How Consumerism Ruins Our Planet and Finances

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2 жыл бұрын

Consumerism is destroying our earth and our wallets - here's how. In this video essay, we're discussing the advertisement-driven world we live in, the ways consumerism impacts personal finance, mental health, and the environment, and what we can do to combat consumerism.
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How Consumerism Ruins Our Planet and Finances: Consumerism is a problem for the earth and your wallet (aka your finances) because it influences you to buy stuff you don't need. We're told to buy, buy, buy! Spend money! Go shopping! Always get the newest and the lastest things! But constant consumption traps you in an endless cycle of wanting more, spending more, and never being satisfied. It's time us all to break free. We have to reject consumerism by living more simply, buying secondhand (thrifting), embracing minimalism, and investing in experiences rather than items. By rejecting overconsumption, we can improve our money habits, save and invest more money, and work towards our financial goals.
My channel is all about living your best life by leveraging personal finance and intentional living, while also trying to incorporate aspects of minimalism and sustainability. If you're interested in money, media, society, and intentional living, be sure to subscribe.
#minimalism #videoessay #environmentalism #consumerism #personalfinance #degrowth
Sources:
- www.businessinsider.com/high-...
- eu.usatoday.com/story/money/2...
- www.nationalgeographic.com/en...

Пікірлер: 2 300

@GrumpyCockatiel Жыл бұрын

In the 70s you could buy a refrigerator that would run 20 years without service and a lawn mower than could go 10 without repairs... nowadays you are lucky if either makes it just 2-4 years. If companies REALLY cared about the environment like they constantly claim they do on social media... they would make stuff that cost a bit more and last 4x longer. The fashion industry is one of the most hypocritical, self-righteous and egregious offenders.

@Casshio Жыл бұрын

Planned obsolescence is a fucking bane. The lightbulb is the biggest and oldest offendeder in that regard. Could last ages, purposely doesn't. Same goes for so many other things like what you listed. And it gets worse and worse. It also extends to being able to repair the things you own. Be it devices like phones or worse, farming equipment. A certain monopoly made it so that farmers can't repair their machinery without the companies say so. Insane. Or the fact that we basically produce an unbelievable amount of garbage, nothing products I call them, like the stuff in tacky decor stores to choose a simply example, is also... infuriating. If we would focus on making long lasting quality products, be they household appliances, machinery, clothes or whatnot, it would solve A LOT of issues.

@jackdelane Жыл бұрын

@Casshio Colorado just passed some legislation on the farm machinery side of things if I remember right... Louis Rossman an advocate for right to repair was talking about it

@chahem Жыл бұрын

I've been using my refrigerator in India for over 10 years now

@GrumpyCockatiel Жыл бұрын

@@Casshio you just nailed why Ford, Chevy and even Toyota trucks made in the 70s are now worth as much as a brand new Tesla 🤣

@chrism8180 Жыл бұрын

@@Casshio also on top of that, they are going backwards in terms of advancement, so they can charge a premium for something that should be standard. My brother got married and one of the things there was a Polaroid camera, some nostalgia trend they're pushing. The irony is that this newer model Polaroid wasn't even as good as the original. The pics took like 10 minutes to develop, it used to be near instant. I guess it gives the troglodytes at Kodak something to do. They brought back old tech, and it's crappier than it used to be. And the idiots eat it up. I sent the sos, time to hit the escape hatch. This isn't going anywhere good

@stephanieg8545 Жыл бұрын

Honestly it’s exhausting that everyone is always trying to sell you something. It feels like it has become our only purpose, to work so we can consume.

@the_real_cookiez Жыл бұрын

Companies spend billions on R&D to learn everything about how humans work and behavior in order to more efficiently target us better. The simple answer is now that we are aware of this, is just to ignore it. As consumers(ironic), our power is within ourselves and our dollar. We don't NEED to have that new iphone that "everyone" has or to be part of the "blue text" group. We don't NEED to consume. The choice is ours. I believe in you!

@poppamies02 Жыл бұрын

I recently played with the idea of going "off radar". I mean just abandoning the internet and smartphone and all. What would it be like to live like it again? I used to as a child (born 2002) but i have forgotten it so fast on the way...

@yuanruichen2564 Жыл бұрын

work only to be able to not work

@basedmathh 11 ай бұрын

If you want to understand this from a scientific perspective its actually much more interesting. The evolutionary phycologist Gad Saad authored a book called The Consuming Instinct, which gets into reasons why we do it, and a lot of it has to do with a desire to be considered higher in your relative social hierarchy, this has its roots in wanting to ensure the success of ones offspring. Really its because we are all just a bunch of pavement apes, our evolution hasn't caught up with our technological advancement.

@kimberlytran286 11 ай бұрын

What a first world problem. Shut up

@johneaton8101 5 ай бұрын

I had a friend who told me along time ago 'Its hard to look rich and be rich at the same time" this turned out to be correct.. it was the best advice I ever got.

@thefinancialfreedomgirl 5 ай бұрын

such a good quote, I love that!

@appleitree 4 ай бұрын

Lemme add this: " For those who have lots of money, this ain't a problem at all "

@anthonylucero6650 3 ай бұрын

@@thefinancialfreedomgirl Oh stick it in your ear pal😒

@anthonylucero6650 3 ай бұрын

@@thefinancialfreedomgirlYou’re a Liberal mook😒

@SM-ov7yi 2 ай бұрын

@@appleitreefor those who have Money are like 5% of the global population.

@vintagesteel Жыл бұрын

30 year old millennial here. Been a minimalist since 2015 but much more so since 2019. I remember reading an article years ago about how owning a lot of material possesions is hard on the mind because one is constantly thinking about all their posessions, where they are stored, maintenance and upkeep, etc. Once you finally let go of all the crap it not only declutters your life but also declutters the mind. It makes me feel like very lightweight and not weighed down by anything and I can just get up and go whenever I please

@vintagesteel Жыл бұрын

@@thekaren1111 it sounds like she was already in distress she probably spent her whole paycheck on that phone lol

@martygriffith2135 Жыл бұрын

I used to tell people I do t own things, they own me! I had several old Impalas I was restoring and a few old Harleys as well. But I could never go away and be free. I always worried about my shop. I worried about the machine shop not doing it’s job, I worried about my painter and always needed to give him more money and encouragement so he would finish my shit! It was ridiculous! Never felt more free than when I sold it all and moved overseas! You can do it too!

@almudenagonzalez760 11 ай бұрын

Bien hecho !!!! Yo tengo muchos más años que tú y estoy en el mismo proceso !

@roveplanteater6738 10 ай бұрын

I was a minimalist way back in elementary school before the term was even used, but then started to be drowned in hand-down items from my siblings. I became minimalist again in 2015 and have noticed the same benefits. Now whenever I do buy something it's a matter of quality over quantity so that my items can last for years.

@sum1337 9 ай бұрын

things you own end up owning you - Tyler Durden

@xavierjones6852 Жыл бұрын

My mom needs to watch this. She is cheap so she thinks she is getting good deals but just ends up cluttering up her house with clothes and shit she doesn’t need

@mikesamovarov4054 Жыл бұрын

If she was cheap, she'd stop spending money. She's not cheap, she is just a wasteful idiоt.

@madisonsinclair5123 Жыл бұрын

YOUR mom? Hmmm... wondering if we're related... 🤔

@Amarmi579 Жыл бұрын

... My case 😥 I ended up buying very expensive stuff and with a big debt 😭 but I'm done, I haven't bought anything in 27 days now, and I made the commitment to not buy anything that I can't take with me when I die, I had this serious talk with myself and this has to stop for my well-being. The only 2 things that I'm not gonna give up is to continue buying quality groceries and my gym membership, eating healthy is the most important thing you need to deal with this horrible world, as long as I'm healthy nothing can stop me! My new mantra is "Buy it, ONLY, if you can take it with you afterlife"

@ngnicole2536 Жыл бұрын

Totally my mum in Asia

@flourishingWallflower Жыл бұрын

the way i can relate to you wow lol

@ematique4392 Жыл бұрын

I feel like I am at the point where I'm sick of consumerism. I'm sick of shopping in person and online. I'm sick of feeling like I need more. I feel like the true price of materialism and consumerism isn't the money, but the clutter and chaos it brings to your life. That's what I've realised. I simply just don't have the space to keep buying more stuff and I feel like I constantly am cleaning and organising to upkeep my stuff. The past year I got a better paying job and with that extra money I just got addicted to buying things that I couldn't afford before. I used to want to be a minimalist for the economical benefits, but to be honest I feel like now I want to consume less for peace of mind. I don't think hardcore minimalism is for me because it's too strict, but just buying things I don't need is something I need to do.

@thefinancialfreedomgirl Жыл бұрын

That's a great realization to have had! Definitely having less clutter is helpful for your mind and physical space - best of luck in your minimalism journey :)

@anavaleria8443 Жыл бұрын

I completely agree with everything you wrote. I just started a "no buy year"challenge with myself because I'm so annoyed with how much I wanted stuff. Such a stress.

@chickenapplepie3141 Жыл бұрын

This exact situation happened to me. Got a better job, suddenly spending like crazy. I looked around how just cluttered my room had become with amazon boxes, clothes, and packaging EVERYWHERE. I didn't need this stuff before, I don't feel I use a majority of stuff enough to warrant the purchases at all. You put it perfectly, I don't want to hardcore minimalism but for peace of mind I'm aiming to consume less. Slowly decluttering, aiming for long term. Feel so much better mentally.

@brettharding4785 Жыл бұрын

I totally agree with you! End of 2020 I had the biggest declutter of everything, sold it all on ebay, best thing I ever did, saved all the money and never looked back

@justemmalyn7934 Жыл бұрын

Me too. This stuff is wild

@MrNoncredo 8 ай бұрын

I'm Italian, my wife and I made friends with an American couple who lives in our neighborhood in Rome, one evening they had dinner with us and kept complimenting us on our "minimalist style" after a while I asked what they meant and explained to me, I laughed, and I explained that our style is just about not spending money unnecessarily, if the sofa, even if it is 20 years old and works for what it is supposed to do, I don't change it, if my car is 12 years old but it works I don't understand why change it and spend money that I can use for holidays, trips, dinners, culture, in short, ours is not minimalism but rather anti-consumerism. the dildo metaphor is wonderful

@pdcichosz 2 ай бұрын

Spending on holidays, trips and dinners and culture is also consumerism ;)

@MrNoncredo 2 ай бұрын

@@pdcichosz travel, holidays, dinners in good restaurants and culture are experiences that enrich the mind and soul and therefore I would not classify them as consumerism

@anaya6029 2 ай бұрын

@@MrNoncredoI mean it’s still consumerism but it’s consumerism with a purpose. Money should be spent on experiences.

@icantwiththis 9 ай бұрын

Working retail for almost 20 years really made me resist consumerism. The biggest scam is Christmas.

@SevenEllen 9 ай бұрын

Ugh! Tell me about it. I've had 10 years experience in retail, but Christmas is only one enormous scam and in a sea of other enormous scams.

@ME-cd3bs 9 ай бұрын

My husband and I are FINALLY not going to buy each other gifts this year (plus breaking toxic family traditions). Instead, we're going to go to a park or make meals together.

@Frenchfriesandchunkythighs 3 ай бұрын

I have to agree. I worked for Tesco over Christmas period about a year or two ago and the amount of crap people were buying really gave me the ick!! Just so much crap not needed. The last two years iv hardly done Xmas. Iv stopped doing the things I used e.g advent calendars, buying myself a load of food just for me to have, I didn't buy tons of presents... If I was to give someone presents it was either handmade, something they need or an experience. The exception was my bf, he loves gaming and although it was a material thing I know for certain he would play the whole thing and it wouldn't get chucked aside plus he got gig tickets. I keep my friends group small and iv even got to the point of excluding certain family members who treat me like shit. Instead of spending it on one family member I did secret Santa at work as I felt any of my colleagues deserved it more lol. Last Xmas I saved more money plus I took a one off Xmas shift at a pub for Xmas day where I earned decent money, got a free roast and free drinks! Winning

@NiaRiggins Ай бұрын

@@ME-cd3bsthat’s sweet and smart!

@frankisawesomee Жыл бұрын

How social media keeps us poor would be an amazing video

@thefinancialfreedomgirl Жыл бұрын

Definitely going to make a video on that! :)

@ilkeadrall710 Жыл бұрын

And why that video? Just turn off social media.

@IssaMeZane Жыл бұрын

@@ilkeadrall710 Easy said than done to those people who are addicted.

@rgbaal Жыл бұрын

Social media does not make you poor - you make you poor - stop pretending otherwise.

@user-lp6xr3oz6v Жыл бұрын

That's because it arouses people's desire to get something, and human desire is infinite🤗

@willerwin3201 Жыл бұрын

My grandfather advocated the idea of stewardship: that we should be taking care of what we have for those who come next. He applied that to his farm, home, tools, and his work in government. I try to live that and pass it onto my own kids. I miss him.

@retro-rose1194 Жыл бұрын

I really like that! I may apply that to my life

@maghrath1 11 ай бұрын

This is such a wonderful memory to have :)

@percubit10 9 ай бұрын

I used to live this way. Everything is so expensive and it makes no sense at all. American society is toxic.

@chrsitineadriaenssen6074 6 ай бұрын

I only buy what I like, not influenced.

@chrsitineadriaenssen6074 6 ай бұрын

I don’t want to change😊

@Ferocious923 6 ай бұрын

At 42, I've come to realize that money is a tool. I’ve worked so hard over the years to realize that if you don’t make money work for you, you can’t experience true freedom. I’m glad I found that out although it was later in life, but that marked the turning point in my finance.

@clairewinchestermurray8703 6 ай бұрын

I'm in my late 30’s. Once I get paid, I begin to spend on irrelevant things. I work hard for my money, so I believe I can spend it on what I like. The older I get, the more my perspective shifts. I want to take my finances into consideration and put myself in order before it's too late. How are you doing it, ma’am?

@Ferocious923 6 ай бұрын

Herman Jonas is the brain behind my success. I've gotten into a plethora of assets with $23k spread across stocks (options and futures) for the short term and Roth IRA, index funds, and ETFs, for the long term. Now I sit back, and just reinvest at intervals while I handle my other businesses.

@Pambegay 6 ай бұрын

Do not forget that when it comes to the stock market, prices can be erratic, rising and declining quickly, often in relation to companies' policies, which individual investors do not influence.

@lixiuying4659 6 ай бұрын

@@Pambegay I agree that the market can be quite unpredictable, but working with Herman has been a game-changer for me. His market insights and strategies are consistently spot-on. It’s not just about profits; it’s also about the peace of mind that comes from knowing you’re in capable hands.

@Kantor895 5 ай бұрын

I’ve recommended Jonas to friends, and they’ve experienced the same success. His insights are an invaluable asset for any investor.

@lynndupree1205 2 ай бұрын

I have furnished and decorated my whole house with things from thrift stores. I sanded, painted, repaired, stained, sewed, replaced hardware, and even repurposed some items. My house is beautiful and people are always amazed and envious. They ask me, "where do you buy your furniture, window treatments, and art?" I'm proud of all my hard work, and it has MEANING because I did it with my own hands. Old furniture is made of solid wood.

@distaff2935 Жыл бұрын

What baffles me is the minimalist trend of throwing away everything, and then buying a bunch of matched new stuff (always in white or blonde wood). The old artwork and family photos gets tossed for a few trite "inspirational" sayings in rustic wood frames. An isolated little potted plant is always in the background- I guess someone's older overgrown potos would look too leggy and out of place. I find all that so dreary and pretentious and dishonest. I've been spending less and less on new stuff, but I am equally careful about what I choose to get rid of.

@chrism8180 Жыл бұрын

@chronicreader second hand shops like good will that churn so much stuff, nearly half gets thrown away. It's a feel good pill like recycling

@chany6336 Жыл бұрын

If that is what truly makes someone happy who are we to say it's pretentious and dishonest? True,not my style, but neither is a cluttered home, which you don't seem to call out. Live and let live , it's ok

@chrism8180 Жыл бұрын

@@chany6336 well you see rampant consumerism for some usually comes at a high cost for the rest, to fuel their rate of consumption. It'll reach a crux at some point. It can't hold the weight

@MilwaukeeF40C Жыл бұрын

Some people like living in Ikea motel rooms. Not me. What I can't understand is families who do not even own ONE grenade paper weight.

@MilwaukeeF40C Жыл бұрын

Goodwill throws away about 20%, and it really is the trash.

@gamergrill05 Жыл бұрын

Deleting Instagram has been one of the best things I've done for my personal finances. I was getting ads for things I likes and even better! From small businesses and independent creators, so you feel even more justified to buy like "It's not Target, it's Betty who makes handmade bags!", But in the end it is the same consummerism and things you don't really need

@patty109109 Жыл бұрын

Social media is cancer. Everyone agrees with that but so few delete all of it (I have removed it all).

@wintersprite Жыл бұрын

I deleted IG too, although for me, it was for my overall mental health.

@piee683 11 ай бұрын

Was thinking of getting rid of meta too my head is gone with ads to buy stuff its been constant buying since Xmas

@tinymonsterish 11 ай бұрын

i never even started. for me, i knew it would have been just a waste of time. glad now to hear it was good decision :D

@maltipoomadness8807 9 ай бұрын

I was on FB from 2007-2017, never looked back. Absolute nonsense. Shit you don't need to buy, shit you don't need to hear, shit you don't need to compare yourself to

@shinyumbreon696 9 ай бұрын

I have such a vivid memory of the first time I used one of those gas pumps that runs ads. Because it's not enough that I'm already purchasing a product; they've figured out that I need to stand in one place for the next 30-60 seconds to make sure that product gets into my car and some evil businessperson realized "Hey, we could sell that time." It was like something in me died. God forbid I have SIXTY SECONDS of peace where I'm not being advertised to.

@Leci1877 2 ай бұрын

If you hit the enter button twice it will mute the video 🔇😉

@christinec2625 2 күн бұрын

@@Leci1877we shouldn’t have to though

@janeltrn 25 күн бұрын

i am 17 and rely on my parent's monay. Last month they told me we weren't spending money for anything except for food. In a month ive only bought a concert ticket and i felt really good at the end. I also realised i got so many pieces of clothes i don't even wear bc i prefere my mom's old clothes. Try this by yourself and you'll see, it's not too late

@aidanwright5035 Жыл бұрын

My Auntie has recently just stopped buying me and my family Christmas and birthday presents and has decided to spend it on days out with me and the family. She came to realise during Covid that the days out and the experiences make us more happy than the rubbish we can buy at the Metrocentre (Massive shopping place near Newcastle). I have been more happy after Me and my Auntie have taken this way of thinking. I also think that consumerism is just a big waste of money and it just leaves unneeded clutter around the house.

@archygrey9093 Жыл бұрын

Always surprises me how some families will go out of their way to get presents for ALL their relatives and relatives kids even if they have no idea what to get them. In my family gift giving was always a thing but never really expected of you, If i see something i know that a cousin or sibling will like or needs then i will get it for them but not everyone gets gifts from everyone else or gives to everyone else. And that just makes the gifts better, when you get one you know someone actually got it for you for a reason rather than just ticking off a checklist. My moms the exception though, she loves sewing and making teddies and blankets and whatnot so will use whatever excuse she can to make new things for the grandkiddies lol

@aBirdAndHisBoy Жыл бұрын

Actually, material things make more sense because they're tangible & have resale value. Experiences & memories fade quickly since human memory is consistently unreliable.

@smonda02 Жыл бұрын

This is exactly what I do for my nieces and nephews. Anyone can buy them something or give them money whereas I’d prefer to spend it on an experience for them.

@aisha.m Жыл бұрын

💯 We also do this as a family. Spending quality time together in a fast paced world is becoming increasingly rare, but making the effort is worth it. If family and friends want to gift me anything, I’ll ask for cash instead and then quietly go make a deposit at the bank - straight into my Lifetime ISA account. Cannot tell you how grateful I am for that account. Family and friends really have no idea how much they have helped me over the years to save for a deposit. Hopefully I can get onto the property ladder next year as a first time buyer. Fingers crossed!

@AwesomeHairo Жыл бұрын

Government restrictions*, not "covid"

@RollinShultz Жыл бұрын

I must say it is wonderful to see someone so young embracing such common sense wisdom and attempting to alert others.

@gkr7019 Жыл бұрын

Yes. It is a good to hear the insights from a young lady who realises the damage consumerism has caused not only on our wallets but our Mother Earth. I highlighted your thoughts in a channel where unboxing hauls were very well received. However my comments on consumerism were not appreciated. They do nothing but shopping only. So pathetic. Quite a few influencers had lately begin to give up luxury haul content to focus on more intentional living like you shared. I guess time will tell when these influencers will come to that realisation themselves the hardway. All the best to them. Someone has to take the lead.

@bobbobbly7900 Жыл бұрын

@@gkr7019 why don't you realise that those'''influencers '' are the ones leading the charge on buying more stuff..that's how they make their living..to expect them to change and promote sensibility is insane...can't you see that???they won't take any lead for heavens sake...only someone who ignores these ''influencers '' will make any difference

@tana2183 11 ай бұрын

😅😅

@zioxei 9 ай бұрын

its only the young people who really care because their future is literally dying

@tranger4579 9 ай бұрын

The way I put an end to consumerism and got myself into a different mindset was when I came out of my depression. My house was literally a dump and when hit rock bottom I literally went to the store and bought a huge push broom and huge dust pan and rented a dump trailer. I worked 2 days straight throwing everything out. I could not believe how much garbage I accumulated and held on to for years. I had reached hoarder status but I literally was able to put years and dollar amounts to everything I threw away. Wasted labor and cash. I was able to cure myself and once I had a clean slate I never went back. I'm debt free now and own my home and am a minimalist. I love having the extra money and investments and I no longer work as hard to buy nonsense. I love my life.

@playfulsoul2427 Ай бұрын

Just know that you’re a great person ☺️❤️

@AnLe-yl5cg 9 ай бұрын

So much easier not to consume when you're poor

@bakkerem1967 Ай бұрын

That doesn't prevent you from living a rich life.

@sarasworst Жыл бұрын

My spending went down from 3k to just 1k including rent and I honestly feel like I can attribute this to the way I've started spending my time. I read more and I am always with my partner or my friends. I spent almost 2 thousand dollars since january just on shopping (target, ebay, etc) - more than I spent on five weeks of travel in europe and california (less than a thousand). I think we consume because we are lonely.

@josecarlos11 Жыл бұрын

Wow that’s so true. You just hit me hard, deep down I am lonely even though I have friends and family. Wdf lol I will need to explore this deeper and why I feel lame like that. Lol

@josephinenelan4204 Жыл бұрын

Library card helps, and I do enjoy crocheting. Although you have to acquire yarn, I had acquired sooooo much yarn in my teens. I had 1/2 a huuuuge trunk full of yarn, 2 medium sized suitcases, and 1 large suitcase full of unused yarn. Actually working through it finally. The desire to spend has definitely gone down. I won’t buy more yarn until I’m back to my two medium suitcases. Already have the large suitcase empty, now to make sure the 1/2 of the trunk gets emptied.

@truehappiness4U Жыл бұрын

That’s why most lottery winners get depressed. They think that should consume lots of luxury products in order to be happy. But it just makes them feel empty, hence they do drugs and get depressed etc.

@pompulatytto7514 Жыл бұрын

I tend to do online shopping when I am super stressed because of school. But I just pick things to shopping card and then delete them because I am quite poor as a student.

@30803080308030803081 Жыл бұрын

It’s “attribute”, not “contribute”.

@LV-ow5wv 2 жыл бұрын

After corona hit i went big into online shopping. All of my money got thrown into it and i decided to get a job just to fuel that addiction. All that bc of my silly social media feed. Few months later and im paying for very little, living with what I have, and get to spend wonderful moments with wonderful people. I couldn't care less about what im wearing.

@thefinancialfreedomgirl 2 жыл бұрын

love that transition!!

@Iquey Жыл бұрын

I feel like after a certain amount of time people can get tired of shopping. There's more choices than any other time in history.. and it's overwhelming. I think some of our brains eventually adapt to become numb to it, to recognize the feeling of "wanting" out of habit. The wanting itself starts to feel old and repetitive. 😅

@lubnan08 Жыл бұрын

Yea. You're not alone.

@Pomoscorzo Жыл бұрын

I care about my clothes, so I rarely buy any but when I do I choose them well so that I can wear them for a long time.

@aBirdAndHisBoy Жыл бұрын

Actually, material things make more sense because they're tangible & have resale value. Experiences & memories fade quickly since human memory is consistently unreliable.

@KayGee_yt Жыл бұрын

I find a spend a lot less when I'm happy. And I find I'm happiest when I work less. Coincidentally, that's also when I don't have money to spend anyways. So I feel like jobs are designed to make us unhappy but give us money to shop away this unhappiness on purpose

@MeretrixTricks 11 ай бұрын

I love browsing from time to time through local trash. It often amazes me what others can just throw away. Repairing and refreshing old things give me huge pleasure and feeling of accomplishment. I learned how to sew and repair clothes. I only buy clothes that have best ratio of value to quality. I don't eat in restaurants because I worked in few during my students years and I just know to much about quality checks in this business. I use every ad blocker that is possible and I never buy under the impulse. I always give myself a few days to think do I really need or enjoy item I wish to buy. High fashion and luxury products make no impression on me. I truly believe they are for people that need to compensate some deep issues. When it's possible I always choose local producers.

@gypzs9 Жыл бұрын

What we’ve been conditioned to do is make other people wealthy by overspending, over-consuming. I am personally responsible for making MYSELF poorer than I should be. Conditioning, brainwashing, advertising by any other name is encouraging each of us to make SOMEONE ELSE richer than we are.

@sableann4255 9 ай бұрын

Thats why I stopped buying Starbucks. What a waste of money!

@youtubesucks1499 6 ай бұрын

Why do you feel the need to buy goods you don't need?

@tiffanyk2743 Жыл бұрын

The more things you own, they end up owning you :'(

@baus7 10 ай бұрын

Yup!

@lsamoa 5 ай бұрын

That's actually a line from the Holy Koran. People already understood this centuries ago.

@fairsplitdivorceseparation8015 Жыл бұрын

Great topic. I explore it personally and professionally for over a decade now. Back in 2012, I had analyzed my budget under the microscope and realized I was spending more money to earn money, because my job at the bank was stressing me out so much that I had to buy myself new shoes and suites to undo the damage. Also, people shop because they are lonely and bored. Once you fill the void in your soul with a purpose (whatever this purpose is) the black magic of shopping stops.

@Ostara000 11 ай бұрын

I never had pocket money and learned how to use it, so when I got my first salary I started spending like crazy. I didn't have any debts, but I didn't have any savings either. My home was full of stuff that I could finally afford. But one day I looked around and just felt overwhelmed, so I got rid of most thing (gifted most of the things). Nowadays I only have things I really want and will keep for a long time. I rarely buy new clothes or decorations and rather save my money for different things.

@olesyasolopenko3912 Жыл бұрын

That’s literally what my mum always told me. Spend on experiences, not on products. Don’t rush for instant income, find more stable job. It’s okay if you work less, take time to invest in your health and mental well-being, go for walks, visit museums. But I only came to understand this advice through years, when I found my home was hoarded with useless stuff, wardrobe full of clothes I don’t even wear once a month. Only a few months ago I started to pay attention to my shopping habits and saying to myself: you don’t really need those clothes, you’ve already got almost the same, you don’t need another cheap decoration for your kitchen, you’ll just throw it away next time you move house

@Event_Horizon14 Жыл бұрын

I think excess consumerism goes hand in hand with living in a big city. I come from a small town where most shops shut after 6-6.30 pm, there's only a few clothes shops to begin with, and getting takeaway is practically unheard of. In my early 20s I used to window-shop for months on end until I eventually decided on a piece of high-quality clothing I knew I'd be using for years after that. When I bought a coat or a sweater, I'd still consider it a new purchase even after weeks of wearing it. Fast forward to when I moved to London a few years ago and the sheer number of shops, malls, and boutiques everywhere was overwhelming. The bustle of the city and this energy you can feel in the streets with everyone pushing their way into shops, clutching bagloads of cheap clothes bought on sale, it's all very intoxicating. Add the daily stresses of life, being away from your family and support system, and quite frankly the feeling your life is pretty damn empty even with all the money you're making, and impulse buys and online shopping become an easy outlet. And it takes months and years before it dawns on you how you've been sucked into this insane level of consumerism where you have mountains of clothes but you're having a mental breakdown everytime you have to pick an outfit to grab a coffee.

@mikesamovarov4054 Жыл бұрын

Also relates to a spoiled, fat and stuрid west.

@felicitygrace5113 Жыл бұрын

Totally relate to what you described. So well said. Thank you!

@MichelleB022 Жыл бұрын

Absolutely 100% agree and I relate right now

@shubhammakar09 Жыл бұрын

I have recently shifted to a big city from my hometown (a comparatively very small city) and the things that you talked about like consumerism being directly related to living in a metro city and streets bustling with energy hits so spot on!

@almudenagonzalez760 11 ай бұрын

Totalmente de acuerdo con usted .Igual en Madrid !!!

@river13 8 ай бұрын

One of the biggest problems we have is that things are not repairable any longer and things are made so they break quickly. Giving us no choice but to throw things out and buy new. That is the way it goes when companies want infinite growth.

@jacobstratton1140 8 ай бұрын

I agree, it feels like an anti-consumer conspiracy when even large appliances are meant to be disposable.

@river13 8 ай бұрын

@@jacobstratton1140 You got that right! kzfaq.info/get/bejne/iciYhdV92t-UpJc.html&ab_channel=SomeMoreNews

@Klake-bk2dp 5 күн бұрын

I disagree! You can buy most appliances that are easily repaired. The issue is you think low prices low quality and that’s not necessarily true. Washer, dryers, dishwasher, coffee pots, toaster, mixture, microwave are all easily fixed and are based of decades if not centuries old technology. You can still buy them brand new. Just stay away from the expensive appliances that are really complicated. A large apartment complex isn’t going to be cool with replacing their shit every 3-4 years. There will be class action lawsuits. Piggy back off of the effort big government and companies do and you’ll be fine 99% of the time.

@river13 5 күн бұрын

@@Klake-bk2dp Many electronics makers use specialized screws and other fasteners that require dedicated tools to open up the devices. Manufacturers now often solder or glue components in place, making them difficult or impossible to replace.

@Klake-bk2dp 5 күн бұрын

@@river13 nonsense, I understand the frustration but, if you don’t have the tools you probably shouldn’t be fixing them. You can get someone to fix nearly all electronics. That’s like me saying I can’t change out the engine in my 02 truck because I don’t have an engine hoist. There are enough problems without making new ones up. Electronics are one of the few things you can actually get repaired that’s cost effective relative to buying new.

@liamyork8324 4 ай бұрын

I decided to stop buying lunch at work, and other unessential things from Jan 1st. It was hard and I had one cheat day for the month, but I did save money and am better off for the start of February. If you want to try it, give it a go! It's been hard not getting the excitement boost of a new item, but it's also been great to think about things differently and remember my goals for the future instead.

@estefaniajuana9214 Жыл бұрын

I didn’t even realize dropping off clothes at goodwill were a thing until I got here to the US. We wore the hell out of our clothes and then when it gets holes in it, we would cut it up to be made into quilts or rugs which lasts us decades too. It’s overwhelming to see how much Americans consume and throw each year, changing wardrobes, etc.

@EmL-kg5gn 10 ай бұрын

I grew up more like americans so thank you for saying this! Ever since I learnt about how garment workers are treated and the environmental impact my conscience has been eating away at me. But consumerism was the only way of life I knew, so even though I wanted to change I’m still learning what to do differently and it has been hard to change the mindset. I’m getting a lot better now but it has taken a few years to be honest. We don’t actually see the damage we cause, it’s hidden from us, and we’re surrounded by advertising. Even my friends “advertise” new things to me! I learnt how to repair my clothes but thank you for explaining what to do when they wear out too much to be repaired. Even though I’m more similar to them, the amount americans consume has always been overwhelming to me too!!! For example I think I have lots of clothes, but my american friends have so many more clothes than I do. I couldn’t even fit that many clothes in my closet! I would need three closets, maybe more!!

@Yayafarm Жыл бұрын

We need to decondition ourselves from consumerism and find true happiness

@thefinancialfreedomgirl Жыл бұрын

Agreed!

@mikesamovarov4054 Жыл бұрын

We should prevent consumerism conditioning to begin with. Take responsibility and actually raise our children properly.

@timothyslaughter476 Жыл бұрын

We've been conditioned the opposite for so long it may not be possible. I've cut back and am more discerning with spending and it has alot of positives. So as usual moderation and common sense prevails....remember that silly old notion....lol!!!

@CMV314 Жыл бұрын

Stupid thing to say. Buying things makes us unhappy?

@timothyslaughter476 Жыл бұрын

@@CMV314 its the reverse logic thats the problem

@inesmenge1741 9 ай бұрын

Girl, every syllable you say is so true! Overconsumption makes us sick in so many ways. Hope that more and more people become more aware of these issues. Thanks for your video

@Ace01010 Жыл бұрын

Unemployment really resets the consumerist brain and help you see thru the bs and notice that everything is an advertisement for something. Thrifting if your into fashion and diy if you like to be more hands on help.

@mukaaj Жыл бұрын

I'm glad I got my "consumerism phase" out in my late teens/early 20s. I was constantly in competition with my peers on who has what. Then when I went to work started living on my own and paying all my bills by myself, I realized how much money I was wasting on a consumerist lifestyle. So I started saving and living more minimal. Now I'm debt free and getting ready to buy a house while my peers that went to college and stayed caught up in that consumerism popularity contest are drowning in debt living paycheck to paycheck wasting money on door dash and Gucci. Even though in some cases they make more money than me, they still spend it all on pointless "consumerism" living paycheck to paycheck and their finances are in shambles. It's a disease

@lillianbarker4292 10 ай бұрын

My husband and I were teachers. Some people looked down on us because they knew we made less money. We were thrifty, we traveled, we loved our work and each other. We actually have more money now than those high rollers because we stayed married, had only one child and lived modestly. We also had steady paychecks.

@SergeyVolkov 3 ай бұрын

My consumerism has ended when good quality brands disappeared from my country, and whatever replacement i can find at Chinese marketplaces are just terrible quality. Then i asked myself - do i really need to go through all of this stress, maybe its easier to stick to items i have already, until they fall apart from natural wearing.

@Jack-jp6ki Ай бұрын

Its literally I mental illness.

@Automedon2 Жыл бұрын

I have a theory that the phenomenon of hoarding began in the 80s, when credit cards were being handed out like candy. The malls were packed with people buying on credit. When the party ended and the bankruptcies were in full swing. people had acquired the addiction for material goods. Without money or credit, they started hoarding any crap they could. If you look at the age of hoarders on those shows, the timeline fits perfectly.

@kacichristian Жыл бұрын

Actually, the hoarding of possessions dates back a lot further than the 1980s. After the stock market crash of 1929, and ensuing Great Depression, people began hoarding and reusing and repurposing and not trashing things. The mentality of not having enough money for basic necessities taught people to seek out a bargain and to hold onto things to pass on to the next generation. These days, that generation are in their 80s & 90s. Their kids/grandkids/great-grandkids don’t want all the crap their parents/grandparents/great-grandparents collected and accumulated and hoarded, and a lot of it ends up in the landfill.

@jercasgav 9 ай бұрын

@@kacichristian Exactly!! The depression era generation were the first big time hoarders. You could even say that the Victorian era was the start of it once the industrial revolution began to a certain degree and we could mass produce cheap things. The bungalow arts and crafts era children of the Victorians had a simplicity back to earth movement because they thought it was too much how far and ostentatious their Victorian parents had been about material things. But definitely after the depression is when we see more of our modern form of excess.

@youtubesucks1499 6 ай бұрын

Credit cards are still being handed out like candy

@eliananegri8541 Жыл бұрын

This is such a good video. And for someone like myself who makes less than $30,000AUD a year, every dollar counts. Non essential spending isn’t really an option for people like me, even if I want to buy a coffee or a takeaway meal I really have to think about if I can afford to do so. However, I know the majority of people earn more money than this, it’s hard not to compare myself to others who do have discretionary spending and think I’m missing out. This was a really big reframe for me. Thank you 😊

@cactusinyourass502 8 ай бұрын

You are worthy because you are human, you are not worth what you ‘earn’. Wishing you all the best.

@jennifercoleman5159 4 ай бұрын

Glad you’re raising awareness about this. It’s a worthwhile contribution you’re making here.

@kathimccaw1444 Жыл бұрын

As a retired adult, I've been downsizing and decluttering and loving it. Easy to understand and take on in my stage of life. I want more experiences and adventures, not to be building an inventory for others to deal with later. But, watching podcasts and videos of young people taking on this attitude super impresses me! Such a great lesson to learn early. I'm really proud of you all!

@zingara76 Жыл бұрын

I lost my 90k salary in 2018 and after that my consumption reduced dramatically. Currently I been unemployed and obviously I can’t buy nothing at all. Apart from food. I don’t emerger the last time I got my self something and honestly I don’t miss it at all. Sometimes I think I lost my job so I can learn the hard way how to be happy with out materialistic stuff. Also, I’m the happiest person I have been. I’m very content with the little I have. I’m just happy I have a place to sleep. I also don’t look like a homeless person I’m very much more put together. I’m not sure if I will ever get another job that pays what I used to make, but for sure I’ll make sure I keep this lifestyle.

@thefinancialfreedomgirl Жыл бұрын

So happy to hear that you have found happiness and you're the happiest person you've been, and wishing you the best :)

@almudenagonzalez760 11 ай бұрын

Cuidate , aunque veces las cosas que nos pasan son traumaticas al principio y luego te das cuenta de que has ganado tranquilidad , tiempo etc siempre y cuando tus necesidades básicas estén cubiertas , para vivir se necesita poco .Un abrazo

@julesheart4784 11 ай бұрын

Thank you for this video, you managed to sum up clearly the complex problem of consumerism and yes acting on that could help SO MUCH with the global crisis we face today. In the last two years I’ve start buying way less because a sort of a switch turn in my head and I started noticing all the clutter and stuff around my house and how it is so difficult to manage, especially if you do not want to throw away perfectly functioning things only to “make space”. I’ve subscribe to your channel I’m sure I’ll find many other video of yours interesting and challenging 💪🏻💪🏻

@jamanjeval 11 ай бұрын

Buying experiences is still consumerism. Many people can get a lot more out of what they have and discover new things where they are. I’m not advocating against spending, just mindfulness about purchases. It’s not unlike becoming aware if you’re eating because you’re hungry or if you’re sad or bored.

@BriSoza Жыл бұрын

Lately, I've been really interested in minimalism and budgeting my life just because I have bigger goals in life. Honestly, I don't think I'll ever be a real minimalist, but I definitely live my own version of minimalism. I also do not impulse shop. This may or may not be helpful to some but I want to give my advice which is: when I want something, I'll document it, and then I reflect back on it. You'd be surprised how many times I look back and lose interest. Recently, I was feeling bad about my 2018 car, but I was introduced to the idea that companies want their products to become obsolete, so you keep buying more. Is this what I'm working 40 hours a week for? Hell no. I can try to chase the newest and "best" thing and it will be a never ending race. Nowadays, I focus on me but people will give you shit sometimes. We live in a very materialistic society, and it IS hard to resist. I want to speak my truth, though. I don't necessarily favor the term "simple living," but I do want to live more intentionally. Surround myself around only meaningful things and invest in what is valuable to me and no one else.

@thefinancialfreedomgirl Жыл бұрын

Love this :) surrounding yourself with things that are meaningful is a great way to live

@minisrevenge Жыл бұрын

I love your point of view. Also, who defines what a „true minimalist“ looks like, right? We can all define minimalism for ourselves like you did :)

@lillianbarker4292 10 ай бұрын

It was hard for me to drive around in an old car, but now I’m grateful that I spent my money on psychological therapy instead. 😂 Education lasts. My brother, by contrast, had new cars, no therapy, and 4 wives.

@pinga858 Жыл бұрын

The delivery thing cracks me up. Main reason is that we have to drive like 5 miles to get the nearest food because our "suburban dream" costs more than it solves.

@megancanflyy123 11 ай бұрын

the thing that helped me stop spending so much money on random things was learning a new hobby. I learned to crochet and i can make myself tons of stuff, i can thrift yarn from no buy groups and secondhand craft stores, and i can make things for myself and my friends. i also have way less time to spend shopping because i spend a ton of it making things. i’d like to consume even less though. love this video!

@natlovers98 2 ай бұрын

I've been observing about this issue since many many years ago and I am happy that you tell us about it to make people concern about this world issue. I love it. Thanks

@m.b.6232 Жыл бұрын

After i deleted TikTok and limited my smartphone use, i realised how much garbage I bought that I didn't need. I sold/gave away that stuff to someone who actually needed them, it made me feel better seeing someone happy + now I have so much free space for the future!

@davidperry4013 Жыл бұрын

I’m proud of buying clothes only on an as needed basis and keeping real wood furniture for as long as possible. No disposable particle board furniture or fast fashion allowed in my house.

@kents.2866 Жыл бұрын

Same. I'll take particle board shelfing if it's going to get tossed and is still in decent shape. Storage for my basement. But I sure won't spend 80 bucks on it.

@kents.2866 Жыл бұрын

Yeah Particle board does not belong in damp environments.

@JohnDoesSports Жыл бұрын

A lot of my furniture is from IKEA, but my couch is the same couch my mom got when she moved out of my grandparents' house in the 80s.

@MarlopolyGaming 11 ай бұрын

not me reuising/reparing/buying second hand "disposable" furniture because I cannot afford new or even secondhand "real" furniture

@sharonlugone5955 10 ай бұрын

This is the most important message that people need to take to heart right now. Have you or could you do a video about how you personally avoid overconsumption without feeling deprived? I seldom go shopping and mostly cook at home. Keeping my home clutter free and organized contributes greatly to an appreciation of all that I already have. ❤ ❤❤

@SevenEllen 9 ай бұрын

Nice. 🙂

@nursahbozok8483 6 ай бұрын

Thank you for this well documented video. I started buying way less just a few months back and I already feel very liberated. I used to buy so much stuff (especially clothes) I don't need, just to fill a gap within myself or find happiness. It's important to question yourself and your spendings. I bought stuff I don't need to find happiness, to fit in. But it either didn't bring me happiness at all or it was just temporary. Consumerism is a trap. It will do absolutely nothing for you, other than making you feel overwhelmed or poor. I also started decluttering my flat and got rid of a lot of stuff, but honestly, it still feels like I still have so much stuff I don't need. It feels like a never ending cycle and I can't wait to break it.

@Runner466 Жыл бұрын

The problem I’ve run into is I’ve stopped buying anything new, but just maintaining what I have is taking up all my disposable income! Taking the cat to the vet, replacing appliances when they break, fixing the lawnmower when I bend the blade running over a stump, just endless expenses that never ever stop!!! I never go out to eat anymore, I have cut way back on food. Beans and rice, fruits and vegetables, can’t hardly afford meat anymore. It’s ridiculous. And then can’t sell the house because of the economy. Where would I go? There’s a housing crisis. It’s crazy.

@carolalvarez3925 Жыл бұрын

I SO AGREE.

@rosainecalmeyer4428 9 ай бұрын

I’m a disabled pensioner and I agree with you. Things break down so quickly , no one wants to pay the exorbitant costs of fixing them, just for them to break down, do you are practically forced to buy new and go through the whole process again.

@Runner466 9 ай бұрын

And then there is the planned obsolescence issue. Fridges. TVs. Microwaves. ect are all designed to break. So you have no choice but to spend hundreds of dollars replacing these things. And most of this stuff you can’t live without. Like a fridge. Washer and dryer? I certainly couldn’t live without my washing machine. But they are designed to break and be replaced every 5-10 years. The whole system is a rip off. Designed to keep everyone broke.

@Katerina2020 Жыл бұрын

Amen! Smart consumption is key, but also there needs to be more accountability from companies and government.

@mikesamovarov4054 Жыл бұрын

No need to turn in a socialist hell, go live in North Korea if you want 😂 Capitalism has marketing and temptations, but it's your responsibility to choose wisely. The company responsibility is to make highest profits.

@gardenia-is-thinking 11 ай бұрын

I think a lot of people need to hear this. We are targeted by advertisement everywhere we go a lot of people are blinded by all the publicity now and become impulsive. I do think a lot whether to buy something and often think about the repercussion my purchase will have in the environment, however I am not an exception of a impulsive buyer.

@CaryMercer 8 ай бұрын

I became a minimalist two years ago. I would like to say it was the best decision I have ever made, but I don't believe in free will. I can say that it has greatly benefited my life, and I wish more people would adopt the lifestyle for the reasons outlined in the video. Thank you, Cara, for putting together your video essay.

@strawberry_punch_art Жыл бұрын

I grew up poor, so my first thought towards "want" is "It's not a neccesity" or "It's expensive (regardles of price)". Now that I'm comfortably middle class I work on treating myself without going oveboard. Here are some tips. 1. Have a pricey goal to save for (vacation, down payment), and "spend" as much as possible towards it; you can make "sub-acounts" to not see the money, or envelopes. 2. Make a trial bugdet, just observe your spendings for like 3 months, maybe journal to see what influences you. 3. Group cathegories together cosmetics, fun, decorations, it's the same thing. If you stop and consider "if I buy this I can't afford the other thing" you will only buy meaningfull things. In this video there were like 3 categories for food outside, that adds up. 4. Buy 1 thing at a time/ per week, choose long delivery time. Part of the happinness from the purchase is waiting for the stuff to come. Make use of that time. 5. Be kind to yourself! Donate and look for outside perspectives. I'm late in the comment section tho 😅

@peggylee6086 Жыл бұрын

Years ago I restricted my spending to just what could be paid for by cash. I had never had a credit card and didn’t want one . Now it seems harder to pay for things even parking without one. It really made me think through my spending. Great video.

@equaloskat Жыл бұрын

Hey you should totally try out cash envelopes!

@carolynridlon3988 9 ай бұрын

Downsizing from 1200+ sqft home to retire into a 200 sqft motorhome was eye opening! Realized how much I didnt need. Resettled after 12 yrs of traveling in our rig into a small house on 1/2 acre of land. We only bought the furniture we needed to start over (consignment stores & such places - thrift stores & yards sales / marketplace) it cost less than new (only about 8-10 items thru out our home was brand new) and recycled many pieces (new covers, stain, paint,...) we're comfortable and happy with alot less stuff!

@frankb.3556 5 ай бұрын

Great video. Very good information. My fridge is 19yrs old and going strong. I've made 3 repairs to it over the years with the help of youtube. My Tundra is 16yrs old and almost 200K miles. Runs like new and looks new. You have a very pleasant, calm voice which makes your videos a pleasure to watch. Thanks. : )

@temich1985 Жыл бұрын

I guess, I’m not the only one who still has an old Soviet mentality of treating things just like mere tools to help you, rather than a hot item to possess

@JamilLynch 3 ай бұрын

Great mindset. Cars, computers, cellphones, TVs to me are just appliances. They're tools I use. Buy them as cheap as I can find, and fix them until it's cheaper to buy another (used) one.

@katyleeevelyn4703 Жыл бұрын

My minimalist rule is cannot throw away or donate items I don't want. I have to put the effort into its new life myself. I give away, I recycle, I sell. I STILL have items a year later I'm working on. I NEVER want to buy something without really thinking about it again.

@irunonwindows Жыл бұрын

I’m glad I came across this video. I’m trying to do better to simplify my life. It’s the best thing for me since I’m a teacher. Decluttering my life is important

@behappydaily 3 ай бұрын

I think you have addressed such an important aspect of society, and to some degree how our mental health can impact our purchasing choices. Keep up the great content 💖

@paperchaser_number_one Жыл бұрын

There is also another approach which doesn't involve severe lifestyle curtailment unlike minimalism. It's called smart shopping Instead of asking yourself "do I really need this?" you ask yourself "will I use it?". There is a huge difference between these two, because there are lot of things that are nonessential but make our lives more comfortable and satisfying when we use them.

@Cuuhleerity Жыл бұрын

But there are things that people buy but USE IT ONLY ONCE or TWICE though lmao

@beyheter Жыл бұрын

@@Cuuhleerity he obviously isn't including that though.

@meatbleed Жыл бұрын

to put it more simply, just ask "is it worth it"

@FourFourSeven 8 ай бұрын

The questions, "do I really need this?" and "will I use it?", always go hand-in-hand for me. If I need it (no, not "want-need" it), then I WILL use it. And since I needed it in the first place, I know I'll use it again in the future and *take bloody good care of it.* This especially applies to the hardware tools I buy.

@wattbenj Жыл бұрын

The problem is that nobody is allowed to live on their own any more, or rent on their own, or buy their own home, or apartment. These basic fundamentals are what constitute a safe & secure/stable life, before one even thinks about achieving happiness. All the other crap being cheap is very much on purpose. They’ve got everybody by the balls.

@BlackBlood74 5 ай бұрын

Sadly 100k is not a lot anymore. It is the new middle class. You can't even buy a home above 400k on 100k anymore. Not to mentione 400k homes are hard to find in certain areas. In cheaper areas maybe but then the likelihood of making 100k is slimmer. It is just sad that we are forced to rent and we will never see that money again. The real estate business is out of control with rich people buying multiple homes just to rent out

@JamilLynch 3 ай бұрын

Nobody is "allowed?" Who's stopping you?

@JamilLynch 3 ай бұрын

@@BlackBlood74Why are you looking for homes above $400k? 😂 Alos, no one is forcing you to rent and if you have to, do so.

@NWbeats 3 ай бұрын

@@JamilLynch The market stops people. Lobbyists are limiting the housing supply with zoning and regulations in general to increase their profits.

@nc375 2 ай бұрын

@@BlackBlood74 the house I used to rent is now worth $ 1mill 😜☠

@rbrown9262 9 ай бұрын

Thank you for making this. It's how I've always lived, saving and then spending a small percentage of take home pay on a small number of durable things I really enjoy. It's a lifestyle choice that really does support financial freedom

@kenniefae Жыл бұрын

Recently I had a strong desire to buy new clothes, since I hadn't gone shopping for around 8 months. But after looking around online, I realized that I could just learn to alter the clothing that I already have to make it new! I still like shopping for things that I can't make, like jeans and shoes (for now), but challenging myself to alter the clothes I already have is both creative, cost effective, and fun!

@ketolimbo7539 Жыл бұрын

Hey, I know this video is a year old but thank you for this video, it’s really helped me figure out my awareness on my own consumption and how much stuff I legit don’t need. This was very eye opening and (maybe an exaggeration but) life changing.

@thefinancialfreedomgirl Жыл бұрын

wow thank you so much for your comment and I'm so glad to hear this video was impactful for you!

@absolutetruth3290 Жыл бұрын

In 2012 I had to file bankruptcy. Had credit card debt. I purchased things I didn’t need. I hated wanted things. It was a prison. I asked God to take that greed away from me. And boy did He! I don’t want anything now! Nothing! I am so content with what I have. I don’t spend money on anything and I’m a girl! I don’t want to shop, get my hair done, buy gifts….nothing. It’s so awesome! It’s freedom!!! And peace!

@h0neybee333 Жыл бұрын

Love this video, consumerism and it’s negative effects are such an important thing to keep in mind. Even though I like having my mementos and things around me I’ve really been trying to cherish what I have and not let the next shiny thing distract me. I’d really like to start celebrating holidays with my loved ones in a less consumerist way but that’s definitely the hardest one. It’s so much easier to buy something I think someone would like than to like handmake something meaningful :/ I wonder how they used to do it before shopping was a thing haha

@SableBear296 6 ай бұрын

As someone with OCD, I’ve always felt closer to things than I have to people. There’s never been a point in my life where I haven’t been obsessed with collecting one thing or another, and I think that the consumeristic hellscape we live in prays upon people like me every day, making it so hard to get by without spending money on things we don’t need or even really want at the end of the day. Thank you for sharing such a thought provoking video essay

@martymaker Жыл бұрын

Hi Cara, I just want to say I totally think exactly the same on the subject. You are spot on. People chase IPhones, while at the same time they can buy Android phones for less than half with battery over 5000mAh which means charging once per day and never running out of juice. All the components are made in China anyway, but the society is blinded chasing brands. Don't buy when you don't need people. You are cooler when you don't show off brands. This is my perspective. Let's make being smart cool in this century 🙏

@martymaker Жыл бұрын

Also, thank you do much for this video. 🙇‍♀️ Keep doing what you love. 👏

@thefinancialfreedomgirl Жыл бұрын

@@martymaker So, so true! Thanks so much for sharing your perspective. I totally agree, and thank you for watching too :)

@jantomsic1944 Жыл бұрын

I'm kinda "lucky" in a way where I overthink and overanalize everything, so when I buy something online, it can easily take me a week or more of research to make the right decision. Another factor is shipping, which is usually not free where I live, and I'm pretty safe from impulse purchases. And I hate shopping malls because they're boring and overwhelming. That said, I still find ways to buy stuff that I probably don't need, but just kinda want. As for gifts, I like gifting consumables (food, coffee, etc.), it's also my favorite gift to receive, especially if I can share it right away.

@YogabyKorrie 6 ай бұрын

I adore this video - it’s been the message I’ve been thinking about sharing for years. So inspiring to see this video out there: thank you for sharing!

@workingchemisthahah 6 ай бұрын

Thank you for making this video and spreading awareness!

@Mjg503 Жыл бұрын

Many years ago around 2013 or so I was having a discussion about how we the people can get the attention of those who control the world. My idea was that all we need to do is to stop spending money on stupid things. Just stop going on drives. Stop going shopping. Go for walks and play outdoors. Make as much of your food from scratch. If we stop spending they will hurt.

@eggriceu Жыл бұрын

And people would lose their jobs and the economy would probably break down lol

@chromberries7329 Жыл бұрын

@@eggriceu doesn't matter if you lose your job or the economy breaks down if you don't have anything you need to pay for.

@eggriceu Жыл бұрын

@@chromberries7329 and grow vegetables yourself, raise animals, and go back to the barter trade system?

@dbuc4671 Жыл бұрын

Just a few months ago, Ive very suddenly become extremely environmentally friendly, cuz i realized how serious this climate emergency is getting. Now my “garbage” is like 3 months worth that can fit into one small bag, even though our garbage day is twice a month. I recycle and compost absolutely _everything_ i can. It has also saved me a _ton_ of money because yes i save on utilities and use only what i need, for the environment, but also I stopped buying stuff altogether. I realized I barely even _use_ the stuff that I buy. I realize consumerism is important for the economy and all that, but I generally have a negative view of it. I hope more and more people get this message.

@dbuc4671 Жыл бұрын

Lol not _literally_ buying nothing. Ofc i still buy necessities and the occasional pleasures, but I very very rarely buy new unnecessary things like phone cases, the newest models/appliances etc, unless I _really_ need it.

@teyang2144 4 ай бұрын

I appreciate you for putting this out. This is a big problem, but no one's talking about it.

@SwaggBronii 9 ай бұрын

Thank you very much for telling us this because most of all this is actually one of my weakest links but I'm thank you that you gave me the opportunity to understand that what I'm doing is does it make any sense and I'm glad that I understand that mass consumption can really ruin a person's wallet❤❤❤❤

@arianegauthier6021 Жыл бұрын

I love love love your content. It's a breath of fresh air and a break from all the "tiktok made me buy" and "amazon finds" videos I end up watching because they're recommended to me and get FOMO. Overconsumption being glamorized to this extent is so weird and detrimental to our financial and emotional wellbeing. If you depend on purchases for happiness, then you'll never be satisfied and will always need more. I've seen this firsthand with my family. I want to break free from that. At 26 I am definitely not where I want to be financially, but at least I now have awareness and the will to change.

@thefinancialfreedomgirl Жыл бұрын

thank you for your comment, and wishing you the absolute best on your financial journey :)

@bellalerman9359 Жыл бұрын

A good first step is avoiding online shopping: its usually what lands people into trouble

@zen_k4i Жыл бұрын

I hope to be able to find joy on things that are not "consumeristic". I don't like spending much money on things, but that lasting dopamine from an online purchase is something that makes me kinda dependent :(

@thefinancialfreedomgirl Жыл бұрын

I feel ya - it's so hard to ween off of regular online shopping. Thrifting could be a good alternative! Whether it's on FB marketplace if you want to do something online, or a local thrift store. Kinda feels like a treasure hunt!

@regs3941 10 ай бұрын

I'm so sick of buying anything new. Ads are so overwhelming too. Everywhere you look, there's someones gigantic smile thrown at you and showing whatever you seemingly need to complete your life ... I'm not cheap, but I'm so sick of consumerism and I really appreciate it, when my space stays the way it is. I rarely buy new clothes for example and if I do, it's only one piece I carefully thought of. I always know, what pieces I have and I like the thought of knowing what's going on in my space and what I have. It gives me peace of mind. Going through items quickly would only lead me to loose sign and as a result one might buy even more, because you don't know what you already have! PS: This month so far, I only spent 3€ on non-essential stuff. It feels good.

@kimchi1711 11 ай бұрын

Thing is even if u try to tell someone not to buy unnecessary things they get so defensive . I have seen so many "skincare gurus" who have a whole room of products even have many same product claiming it's selfcare .When I try to even mention how tf any person is gonna use this whole room of products without most of them going to waste .They don't have a expiry date of "forever" . All of the people get so defensive saying "I don't understand self-care " .Maybe I am happy that I atleast understand how much I really need .

@flohough1870 Жыл бұрын

Great video! When I looked at that breakdown of what people are spending on average, I came to the conclusion I'm just cheap LOL! It's sad how many people don't seem to understand the difference between wants and needs too. I enjoy a certain amount of stuff and things, but I also enjoy not having to dust a lot of stuff or have debt hanging over my head. Videos like yours are what they need to show in schools right now to change this spend spend spend line of thinking.

@thefinancialfreedomgirl Жыл бұрын

Thank you so much for your comment! Love the idea of thinking that the more stuff you buy = more things you need to dust off!

@shelleylynn3033 Жыл бұрын

I’ve stopped buying bottled water, paper plates, and sparkling water to save money and environment. It was hard habit to break because convenience. I’m still working on stopping buying ALL food delivery, the amount of extra packaging with deliveries is mind boggling. Also stopped my Amazon prime, if I need it I’ll buy local or direct to specific business. Amazon makes it to easy to buy something at 3am that I truly don’t need. Cut of the hand that makes me stumble!

@susannabutkus4064 9 ай бұрын

I’ve moved many times, packing a lot of crap and paying to take it with me. As I was packing for my most recent move, I saw some KZfaq channels on decluttering, and just for fun, watching vids about fashion that led me to the capsule wardrobe. When you work hard on decluttering and studying capsule wardrobe, your best colors to wear, etc. , it makes it harder to buy useless crap. I enjoying shopping, but now I’m thinking thru and researching everything I buy and it’s been a fun challenge.

@EROSG0TH 10 ай бұрын

Just subscribed today, thank you for your videos, I've been bingeing them all day and you're so smart and kind and your voice is so nice and calming to listen to ❤

@thefinancialfreedomgirl 10 ай бұрын

Thank you so much ❤️

@junedee Жыл бұрын

ive been getting into minimalism recently and I love this video, was happy to find out I already implement some of the points made here in my day to day life. I hope all of us find the clarity to live in the here and now with what we already have. Theres nothing wrong with buying things you love, but its even better to recognize you can love something - and still leave it on the shelf

@junedee Жыл бұрын

having money will probably always feel good, and at some point you may ask yourself - well what do I need money if I dont buy anything? sometimes security or the ability to make free decisions and spontanious memories is better than a shirt, thats why :)

@deepikavijakumar9553 Жыл бұрын

I have health issues, chronic ones, and the temptation to just keep buying stuff which influencers and social media says to better my health is infact damaging me all the more. I went down the rabbit hole of trying all kinds of fad healthy foods,all in a desperate attempt to resolve my health issues. Later did I realise all those useless supplements and teas and what not were not doing anything for me and I was just stuck with too many unwanted things. Now I have cut out all the shopping focusing on just exercise, basic balanced diet , good quality sleep, and meditation and yoga. Honestly these things have shown effects which cannot even be compared to all those "health" Foods and natural medications.

@mikesamovarov4054 Жыл бұрын

Nobody forces you to buy anything, no ads do that. You're un-disciplined and spoiled person with weak mind, who refuses to take responsibility for your spendings. I'm permanently disabled and not using others as an excuse to stay spoiled and entitled. It's easy to say no.

@maxinenavarro9584 2 ай бұрын

this woman's voice is so soothing, she feels like a mother to me for some reason 😭

@sct4040 10 ай бұрын

Ruining the planet and ruining your bank account.

@ZWD2011 Жыл бұрын

Very good advice. I started doing this years ago, and I was amazed how much time and money I saved. Now, I only work 4 days per week and still no financial worries. It started with a determination to avoid commercial messages realising their empty promises of a better life.

@teddybear5788 Жыл бұрын

I started to knit my own clothes at the end of 2021 and it changed my view on what I need so much. Although making your own clothes definitely isn’t cheaper than buying them, I think that’s kind of the point - if you’re going to spend 30 hours on a sweater, you want it to be a quality material that lasts you, and you want to be intentional about the design so that you will wear it for years to come, and not to fit whatever trend rolls around the corner next week. When I go to stores nowadays I see things that I kind of like and two years ago would have bought immediately, but now I think, “eh I can make that if I really want to“, and often times I don’t, because I consider more carefully what I do with my time. This has lead me to have a few pieces of clothing that I really, really like, rather than 50 different shirts that I wear twice and then never again. Knitting also made me feel like I have a purpose for my time, rather than being bored constantly. I‘ll actually feel guilty for scolling through instagram reels because I could be productive and knit something instead.

@bellalerman9359 Жыл бұрын

love this!! making your own clothes is way cooler!

@teddybear5788 Жыл бұрын

@@bellalerman9359 absolutely! I think more people should start doing it. The amount of times I‘ve been told that it’s such an old lady thing… sometimes I feel like this prejudice is the only thing keeping people from starting

@babblesp1367 4 ай бұрын

I like to sew. I have a serger and a sewing machine. I don’t know how to make clothes yet. I did a dress form also. Now, I do need to start learning to make my own clothes. I’m short and overweight, so nothing ever fits me right anyway.

@teddybear5788 4 ай бұрын

@@babblesp1367 yup, costimizing clothes to your body is another plus!

@OneManBandNapier 5 ай бұрын

My life was a failure until I started living a frugal lifestyle. Now I can do things I never thought I would be able to do. I don't feel stressed out anymore. My life is far better than it used to be. I recommend frugality. It will transform your life.

@robbiesimpson6376 9 ай бұрын

Quitting stressful job this month. Whittled down my expenses after years of minimalism. Starting my own business and looking forward to more freedom to focus on whats most important.

@SofiaChiu Жыл бұрын

love this video. after solo travelling europe for two weeks out of one backpack i realized i dont need that much to live honestly. so i decided to stop buying clothes for the year and so far half a year in im happier than ever.

@suen5006 Жыл бұрын

It was the backpacking in Europe 40 years ago that made me realize how happy I was with so few things to worry about and carry around. But somehow I've accumulated so much stuff. Got to downsize.

@hansmemling7605 Жыл бұрын

As a European it makes me feel warm and fuzzy knowing some people that come backpacking over here have insightful/life altering experiences. I hope to experience the same once I make it to the States.

@Stickfigure414 Жыл бұрын

I've been converting my life to this approach of consuming less and approaching some sense of minimalism and it was nice to see this video come up on my feed. I loved the video and It feels helpful and motivating.

@cjmarsh9610 10 ай бұрын

I love this video so much. Since watching this the first time about a week ago, my mind has been non-stop working thinking about all the things we throw away and buy, all the single-use plastics that are killing our ocean, etc etc. I’m not a mom but I know that I want to be one soon, and I think about all the hundreds/thousands (i dont know??) of dollars that moms spend on single use diapers, when in the old days they would use cloth diapers and just wash them (grosser, but insanely cheaper and insanely better for the environment) I think about how I clean with paper towels when I could use a sponge and a swedish paper towel instead (reusable paper towel). I started being better with my money when I went on a trip with all my girlfriends, and I realized how little they spend on things they dont need, how intensively they ask themselves if they needed something they wanted to buy, and by how much more money they have saved even though i work double or triple as much as them. Watching your videos feels like I’m uncovering a veil from my eyes, and now I can truly understand what is happening around me. How hyperaware I am of the products I buy and the things I throw away. And therefore I am saving so much money, and I am also saving the earth. Thank you so much! Your videos are what I’ve been searching for. ❤

@billlebon8690 6 ай бұрын

Great video! I would recommend another that focuses on all the ways to have fun that involve minimal or no consuming, plus the fact that you'll have more time because you won't have to work so much.