I just want to share that I’m about to plunge into No-Spend February, not a very elegant title, but the 4th year in a row I’ve done this.
Strangely enough, it feels good.
Here are my reasons:
- After spending too much on holiday gifts, it’s a relief to leave cash in my bank account instead.
- Instagram doesn’t get to sell me one more thing. For a while.
- Not buying stuff frees up loads of time to focus on going outside, doing fun things, making things.
- I don’t really like to shop.
- I am a practicing minimalist, with a serious track record in zero waste. For me, less truly is more. I really like it.
Here are my rules:
- I can’t buy anything except food, medicine, and supplements, or whatever I can’t currently imagine but that it turns out I really NEED. Unfortunately, that doesn’t include books.
That’s about it.
I find that I’m glad when the month is over, but I’m also really glad I did it.
Please let me know if you’ve ever tried, or ever do try, this! Or something even more ambitious.
The author and bookstore owner Ann Patchett once did it for a whole year. She allowed herself to buy books and anything at the grocery store, including flowers. Lovely! But I think I’ll buy flowers after, to celebrate. 🙂
eileen
Agree with you ! Half the things we buy are not necessary
It feels good not to be always buying.
Jo
I agree with you, Eileen, on both counts. It’s good to think and think again—do we really need this thing? And it feels good not always to be buying, but instead, to be living, and living both within our means and what we already have.
Kathy maddux
I love it. Since I just lost my farm job I think this will be a good time to spend less. A senior citizen buss pass for one. Lessen my gasoline consumption. Will let you know how the month goes. Aloha
Jo
Kathy, Thanks for your comment! Wishing you luck in making ends meet at this time. And yes, do please keep me posted. 💛
AnnieH
There are things I do like about Instagram but the constant barrage of ads is enough to make me want to scream sometimes. Last year I decided to limit the number of accounts I follow to less than 100. It has helped me lessen my time on my phone and I am much, much less inclined to shop. I also have been pausing before purchases to ask myself if I truly need the item, could I make do with what I have, or could I really manage without? It’s amazing how much mindful shopping keeps me from wasting my money on things I don’t really need.
Jo
Yes! 100%! We live in a culture that prompts us to buy buy buy! Want want want! Mindfulness helps us separate from the strong current and observe. 🙂
An Instagram fix I’ve found useful: removing it from your phone. You can still access it on your computer, but I find I do so comparatively rarely. It’s still there for me to enjoy—to see what my kids and friends are posting, for example—but it cuts down on wasting time.