Ashlee Piper, a sustainability consultant, drastically reduced her shopping over a decade ago. She advocates for her “No New Things” philosophy, emphasizing that while consumer spending might not be your biggest financial drain, it’s something you can control. Piper recalls her initial shopping habits in 2013 when she had a new job making over $100,000.
Moving to a cold and unfamiliar Chicago added to her stress, and shopping became a way to comfort herself. She accumulated about $22,000 in consumer debt and felt trapped, buying things she didn’t need simply because purchasing gave her temporary solace. The realization that she was using shopping to self-soothe and amassing debt prompted her to change.
Piper set out a simple initial plan: No new items for a month, which translated into significant savings and unexpected benefits, encouraging her to extend the ban to two years. Piper’s rules were straightforward. She allowed herself to buy necessities but only secondhand, which was more challenging in 2013 than today.
She also permitted spending on essentials like food, transportation, travel, and digital books. Simplifying the rules helped her stick to them without feeling punished. The first week of her challenge was tough.
Sustainable spending shifts
Piper tracked her urges to buy, identifying triggers like hunger or stress. Recognizing these patterns allowed her to address the root causes rather than resorting to shopping.
Piper developed strategies to replace shopping’s thrill. Engaging in simple activities like playing with her cat or calling a friend could stave off the urge. Physical activities, like a man she knew doing push-ups, also helped some.
The aim was to find non-shopping-related activities that formed new, healthier habits. Apart from financial benefits, Piper gained back time previously lost browsing and shopping. The process was empowering, helping her feel more in control and aligned with her values.
Her journey underscores that reducing shopping is not just about saving money but reclaiming time and mental space. Piper’s experience demonstrates that even short-term changes can lead to significant and lasting shifts in behavior. The key lies in finding what works for you and building new habits to replace old ones.
The power taken back is both financial and personal, creating a more sustainable and satisfying life.
