In a TikTok world of ‘What’s In My Sephora Cart’ and ‘SHEIN Haul’ videos, for 2025, it’s time to be a “Here’s Why I’m Doing A No Buy In 2025′ kinda girl. Especially in the midst of a looming recession.
I get it — retail therapy can be just that at times. But the sad reality is, you may end up needing actual therapy as the economy continues to trend downwards, people keep losing their jobs, and the stock market crashes. And this is all less than two months into a Trump presidency.
This isn’t about doom and gloom, though. It’s about getting real about our financial health as a community. The concept of a no-buy year isn’t new, but its significance has never been more relevant for Black Americans than right now, as economic uncertainty looms large over all our heads.
The Federal Reserve’s data shows that the typical white family has approximately eight times the wealth of the typical Black family. That gap hasn’t narrowed significantly in decades. Meanwhile, inflation has hit Black households harder, with us spending about 30% more of our income on basic necessities compared to white households, according to recent economic studies.
The no-buy challenge represents a conscious push against these systemic realities. At its core, it’s simple: commit to purchasing only essential items for a set period—whether that’s a month, a season, or the entire year of 2025. Everything else? It’s a no.
What constitutes “essential” varies from person to person, but generally includes housing, utilities, groceries, transportation, and healthcare. The real work comes in honestly assessing what falls outside these categories and being real with yourself about why you’re reaching for your wallet.
I’m not saying it will be easy. I’ve had a particular designer bag on my wish list for over a year now. But I’ve been open about my goals to friends and family (also known as loud budgeting), and thankfully they’ve held me accountable (to my annoyance at times), which has kept me on the straight and narrow — most of the time. That’s why community is so important at times like this. In fact, community support has been key to the growing momentum behind no-buy 2025. Across social media platforms, Black financial educators and influencers are sharing strategies, offering accountability, and creating spaces where we can talk openly about our financial challenges without judgment.
We all know the quote about rest being a form of revolution, but with economic indicators suggesting potential recession, taking control of personal finances has also become an act of self-preservation. For many in the Black community, it’s also becoming an act of resistance against a system that has historically extracted wealth from our neighborhoods.
The dollars just don’t make sense (see what I did there?). Black Americans wield approximately $1.3 trillion in purchasing power annually, but much of that money flows outward instead of building generational assets within our communities. Financial experts point to the low circulation rate of dollars within Black communities—estimated at just 6 hours compared to 28 days in Asian American communities—as evidence of this wealth leakage.
There’s no denying that a no-buy challenge requires discipline. We exist in a consumer culture that bombards us with targeted advertising and equates purchasing power with social status. But if you don’t think you can commit to a full no buy, you can even consider making it a low-buy year. The psychological pull of consumption can be particularly powerful, but by starting small you can work your way up to fully going cold turkey.
But the rewards extend beyond the financial. Many who’ve undertaken no-buy challenges report reduced anxiety, greater mindfulness about their relationship with material goods, and a renewed focus on experiences rather than possessions.
So how do you actually do this? Start by taking an honest inventory of your spending habits. Review your bank and credit card statements from the past three months. Where is your money actually going? Identify patterns and triggers for non-essential purchases.
Next, clearly define your “yes” categories—the essentials you’ll continue to purchase—and your “no” categories. Write them down. Be specific. The more clarity you have, the easier it becomes to make decisions when faced with temptation.
Then, identify your financial goals. What are you working toward? Debt elimination? Emergency savings? Investment? Having concrete objectives transforms a no-buy from a restriction into a purposeful journey.
Technology can be your ally in this. Apps like Mint, YNAB, and Clarity Money can help track spending and identify areas where you might be leaking funds without realizing it. Meanwhile, the growing number of social media groups dedicated to no-buy 2025 offer support, practical tips, and accountability.
As we navigate these uncertain economic times, the no-buy movement offers more than just a way to save money, but provides a framework for reclaiming financial agency and building collective wealth.
Remember, sis. The revolution won’t be purchased. But it might just be saved, invested, and built (and then later televised through TikTok and Instagram).
