Buzz
January seems to invite everyone’s advice. Some suggest you quit drinking, claiming that the excesses of the holidays call for a break. Others advocate for a vegan lifestyle. Maybe someone’s pushing you to hit the hot yoga mat every day to detox. I usually shy away from New Year’s resolutions; Mytour’s all about making small improvements throughout the year. However, there’s one resolution I’m excited about: my annual Spend-Free January. Hear me out.
Holiday Shopping: The Same as Overeating
Did you justify those numerous Amazon orders by grabbing the “Add-On Items” from your cart? Did holiday gatherings at other people’s places make you realize what you’re missing in your own home, prompting you to buy those items right on your phone during the trip home? Aren’t you exhausted from all the parcels arriving?
My approach to holiday shopping often follows a ‘one for them, one for me’ routine. The endless gift guides from obscure websites trigger a voice in my head saying, ‘I deserve something nice, too!’ Before I know it, I’ve spent way more than I ever planned—two to three times as much, in fact. By the end of it all, I’m left with a serious spending hangover.
It’s Not Just About Cutting Costs
Don’t spend any money this January unless it’s for food. I’m not telling you to hibernate with green tea and books (unless you’re into that). You can still buy groceries and eat out occasionally. Just avoid buying anything else. Make a note of things you feel tempted to buy, but put them off until next month if they’re really necessary. Keep the shopping to a halt, especially online. Your aim is to have no packages arriving at your door, lobby, or post office. (Emergencies are exempt, but ‘cashmere on sale’ is definitely not one.)
Yes, you’ll save money, which is especially rewarding after a month of December overspending. That tiny credit card bill you receive at the end of the month will be a pleasant surprise. But the true benefit of avoiding purchases in January is the mental space it clears. When you stop spending, you’ll realize how much time you spend thinking about, researching, and waiting for the things you want. The constant cycle of acquiring and unboxing is overwhelming. It’s a refreshing break to step out of it.
Additionally, you can feel good knowing you’re not contributing to the endless cycle of lining Jeff Bezos’ pockets.
Alternatives to Shopping
Avoid even browsing the internet. When the urge to buy strikes (and it will), simply remind yourself, ‘Next month!’ If you’re worried about forgetting something important, jot it down. This applies to things you think you absolutely need (‘A ten-pack of sponges is crucial!’), things you're fairly certain you need (‘My snow boots are starting to look worn out’), and things you most definitely don’t need (‘They deliver doughnuts from Texas?!?’).
I’m not going to suggest hitting the gym or volunteering at the soup kitchen instead of shopping. Instead, shop your own home. That can of soup you’ve kept in the cupboard but haven’t touched—why not have it for lunch? You’ve got books you’ve yet to read, clothes you barely wear, apps you don’t really use. And if you’re fortunate, you received some new things over the holidays to keep you entertained.
Every purchase you make reduces the value of everything you already own.
A friend once said that for every new item you buy, everything you already own becomes slightly less valuable. This stuck with me, and it helps when I’m tempted to buy things I don’t really need. Like everyone else, I want to be less attached to material possessions. I’d prefer to have fewer items that I truly value, rather than a bunch of things that don’t bring me much joy. This isn’t a groundbreaking realization, but it’s one worth reflecting on while you’re not out spending. You don’t have to declutter your home right away, but as you begin to use what you already own, you’ll naturally identify what matters most and what you can part with. Most importantly, by not constantly seeking new acquisitions, you eliminate the mental clutter that comes with consumerism.
Planning a Spend-Free January gives you a great excuse to finish your shopping before the year ends. Get what you truly need (in moderation!) before the clock strikes midnight on December 31, then enter your spending hiatus for the month.
