Minimalist Guide to a Low Buy Year 💸 

Who is doing this challenge with me? 🥰 what are some of your rules?

I am not buying skincare, make-up and haircare 2021 until I finish all my stash of shampoos, conditioners, cream, serum, exfoliant, mask, Ayurvedic powders, palette, foundations.

I unfollowed influencers as well. Glad I saw that you mentioned this also. It was making me buy stuff I didn’t even need

No buying of clothes and shoes this year and no hoarding of skincare etc.

Buying only what you need not only saves your wallet, but the planet too 🤗 the first of the RRRs is reduce after all :)

One of my rules is a $30 non-essential shopping budget each month. Already, this has cut down on my tendency to impulse buy.

I've never been one to really love shopping. Last year I kept a diary of all the purchases I made outside of my normal bills, and whether or not I regretted buying them. At the end of the year, I regretted 45% of the money I spent, and spent $1,257.91 (AUD) on things I didn't need or regretted buying. It's funny because I consider myself very frugal and yet all these purchases seemed like really good ideas at the time. The seemed like necessities. But when you pull back and realise you have so much of what you need already, it really makes you appreciative and your mental health soars as well. Good luck on your challenge!

Also, it clears your mind not having your house cluttered of stuff. It helps the environment, your mind, your wallet lol... it really is just society that makes us believe that we need pretty things.

It has been 3 years I haven’t shop much, and when I do - it’s Wings. I have everything I need. 2021 - no clothes , no shoes, no purses, no skincare. I guess 2021 is only the necessaries.

I'm no longer a consumerist, but it's being very good to learn about minimalism from you, and I'm learning English, your way of speaking slowly helps me a lot to understand, thank you, i love your videos

Yes I am going to wait seven days before purchasing anything from today

We will be doing a low buy year as well 😊 not only to be more mindful but to save more towards a goal in buying a property. 💕💕

3:40 I appreciate this so much. Low-buy is somewhat a privilege. I’m in a weird position in life where a low-buy would equate to deprivation because I don’t have enough of my basics yet. When I see other more aggressive channels, I feel guilty for purchasing even necessary things.

I have a rule where I only replace things like clothing if it gets torn or worn through. I am also putting a no buy challenge on things I buy a lot (crystals and beauty products lol). And I’m trying to buy more digital entertainment like ebooks

Hi Sophie! I love your content so much. I live in Cuba where the economic situation is not the greatest so in here is always low buy year 😂. Your videos have helped me to appreciate the good things that this country can give me.

My rules for my low buy year are to replace skincare and beauty items I truly love/use such as foundation or facial cleanser. No buying of clothes, shoes, unnecessary hair products. Also, to not waste my money, time, efforts on frivolous transactions. I’m on a minimalism journey which I’m excited to see what positive changes I can incorporate into daily living. I’ve learned in the midst of the pandemic to invest in myself. I’ve opened up a tiny business, no clients as of yet but I’m headed in the right direction. 💕💕

I’m not doing a low buy per se but I usually have a natural low spend the first half of the year to save money. And because I’m tired of all the shopping from christmas 😉 In the fall I usually update my wardrobe, start looking for christmas gifts etc. If I commit to a low buy/ no buy I feel really bad if I buy anything and that weigh on my mind. I try to be kind to myself and I’m usually cheap against myself so if I find something I want, have a space for it and it meets my standards (quality, materials etc.) I get to buy it.

I will join you on this challenge for six months. I will need to replace a few things that will give me time to save up and buy high-quality items. My challenge will be no buying books until I have read what I already have.

I am not buying jewelry, shoes, or clothes. I will also be discerning with book purchases as I have a lot and also enjoy using my local library. My goal is to pay extra on my mortgage, save more for future house projects, and invest more for the future. I also strive to release gulity feelings from over shopping, buyer's remorse, and clutter.

I hope you will have a podcast! I love to hear more of your creativity and living a sustainable and minimalist life!

I’m doing my first ever no buy this year for just the first 6 months of the year. I’m not buying any body care, candles, clothes, shoes, or food/coffee when I’m out by myself. I’ve had a bit of a rocky start this first week of the year and gotten food out twice, but moving forward I’m a lot more motivated to stay on track!

I also plan to do a low buy year. I don’t want it to be a form of punishment for overspending in the past but more of a use up what I have and be more mindful of my spending

I am doing this, as well. My fiancé and I moved to a new apartment one month ago and it was a real eye opener. I ended up giving away 10 large garbage bags full of clothing to charity. Wow, do I wish I had that money in my investment account instead of having wasted it on clothing that I never wore and was now giving away. I still have enough clothing left to get me through probably the next few years! So, yes, I am joining you and the others here and looking forward to changing my habits permanently and having more money as a result! I love your channel, keep the great content coming! Love from Florida 💕

Your videos are always motivating. I also stopped buying things which are not necessary. Now I am going to start earning ,I will save and invest money without spending that money on non necessary things . Thanks for again helping me with sticking to my goal❣️ .love from India 🇮🇳.

I’m doing the challenge with you 😊 Going to spend more time on my gratitude journal to appreciate what I have and recognise that I don’t need more “stuff”

I usually only purchase essentials and stick to a budget. An occasional splurge is fun though. I had a friend who always complained about spending too much at Costco. But he passed away quite young. So life is meant to be enjoyable and shopping is part of it. No guilt here when I visit Costco or wherever. I'm happy I'm able to do so. Just a thought.

Yesss to all of these tips! Buy only when product is empty and mindfully eating out were my biggest take aways!

Yes this would be great to do. My low buy will be for cosmetics and only replenish when I run low on items I use.

Happy new year to you too 2022 more good health and more achievements.Thank u !

I just posted a video about my low buy year as well. Specifically my year is geared toward buying nothing new and focusing on buying as much as I can second hand 😊 good luck on your journey and I will enjoy following along with you!

Everything you said resonated with me so much.. I have literally everything I could ever want, but find myself trying to get that rush of dopamine that comes from shopping every week. I love all the points you made, the tips, and the rules you set out for yourself. I'm determined to have a minimalist mindset & to thoroughly enjoy & appreciate everything I have as well :) Btw, I've been LOVING your channel and your content!

I love youuuu. Keep encouraging and motivating us to be low key and minimalist in this generation. I love all your videos. Salute! 😚😚😚

Yes I am joining u,let's see how it will work out.Since March 2020I have been slowly starting to buy only what's really necessary but failed here and there,hopping to improve this year.Happy new year to all of you.

Your voice Sophie is so soothing.

Happy New Year to you too! 🌿 What an inspiring challenge! Thank you so much for sharing it with us!

One of the best videos on low-buy. I like it because it’s not a no buy or you don’t have to feel guilty if you buy something. Or go out.

I have watched so many videos of yours recently. I've been a minimalist for the past few years but the idea of slow living truly enlightens me. I like how peaceful your videos are as well. Thanks and wish you all the best!

love the idea of 7 day wait period before making a purchase. Good one! 👌 Love love😘

Ever since I became a minimalist I also adopted low buy, as a constant in life. I have never been into consumerism, but I didn´t track my purchases. I have always taken good care of my things, so for example, even though my car is 13 years old it looks and works perfectly. And it is the same with any other thing I have. Nowadays I do two things: -Try hard not to buy anything that is not a replacement. And when I do buy something new, because I really feel I need it, I write it down in a note in my phone, to hold myself accountable. Sometimes you choose not to buy only to spare yourself the "shame" of writing it down! - Be frugal with what I have and what I buy. I use up my products completely and I don't open a new product (say, a new perfume) until the previous one is fully gone. I use less amount of products (like 1/3 of the advertised amount of laundry detergent, I dilute dish soap 50% with water, I use an amount of toothpaste the size of a chickpea, as dentists suggest...) and I try to buy second hand, specially technology. I also follow frugal channels on YT, as they entertain and help you stay on track.

Recently I have ben sufferring from sleeping issues. You voice is so soft and hypnotic that I listen to you everyday before bed! Thanks very much.

Dear!!! So happy to see you back ☺️! I was waiting for your posting 😄🌹. Thank you, regards and best wishes from London 💙

Your videos are so calming and encouraging. I'll be doing this challenge with you

Love listening to you speak, so soothing!

Love your videos. I love being on this journey. It makes me so much happier. I feel free.

Very nice, I am excited for the videos to come. Low buy/minimalism has always been my nature but I am so excited to learn more. Thank you!

Hi Sophie. So many good suggestions for challenging ourselves in the new year. Thank you for shining your light and inspiring us. It helps me focus on things I can control, instead of dwelling on the craziness that's happening in the world right now. As an empath, these videos help me find some calm that is much needed.

Like you, I was decluttering our home (via the minimalism game here) and realized just how many miscellaneous and unnecessary items we had accumulated without even realizing it. That inspired me to really refocus on our priorities, work on simplifying our home, and be more intentional with out finances with taking on a low buy year for 2021. Thank you for this video. I’ll be following along your journey to help stay accountable to mine. 🙏🏼

Thank you for taking the time to make a template for us . That means so much & encourages others even more . I'm going to think over this ...!

I did something similar this past year because I purchased a condo and needed to save! It opened my eyes that I am not without and do not need the clutter..cleaning it out and moving it was also not fun lol good luck to everyone with their goals this year ❤️

Will join you in the low buy journey. Started last year (and yes, the pandemic helped with the sudden low buy journey) and I cut off lots of expenses so I'll do it again. I'm keeping a spread sheet and I saw how much I spend on take aways & restaurant meals. Will focus on apparel - shoes - bags this year.

Joining this challenge. No new clothes ,have to use the ones that are already with me..no new footwear..no new skincare or makeup products. Went a bit overboard. Now to reign in...👍

Definitely going to try this!:) I’ve spent so much money on useless stuff

Excited to follow along with this. I've been on a low buy journey for the last couple of years and a good way for me to be aware is to just keep a list of everything I buy and anything I want to buy, rather than purchasing impulsively. I love that you have caveat for books and I plan on adopting this too! I often feel guilty as I have a huge pile on unread books but being conscious that these are adding to my life is a good perspective shift. Thanks for another lovely video and I can't wait for more in this series! 🙏

This a great idea ! I’m excited to hear your experience this year. I recently decluttered my room and realized that I have too many items...for example so many body lotion samples and make up that I haven’t touched for years. I patched some clothes that have pea sized hole in them..not throwing them out just because they are torn. Also, I love the your idea that purchases can impact the environment (packaging waste , etc). I am also doing a low buy year because of the many reasons you’ve mentioned!

im starting this now... I want to enter 2023 better...

One of the most important videos you have done. Being authentic, honest and accountability amazing results. Having accountability so important, the minimalist approach vital and validating at the end of day accomplishments. It is so true; being simple, minimalist, the 7 day or 30 day wait and supporting one another for accountability. Happy and fulfilling New Year.

So excited for the low buy year ..I already started working towards minimalism last year ,I have not bought any clothes since almost 7 months now and I do not feel the need to :) I stopped applying makeup as I could not relate to it anymore and this pandemic gave me some time to reflect my choices and be more conscious and intentional about consuming. The only thing I struggle is buying ingredients for making recipes as I love cooking and exploring new dishes but need to think about simplifying my food this year too. Your videos have been inspirational. Thank you Sophie !

I love this concept , definitely going to do something similar this year 😊

Your voice is so calming💫

Great beginning 2021. I'm also trying.❤️❤️

I am totally doing this!! So exciting. Such a good idea. This year we are saving money for a for a down payment so it will be great for us.

I'm so happy you made this video 😊 I've just done another declutter for the New Year and am feeling so much lighter - and I want to keep it that way! As much as I agree that it is up to us to decide not to buy what we don't need, I do think that constantly being bombarded with adverts makes it harder 😟 Your advice on reducing consumption of social media influence is really helpful 🤗

I’am totally doing this 🙋🏻‍♀️👏🏼💫💰

This sounds like a way to value so much more than buying and eating out. I enjoyed your tips and look forward to trying them. 🙂

Yay!!another great video to watch 😍

I learned a lot from decluttering. Thank you!

Your voice like a meditation. I love your lifestyle and love your videos.

I'm with you on this

Super helpful! Looking forward to hearing your check ins :)

Please keep it up! I love this, I've been doing this for awhile now and wish I'd done it sooner in my life. Blessings

I´m watching this at the end of 2021... Let´s see for 2022, I´ll be going through too much Thanks to share!

It's really refreshing to see a lot of people considering low buy years. I think that the pandemic helped a lot of people realize that they were wasting a lot of money and time on things they didn't need. Great video!

All the best for saving - only purchase what you need and will use regularly. Also prevents clutter accumulating.

So excited to watch your videos. From Vietnam with love

This is really helpful. Thank you for sharing ❤️

Good luck on the new challenge Sophie!

Happy new year my inspired youtuber 😊

I am also doing a low buy year, looking forward to seeing your videos, blessings from Australia

I'll join you, thank you for motivation. I have to stop my excessive shopping. I've got pretty minimalistic with my beauty and household items last year, so I don't need any rules for that. But I enjoy style and fashion too much and suck on that. Now as I work from home or max 2 days in a week in the office, I understand, that my clothes are enough for three lives and it's madness to continue shopping. For clothes and shoes I'll only buy replacements for essential pieces in my wardrobe in 2021.

Been playing your videos like a music while working. Keep on inspiring people! :)

Mindful living...saw this written in another post..what an apt word🙏

Will definitely do this😌 will only buy what’s essential and useful ✌🏻

This is so extremely helpful. I embarked on a low buy last year..but recently I've noticed old habits creeping in..in the UK we're currently in full lockdown which means I can't see my parents or friends..I think the stress of the pandemic has definitley had me reaching for that click and buy button..like it's a way of escaping the current reality..of course I know a new top isn't actually going to help. Your advise here has helped so much..im going to do as bit de clutter and give a load of some charity shops once they are open again. I think your channel and content will really help and inspire me to stick with a low buy..I have more than enough and dont need or want anymore. Thank you for the great tips 💕

I'll be doing a low buy year to pay off the remaining $69,000 worth of my debt. I grew up quite poor so I have quite a scarce mentality to begin with so it's not too difficult for me but cutting down on my main living expenses is something i'm going to focus on for 2021. Moving is number 1 for me and it's happening so soon, ahhh!

I’m going to do the low buy year challenge 🤩 getting conscious about what I buy, about the quality and the sustainability !

i love your bedroom, i think it looks so cozy and pretty :)

I am starting a low-buy year. I plan to save x amount of dollars. I also want /need to drastically reduce my spending. I plan to only buy to replace items or to fill in gaps (I have a list). I have already started unfollowing people whose posts make me want to buy things. I also want to limit my time online because I shop when I'm bored and scrolling. I like your wait a week rule. I'm going to add that too. Thank you for your wonderful videos. You're one of my top two favorites now. 🙂 I forgot to add that I'm also tracking my spending. Very sobering!

So glad I found your channel I've found all your videos incredibly insightful I'll be doing a no buy year too ☺️

Thankyou Sophie for this topic! So, I can open mind with my plan in the future. I’m starting a low buyer in this febuary, to replace it with saving for investment for myself (ex: education, taking course, etc)

Happy new year Malama 💥🎆🎉

Awesome challenge. I've done low buy/no buy months in the past. A year is really ambitious. Good luck and looking forward to seeing your updates and inspiration!

Such a helpful video 🖤🙏🏻

First, I love you voice so mich, it is very relaxing and soothing while listening during my workout period. Your attitude regarding minimalism is quite comforting and flexible that encorages me to follow little step by step. I will try to practice my low buy month by month, so that these can accumulate to a low buy 2021 year.

I have the same little golden box as you! I can’t believe I recognized an item I own in the first two minutes of your video… off to declutter more

This is very therapeutic, thank you so much. You've influenced me so bad in a good way :))

This video is extremely helpful and inspired for me❤️

The 7 days technique really works..I have done it 2 times and both the times I end up not buying those things as it was not necessary.Thanku so much❤

Definitely I want to make part of this challenge and I will do my best ☺️

I was doing really good last year with my low buy challenge. Struggling financially and the pandemic really helped with that. However, I really want to do even better this year since I want to save money for my education, emergency fund, future traveling plans, etc.

Thank you for this!