Decluttering, minimalism, and essentialist terms have one common thread, having less. Less equates to purchasing less; purchasing less means more money in our pockets. Well, isn’t that a phenomenon that should be talked about more?
As Thomas Sowell says, “A great idea needs to be repeated.” As a tribute to the “live with less community,” I will share the things we no longer buy or buy into.
This is a list of 20 items we used to buy or buy into, and over time, we have learned they are costly and often unnecessary. I began to feel cluttered, and the excess in our home was overwhelming; we were renovating our condo while we were living there, and managing our items felt daunting. Our expenses were increasing, and I wanted to rid us of the burden of managing stuff and increase our income. We began to donate and sell our belongings and quickly felt the benefits of having fewer possessions. At this same time, we decided to lower our expenses; our car payment was our highest fixed expense; while we could afford our vehicle, we had no peace with having the additional monthly cost.
A spark was lit during this time of change, and it has helped us achieve our financial goals. Side note this is not to diminish anyone’s purchases or desires; this is just a list to spark some thought about the things we could live without.
20 Things We Stopped Buying & Buying into
1. Car Leases & News Cars
A new car is typically much more expensive than if you bought a used vehicle. New vehicles lose up to 20 percent of their value as soon as you drive off the lot. Leasing a car comes with expenses, from the upfront fee to the monthly payment and additional fees when the lease ends. At the end of a car lease, you end up with nothing tangible after months of paying the lease fees. There are many benefits to purchasing a car in cash, no car payments, lower sales taxes, and it costs less over time.
2. Home Décor: The Pinterest Look
I love a cozy home; décor can be warming and create a wonderful atmosphere but trying to achieve the Pinterest look and having the perfect cohesive décor can be costly. Putting on the blinders when viewing trending décor and going for atmosphere and practicality saves money long-term. If it’s a meaningful and practical purchase, I am less likely to have buyer’s remorse and enjoy the item long-term. We purchase pieces we love so we are not stuck with them later.
3. Excessive Clothing, Shoes, & Accessories
Here is one of the biggest secrets of all time, there is no such thing as the best. You can search for days, weeks, or years; still, there will always be something better and newer. I no longer seek the perfect wardrobe and have simplified what I have. It took me many years to realize that I like the classic 90’ s style, which is somewhat timeless, and I stick to that. It is easier to get dressed in the morning, saving money on not purchasing clothing I don’t use.
4. Excessive Makeup
I have only what I use; once I finish it, I replace it. I keep it simple and use about three items: foundation, mascara, and lipstick. Put together these items and stick to the brands I like.
5. Hair Salon
I no longer die my hair and now cut it myself. My standards are much higher when I pay for a haircut, and my critiquing skyrockets. I am more satisfied when I am not looking for perfection; that is far too much responsibility for a hairstylist.
6. Dermatologist
No Botox, fillers, or lasers. It is freeing to be content with the way I look and embrace each year as it comes.
7. Social media
I now say no to advertising schemes and want to be a famous lifestyle; it’s not so social after all.
8. Complicated workout plans
I have tried all kinds of workouts and supplements over the last 13 years. I have spent hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars in this industry. While it was not in vain, it was part of my fitness education but keeping it simple works best. Whole, nutritious foods, staying active, and tried-and-true workouts are the simplest form of healthy living.
9. Supplements
Supplements are pricey and optional. Unless I train and compete as an athlete, they are not required.
10. Books
We borrow a book from the library and read a lot more now that we can access such a wide variety.
11. Dinning out
Most of our meals are cooked at home, including our lunches. We budget for our dining-out meals and enjoy them as entertainment.
12. Coffee
I have never been much of a mocha, chocolate Frappuccino $7 coffee person, but I wanted to add this to the list. If we go to Starbucks or Dunkin, I stick to a small black coffee for $2; somehow, I feel I am winning with this selection.
13. Latest phone
Our phones will only be replaced if necessary; no thank you on financing a phone, or whichever way the phone companies phrase it now.
14. Complicated recipes
Recipes will need to have ingredients we would regularly use for me to cook them; we are no longer purchasing a 1-time use ingredient.
15. Point system
Nope, not giving out my information to get free ice cream or coffee; I will happily buy it. If it’s free, we are the product.
16. Dry Cleaning
If we can’t wash it ourselves, we are not buying it.
17. Dream Anything
A dream house, dream wardrobe, dream vacation. Yes, I still use the word; it is an easy way to express something we aim toward or a goal. However, we no longer think this is the thing that’s going to be the thing.
18. Jewelry
Rolex watch, Cartier watch, Dimond studded earrings, and Dimond necklace- were once part of my jewelry; I no longer have them and no longer have to care for them.
19. Manicures & Pedicures
Manicures and pedicures can add up quickly, as they only last about two weeks; instead, I do this in the comfort of my home.
20. Streaming Services or Cable
We have Hulu; it’s included with our phone plan, an excellent old fashion TV antenna, borrow movies from the library, and rent movies occasionally. We have more options than needed at no additional monthly cost.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, these may not all be absolutes; we have removed them and feel lighter. Something extraordinary about having less is expanding a sense of calmness and time. If you’re looking for more time and eliminating unnecessary expenses, this list was created to spark some thought about the things we could live without.
Photo by Alexandra Gorn on Unsplash