6 Questions to Ask Before Buying

#TheMinimalists

[anndixon]

1) Who am I buying this for?
2) Will this add value to my life?
3) Can I afford it?
4) Is this the best use of this money?
5) What’s the actual cost?
6) Would the best version of me buy this?

[gabrielasaenz-seitz]

When buying online I put items in my cart. And go back a day or 2 later and am able to determine if they are really necessary. When shopping at a store I put things in my cart walk around with them and reaccess before heading to the check out.

[keryngasparini]

I have just completed the Minimalist Challenge! Thank you so much for finally waking me up to myself & my spending habits at a ripe old age of 58! I wish you were around in my younger years! Love your work guys xxoo

[TangoDelta]

It's probably been mentioned numerous times, but forcing yourself to "turn off" (sometimes literally) from social media and television will help cut down the urges to buy useless "stuff" or feel the pull towards getting that new car, new clothes, better phone, etc. It never ends!

[iownadodge]

Speaking of bags…last year I decided to get one. Wanted one in which I could fit tablet, book, pens, etc., that wouldn’t self-destruct like the last dozen. After several months I chose one on sale from Indigenous-owned company up North. Best decision ever. Will probably own & use this bag for life. It’s not fancy, but its so perfect for me. I took all the other bags I owned to charity. Very pleased with my decision to really THINK about my need/desire/budget/best option 👍.

[chioma]

Thank you! You just stopped me from buying a whole lot of clutter. Just purchased the item we needed and took off all of the other items that would've given me free shipping.

[youcansoften]

First thing I do after I feel anxious I tell myself "your worth is not determined by the amount of stuff you own, everything you need is already inside of you " and If I don't listen to my advice next thing I try to do is to leave my phone far away from me and go for a walk lastly if still this doesn't work I go and check my bank account and then I realize.. yup I don't need it !
Lately I've done some introspection and started thinking about what if I die now ? (Yes, quite dramatic I know, but it helps) if I die now how much inventory my family has to go through It's just stuff !
Plastic objects, paper objects, fabrics, etc... What am I missing about life when I focus on the wrong/impulsive path ?
We all deserve peace of mind.

[Christinamychas]

Shortcut to a more complete life - heavy and so true. Excited to see you guys in Toronto! Bring your parkas.

[Sardinesaregross]

Sunday is August 1st and I will be doing a no buy month. I'm glad I watched this. THANK YOU very, very much.

[aliceeagle]

I have been leading to a minimalist lifestyle over the last 5 years and words like this still help, wherever you are in your journey, it resonates at any point! Thank you <3

[kvomhagen]

I really appreciate your work making us aware of what matters and what doesn't. My buying habits have certainly changed. With (almost) each purchase I also look at what my purchase does to the environment, to poeple and to the limited resources we are exploiting. So two more questions I have on my list are: What is it made of? And: Where does it come from? I also wanted to mention that I would love to hear a little more from Ryan. I'm sure he also has interesting viewpoints and stories. :-)

[riasanghvi]

Would the best version of me buy this?
Now that's my favourite question.
Thank you guys:-)

[santiagomartinguzman]

Love hearing your videos and podcasts while going to my job, thank you guys for all your work!

[coolstertothecore]

The total cost of an item also includes the impact on the planet and the workers paid low wages to make those things.

I've never really had a problem with buying things but I find it hard when other people buy me things that I don't want or need and repeatedly ask after them! It makes me sad and frustrated that they've wasted their money and depleted the earth's resources, but despite repeatedly asking people not to buy me things, they still do. It's so engrained in society to show you care by buying things unfortunately.

[RC_]

Great tips! But wait, he returned the Gucci backpack AFTER he used it and wore it to work?🤣I feel like thats against their returns policy lol!

[catlover]

I think you could add more like 7) can I make it myself? 8) can I find a way to fix it/ are their alternatives to having to spend money on getting a new item / could I get it 2nd hand - just thinking the other day i wanted to get a deodorant but I have sensitive underarms so ended up Googling and making my own. I love it.

[jacinthepaille]

Very well said, Joshua and Ryan! Thank you for sharing this :)

[lamochilademary]

I just wanted to boast, I am on a low buy year and it's almost becoming a no-buy year without even planning it.

[LukeT]

"can I afford this twice?" Is the one I ask myself. If the answer is no then I do not purchase it.

[raebean]

I need this book!! I loved the first one!