Ep. 365 | Minimalist Budgeting Tips

[@TheMinimalistsPodcast]

What’s your all-time favorite budgeting tip?

[@Buddhababe2]

I pay my credit card off first thing every month then I worry about everything else. It means that I may have less for groceries or eating out but that way I don't get deeper and deeper in debt every month.

[@bumblebee_ms]

Neven get a credit card.

[@kimbawhitelioness]

I am an extrovert who loves being out and about. This can run up entertainment costs. Best tip for those like me: research the free things to do in your city and town, you'll find there are way more than you anticipate. This holds down entertainment costs, gets you out and about and interacting with people and places, but doesn't run up any costs.

[@cwright937]

Free entertainment: parks, lakes, public libraries, trails

[@ericamciver1293]

Bucket List and free things around town. I love bucket lists. I Google them and modify them.

[@USUKwatch]

I renamed my Amazon wishlist to: "do you REALLY need this" and that small reminder has helped prevent a lot of unnecessary purchases.

[@PS-bs8oe]

Just get rid of it and e.g. Apple Josh' tip, wait 30, 60 or more days before getting shg. I always make a list of books I want but only check every 2 to 3 months on a secondhand book website without announcements if they are available. Often I care more to get the ones for friends than mine, except the ones needed for work or study. Wish you 're thankful, happy and Take care

[@nata3467]

I use Amazon at this point to help me locate variety of different types of things I need and then I save them on the wish list so that I can look over the specs for water pumps or filtration systems excetra it gives me some place to start when I'm out shopping but also to be able to talk the talk when I'm at hardware stores etc looking for objects that I don't readily have background knowledge about.

[@ruins_and_ghosts326]

I love this 🤣

[@dubosesjoy]

Love it!

[@MonethSato]

Thanks for the idea 😊

[@maryallen1017]

I bought a 52 pack of small white towels, about the size of a napkin. I paid $17 for them. I use them in my kitchen to wipe up spills & messes and I also use them as napkins. I no longer buy paper towels or paper napkins, saves me money. I keep them in a drawer in the kitchen. I wash them along with my other towels. It's a Win Win!

[@jessmarie7082]

I did this about two years ago and haven't looked back!!! I do keep a roll or two of paper napkins for when we are on the road or emergency uses.

[@atownpoet86]

thats a really great idea

[@natashyas4149]

Not buying a thing is letting it go in advance. I love that!

[@patic.3973]

When I used to go to work in the office, I bought a thermos mug for my coffees. Right after buying it, I regreted the money spent and then, I made myself a deal. I wouldn't buy coffees and I would bring it from home until I have the thermos payed. It turns out that even after paying for the mug, I kept bringing coffee from home to the office and I saved a huge amount of money!

[@rickyiglesias5384]

guys, TK is such a great addition to the podcast. that little bit he had about making customers happy was great insight. what a great trio we have here.

[@longashl]

I agree he adds so much value

[@nikedoesthings]

I love TK, he brings up things I never think about, from interesting viewpoints. Also love the sound of his voice haha

[@maryallen1017]

I bought 2 reclining chairs from a company during covid. The cost was $2000 for the 2 chairs. The chairs were delivered in boxes by my front door. My husband & I brought them in and opened them up, they were totally the wrong color and both chairs were missing the cup holders on the arms of the chairs. I called the company explained the situation. The company did not want to pay to have a truck come to pick them up, they told me to donate both chairs and so I called a donation place close to my home, they picked the chairs up. I was then credited my $2000. The place I donate the chairs to sold them for $600 a chair. That whole situation just seemed crazy to me. I decided after all that I didn't need 2 reclining chairs. Saved $2000!

[@bevanctulk3877]

Thank you for your years of sharing your experience and knowledge. I appreciate your free public KZbin & podcasts. My time is a precious resource to me . I would not consider any podcast content that lasts three hours. Most of the time I listen to you while cooking or cleaning at home or on a long drive. I was taught simplicity, budgeting and living your values early in my life. I taught my children and now my grandchildren. We are all debt free , well educated and support those less fortunate. We enjoy experiences together and alone. We live in a spirit of gratitude. I wish more people would open their hearts and minds to the freedom a simple life brings. All the very Best to you all.

[@minimalist2406]

Minimalism has changed my life forever. Your follower for 5 years 🇺🇦

[@triciaphillips741]

I'm new to this channel, and for the past week, I probably declutter like two thousand pieces out of my house. Thank to all this guys.❤️

[@skdeal]

I prefer to think of my property taxes as an HOA fee to the town where I live. I own my house but if I want to live in it in this town, I need to pay them a fee. Without this fee, we wouldn't have our amazing library, paved streets, trash pick-up, etc... It's even helped rejuvenate our small downtown businesses. I'm fortunate to have bought a house in a town where our city management is putting that money to good use.

[@jenniferdeanna9922]

Great way to look at it! I have a paid off rental property, and I am thinking the same way My fee for having a home in the state! Thanks

[@ruins_and_ghosts326]

You guys actually changed my life. 2 years ago I found your channel and from then my mindset just changed. It was like a switch flicked in my head. I’m now completely debt free, living the most simple happy life & the peace I feel is just priceless. So thank you, keep doing what your doing.

[@hannaparker5434]

I am a hoarder and i am desperate to become a successful minimalist, definitely following!

[@pia9343]

Years ago I worked at Neiman Marcus, the customer service is superior in that store and so is the training for the employees. The motto was that Customer is always right even if the Customer is wrong.

[@SRLevine7]

I LOVE TK's response to the increase text messaging costs! Bring on the competitors! And good for you guys for not giving into their crazy inflation! 💪

[@michelesusanne1]

Use it up, Wear it out, Make do or Do without.

[@apriljohnson6191]

I have a little bit of a different route for subscription services: I decide what I want to sign up for (1 service) and then that’s it for the month. (I don’t do this for free services, only paid services.). Then I watch whatever I want. At the end of the subscription period, I can switch but I can’t keep both. It also invokes a form of the 30-30 rule because there are some really cool series I haven’t seen yet, but waiting makes me think about what I want to do with my time and if the series still appeals.

[@kithu1231]

While I am poor..the rich people with bad spending habits are literally broke really hit me hard..good one Joshua..

[@findingaway5512]

I have had trader joes not charge me for flowers in three different occasions. They told me about it it wasn't a mistake. 😂 I was amazed everytime. Most if not all the times the flowers were a gift for somone else. They are a store that the employees have always gone above and beyond and been friendly and their music is awesome. Kindness and friendly interactions go a long way. Also their flowers are beautiful and well priced for anyone who likes giving flowers as a gift. So I definitely recommend them. 😊

[@Meli_Mels]

I like the "30:30 Rule." Reminds me of something I instituted called, "the 24 hour rule" and instituted it for myself and my BFF/former roommate. We both made bad decisions due to lack of impulse control. The rule is no matter how badly you think you want something. If its not life or death, you have to wait 24 hours. That simple pause saved me soooo many times.

[@bumblebee_ms]

I think TK should have his own podcast.

[@pia9343]

Yes!!

[@jme928]

I love him with The Minimalists. His own podcast would be such a great listen if he had the time to juggle them both. I personally would enjoy hearing his take on spirituality and philosophy. But his addition to the minimalists is a great blessing. These three tackle modern concerns with all different approaches.

[@bumblebee_ms]

@@jme928 Great point, he should have his own and do this one too. Double wins!!!

[@roelio]

It's funny that these days there are a lot of apps that track spending, but need to pay for 'pro' when a google or excel sheet simply does the same trick for less or no spending. Working on that sheet (in my eyes) keeps you more on track and you might learn something new.

[@jrblanka202]

This podcast has changed my life. Been following this ever since. Thank you so much!

[@suen5006]

Love the story with your daughter, perfect!! And she's walking dogs, what a great kid.

[@markspark7347]

The whole “not eating at home” thing in the US is just mesmerizing to me. Also the tv series like friends or whatever they have almost never cooked a day… it’s all dining out or takeaway. Is that really how it is???

[@kolitiokada9825]

Re-evaluate yearly where your money goes monthly. Monthly automatic payments are corporations lulling you to sleep while they laugh all the way to the bank. (hey Josh! what are you gonna do when your fancy paper towel dispenser breaks? reach in with your wet dirty hands? how will you dispose of your broken dispenser? landfill? i bet i could do a lot with the money you spent for it & the special paper towels to go in it.) My budgeting tip: rags for messes & towels for drying hands.

[@annoravetz5908]

We have a Tupperware paper towel holder, harvest gold, from the 70s. It came with the house. However I still use barkeeper towels over and over again.

[@Lifeisbeautiful-ri2tb]

I have given up on being cool. I canceled Netflix and Hulu so I sm definitely not cool. I only subscribe to Peacock now. Spend less than what we make...sounds so simple but it is so easy to overspend. I need to start budgeting and thank you for the advice to distance myself and think over purchases instead of succumbing to impulse purchases.

[@suen5006]

I just don't even enjoy eating out because it's so very expensive, I just keep thinking how I can make it at home for such a fraction of the cost. So it's become an experience that I am not enjoying as much as I used to.

[@treasuringpricelesstime5962]

And I am Rarely ever satisfied with food or "customer service " also. It's not worth the expense honestly.

[@songbird60thompson14]

I gleaned so much from this podcast! The private podcast is the best though. I need to listen to this one once a week and let it really sink in. Thanks. I appreciate what all of you bring to the table. Love your humor💕Keep it coming. And gotta love TK💕

[@johannaboman928]

My bank has a great hack where I can set a rule for each time my debit card is used (I avoid credit cards). So whenever I pay something with the debit card, 2 dollar is allocated to a savings account. As we don’t use cash in Sweden, the card is king, and the savings account slowly grows for each purchase 🎉

[@jenrich111]

4:10 Yes! I care about the quality of my basic food. Industrially manufactured seed oils are OUT and beef brisket IN! Eggs, Beef, Butter, Fish 1st. Saving is intelligent and keeps you safer in the world with a $-buffer to support yourself when unexpected things break/need replacing. Budget for your yearly Bill's- write them down allowing for 10% increase. Then keep to it monthly and manage it weekly.

[@SLangel18]

You need to treat your savings account like a bill you have to pay every paycheck.

[@reginafisher9919]

Don't go to the stores stay out of them, unless you need groceries there's no point. If you don't have to have something don't go to the store it's as simple as that stay out!!! If you go you will see something you want to buy you will be tempted and you will end up spending your money it's as simple as that don't go!!

[@susanconnolly2013]

I shop local. If something doesn't work, I easily return it. However, this seldom happens as I have picked it out myself & can see/feel The quality & size and I feel good helping my neighbors jobs & businesses. Of course, I first make sure I don't already have something that could work. Then, I go to our local thrift shops. I don't have to wonder if the item will wear well --- it already has!

[@jesswatt5824]

Every Dollar is totally worth paying for. I use it every SINGLE day.

[@nateperry405]

Pakt did the same thing TK talked about. Shout out to Pakt for sending me a replacement kettle and me not having to return it. Saved me time and I was able to recycle the old one.

[@gerigowers8318]

Re Nicole, I think these days we can get resentful that any higher income is getting eaten up by things like electricity, gas, groceries, etc. and maybe there's nothing left for a lifestyle treat. I'm terrible with Amazon because I can't drive anymore (vision issue), but I get an order going for days and it includes things I need (like food or supplement items) and also the wants. After a period of time, I'll go in and usually put some of my wants in the "save for later" category and even later they may wind up in the delete pile. However, I know I still spend too much because of course even some of the need items might be cheaper at, say, WalMart or Aldi, but you can't always get things either these days. I think TK had the great suggestion is to plan ahead. Maybe I can set a limit and plan ahead on what I'll spend on Amazon in a month on a want (Amazon is NOT included on my budget - first mistake). Re Taylor, Target tells you to donate the item, not return it.

[@lorij9649]

Amazon Prime does not charge for returns and many times and sometimes says to the customer to Keep the Item and not be charged at all.

[@pilatesyogataichifit]

Never had ANY of those subscription services... and I don't miss them.

[@chicagobearstj20]

Amazing podcast as always! There’s so many tips and so much value in every episode but one thing is a constant reminder how much impact stuff is having on us. Also cannot get enough of Joshua’s phrase Love People, Use Things as it reminds me the majority of these things are to be used not stored or to be looked at. So glad I found out about minimalism but your podcast to forever grateful

[@Feltlion]

Good call on the seed oils while eating out. I'd love to hear a podcast on how to cook at home with minimal clean up.

[@christinaruitenbeek3223]

If you have a dishwasher make a habit of running it at night and emptying it in the morning. Then through the day you can fill it as you cook. Or hand wash your items during your waiting time during cooking.

[@teachermary2062]

I love TK’s wisdom….❤

[@_____________888]

They're increasing the price from $250 to almost $2,000? 😱 I died and then my ghost died of shock💀

[@ckottrn]

Cloth is so much more practical if you have a washer/dryer!

[@sisleah8452]

I am binge watching your videos.

[@aimeemariefournier1013]

I’m late to my patronus this month. Maybe the most intentional thing I have every month

[@danicegewiss862]

I'm missing out if I'm eating out. I have Covid right now. I need all the rest I can get. Chicken soup is so cheap, affordable, and easy to make. Buying it out means you're buying premade soups. Don't con yourself into believing otherwise. It's not a privilege eating at home. It's often a priority. I save $50 weekly currently through Yotta which allows me to categorize my savings, so I transfer that money into each category. It allows us to have the car inspected, new clothes for the year, the lawn mower fixed. We also have a growing fund that will cover in case either of us lose our jobs.

[@thb658]

OMG!! I bought this thing awhile back...this makes me feel like I made a good choice!

[@novaricos]

"Scorched earth" is a military policy, where you destroy the crops of your enemies to starve them, and also may ruin by burning anything else that could be useful or necessary to their ongoing survival or victory in this conflict. But yes, burning your own fields each season does kill insects and their eggs, and many harmful bacteria, and undesirable plants and seeds, and turns the material into ash, which concentrates the nutrients contained there in, and makes them more easily available to your own later planted crops.

[@kraykray4118]

Superb! Really enjoyed this episode

[@vivthefree]

FYI: you can get an ad free version of KZbin with the Ad Block Plus extension. It literally takes less than a minute to install and is free.

[@ricaimeebondoc6447]

I love your podcasts! Your vids/podcasts really helped me looked into my material possessions and my budgeting is way better too.

[@sabreenaazam8876]

Hi Minimalists I wanted to know what in the case when you have online shopping and shopping carts with your saved items? You forget about it but remember the items in a few days? What are you supposed to do in that case?

[@notasushifan]

I needed to hear this. Great question! Great advice. Thank you!

[@bobcocoach7836]

Instead of paper towel : you can use small cotton towels (easy to knit them with old toweks/sheets for example)

[@Kate-ck9kh]

In March we had Netflix then in May Disney. In April Netflix again. Then through summer no subscription at all it was amazing playing board games and late walks in park. Now we are watching KZbin. In December we will activate Netflix again. It's easy and you don't need to pay for each month , only when you need it.

[@iloveyellow7214]

FINALLY! YES YES YES I have been in this kind of vibe this quarter thank youuu for sharing!

[@allison_diehl]

Perfect way to start my Monday! Thanks friends, heard some things today I didn’t even know I needed to hear! ♥️

[@xtina1610]

Yeah. Streaming services are a huge money drain without realizing it. I didn't have any for two years. And I only missed one, for one show. But not enough to get it. I did, however, just get Disney+ and hulu for $5 a month during black Friday.

[@rosemarywilliams9969]

"The power of the crystal yes" 🤗😂😂😂😂I love it cause it's true.

[@aileechristian3653]

Every time I buy something that is not a staple such as cat food, gas, etc… I have to write it down in my budget binder. It has significantly lowered my impulse shopping.

[@angelaweathersbee1334]

I'm so impressed with you guys. Love that you relate Dave Ramsey's budgeting info.

[@andrekeulemans473]

I stopped watching TV by cutting out all the soapies and waited for the sitcoms to end Their season to no TV at all. In the end, I gave the TV away and I don't miss it at all. My TV is KZbin. The rest is Radio or Paper back

[@alamedadanceparty]

I use Spotify because it’s helpful for the bike parties that I organise. I like how I can cross fade the songs and play from my phone without downloading music to my phone. I don’t like the monthly payment but I use the service almost daily.

[@karenwinter7701]

@alameda…bike party? How cool! We were scheduled to ride downtown Detroit today but was canceled due to the rain…I’ve thought about subbing to Spotify since I drive a lot and enjoy good music..it’s a reasonable cost and if you enjoy it..why not?

[@alamedadanceparty]

@@karenwinter7701 hope you get to join a bike party in Detroit or another city one day soon! 🚴‍♀️🎶✨🕺🎉

[@rslager4]

I use every dollar also, but the oaid version. I still enter transactions manually ( i preferr that) but the best benefit to the paid version is the paycheck planning feature.

[@elisabethpatterson9417]

Great video, I like the scorched earth idea.

[@estherkinzelmann4875]

Yes, good questions 👍

[@nobleinger3586]

I enjoy ever ones humor keep me laughing. While decluttering🤣

[@Kyriecat12]

we have a paper towel holder attached under our cabinet. I NEVER have to touch it...I get costco and they are half the size

[@capricornpanda4876]

We only have one subscription at a time. Netflix this month, then if there is something we want to watch on another service we have to cancel the current one. Cycle through them one at a time.

[@annsim1133]

Hi guys, question... People only see overspending is an issues; somehow oversaving is also another issues that I can't find any content about it... Guild of over spend vs. over saving

[@we.are.all.barabbas]

I love the thumbnails because they're looking at me with disappointment as my order from Temu arrives 🤣😩

[@aliyatidwell9780]

"Hey kids what's poppin?! Whats tha Bomb?" 😭😭😭 I'm dying 💀💀💀 you have me SOLD!!! YOU guys are hilarious and so knowledgeable. Thank you!!

[@brianpulliam1100]

Recently I got a new modem from my Internet provider. They told us in a letter that I didn't need to return the old one. Just send it to the local e-waste service.

[@robinrutherfordcost4748]

Oh yeah - Boscov's in the store (they take just about anything back) and Chewy do this, especially when it comes to returns. Chewy will say please donate it to an animal shelter. Hope that helps.

[@robinrutherfordcost4748]

Oh, we finally cancelled dish TV because they only give the deals to new customers. My husband called to ask what about us - we've been with you for over 20yrs. He was afraid because I love HGTV and put it on for background noise for the dogs so people think someone is home. I'm the one that said, just do it. Even I don't miss regular TV. We got the Fire stick for a one time fee of 50.00. Of course, dish is sending us new customer offers and my husband called them to say, loose my address and phone number - that's no way to do business. Hope that helps.

[@sandyseffrood4384]

We turn off Amazon prime and Hulu after NFL season is over……

[@rg-mi5hh]

Save up for something you need that has quality.

[@mandySIMS6319]

I actually finished watching a show (1st season) and then deleted Netflix because it is so expensive and I've got others that me and my family use. I'll readd Netflix only when certain shows come back for a new season. KZbin premium I just can't go without, peacock we use every week and HBO every week. I tend to be on KZbin worlds more than anything else, so it is worth it for me to have the premium.

[@veesancez]

Love minimalist baker.

[@KoolT]

How many outfits do people need

[@Tesla99]

Do apple have a app delete service? I have 1,000 apps and im pretty sure 998 needs deleted…. Lol

[@LydiaJustineKeema]

I’m not in full agreement with minutes 6:50-7:03 “here’s how to spend money like a minimalist: spend less money than what you make.” I understand that Ryan also says that simple is not easy, but sometimes simple is not sustainable. For example, where I live in “Anywhere, California”, renting a studio apartment will run you $1500 and sharing a studio apartment is still $750. Sharing a 2-bedroom apartment will still run you $1200/person. Anyone making $15 an hour in a full-time minimum-wage job without a dual income is immediately house poor. Live at home and you’re lazy, work a minimum wage job and you’re unmotivated, and ascend up out of the minimum wage job and….. your town is either leaving a whole lot of jobs vacant or the next round of poor souls come in to fill the “essential” job. A lot of people can’t just leave the state and again, it’s not like those low paying jobs are going to go away in these high-cost locations with nowhere in a 100 mile radius that offers a more digestible cost of living. I love The Minimalists and I know that there are a LOT of people out there who are HENRY (High Earners Not Yet Rich) but can we stop conglomerating everyone into this category and shaming as a byproduct. The minimalist privilege was glaring in aspects of this podcast.

[@dyejessica35]

My mom just paid for the 2nd from the smallest post office box $202 for a year! 6 months was $164! I know they need to make money but it's a bit excessive.

[@peacewG]

I am so bad with technology that deleting the services is so difficult. Could you explain HOW to delete them?

[@shoppingislifeuk]

Nice

[@aimeemariefournier1013]

I quiT returning anything I just donate it because it’s harder for me and doesn’t deserve my attention anymore it’s out

[@noragubbins4993]

I have wanted to make this comment for quite some time but I hesitated because I didn't want to hurt feelings. I have been less and less enthusiastic about listening to your podcasts because Josh has continued to dominate more and more of the air space,. Now you have a 3rd person, T.K. , Josh still talks more than TK and Ryan together. I can't believe you guys haven't noticed this or discussed it and have tried to split up the time more equitably. As time has gone on, I realize that my attitudes are more in line with Ryan's then Josh's. Josh spends too much time talking about all your "necessary" gadgets like the grounding mat, the furniture, the specific shoes, the special brand of t-shirts. I think your income is way higher than mine and I don't have the luxury you do to buy the best of everything and have to be content with thrift store clothes, used "non-designer" furntiure, old rusty cars etc. Josh, you think you are a minimalist but I think you are an elitist who might not buy lots of stuff but only buys the best. It's stil a form of consumerism. A disappointed listener. Nora

[@A222Z]

With the things i had to return, but didn't need to send item back = Free Returns & •item cheap & from China • an item poorly manufactured (big ticket item, they couldn't resell) • skin care products (sent wrong item), also couldn't resell.

[@rebacarmack8335]

It’s disgusting when Public places ( grocery stores etc ) have rolls of towels set out and are wet from the previous users! Yuck

[@samanthadudley6412]

My husband is always going and purchasing apps and only watch one or two shows and then doesn't watch anything else on them and I am constantly having to get him to cancel the subscriptions because why pay for it if we aren't watching it, I rather only have the free apps.

[@OtherDianne]

Try out Project Broadcast for your texting needs.

[@ext1013]

...and if you are serious about your health: OMAD, one meal a day. This really saves you money but you don't do it just because. You have to be serious about it.

[@jme928]

Hello fellow kids! Have you discovered anything that’s the bomb lately? 😂 I can barely hold my shit together!😅

[@Kyriecat12]

Onions and garlic kill me...perhaps thats what hurt her stomach

[@pattimoore5729]

So did she go back and get the crystal ring?

[@loushared6602]

No!

[@mariannedressler6784]

Hahaha a paper towel holder!!!!

[@laurabetancourth933]

Just get a dedicated cell phone line for the office. Or use Google voice!

[@pilatesyogataichifit]

Earning more? Spend more on supporting good causes!

[@minimala2253]

Why didn't I subscribe a long time ago lol

[@pilatesyogataichifit]

I HATE eating out... especially in England 😇

[@lynnoorman2144]

Why 'especially in England'? We have some of the best eating out experiences and foods in the world - or have you only experienced the mainstream stuff?