Do you ever feel like your money disappears the moment you get paid? Maybe you have mounting credit card debt or an emergency fund that’s dangerously low. If you want to take control of your finances, break the cycle of overspending, and build lasting financial stability, then a low-buy year could be the perfect reset.

Many people try to cut back on spending but struggle to stick with it. Without clear guidelines and accountability, those small “just this once” purchases start adding up, and before you know it, your financial goals get pushed aside.

That’s where a low-buy year comes in. This structured approach helps you spend less, save more, and become intentional with your money—without feeling deprived.

I’ve done a low-buy year myself, and let me tell you—it was life-changing. At first, I worried I’d feel restricted, but instead, I felt empowered. I realized how much money I was wasting on impulse purchases, and by the end of the year, I had more savings, less financial stress, and a new perspective on what truly adds value to my life.

If you follow the steps in this guide, you’ll finish your low-buy year wondering where all this extra money came from (hint: it came from not shopping!).

No-buy year vs low-buy year? What’s the difference?

Both a no-buy year and a low-buy year focus on cutting unnecessary spending, but there’s a key difference:

A no-buy year

A no-buy year is the most extreme version—you commit to buying only essentials for an entire year. This means no new clothes, gadgets, books, or takeout—only necessities like food, rent, and hygiene products.

A low-buy year

A low-buy year is more flexible—you set specific spending limits and rules to control your spending while allowing some purchases.

For example, in a no-buy year, you wouldn’t buy any new clothing. In a low-buy year, you might allow yourself a $100 clothing budget for the year or one new item per season.

Personally, I found that a low-buy year was more sustainable for me. It allowed me to curb my spending without feeling like I was depriving myself completely.

Now, let’s get into how to set your low-buy rules and actually make this challenge successful.

Creating your low-buy year rules

OA low-buy year works best when you tailor the rules to your lifestyle. The more personalized and realistic your guidelines, the higher your chances of success. Here’s how to set your low-buy rules:

1. Take inventory of your spending

Start by reviewing your spending habits. Look at your last 3–6 months of bank and credit card statements to see where your money goes.

For me, I discovered that food delivery and random Amazon purchases were my biggest spending problems. I justified them by saying they were “convenient,” but in reality, I was just mindlessly swiping my card.

Your turn: Do you overspend on clothes, beauty products, coffee, takeout, or tech gadgets? Whatever it is, identify it—this will help you decide where to cut back.

2. Choose your spending categories

Now that you know where your money is going, decide which categories to limit. Some common areas people cut back on during a low-buy year include:

• Clothing: No new clothes except for absolute essentials (e.g., replacing worn-out shoes).
• Beauty products: No new makeup/skincare unless you run out of something you regularly use.
• Takeout & dining out: Set a monthly limit or eliminate it completely.
• Entertainment & impulse shopping: No unnecessary Amazon/Target purchases.
• Subscription services: Cancel any you don’t actively use.

Personal tip: I made one exception in my low-buy year—I allowed myself one takeout meal per month. This made the challenge feel sustainable while still significantly reducing my spending.

3. Anticipate future expenses

Think ahead to birthdays, holidays, and special events where you might be tempted to spend. Instead of waiting until the last minute and breaking your low-buy rules, plan ahead.

For example:

• Instead of buying expensive holiday gifts, hand-make presents or gift experiences like babysitting, pet-sitting, or home-cooked meals.
• If you normally buy a new outfit for weddings or events, consider renting, borrowing, or restyling something you already own.

I used to spend hundreds on Christmas gifts every year, but during my low-buy year, I made a rule: homemade gifts only. Not only did I save money, but my family actually loved the thoughtful, personalized presents.

4. Create simple, clear rules

This is the most important step of all. If you want to do a successful low-buy year, don’t make any of your rules overly complicated or confusing.

Make sure they are crystal clear and don’t leave you any wiggle room for extra purchases. You want to go into your low-buy year knowing exactly what you can and cannot spend money on.

How to stay successful during your low-buy year

With your rules laid out, you’re now ready to begin your low-buy year! In the beginning, it’s exciting to think of how much money you’ll save.

But, it can also be a little scary. What if it doesn’t work? What if you mess up or give up? Luckily, there are ways to guarantee a successful low-buy year, so don’t worry, you’ve got this!

1. Decide on your “why”

First, decide on your reason for doing this low-buy challenge. You’ll need the motivation to get you through the tough times when you want to cave in and just go shopping already.

Are you super motivated to get out of debt so you can move to a new apartment? Are you concerned that all of the money you’re spending on fast fashion is harming not just your wallet but the environment?

Whatever the reason, decide on your “why” for embarking on a low-buy year and turn to it whenever you need a little motivation. And then write down your reason and put it somewhere visible.

My personal “why” was wanting to build a financial cushion so I didn’t feel stressed every time an unexpected expense popped up. Keeping that goal in mind helped me resist impulse purchases.

2. Remove temptations

Do you get email after email from your favorite stores, offering discounts and showing you the latest things to hit the shelves? If so, unsubscribe from every one of these. Unsubscribe from marketing emails, unfollow brands on social media, and delete shopping apps from your phone.

Don’t worry, these places will all be around when your low-buy year is over, so you can always re-subscribe then (but you might find yourself no longer feeling the urge to online shop after the year is over!).

Likewise, if you have your credit card number memorized, cut it up and ask for a new one. Put up any roadblocks you can to prevent yourself from shopping for unnecessary things.

It could even be that your find yourself watching haul video after haul video on social media. It might be time to limit how much time you spend on social platforms and find other productive things to do.

When I removed Amazon and Sephora from my phone, I instantly stopped impulse shopping because I had to go through extra steps to make a purchase.

3. Track your progress

Create a monthly check-in to see how much money you’ve saved. Seeing those numbers grow will keep you motivated.

I kept a running tally in my notes app of the money I didn’t spend each month. At the end of the year, I had saved over $6,000 just by cutting back on unnecessary purchases.

4. Do it with a friend or partner

Get a friend, roommate, or partner on board to participate with you. Another person will help hold you accountable, encourage you, and it will be fun to do the challenge together.

If your partner doesn’t want to participate themselves, try to get them on board with your rules. This is especially important if one of your low-buy rules involves cutting back on grocery spending or other joint household expenses.

5. Start a gratitude practice

If you don’t already have one, develop a gratitude practice. A daily gratitude practice will remind you of all the things you do have and will make you less likely to feel the need to go out and spend more to feel fulfilled.

During a low-buy year, where your goal is to purchase less, limiting this urge to spend by being grateful for what you already have is a key element to success.

6. Fill your time with other things

Lastly, remind yourself of what you like to do that doesn’t involve shopping or spending money. Sometimes we use shopping to fill a void or because it gives us a rush.

But there are tons of things that are just as fun and don’t cost anything. Reading, catching up with friends, baking, watching Netflix – all of these things are almost free, and you can still enjoy them all during your low-buy year.

Expert tip: Use a low buy to get clear on your values

A low-buy year isn’t about deprivation—it’s about realigning your spending with your values. When you remove mindless spending, you create space for what truly matters, whether that’s financial freedom, experiences, or long-term security.

Alternatives to a low-buy year

If a low-buy year sounded too daunting or intimidating to you, why not start small with a low-buy quarter, low-buy month, or even low-buy week?

Sometimes it’s better to start small and build on that, especially if you’re a big spender or rely on retail therapy to soothe yourself.

By starting small, with just a low-buy week, low-buy month, or low-buy quarter, you can dip your toe into spending less without fully committing to a whole year.

These alternatives also allow you to revisit your rules, revise them, and keep going for another week, month, or quarter. Who knows, by the time you end your first short challenge, you might be ready to go all-in on an entire low-buy year!

Questions commonly asked about doing a low-buy year

1. Can I still buy things during a low-buy year?

Yes! A low-buy year is not about completely cutting out all spending but rather being intentional about what you purchase. Unlike a no-buy year, which eliminates all non-essential purchases, a low-buy year allows for some spending—but within predetermined limits.

The key is to set clear and realistic rules that align with your financial goals. For example, you might allow yourself to replace worn-out essentials (such as shoes or a winter coat), buy pre-planned items within a set budget (such as $100 for new clothes for the entire year), or spend on experiences rather than material things (such as travel or special occasions). The goal is not to feel deprived but to eliminate impulse shopping and ensure your money is being used in ways that truly benefit you.

2. How much money can I save with a low-buy year?

The amount you save will depend on your current spending habits and how strict your low-buy rules are. Some people save thousand dollars by significantly reducing discretionary spending.

For example, if you typically spend $250 per month on takeout, cutting that back to just one meal per month could save you $2,500+ per year. Similarly, if you limit clothing purchases and only replace necessary items, you could easily save $1,000 or more over the year. By tracking your spending and sticking to your rules, you’ll start seeing real financial progress and gain a new appreciation for mindful spending.

3. What if I break a rule?

Nobody is perfect, and breaking a rule doesn’t mean you’ve failed. A low-buy year is about progress, not perfection. If you find yourself making an unplanned purchase, acknowledge it, assess why it happened, and adjust your approach moving forward.

One helpful strategy is to identify your spending triggers. Did you shop out of boredom? Was it an emotional purchase? By recognizing patterns, you can develop better habits. If you slip up, don’t give up on the challenge—just get back on track. The most important thing is that you’re making conscious financial decisions and learning from the process.

4. Can I do a shorter version instead of a whole year?

Absolutely! If a full year feels overwhelming, you can start with a low-buy month, quarter, or even a six-month challenge. A shorter timeframe allows you to test the waters and adjust your rules before committing to a full year.

Many people start with a low-buy month and extend it once they see how much money they save and how much their spending mindset shifts. You can also experiment with specific low-buy categories—for example, committing to a no new clothing rule for three months before expanding it to other areas. By starting small, you’ll build confidence and see firsthand how reducing unnecessary spending benefits your finances and overall well-being.

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Are you ready to give a low-buy year (or week, month, or quarter) a try?

A low-buy year is a powerful way to take control of your spending and reset your financial habits. Whether you commit for a month, a year, or somewhere in between, the key is making mindful decisions about where your money goes. The more intentional you are, the greater your financial progress will be.