We’re officially 2/3 of the way through the 75-day low-buy challenge, and I can hardly believe how much has changed since the beginning. What started as a simple experiment in mindful spending has turned into a deep dive into my habits, my family’s real needs, and the emotional ups and downs that come with trying to stick to a budget. These past 25 days have been especially eye-opening—not just for me, but for our whole family.
I’ve had some big wins, a few slip-ups, and plenty of moments where I had to pause and really think about what matters most. There have been family thrifting trips, unexpected clothing needs for the kids, and a few purchases that made me realize just how quickly those “little” shopping trips can add up. Even though we’ve gone over our savings goal this month, I’m proud of the progress I’ve made in saying no to impulse buys, sticking to my wish list, and focusing on quality over quantity.
This challenge has become less about deprivation and more about awareness—about learning to celebrate the small wins, forgive myself for the missteps, and keep moving forward. With just 25 days left, I’m feeling motivated to finish strong, keep refining my habits, and see just how much more I can learn along the way.
Monthly Reflections
This month has been a lesson in flexibility and honesty. I went into these 25 days feeling confident about my progress, but quickly realized that life (and family needs) don’t always fit neatly into a budget. My kids needed more clothes than I anticipated, and a few family thrifting trips plus some necessary purchases for my daughter at Marshalls and Primark pushed us well over budget. It was a little shocking to see how quickly those “just this once” purchases add up, especially when you’re not tracking every dollar in real time.
Despite the numbers, I’m actually proud of how much more aware I’ve become. I’ve said no to impulse buys, stuck to my wish list, and focused on bringing home only quality, sustainable pieces that fill real gaps in my closet. I haven’t shopped in a regular store for myself at all—just for my daughter, and I didn’t even browse for me (which is a huge win). I’m also learning that comparing this year’s spending to last year’s isn’t always realistic, since our spending tends to trend upward later in the year. This challenge is teaching me to look at the bigger picture, celebrate progress, and keep refining my habits for the long haul.
Personal Thrifted Finds
This month’s thrifting adventures were a mix of intentional wish list hunting and a few spontaneous “gasp and grab” moments. I’m proud that nearly everything I brought home fills a real gap in my wardrobe or adds a new layer of versatility. Here’s what I found:
- Brown Leather Gloves ($3.99): While they aren’t cashmere-lined, these are 100% leather and in great condition. For just $4, they’re a practical addition for chilly days, and I’ll keep searching for that perfect cashmere pair.
- Denim Trench Coat ($19.99): This was a true wish list moment. I had just added a denim trench to my list and couldn’t believe my luck when I found this one—almost brand new, 58% cotton, and a great sustainable score. I can already picture so many outfits styled around it.
- Camel Cotton Midi Skirt ($9.99): New with tags and 100% cotton, this skirt is exactly the style I’ve been wanting. I’m excited to pair it with the denim trench and some of my new sweaters.
- White Pashmina Scarf ($4.49): I didn’t realize what a gem this was until I looked it up at home. It’s soft, classic, and will be perfect for layering—especially for my upcoming NYC trip.
- Maroon/Berry Midi Skirt ($7.99): I rarely wear skirts, but this one was too beautiful to leave behind. The color is rich, it’s pleated, and the midi length is my favorite. I’m determined to actually wear it this season.
- Brown Scarf ($3.99): Not cashmere, but the color is a perfect match for my new brown wool coat. It’s coming with me to NYC for sure.
- Long Black Wool Overcoat ($28.36): Another wish list item checked off! I can’t find a care tag, but it feels like 100% wool and is the perfect length for winter layering.
- Navy Cotton/Cashmere Sweater ($5.99): I’m slowly building a collection of sweaters in sustainable fabrics, and this one fits perfectly and feels so soft.
- Brown Madewell Cotton/Wool Sweater ($6.99): The rust brown color is gorgeous and will go with so many outfits. I love finding Madewell pieces secondhand.
- Cream Trench Coat ($14.91): I didn’t need another coat, but this one fits like a glove and has a removable liner for extra warmth. Sometimes you just know a piece will be a staple.
- Black/Brown Plaid Cashmere Scarf ($12.91): 100% cashmere and a beautiful plaid that matches both my black and brown coats. I love pairing brown and black together, so this is a win.
- Faux Leather Midi Skirt ($10.49): Not on my wish list, but the fit and flare was too good to pass up. It’s not shiny, which makes it feel more elevated and versatile.
- Red Plaid Skirt ($4.99): I took a chance on this one. I’m not sure if it’s wool, and it’s a little snug, but I’m hoping a small alteration will make it work.
- Long Red Wool Coat ($19.81): A statement piece that I couldn’t resist. It’s 100% wool, fits like a glove, and looks almost brand new. I’m not usually drawn to bold coats, but this one is special.
- White Sweater ($2.50): I don’t have many white sweaters, so I picked this up for layering. The cropped length and bell sleeve add a fun detail.
- Black Silk Shirt ($4.99): 100% silk and fits like a dream. I grabbed it specifically to pair with the faux leather skirt, but it will work with so many other pieces too.
- Blue Cotton/Silk Shirt ($3.99): The color is beautiful, and the detail stitching makes it feel unique. It’s 90% silk and 10% cotton, so it’s soft and comfortable.
- Maroon/Berry Long Sleeve Tee ($3.99): The color is gorgeous and it’s perfect for layering under sweaters or jackets.
- Light Brown Long Sleeve Tee ($3.99): I’ve struggled to find long sleeves that are actually long enough, but these fit perfectly and will be great for cooler days.
- Black Cashmere 3/4 Sleeve Sweater ($4.45): As soon as I saw the cashmere tag, I knew it was coming home with me. It’s tagged as a large but fits more like a medium—another “wash and shrink” find.
- Navy Wool Sweater ($4.45): 100% merino wool, thin enough to layer but also stands on its own. I’m excited to have another sustainable, versatile sweater in my closet.
Each of these pieces feels like a thoughtful addition, and I’m proud that I’m sticking to my wish list and focusing on quality. Thrifting has become less about the thrill of the hunt and more about building a wardrobe that truly works for me.
Budget Recap
Tracking our spending this month has been both eye-opening and a little humbling. While I’ve been focused on mindful shopping for myself, the reality is that family needs—especially for the kids—have a way of shifting the budget quickly.
Between a few family thrifting trips, some necessary clothing purchases for my daughter at Marshalls and Primark, and a handful of beauty and wardrobe essentials, our total spending for the month ended up much higher than I’d hoped.
| Category | Amount Spent | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Personal Thrifting | $183.72 | Does not include kids/husband; just my own thrifted finds |
| Family Purchases (2026) | $1312.33 | Includes all personal & household purchases for the family |
| Family Purchases (2025) | $997.52 | Same period last year for comparison |
| Savings | 0% |
While we went way over our savings goal for the month, I’m proud of the progress I’ve made in saying no to impulse buys for myself and sticking to my wish list. The challenge has made me much more aware of where our money goes and how important it is to keep an eye on the bigger picture—not just the small wins.
Lessons Learned
These past 25 days have taught me that mindful spending is about so much more than just saying “no” to impulse buys. It’s about being honest with myself about what our family really needs, and recognizing that sometimes, life doesn’t fit neatly into a budget. I’ve learned that little purchases—especially for the kids—add up quickly, and that it’s important to track spending in real time, not just at the end of the month.
I’m also realizing that progress isn’t always linear. There will be months where we go over budget, and that’s okay. What matters is that I’m becoming more aware of my habits, sticking to my wish list, and focusing on quality over quantity. I’m proud that I haven’t shopped in a regular store for myself, and that I’m saying no to things I don’t need—even when it’s tempting. This challenge has helped me let go of guilt when things don’t go perfectly, and instead, celebrate the small wins and keep moving forward.
Most importantly, I’ve learned that comparing this year’s spending to last year’s isn’t always realistic. Our spending tends to increase later in the year, so tracking and updating monthly gives a much clearer picture of our habits and progress. The journey isn’t about perfection—it’s about building better habits, one thoughtful decision at a time.
Goals for Next Month
As I head into the final stretch of this challenge, I want to set goals that are both realistic and supportive of the progress I’ve made so far. I know there will be some big expenses coming up—especially with my NYC trip—but I’m determined to stay intentional and flexible with my spending.
Here’s what I’m focusing on for the next month:
- Set a $500 budget for NYC and the rest of the month, allowing for intentional shopping and a little wiggle room for surprises.
- Recommit to my 50% savings goal for the remainder of the original challenge, while giving myself grace if life throws a curveball.
- Continue tracking our spending monthly to get a clearer, more realistic picture of our habits and progress.
- Focus on quality over quantity—stick to my wish list and only bring home pieces that truly add value.
- Say no to impulse buys and things that don’t serve a real purpose in my life or wardrobe.
- Let go of guilt if I slip up or go over budget, and keep moving forward with a positive mindset.
I know this journey isn’t about perfection—it’s about building better habits and learning what truly works for me and my family. I’m excited to see what the next month brings and to keep making progress, one thoughtful decision at a time.
Looking Ahead
With just 25 days left in the 75-day low-buy challenge, I’m feeling a mix of anticipation and motivation. I know there will be temptations—especially with my NYC trip on the horizon—but I’m excited to put everything I’ve learned so far into practice. I want to keep refining my shopping habits, stay focused on my wish list, and continue building a wardrobe (and a budget) that truly works for my life.
I’m also looking forward to seeing how my mindset shifts as I approach the end of this challenge. Will I feel more confident in my ability to say no to impulse buys? Will I be able to maintain these habits for the rest of the year? Only time will tell, but I’m ready to finish strong and keep moving toward a more intentional, sustainable way of living and shopping.
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