The Truth About Doing a No Buy Challenge: Peaks, Pits, and Practical Tips
Hey! I am Meg Ann Lee and this week it's all about transparency. I'm giving you an update on my "No Buy Challenge!" If you're new here or missed it, I started a No Buy Challenge back in November 2024. Today, we're diving into the pits, the peaks, and how you can set shopping boundaries for yourself without feeling like you're missing out.
Pits & Peaks
The Pit: Let's just call it what it is - no new things, no new clothes. There were definitely moments where I felt super tempted, especially when a cute ad would pop up from Dressed in LaLa or I'd get a discount code in a text! There's a real sense of FOMO when you realize you can't just grab that trendy jacket or the new makeup launch everyone's raving about.
It's not glamorous. It's discipline. And some days it felt hard.
The Peak: Honestly, saving money felt amazing. I actually can't believe how much money I was spending on casual shopping.
One of the biggest surprises? Realizing I have so many cool clothing items already. Falling back in love with my own closet was the goal. I started going through pieces I already had, restyling outfits, and mixing and matching things in ways I hadn't before. It forced me to be more creative with my wardrobe - and honestly, it made getting dressed more fun again.
Where I've Shopped Since Starting My No Buy
Even though I cut out traditional shopping, I gave myself some flexibility with secondhand shopping. Here's what stayed "in the clear" for me:
- Thrift stores (shoutout to Savers and small local thrift shops!)
- Poshmark (because sometimes you just need a little scroll and a sustainable find)
- Buying from local service providers Aka me getting a facial and supporting a local business by buying my skincare there instead of Ulta or Sephora.
I still made sure I wasn't buying just for the sake of it - it had to be intentional.
The Rules I Set for Myself:
If you're thinking about doing a No Buy (or even just scaling back), setting clear rules is key. Here's what worked for me:
- No brand-new clothes from retail stores or fast fashion websites. DELETE THAT TEMU APP. However, I did break this for some new underwear from Target because I am not thrifting undergarments!
- No new makeup or hair products Until I used up what I already owned. Like, really used it up. That meant scraping out the last bit of my foundation bottles before buying a new one.
- Secondhand only if I really felt the need to shop. Even then, I had to check myself: Do I need this? Will I use it? Mindful thrifting only!
How to Set Shopping Boundaries for Yourself:
Get clear on your "why." Are you trying to save money? Create less waste? Be more mindful with your purchases? Having a clear purpose helps you stay strong when temptation hits.
- Create your own rules. Everyone's boundaries are going to look different. Maybe you allow gifts but no personal spending, or maybe you ban shoes specifically because that's your weakness.
- Make a list. Keep a running list of things you actually need so if/when you do shop, it's not impulsive.
- Find other ways to scratch the itch. For me, it was restyling old outfits and organizing my closet. For you, it might be creating Pinterest boards or "window shopping" online without actually checking out.
- Celebrate your wins. Even small victories deserve to be recognized. Every month you stick to your plan is a big deal!
If you've ever thought about trying a No Buy Challenge, consider this your sign. It's not about being perfect - it's about being intentional <3 Meg Ann LeeÂ