'No Buy 2025': Inflation-inspired challenge trends on TikTok
(NEXSTAR) – Frustrated by rising prices and overconsumption, a growing league of people are swearing off unnecessary purchases altogether. The "No Buy 2025" challenge has garnered thousands of posts on TikTok with many people sharing their personal rules for a year of buying less.
Despite its "No Buy" name, the trend is more about putting entire categories of spending off limits, or cutting far back on nonessentials. It's obviously not feasible to swear off buying groceries, gas and other necessities.
Common "no buy" items include new clothing, makeup or impulse purchases you might make while out shopping, but everyone's personal no-buy list is different. A big part of the trend is making a list and sticking with it. Many of the TikTok posts related to No Buy 2025 showcase each content creator's own list, often written up in the notes app of their phone.
One poster swears off all new clothes, makeup, and home decor. Another is banning herself from any T.J. Maxx, Marshall's, Ross and Home Goods stores. Others cancel streaming subscriptions or set strict budgets for groceries or takeout.
Sometimes people participating in the challenge also make a detailed list of what they're allowed to spend money on, like going out to eat once a week or restocking toiletries once they've run out.
People's motivations for No Buy 2025 are just as different as their off-limits lists. Some talk about paying down debt, while others want to prioritize saving for travel and experiences over material consumption.
Over a month into 2025, the No Buy challenge may look even more tempting. Federal numbers released this week showed the pace of inflation increased in January, driven in large part by rising grocery, gas and rent prices.
The consumer price index increased 3% in January from a year ago, Wednesday’s report from the Labor Department showed, up from 2.9% the previous month. It has increased from a 3 1/2 year low of 2.4% in September.
The new data shows that inflation has remained stubbornly above the Fed's 2% target for roughly the past six months after it fell steadily for about a year and a half. Elevated prices turned into a major political hurdle for former President Joe Biden.
President Donald Trump pledged to reduce prices on “Day 1" if elected, though most economists worry that his many proposed tariffs could at least temporarily increase costs.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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