Your 2025 ‘No-Buy’ List
Feb 04 | 2025
via TikTok/@ElysiaBerman + Kasjan Farbisz from Pixabay
The ugliest thing about credit card debt is that it’s plaguing millions of Americans all across the country. Hang-on, hang-on before you despair — it’s possible to pay off credit card debt by simply avoiding certain purchases that you’d normally give in to without a thought.
The latest social media trend that encourages people to snip up their credit cards and tuck their wallets away is called the No Buy List challenge. Oodles of social media users have been sharing their personal stories about saving money and paying off credit card debt by hopping on the No Buy List bandwagon.
Elysia Berman is one woman who recently revealed she paid off close to $34K in credit card debt by hopping on this trend. Here are the details:
$34K in Credit Card Debt Paid Off By Following a TikTok Trend?
35-year-old Elysia uploaded a TikTok video detailing what it’s been like to pay off close to $34K in credit card debt within the past year. She says the No Buy List TikTok challenge captured her attention and caused a major breakthrough in her life. So, what exact actions made it onto her No Buy List?
Elysia cut out new beauty products, perfume, technology, jewelry, clothes, home decor, and books. She also canceled her Pilates membership and stopped ordering takeout except for once-a-month splurges. Once she committed to her No Buy List, she was able to pay off $1,000 worth of debt at certain intervals over the course of 2024.
Sticking to a “No Buy List” – How?
There are certain items on Elysia’s list that can’t be obtained for free. When she runs out of makeup or perfume, she has to pay to replace them. If she can’t get her hands on swapping free stuff from a friend, she’ll have to survive the duration of 2025 without makeup or perfume.
As far as tech goes, Elysia will have to make sure she keeps her devices as safe as possible. This way, she won’t be forced to replace them prematurely. Being extra careful with her phone, laptop, and tablet is a must.
As far as jewelry and clothing go, she’s gotta get creative mixing and matching pieces that are already in her wardrobe. Without shopping for the latest clothes and jewelry fashions, repetitive outfits will certainly become the norm for her! But, that’s not a big deal unless you’re a famous person who’s always being chased down by camera-clicking paparazzi.
Beyond that, skimping out on new home decor isn’t a big deal either if you already enjoy what your living space looks like. Her decision to stop buying new books is the easiest of all — a library card will grant her access to thousands of books and she’ll never have to spend one penny.
Cutting out food delivery services is an incredibly smart part of Elysia’s No Buy List because shopping for your own groceries is far less expensive. Last but not least, the cancellation of her Pilates membership must have been a tough decision. Still, it’s possible to do at-home Pilates sessions with a yoga mat and a YouTube video if you really want to stick to your fitness routine.
The “No Buy List” Trend is a Big F U to Capitalism
Hundreds of TikTokers are hopping on the bandwagon to join the fight against overconsumption. These days, folks are more serious than ever about saving money, paying off debt, and flipping their middle finger at capitalism.
Aside from Elysia’s list, other social media users have their own ideas about what they’re boycotting in 2025. These lists include things like alcohol, Spotify and other music subscriptions, Netflix and other streaming platforms, Starbucks and other to-go coffee orders, bottled water, and kids’ toys.
It’s safe to say there are a lot of people who will be saving A LOT of money in 2025, if they stick to this super viral No Buy List TikTok trend.
