How To Escape Our Mindless Shopping Culture

[@GoblinsAreAGirlsBestFriend]

After I first migrated, I had basically no money and I had to learn to thrift shop. And I'm not talking "I just love to shop vintage, look at this designer item at half the price", I'm talking I had to buy $3 shirts and $4 pants second hand at the local stores. People don't understand thrifting. Thrifting is not paying $100 instead of $120 online and patting yourself on the back. Thrifting is devoting a day every couple of months to digging through second hand stores. My wardrobe "if-new" would be worth about $5000 - my wardrobe actually cost me $500 at most. Even though I have a good income now, I can never pay full price for clothes again. They're just not worth it. I thrift routinely and re-donate what I don't end up wearing. It's actual financial liberation.

[@ellim1585]

We have a handmedown love seat, kitchen chairs and kitchen table, a buy nothing coffee table that we repainted, and a $25 couch I just washed the cushion covers on and borrowed a steam cleaner to get the rest of the fabric parts then bought $50 couch cover thing!

[@poonyaTara]

I think the reason I can't stand thrifting is that I've lived my whole life in areas so sparsely populated that "thrift" is basically a euphemism for trash. Even clothing in retail stores here is poor quality or made of fabric so poorly made that it isn't worth buying for use as rags. I'd rather spend $500 a year on cheaply tailored items made from good fabric, even if it means only getting one or two new outfits each year. Of course that's complicated now by the bankruptcy of the best fabric store in the area. I'll be stuck buying whatever fabric my tailor keeps in stock and is willing to sell to me. Getting quality is difficult if you live in a city that's below tier II.

[@CaraMarie13]

For me, it really was knowing I didn't need anything but still being online scrolling. I realized that the moment I started to scroll, I was going to buy something. So I stopped the scrolling and that has helped me significantly. Seeing my closet fill up with all kinds of junk definitely sealed it for me.

[@MichelleEvans_CatLady]

I've avoided my purge this year because I would always feel justified in buying more later and repeating the cycle. I'm actively avoiding clothes shopping in real life and online unless it is a necessity or replacement for something that is worn out or damaged. instead, I've spent the money on upgrading my home and that brings a better form of happiness than the adding-to-cart hit of dopamine.

[@abbysc417]

I acknowledge that we’re in a cost of living crisis, but I also think we’re in a mindless shopping crisis as well.

[@Lau3464l]

Totally agree. I think it’s in part because we’re desperately seeking that satisfaction high at all times. We’re so stressed all the time (and our threshold/baseline for it is abnormally low) and desperately clinging to anything that will alleviate that dissatisfaction/anxiety/discomfort.

[@abbysc417]

@@Lau3464lYes 100%, our collective resiliency and self-worth have tanked.

[@abbysc417]

@@Lau3464lyes 1000%. Our collective resilience has tanked. Two reasons I think as to why is that we’ve positioned feeling happy as a personal responsibility rather than a fleeting emotion, and created an expectation that being constantly exposed to outrage content makes us better or more involved when it actually just fries our brains.

[@verygoodfreelancer]

it’s important to remember it’s not people’s personal failings. the systems around us on our phones are designed that way. we are incentivized towards stacking our lives with more and more “frictionless” ambient transactions. make line go up!!

[@sd-ch2cq]

There can be 'society sucks' and 'you are making bad choices' at the same time. We just need to be careful not to turn society's failures into personal failures.

[@MayaGasterMoll]

i really really like that you included the fact that purging is not always the best choice. so many ppl have been indoctrinated with the idea that the immediate emotional catharsis of (what i would call mindless) purging means you're making a positive choice. let me tell you, i was pretty annoyed when my spouse decided to buy a brand new salad spinner last year because he donated our perfectly good hand-me-down salad spinner years ago because it was a bulky kitchen item and he loves to get rid of stuff!

[@TheZchristina97]

I've lost many great pieces to purging. It usually coincides with me feeling anxious/overwhelmed at work or with my family and I purge to get the quick release. But a week later, I'll be looking for those same clothes and feeling like my wardrobe is empty. So I go shopping again...

[@Lau3464l]

Agreed! And so much of what we purge ends up in landfills, even when we donate it or sell it.

[@lookingatdaisies9901]

Yes, the only decluttering that was positive was when i was in my early 20s getting rid of clothes that I'd had since my teenage years. After that, it wasnt as satisfying or useful and the need for it was probably exaggerated due to mental health factors, like trying to have control of my life or something. I also noticed people need to just play in their stuff more, the way stylists do. Of course you'll wear the same outfit if you decide on it 10 minutes before you leave the house, why would your brain risk something you've never worn before?

[@Conval-wi5eh]

@@TheZchristina97Spartanism is a real condition, look it up.

[@sd-ch2cq]

I'm definitely someone whose idea of 'i will stop overspending' is 'i will now use up what is already in my house before I buy new'. I am coming at it mostly from a green perspective, so purging does not really make sense to me.

[@samanthamartin1407]

I think my scarcity mindset was very much caused by how poorly things are made today. When I was growing up (which was NOT that long ago, I'm a 00's baby), my clothing and possessions could take a major beating and still be fine. My clothes lasted long enough to be worth the price we paid, my backpacks lasted for at least a couple school years, and I only needed one swimsuit for multiple summers, assuming I didn't grow out of it. Around age 15 (2015), I started to notice that changing, and it's only gotten worse. The shoes I got from target were suddenly ripping, I needed a new backpack every year, all my tops would get holes in them way quicker. I would get something new for the upcoming school year, bring it home, only to find that it was already coming apart. I was once a very loyal buyer of Levi's jeans. I struggle to find jeans that fit my shape, and Levi's actually worked quite well for me... until they didn't. The cut and quality went WAY down somewhere around 2018. I ended up becoming extremely fussy with the quality of things I was buying. I went down the minimalism rabbit hole, thinking that having just a few excellent quality items was the way to go, and in theory that is not entirely incorrect. The problem I ended up having was that the more expensive things that promised they were high quality ended up being kinda shitty too. I was buying the same crappy quality at a higher price point. For the last few years now, when I find something that is actually rather durable and that I like, I have a habit of buying several of that item out of fear of that item's quality going down as well. I've even started buying high quality items that I don't particularly LOVE or need, because I'm so frustrated about living in a world where everything breaks almost instantly. It's an awful habit that I'm working on breaking. I find it funny how what began as minimalism has spiraled into a shopping addiction.

[@justletmesleep_]

I love the emphasis on buying less because that is absolutely what we need right now. Too many people shop as a hobby. I think people should sign up for an art or music class. Or just borrow a book from the library and read.

[@bleachitwhite]

yes!!

[@flightrisk753]

Yes . Or take up a sport and make some friends while working the body . There isn’t enough of that

[@thecrazymuzician1]

I bought 10 dollar sweaters from Walmart 5 years ago and they are still in great condition. Cheap doesn’t always mean bad quality.

[@megans204]

Scrolling comments before I watch the video, so forgive me if this is addressed, but equally, expensive doesn’t equal good quality either! I’ve seen plenty of online posts recently about how brands such as Reformation and Sézane (neither of which are cheap by any means!!) have many awful quality items these days (for big ticket prices).

[@thisisnancybot]

A lot of times it’s what the clothing is made of, or just being able to get your hands on the item before buying. Online shopping has been really helpful to me, but I’ve definitely received that cute sweater and have run my hands over it only to realize that it’s not in it for the long haul. If I was in a store, I would have passed by it more readily. But I’ve got a gray sweater from kohls that’s lasted me more than a decade that I’m pretty sure I spent 20 bucks on, and 60 sweaters I’ve bought from trendy online stores that have barely lasted a single winter.

[@lilacandme8234]

Agree

[@GoblinsAreAGirlsBestFriend]

I bought a $5 tank top at Walmart in the US when I was there on holiday in 2008. I've worn it regularly since. It's still in perfect as-new condition for some reason. I can't quite explain it, because it's not what happened to most of my other cheap purchases. But this very comfy, cute tank top has remained perfect the entire 16 years it's been with me 🤷‍♀

[@thatjillgirl]

It can also have a lot to do with how well you take care of your clothing. Some people either don't know how or don't care to take good care of their clothes, and they wind up falling apart much sooner than they need to.

[@cal6137]

I think the real disappointment is that i started living this way and found that I was still poor due to other things (home repairs, rent raises, etc.). We cannot win! But it is helping me use up stuff I already own and realise how many sales I took advantage of for cleaning supplies that I may never run out of

[@thefinancialdiet]

Absolutely - I think a "buy cheap" mentality can keep certain people *broke*, but it's a different conversation than the cycle of poverty.

[@ellim1585]

Omg the never ending supply of cleaning supplies is REAL

[@zynnia6486]

One topic I would love to see you guys covering is the psychology around collecting and the social media around it. I feel like books are a huge one as the idea of having books is very idealized but the mass production of special editions and huge libraries of unread books on social media is such an interesting phenomenon

[@ViaCalderwoodMusic]

The distinction between abundance and excess is such an important paradigm shift!!

[@ObsidianxAlice]

Fun to see a new face! I like the practicality of the message too - intentional spending, intentional owning. Looking forward to more from the series.

[@lexm17]

Had to stop myself from buying some clothes last night. It was only two pieces and wasn’t very much, but I realised I wanted to buy them because I was bored and didnt need them instantly. We are constantly bombarded with consumerism. Ive unsubscribed to lots of channels because I can’t stand the endless consumption. Im pretty good with money but ironically in the cost of living crisis I’m finding it more tempting to spend than save!

[@thecunningkrugereffect]

So glad a shorter video style is back!

[@smirbelbirbel]

What makes this difficult is that price and quality have been somewhat uncoupled. Even extremely expensive stuff is often nowhere near the quality you would expect. I almost exclusively shop vintage nowadays, because at least there you can see the items that have already survived a few wash cycles. Or even get smth vintage that is truly good quality without breaking the bank. We have more 2nd hand clothes than can be sold on, so the "I can't afford it" excuse doesn't count. I lived below the poverty line many years and never had to resort to Shein, because there's charity shops and clothing swaps.

[@sd-ch2cq]

100% agreed on the $500 comment: i am nowadays in the position that i can spend something like $50-150 on a dress so i'm trying to stay away from the $10 dresses that are already falling apart when you open the bag. I'd rather buy one good items than a dozen crappy items.

[@annabeinglazy5580]

Same, i used to do mostly thrifting but now i have the income to Go after my preferred Style (40s/50s retro) i try to buy those items from manufacturers based in my country. They are good Quality, yes, they are expensive, but that keeps me from Shopping mindlessly. I buy a few pieces each year and get the Things that dont quite any more altered. I get zippers replaced. I mend. Because those items are Harder to replace and i picked them Out intentionally

[@ClaraSchnitzel]

When I get an urge to buy something now, I’ll still shop online but I just screenshot it and leave it. If I still really want it a few weeks later, I’ll get it, and I’ll check what’s available on poshmark, thredup and fb first. Or I’ll go to my closet and put together some outfits I already have that match the kind of vibe I was going for, or rearrange my homeware for decor pieces. Treat your existing stuff like a shopping experience. Shopping online and fantasizing can still be fun but you don’t always need to pull the trigger on a purchase to scratch that itch. It’s also nice to set it as a reward for yourself if you have a goal in mind that you’re working towards. Anything to delay the gratification. A lot of the time, you’ll realise you really don’t need it or even want it all that much.

[@allen7585]

Americans have huge houses, huge cars, huge food portions, etc. I grew up in a middle class suburb but now live in a small studio in the city. I simply stopped buying a lot of things because I have no room for them. Looking back at my suburban house, I’d buy so much stuff and just tucked it away in a closet or attic. I’m becoming more and more inclined to move abroad because I feel like I’m having less in commons with Americans because everybody just wants so much stuff and no quantity or size is ever big enough.

[@anjumsings9827]

I try to be really intentional about buying from my local pet store instead of Chewy. Sometimes products are marked up a lot--most recently, something $45 instead of $30, which is a huge percent--but it's important to me that this shop succeeds. Occasionally, price does become a sticking point for me, and I have to buy an item for cheaper, because I don't have a lot of wiggle room in my budget, but for the most part I stick with the pet store with the owners who know me and give me advice and recommend products to me and have the convenience of being just next door, because I have no interest in investing in Chewy's success.

[@juiceberry]

I went on a domestic trip last year with other women in my family, and got so embarrassed towards the end when I had to borrow money from my mom and aunt. My mom told me not to worry about it, and that when she and her peers were my age in the early ‘90’s, they didn’t travel or eat out nearly as much as people do now. I think people, even just in conversation, need to be “entertained” more. I find it a lot easier to talk to folks aged Gen-X and older.

[@DavidWLavoie]

I was forced to clarify what I value when I was making about thirty grand a year net in my mid to late twenties, and now that I make many times that amount everything really does feel so abundant for me, especially compared to my wife who has never made less than six figures since moving to America.

[@beccalife275]

I think part of this is the constant limited edition feeling. Like this formula, color, event will never happen again. Or next year the quality will be worse so might as well buy now

[@thefinancialdiet]

100%, I had to stop subscribing to email notifications from brands I even really like because of this feeling

[@shaquicedacosta]

Yup yup yup. I hold onto the fact that there will be another limited edition.

[@saramm3765]

This is a major marketing tool in the book world right now. I've gotten sucked into special edition book buys. I'm trying to stop being clued into all of it.

[@Honigbiene1]

This! The constant cycling of limited edition good makes planning a NIGHTMARE. As someone who is trying to establish my home sustainably (financially and ecologically), the constant endless cycling of products makes it really difficult to be a repeat customer or even finish buying what I need.

[@Krazie-Ivan]

wish this mindset was "cool" to apply to housing too. we keep building inefficient & weak stick homes that rot, burn, stink, creak, are noisey & prone to pests... dressing up garbage with stone & shiney fixtures, despite all the innovation in construction materials/methods/products in the last 50yrs that can result in a near-zero maint structure that lasts hundreds of years, survives major natural disasters, & cost almost nothing to heat/cool. switching priorities really doesn't cost any extra, but people don't find quality as sexy as expensive finishes they can show off.

[@passivelyobsessive5460]

I pay quite a bit more of my monthly income than I'd ideally like on my rent so I was looking around for possible cheaper apartments. Sure, I found some that were slightly less, but the reviews of the property scared me to death of the cheap underneath the visible "luxury". I will pay the slightly more for the ease and conveniences as well as quality of my current and older place if that's what it means.

[@lfleia]

Or that we had the ability to force builders into actually designing them this way. So many people just don't get a choice, because builder associations keep laws from passing updating coding requirements so they can keep using less and cheaper materials and methods of building that are faster, but don't last as long.

[@Erin-rg3dw]

I think it also goes with buying a home with plans to make it "last." Obviously sometimes things happen and people have to move, but people used to buy a home to stay in for the next 50 years. They didn't size up every couple years and need a room for every child and hobby. I've seen people whose main purpose for moving was to save 20 minutes of driving. They've started making houses almost disposable because tastes change, people move, or people don't like the layout and raze a house to build a bigger one.

[@SoliRhymesWithJulie]

I am always shocked to hear that the majority of people in the US have clothes they never wear. I'm plus sized so that already limits my options. So when I find something I like which fits, it's going right into the rotation.

[@thedailymakermaking]

This is an outstanding video. I ❤ TFD’s contribution to consciousness.

[@kimberlyperrotis8962]

I was home-bound for 2.5 years during the pandemic (high risk as an older pneumonia/sepsis survivor) and I got into the terrible habit of buying fast-fashion, mostly H&M clothes, in an attempt to relieve the isolation and boredom, or at least “punctuate my days”. I hardly kept any of the items I bought then, they included a lot of thin, cheap cotton and viscose that couldn’t be washed and ironed successfully, or cheap synthetic-blends that my skin just couldn’t tolerate. I’ve since returned to my former careful buying habits of natural fibers and materials and high-quality construction only. My wardrobe has never been as wearable, versatile and enjoyable to wear as it is now.

[@belorama8]

Overconsumption being so widespread is also tricky because it infiltrates a lot of our individual mindsets around necessary purchasing too. Bulk buying has always been a thing but I feel like it's one of the only ways to impact prices on groceries and necessities now, Even if you aren't going through things that fast. I am currently in a time of my life that at any point in recent history would involve at least a somewhat elevated level of consumption, and it gets in everywhere. Baby needs, renovation materials, or just having a house you feel is "complete" at all. We don't need to do everything right now.

[@elainealibrandi6364]

This is why I continue to wear my very well made, 30-year-old winter coat, on which I still receive compliments, and I'll continue wearing it because to replace that quality now would probably cost five times its original price.

[@kathryn8543]

the problem is that there are very few brands, especially in clothing, that actually do produce quality, currently. You could honestly spend $100 on a dress and still get the same quality as shein. Very few high street brands , luxury brands etc actually have consistently suitable quality clothing. and purchasing second hand online isn't always a good idea either as it often also leads to over consumption for the same low-cost feeling, and because you can't always try the item on before paying for it. I personally try to shop only ethically as possible and good quality but sometimes its extremely fatiguing. Even once you find a brand that produces suitable stuff, by next season they downgrade their quality. I understand people who might come to the conclusion that if it is all going to be bad quality, they might as well pick the least expensive option.

[@freshfreshfreshfresh]

The question is, why are we even buying new clothes? What happened to the clothes we've bought until now? Who is that imaginary person that needs a new dress for $100? Have really worn out all of the dresses we own?

[@beth4107]

⁠@@freshfreshfreshfreshi mean there’s so many reasons, for me i’m having to repurchase a lot of stuff because i’ve put on weight so some things just don’t fit! but im enjoying it as it gives me a chance to be more intentional with the clothes im getting now

[@freshfreshfreshfresh]

@@beth4107 ok obviously if your size has changed you have to buy new clothing but that doesn’t apply to most people. We as a society have a problem of hoarding clothing like a hobby.

[@jazzyjenkins]

Lol, I was like, that's not Chelsea. Haha.

[@thefinancialdiet]

Lol!

[@Conval-wi5eh]

I actually found her easier to listen to than Chelsea, but that's my personal preference.

[@mccolk]

@@Conval-wi5eh If you wouldn't say it to Chelsea's face, don't say it here.

[@Conval-wi5eh]

@@mccolkI actually would say this to her face. Chelsea is doing a phenomenal job, that's why I occasionally watch her videos despite me not doing great with her voice. It's definitely nothing personal against her and completely on my end, because her work is great, no doubt. The woman in this video did an outstanding job in being professional in her speaking as well as in her body language and posture. I'd love to see more of her on TFD and yes, I found her easier to listen to than Chelsea. But again, that's my personal preference and I am sure 99.5% of humanity has no problem with Chelsea's voice. And yes, I mostly consume content from women and me not prefering Chelsea's voice has nothing to do with me prefering male voices. I am aware that women get a harder time in speaking professional than men do because of our voices, and that is why I love that TFD has guests and occasionally features other speakers. I would never tell her to quit, I just wanted to give input that a channel with such great content as TFD can benefit from a variety of different hosts because if someone has a hard time listening to a specific voice like me, there is content on the same channel that can appeal to them. This is the kind of feedback a creator can work with, it has nothing to with being mean to or hating on someone.

[@kawnah3519]

@@Conval-wi5ehwell if we’re sharing unwanted opinions I disagree with you

[@elenaadler4633]

Loved this video! Especially the bit about values and spending money on them.

[@Hannah-jj3ik]

I've been reading The Day the World Stops Shopping by J. B. Mackinnon, so this video was a very welcome addition to the internal discourse I've already been having! Can't wait for the new TFD book to further these thoughts!

[@katarh]

Learning to repair my own clothing was also a game changer. Stain on my favorite shirt? Yeah that's what stain stick is for. Cat chewed a hole in my favorite cardigan? A cute patch and about 15 minutes of stitching and it's not only been rescued, it's been improved. Chub rub sent nice jeans to an early grave? It's actually not that hard to use a sewing machine and slap in a second layer of denim on the inside as an invisible patch, as long as you have a matching thread for the top stitch. I have clothing that I've kept for decades.

[@Erinsighs]

My biggest frustration is that the $100 top was made by the same small child in an under-resourced society as the $10 top, and with only slightly better material (falls apart after 5 washes instead of 3). And its all owned by the same mega-conglomerate. And if you are shopping online its almost impossible to tell the difference. I've also had the experience where in this case I bought something from someplace that turned out to be shoddy and they made it almost impossible to return it.

[@WowUsernameAvailable]

One good way not to overspend is living in a 2-bedroom (or 1-bedroom!) flat. There's simply nowhere to store clothes you've never ever worn! (I do have space for some items, though, that were tailor-made 10 years ago and don't fit me any longer😅) One thing I realized after buying something I didn't really need was: if I want to spend money, I should go and buy myself a fancy bottle of olive oil imported from Sicily. That's a much better investment!

[@thisisnancybot]

When I was 22 and out of the house for the first time, I barely had any money. Weirdly enough it wasn’t that hard to resist spending. I didn’t buy clothing for well over a year without realizing it, and the only place where I probably spent more than I should was the cafeteria at my work place. But that cafeteria was a lot cheaper than the delivery a lot of people get every day, and your phone didn’t have social media apps filled with people trying to stuff your life with products that you don’t need or even want. Yes, 15+ years ago people (including a close friend) still got into credit card debt and some people had shopping issues but its so normalized now. It almost feels like you have to be more on guard now against these things.

[@kimberlyperrotis8962]

Maybe it’s because I’m in my 60s, but I just can’t relate to buying the cheapest possible version of things, they’re always significantly inferior in quality. I think Americans just don’t understand the cost of making quality products. I always bought the best quality I could afford. This is extreme in the apparel market, dollar for dollar, clothes cost what they did 40-50 years ago. For example, a woman’s casual jacket or jeans can be bought for about $30 now as then, but the dollar is worth so much less now, so quality had to be sacrificed. Naturally, the quality and longevity of those items made in the 60s through 80s is so much better, many could last a lifetime. I still have and wear a few of them. A lot of the problem for me is the proliferation of dirt-cheap plastic fabrics and materials, as well as very poor production quality. I just can’t wear plastics/synthetics, for one thing, which pushes my purchasing options to a considerably higher price point.

[@ErutaniaRose]

I honestly lucked out with my sensory issues and health issues. I need to wear cotton, and pure polyester or even wool makes me itchy and sweaty. And I can’t do artificial dyes or too many plastics either. I prefer metal, wood, and natural paints, dyes, etc. It can be more expensive, but my stuff lasts and is comfortable. And I upcycle most stuff that gets worn out since I can sew.

[@thatjillgirl]

I've learned the hard way that just because the price seems too good to pass up does not mean you will be glad you bought the item. There were too many times when I was younger that I talked myself into buying a piece of clothing that was *almost* what I wanted it to be. The style or the fit or something would be just a little off of what I actually wanted, but the price was low, so I'd convince myself that it was good enough and buy it anyway. Then I'd wind up with these awkward pieces of clothing that I didn't actually love to wear. I've sworn off buying clothes that are almost but not quite right, no matter their price. If there is anything about it that I have to look past or tell myself isn't SO bad, then it's not worth it. I'm only buying clothes I actively love and will be genuinely excited to wear. Life's too short to waste money on clothes you don't actually care about.

[@NoStoryNoWorry]

Great episode! One time FOMO was valid was when I came across a truly limited production (maybe 10-20 per adult size?) AF1 from the 2011 All-Star event in LA. Bought it brand new with box and certificate from original owner in 2015 and tucked away still in mint condition. This has become an investment at this point because I don’t know what it’d be worth today. Less is more for sure.

[@erinvangenderen9656]

Thank you for continuing to highlight what Shein is doing...overproduction, unethical labor practices, pollution and excess!

[@kathydodge8028]

I have a lot of respect for the messaging in this video. I feel like here especially you guys are trying to help us actually solve our core personal problem of not knowing who we are or what our values are outside of what society tells us to be and think. That was eye opening, I'll be ordering the book 👀

[@unamesitif457]

Love this video, it was great to think about how I want my spending to match my values.

[@marianneshepherd6286]

This definitely is something I'm trying to be mindful of, and moving my habits to buying what I need to either replace or buy something that is better quality. And giving items either to friends or selling on Vinted, so the items aren't contributing to the waste in landfills, etc. Sidebar. I recently rewatched the film Confessions of a shopaholic and would love to see a TFD deep dive on it ❤

[@banana19934]

Love this idea of abundance because I fall prey to the sense of urgency all the time lol

[@NikitaShekhawat011]

I really believe in the idea which you have shared because from last two years I am trying to do exactly that !! Before that SALE claw was influencing me like hell and because of overbuying my wardrobe stopped holding my stuff in an organised manner, apart from that I hardly used my favourite stuff because of all new buys every second day. 😖

[@grantedaccess9939]

Thank you for bringing attention to this topic and for the reminder 👏

[@wernstberger]

Great video! And I have to say, I love your blouse!

[@ThatBadBunny]

Since I discovered buy-nothing-groups and clothing swap events, I don't want to pay for these things anymore 😂 only exceptions are underwear ofc or if I see something really phenomenal. Last year I only bought one top 😮

[@Luumus]

I know it can be daunting and time consuming but I'd highly recommend tracking expenses. I've been doing it with an app since 2016 and it has been extraordinarily interesting and valuable. I know exactly what my spending patterns are, I know when I'm going over the line into overspending on all the different categories from all kinds of shopping to eating out, I know where all my investments are, and even more interestingly I can track how my finances have shifted from being a university student working part-time back in 2016, to being a full-time professional, including increases in income but also the dreaded lifestyle creep. It's just really fascinating to me and has allowed me to build a pretty comfortable amount of savings for my age and income bracket. Also budgets are really important, specially for those items that are your weakness (in my case books and gaming lol).

[@mccolk]

What tracking app do you use?

[@Siriusly3]

GREAT video! I couldn’t agree more.

[@vessbakalov8958]

Well, I i am officially in the 6pct :) I dont think i have a single thing in my closet that I have never worn. Except some new socks. But that will change through the week 😂 I really have a hard time understamding this stat.

[@NoraTKD]

Never buy from shein or temo or others like those companies😢are they being closed down?

[@Lau3464l]

I wish. Lots of countries are working on sanctioning them though, and creating new legislations around them. It’ll take time, but hopefully soon we’ll be able to get them out of our communities. The amount of exploitation from these companies is unbelievably horrifying to a dystopian extent.

[@digitaltablife]

You guys never seem to care about amazon obsession? Are you hiding your fear of other countries economic growth and success surpassing the US' behind your farce of sustainability and care for the planet? US companies and the country do a lot of harm to the environment but you'd rather be critical of other countries

[@heregoeseverythiing]

I hate cheap s@$t. Especially when it’s expensive!

[@Lau3464l]

I often say I’m too poor to constantly consume cheap crap 😂

[@rhyscooper3693]

I'd rather pay more for something i don't hate and won't need to replace. I call cheap stuff "unnecessary intermediaries" because they're a needless step along the way to the thing you actually want. It's more wasteful than if you were to just get the quality item.

[@SlickSimulacrum]

I tend to think about something I want for months, really considering how I'm going to use it, and then buying something I can use for decades. Some things I've purchased used that are 50+ years old, and will easily outlive me. (Some of those old objects cost more then their cheap new versions, and they're still a thousands times more worth it) Appliances, tools, and furniture, etc... I also rebuild and refurbish a lot, since it opens up a lot of possibilities. *Working things with your hands provides outstanding psychological value. And usually creates longevity that borders on antiquity.

[@ngeee10]

Same , lulus is ridiculously expensive and super cheap

[@zo_471]

Proud to say I’ve never purchased from shein

[@anjalianthony1656]

And never will!

[@adrianavaca4469]

love betterment! started with them a few years ago after another TFD rec. ive got a roth IRA and investing for my future house 🔥🔥

[@thefinancialdiet]

Yay!!!

[@snooopydooo]

Idk what you guys are buying from Shein that falls apart after 3 washes, but im still wearing t shirts i bought from there in 2020, 2 pairs of jeans still great condition after a couple years, bathroom mats, kitchen utensils still good. Y'all are exaggerating

[@ngeee10]

I know I have stuff from H&M that are actually really good lol

[@QoraxAudio]

To me, owning and cycling through a ton of cheap crap is depressing. Shows that we're working our ass off for money without getting anywhere.

[@t.c.3393]

The obsession with cheap goods is crazy. Something that vexes me is when people go to an indie product's social media and go on & on about price or not being able to afford something. And I am not talking about basic needs, but useless stuff no one really needs but simply wants.

[@13ikea]

Thrift hauls too

[@teacherkarizza]

Can you make the book available to purchase overseas?

[@martinbernal5693]

The only box store that I look forward to going to is the grocery store and I only buy the meat that is about to expire the next day. Unsubscribe from marketing email and notifications. This has helped me.

[@Lau3464l]

Definitely. Can’t understate the impact of that unsubscribe button! Even when I wasn’t buying from them, I was feeling drawn to new things, craving new styles and wanting to keep up with trends and novelty. By seeing fewer new things, I’m less interested in acquiring new things overall.

[@kents.2866]

I can't stand cheap stuff anymore, the real problems is. Is there anything quality anymore?

[@simoneoclark]

Yes! I've bought some incredible clothing items from smaller designers that were sold through a small business. These were not insanely expensive but these are items that I wear usually every week or other week for over 2-3 years and they look as good as they did the day I brought them home. These were items at around a $100-120 price point CAD so not label "designer" but small fashion groups with intentional clientele. Cost per wear has been amazing!

[@HomemakerDaze]

I''m addicted to op shopping haha but i actually dnt bring home clothes i wont wear, leave empty handed when needed. Go about 3x a week.

[@music4life813]

I’m such a slow fashion purchaser EXCEPT when pregnant 😭 it’s so difficult to mentally balance cost, quickness, and durability when you are also struggling emotionally and physically

[@amyrenwick2448]

Did you catch that Lavish & Intentional is double listed on the worksheet page? 😊

[@alfamaize]

Glad you used air quotes for "minimalism"- as what you are pointing out isn't the pop culture version of minimalism- it's finding a good, sustainable, balance of consumption. And FOMO... I really try hard to not let other people's opinions to drive what I buy, consumer, and/or vacation to. We are all individual people.

[@FC-ds9ve]

It’s ironic because (and I’m curious if others are like this as well) when I was in my early twenties and poor I would buy cheaply made clothes and shoes I would rarely if ever wear. Now in my mid-late 30’s I rarely ever shop (and when I do I take forever to make a decision). TBH it likely helps that I work from home and mostly live in sweet pants and a housecoat 😂

[@Dbb27]

Go clean out an estate or help a senior transition out of their home to a retirement home. You will rethink all that crap you harbor. Always ask yourself if you would pay full price for something if it wasn’t on sale? If the answer is no, don’t buy it.

[@Lightyourboatonfire]

This is so true. I work in a nursing facility and am responsible for cleaning out a resident’s belongings after they pass. After awhile you realize that in the end it’s all just stuff that probably no one but you would want, with the exception of some keepsakes like photos, journals, small trinkets and oddly enough, hats. It’s really changed the way I consume.

[@adamp6320]

Chelsea looks really different today, I think she took her glasses off guys.

[@elinefijlstra]

😂

[@thefinancialdiet]

lol

[@gayzell850]

What's a Stanley Cup and why would I want it in different colors? Isn't it some kind of competition in a sport I don't participate in?

[@nomadic_orthodox]

We’re minimalists, all our stuff fits in a few luggages, but most Westerners own 10’000 things. Overconsumption definitely is an epidemic.

[@mommalion7028]

I still can’t believe Americans buy from SHEIN and Temu. My friends and family keep trying to get me into it and I’m like ‘it doesn’t matter if it was 80% cheaper than the product it’s ripping off if it sucks. Also they don’t pay their laborers and steal all the designs so they don’t pay the artists either so ick gross no thank you I don’t even want Temu stuff as gifts’ 🎁 one friend handed me a kitchen appliance she bought from there and I set it up while she was still visiting and it broke before it’s first use. Oh it was fifty cents? Well now it’s garbage for fifty years. Is it really a good deal?

[@TOFKAS01]

Well, its the market. Market is king. Americans have to realise that there is a market, even when the americans are the losers in it.

[@catherinegreen8440]

Learn to sew, knit, and/or crochet when you struggle to make a «simple t shirt » you understand the actual worth of what you buy and it’s quality

[@elizabethnahu3422]

Making my own clothes changed my mindset so much, I became so much more comfortable with saving up to buy better clothes.

[@doomedwit1010]

I didn't realize Amazon had an App!

[@YoYo-gt5iq]

Vid starts at 1:30

[@ohheyyola5416]

Btw i love your monochromatic cheek and lip combo. Very fresh and pretty on you.

[@rachaelkain8944]

What is your wall paint color??

[@thefinancialdiet]

Benjamin Moore Salmon Peach!

[@hayrogarciga924]

this is why i dont care for amazon 2 day shipping. the idea that someone has to pee in a bottle or work in a rush till they keel over and die on the warehouse floor so that i can get some knick knack in two days or less seems immoral. No one should have to live like that for someone else's instant gratification.

[@vilaintrolltrollinsky8007]

Yes I have 300 $ of New Unworn clothes, But it is Dickies work clothes bought on sale. And it will serve to the bitter end.

[@ToriHiragana]

What are you all doing to your clothes?? 90% of the things I've bought on Shein in that last years looks as good as day 1 after dozens of wear and washes

[@antiantipoda]

Hardly ever I have clothes to donate. I wear my clothes until they fail and then I make rags. By the time the rags are really raggedy, trash is the only option.

[@Vassle]

I only buy high quality and if I can't afford it I either save or buy used

[@jimmyha5212]

Hey is Chelsea Fagan doing okay? We just recently watched a video of her talking about recent stress and struggles, and suddenly now there's a different host on this channel. Is everything alright?

[@thefinancialdiet]

She's great, you can see her in our latest video essay that was published last week :) This is just a 4-part series!

[@jimmyha5212]

@@thefinancialdietcool cool cool thanks

[@BojanPeric-kq9et]

Not from US, but I buy 2nd hand books for pennies.

[@animemenga125]

lego frog cherry blossom tree!

[@kirstinpiche]

Very interesting but could you please speak slower. Not enough pausing.

[@tortoisecakes]

A direct consequence of cheap consumers, is their inability to discern quality in products and services. So when they decide to pull out all the stops and "treat" themselves to a material or experience that's more expensive, they assume that it's automatically impeccable. When in reality it was really quiet subpar. Furthermore, this negatively impacts consumers who would more than oblige spend whatever is necessary to aquire a quality service or product, but now can't. Because no one's holding these sweatshop businesses masquerading as high-end companies accountable. And by accountable - simply writing raw unfiltered reviews to inform the rest of the public that whatever is being sold is an unacceptable sham!

[@Tyasiaaaa]

I’m so guilty of this! Ugh!

[@dddloveit]

HERE'S MY TIP, NO SOCIAL MEDIA OR SPEND LESS NEVER FOLLOW INFLUENCERS.

[@cleigh3796]

Wow, they included a sponsor in a video that is in itself an ad for a book. I feel silly for ever having expected more

[@pbthefirst630]

The problem is a 100$ shirt nowadays still doesn’t last 100 wears

[@ruthwaters7448]

I think we need help on the relationship side, I think we are mindless in our relationships which feeds the cycle.

[@ann-katrinhartjes3314]

I think one of the only things I really love to buy in „bulk“ are shoes when the season change and they are on sale…I bought the same pair of Trainers for the price of one pair and wear them quite often. One pair is down to „dog-walking-shoes“ (Never ever going to get them clean again, but my dog doesn‘t give a damn😉) and one pair I had to throw away. So after nearly 3 years down to my last good pair…time for another sale😂

[@shaquicedacosta]

Same, I've got 3 pairs of running shoes on rotation, so it always feels like running on new shoes.

[@Vivalarosa45]

I feel like I'm in some kind of limbo that I desperately want to get out of. I buy a lot from Temu. I love the app but I'll delete it off my phone eventually. I'm buying mindless shit that I don't wear or need to cope with a loss. It's not healthy and it's not me.

[@shaquicedacosta]

Can you set an app timer for Temu? That really helped me with Instagram.

[@tracymeserve5627]

This is a small criticism, but could you fact check that Shein releases 10,000 new items a day? I think it is 10,000 new items a month. I have seen both.

[@PokhrajRoy.]

I’ve been getting better at avoiding mindless shopping. I made a terrible investment a few years ago. Now, I have to be very prudent.

[@YoYo-gt5iq]

I feel tricked into listening to this ad in the beginning

[@promieniex]

Yesterday I just wsnted a bag for work. I bought other things. I was scrolling for like 3hours for a bag💀

[@SK28th]

❤

[@turtleanton6539]

Yeeeh😊

[@volvacations2186]

Do y'all check out companies that you do ads for? I don't trust anyone anymore. If you don't that's fine but since this is about influencers......