Until now, I never realized what kind of pressure I felt from the possibility of purchases. First, there is the decision of whether I really want something. Then I have to figure out if it is a good price. Next I do a mental review of my finances to see if I can afford it. And finally I choose to buy or move on. While this process usually happens fairly quickly and t didn’t seem like a big deal, I’m definitely noticing its absence.

While it has been just a week since I started the No Spend Challenge, I have already had several opportunities to buy stuff. I finished a book and wanted the sequel. I put an outfit together and thought of an article of clothing that would be nice to have. I planned an academic paper and realized I need to get the artifact. My husband reminded me of something he wanted to buy. My mom offered to help paint the bathroom, but we would have to purchase paint. I remembered a box of items I set aside to mail to a friend, but that would require postage.

Of course, not all my opportunities to buy started with me. Online ads and email offers (Amazon emails land in my inbox at least every day) are trying to get my attention, and the recent trip to Costco was a lesson in itself on the temptation to purchase. Granted, some things are easy to say no to (I don’t want or need a commercial grade mixer or giant stuffed animal). Still, the invitation to buy is all around me, and with it, the pressure to decide.

The choice not to spend any money on non-essentials has actually ushered in a type of freedom from the pressure to purchase. I don’t have to make a decision because the decision is already made – I’m not buying it (whatever “it” is). I don’t need to take even one fraction of my mental energy to think about whether I should. This is very freeing.

~ Alyse