What I DON'T Buy As a Financial Minimalist

15 Things I Don't Buy As a Financial Minimalist

Society sells us much more than just material possessions, society sells us ideas and beliefs. In this video, I talk about "15 Things I Don't Buy as a Financial Minimalist;" However, when I say buy I am not talking about literal things I don't buy, but figurative things I do not buy.

1. Success means money

Most of our lives we are told that you are successful when you have a lot of money. I do not believe that success is money, success is making the world a better place.

2. You have to be rich to live your dreams

I traveled to 35 countries and paid for it with a job that was paying me $8/hour. You don't need a bunch of money to live your dreams.

3. Money is complicated

Like most things in this world, we have complicated money and allowed it to control our lives. When you are in debt, money becomes more complicated with interest and payments. It is important keep your finances simple.

4. Debt is inevitable

Debt is a cultural concept put in place by the man to control our lives. We do not need debt in our lives, live below your means and don't buy anything you can't afford.

5. I was born broken

Society teaches us from an early age that we are broken and need to be fixed by getting a bunch of material possessions. You were born complete and do not need anything to make you more complete.

6. Enjoyment is expensive

Many people think that they need to spend a lot of money to get enjoyment out of life. The best things in life are free like spending time with nature.

7. Life is boring
8. Millionaires are better than people with $0
9. A life of luxury will make you happy
10. Humans beings are serious
11. I need to be constantly growing
12. 24 hours is 24 hours
13. You have to spend your whole life working
14. We need a lot to live
15. We own the earth

[ElAgustin]

What does society sell you that you don't buy?

[reddoggie]

I am a retired 69 year old man living in Southern California.

I long ago decided that my retirement activities would be near zero costs and be of physical and psychological benefit.

I hike with friends, workout at the gym, borrow books from the library, play piano, and garden. My average monthly cost for these activities is less than $25.

No one needs to spend money to be happy.

[cliaf]

Can we talk about how wasteful Christmas and gifting in general is?! I like the concept of family, spirituality, and gratitude around Christmas, but society at large has made it about "stuff" and I despise that.

[anyaharris]

Great video. I have a degree, worked 50 hrs a week, had no time, no energy, was stressed. It took me 20 years to pick up a courage to quit my job. Now i work part-time as a cleaner, no stress, lots of time and energy. Guys, I've never been happier! I am frugal, i buy only necessary things. I dont have a car, i got a bus pass, and i walk everywhere i can. I eat out once a month if any. I cook my meals at home, its cheaper and i know whats going into my food. :))) I dont need expensive holidays, i live near a nature reserve and i walk there with my partner every Sunday to connect with nature. Its free for us as we have local passes. I trully achieved a peace of mind. We dont need much to be happy.

[paulfoytack]

#6 "Nature don't charge anything"
A walk or time in my garden is the best therapy I know.

[michellecastaneda]

One trick saved my life years ago, if I really wanted something, I would take a picture of it and look at it for one month. 95% of the time after that month was up I didn’t want it anymore. I talked myself out of. But now, I don’t have to even do that. I just don’t go in a stores Other than for necessities

[georgestone]

Building wealth from nothing involves consistent saving, disciplined spending, and strategic investments. Begin by creating a budget to track expenses and identify areas for savings. Prioritize paying off high-interest debt and establishing an emergency fund. As you build a foundation, start investing in low-cost options like index funds, and focus on continuous learning and improving your skills for better income opportunities.

[luciagonzalez]

You are so cute and so smart!!! I am so glad I found your channel! I am sorry for this generation that is growing up in this era of consumerism. I grew up in the 60's and 70's when we didn't buy anything!! No fast food, no Walmart, no designer crap!!! We didn't have a garage full of junk either, only the car lived in the garage!! Houses had small closets because we didn't buy a bunch of clothes that we didn't need!! I had six brothers and sisters and we truly believed that we were rich! (we weren't)
We were happier and less anxious. I literally never heard of anxiety when I was growing up!! Keep making videos and teaching people the true meaning of life..you are awesome!!

[pandukawb]

"You don't need to be growing all the time" - this is so relatable.

[angelalaskodi]

Peace of mind is what I strive for. It's a luxury in its own self.

[mikec]

One of the best channels ever. Not too many people that are grounded in the United States like that.

[ignacioportillo]

I agree with you, 100%. You are my new favorite You Tuber
I'm 55 years young, I enjoy nature, music and I'm grateful to be alive and well in this beautiful world.

[lindadunne]

What a truly sensible young man you are Austin. Imagine how different the earth and all our lives would be if we didn't believe what "The Man " says. As a 72 year old I say sit back and listen carefully to what Austin is saying..we will all have a more beautiful stress free life if we do. The bonus being you are taking control of your own lives.

[kerriestimpson]

The other thing that we need is great relationships. Spending time with those who are precious to us. Update: having no debt and manging finances well, means that you have the time and energy to focus on that.

[dodgecityvanlife]

This is a great return to the basics of life. We all have been hustled by advertisers and money lenders. I've woken up a little late, but I'm still glad to be here.

[rsundlov]

You can either experience the pain of discipline or the pain of regret. The choice is yours. - Marcus Aurelius. You sir, have words of enlightenment in a world run by empires of lies. Thank you🙏🏽

[corym]

You're a treasure. I enjoy watching your videos with my coffee (free coffee from the office, not from the coffee shop :)

[nateb]

Great video. I agree with 95% of everything you’ve said. I always tell my 3 adult children that all you need in life is “Food in your belly, a roof over your head and clothes on your back! Everything else is optional.” I’m sending them the link to this video. Keep up the great work.

[orlymarq]

Totally true. I agree 100 percent. I am retiring early and I do want to live simple and travel the world in a budget.

[mamasquid]

I can't tell you how much I love these videos. It's like listening to a preacher and I'm constantly saying "Amen!" I love the passion in your voice too. I can really tell you mean it.