What's a way to cope with life without spending money?

I tried the 30 day unnecessary spending detox and when it was over and I saw the effect it had on my bank account, I said to myself, let’s do it another 30 days, so I did and now I am on a 5 month run of living like this and it has become my normal way of life.

I stay home a lot ….gardening and enjoying time with my pets. When you don’t go out you save so much money…it works for me…👍🏽.

Someone once said: "Spending money is a hobby itself" and it couldn't be more true.

I have broken myself of my shopping addiction over the last few months. First step is to write three things I'm grateful for every morning. Second is to stay out of stores except for legitimate needs, groceries, toilet paper, etc. Third is to stay home in general. Watch a movie, read a book, bake some cookies. Last is to take care of what you have, keep your home clean and organized so you're content with what you have. Another great video! ❤

1. Spending money is an addictive behavior that can lead to many harms. 2. Addiction intensifies the things that are causing problems in one's life. 3. There are no simple solutions to solve all of life's problems through shopping. 4. Social media addiction is a severe problem that many people overlook. 5. Coping strategies like retail therapy do not solve underlying problems. 6. Understanding that spending money is addictive is the first step towards gaining control over finances. 7. Breaking away from addiction requires looking elsewhere for solutions to problems. 8. A five-step guide can help people break away from addiction to stuff. 9. Envy and anxiety can lead to addiction and retail therapy. 10. The guide provides practical steps to help people gain control over their finances.

People need to quit watching influences on social media. They receive a false example of life. Watch more people like you teaching how to live a balanced lufe.

Addiction to shopping is real.

For me, the best strategy seems to be committing to eliminating the impulse purchase. I can put something in my Amazon cart, but I don't press "Buy" for 24-48 hours. More than half the time the urgency has passed and I recognize I didn't need the item to begin with: I was merely "scratching an itch." Excellent video as always!

Seeing finances in such good shape is my addiction nowadays

Reading books is a great way for me to cope without spending money. Also, cleaning and decluttering my home environment. I was recently listening to one of my favourite spiritual teachers and he said the mind will take you down any “rabbit hole” endlessly if you let it. That was thought provoking for me. I think your addiction analogy is helpful. Thank you.

I am lucky that I am Filipino and all of those splurges never happen to me in my entire life. I am very disciplined when it comes to my finances, I tracked every cent and break down my expenses into different categories as well as my income.

Success seems to be connected with action. Successful people keep moving. They make Mistake but they don’t quit... As the economic crisis keep rising, we literally need to have different streams of income. The crypto and stock market has plenty opportunities to earn a decent Payouts with the right skills and proper Understanding of how the market works.

My spending addiction came to light during covid lockdown. I saved more in those 2 years than the previous 10 combined.

At 63 I have come to realize Less is More and to think do I Need it or do I want it. 🎉

January 2023 is when i made the decision of nothing coming into the house but groceries or other important necessities. Shop only with a list otherwise don’t buy it! Any clutter I had went all to donations. Don’t miss nothing! I think a lot of people today really need to watch this video, it’s what they need to hear. Very well said 👌

Thanks! I’ve been fighting this for a long time, affecting my marriage and my mental health. I appreciate your advice and I pray this helps me and others who also also struggle with this. God bless you Austin! Your the best!

Reading, taking a walk, working in the garden, looking at all the stuff I need to get rid of... I have also set savings goals for myself.

Such a good video!! You know it's crazy when those big self storage buildings pop up all over lately... it's everyone's junk!! Purge it, and stop buying! Free yourself from the burden. Love you Austin!!

Hello, my name is Daryl. I am addicted to spending money. Been tough but getting better. Its been 22 days since I've eaten out, bought on amazon or shopped at the mall. Having withdraws thinking about memorial day BBQ. Dont know how long I can make it.

"most of life is just suffering," YESSSSS, this is true.

I was at the cinema on Saturday. They don't take cash anymore. £3.50 for a bottle of water. I didn't buy it, just went to shop and snuck a drink in. But still ridiculous. Don't want a cashless society and people are just accpeting it.

Okay...after viewing this video, I committed to a 30-day no buy, unless it's a necessity...starting today. 😊

I get a rush from opting not to buy stuff. I research DIYs and make my own cleaning products : dish soap, detergent, all purpose cleaners and more. Healthier for my household and the environment. Win win

I was doing really good with my spending until my dog ( my baby and best friend) passed away 9 months ago. I made a bunch of impulsive purchases on Amazon and ETSY, for about3 months...I knew what I was doing, trying to distract myself from the pain. Since then I've gotten my head back together and have even managed to save a little bit. But I enjoy walking, meditation, cooking and reading...at least all of my favorite hobbies are free

Boredom...or when i need an instant pick me up ..meditation helps , reading books , walking . Its got easier as you get to certain age i find the less you need . Nothing , and i mean nothing i have purchased for myself has had a long lasting happiness effect.

My biggest issue was going out drinking at bars. Got way too expensive.

I’m so happy my lady is on the same page as me financially 100%. She’s a very wise spender & saving. She’s always ready to save a lot of bucks. Get with a partner who’s on the same path as you financially. It’ll avoid the number one reason for separation & divorces. 💯

Seriously, this is the best video I came across and I’m going to try this technique. Thank you for sharing this video! ❤

I limit screen time on my phone and delete emails from stores. Read more books and find contentment.

Now that I’m getting into my “wiser” years, I feel like I don’t need as much stuff. I do a lot of my shopping online, and I find a lot of things that end up being wants and not needs. What I order is pretty boring stuff, necessities. I think you can actually get a high off of that, just as much as getting something that’s maybe fun at the moment, and the next day, you’re regretting the frivolous purchase. Thanks Austin, great advise, as always ! ☺️☺️

Thank you for addressing this. I used to buy things to make myself feel better and just enjoy stuff, but now I find it hard to stop even though I know I should stop. The pleasure of getting stuff makes me happy (dopamine rush) and is more impactful than the debt load I carry. I needed this video.

Read books for free from the Library! Also only buy what is necessary to keep living healthy by ie. Good quality healthy food

Challenge Accepted. Starting today 30 days of not buying anything unnecessary!

I cancelled my prime account last year. Never used it for viewing. My ordering has dropped to a fraction and I still never pay shipping with an average of 1 time per month order for essential supplies. And eventually I will achieve resourcing this locally.

I love the way you talk, slow and steady.. Each word is pronounced beaitifully.. ❤

Another great message, Austin, that buying stuff is not the answer to our problems! It's probably a cart before the horse thing, but I attribute the initial source of the problem not to "society," but rather to "marketing." This helps me be more aware of the constant messaging that we tend to just accept as normal background noise, but which subliminally influences how we engage with the world. I consider "society" to be the real people I encounter every day, rather than the fantasy world depicted by the entertainment or influencer industries or the highly selective events shared by the so-called news sources. My friends, family, and acquaintances don't push purchasing to enhance our relationships or solve problems nearly as much as the overwhelming and relentless marketing and advertising that saturates any time spent watching shows or browsing social media. It's not capitalism itself as an economic system that is the problem, but rather that we uncritically allow marketers to get away with trying to sell us an easy fix that doesn't achieve the real goal, i.e., social acceptance, attractiveness, happiness, success, etc. (Now we could get into even deeper topics like education and religion, but I'll stop there.) A helpful early step is to become consciously aware of all the marketing that we are constantly bombarded with and to reduce our exposure when possible. Then comes the even harder work of looking inside to identify what our real goal is and whether buying something is a healthy and effective long term solution or just a temporary salve to relive a discomfort. Thanks again for your fresh voice, as always.

Good video...this topic & solution is badly needed in our society today. Few realize how addicted they are and why!

You are so funny but most importantly helping me! So in the last two weeks canceled Amazon account, cut and lowered subscription fees by 50$ per month and went to the grocery twice instead of ordering out and came out with 50$ worth of groceries both times...next month is the 30 day detox from unnecessary spending!🥰

I feel like we need to stop spending money as well and use that money to build wealth by buying assets/build equity

I was going to comment on an earlier video about contentment but I think it fits here too-I often think about Viktor Frankl’s quote “Between stimulus and response there is a space. In that space is our power to choose our response. In our response lies our growth and our freedom.” In my own journey of frugality/simple living, etc. I have examined this space and tried to slow down and exist there as a way to see what is actually coming up for me when I feel compelled to buy something (the stimulus). Over a long period of time of practicing and thinking about this as a philosophy, I find my reactions to the world (whether shopping or persons or whatever) are far more intentional. As someone who knows addiction in some of the more covert manifestations, I think slowing down and becoming observational is powerful. A fairly new subscriber, Austin, from the inter mountain West and appreciating your content.

Thank you so much, I was recently addicted to anime action figures I couldn't afford when I was younger. I still save and invest. I agree about the dopamine hit. Its because of my pre orders I worked myself every day just to be able to afford my addiction. Now I am more relaxed and spent less

Walking around the pond 😊 ❤ the ducks who are quacking are really saying "30-day detox" 😂

I accept the challenge. I will start tomorrow. 5/23/23!

Creating not consuming. Art, cooking, creating a garden, care for plants and animals, spend as much time as possible in nature- beaches, forests, etc, Ditch the TV and learn something. Read.

Most of life is suffering.... so true. The main reason I never had children. Why bring a new human being into a life of working a job they probably will hate. Work, clean, shower, sleep, do errands, work a soul sucking job, pay taxes, get sick, slowly age, feel anxiety, experience pain, go to school, get into debt, to try to get ahead,get out of debt, and finally grow old/ feeble and die. Welcome to the world little baby.

Great video! I used to be addicted to shopping, now I just practice minimalism.

Very good video subject. I do make purchases, but I really vet the item and it's cost out first. I will make purchases very quickly if needed, but I make sure to weigh my options first before reaching for my wallet.

Austin's videos are very very helpful. This is the Good side of social media. Much appreciated 👍👍👍.

I needed to hear this.

Great video. 😃

Life is grim. You slowly decay until you die as does your family and friends. In between you have a choice of boredom or work. Addiction isn't a trap devised by the man. Addiction is a third option. Look around at all the people addicted to food. Cigarettes are an addiction that may help escape food addiction. No doubt spending money is an addiction. Addiction is the worst option but cutting it out still leaves you with the other two grim options. I long ago phased out the addictions and currently dabble in working, working out and boredom otherwise known as relaxing. It ain't paradise but that's not the goal. comfort is the goal. I would aim for something higher like paradise if I could hit something higher.

I live in the Northeast and I drive for a living I drive through a bunch of hunt bunch of residential areas 50% of all the garages I drive by are filled with junk are disorganized so he is telling the truth keep going my brother don't stop giving keep giving it to them straight truth... that's what they needthey need., cold hard facts give it to them straight give it to them. Hard......

I've been working on spending my time differently. I go to the gym a lot, and there's a monthly fee, but it's less than any shopping would be. I do spend money on books I can't get at the library or want to write in. Otherwise I'm still working on breaking bad money habits. I try to get everything from the grocery store and limiting buying drinks on the go. I always have water with me so that helps. I've also decluttered recently and am not looking to accumulate stuff.

😂😂 I, for sure, don't meet the description because I'm not running. Lol😅

I don't spend frivolous, you tube tells me what I need. Just never new I needed so much. !

Love you Austin! I am a french canadian (from Québec) and I practice my english with you. I love your videos it's help me a lot with my money.

I enjoy your take money. You've helped me think differently about spending these last few months, but this concept of taking a photo of every receipt, every day for a month is WORKING!! I've only been doing this for two days and it's totally an eye opener.

I like your new haircut. Great advice.

I'm a minimalist, so addiction to stuff or buying stuff is not an issue. I'm addicted to getting rid of stuff. Minimal Mom is an extra extremist. I'm not. She says 1 towel per person. I say 3 towels. She says 1 place setting per person. I say 2. Right now I have too many towels. I'm weeding out the extras today. The additional space and tidiness is my dopamine hit. Ive gone way beyond 30 days. I win!

Another great video! I love it😇keep up the great content and God bless you ❤

I like to read books and trade them with peers instead of buying new ones.

Man I'm dying over here when he did the bdld white guy skit. Extremely funny😂😂😂😂😂😂

Go on walks, near our 🏡 home & 🙏.

Thank you Austin.

I am 12 years old and have started spending SO MUCH on shein, amazon, and temu, even roblox, i have in the past 4 days made $100 dollars from just laundry, but i spent it all on robux and shein, where yes, some of it i need for my small etsy business, i still have not even started to sell because it takes so long to make the bracelets, i have a plan to not spend any money unless it is my supplies to my business for a year, saving my birthday many, Christmas money, all money i get, any thoughts of how to make sure i dont spend it

Thank you for sharing, I’ve been on a no buy for a year now so I’ve become quite good at it, but since JUNE is coming I would do something like this to help with the decision process.. can I JUSTIFY the purchase, is it URGENT, is it NECESSARY, is it EMOTIONAL. For ease of time, when I get up to June 15th I then start counting backwards till the end of the month. I also journal before, during, and afterwards to express my feelings during the process. Good luck everyone!!!❤

I spent over 150$ on call of duty mobile. I feel so ashamed of myself.

Hello 👋 I am Addicted to........ Saving+ Investing+ Stacking Gold Bars.

Anyone with an Amazon addiction simply needs to clean their room and try to get rid of some of the stuff they don't use, that should be all the incentive you need to stop buying more junk.

Ugh, I’ve been “sleeping on” a purchase for two months now but I still want it. It’s this fountain pen I don’t need. I can’t get it out of my head! Lol. Anyway, I had to find a middle ground so I started putting away $45 every month and in six months I can get it. The old me would have put that on my visa… I’m not there yet, but it’s progress.

I think me having adhd makes it harder for me to break from the addiction bc I will forget I was not supposed to spend in 2.2 seconds and even if I do remember my impulsivity from my little energy outburst just makes me spend WAY more than I should I know I could save way more money it was in cash bc I’ve done it before but my payroll is on my card now no I can easily just press agree and my money it gone

I’m 14 and have my first job. I spend every paycheck I get until it’s gone. And it’s really bad. Hopefully this helps so I can save for a car!

My coping strategies are eating, working out at the gym and playing videogames, but these are not really free. I'm trying to read more since it's free and it engages the mind in a different way but I'm not being much successful, I find myself watching youtube instead XD

I love going to art galleries and enjoying other people’s incredible creativity.

Thank you ElAgustin 💖 Your subject is very helpful to learn about, going forward with this economy. Love your style of presenting! I'm subscribed

I love your videos !! Thanks for making them!

My issue is using food as a crutch, a temporary relief from my problems so now I have two addictions to break 😢

ElAgustin is my Superman now

Thanks Austin, you have made some good points! I think people are looking for some kind of happiness reward or social recognition reward from their actions of spending money. This won't happen. In my experience, the most satisfying reward overall comes from simply helping others. I don't mean belonging to some charitable organization. I mean small personal acts that help those around us, even those who could manage on their own but would be thankful. If you can't be technically helpful (like fixing your neighbors computer problem), you can always be physically helpful (like lending a hand when you see someone struggling to move or lift or just complete a difficult task). There are countless examples and opportunities to help someone, so train yourself to recognize people who could use a little help and go for it. Your satisfaction with doing so, will last longer than a shopping spree.

I don’t even spend on nothing but fast food 😭 like that’s where all my money is going

"Save the Trees!" 🦉 Austin, well said!

I think im more addicted to online shopping. Putting stuff in my cart then pay, then the time to wait for a package, to open it etc. more this process .It like therapy to me .

My money velocity is very low. I have an emergency fund, 6 years of food in my basement. I'm also investing in gold and silver.😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊

my coping mechonism is alcohol. I drink a LOT, I thought about it for a while sober and I'd be better off getting a safe or cash box to hide money from myself. I'm going to have to force myself not to spend it. I've never had life savings or lots of money. I've been living in poverty for as long as I can remember. I'm in debt, maybe I'd feel some sort of security if I had the funds to fix this stuff. It sure as hell would make me less stressed out.

go to the gym that will release endorphins and you will feel amazing

I needed(learn from) this. Amazing video. Thank you Austin :)

I'm a bald white guy. But I'm always broke and give away money like tomorrow is my last day on earth

Wish I could like this 1000 times

Spending money is fun, but if that is the only fun thing you are doing then it is missing the point:(

Thank you for this video!! I felt like I was genuinely talked to 1x1

Agustin, amo sus videos. Gracias 🙏🏻

Actually the monk idea isn't a bad one lol . After all money is power to a degree . Might try 365 days , would of saved 1000s lol . No sweets , no take aways . No new clothes or movies . No toys , no gambling . No booze or outings , imagine how loaded you would be at the end of the year lol .

Buen video, muchas gracias chico!!!

Most my life I’ve indulged in self loathing and self deprivation

Great video as always! The man wants to keep you poor!

pov: u keep buying games from steam sales

2 pack a day smoker, quit about 20 years ago, but just moved the addiction from tobacco and nicotine to Amazon and EBay. 😢

This is a great video. I will try the 30 day challenge but I know I will fail 30 days. I will try week to week and see how far I can go!

What's this with cutting down trees these days. It seems to be a Thing. Maybe your local tree cutting was normal but in UK local councils all over are cutting down big old town trees that clean the air and provide shade. Sheffield,then Plymouth - they felled theirs in the night so no one was about to protest,now of all places St Albans wants to cut down all their trees. Or rather the Town Council,not the residents who vote. I've heard that trees interfere with 5G,and I've heard that 5G is really about putting in place a sophisticated monitoring system to track us all via our phones. I totally believe it. Maybe one day to come we won't be able to overspend because Big Brother via the Self Checkout will say No.