Did you enjoy this six-episode series? What was your favorite episode? What other topics would you like us to talk about in future seasons of #LetsTalkAboutLess?
I did enjoy this series.This episode and the one on being busy resonated the most with me. The consumerism culture seeks to have us in debt and to keep us busy in order to prevent us from noticing how miserable we truly are, and more importantly, to keep us from questioning the status quo.
Great content guys! I would be interested in your take on renting vs buying. You often speak about downsizing your rental apartments but I have never heard you mention the benefits of putting money into your own dwelling as opposed to lining the pockets of a landlord... thoughts?
Hey! Now I need to go watch the others! I really enjoyed the animations of this one. The way you speak is already engaging but the animation did add to it. The message of waiting until you can actually afford something is so powerful.
This is so beautiful Josh and Ryan. Not only do you present your points that are so desperately important in today's world, but your attention to detail and poignancy is breathtaking. Thank you for adding immeasurable value to my life ❤️
I'm 58 years old and have been debt free since I was 30. I look back and am grateful for living within my means. It's been the ultimate freedom for me and my life. My financial life is so simple. My material life is so simple. Decision making is simple. I can breathe easily and worry less.
@@utub1473 I was in my twenties. Restaurants, bars, a spendthrift ex-husband, unneccesary things that satisfied wants. I had a lot of fun and maybe it's a natural phase to go through in life but once I divorced the husband, I paid off the debt and that has been my ticket to feeling free. At 37, I took a year to travel around the world...
I’m about to downsize from a 4 bed detached house to a small 2 bed terrace here in England, debt free and money in the bank, virtually nobody I talk to thinks it’s a good idea... they’re trapped in this never ending cycle of “More is More= success “... I’m fed up trying to explain my reasoning to them, they mean well but I don’t think they will ever understand until they make the connection that you guys at The Minimalists helped me make.
Awesome! That’s because many people are disguised by the illusion of appearance, rather than substance. Many people have told me similar, thinking of the long-term, finally paid off resolution years, if not decades away. This is a forbearance of our own reality, the life we can live now, and the opportunity cost we must work for...your money or your life!
Also from the UK…..and also the reason I have subscribed to these guys. Sounds like a damn good idea to me…. And I won’t be far behind you …..I just don’t understand how people cannot think this is a good idea?! What is the point of having all that money if it is tied up in a big house and you can’t enjoy it? Best wishes to you!
I am almost debt free. I should be done paying everything off in 9 months. I’ve been juggling massive amounts of debt for 20 years. I thought that I could buy happiness or at least buy the image of success. But I was wrong. Once I get all my debt paid off I am taking a 60k a year pay cut and taking my dream job as an addictions counselor. Listen to this video! You are trapping yourself through debt and material possessions
Good work. The ironic thing is you’re trapping yourself in debt buying someone else’s image of success as well. Far more successful to have less superfluous stuff and a career you find value in.
When I paid off all my Credit Card debt; it felt like I was no longer drowning. When I paid off my mortgage it was so liberating; I felt like I bought myself out of slavery. I felt so efn' FREE! Now I could finally build wealth, and I am. I totally wish this feeling for everyone.
Absolutely love this video and agree 100%! We live a debt free life (besides the mortgage). Live below your means. We live on half our income. If we can't pay cash, we don't buy it, period!
I'm 32 and my husband 40 we are both retired with over $3 million in net worth and no debt! mortgage cleared. Currently living smart and frugal with our money Saving and investing lifestyle made it possible for us this early. Thanks to FIRE movement
@Topsy Vanessa FIRE means Financial Independence Retire Early. It's been a movement teaching people financial independent and how to retire debt free through solid Investment and frugal lifestyle
@Camila NorlanI can share some that helped me 1. Plan towards it 2. Be Frugal and minimal on spending. ( dont buy why you don't need) 3. Save money towards retirement (Roth IRA/401k) 4. Save to (in,vest), it's a proven way to get richer. Very important to financial success.
@Camila Norlan There's a lot of investing options ( real estate, airbnb, stocks, cry pto, ETFS) but my best advice get a professional lead you into profitable one.
@Camila Norlan Yeah! I recommend the ser,vices of virginiamayregan a US based financial consultant and analyst. She has been influential to my financial journey.
I am debt free & life is amazingly beautiful!! Just watched several friends buy brand new cars instead of repairing their existing vehicles because 7 years of debt is better than the $2 grand right now to repair it. I caught a moment of jealousy creep in until I brought my awareness back to the present moment and my gratitude for being debt free & the joy I have to be free!!! Awesome video!!! ✌️❤️🙏
There is nothing wrong with driving your car until it cracks 😃 i bought a car and it took me three years to pay it off, recently my family and friends pointed out that it is time for getting a new one, i'm totally rejecting the idea because it makes no sense, it seems like an endless cycle of debt; there is and will always be that new car.
I’ve influenced 2 of my friends to not finance any furniture. I’m proud of being this kind of influence. I discovered minimalism when I was 18 & I’m grateful for Josh + Ryan saving me a lot of pain
This is the first month in 10 years that I have not had to make any debt payments. I feel free. I started investing the “extra” money and now sit back and watch it grow.
2021 is the year I become debt free £3000 left and it’s bringing me joy to know how close I am. So don’t give up whoever is reading this, you can do it no matter how big or small. ✌🏾
Interest is just modern way to enslave a population and convince them that going into debt for things will solve all problems and bring happiness. The reality is it enslaves the consumer into utilizing horrible loans (credit cards) with outrageous interest rates. Interest keeps the poor poor and obedient.
The center shot with Joshua is GENIUS. I just look around all the things I don’t need, while the words bring me back to the message. I love this. So much. Started becoming debt free and baby step 2 in 2021 after graduating in May of 2020. I’m determined! And so are all of you! Keep at it! Thanks for insight Minimalists!
You give me so much motivation. I am an shopping addict, binging on all the wrong things, while i get the most happy when i’m doing all the things i really love. Thank you for tis. I will overcome this addiction too.
Building a habit of stepping back from buying on impulse allows us to begin respecting what we earn a little bit better. Ultimately respecting ourselves. I've been a long-time fan. Thank you for adding much-needed energy to this movement.
When I watch your vids I not only think about your story and your habits but I imagine the path you took to get the mindset that got you where you are now. I keep in mind this mindset that I want to refine. I have a PhD but there is so much I have not yet accomplished and I'm working on it now like playing the guitar, becoming an artist, learning to sing, learning to love and give, learning to love myself. Thank you for being here.
When you save money to buy something and you finally got it, the feelings are extraordinary in our mind and spirit and you get the thought that is true: the hard work really pay you back.
I am grateful to be debt free. I have an older 2006 SUV. Finally it's been clicking with me. Less is more. I've been going item through Item, tossing this and that. Giving away things when I can. I've broken down the minimalism game into the first 15 days of the month. That's a 120 things a month! I'll take it. The whole 30 days is overwhelming for me, coming from a lifetime of collecting things, clutter and things I attached memories too. Thank you for all of the information you put out there for us.
my mental framework about minimalism is already solid and i never consume or buy anything i can't afford or isn't essential. but the way he delivers his lines still slapped me in the face like I DO all those things. i can't imagine how hard a punch in a face it is when people who recklessly spends, are in tons of debt, and buy things they don't need to maintain a social image watches this video WILL FEEL! there are 2 things that can happen, either they wake up and take action and Change direction to go north, or stay and follow south where the endless abyss of misery relies because they are too hurt, afraid and overwhelmed to face reality and take action.
Guys, I have been following your blog, back in the day when you had a few thousand subscribers. What amazing journey it’s been. Thank you for enlightening us to the joy of minimalism 😊
There is a reason that so many companies market credit to consumers. It increases their wealth at our expense. There is a tremendous freedom in being able to say no to immediate gratification and wait until we can afford something before purchasing it. Even greater freedom from the compulsion to acquire more "stuff". Thank you for this video.
So good! (As always!) thank you! You’re the mind in the back of my head constantly at the stores and looking around at what’s in my house, what I choose to buy and let go in my life!
Debt free for almost a decade. I totally agree, *but* I am also fortunate and upper middle class. For people like me it's about controlling impulse. There are unfortuantely some who don't make a living wage, literally have to take on debt to survive, and for them it's survival. Payday loans (one of the worst kinds of debt) exist for a reason. That said, I think I'm more the target audience here. Keep spreading the word!
We've been debt free now for almost 2 decades. The truth of this video is real. I could buy a new vehicle right now with cash but my 21 year old truck and 11 year old Camry still run fine. We just replaced our 15 year old living room furniture and 12 year old mattress and paid cash for them. As Ryan said, "I'm never going back".
Great statements, you know, this is some wisdom just North of you, (Indiana) but you ever notice that the people with the most opinions of how you should live and look, are also the lowest contributors financially?
This is great. I enjoyed the one about busyness as well. While some of your other work covers the topic, I'd love to see a Let's Talk About Less episode on the topic of "disposable" things. Both the product label "disposable" and the mindset these things are given by the consumer.
Great stuff. Having been raised by fiscally boring parents, who carried no debt except their mortgages, my husband and I have lived similarly and it is definitely less stressful even if your couch is 20 years old. An old SNL skit featuring Steve Martin and Amy Pohler, called something like “Don’t Spend Money You Don’t Have,” pretty much sums it up. Recommend it highly.
I'm on the final steps to be debt free and it's so hard! I close 100K $ debt in 1.5 year, right before pandemic and I left with 20-25K. Hope to close this in couple of months. Thank you for your inspiration and messages! Keep going!
Like, were you guys watching me while I was unpacking my package I received today? I REALLY needed to hear this today. You have made me save myself from future impulse purchases. Thank you so much ☺️ PLEASE DO A VIDEO ON THINGS LIKE AFTERPAY, LAYBUY APPS ETC!! It’s too easy to lose yourself 😭
Hi Joshua and Ryan - I loved the six-episode series/season, each video-essay gave food for thought and were great reminders that were actually reassuring and help keep focus on what matters. Thank you both for what you do and the value you are delivering :-)
That was an extremely powerful 3 minutes & 54 seconds. Thanks guys for the continuous inspiration you give! I have been revisiting all my favourite videos & talks on simplicity & minimalism recently. Here is an old one that I thought may inspire others too: Ted Talk- Jon Jandai. Life is easy, why do we make it so hard? 🤗
For ~$1000USD we fixed a bunch of stuff on our 2003 car and it runs a lot better now. Once we get the inside decluttered and vacuumed, it will probably feel brand-new. $1000 Sounds like an expensive repair, but it's still cheaper than a loan + interest on a different car, that we'd have to also repair at some point anyway.
#937RepresentRepresent!! Keep doing what you are doing. Y'all inspired me to become a minimalist. Been debt free for a year now and I'm never going back.
Keep it up 👍 second greatest video. I’ve been a minimalist for over 20+ years. I started in the 90s should’ve started a career like you but that’s OK I don’t have to work hard ever do what I want when I want No corporation tell me what to do 👍👍👍
I have a few months left and will finally thank god be debt free apart from my mortgage. I’ve juggled credit cards, transferring them over to other cards with 0% interest in order to avoid paying the interest, would recommend anyone to do that, otherwise will take longer to pay back and also pay well over the minimum amount each month if you can. I will be rewarding myself once the cards are paid mid This year as a way to celebrate, it’s an achievement, but all paid with my own cash lol. Keep going everyone....
*Income versus Expense* Many so-called "personal finance experts" are too focused on decreasing expenses. In general, decreasing "bad spending" is good. I just think that you should focus more on increasing your income by acquiring positive cash flow assets. A positive cash flow asset is something that puts money into your pocket after all expenses and debt service. A liability is something that takes money from your pocket, and generally depreciates in value. A car is a liability, because it depreciates over time and consumes your money for fuel, maintenance, insurance, and taxes. Poor and financially illiterate people trade their time and effort for a paycheck from an employer. Retirement funds are first taken from the paycheck, then taxes, and then the employee receives whatever is left. Everyone else is paid first before the employee is paid. Wealthy and financially educated people do not work for a paycheck. Instead, they work to build or buy positive cash flow assets that continue to pay them after the work is completed. We all know that wealthy people buy things that depreciate in value. Many folks try incorrectly to emulate the wealthy by buying expensive things, like houses, cars, planes, and boats. Financially illiterate folks use consumer debt to buy those liabilities and use their paychecks to repay the debt with interest while the liability is decreasing in value faster than the debt is repaid. Wealthy and financially educated folks will instead buy a positive cash flow asset to pay for the liability. For example, buying a fancy car for $30,000: A poor or financially illiterate person will use debt or a savings plan to buy the car, and then pay for the fuel, maintenance, and taxes from their paycheck. A wealthy person will build or buy an asset that will completely pay for the car, as well as paying for the fuel, maintenance, taxes, and he receives a monthly positive cash flow. *The wealthy person is paid to buy the liability.* That's a _paradigm shift_ in your thinking. This is why increasing income is far better than decreasing expenses. By increasing income, not by working more hours, but rather by building or buying cash flowing assets provides a multiplier effect to pay down your bad consumer debt. Increased income from positive cash flow assets can be applied to your bad consumer debt to pay off that bad debt much faster. After the bad debt is paid off, the asset continues to generate income for you to buy or build more assets. This shows the difference between *good debt that makes money for you and bad debt that takes money from you.*
You’re talking about using debt as a tool to make money by investing in something else. I think this is a terrible idea for anyone who has any debt right now. If you have zero debt, then yes, taking out debt to invest in something that would give a higher rate of return is a good idea. But once you’ve accounted for the cost of debt and taxes, it better be a great, secure investment.
I’m not debt free and probably never will be because I got sick and my insurance that cost me half of my rent was awful leaving me with VERY large bills. I live in the U.S. and that’s how it is here 🙁
I'm all about not living beyond my means but if I didn't finance a car and my cell (considering there's no bus routs where I live and paying for a home phone and cell is would be wasting money) I wouldn't have found a decent job or had a way to get their. Uber is cheaper than a taxi but still would be more expensive than my car payment a month. And if it wasn't for my job I wouldn't have been able to put down for a house. To buy everything FULL PRICE even if I didn't need a car (which I do), I'd spend close to 20 yrs of my adult life still renting unless I saved enough for a dump in a bad/more dangerous neighborhood. Luckily, I have no children otherwise it would be even harder to pay FULL PRICE for everything. Even if I never bought gifts for anyone (except my mom's bday), never went out with friends (as it almost always costs money) or even eat out myself or catch a movie once every 2-4 months (which I don't do anyways), my predicament wouldn't change much even when I'm pay interest in my current situation. I use to live that way buy full price the for a used cars and spent a go 12 yrs in/out of mechanic shops, renting while every year raising my rent till I'm forced to find a cheaper apartment and still rarely went out except to family gatherings etc... Basically, I'm more happier, live a more fulfilled life not being stressed/worried having to pay interest than living and interest free life. I'd tried to pay full price for every thing (except I had to rent). I understand some find an interest free life liberating but not everyone handles the pressures of life in the same way. I still live a minimalist life in regards to going to garage sales to avoid having to buy something new and increasing waste or having something I don't use (as in it doesn't bring value to my life). It is possible that I just have poor financial skills. Idk. I believe the less people have the less "clutter" they have to carry with them and/or worry about. There's a spiritual peace that comes as a result of minimalism such as being grateful and not live a glutinous life but both of you know all of that already. I enjoyed the first few vids of you guys thus far. Keep it up, as more people need to hear this message and understand minimalism, to live in a better world and help to save the planet. Thank you! 🙏 [Sorry if this was long but I wanted to see if I had justification for paying interest and if I have it all wrong]
As soon as my stimulus gets here I will be debt free almost , just a little to go ! Yay ! First time in a long time !! I pay cash for Christmas gifts now except for my neices and nephews thst live in other states .I pay cash for everything. Including a new apple laptop I need because I'm starting a bussiness and I'm trying to write a book ! No way, no credit card! Good ol green cash ! I haven't had a computer in 5 years.
I love your videos thanks... I see that all the time at work. Customer want the latest iPhone or Samsung. They buy the latest trend. They get upset when they cannot buy it on zero down. They wonder why their phone bill is $400 a month. We live in a throw away society.
There are those who learn, and those who learn again. I’m trying to be in the same boat, at this point, I want to build my own house mortgage free, even if it takes ten years of labor. Just the reality of owning what you have is more important to me than displaying what you cannot afford.
Did you enjoy this six-episode series? What was your favorite episode? What other topics would you like us to talk about in future seasons of #LetsTalkAboutLess?
I did enjoy! Love the way you share the message, the monologue. An inspiring strong message.
I did enjoy this series.This episode and the one on being busy resonated the most with me. The consumerism culture seeks to have us in debt and to keep us busy in order to prevent us from noticing how miserable we truly are, and more importantly, to keep us from questioning the status quo.
Great content guys! I would be interested in your take on renting vs buying. You often speak about downsizing your rental apartments but I have never heard you mention the benefits of putting money into your own dwelling as opposed to lining the pockets of a landlord... thoughts?
Hey! Now I need to go watch the others! I really enjoyed the animations of this one. The way you speak is already engaging but the animation did add to it.
The message of waiting until you can actually afford something is so powerful.
This is so beautiful Josh and Ryan. Not only do you present your points that are so desperately important in today's world, but your attention to detail and poignancy is breathtaking. Thank you for adding immeasurable value to my life ❤️
"I'm no longer willing to deny my future self joy by pleasing myself today"
what. a. quote.
I'm 58 years old and have been debt free since I was 30. I look back and am grateful for living within my means. It's been the ultimate freedom for me and my life. My financial life is so simple. My material life is so simple. Decision making is simple. I can breathe easily and worry less.
This. Thank you for sharing Jennifer. My husband and I live pretty much within our means
This is motivational for me, who has just 21 years.
If you don't mind me asking, what did you go into debt for?
@@utub1473 I was in my twenties. Restaurants, bars, a spendthrift ex-husband, unneccesary things that satisfied wants. I had a lot of fun and maybe it's a natural phase to go through in life but once I divorced the husband, I paid off the debt and that has been my ticket to feeling free. At 37, I took a year to travel around the world...
💛💛💛
Yaaasssss!!!! I became 100% debt free on 3/18/21!!! Never going back! Thanks for this!
Congratulations 🎉
So Awesome😃
Congrats!!
I am so happy for you! I’m working my way there.
I’m about to downsize from a 4 bed detached house to a small 2 bed terrace here in England, debt free and money in the bank, virtually nobody I talk to thinks it’s a good idea... they’re trapped in this never ending cycle of “More is More= success “... I’m fed up trying to explain my reasoning to them, they mean well but I don’t think they will ever understand until they make the connection that you guys at The Minimalists helped me make.
I'm doing roughly the same here, it is fully a good idea my friend. Future proof yourself.
Excellent idea. Don’t listen to anyone who says otherwise. They will cotton on........eventually.
Awesome! That’s because many people are disguised by the illusion of appearance, rather than substance. Many people have told me similar, thinking of the long-term, finally paid off resolution years, if not decades away. This is a forbearance of our own reality, the life we can live now, and the opportunity cost we must work for...your money or your life!
I think its a good idea if that is whats right for you.
Also from the UK…..and also the reason I have subscribed to these guys. Sounds like a damn good idea to me…. And I won’t be far behind you …..I just don’t understand how people cannot think this is a good idea?!
What is the point of having all that money if it is tied up in a big house and you can’t enjoy it? Best wishes to you!
I am almost debt free. I should be done paying everything off in 9 months. I’ve been juggling massive amounts of debt for 20 years. I thought that I could buy happiness or at least buy the image of success. But I was wrong. Once I get all my debt paid off I am taking a 60k a year pay cut and taking my dream job as an addictions counselor. Listen to this video! You are trapping yourself through debt and material possessions
Good work. The ironic thing is you’re trapping yourself in debt buying someone else’s image of success as well.
Far more successful to have less superfluous stuff and a career you find value in.
Good job. I wish that I would have understood consumerism sooner(60 now), but I will not dwell on the past. The time is now.
When I paid off all my Credit Card debt; it felt like I was no longer drowning.
When I paid off my mortgage it was so liberating; I felt like I bought myself out of slavery. I felt so efn' FREE!
Now I could finally build wealth, and I am. I totally wish this feeling for everyone.
This is such an amazing story!!
I love this so much ! Best of luck !
I am debt free thank god but your podcasts have encouraged me to always want to remain that way! Thank you🤍
Same here 😊.
Absolutely love this video and agree 100%! We live a debt free life (besides the mortgage). Live below your means. We live on half our income. If we can't pay cash, we don't buy it, period!
I'm 32 and my husband 40 we are both retired with over $3 million in net worth and no debt! mortgage cleared. Currently living smart and frugal with our money Saving and investing lifestyle made it possible for us this early. Thanks to FIRE movement
@Topsy Vanessa FIRE means Financial Independence Retire Early.
It's been a movement teaching people financial independent and how to retire debt free through solid Investment and frugal lifestyle
@Camila NorlanI can share some that helped me
1. Plan towards it
2. Be Frugal and minimal on spending.
( dont buy why you don't need)
3. Save money towards retirement
(Roth IRA/401k)
4. Save to (in,vest), it's a proven way to get richer. Very important to financial success.
@Camila Norlan There's a lot of investing options ( real estate, airbnb, stocks, cry pto, ETFS) but my best advice get a professional lead you into profitable one.
@Camila Norlan Yeah! I recommend the ser,vices of virginiamayregan a US based financial consultant and analyst. She has been influential to my financial journey.
@Camila Norlan (203) - 2:9:5 - 4:1 - 8:1....
Code (1)....
Call or text..
I am debt free & life is amazingly beautiful!!
Just watched several friends buy brand new cars instead of repairing their existing vehicles because 7 years of debt is better than the $2 grand right now to repair it. I caught a moment of jealousy creep in until I brought my awareness back to the present moment and my gratitude for being debt free & the joy I have to be free!!!
Awesome video!!! ✌️❤️🙏
There is nothing wrong with driving your car until it cracks 😃 i bought a car and it took me three years to pay it off, recently my family and friends pointed out that it is time for getting a new one, i'm totally rejecting the idea because it makes no sense, it seems like an endless cycle of debt; there is and will always be that new car.
We “neeeeeed” everything we want. Nailed it.
Hey Christina I love your channel! ❤️
@@HelibearWomble 🥰🥰🥰
I’ve influenced 2 of my friends to not finance any furniture. I’m proud of being this kind of influence. I discovered minimalism when I was 18 & I’m grateful for Josh + Ryan saving me a lot of pain
This is the first month in 10 years that I have not had to make any debt payments. I feel free. I started investing the “extra” money and now sit back and watch it grow.
2021 is the year I become debt free £3000 left and it’s bringing me joy to know how close I am. So don’t give up whoever is reading this, you can do it no matter how big or small. ✌🏾
"People who understand interest, earn it. People who don't, pay it." - Carl Richards
Interest is just modern way to enslave a population and convince them that going into debt for things will solve all problems and bring happiness. The reality is it enslaves the consumer into utilizing horrible loans (credit cards) with outrageous interest rates. Interest keeps the poor poor and obedient.
Damn! Cold as ice, I'll search about this wise man.
100% what I’m internalizing this year
Written out and stuck on every wall in my house. Thankyou for this 🙌….who is Carl Richards?!…..
We can go shopping in our own closets for clothes we don't wear...loved every word 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾
Hugs to you🤗🤗
The center shot with Joshua is GENIUS. I just look around all the things I don’t need, while the words bring me back to the message. I love this. So much. Started becoming debt free and baby step 2 in 2021 after graduating in May of 2020. I’m determined! And so are all of you! Keep at it! Thanks for insight Minimalists!
Started listening to the minimalist podcast a little over three years ago. Now I’m debt free. Saving for what I “need” now.. thank you!!!
You give me so much motivation. I am an shopping addict, binging on all the wrong things, while i get the most happy when i’m doing all the things i really love. Thank you for tis. I will overcome this addiction too.
Building a habit of stepping back from buying on impulse allows us to begin respecting what we earn a little bit better. Ultimately respecting ourselves. I've been a long-time fan. Thank you for adding much-needed energy to this movement.
Words of wisdom, Joshua. You keep me on track to stay away from instant gratification. No more impulsive shopping. Namaste.
When I watch your vids I not only think about your story and your habits but I imagine the path you took to get the mindset that got you where you are now. I keep in mind this mindset that I want to refine. I have a PhD but there is so much I have not yet accomplished and I'm working on it now like playing the guitar, becoming an artist, learning to sing, learning to love and give, learning to love myself. Thank you for being here.
The concept of the Hedonic Treadmill has completely changed the way I look at everything. It makes it easy to live a minimalistic lifestyle!
When you save money to buy something and you finally got it, the feelings are extraordinary in our mind and spirit and you get the thought that is true: the hard work really pay you back.
Thanks for your tireless giving of yourself. It is truly appreciated!
You came at the right time, thanks guys!!!. A big huge from Mexico City.
I am grateful to be debt free. I have an older 2006 SUV. Finally it's been clicking with me. Less is more. I've been going item through Item, tossing this and that. Giving away things when I can. I've broken down the minimalism game into the first 15 days of the month. That's a 120 things a month! I'll take it. The whole 30 days is overwhelming for me, coming from a lifetime of collecting things, clutter and things I attached memories too. Thank you for all of the information you put out there for us.
my mental framework about minimalism is already solid and i never consume or buy anything i can't afford or isn't essential. but the way he delivers his lines still slapped me in the face like I DO all those things.
i can't imagine how hard a punch in a face it is when people who recklessly spends, are in tons of debt, and buy things they don't need to maintain a social image watches this video WILL FEEL!
there are 2 things that can happen,
either they wake up and take action and Change direction to go north,
or stay and follow south where the endless abyss of misery relies because they are too hurt, afraid and overwhelmed to face reality and take action.
Such an extremely important message to get out there ! People need to live within their means. It works !
Beautifully said. It's sad that this message will always be relevant, yet it is much needed. Thank you for doing this.
That was so powerful. I need to watch this daily--don't steel joy from my future self.
Guys, I have been following your blog, back in the day when you had a few thousand subscribers. What amazing journey it’s been. Thank you for enlightening us to the joy of minimalism 😊
Such valuable content - thank you! How anyone could give this a thumbs down is beyond me.
There is a reason that so many companies market credit to consumers. It increases their wealth at our expense. There is a tremendous freedom in being able to say no to immediate gratification and wait until we can afford something before purchasing it. Even greater freedom from the compulsion to acquire more "stuff". Thank you for this video.
So good! (As always!) thank you!
You’re the mind in the back of my head constantly at the stores and looking around at what’s in my house, what I choose to buy and let go in my life!
Buying less = less debt. Win, win
Thank you for the much needed wise reminder. I think this is what this generation needs to hear.
This is a great message. Don't let your today rob your tomorrows.
Debt free for almost a decade. I totally agree, *but* I am also fortunate and upper middle class. For people like me it's about controlling impulse. There are unfortuantely some who don't make a living wage, literally have to take on debt to survive, and for them it's survival. Payday loans (one of the worst kinds of debt) exist for a reason. That said, I think I'm more the target audience here. Keep spreading the word!
The lessons that you guys are teaching are important everywhere, cheers from Brazil😁
I’m at peace with my past choices but looking forward to being debt free! Great video.
We've been debt free now for almost 2 decades. The truth of this video is real. I could buy a new vehicle right now with cash but my 21 year old truck and 11 year old Camry still run fine. We just replaced our 15 year old living room furniture and 12 year old mattress and paid cash for them. As Ryan said, "I'm never going back".
Great statements, you know, this is some wisdom just North of you, (Indiana) but you ever notice that the people with the most opinions of how you should live and look, are also the lowest contributors financially?
This is great. I enjoyed the one about busyness as well. While some of your other work covers the topic, I'd love to see a Let's Talk About Less episode on the topic of "disposable" things. Both the product label "disposable" and the mindset these things are given by the consumer.
Gave me the chills. It's true. Been mostly debt free for a while and working on knocking out the car loan.
I’ve been following you guys for years, this is your best work in recent months. 👍
Hey josh and ryan! Really enjoy your thoughts and advises. Been following for some weeks. Keep up the good job. Cheers from spain!
Whaat?? Be patient and buy the thing only when you have the money? That cannot be socially unacceptable, right? ;)
Great stuff. Having been raised by fiscally boring parents, who carried no debt except their mortgages, my husband and I have lived similarly and it is definitely less stressful even if your couch is 20 years old. An old SNL skit featuring Steve Martin and Amy Pohler, called something like “Don’t Spend Money You Don’t Have,” pretty much sums it up. Recommend it highly.
I'm on the final steps to be debt free and it's so hard! I close 100K $ debt in 1.5 year, right before pandemic and I left with 20-25K. Hope to close this in couple of months. Thank you for your inspiration and messages! Keep going!
how did you keep sane during that process?
Great message! Being debt free is incredibly calming 😀
Like, were you guys watching me while I was unpacking my package I received today? I REALLY needed to hear this today. You have made me save myself from future impulse purchases. Thank you so much ☺️ PLEASE DO A VIDEO ON THINGS LIKE AFTERPAY, LAYBUY APPS ETC!! It’s too easy to lose yourself 😭
I want their financial peace of mind. I am not broke, but using their advice has changed the way I look at everything.
Hi Joshua and Ryan - I loved the six-episode series/season, each video-essay gave food for thought and were great reminders that were actually reassuring and help keep focus on what matters. Thank you both for what you do and the value you are delivering :-)
I became debt free last October. It took me over two years to clean up my debt. I am never going back, I breath and sleep differently now. I am free.
That was an extremely powerful 3 minutes & 54 seconds. Thanks guys for the continuous inspiration you give! I have been revisiting all my favourite videos & talks on simplicity & minimalism recently. Here is an old one that I thought may inspire others too: Ted Talk- Jon Jandai. Life is easy, why do we make it so hard? 🤗
what you do guys is brilliant!!! very right way of live, very inspiring. minimalism is healthy living!!! ❤️
Thank you, I really heard you, I will begin today. I am old, but its never to late to learn a new skill, waiting.
True. People buy lots of unnecessary stuffs even if they have no money just to impress people they don't like.
Live debt free. Great message!
Few things are as important as avoid "bad" debt
So true! We also finance our underwear on credit. That's what did it for me. That realization:
I'm in debt for underwear?
Not good.
Especially when they send the repo man after it! (Seriously though, great realization!)
Raw truth. Continually inspired.
Ironically, my brother-in-law and his wife just closed on their home. I am happy for them and at the same time - so happy to be mortgage free!
My only debt is my mortgage and I feel bad for the bank (not really) as we're on track to pay it off in less than half the term they gave us.
I love this series.
This one must be the best video i have ever watched
Thank you! 😌
Thank You Joshua ❤️✔️🦅
yes so true. more people need to know this! i had a non american friend saying how he doesn’t understand why people here use credit cards so much.
For ~$1000USD we fixed a bunch of stuff on our 2003 car and it runs a lot better now. Once we get the inside decluttered and vacuumed, it will probably feel brand-new.
$1000 Sounds like an expensive repair, but it's still cheaper than a loan + interest on a different car, that we'd have to also repair at some point anyway.
Great listening and so true use what you have and have what you use
#937RepresentRepresent!! Keep doing what you are doing. Y'all inspired me to become a minimalist. Been debt free for a year now and I'm never going back.
Lol right on the money . Love it !! Say no to debt
Powerful presentation and content.
Thank you for re- enforcing how bad Debt is.
Love your wisdom
Loved this!! You nailed it once again!! ✅✅✅
Keep it up 👍 second greatest video. I’ve been a minimalist for over 20+ years. I started in the 90s should’ve started a career like you but that’s OK I don’t have to work hard ever do what I want when I want No corporation tell me what to do 👍👍👍
You nailed it.Thanks.
This was absolutely amazing!!!! ❤❤❤
Wonderful message
I have a few months left and will finally thank god be debt free apart from my mortgage. I’ve juggled credit cards, transferring them over to other cards with 0% interest in order to avoid paying the interest, would recommend anyone to do that, otherwise will take longer to pay back and also pay well over the minimum amount each month if you can. I will be rewarding myself once the cards are paid mid This year as a way to celebrate, it’s an achievement, but all paid with my own cash lol. Keep going everyone....
Preach it, Joshua!! I mean, preach it to me.
Very well done ..:You nailed it👍
Too many side angle shots and too many speech bubbles. But great content.
Thanks Sir!
*Income versus Expense*
Many so-called "personal finance experts" are too focused on decreasing expenses. In general, decreasing "bad spending" is good. I just think that you should focus more on increasing your income by acquiring positive cash flow assets.
A positive cash flow asset is something that puts money into your pocket after all expenses and debt service. A liability is something that takes money from your pocket, and generally depreciates in value. A car is a liability, because it depreciates over time and consumes your money for fuel, maintenance, insurance, and taxes.
Poor and financially illiterate people trade their time and effort for a paycheck from an employer. Retirement funds are first taken from the paycheck, then taxes, and then the employee receives whatever is left. Everyone else is paid first before the employee is paid.
Wealthy and financially educated people do not work for a paycheck. Instead, they work to build or buy positive cash flow assets that continue to pay them after the work is completed. We all know that wealthy people buy things that depreciate in value. Many folks try incorrectly to emulate the wealthy by buying expensive things, like houses, cars, planes, and boats. Financially illiterate folks use consumer debt to buy those liabilities and use their paychecks to repay the debt with interest while the liability is decreasing in value faster than the debt is repaid.
Wealthy and financially educated folks will instead buy a positive cash flow asset to pay for the liability. For example, buying a fancy car for $30,000: A poor or financially illiterate person will use debt or a savings plan to buy the car, and then pay for the fuel, maintenance, and taxes from their paycheck. A wealthy person will build or buy an asset that will completely pay for the car, as well as paying for the fuel, maintenance, taxes, and he receives a monthly positive cash flow. *The wealthy person is paid to buy the liability.* That's a _paradigm shift_ in your thinking.
This is why increasing income is far better than decreasing expenses. By increasing income, not by working more hours, but rather by building or buying cash flowing assets provides a multiplier effect to pay down your bad consumer debt. Increased income from positive cash flow assets can be applied to your bad consumer debt to pay off that bad debt much faster. After the bad debt is paid off, the asset continues to generate income for you to buy or build more assets. This shows the difference between *good debt that makes money for you and bad debt that takes money from you.*
You’re talking about using debt as a tool to make money by investing in something else. I think this is a terrible idea for anyone who has any debt right now. If you have zero debt, then yes, taking out debt to invest in something that would give a higher rate of return is a good idea. But once you’ve accounted for the cost of debt and taxes, it better be a great, secure investment.
I have become 20 percent debt free in last few months . Hoping to reach full 100 in next yr
Well said! Working on it :)
I’m not debt free and probably never will be because I got sick and my insurance that cost me half of my rent was awful leaving me with VERY large bills. I live in the U.S. and that’s how it is here 🙁
This was good I needed to hear this and be reminded of this
Ive been living this was for 60 plus years and thought I was the only one out there!
I'm all about not living beyond my means but if I didn't finance a car and my cell (considering there's no bus routs where I live and paying for a home phone and cell is would be wasting money) I wouldn't have found a decent job or had a way to get their. Uber is cheaper than a taxi but still would be more expensive than my car payment a month. And if it wasn't for my job I wouldn't have been able to put down for a house. To buy everything FULL PRICE even if I didn't need a car (which I do), I'd spend close to 20 yrs of my adult life still renting unless I saved enough for a dump in a bad/more dangerous neighborhood. Luckily, I have no children otherwise it would be even harder to pay FULL PRICE for everything. Even if I never bought gifts for anyone (except my mom's bday), never went out with friends (as it almost always costs money) or even eat out myself or catch a movie once every 2-4 months (which I don't do anyways), my predicament wouldn't change much even when I'm pay interest in my current situation.
I use to live that way buy full price the for a used cars and spent a go 12 yrs in/out of mechanic shops, renting while every year raising my rent till I'm forced to find a cheaper apartment and still rarely went out except to family gatherings etc...
Basically, I'm more happier, live a more fulfilled life not being stressed/worried having to pay interest than living and interest free life. I'd tried to pay full price for every thing (except I had to rent). I understand some find an interest free life liberating but not everyone handles the pressures of life in the same way. I still live a minimalist life in regards to going to garage sales to avoid having to buy something new and increasing waste or having something I don't use (as in it doesn't bring value to my life). It is possible that I just have poor financial skills. Idk.
I believe the less people have the less "clutter" they have to carry with them and/or worry about. There's a spiritual peace that comes as a result of minimalism such as being grateful and not live a glutinous life but both of you know all of that already. I enjoyed the first few vids of you guys thus far. Keep it up, as more people need to hear this message and understand minimalism, to live in a better world and help to save the planet. Thank you! 🙏
[Sorry if this was long but I wanted to see if I had justification for paying interest and if I have it all wrong]
As soon as my stimulus gets here I will be debt free almost , just a little to go ! Yay ! First time in a long time !! I pay cash for Christmas gifts now except for my neices and nephews thst live in other states .I pay cash for everything. Including a new apple laptop I need because I'm starting a bussiness and I'm trying to write a book ! No way, no credit card! Good ol green cash ! I haven't had a computer in 5 years.
I love your videos thanks...
I see that all the time at work. Customer want the latest iPhone or Samsung. They buy the latest trend. They get upset when they cannot buy it on zero down. They wonder why their phone bill is $400 a month. We live in a throw away society.
Thanks
No !! I'm happy with my new self !!
Hey Josh! When will your next writing workshop be available?
Soon. Sign up for our newsletter at howtowritebetter.org and you’ll be notified!
@@TheMinimalists Thanks!
Buy it outright without finance, and you'll appreciate it more, and are likely to look after it better
Soon as those student loans are done, I’m out. I may not even get a mortgage. I HATE payments.
There are those who learn, and those who learn again. I’m trying to be in the same boat, at this point, I want to build my own house mortgage free, even if it takes ten years of labor. Just the reality of owning what you have is more important to me than displaying what you cannot afford.