Embrace Minimalism with 3 Compelling Reasons to Go No Buy in 2026

Stop Wasting Money

January has traditionally been a month for self-care, self-awareness, refocus, and reset.  Dry January, anyone?  I'm doing it! November and December can really take it out of us by emptying our wallets, stretching our waistbands, and taxing our liver.  Millions of people embrace a drastic change come January in regards to diet, exercise, and alcohol consumption.  But what about shopping?

Instagram and U Tube are abuzz with no shopping challenges ranging anywhere from a week to a year.  No Buy challenges have become a thing in recent years but this year’s  being referred to as a “buy nothing rebellion” which sounds powerful and exciting!!  For some participants its purely about money; saving it, wasting less, getting out of debt.  For others its about simplifying life and eliminating clutter by not buying crap which equals more time and more money.   Then there are those who have come to the realization that consuming at our current rate as a society is simply not sustainable and want to do it for our planet.    

It doesn’t really matter why you do it but all three of these sound like fairly compelling reasons to at least give it a try!    Anyone out there who wouldn’t mind saving a bit of money or could not benefit from a budget?  Oh and having less clutter to deal with?  Yes please!   The idea of slowing consumption of anything to help our planet benefits EVERYONE so what are we waiting for?

Do it for the money! 

Stop spending start saving

Impulse buys, take away coffee, fast fashion, boredom buys, sales, Door Dash…its estimated that at least 85% of Americans “waste spend” at least occasionally and some definitely more than others! Younger generations participate way more regularly than boomers or gen x..   The “average” person wastes around $1500 per year on stuff they do not need.  For many, take away coffee expenditure alone can equal $1500!   It goes without saying that this number goes way up with income/ disposable income.

Do it for your mental health!

Clutter is clearly linked to stress and anxiety

If you are one of the millions of people in the US who feel their homes are overwhelmed with unnecessary crap…stop buying it.  While accumulating a few extra possessions may not seem like a big deal, clutter can actually have a negative impact on your mental health. Clutter can increase stress levels, make it difficult to focus, take a toll on relationships, and more. Not only will your life be simpler and your home be calmer, but you will have more time and money for the things you really do care about.  Less stuff to look after, organize, sort and store.  What will you do with all that free time? (And leftover money!!)

Do it for the planet!

Overconsumption is destroying our planet

You know, I know, we all know that the current rate of consumption is not sustainable no matter how much money we as individuals may have.  With the enthusiastic encouragement  (manipulation) from advertisers and retailers we are rapidly overwhelming and destroying our environment.  When we stop consuming blindly, stop wasting money and stop acquiring (and then dumping) stuff we don’t need or want, we are making a difference for future generations as well as simplifying our lives and saving money!

Just stop buying shit you don’t need!

Tips and suggestions for initiating a no spend month or a no spend year

Here are some thoughts:

1.  Decide your “no buy” categories, write them down and tell others (this holds you accountable).

• clothes

• shoes

• gifts

• beauty products

• office supplies

• arts and crafts

• gadgets

• take away anything

2.  Commit to a certain amount of time.  A week?  A month?  A year?  Just try a day and see how that goes!

3.  Decide to spend ONLY on essentials which we might categorize as:

• Rent/ Mortgage

• Groceries - stuff you will eat at home

• Medications

• Toiletries (only when you are completely out of an item)

• Household stuff- laundry detergent, cleaning supplies, (only when you are completely out)

• Pet care/ food

• Gas (if you drive)

• Transportation (if you don’t) to and from work

• Car maintenance (only if something is broken)

• House maintenance. (Only if something needs fixing)

4.  Start by taking inventory of what you do have in the following categories and while you are at it get rid of anything you come across that you don’t need.

• Clothing

• Shoes

• Pantry Items

• Toiletries

• Arts and crafts

• Unused gift cards

• Books

• School or office supplies

5. Cancel your Amazon app and any other "danger" apps

6. Don't bring your credit card every time you go out.

Hey...what is the worst that can happen if you try this? At the very least you might come to understand your shopping and buying habits. Who couldn't benefit from a little self awareness?