This year, I embarked on a No Buy Year and truly enjoyed the experience. While I wasn’t perfect at following the rules, the essence of a No Buy Year isn’t about perfection—it’s about growth, mindfulness, and meeting personal goals. I’m proud to say I achieved most of mine (you can read more about that here).
That said, I decided to finish my No Buy Year a few weeks early, and here’s why.
1. My wardrobe no longer suited my new lifestyle
In October, I quit my corporate job. While my goal wasn’t solely to become a stay-at-home mom (SAHM), I did shift to a much lighter, part-time schedule with plans to start a micro-business (more on that in a future 2025 post).
This change brought a realization: my wardrobe didn’t match my new lifestyle.
During my No Buy Year, I decluttered my closet twice—once in autumn and again in spring—removing clothes that:
- I didn’t love
- Didn’t fit properly
- Were in poor condition
- No longer aligned with my lifestyle
What remained were corporate work outfits, exercise gear, winter gear and a handful of summer dresses. While perfect for office life, they weren’t practical for chasing toddlers or handling yogurt smudges.
So, I sold my corporate wardrobe—every piece. A friend asked if I should keep at least one outfit “just in case,” but my answer was simple: “If I return to corporate life in the distant future, I’ll buy what I need then.”
After selling those clothes, my wardrobe was almost empty. Aside from exercise gear, I had only three practical outfits for life with a toddler. Replacing these was essential.
2. Starting a business required purchases
Another reason for finishing my No Buy Year was my micro-business plans. When I left my corporate role, I wasn’t sure exactly what kind of business I wanted to start. I’m still in the early trial phase, but I know that sourcing items for resale is central to my plans. Unfortunately, this is incompatible with a strict No Buy Year.
3. What else have I bought?
First, I bought replacement clothing. Having fit-for-purpose clothes for day-to-day life felt incredible. I only purchased what I needed, and the money I made from selling my corporate wardrobe mostly covered the costs.
Second, I’ve started sourcing products as part of my business trial phase.
Finally, I bought something purely for me: an automatic hair curler. Let me explain.
Last year, I asked a group of people, “What one thing would make you feel rich?” The answers were fascinating and often surprisingly affordable. My answer? Weekly hair appointments for washing and styling.
While weekly salon visits aren’t realistic for me, an automatic hair curler felt like the next best thing. When I saw the brand I’d been eyeing listed on Facebook Marketplace for just $40, I couldn’t resist. It’s been worth every penny—and breaking my No Buy Year.
Reflection
Although my No Buy Year ended early, it was an awesome experience. It helped me reframe my relationship with spending, clarify my priorities, and embrace a simpler lifestyle.
As I move into the next chapter, I’ll carry forward the lessons I’ve learned—while enjoying a wardrobe that works.