no buy july

WHY WHY WHY WHY WHY WHY WHY WHY WHY WHY

Hey fam and welcome back to dumb rich! Can you believe we’re half way through the year? I feel like every time I write a new letter, we’re marking some kind of milestone. Is this my personal version of talking about the weather?? Making a mental note to stop doing that.

On a personal note, I’m super stoked for July. I am heading to Rhode Island this weekend, it’s my birthday month and, most importantly it is ~*cancer szn*~. I’m so sorry if you are not a cancer and thought you were the superior astrological sign. You are not.

Mid-year is also a decent time to revisit your New Year’s goals. Though admittedly, I barely have time to do this because I have a new part-time job which is watching Love Island, group texting about Love Island, and then reviewing all of the internet discourse on Love Island. This job is unpaid. Sigh.

Anyway, back to goal setting. I’ve seen a lot of people on TikTok do these “no spending challenges” but the catchiest one of all is “No Buy July”. I can’t tell if people love the rhyme or if they’re just trying to course-correct after blowing their budgets the first half of the year. Either way, I’m into it.

Despite receiving several death threats (okay, multiple eye rolls) when I told my friends I was writing about a spending freeze, I’ve decided to write about it and participate. Because life feels expensive lately.

y tho?

So, what does No Buy July (NBJ? ew) entail? And what am I hoping to get out of it?

Generally speaking, I don’t love the idea of “spending fasts.” I’m a moderation girl. I believe in small changes that create long-term impact. If you know a spending freeze will only lead to a chaotic August shopping spree, maybe skip this one.

That said, there’s SO much instant gratification baked into how we live and shop and I’m using this as an opportunity to practice patience. (Again, I have no idea why I am using my free will as an adult to do this).

Here’s what I’m hoping to accomplish with NBJ:

1. Break my addiction to instant gratification. Apple Pay has made it TOO easy. I’m an influencer’s dream. I need a detox. I plan to keep a wish list on my phone of things I want and revisit it in August to see if I still do.

2. Wear what’s already in my closet and donate what I don’t wear.

3. Stop being an “occasion shopper.” I always buy stuff just for upcoming trips, events, etc. I want to pack what I own, not buy vacation-only pieces.

4. Bring back the fun of shopping. I want to save my purchases for special moments—like shopping with friends or buying something that is a 10/10 every time.

5. Obviously save money.

Also, this isn’t do or die. I still want to enjoy my life. Below are my personal rules for NBJ:

1. No purchasing clothes/shoes/accessories (brutal)

2. Only purchasing makeup/skincare if I am completely out of something. Pray Rhode has no new launches.

3. No cancelling gym classes if a late fee is incurred - GUILTY. AS. CHARGED.

4. Review subscription memberships and cancel anything I’m not using

5. Food delivery only 1x during the week

6. Uber intentionally — aka stop running late

I’ve seen people limit the money they spend on experiences — I don’t want to do that entirely. Going to dinner with friends or a date night enriches my life. I love concerts in the summer. I have travel coming up. These are things I value and I want to be spending money on. The goal is to cut back on spending that I don’t associate with a ton of value.

Also, I understand people cut back on some beauty maintenance. Good for them. This is a non-negotiable for me. I love having a short nails and you don’t want to see my blackheads. What’s the point of saving all this money if I’m just going to be ugly? No thanks. I will hold myself accountable to not going above and beyond, but no hard and fast rules here.

Not going to lie I used my Croissant credits and placed a late June FWRD order!! I just had a few things I wanted to purchase, in case you need inspiration for your wish list. First, it’s a polo shirt summer. This one is even better in person. Next thing I know we’ll be popping our collars and layering them. I got these pants in another color because they’re just THAT good. They are also on sale. They look elevated but feel like pajamas. I rarely wear dresses but felt like this would be a super easy one to throw on while traveling. I also feel like Daisy Jones and the Six. Lastly, I never ever ever buy statement jewelry - it’s just not my thing. This necklace was really calling to me. I am PRAYING my friends do not click this link because I know they will think it’s ugly but that’s ok :( :( This one is more low key!

Okay that is it!!!! Wish me luck. I’m going to be honest throughout this journey so if I slip up, pls pls be supportive. Let me know what your ideas are xoxoxo