I like your approach of aiming for a complete no-buy, but putting in some realistic parameters to ensure a certain level of ‘success’. This way, you are continuing to strengthen your no-buy muscle year on year, until you get to a point where your natural state will be to not feel the desire/compulsion to purchase. I am doing a fairly strict no-buy this year, because I am saving up for something quite expensive. Last year, I virtually bought nothing for six months of the year without really trying, so I figure I will do even better this year with a specific goal to work towards. Thanks for being my accountability buddy and I am sending you and this community all the No-Buy Vibes! ❤
If you want to dive deeper into bufget related things, you could also use percentages instead of concrete numbers. I have seen multiple youtubers more comfortable sharing it that way.
Even that I feel could be a revelation for possible judgement, since I know for a fact we have way too high of a percentage going towards housing and probably even groceries. But I also can't really change our housing payment or grocery budget, beyond what I individually consume 😅 My main reason for not being able to share full budget details is more because of the other people involved, basically I don't feel comfortable to share what percentage my husband is spending on housing or groceries (since we share finances), but I do feel comfortable doing a theoretical mock-up of what it would look like if I was a single person on my own income!
It takes a lot of reassurance and patience to succeed but I think you can do it. My advice is: Put a category in the budget that feels like self care. For me it’s café trips alone. It gives me my alone time without taking more stuff home. It can also be experiences 1-2 times a month. I was only able to completely succeed in 2020 because of lockdown. But I managed to buy necessities for 70 dollars all year. That was the most extreme no-buy. I had to sacrifice a lot and choose the cheapest option bath products. Multitask everything. In 2024 I managed to nearly succeed with a minor mistake of buying a hair clip. My mindset has completely changed. For this year I rather want balance, because a complete no-buy of every aspect of your life is miserable if it continues for years on end. I’m still extremely frugal, but I am making a budget for my café trips and continue only replacing products with more brand choices. Clothing i see as potential gifts because it’s too overwhelming finding something of a good quality. Watch movies where clothing is designed specially for the person and you will find that majority of the clothing in most stores are a square piece of fabric made from plastic after.
I'm definitely doing a No Buy in some areas and a Low Buy in others this year. I was indulging my whims a little too much in 2024. I don't need anything, except for shelter, utilities, food, and auto expenses. All the optional clothes, jewelry, cosmetics, books, home decor, etc. are on my No Buy list. Hoping to save for future adventures! 🙂
I have been enjoying your channel a lot recently and am excited for your new goals! When I was first out of school, I was essentially forced to do a “no buy” because I made so little in a high cost of living area. Watching you has made me realize how lax I’ve gotten with some spending since making more money and now being in a dual-income home. Lifestyle creep is real! These videos are a good reminder to get back to being frugal and cautious about non-essential purchases. Best of luck to all who are approaching these big goals this year! We all got this!
SAME, as far as the lifestyle when first out of school, and then I went back to school and it was possibly worse as far as having pretty much zero money and no backup (no credit or parental help etc). It really started to get out of hand when I got a couple of "salaried" jobs, and now I'm back to part time and "should" really be more like my previous-self in terms of careful spending. It's not impossible I'll get a salaried job later this year, but I don't want that to make me feel like it's ok to spend frivolously again if it does happen!
Thank you for sharing your goals for no-buy 2025! Your channel has been a great source of reflection and support for my own low buy 2024! Last year I wanted to just keep track of everything I bought for specific categories (clothing/skincare/cosmetics etc. ) just to observe my shopping patterns and collect data. I only had one exception, my trip to Japan where I allowed myself to buy things I liked without restrictions. I am overall happy with the outcomes of last year’s experiment, even the mere accountability (knowing I would have to add the item to the list of things I bought) has helped me avoid impulsive purchases and I feel like I get much more joy and use out of limited amount of things I bought last year. For year 2025, I want to continue documenting purchases and low-buy mindset for shopping but at the same time I want to improve the quality of the clothes in my closet. Unlike you, I have not really focused on quality when shopping for clothes in the past and unfortunately I cannot say that I am happy with most items in my closet. So hopefully the fewer items I will buy, will be of more natural materials, better suited for my body and style. Fingers crossed for both of us for 2025. 🎉
Ooh I hope you had a great trip! I do have some more "wardrobe reflections/regrets" content on the list for January, so maybe we can chat wardrobe-quality-balance together soon too
so excited for a new year of “no buy knowledge” from you! i have been following since your “everything i was influenced to buy” video. thank you so much for such great and insightful videos!!
Doing a no buy and I am a thrifter so it will be life altering. As thrifting is like a hobby so I need to find a new hobby. Investing the extra money on top quality whole foods. 😊 Happy no buy year coming up.
Thanks so much for your video! I’ve been trying to do a no buy since two years ago but I ALWAYS failed - I failed into the exact same traps you mentioned in your previous videos. Really like how you explained these traps so clearly and how there are deeper psychological roots to shopping addictions. Great channel!
Thank you! And yes - this time around I think I don't have any illusion that I will totally succeed as far as not buying anything non-essential, but, I am getting closer to a state of wanting much less and hopefully will at least be able to keep things within shrinking parameters
One thing I have been doing it drawing a picture of everything I buy and writing how much it cost on a sheet of paper. At the end of the month I look at the pictures and grade how much I now value that purchase. It really helps me to be mindful at the time of purchase knowing that I will have to look at the picture at the end of the month and decide if it was a good buy or not.
Doing a 2025 no buy...did one last year as well and was largely successful (though at times required so much discipline). I'm excited to follow along your journey.
You are a breath of fresh air tbh. No judgement, just discussing your perspective and experience, being realistic about your goals etc. I'm attempting a no buy that's more likely to be a low buy. We're not very rich, but we do end up spending a lot of what we do have on takeaways and i spend a lot on my hobbies and buying even more food, because we buy food, decide to have a takeaway or something different etc. Sticking to a meal plan is a major goal for us. Since we're not flush, we do actually need some things, house repairs/updates, new clothes, bed linen etc because theyre things we use until they break then replace anyway. I dunno, its just nice to see someone who is realistic about it. ❤
I try - thank you! Fair warning that sometimes I have slipped into judgement/negative-leaning talk on here before (and in real life!), and it never feels good, I'm trying to notice rather than voice those tendencies in my life as a general rule😅
I'm doing a No Buy in January and will continue into February if I'm not struggling. I unsubscribed from marketing emails and that has helped tremendously. It's Day 5 and I haven't been tempted so far!
Mine is a form of no buy. I am doing an intentional spend year. Where I only purchase things that will get used. Some rules include things like no clothes or plants or random things. But its kinda like a no buy in that today for example I bought my husband two new pairs of insoles so he can use more of his shoes. To be intentional with his stuff. The big one, though, is no impulse buys.
A common pitfall I used to fall into was buying things to be used "someday" and not immediately, and some of that stuff probably STILL hasn't been used. So I like this idea!
Your videos this past year have actually inspired me to try my hand at a no-buy this year, and I'm posting videos, as well. This seems like a good set of rules for you.
Every "no buy" challenge I've seen on youtube has allowed for a few modest exceptions, such as replacements for used-up products, second-hand purchases, spending gift cards, or special-occasion purchases. "Low buys" tend to be more lax. I see no problem with calling yours a no-buy. I think the main characteristic of a no-buy is that it feels like a stoppage of spending in one's problem areas.
I love that you keep your finance separate from your families. I have a similar situation wanting to have ‘my turn’ when I see my husband spending and then losing track of my own preferences and being influenced that way. I think it’s ok to include bags you love. I read someone point out how much Gomez Adam’s loves his wife and children and brother and family and car and house and I found that so inspiring because he also seems so relaxed about the things that he doesn’t love too. In my low buy action plan for 2025 (hopefully no buy 2026) I’d also love to find my loves. My fav time of day, local walk, or day trip spot. I’m looking for places I want to revisit with the same packed lunch rather than finding another new thing. Watching you and others talk about what you’ve discover while letting myself spend in 2024 helped me find my replacement items based on my needs, beliefs and personal finances which is making budgeting easier and helping to inspire a move away from my ‘revolving door of things’ and bower bird tendencies.
In a practical sense we do combine all finances, but I have realized that if I let myself be affected by what my husband is doing, I'll never reach my own goals or get to do other things I want to do (like save for travel, etc) even if those goals involve both of our incomes!
@ yes I thought so. I meant on the channel :) I think expanding what you share in 2025 to include family finances might distract from the narrative of healing your consumer habits and finding your way back to past beliefs regarding the difference between an immediate need and a productive want to find a more nuanced understanding of the spectrum of purchases that happen between the two. I like the no-buy categories approach bc they are the things that need a replacement habit to fill the need or void that generates there interest.
Thank you, you have a really kind demeanor, I just found your channel. Your guidance is really helpful. I too have struggled with a no buy year in the past but feel ready to be successful 😊 I will be replacing broken or used up items as needed and still consider that a no buy. For me, I think a no buy year that is without deprivation has a greater chance for success. A few years ago I did a no buy for a few months to hit a financial goal but did so without using must heat in the winter in the northeast it more than deprivation it was suffering lol.
Oh goodness, no heat I would consider a bit extreme! Also my husband would not tolerate that well, he's originally from the southern United States and used to the hot. No buys do usually include replacements - I am doing a video later this month to get into specifics about the things I for-see legitimately having to replace in 2025 - spoiler alert, but I should not actually need to buy many replacements this year 😅
I think that your rules are totally doable. I’ve started making a few changes of my own for this year. Since clothing and shoes are my biggest weakness, I’ve unsubscribed to every shopping channel I’ve been watching for ages. Books would be a close 3rd for me. I always buy used but I still end up with a short stack on my nightstand - reading through those now and have given serious thought to start visiting the library again. It used to be one of my “happy places.” Keep up the good work and keep fighting the good fight! 😊
Yes! It was hard for me to unsubscribe from the fashion/style channels I used to love watching, but now that I have I actually do not miss that content or feel it missing from my life!
I started a no-buy attempt in August of 2024. So far, I’ve broken my own rules twice, which I think is pretty good all things considered. I’ve asked myself to not buy clothes, shoes, and jewelry that are new. My no-buy does allow second hand clothes. And I’m allowing myself to but art and art supplies. The biggest temptation for me is jewelry. One thing that helps me wait until august is the knowledge that many jewelers take customer requests. And if I missed out on anything that I really wanted, I can commission it next August. I was surprised how affordable indie jewelers can make things.
I love it too! I knit, so I can have as many sweaters as I want, as long as I knit them myself. Not that much cheaper with sustainable, quality yarn, but it is a fun hobby too 😸
to those who read this and may be tempted to check out the website for sales, it’s not much really and think that there will be multiple sales throughout the year. If you are still looking for your ‘perfect sweater’, the right one will come at the right time.
I also like the no buy framing, I feel calling it a low buy has the danger of shifting the focus onto "which are the few things I'll buy?" as opposed to "default answer is don't buy." But good luck whatever the terminology!
I love that your aiming to nobuy, but having a realistic view of life with family and observations from previus years. No buy is easy(er) when you dont have family and your only concern is your own habits. I like your approach.
Yes! Looking forward to joining you for a 2025 no/low buy. I've given myself a budget for predictable things I will need to buy (eg food) so that I don't overspend on those instead. Mostly I'm avoiding buying clothes because that's been a problem recently. My goal is to pay off debt.
If only the predictable things were consistently predictable - one of the constant challenges for us IS that the grocery bill does seem to keep getting higher in these past few years, even while trying not to "overspend" 😅 But I'm really going to try and not fall into the "doomspending" or "treat yourself" mentalities this year, just because everything is expensive - I think that's why my "failures" of 2024 tended to not just be one thing but a spiral of small fails after I'd failed once.
Also, I find it important if possible to try to involve in a small manner your loved ones too in the no buy, if they want and accept it. For example, my better half has too many tshirts (and technical, small software stuff) and has agreed to be very rational when finding new amazon products and esp. clothing pieces like t-shirts this next year. I suggested to aim at only getting 2 new thirts in 2025 and he can put one on the wish list for his birthday if he absolutely finds one that he '"cannot live without'. I would get thst for him. 😊 😅😅😅
I'm on a makeup, beauty, skincare, and fashion no buy, with the only exceptions being actual replacements when I'm fully out of a type of product, one pair of running shoes, and anything purchased with the cash i usually receive for birthday and holidays.
I am doing a no spend January challenge and for the rest of the year a low buy. I’m currently budgeting to track how much we spend on needs v. wants. Our biggest struggle is Door Dash and eating out because of our busy schedules. Currently cooking and listening to your video where I would otherwise be waiting for Door Dash on a Saturday evening 😂 Rules are non-essentials are off the table except for when we go on vacation later in the year. Then I will (selectively) allow myself to buy something. This is my first time so I hope it goes well. 🤭
As bizarre as it is (especially coming from someone who has bought ridiculously expensive material things) I could never get over the sticker shock of doordash/similar food delivery costs, and now we live in a place where we don't have many restaurants we actually like eating at close enough for it! And as far as I'm concerned, it WILL go well, as long as you don't give up! No matter what "failures" may await, the real reward is the personal reflection that the "no buy/low buy goal" sparks, and then the long-term downwards trend of wanting and buying non-essentials! Hope to be your cooking-dinner company many evenings this year 😄
I think it is a lot more sustainable to approach the no buy mentality in the way you're doing this year, especially if you intend to keep a low consumption lifestyle. To me it sounds like you never intend to go back to your old ways, that means that on January 1st 2026 you won't be buying fifteen things you fully or kind of need but put off buying throughout 2025 just to keep the challenge going. It really seems more sustainable long term
Yes! The goal is definitely never to go back to old ways, no "compensating" on January 1st 2026 - in fact, I'll probably still be here, "project no-buying", sharing even MORE ways to refine the process or "make it easier", based on the experience of 2025. 😆 Ultimate goal is to stop wanting to buy stuff at all, for any reason that isn't "a legitimate need"
I like the idea of reading books first. I desided to try not buy books, but I allow myself to buy 5 cheap books under 5 euros. I have decided not to go restaurants but if there is some bigger thing like my sons birthday, I could definitely go to eat out. I am planning to have fun budget for things I could do with my son. My son is 21 and he lives in another city. I want to have some extra money to do some special things with him. It might not be expencive, but I want to have dedicated money to spend with family. For example last summer we travel with waterbus from island to island and spend time in one island. Waterbus cost 10 euro, so it is not so much. I am planning to buy only necessary clothes. I am planning to use my 10 year old winter boots, but I am looking for replacement for boots. If I find not so expensive and good winter boots for me, I will buy it. I am planning to eat everything from my freezer before sunmer. I am planning to use up my pantry and try to bake. I am not buying candy or chocolate or treats from store. I am planning to do my own snacks and I take my own lucnh. I am not buying make up. And I try to use up my art supplies first before buying new. Basically I just buy food and medicine and maybe boots and swimsuit that I need.
I guess I am doing a low buy this year. Last year I tried to buy unnecessary items as little as possible and in a way I succeeded. I mainly just kept a list about everything I bought and why, which helped a lot in addition to a couple of no-buy months. This year I aim to buy less, get a lot of savings, as well as as many no-buy months as possible. I was going to start with January, but I had to already make a quite a big purchase (basically necessary but I could've survived without it). Trying to have a complete no-buy until the end of February to make up for it 💪
I am also doing a $200/month personal spending budget this year, with not a no-buy year but some no-buy months sprinkled in. I do have some things, like gifts and food out separated from that $200 unlike you, but I'm still excited to just have a parameter on my personal spending to aim for.
I may have to separate the food out from the $200, but I really hope not to since I can pretty easily look ahead to how many double-service work days I have on the calendar for each month and try to budget accordingly. My purpose isn't to restrict my meal choices on those days though, so if further flexibility is required regarding eating out, I'll probably modify as necessary. Let's get through those books this year too! 😁 I have both a book-buying AND a library (online lending via libby) problem
I think in order to increase chances of success it's also okay to have shorter no buy timeframes like quarterly no buy months, or 3 no buy months as interm steps. I will have to move to a new place soon and I know I will have to exit the no buy in order to make the new place work for me. Hopefully that would not add to much extra cost. My aim is to save 200-250 Euro per month extra this year, by not buying new clothes, shoes, purses or random smaller Amazon tech stuff which is non essential. Also I've already reduced eating out a lot during the last quarter, but my best half takes care of the bill more for that, so I'm not really sure in total we save so much more or he's just taking it on himself in order not to mess with my budget goals😂 ❤. I've kinda implemented more cheap pizza Asian or kebab takeout rather than fancier restaurants. And this way I support the little restaurant owners in my area vs big names who become more and more greedy. Hugs to all from the state Northrhine Westfalia in Germany.
I love how you said "exit the no buy" - this puts a picture in my mind how the no buy challenge is a state you can enter back into even if you have to temporarily exit for life-needs or etc. Agreed that the shorter timeframes can be very helpful too!
Agree. Not good to wear the same shoes every day. Shoes are subjected to a lot of moisture from feet. Two pair alternating is the minimum for healthy feet.
I’m attempting a no buy this year, and failed on week 1 as one of my favorite local clothing brand is going out of business and now was the last chance to purchase their items 😢 If I would go with rules similar to yours, I have already purchased 5/5 clothing items. And I really did not need the items. But the brand is local, products produced near, and workers are paid decent salary. And the design is very close to my heart for sentimental reasons. If now was the only chance, then I take it and support local one last time. For the rest of the year, my 5/5 is full now 😂 Do you prioritize local? I’m thinking to prioritize locally produced essential cosmetics for example. So when I eventually need to re-stock, I’ll go for the brand produced near me rather than that hyped cream from Brazil that took carbon emissions ship. I’ll also rather buy from the real physical store rather than order individual packages home. At least logistics to physical stores is optimized, and I live so near to potential stores that it would be crazy to order via ecom. It might mean I’ll pay more on the items, as I will not be able to utilize discounts online in some cases.
I guess to be totally honest I do not prioritize local right now, even though I would like to. I do buy coffee beans and tea from a local cafe, but beyond that I kind of struggle to imagine how I could better support local shops, unless by "local" it means "made in the USA" - I live in the United States (right in the middle of the country where it's mainly cornfields) and if we buy something with a "made in the US" option available, we will choose that one, but for everyday purchases (groceries, or even more rare purchases like clothing) we will use the stores nearest to us, or the thrift stores. I AM working on ordering much less online, although I do seem to be finding that difficult due to schedules/transport. According to a surface-level google search, I guess many "loreal" and "maybelline" makeup products are made in the USA. For some reason this does not feel like "supporting local business" though. 😅 I would guess that I could find some handmade soap next time it's time to buy, but otherwise some categories do feel difficult to prioritize local. Would love to hear more of your ideas!
Yes! We live in a high-risk area for radon, and so we got one of the meters to check our levels. It was getting really high in the winter, so we called some professionals to inspect - our house already had a passive system installed (because of being in this area) and so all we had to do was have them install the "active" fan part and wire the electricity - still about $1200 for everything though (they do guarantee that levels will be below a certain number and will fix it if it doesn't stay like that). We have family living in the basement (where levels are the highest, as I guess the radon collects there) so it was pretty imperative to get that done
Hi Alexa, I’m not sure that gamifying the rules is the roadmap for success although you need to do what will work best for you instead of listening to a stranger on the internet 😉. There are a lot of rules and caveats in your 2025 plan. In one of your recent videos, you mentioned developing new activities to take the place of shopping. What would 2025 look like if the new activities that bring you joy and replace shopping, were identified and started before tracking the decrease in purchasing? Wishing you the best 2025
Yes! Happy to hear advice from strangers on the internet, it's part of why I'm here!😁 Activities specifically are kind of tied into the other goals I've shared for 2025, reading the books I already own, and making more music (ideally in a fun way!) and when the weather becomes amenable, gentle exercise or activities outside. Bonus points to anything that keeps me off my phone/media in general. Additional details involve cultivating attention to be able to "do nothing" more - shopping/browsing often used to happen in the "cracks" of the day when I wouldn't be able to read a book or play music, but I did have my phone and could snatch a few moments to look at stuff. So the goal is really also to not give into the pull of technology for easy mental stimulation, but I have plans to get into this in later videos (after trying it out for a bit). Part of the reason for the caveats of 2025 is that 2024's rule was basically "don't buy anything" with zero budget guidelines, zero "amount of stuff" guidelines, and some specific exceptions that also weren't necessarily the most thoughtful. I wasn't totally happy with the result in terms of amount spent and number of items, so this is my way to hopefully at least retain some control this time around!
@ thank you for the thoughtful reply. I misunderstood the motivation of the task of reading the previously purchased books. My original take away was it was more of an obligation since the books were previously purchased. Thank you for explaining that is one of the sources of joy to take the place of shopping. Good luck and best wishes as you continue your goals in 2025.
As indicated in prior video comment, I am doing a no buy on clothing in 2025. I have thought about whether I should tie my own no buy to your no buy on clothing....if you purchase a piece of clothing then I'm going to allow myself to purchase one too. SO, if you don't buy any new clothing, I will succeed. No pressure though LOL. Yes, I'm kidding....maybe.
Haha I kind of love this, actually, but also would caution you against relying on my ability to succeed when your abilities may actually be much better! Hypothetically though I think that idea does actually push me towards "better" decisions - if I'm going to "fail" I'll have to at least make it secondhand, and an arguable functional replacement, in order for that to be something I'd condone for my viewers 😆
@@Alexas.nobuyyear I would never actually hold someone else responsible for my no buy...that was just my slightly twisted sense of humor...I hope both of us are successful.
Every other month is such a good idea. Its easier to convince my monkey mind 😂"oh I can put off re-evaluating buying this next month" instead if next yr. Probably eliminate alot of items that wont be as appealing as time passes. (Which is honestly, most impulse purchases)
Definitely understand the title “No buy” is more motivating than “low buy” I did an 8 month no buy in 2023 and that was so motivating and 2024 was supposed to be my first low buy and I was okay in beginning half of the year but after getting a new job, that all went out the window. I made new low buy rules this year and trying to do my best as well :) starting with a January no buy :) Also..love the long streams of consciousness
Looking at the project no buy box, it reminded me of Damien Hirst with the skulls and how he found a way to cut out the middle man in the art world. Don’t quote me on that, you never know with AI ;) I wonder if you could make a parody of his skull and Tracey Emin’s bed by putting a skull on a bed holding a crystal encrusted phone….
@Xenia-h7c Just try again. Who says that your year has to go from 1.1. to the next 1.1. 😂 Btw I think it's lunar new year soon, in case you need an actual new year 🎉
Do you read a lot? 5 books a month is a lot of books. I read 49 this year and it is less than 5 a month and if you don’t read a lot already it’s going to be hard to hit that goal
I CAN read a lot - if I don't waste time on my phone, I can read a book (the lighter kind that I have accumulated, not War and Peace!) in about 2 days. Part of this is because a lot of what I collected is either light or informational (for no-buy commentary), so, "read-and-declutter" type of books, not deeply intellectual. It might still be hard to hit that goal, we'll see!
I get this, but in 2024 I did not have any backup plan at all, and I failed pretty big. So this is trying to be slightly more "realistic" in the hopes that the fails won't be as significant (and/or at least, measured!) this time around!
You may be overthinking it a bit. For example, little or no makeup days, just do what you always do and don’t stress over it. But I could be looking at it as someone who isn’t a compulsive spender.
Oh I'm DEFINITELY overthinking it, but that's kind of part of the fun for me. The daily vs. no makeup vs. "actual makeup" counts are to kind of inform what I actually need vs what I like to buy! I'm not intending to change what I actually do, just make a note of how many times I am likely to actually use a type/category of product. I recently did a count of the days I'll need a wear "work outfit" in a given month, and it's only 10 days that I'll go to work and not have to wear the uniform of all black. So it's just another reason I definitely need to not-buy any more clothing....and makeup wise, that's 10 days that I'll likely do an "everyday look". (9-10 more are "concert days" and might entail a bit more, the remaining will likely be no-makeup, home-clothes days).
Interesting. The last time I actually bought clothing was five years ago. I haven’t worn makeup for at least seven years ( I’m retired and no longer desire to look made up). My overspending falls into the entertainment category including CD’s and art supplies. As far as art supplies goes, I’m training myself if I run out of a certain color, I replace it rather that browsing Amazon for the newest paint or pencil sets like I used to.
A story came to my mind of a high school girl who felt unhappy due to not having the clothes of her peers. Please be extra careful that no child lacks for the needed "fit in" styles! I know you will be very tuned into this important reality! Having experienced! 😇🤔😎
Uh, no. That's kind of antithetical to the whole movement. Teach your kids that they don't need to own certain things to be worthy of social connection, wtf.
Difficult! I will never be able to buy them everything trendy. Sometimes I might even not WANT it (like shoes where I care way more about health than if it’s something the other kids wear or currently I refuse to buy glitter on clothes that just will add to the micro-plastics in the watersystem). My kids are still small but I see how they develop their very own style and I support it! I sew and might even alter Second Hand clothes to meet their wants, using what we already have. To look at what the others might wear could lead to a spiral where we even actively contribute to the problem of mobbing and degrading someone based on their outfits.
Sure. As a kid if my mom told me I was fine the way I am I would mutter to myself yeah! What does SHE know! And still feel left out and angry. These days fitting in is more important than ever! 🤔😎
@@bthomson I am sorry that you experienced that. But clothes won’t change anything. We had a few „outsiders“ who tried to get into the „in-group“ with the right clothes, the right activities, distancing themselves from the other outsiders. They only managed to estrange the people that would hangout with them and got laughed at by the cool kids. I hope my kids will keep their personal style and understanding of being different doesn’t mean to be less worthy. I was in an alternative group as a teen and we tried to dress „true“ - means old band shirts from the early 90s, denim jackets from our parents, decorated with patches and buttons and flea market founds were considered cool in my group. But actually nobody cared what the other one wore. We also had H&M girls and a gothic lolita. In Germany every school has a group like this and my kids will probably be outsiders no matter what (gifted both and one with ADHD) so they can be outsiders with their own style ;) But one can never know what the kids might be like when they grow. Maybe I will help them find branded clothes on vinted when they’re older. Or they will spend they pocket money for special clothes as we provide the basics, probably even in a higher quality (that’s what I’m planning to do). So they will learn to prioritize what they actually want, save up for special clothes or - If they’ll be really into fashion- search for a side hustle as I did as a kid (but I even had to buy what I consider basics like winter coats or things like that from this money…).
I'm sincerely hoping it'll still be awhile before I am dealing with this in a real sense, and also that by then, my kids will be empowered to feel comfortable in their own tastes and not as susceptible to (or perhaps simply more aware of) outside influence as I was at that age! (I will be trying to empower them to feel this way, in other words! So that they can have some of the things they "like" but ideally not in order to fit in!)
Will your new clothing, gift giving, and other “outs” you’re giving yourself come from your $200 month allowance? Otherwise, it sounds like you might be giving yourself excuses to spend extra. Listen to your video as you might listen to it as someone who is outside of yourself. You’re saying “however,” and “except for” quite a bit.
@@bthomsonmy intent isn’t to be a taskmaster. I can personally justify anything and I hear myself in this video. I want people to point out my own errors so I can self-correct if necessary. I’m definitely not trying to judge. We each have our own lives to live.
Yes! I should have made that more clear, all of the "outs" or "caveats" or decided numbers here, IF they occur, will be part of the $200/month budget allowance. The budget is going to be the top priority and parameter this year, even over the "ideal maximum number of things to bring in". I do have other strong reasons for not wanting to bring in a huge number of things, but ultimately the top focus (or second to the general "no buy") is going to be the budget. This will probably be made clearer in the rest of January's videos but almost the entire purpose of the monthly amount is to cover "unnecessary things" and meals out during longer work days this year. I'm doing a video on how I probably will NOT need many "legitimate replacement products" this year, and there are much fewer exceptions for work-related things. So yes if I get to Dec and there isn't enough "budget" for two (or any) things, then that's that. Or if I don't actually want to try any beauty products at that point (or want anything else in general for gifts), then I won't arbitrarily buy those for the Christmas allowance of "stuff". Part of it is based on trying to refine the results from my 2024 attempt, and another part of it is based on where I'm at right now where I do think I'm still okay with Christmas and birthdays being gifting or "treat yourself" occasions, if those are the only times of the year that feel like that and low-level shopping isn't happening all the time. I know it's not an inherent value of those holidays and things might look different by Christmas 2025. In addition to the "howevers" and "except fors" one could probably count a gazillion "you knows" and "so...'s" too! 😆
![I.N "HALLUCINATION" | [Stray Kids : SKZ-PLAYER]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/n5B5q1Hwt_U/mqdefault.jpg)
![Felix "Unfair" | [Stray Kids : SKZ-PLAYER]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/Oswujxm2Ag0/mqdefault.jpg)
I like your approach of aiming for a complete no-buy, but putting in some realistic parameters to ensure a certain level of ‘success’. This way, you are continuing to strengthen your no-buy muscle year on year, until you get to a point where your natural state will be to not feel the desire/compulsion to purchase. I am doing a fairly strict no-buy this year, because I am saving up for something quite expensive. Last year, I virtually bought nothing for six months of the year without really trying, so I figure I will do even better this year with a specific goal to work towards. Thanks for being my accountability buddy and I am sending you and this community all the No-Buy Vibes! ❤
If you want to dive deeper into bufget related things, you could also use percentages instead of concrete numbers. I have seen multiple youtubers more comfortable sharing it that way.
Even that I feel could be a revelation for possible judgement, since I know for a fact we have way too high of a percentage going towards housing and probably even groceries. But I also can't really change our housing payment or grocery budget, beyond what I individually consume 😅
My main reason for not being able to share full budget details is more because of the other people involved, basically I don't feel comfortable to share what percentage my husband is spending on housing or groceries (since we share finances), but I do feel comfortable doing a theoretical mock-up of what it would look like if I was a single person on my own income!
It takes a lot of reassurance and patience to succeed but I think you can do it. My advice is: Put a category in the budget that feels like self care. For me it’s café trips alone. It gives me my alone time without taking more stuff home. It can also be experiences 1-2 times a month.
I was only able to completely succeed in 2020 because of lockdown. But I managed to buy necessities for 70 dollars all year. That was the most extreme no-buy. I had to sacrifice a lot and choose the cheapest option bath products. Multitask everything. In 2024 I managed to nearly succeed with a minor mistake of buying a hair clip. My mindset has completely changed. For this year I rather want balance, because a complete no-buy of every aspect of your life is miserable if it continues for years on end. I’m still extremely frugal, but I am making a budget for my café trips and continue only replacing products with more brand choices. Clothing i see as potential gifts because it’s too overwhelming finding something of a good quality. Watch movies where clothing is designed specially for the person and you will find that majority of the clothing in most stores are a square piece of fabric made from plastic after.
I'm definitely doing a No Buy in some areas and a Low Buy in others this year. I was indulging my whims a little too much in 2024. I don't need anything, except for shelter, utilities, food, and auto expenses. All the optional clothes, jewelry, cosmetics, books, home decor, etc. are on my No Buy list. Hoping to save for future adventures! 🙂
I have been enjoying your channel a lot recently and am excited for your new goals!
When I was first out of school, I was essentially forced to do a “no buy” because I made so little in a high cost of living area. Watching you has made me realize how lax I’ve gotten with some spending since making more money and now being in a dual-income home. Lifestyle creep is real! These videos are a good reminder to get back to being frugal and cautious about non-essential purchases.
Best of luck to all who are approaching these big goals this year! We all got this!
Ha! Ha! I read " goals" as " goats!" And did a double take! 🙁
@ for the record, if she got some goats, I’d be even more interested in the videos!
SAME, as far as the lifestyle when first out of school, and then I went back to school and it was possibly worse as far as having pretty much zero money and no backup (no credit or parental help etc).
It really started to get out of hand when I got a couple of "salaried" jobs, and now I'm back to part time and "should" really be more like my previous-self in terms of careful spending. It's not impossible I'll get a salaried job later this year, but I don't want that to make me feel like it's ok to spend frivolously again if it does happen!
@@ashleyw3326 🐐
Thank you for sharing your goals for no-buy 2025! Your channel has been a great source of reflection and support for my own low buy 2024!
Last year I wanted to just keep track of everything I bought for specific categories (clothing/skincare/cosmetics etc. ) just to observe my shopping patterns and collect data.
I only had one exception, my trip to Japan where I allowed myself to buy things I liked without restrictions.
I am overall happy with the outcomes of last year’s experiment, even the mere accountability (knowing I would have to add the item to the list of things I bought) has helped me avoid impulsive purchases and I feel like I get much more joy and use out of limited amount of things I bought last year.
For year 2025, I want to continue documenting purchases and low-buy mindset for shopping but at the same time I want to improve the quality of the clothes in my closet.
Unlike you, I have not really focused on quality when shopping for clothes in the past and unfortunately I cannot say that I am happy with most items in my closet. So hopefully the fewer items I will buy, will be of more natural materials, better suited for my body and style.
Fingers crossed for both of us for 2025. 🎉
Ooh I hope you had a great trip!
I do have some more "wardrobe reflections/regrets" content on the list for January, so maybe we can chat wardrobe-quality-balance together soon too
so excited for a new year of “no buy knowledge” from you! i have been following since your “everything i was influenced to buy” video. thank you so much for such great and insightful videos!!
That video went viral! 👩⚕
Thank you! Here's to changing habits, so that I never have to make another "everything I was influenced to buy video" haha
Doing a no buy and I am a thrifter so it will be life altering. As thrifting is like a hobby so I need to find a new hobby. Investing the extra money on top quality whole foods. 😊 Happy no buy year coming up.
Thanks so much for your video! I’ve been trying to do a no buy since two years ago but I ALWAYS failed - I failed into the exact same traps you mentioned in your previous videos. Really like how you explained these traps so clearly and how there are deeper psychological roots to shopping addictions. Great channel!
Thank you! And yes - this time around I think I don't have any illusion that I will totally succeed as far as not buying anything non-essential, but, I am getting closer to a state of wanting much less and hopefully will at least be able to keep things within shrinking parameters
One thing I have been doing it drawing a picture of everything I buy and writing how much it cost on a sheet of paper. At the end of the month I look at the pictures and grade how much I now value that purchase. It really helps me to be mindful at the time of purchase knowing that I will have to look at the picture at the end of the month and decide if it was a good buy or not.
Love this!
Background is a vibe now!!
Doing a 2025 no buy...did one last year as well and was largely successful (though at times required so much discipline). I'm excited to follow along your journey.
You are a breath of fresh air tbh. No judgement, just discussing your perspective and experience, being realistic about your goals etc. I'm attempting a no buy that's more likely to be a low buy. We're not very rich, but we do end up spending a lot of what we do have on takeaways and i spend a lot on my hobbies and buying even more food, because we buy food, decide to have a takeaway or something different etc. Sticking to a meal plan is a major goal for us.
Since we're not flush, we do actually need some things, house repairs/updates, new clothes, bed linen etc because theyre things we use until they break then replace anyway. I dunno, its just nice to see someone who is realistic about it. ❤
I try - thank you! Fair warning that sometimes I have slipped into judgement/negative-leaning talk on here before (and in real life!), and it never feels good, I'm trying to notice rather than voice those tendencies in my life as a general rule😅
I'm doing a No Buy in January and will continue into February if I'm not struggling. I unsubscribed from marketing emails and that has helped tremendously. It's Day 5 and I haven't been tempted so far!
You can continue into Feb even if you ARE struggling! That's often when we learn the most 😊
You're absolutely right! I will! @@Alexas.nobuyyear
Mine is a form of no buy. I am doing an intentional spend year. Where I only purchase things that will get used. Some rules include things like no clothes or plants or random things. But its kinda like a no buy in that today for example I bought my husband two new pairs of insoles so he can use more of his shoes. To be intentional with his stuff. The big one, though, is no impulse buys.
A common pitfall I used to fall into was buying things to be used "someday" and not immediately, and some of that stuff probably STILL hasn't been used. So I like this idea!
Lol the shelf sign really adds!
😁
Your videos this past year have actually inspired me to try my hand at a no-buy this year, and I'm posting videos, as well. This seems like a good set of rules for you.
Amazing! Keep it up - we can do it!
Every "no buy" challenge I've seen on youtube has allowed for a few modest exceptions, such as replacements for used-up products, second-hand purchases, spending gift cards, or special-occasion purchases. "Low buys" tend to be more lax. I see no problem with calling yours a no-buy. I think the main characteristic of a no-buy is that it feels like a stoppage of spending in one's problem areas.
I'm really enjoying your content. Thank you for sharing!
I love that you keep your finance separate from your families. I have a similar situation wanting to have ‘my turn’ when I see my husband spending and then losing track of my own preferences and being influenced that way. I think it’s ok to include bags you love. I read someone point out how much Gomez Adam’s loves his wife and children and brother and family and car and house and I found that so inspiring because he also seems so relaxed about the things that he doesn’t love too. In my low buy action plan for 2025 (hopefully no buy 2026) I’d also love to find my loves. My fav time of day, local walk, or day trip spot. I’m looking for places I want to revisit with the same packed lunch rather than finding another new thing. Watching you and others talk about what you’ve discover while letting myself spend in 2024 helped me find my replacement items based on my needs, beliefs and personal finances which is making budgeting easier and helping to inspire a move away from my ‘revolving door of things’ and bower bird tendencies.
In a practical sense we do combine all finances, but I have realized that if I let myself be affected by what my husband is doing, I'll never reach my own goals or get to do other things I want to do (like save for travel, etc) even if those goals involve both of our incomes!
@ yes I thought so. I meant on the channel :) I think expanding what you share in 2025 to include family finances might distract from the narrative of healing your consumer habits and finding your way back to past beliefs regarding the difference between an immediate need and a productive want to find a more nuanced understanding of the spectrum of purchases that happen between the two. I like the no-buy categories approach bc they are the things that need a replacement habit to fill the need or void that generates there interest.
Thank you, you have a really kind demeanor, I just found your channel. Your guidance is really helpful. I too have struggled with a no buy year in the past but feel ready to be successful 😊 I will be replacing broken or used up items as needed and still consider that a no buy. For me, I think a no buy year that is without deprivation has a greater chance for success. A few years ago I did a no buy for a few months to hit a financial goal but did so without using must heat in the winter in the northeast it more than deprivation it was suffering lol.
Oh goodness, no heat I would consider a bit extreme! Also my husband would not tolerate that well, he's originally from the southern United States and used to the hot. No buys do usually include replacements - I am doing a video later this month to get into specifics about the things I for-see legitimately having to replace in 2025 - spoiler alert, but I should not actually need to buy many replacements this year 😅
I think that your rules are totally doable. I’ve started making a few changes of my own for this year. Since clothing and shoes are my biggest weakness, I’ve unsubscribed to every shopping channel I’ve been watching for ages. Books would be a close 3rd for me. I always buy used but I still end up with a short stack on my nightstand - reading through those now and have given serious thought to start visiting the library again. It used to be one of my “happy places.” Keep up the good work and keep fighting the good fight! 😊
Yes! It was hard for me to unsubscribe from the fashion/style channels I used to love watching, but now that I have I actually do not miss that content or feel it missing from my life!
This is great! I think you've set yourself up very well for success this year.
I started a no-buy attempt in August of 2024. So far, I’ve broken my own rules twice, which I think is pretty good all things considered. I’ve asked myself to not buy clothes, shoes, and jewelry that are new. My no-buy does allow second hand clothes. And I’m allowing myself to but art and art supplies.
The biggest temptation for me is jewelry. One thing that helps me wait until august is the knowledge that many jewelers take customer requests. And if I missed out on anything that I really wanted, I can commission it next August. I was surprised how affordable indie jewelers can make things.
My rule is buy nothing we don't need. Wait to find it at a thrift shop or ebay, used.
That Babaa sweater looks so good on you! Babaa having sales now doesn't help for my "no buy"! :)
I love it too! I knit, so I can have as many sweaters as I want, as long as I knit them myself. Not that much cheaper with sustainable, quality yarn, but it is a fun hobby too 😸
Haha I did not know they had sales now, and I also will not be looking 😆 thank you though!
to those who read this and may be tempted to check out the website for sales, it’s not much really and think that there will be multiple sales throughout the year. If you are still looking for your ‘perfect sweater’, the right one will come at the right time.
I also like the no buy framing, I feel calling it a low buy has the danger of shifting the focus onto "which are the few things I'll buy?" as opposed to "default answer is don't buy."
But good luck whatever the terminology!
I followed your no buy last year and I’m so excited to follow you again through 2025!
Hoping to show some improvement this time around 😄
I love that your aiming to nobuy, but having a realistic view of life with family and observations from previus years. No buy is easy(er) when you dont have family and your only concern is your own habits. I like your approach.
Family/shared finances definitely throw multiple wrenches into the goal of a "no buy"! Thank you.
Yes! Looking forward to joining you for a 2025 no/low buy. I've given myself a budget for predictable things I will need to buy (eg food) so that I don't overspend on those instead. Mostly I'm avoiding buying clothes because that's been a problem recently. My goal is to pay off debt.
If only the predictable things were consistently predictable - one of the constant challenges for us IS that the grocery bill does seem to keep getting higher in these past few years, even while trying not to "overspend" 😅
But I'm really going to try and not fall into the "doomspending" or "treat yourself" mentalities this year, just because everything is expensive - I think that's why my "failures" of 2024 tended to not just be one thing but a spiral of small fails after I'd failed once.
Also, I find it important if possible to try to involve in a small manner your loved ones too in the no buy, if they want and accept it. For example, my better half has too many tshirts (and technical, small software stuff) and has agreed to be very rational when finding new amazon products and esp. clothing pieces like t-shirts this next year. I suggested to aim at only getting 2 new thirts in 2025 and he can put one on the wish list for his birthday if he absolutely finds one that he '"cannot live without'. I would get thst for him. 😊 😅😅😅
Thank you Alexa ❤
I'm on a makeup, beauty, skincare, and fashion no buy, with the only exceptions being actual replacements when I'm fully out of a type of product, one pair of running shoes, and anything purchased with the cash i usually receive for birthday and holidays.
This sounds great!
I am doing a no spend January challenge and for the rest of the year a low buy. I’m currently budgeting to track how much we spend on needs v. wants. Our biggest struggle is Door Dash and eating out because of our busy schedules. Currently cooking and listening to your video where I would otherwise be waiting for Door Dash on a Saturday evening 😂 Rules are non-essentials are off the table except for when we go on vacation later in the year. Then I will (selectively) allow myself to buy something. This is my first time so I hope it goes well. 🤭
As bizarre as it is (especially coming from someone who has bought ridiculously expensive material things) I could never get over the sticker shock of doordash/similar food delivery costs, and now we live in a place where we don't have many restaurants we actually like eating at close enough for it!
And as far as I'm concerned, it WILL go well, as long as you don't give up! No matter what "failures" may await, the real reward is the personal reflection that the "no buy/low buy goal" sparks, and then the long-term downwards trend of wanting and buying non-essentials!
Hope to be your cooking-dinner company many evenings this year 😄
I think it is a lot more sustainable to approach the no buy mentality in the way you're doing this year, especially if you intend to keep a low consumption lifestyle. To me it sounds like you never intend to go back to your old ways, that means that on January 1st 2026 you won't be buying fifteen things you fully or kind of need but put off buying throughout 2025 just to keep the challenge going. It really seems more sustainable long term
Yes! The goal is definitely never to go back to old ways, no "compensating" on January 1st 2026 - in fact, I'll probably still be here, "project no-buying", sharing even MORE ways to refine the process or "make it easier", based on the experience of 2025. 😆
Ultimate goal is to stop wanting to buy stuff at all, for any reason that isn't "a legitimate need"
This was very helpful, thank you :)
I like the idea of reading books first. I desided to try not buy books, but I allow myself to buy 5 cheap books under 5 euros.
I have decided not to go restaurants but if there is some bigger thing like my sons birthday, I could definitely go to eat out.
I am planning to have fun budget for things I could do with my son. My son is 21 and he lives in another city. I want to have some extra money to do some special things with him. It might not be expencive, but I want to have dedicated money to spend with family. For example last summer we travel with waterbus from island to island and spend time in one island. Waterbus cost 10 euro, so it is not so much.
I am planning to buy only necessary clothes. I am planning to use my 10 year old winter boots, but I am looking for replacement for boots. If I find not so expensive and good winter boots for me, I will buy it.
I am planning to eat everything from my freezer before sunmer. I am planning to use up my pantry and try to bake. I am not buying candy or chocolate or treats from store. I am planning to do my own snacks and I take my own lucnh.
I am not buying make up. And I try to use up my art supplies first before buying new.
Basically I just buy food and medicine and maybe boots and swimsuit that I need.
This all sounds great! Also agree that having a "family activities' budget is super important and worthwhile. Enjoy that time with your son!
I guess I am doing a low buy this year. Last year I tried to buy unnecessary items as little as possible and in a way I succeeded. I mainly just kept a list about everything I bought and why, which helped a lot in addition to a couple of no-buy months. This year I aim to buy less, get a lot of savings, as well as as many no-buy months as possible. I was going to start with January, but I had to already make a quite a big purchase (basically necessary but I could've survived without it). Trying to have a complete no-buy until the end of February to make up for it 💪
I am also doing a $200/month personal spending budget this year, with not a no-buy year but some no-buy months sprinkled in. I do have some things, like gifts and food out separated from that $200 unlike you, but I'm still excited to just have a parameter on my personal spending to aim for.
Also really trying to read the books I own. I don't have a book buying problem, per se, but I'm a little addicted to my local library.
I may have to separate the food out from the $200, but I really hope not to since I can pretty easily look ahead to how many double-service work days I have on the calendar for each month and try to budget accordingly. My purpose isn't to restrict my meal choices on those days though, so if further flexibility is required regarding eating out, I'll probably modify as necessary.
Let's get through those books this year too! 😁 I have both a book-buying AND a library (online lending via libby) problem
I’ve got my no buy rules as anything non essential. The end.😅 Cheers for a successful year 🎉
Short and sweet! Good luck to us!
@ yess! I’m enjoying your videos Alexa ty and good luck 🍀
I think in order to increase chances of success it's also okay to have shorter no buy timeframes like quarterly no buy months, or 3 no buy months as interm steps. I will have to move to a new place soon and I know I will have to exit the no buy in order to make the new place work for me. Hopefully that would not add to much extra cost. My aim is to save 200-250 Euro per month extra this year, by not buying new clothes, shoes, purses or random smaller Amazon tech stuff which is non essential. Also I've already reduced eating out a lot during the last quarter, but my best half takes care of the bill more for that, so I'm not really sure in total we save so much more or he's just taking it on himself in order not to mess with my budget goals😂 ❤. I've kinda implemented more cheap pizza Asian or kebab takeout rather than fancier restaurants. And this way I support the little restaurant owners in my area vs big names who become more and more greedy. Hugs to all from the state Northrhine Westfalia in Germany.
I love how you said "exit the no buy" - this puts a picture in my mind how the no buy challenge is a state you can enter back into even if you have to temporarily exit for life-needs or etc.
Agreed that the shorter timeframes can be very helpful too!
I love the sweater your having. I found lots of stuffs you wear on your vids are cute ! And then i look at my choices i made ..... wellllll CHOICES.
Thank you - I'm sure your choices aren't bad though! We can only live and learn 😄
@@Alexas.nobuyyear oh boy it was lol. I was going through a phase and now yes. Live and learning !
Shoes. Rotate your shoes. That's one way to avoid having to buy new ones if you already have a lot because the use gets spread out on them.
Agree.
Not good to wear the same shoes every day. Shoes are subjected to a lot of moisture from feet. Two pair alternating is the minimum for healthy feet.
I’m attempting a no buy this year, and failed on week 1 as one of my favorite local clothing brand is going out of business and now was the last chance to purchase their items 😢 If I would go with rules similar to yours, I have already purchased 5/5 clothing items. And I really did not need the items. But the brand is local, products produced near, and workers are paid decent salary. And the design is very close to my heart for sentimental reasons. If now was the only chance, then I take it and support local one last time. For the rest of the year, my 5/5 is full now 😂
Do you prioritize local? I’m thinking to prioritize locally produced essential cosmetics for example. So when I eventually need to re-stock, I’ll go for the brand produced near me rather than that hyped cream from Brazil that took carbon emissions ship. I’ll also rather buy from the real physical store rather than order individual packages home. At least logistics to physical stores is optimized, and I live so near to potential stores that it would be crazy to order via ecom. It might mean I’ll pay more on the items, as I will not be able to utilize discounts online in some cases.
I guess to be totally honest I do not prioritize local right now, even though I would like to. I do buy coffee beans and tea from a local cafe, but beyond that I kind of struggle to imagine how I could better support local shops, unless by "local" it means "made in the USA" - I live in the United States (right in the middle of the country where it's mainly cornfields) and if we buy something with a "made in the US" option available, we will choose that one, but for everyday purchases (groceries, or even more rare purchases like clothing) we will use the stores nearest to us, or the thrift stores.
I AM working on ordering much less online, although I do seem to be finding that difficult due to schedules/transport.
According to a surface-level google search, I guess many "loreal" and "maybelline" makeup products are made in the USA. For some reason this does not feel like "supporting local business" though. 😅 I would guess that I could find some handmade soap next time it's time to buy, but otherwise some categories do feel difficult to prioritize local. Would love to hear more of your ideas!
You had radon mitigation done to your house? How did you find out you needed to have that done? How did that all work out?
Yes! We live in a high-risk area for radon, and so we got one of the meters to check our levels. It was getting really high in the winter, so we called some professionals to inspect - our house already had a passive system installed (because of being in this area) and so all we had to do was have them install the "active" fan part and wire the electricity - still about $1200 for everything though (they do guarantee that levels will be below a certain number and will fix it if it doesn't stay like that).
We have family living in the basement (where levels are the highest, as I guess the radon collects there) so it was pretty imperative to get that done
Hi Alexa, I’m not sure that gamifying the rules is the roadmap for success although you need to do what will work best for you instead of listening to a stranger on the internet 😉. There are a lot of rules and caveats in your 2025 plan. In one of your recent videos, you mentioned developing new activities to take the place of shopping. What would 2025 look like if the new activities that bring you joy and replace shopping, were identified and started before tracking the decrease in purchasing? Wishing you the best 2025
Yes! Happy to hear advice from strangers on the internet, it's part of why I'm here!😁
Activities specifically are kind of tied into the other goals I've shared for 2025, reading the books I already own, and making more music (ideally in a fun way!) and when the weather becomes amenable, gentle exercise or activities outside. Bonus points to anything that keeps me off my phone/media in general.
Additional details involve cultivating attention to be able to "do nothing" more - shopping/browsing often used to happen in the "cracks" of the day when I wouldn't be able to read a book or play music, but I did have my phone and could snatch a few moments to look at stuff. So the goal is really also to not give into the pull of technology for easy mental stimulation, but I have plans to get into this in later videos (after trying it out for a bit).
Part of the reason for the caveats of 2025 is that 2024's rule was basically "don't buy anything" with zero budget guidelines, zero "amount of stuff" guidelines, and some specific exceptions that also weren't necessarily the most thoughtful. I wasn't totally happy with the result in terms of amount spent and number of items, so this is my way to hopefully at least retain some control this time around!
@ thank you for the thoughtful reply. I misunderstood the motivation of the task of reading the previously purchased books. My original take away was it was more of an obligation since the books were previously purchased. Thank you for explaining that is one of the sources of joy to take the place of shopping. Good luck and best wishes as you continue your goals in 2025.
As indicated in prior video comment, I am doing a no buy on clothing in 2025. I have thought about whether I should tie my own no buy to your no buy on clothing....if you purchase a piece of clothing then I'm going to allow myself to purchase one too. SO, if you don't buy any new clothing, I will succeed. No pressure though LOL. Yes, I'm kidding....maybe.
Ooooh! A challenge! Extra pressure or fun together?
@@bthomson LOL...I'm only joking...not going to make someone else responsible for my no buy...if I fail, it will be 100% on me. ...
Haha I kind of love this, actually, but also would caution you against relying on my ability to succeed when your abilities may actually be much better!
Hypothetically though I think that idea does actually push me towards "better" decisions - if I'm going to "fail" I'll have to at least make it secondhand, and an arguable functional replacement, in order for that to be something I'd condone for my viewers 😆
@@Alexas.nobuyyear I would never actually hold someone else responsible for my no buy...that was just my slightly twisted sense of humor...I hope both of us are successful.
Every other month is such a good idea. Its easier to convince my monkey mind 😂"oh I can put off re-evaluating buying this next month" instead if next yr. Probably eliminate alot of items that wont be as appealing as time passes. (Which is honestly, most impulse purchases)
Yes! This is important! If you can wait you can probably not buy at all!
Definitely understand the title “No buy” is more motivating than “low buy” I did an 8 month no buy in 2023 and that was so motivating and 2024 was supposed to be my first low buy and I was okay in beginning half of the year but after getting a new job, that all went out the window. I made new low buy rules this year and trying to do my best as well :) starting with a January no buy :)
Also..love the long streams of consciousness
Looking at the project no buy box, it reminded me of Damien Hirst with the skulls and how he found a way to cut out the middle man in the art world. Don’t quote me on that, you never know with AI ;) I wonder if you could make a parody of his skull and Tracey Emin’s bed by putting a skull on a bed holding a crystal encrusted phone….
Btw I failed my no buy already so I’m doing a buy year
@Xenia-h7c Just try again. Who says that your year has to go from 1.1. to the next 1.1. 😂
Btw I think it's lunar new year soon, in case you need an actual new year 🎉
I'll look into this artist! And hey, a no buy year can still be a no buy year, even with a few fails in there! Don't give up!
@@jochenkraus7016 I agree, it’s more that trying not to shop is actually tempting me to shop…
@@Alexas.nobuyyear let’s see how “bad” I am this year…
Do you read a lot? 5 books a month is a lot of books. I read 49 this year and it is less than 5 a month and if you don’t read a lot already it’s going to be hard to hit that goal
Wow! 49 books! Hope one wasn't "War and Peace".!! 🤔😇😎
@ oh no, thank you 😄 I have no intention to read it again
Cool answer!
I CAN read a lot - if I don't waste time on my phone, I can read a book (the lighter kind that I have accumulated, not War and Peace!) in about 2 days. Part of this is because a lot of what I collected is either light or informational (for no-buy commentary), so, "read-and-declutter" type of books, not deeply intellectual. It might still be hard to hit that goal, we'll see!
When you already plan for failure. then you will fill in your project no buy year. Stick to your plan. don't go to plan 2 or 3,
I get this, but in 2024 I did not have any backup plan at all, and I failed pretty big. So this is trying to be slightly more "realistic" in the hopes that the fails won't be as significant (and/or at least, measured!) this time around!
@@Alexas.nobuyyear I am doing the my project no buy year 2025 alongside with you because of inspiration I've gott from you.
You may be overthinking it a bit. For example, little or no makeup days, just do what you always do and don’t stress over it. But I could be looking at it as someone who isn’t a compulsive spender.
Maybe best to at least number the possible pit falls?
Oh I'm DEFINITELY overthinking it, but that's kind of part of the fun for me. The daily vs. no makeup vs. "actual makeup" counts are to kind of inform what I actually need vs what I like to buy! I'm not intending to change what I actually do, just make a note of how many times I am likely to actually use a type/category of product.
I recently did a count of the days I'll need a wear "work outfit" in a given month, and it's only 10 days that I'll go to work and not have to wear the uniform of all black. So it's just another reason I definitely need to not-buy any more clothing....and makeup wise, that's 10 days that I'll likely do an "everyday look". (9-10 more are "concert days" and might entail a bit more, the remaining will likely be no-makeup, home-clothes days).
Interesting. The last time I actually bought clothing was five years ago. I haven’t worn makeup for at least seven years ( I’m retired and no longer desire to look made up). My overspending falls into the entertainment category including CD’s and art supplies. As far as art supplies goes, I’m training myself if I run out of a certain color, I replace it rather that browsing Amazon for the newest paint or pencil sets like I used to.
A story came to my mind of a high school girl who felt unhappy due to not having the clothes of her peers. Please be extra careful that no child lacks for the needed "fit in" styles! I know you will be very tuned into this important reality! Having experienced! 😇🤔😎
Uh, no. That's kind of antithetical to the whole movement. Teach your kids that they don't need to own certain things to be worthy of social connection, wtf.
Difficult! I will never be able to buy them everything trendy. Sometimes I might even not WANT it (like shoes where I care way more about health than if it’s something the other kids wear or currently I refuse to buy glitter on clothes that just will add to the micro-plastics in the watersystem). My kids are still small but I see how they develop their very own style and I support it! I sew and might even alter Second Hand clothes to meet their wants, using what we already have. To look at what the others might wear could lead to a spiral where we even actively contribute to the problem of mobbing and degrading someone based on their outfits.
Sure. As a kid if my mom told me I was fine the way I am I would mutter to myself yeah! What does SHE know! And still feel left out and angry. These days fitting in is more important than ever! 🤔😎
@@bthomson I am sorry that you experienced that. But clothes won’t change anything.
We had a few „outsiders“ who tried to get into the „in-group“ with the right clothes, the right activities, distancing themselves from the other outsiders. They only managed to estrange the people that would hangout with them and got laughed at by the cool kids. I hope my kids will keep their personal style and understanding of being different doesn’t mean to be less worthy. I was in an alternative group as a teen and we tried to dress „true“ - means old band shirts from the early 90s, denim jackets from our parents, decorated with patches and buttons and flea market founds were considered cool in my group. But actually nobody cared what the other one wore. We also had H&M girls and a gothic lolita. In Germany every school has a group like this and my kids will probably be outsiders no matter what (gifted both and one with ADHD) so they can be outsiders with their own style ;)
But one can never know what the kids might be like when they grow. Maybe I will help them find branded clothes on vinted when they’re older. Or they will spend they pocket money for special clothes as we provide the basics, probably even in a higher quality (that’s what I’m planning to do). So they will learn to prioritize what they actually want, save up for special clothes or - If they’ll be really into fashion- search for a side hustle as I did as a kid (but I even had to buy what I consider basics like winter coats or things like that from this money…).
I'm sincerely hoping it'll still be awhile before I am dealing with this in a real sense, and also that by then, my kids will be empowered to feel comfortable in their own tastes and not as susceptible to (or perhaps simply more aware of) outside influence as I was at that age! (I will be trying to empower them to feel this way, in other words! So that they can have some of the things they "like" but ideally not in order to fit in!)
Will your new clothing, gift giving, and other “outs” you’re giving yourself come from your $200 month allowance? Otherwise, it sounds like you might be giving yourself excuses to spend extra.
Listen to your video as you might listen to it as someone who is outside of yourself. You’re saying “however,” and “except for” quite a bit.
Well! Maybe it is alright to have a task master? Personally I think people should police themselves!
@@bthomsonmy intent isn’t to be a taskmaster. I can personally justify anything and I hear myself in this video. I want people to point out my own errors so I can self-correct if necessary.
I’m definitely not trying to judge. We each have our own lives to live.
Roger!
Yes! I should have made that more clear, all of the "outs" or "caveats" or decided numbers here, IF they occur, will be part of the $200/month budget allowance. The budget is going to be the top priority and parameter this year, even over the "ideal maximum number of things to bring in".
I do have other strong reasons for not wanting to bring in a huge number of things, but ultimately the top focus (or second to the general "no buy") is going to be the budget. This will probably be made clearer in the rest of January's videos but almost the entire purpose of the monthly amount is to cover "unnecessary things" and meals out during longer work days this year.
I'm doing a video on how I probably will NOT need many "legitimate replacement products" this year, and there are much fewer exceptions for work-related things.
So yes if I get to Dec and there isn't enough "budget" for two (or any) things, then that's that. Or if I don't actually want to try any beauty products at that point (or want anything else in general for gifts), then I won't arbitrarily buy those for the Christmas allowance of "stuff".
Part of it is based on trying to refine the results from my 2024 attempt, and another part of it is based on where I'm at right now where I do think I'm still okay with Christmas and birthdays being gifting or "treat yourself" occasions, if those are the only times of the year that feel like that and low-level shopping isn't happening all the time. I know it's not an inherent value of those holidays and things might look different by Christmas 2025.
In addition to the "howevers" and "except fors" one could probably count a gazillion "you knows" and "so...'s" too! 😆
ASTB - You're such a good sport!