Anyone on a low buy or no buy in 2023?

[cheremushki]

I've been into bags for only 5 years and last 3 years doesn't really count.

And now I'm on a low-buy by default on everything. All the brands are kind of putting me off on wanting to spend money on them.. With everything going on with brands.. It feels like I'm being made into a fool if I continue to buy at this price point and in this much consumer manipulation.. Do I want more? Yes, of course.. but I don't need more.

Also I'm beginning to feel kind of like I have enough. I have enough of everything I want.. I think sometimes having this feeling of want rather than completing purchases are better. There will always be something we want.

And above all has helped shifting my interests. Last 2 years my spending has shifted to stationaries and plants (which has also peaked).

 

[DILF]

Three main reasons, among others:

Greedflation: I am sick to the stomach with semi-annual price increases and the profit-driven mindset. While I completely understand that it's strictly business and never personal - if I was running a company and product demand is consistently high, I would keep raising prices too - this seriously tempers my appetite for luxury goods.

Sustainability: The rate at which we consume goods and services is seriously bad for the planet. The greenwashing that is going on behind all the houses is a form of brainwashing. In order to better the environment at an individual level, we should buy less, buy better.

The solution to the above is second-hand shopping. For me, you get the most bang for your buck (best quality-price ratio) and better for the environment.

Priority Shift: Shopping is not a priority for me personally. There are other goals in life to focus on.

Bottom line, I flat out refuse to make a selective few even richer by emptying my wallet. Ask yourself who you are making richer by purchasing something using your hard earned $. For instance, the ones who run LVMH already make so much dough, so why the heck would i contribute to their revenue? Incidentally, LVMH owns 20% (probably more now) of Hermès.

 

[Andradia]

I'm having a low shop/no shop year...I've come to the realization that I have too much of everything, and it's not getting used, just hoarded. I'm retired and now live in a beach town. All of my big bags, jackets, and dozens of boots are gathering dust. I have many expensive bags that have never been used, or only been used once or twice. I find that when I go out alone now, I will often grab my trusty black coach mini duffle that I can wear crossbody, as opposed to one of my LV's or Gucci's.

In the past year I bought two pairs of Brooks running shoes, and I just ordered the WT Alma bb. Other than that, just stuff that I actually needed, like socks and undies. In all honesty, I could get by with just a couple pair of jeans, a few shirts, a small bag, and some flip flops. I cleaned out my closets this year, and got rid of/donated a good dozen bags of clothes....and my closets are still full.

I also am shocked at the constant price increases. Do I really need another anything at these prices? I love my Louis Vuitton canvas because it's so light, and is so much easier on my shoulders.....but I think the alma will be my last as the prices continue to climb. I really need to be content and use what I have. I think I'd feel much better if I got rid of what I'm not using as well.

 

[Kevinaxx]

I’ve always been more low buy but still susceptible to impulse buys.

But I much rather have one pair of really good flats than 5. Or one wallet for decade vs go through a new one every couple of years.

The economy doesn’t really change that.

Over time though, I learn from my mistakes so it’s less impulse buys but I don’t think I’ll ever be able to master/beat out marketing completely.

 

[rose60610]

I've made many clothes/shoe/bag/accessory purchases over the past few years. Wardrobe-wise I'm pretty set. So my focus has changed to other areas--books and kitchen related things.

 

[sparklebunny]

I’ve been on either a no- or low-buy mode since the pandemic happened. I switched to WFH a while back and don’t really go out as much, so I have less use for “nicer” things.

Plus, I’d rather buy long-term classic, quality pieces now (things that can mature along with you). I’m nearly middle-aged and am not interested in frivolous purchases anymore. I might do a bit of “luxe” shopping this year for my birthday, but that’s it.

My husband and I are also focusing on other goals like more international travel, which we largely avoided during the pandemic.

 

[Mrs.Hermess]

Great thread.
At end of 2022, I went on a no-shopping ban until June of 2023- this included Amazon! I realized my spending was way more than anticipated. I usually just buy whatever I like without much thought, but it has gotten to the point my closet is bursting with unused items. I even forget I have purchased items, and i was shopping just to acquire with no time wear.

Since Jan 2023, I had not purchase any items whatsoever except true necessities. I even disconnected from PF to avoid lovely temptations, but in March I failed miserably and it had a snowball effect. I have been focused on large renovation project much like @880 (whose posts I enjoy so much), well-being, meditation, healthy eating, working out, no TV, no social media.

i am now trying to pick up where I left off, and instead of a full ban, will try to only buy items I truly need, want, or was waiting for. hoping I can continue focused on only items I love and need- not just want. Amazon continues to be banned

 

[QualityNClass]

Thank you everyone for sharing your experiences! You are helping me find inspiration and motivation to stick with my low buy goal for this year.

The reality is that I don’t NEED anymore bags or jewelry. I am hardly wearing / using what I have since I am working from home and will do so for the remainder of the year 2023.

It is just that I find it very tempting to find certain bags in certain colors and certain jewelry brands at a great price on the preowned market (Trr / fashionphile etc). How are you all dealing with temptation when you see a great priced item that is in great condition? The whole ongoing price increases is also tripping me up and makes me want to get these items as soon as I find even a 20% discount on retail price. I welcome your advise

 

[onlyk]

Thank you everyone for sharing your experiences! You are helping me find inspiration and motivation to stick with my low buy goal for this year.

The reality is that I don’t NEED anymore bags or jewelry. I am hardly wearing / using what I have since I am working from home and will do so for the remainder of the year 2023.

It is just that I find it very tempting to find certain bags in certain colors and certain jewelry brands at a great price on the preowned market (Trr / fashionphile etc). How are you all dealing with temptation when you see a great priced item that is in great condition? The whole ongoing price increases is also tripping me up and makes me want to get these items as soon as I find even a 20% discount on retail price. I welcome your advise

The best way is don’t look unless you are a reseller haha

 

[darkangel07760]

Since beating the Cartier price increase in April and beating the Tiffany price increase in May I have been “asked” to slow down my jewelry pieces. Understandably I did purchase quite a lot, but at the the same time these pieces aren’t getting any cheaper haha!
Just to put it out there, I don’t have credit cards, so I save up for the pieces I want and I make sure all bills are paid before I save/buy.
I am on the hunt for a new used car as my old car’s days are numbered (she is till going strong but I much rather recoup a few bucks to put towards another car). So I am focused on that.
I have been good about clothes for years; I rotate my closet a few times a year and bag the rest up and tuck away to be rediscovered months later so it keeps the boredom of the same clothes away!
I am more into designer jewelry than handbags; I am currently eyeballing a couple of Coach/Coach Outlet pieces but I have a very small collection of handbags and I am happy with them. All very sturdy and will last a long time.
My friend and I have a new tradition of a yearly luxury shopping trip that we started this past spring so hopefully I can wait out another inevitable price increase until then. That’s when I will start buying jewelry again; I feel a year of low/no buy is sufficient to not worry my husband haha!
I will admit that I feel uncomfortable that I am on a jewelry “ban”, especially when a good sale pops up, but I remind myself to wait for the big “after Christmas” sales and for our luxury shopping trip next spring. Plus, I make it a point to wear my pieces pretty much daily to remind myself that I am good with what I already have. I only want one more piece from Tiffany and Cartier and then I am good (I know we have told ourselves this but I ever since I got rid of my credit cards and started budgeting I have dramatically changed my spending habits). I have started saving now to hopefully have a decent amount to use on our shopping trip next spring.

 

[starsandhearts]

ETA: I am also interested in investing as well. So we will see.

I am turning 41 in about three weeks and I am focused on a couple of things. I want to go back to school to get an MBA in International Business this fall for personal fullfillment and I want to pay cash for it. Also, I want to pay off my mortgage early and once it is paid off I want to do upgrades to my house. Also, I am at home most of the time. We have everything delivered. I had 40 bags, decluttered down to 14, and at this level they are collecting dust. At this point I am trying to make a point to use a different bag everytime I leave the house and it sometimes feels like I am trying to meet a quota. That feels like when I was employed and meeting quotas. I don't want to declutter more because I like everything I have. My clothes are the same way. I pretty much live in lounge wear. I have been making it a point to wear my jewelry in the house. I threw out all my makeup because I don't go anywhere and it was just sitting there getting old. I won't repurchase anymore unless I am going to go back to work in an office setting. Honestly, I don't see that happening. I am semi-retired.

 

[insepidpos]

I started a low buy this year just to prep myself for when I graduate college and get a salaried job-it’s difficult but rewarding somehow

 

[Kevinaxx]

Since beating the Cartier price increase in April and beating the Tiffany price increase in May I have been “asked” to slow down my jewelry pieces. Understandably I did purchase quite a lot, but at the the same time these pieces aren’t getting any cheaper haha!
Just to put it out there, I don’t have credit cards, so I save up for the pieces I want and I make sure all bills are paid before I save/buy.
I am on the hunt for a new used car as my old car’s days are numbered (she is till going strong but I much rather recoup a few bucks to put towards another car). So I am focused on that.
I have been good about clothes for years; I rotate my closet a few times a year and bag the rest up and tuck away to be rediscovered months later so it keeps the boredom of the same clothes away!
I am more into designer jewelry than handbags; I am currently eyeballing a couple of Coach/Coach Outlet pieces but I have a very small collection of handbags and I am happy with them. All very sturdy and will last a long time.
My friend and I have a new tradition of a yearly luxury shopping trip that we started this past spring so hopefully I can wait out another inevitable price increase until then. That’s when I will start buying jewelry again; I feel a year of low/no buy is sufficient to not worry my husband haha!
I will admit that I feel uncomfortable that I am on a jewelry “ban”, especially when a good sale pops up, but I remind myself to wait for the big “after Christmas” sales and for our luxury shopping trip next spring. Plus, I make it a point to wear my pieces pretty much daily to remind myself that I am good with what I already have. I only want one more piece from Tiffany and Cartier and then I am good (I know we have told ourselves this but I ever since I got rid of my credit cards and started budgeting I have dramatically changed my spending habits). I have started saving now to hopefully have a decent amount to use on our shopping trip next spring.

Huge fan of having a plan/saving to purchase vs putting it on credit or layaway when they’re discretionary and not essentials.

At the same time, I love the idea of the luxury trip you have with friend. 1) it’s experience, bonding whatever you want to label. 2) discipline approach and I don’t know about you but I love my pieces more when I know hard earned $ went into it and the wait.

This year I’ve been pretty good at sticking with my budget, even with increase in wages, I splurged a bit, teeny bit, and most of it is in savings.

My next high buy will be another property.

Hopefully next year…

 

[QualityNClass]

ETA: I am also interested in investing as well. So we will see.

I am turning 41 in about three weeks and I am focused on a couple of things. I want to go back to school to get an MBA in International Business this fall for personal fullfillment and I want to pay cash for it. Also, I want to pay off my mortgage early and once it is paid off I want to do upgrades to my house. Also, I am at home most of the time. We have everything delivered. I had 40 bags, decluttered down to 14, and at this level they are collecting dust. At this point I am trying to make a point to use a different bag everytime I leave the house and it sometimes feels like I am trying to meet a quota. That feels like when I was employed and meeting quotas. I don't want to declutter more because I like everything I have. My clothes are the same way. I pretty much live in lounge wear. I have been making it a point to wear my jewelry in the house. I threw out all my makeup because I don't go anywhere and it was just sitting there getting old. I won't repurchase anymore unless I am going to go back to work in an office setting. Honestly, I don't see that happening. I am semi-retired.

I needed to see this post! Thank you for sharing!! I will be your age in a few years. Parts of my life - young kids and travel - are busier than ever and I need to make mental and physical space to account for them. I only go to the office 2 times a week which means I don’t really need extensive work attire. 10-12 outfits is all one needs, and I’ve got more than that. Additionally, we are focused on paying off our home or reducing our mortgage, perhaps 1 or 2 major home improvement projects so that we have less things to worry when age 45 comes around.

A few chanel bags, a couple of vintage hermes, and a few more contempary bags - this pretty much covers it for me. In fact, I barely use these. For most errands and school pick ups, I am carrying a nylon lululemon or uniqlo bag!! At this point, the Chanel and Hermes are collecting dust anyway.

With jewelry, it is another story. While I rarely wear them, there are so many deals to be had that I just want to “collect” just in case. But, I working on curbing this behavior..

 

[starsandhearts]

I needed to see this post! Thank you for sharing!! I will be your age in a few years. Parts of my life - young kids and travel - are busier than ever and I need to make mental and physical space to account for them. I only go to the office 2 times a week which means I don’t really need extensive work attire. 10-12 outfits is all one needs, and I’ve got more than that. Additionally, we are focused on paying off our home or reducing our mortgage, perhaps 1 or 2 major home improvement projects so that we have less things to worry when age 45 comes around.

A few chanel bags, a couple of vintage hermes, and a few more contempary bags - this pretty much covers it for me. In fact, I barely use these. For most errands and school pick ups, I am carrying a nylon lululemon or uniqlo bag!! At this point, the Chanel and Hermes are collecting dust anyway.

With jewelry, it is another story. While I rarely wear them, there are so many deals to be had that I just want to “collect” just in case. But, I working on curbing this behavior..

I am definitely a homebody. Instead of focusing on luxury bags I want to make my living space luxurious as possible. It has been challenging to not want to purchase something. I guess I habe to keep my eyes on the prize.