Embracing the No Shopping or Low Buy Challenge: A Year of Intentional Living

As we approach the start of a new year, I find myself reflecting on my spending habits in 2024. It’s staggering to realize that I spent $35,000 on my home and another $19,000 on shopping at various retailers like Amazon, Costco, Target, and Macy's. While I appreciate the new furniture and improvements made to my living space, the rest of that money has resulted in little more than clutter and frustration.

This realization has led me to commit to a "no shopping" challenge for 2025. It’s time to take control of my spending habits and create a more intentional, fulfilled life.

The Costs of Mindless Shopping

Before moving in May 2024, I decluttered my closet, or actually multiple closets in the house. At that time I donated or sold at the garage sale approximately 600 pieces of clothing, shoes, accessories that I acquired over the years. Using rough math, with each item costing on average $30, that’s $18K worth of stuff I gave away for pennies on a dollar. While I’m hoping other people benefited from all the items, it was not a positive financial outcome for me. If 5 years ago I would have invested $18,000, with 5% return rate, I would have earned additional $4,164 in interest, making the total of $22,164 in my pocket. Instead, I have near zero, or the few hundred dollars I made on the garage sale.

Similarly, if instead of spending the money every week on stuff, I invested it weekly , starting 5 years who ($69 per week), I would have had the $18K , plus earned more than $2,000 interest. While these numbers might not be 100% accurate, directionally they tell an important story of the financial impact of spending habits. (I used Bankrate ROI calculator to do the calculations, assuming 5% return rate, 15% income tax rate and 2.9% inflation).

Lesson NOT Learned

Despite decluttering various areas of my home last year, I found myself in a similar situation this year. While I decluttered the kitchen and decor, my closet and toiletries remain overflowing. It’s evident that I keep adding more items instead of enjoying what I already possess. Recently, I took the time to organize my closet after swapping out my summer wardrobe for fall and winter pieces. I counted:

17 dresses
2 skirts
6 pairs of pants
9 short sleeve tops
26 long sleeve shirts and sweatshirts
16 sweaters
48 pieces of workout clothes (tops, shorts, pants, bras)
8 light jackets/cardigans
11 coats (light and heavy)
80 pairs of shoes
21 purses & backpacks

This is only the count of items hanging in my closet and sitting in the drawers, not what I stashed away in bags in a guest to revisit in the spring (hoping I will fit in the clothes or will give them away).

These numbers might seem excessive, and this inventory is more than enough for my wardrobe needs throughout the fall and winter seasons, heck, for the entire year!

I’m equal parts mortified I spent so much on stuff, disappointed in myself that I found myself in the same situation again, but also determined and inspired to put an actionable plan to change my approach in the coming year.

The Plan for the Low Buy Challenge

I’m not approaching the “No Shopping/Low Buy” challenge as a restriction. We all know that when you are not allowed to do something, you want to do it that much more. Instead, I’m looking at it as an opportunity to align my spending with my values, life goals an aspirations, to add to my life, and not detract from it. As something that helps me grow, rather than holds me back.

I order to successfully complete the challenge, I intent to apply the following strategies:

Align spending with my values and goals, by crafting list of items/categories I can purchase vs. the ones that are not adding value to my life (the ban or “NO” list)
Shop my closet for new outfit ideas
Use newly found spare time to pursue my goals (like getting fit and healthy) or creative outlets (like this blog).
Add two simple habits to my daily routine to get me grounded and remind me why I’m doing the challenge: I will start each day with setting an intention for the day; I will end a day with listing 3 things I’m grateful for.

“YES” List: Necessities & Items that add value to my life

While this list consist of essentials where spending is necessary, I want to be specific of what “necessary” means for me. When creating this list for yourself, be as specific as you can, keeping in mind your weak spots. I have few of them (e.g. I’m a lipgloss addict, shoe-holic, and I love to spoil my pups with a lot of toys), so I’m approaching it thoughtfully. For you it might be spending too much on books you never read, taking Uber or Lyft everywhere instead of driving or walking, eating out vs. cooking). Create this list based on where you believe you have the biggest opportunity to improve.

Here is a list of items I’m ok to purchase:

Groceries & supplements (only when I run out of what I already have)
Toiletries only when I run out of something. No buying ahead of time, or multiple variations. This includes: body wash, all sorts of hair products, make-up, skin routine, nails products & accessories, etc.
Dog stuff: training, boarding, food, treats, medicine.
Travel & experiences (e.g. concert tickets, events, etc.)
Gifts for others (and one birthday gift for me if I feel like treating myself ;)
Medical expenses
Books, podcasts, courses for self-improvement & business development.
Expenses to grow my blog
Wellness expenses, like gym & Peloton membership

“NO” List

I concluded that spending more money in these categories is not going to add value in my life and they are on my “NO SHOPPING” List:

Clothes, shoes (ESPECIALLY SHOES!!!), and accessories - even if a piece of clothing or a shoe breaks, I have enough inventory not to buy anything for a year.
Workout clothes & accessories
Home decor
New make-up, toiletries, skin routine, hair products, etc. (unless I run out)
New supplements (unless I run out)
Kitchen dishes & tools (e.g. kitchen gadgets, water bottles, cute coffee cups)
Tech accessories

No multiple variations - e.g. 3 different shampoos, or 3 different eye shadows (unless I run out 3 eye shadows)
Dog toys & beds - the dogs have 2 boxes of toy variety and multiple beds throughout the house. They don’t need more!

With the two lists above, the focus will be on mindful spending, that adds value to your life, rather than impulsive purchases.

Benefits of a No Shopping/Low Buy Challenge

Financial Awareness: By eliminating unnecessary purchases, I can redirect my finances towards savings or experiences that truly matter.
Less Clutter: Consciously deciding not to shop will help keep my home organized and free from excess, allowing me to enjoy my space more fully.
More Time: I will be savings hours shopping & returning things!
Appreciation for What I Have: Taking a break from shopping will allow me to rediscover the treasures I already own and find new ways to enjoy them.
Mindfulness: This challenge encourages me to be intentional in my choices, fostering a deeper understanding of my needs versus wants.
Personal Growth: I don’t expect this challenge to be easy, nor that I will complete it perfectly. I’m sure I will stumble along the way but personal growth comes from putting yourself outside of your comfort zone, failing, and trying to do things differently.

As I embark on this journey, I am hopeful that by focusing on mindful living and intentional spending, I can cultivate a more peaceful, spacious life. Here’s to a year of purposeful choices and a commitment to a simpler lifestyle!