Read the Entire Series: Day 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7
Tonight marks an interesting turn in my dream to reduce my debts and save more. This just may be another ordinary, summer Saturday night to you, but to me, it’s the beginning of a little adventure. For the next 7 days I won’t purchase anything. I’m calling it, “The 7-Day Buy Nothing Challenge.”
The experiment came to me as I was driving – yet again – to the supermarket. It was the second trip of the day. I had planned poorly and hadn’t followed my own shopping advice. Unfortunately, I got home and realized I forget bread. A few hours later I was back at the store and primed to spend.
Then, I pondered if I could actually make it a week without spending money on anything. It couldn’t be simpler, right? Just stop buying stuff! And yet, look at your receipts, how many days have you gone without a purchase?
We are primed for consumption, and sometimes we don’t know how to turn it off. It’s often easier said then done, and I struggle with it sometimes.
For the next 7 days, I aim stop shopping and see my Mint.com account show zero, nada, nothing, zilch, squat, zip. Part reflection and part education, I will write a journal-style entry to you every day.
The Buy Nothing Challenge rules are simple:
- No household goods (discretionary or non-discretionary), food, or gas purchased.
- Nothing necessary, desired, or wanted purchased/ordered.
- To aid in this process, leave credit, debit, and cash at home.
- If an emergency occurs, ignore the first three rules.
When I started telling people about this experiment, some scoffed, others laughed, and a few were excited. To me, it’s a win-win. I get to write to you and I learn what it’s like in the process. I wonder if I’ll be able to go a week. Likewise, I’m nervous if I properly prepared for the adventure. I’d love to know what you think in the comments below!
Here goes nothing! Wish me luck. Be sure to follow along!
I think this will be a worthwhile experiment, as it will highlight for you just how often we spend at least a little on something here and there. For many of us, the day seems incomplete is we haven’t made a purchase of some sort!
Thanks Kurt!
Nice to have your support on the little journey. 🙂 I tend to agree that I’ve often felt like some purchase is expected and expected. Well, not for a week!
-S.
Looking forward to reading about your experiences Sam!
Thanks Nick!
Interesting experiment. You many find it difficult, not because you are compelled to purchase items on a regular basis, but because you may simply run out of something that is a non-discretionary purchase – a particular paper product comes to mind. If you can go a week without spending money, then whew – I’d be impressed! Keep us posted!
Thanks for the comment, Adrienne!
You’re right, it will be interesting if I can make it through the week without spending – discretionary or otherwise.
Please do follow along.
-S.
Oh this looks good! I will be definitely be following this.
Guy,
Thanks for the nice comment! Please do!
-S.
I’m in! Was hit with a large (partially) unexpected dental bill and while I will be focusing on not buying items on impulse, I started my own personal challenge on Friday, 7/12. I do not buy the groceries, as that is up to my DH and I gas up the car about once a month. (I take public transit that is pre-loaded onto my card once a month.)
You can do it! 🙂
Candace,
Thanks for your encouragement. I’m about to finish day 4. Honestly, I’m ready to be done. Haha.
Let me know how your personal challenge goes! Would love to hear all about it!
-S.
I love this… I’m going to have to try.