what I learned from my "no buy year" + my advice if you want to try one

[@mandyhackman9740]

Everyone is their own little puzzle, but coming from a place of “slow buy” most years for the past 10+ years, nothing will send me to make an ill-considered unnecessary purchase faster than me telling myself I’m on a “no exceptions no buy” for a certain thing. I’m sure it does work for plenty of people, but if you’re not a person who responds well to restrictions I’d suggest amending to a “yes” based rule like: if I want another book, I have to try to get it x, y, z way first before I buy it. (For example, maybe you have to try buy nothing group, borrowing, or the library first.) Focusing on what I plan to do vs what I’m not “allowed” to do makes the whole thing more of a challenge in a fun way vs just focusing on lack. It helps to get to know your brain a little as you prep for something like this.

[@gracenevitt]

this is a great alternative !! thank you!

[@jordanbelknap9168]

I am this way too. I think I finally found some rules that work for me 🤗

[@annoar9776]

Love that, thank you!

[@angiec8784]

Love your line: you wanted it, you didn’t get it, and you’re ok and everything is just fine.

[@helloitsmemarta]

and one thought that would compliment this line greatly would be "what was your life like just a minute before you came up with this idea that you REALLY NEED THIS ITEM? was it horrible, did someone die? i didn't think so either"💀

[@ornellamoo]

I really appreciate what you said about "the only way of failing a no-buy is by stopping", after watching your videos I decided to do a no-buy three months but since December I've been dealing with some stressful stuff and already broke my no-buy with some emotional shopping, I was thinking "who am I kidding? I can't do this!", but you're right, I just have to keep going, there's only been 14 days of 2025, it's too soon to give up! thank you for opening up and show us your personal life in your videos, they're really helpful!

[@gracenevitt]

you have so got this!!!

[@jackiemartin7276]

You can do this! Progress is greater than perfection and it's so important to give yourself kindness and grace as you go through life's troubles!

[@sd.092]

The advice is always appreciated! What helped me the most was less screen time. Staying away from social media, influencers, and shops was key! Out of sight out of mind. That being said, I do feel like I failed my low buy year particularly with certain categories (books, etsy, takeout) and spent more than what I had allotted myself so just going to try to do better in 2025! Always a work in progress I guess 😅

[@gracenevitt]

yep just get back on that wagon!!

[@jackiemartin7276]

Bristish KZbinr Leena Norms actually did a "Year Of Make-Do" in 2024 and shared the journey with us! One of her rules was that she wasn't allowed to buy clothes, if she wanted something badly enough she would learn how to make it herself and I think that's a really cool premise.

[@gracenevitt]

ugh I love her

[@helloitsmemarta]

just a few days ago i moved into a completely empty apartment and obviously needed a bunch of stuff and yet i know i am still doing a no-buy this year. we come from different situations and this is why it is truly important to tailor this to yourself and not feel guilty when you hear that someone ACTUALLY lived a whole year by saving everything that wasn't spent on essential bills and groceries. thanks for the inspiration

[@Candyelion]

*Uploaded 44 seconds ago* Everyone shhhh my show is on

[@02leda]

Yay to a year of no-buy!! I had a bunch of ups and downs and enablers (friends) but it definitely lessened my wants for a lot of things and I figured out what I really needed. I haven’t figured out my red/yellow/green lights yet for this year as I had a fashion crisis in 2024 but I’m excited for this year!

[@watchmethriving]

Starting out this year I had a strong why that would take me through the end of this year. This past Saturday I was given a much bigger why that will guide me through the next few years. I was invited to build a tiny home on some beautiful land in Northern Wisconsin. The timeframe is 3-5 years-ish and ideally I'll be moving in with no debt for the project.

[@gracenevitt]

omg what a dream!!!

[@rebeccakazdoy3198]

I’m not doing a no buy. Once I shifted my mindset to focusing on using what I have (as you have suggested), had really helped me. It requires a lot of patience. Right now my goal is to minimize as much as we can before we move apartments. So a mini goal for now. Thank you so much, Grace! I’d love to see vlogs about how your working through purchases throughout the next year (if you want do that) but I’ll be here for whatever you want to do

[@gracenevitt]

I might do something along those lines in a "check in" video every 3 months. a bit of a buying wrap up of the past 3 months and where I'm at with my goals

[@rebeccakazdoy3198]

@ love that!

[@tracys3337]

I am really focused on a no buy year. Your advice for doing the green, yellow and red lists has helped me so much. Just this month I saved enough to pay off two low balance credit cards I couldn’t believe it!

[@gracenevitt]

that's amazing !!!

[@bohmyinoellec]

congratulations on finishing your no buy year! it was a delight to watch your monthly videos in real time as you documented the highs and lows. discovering you last year has made me spend my money in such a more intentional way and i could not thank you enough for that

[@gracenevitt]

that's amazing! you should be so proud of yourself💗💗 so happy I could be even a little part of that journey

[@haileynhenderson]

I'm so proud of you for sticking with it and completing your no buy challenge! It was truly inspiring!! I took a KZbin break the month of December so getting caught up on your videos has been such a treat. Also, I might be late to the change but I LOVE your new photo and cover photo for KZbin. ✨💜

[@gracenevitt]

very recent change actually hehe thank you!!!

[@CrisOnTheInternet]

09:48 - 09:52 this, this is why we crave novelty so frequently when we get everything we want right in the moment. 11:57 - 12:18, this year I was about to buy a cutlery set because I plan to carry lunch when I'm back to uni and without knowing, my aunt give it as a gift.

[@jackiemartin7276]

Grace you really started a trend! I've been following you for about a year now and now I feel like so many people are doing no-buy 2025! It's great that people can come to your channel for advice, encouragement, and community :)

[@gracenevitt]

literally makes me so incredibly happy I can't even tell you😭😭💗💗

[@feylights166]

I actually do genuinely enjoy buying book (and yes, I read what I buy). Full bookshelves make me happy (and not all books I want are available at the library). I have a kindle, as well. But I am trying to spend less and be more intentional in other areas (try to buy clothes thrifted, for example).

[@kellymarie8698]

My youngest is fast asleep beside me in bed. So a perfect time for me to watch this ❤️❤️ always excited for new videos

[@jordanbelknap9168]

I am two months into my most successful low buy ever. Haven’t broken any rules even when very tempted 🤗 my perspectives did change regarding things I desperately wanted. Before I saw it as an opportunity to love something new, something unique. But I have found myself admitting that being that obsessed with something is actually kind of messed up. I live an incredibly comfortable life and do not want for anything, so the fact that I would regularly feel like I had to get something was absurd. So now, when I feel that way, i see it as a sign that I need to step back and focus on some other things. I don’t want to be controlled by things.

[@gracenevitt]

that's a great mindset shift! stepping away from that consumerist mindset is so transformative honestly

[@amara560]

Love these reflections! Especially the rejection of 'failing' a no buy year. Pick yourself up and try again. Looking forward to seeing what you'll get up to in 2025 👀

[@lobsterkitty7]

Love this, thank you Grace! It's wild to think about where I was when I found your first videos, versus where I am watching this now :)

[@gracenevitt]

I'm sure that's the case for most of us! it's been a big year of growth!

[@staraeskymacka4022]

My rule for getting something new: I must think about using that thing three times (minimum) before buying it. "It would be nice if I could use that thing NOW." That way, I never buy anything when I first see it, and usually, it takes much more time than just tree times. I also know if I am going to use it, and how frequently.

[@gracenevitt]

couldn't agree more !!! giving yourself what time in space to figure out if you actually need, it is some thing that a no/low/slow buy can give you! because if you immediately purchase some thing you might not actually need it! only time can tell.

[@stoneyisme]

Your videos have definitely motivated to do my no buy year this year. I will be using your past videos for motivation when I'm feeling tempted to make purchases. Thank you so much for sharing your journey ❤

[@lisam200]

I thoroughly enjoyed watching your no-buy year!

[@MsPfoetchen]

Found you acc, shortly before you started your no buy and its so crazy how fast time flies. It was fun to joyn your Journey and it feels so happy for you that you made such a big progress, really love to See your Energy

[@odetoslowness]

really needed the pep talk at the end, thank u

[@gracenevitt]

💗💗💗

[@Bookmarkedbyemi]

I'm so proud of you for making it through! I've been watching since late 2024 and it's amazing to see you come to conclusion of this massive life achievement!! lots of love!

[@joe3683]

Brains are tricky. I'm trying a low buy year. Last year, when I was deciding to do a low buy year, I had an item I was thinking about getting in my cart for probably like 5 months... 5 months. I decided that I would buy it in preparation for the low buy year because it was on sale. Guess what? I haven't even opened the box it came in. It's frustrating that sometimes your brain doesn't get it.

[@gracenevitt]

this is SO real

[@kathleenhealy7586]

Sharing your process has been tremendously helpful, especially the red-yellow-green light lists and focusing on my why. Thank you for doing the no buy year and for sharing the journey.

[@jahmaicherry]

Thank you! I am working on a "low buy" year. I would love to hear what some of your tactics were to slow that "instant gratification" feeling.

[@gracenevitt]

what helped me was just falling back on positive hobbies! for me, I ended up reading the most I'd ever read this past year!

[@helenmali]

Have loved following you this past year. You're an amazing young woman and I wish you all the best for your NZ adventure. You've inspired me to do a Low Buy - not necessarily yo save money (I'm far older than you and comfortably retired 😉) but because I don't need any more stuff. I'm aiming to declutter, maybe downsize and use the money to travel while I still can!! Thanks Grace 😘 xx

[@gracenevitt]

I love this!!!

[@andreabee7054]

@helenmali, I'm in the same phase - and decluttering has helped me clear my mind as I clear my physical surroundings. I really focus on what Grace said about "appreciate what you already have" - but it's not easy. For 2024 I thought a lot about what I could finish and not replace, and using the "one-in-one-out" rule for myself. Every little helps. I'm going for another low-buy this year, as inspired by this channel and this community.

[@BTGTB]

13:27 Wow, that is so true of what's being lost in (at least) USA society. And is the major contributor to all our other societal problems in my opinion.

[@gracenevitt]

totally agree!!!

[@_ashleylh]

My husband and I found this holiday season that spending whenever you want something for your collection/hobby (he collects blurays, I collect books) makes it more difficult to buy a meaningful/enjoyable gift for the other person! Another consequence lol

[@annoar9776]

So helpful for my low buy year, thank you!

[@p_p_p_p_7732]

I've been doing low buy for a couple of years and the main thing I purchase are books. But i support a lot of independent publishers and buy from them. These are books not readily available at the library etc. i use my library and kobo loads, listen to lots of audiobooks but i still buy books, especially independently published ones as they DO need support. Just an alternative opinion.

[@gracenevitt]

totally agree! never said this has to be a lifelong thing ! just for a set period of time if you're looking to curb your spending or reduce clutter ☺️

[@pEAcEgrL8]

Love your thoughts on how there isn’t only one way to do a no buy challenge!

[@gracenevitt]

of course !! I'm so not into puritanical no buys😭 it's so unhelpful to "normal" people and very discouraging

[@nikkiwilliamson4665]

I really struggled to come up with no buy rules for myself. I did a no buy in 2021 and did great at sticking to the rules I gave myself but I had exceptions for experiences and anything for my pets. I’ve now basically stuck to the same rules ever since unintentionally (though did break them a few times since 2021 since I didn’t consider them rules anymore, just habits) but I have tickets to way too many events and my pets became very spoiled. So I was thinking I need to do another no buy challenge, but I need rules within experiences and pet products. For pets, it’s replacement only, plus anything recommended by the vet or behaviourist for pets. Then experiences are replacement only in a way so only buying tickets when I have less than x events planned (I haven’t actually got a number yet because I haven’t counted how many I currently have but I know it’s way more than I want the number to be so I definitely can’t buy any yet).

[@kaylaemerson7551]

Love it!

[@nadja9331]

❤🌈 Thank You for all your No Buy Videos, they are very helpful 🥰

[@cherylgartsbeyn]

I've been thinking about doing a low-buy year, but I also resell things on Poshmark so not sure how well a no-buy-year would go for me!

[@anmyyoutube]

I have a question - sorry if you’ve mentioned it somewhere and i somehow missed it. My struggle are gifts - expected for many many people that I feel obligated to buy a gift for. And unexpected ones when I let’s say unexpectedly invited to a birthday. I don’t really like buying gifts, I feel like it’s not something another person wants, it actually makes me very anxious. I don’t like excepting gifts either :( But in terms of “no spending” I am not sure how to approach it either - to plan all the gifts you have to buy? Stick to “no spending” ones, like something DIY? Anyways I would appreciate any advice at this point 😂

[@gracenevitt]

it depends! you can either do DIY gifts or do a budget for each person every time you're going to buy a gift. you can also get creative with thrifted items by creating a little present out of that (upcycling or crafting). you can also try to redefine what a "gift" means and go over to someone's house with something like a homemade baked good or jar of jam or syrup or something. or you could take the person out to a movie or dinner and have an experience with them instead of buying them something physical. idk! hope that helps!

[@anmyyoutube]

@ It does Thank you :))

[@esmaarts]

This video feels like a sign from KZbin to do this challenge too. My biggest problem is the amount ot money I spend on books, game and art supplies. And I have enough of them. My goal is not to spend money on things I don't need.

[@1marianne]

Great video!

[@K-yp8tb]

My goal is to keep it to 12 new garments this year. I’ve heard the sustainable number is 5, but I gotta work towards that goal eventually lol. I really want to move out of the South, so I’m saving money for that! I’m also just sick of wasting my money and getting scammed by everyone all the time now. The quality of everything sucks now, and I’m tired of renting everything (TV shows, music, software, my apartment…). So doing away with as much of that stuff as I can. I’m also not buying/trying any new hair or skincare! I can replace what I have when it runs out, but I’m not wasting any money on stuff I don’t know for sure works for me. I have a routine down and I need to stick with that.

[@gracenevitt]

wasting money on new skin care/hair care is SO REAL, and it has taken so much money out of my wallet over the years😭😭

[@queenfrostine97]

just made me close two tabs I was window shopping on 😅 ty for that

[@gracenevitt]

🫡🫡🫡

[@jessrosejim5440]

I’m curious what you feel you’re still very tempted to buy no matter how many no buys you do, if anything.

[@gracenevitt]

I think clothes are a HUGE weakness for me😭 gonna be superrrr careful this year with that

[@alisalange4380]

Hey Grace, thanks once again for your video and input :) I want to try a no buy / low buy year in 2025. However, the problem is, I am moving back to Europe and I will need to get some new furniture, warmer clothes etc. Do you have any suggestions on how to handle such move? Obviously I want to try to get maybe secondhand stuff but yeah.. I do not want to spend so much.. Once again, thank you so much for all your input! :) Everybody else is obviously welcome on any suggestions.

[@gracenevitt]

I would say either try to see what things you can source second hand (or for free!) and then create a budget or a very very specific list of things you're allowed to buy!

[@gabystringer2056]

My suggestions, get/make a pallet bed and or sofa, wooden pallets are super durable and often available for free. Finding neighbourhoods with higher density of elder folk and going to charity shops close by and you can often find pots, pans, plates utensils for low cost - went I left home I did this picked some items and when the staff realised I was trying to set up home they let me have all the items I needed for a set price. I still use those plates 15 years later! Everywhere I've lived in UK, Italy and the Netherlands has had great options,

[@alisalange4380]

@@gabystringer2056 thank you so much for your input. I will def try it out :)

[@evelinagutauskaite2657]

Ask for ipad case on a local no buy group, a lot of people are storing old or unliked electronic cases just “in case”😂😂😂

[@mariaacks9003]

❤

[@IzuAurora]

You inspired me to do a low-buy year last year and I'm really proud I did it. I tried to buy as little as possible and even though I did have a few "fails" accidental or thought-out, I'm super happy I did it. I was unemplyed for several months in total and then worked for a little over the minimum pay on my field and yet I still managed to put some money to my savings. Thank you for the encouragement. This year my earnings will drop even more and so the financial security is crumbling even more than last year 🥲 (loving the situation world-wide and capitalism) So this year I'm setting myself strict rules for another low-to-no-buy year. It's good I did one last year with looser rules so that this year doesn't feel as restricting as it would if I had started now. Can't wait to see what comes next for your channel and wish you all the best and happy new year !

[@melissasheridan5660]

I completely and quickly failed a no or low buy for last year 🫠 I truly don't need anything and love clothes but am just constantly cycling through stuff. I think I've bought into the ideal that I can find the "perfect" shirt, jeans, whatever. So I keep searching thinking I can find that magical item that will be better than what I have. But what I end up doing is just returning a lot or donating/selling things later. I was motivated at the start of the year though and made a list of what not to buy and some exceptions in the notes app on my phone. Just seeing it written out really helps. Last year I just said "don't buy anything" but didn't make any rules or specifications. So I think that's why I failed. I've loved watching all your videos and am so glad you've been successful ❤

[@gracenevitt]

good plan making a specific list!! hope this year goes better for you!!

[@andreabee7054]

I do the same thing - some sort of fantasy that the perfect clothing item will fix me. Now I tell myself, if I want to buy it: what is the comparable item in my closet that will get donated to make it "net zero"? And that helps me regain self-control.

[@melissasheridan5660]

@@andreabee7054 exactly. I think social media really plays into this idea of finding the perfect (insert whatever clothing item here). It may exist, but it doesn't need to be a priority for me to try to find anymore. The jeans, shoes, etc. I have are good enough. I love the one in, one out rule too.

[@gabystringer2056]

If it hasnt worked for you last year, Try instead specifying under that conditions you are or are not happy to buy something. Are you unhappy with impulse purchases or a particular categories of stuff? I don't work well with restrictions, so instead my ' rules' are budget setting (with clarity on what I am prioritising - I'm not spending on X so I can save for y) and on ethics of production (is it GOTS certified or locally hand produced with traceability so i know that no one is exploited in the making?) And for example with clothing will I wear it 50+ times (will I still enjoy to wear it, is it durable enough, will it coordinate with what I already have). Hope this helps?