WHY A LOW/NO BUY YEAR IS TAKING OVER...in my humble opinion, of course

[@sophiazoehealer]

We're on the same wavelength! Just yesterday, I made the decision to challenge myself to buy nothing but food, supplements, essential oils and gas for the car. When necessary, I will replace broken or damaged items. Definitely a no-to-low buy year.

[@mariemercurius]

I hear that! 😊

[@MassielMancebo]

I tried a no-buy January and a social media cleanse, and frankly, I failed at both. I failed at social media because I made a lot of new friends that wanted to add me, and then as you say, the January sales were too good, so I’ve ended up buying 4-5 things. I low key feel awful, but maybe I should just learn to not be so hard on myself and that is the true January lesson 🤣

[@mariemercurius]

If the things that you bought were must haves, then don't feel guilty. You saved some money so that is a win! A social media black out is a healthy but it's figuring out the best time to do it. Some really great friendships could potentially come out from some of the people that wanted to add you and that's a good thing!

[@JoieGrandbois]

I think for a lot of folks it is a response to the hyper-consumerism that is so prevalent in the US. The environmental impacts of fast fashion and companies like Shein and Temu are making mainstream news and I think many folks want to walk a bit lighter on the earth. I should mention I work in the sustainability field so I'm probably more likely to cross paths with folks that are doing it for this reason. I also think there is a realization that accumulating stuff doesn't make you happy and with prices rising people are being a lot more thoughtful about what they purchase in general. Personally I try to keep my buying to a minimum all the time. If I do need something and I can buy it used or refurbished I'll try that first. I make very regular use of my local buy nothing group - both for giving away stuff and finding things I might need. I also try to mend or repair things where that is an option to get as much use out of something as I can. If I have to buy new I will try to get it from a company this is socially and environmentally responsible - not always possible but I do my best. I think a lot of people are rethinking how they consume for a whole host of reasons.

[@mariemercurius]

I LOVE ALL OF THIS AND WHOLEHEARTEDLY AGREE! I'd actually love to chat further. Is it possible you could shoot me an email?

[@JoieGrandbois]

@@mariemercurius Sure thing! I'm always up for talking about these issues.

[@spicesmiles]

Goodness…no i haven’t watched the vid as yet🙈. Yes! You look stunning- this look is a top one on you 😄✨🥂 Ok watching now 🤭 1:40

[@mariemercurius]

Thank you! I filmed another video before this one so didn't want to waste it! lol!

[@jjjohnston545]

I’ve been doing a low buy January to curve my spending habits, save and invest more for my retirement

[@mariemercurius]

Honestly, I think when you know what your priorities are and you have some goals that you really want to achieve, how you spend your money becomes easier.

[@sekaieikou1894]

I'm in SF Bay so the prices you experience in Toronto are comparable. I'm a frugal minimalist so I bargain hunt 24/7-- I clip coupons, shop during off season (and second hand) for clothes we need, buy whatever I can at the Dollar Store, all that....But living like this also allows me to spend money elsewhere and more freely when I need to spend. Just this morning my daughter and I were discussing things that need to be fixed in our home but I told her I'm not fixing non-essential items at this time so we have to be a bit inconvenienced/embarrassed by the unkept garden or the garage door that is not operating with the main switch (it opens but only with the openers in our cars). Tackling those items once I pay the car insurance fees for next month -- which spiked up because of the LA fires...😔 Still grateful that I woke up above ground this morning and have the means to pay it....💛

[@mariemercurius]

It's definitely about priorities. No shame in shopping around and at the end of the day, you're doing what you need to do for you because ain't nobody paying your bills except you. Cheers to you and thanks for sharing! 😊

[@surahya100]

I am doing a sustainable healthy clothing year inspired by your earlier video, didn't know how dangerous my clothes were

[@mariemercurius]

Good for you! This is especially important when it comes to the phases of menopause as your hormones will start to decline but also if you still plan to have kids

[@Plum-20]

Ive been creating a new relationship w my money. Im definitely more mindful of it and am getting a lot of enjoyment and stress relief out of budgeting lol. Im minimalist/slow living too and am trying to balance paring my spending down with my desire for creature comforts as u mentioned Im in the US and our new presidency caused me to shift my thinking hopefully in the best direction, but I wont know for years probably of it was best. Perhaps imstead i shouldve focused on moving out of this country. I know im trying my hardest to take care of myself financially but its hard to prepare for this political shift Right now im debating if I should keep these books of stickers (yes books lol) for my budgeting planner and calendar. I feel like it would be nice to use one sticker a day to represent each day this year kinda like a sticker diary lol Your topic as always is very interesting, meaningful amd timely❤❤ Thank you🎉

[@mariemercurius]

Sounds like a crafty idea with the stickers! I hear ya moving out of the country. It's a gong show here in Canada! 😁. Still i do my best to stay positive and keep and open mind. I'm conscious of doing things that feed my soul but still saving as much as I can. It's definitely a balancing act! Thanks for sharing and here's to 2025 being a prosperous and abundant year for all! 😊

[@Plum-20]

'The balance of spending money that feeds ones soul and yet saving as much as possible' would be wonderful topic to hear u talk about. I feel like u do this quite gracefully and would love to learn the art ❤ I forgot to mention that your eyeshadow looks beautiful again, in this video

[@shazamichan7909]

Everything in moderation. If a massive chunk of the population in an area does a No buy for 3 months, your favorite local shop is toast 😢

[@mariemercurius]

@shazamichan7909 Agreed! Being strategic and asking yourself a few important questions can help you make wise choices when it comes to shopping. Appreciate your thoughts. 😊

[@CeciliaCaramel]

i think the prices of literally everything going up, ppl are struggling. the quality of things, especially clothes, is also going down. & there’s more awareness on sustainability and unhealthiness of overconsumption in general

[@mariemercurius]

I agree that more people are becoming aware and are shifting their focus to being more sustainable however there are some folks that are showing no signs of curbing their spending. I suppose one can do what the want with their money. I just question the need for all of the hauls. Is there a void they're trying to fill.