An easier lesson in lessening

Failed the No-Buy challenges from a few years ago? Meet the Low-Buy, a more chill, doable, younger version

- Tanisha Saxena

Remember those No-Buy challenges from a decade ago? Privileged White women decided to suddenly stop buying unnecessary things - or at least to use up what they'd already amassed. Everyone loved the idea. We posted our own updates on our year of buying nothing. We decided that books are essentials and therefore exempt from the challenge. Three months in, we caved, went shopping and just didn't tell anyone.

Guess what? The trend is back. TikTokers have discovered that poverty-coded videos give them moral and ecological cred. Plus, the economy is tanking again. So, minimalism is trending again. This version, Low-Buy, not No-Buy, is flexible, more forgiving. It might actually last longer, do us all some good. Here's how to get started.

• Aim, then shoot.

"Set specific goals and define your reasons for adopting a Low-Buy Challenge," says Bidul Agwaan, corporate development VP at Loan Tap. "Is it saving money, reducing clutter, or breaking a shopping habit? A clear goal will help you stay motivated." Analyse your expenses over the past year to identify areas of excess.

• Find the middle path.