no-buy diaries: what I spent in a week living in nyc with a family

happy no buy month, money minimalist friends :) this week i want to show you guys what i spend in a week living in nyc with a family, plus my fav money saving tips and activities for financial minimalism.

saving more esp in an expensive $$$ city can be a challenge, but if you're up for it, i hope you JOIN me in doing a no-buy challenge!

i'm here to CHEER.YOU.ON with a giveaway at the end of this month for a $100 target giftcard. the details will be posted in my community tab on Jan 15, 2023.

rooting for you xx

[rockyduck]

My plan is: unlimited on groceries but no fancy, complicated meals, no clothes, no eating out with the family except special occasions, no house decor. I do meet a friend for lunch twice a month during our lunch hour. I've canceled all subscriptions. I will buy a few packets of seeds for a garden. No events or activities unless they are free. I enjoyed your video. Have a great month!

[johannafischer]

I really love seeing how people around the world live such different lives, and yet it’s all so similar! You’re really inspiring and I just found your channel a week ago but your videos have motivated me to get rid of all that distracting unnecessary stuff around me. Thank you for that and greetings from Germany 😊👋🏻

[coldcomfort]

Hi Annie, I really enjoyed this video. I can’t believe how expensive groceries are in the US! 😳

I’m not doing a no buy but I’m finding all the no buy vlogs on YT inspiring so I can plan a no buy month.

Well done so far. Keep the momentum going! 💪🏻

[emmy]

This was so engaging to watch! Thanks for sharing.

I suggest making a menu that you post on the fridge about once a week or so of your common main courses that you could make with what you currently have in the fridge and pantry. When one is tired after work, it’s more fun to pick from this menu than to remember which ingredients you have and think what you could make. Restaurant feel at home!

[DeniseMasiero]

I really enjoy your videos Annie! A house tour/preparing for the second baby would also be really interesting from my point of view, for example how you organize spaces.

[isabelleongg]

Omg is that just pan fried tofu you made for lunch on Tuesday? Can you share what sauces you cooked it with? It looked so yummy and easy!

[sharky]

I would like to enter! My rules:
1. No buying lunch on work days (only packing lunch)
2. No buying coffee out (unless it’s a coffee date with a friend)
3. No buying clothes for myself (clothes for my kid is okay)
4. No amazon purchases
Thanks so much for doing this ❤

[Erablexpotionmagique]

Hi Annie! I like how you arranged and cooked your meals with whatever you had. Sometime it’s so hard to finish all groceries before they go bad, and you gave me some ideas for next time I see leftovers grocery.

I’be been trying to minimalise and simplify my daily life and this is a good opportunity! I’d like to join you “no-buy” month and my rule is (1) don’t buy if I don’t really need (2) buy when I completely finish included essentials

[JuneK]

Oh darn I just missed your Target gift card giveaway 😢. Anyway the No-buy month is such a great idea. I have to admit this will be a huge challenge for me as I don’t have much will power when it comes to shiny things 😅.

[graceeg]

Hi Annie! I absolutely love your channel and would love to enter your giveaway! My no-buy rules for this month are 1) no new clothes/makeup/skincare (except replacements when empty) and 2) only eating out once a month! I love clothes and clothes shopping, but after creating and loving my capsule wardrobe, I really need to kick my habit of browsing. Wishing you and your loved ones a lot of love and success this year 🥰

[jessicaowens]

Dining out is my biggest budget buster, too :(

[simplylovedwell]

I love watching how you spend time with your family ❤ including meals. I'm curious to see how you guys plan on making space and nesting for the new baby. I'm pregnant as well so any pregnancy content is welcome

[kevinmorenoquiles]

This is so cool and inspiring... you have a new follower and i hope you have a fantastic 2023 :)

[xxtiamide]

I really enjoyed this video, Annie! It's a really cool way to essentially do a weekly vlog under the pretense of expenses and spending. Also it gives me some inspiration for my no buy January. I have an additional exception: gifts for birthdays and such. Thanks for the inspiration :)

[shenelleramjewan]

I enjoy this type of video. Thanks for taking us along with you. I have been able to stick to my no buy rules thus far 🎉

[helenxlin]

I’d love to enter the giveaway! My “principles” I guess you could call are less so about rules but more about appreciating what I have. I keep seeing ideas of “reinventing yourself” and “building a new wardrobe to feel more confident” which are totally fine but for myself, I have enough clothes and just want to learn to be happy with them and use them to their fullest capacity before moving on. So rule: no buying new clothes!

[KhrystynaLoves]

loving your more consistent posting!! Thank you :) Look forward to your videos everry time....I'm a fairly new subscriber (few months) but your minimalist approach made me change my style quite a bit and think about what I purchase. I also am doing no spend Jan :)

[Kneeeyo]

I would like to enter your giveaway Annie! My no-buy rule this month is no shopping for clothes (such as fast fashion) and only eating out once a week (more like once every 2 weeks) at most. Thank you for hosting your giveaway.

[kasey]

Hi annie! Thanks for holding this giveaway☺️ im going to only go grocery shopping once Ive shopped my own pantry and also buy no clothes / actually sell some of my clothes!

[cecelim]

I'd love to enter the giveaway :) my no-buy rule is simply no clothes purchases and no replacements either (besides for socks/undies). I have plenty to work with already so I'm aiming big this year!