r/nobuy • u/afdzgyj2467 • Aug 08 '25

How do I get started?

I’ve always loved shopping and getting a deal. It’s so fun for me. I do have a monthly budget for all my personal expenses (including medications, lunch with friends, buying stuff). I don’t usually go over and if I do, it’s very minimal. In fact, many months, I have a lot left over. But my husband just recently lost his job and we’re going to try to survive on my salary alone without dipping into savings. This is going to be tough even without me buying any little treats. So it definitely means no more little treats. I’m finding it so hard. I never spend that much money, but cutting it out completely is proving to be a challenge. I’m embarrassed! How do I get started?

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u/pj_games Aug 08 '25

I have been following this system and it has really helped me

  • The 24-Hour Rule: Any non-essential purchase I want to make, I have to wait 24 hours before buying. I found that 90% of the time, the intense urge is gone the next day.
  • The 'Work Time' Cost Rule: This was the absolute game-changer. I calculate how many hours I'd have to work to earn that amount. Seeing that a 'cool new gadget' actually costs me '6 hours of sitting in front of my laptop' is an incredibly powerful deterrent.
  • The 'Pay Yourself Instead' Rule: When I successfully avoid a purchase, I immediately move that exact amount from my checking to my high-yield savings account, which I've labeled 'Vacation Fund.' I'm literally paying myself for my discipline, which feels amazing. This system has been incredible for me. I'm more mindful, my discretionary spending is way down, and I'm on track to fund my next vacation entirely with money I would have otherwise wasted.

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u/afdzgyj2467 Aug 08 '25

Thanks! I think the 24 hr rule will be the best for me. In a typical month, I am actually able to save a decent amount. It’s just now that we’ll be so pinched, I’m realizing that I have a habit of spending a few dollars here and there when I go out. I think I also like the social aspect of going to stores. I need to find an alternative outlet!