I realized that sometimes when I purchase something, especially clothes or accessories, I imagine I’m buying into the lifestyle that the brand seems to portray. Unfortunately, they don’t include the lifestyle in the package!

I totally use ‘my cart’ as my ‘holding bin’ while online shopping. I will walk away for a day or two and return to re-examine before checking out. I love the save for later choice and adding to my wish list. I will reward myself every month or so and purchase an item from my wish list. I’m often shocked at how many items I actually remove from the cart when I return to it. Wow I just imagine how much would have been impulse or unnecessary purchases.

Before making purchases, I do research and sit on it forever. Let's just say, penny pinching attracts laughter but sometimes it's essential for survival. We've barely scraped along most times. Lower end of the working class. So, looking deeper at purchases is a skill that's really necessary.

I think it helps to have a strict set of parameters for what you buy. Be really picky. As an example, I only buy casual clothes that are specific fabrics, in my colors and from brands that I know fit well. So a lot of times I’ll go looking for a t-shirt or something and there’s only one that fits my requirements. If there’s nothing available, I just make do. I don’t fall into the trap of adding more to my cart to get free shipping either. Another thing that has given me perspective is thrifting. Besides the obvious benefits, I also can see how trends come and go, and what gets discarded. When I am buying something new, I can ask myself if I really want the item for keeps or if it’s just a passing trend that will be discarded in a few years.

for me I phrase the question as "what is it I am REALLY trying to buy?"

One thing that has been a huge help to me is to think about my unfortunate purchases, not to insult myself, but to totally infuse my brain with the reality that I am someone who needs to take a lot of time and thought before buying something in order for the purchase to be useful in my life. Even in a thrift store when I am going to get a particular item, I need about a hour to examine that particular item, all the aspects of it (including that it is used), think about my options (including just living without having it).

These are very useful! Some of them could even be used when struggling to declutter a certain item (e.g., "Would this be among the first things I would buy if I lost all my belongings?"). I also appreciate the fact that you touched more on the psychological side of things, more than one usually sees in these types of videos. Thank you!

P.S Love your Puppy I have a darling little Chihuahua,who is 22 years young,and still very lively She’s the love of my life Such a sweetheart

We are grateful you share your thoughts, thank you! It's disappointing some may feel the need to be negative and hurtful. If the person is not in the "arena", as Renee Brown would say, then they don't get to have a say. It takes a lot of courage to put yourself out there and do what you do. 💜

Wish list idea has really helped me cut down on necessary spending. Wish lists reflect what is most important to me and looking at it regularly keeps me motivation not to be impulsive and be more mindful of spending

I am realizing today just how much I love your videos! I originally found your videos while looking for bingeable decluttering advice and inspiration, and have since found that I'm always excited when I see a new video of yours on my feed. You continue to come up with new approaches and perspectives about cleaning one's space, and really about living more intentionally, which is, I believe, at the core of it all. I appreciate that you are non-judgmental (I wonder if that is a choice borne out of being overly judgmental of yourself in the past?), and that you do not act as though you are above the "bad habits". Thank you for the time you must take to put together these presentations; I appreciate how clearly and thoughtfully you speak. How sweet that you are finding community through your videos. You vibe your tribe, as my sister likes to say! 😁 I'm happy to be learning from and growing alongside you!

Great suggestions! I believe we just need to stop, and give it a bit of time to reflect. We have gotten use to "I want it now!" Waiting really does make a difference!

I feel like you hit the nail on the head of buying something so there is something I have to look forward to. I don’t think I’ve ever thought of it that way before & it really connected with why I might be needlessly online “window” shopping.

Excellent question= why am I buying this?? what is the function of this behaviour?

I liked the idea that you suggested to ask yourself the questions you stated before you purchase something. I needed to hear this! I sometimes buy something and later wished that I hadn’t.

For me: Am I likely to grow tired of interacting with & looking at this?

I am so happy to find your channel and hear your calm voice of reason. Thank you!

You have such helpful and wise advice on this subject. It is an issue I have been trying to get control of for awhile. I wish I had been as wise as you are years ago...would have saved me so much time and money. It can be a struggle to not be tempted to buy stuff we really don't need and sometimes don't even want!

How did you know my least favourite chore is putting the bottom sheet on the bed 😂

hi elin! to your point about buying final sale - when i thrift shop i end up loving what i buy sooo much more than things i buy new. maybe its bc theyre all final sale, which means i know i have to LOVE it and it feels perfect before i purchase and bring it home!

My rules for clothes shopping are: 1. Only buy items in materials I like (natural fibers) 2. It has to be a perfect fit 3. I ask myself if it goes with most of what I already have in my wardrobe (preferable I’m only shopping when I’m looking for a particular item) 4. Go for items of better quality, it’s usually worth it in the long run since I like to wear my clothes until they wear out.

Elin, you're really sweet, and you always have such good nuggets of wisdom. Don't forget, kind people always attract the worst people (and the best, like us).

I appreciate the researched based information that you always include. Thank you for the inspirations.

I love your videos. Ignore negative comments. There’s enough negativity in the world. Needed this today. 😊

all your information is so good, I really appreciate what you say and how it makes me think about the things i buy and why

❤thank you! Very good advice. I’m prone to emotional spending and I am getting better but it’s a conscious effort. You’ve mentioned a few strategies I use, and some others I can try. A toolkit!👍

I really enjoyed this thought provoking video! Thank you for making and posting it!

These questions are also good to ask when purchasing an experience.

Thanks for the reminder- I go through phases of very careful consideration - and just plain ‘shop - cart - checkout’ When SAD hits in fall and winter- my wallet feels it 🤷‍♀️ I have found a small budget book and I write my ‘wish list’ and phrases on the outside - I leave any and all credit cards at home - I’m a work in progress 😅

I like to send possible purchases to our grown kids for their input online. It is amazing how by forcing myself to be open and willing to accept other opinions can stop me, at least for a day or so, from pushing that, "Buy" button. Usually, once I back off emotionally I find the urge to purchase something, anything passes.

Thank you, great ideas to help curb impulse shopping! ❤

I do listen to podcasts when I’m cleaning or decluttering and now I’m probably going to listen to yours every time I am purging a closet or cabinet 😉. I just found your channel and I’m already hooked! Thank you for such great content and tips!

I love this video! It really helps me think deeper, eg will I still want this in a year, will I be glad I bought this in a year, why am I buying this? Who's more important than this, would I be embarrassed to tell a judgemental person how much I spent? This has made me rethink a few recent purchases and I'll be using these questions from now on 😊

Just love listening to you! Thanks for all these questions to consider😊

great video! And I think the color of your shirt is very flattering! You wear shades of white so much.... But then, I like saturated colors,,,,,

Love these! I have heard the same questions over and over but these were new, my faves: would i do my least favorite chore to get this, and would o be embarrassed to tell my mom (my frugal role model) how much i paid for it. And more, thank you for sharing! ❤

Some very helpful reflections here! Thank you 😊

Love all your videos ❤

Thank you so much for this video.Things to really think about.❤

As always great content and tips. You bring such positivity and a perspective that is nonjudgemental. As for the inappropriate comments on your channel, I will always come to your defense when people are just being mean and not constructive. My name does mean protector after all 🙂

Hi, It is funny how things may work differently depending where you live. I follow a lot of American channels (try to improve my English in an enjoyabel way) and I'm often chocked that you can give things back. Here it is not really possible unless it is brocken or is a big purchase, so we have to think of it as a final sale. I always spend a lovely moment with you and learn a lot. Thank You

Pleeeasssseee make a minimalism & wellbeing podcast I beg of you

Another Shopper here who needs to control herself a little more I never shop online but go to the Stores and look at things to get an idea of material,style and fit Thank you for all the tips Hugs In

Excellent advice❣️

Great tips 👌

I am suddenly addicted!! I appreciate your insight!

I needed to hear this.

Sun the 14th.of May ..LoveLove all the things you talk about thank you .

Don’t shop on line. Buy items that will appreciate rather than depreciate. Have an outlet for resale . You will be accumulating items that serve you and at the same time making money. Let’s face it, we just get tired of most of our possessions so let them go and keep things moving in a sustainable manner. Take the money you make through resale and invest it. Stocks, bonds, interest bearing account. Before you know it, you will have a healthy nest egg. You will have all the fun of the hunt and make money at the same time.

Just a heads up. I worked for Marshall Fields for years. They mark things @ 400% value & then have a 50% off $ale. Yep, retailing!

You are so wise and appreciated!

You look great. I hope you are doing well. Great tips as always.

Great points that have not been covered!

Great tips!

Those are useful tips, thank you! What do you think of the idea of taking the money NOT spent and moving it to a separate savings account? There are no-fee, no-minimum high yield accounts out there (Alliant is one). Since so many of us shop to reward or entertain ourselves, maybe there is a way of turning the not-buying into a tangible reward.

I’d love a collab between you and Christina Mychas

Great tips you shared, thank you!

This was a ton of good advice! Thank you!😊

Thank you very much for your channel and this video. I like to give money to Christian charities to I try to limit my spending on non essential objects. I have a small amount of ornaments but I'm debating whether or not to buy a few fake flowers and plants for my lounge.

Do you have an autism background? The term function of the behavior reminds me of the behavior analysts and RBT's I've worked with ☺️ great video!

This was brilliant! Great job!

Great vid!

So Good!

Thank you do much. I love your videos!

Great video tysm for the tips

How did you pick out your color schemes they are so beautiful.

Thanks for your Video it is really helpful❤

Thank you for taking the time to share so much! I must admit, I’ve had a hammock in my cart for over a week now. I haven’t purchased it because I feel guilt when spending unnecessary money. But after watching this, I can now make the conscious decision to purchase it because it will hold value to me. Thanks again!

You are so sweet...I love your videos & I love you. ❤

You have some insigthfull thougts😊

I loved a lot of this video, but I want to lovingly and respectfully say I don’t think it’s healthy to consider what the most judgmental person in your life would say before you make a decision. Judgement is toxic, and basing your decisions on that is giving toxicity power. What judgmental people think of us and our choices is none of our business because it has nothing to do with us, only with them. You said you no longer buy things so other people will think you look cool…. You also shouldn’t stop yourself from enjoying things you like by wondering what a jerk would think about it.

Thank you 😞

Just found you… yay!😊

Very good video. A+

I can’t find the subscribe button anymore.

❤

Elin! I live right by you and am looking for a hair stylist-your hair is so healthy and beautiful, do you have any recommendations? Shoot me a msg or comment back if you have time! Thanks xo

😊