September has come and gone, and I’m still going strong (ish) with my No Buy Year! As we head into the Christmas season, I’ve been starting to purchase gifts for loved ones. (Gifts fall outside the scope of my No Buy Year, which is focused solely on personal spending.) If you’re looking for budget-friendly Christmas ideas, check out my recent post on How to Celebrate Christmas on a Budget: Tips for a Simple Holiday Season—it has some ideas to spend less during the festivities. Oooh, I am so excited to put up my Christmas tree!
September also marked a major milestone for me: I resigned from my job. This decision took a lot of mental energy, but it has opened up new possibilities. One of these is starting a very tiny business venture, and for that, I needed a reliable laptop. I did purchase a new one since my old laptop’s battery barely holds a charge anymore. This laptop will be essential as I dive into new projects and explore what’s next.
On another note, I challenged myself this year to stick with only one TV subscription. Netflix was my go-to for most of the year, but I recently switched to Stan for a change of options. The cost is similar, and it keeps me on track with my ‘only one subscription’ goal. I’ve noticed I’m watching less TV and reading more—a surprising and positive shift!
Musings on This Journey
- Practicing Gratitude: I’ve been making a point to practice gratitude, asking myself, “What am I grateful for today?” It’s amazing how this simple question can change my mindset.
- Avoiding Comparison: I remind myself often that “comparison is the thief of joy.” It’s easy to look at what others have, but I’m finding more contentment by focusing on my own journey.
I read an amusing quote earlier this year: “There are two ways to be rich: One is by acquiring much, and the other is by desiring little”
What I’m Currently Reading
Right now, I’m re-reading the book: Things That Matter by Joshua Becker. A quote that stood out to me is, “Everything you own requires a little bit of your attention and time.” It’s a powerful reminder as I continue to declutter and reassess what I truly need.
Three months to go!