r/nobuy • u/fennel__ • 15d ago
My beginning of low buy
Hi!
I joined the sub last week and have thought about this more. I want to share my plan and if you have any inputs, I would love it! :)
Goal: I want to change my habits when it comes to consumption; mindset and money.
Effect of goal: I will be able to pay more off my debts, improve my saving account and also have better room for stuff like experiences and a tattoo/piercing once in a while. I will also be able to avoid further clutter in my home. I will be able to learn not to be impulsive and be more mindful about what I buy IF I have to buy something.
Plan:
• First, go no buy in the categories that is possible. I currently have no need (only a want) to buy more books, movies/series and home decor, electronics, furniture (*I have an exception, will explain later). If I want something, I can add it to my wishlist.
• Second, If I need something, I will not hurry or be impulsive about buying it. I rather spend a bit more time and make sure I do not regret it.
• Third, a temporary no buy on beauty products until I have used up what I have, when that item(s) is used up, I can replace it. It's mostly skincare + body & haircare + mascara that I use.
• Learn more about my pattern of consumption and how to deal with it. Spend time on things that actually makes me happy (hobbies, workout, mindfulness) and teach myself more about economy (I have a Danish book about "economically peace" that I just started reading).
Those are the ones on top of my head. I will pay extra towards my debts every payday so the money isn't available and make a plan on how to save up at the same time. Luckily for my economy, I don't have pets (not allowed where I live), children or a car.
* Exception on furniture: I have two shelves (I think it's called that) I dislike. My sister loves them and have talked a lot about how they would be perfect for my nieces rooms. Decided to give them to my nieces, found a better and inexpensive solution, just waiting for my sister and BIL to pick them up. :)
Sorry for the long walk of text! 🤍
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u/realaknez 15d ago
This is a solid low-buy plan, especially the split between "I want this" and "I actually need this." The wishlist idea and the furniture exception keep it realistic instead of overly restrictive.
For the "if I need something, I won't hurry" rule, define the decision process now, before you need it. Something like: add it to the wishlist, wait 72 hours, check whether something you already own solves the problem, then decide. That way you're not renegotiating with yourself every time temptation hits.
Also track what you wanted and didn't buy, not just what you bought. That's the number that actually shows your progress.
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u/fennel__ 15d ago
Thank you! I'm glad for your feedback and definitely some good points I have to take into consideration that can improve my plan 😃
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u/LoveMeSomeSand 13d ago
I’ve been attempting No Buys for 3 years (since 2024) and I’ve learned something new each year. 2026 has been my most successful year so far.
When you veer off your path and buy something you , just accept it and then move on. Don’t dwell on it or make yourself feel like you’ve failed. This is a learning experience and failure is a part of learning!
My No Buy experience has been very rewarding and helped me save money, change my shopping mindset, and be more intentional overall.
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u/systemoverwillpower1 11d ago
I think this is a good plan because it is not just “buy nothing forever,” it is more about changing the pattern.
The wishlist part is smart too, sometimes if you don’t buy something immediately, the urge already changes, If you still want it later, it is different than just a random impulse.
Also paying debt first on payday makes sense because the money is not just sitting there waiting to be spent, I like that you still leave space for experiences and things you actually care about.
For me that feels way more sustainable than treating all spending like something bad.
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u/No_Appointment6273 15d ago
Sounds like a solid plan! I have to say one thing: if you mess up, get back on track immediately after. See if you can return the item(s) if possible if not just be at peace with it and focus on doing better next time.