How to Prep for a "Low-Buy Year" | minimalism + saving money

[@AtoZenLife]

Are you trying to buy less and/or save money in 2025? What are your goals and intentions for the year ahead? Comment below and let me know and you can find all my no-spend and budgeting printables ON SALE right now here: shop.atozenlife.com/products/minimalist-budget-binder

[@LisaNicholson-t4d]

I am going to do a “less buy” year. I need to prioritize goals for the year and then work on a reduced purchase plan.

[@connieeveryday9726]

Marissa, in a previous video you said you were going to look into a walking mat for yourself. Is this part of your pre-planned purchases? I hope so 😊. I was going to rely on you to find the best all around walking mat to guide my own purchase decision. In any case, I love your videos. Thank you! ❤

[@FreyjaHighUpNorse]

Hi, Marissa! What is this "notion" or "motion" account you are referring to, please? Thanks.

[@ReneeDennis-x8h]

We just remodeled our kitchen & paid cash, so 2025 will be a slow buy year to help offset that cost!

More for women: quit browsing in clothing or shoe stores. If you want to get afew spring items, wait for a sale. Try to pay cash.

[@Justhere4myfmly]

On my 3rd year of no buy. It has helped me recover from a shopping addiction. It was very hard at first! Now lm working on decluttering allll those things I compulsively bought. Coincidence or not, I've also decluttered 35 lbs of excess weight.

[@AtoZenLife]

That’s fantastic progress, thanks for sharing and cheering 📣 for you!

[@FlagCutie]

Same. 2021 and 2022 were my assigned No Buy years, so by the time 2023 and 2024 came around, I was already in that mindset, so they were very easily Low Buy. What I have been having trouble with is decluttering because I have some hoarding tendencies and emotional attachment to crap 😂. So yeah, gonna keep low buying and focus on decluttering in 25!

[@minnies83]

I am intending to a low buy year. A year is really long but last year I also did not spend very much on personal items but we bought a car and so our savings need to increase again. 🤞

[@flonotflow]

I'm doing a low buy year, but not for the goal of saving more money. We just don't need anything else in our house. We need to use what we have.

[@mentalmadness9783]

Same here! We already have more than enough in this household. It would even be sensible to have not just a low buy or no buy year but also call it a "reduce year" and get rid of or sell things that we own but don't use.

[@flonotflow]

@mentalmadness9783 That's exactly what I'm doing. I've set goals to get rid of so many of certain items, to just purge things we aren't using and clear out a lot of unused excess.

[@JayJr.]

I am not planning for that in 2025, because I have already been doing a "low-buy decade." Once you start to move money to your savings/investment account, it becomes addictive, in a good way, and you don't want to stop. ☺

[@tinah4208]

We have been doing a low buy for a little over 5 years now with the goal of paying off our mortgage! We plan to pay it off in 2025!!! SO ready for this!!

[@Savannah-ed4rv]

How quickly would you have paid down your mortgage? I think it's a great goal and wishing you the best!

[@tinah4208]

Thank you very much!! We started budgeting and trying to pay off our house Dec. 1, 2019 with the Baby Steps. We had no idea what would take place a few months later in 2020 and were thankful to already being intentional with money. Lots of hard work and sacrificing purchases but I think it's going to be worth it for the peace of mind. Thanks again :) Best wishes to you!!

[@rosemoore5364]

How exciting. Congratulations. Enjoy the peace of mind your hard work and sacrifices are going to giving you.

[@subarashiiai16]

I'm doing a stash busting year! I haven't been using my craft supplies as much as I would like, so my goal is to use as much of my stash as I can without buying more supplies. In order to finish projects, I am allowed to buy SPECIFIC notions such as buttons, studs, grommets, zippers, etc. for intended projects. I have SO much craft stuff, so I am excited to get creative

[@LadyPelikan]

Yeah, me too! Making some place in the closet at the same time!

[@maddy-zzz]

The past two years were low buy for me because I focused on paying off 40k in student loans. Now I'm hoping to hit my house savings goal of 25k by end of February 🤞

[@sookiesleepsalot]

You got this! 🎉

[@leoren2685]

Impressive!

[@FlagCutie]

Hell yeah!

[@evaperry8630]

Wow, way to go! That's quite a feat!🎉🎉🎉❤

[@cindywilkinson1610]

Excellent! 🎉🎉🎉

[@rachellestivers6591]

Thanks for the library shout out! I'm a librarian and adventurous cook. And I find that getting cookbooks from the library, rather than buying them, makes me much more adventurous! I can checkout, literally, other cuisines more , again literally.

[@debrafillingim]

Former elementary media specialist (librarian). I am in four book clubs but I RARELY buy books. I use my library, everand, and audible. If I ever have a fine my librarians always say "i'm sorry-you have a small fine." I tell them I am happy to pay as the library has saved me thousands. I love non-fiction and love cookbooks and art books. I always go to my library first-if a checkout an artbook or cookbook 10 times-then it's time to buy it!

[@kriskrossas]

We are downsizing now that we are empty nesters. Im a collector, my husband is a bit of a hoarder. I am doing a one item a day destash and will continue that throughout 2025. I am doing a low buy through 2025. We would like to sell our 4 bedroom, 3 bath home and purchase a small 2 bedroom home. This has incentivized my husband to start destashing his things as well.

[@CookingwithDesi]

It might be cheaper to stay in the house you are at. You get hit with a crazy amount of taxes when you downsize. U get penalized in taxes unless u buy a house of equal value or higher. My sister got hit with $40,000 in taxes!

[@Savannah-ed4rv]

@@CookingwithDesithere should be some way to minimize the tax bill. I know the sale of your primary home you don't pay tax on up to $250,000. A higher price home I wouldn't know but that's a horrible tax bill!

[@lozkelly4]

I’ve ruthlessly declutterred our house over the past 6 months and now I’m doing a no buy for 2025….just essentials for me. I want to pay off more of our mortgage so I don’t need to work full time…life’s too short 🥰🤓

[@shirleygermain5707]

I saved every SocSec check this past year. Since I wasn't used to receiving my benefits during my first year, putting the money in my savings seemed easy. My husband and I live on very little. We have no debts, own our home, and don't really need anything. My most significant spending is in spring when I garden, but I have even lowered that cost. I love to garden, and it fills me to no end. I always stop to smell my roses! 😄

[@campgroundgirl3384]

Gardening is the #1 thing to do to live longer. ❤

[@quoththeraven13]

I’m so excited for this video! I am planning a low-buy year, too. ☺️ I want to save $10,000 with my low-buy 2025.

[@AtoZenLife]

I’m cheering 📣 you on!

[@carolinerambles3885]

My husband and I have agreed to do a low buy year and found ways we can be more eco-friendly/less wasteful whilst still doing and getting things we love and bring us joy❤ I do not need more clothes...I do not need more clothes.. I do not need more clothes... 😂

[@AtoZenLife]

Make that your mantra! 😁👍

[@d-lightful807]

This! I’m not sure I’ll actually spend less (but I think I will) but my spending will be in line with my values (eg, fewer/no clothes, books, candles, cosmetics but more experiences/travel).

[@Emilyak85]

My husband and I did a low buy back in 2023 with a goal of saving up for a home in a specific neighborhood. Fast forward to Dec 2024 we did it!! But now the savings replenishment goal is back on the table. Looking forward to seeing how our low buy goes this year!!

[@craftingafamilydinner]

Planning a low buy goal. Saving all we can this year to be able to retire earlier and pay off the little debt we still have. This video was just what I needed.

[@mimibatman2787]

No buy for the first quarter (Jan, Feb, March) will enable us to have a wonderful state-side vacation in June. Thanks for doing what you do! I love your content!

[@rabayl01]

As a 37yo male and father of three and a fairly high income family since my wife and I both work, one temptation i tell myself is to be satisfied with the three men's watches I have. Watch collection is a thing and spending $1k to even $30k watch is mind boggling. All in all, the 3 watches combined are worth less than $700 new and they are all funtional!

[@brendahowell5946]

Men seem to be nonsense spenders! My husband always was!As old lady I learned you can waste your life for nothing or work hard an enjoy life. Meaning wasteful spending gets you nothing but misery. Taking your income and trying to save and budget for experiences, vacations, time with kids an wife, peace knowing your house is paid for is priceless. The drive thru, coffee, a candy bar or coke at the gas station really adds up fast! If I had to do it over their be lot more savings an vacations.To old an broke to do anything now 😢 Good luck in savings!

[@fuzzycat63]

I've been doing No Buy February for a couple of years, but I think I'm just going to go low-buy this year and only buy specific things that are budgeted & planned. No more casual thrift store shopping, which is going to be hard for me! Thanks for the tips, I am going to write out my rules now.

[@LR-ei5ej]

I am in a No Spend for January and considering a Low spend for the rest of the year 😊

[@AtoZenLife]

Fantastic! 🙌

[@amers50]

Its a low by year for my family and me! The last two NYE resolutions were quitting coffee, then alcohol. We saved enough to take a trip together! This year I hope that a low buy year will help us make huge strides at chipping away at our mortgage. Our why is freedom from debt and life experiences!

[@jamie_lou]

We've calculated our low-buy year ahead, and we will be able to save more than $20,000 with our plan. I'm excited for this challenge!

[@Savannah-ed4rv]

What kind of things are you not buying to save that much money?? it seems like a lot 😮

[@jamie_lou]

@@Savannah-ed4rv We are cutting our grocery budget in half, we are cancelling most subscriptions, we are cutting our "eating out" budget to almost nothing, we are not planning on spending money on clothes or anything else. It IS a lot. It will require more work, more cooking from scratch, less ease.

[@dialmstyle]

I am inspired by these comments! I am paying off my car one year early and I’m looking forward to an emergency fund and vacation fund, along with increased investing!

[@robinlacey9273]

I'm doing a low buy Jan-- Mar. My motivation is to make my minimalist lifestyle more attainable. We will only eat out once a month. My biggest challenge is in the area of craft supplies... No more for this first quarter.... I plan to reassess at the end of March

[@judyharris7795]

Starting a low buy year, with the emphasis on clothing. When I see what you purchased in clothes this past year it makes me really think. I’m retired so I don’t need to buy new clothes. I spent last year as a transitional year for my wardrobe. Now I’m switched over to mostly casual clothes and I’m good to go. I love your videos and look forward to them every Sunday.

[@jandabest5261]

Thanks for sharing! I did a no buy for 2024, and I will be repeating it in 2025. It was much easier than I thought. My value system has been completely flipped. I was always a saver and investor, but it’s been supercharged since I’ve decluttered my life.

[@zeitgeist888]

We are doing a low buy this year and did the same last year. We are moving to Europe and trying to heavily downsize everything so we can move with just a couple suitcases after selling our home and cars. We buy items we will take with us or is a consumable. Last year I bought a pair of shoes 6 pr of socks and 2 pairs of pants. The shoes were worn out like every year as I walk close to 1000 miles per year with travel as do the socks. Other than that I only bought a universal charger and cables and earbuds when my old ones died. It is not hard when you have a goal to work towards. Every month feels like a success

[@marliesk9920]

I did no-buy for more than 3 years in a row by now (except for some socks, underwear and a few books). I am continuing with low-buy, just replacing if really necessary, otherwise no replacement. This way I am very slowly decluttering, using stuff Up, or upcycle things. More things are leaving my apartment than coming in. There are a few things on my Shopping list, but there ist No urgency, they can wait until I stumble across the perfect and good to high quality Version of what I look for.

[@JesmondBeeBee]

If "no buy" includes books I'd be out before the end of January. But I could do low buy, and restrict it only to new releases by favourite authors. And by always checking the library first.

[@jmsl_910]

i did a one in one out policy. one book purchased, and i must release another book. the work around is my kindle!!

[@JesmondBeeBee]

@jmsl_910 I don't quite do one in one out, but I do a regular sweep of the shelves and take a batch of books to donate.

[@shippy365]

@JesmondBeeBee, do you have Little Book Libraries in the neighbourhood or near where you live? That's a thing here in Victoria and gives us an extra motivation to go for a walk while checking out Little Book Libraries set up at the end of people's driveways/fronts of houses. It's a way for folks to drop off a book they have already read and pick up another one to read...an ongoing source and you never know what you may find!

[@shippy365]

People sometimes build their own to look like a mini version of their house (it's a little enclosed couple of shelves raised up in a post off the ground)

[@JesmondBeeBee]

@shippy365 Yes, there is one, which I've found some excellent freebies in, and drop ones off in too. Heh, that particular one is doing so well it expanded into a second cabinet specifically for children's books. Which is also lower, so small kids can stand and browse in it themselves. Train then early that they don't have to have everything brand new and hope they grow up with that attitude for good.

[@oliviareed5274]

Shooting for a low buy 2025!! I have done 30 day challenges and want to move on to a bigger challenge- hoping to pay off the mortgage and pay for a bathroom renovation!

[@sookiesleepsalot]

Some people do dry January, we like to do NO SPEND JANUARY (except essentials of course 😊)

[@AtoZenLife]

Yes, I always see people doing January! I’ve always done “Frugal February,” so if you’re up for it, I’m doing a total no-spend then. 😉

[@Siures]

Actually January is the month for us to purchase stuff we didn’t get for Christmas and as we have a lot of birthdays in February we also get gifts. Often we also use end of season sales for clothing and in general after Christmas there will be good sales in certain categories or unwanted presents on Second Hand platforms we can get as gifting stash for the whole year. But every family is different. For us February to August is the time where we buy the least amount of things (exception: kids summer clothes).

[@mwebb3014]

My inspirational words for 2025 are Health & Prosperity. A low-buy year is my goal. In 2024 I began the year with a low-buy 90 days then ended the year spending thousands on car repairs. Whew!! Now that the cars are in good shape, it’s time to get me in shape physically and financially. This is an inspirational video, Marissa. Cheers to healthy and prosperous 2025!! 🥂🥰

[@mallorystaeven6256]

I put myself on a personal shopping ban (clothes, shoes, home decor, etc.) for the whole year. Our goal is to finish paying off our student debt and start saving for a house!

[@PriyaSen-wm6sp]

Hi! I’m an eye doc in Canada 🙂 ask your son’s doctor about atropine therapy to slow down the progression of myopia. It works very well in children. If the contact lenses don’t work well, you can use atropine in addition. And less near work the better (screens but also reading for long periods at a close distance speeds up myopia progression).

[@jenniferkohler5396]

I have been a minimalist for years but always seem to acquire stuff. I am in the middle of a move and have been going through all of the things I have and giving it away or dropping it at Goodwill. I plan to do an "underconsumption" year. I have lived by the one-in-one-out rule for a long time but this year I plan to ramp that up to one-in-10-out. I figure that it will really make me think about what I am buying or accepting from friends/family. My goal this year is to pay off some debt and get my emergency fund together.

[@TGYtco]

We are doing a low buy this year! Our rules are very similar to yours. The cost of food for 3 athletes along with too many hobbies and impulse buys has nearly defeated us in the past. This year I am determined to make a change so we can travel to Japan next year. Thank you for your inspiration!

[@victoriadavis3672]

We have been decluttering our whole house only the kitchen left. We also tried to do a no spend Jan this has not gone as planned because decluttering is so tiring and emotional. You have been keeping me motivated and your videos are inspiring me to keep pushing forward. Decluttering has allowed me to feel like I have more control over my life, encouraged me to lose weight and get healthy. I am working towards a no buy challenge I just don't know what that will look like just yet! Thank you for being there!

[@kathyhirsh9687]

I'm attempting a low buy year. I want to be more intentional about my spending. We have 2 boys in college and the air travel costs at the end of 2024 were eye opening. Love this content!

[@elizabethlangheim7214]

This is our buy extra year. We’re retired and due to health we haven’t taken trips for the last two years so since we didn’t get a cruise scheduled in time we are going to a bed and breakfast for a few days a couple hours away. The last time we purchased a laptop was 2007 so we plan on purchasing a new one and also an ebook that will read the book for you since Hubby is legally blind. Since we missed two years of vacation we’re also planning on eating out weekly. Other than that we don’t plan on purchasing anything else. We have all the clothes, furniture, and decor we need.

[@mishypeas2959]

My teenage son has had those contact lenses for just over a year now and it has stopped his prescription getting worse, it is currently the same as a year ago and I’m really hoping it will start going the other way by his next eye exam. He wears his to bed and it’s completely eliminated the need for any glasses during the day - amazing!

[@TheMennomilist]

I tend to do low to no buy every year. Last year I feel I spent a little more on things last year because of transitioning of my body from giving birth and also the early stages of baby, plus this year my second child had permit fees for driving lessons, and we had hospital bills for birthing to pay off (which we did). It was a rough financial year but we got through it with little to no spending. Now for a year of little to no spending with investing happening. Here's to another good year for you and your family!

[@ashleaspruce8185]

I am a low buy lady, I am slowly introducing it to my husband and I think he’s getting the idea as we are downsizing from our current house to a smaller house that we can manage as we are getting older. I put away my Christmas decor today and I am very satisfied with what I kept . Donated most of my decorations before Christmas and it feels great. Thank you Marrisa for sharing your experience and teaching me how to live less. May you and your family have a great year ahead. Cheers from Canada.

[@lauralyndiana]

I am planning a low buy challenge for this month and maybe beyond. We have been saving for the cost to attend a destination wedding. Regarding the contact wearing, I had glasses and contacts for years BC of poor vision, then saved up for laser eye correction. It has been fantastic, almost 20 years now without glasses or contacts!

[@DJ-Mc21]

I'm doing my first no buy/low buy this year to save $$ and, also, to curb impulse spending. 😬 I'm also decluttering my life so going to put my creative juices to work to use something I have rather than buy more. 🤩 We've got this, my fellow no buy/low buyers!!!🎉

[@melindaczibula5903]

I have been doing a few years of low-buy, and up for continuing this habit in 2025 :). Thankfully, it has become my second nature. Great videos!

[@mithudholey4929]

Hi Merissa, Your channel is my favourite Minimalism Channel...I learnt a lot from you about frugal living, saving money...and the best part of your channel is You❤ You are a very good human being ❤ I inspire a lot from you ❤ I am from Kolkata, India. And of course I am doing a low buy year 😅

[@AtoZenLife]

Thanks so much and cheers from cold 🥶 Chicago! 👋

[@mithudholey4929]

@AtoZenLife 😘😘😘❤️❤️❤️

[@ParanoidWumbo]

I always find your videos worth my time. Thanks.

[@katelynhalt5192]

I keep trying to do low buy challenges but never can seem to get control of myself at the store. I literally said okay we are starting our low buy challenge now and then two days later I bought a new blanket... Like what is wrong with me?? I have ADHD so impulsivity is def a problem for me but I feel like it shouldn't be this hard but it is for me. Love your channel. I watch a video almost every day. Maybe if I keep at it it'll sink in eventually... Happy New Year

[@AtoZenLife]

Trust me, you are not alone in this. I would suggest starting a diary or journal and tracking these things…write down the date, location, item, price, and even how you are feeling (aka, mood) at the time. Actually physically writing this down and then seeing all of those impulses, adding up overtime can be quite shocking in a good way! I found this journey habit to be helpful both for spending and with my binge eating disorder - both impulse control related and. Hope this helps. ✌️❤️

[@emilianodiaz-page4233]

@@AtoZenLifegreat advice Marissa! I find journaling so helpful. Seeing things written down helps me solidify it and stick in my brain.

[@HollyL-t2y]

I had that problem, so I decided I was going to avoid the store until not buying things without at least thinking about it for a minimum of three days. I had to do that with grocery stores and blocked Amazon as well. Thankfully most of the stores I shop at have curbside pickup (one good thing to come out of quarantine), so I ordered online the things I needed and picked it up keeping me away from the temptations. And yes, I had to buy some memberships to make this possible, but it turned out I saved way more than they cost me. I know this won’t work for everyone depending on where you live, but maybe you can do something similar. Good luck!

[@gs3820]

You can do it! Same struggles here, but a no buy year made me hit the reset button. What helped me was biting it down in little chunks: monthly challenges (like swapping clothes with friends, starting a capsule wardrobe etc) and monthly saving goals (so you can start over each month, this way it is more like practicing and getting better at it instead of failing). It took me those 12 months to get over the need/impulses to buy immediately what I thought I needed. Now it actually works alright to sleep on things and often ending up not buying the thing. Only exception I make for myself is at the thrift shop, but hey, gotta let the ADHD/creativity play somewhere.

[@Mwithie]

Nothing is wrong with you. 😊 Don't forget that we live in a consumerist society. Stores, brands, etc. spend tons of money to learn how to sell us things.

[@kimr9960]

We are trying todo a low buy year. We spend too much on things we have already bought but, didn’t know we had. We have so much toothpaste, cleaning products, soap, candles, books that have never been read. I have decluttered serval times. This year if we don’t use it donate it. Tired of having too much around the house.

[@autorinmitkatze]

Hi Marissa, I plan to do a low buy year, because I will reduce my working hours from April on and I will get less money from my corporate job then. Plus, we have so. much. stuff that we do not need more (I am working on a decluttring project right now, also). I will cut down on stationery and art supplies, books, alcoholic drinks and unhealthy foods like sweets and salty snacks. I also will cut down on buying new clothing items and only replace what is worn out or missing and needed, and I want to stop buying cheap fast fashion clothing items and go for more sustainable brands and higher quality as soon as I need something new. And I really, really have to work on my impulse buying and treating myself with buying something after having a bad day. While decluttering, I found some cleaning products I did not know we still had in stock, so it's using up these before buying them again.

[@LJKNIGHTDIVER]

Last year we did a low buy year and paid of over 60k in debt!!! We are doing it again and going to start saving more this year for retirement!

[@AtoZenLife]

That’s incredible! Good luck with your retirement savings. 🙌

[@tessshiell]

Hubs and I are aiming for FIFTY PERCENT less spending this year so... I'm so excited to hear these tips 😅

[@AtoZenLife]

Studies show that people who set more ambitious goals are more likely to succeed, so shoot for the stars! 🙌 ⭐️

[@shimmerofadiamond]

Doing a $100 a month for personal spending and $40 a week for food/groceries ❤

[@sgallant2107]

I've been working on buying less ... or using the best and moving extra items out the door. It may become necessary for many in the next few years - to reevaluate our policies as consumers. If money becomes tight, those who know how to pinch a penny will have a distinct advantage.

[@isabellajespersen5730]

I’m planning on buying as little as possible and saving as much as possible. Thank you for another great video. Greetings from Denmark 🇩🇰 😊

[@AtoZenLife]

Cheering for you! 📣🙌

[@Elizabeth_Lynch]

Last year I did a low buy (for me only not my household) and my approach was I gave myself a small amount of money to spend however I wanted, and I decided to stop in November. I've noticed it's sustainable for me to shop intentionally around Dec/Jan for things I need in the sales, and so I think I could do a low buy every year from Feb-Nov. This year instead of a budget, based on your video, maybe I'll allow myself x items!

[@charissesantiago4930]

Hey there! We’re doing a low-buy year, which we try to live by. I so appreciate your rules and exceptions because they allow you to do the things you must do without feeling guilt. Also, your video is helping me to set specific saving goals so that I can actually track saving contributions. Thanks for all the content you create!!

[@AtoZenLife]

Thanks so much and good luck with your low-buy year!

[@annelyle5474]

I'm doing a low-buy year because 2023 was very stressful and I compensated with a lot of retail therapy towards the end of that year and well into 2024. I've been using YNAB for over a decade (and successfully eliminated all my non-mortgage debt in the process), so it's really just a case of keeping an eye on the numbers and allocating less money to discretionary spending and more to savings 😀

[@gloriayouchisonbrown7734]

Marissa, you have been a huge help in my planning, thank you❤

[@Emily-j4v]

I am starting a low-buy year to help me settle my debts that have racked up! I would like to continue crocheting and giving my family gifts for their birthday. But ideally it will be groceries and bills that I spend my money on

[@christinah9954]

After a rough year in 2024 I’ve just been completely worn out with things in my home. The constant bringing things in, taking things out has been taking up so much time and the house is never tidy. I had an issue where I was thrifting constantly and buying stuff just because I wanted to and didn’t actually want the item or need it. I want the fact I’m constantly donating to actually make a difference in the number of items in our home. Now that I’m feeling back to myself (postpartum issues were driving a lot of the buying last year) I’m ready to do a low buy challenge and I’m taking it a month at a time. I would love to do most of the year. I know that once warm weather hits, I’ll need a few clothing items, I’ll want to get some outdoor projects taken care of so if I get through February not bringing unnecessary items in the home, make some rules for March about what I will purchase then maybe I can reset my habits.

[@evaperry8630]

I have a monthly budget that I keep to & update each week so I know where I'm at financially. At the end of the year, I go through & average out every category & then see where I can lower more spending. This has helped me stay on track & have low anxiety for the past 15 years! 😊

[@mltbkr]

Thank you for this video! I always look forward to your vid's they are educational and inspiring. The past year was the year to spend on my home and my dog who needed a procedure done. I have no debt except to support my four walls. My hope is to stay healthy and continue to be vigilant. Main challeage is to decullter my crafts supplies and other areas of my home. Thank you again!!!!

[@connie6410]

Thank you, Marissa, your tips are so helpful. I'm doing a low buy year but hadn't yet laid out the specifics, so I'm using your list as a starting point. I totally agree that you have to go into it with a positive attidude and remember why you're doing it in the first place. I'm actually really excited about it!

[@lana7422]

Lo-buy definitely. I need to replenish my savings account that got depleted after suddenly losing my husband and needing to move into an apartment. I have a good budget now, but am still paying down one low interest credit card. And I can sew many of my own clothes, so have set the goal this year of using up all the quality fabrics I have in my stash. Thanks for the inspiration.

[@NikSawyer]

I have started my year-long low buy challenge. I’m oddly excited about it.

[@sookiesleepsalot]

Just curious, do you have exceptions for no buy? What's included and what's not? Restaurants? Essential clothing?

[@AtoZenLife]

I’m feeling great energy for 2025…cheering you on! 📣❤️

[@connie6410]

Wishing you the best with it. I'm also feeling excited about doing a low buy this year

[@TheKatelinn]

I am having a low buy year. Only necessary things (a pair of shoes and undergarments). My daughter and I have also started Project Pan, which is to use up stuff we already have. I do have a specific goal for my savings, so that'll be really exciting 🎉🎉

[@AtoZenLife]

Tell me about Project Pan…what does the pan mean! Love this. 🥰

[@LapisLazuli155]

​@@AtoZenLife it means to use up all makeup products by "hitting pan" which is to reach the bottom of the product where the "pan" shows.

[@Siures]

I decided to do a low buy as well with no buy rules in some categories (especially crafting stuff - there I will try to do a „use it up“ challenge). Our goal certainly will be to pay down more of our mortgage and saving for some renovations we plan for the next years. On the other hand I also want to become more creative using up scraps of fabric for underwear and finishing some projects waiting for me for years in some cases.

[@rosemoore5364]

Hi. I am doing a no spend January and a low buy year. Home repairs and upgrades are where my money is going. My goals are to have my vegetable garden area finished and finally get to use my sewing/embroidery machine. Have a nice day.

[@rosethorn0232]

I tried a no buy last year and unfortunately had a lot of missteps. But considering I used to be a massive shopaholic I think I did pretty good regardless. I purchased 18 clothing items, and 9 makeup items. That's a huge success for me, so I'm going to continue the no buy in 2025 and I think I can do even better this year. 👍

[@Ripplesinthewaters]

I’m trying a no-buy January. Eating out is a very big thing for us.

[@rebeccakerr9434]

I struggle with shopping addiction, particularly thrift and secondhand stuff, but the past year I’ve worked so hard on curbing this and plan to continue in 2025! I can’t wait to see videos of your garden projects in 2025, always look forward to your videos x

[@lindamcdermott9980]

This video was so inspiring. I need to replenish my savings account after having had someone smash into my car causing it to be totaled. Insurance paid for the damage but not quite enough to replace my car. Fortunately I was able to make up the difference without going into debt. I am hoping that I can do a no-buy January and continue with a no-buy/low-buy for the rest of the year.

[@juliequick5526]

I have started a lo buy this year and my primary category for spending is Physical and Mental Health. Investing more in myself as my tank got pretty empty last year. I haven’t proper;y thought out other areas so this video was a good reminder to get these thought through and committed to paper. Alb age 62 my reasons for are all to do with having the money to spend on holidays as my family are spread over several countries. Wishing you and your family a very happy new year 💖

[@mountaingarden8823]

I have been doing no spend January for a few years, now extending it to March,then low buy for the remainder of the year. Retired early at a significant cut to income, I want to bolster savings further as well as make some home improvements. We don’t need any more “things”.

[@beverlyness7954]

I'm planning to do a 'low buy' budget this year. Over the past few months almost everything that could break down and need repair or replacement has happened. Car, water heater, boiler, garage door and a few additional expensive replacements like iPhone and computer. Our savings is lower than I like so my plan is to built it back to at least 6 months reserve plus a 1 month cushion. I also need to save for a new boiler as it seems to be the next likely thing to be replaced. We will go through last years spending and determine where to cut costs or simply not buy. I'm pretty sure without evaluating my records that my excess spending is usually online. I overspend in order to eliminate shipping, or I get careless and spend on inexpensive items I really don't need. Thanks for the tips.

[@lorikorstanje2964]

Congratulations on how many people are following have a great new year. I’m doing a low buy January. I’m happy when I set out how many days a week I can’t buy. We are having a very low buy grocery month! Cleaning out our pantry and our freezer.

[@tinaoakland3224]

We are heading into a low buy year with no buys on clothes, jewelry, and home decor. At my age 75… I am trying to get rid of excess in these areas.

[@Flynaneganshenanegans]

I have so far not bought anything this month!!! Paid off a couple things! I’m on a roll! Starting to get that dopamine hit with no spending instead of buying! My goal is the next 4 years of no buy so we can do awesome things as a family. The random debt we have holds us down.

[@brenkay354]

I’m excited to commit to a low buy approach. With the Chinese New Year approaching the end of the month, do you think you and Mr. Zen can share the makings of your steamer bun recipe? This would be a special treat. Thank you

[@1MightyOwl]

Auditing my monthly expenses is where I’m starting out this year so I am much more aware of what’s going in and out financially.

[@cmak1212]

Trying for a low buy. I have teens, but I hope to minimize frivolous spending. Thanks for the motivation.

[@wesleywinchester1890]

Her eyebrows are amazing

[@chantelbritton-cole397]

Excited for a video of you figuring out how to sell the stuff and how you do selling on poshmark:)

[@trulybrandise9600]

I’m doing a 7 day no spend challenge and see how it goes , becuz I do have a shopping addiction and since we moved into our new house. We had downsized and decluttered and now we don’t need anything for the house, we have everything we need. So the reason really for this that I’m in debt and by moving into the new house I have slowed down to not buying anything but then the addiction came back to shopping, wen reality I have everything I need or want!. They only thing really is to only buy food, necessities and start paying down my debt. So I want to start with the basic and then go to the 30 day and by August do a no buy for the rest of the year! I’m sure special occasions will come up and bdays and holidays and I know not to go overboard on that! Thanks for the helpful tips!!✌🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼

[@katyalauziere6858]

I want to do a low-buy month to start the year and then extend on a low-buy year. We don't really have debt (except our house and I have some student loan left, but I live in Canada so my student debt is not as high as it can be in the US) and we live comfortably but I want to save money towards our wedding. I've been on a journey to live a more minimalish life in the past 2 years and I want to go further down that path. My personal struggle with my money is foooooooood. I love to eat out and a big part of my money goes down the toilet (literally... 😅). Thank you for your videos! You are my breakfast companion. 🍳🤗

[@harperfamilylife2500]

Low buy for 2025. Already did declutter kids items and my clothes last year but going to continue with that and only bring in what I have outlined in my rules. Feeling really good about our home. Good luck every one.

[@mackenziemijares5785]

I’m doing a low buy because we are moving to England! And we want to prioritize travel while we’re there. ❤

[@bollybelly]

I am really enjoying your videos and I’m a relatively new subscriber. I did a massive declutter at the end of 2023, which included tons of clothes and shoes and holiday decorations. Now when I am out in a store (or looking online) I notice how much more careful I am bc declutterring is hard work! It is life changing and an attitude shift. I see things now that I would have purchased so easily in the past as the “old me” 😂🙏❤️

[@cynthiafuller141]

low buy but with specifically not buying anything from target (already deleted the app and cancelled the free shipping subscription) and only doing the monthly subscription from amazon or buying from my cart on Fridays (this way I am not impulse buying). Continuing saving to buy a house, but also waiting to see if the market shifts, and super grateful for my hubby who is fully onboard with minimalizing and saving. I also sell on poshmark and can help answer any questions for you. It is a great platform but takes some effort to get there. Love your content!

[@Untamedhearth]

We are definitely doing a low buy year. Currently building a house and trying to do it without a mortgage so cutting back wherever we can.

[@donnag7020]

I’m doing a low-buy because I just retired and I don’t want to take Social Security (plus I’m not yet 67 or even 65). I did buy a new more powerful mixer because my Kitchen Aid is really struggling with making bread, and that’s something I really enjoy. I did get it on a good sale, though. And I’m taking a trip with my severance pay, plus savings. I have a budget and I’m making a game of seeing if I can spend less than is coming in.

[@veexisxme]

We just did a partial renovation and are going through a significant transition in our family. I feel that a low buy year will be the refresh and mind set that we need. My and my household's 2025 goals and expectations mirror it, then you put a name to it. Thanks!

[@wendy-annpoorter1799]

I liked the low buy no buy concept and yay for talking about “fridge scaping” I so hear you about buying items to organise your “stuff” -- I’m guilty of this! Better to be kind and understand why and then choose a new path. Thanks for the info.

[@shelleybarnett3019]

I do a no buy by month. This month it's clothes, books and home decor. I also make myself clean out those categories that month. It works (except for books - 1 purchased so far).

[@connie6410]

That's a great system!

[@GailWilcher1983]

Thank you so much for sharing your life with us. You have helped me so much. I am 80% done with decluttering. However, I did lose money when doing so, but I look at it like this; it was my own fault. I should have been more intentional with my money. Now in 2025, I will be. My 1st savings goal is to save for a kitchen renovation.

[@lisam5744]

I stopped shopping Amazon in December so that will go nicely into the low-buy. We're pretty much low-buy (other than necessities) now, but making it less convenient and easy to purchase something will make me think if we really need it or not.

[@cathylombard964]

We’re starting with a “No buy” January. We’ve made it to January 5th. 🤗 We are rebuilding our savings since we had to buy a new furnace in December. Luckily, we had planned for it and had the money available. Now we are working on replacing it. Thanks for the helpful video.

[@debrafillingim]

Loved the video. Very helpful. I bought the minimalist bundle. We have been listening to the audio The Year of Less which has had me really thinking. Your video cinches the deal and gives me a steps to start. I will be doing a low buy year. I already know some issues (buying art supplies and eating out) and plan on checking into notion app. My WHY is to use what I have, have less stuff, and have more funds for bigger things-travel (memories) . We are in our 70s. Our kids don't want our stuff so we need to be having fun doing instead of spending. Thanks for all you do.

[@AtoZenLife]

I read The Year of Less! It was a great book. I love your intentions…you could use Notion OR just keep a journal in the Notes app on your phone. Figure out what works and stick to it-the key 🔑 to all this is consistency. You got this!!!

[@AM-bm2xw]

My weakness is buying things to "upgrade" my home and make it more cozy, and always justify it by buying at the thrift store or on sale. And then I'll always tell myself that I will stop spending money "after this thing"... Which doesnt work, obviously😅

[@reneecailloux2573]

doing a low buy. Cutting down on art supplies (replacement only) which is my weakness. Reason: I have plenty and need to use them, discover, explore