habits I'm bringing into the new year
how I'm doing a low-buy year as someone in their twenties
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“Are these things really better than the things I already have? Or am I just trained to be dissatisfied with what I have now?”
― Chuck Palahniuk, Lullaby
Opening Note 💌
We're already halfway through January, how is 2025 treating you?
For me, turning 25 last year brought a shift in perspective—this year, I’m determined to take charge of my finances. I’ve been focusing on budgeting smarter, exploring investing, and working toward some big savings goals. It’s not always easy, but small steps add up!
If you’re also looking to level up your financial game, this week’s newsletter is for you. I’ve packed it with free, beginner-friendly resources to help you self-educate and boost your financial literacy—because no one teaches us this stuff, but it’s never too late to learn.
On another note, last week’s newsletter sparked some questions about my low-buy year. So, I thought I’d dive deeper this week! I’m sharing the personal guidelines I’m following, plus practical tips for anyone curious about trying a no-buy or low-buy lifestyle.
The trend of cutting back and rethinking our consumption has made a big comeback this year. It feels like a fresh take on the minimalist movement we saw a few years ago—but more approachable and focused on intentional choices. Whether you're drawn to this mindset for financial freedom, sustainability, or just simplifying life, there’s something here for everyone.
I’d love to hear from you—how are you approaching 2025? Any big goals or small joys you’re chasing?
No Buy Year Guidelines
1. Project Pan Mindset
Embrace the Project Pan approach—use up your current products (makeup, skincare, etc.) until they’re gone before buying anything new. It’s a great way to reduce waste and rediscover forgotten favourites!
2. Dining & Treats
Eating out and enjoying coffee or tea from cafes should be reserved for special occasions or treats, not an everyday habit. This helps save money and encourages mindful indulgence.
3. Secondhand First
When shopping for items like clothing, furniture, or accessories, always consider secondhand options first (excluding underwear for hygiene reasons). Thrifted or vintage pieces can be unique, sustainable, and budget-friendly.
4. Clothing & Shoes
Reduce your overall purchases of clothing and shoes. If you do buy something new, follow the one in, one out rule: for every new piece, donate or sell an old one. This keeps your wardrobe manageable and intentional.
5. Avoid Impulse Buys
Don’t buy items simply because they’re on sale. Sales can be enticing, but often, we end up purchasing things we don’t truly need or love.
6. 30-Day Rule
Wait at least 30 days before making a purchase you’re unsure about. This gives you time to reflect on whether it’s truly necessary, reducing impulse buys.
7. Sell Then Buy
Before buying new things, consider selling items you no longer use or need. Use the proceeds to fund your new purchases, creating a more sustainable cycle of consumption.
8. Quality Over Quantity
Focus on investing in quality pieces, not quantity. Build a capsule wardrobe with versatile, durable items that will last longer and serve multiple purposes.
9. Low Maintenance Beauty
Keep beauty routines simple and cost-effective—only get haircuts once every six months, and consider doing your own nails or opting for low-maintenance styles. This frees up both time and money.
10. Digital Detox from Shopping
Delete shopping apps from your phone to reduce temptation. Removing easy access to online shopping can help curb impulsive habits and encourage more thoughtful purchases.
11. Affordable Beauty
Opt for drugstore or affordable skincare and makeup. High-end brands aren’t always necessary, and drugstore options can work just as well, especially for essentials.
12. Prioritise Experiences
Experiences (travel, events, new hobbies) are always allowed! Invest in creating memories over acquiring more material possessions. They often bring more lasting fulfilment.
Food & Dining
No takeout or food delivery—cook at home instead.
Eating out is limited to once a week as a treat or special occasion.
Commit to weekly meal preparation for work and home to save time, and money, and reduce waste.
Personal Care & Beauty
No new makeup, skincare, or perfume unless you’ve completely run out.
Embrace a “use what you have” mindset—finish what’s already in your stash before purchasing replacements. This includes your make-up, skincare and hair care.
Simplify your routine with drugstore or affordable products where possible.
Clothing & Shoes
No new clothes or shoes unless replacing worn-out items.
Follow the one-in, one-out method—only add new items by selling or donating old ones.
Avoid impulse purchases and unnecessary upgrades, even if items are on sale.
Financial Discipline
No Klarna, Afterpay, or other buy-now-pay-later services. Stick to what you can afford outright.
Cancel unnecessary subscriptions that don’t add value to your life. Highly recommend tracking your expenses every month.
Digital Decluttering
Delete shopping apps from your phone to reduce temptation and mindless scrolling.
Unsubscribe from promotional emails to curb impulse buying and regain control over your inbox.
Mindful Living
Say no to backup purchases—trust that you have enough.
Embrace a 30-day waiting period for any non-essential purchases.
Focus on quality over quantity—invest in versatile, durable pieces when replacements are needed.
Extra Notes for Success
Always look for secondhand first for clothing, furniture, or other needs (excluding essentials like underwear).
Prioritise experiences over material things. Spending on travel, events, or meaningful activities is allowed and encouraged.
Reflect on your progress monthly—celebrate wins and adjust your approach if needed.
Share your journey with a friend or community for accountability and inspiration.
Low Buy Year Guidelines
If you’re worried about not sticking to a no-buy year instead start with a low-buy year instead.
1. Project Pan Mindset
Embrace the Project Pan approach—use up your current products (makeup, skincare, etc.) until they’re gone before buying anything new. It’s a great way to reduce waste and rediscover forgotten favourites!
2. Dining & Treats
Eating out and enjoying coffee or tea from cafes should be reserved for special occasions or treats, not an everyday habit. This helps save money and encourages mindful indulgence.
3. Secondhand First
When shopping for items like clothing, furniture, or accessories, always consider secondhand options first (excluding underwear for hygiene reasons). Thrifted or vintage pieces can be unique, sustainable, and budget-friendly.
4. Clothing & Shoes
Reduce your overall purchases of clothing and shoes. If you do buy something new, follow the one in, one out rule: for every new piece, donate or sell an old one. This keeps your wardrobe manageable and intentional.
5. Avoid Impulse Buys
Don’t buy items simply because they’re on sale. Sales can be enticing, but often, we end up purchasing things we don’t truly need or love.
6. 30-Day Rule
Wait at least 30 days before making a purchase you’re unsure about. This gives you time to reflect on whether it’s truly necessary, reducing impulse buys.
7. Sell Then Buy
Before buying new things, consider selling items you no longer use or need. Use the proceeds to fund your new purchases, creating a more sustainable cycle of consumption.
8. Quality Over Quantity
Focus on investing in quality pieces, not quantity. Build a capsule wardrobe with versatile, durable items that will last longer and serve multiple purposes.
9. Low Maintenance Beauty
Keep beauty routines simple and cost-effective—only get haircuts once every six months, and consider doing your own nails or opting for low-maintenance styles. This frees up both time and money.
10. Digital Detox from Shopping
Delete shopping apps from your phone to reduce temptation. Removing easy access to online shopping can help curb impulsive habits and encourage more thoughtful purchases.
11. Affordable Beauty
Opt for drugstore or affordable skincare and makeup. High-end brands aren’t always necessary, and drugstore options can work just as well, especially for essentials.
12. Prioritise Experiences
Experiences (travel, events, new hobbies) are always allowed! Invest in creating memories over acquiring more material possessions. They often bring more lasting fulfilment.
In case you missed out…
Here are a few of my most popular posts from these past few weeks loved by you:
Links for you this week
Articles that you SHOULD read this week:
Did my quest to become beautiful just make me uglier? Did a 75-day TikTok challenge make me uglier on the inside? - Insightful read on whether glow-up challenges really work and what it really means in today’s society.
The best movies and TV of 2024, picked for you by NPR critics - If you’re looking for something to watch.
“It’s Where I Spend All My Time”: The Joy Of The Women’s Toilets In The Club - An insightful read of what it means for females to meet and interact in the toilet.
The rest of this post is for paid subscribers, and here’s what you can expect:
6 extra articles you SHOULD read this week
5 resources to help you with your financial habits (how to save money when you shop)
5 resources to help you make money online (selling your preloved items)
Answering the question of the week submitted by a community member (Experience with racism in South Korea as an expat)
Weekly media consumption report (books, films, TV shows)
books & movies I’m recommending this week (financial habits, overconsumption productivity, habits)
It’s $7 for the month (the price of a cup of coffee) but the knowledge you might learn might change your career, productivity and life in between for the better - just like it did for me!