The #1 Thing Keeping You Broke (It's Not What You Think)

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[@recynd77]

Three things my 92-yo father taught us along the way: (1) Motor vehicles are almost never “investments”; (2) a short commute is worth far more than money; and (3) everything you own requires effort to maintain and/or store.

[@sherryvaldes2393]

That "effort to maintain" 😑 ugh when you own a house. I tell you I just never dreamed of getting hit with so many bills at once.

[@RobertJohnson-bj5lk]

One of the many Tyler Durden quotes I remember from “Fight Club”: “The stuff you own, ends up owning you.”

[@dainasworldnumbers88]

Great comments!

[@peacelovejoyandhappiness]

@@dainasworldnumbers88amen🎉❤🎉❤excellent comments!!!

[@themoodyteam]

‘A short commute….’ Is absolutely true. I spent years doing various commutes, not realising how much it was costing me in money and time. I’m now have a job that fits my requirements, which is only an 11 minute cycle commute ✊

[@busterbluesun]

I can be happy just sitting in my living room looking out into the backyard with a cat in my lap. No tv. Just sitting.

[@lucialuciferion6720]

You wouldn't sitting in Nicole's living room, bare bone basics.

[@anomniscientcat3483]

Lol ​@@lucialuciferion6720

[@vernshird711]

I'm a fellow minimalist, my wife is working on it, but she is smart with her finances. Debt-free and our home was paid off right before COVID hit. We live below our means and contribute to our retirement accounts. My vehicle is over 10 years old, hers is around 15 years old. The big revelation I've found is that owning a home is a lie. There's the thing called property taxes. They keep going up each year - fail to pay them and you'll find out who really owns your home. I've come to the conclusion that life is one giant scam. Just when you think you have figured things out, they change the rules...on purpose.

[@LygerTheCLaw]

yeah property taxes have become a major problem, $700 a year to $2600 a year within 4 years, for what? we don't get anything more from the county when property values are higher. all we get is the next lull in property values where hopefully the taxes go back to a reasonable level, although our homes then are worth substantially less.

[@MarySmith-i8q]

​@@LygerTheCLawSame here. We pay $6k a year on a $300k house. It's paid off, but we will struggle when we retire or we'll have to move somewhere with lower taxes😢

[@LygerTheCLaw]

@@MarySmith-i8q i feel you, my house is paid off and i'm having a hard time paying the taxes since i was disabled by a work injury this last year. having been fighting my disability insurance, unemployment and trying to still see doctors without insurance with 0 income kinda sucks.

[@ffr0ggy5]

having pets is one expense that actually did make me happier. also expenses that lead to greater health, like buying produce over cheap ultraprocessed food. but the vast majority of money that i spend is wasted

[@jahart5556]

My Dodge Durango is 22 yr old. I bought it 10 yrs ago from an older private owner who bought it new an only used for vacations over the summer. Paid $5200 cash. I haven't had a car payment since 1998. No matter what the repairs could ever be imagined is still cheaper than buying a car on payments.

[@proto2580]

My Durango IS from 1998. Bought in 2004 or 2005 with 27K miles. Has 130K miles on it now, though I would not say its a reliable car. Decided to switch to Toyota because I keep cars a long time. For now, I will keep the Durango, but I have to tear the dash apart to replace the AC evap core. Big job.

[@jahart5556]

@@proto2580 I just hit 173,000 last month. My repairs are just normal things that need replaced over time. Run beautiful, but I only use full synthetic oil and high quality filters and always change the oil about every 2800-3000 miles. A clean engine is key as my father always said. Oil is cheap, but engines are expensive, lol. I do believe foreign vehicles are made so much better the past 20-30 years. If I were rich, lol, I would probably have a 10 car garage loaded with cars from the late 60's- early 70's.... stunning 🔥

[@mikemckenzie4782]

Similar here. I drive a 1992 Honda Accord. I'm the 2nd owner. And since ownership repairs are still cheaper than payments.

[@RockymountainRobert]

​@jahart5556 , you should also use lucas oil stabilizer with your oil changes and use prolong oil additive every few months, trust me, those two additives used together will make your engine last for along time with many miles .

[@elizabethhamilton1166]

Great video, Nicole! Another expensive item for people is major appliances. My rule of thumb is buy the simplest washer, fridge etc, you can find that has good reviews. The fewer bells and whistles the better.😊

[@seltzermint5]

I agree! I know people who don't have a lot of extra cash but replaced a working dishwasher with a $1400 Samsung one with "smart" features they don't even know how to use. We got our Frigidaire dishwasher for $310 new from an outlet store in 2022 and it works great with no bells and whistles. It even has a stainless steel finish we didn't even necessarily care about.

[@busterbluesun]

My washer and dryer are 30 years old, plain old Kenmore but they still do the job. Same with my microwave, bought them all at the same time.

[@seltzermint5]

@@busterbluesunit's cool they have lasted so long. I have a hand me down dryer purchased in 2004, a relative could NOT have an unmatched set lol, so I've benefited from that since 2012 and still going strong. I did buy a new washer. Our house was built in 1980 and we just had to replace a lot of the original (ugly) kitchen appliances since 2020 which I felt was fine considering they were 40 years old at that time. But I wouldn't have done it just for aesthetics, I would have used ugly almond colored stuff with wood accents for another 20 years or so.

[@fakeologist1]

Scratch and debts

[@4940markhutchins]

I am retired, debt free and content riding down a remote highway on my Honda Goldwing motorcycle.

[@recynd77]

My husband’s all-time-favorite vehicle was his beautiful, loaded Goldwing (1990, I think). He still misses it!

[@maxlown363]

I have realised that many of my eating habbits, weight issues, and purchases are driven by an unconsicious search for dopamine, just like what you are talking about

[@kendragreene5953]

THIS!

[@antant6217]

my father gaslights me whenever i prefer to save over spend. for example, i turned down expensive bedding sheets to go with new bed (old bed was awful, so necessary) because i like my pillows and blankets. he basically gaslights me into thinking i'm not happy with my current situation and that i should spend more on things to make me happy saving money makes me happy. being healthy and saving money on food makes me feel better about myself. pretty much my only "miscellaneous" expenses are my gym membership (i have cerebral palsy and value specific machines) and a more expensive internet bill. i have a lot of internalized ableism and i do get depressed, but i don't spend money on instant gratification because i will feel WORSE for wasting money. saving feels good and it's not like I deprive myself on food. If anything, ordering out less often makes me savor my treats and makes them feel rewarding

[@yeetmeng7258]

Just know that you are in the right mindset to overcome your depressive times. The fact you are aware of how you spend and the rate at which you consume affects your mental state is the most important factor to understand and sustain your problems. You should be proud of yourself, I know I am and I wish you a good day.

[@mgtowski395]

Sleep is important.

[@knrdvmmlbkkn]

"my father gaslights (...) save over spend." I think I know the feeling. A lot of people try to get me to purchase a "smartphone". I don't want it, I don't need it but yet - somehow - I "have to".

[@seltzermint5]

My mom fully believes me and my husband should be deep in debt, in a huge house with 2 expensive brand new cars. We would be living paycheck to paycheck if we did that and would not be happy! As it stands, we live beneath our means debt free and still have everything we need. Our wants are not brand new cars and a flashy house like hers were.

[@RiteOn]

In reality, society is the killer of moral. Every message trying to get you to buy something stresses your deficit. From religion to shopping, every message demonstrates your imperfection. We are literally being killed by the need to sell something. Food, drugs, healthcare, all marketed for the market not our wellbeing. It's impossible to stay positive with all the crap we are sold.

[@deb1130]

I had this realization a few days ago, looking at my 70 year old face in the mirror. “Why do your wrinkles worry you?” “Why do your hooded eyes worry you?” “Why does your thin hair worry you?” And each time, the answer was “Because SOCIETY TOLD ME this is an issue.” Pffft, that’s not a good reason.

[@tomhancock8184]

Of all the great advice you have given, this is possibly the most universally useful. Things, objects, and stuff are external and can not create lasting happiness. You have to find it in yourself. Please keep up.the good work.

[@TheDowntownHermit-xj6rq]

Diogenes the dog was not just a Stoic, But a minimalist. It's not the one who has the most that is wealthiest, But the one who wants the least.

[@thechosenwon2207]

Love your content. The way I got over my amazon addiction of late night shopping is - I’d place all those items in the cart and click “save for later”. I’d take another look the following day at those saved items and as I was deleting them I was laughing at the stuff I almost convinced myself I couldn’t live without 😂. It wasn’t easy, I see why Bezos has a $500M yacht.

[@learningisfun2108]

Good video, Nicole. Not flashy, no ranting; rather rock solid advice. Thx. As an aside, I believe that the more we chase happiness or contentment, the less we have. I find it best just to throw myself into activities and hobbies, relationships and exercise, then the contentment just settles in. Like a butterfly: chase it and you’ll never catch it. Ignore it and it may land on your nose. Keep up the good work.

[@mettamorph4523]

Excellent advice. You taught me something. Thank you. I've never had connection in the way that I think I want. I spend money to fill a longstanding void.

[@lanctermann7261]

I'm going to watch this video every day for a year. This is exactly right. Thanks for posting it.

[@cheriesvansson5117]

This is a great video. Unfortunately this is the norm for so many people who aren't content with what they have. It is all too easy to spend money we either do or don't have needlessly. Doing so just breeds more discontentment and leads to vicious cycles of money addiction and general unhappiness. A big part of it I think is taking the time to look more inward and seeing that money is simply a tool to get the things we need and that the best things in life cost us nothing.

[@timisaac8121]

Hey Nicole: First time visitor to your channel: I purchased my home in 2004 and paid it completely. My car is paid completely. I grow so much food and my chicken give me eggs. Yet, I remain a super saver. Why? Bc I want to relocate further south and build a renewal source of electricity to provide for "anyone" who wants to live nearby. Why is pretty important. A strong why makes everything "okay". So the number 1 thing is "buying sh*t randonly". I really like your hair. On one vid, it appears it could be a wig. Either way, wig or natural, I love your look. You seem very bold and assertive in a good way. Thanks!

[@chessmaster1115]

I put a lot of thought into my biggest purchases and have not regretted any of them.

[@jimscharfenberger2]

This video underscores the value of looking within for happiness. Thanks, Nicole, for your refreshing observations on achieving a less stressful life!😊

[@Tivi1770]

Everything is paid off but my house. I don't buy a new car, don't go out to eat, canceled most subscription plans or lowered it, planted my veggies and herbs, and I don't do impulse buys . I dont have a cc. I don't compare myself with others, but it took me some time to work on myself, etc. I'm happy the way it is. I've had to make some adjustments, but I'm in a better place.

[@valerieewing4023]

I would say that I'm pretty content with most things in my life. I have a modest house that is keeping my growing family safe and comfortable, my job provides enough for me to maintain said home and family even without input from my boyfriend (though it helps for the extras). Our cars are reliable and we have enough to put towards retirement. The only thing I'm not really content about is the few major problems with the house that are very costly that need to be addressed in the next few years. We are slowly taking care of those things and I'll be even more content when those things are taken care of!

[@HomeEcSewing]

My last purchase was a salad spinner that I got at the thrift store for $1 because I just planted my garden seeds. I have a feeling it will bring me lots of happiness over the summer as I eat my free salads.

[@thebudgetingbaker2023]

I now look at my budget as a business. My emotions where so wrapped up in my finances that put me in debt. Now when the emotions start I have to stay away from money!

[@MabakoenaSekano]

What about having children, and finding others to enjoy our time with? Understandably, your self-confidence speaks volumes, however, there's a poverty mentality and limiting ourselves with less, however life is supposed be living an enhanced lifestyle and clear thoughts on enjoying a higher standard gives richer meaning. Channeling one's frustration especially when we have monthly cycles and premenstrual tension, (every two weeks of our lives gives us understanding our lives are shorter than we really think,), ought to give us ideas to manage our emotions and moods constructively. However, thank you for sharing your perspective and you are living responsibly. Congratulations on moving into a spacious home. Thank you for giving us a perspective of being happier with what we have and the awareness of making do. Such is the cycle of life. How great meeting you would be....your passion to communicate the reality of our lives is received with gratitude. Thank you.

[@azieltobias]

I began my investment journey at the age of 33, primarily through hard work and dedication. Now at the age of 58, I am thrilled to share that my passive income exceeded $100k in a single month for the first time. This success reinforces the importance of the advice mentioned earlier. It is not about achieving quick wealth, but rather ensuring long-term financial prosperity.

[@sloanmarriott5]

Investors should exercise caution with their exposure and exercise caution when considering new investments, particularly during periods of inflation. It is advisable to seek guidance from a professional or trusted advisor in order to navigate this recession and achieve potential high yields.

[@disney-hefner]

I agree, having a brokerage advisor for investing is genius! Amidst the financial crisis in 2008, I was really having investing nightmare prior touching base with a advisor. In a nutshell, i've accrued over $2m with the help of my advisor from an initial $350k investment.

[@Buffet-walton22]

@@disney-hefner Kudos on the effective execution of innovative ideas and tactics that lead to significant advancement. As I seek guidance from a trustworthy advisor, would you be willing to share details about the individual assisting you?

[@disney-hefner]

Wright promptly do a web check where you can connect with her Gertrude Margaret Quinto and do your research with her full names mentioned..

[@Buffet-walton22]

My needs are kind of unique and complex. I'll contact her nonetheless, and I hope I'm able to make something out of it.

[@mikem3695]

You're not mentioning the other totally useless addictions or crutches that are wasteful and actually harmful in most cases: Drugs, booze, weed, gambling, cigs, tats, piercings, makeup, hairstyles, etc.

[@markbajek2541]

I can see a decent haircut as a confidence booster,. but yeah the first 6 or so on your list are just like flushing money down the toilet

[@quisrose]

I don't know how i landed on this video, on your channel Nicole, but my GOD was this SO valuable and timely ! Thank you.

[@wilrohan2985]

I used to work as a contract engineer for short gigs all over the country. The money was great, but I was always lonely and usually bored. So the first thing I did when I arrived in a new town and rented a room was to apply for a library card. I would learn about the local sites and culture.

[@raymondsimmons1617]

I agree that housing, transportation and food are generally the biggest expenses in a budget. I have been able to cut 1 out and it has made a huge difference. I enjoy saving, doing a budget, and investing the leftover money that I have each month. By saving the most that I can in the present, I am sacrificing some joy today to have a more abundant future. I am on a 10 year "save the most that I can" plan. I enjoy your videos because they will help me with my goals.

[@emc6511]

Excellent again, Nicole !! Reminded me of something I read somewhere (?) that: A common theme running thru each bad decision that compromises future $ecurity & happine$$ is that the person wasn't dealing from a position of power. Because: Impaired by stress or DEPRESSION. Because: Weak due to recent loss or other roadblock. Because: Lacked sufficient knowledge to properly evaluate & anticipate consequences of actions.

[@ogvelociraptor205]

Nicole You are an amazing person with advice that is educational and helpful. I also like how There's more people discovering the joys of living a minimalist/frugal lifestyle. I've made big changes in how I eat along with what I purchase too getting rid of clutter that no longer holds any value to Me. ❤😊❤

[@cr-iv1el]

Good info! Thank you for being vulnerable for us.

[@soundcasts2udios]

short term gratification is a lot easier to achieve than long term gratification

[@fullmetalt-shirt8355]

I've joined expensive dating sites just for the dopamine hit I get of imagining the possibilities knowing full well that nothing will come of it.

[@CupcakeCottage]

A hobby is definitely a source of happiness if you love doing it. You just chose the wrong hobby. It takes a lot of trial and error to find the right one.

[@EnnVee959]

I think neutrality is the natural healthy state of mind. Inner peace. I feel that happiness and sadness/anger are two temporary states in the mind of a healthy person. Great video as always.

[@sackwhack]

It took me until I hit 30 to realize that much of the crap I was buying wasn't fulfilling me and was really driven by a sense of boredom, sadness, and sometimes loneliness. Even though I was well paid for my age, I just spent all my income on frivolous stuff, having only a couple thousand dollars in the bank to my name. The weird thing is that even then, on a conscious level, I acknowledged the old saying "buying stuff doesn't bring us happiness". However it is one thing to understand something and another to embrace it. I think what finally clicked for me was when I realized how money can afford us freedom, flexibility and time and I was throwing all that away in exchange for some stuff to dust away in the storage...

[@dainasworldnumbers88]

Always love your content.

[@crazysquirrel9425]

People forget the HIGH INSURANCE costs associated with buying a new car too. And in some States, they tax you annually on that car just to get your tags. Want to save an easy $500-$600 per year? Ditch the cell phone. Family of 4 can save thousands by tossing cell phones. Oh and everything you spend money on is AFTER you already paid taxes on that money. Amazing what people squander their money on....

[@LindaDooWop]

You're so much fun that all I have to do is see one of your videos available to change my mood way for the better!

[@ebikescrapper3925]

All chemicals have a dilution ratio, find this out by getting the data sheet from the company. Measure how much water your mop bucket holds, work out how much cleaning stuff needs to go into that amount of water. Write this on a piece of paper, stick it to the side of the mop bucket and cover with sellotape to stop the paper getting wet. Over the year this will save you money, every little helps.

[@surrelljr]

Great points, I’ve seen people waste their entire lives pursuing “happiness”. Corporations sell this concept to make money and have produced a lot of unhappy materialistic people in debt.

[@MrRezillo]

Thank you, Nicole. This vid hits home for me in so many ways, I won't elaborate. I seldom stop to think what really makes me content when I'm about to make an Amazon purchase, but I know what it is: to wit, doing the challenging things I've been avoiding. It's called SLOTH. Maybe you could do a vid on that if you haven't, though I've never seen the slightest hint that you're a slothful person. Unhappiness doesn't have to be dramatic, with tears, depression or remorse. It can be subtle and not always recognized as such. You're a gem, Nicole, a much needed voice of wisdom, which is not all that common on KZbin. Best wishes.

[@esterdrass4964]

I think back to my once big credit card bills and what I had to show for them and to this day, can only think of very few things I spent a lot of money on that was worth it. Most of it was shit I didn't need and well, I don't remember what it was, so it wasn't important in my life. I cut out so much and am so much happier for it. I am going to keep my cars for as long as I can, and I think that can be many many more years if I take care of them. The new cars are not only too expensive, but they have too many bells and whistles that can go wrong for my liking. Cars are just insanely expensive and so are cosmetics. Wtf. I went into a very nice box store that sells everything cosmetic, looking for lipstick. The one I thought I liked was $35.00. There were some for even more than that, one tube of lipstick. I ended up at the Dollar store (now buck and a quarter store). I didn't find the exact color I wanted, but for a buck fifty, it will do. Anyway, home cooked meals are best, not only cheaper but you control the ingredients. Some of the food you buy today has a shelf like of...several years.

[@seltzermint5]

I understand that about cosmetics! I also will not pay 35 bucks for any lipstick ever. I have sensitive eyes and short lashes and I blow $20 on mascara, sometimes up to $25, but everything else is cheap. One tip for you if you live in the US and like "nicer" makeup, a lot of times stores like Marshalls and TJ Maxx have the fancy brands for like $10 and less in their beauty section....I have found MAC, Smashbox, tarte, Colour Pop, Charlotte Tilbury and Morphe even.

[@MalyndaPope]

Standing at my kitchen sink and raising my hand to admit that I've gone out and bought a bunch of stuff for new hobbies and then dropping them, while looking down and seeing Nicole's expression as she raised her hand was honestly the highlight of my day today. 😂

[@richardross7219]

Any real property purchase is risky with many possible problems. I spent 150 hours researching my property before I bought it. For every dollar that you save on costs, that's $1.50 that you don't have to earn(taxes take about 1/3 of what you earn). Another good video. Good Luck, Rick

[@jenniferwutt4284]

Great insight, Nicole! I think that cognitive dissonance also involves some degree of rebellion. When we don't have something, it limits us, and our freedom to make the choices that we often feel entitled to make. We have to remind ourselves that our well being benefits from balance. Resources of time and money can be balanced with the time we give to ourselves and the money we save. It is very much worth it to refrain from spending to allow ourselves time for a clear and content peace of mind. That is all the dopamine hit I need most often.

[@mikewojnar6254]

Spot on.....👍

[@carlosgarcia8770]

You're young, smart and beautiful. Keep up the good work.🙂

[@bink865]

I'm concentrating on a few relationships and a couple of satisfying personal projects. And I'm meditating. Life is better.

[@wendygricken3369]

So true. It took me a long time and illness to realize this. I need very little.

[@GEAUXFRUGAL]

I bought a scooter keeping my car parked less exposure to risk. Fast groceries with this tool.

[@Lotusblume.8]

I just got a bunch of clothes to give myself a makeover because the clothes I have bought in the past look frumpy and are uncomfortable. I feel really guilty about spending money on clothes but this is the direction I want to go in fashion wise. I hope that I’ve finally found my style because I’m 57 and still am not happy with the clothes I wear. It’s always been a problem for me and I’ve had other people style me all my life but I can’t seem to get it right myself. Otherwise I’m very frugal.

[@johnpalmer5614]

Good personal introspection I have three principles to live my life by - Love- truth - humility We need to love ourselves - NOT INDULGE OURSELVES We need to tell the truth at all times, yes with diplomacy, to ourselves and others We need to be open/humble to other ideas as we maybe wrong and another maybe right Regrettably money has become our God and what it can buy John

[@drew8235]

I commute pretty far for work, and I would reeeeeally love to buy the new Honda Civic. But not paying $600-700 a month that others are paying feels soooooo good.

[@lakesnlawns222]

You are my favourite kind of funny 😄 - just reassuring you here that I am personally in the business of only selling items I already own (and donating others), and never buying any new items, including clothing, for quite some time now. Thanks to Joshua Bekker, I actually feel intimidated to buy anything now for almost 5 years. It’s real and I owe it to his minimalism channel that I watched for weeks learning about minimalism, and to his articles that I still read daily. So far, going to a really good movie every now and then, and booking a cheap train trip months or weeks ahead remain my best money spent for new experiences and things that make me happy. The above has saved me over $25K in the past 2 years alone!!

[@Flashpoint2]

A very insightful video. I have largely been happy with the basics of life and have typically been mindful of my experiences. That has helped me to be in the position that I am today where I am debt free and own multiple incoming earning properties (not without making some sacrifices). I value freedom to live life on my terms and I have always believed that freedom starts with financial freedom. When I hear people around me stressed about the economy, their jobs and their ability to continue to pay their 25 or thirty year mortgages I am grateful that I made the sacrifices early on in life to achieve financial freedom.

[@MrFrugalFrank]

I bought a 2021 Truck New for personal and business. Still have a few years on our mortgage. In my early retirement years. Items and such must have a purpose. Like my business equipment. Not breaking any financial records but doing more than surviving.

[@nagarcia76]

Nice things are nice to have. Self care is important.❤

[@sharanjitsaroya2694]

I think I am very wiered.. I see my whole stuff and and want to discard all and become mininmalist because more stuff gives me anxiety and still I go and buy more stuff

[@lewis2553]

Last year, God sent me one of the best deals I ever got on a car. I wasn't even looking for a car! It was a 2005 Dodge Stratus for just $600. The hood, grill, and front bumper cover were damaged in a slight collision, but I got those parts and an extra tire and rim from Pull-a-Part for about $130 and painted them, as necessary. I also changed a few suspension parts, the battery, and the water outlet from the engine to the heater and associated required gaskets. I'd say I have about $1500 total in it, and already we have put about 8000 miles on it. It still runs strong and gets 23 to 25 MPG. Praise God!

[@Hodenkat]

Lots of great advice. Housing costs have become unsustainable in the US. Let's face it, housing isn't an option. Watch any interview with a person who's homeless. Hobbies are fun! Sometimes you do get into a hobby and put it aside for a while, but often we come back to that hobby sometime later. Being part of a group is something we're all drawn to. We are social creatures! Hobbies help us bond with people who share common likes whether that's kayaking, or photography, or hiking. Some hobbies can be cheap! I think collecting things is a wasteful hobby. It's basically strategic hoarding! LOL! I started down that path a few times and luckily escaped without a lot of financial harm. This video did touch on something I feel is important, and that's mental health. It's true that many people shop when they're unhappy, but often they can't identify why they're unhappy. How we deal with unhappy feelings that seem to jump out at us almost anywhere at anytime is important!

[@rb239rtr]

Joe Dominquez wrote a book regarding one's relationship with money, a lot of what you say is noted in his book, "Your Money or Your Life". I would routinely give this book to staff that got promotions into significantly more money. Everyone should read that book.

[@TopQGuy]

Sometimes a new item can be a larger burden than happiness. E.g. after the initial happiness of parking a new car in the driveway, the fear of having it stolen, scratched (keyed), dinged by shopping carts is just not worth it. My favourite bicycle was a used $5, single speed, CCM. I could park that anywhere without a lock…and it would always be there to greet me. I sold it for $10. Still regret selling it…the freedom was worth more than $10.

[@TheCabinman]

You’re wise beyond your years! Good advice!

[@annelm217]

Another category of obsessive spending could be buying too much because of fears of shortages or running out of things. This could be caused by experiences during the pandemic or memories or the depression era, but it comes from anxiety or fear.

[@kiwi5162]

Why can't I drink safe water? Because the water purification system I want doesn't fit my budget which is living on a fixed income and at the same time needing to replace my house heating system last winter and requiring a loan to do it. LOVE. PEACE. God Bless

[@zacktube100]

Taxes should be included in this list of top things are keeping people broke.

[@georgeandrews2839]

I use a 30 day list for large purchases as well as small ones.

[@shaggyterrell8460]

You're not the car you drive. You're not the contents of your wallet. You're not your fucking khakis. You're the all-singing, all-dancing crap of the world. -Tyler Durden

[@Goddybag4Lee]

Many people seems to live with a sense of FOMO of status stuff. Things that are imagination of a better life according to what friends would think about them if they don't have that certain stuff. And the fact that we don't have any connection with neighbors are really killing it further. What if you and a couple of neighbors co-owned stuff leading to a more fullfilled life.

[@chazhaze3d]

Dang, already 267 comments people are hitting this one quick! Congrats. My Nicole is like you in the spending conservatively, and we tend to be able to focus without buying a bunch of overpriced junk! 😂 ( my wife is named Nicole too)

[@lucialuciferion6720]

Honestly I think empty bare rooms are more depressing than is worth. Really , $50 could make a huge difference with a few plants and seedlings can be potted from those as well. Pots are cheap or second hand. Some posters , or a rug and a few colorful pillows. This is pointless to me.

[@mariafranjic9722]

Hi Nicole I totally agree I’ve been doing it buying stuff thinking it gonna make me feel better but it’s not. Thank you for sharing your videos are very valuable to me I really appreciate you ❤❤

[@bser3973]

IF it's useful, and your going to NEED it more than once in a week buy it.

[@bser3973]

Don't buy something after watching T.V.

[@francocasentieri932]

You are part of the wisedom I have today my dear

[@carlosvision360]

Thanks for the video,

[@Judep4237]

Not me being caught in the act of scrolling through Amazon while watching this video 👀

[@AccordingtoNicole]

👋 stop that!

[@ntag411]

The younger two generations are the major contributors to rise of the luxury goods makers. Rolex, LVMH and Apple are the riches they've ever been. Some would say Apple is not luxury yet it has been revealed in recent times that Jobs consulted with LVMH before the first Apple store opened. Normally consumer electronics falls in pricing and rises in value over time but not Apple. Luxury is perhaps one of the few sectors that can raise prices.

[@WindmillChef]

Good video, years ago when my budgets changed and life became more expensive, wife, home, babies, mini van, that kind of thing, I resolved to become content from within. Still serves me today. I thoroughly enjoy Ferrari cars by looking closely, taking it al in...the one my neighbor bought and paid for, I don't have to own it to appreciate it. Why is it that all these Financial advisors and vloggers when listing people's tree biggest expenditures, they never list ""taxes""! For most of us working people taxes IS our biggest expense. Probably because we consider taxes to be a fixed cost, can not be changed. This is viewing yourself as a subject of the government, no thank you! Do everything you can to lower your taxes, including moving and I would definitely change my political voting before I give up my coffee (if I drank $6 lattés that is). Even if you're a person who believes in big programs (I am not here to change your political views) that is fine but still must they be run by your government? Government is the worst performer in funding, managing and running programs. Biggest expense, start thinking wisely instead of following government story telling.

[@thomaschew2191]

I have a friend that has a really nice home. But by his own word he has a lot of debt. It is so much debt that I cannot see how he ever pays it off never mind clear the decks and put a meaningful amount of funds in retirement investments. There is not enough years and income to do both. Anyway he has been talking about turning in his leased vehicle (the 3 year term is up) and getting a new leased vehicle. Whereas since he has a spare car that is paid off (could have taken a break from car payments) and his wife has a 2023 model and he has a literal 4 mile round trip commute, instead he opted to get a new 3 year lease on a $65k car (but it has 3rd row seating!). So yes my friend has a really nice home, nicer than mine but mine is paid for and so are our cars and he has a crap ton of debt. Different priorities I guess.

[@artford8674]

Can you get "Better Help" in a "Replica" format? Programmed with your values it would be great.

[@oopsieeee]

My 20 year old Jeep ain't pretty but she's paid for... life on life's terms, one day at a time.

[@cindyclements6414]

Great video Nicole 👍

[@RobS282]

i buy what i buy for 2 simple reasons 1 i want (or need) it 2 bc i can

[@diegon7781]

Is the answer capitalism? Or perhaps corporate house hoarding? Greedy landlords maybe?

[@JacksonShade]

Remember, the main aspect of being wealthy which you would benefit from isn't the Rolex or the Rolls but rather the ability to spend your time as you want to. Being able to devote every day to leisure if you so desire is more valuable than any physical good. It's a hard pill for many to swallow but those who live on welfare are wealthier than those who work as long as they don't waste their gift of having so much free time.

[@williamjacobs]

$5 lattes can be a symptom of the "feels good in the moment" mindset. Good of you to point out the same bad behavior can be responsible for upgrading your home, just cuz you can.

[@dabprod]

I have never had a $5 latte. EVER

[@jackiefields1607]

A lot of wisdom here. Thanks.

[@dr_ned_flanders]

Wise words

[@CassieDavis613]

I am not happy. I am content with moments of happiness. I am OK with that.

[@Gavin-w4r]

Western culture brings us to the belief that happiness is outside of us and therefore can be purchased

[@MoPro_]

You are a true oracle

[@theanimationcritictaylorri1264]

I’m not trying to tell you who to get as your sponsors but BETTER HELP has been riddled in controversies over false promises & for advertisers to that of Facebook GOOGLE etc. just saying that you might want to reconsider on that one & research. Like I said not bossing you just letting you know.

[@mishandr6717]

Are you living in a hood or on a large acreage? Neighbors always contributed to my bad mood but again it was up to me to lose them.

[@AccordingtoNicole]

Most of my neighbours are nice people. They shovel my snow and help me carry heavy things inside. Sometimes I wish their kids would STFU, but you gotta take the bad with the good.

[@seltzermint5]

I think we set the tone with our neighbors. Me and my husband will nod or wave but do not engage with them at all beyond that. Even the few times he has shoveled their walk in bad weather it led to too much interaction which we do not want.

[@thegriffinwithin]

OMG, how much time do you have? 😂 I never used to be a comfort eater but then I realised over the last, god knows, how many years I became one. I spend too much on food. I'm a chef, thats my excuse. I cook too much, restaurant dinners and wonder why I'm overweight. Its a comfort. Why?

[@BrettKuntz]

Great Video!!

[@guineapiglady2841]

I wish I never sold my house.

[@dabprod]

Love it.

[@highbrass3749]

Wow. You’re good.