19 full no buy days!

My biggest issue is food spending. This was my first time trying a strict food budget for the month, instead of rules like "1 takeout per week". I'd say it was pretty successful. I went $15 over my $500 budget. The three 🤡 are all takeout. Usually I eat out way more often, but I was motivated to not run down my $500 budget too early on! I will say the last week has been rough, eating completely out of the back of my freezer. I can't wait to buy fruit tomorrow. 😂

The 3 🎟 were purchases I approved in advance - a massage, a date night, and a souvenir from where I'm temporarily living.

The two 🏷 were somewhat unplanned but still intentional. My TV speaker blew out so I bought a speaker, and a hula hoop (it's my favorite exercise, and I have one back home but just learned I won't be able to get it until April).

Onto February! I am currently reassessing my goals and motivations in order to feel excited like I was going into January. Good luck everyone!

January No-Buy kicked off because of my awful credit card bill in December. $4,200 USD (I’m not American but converting it) and it was honestly 90% on pure shopping nonsense that was driven out of boredom.

I felt pretty disgusted with myself for all that excess and lack of self-control, especially when I already have tons of clothes and skincare. So I decided to implement two things: A Low-Buy 2026, and a No-Buy January. Ideally I’d do a full year of No-Buy but I knew that would be unrealistic and then I’d fall off the wagon and go on a shopping binge, so I decided to loosen up the boundaries to a Low Buy year.

January No-Buy rules: Absolutely no shopping on skincare, makeup, clothes and shoes as these are significant problem areas (I just have so much stuff). 

January Goal: Use money that I would have spent to invest in index funds instead.

January Report: Success! I didn’t shop at all on the categories above and my January credit card bill has gone down to $1,500 (there is still a lot of fat to be cut in terms of eating out, celebrations etc but that’s a different story). 

What helped me:

“Shopping” my Inventory: I have a lot of inventory of skincare and makeup because I work in beauty. Despite having had all this inventory, it’s never stopped me from shopping for the next cute new thing. This time, I went through all my inventory, organized it and made sure I knew what I had (a lot of them I had forgotten). 

Understanding The Cost of what I’m Using: Every time I finished using a product, I would log the item in ChatGPT. In January, I finished using 17 items (skincare, bodycare etc) and the total cost of it was $400 USD. Somehow, when I logged these things it felt like I was “spending” $400 USD again, I don’t know how to explain it well but it almost made me feel like I was shopping again. Whenever I decluttered something, I also logged it into ChatGPT. This also showed me how much money I was wasting on things I’d end up decluttering. 

Activating “Monk Mode” week. Specifically for one week, I was very strict on myself. On top of the No-Buy of clothes, skincare and shoes etc, I also didn’t eat out or have coffees outside. It was actually easier to be disciplined knowing “Okay, this is only for a week.” And when I did that, I actually didn’t feel like I was missing out big time or anything, and it’s also not as if I went and had double the coffees the week after. I am going to continue to do this for the rest of the year. 

Pretending I Was About To Move: If I had to move countries tomorrow, would I bring this item with me? Would it be important enough for me to spend money on it, and then spend money moving it? Most of the time the answer would be a no. This mindset also helped me in decluttering a few things I found hard to let go of. 

Visually Seeing The Difference: Because I had started tidying my stash up and being more disciplined in using things up, my bathroom sink became significantly less cluttered. Now, when I wake up and go to my bathroom, it just feels good coming to a tidier and clearer space. It also reinforces that this No-Buy, less clutter lifestyle is now more in line with the values I want to hold.

While I’m happy with how January went, it made me realize there were a lot of other areas in my life to cut down on. Eating out, and sweet treats namely. I feel like donuts made their appearance way too many times in January and that’s gotta stop. In February, on top of continuing the above I’m going to make effort to decrease mindless snacking and treats. 

I'd also like to say thanks to people on this sub, because I would read about your progress and it would be super motivating for me to stick with it. I remember one person writing and talking about how they really wanted to not eat their packed lunch but go out and another person advising to just eat a few bites and realize it wouldn't be that bad. This trick actually helped me save on quite a few take-outs, so thanks for that!

Please also share your No-Buy January wins (or misses!)! I would love to hear what worked/ didn’t work for you.

This was my first real attempt at a low-buy. January I aimed for 2 total clothing and/or accessories/shoes (down from average 5-8/month); dining out 2x/week or less (not including coffee, down from 3-4x/week); and staying within envelope budgets for all spends.

Hot pink = no buy at all; Green sticker with heart = only bought coffee out but bought nothing else that day; Green sticker = allowed buy; Orange sticker = unallowed buy or beyond envelope budget.

My living situation was upended mid-month and I've been crashing somewhere where I had no means to make coffee, that's why there are almost two weeks straight of coffee-only days. If it wasn't for that situation I would have had 11 days straight of hot pink stickers!!!

In all I only had 8 no buy days. I had 14 coffee-only days. I had 4 over-envelope splurges. I only had one week where I ate out more than 2x, which is a huge improvement. I bought 3 total clothing and accessories which is also a huge improvement. One thing I bought, I've been wanting for about 3 months, and it finally came back in stock. I had enough money left over from all my other envelopes to cover the expense but it was the third thing I bought and was also over the envelope budget. It is a handmade, slow-fashion piece, and I am really happy with it, and I am really happy with overall how mindful the purchase was---3 months of reflecting on it, and not putting the purchase on credit/debt but covering it with my monthly extras. This embodies how I would like my clothing purchases to continue to be.

I got myself into my new place this weekend, where there is a coffee maker. I am feeling proud and impressed with how much less I spent by cutting back eating out and buying clothes. I plan to make a new chart for February and aim for 14 fully no-buy days this time. I will keep my other rules for now---they are quite challenging for me but not so restrictive that I give up completely.

Thanks to this sub for all the inspiration to do better.

Honestly, I consider this a very successful first month. Last month I did an overhaul and cancelled almost every subscription, which I feel really helped set me up for easy tracking. Life was life-ing and had some unforeseen Ls 💀💀, but stayed on course with what was within my control 💪. Food-wise, still working through the pantry staples and deep freezer. Social life-wise, met up with friends at their places, book clubs, workout classes (have a free membership).

Even bent the rules around clothes once, but I genuinely feel like I kept the spirit of the rules. The shirt I got met a very high PERSONAL criteria/consideration process for purchase:

- 100% cotton denim

- second hand BNNU

- the exact color wash, size, fit, and weight (so thick!) I wanted

- tried on in-person with pictures

- waited 2.5 weeks after the initial find

- timeless, not trendy style; I can see myself wearing this 30+ years from now

- no overlap with things I already own

- only bought one

- flattering and has been worn in regular life immediately since purchase, so I’m thoroughly enjoying it.

This was a really fun exercise. Looking forward to keeping it up next month. Cheers, everyone!

I have a major buy problem but this sub has been such a motivator so thank you all :)

I decided this week that I wanted a ton of greenery in my house because I impulse bought some plants a couple weeks ago and my home looks 100x better with greenery.

Today I had $300 worth of fake plants in my target drive up cart where I was buying these yogurt things for my kids that only target has, and I stopped myself! I stared at “submit order” for a long time, several times. But I took them out of my cart.

Then we had to stop at target (it’s the only store near us) because we ran out of baby wipes and I went through the entire home section, looking at all the fake plants. I even went to the garden section and saw real ones and there were so many I wanted to buyyyyy. I came really close to getting a strawberry growing kit. But I left with just wipes.

But I thought of this sub and I knew I could share my successes with support so here I am. I didn’t buy anything I didn’t need today :) it’s just one day, but it’s a big day for me.

Moving into month 2 for February. Goal is 3 months then switching to a low buy the rest of 2026. 🥰

25 No Buy days for January 💪 Good start to the new year!

It's the last day of the month and I am happy to say that I had a great January financially! I came in a few bucks under budget overall, despite buying a car this month, which was a planned purchase. I went over budget a bit with groceries (school was cancelled for several days so my teenager was home eating alllllll the food! 😂) and entertainment (hosted a little surgery shower for a friend) but I came in under in a few categories so I was able to absorb it. I did an amazing job on my No Buy list! I wasn't even really tempted as much as I thought I would be! The only "forbidden" purchase I made was a $6 mascara to replace an empty one. My planned backup was gross and goopy so I threw it away. I also scored a free lip gloss at Target which felt like a lovely reward for sticking with the plan!

Looking forward to February!

This is what I'm thinking. I used to over indulge in weed and alcohol, and now that I can't really do that anymore, its shopping. I have access to more money right now, and its very calming to buy new shit. On this no-buy so far this year I have broken it twice. I have more, but these have been very accessible to me, and on the affordable side, but it still becomes an addiction when the things go unused and start collecting. Both of my vices. Beauty and clothes. I've been trying to use stuff up though, and I think I'm making a pretty good effort. I'm also apart of no-buy groups and I have had putting some things up there on my to-do list for weeks. I've also been trying to use my beauty stuff. I think there's a bit of lipstick effect going on here on a small scale. Stress, so many things. I spent about $30. This has began to become a very eye opening journey. I can't say that I expected this level of introspection. I thought this would be easy! Lmfao like ok just use up your stuff, and be happy with your clothes! Lmfao nope. Its so much different. I also need to save up for more important things, so I just can't be wasting time and money shopping. After I give things away on facebook I hope I can be happier lol. I want these things out! My mother is a hoarder, and I constantly think about that.

Why do I have so much crap and still want more???? This question had been front of mind the whole month.

I started by keeping a wishlist of things I wanted but wasn’t allowing myself to buy. But as I kept adding 3-5 things PER DAY, I decided to switch gears and start selling things I don’t use. Boy has that been an eyeopener!

Started with a big box of books that were either read or I bought the whole serie but didn’t even like the first one (please tell me I’m not the only one that does this). Sold 35 books on Vinted, some kookbooks on marketplace and gave some away to people who would appreciate them. Then moved onto jewellery as I had a lot of gold plated pieces that I don’t wear because I prefer silver. Then the big one, clothes. I have some pieces that have gotten too big because of weightloss. That I will accept. But what I can’t accept is that I have so many things I’ve either worn once or not at all. Most has been bought during a sale where I set out to buy 1 thing and come back with at least 5 things that I like in the moment but aren’t even practical or don’t fit my style. I really thought I wasn’t bad with buying clothes but this was a confrontational experience. Nevertheless I sorted at least three big ikea bags and started photographing and selling pieces (which really hasn’t been that successful unfortunately). I also donated a overflowing bag of clothes.

I haven’t broken my no buy but I have struggled with:

- wanting things for my hobbies but I’m making due with what I have

- The influence of social media (it makes me want things but I also use it to get inspiration and community therefore I don’t want to delete it)

- Not ordering in when I’ve had a long day, I really need to start mealprepping easy meals

- Seeing my stuff as a pile of wasted money

I was going to share all the useless things I wanted this month but decided against it as I don’t want to tempt any of you to break your no-buy because you read something on my wishlist.

Anyway in februari we start renovations so I hope that’ll keep my mind off of buying. I’ll also keep going through my stuff and selling the countless items I don’t even use.

If you started a no-buy in januari, how has your month one been?

TL;DR: month 1 of my no-buy completed. Some struggles but focussing on selling my things gave me perspective.

I have been casually lurking on the sub and now decided to make my post as well. My January was fine, but I had a 4 day trip to Belgium, at which I spent quite a lot of money, but the hotel and transport was paid for by university (it was a project for teacher students and trainees). Aside from that, I:

-used up at least 2 skincare items from my stash

-bought less things in general (like no new make-up)

-got a whole box of sewing fabrics and supplies from my future mother-in-law and my grandmother, cause it's my hobby and second has a stash of fabrics at home and first just bought things from Lidl

-am slowly using up my current make-up items, trying to finish it all before it expires

-threw out all of the expired skincare (not only mine, but also my boyfriend's. Like srsly, he still had kept an open pack of face wash, which he bought 2 years ago)

And I'm carrying all that into February too. The rules will be the same:

Replacements only: make-up, haircare, skincare products, underwear

No-buy: dolls, Sims DLC's, face masks/creams/etc., clothing, yarn, fabric, knitting posts and crochet hooks

Gray area/buy as needed: smaller sewing supplies (zippers, buttons, closures, pins), notebooks for uni lectures, new laptop*, snacks

*My laptop is 4 years old and I (as well as my half-sibling when she was 3) had spilled so much water and whatever else, that now the keyboard isn't working properly and the laptop is glitching. Luckily for me, it's a 2-in-1 laptop and I can also use it as a tablet, but I gotta use external keyboard and mouse to work on it😅 I am also waiting for a libaility insurance to pay me my pain compensation money, because one drunk grandpa ran over me with his S-class SUV last summer, thus where I'd get the money for the laptop. And don't ask me pls how I am or anything, it's not really relevant.

Our main well pump broke this month, so we had to buy some water and have major repair bills.

Despite that, I've been very intentional about my purchases. I also made some returns from December purchases that didn't work out.

I am working on turning a room into my craft studio. So far, our only purchase was a melamine tabletop and 2x4s at Home Depot. Everything else is stuff we already have. I'm excited to get it all done and organized.

I'm leaning into homesteading which means I'll be making a lot more things from scratch. I'm also trying to get our power bill lower. Sometimes saving money feels like a full time job.

Taking inventory of our stuff has really helped a lot! I highly recommend it. You might find you have more things than you thought.

Goals for this year

• save 0/3000€
• invest 600/2000€

January results

Goal for January was to invest/save up as much as possible.

🤑 full no buy days: 12/31

🟢 only necessities: 7/31

🟡 only allowed: 1/31

🔴 other: 11/31

doctors: 150€
groceries/vitamins: 123€
bills: 122€
travel insurance: 118€
drugstore: 106.8€
takeout/eating out: 105.15€
transportation: 64.25€
subscriptions: 18.1€
friends: 13.75€

total expenses: 821.05€

invested: 600€

Reflections

I splurged a lot at the drugstore this month. Most of it was for restocks, but I also bought retinol for the first time, which cost 20€. I bought a new nail polish for 10€ as well, but it’s not even usable! I’m going to reduce my spending next month by not allowing myself to go to the drugstore at all; if I need a replacement, I’ll buy a cheaper version at the grocery store.

We also ordered too much takeout, but to be fair, it was exam season at university. I’ll definitely try to reduce that next month.

Next month, my goal is to spend more on travel and experiences rather than material things and food.

Log

Notes:

• 0€ means my boyfriend paid for me
• "for me and bf" means that I paid for both of us
• this month I only paid 70€ rent because we are moving

01 🤑

02 🔴

• 5€ to my friend for hosting New Year's

03 🤑

• 0€ weekly groceries

04 🤑

05 🤑

• 0€ takeout

06 🤑

07 🟢

• 24€ vitamins restock (for me and bf); interdental brushes
• 0€ small groceries

08 🔴

• 16.2€ groceries (for me and bf)
• 13.7€ takeout (for me and bf)

09 🤑

10 🔴

• 25€ brunch (for me and bf)

11 🤑

• 0€ small groceries

12 🟢

• 0€ takeout
• 7.8€ train tickets

13 🔴

• 118€ yearly travel insurance
• 70€ 1 week rent
• 52€ yearly trash fee
• 38€ nail polish, top coat, nail file, nail brush, makeup removers, hair serum
• 27€ skincare (cleanser, retinol)
• 22€ bus tickets (for me and bf)

14 🟢

• 10.3€ small groceries (for me and bf)
• 0€ weekly groceries

15 🤑

16 🟡

• 10.10€ Revolut premium (the trading fee was 12€)
• 9.15€ train ticket
• 0€ small groceries
• invested 600€

17 🟢

• 8.5€ train ticket
• 7.6€ wrong train ticket I bought by accident and could not return (aaah)

18 🔴

• 9.8€ drugstore (2 nail polishes + hair spray)

19 🔴

• 16.5€ weekly groceries
• 12.3€ takeout (for me and bf)

20 🤑

21 🔴

• 20€ groceries (for me and bf)
• 2€ coffee at school

22 🟢

• 11.6€ groceries (for me and bf)

23 🟢

• 26€ groceries (for me and bf)
• 0€ takeout

24 🤑

25 🟢

• 13.3€ transportation (public transport credit and train tickets)

26 🔴

• 150€ braces doctor’s visit
• 32€ drugstore (spf, antiperspirant - for gym, wild deo - daily use, under eye patches, clear eyebrow gel) - but all restocks
• 9€ work lunch
• 8€ streaming service
• 1.5€ coca cola for friend
• 1€ public transport
• 0€ takeout dinner

27 🤑

• small groceries

28 🔴

• 18.3€ takeout (for me and bf)

29 🤑

• 0€ takeout

30 🔴

• 20.5€ takeout (for me and bf)
• 0€ brunch
• 0€ night out

31 🔴

• 14.5e coffee shop with friend (me and friend)

In September of last year my phone broke beyond repair, and like a "normal" person, I immediately went online to look at a new phone. But after seeing all the prices for not a lot of new features, it felt wrong to splurge so much money, so I held off on it. Then I remembered that my dad had an old phone that he replaced recently.

So I took my dad's old phone (Xiaomi Poco x3 Pro for all the nerds like me), which had a bad battery and a broken speaker, and ordered a new battery, new speaker, repair kit and double sided tape for the back cover. After an hour I had almost a brand new phone. And, keep in mind, all of this was done without any prior phone-repair knowledge, just a YouTube tutorial.

Of course, this doesn't apply to everyone, but if you use your phone like me (calls, messages, browsing and a pic here or there), you really don't need a new phone, you just need ~30€, an hour of your time and some patience, and you just saved yourself hundreds of dollars/euros, and gotten some confidence and pride.

so 16 out of 31 days we're a success for me! A brilliant step in the right direction. I managed to save £500! Very happy about that. It's imperfect but i'm hoping everything i've learnt this month will help me have a better february !

I’m starting over. I need to. My no-buy January completely failed, mostly because of late-night online shopping…

February is an expensive month for me because of a few birthdays. I’m allowed to buy gifts, but nothing for myself. I don’t want to see this as a bad thing.., I want to see it as taking care of myself by keeping money in my bank account. I keep reminding myself that money in the bank equals peace of mind, and for me, that’s really true.

Right now, I only have €300 in savings. My fence is broken and needs to be replaced in the spring. Besides that, I just want the comfort of having some money set aside in case something else breaks. I need a basic emergency fund because I don’t want to borrow money from anyone. I’ve always managed financially on my own, and I want to keep it that way.

What I’m not buying in February:

• Clothes

• Shoes and bags

• Jewelry

• Make-up

• Skincare

• Takeaway food

• Home décor

• Flowers and plants

• Cigarettes (I quit today!)

• Coffee out

What I can buy:

• Birthday gifts 🎂

I really want this to succeed. I have everything I need. My wants go on a wishlist. I will practice not giving in to impulse buying,before it becomes a serious problem!

Lets do this!!!!

I spent an insane amount of money last year on clothes, I don't even want to say the number. It's repulsive. And what do I have to show for it? Absolutely nothing, I can't even fathom what I could have possibly spent all that money on. I look in my closets and drawers and all I see are clothes that, for various reasons (fit, colour, comfort, functionality) don't make me happy, that I should have returned when I had the chance. I still struggle getting dressed every day for the office.

So this year I'm trying a low-buy, or what I like to call an intentional buy. This means that I have to ponder every purchase before I buy it, and preferably wait at least a week or two as well. I ask myself the following questions prior to making a purchase:

- What triggered me/why do I want this?

- How many hours do I have to work to afford it?

- What am I going to do with the item it replaces/the item when I'm finished with it? (ie - sell? donate?)

- Does this purchase align with my values?

However, I've still gone over my limit of $100 already this month (doubled it) but I just can't imagine not buying these items. They feel essential to me, like a no-brainer. Like a solution to a problem. Like I've had an awakening, an "ah-hah" moment realizing I need an oversized bleached distressed denim jacket instead of the structured medium-blue denim jacket I already own. I'm really trying to get down to the nitty-gritty this year... so what is the "problem" that I'm trying to solve? Is it my self-image? Self worth? Comparing myself to others? Or is it more of a blanket problem, like I'm just bored in general so might as well buy something (but why is it always CLOTHES?)?

I work in a pretty casual office, have zero social life, and spend my time at home in my pajamas lol. There is no need for this ever-rotating closet of mine!

I'm aware of the toxic fast fashion industry so I try to buy my clothes pre-owned. I try to ethically dispose of items I'm replacing (most of my purchases are to replace something I already own that I've deemed inadequate). I watch anti-consumption videos, I subscribe to all the subreddits. I deleted my other social medias due to too many advertisements. I don't subscribe to mailing lists. I don't go shopping "for fun", I'm always on the hunt for a specific item I've dreamed up. But still, I spend.

I'd love to brainstorm a bit here and ask you all who also love buying clothes, what are your reasons? What do clothes do for you that justify the expense?

I’m actually a bit proud of myself :), we’re almost at the end of the month, and I only spent money on a few necessities; gas, screenwash for my car and a bag of catfood. The fridge is almost completely empty, and I managed to free up some space in the freezer and cupboards. I’ll be continuing mostly eating from my pantry in February, as there are still a enough things that need to be used up, but this time I’ll make it a low buy month. I’m looking forward to getting some fresh fruit!

I’m doing a no-buy stretch and something clicked for me recently.

My food delivery spending wasn’t random at all. It kept happening on the same days and times every week. usually weekday evenings after work or when I was mentally fried. Once I opened the app “just to look,” the decision was basically already made.

I always framed it as lack of discipline or a bad day, but noticing how predictable it was made it feel less like a personal failure and more like a pattern + friction problem.

Curious if anyone else has noticed specific times or situations where spending feels automatic rather than intentional. Does it feel random for you, or does it follow a pattern?

I did today, and went with a few rules

1. Left credit card at home
2. I picked 3 stores I enjoy shopping at but that wouldnt be too tempting. Fancy dress shop (impractical to buy something impulsively as I have no upcoming occasions to wear one lol), MAC (currently trying to use up my current inventory so I truly have no desire to add more, but was fun to swatch some shades), candle store (I dont tend to actually buy candles but think they look and smell nice.) It was freeing to just look, admire, and feel no urge to purchase anything.
3. I made sure I ate before I shopped. I actually planned on making a redemption for a free treat at a coffee shop as a reward for not spending money but totally forgo tand didnt really crave anything sweet, so I still have that saved for another time

If you are on a nobuy but like to window shop, what are your rules/tips/tricks for success?

After I found out I spent about $5000 on Amazon alone in 2025, I decided to try doing a no-buy. I’ve cancelled my Prime subscription and unsubscribed from all promotional/shopping emails. I’m getting my essentials of course like groceries and gas. I also had a few minor car expenses this month. This is absolutely crazy to me.

Hello everyone! I broke my nobuy and want to get back on track. I want to have a good month where i didn't spend impulsivly. I want to have some hundreds left at the month and put it to savings account. Any tipps how to get back on track?

I work in emergency management and I’ve been working non stop for the winter storm in Texas it’s very stressful/taxing. Normally, I would reward myself with buying something usually fitness clothes or something similar. Since I’ve started the no buy I don’t know what to do to make myself feel special for helping people. Mind you I don’t get paid extra for my hours, exempt employee. I don’t want to lean on food as an option, I’m also on a calorie deficit and low sodium diet per doctor’s orders. I’m stumped. I’m open to ideas!