Stop Buying Stuff | Niko Stoifberg | TEDxBibliothekZug

[@sgclacy]

This quote has been attributed to a number of authors: “We buy things we don't need with money we don't have to impress people we don't like.”

[@deltahomicide9300]

But what if I buy only what I can afford and have no friends?

[@ferru7060]

That quote is from Wil Smith, Jonny Deep, Jim carry, Dave Ramsey, Beat Pitt, my mom, your mom.

[@ferru7060]

@@danl9662 inspire by Robert Quillen who said it in 1928.

[@TTGTanner]

“We write quotes that aren’t ours, on bathroom walls, to impress people taking shits”

[@ferru7060]

@@TTGTanner - Will Smith

[@tiffanybaby13]

To stop buying stuff, you need to first feel comfortable in your own skin, realizing that you can wear any clothes, enjoy your own lifestyle, and live by your own terms. It’s difficult to not fall into trends, but even realizing that trends repeat every 10-15 years shows how insignificant and waste of time they are.

[@samstevens9720]

This is a nice piece of insightful wisdom. I would imagine that once you learn to love yourself, you become less reliant on the expectation that more consumerism is the answer to attaining a healthy level of self-esteem. Which is something I've struggled with my whole life.

[@anjalithangavelu6929]

That is so true …. Trends change all the time and honestly it’s a waste of time and energy being trendy ….. it’s better to start feeling confident as with who we are

[@francisbarp]

I wouldn't say you NEED to love yourself first... You need to understand that it isn't the stuff that's going to help you with it. I believe you can start from the other end and learn to appreciate yourself more. Start thinking of things as useless and futile, you end up giving more value to what matters. As he said, change your mind about the "offers". It worked for me.

[@anitodimitrov]

This is the comment I was looking for! Completely agree

[@alexmurphy5289]

Well the 90s are in style so it works for you currently lol 😂

[@Madmun357]

A few years back I did the same thing. I decided not to buy any new clothes for a year. I didn't need any. My exception was shoes, because I walk A LOT and I wear my shoes out. Well, I did end up buying a t-shirt because it was only $3. It was so easy, that I ended up extending it for a second year. We have TOO much consumerism in this world. It's destroying the planet. Good on you!

[@nata3467]

Basically my last 10 years ..I buy underclothes and like you shoes.

[@cbrashsorensen]

Agreed totally. Women are the WORST consumers of useless stuff because we consider ourselves and are considered by society as OBJECTS of DESIRE. This means we have to buy endless amounts of clothes, spend money on hair cuts/colors, buy tons of "beauty items" all WASTED money.

[@crand20033]

We the people are destroying this planet anyway, even by eating. The more people we produce the worse it gets. Resources are being depleted and everything is becoming more expensive and harder to find and get. The living will soon envy the dead.

[@Peace17292]

Alternatively save up and buy quality rather than quantity. Quality lasts.

[@megxkat9140]

@@Peace17292 that's what i'm currently doing! I thought that because I was broke, I could only afford to buy cheaper items. But you treat expensive items you love far better and hence they last far longer than cheaper items

[@Eric_Luke]

I recently realized buying more stuff was causing a net loss in satisfaction - my home was so cluttered that I couldn’t find the things I actually needed without a ton of effort. So now before I buy something, I ask myself if I actually want to deal with the burden of owning it. The answer is usually no. And I have a new rule for old stuff: I absolutely must sell or donate anything I haven’t touched in 1 year. Now packing for trips is way easier, my apartment looks great, and I’ve saved a ton of money 🙌

[@Livingnowinmyjourney]

I’ve lived like this the past 9 mos and don’t miss “buying stuff” one bit. I’ve also saved $17,000 with a $20 hr job… true story

[@supertom8552]

Bravo ! Good going! Keep it up 👍

[@Melaniejd902]

I'd love to hear more about how you did this.

[@deeb2056]

Good on ya!

[@Livingnowinmyjourney]

@@Melaniejd902 i live in the cheapest housing I could find, I take public transportation, I work overtime anytime I can and I save a minimum of $1500 per month… I’m much happier now than when I was “wealthy” and had all the stuff in the world…. 4 yrs in prison changes your perspective

[@naderzekrya5238]

You must've been a big spender up to 9 months ago!

[@nidhin916]

I didn't realise that this talk was more than 13min long. I come from India where the resources are scarce and people stick to their stuff for a really long time. But now with improving economic conditions, people are adopting the western way of consuming anything and everything that's on sale. Hope this message reaches far and wide. Thank you for this amazing talk.

[@ROMANEMPIRE69]

The strange thing is that if people “think” they are saving money. They will spend it. The trick is a price is put for say $129.00 but then it says it’s on sale for only $35.00. But the product or service is worthless and all profit for the seller. That’s the consumerism scam.

[@zeinab9709]

After practicing this for awhile, you begin to naturally ignore and filter through all the stuff. He's right, it is an attack.

[@xGamerGuy]

I’ve been poor all of my life and recently ran into a lot of money. I don’t want to spend my money on useless things anymore. Great video!

[@radiccs]

What an underrated Ted Talk. This has got to be one of the best talks about not falling victim to consumerism. Thank you, Niko!

[@jt.8144]

What makes you think it's UNDERRATED. You just found out about it . That's why you commented. You're definitely overcompensating for something with that comment. Stupidest concept ever in today's "internet" bred dialogue. ( let me guess You Work in TECH right?)

[@sandyallen1523]

I hate commercials. 99.9% of them are of no interest to me and it does feel like they are trying to shove their products done my throat sort of speak

[@sandyallen1523]

@@radiccs to each their own

[@SomeBotOfficial]

I fall to ads from my emails all the time, it's hard when they have countdowns to when it won't be available but i grew accustomed to the fact that it's just a marketing strategy and the things I already have is enough.

[@SomeBotOfficial]

@Benson I feel like it's more personal, like you're talking to him one on one. even the stage is small. Idk I thought he delivered it well.

[@Jenny-xe3rn]

“Services are the economy of the future.. if we choose to have one.” Goosebumps. This quote was impactful!

[@hetedeleambacht6608]

yes.

[@Its_me_Ruthie]

I became a minimalist 2 years ago. I choose to spend my money on experiences not stuff. I chose to tip well when I go out instead of buying more stuff. So much happier now

[@meowtype]

✅✅

[@jacksmith5045]

You’ll own nothing and you’ll be happy

[@mikesmith1702]

I don't eat out.

[@ciscohour5884]

Tipping well empowers owners to not give sufficient wages.

[@MeganeMondeoMX5]

Experiences, yes, tipping more, no. Unless the act of tipping, is the experience you crave

[@carrickobama]

I spent the last month on an island in koh Tao, everyday wearing nothing but swim shorts in my bare feet and no short… I’ve never been happier… happiness is a culmination of many different aspects coming together and doesn’t last, love is the answer ❤️❤️ great video

[@nalalog]

1. dont die 2. Dont stink 3. Buy goods when it NEEDS replacing

[@LauraBoram]

Fix it. “Use it up, wear it out, make it do, or do without”

[@donmiller2908]

I'm definitely a big fan of number one.

[@VIncentSunflowers]

@@LauraBoram Quakerly! Very nice!

[@PWRT22]

Yes yes yes..good advice!!!

[@ROMANEMPIRE69]

lol! At I ne point when I lost my job cause of Covid. I bummed around for a week. Didn’t shower and got so bad I just finally cleaned up. But hey that job loss hit me so hard. 😜

[@letsgoBrandon204]

Having too many things just makes life more complicated than it needs to be.

[@reaceness]

Yes. I find getting rid of things to be very cathartic!

[@willbephore3086]

Succinct and potent statement, thank you! I agree wholeheartedly.

[@gatanegra8815]

Absolutely!

[@tom_marsden]

Bingo!!!

[@ballsdeep9648]

Exactly this. I like to think of items I own as somewhat of a burden. You have to have room to keep the objects, you have to take care of the objects, and you have to actually use the objects for their intended purpose. Such a burden.

[@lioness2000]

This is so great! I became a minimalist after struggling with stuff for a long time, I had things I don´t need and I was running out of space in my home. After decluttering EVERYTHING and starting to save money instead of spending it all, it feels great!

[@TheTruthHurts6666]

Good for you! I go through cycles of purging and buying. I'm trying to stop that cycle though. My last buying period was last summer. This year is no spend year for me and I'll be purging half of the things I no longer use.

[@lioness2000]

@@TheTruthHurts6666 that sounds great☺️ Sometimes I buy unnessessary things too, just don't be too hard yourself👍

[@user-yj3ob9kd3l]

I have begun decluttering by donating to charities. Are there other ways to dispose of quality items?

[@hanguyen-fm8xv]

Same for me! Minimalism is liberating

[@lioness2000]

@@hanguyen-fm8xv that's great! and yes, I feel so free!

[@ND-nx1nt]

I've been doing this. Slowly stop buying things, I now am working on getting rid of things that I don't need and use the things that I already have.

[@janineanderson1]

Companies will do terrible things to get people to keep purchasing products that they do not need. For example, when I was a college student, the printing companies would not change the wording of the books but would change the numbers in the questions at the end of the chapter. Those examples needed to be handed into your instructor and if the numbers were incorrect, the instructor would mark the answer wrong. Because of this, you needed to purchase the latest version of the book although the material within the book (besides the questions at the end of the chapter) were identical. This is one of many, many example how universities take advantage of our young This happens with many products including phones, other electronic items, appliances, etc where the companies that produce them have a set shelf life. I am also amazed whenever I shop for clothing how the quality is much worse than I remember in the past.

[@user-yj3ob9kd3l]

So true. I have always stuck with a policy of replacing items only because they couldn't be repaired and have saved a lot of money. I never buy because something is the latest, greatest.

[@stelladuigan3372]

Always, just to make money, thanks for the information. We need to enjoy each others company, no status symbols, no designer wear, the designer thing to me, is such a big con. The university books situation is unbelievable

[@alyciamarie4163]

Planned obsoleteness is real

[@Starry_Night_Sky7455]

Scams in plain sight.

[@yellowbird5411]

College books have to be the worst rip-off. As if science or math, or English Lit changes a lot from year to year. A total waste.

[@Ed-tq6hb]

One of the best ways to spend 15 min is to watch this video. Bravo. We need more of this way of thinking in the world

[@BrendaFosterMedia]

I think when people collect stuff(buy things) they're collecting value. Value they don't feel like they receive while growing up and so they connect value with things. I also believe this is the psychology behind hoarding and why it's so difficult for hoarders to throw things away. It's like throwing away their value. Once we learn to enrich ourselves from the inside out, *things* become less important. 🤷🏾👍💙

[@ND-nx1nt]

This is exactly it!

[@jiggersotoole7823]

Happiness comes from within. I think the Buddha said that.

[@richardrubin1763]

We will never learn. Until we exhaust the last bit out of this precious earth capitalist will never stop promoting buying things. It's quite frankly the only way many humans can make a living in this world, selling things. The only way this bs consumption economic model works. We would have to go back to a subsistence economy where people only bought things as they needed them for survival only. No entertainment. No collecting things, .....that will never happen until the environment collapses.....ln maybe 50 years.

[@lesliesanabria59]

Yes, I agree completely!!!

[@KaareneRNHealthLifeCoach]

Wise words

[@nordicpride9708]

The only thing I truly justify without question as a man who works with his hands and as a hobby are TOOL’s. If you have a full compliment of tools you can save yourself thousands, and if the tools are of good quality they become legacy heirlooms for your children and grandchildren. Excellent talk, really enjoyed it!

[@xocieira]

Buy them for yourself, not for your heirs. As someone who inherited my grandfather and fathers’s tools (and who has a fair number of them myself), I say please don’t burden them with your things. Unless they you are helping the, build their own collection early on, they will probably have duplicates by the time you pass them on.

[@nordicpride9708]

@@xocieira I don’t buy them based on anyone but myself. My point is the quality qualifying said tools can be inherited and serving others. If you had inherited 80,000 dollars in Snap On from your grandfather and could actually use those specific tools, I think you would look at it a little differently.

[@kearnshippy]

I inherited some of my grandfather's miscellaneous tools. They came in handy when I was working on a car and needed a specific size tool. I was amazed at the durability of tools that weren't even name brand back in the day.

[@nordicpride9708]

@@kearnshippy Back when America was strong. Thanks for sharing and take care of those tools!

[@jordanwhitewolf5844]

Helpful. Our consumerism needs to not be so unchecked. Everyone I know seems to have a spending /buying addiction these days.

[@tippytoe1250]

Yes and they think having a shopping addiction is cute. That’s the part that frustrates me the most. I have a couple of family members who are so broke living a fake life for social media. They will come to me and ask me to help them budget and how they wants to change. This would last a month if that. Then they’re right back. I actually suggested therapy for one of them. It’s really that bad. I myself have been working towards minimizing my own material consumptions. I don’t even know what generation my iPhone is. That’s how old it is. I don’t believe in replacing until the item is broken. My car is 10 years old and I trying to squeeze another 10 years out of it.

[@jeremysmith54565]

@@tippytoe1250 I have stopped buying things myself but then I always am amazed how people can be minimalists honestly its impressive! This may be me being a bit I don't know how to phrase it but long term chronic illness sufferer with the medical supplies and such (even could include not just personal hygiene things but cleaning as well) I dont understand how I could achieve that, pity really.

[@WhiteWolfos]

America's economy is based on spending. This guy traded his product spending for service spending almost completely, which if it works for him, great. Most people balance product and service spending. Some people thrive on becoming minimalist like that, others feel more secure with more products than services. I'm the latter, as I feel that products I buy can replace lots of service spending by doing them myself when applicable.

[@alyciamarie4163]

Well I mean they engineered an entire new way to make people buy stuff so yeah it makes sense that they did a really good job at it!!! Constant dopamine!!

[@bobdhitman]

Edward Bernays would probably say “that’s good”

[@Dailyfiver]

Buying used things instead of new also helps keep new things from going out into the world. Great talk!

[@jenrich111]

This is important now as we sit in the 3rd year of the pandemic. Everything is going up as we know. Do a budget and stick to it. Declutter and consider what is really important to you. Find yourself.

[@ericsmith8129]

It’s never going away so no point in keeping count. Move on with life like most have.

[@lsamoa]

@@tailgatecarpenter26 Hear hear. So many people living in denial and thinking they can "move on" as if you could break up with a virus. "I'm over you now Covid, let's go our separate ways" lol

[@928pcar]

We are not in a pandemic! You’ve been duped, congratulations

[@lsamoa]

@@928pcar Should I trust the WHO and all the world's epidemiology experts on this, or some rando on the internet? Hm, tough call lol

[@928pcar]

@@lsamoa seriously? What a moron you are. You mean the same people that lied to you about a virus with a 99.9% survival rate? I can’t believe how many dipshits like you exist. It’s shocking

[@egx161]

This illuminating talk is more important than maybe most of us realize. The average home is filled with more junk today than 100 years ago. I’m taking his advice.

[@WilFriesen]

GREAT TALK! One reason why people buy stuff they don't need is that it can be exciting and feel productive. The more I move into my minimalistic journey, the more I see how materialistic people have become.

[@adamramerth1409]

I literally had this exact same experience while traveling to Bali in 2016 and it had the exact same impact on my life. I have completely shifted my perspective on consumerism since that trip. I can 100% relate to every single minute of this video.

[@bliss3655]

Good things can last a very long time ! This is so true. I am wearing my mom's and my aunt's vintage jackets and they are more than 40 years old and still look cute and stylist. I always get compliment on them. I live in Japan and I started to reuse my grandmother's old kimono Fabric. I am not against the free market , but when I started to reuse things, I feel good that I am doing something good for earth and eventually it becomes a good habit.

[@muddyguns]

Look at the others commenting. All women. What wrong with you all?

[@greyarea805]

Wym

[@k.s.k.7721]

As a retired person of minimal income, I am grateful for parents who lived through the Great Depression. I grew up understanding about hand-me-downs, remaking and repairing clothing, shopping at 2nd hand stores, and sewing for myself. These are habits I've kept my entire life. I do not own a clothes dryer, dish washer, cell phone or tv. I keep a well-stocked pantry, make meals from scratch and stretch my grocery dollars every month. My own clothes and the gifts I send to others are either thrifted or hand made - I'm up front about it, and everyone knows. I cut my hair and manage my own skin care. I do indulge in books - but as they can be purchased for as little as 25 cents each 2nd hand, I'm OK with it.

[@danielamishkovska2833]

Thanks for sharing, appreciate it 🤗 me and my family did a lot of those things when I was little. it was the thing it kept me and my own family out of debt, all those little things 🥰 Also having clean and ironed clothes at all times is very important instead of buying new ones all the time. Again thanks for sharing, you just remind me of my childhood 🤗

[@Ben_Schumacher]

Thanks for sharing! Good to hear you treat yours to a 25cent book now n the , you’ve earned it! 😆

[@Eva-xh8kq]

What do you do normally over your free time? If you don't have TV, books, cell phone. Your lifestyle inspires me, I might try something similar.

[@aishaUmar2268]

On the computer learning things like this.

[@sheri_chats]

I remember taking my grandma’s scrap sewing cloth to make my dolls clothes… she taught me to sew by hand. My favorite was scrap baby blue satin, which I used to make my Ballerina Barbie a Disco 🪩 Outfit… headband and all 😎 😉

[@patnelson2091]

I like what he mentioned about buying services instead of material things and how it affects us socially. It is so true. Since so many people are working from home in our post-Covid-19 era, we need more reasons to get out and see other people.

[@karenfitzgerald6308]

What a wonderful talk. I recently read that our religion, truly, is consumerism. I felt that in my bones. Having moved several times the past few years, I'm living in a small apartment. All my furniture, very cute, is 2nd hand, and I work at a resale clothing store. I buy books and food and not much else, and I'm happy.

[@gatanegra8815]

That´s great. I am moving in this direction too.

[@mariammoton8684]

Thank you from NZ. We were a country that once made everything we needed, from Levi jeans to Clark shoes and we all had veggie gardens and fruit trees. Now we buy imported everything from USA oranges, garlic from China and almost everything else from Asia. Our good quality fruit gets shipped out to USA, Australia, Europe and Japan. During lock downs we saw the best local fruit that we’ve seen in a long time. Even our butter gets shipped abroad while many Kiwi’s can only afford to buy margarine. My mother, like many others use to sew our clothes and nana’s or aunts use to knit for us.

[@deeb2056]

Very much like Ireland 💚

[@Captain_MonsterFart]

You buy USA oranges and Canadians buy New Zealand apples. We can grow our own apples...it's so weird.

[@jennyanderson4796]

The braburn apples we in Oregon would get yrs ago from New Zealand were 100% fresher than those stored for up to a year in our neighborhing state of Washington-- those apples 🍎 taste nothing like the fresh ones shipped from New Zealand

[@ljupkan3873]

❤️from Serbia

[@FoobsTon]

You want to go back to the standard of living you had in the 50's?

[@sophietucker3163]

I stopped buying new clothes last year in a stance against fast fashion. Best thing I ever did, and now I only buy from charity shops, and that’s a rarity in itself. My wardrobe is clearer and my mind is clearer.

[@KarleneE]

Today is August 11, 2022. This is the first time I have seen this topic presented in this way. I am very grateful. The timing, for me, is perfect. Thank you.

[@jeffmoodie6144]

We just downsized from home ownership of 32 years and all the accumulated stuff. We sold or gave it away to people who we knew actually had a use for it. We cut down to four travel bags and moved out of country after selling our home and car. Now we buy what we need, walk everywhere or take the odd taxi, and have come to love not having to worry about all the stuff and the maintenance it took. Even the headspace is so different. It’s freeing. We haven’t even looked at what we are saving yet as we are only two months in. We kept things that we love like our favourite coffee mugs and French presses, fry pans that we use all the time, art supplies that fit into a small bag and a few things that we knew would be hard to get where we were moving to. Not buying stuff combined with a minimalist attitude adds up to less waste and less clutter.

[@butterfly_decal]

Dream life. To what country did u relocate?

[@andythealien1]

This deserves a lot more views

[@tobiramasenju5878]

Great speech. Thank you Niko Stoifberg. Save you money, safe the environment and support local businesses. Amazing theory. I have been saving my money because shopping gives me anxiety but I did not know I was saving the environment.

[@peanutbutter7126]

Great speech/story - I would add that when you do buy things, buy things used if you can (furniture, clothes, and especially plastic products).

[@tiellochridge]

And when you don't want or need things anymore that are still usable, give them away! Even if they don't seem usable people are so creative and may be able to upcycle them for a new purpose, even if it's just using old shirts for shop rags like my dad used to do. If we could use everything we already have and keep it cycling around the population until it's fully unusable, we wouldn't need to make so much new stuff- factories full of clothes being made daily

[@63artemisia63]

@ Ti’el Lochridge Brilliant comment, many thanks. I’m about to sell, or at least try to sell, some good, old things I don’t use on eBay. I quickly realized that buyers would expect their purchases in nice boxes and bags and envelopes. And, just as quickly realized that I’m going to recycle packaging instead of buying new stuff. Instead of a bracelet in a pristine little plastic ziplock (unfortunately, bought plastic jewelry ziplocks about ten years ago, when I was making lots of jewelry), a new box and new shipping envelope, a buyer will get that bracelet in a 10-year-old bag that’s a little cloudy, then wrapped creatively in a catalog or portions of magazines and newspapers tied with festive yarn or ribbon, which I already have and mailed in an envelope I received an order in, when I was the buyer. That idea made me feel great! Now I’m excited by the idea of the process instead of dreading it. 🎈🤸‍♂️🎈🤸‍♂️🎈

[@MZclawod]

Not furniture bedbugs are REAL

[@MrKongatthegates]

My house and my car were used. Everything else, new.

[@dealightful5745]

The “personal attack” statement is absolutely helpful. I use it, particularly, when it comes to temptation with sugar and carbohydrates; I think to myself, there are a poisonous and addictive ingredients in them, ‘their’ plan is to make me sick … which is a truth anyway. Apart an occasional temptation, I refrain from those purchases. Also, I buy a second hand items, I rather contribute towards recycling + save money.

[@LM-xz1rc]

This is the truth. Keep everyone sick and brainwashed. Self-awareness is our super power and one we should embrace whole heartedly to make the most of our lives!

[@mikafoxx2717]

I find that buying second hand from friends and locals help, and I don't feel bad about doing it like I would buying anything new. Plus you get better things for the price second hand. Sometimes free things that'll do the job will pop up if you just wait a little bit.

[@hemsharma7789]

Appreciate what you are doing for your health and environment. It's been 4 years I have stopped adding sugar on my coffee and tea.

[@dealightful5745]

@@hemsharma7789 🎉

[@JB9000x]

On a related subject, when i was growing up my parents used to say i had to finish all the food on my plate because if i don't then I'm wasting food. Now when I'm full up i happily leave the food, and i tell my own children not to eat more than they need. If you eat more than you need them you're still wasting it. In fact it leads to even more waste, because your stomach grows beyond is natural size and your appetite increases every time. You then habitually eat too much forever and wasting food becomes a way of life. Put less on your plate next meal at home, or let the heaps of leftovers be a message to the restaurant owner that their portions are too large.

[@caspiana3623]

Great talk! Well thought-out and delivered in a calm and succinct manner. No fake smiles or cheesy jokes. Will listen to it again, thank you!

[@susanaduarteraposo]

The Swiss way :-)

[@krisg3984]

I think during Covid lockdown , we got time back in our lives to look at all we have. So many people I know went through and rounded up unneeded stuff and took it to the second/hand store. I did too, one day and had to drive in back to drop it off. Where I was confronted by the mountain of stuff ! They were overwhelmed ! -- I really think they need help !! -- sorting it out to look useful, because it looked unusable and just needed sorted and cleaned up. Then actually gifted to homeless shelters. For free. And what he said about community and chatting, it’s so true- it makes a real difference in people’s’ lives. So shop local businesses again, they need your help. Use up what you have, share what you have. Try to use what others no longer use

[@helenmartin1092]

I decided to only shop from charity shops and ended up working at one. But… then I found myself buying so much from there thinking I needed it all. I have changed my job to a place that is surrounded by warehouses, removing the daily temptation to buy. I intend to use this method the rest of the year, I’m sure I will learn a lot! Thank you Niko, very inspiring.

[@MGsac98252]

It's quite the challenge to not revert to your old ways of consumption, but it has proven to be liberating and eye opening since I have undertaken this journey.

[@maryg1338]

Excellent! Make memories, especially with your children, rather than buying the latest toy. They’ll appreciate being with you so much more. They’ll appreciate it, and so will the earth

[@dimonbarber6863]

Buying less, you gain more, And that is all about. Brilliant speech !

[@finalfantasy3808]

Good talk for hoarders. After living with a hoarder for many years, I've learned to ask myself two questions when I go shopping: 1) Do I already have it? 2) Do I need it? Example, I go to the store and find an antique knife. Do I already have it? No. Do I need it? No, and I walk away. Another example, I go to the store and I find a can opener. I ask myself do I already have it? No. Do I need it? Yes, to open food, which is a necessity. So I buy it.

[@caitieellen]

Incredible video, thanks so much! Too many times have I not been able to go to a concert because I spent too much money on an outfit that I was likely thinking I'd be wearing to said concert, or similarly, I wasn't able to purchase a yoga membership because I'd already spent my money on yoga clothes *even though I already had at least 2 outfits to wear to a yoga class*. I love the quote, "Have we all gone completely insane and was there a way to stop this madness?" - I will carry these words with me on my journey to spending less. Thank you again! Just what I needed to hear today.

[@ondinehd6889]

My grand-mother hardly ever bought new clothes or socks! She very carefully and meticulously mended them by hand, reconstructing the actual pattern of the fabric, making a grid with the thread and filling it in. It gave her endless hours of contentment as well! And both my paternal and maternal grand-parents owned only one car each for the entire duration of their lives, cars that were made to last, and that they took care of, and kept in top shape.

[@ondinehd6889]

@Collen Flarity Citroën DS, and Peugeot. The Peugeot was very sturdy, and reliable, even if the the ride was kind of bumpy. The Citroën was the most comfortable, spacious, and smooth car I have ever ridden in. When my grand-father passed away, his daughter inherited the car, which was still in top condition!

[@ondinehd6889]

@Collen Flarity About 50 years each. My ant sold the Citroën about about 20 years ago because she did not need it where she lived, and the Peugeot was also sold because none of the family lived in the city where this set of grand-parents lived (different countries).

[@ondinehd6889]

@Collen Flarity Yes, France.

[@julie-annegalvin251]

For many years my motto has been- BUY LESS - BUY BETTER QUALITY. This has really worked for me because things really last and that saves money and has less impact on the environment. I also maintain the items I have and only replace them when really necessary. I agree with supporting services especially since the pandemic. It really helps our communities to support live performances 😊

[@trishferrer8209]

Loved this message! Thank you! I am de-cluttering while listening. My desk is now clear. I do not purchase plastic. I really have no needs. Most of us have too much "inventory" to keep up with and manage. I would like to challenge myself to do as he did on the year without random purchases.

[@charldevilliers9434]

As I'm leaving a 6 storey home, and eliminating a lifetime's accumulated chaos of posessions, to move to a one room flatlet, this video inspires me to keep going. Thank you

[@AbhishekKumar-gr7iz]

This is the episode of Ted-Ed that has most influenced me, I keep coming back to this.

[@debbieolin8153]

Reduce, reuse, recycle should be everyone's personal mantra. Don't even remember the last time I purchased something new other than food. I am not missing a thing.

[@claudiaknecht1315]

Refuse should be placed in front 😉 then reduce, etc

[@Jdjfbficjenenwk3736]

You might want to buy new dental floss lol

[@bradhaines3142]

not a fan of reusing things other people have, but repurposing is fun

[@VirtuAI_Mind]

I'll admit, I clicked on this video a bit out of confirmation bias. I also have lived like this on and off for 5 years, but very seriously for the last year in particular. I went from $10,000 in debt to an incredibly comfortable amount in savings and investments in those 5 years. The things I have purchased in this time have been high quality, typically expensive, but once you stop buying lots, you can buy things that last and can be repaired as needed. I wish I had this mentality when I moved out on my own 12 years ago, but am thankful to have learned it before my 30s. Life is so much less stressful when you have the flexibility to take time in finding the right job or something as small as the right socks.

[@CJ-nf5jd]

Great advice, I wished I heard it sooner. I'm guilty of double buying. Same coat twice, just different color or 2 similar items just in case the first one broke. Regretting it now, some second items have never been used.

[@janesanchez213]

I keep saying I’m going to go “ No BUY” for a year. Thank you! You have inspired me. I did go to the store yesterday and bought food and water. So I’m starting August 1, 2022-

[@63artemisia63]

@ Jane Sanchez Just wondering, do you live somewhere the water is undrinkable? If not, skipping the H2O purchase could be another way to No-Buy. Wishing you good luck! 💕❤️💕

[@deda118]

Why the water? Unless you have to because it’s not available the usual way. It’s an environmental pollutant too with the plastic bottles.

[@nickel.05]

I get mine out of the fridge water and fill up my reusable water bottle (I have 2) 🙂 just make sure you’re washing them after uses.

[@63artemisia63]

@@nickel.05 💕❤️💕

[@rnapol3266]

Me too i wanna start now !

[@lisanelke9726]

Yes, we have gone completely insane! Your talk was fantastic! I especially liked the discussion of goods versus services and how the happiness of a service/experience lasts longer than the happiness of purchasing a good. I collect several different things especially dolls but I have a problem with overspending. I really think your observations will help me rethink what I buy. Thank you so much! 🙏💖

[@Boristheborat]

Dolls?

[@wintersprite]

I’m a doll collector as well. My main doll collection is American Girl dolls, although I have other brands as well.

[@wintersprite]

@@Boristheborat Doll collecting is actually fairly popular and they aren’t just for kids.

[@dejan.]

I buy good quality items as I value longevity and reliability, unfortunately most people can’t always afford the best or choose not to save up. Buy once, buy right.

[@CumbiaDancer5678]

I love this video! I started travelling full time on Oct 30.2014. Friends & co workers questioned my sanity as I sold my property & vehicle & gave away most of my "stuff". Now, after 8 years of traveling, I still don't miss the "stuff" that others find so necessary for a fulfilling life. I eat out for lunch every day when I am travelling, I consume services such as massages, pedicures, chiropractic & reflexology on a regular basis & in general, lead a much more relaxed, pleasant life then I ever did in my 56 years of life in Canada. Because I live out of a suitcase, I have to adhere to the "one in one out" principle. Now, my clothing choices are much more travel oriented & I am much more strict with not buying anything that I already have a similar one of. Change is needed & less is more. Well done, sir...well done!

[@lsamoa]

But you're still consuming A LOT of stuff through this lifestyle though, only other people take care of them for you. When you're delegating the care of the stuff you use to others, you turn "minimalism" into a class issue between those who can afford not to own and maintain stuff, and those who are left to take care of all this stuff. Gypsy is a slur btw.

[@x3ko777]

Travelling full time is still consumerism, you’re fooling yourself if you think you are following what this guy is advocating.

[@muddyguns]

Look at the others commenting. All women. What wrong with you all?

[@CumbiaDancer5678]

@@lsamoa I consume services as opposed to accumulating more "stuff". Because I live out of a suitcase, if I buy something new, I have to get rid of something. You can bet that if I buy something, it is something that is needed in order to replace a worn item. If you can't wrap your head around the not buying more stuff, I'll leave you stewing in your own thoughts. Have a wonderful day.

[@CumbiaDancer5678]

@@x3ko777 clearly, the concept of letting go of the need to "own" stuff is lost on you. While you're trying to figure it out, I'll keep travelling, untethered, into my 9th year of full time travel. "Travel is the only thing we spend money on that makes us richer..."

[@cristian-bull]

just having a mindset of the kind "don't buy a new phone if the current is working perfectly fine" is already a huge improvement towards a simpler and happier life.

[@fraink1100]

I do what I wish with the money I earned. If I feel like buying 2 phones that’s my business. You people really want to live like China and North Korea.

[@jos_t_band3912]

My old computer worked just fine. But my new computer is much faster and it increased my productivity.

[@cristian-bull]

@@fraink1100 I can express my own point of view about things, and it has nothing to do with you. It's not a personal attack. What you do is certainly not my business, and I don't care.

[@cristian-bull]

@@jos_t_band3912 yeah, it all depends a lot on how you define "perfectly fine" 😅 Increased productivity sounds like a real tangible advantage, and work tools are a priority.

[@ROMANEMPIRE69]

Yeah I had an assphone 😜 7 that failed. Got a replacement 8 that also failed after a long time. Finally upgraded to a 14, but until it fails I’m not getting another one.

[@danielalbers5173]

I’m glad this has been helpful for numerous people! I especially appreciate the focus on resource consumption as it relates to the environment. However, this conversation is for the privileged. His concept of minimalism assumes that we have extra money, and indeed, a surplus of financial power. Let’s not forget the people who are in poverty and own one pair of jeans because that is all they can afford. If you are practicing minimalism, please add donations to non-profits and charities that go towards helping those in need!

[@arunshankars8398]

You are right. However, the poor also benefit from the rich practising minimalism. If the rich didn't consume and accumulate so much, the prices will fall, making them affordable for the poor.

[@jphickory522]

A reduction in the volume of purchases doesn’t necessarily result in lower prices.

[@arunshankars8398]

@@jphickory522Can you explain? If all other factors remain the same, a reduction in the quantity demanded will reduce the price.

[@indydecember5379]

A fantastic VDO indeed. I'm currently having this compulsive buying / shopping and having a hard time stopping. Came across this VDO with a lot of good and useful thoughts really changed the way I think. Thanks so much.

[@lechatel]

Our business revolves round helping people to move house and move on. By far the biggest problem people face when trying to accomplish this is 'stuff'. The sheer amount of stuff they have stored in closets, cupboards, barns, garages and attics. They are usually trying to downsize- their family have moved out and maybe they are too old to maintain the house. Yet they often struggle to reconcile this with moving to a smaller more affordable, more easily maintained home. There isn't enough storage, they often wail. Yet the stuff they have in store has often been 'stored' since they first moved in to the house they are now selling. It is often still in the same box. Much of it is out-dated, was bought on a whim, they have forgotten they had, or no longer require. They will never need or use it all even if they had three lifetimes to do it in. The reality is we use very little of our possessions regularly. We tend to use the same pie dish, the same crockery, the same everyday items. We have others in store for 'special occasions. But a lot is stored because it is actually not as practical as the one we use regularly. This applies to clothes. The bottom line is that by the time we are involved, this excess stuff is threatening to ruin lives. People are denying themselves the chance to lead a well-regulated stress-free life with lower bills (all those rooms they think they need are actually for the stuff and not for them- and they have to be heated and are subject to taxes).

[@wendyjones3953]

I am going through exactly what you describe at this very moment! We were supposed to downsize last year but due to illhealth, it has taken me so long to sort through our ‘stuff’ that it is only now that I am able to get Estate Agents in. A whole year wasted. Apart from most people needing to listen to this chap’s speech, I think many would be motivated by reading your message. Thankyou

[@lechatel]

@@wendyjones3953 Thank you Wendy. On the upside you have confronted the beast now and it will be such a relief I am sure. I have a client at the moment who has recently moved house. We are going to visit her tomorrow in her new home. She battled the whole process and struggled at times, but now she cannot understand why she didn't do it before! I suppose it is like most things: tasks get bigger, decisions get harder, when we put them off repeatedly. Good luck with your future plans.

[@johnpawlakmusic1216]

Great talk. I drive an 18yr old work truck, my iPhone SE is 5yrs old and I wear out all my clothes until they fall off. More $ for travel and special experiences 👍🏼

[@groovy56]

The urge to spend is a stress releasing addictive urge, so buying services and experiences, rather than more “stuff” is brilliant!

[@Eva-xh8kq]

Even his presentation slides cannot be any more minimalistic than that

[@muddyguns]

Look at the others commenting. All women. What wrong with you all?

[@Eva-xh8kq]

@@muddyguns absolutely nothing.

[@ziriyab]

This guy has an exquisite command of English; a joy to listen to, as well as being inspiring. Thank you

[@carrickobama]

I think people buy stuff to try and feel the void or unhappiness within themselves thinking it will Make them feel better, this short burst of dopamine and original good feeling doesn’t last or lead to happiness as it’s short pleasure; I do believe much of the younger generation is aware that experiences will bring you more happiness than material possessions. I will make a video on this I’m the future ❤

[@shonaharris9328]

Excellent points he makes. I’ve been working on being a minimalist and doing the best I can. My favorite Takeaway is that he said are number one- to spend on services which will feed the economy and I believe the more local the better to support your local community; Number two that experiences are good for the soul and much better for you than things which are like sugar. I found the second to be true and I found that having more and variable experiences are enriching for one’s life.

[@norasummers6877]

Great message! Totally agree. To live light is to relinquish bondage to stuff that can cause emotional stress. I’m trying to buy what I need not what I want! My motto I’m still working on is to make do with what I have. After moving house I realise how much stuff I collected over the years! Holding on to the things I love, moving on the rest if not providing a functional need. Thanks for the thought provoking TT💞🙏

[@muddyguns]

Look at the others commenting. All women. Whats wrong with you all?

[@jphuang8658]

Your presentation is very inspirational. Thank you! Any new good leaves carbon prints to earth, not to mention wasting money and cluttering the environment. I’m in process of declutter, reduce, reuse, donate, and buy only necessities.

[@user-yj3ob9kd3l]

Yes, yes, yes!!! A great strategy that would also create a sense of accomplishment that could keep growing year to year. I will adopt this plan today. There's really nothing that I need materially and much that I can get rid of. I feel better all ready. Thank you!

[@dmatthews7423]

100%. my cousin complains about working so much & taking so much voluntary overtime missing his grandkids growing up. He also spent $4,000 for faux corners stones on his house that no one even notices.

[@juditharsenault2131]

I started a no buying anything for a year last week and found this video. Perfect timing!!! I'm saving money. I do need socks but will try to use old pairs I can scrounge up.

[@TranceGurl20]

Old socks are fine but shoes are a must for me if I step in a puddle of water my whole foot gets wet lol also they have no soles heh

[@67NewEngland]

Great talk. I tend to live like this by nature. Pleasure from material items is always fleeting. Best to learn how to discover happiness in other ways.

[@kouyopoto]

That's the way i live too since a decade. It's very easy. The only thing to keep in mind is to chose wisely (clothes, material, etc..) and to take care of your stuff (protect your phone for example). And the cool side is, when you really HAVE to buy something (like a pair of shoes because your old ones are worn out), you actually enjoy it

[@AndreaAvila78]

I've been doing this since the pandemic! It's amazing how much you can save!

[@dcjr1053]

Before I was married, I did this sort of thing for a couple of years. I also had a rule to write down everything thing I spent as soon as I spent it no matter how low the price. There was a line in my notepad for every purchase. My friends thought it was weird, but I managed to erase all my debt including a student loan and saved a nice chunk of cash which I ended up investing. My other rule back then was to never own more than will fit in the back of a pickup truck.

[@Alex1710XVII]

Where did you invest? Don't investments only work because people buy the goods a company makes? I couldn't imagine how else money could become more money.

[@dcjr1053]

@@Alex1710XVII Lockheed Martin.

[@tara34952]

I need to make myself watch this every day to keep reminding myself of this message.

[@andrewbrendan1579]

A lot of great comments and ideas here. The final comment, "Good things can last a very long time", is so true. Someone who was downsizing or clearing out gave me a lot of clothing, most of which I in turn donated as it was too much for m and my efficiency apartment. I was given some good-quality socks and after I don't even know how many years I'm still wearing those socks.

[@ligbzd837]

True! The market economy/capitalism is not the problem, producing innovative inexpensive stuff people really need is not the problem; the problem starts when people kept wanting more and more and more and more. One is not enough, we need two, three, four... Wanting more is the problem and we need to stop that desire for more.

[@cbrashsorensen]

Wanting is an expression of feeling "less than". In the case of women we are "objects of desire" and basically mannequins to be dressed with our hairstyles and make-up. We pound our bodies into a shape desirable in our societies. Thus the "you are not good enough" ads for the latest fast car, iWatch, treadmill, etc.

[@investedfemelle7564]

I need to hear this more than anyone 😢. I really struggle with buying constantly

[@ms.sunflower6417]

Me too love me too.....

[@patwilliams800]

💕 Such a lovely genuine guy. We can do this. xx

[@arunshankars8398]

Consider not buying on even days. Shop only on the odd days. That's a good starting point.

[@muddyguns]

Look at the others commenting. All women. What wrong with you all?

[@heatherwalker235]

I have been doing this since I have retired and the 'feel good' rewards are wonderful. I find it works 90% of the time. It has also been an excellent lesson for the grandkids. We will make memories and go to mini putt or a musical show rather buy a toy. Restores are treasure chest full of new items. Easier to restore than return. Thanks for this talk. Now, if I can just get my kids to watch it :)

[@muddyguns]

Look at the others commenting. All women. What wrong with you all?

[@mikaylawoolley140]

My goal this Christmas is buying 100% experiences for gifts.

[@nataliepassant8083]

Experiences over things always. Such valuable insight for us all to learn from in our consumer culture.

[@Verociity]

Decluttering isn't just relieving a burden, you're also clearing up stagnant energy according to feng shui, so it's not just a mental change but an actual change you can feel. You've gotta keep the energy following and not stagnant, otherwise it weighs us down which reflects in your life.

[@maureenahern-luna5877]

10:49 Services are the economy of the future, if we choose to have one. WELL SAID!!!

[@annefitz7346]

Thank you for an Excellent talk! I have to go shopping now but I crossed several things off my list! AS a former shopaholic, a few things that have helped me recently: 1) cleaning out our family home which was in the family for 120 years. Sadly, no treasures & most of the stuff was mine! 2) The Pandemic- I would not just go to a store to browse! This saved me lots of money so now I am so much better, but I have to watch myself carefully! 3) I avoid online shopping especially Amazon (I don't want to make Bezos any richer & I pay more taxes, so it really makes me angry). 4) I try to thrift shop now, does not always work, but worth the effort. 5) Listening to talks like this often to keep me honest. Good luck to all who are trying to cutdown on stuff! Together we can make a difference.

[@Douglas-iz4de]

I started doing this but it is because I have no money but I am determined to continue this even when my money problems improve. It made me realize that I don’t need new stuff all the time that stuff does not fix your problems in fact stuff causes problems now you have to store all your stuff and take care of your stuff. You can drown in your stuff. Just use the stuff you have and find happiness within. Instead of buying something new go pull that thing that you never use out of the closet and use it. You probably have so many things that you don’t use but could.

[@noneya9035]

I added up my Amazon spending a couple years ago. For the entire year. I spent close to 12K. I needed to look at that and feel that disappointment and shame.

[@momentumflux8863]

Same here. I was overwhelmed by the actual sum, cause I always considered myself a moderate, mindful consumer. Oh how wrong I was! :)

[@momentumflux8863]

Same here. I was overwhelmed by the actual sum, cause I always considered myself a moderate, mindful consumer. Oh how wrong I was! :)

[@christinecarels2972]

What a great talk! Calm and convincing, with proper practical advice! Thank you 🙏

[@muddyguns]

Look at the others commenting. All women. What wrong with you all?

[@shannoninalaska]

As someone who developed a shopping addiction after quitting smoking (they say you replace one addiction for another), I have been working on not purchasing anything, or at least not buying as much.

[@PHlophe]

shannon, shopping addiction that is a very white thing . SMH !

[@gatanegra8815]

I also read in a book years ago, that it is easier to replace one addiction with another than to quit altogether. If it really the case, you should probably choose the least problematic addiction of all. I have a big problem with sweet and fatty stuff. For years. It is very hard to quit despite obvious negative consequences.

[@muddyguns]

Look at the others commenting. All women. What wrong with you all?

[@gatanegra8815]

@@muddyguns Sorry, I don´t understand what exactly you mean. Many people have bad habits, also many men.

[@soniar8561]

I love this! My family buys second hand first if possible.

[@WillF1994]

I would argue here that 'services' in this case are more like 'experiences'. Getting a haircut is certainly a service but the chat you have with them as well as with the cobbler all adds up to an experience in my mind. A memorable and well-worth expenditure of your time and money, hopefully. Regardless, I love the core message of Niko's talk: the enjoyable service taking place of the superfluous, environmentally destructive good is an all-round better experience for us, the person providing the service/experience and the planet. Lots to think on Edit: I just realised he does refer to experiences towards the end of the talk. My mistake. It's great to hear about the experience economy

[@jennifert3436]

Join a "Buy Nothing" group. Also go to "swaps" in your area. I haven't bought anything except essentials (toothpaste, mouthwash, medicine). I'm ashamed to say I still have a storage unit, which shows you that buying too much stuff costs you more than you know! With inflation, there's even less reason to buy junk you don't need.

[@cbrashsorensen]

DITCH that storage unit. Take photos of items that have sentimental value and sell (or give away) to remainder. Storage units are the worst thing that could have happened - out of site out of mind. We have a rule - buy something and something leaves. We just bought a car (used) and as soon as it arrives will sell our other car. Never have the attitude of "just in case". Sales are NOT sales - you don't need that pair of shoes that you got on sale for $50 is still $50 out of your wallet. WAKE UP!

[@63artemisia63]

@ Jennifer T Only in America are people so conditioned to buy-buy-buy that we have to pay for places to store our excess junk. Pathetic, isn’t it? Somehow, the old axiom less is more got flipped to more is less, or something. Right now, I’m cataloging the $5K of jewelry making supplies I “had to have” when I was teaching myself to make jewelry. Doing it so my husband will be able to sell what I don’t sell if I die first. It’s quite a wake-up call.

[@Tes7000]

Jennifer T: I have never even heard of such a group, but that is a great idea. I have been on a decluttering journey lately, and I have been throwing out tons of stuff from the basement and other clutter in the house. A couple of months ago, a friend of mine needed a cordless house phone. I have several, including a couple in perfect condition. I told her I would give her one, but the problem was the battery wouldn't hold a charge, and I needed to order a new one. My friend told me not to bother. Despite the fact that she is, by her own admission, flat broke, she wanted to go out and spend money to buy a brand new cordless phone when I could have ordered a new battery for only a few dollars. I can't even explain how disappointed I was to finally have an opportunity to actually put some old junk in this house to good use, only to have it slip through my fingers. She ultimately told me that she would take the phone, because she would actually like having two phones in her home in two separate rooms. I ordered the battery and did as she asked, but it would have been nice to give her two mint condition phones, which would have allowed her to save the money she spent on the phone she rushed out to buy. I know this is such a small issue, but I found it super annoying. Decluttering can be slightly frustrating, because what you should do with what you sort through is not always clear, plus there are so many things that are actually hard to get rid of. You can't throw out old TVs, computers, printers, VCRs, and other electronics. Overall, you just have to stay the course.

[@lh485]

This was so good. He also speaks better English as a second language than most natives. Great presentation

[@callbackdons]

yep - most second language speakers use much more deliberate word selection. it's at least partially because they aren't familiar with all the colloquialisms, idioms, slang, and bad--but understood--grammar that we use all the time, like "phrasal verbs", passive voice, etc. also impressive though: very few, if any, vocal pauses, like "uhhm", or ..words like, "like" 😅

[@martindirkzimmer]

English might even be his third or fourth language, seeing as he‘s from Switzerland.

[@theymademepickaname1248]

Bunch of monolingual betas.

[@63artemisia63]

Very good and inspiring. So inspiring that I actually paused the video to cancel a small purchase I had made a few minutes before. It was a Christmas cards stamp set and I thought it would be fun to use. But I didn’t need it because I don’t really celebrate Christmas or send cards! I sent a few handmade ones to neighbors last year and enjoyed making them. But I could just as easily visit and give each one some cookies, some Chocolate Peppermint Tootsie Pops or something else festive. Thanks for the encouragement, Niko! ❤️

[@muddyguns]

Look at the others commenting. All women. What wrong with you all?

[@guy8646]

For many people, this kind of spending is just the reality of life due to finances. My couch and coffee table are 18 years old, my car is 14 years old, I just got Netflix and wi-fi in my house this year and I still have two bath towels a coworker gifted to me 23 years ago when I went off to college. (The towels surprisingly look totally fine and yes, I have newer towels, too.) I have a good-paying job, but as a single homeowner in this economy, I don’t feel like I have a ton of extra cash to spend on things just because.

[@Cherrycreamsoda1]

When I first came to university I bought a whole load of things from home - cups, towels, cleaning ware, because I knew we had everything we needed, but I've had a secret makeup-buying habit for 2 years or so, so this July I decided to buy nothing. I realised I really don't need new stuff at all; in fact I was happier during that month than I was before. So now I think I'm going to do it for a whole year, longer if I can :))

[@63artemisia63]

@Cherry Cola Brava, woman with a great KZbin name! The whole concept of makeup disturbs me because makeup is meant to encourage women - and now men, who wear eye shadow, etc. - to believe they look “better” with their faces painted and their features obscured by layers of color. The presumption is that the way we naturally look is NOT o.k. We should hide our real appearance. Or “improve” it. The messages come from everywhere, all the time - magazines, movies, videos, ads on buses, inside stores and other public spaces. No wonder so many young women are insecure and anxious: they’re bombarded with the idea that they’re not good enough - their faces, hair, clothes, bodies. All in the service of sustaining billionaires who own the corporations that make all the stuff we’re obsessed with buying. It’s sick. Sorry, I’m passionate about this. Anyway, good for you for taking some first steps to breaking out of the vicious cycle. 💕❤️💕

[@muddyguns]

Look at the others commenting. All women. What wrong with you all?

[@TM-zq7qx]

A few years back I was diagnosed with diabetes. My only option for treatment would be medication. My doctor didn’t even consider diet and exercise as an option. However, having studied health previously, I suggested I go the diet and exercise route first. The doctor was reluctant, but agreed after I had promised to take the medication if I failed. And boy, the dieting and exercising route was hard, real hard!!! The unhealthy, detrimental but “oh so tempting” foods and snacks “besieged” me everyday, everywhere…My own family thought I’d give in and give up…But, I knew why I was doing it and I did it! My numbers got better, I was able to control myself, my doctor was amazed and proud of me… I do believe that our consumer habits are, in a way, comparable to a disease…but the cycle can be broken! We just have to know why we’re doing it…

[@Amritadivya]

I would add one thing to his list: give to charities or help someone who is struggling with your saved money. Share the wealth

[@mSchwippy]

What a stud. Such a simple and effective presentation with a great message