12 Things I STOPPED Buying (and don't regret) | Financial Minimalism & Saving Money

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Especially right now, it’s really important to be saving money. In this video I go over 12 things that I stopped buying (and don’t regret). I simply cut these out of my budget in order to save more money--and I can’t say my quality of life has decreased at all. I try to be a financial minimalist in the sense that I’m willing to spend on things that I derive great value from, but try to cut the things that I’m buying purely out of habit or out of a desire to impress others.
Have you cut any of these things out of your budget? What else have YOU stopped buying?
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Disclaimer: I am not a financial advisor. Although I am a lawyer by profession, I am not your lawyer and no attorney-client relationship is established with you in any way. This video, and the ideas presented in it, are for entertainment purposes only and should not be construed as financial or legal advice.

[@justintaylor-moneymindset4073]

I’ve learned that we can save so much money if we just stop caring about what others think. Great video!

[@Erika2]

Exactly! Thank you Justin!

[@deebrowne4616]

I agree

[@mr.danielgrant-king5924]

Agree

[@raiden9arpa]

aye.

[@chineseslaves1971]

Only the banks know who has the money.

[@Utx55]

I cut Starbucks and brand names in clothing and accessories a long time ago. When my son was 12 he refused to wear any name brand clothing. He said, “ Mom they do not pay me to advertise their brand.” The wisdom in that one sentence totally changed the way I shopped for everything!

[@lilylife4426]

Brilliant!

[@lisayoung4810]

I said that as a teenager, too & it helped me greatly

[@michelletickle2915]

My son said the same thing. At 35 he still refuses to buy clothes with logos on them.

[@vn8525]

💗

[@anthonyplacide3929]

I dont agree with her not buying stuff on sales. we can always buy stuff we need on sales.

[@JakeBroe]

I agree with everything on this list except Books. Ive spent a fortune on my books, but they look great on my shelf and i view them as art and decoration for my home. They make me happy and honestly keep me motivated and inspired in life. I don’t get that from audible or a kindle.

[@Erika2]

That's true!! I can't disagree with that--if they make you happy, then it's worth it:)

[@Miguel863]

I do agree, books can't replace kindles... something about holding a book in your hand and sensing the wealth of knowledge in it.

[@nat4581]

I do love my old books collection. And they look beautiful in the studio.

[@ToiHollidayRealtorOfficial]

I agree. I still buy books. There's Nothing more relaxing than disconnecting from all technology, sitting on the sofa reading a book, flipping its pages and enjoying a glass of your favorite beverage.

[@tys3rdeye497]

@@Miguel863 I enjoy reading on my phone, ereader, and books tbh😂. I used to be only a real book lover.

[@roseaddo6103]

I like how you went straight to the point

[@Kay-to6mm]

Agreed! Just clicked on the video and was immediately ready to skip

[@growingnest8091]

Agreed. Guess it's because she's a lawyer, every minute with a lawyer counts and they don't waste your time.

[@tominfredonia]

i used to buy souvenirs for family then i seen one of my gifts in a yard sale ! i put an end to that tradition !!!

[@Erika2]

Omg that is so funny!!

[@thefunplace4269]

LMAO

[@highlyfavoredMG]

😅🤣

[@DragonRoyZ]

hahahaha

[@jayc4715]

Lol

[@rebeccareyna4137]

I would add “Fast Food” .. I started cooking at home EVERYDAY and this has improved my quality of living and savings account tremendously!!!

[@ejsvegas5724]

Going out to eat in general, once a month or so is all I do anymore. I save $100's a month not eating out as much.

[@kaira504]

I'm seriously going to try this year. But I'm starting small.....going for three month of not eating out studying last Monday. WISH ME LUCK!

[@momentumstocks3493]

Eating out you mean? Yes very expensive.

[@MatthewF21]

I travel around my city a lot as part of my job, so I make sure to bring my lunch every single day. My coworkers, though, eat out every day for lunch. It baffles me how they can spend so much money a week on just fast food.

[@rebeccareyna4137]

@@MatthewF21 omg same!!! Some of my co workers/employees I KNOW make the same or much less than me and they door dash everyday. No bueno.

[@AllMyKittys]

I needed a dish rack Walmart had one for 13.00! I waited and went to Goodwill I found one that looked brand new for 1.99!

[@brinanguyen9995]

OMG, I think I just met the lawyer version of me. LOL! (I'm a therapist.) Every single thing you said in this video, I've been doing, too. No brand names, no souvenirs, no salons, no Starbucks, no new cars, no unnecessary subscriptions, and I pack my own lunches to work. And I make 6 figures. I still maintain the starving student mentality, and refuse to fall victim to the lifestyle inflation trap. Thank you for your video. Glad to know I'm not alone.

[@Erika2]

I love it!!!

[@southernjulip2403]

Amen!

[@lifeanditsadventures]

I resonate. I’m the same and being called a tight a$$$ by family & friends and i embrace it. But in this way i don’t scramble for money

[@PerryKassupo]

may I ask what kind of therapist you are? Thank you!

[@lindakincaid4530]

I do go to the salon and I need to start packing my lunch every day.

[@SolitarySparrow]

"I just cycle the same 5 white shirts." - Those are some pretty tasteful professional looking white blouses, fooled me lol.

[@Erika2]

Hahaha that's so nice of you to say :)

[@deeslifestyleloves]

Right. They're nice!

[@TheSarahandYou]

I love the white blouse uniform idea 💡😍 I am totally adopting this for my lifestyle. I already do all of these tips you shared. Great video. Thank you Erika 😊

[@tominfredonia]

i cancelled my cable about 10years ago it seemed to me i was paying to watch commercials !

[@Erika2]

I felt the same too!

[@DigitalM45x]

Yeah, cable is trash lol

[@lindaparker4950]

We are paying to o much , & solicitation of products !

[@pickyourbrainswithbenjamin761]

Streaming is better

[@NhatNguyen-wj7pm]

​@@Erika2 Especially now that you can stream almost everything online and if you have a computer connected to a TV a simple google search for whatever you want to watch is not far away.

[@harshpathak7915]

We are so focussed on what other people think of us that we forget what we actually want

[@cissygoodlin]

Not supposed to be a materialistic but we forget about that part

[@TheDividendExperiment]

I don't get my nails done or eyelash extensions either! I like the Christmas idea, I don't really like receiving gifts anymore (unless I can eat it) so showing appreciation for friendship etc. works better for me!

[@Erika2]

Hahaha, I love that! Gifts you can eat are definitely nice :D

[@Erika2]

Have you stopped buying any of these things? Hope everyone is enjoying their week! Please LIKE the video to help the channel out :)

[@damiangrouse4564]

Very valuable suggestions and ten of those things I’ve don instinctively for many years (don’t ask🎅🏻). Two things I’ve done differently. No birthday or Christmas gifts for anyone in high school or older. instead a cookout or trip to a state park. Cars, I buy multiuse vehicles (4x4 crew can trucks) and I buy new with the highest trim level I can easily afford and keep up the maintenance. I bought a ford in 1997 and traded it for a new Toyota in 2013. At my age I will likely be the last truck. When I was younger I went through a series of used vehicles that never lasted more than two or three years. When you buy used there’s a risk your buying someone else’s problems. The key is buy what you’re happy with and works for your situation maintain it and drive it till it dies. Ps. I’m passing this vid to my family...they may listen to you.

[@stephaniehandley8953]

Working on it!!

[@MySonMaverick]

LOVE Libby!

[@wendysong9048]

I use Libby for audiobooks and reading books--all for free! And no need to go to the library to return either ;)

[@Erika2]

@@wendysong9048 I love Libby!!

[@4UCESO]

Once I got rid of my gf my savings increased exponentially.

[@Erika2]

LOL 😂

[@BlakeC341]

I can relate 😂. Disposable income surged lol.

[@DavidSmith-wr6vj]

LOL going up like a hot air balloon dropping sand bags

[@benjaminkherring]

Hahaha

[@jackietorres3045]

😂

[@jeffg6924]

Due to health issues, I have been forced to stop eating outside. Its amazing how quickly those cheap meals ad up in cost. Beyond the fact that these meals are horrible on your health, it will also corrode your financial health. If you have loans, putting that $10 per meal into the principle on any loans you might have will pay you back exponentially. Oddly enough, since I've been sick, I have never been healthier.

[@Erika2]

I hope you get healthy soon! I do love that you've put a positive spin on it though, I'm sure it's much better for your health (and financial health).

[@Erika2]

Jeffry! OMG... did you see what's happening with the other video? Almost at 100k views. I cannot believe it!!!!

[@jeffg6924]

@@Erika2 I totally believe it. This is really going to great for you. Congrats!! =)

[@Erika2]

@@jeffg6924 Thank you!!! AHH!! :) :). I hope you're feeling better

[@jeffg6924]

@@Erika2 Things are getting back on track. We can only worry about what's in our control. This has been an eventful 12 months to say the least, but no permanent change so far as I can tell, short of a few new scars. We'll all be stronger for it. Erika, have you had any interest for sponsorship yet? I would not be surprised to see your views on that one video pass 200k by the end the of the week. Like I said, you will want to look at views in the logarithmic scale to see when the interest will peak. Certainly, you will have interest soon. Keep on top of the new hot financial topics, its really working for you.

[@NotTheFearfulAvoidant]

I've done most of these things out of need, but I can't tell you how AMAZING it is to know that someone such as yourself is doing the same! Makes me feel like I'm on the right track to a secure financial future, and I don't feel less than for not having or wanting these things. Thank you Erika! 🤗

[@madmat3940]

I just stumbled onto your channel after leaving a job that I was well compensated for, but was hating more and more every day. Thank you for sharing this content! I too have cut a lot of these items from my budget, especially buying new cars. Your confidence and enthusiasm is contagious! Keep the content coming.

[@AnnieONeill]

I will NEVER cut out going to the movie theater! It's just too much a place of joy and immersion/escape for me. Everything else... Spot on.

[@MichaelJohnson2]

You could also just get AMC A-List and see almost unlimited movies a month.

[@stayyy2548]

@AnnieONeill maybe you could try creating your own movie theater at your house and find a cheap way to watch the movie. That way you could still enjoy it but save money at the same time

[@AnnieONeill]

@@stayyy2548 While I truly appreciate the suggestion, and I do already have a super comfy sofa and a great 75" TV, I feel that the theater experience cannot be duplicated. It's not a huge expense for us. We bring our own candy, we're not pop drinkers, and the fresh popcorn is shared. My son's first film was Dune. He was ENTHRALLED! It was very special for him and for me.

[@stayyy2548]

@@AnnieONeill That is smart!!

[@CBRboy1717]

I agree with all of these except the Christmas one. That’s taking the idea of minimalism to the point of just being cheap. Nobody should spend $900 a year on gifts. That blatant commercialism is very bad. But a simple low cost gift or even something that you made with your own hands isn’t that hard.

[@bhsieh3537]

I agree. Live a little lol. Money is important but don’t be cheap. Why even make money then?

[@Doodlebopjunior]

I don’t particularly try to keep up with trends but I also don’t think there’s anything wrong with buying the clothes and dressing the way that you enjoy and feel pretty in.

[@maylin1986]

@Mani Lee To me, clothing can be an art form. When you buy something you like and just like it because it's unique and pretty. Price tags are an indicator of a deal breaker for me. Yes, I want to support the people who design certain clothings I take a liking to, but I can't afford to break my bank in the process either. 🤷‍♀️ BTW, I love your hair color. 💛

[@PunkinLPN]

I thrift store shop and save so much money and have cute outfits for $3-$5 each.... Like I'm going shopping for sundresses today... My budget is $10 for the whole excursion

[@AnnieNugget]

If creating a monthly clothing budget increases your quality of life and brings you joy, then go for it. The whole point is cutting out the things that are meaningless in your personal life.

[@omkarpatel4599]

I have been like what you said in this video for years. I'm so happy that beautiful people like you do exists. Great points!

[@boredcryptek5513]

For brand names, depends on the brand. For example sunglasses. Tried loads and loads of pairs and no matter how well I took care of them they broke (one pair from a mall kiosk literally shattered on my face while I was driving in AZ). Finally found an Oakley outlet store. Bought a pair for me and my wife. Years later still great glasses that have not even come close to being damaged in the time no matter what I do with them. Hiking, yard work, long drives these still are in great shape and I don't take better care of them than I did with all the various ~40$ glasses I tried.

[@TheSarahandYou]

I love the white blouse uniform idea 💡😍 I am totally adopting this for my lifestyle. I already do all of these tips you shared. Great video. Thank you Erika 😊

[@mr.tophatman7047]

Summing it all up, live comfortably, not stressful. You got it, I've been doing it for the last 30 years. Thanks for the video!

[@Erika2]

You nailed it!!

[@tominfredonia]

when my wife comes home with more cloths that were "ON SALE" I ask but did you need more cloths ?!!!!!! I think the 4 closets full is enough!

[@Erika2]

4 closets!? Wow, that's pretty impressive haha!

[@lisayoung4810]

*clothes

[@natalianakoriakova8084]

Time to talk finances to her.

[@jenniferdavis2110]

CLOTHES

[@SteveRam]

Great video! Congrats on your recent interview! Thanks for sharing!

[@Erika2]

Thank you so much Steve!!

[@alexxdaye1]

I've been doing all 12 of these for YEARS!! These are all very smart strategies for saving money and wealth building! I LOVE your channel. You're a wise young lady! Thank you for having priorities and principles! You'll always WIN in the long run!

[@nandep2149]

I've been doing many of these for most of my life (ie, never believed in "fashion trends")...and started doing some of these later (ie, we only buy Christmas gifts for the children).🎄 I'd rather share time and an activity together than buy each other holiday or birthday gifts. 💕 One popular money saving tip is to barter, trade, donate and/or buy used items. There are MANY groups online. That helps to reuse items, keep more things out of landfills, find treasures and save money. 💰

[@ShariKaye]

I can totally relate. Great money mindset! I find that people would rather look rich than attract wealth.

[@Erika2]

Thank you!! 100%!

[@mamyit3759]

Is mind blowing 🤯 how much we think alike when it comes to spending money on useful and unuseful things. Is nice to see and relate to someone else who doesn't care about brand name stuff, cut out daily/weakly bad habits spending and I will never buy a brand new car... I really love your video. 💗

[@Erika2]

I'm so happy to hear that!

[@dffulmer1]

I cut the cord on regular TV many years ago in favor of watching KZbin channels on my PC. It saves money, and I enjoy the creativity and interaction on KZbin much better. I also went from landline phone to VOIP, then to just cell phone to simplify and save money. I still love books of the hard copy kind, so I prefer to keep them. Thank you for a great channel!

[@fastdinnerrecipes]

Hi Erika, I agree with you 100%. I have cut all of these things too many years ago and I don't regret it one bit. From all the comments you received on this video, I can see that a lot of people share the same thinking. Excellent video! Thanks 😀

[@mitchhills1244]

Great tips! I’m actually the opposite I was saving so much that I didn’t have fun because I’d worry about the cost. Now I splurge a bit (not excessively) on getting more regular haircuts, going go karting, eating out with friends. I don’t care for brand names etc but my qualify of life increased after spending a bit on fun!

[@veramonique1724]

Nice content! The best way to find that balance between saving and living is by investing, This way you get to have your saving intact and then live comfortably off the revenue coming in from your investments.

[@paulharold6721]

wow! this is a jewel. the best comment i've ever come across on YT. Why didn't i ever think about this. Thanks for this, I'd also really appreciate if you give me some tips/guidelines that would guide me on the right path to take while investing

[@veramonique1724]

I’m not in a position to guide you, You just got to find the best investment and find a strategy that works for you

[@devdaniel3225]

This seems more like putting your savings in an investment company rather then the bank, hmm really ideal i think because you'd earn a better revenue than the annual interest value you could get while saving in the bank. WOW! this is really an eye opener, could you recommend an IA please? I would really appreciate that.

[@veramonique1724]

Few years before i got to decipher the market myself i worked with an IA, VIVIAN KLAINE MORGAN. She traded my $90k portfolio into $220k and i learnt a lot of things i know today from her.

[@devdaniel3225]

Please How can I get across to her?

[@JWarfield]

thanks for this great video, we live a very frugal life, but it is very refreshing to see others doing it too. Also to get back on fire on keeping accountable.

[@mamamoore3474]

Yes I've cit most of these things out of my budget. So I enjoyed watching this video of yours as well. So much has changed in my life. Learning everyday.🛐

[@gladyskravitz1000]

I agree with all these things. I read an Ayn Rand book many years ago. And it challenged me to to question if I am doing things just to impress others. When you buy things just because they are useful to you, you buy less, and you buy cheaper. I am now a multi-millionaire. Put your money in the stock market and let it sit. You can retire early. You can pay off every loan. And you have less stuff to manage. Remember stuff needs to be managed. So buy less stuff to worry about. Oh, and restaurants are a big money stuck too. I limited restaurants, especially for dinner down to twice a month. And that saved me a ton. Even now when I can afford anything. I don't like to take care of stuff. Now that I am wealthy, I have not started to buy stuff just because I can. Simplicity is a happy way of life.

[@varoongupta9815]

which book

[@gladyskravitz1000]

@@varoongupta9815 I read all her works but Fountainhead was the one I was referring to. Ellsworth Toohey vs. Howard Roark.

[@Freespirit512]

Great video! thank you Erika, i've been selling lots of my brand name clothing, shoes and bags. it was an addiction I had, shopping. I am slowly having more a minimal lifestyle and when I shop.. I go second hand or thrift.

[@mixmeup2121]

Totally agree with your viewponts and glad that this is trending! Love your videos! Keep inspiring and helping. I think you truly stepped into your purpose.

[@lukeanddaleigh]

Great video, Erika! I can't even remember the last time we went to the movies. It's so much less expensive to just watch them at home. Plus, you can take breaks whenever you want and go to the restroom and not miss the film. Popcorn and snacks are a lot less expensive as well. 😉

[@enkiiful]

I love the Christmas gift idea. Christmas became a big sales and marketing ideas to make people spend more money than actually celebrating what it really means.

[@INFJparadox]

You're awesome, girl :) I never learned about money or finances because I grew up really poor and wasn't given any money by my mother. I've been working in law firms for 30 years--not as an attorney :) My finances have been the biggest stressor my entire life and I am so way behind in having anything for my later years. We should have been taught this in school! I think your channel would be awesome for teaching young women especially :)

[@Michelleinonederland]

Amazing video!!! I wish there were people talking about these kinds of things when I was in my 20’s! Good for you for sharing such positive and important content!

[@user-us4pd3ww2d]

Love the channel, amazing free advice! Thank you so much for your time...beautiful smile by the way, win, win, win

[@katahn]

For cars I would suggest “total cost of ownership” over the time expected to own it is a much more significant factor than initial price and whether it is new or used. Particularly for petrol burning cars wear and tear on mechanical components can mean being closer to expensive repairs. That said, definitely don’t buy “more car” than your use case requires.

[@missescapade77]

I love your channel. Thanks for sharing all your financial knowledge. :)

[@Erika2]

I'm so happy to hear that! Thank you Marissa!

[@pennysdanceacademy3974]

so super helpful ..love the content and i'm making changes and not dwelling on regret as i'm guilty of some of the bad habits or ego feeding habits

[@themountainraven]

Im subscribed, specifically for this video. AWESOME! thank you for being real. Thank you for genuinely and gracefully listing these.

[@angelor126615]

I showed your video to my students- Finance 101. Thank you!

[@Erika2]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@iruwild]

Wow, watching a lot of your videos gives me a yard stick to measure my financial planning on. So most of the things you mentioned, I'm already doing..except I get suckered into buying repeat things on sale, especially on Amazon. It seems Amazon has a algorithm that will drop the item price like 5 percent off after you buy an item, to get you to buy again. So seeing you talk about this, and slowing getting to know my own mistakes, I will try not to be suckered into buying things just because on sale. Video is so helpful. Thanks!!

[@Ozmni11]

Thank you for the reminder! I watched this video to see what I could cut out of my daily spending.

[@Reefwithus]

I’m so glad I found your video! My mindset is changing and I’m making changes in my life. I can’t wait to see how much I’m able to save/invest 🙌🏼

[@alanbirkner1958]

My husband and I never had much money, but we still retired in our 50's. Don't buy stuff you don't need. We raised our kids to be careful with money, too. You can get lots of stuff free or second hand. Better for the earth, too. Tina

[@SageGypsy]

I tried cutting out Starbucks. I missed the ambiance and stars rewards. I used to just spend like crazy there up to $60 a month. Now I budget $25 monthly and buy the short for hot drinks and tall for cold drinks. I am addicted to the ambiance!!!

[@HepCatJack]

I would miss people not knowing how to spell my name.

[@kristiemao4275]

I allow myself to go there once a week instead of everyday.

[@brendabass2886]

Soooo agree. Glad to hear someone share my same sentiments!

[@kimberlyvega3491]

I definitely can relate to the start bucks coffee buying out of habit. As I am currently at a local coffee shop lol. However, I am finishing my last semester of college and need all the help I can get. Loved this video! thanks for sharing the tips

[@AmisCooking]

Souvenirs and cable tv I cut down six years ago and don’t miss them, brand names I never cared Great tips you gave here😘👌👍

[@Erika2]

Love that! Keep it up!

[@W2Capitalist]

The biggest problem with the shot glasses...they are empty :) Reviewing credit card statements can be a huge savings. Love that you and your family donate your time to an orphanage. Thanks for continuing to produce quality content Erika.

[@tonys8739]

Erika.........thank you for sharing. This hits home for me. A great reminder!

[@mengvang9217]

wow you are so amazing! The christmas gifts thing was a shocker to hear you cutting that out but i understand where you coming from.

[@bttech3068]

Frugality is gift not many people have it. U can cut cloth according to their size in this world of self indulgence materialism is good and u start in you will carry u long. Good 4 u.

[@bradtrades]

One of the smartest things I ever did pertaining to money is finding a wife who shares my ideas and attitudes about spending. And now that we are truly financially independent we can treat ourselves to a new car when we need one (Japanese, not German, we’re smart with our money!). You remind me of my wife when we were young Erika, which I mean as a tremendous compliment. Best of luck with your channel, such great advise and happy to see you sharing it.

[@user-zx1ht9ij5e]

Hi Erika, I've been excited to watch your vides and they are inspirational except that each time I try to forget about my long term investments I'm reminded they're there so it's hard to wait for all the compounding. But being debt free at 54 is a great feeling. Thanks for your videos.

[@yourfriendlyneighborhoodca9576]

Wow. Watching ur channel grow is so inspiring. Was here before 100k and watched the “quit ur job” video. Keep it up 💪🏽💪🏽💪🏽 Erika

[@RiverDogRun]

I paid off my student loan from medical school in one year. I paid off my mortgage in one year. I accomplished these goals largely for following the same advice she's giving.

[@momentumstocks3493]

How did you pay off your mortgage in one year?

[@rodolfotamayo5180]

Yes also interested in knowing how one "pays off mortgage in one year"...? On a regular income that is..

[@kitcloudkicker72]

I stopped watching cable years ago. The one thing that gets me are the sales. 😅 Thanks for the advice

[@Nycxklx]

I love your content! Straight to the point and very interesting topics

[@Erika2]

Thank you so much Christine!! I'm so happy you like it. Trying my best ;D

[@kelsey7859]

New subscriber here! Thank you for sharing your financial knowledge. Some people tells me that I'm too cheap but I do indulge myself once in a while but I don't really buy the things I don't need and I'd rather have money on my wallet rather than having that too expensive phone or whatnot.

[@alexandruulici-buyingfreed9118]

Awesome video! In regards to no. 3, I also have multiple black t-shirts and white shirts. I would never go back to having a bazillion colors and patterns.

[@Erika2]

Haha we are twins!! It's the simple way to live :D

[@alexandruulici-buyingfreed9118]

Erika Kullberg: Finance, Investing, Passive Income Yes!

[@alexsmith9915]

Thanks for the Libby recommendation... LOVE it! It will save me time and some money!

[@Erika2]

So glad!

[@JMoneyMindedCrew]

Love this video it was great and it helped me out. Have a wonderful day Erika.😊

[@erinclarocca]

Yep, feel exactly like this about brand names & fashion. And I love Libby! I cut Audible when I found my library had a borrowing app 🙌🏼

[@lindaparker4950]

I need to stop shopping period ! I’ll try your method ! Excellent model & incentive to stop spending ! I do it because it appears that make me happy !

[@oliviachavez7011]

Me too!😳

[@tarzan12345]

No cable, no Starbucks (unless when I really need a place to sit and work for a couple of hours), no books (only get from local libraries) , no brand names, no movies (converted dining room to a home theater and loving it). Great list!

[@Erika2]

I LOVE it!! That's a really cool idea that you've created a home theater. Are you using a projector for that or TV?

[@tarzan12345]

@@Erika2 Front projection and surround sound all the way. I DIY most of it so it didn't cost a lot of money for a nice system. We do enjoy sitting in our own place drinking beer much more than paying for overpriced tickets and popcorn at theater. it's a great hit with the kids in our neighborhood as well. it's even better now during the time of social distancing and self quarantine.

[@Erika2]

@@tarzan12345 That sounds AMAZING! Would love to build one myself down the road... :D

[@merlinarthur4072]

*great tips. now, all i need is to apply these in my life.* ❤️❤️❤️

[@hwinoree2257]

Excellent video! I agree with all 12 things you listed. The only thing I would add is eating less of outside food. At today's prices, it's impossible to spend less than $8 on a very mediocre meal if you eat out, at least in the US. I started to eat healthy many years ago and realized the decision to do so eventually lead to me having to prepare most of my food. When I did this, I realized how much more we spend on food when you eat out verses preparing it yourself. The difference was huge. Not only is eating out not healthy, but it's also very expensive. I think most people would do so much better if they prepared most of their meals at home and occasionally treat themselves to a really good meal out once or twice a week.

[@kaylaferguson6623]

You, are amazing!! Your videos are helpful, and your personality makes watching them 100x better. ❤️ Edit: In the US, AMC does $5 movies on Tuesday!! 👍

[@jonwarren9392]

If you own AMC stock you get free concessions.

[@benhuguenard8147]

I cut out cable as soon as I had highspeed internet.

[@awanderson]

Great mentality that led to this great advice. I hope it helps folks.

[@UsurpersAndAssassins]

I'm glad you mentioned habit. It's amazing how much money is spent on habit or feelings of obligation.

[@stjepanhauser7595]

Protecting your capital is much more important than making money. Basically because if you lose your capital, making money is much harder. ''Missing the train'' vs. ''losing your money''. There are a lot of trains, but if your money is gone, it's over.

[@martinvanburen3124]

I too bought a used car and it was pretty inexpensive and it has worked out really well for me - new car prices went very high in the last year or so and honestly my friends have Mercedes Benz and BMW’s and I really don’t see the difference and their maintenance bills are gargantuan - German spec this and German spec that - it is crazy not to mention their insurance. Love your vids ✌️

[@Leescreativeart]

I Love this!!! And amazing Background Erika!!!

[@simonjackman6606]

Great inspiration, thanks for the tips!

[@robm5958]

Let's not forget that manufacturers raise the price on goods before they put them "on sale" so you're not always getting the best price and many times will be paying MSRP.

[@willclark1736]

I need financial advisor like u. Wow! I didn’t know women like you exist. You bring great energy , intelligence and education most people need. Your such a gem. I’ll continue to support your channel.

[@Jarro21]

Ok. I had to pause to comment. You are clearly a thinker. To the word, your reasoning and articulation of why not to buy just because something is on sale is exactly what I've been saying for years. It frustrates me to see how difficult such a simple logic is for persons to comprehend. You never save when money leaves your pocket. You are awesome.

[@kirstyjjamieson]

Great video. So good to hear there are others that are much the same as myself and my partner. Winning!

[@jenniferhoelscher4207]

Retired from a finance job at 55yo. I agree with everything except gifts - just set a reasonable budget and stick to it.

[@MarvinOsso]

Great video again Erika 👍🏼 keep it up!

[@Erika2]

Thank you! Much appreciated!

[@Pattyanyana6064]

Hi Erika, I am a new subscriber and love your informative content. Wishing you and your loved ones a prosperous and healthy 2022 filled with joy and love! Take care.

[@FindYourVentur]

That’s a lot of cutting down. Awesome that you’re doing all those things to be financially smart. Keep it going!

[@rebacarmack8335]

I was buying a Latte” of Starbucks when I was still working-$60-$80 weekly. I’ve tried to realize it is more of a habit- I buy a large bottle of cold coffee in the grocery store and get 4-5 drinks for the price of one and no tips.

[@cindycortez4920]

Subscription...This happened to me with Amazon Prime, and I’m so bad at looking at my statements, I finally noticed after months 😩 I didn’t even use Amazon enough for it to be worth it. I was basically just giving an already successful business my money every month like here you go take it 🤦🏻‍♀️

[@zhorina]

I love that you get right into the topics 👏🏻

[@SheVersion]

I totally agree with you! I tried couponing years ago to try and save money but I found myself buying things I didn't want, like, or need to get the "deal." It didn't feel like a deal. After all the time and wasted money, I was done with it. I love your tips.

[@Erika2]

Hi Sheila! Yes, exactly! You end up actually spending more that way. I stopped for that same reason.

[@adebiyiomar]

When I find out it's all about the need to satisfy an ego or belong or habit, I begin to think twice about spending.

[@JoyceLuna]

Thanks for this video Erika. I felt better about how I spend now as like you, I try to keep my spending to a minumum. Yet, people around me seems to think I am stingy for not buying a car or for not wearing fancy clothes

[@greyeye5345]

Never mind those who say you're stingy. Got called that by a family member years ago, but at the time she was being helped with her expenses and didn't fully understand what it meant to be self-sufficient. When she started standing on her own two feet, that word was no longer in her vocabulary. I'm sure you sleep well at night not having to worry about who you owe, etc. Keep on trucking, sis!

[@rebeccareyna4137]

omg same same same!!! I thought I was the only one. I share so many core values w you! I love It! Isn’t it amazing when you look back who you were to who you are now 💕🥰

[@Ahmt19071]

Thanks for this, I like your way of thinking