TikTok Savings Challenges to Try: #NoBuy #SlowBuy #UnderConsumption

The good thing about saving money is that it doesn’t have to be boring, especially with TikTok creators repackaging budgeting hacks to turn them into fun savings movements, complete with hashtags like #NoBuy, #SlowBuy, and #UnderConsumption. These challenges signal a mindset shift in how we spend, save, and consume in a world full of ads following us wherever we go and, generally, prepping for an uncertain economy. 

Don’t have TikTok? Don’t worry. If you’re looking for a fresh way to build better money habits and actually enjoy the process, we’ll break down these savings challenges so they can keep you motivated. You can easily start with the usual 50/30/20 budgeting rule and mix in one of these challenges below into the “Wants” category to power up your efforts even more!

❌ The #NoBuy Challenge

What: This challenge is a complete pause on spending in specific categories (or all non-essentials) for a fixed amount of time, like a weekend, a month, or even a year. 

How: Set your own rules based on what you’re comfortable with. You could do a “no buy” on clothes, eating out, food delivery, tech, and beauty products, etc. You’ll still need groceries and rent, but this challenge is to become more mindful of what you spend with your money.

Why: This forces you to reset and break that cycle of impulse shopping at 2 AM, plus it gives your bank account some breathing room. Most people who do this challenge will find they already have enough; they just weren’t using it or forgot about it. I’m guilty of this with skincare products and clothes, specifically jackets and cute hoodies!

Tips to help you get started:

• Track what causes you to spend (Stress? Boredom? Late-night scrolling?)
• Unsubscribe from promo emails and mute brand accounts
• Replace shopping with something free, like journaling, walking, reading, or even cleaning to get your mind off (I’m a big fan of all of these, and it definitely helps, plus you’ll feel more accomplished)

🐢 The #SlowBuy Challenge

What: This is the “lite” version of #NoBuy where you’re allowed to shop, but only after you’ve thought about it for a few days or weeks to see if you actually want it.

How: Instead of instantly adding items to your cart and going through the buying process, you’ll put them on a 30-day wish list (for example). If you still want something after that holding time, you can buy it. If not, you’d have saved that money and potentially space from extra clutter.

Why: It encourages you to think about your purchases and not blindly buy. This also helps you understand your spending patterns, and practicing delayed gratification is an excellent habit for long-term financial success. You’re not denying yourself if you truly want the item after 30 days; you’re just being more mindful of when to spend. 

Tips to help you get started:

• Create a “Buy Later” list in your phone’s Notes app or Pinterest
• Set a price limit like any purchase over X dollars will need to wait X hours or days
• Ask yourself: “Will this add value to my life, or is this just a retail therapy want?”

🧘🏽‍♀️ The #UnderConsumption Mindset Challenge

What: This challenge is more about adopting a lifestyle approach rooted in minimalism. You’re not depriving yourself, but just doing more with less, buying intentionally, and avoiding overconsumption.

How: No more chasing after the newest trend with this approach. You’re slowing down, shopping less, and focusing more on what you already own. Habits include having a capsule wardrobe, repairing instead of replacing, and truly thinking about your spending habits and what you actually need in your life.

Why: Less stuff = less clutter = less worries. It also reduces financial stress, supports sustainability, and makes you appreciate and get satisfaction with what you already have. 

Tips to help you get started:

• Check your closet and drawers before buying something new. You most likely will find articles of clothing that you forgot about. Donate what you don’t or won’t use anymore!
• Try “shopping” from your own stash, particularly for beauty products. Start using the free samples you’ve hoarded all this time, or toss them out if it’s been too long.
• Start thinking “quality over quantity.” 

Why These Challenges Aren’t Just Trends

Trends come and go, but these types of challenges can really help people navigate the new economic reality of high inflation, stagnant wages, student loan debt, and the constant pressure to look good online. They help people take back control, not just over money but also over their mindset, which is important to changing habits. If you don’t believe in it, it won’t work, and it won’t stick!

It’s also a good community boost because people will share updates, wins, and fails in relatable ways to show you’re not doing it all alone. That type of support makes all the difference.

Don’t Revenge Spend Afterward

Just because you took a month off spending, or however long you made it, doesn’t mean you can “revenge spend” afterward. This mindset was common in post-COVID years when people did “revenge travel” after being cooped up indoors for so long. So avoid “making it up” for the lack of spending you did because otherwise, it would’ve been all for nothing.

The Money Move

Look, you don’t need to become a full-blown minimalist or give up fancy coffee forever, but just try testing out a #NoBuy month or starting a #SlowBuy list. It can help a lot in rewiring your money habits. The end goal is that you have a more mindful relationship with spending and savings without the impulse.

So the next time you’re tempted to “buy now,” ask yourself if it’s a want or a need. Can it wait? Can that money be rerouted to your emergency fund instead? Sometimes, TikTok “trends” are more than just entertainment; they can help you on your way to gaining better money habits!