Have you committed to a low buy or no buy 2025? Now that we’ve officially wrapped up the first month of the year, it’s a great time to reflect on your progress so far. Have you been sticking to your goals, or have you found yourself slipping back into old spending habits? If you’ve already given in to temptation, don’t be discouraged – building new habits takes time!
Understanding the Low Buy / No Buy Mindset
According to the Huffington Post, “No-Buy 2025 ― or even Low-Buy 2025, as some prefer ― offers a way to take control over your finances and resist the temptation to overspend by avoiding nonessential purchases throughout the year.”
A low buy or no buy approach eliminates the pressure to spend money on things that don’t truly add value to your life. It’s about making mindful purchases, prioritizing long-term financial goals over short-term gratification. So, instead of spending almost unconsciously on daily coffees or impulsive online shopping (that’s me!), focus on bigger financial goals, like a dream vacation, new furniture, or another major life goal.
If you’re just starting out (or restarting!) here are some practical ways to make a low buy or no buy year feel just a bit easier.
Host Clothing Swaps
Instead of buying new clothes, organize a clothing swap with your besties. Chances are, you all have items in your closets that are barely worn or even still have tags on. A clothing swap allows everyone to refresh their wardrobe without spending a dime (my daughter and her friends are genius at this and host swaps regularly). Of course, it’s also a great excuse to get together, enjoy some wine, and catch up!
Use Up What You Already Have
Before purchasing anything new, take inventory of what you already own. This applies to everything from beauty products, to specialty food items, to craft supplies. Get creative—try a shade that haven’t used from an eyeshadow palette for a new look. Cook using just items in the pantry (in my family we call this an “eat down” – LOL). Challenge yourself to use what you have on hand before shopping.
Join a Buy Nothing Group
Buy Nothing groups, like those on Facebook, are a fantastic way to acquire things you need free, while also passing along items you no longer use. Whether it’s baby clothes, furniture, bikes and scooters, or books, Buy Nothing groups help reduce waste and promote generosity. In addition to “shopping” the groups, don’t forget to offer up items of your own!
DIY It
If you’re tempted to splurge on home decor or upgrades, consider an easy DIY approach instead. For example, instead of using expensive wallpaper, why not use hand paint a stenciled wall design? Repurpose fabric scraps into pillow covers or lampshades, make your own candles, or upcycle old furniture with a fresh coat of paint, decals, or ModPodge. Handmade gifts, such as knitted hats and scarves or painted ceramics, are not only cost-effective, they’re gifts made with love.
The Borrowers
Public libraries are goldmines for free entertainment, offering more than just books! Visit your local library for e-books and audiobooks, movies, and even games. Some communities also have lending libraries for tools, kitchen gadgets, and outdoor equipment. Before making a purchase, ask yourself: Could I borrow this instead?
Upcycle & Repurpose
Instead of buying new, try repurposing. An old dresser can be refinished and turned into a kitchen island, glass jars can become stylish storage containers, and non-functioning lamps can be gutted to be repurposed as candle stands. Not only does upcycling save money, it’s also a sustainable practice that benefits the planet.
A successful low buy or no buy year isn’t about perfection—it’s about progress. If you slip up and make an unnecessary purchase, don’t let it derail you. To stay motivated, you may want to create a vision board of your financial goals, or a journal of your savings and successes.
Of course, a low buy or no buy year never means depriving yourself of actual necessities. Groceries, personal care items, and unavoidable expenses (car repairs, your children’s school field trips, the occasional ice cream cone) are all essential. The key is to simply think about purchases (putting an item in an online basket and coming back to it in a day has saved me money more times than I care to admit).
Have more tips? Please share them in the comments!
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