2026: My Year of No Shopping

Right. It’s happening!

I’ve decided that 2026 is going to be my Year of No Shopping (#YONS), which is honestly hilarious because impulse buying is my chief ADHD vice. I just love things. And stuff. And clothes. God, especially clothes.

The hyperactive part of my brain basically sees anything colourful or sparkly and immediately goes, YESSSSS.

Meanwhile, I am a 45-year-old woman with a job, a mortgage, and three kids – and I currently have $3.72 in my savings account. Two nights ago I was awake until 1am, frenziedly throwing things I don’t need and can’t afford into carts on The Outnet and ASOS.

It’s… not great. (I cannot stress enough how little I can afford to sacrifice sleep!)

So yes, a Buy Nothing New Year. No clothes, shoes, accessories. No makeup or skincare (except to replace empties). Not pretty-but-useless homewares. No stationery (sob).

I want less clutter. I want less mental noise. And yeah, I WANT MORE MONEY.

Specifically, I want to pay off my (gulp) $5k credit card debt and save an additional $5k, every cent of which will go towards finally launching Muddy Cuddles, my animal-assisted therapy program for kids in foster and kinship care.

I think it’s going to be quite difficult, to be honest. I fucking love to shop. And just to be clear, I’m well aware that choosing not to do that is a privileged choice. Having too much stuff is the definition of a First World Problem, and I’m not pretending otherwise. I’m just trying to stop buying stuff as a way to distract myself from uncomfortable feelings, and instead redirect that energy (and money) into something that actually matters.

I do have a few exceptions: books (one per month for my book club), groceries (including wine, because obvi), medication, travel and experiences, and one single Lewis/Ferrari tee at the Australian Grand Prix (because I’m trying to be more ascetic, not completely immune to joy).

If you’re interested, you can view a full list of the ‘rules’ I’ve given myself below.

I’m going to share regular updates on Instagram and via my Substack newsletter. Feel free to join me in this challenge if you’re up for it!

#YONS: The Rules

GOAL #1: Pay off $5k credit card debt

GOAL #2: Save an additional $5k for Muddy Cuddles

NOT ALLOWED

* Clothing

* Accessories (shoes, bags, earrings, sunglasses, hats etc)

* Makeup or skincare

* Homewares (candles, sheets and bedding, knick-knacks)

* Artworks (if I desperately need something for my walls, I'll make it!)

* Stationery (notebooks, pens, picture frames etc)

* Drinks/snacks at work – I will take my own

* Courses/classes/workshops until I finish all the ones I've previously purchased and haven't done

* Fun run or race registrations (I've already paid for a half marathon in June)

* Fitness clothing or equipment – I already have way too much!

* Swimwear – I have plenty and I rarely swim!

* Novelty pet gear, themed pet accessories, or extra “just because” pet treats

* Subscriptions and memberships (streaming, apps, memberships, Patreon, podcasts, newsletters, digital tools etc)

* Random ‘little treats’ as rewards, because I’ve had a bad day, or just because I feel like it

ALLOWED

* Replacement underwear/bras/socks as needed

* Kids’ clothing/toys/needs as required

* I can continue to get my hair done every 6-8 weeks

* I can continue to get my nails done every month (this is self care!)

* If I genuinely need a specific item of clothing for an event or occasion, and I don’t already own it (I probably do) I must try to buy second hand

* Replacement skincare or makeup that runs out/expires, and I can buy like for like (eg a different brand of moisturiser for an equivalent or lower price)

* My book club's nominated book each month

* I can redeem gift cards and vouchers

* Self-care experiences are permitted (eg sound baths, massages, acupuncture)

* Lunch at work ONCE per week; otherwise I will bring from home

* Groceries, personal care/hygiene items, and medication as needed

* Birthday/Christmas gifts for friends and family, but will stick to a reasonable budget (eg $50 per person)

* Family takeaway and/or eat out once a week

* Essential dog/pet care, supplies, and unexpected needs

* Can replace broken/unrepairable tech with the lowest-priced option that meets my needs.

* For the month of July, when I’m in Adelaide for my writing residency, I will give myself a $500 unrestricted shopping budget. For funsies!

* Travel (flights, accommodation) – not that I expect to have any time for this!

* Experiences– eg movies, tickets for days out with the kids, concert tickets etc

* One Ferrari/Lewis tee/hoodie as a souvenir at the Grand Prix in March

* Reactivate my Kayo subscription when the new F1 season starts in March, but will cancel again when it ends in December

* Reactivate my Casefile podcast subscription when the new season starts in Feb/Mar, but will cancel again when it ends in Oct/Nov

30-day rule

For any non-essential purchase (even second hand): add to a list, wait 30 days. If I still want it and it’s allowed, proceed.

Wishlist rule

For any item I really, really want, I’ll add it to either a birthday/Christmas list, or a wishlist for 2027.

Decluttering + selling

I WILL sell unwanted clothing, homewares, books, equipment, and other items on eBay, Marketplace, Depop, or similar. Any money earned from selling items will go toward debt repayment or savings. Money earned from selling items does not create permission to buy new items!

Wish me luck!