How To Enjoy A Low Spend Year

Every November for over a decade now I do a no buy month. I learn a lot about myself every time I do a no-buy, whether it is just for a week, for a month, or even longer. I learn about the emotional reasons why I rationalize my spending and I learn about my habits and where my weaknesses are (Barnes and Noble, I’m looking at you).

Lately I have been seeing people online discussing no buy years and year long spending bans. Even with no buy goals, we all have to buy something or other from replacing hygiene products to groceries or vehicle maintenance. I have been seeing many people online systematically trying to take down this movement by bringing this up. People criticizing no-buy goals are not so obtuse that they believe that people will not buy anything, what they’re really worried about is how low spending will impact capitalism and the systems we’re used to. Jumping on the bandwagon to criticize intentional spending (or no spending at all) is a way to protect the status quo and spark doubt in interested parties. I want you to really question the true purpose behind this push back.

Of course most low buy people buy from small businesses over large corporations. Of course low buy people support local farms, businesses, events and organizations. Of course no buy people still have to pay for food and necessities and event entertainment and fun activities. So let’s not waste our time feeding into that negative mindset meant to distract you from the positive goals, because low buy goals are fantastic and we should all support them. Besides supporting small businesses and good causes, there is nothing to criticize about not spending money. If a government has to be supported by constant spending, it was not very strong to begin with. A government should not be dependable on perceived obsolescence and over consumption.

I have thought about a no buy year many times over the past few years and while a super strict no buy year is not for me (a month is a good limit for me), a low buy year is something I am going to do this year and I am going to stick to it. Perhaps you want to join me and the others, but you do not know how to spend less and still have fun.

 

A low buy year does not sound like something I could do…

I promise you, you can do it. And you can still have fun while buying less. You can enjoy your time and stick to your goals. You can find exciting and fun things to do that require very little, if any, money to enjoy.

 

Why buy less?

I was a minimalist for a short while. While I am no longer a minimalist, I do live by many of the values I learned during that time. Values like placing people over things, having emergency savings, and consuming less to protect the planet. People buy less for many reasons; to save money, pay off debt, reduce home clutter, save for something special (or big like a downpayment for a house), because they’re living paycheck to paycheck and have no other choice, to stop over consuming, for their mental health, to change spending habits habits and to protect the environment. I encourage you to know your why. For me, it is a little bit of all of the above.

People are also buying less from corporations that hurt the planet and for political reasons. People do not want to support large businesses who donate money to politicians who hurt people or the planet we live on. People no longer want to support greed or corporations that put profit over people. We understand that our money talks and what we support has big consequences.

We buy less because it encourages us to use what we have, practice more gratitude in our lives, and focus on what is truly important. Instead of spending an afternoon at the stores, you can be outside walking in nature or working out with a friend. Instead of buying fast food you can support a local farmer’s market and make a meal with your loved ones. No buy years are really about quality over quantity. If you do buy something, buy well so that it lasts.

 

Make allowances.

I already mentioned that I am having a low buy year over a full on spending ban. There are a lot of things I plan on cutting out, while others I have made allowances for. Instead of telling you everything I will not buy right now, let me share a little more about what I will make room for. We focus a lot on what we cannot do, or buy or have. I find it more successful to focus on what I can do or buy.

I will be sharing my allowances for various categories below. You can also skip to the end for a list of free or low cost activities to keep your year fun on a budget.

 

Clothing

I’m going to be very honest here when I say that I really love clothes. I do have more than I need. Growing up, I mostly had hand me downs or clothing that was large so that I would “grow into it.” I did not have what I needed. And I didn’t get to pick my clothes. I was very grateful at the time (and still am), but I have really enjoyed buying my own clothes these past several years. I do have my own style and I know that when I buy something it is an item I plan to have for many years to come. Although I’m intentional, I have some growing to do in this area.

For a few years as I kid I did not have a winter coat. Winters are very cold in New England. Now I know I have too many. I over compensate for what I felt was scarcity by buying extra sweaters, socks and jackets these days. I know this and understand why I make the purchases that I do. For me, it is a security to have warm clothing. I tend to over buy in this area. I possibly have a sweater addiction. Knowing this about myself, I’m able to make adjustments when I shop by reminding myself that I have enough of what I need. I encourage you to examine your relationship with clothing.

Do you buy extra now because you grew up with very little? Do you lack confidence and make up for it by buying clothing that makes you feel a certain way? Like power suits, work out gear or baggy clothing you can hide in? Did you always have the latest clothes and still keep up on every trend without much thought? Do you hoard clothing that no longer fits you or do you donate everything to make room for the latest trendy items? Do you always have to have what that influencer is wearing?

I don’t want to shame you. I have my own bad clothing habits to contend with. But the truth is that over consumption of clothing is bad for the planet. It creates a lot of waste, especially micro plastics. I’m not saying this as someone who is perfect. I have full closets of clothing. But we do have to face the facts. The industry exploits poor people and children. The production pollutes our air and water. We all know by now the impacts that clothing has on the planet, people who make them, and places that end up with the waste. This is all clothing, not just fast fashion. And everyone is responsible for their part in it.

So here is what I am doing. I am wearing what I already have. Yes, even the fast fashion pieces I bought years ago. When I was broke I bought cheap clothing because it is what I could afford. I still sometimes buy cheap clothing out of habit. The best thing you can do when buying less or trying to be more sustainable is using what you already have. Use it, wear it, love it, repair it. 

In 2025 I plan on only buying clothing to replace items I need or lack. Like a new bikini because none of my bikini tops fit properly. I have everything else I need.

I intend on donating what I know I will not wear and what no longer fits me.

I will mend and tailor what is ripped, broken, or does not fit well. Often, if an item is too tight, the seems can be brought out or vice versa. It is amazing what a great tailor can do to extend the comfort, look and wearability of your clothing. If you have a favorite piece that you have outgrown or damaged, consider tailoring or repairing it before donating or recycling.

If I need something, I will thrift first and buy new second.

I do really enjoy clothing. I know that I will still make a few purchases this year, but I will limit my clothing shopping to seasonal as needed like I did back in the 90s instead of browsing online. To do this, I will remove my card information from sites I use regularly and avoid browsing on the regular. I’m also going to unfollow certain brands online to see less ads.

I will not buy from fast fashion brands and sites like Shein or Amazon.

For undergarments, I will buy as needed. I tend to save this for last minute when all my underwear gets worn out and I need to replace a lot of it at once. Instead, I will replace as items get worn out instead of having to do this in bulk.

I will only buy shoes as needed to replace those that have worn out.

 

Hygiene and beauty

No new beauty products, hygiene products and hair care this year. My only allowance is to replace what I have used up. I have far too many lotions and potions to use up or give to a friend. I do not need new makeup or hair creams or soaps. I have everything I need.

I do not buy body wash because it comes in a plastic bottle. I also don’;t use shaving gels or creams. Instead, I use soap and I will buy more as needed. For now, I have plenty in our bathroom cabinet.

 

Home and Garden

I love to garden. I mostly have everything I need so I will not be purchasing garden supplies this year unless there is a very important tool I require. I saved seeds from my garden, but I will need to purchase some seeds and potting soil this spring. I will not be buying vegetables in containers, except for a couple tomato varieties that I cannot find in seed form.

For cooking supplies, if I need anything new for baking or cooking, I will thrift it instead of buying new.

I fully intend to use what I have and enjoy the plates, tea cups, and dishes we have collected over the past several years. We have all that we need for hosting.

Wall art: for this, I will make our own or use what we have. I will thrift frames and buy new only if I cannot find specific sizes that I need for certain art works.

If we need a furniture item, we will thrift before having to buy new. I do not anticipate much furniture this year as we’re pretty content, but there are a couple items I am on the look out for like shoe storage for the front door and an arm chair for the home library.

I will make my own cleaning solutions out of baking soda and vinegar.

 

Hobbies and entertainment

Matthew and I have a lot of hobbies. We fully intend on leaning into them this year. We have all of the painting supplies we could ever need. I will not be buying new this year unless it is to replace a broken or worn out art tool or specific paint color or paper.

I plan on leaning into my hobbies this year so I will put quilting fabric and materials on my allowance list. I will use what I have first and buy only what is needed for specific projects. I will not be browsing art supply stores.

For sports gear I will not be buying new except to replace used up items. The only allowance is that I have badminton rackets, but no net. I will be purchasing a net this year to get outdoors. Repair items such as bicycle tire tubes, roller skate wheels and the like are allowed.

Within reason, we will be purchasing museum tickets, park passes, and possibly even concert, ski passes, movie tickets or show tickets this year. If it is to support the arts, we wish to do so. Obviously, this has to be within reason. We do like to see occasional shows and attend events like the local country fair.

Tea party supplies: I have more than enough! I need to remind myself of this every time I see a cute teapot… No allowances here with the rare exception for a thrifted necessity.

We will not be buying materials for new hobbies this year or additional gear for hobbies we already have. That being said, I do not have a beach chair and if the right one in our budget comes along I would like to purchase one. I can use this in the yard, at a picnic or at the beach. It is an allowance I am making, but if I do not find the right one I will skip it this year and wait. It is not a necessity.

Camping gear. We have almost everything we need for camping. Something that would be nice to add is a roll Matt to put under my sleeping bag for comfort and a tent for sharing with friends. We have a mini single tent, which is ok for the two of us to squeeze into, but we’re hoping to camp with friends this year. If I could find a bigger tent and the right quality, it would last a lifetime of camping trips.

Work gear. Things like camera equipment, lenses for my photography business, memory cards, etc will be bought only as needed. I have the essentials.

Books are a big ticket item for me. This is where I spend the most of my hobbie money. Although I’m not banning book buying altogether, I am limited the amount of times I visit book stores this year. I will make only one monthly trip to the local bookshop for my favorite monthly magazines and I will not purchase magazines outside of my usual monthly reads. I would rather spend money on a magazine I enjoy reading every month over a tv app I do not need.

Really consider what tv apps you use. Is there one you can do away with? Get rid of what you can. This is an easy one for me as I do not watch a lot of tv. I leave room for my Frendly app.

 

Food and Travel

Food waste is a big concern of mine. I am considering adding a jar sealer to my list of allowances in order to preserve our fresh food. I will not be buying new containers though unless it is for jarring and canning as needed. I have plenty of food containers and baking supplies.

When I shop for food, I will not be buying in bulk or for weeks at a time. I have found that this increases food waste. Although it is an inconvenience to shop weekly or more, buying food fresh and using it right away eliminates our food waste.

I will not be shopping at big grocery chains and will focus on our local Adams Market and farmers markets instead. The only exception is a bi-monthly trip to Trader Joes to pick up some of our favorite cooking items.

Going out to eat is something I’m afraid we do too often. I like supporting small local restaurants and going out with friends and loved ones, but this is an area I want to cut back when it is just the two of us. I would rather cook a healthy meal at home than eat out every week. I’m making allowances here for when we go out with others or for special occasions.

Our travel is always determined by our budget, but this is an area that I will make almost endless allowances for (within reason!). Life is short and I want to focus on experiences and learning over things. Our travel this year is more locally focused in New England, in Canada, and focuses on nature and the arts.

 

Discover Fun Low-Cost or Free Activities Near You

You do not need to spend a lot of money (or any) to have a great time. Look up free museums and events in your area. If you cannot find any, ask your local library if they offer free tickets to local attractions. Often libraries have plenty of free tickets or passes for amusement parks, museums, roller rinks or ice skating rinks, art centers, fairs and more. In fact, the library offers a lot of free services from tool libraries, seed libraries, DVDs, games, books and even events and activities. Libraries also offer book clubs, events and workshops like painting or cooking classes. Find out what your library offers.

Discover what free resources are around you. You would be surprised by how many free open-to the public events there are at local private schools and colleges. You can attend free workshops and seminars, get free access to private school ice rinks when they have days that are open to the public, or see a student theater show.

Make a list of your favorite free activities. It could be playing a pick up game of basketball, pickle ball, going to a park, swimming, drawing, picnics, or anything else. You’ll be surprised by how long your list will be.

Discover a new-to-you local park or trail. Go for a hike and get out in nature while discovering a new place.

Host a game or movie night with your friends and family. See what kinds of things you can borrow from a friend or neighbor instead of having to buy new; items like a volleyball set, corn hole, or outdoor movie projector to host an outdoor movie.

Find your local free beaches, low-cost public pools, affordable tickets to shows (you don’t need the best seats to have a fun time at the theater), go to a free gallery opening, or low-cost tickets to travel. Sometimes airlines have flash sales to certain destinations. Consider camping over a hotel.

If an item you want is out of budget, can you make it yourself? Print your own photos or paint your own art and hag it on your walls. Sew your own clothes or make a quilt for your bed.

Find exiting ways to connect with your loved ones or plan a romantic date night on a budget. Groupon often has deals and coupons for great local events and activities like escape rooms, couples massages or event dinners out. Instead of ordering a large pizza you can make your own with a loved one and have fun putting on the toppings.

Volunteer. There are fun ways to volunteer. When I was a kid I loved cats. I got to see the annual cat show for free by volunteering to wipe down the cat cages. You can often get free admission to events by volunteering some of your time.

I’m not advocating for mooching, but our friends and family often have things that they are happy to share once in a while. Our network is a valuable resource. Things like a camping or beach gear, stays at a cabin in the woods or lake house, canoes or kayaks, tools, games, movies, books, sports equipment, snow shoes, sports gear, or even a boat ride. Obviously, use tact here. Not everyone is comfortable with sharing, but often times people are looking for reasons to get out or share. For example, my cousin has a boat and he invited us out on the water. We brought snacks as a thank you gesture and were polite guests. He told us we’re welcome to go out any time. I used to work for a woman with a beach house and she offered for us to stay there one weekend.

It’s ok to ask to borrow things, as long as you don’t do it too often, follow house rules, take care of the item and are respectful. Often, we get to return the favor, like lending out our croc pot to a coworker who needs to borrow one for a family dinner, sharing art supplies or sport gear or lending a beloved book.

You can host a low-spend event like a game night or tea party. Invite your book club over for a book chat and snacks. Host a slumber party with your friends. Plan a pickle ball tournament. You can have gatherings pot-luck style where everyone brings a dish to share.

There are numerous ways to have fun, explore and play on a budget.

I hope you have the best low-spend year. Make your list. Start with a list of hard no’s that you will not spend on, hot spending places to avoid (your favorite fast food place, a certain store, etc), items you will buy only as needed, and a wish list of allowances you will make for yourself this year. You’ve got this!