I know people feel differently about books and that's okay! But just had to add my perspective, whis is that an unread book is the BEST thing to own! I feel like unused skincare, makeup, clothes or fashion items are much more of a waste as they might expire/no longer fit over time, whereas unread books have no expiry date, and are patient sources of untapped potential for learning or fun just waiting for you to get to them whenever! (But yes I do still buy too many of them even for my standards and have included book limitations in my low-buy list for this year 😅)
Hi Gemma, I’ve decided to do a no buy/low buy for 2024. I’m not buying any new or second hand clothing or bags with the exception replacements if worn out or if due to weight loss and no other option available in that category. I’m doing replacement only shoes, makeup and skincare too. My low buy is accessories - I am allowing myself up to £ value for one item every quarter (eg costume jewellery, scarf, colourful socks) and if no spend in that quarter then the value can roll over to the next quarter, this is to allow me to have some creativity in my wardrobe and refresh my looks and hopefully keep me from breaking my other rules although I may get through the whole year without doing this at all but it gives me the option. In a bid to get sewing my own clothes again I am allowing myself to make clothing from my very small fabric stash and if I want any new fabric then I can buy it as part of my accessories/wardrobe refresh budget and only once a quarter so I have to plan. Although my focus is clothing I am also introducing new habits of one solo coffee out a week, I must read up my stash of books and then use the library and I am allowing myself experiences e.g. the cinema, the odd beauty treatment (not something I currently spend on so it would be occasional at best) or dining out if it is with friends or family. I’m really excited to see if I can do it and I’ll be watching along to see your progress too. Well done so far in your challenge! I hope you manage to do regular updates as these are very interesting and helpful.
I really like the idea of having a budget for accessories to keep things fun and fresh! Sounds like a great way to ensure you stick with your other spending bans. Keeping those experiences in your budget is great too when you can as they give so much more value than things. I’m planning to do the same. Like if my friend invites me for coffee I’ll probably go as it’s a coffee date rather than a solo coffee that feels more like a waste to me. So glad you’re enjoying the videos, hoping to have lots more on this topic as a way to update everyone but also keep myself accountable and have something to look back on for my self. Xx
Going to a Kindle saved me so much money. I thought I would miss holding the actual book but got over that fast. I still buy reference, photo, and information books in paper, but I read all novels on the kindle. They are significantly cheaper, and you can download a sample before you purchase it. So if you don’t like the first few chapters, you aren’t left with an unread book on the shelf.
Hi Gemma, I am doing a fashion low buy for 6 months as not tried this approach before. I was starting to purchase from Vinted almost weekly and I could see I was bringing things in that were wrong for my personal style. I have built a really edited down wardrobe and I am so pleased with it so decided a no buy would allow me to just wear what I have and enjoy what I have. Really enjoying your content on this topic as a guide.
Thanks for sharing, I am trying to do a low buy with clothes this year. I have 12 books I found which I had bought and not read, you are not alone in doing that. I am making myself read these first before buying more. Good luck with your goals and keep reporting on your success. 😇
I’m doing a year of no buy. Just finished January and it wasn’t too bad. I was able to save and also gift my son $ for his new apartment. It feels great. I feel in control.
So helpful!! I'm in a 2024 no buy right now, and my plan ist just for 6 month not to buy clothes, accessories, shoes, bags. Make up and stationary, coffe... is not a thing for me. I allow myself to buy (long wanted) things from a list. Cause I often shop second hand and than I have to take the opportunity. But I don't want to take the second hand shopping for an excuse to shop so much (its sustainable, its cheap...). Just, what I need and what is necessary... In two weeks I will be on holiday in a small town in the alps where I often was as a child and teen... If I find a hoodie from there its absolutely necessary to buy it😉😘
That sounds like a solid plan! I have definitely used shopping 2nd hand as an excuse to shop more in the past, it’s a slippery slope unless we catch ourselves. Intentionally shopping from a list is a great way to go, that will likely be how I shop after my no buy when it comes to clothing etc. Hope you have a wonderful holiday! I agree, sometimes souvenirs from our favourite places are a must xx
Thanks Gemma. Good goals. I'm working on this as well. Thank you for sharing your guidelines. I only buy foods I know I will eat. It helps with grocery shopping for a defined list. I only buy what is actually needed and used.
I’ve enjoyed using the digital yearly planner from the channel ‘how to gyst’. You end up with a nice record of the year as well as being able to use it for daily notes
That’s such a great goal! I haven’t decided yet how I’ll deal with buying fabric and making my own items. I think I will allow myself to if I’m committed to finishing the project. Not just buy fabric and then do nothing with it 😂
Hi Gemma I'm doing a no buy January and will continue with a low buy till the end of December.I have made my Green,Yellow and Red lists of items I am allowed or not allowed. Green list is for essential items such as food and toiletries . Yellow list for items such as nail appointments, hair cuts and household items.Red list for clothing, online clothing purchases,shoes, makeup, accessories and skin care products that are not replacements.
Hey Eleanor, I love the idea of a green/yellow/red list. That’s such a great way to organize your priorities! Best of luck with your year! I’m sure you’ll smash it 🙌 xx
I would really recommend using a library card. In my town it's free which is insane when you think about it. I look up specific books I heard about and often times my library has them. Or I just browse and get inspired. I never feel the need to buy books (except professional literature for work). Regarding "bringing my own lunch": A routine definitely helps, i. e. cooking enough so that I can bring leftovers. Also, the takeaway I can get at my workplace has motivated me to not do it too often. It is too expensive for what it is and mostly not even good (we only have a semi good bakery, a discount supermarket and a butchery - surprisingly, they do have vegetarian meals some days of the week, but of course it's not their area of expertise 😅).
You know I actually have a library just a short walk from my house, but I’ve put off joining since I moved here, not sure why!! I used to be a member of a library near my last place. Thank you for the reminder!! I’m mostly very good at bringing my lunch, but if I have a busy week I split up and eat in the canteen. They offer free lunch one day a week so it’s just too easy but it’s not the best food for me personally! Xx
@@chelseyhawkins8021 I pretty much do that with my makeup anyway as I don’t buy much of it. Harder done with clothing.. maybe call it project Rag.. wear til it becomes a rag 😂 xx
I don’t know where you live, but I’m in California, California and our library system allows for as many free audiobooks as you want. Although I have the strong will to want to buy physical books I like you I’m just listening to them on audio and going through all the physical books that I have in my house before I can buy another book.
This is a follow on video from my last one where I share some steps to hve a successful no-buy, and in this one I’m discussing my own guidelines in case they can be helpful for anyone. Setting guidelines also helps with having a successful no-buy. My previous video is here if you want to check it out ua-cam.com/video/b_CJ25WN2cw/v-deo.htmlsi=4IDCVlo3JNl_FUSW x
I know people feel differently about books and that's okay! But just had to add my perspective, whis is that an unread book is the BEST thing to own! I feel like unused skincare, makeup, clothes or fashion items are much more of a waste as they might expire/no longer fit over time, whereas unread books have no expiry date, and are patient sources of untapped potential for learning or fun just waiting for you to get to them whenever!
(But yes I do still buy too many of them even for my standards and have included book limitations in my low-buy list for this year 😅)
I totally agree with you!! Books never date which is why I end up hoarding them haha .. but I would also like to use them to their potential xx
Hi Gemma, I’ve decided to do a no buy/low buy for 2024. I’m not buying any new or second hand clothing or bags with the exception replacements if worn out or if due to weight loss and no other option available in that category. I’m doing replacement only shoes, makeup and skincare too. My low buy is accessories - I am allowing myself up to £ value for one item every quarter (eg costume jewellery, scarf, colourful socks) and if no spend in that quarter then the value can roll over to the next quarter, this is to allow me to have some creativity in my wardrobe and refresh my looks and hopefully keep me from breaking my other rules although I may get through the whole year without doing this at all but it gives me the option. In a bid to get sewing my own clothes again I am allowing myself to make clothing from my very small fabric stash and if I want any new fabric then I can buy it as part of my accessories/wardrobe refresh budget and only once a quarter so I have to plan. Although my focus is clothing I am also introducing new habits of one solo coffee out a week, I must read up my stash of books and then use the library and I am allowing myself experiences e.g. the cinema, the odd beauty treatment (not something I currently spend on so it would be occasional at best) or dining out if it is with friends or family. I’m really excited to see if I can do it and I’ll be watching along to see your progress too. Well done so far in your challenge! I hope you manage to do regular updates as these are very interesting and helpful.
I really like the idea of having a budget for accessories to keep things fun and fresh! Sounds like a great way to ensure you stick with your other spending bans. Keeping those experiences in your budget is great too when you can as they give so much more value than things. I’m planning to do the same. Like if my friend invites me for coffee I’ll probably go as it’s a coffee date rather than a solo coffee that feels more like a waste to me. So glad you’re enjoying the videos, hoping to have lots more on this topic as a way to update everyone but also keep myself accountable and have something to look back on for my self. Xx
Going to a Kindle saved me so much money. I thought I would miss holding the actual book but got over that fast. I still buy reference, photo, and information books in paper, but I read all novels on the kindle. They are significantly cheaper, and you can download a sample before you purchase it. So if you don’t like the first few chapters, you aren’t left with an unread book on the shelf.
Yea I think it would be great for novels! I usually try to have one fiction on the go at all times x
Hi Gemma, I am doing a fashion low buy for 6 months as not tried this approach before. I was starting to purchase from Vinted almost weekly and I could see I was bringing things in that were wrong for my personal style. I have built a really edited down wardrobe and I am so pleased with it so decided a no buy would allow me to just wear what I have and enjoy what I have. Really enjoying your content on this topic as a guide.
That sounds exactly like what I was doing on Vinted! So glad you’re enjoying it, lots more to come 😊
Thanks for sharing, I am trying to do a low buy with clothes this year. I have 12 books I found which I had bought and not read, you are not alone in doing that. I am making myself read these first before buying more. Good luck with your goals and keep reporting on your success. 😇
Best of luck with yours 🙌 thank you, I definitely will x
I’m doing a year of no buy. Just finished January and it wasn’t too bad. I was able to save and also gift my son $ for his new apartment. It feels great. I feel in control.
That’s amazing!! Xx
So helpful!! I'm in a 2024 no buy right now, and my plan ist just for 6 month not to buy clothes, accessories, shoes, bags. Make up and stationary, coffe... is not a thing for me. I allow myself to buy (long wanted) things from a list. Cause I often shop second hand and than I have to take the opportunity. But I don't want to take the second hand shopping for an excuse to shop so much (its sustainable, its cheap...). Just, what I need and what is necessary... In two weeks I will be on holiday in a small town in the alps where I often was as a child and teen... If I find a hoodie from there its absolutely necessary to buy it😉😘
That sounds like a solid plan! I have definitely used shopping 2nd hand as an excuse to shop more in the past, it’s a slippery slope unless we catch ourselves. Intentionally shopping from a list is a great way to go, that will likely be how I shop after my no buy when it comes to clothing etc. Hope you have a wonderful holiday! I agree, sometimes souvenirs from our favourite places are a must xx
I am currently in a no buy January and will see from there. Baby steps :) your makeup looks so pretty btw ♥️
You’ve got this!!! Thank you so much lovely xx
Thanks Gemma. Good goals. I'm working on this as well. Thank you for sharing your guidelines. I only buy foods I know I will eat. It helps with grocery shopping for a defined list. I only buy what is actually needed and used.
That’s a great strategy! I’m the same, I hate food waste, so usually just buy small shops at a time and finish everything before I go shopping again x
I’ve enjoyed using the digital yearly planner from the channel ‘how to gyst’. You end up with a nice record of the year as well as being able to use it for daily notes
Oh lovely, I’ll have a look into that one, thank you Rebecca xx
Finally, I ran into a non-American channel that isn't half an hour of nothing. Subbed!
Haha thank you 😂 I’m glad you find it helpful lovely xx
I’m also going to attempt a no buy year, but I’m planning to sew some clothes from materials I already have on hand.😊
That’s such a great goal! I haven’t decided yet how I’ll deal with buying fabric and making my own items. I think I will allow myself to if I’m committed to finishing the project. Not just buy fabric and then do nothing with it 😂
Hi Gemma I'm doing a no buy January and will continue with a low buy till the end of December.I have made my Green,Yellow and Red lists of items I am allowed or not allowed. Green list is for essential items such as food and toiletries . Yellow list for items such as nail appointments, hair cuts and household items.Red list for clothing, online clothing purchases,shoes, makeup, accessories and skin care products that are not replacements.
Hey Eleanor, I love the idea of a green/yellow/red list. That’s such a great way to organize your priorities! Best of luck with your year! I’m sure you’ll smash it 🙌 xx
I would really recommend using a library card. In my town it's free which is insane when you think about it. I look up specific books I heard about and often times my library has them. Or I just browse and get inspired. I never feel the need to buy books (except professional literature for work).
Regarding "bringing my own lunch": A routine definitely helps, i. e. cooking enough so that I can bring leftovers. Also, the takeaway I can get at my workplace has motivated me to not do it too often. It is too expensive for what it is and mostly not even good (we only have a semi good bakery, a discount supermarket and a butchery - surprisingly, they do have vegetarian meals some days of the week, but of course it's not their area of expertise 😅).
You know I actually have a library just a short walk from my house, but I’ve put off joining since I moved here, not sure why!! I used to be a member of a library near my last place. Thank you for the reminder!!
I’m mostly very good at bringing my lunch, but if I have a busy week I split up and eat in the canteen. They offer free lunch one day a week so it’s just too easy but it’s not the best food for me personally! Xx
Also try to * Project pan * stuff too🎉
*Project pan:means to try to use up all your stuff and not to buy new stuff in the process*❤
@@chelseyhawkins8021 I pretty much do that with my makeup anyway as I don’t buy much of it. Harder done with clothing.. maybe call it project Rag.. wear til it becomes a rag 😂 xx
I don’t know where you live, but I’m in California, California and our library system allows for as many free audiobooks as you want. Although I have the strong will to want to buy physical books I like you I’m just listening to them on audio and going through all the physical books that I have in my house before I can buy another book.
I’m based in London, but I have heard that before, I must look into it at my new local library. Thank you! X
Me: no fast food. No crafting supplies. No reenactment stuff. No Amazon. I'm trying to make a dent in my credit card bills.
Oh I definitely should have included crafting supplies in mine 😂
Hello gemma your so beautiful ,, thanks for information ❤
Thank you so much lovely xx
You don’t really explain how to do it though! You are stating things you won’t be buying .
This is a follow on video from my last one where I share some steps to hve a successful no-buy, and in this one I’m discussing my own guidelines in case they can be helpful for anyone. Setting guidelines also helps with having a successful no-buy. My previous video is here if you want to check it out ua-cam.com/video/b_CJ25WN2cw/v-deo.htmlsi=4IDCVlo3JNl_FUSW x