Oh I LOVED this. I'm also trying hard to be more intentional with what I buy this year. I found creating friction for myself helps, like removing Shoppay details or forcing myself to use a desktop computer rather than my phone if I'm ordering something. I'm also clearing out my closet and being honest with myself about what I actually wear and what can be gifted. I find buy nothing groups on Facebook helpful for this—if you share a pile of clothing that's all around the same size, there's usually someone willing to take it all off your hands.
Oh yes, removing the shop pay details off your phone is clever! I recently interviewed a habit researcher and she said creating a supportive environment is essential is you want to limit spending, spend less time on your phone etc. Summer is quite short here in Tas and this year I’ve worn the same five outfits on repeat, some of which I’ve had for years. It’s a good reminder that when you find what you like to wear, you can create a minimal wardrobe with ease x
Love this! My ‘goal’ for 2025 is to buy no new books or clothes. In the long run it will help my wallet, but for now, it’s helping with the overwhelming feeling of having too much ‘stuff’. Also taking up sewing as a hobby has given me a greater appreciation for clothing!
I quietly have a similar goal although I know I’ll have to buy a few books for work and there will be some items of clothing I need to buy for the kids (I’m pretty sorted for our long autumn/winter in the clothes dept). I cleaned out my wardrobe at the end of last year and I feel really content with where I’m at; I know exactly what I like to wear each season and I really do repeat most outfits during the week. As for sewing; I’m not there yet but my mum has knit me a wool cardigan for winter and when you combine the cost of yarn with the hours of knitting - Ooft! x
Thanks for the thoughtful reminders. I'm generally fairly frugal, but when I'm tired I end up blowing my budget with takeaways (so unhealthy!) I think I need a bit of a mindset shift there - often it would be quicker to cook rather than wait for delivery, if I just had the ingredients to hand. That'll be much easier when I move back to London from Brussels, where grocery stores shut quite early. PS, thanks to Cheyanne Johnson for recommending your Substack!
Thanks for this reminder. I was so good with spending as little as I could, living with a capsule wardrobe and almost never buying new until the kids came along. It takes so much more self discipline to not buy this cute little whatever it is your kid would love compared to not buying things for myself - and not even because the kids want it, just because I know they would love playing with it… a whole new era of practicing simplicity, kids edition 🙈
Unsubscribing from marketing emails has been the singlest biggest help in changing my spending habits. It's amazing how much I was influenced by constant reminders of all the pretty things I could be buying!
"An intentional thrifty mindset requires a slowing down where you can take the time to find what you need and stretch the positive experience by savouring the planning, hunting and eventual acquiring."
This really resonates with me, I already adore thrifting ... but combining it with an intentional low spend and simple living period in my life to actually be thrifty has been amazing.
Love this had just cleaned out my wardrobe last week for this very reason. So timely to come across your list. I’m feeling inspired to set some goals and you’ve given me some great ideas.
Only just getting around to reading this, and love the suggestion to keep a list for my local op shopping jaunts. Even that can feel like excessive purchasing when I’m wandering the aisles contemplating all the goodies to buy! I’m sure I’ve read you suggesting this before Jodi, lovely to have the reminder :)
A fabulous list to return to, thank you Jodi. I felt a little thrill at the challenge of a no buy week. I'm going to try this!
Enjoy the thrill of it! x
Oh I LOVED this. I'm also trying hard to be more intentional with what I buy this year. I found creating friction for myself helps, like removing Shoppay details or forcing myself to use a desktop computer rather than my phone if I'm ordering something. I'm also clearing out my closet and being honest with myself about what I actually wear and what can be gifted. I find buy nothing groups on Facebook helpful for this—if you share a pile of clothing that's all around the same size, there's usually someone willing to take it all off your hands.
Oh yes, removing the shop pay details off your phone is clever! I recently interviewed a habit researcher and she said creating a supportive environment is essential is you want to limit spending, spend less time on your phone etc. Summer is quite short here in Tas and this year I’ve worn the same five outfits on repeat, some of which I’ve had for years. It’s a good reminder that when you find what you like to wear, you can create a minimal wardrobe with ease x
Love this! My ‘goal’ for 2025 is to buy no new books or clothes. In the long run it will help my wallet, but for now, it’s helping with the overwhelming feeling of having too much ‘stuff’. Also taking up sewing as a hobby has given me a greater appreciation for clothing!
I quietly have a similar goal although I know I’ll have to buy a few books for work and there will be some items of clothing I need to buy for the kids (I’m pretty sorted for our long autumn/winter in the clothes dept). I cleaned out my wardrobe at the end of last year and I feel really content with where I’m at; I know exactly what I like to wear each season and I really do repeat most outfits during the week. As for sewing; I’m not there yet but my mum has knit me a wool cardigan for winter and when you combine the cost of yarn with the hours of knitting - Ooft! x
Thanks for the thoughtful reminders. I'm generally fairly frugal, but when I'm tired I end up blowing my budget with takeaways (so unhealthy!) I think I need a bit of a mindset shift there - often it would be quicker to cook rather than wait for delivery, if I just had the ingredients to hand. That'll be much easier when I move back to London from Brussels, where grocery stores shut quite early. PS, thanks to Cheyanne Johnson for recommending your Substack!
Thanks for this reminder. I was so good with spending as little as I could, living with a capsule wardrobe and almost never buying new until the kids came along. It takes so much more self discipline to not buy this cute little whatever it is your kid would love compared to not buying things for myself - and not even because the kids want it, just because I know they would love playing with it… a whole new era of practicing simplicity, kids edition 🙈
Wonderful read and reminder that this intentional work too is meaningful ... thank you!
Unsubscribing from marketing emails has been the singlest biggest help in changing my spending habits. It's amazing how much I was influenced by constant reminders of all the pretty things I could be buying!
"An intentional thrifty mindset requires a slowing down where you can take the time to find what you need and stretch the positive experience by savouring the planning, hunting and eventual acquiring."
This really resonates with me, I already adore thrifting ... but combining it with an intentional low spend and simple living period in my life to actually be thrifty has been amazing.
Love this had just cleaned out my wardrobe last week for this very reason. So timely to come across your list. I’m feeling inspired to set some goals and you’ve given me some great ideas.
Only just getting around to reading this, and love the suggestion to keep a list for my local op shopping jaunts. Even that can feel like excessive purchasing when I’m wandering the aisles contemplating all the goodies to buy! I’m sure I’ve read you suggesting this before Jodi, lovely to have the reminder :)