Planner Lineup & No Buy Update 

From experience, you have to get to month 4. Before that, it's all struggle and convincing yourself it's not working. After month 4, it gets much better.

I noticed over time that I start to itch for new stuff when im no longer mindful and present, when I can no longer enjoy what’s in front me, because I don’t see it. It’s hard to put into words, I just know this feeling in me. Once I manage to ground myself again, and my attention returns to my present moment, I usually again find the joy and satisfaction in whatever is in front of me. It’s almost like I try to deal with the discomfort that being not present (being in the past or future worries) brings to me but trying to ‘fix’ my environment, but there’s nothing wrong with my environment - im just not in it.

I broke my no buy to buy an A6 ring binder. BUT instead of buying all the inserts and dashboards, I got an A5 leuchterm from my stash, tore it apart, cut the pages in half, punched them, and made inserts. Then I used some specialty paper from my stash to make dashboards. It actually turned out cute. I’m proud of it! This is the first time (2024 planners notwithstanding) that I’ve broken my stationary no buy since October. I’m proud!

I don't know if I have ever commented before but I've been watching for so long. I love how flipping real you are. You change your mind and tell us your struggles and I love it. You are so down to earth and open with everything and I want you to know how appreciated it is. It makes me feel so much better knowing that it isn't just me who struggles with these things. I'm sorry you're frustrated with your planner. I think if I was in your position changing the challenge to a low buy or a no-spend where you can use the money you get from selling stuff, so you're not spending any new money. Or even a combination of both. I don't think there is anything wrong with changing your mind, that's human and if anyone has issues with it they can do their own challenge. I think you should do what brings you joy. No buy, low buy, high buy. Whatever it is I'll keep watching and enjoying.

I'm super impressed with your iron will but I'm not surprised you're grumpy because I tried a no-buy month last summer (just a month, mind you!) and it made me miserable haha. I'm in favour of turning your no buy into a low buy if you start feeling like you can't take it any more. Either way, wishing you happy planning!

Hi Sam! I love your updates and planner ideas! I say just buy the honey pocket plus rings. Just switch from no-buy to low-buy, or call it reasonable mental health fund/money per month. IDK lol I think no-buy is way to strict for most people. It isn't worth your own rules, especially if it isn't about the money, to get that mad and worked up. I know exactly what you are talking about, because I have been there myself. I am not judging at all! lol It is easier to see what other people are doing and share advice you could use yourself as well. Just put a monthly dollar amount per month that you think is reasonable, and call it your mental health fund/low buy. 🙂💚🧡💛 I feel your dilemma. I look forward to hearing from you again! Take care.

When I am stressed, I buy a new planner, or cover, or inserts. It's a stress reaction for me. Take care of yourself and thank you for lovely videos.

Maybe print out some freebie deco pages in your warm and cozy colors and scatter these through your planner. Free is still no-buy!

my friend, perhaps you can grab one of your previous hobo A6's and redate it and fill it out! I do that all the time with unfinished planners and journals; I do like having things be in order, like for a planner to only be for a specific year (for example) but I also HATE wasting blank books and that is way more important to me at the end of the day. In reality, I don't even look at my old planners too much so I also don't mind going back into a half empty one and using it again :) Redating stuff is so much fun and redecorating areas to cover old calendars and what not gives function to decorative planning! A fun way to also use up your stationary collection

I feel that with this being a no buy goal you've set for yourself then maybe don't make it also a year where you get rid of everything. That way you have more available options and you don't feel so limited. Keep your covers don't continue to sell them.

I tried a no buy a few years ago and failed. I think it felt like deprivation which I learned is a trigger for me. I used it as a learning experience and this year I’m trying a low buy which is working better. I hope you figure out what works best for you. It’s all a process.

I feel this so so much. I'm not on a planner no buy...and I haven't bought anything in 2024...but I relate so much to what you said about feeling happy and motivated by slaying your dragons. I have gotten up at 415 for 95 days in a row to journal and work on a novel that I've been wanting to write forever. 95 days consecutively! I even got up super early on Thanksgiving and Christmas to be consistent. I have 9 kids. It's so hard. Do I feel proud? Do I have dragons slaying vibes? No. I'm so disappointed. I'm a night owl not an early morning person. I hate getting up at 415. I thought the dragon slaying vibes would kick in at some point. They haven't. Yet I also know if I stop I will be so angry with myself. It sucks. I feel trapped. I understand your vibe. Sorry I don't have a solution just want you to know ur not alone😢

Why not try a Low Spend instead of a No Buy. I limit myself to 4 buys monthly. Once those 4 purchases are done no matter of what it is thats it for the month. A year later I am still doing this and i find that now i dont use all 4 allowances. But it really has helped me so much. I personally think No buys are awaste of time

I have found writing out all of this stuff- anywhere- really helps to get out the frustration. Half way through- I realize I sound almost like a drug addict rationalizing buying something and I’m able to laugh it off and not buy it. I think I spent 6 pages writing pros and cons on buying sterling ink notebooks. I sounded crazy for half of it and then I started talking myself down. Also referring to an inventory of what I do have reminds me I e got plenty to work with. You can do this, Sam.

I let myself have a budget each month. $50 for lower income or $100 if I earn more than planned. I also don’t give myself grief if I overspend, but I wait at least 24 hours plus before buying stuff now. Then if I still want it after that time, I buy it if it’s within my monthly budget. You’re doing great. Give yourself grace!

Bless your heart 😂 I can never give myself rules - I will absolutely REBEL. I feel you, girl. ❤

I don’t think changing the color of the color is going to fix it. Sounds like you are chasing the dopamine. How long will that last? When you switch it out, it doesn’t last you that long. I get it, I do that too. But it seems like you are searching for the magic fix that never comes to fruition. Sorry you are wrestling so much with it. Enjoying following your journey.

Get the brown cover. The black is not appealing to me either. Comfort is an important need. So is inspiration and a warm brown feels loving in the way you say it. Fill up your tank and then let go of what doesn't matter as much anymore.

Sam... you are victorious even if you decide to treat yourself to a new planner cover. You have implemented lasting changes to your spending habits. And that is the key. The ability to being mindful of what you are bringing into your home. This is not an easy feat. You will not go down a rabbit hole of spending by one purchase. There is absolutely nothing wrong with changing the parameters that you have set for yourself such as switching from a no buy to a low buy. You have the discipline and skill set to make this successful and it will give you flexibility with still meeting spending goals. So far this experience is making you question everything instead of being able to enjoy your hobby. Which tells me this isn't working for you and that's okay. Feel all the feels get the cover and tweak your restrictions. You got this Lady❤

I think the thing that’s nice to hear from you through this process is your awareness of your own thoughts and feelings as they happen. Yes, the rules are restrictive, it is a challenge, right? It’s very hard at first not to be able to get that happy-new-things feeling regularly, when we’re so used to it being at least a monthly occurrence. There’s all the anticipation, the shopping and looking for just the right thing, then the payoff when it finally arrives and it’s wonderful. Then the feeling fades and we want to do it again. I’m not saying that’s bad, but it’s good to be aware of what’s happening, and understand that quitting it is cutting your brain off from what was a reliable source of dopamine. If you want to stick with the no buy, I would try to find other ways to find that delight and joy. Maybe related to planning, maybe not. Aside: I’ve also been super tempted by the a6 hobonichi lately, and also pulled out an a6 notebook I already have to play with. And honestly, I do prefer the flexibility of a blank notebook! I’m impressed you’ve been doing so well with the no buy! I failed on one day and impulse-ordered stickers, but I’ve resisted giving up, and have gotten back to no buying! (Is failing at no-buy technically a low-buy? Not sure, but I’m tracking a “streak” for myself, and trying to make it longer and longer). So much of this for me is learning to sit with discomfort, and getting creative with what I already have, to create that ‘new’ feeling for myself. Sending empathy ❤ Oh, and you mentioned the Apricot cover isn’t honey colored? I wonder if it’s still worth trying, to see if it feels better than the black right now?

My husband gardens. He literally buys dirt and flowers that die in September. He enjoys it and I enjoy for him. Why would having a collection of planners be a waste? I buy them, I have them. It's all good.

If you apply a leather conditioner to your apricot and let it sun a bit and then condition again it will darken and get warmer in tone. Then you will get closer to the color you want and it’ll continue to do so as you use it. Then you can add some warm tone decor and it’ll feel better. I can’t use black covers all year only certain times. They aren’t uplifting and don’t bring me the same joy and positive vibes. So darkening your apricot and then using it will get you there without spending.

Yes! Get the brown cover! It's a staple color for you. So if you're going to stick with rings, you need it in both sizes. That's the right decision so you can go back and forth between the two rings sizes.

You are doing awesome 🙌

I saw the Lindsey Scribbles is doing a low-buy and she allows herself digital products because they're not "stuff." Maybe buying some cute printable dashboards or spreads will help refresh the pocket rings for you!

I understand the struggle but I also understand not feeling a cover, all the inserts can be working perfectly but if you don’t like how it looks together its never going to work. The idea of a no buy is brilliant in theory but in practice if its frustrating and depressing you then its not good. Maybe introduce a minimal spend limit for each month ❤

Relate to a lot of your feelings and I think the issue is thinking add to cart will solve the issue, even though it doesn’t really. You are doing well and thanks for sharing!

I know you are angry with yourself but this is a test. Don't buy the cover. You are doing great. Rachelle in Seattle

Hi Sam, @danitaielle put into words everything I feel about this video & channel. I think what you have to do (and I cannot remember now what your goals were-sorry) is remember your why about this no buy. If you can still meet the goal of your why, then that might help you make the decision about getting that brown cover. I hope that’s helpful. Keep being that authentic person! We love you!🥰

❤We love you Sam, thank you for being authentic! Buy the cover! You deserve it!!

this makes perfect sense to me!

I'd say buy the brown cover if you've been in the rings for 30 days. But make sure if you leave pocket rings you keep it for future use. You often go back to pocket rings and brown of your vibe. It's an investment item. As long as what you sold covers the cost of the new cover its fine. Otherwise this will just get worse and you may crack and spend way more. Xx

I’ve never been someone that could adhere to a no-spend. That being said i live by the law of moderation. In healthy eating etc. I would say it applies to planner stuff too! I’m sure you’re gonna get harsh words from people so I’m gonna give you a double dose of grace and say… good job with where you are and what you’ve accomplished. You’ve made some major lifestyle changes and clearing out. So buying the cover doesn’t make you a failure IMO!!!

Hi Sam! I’m totes with you. Wonder if it would help to think of some system for earning the brown cover as a reward by continuing to use the black cover for a certain period of time? It could make staying in the black more interesting-And to make it less likely that you will move out of it in frustration? I also think that there is a middle ground between breaking all of your rules and slowing down your consumption, which seemed like that was really the goal?? I don’t know, I just want to give you permission to reset without feeling that you have to throw the entire project out the window.

Have grace upon grace for yourself! Do what brings you peace and joy!

I feel like you literally said everything that I feel!!!

I think maybe a good idea would be like buying a new cover as a reward. So maybe you could do quarterly rewards??? Like you went a whole quarter without buying anything, so as a reward you could buy a new planner?

I relate to a lot of things you’ve said.

I've added a couple books to my lineup: one was repurposing a pretty Hobonich A5 notebook into my reading journal, and one was adding a passport Common Planner to chronicle my makeup use. I tried repurposing old planners for that one, but I had very specific needs and discovered that I actually really dislike the proportions of the weeks when I have the option of a more squat weekly horizontal layout. I had a bad bout of depression last week but otherwise I am keepibg up with things pretty well!

All of the realness here is incredible. I’m in a no spend and really over it too. I can totally relate.

Oh, the “Things I didn’t buy” list is a really good idea! I might try something like that in my planner too. Both regarding planner/stationary stuff, but also other stuff.

I feel your pain. You want what you want. Get it and move on ya know. I decided to go back to bullet journal where I can make what I want how I want. Change it up when I’m ready to any time I want. I already have stuff to use so that’s that. You do you! It’s ok. 😅

Your brain works just like mine! A spitting image for sure!! What if, instead of making a no buy year, you broke the year in quarters. You could say you are having a no-buy quarter. As you go through the quarter you can have your wish list and then throughout the quarter continue to de-stash your items. With that money you could use it at the end of the quarter to buy from your wish list. So, it’s the same goal, just looking at it from a different perspective. I also do not think it’s wrong to celebrate your success in de-stashing and no-buy with a planner cover, pen, etc…. Just a thought….❤

Just wanted to say Thank you for sharing your journey. Lots of us are on the same "no-spend or low-spend" boat and being able to relate to others that are maybe having an internal struggle of if they buy or not is ok, or even allowed can be harder than one thinks! It can really get to you and just keeping it as real and honest as possible as you did in your video is a breathe of fresh air. Hope you find planner peace during your journey! I am still slowly working towards mine as well :) Best wishes.

I think no buy is so much easier when you love your cover. I’ve been wanting to try other sizes but I use a weeks size (Sterling Ink) and I didn’t have a cover for it so I bought one. I’m still using an A5 (for about the last 8 years) because I love my cover so much. The thought of not being able to use my cover keeps me from trying other sizes for my main planner. A5 is a bit ridiculous for me but I LOVE the cover. I’m not suggesting you buy a new one…only you can decide what to do there…but I find switching up decor and layouts, etc fulfill my need for change when I have a cover I absolutely love.

I found Lindsey Scibbles approach interesting. She’s allowing 24 items in to her home for 2024 (it’s not limited to planning stuff), so she’s having to be intentional about what she’s buying. I do remember when another RU-vidr had a no buy year, last year and my first reaction when she announced it, was what she would reward herself with for managing a whole year - and then I had to sit with that reaction, and think about why I felt the need to reward that behaviour - it was a moment, that’s for sure.

How about instead of “no!” Saying “not as of yet” that feels lighter to me :) you’re doing great for the time frame sis how many people do you know that have surpassed this no buy time? Congrats to you doll I agree you deserve a happy budget on the decor 🎗️🩵

I'm really enjoying listening to you about your no buy - i think it's helping me externalize some of the similar feelings / challenges I'm facing and it's super helpful

Girl...I'm watching halfway and ur spiraling.😂 pls...for the love of god...buy what u want. Unless ur in debt or unable to feed ur family, one planner cover is not going to break u. I know its about developing discipline, but if it makes a difference in ur life and productivity, just get the thing! I can't even have a good week if my spread design for the day/week looks bad.😅

I am in the get the cover camp. Modify your no-spend to allowing yourself to buy one thing per month (no roll-overs) and if you don't buy something still good, but if you do buy something then you still have to think about it because you can only buy one thing a month and is that one thing you are wanting to buy what you REALLY want to buy because once you buy that one thing then you can't buy anything else that month - still makes you think about your purchases. I was surprised that you bought the black pocket knowing how much you LOVE the warm browns.

I’m in a funk with my personal rings. I just bought the A5 compact by Sterling Ink. We’ll see how that goes

If you are wanting to stick to a no buy and still get the spring feeling with your cover, have you considered using something like a tip in card (held on with that oli clip) that has a Spring scene on it? You could probably do that very cheaply, if not free with items you already have around your house. Small cardstock and free images you get off the internet would be all you need.

IMO if you stick with your pocket plus, go ahead and get the warm leather cover. That gives you apricot, warm brown, and black. A nice variety to keep it fresh. It’s kinda like a diet, you can’t eat the same meal every day without burn out. Good job on cancelling the a6 order. Consider doing some swaps on your destash. That also keeps things fresh without adding to your stash.

I'm not doing a "No-buy". I tried it and for me it just feels like an arbitrary deprivation. Instead, I'm sticking to a budget, and buying the things I love. I know how much disposable cash I have, and as long as I stick to using only that, it's all good.

How about a trade? I don’t have one, but someone might! and it wouldn’t break your agreement

Good self awareness.

I have an idea. An a6 sterling Ink notebook to carry inside your pocket plus. You mentioned you fail hobo but want to journal on the paper.nvm I see you grabbed the stalogy 😊

Maybe instead of doing a hard no buy, if you do get to a point where you’re going to crack and get something and throw out the no buy altogether, you could just adjust the rules to something else that you’ll still feel really good about in the end…. For instance, giving yourself a low budget per month and allowing it to roll over if unused. That way if you want something big, like a cover, you will still have to maintain some self control not to buy anything else for X amount of months before you can purchase it to allow the monthly budget to roll over and accrue, but you’ll get the reward of a planner cover at the end as well as knowing you only spent [x amount] for the year on planner supplies total. It might be fun to track to as something to look forward to if you get a little excess of funds going.

When I birth my baby girl I gave myself $50 _guilt free_ every month, which could carryover guilt free for all the baby girl cuteness. Eliminated the battle btw 100% financially responsible vs 95% financially responsible and every bit of cuteness 💟

Can you trade someone for a nice warm brown? Because then you are at net zero. One out, one in.

Is there a cozy color patterned clip that could peek out of your black cover 🤷🏼‍♀️ TFS ✨

is your black mortem pocket pebbled or veg tan midnight?

Sam if you were to find a used Moterm pocket could you justify the purchase as being a recycling purchase? 😂😂😂

The cover is probably less than the Hobonichi Lol I aspire to be more like you

Honestly, I would approach it as kicking a habit. You are going to the withdrawal systems right now, but I think if you stick to it, you'll start finding that you are thinking less and less about needing or wanting certain things. I'm also doing a no buy, so I'm right there with you. And I've been doing a lot of work to get my finances under control and when I first started I was always trying to find an excuse to spend money, but once you get through this type of "withdrawal" I think you might find yourself at ease. And maybe even slow down getting rid or selling things just in case, if you haven't already. I definitely went through a period where I was giving notebooks away to friends because there was just no way I was ever going to go through all those notebooks, but I have found that I'm in a place now where I am like, well maybe I will need this or maybe I can use this down the line. I don't know if it helps to think about it this way, but there might not be any harm in trying it and reminding yourself every time you feel the urge to purchase that this might just be the habit coming in to spend money or get new planner materials. Good luck to you and I wish you all the best!

🤔sounds like withdrawals tbh. Not a bad thing, just the hump you have to get over. Hope it all worked out.

I find it quite strange that someone would suffer so much from not being able to spend, without wanting to offend, but while it's great for someone to stick to their goals, perhaps therapy could help in this context. I understand that life is hard, frustration accumulates and we look for immediate ways to relieve it, such as shopping and all the dopamine it releases, but in the long term everything seems taken from a vicious circle of dissatisfaction after dissatisfaction. I guess what never seems right has more to do with other circumstances than the tool itself. I know that culturally there are places where it is normalized to "indulge" by consuming, but in addition to the fact that the world does not need more pollution (TylorS obviously does not know this), the truth is human life is very short, time and health are not valued but it is something that cannot be bought and never returns, it is not worth losing sleep over a few objects that never seem to make you truly happy. Anyway, I hope you are feeling very well, I wish you much success in your goals and I hope you find what gives you long-term satisfaction and live fully.

I just do not get the no buy, and we all have to be minimal thing, no shade on anyone who does, I just feel pushed sometimes. I did buy to many planners, but they all have a new home.

maybe ask on this channel if someone wants to trade?

If you sell some things then purchase a new cover

Maybe go back to your why. Whats the real reason you’re doing no buy? Maybe there are other solutions that can accomplish your real goal that you can realistically do. I’m doing low spend. No rules. I just put it on my habit tracker and look forward to checking the Low Spend box everyday. That has helped me accomplish my goal of not spending as much as I was. I feel good when I see how many days in the month I didn’t spend on non necessities. As a result I have spent way less money this year already. Positive reinforcement only. It works!

Have you investigated ADHD? You sound so much like me…impulsive spending, needing to declutter, can’t write on a diary page every day but really want to etc…could be Inattentive ADHD…just a thought.