The Real-Life Underconsumption Series: What I Learned About Spending Less and Saving More
Well, here we are-the final part of my Real-Life Underconsumption Series  and let me just say: I didn't think I'd make it this far without accidentally buying a trendy jumpsuit or panic-ordering new shoes for a weekend trip (like I once did, often!) I'm Meg Ann Lee and if your looking for a financial reset, this blog series is for you!
I am by no means a financial advisor but I KNEW I was over spending and didn't have much to show for it, so, I challenged myself to a "no buy" month, then a few more months...
Since starting my no-buy challenge in November 2024, I've saved enough for a down payment on a house…
Like... a real house.With walls and floors and a fenced in backyard for my dogs.
Even better, I now have an actual emergency fund, and let me tell you-there is no candle or new pair of shoes on this earth that's as good as financial peace. Did I add on work hours to save up? YES. Do I still have things to pay off ? YES. But being financially organized and knowing you have a little wiggle room in your budget is seriously priceless.
The Pressure to Buy is Real
You know what's not helpful when you're trying to consume less?
The internet.
Influencer culture is out here in full force, I should know, I share my amazon recommendations with you every month! Influencers are trying to convince you that your perfect self is just one $60 lip oil and four Amazon "essentials," away.
It's exhausting. When your FYP is all unboxings, hauls, and "treat yourself" talk, it's easy to feel like you're missing out if you don't constantly buy new things. Spoiler Alert: You're not!!!
Discipline > Dopamine
I'm not going to lie-there were moments this year when I felt left out. My friends were buying new summer clothes from Free People that were SO CUTE . Influencers were pushing the latest dupes. I was over here like, "Guess I'll restyle this shirt for the fourth time and make another iced coffee at home." But every time I didn't make a random purchase, I got closer to my goals. That dopamine hit from spending? It's quick and fake.
The calm that comes from knowing your bills are paid and your savings are stacking?
That's real. That's deep. That's adulting, baby.
How to Stay on Track (When Everyone Else Keeping Up With The Joneses)
If you're trying to stick to a no-buy or just consume less, here's what helped me:
- Unfollow or mute accounts that trigger FOMO. No shame. Protect your peace.
- Celebrate small wins. Did you pass up a sale or declutter a drawer? You can treat yourself without buying another physical item.
- Check your progress. Every time I saw my savings grow, I remembered why I started.
- Romanticize the simplicity. Using what you have doesn't mean less joy. It means more creativity-and fewer cardboard boxes showing up at your door.
So whether you're on a full no-buy, a low-buy, or just rethinking your spending habits, here's your final reminder:
You don't have to keep up with influencer culture. You don't need the next tending makeup item, there will be more later you will want just as much. You just need a clear goal-and the discipline to stick with it.
I promise, it's worth it.
Thanks for reading the series. Let's keep spending with intention and making room for what really matters in our lives! <3