How A No-Buy Year Can Change Your Brain's Response To Consumerism

[@HannahLouisePoston]

Chelsea and everyone at TFD, thank you so much for having me as a guest! 'The Hacking of the American Mind' actually IS by Robert Lustig-his was the name on my lips in the moment but I second-guessed myself. I loved reading it during my no-buy year!

[@foxiroonie91210]

Hannah this was awesome!! I’m so glad you were able to do this.

[@natashatrilokekar2435]

So proud of you for this Hannah, I can't even tell you! The collab of my hopes and dreams

[@TheLauren2229]

I am so proud of you, Hannah!

[@ktburger659]

Your channel changed my life! Thanks for all you do!

[@fadighaleebdiaz]

You were awesome, Hannah! Such a lovely and insightful interview

[@jae-annedanae4512]

Random but I love the way that if she doesn’t necessarily agree with what Chelsea said or the way she has said it, she’ll actually combat it and say exactly what she means. It’s always nice seeing people be clear about their thoughts and not being swayed easily

[@ZijnShayatanica]

Exactly! I really loved how the were able to hold different thought processes & approaches, but meet eachother where they were at to understand why it works for them in particular. Their confidence is refreshing &... Frankly, inspiring!

[@dizzytel]

Yes! I noticed that too

[@snoozyq9576]

Its not really random if it's referring to the video. Random would be like I enjoy ice cream

[@saramichaels3853]

@@snoozyq9576 No, she sucks as an interviewer. She talks. about herself, rearranges her clothing, etc. She seems haughty and judgmental.

[@AnonymousOregonian]

I commented on one of Hannah's videos years ago, saying how perfect a colab with The Financial Diet would be. Hannah replied to my comment saying how she would love to but thought she wasn't a big enough creator yet for them to be interested. I'm so glad it's finally happened!

[@molly_frances]

Love that

[@natashatrilokekar2435]

Same!!! I'm so thrilled they did this!

[@kendallstark4302]

Ask, and you shall receive 💖

[@EiLpigreco]

😍

[@kandrisa]

I’ve been waiting for years too!

[@manda_d]

The idea I remind myself about all the time is this: capitalism offers us consumption as a hollow substitute for meaning.

[@Sunshine4]

this!

[@RaniaMich]

Someone should make cross stitch pieces out of this hahahahahahaha

[@MIOLAZARUS]

Hear hear.

[@fray-adjacent]

Yes, I think this is the fundamental issue for so many of us. Many of us want to connect with people, to have purpose in our lives - meaning, as you said - but we don't have the time or energy and we can't get that authentic connection through wage labour. Consumerism is also for many of us the primary way we can exercise agency. We don't have power politically or in our workplaces, but we can decide what to buy to some extent.

[@MIOLAZARUS]

@@fray-adjacent so well put💓

[@kimberlyperrotis8962]

I remember when my ex got his third $10K bicycle, but was criticizing me for buying some new socks! It’s so true, sexism pervades the financial world, too. Throughout my marriage, I was the only one who worked, but he still griped about me buying anything new to wear. The formal clothes required for my corporate career were “unnecessary”, but not his extensive collection of expensive cycling outfits. Then, when I was in the process of divorcing him, my (male) lawyer criticized me for having a tiny wardrobe budget in my estimated expense budget, while wearing his custom-made suits and expensive Italian leather shoes! I got rid of him, too, and got a great female lawyer!

[@Redlights111]

That is crazy.

[@karenmartin9008]

Must be a generational thing, mine was the same. When he was the sole, then main breadwinner he was happy for me to manage all aspects of our budget (and I maintained a comfortable financial situation, even when our income was at the very lower end of the scale), but always criticised my very few clothing purchases for myself (never the higher quality items I scrimped and saved to purchase for him as birthday/Xmas gifts). Now I earn 4 times his salary, and our discretionary income is generous. He still occasionally makes a comment if I make a few purchases in quick succession, but I just give him the death stare, and that's the end of the conversation!😂

[@SpectrumOfChange]

Ugh, it is truly mind boggling, the double standard

[@thatonedog819]

My boyfriend criticized me for spending $40 on plants...he spends $300/ month on cigarettes.

[@italythroughmyeyes]

What a great ending! You rock! I got rid of a few myself lol!

[@drax17]

‘Shopping for beautiful things in a life ruining way’. - this hits home.

[@carriei7017]

Oh man, that twenty minute mark where Hannah talks about the lifelong work of beauty vs the instant gratification of a beauty product, I so feel that. This is a real issue creative people face!

[@lizziebkennedy7505]

I am gobsmacked - see it immediately, everywhere.

[@investingwithkat]

Me too!! Everything is sooooo beautiful! I literally tell myself “take it in- admire it, and take a picture if you want to look at it” to stop shopping

[@polymathica]

I loved that deviation from the question and was sad when she got back on track; does she fully elucidate on it somewhere else? I need to hear a conclusion because this is exactly what drives my overspending too and I’m also heading into a no-buy year.

[@rabbit2rabbit735]

I’m paraphrasing here, but there’s a spot in one of Hannah’s videos where she says “you think you’re buying a miracle in a tube, but you get home, use it, and realize it’s just mascara”. SO true!

[@MISSMADISONMEDIA]

Damn this one hits different. No one talks about SPECIFICALLY how difficult it is to not give up on your creative dreams while chasing financial stability. Thank you so much for your channel!!!

[@rosemaryarnoldYT]

I completely get what Hannah was saying. The unhappiness was from not having the creative success she wanted and shopping as a form of escapism or band aid to her longing of success and beautiful things. I don't think she is alone in drawing to that conclusion. It's common in lots of people. I think no-buy is a good way of re-examining your habits and appreciating material things without owning it. I ALSO believe that creatives are extreme undervalued and underpaid so it may be that at the time she did have reason to buy some of these things but her income was so low.

[@angelaa.9915]

Not to be dramatic, but this woman changed my life. Big love for Hannah.

[@elysemelon]

Big same

[@rose-co1xz]

Same!

[@rebeccah6775]

Same

[@kirstinkellyohlson5832]

Same

[@Chelsea-rc6yo]

Me too! Hannah’s content has been so helpful in understanding my own relationship with consumption.

[@geneveiveharper]

I absolutely agree with the idea of chucking clothes that you don't feel good in. Even pajamas. There's no sense in keeping them because if nothing else you'll end up wearing them when you are behind on laundry, and then you'll feel gross. That is my experience anyway. I never regret getting rid of stuff that I didn't feel good in.

[@mzzzzzzday]

I feel the exact same way! I either return them to the store if I still can or donate so they don't take up space.

[@kadamowicz68]

You mean the underwear, bras, and socks you keep just in case? 🙈 I feel attacked.

[@Lashlove16]

I think you should pair down as well and then replace when needed. For example I had 60 pairs of underwear. Some new some really worn out , some not so comfy . You typically wear the same ones over and over . So I got rid of them and now buy 10 pairs on sake per year and get rid of the most of the old ones . I think 15-20 pairs is sufficient and I do laundry almost every 10 days. I keep a few of the older pj’s or clothes for my “ cleaning outfits” that I usually deep clean for an hour once 1 week

[@mzzzzzzday]

@@Lashlove16 I'm the same. Every few months I get rid of pairs I dislike and get a few more. They don't cost as much as other things. Bras are another story and are an investment for me.

[@Lashlove16]

@@mzzzzzzday lol the $65 bra struggle is so real as I need a minimizer by wacoal

[@herefortheshrimp1469]

My god this collab makes so much sense!!! Hannah has honestly changed my life and kept me from falling off of an edge when it came to beauty spending. On top of that, she is beauty and poise and an extremely warm personality all rolled up into one ❤️ (also - SHE’S 37?!?!)

[@ohkay2090]

I guess the recent vacuuming content should have clued us into the older 30's 😆

[@nattiesgarden]

This makes it sound like being 37 is the end of the world. It happens sooner than you think!

[@ralphiesarch8980]

I learned that putting away clothes for years that you don't wear and finding them again is like going thrift shopping in your own closet. Since the fashion of the 00s is back, I'm re-wearing things I used to wear in high school and middle school. I'll call it time capsule closet shopping

[@fab9db]

Beautiful things are my vice too 😭 The way she's talked about being compelled by colour and beauty may sound ridiculous to some, but I relate soooo much

[@drebugsita]

Same! I was practically born that way. I'm a visual artist and have ALWAYS had a deep appreciation for the seductive power of color, texture, etc and am totally susceptible to good marketing

[@kittybelly]

Big big big factor in my ground coffee purchases 🤪

[@stefanisilva2493]

@@drebugsita This kind of people NEED to turn this passion into something profitable and chalenging. Doesn't need to be as profession but a fun side hussle. I had to start painting when I understood most of the euphoria of going to stores was seing beautiful, new color schemes.

[@rachels14]

I don't relate to this at all, but her explaining it this way helped me understand why some people are so drawn to things like that.

[@janicewhitney3260]

Yes I have related with that too.

[@beautifuledie]

I gotta agree with Chelsea and her characterization of addiction. It was a little confusing when Hannah on one hand was explaining behaviors using the language of addiction specifically but unwilling to say she was addicted. Addiction of whatever kind can be really shaming inducing, and everyone deals with it differently. I'm glad that Chelsea brought up that addiction is a spectrum and does not always present itself as an extreme manifestation of severe debt etc.

[@dw7896]

Right off the bat, I'd like to say that Hannah's 2017 behaviour was definitely (and alarmingly) addictive, no question. However, I think that there will probably always be an element of shame involved for her when it comes to the no buy year, especially since it happened in such a public way. When I listen to her describe it, it rings of that internal struggle of having an accomplishment that one is extremely proud of, but you can't celebrate it without a consistent reminder of the behaviour from which you dragged yourself. I also do think, though, that further down the line she'll be able to use the objective terms to describe it without the same shameful feelings that we can see below the surface.

[@lizziebkennedy7505]

Discomfort is part of this journey. We don’t get to reframe another’s experience because it pushes our buttons. Addiction is a long road with a lotta stopovers.

[@junejunejuniejune]

additction IS on a spectrum. If you have a behavior that causes negative effects in your life that you know deep down is bad, and do jt anyway... thats an addiction! You don't have to spend $30,000, you can be spending $300, knowing that you have no business doing so.

[@jodywinter8171]

This really spoke to me. Hannah articulated things that hadn't even occurred to me. After nearly two years of working from home almost exclusively, my own relationship with clothes and style has been up-ended. The concept of wanting something because you need to show you own beautiful things is something I will ponder for the next little while!

[@dollyrevenge98]

This is an interesting viewpoint and one I'm excited to shift away from because I realize that on the grand scheme of things, others don't care deeply about it. Thinking about home decor for example, I found myself in the past buying at least some home decor so that guests would appreciate it even though I really do not care for it.

[@birdiewolf3497]

I felt a sort of opposite reaction. Like wfh has giving me the license to express my creativity in fashion, but out in public I feel the need to tone it down. I only really "show off" around people I trust.

[@rachels14]

Working from home for 2+ years made me realize I only wear my wedding ring, makeup, and bra for other people. It's really frustrating.

[@jingjin6897]

So related to what Hannah said about the struggle of the want of creativity replaced by marketing and the relief of purchasing. I realize if I am actually intentionally create more, the itch of buying decreases.

[@figuringitout4732]

Woahhhh...I think that's been the same for me too. I'm going to keep an eye on that

[@drebugsita]

REALLY interesting and important, relatable aha moment point!!!

[@licoreen]

I did a no-shopping year when I was 26. I had returned from traveling abroad for two months and found shopping repulsive. Why spend time looking for clothes when you already have clothes? Who cares what thing people temporarily admire? It’s been almost 20 years since then, and my attitude is similar but less extreme.

[@nataliekmaguire]

I just came back from a holiday in which I lived quite comfortably in a small room with only a suitcase of clothes. Coming home to my heaving wardrobe and all my Stuff honestly made me feel uncomfortable.

[@natiplans]

I have had a similar experience returning from Turkey but then go back to old habits.

[@Coastpsych_fi99]

I feel the same after travelling. You realise how few clothes you actually need and how little it matters when you only have a limited space.

[@strawberry_punch_art]

I feel the same about clothes. I gained a bit weight and my pants started to be a bit tight after years of same size. But I dread finding new comfy ones so much, just the pain of standarized clothing. I rather be doing a habit check and start moving more, home office really did me dirty on this.

[@Christinamychas]

Love to see Hannah here! Hannah’s no buy and Aja Dang inspired my entire journey to become debt free & changing my relationship with my spending. So cool to see her on TFD!

[@MargaretQ]

Christina next 🔥

[@rocioiribe5841]

Can we get Christina on here?!! Christina's videos have helped me so much!

[@Girasoles]

OMG Christina i love your channel!! Please get her on TFD!!

[@usehername1]

What Aja Dang video do you recommend for someone who doesn't know her?

[@Jasmine-in-my-mind]

I relate so much to that feeling of being ashamed for caring about fashion and makeup. I'm in my 50's and have fought those feelings for all of my adult life. For me, it actually helped that I became an artist (musician) in my teens and continued on that career path through my 20's. It taught me to respect the importance of beauty in one's life (and in society). Unfortunately, a life in art and academia has also made it very challenging for me to manage my money! I've watched Hannah's channel from day 1 and have found it very inspiring as well as entertaining for the makeup content. :)

[@troyDM9330]

She may be one of the mosy eloquent, artistic, and pragmatic speaker's I've ever witnessed

[@micheledoblitz7798]

This is by far one of the most meaningful KZbin videos I’ve watched in a while. I was struck by Hannah’s poise and how she spoke with such care about her healing journey with impulsive spending. I’m inspired to do a no-buy year. Thank you TFD!

[@NhiTran-qz2fs]

I’ve been an avid follower of both TFD and Hannah for years. This is just a perfect collaboration!

[@JazDelilah]

I'm 29 minutes into this and all I can say is: I have ADHD + PMDD and what she's describing has defined my life. My ADHD + really bad mood disregulation from PMS/PMDD always cause these episodes for me: "my life is a mess anyway, let me at least secure my identity/wellbeing." Always convinced I'll either fix it later or that it doesn't matter anyway, it's never going to be okay, so let me at least enjoy the mental and emotional soothing those things will bring me. It's not a matter of intelligence or knowledge. I actually arrange payment plans for customers as part of my day job, I can draw up extensive excel sheets for budgeting and when all my ducks are in a row, I can really excel financially(ha.) But the second I feel I hit a dead end - either just feeling depressed from hormones or a sudden hardship or bill I do not see an immediate solution to, none of it matters anymore and all that matters is that emotional itch. I never bought things mindlessly, carelessly or for status/social credit. I would spend hours and hours hyperfocusing, doing extensive research, making things perfect and planning this improvement in either convenience (things that made my daily life easier, home goods and tech) or identity (hair, clothing, makeup, decor - not for others but to make everything feel EXACTLY like I want it to.) It wasn't a matter of acquiring material goods to /have/ more and more, to hoard, I would actually declutter in favor of better and more effective things. But when I found that thing I wanted and it was just right, I would OBSESS over it. It would be everything I cared about and feel like the most urgent, important thing in the world. It was a matter of control and psychological discomfort. Losing perspective due to emotional disregulation or practical issues. Only seeing the problem and not the solution, and therefore abandoning everything entirely and fixing your feelings. Not being able to control your circumstances, instead choosing to control your appearance or house. When my budget plan worked out for the month without any issues, I would never even consider buying those things unless I was in a really really depressed state. I wouldn't even think about it. I would save up and enjoy having a buffer and savings goals. But when I feel bad like that, I'll actively examine what's missing in my life and what I need to buy. I learned two things. 1. The moment I start feeling those feelings, like I'm hitting a dead end or I don't see a solution, I need to REACH OUT. Ask a loved one, ask a professional, tell them: I'm hitting this dead end, I can't pay this bill/make this unexpected purchase/I feel awful. Actively create space to seek a solution other than the spending. Invite people to give the perspective I'm lacking myself. And the other thing (2) is that the feeling of urgency goes away. When I write down what I wanted to buy so badly, and give it a nice little place in my notebook and make a very solid decision to STOP looking at the online store, not do this right now, go cook dinner like I actually need to - the feeling will pass and I can forget about the thing for ages. It will come up again when needed, in a better headspace, and I'll make a much better decision then. Directing away from the ACT of researching the item or browsing the store and towards a different activity like household chores, rather than directing away from the potential purchase, works so well for me. Suddenly my mind has a good perspective again: I can cook this dinner and eat and I'll be nourished and do the dishes and feed the cat and go to bed. No more dead end. This became way longer than I intended and there's a huge chance no one will read it, but if even one person feels better reading it that'd be worth it 🙃

[@thekingwhostitches]

Thank you for sharing ❤ you’re very brave and I appreciate your efforts in tackling this in your life.

[@sarabastress6433]

Thank you so much for sharing this ❤

[@usehername1]

The notebook trick is great! Giving the idea or object a place to live instead of in your head is so helpful.

[@eclairtreo]

It was a valuable post. Thank you so much.

[@AlyssaHarrisMusic]

I relate to this 1000%

[@shelleynichols9626]

Dame Hannah Louise Poston! THE most thoughtful content in the beauty sphere. So happy to see her getting this kind of exposure. Well done, Chelsea and team!!

[@ghostlyMostly1]

Oh my gosh, I collab I did not expect but one that makes perfect sense. I love Hannah's ability to articulate her feelings around beauty, money, stuff, self worth, and all the intersections. Her content really helped me moderate my spending and take a hard look at whether or not I use what I buy.

[@tabatha82]

OMG HANNAH!!!!! I’ve been following her right from the end of her initial no-buy year and her channel has helped me a ton to figure out how to handle my own relationship with makeup/beautiful things, I’m sooo happy to see her sharing her experience with other creators 💚💚

[@AlexielRaziel]

saaaame!

[@nataliekmaguire]

This was SUCH an incredible interview, I could have easily listened to another hour of it. I was interested in Hannah's experiences in her no-buy year (for the first time in my life, I'm considering doing something similar for myself), but the discussions around buying beautiful things as shorthand for creative expression, plus the relationships between creative communities and money, were so spookily relevant to me, I would have been happy for the entire interview to be about that. I would love to listen to another interview with Hannah, or even her own segment on the show!

[@BookishScribe]

6 minutes in an Hannah already may be one of the most interesting people ever!

[@shakalakazam]

The way Hannah describes needing those clothes around the 27:30 mark perfectly articulates the struggle I have. It is so comforting to know that a) I am not crazy and b) not the only one who has felt like this about something (literally) so superficial when I don’t consider myself to be a superficial person.

[@Gnv-q2m]

Clicked on TFD because I’m subscribed to HLP. I love her content and have followed her since her No Buy Year. Her grace, intelligence, wit and beauty and honest exploration of her journey continues to be a thoughtful and engaging process.

[@Sunshine4]

Really interested if she considered that having a partner can make it easier to do a long term buy year. If you are solo, you must do everything for and by yourself (of course you have family and friends, but as you get older they are less available because of marriage, kids, higher career positions). I always find that I overspend when I feel empty inside, I tell myself, " well you are the only person who can make this happen why not?!" I find that I spend less when I feel loved and honestly, getting regular intimacy. Thanks for this talk!

[@ifetayodavidson-cade5613]

The role of emotions in spending wisely (or not) is huge for many people. It helps to create a list of budget-friendly ways you can get your emotional needs met. For me, exercise with some high intensity bursts or weight lifting or yoga helps with the dopamine hit and focus. Also creative pursuits & hobbies help. It’s hard when you are feeling low and it’s too early or late for a walk or a phone call especially since online shopping is available 24/7.

[@Gnv-q2m]

HLP had her community along with her on the journey. I encourage you to watch the playlist on her No Buy year

[@Sunshine4]

@@Gnv-q2m thanks for the reference!

[@Sunshine4]

@@ifetayodavidson-cade5613 thanks for the tips.

[@egyptianqueen4007]

I agree with you. I do think saving money is easier when you have a partner because you're splitting the bills. I've noticed a lot of couples don't mention that. As a single person it is much harder but not impossible. You just have to really discipline yourself.

[@trulyAmatulHaqq]

this is EXACTLY the collab i've been hoping for!!

[@Robin-no8cu]

HLP has one of my regular channels and her “no buy” videos have helped me immensely. Kudos for connecting with her.

[@jackyyrag]

I'm halfway through my No Buy year and thinking about extending it to two years. This year i focused on just clothes, but i realized I spend a lot on home decor i don't use lol, so want to focus on both clothes and home stuff for the second year. Looking forward to learning about her experience!

[@LLLLLP0]

your comment is so inspiring, I really want to get into no buy

[@jackyyrag]

@@LLLLLP0 you should try it! After watching this video, i went over to Hannah's channel. She has some videos on No Buy 2022 advice and guidelines, that might help you get started. I've done No Buy Months, and even for 6 months. This is my first time doing a year and i think doing the smaller time frames first helped prepare me for this

[@jackyyrag]

@@LLLLLP0 also, one of my friends switches categories every month. So one month, she does No Buy just for makeup, the next for clothes, etc. That might be more manageable to get started as well

[@LLLLLP0]

@@jackyyrag girl you're an angel thank you so so much I appreciate you taking the time to guide me through this!! ♥️ I will educate myself tonight and start!!♥️♥️ Thank you so much!!!

[@rachellopez8357]

Hannah, this is why we love you! Your honesty and vulnerability makes us feel so much less alone. Love you so much 💗

[@elenaadler4633]

Probably one of the most healing conversations at TFD. Thank you, TFD team and Hannah!! Just subscribed to Hannah's channel.

[@vmpapillon8984]

This popped up randomly when I searched for videos on no buys. Have to say this incredibly well articulated. I admire the guest for how self-aware she is and able to explain this so well.

[@hc6157]

Would love to see you guys talking again! You guys have such good chemistry and it really made for great nuance in your discussion here!

[@mermeow]

Hannah sums up my spending problems purrfectly. I, too, search out & buy beautiful, artistic items. I have strived to surround myself with beauty since I was a child, but it only became a problem once I was an adult & earning a paycheck that I would spend immediately. I'd make sure to pay my bills, but would spend the rest on stuff I didn't need, but desperately wanted. Ugh. Need to stop. I've managed to do No-Buy Months, but have not done a year.

[@AyH25]

You should have her back on to discuss the other stuff! This was a super great and relatable conversation

[@kristendiaz3113]

I’ve been watching Hannah for years, I think she had maybe 2,000 subs when I found her. She is a lovely person and I love falling asleep to her voice at night with a playlist almost like ASMR. I valued her lessons, but if I’m being honest have not implemented them fully. Hearing this specific interview when she started to talk about how unhappy she truly was before her no-buy year…TRULY hit me this time. I can relate with this at the current moment and really need to change my habits. My serotonin and dopamine receptors I’m sure are completely out of wack. Thank you Hannah and Chelsea for this interview. The journey to true “happiness” starts today.

[@mar_jahan]

Hannah's content was life changing for me at the tail end of 2019 and my journey to becoming debt free and happy with what I own. Her grace and vulnerability gave me chills once again!

[@PokhrajRoy.]

As someone who’s part of a cultural ecosystem which creates repeated demand, this video is manna from heaven.

[@JuliaTaylorSoprano]

I can really tell this is LA talking to NYC. 🤣 Great episode! I really enjoyed it as an artist who struggles in times of anxiety or depression with compulsive shopping

[@naahhhhHHHHHHHHHH]

Haha that’s a great way to put it. I definitely noticed too.

[@eclairtreo]

Yes, I noticed it as well. Such different perspectives yes so much in common.

[@evaperson3976]

How refreshing to hear a deep and insightful conversation that doesn't denigrate women's relationship between the pursuit of femininity, happiness, and financial security. The realistic time frame to attain self awareness about your relationship to consumerism, was a very gentle approach within the dramatic decision to stop cold turkey, which allowed you to keep on your path. Great talk.

[@junebug052003]

Hannah was such a unique speaker. It's a breath of fresh air to hear an artists story. I hear her passion when she speaks and I can connect with that.

[@MidnightPavilion94]

Chelsea you did a great job of being patient and re-steering the conversation multiple times. As a fellow artist sometimes the lack of direct communication doesn’t allow people to take our experiences/knowledge seriously so kudos!!

[@elysemelon]

My worlds are colliding. Thank you so much for this video from my two favorites! TFD and HLP have been INTEGRAL to me cleaning up my financial life. I seriously owe you two ladies so much. ❤️❤️❤️

[@jackiewomble5969]

loved this one - probably one of my favorite episodes. I'd followed Hannah previously, but so many topics discussed. Really hope you have her back for more

[@LJernegan]

It is so beautiful to see two articulate women discussing such important topics. I watched HLP’s whole no buy year. It was very inspiring. I grew up in a family that had investments, but looked less wealthy on the outside. We drove old cars and didn’t upgrade the house. I always had everything I needed and a lot of what I wanted, but saving was a priority. Now as an adult, I try to be the same. I do collect a few things, but we try to live our values. We put money into education and having fun. Living in a giant house is not a desire. So I have never tried to look more wealthy than I am, but I do like to look nice.

[@Nickysmom]

Overspending is the way I lived my life but I always made a lot of money and never faced up to it. Always managed to dig myself out. Now I tell myself just because I LIKE it doesn’t mean I should buy it. I talk myself out of things most of the time, though not full proof. Your story inspires me to set more stringent and ambitious goals. Thank you

[@AliMakesEverything]

The interview of my dreams is here! 😍 I've watched basically every video Hannah's ever made yet this still felt so enlightening. Between Chelsea's amazing questions and Hannah's indefatigable thoughtfulness, I could listen to ten more hours of this. Thank you for making this interview happen!

[@natashatrilokekar2435]

The way I've been gunning for this collab!

[@evashea3842]

Love everything about this conversation, could listen to Hannah & Chelsea for hours! Please have Hannah back for more!

[@clickypens]

Favorite collab ever. Hannah has such balance and never negativity. She's on my must watch list every time she posts, even if I'm not completely into the video topic of which she has many!

[@LucyStokesOceansofNotions]

I luckily discovered Hannah during her no buy year. What a collab!

[@em97c]

The speech at 19:40 really hammered home to me that I am a fundamentally uncreative person because never in my life have I looked at clothes or makeup through such an impassioned lens. No judgement, it's just that if there's a scale for caring about this stuff I am at the opposite end 😭

[@ashleycnossen3157]

She just perfectly explained why I've started having a spending problem. I couldn't put the words to it. Now I feel that I can sort out. Thank you for sharing.

[@monomer97]

So happy to see Hannah on TFD!! Even though I've never had a problem with overspending, I find her perspective on shopping and beautiful things so interesting.

[@courtneyshannon2621]

The part around 15:00 where you say that financial disfunction is normalized in the creative community.. that's also true in other sectors, like the non-profit sector. Environmental chemistry is one too because most of those jobs pay so little.

[@cottonbook9229]

Could have listened to another hour, for real! You can just feel it when it's one of those conversations where every new thought sparks a thousand other great conversation topics and you could go on conversing for ever. Such a good feeling!

[@minniemeowmix2934]

Wow, this is my most favorite episode of TFD of all time. Thank You!

[@dianev6180]

I loved this conversation. I am 66YO creative who learned to sew and started working at 15 to support my clothes addiction. To this day it is hard to stop. They do know how to get into our heads or is it we cannot get out of our heads? I think 2023 will be my no buy year. Thank you for the inspiration!

[@deniseb7370]

This made my day! I have watched & rewatched Hannah’s no-spend year on her YT channel, and it is so powerful! I need to go back and watch again. Thank you so much for today’s video! ❤️

[@tessa6307]

I’d be interested to see an interview about finances and neurodiversity. My compulsive spending gets triggered similar to my sugar cravings. A lot of it probably stems from my ADHD brain looking for some dopamine.

[@itzysmiles]

I loved EVERYTHING about this episode. Please bring her back and/or have more videos about overspending and shopping addiction! It’s my #1 vice and I found this so profoundly insightful - I’m dying for more.

[@Skinslads]

Hannah's whole KZbin channel is basically about that, and she has made a whole series on her no-buy year a few years ago. I'm sure you would thoroughly enjoy a lot of her videos! :)

[@sarahbannon4752]

The segment on serotonin vs dopamine was eye-opening, and will probably cull my sugar addiction, and wanting to buy clothing, stone dead.

[@pamwishbow8826]

Absolutely perfect collab! Hannah's channel helped me remember how I enjoy and would like to spend my money on beautiful things and why I do it.

[@TimeQuxxn]

NOOOOOO WAY!!!!! What a great collab!!!! Love Hannah's advice as a previous compulsive spender

[@AmeliaDesign]

Oh my gosh this came at the perfect moment for me. Was feeling a lot of shame about settlement money I spent on food take out and Ubers. A friend brought it up and I went right back to that time of spending because I had “cushion” and then poof $75K was gone in 5 years. The guilt is overwhelming sometimes and that was 5 years ago. Just racked up credit card debt again this year. It’s all going towards takeout. I spent an average of $50 a day last month on takeout food. I’m powerless and need to get back into Debtor’s Anonymous and listen to your KZbin videos. I also understand the beautiful things. The lie of, if I buy that one decor item or one dress, I’ll feel happy. It’s a dark cycle. Thank you for the encouragement and admitting how hard it is to take a look at our money sometimes.

[@MMEarlene]

I knew for so long that i shop when im sad, now im feel lonely that it makes me sad, but when i declutter i was in shock with all the stuff that i have n never use in my life, all the money that i have thrown in my life. Im going to no buy year on 2024. Thank you for helping me be a better person

[@neonbuildings]

Loved this interview! As a creative person who's put many of her creative endeavors on the back burner in order to establish an environmental career, it's incredibly frustrating when you meet other artists who shame you for being responsible. I shouldn't be made to feel guilty for having what I have now because it is absolutely a sacrifice to make more responsible fiscal decisions. My creative peers chose their own paths and there are often lifestyle sacrifices that come with it. On the other hand, they also tend to have more freedom to do what they want and less pressure to make sound, "adult" decisions... I moved out of my old housemate situation to move into a nice duplex with my boyfriend. One of my ex housemates was very bitter that my boyfriend and I were moving towards establishing a life together because he was forced to move back in with his parents (with fiancé in tow) due to skyrocketing cost of living in our city... My boyfriend and I were saving all year to move out together while he was frivolously blowing their money away and couldn't pay bills on time half the year. Many artists "don't care about money" until they're faced with the harsh reality of what their irresponsibility has led them to. That said, I feel that I'm in a place where I can dedicate more time towards my creative projects now that I'm living in a place of peace and calm. Life undulates and I'm here for the ride.

[@jalahscomfycouch]

I can relate to the spending on expensive, beautiful items being tethered to one's identity. I feel like I am constantly running from how I used to look and be (dressing plain and being shy and unconfident) to who I am now (a little more confident), that I end up spending myself into a hole to be "that girl" and look on the outside as how I feel about myself on the inside. This isn't necessarily always a bad thing...but constantly spending outside my means (which I do a lot) can get me into more trouble than it is worth. Thank y'all for this interview, very enlightening!🙏🏾

[@dianaoprea2124]

This episode literally changed my life. Thank you! ❤

[@cynthiasuzanne]

Appreciating how the organic nature of the conversation revealed so much psychology around money, image, and shame/embarrassment that can underlie or fuel the overspending process. Thank you -

[@mojo.jojo721]

😱😱😱 So excited to see Hannah and TFD collaborate! Such a perfect match! Been watching you both for years!! 💜💜💜💜

[@Kbydfrsghusy]

The tango community in my city attracts some of the wealthiest people ever. Mostly doctors and engineers who spend hundreds on shoes and clothes. Tango is a very complicated bed hard to learn dance, it requires years of training to be halfway decent. Private classes are extremely expensive.

[@stephanie2927]

This is my favorite talk/interview on any channel, I love hearing other peoples shopping and consumerism dilemmas and how they overcame it. We all live in this society and dealing with constant ads, shopping malls, products, amazon, etc. Everything, almost everything, is based around shopping. Entire cities dedicated to spending money on more things. This is why I love walking the Oregon coast or just getting outside, there's no pressure or urges to buy more crap. For me, it's about the transformation aspect of the purchase. I'm looking to transform in a better version of me which has led me to some questionable spending habits that I'm now trying to break. Love your guest! Renting the hacking of the American mind book from my library!

[@patriciamarouvo]

Always a joy to listen to Hannah talk about beauty in such a thoughtful and down to earth way!

[@04beni04]

One of the things I love about this series is listening and enjoying a conversation even if you don't have much in common with a guest. Sometimes you find you do have something in common after all. (For me? Yes, I struggle with the compulsion to buy something just because it's on sale. I still do buy on sale, but I wait it out and make sure it's something I truly want.)

[@anjeesorge]

Whoa! I’ve been watching both of your channels for YEARS. How great to see you both together!

[@iint0xiicat3dL0v3]

this conversation breaks things down in such a healthy way. i appreciate the way you all don’t frame this as a guilt driven thing

[@mariegagnon7409]

Merci!

[@JimmieHammel]

I never thought about how the things I feel I NEED to spend money on are tied into my identity. I find it easy to purge clothes, makeup, and jewelry, but it hurts me physically to get rid of pens, notebooks, and post it notes. And the last item I felt strongly compelled to buy even though I'm supposed to be on a spending diet while I save for a house, was a leather messenger bag. It all comes back to my identity as a creative writer.

[@ZijnShayatanica]

Very much relatable! I also have difficulty resisting the temptation to buy more notebooks, pens, & whatnot. I also have writing as a core part of who I am... I really appreciate her making that distinction!

[@abiola33]

Totally hear you on that! I am a freelance writer/journalist separate from my digital day job, I love nice clothes, good skin care items and buy nice things for myself, but I have never felt a way about donating clothes, shoes, other household bits etc when I am doing a flat clean out. Books I’ve had for years, I cannot bear to part with AT ALL. Notebooks, some old university reading bits, books I haven’t read in a while, I just can’t do it. Only once have I ever thrown out some old creative writing stuff from uni, yet with other old goods I don’t feel that strongly.

[@eclairtreo]

@@abiola33 Yes, my old university notes, my books, you will have to pry out of my cold dead hands. Shoes mostly difficult too. They are like my children.

[@abiola33]

@@eclairtreo I totally hear you!

[@Souls-at-zer0]

See I love clothing cuz my favorite thing is fashion! I don’t need 100 items of clothing it’s just I need the RIGHT clothing, and I don’t have the right clothing and that’s why I feel the need to reach for clothing … I have one pat of pants and 2 skirts that’s if for bottoms I like to wear … they rest are weird old workout bottoms and I hate wearing things like that … I like to wear dresses and skirts and my corsets ect not old work out attire … I’m trying to get my closet to the state of where I have everything I need, I have pants I have long sleeves I have socks ok. We are done , then I feel I won’t reach so much 😂

[@clairewillow6475]

This was so interesting! The talk at the end about the fleeting joy of a dopamine hit vs the more sustainable contentment of serotonin was really cool.. here I am with a shopping problem and admitting that I’m kind of “unhappy” so to speak, has been hard for me too

[@jordana145]

@Chelsea ㊉①②①⑨④②④②⑧⑨⑦ Would love to hear stories from women who realized they had ADHD in their Late 20s/30s and have transformed their Financial Life after diagnosis and medication.

[@abetterlivedlife]

I did a No Buy year before the pandemic. It really does rewire your brain and change your relationship with spending. Highly recommend to everyone!

[@tofuleader23]

as someone currently going through their own version of a no/low-buy lifestyle change, this was immensely helpful and made me feel like i wasn't alone in this type of struggle. i've been going through a clothing no-buy for 3 months at a time because incremental change is less daunting to me than cold turkey. after half a year i have already felt my brain change the way i view sales and marketing tactics, and ive had to reevaluate what i truly want to spend my hard earned money on. thank you for having this eye opening conversation and i will definitely check out hannah's content. thank you for this!

[@mollyharms8193]

Omg I haven’t even watch the video here yet but I am just so excited to see Hannah being recognized! I’ve been following her ever since her no buy year and her videos really helped me to use what I own and stop buying excessively

[@aleshchins]

THIS IS A COLLAB I DIDN’T KNOW I NEEDED. EXCITED AF!

[@cayleejane7642]

OMG I have been watching Hannah for years now! SO HAPPY YOU HAD HER ON THE SHOW ✨✨✨ she’s an absolute gem and one of my favs!

[@EllenRCox]

Just discovered this after following Hannah Louise for months now. I love how articulate she is about her journey and her motivations and loved understanding more of her backstory. I was shook when she said she was 37 (I expect now 38)😮. I thought she was *much* younger than me (craggy old 42 😅)

[@Jess_Smith0903]

I am LIVING for this interview! I absolutely adore Hannah and admire her so much! So watching her being interviewed by Chelsea was just thrilling!

[@loissage3630]

This was so good I have followed Hannah since her no buy year. I am thrilled to see her on TFD, and thrilled that her subscriptions are growing.

[@wplants9793]

Hannah helped me stop online shopping - which for me consisted of filling up carts of used toys for my kids on eBay and scrolling and hearting things on Mercari for a couple of hours after my kids went to bed. I rarely bought anything, just addicted to the scroll. I couldn’t stop until I went through all 7 pages of results for “bitty baby valentines outfit” even though I only 10% liable to actually buy something. When I felt the need to scroll I made myself clean up my daughters baby doll area…just take care of what we have first and appreciate it.

[@lisaa6099]

I like these 2 women, they are on the ball and seem genuine

[@soleilmartine]

Love this collab! Hannah says everything I have felt about my past overspending and the reasons why. So thoughtful, articulate, and calming to listen to.

[@margauxbride1908]

My god, Hannah is just so brave to be so vulnerable online, this is an amazing interview. What a life changing talk! Thank you

[@alisalaska1786]

When you grow up without a lot and finally make some money, it is so easy to go crazy with it. I did the same thing. I have enough makeup for a lifetime. The pandemic marrying my fiscally conservative husband made me change my ways. It is hard to get out of when you’re in it. Same goes for food. Even my perspective on what is a lot of money has changed drastically. Good episode!

[@cynthiahoz3948]

The rawness of this conversation is so touching. Thank you Chelsea and HLP❤️

[@josefina9141]

It's the first time I see one of your videos. You seem like such a good host. Validating everything she says, saying things to make her feel comfortable the whole time, very sweet of you