I will go on a low buy. I have spent too much on clothes for the last few years. But the money is only one aspect for me. I want to change the space and mental energy shopping and obsessing over clothes (e.g. to buy or not to buy, what to buy, overthinking or regretting purchases...) takes in my life. This year I have already successfully cut my clothing budget in half. The upcoming year I want to stick with the reduced budget but also want to spend even less time overthinking it. My goal is to only consider buying something if I notice an actual gap in my wardrobe or if I find something that I will get immense amounts of wear out of (these often are not things we actually need, but are still worth it in the long run). Wish me luck. 😂
Best of luck!! You’ve got this!! I totally know the feeling on constantly thinking about the next thing to buy, and always onto the next one. It’s tiring! I think sometimes when we find something we TRULY love it’s kind of a no-brainer moment and we don’t need to spend too much time deliberating it because we just know it’s a good idea xx
Last year I did a no buy for 6 months. I've realized I don't need such a huge wardrobe working mostly from home since pandemic. And I was shopping mindlessly, it was kind of hobby. Now I'm not "officially" on low buy, but this year I've only bought 11 items so far. My shopping behavior has completely changed. Before I was always on a hunt for a bargain, now I only buy quality pieces which check all the boxes. I spend more on one item now, those are investment pieces, but probably even less in total. I put every item I've bought in an excel sheet, when it feels like I've got nothing, I look into it and feel grateful.
That’s great! I guess the goal is to be on an unofficial low buy, where your habits change and you just get used to shopping less. That’s my goal anyway 😊 x
I’m definitely doing a no buy in January, after that I would like to do low buy. I have a problem with a shopping addiction, it’s always clothes, makeup or books. I want to challenge myself in 2024 to not make any book purchases period because I have tons at home to read, and I only plan to make a clothing or makeup purchase if it’s absolutely necessary (if something gets used up or gets ruined). I’m really mad at myself with how I’ve spent money in the past
Best of luck with your January no buy! Please don’t feel mad at yourself, as you can see from the comments a LOT of us are in the same boat, unfortunately consumer society / advertising wants us to be shoppers and keep spending money and buying things we don’t need to it can be very tricky to not get sucked in by that. I could also do a with a no book challenge, still have lots to finish reading!! X
Haha oh I do the exact same when I watch other peoples videos but trying to make that part of my self-control challenge, see the things that intrigue me but not click any links or try find out where things are from 😊
I so enjoy how logical and rational your reply says! I am currently three weeks postpartum with my third baby; I decided to put a halt on purchasing clothing while my body is in recovery, and I wait to see how my shape has changed. I have so, so much clothing out in storage for every season and some different sizes so that will be where I shop! simultaneously, figuring out what I like, and what fits, what doesn’t, and doing some decluttering. I’m actually really looking forward to it! I’m tired of feeling overwhelmed by all this clothing storage. I have goals to fit it all into a designated space so that we have more room in our garage for projects. I also decided to work through all the skin care I currently have under my bathroom cabinet. I went ahead and tossed things that already expired, decluttering things I know I won’t use, and set up a plan of use. I need to use what I have before I buy anything more at all, because I have enough in every category! And that is my key phrase; I have enough. I will have a lullaby when it comes to home items, and I will be limiting how many times a month I allow myself to go to the thrift store because even secondhand, I have definitely overconsumed. Thank you for all of these wonderful tips and sharing your perspective!
That sounds like a great plan, it can be fun to ‘shop’ from your storage piles, especially if you have quite a bit to choose from. I get not wanting to add anything new while your body is changing. I have it in the back of my mind that I’ll want a baby soon and my body will change so anything I buy now is only really a temporary piece for me, so it doesn’t make sense to add anything at the moment. Who knows, even my style could change when I become a mum. I’m also trying to put a limit on homeware, as it’s too easy for me to switch my shopping habits from clothes to something else, usually homeware or stationary. Thank you for your comment lovely xx
I’m planning to do a no buy, I have a problem impulse buying food on my way home from work, sometimes it’s eating out, sometimes it’s popping into the grocery store to get a bag of apples, I go grocery shopping with family once a month and I’m going to limit my food budget to that and just cook more
They sound like great goals! I know how easy it can be to pick up some food on the way home from work when you’re hungry and just want something quick and easy. My plan is to meal prep more too to avoid this, and also bring more snacks to work so I don’t end up too hungry on my way home. X
I’m starting 2024 with low spend month so far I’ve been working on taking inventory of everything I have. My goal is to use what I have and sell what I don’t need. So I’m hoping for the best. Great video and informative content 🎉
This is such an interesting topic! I really want to try a a no buy month and then go on from there. Thank you for your tips!! You have such a calm voice, so listening to you was very relaxing 🤗
Thank you for your tips and inspiration! I'm doing a low buy year, and my main goal is to cut down on mindless and impulsive spending. My rules are mainly item specific, I think? Like regarding clothing, I've made a list of what I know I'll be needing to buy this year (a pair of sneakers this spring because my old ones are really worn out, a pair of shorts and a couple of t-shirts for the summer etc.), and apart from those items I'm only going to be replacing things that might tear or get worn out. I tend to buy more books than I have time to read, so this year I've decided to only buy books by a couple of my favorite authors whose books I'm collecting, otherwise I have to use the library or read the books I already have. When it comes to other hobbies, I can only buy yarn if I have a specific project in mind AND know I'm actually going to start said project within the next month or so, I can only buy a new jigsaw puzzle if I sell one of the ones I have etc. I have also started making meal plans for four weeks at a time and shopping for groceries monthly as well (instead of every other day like I used to).
That's a great plan to keep a list of items you feel you're lacking. You sounds like you have a really solid plan for you're no buy, best of luck with it!!x
I appreciate these tips. I'm considering doing a low buy year in 2024, with a twist. I'm going to give myself a (very) small allowance for nonessentials every month. If I want to buy anything nonessential that costs me more than that, I can do so ONLY IF I earn the money for it via a side hustle, rather than my regular job. I've been trying to get a side hustle going for a while now, but I've only been working on it "when I feel like it." I'm hoping this financial restriction will act as a motivation to take that endeavor more seriously. Then the reward (9:52) is built into the process itself.
That sounds like a great plan, I love it!! Well done you for going after your dreams too! You will definitely deserve the reward, you may even find you don’t want to spend all the money you make on non-essentials straight away. 🙌 best of luck with your side hustle!! I’m sure some day it’ll be way bigger than just a thing on the side xx
something I've found helpful in my low-buy is to allow myself certain small things. for instance, I am allowing myself to buy 2 purses (second hand/vintage only). So because I can only have 2, I cannot be impulsive, it has to absolutely be the perfect thing, or else its not worth the spot. Set limits for the number of certain items I am allowed to buy. clothing is pretty much a no-no (except for a couple of prized pieces saved on a special wish list), I am trying to limit clothing spending across the board for both financial and minimalizing reasons, but if I find the absolute perfect sweater that I just have to have, I need to decide if I like it enough to trade it in for 2 sweaters. 1 in 2 out rule. That wish list, previously mentioned is a small list of a few special items that bend the rule a little, like a specific vintage dress I've been holding out for. I think theres about 8 items on that list, using them as rewards for not spending, and to limit scrolling. I am hoping that nothing is going to be good enough to take the spot of best ____ and I can avoid the urge all together. I've really found it to work.
That sounds great! I agree, having small allowances can make it easier so you don’t end up feeling too much pressure to buy nothing and then go on a spending bender!! Little treats here and there help, especially when they’re considered purchases from a wishlist xx
I truly love when influencers set out on no buys. It's very inspiring. And these tips are so useful and awesome. But I just have to mention the elephant in the room. A NO BUY looks different for those of us are not influencers. We don't receive gifted items. While I completely understand needing to accept sponsorships for income, I think the no buy terminology is a bit of a stretch. I feel like it should be classified as a low buy.
That’s so true! I don’t really receive a lot of gifted items, and as part of my no buy I plan to be even more picky when it comes to receiving things from brands. Of course as it’s a job for me I can’t say no to every brand who wants to work with me. Part of the reason I want to do a no buy is to work on my shopping habits, so I still see it as not shopping, regardless of receiving items from brands. But as I mentioned a no-buy is going to look different for everyone. Some people may receive things as gifts still for birthdays etc and some people may agree to not get those things as gifts for the time being.
@@gemmaamclean Well said. I hope I didn't seem critical. I adore your style and all of your posts & videos. I just think that point always needs to be addressed for those of us that are longing to assemble a wardrobe as lovely as yours. ♥
I need to do a low buy in regards to eating out. I have developed quite a good "save my money and only buy things i will actually use" mental muscle. Most other categories if ive spent quite a bit it is either investing in items that i will have for decades, or has beem my clothes. I personally dont actually like shopping but have been in a transitional phase of "all my clothes are either worn out or not work appropriate" so ive been slowly replacing/adding pieces of higher quality (and price unfortunately). Still have some gaps and have actually made a very specific list of what im getting next year 😂 Need to get into a more consistent habit of making food at home, that is my biggest overspend area.
Me too! This is something that I want to add in early next year. I think with food it’s hard when you’re working and you’re tired and you just want to eat something yummy and not always have to cook!! 😂 That sounds like a really healthy way to fill the gaps in your wardrobe. X
@@gemmaamclean Definitely healthy, but even “slowly” over the course of a year added up to quite a bit when you include undergarments and shoes too 😅 (while I did splurge on one pair of shoes the other 3 were necessary, sigh)
@@ciannacoleman5125 I find the same, it can really accumulate! I’d love to try just shopping once each season and then not accumulate things so regularly. We’ll see after my year off how my habits change x
No buy 2024! I dont need anything! Except i do need to save money and pay off my car. I want to spend less time taking care of stuff and more time on my hobbies like art and hiking.
I’m the same, taking care of stuff and constantly tidying things is not a good use of time, would much rather enjoy my time. My plan is to have a declutter in January and then continue with reducing my clutter throughout my no buy year. Best of luck with yours 🙌 x
I totally get that with wanting to pick up souvenirs etc! If you find something you truly value it might be worth picking up versus “winning” at a no-buy, but also good to assess if it’s worth it or just impulse shopping. So easy to get caught up in souvenirs shopping in a new country! Whatever you decide though I’m sure you’ll do amazingly!! If you buy nothing then it’s just for this one trip and could be an amazing test for you xx
I wanted to do a no buy…I just picked up my car from a repair shop…almost a thousand dollars…but I am not buying anything non essential..maybe for months. My car is a 2000…and I have not spent a lot of money on it.
Oh noo! I guess some things are just necessary and sometimes un-plannable! But that’s also an investment in your car too. It’s like if something on my house broke I’d have to spend the money to repair it, but I guess that’s where repairs and replacements are allowed in my no buy. And necessities xx
Hey Dianne, it’s from RIHOAS, I’ve linked it below this video, you’ll also get a better look at it in full too ua-cam.com/video/EEkDhQQHcYI/v-deo.htmlsi=IgLOvF0EsnXqq4rx xx
I will go on a low buy. I have spent too much on clothes for the last few years. But the money is only one aspect for me. I want to change the space and mental energy shopping and obsessing over clothes (e.g. to buy or not to buy, what to buy, overthinking or regretting purchases...) takes in my life. This year I have already successfully cut my clothing budget in half. The upcoming year I want to stick with the reduced budget but also want to spend even less time overthinking it. My goal is to only consider buying something if I notice an actual gap in my wardrobe or if I find something that I will get immense amounts of wear out of (these often are not things we actually need, but are still worth it in the long run). Wish me luck. 😂
Best of luck!! You’ve got this!! I totally know the feeling on constantly thinking about the next thing to buy, and always onto the next one. It’s tiring! I think sometimes when we find something we TRULY love it’s kind of a no-brainer moment and we don’t need to spend too much time deliberating it because we just know it’s a good idea xx
Last year I did a no buy for 6 months. I've realized I don't need such a huge wardrobe working mostly from home since pandemic. And I was shopping mindlessly, it was kind of hobby. Now I'm not "officially" on low buy, but this year I've only bought 11 items so far. My shopping behavior has completely changed. Before I was always on a hunt for a bargain, now I only buy quality pieces which check all the boxes. I spend more on one item now, those are investment pieces, but probably even less in total. I put every item I've bought in an excel sheet, when it feels like I've got nothing, I look into it and feel grateful.
That’s great! I guess the goal is to be on an unofficial low buy, where your habits change and you just get used to shopping less. That’s my goal anyway 😊 x
I’m definitely doing a no buy in January, after that I would like to do low buy. I have a problem with a shopping addiction, it’s always clothes, makeup or books. I want to challenge myself in 2024 to not make any book purchases period because I have tons at home to read, and I only plan to make a clothing or makeup purchase if it’s absolutely necessary (if something gets used up or gets ruined). I’m really mad at myself with how I’ve spent money in the past
Best of luck with your January no buy! Please don’t feel mad at yourself, as you can see from the comments a LOT of us are in the same boat, unfortunately consumer society / advertising wants us to be shoppers and keep spending money and buying things we don’t need to it can be very tricky to not get sucked in by that. I could also do a with a no book challenge, still have lots to finish reading!! X
i feel like reading my own issues haha 😂
Reading atentively "... do a No Buy", than proceed to realize the smashing earrings and beautiful jacket you have on!😍Well, time to focus.
Haha oh I do the exact same when I watch other peoples videos but trying to make that part of my self-control challenge, see the things that intrigue me but not click any links or try find out where things are from 😊
I so enjoy how logical and rational your reply says! I am currently three weeks postpartum with my third baby; I decided to put a halt on purchasing clothing while my body is in recovery, and I wait to see how my shape has changed. I have so, so much clothing out in storage for every season and some different sizes so that will be where I shop! simultaneously, figuring out what I like, and what fits, what doesn’t, and doing some decluttering. I’m actually really looking forward to it! I’m tired of feeling overwhelmed by all this clothing storage. I have goals to fit it all into a designated space so that we have more room in our garage for projects. I also decided to work through all the skin care I currently have under my bathroom cabinet. I went ahead and tossed things that already expired, decluttering things I know I won’t use, and set up a plan of use. I need to use what I have before I buy anything more at all, because I have enough in every category! And that is my key phrase; I have enough. I will have a lullaby when it comes to home items, and I will be limiting how many times a month I allow myself to go to the thrift store because even secondhand, I have definitely overconsumed. Thank you for all of these wonderful tips and sharing your perspective!
That sounds like a great plan, it can be fun to ‘shop’ from your storage piles, especially if you have quite a bit to choose from. I get not wanting to add anything new while your body is changing. I have it in the back of my mind that I’ll want a baby soon and my body will change so anything I buy now is only really a temporary piece for me, so it doesn’t make sense to add anything at the moment. Who knows, even my style could change when I become a mum. I’m also trying to put a limit on homeware, as it’s too easy for me to switch my shopping habits from clothes to something else, usually homeware or stationary. Thank you for your comment lovely xx
I’m planning to do a no buy, I have a problem impulse buying food on my way home from work, sometimes it’s eating out, sometimes it’s popping into the grocery store to get a bag of apples, I go grocery shopping with family once a month and I’m going to limit my food budget to that and just cook more
They sound like great goals! I know how easy it can be to pick up some food on the way home from work when you’re hungry and just want something quick and easy. My plan is to meal prep more too to avoid this, and also bring more snacks to work so I don’t end up too hungry on my way home. X
I’m starting 2024 with low spend month so far I’ve been working on taking inventory of everything I have. My goal is to use what I have and sell what I don’t need. So I’m hoping for the best. Great video and informative content 🎉
That’s a great way to begin! Best of luck with it 🙌 x
This is such an interesting topic! I really want to try a a no buy month and then go on from there. Thank you for your tips!!
You have such a calm voice, so listening to you was very relaxing 🤗
Thank you lovely. A month is a great place to start as it can be a challenge but is also super achievable if you set your mind to it. Best of luck x
Thank you for your tips and inspiration!
I'm doing a low buy year, and my main goal is to cut down on mindless and impulsive spending. My rules are mainly item specific, I think? Like regarding clothing, I've made a list of what I know I'll be needing to buy this year (a pair of sneakers this spring because my old ones are really worn out, a pair of shorts and a couple of t-shirts for the summer etc.), and apart from those items I'm only going to be replacing things that might tear or get worn out. I tend to buy more books than I have time to read, so this year I've decided to only buy books by a couple of my favorite authors whose books I'm collecting, otherwise I have to use the library or read the books I already have. When it comes to other hobbies, I can only buy yarn if I have a specific project in mind AND know I'm actually going to start said project within the next month or so, I can only buy a new jigsaw puzzle if I sell one of the ones I have etc. I have also started making meal plans for four weeks at a time and shopping for groceries monthly as well (instead of every other day like I used to).
That's a great plan to keep a list of items you feel you're lacking. You sounds like you have a really solid plan for you're no buy, best of luck with it!!x
I appreciate these tips. I'm considering doing a low buy year in 2024, with a twist. I'm going to give myself a (very) small allowance for nonessentials every month. If I want to buy anything nonessential that costs me more than that, I can do so ONLY IF I earn the money for it via a side hustle, rather than my regular job. I've been trying to get a side hustle going for a while now, but I've only been working on it "when I feel like it." I'm hoping this financial restriction will act as a motivation to take that endeavor more seriously. Then the reward (9:52) is built into the process itself.
That sounds like a great plan, I love it!! Well done you for going after your dreams too! You will definitely deserve the reward, you may even find you don’t want to spend all the money you make on non-essentials straight away. 🙌 best of luck with your side hustle!! I’m sure some day it’ll be way bigger than just a thing on the side xx
@@gemmaamclean Thank you! I appreciate your encouragement.
something I've found helpful in my low-buy is to allow myself certain small things. for instance, I am allowing myself to buy 2 purses (second hand/vintage only). So because I can only have 2, I cannot be impulsive, it has to absolutely be the perfect thing, or else its not worth the spot. Set limits for the number of certain items I am allowed to buy. clothing is pretty much a no-no (except for a couple of prized pieces saved on a special wish list), I am trying to limit clothing spending across the board for both financial and minimalizing reasons, but if I find the absolute perfect sweater that I just have to have, I need to decide if I like it enough to trade it in for 2 sweaters. 1 in 2 out rule. That wish list, previously mentioned is a small list of a few special items that bend the rule a little, like a specific vintage dress I've been holding out for. I think theres about 8 items on that list, using them as rewards for not spending, and to limit scrolling. I am hoping that nothing is going to be good enough to take the spot of best ____ and I can avoid the urge all together. I've really found it to work.
That sounds great! I agree, having small allowances can make it easier so you don’t end up feeling too much pressure to buy nothing and then go on a spending bender!! Little treats here and there help, especially when they’re considered purchases from a wishlist xx
good tips I'm trying this in the new year for 1/2 year!
Best of luck! I’m sure you’ll smash it!!! 🙌
I truly love when influencers set out on no buys. It's very inspiring. And these tips are so useful and awesome. But I just have to mention the elephant in the room. A NO BUY looks different for those of us are not influencers. We don't receive gifted items. While I completely understand needing to accept sponsorships for income, I think the no buy terminology is a bit of a stretch. I feel like it should be classified as a low buy.
That’s so true! I don’t really receive a lot of gifted items, and as part of my no buy I plan to be even more picky when it comes to receiving things from brands. Of course as it’s a job for me I can’t say no to every brand who wants to work with me. Part of the reason I want to do a no buy is to work on my shopping habits, so I still see it as not shopping, regardless of receiving items from brands. But as I mentioned a no-buy is going to look different for everyone. Some people may receive things as gifts still for birthdays etc and some people may agree to not get those things as gifts for the time being.
@@gemmaamclean Well said. I hope I didn't seem critical. I adore your style and all of your posts & videos. I just think that point always needs to be addressed for those of us that are longing to assemble a wardrobe as lovely as yours. ♥
@@jacquelinea8224 not critical at all lovely, in fact you said it so well. I’ll definitely address this in the next no buy video ❤️
I need to do a low buy in regards to eating out. I have developed quite a good "save my money and only buy things i will actually use" mental muscle. Most other categories if ive spent quite a bit it is either investing in items that i will have for decades, or has beem my clothes. I personally dont actually like shopping but have been in a transitional phase of "all my clothes are either worn out or not work appropriate" so ive been slowly replacing/adding pieces of higher quality (and price unfortunately). Still have some gaps and have actually made a very specific list of what im getting next year 😂
Need to get into a more consistent habit of making food at home, that is my biggest overspend area.
Me too! This is something that I want to add in early next year. I think with food it’s hard when you’re working and you’re tired and you just want to eat something yummy and not always have to cook!! 😂 That sounds like a really healthy way to fill the gaps in your wardrobe. X
@@gemmaamclean Definitely healthy, but even “slowly” over the course of a year added up to quite a bit when you include undergarments and shoes too 😅 (while I did splurge on one pair of shoes the other 3 were necessary, sigh)
@@ciannacoleman5125 I find the same, it can really accumulate! I’d love to try just shopping once each season and then not accumulate things so regularly. We’ll see after my year off how my habits change x
Yup! Notebook addict, that's me😂
Notebook addict here 😄. Knowing is half the battle!
Keep up the good work ❤
Thank you 💜
Thank you for the inspiration! I want to also start a low buy year. The last few months I have been spending way too much and I feel bad.
A low buy is a great place to start, I know the feeling of feeling bad for spending more than I want to. Best of luck!x
No buy 2024! I dont need anything! Except i do need to save money and pay off my car. I want to spend less time taking care of stuff and more time on my hobbies like art and hiking.
I’m the same, taking care of stuff and constantly tidying things is not a good use of time, would much rather enjoy my time. My plan is to have a declutter in January and then continue with reducing my clutter throughout my no buy year. Best of luck with yours 🙌 x
I’m planning this for January but! I’m traveling to Thailand 🇹🇭 and nervous af 😬.
I totally get that with wanting to pick up souvenirs etc! If you find something you truly value it might be worth picking up versus “winning” at a no-buy, but also good to assess if it’s worth it or just impulse shopping. So easy to get caught up in souvenirs shopping in a new country! Whatever you decide though I’m sure you’ll do amazingly!! If you buy nothing then it’s just for this one trip and could be an amazing test for you xx
Ahh you will have an amazing time. All u need in Thailand is flip flops & a sarong!😜
I wanted to do a no buy…I just picked up my car from a repair shop…almost a thousand dollars…but I am not buying anything non essential..maybe for months. My car is a 2000…and I have not spent a lot of money on it.
Oh noo! I guess some things are just necessary and sometimes un-plannable! But that’s also an investment in your car too. It’s like if something on my house broke I’d have to spend the money to repair it, but I guess that’s where repairs and replacements are allowed in my no buy. And necessities xx
Where is your sweater from?
Hey Dianne, it’s from RIHOAS, I’ve linked it below this video, you’ll also get a better look at it in full too ua-cam.com/video/EEkDhQQHcYI/v-deo.htmlsi=IgLOvF0EsnXqq4rx xx
Sorry linked below this video ua-cam.com/video/pigoG-s5BuE/v-deo.htmlsi=uFKc_0zOkodXn-E0 xx