things i am no longer buying in 2026

Mindful Consumption in 2026

After spending $38,000 in 2025, Allison Baek wants to make 2026 a year of more mindful consumption. Her goal is to save and invest in things that genuinely add value rather than chase trends.

Purchases She Plans to Avoid

• Impractical bags: She’s avoiding micro bags, bags without secure closures, and bags intended for only one occasion. Instead, she plans to use what she owns or shop secondhand for vintage bags.
• Trendy beauty products: Rather than buying viral launches, she’ll stick with skincare and makeup that already work for her. She recommends researching products based on your own skin and preferences instead of assuming popular products will suit everyone.
• Wellness gadgets: She sees impulse purchases marketed as quick fixes as poor substitutes for addressing stress. Instead, she’s prioritizing meditation and mental health. She uses Headspace’s morning meditations and a chat-style companion feature to reflect on her feelings.
• Viral food and drink products: She considers short-lived food trends often overpriced and driven by novelty. She plans to choose simple, whole foods with recognizable ingredients.
• New planners: Buying an attractive planner didn’t make her more organized. After struggling to find one that suited her, she created printable weekly pages with space to view her schedule, track habits, and reflect.
• Polyester clothing: She prefers natural fibers such as cotton, linen, and wool, which she considers longer-lasting and better-looking. She also raises concerns about polyester shedding microplastics.
• Multiples of things she already owns: She discourages collecting extra water bottles, mugs, candles, and beauty products before using what’s on hand. Her alternative is to identify and keep using a few personal favorites.
• Unnecessary trinkets and decor: She’s avoiding random figurines, blind boxes, and seasonal decorations, while making room for functional home items such as lamps, mirrors, and storage.

Broader Advice

Baek encourages people to avoid shopping out of FOMO or for a temporary mood boost, use what they already have, and focus on purchases that offer lasting, practical value. The goal isn’t to stop buying things altogether, but to build more intentional habits and prioritize saving and wealth-building.

Notable Mentions

Products, brands, and places: Headspace; Stanley water bottles; Trader Joe’s frozen meals; McDonald’s McRib; Chili’s Triple Dipper; Shein; Smiskis and Sonny Angels; Allison Baek’s printable weekly planner.

Speaker: Allison Baek