Last year I Bought Nothing New and learned so much along the way. For 2012 I challenge you (yes, YOU) to do the same! You won't merely save money, you'll exercise your creativity and learn to be The Batman of Resourcefulness! Don't worry, this is actually easier than it seems. My plan allows you to "cheat" while keeping things challenging. Here's how to get started:
Set your exceptions before you begin. I allowed myself to buy craft supplies as needed and a limited amount of small business purchases. Don't allow too many exceptions, you want this to be a challenge! (Naturally, you'll buy food, toilet paper, and other necessary supplies new. )
2. Stock up on Supplies
I'm not asking you to buy your underoos second hand! Go ahead and stock up on new things you need like socks, underwear, necessary clothing replacements and/or craft supplies you use often before you begin.
3. Minimize Retail Exposure
If you're a shopaholic with impulse issues, avoid retail temptation. Don't worry, once your challenge is up retail junk won't even interest you anymore.
4. Set a Date and Stick to it
Set the dates you'll begin and end your challenge and stick with it!
5. Pay Heed to these Retail-Free Life Survival Tips:
- Ask friends, families, and neighbors for a needed supply before you buy it.
- Stretch creativity and use what you have on hand for projects.
- Use up duplicates (like those extra bottles of shampoo under the sink) before buying more.
On Exceptions... Necessary purchases for your business are exceptions to the Buy Nothing New rule. I also allowed myself to occasionally dine out (local joints), travel, and purchase souvenirs. Maybe a daily Starbucks frap is your necessary evil; every list of exceptions will be different. Adjust this challenge to suit your lifestyle.
Shout Out: For daily inspiration you must read Katy's entertaining blog The Non-Consumer Advocate, a whole site dedicated to living a resourceful retail-free life. Check out her personal buy nothing challenge.
Could you go one year without retail shopping? Are you already living a retail-free life?
I buy new when it suits me. I spent $25.00 on jewelry at Catherine's when the $24.00 sets were clearanced out and marked down to $2.50 each. But I really prefer to thrift everything. I always feel a little like I failed when I have to buy new.
ReplyDeleteJeanne: I did have to give in to retail for a big wall calendar, some things you just can't find 2nd hand. Besides, sometimes retail items on clearance are far cheaper than what you'll find at the thrift- damn those rising thrift prices.
ReplyDeleteFind a local discard grocery store :)
ReplyDeleteThese are the people that sell the stuff that gets damaged and thrown out otherwise.
Megann: Hmm...I'll have to look that up
ReplyDeleteI've been buying nothing new (with a few exceptions) since 2007, so I'm starting out on year five. It is so much easier than one would think.
ReplyDeleteKaty Wolk-Stanley
"Use it up, wear it out, make it do or do without"
Katy: It's a pretty easy lifestyle change because you still get your shopping kicks at the thrift store. The challenge of hunting for what you lack actually makes it funner.
ReplyDeleteI made this my challenge last year from you, I applied it mainly to gifts, but slowly extended it to everything. Only today I was talking about Thrift Pledge to my friend as she was aiming for something similar, I have forwarded this post to her. She's up for the challenge as am I, thank you!
ReplyDeleteMarthaamay: Glad you tried to last year! Good luck this year, you can do it. It's easier than it seems.
ReplyDeleteI don't do it as a challenge but I do not like to buy new things in many areas. Sooner or later most of the things I want/need show up at a yard sale for a fraction of the store cost.
ReplyDeleteDeana: Yep, doing this challenge has taught to be patient to save. I used to go retail when I needed something like a rug or a bookshelf, now I wait patiently for the right one to pop up at a yard sale, thrift store, or flea market stall.
ReplyDeleteI hope you happy and wish you good luck!
ReplyDeleteWords Scrabble
My partner and I simply went along to start to see the film The Social-Network last weekend.
ReplyDeleteMany homeowners select sections that totally fill
the window room. Guaranteed, using snapshots is just plain enjoyment.
Here is my website - http://topwhatsappforpc.wordpress.com/; www.vienthong.org,
Woah! I'm really digging the template/theme of this site. It's simple, yet effective.
ReplyDeleteA lot of times it's very difficult to get that "perfect balance" between user
friendliness and appearance. I must say you have done a awesome job
with this. Additionally, the blog loads very fast
for me on Opera. Superb Blog!
Review my web-site korea
Choosing toys using good judgement is one key to safety. Another key is vigilance. To be relatively safe a toy must be nontoxic, free of entanglements, and must not have easily swallowed small parts. As the director of a parrot and cockatoo sanctuary, I have seen many toys that appeared safe turned into death traps by a creative bird. Fortunately, keeping a vigilant eye on our flock has kept us from having deaths related to these "safe" toys. Personalized wooden name puzzles
ReplyDelete