Thank you for the update. Casey calls this phenomenon "death by a thousand paper cuts." Even when it doesn't throw you out of budget to spend 5, 10, 20, even 100 dollars here and there - you get to the end of the month and there's NOTHING left and little to actually show for it. I love your approach and need to work to change my 'instant gratification' mode. Thanks for the inspiration.
I run into this when I buy stuff on Amazon a lot! I try to limit myself to one or two Amazon orders per year so I just add stuff to cart over a span of months, then when it's finally time to make the purchase I look at the total cost and I'm suddenly like oh it turns out I don't need any of it
I do the same! A website like Amazon that has multiple categories allows you to build a cart across different needs, and by the end you can truly reckon and pick the ones you truly need and desire, staggered against each other.
Yesss this is always my shopping tactic! I’ll randomly add things to my wishlist, but when it comes time to actually spend the money I’m like “oop nope I don’t actually want to spend that money” lolol
Important lesson to learn: many small purchases really add up! Spending just $14 a day adds up to over $5,000 a year (and just $27/day is almost $10k/year!)
This-speaking as someone who never signed up for cable, and saved perhaps $50,000 over the years. Same with making my own hot beverages, packing lunch, and so forth. Even a dollar a day is $365-. My issue was more so self deprivation, not spending. Now the money is there. The issues I do still deal with are bringing the not-quite-what-I- want things into my home, letting go of clutter, and spending too much time browsing. The clutter became a problem after I had to leave my home and let go all my belongings due to a mold issue.
Whoa. This is big. Reminds me of that saying, "How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time." Still an elephant...just now you are tackling it in one bite!
I think you exchanging Friday night for Sunday night sounds smart and reasonable. Friday night has an excitement to it, that the weekend has begun. Sunday night has the distinct feeling that the weekend is basically over. You're totally right.
Yes, This! Starting Friday evening (which I really do consider part of the weekend) makes the treat of shopping indulgence part of the joy of the weekend break. And stopping after Sunday afternoon allows for an unhurried, but responsible turning in early for a good night's sleep to start the week on a positive note.
I came here to say the same thing! Sunday night feels like a sacred time to wind down and prepare for the week ahead. Whereas Friday feels like go time!
Multiple thoughts. It's so, so helpful to see you model a self-knowing and self-caring method to change one's behavior. Kindness balanced with truthfulness and accountability - yes! Second, concentrating/reducing your shopping and research time is reducing your sunk cost into putative purchases making it easier to see their true financial cost clearly. This is the same dynamic that drives car salesmen to drag out your time at the dealership. Each minute you spend contemplating a purchase increases the probability you'll spend the money. The high pony? Love it!
this is kind of fascinating as someone who lives almost paycheck to paycheck - at first I was like "ohohoho imagine having so much money that you can spend it in dribs and drabs instead of all at the start of the month to replace the thing with the most holes", but then I remembered that my 1st of the month shopping spree serves the exact same purpose. I used to spend a little bit every day and then by the 15th i'd be completely broke and surprised as to how it happened again 😬
I hate how relatable and accurate to my experience this video is 😭😂 I followed this exact methodology along with you and realized the same thing. The 2nd week, my spending cut in HALF! Even more than that, I realized I actually don’t even enjoy the research process *that* much when I previously thought that was the core of what brought me joy in shopping. Worse yet, the doorman and concierge at my building commented “miss, you aren’t getting as many packages recently, we miss seeing you!” Lol 😭 To growth! 🥂
Unrelated to this topic (which I always appreciate your perspectives on!) but seeing this video reminded me to check the status of your poetry book that I requested my local library purchase. I was happy to see that it has been ordered and will be available in the library in Edinburgh, Scotland soon!
Same same same! When it’s time to shop I don’t even want to. Only doing the online shopping on the weekends helped so much! I also cut down on Social Media time and unfollowed lots of people on yt and Instagram. I actually get kinda annoyed now when anybody is doing consumption based content.
I believe I mentioned I was doing a "no buy" year except for necessities ( food, meds for my cat(!), going out to eat once in a while, things I run out of), and I've ended up saving about $300 per month the past two months. When I get the urge to buy, go and look at what I actually own, and talk myself out of it. Knowing I have extra money in the bank is the biggest incentive. You are doing great!
I use Trello to organize pretty much everything, so I created a board on there just for makeup, and if I am considering an item of makeup it goes on that board. But since I rarely look at this board It’s amazing how rarely I buy anything on that list! Just knowing I have put it somewhere calms me, and it also helps me when I review the list and see how many things SEEMED important at the time but I no longer care about.
I started a no buy at the beginning of the year, and I found February to be really difficult! It's my birthday month and I did spend some of the money that was gifted to me by a family member on a lipstick. I justified it in the moment by saying that because the money was a gift it "didn't count" or that I would have accepted the gift had they purchased the lipstick for me instead of giving me cash, etc. etc. But I absolutely experienced the tummy ache after the sweet treat, and it's strengthened my resolve for the months ahead.
Following this channel has been really good for me because it’s just the reminder that you don’t have to buy everything that strikes your fancy right now. Or at all. Like my current stuff, some of which is ideal and some of which isn’t for one reason or another, works. And replacing it isn’t an emergency. And the replacements may or may not even be that much better.
Sounds like you could benefit from using Jewish days for your project, where instead of the transition between days being at midnight, it's at sundown. So the weekend is effectively from sundown on Friday night to sundown on Sunday night. I love this concept because it keeps me in practice of spending my evenings setting up morning me for success and staying connected to the environment's energy signals. Wonderful learnings from this project so far!
This is also a traditional Celtic thing. It is why Samhain/Halloween was considered the Celtic New Year, starting at the dark of the year rather than the dawning of Spring or midwinter.
Here's my revelation that I came to over the last few years. I love scrolling online and spending hours creating wishlists, but I never buy anything. I will find every reason to not checkout. However, the moment I walk into a store and see/hold an item, it comes with me. I spent $150 at a Walmart (and I do NOT like walmart) this past weekend because I found myself bored in between appointments. Now I'm stuck with subpar quality and items I have no need for...
Ha I’m the opposite. Shopping online almost doesn’t feel real to me so I’m way more inclined to overspend on a pair of athletic pants or a beautiful blouse, but if in person I saw a $120 blouse, I wouldn’t even consider it. And I think this is largely due to the power of styling/photography! It makes it so much easier to visualize myself/my ideal life when a model is wearing that same garment.
@sarahruns262 I agree. Somehow, writing a check or plopping down the credit/debit card in person makes the purchase more real and immediate. Shopping online is by comparison painless and bloodless until the item and later the cc bill or the shipping invoice/receipt.
I'm a mix of both 😂 Online, I whittle down carts ruthlessly in order to spend "less", but I suffer from some type of "seeing" bias, cuz I would've save a $100 in one cart, but after that cart has gone to checkout, I may end up spending the saved $100 elsewhere or on the same site too,within the month! 😂 In person, I find it easy to just buy the first things that catch my eye + the shop assistant pressure, but once I've already spent in one shop, I am reluctant to open my wallet again 😅
I have a heating pad recommendation! My mom made a small pillow filled with rice (maybe 9 by 4 inches?) and she made a fleece cover for it. I put it in the microwave for a few minutes and it is amazing for neck pain! Also, I want you to know that you inspired my first no buy two years ago and it was life changing! Thank you for sharing your insights and musings! 💕
Just now finishing month 4 of the no-buy. I wrote very detailed rules for myself before it started (thanks to your advice) and I’m glad I did because my little monkey brain definitely likes to look for loopholes. It’s crazy to watch brain try to rationalize a purchase. It’s almost comical at this point. I’ve had to add a few more rules because of this. I also finally decluttered my clothes and it is WILD to open my drawers and closet and just see the things I love without having to dig through a bunch of BS. It’s brought my a little joy every day ❤. One thing I didn’t anticipate is the amount of money you spend just on replacements! I’m not trying to spend as little as possible, but I didn’t think I would be spending this much on things within my rules. So interesting. I know you started a budget for yourself after your no-buy and I’m tentatively planning on doing something similar, but I could see that budget being blown to pieces in replacements alone as it stands.
@@aoifecalderon383 Yes! I have also found myself looking for more high end replacements as well. My brain is like, well, if I can't get the dopamine by buying a large amount of stuff, I'm going to get dopamine by buying the fanciest stuff. Ugh
I’d love a nitty gritty video on what you did buy, or examples, to see the thought process behind what made it through. I think that would be helpful as a guide to making better shopping choices. We didn’t identify these purchases in the past as "impulse purchases", bc we spent the time researching the item - but in a way they could still be an impulse (or something we didn't get as much use out of, a.k.a. the blue sweater from your recent fashion video). So I’d love to know more! It’s been the most effective way to spend less, even though I too started it to save time/stop procrastinating.
Belts are one of the easiest and cheapest things to thrift! Stores around here just price them all couple bucks each without considering quality or brand. Men's section also slaps for belts.
I'd say do whatever you have to do to guard your sleep. Six PM Friday to 6PM Sunday as "the weekend" makes sense, especially since screens are involved. I have a no screens after 8 rule every night of the week, and try to move that back to an earlier time on week nights. Some of my friends do no screens after 6, and when I do that I admit my sleep scores are higher per my Fitbit. If sleep deprivation leads to feeling sorry for oneself, which leads to breaking one's contract with oneself, well, we see where to begin. As for low-buys, I'm cutting myself off from new audiobooks until I've finished a lot more of the ones in my TBR pile. If you don't use screens after 6 or 8, that means switching to audio if you're a big reader.
"consumerism-as-productivity" really hit me 😭 I wonder why your friends didn't think that the time you spent researching counted as busy. It's still time spent, after all 🤷
Right? I figured it was mostly as simple as not leaving the house for "a purpose" that inevitably meant spending money, and thus having something to show for it held more weight than getting things done around the house. Like one is Important Busyness and the other busywork, you know?@@kathydodge8028
You may not remember this during your year of "less stuff" but I do because it changed my brain chemistry 😮 You said if you really want something, wait a few days or even a week. The desire for that thing will very often decline over time. And after a week, you will have 1) saved money 2) not have something that will languish in a drawer or closet and eventually be decluttered and 3) you will feel strong, proud, and accomplished. That's essentially what you are doing by delaying the buying to the weekend. It amazes me how we have to learn some lessons more than once, in new ways, as we grow. Good job, Hannah!
You’re so self aware and articulate about this. Very helpful to hear spelled out! My reasons for giving up my thrifting hobby during Lent this year are very similar. No shame, but keep this hobby in its place! And I plan to donate the money I save to a special charity.
This video totally convinced me to try this! It feels deeply related to something I have been thinking a lot in terms of the social media economy, particularly how it is entirely run on ads and personal data and how that is related to the maxim that something you actually *need* doesn't need to be advertised to you. This feels like a great way to continue to separate the proverbial need-wheat from the want-chaff, almost like a 301 version of your previous thinking on the topic. Love it.
Thnx for your update! Shopping was becoming a full time job for me. Researching, tracking, returning items, etc. There are 2 ways that I curb my spending: #1 is looking back on how much I’ve spent in the past couple years on clothes, bags, skincare and makeup. OMG way too much! I keep that $ total on my calendar with a reminder to STM! (stop the madness!). And #2 I keep a running wish list. I can pick an item or 2 a month to buy and postpone the rest. That way I’m really more conscious of my choices instead of impulsively shopping.
Edit: Julia Hungry just arrived to her new home in Germany. I am very excited to start reading *** This reminds me of my „Black Friday list”. I make a list throughout the year of big things that I would like to purchase on Black Friday. This is usually electronics, vacuum cleaner, steamer, iron, some new device like NU Face micro current… But on Black Friday, when I see how much that costs all together, I take a look and start prioritizing. This is why I still have my old vacuum cleaner and NU Face was kicked out of the list for the last 5 years. The truth is, I have money to buy it all but just seeing how much that costs together gives me a different perspective. Through that lens I see better what is absolutely necessary and what can wait until next November (or until is broken beyond repair).
It reminds me of when you talked about shopping a Sephora sale for example, and only spending $200 online, then going into the store and only spending $200 and feeling good about it - two different experiences and transactions- while reflecting that you certainly would have balked at spending the $400 at once. A very insightful lesson indeed 🙏🏼
On recommendation I have: Go to your online banking statement and categorize your purchases! After starting this, I now have data that I can reference to see how much of the pie is going to housing, shopping, auto expenses, etc. Very eye opening!
i’ve tried switching from shopping / browsing to pintrest (when i want to just idly scroll through my phone although that’s a separate issue i’m working on) because i think what i’m really after when i’m online shopping is inspiration or something to scratch that ~personal aesthetics~ itch.
Oh gosh the first observation is so spot on. I’ve said for years that I don’t shop that much compared to the volume of stuff I actually look at, and because of that attitude I always felt like I was managing myself well because I only bought a fraction of what I browsed. It makes total sense that even though I constantly felt constrained (in the sense that I felt the exertion of effort to keep myself from buying things all the time), caving even a tiiiiny bit of the time would keep from having any spare money for savings by the end of the month.
I think this is the same principle/tip you gave during your no buy year about shopping a sale and placing a single order and facing that total dollar amount vs splitting it up across multiple orders. It's all connected. Maybe you should revise those tips and make a video about how many of those would apply to the current project as well :)
I wonder, reading your comment, how much taking these up as projects as opposed to a new way of acting means, any lessons learnt or tips identified are isolated to such self-contained projects instead of just being part of your life from that point.
I too had the distraction issue and spent time flowing from one deep dive internet search to another....mine being perfume and makeup....Since your first video, I too have been doing this research and wishlisting only on the weekends. And more importantly, watching TH-cam vids about perfume and makeup ONLY on the weekends..if a new vid pops up that I want to see i add it to my "Watch Later" playlist for Friday night. I have to say, by the time Sunday afternoon rolls around, I feel like I've overeaten and actually stop watching, so I agree with you, Sunday night I'm back on the wagon. It's been great. And when I look at my wishlist and all the Shopping Carts I feel I'm better able to judge what I really want right now, which is worth the price, what I really need etc. And I feel so much more in control of my brain ease, my precious work time, etc. It's been great. And you're so right, when you see all the "Carts" all together boy oh boy does that $$$ add up, rather than "I'll just buy this today" and then the next day "Oh, it's just this.." and then at the end of the month....sigh. Love these check ins! Thank you, Hannah
I pretty much already fell off the wagon researching and buying vintage clothing off eBay. When I remembered that I’m joining you on this shopping behavior journey, I’d stop myself. But, I often find myself completely forgetting!. I have better things to do with my time and money, so I’m not giving up.
This year I started to track all my purchases (groceries etc included) in an excel sheet (1 sheet per month) - I also list the items I would like to buy that month, which gives me so much more mindfulness for what I buy. Also I save pictures of my "luxury" items (clothes & jewelry) to see at the end of the year what my consumption on that was and what really lasted me, since I tend to sell stuff after a while.
For the warmer, you can make a new case and reuse the buckwheat. I’ve done this several times. Buy an upholstery grade cotton (many pretty patterns available, even at the thrift store) and prewash/iron it to remove any coatings. It’s the simplest rectangle if you still have your sewing machine and you can customize the color/print/shape.
This just inspired me to do once a month Amazon order. I have a major issue with me spending way too much on Amazon. It’s mostly household items but still a lot. Thank you very much !
This is genius! I am guilty of procrastination online browsing everyday. Totally going to implement this. It's almost like intermittent fasting but with shopping.
Miraculously I've been purchasing much less and the last two times I noticed the buzz I used to get from shopping hasn't been there. I've enjoyed it but not had that purchasing high I always had before. I've also been able to let go of more things from my overcrowded home because tracking my spending has made me realise I can afford to replace small things later if I realise I've made a mistake in donating a particular thing. I never would have believed I could be in this situation a year ago. I'm so pleased with my progress. I'm glad you're having success too
I can relate with you quite a bit. I employ similar tactics with my shopping. Even for the grocery store. I am so prone to crave the dopamine rush, and have needed to develop self discipline as well as certain checks and balances to stay on track.
I totally recommend getting a little cherry pit pillow or "snake" as a heating pad! They can be chilled or microwaved and you could even make it a fun project picking out fabrics and sewing one up.
I have started tracking how much I am spending on craft supplies (stamps, stencils, paints, mixed media) which has been an issue for me since I discovered art journaling during Covid. Having it written down on paper has been shocking. When you are spending 20 here and 30 there it doesn’t seem so much but once it’s added up, even on a weekly basis, it adds up fast!! This change is thanks to your content, so … thank you ❤ for helping me spend less money and change my shopping behaviours
Definitely. I’m an artist and we spend so much on supplies. In school we spent so much more than textbooks. You may want to research recycled art supply places that have misc items donated that can be used for crafting like paints, fabrics , beads, etc. Though that’s more crafting vs drawing, painting.
@@P-Funk69 couldn’t agree more! I try to get supplies off FB marketplace, garage sales, second hand stores and the like! There’s a lady in my area who has half a basement of craft supplies she sells from estate sales and such so once and awhile I’ll stop by her place also, a third of the price or cheaper than buying new. And sometimes the stuff is new.
In a recent desire to shop items going out of season, those last clearance bits, I encouraged my partner to clean out his side of the closet. I scored a sweet mens flannel button down shirt to bring me into spring ❤ He decluttered many items also!
Omg those "undulating waves of time going down the drain" FELT. Let me just say I'm tasting those ashes, too. Thanks so much for this clear, well-articulated close look at your habits (time, money, dopamine). Something in my ADHD brain clicked watching this, and I can tell already that June is going to be a successful low-buy month for me using this method.
This year I decided to spend half as much as I did last year on clothes. It wasn't a ridiculous amount, but adding up ALL my wardrobe purchases up really made me see how much money I could save by being even more intentional. I'm feeling so inspired by your challenge, like you say, for me it's just on the edge of what's possible for me to do. Molding new habbits definitely isn't a comfortable process, but it's worth it. Knowing I'm not bringing in tones of new items into my home (no matter how well researched or ethical they are!) gives me so much peace of mind. Thanks Hannah 💙👗
I have been on a crusade to simplify my life and your channel was a recent find that has really helped me crystallizing what that might look like for me. I don't wear much make up, the little I do wear, I make myself. Same with skin care and personal care products. So hadn't it been for somone mentioning your wardrobe experiments, I might have missed your awesome channel all together. I'm afraid that many people who might really enjoy your content,need it even, might be missing out because the "beauty and fashion" tags are not grabbing their attention. Perhaps it'd be good to add tabs that let people know that you also have excellent content on the process of simplifying life. Your breaking down the process, documenting your evolution and the thoughts and observations are incredibly valuable and helpful. Thank you again for everything you share.
Can you start sharing your monthly purchases? As an OG subscriber I appreciate the HLP greatest hits-- your monthly favorites was always one i looked forward to ❤️
I have started putting my "spending money" in a separate account. What's left in my main account is for bills, food, transport etc. When I want to buy something I check that account and realise I don't really want to see that number go down and it's bringing me much more joy seeing how much I've saved. When I do buy something I usually regret it later when I see that the pot isn't as full. Its really strange but helping me buy a lot less!
Thanks for this update! I need to follow the weekday no browse rule. I recently realised the same thing. So many little things, unnecessary but technically reasonable. Cheap enough to buy without really thinking. They they all add up. I realised I want my money to go to things I REALLY want rather than “meh” items. I’ve had to start asking myself what do I really need that I don’t already “kinda” have. Little things don’t get me excited either so why spend couple of hundreds there? I deffo spent the LEAST I’ve ever spent in a month before when I tackled this.
Great film, I like listening to you on any topic, and I am very glad that there is more content like this that help people manage their buying behaviours. I think I might try this challenge too :)
I have been contemplating this since you uploaded. I don’t think there is anything wrong with searching for an item you will keep for many years. I am 53 and still have clothes from 30 years ago, because I LOVE them. You should never settle! I’ve always had my own aesthetic, and having things that were carefully chosen makes me feel good in my own skin. As a creative type, I try to surround myself with only things that express who I am. That being said, I do spend too much time on phone, but that’s time I used to search all over the city for exactly what I wanted. I might actually shop less now, than I used to before smartphones, etc. As always, thank you for your insights, wisdom and candor! I always look forward to your thoughtful approaches on life ;-)
Thank you so much for sharing this project and revelations with us-this video has convinced me to start doing my own similar project. I don’t want to be spending as much money as I am and I certainly don’t want to be spending the amount of time browsing that I am. I’m excited to enact change in this way!
My Nan made all of the buckwheat heating pillow situations I’ve ever come in contact with in my life, usually out of worn out flannelette pyjamas, so it blows my mind to consider purchasing one - how funny
*taking notes for how to maybe resume shopping after my no-buy year* Also, one of my new procrastination tactics these days instead of shopping or browsing is going to my wardrobe app and putting together outfits/fantasy looks out of clothes I already have! Love these videos as always!
@amygregg1658 I use SmartCloset just because it was free and available a few years ago when I started recording my wardrobe, has calendar and cost per wear, etc...but I've seen a lot about a new app called Indyx that I think I'm going to try out for a Spring Capsule Wardrobe--my first try at one of those--and then I'll have a comparison experience! I might even clumsily record my spring capsule in a youtube video too but I'm still new here, so it's kind of daunting 👀 😬
@celucero2 yeah it really helps that it's in many ways similar to online shopping...but now the next challenge is being even more intentional with my screen time 😅
Are you me? Lol 😂 Thank you so much for sharing this! I think a lot of people, especially women, struggle with online shopping. It's so tempting because it's right at our fingertips. Setting boundaries is so important 🙏 I really like your weekend only rule and how it helps spread out your decision making and spending. I find that I do a very similar thing, procrastinate browse, but then I force myself to just put it in a tab window and save it for a later time to process.
This is my favorite revelation of yours so far, because THIS is where my brain gets stuck! I can slow the browsing, I can save the money, I can contemplate the needs... but once I've allowed myself to purchase my "list," it doesn't matter how BIG the purchase will be, I am always soooo excited to do it! Whether it's one cart that's hundreds of dollars, or a few different carts that add up to a few hundred, my brain will always see that as an exciting event/reward/gift to myself. Watching that money leave my bank doesn't even phase me. And the way you've verbalized it has just made it so clear for me. Now I understand what part of my shopping obsession I need to focus my rehabilitation on. Thank you for being so vulnerable with us in this years long process, Hannah. You're helping more than you realize
The browsing addiction.... It is sooo me. I am way better than in the past but this is really interesting to reflect upon. I am considering to apply the same rule, weekend shopping seems good. I am a bit of a thrifter and FOMO is strong when I am obsessed with something, but I think it is a very manageable take for this. I will do a low buy March. It will go well with my plans for spring. Pray for me.
The Sephora sale has the same effect for me. I save everything I want or need in my cart until sale time. When the sale starts, the risiculousness of the $ and quantity becomes evident. I end up getting the necessary staples only to minimize the damage.
I love this approach! Definitely adding this to my shopping habits 🙌 currently doing a no buy for fashion but for everything else I seem to spend money without even realizing how much I’m accumulating
Yeah, I get it. When I know I need something and I need to research and take pics or screenshots on my phone to do the research at a later time and I forget all about to find it at a later time and ask myself why I didn’t buy what I set aside to? It is part of the no thing too. No looking, no shopping and do I really need this. Love your consumer side of life videos. Helps me understand the relationship we all have with shopping the way our today’s society thinks and behaves.
Received your book today and now need to set aside “quiet” time to digest a few poems at a time❤ Really looking forward to reading poetry again, and in particular, your writing😘
i haven't had the kind of budget to spend on any non-essential shopping for some years now, so i kind of learned the same lesson the hard way. like when clothing became essential shopping because my body changed and one half of my wardrobe didn't fit anymore and the other half started to fall apart from extensive and increased wear. timing the research and purchase in a way that gave me the best options was quite a struggle, but your videos on choosing the right pieces helped me soooo much 🙏🙏🙏 since my experience was only about clothes, i only had to use 2-3 sites/carts but the instinct to put everything in there and then analyse, compare and prioritise came quite naturally. probably because i'm terrible at maths and appreciate shopping carts giving me the sums in real time 😊 funnily enough i got the same positive effect which you describe in this video: having this actual need to buy something i also enjoy buying, motivated me to really hold money back these last two months and it showed me that i do actually have a small regular budget if i really want to. anyways, thanks for sharing these insights that have such wholesome and positive effects, giving consumers back their agency by leading the way. finding identity and community in making the world a better place for future generations ❤❤❤
I really could not do a no-buy to save my life. I have a bunch of rules now tho! Last month I implemented a no online shopping rule AT ALL after anxiety depoping and wasting money on stuff I won't want once it arrives and this month I've decided to thrift only once in a month. That's been helping a lot to be sustainable! Baby steps!
I've been doing the same thing 😂. I'm going to try your NEW method with the hope of curbing my spending, especially since I just retired 7 months ago. Thank you for sharing your wisdom ❤
At the beginning of the year I set out to do 6-months of No-Buy throughout the year. I tried in both January and February and didn't make it but am very excited to start a-new for March! I've stopped sleeping with my phone since I'm an earlier morning shopper. I did successfully complete a month of No-Buy this summer, using your playlist as my accountability buddy. One of the most powerful things I've ever done on my healing path. Appreciate your work here!
I realise as l hear you talk this is exactly how l shop. Put everything in the cart & leave it there for days/weeks then realise how expensive it is, leave it or better yet have it sell out. Problem solved! Sometimes l commit & know it's well thought out. My Nanna would always say "look after your pennies & the pounds will take care of themselves" ❤
Very interesting insights as always, Hannah. Last year I did a no buy and this year is a low buy. I found myself “binging” in January as if just off a major diet and had to reassess this month. So my strategy has been to review all my purchases on Saturday (we use 2 credit cards for purchases, one being our Amazon prime card). Doing this keeps me on track with my budget so that I’m not ignoring purchases until a month afterwards and the dreaded bill comes in. I’m also paying off the credit card bill weekly (we put our groceries and other purchases on one card so I get points). This is helping me stay honest with what I’m spending… I’m also trying to wait until the weekend to do my browsing since then I know if I’ve stayed on track for that week’s budget. I like what you’ve uncovered - that if you just wait, those impulse purchases no longer have their shine and it’s easy to remove from cart.
I love this series. I can very much relate. I feel like I’ve reached the same place in which you were at in the beginning of the year and can understand this challenge.
I use my carts as a kind of bookmark for items and it's overwhelming because I go add stuff when I'm stressed and need a break to procrastinate even if I don't end up buying most of the items in them. Started going thru them and deleting anything with a "nah" vibe the moment you mentioned your "buy all at once" tactic. They were super empty and boring by the time your video ended in the other tab haha, thanks! Also I noticed I tend to add items that go together, like, 3 makeup brushes that go well together, but when I knocked out one of them they didn't feel like a set anymore and it was easier to get rid of the others.
Omg… I thought I was fine with the “wishlist and wait” strategy but you’re really highlighting the problem that we are using this browsing time as a procrastination tactic and a distraction from what we legitimately NEED to be doing, like working. I will admit that at heart, I am truly a procrastinator! Send help 😂
There is something that I can relate to in this video, and something to keep in mind. I am in the midst of a career change and wrapping up a diploma for that. This year my focus is on stress management, in that I am actually actively managing my stress. Your thought of, maybe not shopping or researching Sunday evening relates to my evenings in general, where I stop using screens an hour before bed and really being mindful of time, and how much of it I need to complete tasks and how I want to fill it. The takeaway is, in this career change I haven't been working and only recently started to job search. So I have barely been spending money, and of course I am looking forward to having spending money again. Yet! Your realization of how much you are saving, that is a great takeaway for me. A great mindset to have once I can budgeting and buying again, do I actually need this, and looking at the bigger, financial, picture. And when I need something, or decide I actually want something, to enjoy it.
After my no-buy year in 2022, I made plans that the first Saturday in January 2023 I would wake up, have a leisurely morning with a coffee and very intentionally buy myself one beautiful thing (the babaa sweater you made that great video about). There was something that felt so good about the intentionality and careful consideration of the whole experience -- not just what I was buying, but when (during the sale) and how I was doing it (when I wasn't stressed or trying to make myself feel better through shopping). This video is reminding me of how good that felt. I think even one Saturday morning each month is all the shopping I need for beautiful things that aren't replacements.
This may be a basic rec, but my favorite go-to heat pack is the $15 ThermiPaq from CVS. The thermal ceramic filling stays warm for hours and molds really well to wherever I need it. It's not exciting or beautiful, but you could def sew your own pretty fabric cover to make it more esthetically pleasing to you. Wool, silk, or a blend of the two would be great for their insulation properties!
I tried doing this with you and am having what i can only describe as “binge behavior” in response. Once I do finally buy something, it’s like I can’t stop and buy everything else I’d been putting off. I just finished a no buy year and after a month I’m deciding that I’m trying to change too much at once. For the year my practice will be buying within a budget, and let me get that down pat.
i’m attempting a low buy this year and never thought about how browsing time just cuts into the process of wanting less, really eye opening. separately would recommend the arc browser which is just a chic web browser but also has really cool tab organizing functionality that i think would work really well for what you’re describing ❤
I really appreciate your description of the time lost! It’s so expensive to lose our time shopping distracting ourselves this way. Would love more thoughts on replacement activity ideas - library haul? Decluttering? Knitting? Tea? I appreciate what you’re saying re: It Has to be something that feels like a break or at least not like more work.
I wish I saw this video before I checked out a few lip products online haha Been trying a no buy quarter to save up for a trip and I totally relate to this - browsing to distract myself. I'll try this starting March! Thanks for sharing this!
One month into my no buy, ive lost the drive to spend on things in general, but mostly frivolous things i have little use for. My achilles heel at the moment is little sweet treats, but im learning to eat intuitively so i give myself grace for that.
I love these updates and type of content, and I have a few thoughts! 1. I wonder what it’s like now that you make more money doing what you love ? And you can more easily,have the things you covet? 2. When I hear you explain your new process for how & when you will “window” shop and look things up and research before you buy, I’m like (OMG that’s ME!😅 and we like a lot of the same things clothing and quality wise and the juiciness of the hunt and the research 🔬 ) 3. After that thought, I was like this hmm this sounds almost like a recovering ED issue….(not to be insulting in anyway!! ) But truly, it’s literally what I thought first! I think it’s wise to set a time to do these things, for sure but I wonder if it’s necessary to put that much thought, organization and restriction into how and when you allow yourself to think? Is that, then, more Obsessive ? Hmm 🤔 this was a super cool topic! I’m on a very limited budget atm, but simultaneously, my style has changed recently to love better quality fabrics and styles. So I wait and save…..longer. I also got sick of social media ( took myself off fb and TikTok and insta only for coffee time! I Did keep my fav TH-cam content and Stopped engaging by not commenting, with people I’ll never meet…I was too mentally overwhelmed and it’s really changed how I do everything now, including what I buy.
Has been really nice to follow your journey. I have been considering doing a soft no buy myself and it's interesting to see what has come of it for others :)
This seems like it’s been a helpful exercise for you to clearly define what is a want and what is a need. There’s something about buying only things I need and no wants that feels like I know myself really well.
Thank you for the update. Casey calls this phenomenon "death by a thousand paper cuts." Even when it doesn't throw you out of budget to spend 5, 10, 20, even 100 dollars here and there - you get to the end of the month and there's NOTHING left and little to actually show for it. I love your approach and need to work to change my 'instant gratification' mode. Thanks for the inspiration.
yesss Casey, exactly
Ditto.
Ahh the story of my life
I run into this when I buy stuff on Amazon a lot! I try to limit myself to one or two Amazon orders per year so I just add stuff to cart over a span of months, then when it's finally time to make the purchase I look at the total cost and I'm suddenly like oh it turns out I don't need any of it
"oh it turns out I don't need any of it" INCREDIBLE
I do the same! A website like Amazon that has multiple categories allows you to build a cart across different needs, and by the end you can truly reckon and pick the ones you truly need and desire, staggered against each other.
Yesss this is always my shopping tactic! I’ll randomly add things to my wishlist, but when it comes time to actually spend the money I’m like “oop nope I don’t actually want to spend that money” lolol
Important lesson to learn: many small purchases really add up! Spending just $14 a day adds up to over $5,000 a year (and just $27/day is almost $10k/year!)
Oh man when you put it like that, I wonder if I could SAVE $14 a day ...because I feel like I definitely used to spend that!!
Yes!!! 🎉🎉. This comment needs to be pinned!!! 🎉🎉.
This-speaking as someone who never signed up for cable, and saved perhaps $50,000 over the years. Same with making my own hot beverages, packing lunch, and so forth. Even a dollar a day is $365-. My issue was more so self deprivation, not spending. Now the money is there. The issues I do still deal with are bringing the not-quite-what-I- want things into my home, letting go of clutter, and spending too much time browsing. The clutter became a problem after I had to leave my home and let go all my belongings due to a mold issue.
Whoa. This is big. Reminds me of that saying, "How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time." Still an elephant...just now you are tackling it in one bite!
I think you exchanging Friday night for Sunday night sounds smart and reasonable. Friday night has an excitement to it, that the weekend has begun. Sunday night has the distinct feeling that the weekend is basically over. You're totally right.
Yes, This! Starting Friday evening (which I really do consider part of the weekend) makes the treat of shopping indulgence part of the joy of the weekend break. And stopping after Sunday afternoon allows for an unhurried, but responsible turning in early for a good night's sleep to start the week on a positive note.
I came here to say the same thing! Sunday night feels like a sacred time to wind down and prepare for the week ahead. Whereas Friday feels like go time!
Yes 100%. For me, Friday night is an exciting time and most Fridays after a full day of work it's really relaxing to decompress with some research.
I agree that this makes a lot of logistical sense and stays true to the project.
Multiple thoughts.
It's so, so helpful to see you model a self-knowing and self-caring method to change one's behavior. Kindness balanced with truthfulness and accountability - yes!
Second, concentrating/reducing your shopping and research time is reducing your sunk cost into putative purchases making it easier to see their true financial cost clearly. This is the same dynamic that drives car salesmen to drag out your time at the dealership. Each minute you spend contemplating a purchase increases the probability you'll spend the money.
The high pony? Love it!
omg the sunk time cost and car salesmen!!!!
this is kind of fascinating as someone who lives almost paycheck to paycheck - at first I was like "ohohoho imagine having so much money that you can spend it in dribs and drabs instead of all at the start of the month to replace the thing with the most holes", but then I remembered that my 1st of the month shopping spree serves the exact same purpose. I used to spend a little bit every day and then by the 15th i'd be completely broke and surprised as to how it happened again 😬
Can’t wait, this feels like old school check-ins which were always a favourite 😍
I hate how relatable and accurate to my experience this video is 😭😂 I followed this exact methodology along with you and realized the same thing. The 2nd week, my spending cut in HALF! Even more than that, I realized I actually don’t even enjoy the research process *that* much when I previously thought that was the core of what brought me joy in shopping.
Worse yet, the doorman and concierge at my building commented “miss, you aren’t getting as many packages recently, we miss seeing you!” Lol 😭
To growth! 🥂
omg not the concierge NOTICING!! ☠️
@@HannahLouisePoston Perhaps I had a teensy tiny online shopping problem 😅😅😅😅😅
@AlexisBii , I take delivery at my UPS Store box for the security from porch pirates and shelter from weather. Similar noticing of buying patterns.
@@amydevol8224same same here
Anyone else curious about *which* buckwheat heating pad pillow she bought? Or have recommendations!??
Unrelated to this topic (which I always appreciate your perspectives on!) but seeing this video reminded me to check the status of your poetry book that I requested my local library purchase. I was happy to see that it has been ordered and will be available in the library in Edinburgh, Scotland soon!
This made me check and I'm happy to say that it's also available in libraries in Helsinki, Finland. They've ordered three copies.
Same same same! When it’s time to shop I don’t even want to. Only doing the online shopping on the weekends helped so much! I also cut down on Social Media time and unfollowed lots of people on yt and Instagram. I actually get kinda annoyed now when anybody is doing consumption based content.
I believe I mentioned I was doing a "no buy" year except for necessities ( food, meds for my cat(!), going out to eat once in a while, things I run out of), and I've ended up saving about $300 per month the past two months. When I get the urge to buy, go and look at what I actually own, and talk myself out of it. Knowing I have extra money in the bank is the biggest incentive. You are doing great!
I use Trello to organize pretty much everything, so I created a board on there just for makeup, and if I am considering an item of makeup it goes on that board. But since I rarely look at this board It’s amazing how rarely I buy anything on that list! Just knowing I have put it somewhere calms me, and it also helps me when I review the list and see how many things SEEMED important at the time but I no longer care about.
I started a no buy at the beginning of the year, and I found February to be really difficult! It's my birthday month and I did spend some of the money that was gifted to me by a family member on a lipstick. I justified it in the moment by saying that because the money was a gift it "didn't count" or that I would have accepted the gift had they purchased the lipstick for me instead of giving me cash, etc. etc. But I absolutely experienced the tummy ache after the sweet treat, and it's strengthened my resolve for the months ahead.
Following this channel has been really good for me because it’s just the reminder that you don’t have to buy everything that strikes your fancy right now. Or at all. Like my current stuff, some of which is ideal and some of which isn’t for one reason or another, works. And replacing it isn’t an emergency. And the replacements may or may not even be that much better.
Sounds like you could benefit from using Jewish days for your project, where instead of the transition between days being at midnight, it's at sundown. So the weekend is effectively from sundown on Friday night to sundown on Sunday night. I love this concept because it keeps me in practice of spending my evenings setting up morning me for success and staying connected to the environment's energy signals. Wonderful learnings from this project so far!
This is also a traditional Celtic thing. It is why Samhain/Halloween was considered the Celtic New Year, starting at the dark of the year rather than the dawning of Spring or midwinter.
@@amydevol8224 Very cool!
Here's my revelation that I came to over the last few years. I love scrolling online and spending hours creating wishlists, but I never buy anything. I will find every reason to not checkout. However, the moment I walk into a store and see/hold an item, it comes with me. I spent $150 at a Walmart (and I do NOT like walmart) this past weekend because I found myself bored in between appointments. Now I'm stuck with subpar quality and items I have no need for...
Ha I’m the opposite. Shopping online almost doesn’t feel real to me so I’m way more inclined to overspend on a pair of athletic pants or a beautiful blouse, but if in person I saw a $120 blouse, I wouldn’t even consider it. And I think this is largely due to the power of styling/photography! It makes it so much easier to visualize myself/my ideal life when a model is wearing that same garment.
@sarahruns262 I agree. Somehow, writing a check or plopping down the credit/debit card in person makes the purchase more real and immediate. Shopping online is by comparison painless and bloodless until the item and later the cc bill or the shipping invoice/receipt.
I'm a mix of both 😂
Online, I whittle down carts ruthlessly in order to spend "less", but I suffer from some type of "seeing" bias, cuz I would've save a $100 in one cart, but after that cart has gone to checkout, I may end up spending the saved $100 elsewhere or on the same site too,within the month! 😂
In person, I find it easy to just buy the first things that catch my eye + the shop assistant pressure, but once I've already spent in one shop, I am reluctant to open my wallet again 😅
Return them!
I have a heating pad recommendation! My mom made a small pillow filled with rice (maybe 9 by 4 inches?) and she made a fleece cover for it. I put it in the microwave for a few minutes and it is amazing for neck pain!
Also, I want you to know that you inspired my first no buy two years ago and it was life changing! Thank you for sharing your insights and musings! 💕
Just now finishing month 4 of the no-buy. I wrote very detailed rules for myself before it started (thanks to your advice) and I’m glad I did because my little monkey brain definitely likes to look for loopholes. It’s crazy to watch brain try to rationalize a purchase. It’s almost comical at this point. I’ve had to add a few more rules because of this. I also finally decluttered my clothes and it is WILD to open my drawers and closet and just see the things I love without having to dig through a bunch of BS. It’s brought my a little joy every day ❤. One thing I didn’t anticipate is the amount of money you spend just on replacements! I’m not trying to spend as little as possible, but I didn’t think I would be spending this much on things within my rules. So interesting. I know you started a budget for yourself after your no-buy and I’m tentatively planning on doing something similar, but I could see that budget being blown to pieces in replacements alone as it stands.
Urg...feel you on the replacements
@@aoifecalderon383 Yes! I have also found myself looking for more high end replacements as well. My brain is like, well, if I can't get the dopamine by buying a large amount of stuff, I'm going to get dopamine by buying the fanciest stuff. Ugh
“False isolation”…insightful. You’re a good influence, HLP. 😊🥂
I’d love a nitty gritty video on what you did buy, or examples, to see the thought process behind what made it through. I think that would be helpful as a guide to making better shopping choices.
We didn’t identify these purchases in the past as "impulse purchases", bc we spent the time researching the item - but in a way they could still be an impulse (or something we didn't get as much use out of, a.k.a. the blue sweater from your recent fashion video). So I’d love to know more!
It’s been the most effective way to spend less, even though I too started it to save time/stop procrastinating.
Belts are one of the easiest and cheapest things to thrift! Stores around here just price them all couple bucks each without considering quality or brand. Men's section also slaps for belts.
I'd say do whatever you have to do to guard your sleep. Six PM Friday to 6PM Sunday as "the weekend" makes sense, especially since screens are involved. I have a no screens after 8 rule every night of the week, and try to move that back to an earlier time on week nights. Some of my friends do no screens after 6, and when I do that I admit my sleep scores are higher per my Fitbit. If sleep deprivation leads to feeling sorry for oneself, which leads to breaking one's contract with oneself, well, we see where to begin. As for low-buys, I'm cutting myself off from new audiobooks until I've finished a lot more of the ones in my TBR pile. If you don't use screens after 6 or 8, that means switching to audio if you're a big reader.
Oooh this such a good tactic. I think the move to Friday night from Sunday night is a good idea.
Opened YT and there you were -- oh, that instaclick! lol. We
"consumerism-as-productivity" really hit me 😭
I wonder why your friends didn't think that the time you spent researching counted as busy. It's still time spent, after all 🤷
Right? I figured it was mostly as simple as not leaving the house for "a purpose" that inevitably meant spending money, and thus having something to show for it held more weight than getting things done around the house. Like one is Important Busyness and the other busywork, you know?@@kathydodge8028
OK, pardon me this, but I couldn't help laughing when I realized you basically reinvented and reimagined sabbath :D
You may not remember this during your year of "less stuff" but I do because it changed my brain chemistry 😮 You said if you really want something, wait a few days or even a week. The desire for that thing will very often decline over time. And after a week, you will have 1) saved money 2) not have something that will languish in a drawer or closet and eventually be decluttered and 3) you will feel strong, proud, and accomplished. That's essentially what you are doing by delaying the buying to the weekend. It amazes me how we have to learn some lessons more than once, in new ways, as we grow. Good job, Hannah!
Shopping with a list is absolutely essential for the recovering shopaholic, I find
You’re so self aware and articulate about this. Very helpful to hear spelled out! My reasons for giving up my thrifting hobby during Lent this year are very similar. No shame, but keep this hobby in its place! And I plan to donate the money I save to a special charity.
This video totally convinced me to try this!
It feels deeply related to something I have been thinking a lot in terms of the social media economy, particularly how it is entirely run on ads and personal data and how that is related to the maxim that something you actually *need* doesn't need to be advertised to you.
This feels like a great way to continue to separate the proverbial need-wheat from the want-chaff, almost like a 301 version of your previous thinking on the topic. Love it.
I feel like the more I save the more I want to save. Love this project and the updates!
Thnx for your update! Shopping was becoming a full time job for me. Researching, tracking, returning items, etc. There are 2 ways that I curb my spending: #1 is looking back on how much I’ve spent in the past couple years on clothes, bags, skincare and makeup. OMG way too much! I keep that $ total on my calendar with a reminder to STM! (stop the madness!). And #2 I keep a running wish list. I can pick an item or 2 a month to buy and postpone the rest. That way I’m really more conscious of my choices instead of impulsively shopping.
Edit: Julia Hungry just arrived to her new home in Germany. I am very excited to start reading
***
This reminds me of my „Black Friday list”. I make a list throughout the year of big things that I would like to purchase on Black Friday. This is usually electronics, vacuum cleaner, steamer, iron, some new device like NU Face micro current…
But on Black Friday, when I see how much that costs all together, I take a look and start prioritizing. This is why I still have my old vacuum cleaner and NU Face was kicked out of the list for the last 5 years.
The truth is, I have money to buy it all but just seeing how much that costs together gives me a different perspective. Through that lens I see better what is absolutely necessary and what can wait until next November (or until is broken beyond repair).
It reminds me of when you talked about shopping a Sephora sale for example, and only spending $200 online, then going into the store and only spending $200 and feeling good about it - two different experiences and transactions- while reflecting that you certainly would have balked at spending the $400 at once. A very insightful lesson indeed 🙏🏼
On recommendation I have: Go to your online banking statement and categorize your purchases! After starting this, I now have data that I can reference to see how much of the pie is going to housing, shopping, auto expenses, etc. Very eye opening!
i’ve tried switching from shopping / browsing to pintrest (when i want to just idly scroll through my phone although that’s a separate issue i’m working on) because i think what i’m really after when i’m online shopping is inspiration or something to scratch that ~personal aesthetics~ itch.
Oh gosh the first observation is so spot on. I’ve said for years that I don’t shop that much compared to the volume of stuff I actually look at, and because of that attitude I always felt like I was managing myself well because I only bought a fraction of what I browsed. It makes total sense that even though I constantly felt constrained (in the sense that I felt the exertion of effort to keep myself from buying things all the time), caving even a tiiiiny bit of the time would keep from having any spare money for savings by the end of the month.
I think this is the same principle/tip you gave during your no buy year about shopping a sale and placing a single order and facing that total dollar amount vs splitting it up across multiple orders. It's all connected. Maybe you should revise those tips and make a video about how many of those would apply to the current project as well :)
I wonder, reading your comment, how much taking these up as projects as opposed to a new way of acting means, any lessons learnt or tips identified are isolated to such self-contained projects instead of just being part of your life from that point.
I too had the distraction issue and spent time flowing from one deep dive internet search to another....mine being perfume and makeup....Since your first video, I too have been doing this research and wishlisting only on the weekends. And more importantly, watching TH-cam vids about perfume and makeup ONLY on the weekends..if a new vid pops up that I want to see i add it to my "Watch Later" playlist for Friday night. I have to say, by the time Sunday afternoon rolls around, I feel like I've overeaten and actually stop watching, so I agree with you, Sunday night I'm back on the wagon. It's been great. And when I look at my wishlist and all the Shopping Carts I feel I'm better able to judge what I really want right now, which is worth the price, what I really need etc. And I feel so much more in control of my brain ease, my precious work time, etc. It's been great. And you're so right, when you see all the "Carts" all together boy oh boy does that $$$ add up, rather than "I'll just buy this today" and then the next day "Oh, it's just this.." and then at the end of the month....sigh. Love these check ins! Thank you, Hannah
I pretty much already fell off the wagon researching and buying vintage clothing off eBay. When I remembered that I’m joining you on this shopping behavior journey, I’d stop myself. But, I often find myself completely forgetting!. I have better things to do with my time and money, so I’m not giving up.
Very astute observations! It’s amazing the revelations we come to when we change our habits. You are awesome 👏
This year I started to track all my purchases (groceries etc included) in an excel sheet (1 sheet per month) - I also list the items I would like to buy that month, which gives me so much more mindfulness for what I buy. Also I save pictures of my "luxury" items (clothes & jewelry) to see at the end of the year what my consumption on that was and what really lasted me, since I tend to sell stuff after a while.
For the warmer, you can make a new case and reuse the buckwheat. I’ve done this several times. Buy an upholstery grade cotton (many pretty patterns available, even at the thrift store) and prewash/iron it to remove any coatings. It’s the simplest rectangle if you still have your sewing machine and you can customize the color/print/shape.
When we spend weeks researching a potential purchase it doesn’t sell impulsive, it feels well considered which it habitual is a sunk cost fallacy
This just inspired me to do once a month Amazon order. I have a major issue with me spending way too much on Amazon. It’s mostly household items but still a lot.
Thank you very much !
This is genius! I am guilty of procrastination online browsing everyday. Totally going to implement this. It's almost like intermittent fasting but with shopping.
I just basically binge shopped online after literally not doing so for YEARSSS. I immediately came to your channel trying to find some solace 😓
Miraculously I've been purchasing much less and the last two times I noticed the buzz I used to get from shopping hasn't been there. I've enjoyed it but not had that purchasing high I always had before. I've also been able to let go of more things from my overcrowded home because tracking my spending has made me realise I can afford to replace small things later if I realise I've made a mistake in donating a particular thing. I never would have believed I could be in this situation a year ago. I'm so pleased with my progress. I'm glad you're having success too
I can relate with you quite a bit. I employ similar tactics with my shopping. Even for the grocery store. I am so prone to crave the dopamine rush, and have needed to develop self discipline as well as certain checks and balances to stay on track.
I totally recommend getting a little cherry pit pillow or "snake" as a heating pad! They can be chilled or microwaved and you could even make it a fun project picking out fabrics and sewing one up.
I have started tracking how much I am spending on craft supplies (stamps, stencils, paints, mixed media) which has been an issue for me since I discovered art journaling during Covid. Having it written down on paper has been shocking. When you are spending 20 here and 30 there it doesn’t seem so much but once it’s added up, even on a weekly basis, it adds up fast!! This change is thanks to your content, so … thank you ❤ for helping me spend less money and change my shopping behaviours
Definitely. I’m an artist and we spend so much on supplies. In school we spent so much more than textbooks. You may want to research recycled art supply places that have misc items donated that can be used for crafting like paints, fabrics , beads, etc. Though that’s more crafting vs drawing, painting.
@@P-Funk69 couldn’t agree more! I try to get supplies off FB marketplace, garage sales, second hand stores and the like! There’s a lady in my area who has half a basement of craft supplies she sells from estate sales and such so once and awhile I’ll stop by her place also, a third of the price or cheaper than buying new. And sometimes the stuff is new.
thats great @@jenniferlarsonjaylaplans
In a recent desire to shop items going out of season, those last clearance bits, I encouraged my partner to clean out his side of the closet. I scored a sweet mens flannel button down shirt to bring me into spring ❤ He decluttered many items also!
Omg those "undulating waves of time going down the drain" FELT. Let me just say I'm tasting those ashes, too. Thanks so much for this clear, well-articulated close look at your habits (time, money, dopamine). Something in my ADHD brain clicked watching this, and I can tell already that June is going to be a successful low-buy month for me using this method.
This year I decided to spend half as much as I did last year on clothes. It wasn't a ridiculous amount, but adding up ALL my wardrobe purchases up really made me see how much money I could save by being even more intentional. I'm feeling so inspired by your challenge, like you say, for me it's just on the edge of what's possible for me to do. Molding new habbits definitely isn't a comfortable process, but it's worth it. Knowing I'm not bringing in tones of new items into my home (no matter how well researched or ethical they are!) gives me so much peace of mind. Thanks Hannah 💙👗
I have been on a crusade to simplify my life and your channel was a recent find that has really helped me crystallizing what that might look like for me.
I don't wear much make up, the little I do wear, I make myself. Same with skin care and personal care products. So hadn't it been for somone mentioning your wardrobe experiments, I might have missed your awesome channel all together.
I'm afraid that many people who might really enjoy your content,need it even, might be missing out because the "beauty and fashion" tags are not grabbing their attention.
Perhaps it'd be good to add tabs that let people know that you also have excellent content on the process of simplifying life.
Your breaking down the process, documenting your evolution and the thoughts and observations are incredibly valuable and helpful.
Thank you again for everything you share.
Can you start sharing your monthly purchases? As an OG subscriber I appreciate the HLP greatest hits-- your monthly favorites was always one i looked forward to ❤️
I have started putting my "spending money" in a separate account. What's left in my main account is for bills, food, transport etc. When I want to buy something I check that account and realise I don't really want to see that number go down and it's bringing me much more joy seeing how much I've saved. When I do buy something I usually regret it later when I see that the pot isn't as full. Its really strange but helping me buy a lot less!
Thanks for this update! I need to follow the weekday no browse rule. I recently realised the same thing. So many little things, unnecessary but technically reasonable. Cheap enough to buy without really thinking. They they all add up. I realised I want my money to go to things I REALLY want rather than “meh” items. I’ve had to start asking myself what do I really need that I don’t already “kinda” have. Little things don’t get me excited either so why spend couple of hundreds there? I deffo spent the LEAST I’ve ever spent in a month before when I tackled this.
Great film, I like listening to you on any topic, and I am very glad that there is more content like this that help people manage their buying behaviours. I think I might try this challenge too :)
I have been contemplating this since you uploaded. I don’t think there is anything wrong with searching for an item you will keep for many years. I am 53 and still have clothes from 30 years ago, because I LOVE them. You should never settle! I’ve always had my own aesthetic, and having things that were carefully chosen makes me feel good in my own skin. As a creative type, I try to surround myself with only things that express who I am. That being said, I do spend too much time on phone, but that’s time I used to search all over the city for exactly what I wanted. I might actually shop less now, than I used to before smartphones, etc. As always, thank you for your insights, wisdom and candor! I always look forward to your thoughtful approaches on life ;-)
Thank you so much for sharing this project and revelations with us-this video has convinced me to start doing my own similar project. I don’t want to be spending as much money as I am and I certainly don’t want to be spending the amount of time browsing that I am. I’m excited to enact change in this way!
My Nan made all of the buckwheat heating pillow situations I’ve ever come in contact with in my life, usually out of worn out flannelette pyjamas, so it blows my mind to consider purchasing one - how funny
For future reference, I'm super here for any and all heating pad content. 👀🖤✌🏻
*taking notes for how to maybe resume shopping after my no-buy year*
Also, one of my new procrastination tactics these days instead of shopping or browsing is going to my wardrobe app and putting together outfits/fantasy looks out of clothes I already have! Love these videos as always!
Brilliant! Which app do you use, and would you recommend it?
I love this idea.
I do the same! Indyx is a great app for that. Cataloging your clothing is the annoying part, but afterwards the styling is so much fun!
@amygregg1658 I use SmartCloset just because it was free and available a few years ago when I started recording my wardrobe, has calendar and cost per wear, etc...but I've seen a lot about a new app called Indyx that I think I'm going to try out for a Spring Capsule Wardrobe--my first try at one of those--and then I'll have a comparison experience! I might even clumsily record my spring capsule in a youtube video too but I'm still new here, so it's kind of daunting 👀 😬
@celucero2 yeah it really helps that it's in many ways similar to online shopping...but now the next challenge is being even more intentional with my screen time 😅
I think I’m going to try this method. Recently Ive been finding myself adding things to cart and checking out without thinking too often
I love your reflections! it's always so intriguing doing these kind of experiments
Wow. This is so fascinating, b/c I've definitely done what you've described. Here's one vote that you get into the nitty gritty!
Are you me? Lol 😂 Thank you so much for sharing this! I think a lot of people, especially women, struggle with online shopping. It's so tempting because it's right at our fingertips. Setting boundaries is so important 🙏 I really like your weekend only rule and how it helps spread out your decision making and spending. I find that I do a very similar thing, procrastinate browse, but then I force myself to just put it in a tab window and save it for a later time to process.
This is my favorite revelation of yours so far, because THIS is where my brain gets stuck! I can slow the browsing, I can save the money, I can contemplate the needs... but once I've allowed myself to purchase my "list," it doesn't matter how BIG the purchase will be, I am always soooo excited to do it! Whether it's one cart that's hundreds of dollars, or a few different carts that add up to a few hundred, my brain will always see that as an exciting event/reward/gift to myself. Watching that money leave my bank doesn't even phase me. And the way you've verbalized it has just made it so clear for me. Now I understand what part of my shopping obsession I need to focus my rehabilitation on.
Thank you for being so vulnerable with us in this years long process, Hannah. You're helping more than you realize
The browsing addiction.... It is sooo me. I am way better than in the past but this is really interesting to reflect upon. I am considering to apply the same rule, weekend shopping seems good. I am a bit of a thrifter and FOMO is strong when I am obsessed with something, but I think it is a very manageable take for this. I will do a low buy March. It will go well with my plans for spring. Pray for me.
The Sephora sale has the same effect for me. I save everything I want or need in my cart until sale time. When the sale starts, the risiculousness of the $ and quantity becomes evident. I end up getting the necessary staples only to minimize the damage.
I love this approach! Definitely adding this to my shopping habits 🙌 currently doing a no buy for fashion but for everything else I seem to spend money without even realizing how much I’m accumulating
Yeah, I get it. When I know I need something and I need to research and take pics or screenshots on my phone to do the research at a later time and I forget all about to find it at a later time and ask myself why I didn’t buy what I set aside to? It is part of the no thing too. No looking, no shopping and do I really need this. Love your consumer side of life videos. Helps me understand the relationship we all have with shopping the way our today’s society thinks and behaves.
Received your book today and now need to set aside “quiet” time to digest a few poems at a time❤ Really looking forward to reading poetry again, and in particular, your writing😘
i haven't had the kind of budget to spend on any non-essential shopping for some years now, so i kind of learned the same lesson the hard way. like when clothing became essential shopping because my body changed and one half of my wardrobe didn't fit anymore and the other half started to fall apart from extensive and increased wear. timing the research and purchase in a way that gave me the best options was quite a struggle, but your videos on choosing the right pieces helped me soooo much 🙏🙏🙏
since my experience was only about clothes, i only had to use 2-3 sites/carts but the instinct to put everything in there and then analyse, compare and prioritise came quite naturally. probably because i'm terrible at maths and appreciate shopping carts giving me the sums in real time 😊
funnily enough i got the same positive effect which you describe in this video: having this actual need to buy something i also enjoy buying, motivated me to really hold money back these last two months and it showed me that i do actually have a small regular budget if i really want to.
anyways, thanks for sharing these insights that have such wholesome and positive effects, giving consumers back their agency by leading the way. finding identity and community in making the world a better place for future generations ❤❤❤
I really could not do a no-buy to save my life. I have a bunch of rules now tho! Last month I implemented a no online shopping rule AT ALL after anxiety depoping and wasting money on stuff I won't want once it arrives and this month I've decided to thrift only once in a month. That's been helping a lot to be sustainable! Baby steps!
I've been doing the same thing 😂. I'm going to try your NEW method with the hope of curbing my spending, especially since I just retired 7 months ago. Thank you for sharing your wisdom ❤
At the beginning of the year I set out to do 6-months of No-Buy throughout the year. I tried in both January and February and didn't make it but am very excited to start a-new for March! I've stopped sleeping with my phone since I'm an earlier morning shopper. I did successfully complete a month of No-Buy this summer, using your playlist as my accountability buddy. One of the most powerful things I've ever done on my healing path. Appreciate your work here!
I realise as l hear you talk this is exactly how l shop. Put everything in the cart & leave it there for days/weeks then realise how expensive it is, leave it or better yet have it sell out. Problem solved! Sometimes l commit & know it's well thought out. My Nanna would always say "look after your pennies & the pounds will take care of themselves" ❤
Very interesting insights as always, Hannah. Last year I did a no buy and this year is a low buy. I found myself “binging” in January as if just off a major diet and had to reassess this month. So my strategy has been to review all my purchases on Saturday (we use 2 credit cards for purchases, one being our Amazon prime card). Doing this keeps me on track with my budget so that I’m not ignoring purchases until a month afterwards and the dreaded bill comes in. I’m also paying off the credit card bill weekly (we put our groceries and other purchases on one card so I get points). This is helping me stay honest with what I’m spending… I’m also trying to wait until the weekend to do my browsing since then I know if I’ve stayed on track for that week’s budget.
I like what you’ve uncovered - that if you just wait, those impulse purchases no longer have their shine and it’s easy to remove from cart.
I love this series. I can very much relate. I feel like I’ve reached the same place in which you were at in the beginning of the year and can understand this challenge.
Hannah I just received your book of poems in the mail. I can't wait to spend some time with your work!
I use my carts as a kind of bookmark for items and it's overwhelming because I go add stuff when I'm stressed and need a break to procrastinate even if I don't end up buying most of the items in them. Started going thru them and deleting anything with a "nah" vibe the moment you mentioned your "buy all at once" tactic. They were super empty and boring by the time your video ended in the other tab haha, thanks! Also I noticed I tend to add items that go together, like, 3 makeup brushes that go well together, but when I knocked out one of them they didn't feel like a set anymore and it was easier to get rid of the others.
Omg… I thought I was fine with the “wishlist and wait” strategy but you’re really highlighting the problem that we are using this browsing time as a procrastination tactic and a distraction from what we legitimately NEED to be doing, like working. I will admit that at heart, I am truly a procrastinator! Send help 😂
There is something that I can relate to in this video, and something to keep in mind. I am in the midst of a career change and wrapping up a diploma for that. This year my focus is on stress management, in that I am actually actively managing my stress. Your thought of, maybe not shopping or researching Sunday evening relates to my evenings in general, where I stop using screens an hour before bed and really being mindful of time, and how much of it I need to complete tasks and how I want to fill it.
The takeaway is, in this career change I haven't been working and only recently started to job search. So I have barely been spending money, and of course I am looking forward to having spending money again. Yet! Your realization of how much you are saving, that is a great takeaway for me. A great mindset to have once I can budgeting and buying again, do I actually need this, and looking at the bigger, financial, picture. And when I need something, or decide I actually want something, to enjoy it.
That was a great update! Love seeing you grow and you always inspire me to grow myself thank you!
After my no-buy year in 2022, I made plans that the first Saturday in January 2023 I would wake up, have a leisurely morning with a coffee and very intentionally buy myself one beautiful thing (the babaa sweater you made that great video about). There was something that felt so good about the intentionality and careful consideration of the whole experience -- not just what I was buying, but when (during the sale) and how I was doing it (when I wasn't stressed or trying to make myself feel better through shopping). This video is reminding me of how good that felt. I think even one Saturday morning each month is all the shopping I need for beautiful things that aren't replacements.
This may be a basic rec, but my favorite go-to heat pack is the $15 ThermiPaq from CVS. The thermal ceramic filling stays warm for hours and molds really well to wherever I need it. It's not exciting or beautiful, but you could def sew your own pretty fabric cover to make it more esthetically pleasing to you. Wool, silk, or a blend of the two would be great for their insulation properties!
I tried doing this with you and am having what i can only describe as “binge behavior” in response. Once I do finally buy something, it’s like I can’t stop and buy everything else I’d been putting off. I just finished a no buy year and after a month I’m deciding that I’m trying to change too much at once. For the year my practice will be buying within a budget, and let me get that down pat.
i’m attempting a low buy this year and never thought about how browsing time just cuts into the process of wanting less, really eye opening.
separately would recommend the arc browser which is just a chic web browser but also has really cool tab organizing functionality that i think would work really well for what you’re describing ❤
I really appreciate your description of the time lost! It’s so expensive to lose our time shopping distracting ourselves this way. Would love more thoughts on replacement activity ideas - library haul? Decluttering? Knitting? Tea? I appreciate what you’re saying re: It Has to be something that feels like a break or at least not like more work.
I have a few things I want to buy but after that...I'm going a year without purchasing makeup. I have too many other projects to spend $ on.
I wish I saw this video before I checked out a few lip products online haha
Been trying a no buy quarter to save up for a trip and I totally relate to this - browsing to distract myself. I'll try this starting March! Thanks for sharing this!
I am going to try a no buy for March. I have realistically told myself it will be more of a low buy. Great series. ❌️⭕️
One month into my no buy, ive lost the drive to spend on things in general, but mostly frivolous things i have little use for. My achilles heel at the moment is little sweet treats, but im learning to eat intuitively so i give myself grace for that.
I love these updates and type of content, and I have a few thoughts!
1. I wonder what it’s like now that you make more money doing what you love ? And you can more easily,have the things you covet?
2. When I hear you explain your new process for how & when you will “window” shop and look things up and research before you buy, I’m like (OMG that’s ME!😅 and we like a lot of the same things clothing and quality wise and the juiciness of the hunt and the research 🔬 )
3. After that thought, I was like this hmm this sounds almost like a recovering ED issue….(not to be insulting in anyway!! )
But truly, it’s literally what I thought first!
I think it’s wise to set a time to do these things, for sure but I wonder if it’s necessary to put that much thought, organization and restriction into how and when you allow yourself to think?
Is that, then, more
Obsessive ? Hmm 🤔 this was a super cool topic!
I’m on a very limited budget atm, but simultaneously, my style has changed recently to love better quality fabrics and styles. So I wait and save…..longer. I also got sick of social media ( took myself off fb and TikTok and insta only for coffee time! I Did keep my fav TH-cam content and Stopped engaging by not commenting,
with people I’ll never meet…I was too mentally overwhelmed and it’s really changed how I do everything now, including what I buy.
Has been really nice to follow your journey. I have been considering doing a soft no buy myself and it's interesting to see what has come of it for others :)
I cannot get over the makeup. Which is never something I say but that look is stunning.
This seems like it’s been a helpful exercise for you to clearly define what is a want and what is a need. There’s something about buying only things I need and no wants that feels like I know myself really well.