reassuring hearing you talk about how you and your partner don't share all your finances 💰 I do a similar thing where we have shared expenses but then still have full financial independence. Would love to hear more if you'd be willing to share as I've always felt like an outcast not living from one joint account 😅 Wishing you a fabulous New YeAr, looking forward to your 2025 adventures ♥️💚🩵
I’m going into my 2nd low buy year with a focus on specifically no take out or fast food. This feels extra tough because of the emotion I associate with food. That said, I love the idea of creating a master list of everything that brings me joy as an alternative when seeking out dopamine.
The dental cost also emphasises how investment in your health is very beneficial. Try to be on top of your health, there'll still be suprise medical costs but you can try to prevent as much as possible
My low buy challenge is to go back to plants and not buy many processed vegan products. I’ll probably still buy vegan breakfast sausage because my son loves them, but otherwise, I’m going to stick to whole foods and learn more recipes with tofu, tempeh, beans/lentils. Always had a Korean multi rice this morning that was delicious and got my serving of beans in. I know it’s another expense, but I use YNAB. It helps me budget in advance and tracks every dollar. Helpful data to analyze spending habits and figure out where extra spending is going. I also find it more handy than paper as I can track anywhere on my phone. It has helped me get out of debt and save.
excited for this! I'm really bad at saving money. Once I have money I get super careless and spend it. I really want to start saving this year too, just so that the money is gone before I can touch it
My wife and I live on our savings as we are nearing pension age in the UK. We own our own house and do not have a car or central heating or many gadgets. We live on about £150/week altogether. We've been doing 'intentional spending' for over a year and try to buy only things that give a lot back. I make my own pinafores (i have 5 winter/ all-year round ones and 2 more aimed at hot days) and the rest of my clothes are second hand mainly. I have M.E. and consequently spend a lot of time listening to music and reading. I have a lot of CDs and tend to keep playing those and I only bought 3 CDs this year. I have a lot of books but try to focus on books that i will read over and over again. To budget we have a spreadsheet. I put in everything as an annual cost (insurance, energy use, water etc) divided by 52 so i know how much we spend weekly.
I'm very much a non-materialistic person, I hate shopping and just having a lot of stuff! My husband and MIL (who lives with us) are completely different......much to my aggravation! I'm very privileged in that we have a very good, stable income and so don't really have to budget but I still object to buying something just because! I'm always telling my husband that we didn't need what he purchased. 😮
Actually we did when we first got married but now with very little outgoings and my husband has a very well paid job we have more incoming than outgoing so no I don't have to budget now. As I said I'm extremely privileged in that respect.
I'm so excited that you're doing a low buy year too! I can't wait to follow along. And I hope that doing more finance related content boosts your adsense revenue - it should.
Thank you for this video Immy! Very inspiring :) I’m so grateful that I don’t have any student loans because I studied in Germany 🙏. I took notes during this video. My husband and I just had a baby and we’re trying to save for a house (in London 😅). My main focus will be to order less take out and get everything we need for the baby second hand.
i am glad you posted! i am planning on doing a low buy year with my friends as well. so far five positive consumption/financial habits i have this year is stopping shopping at TJ Maxx for skincare (impulsive buy), buying clothes secondhand/taking clothes from family members, not buying fast fashion, taking public transit more, and buying gas from costco. things i plan for a no buy is no more yarn or arts and crafts. I have yarn and i need to use up all of it. And no more new books, I have been donating books and will only be reading/borrowing books from the library that I really want to read.
Your orange wood table looks like the exact table I grew up eating on!!! Chairs included! Though you see it be shape as odd, and the orange wood as unusual, know that it’s definitely given me all the nostalgia. That said, absolutely make it over to suit your life!
Thank you for providing this very usefull content 😊 ! I hope we can stay motivated throughout the year and stick to our low buy goals🤞. Can't wait for your updates 😀
Loved the content and style of video! I'm also doing a no/low buy year for 2025. Making sure to budget for things that bring me joy is a fantastic idea which I'll definitely incorporate.
Great idea to share a new year reset. My bank allows you to create pots/spaces. I have one for car (insurance, servicing etc), travel, eating out, and few other things. I then have automatic transfer from my bank account each month to them of various amounts. It spreads the costs each month instead of big chunks. It makes me more mindful of spending when I do like eating out. Things you want/have are great things to ask for presents when people ask. I am sure you would prefer something you want than not. For example I asked for yearly National Trust pass (UK) as it's due in January and few months olive oil refill subscription as I haven't anyway but nice if someone else pays
For any fellow Canadians 🇨🇦watching this, I would suggest looking into TFSAs, RRSPs and FHSAs as investment options. Most providers will have an option to set up a PAD to automate those savings as well, and you can put as much or as little in as works for you.
This video was so helpful to me! I plan on doing a low buy year too. I’m sad that my list of moments/things that make me happy was my hardest but maybe I can change that over the year, search for those things instead of spending money on material things. Thank you for the video Immy! ❤️
Would love to be a part of your community. I never been able to get through a no buy month YET!!! I just mean no buy the things I do not need. Not sure why it is so hard for me but I continue to fight consumption!! This video was the most helpful one I have seen. TY!
My low buy year is essentially avoiding buying anything ridiculously overpriced (especially for clothing, home decor, skincare/makeup, etc.), extremely frivolous, and spending money on unnecessary things, especially money that can be used for more important things like tax payments or student loan payments. My list of items to buy is focused of necessities for the kitchen/living space, especially items I’ve put off buying for a while. Also no spending large amounts of money on takeouts, especially coffee. Sticking to what I already have in my skincare/makeup routine to replenish, and only thrifting/buying secondhand for clothing or other wants. Not impossible, but it’s very tempting especially with how many ads/marketing campaigns I’m exposed to on the daily.
I hope you find this video helpful, and if you have any video ideas, requests, things I've missed (as I'm on this journey too) then please let me know!! Immy x
Hi Immy! How would you feel about people responding with videos of their own (as long as they link back to you!) I think making videos of my own would help keep me accountable :)
@@terri898 Omg of course, I would honestly love that and would watch them all!
Really enjoyed the video and the conversational style, looking forward to updates on how you find it.
I would find it interesting to hear you touch on the differences between what you and your partner spend your respective money on (you mentioned it’s quite different) and how you manage that as a couple.
Things I’m doing well so far:
-I opened a high yield savings account in 2024!
-I shopped 2nd hand for everything
-I put $375 from every paycheck into savings
-I have no debt on my car, house, or student loans! 🎉
Wow!! I’m so impressed
Well done on no debt! That’s amazing!
This video has come at such a good time for me as I am just starting a low buy year. I bought a book and realised when I put it on the shelf, that I already had it🤦🏻♀️. Big wake up call.
I think many of us have been there!
I just did the same thing except it was 2 books. Ehhhh
Buying used books can be addictive. I dont keep track but the money spent on them adds up. I plan to read the many I already have instead of continually buying more.
@@Europa1749I'd definitely recommend the library!!
Just a suggestion on the cookbook and books, you can request your local library purchase a copy of a book. That's great data for library usage (I'm a Librarian). Or if they don't have the budget, ask them about Inter-Library Loaning for a book.
5 things im doing good
* Stopped going into stores just to browse.
* Started a Roth account
* Reading books on finance and spending habits and the psychology behind it to better understand the impulse and reasons behind buying.
* Use my library for free access to books and events for my family
* Removed my name from coupon lists so that I'm not tempted by a good deal. Went through my email and unsubscribe or blocked account trying to sell me goods.
I could listen to you talk about anything really. You are so grounded and down to earth plus your voice is so soothing. Love your videos.
🥰🥰🥰 thanks for making my day
@@SustainablyVegancome for the inspiration, stay for the voice. That's my take on your channel!
Ditto!! I was watching this video and then had to do something, but instead of pausing it I just left it on as soothing background noise and then rewatched it later. Girl your voice is so lovely and calming.
Agreed!
I am a dedicated “gift giver on a budget”! I love giving gifts and celebrating the special people in my life!! One thing I have learned indirectly from you, Immy, is the gift of home baking. Who doesn’t love a dozen home-baked bagels with a jar of jam, or a tin of Vanilla Scones? I have used many of your recipes and I put them in a thrifted tin or platter. Thank-you for this! These types of gifts are so appreciated, and let’s be real… I’d rather bake than shop any day of the year. Much appreciated💕Ⓜary🎁
Someone spending their precious *time* to make me something always makes me feel so special.
@@LeslieStinson I 💯 agree with you @LeslieStinson!! If someone takes the time to make me something, or scour the thrift stores looking for a secondhand treasure that they know I will love, to me, that is the best gift ever. Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Ⓜ️ary
i found it very relaxing to not have the stock video cutaways in the video. really felt like we were sitting down to have a chat. i'm also planning to do a low-buy next year. been watching your videos casually over a few years now and finally subscribed, looking forward to the new year :)
Thank you xx
I appreciate the visual lists
I love the idea of how to want to heal one's relationship with consumption.
What about bringing 25 things into our lives in 2025? This doesn’t include consumables like groceries.
This may be 5 spending camping trips and 20 replacements/gifts to self/thrifted items.
Got this thought from Lindseyscribbles on YT.
I'm a student with my finances being, well, scarce. My whole objective for my entire time studying is not creating any debts. I'm incredibly lucky that studying is made affordable in my country, so that if you try your best, it's realistic not to be in debt. But still, that leaves me with a whopping 10 bucks a month left for personal use and hobbies. Definitely loving this content and the community that it brings!
My positive shopping habits are: finding bargains, I know that cheapest isn’t always best, do research about item I’m buying, and buy the best quality I can afford. I’m really enjoying this video!
Your videos have helped me immensely. I have ADHD and have always had issues with impulse spending but your videos simplify financial planning and make it seem very lowkey and chill. Before watching these I would pretend bank statements didn't exist and I always felt guilty buying stuff but still did it anyway. Plus, I realised I was spending so much money because I didn't have hobbies to keep me occupied in my spare time. I have a long way to go to financial security (don't we all) but I feel so much more in charge now. Thank you :)
I’m aiming for a low buy/no buy year as well so this is perfect!
This video was brilliant, Immy! Financial literacy is so important as is understanding needs vs. wants, knowing ourselves and what makes us happy. Thank you for all the work you are putting into this series and sharing your life with us. Love from 🇨🇦
I am seated and ready to take notes and set goals ✏️📝
I had $3900 in out of pocket dental work done this year. A queen needs her crowns I guess lol...AND I chipped my front tooth, that was $1100! Anyways....dentist says I'm all good now so I am definitely hoping next year is better! I also spent way too much on food, but my freezers are FULL and so is the pantry, so I'm doing a pantry challenge
Dude. Aging is such a scam. I feel you on the trendy anti-aging crap. Just focus on SPF while you're in CO. I swear, having grown up there and wearing it religiously, bathing in it, really, since the age of 11, I look AMAZING at 31, almost 32, and I get questions from new friends and strangers on what I use as skincare. I literally still only wear sunscreen and basic CeraVe moisturizer and that's it. I wash my face with the dove white bar I use on my body too sooooo.....
You are being so organized about this-- I'm impressed! Thanks for sharing, very helpful stuff. I'm not doing no-buy but I'm definitely planning to reduce my consumption and I know that seeing how you do it will help. Sorry if your dental bills have been the product of our crappy medical/health insurance system here. I really hope something can change for our country so we take better care of our people.
I love your new formats, you gave it quite some thought. Thank you for the dedication and heart you put into it! I hope the algorithm brings them to wider viewership because it's of utmost importance to learn the skills needed (financial literacy and management in this case) in order to overcome current and future hardship while staying at ease with one's own conscience. And remaining safe and sane ❤.
2025 is my year of financial recovery after I moved houses last year, so this is so motivating and perfect timing! Excited and motivated to join in on the challenge. X
I tried a low buy year 2024, and I found I fell off a few months and sort of forgot I was even doing it, lol. I am curious to see how it goes for you! I am excited for the check-ins. I will try again this year too.
so easy to do!! I'm trying to think about it in terms of days, weeks, months, and quarters so I don't get overwhelmed and stay on track but these videos are definitely holding me accountable!
Me and my husband are doing this and YNAB is an amazing budgeting app! It's helped the process be less stressful
I wish it didn't increase so much...
Life is expensive… it makes sense to have a plan. I just spent $16K on rebuilding and outfitting our well. Clean drinking water is a high priority when ya live in the wilderness. I don’t have a concrete budget, but I do pay very close attention to inflow and outflow of my money. I appreciate the heightened awareness that you are helping me to create as to what I value spending my money on. Thanks for the great discussion this morning. Ⓜary💕💵
I don't live in the wilderness but do want to get solar panels this coming year since 1. Climate change and not wanting to be a burden on our poor planet, and 2. My research tells me it's better to use our government subsidy on going solar with good quality panels and support system than on cheaper ones (I'm in Australia, so sun costs zero). Big spend items are a challenge on a fixed income as an older person now on superannuation. I think you really help us “upregulate” our thinking about so, so many things Immy. You are a champion of living a better life!
I feel you! Just spent 4K on some major upgrades and repair to our septic tank plus pumping. But so necessary.
@@Mimulus2717 I hear ya!! So many things that we buy are luxuries, but when ya live in a rural area or the wilderness (I’m in northern 🇨🇦), you learn right away that water and septic are total necessities! Happy flushing to you!! Ⓜary🚽🚰🚿
@@tosca... I live in northern 🇨🇦 where we sometimes don’t see the sun for days at a time. Solar panels in Australia seems to make sense. I’m an older person too, and I understand the nervousness around massive renovations and big spendy items. I hope you find the answers and the renewable energy upgrades that you are looking for. Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Ⓜary⛄
Water is a crutch. Get your hydration from food, beer and energy drinks.
I've used rocket money to track stuff and while it is like $10 per month, I was never going to do it myself (I've tried many times), so the trade off has been great because I've actually done it! And I was able to look back like you said to, and see what my big purchases were, and kind of see if there are any behavior patterns I wanted to change. Thanks so much for making this video and I can't wait to go on this journey with you!
Reflecting on my positive habits:
This year I used your tip on auto-saving monthly for big expenses and it saved me a lot of peace of mind. I've been tracking my purchases and reflecting on them much more than before. Lastly, I'm self-employed too, and in June I made the decision to give myself "paychecks" and save the rest in my business account and it has made budgeting SO MUCH EASIER. And if I'm making a lot more, I can just give myself a bonus instead of feeling the ups and downs of cash flow so much because that is quite stress inducing.
Loved the more relaxed video. I just listened along while working and plan on watching again when i have a chance to sit down and 'participate'.
My financial goals this year are:
- Max out my TFSA (I am Canadian)
- Reduce the number of places I spend money from, to allow me to keep better track.
- Stick to a 60-20-20 budget. 60% needs, 20% retirement, 20% wants. Unfortunately, my mortgage and property taxes require this to be 60%
- Increase my 3 month emergency fund to a 5 month emergency fund.
- Review my budget more frequently, (I dropped off for multiple months in 2024)
- Talk about money with friend more. I want to tell people what I am learning and learn from others
It's great that you called out the fact that you're not going to pay down your student loan. Not all loans/debt are the same and you really need to consider the monthly/annual impact of the payment vs the impact of paying it down faster vs any potential penalties for paying off schedule. As an extreme example: I know a couple who were paying off the hospital where their son was born for over 40 years, but the payment was something stupidly low, like $20 a month (they negotiated the payment in the late 70s), so it absolutely made more sense to leave the bill as it was and just continue to pay it slowly over time.
I think I would be worried about how much you would be paying in interest on the loans over the years! That would be the main argument for paying it off asap
I applaud you and your goals! I am a frugal New Englander in her middle 60's and am debt free. I own my home, cars, and was able to put two daughters through private schools and help with college expenses. The only way to do it is to save. Putting the maximum in a Roth helped us with school expenses. You can also touch the principal in an emergency. You probably already know this. My husband is retiring next year and I documented all our expenses . We spent a lot of time traveling with our family!
This year however, I decided not to use our debit card in favor of the Discover Card starting last January. If you are disciplined and pay it off every month, you make money. Every three months Discover targets certain expenses for 5 percent cash back. I particularly love it when it goes to gas and grocery purchases. It's free money, as long as you don't carry a balance over!
I feel your tooth pain! In the last two years I have had two implants and my husband one.
I love your channel and your book!
Thank you!!
Thank you for this video Immy, it’s exactly what i needed to set intentions for 2025 and build healthier financial habits. Just the word ‘finance’ spikes my anxiety, I want to stop being scared of money, take control and hopefully minimise the sleepless nights and shame surrounding this area of life! Sending 🤍
I would give yourself some more grace around your no buy around clothes. Its so amazing and brave to do a no buy on clothes but if you are going through body changes, just like we have to replace kitchen appliances we also sometimes need to replace clothes that don't fit. If you find in 2025 you begin to experience body change that may impact what clothes you are wearing maybe allow for a replacement of jeans or bras. I loved this video and I followed along with you, it made me so excited for the new year 🎉❤
You inspired me to start my low buy quarter at the beginning of the year! I'm planning to buy a house in the spring or summer so I know I'll have lots of expenses that come with that. Being mindful of my spending habits before I have a lot of expenses coming up will be so good for me to avoid overconsumption.
Yay!!
This video was very helpful. And thank you for pointing out how expensive some things are in the US, sometimes it feels like the rest of the world thinks we're all living like millionaires.
Two winter tips from me: a small spin dryer (2800 rpm) removes much more water from laundered clothes than the wash/spin cycle on my washing machine. After a quick spin, clothes dry much quicker, the air can blow and penetrate, it also removes residual suds.
I have a metal filing cabinet outside the back door which is our cool pantry in the winter. It’s completely water/vermin/insect proof and often even colder than the fridge. No electricity needed.
I loved this! 🥰 thank you for breaking it down in a way that makes it feel absolutely manageable! The level consumerism nowadays is sickening 😳 and I know I’m guilty of it, but admitting you have a problem is the first step! 😂
Also love that we have the same joys..seeing wildlife, eating delicious food, sunrise and sunsets over mountains and beaches, being near water..literally all of the best things!! 😍 cheers to a GREAT savings year!! 🥂
Recent advice I saw, that I found helpful was to put away at least a thousand, then use the snow ball method to clear debts then go back and top up that thousand with enough to get you through 3-6months if you suddenly lost your income.
In the UK we have building societies, one such is Nationwide, they give the option to do spare change savings, called impulse saver, this takes any spare change it predicts you will have based on your current months spending and auto save that for you every month.
I’ve done a no spend year before and managed to clear almost all debts. 2025 is going to be a low spend/essential buy year. Mostly I want to be better prepared and better skilled including managing blackouts with disabilities (as we are getting more and more power outages in the UK as well as planned rationing of power) and generally I want to be better prepared for almost any scenario.
Safe and independent is the goal whilst living a more essential life.
This is realy good and realistic advice, thank you! I love buying skincare and makeup and get triggered by watching too much beauty content on youtube and Instagram. Since 3 years i reduced my shopping because i realised i can only use so much and i have so much stuff alread, too much for one person. Regaining sanity is wholeaome and your video emphasizes it so thank you ✨
Hi Immy,
In terms of clothing I can give you some tips because it's a bit of a hobby of mine.
This year instead of buying new clothes you can try to investigate which clothes would fit you the best based on 3 criterias.
1) kibbe body type. For example I am dramatic classic so I can only wear tailored straight simple clothing to suit me.
2) find your colour season, for example I am a soft summer so I look the best in muddy pastel colours that are cool tone
3) find your style essence. Mine is classic so I like simple neutral clothing which looks preppy, British country, old money, feminine, no patterns, no glitter etc.
Find all these for yourself and then you can start shopping for new clothes. Now I look great in all my clothing but took a while 😅
I'm trying a low spend/ no buy quarter (with an intention to go at least 6 months and maybe a year) thanks to your Vlogmas video! Because I'm self employed, money has been tight and I want to get back on track and start saving again. Also, my consumption (second hand but still) was a bit higher this year as we moved long distance and were setting up in our new place. So a no buy/ low spend is perfect! I found this video incredibly helpful, it was great putting everything down on paper. I'm excited to be on this journey with everybody and looking forward to your videos!
Just a side comment: I live in Canada and $300/ month for food seems very very low. That's about what I spend for my half (my husband and I alternate grocery trips).
I also live in Colorado and I found it unexpectedly comforting that our bills are so similar
Ah that comforts me too!
I loved this format! Will definitely try the low buy for the coming year and track my finances more thoroughly. I’ve had emotional buying habits for a while and realised how little joy these purchases brought me and how much financial strain they created instead.. The chit chat type of videos will always be my preferred kind, feels more honest and calm
This is such a great video, Immy! I really appreciate that instead of just listing your personal low-buy rules, you explained the process of how you came up with them. I’m more inspired to try to do a low-buy year myself based on this! I’m going to rewatch this and go through the steps.
Things I/my fam already do:
1. I take the bus instead of drive to work
2. We buy grocery store brand items instead of name brand wherever possible
3. I try to make my own coffee to take to work
4. We cut our own hair
5. We try not to blast the heat/AC all the time
This was a really great video, Immy, and super helpful! Thank you for creating it!
Great video format and great goals.
This has inspired me to restart a journal to keep track of my habits and goals
I am determined to do this in 2025 but facing up to the fact that I have a spending problem has been tough. When you said we need to look through our bank statements, I gasped - the idea of looking at them and not just ignoring the fact scares me! I'm glad lots of us are in this together
Yay. I’m excited to watch after I take my nap hehe. You inspired me to cook from scratch and more seasonally. I also watch you on my tv’s RUclips app lol! 😊
Thanks for this video ❤ also planning to bring my expenditure down to the Essential and what makes me truly happy (gifts, time with people I love, discovering new places)
I have been a follower for many years, and am really loving the new content you are putting together. I’m in a similar spot on my life as you, and will be having a similar plan for 2025, so I’m happy to see this journey. I also agree on keeping things real with less production. Thank you for always being real with us and putting out beautiful content. ❤
Thank you for this video.
I like how you have spelled it all out and run through everything with prompters to pause and do the work with you.
I am embarking on my first no/low spend year in 2025. I'm on a fixed low income but have created a plan that could have me saving $20,000 in 5 years! I will also have 500 hours of art experience AND a bachelor's degree!!
Last year, I completed a diploma, which was my pathway into a Bachelor of Theology. I received the certificate this month, and suddenly, I feel like I can actually accomplish big things. One year doesn't feel so big anymore....
This is my first video i've seen of yours and i found it extremely helpful and calms down the panic of me not getting my life together before the new year
I would like to thank you for this video as this is so useful and clear for someone who is dyslexic and struggles with processing information. You explained this video so clearly and well, I want to do a low buy year and I have started organising for this year as there's clear instructions from this video.
Things I’m doing well
1. An AVC pension fund going in work
2. Strict savings of at least 500pm
3. Negotiating/switching bills every year
4. Sinking funds for yearly expenses
5. No credit card debt
I love this video! I am totally IN for the no buy year. My mother recently had a stroke. She’s well enough now, so I’m packing up her apartment and moving her closer to family & better weather. I’ll work on my lists in the scratch notebook I’m traveling with. Then be fully on board by 7 January (once I’m back home).
I love the style of this video Immy - casual like a friend is taking me through how to do something rather than super curated. I'm not planning to do a no/low-buy year but you have motivated me to intially look at our finances and do a bit of an overhaul. So thank you for that! Best wishes for 2025!
i write down ALL my expenses in a monthly Excel sheet, I already put down my monthly income (which is the same each month) and the set expenses (like rent, insurances, gas/electricity etc.), so i know what i have left for that month for groceries and other items. that way i can see in my Excel sheet immediately how much money there still is. I do a round up each month of how much % of my income I have spent. If it's really high I take a close look and see how i can improve next month. It also teaches me that spending is a bit of an up/down situation. Some months i just run out of a lot of stuff or need extra so they are more expensive, other months i only buy groceries. It's very insightful, i highly recommend it.
I am starting a low buy year and it is entirely because you gave me the idea with you previous video on the subject. Thank you very much !
Happy new year
Loved the video! Well thought out and presented. I just finished a list of 25 items I will not be buying in 2025 (some are items I will purchase when we use up what we have, some are off the list such as cookbooks for me too!) so this was perfect timing.
Just the right time to have found you (suscribed)! Your calm, open approach is exactly what I need right now. I'm retired now and on a fixed income with an itch to find another stream of income. Investing in yourselves through retirement savings is smart. I wish I had started earlier than I did as I probably be on a cruise ship right now. In short, thank you for this motivation to push through another inflationary period instead of wishing I was back spending .28 cents a gallon of gas, $40 grocery weeks and $140 apartment rental in California no less.
Writing down positive habits as a start is a great idea. Doing a second low buy year in 2025, not for budget reasons but for a more sustainable life to do my small part in face of the climate emergency. I fully plan to spend the money I save from not buying products on more and better food though 😁
Loved the more casual video style. Definitely time for a low buy year, and this video helped to ease a lot of the stress around it.
I went through all my accounts and credit card statements for 2024 and was shocked at where I was spending the most money. I reached my income goal for 2024 but not my savings goal. So my 2025 budget is set and I’ve also increased my income goal by 25%. This will force me to finally increase my rate to match my colleagues.
I'm excited to see what happens! Pension is sooo important good on you for making it a priority ❤
I have a finance budget from Clever Fox and have used it for 3 years! I’ve learned so much just doing this, but still focusing on a low buy for 2025. Great video!! I’ll be following along on your journey!
the end of 2024 really slipped away from me in terms of budget, i spent way too much money on both myself and others, so this video definietly came at a right time. after finishing school i got my first stable job, so my income about tripled compared to earlier, making it really hard to NOT spend on stuff i couldn't really afford until now. however it's clear that this attitude is not gonna be sustainable in the long run.
things i'm doing good so far:
-using public transport EXCLUSIVELY (thus no car payments, dept or anything related to that)
-no credit card
-keeping subscriptions under 5
-opened my first independent bank account, so noone else has access to it
-stopped buying books i haven't heard anything about just because they had a great price in a charity shop
Coming from Germany, where health insurance is mandatory by law and covers all essential medical services needed to stay healthy, I can’t help but feel grateful. People often complain about the healthcare system, and there are certainly issues, but having to pay for everything yourself-that’s just unimaginable. It’s even worse to think that those with more money receive better care.
I'm trying a kinda low buy year too. A lot more intentional anyway. Very helpful video 😊
What a great review of your budget. I found sinking funds over 2 years ago and now have six savings account dedicated to them in addition to emergency fund. They are life changing. No more panic when large bills come I .
So excited for this! It’s going to keep me accountable too
Love this video, I’m subscribed and onboard. Thanks and looking forward to the series. My first intentional low buy year 😊
Graphics were not needed. Enjoyed the video, got some inspiration to review my finances. Thanks! I’m interested in your earnings too
January 1st, first day of a low spend month. I will use what I already have. I hope it motivates me to do low or no spend in February.
Such a wonderful video, thank you! ☘️🌻🧶 The timing & realness helps your message hit harder, in a good way 😊
As a long time sustainability lover, I completely relate to feeling as though my relationship with consumption has warped over the last few years and resulted in a feeling of unbalance. Definitely a main goal for 2025.
It's so reassuring hearing you talk about how you and your partner don't share all your finances 💰 I do a similar thing where we have shared expenses but then still have full financial independence. Would love to hear more if you'd be willing to share as I've always felt like an outcast not living from one joint account 😅
Wishing you a fabulous New YeAr, looking forward to your 2025 adventures ♥️💚🩵
I’m going into my 2nd low buy year with a focus on specifically no take out or fast food. This feels extra tough because of the emotion I associate with food. That said, I love the idea of creating a master list of everything that brings me joy as an alternative when seeking out dopamine.
I loved this video and doing the process too! Definitely something I want to get better at!
YES, I love the casual vibe :) Feeling empowered to achieve my own saving goals this year!
Hello. Planning also a low buy year. Your process gave me already very good ideas to implement. Thanks a lot!
The dental cost also emphasises how investment in your health is very beneficial. Try to be on top of your health, there'll still be suprise medical costs but you can try to prevent as much as possible
This is super helpful I will definitely be looking into what I’m spending and using maybe all of your ideas, thanks 🙏🏻 x
My low buy challenge is to go back to plants and not buy many processed vegan products. I’ll probably still buy vegan breakfast sausage because my son loves them, but otherwise, I’m going to stick to whole foods and learn more recipes with tofu, tempeh, beans/lentils. Always had a Korean multi rice this morning that was delicious and got my serving of beans in.
I know it’s another expense, but I use YNAB. It helps me budget in advance and tracks every dollar. Helpful data to analyze spending habits and figure out where extra spending is going. I also find it more handy than paper as I can track anywhere on my phone. It has helped me get out of debt and save.
excited for this! I'm really bad at saving money. Once I have money I get super careless and spend it. I really want to start saving this year too, just so that the money is gone before I can touch it
Very helpful and love this style of video. Thank you!
My wife and I live on our savings as we are nearing pension age in the UK. We own our own house and do not have a car or central heating or many gadgets. We live on about £150/week altogether. We've been doing 'intentional spending' for over a year and try to buy only things that give a lot back. I make my own pinafores (i have 5 winter/ all-year round ones and 2 more aimed at hot days) and the rest of my clothes are second hand mainly. I have M.E. and consequently spend a lot of time listening to music and reading. I have a lot of CDs and tend to keep playing those and I only bought 3 CDs this year. I have a lot of books but try to focus on books that i will read over and over again. To budget we have a spreadsheet. I put in everything as an annual cost (insurance, energy use, water etc) divided by 52 so i know how much we spend weekly.
I'm very much a non-materialistic person, I hate shopping and just having a lot of stuff! My husband and MIL (who lives with us) are completely different......much to my aggravation! I'm very privileged in that we have a very good, stable income and so don't really have to budget but I still object to buying something just because! I'm always telling my husband that we didn't need what he purchased. 😮
Literally everyone needs a budget to some point
Actually we did when we first got married but now with very little outgoings and my husband has a very well paid job we have more incoming than outgoing so no I don't have to budget now. As I said I'm extremely privileged in that respect.
Thank you!!! From Uruguay ❤
I'm so excited that you're doing a low buy year too! I can't wait to follow along. And I hope that doing more finance related content boosts your adsense revenue - it should.
thanks for this great video! made my low buy-plans with you :)
Great video. No graphics needed.
Thank you for this video Immy! Very inspiring :)
I’m so grateful that I don’t have any student loans because I studied in Germany 🙏.
I took notes during this video. My husband and I just had a baby and we’re trying to save for a house (in London 😅).
My main focus will be to order less take out and get everything we need for the baby second hand.
i am glad you posted! i am planning on doing a low buy year with my friends as well. so far five positive consumption/financial habits i have this year is stopping shopping at TJ Maxx for skincare (impulsive buy), buying clothes secondhand/taking clothes from family members, not buying fast fashion, taking public transit more, and buying gas from costco.
things i plan for a no buy is no more yarn or arts and crafts. I have yarn and i need to use up all of it. And no more new books, I have been donating books and will only be reading/borrowing books from the library that I really want to read.
Just found you randomly today and we have the same hobbies. Only difference is I’m in Texas and not vegan. SUBSCRIBED!!!
You definitely don’t need to be vegan to be welcome here !
Your orange wood table looks like the exact table I grew up eating on!!! Chairs included! Though you see it be shape as odd, and the orange wood as unusual, know that it’s definitely given me all the nostalgia. That said, absolutely make it over to suit your life!
Thank you for providing this very usefull content 😊 ! I hope we can stay motivated throughout the year and stick to our low buy goals🤞. Can't wait for your updates 😀
Loved the content and style of video! I'm also doing a no/low buy year for 2025. Making sure to budget for things that bring me joy is a fantastic idea which I'll definitely incorporate.
My motto for this year is "make due with what we have"
Great idea to share a new year reset.
My bank allows you to create pots/spaces. I have one for car (insurance, servicing etc), travel, eating out, and few other things. I then have automatic transfer from my bank account each month to them of various amounts. It spreads the costs each month instead of big chunks. It makes me more mindful of spending when I do like eating out.
Things you want/have are great things to ask for presents when people ask. I am sure you would prefer something you want than not. For example I asked for yearly National Trust pass (UK) as it's due in January and few months olive oil refill subscription as I haven't anyway but nice if someone else pays
For any fellow Canadians 🇨🇦watching this, I would suggest looking into TFSAs, RRSPs and FHSAs as investment options. Most providers will have an option to set up a PAD to automate those savings as well, and you can put as much or as little in as works for you.
This video was so helpful to me! I plan on doing a low buy year too. I’m sad that my list of moments/things that make me happy was my hardest but maybe I can change that over the year, search for those things instead of spending money on material things. Thank you for the video Immy! ❤️
Would love to be a part of your community. I never been able to get through a no buy month YET!!! I just mean no buy the things I do not need. Not sure why it is so hard for me but I continue to fight consumption!! This video was the most helpful one I have seen. TY!
Thank you for this video! I’m looking forward to this new year to spend less and save more😊
My low buy year is essentially avoiding buying anything ridiculously overpriced (especially for clothing, home decor, skincare/makeup, etc.), extremely frivolous, and spending money on unnecessary things, especially money that can be used for more important things like tax payments or student loan payments. My list of items to buy is focused of necessities for the kitchen/living space, especially items I’ve put off buying for a while. Also no spending large amounts of money on takeouts, especially coffee. Sticking to what I already have in my skincare/makeup routine to replenish, and only thrifting/buying secondhand for clothing or other wants. Not impossible, but it’s very tempting especially with how many ads/marketing campaigns I’m exposed to on the daily.
Great video. Thanks for the ideas! Would reflect on my money spending and set some rules to decrease my financial anxiety.