Have you ever wondered what it would feel like to step away from the daily grind, not because you have to, but because you’ve planned well enough to choose freedom? For one 37-year-old in Switzerland, that dream became reality. After years of earning a high salary, she walked away from a high-flying tech career with a hefty nest egg, all thanks to a disciplined approach to spending—or rather, not spending. Her secret? A no-buy checklist that transformed her relationship with money and opened the door to a life of intentional living.
In a world where consumerism often feels like the default, her story is a breath of fresh air. It’s not just about saving money; it’s about rethinking what you value, questioning every purchase, and aligning your habits with a bigger purpose. I’ve always found that stories like hers spark a little curiosity in me—what could I change to live a bit more freely? Let’s dive into how her no-buy checklist works, why it’s so effective, and how you can adapt it to your own life, no matter where you are.
The Power of a No-Buy Checklist
A no-buy checklist isn’t just a list of things you can’t buy. It’s a tool for mindful spending, forcing you to pause and reflect before swiping your card. For our Swiss saver, this checklist became a way to align her purchases with her values—both financial and ethical. By 2025, with the cost of living soaring in many parts of the world, tools like this are more relevant than ever. They’re not about deprivation; they’re about empowerment.
Imagine this: you’re eyeing a shiny new gadget. It’s tempting, right? But before you click “buy,” you run through a series of questions that make you reconsider. Do I need this? Is it worth the environmental cost? Can I find it secondhand? This simple act of pausing can save you hundreds, even thousands, over time. It’s a small habit with big rewards.
Money is power, but only if you use it wisely. A checklist helps you wield that power with intention.
– Personal finance expert
Why a Checklist Works
Let’s be real—most of us have made impulse purchases we later regretted. That pair of shoes that seemed like a must-have? Now they’re gathering dust. The no-buy checklist works because it interrupts that impulsive urge. It’s like a mental speed bump, giving you time to think critically about your choices. For our 37-year-old, this wasn’t just about saving money; it was about building a life that felt meaningful.
Her checklist wasn’t born out of thin air. It was shaped by the FIRE movement—short for Financial Independence, Retire Early—which emphasizes aggressive saving and investing to gain freedom from the 9-to-5 grind. By 2018, she was already saving a significant chunk of her income, but the checklist gave her frugality a new focus. It wasn’t enough to just save; she wanted her money to reflect her values, like sustainability and ethical consumption.
- Stops impulse buys by forcing reflection
- Aligns spending with personal values
- Builds long-term financial discipline
The No-Buy Checklist: Questions to Ask
So, what exactly does this checklist look like? It’s a set of questions designed to make you think twice before spending. Here’s how it breaks down, inspired by our Swiss saver’s approach but adapted for anyone looking to save smarter in 2025.
- Do I really need this? Be honest. Is this a want or a need? Most purchases fall into the “want” category, and recognizing that is half the battle.
- What’s the environmental impact? Will this item end up as waste in a landfill? If it’s not sustainable, is it worth it?
- Can I buy it secondhand? Thrift stores, online marketplaces, and hand-me-downs are often just as good as new.
- Is it ethically produced? Was it made with fair labor practices? Does it align with your values, like veganism or cruelty-free production?
- How long will it last? Cheap items often break quickly. Investing in quality can save money in the long run.
- Is it recyclable? If it’s not, how long will it take to decompose? This question ties back to sustainability and long-term impact.
These questions aren’t just about saving money—they’re about making choices that feel good. I’ve tried a version of this checklist myself, and let me tell you, it’s eye-opening. You start to see how much of your spending is driven by habit or social pressure rather than necessity.
Living Simply in a Costly World
Switzerland isn’t exactly known for being budget-friendly. With sky-high rents and groceries, living there can feel like a financial tightrope. Yet, our 37-year-old and her partner make it work by embracing a simple lifestyle. They skip fancy restaurants and instead spend their days hiking, swimming in local lakes, and cooking at home. It’s a reminder that joy doesn’t have to come with a price tag.
What’s fascinating is how they’ve redefined what “enough” means. Instead of chasing more—more money, more stuff—they focus on what brings them happiness. It’s a mindset shift that anyone can adopt, whether you’re in a pricey city or a small town. Perhaps the most interesting aspect is how this simplicity doesn’t feel like sacrifice. It feels like freedom.
Simplicity isn’t about having less; it’s about wanting less.
Sustainability as a Financial Strategy
One of the standout features of the no-buy checklist is its focus on sustainability. Our saver didn’t just want to save money; she wanted her purchases to align with her commitment to the planet. This meant going vegan, choosing secondhand whenever possible, and prioritizing items that were ethically produced. It’s a powerful reminder that financial independence and environmental consciousness can go hand in hand.
Take clothing, for example. Instead of buying fast fashion, she invests in high-quality pieces that last for years. It’s not about spending less—it’s about spending better. This approach not only saves money over time but also reduces waste. In 2025, with climate change concerns at an all-time high, this strategy feels more urgent than ever.
| Purchase Type | Traditional Approach | No-Buy Checklist Approach |
| Clothing | Fast fashion, frequent purchases | Secondhand or high-quality, long-lasting |
| Food | Eating out, convenience foods | Home-cooked, vegan, locally sourced |
| Travel | Luxury hotels, frequent flights | Modest accommodations, eco-friendly options |
Adapting the Checklist to Your Life
Okay, so you’re not living in Switzerland with a million-dollar nest egg. Can the no-buy checklist still work for you? Absolutely. The beauty of this approach is its flexibility. Whether you’re a student, a young professional, or nearing retirement, these principles can be tailored to your circumstances.
Start small. Maybe you don’t overhaul your entire budget overnight. Instead, pick one category—like clothing or groceries—and apply the checklist there. Over time, you’ll notice the savings add up. I’ve found that even just questioning one purchase a week can make a difference. It’s like building a muscle—the more you do it, the easier it gets.
- Start with one category: Focus on groceries, entertainment, or clothing.
- Set a goal: Aim to save a specific amount each month by using the checklist.
- Track your progress: Use a budgeting app to see how much you’re saving.
The Emotional Side of Frugality
Let’s talk about something that doesn’t get enough attention: how spending (or not spending) makes you feel. For many, shopping is a quick hit of dopamine—a way to feel good, even if just for a moment. But our Swiss saver flips that script. She finds joy in saying no to unnecessary purchases because it brings her closer to her goals. That’s powerful.
I’ll admit, I’ve had moments where I’ve bought something just because I was stressed or bored. But using a checklist like hers helps reframe that urge. Instead of shopping for therapy, you start finding joy in other places—like a walk in nature or a home-cooked meal with loved ones. It’s not about cutting out fun; it’s about finding it in unexpected places.
Frugality isn’t punishment. It’s a choice to prioritize what truly matters.
– Financial coach
The Bigger Picture: Financial Freedom
The no-buy checklist isn’t just about saving a few bucks here and there. It’s a stepping stone to financial freedom. For our 37-year-old, it meant walking away from a high-pressure job to live life on her terms. She and her partner now spend their days doing what they love, without the constant need to earn more.
What’s your version of financial freedom? Maybe it’s working part-time, traveling the world, or simply not stressing about bills. Whatever it is, a no-buy checklist can help you get there. It’s not about becoming a millionaire overnight—it’s about making intentional choices that add up over time.
Financial Freedom Formula: 50% Mindful Spending 30% Consistent Saving 20% Strategic Investing
Challenges and How to Overcome Them
Let’s be honest—sticking to a no-buy checklist isn’t always easy. Social pressure, advertising, and even your own habits can make it tough. Our Swiss saver admits that saying no to trendy purchases or dining out took practice. But the key is to start small and stay consistent.
One challenge is the temptation to “keep up” with others. In a world of social media highlight reels, it’s easy to feel like you need the latest phone or designer bag. But here’s a tip: remind yourself what you’re saving for. Whether it’s a dream vacation or early retirement, keeping your goal in sight makes it easier to say no.
- Identify triggers: What makes you want to spend? Stress? Boredom?
- Create alternatives: Replace shopping with free activities like hiking or reading.
- Find accountability: Share your goals with a friend or partner.
Why 2025 Is the Year to Start
With inflation still biting in many parts of the world, 2025 is the perfect time to rethink your spending. The no-buy checklist isn’t just for high earners—it’s for anyone who wants to take control of their finances. Whether you’re saving for a house, paying off debt, or dreaming of a sabbatical, these questions can guide you.
I find it inspiring to think about how small changes can lead to big results. Our Swiss saver didn’t become a millionaire overnight. She started with one intentional choice, then another, and another. Over time, those choices built a life of freedom and purpose. Maybe this is your year to start asking the same questions.
The journey to financial freedom starts with a single, mindful choice.
So, what’s stopping you? Grab a notebook, jot down those checklist questions, and start asking them before your next purchase. You might be surprised at how much you save—and how much freer you feel.
