Growing up from a disfunctional single mother home, I learned it the hard way. I saw what my mother did with money and I decided to do the opposite. This year I bought my first home, a used car for good price and I have a stable job so I can buy whatever I want as long as it creates more value in the long run. I just turned 24.
It makes me happy to hear that you learned what not to do. You are wise at the young age of 24. I wish you a happy and prosperous life N. -Does N stand for the fact you are NOT falling for a lot of stupid pitches put to you to try and make you part with your money? ( :
It's pretty hard to make this switch and realize not to spend on useless junk. While driving for Uber I picked up someone from the dollar store that had 2 huge bags of stuff. I thought wow, that's a lot of stuff.
Diamonds are such a rip off... My husband got me a "used" wedding ring and paid about 25% of the retail value. They're pretty..but WAY too expensive for what they are. You're so right about changing your mindset about what is valuable and what isn't. Just because society says this object will help us keep up with the Joneses doesn't mean we should buy it.
Makes you wonder... what else has society deemed acceptable that you must spend a lot on? I ask this myself for things I buy questioning if the idea to buy it really came from myself. Or did I accidentally see too many ads or social posts from friends about it?
@@BeatTheBush Cars, cell phones... the biggest expenses right now in my opinion are education and rent. Why do I have to put myself tens of thousands of dollars in debt to get a good job, but if I decide not to do that I am stuck paying 60% of my paycheck to rent.
@@Zero-9909 Community college is a great way to ease the burden of education. Get your basics there and then go to a university for the upper level courses. Working programs at school help out too.
@@TheWaldocrazy Basically... If I had to do it again, I would just have him save the money on the ring. It's only meant to impress people and "show" your love to someone. I don't need a rock for that.
=D I'm afraid I probably didn't explain it well enough. Because the message could easily be passed over. I know I probably would when I was buying loads of stuff on a daily basis.
@@BeatTheBush I think you did an excellent job of relating how getting rid of some of your stuff just feels like greater freedom. And the more stuff you let go of, the better you feel. Around 7 years ago, I started accumulating stuff....I also really looked forward to my daily "presents". But around 3 years ago I realized that I had everything I needed and buying more was just bringing home duplicates. But actually this is almost a spiritual feeling....the freedom I feel when I stopped accumulating stuff is increasingly joyful. I am about to retire also...and the quest for minimizing is going to come useful with the reduced income...of which I have already practiced! I just saved every penny, paid off $80,000. Of my house....and lived on as little as I could. Thank you for sharing your wonderful story of greater freedom. So happy to have found you!
I think there are things you shouldn't skimp on, though, like an excellent pair of leather boots that will last you through years of rain and cold. Don't buy cheap furniture - you'll end up replacing it and spending more than you would have if you bought a proper piece. Buy quality kitchenware and tools that get used often so they survive the wear and tear. Buy one really good set of sheets and pillowcases for your bed. It'll feel like heaven after a long day of work, cooking, and cleaning, and they'll last for decades. Cheap towels and toilet paper suck too lol
Eating healthy is expensive. McDouble is cheaper than a salad. And if you buy lettuce to make salads. You need to buy more often because produce goes bad fast.
I've just went canoeing with my wife and we didn't post a single photo on any social media. We didn't take too many photos anyway, we were too tired from all the paddling. The 3 days trip cost very little, we slept in our tent and brought food from home. BeatTheBush would be proud of us :D
That is the problem with most people who buy things/go to destinations just to show off and feel better of themselves. Several old people that were dying were interviewed and majority listed these same top five regrets which tells you what really is important in life so you won't have any regrets when its your time to go. I wish I'd had the courage to live a life true to myself, not the life others expected of me. ... I wish I hadn't worked so hard. ... I wish I'd had the courage to express my feelings. ... I wish I had stayed in touch with my friends. ... I wish that I had let myself be happier. Even though I am not old I have been doing these and some others so I have no regrets just in case I die young.
3:35 Something you have made with your own hands, after ALOT of sweat, blood and tears is more priceless than something bought in a store with money. I decided to lathe an aluminium ring for my mom, that's something I used a lot of hours on. She's gonna appreciate that ring for the rest of her life because she know her son put his sole in the making of that ring on her finger.
The older I get, the more I shun others' expectations. If you are single, people bug you to marry. If you marry, people question if you do not have children. Have a child, they say why not more? Best not to start! Also, sadly, our possessions own us. Thumbs up, again.
I lived in Central London for a while and dressing casually can actually cause problems. I was kicked out of two corner shops under suspicion of stealing (I have never stolen anything in my life nor have I ever broken the law) and I was questioned once while trying to enter my apartment. People assume your social class and treat you accordingly. Back then I was actually making good money and had a nice fancy job. On the weekdays I was dressed in a suit on the weekends I wore some old plain clothes. Humans disappoint me.
@@jbela 30 years ago usually grocery shopping in sweats as a young wife I'd wait forever at the deli. One day I dyed my hair blonde and got a pink Angora sweater for my birthday and had to grocery shop and the same deli guy says: What can I get You today a new Cadillac or anything?!! 🤣 People judge LoL
I was definitely addicted to the dopamine hit of getting a package each day! So glad to have moved on from that, and props to you for sharing that experience on this platform.
@@devonscope6222 it didn't go on that long. It was a reaction to my first real grown-up job with a real steady income. Is it necessary to generalize about "females"? BtB is a man.
I’ve been a practicing minimalist for about 8 years now. I also do not buy much, but what I do buy tend to be very high end, which I use, maintain, and repair until it is completely worn out. I stagger my clothing (more or less personal uniforms) by freshness, rotating 3 sets for daily use, 1 for weekend use, 1 borderline retired set for backup/rough work or play. I also maintain an identical kit of new items that pull triple duty for traveling, emergencies, and refills, which I replace as I cycle through my cache. Finally I keep a stash of emergency cash that I can instantly replace almost everything I own with.
That’s me too! But that mindset has allowed me to walk away from a high paying job and am on a “gap year” 😂 Pharmacy to finance and passed my Level 1 CFA 💪🏼 Now studying and learning.
Investing Engineered - Yes, finance is 🤓 I’m such a dork. Before CFA I really didn’t understand fixed income now I get excited about bonds. Who does that?! 🤪😂
This guy is so happy all the time.... it’s the kind of happiness that you’ll get when u are out of the trap of consumerism . Truly living as a human being , instead of like a robot following instructions from the advertisers all the time about how you should run your life ....
Hi BTB, your video from 2 years ago "The Importance of Looking Poor " appeared in my recommended list 2 years ago. That was the first video I saw of yours. I like how you've moved on to the importance of not buying like a poor person. I grew up poor and didn't have the best clothes, go on vacation to exotic places, eat at restaurants, have parents who owned a house or a nice car compared to my classmates. My parents main goal for spending money was to provide food on the table, school supplies, gas in the 2 decade-old-car, and a roof over our heads. Now that I'm making the average income and can afford to buy nicer quality clothes, go to exotic destinations, eat at restaurants regularly, I choose not to. I do inexpensive activities by myself and with friends. My goal is to own a house and have enough money for retirement, so I'm putting money in investments to meet those goals instead. Thanks for inspiring me and letting us see how you've changed on your life journey.
Being frugal is really good but it also turn off a lot of girls in modern society. I dated a girl before and she would always get mad at me for being so frugal and buying cheap stuff. Now I'm single it seems much easier for me to save money but at the same time I feel empty inside.
The issue with buying 20-30 dollar sneaker is the longevity of the item. For example, If you buy a cheap pair of sneakers and it falls apart in 2 months, you will end up spending more over time compared to a 200 dollar pair of sneakers that will last over a year.
My sketchers costs about $40 and they last just as long as more expensive $150 pair I bought. Have you worn the cheaper shoes that actually fell apart in 2 months? Maybe the $40 pair then.
thank you Francis for this video. This resonates so much to how I am living now. I used to be an extreme couponer.. always had to stock up on things I need (scarcity mindset). Then discovered reselling on Amazon FBA and credit card churning which literally filled my garage with inventory.. It took about 4 years up to today to finally get rid of 90% of all the stuff... Everyday is a process of decluttering and minimizing. Selling all the stuff I dont need and thought would appreciate in value. I also used to meet spends buying giftcards treating Amazon GCs as cash. but now, the reality is that, Amazon gc's are not cash. I cant use them to pay off my mortgage or buy nutritious food. So now, I am very intentional of what I spend my money on. No more stuff. Sometimes even when I think I need a few dresses... I just close the browser and realize days after that I actually can live without buying those dresses. Been following you since you had 70K subs I think.. So happy for how you have grown through the years.
I think this is one way to get out of the grind and might even be a catalyst for upward social mobility. I.e. if you don't make much, you shun all the typical purchases, you can save a lot and start earning dividends.
@@BeatTheBush true! If we really think about how much we need to survive, it's not much. We work all our lives working more to earn more to buy more of the stuff we don't need. I need to remind this to myself
I heard about this real story from YT. A gug who wanted to impress people about his social status went to buy a super expensive Ferrari. He felt good and found people looking at him during day cruising around with that red hot cruiser. At the end of day, he found out no one actually cared his Ferrari. He felt extremely depressed with the car he didn't really need it.
Thank you! I think it counts if you watch more than 30 seconds. The whole thing if it is less then 30 seconds. OR if one engages with the ad like click on it.
I have always felt the same way Whenever I see someone with really fancy weird looking clothes I'm so confused because it's not only overpriced but 90% of the time it looks terrible too. As a man you look best with a plain but clean outfit, a healthy body and a clean haircut Some months ago I threw away my last old T shirt away with a big brand logo infront thinking "Why would I ever wear advertisment of this company that I have to pay for"
@BeatTheBush can you please make a video on how you deal with gifting situations? There are always someone's birthday, festival, gathering etc everyday!
In my family, Christmas is always huge, birthdays too. Last year we all agreed to halve the money spent at Christmas. Still way too much frankly. But I found the best way to deal is that I request household/very useful and consumable items, as well as Amazon gift cards. I still give family what they want- the mostly fun, but unnecessary, stuff they request. But I then get things I NEED, and would have bought anyway. So it really evens out. As far as non-family occasions such as birthdays of friends, I bake a lot of pies and cookies and my famous cheese biscuits haha, and you would be surprised how much people like them. Many people today never get homemade anything. Most the people I give to are hard to buy for because they have 1 of everything already lol.
When I used to have Amazon Prime, it made it so easy to buy things and get it in 2 days before I was able to change my mind. I canceled Prime six months ago and relied on my friend in case I really wanted something. So far, I've been tempted, but stopped a number of times because of the cost of shipping. A couple times I have ordered over $25 to get the free shipping, but canceled the next day after reevaluating my needs for the product.
The peas are hiding & T Rex is sleeping. What is the yellow eyed critter? So true, we place value on material things because of consumerism. Time to rethink what is important to me not what others say or market as important. Interesting addiction BTB. I'm also decluttering & selling, takes time, but it will clear my headspace so it will get done. Once less becomes more valuable, it becomes normal. Good info
We can learn a lot from the Asian community. I just finished reading quit like a millionaire by Christy Shen. If I quit buying all the stupid stuff pushed in the American media I can retire in 3 years I'll be 32 years old. Working for the next 30 plus years is not worth the stuff I used to buy. In other words I just bought 30 years of my time back.
Wow.. just 3? Marketing spend a lot of effort to get you to buy things that you do not really need. The things we actually need are cheap and plentiful in a western world. But the money is selling perceived value rather than actual utility value.
Years ago, my GF and I got rid of lots of our stuff, especially clothes. We found that we change overtime and our tastes change too (our sizes too lol). Impulse shopping is a temporary relief, depending on a snapshot mood and non permanently reflective, thus diminishing returns.
Watching this vid again. So profound. Love what u said abt your own learnings (Amazon and gift cards) and how minimalism has transformed your purchasing habits.
Thanks for the update on the challenge of not spending. Good presentation. Buying stuff, in my opinion, is an emotional response that can't be expressed verbally or emotionally, so therefore the items are purchased to replace an action. I wrestle with buying the shirt.
Hello there BTB🤗🤗, this video will be very helpful for some people surrounding me, I don't have any social media but RUclips, love not letting know anyone my plans,and enjoy everything I do or have. It's feels very peaceful because this way you end up relating to people that care for you by who you are, not by what you have.
I love window shopping- looking at and touching clothes, house items, kitchen wares, etc.. most of the time I don’t buy anything when going to the mall. I just like the feeling of going there, know what’s new and also for the benefit of walking.
I appreciate that you admit when you have changed your mind on a previous opinion. You are right...we don’t need most of the stuff we buy. Great video.
This is the conclusion I came to myself when I was chasing credit card bonuses. my budget had enough money in it to hit the minimum spends on these cards but then realized I'm spending money that I wouldn't have if I wasn't trying to hit a minimum spend on a dumb credit card. I since have stayed away from new card bonuses gimmick.
This comes down to a strong sense of self. No ego. Happy with who are in inside. Then, crappy material goods (and social media) mean nothing. I am 50 years old, grew up without social media. Never felt a need to buy anything. Don't give a crap what strangers think of me. It's easy if you know who you are inside. And our family makes over $300K per year. Wise words from this young man. But is isn't humility, it is a sense of self that saves you. Humility is wonderful too!
Its the norm to live life on auto pilot buying things everyone else is buying. I think to mostly shed yourself of material goods results form some hard self reflection of what good those things really did. Must things most of the time is not much.
I got tired of eating fish eggs... (Caviar) Diamonds are as common as dust. They are sold in lots with mostly poor quality stones and a few good ones. It's take it or leave it. The really good stuff is rationed out. When the Soviet Union fell, they started flooding the market w stones. DeBeers had a nice talk with them and prices went back to previous levels.
I tried it myself. Not tired of it but it was not as spectacular as I thought. Just salty... sort of like ikura sushi. I think many people are still ignorant of the diamond monopoly. Or they know it but must still buy it from the conditioning.
@@BeatTheBush De Beers' hold on the diamond market is so strong that they can brainwash people with their advertising. It's pretty well-known that they have used strong-arm tactics in the past to maintain the high initial value of their stones. And yeah, the OP is right, the Russians and possibly the Canadians were persuaded not to flood the market with all of their diamonds.
Ah, you've returned to my feed with just the message I needed to hear. Wonderful. I shall not buy it (the things I've been thinking about buying), and I shall prepare my afternoon snack TONIGHT so i don't need to think about it tomorrow / buy food tomorrow. Thank you
I agree with the message. At the same time life is short. If buying something will make it more convenient and or will bring be great happiness because I want it I will get it and just enjoy it for a long time. Like you said it's hard to balance that and most of the time we overspend, but I really don't know what the point of life is if I save up all my money and then die when I'm older. Money itself is just something we made up. Isn't in a weird way not spending any money just like hoarding something. Spend on things you love and then be frugal on stuff you don't care for.
I traveled way before the days of social media postings so I know my husband and I love to travel for our own enjoyment. Plus my social media friends is very limited to few family and friends only.
Yeah- it's worse than the 1980's when all the designer crap started up in earnest, being marketed to everyone. Designer perfumes, ridiculously overpriced handbags, logos/insignias all over clothing. It's garbage, and garbage does not bring happiness.
Lol... it's amazing how easy it is to receive all kinds of stuff for free in the western world. Only if you are privileged enough and surrounded by people what wastes a lot though.
Very good point about the travel! I do love to travel, but with social media being so prevalent one can allow themselves to start taking into account the selfies, etc....
that was the first step. for me the next one was maintaining self sufficiency. for example i have no interest in law, but i've bought a copy of model penal code, international law, law101, and 2 other law books for about $8 per book. it isn't a matter of utility but risk aversion. i've read two of the books, now i'm working through model penal code. the difference in mindset is that i'm buying way more stuff, just stipulating that the stuff has to be discounted below $10. i went for quite a while without buying anything unnecessary and then i saw model penal code - new- for 4 dollars. and when i got it i just had to use a razorblade to cut a printing error page. creatign a list of things you could use and price points at which you will buy them will reduce want further and spread your desire for gratification. not sure why it works but it does. it is like saying " i want it $$OOO much" is itself the reward. and not spending while having a reasonable price point allows you to move on.
I'd had a folder on my mobile home screen with my fave shopping apps. Amazon, Zulily, ASOS, Zappos, etc. When I was thisclose to maxing out my Discover, my first course of action was to remove that folder from my home screen and those apps from my sight to rid myself of the temptation. Instead of spending money on stuff that I didn't need, I used that money to pay down my Discover bill. Within a few months, it my balance was $0.00. *in Ryan George voice* Not buying stuff is tight!
Hey btb, I'm following since high school and I want to say that your work and lifestyle has a bit inspired me! Keep up with RUclips, you're doing a great job :)
I love getting packages! Love it! It is something to look forward to daily at a small cost. However, small cost adds up and my place is getting crowded. I am in the process of purging this addiction out of my system at the moment.
I used to save the boxes and padded envelops but they ate up space like monsters so I got rid off them one day. Sure enough I was in need of a few boxed the week after to send back returns😂
People are always so puzzled when i don't have any pictures after going on holiday to some exotic place. I'm on holiday enjoying myself, i don't have time to think about taking pictures.
People are mostly miserable out there. To become "happy" they buy STUFF. It doesn't work. You need to find why you are not happy and content. THAT is the answer...NOT stuff;-)
The TV Series "Clean Sweep" had an episode with some lady who was into crafts and had piles and piles of supplies. She was asked - how many bins of stock did she really need to have at any one time. And she was only allowed to keep whatever could fit in those 4 or 5 bins she felt that she really needed. I then applied that to my own possessions. How many shirts, jeans, shoes etc do I really need to have in order to be comfortable. When I decided that, I gradually brought my possessions down to that level. And then, whenever I bought something new, it meant that I had to toss something out in order to keep my possessions "stable." There were a few occasions when the new thing I bought was the thing to get tossed into the "giveaway bag" because it wasn't as nice as what I already had! Trust me when I say that having to give away a new item makes the amount of money you just wasted very real! Something else I had to deal with was the tendency to keep things "in case" (i.e. hoard). And with that, I had to realise that when one keeps things not in active use, that you no longer have room for what you actually do use. I also try to imagine the enjoyment that someone else must feel when they get the item that had once been sitting scrunched up in the back of my cupboard waiting for "just in case". I am now thinking that I need to do something with my digital possessions. It is so easy to just accumulate music and movies, that you aren't going to ever listen to or watch again, just because you've got a 3TB or bigger NAS.
Clothing might be one of the hardest thing to reduce on if it fits you still. I personally am just wearing things out and not buying replacements when they do wear out. Just pick another item from what is there already, lol.
when i went to tokyo, i rarely took any photos. my siblings wanted food photos so i took photos of some of the foods i enjoyed that we dont have back in the states. my family arent familiar with japanese cuisine, so it was to show that japanese food is more than just sushi and teriyaki. most, if not all, of those foods were $1 - $10. my siblings love taking michelen star food photos, so i would caption some of my cheap $5 meals as "better than michelin" to show that you can eat good without spending a fortune. lol.
#BeatTheBush I started following your advice of limiting my purchases by taking pictures of what, “I want to buy” if I get home and realize how much I need it then I have to do make sure I don’t have the item already. I forget about gift cards so I tend to lose credit and spend more than I need to spend. #DontBuyItYouDontNeedIt
Hey guys. If you want to know something. Wonder why the central bank's are buying gold and hoarding it the last few years like they have never done before. Jp Morgan has been hoarding silver as well. Yes they say everything is fine, but if your gonna buy something become friends with your local coin shop and pick up some bullion rounds as close to spot as possible. Set them aside. You will thank me in less than 2 yrs. Also if you become more into buying precious metals you will start to see things you used to buy and think. Wow I could get 3 oz of silver and have it when I need it. Or pass to kids. Just notice that besides in America gold is at an all-time high to alot of diff currencies in diff countries. They are trying to keep the lid on it here because gold and silver scare the bankers as much as anything. But soon you all will thank me or think. Dang I shoulda got a little bit at least. Good luck this coming recession everyone.
“We buy things we don’t need with money we don’t have to impress people we don’t like” - Fight Club
This movie changed my life
That quote must have been used a billion times. Its a good one.
Great movie to point out on this topic!
Kyle Schick The first rule of BTB club is don’t buy it! The second rule of BTB club is don’t buy it! The Third rule of BTB club is DONT BUY IT!
@overthehill91 for many households, we have so much stuff stashed, that we forget we had them, and end up buying duplicates.
Great movie! This is a sad truth of many my friend.
Growing up from a disfunctional single mother home, I learned it the hard way. I saw what my mother did with money and I decided to do the opposite. This year I bought my first home, a used car for good price and I have a stable job so I can buy whatever I want as long as it creates more value in the long run. I just turned 24.
It makes me happy to hear that you learned what not to do. You are wise at the young age of 24. I wish you a happy and prosperous life N. -Does N stand for the fact you are NOT falling for a lot of stupid pitches put to you to try and make you part with your money? ( :
It's pretty hard to make this switch and realize not to spend on useless junk. While driving for Uber I picked up someone from the dollar store that had 2 huge bags of stuff. I thought wow, that's a lot of stuff.
@@patriciafisher3108 Thanks, I appreciate it alot. Have a nice one!
I never thought of it like that but I love the way you think :)
@@geode9512 I saved alot while working my ass off for almost three years, well worth it I'd say.
Congrats to you too! We're doing great so far, slow but steady. If you don't mind me asking, what's your next big purchase?
Diamonds are such a rip off... My husband got me a "used" wedding ring and paid about 25% of the retail value. They're pretty..but WAY too expensive for what they are. You're so right about changing your mindset about what is valuable and what isn't. Just because society says this object will help us keep up with the Joneses doesn't mean we should buy it.
Makes you wonder... what else has society deemed acceptable that you must spend a lot on? I ask this myself for things I buy questioning if the idea to buy it really came from myself. Or did I accidentally see too many ads or social posts from friends about it?
@@BeatTheBush Cars, cell phones... the biggest expenses right now in my opinion are education and rent. Why do I have to put myself tens of thousands of dollars in debt to get a good job, but if I decide not to do that I am stuck paying 60% of my paycheck to rent.
Diamonds are pretty much worthless .....they're pretty tho
@@Zero-9909 Community college is a great way to ease the burden of education. Get your basics there and then go to a university for the upper level courses. Working programs at school help out too.
@@TheWaldocrazy Basically... If I had to do it again, I would just have him save the money on the ring. It's only meant to impress people and "show" your love to someone. I don't need a rock for that.
Your message is so profound. You have grown so exponentially towards genuine living. Your journey parallels mine and I am so happy to know you.
=D I'm afraid I probably didn't explain it well enough. Because the message could easily be passed over. I know I probably would when I was buying loads of stuff on a daily basis.
@@BeatTheBush I think you did an excellent job of relating how getting rid of some of your stuff just feels like greater freedom. And the more stuff you let go of, the better you feel. Around 7 years ago, I started accumulating stuff....I also really looked forward to my daily "presents". But around 3 years ago I realized that I had everything I needed and buying more was just bringing home duplicates. But actually this is almost a spiritual feeling....the freedom I feel when I stopped accumulating stuff is increasingly joyful. I am about to retire also...and the quest for minimizing is going to come useful with the reduced income...of which I have already practiced! I just saved every penny, paid off $80,000. Of my house....and lived on as little as I could. Thank you for sharing your wonderful story of greater freedom. So happy to have found you!
Wear that t-shirt when your wife or girlfriend go shopping.
LOL... I don't have one of those to try this on.
Or make your own t shirt with a white t shirt and a sharpie and save money!
Wear that tshirt on your 1st date :)
Actually lot of guys buy more stuff than their girlfriends, so having this t-shirt would work both ways 😂
He probably won't end up with a girl that likes to spend alot of money. There are women who are frugal just like him.
I think there are things you shouldn't skimp on, though, like an excellent pair of leather boots that will last you through years of rain and cold. Don't buy cheap furniture - you'll end up replacing it and spending more than you would have if you bought a proper piece. Buy quality kitchenware and tools that get used often so they survive the wear and tear. Buy one really good set of sheets and pillowcases for your bed. It'll feel like heaven after a long day of work, cooking, and cleaning, and they'll last for decades. Cheap towels and toilet paper suck too lol
And never skimp on food. You can not live on PB&J and Ramen noodles.
You sound like you're in debt.
@@howtubeable really? Not peanut butter and jelly? Ramen I understand, but what's so bad about a PB&J?
Eating healthy is expensive. McDouble is cheaper than a salad. And if you buy lettuce to make salads. You need to buy more often because produce goes bad fast.
I've just went canoeing with my wife and we didn't post a single photo on any social media. We didn't take too many photos anyway, we were too tired from all the paddling. The 3 days trip cost very little, we slept in our tent and brought food from home. BeatTheBush would be proud of us :D
I just bought a 10 year old used car to replace the older 20 year old car that broke down. The 10 year old car feels like a brand new car!
That is the problem with most people who buy things/go to destinations just to show off and feel better of themselves. Several old people that were dying were interviewed and majority listed these same top five regrets which tells you what really is important in life so you won't have any regrets when its your time to go.
I wish I'd had the courage to live a life true to myself, not the life others expected of me. ...
I wish I hadn't worked so hard. ...
I wish I'd had the courage to express my feelings. ...
I wish I had stayed in touch with my friends. ...
I wish that I had let myself be happier.
Even though I am not old I have been doing these and some others so I have no regrets just in case I die young.
Some of the worlds millionaires dress humbly and continue to collect bottles/cans and clip coupons....That's totally awesome.
Probably just dress humbly for billionaires. For millionaires, they might collect bottles and cans.
i dress humbly......yes.
iremember la So true! There are a lot of insights and examples of this behavior in “The Millionaire Next Door” and “The Millionaire Mind”
In millionaires and billionaires, it's not humbleness. It's being a cheapskate.
3:35 Something you have made with your own hands, after ALOT of sweat, blood and tears is more priceless than something bought in a store with money. I decided to lathe an aluminium ring for my mom, that's something I used a lot of hours on. She's gonna appreciate that ring for the rest of her life because she know her son put his sole in the making of that ring on her finger.
I'm tempted to buy that shirt, frame it, and hang it on the wall in my mom's house
The older I get, the more I shun others' expectations. If you are single, people bug you to marry. If you marry, people question if you do not have children. Have a child, they say why not more? Best not to start! Also, sadly, our possessions own us. Thumbs up, again.
Agree.
I actually do want to get married and have children eventually. But only on my time.
So true.
I lived in Central London for a while and dressing casually can actually cause problems. I was kicked out of two corner shops under suspicion of stealing (I have never stolen anything in my life nor have I ever broken the law) and I was questioned once while trying to enter my apartment. People assume your social class and treat you accordingly. Back then I was actually making good money and had a nice fancy job. On the weekdays I was dressed in a suit on the weekends I wore some old plain clothes. Humans disappoint me.
Very true. You cant look like a slob. But my outfit in this video is dirt cheap. You can just wear non name brand but clean clothes.
@PearlPerlita Venegas I'm white.
Really? Yeah i can believe it. In America people are more casual, and it's not just jeans and tshirts, active wear as well.
@@jbela 30 years ago usually grocery shopping in sweats as a young wife I'd wait forever at the deli. One day I dyed my hair blonde and got a pink Angora sweater for my birthday and had to grocery shop and the same deli guy says: What can I get You today a new Cadillac or anything?!!
🤣
People judge LoL
I was definitely addicted to the dopamine hit of getting a package each day! So glad to have moved on from that, and props to you for sharing that experience on this platform.
Each day!? Yikes, more common in females though.
@@devonscope6222 it didn't go on that long. It was a reaction to my first real grown-up job with a real steady income. Is it necessary to generalize about "females"? BtB is a man.
The moral of this video is to live below your means, be humble and purchase essential items that are part of the needs category not wants.
if you do this... you will find so much more free time.
This guy is wise and profound. Thanks for sharing your insights.
I’ve been a practicing minimalist for about 8 years now. I also do not buy much, but what I do buy tend to be very high end, which I use, maintain, and repair until it is completely worn out. I stagger my clothing (more or less personal uniforms) by freshness, rotating 3 sets for daily use, 1 for weekend use, 1 borderline retired set for backup/rough work or play. I also maintain an identical kit of new items that pull triple duty for traveling, emergencies, and refills, which I replace as I cycle through my cache. Finally I keep a stash of emergency cash that I can instantly replace almost everything I own with.
One of your best videos - greed and feeling of inadequacy is what advertisers exploit in selling junk to people
the impact of this mindset has great rewards, it is very difficult to explain it to others!
everyone has been suckered by marketing. the smart ones will go FIRE
DONE!
I'm becoming minimalist too but I shop mostly at second hand shops. So now I just donate stuff before shopping!
=D Gotta keep a new zero flow of stuff!
meeting expectations is an exercise in futility- the trick is to let the self-consciousness go
*people have been trying to get* me to spend more money literally all my life. (💪😀 for you Mike)
Black Vito - Moneyology & Philosophy I’m just trying to get you to type without bold text. 😂🤣
@@mikek545 Just for you Mike I'll make roughly 50% of it not bold💪😂
Bold is slight less loud than CAPS
@@BeatTheBush I'm in accordance with that statement
Love it! 😍🤣🥳
Same! I used to love getting something by mail. I now have that feeling by buying things I need, like soap on discount.
Now, I feel a great satisfaction when I am able to remove another item from my life that I bought long ago. It's like reverse consumption.
My family always makes fun of me for not spending my money on anything unless necessary.
But I don’t need THINGS to make me happy :)
they are jealous that they don't know how to be in the same mindset as you are
That’s me too! But that mindset has allowed me to walk away from a high paying job and am on a “gap year” 😂
Pharmacy to finance and passed my Level 1 CFA 💪🏼
Now studying and learning.
Jo T is that your passion, finance? Good for you!
Investing Engineered - Yes, finance is 🤓 I’m such a dork. Before CFA I really didn’t understand fixed income now I get excited about bonds.
Who does that?! 🤪😂
Man, You are one of a kind! And I like it!
=D
This guy is so happy all the time.... it’s the kind of happiness that you’ll get when u are out of the trap of consumerism . Truly living as a human being , instead of like a robot following instructions from the advertisers all the time about how you should run your life ....
Your lobster analogy is gold
This is why I love this channel... That "Ring" part especially... I'm sharing this with anyone who asks me why I'm single lol...
Love that question "If you can't take and post any pics, will you still want to go?"....Going to teach my kids this.
Hi BTB, your video from 2 years ago "The Importance of Looking Poor " appeared in my recommended list 2 years ago. That was the first video I saw of yours. I like how you've moved on to the importance of not buying like a poor person. I grew up poor and didn't have the best clothes, go on vacation to exotic places, eat at restaurants, have parents who owned a house or a nice car compared to my classmates. My parents main goal for spending money was to provide food on the table, school supplies, gas in the 2 decade-old-car, and a roof over our heads.
Now that I'm making the average income and can afford to buy nicer quality clothes, go to exotic destinations, eat at restaurants regularly, I choose not to. I do inexpensive activities by myself and with friends. My goal is to own a house and have enough money for retirement, so I'm putting money in investments to meet those goals instead.
Thanks for inspiring me and letting us see how you've changed on your life journey.
I wish u the best in life. You sound wise and humble 👌. Spending a virtual hug
Being frugal is really good but it also turn off a lot of girls in modern society. I dated a girl before and she would always get mad at me for being so frugal and buying cheap stuff. Now I'm single it seems much easier for me to save money but at the same time I feel empty inside.
Kelvin
Keep looking for the right one and be true to yourself. Trust me women will try and change men for the worse.
As a jeweler who can’t tell a CZ from a diamond... I’m thinking they are a waste. They lose value the minute you get it.
Use that money to buy food/water/shelter for the next full year? =D
Really? You can't tell the difference between a CZ from a diamond?
CZs reflect grey, diamonds have color. That had to be sarcasm?!
Uhh duh..
As a stripper who can tell a cz from a diamond, you are a bad jeweler 😂
I am not buying what you are saying! lol. Just kidding. Sold!.
Lol... I'm confused...
@@BeatTheBush He's sold on your idea :)
The issue with buying 20-30 dollar sneaker is the longevity of the item. For example, If you buy a cheap pair of sneakers and it falls apart in 2 months, you will end up spending more over time compared to a 200 dollar pair of sneakers that will last over a year.
My sketchers costs about $40 and they last just as long as more expensive $150 pair I bought. Have you worn the cheaper shoes that actually fell apart in 2 months? Maybe the $40 pair then.
thank you Francis for this video. This resonates so much to how I am living now. I used to be an extreme couponer.. always had to stock up on things I need (scarcity mindset). Then discovered reselling on Amazon FBA and credit card churning which literally filled my garage with inventory.. It took about 4 years up to today to finally get rid of 90% of all the stuff...
Everyday is a process of decluttering and minimizing. Selling all the stuff I dont need and thought would appreciate in value.
I also used to meet spends buying giftcards treating Amazon GCs as cash. but now, the reality is that, Amazon gc's are not cash. I cant use them to pay off my mortgage or buy nutritious food. So now, I am very intentional of what I spend my money on. No more stuff. Sometimes even when I think I need a few dresses... I just close the browser and realize days after that I actually can live without buying those dresses.
Been following you since you had 70K subs I think.. So happy for how you have grown through the years.
I'm not buying that t-shirt
This is my favorite video of BTB so far. I need to watch it multiple times, this is so profound!
I think this is one way to get out of the grind and might even be a catalyst for upward social mobility. I.e. if you don't make much, you shun all the typical purchases, you can save a lot and start earning dividends.
@@BeatTheBush true! If we really think about how much we need to survive, it's not much. We work all our lives working more to earn more to buy more of the stuff we don't need. I need to remind this to myself
Ironically that was the most I've spent on a shirt in years. I hypocritically love the message too much.
I am just as puzzled as you at this blaring contradiction. Thankfully, I live with contradiction all the time.
I heard about this real story from YT.
A gug who wanted to impress people about his social status went to buy a super expensive Ferrari. He felt good and found people looking at him during day cruising around with that red hot cruiser. At the end of day, he found out no one actually cared his Ferrari. He felt extremely depressed with the car he didn't really need it.
Great vid BtB. Interesting insight. I also watched the ads from start to finish for you ;)
I did the same ...
Thank you! I think it counts if you watch more than 30 seconds. The whole thing if it is less then 30 seconds. OR if one engages with the ad like click on it.
I have always felt the same way
Whenever I see someone with really fancy weird looking clothes I'm so confused because it's not only overpriced but 90% of the time it looks terrible too. As a man you look best with a plain but clean outfit, a healthy body and a clean haircut
Some months ago I threw away my last old T shirt away with a big brand logo infront thinking "Why would I ever wear advertisment of this company that I have to pay for"
@Laura Croft it was a Adidas shirt with a big logo infront
Sam
Good stuff thanks for sharing
@BeatTheBush can you please make a video on how you deal with gifting situations? There are always someone's birthday, festival, gathering etc everyday!
Lol YES
Don't sell the unwanted gifts and regift them to others. Make your own card to personalize.
In my family, Christmas is always huge, birthdays too. Last year we all agreed to halve the money spent at Christmas. Still way too much frankly. But I found the best way to deal is that I request household/very useful and consumable items, as well as Amazon gift cards. I still give family what they want- the mostly fun, but unnecessary, stuff they request. But I then get things I NEED, and would have bought anyway. So it really evens out. As far as non-family occasions such as birthdays of friends, I bake a lot of pies and cookies and my famous cheese biscuits haha, and you would be surprised how much people like them. Many people today never get homemade anything. Most the people I give to are hard to buy for because they have 1 of everything already lol.
Great content. I was lucky to be raised this way and I'm sticking to it.
When I used to have Amazon Prime, it made it so easy to buy things and get it in 2 days before I was able to change my mind. I canceled Prime six months ago and relied on my friend in case I really wanted something. So far, I've been tempted, but stopped a number of times because of the cost of shipping. A couple times I have ordered over $25 to get the free shipping, but canceled the next day after reevaluating my needs for the product.
No one ever wants to believe getting such fast shipping will actually make you spend more. It's hard to believe myself still.
The peas are hiding & T Rex is sleeping. What is the yellow eyed critter? So true, we place value on material things because of consumerism. Time to rethink what is important to me not what others say or market as important. Interesting addiction BTB. I'm also decluttering & selling, takes time, but it will clear my headspace so it will get done. Once less becomes more valuable, it becomes normal. Good info
Icebat? Pink Lolcat? Or Snorlax? I'm surprised no one complained about me having 5-6 plushes on the couch being materialistic, lol.
4:37 Jean's $20? I get mine at thrift stores for $2-3. They're only new the first time you wear them
Keeping a certain "image" is hard work. I'm reminded by what Oscar Wilde once said - just be yourself, every one else is taken.
Don't buy diamond, buy gold.
Probably a better investment.
We can learn a lot from the Asian community. I just finished reading quit like a millionaire by Christy Shen. If I quit buying all the stupid stuff pushed in the American media I can retire in 3 years I'll be 32 years old. Working for the next 30 plus years is not worth the stuff I used to buy. In other words I just bought 30 years of my time back.
Wow.. just 3? Marketing spend a lot of effort to get you to buy things that you do not really need. The things we actually need are cheap and plentiful in a western world. But the money is selling perceived value rather than actual utility value.
Years ago, my GF and I got rid of lots of our stuff, especially clothes. We found that we change overtime and our tastes change too (our sizes too lol). Impulse shopping is a temporary relief, depending on a snapshot mood and non permanently reflective, thus diminishing returns.
Excellent video.
Agree with your points.
=D
Raj Singh You are so intelligent
Watching this vid again. So profound. Love what u said abt your own learnings (Amazon and gift cards) and how minimalism has transformed your purchasing habits.
Thanks for the update on the challenge of not spending. Good presentation. Buying stuff, in my opinion, is an emotional response that can't be expressed verbally or emotionally, so therefore the items are purchased to replace an action. I wrestle with buying the shirt.
Hello there BTB🤗🤗, this video will be very helpful for some people surrounding me, I don't have any social media but RUclips, love not letting know anyone my plans,and enjoy everything I do or have. It's feels very peaceful because this way you end up relating to people that care for you by who you are, not by what you have.
I think many people opt to not post anymore even if they do have an account. It's a growing trend and frankly doesn't seem so bad.
I love window shopping- looking at and touching clothes, house items, kitchen wares, etc.. most of the time I don’t buy anything when going to the mall. I just like the feeling of going there, know what’s new and also for the benefit of walking.
=D To survey the marketplace I would say.
I appreciate that you admit when you have changed your mind on a previous opinion. You are right...we don’t need most of the stuff we buy. Great video.
This is the conclusion I came to myself when I was chasing credit card bonuses. my budget had enough money in it to hit the minimum spends on these cards but then realized I'm spending money that I wouldn't have if I wasn't trying to hit a minimum spend on a dumb credit card. I since have stayed away from new card bonuses gimmick.
Hector
Well learned
Nothings free remember
Wow. Yes. Asking myself, "would I still want to go there if I couldn't show it off."
Thank you. 🙏🏼
=D You're welcome!
My weakness is after my workouts through the week is a Subway chicken breast loaded with veggies. 7.59 is the cost 4 times a week.
This comes down to a strong sense of self. No ego. Happy with who are in inside. Then, crappy material goods (and social media) mean nothing. I am 50 years old, grew up without social media. Never felt a need to buy anything. Don't give a crap what strangers think of me. It's easy if you know who you are inside. And our family makes over $300K per year. Wise words from this young man. But is isn't humility, it is a sense of self that saves you. Humility is wonderful too!
Its the norm to live life on auto pilot buying things everyone else is buying. I think to mostly shed yourself of material goods results form some hard self reflection of what good those things really did. Must things most of the time is not much.
Thank you in sharing this wisdom,
we all need it.
BtB! I like your rants--you share info you learned the hard way. Very helpful. Take care, my friend. Be safe.
I got tired of eating fish eggs... (Caviar)
Diamonds are as common as dust. They are sold in lots with mostly poor quality stones and a few good ones. It's take it or leave it. The really good stuff is rationed out. When the Soviet Union fell, they started flooding the market w stones. DeBeers had a nice talk with them and prices went back to previous levels.
I tried it myself. Not tired of it but it was not as spectacular as I thought. Just salty... sort of like ikura sushi. I think many people are still ignorant of the diamond monopoly. Or they know it but must still buy it from the conditioning.
@@BeatTheBush De Beers' hold on the diamond market is so strong that they can brainwash people with their advertising. It's pretty well-known that they have used strong-arm tactics in the past to maintain the high initial value of their stones. And yeah, the OP is right, the Russians and possibly the Canadians were persuaded not to flood the market with all of their diamonds.
This is my mindset. Thanks for sharing buddy. You rock!
Ah, you've returned to my feed with just the message I needed to hear. Wonderful. I shall not buy it (the things I've been thinking about buying), and I shall prepare my afternoon snack TONIGHT so i don't need to think about it tomorrow / buy food tomorrow. Thank you
Thank you for breaking this down so we can see it clearly. I was a spender but I agree with you that it doesn’t matter to much.
The t-shirt 😂
So you going to buy it?
@@BeatTheBush nope, have already more than enough closes in my closet. But I'll be happy to rock it if you wanna send one to me 😉
@@BeatTheBush I just might. It would be much needed therapy because I have the issue you used to have, except much less money
OverdoneAndUnderpaid just make your own with a white t shirt and a sharpie and invest the money you saved by not buying it!
I agree with the message. At the same time life is short. If buying something will make it more convenient and or will bring be great happiness because I want it I will get it and just enjoy it for a long time. Like you said it's hard to balance that and most of the time we overspend, but I really don't know what the point of life is if I save up all my money and then die when I'm older. Money itself is just something we made up. Isn't in a weird way not spending any money just like hoarding something. Spend on things you love and then be frugal on stuff you don't care for.
I traveled way before the days of social media postings so I know my husband and I love to travel for our own enjoyment. Plus my social media friends is very limited to few family and friends only.
Instagram is the retailer's dream, responsible for massive lifestyle creep. A bunch of BS
Yeah- it's worse than the 1980's when all the designer crap started up in earnest, being marketed to everyone. Designer perfumes, ridiculously overpriced handbags, logos/insignias all over clothing. It's garbage, and garbage does not bring happiness.
BTB, we perceive you as a more of a person because of your beautiful mind! You give us so much inspiration and help to stay on course!! 😊
You’re right. I just happened to start throwing things away. It’s a bad habit of keep getting things that we don’t need and store them, LOL.
Lol... it's amazing how easy it is to receive all kinds of stuff for free in the western world. Only if you are privileged enough and surrounded by people what wastes a lot though.
A lot of 'poor people's food' is much more nutritious and healthy than 'rich people's food'
Very good point about the travel! I do love to travel, but with social media being so prevalent one can allow themselves to start taking into account the selfies, etc....
that was the first step. for me the next one was maintaining self sufficiency. for example i have no interest in law, but i've bought a copy of model penal code, international law, law101, and 2 other law books for about $8 per book. it isn't a matter of utility but risk aversion. i've read two of the books, now i'm working through model penal code.
the difference in mindset is that i'm buying way more stuff, just stipulating that the stuff has to be discounted below $10. i went for quite a while without buying anything unnecessary and then i saw model penal code - new- for 4 dollars. and when i got it i just had to use a razorblade to cut a printing error page. creatign a list of things you could use and price points at which you will buy them will reduce want further and spread your desire for gratification. not sure why it works but it does. it is like saying " i want it $$OOO much" is itself the reward. and not spending while having a reasonable price point allows you to move on.
I'd had a folder on my mobile home screen with my fave shopping apps. Amazon, Zulily, ASOS, Zappos, etc. When I was thisclose to maxing out my Discover, my first course of action was to remove that folder from my home screen and those apps from my sight to rid myself of the temptation. Instead of spending money on stuff that I didn't need, I used that money to pay down my Discover bill. Within a few months, it my balance was $0.00. *in Ryan George voice* Not buying stuff is tight!
I hate opening packages! It always means a learning curve or work.
Yea! Happy mail! 😍
=D
I still like to buy things that I enjoy 😊, like diamonds. I like pretty things, and am not buying just to impress. I buy them for me.
Maybe try taking that $ and doing something for someone else and see which makes you happier?
Currently 15... hope I remember this when im older
Thank you..I appreciate your knowledge...
=D Thank you for watching!
Hey btb, I'm following since high school and I want to say that your work and lifestyle has a bit inspired me! Keep up with RUclips, you're doing a great job :)
Thanks! From high school? Did you see that credit card info video for that age group?
@@BeatTheBush Nah, anyways I'm french and European credit cards are totally different
"Slot Machine". Another little gem!
Love this video. Such a nice perspective to hear.
=D
I love getting packages! Love it! It is something to look forward to daily at a small cost. However, small cost adds up and my place is getting crowded. I am in the process of purging this addiction out of my system at the moment.
=D I used to have a room of Amazon boxes. Selling stuff has reduced it considerably.
I used to save the boxes and padded envelops but they ate up space like monsters so I got rid off them one day. Sure enough I was in need of a few boxed the week after to send back returns😂
Really cool video! Thank you! We need more reminders like this! Greetings from Germany!
2:39 "Social Points". Doesn't it seem similar to the Nosedive episode of black mirror? Ufff...
Beat The Bush is back on my recommended! Where did you go?
People are always so puzzled when i don't have any pictures after going on holiday to some exotic place.
I'm on holiday enjoying myself, i don't have time to think about taking pictures.
I think you're better than me on this aspect. I end up taking video because well... I make videos.
People are mostly miserable out there. To become "happy" they buy STUFF. It doesn't work. You need to find why you are not happy and content. THAT is the answer...NOT stuff;-)
$13 for one lunch ?
That is like 3 days worth of food in the “3rd” world 😂
The TV Series "Clean Sweep" had an episode with some lady who was into crafts and had piles and piles of supplies. She was asked - how many bins of stock did she really need to have at any one time. And she was only allowed to keep whatever could fit in those 4 or 5 bins she felt that she really needed. I then applied that to my own possessions. How many shirts, jeans, shoes etc do I really need to have in order to be comfortable. When I decided that, I gradually brought my possessions down to that level. And then, whenever I bought something new, it meant that I had to toss something out in order to keep my possessions "stable." There were a few occasions when the new thing I bought was the thing to get tossed into the "giveaway bag" because it wasn't as nice as what I already had! Trust me when I say that having to give away a new item makes the amount of money you just wasted very real!
Something else I had to deal with was the tendency to keep things "in case" (i.e. hoard). And with that, I had to realise that when one keeps things not in active use, that you no longer have room for what you actually do use. I also try to imagine the enjoyment that someone else must feel when they get the item that had once been sitting scrunched up in the back of my cupboard waiting for "just in case".
I am now thinking that I need to do something with my digital possessions. It is so easy to just accumulate music and movies, that you aren't going to ever listen to or watch again, just because you've got a 3TB or bigger NAS.
Clothing might be one of the hardest thing to reduce on if it fits you still. I personally am just wearing things out and not buying replacements when they do wear out. Just pick another item from what is there already, lol.
when i went to tokyo, i rarely took any photos. my siblings wanted food photos so i took photos of some of the foods i enjoyed that we dont have back in the states. my family arent familiar with japanese cuisine, so it was to show that japanese food is more than just sushi and teriyaki. most, if not all, of those foods were $1 - $10. my siblings love taking michelen star food photos, so i would caption some of my cheap $5 meals as "better than michelin" to show that you can eat good without spending a fortune. lol.
#BeatTheBush I started following your advice of limiting my purchases by taking pictures of what, “I want to buy” if I get home and realize how much I need it then I have to do make sure I don’t have the item already. I forget about gift cards so I tend to lose credit and spend more than I need to spend. #DontBuyItYouDontNeedIt
That's some dedication! Sometimes, if you clean out everything, you might already see you bought plenty of duplicates.
@@BeatTheBush True Statement
Always have to pay yourself first!
Wisdom indeed👍. God Bless from Australia
Best consequesnce of not buying stuff: Having room to move around.
Hey guys. If you want to know something. Wonder why the central bank's are buying gold and hoarding it the last few years like they have never done before. Jp Morgan has been hoarding silver as well. Yes they say everything is fine, but if your gonna buy something become friends with your local coin shop and pick up some bullion rounds as close to spot as possible. Set them aside. You will thank me in less than 2 yrs. Also if you become more into buying precious metals you will start to see things you used to buy and think. Wow I could get 3 oz of silver and have it when I need it. Or pass to kids. Just notice that besides in America gold is at an all-time high to alot of diff currencies in diff countries. They are trying to keep the lid on it here because gold and silver scare the bankers as much as anything. But soon you all will thank me or think. Dang I shoulda got a little bit at least. Good luck this coming recession everyone.
Bob
It's definitely coming the big economic day