the 6 DUMBEST purchases i made in my early 20s. 

I'm 26 and after watching this I feel like I've realized one thing about my early twenties... I didn't have enough money to make horrible decisions lol. I'll report back after my mid to late twenties are over.

I regret my impulse buys at thrift stores! The idea that I most likely won’t find it again always made me buy it, only to never wear it...

Honestly, I don't think you should be too hard on yourself about the trench coat. You said you had literally been wanting it for years and you're right about it not going out of style. It's great that you now learned that you don't want or need to be a part of flex culture after purchasing it, but now that you have, no need to feel bad about it anymore! Hindsight is always 20/20

omg the trench coat price actually made me gasp lol

Shout out to all the $60 Nintendo Switch games I bought and never play

I had a regretful designer phase too- I thought buying designer was the key to "investing" in a classic, high-quality wardrobe I could wear and treasure for years, even though I FULLY couldn't afford it. Shortly after, I realized that I didn't feel like myself wearing the items, that caring about designer labels didn't align with my values, and I became embarrassed to own them. So I sold them and invested in quality, classic pieces from companies with values, practices, and ethics that do align with my values, and I'm hoping to not have to replace them for a very long time. So long story short, your trench coat story resonated with me really really well! Screw flex culture.

10/10 for always calling out the inequality and bigger picture in stories & lessons & everything. I just want to spend all my time with you haha

I’ve saved so much money not paying for pilates classes but I miss it so much! I can’t do cardio either.

I fell into the 2015-2017 YT beauty gurus hype where I felt like I had to buy sooo much make-up l for me to look and feel good lol. I remember being proud that I had made it to the VIP Rouge, or whatever the top tier at Sephora is, when looking back that was sooo much money that my little $250 monthly stipends as an RA were just being wasted on. Now I literally only reach for 1-2 eyeshadow palettes, and just my basics!

Thank you so much for mentioning your struggles with working out and not feeling a "runners high" or "rush of endorphins" !!! This is something I also struggle with and have never heard anyone else feel the same way. So so validating :)

I got soooo swept up in the NYC young professional lifestyle in my early 20s; I subscribed to anything with minimalist branding and harbored delusions about becoming the kind of person who'd always have a flawless manicure

I bought Valentino sunglasses full price one time, and feel kind of weird wearing them in public 😔 I also have friends that only drive BMW and Mercedes but I drive a chevy around, some people even asked me when I'd get a "big girl car" so awkward! I'm not wasting my money on a car, they depreciate in value so quickly and they just get me from place A to B! I'd rather save that money for a nice house

Literally me watching this while I have a chanel flap bag in the closet that has never seen the light of day because I've been too scared to ruin it lmao

I’m a new viewer and I have a feeling you will be one of my new favorite RU-vidrs you’re just so chill and you seem genuine. This is something that is not seen so much these days. Thank you. Keep up the good work.

These days I feel like I don't even want to spend 300$ on something like a coat anymore! Even if or rather because I would spend only that amount to if I planned on wearing it consistently for like 10+ years. Durable clothes are often more expensive, but there is a point from which the extra amount you pay is for the privilege of a brand only.

Love your finance vids! Super transparent, honest, and helps me reflect on my own financial choices.

In my early 20s, I went through this phase where I needed to have the most up to date style and so on. I quickly realized that if you buy classic, plain pieces,you won't have to continue buying new clothes! I look back and can't believe how much money I spent on "fast fashion". I also have turned to thrifting more now to get some new classic pieces if I want to get a couple new things.

I have just been loving your channel lately! Been subscribed for years but your authenticity lately has been next level kath!

not me immediately clocking out only to open this video!! everyone say thank u miss katherout

I also bought a Burberry down jacket for over a grand, but I wear the crap out of it during the winter lol If it gets dirty, I just spend the money it deserves to get it treated and dry cleaned. You're paying for their trademark design and the quality is really good too so I think you're paying for that as well -- although I know it's still ridiculously expensive. I don't think it's a dumb purchase though! Just wear it proudly and don't worry too much :)

Love these kinds of videos!! Can you do a vid of your best purchases too?

I miss these types of short and entertaining videos from you!! You the best!!! :)

It means a lot to have someone step back from exercise hustle culture too!! Such a breath of fresh air.

I loved this video - I feel like a resonated with it a lot - for a future Q&A: I'd love to know how you feel about being in sales and having a revenue target over your head each year (asking because I just joined a sales team and it's daunting!)

Dude, this is one of the best RU-vid videos I've watched, in general! And maybe, probably it's because I'm a sociologist in SF so class consciousness and social awareness and empathy are my shit! So many people dance around income and diet culture, but I so appreciate you actually addressing it! Thank you!!! Also, can you drop a brow routine? Cause I've been watching the channel since 2015 and your brows look amazing today!

expensive clothes are almost always a no-go for me, growing up with not a lot of money I know what I should and shouldn't spend too much on and I'm grateful for that.

wait ok I gotta stick up for AirPods pro rn because I feel like they are worth it for the noise cancelling feature!! lol anyway ty for this lovely video Kath!

I spent 300 dollars on color pencils, I messed with a set of prisma colors as a teen and I was so in love with it that when I moved out of my parents place 🤦‍♀️ I'm smarter about how I get my art supplies now

me with my tall hunter rain boots...I live in the midwest where yes it rains but do I need a $150 pair of boots that go up to my knees? absolutely not lol. That purchase has thankfully kept me from purchasing other "luxury" items from then on because those big hunks of black rubber sitting in my closet are a constant reminder of why I don't need said "luxury" item just because it's popular or trendy

I also bought a trenchcoat the moment I could afford it. I wore it once. I live in Australia, I'm already too warm.

I love this new you- that acknowledges everything if you get what i mean.. so refreshing

Always love your videos! This one was great

This showed up in my algorithm feed and I’m glad it did 👍👍👍

going clothes shopping and getting advice on how an article of clothing looks from a staff member then feeling preassured to buy it even though i dont like it, or know that i wont wear it often enough for it to be worth the money. this usually happens when I go to small clothing shop

7:40 it’s not even fear based a lot of students are forced into buying those new editions to get an online access code nowadays that they hardly even use in some college settings. It’s a scam for sure

Lol I got my headphones from walmart for $30, and theyve lasted years. I prefer headphones too cause they won’t fall from my ears when I play with my hair or dance around, and much harder to loose. I worked at a library and saw way too many lost air pods

i like how u acknowledged that you feel good when u get to summits and see nice views on hikes :) maybe that’s just ur thing! i’m sorry u had such a terrible experience with those classes they can be very clicky and intense. so it’s good that you were also able to acknowledge that it’s not very healthy for you :) ♥️

I love these videos & hearing all about the lessons learned...I love my ultraboosts too but you’re right one pair is perfect 😂 I definitely regret spending so much money on getting my nails done & that’s why I love my at home get kit

I got a balayage and cut in SF recently and it was $300 and even that made me physically ill for a few days. Love this video and am weirdly into your anti-capitalist rants!

I LOVE watching your videos because its the fun of youtube with the political awareness of my college classes

Been loving your channel!!

I wouldn't call it a mistake, but when I found a running shoe that worked for me, I bought like 3 or 4 of the exact same pair so that when one wore out, I had another one lined up and ready to go. I never had to worry if they were discontinued or if I would be able to find them again.

Loved the video! ❤️❤️

I have a hard time finding other people in my current social circle with the same life values. So I try to participate in online communities like this instead! I just found your channel today, I'll be turning 25 in November and will be closely following your path and how things turn out for you!! Thank you for the content.

When you get hit with that jcrew ad at the end of the video...

$150 is what you guys pay for AirPods Pro? You’re getting it cheap. Here we pay £250 for the same product

I love your personality! And the part about how profit-based innovation does not produce the best goods 💯💯💯💯💯

self-aware queen!

Yes, let's get Katherine that tattoo!

If I don't wear something I'll either resell it or donate it. I think the most cringy thing I've bought was so much fast fashion or all the containers that I bought and then I lost the lids to them and had to throw them out.

omg i never realized how expensive getting your hair done is in the US!! In Egypt you can do the mostttt at a hair salon and on average you wouldn’t ever pay more than the equivalent of $25 😂

Mine would be the 5 pairs of jack Rogers I bought in college... they aren’t even comfortable to me. I just felt like I had to have different colors to fit in. Now I don’t even dress like that so they sit in my closet 😅

Great presentation improvement, really enjoyed watching this one.

Your textbook example got me! I got a math degree, and that was so infuriating! I just recently purchased a Brooks Bros trench 50% off, and I was thinking how could I now buy a Burberry trench when I know how great this one is! It even has a removable wool liner, and the company will do repairs if needed. I agree with you regarding flex culture. I try not to let that stop me from admiring the history and craftsmanship of certain brands, but I typically go for more understated pieces. If it makes you feel better, most people don't pay enough attention to things around them to notice your coat's collar.

Don’t worry girlie we all make them mistakes at least you own up to yours

That COAAAAAT! I’m stressed. Lmao are you raising the roof in it regularly? I dooooo have the gray/green ultra boosts lmao. I did just update to a Brooks Glycerin for running tho and I think that was a worthwhile purchase 😇

literally a textbook example!! that was so satisfying

I’m a poor grad student so I don’t have a ton of wiggle room to make horrible purchases but I’d say I definitely regret a lot of thrift store purchases that I never end up wearing and all the clothing I buy firsthand that influencers recommend that never ends up looking as good on me as it does on them. I got the AirPods Pro as a Christmas gift and I LOVE them, mainly because the original AirPods don’t fit into my ears but the pros do. I had some shitty knock off ones before getting these and the difference is huge. I also love my corepower membership, I go to a studio in Santa Barbara and maybe the vibe is different here but I feel comfortable going at my own pace (and I’m by no means an athletic kind of person). I don’t think I could handle a more intense workout studio like Barry’s though

Me stopping my Cody ko video when I got a notification for this ✨

You could probably sell the coat for close to what you bought it for.

Not tryna flex but I honestly can't think of any actually dumb purchase I've made (23yo male). My trick is whenever I'm hesitating to buy something, I calculate how many hours of work it would take me to pay for it. If you're hardcore you can assume that you earn minimum wage. That shit will settle it real quick, it reminds you that you're actually paying with your time.

I've had the same hair stylist since the sixth grade, who is my childhood best friend's mom. She works out of her in-home salon and I've never paid more than $10-15 for a haircut (including wash, cut and style) and $30-40 for full color since she works for herself and can set any prices she wants, and none of it goes to a shop owner. I'm 25 now and have since moved further away and still will only go to her, both because after so many years I only trust her to do my hair and because it's so affordable! And, since she's like my second mom to me, hair appointments don't have that awkward small talk.

the noise cancelling feature on the airpods pro is so useful, especially for a student. I definitely don’t regret them

Social capita is a great way of phrasing that. I love it. I think social media effects social capita

I had never been able to put it into words before but your Burberry story is exactly how I feel about flex culture!!! My parents got me a used Audi as my first car ever for my college graduation gift (pre-pandemic), and I can't explain how uncomfortable I felt pulling up to friends' houses and being asked "what the heck, you drive an Audi?" Like I didn't choose this and it was a good deal don't hurt me 😭I never really mentioned to people that I got a new car because I didn't want them to think I was spoiled. I now like my car a lot but I'm still definitely not the type of person who normally drives an Audi 😂

The dumbest expense I had, believe it or not, was taking a daya science course. So much free information nowadays and I felt I needed to spend the money to have the drive of studying. Kinda worked from this pserpective but not nearly as much as I hoped.

You and I think so much alike 😂 I’m really glad I found your channel!!! 🙏🏻

I love your content and it’s interesting to hear your POV on things. I find it interesting how you described the trench coat you bought. At the end of the day it’s just a clothing item and I’m sure no one cared that it was Burberry or would be able to identify the name of the brand.

I'm also not a hypebeast, but it's alright to have multiple boosts. The mistake you made was getting colors that are all super close

in germany we use textbooks from the 80s and 90s still lmao

These are hilarious. I too have wasted so much money on hair -_-' did I, a dark skinned Italian gal, need to be platinum blonde? Hell no.

Girlll the coat is beautiful on you, especially when you say so yourself that you love it. You should just get rid of the mindset that you need to be super careful and never damage it and just wear it. That way you get more use out of it than just letting it sit in your closet anyway. Just a thought!

I...also have 3 pairs of the same running shoes in different colors LOL however, 2 pairs I pretty much switch between and wear every day, and the 3rd one I don’t wear often but they make me happy. The ones I actually wear are grey too....they really do go with everything better than bright blue looollll

Off-topic but you are glowing in this video bestie

The coat is absolutely gorgeous, but I totally understand now why I don’t want to take out my expensive items 😅

haha the only similar mistake I did was also the shoe thing! i bought a white, grey, and black pair of adidas but only wear the grey because the white and black got too dirty 😂 ugh

500 dollars are 410€. That's a lot of money. My family of four eats for a months with that money. It's commendable and brave to come out about these purchases so other people don't make the same mistakes. I have made money mistakes, too. It's normal. It happens to everyone. But damn. A hairstyle for 500$.

I have a similar experience to the trench coat but have a different take on it! I bought a Vivienne Westwood handbag, which was around the £500 mark and feel self-conscious using it and try and hide the logo. I could have spent the money on something better or for a philanthropic cause - no question. But because the rest of my lifestyle is minimal and I now have it I want to get to a place where I feel proud and not guilty carrying it as I did work very hard for it. Love these kinds of videos and hearing what different people say.

I have so many similar purchases from my early 20s 😂 For me, it was all the luxury salon stuff and make up! I also bought three pairs of the same Nikes because they looked cute even though they had horrible arch support and ended up screwing up my feet 😂😭

The fitness time stamp 😭 omg thank you

Being also an owner of a Burberry Trench coat I can confirm they are so impractical to use. I didnt buy mine, it was my great-aunt's and it's cream but omg it just attracts dirt, it does clean well but its so annoying to think about where you can and cant sit.

such an interesting topic

I was the opposite. I was really, really, really ridiculously frugal in my twenties, and then in my thirties turned a corner and have been buying random things I don't know if I will ever use. Like, for example, this year, I bought a vintage wooden and wicker desk (and sat it right next to another desk I own) - neither desk do I use. I also bought some random pieces of driftwood and outdoor decor I haven't used yet. ( I think I just have a wood fetish haha!) I also bought a terrarium for a reptile I don't own yet. I think I have these options now because of how frugal I have been up until this point. I did used to splurge more on clothing items in my twenties, but then they were quality clothes (like Anne Taylor, Express) and so they lasted for many years and had a timeless style. I am interested now as I am almost 37 in 2021 in investing in experiences, as I am starting to realize that life if not endless. :) Hope you all have a wonderful summer, regardless of whatever season of life you are in. ! :)

the running shoes for me, i walk and run a lot daily (two dogs) so the soles of my shoes get worn out fast :P

AirPods pro have been so worth it for me. I like the noise cancelling so much and the transparency helps me when I'm at work and people come and talk to me, so I can still hear them.

I’ve owned all of the generation of AirPods and I definitely think that the pros are worth it bc they are more comfortable and they have a noise canceling feature

As a 21 year old, I feel obligated to watch this lmao Edit: as someone who’s wanted a Burberry trench forever I feel called out 😂😅 but also I needed to hear it

Haha I’m in the same position as you. I’m a gay guy, and I was obsessed with Burberry growing up because my well off relatives had the brand. I got a trench coat and briefcase used, and recently I got a new briefcase for full price ($1300 pretax). And I don’t use the schmancy new briefcase because I’m class conscious now, lol. Also, in the bay area a living wage is like six figures lol.

this video is a great companion piece to Naomi Klein's first book, "No Logo."

I have made so many stupid purchases. I never spend a lot on 1 things but I bought so many little things that were a waste of money. Discount dresses from fast fashion brands that I never wore, tons and tons of bodyshop stuff. I wasted a lot of money on garbage skincare.

See I’ve heard that there were a decent amount of problems with the original AirPods. Not that I ever got them. Got the AirPods Pro as a gift and love them! Ahhh $500! I know Balayage is expensive but damn. I pay $200ish for cut, color, and tip. Paying for workout classes for me is vital. I do so much more work at gym classes. Group workouts are the best!

I made a couple braindead apple card swipes too

11:01 this would happen to me in high intensity workout classes too 😭 don't have a chronic illness exactly just always had low blood pressure issues and I think what got me is that the trainers were always encouraging you to go pass your limits and I do get excited to go hard but then my brain is like oops who turned the lights off, it's really embarrassing too to have to walk out, lay down on the bathroom bench trying not to faint, I tend to feel nauseous too 🙃 I feel like a drama queen but I fainted many times in my childhood/adolescence and I know the feeling of what's coming if I don't get blood to go to my brain

Oh I am here for the anticapitalist rant

read rachel sherman’s Uneasy Street: Anxieties of Affluence. great sociological analysis of class consciousness and the educated upper-middle class

Nah the AirPod pros have been worth it for me especially now with work from home. I even once accidentally put them in the wash AND dryer because I didn’t feel them in my pocket. They survived !

OMG FITNESS CLASSES this is something I went through too, didn't give my chronic conditions nearly enough credit, always felt like an out of shape loser when I couldn't keep up. These classes are just another rat race, they're so expensive and competitive and flex-y. The culture is weird and toxic; also, I shouldn't need to be sold exercise! Swimming, biking, running, walking, playing tennis at the public court, hiking; thats all free! And it's a lot more fun and sustainable, and I'm also better at those things.

I laughed so hard at this video. Very candid and hilarious. Thanks : )

I think most of our dumbest purchases happen in phases of our lives where we don't truly know ourselves completely and tend to fall into a habit of buying things we only think we want but don't actually. Many times I've bought makeup or extra skincare products simply because that's been what's trendy, but in reality I rarely wear makeup or go the extra mile for my skin. But I also think splurging is okay when you truly want something and want it to last. I tend to actually buy things too cheap and become disappointed when they barely last me a year and I end up buying it over and over, or I realize that it was actually in my budget to be able to have paid a bit more for the same product but in better quality for longevity. I just need to become a smarter shopper. Anyway, I bought $40 wired earbuds one time, thinking they'd last me forever. The sound quality was great, but they stopped working after a year of owning them. Then I went on to buy Airpod knock-offs for around $40 too, their quality was okay but hey, they lasted for about 1 1/2 years! And currently I'm using the regular wired white earbuds that come with the iPhone and they've lasted longer than any other earbuds I've owned. So I think I've learned that I either need to go big or go with the free earbuds.

Still waiting for you to mention that la oc has better weather and quality of life than norcal I’ll be waiting forever esp as a usc alum