This Friday, some consumers are planning a 24-hour “economic blackout” in response to rising costs and general economic uncertainty. Dubbed “No Buy Friday,” the movement encourages participants to refrain from making purchases, except for essential goods bought from local businesses. The idea is to send a message to corporations, forcing them to acknowledge consumer frustrations over inflation, pricing strategies, and perceived economic inequalities.
The protest follows the broader “No Buy 2025” movement, which signals a growing shift in consumer activism. While these efforts aim to make a statement, they also raise a critical question: Does withholding spending for a day truly create lasting change?
Perhaps there’s a better way. Instead of focusing on what not to do—what if we focused on how to improve our own lives and communities?
A Different Approach: Invest in Yourself, Not a Boycott
Economic frustrations are real. But while we can’t control the economy, we can control how we respond to it. Instead of a 24-hour boycott, what if we turned No Buy Friday into a day of investment—into ourselves, our families, and our communities?
Here’s how:
1. Improve Yourself and Your Own Life
Rather than focusing on what corporations are doing, consider how you can better position yourself for financial independence. This could mean starting a side hustle, revamping your budget, or setting new career goals. What’s one action you can take today to improve your situation instead of waiting for the economy to change?
2. Reach Out to Others in Your Community
Economic hardships don’t just impact individuals; they affect entire communities. Instead of abstaining from spending, what if you used the day to help a struggling neighbor? Volunteer at a food pantry, support a local business, or simply check in on someone who might be having a tough time. Real change starts with small, intentional acts of kindness.
3. Invest in Your Business or Career
If you’re a small business owner, use No Buy Friday to work on your business, rather than in it. That could mean refining your marketing strategy, setting long-term goals, or brainstorming new revenue streams. If you’re an employee, think about how you can upskill to increase your value in the job market. Instead of waiting for corporations to change, position yourself to thrive regardless of the economy.
4. Commit to Lifelong Learning
In times of uncertainty, knowledge is power. Instead of simply protesting economic conditions, why not educate yourself about personal finance, investing, or entrepreneurship? Read a book, take an online course, or listen to a podcast that will help you build wealth and security for the long term.
5. Invest in Your Children’s Future
Economic challenges are generational. The best way to fight against financial hardship is to equip the next generation with the tools for success. Teach your children about saving, entrepreneurship, or critical thinking. Set up a small investment account in their name, encourage them to start a mini business, or simply have a conversation about money management.
6. Give Back to Your Community
If economic conditions are tough, imagine how they are affecting the most vulnerable in society. Instead of withholding spending, consider donating to a cause, supporting your church, or contributing to programs that help underserved communities. True impact comes not just from protest, but from building up the world around us.
Boycotts vs. Building a Better Future
There’s nothing wrong with raising awareness about economic struggles. But will not spending for 24 hours change the system in any meaningful way? Or will investing in yourself and your community create lasting change?
The truth is, corporations may notice a short-term dip in sales, but they will continue making decisions based on long-term profits and economic trends. However, when individuals and communities take ownership of their financial future, they build resilience, independence, and real change that lasts far beyond a single day.
So, instead of sitting out on No Buy Friday, consider making it a day of empowerment, self-improvement, and generosity. The best way to create the future we want isn’t by withholding—it’s by investing in ourselves and our communities.
What will you do this Friday to make a lasting difference? 💡
Related articles:
How To Create Lasting Generational Wealth from Your Business(Opens in a new browser tab)
How Small Businesses Can Survive and Thrive in Tough Economic Times(Opens in a new browser tab)
