This year I decided to challenge myself to a No/Low Spending experiment. What does this mean? The first thing that I needed to get clear on was what I would and wouldn’t allow myself to spend money on. So, first, the woulds: obviously the normal array of bills (ie, gas, phone, etc.), food, medicine, and any necessities for the house (ie. if the toaster breaks, I can buy a new one). What would I not be spending money on? That is simple - anything I don’t need (that’s NEED and not WANT). No buying new clothes when I already have a closet full but usually end up wearing the same three outfits. No more buying books when I have a towering TBR pile and there is always the library.
The next thing to get clear on was my WHY. Why am I doing this? Several reasons. The first being that I no longer want to mindlessly consume. How many times have you bought a pair of shoes or new sweater that has ended up in the back of your closet forgotten about? The second reason is that I want to get my finances in order. Not spending where I don’t have to is a big step in that direction. And, lastly, my desire moving forward is to focus on experiences over things. It would mean more to me to have money to travel or see a concert than accumulate more stuff (especially since I want to move into a tiny home at some point).
Almost a month into this experiment, what have I discovered? My biggest issue with spending is FOMO. Look those pajamas are on sale for $20! I might never get a deal like that again! The fear of missing out… (FYI, I LOVE pajamas and already have a drawer full of them). I have had to stop myself a few times. Do I need another pair of pajamas? Absolutely not. Will pajamas ever go on sale again? Chances are that they will. The idea that I may be missing out on a one time possibility is nonsense. It is just brainwashing from this consumption based society we are a part of. I don’t need - I want and those are two different things.
My word for 2024 is Simplify. I want to cut back on all the clutter (mental and physical) that occupies too much of my time. I want to practice mindful consumption - whether that relates to shopping or eating. I want to experience more and own less. I want to be present and grateful for all of the abundance that is already in my life. The need for more is a never ending race. This is my year of less is more.
Wonderful idea! FOMO is a struggle but having less stuff is so freeing.