In December 2023 I decided that 2024 was going to be the year of low buys. I've attempted this in the past and failed miserably at it, but I was determined to make it work this time. I felt a little more in control, a little smarter and a little more serious in my commitment to a no buy because I was kind of already doing it. 

My impulse spending had been on the decrease for at least a year and I had a clearer vision of what I wanted my life to be like. I think what also helped was that when I moved into my own apartment over the summer I was very aware of how much stuff I actually did have. It was overwhelming to look at all my belongings every single day and feel like the walls were closing in on me. I had too much stuff and my urge to shop wasn't as strong as it used to be.

After watching a lot of different videos on TikTok about other people doing no buys, I decided to make a list of rules for myself and then create my own TIkTok about it. I wanted it out in the public, my voice saying those words to hold me accountable. I also told everyone in my life I was doing one so I would be embarrassed if I failed.

It's been about a month and a half since I made a vow to stop impulse shopping in 2020 and I won't lie, it has been really difficult.

The first two weeks of January were a breeze! I felt no desire to shop and loved that I had enough money in my bank account to get me through the days. It was very freeing and I felt amazing. Then, my family was struck with tragedy when my aunt passed away at the age of 53. It was a really hard few weeks; I was sad, anxious, and all over the place. The one thing I wanted to do was shop. When things are hard, that's my crutch.



I resisted because I wanted to buy the Stoney Clover Lane Cozy Collection (which I did) and that was going to wipe out my entire budget for the month. I caved though and gave into my grief; I purchased the Lipstick Pink Lele Sadoughi Velvet Headband for $49, sending my total for the month (with SCL) to $150.

I felt ashamed that I had broken the rules and it was only a few weeks in but I felt justified because I had a reason for shopping. However, that is the behavior I am trying to break -- shopping for an emotional reason. But, in the same breath, retail therapy is a phrase for a reason.

After talking to my friend who loves to shop like I do, and who is very rational and smart, said to just chalk it up and make your budget $150 because truthfully, $100 is nothing.

So, in February I have so far spent $143 and most of that was gone within the first two weeks of the month. I am having a hard time getting through the last few days and already have a list of things I want to buy in March.

I guess my update is that I upped my budget which I can afford because it's still not thousands of dollars. I've resisted a lot of impulse shopping; I've put things in my cart, got to the checkout page and then clicked. To me, that is a win.

The low-buy has been successful so far, I have less stuff and more money. I'm very proud of myself and I know it's only going to get easier as the days go on (I hope!)

xoxo
B