2025 is just around the corner—only about 10 days away! If you’re thinking about starting a low-buy or no-buy year in 2025, this post has all the tips and actionable steps you need to get started.
The start of a new year often brings a sense of renewal and the motivation to set fresh goals.For a lot of us, that means setting some financial goals.
If you’ve decided to embark on a low buy or no buy year in 2025, congratulations! This is a fantastic way to take control of your spending, declutter your life, and align your purchases with your true values. I’m doing it too, so we’re in this together!
But sticking to a no buy list for an entire year or even a couple of months is no small challenge. The temptations of sales, social media ads, and impulsive habits can derail even the most determined budgeters and minimalists.
I’m not here to tell you to get rid of everything you own. Give yourself some space to figure out what this era means to you, be realistic, and don’t forget to go easy on yourself.This guide will help you craft a realistic no buy list and provide actionable tips to stay on track throughout the year.
What is a No-Buy List?
A no buy list is a personal inventory of items you commit to not purchasing for a specified period, typically a year. It’s a tool to help you:
- Reduce unnecessary spending.
- Combat consumerism.
- Focus on using what you already own.
- Save for bigger goals, like paying off debt or building your savings.
Your no buy list should reflect your unique lifestyle, habits, and goals. It’s not about deprivation but intentionality. By identifying what you don’t need, you can be more intentional and spend your money on what really matters to you.
How to Create Your No-Buy List for 2025
You can keep it super flexible or go as strict as you like, but starting with the basics and finding some inspiration is good way to start.
1. Reflect on Your Spending Habits
Start by reviewing your spending from the past year. Look through bank statements, credit card bills, or budgeting apps to identify patterns. Ask yourself:
- What items do I regret buying?
- Which purchases brought lasting value or joy?
- Where do I tend to overspend?
This exercise will help you pinpoint areas to cut back.
2. Write Down your Low/No-Buy Year Rules:
Ambiguity can lead to loopholes, so it’s important to be clear with your no-buy rules. For example:
- Instead of “No new clothes,” specify “No new clothes unless a wardrobe essential needs replacing.”
- Instead of “No eating out,” clarify “Limit dining out to once a month for special occasions.”
No Buy Year Rules
- No New Clothing
- No New Technology
- No New Makeup or skincare
- No More Nail Salon Visits
- No Unnecessary Amazon Purchases
- No New Books
- No NEW Subscriptions
- No New Home Decor
- No Impulse Purchases
- No Extra Gadgets or Appliances
Less Restrictive No-Buy Year Rules:
- Starbucks Coffee Only on Weekends
- Takeout Only Twice a Week
- Shop Only at Budget-Friendly Stores (e.g., TJ, Costco)
- Avoid Impulse Purchases
- Limit “Fun” Shopping
- No Unnecessary Subscriptions
- Prioritize Experiences Over Stuff
- Plan Your Purchases and stick to the list.
- Set a Monthly or Weekly budget for Non-Essentials
- Buy in Bulk for Household Staples
3. Set up Your Budget
You can set up your budget however works best for you. Personally, I use a spreadsheet where I list all my monthly expenses. I also keep a Google Calendar to track payment due dates, which helps me see how much I need to set aside each week. Additionally, Rocket Money is a fantastic app for monitoring your spending and staying on top of your finances.
4. Include Exceptions
Life happens, and flexibility is key to long-term success. Consider these common exceptions:
- Gifts for others
- Necessary repairs or replacements
- Experiences that align with your values, like travel or educational courses
Tips to Stick to Your Low-Buy Year
1. Set Clear Goals
Why are you doing this? Whether it’s to save for a dream vacation, pay off debt, or reduce clutter, having a clear “why” will keep you motivated.
2. Track Your Progress
Keep a journal or use a budgeting app to monitor your spending. Celebrate milestones, like your first month of sticking to the plan.
3. Find Alternatives
Get creative with what you already have. Need a new outfit for an event? Try a clothing swap with friends. Want to refresh your living space? Rearrange furniture or DIY decor.
4. Avoid Temptation
Unsubscribe from marketing emails, unfollow influencers who trigger FOMO, and avoid window shopping. If you’re tempted to buy something, add it to a wishlist or leave it in the cart and revisit it after a couple of days.
No need to hunt for sales—if it’s something you really needed, you’d probably already have it. You don’t need a sale to justify it!
Remember this: when sales come, you are NOT saving money; you are actually losing money.
5. Be Okay with Empty Space
If you are looking to do a no-buy or low-buy year, you need to be okay with and embrace empty spaces.
There are going to be some spaces that, decoratively, are not exactly how you want them to be yet, and that is okay. You are trying to save money.
Maybe your house doesn’t look as aesthetically Pinterest-perfect as you’d like it to, but that is okay. You just need to focus on decluttering and not on making your space look perfect and beautiful this year.
6. Be Okay with Having Extra Money in Your Bank Account
I totally get it—when you get some unexpected extra cash, like a bonus, a gift, or a tax refund, the first thought is, “What can I spend this on?” Sometimes it’s even a gift card, and you’re tempted to use it even if you don’t actually need anything right now.
But here’s my advice: if the gift card doesn’t expire, just hang onto it until you really need something. Same goes for the money—there’s nothing wrong with letting it sit and carrying a balance from month to month.
7. Keep a Wishlist
just use the Notes app on your phone, or even a notebook or planner. Every time you want to buy something, add it to the wishlist with links and all the details, and then let it sit.
8. Build a Support System
Share your goals with friends or join online communities focused on frugality and minimalism. Accountability and encouragement can make a big difference.
9. Practice Gratitude
Regularly remind yourself of what you already have. Gratitude shifts your focus from what you lack to what you enjoy, reducing the urge to buy more.
Common Low-Buy Year Challenges and How to Overcome Them
1. Impulse Buying
Create a cooling-off period before making non-essential purchases. Wait 24 hours or longer to decide if it’s truly necessary.
2. Social Pressure
Explain your goals to close friends and family. If they understand your “why,” they’re less likely to pressure you into unnecessary spending.
3. Burnout
Take it one step at a time. If a full no buy year feels overwhelming, start with a low buy month and build from there.
Celebrate Your Wins
Completing a no buy or low buy year is a significant achievement. As 2025 progresses, take time to reflect on your growth. What lessons have you learned? How has your relationship with money and possessions changed?
When December rolls around, reward yourself for sticking to your goals. Choose a reward that aligns with your values, whether it’s a meaningful experience, a donation to a cause you care about, or a thoughtful purchase that brings long-term joy.
A no buy list isn’t about restriction—it’s about freedom. By cutting out unnecessary spending, you free up time, money, and mental energy for what truly matters. With the tips and strategies in this guide, you’re well-equipped to make 2025 your most intentional and financially empowered year yet. Happy saving!
