Buy Nothing Month

Thursday, July 16 2009 - Brian

I know we are supposed to be out stimulating the economy and all with the recession, but I decided to do something radical. I am buying nothing this month. Which, believe it or not, is harder than it sounds. I admit, even with my frugal nature, I still like the thrill of getting new stuff. But, I felt that I had to find some balance with my more than usual spending in June. True confession, I went through my expenses for last month and I honestly didn’t even know how much I spent until I just added it up. This just reinforces my need to not spend money. And look of horror ensues. (I spent a lot.) Turns out I’m not as frugal as I thought. I’m just grateful for my specific savings accounts which at least provided funds for this excessive spending.

Now on to the present…

Buy nothing month is a bit of a misnomer since I do need to purchase some things- like food. I am also leaving myself the option to make emergency purchases for my car and home. Transportation is vital. My car just had its regular scheduled maintenance at the end of June, so this should not be an issue (fingers crossed) . Home repair items are allowed as well because I kinda need shelter.

Oh, and the whole not spending includes intangibles as well. No eating out or entertainment that costs. (Ok, the one exemption is the new Harry Potter movie. I have been waiting to see that ever since Warner Bros. bumped the release date from last November.) Instead I will rely on all of the free summer events like concerts in the park and all that to keep me entertained.

So far I am two weeks in, and I have not caved yet. I found myself downtown the other day and I automatically whipped out my debit card to buy something. I realized what I was doing before it was too late and promptly walked over and put the items back. What struck me about this was how automatic it is for me to just buy something. I’m not talking the big purchase stuff, but little things I probably (ok, I know I don’t) need. Like the new Puma trainers that will be on sale at Nordstrom starting Friday. I’m just saying no. It does get easier with practice. Somewhat.

Have you ever tried a buy nothing <insert time frame here>? How did that work for you?

Tagged as: financial-fitness, budget

#1 Melanie on 7.16.2009 at 12:00 PM

Hehe... over about the course of the last year I've been attempting to pull off a "buy nothing extra" month each and *every* month. I can't say that I've ever entirely succeeded. However, when comparing spending during the "buy nothing extra" months to that of normal months, I can note that costs have been pretty significantly cut. Which is the whole idea, so I guess I've succeeded a little bit, right? ;-) You've got to allow yourself a few little indulgences now an then to stay sane.

Eying your finances and paying attention to the things you're buying is a good first step at controlling spending. I agree with you, Brian, wholeheartedly! If you make a regular effort to be frugal, you eventually develop an instinctive hesitation when you're shopping. It always goes through my head now... do I really need this right now? Or is it going to mean Top Ramen for dinner again? While I do like Top Ramen, I don't like it on a regular basis, so instead of taking that "extra" item to the cash register, I'm much more likely to put it down and walk away.

#2 Brian on 7.16.2009 at 12:12 PM

Melanie, thanks so much for sharing your experience! And I agree that we do need those little comforts and pleasures once in a while. But, my goal with all of this was to really make myself think before I purchased. I would like to think I had been doing that all along, but it was apparent that I hadn't been doing that.

#3 Revecca on 7.17.2009 at 12:34 PM

I like to do this as well probably because my husband is going through school right now. As long as you make a conscience effort to "buy nothing extra” it really does work. A friend of mine made the same effort; she manages a Red Robin so she knows she goes through a lot of money with tips and all. She was able to put all her tip money aside and paid for a trip at the beginning of the July to Cabo Mexico, nothing on her credit cards. She was very excited and that made a big impression with me. Way to go Brian and I am sure you will inspire people to try it!

#4 Brian on 7.17.2009 at 12:43 PM

Revecca, I loved that story about your friend. What a great way to save for a trip without really having to think about it. And, you are so right, the buy nothing mentality does work. Thanks for sharing your thoughts!

#5 Todd on 7.18.2009 at 6:15 AM

Is it frugal or just being smart with your money. Ask yourself do I need this or do I want this? Needs you buy instintively wants should be more selective like my Crosby, Stills, Nash tickets for September! I never did a buy nothing month, but I am a selective shopper.

#6 Brian on 7.20.2009 at 8:55 AM

Selective shopper is a good thing. I like that term.