In the wake of a consumer-heavy holiday season, a new trend is sweeping across TikTok and other social media channels: the ‘no buy’ year. It’s not just about pinching pennies; it’s a radical approach to curbing unnecessary spending for the entirety of 2025. The trend has gone viral, as individuals share their personal rules, showing how they’re cutting down expenses drastically.
The concept of a ‘no-buy’ year is gaining traction, taking budgeting to potentially extreme levels. The idea is simple but challenging: participants refrain from almost all non-essential purchases over a set period, ranging from a few months to a full year. While basic needs like rent, groceries, and healthcare remain untouched, luxuries such as new clothes, dining out, and leisure shopping are put on hold. This method has resurfaced, especially as many feel pressure from rising costs and economic uncertainty in the US.
Elysia Berman from New York City is one example of someone diving into this financial challenge. Having embarked on her first no-buy year in 2024 to combat debt, she is taking a stricter approach in 2025, aiming not just to maintain good habits but to build significant savings. ‘I am potentially losing income due to the TikTok ban, so I really want to focus on building substantial savings this year,’ she shares. No longer battling a shopping addiction, her current goal includes solidifying the financial discipline she developed previously.
Berman’s strategy includes personalized rules that accommodate her social life. ‘Food, drinks, and movies are allowed,’ she notes, ensuring her social engagements aren’t stifled. However, takeout and delivery are limited to once a month. Documenting her outings on video helps keep her accountable.
For Berman, cutting back on beauty products has been surprisingly easy, thanks to her job allowing her access to a supply of products. However, her biggest challenge remains buying clothes. ‘Resisting the urge to buy beautiful clothing is tough,’ she admits. Her mantra of ‘I can’t afford it’ or ‘I don’t need it’ proves helpful as she sticks to her financial objectives.
Banks are taking notice of this trend. Ally Bank, for instance, recommends setting clear, achievable goals and planning for unforeseen expenses as keys to successfully navigating a no-buy year. They also mention a ‘Low Buy Challenge’ for those who find the strict no-buy too daunting, focusing on significantly limiting spending in non-essential areas.
Berman offers assurance to those new to the no-buy lifestyle. She emphasizes that any reduction in spending is beneficial. Even if rules are occasionally broken, it’s the continual effort that counts. ‘If you ‘break’ your no-buy, don’t give up,’ she encourages. ‘Get right back up and keep going.’ The aim is to reduce frivolous spending, and successfully doing so—even partially—can lead to significant financial relief.
As we look to 2025, the ‘no buy’ challenge presents a unique opportunity to reassess daily spending habits and take control of personal finances amid economic uncertainty. Whether one opts for a full no-buy year or a milder version, the practice promises more than just saving money—it offers a chance to redefine what is truly essential.
Source: Forbes
