Frugal living - How to stop wanting to buy stuff (5 tips)

[@ceehunka7344]

I am horrified by consumer culture in North America we are bombarded I bought a fixer upper house 2 yrs. ago and I have been very busy searching out 2nd hand so I can afford the important things luckily I have found so much on Facebook Marketplace from a big city to a small one centred around a lake in the Country. There is the inevitably of having to order on-line which I really try to put a lot of thought into. I luv your way of life and am very much inspired 😊❤

[@hurtshaven952]

I agree with all you said! We have been trying to live frugally for many years, and it has worked very well for us. The only thing I would add is that while we are waiting to buy that thing that we think we need, we will research to find a brand that is good quality and shop around to find the best price before we buy it.

[@TheCottageDreamer]

I agree, doing research and shopping around for the best price is definitely wise!

[@lonapritchett7786]

I just found your channel this morning. You have some great ideas! 😊 I definitely try to be as frugal as I can.

[@TheCottageDreamer]

Good to have you here! 🙂

[@nataliebaker918]

When I was growing up, everything I had was 2nd hand or a hand-me-down. My children are grown, I'm divorced (was married for 25 years). My home is paid for and I have $ in my retirement plans. And so, yes, I do spend money..but I don't go crazy. I buy quality items. I don't keep shoes/boots past 2 years or any clothes past 3 years. ..... (I've been driving the same car for 17 years tho😂...It is in good shape and keeps running....so I keep driving it👍)

[@heatherwhite2788]

I try to buy things I love so much that I never get tired of them. When my taste changes, I still like the older things I chose. I also believe in buying the best quality I can afford. When I do work on my house, I choose materials that will last at least 50 years. I buy furniture and leather goods that with maintenance and a bit of luck will last the rest of my life. I also like buying antiques and vintage to give things another life… plus the hunt is fun.

[@TheCottageDreamer]

I believe in quality, too. If I ever change my mind about an object, it's easier to sell it to someone (as opposed to some random non-quality object). And I agree, the hunt at flea markets and vintage/antique stores is a lot of fun!

[@carlrogers85]

The only thing I buy regularly are books, even if I work in a library. But when I do, I try to buy a book I really want, and I read it. Or, I buy seconhand books or ebooks because it is cheaper or less heavy. Even though I still have books to read... So yes books are a pleasure and an addiction. For others stuff, I often delay my purchases or I imagine the feeling of having already this stuff. And I analyse my feelings : does this stuff could make me happy when I'll have it ? Is it something I really need? If not I don't buy it 😊 Your videos are so calm and peaceful. Thank you ❤

[@TheCottageDreamer]

I agree, books are essential. I mostly borrow what I read from the library but I'm starting to think it would be nice to own some of the classics I love.

[@luisamancini7303]

My clothes are almost 20 years old..when I buy new clothes it means I need them.. what I love to buy are books , pencils to draw and plants.. lot of plants

[@TheCottageDreamer]

Plants are great as gifts as well! They are compostable so they won't produce waste.

[@SicilyJo]

I am similar. Just today I saw beautiful unique-looking coffee mugs and almost bought them at $18/mug. I talked myself out of it because I have some perfectly functional mugs at home, though they are nothing that special. The appliances in our home are several decades old and still perfectly functional. My friends will ask why we haven’t upgraded the kitchen, as an example. I just tell them that what I have works and cannot see why it would be worth spending thousands of dollars to replace appliances that work. Also, the way appliances and a lot of other things are made nowadays compared to decades ago - well, the quality just is not there. It is like planned obsolescence is built into many items. Not as many things are built to last and made with true quality materials. I finally caved buying a new kitchen faucet when my old one started acting up for the fourth time. I do have to admit, though, I do love my new up-to-date kitchen faucet! 😂

[@TheCottageDreamer]

You are so right about planned obsolescence. It's frustrating that sometimes there even isn't the option to buy an item that would last. If you have quality appliances that still work, stick to them!

[@heatherwhite2788]

I think you should have a beautiful mug … hand made and beautiful is best! I just gut renovated my bath after almost 25 years with me … it was put in in the 50s or 60s and wasn’t beautiful. I needed to do it because of water damage. Perhaps it was the perfect time.

[@SicilyJo]

@@heatherwhite2788 enjoy your beautiful new bath! I did end up purchasing those mugs. I figured if something sticks in my mind like that for days and is not forgotten, I should purchase them. I’m happy I did because they’re an elegantly simple, beautiful design, with a wonderful, feel in the hand, and quite FUNCTIONAL! I smile and get a little excited every time I reach for that particular mug. 🤗