How To Stop Wanting to Buy Stuff | Frugal Living 

1. Wait it out (ex. 30 day wait period) 2. Pros and Cons list 3. Unsubscribe and Avoid temptations 4. Find a hobby 5. Explore an alternative option 6. Consider financial goals

I'm almost 40 and for the past few decades, my best method to not wanting to buy stuff is not having the money for it. works like a charm.

I just preordered my iPhone 15 Pro Max today. Something felt off, as I have a 14 Pro that I'm not really happy with. In the end after some contemplation I just cancelled my order. I don't need these meaningless year on year upgrades that are just sold so well by clever marketing people. Thank you for helping us with more perspective Nicholas

I've started the habit of walking everyday with my dog for a few miles, rather than the quick round the blocks I usually do with him, and that daily routine itself has definitely cut down on my spending. I also need to go to the library more often, there's one less than a mile away from my house, and it's absolutely a missed opportunity for me.

If you spend 30 days just thinking about buying some items, it may not be the most optimal approach. It can be quite frustrating to constantly overanalyze your choices. Purchasing when you can is a more relaxing activity and is better for your peace of mind. If it doesn't fit your budget, then you should consider taking 3-5 days to think it over. I, too, used to overthink my purchases, and it exhausted me. My mind was constantly debating with itself. Now, I don't think too much - if I want something and it fits my budget, I buy it right away.

I have the worst habit of buying food when I’m hungry, instead of eating what I already have. It’s infuriating.

Great video! Stop people from pre-ordering iPhone 15 today!

The 30 day waiting period for large purchases is a great idea. Definitely going to try that one

Only food, drink, and house bills. Clothes only that need replacements. You need to feed and cloth the body and have a roof above your head depending where you live. That is it. Bliss is within. Nothing in the outside world is necessary.

Waiting is the best thing thats worked for me. Giving something a week minimum and preferably a month before buying has helped a lot. Because then you get that "Huh, guess i didnt need that" feeling and move on.

Staying off social media is very helpful for me … that’s why I’m here haha .. but not seeing what everyone else owns or is selling is good thing

I had never thought about spending money as a hobby. It hit me like a ton of bricks. It's such a simple and obvious concept, but I had never seen it like that. You are completely right. I am getting all of my unread books from the shelf right now. And thank you. It's so weird to say, but you actually might have made a considerable difference in my life with a 7 minute video. I know it sounds like an exaggeration , but I actually mean it. Thanks. I am saving this video so I can watch it anytime I am tempted to just go buy something to feel some satisfaction.

I love libraries, and mine has services beyond free books: board games, 3D printing services, passes to local parks and museums… they even have power tools.

It hit me when you said in the hobby part that we buy things just to feel a little bit of joy. I’m (awkwardly) glad(?) that I’m not alone feeling this need of joy but it ultimately fades away soon, cost a lot and add no value to my life. Recently I’ve been changing my lifestyle and your video came across. Great and grounded advice!

Everytime I watch this channel, it is growing constantly and it’s entirely deserved.

Some great advice here. One thing that stopped me spending money was to come off of social media. My life is so much better now, more money and closer relationships with my friends because we use things like the phone and texts etc rather than just “liking” stuff.

Buying stuff is not the problem. Buying things just because they are on sale, buying things that go to the back of the closet and stay there, buying things that you replace with something a little different - those kinds of wasteful spending is the problem.

Wow Nicholas... thank you dude. I'm only 21 so I'm young and still have a lot to learn but this video gave me a needed wake up call. I found my issue is that I have too many hobbies and I always want the best gear/thing in that hobby. I'm a gear head so I love trying new things out and putting new things to the test. I'm slowing coming to the realization that I can chill out and just enjoy the things that I have and be grateful for them. It's nice to have longterm goals like saving up for a house/apartment, or saving up for a better future car especially since I have so much of my life ahead of me I think this video made me start to realize that I'm doing just fine with the things I already have. So thank you :)

Yessss, this is the kind of video I love watching :) Feeling very motivated after watching this to cut down on even more unnecessary stuff. I value freedom/free time so much more than material 'things' and this was a good reminder of why I'm frugal :)

You sir just won a new subscriber just because of this video 👏🏼 August 2022 I moved to the US because of a job opportunity. One year later I’m sick of all the consumerism and how it’s the only hobby most people have.

This video is such a blessing. I’ve been in a consumeristic frenzy lately and you’re insights have aided in my desire to snap out of it.

I love borrowing digital books, audio books, and magazines from the library. All free! And playing on our Wii.

I’m coming back to minimalism after sometime of falling off the wagon, and your channel again is one of the first ones that come up in my recommended as if it was fate. Thank you so much for making the videos that you do and always know that we’re hugely appreciative of them.

Boredom is a hard one to overcome. I have often been getting myself out window shopping just to get the little dopamine hits of looking at brand new products on shelves. Amazon is a big spending outlet for me so I’ve had success just adding items to my cart and waiting until the end of the month to buy them. Most of the time I delete them because the passion has left. Just a few weeks ago I almost convinced myself to buy a $700 piano from Costco but today I know that would have put me in a poor financial spot.

I’m addicted to buying books reading and listening to audiobooks are my main hobbies . I should go to the library as they’re getting more and more expensive .

Great video. Really struggling these days to control myself from impulse purchases. Everyone around seems to be purchasing the next best thing and I also feel like I should totally have it. This video was very useful especially to me. ❤❤

As a 17y/o, yes, even tho I avoid all types of marketing around me, I have been tempted to buy stuff "for a need". Like a laundry basket, recently. I didn't. Since I have more possessions that I'd like to have atm, I now think "for each item that I need/want, I'll try to find a way to craft it with an item that I currently have and do not use" It's cool :) and u have more fun

This is one of the reasons i stopped using typical smartphones and switched to a degoogled phone. Now my phone doesn't spy on me and tempt me with ads for things i'm interested in.

luckily I grew up without much money, so everytime I had to buy something it felt like a herculean task, I needed pros and cons, good reasons, research for best price to quality ration and for the best discounts and other things, basically if I didn't have a list of good reasons and opportunities I couldn't buy anything that wasn't necessary. this gives me a sense of dread everytime I have to buy something, so unless its necessary I don't buy it. and if I really want it I have to do a lot of research and than buy the best option. I do such in depth research before buying even clothes that people just think I got mental problems or I'm just too mechanical to be human... I just hate wasting money for something that doesn't offer quality (like brands) and even if this only effects me people seem to get offended by it

I would add that a lot of purchases are connected to the idea behind it. Like buying a new running watch because the hope is to be more sporty as a result. Or the new food processor with the hope to eat healthier. What we tend to forget is, that we still need to put in the effort to go out and run even with a fancy watch or still need to cook even with the new kitchen appliance. What I am trying to do is asking myself if I am already doing the effort as a routine before buying a gadget. Not the other way around. Often we buy these things and they are just collecting dust, because we just don't have the routine of using them. When I have an established routine of running or cooking I am still able to buy the stuff, but first get the routine in. And often it sheds new light on whats really necessary, because it is no longer embedded in a theoretical idea but the result of experience. And maybe then one realizes that a purchase is actually due, but its rather new shoes or a better knife. It also helps to align and focus on whats the priority to continue with what has been established.

This is what i did before buying my ipad mini. But make it 3 months of debating and watching videos about it. Your videos about the ipad mini helped me to solidify my choice as well. Great video!

Really enjoyed the editing and cinematography work that you put into this, it gave the video a lot of character.

I liked this one so much I watched it twice. Thank you!

I always find that using cash to buy stuff makes me spend less, if I went shopping before it was so easy to just tap my card when I needed something or worse yet didn't even need anything. But now I leave my cards at home and only take cash - if I'm on a budget I'll only take the exact cash I need otherwise I'll head out and even with excess cash there's something about physically handing it over that holds you back from spending too much. You can see the instant impact it has and it makes you stop and think.

Now I want a watch like this

This video helped me so much! That's exactly how I felt! I bought unnecessary things to be happy.😢

i used the same approach (wait for 30 days) and sometimes this leads to procrastination of other things and habitual indecisiveness like being obsessed with reviews & in the end spend more time on them than you should. I think it depends on what's the stuff & the level of necessity. For example I recently bought a protein shaker after at least a year of using poorly designed protein shaker that even inhibits me from drinking enough proteins. If you feel the thing you need to do is hindered by the tools you have and you need a upgrade of gears to be motivated, do so and do not wait for 30 days.

That quote at 6:00 is so great and so, so true. That'll definitely stay with me for a while

Hi from Tasmania, Australia! Awesome video. I took my Daughter to the Library today and signed up. Grabbed a heap of books, and also got a free bag too. I have memories of my Nan going to the library and I’ve always associated it with old books, but they had everything! 👍🏽

With holiday seasons coming up this is a timely video 😃

I need to listen to you more often. lol to re-encourage NOT to buy on impulse. Thank you and great video

Wonderful video, the rule of "30 days later, do I really need this item or do I want this item" is one of the most helpful I've learned so far

Every time I spend on my debit card, my bank rounds the spending up to the nearest £ and puts it in a savings pot. That’s my guilt free spending money, if I want to buy something and I’ve got the money in that pot; I can buy the item. Once a quarter, I have a no spend month and those savings go into my holiday pot.

Every time I have a strong urge to spend on unnecessary but cute stuff I come back to this video. It really helps to bring myself together and be disciplined with my finances

I am happy to shop less and less now, and each time I go into a store I congratulate myself when I dont succumb to temptation. I try to imagine what the items will add to my life, how I will care and store it. When I was younger I didn't know myself well and I would explore hobbies and dressing style. Now I prefer to go outside and walk, I seek meditation. I still go to thrift shops once in awhile when I look for something in particular and I will look at knick knacks and think: I dont need any of those. I consider thrifts stores sort of like museum that I can touch stuff and remember where in my life I saw that object. But I dont have to bring it home.

I loved seeing you run with your board without jumping onto it. I used to love doing that and had completely forgot about it

Additionally thinking of the environmental impact of my potential purchase usually helps me to reconsider if I really need that item or not - in combination with some of the points you mentioned

I think these are honestly really good tips especially the waiting period. I switched from using the word FOMO (fear of missing out) to JOMO (joy of missing out) and it's genuinely helped a lot because that one word change has made a huge impact. I realized it wasn't fear that I felt the need to purchase something to be included but how much joy would I get if I joined and usually that helps me curb spending :) like with a new game I analyze my other habits and hobbies and often times I don't get the game as I just don't play video games that I don't need to spend X amount for me to play said game as it's rare if I play in the first place.

Thank you for this video. So rare to find this type of concrete and helpful content in the minimalism space.

This video was a great wake up call for me! I ordered the iPhone 15 Pro last week, even though I already own an iPhone 14 Pro and a bunch of older models. I don't *need* those year on year upgrades, and I know I'll just forget about the minor improvements days or even hours after I would have gotten it. Cancelled my order because of this video!

nice points! for me the most potent tool is taking a pause at the moment of weakness, and looking with curiosity at this craving feeling for shopping; how does it feel right now, that I’m so fixated on getting something? what do i wish to experience by possessing it? what is the driving need/desire behind this urge to buy? is it some current unpleasant feeling that i wish to quench or numb? then i try and see if really buying this item/experience is going to satisfy for me the needs behind the urge and if there is perhaps some alternative strategy that would satisfy my true need better. usually there is!

I log into my bank account every other day. I hate watching the number go down, it sucks. So, I just don't buy something I don't absolutely need.

I have a problem with online shopping. Whenever i feel stressed, i feel a need to comfort myself with buying stuff. Even if i don’t need anything i am looking for something that i can buy and convincing myself that i really need it. 😵‍💫

I’m addicted to stuff, to online shopping, to the next thing. And yes, I always have buyer’s remorse but that doesn’t stop me. I always need to get the “next” stuff. I return most of them. It’s a cycle. I’m in a rabbit hole. I know. I can’t help it. I’m ashame. But It seems my childhood trauma is deeply ingrained and I need to fill a void. I feel overwhelmed. I hate myself for this (for doing these things). The only solution I can think of is “un-living” myself. I’m beyond saving. My mind is full of junk (unneccesary things).

Your videos are just what I need to calm down and get in a good mindset and just reset.. I love it!

Much needed - thank you so much for sharing this video ❤

This is the first time I have seen your channel but because you made an Inuyasha reference I am immediately subscribing

Big ups to everyone working effortlessly trying to earn a living while building wealth. I’m 62 and my husband 65 we are both retired with over $3 million in net worth and no debts. Currently living smart and frugal with our money. Saving and investing lifestyle made it possible for us this early even till now we earn monthly through passive income.

The savings tracking and constant budgeting is the total antithesis of consumer-driven behaviour. A hobby and a long term gratification goal.

Our Spending is one of the Best weapons we have in so many situations where we need to fight back.

Just the video I needed to see. I just moved into my apartment and have been furnishing it each week . Before my next check even comes , I always manage to have a full shopping cart on amazon ready to checkout soon as my direct deposit hits . Smh

Now I'm rethinking my purchase of the 15 Pro Max thanks to your video x)

I give into things like cravings for sushi, lol. Living in a major US city, the delivery options are endless!! So waiting would not help, but I've found that stocking my kitchen with some unhealthy food options like frozen pizza or mac & cheese and eating as soon as I start to feel hungry make me less likely to spend money on delivery.

One thing I try to do is make sure I play the videogames I own at least twice. I replay a game I already own for each “new” one I play. I complete a game in full before I move on to the next one. Which means I have a lot of titles on my list, but by the time I get around to playing them, they’re usually cheaper or they’ve been out long enough to have a better idea of if I even want to play it.

The first tip is a VERY GOOD tip, I do this aswell, it requires self control but waiting it out have a good end result either u get to buy it or miss out

Great list! Only one I think for myself doesn’t work is the affordable alternative. Within reason, anytime I’ve got the cheaper version, I find myself still wanting the thing I wanted. I’ve found then shifting to saving for that thing helps. Then, I can’t be bothered with small spending distractions, because I’m saving for x!

You're 100% right on everything in this video Nick! Another way I like to kill that spending urge is to open IRA certificates that have fixed APY so i can watch them grow like lovely plants along side of my savings account once i've made a financial goal to save for ( i.e. a newer car, or phone) Also, it never hurts to research cheaper alterative options online and help cut that itch of guilt once you see the price tag. I always enjoy your videos and some have help me re-evalute my spending habits and prioritize towards things that are essential and what isn't. ☺

My method is learning about quality, you think the world is your oyster until you learn about quality (fabrics, sewing, shoe making methods, quality ingredients in cosmetics) suddenly you notice all the stores are selling trash, and the treasure stores are few and far between. Buying quality takes so much research that at some point you don't like shopping unnecessarily anymore, because the research and shopping process is only worth it for things you need.

I’m good with not buying stuff impulsively but FOOD and mostly when I’m emotional or upset about something is a different story. The only thing that holds me back right now is working from home so I have less opportunities to stop somewhere and grab food but that might change soon. It’s so hard to break

I love purchasing things. Books, musics, stuff, clothes and other objects. However, I tend to reanalyze my desire in buying a lot these days. Will the things make me happy? Do they connect to my emotions by having them? Or simply, will I get a contentment in owning them. So I try to look back and see all the stuff I had and they are still there. THERE. Now, I experience episodes of anhedonia; a lack of pleasure in everything I used to seek happiness with. Juggling this episodes is tough. I like to have new things around me but I seek how they really can heal.

Great video , I personally still choose to buy whatever I find needed to but yeah this is helpful advice. not everyone needs to buy decor or fashion items of all kinds or spend on things you might otherwise not need. I also reduce money on those place but I might again do it if I find it fun. I like saving money but not so much if it's making my life kind of boring. But this is right way of minimalism than buying " black and white " stuff extra for minimalism stuff..

I stopped being an alcoholic just to find out that I have an addiction to buying things on Amazon

Love your videos and this one hits home, which is my I'm commenting for the first time. Thank you! I will try these except some of my hobbies are literally money sinks, but I'll try to be more conscious of it as you suggested and challenge myself.

your video makes me want to buy a new watch, card holder, and wooden furniture

Great video. For me, whenever I have the itch to purchase something, I’ll just add it to my Amazon basket and set aside a day (Fridays) to buy or delete whatever’s in there. Usually ends up being the latter…

After watching dozens of minimalists videos I know one thing. Every minimalist use apple stuff only.

This video is exactly what I needed to hear. Thanks!!!

Great vid. I’m a musician and I’ve realized how many gear videos are just well disguised ads. It’s all about “here’s why you need x”. I fell into that trap for a while, but not so much anymore

And 2 things to add after all this: It is so sustainable to buy less and consume less. When you actually buy something new, you value it more and the excitement it would give you can't be beaten!

This is something that I’m trying to learn 😊

With the upcoming festive season and associated shopping spree, this video is very timely , especially for us Indians ;) Thank you Nichols, for sharing your perspectives. PS - I have a query regarding iPad Mini, would you mind if I ask you regarding the matter? It's also completely okay if you are not comfortable answering, no issues :)

I'm a Designer and for the past months I've been impulsively purchasing things... Things that I purchase are mostly things to do with my work eg. camera, laptop etc. I don't know if the things that I purchase or going to purchase is something that I 'want' or 'need'. Also it is very true, the RU-vid videos are such a pain in the butt. Every time I'm searching for something for instance, a camera. All the videos on my RU-vid home page is about them...

"How to avoid the urge to buy stuff..." - cue glamour shots of random gadgets... lol ok

For about 5 or 6 years now I've had a bad habit of going to thrift/charity shops when I'm in between jobs and/or am bored. I just look for gadgets and electronic stuff and have gotten some insane bargains over the years. That's all good but I'm sure if I added up how much I've spent all together I'd be shocked. $10 here, $20 there feels like I'm not spending much but it all adds up and my house is getting ridiculously full. Finding bargains and spending money is my hobby and I really should stop buying stuff that I really don't need. Cheers mate.

I think I've heard people say that spending money can be a hobby for some, but this is the first time I've heard someone suggest getting a hobby (or focusing more on one) to combat spending money. I think this will be really good advice for me to use going forward. Thanks for a great video :)

The waiting game works for me sometimes. But if it's something that I really want, I'll eye it for months and months and eventually pull the trigger on like a price drop or deal or something. Certainly not fool proof but it's good to practice Patience

Laughing at the Inuyasha references you've been posting these days. Not sure if you know that all the episodes were recently uploaded on RU-vid by vizmedia. Also on the topic of not spending, it's crazy how much capitalism dictates many people's way of life in the states. Thanks for another awesome video Nick.

Love the advice because its so right. I was a compulsive buyer of new tech. Great products but didnt dven truly need. Hobbies and challenging my mind was the end of it for me. I still battle it, but it can be won

I've been wanting to buy a Seiko for the past 3 months. Definitely gonna buy it now

I can admit I REALLY needed this

This video is the formula to excel in the financial part of life. Great video

i agree 100% and appreciate the simplicity of the steps. I too make way below average income, and have paid off a house, and have money in savings all because i stopped buying stuff and instead prioritized getting out of debt slavery !

I cant stop laughing at 3:33 LMAOOO

I woke up about spending when I sat in my home office and was just surrounded with useless crap! I have managed to stop about 90% of my spending on anything.

For me Unsubscribe and Avoid temptations and then Find a hobby are my strongest tools. I lose the battle often though.

One of the most helpful ways is budgetting. Setting a monthly spending budget so you keep track of how much you actually spend.

Its interesting, how I got recommended your video, right after I made a choice to change my financial situation. I'm not into frugal living, but I can take a few notes on your methods, that would help me achieve my goals. Thank you for your short and informative video!

I'm currently implementing a no buy month every other month. June (now) is a no buy month, so I don't even entertain the idea of buying anything other than essentials. If an urge arises, I say oh well and just go on with my life, and by next month I'll likely have forgotten about it. But then don't I just overspend on the months when I *can* buy nonessentials? Not really. If anything, all the practice I get not buying things helps me remember that I don't actually need much to be perfectly content.

Very well crafted video, nice variety of shots and great tips to boot. I enjoyed watching and follow similar steps as a habitual over-spender, working to be better.

Some very helpful tips here, less is better, thanks