PLANNER CONSUMERISM MADE ME BROKE | My Thoughts - Chit Chat with Cat 

In this economy it is so important to talk about things like this. We all need to be more budget conscious of our money

I deal with anxiety and depression and I am ashamed to admit that I shop to alleviate the feelings I feel. Watching this has reminded me that I need to confront my feelings

This is so refreshing. It feels like lately the planner community on RU-vid and IG is all about complaining about why no planner is good enough and it’s just such a drag to watch. Your energy and perspective is such a breath of fresh air.

I've noticed a lot of the planner channels I used to watch for planning and design inspo have been uploading mostly hauls or sponsored reviews (which rarely feel honest) instead of videos showcasing their planning and it really bums me out because it seems like a visual representation of planner consumerism - "look what you can buy!" instead of "look what i'm doing!"

Hi, Cat! I'm 64 and still I can't WAIT to go school supply shopping every July/August! I too have been planning for many years. When I took the time to really think about planning I came to discover that what brought me joy wasn't the actual planner, but the process. Once I was there with my thinking, it was just a hop, skip and jump to the idea that I could make planning look however I wanted it to look!! That's what this year is about for me. Oh, and yes, I budgeted $0 for planning this year, which also forced me to use all the supplies I already have on hand. The bottom line is I'm having a good time, even without spending $. Your videos just add to the enjoyment. I have no idea what 2025 will be like for me, but I can say for sure that I'll still be planning in some form or fashion. Thanks for the video! As always, you brought a smile to my face and made me think. Thank you, Jesus!

I’m a former teacher and so glad to hear that I’m not the only one who chose the profession-at least, in part-for the school supplies 😅📝📓🖍️

You are not alone. Stationary is something I’ve always loved, but currently I’m destashing.

I used to let FOMO get to me. Spending money on all these planner and crafting items only for them to collect dust. One day I realized I didn't care that much for them, got rid of what I didn't need, and kept what I did. I feel so much better. I recommend Christine Platt's The Afrominimalist's Guide to Living with Less. The book breaks down why we feel the need to have so much stuff. One of the best books I've ever read. I hope you will enjoy it too.

I went on a planning no spend for three years. In that time, I saved up enough to put down 20% on a home. This stuff is not necessary and a lot of times will not fix your procrastination and lack of productivity. Right now I’m in a Stalogy and all my stickers are four years old. I recently bought something on clearance for the first time in years.

I think in the last years it got completely out of hand for me with my stationery spending. I also plan for 20+ years and the times were different back then. It is sad for me that my planners/journals feel less personal to me the more stationery I use. Now I see the benefits of simplicity ❤ Both financially and to calm my mind down.

I found this video a little late, but I'm so glad you touched on this. I no longer watch the same Planner channels as they're not fun anymore. Especially the ones that bought $200 with one brand, and then, $300 with Sterling Ink, and then the washi, the stickers every week, then took weeks and weeks in December of "set up videos" only to make, "what's not working and what I'm changing in my line up" in January, February. It's maddening. I couldn't imagine spending THAT much on a dang hobby in one go. I don't mean, $40 here and there, but 5-6 Tomoe River Planners at a time after their massive Hobonichi "hauls". I've got one Take a Note planner, an Erin Condren and a few Happy Planners. I have enough pens, stickers, and washi for years. I love stationery, yes, always have since the 1980s. lol But pre "planner community" channels and specialty planners, we were happy with a $7 planner from Target, and some Papermate Inkjoys. (Heaven help anyone who says anything "negative" or reasonable on some channels. One time, I saw a certain Happy Planner channel haul. She had bought over $430 in new stuff and I said, "wait, girl, didn't you just buy $300 in stickers last week for Black Friday?" I was astonished and felt like young women today have not been told no in a long time. Growing up, I wasn't spoiled, but I always got nice presents for my birthday and Christmas, but I worked to get everything I needed.)

Seeing all the great comments after a seriously POWERFUL video warms my heart. I see all your RU-vid family here with sooo much in common, it is highly understandable how they’ve come to love your channel. I’m a bit embarrassed to admit I can’t say I share such a love for analog planning. I was more thrown into leaving my first love with was digital. HOWEVER I will say this, I had such a love for colors, painting, drawing, water colors, colored pencils, markers etc. I found that when I was forced to start planning for mine & my mom’s health journey I fell back in love with art. Theeeeeeennnnn came the spending. Oh my lord girllll smh. I watch the videos on planner flips n all I see is what I could create IF I had a new set of … (blah blah blah) I’m a very frugal person by nature but even us tight fisted people feel the urge when it comes to a love (TOTALLY RELATING) thank you so much for sharing, as always my new friend, God bless & in my prayers.

Yes! I'm one of your back to school supply people!! I could spend hours picking out new pens and notebooks. I use notebooks at work and I get some looks from my younger co workers but i enjoy writing my to dos, my notes in a different color nearly everyday and I still shop the back to school sales for my next batch of work supplies. I just started in fountain pens so I started down the rabbit hole on that and I'm slowing my roll a bit but I'm enjoying it. Thanks for sharing with us. I know it wasn't easy but I'm sure you're feeling better about it. I love your videos and I'm always excited to see what your next one is about. I love your energy and your voice. You have lots of support here.

You are lovely! ❤ The dopamine hit! I can actually hear it in people's voices watching unboxings! 🤣 I have gotten so much better at resisting FOMO over the last year. I finished all of my planners last year and I'll do the same this year!

Hi Cat! I am a former teacher and love browsing stationary sections in stores. Last year I discovered online planner shops and subscription boxes. It was like opening a Christmas present each month. I soon realized that I didn’t need all the things and that most of the items weren’t useful to use in my everyday planner. For 2024, I only purchased the inserts (digital version) and accessories I needed and stopped the monthly subscription. FOMO is real. Thanks for the video. 🖊️ 📄 📓

I don't often find honest discussion around how conumerism negatively effects the consumer because too many people are ashamed and embarrassed to admit it, so I really appreciate this video and your honesty and thoughts on the topic because they are so needed. And it's not just a planning community problem. hyperconsumerism is RAMPANT! capitalism and consumption are not inherently bad, but it's when they are done so without conscious or moral thought that bad things happen, and that's how a lot of business is done these days. Even if an advertisement doesn't outright say it, we are being told by every company that we NEED whatever their offering... that our lives (or our selves) are not good enough without the product being advertised. And it works for a number of reasons... people are never taught or given examples of impulse control or financial decision making or that they are enough as they are. It's complicated and heartbreaking because like you said, business and advertising is many people's livelihoods, and it's wonderful to celebrate someone's success and talent and job well done, but if a job is well done but in a way that takes advantage of people or is harmful to more people than it is beneficial... it's really damaging, and that damage is visible to us almost anywhere we look. consumerism has such a hold on our society that it's pushing society off of its foundation: human dignity. As a fellow person of faith we know that humans have inherent dignity given by our Creator, but even from a non-faith perspective you can argue our dignity comes from our existence. Once we weren't, and now we are and what made that change was the beginning of our life. Our life is valuable; human life is valuable. EVERY human life is valuable and important no matter how marginalized or disabled or unseen or rich or corrupt or selfish. My thoughts on the subject may be deeper than are really meant for a youtube comment section, but I work with kids and my boss often tells them this same message. Everywhere they look they see things saying they're not enough and that it's BS because they ARE enough. It's hard to describe the looks on their faces when they hear this, but it's not hard to see that a lot of them have never heard this before about themselves. That they as an individual are inherently valuable and have dignity and deserve love (and reintroducing faith, are loved). I'm not immune to consummerism. We all need to buy things to survive and live our day to day lives, but we do need to be conscious and responsible with our consumption based on our well being, our finances, and others. We also need to be conscious of our true motive because that informs our consumption. To whoever read this comment in full: if you buy things because you feel that you don't have or are not enough, please stop; you are enough.

OMG I am completely obsessed with you. I found you this week during a search for information a out a specific planner I was researching, and I feel like I have found a soul sister. As an educator who struggles with FOMO, consumerism, and anxiety, I am here to pick up EVERYTHING you are putting down. Thank you ❤

Such a cute vibrant top! It’s very becoming on you

I can't wait for the school supplies to come out each year. I love cute notebooks & pens. I get it honestly. My mom & grandmother are the same way. I realized that I need to slow down on buying supplies when I panicked about missing a shop's sticker release day 🤦🏾‍♀️. I'll use what I have & replace when my stash starts to run low.

This video really resonated with me! I can relate to everything you shared. I’m a middle school teacher (25+ years) YES!….so stressful! I too am a stationary/planner/school supply lover. I have purchased ALL the things. I still have BOXES filled with planners and planning supplies I no longer use (or never used)! I’m trying to let go and simplify. Thank you so much for this affirming video. “You have to find peace within.” “Be mindful.” AMEN! I found your channel because of your thrift store planner and the simplicity and calmness really spoke to me!

My favorite kind of video from you ! I LOVE me some Cat Chats !!! 😍 I feel better after watching your video. Thank you boo ! 😘

We gotta talk about this. Keep sharing.

Well said Cat! Such an important topic. Thanks for sharing…and I really appreciate your openness about your faith.

At this point I know every video you put out is so cozy and relatable to my life, that it’s simple: I see a Planning Calm video uploaded, I like it, then watch. You’re the best!

Girl you get real! I felt those same things!!

Thank you for always be so open and vulnerable on your channel. I’m sure we can all relate to so many things you share. I enjoy your videos, and they help me on my journey to calm. ❤

I sneezed watching this heeheeha! Must be a “sympathy” sneeze for your allergies

And , thank you for telling the Truth !!!!!! Straight up - no embellishment , but the real honest truth. I appreciate you ❤

❤ i have always loved paper, pens, being organized, stationery, writing letters etc. I would never say I was obsessed or had any problem in the amount I had until 2020…. Such a weird time- online shopping ramped up for me then. Big time. I didn’t like how I was behaving- so I made a detailed inventory of every single thing I bought during the last 2.5 years and I was taken aback. I’ve been steadily working on destashing and using things up for the last year. It is not easy (sometimes I literally get anxiety while listing items to sell)- but I always always feel relieved when it sells. I will never be a minimalist in any aspect of my life (maybe makeup) but I don’t want to feel overwhelmed, embarrassed, or wasteful either. All of this stuff is lessening my joy. I wish RU-vid planner videos focused less on products- I searched specifically for this type of video.❤ Some of the old school videos have more substantial content- so that’s mostly what I’ve been watching. I’m glad I found your channel.

You are amazing woman ❤❤❤your decision to share your anxiety and your experience is so important . thank you from Israel ❤

I'm not sure who is more thankful for this video, me or my husband lol 😆

You do NOT look rusty, bumpy, crusty! Lol! I love your energy!

3:48 that is me! Guilty as charged! 😂😅🙋🏻‍♀️

I have spent way too much money on stationary, planner supplies, stickers etc!! Total FOMO I am trying to use up my existing supplies….,

I am a new subscriber and you came along at the perfect time. I have so many planner, journals and supplies. I do not use most of them. I am so motivated to destash and enjoy my Dollar Tree journals. Great video!

I have also loved any sort of stationary or school supplies for as long as I can remember! And hoarding/not using stickers/supplies is definitely something I struggle with as well. Like why?! 😅 I really needed to hear this, so thank you so much for sharing! I am definitely inspired to see what I can change to bring myself inner peace and let go of the clutter! New subscriber 😊 God bless ❤

Hi Cat! Thank you so much for sharing… you took the words right out of my mouth! This is 💯% how I feel and what I am “still” experiencing in my 2nd year in the Planner Community. I LOVE PLANNING (and back to school supplies as well)… ALL the things! And I’ve mentioned on my YT channel that FOMO is real!! You are absolutely not alone! And perfect timing for this video considering Go Wild is very soon and a lot of ppl just can’t go. I will be there…and I’m thankful to God that He’s allowing me to go. Financially, should I be going? NO!! But, THANK YOU! I’m sure this is helpful to a lot of us 🥰

Thank you flor your video ❤ i have the same problem but with clothes and me thinking fashion and being the “fashion girlie” made me broke. I cant believe all the money ive spent on clothes! I discovered i shop out pf boredom or anxiety.

Wonderful honest chat, Cat! I used Planner Pads for decades, only discovering luxury planners in semi-retirement. I have spent more in the past few years than in my entire life before that--on planners themselves, not stickers or accessories, even. I recently decided to go with the one planner that would cover my life the best. I have never been susceptible to advertising, but boy--tell me you have a better way for me to organize my time, and I will evidently hand over my wallet. Kudos on calling it like it is 💛

Girl staring at about 7:15 …. You had me. So so so very true 💯

Love finding another Atlantic Canadian! I’m in NB 👋🏻 🇨🇦 😊

Oh yes, I love back to school time. Loved it as a student. Loved it as a mom. My kids are in their twenties and I still get a happy feeling every September for back to school. Also I get the FOMO thing so much. But I have given away so many Happy Planners that I finally had to ask myself if I can afford to buy other people Happy Planners. I can’t. Stopped buying them. Can I afford Hobonichi knowing that I get bored easily with planners (I think I enjoy the set up more than actually using them)? The answer (after nearly choking on my coffee when I saw the price) was ABSOLUTELY NOT! I didn’t buy one. Same for Stalogy. My cheap-o planners and I are very happy together. 😊

Hi there, beautiful! Thank you for making this video! I agree with you whole-heartedly, and you making this video is the very same thing I was saying on my channel, but you articulated it so beautifully! I joined the planner community in 2019, and I bought ALL the things too! My planning style has changed so much over these years and when I look back I'm like...wow, I spent a lot of money on this hobby! I have gifted so many planner items and still have more to gift or sale off. I'm so glad I found your channel through the RU-vid Collab loop group. Stay blessed and calm! TFS! 🥰

i think it all stems from lisa frank and trapper keepers. i wanted them then and i want all the stuff now!

I totally agree with all said. FOMO gets me alot.

That was a beautiful message, thank you so much for sharing your perspective. I can relate on so many levels.

I’ve been a paper pen and planner nerd since I was a kid! Remember Lisa frank!? Omg, nostalgia. 😂 But thank you for this, I’m always trying to buy a new planner, and I’m afraid to use it! 🤷🏻‍♀️

I hear ya Cat - I fell down the rabbit hole buying planner stuff I saw on RU-vid planner channels. 🤣 I went crazy with Gillio leather planner covers a few years ago.💲Love your vibe. ❤

FOMO with planners is a real thing. I watched someone I knew buy "ALL" the things & accessories in regards to planning. I couldn't keep up 😂. I would buy walmart sticker books & washi and clearance hp books and make it work. I've tried travel journals/ bullet journaling 😮‍💨😮‍💨 this stuff adds up quickly & takes up space. I barely touch it now. I will use Amazon planners to keep up with bills & appointments etc. Now the question is when to rid myself of old planners? 🥴

I'm commenting but I don't think I'd say it any better than you! At the end of the day, you need to be accountable to yourself and your God (if you have one). Buy all the things if you want but be clear on why you are buying. I've always been a stationery girl so I hear you. I'd help out the teacher in elementary school just so I could go in the supply room and see all the paper and notebooks. It was like heaven! LOL

Bravo sis!! 👏🏽 I totally identify with everything that you are saying here, of course on a smaller scale with planner stuff and a large scale with purses and accessories. At this point I have so much stuff that I can switch fragrances and bags weekly for a full year or longer. I agree that addressing the underlying issues is necessary to moving forward. I probably will share my thoughts on this very soon. Appreciate you ❤

Hi Cat!!😊 I love, love this video!! I have to be honest, you fill my cup too!!❤️ Thank you so much and I admire you so much for always being so open and honest with us! I’m trying to remember all the questions lol I loved school supply shopping when I was in school. I love seeing the items and deals now but I don’t purchase like I did when I was in school. I try hard to only get things that I know I’ll use, not use twice and forget about in a tote or container. My sort of, I don’t want to say struggle, but it’s a pattern I go through and I’m not sure why. I get bored with the stickers and things I have. I think maybe if I had a cute bunny drinking coffee instead of this puppy, maybe if I had these laundry doodles instead of the countless laundry stickers I already have. I just crave something new, something I haven’t already used a dozen or a hundred times already. And then I go overboard. But then I get bored. All those new and different stickers online don’t look fun anymore. And I flip through my stickers, look at how cute this one is, why aren’t I using that one?! Then I fall in love all over again with the things I had. I’m glad the being in love and inspired with what I have lasts far longer than the bored and want to buy new but I’m still not sure why I feel so bored in the first place. Definitely something to look closer at for myself (and thank you for getting me thinking about it in the first place!). Also, that ginger peach tea looks so delicious!! I think I need to see if my local supermarket has a flavor like that! Thank you so much, for everything ma’am!! Can’t wait to see your next one!❤❤❤

Great topic and video ❤

What a great message! Thank you.

Omg. I literally just purchased erasable coloured lead mechanical pencils. I mean, does stationary get any better 🤗. I love me some good writing instruments for my planner life. You ain’t told no lies. 😂

New sub here!! I’m a teacher, too! I also LOVE all things school supply related.

Love your message! And not only does it apply to planning but to other hobbies as well. Great advice all the way around.

I loved back to school shopping!

Great video and important conversation 🎉

I just got here and I'm already obsessed! ❤❤

Oh Cat I am so so proud of you🎉 you are always so nice and real in your videos. It feels like I am sitting down talking with an old friend. Thank you for keeping me company. I get lonely sometimes

❤ thank you ❤

Yes, 100% we don't need all of this stuff to make planning work for us. I'm doing a very minimal spend this year. I didn't set out any rules but basically, no stationery. I've gotten a few small things but I'm keeping a list of _anything_ that comes in - free, purchased, or gifted. It's helping me realize just how much comes in even though I try to declutter. I'm hosting the #craftwithyourstash tag so feel free to use it in your posts if you feel inspired to. :)

I LOVE YOU❣️❣️❣️Thank you so much for giving me permission to plan MY way!! I have also spent a ton on planners, pens, stickers, etc. & I love it, but have come to realize I’m having to “remake” the pages to fit MY life & planning needs. I also have caught myself in an almost panic to get things written every day 😮‍💨! On the other hand, I have learned a lot about what I really do need to help me “do life” ❤ Looking forward to more of your sage advice!!!

5:24 You got me emotional. I love you so much, Cat! You are an inspiration. 🥹🤎

lol I have stickers from so many many years ago that went I just went to use then they were dry out. 😮 so I used double side scotch tape to use them. May you be blessed always in all ways. You be you ❤ thanks for being you Ps new subscriber here 🙋‍♀️🧚🧚🧚🧚🧚🧚🧚🧚🧚🧚🧚🧚🧚

I went through this with a few of my hobbies. I love me some stationery, but I recently gave a good chunk away to my mom and sister because I had so much to the point where it was overwhelming. I went through a digital detox because I was downloading all these things that people said I should to be organized. These things not only made me spend so much money, but I also felt even more disorganized because it became too many things to manage. I've calmed down on consumption and I'm looking at only what works for me. This was a very nice video. Thank you for sharing! 😊

This video is sooooo real! I have spent soooooo much and continue to do so. I’m not following trends anymore though, I get what I like at this point, but still, I need to consume less for sure.

Absolutely enjoyed your video. FOMIO is a big thing and you made some great points. This hobby can make you broke but will it make ME better. Thanks for your thoughts. 😊

Your nails are primo!

Great post! Thank you for hitting the issue head-on. We need to know the 'why' of what we're doing, and then sit down with ourselves and ask "How much is it worth to me? How much am I willing to spend to have this joy?"

I plan and have at least 50+ journals/planners etc. Most have a few pages filled in then I lose motivation. I'm a Christian aslso and feel guilty that I'm not being a good steward of what I have . Love from Australia 🇦🇺🙏🇦🇺💜

Cat...we all want people to think we have it all together...when we don't 😊. I have always loved school supplies...the smell of the newness...kind of like that new car smell in August❤️. Luckily I didn't buy in to the expensive versions....I realized I was a planner failure at those early on...lol. Thank you for being so honest with us💕

Hi Cat! Do you have a planner set up that has everything in it? Place to put appointments, birthdays, work schedule, monthly budgets, fitness and health? I want just one and would love to know if this is possible and what planner in your experience can do this. Thank you! 🙏🏼

The increase in carbon tax doesn’t help with the budget! I hear you. 🙏

Since you're a fruity tea drinker too, I wonder have you tried brewing your tea in fruit juice or lemonade? They seem to be the rage in the shops these days and oh so tasty. They can be drunk hot or iced. 🙂

Im embarrassed to admit that i spent way way too much on planner perfect covers and journals 🫣 I thought the system was going to work for me since i love TN’s. Well… turns out i cannot stand the paper in their journals and the tn’s dont have back pockets to hold a stalogy (my fav notebook). So i can only use them as a tn. I feel so guilty spending so much while my husband works so very hard for my family. I will not be pulled into the FOMO again. In fact, i unfollowed all that planner perfect community because it was so bad for me. I am back in a stalogy and the simplicity has me finding joy in planning again. Zero stress. I also found that stickers were taking up too much money and time. Im so over it all. I will use what i have but not buying any more “stuff”. Thanks for such an honest video where we can discuss this stuff. Im going to subscribe to you!

I recently found your channel, and I'm loving it! The first video that caught my eye was the 50 cent thrift store notebook planner, and after that, I was hooked. You say so many things that I relate to. I LOVE planners, stationary, pens, etc! Back to school is my favorite season! I just want to buy all the things, hoping one of them will be the thing that magically organizes my life for me. I have had stacks of unused planners, all the stickers, all the washi tape, and just not enough time to do all the things. I'm working on simplifying in several areas of my life. It's a process. 😂

New to your channel and loving it! I have spent so much buying stuff I see on YT but I’m trying to do better. Just followed you on IG