5 Reasons to Try a Shopping Ban 

Hey guys! Just wanted to let you know that my new book, Things That Matter, is finally here. I put my heart into it, and I can’t wait to share it with you. You can pick up a copy at www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/676394/things-that-matter-by-joshua-becker/

I appreciate your lack of advertising. Makes me feel like you care about your subscribers. You're the best

I banned myself from any shopping this year: no clothes, no shoes, no bags, no accessories - so far, it’s going well. 7 months to go.

For me, 2020 was a shopping ban of sorts. But today I thought I’d go shopping, just to get out and about. Then I asked myself what I really needed, and stayed home.

I’m so poor, I’m already on a shopping ban, lol!!

"I don't think we realize how much time we waste shopping...." Yep, nailed it!

Thank you for no ads and for not suggesting things to buy. 🙂 You have been one of the only ones to do that. It is weird to me how easily we can be talked into buying things.

I've started this whole thing where I have to use up what I have before I buy it on hair products it's been eye opening!

I love this! Last year I banned myself from buying clothes for 6 months. It has opened my eyes to stop buying other things. I really has allowed me to reevaluate everything I’ve bought since!!

When my daughter was 10, her girlfriend came over for a play date. My daughter listed things to do and her friend was surprised that shopping wasn't on it. How telling it that!

Shopping ban on anything except food and home essentials. No makeup, no clothes, no shoes, no household decor…I feel so free being debt free!

When I had 15 luxury bags I was not happy at all. Sold them all and left 3 classic ones I feel so happy and content. I used the money in animal rescues instead and really fulfilling. Now I'm about to give birth, looking for 2nd hand clothes instead of New. And only needed few basics.

I started the day we were sent home from work in March 2020 I stopped shopping. Anything I have wanted this last 15 months I have journaled about it. This September I will be able to 100% pay for a new car.

The emptiness of western based consumerism culture provides no comfort for those looking for a deeper meaning and perspective about life. Joshua Becker's videos are a push in the right direction - excellent 👍👍👍

Thank you Joshua. I have been ‘intentionally shopping’ for 5 months now. My craving for bargains has subsided and I just don’t think about shopping anymore. I however walked to town and bought bed linen and kids trainers yesterday. They were needed, not just wanted. Liberating indeed!

I'm starting a shopping ban today, July 4th, 2021!!! Happy Independence Day🎉🎆🎉

It's been so long since I've really bought anything that when I finally did buy something I immediately got buyers remorse.

Deeeep Breath! I’m going in for the next 6 months by doing no spending for 1 month at a time.

I don’t buy food the last week of the month. I use up what I have on hand.

I didn’t shop for a year in 2018. It made me realize that I already have everything that I need. We really need to get off the consumerist train so that we can focus on what is really important in life. This year I am continuing with a low buy year (12 items). I am also trying to only buy used. Too much stuff in our world already! Great video Joshua 💚💚💚

Getting rid of a tv, and stopping subscribing to magazines back in 2005 made a huge difference in our buying habits. Along with speaking up and telling folks to NOT buy us gifts! We have all we NEED, and having more 'stuff' was actually causing me some serious depression. Now when I see 'Must have' I literally find myself laughing a loud and sayin 'No I don't'.

Covid has been great to reset my habits regarding food purchasing. I used to eat out lunch alone, purchasing quick dinner options for my family or just eating out. I have been spending less and enjoying food more by cooking at home. I stocked up my pantry and cook a variety of heathier options at home. Each dollar I saved was a dollar I was able to use to purchase plants this spring for my yard/garden to enjoy during the summer. I also look at how much something costs and think about how much of my time at work I needed to give up to obtain the item or meal out. Most meals are memorable enough to eat out. I am now working on embracing the only eating out for a special occasion or better yet, purchasing special ingredients to make an even better meal at home. 😋

People want you to buy because they’re taking your financial freedom in exchange for a service. If that service isn’t doesn’t enhance your life you’ve made a big mistake.

I started a ban on clothes last year, I was so fed up with the quality of clothes nowadays, we just buy and buy them and most of them are not as advertised, bad materials etc. So I said to myself, I won’t buy new clothes until there is an actual necessity, like my pants rips in half (That actually happened). And when I buy new clothes I will carefully choose the item, it must be long lasting, good materials etc. Actually 1.5 years passed and now it is time for me to buy a pair of jeans.

Covid has kind of been instrumental in my no-buy ...I certainly haven't been out in the stores because up here in Ontario, Canada we seem to have been on lockdown for a year now....and I just lost the habit of going into stores to "see stuff" and its not been that hard....I'm certainly different now......

Reminds me of the "spending moratoriums" I used to do when I was in graduate school. I would put my credit card inside of a little envelope that had the question, "do I really need this?" written across it. This small gimmick was super helpful. I like the idea of doing this again as it relates to enhancing minimalism in my life as well as saving $. Thanks Joshua!

Well I guess I've been on a shopping ban for 3 years. I separated my needs from would like to have, or make my life easier. I just stopped spending only purchasing food or paying utilities. Got rid of the car oh, not so easy to drag things home. I save every receipt... Every receipt... keep track of my daily planner and my calendar. January I total everything up divide by 12 and get my monthly budget. Whatever is left when I subtracted from my retirement payment goes on a glass jar for emergency fund or savings. Separate want from need and save the rest.

My rest of 2021 is to spend as less as possible. I literally live tight. My last month I had only 12 spending rows in my Debit card! I go once a week for groceries as I found out even if you'd spend more, you go less to same shop saving in return. Just make list and plan your meals. I also have more free time for walks as I have no need to go groceries all the time.

I stopped buying tabloid magazines at the supermarket. I miss the articles, but I can find the same info on RU-vid.

Excellent content as always. I did a two year clothes-shopping ban, and it was very transformative. It really helped me to understand what was a need and what was a want, and this understanding was easily extended to other shopping areas. I definitely had more time, and I saved a ton of money. Very good advice. Thanks very much!

Count me in!!! The more you shop, the more you have to “store” in your home... the more you need to declutter... it’s a vicious cycle. We’ve convinced ourselves that we need so much stuff to be “relevant”... 75% of the things we buy we don’t need... I’m onboard with this ban 100%!!! I won’t beat myself up if I slip... I’ll keep reminding myself of why I started...

Anything I need I get in charity /thrift store for clothes furniture ect I never ever buy new

Deleting eBay & Amazon is a good start. It’s so easy to buy on there without thinking.

Did a full year of not buying clothes, perfume, bags, jewellery and shoes 4 years ago. I quickly realised how much time I used on shopping. I might buy something now, maybe a stupid buy, but I am so much more aware of what I bring into my home. Minimalising a little bit every month now. Your videos inspire me to do more! Thank you. 💚

I am planning a no spend year... i brought instant pot after i waited 3 years..and i am using it.

You are soooooo right about shopping bans! I did a no buy experiment for 6 months (I only spent money on food and entertainment) and was astounded by how much it raised my awareness of how often the urge to spend money came to me. I wanted to spend money just about everyday! But because I set a strict ban, I resisted the purchases and after awhile, I was happy that I didn't buy whatever hit my fancy at the time. The ban gave me an opportunity to examine the role mindless consumption had on me. Afterwards, the habit kind of stuck.i am so much more mindful of the purchases I do make. Thanks for another great video, Joshua!

"It is preoccupation with possessions that prevent us from living."

My desire to buy quality classic clothing has helped me to save money and avoid the pitfalls and waste of fast fashion I see in most stores.

I recently changed house and bought a lot of Useful things. Things that play a key role in my every day life and for the past six years I didn’t have and their lack cost me ! It feels so good to buy essential items and use them daily or so!!!! Just how not buying is nice buying essential things is a joy

Appreciate how you just launch into the topic right away without a repetive intro. Makes me wanna watch more and more of your videos. Am learning heaps and getting super motivated to declutter and reduce more! I don't shop for fun that much anymore (unless I am very stressed and it is a form of expensive therapy, very seldom anyway). But I do go a bit nuts at a thrift store most times. So I do get lots of things coming into my home, but I am good about donating things back when I am 'over' those items. I call it retail therapy 'lite'. That's not bad for the environment, keeps businesses running and a great way to fufil the 'gatherer' instinct.

I've still got a long way to go to becoming minimalist, I hate going shopping but I do brows the Internet and sometimes buy stuff without too much thought. I gave myself a good talking to and decided if I want to buy something I have to get rid of something first, whilst I'm thinking of what to part with I talk myself out of buying the new item, I feel great UNTIL a few days later I absentmindely order something 😕 BUT I am enjoying the decluttering, I'm getting rid of far much stuff than I ever thought I could and it's getting easier. I actually feel irritated and sometimes even repulsed by how much stuff I still have ( the charity shops are more than happy for me to offload though 😊) Thanks again Joshua, you are an absolute tonic.💖

I've been doing this no spend challenge/shopping ban and mindful shopping for a few months now. It saved me so much money. Then recently we had a medical emergency for one of our fur babies, and because I did this challenge I had the money to pay for it! I wouldn't have it I hadn't done it. This is great advice. :)

The two people who gave you a thumbs down are definitely shopaholics! 🤣🤣🤣

I get so confident with the steps Joshua provides. It feels like we're supported in these minimalist endeavours.

I appreciate your delivery. I always get something from your videos! Here is where we cut costs in 2022: -No more online clothing purchases -cancelled gym membership and work out in garage now/hike/bike -no house decor -no cable (we use internet) -if kitchen utensil needed, purchase at good will -cut own grass-get a fabulous workout in process -set up trust for each grandchild and put the “gifts” there

Hey, the minimalist documentary really hit home because A). Was born and raised in Missoula Montana but also I went to college in ABERDEEN!! I used to help host your grandfathers birthday parties at the ramkota while I was working in college! Small world whenever I watch it.

This popped up right after I clicked on an online ad to buy something. Thank you. Unsubscribed to the website! I was bored, perfect timing. I was planning on a no buy June. Why wait!

Last September, for my BD I gave myself a gift NOT TO BUY CLOTHES AND SHOES except underclothes for a year. so far I haven't need anything than what I have. Thinking of doing another year. Thank you Joshua for all your advices.

I'm taking your advice, I've started decluttering and it's not easy. I need a helper to say 'Let it go'. Thanks for your videos.

You are an inspiration for everyone. You are one of the reasons why I pursued Minimalism. 👍Thank you

The pandemic really helped me, shopping at Target...I could shop there once or twice a month. I enjoyed walking the aisles, and looking for unusual items for myself and family. With the pandemic, stopped that, only essentials for personal care, laundry thru the order and pick up service. Need this no buy ban with my husband 🤔

i needed to hear this. i went over budget this month and even had an unexpected car expense that i had to pay for. im going to try a low buy month next month just so i can get caught up. great video as always xx

I appreciate your approach to question not the band aid but the bleed.

It's so great that there's not ads on these videos!

Great video!! One bit of caution... let’s not forget small businesses who are re-emerging from the pandemic. They need our support right now. So if we’re not buying for ourselves, we can buy for others and give those items away. Same thing for restaurants, treat people to a meal while supporting your local eatery, and the server who relies on tips.

Joshua, having just read Barbara Carr’s comment, I first want to give her kudos for bringing her comment about your lack of advertisements to the forefront. Also, a big kudos to you for wanting other’s to live a better life with less. I find it so very easy and calming to listen to your nice voice, as your slow and easy way of talking holds my attention. Thanks to you more people may be more selective in who they listen to. Or another way of putting it, they may be more able to remain calmer and more of a minimalist with their time on line. The idea of decluttering can overflow into so many areas of our lives, and for me as someone who has learned to live with disabilities which keep me from my prior busy life, I am so very grateful to have found there are so many who are now choosing to be minimalists. So kudos to you for helping those of us who do care to learn how to live life with joy and happiness with the less is more attitude. By the way, I do love that picture on your wall as I see it’s message as essential to remember each day. With that said, would you care to share where you found such an essential peace (pun intended) of lovely, well spoken art? I just happen to have a perfect place to put it so I may be gently reminded throughout my days how to remain grateful and mindful for all that I do have in my life. Living with less truly is living with more, so again thanks for your guidance and taking the time to share your insights and ways in which to live a simpler life!! Sending ☮️ your way!!

Covid has helped me with this, and the timing of your video is spot on for me in the UK. I had recurring thoughts that I wanted to shop this bank holiday weekend. I don't need anything, thanks for the reminder. I will spend my time doing something more productive and meaningful

I made a decision to do a years shopping ban, starting on my birthday last Wednesday. Last night just 2 days later, I bought a game, on my phone completely without thought!! I only considered this was a non essential purchase this morning 😬 and although I’m disappointed, I can see just how incidious thoughtless shopping csn be. So I’ll hold it up as a lesson, avoid traps and and press on. 👍🏻

Winter is about to start. I have a new electric blanket, and a new round of underwear. I think I'm good for 3 months, the whole of winter. I will go one month at a time, and also write down everything that i want to buy. Just so i can see what i needed v what i wanted.

It helps I have seen it. The urge of shopping becomes less. Good u covered this topic 😊🙏

Hi, been following you for sometime, and happy to share that we reach financial freedom last year, by becoming minimalist. Thank You. Keep sharing great things..

Excellent info!!! Decluttering my whole house and not shopping unnecessarily!! Love it!! Thank you!!

I did a No Spend February and saved $1000. It was extremely eye-opening on the little things I wasted money on.

I did a shopping ban for the month of January and really gained some good new habits. Then I felt myself slipping back so I'm going to do it again in June. I've decided to make this my Ritual, No spend January and June.

I tried for one month several years ago, as a challenge with my colleague. My life has really changed since then. I made to lists - must have and - nice to have. I wrote every item from which I thought life will be senseless without it :) after the month was over, must have was empty. And all items on the "nice to have" side have lost their attraction. Since then, I do it every year but by now I don't even notice anymore as I stopped thoughtless consumption anyway. Great Video, thanks! Greetings from Germany

I'm a widow,so need less to start with…I have a comfortable lifestyle….that is to say, adequate…no worries. During 19 months of the pandemic,( not that I am a big shopper anyway%) I saved 10 000 dollars from my monthly income!

So excellent! I needed to hear this advice. I've noticed I started spending more lately that I don't necessarily need.

Thank you Joshua, I have done it. Gave up apt, rent in savings and having something to show for it. Literally, purged big time and the overwhelming feeling of less a blessing. All about choice, faith over fear and never want to consume again. The journey ahead travelling in my van will far outweigh the negative because each month getting ahead. Tuning into what God is directing me towards. We can repeat past mistakes, continue to consume or embrace what really matters. Thank you for being authentic and a blessing to so many.

I have found from personal experience that it is way to easy to order stuff from Amazon. It is a slippery slope.

Your videos are well presented it helps to not see advertising and the music so many RU-vidrs use. Thank You

A lot of minimalists seem pompous but this guy strikes me as very genuine and reasonable. Love the channel.

Your voice is so calming to me. 😌

Glad I found you through the Armstead Family channel.

We see it in a Magazine, Online or whatever, and we fall in love with it and we buy it even though we can't afford it. Or we buy something to cheer us up if we have a Bad Day. I stopped shopping for so many things, and I don't regret it.

Thank you for drastically changing my life for the good!👍🏼

I’ve been binge watching all of your videos! Your channel came at the perfect time. I am on a quest to declutter and live a more minimal lifestyle and you have really inspired me. Thank you!

We started a no-buy-year January 2019 out of necessity, because of sudden lack of income. Even though, after a year, we were back to the original income, we realized, that we had "forgotten" , how to be a good consumer. Until today we enjoy all the benefits of low consumerism, you are talking and teaching about and really don't want to go back. I would say: never do we want to go back. This doesn't imply, we won't buy anything. But we certainly wait before we make a final conclusion, that we really, really, really need something....

I was going to go to Hobby Lobby today to get more Fall decor when I have plenty already! I think I will take a walk outside instead and be grateful for what I have. Thanks Joshua!

Lasted three months until I needed new socks, it's a good idea and does save money.

The whole pandemic really jump-srarted my no-to-little buying habits. I started ordering groceries for delivery from a local box store which saved me much more than the small fee attached. I love being out in nature hiking and running and this gave me much more time to enjoy it. On my minimalism journey, I've really been able to slow down and ask myself if I really need certain items. It's also given me a little more to bless others with, including my church.

Thank you. This approach also works for breaking food addiction. Fasting = shoppin ban......my whole relationship to CONSUMING has been altered and for the better!

A timely message for me. As I have to proceed on my journey, my thoughts veer to ways I can incorporate some of my "kept" things (eg., pictures, etc.) by buying coordinated picture frames and shelves. Having jumped the gun many times before, I need to put these ideas on hold until I reach a point that I am really ready to take on another project. I get enamored with the idea and run out to get the "necessary" items and, invariably, I lose the enthusiasm as other things/projects present themselves. Definitely need a moratorium.

yes ... agreed there is the Opportunity Cost of Money and Time .... and we decide how we spend them .... God Bless Your Week .....

Very timely for me. Thank you!

I’m going to do this . My weakness is garden plants .

I did a shopping ban in May. Today is the 30th and I hardly bought anything. Planning to continue into June :)

I did a shopping ban for a month (except for food, necessities) and it totally curbed my appetite for "more". Time to do it again! 👍🏼😉

I never missed shopping. But I do shop a couple of times last year within a budget. Most of my outfits are stretchable tho so it fits for several years 🤑

I did this last year for 6 months. Like any addiction , it has started to increase again. Christmas put a spanner in the works, despite a budget for all presents, I went over it, not by as much , but, a day at a time I need to get back there. Only things I need, and then I'm going to wait and see how much I need them. The surfing the Internet in bed is the worst time waster ever! Thanks for the reminder.

This sounds like a great exercise for all of us. I think it will challenge me at first like you say but if I can form the habit after 30 days my life will be so much better and I will feel better about myself.

Loved these tips and I'm doing a no buy year 2024 😊

Thanks for breaking this down so simply.

Another idea like this: limit yourself to buying only items which you have written [in detail] onto a list, with there being a timeframe/delay between the item going onto the list and the item being purchased. You review and remove items [before purchase] on a regular basis.

Excellent video yet again. I can't believe how much I've learned and even more importantly, how much your advice is helping my children form good habits as they are maturing into adults. Thank you!

I've instilled a 3 month ban on craft supplies...it has become a problem! Already feeling the tension! 😆

A video on point! Great video as always

I’d love to read the entire piece hanging on your wall. Could you take a pic of it & post? Thx!

This happened to me by mistake last year and it is true I no longer feel like buying anywhere as much and think really hard before I buy anything.

I’m spending to much at the grocery store

I was a shopaholic until Covid hot. In 2020, I didn't purchase one non essential idea. So, I became aware that it could be done. 2021, I have lost the love and passion for window shopping and the purchase of non essential items. And I'm loving it.