STUFF I REGRET BUYING | Should I do a No Buy in 2025?

[@mariebelleacosta-violette9257]

Hi Cat, 👋. I confess 😜 , I'm a stationary addic 😢. I enjoy buying too many notebooks, pen, pencils ✏️ 😄 😀 . I have to stop ✋️. I'm going to do better, starting today 🙃. Thanks for all your videos.

[@planningcalm]

Haha! I hear ya my friend! We’re in this together 😊

[@TheMarvelousBeautyChannel1]

Item 1-constantly picking up those type of pads, the office supplies, help me! Notebooks-always but I use a lot of them quickly because I do Morning Pages everyday. Another thing is the stickers, craft stuff and art supplies. I actually can't watch the Hobby Lobby haul videos. I buy too much of all those items.

[@cass.theneedformore]

I love notebooks as well. Before leaving the store, best believe I’m checking out the notebooks. 😊

[@planningcalm]

Same here! I can never resist a new one.😊

[@ndllk-]

A no buy/use what you have is what I am doing for next year too.

[@planningcalm]

Excellent! Good for you, my friend! 😊

[@jrnyfan88]

I need to go to notebooks anonymous. 😂. I don’t need anymore but can’t resist! Also adore physical books. I have a library at home. I only keep ones that I love and donate the rest. I read a lot of books online which helps with saving space and money.

[@planningcalm]

That’s a great idea! I love physical books, but don’t have the space for them. Thanks for watching my friend!😊

[@Running_with_Faith]

The end of the year de-cluttering of the bookshelves and desks. It's not my favorite because I do see things that I buy and never use. All my failed attempts at things.

[@planningcalm]

That’s so true. I think that’s what bothers me the most. An empty notebook represent all the untapped potential that was lost😊

[@roheryn]

I love beautiful notebooks! It's so hard to resist!!

[@planningcalm]

I know, I know haha!😂

[@awefull-gold]

Notebooks are hard to resist 😂😅 Over the past several years, I tried so many (planner) layouts, notebook sizes, formats, paper types, and ultimately kept returning to the notebook/planner that I *knew* from the beginning would work best for me. On the one hand, I regret spending so much money to try a bunch of things that didn't work for me; on the other hand, I'm happy that I did try them so I know for sure what works for me and what doesn't. That doesn't stop me from wanting to buy all the cute or fancy notebook though 😅

[@planningcalm]

I get it! I'm constantly trying new ones too. So fun!😁

[@mrandisg]

Hi, I'm Mary, and I'm a stationery addict! I have accumulated a TON of things over the years. Planners, notebooks, journals, pens, markers, stickers, washi, you name it! And I have the hardest time letting go of anything. I tried doing a no-buy this year, and I did mostly okay, but it really turned into a low-buy. I'm going to try again this year but call it a low-buy instead of a no-buy bc "no-buy" is too restrictive to my brain. In conjunction with the low-buy, I will be making every effort to use up as much of my stash as possible. Ooh! I just thought of a cute name for it! "Low-Buy and Bye-Bye 2025!" Feel free to steal that if you want! 😊 I just realized this also ties into my word for 2025, which is (EN)JOY. I'm basically making it my main goal to enjoy life more, and that can include using up my stationery. It might also include OCCASIONALLY adding to my collection, but sparingly! lol I will be a lot more mindful of my purchases going forward. One thing that helps is keeping an Amazon wishlist of cool stationery (and other) items. If I see something I want, it goes in the wishlist first. Then I will go back to it after I've given myself time to cool down, and if I still want it and have the money, then I can move it to the cart. If I don't have the money, it stays in the list. If I no longer want it, it gets deleted. This has helped me a lot the past few years. Hope everyone has a great holiday season! 💖

[@planningcalm]

Love that idea! Low-Buy and Bye-Bye 2025. I will totally be using that! 😊

[@CreatingSelfCarePlans]

I’m right there with you on the notebooks. I used to only buy one when I was almost done with my current one and now I have several on hand so I will not be buying anymore notebooks in 2025 and probably 2026. 😂

[@planningcalm]

😂😂😂 I hear you on that 😊

[@debdp]

I am trying an experiment. I am currently using an A5 6-ring binder. It came with plain, dot-grid, grid/graph paper, 2 vinyl zip pockets, and 5 dividers. The beauty of a binder is you have all the flexibility in organization. If it seems too bulky to write in, I can always take a few pages out to do whatever and then put them back in. I use a Brother color inkjet all-in-one to print out things I have saved as PDFs or found on the web. It's a snap printing them out on A5 6-hole punched printer paper. So far, I love the flexibility. Archiving will be a snap as I go. Buying the loose-leaf paper as I go is cheaper than buying a journal every couple of months and I will save money in the long run. You can't beat the flexibility. It's early days though, but so far it's working great. Oh, and I am totally with you on the Kindle. 😉

[@planningcalm]

I love that you're thinking outside the box and making this work for you! 😊

[@Tiffany-lo6hc]

100% do a no buy! I did in 2024 and it's been immensely beneficial. No office supplies, *almost no new books (bought a book club book and one came from an author talk I bought a seat to), no going to garage sales, thrift stores, or ~cute little shops. No dollar stores ever!

[@planningcalm]

No cute book shops? No dollar stores?! Wow! Now that’s what I call self control lol! Thanks for the tips I will need them for next year😊

[@signejeppesen2395]

I have way too many notebooks and journals- apart from my bullet journal I use for my planner, I really don’t need to get anymore until I use what I have. Also really need to keep an eye on how many books I have- planning to spend 2025 reading my bookshelf to get through some of the books I already own.

[@planningcalm]

It is a great idea to use what you already have!😊

[@SamisSweetLife]

**RAISES HANDS** I need notebooks anonymous as well! There are sooooo many cute ones and I have tons. I use a few a year to be fair but not nearly as many as I buy he he.

[@planningcalm]

Haha! I hear ya Sami! 😊

[@tyresseferguson2462]

Hi Cat, welcome to the club of buying notebooks. I have chosen not to buy any new notebooks until I get through half of the ones I have. I love buying books because I don't plan on ever having anything like a kindle. I love the feel of holding and flipping through the pages of a book, and it's a way to give my eyes a break from looking at a screen. I look at a screen almost 14 hours a day.

[@planningcalm]

It is so nice to meet other notebook lovers! 😊 That’s true about the screen time!

[@KM-nq7hz]

The library is great for reading for free!

[@tyresseferguson2462]

@KM-nq7hz I know, but I write in my non-fiction books, which I can't do in library books.

[@loreesmith5418]

Hold my hand, you're not alone! haha I'm just the same, I'm going to try to be a lot more intentional with everything in 2025, including buying! Here's a funny thing I've started doing when thrifting or shopping in general.....I hold the item and if I'm unsure, if I'm not just loving it and know the direct use for it when I get home, I say, "I think I'll leave this for someone else." I know, whatever game it takes, right? But for real, especially when it comes to thrifting for some reason, this really helps me to think I know someone else will truly be delighted to find it when I'm really just chucking it in my basket. Don't beat yourself up too much, you're aware of it now, so maybe it will come to mind BEFORE you buy next time!!

[@planningcalm]

That’s for the reminder my friend! I need to do more of this 😊

[@reallifemomandwife]

Hahaha oh gosh; I could make way too many of these videos too. Queen of impulse buying 🙈 I need to follow your lead and clean out what I don’t use!!

[@planningcalm]

Oh, it feels good to get rid of the stuff! I don’t know what it is about the thrive of impulse buying, but 2025 is the year it ends, lol! Thanks for being here sweet friend😊

[@amyfuller3561]

Notebooks anonymous made me laugh. Totally understand that comment! I say give it a try to do a no spend 2025. Sister and I have the same arrangement about crafty and stitching supplies. We can ONLY buy what we need to finish a project in our stash, say glue or thread. I also have a daily tracker (one of the few I use) to monitor my crafty spending. It feels good to color in the date when I don’t spend extra.

[@planningcalm]

That’s a great idea! I should give it a try😊

[@therosenetwork]

I think having a lot of stationary in your possession is fun and exciting as long for me and it works pretty well is that as long you keep them really organized and nice and neat. For the notebooks I regret giving them away and so I realized that keeping your items organized in plastic storage containers really makes me want to purchase more But having more than one quantity of that same item can be really overwhelming You have your notebooks and loose paper piling up you have your pens all over the place one pen here and there another pen stuck somewhere or your dog using it as a chew toy yes I really truly understand that but another thing I realized is having a collection is just fun😊❤ Thanks for sharing ❤😊

[@planningcalm]

It is definitely more fun to have a collection when it is organized! 😊

[@therosenetwork]

@ yes it sure is ❤️🩷💜

[@HumbleVoyager]

Instead of a "no-spend," maybe set a strict budget for only replacement items that you run out off. This would help you to only shop when you have no more notebooks available to you. I can relate to issues with stationary supplies and handbags. I made a list of things a handbag HAS to have in order for me to even consider buying it and I carry that list in EDC pocket notebook. Also, I have an in/out rule: If I buy a new whatever, then an old whatever has to leave my house. This has stopped me from overbuying many times, because I don't want to let one of the other whatever's go! Thanks!

[@planningcalm]

That's a great tip! I think I need to start making a list like yours!😊

[@vloggingwithnina273]

Bullet Journal video? Yes, please?! I just got into it myself. Watching all kinds of bullet journal and planner videos is how I found your channel! I've been using my glitter pens to colour in my trackers.lol

[@planningcalm]

Oooh, I love it! Bullet journalling videos coming soon!😊

[@jmt217]

This video resonates with me. The notebook or pen is going to make my life better. Very true even if $1.00 and you don’t use dries me no good. Thank you for your positivity ! 😊

[@planningcalm]

You are so right! Haha, that’s why I’m trying to use what I have. Thanks for watching my friend😊

[@patriciachavez-reyes618]

I can totally relate to planner supplies and notebooks. I had to stop myself the other day from buying a cute notebook because I already have so many of them. I will join you on not buying supplies and notebooks next year 😊

[@planningcalm]

Haha! We’ve all been there. I once bought the same notebook 3 times. Talk about no self control😂😂😂

[@karenevans2157]

Thank you Cat for your lovely video! I am a planner supply junkie myself so I can relate. We can all keep a sense of humor about this while cutting expense 😂🤣 thank you for the reminder ps- I love your laughs!!

[@planningcalm]

I love a good laugh too, so thanks for the compliment! It's so much fun to find humor in it all.😊

[@karenevans2157]

@@planningcalm haha indeed

[@iamjustmiranda]

I love office supplies, stationary, and books… so much I haven’t used and read 🙃 all you need to add is tumblers and mugs 🤣😂

[@planningcalm]

😂😂😂 Oh Sis, I have a ton of those too🤦🏾‍♀️😊

[@iamjustmiranda]

Well we twinning lol 😂

[@anja_plans]

I love pens, Stickers and Notebooks. And I Need to admit, 98% Are unused. I want to try a - buy something new, wenn you used something.

[@planningcalm]

So true! Such a good way to do it😊

[@artzyplans2738]

I love All the Light We Cannot See!

[@planningcalm]

I can’t wait to read it over Christmas Break😊

[@notpartoftheplan]

If I went two years without buying books, notebooks, or art supplies, I bet I still wouldn't have run out. ESPECIALLY notebooks; assuming I use up two or three a year (and I probably won't get through two to be honest), I have enough for four years. Yikes.

[@planningcalm]

lol! You are not alone my friend! I’m guilty of that as well😊

[@PattisPurse]

Good morning! listened on my way to work! I agree with all your assessments.. too many notebooks I've purchased in the past..but this year I think only 1 from EC..that's a record for me. As much as I say i want to stop buying planner/budget stuff..it never fails.. especially since i'm using inserts in an all-in-one planner & trying to figure out which inserts to use.. ahh well, guess there's worse things we could be spending our $$ on.. enjoy the day!

[@planningcalm]

It is so hard to resist all the pretty planners and inserts!😅 Hope your week is off to a great start!

[@janiewilliams2750]

I love all office supplies and books..

[@planningcalm]

Me too, me too!😊

[@imrachel941]

Hi!😊 I really enjoy your favs/regrets videos! I’ve had pens do that too! I’ve had a couple packs now where a few colors are like the best pen ever and then the other ones for whatever reason, almost like they were manufactured completely opposite from the first few, they’re just sad broken pens! I don’t know why they do that either! I also need notebooks anonymous! I try to not have a ton but I also like knowing I have a couple because I like to start new journals at the most random time sometimes!😂 My 2024 purchase regret is a pocket planner I bought from eBay and like the maybe fifth time I opened the snap closure the strap fell apart! I regret it though because I panicked thinking it was a discontinued color (it’s not) so I rushed to purchase it instead of waiting and thinking it through, doing my research. Definitely a learning experience!👍🏽 Thank you so much, this is a really nice video for thinking about what worked this year and what to try next year! I hope you have a terrific week!❤

[@planningcalm]

It is so frustrating when the pens in the same pack are such different quality! Thanks for your continued support, sweet friend❤️ Have a wonderful week ahead 😊

[@mollyfender9816]

I enjoy your perspective! Thank you. ❤

[@planningcalm]

Thanks so much!😊

[@MyGratefulliving]

Happy Sunday Kat! I’m also working on my to-do list. I will watch your videos too. I always enjoy your content and channel. I love Notebooks too….i use all of them…💕 Sending you peace, calm and positivity! 🙏🏽🌷

[@planningcalm]

I appreciate you so so much dear friend. Thanks so much!😊

[@MyGratefulliving]

@ You are so welcome! Thanks for the great content. 🌷🙏🏽

[@niajones9017]

Yes 🖐️ I need to join Notebooks Anonymous too! I buy a pretty one and then I don’t want to use it because it’s too pretty and I don’t want to spoil it! 🙈 xx

[@planningcalm]

LOL!! I can totally relate! You are not alone my friend😁

[@carrietome4486]

Oh my goodness! I’m glad that I am not the only one who hoards notebooks and office supplies. 🤣. I finally gave away my cricut, too. I didn’t use it at all! I’m doing a no buy next year, too!

[@planningcalm]

It's so freeing to get rid of the stuff we don't use! 😊

[@BrandiJanei]

If you ever get into the Cricut, you won’t regret the tools. They do make cheaper versions but they don’t stand the test of time in the long run. I literally use those tools for everything and anything. Lol

[@planningcalm]

Thanks for the tip, Sis! I think I need to learn how to use the machine and then the tools won’t seem like a waste. Thanks for watching😊

[@BrandiJanei]

@ the flat one is great for either laying stickers or picking them up and the pokey one is great for peeling labels or picking up really small things.

[@leninrod3581]

I love all things stationery! I can’t help it specially with notebooks, they’re my weakness but I do have to stop since I have enough for the next 5-8 years 🥲🥲

[@planningcalm]

😂😂😂

[@businessbeauty_khala]

Thanks for sharing. Helps me think about shopping more intentionally

[@planningcalm]

You're welcome! Glad it helped.😊

[@ghostyplans]

I hoarded notebooks until I found out about Heart Breathings Notebook Challenge! And then for glitter pens… spend the money and get Gelly Rolls! You can buy them in singles at a Michael’s, or a pack anywhere. They’ve never let me down

[@planningcalm]

Nice! Thanks for the tip. I saw them at Michael’s the other day and I should have picked them up😊

[@mrandisg]

YES! I love the Notebook Challenge! And Sarra! Hearties unite!!!💖

[@ghostyplans]

@@mrandisg hugs!!!

[@karentroester148]

I love notebooks too. I can never have enough.

[@planningcalm]

You’re in good company😊😂❤️

[@h4r4s4r4]

Oh, the notebooks... 😅

[@planningcalm]

😂😂😊

[@fellforthesmell2847]

I would go to Notebooks Anonymous with you!! 😂

[@planningcalm]

I’d be in great company😊❤️

[@PreciousPamphile]

Notebook addiction is real... I have more then 100 seriously and all sizes...cheap to expensive which is ridiculous but I am going into a lifestyle of less alot less is more... I have to giveaway before I can buy more... plus I know what I like and will only spend money on those stationary stores and only get what I need instead of all the brands and styles....I will definitely donate and giveaway alot of my things because I have more then 6 years of stationary products which is truly out of control.... you have to figure out why we buy the things... yes we love them and think they will work for us because they worked for someone else but no thank you... 2025 I am done with being a impulsive spender and become a good steward of the funds the Lord has provided.... shop smarter, less clutter...❤

[@planningcalm]

Such a beautiful comment that rang true for me on so many levels. Thanks for sharing my friend!😊

[@BlackPearlMinistries]

I have vision of having a library like in the beauty and the beast with the ladder and all. 😂 Yes, we need stationary anonymous. I have found the pocket Pen and Gear notebooks at Walmart and now they are my favorite. The paper is just good and for the $7 price tag a winner. I saw some gorgeous notebooks at TJ Maxx yesterday. I knew I would not use them cause I am very particular about my notebooks. They had embroidery on them and so pretty, but…. I have re-homed so many pens. I have like 3 pens I like. I stumbled upon the Pilot Easy touch at Food Lion (grocery store). I actually love it. I am very surprised as I usually try a pen and immediately like nope…

[@planningcalm]

lol! I hear ya on all of these. I love the Pen and Gear line as well. Thanks for watching Sis😊

[@Frugalityislife]

I absolutely love office supplies. I have that book and haven’t read it yet. I love physical books because I feel a kindle is yet another screen for me to be on - at some point I’ll have to go kindle though 😂 I love notebooks too but this year o did way better with using them. ❤ lovely content as always ❤ I HATE when the caps on pens don’t stay on on 😢

[@planningcalm]

Ugh! I hate when caps fall off. So annoying, lol! Thanks for watching, Sis!😊

[@mrandisg]

@@planningcalm I have a tip for this! You can try wrapping a piece of washi or clear tape around the part of the pen where the cap goes on. It adds a small layer of bulk so that when you put the cap on, it's more likely to stay in place. If the cap is cracked, wrap the tape around the cap itself. Sometimes I'll wrap it so that a little bit of the tape hangs off the edge of the cap and sticks to the pen! (I only do that with washi tape tho bc clear tape might stick too much.) Hope this helps!

[@emiliehammerquist6372]

Notebooks Anonymous 😂, yes!!

[@planningcalm]

😂😂😂

[@karenmyrie6215]

Tfs Cat. I'm facilitating the StationEry Anonymous groups in 2025 ✋️ If I go into STAPLES or some other stores, I'm checking out the clearance & stationery sections b4 walking out. My pen collection is a whole OTHER addiction, ranging from low price gel rollerballs to very high end fountain pens 🖊

[@planningcalm]

Oh no, my pen collection is out of control too! 🙈 But at least I’m in great company😊

[@catherinebrown8501]

Notebooks Anonymous!!!!! 🙋🏻‍♀️🤦🏻‍♀️

[@planningcalm]

😂😂😂🙋🏾‍♀️🤦🏾‍♀️

[@WillowplusArlo]

Gaaaah the postal strike is just 😭 I also need to stop buying stuff.. so hard before Christmas!

[@planningcalm]

I hear ya!!!😊

[@iilubbchu13]

I admit, I’m a notebook/stationary addict. Hey, it could be worst though!

[@planningcalm]

lol! Yup. You could be addicted to chocolate like me😊🙈

[@ashleyoconnell6886]

I could have made this same exact list! I am always buying those little organization pads and I have a Cricut packed away 😅

[@planningcalm]

It’s so hard to resist! I have a Cricut and a whole box of accessories I’m not using. So relatable!😂

[@cindiwinegardner5990]

Notebooks, notebooks, notebooks. 😂

[@planningcalm]

😂😂😂😊

[@ElexusStowers]

The notebooks and office supplies 🤦🏾‍♀️ shame shame shame. I'm going on strike next year😂

[@planningcalm]

😂😂😂😊

[@starrry8]

I have SO MANY notebooks! I'm trying to use more but it's ridiculous how many I have.

[@planningcalm]

😊🙈

[@PlannersPursesBooksAndSuch]

That’s my list as well. LOL Just moved my office to a different room in my house and I do not want to put the extras back. 🤦🏽‍♀️. Journals can be gifted cause my daughters actually use them. May make an extra stationary craft station for my grand-littles. They will definitely use. But what to do with all the paper clips?! 😂😂

[@planningcalm]

Oh the paper clips! Lol😊🤭

[@VeganOrganizer]

I definitely need to go to Notebooks Anonymous! I have a serious problem and I keep vowing not to buy any more until I've used all of mine up (which should take around 15-20 years) but then the next irresistible one comes along...😅

[@planningcalm]

😅 We can go together! I have enough notebooks to last a lifetime🙈

[@therosenetwork]

To answer your question the one thing I regret buying is too many snacks and keeping them in my snack container😊😂❤

[@planningcalm]

I hear you on that one, Sis!😊

[@therosenetwork]

@@planningcalmyes totally you wanna eat all of your snacks but you won’t be able to and I don’t like sharing my food with anybody 😍🥰

[@emmalouise_2024]

I NEED NOTEBOOK ANNOYMOUS HAHAHAAA Although, I have committed to spending ALL of 2025 ONLY in my SI B6 Slim and my Hobo Weeks ONLY #wishmeluck

[@planningcalm]

Good luck!😁😊