Minimalist Habits That Made Me Rich

[@doll1102]

My parents, largely my mother is a consumer. Re-financing the house, credit cards, car payments.. Now at 75 YO still in the same boat. Watching my father's stress helped me realize there is no material thing worth losing your peace over. I don't care what anyone thinks of my small house or car as long as I have peace of mind.

[@underated17]

Some small homes have the most charm. It’s all about the location and the charm and if it is homey. Are there trees is it in a good locations? These are the important questions.

[@patmartin9727]

Totally agree that frugal living gives you less stress and a peaceful life. Knowing I have an emergency fund, sinking funds and low out goings let’s me sleep at night . I love my little house and little car.

[@LastPackTragic]

Don’t buy things you can’t afford to impress people you don’t like

[@xesak6624]

I'm 31 and I have decided to maintain a minimalistic lifestyle...already living it....less things, less clutter, less maintenance, less expenses, less worries...more time for yourself. Its very calming.

[@editacivinskaite3144]

I’m 31 too and trying to declutter but it’s a process !

[@ep23304]

You are a very strong person by being vulnerable with your audience. I appreciate it.

[@AtoZenLife]

I appreciate having you here 🙏

[@MindyU-t1s]

I can’t even imagine how people can be awful to someone because they don’t have much money! What awful and sad people they are. I admire you so much Marissa. Hugs to the girl that was treated badly, and hugs to the woman you’ve become.😊

[@andeebee2530]

We’ve been there, when we had three little kids, and not enough money to buy food for the week. We got through it, we’ve since always been fairly frugal, but never felt we missed out on anything. We never bought brand new cars or had car payments, but instead have been paying off our home. Tomorrow we will be completely debt free as we pay out the last of our mortgage. We have a beautiful home, no longer full of clutter or “bargains.” Life is good! 💕

[@Elizabeth58886]

Oh wow, making the last payment on your mortgage? That’s a huge deal! Congratulations!!🎉

[@marywhyte8484]

Congratulations!!!

[@kmarshall53]

Your heart is so tender- when you tear up, remembering tough times, I do, too. It’s so real. Thank you for the time and energy that you put into these videos - I’ve learned a lot and appreciate them. 💗

[@AtoZenLife]

Thank you! I was always told I was “too sensitive” for this or that - I now feel sensitivity and empathy are one of my biggest strengths. 💪☺️

[@samanthahays4829]

This is an area that I need to improve! I did not take part in frugal February but I am going to try a low buy March. I have ADHD and it is very easy to get a dopamine hit when buying something new. I am trying to replace my shopping habits with reading and I've already read 3 books this year (that's a lot for me)! 🥳

[@AtoZenLife]

Here are some tips on my blog to help you with the impulse spending! atozenlife.com/how-to-stop-impulse-buying/ Good luck 🍀👍

[@marykirmo]

Props to you! I discovered this August, completely by accident and not really of my intentional choosing, that reading paper books gives me big dopamine hits. Yet here I am in October where I’m back to my same old habits even though I know that choosing to read would be the better option!! What a truly insightful self awareness you have and that you’ve used it!!

[@lisastjohn3056]

Thank you for your wisdom. I left home at 18 also and had to learn on my own about finances. I struggled for years and finally at 62 I am still learning how to overcome wanting things. I am rich in life because I have the basic needs, my family and friends and now I will keep improving with being grateful and have appreciation❤️

[@AtoZenLife]

Thanks for sharing your journey with me Lisa and I’m cheering 📣 you on!

[@chrisludwig3610]

Lisa, your story was my story. Just in the last 10 years have I been able to get my finances under control. Hard road. We need to be more proactive about teaching our children about finances once we learn. Good luck on your journey.

[@hltyler5782]

A fun and inexpensive way to make your own clothes is to modify used clothing and sew by hand. There are tons of tutorials online about how to modify or upcycle used clothing. A sewing machine is not necessary. Sewing by hand is relaxing and can be done on your lap or a table anywhere.

[@sharonlugone5955]

Thank you for talking about what it felt like to have no money. That was my situation most of my life, and I remember the deep shame connected to it. Now that I've learned to manage my money and have given up retail therapy, I'm finally content and proud of what I have. You've created a beautiful life for yourself and your family. Good job!

[@GiftSparks]

I can truly say that I have felt buyers’ remorse over SO MANY things I have purchased. But I have never regretted a thing I have given away or donated.

[@kimcarrots]

I lived in a household where love wasn't plentiful but things were. I'm so glad I found minimalism and aligned my life (and continue to align) with my most precious goals. I'm so glad you share such personal things (and your tears) with us!

[@AtoZenLife]

So happy to have you along for the journey ☺️

[@bashirauwal5825]

"Living below your means" adjust your lifestyle, be frugal, budget, save and invest. This helped me as a 6 figure earner. I've grown over a million in retirement savings with this method

[@bashirauwal5825]

​@Charlotte-dx4goDon't panic, start out easy, don't buy things you don't need, budget every money, always save a portion of your pay atleast 5%, invest from your paycheck; it grows and helps you accumulate wealth easily.

[@bashirauwal5825]

​@Charlotte-dx4goread books, gain the knowledge, set a plan or target goal to reach, get a pro financial expert lead you; follow consistently. You can also build a passive income channel from your investment

[@albertcharles4415]

Investing is a good one! I felt the heavens the first time I got my investment dividends 😁....been on it ever since

[@bashirauwal5825]

Yes I recommend Rachel Blanc. I will recommend her service to anyone and everyone, she's awesome. I've had a great run

[@bashirauwal5825]

Rachel Blanc has a great online presence and physically located in New York.

[@alexandraturnwald2286]

So heartbreaking to watch you remember "people treating me like dirt". I really admire the positive person you have managed to become and get over this. Still: remember the people were wrong and had their priorities wrong, totally wrong!

[@pppaaattt8401]

I recently moved. I use to have a Boho style home and now a warm minimalist. I have some beautiful pieces I purchased. It makes my home inviting and warm. Im also stress free and always am relaxed. 😌

[@ima7333]

Thanks so much for this reaffirmation. When my kids were younger i prioritize their education and my professional upgrade. After my cancer diagnosis and surgery i switch to whole plant food. Later i had to give up oil and refined sugar, i could no longer eat out. I literally cut down my grocery bills by 60%. Then i learn to grow my own food and process my own harvest, i ended up spending less money on food. I will learn to give up the online games i picked up during pandemic.

[@kmarshall53]

I’m doing the same - growing food, cooking at home, just gave up my two games that I was spending actual money on! 💗

[@vogelfound]

Thanks for making yourself vulnerable to an unseen audience, it's such a kindness to share.

[@AtoZenLife]

🙏

[@c.c.c4030]

When you have nothing for a time it makes it so clear what you need and what's important. My money goals are focused on housing security 🤗💜

[@Holli_Sassafras]

I was raised by my Depression-era grandparents. Money simply wasn't discussed except to say that they wouldn't spend money on this or that. I had to learn everything about finances on my own. I'm so grateful for these kinds of channels.

[@kaceykelly7222]

I wish every parent could hear this and pass it on to their kids long before it is necessary! I, too, had home where money was not discussed and have suffered a lifetime because of it. Thank you for this valuable podcast! ❤

[@AtoZenLife]

I wish that, too! Thanks for watching Kacey 🤗

[@Prizzy999]

I never comment here but I love how you get emotional when you talk about your past. I love your channel, your family and how authentic and true you and your husband are, with no filters. Keep up the great work Marissa! Love from Italy ❤

[@AtoZenLife]

Thanks and waving 👋 from Germany!

[@alexandraalexandra9223]

I work less and I am rich on time. Greetings from Austria! Alexandra

[@AtoZenLife]

Cheers from Germany 🇩🇪!

[@Foreign_Sheep]

Me too Alexandra. I don't make much but so far it's enough for my lifestyle and I have more time for myself, so I feel quite content. Greetings from Brazil 🇧🇷

[@alexandraalexandra9223]

@@Foreign_Sheep perfect 👌

[@stevendomenech7405]

Excellent video. Your HARD WORK has paid off.

[@leanna4170]

A couple of weeks ago I watched a video by a minimalist who talked about how rich (cash-wise) he is as a result of his lifestyle. When I saw your title, I thought, "Oh no, not another one!" I'm glad you're pointing out that the dollar sign isn't the only way to measure wealth! I loved this!

[@AtoZenLife]

Thanks so much, Leanna ☺️

[@patdennis2586]

An interesting feature of aging and retirement is being willing to spend the money one has saved over a lifetime. It often seems counterintuitive to the life before retirement. I live frugally, not miserly, so I feel excited when purchasing entertainment, travel, quality products or services and making donations.

[@j.m.7056]

​@@msovaz77 It takes a while to make the switch. Be patient with the change! You can do it.

[@leebradford6283]

Went to the store before and went to grab a material item…for the first time I put it down and grabbed what I went for in the first place! Donated about 30 items the last two weeks and my bins are full ready for collection think I am in the right spot finally!

[@DivineLabelsOfficialDL]

Aww. You are such a lovely person to watch. We have a similar story in many ways and these videos DO help when one is feeling a little lost. Thank you!

[@AtoZenLife]

Thank you for being here ☺️🙏

[@littleiodine9480]

Love your video! When I was 10, many decades ago, someone told me, “Take care of your pennies and your dollars will take care of themselves.” Found this to be sooooo true! Thank you for this video! ❤

[@safepethaven]

I have had to sew since age 9-ish, and learned from my mom before she died young. But I felt accomplished when I could sew a pattern to make garments that were good enough to be worn; otherwise my wardrobe as an only child, my clothes were from Sears catalog or hand-me-downs from family friends and church friends with older daughters. I wish you were near, because I have a stable of sewing machines from my mom;s, my grandma's, and several project machines I refurbed to donate to a mission group who supplies villages in S. America that had no electricity or running water [fundraisers to drill water wells]. I donated the handcrank machines so that villagers could maintain the clothing donated to them on a random rotation schedule. You'd have your choice from a beautiful Jones treadle in a petite cabinet from the 1930s, or even a Singer 99 from Sccotland that is a smooth handcrank, if you have frequent electrical power outages. I am nearly twice your age but generations ago it was considered taboo, even vulgar to discuss one's family finances. In etiquette sources, we were reminded never to discuss religion, politics, or money -- boy have times changed!

[@mateuszgwara]

It's really heartbreaking looking into your eyes while you talk about how people treated you when you had no money. This is a brutal life lesson on people. But it's good to see that you have the courage to talk about this so openly. Have a nice life! I wish you warm hearted people around you!

[@kd2533]

Gosh I love your channel. I'm a single parent and your tips help so much. My income stretches further now.

[@AtoZenLife]

I’m so glad to hear that! 👏

[@cherylT321]

My parents were the same way. They felt that anything to do with money was adult information and not for the children to know. As a result of this lack of money knowledge from home and not being taught finances in the public school I went to, I ended up making a lot of money mistakes that kept me in debt for years. Now in my later years, I have wised up; I’m debt free and starting to minimize my purchases…I realize now that It doesn’t take much to make me happy!

[@janetstonerook4552]

It took me most of my adult life to figure out how to manage my money and that I merited feeling I was enough in myself and worthy of financial security. (Most of my excess spending was on other people as I got seen as the mother figure/ caretaker.) I now make budgeting a fun game I play and not a chore. Let's see how much lose change I can save by Easter which will pay for my trip to visit family in another state etc. Getting my clothing down to a few basic outfits to mix and match. Cleaning out every drawer and closet to either use or toss idle things I find. It feels so good! And I do feel richer for it!

[@olenkaki1326]

We just finished off the credit for our home and we are in our 40s with two kids. Now we are paying off two other rented apartments, so we are completely debtfree before retiring and can live off renting our apartments in addition to our pension. Being not consumption-driven pays off, we are happy with us being happy with less.

[@bernadettehawes]

Thank you for your vulnerability. Having lived with parents who saved everything and a mum who would mostly spend only on “cheap “ yet not thoughtfully it took time to learn how to put outfits together with only a small number of key items. It is now extremely difficult for me to let go of things because I do have a sewing machine and some skill in using it, but I’m only amateur. Sometimes I’m too afraid to try in case I ruin it. Likewise with new fabric. Your point about limited time and how I want to use it, really hit home. And instead of buying another item, I could just weed out those I don’t wear and be able to see what I do have.

[@bennydrea]

You are absolutely wonderful and thank you so much for this education!

[@PaulTheEldritchCat]

Oh, the emotion at the end. So communicative, it brought tears to my eyes. So much for being an empath. Thank you for sharing

[@poodlegirl55]

Sometimes goals just need to be downsized. You said you would like to make your own clothes. I bought a nice sewing machine at an online auction for $25. You are in Germany where some of the best sewing machines are made, look for a Pfaff used. I upcycle things from the thrift store. I just turned a long dress I bought for $2 into a top for me and a skirt I gave to my daughter. I turned a $1 curtain into 2 nice pillow shams and have fabric leftover. I don't let the thought of spending money stop me from figuring out how to do something.

[@CrystalConsults]

Please count your videos as a big win, for yourself and the countless others you’re helping. ❤

[@Pabz2030]

There are two other ways to be "Rich": 1) Rich in time 2) Rich in joyful experiences with loved ones Neither or which require the acquisition of material goods and indeed do require the letting go of the need to gather more and more posessions

[@Kevin_Carlson]

I live in a developing country in South America. My income is extremely modest compared to North American standards, and probably lower than some other expats. However my "standard of living" is still much higher than many of my neighbors. And without getting too "preachy", I personally consider my life to be rich because of my relationship with Christ. Treasures on earth rust and break. Treasure stored up in heaven lasts forever.

[@tomjohnston3601]

There's an inspiration poster that says "You miss 100% of the shots you don't take." I like this video's take on that, "You save 100% on the products you never buy."

[@AtoZenLife]

Exactly 🙌

[@ruthirwin8222]

I make most of my own clothes....it creates a fair amount of clutter but i love sewing x

[@AtoZenLife]

It’s such an aspirational skill for me ❤️🧵🪡

[@stharlingdr]

Money is the foundation of life and the more you save the stronger your foundation would be 😎

[@EpzieLe]

Thanks!

[@quoththeraven13]

I so agree with the saving 100% thing!

[@perennialrose4096]

Absolutely precious advice, Marissa -- I am so lucky to find you and your channel on KZbin, amongst the thousands on minimalism.

[@Candlelit0]

It is very important to be more aware of spending. When we save we feel free of the things that we don’t really need. I admire your simplicity! I’m on my own minimalist journey and have saved a lot. This will help me on my future goals. 😊

[@dom321bar]

Thanks for sharing. I second all your thoughts and have been in similar situations like yourself. The one aspect that I have observed is concepts like - personal finance and minimalism - some folks get it instantly while for others it takes time. This is because these are internal behavioral aspects that need fine tuning along with the mental thought process.

[@AtoZenLife]

Absolutely. Frugal living was easier for me than minimalism - that journey took me years! Changing deeply entrenched habits is tough.

[@TheRugghead]

Atomic habits was a good book. I agree small changes yield giant results

[@AtoZenLife]

👏👏👏

[@teresemarkl8877]

Thank you for the time that you share about your experiences. Also, the ways that you have found that helped you grow in a healthy manner.

[@88888gerald]

aliving alone now Ive been saving a lot more...and you give good advice...now I will work on wanting less...

[@erinneikirk2120]

I APPRECIATE the quotes and facts you share!! Thank you! It's so good to have your perspective challenged. God Bless you! Looking forward to seeing the progress on your home! Congratulations!

[@scrubs4everr]

I think #3 is so crucial. We in the West live such fast paced, consumerist lifestyles, delaying gratification has become almost counter cultural.

[@Nemrac-kn8jm]

You are great! Sorry that those people couldn't appreciate your huge value. You are strong and taught them a great lesson.

[@claudiocassianocordovil8640]

I enjoy this video! congrats...I started my minimalist style of life 2 years ago...and now I am feeling much better!!!

[@lilnxthie]

I would love to apply these reminders in my habits. Thank you marissa!

[@AtoZenLife]

You're so welcome!

[@Captainmaxmagno]

I just wanted to say that I truly love your videos, not only cause they are easy to follow but pleasantly aesthetic while being deeply informative. Also I love how your voice has that shooting point, it matches the vibes of your videos and channel a lot! Best wishes, Max 😊

[@sandras.3106]

Danke!

[@AtoZenLife]

Vielen Dank für Deine Unterstützung und Großzügigkeit 🙏

[@sandras.3106]

@@AtoZenLife Sehr gerne 😊 und vielen lieben Dank für all deine Videos 🤗

[@scrubs4everr]

Such a good video! Love your beautiful vibes and the advice and wisdom you bring.

[@leewhite8355]

Thank you ,I grew up poor with no advice whatsoever on how to learn to save . It’s been hard but I now know . You can save money & still have everything you need .🙏⭐️

[@shannonflood255]

Thank you for being so vulnerable. You’re just an amazing person. I learn so much through you ❤

[@Okmyre]

Thank you. Greetings from a neighbor - Poland here. I like your channel , your life attitude and your strength. At first I thought you have some compulsive disorder but getting deeper into your life: respect woman.

[@AtoZenLife]

🙏

[@x9872]

越是認識自己，月知道需要的越少，想要的就會越少，自然就可以累積很多的財富～～

[@lindabourketempleton4040]

I just traded my car in last week , it’s smaller and I ended up getting money back even after new floor mats, removal of uhf radio from my old car and new mats. The new car is brand new and is less to insure, has free road side assistance, and is cheaper to run.

[@RichieRichIIII]

What a great video which provides so much alpha on the minimalist mindset ✅

[@wooae1]

Love love your channel. You are wise & no nonsense & straight forward. 💖

[@TheMennomilist]

I really like your "decluttering financial values" idea. Really awesome. I loved this message throughout your video. I added Atomic Habits to my to-read list.

[@AtoZenLife]

Thanks so much and enjoy Atomic Habits 😎 🧬

[@SaiTeadvuse]

You are also helping people like me who had everything up a certain age to fill the void inside. I am learing from the basics now

[@alicel1162]

Wanted to give you a hug...don't cry, you are doing great.

[@AtoZenLife]

🤗

[@kristenaijala8925]

Thank you for sharing your story of struggle and success

[@artford8674]

I like the simplicity of your environment. I am retired. Over the years I accumulated too much. As I redo each room in my house now I try to add only things I have a reason for. It looks stark by some comparisons but I feel better. Glad you don't feel a need to have a large library for your background. What's in your head is more important than what is on the shelf. The delayed gratification concept is big. No doubt you will have a good retirement with earned freedom.

[@donnarakitzis2719]

Thanks for this video. I am embarking on a very frugal part of my life. I need to catch up on retirement savings.

[@sheilaknox9498]

I find your videos helpful and informative. Thank you for providing so much free and good information!

[@JustBrenda55]

God bless! May you continue to prosper and provide your knowledge with us!

[@Tinamar65]

Thank you Marissa! There‘s always something to learn from your videos! 🙏🏻

[@AtoZenLife]

Thanks for watching, Tina! ❤️

[@cmsndrs]

Thank you for sharing your story, it's really inspiring.

[@mariaurquijo2021]

Massive thank youuuuuuu for putting yourself out there to educate others ♥ How inspiring 🤩

[@dipaknadkarni62]

Brilliant video. I go for experience and not hoarding. I am working towards becoming an actual minimalist and keep only one souvenir if any. You cannot take it with you. The Lord has so many pre-Heaven wonders in this world. Find them and visit them.

[@OurPerez]

Thank you for being SO transparent!😘

[@AtoZenLife]

🙏❤️

[@humaafandi8894]

You are so wise 😘 and those people who treated you poorly, have poor souls

[@VanAlh]

I love your hair on you!! Love your content and edit! Congrats ♡♡♡♡

[@suzieferguson1065]

Being “rich” is subjective 👍

[@simply.clutterfree]

I definitely have fewer wants too and had a similar experience with less and more intentional spending.

[@adrianreyes2318]

In one of those "what do you do for a living" tiktoks, someone answered "shop less". That hit deep. People have been shoved into owning less because of how expensive things have become, only to find out that in some way it's actually better.

[@danikeebler1662]

I decluttered my finances when I started tracking all my spending. I got consist and I am no longer living paycheck to paycheck. The clarity of where my money was going to as well as hemorrhaging. Also my mom sewed her own wedding dress at age 18. She stopped sewing when she saw it was cheaper and less headache to run to eh store.

[@sweetchocolatest]

Thank you for your raw honestly and emotions. Great tips.

[@graces_corner1]

Thank you so much for sharing your experiences and wisdom with us. God bless you ❤️

[@greenthrivers]

Always refreshing to listen to your simple but absolutely useful advices. Speaking of books another good read on how to learn to stop before jumping into acquiring something is "Dopamine Nation". I read it a few months ago after atomi habits and it gave me an even wider understanding on how we function and why we do what we do in the age of instant rewarding,being social media or impulse buying or whatever other addiction we tend to fall in. Thanks for your work as usual 😊

[@janessalockwood810]

I appreciate your channel. It has helped me see things in a new perspective.

[@HR-re6mr]

I appreciate your vulnerability and willingness to share your knowledge. I think most of us learn financial knowledge the hard way by making mistakes vs being taught at the onsite of adulthood. I appreciate now as an adult who had maxed out credit cards and student loans. I try to teach and warn of material trappings to my younger relatives. TFS

[@melissab0515]

Touching video about your frugality! 💕

[@coco85949]

I am so much looking forward to sunday evening when you post your new video. It is so inspiring to me and helps me a lot to stay on track with my minimalism journey. 🙏thank you, dear Marissa !

[@AtoZenLife]

Thank YOU, Corinna ❤️

[@6hZCBpMy]

Thank you! You’re wonderful!!

[@lesliedarwinobrienobrien1457]

I love your passion and vulnerability. Thank you!!! You have made my life so much better!

[@AtoZenLife]

❤️

[@lawrencevaliquette]

Really agree with these points. Great explanation, I appreciate it!

[@zhannas3033]

Thank you for your authenticity ❤

[@ep23304]

Thank you for your video. I enjoy your channel a lot.

[@AtoZenLife]

🙏 Thanks so much and happy to have you here!

[@danicegewiss862]

As I pare things down, I'm finding I'm getting to know me. I have a sewing machine I dont use. So it's getting donated. I'm not one who buys coffee out. My coffeemaker makes the best coffee. Our lifestyle is improving because we are weeding out debt.

[@DeviGomez]

Thanks for sharing such personal and intimate information to relate to your audience. I can definitely relate!