Could you go a full year without buying anything new?

[Colleen27]

Abosultely nothing new, probably not. I can't think of a year that has gone by without something essential breaking down that I wouldn't or couldn't buy used. Last year, it was the stove. This year, we got new cell phones. We're also working on our house, both remodeling and decorating room-by-room as the budget allows, and I'm not willing to put that on hold for a year! Plus there are some things (shoes, bras, undies) that wear out that I won't buy used.

A challenge like that would probably cost me money on the kids' clothes since I do so much of their shopping on clearance racks throughout the year; for things where quality/durability isn't a huge issue Kmart (the only new clothing store in our town) clearance prices are often cheaper than the second-hand name brands from the consignment store. Same thing for seasonal items because I'm used to shopping post-holiday clearances for the following year.

I have selectively given up buying some things new, just to start cutting down on clutter. Books, for example - I have a one-in, one-out rule and buy from the local used bookshop instead of ordering from Barnes & Noble now, and for titles they don't have I'll look for in ebook format or at the library. We were drowning in books when we moved and I'm really trying to get that under control.

Even the no-buy threads really aren't helpful to me. My goals are more about mindful spending rather than no spending - buying things that we need/want and that make a difference to us, discounted whenever possible, while not wasting money on things that will in a few weeks or months be just more clutter to pick up. My ongoing battle is convenience foods. We don't eat out much because there's not much in our town worth the money, but we could shave a fair bit off the grocery bill if I put in just a little more time on the menu planning/precooking end of things for days when I know I probably won't feel like cooking at dinner time.

 

[MinnieForMe]

To me, part of the joy of life is enjoying the little moments each day. Not shopping would make me miserable. It took many, many years for us to become comfortable and now that we are, I wouldn't want to go back.

I don't go to spas, get my nails done or treat myself much but one of the things that brings me the most joy is shopping Gymbo with a clearance sale and a 20% off coupon for my beautiful daughter!

 

[swilshire]

Vacation trips (I try not to think about what we spend)
Electronic gadgets and games for the kids ($50 - $100)
Satellite TV (0 and have never missed it)
some clothes shopping ($200 or so, mostly socks and underwear)
Book shopping (I dropped my library subscription when it went up to $45, don't have much time to read anyway).
Eating out ($1,200 per year min - maybe that much but we use lots of HalfOffDepot and Groupon coupons when we do go out)

Sheila

 

[disneyfreakk]

I think I could do it, but my DH would NEVER agree to this. He spent $1500 last month just on iTunes.

 

[DawnM]

Holy Cow! I am not sure my computer even has that much memory!

Dawn

I think I could do it, but my DH would NEVER agree to this. He spent $1500 last month just on iTunes.

 

[msmama]

I just wanted to point out that the link the OP posted said that the group of friends that tried it did it as a way to "green" up their lives a bit. They didn't do it to save money, they did it to reduce their enviormental impact.

I still wouldn't do it...just pointing that out.

 

[mrsklamc]

Certainly couldn't do it now, but quite sure I did in college.

 

[3boymthr]

I'd like to try to go as long as I can without buying new/using up what I have in the house, but with three growing kids, even with hand-me downs - that's really hard. Plus, after all the snow resulted in major ice dams which over the course of just a couple of days resulted in major roof damage and major ceiling damage we really need a new roof and I really really really need to paint the inside of the house and no way no how am I buying used shingles or paint. I will however do my best to shop clearance. That's how I got over $500 worth of clothes for $80 and $100 worth of paint supplies for $25.

 

[ambertides]

I probably could... but I wouldn't want to. We have about $100-150/month budgeted now on "stuff" - clothes, housewares, fun stuff, etc. I don't think that's excessive for two people.

 

[cheshireqt]

Well that would just be no fun! No couldn't and wouldn't want to do it. I think you are on the right track with now looking at ways to get that $500 a month you want to save. I think you will be far more successful in that pursuit!

 

[annsteere]

My sister did it.

They are not short of money. For one year she went on a shopping fast. Gifts for others, underwear, essential repairs, food, and gas were all allowed. But, no personal purchases whether the item was new or used.

She did it to make herself more aware of how blessed they were financially and to get a handle on materialism.

What she learned was that she already had plenty of clothes and shoes to wear, plenty of games to play, and plenty of decorations in her home.

 

[momtosam]

I don't think this would be possible with young children. They need new clothes, birthday presents, Christmas etc. I could go without all of it, but I wouldn't do that to my kids.

 

[LookinUp]

I want to say that I could do it myself. Of course not for my daughter, who needs new shoes every five minutes & I will not buy shoes used. Love the idea of living greener, but if I'm honest with myself, I think I would break the rules before the year is up.