Many of you said you really enjoyed my 'What I spent in 2021' video and asked if I would share my plans for saving and spending for 2022, talking through my thought processes in each area, so here we are.

Whilst I haven't approached my finances in this way before, it was a useful exercise as it made me question what is most important to me in the next 12 months. I don't expect to do an official 'Low Buy' this year, but I expect my spending will be kept reasonably low due to the savings goals which are important to me.

Please bear in mind we all have different circumstances, budgets and values. Sharing this with you isn't to suggest what is important or not, because what is important to me won't necessarily be important to you. I just aim for transparency to hopefully inspire you to look at your purchases with scrutiny, work out what's important to you and then perhaps spend accordingly.

For 12 months in 2020 into 2021, I bought absolutely nothing but essentials, sometimes referred to as a No Buy Year. I did this in a bid to save the most money I possibly could, so that not only would this help with my financial goals, but that should the worst happen through this weird time, I'd be ok financially. Through completing a year long no buy (along with other money saving methods) I managed to save more than 50% of my take home salary which is both mind boggling and life changing. I'm fairly certain I will have changed my relationship with money forever.

Whilst completing this no buy year, I also bought no clothing for two years, and I've shared my experience on my channel. If you are looking to do a no buy year, or a smaller goal of a no buy month or a no spend month, be sure to check out my other videos as you may find tips and insights that might help you. Doing a no buy challenge or a no spend challenge isn't easy, and I don't recommend as a permanent lifestyle, but it certainly has its benefits. You might want to take a slightly less extreme approach and try a low buy year or a low buy month instead - you'll still find plenty of tips here on my channel.

Over the last few years, I've come to the realisation that whilst a certain level of material things do add to your life, more stuff will not necessarily make you happier. This realisation hit me when I looked around my home that was filled with stuff (so much so I felt I needed a bigger house) and couldn't say I was particularly happier than when I lived in Spain (in 2008) when everything I had with me fit in one large drawer and a very small wardrobe.

These days I prefer to adopt a buy less, buy better approach, with a focus on quality over quantity, removing the clutter, and utilising my money in the best way possible.

WHERE ELSE TO FIND ME:
Instagram -   / kirstylkirby  
Blog - www.kirstykirby.com

MAKE UP WORN:
ABH Modern Renaissance Palette (Warm Taupe)
Technic Cosmetics Metalix Creme Eyeshadow (Taupe Be)
Estee Lauder Sumptuous Extreme Mascara
Benefit Ka Brow
Estee Lauder Double Wear Foundation
Tarte Shape Tape Concealer
Laura Mercier Translucent Powder
MAC SkinFinish in Medium Deep (As Bronzer)
Zoeva Coral Blush Palette
MAC Lip Pencil in Soar
MAC Lipstick in Faux

NAILS:
Chanel Le Vernis Nail Polish in Washed Denim

CLOTHING:
Shirt - Jack Wills (Few years old, many stores tend to stock similar most years)

LIGHTING:
I use natural light (i.e. I sit in front of a window) supported by a ring light on darker days.

DISCLAIMER:
All products were purchased with my own money and this video is in no way sponsored. Should a video ever be sponsored, or should I receive goods for free to review I will always aim to disclose this either in the video or in the video description. My views will always remain honest and my own.
Items marked with an asterisk were received as a gift or as PR.
I do sometimes use affiliate links in my description, these links do not cost you any more to purchase, often you will receive a discount, but I may earn money from these links.