I'm doing a low-buy with a monthly budget and some rules, my goals are to save money, to use the stuff I already own, to be smarter with my purchases and the most important : to finally really understand that I am not what I have. I'm sure I can do it - at least I'm trying and I already made some great progress the past few months. Watching videos like yours really help a lot !
I am doing a low buy also. My goals are to shop my own closet and continue to declutter. You talked about small goes and I do plan to let go of at least 5 items per month. We will see how it goes.
I've allowed myself 5 (fashion) purchases for the whole year 🤣 not allowed to buy anymore plants (allowed to make cuttings though) and I'm going to make more of a focus on enjoying what I already have 😏
No clothes for a year! I started on Black Friday last year and will finish on Black Friday of this year. I bought so much stuff last year, and most of the clothes I haven’t even worn yet. So I figured I’d do this to 1) save money 2) actually wear the stuff I bought.
Having a "Maximize My Closet" Pinterest board where I post outfit ideas using pieces that resemble items I already own has been incredibly useful in my low-buy/minimalist journey!
BONUS TIP for: We're still living during a pandemic. If you re living in the EU especially most countries are still under lockdown so we have nowhere to go. So before buying anything right now I am asking myself...where and when are you going to use this item? Most of the time I realise how pointless the item is and I just let it go.
So true! I noticed though that I wanted to shop MORE than usual last year because I was bored. Trying to wear all my clothes everyday despite not going anywhere helps with this.
My why is to survive 2021. The pandemic and the hubby losing his job last year pretty much had us stop the mindless shopping, do a deep decluttering and increase saving in general. Right now before any purchase we ask do we need it, will it be used. It’s a start but we are getting there.
As someone who has decided to do a low buy year this year ( as opposed to a no buy which I tried a few years ago) this video was SO helpful. Being in an extended lockdown has definitely helped haha. Thank youu xx
I’m mainly doing a low buy because I realized how many clothes I kept buying. Some of which I can’t even wear until the weather clears up. Another reason is to save up to get an apartment and be able to pay for furniture.
Minimalism changed how I viewed stuff, what I had, what is enough. Finding actual contentment. So grateful to be on this journey. It really does evolve as you go.
I found that challenging myself to a low buy last year really shifted my mindset, even though I did mess up on a few occasions. I originally started a low buy in 2020 to pay off credit card debt. Now my reasons are more about sustainability and minimalism, and just general anti-consumerism. I just don’t feel like I NEED so much stuff like I used to. It’s been very freeing.
I plan on doing a low buy. I also began decluttering my closet. 200 dress I am going to working selling for $10 each some still with tags. This was my wake up.
My motivation for a “low buy: in 2022 is the deep desire to quite my job. My job has pushed me beyond my limits, so saving enough money to be able to quite with a safety net as my backup and while I look for a new job….has been very helpful. It still is a struggle, and I’m still buying certain categories of things in excess, but Ive gotten better. Something that’s helped me so far is organizing my room…..I can literally see how much bags of have, or makeup or skincare in one glance and its a daily reminder that I dont’ need it. ((Even though I still slip and buy sometimes). Great video,,,,
Great tips! I loved using the “shop your closet” method last year. Every season, I’d pick a few ‘new’ items from my wardrobe to display on my clothing rack. It feels fun and reminds me that I have more than enough fun pieces to create outfits with. I’ve also trained my Pinterest algorithm to show me outfit inspiration by pinning showing clothing similar to what I already own. 😇
I have set out to do a low buy and I generally fail miserably. Last year, my clothes didn't fit (5th baby) and were uncomfortable, and I'm a perfectionist and I like to get things "done", so I bought whatever I thought would work. If it didn't work, I added it to the donation pile and kept looking, deciding, overspending, justifying, etc. What you said last year about the cycle of looking for something to want, finding it, wanting it, acquiring it, repeating the process was profound. Finding a time-saving hack or a flattering look is how I fill my downtime. We live well within our means thanks to minimalism and aren't in serious debt (thankfully). My husband wants to be debt-free by his 40th birthday and we're set to get there. We never want to go into debt for anything other than a house. But what you said about being grateful and appreciating what I have--which is a lot and is nice stuff!--that is where I want to be. I have created a long list over the years of things I like/want and honestly, I've purchased and/or achieved most of my list and really, my life is the same. I want the cycle of guilt over less-than-perfect purchases to go away. My husband is tired of my shopping on my phone. I'm tired of buying and returning stuff. I'm tired of giving my precious energy to finding and having things.
My goal is to continue with my minimalism journey and watch my spending habits. I feel like in the past year I’ve really starting reaping the rewards of a minimal lifestyle, and I’ve never been more content with my life.
My staying out of stores has grown my savings incredibly, I decided to use the $ to do some renovations on my home instead of moving which is very expensive
I've been on my low-buy for 4.5 months. I didn't think I'd be able to do this tbh, but it turns out I'm stronger than I thought! Some steps that helped me: - Make a rule sheet or 'contract' to yourself; it may help you feel more accountable for your actions. - Research fast fashion, this opened my eyes and made me realise most of my money was going to clothes made from plastic. - Avoid malls, online stores and unsubscribe from newsletters and anyone advertising fashion and beauty. - Realise you have more than enough already. Have clothes mended if need be. I STILL have unworn clothes in my closet and I've sold a lot too.
It is so lovely to hear someone pointing out that this process is a massively emotional journey. It is indeed. However, the good news is that you can do it!
@@brontec9769 I couldn't agree more. It is a huge beast to face. My biggest difficulty was to be patient. The cycle of being upbeat at the end of the month receiving my pay and sorting out payments, but then comes the silent screaming part until the next paycheck is in. Similar to losing weight in a sense, you can't expect losing all the excess you've put on within 2 months if you've been eating wrong for years. Come on everyone, we can do this.
Ever since Ive been trying to stop shopping my addiction has gotten so much worse. Its literally making me so depressed. Learning as much as I can from your videos
You can do it! And I can totally empathize with those feelings, I think often bc I used to shop as a means to evade my emotions. Be kind to yourself - we are learning and working to do better. It won’t happen overnight and that’s totally cool! ❤️
I find that when I tell myself I can't do something I feel deprived, which in turn makes my behaviors worse. I try to focus on what I can still do and gratitude to shift some of those feelings. It is not easy!
Do it gradually. One less purchase at a time, don't totally withdraw from shopping all at once. It will only shock your system and make you urge to shop more. It happened to me before and doing it slowly really works. Good luck, you can do it!
I find it really hard and keep falling off the wagon. My motivation is “less stuff”. Instead of buying loads of small things I want to get one or two big ticket items over the year on a special occasion. So I ask myself “ which would I prefer? This pair of H&M jeans or a prada bag?” Or maybe, which would I prefer? To have this lipstick or to be out of debt? It makes me feel like I’m leaving that quick fix buy behind so I can get something much much better. So I don’t feel like I’m missing out. I guess it’s the same thing as revisiting the “why”.
Language counts I have changed one previously worded thought when going out from “I have nothing to wear” to “ I have nothing new to wear”. I realised that the habit I had about feeling good when going out was connected with new / latest fashion stuff rather than just wearing stuff I feel good in. This reworded thinking is making a difference.
Absolutely love this 🙌 I first discovered you when you did your low buy challenge last year. Now I finally felt ready to do it myself! Thank you for the motivation Christina 😁❤
I am going for a low buy this year. I am a real hoarder when it comes to skincare and make up. I just can't relax if I don't have a few back ups of the things I use. I am always worried that something will be discontinued, or I wont get a good deal so I always buy too much. And what happens? I either get tired of the product and give it away or it expires. But this year my goal is to first use what I have and only buy new replacement when I am out of the product completely...😊
Watching this video over and over! I'm in the process of paying down credit card debt and I'm struggling with online shopping when I'm bored and spending way too much money on food. I love how you focus on how you're feeling when you feel tempted to spend, I'm going to journal when I get in those moods going forward 🙂
Food is a toughie for me too. Some of my spending definitely shifted there this year in 2020 - it’s all about mindfulness. I love the idea of journaling when we notice those feelings ❤️
Can I just say that as much as I enjoy this video Christina, I equally enjoy reading the insightful comments everyone has added here. Sending much love and light to you all ❤️🇦🇺
I've begun my low-buy journey because I'll be retiring at the end of 2021 so I'm getting myself accustomed to less disposable income. I already have a wardrobe that I'm pretty happy with but I still enjoy something new once in awhile. I have a budget that I follow now and also constantly edit and organize my wardrobe to keep tabs on what I have. And I have been very committed to one in-one out. 😃
Hi started a low buy in the beginning of 2020 and with lockdown in the UK 🇬🇧 I decided to go to a No buy x survived Black Friday, Christmas and January sales into 5 months now and it feels good, I just got fed up with the repetitive buying, shop browsing and time wasted looking on line so I have been watching your channel for the last year and minimalist channels and taking on the mindset x so I know when I do buy something I will enjoy buying it because I will either need it or really want it and it will be better quality 💕 good luck to you and all your followers 🥰
I get so stressed out when I shop.. feeling guilty because I spent my money on stuff again. And because of the guilt I dont enjoy the stuff. Its hard to stop shopping haha. Your videos motivate me to keep trying!!
Words of encouragement! Start from a week of no buy or just say I'll buy one this month! We have a funny word for the cost of 'stressed out shopping'. It's called "Stupid Cost' (like an economic term) or F*** cost (a curseword) in Korea. Hope you can manage stress in another way as well :)
It’s very hard! And such a guilt cycle. That’s EXACTLY what I personally grappled with for most of 2020. Looking back I had to experience it to learn from it and start being kind to myself. You can do it!!
I’m doing a low buy year for the same reason you started, to get out of debt. I have a very good salary and at the end of 2020 it got out of hand until the point of me not beeing able to buy grosseries when I had paid all my bills, rent, electric, creditcards and so on. I felt so ashamed when I had to call a friend for help!!! I knew before this that I had been balancing on a thin line but that was it for me. Even though I knew I was making myself feel worse by buying things with credit, I still did it and now I have to pay the price. Just proves how you still can be sucked into the bad behaviour even when you are aware of the fact that it’s not good at ALL. I’m not blaming something or someone else for my bad behaviour att ALL just wanted to state that the force of consumerism is alive and STRONG! But hopefully I can do better now and don’t get in deeper than I already am... 😭
Fantastic advice. I did a low buy last year (for clothing and homewares) and it has made me love what i already have and e content with it. Now the less i have, the happier and more relaxed I am. This year I am going to do a Kids clothing low buy (I still feel compelled to shop for my daughters way too much).
My why is anticonsumption and saving for graduate school. Short term, I want to save money rather than wasting it on the nonessential. Long term, I want to build better financial habits and save up for a down payment. I will be doing a depth year + no buy/partial low buy: only eating out once a month on budget, no skincare/makeup/bath products, no tech, approved clothing items only. I started doing a full makeup/skincare inventory, and 4 days in, I'm only 1/10 of the way through logging my makeup - and I don't even wear makeup often. I want to consume the stuff I already own, rather than consuming what's being sold to us. I did a full wardrobe inventory and it really helps see and understand what/how much I have, what I really wear, the cost per wear. I can't even remember all the items in my so-called dream closet without it.
You inspired me to make an excel-file with a tab with all my purchases and a tab with al the things I wear everyday. Am I a little obsessed? Maybe 👩💻 But it really helped with not buying more clothes, when you see the cost per wear going down for each and every item everyday.
I have the (free) "Your closet" app on my phone. It takes a bit of work to set up in the beginning but once it's done it's super fun to play around with outfits. It keeps track of all your stats too but I know some people like their spreadsheets 😉
A little obsessed? My Excel Calculation includes the year, the color, main fabric, if it is second hand and much more. So I can calculate at what time the item pays of and other stuff. 🤪
I go on a no-buy-cold-turkey for the first 6 months of 2021...and I not gonna lie: I already feel that this will be hard, especially in a new Lockdown when scrolling on fashion websites is something I do out of boredom. (I need new hobbies! 😅) BUT my WHY is a very great and important thing: my husband and I will purchase our own home this year in summer and we save up for our furniture! 🥰🏡
I think my shopping is definitely linked to PTSD. It's almost compulsive. If something is on sale "cheap" I'll go overboard and buy 10+. I'm in huge debt, maxed cards and now have a second job to pay off debt. I've been working on my why. I've shopped some much it's turning into a hoarding situation. Good tips. Happy i found your channel.
I'm doing a no buy this year. The guilt of decluttering will sustain me. I donated a lot but I also sent a lot to landfill. Something we don't like to admit but a lot of what I had was just old and not suitable for donation. There isn't a big thrifting culture here anyway. I don't want to send anything to landfill for a long loooong time and that's just where I imagine it when I see something that I want to buy. Stops me dead in my tracks.
That ignorance is bliss thing is so true. I purged a bit, but I need to find more inspiring youtubers who don't expose me to covetable and attainable items. I need to do a low-buy simply because these are such uncertain times and I also want to cultivate a mindset that is less mindless when it comes to consumerism.
for me a low buy year is necassary for this year, rents got up huge here in austria which means have to save money for keeping a roof over my head...great Tips by the way😊👌
Great tips! I find after doing no buys or low buys for several years I’ve come to understand more of who I am. I’ve always focused on quality over quantity and timelessness which has made things much easier. Now I find there’s not much that I actually Need but more of just wants n those wants are not that important and really don’t add any value to my life. Now I’m just happy with the things I have and never have the feeling of wanting more “Stuff” making low buy just a way of life now. Experiences and how I live my life is so much more fulfilling and rewarding! ❤️
All good! You inspired me to try on, analyze, sort, organize and declutter all my winter clothes. Thank you! ❤️ Now I just have to look at my list of keepers and appreciate what I have so I won’t keep ‘adding’.
These are great and very helpful tips. I’m doing a low buy this year. Working on paying off 113k of student loans. My low buy is a little different in the fact that I’m focusing mine on when I do buy I am trying to buy exclusively second hand or thrifted. I’m sharing my journey on my channel. Glad to be following yours to help keep me motivated. 😊
My style has been changing and evolving in the past couple years. Last year due to the pandemic and all I've finally "found" my style and videos like yours have helped me declutter to either sell my things in second hand vintage shops or donate them 💙 in order to finally have a minimal - super me - closet. thanks ✨
Thank you so much for this video. This is the first time I’ve ever heard someone talk about some of the things how I feel. I am going to keep watching your videos and try to understand more about my feelings when I shop. I think I can see a light at the end of the tunnel. I am going to try the low buy. And I have. Subscribed
I set a pretty big savings goal for myself because I want to feel more financially secure and I definitely spent too much on things last year. So far I’ve been looking at setting monthly budgets with savings goals, tracking everything in my bullet journal, and making videos to stay accountable. Technically I started the process in November, so it’s going well so far!
The problem for me especially in this pandemic situation we do live in, I’m working from home since 8 months now I don’t go out unless buying something, so I become not wearing my clothes as I used to , this triggers all the time in my mind that I need to buy clothes and I do but never felt satisfied cause I haven’t wear them plus staying home makes me bored so I can’t stop looking for the most thing I love which is fashion so at the end I’m not able to stop my self buying online more than any time of my life
Perfect timing. I’m sitting down to write down my guidelines so I can film my accountability vid later today. I was just rewatching some of your past no/low buy vids
i like to think that minimalism evolves with us. Our goals may change and our style may change, which means we'll need to make those necessary changes along the way. At this point in my journey now, I'm more focused on taking care of myself as well as trying to be the best student I can be, taking one class at a time so that I don't overwhelm myself with homework. I really appreciate you making this video and kind of giving a recap of why minimalism (or doing a low-buy) is important :)
the aspect of self care you've mentioned is very interesting because it's nearly the opposite of what (social) media tells us about shopping. buying something is mostly considered as something positive like a treat ("you deserve this") after a long week or a hard day - at least that is what i read more. but your mindset of seeing buying less as a form of self care could help a lot when i'm falling in this "treat trap" again. i like the idea that buying responsibly is something positive and fun instead of a punishment for myself. maybe this is why i don't like the term "shopping ban". it sounds so negative.
Your persona/demeanor is totally different than it was year ago. You look content, happy and maybe the changes you’ve made have affected your “being” . I hope that makes sense - you are free! I love your suggestions and they have certainly made me think and cut back on my consumption of clothes. Thank you so very much. It changes us from the inside, for the better.
I started subscribing your channel and i love it. I love the fact that you share about your true self and it is not just about low buying but also about taking care of oneself! Hope you have a great day! Lots of love from Korea😍
Just found your channel, watching a lot of similar videos recently. I would consider myself a minimalist already but I’ve just started working from home so I think spending more time in my bedroom has made me aware of how much stuff I still have. I really want a calmer space! I’ve bought a comfy desk chair (secondhand) this year, but that’s the only thing I’ve bought so far. Thanks for the inspiration!
My reason for low buy... is to reduce stuff I have (I need to declutter very old stuff as well), being efficient in managing my wardrobe... I still feel like I am swamped by clothes! I only try to buy one clothing item (that I really need) per month. Another reason is to reduce my shopping budget. (I have turned my interest from fashion to keyboards and electronics as well, oops). Furthermore, I want to just to say NO to consumerism and mindless buying. Not only bad for your mind but terrible for the planet. I do not support this type of capitalist economy just sustained by GDP growth = more produce and more buy. We need innovation and just a few items we really need. Thanks for this thoughtful video. Always like :)
Love the new look and your outfit too! I’ve binged on your videos last year and all the things I’ve learned from you have pushed me to start my journey towards minimalism. What I like best about you is your transparency and authenticity. Keep inspiring Christina and cheers to 2021!
Christina, you’re a great inspo! As a grad student who is graduating this year, I hope to stay strong on my low buy! Also, being pretty broke has been very difficult. I hope to move out later this year! 💪🏽💪🏽 thank you for putting out amazing content.
It's been a while since I've seen your videos! I'm glad to see you doing a low buy video for this year! I saw the one last year and followed along your journey quite a bit, I was inspired, I got my plan and list of stuff together that I was only going to buy. I bought the stuff that I wanted but exceeded my limits too. I got so disappointed in myself looking at credit card statements month after month. I knew it was ridiculous how much I was spending. But I really agree with you when you talk about self-care and self-discovery and figuring out your WHY for the low buy year. And I'm thinking that feeling the sting and pain of failing my low buy 2020 needed to happen in order to help me reevaluate my why and to keep me on track this year. I have everything I NEED and getting by with what I have. There are a few things though that would be very nice to have, like a new high quality straightening iron, loose herbal tea and a new video conference set up because I'm utilizing the zoom events multiple times a week on my phone. Also, there is something that I started doing last year: asking for my essentials as gifts on my birthday and Christmas. That eliminated some of my spending! So for this year I'm going to keep doing that. Anyway, thanks for sharing your journey. You've inspired and encouraged me. Thank you! I wish you a wonderful new year in which you will learn and grow even more. Cheers to a new low buy year. We got this!😊💜
So timely! I just posted my own vid on my top five tips for sticking with a 2021 low buy. Love your content, thanks for being an inspiration for starting my own channel! xoxo Diana
I love the idea of doing a low buy year. It would be simpler if I visited the Amazon app less frequently!! thank you so much for the great content. Have a wonderful 2021!
After decluttering I see some huge gaps in my wardrobe. I have a lot of stuff, but I don’t wanna declutter all the occasion wear, I hope we have in 2021 or 2022 occasions I could wear my beautiful dresses and jumpsuits again 🤞 What I need is shoes and basics. So I do no low buy yet, but maybe later this year or next year. Even if I buy something this year, I wanna do this in better quality. A lot of my gaps in my wardrobe are results from cheap decisions 🙈
I will be attempting a low buy which is especially difficult for me because I work at an online retailer and have a generous employee discount. I want to stop getting swayed by every trend and focus on a few quality pieces vs a bunch of fast fashion and focus on my new house.
Can I suggest than anyone wishing to break their shopping addiction should volunteer at a preloved clothing charity for a while. When you see how much is donated new with tags still on it and it sits on the rack at the op-shop for 2 years because no-one wants it either then you will realise how much is wasted on clothes
I'm doing it because I want to get out of debt. It's not that much money, but it's been hard since I've been spending a lot of money every since my brother passed away in an accident 4 years ago. I spend money to deal with grief, and that hasn't helped me feel better at all, so what's the point. I want to go back to the university which I stopped attending since my brother's passing. It's time for me to build a life worth living, and that includes being more mindful of and grateful for what I already have, which is a lot. So I'd like to go back to school to finish off my second major or even get a master's degree, learn self defense, go back to painting, and prove myself that I can actually be my best friend.ñ
I did this when my mum died 9 years ago. We loved shopping together so I kept going and buying things I never even wore. It took me 12 months to get out of debt. I did it again last year. My daughter married and lives in America now. I haven't seen her for 2 years. I overcompensated for not seeing her by buying indulgent Christmas gifts for her and her new family ( I have never met them). Plus I treated myself things. So here I am in credit card debt. My excuse was that it will be a long time before I get to gt to the USA to see her so why bother saving. Now that I have worked out my trigger for shopping is loss then I can work on overcoming this addiction
@@lisa-janeomalley7041 I'm so sorry for your losses. I hope you are getting to a mental and emotional place where you feel better. You are doing great if you were able to identify your triggers so now you can work on them. Thanks for sharing your story. You can definitely achieve all your financial goals!(and so much more of course).
GROWTH ROCKS!!! You've Come along way Baby!! 2021 is going to be my First Year No Buy Clothes or Shoes I Failed with the Shoes but I'm not giving up I can and will do this My Why is Why are you Shopping when you're not going anywhere 🤔 Stop!!! 😀
I’m doing a low buy this year to pay off debt so we can travel more and renovate our home next year. Side note: Have you done a debt payoff update in a while? I’m a numbers girl and find them so motivating. Hope to see one soon. 😉
My why is to get out of debts so I can buy a house and save for travelling... but on a daily basis I forget so much about this goal... It's hard to stick to resolutions.
Will you be doing a Low Buy or No Buy this year? What are your goals? We got this!
I'm doing a low-buy with a monthly budget and some rules, my goals are to save money, to use the stuff I already own, to be smarter with my purchases and the most important : to finally really understand that I am not what I have. I'm sure I can do it - at least I'm trying and I already made some great progress the past few months.
Watching videos like yours really help a lot !
I am doing a low buy also. My goals are to shop my own closet and continue to declutter. You talked about small goes and I do plan to let go of at least 5 items per month. We will see how it goes.
I've allowed myself 5 (fashion) purchases for the whole year 🤣 not allowed to buy anymore plants (allowed to make cuttings though) and I'm going to make more of a focus on enjoying what I already have 😏
Low-buy, starting with a “no-buy” in January, inspired by you! I need to use the stuff I have and also I need to get out of student loan debt! 😆
No clothes for a year! I started on Black Friday last year and will finish on Black Friday of this year. I bought so much stuff last year, and most of the clothes I haven’t even worn yet. So I figured I’d do this to 1) save money 2) actually wear the stuff I bought.
Having a "Maximize My Closet" Pinterest board where I post outfit ideas using pieces that resemble items I already own has been incredibly useful in my low-buy/minimalist journey!
BONUS TIP for: We're still living during a pandemic. If you re living in the EU especially most countries are still under lockdown so we have nowhere to go. So before buying anything right now I am asking myself...where and when are you going to use this item? Most of the time I realise how pointless the item is and I just let it go.
So true. I don’t need a new pair of shoes to literally wear in my house.
Exactly, working from home and limited social life really decreases the reasons to buy a bunch of new stuff.
Great time to do a low buy or even no buy! 😉
So true! Great time to save some money :)
So true! I noticed though that I wanted to shop MORE than usual last year because I was bored. Trying to wear all my clothes everyday despite not going anywhere helps with this.
My why is to survive 2021. The pandemic and the hubby losing his job last year pretty much had us stop the mindless shopping, do a deep decluttering and increase saving in general. Right now before any purchase we ask do we need it, will it be used. It’s a start but we are getting there.
Sounds like you're going through rough times. I wish you much luck and success 🍀😊
My goal is to appreciate more what I already own and to start saving money!
P. S. You’re sooo helpful. Thank you a lot.
My “why” is gratitude, everything else is just a plus for me.
My why is definitely sustainability. Side note I LOVE your channel and hope for more videos this year!!
I love that why! And thank you ❤️
As someone who has decided to do a low buy year this year ( as opposed to a no buy which I tried a few years ago) this video was SO helpful. Being in an extended lockdown has definitely helped haha. Thank youu xx
I’m so glad! 🥰❤️
I’m mainly doing a low buy because I realized how many clothes I kept buying. Some of which I can’t even wear until the weather clears up. Another reason is to save up to get an apartment and be able to pay for furniture.
Minimalism changed how I viewed stuff, what I had, what is enough. Finding actual contentment. So grateful to be on this journey. It really does evolve as you go.
Love how you say it evolves over time, so true!! I have being super intentional with gratitude & trusting the timings of everything! sending love 🤗
I found that challenging myself to a low buy last year really shifted my mindset, even though I did mess up on a few occasions. I originally started a low buy in 2020 to pay off credit card debt. Now my reasons are more about sustainability and minimalism, and just general anti-consumerism. I just don’t feel like I NEED so much stuff like I used to. It’s been very freeing.
I plan on doing a low buy. I also began decluttering my closet. 200 dress I am going to working selling for $10 each some still with tags. This was my wake up.
My motivation for a “low buy: in 2022 is the deep desire to quite my job. My job has pushed me beyond my limits, so saving enough money to be able to quite with a safety net as my backup and while I look for a new job….has been very helpful. It still is a struggle, and I’m still buying certain categories of things in excess, but Ive gotten better. Something that’s helped me so far is organizing my room…..I can literally see how much bags of have, or makeup or skincare in one glance and its a daily reminder that I dont’ need it. ((Even though I still slip and buy sometimes). Great video,,,,
I love that this is about our relationship with ourselves, not stuff. Thank you for that perspective!
Great tips! I loved using the “shop your closet” method last year. Every season, I’d pick a few ‘new’ items from my wardrobe to display on my clothing rack. It feels fun and reminds me that I have more than enough fun pieces to create outfits with.
I’ve also trained my Pinterest algorithm to show me outfit inspiration by pinning showing clothing similar to what I already own. 😇
I have set out to do a low buy and I generally fail miserably. Last year, my clothes didn't fit (5th baby) and were uncomfortable, and I'm a perfectionist and I like to get things "done", so I bought whatever I thought would work. If it didn't work, I added it to the donation pile and kept looking, deciding, overspending, justifying, etc. What you said last year about the cycle of looking for something to want, finding it, wanting it, acquiring it, repeating the process was profound. Finding a time-saving hack or a flattering look is how I fill my downtime. We live well within our means thanks to minimalism and aren't in serious debt (thankfully). My husband wants to be debt-free by his 40th birthday and we're set to get there. We never want to go into debt for anything other than a house. But what you said about being grateful and appreciating what I have--which is a lot and is nice stuff!--that is where I want to be. I have created a long list over the years of things I like/want and honestly, I've purchased and/or achieved most of my list and really, my life is the same. I want the cycle of guilt over less-than-perfect purchases to go away. My husband is tired of my shopping on my phone. I'm tired of buying and returning stuff. I'm tired of giving my precious energy to finding and having things.
My goal is to continue with my minimalism journey and watch my spending habits. I feel like in the past year I’ve really starting reaping the rewards of a minimal lifestyle, and I’ve never been more content with my life.
Minimalism is so powerful!
My staying out of stores has grown my savings incredibly, I decided to use the $ to do some renovations on my home instead of moving which is very expensive
My "Why" is a shift in priorities. I am paying off a treatment that I wanted long time. I want better self, not more stuff
I've been on my low-buy for 4.5 months. I didn't think I'd be able to do this tbh, but it turns out I'm stronger than I thought! Some steps that helped me:
- Make a rule sheet or 'contract' to yourself; it may help you feel more accountable for your actions.
- Research fast fashion, this opened my eyes and made me realise most of my money was going to clothes made from plastic.
- Avoid malls, online stores and unsubscribe from newsletters and anyone advertising fashion and beauty.
- Realise you have more than enough already. Have clothes mended if need be. I STILL have unworn clothes in my closet and I've sold a lot too.
It is so lovely to hear someone pointing out that this process is a massively emotional journey. It is indeed. However, the good news is that you can do it!
You can!
@@brontec9769 I couldn't agree more. It is a huge beast to face. My biggest difficulty was to be patient. The cycle of being upbeat at the end of the month receiving my pay and sorting out payments, but then comes the silent screaming part until the next paycheck is in. Similar to losing weight in a sense, you can't expect losing all the excess you've put on within 2 months if you've been eating wrong for years. Come on everyone, we can do this.
Ever since Ive been trying to stop shopping my addiction has gotten so much worse. Its literally making me so depressed. Learning as much as I can from your videos
Yes!!
You can do it! And I can totally empathize with those feelings, I think often bc I used to shop as a means to evade my emotions. Be kind to yourself - we are learning and working to do better. It won’t happen overnight and that’s totally cool! ❤️
I find that when I tell myself I can't do something I feel deprived, which in turn makes my behaviors worse. I try to focus on what I can still do and gratitude to shift some of those feelings. It is not easy!
Do it gradually. One less purchase at a time, don't totally withdraw from shopping all at once. It will only shock your system and make you urge to shop more. It happened to me before and doing it slowly really works. Good luck, you can do it!
I find it really hard and keep falling off the wagon. My motivation is “less stuff”. Instead of buying loads of small things I want to get one or two big ticket items over the year on a special occasion. So I ask myself “ which would I prefer? This pair of H&M jeans or a prada bag?” Or maybe, which would I prefer? To have this lipstick or to be out of debt?
It makes me feel like I’m leaving that quick fix buy behind so I can get something much much better. So I don’t feel like I’m missing out.
I guess it’s the same thing as revisiting the “why”.
Language counts I have changed one previously worded thought when going out from “I have nothing to wear” to “ I have nothing new to wear”. I realised that the habit I had about feeling good when going out was connected with new / latest fashion stuff rather than just wearing stuff I feel good in. This reworded thinking is making a difference.
Absolutely love this 🙌 I first discovered you when you did your low buy challenge last year. Now I finally felt ready to do it myself! Thank you for the motivation Christina 😁❤
Thank you so much, Sophie! ❤️
Both of you motivate me. Thank you Christina and Sophie 🙏🏼
I wish you much success on your low buy! You got this 💪
I am going for a low buy this year. I am a real hoarder when it comes to skincare and make up. I just can't relax if I don't have a few back ups of the things I use. I am always worried that something will be discontinued, or I wont get a good deal so I always buy too much. And what happens? I either get tired of the product and give it away or it expires. But this year my goal is to first use what I have and only buy new replacement when I am out of the product completely...😊
You just described me exactly. I’m glad to meet my soul sister
Watching this video over and over! I'm in the process of paying down credit card debt and I'm struggling with online shopping when I'm bored and spending way too much money on food. I love how you focus on how you're feeling when you feel tempted to spend, I'm going to journal when I get in those moods going forward 🙂
Food is a toughie for me too. Some of my spending definitely shifted there this year in 2020 - it’s all about mindfulness. I love the idea of journaling when we notice those feelings ❤️
Thank you for this encouragement to stick to the no buy rule in the middle of a sale season!
Can I just say that as much as I enjoy this video Christina, I equally enjoy reading the insightful comments everyone has added here. Sending much love and light to you all ❤️🇦🇺
I've begun my low-buy journey because I'll be retiring at the end of 2021 so I'm getting myself accustomed to less disposable income. I already have a wardrobe that I'm pretty happy with but I still enjoy something new once in awhile. I have a budget that I follow now and also constantly edit and organize my wardrobe to keep tabs on what I have. And I have been very committed to one in-one out. 😃
Hi started a low buy in the beginning of 2020 and with lockdown in the UK 🇬🇧 I decided to go to a No buy x survived Black Friday, Christmas and January sales into 5 months now and it feels good, I just got fed up with the repetitive buying, shop browsing and time wasted looking on line so I have been watching your channel for the last year and minimalist channels and taking on the mindset x so I know when I do buy something I will enjoy buying it because I will either need it or really want it and it will be better quality 💕 good luck to you and all your followers 🥰
I get so stressed out when I shop.. feeling guilty because I spent my money on stuff again. And because of the guilt I dont enjoy the stuff. Its hard to stop shopping haha. Your videos motivate me to keep trying!!
Me too
Words of encouragement! Start from a week of no buy or just say I'll buy one this month! We have a funny word for the cost of 'stressed out shopping'. It's called "Stupid Cost' (like an economic term) or F*** cost (a curseword) in Korea. Hope you can manage stress in another way as well :)
It’s very hard! And such a guilt cycle. That’s EXACTLY what I personally grappled with for most of 2020. Looking back I had to experience it to learn from it and start being kind to myself. You can do it!!
@@sa-mi1un yes exactly I 100 percent agree
I’m doing a low buy year for the same reason you started, to get out of debt. I have a very good salary and at the end of 2020 it got out of hand until the point of me not beeing able to buy grosseries when I had paid all my bills, rent, electric, creditcards and so on. I felt so ashamed when I had to call a friend for help!!! I knew before this that I had been balancing on a thin line but that was it for me. Even though I knew I was making myself feel worse by buying things with credit, I still did it and now I have to pay the price. Just proves how you still can be sucked into the bad behaviour even when you are aware of the fact that it’s not good at ALL. I’m not blaming something or someone else for my bad behaviour att ALL just wanted to state that the force of consumerism is alive and STRONG! But hopefully I can do better now and don’t get in deeper than I already am... 😭
Why you guys having debt ?
Fantastic advice. I did a low buy last year (for clothing and homewares) and it has made me love what i already have and e content with it. Now the less i have, the happier and more relaxed I am. This year I am going to do a Kids clothing low buy (I still feel compelled to shop for my daughters way too much).
My why is anticonsumption and saving for graduate school. Short term, I want to save money rather than wasting it on the nonessential. Long term, I want to build better financial habits and save up for a down payment. I will be doing a depth year + no buy/partial low buy: only eating out once a month on budget, no skincare/makeup/bath products, no tech, approved clothing items only. I started doing a full makeup/skincare inventory, and 4 days in, I'm only 1/10 of the way through logging my makeup - and I don't even wear makeup often. I want to consume the stuff I already own, rather than consuming what's being sold to us. I did a full wardrobe inventory and it really helps see and understand what/how much I have, what I really wear, the cost per wear. I can't even remember all the items in my so-called dream closet without it.
You inspired me to make an excel-file with a tab with all my purchases and a tab with al the things I wear everyday. Am I a little obsessed? Maybe 👩💻 But it really helped with not buying more clothes, when you see the cost per wear going down for each and every item everyday.
I think that’s awesome! The data is so revealing!
@@Christinamychas It really is!
I have the (free) "Your closet" app on my phone. It takes a bit of work to set up in the beginning but once it's done it's super fun to play around with outfits. It keeps track of all your stats too but I know some people like their spreadsheets 😉
A little obsessed? My Excel Calculation includes the year, the color, main fabric, if it is second hand and much more. So I can calculate at what time the item pays of and other stuff. 🤪
@@alicesoundso7243 Don't underestimate me! I have the same categories 😊
I go on a no-buy-cold-turkey for the first 6 months of 2021...and I not gonna lie: I already feel that this will be hard, especially in a new Lockdown when scrolling on fashion websites is something I do out of boredom. (I need new hobbies! 😅) BUT my WHY is a very great and important thing: my husband and I will purchase our own home this year in summer and we save up for our furniture! 🥰🏡
Low buy until my house is paid off in less than 5yrs is the goal ✌️💜👑
I think my shopping is definitely linked to PTSD. It's almost compulsive. If something is on sale "cheap" I'll go overboard and buy 10+. I'm in huge debt, maxed cards and now have a second job to pay off debt. I've been working on my why. I've shopped some much it's turning into a hoarding situation. Good tips. Happy i found your channel.
@rowan orre that's great advice thank you so much. I took a screenshot to refer back to this when times get hard.
I'm doing a no buy this year. The guilt of decluttering will sustain me. I donated a lot but I also sent a lot to landfill. Something we don't like to admit but a lot of what I had was just old and not suitable for donation. There isn't a big thrifting culture here anyway. I don't want to send anything to landfill for a long loooong time and that's just where I imagine it when I see something that I want to buy. Stops me dead in my tracks.
That ignorance is bliss thing is so true. I purged a bit, but I need to find more inspiring youtubers who don't expose me to covetable and attainable items. I need to do a low-buy simply because these are such uncertain times and I also want to cultivate a mindset that is less mindless when it comes to consumerism.
for me a low buy year is necassary for this year, rents got up huge here in austria which means have to save money for keeping a roof over my head...great Tips by the way😊👌
Ahh that sounds stressful! But a good opportunity to assess wants vs needs that so many people talk about! Xo
Would you be willing to do top 5 favourite red lipsticks as one of your videos? Can’t help but notice you always have the perfect red lip!
Oh my! Thank you! I have a makeup declutter coming up, I can share it then 🥰
Great tips! I find after doing no buys or low buys for several years I’ve come to understand more of who I am. I’ve always focused on quality over quantity and timelessness which has made things much easier. Now I find there’s not much that I actually Need but more of just wants n those wants are not that important and really don’t add any value to my life. Now I’m just happy with the things I have and never have the feeling of wanting more “Stuff” making low buy just a way of life now. Experiences and how I live my life is so much more fulfilling and rewarding! ❤️
Such a great video!! 🙌🏽 I’m attempting a No Buy and have a fresh perspective on fashion since discovering the true cost of the industry 🙅🏽♀️
All good! You inspired me to try on, analyze, sort, organize and declutter all my winter clothes. Thank you! ❤️ Now I just have to look at my list of keepers and appreciate what I have so I won’t keep ‘adding’.
These are great and very helpful tips. I’m doing a low buy this year. Working on paying off 113k of student loans. My low buy is a little different in the fact that I’m focusing mine on when I do buy I am trying to buy exclusively second hand or thrifted. I’m sharing my journey on my channel. Glad to be following yours to help keep me motivated. 😊
Yes girl! Get rid of that debt. Very similar story to mine. We got this! Will check out your video
My style has been changing and evolving in the past couple years. Last year due to the pandemic and all I've finally "found" my style and videos like yours have helped me declutter to either sell my things in second hand vintage shops or donate them 💙 in order to finally have a minimal - super me - closet. thanks ✨
Such a good video!! I love how this is rooted in kindness towards yourself and others on our journeys😍❤
Thank you so much for this video. This is the first time I’ve ever heard someone talk about some of the things how I feel. I am going to keep watching your videos and try to understand more about my feelings when I shop. I think I can see a light at the end of the tunnel. I am going to try the low buy. And I have. Subscribed
Just joined the FB group... I need to motivation, especially, like you say, when jan Is over and it starts to feel ‘boring’
I set a pretty big savings goal for myself because I want to feel more financially secure and I definitely spent too much on things last year. So far I’ve been looking at setting monthly budgets with savings goals, tracking everything in my bullet journal, and making videos to stay accountable. Technically I started the process in November, so it’s going well so far!
My two whys are to increase the feeling of space in my home and to reach an investment goal I have set myself.
The problem for me especially in this pandemic situation we do live in, I’m working from home since 8 months now I don’t go out unless buying something, so I become not wearing my clothes as I used to , this triggers all the time in my mind that I need to buy clothes and I do but never felt satisfied cause I haven’t wear them plus staying home makes me bored so I can’t stop looking for the most thing I love which is fashion so at the end I’m not able to stop my self buying online more than any time of my life
I'm doing it because i gave my car to my son to help him and I bought me another one but paid only 50% of it I want to pay it in full this 2021
I am going to try a low buy this year. Ik have so much stuff. It needs to get better. So here I go.
Perfect timing. I’m sitting down to write down my guidelines so I can film my accountability vid later today. I was just rewatching some of your past no/low buy vids
I’m already on a no buy year and glad to have found your channel. Goal is reduce my debts, and my “stuff”. 🧚♂️
i like to think that minimalism evolves with us. Our goals may change and our style may change, which means we'll need to make those necessary changes along the way. At this point in my journey now, I'm more focused on taking care of myself as well as trying to be the best student I can be, taking one class at a time so that I don't overwhelm myself with homework. I really appreciate you making this video and kind of giving a recap of why minimalism (or doing a low-buy) is important :)
I totally agree with that philosophy ❤️❤️ it’s fluid and our needs, viewpoints and values will change. Thank you, Amy!
omg ok. now we totally relate. i have een following alyssa beltempo for yearsssssss.
the aspect of self care you've mentioned is very interesting because it's nearly the opposite of what (social) media tells us about shopping. buying something is mostly considered as something positive like a treat ("you deserve this") after a long week or a hard day - at least that is what i read more. but your mindset of seeing buying less as a form of self care could help a lot when i'm falling in this "treat trap" again. i like the idea that buying responsibly is something positive and fun instead of a punishment for myself. maybe this is why i don't like the term "shopping ban". it sounds so negative.
you are so right! how about "free to choose weeks"?
@@gerlindelang that sounds way more positive and fun!
Your persona/demeanor is totally different than it was year ago. You look content, happy and maybe the changes you’ve made have affected your “being” . I hope that makes sense - you are free! I love your suggestions and they have certainly made me think and cut back on my consumption of clothes. Thank you so very much. It changes us from the inside, for the better.
I started subscribing your channel and i love it. I love the fact that you share about your true self and it is not just about low buying but also about taking care of oneself! Hope you have a great day! Lots of love from Korea😍
Thank you for sharing. I’m going to take these tips into 2022. 😊
Just found your channel, watching a lot of similar videos recently. I would consider myself a minimalist already but I’ve just started working from home so I think spending more time in my bedroom has made me aware of how much stuff I still have. I really want a calmer space! I’ve bought a comfy desk chair (secondhand) this year, but that’s the only thing I’ve bought so far. Thanks for the inspiration!
My why is impulse control!
My reason for low buy... is to reduce stuff I have (I need to declutter very old stuff as well), being efficient in managing my wardrobe... I still feel like I am swamped by clothes! I only try to buy one clothing item (that I really need) per month.
Another reason is to reduce my shopping budget. (I have turned my interest from fashion to keyboards and electronics as well, oops).
Furthermore, I want to just to say NO to consumerism and mindless buying. Not only bad for your mind but terrible for the planet. I do not support this type of capitalist economy just sustained by GDP growth = more produce and more buy. We need innovation and just a few items we really need. Thanks for this thoughtful video. Always like :)
Love the new look and your outfit too! I’ve binged on your videos last year and all the things I’ve learned from you have pushed me to start my journey towards minimalism. What I like best about you is your transparency and authenticity. Keep inspiring Christina and cheers to 2021!
Christina, you’re a great inspo! As a grad student who is graduating this year, I hope to stay strong on my low buy! Also, being pretty broke has been very difficult. I hope to move out later this year! 💪🏽💪🏽 thank you for putting out amazing content.
It's been a while since I've seen your videos! I'm glad to see you doing a low buy video for this year! I saw the one last year and followed along your journey quite a bit, I was inspired, I got my plan and list of stuff together that I was only going to buy.
I bought the stuff that I wanted but exceeded my limits too. I got so disappointed in myself looking at credit card statements month after month. I knew it was ridiculous how much I was spending.
But I really agree with you when you talk about self-care and self-discovery and figuring out your WHY for the low buy year.
And I'm thinking that feeling the sting and pain of failing my low buy 2020 needed to happen in order to help me reevaluate my why and to keep me on track this year. I have everything I NEED and getting by with what I have. There are a few things though that would be very nice to have, like a new high quality straightening iron, loose herbal tea and a new video conference set up because I'm utilizing the zoom events multiple times a week on my phone.
Also, there is something that I started doing last year: asking for my essentials as gifts on my birthday and Christmas. That eliminated some of my spending! So for this year I'm going to keep doing that.
Anyway, thanks for sharing your journey. You've inspired and encouraged me. Thank you! I wish you a wonderful new year in which you will learn and grow even more. Cheers to a new low buy year. We got this!😊💜
Oh man. Thank you for this. Your honesty is so appreciated. I will be saving this to watch again throughout the year. Thank you 💛
So timely! I just posted my own vid on my top five tips for sticking with a 2021 low buy. Love your content, thanks for being an inspiration for starting my own channel! xoxo Diana
My WHY is because I’m about to have a baby and am going on maternity leave so I need to buckle down on my spending
I love the idea of doing a low buy year. It would be simpler if I visited the Amazon app less frequently!! thank you so much for the great content.
Have a wonderful 2021!
You too!
My why is because I’m trying to pay off my student loan faster and then saving to buy a house 🏠
Same!
Same here!
I want a whole list of different whys, I’ve had people bring it up before but you had some really good ones.
I know all my cards numbers by heart... If I could only forget the numbers. But even not having an auto-fill helps a lot
I'm loving your content these days ...I'm planning a low buy
I decided to do a No Buy year after watching your video. My goal is to pay off my student loan and become more intentional with my purchases.
Happy New Year! I LOVE your channel. You are a complete rock star!!!! Thanks for your content!! Such GREAT advice!
I’m just now starting my low buy but this video was so helpful! I also joined the fb group. New sub here.
Welcome! ❤️
After decluttering I see some huge gaps in my wardrobe. I have a lot of stuff, but I don’t wanna declutter all the occasion wear, I hope we have in 2021 or 2022 occasions I could wear my beautiful dresses and jumpsuits again 🤞 What I need is shoes and basics. So I do no low buy yet, but maybe later this year or next year. Even if I buy something this year, I wanna do this in better quality. A lot of my gaps in my wardrobe are results from cheap decisions 🙈
I will be attempting a low buy which is especially difficult for me because I work at an online retailer and have a generous employee discount. I want to stop getting swayed by every trend and focus on a few quality pieces vs a bunch of fast fashion and focus on my new house.
#StyleApothecaSquad!!🙋🏾♀️💜 Love the new setup and the Content. 👍🏾✔📝
I’m doing a 3 week no buy and then moving into a low buy. I need to pay off debt
I subscribed after you told me that I'm awesome. 😊
You are! 😊🥰
friendly and helpful. also: your hair looks great!
Thank you!
Another wonderful video, lovely Christina.💕
Sixteen Days into 2021 , I’ve effectively screwed up this year with even more debt.
2021 has to be my first No Buy year.
Thanks for this encouraging video.
Please make a podcast!!
Can I suggest than anyone wishing to break their shopping addiction should volunteer at a preloved clothing charity for a while. When you see how much is donated new with tags still on it and it sits on the rack at the op-shop for 2 years because no-one wants it either then you will realise how much is wasted on clothes
I'm doing it because I want to get out of debt. It's not that much money, but it's been hard since I've been spending a lot of money every since my brother passed away in an accident 4 years ago. I spend money to deal with grief, and that hasn't helped me feel better at all, so what's the point. I want to go back to the university which I stopped attending since my brother's passing. It's time for me to build a life worth living, and that includes being more mindful of and grateful for what I already have, which is a lot. So I'd like to go back to school to finish off my second major or even get a master's degree, learn self defense, go back to painting, and prove myself that I can actually be my best friend.ñ
I love these whys, Minerva ❤️ so sorry for your loss
I did this when my mum died 9 years ago. We loved shopping together so I kept going and buying things I never even wore. It took me 12 months to get out of debt. I did it again last year. My daughter married and lives in America now. I haven't seen her for 2 years. I overcompensated for not seeing her by buying indulgent Christmas gifts for her and her new family ( I have never met them). Plus I treated myself things. So here I am in credit card debt. My excuse was that it will be a long time before I get to gt to the USA to see her so why bother saving. Now that I have worked out my trigger for shopping is loss then I can work on overcoming this addiction
best of luck to you!
@@lisa-janeomalley7041 I'm so sorry for your losses. I hope you are getting to a mental and emotional place where you feel better. You are doing great if you were able to identify your triggers so now you can work on them. Thanks for sharing your story. You can definitely achieve all your financial goals!(and so much more of course).
@@gerlindelang thanks!
Great content 🙌
GROWTH ROCKS!!! You've Come along way Baby!! 2021 is going to be my First Year No Buy Clothes or Shoes I Failed with the Shoes but I'm not giving up I can and will do this My Why is Why are you Shopping when you're not going anywhere 🤔 Stop!!! 😀
Oh no what if you have your credit card info memorized from online shopping so much 👀
Haha maybe ask for a new one and don’t memorize it - or cut that one up! 🥰 (also I’ve totally been there! Can relate)
🤣
I’m new to your channel thanks for all these great tips
I’m doing a low buy this year to pay off debt so we can travel more and renovate our home next year. Side note: Have you done a debt payoff update in a while? I’m a numbers girl and find them so motivating. Hope to see one soon. 😉
I’ll do one soon! 🥰
Another great video thank you
Thank you so much❤️
YOU are awesome! 🤩
My why is to get out of debts so I can buy a house and save for travelling... but on a daily basis I forget so much about this goal... It's hard to stick to resolutions.