No Buy July caught my eye because of the catchy rhyming phrase. I also thought “this will be a cinch.” Afterall, I'm already aware of my spending, I don't like to shop. And it's summer! My confident thoughts were misinformed. Confidence and consciousness do not always align.
Instead, No Buy July has had a deep impact on me. I have been learning even more about myself, my spending, and my choices. MoneyPeace’s principal of making conscious choices are not always aligned with my spending. Let’s call my choices “a little fuzzy sometimes.” Yes, I was still making a few not so conscious choices. I had no idea how often I stopped for coffee or a treat when I had a busy day. Using this as a reward and rest when a few minutes sitting in the car or chatting with a friend would have done the same.
Then, there is the burnt out me – stretched on the couch, looking for some intriguing show to watch. When I stumble on just the right thing, Amazon often wants to give me an upcharge. What is a few extra dollars? That is what they have trained us to think. Whether a monthly Netflix subscription, free week of HBO or limited time subscription offer flashing across the screen, this weary decision maker will usually click. However, day one of No Buy July, I caught myself before I did. Yes, I wanted to see the latest season of the HBO series, The Gilded Age, but I kept on track. (Please do not tell me what has happened.)
So I did jump in with both feet to No Buy July, but had to adjust in week one. Quickly I learned that I had to adapt one of my strict rules of no extras. I wanted to honor my commitments that I had already made. Last week, I took a friend out for their birthday lunch – it was delicious and fun. No matter that their birthday was in early June! I had promised them a birthday lunch and so I paid for something that wasn't essential or groceries.
I have found the upside to all this no buy. This past weekend I did some chores with the materials at hand. They were the projects that had gotten delayed partly because I really wasn't psyched to do them. In the midst of polishing windows, polishing my leather Blundstone boots and a bit of deep cleaning in the kitchen, I did not think about spending money at all. When I was done, the added bonus came to me: no longer were chores staring me in the face and making me weary!
I also cooked and baked this weekend because I had time. Those activities had their own benefits. I was staying off the computer and its buying temptations and ate better, too. Win, win!
There have been a few non-wins. After that lunch last week, I wandered into Sweet Charity. This delightful secondhand store always draws me in. On that day, They had candles at an incredibly discounted price and I bought four to have at home. Only when I got home and went to put them away, did I realize my slip. No one's perfect!
Whatever your motivation to try No Buy July or any other financial change, remember you have control over your money and decision making. You may want to cut your spending, stop supporting large corporations, or just become more attentive to your everyday life.
Here are some tips to get you in the swing of not buying:
Can you get your family on board? Or perhaps some friends to make it more fun?
Clean up some paperwork that has been set aside. Bonus if it brings in money such as medical reimbursement or expense reports.
Plan an outing that is totally free. See how much fun you can have, then plan another.
If staying off the computer is not for you and on-line shopping is calling, email yourself the piece of clothing or sporting equipment you really want. Then, set up a folder titled shopping or No Buy July and file it there. In August, go ahead back there and review. You will have an easy reminder if what you wanted is still important to you.
Pay attention to what you learn. This is about getting off autopilot and back in conscious decision making around your money. The world moves fast. We need the reminder that we do not have to keep up the pace. Sometimes a pause may be the most nourishing gift to give yourself.
Want to follow more about what I have been learning? Check out my videos on social media or my blog.
Have a fun month!