How To Be Content with Less | 5 Tips To End The Cycle Of Spending | Simple Living

[@marywatkins6798]

Use it up, wear it out, make do, or do without.

[@dorismahoney1440]

I have that on.my wall. Ww2 quote

[@marywatkins6798]

@@dorismahoney1440 probably even from 1930s, Great Depression.

[@zeldawilliams4129]

56 years old. Still have a summer pajama pants my brother gave me as a present when i was 20 years old. Also still have a hairbrush that I received as a gift at age 18. Brush still works. Pants still fits after having 2 babies. The elastic on the pants stretched over the years, and I had it replaced only once. Hang on to things. It saves tons.

[@aquaintlife]

@@zeldawilliams4129 love it!! That’s amazing 😊

[@Ana-Conda]

Totally agree I have a dressing gown my mum and dad bought me when I was in my thirties I’m 67 years now mended the pocket and hanging hook still going strong won’t be buying another

[@mads8835]

I like how you mentioned using things until they no longer work. I'm 23 years old so i'm right at the target age for a lot of advertisements. This past week i finally wore out my converse to the point where they were falling apart. I replaced them with a new pair of shoes and happy to find that i feel excited with the new purchase instead of guilty. You are right about the good feelings that you get by being responsible and using an item until the end of its life.

[@aquaintlife]

@@mads8835exactly! Thats so great! 😊

[@autumnlover760]

Sadly, many things are not made to last. The quality is poor. And the expertise to repair appliances, vehicles etc has diminished. Materials have become very expensive. One must use their initiative. A bread maker can be your best friend. We find taking the dough out and finishing it with buns or bread in an oven, is a game changer. Just my little tip ❤

[@loriholland6431]

Loved this video, Roxanna! About five years ago, I took control of my spending, and in doing this, I was able to pay off my mortgage 9 years early! When I do shop for things that are not needed, my rule is that I have to absolutely LOVE it before I will buy it, and 9 times out of 10, I usually don't buy it! I do practice some of these tips, and they work! Thanks for a great video, and have a great rest of your weekend!

[@aquaintlife]

@@loriholland6431 that’s amazing on your mortgage! I hope to be able to do that as well. What a great feeling. Having to love it is a great rule to have. Have a great weekend too ❤️

[@loriholland6431]

@@aquaintlife Thank you, Roxanna, it is a great feeling!! You can do it too!

[@aquaintlife]

@@loriholland6431 🙌🙌

[@susanvelez6534]

I still have my yellow brown mixer I purchased when I was 18 beam and still works that’s my baby lol 🧡🙋🏻‍♀️👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼❤️❤️

[@olive1524]

So are you saying I shouldn’t go to Hobby Lobby tomorrow and check out their Fall decor?😂 Jk Great tips in todays video 👍🏼

[@aquaintlife]

@@olive1524 lol!! That place is dangerous

[@maureenhalas2485]

@@aquaintlife it sure is!!

[@princessdumbarton9877]

Go to a thrift store or just gather some colorful leaves and put them in a jar. Real leaves are the best decorations and they are biodegradable and free.

[@DennyBump]

This has been my motto my whole life "use it up wear it out make it do or do without.:

[@gwenj5419]

If I just want something different (especially with clothing) I buy at the thrift store. I get "new' things while spending very little. This also works out well for trying out new small appliances. I wanted to try making ice cream and bought an electric maker at thrift for $5. Used it 3 times and decided it wasn't for me. I could have spent $60 or more if I'd bought one new.

[@cristelelizabethjohn1661]

Brilliant idea!

[@aquaintlife]

@@gwenj5419 love it ❤️

[@kenyonbissett3512]

Thinking and planning of how you will replace an item is the shift to thrift. When you have a protocol to follow, you are less likely to panic or just buy new. I worked as an RN. We had fire protocols to follow as an RN first responder, it’s called RACE. There was a fire and I immediately switched from run to the exit to RACE. I have a plan if I want to buy new, used or borrow an item to get it for the lowest price. For me it’s as important as budgeting, to have plans and backup plans for my plans.

[@MichelleL22]

Oh my what timing! I was just this morning, looking at a new shiny and gorgeous electric tea kettle… and then asked myself um, how about the one I have in the cabinet? It works perfectly fine, not pretty but 100% functional! So I removed myself from the computer… I spent today puttering through the rooms and decluttering (it amazes me how I don’t have any clutter around but still can declutter things) and was asking myself why did I buy this? I have decluttered my you tubers as well bc I am finding so many have either become billboards that are selling so many things per video while telling you to be a minimalist, or don’t mention they have housekeepers, gardeners and tutors running their homes while showing you videos of them doing those things in small amounts. I’m fine it’s that’s their choice, but don’t admit it in buried videos (or books) and try to sell the opposite later. Thank you for staying authentic! I’m at a place now that I want quiet and peace and lightly living. Thanks!! ❤

[@aquaintlife]

@@MichelleL22 I have been exactly there with my purchases! Asking myself the very same question. And the tea kettle is especially funny because that’s one of the items I want to replace every time I see someone’s really pretty one. Decluttering does feel very nice and something I am working on as well. Enjoy your declutterred spaces. Thank you so much for watching! Ps. The perfect Instagram accounts make me feel that way 🤨.

[@MrsEyerick]

THIS right here 👏🏽!!

[@yap4808]

I always think-if we would get rid of our parents the day they get older and "ugly"? I dont think so, so why do it with things we love, use and do their job perfectly

[@aquaintlife]

@@yap4808 right! Exactly. Thank you for watching!

[@mossyoakmom8880]

What a weird comment, “ugly”?

[@morp3022]

Hi Roxanna, Thank You for sharing this very inspiring video, along with some practical tips as well. I like the quote from Joshua Becker that you shared at the end, along with snippets from some of your past videos, that show what some of life's joys really consist of, for many of us... spending time with love ones, laughter, creating, being Grateful, etc. ❤ Thank You again Sweetheart. Lord willing, until next time.🙏🏾 Love In Christ, Paula

[@caramelrose819]

Love your channel content. I have a Sunbeam Vertical Grill that I bought at the Woodward’s Department close out sale over 25 years ago and It still works great. I have a electric Mellita Coffee grinder from the early 80’s that still works fine. These items do look slightly worn out but I think that just adds to their vintage charm.

[@aquaintlife]

Hello! Thank you so much! On the grill and coffee grinder, I love the vintage charm :). Doesn't it make you feel good to actually get the use out of an item?

[@rebecca-72]

Just discovered your channel, I enjoyed your calming yet decisive energy! I’ve recently moved continents… most of my “stuff” is still on a ship and it’s interesting to discover what I really miss and what I’m finding it’s easy to live without. And that, I CAN live without the things.

[@aquaintlife]

@@rebecca-72 hi Rebecca welcome! Wow, what an exciting move! And such a challenge at the same time. I am sure it’s also making you find your way around your new city quicker too. Good luck in your new adventure and thank you so much for watching 😊

[@mmp495]

I love clean, open, organized spaces. My mind has a hard time with clutter and over abundance. I only have minimal things that I need, are sentimental to me or that I enjoy. ❤❤❤

[@aquaintlife]

@@mmp495 I am starting to be that way myself. All this stuff piled up is overwhelming to look at. I love your rule for keeping things ❤️

[@JezreelAmanda]

The problem with using stuff until it doesn’t work anymore is that things are designed so poorly and with such low quality that they don’t last long at all. It irritates me so much. Fast fashion too. Even clothes don’t last. I do try to thrift older items but it’s not always possible, unfortunately.

[@aquaintlife]

Yes its true. Theres alot of junk for sale anymore. Especially online.

[@princessdumbarton9877]

As soon as an ad comes on I quickly hit the mute button, look away, and click "skip." It's unbelievable how annoying and loud ads have become, it's a continual assault. Some ads might as well be classes, they go on for half an hour. It's a nightmare, there is no escape even in your own home.

[@aquaintlife]

Agreed!! Those long ones, are the worst!

[@jennifercsmith8167]

So glad to see your channel in my feed. Your last tip to ask yourself,” is this a want or a need,?” has served me well my whole life. I am 55 years old and remember this same advice from my daddy when I was little. Of course I got treats on my birthday and Christmas, but otherwise he always assured me of the promise that he would make sure to provide all I needed, but want was something totally different. Learning contentment was one of the best lessons he ever made sure I learned. Love your content! Thanks so much for sharing these tips 🥰

[@aquaintlife]

@@jennifercsmith8167 oh I love that ❤️. Thank you for watching and for sharing 😊

[@gwenj5419]

My grocery store now has ads glued to the floor.

[@aquaintlife]

@@gwenj5419 wow. And your already shopping lol

[@TheKatelinn]

We had to buy new electric kettles every few years, because they stopped working. Some years ago I decided Im just going to use an old fashioned stove top kettle. My dad had two, and didn't use eitherso he gave me one. I have been using this kettle daily for about 5-6 years. Hoping it will hold up many more years. ❤

[@dorismahoney1440]

Do the electric use less hydro?

[@wondering_stars_in_oz8462]

I did the same thing for the same reason. The electric ones barely made it through a year of use. I think it's to do with planned obscelesence (sorry spelling). I've had my stove tope kettle for years now too

[@cristelelizabethjohn1661]

⁠@@wondering_stars_in_oz8462in Germany where im currently living they nought out a new law that requires manufacturers of electrical appliances to be ‘repairable’.

[@JezreelAmanda]

Yes! I have just had to replace my 5th electric kettle in 8 years and I am determined to buy a nice stove top one next bc this is absolutely ridiculous

[@danas3148]

Old timers used things until they broke and then they fixed them.

[@cbrashsorensen]

The need to consume is also an expression of our feelings of self-worth. As women we are raised in a society that treasures us as "objects of desire" and we pass that on to our children--oh our hair must be colored or we are NOT as pretty as that blond; oh, I must have my nails done or I won't look as good as my friend Susie and on-and-on-and-on. Not only must women lead the charge to see ourselves as whole and valuable the way we ARE we must teach our daughters to value their brains, their skills, their friendly and open personalities. Just sayin' that getting a budget is only PART of becoming a whole and authentic person.

[@aquaintlife]

Yes, it seems as though everything is so outward based. Its unfortunate and I agree about teaching our daughters. It is so important. Thank you for your comment and for watching :)

[@daisyrowaro44]

Loved this video ! Thank you so much ! I have tried to practice some of these and really appreciate hearing them from you.

[@aquaintlife]

@@daisyrowaro44 I am so glad you did! I find these help me so much and I have to keep reminding myself of them. Thank you for watching 😊

[@ingenuity296]

I'm aware that sellers want me to open my wallet and hand them my cash or click "buy" online.

[@charmainescarborough5646]

Very well said! I really enjoyed this video for many reasons:) We do have a lot of things coming to us to buy now mentality and it can become a obsession for people as it gives you temporary pleasure that does not last. I left the corporate world and I am a full time housewife and I have enjoyed it immensely! Life is not as stressed and I enjoy taking care of our home and my husband and gardening and cooking and baking. We have a 2005 car and it's still going and it's 2024! God is good:) Taking time to be in your thoughts and having peace and calm is what is needed for good mental as well as physical health. I do believe in budgeting and sometimes we do treat ourselves with something we want and life is about balance. Thank you for the practical tips on living with less and with what you have and can afford and a more simpler life to enjoy! Fantastic video!!!!

[@aquaintlife]

I love it! Your life sounds absolutely peaceful and lovely. I enjoy those things so much myself and I have to tell you on the car, doesn't it feel good?? I could not believe how good I felt when I traded my leased car in a few years ago and bought something I could pay off quickly. I feel like I beat the system LOL. Thank you for watching ❤️

[@charmainescarborough5646]

@@aquaintlife Thanks so much:) It really is a more abundant life for me. Much slower and less stressful. Life can be a beautiful thing to enjoy when you have balance and can appreciate your blessings and make others life a little brighter too! It does really feel satisfying to have a car that long and own it and I am happy for you that you were able to get the car you needed and what a blessing! Your most welcome:) Have a nice day!😀

[@suemar63]

I'm in my 60's, so I grew up with the mindset of using things until they fall apart. Problem is, as I replace things , the quality is so poor, that no matter how "highly rated" it is, I am disappointed with it. Example--my electric hand mixer--that I received when I moved out in 1981, finally died. The replacement (expensive, top-rated) is just garbage in comparison. I guess that makes it EASY to not shop because I know it won't make me happy.....just sad for all we've lost in quality.....

[@aquaintlife]

@@suemar63 yes very true!

[@veronicaallen1208]

A tip from my savvy 30-year old niece on clothes shopping: Take time to consider how many times do you plan to wear it and calculate the cost of each wear. A thrift store blouse at $3 worn only once (for whatever reason) may actually cost more than a higher priced new blouse that you will wear every week for months to come, and love wearing it. This principle helped me curb my career closet. Of course, when shopping retail, still look for best bargains.

[@MoneyMindsetCoach3]

Love the story of your old, ugly toaster oven! At thecend of my videos i say use it up, wear it out, make it do or do without😊 love your channel 👍🏻

[@aquaintlife]

It worked dang it LOL! Thank you so much! Great advice :)

[@roselynbalce1319]

Roxanne, I have the same toaster story with my older brother hahaha! He offered to get me a new one but I said no thanks Eventually I replaced it with a $5 toaster from the thrift store.

[@aquaintlife]

LOL!! He offered to buy you a new one, too funny.😅 And way to replace it too. 5 bucks. Love it!

[@maureenhalas2485]

Great tips Roxanna!! ❤

[@sharenp3839]

I’m not sure why sometimes my comments get deleted, but it just happened again ugh

[@aquaintlife]

@@sharenp3839 really?? Oh my. I am sorry about that! I am not sure what happened. I’ll try to see if there’s anything going on in the backend.

[@sharenp3839]

@@aquaintlife this is probably the third time that it’s happened since I’ve been watching you and I don’t know why it’ll say no comments. I write my comment. I wait for it to load and it usually takes a minute and then it loads sometimes it disappears.

[@aquaintlife]

@@sharenp3839 that’s so weird. I am not sure why that could have happened. I guess maybe just a glitch.

[@HH-zb5ul]

Thanks for sharing this nice video 🥰

[@Kay-ph1kb]

Thank you - I took so much from the information in this video and I intend to use it to help me spend more mindfully, lead a simpler life and reduce financial stress.

[@rebekahfranks4205]

Great video and thank you for sharing

[@Denise-z2u]

Loved this. I enjoy Joshua Becker’s videos also. New subscriber.

[@aquaintlife]

Hi Denise! Welcome!! I am so glad you found my channel. And yes, agreed, his videos are super helpful. Thank you for being here :)

[@The.Journey.to.Freedom]

Great reminders! Thanks for sharing! You have such a beautiful smile and genuine and sweet energy! I love that! My husband and I started focusing more on having children so we have adjusted our budget to be a bit more strict. We still get a little spending money but we use majority of the money to pay bills, pay off debt and build a savings. For me, thinking about starting a family and bringing my children into a mostly financially secure environment helps as a great reminder or my "why" when i get stuck in those tough moments where i feel tempted to buy buy buy. Seeing things at stores and online, it really does leave you feeling like youre missing out or like you could be judged for having old or used things while others have these nice new things. I wish it wasnt like that. I want to see things i could buy and appreciate their beauty but still feel secure in myself and what i have. Ive gotten stronger and said no to myself way more often recently compared to my past. Ive also pursued more thrifting in hopes of reducing some of my waste and spending less for some nicer brands i had been looking at. Its a journey! But i can see im getting stronger overtime.

[@aquaintlife]

@@The.Journey.to.Freedom that’s amazing. I am so happy for you and wish you all the best with your goals and thank you so much for your kind words ❤️❤️

[@GrandmaOfFour]

Nice video,thankyou for sharing

[@aquaintlife]

Thanks for visiting!

[@kateglastic9826]

New subscriber. Love your channel.

[@aquaintlife]

@@kateglastic9826 welcome!! I am so glad you do 😊

[@judithholleran6423]

You have a nice personality

[@aquaintlife]

Thank you 😊

[@carolineok11]

I have just started living like this and I am so enlightened,not checking anything out on line and only shopping for complete necessities I am actually enjoying just being living in the moment .Keep doing the videos it’s helping people to open their eyes 👀

[@aquaintlife]

@@carolineok11 hello! Welcome! Thank you so much for the encouragement to keep going and for watching. I really appreciate it 😊

[@kimnienhouse8666]

Great video. Very helpful. I’m working daily to make these changes also. Thanks❤

[@aquaintlife]

I hope they help you. Thank you so much for watching :)

[@paulat5921]

Thank you.

[@andreasupermommy]

Thank you!!! I will definitely use some of these to redirect my brain!

[@aquaintlife]

@@andreasupermommy I hope you find them helpful 😊

[@drnicolebeaumont7884]

Great🎉

[@basketlady2601]

Roxanna, are you okay with the wildfires and smoke? Thinking about you and Paris. Hope you are okay. Sending love and hugs to both of you.

[@aquaintlife]

Oh thank you so much for checking on us! We are safe. I hope you are doing well and sending love back to you ❤️

[@dazzleree]

Love these tips! Excited to simplify my life. 🌿✨

[@lionness_simsima5941]

Hi there, how’s it going another amazing content

[@susanvelez6534]

Hello my darling you look stunning! I love your hair and this was a great video, great topic! Stick with it. Great job 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼 I’ve been so busy with his chemo radiation etc. I’ve missed you im taking it easy today and will be catching up.

[@aquaintlife]

@@susanvelez6534 hello there! I am so happy to hear from you. I pray the treatments are working and you both are as well as can be ❤️🙏. Enjoy your rest day. It’s so needed.

[@susanvelez6534]

@@aquaintlife yes I’m exhausted poor guy 🥺🫶🏻🫶🏻🫶🏻🫶🏻

[@katherinesgrannysquares]

I think I follow these lifestyle rules naturally which I found refreshing to realise when I listened to you I have never been drawn in by adverts and mute them nowadays anyway In the UK where I live adverts in themselves were entertainment when I was growing up not necessarily to watch and then buy but just to watch for their entertainment value and they became classics Its good you summarised all these points I am sure it will inspire people

[@aquaintlife]

Hi Katherine! Muting them is such a good idea. And yes, I remember when our advertisements just sort of entertained us, and the best ones were funny. I miss those times. Thank you for watching 😊

[@shelbygreen8888]

Absolutely 😮😊

[@sidneyfox4625]

Wonderful advice❤❤❤❤

[@tammystegall5130]

❤

[@lilylebowsky5908]

Thanks for sharing

[@eden123-m21]

🙂❤

[@joycegonzales4994]

Great thoughts

[@melissataylor8910]

Amen!!

[@lindasmith5190]

So true...thanks ❤

[@aquaintlife]

@@lindasmith5190 thank you! 😊

[@ros8986]

"the things you own end up owning you" Fight Club (as quoted in "Goodbye Things" by Fumio Sasaki). "the latest and greatest" = features that will stop working. My current in my face question is "what will I do if I don;t get this item?"

[@aquaintlife]

It is so true! 😃

[@GhulamAbbas-r9g]

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[@aquaintlife]

Thank you for the offer but I have my own editing style and enjoy that part of the film making process :)