I Quit Shopping For a Year | My No-Buy Year in Review
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 15 ต.ค. 2024
- At the beginning of this year, I decided to quit shopping for all non-essentials (in other words, I could buy food and replaceable items like deodorant, but that was it). After 12 months, my life has totally transformed for the better and I still cannot believe how this casual challenge turned into such a huge life-changing experience for me. Not only have I overcome my shopping-addiction, but I've developed a new, healthy relationship with money, consumerism and self-worth.
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Hi everyone! So I need to address something which people new to my channel keep asking me about. In my no-buy rules 2019 (: I explain the rules I'm following and one of those rules is to maintain my regular beauty regime, but I wasn't allowed to add to it (I could only replace items). So, I was allowed to re-buy makeup I used; I was allowed to go to the hairdresser twice a year; I could go to the dentist; I could still wear moisturiser and I could still do my nails every two months. The nails aren't an essential beauty regime item, I know, but they were in my rules because I have horrible nails which bleed all the time, break in the middle of the bed and come off entirely sometimes XD (we have no idea why; I've had it since childhood, we think it's something to do with my Raynaud's but no one really knows haha).
It's really NOT an essential by everyone else's standards and I hold my hands up there and admit that - I went nail-free for four months of this year and I hated it, I was so self-conscious of my nails coming off and snapping in the middle and coming off halfway - it's a sore ugly mess which makes it just painful to type and to touch things and they're just ugly. So, for £15 every two months I stick nails on and they stop breaking in the middle and they stop hurting so much and being ugly and bloody XD It's like really gross and embarrassing and if they weren't so sore I'd just go 'hell with them' and let them all broken off and fallen out, but I'm afraid I'm human, I'm vain and I like being able to type without ripping a nail out of my finger.
Thanks for reading, I hope this answers your questions regarding the fact that I'm wearing makeup and nails. They were in the rules I set myself for the 2019 no-buy and they're the rules I followed (:
Did you buy gifts for other people? Birthday gifts for example?
So, how much money did you save in 2019? And did you invest any of the saved money?
Yes, please watch my first video on the topic to find out what I did and didn't buy according to the rules
OUCH!!! I also have sensitive nail growth...I just keep trimming them so they wont tear at the base and leave me with broken bleeding painful skin...Good for you...keep taking care of you 💜
That’s where I draw the line. My nails peel and bleed. Nope. I just had them off for a month and they were awful, catching on everything and so painful. My nails will be done every 2-3 weeks and a pedicure once a month. I have health issues that make it very difficult to do my own, so i’m not going to worsen my condition by trying to save a coupe of bucks.
"No mannequin in a window is going to display what I need in life." Girl, this was deep. How have I never thought of this?!
Watch "ways of seeing" by John Berger :))
Women be like
Gay
I’m totally doing a no buy January! What you said is so true! Having grown up so poor that I often went several days, sometimes a week without food. As an adult with a career and some money, I’ve found myself spending unnecessarily and I’m so ready to stop!! Thanks for sharing:)
Thank you so much, Violeta! Awesome news, well done and go you! Best of luck from January! :D I'm rooting for you
Good for you!
Hi Violeta.
I think I’ll join you.
Yes me 😟
I’m going to join you for January as well. I can’t commit to a year but I think I can do a month, and go from there. Hair, nails and meds, dr. appts are all essential.
5:28 Financial issues in childhood = spenders, hoarders, collectors in adulthood. So true!!
Kristina Kolesnik i think jeffree star would be a great example of this
This is true in a lot of people, but it can also work the opposite. My family had no money growing up because of my mom's spending habits, now I'm 19 and my money habits are incredible because I didn't want to end up like my mom
This is the case for my mother. She's at risk of losing her house, yet she keeps buying cookie boxes and shapes, clothes, gifts for her nieces, costumes for halloween, decorations,... And now she's asking me to cosign her mortgage so the bank doesn't kick her out when she goes into retirement. I'm so angry at her.
And the whole reason she even owns the house is that she cosigned my grandpa's mortgage when he got retired.
Hoping to break that cycle.
can't agree more. My dad is actually loaded, but he's always been really stingy towards his children. So after I received my first salary I spent them all on things I could never buy as child, like video games, expensive clothes, high end gadgets, and so on. After 1-2 years my parents found out about my bad habit, so they kicked me out of the house to live with my brother, and it was only then I realized I needed money for rent, electricity, internet, water, and absolutely everything else. On the good side, it only took me less than a year to adjust because apparently I inherited my dad's view on money that I become stingy even toward my own self.
I have been on extremes with my spending habits from deprivation and saving for the sake of saving for a number on a bank statement to splurging and hoarding. I still have wearable clothes from 10 years ago lol.
I recently went through a financial crisis where I was forced to only buy essentials. I am back on track now, but because of going through financial distress, I no longer buy anything except food, meds and other basics. Ironically I work in retail and I’m shocked at the money people spend on what I really consider junk from my store. Obviously I would be out of a job if they stopped buying so it’s a strange situation for me to be in. Shopping was always something I did to “escape” when I was feeling down, but now I don’t care much about shopping at all, and it’s quite liberating.
Congratulations on going through your crisis maturely. Even financial crises don't normally make people not buy only what they need (I got into a lot of trouble myself when I went through one many years ago). You're pretty rare; most people stay in denial of the situation. Well done (:
It is possible to do a no buy unless anything u gotta have which are needs any. cause it is like if u know u have so much of anything or have reasons not to buy certain stuff at anytime, then u just save. heard a voice over ones saying there is no u haul behind a hearse, so that really means a lot. as some or many have gone minimalist, it helps to declutter to really see how much u got and then see what u really need so u know what not to buy compared to what u need buy anytime. so it possible to have a no buy year except when u need any essentials or needs lol.
I'm currently in a financial crisis. Like barely enough to buy food or soap after rent. Any tips for me?
@@theamhway There's lots of youtubers who have tips on how to live on little or no money (except rent and similar necessities of course).
@@theamhway Check around if can get food stamps or ebt, and go to any food bank see if they can help any. there are places i sure can help u a bunch, they may ask for some info on finances and stuff , but can really help seeing u in a bind and all. be upfront and say what going on.
Jeff Bezos just got shivers down his spine
I know. I got in the habit of buying unnecessary items.I really want to stop doing that.
good. we all better stay away from the amazon anyways and do not support it
Agreed. First step was to cut the prime membership and it almost felt like a fucking breakup....
Same here . Buy what I need…NOT what I want. Now a days I am travelling light.
If you can do a No Buy Year, you can do just about anything.
CarlyUTube I’m 20 and I still wear the same clothes from highschool💀
no--someone has a lot already. someone w almost 0, how can they do it?
no--someone has a lot already. someone w almost 0, how can they do it?
no--someone has a lot already. someone w almost 0, how can they do it?
20somethingsWorld well that’s not really a long time
This is a wonderful video. I totally agree with you. I had a brain tumor almost 2 yrs ago. I had to retire and go on a budget. I realized I had enough stuff to live a long time with. So I didn’t shop. At all. I only bought food and necessities. I didn’t mind it at all. I was able to stay on a budget and I appreciated having what I had and I was just happy being alive. Everything else didn’t matter ❤️
Congratulations on your recovery, Candi, that's an amazing story, thank you for sharing. I'm so happy to have the chance to meet you, you're inspirational ❤️
Are you okay right now?
You know, this is the first no buy video that I’ve seen that makes sense and is actually very profound! It’s giving me the courage to try out no buy. I’m desperately wanting to break my shopping addiction as well and realizing that things that can’t fill voids is motivation enough to stop. Thanks for such an honest opinion.
Thank you so much for such a huge compliment! I wish you all the luck; I know you're more than capable of doing it (:
you can do it! my fiance was also shopping to fill out a void, and this year they managed to buy less un-needed stuff. it was difficult for them, but they did it! they managed to save money for other stuff they really wanted, and i'm proud of them!
@@dashcamdriving5631 I so agree! Because i tried not to buy anything this year, i felt less guilty when in the end i did buy something. and when i did buy something it did bring some joy. The hardest part was to stay away from stores-not entering, lol
I began buying only second hand clothes at charity shops, and I really like it.
That's awesome! I will definitely only ever buy second-hand clothes in the future (besides socks and underwear).
Laura Cavallina, I also only buy clothes from thrift stores (except for undergarments and socks!). I once frequented thrift shops for the odd items, along with clothes & barely worn shoes. Now I’m not buying any odds & ends & rarely go thrifting. I’m also decluttering either by giving away, throwing away or selling items online. It’s really out of necessity, because I barely get by even with items I sell. Living this way certainly opens one’s eyes to how insane all the marketing and consumerism exists. My big goal is to eventually downsize to a tiny home and tiny living.
I think everyone can benefit from a trail period of not buying anything.
I do that but I also got addicted to thrifting at my flat looks like a thrift shop lol
This is laudable- I do often find I greatly struggle to find clothes that fit. I’m a tall woman and thrifting encourages that unfortunate tendency to wear men’s clothes because they fit better. It’s a tough line- also grew up not well to do. Still looking for my balance point. My city also has a lot of poor quality stuff in thrift stores. Frugality and a small well curated wardrobe are important. I also find that working as a painter- I DESTROY clothing. So finding a balance is tough!
The second hand shops in my area have loads of brand new clothing and unders all the time.
I don't know where you came from, but i needed to hear this.
2020 year of no buying, here i comee!! #fuckcapitalism
Hell yeah, go Denny!
Good luck you can do it girl, we buy most of the time what we like, we should buy what we need.
Took the words right out of my mouth, Denny!
I’m going to do a 2020 no buy too!!
this has been my life in the last 3 years-I realized you don't need all that crap that just clutters your space...plus when you move you have to drag all that crap with you. plus its a waste of hard earned $$$$.plus all this crap not only clutters your space , it ends up on landfields as soon as something else they trick you into waste your $$$ on ...there are shit tons of polyesther and plastic that is needless to say not biodegradable we discard onto Earth's landfields bc we want another shiny colorful "flavor /trand of the week"thingy .
I digress. it is liberating to use what you need and not generated shitton of garbage every day. and bonus-pay off your debt.
First no buy video w someone who seems to have a really good grasp of the emotional side of this. I also love that you still look so glamorous. As if you are using everything still you own and love. Like your nails and lipstick. Loving that you can free yourself from consumerism and still love what you have so stylishly. Thank you for that.
Awww thank you ever so much, that was so sweet of you to say (my nails need doing now though, I haven't had time during vlogmas to do them again haha). I like dressing my best the majority of days just to use up my 'nicer' clothing (:
I did this for 8 years while I paid off my student loan.
Christy C That is very inspiring. Hmmmmmm...
I used to work in federal student loan servicing. I commend you for your sacrifice and putting the loan first, it must have been hard. Students need to realize it is tax payer dollars they are borrowing, not free money! many students take out way more than they should, and buy cars, take vacations, etc. So, I am extremely impressed by you. So, how do you feel about them talking about forgiving all the loans now? Bet it makes you mad huh? If you can do it, others can and should.
@@justifiedlife1595 The student loan system is predatory, but there's a huge problem beneath it all. So many jobs that used to do on the house training now require college, it's a waste.
Kudos to you!
Young lady I am very impressed with you. I am a 67 year old man who lives in Tennessee. I not impressed by many!
Oh, goodness, thank you so much, Mike :D
"Only the rich, can afford to look poor" my Mother used to say. Got me through 62 years without worry. Thanks Mom! Oh, she had a great modest sense of humor.
I love this!
Does that mean that you have to dress well?
I grew up in a single family home and I recall my grandma and then my mother hoarding little things. I had to catch myself from doing it and realizing the money I’ve spent I could have been saving, a concept I was never taught. I always just assumed I would live paycheck by paycheck just like my family did. Hoarding and over consumption is very much a psychological issue and I wish more people would adopt a no/less buy, I will never go back 🥳 TFS! From a fellow vegan to another.
Thank you for sharing, Isabel, I related SO much to that (I always thought I'd live paycheck to paycheck too... sometimes though it was more like paycheck to savings XD)
It is definitely part of a psychological issue. I was diagnosed bipolar about 5 years ago. When people are manic, excessive spending is an identifying behavior. Luckily now I may start it, but I catch myself. But this is an issue I want to attack. I’m like her, having too much and feeling overwhelmed. I’m just going to start with a month. For me, a year sounds too overwhelming, but i think i can do a month. It’s a start.
Isabel Chaparro amazing how you change your life! Seems so hard without an example at home. How did it effect your family? Did they got inspired?
That’s so inspiring. I’ve just written down the rules for my “less-buy” year - I don’t feel ready to go full no-buy. Kind of a new year’s resolution but already beta testing it. Looking forward to the savings haha
That's awesome, congratulations!
"I love going to the market everyday, because there are so many beautiful things there that I do not need to buy"
~Socrates
yall this is literally how i HAVE to live i hate having no money
If you one day are better off, it could happen that you start to shop more and more. That happend to me. Its so weird. I had times where we were poor and now that I have money I buy to much stuff. And I found that I was happier back then I had less (there is a sweet spot though, real poverty is no fun)
Sameee
Focus on doing things that require no money. Shopping is actually an addiction because it feels just like getting a new toy, and how long does that toy make you happy? Not long enough.
It's true. It doesn't take a lot of thought doing a no spend year when you literally have no other choice.
Me too, I barely have any bills but making $10/hour and paying rent is impossible if I wanted to live alone.
Thank you for speaking of the cycle of poverty and how it affects the people who grow up poor and our relationship with money. I was in my late 30s before I realized I had to break up with those childhood attitudes and hopes and spending related to money. I had to learn to be okay with money. I would love to hear more of your thoughts about it because it seems you are well read on the subject.
Thank you (: Happy new Year!
I completely relate! I grew up in a working-class household with parents who lived payslip to payslip. It was a very 'feast and famine' environment and I grew up spending recklessly and living off beans for the 3 weeks leading up to payday. Ditching those habits and learning to budget has changed my life. I feel so much more peaceful and in control.
I have been doing this for at least 5 years now and I agree with you it has changed my life. I realized I had so much clothes that I could recicle my wardrobe every year like it was new. I became very creative and if I really needed something because something broke in the kitchen I bought it second hand. I shop for presents sometimes, but most of the time I make them my self and far better than shopped presents.
How much did you save in this time, if you don't mind me asking?
@@CathFerook I have not count exactly how much, but I know that I need less than I thought and I´ve been saving so much money that I am on a sabatical from my savings now.
I did this with food. No food bought outside of my grocery list. This really changed the way I prepared for life. That was 3 years ago. Still saving loads of money and watching others spend what seems like an insane amount while I nibble my pb&j.
Looking back, it is a waste of money to try and fit in society when I was living beyond my means and it caused me more issues in the future. The big take away I took from buying less is that we live in a society that has taught us that more things will make us happy. Buying things will fill the void of depression or loneliness. But actually we need more human connection than random items we think we need.
Totally agree with all of this x
Absolutely spot on.
timingmile soooo true!!
Happy Vlogmas day 1, mythical creatures! I'll be uploading every day until Christmas with just general content. I hope you enjoy the rest of the videos and you enjoy December (: See you tomorrow.
Sales marketing is very manipulative and you realize that life doesn't need to be driven by consumption. I don't need to buy things to attain a status just to impress people that don't really care about you, only money.
I used to work in an ad agency a long time ago. I saw a bunch of people in suits have meetings about how to get people to buy shit they don't need. Getting accounts was all important and increasing sales of said accounts was all important. No, they don't care about you. Yes, they only care about money.
I really want to get better at not feeling like I NEED to buy something. I have such a hard time ignoring those urges, but seeing you be so happy about it makes me want to try harder!
I used to have that majorly, the only thing that broke that urge was going no-buy, so I REALLY recommend it if that's what you're dealing with! It will break that, trust me (:
I didn’t do a no buy Year in 2019 however I was a lot more aware of what I was purchasing. Every purchase I made in 2019 that was non essential I genuinely wanted and looked forward to getting. This is a huge improvement for me because in previous years I was just buying non essential items because an instagramer or youtuber etc had it and I had to have it. But in reality I didn’t need or want it.
Sometimes you only have money for what is needed and no extra. Sometimes it's hard to choose between food and medicine. But when you are content with what you have....other things become more important. The sunshine, nature, quiet time in a garden, listening to birds sing, hanging with your dog, listening to water such as a brook, waterfall, fountain, read an old book you already have. 💖
I am going to do this in 2020, who's with me?
Best of luck!
Me ... m with you ...
Hows it going?
I'm here in 2021 and I'm committing
*More people need to see this! I bought my first home after a 6-month no spend. I did the cash envelope to keep my spending in-check! Excited to see your 2020 journey!*
Kristens_Classroom what’s the cash envelope?
Absolutely love this. I’ve recently been decluttering a lot and buying nothing non-essential and I absolutely love it. Somehow it made me appreciate all I have and love that much more, like my cat and relationships and that super cozy blanket I’ve had for years♥️
Totally agree with you there, Catherine (:
After seeing this video and considering my current finances it helped me to not to be down about not getting unnecessary clothing and all that stuff. I'm going to make it. Thank you💜
Wow. This was therapeutic. You illuminated a lot for me. I don’t know if I can do a no-buy year, but I definitely want to take some of these principles into my life this next year.
I have just found your channel this morning and so glad you popped up on my TH-cam. I consider myself a minimalist but I do struggle with sometimes wanting new things; not brand new, but second-hand, new to me. I do apply the one in, one out system. I must tell you: you have truly inspired me to start a no-buy year come 2020. I’m 64 and must get more serious regarding my financial future, especially with being on a limited income. You look so stylish and creative and have made me realize, if you can do it, so can I! So thank you so very much for coming into my space this Saturday morning. I look forward to watching all over your other videos. Happy Holidays to you! 🎄💕
Hi Kathleen, thank you so much for the comment, it's lovely to meet you (: I also employ the one in one out system when it comes to gifts on my birthday and Christmas, it's so much healthier to have that mindset (I wish I adopted it sooner). Thank you for being so kind, I really hope you have a wonderful holiday season. Thank you for brightening my Saturday too (:
Getting up early was an incredible change for me! At first, I challenged myself just to do it for one week, and as that week came to a close I extended the challenge to a month, and then 3 months, then the whole year. It changed everything for me. Now I don't feel like I wake up and am thrown into all the things that happen in my day, and like my work is my life. That buffer, that pause at the beginning of my day, allowed me to feel as though anything that happened in my day, including work, was just that - something that happened in my day, not my day itself. So so so rewarding having that time to check in with yourself, who you are, what you value, what your goals are, before jumping in to the day or onto that hamster wheel.
I gave up caffeine about 7 years ago. It is a real drug that so many are addicted to. I did it for health reasons per my Dr. my hair grew thicker. I gave up artificial sweeteners at the same time.
Well done! A lot of people I know have a coffee dependency. I never really have any caffeine so, thankfully, I've avoided dependency on it. I'm currently on a no-sugar diet (including artificial sweeteners) and I'm finding it surprisingly easy.
The Personal Philosophy Project what about fruits?
thinking of my rules for my no buy year...no books tho 😭 i’d fail instantly...big fat note to self, join the library!
I've done 4 months of a cosmetics no buy this year and I'm going all in to a no buy 2020. No cosmetics, no new clothes, that is my goal. Thank you for the perspectives you've shared
Best of luck, Michelle! You;re welcome (:
Did you need to buy any extra makeup before the no buy began? I'd need blusher, mascara, foundation, and powder 😊😍
After watching this video I’m in this with you!!
This is brilliant. I enjoy shopping, but over the past years I've been focused on decluttering, becoming more minimalistic, and becoming more of a conscious consumer. It's interesting how that opens up doors to other realms, like sustainability. And although I still enjoy browsing shops, I too have noticed that you just end up wanting or "needing" less, and become more conscious of what you will and will not use, just naturally.
That's so good that happened naturally to you, Amber! Minimalism is a far off dream for me haha, but I love living by the philosophies of it. I hope through more decluttering that I can get to a closer stage of that in my life.
I was a little creeped out when you were explaining about the shopping crisis and ad started to show that I need more clothes.
I have been "no buy" for about 3 years now and i feel the same as you have expressed. I have only realized that it has become my lifestyle after you mentioned that it may become yours.
That's utter goals, you're my inspiration! I really hope I make my 5 year mark I'm aiming for, then I want to make it ten years.
3 years and that is really good..You are on your way of being financial independent soon and retiring early...
That’s so great! But what about buying holidays/ vacations?
@@meghamordani hey! Thanks for your reply. Having a no buy period is not about depriving yourself of the things that bring you joy. For me its about avoiding excess consumerism.
For example, it took me three years to use all the nail polishes i had bought over time. Now i have 12 and i intend to keep only 12 colors at any given time.
If you need that vacation because it gives you peace, joy and enhances your wellbeing definitely do it! Your mental health is important! Have a blessed day.
@@meghamordani well, when you don't buy meaningless things, you have more money for vacations or holidays, and they'll be more enjoyable ;) i also had this 'no-buy challenge' this year. i mostly did it, i bought few things second hand, including a retro/vintage sewing machine which is the biggest personal expense this year. It was and still is needed. Vacations are also needed for the brain - we simply can't function like robots.
I say, when you see a tshirt in a store that is cheap/on sale, unless you really, really, really like the design, go home and put that money in a piggy bank for the holiday.
The 'beauty' of this no-buy challenge is that you can set up your own rules. for instance, you have 10 pairs of jeans, you can say "no buying ane new jeans until one of these pairs can't be worn anymore" Same for makeups, perfumes, and anything else. Good luck!
I would love to try this. I lost a ton of weight this year so I have been buying clothes which is necessary to an extent but I can stop now and do with what I have.
Well done for your weight loss, I hope you have a great no-buy year if you go for it (:
She could have lost weight due to sickness its not always good
Congrats on your weight loss ❤️
Thank you guys! It was definitely a positive achievement ^_^
Congrats! :)
i grew up in a poor household and i realized i kept buying things and how i have too much stuff. Im gonna start decluttering my room and try to restrain myself and save my money.
Good for you, best of luck (:
I’m on the opposite end of this spectrum. I find when you grow up less fortunate you either get older attain the money and buy too much or become super tight with money. I’m frugal as hell bc I am still in survival mode. There’s always “what if” in my mind.
I'm really going to consider doing this, it is very interesting to think about. I grew up very low income and still can't save money for anything. I honestly didn't know about inferiority complexes could branch out to later on having horrible financial management skills. I'm going to read up on all of this and maybe make this no spending my new years resolution. It would be challenging but seemingly very rewarding. Last year I started yoga, I had already been meditating and wanted to try it but everyone I knew always acted like it was pretentious to do that so I had never tried it or had it recommend to me to do. Once I started I'm hooked, I love it and it has helped changed my mental health for the the better. If you haven't tried it I recommend it! Thanks for another great video!
Thank you for much for sharing your experience (: I'm so glad to hear you found Yoga! Everyone needs something in the exercise world to help their mental health
One more thing....I put things into my shopping cart online, but iwait at least one day before I pay.. often the next day I'm not so excited TT Ed and I buy much less
your the Marie Kondo of the purse
I quit sugar for a while and lovvvvveeeddd it, 100% recommend xo
I've nearly reached 30 days of no sugar and I'm happy to continue it longer :D
When people say “no sugar” does this include fruits as well?
I unconsciously made myself quit sugar when I was living with my diabetic grandma and honestly now I can't stand sugar 😂 I check every nutrition facts on things I buy and make sure the sugar is under 10g or my throat will be itchy if I consume them. I used to eat sugar like it's rice
@@zoramathews for me, no. I avoid processed sugar. Fruits are good for you! Don't avoid it 😁
This is incredible and you’re so inspiring. After looking at my ever growing bills with my husband I decided to do a no spending week. And I thought 1 week was intense. This week has made me feel like I’ve done something so I may continue. Thank you for sharing!
Well done for doing a week and thank you for commenting (: You're very kind.
Before i forget, be careful with replacing the things you already have with more sustainable things.... It's also a form of self-deceiving. It's a new thing, people like to feel they are helping with the climate thing by buying an alternative for things they already have instead of rationalizing how they relate with things. And companies are jumping into that feeling by providing us with an enormous variety of the same unnecesary things they already offered but in two different versions. So firstly, stop and think. Again, I left a comment recently in another video from you. This is a message for me too, let's be honest.
The second point I want to ask you about is books. How many books did you read this year? How did you face this particular point? I read around 30 books this year. I'm a very curious person and I am constantly looking at new topics or aspects of interests so it can be problematic in relation with quiting shopping at least so often. In order to make it worse, I'm a collector. This mean I want to have a big and rich library of my own one day. Every book collector have many more books unread than the ones they have read. So you can see the problem. Do you aspire personally to have a big library? Do you use your local library or borrow books from people?
Have a nice day.
Oh I know, I don't believe in buying things JUST to replace things which are sustainable (like some people just buy wooden cutlery and jars for the aesthetics of sustainability. I only buy things which I need to replace because it's used up, but there's a sustainable alternative to it like I bought cloths instead of kitchen roll etc).
I'll be doing a video all about the books I've read this year (how many, etc). Currently, I've read 58 books this year. I never aspired to have a large library, I just got one over time (booksellers get very generous discounts). I can see people owning more books than they've read but I don't see that as a big issue: if books make people happy, let people have unread books. I'm sure they'll get to them in their spare time. If having lots of unread books makes someone anxious and unhappy, they should get rid of them. I don't like borrowing books from people (because I can't read fast enough to make someone comfortable that I'll return their book within the time they'd like me to), but I do use the library (I don't need to most of the time, but this year I've borrowed books I wanted to read rather than buy them).
Yes thank you for the first point. People sometimes just shop ecological stuff now and think it the solution, but the best thing is to use what you have. Last week I was at yoga and I talked to my instructor about yoga mats and mine is a little bit worn out by now but still usable. We talked about good yoga mats and I said I will buy one soon because mine started to tear. She looked at my mat and said I should just buy one already, there are mats from latex that are eco friendly. That was her solution. And a lot of people think like that. I just don't get why I should buy it before I really need it?
If a big library is your goal, I would assume books are essential.
I also love to read and I won't give up the books I have. I re-read my favourites every once in a while. For new reading material I
1.go to the public library. You can order books from other libraries as well.
2. Swap books at open book shelves. We have one in town. You give some, you take some.
3. Secondhand books can be found online or bigger cities have special book shops for that.
Good luck with that personal library!
@@manuso12 Thank you! Most of my books are second hand. That's the only way for me to have a big library. I have told myself to use the public library but I'm still failing at that.
I knew someone who went to thrift stores to purchase books cause they liked to read so much. Then re-donated the ones they didn't want to keep.
I’ve gone through very hard financially rough times and I remember having a negative balance in my checking account, and my debit card being denied at the grocery store. That was a long time ago. I learned a lot from getting through that struggle and have come out the other side. Now I realize that I need to be careful with overconsumption. I didn’t grow up with Christmas, but I’ve been celebrating it for a while since my boyfriend is Christian. I sometimes think all the shopping around this holiday season is really overkill. Happy New Year 🎆
I want to try a no buy year so I can get out of debt and not feel so overwhelmed by all my stuff. I'm an all or nothing as well type. It can be good or very bad. Maybe this way I'll stop wasting my precious time shopping and more time creating. Plus then I could probably quite my part time job. I really want to value my time over objects. Your video is inspiring!
This will seriously help you next year, trust me, prioritise getting out of debt and feeling more at one with yourself and your relationship with material goods. I wish you all the best for next you, you got this (:
I'm glad you still have this video up! I love watching your old videos for motivation ❤
I am a spinner, weaver and knitter and need to buy supplies, especially for the hand-knitted gifts i make throughout the year. Other than that, this is how I've lived for many years now.
This video popped up in my recommended at the perfect time! I need to save some money and I've been trying to be more mindful of what I need versus what I don't really need and shouldn't buy. Walking out of a shop empty-handed feels so rewarding and gives me confidence! As someone said, when you buy something, it's not only you who owns this thing, it's also the thing that owns you and your time (if you buy a book, it takes space and you need to take time to read it, if it's a piece of clothing, it means more laundry to do etc)
If one wants to live a focused and a meaningful life, this challenge is a must to try or to live by permanently!
Great video, thank you!
Just came across your channel love this video. I did a no spend month that turned into two that turned into three, by the end of the third month I realized how much stuff I had in my house I had enough stationary for at least three years and I started to give things away, it was so refreshing I feel like a new person. You have a new subscriber here💕
That's incredible to hear, Luana, well done! Also, lovely to meet you, thank you so much for subscribing and commenting, I really appreciate it (:
I feel like Grandma just gave me a good talking-to and I LOVE IT!!! I'm going to try this. You are saying just what everyone needs to hear in this society we live in. Thank you!
Mind blown!!! I've tried this a few times and have failed lol, but honestly I havent bought clothes in a long time and generally only shop for groceries but I fall into marketing schemes at stores like Target all the time. That being said, its very good to try not to spend unnecessarily.
That's awesome that you haven't bought clothes in a long time (:
Wow, what you shared about the 10 minute rule makes me understand why they offer you baskets/shopping bags when you walk into stores! It's amazing how we've been convinced that companies are on our sides, or are our friends. Like, they're having a sale to do us a favor (nope)! They know it will push us to buy things we ordinarily wouldn't, which boosts their sales. I honestly before this video had a deep-seeded belief that the shopping bag is offered when you walk in the store to be helpful, but it's obvious now that at the same time it encourages you to buy the clothes -- wow! Thanks for opening my eyes. This is the first video I'm seeing from you (ty algorithm!) and I'm excited for vlogmas!
You're so welcome, thank you for such a thoughtful and honest comment. Also, lovely to meet you! Thank you for taking the time to watch my video and I hope you enjoy the rest of vlogmas (: x
I'm going to do this in 2020. Oddly enough, this video contains advertising for "stuff"
Leila's Lovely Life TH-camrs don’t get to choose the ads that accompany their videos, I believe it’s based on your online activity :)
I got an ad to donate to refugees NGO
Mee too 2020 no spend challenge
@@LaLaBlahBlahh You are absolutely correct. My channel was monetized until they changed the rules about a year ago.
Me too !!!!!
I’m so glad I found your channel. I started buying experiences as gifts for my loved ones since everyone seems to have too much stuff. Every Christmas I buy tickets to a Panto at our local not for profit theatre and we all a attended together. It’s now a tradition that we look forward to. I do the same for my elderly mother where I take her to concerts, plays, etc, that reflects her Portuguese heritage and she likes a lot more than the gifts and cards I used to get her.
One challenge I have tried and not lasted at is picking a cookbook, then doing the recipes in order. All of them, one a day. I started with a Betty Crocker cookbook from the 50's...I believe it was a jellied meat thing that did me in. I may start again with Freddie Prinze Jr.'s cookbook and steer away from traditional books for this challenge.
Which is your favourite cookbook?
This is so motivating for me. I’ve been thinking of doing this for so many months and this just gave me the push to go full force in 2020. I’ve been trying to save more esp thinking about my future plans and hopefully owning a home soon and my constant buying of things and even spending money eating out and doing take away vs cooking had been negatively affecting my goals. I can’t wait to take on this challenge. I actually feel relieved. Thank you for sharing. Xoxo
That's amazing to hear, lovely. I really hope the no-buy challenge propels your future goals (: Best of luck, I'm rooting for you x x x
Congrats on your future home! You got this!
Mona Taylor thank you so much!
The Personal Philosophy Project thank you kindly! I’m really enjoying your vlogmas videos!
I've started immediately ignoring "only this month!" type sales stuff, it's odd because a lot of people I respect have gone into that sort of artificial scarcity marketing, like Kurzgesagt and SciShow(and related channels). But ultimately I think it's for the best to try and not play that FOMO game that they're pushing.
That's a real shame some of those channels have taken that term, that's really out of their character. I know people have to earn their coin, but it would be nice for those kinds of channels to create something less wasteful and more significant for their audiences because their audiences are pretty mature and intelligent, they would expect more.
@@CinziaDuBois I think they only do it in the sponsorship/ad part of the video, which kinda makes sense, as the companies they are cooperating with will offer them these "benefits" for their subscribers, and the channel depends on the money from those sponsors, especially since both Kurzgesagt and SciShow are businesses that have a group of people working for them, rather than just one person (that maybe even has a day job), and therefore relies on stable income. I imagine it is hard for these channels to find sponsors whose products are "worth" endorsing that are also okay with not using any manipulative marketing. To be honest, I think that channels with a mature and intelligent audience can justify these practices much easier because their viewers are actually "responsible consumers" in most cases, rather than the kind of channel that is aimed at teenagers, for example.
Use the extension sponsorblock
I've been shopping only second-hand this year (apart from essentials, obviously) and it's changed my outlook on fashion/seasonal trends and how quickly fashion evolves. I live very close to charity shops in my local area and I love seeing how they interpret seasonal dressing! I really would like to try a no-buying year...
Well done on second-hand shopping, Georgia! If you do go ahead with a no-buy, best of luck (:
I feel like this is the nudge that I needed to try and do the no-buy challenge myself. I’m really feeling weighed down by my possessions, so I think it’s time to take a step back and really figure out what I want to be surrounded with.
But I’m bargaining with the no books rule - Anything I can sell/exchange I will!
Best of luck, Sammy! You got this (:
The ads during this video helped punctuate the message. You are so right on so many points, it really hit me this year especially shopping for Christmas when I struggled to find gifts that people did not have. I watched this for your bookshelves and leave with a New Years resolution. Thank you and Happy Christmas!
2019 was a no buy year for us. As we didn't have any money.
Thank you for talking about the growing up in a low income home and the social impact. It is something I struggle with - the inferiority complex. I was in an honors program in high school that I quit my senior year because I felt like a bottom feeder amongst the majority of my peers. Hearing someone talk about it is comforting.
I like how you challenged yourself. Its like you set the intention and made your intention stronger and more important then the role of consumer
Thank you ever so much, that was really kind of you to say (:
I've been so curious how your no-buy year has been, and am glad to hear it has been a resounding success and brought so much into focus for you. I'm trying to quit sugar right now myself. I am a SERIOUS sugar addict, but with my dad's recent diagnosis of diabetes, it's really put my own sugar consumption into perspective...and how much money I spend on sugary confections. Not to mention potential future health costs! I'm also trying to make more of my own clothing and want to explore more zero-waste/bulk options for food this year. Every thing we can do to break the consumeristic lifestyle is a step in the right direction!
I'm now two weeks into my no-sugar challenge and I'm finding it fine. I got headaches on week two but only for two days but I think it's because I really don't eat much sugar (I found out - I had little to cut out of my diet). I think I'm finding the benefits of not having any sugar so far though which is awesome! And you're so right, a lot of money goes on buying things like chocolate and sacks! That's awesome you can make your own clothes; I've never been one for sewing (just last week I tried to fix my trousers: it too me an hour and then the stiching came undone within 30 minutes haha). You're really right, every little helps!
I haven't had a no-buy year but I've seriously limited my book buying this year and I'm going to limit even more next year. It's really helped me prioritise and evaluate what I really want to read.
That's awesome, well done!
This video couldn't come at a better time for me. I am planning on 2020 being my 'No Buy' year. Over the past few years I've substituted consumerism for alcoholism and I think I'm finally ready to tackle this new addiction. My wallet needs it, as well. What you said about coming from low income families and becoming hoarders and shoppers in later years struck such a chord with me, as well as wanting to feel like you could afford those nicer things now. I haven't watched the other videos yet about your 'rules', etc., but plan to. Thank you.
Best of luck next year (:
I feel like a no spend week would be difficult. I can’t imagine doing it for a whole year. 😬
A no-spend week would still be beneficial. I think I'll try that. Thanks, mate!
I’m going to give it a go the first week of the New Year! Good luck to you as well!
I dont understand what can be needed on a daily basis that you dont already have that you couldnt get in one market haul?
Irish Claddagh
Well, I’m not talking about food necessarily, but it seems like I’m always running to a store of some sort or gas station in between market days. We also purchase a lot online for our business which only entices me to shop for other things while I’m on the computer. That’s why this is going to be more challenging for me, but I can sooo see the potential benefits!!! Sometimes you don’t even see yourself as a shopper until you deciding to stop shopping! 🤦♀️
Mine will honestly be a day by day thing.
Cinzia, I stumbled upon your channel NOT looking to do a "No-Buy Year" but something you said resonated with me. I, too, went to a private school and felt in constant competition with the people around me. I didn't realize until now how it followed me into adulthood. I never felt I belonged or that I was good enough. I was ashamed of my family and our house. I've spent a good deal of my adult working life attempting to make up for how different I felt during my school days. If I just buy this "x", then I'll finally feel like I've made it. If I just buy this "y", I'll be happy. What you said caused some serious introspection on my part. I am now considering trying "no-buy" for a month to evaluate why I've been spending. Thanks for being so candid.
I cut my budget on hair stylist appointments when i started educate myself about how to make a hairstyles on myself. And decided to create my youtube channel about that :)
I’m 30 and been living the no-buy movement on and off for months. I used to work in retail and I quit months ago and I’m glad I did because I constantly felt the pressure to “fit in” and be on-trend at all times. I now work a cozy desk job and there’s no dress code, so I get to wear the most basic, boring clothes everyday and no one bats an eye nor do I care of who to impress.
My old job I would shop at ASOS and Zara every payday, now I don’t even go on the apps much. I recently went on vacation for two weeks in Asia and I did have to get some essential items and basic streetwear so that I can mix and match my clothes, but ever since I came back I haven’t gone shopping since (October). I feel content with what I have.
I'm so happy to hear you're in a better place with work and life in general. Happy new year!
You are so genuine and it comes across in your videos!
Aww, thank you! That means a lot to hear (:
I’ve always wanted to try this but for some strange reason Ive always been super reluctant to do so- whenever I watch videos where people have done this challenge they always come across as so much more happy and self assured- thank you for sharing!
Thank you, Lauren! Best of luck if you go for it
I was thinking of doing a no buy this summer but didn't have the courage to (mainly bc my friends prefer doing things that involve spending money e.g. going to a restaurant vs going for a picnic or a hike). It doesn't help that my town is literally filled with restaurants and nothing else. I'm definitely going to reattempt this in 2020, though. My sister said she'd love to do it too, so I think having an accountability partner will definitely be useful. Fingers crossed and thanks for reinspiring me!
Best of luck, Maria! You can probably be a really positive influence on your friends (particularly if they hear how much money you're saving ;) )
Thank you so much for your video. I'm thinking about my consumerism behavior a lot lately and I was thinking about doing a no buy year as well and I already started to clean me apartment out. It's such a relief!
Ok new new year's resolution! I quit sugar, gluten and dairy. I don't have a smart phone or any social media. I also stopped wearing makeup (mostly). I make my own cleaning products and toiletries. Feels great. Ready to do this one too, been thinking about it for awhile. I'm a Christian too, and there is a Christian motive for this resolution in being a good steward of the money God has given me and being able to use it for good things (missions, charity, inheritance, etc). I recently read in Richard Baxter's Christian Directory a section persuading me against sinful wastefulness-great read. I think there is something to be said for the selfish aspect of using God's money unwisely, which I have done way too often.
Gods money? Please tell me how I make this arrangement to recieve money from God?
@@sarahstrong7174 Hey, what I mean is that every good thing we have comes from God, so the money I have really isn't mine, it belongs to God.
@@iloveamerica64 Thankyou for kindly replying. Excuse me This is getting confusing. I thought money was meant to be 'the root of all evil' & that spiritual people & 'the spiritual' as an entire genre were meant to be vaguely above it somehow, (although there was rarely, if ever, any real explanation of how they were meant to manage for groceries, except in the case of those who live in rural communities which own land & could do the honest toil bit. (Honest toil being as far as I know of unquestioned pristine virtue.)
I thought money was meant to be all materialist & sullied with greed & miserliness & stuff like that & barefoot penury was holy & here you are suddenly saying that money is a 'good thing' & therefore comes from God. This is fascinating. Where did this ideology originate from? Did you acheive this startling creed after maybe studying the hidden scrolls of ancient saints in the remote caves of some isolated mountain fastnesses? Are you perhaps about to publish a book detailing your esoteric studies? Please do enlighten us further as to how you acheived this perhaps enviable position of knowledge?
@@sarahstrong7174 The Bible says "For the LOVE of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows." 1 Timothy 6:10. It is not wrong to have money. It's about our heart toward money and how we wisely use it. Of course it is a good thing and comes from God because generally without it we wouldn't have our basic needs met, and that's how God takes care of his creatures.
@@iloveamerica64 Thankyou for explaining.
I did enjoy your video, so much I subscribed and I want to watch more of your content to see if your other videos are as good. I think big brother has been listening. I told my sister recently that in the new year, I want to spend less, save more and pray everyday for someone who won't know about it. I want to be a better person. Now your video shows up on my feed and I haven't done any research on less spending.
I love you!!! :) I am worn out with constantly being marketed to. 2020 is coming, and I'm doing this. Thank you for your example of stepping out of the chaos and living in gratitude. :)
Thank you so much, Sandra! You're so welcome (:
I really enjoyed your perspective on actually becoming quite overwhelmed by what you already had in your house! This is a very thoughtful approach, and I will definitely take an approach to more mindful consumerism. There are non-essential things I am already aware of I will want to spend money on, like a plane ticket to visit a friend’s wedding on the other side of the world, but your tips/insights from over this past year will be saved in my playlist to have a look at a few times throughout the year! Thank you so much!
Thank you, Camila (: Happy new Year!
This is so inspiring! I think I want to try this for one month, see how it goes, and maybe extend the time.
Thank you so much! Have a go, trust me, it's easier to not do something (i.e. not buy anything) than do something haha ;) Good luck!
“I could never do that,” I thought during your no-buy challenge, and perhaps it’s true that I don’t have your resolve, but I’m living out of a backpack right now, and that in itself is teaching me a great deal about what I do and don’t need. I admire your ability to just say no to things, even if I’m not quite the same way.
Sounds like you definitely have the resolve (: It's usually easier in life to not do something than to do something: I was lazy, all I did was not do something for a whole year haha ;)
I wanna see a house tour! I love your personality im so curious about your space 😂🥰
Thank you so much, that was really kind of you to say! I uploaded a flat tour on my channel around five years ago (: I wouldn't film one now because I share my home with someone else and it would be disrespectful of me to put someone else's home online. Also, our home is horrible and cluttered because it's too small to two people xD
I love watching your no buy year playlist, especially this time of year. It has helped me incredibly! I am wondering where the other videos disappeared as I only see one? Thank you so much! Hope you keep producing great content ☺️😊
I've privated all personal content for my mental wellbeing I'm afraid
@@CinziaDuBois No worries! 😊 Thank you for all of your other amazing content!
6:05 Shopping as “engaging in privilege that you don’t actually have access to” is a powerful insight! Good on you, that is a deep and empowering truth that will serve you for the rest of your life 🙏🌈✨
Wow, that is so inspiring! I've tried for so many years to do a full no buy-year, but never was able to achieve it. I relate to the thoughts you have about your socio-economic background. I just need to try and try again! Merry christmas and a happy new year
Phew, want to, think I can, and then my mind goes to: maybe if I stock up on stuff now, then I won’t be tempted to buy....Obviously writing down some rules , and unsubscribing from emails will help. New subscriber, thanks for interesting idea.
I tried not fixing my tiredness with coffee ☕️ and three months later
I’m not interested in going back .
also tried hanging with friends and not drinking alcohol and 5 months later I don’t miss it at all.
Great video thanks 🙏.
Amazing, well done!!
The Personal Philosophy Project thank you 😊.
How long did it take you to get over the caffeine withdrawals? I had horrible headaches for several days
I watched this video when it came out in December 2019, and so far in 2020, I've done it! It's totally changed my approach to consuming things. Like you, I don't want to stop the challenge, and it's make me re-think my essentials: how can they be more sustainable/how can I repair them/etc. Thank you!
An interesting exercise I've been doing for the past 55 years. Teaches true values.
Everything you say in this video is as if it were written out of my life. In August 2023 I started my first no-buy month, which eventually turned into a no-buy year. And I loved it so much that I immediately extended it for another year in August 2024. My rules also included not buying clothes, books, jewelry, stationery, and no lipstick or hair care products. As a result, I saved money, closed my credit card, used many things I already had, read many books, and decluttered (gave away, donated, or threw away) hundreds of items of clothing, books, and other things in my home. I also quit my job six months ago, which I didn't like, but couldn't decide to quit for 5 years. I'm pretty sure that my no-buy year inspired me to do that, too. Because, firstly, at that time I had already saved enough money for emergencies for six months, and secondly, I realized that I can do many things if I can avoid buying unnecessary things for so long. To be honest, during this period I bought about 3 pieces of clothing, 4 books - a total of 10 "non-essential" things from my list of prohibitions. BUT in previous years, I bought hundreds and thousands of them, even on credit. Therefore, this is a big victory, and in my current no-buy year, which began on August 1, 2024, I plan not to buy anything from this list AT ALL, to continue decluttering my apartment + to save significantly on all other things. Because I often spent too much on food this year, and it was very unreasonable. I also went out for coffee too often, etc. Now I will work on these aspects.
I could listen to your voice/how you talk all day - you’re lovely
Oh my god, the bit about the inferiority complex and being the only poorer kid at posh schools...I FEEL YOU! I spent my whole life trying to fit in with way richer people and completely doing myself in in the process. This is my first low-buy year EVER. So far, doing great. Thanks for articulating yourself super well in this video. It helped me understand my motivation and the bigger picture of my former spending addiction.
Hi because I'm a mom I feel like I always want to buy for other people I don't struggle with not buying for myself but I love to do for others this is a wonderful video and congratulations on a fabulous know buy year
Thank you so much! I can imagine how mothers feel with buying gifts: but one thing you can do to help is perhaps start buying second-hand gifts and talking to your children about sustainable buying and the environmental impacts of toys. I used to love charity shopping for toys as a kid - it can be really fun. I bought lots of awesome Christmas gifts from Charity shops this year for people (:
This is great! I recently went back to school and only have a part time job and was forced into minimalism since I didn’t make much part time, I bought only necessities but never thought about making a video. Thank you for sharing your story totally relatable!
Thank you for sharing as well, Michelle! Best of luck
I think youve just inspired me to practice a nobuy month in January :)