Things We Won’t Spend Money On In 2024 (with Minimal Mom) 

Dawn is like everyone's best friend!! She is so encouraging and loving -- really spreads a message of hope and peace. Thank you, Rachel, for hosting her!

Years ago, watching Dave, I thought I'd never get to the point where I could give generously. At 74 years with no debt at all and 2 grown children who have advanced medical degrees, my husband and I love to be able to give money to specific people we know who are deserving and need a little help. A thousand dollars to a waitress who needed a new car, a few thousand to a family for Christian school fees, a few thousand to a young lady to help with college costs, a thousand to a young violinist who could just use some supplemental income...these are a few of the pleasures of being debt-free. There was a time when I didn't spend 15 cents for a soda, because it seemed like a lot of money to me. That's how we are able now to bless worthy friends. Totally worth it!

When my kids were young and we wanted to go to a nicer restaurant, I would feed my boys dinner at home and let them order a dessert at the restaurant. We would have the waitress, bring out the desserts when they brought out our meals. They had already eaten at home so the waiting was easier on them and they were happy and excited about picking something out. The boys sat quietly enjoying their special desert and my husband and I were able to really enjoy our meal. I hope this helps someone.

My kid is 14. Before Xmas, he literally said to me, "I don't care if there's nothing in the boxes, I just like to open stuff!" That took a bit of pressure off tbh.

I'm 74, never had my ears pierced.......l don't have a vehicle, I can walk to the grocery store, or uptown.....paid off my mortgage...my internet costs $9.95/mo.....don't need jewelry, my last name is "Jewell", and I shine.....

I kept my paid off mini van for 13 years while I saved for another used car, which I paid cash for. Mortgage paid off, college tuitions paid with 529 funds, thank-you Lord !

We are not spending money on things that aren’t on our list in the grocery store.

I’ve started to ask myself “if no one knew I was buying this and no one would see me owning it would I still want it?” This helps me say no to the “it” things that seemingly everyone has. If I’m buying it to impress people I shouldn’t be buying it!!!

Both lists: Dawn’s list: - Rugs - Microfiber towels - Gimmicky kitchen appliances and cleaning products - skincare, perfume, lotions, candles etc. - jewelry - unnecessary home decor and functional - fake plants - kid toys and crafts supplies - subscription - workout equipment Rachel list: - Cups - nice kids clothes - jeans - target dollar section - nice restaurants with the kids

I truly need to get on this because is just not about money, is about keeping our home clutter free.

Yay for minimalism! 🎉 makes me want to trash all the junk in my house! 😂 so grateful to hear of other women who aren't buying the next trendy thing. Make saving money trendy

Sweet ladies - PLEASE don’t promote TARGET is any way/shape or form

"This is the year of using everything up." Yes! I'm starting with the smallest quantity of each type of thing: almost empty shampoo, conditioner, lotion, cleaners, etc. I have way too many things that do the same task. Some need to be finished and tossed.

I have a 3 fund portfolio consisting of 33% S&P, 33% Total stock, and 33% international. I feel a need to focus on complete growth so I went 100% stocks, but does the SP500 and TSM overlap too much to make sense holding both? However I’ve been in the red for a month now. I work hard for my money, so investing is making me a nervous sad wreck. I don’t know if I should sell everything, sit and just wait but watching my portfolio dwindle away is such an eye -sore.

Don’t buy dryer sheets, laundry scents, fabric softeners and plug-in scent things! Open windows for fresh air!

I took my acrylic nails off and will only get pedicures in the Spring and Summer. Also, eating out less

I completely agree, I have to unfollow so many influencers because of their promotion of overconsumption for every holiday, season, event. They buy so many things and it seems wasteful and expensive!

The whole point of wealth for me is freedom. My magic number in my mind is 5 million needed at 65 to not worry about anything. Am i better off investing a good portion of my income into stocks or saving my earnings to achieve this goal?

I stopped going to target all together and have saved quite a bit.

You’re still shopping at Target?! Come on now

I just purged 25 years of Christmas decor this year because I watched Dawns vlog. she is amazing!!!

Microfiber is made of plastic but so it polyester, rayon, etc in all of those synthetic clothing materials. I try and focus on purchasing merino wool, cotton and other natural fiber clothing and home products for my family. You can find them for good prices if you look! I just purchased a rug for my living room for $130 and it was made of wool.

Two years ago I committed to using all of my hair products, regardless if liked them or not. If I bought it, I was going to use it. To this day, I still have stuff to use! I’ve had to buy the basics like shampoo and conditioner but apart from that its been so helpful to clear out what I had!

I’m proud of myself, I’ve been living minimalist ever since I’ve moved out of my moms house when I was 19. No need for overconsumption. I’m so glad everyone is opening their eyes about this.

So glad when Rachel has Dawn on her show! Love them both so much!!!

I find the older I get less is more. I don’t have to follow the trends I decorate and dress with what I like. Took me a while to get to this way of thinking.

Most small house plants are about the cost of a decent bunch of flowers. If they die after a while, still reasonable value!❤️❤️

Dawn & Rachel - your collabs are always awesome. You should do a BOOK together!!

Good quality running shoes are not simply part of a cute outfit. You need to start with good shoes that cost more money to protect your ankles, your knees, your hips, and your lower back. They are important equipment. Please do not run in cheap shoes. Don't wait until after you run to reward yourself with running equipment. Buy good shoes.

When we first got married I told my husband that I’d like to “invest” in good luggage. He asked me, “Are you planning on being able to sell it for more than you paid for it?” (I thought, “what are you talking about, of course not.”) Apparently, he only uses the words “invest or investment” for things that appreciate in value. It sounds kind harsh, but it’s helped me to keep my thinking straight concerning real spending. (And not trying to justify buying things as an “investment.”)

I agree with all of this. I really need to get some weight off but instead of getting a gym membership or new workout clothes at this point, I’ve just made a paper chart for me to track my activity and I’m using Apple Fitness videos which are free to me. Even though I’m super uncoordinated I am enjoying the dance videos and even if I’m not following the moves 100%, I’m still moving and burning calories!

Two of my favorite ladies. Every Monday with Rachel’s podcast. Every week with Dawn’s podcast or videos. Dawn gave me permission to let go of physical and mental inventory. Thank you!

I love all of these! i actually like to take the opposite approach with my clothes now (not the kids of course I am talking about myself). I "invest" in high quality long lasting pieces that will last multiple years! I have thrifted majority of my denim and cashmere. If my size changes or I get sick of something, I donate them back. but Ive gotten really good at determining the quality of an item by looking at the fabric, stitching, brand, etc. :)

I LOVE seeing Dawn collab with the Ramsey team! The Minimal Mom is one of my favorite channels -- she and her friends' decluttering channels are so empowering! Sometimes your mess can seem so overwhelming, but Dawn does a great job of breaking it down and giving you practical tools for success.

I had an Ah-ha moment when you talked about clothes and then our homes Dawn!! We need few, easy to care for pieces that are versatile-just like your jewelry!!! Love it!!

After I had my son literally none of my clothing fit or things were stretched out and ruined from being pregnant. Something about starting from scratch with my clothes felt so amazing! I have a lot fewer items but I feel great in every I own, it's all on trend, fits well, and getting dressed is fun now!

No restaurants! The food isnt typically as good as a good home cooked meal 😋

I never could get into microfiber. I detest the way it feels. I use Swedish dishcloths 😊

I didn’t know this about microfiber towels 😮

I love artificial plants. They bring a feeling of nature. Also, I have a cat who destroys live plants. I’m retired and home all day. I like some decor for my eyes to look at. Brings me joy. I have decluttered so much old decor that I used to switch out. Now I keep and display only what I truly love. No need for excess. Dawn is so right about creating space in your kitchen cabinets. No more playing tetris with dishes.

I have become the queen of finding great furniture & home goods off of Marketplace. I found gems that have pulled my home together better than if I had planned it... LOL In 2024, my goal is to become more minimalistic with other areas in my life.

We cut our TV bill we was paying more for TV then for the internet and our grocery budget down to $250 a month it just my husband and I. and selling everything I can and putting on our car loan.

My goal is to stop buying “new” products. For example, shampoo. I have tried so many different shampoos, but I always go back to the shampoo I have used for years and end up wasting money. I need to keep it simple and stick with what I know I like.

I started cleaning cabinets and using everything we have - shampoos., etc combining small bottles into a reused bottled.

I agree with the “i have what I like and I don’t need anything new”.

Years ago here in TO my sister called me to ask my husband, a paramedic 3rd level, if she should take her ill feeling youngest daughter, to the closest hospital or Sick Kids, she had a blueish tinge to her arms and torso. He said Sick Kids, well after putting the students and new Doctors through their paces and no answers, the seasoned nurse asked my Sister if she had bought any new dresses for the kids as it was Christmas time, she admitted buying a lovely navy velvet gown, the penny dropped, she was appalled, and the nurse went for a washcloth and soap, Solution found! It was a huge relief, and they stayed as the Dr wanted to test some seasoned Dr's, and write up a test case for the teaching curriculum. It makes me howl with laughter in hindsight!

I'm so happy I made productive decisions about my finances that changed my life forever,hoping to retire next year... Investment should always be on any creative man's heart for success in life..

I’ve resolved to spend less on my personal appearance. Less on makeup, no longer dying my hair, and doing my own nails.

We stopped spending a lot on unneccesary things a few years ago. Due to a high expensive necessary item, we had to. Sticking mostly to things needed and try to get those wants on special days and birthdays. Got new thermal blackout curtains for Christmas and wow what a difference they make. Rooms have never been so warm even with plastic wrap on windows.

I have a bottle of shampoo, conditioner, and one bar of hippy soap from Whole Foods in my shower. That's it. Never more than those 3 items. My makeup routine is equally minimal.

Always love seeing two of my favorites hanging out together! Love this!

I love decorating by using pillow covers! Saves money & space! Thank you both for your great suggestions!

Thank you! All these things make sense and I certainly needed to hear it.

Amazing Thrift Stores have the best stuff!! Consignment shops, too! WITH TAGS STILL!!🎉🎉

I enjoy using bamboo paper towels. Each towel can be washed in the sink after cleaning up to 50 times then composted. So a whole roll lasts a very long time!

I love both of these channels, glad to see Dawn here.

One of the best videos I’ve seen in a long time…thank you!

Frigging love when you guys get together!!!!!

Dawn is such a blessing!! I’m so glad to see you guys collaborating!! ❤

I’ve been focusing on decluttering but now you have challenged me to cut back on spending. Thanks ladies!

Yay! Love you two! Dynamic Duo. Cheer us on! Lead the way.

I just re-gifted 3 quality jewelry pieces to friends for Christmas. Then I had friends who gifted me a Brighton bracelet, and another gave me jade earrings & a ring. I need to re-gift more jewelry this year.

Two of my favorite youtubers!!! Yay!!!🎉🎉😁

Thank you for this post.

Two of my favourite ladies!! Thank you for all the wonderful & helpful content you both share 💕

Love listening to Dawn, she’s so refreshing! Enjoy your channel Rachel

We need this video from a man’s perspective on George’s channel. I go down bad rabbit holes of wanting desk set up accessories for work like new monitor light bars and clicky keyboards and microphone audio for zoom calls. Wanting new tools, new guns, new fishing rods when you don’t need any of it because what you have is perfectly fine.

I always enjoy these two together and separately. I would love to know were Dawn got her sweater and jeans. Thank you

Aww, you both are amazing and inspiring! Thanks for the encouragement! ❤🙏🏻

I absolutely adore Dawn. 😀💖. Great show Rachel.

Yes avoid target shopping, what about Wallmart? Anti-Christian stores do not need to be on your list of stores !

My 2 favorite people on RU-vid together ‼️😁 ❤ Love this!

Hi Rachel and Dawn I am enjoying this video. I appreciate your thoughts. Especially having live plants. I’ve had a plant or two in my home for years. I really got into plants in 2020 and have enjoyed them since! They really bring life to a home. The other thing I will be getting some new jeans because last year I didn’t buy any new jeans. Love it!

Dawn and Rachel , you guys are amazing! Thank you for the tips, it’s great to hear I’m on the right track and to get more tips! ❤

Love how down to earth you are. I'm.doing a life purge. Having huge garage sale in spring, selling what I can. Trying not to buy anything one in one out.Great list ...love it. Appreciate you ❤

I could listen to Rachel and Dawn chat all day. They are so refreshing and inspiring to listen to. I definitely will give any purchases more thought this year. Thanks ladies!

Love to watch Dawn on your show. I watch every video Dawn does. I like all your list, I have a lot of the same I have been thinking about not buying this year.

My two favorite ladies!!❤❤

I've done both extremes when it comes to stuff. This year, I want to trust myself. I have built up my "saying no" muscles. When I truly want something I want to buy it or do it without feeling guilty.

I love Minimal Mom! Dawn's one of my faves!

Love that Dawn and Rachel are back together. Wooohoooo! Thanks so much Ladies!!!

Dawn is one of my favorite RU-vidrs! Love her tips and advice.

I loooove Dawn! Helped motivate me to get rid of clutter. Then I don’t double-buy stuff! Managing our “stuff” got easier and trying to cut the budget is easier with the extra time spent on tidying….😊

I have followed Dawn's YT channel so it's nice to see her collab with Rachel whom I also follow

I totally agree about starting the workout habit before rewarding yourself. I started working out at home then got a gym membership after I realized I really liked working out. Now I’m looking at new workout clothing.

Love you two together! Thank you for the simplistic approach to home and happiness!

You both have the best chemistry! Thanks for a great motivational video.

I so agree with Dawn. I love to wear things out and get my moneys worth no matter what I paid for it. Having things with tags still on is a sin. I’ve done that too but stopped a few years ago!

Two lovely ladies sharing great ideas together. Love it!!! Thank you. YOU are both positive influencers - encouraging us to love where we are, not what you can manipulate us to purchase.

Two of my faves in the SAME video!!!! Thanks for the great ideas!!!!

The workout equipment one is so true!! I started some great workouts and routines in 2023 and now my reward is workout clothes that I actually use.

I'm a huge fan of you both so it's great to see you together!! ❤ For 2024 I'm trying not to replace things that break. So far it's been a humidifier, rice cooker, and soap filled scrub brush. I am practicing the art of going without and finding ways to make due with what we have. 😊

If I spot a pair of jeans that fit and look good I have to buy them. I don’t go for any trends like ripped or extreme flare though. You can never have too many pairs of good jeans (varying colors too). I did stop buying colored jeans though. I stick to denim (both light and dark), black, and white (off white too). I have 3 different sizes due to unintentional weight fluctuation (115-132 pounds) from medical issues. So I keep a bin of each size handy. I know this is not normal, but I always have something comfortable to wear. Also, I use the larger size in cooler weather so that I can wear a pair of Cuddl duds under them for warmth. I am all for minimalism (have purged a LOT of other clothes, kitchen stuff, and decor). But this is one thing I can’t do without

Hey I love this! I've just recently started watching Dawn's channel this year and her videos have been SO helpful. I love her cleaning suggestions as well. Im also done wirh buying nice clothes for my kids. We usually do new shoes and a couple new items but then every season we also go to a thrift place together where they try on and help pick things out. Some things still have tags on them! Its so much cheaper!

Yes to so many of these things mentioned. I am guilty of being crazy about subscription boxes and the target dollar spot. So much unnecessary stuff that I got bored with or didn’t really fit my home. So glad I pulled the plug on that. Dawn is so right about the home decor subscription boxes. I am currently decluttering so many items from past subscription boxes that no longer interest me

Dawn and Rachel, this sounds like a "Buy Nothing Year"! Use up what you have, don't buy anything until you run out and only if it's a necessity. All of the categories you talked about are things that most of us already have at home in abundance, a blessing for sure. From my understanding, a Buy Nothing Year is mostly repleninshing groceries and other consumables when we have a real need. My husband and I have begun this for 2024... it is very tempting when at the store to not be inticed by a cheap clearance price or to stock up on a great sale. I am looking forward to seeing how much less money is going out each month, resulting in real savings. I predict it could be significant and addictive! Also, it's already freeing up my cluttered mind and physical space in my home. Thank you for being very comprehensive and transparent in this video!! Great job.

Nice video, My relationship of 5 years ended a month ago. The love of my life decided to leave me, I really love her so much I can’t stop thinking about her, I’ve tried my very best to get her back in my life, but to no avail, I’m frustrated, I don’t see my life with anyone else. I’ve done my best to get rid of the thoughts of her, but I can’t, I don’t know why I’m saying this here, I really miss her and just can’t stop thinking about her

Thank you for bringing Dawn on your show. I just recently found her and love her personality.

Fantastic collaboration! Hi Dawn! ❤️

yes, to no fake plants!!!! so many real ones are great for our air quality. even in winter, it's silly to buy fake flowers when we can easily clip some type of evergreen or holly and throw in a splash of color with something we already own, or leave it as is. i love all your ideas! thanks for sharing!