Ashlee Piper | Buying Less, Living More: What Happens When You Stop Shopping

Welcome back to MONEYO2!

Today’s guest, Ashlee Piper, knows firsthand what it’s like to be caught in the cycle of spending and stress. Once a fast-paced political strategist with a love for fashion and wellness trends, Ashlee found herself constantly shopping—but feeling increasingly disconnected.

So she made a radical decision: buy nothing new for a year. What started as a personal challenge became a lifestyle shift, a bestselling book, and a movement that’s reshaping how people think about money, identity, and joy.

In this episode, Ashlee gets real about what happens when you pause the purchasing and start paying attention to what really matters. We talk about her journey from burnout to intentional living, why we shop to soothe, and what “enough” looks like in a world that tells us we’re never quite there. She also shares the hidden emotional and financial freedom that comes from consuming less and how to try the No New Things challenge yourself—without guilt or shame.

Ashlee got out of $20K in consumer debt and saved $36K without increasing her income!

Her story is smart, funny, and refreshingly honest. If you’ve ever thought about simplifying your life, being more intentional with your money, or just wanted to feel a little less pressure to “keep up”—this episode is your permission slip.

As always, I’d love to hear what you think! DM me on Instagram @erinkuhnbhansali and follow us @moneyo2pod or email me at erin.kuhn@qnityinc.com.

To connect with Ashlee, visit nntbook.com or follow her on Instagram @ashleepiper.

Ready to rethink your relationship with spending? Listen to the full episode here.