When 2024 started, I decided to embrace a low-buy year because 2023 was rough, and I had made several impulse purchases. It was an eye-opening experience that made me realize how little I needed to live. I also tried adopting a slow living, which helped me take a pause. Now that 2024 is ending, it’s time for a review.
So these were the rules I had for 2024:
- No salon visits
- No gym membership
- No technology upgrades
- No new car
- No new planners
- No new skincare
- No junk food
- No new mugs
- No impulse buys
I should admit that despite achieving almost everything above, I had to cheat on some french fries and a McDonald’s burger while on vacation.
Additionally, the following were exceptions to my low-buy year
- Regular expenses for fuel, groceries, gifts, and household items.
- Occasional night of takeout/dining out
As I mentioned, during this low-buy year, I have realized and learned several lessons, both physically and mentally.
You Need Less
The foremost thing I learned is that You don’t have to buy things, especially clothes for every occasion. You can wear what’s already in your closet, and repeating clothes is fantastic. We often buy new clothes because we fear other people’s judgments. You know what! Nobody cares and repeating clothes in this current world, earns you more appreciation. You can be an influencer among your circle in this world of wasteful social media hauls. And, do you know that most of the clothes and things you donate end up in the dumpster?
Owning Less is More Peaceful
Owning fewer things brings a sense of peace. When you own less, you don’t have to worry about maintaining them or organizing them, because you only have the right things you need and this saves so much time. Also, fewer things mean less clutter and decluttered spaces make you calmer.
Saves Money
It’s obvious that not buying unnecessary things especially out of boredom helps you save money and avoid living paycheck to paycheck. If you have already achieved this, then congrats, you are among 30% of people who are financially stable and educated.
Meal Plans Make You Healthier
Apart from saving money, meal planning and eating homemade food directly benefit your health. You know exactly what goes into your food, and packing your lunch every day is such a great idea.
You will be an Odd one out But in a Good Way
Now, if you do not buy new things and do not own cool stuff, you might be considered a boring person by others. Still, you are out of ‘keeping up with the Joneses’ and fear of missing out on loops, and you have acquired a considerable amount of emotional intelligence compared to people stuck in the rat race.
There are Free Things You Can Enjoy in this World
Have you ever considered visiting a nearby beach or park to spend quality time instead of going to the mall and spending money on temporary dopamine spikes? Last year I traveled internationally but everything was budgeted.
An Emergency Fund is Awesome
One of the main financial goals for a beginner is creating an emergency fund. So, what is an emergency fund? As the definition says, an emergency fund is money set aside to cover unexpected expenses or financial emergencies, like medical bills or job loss.’ An emergency fund is extremely crucial if you have a family. It gives you a feeling of security in your life.
Creates Discipline in Life
When you have money and you decide not to spend it on unnecessary things impulsively, you have acquired some kind of discipline in life and if you continue to follow this in life, your day-to-day life will become much better.
So these were the major benefits I experienced during my low-buy year, and I should also mention that this low-buy year didn’t really affect my social life, or celebrating special moments with my dear ones. Rather, I could spend my time with peace of mind by not worrying about being broke and miserable. I hope you enjoyed following my journey through low-buy 2024 and feel free to put your thoughts through the comments!
