Please keep talking about money on the internet! It’s important, especially as women, to demystify the subject. Rich people talk very freely about money, and recognize it’s a skill they can learn from one another. Plus, I cannot think of another example of a creative person building a business with their craft sharing the nitty gritty of being a working creative. It is very valuable to me.
Hannah, please don't feel bad about "being behind" monetarily compared to your peers. 70% of people in the US, regardless of income, cannot come up with $400 for an emergency. Just being aware of your finances and making strides to get ahead already puts you towards the top 30%. Keep going. You got this.
Every time I hear that it blows my mind. I am similarly shocked when I see online that someone is about to purchase something or maybe wants to buy something from someone privately, it’s like $10 and they need to ask if they can hold it until payday. $10. It’s like whoa. If you don’t have access to ten dollars, you can’t afford that Knick knack at all. That the majority of us live THaT close to the edge is sobering and frightening. We just don’t realize it because people don’t talk about money, they buy more than they can afford, and are ashamed to admit it.
Agreed, its a very similar situation in Canada. Last week I read on the news that a large portion of the population (I forget the percentage but it was over 30%) is $200 away from bancrupcy every month, which obviously has to do with people having to many month to month payments such as car, mortgage and other loans. Its not just young people who have too much debt, its also and especially people ages 30 and up, maybe because they think that they have to have those things due to their peers and parents having those things.
Miss Misto I could not agree more. I recently sold an item on ebay for little money, about £15. The person who bought it asked me to wait for late payment because of their pay cheque. I told them it was fine but did think that if you do not have that kind of money lying around you should not buy make up with it.
I totally feel you. I do (boring) product copy as a "day job" and it's enough to pay my bills and car payment monthly. My "side hustle" is teaching yoga 6x a week, which is less than half the amount of classes I'd need to teach to do it full-time, and it feels like the most I could handle anyways. Each class is an hour (or 75 minutes), but I spend *hours* putting my heart into classes, planning, making playlists, etc. On top of that, I also do freelance for some beauty companies here in the bay area and occasionally do projects through some personal connections to do their website copy. I haven't been really collecting makeup since college (2012ish) so my collection has been pretty reasonable int the last few years (after TONS of decluttering lol), but I'd spend a good amount of money on lip products and *skincare* omg. So. Much. Skincare. BOOKS, shit for my dog, kitchen tools, expensive vegan foods, shitty clothing, apartment decor, plants... So much stuff I'd just buy without considering how much it adds up. I put myself on a low-buy this year and I just paid off my student loans last month!! :) Celebrated hardcore. Not only that, but I've been telling my friend from studying abroad I'd come visit for the last *6 years*. "Just as soon as I get some extra money I'll save and come visit!" Last week I booked my ticket to FINALLY visit her at the end of summer. On top of that, I'm going on a yoga retreat with my mom, and Texas with my boyfriend to visit his dad! All of those amazing things just from not buying shit I don't need. However, it's *ruined* my youtube experience lol. Now I watch UA-camrs who buy and spend and collect hardcore and it gives me SO much anxiety. Whether it's booktube or beauty gurus, I've unsubbed from a ton of people because their hoarding gives me stress. So thank you for your channel, I appreciate how much I can connect to you and your content!
....I'm sure this has already occurred to you, but I would love to read a book about beauty budgeting/no-buying. These videos in book form would be wonderful, like how food bloggers make cookbooks.
rachel mueller omg I literally just finished Cait Flanders book on audiobook. And no disrespect to her, it was great, but I couldn’t help but wish Hannah had written it and read it! I relate so well to how she thinks about things!
I'm halfway through the video, but I just had to say this: It IS super awkward to talk about money pretty much anywhere, but feel free to continue doing that. I feel like as a fellow mid-30's grown ass woman (turning 34 in the summer), financial circumstances for older millennials are kind of all over the place and it's comforting when we all understand that instead of trying to live up to whatever we thought our lives were going to be. For the first time in my LIFE I have a job with health insurance and enough money to maaaaybe move out of my parents house (I KNOW!) in a year or so, assuming I get past my job's probationary period and no major emergencies occur. Being able to fund your move yourself is a huge thing. Be proud.
Thank you for saying this! I'm in my early 20's I'm moving out this summer, I'm a student so my cash flow is sparse. I really tried my best to save a lot of money. And I'll be able to cover our moving expenses. I'm kind of struggling to buy all the furniture we'll need, I'm trying to thrift a lot and I'm kind of succeeding! But I still feel like a failure sometimes, I had to double a year at uni, I had to change my study, and I see a lot of people my age buying houses and cars. I try to keep myself debt free. But even as "the last" from the millenial generation it's a hell of a task.
Oh Hannah... when you started getting emotional, I was reminded of a time when all I had in the bank was $10. I sat and cried at the food court at Costco, feeling so hopeless. Thankfully, those days are gone. Thank you for sharing your life with us. ❤❤❤
okay i'm gonna comment again but when you said 'i had 45 plants' i yelled 'WHAT!' and spit out what i was eating ... you had the US presidents of PLANTS
Please keep talking about money. You’re relatable and real and you’re removing the pressure of the feeling that we should be doing better than we are or that we should pretend to be doing better than we are. I always feel advised after watching you- thank you for sharing your wisdom. 💜
I got a little teary eyed myself when you were talking about how proud you were for having the savings to cover your move. I'm so proud of you because I totally get that feeling of "I'm a grown ass woman and I should have the ability to do this." That's a true accomplishment! Excited to see what comes next with the space and time issues. 💖💖💖
That's so wonderful that you were able to save the money for the apartment (even if you didn't know that's what you were saving for) and have it ready when the time came. I'm officially into month 5 of my own no-buy year, and my biggest accomplishment so far has been moving the max annual contribution amount into my IRA last week. No buy/budget for the win!!
A no buy move??? Unfathomable based on my personal history. Really goes to show it's truly a matter of mindset and holding steady to your intention. And you and Joe came out just fine on the other side, showing us all what's up.
This is so inspiring to me. I’m getting ready for a move and it is a larger space. I was thinking ‘oh I’ll need curtains, paint, etc etc’ after watching this I’m going to wait and move in and settle before I do any purchasing. I currently feel like I’m overwhelmed by ‘stuff’ in my current space, so why would I want to move only to fill that space up with even more? I’m also currently downsizing my makeup and skincare collections during my own no buy year. This will help me move with less. Thank you for the continued motivation and inspiration.
I think what you’re doing by trying to break down and understand your old spending habits is really valuable. I see and hear a lot of myself in ‘old Hannah’. I’ve always thought I was okay with money but maybe I’ve been stingy in the wrong areas of my life and my brain needs rewiring.
What I do with plants: I take a little baby from whoever has a plant I like, then I grow it. It's free. Basically, you can have as many as the space allows and not spend a dime on them. I recycle old pots as well.
Thank you for sharing! Please keep sharing! I am in my early 30s and trust me.... People do not have it figured out nearly as much as you may think they do! You’re doing awesome and you are helping so many of us by sharing your experiences and commentary on them❤️
Hannah, I am way way way older than you and am still in the daily struggle of controlling my spending. Finding your channel has been a true blessing. I'm expecting a bill for "therapy" in the mail..... :-) Thank you for sharing.
When I was a renter I used sets of decorative cardboard boxes with lids and kept them on open shelves. I used to keep everything in them, from stationary, tools to bras, socks and T-shirts. When you move you don't have to pack. Just disassemble the shelves. I used curtains as a space dividers. They are great to form a wardrobe, either walk in or a regular one.
It's content like this that keeps me obsessed with your channel, Hannah. You approach your love of beauty and its impact on your life in such a thoughtful, analytical, and emotional way. The windows you give us into your thought process as these no-buy/budget projects affect you are so inspiring. Thank you so much for opening your soul to us and taking the time to make this content so that we can all take this journey with you. And as someone who has watched nearly every video on your channel and watched your growth as a consumer and beauty addict, I just want to share that I am so proud of you. I know the opinion of some 23-year-old on the internet doesn't mean anything, but I just want you know that your growing awareness of money management and indulging in moderation is wonderful to see. I always feel like I'm behind where I should be as a grown ass woman as well, so hearing it from someone I admire so much makes me feel less alone. We've never met, yet I feel so invested in the progress you share and my heart was so full when you described the joy of using your savings to move. So even though my opinion is probably worthless, I just can't keep it in. I have to tell you I'm proud of you and I'm rooting for you and thank you so much for sharing your journey with us!
I'm at a low point right now, personally and within my relationship, and I just want to say that I'd never be able speak so openly about my thoughts and feelings especially regarding "frivolous" things like makeup and decor and whatnot, in front of my partner. I think it's beautiful that you can be this self that you give us in vlog form, a self that I could only be in private or with my most intimate of friends, you can be that self in front of Joe and he clearly supports that version of as much as he does the other versions. It's beautiful.
"Shopping makes me want to shop more". wow this comment really related to me! I just moved back home from 8 months in a different city, and as soon as I came back I started trying to redecorate my space because it felt "stale" and old after having been away for so long. I picked up some key pieces secondhand that I am very happy with but I continually find myself on websites for homewares even though I already have what I wanted/needed. It's like I have some kind of FOMO for shopping? Its very hard to describe but I feel like you put everything into words so eloquently and I relate a lot to what you're describing.
OK I'M BACK!! I WAS TEARIN UP when you talked about being able to cover the costs of moving for you and Joe. It's so cool to see your project already making a difference in your life. One of my favorite parts about your check-ins is seeing how the No-Buy and Budget continues to evolve your thinking. If it isn't money that's the issue with overspending, it can a problem of space. If it isn't space, it can be time. These distinctions are so important and make your channel + spending philosophy so much more universal. It's not just no-buy/budget until you have the means to spend more. It's a lasting project! Somebody already said write a book but dude write a book!!!! I'D READ!
Thank you so much for speaking openly about money. SO MANY people are embarrassed to talk about the cold hard facts of their spending (myself included) and you help encourage to break that habit. You are utterly amazing.
I’m going to be moving soon too! I do plan on buying new furniture since we’re moving into a larger house, but I have been saving money and planning for the purchases instead of blowing it all on the Sephora vib sale 🤗 you are a huge inspiration for me to be more mindful of my purchases. Thank you!!
It's such a big thing, having savings! My issue always was that I'd get to some sort of amount I'd set to myself that I needed to reach, and then stay there for too long, just spending whatever was 'over' that amount. It seems so simple now, but teaching myself there didn't have to be that limit, that I could keep setting goals and do my best, is actually so difficult! How oddly do our brains work!
I’m interested in you extending on saving money but still researching makeup and overspending time. I feel like I’ve never had a permanent spending issue but I definitely waste time shopping and watching collection videos, reviews, and hauls
Hey Hannah I'll just wondering if you ever thought about writing about your no buy and the going back in to buying on a budget journey? I feel like that would be so interesting sort of like the "only keep things that you love to declutter your space" movement. I can't remember the name of it but buying on a budget and not buying are so psychological and I feel like you do such a great job capturing the feeling of that in your video
I appreciate you doing this series so much because with all the consumerism youtube promotes, its hard to not get washed away with all the hype!!! You're a godsend!!! 🙌🏼
I was busy so I had to watch this video in two parts ... so omgosh talk about money always !! I live for the honesty and how clear you are. The truth is that a lot of people our age (I’m 31st) struggle, I was about to move out of my apartment last month because we thought we would not be able to keep affording that rent. I watched Lauren’s declutter how cool can’t wait for Hannah’s reckoning !!
That story about your tango lesson money was so relatable. When I get my paycheck I have the same feeling, I think , wow now I can spend! But then I do what I've been teaching myself, I pay my bills for the month, I put the rest into savings and then my chequings looks depeted again and that way I can prevent myself from spending on stuff I don't need. I do have a beauty budget as well, so that helps separate my income from my disposable income, which is my spending money.
Should you be embarrassed or proud that you are for the first time able to achieve a goal that you really want and will be good for you and your husband? That is so wonderful. Who cares when you start, you started, and you are doing it! Comparison is the thief of joy, feel joy in your ability to make this move possible. ❤
"Comparison is the thief of joy." I know those words weren't meant for me, but I really needed to see those. Thank you so much for sharing this comment!
Hello Hannah, I think, you will be a very well known writer someday and I'm feeling blessed to be a part of your story in the beginning. Beside the budget videos: You are a special person, with a very artistic and pleasing attitude and a lot of creativity. I hope to read and hear a lot from you in the future. (And I can totally relate to liking beautiful things too much and to your attempts in teaching yourself. :)) Have you ever thought about self-publishing eBooks via Amazon? The rates are great and you already have an audience. ) Greetings from Germany!:
I love that you’re talking about money! I’ve been grappling with much of this as well. Especially how much time I spend window shopping online. The problem is that it’s definitely coming at the expense of other things I *want* to do that would be more enriching. But if I feel tired or uninspired, it’s so easy to just pick up the phone and start clicking through. Or I will end up spending an ungodly amount of time on fragrantica or temptalia looking up products I don’t even intend to buy just because I want to know about them. Time to come up with some guidelines for myself re: the internets, I guess. 🙃
Dear Hannah, a polite, I hope, suggestion: your videos are over half an hour long; you ought to put more ads in their length and the videos. They would still be very watchable. You deserve the revenue. Warm regards, Megs
First of all you look gorgeous, as always, I particularly love this whole look and colour scheme, the dress the lip, are even more beautiful with the colours of the flat, your gorgeous plant, the light coming in, the sofa, the red...as a fellow lover of beautiful things, you are always a joy to watch and to listen to Hannah! I really appreciate how you delve into each aspect, take it apart, and analyse it with your feelings, thought processes and awareness. I am in awe of the huge shift you have done and are still doing, and it inspires me very much, yet at the same it stresses me, as I am having such a hard time with myself in not being able to do this.....yet. Working on finding the switch to get into that mode...Would you consider doing a sort of updated recap, starting point, advice, reflection on how to start, prepare, now that you have assimilated a lot of your experience? I can also relate on how it is, at least for me as well, so much more difficult to shop and stop rather than abstain. I can refrain completely with more discipline and sticking to it, be it shopping, or eating chocolate, or other things, but giving myself a limit seems so much harder, and at the moment non feasible but I am working on it. Thank you for inspiring and as someone else wrote in these comments, it is so true that you make budgeting glamorous! I am also in awe of your intentional choice to pursue your passion and calling in life, it takes courage and grit, bravo Hannah! You are "tenacious", just like your favourite lipsticks!! keep it up, you got this!
I LOVED that you gave us a small insight of how you guys live and work your budget. Some of my favorite videos on UA-cam are budgeting and money wise videos. It’s awesome you are doing what you want to do. Loved this video! 💕💕💕
Hannah, you give me life! I swear you always cover topics that hit home for me at the right time. Money and shopping and habits can be tough to come to terms with, but recognizing patterns of behavior are the key to unlocking change. Thank you so much for sharing! I always feel as though I’m listening to a close friend when you’re speaking. I adore you and your content so much and I can’t wait to see what you put out next. ❤️
Hannah, I found you by accident about six months ago, and have never wanted to take your time with a comment. But I had to thank you for this video and what you are doing on your channel. I love listening to you talk about how you think and make decisions because it makes my brain make so much more sense to me. You keep stating things so eloquently that help me understand why I do this or that but haven't figured out words for. So thank you
I just want to say thank you so much for talking honestly about money! As someone who's just starting to support myself and who worries about money, I really appreciate hearing how other people make it work. It helps to break down the myth that there is only one way to do it. Also, it is a HUGE accomplishment to get a place where you can reach a financial goal that wouldn't have been possible in the past!
As always, very interesting to listen to your feelings and thoughts regarded your purchases Hannah! I really like the idea of dividing your potential purchases into wanting to try, wanting to play and wanting to use/keep. I think that's definitely something useful to think about when overwhelmed with choice and having to make a decision about what to weed out from your shopping cart when you can't/shouldn't buy everything in there.
I'm proud of you and excited that your new habits allowed you to make a change - moving - that you really wanted! Thank you so being so honest and transparent in your videos and sharing your life with us. It seems like you're doing really well! And you aren't "behind" in savings. Your journey is your journey, and you're learning and growing and developing the type of habits that will support you in building the life to which you aspire.
Your struggles are my struggles so while you were talking, I was feeling a little pang. Shopping is something I love to do whether I buy anything, I still love to look. It is "retail therapy". I wouldn't be me if I didn't do something I love doing. It is staying in control of your finances that is the thing and having discipline to walk out with your money. Lots of times there is no money to spend and the trip is just a little dream or fantasy. Hannah, your love of beautiful things and owning them is who you are. Embrace it in a healthy way. Learning during your "no buy" year has caused you to change your perspective. I don't think that you will always be at this financial place in your life, I believe you will have more and I know you will be able to handle it because knowing how to handle and manage "little" money will prepare you for when you have more. The Lord has been so good to you recently. You were able to move because He provided for you all to be able to. He has given you satisfaction with what you have and he has provided you work that meets your needs. He has given you talents and abilities to be able to do your work. There is a place in the Bible that says that there are times when you have resources and there are times when you are in need. But you are satisfied in both situations because you know who is your provider. I do hope you aren't offended by my reference to God but I just see Him blessing you and I only want to encourage you. We are sisters in the struggle.
Your last check in (March) is my favourite video on youtube. I have watched it at least 5 times. I love all the stuff you said about how wanting something and not getting it was what life is all about, really. Also how desires go away whether they are fulfilled or not. And of course they are always replaced by other desires if they are fulfilled. That really resonated with me, so thank you and keep going. I live for your uploads. Well, alright, maybe that was slightly hyperbolic but I certainly look forward to them. ❤️
It really touched my heart when you were talking about the pride of being able to move yourself. You should feel so proud! I recently had a similar experience, i.e. being able to use my savings to help my partner and I move towards a better home situation and a lot of the pride and happiness was being able to help my partner and the appreciation i felt from him. Don't belittle your achievements; your experiences are fabulous.
these check-ins do really help me I really appreciate them. every time I think of cheating on my no buy *Sephora VIB sale* you upload and I get reminded of why I started this in the first place
I feel like your business is doing a lot better than you give it credit for. I know you say it just pays your bills and food, but I can imagine renting a studio in LA and having a downtown LA studio loft isn’t cheap, so it’s really amazing that tango clothes can afford you that while giving you time to work on your craft. You’re doing well and have lots to feel proud of.
This is a very interesting video to me in this moment. I just moved, and it was a big move across the country. I actually have a very short shopping list but we downsized from a 4 bedroom house to an apartment. So the space is different. So literally as I was watching your video, I was contemplating something to use as storage in my huge kitchen island. In my house, I would keep it clear. But in the apartment I need to use that space. So I was googling storage ideas when you were talking about moving items. I found a cloth bin that had some books in it. I stuck that in the middle of the island with my paper towel holder and filled it with our water bottles and blender bottles. It’s probably not my final decor, but it works just fine while I figure out what I need in that space. And it was free and took two seconds. Secondly, sorry for this crazy long comment, I was contemplating your question of why some things don’t come off the wishlist. Several times I have wanted something for a super long time, like years. And I’ll finally get it. And I don’t love it. And usually I don’t keep it very long before I return it. It’s like I just wanted to try it and use it, as you said. That’s a behavior I’ve worked hard to change and continue to try not to engage in. It’s like I thought if I had it on my wishlist long enough I had the excuse to buy it. So I purposely want it for such a long time that it becomes obsolete and I’m almost always disappointed in it. Or maybe I make the build up too big and it can’t live up to it. So I’ve actually been trying to buy things sooner. I’m taking away my excuse of longevity on the wishlist to justify the purchase, so the purchase needs to stand up on its own merit. And I have to use it a bunch when I get it. For example, I have nearly purchased the Pat McGrath subliminal palette for about 3-4 rounds of the Sephora sale and I keep not getting it. It’s like I’m trying to earn it by waiting longer. This last round I decided to get it. But I went to play with it one more time at Sephora. I swatched it and walked around with the swatches for a long time. I’d read a review saying that the Kat Von d alchemist palette can dupe a lot of the shades. And I own that and I could see that person was right. Everything else was a shade I already have. So I put it back with finality-I’m not getting it ever. Because I know if I do, I’ll just be disappointed and return it.
I've done this, too! It feels good to be "planning" to buy something for a long time and then to finally realize that you don't actually want it anymore.
HANNAH!!! I. Love. These. Videos!!! You are such a girl boss in every sense of the word and for real, please keep talking about money and your accomplishments! You may feel behind, but you're not, and moreover, I love hearing how proud you are about being able to do things that were not possible for you before! You are a star, my love. I look up to you so much and your willingness to share is everything. Please don't ever change ♥♥♥
Your insight about your budget separating your income from your spending just blew my mind. I'm always been like well I can spend, I make money. But that spending is stopping me from reaching other goals. I have historically struggled with a budget because it doesn't seem proportionate to my income. But I have other goals, more important goals than clothes and makeup that I struggle to achieve. So from now on, my income has no bearing on my frivolous spending. My BUDGET dictates the maximum of my spending. Mind blown!
Something you said that stuck with me was the concept of using a product vs playing with (or trying) a product. I find that sometimes I will pick something up because I just want to try it out (even though I already have more than enough of that product category). Also, shopping (even if I don't purchase anything) takes up way more of my time than it should. As someone who has "ridden high" financially for many years who is currently in a low spot, I understand that discomfort of talking about money. Whether high or low, I rarely speak of it. That being said, it is important to think to think about one's financial future and take action towards creating a sense of comfort and stability if things do not feel secure. I appreciate that your videos place that squarely in the consciousness of people who may be spending everything that comes in as a reflex. Thankfully, I can still help out someone in a crisis but I am shocked to find that my sister (who is, between her and her husband, in a six figure annual income household) is rarely able to send $100 to help out if one of her adult children is in trouble. We do live in a culture of overspending, so kudos to you for changing your habits!
I am so glad I found your channel, and similar channels that have taught me about no-buys, low-buys, and anti-hauls. I know every spring, with the better weather and improved mood, I definitely get a shopping bug to "reinvent" or pursue my ideal self, and this year I'm doing so much better at keeping a budget for non essential items. I keep my eye on the long term goals of saving for my low summer work, my trip to Italy, and the eventual need to buy a new laptop and phone this year.
There is so much in this video that resonates with me. I was like you as well and no matter how much we made I'd spend every penny with no "emergency funds" usually we made enough to cover everything, but it put a lot of self inflicted stress on ourselves. Moving was always a nightmare emotionally, physically, and finically. I'm so happy for you! Having the reserve to pull from is such a blessing and so hard to achieve while living in LA. Lots of love!
Two years ago I read David Ramsey's Total Money Makeover and the first suggestion is building an emergency fund. Prior to that, I had never in (now) 31 years had money set aside for emergencies. When it came to use it for an unexpected expense I was so relieved. It was a real victory! Congratulations on having a similar experience and being able to feel that financial peace and comfort.
Hannah!! I know that I’m just a person on the internet, but I am so proud of you and everything you’ve done on your journey. Being able to move is a huge accomplishment. Pat yourself on the back❤️❤️
Oh Hannah! I cried with you when you talked about money and how you realised you were able to do something as major as that! I also find it refreshing to listen about money in such a 'real' way, especially when I've noticed that it's sort of a taboo subject for the us culture. Thank you so much for all the sharing, and for actually making us think and become better!
The story of the money for the new home is a good reason for me to thank you for inspiring me about going on a no buy year. I had 300€ (about 300USD) to pay for an issue I had with my car which happened suddenly and unexpectedly. I have been able to face this "inconvenience" because I decided to go on a no buy year beginning of 2019. This is all because of you so thank you, very much.
I, too, have learned the wonders of not buying at the time of desire. Rather if I need a fix I spend happy time on Amazon, put things in my cart, and then save it for later. It's still there if and when I decide it really will serve me and/or bring me joy. Some things have been there for years! As a bonus sometimes I find something that is cheaper or better or free just like you did. Awesome isn't it? So much fun instead of too much angst. 😁
I've been thinking about your story about being able to move yourself and your partner using your saving since I watched this video, as well as your video about what is luxurious to you and to me they are somewhat related. I have found that the moments I feel "rich" are more the moments of being able to handly cash flow situations or unexpected costs (e.g. when I had to cover a stay at an expensive hotel for a job interview, I was reimbursed, but not I wasn't worried about the timing of the reimbursement coming through, or covering a my sister in laws hair appointment before her wedding when she realised she had forgot her purse) than about buying specific expensive items. and that feeling of not worrying about money is worth more to me than the items I covet, and remembering that can really help me avoid unwise purchases
I so relate to the amount of just time that can be spent browsing around online instead of doing something else. I have to tell myself, stop go read a book. Go walk a dog. Go mess around with paint. Something besides sitting on the couch after dinner looking at Sephora or Ulta. Even with no intention of purchasing anything. It’s a really interesting point and something my brain is now noodling on.
I am always looking forward to your videos and never comment enough. I just wanted to tell congrats on being so brave and openly discussing money and the minutiae of your thoughts on how you spend, the positive changes you've noticed, what bothers you still and all what you want to change.
i would really love to hear you talk more about how to stop buying clothes and your experience with that!! thats something i struggle with way more than makeup
Hi I also hate having too much stuff in my place so my rules is that my skin care makeup etc... are placed in specific drawers and everything I get must fit those drawers that is it. If those drawers are full the only option is to start using up what I have. Before buying more or accepting gifts.
We haven't had a make up play time in a while. I enjoy those and it usually prompts me to walk over to my lipsticks and shadows and throw something on that I wouldn't normally wear out.
I absolutely love your lipstick and shirt today! Beautiful. And as always, I so greatly appreciate all of your thoughts and insights as you process through all of these things!
this video is just what i need today! i received a job offer downstate so I will be moving soon, and now i have quite a few budget related choices to make. thank you for sharing your experience, hope you're enjoying the new space!
YES. You said it perfectly: Buying makeup that is fun to play with, even if you don't use it regularly, can be fine as long as you don't buy everything that remotely interests you, simply because it would be fun to play with. This is the makeup philosophy I am working on for myself. I don't want to lose the creativity and joy and fun that makeup brings me, and I don't want to fall in the trap of assuming that everything is purely functional or that I have to use it all the time to be able to own it (especially makeup I already own--I don't have to get rid of it because I don't use it every day). But I also don't want to add to my collection capriciously. I want to be thoughtful about what will bring me joy long-term, not in the moment of buying. Thank you!
Isn't it just lovely to wait it out and things will get taken care of? such as the hooks & basket. Also am so happy for you in your personal growth, being able to get the apartment because you took handle of things.
What it meant for our parents to be in their 30s financially, and what it means for later generations is totally different. The economy looks different, society looks different, so what it means to be an adult is different. Financial freedom is not this obvious thing for people in their 30s. Its not obvious for most people. I love that you are talking about money!
I got a little choked up when you spoke about being able to finance your move. It's a huge accomplishment! I recently broke my phone beyond repair and I was upset because to replace it would be a huge immediate expense unless I financed it through my service carrier (a move I did not want to take). I then realized that, since I started watching your videos, I've religiously saved a bit of cash every month so I wouldn't need to resort to credit cards or loans for an emergency. I hadn't thought of using this money at first because, well, to me a broken cell phone isn't an emergency. I'm lucky. I have healthcare, auto care, and home care insurances, hence, a broken cell phone is what that money is for and I was able to make a purchase without guilt. My last phone worked perfectly for four years I'm hoping this new one will perform the same. Thanks for your update!
How cool that you managed to make the move by using the savings! Congrats! I was recently able to buy expensive train tickets (short notice equals expensive within the German rail system) to spend some time with my sick cat who lives at my parent's on the other end of the country. Being able to do that as soon as I got the message, without worrying about making it through the rest of the month... I felt so glad amidst all of the sorrow. (The cat recovered btw). Budgets and savings sound soooo boring and joyless.... until you realize that your savings can actually save you at times. Thank you for talking about money so openly... I really enjoy hearing how other people deal with it.
This makeup look us my fave so far! The brows, the blush, the lipstick and the eyeshadow!!! Oh so gorgeous! Also the background and your top plus your hair is my fave so far too!
"My budget separates my income from my spending." Um. This is amazing. It just made what I have been trying to do the last several months kind of click. Starting in 2016 my life became extremely challenging and my main goal for awhile was just not to spend more than I was making. I really have not forced myself to budget beyond that untill the start of this year, and while I have been doing okay, that is a way better way to look at a budget.
Have you tried using a free budget software? After listening to some personal finance podcasts, I signed up for Mint. It's completely free, and actually has a lot of cool features. The ads are annoying, but they're worth dealing with if the tool actually helps you accomplish your money management goals. I wonder if something like this could help you maintain the positive feelings towards budgeting that Hannah's statement gave, so I just wanted to share the idea. Hope this helps!
Yay for milestones with your savings and moving you and Joe :) this made me think of a situation we recently went through-Hurricane Michael hit us 7 months ago and during that time my family was able to maintain our comfort the best possible with the situation and we had a savings for the emergency and it felt so incredible:) we needed home roof repair and tons of yard work that’s still getting worked on. (i had a miserable 10 year marriage that i got out of lol now it’s been years ago but that’s the point in the past I probably wouldn’t have had that emergency fund none the less the unpeacefulness (yes i know it’s not a word) that I was living- financially my family is doing so amazing and I get to raise my kids while building a business with an amazing partner. I love love love your videos Hannah! So so inspiring and I keep learning from you! Thank you for being you!🌲💜🌸
I have been thinking about the time thing too. There can so easily be a mismatch between what we say matters most to us & what we actually spend our time on. How important is online shopping to you versus reading, going to the cinema, talking an evening walk-or whatever other activities might replace it? And does your behaviour reflect this or does it suggest that online shopping is one of the meaningful activities, because you devote so much time to it (if, indeed, you do). I'm thinking of this, of course, in relation to my own habits. But I think it's important to have a time budget, too.
26:37 Sadie jumps onto the table that is bathed with light and the lamp in the foreground makes it look like she's at a tanning salon sunbathing under a huge lamp xxx
Some of your older videos have book recommendations. I listened to kate flanders 'the year of less', where she had done a no buy year (aka the year long shopping ban) a few years back. It is written like a friend talking openly about struggles and recovery not just from shopping but the other baggage you find along the way. It has a biography style, but just enough to convey where her problems come from and make it personal and real. I borrowed this in audiobook form, which my library offers.
Love your green top with that red lipstick. I think green is a colour that looks amazing on you. With regard to the rest of your video, I could write a very long essay about my financial situation and how you've helped me improve it. I'm 62 and I've been working part-time for the past three years, which I absolutely love. However, I was running through my money quite quickly. That's all stopped and I'm starting to save again. Thank you so much, Hannah, for inspiring me to put the brakes on my spending and reassess my priorities.
Omg the way you explain wanting something to use it vs wanting something to have/try/buy it is such a game changer for me. It sounded so obvious once you said it, yet I have never been able to make that distinction before. It’s going to be so helpful for when my no-buy year is over at the end of this month. From the bottom of my heart and my savings account, thank you! P.S. I hope your writing is going well! You’ve prompted me to get back into reading poetry and it’s been so lovely.
I have to agree with the other commenters: it's so good to hear someone be open about personal finance and money! I am very open about it but I notice than many people especially women don't really talk about income and personal finance
Hannah, this is incredible! I looooved this month's check in, you're doing so well! I'm so proud of you for saving and moving you two, that's totally worth crying over
Please keep talking about money on the internet! It’s important, especially as women, to demystify the subject. Rich people talk very freely about money, and recognize it’s a skill they can learn from one another.
Plus, I cannot think of another example of a creative person building a business with their craft sharing the nitty gritty of being a working creative. It is very valuable to me.
I wish I could upvote this a million times
Yes!!!
thank you so much, Michelle and everyone! xoxoxo!
I agree so much. Talking about money should never be taboo.
Wholly agree.
Hannah, please don't feel bad about "being behind" monetarily compared to your peers. 70% of people in the US, regardless of income, cannot come up with $400 for an emergency. Just being aware of your finances and making strides to get ahead already puts you towards the top 30%. Keep going. You got this.
I feel the same as Hannah, almost as if I should be more secure and further ahead. It makes me feel rubbish. Thanks for advice x
thank you
Every time I hear that it blows my mind. I am similarly shocked when I see online that someone is about to purchase something or maybe wants to buy something from someone privately, it’s like $10 and they need to ask if they can hold it until payday.
$10.
It’s like whoa. If you don’t have access to ten dollars, you can’t afford that Knick knack at all. That the majority of us live THaT close to the edge is sobering and frightening. We just don’t realize it because people don’t talk about money, they buy more than they can afford, and are ashamed to admit it.
Agreed, its a very similar situation in Canada. Last week I read on the news that a large portion of the population (I forget the percentage but it was over 30%) is $200 away from bancrupcy every month, which obviously has to do with people having to many month to month payments such as car, mortgage and other loans. Its not just young people who have too much debt, its also and especially people ages 30 and up, maybe because they think that they have to have those things due to their peers and parents having those things.
Miss Misto I could not agree more. I recently sold an item on ebay for little money, about £15. The person who bought it asked me to wait for late payment because of their pay cheque. I told them it was fine but did think that if you do not have that kind of money lying around you should not buy make up with it.
I totally feel you. I do (boring) product copy as a "day job" and it's enough to pay my bills and car payment monthly. My "side hustle" is teaching yoga 6x a week, which is less than half the amount of classes I'd need to teach to do it full-time, and it feels like the most I could handle anyways. Each class is an hour (or 75 minutes), but I spend *hours* putting my heart into classes, planning, making playlists, etc. On top of that, I also do freelance for some beauty companies here in the bay area and occasionally do projects through some personal connections to do their website copy.
I haven't been really collecting makeup since college (2012ish) so my collection has been pretty reasonable int the last few years (after TONS of decluttering lol), but I'd spend a good amount of money on lip products and *skincare* omg. So. Much. Skincare. BOOKS, shit for my dog, kitchen tools, expensive vegan foods, shitty clothing, apartment decor, plants... So much stuff I'd just buy without considering how much it adds up.
I put myself on a low-buy this year and I just paid off my student loans last month!! :) Celebrated hardcore. Not only that, but I've been telling my friend from studying abroad I'd come visit for the last *6 years*. "Just as soon as I get some extra money I'll save and come visit!" Last week I booked my ticket to FINALLY visit her at the end of summer. On top of that, I'm going on a yoga retreat with my mom, and Texas with my boyfriend to visit his dad!
All of those amazing things just from not buying shit I don't need.
However, it's *ruined* my youtube experience lol. Now I watch UA-camrs who buy and spend and collect hardcore and it gives me SO much anxiety. Whether it's booktube or beauty gurus, I've unsubbed from a ton of people because their hoarding gives me stress. So thank you for your channel, I appreciate how much I can connect to you and your content!
Congratulations on paying of your loans!! That is so amazing!!!
....I'm sure this has already occurred to you, but I would love to read a book about beauty budgeting/no-buying. These videos in book form would be wonderful, like how food bloggers make cookbooks.
I would read that in a heartbeat
Caitlyn Flanders has a great no-buy book! I’d love to read Hannah’s though ;)
edit: cait flanders. Called the year of less I think.
rachel mueller omg I literally just finished Cait Flanders book on audiobook. And no disrespect to her, it was great, but I couldn’t help but wish Hannah had written it and read it! I relate so well to how she thinks about things!
Jessica H totally agree!
I'm halfway through the video, but I just had to say this: It IS super awkward to talk about money pretty much anywhere, but feel free to continue doing that. I feel like as a fellow mid-30's grown ass woman (turning 34 in the summer), financial circumstances for older millennials are kind of all over the place and it's comforting when we all understand that instead of trying to live up to whatever we thought our lives were going to be. For the first time in my LIFE I have a job with health insurance and enough money to maaaaybe move out of my parents house (I KNOW!) in a year or so, assuming I get past my job's probationary period and no major emergencies occur. Being able to fund your move yourself is a huge thing. Be proud.
Thank you for saying this! I'm in my early 20's I'm moving out this summer, I'm a student so my cash flow is sparse. I really tried my best to save a lot of money. And I'll be able to cover our moving expenses. I'm kind of struggling to buy all the furniture we'll need, I'm trying to thrift a lot and I'm kind of succeeding! But I still feel like a failure sometimes, I had to double a year at uni, I had to change my study, and I see a lot of people my age buying houses and cars. I try to keep myself debt free. But even as "the last" from the millenial generation it's a hell of a task.
I'm the same age and in a similar situation to you and I know others who are the same.
Oh Hannah... when you started getting emotional, I was reminded of a time when all I had in the bank was $10. I sat and cried at the food court at Costco, feeling so hopeless. Thankfully, those days are gone. Thank you for sharing your life with us.
❤❤❤
okay i'm gonna comment again but when you said 'i had 45 plants' i yelled 'WHAT!' and spit out what i was eating ... you had the US presidents of PLANTS
When you talked about your savings allowing you to move my eyes got teary :') oh Hannah... I don't know you, but I am so proud of you!
This channel has the best comments, a perfect compliment to your thoughtful content.
I'm glad to know I'm not the only one who loves scrolling through comments on Hannah's videos :)
Shoutouts for living the life of a creative and choosing the unconventional path--THAT is truly living!!! ❤️
Please keep talking about money. You’re relatable and real and you’re removing the pressure of the feeling that we should be doing better than we are or that we should pretend to be doing better than we are. I always feel advised after watching you- thank you for sharing your wisdom. 💜
I got a little teary eyed myself when you were talking about how proud you were for having the savings to cover your move. I'm so proud of you because I totally get that feeling of "I'm a grown ass woman and I should have the ability to do this." That's a true accomplishment! Excited to see what comes next with the space and time issues. 💖💖💖
your philodendron selloum looks so pretty! please do a plant tour!
Seconding this!
That's so wonderful that you were able to save the money for the apartment (even if you didn't know that's what you were saving for) and have it ready when the time came. I'm officially into month 5 of my own no-buy year, and my biggest accomplishment so far has been moving the max annual contribution amount into my IRA last week. No buy/budget for the win!!
A no buy move??? Unfathomable based on my personal history. Really goes to show it's truly a matter of mindset and holding steady to your intention. And you and Joe came out just fine on the other side, showing us all what's up.
This is so inspiring to me. I’m getting ready for a move and it is a larger space. I was thinking ‘oh I’ll need curtains, paint, etc etc’
after watching this I’m going to wait and move in and settle before I do any purchasing. I currently feel like I’m overwhelmed by ‘stuff’ in my current space, so why would I want to move only to fill that space up with even more?
I’m also currently downsizing my makeup and skincare collections during my own no buy year. This will help me move with less. Thank you for the continued motivation and inspiration.
I think what you’re doing by trying to break down and understand your old spending habits is really valuable. I see and hear a lot of myself in ‘old Hannah’. I’ve always thought I was okay with money but maybe I’ve been stingy in the wrong areas of my life and my brain needs rewiring.
Well done Hannah! How lovely when saving pays off :) somehow you make budgeting glamorous x
Your check ins are always a good reminder for me to check how i did the previous month
What I do with plants: I take a little baby from whoever has a plant I like, then I grow it. It's free. Basically, you can have as many as the space allows and not spend a dime on them. I recycle old pots as well.
I put an ad up on kijiji asking people if they are moving or just sick of a plant to give it to me! I got recieved 3
You should do a collaboration with The Financial Diet here on UA-cam. It would be a good fit!
I would love to do that! They are such a successful channel I'd be shy to reach out. Maybe someday!
I wish that channel didn't feel so out of touch with reality these days. Like way beyond just being successful. Idk, I used to live them.
You and your brows seem like you're having an extra good time.
freshly dyed and living their best lives!
Wow I never even considered that a no-buy move was even something that could be within the realm of possibilities!
Thank you for sharing! Please keep sharing! I am in my early 30s and trust me.... People do not have it figured out nearly as much as you may think they do! You’re doing awesome and you are helping so many of us by sharing your experiences and commentary on them❤️
Hannah, I am way way way older than you and am still in the daily struggle of controlling my spending. Finding your channel has been a true blessing. I'm expecting a bill for "therapy" in the mail..... :-) Thank you for sharing.
When I was a renter I used sets of decorative cardboard boxes with lids and kept them on open shelves. I used to keep everything in them, from stationary, tools to bras, socks and T-shirts. When you move you don't have to pack. Just disassemble the shelves. I used curtains as a space dividers. They are great to form a wardrobe, either walk in or a regular one.
It's content like this that keeps me obsessed with your channel, Hannah. You approach your love of beauty and its impact on your life in such a thoughtful, analytical, and emotional way. The windows you give us into your thought process as these no-buy/budget projects affect you are so inspiring. Thank you so much for opening your soul to us and taking the time to make this content so that we can all take this journey with you. And as someone who has watched nearly every video on your channel and watched your growth as a consumer and beauty addict, I just want to share that I am so proud of you. I know the opinion of some 23-year-old on the internet doesn't mean anything, but I just want you know that your growing awareness of money management and indulging in moderation is wonderful to see. I always feel like I'm behind where I should be as a grown ass woman as well, so hearing it from someone I admire so much makes me feel less alone. We've never met, yet I feel so invested in the progress you share and my heart was so full when you described the joy of using your savings to move. So even though my opinion is probably worthless, I just can't keep it in. I have to tell you I'm proud of you and I'm rooting for you and thank you so much for sharing your journey with us!
I just wanted to say that your intro is one of my favorite. You at the vanity with your cat is my aesthetic goals
I'm at a low point right now, personally and within my relationship, and I just want to say that I'd never be able speak so openly about my thoughts and feelings especially regarding "frivolous" things like makeup and decor and whatnot, in front of my partner.
I think it's beautiful that you can be this self that you give us in vlog form, a self that I could only be in private or with my most intimate of friends, you can be that self in front of Joe and he clearly supports that version of as much as he does the other versions.
It's beautiful.
"Shopping makes me want to shop more". wow this comment really related to me! I just moved back home from 8 months in a different city, and as soon as I came back I started trying to redecorate my space because it felt "stale" and old after having been away for so long. I picked up some key pieces secondhand that I am very happy with but I continually find myself on websites for homewares even though I already have what I wanted/needed. It's like I have some kind of FOMO for shopping? Its very hard to describe but I feel like you put everything into words so eloquently and I relate a lot to what you're describing.
Please keep making videos like this you are helping so many people. I’m so proud of you for financing your move!!!
OK I'M BACK!! I WAS TEARIN UP when you talked about being able to cover the costs of moving for you and Joe. It's so cool to see your project already making a difference in your life. One of my favorite parts about your check-ins is seeing how the No-Buy and Budget continues to evolve your thinking. If it isn't money that's the issue with overspending, it can a problem of space. If it isn't space, it can be time. These distinctions are so important and make your channel + spending philosophy so much more universal. It's not just no-buy/budget until you have the means to spend more. It's a lasting project! Somebody already said write a book but dude write a book!!!! I'D READ!
Thank you so much for speaking openly about money. SO MANY people are embarrassed to talk about the cold hard facts of their spending (myself included) and you help encourage to break that habit. You are utterly amazing.
I’m going to be moving soon too! I do plan on buying new furniture since we’re moving into a larger house, but I have been saving money and planning for the purchases instead of blowing it all on the Sephora vib sale 🤗 you are a huge inspiration for me to be more mindful of my purchases. Thank you!!
It's such a big thing, having savings! My issue always was that I'd get to some sort of amount I'd set to myself that I needed to reach, and then stay there for too long, just spending whatever was 'over' that amount. It seems so simple now, but teaching myself there didn't have to be that limit, that I could keep setting goals and do my best, is actually so difficult! How oddly do our brains work!
I’m interested in you extending on saving money but still researching makeup and overspending time. I feel like I’ve never had a permanent spending issue but I definitely waste time shopping and watching collection videos, reviews, and hauls
Hey Hannah I'll just wondering if you ever thought about writing about your no buy and the going back in to buying on a budget journey? I feel like that would be so interesting sort of like the "only keep things that you love to declutter your space" movement. I can't remember the name of it but buying on a budget and not buying are so psychological and I feel like you do such a great job capturing the feeling of that in your video
I appreciate you doing this series so much because with all the consumerism youtube promotes, its hard to not get washed away with all the hype!!! You're a godsend!!! 🙌🏼
I was busy so I had to watch this video in two parts ... so omgosh talk about money always !! I live for the honesty and how clear you are. The truth is that a lot of people our age (I’m 31st) struggle, I was about to move out of my apartment last month because we thought we would not be able to keep affording that rent. I watched Lauren’s declutter how cool can’t wait for Hannah’s reckoning !!
That story about your tango lesson money was so relatable. When I get my paycheck I have the same feeling, I think , wow now I can spend! But then I do what I've been teaching myself, I pay my bills for the month, I put the rest into savings and then my chequings looks depeted again and that way I can prevent myself from spending on stuff I don't need. I do have a beauty budget as well, so that helps separate my income from my disposable income, which is my spending money.
Should you be embarrassed or proud that you are for the first time able to achieve a goal that you really want and will be good for you and your husband? That is so wonderful. Who cares when you start, you started, and you are doing it! Comparison is the thief of joy, feel joy in your ability to make this move possible. ❤
"Comparison is the thief of joy." I know those words weren't meant for me, but I really needed to see those. Thank you so much for sharing this comment!
Hello Hannah, I think, you will be a very well known writer someday and I'm feeling blessed to be a part of your story in the beginning. Beside the budget videos: You are a special person, with a very artistic and pleasing attitude and a lot of creativity. I hope to read and hear a lot from you in the future. (And I can totally relate to liking beautiful things too much and to your attempts in teaching yourself. :)) Have you ever thought about self-publishing eBooks via Amazon? The rates are great and you already have an audience. ) Greetings from Germany!:
I love that you’re talking about money!
I’ve been grappling with much of this as well. Especially how much time I spend window shopping online. The problem is that it’s definitely coming at the expense of other things I *want* to do that would be more enriching. But if I feel tired or uninspired, it’s so easy to just pick up the phone and start clicking through. Or I will end up spending an ungodly amount of time on fragrantica or temptalia looking up products I don’t even intend to buy just because I want to know about them. Time to come up with some guidelines for myself re: the internets, I guess. 🙃
Dear Hannah, a polite, I hope, suggestion: your videos are over half an hour long; you ought to put more ads in their length and the videos. They would still be very watchable. You deserve the revenue. Warm regards, Megs
add revenue is very small and many of us block ads, hannah has put a donate thing if you're able/interested!
First of all you look gorgeous, as always, I particularly love this whole look and colour scheme, the dress the lip, are even more beautiful with the colours of the flat, your gorgeous plant, the light coming in, the sofa, the red...as a fellow lover of beautiful things, you are always a joy to watch and to listen to Hannah! I really appreciate how you delve into each aspect, take it apart, and analyse it with your feelings, thought processes and awareness. I am in awe of the huge shift you have done and are still doing, and it inspires me very much, yet at the same it stresses me, as I am having such a hard time with myself in not being able to do this.....yet. Working on finding the switch to get into that mode...Would you consider doing a sort of updated recap, starting point, advice, reflection on how to start, prepare, now that you have assimilated a lot of your experience? I can also relate on how it is, at least for me as well, so much more difficult to shop and stop rather than abstain. I can refrain completely with more discipline and sticking to it, be it shopping, or eating chocolate, or other things, but giving myself a limit seems so much harder, and at the moment non feasible but I am working on it. Thank you for inspiring and as someone else wrote in these comments, it is so true that you make budgeting glamorous! I am also in awe of your intentional choice to pursue your passion and calling in life, it takes courage and grit, bravo Hannah! You are "tenacious", just like your favourite lipsticks!! keep it up, you got this!
thanks for the comment! I will try to do some sort of recap video, that's a great idea.
I LOVED that you gave us a small insight of how you guys live and work your budget. Some of my favorite videos on UA-cam are budgeting and money wise videos. It’s awesome you are doing what you want to do. Loved this video! 💕💕💕
Hannah, you give me life! I swear you always cover topics that hit home for me at the right time. Money and shopping and habits can be tough to come to terms with, but recognizing patterns of behavior are the key to unlocking change. Thank you so much for sharing! I always feel as though I’m listening to a close friend when you’re speaking. I adore you and your content so much and I can’t wait to see what you put out next. ❤️
thank you so much! xoxo!
Hannah, I found you by accident about six months ago, and have never wanted to take your time with a comment. But I had to thank you for this video and what you are doing on your channel. I love listening to you talk about how you think and make decisions because it makes my brain make so much more sense to me. You keep stating things so eloquently that help me understand why I do this or that but haven't figured out words for. So thank you
I just want to say thank you so much for talking honestly about money! As someone who's just starting to support myself and who worries about money, I really appreciate hearing how other people make it work. It helps to break down the myth that there is only one way to do it. Also, it is a HUGE accomplishment to get a place where you can reach a financial goal that wouldn't have been possible in the past!
As always, very interesting to listen to your feelings and thoughts regarded your purchases Hannah! I really like the idea of dividing your potential purchases into wanting to try, wanting to play and wanting to use/keep. I think that's definitely something useful to think about when overwhelmed with choice and having to make a decision about what to weed out from your shopping cart when you can't/shouldn't buy everything in there.
I'm proud of you and excited that your new habits allowed you to make a change - moving - that you really wanted! Thank you so being so honest and transparent in your videos and sharing your life with us. It seems like you're doing really well! And you aren't "behind" in savings. Your journey is your journey, and you're learning and growing and developing the type of habits that will support you in building the life to which you aspire.
Your struggles are my struggles so while you were talking, I was feeling a little pang. Shopping is something I love to do whether I buy anything, I still love to look. It is "retail therapy". I wouldn't be me if I didn't do something I love doing. It is staying in control of your finances that is the thing and having discipline to walk out with your money. Lots of times there is no money to spend and the trip is just a little dream or fantasy. Hannah, your love of beautiful things and owning them is who you are. Embrace it in a healthy way. Learning during your "no buy" year has caused you to change your perspective. I don't think that you will always be at this financial place in your life, I believe you will have more and I know you will be able to handle it because knowing how to handle and manage "little" money will prepare you for when you have more. The Lord has been so good to you recently. You were able to move because He provided for you all to be able to. He has given you satisfaction with what you have and he has provided you work that meets your needs. He has given you talents and abilities to be able to do your work. There is a place in the Bible that says that there are times when you have resources and there are times when you are in need. But you are satisfied in both situations because you know who is your provider. I do hope you aren't offended by my reference to God but I just see Him blessing you and I only want to encourage you. We are sisters in the struggle.
Your last check in (March) is my favourite video on youtube. I have watched it at least 5 times. I love all the stuff you said about how wanting something and not getting it was what life is all about, really. Also how desires go away whether they are fulfilled or not. And of course they are always replaced by other desires if they are fulfilled. That really resonated with me, so thank you and keep going. I live for your uploads. Well, alright, maybe that was slightly hyperbolic but I certainly look forward to them. ❤️
It really touched my heart when you were talking about the pride of being able to move yourself. You should feel so proud! I recently had a similar experience, i.e. being able to use my savings to help my partner and I move towards a better home situation and a lot of the pride and happiness was being able to help my partner and the appreciation i felt from him. Don't belittle your achievements; your experiences are fabulous.
these check-ins do really help me I really appreciate them. every time I think of cheating on my no buy *Sephora VIB sale* you upload and I get reminded of why I started this in the first place
I feel like your business is doing a lot better than you give it credit for. I know you say it just pays your bills and food, but I can imagine renting a studio in LA and having a downtown LA studio loft isn’t cheap, so it’s really amazing that tango clothes can afford you that while giving you time to work on your craft. You’re doing well and have lots to feel proud of.
This is a very interesting video to me in this moment. I just moved, and it was a big move across the country. I actually have a very short shopping list but we downsized from a 4 bedroom house to an apartment. So the space is different. So literally as I was watching your video, I was contemplating something to use as storage in my huge kitchen island. In my house, I would keep it clear. But in the apartment I need to use that space. So I was googling storage ideas when you were talking about moving items. I found a cloth bin that had some books in it. I stuck that in the middle of the island with my paper towel holder and filled it with our water bottles and blender bottles. It’s probably not my final decor, but it works just fine while I figure out what I need in that space. And it was free and took two seconds.
Secondly, sorry for this crazy long comment, I was contemplating your question of why some things don’t come off the wishlist. Several times I have wanted something for a super long time, like years. And I’ll finally get it. And I don’t love it. And usually I don’t keep it very long before I return it. It’s like I just wanted to try it and use it, as you said. That’s a behavior I’ve worked hard to change and continue to try not to engage in. It’s like I thought if I had it on my wishlist long enough I had the excuse to buy it. So I purposely want it for such a long time that it becomes obsolete and I’m almost always disappointed in it. Or maybe I make the build up too big and it can’t live up to it. So I’ve actually been trying to buy things sooner. I’m taking away my excuse of longevity on the wishlist to justify the purchase, so the purchase needs to stand up on its own merit. And I have to use it a bunch when I get it. For example, I have nearly purchased the Pat McGrath subliminal palette for about 3-4 rounds of the Sephora sale and I keep not getting it. It’s like I’m trying to earn it by waiting longer. This last round I decided to get it. But I went to play with it one more time at Sephora. I swatched it and walked around with the swatches for a long time. I’d read a review saying that the Kat Von d alchemist palette can dupe a lot of the shades. And I own that and I could see that person was right. Everything else was a shade I already have. So I put it back with finality-I’m not getting it ever. Because I know if I do, I’ll just be disappointed and return it.
I've done this, too! It feels good to be "planning" to buy something for a long time and then to finally realize that you don't actually want it anymore.
HANNAH!!! I. Love. These. Videos!!! You are such a girl boss in every sense of the word and for real, please keep talking about money and your accomplishments! You may feel behind, but you're not, and moreover, I love hearing how proud you are about being able to do things that were not possible for you before! You are a star, my love. I look up to you so much and your willingness to share is everything. Please don't ever change ♥♥♥
Your insight about your budget separating your income from your spending just blew my mind. I'm always been like well I can spend, I make money. But that spending is stopping me from reaching other goals. I have historically struggled with a budget because it doesn't seem proportionate to my income. But I have other goals, more important goals than clothes and makeup that I struggle to achieve. So from now on, my income has no bearing on my frivolous spending. My BUDGET dictates the maximum of my spending. Mind blown!
Something you said that stuck with me was the concept of using a product vs playing with (or trying) a product. I find that sometimes I will pick something up because I just want to try it out (even though I already have more than enough of that product category). Also, shopping (even if I don't purchase anything) takes up way more of my time than it should.
As someone who has "ridden high" financially for many years who is currently in a low spot, I understand that discomfort of talking about money. Whether high or low, I rarely speak of it.
That being said, it is important to think to think about one's financial future and take action towards creating a sense of comfort and stability if things do not feel secure. I appreciate that your videos place that squarely in the consciousness of people who may be spending everything that comes in as a reflex.
Thankfully, I can still help out someone in a crisis but I am shocked to find that my sister (who is, between her and her husband, in a six figure annual income household) is rarely able to send $100 to help out if one of her adult children is in trouble. We do live in a culture of overspending, so kudos to you for changing your habits!
I am so glad I found your channel, and similar channels that have taught me about no-buys, low-buys, and anti-hauls. I know every spring, with the better weather and improved mood, I definitely get a shopping bug to "reinvent" or pursue my ideal self, and this year I'm doing so much better at keeping a budget for non essential items. I keep my eye on the long term goals of saving for my low summer work, my trip to Italy, and the eventual need to buy a new laptop and phone this year.
There is so much in this video that resonates with me. I was like you as well and no matter how much we made I'd spend every penny with no "emergency funds" usually we made enough to cover everything, but it put a lot of self inflicted stress on ourselves. Moving was always a nightmare emotionally, physically, and finically. I'm so happy for you! Having the reserve to pull from is such a blessing and so hard to achieve while living in LA.
Lots of love!
Thank you Serein! xoxo!
Two years ago I read David Ramsey's Total Money Makeover and the first suggestion is building an emergency fund. Prior to that, I had never in (now) 31 years had money set aside for emergencies. When it came to use it for an unexpected expense I was so relieved. It was a real victory! Congratulations on having a similar experience and being able to feel that financial peace and comfort.
Catching up on videos now that my finals are over. Congrats on your move! That is an amazing accomplishment.
Hannah!! I know that I’m just a person on the internet, but I am so proud of you and everything you’ve done on your journey. Being able to move is a huge accomplishment. Pat yourself on the back❤️❤️
thank you!!
Oh Hannah! I cried with you when you talked about money and how you realised you were able to do something as major as that! I also find it refreshing to listen about money in such a 'real' way, especially when I've noticed that it's sort of a taboo subject for the us culture. Thank you so much for all the sharing, and for actually making us think and become better!
Hannah, I am proud of you for managing to move your family with your smart savings. Credit is definitely due here. You've made excellent progress!
Thank you for making these videos! They really make my morning routine so relaxing :)
The story of the money for the new home is a good reason for me to thank you for inspiring me about going on a no buy year. I had 300€ (about 300USD) to pay for an issue I had with my car which happened suddenly and unexpectedly. I have been able to face this "inconvenience" because I decided to go on a no buy year beginning of 2019. This is all because of you so thank you, very much.
Hey Hannah! Have you written about your experiences with the no buy or the beauty budget? If so, I'd love to read your material. Thanks
coming soon, hopefully!
@@HannahLouisePoston please do and put it up for sale. I KNOW many people who would buy it.
I, too, have learned the wonders of not buying at the time of desire. Rather if I need a fix I spend happy time on Amazon, put things in my cart, and then save it for later. It's still there if and when I decide it really will serve me and/or bring me joy. Some things have been there for years! As a bonus sometimes I find something that is cheaper or better or free just like you did. Awesome isn't it? So much fun instead of too much angst. 😁
I've been thinking about your story about being able to move yourself and your partner using your saving since I watched this video, as well as your video about what is luxurious to you and to me they are somewhat related.
I have found that the moments I feel "rich" are more the moments of being able to handly cash flow situations or unexpected costs (e.g. when I had to cover a stay at an expensive hotel for a job interview, I was reimbursed, but not I wasn't worried about the timing of the reimbursement coming through, or covering a my sister in laws hair appointment before her wedding when she realised she had forgot her purse) than about buying specific expensive items. and that feeling of not worrying about money is worth more to me than the items I covet, and remembering that can really help me avoid unwise purchases
I so relate to the amount of just time that can be spent browsing around online instead of doing something else. I have to tell myself, stop go read a book. Go walk a dog. Go mess around with paint. Something besides sitting on the couch after dinner looking at Sephora or Ulta. Even with no intention of purchasing anything. It’s a really interesting point and something my brain is now noodling on.
The Joe voice "We have enough plants." 🤣🤣Also 45 plants?! Girl...
A lot have died since then. I think we are down to something closer to 35. And lots of them are at the Poema studio :)
@@HannahLouisePoston Also, I'm 35 and have $0 literally $0 in savings so you're not alone.
Elizabeth 2018 I’m in a similar situation but looking to make changes this year!
I am always looking forward to your videos and never comment enough. I just wanted to tell congrats on being so brave and openly discussing money and the minutiae of your thoughts on how you spend, the positive changes you've noticed, what bothers you still and all what you want to change.
i would really love to hear you talk more about how to stop buying clothes and your experience with that!! thats something i struggle with way more than makeup
Love reading your comment section! #positivevibes
Hi I also hate having too much stuff in my place so my rules is that my skin care makeup etc... are placed in specific drawers and everything I get must fit those drawers that is it. If those drawers are full the only option is to start using up what I have. Before buying more or accepting gifts.
I have been terrible at keeping indoor plants alive so i am super impressed by your plan5s, even if 'only' 35 out of 45 have made it!!
We haven't had a make up play time in a while. I enjoy those and it usually prompts me to walk over to my lipsticks and shadows and throw something on that I wouldn't normally wear out.
I absolutely love your lipstick and shirt today! Beautiful. And as always, I so greatly appreciate all of your thoughts and insights as you process through all of these things!
this video is just what i need today! i received a job offer downstate so I will be moving soon, and now i have quite a few budget related choices to make. thank you for sharing your experience, hope you're enjoying the new space!
YES. You said it perfectly: Buying makeup that is fun to play with, even if you don't use it regularly, can be fine as long as you don't buy everything that remotely interests you, simply because it would be fun to play with. This is the makeup philosophy I am working on for myself. I don't want to lose the creativity and joy and fun that makeup brings me, and I don't want to fall in the trap of assuming that everything is purely functional or that I have to use it all the time to be able to own it (especially makeup I already own--I don't have to get rid of it because I don't use it every day). But I also don't want to add to my collection capriciously. I want to be thoughtful about what will bring me joy long-term, not in the moment of buying. Thank you!
Isn't it just lovely to wait it out and things will get taken care of? such as the hooks & basket. Also am so happy for you in your personal growth, being able to get the apartment because you took handle of things.
What it meant for our parents to be in their 30s financially, and what it means for later generations is totally different. The economy looks different, society looks different, so what it means to be an adult is different. Financial freedom is not this obvious thing for people in their 30s. Its not obvious for most people. I love that you are talking about money!
I got a little choked up when you spoke about being able to finance your move. It's a huge accomplishment! I recently broke my phone beyond repair and I was upset because to replace it would be a huge immediate expense unless I financed it through my service carrier (a move I did not want to take). I then realized that, since I started watching your videos, I've religiously saved a bit of cash every month so I wouldn't need to resort to credit cards or loans for an emergency. I hadn't thought of using this money at first because, well, to me a broken cell phone isn't an emergency. I'm lucky. I have healthcare, auto care, and home care insurances, hence, a broken cell phone is what that money is for and I was able to make a purchase without guilt. My last phone worked perfectly for four years I'm hoping this new one will perform the same. Thanks for your update!
How cool that you managed to make the move by using the savings! Congrats!
I was recently able to buy expensive train tickets (short notice equals expensive within the German rail system) to spend some time with my sick cat who lives at my parent's on the other end of the country. Being able to do that as soon as I got the message, without worrying about making it through the rest of the month... I felt so glad amidst all of the sorrow. (The cat recovered btw). Budgets and savings sound soooo boring and joyless.... until you realize that your savings can actually save you at times. Thank you for talking about money so openly... I really enjoy hearing how other people deal with it.
This makeup look us my fave so far! The brows, the blush, the lipstick and the eyeshadow!!! Oh so gorgeous! Also the background and your top plus your hair is my fave so far too!
"My budget separates my income from my spending."
Um. This is amazing. It just made what I have been trying to do the last several months kind of click.
Starting in 2016 my life became extremely challenging and my main goal for awhile was just not to spend more than I was making. I really have not forced myself to budget beyond that untill the start of this year, and while I have been doing okay, that is a way better way to look at a budget.
Have you tried using a free budget software? After listening to some personal finance podcasts, I signed up for Mint. It's completely free, and actually has a lot of cool features. The ads are annoying, but they're worth dealing with if the tool actually helps you accomplish your money management goals. I wonder if something like this could help you maintain the positive feelings towards budgeting that Hannah's statement gave, so I just wanted to share the idea. Hope this helps!
Yay for milestones with your savings and moving you and Joe :) this made me think of a situation we recently went through-Hurricane Michael hit us 7 months ago and during that time my family was able to maintain our comfort the best possible with the situation and we had a savings for the emergency and it felt so incredible:) we needed home roof repair and tons of yard work that’s still getting worked on. (i had a miserable 10 year marriage that i got out of lol now it’s been years ago but that’s the point in the past I probably wouldn’t have had that emergency fund none the less the unpeacefulness (yes i know it’s not a word) that I was living-
financially my family is doing so amazing and I get to raise my kids while building a business with an amazing partner. I love love love your videos Hannah! So so inspiring and I keep learning from you!
Thank you for being you!🌲💜🌸
I have been thinking about the time thing too. There can so easily be a mismatch between what we say matters most to us & what we actually spend our time on. How important is online shopping to you versus reading, going to the cinema, talking an evening walk-or whatever other activities might replace it? And does your behaviour reflect this or does it suggest that online shopping is one of the meaningful activities, because you devote so much time to it (if, indeed, you do). I'm thinking of this, of course, in relation to my own habits. But I think it's important to have a time budget, too.
26:37 Sadie jumps onto the table that is bathed with light and the lamp in the foreground makes it look like she's at a tanning salon sunbathing under a huge lamp xxx
This is so helpful to me as I plan for a low buy 2024! Goals! Build that savings! Thank you!
I love watching your videos, Hannah. One, because you're awesome, and two, because listening to you talk helps me prepare for the GRE lol.
Some of your older videos have book recommendations. I listened to kate flanders 'the year of less', where she had done a no buy year (aka the year long shopping ban) a few years back. It is written like a friend talking openly about struggles and recovery not just from shopping but the other baggage you find along the way. It has a biography style, but just enough to convey where her problems come from and make it personal and real. I borrowed this in audiobook form, which my library offers.
I'd love to see a video more about your side hustles. Especially how you got into grant writing, as I feel that's something I could possibly do.
Love your green top with that red lipstick. I think green is a colour that looks amazing on you. With regard to the rest of your video, I could write a very long essay about my financial situation and how you've helped me improve it. I'm 62 and I've been working part-time for the past three years, which I absolutely love. However, I was running through my money quite quickly. That's all stopped and I'm starting to save again. Thank you so much, Hannah, for inspiring me to put the brakes on my spending and reassess my priorities.
Omg the way you explain wanting something to use it vs wanting something to have/try/buy it is such a game changer for me. It sounded so obvious once you said it, yet I have never been able to make that distinction before. It’s going to be so helpful for when my no-buy year is over at the end of this month. From the bottom of my heart and my savings account, thank you!
P.S. I hope your writing is going well! You’ve prompted me to get back into reading poetry and it’s been so lovely.
YAY I'm so glad that hit home for you!
I have to agree with the other commenters: it's so good to hear someone be open about personal finance and money! I am very open about it but I notice than many people especially women don't really talk about income and personal finance
Hannah, this is incredible! I looooved this month's check in, you're doing so well! I'm so proud of you for saving and moving you two, that's totally worth crying over