What I Have Learned After One Month Of My Spending Ban

It has been almost a whole month since I started my self-imposed summer spending ban (which I decided to start early in May). To recap, I am not spending any money on clothing or non-essentials until September 1st, making exceptions for food, experiences with friends and family, to replace important items, for health and hygiene, and for business expenses. I started this ban for numerous reasons; to practice more appreciation for what I already have, to focus my time on more important endeavors than shopping, to save money, and to more aggressively go after my student loans. So after one month, have I noticed a difference? I thought I would share what I’ve learned so far. 

I have learned a couple things about myself. As a human, I am a habitual creature. I didn’t realize just how much some of my spending choices have become habitual. For example, when I’m feeling down I tend to visit online shops a lot more. I only noticed this after I had to make conscious decisions not to. I also happen to spend my time out at stores on evenings when my husband is away for work in order to feel more social. Is social shopping really a thing? I suppose so. When I’m lonely, I shop more. I never realized that about myself until now. 

I have also learned that fashion influencers are really good at what they do! They certainly influence me. While I do not watch much television or read fashion magazines, I thought I was in the clear for advertisements. Most ads don’t work on me, but beautiful photography of and by my peers certainly does! While I don’t typically see myself as a person guided by the fear of missing out or by keeping up with the Joneses, beautiful summer fashion is my weakness and I can’t help myself sometimes by wanting to try out the current summer styles. I found myself almost buying a dress that I saw. It was on sale and I even put it in my cart! But I didn’t buy it. #restraint.

I have also failed. I bought one clothing item that is not exactly a necessity. I bought a Lands End SPF swim shirt. It is borderline a summer essential because it will protect my skin from sun exposure this summer (or at least that is how I justified the purchase despite my ban). Yet, it is still a clothing item and on my no-buy list this year. I also bought a new water bottle, which I do not consider a break in my ban because my water bottle met its end at the gym recently and I really did need a replacement. One of my rules states that replacements for important items was ok and I felt that this qualified. My gym doesn’t have water fountains (I know!) so bringing a bottle of water is essential. I also made another purchase that is somewhat wishy washy; I bought a new Polaroid Originals I-type camera. As a photographer, I don’t use a lot of analog or film for business, but I do use it to keep myself creative, for my blog, for travel, and for having fun. I have several old Polaroid cameras, but the 600 film that they use is often harder to find in stores, more expensive, and they have batteries built into the film packs (making them worse for the environment). I bought the new camera so that I can easily purchase film as needed, to save money on the film, and to be more eco savvy. The new polaroid cameras charge by USB port! Its not exactly a business expense, so it is a break in my ban, but I will be using it quite often this summer for my blog, travel, and my new book (details coming soon). 

The question on everyone’s mind; is the spending ban actually working? At this point, I would say that I see a positive change. I have been mixing and matching the clothing that I own, especially pieces that I do not wear as often. In a way, it makes me feel more creative. I have also been practicing appreciation more often. At this time though I do not feel as though I have saved much money yet. I have had numerous businesses expenses for business materials and the renewals of my web hosting, which I pay upfront instead of monthly. As of now, I do not believe I will start to make waves financially until next month when my latest business expenses are paid off. However, the spending ban itself has most likely had a positive impact on these expenses already. 

Are you or have you done a spending ban lasting a month or longer? If so, I would love to hear about your journey in the comments below.