👉🏽 My Intentional Spending Tracker (free) - nischa.me/intentionalspendingtracker

As a British-Indian I was given this advice by my parents, which I followed. Unfortunately I became disabled later in life. I wish I had done more leisure activities when younger, especially travelling. The advice is sound but take time for yourself because you never know what can happen.

"There's a difference between buying something on sale and buying something because it's on sale." Whoa! 👏🏻🙌🏻

1.) Books 2.) Brand new car 3.) Souvenirs from travelling 4.) The updated version 5.) Items on sale 6.) Investing in things I don't understand 7.) Fast Fashion 8.) Anything high maintenance 9.) Pre nup

The older I get the more I appreciate the saying: "The things you own will end up owning you". Right now I'm clearing, clearing, clearing. Mess is stress. I miss the agility of student days when my life fitted in my car. So, as much as a family man can, I'm removing the unnecessary. Enjoying your videos. Wish I'd been more financially savvy as a young man but I seem to have managed to catch up through property.

I do think self care is important. I lived years of never having indulgences for the sake of saving. I was miserable. So small plunge’s mainly on self care I feel is healthy for my mental and emotional well being.

I’m so happy I made productive decisions about my finances that changed my life forever. I’m a single mother living in Melbourne Australia, bought my second house in September and hoping to retire next year at 50 if things keep going smoothly for me.

For the souvenirs, I hate knick-knacks on shelves that just gather up dust, but I also like the idea of a visual token of the places I have been, so my compromise is that I only buy a nice fridge magnet in each new place that I traveled to & liked. I have all my magnets on my red bar fridge, which looks really cool & shows off my travels a bit 😀

I love that your advice is straight to the point - I hate videos that take 5 mins just for an intro and general waffling

I never regret buying a book. I read it and later sold it for more cash if i wanted to. Good books are always a good investment.

the “on sale” thing is a trap i see so many folks fall into and it always makes me shake my head. if i want something, i wait a few weeks to see if it’s still something i want and that i’m needing in my everyday life.

As a Sri Lankan, I am happy that in the last 20 years I haven't spent on anything you've mentioned in this video. It's naturally in our dna to live a minimalistic life. You don't need money to be happy.

Overall great list. One slight change to consider- on bigger trips buy a refrigerator magnet. They are inexpensive, don’t take up much room and are out in the open where you can see them and they will often spark fond memories- anything bigger creates clutter.

I agree with you about souvenirs, I limit myself to fridge magnets which I know sounds tacky but think of it, it takes up minimal space and brings back memories of the place you bought it as well as the memories of your holidays, and they don'tcost a great deal ofmoney. Well worth buying

Im SO GLAD of your channel. It's the first time I've consumed finance content that resonates with me as a woman. There are far too many 'finance bros' who bank on guilt as motivation. You approach things in such a beautiful, simplified and realistic way and I LOVE IT

The core of the message is universal and practical but, as we are all different, I guess these 9 things would also not be 100% the same for all. Giving presents can be valued in many ways. You don't have to buy a usless object, you can offer a theatre play, a spa fith a friend, a travel for your parents. And this also costs. It's about love and being thoughtful and yes, ready to put some cash into it. Sometimes I find hair tretment a nice little therapy of peace and pampering instead of rushing on my own. I also love books, even once read, they make the space noble and could also borrow them to your guests. However, I agree on many other things. Thanks.

Such a fan Love to hear about things that are obvious but in reality, they aren’t until you’re confronted visually with it. Thank you for making these videos. I really look forward to each one of them learning a lot as we go.

I have always encouraged friends and family to not feel guilty about spending money on books. When you buy a book and mark it up by highlighting important or meaningful passages and write in the margins, it's money and time well spent. You can then refer to it later so buy a sturdy book shelf or two and buy the books you read. Considering it takes most people at least a month to read a good book, it's $20-$25 well spent. Just buy several fewer cups of coffee during the month and it's a wash. :)

The sale part is so true....I have used that so many times to justify purchases of things I didn't need! It's something I'm more aware of now and remind myself of frequently, and not buying things on sale actually makes me more free to purchase things I really need that might not be on sale at the time.

I have a couple of takeaways from this. First though, I found it all to be sound advice that I also adhere to myself. Now, I saw someone else mention this too, but I’ll add that, I scrimped and saved my whole life and still do, to a point. Unfortunately, at age 32, I was struck by a critical illness that, while I managed to live through it, I’m now disabled and unable to travel or really enjoy very much. So while I’m able to live relatively comfortably (which I’m very grateful for), I missed out on enjoying and exploring the world with my only child and I have massive regrets about this - if I good go back, I wouldn’t have been such a tight-a$$ and I would have traveled and splurged and just enjoyed life because time and health is something you can’t ever get back, while responsible spending should still leave a healthy yield to save. The other topic, while I respect your decision and reasoning for it, hair and nail care. I wholeheartedly agree that these types of activities can be a massive waste of time and money. However, I’ve found that for myself, the joy/confidence boost I receive from this type of self-care is worth the price that I’m paying. Though, I am still very strict with the frequency in which I partake in both. My hair color and cut only occurs twice per year, which a trim twice more annually. I’m a terror to my nails, I’m very anxious and stressed, so I bite them unfortunately. For this, I’ve allowed myself roughly three $60 manicures per year, as the powder overlays completely stop my biting for up to a month. They look lovely and it’s a biting reset for me, if you will. I enjoy pedicures at the same frequency, around three times per year. At only $20, I enjoy the quiet time whilst I’m being pampered and honestly, for the sake of health, removing dead skin etc (sorry if that sounds gross), it’s just very worth it to me. Now, there is a fine line between an occasional splurge and having these types of services completed with regularity, so y advice in this regard is to, yes - splurge responsibly with self-care activities as well as traveling and also exploring locally. Don’t bankrupt yourself or take on debt to do so, but do not be afraid to tap into your savings *responsibly and enjoy your life - health and time are not guaranteed!

For christmas I have a great tip. I made it a tradition in our family, that not only kids write letters to “Santa” but also the adults. We write our things which we would like to buy ourselves, but just usually tend to put the thought back. You know- those things that are not expensive, you can live without them, so you never get them yourself, but it would be nice to have it. (For example- i wanted nice slippers, tho I never used them before.Wrote to Santa, my family decided who’s gonna buy them, so I knew I was finally having them, but it was still nice seeing their take on it) And I apreciate the gift very much. It saves time, money and energy while christmas shopping as you already know what they want.plus- the kids don’t get confused why we are receiving gifts if we never wrote to him. And we are also never left out as we really like giving gifts and are against just buying stuff for the sake of it.🤗

I love how the video doesn't just speak about the problems, but provides alternatives. Great stuff 👏🏽

Totally with you 👍🏻 A few others that have worked for me: Gym membership: instead try to go jogging and/or utilise outdoor gym equipment at local park for free. Coffees & snacks: try to cut down/out/ make in office rather than spending money in Starbucks! All the best.

You’re such an inspiration, I’m growing my finance channel and it’s already paying off

Totally agree on buying experience’s rather than things. Memories last a lifetime and you also meet so many like minded people going through the same experience. I do though still buy books and CD’s as I prefer physical format as opposed to digital. Physical items can also go up in value over time too!

I stopped buying at Zara etc but I’m still getting their perfumes. They often are better dupes than the original for a fraction of the price😊

I bought a $58,000 car used with 26,000 miles on it. It was 3 years old, no accidents, no problems, and I paid 28,000. I have owned that car since 2017 and it still drives like it's brand new. Paid off, and all mine! Love it!

A good advice, there is a very thin line in spending for need and overspending. This is the thing we need to practice and make it a habit by slowly teaching ourselves. Love the content and I only shop during Christmas sale lol😂 for entire year.

When it comes to souvenirs I think photos are the best souvenirs you can have. I always look back fondly on photos of trips I’ve taken over the years. That being said if I do wanna pick something up on the trip I usually do a magnet or a sticker, they don’t take up much space.

I developed a Christmas tradition for our family! We draw names on Thanksgiving so that we are purchasing for one adult in the family and vote on the budget..our first year was $25. This allowed us to purchase more for the children and to stay within our personal budgets! 🤑

I would also add. 1. Alcohol in bars. 2. Eating in restaurants at all. 3. Concerts (these days). 4. Sporting events (these days). 5. Gadgets. 6. Subscriptions you forget about, or don't use. 7. Expensive college, or college at all. (but that's a complicated and lengthy discussion) And of course the biggest one of all... Get out of debt, or even better don't get into debt in the first place. Live on beans and water, and shop at the Salvation Army if you have do. Get on the plus side, and stay there forever. It's the best decision you'll ever make. My nephew just got his first job, and within a few weeks bought a new car for $35,000, and now he's giving 30% of his paycheck away every month for a depreciating asset. And setting himself up for a lifetime of debt. It made me very sad. I tried, but some people can't just wait a few years to get in the black. That's all it takes. Get even, and then put away 10% no exceptions.

I was searching about rehab of my knee and fall on your vids. I have realise that fashion does not make it for long term. But quality! Really appreciate your content...

I like that you come straight to the point without waffling about nothing. And it's a good advice. I've been following that advice since i was born. To me, it's common sense. That's what us oldies always have known from our parents. Life was tougher for the older generation. Hence, they were more careful with money. I have often been called "tight," but i say i am not tight, but I just know the value of money.

High maintenance items!!!! Yes!!!! The first time I got my lashes done (which takes two hours, sometimes more if your lash stylist is inexperienced, and costs as much as getting your hair dyed), I was happy enough with how I looked for the month afterwards to justify the purchase. But after getting a fill or two, that hour out of my life and the hole it left in my bank account just felt wrong. It made me realize my appearance just isn't as important to me as all the other things I can do with my time and my money when I'm not getting lashes, nails, hair, etc. But it's also important to take care of yourself, so I think it is about striking the proper balance.

I frequently read things like she just said: A car loses 60% of its value by its 3rd year. Even buying from individuals, I've never been able to buy a 3 year old car at anywhere close to 40% less than its original value unless it's really high mileage, had an accident or just all beat up.

Totally agree with everything you say, excellent content. I personally always by an average car which should hold it value but purchase it in full and ditched the fast fashion 5 years ago and it saves me loads just buying quality over quantity

Brilliant blog! I think a lot of this is obvious if you’ve lived through it but a lot of people haven’t so well done on promoting these tips!

I’ve found this channel recently and it’s really amazing stuff you’re doing! Not many UK based finance channels and this is brilliant! Keep it going!

Learning to cook a range of delicious healthy meals is a great way to cut food spending. If you learn to better satisfy yourself in this regard, you can save yourself trips to restaurants or ordering takeaway more than that is necessary. Those can be nice on occasions, but otherwise knowing how to cook your own meals is so versatile, fun and rewarding!

Thank you for your wise word and advice

Hey, the best thing I did was to study economics as it enabled me to do the things efficiently and still have a good life. Glad your sharing your tips as living within your means is the best advice. Avoid credit where you can.

Thanks for this video. Doing your nails is not a waste of time. It’s self care. I usually listen to an audio book while doing my nails so it’s win win :)

🥰I just found your channel and absolutely love it! Thank you for all the work you put in these videos!

Great points! Totally proven point about nails. I've most recently updated that to a do it myself nail system at home, whereas the time spent is capped, the products are good healthier and I get to keep my goal of feeling polished. The books I'm still figuring out what works for me.

I don't get why "a new car" is always on these lists, if you buy a car every 3y It make sense, but if you keep it more than that, and take decent care of it, you'll get easily 10y of it without mayor issues. Plus the advantages of not having to spend 3h going to a place not farther than 10km/6mi in a bus (normally with connections, therefore more wait and spend) nor will you be at the mercy of uber's algorithm

I did a video like this a while back and when I said I no longer buy books, people chewed me out. 🤦🏾‍♀️ I’m so glad someone like you said this. I knew I wasn’t alone.

The more passive income you can build, the freer you will become. Taking the first step is the hardest, but 4 houses later living off passive income. You’ve got to start taking steps to achieve your goal.

OBSESSED with your channel...I just started on Wall Street it is sooooooo refreshing to see other women in the field giving practical advice

Sound advice, just an addition that living below your means definitely does not mean to be a miser but to spend your money smartly.

100% agreed, particularly clothes and nails. I am a medic, and when I moved from hospital job to a GP practice I knew I could finally have nail polish/gel nails. But the appointment took 1 hr if not longer, so after a few wasted afternoons the novelty worn off 😂

So grateful I found your channel . It's everything and more ❣️

Our family did created gifts or used/second hand items for gifts every other year for a while. The recipe book from mom with our favorite recipes was way more meaningful and less expensive than the 100$ budgeted gifts from before.

Definitely agree with you! 👍I am a minimalist and I love it, I love to spend money on experiences and not on stuff, unless I really need it or it really really makes me joy… but the most joy is to have a clutter free house 🏡😊😊

Great advice. Learning the difference between a want and a need is a valuable skill.

Great points! I just wanted to say that some words have definitely different meaning here in US and in Britain lol. Pre-nap in US is used for when people get married and want to do a "contract" of material items they want to keep separately. So that totally threw me off guard lol.

Thank you so much for your brief and quality concepts and explanations!

I'm nearly 40 and not had a life yet due to trauma. I dont have a lot of money and my condition means I maybe losing my job. I need to find a way to make money but also I want to experience holidays. I live life careful with spending and still not got anywhere. Mostly mental health from trauma. I am hoping to conquer depression and suicidal thoughts. And want to set up something to bring money in. My passion is to help others so I'm hoping something along those lines in whatever I end up doing. It's hard to see the light at the end of the tunnel. I dont know where to start. I wanted kids but again trauma has prevented that so have considered fostering. Im here for help in advice. Glad I found your channel.

Lots of great points! I’m not sure I agree with the mentality that we need to be thinking about the productivity opportunity cost for when we do things like get our nails or hair done, but otherwise loved the content. 😊

Although all of these concepts are straight-forward and are being said by others all the time, the way you articulate them and how you make them so relatable, I really appreciate. Since I stopped spending money on going out, drinking (I am sober now) and not getting "maintenance" done on my hair, nails, etc., I feel so much less stress to earn a high wage. In fact, I quit my high paying job and entered the gig economy so I could spend more time doing what I really enjoy. I make a fraction of what I use to but I am able to actually save money, I am happier and more fulfilled and feel like planning for the future isn't so overwhelming. I am also able to pay of debt.

hey Nischa. great site. just subscribed. I am a financial and agree completely on books to improve your betterment. agreed souvenirs but still like to give to my kids when I travel but you are right :) also. libraries are great and youtube learning one of the best ways to learn buy the drink and no salvage in the house to clutter

Yes I'm the same I rent books from the library (as its good to keep them going for the local community in UK) and I covet my real books for me they are worth the investment. My approach is...I don't buy anything unless I love it, have a purpose for it, or need it. Job done. It's not complicated.

Thank you for your financial information tips and advice 😊 wishing you a positive, happy, healthy day and week filled with joy happiness kindness love and with positive Energy and gratitude for everything we have right now in the present moment 🙏 ✨️ ❤️

Social media and the internet in general causes me to spend more money! I have 2 pairs of sunglasses and reading glasses yet I find myself looking for more. I have more than enough of everything, I don’t need to buy anything else!!

I agree entirely! I do, however, buy books in small quantity. Unless I really like them, I either donate them or sell them to Strand Bookstore, which is in NYC.

Loved this video. I never was able to go on vacations due to my health, but I invested in a library of books that have given me years of pleasure!

Amazing video as usual Nischa! Can you also make a video of mistakes you made when you first started earning a proper salary and things you would go back and do if you could?

I love this list except I would replace books (which I usually buy second hand!) with coffees. For those of us who aren't super wealthy, it's amazing how much of your weekly/monthly budget is saved from treating going out for coffee as a luxury to be enjoyed every now and again not daily.

I do all 9! sound advice that I've learnt over the years especially the car ! It needs to be reliable and get you from A to B

travel momento- years ago when my kids were young I switched to 1 magnet from a place and the group decides on it. Then I have 2 red metal wall pieces with all our magnets on them and they're fun to look at- only some wall space taken.

Came across your videos not too long ago! They’re so calming, informative and makes me feel like I CAN regain control of money growth and savings. How did you get into the habit with Christmas shopping? Did you announce to the people in your life you were doing so, that way they felt less pressure to buy for you also? How do we normalize this conversation around holidays?

As far as souvenirs. I collect a small stone from every country I go to. Cheap, and it doesn't take up space. What you describe in this video, I would also call minimalism. I've been practicing this for a while now and feel good about having a bit less. I feel unbundled and have less things to worry about.

My souvenir of choice is the magnet. It's cheap and takes up virtually no space. I have a wall of magnets to all the places I've been.

Hi, I felt you were revealing my thinking through this video. Glad, I'm not the only one here.

Nischa, muchas gracias for your wise advice, love the clear way you explain these financial themes, and seeing your example is really inspiring. KEEP MAKING GREAT SCHOOL OF MONEY WAVES!! 🤩👍🏼

Thanks for this, very insightful. Quick question (open to anyone): What is your opinion on rather expensive hobbies?

Great things I never really thought about, definitively gonna put into practice some of your advice. Except the books thing, I love collecting those in physical.

Great video, thank you! I have subscribed to your channel. The simplicity of your content is amazing.

Thank God finally someone says this out loud - new cars, fast fashion and pointless nail/hair saloon appointments are an absolute waste of money and time! Great video, thanks!

Loved this video Nischa!! Really wise words. I am definitely a sucker for sales and haven’t thought of it as a way of brainwashing me to buy something.

To me, everything that you are talking about is complete sense, and has a direct correlation between whether you are an extrovert or in my case, a introvert the beauty of introvert is we tend to spend time thinking carefully about what we spend our money on we don’t get drawn intoloads of Social rubbish activities we do tend to read a lot, but as you pointed out earlier you can get books from the local library or download free books onto iPad or whatever

Just found your channel recently and I'm really enjoying it! The videos are simple and easy to understand. Subbed!

The last bit is hard.... But I completely agree with all your points 😄

Love your minimalist sophisticated and confident look. Beautiful

Great tips. Fast fashion, influencers trending items, high maintenance (it adds up!), souvenirs and goods that create so much waste aren't worth spending for me.

I am an old timer and have just found your channel. Its not often someone as young as you talks so much sense. It just goes to show you can put an old head on young shoulders. Good luck to you. John.

Simple girl. I only wish many people looked at things in its simplicity as you. I have similar outlook to life like yours. Excited to see your channel grow in leaps and bounds, in the years ahead

When I was a boy I wanted to buy a toy car so asked Mum for an advance on pocket money. No way. I looked at it every day in the shop window. Four weeks later I had the12.5p enough to buy it but no longer wanted it! Nischa good stuff again.

I love this channel. It has taken a long while but I have eventually dropped many 'things' in my life that did nothing for me. I often will ask if its money well spent... what am I going to get out of it? A moment of happiness or a lifetime?

Really enjoyed your video. All the points you raised are very valid and similar to my own thinking. People wise up to the points you raised much later in life. Liked and Subscribed.👍❤

Amazing documentation of these supposedly common sense stuff but inherently invisible to the common eye. I’ve learnt a lot of these by experience and thought (and party by Indian heritage too), good of you share it with the world in a structured way. I see some folks talking about the balance between living for the present and saving for the future. Which it absolutely is! Digressing from this video’s topic, you should always do what you want to do if you get an opportunity to do it. Have I spent more money on things I’ve wanted to do, absolutely! But what Nischa says here are more of a habit forming routine that keeps good financial health. Not one time joys or planning to have fun!

From the sale category, I was going to buy a welder that was $200. When I went to buy it an employee said “hey if you can wait a week it’s going to be on sale for $150” sure I can wait a week, yeah that was a nice savings. But people here do Black Friday and will buy a TV just because it’s on sale. If you didn’t need it, you didn’t save $200 you spent $400

Thank you for making this short, to the point, and concise.

Just found your channel, very excited of following you :)

As an investing enthusiast, I often wonder how top level investors are able to become millionaires of investing. . I’ve been sitting on over $545K equity from a home sale and I’m not sure where to go from here, is it a good time to buy into stocks or diversify ?

My family struggles with the obligatory gift giving around the holidays. In Asian households it is often seen as a sign that you’ve made it when you can give to others generously or as a ‘don’t forget me’ item. End result - many spend significant $ on people they really don’t know. My advice, a ten minute conversation will go further than a $100 card.

The souvenir thing is an odd one and a bit personal, I guess. Firstly, unless you're spending crazy money, it seems bit of a weird one to focus on even if it is often a waste. Secondly, if you can find something practical, good quality and not too expensive then that can be worth it. I like tote bags. I use them all the time and it's this frequent reminder of the experience I had which I probably wouldn't revisit quite so often without that.

Hi Nischa!! Anyhow, your financial advice is excellent spot on. 👌

Totally agree with all of this. I'm the same. Not only do nails take forever to get done, but after spending 40 pounds they only last 10 days!! Ridiculous.Thank you! Good job on these vids too! Well done!! X

She is awesome. One of the Best channels I subscribed to recently, thank you KZfaq algorithm. She is beautiful and very smart, plus she won’t waste no one’s time, gets to the point right away.

Thanks for the video, The 'updates' and 'sales' make a lot of sense