My No Buy Year | Quitting Spending Money for a Year
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- Опубліковано 26 гру 2024
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WHO AM I?
Hey there, I’m Cinzia DuBois. I’m a part-time, self-funded PhD student and UA-camr, Podcaster and writer. I’ve been creating videos for over thirteen years. I discuss productivity, personal development, PhD, academia and mental well-being on this channel. On my main channel, I talk about all things dark and ancient history, literature and folklore.
I do this every other month! Every other month I go on a "spending freeze." If I have something I really want, I put it in my online cart, then wait till my spending freeze is up. Most of the time, I don't even want the thing anymore, and when I do, it's an especially good pleasure to reward myself.
I like this idea
I do this as well, I'm guided by my inner child traumatized by coming from a poor family. I put all I have away and I am a cheap shot, but after a few months I lose the interest to invest in my work so I have to spend some to feel like I'm working for something XD
really interesting approach. I am going to try that =)
Great idea
What an amazing idea!
Get yourself a cup of coffee . Just a treat.
My rules would be: NO clothes unless it’s a gear item I don’t have (eg winter gloves, snorkel flippers). 1 takeout a week and 1 restaurant. 7 cappuccinos a week (sorry but I wfh so it’s like my only time seeing other people). ABSOLUTELY no books, I literally have them creeping under my bathtub I have so many. NO notebooks or planners. No plants, only to replace if god forbid one dies. Alcohol just 2 wines a month. ABSOLUTELY no sheet masks or under eye masks, I went hog wild on those things during the pandemic and have like 50,000 lol. No more flavored protein powders or workout gels, my body hates gels anyway and I have tons of protein powders from my 2023 of Excess to eat through. Let’s see how it goes! Thank you for this video and this inspiration, we need more voices like yours when so much of the content on social media is SO pro-consumption and advertising!!
30 cappucinos, 4-5 takeouts, 4-5 restaurant visits, 2 bottles of wine.... not exactly no-buy lol
I have been a huge fan for many years. I did your no buy year in 2020 and when I cut out the many unneeded extras I learned I could afford to buy a house. Which I did, and I love my little place. Now I am embarking on my next no buy challenge. If I buckle down, live frugally and make extra payments I can pay off my house early and retire without a mortgage payment. You have made such an impact on my life. Thank you so much for the wisdom to make these great financial decisions.
I could see myself not buying material things (for me, hobby stuff, clothes, shoes, random household gadgets), but I feel like I would be missing out on experiences with my family if I didn’t go on trips, visit family, go to the zoo with my kids, etc. Missing out on making memories. But I totally agree with the material unnecessary purchases.
I agree, but I think Cinzia did mention it looks different for everyone. For example, I love live music and during Covid it was all shut. So now I went to see Culture Club and will be going to an 80's concert. Experiences are great but not every weekend. I would never buy a diamond ring. Couldn't afford it anyways😂
I'm unemployed right now and living solely on extremely meager savings. It's more and more apparent to me that I spend so much money on things I truly don't need little by little. When I get back to having a small income I hope I never forget and adopt this as a permanent lifestyle.
“…having a bit of a nosy browse.” ❤
And also “they haunt every corner of my house”
Guilty as charged
So wholesome ❤
I've been cutting down on my excess purchases this year. Keeping a list of the books I've bought has helped a lot. I'll never do an out-right no-buy, I like treating myself too much for that. But listing the titles have helped me actually read the books I've bought.
I think I'll try making a list like that. Thanks for sharing!
I, too, live on a low income and a tasty pastry lover. My compromise is to make a homemade dessert each week. Cookies, cakes, fruit crisps, and my favorite lemon bars. Once a month I treat myself to a very special chocolate croissant at a favorite coffee shop. I take my journal and sip my coffee, munch my pastry, and fill the pages of my journal with deep and profound ruminations. Because I only indulge once a month, I savor every bite, every sip, and the sheer pleasure of putting my thoughts to paper. ❤
That sounds so nice 🥰
I'm glad I'm finding more and more videos about no-buy or low-buy years. I'm officially starting in January but I'm trying now already to fine-tune my rules. My first year I wanna do a low-buy challenge, and then see where it takes me. I'm tired of consumerism and wanna be more mindful of what I have.
You kind of glossed over this, but it saddens me that you had to go through a breakup during a no-buy year while working on both your phd and youtube channel - and that it had drastic financial consequences as well. Going from sharing rent/bills to not is so costly. You show much resilience. Hang in there. ❤ Your savings will return with time.
I'm not doing a no-buy but I have been cutting back on impulse purchases after putting myself into debt in my early 20s. One trick I use now is writing down the fun but unnecessary things I really want in a list. If I come into some money later, I can go back to this list of fun things and see if there's anything I still want to get
Great tip!
Me to. Just 1 year to go to be debt free
I had pretty poor childhood and buying things was literally my dream growing up. I ended up wasting too much money on things I don't need just because of "I finally can". It's sad. It's sad how much food I waste because I bought too much and it got bad or the takeaways I didn't enjoy and put it in trash can. Especially remembering how difficult it was back then and how difficult it was and is for my family members.
Those “free” activities that you mentioned, basically, summarised my late teens and twenties social life. Looking back, those were my best times with friends. All the rest “spending money” times were also good but not as memorable.
I have just found you again here on youtube but around 3 years ago your no buy videos helped me so much and for the first time in my life I started saving my money instead of spending it all and it has completely changed my life. I feel inspired to do a no buy year as well now and I look forward to following your journey. Good luck with your no buy and thanks for all the inspiration ❤
I’m starting right now!❤
I admire your self-discipline and the quality of your channel, Cinzia! Good wishes always....
Thank you so much!
What is this $25? Is that a donation?
Yes
Earlier this year, I had a health situation that depleted most of my savings. I had started my 3rd no buy year and was doing well until that situation. Seeing the money i had saved disappear so quickly was really demoralizing and i became more and more lenient with myself on the rules, even though i should be tightening them because i was so discouraged seeing my hard work undone. Your video was helpful in energizing me to get back on track, so thank you.
Could also be empowering to reframe: how your savings protected you from taking on credit in your personal emergency. Well done you
this is basically how i grew up and how i have been living for 27 years and it's been great. I managed to buy a house at 25 alone when no one in my age range is even near buying a house. downside is i dont really know how to spend money
I don't buy cosmetics, I stopped wearing makeup ages ago. I buy skincare when it is on special and I have run out of cleanswr or moisturiser. I stopped paying for haircuts 20 years ago. My weaknesses are clothes shoes and handbags - all of which I buy second hand or half-price sales. There is plenty of ways I can improve. Thanks for the inspiration.
As a recovering shopping addict, I'm soooo tempted to join you in this challenge! I spent the last year decluttering my house!
Starting a no buy in the middle of the year propably is more intentional way than new years resolutions. This was a great wake up call, I too study and work part time and need to cut my costs momentarily and we do live in a time of plenty so I think it's doable and propably even healthy!
I also do my finances from september to september. funny how that works
Hi, Cinzia. This is the type of the content I need. Productivity, frugalness, study etc. Keep up the good job
Always love hearing about your finances! It's nice to hear someone approaching the topic with such discipline.
this is exactly what I needed to watch right now. I keep spending money mindlessly and my excuse is always that I deserve to treat myself after working and studying so much but that leads me to live paycheck to paycheck 🤡
You deserve financial stability and peace of mind
I'm almost 38 and still live paycheck to paycheck. It's a terrible habit to get into.
I have this same issue :( but one way I found to try to combat it is setting up my direct deposits to put a certain amount of each check on my debit card and that's the only card I can use for fun money so I'm still getting the treats but not going into the red
Thank you, UA-cam Gods, for suggesting this video! What a lovely and well spoken creator! And this subject matter is quite relevant to me too, even though I was on a fashion video binge when I stumbled across this video. Really made me think a no-buy is something exciting I can try out too, thank you, Cinzia!
I did a no buy year in 2020 and saved a good bit of money. I have since slid back into old buying habits, so I will be happy to join you in your no buy year. I will also start in September 2023. I need to take stock of what is important. Buying things isn’t one of them.
I admire your discipline doing your no-buy year. You've inspired me to follow your lead. I definitely need to sew my stash.
You can do it!
@@flowermeerkat6827 🤣🤣🤣 that’s me! my fabric stash is haunting me at this point!
I love listening to audiobooks on the Libby app through my public library. There's such a large selection! 😁
@@zabmcauley5647 I didn’t know Libby had audiobooks too!! That’s amazing.
How curious, turns out I’ve been living this way for the past decade. Started out of necessity and simply not being able to afford anything but. Then, as my situation got better, I did buy a few “luxurious” items, like a TV and a computer, a few video games (thank you, steam sales!), but I feel like I never fully learned to spend money on myself. Now, 10 years later, I’m moving into my first flat I financed myself. I know we joke about avocado toast and coffee shops stopping people from being able to afford things that boomers got so easily, and while the current economic situation is an absolute tragedy and that joke is a horrible simplification, there is a grain of truth to it.
For anyone considering this lifestyle, it has worked well for me, and I wish you all the best pursuing your goals.
I'm also inspired. I'm going to try a no-buy month for September. I need to start really small because I am pretty set in my ways. My first victory has been ordering the essentialism book through my library rather than buying it. Books are most likely load bearing structures in my home, my definite downfall.
Good luck!!
Starting a no-buy before the holiday season is also great because instead of making a purchase for yourself during the end-of-year sale season, you can create a holiday wish list to share with your loved ones. Over time, as you come to realize that certain things aren't actually what you want (with the added pressure that you will only receive some things on your wish list instead of being able to buy them all yourself), you can cull a more valuable wish list, you get things that are useful and meaningful to you as gifts from your loved ones, and you don't end up spending on yourself.
Christmas shopping is something that makes me ill. I reduced it so much but the people outside look so manic that it affects my mental health.
the sheer depth of your willpower on this is obviously worth high praise, no question there. i hqve no doubt in my mind that it helps you achieve many things that few other people could.
separate statement, it pains me deeply to hear someone so thoroughly crushed by extreme personal austerity. people shouldn't *_*have*_* to live like this. i'm sorry we both live in the same system that forces people to cut themselves this deeply just to make ends meet. i hope that changes soon.
"Sorry, January babies" 😆
You inspired me to start a no-buy trimester (starting small because I'm not great with self-imposed rules). I've read "The year of less" by Cait Flanders a few times, if you haven't maybe it'll interest you (if your library has it). I'm actually impressed with your self-control and discipline! Your personal finance videos are always a treat, I'm looking forward to an update in the coming months :)
Oh my. I followed Hannah Louise Posten and her no buy year. I loved watching her. She learned a lot about herself and her spending. It was a journey we took with her. She had her rules as well. To her, you are a Spartan. Nothing, absolutely nothing. No one little joy that would help you get through this lean time. I've lived most of my life with close to nothing. But never have I ever not denied myself a small joy or experience such as a twilight movie after I got off of work, or just going to the mall and walking through the shops and listen to the music and look at the colorful displays of the newest releases of clothing. I didn't have to buy one thing. I didn't want to buy anything. It was my therapy. If this survival method is palatable to you, then it will work. I hate to think that this your main way of survival and not just a temporary solution for a few months. to get through a rough patch. It's hard being single and living alone. I myself am doing a no buy on clothes and I am cutting back on impulse buying. These hard times require hard measures. I admire your dedication.
Your video was in my feed because I've been watching a lot about a no buy year. I'm excited that you're starting it now. I'm prepping to begin my first no buy year in October. I look forward to following along with you.
I needed this. Despite getting my first proper job out of uni I find myself poorer than I ever was a student on the maintaince loan, with rent, all the bills, council tax, and commuting to and from an office in an expensive city. Moreover, learning to drive and have therapy means I have barely any money. However, I do like to spend, and think I could adapt some of these approaches to help feel a bit more solvent. Thank you!
My weakness is straight up the thrift store. I love it so much, I always have and I love the hunt, but I also know that it's the reason I cannot save my own money. I am fortunate enough that I am a stay at home parent, my husband and I discuss finances regularly to keep each other on track and we both get the same "fun" allowance. It is as equal as we can make it. I did a No Buy month a while back and I'm thinking it's time for me to do this again. I love the idea of starting in September and I truly have plenty of clothes and books (two biggest weaknesses) and I have even more that need to be DIYed or upcycled. I also love your idea of going through all of a project type supplies first and then moving onto the next. I am always all over the place with my hobbies and I have a lot of supplies for them all. Okay, I have one other weakness: I rescue BABs (Build A Bears) from the thrift store. I love this though, I'm going to talk to my husband about maybe both of us should do it. He has some computer things he needs to save for.
Thank you for sharing!
I used to be the same way with thrifting, but I’ve stopped over the past few months. The places around here have pure junk most of the time and the prices are getting ridiculous too. I just can’t let myself do it most of the time. Also, most of the last items I’ve bought there have been things I wish I didn’t spend my money on and don’t want them anymore. It’s been a struggle lol. I miss the old thrifting times.
@@raedaze It is definitely a struggle the quality has gone way down to be excited for anything. I know I am getting spoiled with some of the prices over here in Germany and going back stateside is going to be sticker shock.
@@LittleRedTeaCake That's because people are selling their own stuff instead of donating the better items and the reseller UA-camrs bragging about buying something for a $1.00 and flipping it for $100 ruined it for everyone.
I’ve been watching these videos about how different people approach their no spend/low spend journey, and all have been very helpful to me. Thank you for mentioning that going through the no buy journey will help you see who you truly are without the subscriptions, mindless shopping, etc. I haven’t thought of it that way, but I’m now more excited to keep going.
Great insight on who we are really without subscriptions and unnecessary amazon spending.
What I learned over the years is that you have to pay yourself first before paying companies whose primary existence is to separate you from your money.
Money is like a soldier. At dawn I send them off to recruit more soldiers by the end of the day and ultimately building an empire of soldiers, and army, that is wealth.
Money is either your friend or your enemy. Make it your enemy and you will be in debt and a slave to it.
This has been on my heart for a while. I’m so guilty of impulse buying and Amazon shopping on a whim
Thanks!
Im going to borrow that book from the library. Ty!
thank you so much 🖤
Great tips and advice! I only use the libraries for books and e-books, and our local library has a "propagation library" where patrons leave cuttings for others to take. I managed to fill my home with plants this way.
Cinzia, thank you SO much for making me aware of Greg McKeown's "Essentialism." I listened to it yesterday and was inspired to begin the process of becoming an essentialist. It's funny how you can know certain truths in your head and heart, but sometimes it takes hearing it from someone else to strike that proverbial match of action. And it's not as if I haven't read somewhat similar books. Thanks to McKeown's succinct and powerful writing (and by extension learning of this book from you), I am choosing to take a different path in the coming year. I'm starting a no-buy year now, and I'm doing this just as much for the philosophical as for the financial aspects of life. Thanks for your channel and your input! And all my best wishes for your own endeavors!
Cinzia, this video has been recommended to me at the perfect time. After saving up obsessively over the last few years to buy a house, I now don't have a clearly defined 'savings goal' and have let my foot off the pedal this year with hobby buying and house decoration/renovation buying.
An opportunity has come for me to do a master's degree! But it will need to be entirely self-funded to the tune of £10k, so I will be joining you in the no/low buy year starting now! 💪
“With [the Holidays] coming up, Capitalism will be at full power.” I imagine an eerie glow behind a Marvel silhouette.
I'm also starting a no-buy in September! today's the first day and it's already tough, lol, but that's exactly why i need it. good luck on our journeys 💪
I need this motivation! I’m on maternity leave and my maternity pay is dwindling to nothing 😢 I have remind myself how each penny really does add up. Also just trying to eliminate the habit of doing something like getting a drink at a coffee shop. Now I always bring a flask with me just in case my baby naps when I’m on the go
I read that book last year (got it at the library). I really enjoyed the way it was written and it made me think about what is essential to me (it honestly made me start to worry that I was turning into a hoarder). I am currently 9 months into a no-buy year (just office/art supplies that aren't necessary, physical books, and no planner supplies -- they're my big 3 on spending things). I haven't really struggled, but I do miss being able to go to the used book store. So I've decided next year, I'll do a one in one out system for new books. That way I can still have new (to me) stuff without worrying about turning into a hoarder. Books just feel so much like a part of me (even ones that I don't own), so I have to be do a haul (library or otherwise) at least once a month.
it's not hoarding if it's books. Books look better than knick knacks!
@@kellychubait is tho, if you buy them and never even read them or simply have too many, it is hoarding
Ah books, that green kryptonite! 😉
I just bought a bookshelf the other week. Halfway through putting the books in....oh bugger, I'll be needing another one soon! 😳😲😆😂
"When I get a little money I buy books. If I have any money left over I buy food and clothes."
This is a great idea. I have heard of the "no spend year" before but it makes more sense when you talk about replacing items, like lipstick, rather than just carrying on with out. That I can apply to my hobby and only buy new paints when the old ones run out. I do need to use up my hobby stuff rather than just buying more.
this is a very unique video. i don't think i've seen anyone else connect Essentialism to a No Buy but it makes so much sense.
Similar story, I used to love a drink, I mean I still do but back then I had far less rules on the subject. I was also concerned with the heath detriments. I made some token efforts to ration it but I wasn’t really concerned.
Then in lockdown I started having the mid-week 4 pack. It got to the point that if I wanted not to drink I would have to not take my wallet out because I’d go and get a 4 pack. I gained a lot of weight, I wouldn’t describe myself as fat but I was over 16 stone and it was the first time in my life I couldn’t run 3 miles.
So I went cold turkey on New Year’s Day 2021 I think. I was sitting thinking about all the money spent on booze and decided rather than having it hanging about I’d start saving.
Long story short I lost 3 stone started saving for the first time in my life. I got more money now than I’ve had for most of my life, I’m actually considering decorating.
You had me pausing the video to go cancel some unnecessary subscriptions that I’ve been lazy about ending 😂 I have no desire to have such an intense no-buy but I would really like to challenge myself more to limit my spending and improve my savings
I had to adopt this kind of mindset when I was at my poorest. It totally changed my relationship to consumer goods and made me reevaluate which experiences and things actually add value or fulfilment to my life. I'm not sure I'd go so far as a Buy Nothing Year now that I'm financial stable, but I think I'll always be conscious of my spending and of exploring frugal options like: thrift stores, negotiating down service plans, using locally-offered free resources, applying for support and discount programs I may be entitled to, and borrowing from/lending to/sharing with friends and neighbours.
The algorithm has brought me here a year later and I just wanted to say I really enjoyed your sense of humour! I have no plans to start a no buy year but do intend to cut down on spending and this was really interesting.
I absolutely feel you on both wanting to reel things in a bit and the adhd hobby binge 😅 I'm also trying to get myself to focus on the hobby items instead of going out. I'd love to see what you end up making, if you decide to turn any of it into content!
Really motivating - I am tempted to get started! Good luck on this new No Buy Year 🎉
I love the flow from your no buy to PHd.
Great talk….I’m working on this ..and I’m going to try this this year. Wish me luck😅. Also going to clean out and downsize.I have to much stuff
Yes, you'll nail this! Looking forward to more no buy videos, I'll bee rooting for you (and myself along the way :D).
Also - loved the book as well, essentialism speaks to me the most from every life approach I read about so far.
Thank you for your honesty. This is helpful; I need to think about that "buying for others" thing.
Hey Cinzia, Whatever you said here really resonated with me: seeing the savings grow when you freeze the buying, and seeing them dwindle when you start re indulging in even small luxuries: the trickle quickly becomes a stream. Also the bit about an ADHD craft supply binger:). I have just come out of a period of extreme belt tightening, but having just found a job, find myself easing back into my spendy ways. Unfortunately, this is also a period that I need to spend on certain things (I know that 'need' is a relative word, but, for example, some rooms in my new flat don't even have a bulb holder, let alone light, so that is an essential, essentially. But then I find it hard to limit myself just to the basics and find myself looking for nicer light fixtures, lamp shades etc. I also find that I go through phases of shopping for things, but don't necessarily buy the same things: like there would be a craft supply phase, clothes buying phase( during a sale) or a makeup buying phase (only once).
Propagation for your plants is what I was going to suggest!
Perfect video.
Thank you for this and for reiterating that it is not only about saving and getting a handle on spending, but also about knowing why you spend on specific things and learning who you are without (over)consumption. I recently spent a good amount of my savings (as I had planned) and since my brain seems to have gone into overdrive on assuming what I can afford… melting my savings further. I need to make some rules and I will be starting a low buy in October :)
Tip from a theater person: if you want to see a community theater production, see if they accept volunteer ushers to hand out playbills. Typically the ushers are able to sit and watch the show for free
This might actually be a great thing to do, since I've recently realized I don't remember how to have fun without spending money anymore. I literally cannot imagine going out and not paying for something
YES! I have been waiting for your budgeting/no spend videos, this has made me so happy, thank you!❤❤❤
I'm so glad!
I'm embarking on my first no buy year and the only thing I was unsure about was Spotify, as it's the only thing I really get for myself. However, after realising that It will cost me around £140 a year, it's being cancelled lol. Books is also going to be my hardest one. I told myself it was fine because I thrifted them but, it's still money I'm spending on things I shouldn't. I got myself a library card the other day and am genuinely excited to use it.
I totally agree with you.
I am donating clothing and really being minimal, just focusing on discovering my talents as we all should.
There will always be too much food , clothing etc, so it won’t go away.
Thanks for inspiring and good luck! Merry Christmas & New Year!
I learned this growing up... poor. Anything more than essentials was birthday or Christmas gifts. I'm over 40 now and the last frivolous thing I bought myself that was over $50 was a birthday gift for myself.
Excellent video, since buying my apartment/flat this became my worldview, serviced me very well for many years
This is kind of inspiring tbh. I think I am going to plan doing this through the end of the year. I need to not over commit myself because I am such an all or nothing thinker and I’m trying to be more realistic in my commitments (and interestingly this is resulting in me actually sticking with things more 🤷♂️)
oh man I'm such a hoarder, I love being surrounded by stuff... but now I have too much stuff!! I'm moving this month and it's really been a wake up call for me
Brilliant presentation, discussion. You are very disciplined person. Doing a No Buy month for me will take a lot of hard work, however i will mostly definitely benefit from it, then extend it month by month over these next 4 months.
I just found your channel, and I'm actually preparing to go on a pretty extreme no-buy/low-buy starting in December. My husband and I are in the process of buying a house, which will require me to get a job for the first time in four years, and I know a house can come with a lot of expensive repairs (and going by my parents' experience, these repairs and expenses pop up at the least opportune times). I'm going to give myself a small budget each month to spend on things for me (hobbies, books, makeup, etc.) but the majority of my spending needs to stop. I'm not out of control by any means, but I am an impulse shopper to a certain degree and I do find myself buying things we already have or that aren't necessary or that get put away and forgotten about.
My husband doesn't buy much, and he sticks to using his personal money for things he enjoys, so I know the problem is mostly me. I'm going to be doing my best to keep track of the things I want, why I want them, and if they're actually necessary or will add to my life versus adding to my clutter.
This is a fantastic idea! I'll be joining you on this journey and thanks for the motivation!
This is the best video I’ve watched in a very long time. Thank you.
This came at the perfect time. I'd love to do a PhD but keep telling myself I can't afford it. You've proved me wrong!
I LOVE this book. I’ve read it every year for the last 3-4 years. Completely changed my perspective on life and relationships
I’m interested in reducing expenses but I think a low buy is what would work for me. Because I spend a lot of time watching TV shows and movies with my husband so cancelling our subscriptions would definitely leave us bored some evenings. And we go to a low cost membership gym together…. But I have the same issue with craft supplies and clothes. Could definitely work through what I have already and wear what I have already
I really like this new content you are putting out, it resonates a lot with what I am going through right now regarding self-budgeting and considering going to grad school or not…
I’m needing to do this! My industry right now is on ice due to strikes and it’s been a long one. My partner is basically doing what you’re doing and I definitely need to hop on the band wagon to make sure my savings last as long as possible (and so I don’t run out! That would really suck)
I love these kind of no buy organization videos from you the most. Being ADHD I am amazed . I have a pile of recipes I havent gone through to examine my budget more. But yeah they are still in the bag. I have different weaknesses for shopping. For me it's food and more clothes recently. Thank you . I hope to hear an occasional update
I started my no buy in November 2022, mine was a lot of things then I realized that didn't work for me. So it was a makeup no buy. Only replacement. And it's crazy how much my thought has changed on that and how I literally don't care about makeup anymore and look at it so much differently now!
Hello Cinzia. I would love to see an update on your No Buy.😊
This is my favorite channel! Thank you Cinzia, you are not only an inspiration but authentic. Never stop being you! love the book!
my husband and I are going to visit my brother in mexico this christmas. (He lives there half the year). No presents. Just eachother's company. The only people I buy for are my kids and their partners. And one niece and nephew who are young. We celebrate with the kids and just do stocking stuffers.. but useful ones. It's possible to get through any time of life on a budget. When I was in university, I didn't buy clothing for four years. Nothing. What I went in with was what I came out with. I did this for both degrees. (PS, most underwear don't last four years... it was the first thing I purchased afterwards)
This is great! It encouraged me to think about some of the things you mentioned and the benefits of a no buy year. I did find confusing though the point on cancelling unnecesary subscriptions and then be asked to go join your patreon.🤔
Wow!! A lot to think about here... I would love to go more minimalist but it seems a lot more daunting with 5 little kids! But this has given me some deep thoughts to work through... Thank you so much! And I totally love Essentialism also! His new book Effortless is also very good!
I've only got one kid rather than 5, but things that have helped me are 'how can I/we create rather than consume?' bulk cook and freeze, reciprocally share clothes, books and toys, and not over scheduling structured paid for activities or closed ended toys. Something to bear in mind though is your labour of doing the work of in sourcing your care, entertainment, food prep etc is also labour and has value and we each need to negotiate what things we need/want to pay for, what we can afford and what makes life worthwhile, what protects/supports your mental health, partnership/support networks etc
Tremendously inspiring !! I'm excited you are bringing back this series! It is how I originally found your other channel! Good luck xx
This is a very interesting approach, thank you for showcasing it!
It’s craft materials with me, I’ve got a room full of them but more always manage to catch my eye when I’m shopping. 😅
This was such an interesting video. I started a no buy plan a couple of months ago and it's definitely a challenge but I think I'm finally in the swing of what's important to me and what isn't. I spend a lot more time being creative and going for walks in nature and making progress towards my long term goals.
I’ve done No Spend Sept for a couple of years and loved doing it as reset to my spending habits. Though cuz work was super stressful I had to drop it this year since I literally did not having energy to make coffees in the morning and ended up getting takeout to make sure I ate, so I’ll be doing No Spend November.
For me, I want a healthy relationship with my money, so I do themed months where in January I donate to charities (January is a dry month for charities), March I try to revamp myself out of winter blues and do March Madness and try to do an activity every week (like go to an art gallery, see a ballet, etc). The themes aren’t geared towards money, but do involve my funds/ budget in some way or other (other than No Spend Sept).
While these kinds of challenges can be super useful and at times critical, it can also create an unhealthy relationship with money. Money isn’t worth anything if it isn’t used for things of value- and sitting in a bank account doesn’t gain that much value (especially with inflation) unless there’s a goal for that money. I def encourage others to do at least a No Spend month, but it should be a healthy, balanced experience.
Also Adobe is expensive af, I def encourage you to find free software. iMovie can get the job done and it’s free on apple products.
Yay. I love your idea and all the details you go into about possible things to eliminate or don't even start. I have been doing the same thing, to a lesser degree, for a while now. I think it started with Covid pandemic. It was very easy to not do some things because of hoping to avoid getting sick. I have been using up multiples of items, and sometimes not even replacing them. For me, mostly art supplies. The only things I buy now are glue, paints, not new shades, though, just white when I need it. Well, I could go on, but you get the idea. I loved your video and am inspired to keep on buying even less. Thanks!!
That sounds how most people live in southamerica. And it is not a bored life, because you find out what really matters, like for example making a picnic with your friends at the park is as funnier than going shopping.
We often have to abandon desires that are cultivated in our society, while other people from our same society dont have to. Individual ataraxia can help our whole society, and have a profound impact in ourselves as individuals, but perhaps can be more helpful along with awareness of structural societal issues about consumption, inequality and access.
Excellent! I am thinking of the first chapters of Thoreau’s Walden (the significance of which is often overlooked), as it deals with “Personal Economy.” In his own way, he reevaluates what it means to have private capital, and to what purpose we should be motivated to build and to dwell. As to avoid “quiet desperation,” I have tried to minimize my expenses, as well as to minimize my time spent consuming media. If I can emulate Thoreau, I will only be after the necessities of life. The superfluities will simply have no place.
Loved this video, really good idea for saving money. My favourite part of this video was at 13:53 ... excellent question.
Hobby items are the big one for me too. I don't have ADHD but I'm in a transitional phase from having nothing and taking care of OTHER people all the time, to living for myself and figuring out what I actually care about. So I've bought all kinds of different items to nurture myself and explore. But a lot of them end up on the shelf for months while I take on a million other interests, just because I never had that freedom before. I relate a lot with wanting to go through what is already there and get to "ground zero" before adding any more new things to the pile. It is actually overwhelming because there is so much that can be done but one person doesn't need to do it all!