HerMoney with Jean Chatzky: Episode 471 Summary

Episode Title: The 30-Day ‘No Buy’ Challenge That Can Save You Thousands
Release Date: April 16, 2025
Host: Jean Chatzky
Guest: Ashley Piper, Sustainability Expert and Author of No New Things: A Radically Simple 30-Day Guide to Saving Money, the Planet, and Your Sanity

Introduction: Tackling Consumerism Through Sustainability

In Episode 471 of HerMoney with Jean Chatzky, host Jean Chatzky welcomes Ashley Piper to discuss a transformative approach to personal finance and environmental sustainability—the 30-Day ‘No Buy’ Challenge. This challenge, detailed in Ashley's book No New Things, aims to help individuals break free from the cycle of earning and spending, ultimately saving money and benefiting the planet.

The Cycle of Earning to Spend: Ashley’s Personal Journey

Ashley Piper shares her personal experience of being trapped in what she terms the "work to buy swirl," a relentless cycle of earning and spending that left her stressed and disconnected.

Ashley Piper [02:56]: "I was so stressed out and so kind of disconnected from a lot of my life that I was buying and browsing as recreation... It was putting me into debt and I wasn't happy."

Her breakthrough came when she delved into sustainability, realizing that adopting eco-friendly habits not only benefited the planet but also her financial health and mental well-being.

Understanding Consumerism: Historical and Psychological Perspectives

The conversation delves into the roots of consumerism, tracing its evolution from post-World War II industrialization to the present-day landscape dominated by relentless advertising and emotional marketing tactics.

Ashley Piper [07:07]: "After the war has been won, the entire notion of what the American dream is has changed. Purchasing becomes a patriotic act."

Ashley explains how marketing exploits human emotions, leading to impulsive buying behaviors regardless of one's emotional state—be it joy, sadness, or boredom.

Ashley Piper [09:15]: "We're wired to throw stuff at every variety of problems... the average American sees around 2,000 to 10,000 advertising impressions a day."

The Rise of Conscious Consumption

In recent years, there has been a noticeable shift towards more conscious consumption. This includes the proliferation of "buy nothing" groups on social media, marketplaces for secondhand goods, and a general move towards community-based sharing.

Ashley Piper [10:53]: "People experience connection through those [buy nothing groups]. The connection is so much more satisfying than the isolated, very individualistic way that we've been conditioned to shop in the West."

Ashley attributes this shift to a growing desire for community and meaningful connections, especially highlighted during the pandemic when traditional buying was disrupted.

Introducing the 30-Day ‘No Buy’ Challenge

Ashley Piper introduces her signature challenge, the 30-Day ‘No Buy’ Challenge, designed to eliminate unnecessary purchases and foster sustainable habits. Initially a personal experiment in 2013, the challenge unexpectedly garnered widespread interest, eventually evolving into a two-year-long project.

Ashley Piper [14:09]: "No New Things was something I intended to do for just one month... but I found the benefits were so multitudinous and so surprising that I ended up doing it for almost two years."

The challenge encourages participants to refrain from buying new tangible items for 30 days, with specific exceptions outlined to maintain flexibility and practicality.

Benefits and Surprising Outcomes

Participants of the challenge report a range of benefits, both anticipated and unexpected. Financial savings are the most obvious, but the challenge also fosters creativity, strengthens community bonds, and enhances personal well-being.

Ashley Piper [17:29]: "I became so much more creative and innovative in doing no new things."

One notable story involves a couple who, through the challenge, decluttered their home and ultimately felt prepared to adopt a child—an outcome Ashley had not foreseen.

Ashley Piper [17:24]: "They completely furnished a nursery secondhand... a springboard for them... they adopted a little girl."

Overcoming Challenges: Flexibility and Self-Compassion

While the challenge is designed to be flexible, participants may face obstacles such as vacations, major life events, or occasional slip-ups. Ashley emphasizes that the challenge is not punitive and encourages participants to simply resume whenever setbacks occur.

Ashley Piper [28:19]: "If you goof, if you have to buy something last minute... that's okay, keep going."

The key to success lies in viewing the challenge as a personal experiment rather than a strict rule, allowing room for imperfection and gradual improvement.

Quantifying the Impact: Personal and Collective Benefits

Ashley shares her impressive personal savings of $36,000 over two years through the No New Things challenge, alongside significant debt reduction. On a collective scale, widespread adoption of such practices could lead to substantial financial savings and environmental benefits.

Ashley Piper [31:14]: "The fewer new things that we are producing... it eases a little bit of the burden on the planet."

Additionally, reducing consumption supports a shift from a consumer-driven society to one that values people and community over possessions.

How to Join the Challenge

Listeners interested in embracing the 30-Day ‘No Buy’ Challenge can access Ashley Piper’s book No New Things for a guided experience. Ashley also offers ongoing support through her Instagram and Substack, providing resources and community connections for participants.

Ashley Piper [33:44]: "I'll be doing some more guided challenges through the year and probably through my life. So I welcome anybody to join up."

Conclusion: Empowerment Through Conscious Choices

The episode wraps up by reinforcing the dual benefits of the challenge: personal financial gain and positive environmental impact. Ashley Piper’s No New Things challenge serves as an empowering tool for individuals to reclaim control over their finances, foster community connections, and contribute to a more sustainable world.

Ashley Piper [31:14]: "I think that my goal is with sharing no new things that people find supportive communities and they find themselves parts of that."

Jean Chatzky encourages listeners to rate the episode and explore HerMoney’s programs for further financial empowerment.

Join the Conversation:

If you’re inspired to take on the 30-Day ‘No Buy’ Challenge or seek further financial guidance, consider reading Ashley Piper’s No New Things and exploring HerMoney’s offerings:

• Finance Fix: A cash management budgeting program.
• Investing Fix: An investing club for women.

Empower yourself financially and contribute to a sustainable future by embracing conscious consumption today.