As I mentioned in my 2018 goals post, I'm really trying to cut down on unnecessary spending. One of the ways I plan to accomplish that is to dedicate a few months of the year as no shopping months. I made it through January successfully, and I plan on doing it again in March. I know a lot of other people are trying to cut down on excess spending, so I thought it would be helpful to share how I did it!
Avoid months with big sales
I was doing just fine with no-shop January... until the Lilly sale came around. It was so good this year, and it took some serious self-control not to buy anything. When you choose your month of no shopping, make sure there are no major temptations!
Set parameters
I allowed myself to still buy things for our house and our wedding - I just cut myself of from buying clothes, shoes, and accessories. I probably spent about $5 on Valentine's Day decorations for our house, $6 on a letter board for my office, and a lot more on our wedding... weddings are expensive, y'all!
Click "add to cart," but don't submit your order
I came across quite a few things I liked while doing some online shopping throughout the month. Instead of buying them on impulse, I just added them to my cart and left them there. By the end of the month, I had time to reflect and realize that I didn't really need the item in the first place. If you're still thinking about the item at the end of the month, go ahead and order!
Plan your next purchase
Having a whole month to reflect on what I have and what I need vs. what I want, I was able to talk myself out of a lot of purchases. Once February rolled around, I ended up buying a few things that I felt like I needed: a chambray button down and a couple dresses for work.
Reward yourself
I thought all month about what I would reward myself with after making it through the month. I ultimately decided on some NYX butter lip gloss in Creme Brûlée, which only cost $5 and is now my go-to lip gloss. Be sure to keep your reward small, though, or it defeats the purpose of saving!
Don't make up for it the next month
When the first day of the next month finally arrives, don't go overboard and buy everything you see. This also defeats the purpose of saving. Just go back to your normal amount of shopping, if not less.
Have you ever done a month of no shopping? If so, how did you make it work?
These are great tips! The last one is the best (and hardest) - I can't imagine how many times I've done that one! Best of luck! I think I probably have done this before, out of necessity - but had to kind or plan it in advance and also used up old stocks of things, vouchers for new (necessary) purchases. I think avoiding going into shops or visiting the websites themselves is the only way to do it though - cold turkey! :) Joanne x
ReplyDeleteYes! I definitely visit stores and websites a lot less frequently during no-shopping months! Thanks for reading!
DeleteI'm a big put it in my cart and then never hit purchase lol! I tend to also dwell on items I want to make sure I truly need them. The spring time is when I do a lot of shopping so it's hard for me to do a no-spend month around this time!
ReplyDeleteAmanda @ Cupcake N Dreams
I do a lot of shopping around this time of year too, which is making it extra hard. I think next year once our wedding is over and we'll have less expenses, I'll be able to choose better months for saving!
DeleteI love these tips! I'm always adding things to my cart and then I like to check back to see if they go on sale even more. Sierra~Beautifully Candid
ReplyDeleteI do that too! Thanks for reading!
DeleteSuch good tips! I really need to do a no shopping month and instead shop my closet!
ReplyDeletexx katie // a touch of teal
I did my no spend month in January one time, too, and totally regretted it because of the Lilly sale. Now I wait a little bit, haha, so I don't feel bad about taking advantage!
ReplyDeleteI definitely need a no spending month (I'm a serious shopaholic) and your tips are really helpful! You are definitely inspiring me to give it a try!
ReplyDeleteI almost bought that loft top/dress pictured in the front and this post is making regret not buying... maybe I need to read it again ;)
ReplyDelete