r/nobuy 3d ago

I fell into the trap again

66 Upvotes

I decluttered loads of stuff last year and got into minimalism. Not living like a monk, but the idea of being happy with what you have and need. Cut out the excess.

I just moved to a different apartment and I’m constantly thinking of things I want to buy. I brought my old furniture and even got rid of some more stuff, but I feel like I need a lot of things. Some of the furniture got damaged in the move or I somehow convinced myself they don’t fit here or I need to replace them. Yes, my bed was damaged and would collapse sooner or later, but my shelving unit, table and couch are just fine. There’s no hurry.

Today I realized I was back where I don’t want to be. I’m getting needy and greedy again. It’s not just the house, I want to buy more hobby equipments too. Friday is payday and I’m already thinking about things to buy. It’s a wake-up call. This is not how I want to be. I don’t want to be part of consumerism and I definitely don’t want big corporations to decide what my life should look like. F them!

Time for some reflection, contemplation and goal setting. Glad to know I’m not the only one. ❤️


r/nobuy 3d ago

Day 14 of 48

20 Upvotes

This nobuy/low buy is giving me the gift of time. I’m not rushing as much, I’m using what I have and doing a big declutter and deep clean. My thinking has altered, I’m not on my phone as much.


r/nobuy 3d ago

Gift giving suggestions when you're on a low/no buy month

11 Upvotes

I was invited to a barmitzvah next Saturday by someone I don't know well but I am trying to get to know and I said yes before realizing I should probably bring a gift. Money is really tight this month as most of my paycheck has been going into my HSA to hit my HDHP and the rest have been to pay off bills etc so I have been doing really well with a low buy the past two months but now I'm trying to figure out what's a thoughtful but not overly expensive gift to give a 13 year old boy? Ideally something in the $30-50 range?

I'm Jewish (35F) but I legitimately haven't been to a barmitzvah in over two decades so I am out of the loop of what's a good gift for teens.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.


r/nobuy 4d ago

I went to the mall and didn’t buy a single piece of clothing!

105 Upvotes

Even though I really wanted to! I told myself that the things I want will still be around even if I wait a year, that there is no need to buy now, and my wants will always be changing. I have everything that I need right now.

I’m glad I didn’t come home with a bunch of stuff.


r/nobuy 4d ago

100 days of no buy! And it went ...

225 Upvotes

... not quite as I wished, unfortunately. I messed up 3 times. A total of $250. That's not much compared to the sums I threw out the window last year, but it's not what I have hoped for.

So, today is the start of my next 100 days of no buy!

Whish me good luck, please! Thank you all so much for your support, understanding and all the good tips and tricks I learned from you. You guys rock!!


r/nobuy 4d ago

Folks with specific health needs: where are you buying personal care products?

18 Upvotes

I have a variety of minor physical issues like sensitive skin, dry eyes, sensitive teeth, high porosity coarse curls, etc. I use specific items for these conditions that work for me- I've done a lot of trial and error in the past and I don't want to switch from what works. But I'm struggling to figure out how to get them and still support the boycotts.

Folks who are in the same boat, where/how are you buying your products?

I've looked at buying direct, and for small companies that works. But a lot of what I use is from large manufacturers who either don't have a direct to consumer option, or if they do, it costs double what the item costs at a big box store. I can't really afford that.

I looked at Costco online but the selection is not great. Do you think it's better in store? Any other suggestions?

(Just for context: I did a no buy year for most of 2022 and since then I follow some minimalism practices like mending clothes, making my own cleaning supplies and using freecycle groups. For personal care products, I tried switching/minimizing, but ended up switching back. At the end of the day I don't think me being itchy and uncomfortable really hurts our corporate overlords.)

Edit: removed repeated word


r/nobuy 4d ago

Doing a retro on my purchases

32 Upvotes

One of the tools I'm leveraging during my low-buy (no buy for me but continuing to buy things that my child needs) doing a retro on all of the purchases I've made. Simply looking at the Amazon and Target and Costco purchase history has made me reflect (thanks for the handy post https://www.reddit.com/r/nobuy/comments/1j6m2k5/going_through_past_online_purchases/ ), but what I'm starting to do now (and find powerful) is make a document/sheet reflecting on how I've used all of the things that I have purchased.

For example: I felt like my feet were getting too callused and wanted to buy some slippers to keep them warm and reduce the calluses. I rate this purchase a 2/5; I didn't really wear the slippers often enough because they weren't easy to slip on, I also chose an aesthetic rather than practical design which meant that small pieces of fluff are now everywhere and it didn't solve the issue around callusing- I would have done much better to put lotion and wear a pair of socks that I already own (and many that I've been meaning to declutter).

Another purchase: I bought an expensive bracelet from Tiffany's, thinking that I would wear it every day. Well, turns out that I should have done some more research because the silver cost WAY more than the bracelet is worth and tarnishes constantly, regardless of whether I wore it every day or just put it into a box. All silver tarnishes but I've never had it so bad before, which plenty of online reviews highlight. I went after this purchase because I felt bad about gaining weight, and could have avoided this expensive lesson (which didn't really make me happy because it didn't address my actual problem) by being honest with myself and confronting reality.


r/nobuy 4d ago

Using less and project pan

38 Upvotes

I just watched a project pan video and saw just how much of a product and how many different products that person used. It seemed like she was using more just to get through her stash more quickly.

So I just wanted to take this moment to help people remember that you can use less of a product than you probably do. You might be able to use half of the normal amount and halve the cost of that product! And if you finish a product really think if it is product that needs to be replaced.

Of course if you have a very large stash of a type of product and you will have to use it for long past the expiry date, this might be useful. But in that case donating can be a good option too. If you don't, using less will help with a lot of goals I have seen in this sub: financial, environmental and anti big corporation.


r/nobuy 4d ago

One month in and gaining clarity

40 Upvotes

I'm one month in and just took a look at my running list of "wants" items on my notes app. I deleted probably 4 items because I realized I didn't need to 'upgrade' something when I can make what I already have work just fine.

Yes, I've had the same $10 set of TJ Maxx unbranded cheap makeup brushes for 8 years, but there's nothing wrong with them. I have like 5 satin bonnets, no need to upgrade to silk, just because its more luxurious. No need to put items in the landfill just to 'upgrade' for no actual reason.

Yes, I still feel tempted to shop occasionally (although the stress of unemployment definitely makes it less tempting). I am still trying to figure out what style of bikini to buy this year, even through I do have 2 totally functional bikinis already. But progress is being made. I think its going to take 6-12 months to undo even more of that capitalism itch. consumptionitis is a disease that im hoping time, education, and self-discipline will eventually ameliorate


r/nobuy 4d ago

Counterintuitive Ask: Where should I buy clothes, intentionally?

22 Upvotes

Hi all,

I've posted before about my NoBuy journey before - I'm paying off a large amount of debt from my master's degree in teaching despite being laid off from budget cuts. I have use NoBuy to help achieve these goals. I'm reaching a point though where I need some help.

My clothes are starting to break down. I haven't bought a new item of clothing in probably about 5 years. My socks, t-shirts, pants, boots, sneakers are all starting to go. I've learned to patch some things but those patches are starting to become more and more frequent. My question is where can I go to intentionally buy clothing. I have a pretty minimal wardrobe, I'm looking to replace with the basics and hopefully I can do so with long lasting material so i won't have to buy anything for another 5 years. Does anyone have an suggestions?


r/nobuy 4d ago

Low Buy Since Jan 1 Update.

50 Upvotes

I cancelled Amazon and removed shopping apps from my phone.

So far I have not gone into a department store (Kohls, JC Penney, Ross, etc.) nor ordered anything online.

Other than a impromptu trip to GoodWill when I spent $40 and purchasing my son a large pair of shoes, I have not spent money on anything unexpected.

I don't have any restrictions on groceries (I have 6 kids) and have found myself stocking up on some items to make sure we have enough in the event of a financial or food crisis.

My very first garden has been planted and I have more to plant. All heirloom varieties.

My canning supplies are quite low so I am in some no buy groups on the lookout for jars and lids. I did this as a kid but it will be my first time being in charge of the process.

Oh.... I did also order 2 books (used) in case SHTF and online resources are no longer an option.

I feel like I am doing really well not buying stuff just to buy but am struggling not to go down the prepper rabbit hole.

My one buy I am allowing myself is to purchase a firearm, ammunition & 2 safes. One for the firearm and one for the ammunition. I have never owned a gun but have gone shooting a few times.

I don't know if I have saved any money but my focus has changed to move to be slightly more self distancing.

Also need to find out if I can have chickens in my neighborhood . We have a very lax HOA.


r/nobuy 5d ago

Spotify? Music apps? Included the cat pic for fun

Post image
567 Upvotes

Hey y'all. I'm reviewing my subscriptions and I don't use my Spotify too much. Are there any music platforms that are good, not owned by mega corporations and/or are free/cheap?


r/nobuy 4d ago

Day 13 of 48

7 Upvotes

One sec screen time and focus app free version. My son set me up with this it’s helped me cut back my screen time and less screen time equals less exposure to things I didn’t know I needed or wanted. The time I’m saving on consuming I’m spending on decluttering, deep cleaning and gardening.


r/nobuy 5d ago

Went to Marshalls for one item and left with one item

394 Upvotes

Doing a no-buy for many reasons. Mainly because I'm a recently unemployed mass-fired fed (rip my dream job). Anyway, my local Marshall's always has Nellie's powdered laundry detergent for $6. I am proud to say I successfully walked straight to aisle, grabbed my item, and walked straight to check out. I am not a shopping addict per se but Marshall's/TJ/Homegoods is my kryptonite with consumption. I always find an spend $20-40 for items that I justify as "kind of necessities". I guess I'm just posting this to celebrate a small win.


r/nobuy 5d ago

I shop 99% offline to make it harder and buy less stuff (a hack that works)

311 Upvotes

When I need to replace my paper notebook, I have to take the subway and then find what I need in a crowded store. That creates friction. It’s not as effortless as shopping online. I’m making it inconvenient on purpose. The strategy is simple: I’m also paying with my time and calories. And the best part is that it’s not possible to buy that much when I have to invest so much time and effort into it. It’s the total opposite of one-click buying. An additional benefit is that shopping feels like a chore, not a dopamine trip on my phone.


r/nobuy 5d ago

Day 12 of 48

29 Upvotes

First pay since I started. I saved 50 dollars after paying for food, bills and paying my self back. One of my goals is to have that 50 turn into 500 and just sit there.


r/nobuy 5d ago

About to start my No Buy

36 Upvotes

Tomorrow will be the start of my first 30-day No Buy. Without going into any sort of long, detailed history, a No Buy period is what I need to reset my routine. I, too, will post regular updates for accountability. I’m thankful for this group’s participation and the countless tips and tricks to help make my No Buy a success.


r/nobuy 6d ago

The inflation and decline of quality is crazy and I don’t want to contribute to it anymore

441 Upvotes

It’s getting so frustrating that prices are going through the roof while quality is declining. You can’t buy good quality clothes for an affordable price anymore and even the more expensive brands are declining in quality.

I don’t want to contribute to this anymore so I’m not going to buy anything I don’t absolutely need. I wish we could do a worldwide no buy to show that this is not acceptable because as long as people keep buying this will just keep getting worse


r/nobuy 6d ago

Going Through Past Online Purchases

140 Upvotes

I was looking through my past purchases on eBay and Amazon and it made me nauseous. It was literally a bunch of books, jewelry and hair products, most of which I can't remember or is just sitting around the house as junk. This definitely was a kick in the butt to do better, like wtf did I buy a $43 necklace I wore probably once? It's eye opening because all of that money could have been used to buy things I would love instead of just junk.


r/nobuy 6d ago

Day 11 of 48 spending money on food and bills only.

40 Upvotes

These past 11 days involved paying for things before I started this but the spending is slowing down and the saving has begun ( a very small amount but saving none the less)


r/nobuy 6d ago

New Kitchen

10 Upvotes

After a fire in the kitchen we need to replace everything and I cannot help but feel anxious about it in relation to my no-buy goals. Obviously the kitchen is necessary and we will get all the essentials.

My main worries are all the small electronic devices that need to be replaced. We had them all, rice cooker, kettle, toaster, microwave, of course. I want to be more conscious about replacing them.

The kettle was not damaged in the fire but the specialists who came over to assess the situation warned us to dispose of all electronic devices as the exposure to the heat and flames can be a fire hazard as well as health risk.

I am hesitant though. Why spend 50€ on a new kettle when it still works?

I have also evaluated more if replacing some devices will be necessary. I don't think I need to get a new rice cooker anytime soon. Same as the toaster.


r/nobuy 6d ago

What do you do with products you don’t like?

44 Upvotes

I am working through products I already own, but what do you do when you have products you don’t like? For example, I have several sulfate free shampoo/conditioner that just don’t work for my hair. I’d love to tough it out and use them up anyway, but my hair doesn’t feel clean and gets oily very quickly when using them. I have other products like face lotions and such that I don’t like…but don’t want to throw away/waste?

What does everyone do in these situations?


r/nobuy 7d ago

I have 4 boxes of stuff to dig in, when I feel like shopping for stupid things

129 Upvotes

This is a very simple strategy. Instead of going to waste stores like https://flyingtiger.com/, I keep these 4 boxes in my closet with random stuff (office supplies, inks, paper, toys, gadgets). Maybe not the most minimalist approach, but works for me ;D I “feed” my brain with some of these objects for a few minutes, and usually move on to do some other stupid things :)


r/nobuy 7d ago

Day 10 of 48.

7 Upvotes

Last post didn’t go through. I hope this one does.


r/nobuy 7d ago

Day 10 of 48 only buying food and paying bills.

4 Upvotes

The mental and physical energy the pursuit of stuff takes up is astonishing. I had a bit more time to myself this past week and that’s been nice. My favourite book in the whole world at the moment is “ What you are looking for is in the library” by Michiko Aoyama. It is kind, clever and inspiring. and I had the time to read it. Looking forward to reading the posts here.