How to Create a No-Buy List (10 Things I'm Not Buying in 2023)

Let's face it- most of the stuff we buy is more about "want" than "need." Kicking a habit usually means avoiding it like the plague, but with money, it's tricky. We have to spend it because, well, that's life. So, saving cash often feels like a pipe dream.

Realizing you're a bit spend-happy is one thing; actually doing something about it is where it gets tough.

Here's a reality check: if you didn’t even think about an item until it was staring you in the face on the shelf or in an online cart, you probably don't need it. And let's not even start with the madness of "limited-time" sale traps.

You wouldn't wing an important exam, right? So think about shopping the same way. If you don't 'study' what you really need, you'll 'flunk' your budget, and hello, debt city!

Buying stuff without thinking it through is like cramming for a math test with your geography notes. Spoiler: it doesn’t work. You end up with a bunch of stuff you didn't need in the first place.

What's a "No-Buy List"?

If the thought of cutting back everywhere is too much, try a no-buy list. This minimalist spending habit is all about paying attention to what makes you whip out your wallet without thinking. It challenges you to step away from the 'buy' button on stuff that you're quick to splurge on.

We're always told "more is more," but guess what? It's not. Spending with a minimalist mindset means figuring out what you actually need and use. How? Start with a good ol' inventory check, followed by making your very own no-buy list.

#1. Do an Inventory Audit

Think of potential purchases along these four categories:

1. Stuff you have but never use (definitely don't need more)
2. Stuff you already own, love, and use (already have it!)
3. Stuff you use that's seen better days (hmm, this could use an upgrade) ✅
4. Stuff you don't have but really need (ding, ding, ding) ✅

Doing this helps you see what's worth your money and what's not. And the best part? By skipping useless buys, you'll finally have cash for things you've been eyeing, plus your savings won't be a joke anymore.

#2. Do a Spending Audit

Okay, so we've talked about sorting out what you already have. Now let's dive into something a bit more eye-opening: a spending audit. This isn't your everyday budget glance-over. It's about taking a hard look at the past year's receipts and really seeing where your money's been sneaking off to.

Here's how to tackle a spending audit:

1. Check receipts: I prefer using Mint by Intuit rather than looking at individual paper receipts (which I rarely keep) because there are handy categories and graphs. Whatever your method, review receipts, bank statements, credit card summaries, or anywhere you've got a record of your purchases. Yes, even the ones you're not super proud of. We're talking about those impulsive lamp buys, the third pair of almost identical shoes, and everything in between.

2. Playing Detective: Ask yourself the tough questions. How many of these purchases were planned? How many were on a whim? Which items have you actually used? Be honest; it might sting, but it's the only way this works.

3. Spot the Regrets 😔: Identify the buys that make you think, "Why did I even get this?" Maybe it's clothes that never left the closet or gadgets that didn't change your life like you thought they would. These are your prime suspects for the no-buy list.

4. Category Crisis:  Try sorting these purchases into categories. Seeing a bunch of stuff piled under 'Home Decor' or 'Tech Gadgets' can show you where your spending weak spots are. You might notice patterns like seasonal shopping sprees or stress-induced retail therapy.

5. No-Buy Nominations:  Now, here's your goldmine. Based on your little investigation, decide which items (or even categories) deserve to land on your no-buy list. Maybe you're good on lamps for the next century, or perhaps you realize those sale-rack shoes are never actually a bargain.

6. Reflection Time 🤔 Take a moment to think about what this audit has taught you. Are you often swayed by sales? Do you buy stuff to cheer yourself up? Understanding your triggers helps you avoid them in the future.

By doing a spending audit, you're not just making a no-buy list; you're learning about your habits. It's like getting the cheat codes to your spending behaviors. And with these insights, you're all set to make a no-buy list that's not just a bunch of no's but a big YES to smarter spending and saving. Now, armed with awareness and a plan, who's ready to make their wallet a whole lot happier?

#3. Write your list!

Write out (yes, PHYSICALLY or digitally write it out) a list of 10-20 items that you want to challenge yourself or fully commit to not purchasing for a period of time.

It could be that you commit to staying away from these specific items the following month, or you might have a full-year no-buy list like the one I'm sharing below.  

Here's my no-buy list for 2023 for inspo!

1. Luggage: Guess what's not tagging along in 2023? New luggage. After swapping out my old, tired bags for sleek, space-saving hardbacks, I'm all set. The plan? Save that cash for more adventures instead of more suitcases.
2. Home Remodeling Supplies: Been there, renovated that! After a whirlwind of home improvements (hello, fancy countertops, and nursery), it's time to embrace our space as it is. Aside from maybe swapping out the old washer/dryer, I'm hitting pause on the home projects. The focus for 2023? Enjoying our home and funneling those funds into truly necessary things.
3. Kitchen Appliances and Cookware: Last year, I kissed my chipped non-stick pans goodbye and leveled up to a sleek set of Caraway pans. So, this year? No more. Remember, just because they're shiny and on sale doesn't mean they're a must-buy. My kitchen is ready for all the cooking challenges ahead, minus the extra spending.
4. Liquid Laundry Detergent: Breaking up with my gooey, space-hogging liquid detergent was the best move. I've switched to eco-friendly laundry strips (big shoutout to True Earth!), streamlining my laundry routine and making peace with my inner minimalist. No looking back now!
5. Hair Equipment: No more cluttering my space with every new hair tool trend. Real talk? A solid flat iron and trusty blow dryer are my ride-or-dies. They're the only hot tools I need, and since they're already chilling in my drawer, my wallet stays shut.
6. Lamps: Confession, I have a lamp obsession. But I've hit my limit. Even though they lift my mood when it's gloomy, I'm resisting the urge to turn my place into a lighthouse. The ones I have are doing just fine, thank you very much.
7. Pillows: After absolutely years of testing pillows, I finally found some that work and am cutting off the pillow investment pool!
8. Bedding: This was a pretty big splurge for us this year- after 8 years of an incredibly uncomfortable/hard bed, we bought a new bed and mattress and upgraded to comfort-central. Yes, we went all out with an adjustable and massaging bed 😌 no shame. So, we're closing the door on the endless hunt for sleep perfection. The focus now? Resting easy and keeping that bank account comfy, too.
9. Art Supplies: While unleashing my inner Picasso with my kiddo is a blast, I realized we've still got supplies from 2020. Lesson learned: it's cool to create, but there's no need to hoard. We're drawing the line (pun intended) and saving that moolah.
10. Rugs: After a mix-up sent us into home decor musical chairs, every room now boasts a tapestry. They're built to last, so no new rugs will be rolling into our place next year. We're good!

So, there's the rundown of my no-buy zones for 2023. It's not just about saving cash (though that's a sweet perk); it's about curbing the clutter, reducing stress, and making mindful choices. Because, honestly, retail therapy is short-lived, but financial wellness? That's the gift that keeps on giving.

Ready for the No-Buy Challenge? 

It's not about depriving ourselves—it's about taking control and making choices that align with our values and goals.

Got your own no-buy list cooking? I'd love to hear it! Let's support each other on this journey towards a clutter-free, financially savvy life. Cheers to making smarter choices and embracing the freedom it brings!