How To Stop Wanting to Buy Stuff | Frugal Living
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 14 ก.ย. 2023
- #minimalism #frugalliving
Today I go over the what is one of the more difficult parts of pursing minimalism, the constant desire to buy more things.
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Hey everyone. My name is Nicholas and I make videos most about my experiences with minimalism, frugal living, tech, and things of that nature 🌱. So if that sounds good to you consider subscribing and I'll see you in the next one ✏️ - แนวปฏิบัติและการใช้ชีวิต
I’ll be working on a dedicated gaming related channel if anyone is interested in subscribing to that, I’d be greatly appreciated: youtube.com/@attackonnick?si=DcxwYsv9weW5Z2_Q
I'm almost 40 and for the past few decades, my best method to not wanting to buy stuff is not having the money for it. works like a charm.
You’ve already got discipline then! I think a lot of people just charge it to their credit card.
I love old men humour
that doesn't make one not "want' to buy things, it makes you unable to buy it.
@@tanishq-kunyo 40 isn't old
😂
1. Wait it out (ex. 30 day wait period)
2. Pros and Cons list
3. Unsubscribe and Avoid temptations
4. Find a hobby
5. Explore an alternative option
6. Consider financial goals
don't carry money/card
I found two hobbies (electric guitar and photography) and now I want to buy too much stuff. Please send help.
Number 4 is very important
I don‘t like minimalism
I have debts but no remorse
“Spending money in itself is a hobby here in the US” - is so true!
Good observation ❤
If you spend 30 days just thinking about buying some items, it may not be the most optimal approach. It can be quite frustrating to constantly overanalyze your choices. Purchasing when you can is a more relaxing activity and is better for your peace of mind. If it doesn't fit your budget, then you should consider taking 3-5 days to think it over. I, too, used to overthink my purchases, and it exhausted me. My mind was constantly debating with itself. Now, I don't think too much - if I want something and it fits my budget, I buy it right away.
I can relate so much, I overthink my decisions so much and end up watching every video and reading every Reddit thread 😢
Well last year I really liked a coat, but at 230 euros, I could afford it but it was expensive for me.
I guess I liked it a lot, because I ended up buying it this year. When I was ready to press "order" I looked online for a voucher and found one for 25% off, making it 170.
But, I also bought a cheaper coat last year. So it would have been cheaper in the long run if I had just bought it directly.
It doesn't have to be 30 days, sometimes being realistic with yourself and doing a bit of research is enough to determine whether the product is worth your money or not. For me personally the monetary worth of a product and complexity of it (purchase could be from a new electric guitar to a home) determines how long i spend making a decision. Plus giving yourself time allows you to know whether this is good for your financial state or whether this is something you should save up for etc. These methods work you just have to apply them intentionally and in a way that works with you. Unless you don't need to use a different approach in which case people should do whatever works for them.
This is where I draw the line between frugalism and minimalism. If I think of those those as archetypes: A frugalist wants the best possible financial desicion (which can require 30 days of overthinking) whereas the minimalist wants peace of mind while being conscious of consumption. They do a quick interoception and then make an informed choice.
Same. Although i do think sometimes it’s beter to wait and not think about it to much. Sometimes im very hyped for stuff i dont need😅 and most of the time it’s just 2 weeks you constantly think you want it! And after that you seem to just forget about it naturally. But again i do agree! If it’s in my budget and i like it.. im not gonna overanalyse it. You have 1 life and like my grandma always said, you can’t take it with you! (The money that is)
The one trick that worked for me is going to your favorite store and not buying anything. It really taught me self control and made me question if I actually needed it.
Fortunately I do not have favourite store :D
Yes this too!! allot of people need to know this!
I've started the habit of walking everyday with my dog for a few miles, rather than the quick round the blocks I usually do with him, and that daily routine itself has definitely cut down on my spending. I also need to go to the library more often, there's one less than a mile away from my house, and it's absolutely a missed opportunity for me.
Love that!
are you... me?
@@buzzlightyearohmy life the past 3 years on a day to day basis is wake up, walk the dog for an hour,eat shower etc, walk for an hr, let my dog run around the backyard and then i go to work for 8-10 hours then I come back walk the dog for an hr chill with him and unwind and go to sleep and repeat everyday
@OmarCasey7 that is exactly what I did when I had a dog. I miss her so much.
@@OmarCasey7you dog owners are sadistic psychopaths
Only food, drink, and house bills. Clothes only that need replacements. You need to feed and cloth the body and have a roof above your head depending where you live. That is it. Bliss is within. Nothing in the outside world is necessary.
This
"Less is more" sounds truer than ever.. and also, upon doing a simple cost-benefit analysis/accounting discipline, having more means managing more which may or not be suitable to everyone's ability to manage
Connections with people are necessary. New experiences are necessary. Engaging with art and culture is neseccary. What are you even talking about.
Shopping addiction is very real. I switched jobs with a better work life balance and initially I did spend a lot more time with my hobbies. But over some months I found I spent a lot of free time online shopping. It's funny because in my old job I had almost no free time so I never had a spending problem. It's something to be very cautious about.
Agree. Being at a more demanding job leaves you with less time and energy to buy stuff then if you have more time to spare. Also when I work hard the value of earned money seems higher thus not so easy to spend ;)
I bought a cheap $100 violin last year, and I can say that it has provided me with so many hours of usefulness over the course of a year and it’s still going. I have also been taking lessons so the overall cost has been higher than just $100, but it has been such a worthy investment. Much better than paying that on useless subscriptions or video games which you beat and probably never play again thereafter.
Love that, I love when I buy something at an affordable price, and get a very long lifespan out of it.
"probably". There a lot of people who buy games and play them over and over again because they love it. Don't judge things just because you do not like them.
@@benedicvelascoas one gamer and game collector to another: you sound like you have a chip on your shoulder. Nobody is judging you for your hobby. The comment is about how much video games cost. And frankly, for 90 percent of the hundreds of $60+ video games I have, I have only played them once. It’s a good reality check: do you need to buy new games when they’re brand new, or should you wait? And do we need to keep them once we’re done with them? Probably not. But I know that’s hard, because with gaming as a hobby, we tie our collections up with our identity.
Personally, I was going for a full loose SNES set for over a decade before I bought a house. Then I sold half my collection to help with our savings and a down payment, and it’s been so easy ever since to let games go, especially if I don’t have a strong personal connection to them.
Is it worth buying? Can you tune it? I want a new violin as I was a violinist as a child and this sounds weird but I couldn’t learn how to tune it and depended on people to do it for me and also I don’t know how to replace strings. I’m too lazy to go to a violin store and I work nights when violin stores aren’t open. How long can it last without tuning it up?
@@laurab9518 The length of time between tuning depends on the instrument and the conditions in which you store it. Because the violin is wood, changes in temperature in humidity will make the wood expand and shrink, which is what makes it go out of tune. But it's actually really easy to tune a violin yourself! You'll just need a tuner (they have apps now!) and maybe a youtube tutorial. Practice every day, and tune your violin every time you practice, and you'll get comfortable with it in no time!
6:00 "Every nonessential purchase is ultimately a delay in my financial goals."
Mind. blown. That's one of the best, most effective, and helpful lines ever. Thank you.
Buying stuff is not the problem. Buying things just because they are on sale, buying things that go to the back of the closet and stay there, buying things that you replace with something a little different - those kinds of wasteful spending is the problem.
Spending👏money👏is👏a👏hobby👏[that you can replace!]
and you’re right; the times one has the least going on are the times when window shopping becomes a fun activity. So glad I’m hearing this reminder as I become an adult
I have the worst habit of buying food when I’m hungry, instead of eating what I already have. It’s infuriating.
My worst habit 😅
@@NicholasGarofolaso, how do you save then? How to change mindset for this
@@user-ed8lm4bt4c i go shopping for food after i eat
If you understand that buying things is fun in itself (dopamine fun) than you can start to hack that you’re trying to maximize the pleasure of your meal.
@@user-ed8lm4bt4cDon't go to a grocery store hungry. Eat something before going.
Waiting is the best thing thats worked for me. Giving something a week minimum and preferably a month before buying has helped a lot. Because then you get that "Huh, guess i didnt need that" feeling and move on.
I’ve always had a list for myself when wanting to buy something. In the following order:
1. Do I really need this?
2. Do I have something similar what would work? (Especially about clothes)
3. Do I have the money for this?
4. Do I have the space for this?
5. Is it useful of does it mean something important to me? (Especially for decoration)
When most of the answers are no than I won’t buy it. Especially if I don’t have the space for it. A lot of this which can and are practical to me I will overthink and buy when it really matters. Saved me a lot of money!
Some great advice here. One thing that stopped me spending money was to come off of social media. My life is so much better now, more money and closer relationships with my friends because we use things like the phone and texts etc rather than just “liking” stuff.
I just preordered my iPhone 15 Pro Max today. Something felt off, as I have a 14 Pro that I'm not really happy with. In the end after some contemplation I just cancelled my order. I don't need these meaningless year on year upgrades that are just sold so well by clever marketing people. Thank you for helping us with more perspective Nicholas
That’s awesome to hear, glad this helped 🙌🏻
You're not happy with your 14 Pro?
@SniperMayer, I cancelled my pre-order for the same phone last night. It's time to discover what I TRULY want in this ravenous grasp for more shiny objects.
yeah its just a phone if you always need the newest upgrades and trends its a sign you’re on it too much anyways
Same, canceled my iPhone max and put the money into savings.
Much needed - thank you so much for sharing this video ❤
This video is exactly what I needed to hear. Thanks!!!
Great advice, Nicholas!
With holiday seasons coming up this is a timely video 😃
I was liking the video but subscribed as soon as you mentioned skating! Roller skating is my favorite hobby 🛼
I can admit I REALLY needed this
Your videos are just what I need to calm down and get in a good mindset and just reset.. I love it!
I love libraries, and mine has services beyond free books: board games, 3D printing services, passes to local parks and museums… they even have power tools.
That's pretty awesome
The part at 6:00 resonated with me more than I expected 🤔 I went and listed a set of “funds” for things that I want that I can’t pay for out of my pocket - everything from shiny toys to big stuff to unobtainium dreams. Let me tell you, it never felt so easy to let go of tempting shiny purchases and set money aside! Thank you for that idea, Nicholas.
Great video!! The way you presented it was brilliant 🙏
So many great tips here, I especially liked the one about hobbies.
This is one of the reasons i stopped using typical smartphones and switched to a degoogled phone. Now my phone doesn't spy on me and tempt me with ads for things i'm interested in.
I liked this one so much I watched it twice. Thank you!
Glad you enjoyed it!
Concise and direct message . I like it ,subbed
Really enjoyed the editing and cinematography work that you put into this, it gave the video a lot of character.
I need to listen to you more often. lol to re-encourage NOT to buy on impulse. Thank you and great video
Yessss, this is the kind of video I love watching :) Feeling very motivated after watching this to cut down on even more unnecessary stuff. I value freedom/free time so much more than material 'things' and this was a good reminder of why I'm frugal :)
Glad you liked it!!
Got my idea now. Thanks for this Nicholas. This hits on me sir 🤜🤛
Amazing video and the points you mentioned really do help a lot!
Thank you
Glad it was helpful!
It hit me when you said in the hobby part that we buy things just to feel a little bit of joy. I’m (awkwardly) glad(?) that I’m not alone feeling this need of joy but it ultimately fades away soon, cost a lot and add no value to my life. Recently I’ve been changing my lifestyle and your video came across. Great and grounded advice!
Return it ALL!
Boredom is a hard one to overcome. I have often been getting myself out window shopping just to get the little dopamine hits of looking at brand new products on shelves.
Amazon is a big spending outlet for me so I’ve had success just adding items to my cart and waiting until the end of the month to buy them. Most of the time I delete them because the passion has left.
Just a few weeks ago I almost convinced myself to buy a $700 piano from Costco but today I know that would have put me in a poor financial spot.
waiting it out while looking for cothes is incredibly helpful for building a good wardrobe
This video is such a blessing. I’ve been in a consumeristic frenzy lately and you’re insights have aided in my desire to snap out of it.
I've never come across a TH-camr who actually said, "unsubscribe".
Great video. I think viewing every item you don't purchase as saving 100% rather than buying something you don't need because it's 20% off is another good way to look at things.
I also ask myself is it worth taking away from my future children for this purchase. I don't have kids yet or any on the way, but this makes it super easy for me to not seek comfort or status symbols. I can have hundreds of meaningless $20 purchases, or I can afford a better education for my children.
Thank you very much for the splendid video, I always tune to your videos whenever I need a reality check on myself
I love borrowing digital books, audio books, and magazines from the library. All free!
And playing on our Wii.
I still love my Wii too! 😊
If you haven't jailbroken and revisited that Gamecube catalog, the Wii is awesome. Path of Radiance is one of those few games that actually mostly lived up to a decade of hyping it up in my head.
The 30 day waiting period for large purchases is a great idea. Definitely going to try that one
It usually takes me about 30 days to choose the product i really want. For this reason, i am almost always extremely happy with my purchases. It is not only a waiting period, but the time needed to explore other products and brands, good and bad reviews etc etc. When i find what i want, i also put a lot of effort into finding it's biggest downsides.
i do that on amazon where i add stuff to cart. if i dont need it immediately, i press save for later and the next time i do that i can see whats saved and im usually thinking why did i want that?
I’m coming back to minimalism after sometime of falling off the wagon, and your channel again is one of the first ones that come up in my recommended as if it was fate. Thank you so much for making the videos that you do and always know that we’re hugely appreciative of them.
Much love and wish you the best! The future is bright.❤
I dont know why I found running down the sidewalk with the skateboard so funny! Great video 🤘
I kept waiting for him to hop on it!
@@danieli.9252 100%
I would add that a lot of purchases are connected to the idea behind it. Like buying a new running watch because the hope is to be more sporty as a result. Or the new food processor with the hope to eat healthier. What we tend to forget is, that we still need to put in the effort to go out and run even with a fancy watch or still need to cook even with the new kitchen appliance. What I am trying to do is asking myself if I am already doing the effort as a routine before buying a gadget. Not the other way around. Often we buy these things and they are just collecting dust, because we just don't have the routine of using them. When I have an established routine of running or cooking I am still able to buy the stuff, but first get the routine in. And often it sheds new light on whats really necessary, because it is no longer embedded in a theoretical idea but the result of experience. And maybe then one realizes that a purchase is actually due, but its rather new shoes or a better knife. It also helps to align and focus on whats the priority to continue with what has been established.
Thank you so much for this video, I have always gotten compliments on how I spend my money and my frugalness but it seems I still have some stuff to work on after watching this video
I loved seeing you run with your board without jumping onto it. I used to love doing that and had completely forgot about it
Seriously. This is a problem I have. I do it from depression. I buy things for the quick excitement of getting something and something new then move on fo the next. It's bad. I have what I need and what I really need is to chill.
I share your sentiment. I kind of got to this point too. I bought stuff that I only dreamt of when I was still a college student. At first it was great, but I got to a point after I bought a new guitar where I felt empty. I didn't feel accomplished, I didn't feel the excitement, I didn't know what to do. A few weeks after that purchase I bought some sneakers, thought I would feel the rush again, but no. That's when I kind of realized that I needed to have a hobby or return to one of my hobbies like music or drawing.
I got back into drawing, but this time I got back into the hobby as a student of the craft. I didn't want to burn out myself again from the hobby. So I tried learning new skills, styles, and try out new stuff. I enjoyed it this time. Still depressed every now and then. But when I look at my previous work within my sketch pad I find joy that I felt like all this time I was doing something, something that I like, something that I love.
You have dopamine addiction
regarding depression, what has made the biggest difference is to cut out sugar - desserts totally make me deressed. It does not eliminate my depression but it make a HUGE difference. Please consider trying it for two weeks. At first you may find it hard but after two weeks, see where you are at.
Great video! Stop people from pre-ordering iPhone 15 today!
I’ve been with my iPhone 11 for the past 4 years and it’s on its last leg. I think I deserve the upgrade at the moment haha.
For solidarity purposes, I won't like the comment, in order to keep the like number at 15
you've got more patience than me. i upgraded when i found that 5G reception was strong where i live. With the SE2020, i wouldn't be able to pull up my mobile apps in target or walmart to check online prices or pay, i think the new insulation in the ceilings or the solar panels caused my phone to lose strength. but now, even the SE2022 with the more neutered 5G out of the iphone lineup has no problems with reception for me anymore.
@@randompersonguy3124 You are frugal enough to be a Garofola fan.
@@subaruboy2453 I'm frugal in the sense that I do not buy things unless I need them. However, when I do purchase items, I do like to spend a good amount to make sure it will last me the longest time possible.
I really appreciate the way you asked for the like and subscribe… not just right out the gate, but after the valuable content, and optionally. Absolutely worthwhile content and valuable information for me, as I do have a spending problem that I need to get control of. Thank you so much for the pointers, I am going to watch this several more times and take lots more notes!
Have been living this way for years in London, which is always tough as I am surrounded by shops and things to do. Having a hobby not only made me happier but doubles my wealth over two years. Thank you for the great content!
Everytime I watch this channel, it is growing constantly and it’s entirely deserved.
Thanks so much ✌🏻
@@NicholasGarofolaman with this video you moved to 89k something to 92k. Great job for real
I needed that video, thank you.
This is something that I’m trying to learn 😊
This is what i did before buying my ipad mini. But make it 3 months of debating and watching videos about it. Your videos about the ipad mini helped me to solidify my choice as well. Great video!
Wow Nicholas... thank you dude. I'm only 21 so I'm young and still have a lot to learn but this video gave me a needed wake up call. I found my issue is that I have too many hobbies and I always want the best gear/thing in that hobby. I'm a gear head so I love trying new things out and putting new things to the test. I'm slowing coming to the realization that I can chill out and just enjoy the things that I have and be grateful for them. It's nice to have longterm goals like saving up for a house/apartment, or saving up for a better future car especially since I have so much of my life ahead of me
I think this video made me start to realize that I'm doing just fine with the things I already have. So thank you :)
I’m on a tech detox 😅. I agree with you that 30 days does take the urge away 😊
Thanks so much for this video , I really needed it 😅
This video was a great wake up call for me! I ordered the iPhone 15 Pro last week, even though I already own an iPhone 14 Pro and a bunch of older models. I don't *need* those year on year upgrades, and I know I'll just forget about the minor improvements days or even hours after I would have gotten it. Cancelled my order because of this video!
I’m addicted to buying books reading and listening to audiobooks are my main hobbies . I should go to the library as they’re getting more and more expensive .
Try going to thrift stores for used books , they’re much much cheaper :)
the prolem with my hobby (restoring retro tech products, mostly music players) is that it requires me to constantly buy new hard drives, batteries, screens, tools, screws, buttons
I really need this man! Thx brother
I love the fact that he's mentioning references to Inuyasha for his videos it makes me nostalgic for a short while 😂😂
Great video. Really struggling these days to control myself from impulse purchases. Everyone around seems to be purchasing the next best thing and I also feel like I should totally have it. This video was very useful especially to me. ❤❤
What helps me is that I absolutely know, from my experience, that a good purchase takes a lot of thought and examination on my part. If I don't, 90% of acquisitions are mistakes.
You are awesome - and your Videos might help me the get over my addiction 🙌🙌
Hi from Tasmania, Australia! Awesome video. I took my Daughter to the Library today and signed up. Grabbed a heap of books, and also got a free bag too. I have memories of my Nan going to the library and I’ve always associated it with old books, but they had everything! 👍🏽
Every time I spend on my debit card, my bank rounds the spending up to the nearest £ and puts it in a savings pot. That’s my guilt free spending money, if I want to buy something and I’ve got the money in that pot; I can buy the item.
Once a quarter, I have a no spend month and those savings go into my holiday pot.
That’s a cool system to have, I should look into that!
I am happy to shop less and less now, and each time I go into a store I congratulate myself when I dont succumb to temptation. I try to imagine what the items will add to my life, how I will care and store it. When I was younger I didn't know myself well and I would explore hobbies and dressing style. Now I prefer to go outside and walk, I seek meditation. I still go to thrift shops once in awhile when I look for something in particular and I will look at knick knacks and think: I dont need any of those. I consider thrifts stores sort of like museum that I can touch stuff and remember where in my life I saw that object. But I dont have to bring it home.
Its interesting, how I got recommended your video, right after I made a choice to change my financial situation.
I'm not into frugal living, but I can take a few notes on your methods, that would help me achieve my goals.
Thank you for your short and informative video!
Great video and super helpful. Thank you!
Also, I love your hairstyle 🤌🏼
Staying off social media is very helpful for me … that’s why I’m here haha .. but not seeing what everyone else owns or is selling is good thing
I prefer to think everything is a good thing, but very few things are good things for me.
You sir just won a new subscriber just because of this video 👏🏼
August 2022 I moved to the US because of a job opportunity. One year later I’m sick of all the consumerism and how it’s the only hobby most people have.
Where are you from, and how is it different?
The video that we all needed at some point
Hi sir, you just doing great. You inspire a lot of people like us. Keep uploading great contents like these, thanks once again. 😊
Something amazing about online shopping for me is that I no longer feel the pressure from a physical person in front of me into getting a product. 90% of times I put things in my shopping cart, I let it sit for a day and completely forget about it. I honestly love the possibility of canceling purchases I did online and return products when they are not what I expected they were (my country has a policy that any online purchase can be refunded and returned within 7 days). Buying something I don't use much is now very frustrating.
I wish I had a library near my home ❤ seeing your net worth grow is pretty cool!
Hi Laura, thanks! 😄
try online libaries like Libby
Love the advice because its so right. I was a compulsive buyer of new tech. Great products but didnt dven truly need. Hobbies and challenging my mind was the end of it for me. I still battle it, but it can be won
thank you, I really needed this
After watching dozens of minimalists videos I know one thing. Every minimalist use apple stuff only.
Not all.
The clip of you running with the skateboard was hilarious. Thank you for the video, it serves as a reminder to be patient, mindful and intentional of the purchases I want to make.
Thanks for watching 🙌🏻
Amazing points!
You're right that window shopping and impulse purchases have become a hobby in the US. Great insight
Additionally thinking of the environmental impact of my potential purchase usually helps me to reconsider if I really need that item or not - in combination with some of the points you mentioned
Well said!
i agree! i like bubble tea, but every time I see that plastic cup, and that plastic lid, and that plastic straw... man, I can't do it :v
Love your videos and this one hits home, which is my I'm commenting for the first time. Thank you! I will try these except some of my hobbies are literally money sinks, but I'll try to be more conscious of it as you suggested and challenge myself.
Thanks for leaving a comment this time around 😄
I view every purchase not in $ but in the amount of time in my life I must use up to purchase it. Helps me keep things in perspective.
Just found your channel and I love it so much! Thank you for making this kind of content, I really appreciate it!
Glad you enjoy it!
I also wait 30 days before purchasing non essential items. Waiting one month means I’ve stayed within my budget and that is so encouraging that I usually don’t make the planned purchase. It’s a good habit. Thank for this thoughtful practical video.
This video helped me so much! That's exactly how I felt! I bought unnecessary things to be happy.😢
I can relate 🥲
Wonderful video, the rule of "30 days later, do I really need this item or do I want this item" is one of the most helpful I've learned so far
Wow great compilation, I’m doing some of these without knowing. 😮
To avoid buy stuff, mainly electronics, I buy them with all the features I want but keeping conscious of price, meaning best bang for the buck, so no regrets in the future for missing features. As an example I bought a mid/high range smartphone, it has 6 years and still fill my needs, no change for the foreseeable future.
I'm 6 years too but with Oppo F1. Now i'm almost 1 year with realme 9i. They are soo good
I needed this. Idk whenever I have money there’s this compulsion to spend it. I’m usually good at talking myself out of it, but I’d love to know why I always want stuff without really even wanting what I want half the time.
The first tip is a VERY GOOD tip, I do this aswell, it requires self control but waiting it out have a good end result either u get to buy it or miss out
Love your work ❤
Thank you so much 😀
A lot of this stuff I'm already actively practicing, and it really does help with cutting back my spending. The reminder about going to the library instead of buying books was really needed though. I just recently got back into reading as a hobby and omg I can't believe how expensive books have gotten.
Joining a subscription based reading platform like Kindle Unlimited is also a good way to save money while still reading a good number of books. Not everything is on KU, but there are a decent enough number to keep you occupied.