Of the many resolutions for this year — most of which have likely already been left in the rearview mirror — a popular one is a “No Buy” or “Low Buy” 2025.
It’s a phenomena fueled by millennials and Gen Zers on social media.
The No Buy 2025 trend might have grown out of the spending frenzy that followed pent-up demand after the pandemic. Or maybe it’s a way to face inflation and higher interest rates. Or maybe just a more idealistic approach to consumerism.
The No Buy challenge is to go a long time without making purchases beyond the essentials of life.
The benefits of the idea are mostly obvious: You save up some money and don’t add so much to your credit card debt.
But psychologists say it can also be good for you by alleviating some stress about overspending and letting you focus on other important things and giving you a chance to appreciate the things you already have. And buying less is good for the environment.
There are local no buy groups on social media. They focus on trading or giving away items, lending things and generally trying not to over-consume.
Many people doing the no buy thing start by pledging to buy no new clothes in 2025, with many also including thrift store and garage sale clothing on the no-no list.
That pledge is likely easier for guys to stick with. I know quite a few guys who, unless they got it as a present, haven’t bought any new clothes for a year, maybe two.
In our house, staying out of malls and most stores isn’t a problem as we both pretty much hate shopping.
But then, there is Amazon.
It’s the preeminent site for impulse buying.
But when you don’t really like going to stores, it is a quick and easy way to get pretty much anything you need or want.
With a no buy pledge, what is necessary and what is not becomes a key element of success or failure.
We know the things we absolutely need. But then it gets dicey. We have to eat, but eat what becomes a question.
Legumes and leafy greens will give sustenance. But once in a while a bag of Twizzlers Bites and some chicken wings do rise to the “necessity” category.
When I aimlessly scroll through Amazon, there are plenty of things I find that are clearly indispensable.
I really need the instant-read digital meat thermometer so I don’t have to wait like 15 seconds for my old-fashioned thermometer to give me the temp of my brisket.
There is the hot-sauce-making kit that I’ve somehow gone through life without having.
And the magnetic wristband to hold screws, nails and drill bits while I work on projects is pretty much a requisite.
Those true believers of No Buy 2025, say it will make us feel less impulsive, more disciplined, more patient and more frugal.
All reasons that for most everyone a No Buy pledge won’t last through February. We really don’t want more discipline or to be more frugal and less impulsive.
What’s the fun in that?
Tim Krohn can be contacted at tkrohn@mankatofreepress.com or 507-720-1300.