Wrapping up the Buy Nothing New Challenge
The result was a pile of clothes that I decided to bring into work and give away. To be honest, I felt a tad embarrassed that some of the items hadn’t been worn—bought on impulse during sales that seemed too good to miss!
A big congratulations to everyone who participated in the challenge. Whether you stayed on or fell off the Buy Nothing New wagon, it was all about becoming a more conscious consumer. I enjoyed reading your updates on the MyBudget Buzz forum. Here are a few of the comments…
I have avoided purchasing new containers in the kitchen by making better use of recyclables. I have been washing jars and bottles to use for storing foods etc. [Awesome! When we don’t default to shopping for new stuff, we actually get quite creative.]
Every few months I go through a crisis that many women do – the “I have nothing to wear” freak-out! (Please tell me I’m not alone here?!) [You’re not alone! I thought the same thing until I went through my wardrobe and noticed how many things I own and never wear.] So…. I must admit, I did cave this month… I bought a top (a bargain at $25) and a pair of flats ($49). They did come out of my living expense money BUT still, I can’t make excuses, I broke the rules. I also did the challenge last May and managed to go the entire month, so I convinced myself I was a bit of a failure! I felt really guilty about it, but after my shopping trip, I checked my budget, and looked at what I was achieving. It reminded me that it had been a long time between purchases and that my budget was going to suffer as a result. Crisis averted! [Great to hear that your budget is running on track. Responsible spending doesn’t mean never spending; it means spending within your budget, without compromising your other financial goals.]
I've found it a challenge and I didn't think I bought much stuff! I did indulge in a fancy leaf tea when I was on a weekend away (the weekend had been planned way before the challenge came up). [I went on a family holiday in the middle of the month, too, but I had already budgeted for the extra spending.]
My biggest challenge has been all the emails I get promoting clothing sales etc. I decided to unsubscribe from those websites for the month just to reduce the temptation. I also have a ‘No Junk Mail’ sign on my letterbox for the same reason. Catalogues and email notifications of sales make it too easy to spend money on things I didn’t even realise I wanted until I saw them on sale! [Umm, ditto.]
I thought this would be easy but I have struggled – I think I have just acknowledged I have a buying addiction. The other weekend, I actually got agitated going into a shop where I couldn’t buy anything. [I know what you mean—I was window shopping when I wandered pass the jeans sale of the millennium.]
My mum thinks she is helping me but she isn’t. I let her know I would look at this item for the house and purchase it in September however, 2 hours later, she came around to my house with the now bought item, advising me that I could pay her back in September! [That’s a tough one. Family support is always welcome, but well-meaning relatives often don’t realise that they compromise our financial goals or long-term independence when they try to help.]
I should have prepared better. I am finding all sorts of things that need to be put off until September until I can buy a new one. Although, I have justified to myself that buying a new zipper and REPAIRING the pants is NOT the same as buying a new pair of pants!! [Absolutely! Repairs are excluded from the challenge—well done.]
[A MyBudget client who got really serious about avoiding debt for consumer purchases…] It's been tough. I've cut up the credit cards and I'm weaning off the idea of buying anything whenever I want but it is a struggle! [And this supportive reply from another MyBudget client…] All credit cards are gone – forever.