Beginner’s Guide: Starting Your Own Low-Buy Challenge

If you’ve been spending too much money lately, the low-buy challenge is something you can start anytime. You make your own rules for what you want to cut back on and for how long. Whether you’re buying less clothing, dinners out, or streaming services and subscriptions, you choose your own path. If saving money and living more creatively and sustainably sound good to you, then keep reading, dearie!

The low-buy challenge is like the no-buy challenge, but with a little wiggle room. With a low-buy system, you’re allowed to treat yourself occasionally versus a more regimented spending schedule.

A low-buy lifestyle gives you flexibility, but is still a great way to keep a better handle on your purse strings and lower your carbon footprint. Less spending means less stuff which means less impact on the environment.

If you need some inspiration, I’m doing my own low-buy challenge and could use the company! It can be a little lonely trying to save money when many of your friends are taking vacations, eating out every night, and buying all the fun stuff.

But you’re not alone. There’s a whole community trying to simplify their lives and live a more eco-friendly existence.

So whether you want to do a low-buy challenge for six months or two years or forever, you’re on your way.

This post is all about tips for doing your own low-buy challenge.

1. Write down your reasons for starting a low-buy challenge.

Going on a low-buy journey is a great idea for many reasons:

• Creating better sustainable habits that help reduce your carbon footprint
• Paying off debt
• Saving for a large purchase like a home, car, appliance, renovation, event, trip, musical instrument, or that special piece of jewelry
• Building an emergency savings
• Adding more money to a retirement fund or college savings plan
• Setting aside some cash for Christmas or Hanukkah presents (or any gifting situation!)
• Covering a large doctor’s or dental bill
• Starting a business

For me, the main two reasons to start a low-buy challenge were to get into better financial shape in case I got laid off from my job and to make a more positive impact on the environment by consuming less.

No matter your reasons, the eco-friendly aspect naturally happens with this lifestyle, so I’m calling that a win!

2. Determine your money-spending tendencies and impulse-shopping weak spots.

What stores are hard for you to resist once you’re inside shopping or browsing for long stretches on their websites?

My major downfalls are places like T.J. Maxx, Marshalls, HomeGoods, cutesy gift shops, antique jewelry sellers, plant nurseries, and any place that sells dog dresses. Another one is the Double Discount store at my office. (75% off gifts, housewares, décor, and lots of random stuff you think must have in the moment!)

I’m also a real sap for a sample sale. At my job, I used to write catalog copy for these gorgeous luxury gifts and, after the samples were done being photographed, they’d have an exclusive sale within the building for the people who worked on the product.

And, Y’ALL. You know I was there!

There also used to be this adorable, custom purse shop in town that had a closing sale and I got some AWESOME frames, fixtures, and wooden coat hangers that day. It was loot heaven!

Why are these even my memories??? Because treasure hunting is FUN for me. A little TOO fun.

But, I’ve changed. I’ve realized I don’t need EVERYTHING. And I’m being much more discerning when it comes to my purchases.

The whole point is (in case you were wondering where that had gone) is to know what tempts you and to avoid those temptations.

Your weak spots might be the local golf outlet, a tech store, or maybe even an activity like lots and lots of happy hours! Just be cognizant of these things, and that will help you to succeed!

When you do a low-buy challenge,
try a less-buy challenge, too.

What I mean by that is…
look for cheaper prices or products,
if possible.

On the other hand,
I do believe in spending a little more
to support more ethical, sustainable, and cruelty-free brands,
so that’s something to also consider.

3. Think of what you don’t actually need or could buy less of.

• Before buying a new outfit for an event, see what you already have in your closet that would be cute.
• Cut down on costs by turning off unnecessary lights in the house, running less water, and doing laundry at off-peak times when the energy rates are lower. (Peak hours are typically 4-8 p.m., so try to avoid these times.)
• Use one beauty product at a time. It’s easy to load up on lotions and potions, but you can only apply so much at once! I know I always end up with a bunch of half-used expired product I forget I have. This is one thing I’m doing for my low-buy: holding off on buying more makeup or moisturizers until I’ve used what’s in my cabinet. You’re less likely to run into an expired product issue if you have less product to choose from!
• Buy in bulk if it’s something you know you always use, it’s cheaper in the long-run, or saves you several trips. For instance, you may buy a big tin of coffee at Costco because you drink coffee everyday. But do you need two enormous jars of pickles when you only eat pickles occasionally? If it’s not that big of a DILL to you, skip that purchase. (Yes, I had to do the pun. Don’t judge me.)

4. Consider using what you already have and get creative with problem-solving.

This is where you really start thinking like MacGyver. Don’t know MacGyver? Well, that’s where the internet comes in!

MacGyver had some sweet DIY skills and could solve all kinds of issues with stuff like a piece of string and a gum wrapper.

MacGyver had it goin’ on.

• Repurpose or upcycle items instead of buying something new.
• Organize your current supplies so you’re not overbuying when looking for things like batteries, bandages, or light bulbs. It might already be in your cupboard!
• Make your own cleaning supplies.
• Share resources, tools, and equipment with friends you trust and who trust you.

This has been a big area of growth for me. For a long time, I was used to just going and getting something I needed without thinking of a creative alternative first. And now, I’m always brainstorming ways to get a project completed without it first ending in a purchase.

“Not everything has to be a purchase decision, Katherine.”

Kat’s DAd

5. Know how you’re going to use the money you’re not spending.

This sort of goes back to the first tip, BUT now that you’re saving extra, what are you ACTUALLY doing with it?

Make sure you pay down that debt each month, deposit extra into your savings, or set aside some emergency money in a little secret stash.

Do what works for you because you know YOU.

6. Aim to stick with your goals, but don’t fret over being perfect.

Perfectionism is a you-know-what.

I’ve struggled with perfectionism my whole life. And I’m tired of it!

Just like changing your eating habits or starting a workout routine, things aren’t going to be perfect. You might have a cookie or two at a party or laze around the entire weekend. Sometimes, you just need that break.

But you get back on the path and keep going.

The same goes with spending. You may have a weak moment. Or maybe you just had a long week and you’re going to get those DoorDash enchiladas because there’s no way you’re heating up one more plate of leftovers.

IT’S OKAY.

Have your treat. Just don’t make it a regular thing. You’re doing great.

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7. Be savvier with where you spend your cash.

This can be about learning new trades or strengthening your talents.

It can also be about finding new places to shop that aren’t highway robbery.

Low-buy the best way you know how:

• Seek out holiday sales, discounted prices, and the clearance tables.
• Consider thrift shops before paying full price.
• Use The Buy Nothing Project on Facebook to find free stuff you need.
• Instead of going out to dinner, do happy hour or reverse happy hour where you can get happier prices on appetizers and drinks!
• Get carryout instead of food delivered to your home to save on fees and tips.
• Learn more DIY skills and, if possible, do a few repairs yourself before hiring someone.

8. Ask yourself: Is it a true need or a nice-to-have?

Yes, that cozy pajama set is so soft and not very expensive, but do you NEED it? One way I like to extend the life of my clothes is to take comfy, worn-out, and too-shrunken-for-public-appearances clothing and make them pajamas.

I do this a lot with t-shirts, loose coverups, and tank tops.

Here are a few things to stop buying until they’re completely threadbare:

• Undergarments and socks: Okay, I’m not advocating for totally ratty underwear, but maybe you can keep wearing your undies for a little longer. No one really wants this, but we have goals, people.
• Kitchen accessories: To be fair, I don’t cook so you may just tell me to shut up right now. But if your can opener is working, do you need another fancier can opener? Let me just tell you how many wine bottle openers we have because we kept traveling where there were no wine bottle openers. So we bought one. And another one. And ANOTHER ONE. No! Don’t be me and Jon in this scenario!
• Dishes: I use my grandma’s china, plus all of the other dishes I’ve collected over the years. If you have items like these, use them. Even the really frou frou stuff!

Sneaky Low-Buy Tactic:

For your birthday or the holidays,
ask for stuff you were already
planning to buy:
not necessarily dental floss,
but maybe it’s a garden tool
or even a donation
to your favorite non-profit.

• Furniture: As an example, I’m still using my desk I had when I was a teenager. Our couch? Well, the springs have gone kaput and I’m literally sitting in a hole right now typing this. Now, we probably should get a new couch. But, you can keep furniture for years! I have a table from the Civil War era. That’s, like, lots of years.
• The newest gaming consoles: I’m not a gamer, but I know gamers. And I know they love the latest and the greatest. But here’s where you shine and play on with what you already have!
• Smartphones: Same with the gaming! These aren’t cheap, plus it’s much more sustainable not to get the newest one with each upgraded rendition.

9. Avoid potential pitfalls.

Maybe you have that one friend who’s always planning the next trip and pleading, “You’ve GOT to gooooo!” Or you can’t step into your favorite store without emptying your life’s savings. Maybe it’s just a habit of getting a venti chai every morning before work.

You know your money triggers, so have a plan in place to curb your spending and prevent your financial destruction.

Take a rain-check on the trip.

Wear blinders when passing by that store. Or, for heaven’s sake, DARE NOT type in that URL!

Make your own sweet drink at home.

You’ve got this low-buy thing down pat!

If your love language is giving gifts,
the low-buy challenge
will challenge you even more.

But please don’t relinquish
that beautiful,
generous spirit of yours.
Just maybe don’t overdo it!

I say this as someone
who tends to overdo it…
so I know!

10. Swear off impulse purchases.

Okay, if you run out of toilet paper, that’s an approved impulse purchase! Please don’t wait a week to decide on that!

One of the things I like to do is wait, at MINIMUM, 24 hours. But, now I wait even longer. Usually, the urge to buy something that you really don’t need will fade faster than you think.

If it’s something that keeps nagging at you, it’s okay to take a second look. Maybe it’s something you can save for or purchase in the future. Just not RIGHT NOW.

11. Make gifts instead of buying them.

Going low-buy on gift giving is not only smart, but has the potential for being really unique and even more meaningful.

Think of your one-of-a-kind gifts.

Are you an artist, poet, photographer, or musician? Create beauty with your amazing talent!

Maybe you’re a nutritionist and can write out that weekly food plan they’ve been talking about. (Only do this if you know for sure they’ve been requesting something like this! No one wants unsolicited dieting advice!)

Do you have a fantastic collection of vinyls, jewelry, or poodle figurines? One of my mentors gifted me with a piece of ironstone from his treasure trove. It always makes me think of him, his creativity, thoughtfulness, and generosity.

Gifts That Cost Little to Nothing:

• Bake cookies.
• Write a poem.
• Frame a photo you took.
• Cook dinner for them.
• Make a craft, like cork coasters for their home.
• Pot a plant from your garden.
• Pass down a family heirloom.
• Create a scrapbook.
• Compose a song.

Things That I Think are Still Worth the Money:

• Sympathy Cards: Acknowledging your friend’s grief is one of the kindest and most important things you can do. And, as a professional greeting card writer for over two decades, I know cards are a wonderful ways to connect and start a conversation…especially when it’s hard to find the right words to say.
• Small Business Purchases: Think about small business owners first, if possible. From buying your veggies from a local farmer to picking out a gift created by an independent artist, this can support your community and financial goals.

• Brands & Non-Profits That are Doing Good in This World: Organizations like Starfish Project make spectacular jewelry and your purchase helps women survivors start new chapters and thrive.
• What You Need to Nurture Your Physical Health & Mental Health: This is up to you and your healthcare pros. But, it’s important to take care of yourself or it’ll be tough to be up to any challenge, low-buy or otherwise.
• Special Events & Occasions: There may be a once-in-a-lifetime party, concert, trip, ceremony, or celebration that will mean the world to you. You can prioritize these! These are the gems of life and I believe in doing those special things that bring you joy and closer to those you love.

12. Use your credit card rewards and gift cards for necessities instead of frivolous stuff.

I used to be like, “Cool! I have $43 in rewards! I’ll buy some earrings!” Now, I think differently.

NOW, I think of what I need for the house or any other smaller necessity that comes first. I use my rewards points on those things instead.

Here are Some Items I’ll buy With My Points:

• Toilet tissue
• Laundry soap sheets
• Vitamins: Of course, always check with your doctor or health professional on which supplements you should take!
• Plant-based garbage bags
• Cruelty-free dishwasher tabs

Now, stuff like kitchen supplies and toiletries aren’t exciting purchases but, y’all, we’re low-buying here and this is one way to save!

13. Create a simpler lifestyle, not just a shopping diet.

Just like adopting healthier eating habits, your low-buy challenge can get you into a long-term routine of saving more money. It can help you change your mindset and the way you look at spending.

And it can help you make decisions on big and unexpected purchases in the future. The future likes to come with lots of big and unexpected surprises, am I right?

Creating these patterns, especially in our younger years, is so important. It’s even more important when, one day, middle-age sneaks up on you and you wonder…

“Why don’t I have MORE MONEY?!!”

OH. YEAH. Adding TOO MUCH to my cart.

See where I’m going with this? Keep perfecting your low-buy lifestyle as you go.

Conclusion

There’s no single low-buy roadmap or plan, but many ways to save and spend less. You have to create a system that works for your lifestyle, where you prioritize what you need to buy and what you don’t.

And if you get stuck, come back here for tips! I love sharing my perfectly imperfect tips!

Let me know in the comments your savvy strategies for resisting those irresistible pretties!

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