I have said it a million times before, but 2020 was so weird. I set many intentions this year, and as you probably know, one of those was to NOT SPEND MY MONEY ON STUFF. My intention was especially geared toward makeup, skincare, and clothing/accessories.

In the first half of the year, I was really rigorous in keeping track of all my spending, triggers and wants, and when I did slip up. In the second half of the year, I have been much more loose. I don’t want to say I totally FELL OFF THE WAGON, but I just haven’t tracked as much.

Since we found out we were pregnant in August, things have changed. I have needed to make some purchases and adjustments for the TWINS we have coming. So I did buy some maternity clothing or just larger clothing in general that I did not have.

The real win is that I still have not purchased any skincare or makeup! I have used what I have and in this process, I have also found what things I absolutely love and will repurchase! There are many items I just never reach for anymore that came along with simplifying my lifestyle. I never need eyeliner, I don’t need lashes, I don’t do liquid lipsticks- they are just things I’ve realized I don’t love or reach for. So they’re off my list!

One thing I have held steady on, and continued to do throughout the year was focus on IF I am buying, try to buy small. I have a hairstylist that sells products, so if I need shampoo- going through her is beneficial to her! I have a few favorite boutiques by friends, so if I need a new outfit, I’ll start with Gina or Ashley!

All in all, I have found that I didn’t necessarily need a FULL YEAR of NO SPENDING to get me into the right habits for a healthy lifestyle. I’m now a natural at considering purchases more closely, thinking before I buy, and considering WHERE I buy from when possible!

6-8 months was the sweet spot for me. We all are figuring out what works along the way. I do know I will carry what I have felt and learned into the following years! I love a good NO SPEND challenge, too. So if I feel myself slipping into old ways, I can always do a month or two of not spending to get me back into that mindful mindset!

Also, yeah. I still spent way too much at Starbucks. Maybe I will make that my SOLE spending challenge next year- to NOT SPEND there at all? You think I could do it????

How about you? Did you do a NO SPEND year? Was it successful? Did you find that challenge of the global pandemic to be off-putting, or did it spur you onward?