I’m Going to Stop Buying Books

I never thought in a million years I would announce my decision to stop buying books. The realization finally hit me yesterday, when I bought three books in a brand-new bookstore I had been wanting to check out for a long time. Even though the books were cheap, it was $14 in total.

That $14 could have gone to something else that was more important.

I have recently learned that 2026 and the rest of 2025 is going to be really tough on me. There is going to be a lot of changes in my life, including a lot of upcoming expenses I need to be prepared for.

$50 for study materials for an upcoming exam.

$30 monthly payment for a new phone I had to purchase for my future part time job.

$10 monthly payment for subscriptions.

$136 for an upcoming exam…and that’s only if I pass it on the first try.

Possibly monthly payment for a brand new car. I’m going to need one now, because of something huge that could be happening for me in 2026.

$255 for a dentist appointment. I literally have no idea how I’m going to conjure up this money. This payment will be due at the end of July.

$15 for two monthly subscriptions: Medium and Shudder.

$40 for a future oil exchange for my current car.

$30 for a haircut I desperately need. It’s been a damn long time.

$20 for groceries, everyone pitches in for food in a fair manner.

Possibly monthly payments for student loans in early 2026.

Who knows how much I’m going to have to spend on clothes for my new part time job. And that payment will also be due at the end of July.

And the worst part…is that I no longer have any savings left.

This part really hurts to admit, but it’s the truth. I made a huge sacrifice with my savings, by using a huge chunk of the money to purchase a birthday gift for a family member. They deserved that gift, and even though the lack of money is hurting me right now, I don’t regret my decision.

They deserved that gift for everything they did for me, and this person made a huge impact on my life this year, and I’m grateful for the independence they have given me.

I also can’t really put a stop to the monthly subscriptions either, since my family and I made a fair exchange to all equally contribute to these subscriptions, and trust me, it’s pretty damn fair lol.

It feels strange to be this honest about my future expenses, but I really needed to let it out. I thought it would be easier to explain why I can’t focus on buying fun stuff anymore. This is really going to hurt me in the long run, but I at least have 15 new books to read.

Yes.

15.

I’m aware about my book addiction, and it needs to stop.

As of right now, I need to focus on what comes next. My money will only be going to the important stuff. My brain is going to be mentally drained by the end of all this, but I am ready for it.

I’m currently looking for another part time job, so that I can hopefully make several of his future purchases a reality. And I also want to start saving a lot of money again. I am going to start over, with a clean slate.

I’m motivated to begin.

I’ll miss buying books, but I know this sacrifice will be worth it in the end.

Thank you for reading!

Emy Quinn