25 THINGS I DON'T BUY 💸 (HOW I SAVE MONEY & SPACE)!!! 

I am 62 and have learned the hardway that the bells and whistles are unnecessary fluff. My life is simple and frugal, debt free and a rather nice nest egg is a peace of mind that is priceless.

I purchase my mom gifts that are experiences now (instead of physical items) like local tickets to a play or musical, comedy show, or a concert. I buy her two tickets so her and a friend can go. Instead of it being a surprise, I have her pick out her favorite ones. I’ve done this for almost ten years, and she really loves it!

We have a rice cooker, we love it, I bought it for $15 or $20 ten years ago, I have used it 2-3x/week and it’s a workhorse in my kitchen. So if you do the math, this appliance has cost me approximately .02 per use(not counting power) for a super simple, set it and forget it, no fail experience. It is definitely not gathering dust at my house!

Greeting cards are 2 for $1.25 at dollar trees. I love getting cards! I love looking at my kids handwriting thru the years.

This video was very validating for me... I now feel wise instead of cheap! The only deviation from your list is when my family goes somewhere special, we buy a Christmas ornament as a souvenir. Every year when we put up our tree, we relive our family trips. It's become a family tradition, has saved a lot of money and avoided a lot of clutter.

One thing we do when we travel is buy one Christmas ornament. 12 years and counting into our marriage and it’s a joy to see all our travels on our tree.

I couldn't agree more with you with this list. Especially the souvenir subject. My husband is big on souvenirs until one day we got 2nd hand clothes from his sister's kids for our son and as I was unpacking the bag of clothes, there were all the T-shirts he bought for them with the tags. NEVER WORN! He looked at me and said; "You were right, I shouldn't spend money on souvenirs". Felt bad for him, but he learned his lesson. If the souvenir is not for you, don't spend the money on someone else.

My issue is finding things on sale and wanting to “save” money. However, now I ask myself “Do I have room to store it?”, “What would happen if I don’t buy it?” This has helped a lot!

Thank you for promoting local photographers!! As a Professional Photographer, it really makes sense to have families do all the pictures at once and in a location they love! As always, I love all of your videos.

As someone who is a huge sufferer of allergies, I thought I couldn’t live without Kleenex. A few years ago, I switched to handkerchiefs. Best thing I ever did. When we think about it, if you go back years ago, our grandparents had to live without all of these things and they lived just fine.

I agree with everything BESIDES the self care stuff. As a single mom - I work my butt off. I never ever used to do it but it’s not something I regret - it makes me feel GOOD and it’s the one thing I do for ME. I get my hair done every three months roughly and I love it. I don’t do nails or anything like that but I’ve taught myself to do my own. Feeling put together when I work two jobs and go to school and am my kids only parent is something I think is okay. I do school pictures because growing up my parents wouldn’t and it made me really sad! I would never have told them that, but it always made me feel poor and less than. Same with yearbooks. I get the cheapest package and he loves it. I could listen to you talk all day. Such an inspiration

Here in the UK if you say “something has fallen off the back of a lorry” it’s slang for stolen 😂

I hired new photographers to take my kids' senior pictures and I highly recommend everyone do the same! They were so excited for the opportunity, such hard workers, and truly appreciated some money in their pockets. Not only did I get excellent photos at a great price, but I loved the chance to support local entrepreneurs!

Very interesting. I agree with you on most everything. Except bulk groceries and water. I'll tell you why. Emergencies. The only bill that is not set in my household is food. And there have been numerous times where there were medical bills, car repairs, the PANDEMIC, any emergency that came up where money was scarce... or weather was bad and food trucks didn't make it to the grocery stores, or people panic buying and stores were out of everything. Having bulk items saved us. And we didn't have to worry. PEACE is invaluable. Yes, it can be hard to store. But if you look for hidden areas like under beds, it can be done. Getting creative. And we organize it so we are constantly rotating the food so it does not go bad. Dried goods that last a year, vacuum sealing meats... learning how to make my own bread and other bakery items... that has helped our family so much and ended up saving in the long run. Because if there is an emergency, grocery stores will hike up their prices. Again... PEACE in knowing I am prepared.

Our household couldn’t function without Kleenex! We have terrible allergies and nose-blowing is a year-round thing for us. Some of your suggestions I agree with, however, some things, like party supplies & cards, just bring joy. It definitely depends on the love language of the recipient.

I keep a basket of rolled washcloths in the kitchen near the table that we use as our napkins. they work so much better than paper and no waste. My husband often uses them to clean up messes, which used to bother me because they sometimes get stained, but they're just cheap little towels that I move to the rag basket if they get stained. And I appreciate his help in the clean-up! A pack of 18 washcloths costs about the same as 1 or 2 rolls of paper towels.

I dont use a ton of paper products, but always nice to have that papertowel when a dog throws up or you need to clean up something equally as gross. My dad, instead of buying a card for someone, adds $5 to a gift. I just love it! I will get myself a little treat or use it as a tip for someone instead of having a card from him sitting on the table for a week that then goes in the trash.

Souvenirs, I buy soaps made from whatever the local scent is. Lavender in France, lemon in Italy, olive oil soaps from Greece. No clutter and I get to relive a special moment.

I agree with this list 100%. I've never had a lot of money, and my mom thinks I'm crazy for not buying paper towels. I refuse to buy single use things that'll just end up in a landfill. I've also been using the same reusable bags for 15 years. I still love my skincare, but I wait for sales. Who needs to coupon when you're already saving tons of money by simply not buying what it feels like everyone else is?

I’m with you on souvenirs, newspapers, expensive jewelry,extended warranties, lottery tickets and more. I have two cats and a dog so I won’t be giving up paper towels anytime soon. And I find with those it’s actually better to get the higher end brands because the cheaper ones don’t really work as well and you end up using more of them. Great video Cas!

My daughter is really into drawing and i found it was hard to keep up with the art clutter so i find that buying sketchbooks instead of loose paper is a great way to keep clutter down and not throw out pictures right away.

I can relate to so many of these things. Diane in Denmark only buys tea towels as Souvenirs when she travels. And then she uses them in her kitchen. I think that is such a great idea. Thanks for the great video.

One way we’ve done away with greeting cards is journals! My husband and I each have a journal and we write in each others journal for special occasions as well as random days we want to leave a note of love. I’ve put photos in as well. I need to start ones for my kids as well.

I fixed my own sewing machine. I took it apart and watched how I took it apart. And it took me about a week to put everything back together. But I saved myself a ton of money.

Hi Cas, I am a medical first responder, who work on the ambulance with a paramedic. I’m glad you are enjoying your course, I’m sure you will have the skills necessary if ever needed. Your videos are the highlight of my downtime, especially when we are first on scene to a accident etc..thank you for everything you do, from a fellow Canadian (Newfoundland). Keep being awesome 💕💕 23:41

Marley's Monsters reusable paper towels are basically flannel sheets material cut into squares and sewed on the edges. I stopped buying paper towels and looked into getting them but they are pricey $$! I was planning to throw away my daughter's ripped flannel sheets anyway so I just cut it into squares and honestly it doesn't fray so I didn't bother sewing the edges. I just keep them in a basket in my kitchen. They are really absorbent. 😁🙌

Cas! You are NOT odd at all… I was dittoing everything you said, after 20 years of Mumming and making ALL the buying/hoarding mistakes! AND on top of saving money you are also doing your part to save the environment. Kudos to you x

Thrift stores, yes! Cloth napkins, yes! Not buying in bulk, yes! Giving up an occasional massage, nope. :)

I admire Cass so much for fixing her own appliances using RU-vid tutorials (!!!!), and for volunteering as a paramedic!! 🤩You rock, Cass! 💪Thanks for the frugality validation and great tips!

Dear Cas, being a volunteer first responder is wonderful. I joined a volunteer ambulance co. here at 19 and spent the next 10 years helping people in crisis. It's not all about saving lives, many times it's more about relieving pain and anxiety. Best of luck with new "hobby" from New York state. ❤🎉

I appreciate this message SO much. It’s a tiny bit more effort to pack something in a reusable box or use a fabric towel instead of paper. It makes such a difference environmentally. Thank you for using your platform for this important message. I agree with everything. Thank you.

You are a breath of fresh air! I promise I’ve thought like this and still do. It’s just ends up being so much waste, if you don’t use it. But I’ve been talked into getting a lot of things, “we need/should have” from MIL and parents. We do have multiple kids, but I do regret joining the herd mentality & now we’re spending so much time decluttering & organizing things we don’t need or use often😏. Thank you 🙏🏾 for saying it out loud❤

Wow, yes, this is one video I have a different opinion about, and mostly its not that I disagree with not buying things, its more that this is such an individual choice thing. You don't use kitchen gadgets, but for me, it makes my cooking fun and is part of my hobby list. Also makes things faster and easier. I like that you list your reasons for not buying certain things and it is good to THINK about what you are buying and make a decision based on your needs. One thing I never buy are meal kits. Every commercial talks about how inexpensive they are, and maybe for some its the only way they will put a real meal on the table. You get individual little tiny containers of seasonings. I just don't see the value. You can always buy things cheaper at the store, and if you need a tablespoon of a spice, and you have to buy a container of it, use it again and again. Thanks!

One thing about cards is that we stopped buying “gifts,” for people as presents and we just put money in a card from the dollar store. It works great for us and we aren’t cluttering up people’s houses with more stuff. Everyone like receiving cash! Also, I second on the thrift store!! I get most my clothes at Goodwill and usually get the most compliments on the clothing from the thrift store than any other clothing pieces!

Great video as always. Of the things that apply to my life (I have no kids, don't drive, and live in a rental so not responsible for repairs) I found that I already practice at least 90% of your remaining suggestions. Even without providing me with new ideas, it is always comforting and validating to discover a like minded person. I gotta tell you however, the like that I gave this video (although well deserved for the helpful hints) was actually 100% earned by your end story. Your similar fascination with all things medical really resonated with me, and your tales of some of the overzealousness medical assistance considered for your 'patients' made me laugh out for the 1st time all day. Please never stop the candid sharing of some of your finer, and less fine, moments as their humanity and humour is the kind of tonic that we all need.

After watching a few of your videos I’ve started the process of decluttering a slim lining my cleaning products. I expecting thing to be a lot less stressful and a few extra bucks in my pocket. Thank you for being straightforward.

Definitely not a gadget person and consider myself fairly minimalist but I was hurt when you said salad spinner was clutter 😂😂😂 my family eats so much more salad because of it! It’s easy to cut and clean a whole head and use it all week long! Dry lettuce lasts so much longer!

"If we need to blow our nose, which we don't very often" -- that's part is more likely what some people find weird! People with allergies can't imagine not constantly needing tissues, which is why we have them in every room of the house! 😅

Great list Cass. My freezer stopped working around 3 months ago and I didn't get to replacing it for a few days and so it went on.....I had a company come collect it to recycle and I'm still without a freezer and it's ok 😂. I live on my own so easier for me than a family I think. It's shown me I don't need something that I never thought I'd be able to do without!!

I love many of the tips on here! I tend to keep the greeting cards from people, they are special, especially from those who have passed to have a special handwritten card from them is cherished but over the years they can really add up! For at least my husband and I , we started keeping a journal book together and on holidays or any day, we write a small messages to each other back and forth in the book. Saves a ton of money over the years on cards, the words are from the heart, not a card company, and its a memento/journal all in one book to cherish over the years. After seeing it somewhere (not an original idea) we just started this about a year and a half ago, and don't always remember to write in it, but we don't buy cards anymore either.

We stopped buying paper plates and napkins years ago. I haven’t been able to talk my husband into giving up paper towels yet. We generally don’t buy tissues either. Now, greeting cards- I love buying those. I have friends all over the world I exchange cards with because it makes us happy. 🤷‍♀️😊

oh my gosh, I feel so normal after watching this video! So many things I don't buy that people think I'm crazy for. Though you got me in the kitchen department. I have two juicers - different sizes - for oranges, lemons, and limes. I do a lot of food preparation, from-scratch cooking, and baking so I actually use all my tools. Though, after 12 years of it, there are numerous things I've gotten rid of because I don't use them in my kitchen.

Totally agree on paper towels and kleenex. I like the cleaning supply simplicity, I'll be adopting that.

Very interesting list! Many of the things you discuss, I think, can also be seen as not just “thrifty” but also good for the planet and not “buying” (haha) into our consumerism culture! I always enjoy your “thanks for staying to the end” stories and this one was really fun and interesting! I don’t know if they have a program like yours in our area, but I’d be totally interested if they do! Thanks, as always, for great content!

I was a first responder and storm spotter in my rural farming area for years. My medical skills were mostly utilized during the aftermath of severe storms. Bless you for being willing to step up when some of us age out of the ability to help.

How awesome that you are taking a first responder course! It’s a wonderful way to serve the community you live in. My medical career started as an EMT. I then went on to paramedic then nursing school. Your personality will fit well in this role. It’s so important to be kind and caring and nonjudgmental of which you’re all!

I just ordered a melon baller yesterday, and I use my salad spinner and rice cooker multiple times a week 😛 I understand that everyone needs these items, but I cannot live without any of these 😅

I work for an ambulance service and I really commend you for signing up to help your local agency. We are always looking for help where I work and have a really hard time finding people. Super happy to hear your excitement and enjoyment of learning all about it. Stay safe

100% agree on all of these things, not only does it save money, but also is so much better for the environment not creating so much waste. I’m often horrified when I see you tube videos where people use disposable / single use item every day in their houses where there is a re-usable alternative.

I totally agree on almost every item. One thing that I have done with the Kleenex idea is making toilet paper covers for public rooms. Plastic canvas can be fashioned into decorative covers for the toilet paper. After the cover is made, twist the cardboard tube on the roll until you can pull it out. Then the TP can be pulled from the center. An oatmeal cardboard canister can be cut down, painted or wall papered or decoupaged or whatever to make a fun dispenser. (Only in public rooms.). Have fun with your kids or make it elegant for your guests who need a dispensers.

I agree with you on most! We do buy bulk food - but we have a very large pantry and an extra freezer. There's a whole backstory to this that I won't get into here. I make cards, write a letter in each. My most treasures items are letters from family/friends who are no longer here - to see their handwriting and reread their letters is something that I wouldn't trade for anything. I do it at least once a year for my other loved ones. Love your videos!

This is easily the most interesting and helpful list of this kind I've encountered so far. Thanks for the tips that clearly have so much lived experience behind them.

Good for you, Cassie! For some of us, massages are a necessity for health. I don't get relaxing massages. I get deep tissue massages that release the knots from the fascia. This allows me to continue being active. Regarding some other things, I'll just say you get what you pay for!

My family doesn't buy most of these things either but we do use parchment paper and foil intermittently and I bought my soft furniture (sofa, chair, mattresses) new because after raising my own kids, I have realized how often a kid's internal fluids end up on the outside of their bodies.

Quite a few of these things are on my list as well and it makes me so happy to hear how many things you can get by without missing! One of my favorite habits I've changed in souvenirs. I came to be so annoyed with them -- before I even became a minimalist! -- and now if we go somewhere new, I only keep an eye out for one unique Christmas ornament. I've always loved having ornaments that are more personal and varied instead of super commercial, and now when my husband and I decorate our tree, we reminisce about all of the places we've been together 🥰

I'm a housekeeper. So many of my clients' homes are stuffed to the brim, and they are elderly or ill and can't clean anymore. You can bet I clean my own home a little bit every day and it's easy because I've decluttered just about as much as I can. I love your videos because they are so close to my own mindset. One little caveat; a friend gave me a container of disposable wipes because she didn't particularly like the smell. They were a lifesaver when I was moving, I just cleaned my way out the door! Once I ran out, I haven't bought any more.

Cas I'm so glad you put this video out. I'm 70 and almost everything you don't buy, I don't buy either. I have allergies, so I have Kleenex. But to be quite honest I would prefer to use cotton handkerchiefs. I'm really glad you told people about disinfectant wipes. Each of those wipes are 'single use plastic' that becomes garbage instantly, is hard on the environment and such a waste of money! We collectively don't benefit from the marketing or the clutter.

When we didn’t have running water for days during a bad snow/ice storm in TX, I was so grateful for our water bottles. We don’t need them for every day use, but I do think they’re good to have for emergencies & diaper bags.

I LOVE YOU! OMG...YOU ARE SO VERY ON POINT!Every episode I've watched has related to me in sooooo many ways. Thank you for being so honest and forth right! Love you...keep it going!!!!❤

Great eco-friendly choices, Cas! But i love receiving greeting cards because i can display them for a couple of weeks and enjoy the feeling of people caring about me. I miss getting as many as I used to now that people text birthday wishes. Those are gone in an instant.

I love your line when you were talking about furniture, when you said, "Cass, you're 45, get some new furniture". :) What I can tell you, with 15 years jump start, is if you cringe at the price of new things, whether cars, furniture, whatever, I doubt that sensibility will change. We have the cash to buy new, and I still balk unless there's a really good reason behind it. And I'm good w/ that. Thanks for putting these ideas out there. Not all for all, but enough to get us thinking, right?

After watching one of your older videos, something clicked in my garage clean up. You gave me a great idea for using my rolling cart better-- full of junk. I also had a bunch of old dish tubs I was going to toss. It hit me that I could put my bigger tools-- drills, sander, saws, routers in the tubs and on the cart. Easy to access for my visual needs and a category that I could manage! I had been planning to spend money on a workbench. Win! Plus it made me feel so good.

I love, love, love soooo much of what you said. I don't buy almost all of the stuff you just talked about. However, I did buy a new couch after using ours for 10 years. It was definitely time. I couldn't find any quality sectional sofas second hand and I absolutely love our new designer couch. I did buy a designer mattress, but purchased it at a deep deep deep discount that I'm extremely grateful for. Yes, I don't buy all the different cleaning products, new cars, disinfectant wipes, bottle waters, etc. I HATE waste. Its so cruel to our planet and leads to endless clutter in the home and such a waste of money. I do like designer clothes and makeup, but I usually don't buy them at retail costs. Thank you for making this video!

Great video! I agree with nearly everything. I keep a box of tissues next to my bed, because I don't want a roll of roilet paper on my bedside table. When I was a child - looooong ago - we "passed the cloth" instead of using napkins. Looking back on it, I know it's weird, but it was what we were used to doing. Also, I bake, so I have to have parchment paper. We even switched from plastic containers to glass ones with lids. Having absolutely no storage space in our apartment keeps us frugal. I stopped wearing make-up years ago, and I stopped dyeing my hair at age 60. (Who was I fooling?) Now, if I could just stop the deluge of greeting cards coming from my mother-in-law!

I'm so much like you it's uncanny! I think when you've experienced real life struggles you prioritize the things that you really need and learn to make do, or make it from scratch. I haven't used kleenex in ages but I do buy the cloth like Viva paper towels with choose a size for napkins, sniffles etc. I do have a large supply of micro fiber for cleaning, etc and love them. So happy to hear about the medical first responder course, can't wait to hear more!

You hit the nail on the head. I don't buy any of these items either. I also don't buy make up. Not only does this save me money, it saves me time. I am currently saving up to buy me a new mattress - I do not buy things on credit and I do not own a credit card.

Love this list! There are A LOT that I do buy, but, also A LOT that I don't buy. I love buying discounted or thrifted clothes and do not buy name brand any longer. Plus, I stopped buying expensive $10 coffees and make mine at home instead. And, we never eat "fast food" instead we go to a deli or grocery store and get healthy food fast, like a banana, or salad and sliced tri tip.

I second the YT for repairs! Totally repaired the kitchen pipes on my own!!

I’m from Philly, and when you said the car “fell off the back of the truck” I 😂. Because that term is used for stolen items. 😮 Occasionally people in the neighborhood would have a “pop up shop” with clothes and goods that “ fell off the back of the truck” and the prices were great! 😂😊❤

Very sensible, very thrifty and VERY environmentally friendly, dear Cassie!!

Thank you for validating my decisions. I’m tired of people judging me for making minimalism decisions. You are the best!

Well done for volunteering! I volunteered as a first aider, felt useful & now know what to do in an emergency. Such valuable knowlage to have. Hope you continue enjoy the process. 💖

I agree with so many of these items I now do without. However, I do buy Kleenex (extra soft) when I have a cold. Toilet paper is pretty rough when you're blowing your nose a hundred times a day (!) I also can't do without paper towels thanks to messy dogs and cats in the house.

Some of these ARE weird in the sense that most of us didn’t know it was possible to not by these things! This was a very eye-opening list - thank you for inspiring me to take a harder look into my shopping cart!

So true about the kitchen stuff and clothing!! Currently decluttering to go to thrift store

Great video. Very helpful. Thank you! Totally onboard with you regarding most things you opt out of, but Kleenex makes my life WAY better. Just a personal thing. Not having it bums me out, and having it makes me feel prosperous, organized, and cared for. Conversely, not having Kleenex and using toilet paper instead makes me feel poor, and uncared for. I have boxes of it all over my house, and they spark major joy. The other thing that makes a HUGE difference in my life is baby wipes. Discovered the baby wipes thing when my daughter was a toddler, and I was a single mom in college full-time, working part-time, and raising my baby 100% by myself. Baby wipes are AMAZING for a quick clean up of: bathroom counter, bathroom sink, bathroom floor, inside of drawers, cabinets, etc. Life changer I discovered 23 years ago and still use.

I’m with you on the Kleenex. I only buy it if someone in the house has a cold 😷! I’m a nurse and listening to you get so jazzed about all things medical made me smile 😊. You’ve got this!

I am right there with you! I have things I refuse to spend money on....like manicures (I do my own) or massages (I don't like being rubbed, so this probably wouldn't work well for me) - but I also don't spend my money on things like cleaning supplies (which sounds weird even to me, but I use dish soap, vinegar, and/or baking soda with tap water for nearly everything,) makeup, expensive jewelry, brand name clothing, etc....one thing I do is I go to the local thrift store for all of my daughters clothes, b/c kids grow fast, and kids clothes cost like the same as adult clothing, which is ridiculous, so the thrift store has saved like thousands of dollars on my kids clothes alone! Another thing is we usually go to the library for new books rather than buy new books, the library is completely free, and you can renew your books several times before you have to return them. One thing I don't do that you could definitely do to save money is go to the college for things like haircuts, auto repair, or dining out at a restaurant....they don't charge nearly as much as professionals, and you give them the chance to practice their new skills.

You are very true and I’m impressed. I am sharing this post with my family. I think you are awesome.

For cards, I used to keep mine and then a year ago I went through all of them and it was honestly so sweet to read through the cards that I had collected throughout the years, but after I read them I sorted them into a trash pile and a keep pile. There were some that had such sweet, sentimental thoughts, but I couldn't even remember who they were. Anyway, now I have a small box filled with cards that I absolutely love and the rest I either threw away or I tore off the front page (as long as it's not written on) and I use those instead if I feel like I want/should add a card with a gift. I reuse it or lose it, so I feel like it's a win-win. I also understand that keeping the cards could get unmanageable, but I have a specific holder for cards, so if that gets too full I know I have too many. It helps keep it in check. :D

I ❤️❤️ this list! My husband just fixed our cloth dryer with a $30 Amazon part today! You’ve given me some new things to no longer buy! Thanks!

Good Morning Cass. I Love your channel!!! I have Decluttered because of your advise. And... I feel sooo much better!!! Just recently, I went through 5 Large Bins and 2 small ones( Bins from Costco) They were all filled with Holiday Decor items. I MAJORLY decorated for Holidays when My Children were young...They enjoyed! Then for my Grandchildren...When they were younger, they enjoyed! Now... No one is interested😒!!! So, I purged down to 1 bin and will decorate only Minimal...Extremely Minimal! All of the items that my Parents had, my Siblings and I LOVED our Parents old belongings...So many Memories. Only 2 of my Children Love 1 or 2 things from us. When my Parents passed, We all had sooo much to clean out. My Daughter told me that she would put all of my things on the Lawn and have a Yard Sale: "EVERYTHING $1.00😁😁😁😁Not each...EVERYTHING! I am Minimal now for the Children's sake. This Video I rethought the Bulk; Napkins and Toilet Tissue. My cleaning Product is Vinegar, Water, Dawn, and Essential Oil... Spray Bottle, Shake, and Clean😁. The others you mentioned, I don't spend money on. In the old days with my parents, we always shopped at the Thrift Stores and I carried that Tradition on when my Children were young...3 Boys... "Hand me Downs"😉. The Medical Field is Awesome!!! Congratulations!!! You have a Beautiful Family! God Bless You All😍.

I'm just like you! So glad to find a person with the same ideas! Much love!

I live alone with four large dogs. They go through a lot of food, so, rather than throw away the 40 lb bag that their food comes in, I use it as a trash bag/can. I also use plastic shopping bags as trash bags for my smaller cans around the house. I haven't bought trash bags in years, also haven't bought paper towels in years, and I've only bought box tissues maybe three times in my life, I grew up using toiletpaper as tissues, that's normal in my family. 😆 Definitely going to be using a lot of these tips, thank you!

Cass, you are so funny. My husband has been a paramedic for years and I'm sure this video would make him laugh. You're so fun to watch. A lot of the items you mentioned we don't buy them either. I am on a mission to simplify my home. Loving your videos!

Yes! I especially agree with your stance on using few cleaning supplies! There's a professional cleaner I watch here on RU-vid named Aurikatariina, and she uses two products to clean nearly everything: dish soap (for most things) and oven cleaner (for grime on surfaces that can take oven cleaner). So much cheaper and so much more effective.

Hello Clutterbug, just found your channel today! Just started watching RU-vid in January….love and agree with everything you do to save money! Taught school for 32 years and just love “old fashioned” ways to clean and spend my time! I don’t buy extended warranties either. I had my friends talk about the store Kohls and their coupons well…I started shopping and getting Kohls cash but no! I forgot to go shopping the next time to spend the kohls cash or coupon money. I was so angry I went one day late…the store said sorry. So I lost my savings twice. So now, I just get what I need when I need it. I use coupons at the grocery if available but I save lots of cash only buying what I need not trying to get more saving gimmicks! 😊

I love buying coasters when I travel. They’re small, usually pretty cheap. I enjoy seeing the little reminders of trips and they’re useful.

Okay...on my way to finally donating my cute little vintage glass juicer that I never used after owning it for 30 years😂 I've started taking pictures of things I don't use or want but held onto them thinking my kids might want. I text the pictures to my kids and it's almost always "no thanks". I think I'm finally realizing that they don't want a lot of memorabilia either. I don't buy garbage bags for kitchen or bathrooms. I downsized all trach cans to Walmart size bags and it works out great. Haven't bought trash bags in at least five years.

YES! I recently switched to cloth paper towels (from Walmart) and I love them. Also agree on the cellophane etc and the Kleenex. I do get massages, but that’s because it is a mental health thing for me and I have a good membership program. Lastly, I wish thrift stores had more plus sized clothing. All the ones I have been to in my town just have nothing in plus sizes. 😢 OH and I refuse to wrap presents in wrapping paper or gift bags. It makes no sense to me to give someone something wrapped in what they will immediately throw away. Definitely not socially acceptable, but I stick to my principles on it!

@16:25 Currency makes a great souvenir while traveling abroad. We have a little family box with a little money from every country we've visited. It's all mixed together which makes it more fun to explore every ten years or so.

I agree! Paper products are a WASTE! Less bulk shopping 🤦🏽‍♀️Gotta have foil and zip loc bags BOTTLED water a must! You’re helping ME🫣🫣🫣🫢🤭NO NDC! THANK YOU FOR SHARING 🙏🏽❤️🙏🏽

Awesome to hear about you joining St John’s. My husband is the Deputy Chief of our local rural volunteer fire brigade here in New Zealand and they do a lot of first aid training too. 2 of the volunteers are also St John’s paramedics for their day jobs too. Such fantastic skills to have.

Great video Cas!!! Sidebar- As a 52 year old I just finished my primary care paramedic training- it all started 10 yrs ago with being a 1st responder - maybe you have paramedicine in your future 😊. I would love to come on scene with you as 1st responder - we are always SO thankful for what you guys do!!!!❤

I love your very helpful tips and your very positive, sunny disposition. I always feel like we are sitting & having coffee. Thank you soooo much✌️

Thanks!! I feel very validated :) Here at home, we get as many cleaning products as possible as refills - i.e. washing up liquid. We also don't use bottles of shampoo - which are mostly water - but solid shampoo bars instead - these also take up less room in the bathroom cabinet, and in travel bags if we go away. Plus less likely that there will be leakage in transportation. I make an all-in-one cleaning spray which works on most things, including dried on bird poo (we have 3 budgies in the house) - its in a refillable spray bottle - water, washing up liquid, a couple of drops of tea tree oil, a squirt of lemon juice and a glug of white vinegar :). Bicarbonate of soda + plus cleaning spray = clean oven :) We use microfibre cloths, or cut up tea towels at the end of their useful lives for cleaning cloths and launder them. Fabric conditioner is a scam. Just put a bit of white vinegar instead, but not on every wash. We've got rid of most of our carpets, because - pets, we're clumsy with hot drinks and because carpets are a real faff to clean and vacuum. Most of our floors are bare, varnished wood, which feels great underfoot. Cold feet. stick some fluffy socks or a pair of slippers on :) We get some of our dried pulses and tinned food from a whole food co-op, which helps save pennies. We grow a certain amount of our own fruit n veggies too. If you don't have space to grow at home, look at joining a community gardening project or helping someone who has an allotment. Its good exercise too! But tbh. we are pack rats and 'rescue' stuff people leave outside their houses before it rains, or bag up fly tipped clothes to launder and take to charity, or get a bit excited about free stuff on Freecycle etc - so its very cluttered here lol

I only get collectors spoons and magnets as a souvenir. I love looking at my spoon collection displayed in my dining room. I put the magnets on the fridge. Seeing them brings back wonderful memories. Both are easy to bring home after travel and don't cost much.

Cass, this is the best video I've ever seen about how to save some money. Practical advice. I've already started doing most of these things and it feels good. Maybe I can learn to use less aluminum foil, but I'll never give up massages!😂

I just listened to you for the second time because I really like what you shared and want to implement myself.

Th you so much for the time stamps, they save me time!