What Are The Rules?

Back in 2019 when I started this blog (and my initial NSC year), I gave myself some wiggle room as to what I was and was not allowed to buy. Looking back, I feel like my predetermined rules were a little too forgiving. This time around here in 2022, I am aiming to be stricter and more focused.

For comparison, here were my rules back in 2019:

The rules for the No Shopping Challenge:

  1. Abstain from frivolous shopping for one calendar year.
  2. Learn to use the things I already own.
  3. Be more aware of what I really use and in turn not use out of the things I already have.
  4. Make meaningful memories rather than being preoccupied with purchasing possessions.
  5. Save, be resourceful, and really appreciate what is already mine.

There are some things that I am excluding from my shopping ban:

  1. Undergarments.
  2. Food, meals, and the occasional drinks with friends.
  3. Emergency or unplanned purchases (examples: car maintenance and doctor visits).
  4. Makeup and skincare items ONLY WHEN I HAVE USED EVERYTHING I ALREADY HAVE.
  5. Since I am getting married this year, anything related to the wedding gets a free pass.

Here are my updated rules for 2022:

The rules for the No Shopping Challenge:

  1. Abstain from frivolous shopping for one calendar year. (Same as before) But to go more in depth…no clothing or shoes, accessories, home decor or holiday decor, little pick-me-up gifts, impulse purchases, and new makeup/beauty services. 
  2. Learn to use AND LOVE the things I already own. If I do not use them, to the donate pile they go. 
  3. Learn to fix the items I have rather immediately wanting to replace them. (This is new) 
  4. Make meaningful memories rather than being preoccupied with purchasing possessions. (Within reason. Not looking to book a girls trip but coffee and a chat is always welcomed)
  5. Save, be resourceful, and really appreciate what is already mine. (Well, duh)

There are some things that I am excluding from my shopping ban:

  1. Emergency or unplanned purchases (examples: car maintenance and doctor visits). This was #3 on the list but moved it to first place. 
  2. Monthly Subscriptions such as Spotify, SiriusXM, streaming services, or my Vogue magazine. 
  3. Experiences (like concerts and shows) that tickets are already purchased for.
  4. Makeup and Skincare items ONLY WHEN I HAVE USED EVERYTHING I ALREADY HAVE. Additionally, I wast to focus more on drugstore items than expensive brands when I need a replacement.  
  5. Since I am getting married this year, anything related to the wedding gets a free pass. THIS was my downfall…everything I did purchase I put in the “wedding” category. Also, no wedding this time around. 

If you aim to try a no spend or low spend time period, keep in mind that your rules do not have to mirror mine. Every budget is different, and what might be important to your financial happiness may not be for others. 

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