I hate the way it can make me look at my home as if it is ugly because i worry what people think when they come over. It has taken a lot of work to stop myself from buying things to make my home pleasing for others. Becoming grateful for what I have and taking pride in my home has been so worth it ❤.
Concern and compassion for others ends where you are comfortable in your own home. It is your HOME. For me, I have an amazing assortment of equipment for quilting, including a 15 ft long arm quilting frame, and no furniture in my living room. I don't need it, and I do need the space for my equipment. My friends come over for lunch every Sunday, and I do have a lovely dining room, but if anyone cares to criticize my lack of furniture, they are welcome to leave at any time. The other side of it, is that when I have guests, they are amazed at the artwork that I am creating and fascinated by the machinery that creates it. So it's a win all around, really.
I used to feel that way. But now in my mid 70s, I'm not trying to impress anyone with my hostessing skills. 😅 My friends and family love me as I am and my adult children are relieved that I am healthy and independent and have a lot of interests. Life is good and I am content.
We live in rural WV, in the USA. My husband works for a decent living, but we have four kids. I stay home and save us money by cooking most things from scratch, canning, taking care of the kids (instead of daycare), hanging the laundry, mending some clothing and stuffed animals, etc. and finding free entertainment. I'm a nurse, but we make enough to live, save, and invest in retirement, so we've decided the only reason for more money would be to buy more things, which aren't needed, so I'd much rather put my time and effort back into the home and family. I know it's a privilege to be able to do so, and I'm grateful for it. I've talked to my brother about baking bread, and his response is, "you know you can just buy that, right?" 😂 Growing up my mom used to tell me, "Necessity is the mother of invention," and we'd just figure it out. I'd rather use and teach our children creativity.
Your Mum sounds like mine. My brother and I ate the meals as they were presented and never anything in between. We still grew - He to 6’5”, me (a girl) 5’10”
Jane, your hair is so lovely down! Thank you for the video! Consumerism causes so much anxiety and depression as well. We are raising five children on one income, I homeschool them and my husband is a nurse. The culture wants you to think your children need this or that or to go on this trip, what they need is love and time form their parents. 🧡 All these kids on phones and not spending time outside is very sad and will have lasting effects. It does take a certain amount of courage to live against the grain, but it’s so worth it.
We homeschooled our children & one huge benefit was that they were away from peer pressure. That was great. This comment was for the comment above, sorry.
Consumerism addicts suck other people in. New Car, New ‘Things’ I’m a recovering consumerism addict! Coffee come with me in a flask, food comes with me in a box. It’s hard recovering, but trying my best.
Consumerism has caused problems in so many areas of life. I’m 80 and just completed my first “no buy” month! It feels so good that I’m going for another month!! Thanks for the encouraging videos reminding us that we don’t need all that stuff!!
My daughters co workers are amazed that we both cook from scratch, they really can't be bothered to cook and bake, yet they constantly complain about not having any money, she cooks a full breakfast for the drivers and staff once a month on a portable grill. Before they use to order doughnuts so she offered to cook and the company pay for the supplies, everyone lines up for the food, I usually send in some dessert. Some of the drivers have never tasted real food cooked by a person not a fast food joint !!! it's sad really when you consider these people have children !
Yes! Love this. I tell my kids that we had the water fountain and no snacks at school and they can not believe it. The easy, convenient, consumer life has made us lazy, fat, and lacking important skills. Very thought provoking-thank you.
I forgot about the water fountain. There was always that big bully kid who would jam there head in there and the rest had to wait. Then you got two gulps (if lucky) before the teacher shouted at you. Don't know whether to laugh or cry😂😭
This video has made me laugh lots Jane. Ask mum for a biscuit before dinner unthinkable! I remember asking mum to buy Milky Ways because “they don’t fill you up” Mum’s reply was “then what’s the point”. Thank you for a great video that bought back lots of memories x
Hi Jane and Mike greetings from Scotland. I used to work in a charity shop until I took early retirement and what an eye opener that was. The amount of stuff (not just clothing ) that was donated with the tags still on it was staggering and it wasn't an affluent area. Connsumerism is a sickness that causes so many other diseases as people stress and worry to try to keep up with friends and peers. I've been guilty in the past of over consuming but since retirement I've turned my back on all the pressures society puts on us and I honestly have never been happier or more content. Love your channel. ❤
@@FrugalQueeninFrance thats a shame because you can really get good bargains and on new stuff too. I love that your attitude to frugality is same as mine and I have still learned a lot from your videos . Have a great day 😊
For the folks who need to know what it is to sweat, and work, and live a basic life. I have a huge to do list for spring and am willing to generously share it...😅😅😅. I just came in from hanging my sheets outdoors, because today we are not raining or snowing, and lucky us, it's 38 degrees. We are having salad, with our chicken and a selection of vegetable from my canning jars. I am frustrated with dying my hair and having gray roots showing in 2 weeks. I paid $32 for a longer lasting dye kit, and my body's gray is winning out. They added some brown to my dye kit last month to help my auburn stay longer. Well in the mirror I am a brunette for the first time in my life. Nope! I was letting my ego make me dye my hair to it red orgins, and now that isn't working. I am done! My gray will grow out and that will be it. I will gladly cut away the brown, which isn't mine and be done. And yes Jane the pressures of commercialism, and convenience has taken over. We are frequently locked down upon by family due to choosing the hard life. Well guess what, we are the only ones not on anxiety/antidepressants, asthma meds,or cholesterol meds, nor are we pre-diabetic. We didn't get the 19 that most of our family did get. We don't get seasonal respiratory infections, nor the flu. We garden, can, dehydrate, freeze dry, and freeze our stores for off season. We shop sales and stock up for 6 months at a time to keep costs down. We split and stack our own firewood, and use 2 woodstoves for primary heating. On wet days outside if laundry is needed, I use indoor foldable racks to dry our laundry on. I only do laundry when it is a washer load. And I have a very efficient dishwasher, but I only run when full, usually twice a week. I cook large meals and we eat from them for a couple of days. We have no issues with leftovers and we plan meals around what we have on hand, and is needing to get used, by date. I never decide a menu, and then go shopping for it, whether in season or not. 90% of our groceries are bought seasonally, and more than 50% of that is reduced or clearance priced. We have lived this way for years. And now being retired on a fixed income, and continuing to do this, it allows us to save money for other things that we need and a few wants too. I feel wasteful when we eat out. I know that 70% of that meals cost is overhead. I would rather buy a nice cut of meat reduced and save it for a special meal in the future. We just got a special bottle of wine, 75% below cost, and we are putting it aside for our valentines meal.. whatever day we choose to celebrate 🍾 our love.
I grew up in the 70s, too and "childrens spa day" was a bubble bath and then your mom washing your hair at the kitchen sink. If it was a special occasion , she'd set it in rollers before bed. Most weeks though, after washing our hair and combing it out, we'd take turns parting each other's hair into sections, drying it, a touch of pomade for moisture and then braid it. My oh my, how times have changed.
Stuff is a distraction. Too much stuff is a constant distraction. When in my early twenties I managed to find a cabin on a mountain to use/live in. No power, no tap with water, outhouse, woodstove, only access was to hike in. Nothing else. There and then I learned about what is needed. It changed my life in the best way possible!
Hi Jane and Mike. I too grew up in the 70's and from that time to this, I'm convinced that consumerism has served to increase anxiety and depression fueled by forced competition with the "Jones's" People have lost self-confidence that no matter what they make or do, it's never enough. After all, who can be truly happy if nothing they do is ever good enough?
Hi Jane and Mike. I rejected consumerism years ago. I wear no makeup or have any fancy regime to cleanse it face...soap and warm water is all you need, plus sunshine. I buy only what i need, and if food has more than 3 ingredients I leave it on the shelf. I feel fit and well and i take my dog for a long walk every day. Companies wouldn't get much profit from me 😂😂
I was born in 1954. Consumerism after the war did make lives better. At least for awhile. So many new and exciting things came the market. For the most people purchased things because they needed them not for the sake of buying. Then came easy credit. Then the recessions of the 70s where both parents worked. The corporations feed on giving us convenience, Then came the malls for our kids to hang out in. . It was a time of consumeristic frenzy. It has taken a good 45 years for the reversal but it is happening. You and Mike are a good examples . We look at our purchases in a whole new way.now.
Great advice. As I get older and am in the process of Swedish Death Cleaning I constantly ask myself why did I feel the need to buy some of the things I have? Shopping was my main form of entertainment but thankfully that ended a few years back. Now my entertainment is selling the stuff! Like your hair!
Hi Jane. I remember Mum telling me that dinner was at 6pm when Dad came home. We had penny sweets once a week on payday, none if money was tight. I was having this conversation with my girls and Hubby at Christmas. I was asking at what point we started to believe we needed all this stuff, as we were queueing to buy another plastic box to store it in! I said how come we need more boxes every new year? We are now going through them all and clearing out the clutter we have been led to believe we needed over the years. I crave a simpler life.
At my stage of life, I value relationships over the pursuit of more stuff. A line from the Beatles "And Your Bird Can Sing": "When your prized possessions start to weigh you down, look in my direction, I'll be 'round."😊
You are so right! I cook from scratch 90 percent of the time, I am retired and have plenty of time. I was 13 in 1970 and boy you hit the nail on it's ;head in your description of what it was like back then. My mom raised 3 of us all on her own, many times working 2 jobs. So Extras were seldom.
As a child, we ate a handful of Cheerios as an afternoon snack😊. However I am elderly+ don’t drive, so a streaming service is great value for me if I can’t find an item at the grocery store. Items are delivered directly to my apartment door. I have a ride weekly to the market+ medical appointments though. I am careful to order only what I actually need, not what I want.
I don’t know how I managed to watch this whole video without pausing to post a comment actually, but I have to say, and most EMPHATICALLY that I am in 100% agreement with your entire content !!! I am 72, and have been frugal all my life …. because I could see the writing on the wall from being a child that mass consumerism is a path to nowhere, and here we are with finite resources on that ever downward spiral. We do all the things you and Mike do yourself, and are a zillion good benefits for it. In fact, the further through life I go, the more I am able to improve our lives by being REAL ! Congratulations to you both. I admire and applaud that you have said it straight. Thank you ❤
Consumerism, in my opinion, is much of what is wrong with the world. I do get tired of being the brunt of derogatory comments about how I don't have this or that, don't keep up with the latest fashions, and don't wear makeup, but I'm debt-free and most of those making comments are not! Sometimes I wish I could find some like-minded people to get together with face-to-face, but I'm mostly an introvert and enjoy online communities like your channel. Thank you for being practical. I relate to what you say. Must laugh about 1970s water fountains because mononucleosis was spreading through my school when I was young, and it was determined that the students putting their mouths on the water fountain because the water pressure was so low was the likely cause. 😅
My friend has a Netflix account that I’m a user on, and there is a new documentary about consumerism. That’s tonight’s watch while I’m quilting some handmade gifts for Christmas. I grew up in the 80s where all of this consumerism started catching on. Looking back, I wish I would have known about frugal living.
This was a great video. I discovered yesterday while meeting with a group of women to make charity quilts and who have grandchildren that certain companies are selling lines of make up for children. I was shocked. I also remember growing up in England in the 50’s, 60’s your mum wetting a flannel and rubbing it around your face. If you got a dirty face when you were out, it was a bit of spit on a handkerchief. There were never snacks. If there were bananas around the were for pudding or dessert. Maybe once in a while a bag of (small bag) crisps for a treat depending on the occasion. I don’t understand why everyone runs around sipping coffee. My husband does but he always makes his coffee at home.
I was laughing so much at your out the door with a marmite sandwich quote…. I came home from school to bread and butter and a chivers jelly pot in the 70’s as my main meal was at lunch…. Or an orange sliced between bread and butter….. which is actually delish and was my pregnancy craving. Strange how much healthier we were tho! 😂😂😂😂
Wise words. I am old enough to no longer care what people think of me, my home, my lifestyle etc. As they say, those who matter don't mind and those who mind don't matter. Doing my bit to knock consumerism on the head :D
❤ I do like some convenient things like curb side pickups. Once in a while I have to order something very specific from a specific store and I like having the ability to order online and do curbside pickup just so I don't have to go in and be tempted to purchase something else while I'm there. It saves me time and money! I do have a streaming service that I got for only $5 month and I take it out of my entertainment budget. I have been battling cancer for the last year and unfortunately some days I'm so sick I can't do anything but sit and watch tv or do word searches. I go out whenever I'm feeling good and walk or just dabble in the garden but the days I'm not feeling quite up to par TV helps me not think about feeling bad. Otherwise we already do pretty much everything else you mentioned EXCEPT that ice bath thing. NOPE! NOT HAPPENING! We live in the north east part of the USA and its cold enough that if i want to get cold I'll go to the chicken coop without my jacket on for my challenge LOL 😂. Prayers and peace to all out there! God bless!!
Consumerism is definitely ruining people's lives! Just this week I got a text message asking me to spend 298 dollars ( plus taxes on) on skin care in order to receive a few "free gifts". Being in my early 40s I do think about skin care etc and am tempted but you make so many valid points in your video! Unrealistic expectations of what we are "supposed to look like" are all around us and I see it with my students too. We live on an old homestead and are trying to make it work here is Eastern Canada but it is not easy. We had 32 chickens but lost nearly all of them to a weasel or mink. We hope to instill homesteaders values in our three young children's lives. ❤ Thank you for your videos, God bless you
Add to the consumer culture the electronics that are supposed to help everyday living and honestly, I think they make MORE work for us, not less. The countless hours spent learning the devices, all the controls in a car that absolutely no one needs, passwords, security threats and breaches, it takes up so much time!
We are starting early retirement this year. My number one problem is an Amazon shopping addiction 😂. I’ve deleted my account. And make a list for my husband to buy when we need things. Also, no more buying books. I use the library! Making our own bread and going to the Dollar Store for things like cards and wrapping g paper. Small steps but it makes me feel better 😊
Back in my early 20s I was burgled and the thieves stole almost all my possessions and at that point I realised that 'stuff' was just an illusion of security. I'm now in my 70s but have often thought that if I ever met the thieves I would thanks them because since that day I have rejected consumerism and still do. I buy what I need and pay for quality over quantity. I wear clothes until they're rags and haven't worn a scrap of makeup in almost 40 years. I wear my hair long and haven't been to a hairdresser for 40 years either. Thanks for a thought provoking video once again. Have you ever walked into a shop and looked around you and asked yourself the question 'Who the heck buys all this rubbish?'
I would call myself a moderate minimalist. Since I am not trying to buy lots of items, whenever I go into a store there is a feeling of overload. Most of the time I am able to leave the store quickly rather than linger. That helps both to save time and money.
Recently it was brought to my attention that the word “evil” spelled backwards is live… perhaps the true definition of living backwards is our current and growing state of consumerism. Thoughts to ponder. Thank you Jane and Mike for being authentic in life.
When I was in primary school we were given milk and an apple at recess. If it was summer upwards of 40degrees we were given a sunny boy ice block. All supplied by the school. After school a tablespoon of Miloor a piece of fruit for our snack and then dinner at 5.30pm. This was in the 50s and early 60s. I wear make up everyday because I like it not to impress and I get dressed in something nice also. We stay home most days working around our home 🏡. My husband cooks because he loves too and I have baking days where I make pies etc for our freezer. Thankyou Jane . I also believe love what you have and be content. Don't ever compare you life to others as each is unique. ❤
Consumerism makes our life different. Some things better, some worse and that can depend on whether you have money to participate in it or not. I’m glad we have more choice now and that my kids have more choices than I did growing up. Some of those choices (like having a mobile phone) provide us some peace of mind in a world that is so different from the work I was a child in. Your best comment was ‘it’s up to us whether we participate and what pieces of consumerism we participate in’. Like personal finance, consumerism is our personal choice. Loving the jumpers you’ve been wearing lately - esp the red one.
Hi thanks for sharing .Good advice frugal 👸 👑 lov your new look 👌. Yes cost of living now new consumerism 😮. My best frugal life by Jane and Mike ❤❤❤❤❤
I like to think I have one foot in nature and the other in progress that would be good for our family. I believe in doing all I can to save money.. canning freezing and hanging my clothes inside the home and outside. I don’t like getting wrapped up into too much media, unless it’s sites that I learn from. You and Mike are very good and blunt.. I like this very much!❤
Yes to real food and real food. Snacks are mostly overly processed and empty calories. No make here either, Jane. It is just an extra expense. Children's spa days? I haven't had one nor want one. We do not have streaming services either. These posts on Facebook on going to the store for milk and returing home with $200 worth of things were an eye opener too ... Thank you for your beautiful video, Jane!
FANTASTIC video, Jane. Love your direct yet non-judgemental plain talking. There are items, such as vacuum cleaners, which have improved our lives, but I agree that consumerism is only feeding off people's insecurities and fears. We don't need a new vacuum until the one we have dies. Be proud of who we are and don't let others influence us. ❤❤
I remember in the 90’s shopping at the mall and so much was all of a sudden available- alarms went off in my head that I couldn’t buy it all - had no room for it all and I shut down somewhat. My folks also died and we had to clean out their stuff. I knew I didn’t want to deal with stuff nor leave it for our sons.
I saw a headline for an article today about what is "in" for 2024 for home decor and didn't bother looking at it as what I have is perfectly sufficient for my needs. Consumerism definitely hasn't made our lives better, it has just lead to more and more waste going to landfill. You look so glamorous with your hair down Jane!
Consumerism and the false marketing spiels that drive rampant consumption are a never-ending thief to those who seek external validation. I am so grateful to have grown up in a household for whom authenticity, kindness and character was of far more priority than consumption. My parent's both grew up during the second world war, life was challenging and hard work and working together overcame a lack of resources and/or money. Entertainment was homegrown and no one needed to be sophisticated to be valued. Thank you for your brilliant messages. ❤ from Australia 🦘
I agree completely with you. You and I are the same age, retired, out of debt, no mortgage, nothing. Like you, rarely wear makeup anymore...I feel like a clown when I do. Now it feels like I am fake and insecure when I do. I was a snob during my working years. Nothing but the best high-end clothes, cars, trips, makeup and home. What a waste of money. I felt I deserved it. Wasted hundreds of thousands of dollars. It didn't make me happy. My simple self-sufficient life makes me happy and healthier than I was in my 30's and 40's. Don't even get me started on Christmas. Why do people celebrate if they are not a Christian? Also, why exchange gifts at Christmas when it's not your birthday? I celebrate the birth of Christ, but why do we feel the pressure to give gifts to those who don't believe? Again, waste of money. Thank you for your channel. :)
I only buy what I need not what I want so there's no snacks in the house, any meat is fresh but frozen. The only time I splashed out on something was in the lockdowns I bought some cheap whisky from Lidl and ginger ale and went through a bottle per week but since then I've stopped that and lost weight. Any DVD's I buy are pre-owned saving pounds on the new version
Excellent video, and once again, thanks for your basic common sense and down to earth facts regarding consumerism, and as a retiree from the post war ‘Baby Boomber’years, I fully appreciate! Great stuff 👍👍
Absolutely agree. We should all be choosing the alternative. For us, the biggest problem issue is that consumerism is destroying the planet as well as our lives.
KS here. I gave up consumerism years ago. I'm over 70, and spend time doing sewing, canning, etc. although I'm slowing down on that canning, and my produce comes from local markets now. I have worn makeup (foundation) once in January. I have no processed food or cleaners in my house. That has allowed me to live comfortably on very little. I agree with you, keep educating the public.
You made me think of the Scottish show "Still Game". One of the long-running gags on the show is the little electric space heater in the one retiree's apartment. When he is feeling extravagant, he turns the heat up the entire "3 bars". 😂
I hate consumerism but find that I have been partaking in it especially around the holidays. Now that the holidays are over we are back to basics. I have recently had back surgery and am recuperating from that. I want to make sourdough and other types of homemade bread. Jane your hair is lovely worn down. Thank you for your beautiful videos.
Love your videos. I grew up in the 70’s, ‘what’s for dinner mum?’ was answered with ‘air pie and a run round’ 😅. We try to live as frugally as possible and try to instil the same in our boys (not easy) x
Loved the sentence about the sippy cup I work with youngsters and asked why they have to have water with them at all times and tell them exactly what you said about queuing at the water fountain in out break only not in class time 😊 great blog Jane and Mike love your down to earth sensible advice as always
UGH consumerism. Your points in all areas are so valid. My husband an I are simple people. No buying coffee out and about for us or the like. I do however shop online a lot for the things I need. I HATE shopping in stores....if I can't be in and out in a hurry I steer clear lol. So tired of the superficial lifestyles of keeping up with the Jones' If people only knew the freedom when you are debt free.
Hello! Your words are so true, some of ud expect things to be done for us today..some have lost the ability to research, plan, create and wait. The generation growing up now are expected to be less well off financially than us and their parents. There is a challenge to them to learn, be ingenious and they could really do with seeing your channel in years to come!
Well said! My sentiments exactly Jane. I like antiques in my home, but am trying to find them on Craigslist or other creative ways. Some shops are so expensive! You have hit all of your points head on I totally agree.
Absolutely spot on Jane. I watch some of my grandkids...not all..but some are on the consumerism merry-go-round and I fear when they fall off it will be devastating for them financially. Keep speaking the truth. You are much appreciated!
Very true Jane. Consumerism is out of control! I don’t use food, or supermarket delivery services. I want to pick my own food off the shelves. No streaming services either. We find dvds at charity shops for pennies. It’s making us as humans fat, and lazy, and as you say, manufacturers don’t care. They just want your money. Thanks to you and Mike for thought provoking video🇬🇧
I smiled when you mentioned your mother. She sounds just like mine. We never had crisps etc. food was home cooked, plentiful and delicious. Cans of Coke etc? Never. I don’t remember ever feeling hungry and mealtime was family time. Even now I would never buy pastry and always think of Mother teaching me and chatting at the same time. Happy memories. (Is there anything as disgusting as packet stuffing?). Thanks for reminding us of mindful living. X
Another example. People buy softener that smells chemical, is a danger for their skin, bad in sewage and for the natur, expensive, only for the feeling of soft towels. And then buy massage brushes to make their skin shiny ( a "hard" towel would have the same effect). People buy fully automatic coffee makers ( dont know the correct word) for nearly 1300€, instead of a filter a flask and kettle ( with two flakes you can also tee for the hole day) for less then 100€. Great video and content as always Jane and Mike. Blessings from Bavaria Germany
Such good advice and common sense Jane! In my opinion consumerism and the pressure it puts on some people makes for a more isolated community. Some people seem to have lost the ability to think or act for themselves in any capacity. And I don’t believe we are necessarily a better society for it in any way whatsoever. Btw - I loved seeing your beautiful hair styled like that!
Jane, I love your new hairdo. You look 20 years younger. Congrats to a new transformation. You don't need to spend a lot of money to look good . DIY is a frugal way to cut and color hair. That's what I do all the time. We are in the same boat. Keep up your good content on youtube. You're an inspiration to us.
Hi Jane.thank you for your video.yes the world's gone crazy days for everything one fad or another.I try to ignore all this stuff I tend to live a simple ,maybe a little old fashioned quiet life for me but suits m just fine thanks for me, keep making video s I enjoy watching and learning x
A friend told me there is a added tip at Restaurant s on top of the tip that people can voluntarily give , I personally think it is rude to expect people to pay extra 😮 for service that it is expected. I thrift pretty must everything ,,and feel Great that I am recycling . We need to “keep it simple “ and not fall for the guilt that business dump on us … We are getting pampered too much ,then we can’t solve a problem because everything is at our finger tips .Great Video Jane Thanks again ❤🎉
It is really crazy, what is going on in the world. People talk about their food like a religion. Everything has to be organic and green and raw and vegan and on top they take supplements without ends. Another example ...we adopted two cats from the shelter 7 weeks ago and in the store for pet food they showed me the most expensive food for them first with 3,79 Euro for one tin of cat food with only 400 g. I need 500 g food a day for both of my cats. We have had cats since 25 years and every one gets good normal food. Everyone is playing with our fear. I haven't played this game for a long time.
Buying convenience foods takes away the feeling of accomplishment too, doesn't it? I just made some scones for the first time this morning and if they are supposed to be light and fluffy (I've never eaten them before), then they were a success.
Hi Jane and Mike we to live in France, south West. In a small hamlet in the middle of country side. There’s no bus, no corner shop, no take a ways I buy all the basic food in bulk as if we do run out of anything we do without that’s just the way it is. We garden, read books, watch bit of Telly ( mostly in the winter ) I’ve begun doodling, drawing, ect. We enjoy our lives more and more without consummation.XX
Every word you have said I totally agree with, my mum would have said you should have eaten more dinner or wait until tea time, my eldest two children did not have central heating and my youngest sone is 15 years younger and couldn’t believe we had no heating
Consumerism has ruined us in many ways. The younger generations cannot cope with any kind of struggle because all they know is instant gratification. Love your videos!🤗💗
I agree, I believe that is why there are so many people in the US today dependent on anti depressants and other drugs as they can’t cope with real life’s ups and downs.
We have never had streaming services or cable of any kind. We do have a dvd player and a library card. That seems to suffice. Or we read or talk the evening away. Our beauty regime as a kid was to go outside in the fresh air and muck around in the lake or the dirt. Not much has changed for me - lol
I’m glad to hear someone else say they have a dvd player, though mine also has a vcr attachment. I use it everyday…I stopped wearing full makeup about 15 years ago because it took up too much time applying it all in the mornings…I wash my face, apply moisturizer and a dab of lipstick, then I’m out the door!
You look gorgeous Jane!!! Consumerism is ruining society. People are chasing happiness but can't seem to find it. Running up massive debt along the way. It's horrible.
I know I can live without streaming services but what I decided to do is to cancel all of them except one and I rotate between them so I can watch the movies and shows that I want. The great thing is that once you cancel they send you offers and even free trials to rejoin. When I had 10+ streaming services I wasn't even able to use them all so one at a time works best for me.
I subscribe to one music service, my choice of music at home and in the car with no adverts, no presenters and no news reports so I enjoy it. I do not have a television,. I do not stream films, t.v. or sports.
Great video and a lot of wise commennts. I think consumerism went to far, the big marketing companies they running out of ideas what else to produce. We have eveything but we still not happy. Well done for your job.
There is a feminist book, I can't remember which one off hand, that discusses this. Originally home products were marketed to women, telling them they couldn't be a good enough housewife without such and such. Then, when women started working outside the home, they decided to make women dissatisfied with how they look in order to sell them beauty products. I personally would add that they realised making people unhappy with themselves was such a rip roaring marketing success, that they then started with men's beauty products, and as you say the same seems to be happening with children now.
You hit this one out of the ball park with this! I do have to say we have streaming, but in our defense, my husband is homebound pretty much and neither of us can stand commercials. That said, if it were just me, it would be gone. All of your points are very well made, Jane. Loved seeing the girls at the end of the video, too.
Man, you got me with number one right off the bat!😂 I had to delete some apps from my phone cause they were too tempting…. And take my credit card information out so I can’t auto enter it for online shopping. Just the time it takes to go get my card and enter the information is enough to stop impulse purchases.
Thank you, Jane! The consumerism frenzy doesn’t seem to have a limit does it. In 2007 my personal economy crashed. Left an abusive relationship with my 3 children and a suitcase. We were extremely fortunate that my parents could take us in. I’ve cleaned houses since to support us although all 3 children are married and doing well. It was a hard lesson but killed consumerism for me. It has taught us all so many valuable lessons that we wouldn’t have learned otherwise. I’ve always had a garden but this year I’m doing a deep dive lol. Produce can be shared but the physical and mental benefits are why I’m doing it. Thank you for holding me accountable. Cheers, Janina from Ontario, Canada 🇨🇦
Comparison and consumerism are the two things to avoid..I could go on at length but don't feel the need..I learnt many years ago to be happy with my own space and not to compare my circumstances along other people's goals..😁💕
We rarely eat out I cook whole food from scratch my home decor would be considered outdated but I don’t really care about others opinions I like it and am quite happy . This was a great video 😊
You look very pretty with your hair down. I believe consumerism has made us all lazy. Sometimes we do need delivery services for the disabled and the elderly. My husband and I are both elderly. He is disabled but I am still strong so I do shopping on my own. But I know that someday I will have to use Delivery services when I no longer able to shop for myself
Hi, I really enjoy your posts. Consumerism drives so many parts of our lives. The poorer I've gotten, the more I realize all the money I spent on unnecessary things. It is forcing me to pay close attention to everything I spend. I've re-evaluated where I want to spend my time, also. I quit a full-time job because it was hurting my health. It has given me time to focus on my grown children's very real needs. Hope I can get things squared away and find a job soon.
I can't like this video enough 👏👏👏 Consumerism has a lot to answer for current mental health problems especially in teens. Only today I got strange looks at work when I said I don't buy my children ready made snacks and I don't have streaming services. I couldn't believe people pay £100-£140 for sky tv packages!!! I deleted lots of shopping apps, amazon, etsy etc if I can't find it in the local shops I go without.
I hate the way it can make me look at my home as if it is ugly because i worry what people think when they come over. It has taken a lot of work to stop myself from buying things to make my home pleasing for others. Becoming grateful for what I have and taking pride in my home has been so worth it ❤.
You have a caring and considerate personality which is beautiful
Concern and compassion for others ends where you are comfortable in your own home. It is your HOME. For me, I have an amazing assortment of equipment for quilting, including a 15 ft long arm quilting frame, and no furniture in my living room. I don't need it, and I do need the space for my equipment. My friends come over for lunch every Sunday, and I do have a lovely dining room, but if anyone cares to criticize my lack of furniture, they are welcome to leave at any time.
The other side of it, is that when I have guests, they are amazed at the artwork that I am creating and fascinated by the machinery that creates it. So it's a win all around, really.
I used to feel that way. But now in my mid 70s, I'm not trying to impress anyone with my hostessing skills. 😅 My friends and family love me as I am and my adult children are relieved that I am healthy and independent and have a lot of interests. Life is good and I am content.
Dont worry about it. If you ask people, they havent noticed the things you are concerned about.
Me too, we've worked really hard for what we have and we look after it. I really like my home!
We live in rural WV, in the USA. My husband works for a decent living, but we have four kids. I stay home and save us money by cooking most things from scratch, canning, taking care of the kids (instead of daycare), hanging the laundry, mending some clothing and stuffed animals, etc. and finding free entertainment. I'm a nurse, but we make enough to live, save, and invest in retirement, so we've decided the only reason for more money would be to buy more things, which aren't needed, so I'd much rather put my time and effort back into the home and family. I know it's a privilege to be able to do so, and I'm grateful for it.
I've talked to my brother about baking bread, and his response is, "you know you can just buy that, right?" 😂 Growing up my mom used to tell me, "Necessity is the mother of invention," and we'd just figure it out. I'd rather use and teach our children creativity.
You’re building a better life with your hands
Your Mum sounds like mine. My brother and I ate the meals as they were presented and never anything in between. We still grew - He to 6’5”, me (a girl) 5’10”
@@luella2897 o wow! That's really cool. I bet I could learn a lot from you. Good job raising a wonderful family ❤️
❤
Jane, your hair is so lovely down! Thank you for the video!
Consumerism causes so much anxiety and depression as well. We are raising five children on one income, I homeschool them and my husband is a nurse. The culture wants you to think your children need this or that or to go on this trip, what they need is love and time form their parents. 🧡 All these kids on phones and not spending time outside is very sad and will have lasting effects.
It does take a certain amount of courage to live against the grain, but it’s so worth it.
You’re giving your children a great future
We homeschooled our children & one huge benefit was that they were away from peer pressure. That was great. This comment was for the comment above, sorry.
❤
Consumerism addicts suck other people in. New Car, New ‘Things’ I’m a recovering consumerism addict! Coffee come with me in a flask, food comes with me in a box.
It’s hard recovering, but trying my best.
I wish you well
Excellent advice! Your hair left down is beautiful!
Consumerism has caused problems in so many areas of life. I’m 80 and just completed my first “no buy” month! It feels so good that I’m going for another month!! Thanks for the encouraging videos reminding us that we don’t need all that stuff!!
Thanks for sharing!!
In the 70s I used to wash the nappies. OMG
My daughters co workers are amazed that we both cook from scratch, they really can't be bothered to cook and bake, yet they constantly complain about not having any money, she cooks a full breakfast for the drivers and staff once a month on a portable grill. Before they use to order doughnuts so she offered to cook and the company pay for the supplies, everyone lines up for the food, I usually send in some dessert. Some of the drivers have never tasted real food cooked by a person not a fast food joint !!! it's sad really when you consider these people have children !
It’s a shame, they’re not doing themselves any good
Yes! Love this. I tell my kids that we had the water fountain and no snacks at school and they can not believe it. The easy, convenient, consumer life has made us lazy, fat, and lacking important skills. Very thought provoking-thank you.
Thanks Amy
I forgot about the water fountain. There was always that big bully kid who would jam there head in there and the rest had to wait. Then you got two gulps (if lucky) before the teacher shouted at you. Don't know whether to laugh or cry😂😭
This video has made me laugh lots Jane. Ask mum for a biscuit before dinner unthinkable! I remember asking mum to buy Milky Ways because “they don’t fill you up” Mum’s reply was “then what’s the point”. Thank you for a great video that bought back lots of memories x
Love that!
Hi Jane and Mike greetings from Scotland. I used to work in a charity shop until I took early retirement and what an eye opener that was. The amount of stuff (not just clothing ) that was donated with the tags still on it was staggering and it wasn't an affluent area. Connsumerism is a sickness that causes so many other diseases as people stress and worry to try to keep up with friends and peers. I've been guilty in the past of over consuming but since retirement I've turned my back on all the pressures society puts on us and I honestly have never been happier or more content.
Love your channel. ❤
Thanks Lynn. Not something seen or done here in France. Clothes in charity shops here are tatty and very worn, over priced and I won't buy them.
@@FrugalQueeninFrance thats a shame because you can really get good bargains and on new stuff too. I love that your attitude to frugality is same as mine and I have still learned a lot from your videos . Have a great day 😊
For the folks who need to know what it is to sweat, and work, and live a basic life. I have a huge to do list for spring and am willing to generously share it...😅😅😅. I just came in from hanging my sheets outdoors, because today we are not raining or snowing, and lucky us, it's 38 degrees. We are having salad, with our chicken and a selection of vegetable from my canning jars. I am frustrated with dying my hair and having gray roots showing in 2 weeks. I paid $32 for a longer lasting dye kit, and my body's gray is winning out. They added some brown to my dye kit last month to help my auburn stay longer. Well in the mirror I am a brunette for the first time in my life. Nope! I was letting my ego make me dye my hair to it red orgins, and now that isn't working. I am done! My gray will grow out and that will be it. I will gladly cut away the brown, which isn't mine and be done. And yes Jane the pressures of commercialism, and convenience has taken over. We are frequently locked down upon by family due to choosing the hard life. Well guess what, we are the only ones not on anxiety/antidepressants, asthma meds,or cholesterol meds, nor are we pre-diabetic. We didn't get the 19 that most of our family did get. We don't get seasonal respiratory infections, nor the flu. We garden, can, dehydrate, freeze dry, and freeze our stores for off season. We shop sales and stock up for 6 months at a time to keep costs down. We split and stack our own firewood, and use 2 woodstoves for primary heating. On wet days outside if laundry is needed, I use indoor foldable racks to dry our laundry on. I only do laundry when it is a washer load. And I have a very efficient dishwasher, but I only run when full, usually twice a week. I cook large meals and we eat from them for a couple of days. We have no issues with leftovers and we plan meals around what we have on hand, and is needing to get used, by date. I never decide a menu, and then go shopping for it, whether in season or not. 90% of our groceries are bought seasonally, and more than 50% of that is reduced or clearance priced. We have lived this way for years. And now being retired on a fixed income, and continuing to do this, it allows us to save money for other things that we need and a few wants too. I feel wasteful when we eat out. I know that 70% of that meals cost is overhead. I would rather buy a nice cut of meat reduced and save it for a special meal in the future. We just got a special bottle of wine, 75% below cost, and we are putting it aside for our valentines meal.. whatever day we choose to celebrate 🍾 our love.
I grew up in the 70s, too and "childrens spa day" was a bubble bath and then your mom washing your hair at the kitchen sink. If it was a special occasion , she'd set it in rollers before bed. Most weeks though, after washing our hair and combing it out, we'd take turns parting each other's hair into sections, drying it, a touch of pomade for moisture and then braid it. My oh my, how times have changed.
I'm actually sad for today's youth. Their lives are overly complicated.
I am too
Stuff is a distraction. Too much stuff is a constant distraction. When in my early twenties I managed to find a cabin on a mountain to use/live in. No power, no tap with water, outhouse, woodstove, only access was to hike in. Nothing else. There and then I learned about what is needed. It changed my life in the best way possible!
Sounds great to me
Hi Jane and Mike. I too grew up in the 70's and from that time to this, I'm convinced that consumerism has served to increase anxiety and depression fueled by forced competition with the "Jones's" People have lost self-confidence that no matter what they make or do, it's never enough. After all, who can be truly happy if nothing they do is ever good enough?
Profound and true
Totally agree! So succinctly put x
Loved your comment about wasing face with a flannel and sent on your way.😂
That was our spa treatment
Hi Jane and Mike. I rejected consumerism years ago. I wear no makeup or have any fancy regime to cleanse it face...soap and warm water is all you need, plus sunshine. I buy only what i need, and if food has more than 3 ingredients I leave it on the shelf. I feel fit and well and i take my dog for a long walk every day. Companies wouldn't get much profit from me 😂😂
Thanks for sharing!!
I was born in 1954. Consumerism after the war did make lives better. At least for awhile. So many new and exciting things came the market. For the most people purchased things because they needed them not for the sake of buying. Then came easy credit. Then the recessions of the 70s where both parents worked. The corporations feed on giving us convenience, Then came the malls for our kids to hang out in. . It was a time of consumeristic frenzy. It has taken a good 45 years for the reversal but it is happening. You and Mike are a good examples . We look at our purchases in a whole new way.now.
Great advice. As I get older and am in the process of Swedish Death Cleaning I constantly ask myself why did I feel the need to buy some of the things I have? Shopping was my main form of entertainment but thankfully that ended a few years back. Now my entertainment is selling the stuff! Like your hair!
Good advice
Hi Jane. I remember Mum telling me that dinner was at 6pm when Dad came home. We had penny sweets once a week on payday, none if money was tight. I was having this conversation with my girls and Hubby at Christmas. I was asking at what point we started to believe we needed all this stuff, as we were queueing to buy another plastic box to store it in! I said how come we need more boxes every new year? We are now going through them all and clearing out the clutter we have been led to believe we needed over the years. I crave a simpler life.
We crave it too
At my stage of life, I value relationships over the pursuit of more stuff.
A line from the Beatles "And Your Bird Can Sing":
"When your prized possessions start to weigh you down, look in my direction, I'll be 'round."😊
You are so right! I cook from scratch 90 percent of the time, I am retired and have plenty of time. I was 13 in 1970 and boy you hit the nail on it's ;head in your description of what it was like back then. My mom raised 3 of us all on her own, many times working 2 jobs. So Extras were seldom.
Wonderful!
I find supermarkets overwhelming these days.
The real food is disappearing and everything else is precut, precooked and packaged.
They're peddling poison
As a child, we ate a handful of Cheerios as an afternoon snack😊. However I am elderly+ don’t drive, so a streaming service is great value for me if I can’t find an item at the grocery store. Items are delivered directly to my apartment door. I have a ride weekly to the market+ medical appointments though. I am careful to order only what I actually need, not what I want.
It’s a shame there are not more community services to include you in life beyond your door.
I don’t know how I managed to watch this whole video without pausing to post a comment actually, but I have to say, and most EMPHATICALLY that I am in 100% agreement with your entire content !!! I am 72, and have been frugal all my life …. because I could see the writing on the wall from being a child that mass consumerism is a path to nowhere, and here we are with finite resources on that ever downward spiral. We do all the things you and Mike do yourself, and are a zillion good benefits for it. In fact, the further through life I go, the more I am able to improve our lives by being REAL ! Congratulations to you both. I admire and applaud that you have said it straight. Thank you ❤
Thanks for your feedback
Consumerism, in my opinion, is much of what is wrong with the world. I do get tired of being the brunt of derogatory comments about how I don't have this or that, don't keep up with the latest fashions, and don't wear makeup, but I'm debt-free and most of those making comments are not! Sometimes I wish I could find some like-minded people to get together with face-to-face, but I'm mostly an introvert and enjoy online communities like your channel. Thank you for being practical. I relate to what you say.
Must laugh about 1970s water fountains because mononucleosis was spreading through my school when I was young, and it was determined that the students putting their mouths on the water fountain because the water pressure was so low was the likely cause. 😅
My friend has a Netflix account that I’m a user on, and there is a new documentary about consumerism. That’s tonight’s watch while I’m quilting some handmade gifts for Christmas.
I grew up in the 80s where all of this consumerism started catching on. Looking back, I wish I would have known about frugal living.
This was a great video. I discovered yesterday while meeting with a group of women to make charity quilts and who have grandchildren that certain companies are selling lines of make up for children. I was shocked. I also remember growing up in England in the 50’s, 60’s your mum wetting a flannel and rubbing it around your face. If you got a dirty face when you were out, it was a bit of spit on a handkerchief. There were never snacks. If there were bananas around the were for pudding or dessert. Maybe once in a while a bag of (small bag) crisps for a treat depending on the occasion. I don’t understand why everyone runs around sipping coffee. My husband does but he always makes his coffee at home.
Great memories
I was laughing so much at your out the door with a marmite sandwich quote…. I came home from school to bread and butter and a chivers jelly pot in the 70’s as my main meal was at lunch…. Or an orange sliced between bread and butter….. which is actually delish and was my pregnancy craving. Strange how much healthier we were tho! 😂😂😂😂
Wise words. I am old enough to no longer care what people think of me, my home, my lifestyle etc. As they say, those who matter don't mind and those who mind don't matter. Doing my bit to knock consumerism on the head :D
❤ I do like some convenient things like curb side pickups. Once in a while I have to order something very specific from a specific store and I like having the ability to order online and do curbside pickup just so I don't have to go in and be tempted to purchase something else while I'm there. It saves me time and money! I do have a streaming service that I got for only $5 month and I take it out of my entertainment budget. I have been battling cancer for the last year and unfortunately some days I'm so sick I can't do anything but sit and watch tv or do word searches. I go out whenever I'm feeling good and walk or just dabble in the garden but the days I'm not feeling quite up to par TV helps me not think about feeling bad. Otherwise we already do pretty much everything else you mentioned EXCEPT that ice bath thing. NOPE! NOT HAPPENING! We live in the north east part of the USA and its cold enough that if i want to get cold I'll go to the chicken coop without my jacket on for my challenge LOL 😂.
Prayers and peace to all out there! God bless!!
Thanks so much
You give great advice in all of your videos...but this is the best one of all. I don't know how anyone can believe that debt and poverty is "easy".
So true!
Consumerism is definitely ruining people's lives! Just this week I got a text message asking me to spend 298 dollars ( plus taxes on) on skin care in order to receive a few "free gifts". Being in my early 40s I do think about skin care etc and am tempted but you make so many valid points in your video! Unrealistic expectations of what we are "supposed to look like" are all around us and I see it with my students too. We live on an old homestead and are trying to make it work here is Eastern Canada but it is not easy. We had 32 chickens but lost nearly all of them to a weasel or mink. We hope to instill homesteaders values in our three young children's lives. ❤ Thank you for your videos, God bless you
That’s why we won’t have chickens, lots of pine martens here.
Add to the consumer culture the electronics that are supposed to help everyday living and honestly, I think they make MORE work for us, not less. The countless hours spent learning the devices, all the controls in a car that absolutely no one needs, passwords, security threats and breaches, it takes up so much time!
Thanks for sharing
We are starting early retirement this year. My number one problem is an Amazon shopping addiction 😂. I’ve deleted my account. And make a list for my husband to buy when we need things. Also, no more buying books. I use the library! Making our own bread and going to the Dollar Store for things like cards and wrapping g paper. Small steps but it makes me feel better 😊
You're making great progress
Back in my early 20s I was burgled and the thieves stole almost all my possessions and at that point I realised that 'stuff' was just an illusion of security. I'm now in my 70s but have often thought that if I ever met the thieves I would thanks them because since that day I have rejected consumerism and still do. I buy what I need and pay for quality over quantity. I wear clothes until they're rags and haven't worn a scrap of makeup in almost 40 years. I wear my hair long and haven't been to a hairdresser for 40 years either. Thanks for a thought provoking video once again. Have you ever walked into a shop and looked around you and asked yourself the question 'Who the heck buys all this rubbish?'
I often think that.
I would call myself a moderate minimalist. Since I am not trying to buy lots of items, whenever I go into a store there is a feeling of overload. Most of the time I am able to leave the store quickly rather than linger. That helps both to save time and money.
I feel the same way. I get the feeling of overload in stores and even in some of my friends homes. Thanks for the comment.
You always make me smile as this is how I grew up, too.
Thanks
Recently it was brought to my attention that the word “evil” spelled backwards is live… perhaps the true definition of living backwards is our current and growing state of consumerism. Thoughts to ponder. Thank you Jane and Mike for being authentic in life.
Thanks, there's nothing good about rampant capitalism
When I was in primary school we were given milk and an apple at recess. If it was summer upwards of 40degrees we were given a sunny boy ice block. All supplied by the school. After school a tablespoon of Miloor a piece of fruit for our snack and then dinner at 5.30pm. This was in the 50s and early 60s. I wear make up everyday because I like it not to impress and I get dressed in something nice also. We stay home most days working around our home 🏡. My husband cooks because he loves too and I have baking days where I make pies etc for our freezer. Thankyou Jane . I also believe love what you have and be content. Don't ever compare you life to others as each is unique. ❤
Thanks Freda
Consumerism makes our life different. Some things better, some worse and that can depend on whether you have money to participate in it or not. I’m glad we have more choice now and that my kids have more choices than I did growing up. Some of those choices (like having a mobile phone) provide us some peace of mind in a world that is so different from the work I was a child in.
Your best comment was ‘it’s up to us whether we participate and what pieces of consumerism we participate in’. Like personal finance, consumerism is our personal choice.
Loving the jumpers you’ve been wearing lately - esp the red one.
Thanks
Hi thanks for sharing .Good advice frugal 👸 👑 lov your new look 👌. Yes cost of living now new consumerism 😮. My best frugal life by Jane and Mike ❤❤❤❤❤
You are so welcome
I like to think I have one foot in nature and the other in progress that would be good for our family. I believe in doing all I can to save money.. canning freezing and hanging my clothes inside the home and outside. I don’t like getting wrapped up into too much media, unless it’s sites that I learn from. You and Mike are very good and blunt.. I like this very much!❤
Thanks for sharing!
Thank you
Yes to real food and real food. Snacks are mostly overly processed and empty calories. No make here either, Jane. It is just an extra expense. Children's spa days? I haven't had one nor want one. We do not have streaming services either.
These posts on Facebook on going to the store for milk and returing home with $200 worth of things were an eye opener too ...
Thank you for your beautiful video, Jane!
Thanks Luba
FANTASTIC video, Jane. Love your direct yet non-judgemental plain talking. There are items, such as vacuum cleaners, which have improved our lives, but I agree that consumerism is only feeding off people's insecurities and fears. We don't need a new vacuum until the one we have dies. Be proud of who we are and don't let others influence us. ❤❤
Thanks for your reply
I remember in the 90’s shopping at the mall and so much was all of a sudden available- alarms went off in my head that I couldn’t buy it all - had no room for it all and I shut down somewhat. My folks also died and we had to clean out their stuff. I knew I didn’t want to deal with stuff nor leave it for our sons.
Thanks
I saw a headline for an article today about what is "in" for 2024 for home decor and didn't bother looking at it as what I have is perfectly sufficient for my needs. Consumerism definitely hasn't made our lives better, it has just lead to more and more waste going to landfill. You look so glamorous with your hair down Jane!
Consumerism and the false marketing spiels that drive rampant consumption are a never-ending thief to those who seek external validation. I am so grateful to have grown up in a household for whom authenticity, kindness and character was of far more priority than consumption. My parent's both grew up during the second world war, life was challenging and hard work and working together overcame a lack of resources and/or money. Entertainment was homegrown and no one needed to be sophisticated to be valued. Thank you for your brilliant messages. ❤ from Australia 🦘
Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment
I agree completely with you. You and I are the same age, retired, out of debt, no mortgage, nothing. Like you, rarely wear makeup anymore...I feel like a clown when I do. Now it feels like I am fake and insecure when I do. I was a snob during my working years. Nothing but the best high-end clothes, cars, trips, makeup and home. What a waste of money. I felt I deserved it. Wasted hundreds of thousands of dollars. It didn't make me happy. My simple self-sufficient life makes me happy and healthier than I was in my 30's and 40's. Don't even get me started on Christmas. Why do people celebrate if they are not a Christian? Also, why exchange gifts at Christmas when it's not your birthday? I celebrate the birth of Christ, but why do we feel the pressure to give gifts to those who don't believe? Again, waste of money. Thank you for your channel. :)
Thanks for your reply
I only buy what I need not what I want so there's no snacks in the house, any meat is fresh but frozen. The only time I splashed out on something was in the lockdowns I bought some cheap whisky from Lidl and ginger ale and went through a bottle per week but since then I've stopped that and lost weight. Any DVD's I buy are pre-owned saving pounds on the new version
Excellent video, and once again, thanks for your basic common sense and down to earth facts regarding consumerism, and as a retiree from the post war ‘Baby Boomber’years, I fully appreciate! Great stuff 👍👍
You are so right! Thank you for these reminders! I live in the USA
You are so welcome!
Absolutely agree. We should all be choosing the alternative. For us, the biggest problem issue is that consumerism is destroying the planet as well as our lives.
KS here. I gave up consumerism years ago. I'm over 70, and spend time doing sewing, canning, etc. although I'm slowing down on that canning, and my produce comes from local markets now. I have worn makeup (foundation) once in January. I have no processed food or cleaners in my house. That has allowed me to live comfortably on very little. I agree with you, keep educating the public.
Thanks so much
You made me think of the Scottish show "Still Game". One of the long-running gags on the show is the little electric space heater in the one retiree's apartment. When he is feeling extravagant, he turns the heat up the entire "3 bars". 😂
I love that show
@@FrugalQueeninFrance It's a classic 👌
Yes Jane!!! I COMPLETELY agree!
I hate consumerism but find that I have been partaking in it especially around the holidays. Now that the holidays are over we are back to basics. I have recently had back surgery and am recuperating from that. I want to make sourdough and other types of homemade bread. Jane your hair is lovely worn down. Thank you for your beautiful videos.
Thanks for watching
Love your videos. I grew up in the 70’s, ‘what’s for dinner mum?’ was answered with ‘air pie and a run round’ 😅. We try to live as frugally as possible and try to instil the same in our boys (not easy) x
Thanks for sharing!!
Loved the sentence about the sippy cup I work with youngsters and asked why they have to have water with them at all times and tell them exactly what you said about queuing at the water fountain in out break only not in class time 😊 great blog Jane and Mike love your down to earth sensible advice as always
Exactly!!
UGH consumerism. Your points in all areas are so valid. My husband an I are simple people. No buying coffee out and about for us or the like. I do however shop online a lot for the things I need. I HATE shopping in stores....if I can't be in and out in a hurry I steer clear lol. So tired of the superficial lifestyles of keeping up with the Jones' If people only knew the freedom when you are debt free.
Thanks for watching
Hello! Your words are so true, some of ud expect things to be done for us today..some have lost the ability to research, plan, create and wait. The generation growing up now are expected to be less well off financially than us and their parents. There is a challenge to them to learn, be ingenious and they could really do with seeing your channel in years to come!
Thanks for leaving a reply
Well said! My sentiments exactly Jane. I like antiques in my home, but am trying to find them on Craigslist or other creative ways. Some shops are so expensive! You have hit all of your points head on I totally agree.
Great idea!
Absolutely spot on Jane. I watch some of my grandkids...not all..but some are on the consumerism merry-go-round and I fear when they fall off it will be devastating for them financially. Keep speaking the truth. You are much appreciated!
You’re right it is devastating
Very true Jane. Consumerism is out of control! I don’t use food, or supermarket delivery services. I want to pick my own food off the shelves. No streaming services either. We find dvds at charity shops for pennies.
It’s making us as humans fat, and lazy, and as you say, manufacturers don’t care. They just want your money. Thanks to you and Mike for thought provoking video🇬🇧
Thanks for sharing
Consumerism is a snowball, i totally agree with everything you say, some people haven't woke up yet.
I smiled when you mentioned your mother. She sounds just like mine. We never had crisps etc. food was home cooked, plentiful and delicious. Cans of Coke etc? Never. I don’t remember ever feeling hungry and mealtime was family time. Even now I would never buy pastry and always think of Mother teaching me and chatting at the same time. Happy memories. (Is there anything as disgusting as packet stuffing?). Thanks for reminding us of mindful living. X
Thank you for watching and commenting
Another example. People buy softener that smells chemical, is a danger for their skin, bad in sewage and for the natur, expensive, only for the feeling of soft towels. And then buy massage brushes to make their skin shiny ( a "hard" towel would have the same effect).
People buy fully automatic coffee makers ( dont know the correct word) for nearly 1300€, instead of a filter a flask and kettle ( with two flakes you can also tee for the hole day) for less then 100€.
Great video and content as always Jane and Mike.
Blessings from Bavaria Germany
Such good advice and common sense Jane! In my opinion consumerism and the pressure it puts on some people makes for a more isolated community. Some people seem to have lost the ability to think or act for themselves in any capacity. And I don’t believe we are necessarily a better society for it in any way whatsoever. Btw - I loved seeing your beautiful hair styled like that!
Thanks so much for your reply
Oh, can't wait to watch this one!
Jane, I love your new hairdo. You look 20 years younger. Congrats to a new transformation. You don't need to spend a lot of money to look good . DIY is a frugal way to cut and color hair. That's what I do all the time. We are in the same boat. Keep up your good content on youtube. You're an inspiration to us.
I’m the same person, my face is the same.
Hi Jane.thank you for your video.yes the world's gone crazy days for everything one fad or another.I try to ignore all this stuff I tend to live a simple ,maybe a little old fashioned quiet life for me but suits m just fine thanks for me, keep making video s I enjoy watching and learning x
You are so welcome
A friend told me there is a added tip at Restaurant s on top of the tip that people can voluntarily give , I personally think it is rude to expect people to pay extra 😮 for service that it is expected.
I thrift pretty must everything ,,and feel Great that I am recycling .
We need to “keep it simple “ and not fall for the guilt that business dump on us …
We are getting pampered too much ,then we can’t solve a problem because everything is at our finger tips .Great Video Jane Thanks again ❤🎉
Thanks Cathy
That was great thanks for the tips !!!
Glad it was helpful!
I totally agree with you Jane it’s all about money. I love your hair down. It’s very pretty
Thanks
It is really crazy, what is going on in the world. People talk about their food like a religion. Everything has to be organic and green and raw and vegan and on top they take supplements without ends. Another example ...we adopted two cats from the shelter 7 weeks ago and in the store for pet food they showed me the most expensive food for them first with 3,79 Euro for one tin of cat food with only 400 g. I need 500 g food a day for both of my cats. We have had cats since 25 years and every one gets good normal food. Everyone is playing with our fear. I haven't played this game for a long time.
Food snobbery will keep anyone broke
Buying convenience foods takes away the feeling of accomplishment too, doesn't it? I just made some scones for the first time this morning and if they are supposed to be light and fluffy (I've never eaten them before), then they were a success.
It’s really important for our mental well being that we make things for ourselves
You are on fire today!!!!! Loved it!
😊 thank you
Hi Jane and Mike we to live in France, south West.
In a small hamlet in the middle of country side.
There’s no bus, no corner shop, no take a ways
I buy all the basic food in bulk as if we do run out of anything we do without that’s just the way it is.
We garden, read books, watch bit of Telly ( mostly in the winter )
I’ve begun doodling, drawing, ect.
We enjoy our lives more and more without consummation.XX
You have a great life
Every word you have said I totally agree with, my mum would have said you should have eaten more dinner or wait until tea time, my eldest two children did not have central heating and my youngest sone is 15 years younger and couldn’t believe we had no heating
Consumerism has ruined us in many ways. The younger generations cannot cope with any kind of struggle because all they know is instant gratification. Love your videos!🤗💗
Lack of resilience is a huge problem
I agree, I believe that is why there are so many people in the US today dependent on anti depressants and other drugs as they can’t cope with real life’s ups and downs.
We have never had streaming services or cable of any kind.
We do have a dvd player and a library card. That seems to suffice. Or we read or talk the evening away.
Our beauty regime as a kid was to go outside in the fresh air and muck around in the lake or the dirt. Not much has changed for me - lol
Thanks for your reply
I’m glad to hear someone else say they have a dvd player, though mine also has a vcr attachment. I use it everyday…I stopped wearing full makeup about 15 years ago because it took up too much time applying it all in the mornings…I wash my face, apply moisturizer and a dab of lipstick, then I’m out the door!
You look gorgeous Jane!!! Consumerism is ruining society. People are chasing happiness but can't seem to find it. Running up massive debt along the way. It's horrible.
Happiness can’t be bought, we make our own happiness
We have freeview tv and i enjoy youtube, people telling you about their lives through vlogs like yours.
Thanks Elaine
I know I can live without streaming services but what I decided to do is to cancel all of them except one and I rotate between them so I can watch the movies and shows that I want. The great thing is that once you cancel they send you offers and even free trials to rejoin. When I had 10+ streaming services I wasn't even able to use them all so one at a time works best for me.
Do you have charity shops? Ours sell 10 DVDs for 5€ so we watch movies then give them away
I subscribe to one music service, my choice of music at home and in the car with no adverts, no presenters and no news reports so I enjoy it. I do not have a television,. I do not stream films, t.v. or sports.
Thanks
Great video and a lot of wise commennts. I think consumerism went to far, the big marketing companies they running out of ideas what else to produce. We have eveything but we still not happy. Well done for your job.
Great point!
Another great video. Love your hair down, looks lovely 💙
Thank you!! 😊
There is a feminist book, I can't remember which one off hand, that discusses this. Originally home products were marketed to women, telling them they couldn't be a good enough housewife without such and such. Then, when women started working outside the home, they decided to make women dissatisfied with how they look in order to sell them beauty products. I personally would add that they realised making people unhappy with themselves was such a rip roaring marketing success, that they then started with men's beauty products, and as you say the same seems to be happening with children now.
You hit this one out of the ball park with this! I do have to say we have streaming, but in our defense, my husband is homebound pretty much and neither of us can stand commercials. That said, if it were just me, it would be gone. All of your points are very well made, Jane. Loved seeing the girls at the end of the video, too.
Thanks Linda
You are so right: capitalism/consumerism has caused many problems. People come first, not things.Thanks for the reminder Jane and Mike!
Very true
Man, you got me with number one right off the bat!😂 I had to delete some apps from my phone cause they were too tempting…. And take my credit card information out so I can’t auto enter it for online shopping. Just the time it takes to go get my card and enter the information is enough to stop impulse purchases.
That’s good, life shouldn’t be easy
Thank you,I agree with all you said.Fabulous pups ,I have two Westies Stanley and Lucy.🐶🐶
Thanks Anna
Thank you, Jane! The consumerism frenzy doesn’t seem to have a limit does it. In 2007 my personal economy crashed. Left an abusive relationship with my 3 children and a suitcase. We were extremely fortunate that my parents could take us in. I’ve cleaned houses since to support us although all 3 children are married and doing well. It was a hard lesson but killed consumerism for me. It has taught us all so many valuable lessons that we wouldn’t have learned otherwise. I’ve always had a garden but this year I’m doing a deep dive lol. Produce can be shared but the physical and mental benefits are why I’m doing it. Thank you for holding me accountable. Cheers, Janina from Ontario, Canada 🇨🇦
It was good honest work, I cleaned holiday caravans when we needed the money
So ready 😊❤
Comparison and consumerism are the two things to avoid..I could go on at length but don't feel the need..I learnt many years ago to be happy with my own space and not to compare my circumstances along other people's goals..😁💕
Great point!
We rarely eat out I cook whole food from scratch my home decor would be considered outdated but I don’t really care about others opinions I like it and am quite happy . This was a great video 😊
Thanks for sharing!! Our house is purposefully old fashioned
You look very pretty with your hair down. I believe consumerism has made us all lazy. Sometimes we do need delivery services for the disabled and the elderly. My husband and I are both elderly. He is disabled but I am still strong so I do shopping on my own. But I know that someday I will have to use Delivery services when I no longer able to shop for myself
Hi, I really enjoy your posts. Consumerism drives so many parts of our lives. The poorer I've gotten, the more I realize all the money I spent on unnecessary things. It is forcing me to pay close attention to everything I spend. I've re-evaluated where I want to spend my time, also. I quit a full-time job because it was hurting my health. It has given me time to focus on my grown children's very real needs. Hope I can get things squared away and find a job soon.
Good luck Chris
Did you find anything, work-wise?
I can't like this video enough 👏👏👏
Consumerism has a lot to answer for current mental health problems especially in teens.
Only today I got strange looks at work when I said I don't buy my children ready made snacks and I don't have streaming services. I couldn't believe people pay £100-£140 for sky tv packages!!! I deleted lots of shopping apps, amazon, etsy etc if I can't find it in the local shops I go without.
Stick to your beliefs !
Best talk ever, Jane!!!!!
Thank you
Absolutely stunning to see your hair down 🤩
Thank you!! 😊