‘My goal is to spend under $1,000 this month’: The no-buy movement is making waves on TikTok
Non-shopping trend there’s nothing newbut every January it picks up new momentum, right after the holiday swag.
If you’re new to this trend, the concept is simple. While there are no strict rules for a month-long no-spend challenge, most participants stick to the basics, limiting their spending to non-discretionary items like food and transportation. Some go even further, sharing detailed lists of what is and isn’t allowed in their budget—no more impulse shopping trips or indulgent brunches, at least for a month.
“I know #nospendjanuary seems like the absolute worst thing ever.” acknowledges one TikTok user. “But honestly, I’ve seen so many videos where it’s a complete game changer for people’s finances, and how much they’ve saved in one month is crazy.”
Her realistic and achievable recommendations include no spending on eating out or extraneous purchases such as clothing, home decor, shopping on Amazon, or impulse shopping in the middle aisle of Aldi. Some people have even set weekly spending limits to stay accountable and track progress. “My goal is to spend less than $1,000 this month,” another poster. general along with its rules and exceptions for the no-spend month. “Wish me luck.”
Shopping bans and other financial “detox” programs have been around for a long time; however, it’s easy to see why January is an attractive month to practice financial restraint. “I feel like we’re exhausted from the holidays anyway,” says one. creator. “It’s time to take a break.” For many, the challenge isn’t so much about restrictions as it is about rethinking your relationship with money for the coming year, prioritizing intentional purchases over impulsive ones. “My only New Year’s resolution is to be more mindful of the things I buy,” she adds.
But before you cut down on your credit cards, it’s important to consider why you’re taking on this task. Is it just a desire to save money or is there something specific you want to cut your expenses on? Once you decide on your financial goals, set yourself up for success. Uninstall shopping apps, unsubscribe from marketing emails, and even take a break from social media if endless scrolling fuels your desire to shop. Every time you want to buy something, write it down in the Notes app on your phone. At the end of the month, review the list again and see if you still need the items checked.
Whether they decide on zero or low spending, it appears that for the most part Americans are optimistic about their financial decisions for 2025, motley stupid money. survey reveals. While 69% plan to set financial goals, 74% are confident they will achieve them. If a habit starts to pay off, why stop in January?
2025-01-08 05:11:00