A NOTE ABOUT THERAPY. I had always considered myself to be someone who could not afford therapy. That's why it took me until September of my no-buy year to start. I found a therapist who offered a sliding scale and together we settled on a RATE and a FREQUENCY that made it possible for me to stomach the cost. It does not have to be every week-sometimes I take breaks or drop down to one session per month when money is tight. In my experience, anything is better than nothing, and I'm confident that over the years the assistance with healing has saved me at least as much money as the sessions themselves have cost. HOWEVER, I'm aware that some people are entirely priced out of one-on-one talk therapy. Please note that Julia's class is also offered on a sliding scale with the lowest rate being two payments of $38 each: courses.juliafrodahl.com/courses/CCP1-JAN2022?ref=ea15df and there are scholarships available, too. When you are used to "not being able to afford" things like therapy because you are spending so much money on shopping, it can be really hard to adjust to the feeling of paying a bill to a therapist in exchange for something that isn't material. It can feel like that money is just disappearing. To this day I sometimes think "why am I doing this?" when that money leaves my account. It's like a moment of blind faith. But when I look back over the past three years, and I consider how much I've paid to be in therapy and what I would do if someone offered to reverse it-give me all of my money back, and also take away the personal growth and the relationship of support and care that I now have with my therapist-then I can see with crystal clarity how worthwhile it has been. After some hesitation, I included it in this video because it is one of the things that I most fervently wish I could go back and say to my past self.

My plan for my no buy "year" is to wishlist everything I think I want, and then wait until Black Friday sales (and I have a budget set aside for that time) to buy them. Based on my experience, by the time it's been almost 11 months, I won't even want or remember most of the things I put on the list and anything I do want will be heavily discounted. I've already started doing this and it's actually been easier than I expected to just say "I can wait to get this until November 2022 and it'll probably be at least 30% off - I'll use what I have in the meantime." My only other rule is I can buy replacements if I finish every single thing in a category (e.g., no brow products left at all so I need to get one) but I have a big enough collection I doubt that will happen. Thanks so much for doing this work on our behalf Hannah - it's so helpful!

I'm not planning a no buy year but I am planning a LOW buy year! -I will allow myself to buy no more than 2 THRIFTED items per month -no new skin care or make up unless it is a replacement for something(that I regularly use) that has run out or gone bad -can buy socks or underwear as long as I need them -NO NEW SHOES(shoes are my weakness and I already have too many for the amount of storage I have) -no new home decor except for a lamp shade to replace the broken one on my favorite lamp -cannot buy new art supplies until I use up the ones I am already working with -cannot buy books until I read the ones I've been planning to read(although I I think I'll just get a library card at that point because I don't have space for more books) -can buy the things that are already on my replacement list(example: my black leggings don't fit anymore and I plan to buy a new pair because I used them often) What I plan to do with my time instead of shopping! Read. Make art. Practice cooking and baking. Writing. Decluttering/organizing my home. I'll be editing this list and rules over the coming days

Going to be honest, I unsubscribed from your channel after watching you for YEARS because I found myself buying things that you liked. I'm grateful for your minimalist/no buy content and check in from time to time

Distancing yourself from consumerism is hard when everything in our environment encourages otherwise. Good job to any progress!

Another thing I do when it comes to makeup and enjoying what I already have is to watch a bunch of videos of those things. Reviews, tutorials, comparisons. It gets my mind to thinks of it as a new item and I tend to once again love what I have.

I’m someone who definitely fell into the “shop for the life you want, not the life you have” sort of thing and accumulated quite a bit of debt in the process. I’m in a better place now than I was earlier in the year in terms of resisting random urges to buy stuff cuz I wanna be a cool-ass binch, but I still have some work to do in regards learning how to save money and like…actually taking the time to participate in my hobbies? I find that shopping tended (or tends, if I’m perfectly honest) to be the easiest way to get good brain vibes, so I reach for it first instead of other stuff like video games or writing. But yeah, long story short, this video was super helpful! Thank you!

Can I also suggest to people who will do online window shopping, this tip: a couple of months ago, I was doing some Amazon window shopping, and I think I put around ten items in my basket. I couldn't check out, because my payment card had expired and I couldn't be arsed to go downstairs to get my new card to update the details. About a week later, I had to change the card for something I actually needed. When I went into my online basket, I looked at all the previous items and deleted them. I didn't need them, I just had a temporary desire for them. This was a revelation for me. So now, I do this all the time. Put things in the basket and leave them there for a while. It's rare that I actually do to ahead and purchase. To me, it showed me that a lot of the things I want to buy are to make myself feel better in the moment, they are not something I actually need.

I’m giving myself a B- for my first no-buy/low-buy year, but that was much better than I expected to do! 2022 I’m shooting for an A+, and I’m feeling very confident I can do it. The “muscles” are getting stronger.

I am going on a “low buy”: replacement items (mascaras, brow wax, skincare) and limit myself to one item each quarter. This would coincide with the Sephora and Ulta sales. That would mean 4 or fewer new items in 2022.

I am in the middle of a "no-buyshadow" year, as I playfully named it. I started mine in September because I saw how much the spending was affecting me financially and emotionally, and I decided to just put my feet to the fire and start the transformation early. Its been really beneficial so I will add that you can start a no-buy at any time, for any reason. My new year's resolutions do not stick because I do not take them serious and putting any major change off until January would have absolutely prolonged any panic buying that was happening in a way that would have done a lot of financial harm. I panic bought a little bit, not a ton but I put in an order or two. My other note right now as someone who is in the thick of it, is to shop from your collection constantly. I rotate my makeup bag, palettes, and make custom palettes ALL the time as a replacement for shopping and it has really caused me to think critically about the size of my collection and get decent use out of things I would have otherwise over looked.

On the same note as make up playtime but for fashion no buys you could do fashion playtime. Try pairing different clothes to make different outfits and play dress up with your clothes :) just an idea

I think all of us olive people around the “pale/fair/light” spectrum wish we could go back to 2018 and tell our past selves we are in fact olive even if we don’t look like Penelope Cruz (no shade to her, she is gorgeous). Thank you for the video, for the last month I have been thinking of doing a replacement only no buy year, makeup oriented and I decided to commit a few days ago, so this video feels like the universe is screaming at me to fully stick to it and not screw it up. And thank you for reminding me that I make my rules, because I have a habit of gifting myself makeup for my birthday (Lisa Eldridge velvet lipsticks specifically) and I notice that I treasure those above any other “treat myself” makeup purchase, I want to wear them constantly, see how they look on my eyes on my cheeks, mix them together, experiment around, and honestly I didn’t want to break the tradition because it brings me hella joy.

Makeup playtime is one of the best tools I found to stop me buying more things! And therapy was ridiculously helpful to me as a person, even just telling a person something you've never told anyone else is enough sometimes I also found reading self help books super helpful to snap out of some mindsets

This video is so helpful! I have never done a no-buy anything (day, week, month, year, etc.). I am going to take this year in two month increments, so that every two months I can do a check-in with myself and evaluate how it went and can adjust the rules or my mindset. Committing to a full year sounds too intimidating and it would be easy for me to give up or forget why I am doing it... two months, though? I can commit to that. Then, another two months. Then another... until a year has past.

You are an incredible human being and I am so grateful you are in KZfaq. I feel better going into my no buy year with all the tips and advice at my fingertips. Love your channel and I wish you could do a 3 month check in for those of us that are doing a no buy. I am not buying any type of makeup or skin care, I have a lot. I will go back to reading books, walk more and focus on myself. Thank you for all the help Hannah !!! 💕💕💕💕💕💕

Using and enjoying what you have and planning using what have is so much fun. Decluttering very intentionally is the way to go, don’t just get rid of something to get rid of it. Shopping your closet, drawers and cupboards is like shopping too. ❤ the no buy idea is so good and very healthy.

I can't do a full no buy for a whole year, its simply too long so I settled on a budget for my beauty spending. This way I can buy whatever I want but I can't go overboard. Even still, this video is great and super informative. P.S. you look gorgeous. The bright turtleneck, makeup, and hair is amazing.

I am doing a no-buy year for 2022. I’m following your advice. I do know what my issue is. I spent the first 40 years of my life not being able to buy anything I wanted to the last 20 being able to buy whatever I wanted and now I’m in a position of not being able to do that anymore. Health problems for me and my spouse has prevented that and it is difficult going from being able to purchase everything I want to not being able to purchase anything I want. I’m having withdrawals, however, I’m going to focus on doing some things I’ve been wanting to do in its place. Wish me luck. Thank you so much dear Hannah!

I'm 30 days into my no buy and this video is so timely and helpful! I'm feeling very confident that if I can do this for 30 days, I can do it for 11 more months. I'm excited for the journey and to learn and grow through this experience.

I love the library tip! If you want to expand on that even more, choose a book that one or several of your friends wants to read too and have a little reading club. I started this with a friend this autumn and it has made reading even more fun and I look forward to our little book chats.

I'm doing a no buy year, in the coming year. So glad this video came today.

I came back and watched this video and your 2018 video as I’m preparing for my no-buy 2023. It hit hard when you mentioned you had tried taking baby steps and always failed. I’ve tried low buys and month-long no buys and been successful, but the moment I allow myself a bit of wiggle room, I fall right back into old habits. Then when you said “maybe if you identify as someone who can’t follow their own rules, do you really want to live like that?” It hurt because it’s true. This no-buy year is different because it’s about truly changing my habits and improving myself for all areas of life. I am actually excited despite knowing how difficult it will be and how much I will suffer. Thank you for this wake up call ❤

I am going to add another rule - Don't engage in all or nothing thinking. I agree you need to be hard on yourself to follow your rules but if you do slip, getting back on track is much more important that punishing yourself for the slip. If you get to the end of the year with a few mistakes you will still be much further along than if you made it to November with a perfect record, slipped, and called the whole thing off instead of trying to get back into the right frame of mind.

I am an impulsive shopper, looking for *something*, feels everything is an ad. That part of me chills out when I watch your content and my rational self can flex it's rational muscles. Thank you! Thank you!

Hannah your work in this area is incredible. I adored watching you grow during and past your no buy year. My best piece of advice not on your list is to join a buy nothing group! incredible way to give away products and even get items you have run out of without paying for them

I need to work on consuming less. Not just makeup but everything, clothes, decor, food, internet time. I have a hard time limiting myself when I find something I like. After my appointment this afternoon I'm going to write up a list of rules and goals for the year ahead. First step is getting caught up on my bills, second is taking a full inventory of what I own. Thanks for the inspiration 💜❤️💜

Hello, Hannah! By now, I've watched quite a few of your no-buy videos since I first found your channel in November. In so many ways, we are a lot alike. You've connected with me without even knowing it. Your videos have given me the inspiration & courage to do my own no-buy year in 2023! Cheers! Yesterday, I started flexing my no-buy muscles by only buying what was on my grocery list and nothing else when I was at Aldi. Aldi is usually a treasure trove of things I never knew I wanted until I spot them in the magic miscellaneous item aisle. Yesterday, it was a gorgeous shower curtain, a candle that smelled amazing & was beautiful visually, a glass infusion water bottle, and a marble napkin holder. The materialistic me was coveting those things and wondering why I couldn't have come across them before January 1st! My rational, adult self, who wants to stop overspending, was proud of being able to say no & walking away. A few days down & many to go! I think you've helped set me up for success, though, and I really appreciate your videos on this topic.

I am doing a no buy year because I do have an issue with makeup skin care. Making rules. Your experience is really helpful. Trying to get through what I have. Thanks!

So excited to start a no buy year myself. Thanks for all the useful tips! I have failed in the past, but this time I'm gonna do it right 🙏🌎💚

I remember in your original video at the start of your no buy year, you mention that you were starting the KZfaq channel to keep yourself accountable. I would be interested to know to what extent the public scrutiny helped you stick to your rules, or if you think you’d have managed it anyway?

I’m drowning in makeup this video was so inspiring. Not spending the money isn’t really my main motivation it’s more about the stress , time it takes away from things I could be doing to better myself. I want to set a good example for my daughter. I’m tired of the clutter and I need to get to the root of the problem. Your videos are so inspiring in comparison to all the beauty gurus pushing products. I really hope that by not following suit that you will be rewarded in the long run. You are taking the road less traveled and apparently that is supposed to make all the difference :) ❤

This past year, I worked on unsubbing from emails and weaning myself off of social media and while the first few months were a struggle, I honestly get sorta bored now when I check in on Insta a year later. I don't miss the constant flood of emails either (if anything, I get annoyed checking my email). This year, I am taking the full step of being on a no-buy and need to really find a good therapist because it's time- I have known for a while I've needed to go to address personal issues and past traumas so I can finally confront them and move on with my life. I use makeup and shopping to fill that void and distract myself from having to actually deal with it. It's time for me to face it.

I think I have become so annoying to my friends because of talking so much about makeup, so I'd like to commit here. I'm deff in!!! It's not that I have a problem with overspending, I just want to manage my finances the most reasonable way, so that I feel like it wasn't wasted. More a depth, rather than a no-buy year. Thx a lot, Hannah, for making this video, it helps me a lot, as well as your channel.

there is a difference between no-buy and no-acquire. I am interested in other peoples opinion on the difference between spending money on a new item, & bringing something new into your belongings. I was at a community event recently & a lady brought a rack of clothes that had been her Aunties, she brought them to share with the community. I chose a cardigan for myself. I have a minimal wardrobe, & it was nice to add in an item, especially going into winter soon. & feel honoured to wear her beloved Aunties cardigan & it not go to landfill. The feeling of not buying something new is also good

I bought one eyeshadow pallet last year.. I’m going to follow this into 2022. Conscious purchasing, and stepped up spiritual practices (meditation, studying spiritual principals, journaling, framing my intentions, taking a class, gathering with spiritual minded people online) have helped me enjoy what I have and the purchases I do make. Exercise. I also took a look at of all the ‘backups’ I bought only the staples get used, and that’s not even 100%, depending on the staple. I so enjoy KZfaq now that I know that I don’t want the bulk of what I see, or that I can dupe things with my stash. Such a great video. Do not shame yourself, because self love is so much more effective. I keep a zero balance on my credit card.. singular card.. period. I pay it off every month, unless it’s an emergency necessity, for car, home, etc. Makeup play time, play time in general is such a great thing. I so appreciate what I’ve got when I utilize it. I so enjoy your vids. Thank you.

I followed all of those tips and 100% stopped buying since. Self control and the realization [ACCEPTING] that I had a problem. Your channel came at theeeeee perfect time. Thank you thank you thank you💜🙌

Thank you for the updated list and encouragement. I'm going to complete a no buy year in 2022 and I'm looking forward to the self reflection it will bring me. Thanks for being the guide so many of us need!

Not planning a no buy, but I am decreasing my budget for make-up/beauty because I want to allocate my reasources differently. Great ideas for any kind of adjustments in how we spend money on beautiful things ❤️

As someone who just finished a no buy year ending tonight at midnight (inspired by yourself) I'm so happy you've remade this video with the perspective you have now. These are definitely amazing guidelines for a no-buy and I hope that a few of my friends who are doing a no buy currently (or those contemplating it) have watched this video and taken this advice to heart. Thank you Hannah for being so uplifting and for sharing your wisdom.

the only way I was able to do a no buy years ago was to not consume any makeup content at all, including videos, instagram posts, etc. also no going into makeup stores. I had to forget new makeup existed. if you don't know it exists, you can't want it! I'm not sure how that could be achieved for me at this time but it was cool that it worked in 2019 I should clarify that I have no intention of doing a no-buy in 2022. I just wanted to offer another way to help those who do want that

Hi, Hannah! Though I won't be doing a no-buy year, your videos have inspired me to be a more conscious shopper and really evaluate my desires before making a purchase. I'd love to hear your recommendations for lipstick formulas that "press" well into the lips in a way that allows the texture of your lips to show through. My preference is to press and tap lipsticks into my lips and blot to spread rather that the swiping motion, and I think that may be yours as well! Happy Holidays :)

New in this 'no-buy-year' project. In fact I'm starting soon when the clock hit midnight on 2022. These past two years have been a lot of shopping for me. But just recently, I realized that the problem is the void or vacuum that I have been feeling during the pandemic. I started to shop online a lot. At the time I lost some weight and thought I now can wear the size I want and start to feel good about myself. But then it becomes like an addiction. It's even hard to admit it or use that word. I'm glad for this video, thank you

At the end of this month I will concluded my three month spending fast. I have been doing this for about 15 years. This has showed me what I really don't need. I feel peace and contentment during the spending fast. I only spend on food and gas, that's it.

In the book I wrote my No buy rules in I included a section after.It is a set of goals or intentuons why I do this no buy year,what i hope to achive (i.e. the simpliest is saving money, but there is also one about wanting to be able to let go of material things). I think it might help if you are in doubt of your rules to be remembered why you put them up in the first place.

HLP being helpful as always. I am percolating an idea for six months of self-forgetfulness. Rules and who I want to do the journey with etc. My buying isn’t rooted in not feeling like I am enough. It isn’t rooted in others. I don’t think it will fix anything. It is partially social. Being in a buying focused community. It’s within me. Selfishly wanting to always have what I want now. Wanting more. because I like it. Because it’s beauty. Because it is art. Maybe because I haven’t always had that option? I am sure that more will be revealed. I don’t have debt from my shopping. I haven’t even gone bananas in over spending. But I definitely see a selfish streak that isn’t who I want to be.

I am not doing no buy or low buy. I just look at my abundance of everything daily to tell myself “enough”. I don’t go to physical stores thankfully. To stay away from on line temptation I started to embroider, color, doodle, and make things. I have already done a few projects in January. They are what I have to show for in the future when being asked what I have done in 2024 😁

Something that helped me too was unfollow beauty influencers and brands from Instagram. It was wildly helpful to not see what was coming and not feel the need to jump on a launch.

Thank you so much for everything you do, I recently discovered your channel thanks to a dear friend of mine and she also helped me to realise I had a problem with bying make-up, specificaly eyeshadow palettes. I decluttered my collection, I had 92 palettes (this freaks me out now thinking about it) and I have 37 at the moment. Still a lot but more manageable. I feel better since I naturally slided in a low buy perspective but I commit in a no buy this year. Rules are simple, not more than 3 palettes for the whole year and a budget for single shadows. I am not someone who buys clothes or anything else than eyeshadow palettes. I recently discovered the Magic of single shadows and the fact that it saved me from bying palettes because I was able to make my own better version of anything new is magical. The budget is low and I would probably have to no buy for a few months if I want to complete certain orders but it's ok. I don't want to turn my eyeshadow palettes problem into a single shadows one. It seams maybe a little on the easy side but at least I know I can make it and it will be a major change in my habits. So again thank you for your advices and for the inspiration ❤️

I am allowing myself to buy replacements of things I use regularly (skincare, toiletries and makeup), socks and underwear if I wind up needing new ones, and a couple of pieces of furniture for my new apartment (I will be needing to move again this upcoming year and currently only own a bed and dresser from my old place). Essentially everything else is verboten. I have enough marvelous vintage clothing to bury a moderately-sized village and that’s my biggest problem area, so clothing is completely off-limits. I’m approaching this in a positive way by getting myself excited about all the money I’ll save and all the energy I can re-route into my passions instead of fretting over the possibility of feeling “deprived.” (I want for nothing, so that just isn’t true!)

You know, I started to watch you because you are a pale girl, like me. I kept watching because you like beautiful packaging, like me (the Gucci palette. Sigh). I really liked you in those videos. But, in this one? I'm starting to love you and your ethos. I've been thinking about doing a no buy year for several years, but have always doubted my ability to actually carry it out. This video has clarified that question:do I think I can do it, and if not, why not? Where is my faith in myself. How do I manage to keep promises to other people and yet break promises to myself so easily? You're absolutely right, Hannah. A no buy year is as much of an emotional journey as a practical one, and it will raise issues. I am terrible for impulse buying, online especially, and that is something that I really want to stop doing. I need to sit and think exactly how I'm going to do this, and exactly what no need to stop buying. Off the top of my head; make up, skin care, toiletries, nail products, planners and planner supplies. The only exceptions so far are toothpaste and builder gel, which I don't have stocks of. Everything else, I have a surplus of. I'm still going to do a hard declutter of makeup, except eye palettes, but even after that, I'll still have more than enough. I think 2022 is going to be the year.

I'm losing it. I wasn't planning on doing a no buy year at all - shopping is not really a problem I have - until you said "I believe in you, you can do it" and now I'm seriously considering doing one just because you said I could? The power of suggestion.

I'm a couple of weeks into a six month no buy and it's already bringing up a lot! I really believe my beauty overspending has kept me alive through some really dark times, but i don't want to keep relying on this crutch now I'm doing better. The absolute horror of realising how much virtually untouched product is just rotting away in this house!!! Thank you for all you do, Hannah 💖

Thanks for this video 🙂 you're so right that it's bigger than simply spending less money, it's about healing your soul ☺️ excited for my no buy 2023 ☺️

Thank you thank you thank you, Hannah, for insisting that this does not take luck. Those are exactly the words I need to hear going into my HLP-esque “no buy year”. I appreciate your virtual support as I’m sure hundreds if not thousands of your viewers do. Happy Holidays!

About to head into 2023 with a no buy year :) I tried a no buy month back in July after being inspired by your videos, and it was great but I fell back into old habits since then. Since I’m working to save up to move next year, my strategy is to add stuff to my wishlist if I start perusing, but instead of buying those things, add up the amount that all those would cost and instead transfer that amount to my savings. Somehow putting money into my savings is so much harder than blowing it all on stuff I know I won’t need and will regret later so I think this will change my habits in the long term :)

I've watched this video three times now and I think I am finally ready for a no buy year. I've always thought of myself as a conscious consumer but truthfully my spending has been verging on out-of-control ever since the pandemic hit and I am feeling like I need a serious detox from buying to get my head on straight. I've been watching you since the very end of your no-buy year, you probably had 4k subs or so and it's so amazing to see how much your channel has grown! You are quite an inspiration, Hannah, thanks for all of the wonderful content ✨

I'm doing a depth year, which is slightly different from a no buy year :) I'm so excited to listen to this :)

Excited to begin my no buy year Clothing is a weakness of mine. Definitely is wish fulfilment, of wanting to be someone else which once you get the item home doesn't fit the way you wanted or just doesn't make you feel the way you wanted to feel. The only two clothing items I'm allowing myself is a dress for my university graduation in the summer. I know I will want to buy something and at the moment I don't have anything fancy that fits. And the second item is a well fitting pair of smart trousers for my placements I will have once I start my masters but probably won't be buying until September time. I'm also doing a no buy on makeup, skincare and haircare other than replacement items. Haircare I think will be the hardest for me. I'm a curly hair gal and I'm always thinking the next product will make my curls bouncier or the frizz will go away but really that's just the nature of my hair. So I think haircare and clothing are the main areas that will be the most difficult but also the most rewarding. To help me let go of the idea that stuff will change me when I am the only one that can do that.

I would be very invested in watching a whole video on the spiritual transformation

I'm one of those people who has hoarded all the arts & crafts supplies lol. Especially since I work in a lot of different mediums, anything can be something I *could* use for a project someday--thrifting is my weakness. It's getting to the point where I'm forgetting what I have and I do more hunting for supplies than using the supplies, so I'm actually kind of excited about actually making some great art in 2022. Also I laughed when you talked about the library scratching the shopping itch, because I already know I'm going to be visiting the library a lot more during my no buy for that exact reason lol.

Thank you Hannah. I think often of your comments and insights; they have been very helpful. My own process has included asking, “While I think I want that item, will it really make me happier than what I have?” The answer is often, “No.” My other rule is that nothing in your listed categories can be purchased on credit and that the first payment of every month is to my savings account. Thank you again and Merry Christmas!

I love the depth that you talk about your past self and your future self with. "It's an undertaking of the spirit."

Thank you for this video! One of the takeaways from your last No Buy video, for me, was the tip about the library. I renewed my library card this year and have been loving all the cool new books available to me. My local library is set up like a book store and it's so beautiful. It's such a joy for me to have that shopping "feeling" and also have the benefits of so many books. You were right about reading when you feel the impulse to shop: picking up a book really quells that urge. Thank you Hannah!

I’m going to follow your footsteps and I’m already seeing a therapist about my shopping and other issues. Let 2022 be a year to earn all that I’ve spent

I just watched this video and your advice is so great. I specially liked the conclusion section where you talk about feeding an inner hunger. It made sense to me on what I really wanted. It was amazing to watch and thank you. You are doing amazing work in this world. I started my no buy this year and I know I will do it.

After watching your last video on this it really got me thinking I need to do this. I have so much and somehow if always feels like it’s not enough, specially with all the new releases every week. Also the other reasons you listed was dead on. I hope I can do it, feeling scared of failing Edit: haha now that I am watching and listening you say that is our choice and there is no point in saying “we can’t do it or might fail” if I don’t break my rules we just do it… but it is not that easy, it is an addiction, it is not like I want to fail… makes sense where the fear comes from?

Sorry, I grew up on Seinfeld and there's now always some Elaine Benes in me. haha. Again, I'm not in need of a no buy, but the advice here has oddly broad application. I feel like I'm rolling around in the advice of "making a list of OTHER things you want to do". I design characters for animation for a living, so art and design and all these little visual storytelling worlds have always been my most wonderful, rich, cozy place, and Covid really stripped that from me. Arting was something I used to do both for work and recreation, but I've lost the personal joy over the last two years, have probably been using simpler, short-term fixes as a balm, and I could really use some restructuring by thinking about what I want to DO with my TIME. Thank you again as always for putting so much more than makeup in perspective.

2023 is going to be my no buy year. Getting a few things I need for Christmas to be prepared. Need new walking/biking shoes. Period. Nothing else. My motto is going to be: love what you have, use what you have. So excited!

I have accidentally stumbled upon your videos on the Financial Diet channel and you got me curious about this no-buy year. My finances have been very tight lately, living alone and being a full time student, and I know I have a tendency to buy things for myself whenever I feel bad only to then look at my bank account and feel even worse and hella stressed out. But what I actually wanted to say is that these guidelines that you've given are great for setting any goal and actually achieving it, they can be applied to almost anything, maybe with slight alterations, which is amazing!!! So I'm very happy youtube has guided me towards your channel and I can't wait to see where this journey takes me.

I think I just found my favorite KZfaqr. Watching your videos calmed my nerves.

The focus on the things that cause the spiral out of control is a game changer for me...I don't have a problem in many areas...I can go to the store and buy a book and leave with a book. If I allowed myself to buy a bag in the store, I would start doing it every couple of weeks. I have decided that the 3 bags I have right now are it for the next two years. No compromise on that one. Focus on the important areas is so much more realistic and less likely to fail. That insight made me think this is realistic.

Wow, your suggestion about therapy turned a lightbulb on for me. I had always been both an emotional shopper and really sentimental and resistant to getting rid of things. I kinda thought it was “just who I am.” A few years ago I read Marie Kondo’s book and both my shopping and storing habits changed dramatically. It’s a nice book, and I don’t want to sell it short, but I’ve always wondered why that was the thing that got me to change, after years and years of being resistant to other messaging. And, now that I think about it, I read that book about a year after I had started therapy. I think I was working through a lot of the issues that were driving my unskillful behavior around stuff, and I was ready to change. Or, really, I had already changed, and just needed a nudge to get out of my habits. I’ve loved your videos over the years. Thanks for sharing your wisdom with us!

Thank you so much for making your very honest and well put together videos. I lost a lot of weight and my body shape changed through exercise (walking and yoga) during 2020 so that I had to replace everything in my wardrobe. I made a few mistakes because I was not used to this body shape but generally did ok. The problem came this year when I was still buying 1 or 2 items A DAY even though I love my wardrobe and have enough clothes in it. I had simply become addicted to shopping in my quest to reinvent myself. My problem is compounded in that I am not on a budget and can afford this addiction. Your words have helped me to highlight that THINGS are not making me feel good about myself, only I can do this. Thank you for your tips and for sharing your experiences. I am going to start with a monthly wish list and a certain amount of money per month. It will be interesting to see what I actually end up buying at the end of the month (if anything). Thank you again for your insights x

Thank you for these wonderful guidelines, Hannah. I am definitely gonna make a list of essentials I',m allowed to buy in 2022, and use a bunch of my makeup and art supplies actually creating things from what I already have. Because I hoard WAY too much. Hopefully I can find some extra monies for some kind of therapy, too.

It’s actually an undertaking of the spirit - spot on. Thank you for your insightful advice Hannah.

You are so eloquent! I absolutely love 💕 the way you express yourself (: glad that I came across your channel and this extremely useful video. I have been thinking about doing a no-buy year and l think after watching this video l will take action. It’s been a while since the line between “needs” and “wants/cravings” have crossed and I really like to separate them. There’s nothing in this world I can possibly “need” yet I am always buying 🤦🏻‍♀️

I am so psyched to do this no buy year! I am moving into my van this year to travel and I am going to be doing a no buy year so I can save up for car emergency expenses. I love the advice in this video! Love and blessings!

Your insight into this is pretty incredible and to lay it out so that people can relate is a gift!

Ages ago, nearly 10 years ago, I thought of doing a no buy and I wound up having the uncomfortable feelings come up and then gave myself the out. This year, however, I’m doing a no buy because it took me this many years to realize just how much my things and the shopping behaviors have begun to drown and define me. I have a suspicion that I am more vibrant and full of more creativity and possibility than the limits on my credit card. And although it took me this long to even begin digesting the consequences of my shopping I think I’ve reached that point where my curiosity of who I am beyond all the things and who I am on the other side of the uncomfortable feelings is much more alluring. Although it may sound potentially silly or dramatic I think that my no buy is what i need to both save myself and remember myself. So needless to say I’m incredibly nervous and uncomfortable but jumping in and ready to see this through. ❤️

I don't think i have a huge spending issue but this has inspired me to do an almost no-buy to try and find blind spots! ("Almost no buy" because i'm letting myself replace something if i run out of absolutely all of it, things like that). Keen to see what happens. Thanks!

i was watching this knowing that i don’t have a shopping problem but hoping i would get something out of it… and i definitely did! I have an overconsumption problem on youtube for sure, so I’ll definitely be using these rules to craft a “low-watch” year for youtube lol

Thoughts not related to the video but I have to put them somewhere... And you get a comment for the algorithm:) I started a no buy (clothes) and replacements only low buy (things around the house, make up, tea) because my shopping started to get out of hand. Wishlisting works well so far. But I miss acquiring new things into my life because the world is full of so many beautiful things... My goal for this year is appreciating what I own and interacting with it in ways that makes it feel fresh and new.

2023 is a no buy year for me. I've spent years buying makeup. Mostly high end. My husband yells at me everytime I do because we can not afford it. He feels I am addicted. I just love having a lot of makeup! Not always happy with my purchases does not help

I would love to see a couple of tango-related videos like: your favourite hairstyle/ makeup/ clothes for a milonga, footcare after a festival/tango marathon. Greetings from a Berlin-based Tanguera

thank you Hannah! it was because of you I decided to start my no buy makeup year (albeit a bit early). thank you for making me aware of my consumption habits and addiction as i was going out of hand spending on makeup I barely even wanted and spontaneously bought. all the best 💕

Thank you so much for this video. I've only come across one other's experience of a No Buy Year and - no hate to them - their No Buy was very 'traditional' in being everything that wasn't for their literal survival was off limits, whereas I don't think I could (or *need to*) do that. Instead I feel specific categories of items are leading me to spend money in ways I'm unhappy, as well as mean I can't afford things that are good for me (like therapy or building up savings for a rainy day etc). I've been more mindful of my spending the last two weeks, mostly through 'imagining' I'm on a No Buy / testing the waters, partially to give me ideas for how to make my rules. I'm actually excited to come up with some and to turn things around!

So excited for my no buy 2022! Thank you for sharing your tips and experiences, your journey has truly inspired me and I'm looking forward to really stop falling into consumerism and focus more on the beautiful items I already own ❤️❤️

Hi Hannah, I discovered your channel at the tail end of 2018 and was immediately captivated by the story you told. I don't comment much on videos but I wanted to tell you how much I enjoy your content. I really admire your ability to reflect and VERBALIZE your feelings. The ability to pinpoint exactly what you are feeling and why is just amazing to me. Your descriptions are something I completely relate to, and it has been enlightening for me to have someone say it out loud. Wondering if you've ever considered writing a book about this journey? I know you love poetry and have written articles, but you have gained such valuable knowledge and think many people would love to read what you have to say. Anyway, thank you for doing your work in the world. ❤

I'm always in a no buy. It sucks being broke lol I watch makeup videos to live vicariously. There's so many things I'd like to get but I know i never will. My cats and dog need food more than I need makeup. But man those Lisa Eldridge eyeshadows keep calling my name.

I'm so glad you did this video! I discovered your earlier no-buy series in November and started my own no-buy year right after watching all of them. One part in this video I related to: I'm about 3 months in and while I still enjoy scrolling clothing and beauty sites when I'm in a certain mood, I find I get bored with it much more quickly and don't idolize the items that catch my eye as much. It's also a relief to not have to make the decision of whether to buy any of them because the no-buy prevents it for now :)

2022 starts my no buy year! Hannah you’re my “new” Dopamine rush… yep sweet little doses of happiness 😄

Thank you Hannah 🙏. I watched you go through your no buy journey. It took me a while to come to the determination of doing one myself. I am set , the rules are written. I decided to do this about a month ago and was even “preparing myself” by buying everything I “needed” by the end of December. I’ve racked my brain trying to want or need something and I haven’t been able to think of one single thing I need to stockpile 🙄. I guess my no buy year started early 😂

„I wish I could tell her she has an olive undertone“ I FELT that 😄

I’ve been fortunate to qualify for health insurance for the second time in my adult life (undergraduate university was kind to me). I’ve been in therapy or the latter half of this year. I did suffer from an alcohol and drug addiction on and off for the past two years and when I wasn’t drinking and hangover, I would be online shopping. My vices are makeup, skincare, and jewelry (esp. earrings). This year is the first time I’ve been in credit card debt and I just cannot seem to get out of it. I want to do a sort of no or low buy year that would stop me from impulse purchases. I want to get rid of the clutter, like unworn clothes, out of my life too. An idea I’m considering is putting everything on a wishlist and checking back for it months later. Another is unfollowing social media accounts from my favorite brands.

Thank you so much for this video. I watched it, and some of your other related videos, last November and immediately decided I need to do a no buy in 2022. I’m only 27 days in so far, but somehow as soon as I decided to do it and wrote down my rules, my desire to buy makeup went away. I think I needed the guidance on just how and when to make that decision. I am sure it will feel harder as more time passes this year but so far, I feel great and I am already appreciating the makeup I already own more, and I feel grounded in a way that escaped me for a long time. Thank you!

This coming year I've decided on a strict budget for myself, and I'm looking forward to it! The majority of these rules still apply, and I'm glad I gave myself strict and detailed rules I can follow, but that are doable. For example, I'm really hoping I'll be able to study abroad this summer, so if I do, the budget doesn't count while I'm over seas (since a major factor in it is wanting to save up money for the trip!), but because of those exceptions I know I'll be able to stick to the rules! Thank you for the advice, and the pep talk

to me the problem is not the money i spend shopping, but the time i spend and the mindset behind it. i keep trying to find something to want and imagine about it etc until i get it. sometimes i want that thing for months even though i dont need it at all and it wont change anything in my life. İ spend so much time trying to find an item to want that way, and also i hate that i feel this way toward any object. nothing i buy is gonna change my life in such way. so i am doing a no buy this year and window shopping or spending time in shopping websites etc is strictly banned. thanks for the inspiration!

I have been binge watching the no buy stuff from you. Wow, it is VERY EVERGREEN! THANK YOU!

I'm at the end of a low-buy year and going to move into a no-buy next year. :)