Buying Less Gave Me More

There was a time in my life (not too long ago) when I was always waiting for the next package to show up at my door. The newest clothes. The next aesthetic makeup product I swore would somehow make my life feel more put together.

But the reality… none of it ever fixed what I was feeling. And now that I’m finally at a place of peace + presence in my life, I can see that much more clearly.

This is how I stopped my cycle of obsessive overconsumption and learned to find peace in what I already have… coming from a former shopaholic who really did believe, “I haveee to have that top.”

1. I started focusing on the things I already had

This all started when my boyfriend told me I spend wayyy too much money and should focus on saving more. My first thought was truly, oh my gosh, this is the worst thing he could have ever told me… but in an effort to make him happy, I decided to find a way to stop all my compulsive purchases.

Then something amazing happened: I got halfway into my savings goal and became obsessed with the idea of saving money, while also realizing the majority of the things I owned were meaningless…I wanted to donate it all. 

2. I waited before clicking purchase

Here’s the rule that changed everything for me:

If I want something, I leave it open in a browser for about a month. I will not impulsively buy it. Instead, I give myself the space to sit on it and see if it is anything I really need. By the end of the month, most of the things I “had to have” suddenly do not feel so important anymore, so I end up closing the tab. 

Bonus.. it's helped me become a minimalist now too!

On the off chance I’m treating myself to new clothes, I choose capsule pieces I know I’ll love for years. So while I might splurge on my Reformation pieces here and there, it’s still for a good cause…

3. I created a budget (every girl's nightmare.. but I swear it's fun!)

I used to despise budgeting… until I realized the biggest cause of stress is typically finances, and honestly, I don’t want to live a stressful life. 

Here’s how I make my budget work for me:

Every month, I add in space for beauty purchases and going out. This allows me to still enjoy my time with friends or buy a beauty product without feeling guilty. Since I’m saving for more exciting parts of my future, aside from those small purchases, I only allow essential spending. This includes groceries, gas, and everyday necessities I’ve run out of…nothing extra unless it’s intentional and within budget!

This forced me to stop all my unnecessary Target runs and morning coffees… because let’s be honest, hot girls keep track of their finances!

4. I found true meaning in my life

This was the hardest pill for me to swallow.

I used to shop every week… like literally every week. Looking back, it became clear I was searching for something deeper. While fashion was always a hobby I deeply enjoyed (and would use as a way to justify my shopping) I came to realize purchases can’t give you the purpose you’re looking for.

They can’t replace community, creativity, or faith.

And above all, loving a new top can’t replace feeling true love from the people in your life.

Once I cut my spending and started pouring into the meaningful parts of my life: my relationships, my wellness, my dreams… the urge to shop naturally started fading.

Trust me you don’t need more to feel whole. You just need less.

Look around and notice all the beauty in your life today! :)

From my heart, 

Hanna