Buy Nothing January Support Thread

[Anonymous]

OP- I was thinking of doing a big cutback on spending for awhile- I am going to shop my own closet, try to mix, match, accessorize clothing. No new clothes for kids- we all have to many things and it just makes life confusing.
I agree with others on the no-stick- it's not healthy, so buy that. Find a used SAT prep book and thrift shop the table. Good luck.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:So far I’ve made it one day without ordering anything from amazon and I’m feeling great! Although, the things I’ve resisted purchasing were pretty low stakes - pajamas for a Moana doll for example. Totally unnecessary, but such a hilarious and presumably low cost request that I would normally go ahead and get them to be used as a bribe later.

Good for you!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OMG people, why would you live like this? To squirrel money away? Disgusting.

Financial freedom, baby.

Financial freedom at what expense?

Not much, considering I don’t suffer by forgoing discretionary purchases.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:
OP, I was just about to post that link for you!

Thank you, PP! Now YOU are a person who understands what a SUPPORT thread is!

Of course I do!

Do you follow the Frugalwoods blog? They are doing a no-spend January. Sign up for daily emails!

http://www.frugalwoods.com/2018/01/01/your-last-chance-to-join-the-uber-frugal-month-challenge-and-revolutionize-your-finances/

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:
+1
Agree! Get the pan!

Yes, of course, I am no longer going to use the pan. But this is "Buy Nothing January" for me so the whole point is to not just go and buy a new whatzis if I don't have to. Instead, to strengthen my frugal muscles and learn (or re-learn) other ways to get things I need than just ordering them off of Amazon which is always my initial response and part of how I've run up this credit card debt that I don't pay off every month.

I have *other* pans I can use. I just *like* the non-stick pan for eggs (which my family eats a ton of).

I have three cast iron pans that would be great to use (if iron flakes off no problem, it's good for you right?) but it's such a pain cleaning when I fry scrambled eggs. Maybe if I learned to season them properly, they wouldn't stick as much when cooking eggs?

Or I could revist freecycle and see if anyone is giving one away....

The PSAT book I found I can get at the library so that's super easy.

The tray for the invalid would be a total impulse buy. I saw a cute one at Target today and wanted to get it for him, but didn't.

Season them very well and your eggs won't stick or just a tiny bit- mine don't.

[Anonymous]

I like the idea of this thread where posters help others find alternatives to buying something.

[Anonymous]

I’m doing this long term - no spending - in protest of businesses getting huge tax breaks. They don’t need any more of my money.

[Anonymous]

I like the idea that this thread would curtail my Amazon purchases. Count me in.

[Anonymous]

Nice work, OP! Got here late to the game or I would've told you to heat your pan super hot like the link you found tells you. Agree to get rid of flaking nonstick - you are better off with cast iron anyways! Secondhand stores will help a lot this month for whatever else you want (not need).

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Nice work, OP! Got here late to the game or I would've told you to heat your pan super hot like the link you found tells you. Agree to get rid of flaking nonstick - you are better off with cast iron anyways! Secondhand stores will help a lot this month for whatever else you want (not need).

Thanks so much! Just finished re-seasoning my cast iron pans. Hope it helps!

So frugal muscles exercised today:

- learned how to re-season cast iron pans
https://www.thekitchn.com/how-to-season-a-cast-iron-skillet-cleaning-lessons-from-the-kitchn-107614

- re-seasoned pans (with daughter) instead of watching TV tonight (it only took 1.5 hours start to finish -- I thought it would be a longer process)

- learned new method of cooking on cast iron so eggs don't stick/Pain in the Ass to clean

- located seldom used library card; reserved book online for later pickup

- located and reunited water bottles and lids (daughter did), decluttered cabinet, bonus found travel coffee cup tops as well!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:in Russia, invalid does not get tray.

In Soviet Russia, tray gets you.

Congrats OP! Sounds like you’re off to a great start!

[Anonymous]

For future purchases, Marshall’s/ Home Goods have great pans that are generally very cheap, prob much higher quality than whatever you’d order on Amazon for less money.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:2 and 3 are necessary; skip 1 until you can no longer use it

It's just that the non stick lining has started to flake and is getting into our eggs and such! It's a pan I've used heavily for over 5 years so it isn't unreasonable to replace it at some point, but I don't need to do it this month.

That stuff is so bad for you. Toss it

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:in Russia, invalid does not get tray.

In Soviet Russia, tray gets you.

Congrats OP! Sounds like you’re off to a great start!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Nice work, OP! Got here late to the game or I would've told you to heat your pan super hot like the link you found tells you. Agree to get rid of flaking nonstick - you are better off with cast iron anyways! Secondhand stores will help a lot this month for whatever else you want (not need).

Thanks so much! Just finished re-seasoning my cast iron pans. Hope it helps!

So frugal muscles exercised today:

- learned how to re-season cast iron pans
https://www.thekitchn.com/how-to-season-a-cast-iron-skillet-cleaning-lessons-from-the-kitchn-107614

- re-seasoned pans (with daughter) instead of watching TV tonight (it only took 1.5 hours start to finish -- I thought it would be a longer process)

- learned new method of cooking on cast iron so eggs don't stick/Pain in the Ass to clean

- located seldom used library card; reserved book online for later pickup

- located and reunited water bottles and lids (daughter did), decluttered cabinet, bonus found travel coffee cup tops as well!

Keep it up, OP!

I think I'll join you. My first challenge in January - no grocery shopping other than essentials like milk and fresh veggies for couple of weeks. I need to clear my fridge/freezer pantry a little