In 2024, a Brooklyn resident gave up new clothes. Someone in San Diego swore off Target. An English woman banned bubbly beverages. Worldwide, folks are partaking in . . . NOT partaking.
The no-spend trend started several years ago. Bloggers popularized the experiment in budgeting and thoughtful spending. It also may cut down on waste, allow time for other endeavors, and elevate needs over wants.
No-buy challenge rules are simple: Stop purchasing nonessentials, usually for 12 months.
Self-control, reasonableness, moderation—these words describe spirit-filled people. But when the desire for new things kicks in, these traits sometimes go out the window.
Brooklynite Elysia Berman decided to change her spending habits after amassing too much vintage clothing—and huge credit card debt. “It wasn’t like I wanted to challenge myself,” she says. “This is a necessary next step for me.”
Her no-buy pledge included no new clothes and purchasing cosmetics only after using up old ones.
Within two weeks of starting her challenge, Berman couldn’t resist a new beret. Then new boots. While the challenge has reduced her spending, she isn’t saving much. Still, she says she’s finally living within her means.
Not everyone trying the no-buy challenge has debt. Amea Wadsworth simply wants to be more aware of waste.
“I’m tracking everything that I’m spending,” she says. She also writes down times she wants to buy something but doesn’t. She reviews the entries monthly to determine whether her purchases were necessary—or caving to a craving.
Before starting her no-buy year, Mia Westrap studied her spending patterns. She realized unnecessary food and beverages were her weakness.
“I was spending four figures on just carbonated drinks,” she admits.
Some participants say no-buy challenges help them learn to avoid overspending more permanently.
Several years ago, WORLDteen writer Kim Stegall stopped buying new clothing for a year. “I stopped chasing trends or sales. It freed up a lot of time and energy,” she says.
It also changed her buying habits: “Now I buy only things I really like and will wear.”
Going forward, Wadsworth plans to spend on experiences with loved ones instead of material things. She advises anyone who can’t imagine trying a no-buy challenge to do it, even if only for a month.
“If it sounds so terrifying to you,” she advises, “it probably means that you need it.”
“Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.” — Luke 12:15
Why? Taking stock of spending is a wise practice—and making adjustments where needed is even wiser!
For more about wise financial practices, see Finance 101 for Kids by Walter Andal.
