The Shopping Ban

The Rules

After canceling memberships, I started looking for other ways to save more and spend less.  I shared my ideas with a friend and she recommended a book called, A Year of Less by Cait Flanders.  I listened to it in about a week and was completely on board with her shopping ban idea and decided to focus on living a minimalist lifestyle.  So, here are my rules for the shopping ban: (Note: keep in mind that this list is personal and will be different for everyone).

Yes:

• Toiletries, only when I run out (consider finding cheaper brands, buying in bulk if the price is better, and shop around).
• Groceries
• Gas
• Makeup if I run out and, on a budget
• Things that break and absolutely have to be replaced
• Travel on a budget (ex. Camping)
• Books, exchange on audible 
• Haircuts (2-3 times a year)
• Pet supplies, buy in bulk on chewy

No:

• Clothes, shoes, and accessories
• Furniture (we have too much anyway)
• Coffee to go (make it at home instead)
• Fresh cut flowers or plants (who am I kidding, I don’t have a green thumb)
• Ulta visits (staying the F*ck out of ulta)
• Impulse buying on Amazon
• Getting nails done
• Sparkling water
• Whole Foods and Trader Joes
• Organic Produce
• Vacations, exceptions include going home for Thanksgiving and camping

There you have it! Those are the rules for the next year. I'm challenging myself to live life as a minimalist for a year in order to pay off all my student loans and become debt free.  For me, this means leaving the military debt free and with a positive net worth.

I will continue to share my journey and progress on my student loan early repayment. My goal is to keep myself accountable by sharing my story and inspire others to free themselves from debt too. 

Click here for the latest update.