How did your 2020 go? I hope sharing how mine went goes to show that progress is greater than perfection. You will learn a lot when you work to change your behaviour, and it will take time ❤️
Paying off that much debt is amazing in one year. Even though I make around $35,000 i could still get my $11,000 collage debt paid off in one year. This was really motivating.
I paid off almost $30k in 2020, made minimal purchases, and embraced hygge and alone time like never before. Looking forward to being debt free in 2021, more social time, and continuing to curate my belongings mindfully.
I love your honesty. I’ve been binge-watching Til Debt do Us Part, and it’s really interesting - whether the people are on a high or a low income has very little to do with it - it’s all about their attitude to money. “I work hard so I should be able to have whatever I want” gets so many people in trouble, whatever their income.
I mean, to someone at the very beginning of becoming a more conscious consumer, 32 items sounds like a really low number for a whole year of buying! We are just starting to document our journey, and the balance of needs vs. wants and debt repayment (or saving) vs. buying stuff is so challenging. As always, thank you so much for being a guide and motivator! 😊
Thank you! It felt like a lot in the context of where my mindset is at today, compared to 12 months ago so I judged myself from that perspective. But i realize I’m still proud of myself. ❤️
Fellow pharmacist here ! I stopped shopping , started focusing on the “things “ I already have that I really love . Low and slow buy has made me so much happier I’m so close to being done with my student loans 🙏🏻
Yes! So important for more people to be transparent about money and debt. You killed it this year in your debt payoff. I’m working on paying off my debt too, down to 43k from 113k. Ready to be debt free!
Your videos really helped me a lot. My story is very similar to yours and I'm really thankful you are sharing your story. I feel less alone and ashamed. I am also making some positive changes and I feel more hopeful about my financial future than I have in a long time. Thank you!
Not sure if you or anyone will read this. I was just watching various minimal makeup collection videos, found yours from last year, and wanted to encourage you to keep going. Take it from someone who has been in that same place of struggling with purchasing habits, and sacrificing to pay off those loans. I'm on the other side and it's amazing. The freedom of getting rid of that monthly ball and chain is so worth saying no to the 95% of things you won't even remember you said no to spending your money on. I promise. Your future self will not regret it and will be so grateful to your current self for delaying gratification to be done with it. The full emergency fund too. It's not a mainstream thing to accomplish... yet. But the more of us that finish that goal, the more it will be normalized for others to persevere in hope and confidence that they'll get that freedom back too.
I think we need to think about the root cause of our shopping habits. I recognized I shop out of boredom. So 2021 I make a point to think about why “I am buying a particular item?” Because I need it or I am bored?! Congrats on paying down your debt!
I made myself many promises in 2020 about how I would handle my finances, but broke them quite a bit. By the end of last year, I was in a better place with getting serious about the goals I had set for myself. So far this year, I have done a lot better with impulse buying and feel like I’m learning how to be satisfied with what I have and realizing that I have way more than enough stuff. As always, thank you for your honesty!
What an amazing accomplishment! Hopefully seeing the hard numbers will calm-if not completely quell-any shame you may feel when you purchase something new, since just one pair o jeans or a candle or whatever clearly didn't derail your ability to make substantial progress. It's really useful when you use numbers. I won't be a pharmacist (I'll be a nurse and we make a little less) but if you can do this than I can do this. It can be done!
Congrats on putting so much money towards paying off your debt in 2020! And thank you for talking honestly about money with real numbers. I don't understand why women cannot be proud of being educated, having good careers, and yet still hiding what they make. I also feel like our culture is becoming anti education- the idea of apologizing for your privilege is not necessary here. Having a good job that you studied for a very long time and that requires you to work hard and be highly competent at deserves the financial compensation that you get.
I make a lot of money, too, because I'm an attorney. It really is a struggle because it's almost an image thing where I feel like I need to spend to look the part. I've really had to change my mindset. Shopping is definitely my compulsion/addiction. Luckily I'm also a minimalist, so I don't buy useless things that cause clutter and anxiety. But I have excessively spent on nice clothes, accessories, my car, etc. I've been really focused on paying everything off instead of shopping, and all I have left are my student loans that I will probably have until I die.
Congratulations on your accomplishments, Amber! That image pressure I feel would be exceptionally high as an attorney especially. I read the book “the millionaire next door” and I found it was particularly helpful in careers like yours where there’s pressure to spend and “look the part”. The book is from like 1994 but it still applies and I got a lot of value from it to help change what I thought was important re: image and careers especially ! ❤️
Clocked 22 purchases in 2020. A few replacements. A lot of second hand purchases. A couple were gifts. I’m certain I rehomed more than 22 items. Only one regret and it was $5 secondhand track pants during peak quarantine.
2020 taught me alot about myself and my relationship with stuff and money. Being in the middle of a third lockdown I yearn to travel and be near the sea. To much stuff gives me anxiety. Can't promise to be the lightest packer but when we can I can't wait to travel!
This is awesome, I’m also a pharmacist (in the US) and I have debt from school loans. My current debt is less that $190k. I started at over $250k and am slowly trying to pay it down. Your journey toward buying less, buying better and also focusing on debt repayment is very inspiring!
WAY TO GO!! Thank you for talking about things that can bring so much shame. I am taking a minimalist turn too, about to buy a jacket that will upgrade and replace three jackets that I can then donate. It takes time to learn what you actually wear and value but it’s so powerful when you can edit down.
You seem (at least to me) much calmer and happier than you did when I started watching your videos. I hope that’s true and wish you continued contentment on your journey.
You're so right about 2020 being a set of ups and downs. I didn't purchase much but I did learn to enjoy less due to our multiple lockdowns in Toronto. You did amazing with your debt repayment!!! I think no matter our income, it's important to have that debt repayment goal in mind at all times - that's probably the biggest lesson I learned in 2020.
For people who budget in a spreadsheet, a motivating number can be the percentage of your net worth or your debt that changed each month *as a percentage of your take home pay.* That way, it's benchmarked against my own personal circumstances and helps me compare years where I made more money versus less.
Loved the video. Thanks Christina. You can hear the maturity and confidence in your tone that you have grown into over the year. Couple of questions for you. 1.) How do you track your spending? Daily when you come home with receipts, weekly, monthly? 2.) What have you been doing to replace what shopping was giving to you? You mentioned you were using it to distract from your feelings. Have you developed new habits? I’d love to hear about that side too.
I can def do a whole video on this but in the interim 1) I budget daily manually using the every dollar app. With every transaction I made it a habit add it in almost immediately or within 30 min of the transaction so it doesn’t get away from me (eg groceries 👉🏻 enter the total in my car before driving or when I get home; coffee 👉🏻 enter while waiting in line for my drink) 2) my TH-cam channel and filming/editing and reflecting on my journey helps so much and helped me find purpose which shopping was giving me before. When I’m not working on that, I think mindfulness helps when I notice I’m shopping or coveting. I either move on to read articles on topics I’m interested in, call a friend, go for walks, exercise etc. ❤️ I hope this helps
Awesome job on your debt repayment journey! And that's for being real and quoting real numbers. Maybe, as a society, we'll start getting more comfortable talking about money. I think being forced to spend time with all of our stuff has made conscious about the amount of "inventory" we want to manage in our life, and that we really need less than we ever imagined.
Hey, please its all ok to be human and own it. Well done you have done a great job controlling debt during an awlful year for all of us. Thankyou for showing its ok to be human, in consumption based world where shopping is a substitute for many things. I appreciate you owning who you are and where your at, your getting to where you feel you need to be, well done!
Wow - I'm in a similar situation! I was a different person at the beginning of 2020 as far as spending - if I wanted something, I got it. Then I realized I'm not going to get my debt paid off or save any money if I kept it up. So I started purging and getting rid of the extra "stuff" in my home and worked on being happy with what I have. I also quit impulse buying and stuck to a stricter budget. It has helped a lot! Finding your channel has helped me keep on track. Thank you!!
So you purchased 32 items, but how many items did you get free from brands?! Because that would make a HUGE difference on someone's spending. Sorry if you bring this up later in the video, I'm about half way through..
CONGRATS ON THE DEBT PAYMENT!!!! You did so well and I'm so proud of you for how far you've come. At this rate you have one more year to go! Thank you for your transparency and dedication to continuously learn from the process
This video is so great! You should feel great about your achievement. I’m 66 and it is a continuous journey to realize that the stuff you have does not define who you are. My son and daughter in law are both pharmacists and it took a lot of hard work on their part as I’m sure it did for you. Your videos have wonderful content to inspire others in their journey.
Yay for pharmacists!! My dad was a pharmacist (now retired). He loved his career. Great insights. My low buy completely fell apart in 2020. Stress buying and online sales but on a better road now and restarting. It’s great to analyze and learn instead of self judgment which does not help. That’s what I took away from this video.
Awe that’s amazing! And I agree this year was definitely challenging 😥 but you’re so right and something to remind us all of: no judgement, just learning ❤️ I have to remind myself everyday
Way to go on repaying that much of your debt! And I appreciate your openness on sharing your finances! I think talking about money is too taboo still and I appreciate when people have an open and honest conversation about it! 2020 was not my best work, but 2021 is a new opportunity to do better!
A lot of people (myself included) don’t think about money until a certain age and then start to panic about retirement. It’s me and I feel shame about it. We have put away money but not enough early enough and now we have college age kids, a big investment to pay off and still a mortgage. So although I’m not in the same age category as you, finding your videos has been good for you me and eye opening. I’m working on my spending (because truly it’s me who is the consumer of our family) in order to meet certain objectives and so we can retire before 65!! I’m 48 now. Becoming minimalist is helping a lot. I realize now it’s how my parents lived and got ahead. While they made more money than we do the principles still apply. One issue I have about it is feeling “cheap”. Any tips foe overcoming this feeling?
My goal at the beginning of 2020 was to be debt free. I have made slow steady progress but not as much as I wanted. I have kept being debt free as my goal for 2021 and I really want to refocus and achieve it this year instead. I'm not beating myself up too much as circumstances in 2020 were not planned for and many people are in the same position as me.
I’m in a place too where whenever I buy something for myself I really need to convince myself and simultaneously feel frustrated sometimes by all my stuff. My husband reminds me all the time that I need to live in between chasing my goals. He has a really good financial balance and sometimes I wish it were that effortless for me. Congrats on your progress on debt repayment! I am absolutely buried in student loans and you are an inspiration.
Love this video.... quick question, and feel free to not answer, I assume your salary is only one income stream but assume, you have other streams being an influencer -do you find you’ve earned enough from those other streams to have helped make a dent in your debt?
I completely understand that concept of “should-ing” and being harsh when I wasn’t ‘perfect’ with whatever new habit I was building. Last year, more than ever, has started teaching me the importance of self compassion as we learn and figure ourselves out. :) Thanks for this!
well it is a journey - not a destination - and along the way you get to learn more and more about yourself and where you are in all this...just think where you were 2 years ago and look at where you are now....you're doing great!
I'm also starting to pay off student loans this month and I'm really thankful for your videos. It helps me put my purchases and spending into perspective even more despite being a "panicky" person when it comes to money. May 2021 be the year we learn to budget better and pay off our debt with more ease 🙏🏼 and may you be debt free before the year ends. Claim it girl!!!
I really, really appreciate that you're including the numbers! It is so helpful--both in breaking the stigma and in motivating others! ETA: I am on a very similar mindset journey--the issue of balancing being okay with mindfully buying things I need/want and trying to actively want less. It's tricky for me because I *do* legitimately need to buy some new things or replace worn out things. I understand that and try not to beat myself up about it, but the act of buying/searching for things to buy tends to send me on a wanting spiral--not that I'm over-buying, but I'm too often thinking/planning/obsessing over what to buy. *That's* the mindset I am working on breaking this year.
Congrats! Big number off of your debt!!! My husband and I paid off the last of 6 figure student loans right before everything shut down last year. Such a wonderful feeling!!! And for curbing spending, I am asking myself the question "do I want this or do I need it?" Just that simple question helps from more stuff coming into our house!
Your transparency is why I am so drawn to your content! It is so relatable and in turn, very motivating and inspiring. Yay on being over half way done on your debt. This is definitely going to be the year for financial freedom!
2020 was a year of careless spending for me and buying so much junk I didn't need and that didn't bring me joy a few days after purchasing it. Your videos really are helping me to view my hard earned money differently and to be more intentional will my spending!
You got this! I’ve learned that definitely takes time and is a journey and a half! but you’ll look back at yourself and see how much you’ve grown. That’s something I’m learning to notice and appreciate ❤️
Not as much money related but, I learnt that my hard work at finding ways and balance at managing my complex health and mental health through different support and self motivation through the years made me quite capable of handling the pandemic, it is only now that I'm feeling a bit more down from it. In so as it relates to the shopping to feel better with the world crisis going on, this has not been my issue. I've realized I've been quite grounded through it all.
I like that Process is Better than Perfection and it's HARD WORK to change BEHAVIOR!! That is a Huge Accomplishment be PROUD of yourself!! You deserve a THAT A GIRL👍😀
It 'all' can be such a learning process, can't it? I'm doing a blanket no buy this year, more for personal growth and development than anything. I want to see what will come up for me as I stop shopping; what new things can I discover, what progress can I make in decluttering my home, and learning where I truly place value. For me, shopping was definitely a hobby, so I'm looking forward to discovering new ones!! :) Thank you for your thought-provoking content and I just joined the FB group too!! Thank you!
That what was amazing! Congratulations 🎉 Here in Europe (at least in Portugal) is so much different: we don’t have student loans, university degrees are on a certain way affordable. Nevertheless paying around 30k a year in a loran would be impossible for the most of us. There is a very small part of the society that makes 30k/€ a year!!! So there’s the difference!
Wow, recently, each video you make I like more than the last one. I love your in-depth, analytical way of looking at trends and your own life. And your honesty is very motivating.
2020 was the year of put of control spending as a coping mechanism (aka chasing instant gratification & control over something). As a result, I need to be more mindful this year and do better.
Hi Christina! Thanks a lot for sharing your journey and talking about debt. Your progress is very inspiring and at this rate you'll pay it off this year! Last year I also finally paid off my student loan, there were ~10.000€ left and I'm so relieved, because getting those reminder-letters was triggering my anxiety so much every. single. time. 😭 I'm also tracking how many clothes I'm buying and hoped that I did "better" in 2020, but it turned out that I bought 32 pieces, the exact same amount like 2019 (and also like you haha). This year my goal is to buy max. 2 pieces/month which maybe still seems like a lot, but it would be a progress for me. I also decided to not buy any makeup at all and I must say that watching your videos help me to stay on track and motivated! Greetings from Seoul! :))
I love this video! Thank you for your honesty! One of the things I need to work on is how unhinged I become at the dollar store or with fandom merch. I kind of justify to myself, "oh it's just the dollar store", meanwhile I have a basket full of stuff (junk) that's $50+, or with my favourite movies/bands/shows, I feel like I almost have to prove that I like it, so then I'll buy a t-shirt or a figurine. I don't want to stamp out that part of myself completely, but I definitely need to learn I have nothing to prove, and I'm not special or a better fan just because I have stuff lol. xx
Soo true, not always how much you make, it’s also more important how you spent it, Am still learning, a videos like this also very helpful for wake up calls❤️ Thank you for your honest and transparent videos.. much appreciated 🥰
First of all, congratulations Christina on getting closer to achieving your goal and repaying your debt. You go girl! My 2020 was full of downs. Ups also but unfortunately more downs. And that meant retail therapy. Well thought, but still they were mostly things I didn't need. This year I am focusing on really no shopping and if then just to replace items like underwear and basics. We cand do it! As you always say we got this! 💪
You are doing very well! I have the habit, To buy too much, but than I don’t use it enough because it is so nice , too expensive to use it for that event or I am afraid it gets destroyed, ( used) the result is that I keep buying because the buy modus doesn’t go away , I don’t use it. So now I try to change that. What I buy I have to use within a week and just one thing in a month. Now I look different for something new. The choice is done better, I am happier with my buy and the things I already have are coming out of my closet and get used with the new ones It is not only with clothes, I have more directions I go.... So quit a journey to go. Thank you for your inspiration, because you and others gave me the inspiration and the guts to do something with my problem Bye Mirjam
Thanks for sharing your story! I'm sure it feels good to make those debt repayment strides! I love your focus on progress over perfection. Comparison, guilt, and shame can be so difficult, so thanks for normalizing emotions that come up on a minimalist's journey. I can relate!
your videos feel like therapy tbh ~ it's truly wild how the majority of folks in the western world with a certain level of privilege share this same struggle. and how difficult it can be to unlearn these habits that are so ingrained in our cultures! and wrapped up in our emotions! also thank you for your honesty with numbers here, you're very right that it's important to de-stigmatize these sorts of things I'm starting out 2021 with the hopes of "low-buy" after taking the year of 2020 to focus on my wardrobe ( in particular ) as a project ~ a whole lot of de-cluttering, contemplation, and investment in timeless pieces that I love and will last me a good while... 2020 ended up being a fairly high buy year for me because of this transition, but looking back I feel quite fine about that just due to the fact that I can honestly say that the purchases I made WERE good investments and will help facilitate low-buy years and even no-buy years going forward... so it balances out ( I hope! ) Anywhoo ~ thanks for sharing! :)
I’ve also been keeping a spreadsheet of clothes and accessories I buy for a few years now and it really is fascinating how it can change shopping behavior. My first year tracking, i had bought over 50 items, 2nd year 25 items, 3rd year 15, and this year I am hoping that it will be less than 10. Another interesting thing also is that although the items acquired decreased, the total amount spent was similar so I am learning to buy quality over quantity. Congrats on your debt payment success thus far! it must feel so good to see the home stretch!
I love that! That’s my plan this year to keep a running list and also check that before I buy. I was comparing my purchases month to month, which I think is why it felt like I wasn’t buying as much as I actually did. Congratulations on your progress!
I’m on journey to be debt free as well and am hoping this year will be the year (going by current repayments) You have been so inspiring to me throughout out this battle with debt. Congratulations on amazing progress!
Hi, I love watching these types of videos. And had to comment since I am also a pharmacist (new grad with a lot more debt) but have already set debt pay off goals for myself and am excited to pay it down. Yours should be paid off in no time! 😊
Congrats! You have paid so much debt, good job! Last year I bought so much stuff so I'm trying to be more mindful of the things that I'm bringing to my apartment. I'm trying a low buy from February to June so I'll see how it goes. I love your videos and all the info you provide and experiences. Thanks Christina! Your journey is so inspiring!
In 2020 I paid off my student loans!!! Feels so good being debt free, and now trying to build my savings. Honestly couldnt have paid everything off so quickly without taking a risk and accepting a job with a higher salary.
You did so amazing with your repayment and also changing your habits! Good luck girl I know you can pay off your debt and be debt free this year! I appreciate that you were so honest about this process. I learned that I tend to avoid things that stress me out and that money needs to be stop being one of them. I also need to make tangible goals and then keep making them harder otherwise I get scared. That was something I didn't' really think about until I was forced to.
I am so happy for you! I know someone who did the same as you, and I have great respect and admiration! The word privilege could be substituted for the word grateful ! Because the “ privileged “ people I know work very hard to get what they have, best wishes xo
Honestly this is so great! I appreaciate your honesty and transparency so much. And I really feel an impact on myself since I started watching your videos 2019. Somehow I always find myself in this vicious cycle where I end up broke after some months and I never thought that this could be some kind of pattern of my money managing issues, since I don't buy a lot of expensive stuff. But since I started setting a buget (you gave me the motivation to keep going) I have gotten so much insights and my goal this year is to finally get some financial freedom by analysing and changing my habits. So thank you so so so much! And keep going😊 I really hope you can reach your goal to get debt-free this year! You rock 🤘
Nicely done!!! Thank you for sharing. In a world that concentrates so much on over consumption. This is good video to inspire many to get to the basics. My goal this year is a no buy on clothes, makeup and skincare. I am using what I have and what I don’t I let go.
I usually buy most of my clothes second hand, and always like to try things on in store. 2020 changed that, as for a third of the year shops here (uk) were closed. Even when places were open, I wasn't really comfortable being in stores with other customers, so bought very little. As the year progressed and there were sales online, I did buy some new items - so, I bought far less, but those items cost me more! Overall, during the year my husband and I spent far less than normal - but mostly because we weren't eating out or going to gigs etc.
Love your content! And your statement about even making more money you can still be broke. It just goes to show appearances aren’t everything. A new fresh perspective! Keep going! Love your content😊😊
Congratulations and best of luck for paying the rest of! Fortunately, I have never been in debt (we‘ll buy a property soon, so that will change 🙈) but what you talk about still resonates a lot with me. I buy a lot (mostly secondhand clothing) and then also sell a lot because I end up not using it. In the end I don’t waste money but time and it is exhausting. I really want that to change this year.
thank you for being a voice of reason to me, Christina!! ❤️ lately I've been thinking about the stuff as well instead of my financial future. Anyway, congratulations!!! I believe you can ne debt-free this year 2021, own it!!!
Congrats on your debt payoff! I appreciate your candid style. Looking forward to hearing more about the wanting less part in the hopes of learning a bit more.
Thank you so much for sharing your journey! Totally fighting with the shopaholic in me versus the financial responsible! Never would go in debt for luxury and fashion, but I could definitely do even better in terms of my savings!
How did your 2020 go? I hope sharing how mine went goes to show that progress is greater than perfection. You will learn a lot when you work to change your behaviour, and it will take time ❤️
Girl I'm waiting for your debt free video.Transparency in your words ❤️..... I hope I too achieve my goal this year for education & finance..
@@creativecorner4715 you got this!
We lowered our debt and upped our savings, though not as dramatically as you! But everything’s going ok.
Paying off that much debt is amazing in one year. Even though I make around $35,000 i could still get my $11,000 collage debt paid off in one year. This was really motivating.
Paid
I paid off almost $30k in 2020, made minimal purchases, and embraced hygge and alone time like never before. Looking forward to being debt free in 2021, more social time, and continuing to curate my belongings mindfully.
At this rate, you’ll have paid off your debt by the end of the year! Incredible!
Working on it! Thank you Nicky!
AWESOME!! Congratulations! This year will be the year of your "I'M DEBT FREEEE" video, cant wait!😍 xox Mariska
Thank you so much!
I love your honesty. I’ve been binge-watching Til Debt do Us Part, and it’s really interesting - whether the people are on a high or a low income has very little to do with it - it’s all about their attitude to money. “I work hard so I should be able to have whatever I want” gets so many people in trouble, whatever their income.
I love Gail!
I mean, to someone at the very beginning of becoming a more conscious consumer, 32 items sounds like a really low number for a whole year of buying! We are just starting to document our journey, and the balance of needs vs. wants and debt repayment (or saving) vs. buying stuff is so challenging. As always, thank you so much for being a guide and motivator! 😊
Thank you! It felt like a lot in the context of where my mindset is at today, compared to 12 months ago so I judged myself from that perspective. But i realize I’m still proud of myself. ❤️
Thank you for opening up about your debt pay off. I know that can’t be easy on the internet
❤️❤️
Great video! Transparency makes the whole process seem so much more approachable. Thank you for being brave enough to share with all of us :)
Thank you ❤️
Fellow pharmacist here ! I stopped shopping , started focusing on the “things “ I already have that I really love . Low and slow buy has made me so much happier I’m so close to being done with my student loans 🙏🏻
Yes! So important for more people to be transparent about money and debt. You killed it this year in your debt payoff. I’m working on paying off my debt too, down to 43k from 113k. Ready to be debt free!
You are doing great with your debt repayment! Keep up the good work!
Thank you!
Your videos really helped me a lot. My story is very similar to yours and I'm really thankful you are sharing your story. I feel less alone and ashamed. I am also making some positive changes and I feel more hopeful about my financial future than I have in a long time. Thank you!
❤️❤️ I’m so glad. You are definitely not alone
I’m trying to do a low buy in 2021 thanks to you!!
I haven’t bought anything so far😚
AMAZING!
Not sure if you or anyone will read this. I was just watching various minimal makeup collection videos, found yours from last year, and wanted to encourage you to keep going. Take it from someone who has been in that same place of struggling with purchasing habits, and sacrificing to pay off those loans. I'm on the other side and it's amazing. The freedom of getting rid of that monthly ball and chain is so worth saying no to the 95% of things you won't even remember you said no to spending your money on. I promise. Your future self will not regret it and will be so grateful to your current self for delaying gratification to be done with it. The full emergency fund too. It's not a mainstream thing to accomplish... yet. But the more of us that finish that goal, the more it will be normalized for others to persevere in hope and confidence that they'll get that freedom back too.
I think we need to think about the root cause of our shopping habits. I recognized I shop out of boredom. So 2021 I make a point to think about why “I am buying a particular item?” Because I need it or I am bored?! Congrats on paying down your debt!
I made myself many promises in 2020 about how I would handle my finances, but broke them quite a bit. By the end of last year, I was in a better place with getting serious about the goals I had set for myself. So far this year, I have done a lot better with impulse buying and feel like I’m learning how to be satisfied with what I have and realizing that I have way more than enough stuff. As always, thank you for your honesty!
What an amazing accomplishment! Hopefully seeing the hard numbers will calm-if not completely quell-any shame you may feel when you purchase something new, since just one pair o jeans or a candle or whatever clearly didn't derail your ability to make substantial progress. It's really useful when you use numbers. I won't be a pharmacist (I'll be a nurse and we make a little less) but if you can do this than I can do this. It can be done!
Congrats on putting so much money towards paying off your debt in 2020! And thank you for talking honestly about money with real numbers. I don't understand why women cannot be proud of being educated, having good careers, and yet still hiding what they make. I also feel like our culture is becoming anti education- the idea of apologizing for your privilege is not necessary here. Having a good job that you studied for a very long time and that requires you to work hard and be highly competent at deserves the financial compensation that you get.
I make a lot of money, too, because I'm an attorney. It really is a struggle because it's almost an image thing where I feel like I need to spend to look the part. I've really had to change my mindset. Shopping is definitely my compulsion/addiction. Luckily I'm also a minimalist, so I don't buy useless things that cause clutter and anxiety. But I have excessively spent on nice clothes, accessories, my car, etc. I've been really focused on paying everything off instead of shopping, and all I have left are my student loans that I will probably have until I die.
Congratulations on your accomplishments, Amber! That image pressure I feel would be exceptionally high as an attorney especially. I read the book “the millionaire next door” and I found it was particularly helpful in careers like yours where there’s pressure to spend and “look the part”. The book is from like 1994 but it still applies and I got a lot of value from it to help change what I thought was important re: image and careers especially ! ❤️
@@Christinamychas thank you! I'll definitely look for a copy.
Clocked 22 purchases in 2020. A few replacements. A lot of second hand purchases. A couple were gifts. I’m certain I rehomed more than 22 items. Only one regret and it was $5 secondhand track pants during peak quarantine.
Getting out of debt is a big step, but helping others to do the same is a giant step! Thanks for sharing! You are truly inspiring!
2020 taught me alot about myself and my relationship with stuff and money. Being in the middle of a third lockdown I yearn to travel and be near the sea. To much stuff gives me anxiety. Can't promise to be the lightest packer but when we can I can't wait to travel!
This is awesome, I’m also a pharmacist (in the US) and I have debt from school loans. My current debt is less that $190k. I started at over $250k and am slowly trying to pay it down. Your journey toward buying less, buying better and also focusing on debt repayment is very inspiring!
WAY TO GO!! Thank you for talking about things that can bring so much shame. I am taking a minimalist turn too, about to buy a jacket that will upgrade and replace three jackets that I can then donate. It takes time to learn what you actually wear and value but it’s so powerful when you can edit down.
You seem (at least to me) much calmer and happier than you did when I started watching your videos. I hope that’s true and wish you continued contentment on your journey.
You're so right about 2020 being a set of ups and downs. I didn't purchase much but I did learn to enjoy less due to our multiple lockdowns in Toronto. You did amazing with your debt repayment!!! I think no matter our income, it's important to have that debt repayment goal in mind at all times - that's probably the biggest lesson I learned in 2020.
That’s amazing, Zenorah! I love your learnings from 2020. And yay I love to know when fellow torontonians are here ❤️❤️
For people who budget in a spreadsheet, a motivating number can be the percentage of your net worth or your debt that changed each month *as a percentage of your take home pay.* That way, it's benchmarked against my own personal circumstances and helps me compare years where I made more money versus less.
LOVE THAT. I’m going add the column!
Loved the video. Thanks Christina. You can hear the maturity and confidence in your tone that you have grown into over the year. Couple of questions for you. 1.) How do you track your spending? Daily when you come home with receipts, weekly, monthly? 2.) What have you been doing to replace what shopping was giving to you? You mentioned you were using it to distract from your feelings. Have you developed new habits? I’d love to hear about that side too.
I can def do a whole video on this but in the interim
1) I budget daily manually using the every dollar app. With every transaction I made it a habit add it in almost immediately or within 30 min of the transaction so it doesn’t get away from me (eg groceries 👉🏻 enter the total in my car before driving or when I get home; coffee 👉🏻 enter while waiting in line for my drink)
2) my TH-cam channel and filming/editing and reflecting on my journey helps so much and helped me find purpose which shopping was giving me before. When I’m not working on that, I think mindfulness helps when I notice I’m shopping or coveting. I either move on to read articles on topics I’m interested in, call a friend, go for walks, exercise etc. ❤️ I hope this helps
I WANT YOU TO DO PODCAST!!!! I can literally listen to you talking the whole day.
Awesome job on your debt repayment journey! And that's for being real and quoting real numbers. Maybe, as a society, we'll start getting more comfortable talking about money. I think being forced to spend time with all of our stuff has made conscious about the amount of "inventory" we want to manage in our life, and that we really need less than we ever imagined.
Hey, please its all ok to be human and own it. Well done you have done a great job controlling debt during an awlful year for all of us. Thankyou for showing its ok to be human, in consumption based world where shopping is a substitute for many things. I appreciate you owning who you are and where your at, your getting to where you feel you need to be, well done!
Wow - I'm in a similar situation! I was a different person at the beginning of 2020 as far as spending - if I wanted something, I got it. Then I realized I'm not going to get my debt paid off or save any money if I kept it up. So I started purging and getting rid of the extra "stuff" in my home and worked on being happy with what I have. I also quit impulse buying and stuck to a stricter budget. It has helped a lot! Finding your channel has helped me keep on track. Thank you!!
So you purchased 32 items, but how many items did you get free from brands?! Because that would make a HUGE difference on someone's spending. Sorry if you bring this up later in the video, I'm about half way through..
Im curious about that too
I just teared up a little when you revealed how much you paid off! Bro- that’s amazing🎉 great job
CONGRATS ON THE DEBT PAYMENT!!!! You did so well and I'm so proud of you for how far you've come. At this rate you have one more year to go! Thank you for your transparency and dedication to continuously learn from the process
Thank you so much, Stephanie ❤️
Thank you for your bravery and transparency! Your channel inspired me to start making consistent payment on my loans in 2020 😘
This video is so great! You should feel great about your achievement. I’m 66 and it is a continuous journey to realize that the stuff you have does not define who you are. My son and daughter in law are both pharmacists and it took a lot of hard work on their part as I’m sure it did for you. Your videos have wonderful content to inspire others in their journey.
Congrats Christina!! That’s an incredible accomplishment. You’re almost done!!!!! 💗
Thank you so much, Paige ❤️ I hope you’re doing well! Xo
Yay for pharmacists!! My dad was a pharmacist (now retired). He loved his career. Great insights. My low buy completely fell apart in 2020. Stress buying and online sales but on a better road now and restarting. It’s great to analyze and learn instead of self judgment which does not help. That’s what I took away from this video.
Awe that’s amazing! And I agree this year was definitely challenging 😥 but you’re so right and something to remind us all of: no judgement, just learning ❤️ I have to remind myself everyday
Way to go on repaying that much of your debt! And I appreciate your openness on sharing your finances! I think talking about money is too taboo still and I appreciate when people have an open and honest conversation about it! 2020 was not my best work, but 2021 is a new opportunity to do better!
It felt uncomfortable but that’s also something I’m trying to sit in and still share. I think it’s important. Thank you for your support!
A lot of people (myself included) don’t think about money until a certain age and then start to panic about retirement. It’s me and I feel shame about it. We have put away money but not enough early enough and now we have college age kids, a big investment to pay off and still a mortgage. So although I’m not in the same age category as you, finding your videos has been good for you me and eye opening. I’m working on my spending (because truly it’s me who is the consumer of our family) in order to meet certain objectives and so we can retire before 65!! I’m 48 now. Becoming minimalist is helping a lot. I realize now it’s how my parents lived and got ahead. While they made more money than we do the principles still apply. One issue I have about it is feeling “cheap”. Any tips foe overcoming this feeling?
My goal at the beginning of 2020 was to be debt free. I have made slow steady progress but not as much as I wanted. I have kept being debt free as my goal for 2021 and I really want to refocus and achieve it this year instead. I'm not beating myself up too much as circumstances in 2020 were not planned for and many people are in the same position as me.
You've done great with your debt repayment! Your hard work and shift in mind-set is really paying off. Thanks for being an inspiration.
I’m in a place too where whenever I buy something for myself I really need to convince myself and simultaneously feel frustrated sometimes by all my stuff. My husband reminds me all the time that I need to live in between chasing my goals. He has a really good financial balance and sometimes I wish it were that effortless for me. Congrats on your progress on debt repayment! I am absolutely buried in student loans and you are an inspiration.
Huge congratulations on making such progress on reducing your debt, and developing a really healthy attitude to money and things 😘
The lighting in this video is perfect. Your face is glowing!
Love this video.... quick question, and feel free to not answer, I assume your salary is only one income stream but assume, you have other streams being an influencer -do you find you’ve earned enough from those other streams to have helped make a dent in your debt?
good job with your debt repayment! It will feel so nice when it's all paid off
Can’t wait 🥰
What a beautiful goal for 2021! More being ok with who I am and with what I have got
Love that you sharing your debt journey and love how transparent you are about it ❤🙌
I completely understand that concept of “should-ing” and being harsh when I wasn’t ‘perfect’ with whatever new habit I was building. Last year, more than ever, has started teaching me the importance of self compassion as we learn and figure ourselves out. :) Thanks for this!
well it is a journey - not a destination - and along the way you get to learn more and more about yourself and where you are in all this...just think where you were 2 years ago and look at where you are now....you're doing great!
That’s what I reminded myself of 🥰 thank you jazzy!
I'm also starting to pay off student loans this month and I'm really thankful for your videos. It helps me put my purchases and spending into perspective even more despite being a "panicky" person when it comes to money. May 2021 be the year we learn to budget better and pay off our debt with more ease 🙏🏼 and may you be debt free before the year ends. Claim it girl!!!
Thank you for sharing real numbers🙏 I think we should all be more open. Everyone is in debt but no one wants to talk about it lol
Your journey is so inspiring! Thank you❤️
❤️❤️ I’m so glad
I really, really appreciate that you're including the numbers! It is so helpful--both in breaking the stigma and in motivating others!
ETA: I am on a very similar mindset journey--the issue of balancing being okay with mindfully buying things I need/want and trying to actively want less. It's tricky for me because I *do* legitimately need to buy some new things or replace worn out things. I understand that and try not to beat myself up about it, but the act of buying/searching for things to buy tends to send me on a wanting spiral--not that I'm over-buying, but I'm too often thinking/planning/obsessing over what to buy. *That's* the mindset I am working on breaking this year.
Congrats! Big number off of your debt!!! My husband and I paid off the last of 6 figure student loans right before everything shut down last year. Such a wonderful feeling!!!
And for curbing spending, I am asking myself the question "do I want this or do I need it?" Just that simple question helps from more stuff coming into our house!
Your transparency is why I am so drawn to your content! It is so relatable and in turn, very motivating and inspiring. Yay on being over half way done on your debt. This is definitely going to be the year for financial freedom!
Congrats on such a huge achievement!!! I’ve got 11k left on my loans and fingers crossed it’s paid this year!!!
YES Naushin! Get it!
2020 was a year of careless spending for me and buying so much junk I didn't need and that didn't bring me joy a few days after purchasing it. Your videos really are helping me to view my hard earned money differently and to be more intentional will my spending!
You got this! I’ve learned that definitely takes time and is a journey and a half! but you’ll look back at yourself and see how much you’ve grown. That’s something I’m learning to notice and appreciate ❤️
Thank you for this. You have impacted me in the 30 days since I found your channel.
Wow wow 😲. Excellent progress! You go girl! Dave Ramsey is cheering for you also.
Congratulations 🎉🎊🎈 half way there!!!
Not as much money related but, I learnt that my hard work at finding ways and balance at managing my complex health and mental health through different support and self motivation through the years made me quite capable of handling the pandemic, it is only now that I'm feeling a bit more down from it. In so as it relates to the shopping to feel better with the world crisis going on, this has not been my issue. I've realized I've been quite grounded through it all.
I like that Process is Better than Perfection and it's HARD WORK to change BEHAVIOR!! That is a Huge Accomplishment be PROUD of yourself!! You deserve a THAT A GIRL👍😀
If you are ok with the items you purchased in 2020 then it’s no one else’s place to judge.
It 'all' can be such a learning process, can't it? I'm doing a blanket no buy this year, more for personal growth and development than anything. I want to see what will come up for me as I stop shopping; what new things can I discover, what progress can I make in decluttering my home, and learning where I truly place value. For me, shopping was definitely a hobby, so I'm looking forward to discovering new ones!! :) Thank you for your thought-provoking content and I just joined the FB group too!! Thank you!
That what was amazing! Congratulations 🎉 Here in Europe (at least in Portugal) is so much different: we don’t have student loans, university degrees are on a certain way affordable. Nevertheless paying around 30k a year in a loran would be impossible for the most of us. There is a very small part of the society that makes 30k/€ a year!!! So there’s the difference!
Wow, recently, each video you make I like more than the last one. I love your in-depth, analytical way of looking at trends and your own life. And your honesty is very motivating.
2020 was the year of put of control spending as a coping mechanism (aka chasing instant gratification & control over something). As a result, I need to be more mindful this year and do better.
Hi Christina! Thanks a lot for sharing your journey and talking about debt. Your progress is very inspiring and at this rate you'll pay it off this year! Last year I also finally paid off my student loan, there were ~10.000€ left and I'm so relieved, because getting those reminder-letters was triggering my anxiety so much every. single. time. 😭 I'm also tracking how many clothes I'm buying and hoped that I did "better" in 2020, but it turned out that I bought 32 pieces, the exact same amount like 2019 (and also like you haha). This year my goal is to buy max. 2 pieces/month which maybe still seems like a lot, but it would be a progress for me. I also decided to not buy any makeup at all and I must say that watching your videos help me to stay on track and motivated! Greetings from Seoul! :))
Congratulations!! That’s AMAZING! And I think that’s great to have a number and a plan in mind!
I love this video! Thank you for your honesty! One of the things I need to work on is how unhinged I become at the dollar store or with fandom merch. I kind of justify to myself, "oh it's just the dollar store", meanwhile I have a basket full of stuff (junk) that's $50+, or with my favourite movies/bands/shows, I feel like I almost have to prove that I like it, so then I'll buy a t-shirt or a figurine. I don't want to stamp out that part of myself completely, but I definitely need to learn I have nothing to prove, and I'm not special or a better fan just because I have stuff lol.
xx
You did an outstanding job! It looks like you've truly learnt to choose yourself over things.
Soo true, not always how much you make, it’s also more important how you spent it,
Am still learning, a videos like this also very helpful for wake up calls❤️ Thank you for your honest and transparent videos.. much appreciated 🥰
Well done!! Congrats Thats a massive chunk paid off and What a valuable lesson learned!
First of all, congratulations Christina on getting closer to achieving your goal and repaying your debt. You go girl!
My 2020 was full of downs. Ups also but unfortunately more downs. And that meant retail therapy. Well thought, but still they were mostly things I didn't need. This year I am focusing on really no shopping and if then just to replace items like underwear and basics.
We cand do it! As you always say we got this! 💪
You are doing very well!
I have the habit, To buy too much, but than I don’t use it enough because it is so nice , too expensive to use it for that event or I am afraid it gets destroyed, ( used) the result is that I keep buying because the buy modus doesn’t go away , I don’t use it.
So now I try to change that. What I buy I have to use within a week and just one thing in a month. Now I look different for something new. The choice is done better, I am happier with my buy and the things I already have are coming out of my closet and get used with the new ones
It is not only with clothes, I have more directions I go....
So quit a journey to go.
Thank you for your inspiration, because you and others gave me the inspiration and the guts to do something with my problem
Bye Mirjam
Thanks for sharing your story! I'm sure it feels good to make those debt repayment strides! I love your focus on progress over perfection. Comparison, guilt, and shame can be so difficult, so thanks for normalizing emotions that come up on a minimalist's journey. I can relate!
your videos feel like therapy tbh ~ it's truly wild how the majority of folks in the western world with a certain level of privilege share this same struggle. and how difficult it can be to unlearn these habits that are so ingrained in our cultures! and wrapped up in our emotions! also thank you for your honesty with numbers here, you're very right that it's important to de-stigmatize these sorts of things
I'm starting out 2021 with the hopes of "low-buy" after taking the year of 2020 to focus on my wardrobe ( in particular ) as a project ~ a whole lot of de-cluttering, contemplation, and investment in timeless pieces that I love and will last me a good while... 2020 ended up being a fairly high buy year for me because of this transition, but looking back I feel quite fine about that just due to the fact that I can honestly say that the purchases I made WERE good investments and will help facilitate low-buy years and even no-buy years going forward... so it balances out ( I hope! )
Anywhoo ~ thanks for sharing! :)
I’ve also been keeping a spreadsheet of clothes and accessories I buy for a few years now and it really is fascinating how it can change shopping behavior. My first year tracking, i had bought over 50 items, 2nd year 25 items, 3rd year 15, and this year I am hoping that it will be less than 10. Another interesting thing also is that although the items acquired decreased, the total amount spent was similar so I am learning to buy quality over quantity. Congrats on your debt payment success thus far! it must feel so good to see the home stretch!
I love that! That’s my plan this year to keep a running list and also check that before I buy. I was comparing my purchases month to month, which I think is why it felt like I wasn’t buying as much as I actually did. Congratulations on your progress!
That’s amazing 🤩 congratulations 🥳 this will be the year!!! I’m so excited and happy for you😀😀
I’m on journey to be debt free as well and am hoping this year will be the year (going by current repayments)
You have been so inspiring to me throughout out this battle with debt. Congratulations on amazing progress!
Hi, I love watching these types of videos. And had to comment since I am also a pharmacist (new grad with a lot more debt) but have already set debt pay off goals for myself and am excited to pay it down. Yours should be paid off in no time! 😊
Congrats! You have paid so much debt, good job! Last year I bought so much stuff so I'm trying to be more mindful of the things that I'm bringing to my apartment. I'm trying a low buy from February to June so I'll see how it goes. I love your videos and all the info you provide and experiences. Thanks Christina! Your journey is so inspiring!
In 2020 I paid off my student loans!!! Feels so good being debt free, and now trying to build my savings. Honestly couldnt have paid everything off so quickly without taking a risk and accepting a job with a higher salary.
YES VICTORIA! Congratulations!!!!! I’m so proud of you! Can’t wait to be in your shoes
@@Christinamychas Thanks so much! Your videos are so inspiring! Can't wait to keep watching your debt free journey.
Thank you for being vulnerable. Do you have a video on how you write out or calculate your monthly budgeting
You did so amazing with your repayment and also changing your habits! Good luck girl I know you can pay off your debt and be debt free this year! I appreciate that you were so honest about this process. I learned that I tend to avoid things that stress me out and that money needs to be stop being one of them. I also need to make tangible goals and then keep making them harder otherwise I get scared. That was something I didn't' really think about until I was forced to.
I’m so happy for you. Congratulations on your successes 🥂💫
I am so happy for you! I know someone who did the same as you, and I have great respect and admiration! The word privilege could be substituted for the word grateful ! Because the “ privileged “ people I know work very hard to get what they have, best wishes xo
Girl way to tackle that debt!! By 2022 youll have it all pd off if you keep that same pace! You are so inspiring ❤
Honestly this is so great! I appreaciate your honesty and transparency so much. And I really feel an impact on myself since I started watching your videos 2019. Somehow I always find myself in this vicious cycle where I end up broke after some months and I never thought that this could be some kind of pattern of my money managing issues, since I don't buy a lot of expensive stuff. But since I started setting a buget (you gave me the motivation to keep going) I have gotten so much insights and my goal this year is to finally get some financial freedom by analysing and changing my habits. So thank you so so so much! And keep going😊 I really hope you can reach your goal to get debt-free this year! You rock 🤘
Nicely done!!! Thank you for sharing. In a world that concentrates so much on over consumption. This is good video to inspire many to get to the basics. My goal this year is a no buy on clothes, makeup and skincare. I am using what I have and what I don’t I let go.
I usually buy most of my clothes second hand, and always like to try things on in store. 2020 changed that, as for a third of the year shops here (uk) were closed. Even when places were open, I wasn't really comfortable being in stores with other customers, so bought very little. As the year progressed and there were sales online, I did buy some new items - so, I bought far less, but those items cost me more! Overall, during the year my husband and I spent far less than normal - but mostly because we weren't eating out or going to gigs etc.
Love your content! And your statement about even making more money you can still be broke. It just goes to show appearances aren’t everything. A new fresh perspective! Keep going! Love your content😊😊
Congratulations and best of luck for paying the rest of!
Fortunately, I have never been in debt (we‘ll buy a property soon, so that will change 🙈) but what you talk about still resonates a lot with me. I buy a lot (mostly secondhand clothing) and then also sell a lot because I end up not using it. In the end I don’t waste money but time and it is exhausting. I really want that to change this year.
i really wish people would stop calling hard work privilege. Congrats on all your success my dear you have earned them!
thank you for being a voice of reason to me, Christina!! ❤️
lately I've been thinking about the stuff as well instead of my financial future.
Anyway, congratulations!!! I believe you can ne debt-free this year 2021, own it!!!
Congrats on your debt payoff! I appreciate your candid style. Looking forward to hearing more about the wanting less part in the hopes of learning a bit more.
Thank you so much for sharing your journey! Totally fighting with the shopaholic in me versus the financial responsible! Never would go in debt for luxury and fashion, but I could definitely do even better in terms of my savings!