So, yesterday I wrote more about pens and how I keep buying them. I need to stop buying stuff, not just pens. I’ve tried to do the low-buy or no-buy challenges in the past, but I’ve failed every time.

This time is going to be different. I hope, anyway.

My goal is to go at least the next six months without buying anything I don’t absolutely need. And by absolutely need, I mean can’t live without: food, shelter, and such. Anything tech wise, pens, gaming, etc. needs to go into the “don’t buy” category. I have enough tech and such already, I don’t need anymore. Now, obviously if my computer dies, I’ll probaby have to break the challenge, though I do have other computers around so maybe not.

I’m also going to work to pare down my subscriptions during this time. Back in September, I wrote about my ridiculous number of subscriptions, and while it is better now, it’s still not great. So, I’m going to so better there too. I’ll self host more, and cut out what I don’t absolutely need. Here’s what I have now, at least at first glance:

  • Tidal - 10.99/mo (I can definitely cancel this one, I just use it for tidarr, but I’m done downloading things)
  • 2 YouTuber Memberships - 3.98/mo (I support a couple YouTubers. I’ll probably keep these)
  • Visible (phone) - 25/month
  • Firside (podcast hosting) - 28/month
  • Hosting fees 30/month (this should go down now as Drew has started self hosting the TLC git)
  • Claude - 20/month
  • Microsoft Gamepass - 32/month (I play games with my nephew each week, so this will sadly stay)
  • Apple something - .99/month (I don’t even know what this is, so it can go)

Honestly, other than Tidal, I’m not sure where I’m going to cut yet. I can probably go down to the free version of Claude. I’ve been using it less lately, but I still do like Claude code, so we’ll see. I also have a few subscriptions that I pay yearly for, so I need to look at those too.

One thing I’m going to do to make this easier is go back to tracking everyting I spend. I used Monarch money for that before, but this time I’m going to self host something. It’ll be cheaper and more fun. I do hope whatever I choose has some automation to it, otherwise I’ll have to enter everything manually, which will be harder to keep up with.

I’m also hoping I can get some people to join me. The economy is shite, and we’d all be better off if we spent a little less. So, join me on the “Don’t Buy Shit” Challenge. The goal is to just stop buying stuff you don’t absolutely need. Even if you do it for a month, it will be better for your wallet and probably for your sanity. I’m going to try for six months, and if that works I may extend it.