Why I Stopped Spending Money

As someone who is a minimalist and has been practicing frugal living for quite a while now, I get a lot of questions about how to stop spending money -- and why I don't spend money in the first place! This month, I'm doing a no-spend challenge and I thought I would take you along for a "clean with me" day and we could chat about financial minimalism and how I stopped wasting money and started SAVING money instead! I hope you enjoy this week's video and don't forget to add your best money-saving tips down in the comments below! :)

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ABOUT A TO ZEN LIFE
Along my journey to let go of 30 years of clutter, I accidentally became a minimalist and it was life-changing.

Before, I was an emotional hoarder with nothing but the clutter from lost loved ones — and $25,000 of debt — to my name. Now I have a beautiful home in Europe, a happy family, live debt-free, and — best of all — wake up to a life that I’m EXCITED to live every day.

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NOTE: This description may contain affiliate links; these links allow you to find the items mentioned in this video at no additional cost to yourself. While this channel may earn a small amount when the viewer uses the links, the viewer is in NO WAY obligated to use these links.

[SusieQZee]

I stopped spending money out of force. The utilities, food, gas, and tax increases have left me no choice. I don’t have any debt at all, which I am so grateful for. I continually declutter which is getting so much easier as I have stopped buying things.

[elaine]

Look how clean and simple her home is. I don't care how much money you have. I don't want a bunch of stuff around. Stresses me out!

[cindirose]

3 Tips.: Don't expose yourself to temptation. Do not go window-shopping or browse on-line, don't go into thriftstores or antique shops or the bazaars. There is Always something to catch your eye and often awakens The Wants.

Importantly, do Avoid going shopping with friends who have more money to speand than you.

Also, going ot to look around for gifts for others is always a trap, . So just be deliberate in what you give, such as make a decision before shopping and simply give that----orr make a donation to Their Favorite Charity in their name., or sew/make/bake something just for them.

Old lady from California, USA.

[lalablotz]

I almost bough some new unneeded clothes online this morning and then I watched this. Needless to say I didn’t buy. Thanks 😊

[michalaharesnape]

Thank you, this is very much on my mind right now as the costs of everything, food, utilities, etc are soaring in the UK right now. I’m having a lovely no spend Sunday right now. A walk in the forest with my family and Tilly our dog. Lunch at home, then I read my library book ( I came home with a stack of them yesterday and I’ve also been listening to free audiobooks from the library). Then I took the time, which I don’t always do, to teach my 11 year old daughter how to make a lasagna, so that she knows how to make her own food. Tonight we will have dinner and play a board game. A pretty good day and I haven’t spent a penny. That’s my money saving tip.

[daryljohnson]

I’m using the concepts of “enough” and of gratitude. Enough is defined as: did I have food, clothing, and safe shelter today? It’s then noted daily in a journal followed by an octothorpe grateful. To that I curate what I watch on YT, deactivated my FB, got a library card, revised rest and nutrition among other cost-free things.

Love the simplicity and pace of the video.

[ithacacomments]

I live in an apartment complex for older adults.
Our building has a giveaway area where residents place unwanted items for others to pick up.
So much fun!...and I save so many shopping the giveaway.

[cynthiacrumlish]

Zero debt here for several years..about five. Happy to be able to donate to causes I feel need a little boost. People helped me out in the past and it feels good to do the same for others. Cannot remember the last time I ate out. Love cooking from scratch at home. It is a luxury not available to many, I know.

[hillaryvasquez]

Present day economy makes living below your means seem impossible but it is still very feasible. Money is just a tool, use it to create the life you want

[dmiora]

When I have lost my job, I did stop spending and realize how many things I dont actualy even need. I keep it this way and I am happy that lesson was learned for a better life. 😇

[MrsChocolateBean]

My number one saving tip: libraries. It saves a ton of space and money for buying and storing books, it gives us the opportunity to bond with our Kids over new interesting stories or topics we find on our tour through the Library and we are doing a Little familiy Trips every 4 weeks, where we dont have to spend money on a expensive Trip Like Zoo or something. Bonus: our Kids love books! There is so much to discover, so they Never get bored. Curiousity and interest in books is totally something I want to pass on to them.

[MadisonBriggsArtchick]

I appreciate your creating videos even when you aren’t feeling your best. Thanks so much.

[xenoshadowmorph]

I've just started on my frugal living journy, but one of the first things that I have realized is that I have too much stuff and duplicates of a lot of stuff. So, I am going through everything and selling what I can and donating other stuff that I know just won't sell. I have noticed so much less clutter and it is de-stressing as well. My big financial goal is to get out of debt and save money for those times when you have none. I have unfortunately been out of work the last 8 months due to layoff (tech company) and my savings have dried up so soon after my unemployment benefits ended and it made me realize that I really need to make sure that I have at least a years worth of living expenses saved up as this situation could happen again. It truly opened my eyes to that fact that I really did not save money like I should have every time I got paid and that I was overspending most of the time. I don't really have that many tips as most people living frugally follow the same tips that you have given. I am just watching more videos like this to find all the ways I can save for that "rainy day" and still enjoy life. It is making me look and think about money in a totally different way - keep up the videos they are very helpful.

[xpsxps]

Thank you, Marissa!
In 2022, I had 9 months of no spending, and the results were amazing!
1. I saved enough money to help a family member in a difficult and critical situation, which was returned to me the following year.
2. The most surprising thing was that I didn't feel like I was struggling. Vice versa. It was kinda fan, and I felt really great about myself at the time.
3. I'm going to do it again this year.
My extra tip is - If you regularly go shopping with your friends, stop it and find another way to spend time together and have fun in a more meaningful manner.

[heatherj]

We paid off our debts and home in 2021, but are trying to save up for early retirement at 55. I don't think we can quite get to that by 55. "Money is energy" is really apparent when you are looking at retirement.
The choices you make in your 20s and 30s will definitely affect your choices in your 50s and 60s.

[ms.schnapp]

Love no spend videos! Making food and coffee/tea at home is a huge money saver. Also, shopping your closet and restyling what you already have is fun. Often times, it means a different combo and wearing different accessories you already own and putting on blush! I also like to make sure there's enough groceries for a few days or the weekend, and enjoying the time at home if possible. The time and energy spent shopping is also money.

[nataliek]

I stopped buying last year just to change my habits. i only bought PJ's in April and two pair of shoes in December last year!! That's from normally ordering several items for myself every month!!

[DavidDavisDH]

I just bought a (new to me) used car, I saved up most of my money last year for it. Now I'm back at saving for my next goal. Having a set amount helps a lot to get to that money goal, in a separate savings account.

[sofycleme]

Yaay new video! 🩷🚪Buying groceries at Aldi instead of Walmart, and having a meal plan.

[KikkiF]

The hardest part of frugal living, before you’re accustomed to it, is the FOMO-feeling you have. Since I decided to change careers and being a student again I’ve reduced my income to less than a fourth of my previous salary, and still being able to save money. It’s amazing to know how little money you actually need. Yes, eating out is a big no no right now and buying clothes isn’t to think about, but in the end it’s worth it! Knowing that I’ll get a new career with a good income - so I can save some to my future and paying off my mortgage makes it all worth it. (And you where a part of my decision to change my life and lifestyle. Thank you! ❤)