No Buy Year: November 2024

November. How I did. 

> What I Bought:

I bought my Mum a birthday present which I was happy with but, as it's in my rules, I'm not going to count it. I paid $18 plus $7 postage (and it was second hand) so it was fine, and she absolutely loves it. I also bought my nephew a Christmas present but again, it was second hand. It was just over $8 I believe and will be combined with the $10 book I bought for him earlier in the year*.

*The present never arrived so my $8 was refunded.

The only thing I bought myself was a pair of boots ($18) that I found at an op/thrift shop that honestly look brand new or in perfect condition anyway. They are gold and sparkly, and I knew I wanted to wear them at the Eurovision On Tour concert (read more here). Did I need them? No. Do I regret buying them? No. Will I one day regret buying them? Who knows. But I knew they had been waiting for me. They're gorgeous!

I did buy my Mum two Christmas candles that she requested, and in return she bought me a Christmas lamp I had my eyes on. It was $5 and I love it!

Total: $18

I went to the theatre six times - Sister Act (tickets were free but the programme cost $30), Daddy Long Legs (ticket and programme were gifted, although I originally paid $29.75), Pippin! (ticket was $46 and programme cost $5), Popstars, the 90s Musical (ticket cost $35), One Day In September (free ticket) and My Brilliant Career ($35 rush ticket). The last three shows had digital programmes which I got printed for $9.80 each. 

I went to the cinema three times - Venom: The Last Dance (free), Wicked (the ticket was gifted) and Moana 2 (ticket was $22ish). The latter I saw just because I was killing time in-between events and it was hot out. 

> Temptations:

I did incredibly well in November. I wasn't tempted by much at all. But I returned to the store that sold the Charlie Bears (that I spoke about last month) to have a look at the one I was interested in but decided again to walk away. I also almost bought some shoes/clothes for a costume, but I ended up just wearing things I own. It would have looked better had it been closer to the original but at least I didn't waste money.

This month was really more about spending it on events rather than on material things. And honestly, my little heart was filled with so much joy. I think I'm starting to see that. The only item I got for my birthday was a book (Cameron Daddo's Keep it Smooth) that I had requested so I did well there too =)

I also scored another $50 voucher (which I also spoke about last month) and I spent it on food before Wicked. Boring, yes. Practical, yes. I also still have my birthday voucher from Dusk which I will spend in due time. I need to spend $40 to save $20 so I'm trying to hold out for when I actually really want something. I actually got a lot of birthday vouchers like that i.e. spend x save x and that's how they get you to spend and I'm very mindful of those tricks so if I don't end up spending them, then that's a win in itself. 

I've been watching a lot of over consumerism videos and documentaries, and I really think that's helped me with willpower/saying no. I would highly recommend it if you're struggling with spending.

I did find myself in the city during Black Friday sales but managed to walk away without spending any money. I also went to the Big Design Market to which I bought nothing either.

Until next month!