We’ve all been tempted by overpriced coffee or impulse buys. But for Mia Westrap, a PhD student and health and social worker, her spending habits became a wake-up call. Earning £2,100 a month after taxes, Mia realized her random purchases – eating out, drinks, even Pepsi Max – were quickly draining her bank account. Sick of constantly dipping into her overdraft, she decided to embark on a ‘no buy year’.
Mia defines her no-buy year as spending only on absolute necessities like rent, bills, and transport. This means no splurging on books, clothes, or nights out. She spends around £1,200 on rent and bills for her flat in Southampton and dedicates the rest to building her emergency fund. Her weekly Asda food shop, she says, is surprisingly affordable. She even sold her car to save on transportation costs.
When Mia began her no-spend year in January, she had zero savings and set a goal of banking £4,000 after 12 months. Initially, she worried about FOMO (fear of missing out), as she was used to a busy social life. But she quickly realized she could still enjoy herself without spending money. She found creative ways to participate in social events, bringing her own coffee in a flask and opting for water instead of drinks at the pub. Her friends, she says, are supportive and often offer to buy her a soft drink, but she never expects it. Mia’s commitment to her savings journey has not made her feel isolated, as her friends are aware of her goals.
Staying busy was easy, as Mia discovered the joy of free activities like long walks, picnics, and girls’ nights in. “A lot of what I’m ‘turning down’ are things I wouldn’t have been able to afford in the first place prior to the no buy year, so my life hasn’t changed much,” she explains. However, August was the toughest month, due to a pre-planned holiday to the South of France and attending Taylor Swift’s Era tour. For her trip to Marseille, Mia stayed at a friend’s villa, saving on accommodation and food, and only contributed £280.77 for driving costs.
Mia’s biggest adjustment was getting used to wearing the same four or five outfits on rotation. She was initially worried about being judged, but surprisingly, no one seemed to notice or care. “It’s surprised me how nobody in my life or online has pointed this out, which definitely reflects how toxic my mindset towards outfit repeating and wanting to buy the latest trends was,” she says. The only time Mia broke her rules was in January after abdominal surgery. She allowed herself to buy a pair of trousers and a few T-shirts because she was feeling uncomfortable in her existing clothes.
By September, Mia had already reached £5,500 in savings, which she began investing. She has now upped her target to £7,000 to further strengthen her emergency fund and provide herself with peace of mind. Mia’s journey has attracted a large following on TikTok, where she shares updates and holds herself accountable. She now has almost 30,000 followers who are inspired by her story and her tips for living a more frugal lifestyle.
Mia offers several tips for those considering a ‘no buy year’:
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Don’t avoid your bank balance.
By facing your finances head-on, you become more mindful of your spending habits.*
Share your goals with friends and family.
Letting your loved ones know about your goals allows them to support you and understand why you may not be able to participate in certain activities.*
Bring a big backpack everywhere.
This helps you resist temptations to buy things while you’re out and about.*
Find accountability partners.
Surround yourself with people who will support your goals and discourage impulsive spending.Mia acknowledges that a no-buy year is not for everyone, especially those with dependents. However, she believes it’s a valuable tool for anyone who tends to spend recklessly. She says, “If you’re like me and you were just rinsing your money dry every month on frivolous things and being reckless, it’s a good way to practice restraint.”
While Mia won’t continue her no-buy year into 2025, she plans to maintain a frugal lifestyle, making purchases in moderation. Her first splurges will be on a new vacuum cleaner and a mattress. “I’ve learned that it’s not about depriving myself, but about making conscious choices,” she says.
Mia’s story is a powerful reminder that financial independence is achievable with a little planning, discipline, and a willingness to embrace a simpler lifestyle. And who knows, maybe you’ll even discover a hidden talent for free activities and find new ways to connect with your friends and family.
