I am doing something similar. It’s not exactly a no buy or low buy, it’s more about how I spend my resources which includes money and time. I spend so much money and sooooo much time shopping that I don’t actually have much time left to use my purchases to make art or write letters, etc. this year, i am going to focus on doing the things I love that aren’t instant gratification of shopping. Looking forward to hearing of your progress in a few months!
That sounds wonderful! I am also wanting to be more intentional with my time. Reading more, practicing art (something I used to love to do), and practicing Spanish. Doesn't cost money (as I already have enough books and art supplies) but is still fulfilling.
You have nothing to be ashamed or embarrassed about. You are certainly not alone and talking about it and making mindful goals for this year is supporting all of those who are deeply trapped in a shame cycle for these very same issues.
That is certainly a comforting thought. I do feel it is a journey I am making with many others, seeing as how many videos/topics I see of people going through the same thing.
I think with this kind of thing, we get to this point where it’s never enough. For me, this just hits home - I know it will always be just one more thing. Thank you for being brave and making this video. I just sold all of my extra planners on eBay, yes they take a cut but you are protected if something happens in the transaction. Now I am done selling and I feel such relief. This has inspired me to also go on a planner no spend, thank you.
It is such an amazing feeling to be rid of everything. I recently sold the majority of my Chic Sparrow collection (most of which were not shown in my recent videos) and it truly is such a relief. Next up are my bottled inks, which I actually plan to list for sale this Friday, if all goes according to plan lol. You're so welcome, and good luck!! :D
I’m glad I’m not the only one who is doing a no buy for stationery I am relatively new to the hobby about 2 years and in those 2 years I have gotten over 100 pens and over 400 inks some bottles some samples. As you can see I need to take a break so that’s what I’m also doing this year a no buy for inks, pens, and paper. Good luck to both of us.
My first year or so really branching out into fps was bad, because I didn't know what I liked so I was buying everything just to find out. I think that is, in part, unavoidable. If you don't try different pens, how do you know what you like? At the same time, it's so much money lol. That's a lot, though! Good luck with your break, I think we shall both need it! :)
Very wise choices. My weakness has been all kinds of journaling and all supplies that go with it Mostly with Happy Planners. It can easily get out of hand. I’m planning a low buy in that I can buy anything regarding household and auto costs that are necessary replacements. I’m in the process of giving my giant cookbook collection to the public library. My husband takes some each time he goes to check out books. Please keep us updated throughout the year. You can do it. It will be the first one for me.
It is so hard to resist journals and journaling supplies! I just think of all the wonderful things I can do with them haha. Those are great and sensible goals! And how wonderful to give back to your library! I will, I've been doing great so far, actually! Might do a two month update instead of three, not sure yet. Good luck with your low buy!
Loved this video and it made me reflect and be honest with myself about my spending habits. Thank you for sharing! Your questions to consider before making a purchase hit home.
I'm so glad to be helpful! They are difficult questions, but I find if I am truly honest with myself it keeps me from buying whatever I'm looking at. Sometimes I have to be harsh with myself, but I find it's for the best, depending on the thing I want.
How brave of you! I wish you well. I just put a stop to my fountain pens too. Do not be embarrassed. Many of us have been there. I was deep in spending once and i put a stop to it and recovered. More common than you would think. Thank you!
Lucy is so adorable!! You are an inspiration for being so transparent, and upfront. Accountability is a very powerful principle, and I'm sure you can do it, but do please be kind to yourself as well for any "falls". I too "overbuy" in 2021, and you inspired me to declutter my pen collection (at least 12-13 pens to sell!) A good way to prove that you shipped out the items is to take photos or better yet, VIDEOS, of you posting the items into the Post Mailboxes, and then send the proof to the buyer.
Thank you so much!! I actually find the decluttering process fun (when it comes to stationery), because I like whittling it down to just my favorites. Good idea, thanks for the recommendation! I'll keep that in mind when I eventually start listing my pen stuff to sell.
Thank you for being so candid. I have completely been there and am maybe still there. It's still a work in progress because it's hard not to want all the things. 🙃
Boy is it a work in progress! I haven't made an update video yet because, in all honesty, I've been doing... not good lol. The first couple of months went great, actually, then I fell off. This past month hasn't been as bad as March and April, but I'm pretty upset with myself. I will eventually make an update video. Perhaps admitting my failure to potentially thousands of people online will help rein me in due to shame lol.
It's so strange, isn't it?? I know I'm super young, really, but I already feel like my life is speeding by and I have nothing together. I've already gone through a few mid-life crises and I'm not even at the mid-life point lolol.
@@inkfade4281 I know, I totally understand hahaha, I think the pandemic didn't helped us at all, we had to change so much it's sometimes scary... But I am sure that slowly we can put our sh*t together haha
I’ve been thinking about doing a no-buy year too! I’ve been doing spectacularly bad so far. This video was very helpful. I hadn’t thought about making goals and plans. And I never realized other people made videos about this. I feel better prepared now. Thank you. I wish you much success!
I imagine it's much more difficult if you don't have any goals in mind. And the rules are actually quite fun to plan out, you just have to be brutally honest with yourself lol. I actually had a lot of fun making my graphic and deciding what all went into what category, even though it's for quite a serious reason. Oh man SO SO many videos haha. You could spend hours and hours watching videos concerning other people's no buys/low buys. And there's quite a few books out there on the topic of spending less or absolutely nothing for a set amount of time. I will say, even tho this is because I'm financially irresponsible when it comes to pens, etc., I am having fun imposing these rules on myself. I enjoy looking at my rules often and reminding myself why I'm doing this. I get a thrill out of seeing money accumulate in my bank account, instead of going out. If you really get into it, I think you can turn it into something exciting instead of dreadful. Thanks so much, and much success to you, too! :D
I think I'm going to be doing this for a while with stationery spending. Maybe the next 3 months. I don't think I have too much..but the problem lies in the fact that I don't have much in my bank account . Thanks for the video, I enjoyed it!
Glad you liked it! I think three months is a good goal, I think there's still plenty of time there to see a difference in savings if you really try to hold back on frivolous spending.
I did some low buys years ago when I was buying copious amounts of high-end makeup. It never went well for me because it's like with an extreme diet: when you can't have anything, you think about it all the time and you want everything. I found that for me, giving myself a tiny budget to spend worked much better. That way, I would really think hard before purchasing something, because the budget was very limited. I was also asking myself the same kind of question that you have on your list. That was what worked best for me. Nowadays I know I can be a bit extreme with my spendings (I like pens of course, and also expensive bags) but I am also able to limit them a lot if I want to save/if funds are low. I've also gotten into the habit of regularly looking at what I have, selling what I don't use and "reuse" that money for new things I want. With bags for example, I always do one in one out so I can finance the purchase. Good luck and keep us updated!
I did that with my low buy (back whenever I did that, I can't remember lol), but I usually ended up going over my allotted "fun spending" for the month. Think it was $125 per month. Overall I did save money, but the budget thing didn't work well for me because I was still allowed to buy stuff and would always convince myself to push it just a little, to buy whatever I wanted. But back then I also wasn't super low on money so I guess it wasn't do or die then either haha. That being said, I did worry about cutting myself off completely for this challenge, but when I look at my financial situation I really just don't have a choice. I either get serious about it or don't, and seriously suffer down the road lol. I have way more money in my bank account currently than I did last autumn (due to some Coach bag returns and selling some bags and Chic Sparrow covers) but I don't feel comfortable. I want to keep going, partly because I do want to see how much money I can save, and the other part because I want to see if I can actually keep it up all year. I think it will be fun to try, anyway. I will, thanks so much for your thoughts! :D
You are so cute lol And the way you admitted to yourself it was becoming a problem is awesome. More people need to do this myself included. Subscribed just for this video alone.
Thank you for this video... I've been struggling with the same things and unsure what to do about it. I'd decided I wasn't going to purchase any leather covers this year... and I've already purchased two, "they were limited edition", "I work hard, I deserve them", "This year is so hard..." etc, etc, etc... I'll be following along with your progress, and trying to keep up myself!
I feel you about those leather covers lol. It's so hard, especially when they're limited edition. I have not been seriously tempted by anything yet (to the point where I was close to buying it), but I know there will be points throughout the year where I give in and purchase something. It's important to just get back on the horse. I've been going through this with weight loss for years, also. Being so resolved to do it, then just... falling off. I'm even more motivated to do this no buy not only to save money, but because I don't want to fail at another big resolution again, like losing weight. I mean, I have lost weight overall, but I'm still so far from my goal and just haven't been working towards it like I should be. I don't want my no buy to be like that lol. I want to steel myself against my own weak, purchase-happy mind and strengthen my mental no buy muscles. I am succeeding so far (yay!), so maybe that mental fortitude will spill over into my weight loss journey and get me moving again like I should be! Thanks so much, and good luck with your journey!!!
Excellent thoughts. Your honesty is appreciated. I do not intend to buy anything in 2022. I am planning to repair two pens if opportunity arises. I have ink stock which will last the entire year. My goal for this year is to finish the grad school if possible. 😊 Good luck for the new year and looking forward to your videos.
It's going to be a long year, but I am resolved to try my hardest. Our goals are quite similar as far as getting pens repaired/modified, and using up our ink stash! And good luck with finishing grad school!! :D
I keep a detailed spreadsheet of all fountain pen related expenses, a real eye opener. I went no fountain pen related buy for the last three quarters of 2021 simply to clarify the direction of my pen and ink collection. Still working on 2022 goals. Probably two sub $300 pens, very few unique inks, an A5 notebook cover (do not have any) and paper only as needed for replacement. Fortunately my goals are more about controlling my collection. I want a collection of pens and inks that I enjoy writing. Best wishes for your efforts.
Oooh how much money did you save, you think? That is a wonderful set of goals for 2022. Careful with notebook covers, that's a slippery slope! But I am doing the same with paper, using up until it needs replacing. Everything I have, though, should last me the year. That's the ultimate goal. I hope one day to know pen peace, but I feel like that is a long way away haha. Thanks so much, and good luck with your goals!
I'm so glad you came out with this video. I originally found your videos because of your Chic Sparrow reviews. I am also doing a "no spend year" this year. I am coming out with a video soon, but I needed a break. New Subbie. I want to follow your journey and root you on. I agree that once you see your bank account and see how much was spent on stationeries, you feel sick to your stomach. I could've saved so much money if I didn't spend as much as I have on TNs, purses, and planners. I'm with you on that. Thanks for your transparency. Have a blessed day. -Jen
What kind of rules are you implementing for yourself? Yeah, when I finally sat down and added all the unnecessary purchases up I just sat back and thought "something has to change" because this isn't sustainable. Thanks so much! I am going to try to be quite transparent in the future videos, too, I feel it will help me to stay more accountable!
Your video also helps me and admitting that we always have something to improve requires a lot of courage. I also need to do the same i was never very controlled in buying things and especially with stationery this year I'm in the limit and need to save some money and not wasting on things that i might use once only. Your video helps people around the world which is very cool greetings from brazil and i wish you all the best in reaching your goal.
I was hoping it might inspire others to scrutinize their buying habits! Things can certainly get out of hand very quickly, without noticing until maybe it's too late. It's always good to be aware of how much you spend on frivolous things like fountain pens or stationery, or how much you have. I feel like if I have too much stuff, I can't appreciate the items I really love since there's just so much stuff distracting me. Thanks so much!!! :)
Thanks so much for sharing. This is very inspiring and relatable. I need to do a low buy in some areas and no buy in others, because I too am worried about paying the bills. I've made way too many fountain pen and ink purchases in the last two years. I like your questions, and another I'm using is "can you manage without it?" Although pens are my weakness, I also enjoy bags and have been holding out on buying a tote bag that has features I really like. I have at least 10 tote bags in my house already, including some that are quite nice. So I'm reminding myself that even though the one I covet is different, I can manage without it and use what I have. I'm also thinking about how much to allocate to charitable giving, as I can't do that either when I can't pay my monthly bills. That needs to get back in the budget. I look forward to hearing more about your journey!
That's a great question! The answer (for me) would almost always be no, for any pen or stationery-related item, or bags, too. That was a problem I had with bags. I had multiples of the same type, and finally decided to pick out my absolute favorites and sell the rest. I like having less, because I am much more appreciative of the ones I do have. It just makes me happier lol. Thanks so much for watching!!!
Wishing you well! I'm a big fan of frugality. Hopefully you'll spend some time thinking about why you were overspending to begin with...I s'pose it likely has to do with self-esteem, so it's probably worth taking a deep dive into what that's about. (And yes, I realize you probably already know all this! Again, best wishes!!!)
I think it was mostly due to me thinking, "I can afford it, why not get it?" until it got to the point where I actually started to worry that I wouldn't be able to afford it, or a mortgage payment. I've never had money issues before, so never thought to save, or be more conscientious about my purchases.
Just found this and it's almost a month later. How are you doing with your goals? I just said yesterday that I could never possibly use all of the stickers in my collection and never need to buy another one as long as I live. I WILL, of course, but they aren't the pricey items that many people have issues with. I have never purchased a Chic Sparrow, for the very reason that I AM also a journal junkie but, again, so far it's been more of a problem of STORAGE, rather than of spending too much money. In any case, thank you for the tips, all very helpful! I wish you all the best in achieving your goals!
I'm doing excellently, actually! I only broke my no buy once (happened last week), but I returned the item on Monday and will get a full refund. I've already saved more money than I thought, too. Maybe I should raise my yearly goal, since I think I'll hit it within the next couple of months! Storage is a good thing to think about, too. One thing I don't want is a bunch of clutter, which unfortunately I have a lot of despite having decluttered my space quite a bit. I hate having so much space taken up with things I don't use, or rarely use. Thanks so much, glad it was helpful! :D
Thank you very much for sharing your plans for 2022. I feel like I need to take the same approach toward my stationery purchases and I look forward to hearing more about what is or is not working for you. I do love your dashboard idea :)
I am looking forward to that, too! I actually made a tiny slip-up today (as in a $1.25 slip-up, so not huge) and am trying not to be hard on myself, but I am frustrated about it, even though it was bought with cash gifted to me and does not affect my bank account in any way lol. It's the principle, I suppose. Yes!!!! I love seeing that every day. Needed to look at that before I got those damned mini donuts lmao.
Brave, sensible, inspiring-thanks for all of that! My weakness mostly falls into several brands (that get everything 'just right')…Superior Labour, Roterfaden, Sailor, and Midori MD (+ other Japanese papers). With paper and ink, it helps to know I already have enough to last my lifetime. Since I’m selling a whole bunch of pens this week at the PhIladelphia Pen Show, I get to buy just a few more in replacement. You and I share some sensibilities in that department-will you sell yours on eBay?
I went through a Roterfaden phase, and was recently in the throes of a TSL phase, as well lolol. Those are expensive phases! Coincidentally I will be selling some Roterfaden covers, and likely a couple of TSL pouches as I have too many. Definitely with the ink! I try to be conscious of how many bottles I obtain, as I don't want to have so many that I am overwhelmed or know I will never get through them all. I will sell my pens and accessories on the Pen_swap subreddit, things can go quite quickly there.
I am doing something similar. It’s not exactly a no buy or low buy, it’s more about how I spend my resources which includes money and time. I spend so much money and sooooo much time shopping that I don’t actually have much time left to use my purchases to make art or write letters, etc. this year, i am going to focus on doing the things I love that aren’t instant gratification of shopping. Looking forward to hearing of your progress in a few months!
That sounds wonderful! I am also wanting to be more intentional with my time. Reading more, practicing art (something I used to love to do), and practicing Spanish. Doesn't cost money (as I already have enough books and art supplies) but is still fulfilling.
You have nothing to be ashamed or embarrassed about. You are certainly not alone and talking about it and making mindful goals for this year is supporting all of those who are deeply trapped in a shame cycle for these very same issues.
That is certainly a comforting thought. I do feel it is a journey I am making with many others, seeing as how many videos/topics I see of people going through the same thing.
I think with this kind of thing, we get to this point where it’s never enough. For me, this just hits home - I know it will always be just one more thing. Thank you for being brave and making this video. I just sold all of my extra planners on eBay, yes they take a cut but you are protected if something happens in the transaction. Now I am done selling and I feel such relief.
This has inspired me to also go on a planner no spend, thank you.
It is such an amazing feeling to be rid of everything. I recently sold the majority of my Chic Sparrow collection (most of which were not shown in my recent videos) and it truly is such a relief. Next up are my bottled inks, which I actually plan to list for sale this Friday, if all goes according to plan lol.
You're so welcome, and good luck!! :D
I’m glad I’m not the only one who is doing a no buy for stationery I am relatively new to the hobby about 2 years and in those 2 years I have gotten over 100 pens and over 400 inks some bottles some samples. As you can see I need to take a break so that’s what I’m also doing this year a no buy for inks, pens, and paper. Good luck to both of us.
My first year or so really branching out into fps was bad, because I didn't know what I liked so I was buying everything just to find out. I think that is, in part, unavoidable. If you don't try different pens, how do you know what you like? At the same time, it's so much money lol. That's a lot, though! Good luck with your break, I think we shall both need it! :)
Very wise choices. My weakness has been all kinds of journaling and all supplies that go with it Mostly with Happy Planners. It can easily get out of hand. I’m planning a low buy in that I can buy anything regarding household and auto costs that are necessary replacements. I’m in the process of giving my giant cookbook collection to the public library. My husband takes some each time he goes to check out books. Please keep us updated throughout the year. You can do it. It will be the first one for me.
It is so hard to resist journals and journaling supplies! I just think of all the wonderful things I can do with them haha.
Those are great and sensible goals! And how wonderful to give back to your library!
I will, I've been doing great so far, actually! Might do a two month update instead of three, not sure yet.
Good luck with your low buy!
Loved this video and it made me reflect and be honest with myself about my spending habits. Thank you for sharing! Your questions to consider before making a purchase hit home.
I'm so glad to be helpful! They are difficult questions, but I find if I am truly honest with myself it keeps me from buying whatever I'm looking at. Sometimes I have to be harsh with myself, but I find it's for the best, depending on the thing I want.
How brave of you! I wish you well. I just put a stop to my fountain pens too. Do not be embarrassed. Many of us have been there. I was deep in spending once and i put a stop to it and recovered. More common than you would think. Thank you!
Thanks so much, I need all the well wishes I can get! :)
Great video and helpful. I applauded you. I’m 72 and really enjoy you channel and looking forward to seeing whatever comes next.
Thanks so much for watching!! :)
Lucy is so adorable!! You are an inspiration for being so transparent, and upfront. Accountability is a very powerful principle, and I'm sure you can do it, but do please be kind to yourself as well for any "falls".
I too "overbuy" in 2021, and you inspired me to declutter my pen collection (at least 12-13 pens to sell!)
A good way to prove that you shipped out the items is to take photos or better yet, VIDEOS, of you posting the items into the Post Mailboxes, and then send the proof to the buyer.
Thank you so much!! I actually find the decluttering process fun (when it comes to stationery), because I like whittling it down to just my favorites.
Good idea, thanks for the recommendation! I'll keep that in mind when I eventually start listing my pen stuff to sell.
Just subscribed. I'm doing a No Buy as well this year. I could use a new mattress so that's what I'm saving for.
Thanks so much! What kind of rules are you placing for yourself?
Thank you for being so candid. I have completely been there and am maybe still there. It's still a work in progress because it's hard not to want all the things. 🙃
Boy is it a work in progress! I haven't made an update video yet because, in all honesty, I've been doing... not good lol. The first couple of months went great, actually, then I fell off. This past month hasn't been as bad as March and April, but I'm pretty upset with myself. I will eventually make an update video. Perhaps admitting my failure to potentially thousands of people online will help rein me in due to shame lol.
@@inkfade4281 Be kind to yourself. You deserve it ❤️
Keep strong, I will try to do the same... I am also 26 and i am a total mess for the same reasons.
It's so strange, isn't it?? I know I'm super young, really, but I already feel like my life is speeding by and I have nothing together. I've already gone through a few mid-life crises and I'm not even at the mid-life point lolol.
@@inkfade4281 I know, I totally understand hahaha, I think the pandemic didn't helped us at all, we had to change so much it's sometimes scary... But I am sure that slowly we can put our sh*t together haha
I’ve been thinking about doing a no-buy year too! I’ve been doing spectacularly bad so far. This video was very helpful. I hadn’t thought about making goals and plans. And I never realized other people made videos about this. I feel better prepared now. Thank you. I wish you much success!
I imagine it's much more difficult if you don't have any goals in mind. And the rules are actually quite fun to plan out, you just have to be brutally honest with yourself lol. I actually had a lot of fun making my graphic and deciding what all went into what category, even though it's for quite a serious reason.
Oh man SO SO many videos haha. You could spend hours and hours watching videos concerning other people's no buys/low buys. And there's quite a few books out there on the topic of spending less or absolutely nothing for a set amount of time.
I will say, even tho this is because I'm financially irresponsible when it comes to pens, etc., I am having fun imposing these rules on myself. I enjoy looking at my rules often and reminding myself why I'm doing this. I get a thrill out of seeing money accumulate in my bank account, instead of going out. If you really get into it, I think you can turn it into something exciting instead of dreadful.
Thanks so much, and much success to you, too! :D
I think I'm going to be doing this for a while with stationery spending. Maybe the next 3 months. I don't think I have too much..but the problem lies in the fact that I don't have much in my bank account . Thanks for the video, I enjoyed it!
Glad you liked it! I think three months is a good goal, I think there's still plenty of time there to see a difference in savings if you really try to hold back on frivolous spending.
I did some low buys years ago when I was buying copious amounts of high-end makeup. It never went well for me because it's like with an extreme diet: when you can't have anything, you think about it all the time and you want everything. I found that for me, giving myself a tiny budget to spend worked much better. That way, I would really think hard before purchasing something, because the budget was very limited. I was also asking myself the same kind of question that you have on your list. That was what worked best for me. Nowadays I know I can be a bit extreme with my spendings (I like pens of course, and also expensive bags) but I am also able to limit them a lot if I want to save/if funds are low. I've also gotten into the habit of regularly looking at what I have, selling what I don't use and "reuse" that money for new things I want. With bags for example, I always do one in one out so I can finance the purchase. Good luck and keep us updated!
I did that with my low buy (back whenever I did that, I can't remember lol), but I usually ended up going over my allotted "fun spending" for the month. Think it was $125 per month. Overall I did save money, but the budget thing didn't work well for me because I was still allowed to buy stuff and would always convince myself to push it just a little, to buy whatever I wanted. But back then I also wasn't super low on money so I guess it wasn't do or die then either haha.
That being said, I did worry about cutting myself off completely for this challenge, but when I look at my financial situation I really just don't have a choice. I either get serious about it or don't, and seriously suffer down the road lol. I have way more money in my bank account currently than I did last autumn (due to some Coach bag returns and selling some bags and Chic Sparrow covers) but I don't feel comfortable.
I want to keep going, partly because I do want to see how much money I can save, and the other part because I want to see if I can actually keep it up all year. I think it will be fun to try, anyway.
I will, thanks so much for your thoughts! :D
You are so cute lol And the way you admitted to yourself it was becoming a problem is awesome. More people need to do this myself included. Subscribed just for this video alone.
Thank you for this video... I've been struggling with the same things and unsure what to do about it. I'd decided I wasn't going to purchase any leather covers this year... and I've already purchased two, "they were limited edition", "I work hard, I deserve them", "This year is so hard..." etc, etc, etc... I'll be following along with your progress, and trying to keep up myself!
I feel you about those leather covers lol. It's so hard, especially when they're limited edition. I have not been seriously tempted by anything yet (to the point where I was close to buying it), but I know there will be points throughout the year where I give in and purchase something.
It's important to just get back on the horse.
I've been going through this with weight loss for years, also. Being so resolved to do it, then just... falling off. I'm even more motivated to do this no buy not only to save money, but because I don't want to fail at another big resolution again, like losing weight. I mean, I have lost weight overall, but I'm still so far from my goal and just haven't been working towards it like I should be.
I don't want my no buy to be like that lol. I want to steel myself against my own weak, purchase-happy mind and strengthen my mental no buy muscles. I am succeeding so far (yay!), so maybe that mental fortitude will spill over into my weight loss journey and get me moving again like I should be!
Thanks so much, and good luck with your journey!!!
Excellent thoughts. Your honesty is appreciated. I do not intend to buy anything in 2022. I am planning to repair two pens if opportunity arises. I have ink stock which will last the entire year. My goal for this year is to finish the grad school if possible. 😊
Good luck for the new year and looking forward to your videos.
It's going to be a long year, but I am resolved to try my hardest.
Our goals are quite similar as far as getting pens repaired/modified, and using up our ink stash! And good luck with finishing grad school!! :D
@@inkfade4281 thank you. 😊
I keep a detailed spreadsheet of all fountain pen related expenses, a real eye opener. I went no fountain pen related buy for the last three quarters of 2021 simply to clarify the direction of my pen and ink collection. Still working on 2022 goals. Probably two sub $300 pens, very few unique inks, an A5 notebook cover (do not have any) and paper only as needed for replacement. Fortunately my goals are more about controlling my collection. I want a collection of pens and inks that I enjoy writing.
Best wishes for your efforts.
Oooh how much money did you save, you think?
That is a wonderful set of goals for 2022. Careful with notebook covers, that's a slippery slope! But I am doing the same with paper, using up until it needs replacing. Everything I have, though, should last me the year.
That's the ultimate goal. I hope one day to know pen peace, but I feel like that is a long way away haha. Thanks so much, and good luck with your goals!
I'm so glad you came out with this video. I originally found your videos because of your Chic Sparrow reviews. I am also doing a "no spend year" this year. I am coming out with a video soon, but I needed a break. New Subbie. I want to follow your journey and root you on. I agree that once you see your bank account and see how much was spent on stationeries, you feel sick to your stomach. I could've saved so much money if I didn't spend as much as I have on TNs, purses, and planners. I'm with you on that. Thanks for your transparency. Have a blessed day. -Jen
What kind of rules are you implementing for yourself?
Yeah, when I finally sat down and added all the unnecessary purchases up I just sat back and thought "something has to change" because this isn't sustainable.
Thanks so much! I am going to try to be quite transparent in the future videos, too, I feel it will help me to stay more accountable!
Your video also helps me and admitting that we always have something to improve requires a lot of courage.
I also need to do the same i was never very controlled in buying things and especially with stationery this year I'm in the limit and need to save some money and not wasting on things that i might use once only.
Your video helps people around the world which is very cool greetings from brazil and i wish you all the best in reaching your goal.
I was hoping it might inspire others to scrutinize their buying habits! Things can certainly get out of hand very quickly, without noticing until maybe it's too late. It's always good to be aware of how much you spend on frivolous things like fountain pens or stationery, or how much you have. I feel like if I have too much stuff, I can't appreciate the items I really love since there's just so much stuff distracting me.
Thanks so much!!! :)
@@inkfade4281 thank you very much!!! for the advice
I will enjoy what i already have
and save more!!!
Thanks so much for sharing. This is very inspiring and relatable. I need to do a low buy in some areas and no buy in others, because I too am worried about paying the bills. I've made way too many fountain pen and ink purchases in the last two years. I like your questions, and another I'm using is "can you manage without it?" Although pens are my weakness, I also enjoy bags and have been holding out on buying a tote bag that has features I really like. I have at least 10 tote bags in my house already, including some that are quite nice. So I'm reminding myself that even though the one I covet is different, I can manage without it and use what I have. I'm also thinking about how much to allocate to charitable giving, as I can't do that either when I can't pay my monthly bills. That needs to get back in the budget. I look forward to hearing more about your journey!
That's a great question! The answer (for me) would almost always be no, for any pen or stationery-related item, or bags, too. That was a problem I had with bags. I had multiples of the same type, and finally decided to pick out my absolute favorites and sell the rest. I like having less, because I am much more appreciative of the ones I do have. It just makes me happier lol. Thanks so much for watching!!!
I'm in a fountain pen and accessories No Buy for 2022. I got into the same situation as you but I maxed out my credit cards.
Yikes! I've never had a credit card, only debit, so luckily have never been in a situation like that. I hope you are successful on your no buy year!
Wishing you well! I'm a big fan of frugality. Hopefully you'll spend some time thinking about why you were overspending to begin with...I s'pose it likely has to do with self-esteem, so it's probably worth taking a deep dive into what that's about. (And yes, I realize you probably already know all this! Again, best wishes!!!)
I think it was mostly due to me thinking, "I can afford it, why not get it?" until it got to the point where I actually started to worry that I wouldn't be able to afford it, or a mortgage payment. I've never had money issues before, so never thought to save, or be more conscientious about my purchases.
It's great how you have set your mind on this. Wish you well 🙂
Thanks so much!!
Just found this and it's almost a month later. How are you doing with your goals? I just said yesterday that I could never possibly use all of the stickers in my collection and never need to buy another one as long as I live. I WILL, of course, but they aren't the pricey items that many people have issues with. I have never purchased a Chic Sparrow, for the very reason that I AM also a journal junkie but, again, so far it's been more of a problem of STORAGE, rather than of spending too much money. In any case, thank you for the tips, all very helpful! I wish you all the best in achieving your goals!
I'm doing excellently, actually! I only broke my no buy once (happened last week), but I returned the item on Monday and will get a full refund. I've already saved more money than I thought, too. Maybe I should raise my yearly goal, since I think I'll hit it within the next couple of months!
Storage is a good thing to think about, too. One thing I don't want is a bunch of clutter, which unfortunately I have a lot of despite having decluttered my space quite a bit. I hate having so much space taken up with things I don't use, or rarely use.
Thanks so much, glad it was helpful! :D
Thank you very much for sharing your plans for 2022. I feel like I need to take the same approach toward my stationery purchases and I look forward to hearing more about what is or is not working for you. I do love your dashboard idea :)
I am looking forward to that, too! I actually made a tiny slip-up today (as in a $1.25 slip-up, so not huge) and am trying not to be hard on myself, but I am frustrated about it, even though it was bought with cash gifted to me and does not affect my bank account in any way lol. It's the principle, I suppose.
Yes!!!! I love seeing that every day. Needed to look at that before I got those damned mini donuts lmao.
👍Cheering you on! 👍
Thanks so much, I really need it lol!
Brave, sensible, inspiring-thanks for all of that! My weakness mostly falls into several brands (that get everything 'just right')…Superior Labour, Roterfaden, Sailor, and Midori MD (+ other Japanese papers). With paper and ink, it helps to know I already have enough to last my lifetime. Since I’m selling a whole bunch of pens this week at the PhIladelphia Pen Show, I get to buy just a few more in replacement. You and I share some sensibilities in that department-will you sell yours on eBay?
I went through a Roterfaden phase, and was recently in the throes of a TSL phase, as well lolol. Those are expensive phases! Coincidentally I will be selling some Roterfaden covers, and likely a couple of TSL pouches as I have too many.
Definitely with the ink! I try to be conscious of how many bottles I obtain, as I don't want to have so many that I am overwhelmed or know I will never get through them all.
I will sell my pens and accessories on the Pen_swap subreddit, things can go quite quickly there.
So it's 2023, can you give us an update on how it went?
You can try dip pens...