50 Things I Don't Buy and Ways to Save Money

Welcome friends!
Whether you're a minimalist, concerned with the current economy, or a stay at home mom looking to contribute to your family's finances - I hope you find today's video helpful. I'm sharing 50 things I (mostly) don't buy, and ways to save money!
With love, Steph


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[suzannemowry]

White distilled vinegar is a great fabric softener and no residual smell. It prevents laundry soap buildup in you clothes and keeps my washing machine clean!! My sheets and sweaters have never been softer.

[thisboymomlife]

Only groceries we buy are dry baking goods, coffee, and paper products like toilet paper.
I never get my hair or nails done. We don't have cable...buy our used cars cash. We go out to eat maybe 1-2 times a year, we don't travel or spend nights away from home. I start all my flower and vegetable seedlings from seed. All of our furniture is used/thrifted, except our couch and mattresses. I don't buy new home decor, i thrift or upcycle everything. We are extremely frugal....but we love our life.

[luciep]

Great list Steph!
We’re living a much more minimal life now than we used to and rarely buy anything we don’t actually need. Definitely no trinkets/Knick-knacks/things that will just collect dust on a shelf etc. It feels just unnecessary for our family. I also don’t buy new crockery unless something breaks. If you declutter, and then don’t keep bringing in new stuff, the home stays minimal and peaceful. 😊

[Lacoux]

Hair cuts, hair dye, nail services, specialty cleaners, tv streaming services, and new shoes/clothing. I've been getting into making my own clothing and feel so much better being able to craft my own wardrobe rather than settling with in-store (both thrift and big box stores).

[Freja]

I wont buy more than 5 new clothes this year. So far I ve bought pair of tights. It is really interesting to take care of your clothes and repair them.

[beautifullife]

Thank you, I enjoyed listening to your list. This winter I have been doing all of my cooking on my woodstove. I figure why turn on my electric range when I have my woodstove going 24/7. My mom always cooked everything from scratch and at 59 I continue doing the same thing. I’ve always kept everything in my life as natural as possible. I loved reading everybody’s comments ❤

[andreastamper]

I suggest investing in bee's wax wraps (or make your own) as opposed to Saran wrap that will be here forever, and has to be re-purchased.

[tnctnc]

Would love to see a video on how u do your nails !!

[joyelisabeth-oupn]

I’d love to see how you changed your closet to be more minimal! As a mom who goes through phases of different sizes with pregnancy/postpartum/normal size as well as different seasons, I have a hard time figuring out how to manage clothes. I’d love some insight and ideas!

[lovemysons]

I love this video! I agree on all of the things!
I do haircuts most of the time, we have never bought a new vehicle, it has to be used and cash, I don’t buy any frozen ready to eat meals, also no microwave, don’t dye my hair, we don’t buy any beef meat but rather Butcher our own.
Thanks so much for sharing your tips!

[gretchenhbolton]

Your makeup is beautiful! Would love to see a video on what you use and how you apply it :) God bless

[mildredmartinez]

I don’t buy Christmas, birthday cards anymore. I bought an origami book and decorate with the figures i make. They turn out really cute and people enjoy them. I found a package of card stock they sell at Wallmart that measures perfectly. Fold in half and it makes two cards. I even learned how to make the envelopes. . When i first tried making them, they were not spectacular. But practice makes perfect and now everybody loves then.

[toriabdallah]

I agree with all of these! Some of these things we still buy but I totally agree with all of your reasoning! Sometimes I feel like I’m just being cheap but there really is purpose behind all of it. I like the way that you frame that saving money in what you buy also contributes financially to the household. That is a helpful way to think about it! 😍 thanks for sharing!

[katealison]

As much as possible I try and fill vases with flowers or foliage from the garden instead of buying expensive bunches from the supermarket or a flower shop. Sometimes I do buy larger bouquets, if they're really special and I can't get anything the same or similar from my own garden. But I often do without flowers and make displays and arrangements just from interesting shaped, self-grown foliage. Or I gather stems and branches when I'm out walking. It's creative and very therapeutic. I'm guessing with your professional flower growing you have an abundance of blooms at home too whenever you need them!

[jessicaderstine]

Magazines!!
I carefully choose 2 a year to give me light, fluffy reading/pretty pictures to look at that is not blue light based!

[joanasheville]

Our kids are now grown, youngest is 25, but I truly appreciate having some of our earlier decisions affirmed by your suggestions. Thank you! We were often the "weird family" but somehow our kids turned out just fine and are thriving. One thing I also gave up long ago was Saran Wrap. I found that a bowl covered by a plate means that something else can sit on top of it. Silicone sandwich bags are pricey but last forever and I can occasionally find them at the thrift store. Even foil and parchment paper can be eliminated. If you decide to do without, somehow you find other solutions.

[melissa_ann_p]

I don’t buy regular cleaners. I make my own with essential oils etc.. and use reusable bottles.. plus no cable tv ❤

[laurysteinke]

The minimal mom said microfiber cloths are very bad for marine life.
Do you wear an spf on your face everyday?
That’s very important. Maybe just use a cheap moisturizer at night as well. 😀

[margrietneels]

I love your list and have the same thoughts on all your items! Some things I don't buy are haircuts for our boys, I give them regular haircuts, and also trim our daughters hair. I don't buy pedicures or manicures, and the only extra curricular lessons I pay for is piano lessons.

[kindnessmatters]

I don't wear any makeup at all, so I have never bought any, and I always cut my husbands hair :-) I hang dry all our hang-up clothes! I DO NOT like microfiber either! Can't stand how they feel! I'm also very minimal in my kitchen. No gadgets at all. I have a hand mixer and a blender, and that's it, lol. I cook 95% of our meals too and have made it just fine. No TV or any internet hotspots. Just our phones. I do coconut oil, no lotions... and I dnt ever get my nails done. Just care for them myself. Lol, you're going through your list, and I'm like, yes! Yes! Yes! Lol, we are the same with candy. Mixbook is what I use, too!!!♡🙂 lol we could be such good friends, I think!!!