hi friends, I forgot to say this in the video, but my friend Serein is actually on a no-buy right now and she's made some great videos about it. Here's her channel: ua-cam.com/users/DressYourselfHappyvideos
I’m so glad you got to go to that Beauty Expo! I follow Serein and she’s wonderful! I’m so glad you two know each other. I’m absolutely sure you were her inspiration or great encourager in her braving her own No Buy! I can’t wait to hear about these new emerging skincare Indie brands from you. I know you’ll give such a thoughtful, well researched user review! Cheers to you flexing your new Budget Journey muscles!! You got it, girl!! 🥂💪💗
The part about not needing holy grails of skincare and that there are a lot of good products (and no need to look for that one miracle solution) resonated so much with me! I had a similar revelation some time ago, that what matters, is what you do regularly and not one special/expensive/elusive thing. The fact, that you clean and moisturise your face everyday is more important than that special mask that particular celebrity uses; eating healthy everyday will do more for you than detox/superfood/supplements; and exercising is vital even though you don't do that supersecret move that transformed some instagram model. Deep breaths, back to basics, we're gonna be just fine even without newest/best/most exclusive. Thank you for constant food for thought, you are great😊
Wow! Talk about food for thought!. Your comment is spot on. The beauty/skin care industry is so cutthroat and brutal. They do not give a rat's ass about your best interest or my best interest. It's all about the mighty dollar. It's about how much they can charge us for a product that their marketing department has convinced us we can not possibly live without. I have finally caught on to their sneaky ways. I just wished I had opened my eyes about 20 yrs sooner. I can't undo my past spending behaviors. I can only do something about the now and future spending habits. I have said this particular sentence before in other comments and I'll say it again, actually wrote it down and put the note in my wallet to read everytime I get the urge to spend unwisely. It's this. I am sick and tired of lining the pockets of someone else or some corporation who doesn't know I exist or give a rat's ass about me. Your right! Back to basics. We're gonna be even better because our money will line our own pockets, we will reduce our trash and improve our space.
Key takeaways for me: 1) We live in a time of abundance. ABUNDANCE! Not scarcity, no matter what marketing or our shopping/lizard brain tells us. ❤️ 2) The process of returning things for me just increases the rampant consumerism and wastefulness that plagues our society. Strong feelings are strong on this one.😂 3) I control what I do and the decisions I make, NOT corporations! I am the captain of my ship! 💪⛵ Once again, thank you for your insight and thoughtfulness!!! In our often vapid culture it is a breath of fresh air!!!
I love how eloquently you describe your experiences and your thoughts and feelings. The analogies you use are excellent. There’s something about how honest and real you are that really inspires me. Honestly, as someone who found you near the end of 2018, I must admit that at first I doubted that you really were a shopping addict because of how in control you seemed (a sure sign that at that moment I couldn’t even conceive of not shopping) but then you’ll describe your thought process and your insights and it’s so relevant to my own issues that i realise that there is hope. I embarked on a low buy on January 2nd, with mixed results but so so valuable already in terms of the insights I’ve gained and, at this point, I’m having almost daily epiphanies. It’s truly enlightening and liberating when something switches in your brain and the changes start happening like a snowball gathering momentum. What I’m trying to say in a very waffly, convoluted way, is that you’re helping me so much on my journey, so thank you 😊
I think the lighting looks great! I never thought your videos looked bad, though, but it looks even better now! I am actually not surprised that the budget may end up being harder than the no buy. My no buy has been pretty easy so far this year, but I think if I were allowed to buy even just a little it would be a lot harder. Keep working out those willpower muscles! :)
In Australia where I live we can't return cosmetics once they have been used like you can in the US and I think it has taught me to be much more careful about what I buy.
I love listening to the psychology of wanting/ shopping...as a member of the weight loss surgery (WLS) UA-cam community, we discuss the "sophomore slump"... the first year, you're losing weight rapidly, you're highly motivated, focused, excited and your new tiny tummy makes overeating nearly impossible. In your second year, whether you successfully attained a goal weight or not, psychologically and physically, you start to have ISSUES! This video REALLY resonated with me 😊
I cannot express how clearly you are speaking to me. In other words, this is me 100%. Even though I am on a no buy, I can still get replacements. However, unlike your no buy year, I do have a budget for replacements because I have no choice. My credit card is maxed out, I have bills to pay, so Im living paycheck to paycheck. I feel so defeated and emotional because even though I have money to work with, desire is always there. I’ve been good, I walk away, I put things down, and I leave the things behind. I just don’t know how much longer I can do this. I know what I’m doing is good for me, but its just plain hard. And like you I find that once payday comes around, I’m sitting on the edge of my seat to be able to spend my money. Then I spend my budget and thats it. I have to go the rest of the month (usually 2-3 weeks) without be able to buy anything. And its basically killing me mentally to live this way but I don’t really have a choice due to my financial circumstances. I just feel ashamed for not being able to control my desires but also frustrated at always wanting to buy something (even if I’m always walking away from it).
Girl I relate to this so hard. I have definitely been there and getting out of that situation is really difficult. My recommendations: start a mindfulness practice & start journaling your experience! Make it about something bigger than your budget and it will become easier. Stay strong! You can do it!
it sounds like you are doing absolutely amazing! I know it's a struggle but you are so much farther along that I was for most of my life, and you are so much farther along than you were before, simply because you have a plan, you are sticking to it, and you are paying attention to your thoughts and feelings. That is a TRIUMPH! You can't control what you want and feel, you can only control what you DO. You deserve to let go of that shame surrounding your desires, and focus on feeling amazing because you are successfully controlling your actions, which are what really matter. I PROMISE it will get easier if you stick to it, and even your desires will change over time. Sending a big hug!
Over time it will get easier for you. I know that you are probably thinking, thats easy for you to say...well yeah it is easy to say. I say it to myself every freekin day! A year ago i was forced into a very bad situation which affected every aspect of mine and my families lives. As a result i am having to dig myself out of a financial hell hole my ex shoved us into...I discovered Hannas channel about half way through her no buy year. Am i ever happy i did! She has no idea who I am or what kind of positive influence she has had but its there. This will get easier... I swear. (hugs)
@@HannahLouisePoston Thank you so much for your kind words Hannah! You are a huge inspiration to me and watching your content every week does give me hope that I can make it. I know that going through this process is helping me in the long run. I'm forced to really see and use what I have and understand that I really can do without, that I don't need anything. Watching your journey and your realizations have helped me beyond measure. Being able to talk to people in this community is worth so much to me because people in my everyday life don't understand what I'm going through. Thank you so much for sharing! I will do my best to stay strong
Oh my. Im in the middle of the video and just had to comment to say I loved the vocal effects you added in when you were talking about buying the lip gloss. I actually laughed out loud. Also the new lights look great. Thanks for sharing another well thought out video.
thanks, Courtney! It's something that Hannah from Smokey Glow does a lot, I've always admired her silly editing, and this seemed like the right time to try it out :)
Something that helps me with that buy-return cycle is that when I return an item that’s mediocre or otherwise didn’t work, I take the money I get back and drop it immediately into savings. I treat that money like it doesn’t exist-even when I have it in my wallet again-because it’s already been spent from my budget. And just like those tiny purchases subtract quickly from a budget, they add just as quickly to savings. And even if you don’t really feel inspired to return them now, at some later point inside the return period you might find the time/energy, or need to go to that mall for something else. So that’s something to consider, since growing your savings is one of your goals!
You're my new favourite UA-camr! I resonate so much with the things you say. You're really helping me evaluate how I shop. You come across different to other UA-camrs and I love the way you talk! Keep it up :)
Hi, I'm French, and the concept of returning products like mascara le just not an option in France. De can only return products that companies can sell to another customer. Underware usually can't be return for hygenic reasons so imagine an open piece of make up. I don't know if you already knew that but i find that very interesting that return policies are so different ^_^ (i guess it motivates us, french, To be more mindful about these kind of purchases :) ) Also, i really enjoy your videos!! ^_^
I can relate... I lived in SE Asia for years, and a lot of products are cheap knockoffs in the open markets with bartering (some are good, some are bad). And even in department stores and small boutiques, it's still a gamble as to the quality of products you're getting, since Thai beauty regulations are not always followed. Needless to say, I had severe reverse culture shock in this area when moving back to the US. We're very spoiled as Americans in that area
As a cognitive psychologist the takeaway from the willpower literature is that we effectively don't know anything because none of the experiments get replicated lol. Anything social psychology-related, especially stuff that's flashy enough to be reported in pop-science articles, is highly suspect haha....that field is going through a serious crisis right now...
In other words, if they can't make a patent-able pill to treat it they don't spend the $$$ to study it. The closest thing to a will power pill out there is Wellbutrin but I still prefer the cold turkey method.
My mom is a statistician who spent years and years analyzing studies for drugs for rare diseases. She retired, and is now firmly in a camp of alternative medicine, because "nothing works" and " nobody knows anything, " haha.
I'm also a lippie collector. I think it's such an easy place to go overboard for so many people because it's really hard to "make it work" or "dupe the vibes" when you want a specific lip color. You can make so many looks from a single eyeshadow palette, but aside from mixing products together, you don't have versatility with a single lippie. Like how when you were desiring a Twiggy nude.. you could fiddle with stuff you had to kind of achieve it, but it wasn't what you wanted. It's so easy to buy so many because even though you might have similar shades, even slight tonal variations can make a huge difference for the look/vibe you're going for.
I've noticed that, for me, sticking to a budget is a lot harder than sticking to a no-buy. I've never successfully stuck to a budget, but when I finally gave up and started a no-buy, it was a lot easier. I have to constantly remind myself not to buy whatever I want, but the consistency of the refusal is what lets me stay strong. It's like the momentum of "no". There isn't any momentum in a budget because it's constant switching between yes and no.
I love what you said about no longer needing each of your skincare items to be perfect, to be holy grails. I think the desire to have a perfect product can often be a bit of an excuse to research and buy and try (at least for me) and it's liberating to break out of that.
I just finished my first month of budget shopping. My budget is $300 per month and that may sound like a lot but like you said....those purchases can add up fast. I spent my entire budget fairly early in the month. I had one close call....a special value Radley handbag on qvc but I got over wanting it and felt really good about that. So far I have just found it liberating. I was not an in debt shopper but I have too many beauty products ....too many handbags and bought clothes I don’t love. As for beauty, I am enjoying the products I already have. Thank you for your inspiration!
I'm also doing a budget of $300/month for clothes, shoes, handbags, jewelry, and beauty products. I feel like this is reasonable given my income and still much less than I was spending.
I stumbled upon your channel during my search on minimalist makeup, journey to a minimalist makeup collection etc. I was instantly inspired! Last year, I went crazy on makeup shopping. Although my collection is not as big as the beauty gurus here on youtube, its still significantly large for an average person. When 2019 came, i moved to my then fiance's (now husband) apartment permanently and I only bought 1 makeup bag. I started to realize that I don't need every single blush color or highlighter in the market. I survived with just the basics. I started to declutter my makeup collection and closet, the ones I didn't miss at all. I am going to make 2019 my no-buy year. I need to change my spending habits. So far, I only bought 1 real techniques sponge because the one i'm currently using will be about a year old. I don't think I would be spending anything on beauty anytime soon. I want to use up what I currently have. Thank you Hannah for sharing your journey!
Another thought on returns: if you buy something just to try it with a return mentality, it's possible you're creating a lot of waste. If you open a mascara and then return it, the store will have to throw it out. This doesn't mean that you should never do it, or that you should necessarily feel guilty about it, but if you are striving to create less waste, then only buying items you're really planning on keeping is a good idea.
My credit card bill for February is already 1/3 of what it normally is and it still has stuff from December on it! I am feeling so much more in control of my finances since starting a no buy year for 2019. Thank you so much for your thoughtful explanations... your lighting looks great!
Hannah, I’m so grateful for your videos. I’m not on a no-buy, but I’ve borrowed many of the ideas you often discuss (like shopping my stash and makeup playtime), and I’ve fallen back in love with my makeup collection. As a result, my purchasing habits have also become more mindful. Much love to you.
Your ability to describe and articulate shopping habits is unbelievable! I am truly blown away by your thought process! Everything that comes out of your mouth, in my mind I’m screaming yes, yes, yes, yes!
My bff is much more into fashion than makeup, neither of us were familiar w rent the runway until I saw you in Jan. She has now signed up and is so excited. She works in an upscale eye docs office and gets to slay the looks all the time, I live vicariously thru her in scrubs most of the time and only get to wear more special things once in a while. (At least I have found some beautifully stylish scrub companies lol).
Hannah, I definitely understand your reasoning regarding returns. My life is a revolving door of buying and returning and I’m honestly so sick of my behaviors. I spend (waste) so much time returning, and every time I do I end up picking up something else and it’s just a cycle. Breaking that cycle will free up so much time and energy to spend on more worthwhile things. And hopefully teach me to not buy so frivolously because I do not want to spend my time returning. ❤️
Hannah. I can’t even describe how I feel about this video. I wish I could say I knew you in person, because you are such a breath of fresh air. Thank you for having the hard conversations. Thank you for challenging what has become a standard across our culture - a culture of constant consumerism. And thank you for encouraging others to think about needs rather than wants, and inspiring me to focus on the things that spark true joy rather than the quantity of things to choose from.
It was something you said earlier, but I would love if you could do a video about your take on self care. What it is and how toxic that can be. Bad day, treat yourself! Feeling down, buy something new? I would love your opinion on what you think self care actually is and should be. Love these videos!
31 days into my no buy! I look forward to watching your updates. It’s so nice to have someone who has been in a very similar situation to me guide me and give their own experience with no buys and budgeting. I feel I will be a little more prepared in 2020 when my no buy ends and my budget/low buy starts because I have an idea of some of the things I could experience. Thank you Hannah!
Thank you for another great video. You are hands down, my favourite channel. You're graceful, intelligent, and well spoken. You remind me so much of Anne Shirley from the Anne of Green Gables book series. She was my "role model" growing up and she will always be part of who I am. You truly are an inspiration.
omg this is the most flattering comment ever. I was completely obsessed with Anne of Green Gables as a kid, I read all eight books about a hundred times :)
@@HannahLouisePoston Thank you for taking the time to comment! You're becoming quite the content creator and growing rather quickly, so I appreciate your time in responding :)
I am on a beauty replacements only no-buy and clothing low buy for the whole year. I do work in a clothing store so I gave myself permission to buy 3 pieces of clothing including everything from underwear to accessories a month. I know many people doing no-buys wont buy clothes at all, but I think I would hate my job if I couldn't buy anything. In January I bought one piece of clothing without trying it on and it was too big, so I returned it. After that I set myself a rule that I need to try the piece on in the store, and once I buy it's mine and I can not return it. I really want to change my shopping habits and if I let myself return things, I feel it takes out the purpose of my clothing low-buy, which is stop hauling too much and stop hauling pieces I don't truly need or even want. Great video again!
I love seeing your evolution as a conscious consumer and the additional dimensions to your purchasing decision making. For me I notice that when I buy something I look for other things to buy. The longer I can go without the easier it is to continue. Looking forward to your thoughts on skincare products!
Thank you for this. The struggle is very real and you putting it into words is helpful to others who may not recognise what it is exactly that is causing the anxiety, or frustration. I feel that videos like this will create a sense of community where we can learn and lean on each other.
I’m still getting used to my new buy year. I’ve made a few purchases but they’re not as impulsive or excessive as last year. I’m still trying to keep myself from wanting to want and browsing on my phone in my free time. Whenever I see something I want from wanting to want, I immediately drop the price of the item into a savings account. In the last week, I saved over hundred! If I had succumbed to my impulses, I would have spent well over a hundred dollars and felt lost by the end of the month. Now I know exactly where my money is going and being more conscious of my purchases. When I saw my balance in my bank account, I wondered frantically “where did all my money go!?” (As I used to at the end of every month last year...) But today I remembered “oh, it’s in my savings 😊"
What a wonderful check-in. You said so many things that resonated with me. Especially about the old habits wanting to come out, and how lots of little things add up in that budget so quickly. I was always picking up little items here and there impulsively and only carefully contemplating the larger purchases. As for returns, I am trying to watch that because if I go back to the store, I will usually spend more when I return something. It's so exciting to see how beautifully you are handling all the changes with your channel and the new opportunities. I look forward to seeing the new skincare reviews. :)
I would love to see a video about how you got into tango and your journey with it! I’m a professional dancer but I have never dived into that style of dance so I am very curious!
You made so many great realizations with spending. It always amazes me how fast $200 will go and am actually really surprised how much you were able to buy. The lipstick accumulation is defiently a problem, I use to find myself feeling down or a bit lonely and I'd go pick up a lipstick because for whatever reason it was an "affordable" luxury that would make me feel better in that moment. The idea of self control being a muscle is really resonating with me. Because my "no buy" low buy still allows for purchases, I'm finding that I have to flex this muscle a lot which is harder than just quitting cold turkey I think. I attribute it to my diet, I can quite sugar or whatever cold turkey if I know it's for a given amount of time, but to allow it in moderation, is harder. Anyways, great video! Loving your beauty budget journey.
Yes, buying something with the option of returning it just keeps me in the hamster wheel of consumerism! It’s also exhausting to keep track of that kind of stuff. I end up *not* returning it because let’s face it: I hate that shit, but then I’m consumed with guilt. It’s just too much 😩 Anyway, I love how your brain works (even the sick parts) and your willingness to explain it all. It makes me feel less alone. 💗💗💗 As an aside, poshmark is soooo consistent with your brand! It just makes sense that they would sponsor you, and I also really think rent the runway should give you a free subscription. I mean, COME ON. Basically, what I’m saying is GET IT, GIRL. You deserve all the things, particularly when those things are in keeping with the overall ethos of your channel.
I won’t be able to buy anything this month without hearing you’re high and low voice screaming in my head! Amazing, loved it! Thanks for making me smile, big time.
you are so wonderfully insightful and articulate. had to just pause the video and drop something in the tip jar cause it brings value to my life. the new lights look great!
ok had to pause the video again to comment. the "wanting to want" resonates so hard. hearing you talk bout it helps me feel 1. not alone. and 2. inspired to do something and 3. capable of actually doing it.
YAY! I'm still going strong since November! I had one dessert in January and that was the only one for all 3 months, and I recovered just fine. You can do it!
Hannah - you are a gem. I discovered your channel a few months back, and I am so glad I did. Your perspective has been such a positive influence on my own spending habits. Thanks, love.
Great video. Love being on this journey with you. Although I’m on my no/low buy year now, I can relate to a lot of what you are saying. Part of my no buy is a no buy (beauty/skincare is no buy except replacements and it will take a long time until I need those, if at all), but other parts have a budget (homewares) and other parts have other ways I measure them (eating out/take out - only once per month). So in someways, I have a no/low buy and budget in different parts of my life. I tried to be very intentional in each area to address my specific bad habits in each area. I agree with you the no buy can be easier. Cold turkey means no exceptions which is easier in some ways. But the stop/start of the budget parts can be much more difficult. Even for me the take out vs buying prepared food at the grocery store has been a test for my intentions. If I buy prepared food in advance I don’t mind doing that, but buying prepared food that I’m going to eat immediately feels like “take out” to me so I won’t do it. I appreciate so much how this whole process makes you think about yourself and your relationships with purchasing.
The mascara WILL get better! I didn’t love the formula a month ago, but wear it all the time now and LOVE it. Especially when paired with warm corals and orange shadows. Sending you love!
Yes ma’am the new lighting is wonderful! I’m so happy that patrons of the arts were able to help with those lights! January has been a weird month for me due to traveling. I realized the chaos of traveling made me feel out of control and that it triggered me to want to shop. Apparently shopping makes me feel in control. Due to my mental place I decided to essentially have a no buy month, and I bought no makeup or makeup adjacent items. Abstinence has been the easier solution this month, but I’m hoping to exercise that willpower muscle a little more next month. But I definitely had some “NO! Bye girl BYE.” Moments this month. Lippies are definitely an issue for me. That’s why I put a ceiling on my numbers. I rarely do that because I like things to happen organically, but I had to for my sanity. My magical number for everything lip related is 25. That’s open to change in the future but I’m keeping it at 25 for now. I have 20 products and knowing I only have space for 5 more things makes me really picky. I definitely struggle with Holy Grail shopping so your insight on that was so fascinating. I want the best of EVERYTHING because I am such a minimalist. And it’s hard for me to be okay with good enough and not continue to at least wishlist shop. It’s definitely an issue I’ll be working on this year. You have an instant pot?!? I’m a weird anti-instant pot person. I’m all about keeping my kitchen as basic as possible. However, everyone I know swears I need one because I cook 95%+ of our food at home...when I’m home that is. My homewares is set up similarly. I do all the house shopping and the utilitarian homewares are part of the household budget. The vanity homewares are part of my budget. I think that’s the most realistic way for a homewares budget to work in my house. Oh dang. Sorry for the wall of text. I’ve just had an interesting January too. I’m so glad that your January went well and was epiphanic for you in so many ways.
girl I was anti instant-pot too for similar reasons and I was also like "but how can it be as good bla bla bla." Then when I got one I was mad at everyone for not being more insistent that I try it sooner. Do you have a slow cooker? The IP can replace it (works as both) and you won't be gaining a gadget. IT COOKS 4 LB OF CHICKEN IN UNDER 30 MINUTES!!! IT COOKS 5 LB OF PORK IN UNDER AN HOUR!!!! I cook 90% of what we eat too and it changed my life. I have so much more flexibility and time surrounding what and when I cook our food. And I use it for about half of our meals...I use it several times a week. It's my favorite kitchen tool. I've even been thinking about replacing it with a bigger one, or getting a bigger one in addition? That's like the least minimalist thing I've ever said but that's how much I love it and use it. evangelizing over
Hannah Louise Poston ugh. You’re in my list of 7 people who sing the praises of the instant pot. The only way I would bring it in is if I could ditch at least 1-2 appliances in its place. Hmmmm. It’ll go on the wishlist.
I really appreciate that you are MORE than a review channel. You are thoughtful, eloquent, entertaining, informative, transparent, real and relatable. In the YT space you are a breath of fresh air. I truly believe this is one of the reasons why your viewership and subbie count is growing rapidly. Many of us YT viewers have grown bored of the same cookie cutter, white everything, "HOLY GRAIL", click bait, missing #AD #sponsored shadiness, buy all my colabs, "booty guru" stuff. I LIKE seeing your little nymph doll, books and records in the background. I don't mind if the light isn't perfect or if the dog is barking or the kids are playing outside. THAT IS LIFE! And it makes everything much more interesting and flavorful. Because of those character attributes, I am fully convinced and confident that you will be able to walk the fine lines between growth, opportunity, evolution and integrity, honesty, transparency. In reading the comments I can see many other ladies echoing the same desire for your channel to grow while not transforming into a "booty guru". I mean, you've already started the "NO BUY YEAR" Revolution 2019!!! I'm excited to see what other revolutions you will start in the YT realm.
You have great points in this video I completely relate to. I spent a fortune in search of holy grail products. Stopping the buy to try behavior forces pointed, mindful purchases of items I truly love from my favorite brands. Less returns means better time saving for me and better for the environment in terms of less waste.
My impulsive spending comes in spurts. I know I have a tight budget (getting a masters degree...yay) but whenever I "treat myself" to a nonessential item it creates this mouth foaming demon in my mind that wants to buy so many more things. I'm not happy about it by any means, but knowing that you've struggled makes me feel a tiny bit better about myself haha But really, thank you for starting this journey and sharing it for people like me who need it. That buy just to try section felt like a slap in the face because I just placed two clothing purchases out of my budget knowing if they dont fit perfectly I'll return them and feel a little better because I would get reimbursed. What a great necessary wakeup call for me
LOL! Last year Joe bought these weird screw-on pour-tops for mason jars for our olive oil and coconut creamer. They're super ugly but it was my no-buy year so I had no say. *sigh*
Yup. Don't get me started. Part of my problem with shopping is buying back ups but it's an impossible dilemma, because if I don't remember to get paper towels, toilet paper, detergent, toothpaste, and so on... Nobody will. It's like an additional 4th shift job of being a family manager.
May I offer a possible solution for the shopping for backups? One thing I’ve done is a “grocery receipt audit”. I track how much of something we used over the course of its lifetime/a month/however long makes sense (much like Hannah and her skincare video) and that helps me to have an idea of the frequency it needs to be purchased. If I know toilet paper, for example, needs to be purchased every 2 months because we use it all up then, it gives me a frame of reference when I’m deciding how much to purchase at the store. And if I can’t remember the last time I bought some, I know it’s probably getting time to replace it. Does that make sense? You might currently be doing this, it’s just something that’s helped me not panic buy, but be a more informed consumer.
Anna S. Oh boy, heard that. I actually have problem with buying extra, however I find it mentally better for me to have “some” because of the nature of my chronic illness. I never know when I will next feel like shopping . BUT it also annoys me to have too much. Last year right after Christmas I bought TWENTY FOUR hand soaps. They were 75% off and I had a coupon. But my god. I didn’t think about how ugly they are to store, or how we only go through about 6 a year. Or that I already had 5 huge soap refills. Additionally I live in a cold climate so in winter I find it super fulfilling to know I’m “stocked” for PB, meat, and food essentials. I like knowing I have 7-10 days worth of meals and snacks at all times in case we get a few major storms back to back. It’s so nice knowing I don’t *have* to go out. But I need to be more mindful of how slow I actually go through hygiene products. Right now I have 8 shave creams for dh. It takes him 6monfhs to use one. I hate shave cream; I like to use oil. Ugh. The struggle is real
Rebekah Kasper this has helped me so much ! A main reason for my over buys was overestimating how fast we use them. Last year I saved all toiletry skincare and makeup empties and now I know how long it takes. Very useful!
Im so excited to find out more about indy skin care and makeup. One of my goals after my nobuy year is over is to allow myself 1 product per month from a smaller brand. Id like to go back to the reason I started watching youtube makeup vlogs and that was to find smaller, natural makeup. Somehow I really got away from that and to where i am today.
Just found you recently, and really enjoy going thru your archive of the no buy year, as well as watching the new content. Have to tell you that I might be old enough to be your mother, and so wish I had started being mindful around my spending and consumerism much earlier in life. Anyhow, better late than never!
Most everything you share applies to me, except it's thrifted clothing instead of makeup. I appreciate listening to your words externalize my experience and issues with addiction and thrifting.
I'm the same way! And my excuses are that its helping the environment, and that whenever my closet gets too full (which happens at least twice a year) it's going to be donated again. In theory those are good behaviors, but I've been using them as excuses to justify it. Glad you mentioned that Hannah's check in is applicable outside of makeup!
@@caithenry8429 Totally! I feel like it's one of the best ways to be a consumer. But I am forever doing the same, purging my closet multiple times a year to re-donate. At least it's a somewhat more affordable habit, but still an addictive behavior and a crutch I think. It was so nice hearing someone resonated with my comment!
pausing the video a third of the way through to say that with the different voices nattering around in there, your mind seems like quite a lively and entertaining place.
Lighting looking awesome ! You look awesome !! ❤️ for me is also better to go just without everything ... even for keto, if I mess up or allow myself to mess up on my diet I tend to do it again, because it’s “only once” ... same for shopping. It is so nice that you met Serein, her videos are amazing and that you are getting all of these opportunities. Happy for you Hannah.
I didn't mean to imply that I'm ONLY a review channel, but I've always had a review aspect. Empties videos, shop my stash, etc are all review-type videos! I enjoy it.
Another great video Hannah. Once again thank you for your transparency during this process it's nice to know the highs and the lows what's hard and what is it and what worked and what didn't I really appreciate it
I tried budgeting myself so many times and failed, but what worked for me was dividing my monthly budget into weeks. Not super strictly, but looking at my budget in a smaller piece each week drastically changed how I budgeted and made me much smarter with my choices. It may help to look at your monthly budget as $50ish/week rather than $200/month. I am also drowning in lip products 😂 I’m on a strict no-buy for lips and blushes!
@@HannahLouisePoston It's based on budgeting called the Envelope Method :) it keeps us from getting "fat" at the beginning of the month and then "starving" at the end of the month! Metaphorically, of course, however when looking at a grocery budget, maybe not so metaphorical ;)
I have to confess that I felt guilty watching your videos during the no buy year, because I was buying. But I can totally relate now with your experience of buying within a budget. I don't have a budget but I definitely hate clutter and hate to be wasteful. So I agree, buying with restrictions demands a huge amount of will power that leaves me exhausted. This is why I enjoy how you can articulate those feelings and thoughts so I can be aware of this conduct and at the same time enjoy the beauty of the things I own, and for that, thank you
It's so interesting to watch your videos every time because of all the introspection that you do regarding your situation and the thought you put into what you film. I definitely relate to the skincare habit of having good products already, but always wanting the next product that is much better and will become a HG. I've realized that, for me, it's definitely this hunt that the driving force behind my shopping problem, at least when it comes to skincare, which is where I spend the most. I blame the fact that my skin is already in pretty good shape and there is a plateau you reach when using an item, a limit to the "goodness" your skin can get from it. And then I'm constantly wondering if it can get even better, because I am still not at that perfect state of skin, with no blemishes and blackheads, that is optimally hydrated and has no fine lines, which is obviously completely unrealistic, even though it seems to me that some people have that. Regarding the issue of returning items, I am lucky, I guess, in that I live in a country where it's not possible to return something that you have tried, even if it's only once. I always envied this of you Americans, but now that I think about it, I would be probably worse off because I would constantly buy things just to try, without major financial consequences, which is the only thing keeping me somewhat in check right now. Oh, and I definitely relate to the lippie situation too! I have sooo many things that I'm never going to use, that it's making me a bit sick tbh, but what I've done is I've bought some clear storage thingies where I fit 80% of what I have and put it where I do my makeup in the morning, so that I see it clearly. My challenge is to use a different item every day and try to go through as many as possible before they go bad. And when I'm tempted to but yet another tinted lip balm, I visually see all the ones I have at home and it usually discourages me.
I was wondering how you were going to handle the influx of product. It is expected that your product inventory grow alongside your channel. I would love to see you review or even show us the products you receive. Maybe even do videos on PR and what to keep and what to donate. It seems like UA-cam is a business so you need to have inventory and tools as with any other business. The problem comes when you see influencers keep (hoard) ten year old products in all shades and sizes. So the fine line would be to be smart about it and not become a "collector" of unnecessary clutter. I have full confidence in you and your ability & can't wait to walk with you through this journey. Blessings
The struggles of going off budget are real. Mine is going off my Weight Watchers. I have a hard time when I go out and are left with the choice of having a choice. What is the best food to choose? I gained a pound this week after losing exactly 35 pounds since August. I worked really hard losing that weight. I do not want to keep losing the same pound over and over again. I have done really great. But patterns are hard to break. Spending money on things that I want is also a challenge. I need to put myself on a budget like you did. I want to take a trip this summer and if I do that, I need to save, not spend. The goal is the important thing. Hopefully we will get better at these things as we go along.
I laughed out load so many times watching this video. You seem to be getting so comfortable with this UA-cam thing. I’m loving all the personality and sass you throw our way. Keep rocking!
Hannah your Channel is going to EXPLODE this year! You offer such a high quality content, it's just a matter of time and this will be a very satisfying job for you, I'm sure! Sending you my best whishes 😘
Thank you for this video! I feel like it is a refreshingly real life scenario. I am on a no-buy, and it feels like a bubble. Turning off the shopping part of my brain is so much easier for me than sticking to a budget, because I don't have to exercise as much restraint. It is nice to hear you speak about money in a way that a lot of people can relate to. Having very little money is a reality for a lot of people, but doing a no-buy might not be feasible. I think your voice on the internet as an influencer is a powerful force for smart shopping and consuming. Hooray for budgets!
Thanks, Sal! I definitely feel like the no-buy got my to a place where I can start "real life" habits, but now that I'm here, I actually have to start them, and it's another whole process.
Our wire insert for the instant pot is lost as well. But I don't really remember seeing it come in the box (as my hubby ordered it). Thank you very much to whomever helped out with the funding for your lighting purchase. Your channel always looks great, but today seems extra crisp and clear. Also, you look wonderful and your brows are on point. Thank you for relating these thoughts from the month! :D
The lighting is an enhancement. 👍🏻 Loved your Postmark video. It is nice to see another location in your home. Love the Cat Cameos too! Keep up the good work.
My no buy was great for January! I only purchased money on food!! I am so proud of myself!! Thank you for being such an inspiration to me!! I never would of started this if it weren't for your videos.
Everything you talked about was so insightful and helpful and I'm so glad you touched on less expensive skincare that works too. That's super important to me, we don't need to buy drunk elephant or tatcha to have healthy happy skin! My no buy is going ok, I stuck to my rules but still spent AU$566. The bulk of which was on a velvet armchair and ottoman for my new apartment which I would never have normally bought (new home stuff is in my rules). Still feeling guilty though but in February I won't need to buy any beauty replacements so I'm hoping it'll be easier going forward. I think or hope that my guilt is a sign of my brain changing and realizing how easy it is to spend.
@gormenghastaghast yeah it was a matching ottoman and armchair that I got from ikea. I read tons and I'm sick of reading in bed lol, wanted my own reading chair so bad. Reading keeps me away from shopping! 😅
I just wanted to say, you've inspired me to shop my stash instead of buying new shadows ! I've really been wanting a coral-y four pan palette lately, and almost went and made one, but instead I looked into my beauty box (literally lol I keep all my makeup in a pretty shoebox) and decided to do a look with my Colourpop Drop of a Hat. It turned out to be just the kind of vibe I imagined ! Thank you so much for inspiring me to try and use my products instead of falling into the "I don't have exactly what I want so I won't even try to figure out an alternative" trap.
So interesting to hear all of your thoughts! I never thought about it like a stop and start no buy, but that makes perfect sense that that's what happened.
I just finished my first low-buy month (I allow myself to purchase one item for pleasure no matter the cost, aside from refills/replacements per month), and it reminded me of an observation you made a while ago about how hard it can be to buy just one thing. I hit the plant store to buy one replacement office plant and walked out with four plants. 🤦♀️ Now I have to get through March before I’m “in the black” again, and I’m kicking myself for spending my item allowance per month on a $5 plant, rather than a nice piece of clothing that I wanted more and would get more use out of. What a good lesson for me about purchasing with intention. Thanks, as always, for the inspiration, Hannah!
I love thinking about where our money goes. I would be happy to see videos dedicated to different companies, their ethos, their owners, products, and reviews.
Too funny (the outro)!!! I know there is a convenience factor to Am*zon, but it is a big corporation with questionable employee practices and a penchant for tax avoidance. When at all possible, support local businesses, who employee members of your community and contribute and support local and state municipalities. Just as those smaller, indie brand vendors at the trade show, there are plenty of local businesses that are around the corner that are available to serve. Just throwing that out there to plant a seed for your awareness and purchases consideration. Carry on!
I'm not sure if you've seen my intro video to the budget year, but part of my project this year is to learn about the ethics of the corporations I buy from. amazon is definitely on the list, I'll be reporting back about them soon!
Hannah Louise Poston As a publishing professional, I have a distinct perspective. LOL. Yes! I was just throwing that out there due to your insightful comments about the entrepreneurs at the trade show. I know so many wonderful independent booksellers and publishers and have lived through the convulsions that A has wrecked upon our industry (and others), that I thought it was worth mentioning.
Hayley Longster Right? A true disrupter of all sorts of businesses. Unfortunately, When one peels back the layers of how this all evolved, it isn’t a pretty picture. No other business would be allowed to lose $$ for as long as they did while they used predatory practices to attempt to become a monopsony. Thankfully, bookstores are alive, maybe not in as many numbers, but they are independent businesses investing in their local communities and oftentimes bringing authors directly to their readers.
Love the video, and I love being on the journey with you as you grow your channel and decide what is best for you and your channel. Its great to be included in on your thought process along the way!
This is what I feel after I lose weight! So we'll explained. Tfs. I'm becoming more aware of how this affects me in lots of areas. Happy to say I had a great first month on my no buy thanks to your insights. 😘
Ugg... I bought the NYX brow gel too, and I regret it... but I’m just going to use it up. Next time, I might just get Boy Brow again... I know I love it so much! 🤦🏻♀️
I find myself being lured in the direction of the makeup or homeware aisle in various stores, and I experience a similar feeling of disappointment if I don’t find something I’d like to buy, whether I intend to actually purchase the item or not. My willpower muscles must be pretty strong at this point as I gawk at so many wonderful things but usually exit the store with the items I intended to buy or very little extra baggage. Wonderful video!
Hannah, you've got the nail on the head again!!! My shout out is to Maelove skincare products. I love their skincare products and they are very budget friendly. Love your videos Hannah!!❤❤❤
So many great points in this checking 😁😁😁 I agree i try to buy products with the thought of I want them to keep. If not I would end up overspending thinking I will return it. One tip that has been helping me is prioritizing. I have specific rules in my low buy so I try to prioritize what is most important and why I think I need it. This has also helped me when I go shopping. I might feel I want something but then I think this was not a priority this month so it’s not needed. This seems to have worked for me this month. Hope this helps Hannah.
For my no-buy, I’ve started keeping an ongoing list in my bullet journal of everything I’ve wanted to buy and would have bought. It’s kind of amazing to see how much I didn’t spend in just one month. On the subject of returning things, I try to be mindful of returning things like makeup because it can’t be resold, thus creating more waste.
I loved this Hannah! you look gorgeous, as does the lighting! I can totally see how a low buy is harder than a no buy in many ways. I love your self awareness in grappling with these things, you're amazing! I loved your thoughts on returns too, I'm just coming out of that cycle too!
Happy to watch your content, you did your first sponsorship really nicely! You will get used to the budget, after your no buy year you probably needed new things, your budget should stretch further after you have replaced Essentials & clothing basics
I could totally see it being a smarter decision not to return the lower prices items. My reasoning would be it’s not a bigger ticket item, time is money, and you could’ve potentially spent more time in a store returning something and maybe even mindless buying or shopping for other items you may not have truly wanted or needed. But it being just the habit of buying something because your brain is still in a sense being trained. So I would’ve done the same thing, unless it was a larger purchase amount. Great video Hannah! January was a complete success so far and I appreciate all your content as it truly helped me through!
"bye girl bye" lol. I love the introspection you went through. I often have many similar thoughts but find it difficult to articulate all the things I want to say.
Love your videos Hannah! Enjoying your thoughts on conscientious consumerism. Try researching homemade skincare. I've made my own facial moisturizer for years using organic ingredients like shea butter, jojoba oil, etc... but I still buy facial cleansers & special treatment products :)
Wow! Lots of info! Thank you for sharing your first month's experience with us. Speaking of the sheet suspender, I got a fitted sheet that is way too small for my mattress, so when you mentioned the first time in another video, I was considering it. Do you think it's a good buy?
I feel you on the always wanting to buy lipsticks issue, they're by far the biggest part of my collection! The worst is when I convince myself I need a blue, green, etc. in order to have a "complete" collection, when I know I'm never going to wear those except maybe on special occasions. 🙈
hi friends, I forgot to say this in the video, but my friend Serein is actually on a no-buy right now and she's made some great videos about it. Here's her channel: ua-cam.com/users/DressYourselfHappyvideos
I’m so glad you got to go to that Beauty Expo! I follow Serein and she’s wonderful! I’m so glad you two know each other. I’m absolutely sure you were her inspiration or great encourager in her braving her own No Buy! I can’t wait to hear about these new emerging skincare Indie brands from you. I know you’ll give such a thoughtful, well researched user review! Cheers to you flexing your new Budget Journey muscles!! You got it, girl!! 🥂💪💗
Is it serein wu? I found her a few weeks ago and she is fun to watch. And she speaks w intention as you do.
I love Serein!
@@Puglover130 yes!
The part about not needing holy grails of skincare and that there are a lot of good products (and no need to look for that one miracle solution) resonated so much with me! I had a similar revelation some time ago, that what matters, is what you do regularly and not one special/expensive/elusive thing. The fact, that you clean and moisturise your face everyday is more important than that special mask that particular celebrity uses; eating healthy everyday will do more for you than detox/superfood/supplements; and exercising is vital even though you don't do that supersecret move that transformed some instagram model. Deep breaths, back to basics, we're gonna be just fine even without newest/best/most exclusive. Thank you for constant food for thought, you are great😊
Wow! Talk about food for thought!. Your comment is spot on. The beauty/skin care industry is so cutthroat and brutal. They do not give a rat's ass about your best interest or my best interest. It's all about the mighty dollar. It's about how much they can charge us for a product that their marketing department has convinced us we can not possibly live without. I have finally caught on to their sneaky ways. I just wished I had opened my eyes about 20 yrs sooner. I can't undo my past spending behaviors. I can only do something about the now and future spending habits. I have said this particular sentence before in other comments and I'll say it again, actually wrote it down and put the note in my wallet to read everytime I get the urge to spend unwisely. It's this. I am sick and tired of lining the pockets of someone else or some corporation who doesn't know I exist or give a rat's ass about me. Your right! Back to basics. We're gonna be even better because our money will line our own pockets, we will reduce our trash and improve our space.
Key takeaways for me:
1) We live in a time of abundance. ABUNDANCE! Not scarcity, no matter what marketing or our shopping/lizard brain tells us. ❤️
2) The process of returning things for me just increases the rampant consumerism and wastefulness that plagues our society. Strong feelings are strong on this one.😂
3) I control what I do and the decisions I make, NOT corporations! I am the captain of my ship! 💪⛵
Once again, thank you for your insight and thoughtfulness!!! In our often vapid culture it is a breath of fresh air!!!
I love how eloquently you describe your experiences and your thoughts and feelings. The analogies you use are excellent. There’s something about how honest and real you are that really inspires me. Honestly, as someone who found you near the end of 2018, I must admit that at first I doubted that you really were a shopping addict because of how in control you seemed (a sure sign that at that moment I couldn’t even conceive of not shopping) but then you’ll describe your thought process and your insights and it’s so relevant to my own issues that i realise that there is hope. I embarked on a low buy on January 2nd, with mixed results but so so valuable already in terms of the insights I’ve gained and, at this point, I’m having almost daily epiphanies. It’s truly enlightening and liberating when something switches in your brain and the changes start happening like a snowball gathering momentum. What I’m trying to say in a very waffly, convoluted way, is that you’re helping me so much on my journey, so thank you 😊
I absolutely love the way she describes her experiences I find it to be like an audiobook!!
thank you Ines, I'm so glad to hear this! xoxo!
I think the lighting looks great! I never thought your videos looked bad, though, but it looks even better now! I am actually not surprised that the budget may end up being harder than the no buy. My no buy has been pretty easy so far this year, but I think if I were allowed to buy even just a little it would be a lot harder. Keep working out those willpower muscles! :)
In Australia where I live we can't return cosmetics once they have been used like you can in the US and I think it has taught me to be much more careful about what I buy.
same here also with skincare and whatever becomes unusable in some way
I love listening to the psychology of wanting/ shopping...as a member of the weight loss surgery (WLS) UA-cam community, we discuss the "sophomore slump"... the first year, you're losing weight rapidly, you're highly motivated, focused, excited and your new tiny tummy makes overeating nearly impossible. In your second year, whether you successfully attained a goal weight or not, psychologically and physically, you start to have ISSUES! This video REALLY resonated with me 😊
yes, this is definitely comparable! the excitement is over and the real issues come out to play.
I cannot express how clearly you are speaking to me. In other words, this is me 100%. Even though I am on a no buy, I can still get replacements. However, unlike your no buy year, I do have a budget for replacements because I have no choice. My credit card is maxed out, I have bills to pay, so Im living paycheck to paycheck. I feel so defeated and emotional because even though I have money to work with, desire is always there. I’ve been good, I walk away, I put things down, and I leave the things behind. I just don’t know how much longer I can do this. I know what I’m doing is good for me, but its just plain hard. And like you I find that once payday comes around, I’m sitting on the edge of my seat to be able to spend my money. Then I spend my budget and thats it. I have to go the rest of the month (usually 2-3 weeks) without be able to buy anything. And its basically killing me mentally to live this way but I don’t really have a choice due to my financial circumstances.
I just feel ashamed for not being able to control my desires but also frustrated at always wanting to buy something (even if I’m always walking away from it).
Keep going! I’m sure it feels harder because it’s a forced no buy/budget but you can do it! ❤️
Girl I relate to this so hard. I have definitely been there and getting out of that situation is really difficult. My recommendations: start a mindfulness practice & start journaling your experience! Make it about something bigger than your budget and it will become easier. Stay strong! You can do it!
it sounds like you are doing absolutely amazing! I know it's a struggle but you are so much farther along that I was for most of my life, and you are so much farther along than you were before, simply because you have a plan, you are sticking to it, and you are paying attention to your thoughts and feelings. That is a TRIUMPH! You can't control what you want and feel, you can only control what you DO. You deserve to let go of that shame surrounding your desires, and focus on feeling amazing because you are successfully controlling your actions, which are what really matter. I PROMISE it will get easier if you stick to it, and even your desires will change over time. Sending a big hug!
Over time it will get easier for you. I know that you are probably thinking, thats easy for you to say...well yeah it is easy to say. I say it to myself every freekin day! A year ago i was forced into a very bad situation which affected every aspect of mine and my families lives. As a result i am having to dig myself out of a financial hell hole my ex shoved us into...I discovered Hannas channel about half way through her no buy year. Am i ever happy i did! She has no idea who I am or what kind of positive influence she has had but its there.
This will get easier... I swear. (hugs)
@@HannahLouisePoston Thank you so much for your kind words Hannah! You are a huge inspiration to me and watching your content every week does give me hope that I can make it. I know that going through this process is helping me in the long run. I'm forced to really see and use what I have and understand that I really can do without, that I don't need anything. Watching your journey and your realizations have helped me beyond measure. Being able to talk to people in this community is worth so much to me because people in my everyday life don't understand what I'm going through. Thank you so much for sharing! I will do my best to stay strong
Rent the Runway needs to hire you as a model
I wish!
Oh my. Im in the middle of the video and just had to comment to say I loved the vocal effects you added in when you were talking about buying the lip gloss. I actually laughed out loud. Also the new lights look great. Thanks for sharing another well thought out video.
thanks, Courtney! It's something that Hannah from Smokey Glow does a lot, I've always admired her silly editing, and this seemed like the right time to try it out :)
Something that helps me with that buy-return cycle is that when I return an item that’s mediocre or otherwise didn’t work, I take the money I get back and drop it immediately into savings. I treat that money like it doesn’t exist-even when I have it in my wallet again-because it’s already been spent from my budget. And just like those tiny purchases subtract quickly from a budget, they add just as quickly to savings. And even if you don’t really feel inspired to return them now, at some later point inside the return period you might find the time/energy, or need to go to that mall for something else. So that’s something to consider, since growing your savings is one of your goals!
I love this.
You're my new favourite UA-camr! I resonate so much with the things you say. You're really helping me evaluate how I shop. You come across different to other UA-camrs and I love the way you talk! Keep it up :)
thank you so much!
Hi, I'm French, and the concept of returning products like mascara le just not an option in France. De can only return products that companies can sell to another customer. Underware usually can't be return for hygenic reasons so imagine an open piece of make up. I don't know if you already knew that but i find that very interesting that return policies are so different ^_^ (i guess it motivates us, french, To be more mindful about these kind of purchases :) )
Also, i really enjoy your videos!! ^_^
I do think it motivates more mindful purchasing if returns aren't an option!
I can relate... I lived in SE Asia for years, and a lot of products are cheap knockoffs in the open markets with bartering (some are good, some are bad). And even in department stores and small boutiques, it's still a gamble as to the quality of products you're getting, since Thai beauty regulations are not always followed. Needless to say, I had severe reverse culture shock in this area when moving back to the US. We're very spoiled as Americans in that area
The main comfort was if the product was garbage, it was only a couple dollars usd
As a cognitive psychologist the takeaway from the willpower literature is that we effectively don't know anything because none of the experiments get replicated lol. Anything social psychology-related, especially stuff that's flashy enough to be reported in pop-science articles, is highly suspect haha....that field is going through a serious crisis right now...
In other words, if they can't make a patent-able pill to treat it they don't spend the $$$ to study it. The closest thing to a will power pill out there is Wellbutrin but I still prefer the cold turkey method.
good to know!
Love the replication crisis! Not to mention that journalists are notoriously bad at dissemination when it comes to scientific papers
My mom is a statistician who spent years and years analyzing studies for drugs for rare diseases. She retired, and is now firmly in a camp of alternative medicine, because "nothing works" and " nobody knows anything, " haha.
And there isn't funding available for replication studies so...
I'm also a lippie collector. I think it's such an easy place to go overboard for so many people because it's really hard to "make it work" or "dupe the vibes" when you want a specific lip color. You can make so many looks from a single eyeshadow palette, but aside from mixing products together, you don't have versatility with a single lippie. Like how when you were desiring a Twiggy nude.. you could fiddle with stuff you had to kind of achieve it, but it wasn't what you wanted. It's so easy to buy so many because even though you might have similar shades, even slight tonal variations can make a huge difference for the look/vibe you're going for.
I've noticed that, for me, sticking to a budget is a lot harder than sticking to a no-buy. I've never successfully stuck to a budget, but when I finally gave up and started a no-buy, it was a lot easier. I have to constantly remind myself not to buy whatever I want, but the consistency of the refusal is what lets me stay strong.
It's like the momentum of "no". There isn't any momentum in a budget because it's constant switching between yes and no.
I love what you said about no longer needing each of your skincare items to be perfect, to be holy grails. I think the desire to have a perfect product can often be a bit of an excuse to research and buy and try (at least for me) and it's liberating to break out of that.
I just finished my first month of budget shopping. My budget is $300 per month and that may sound like a lot but like you said....those purchases can add up fast. I spent my entire budget fairly early in the month. I had one close call....a special value Radley handbag on qvc but I got over wanting it and felt really good about that. So far I have just found it liberating. I was not an in debt shopper but I have too many beauty products ....too many handbags and bought clothes I don’t love. As for beauty, I am enjoying the products I already have. Thank you for your inspiration!
I've found it liberating too! It's amazing!
I'm also doing a budget of $300/month for clothes, shoes, handbags, jewelry, and beauty products. I feel like this is reasonable given my income and still much less than I was spending.
I stumbled upon your channel during my search on minimalist makeup, journey to a minimalist makeup collection etc. I was instantly inspired! Last year, I went crazy on makeup shopping. Although my collection is not as big as the beauty gurus here on youtube, its still significantly large for an average person. When 2019 came, i moved to my then fiance's (now husband) apartment permanently and I only bought 1 makeup bag. I started to realize that I don't need every single blush color or highlighter in the market. I survived with just the basics. I started to declutter my makeup collection and closet, the ones I didn't miss at all. I am going to make 2019 my no-buy year. I need to change my spending habits. So far, I only bought 1 real techniques sponge because the one i'm currently using will be about a year old. I don't think I would be spending anything on beauty anytime soon. I want to use up what I currently have. Thank you Hannah for sharing your journey!
Another thought on returns: if you buy something just to try it with a return mentality, it's possible you're creating a lot of waste. If you open a mascara and then return it, the store will have to throw it out. This doesn't mean that you should never do it, or that you should necessarily feel guilty about it, but if you are striving to create less waste, then only buying items you're really planning on keeping is a good idea.
I am totally with you on buying local or independent rather than from global companies .
My credit card bill for February is already 1/3 of what it normally is and it still has stuff from December on it! I am feeling so much more in control of my finances since starting a no buy year for 2019. Thank you so much for your thoughtful explanations... your lighting looks great!
AWESOME! Joey that is such a triumph! Congratulations!
Hannah, I’m so grateful for your videos. I’m not on a no-buy, but I’ve borrowed many of the ideas you often discuss (like shopping my stash and makeup playtime), and I’ve fallen back in love with my makeup collection. As a result, my purchasing habits have also become more mindful. Much love to you.
Your ability to describe and articulate shopping habits is unbelievable! I am truly blown away by your thought process! Everything that comes out of your mouth, in my mind I’m screaming yes, yes, yes, yes!
My bff is much more into fashion than makeup, neither of us were familiar w rent the runway until I saw you in Jan. She has now signed up and is so excited. She works in an upscale eye docs office and gets to slay the looks all the time, I live vicariously thru her in scrubs most of the time and only get to wear more special things once in a while. (At least I have found some beautifully stylish scrub companies lol).
it sounds like she's the demographic that it is perfect for!
I noticed straight away- quality is definitely better. Brighter and crisper!
Hannah, I definitely understand your reasoning regarding returns. My life is a revolving door of buying and returning and I’m honestly so sick of my behaviors. I spend (waste) so much time returning, and every time I do I end up picking up something else and it’s just a cycle. Breaking that cycle will free up so much time and energy to spend on more worthwhile things. And hopefully teach me to not buy so frivolously because I do not want to spend my time returning. ❤️
Hannah. I can’t even describe how I feel about this video. I wish I could say I knew you in person, because you are such a breath of fresh air. Thank you for having the hard conversations. Thank you for challenging what has become a standard across our culture - a culture of constant consumerism. And thank you for encouraging others to think about needs rather than wants, and inspiring me to focus on the things that spark true joy rather than the quantity of things to choose from.
thank you Allissa! Sending a hug!
It was something you said earlier, but I would love if you could do a video about your take on self care. What it is and how toxic that can be. Bad day, treat yourself! Feeling down, buy something new? I would love your opinion on what you think self care actually is and should be. Love these videos!
31 days into my no buy! I look forward to watching your updates. It’s so nice to have someone who has been in a very similar situation to me guide me and give their own experience with no buys and budgeting. I feel I will be a little more prepared in 2020 when my no buy ends and my budget/low buy starts because I have an idea of some of the things I could experience. Thank you Hannah!
Thank you for another great video. You are hands down, my favourite channel. You're graceful, intelligent, and well spoken. You remind me so much of Anne Shirley from the Anne of Green Gables book series. She was my "role model" growing up and she will always be part of who I am. You truly are an inspiration.
omg this is the most flattering comment ever. I was completely obsessed with Anne of Green Gables as a kid, I read all eight books about a hundred times :)
@@HannahLouisePoston Thank you for taking the time to comment! You're becoming quite the content creator and growing rather quickly, so I appreciate your time in responding :)
Yes! Also, y’all... watch the “Anne with an E” series on Netflix if you haven’t yet.
@@kerij9176 I did watch it. I was dubious at first but ended up being pleasantly surprised. Thanks for the recommendation!
I am on a beauty replacements only no-buy and clothing low buy for the whole year. I do work in a clothing store so I gave myself permission to buy 3 pieces of clothing including everything from underwear to accessories a month. I know many people doing no-buys wont buy clothes at all, but I think I would hate my job if I couldn't buy anything. In January I bought one piece of clothing without trying it on and it was too big, so I returned it. After that I set myself a rule that I need to try the piece on in the store, and once I buy it's mine and I can not return it. I really want to change my shopping habits and if I let myself return things, I feel it takes out the purpose of my clothing low-buy, which is stop hauling too much and stop hauling pieces I don't truly need or even want. Great video again!
I love seeing your evolution as a conscious consumer and the additional dimensions to your purchasing decision making. For me I notice that when I buy something I look for other things to buy. The longer I can go without the easier it is to continue. Looking forward to your thoughts on skincare products!
Thank you for this. The struggle is very real and you putting it into words is helpful to others who may not recognise what it is exactly that is causing the anxiety, or frustration. I feel that videos like this will create a sense of community where we can learn and lean on each other.
I love when you do the little funny bits at the end of the video - sometimes with Joe and / or Sadie, sometimes without!
I’m still getting used to my new buy year. I’ve made a few purchases but they’re not as impulsive or excessive as last year. I’m still trying to keep myself from wanting to want and browsing on my phone in my free time. Whenever I see something I want from wanting to want, I immediately drop the price of the item into a savings account. In the last week, I saved over hundred! If I had succumbed to my impulses, I would have spent well over a hundred dollars and felt lost by the end of the month. Now I know exactly where my money is going and being more conscious of my purchases. When I saw my balance in my bank account, I wondered frantically “where did all my money go!?” (As I used to at the end of every month last year...) But today I remembered “oh, it’s in my savings 😊"
amazing!!
Please make a whole separate video about women owned businesses and not needing to buy from these huge corporations!!!
What a wonderful check-in. You said so many things that resonated with me. Especially about the old habits wanting to come out, and how lots of little things add up in that budget so quickly. I was always picking up little items here and there impulsively and only carefully contemplating the larger purchases. As for returns, I am trying to watch that because if I go back to the store, I will usually spend more when I return something. It's so exciting to see how beautifully you are handling all the changes with your channel and the new opportunities. I look forward to seeing the new skincare reviews. :)
I would love to see a video about how you got into tango and your journey with it! I’m a professional dancer but I have never dived into that style of dance so I am very curious!
Yeah for the lights! How exciting!
You made so many great realizations with spending. It always amazes me how fast $200 will go and am actually really surprised how much you were able to buy. The lipstick accumulation is defiently a problem, I use to find myself feeling down or a bit lonely and I'd go pick up a lipstick because for whatever reason it was an "affordable" luxury that would make me feel better in that moment. The idea of self control being a muscle is really resonating with me. Because my "no buy" low buy still allows for purchases, I'm finding that I have to flex this muscle a lot which is harder than just quitting cold turkey I think. I attribute it to my diet, I can quite sugar or whatever cold turkey if I know it's for a given amount of time, but to allow it in moderation, is harder.
Anyways, great video! Loving your beauty budget journey.
Yes, buying something with the option of returning it just keeps me in the hamster wheel of consumerism! It’s also exhausting to keep track of that kind of stuff. I end up *not* returning it because let’s face it: I hate that shit, but then I’m consumed with guilt. It’s just too much 😩 Anyway, I love how your brain works (even the sick parts) and your willingness to explain it all. It makes me feel less alone. 💗💗💗 As an aside, poshmark is soooo consistent with your brand! It just makes sense that they would sponsor you, and I also really think rent the runway should give you a free subscription. I mean, COME ON. Basically, what I’m saying is GET IT, GIRL. You deserve all the things, particularly when those things are in keeping with the overall ethos of your channel.
thank you Rachel! Your support means so much to me!
Hannah Louise Poston aww!!! That is so kind! You mean so much to me, which is a weird thing to say about a stranger on UA-cam, but it’s true! 💗
I won’t be able to buy anything this month without hearing you’re high and low voice screaming in my head! Amazing, loved it! Thanks for making me smile, big time.
:)
you are so wonderfully insightful and articulate. had to just pause the video and drop something in the tip jar cause it brings value to my life. the new lights look great!
ok had to pause the video again to comment. the "wanting to want" resonates so hard. hearing you talk bout it helps me feel 1. not alone. and 2. inspired to do something and 3. capable of actually doing it.
I’ve started a no sugar February y’all
YAY! I'm still going strong since November! I had one dessert in January and that was the only one for all 3 months, and I recovered just fine. You can do it!
I did so good mid November through mid January and now I’m doing terrible. I’m going to do better starting now.
Hannah - you are a gem. I discovered your channel a few months back, and I am so glad I did. Your perspective has been such a positive influence on my own spending habits. Thanks, love.
Great video. Love being on this journey with you. Although I’m on my no/low buy year now, I can relate to a lot of what you are saying. Part of my no buy is a no buy (beauty/skincare is no buy except replacements and it will take a long time until I need those, if at all), but other parts have a budget (homewares) and other parts have other ways I measure them (eating out/take out - only once per month). So in someways, I have a no/low buy and budget in different parts of my life. I tried to be very intentional in each area to address my specific bad habits in each area. I agree with you the no buy can be easier. Cold turkey means no exceptions which is easier in some ways. But the stop/start of the budget parts can be much more difficult. Even for me the take out vs buying prepared food at the grocery store has been a test for my intentions. If I buy prepared food in advance I don’t mind doing that, but buying prepared food that I’m going to eat immediately feels like “take out” to me so I won’t do it. I appreciate so much how this whole process makes you think about yourself and your relationships with purchasing.
The mascara WILL get better! I didn’t love the formula a month ago, but wear it all the time now and LOVE it. Especially when paired with warm corals and orange shadows. Sending you love!
Yes ma’am the new lighting is wonderful! I’m so happy that patrons of the arts were able to help with those lights!
January has been a weird month for me due to traveling. I realized the chaos of traveling made me feel out of control and that it triggered me to want to shop. Apparently shopping makes me feel in control. Due to my mental place I decided to essentially have a no buy month, and I bought no makeup or makeup adjacent items. Abstinence has been the easier solution this month, but I’m hoping to exercise that willpower muscle a little more next month. But I definitely had some “NO! Bye girl BYE.” Moments this month.
Lippies are definitely an issue for me. That’s why I put a ceiling on my numbers. I rarely do that because I like things to happen organically, but I had to for my sanity. My magical number for everything lip related is 25. That’s open to change in the future but I’m keeping it at 25 for now. I have 20 products and knowing I only have space for 5 more things makes me really picky.
I definitely struggle with Holy Grail shopping so your insight on that was so fascinating. I want the best of EVERYTHING because I am such a minimalist. And it’s hard for me to be okay with good enough and not continue to at least wishlist shop. It’s definitely an issue I’ll be working on this year.
You have an instant pot?!? I’m a weird anti-instant pot person. I’m all about keeping my kitchen as basic as possible. However, everyone I know swears I need one because I cook 95%+ of our food at home...when I’m home that is.
My homewares is set up similarly. I do all the house shopping and the utilitarian homewares are part of the household budget. The vanity homewares are part of my budget. I think that’s the most realistic way for a homewares budget to work in my house.
Oh dang. Sorry for the wall of text. I’ve just had an interesting January too. I’m so glad that your January went well and was epiphanic for you in so many ways.
girl I was anti instant-pot too for similar reasons and I was also like "but how can it be as good bla bla bla." Then when I got one I was mad at everyone for not being more insistent that I try it sooner. Do you have a slow cooker? The IP can replace it (works as both) and you won't be gaining a gadget. IT COOKS 4 LB OF CHICKEN IN UNDER 30 MINUTES!!! IT COOKS 5 LB OF PORK IN UNDER AN HOUR!!!! I cook 90% of what we eat too and it changed my life. I have so much more flexibility and time surrounding what and when I cook our food. And I use it for about half of our meals...I use it several times a week. It's my favorite kitchen tool. I've even been thinking about replacing it with a bigger one, or getting a bigger one in addition? That's like the least minimalist thing I've ever said but that's how much I love it and use it.
evangelizing over
Hannah Louise Poston ugh. You’re in my list of 7 people who sing the praises of the instant pot. The only way I would bring it in is if I could ditch at least 1-2 appliances in its place. Hmmmm. It’ll go on the wishlist.
I really appreciate that you are MORE than a review channel. You are thoughtful, eloquent, entertaining, informative, transparent, real and relatable. In the YT space you are a breath of fresh air. I truly believe this is one of the reasons why your viewership and subbie count is growing rapidly.
Many of us YT viewers have grown bored of the same cookie cutter, white everything, "HOLY GRAIL", click bait, missing #AD #sponsored shadiness, buy all my colabs, "booty guru" stuff. I LIKE seeing your little nymph doll, books and records in the background. I don't mind if the light isn't perfect or if the dog is barking or the kids are playing outside. THAT IS LIFE! And it makes everything much more interesting and flavorful.
Because of those character attributes, I am fully convinced and confident that you will be able to walk the fine lines between growth, opportunity, evolution and integrity, honesty, transparency. In reading the comments I can see many other ladies echoing the same desire for your channel to grow while not transforming into a "booty guru". I mean, you've already started the "NO BUY YEAR" Revolution 2019!!! I'm excited to see what other revolutions you will start in the YT realm.
You have great points in this video I completely relate to. I spent a fortune in search of holy grail products. Stopping the buy to try behavior forces pointed, mindful purchases of items I truly love from my favorite brands. Less returns means better time saving for me and better for the environment in terms of less waste.
My impulsive spending comes in spurts. I know I have a tight budget (getting a masters degree...yay) but whenever I "treat myself" to a nonessential item it creates this mouth foaming demon in my mind that wants to buy so many more things. I'm not happy about it by any means, but knowing that you've struggled makes me feel a tiny bit better about myself haha
But really, thank you for starting this journey and sharing it for people like me who need it.
That buy just to try section felt like a slap in the face because I just placed two clothing purchases out of my budget knowing if they dont fit perfectly I'll return them and feel a little better because I would get reimbursed. What a great necessary wakeup call for me
The ONLY thing the males in my house think they need for it to function is internet connection.
LOL! Last year Joe bought these weird screw-on pour-tops for mason jars for our olive oil and coconut creamer. They're super ugly but it was my no-buy year so I had no say. *sigh*
Yup. Don't get me started. Part of my problem with shopping is buying back ups but it's an impossible dilemma, because if I don't remember to get paper towels, toilet paper, detergent, toothpaste, and so on... Nobody will. It's like an additional 4th shift job of being a family manager.
May I offer a possible solution for the shopping for backups? One thing I’ve done is a “grocery receipt audit”. I track how much of something we used over the course of its lifetime/a month/however long makes sense (much like Hannah and her skincare video) and that helps me to have an idea of the frequency it needs to be purchased. If I know toilet paper, for example, needs to be purchased every 2 months because we use it all up then, it gives me a frame of reference when I’m deciding how much to purchase at the store. And if I can’t remember the last time I bought some, I know it’s probably getting time to replace it. Does that make sense? You might currently be doing this, it’s just something that’s helped me not panic buy, but be a more informed consumer.
Anna S. Oh boy, heard that. I actually have problem with buying extra, however I find it mentally better for me to have “some” because of the nature of my chronic illness. I never know when I will next feel like shopping . BUT it also annoys me to have too much. Last year right after Christmas I bought TWENTY FOUR hand soaps. They were 75% off and I had a coupon. But my god. I didn’t think about how ugly they are to store, or how we only go through about 6 a year. Or that I already had 5 huge soap refills.
Additionally I live in a cold climate so in winter I find it super fulfilling to know I’m “stocked” for PB, meat, and food essentials. I like knowing I have 7-10 days worth of meals and snacks at all times in case we get a few major storms back to back. It’s so nice knowing I don’t *have* to go out. But I need to be more mindful of how slow I actually go through hygiene products. Right now I have 8 shave creams for dh. It takes him 6monfhs to use one. I hate shave cream; I like to use oil. Ugh. The struggle is real
Rebekah Kasper this has helped me so much ! A main reason for my over buys was overestimating how fast we use them. Last year I saved all toiletry skincare and makeup empties and now I know how long it takes. Very useful!
Im so excited to find out more about indy skin care and makeup. One of my goals after my nobuy year is over is to allow myself 1 product per month from a smaller brand. Id like to go back to the reason I started watching youtube makeup vlogs and that was to find smaller, natural makeup. Somehow I really got away from that and to where i am today.
Just found you recently, and really enjoy going thru your archive of the no buy year, as well as watching the new content. Have to tell you that I might be old enough to be your mother, and so wish I had started being mindful around my spending and consumerism much earlier in life. Anyhow, better late than never!
Most everything you share applies to me, except it's thrifted clothing instead of makeup. I appreciate listening to your words externalize my experience and issues with addiction and thrifting.
I'm the same way! And my excuses are that its helping the environment, and that whenever my closet gets too full (which happens at least twice a year) it's going to be donated again. In theory those are good behaviors, but I've been using them as excuses to justify it. Glad you mentioned that Hannah's check in is applicable outside of makeup!
@@caithenry8429 Totally! I feel like it's one of the best ways to be a consumer. But I am forever doing the same, purging my closet multiple times a year to re-donate. At least it's a somewhat more affordable habit, but still an addictive behavior and a crutch I think. It was so nice hearing someone resonated with my comment!
@@sarahsnow5597 no worries! I'm just glad someone felt the same too haha
pausing the video a third of the way through to say that with the different voices nattering around in there, your mind seems like quite a lively and entertaining place.
Lighting looking awesome ! You look awesome !! ❤️ for me is also better to go just without everything ... even for keto, if I mess up or allow myself to mess up on my diet I tend to do it again, because it’s “only once” ... same for shopping. It is so nice that you met Serein, her videos are amazing and that you are getting all of these opportunities. Happy for you Hannah.
thanks, Jordana! I love Serein!
Remember, you’re not a review channel.. there are plenty of those! Please stay on your own path, you don’t need to review products for us!!
I didn't mean to imply that I'm ONLY a review channel, but I've always had a review aspect. Empties videos, shop my stash, etc are all review-type videos! I enjoy it.
Another great video Hannah. Once again thank you for your transparency during this process it's nice to know the highs and the lows what's hard and what is it and what worked and what didn't I really appreciate it
You're budget journey has inspired me to log my expenses this month and then create my own budget for the rest of the year!
I tried budgeting myself so many times and failed, but what worked for me was dividing my monthly budget into weeks. Not super strictly, but looking at my budget in a smaller piece each week drastically changed how I budgeted and made me much smarter with my choices. It may help to look at your monthly budget as $50ish/week rather than $200/month.
I am also drowning in lip products 😂 I’m on a strict no-buy for lips and blushes!
I love this!
@@HannahLouisePoston It's based on budgeting called the Envelope Method :) it keeps us from getting "fat" at the beginning of the month and then "starving" at the end of the month! Metaphorically, of course, however when looking at a grocery budget, maybe not so metaphorical ;)
I have to confess that I felt guilty watching your videos during the no buy year, because I was buying. But I can totally relate now with your experience of buying within a budget. I don't have a budget but I definitely hate clutter and hate to be wasteful. So I agree, buying with restrictions demands a huge amount of will power that leaves me exhausted. This is why I enjoy how you can articulate those feelings and thoughts so I can be aware of this conduct and at the same time enjoy the beauty of the things I own, and for that, thank you
Lighting looks great! Have you thought about doing cooking videos?
ahh that would be so fun
I would totally be here for the cooking videos!!
It's so interesting to watch your videos every time because of all the introspection that you do regarding your situation and the thought you put into what you film.
I definitely relate to the skincare habit of having good products already, but always wanting the next product that is much better and will become a HG. I've realized that, for me, it's definitely this hunt that the driving force behind my shopping problem, at least when it comes to skincare, which is where I spend the most. I blame the fact that my skin is already in pretty good shape and there is a plateau you reach when using an item, a limit to the "goodness" your skin can get from it. And then I'm constantly wondering if it can get even better, because I am still not at that perfect state of skin, with no blemishes and blackheads, that is optimally hydrated and has no fine lines, which is obviously completely unrealistic, even though it seems to me that some people have that.
Regarding the issue of returning items, I am lucky, I guess, in that I live in a country where it's not possible to return something that you have tried, even if it's only once. I always envied this of you Americans, but now that I think about it, I would be probably worse off because I would constantly buy things just to try, without major financial consequences, which is the only thing keeping me somewhat in check right now.
Oh, and I definitely relate to the lippie situation too! I have sooo many things that I'm never going to use, that it's making me a bit sick tbh, but what I've done is I've bought some clear storage thingies where I fit 80% of what I have and put it where I do my makeup in the morning, so that I see it clearly. My challenge is to use a different item every day and try to go through as many as possible before they go bad. And when I'm tempted to but yet another tinted lip balm, I visually see all the ones I have at home and it usually discourages me.
I was wondering how you were going to handle the influx of product. It is expected that your product inventory grow alongside your channel. I would love to see you review or even show us the products you receive. Maybe even do videos on PR and what to keep and what to donate. It seems like UA-cam is a business so you need to have inventory and tools as with any other business. The problem comes when you see influencers keep (hoard) ten year old products in all shades and sizes. So the fine line would be to be smart about it and not become a "collector" of unnecessary clutter. I have full confidence in you and your ability & can't wait to walk with you through this journey. Blessings
The struggles of going off budget are real. Mine is going off my Weight Watchers. I have a hard time when I go out and are left with the choice of having a choice. What is the best food to choose? I gained a pound this week after losing exactly 35 pounds since August. I worked really hard losing that weight. I do not want to keep losing the same pound over and over again. I have done really great. But patterns are hard to break. Spending money on things that I want is also a challenge. I need to put myself on a budget like you did. I want to take a trip this summer and if I do that, I need to save, not spend. The goal is the important thing. Hopefully we will get better at these things as we go along.
The lighting looks great!
I laughed out load so many times watching this video. You seem to be getting so comfortable with this UA-cam thing. I’m loving all the personality and sass you throw our way. Keep rocking!
thank you Amanda!
Hannah your Channel is going to EXPLODE this year! You offer such a high quality content, it's just a matter of time and this will be a very satisfying job for you, I'm sure! Sending you my best whishes 😘
I hope you are right! Fingers crossed!
Thank you for this video! I feel like it is a refreshingly real life scenario. I am on a no-buy, and it feels like a bubble. Turning off the shopping part of my brain is so much easier for me than sticking to a budget, because I don't have to exercise as much restraint. It is nice to hear you speak about money in a way that a lot of people can relate to. Having very little money is a reality for a lot of people, but doing a no-buy might not be feasible. I think your voice on the internet as an influencer is a powerful force for smart shopping and consuming. Hooray for budgets!
Thanks, Sal! I definitely feel like the no-buy got my to a place where I can start "real life" habits, but now that I'm here, I actually have to start them, and it's another whole process.
Our wire insert for the instant pot is lost as well. But I don't really remember seeing it come in the box (as my hubby ordered it).
Thank you very much to whomever helped out with the funding for your lighting purchase. Your channel always looks great, but today seems extra crisp and clear. Also, you look wonderful and your brows are on point. Thank you for relating these thoughts from the month! :D
The lighting is an enhancement. 👍🏻 Loved your Postmark video. It is nice to see another location in your home. Love the Cat Cameos too! Keep up the good work.
My no buy was great for January! I only purchased money on food!! I am so proud of myself!! Thank you for being such an inspiration to me!! I never would of started this if it weren't for your videos.
YAY congratulations!!!
Everything you talked about was so insightful and helpful and I'm so glad you touched on less expensive skincare that works too. That's super important to me, we don't need to buy drunk elephant or tatcha to have healthy happy skin! My no buy is going ok, I stuck to my rules but still spent AU$566. The bulk of which was on a velvet armchair and ottoman for my new apartment which I would never have normally bought (new home stuff is in my rules). Still feeling guilty though but in February I won't need to buy any beauty replacements so I'm hoping it'll be easier going forward. I think or hope that my guilt is a sign of my brain changing and realizing how easy it is to spend.
it sounds like you are doing great!
@@HannahLouisePoston thanks so much!!
@gormenghastaghast yeah it was a matching ottoman and armchair that I got from ikea. I read tons and I'm sick of reading in bed lol, wanted my own reading chair so bad. Reading keeps me away from shopping! 😅
I just wanted to say, you've inspired me to shop my stash instead of buying new shadows ! I've really been wanting a coral-y four pan palette lately, and almost went and made one, but instead I looked into my beauty box (literally lol I keep all my makeup in a pretty shoebox) and decided to do a look with my Colourpop Drop of a Hat. It turned out to be just the kind of vibe I imagined ! Thank you so much for inspiring me to try and use my products instead of falling into the "I don't have exactly what I want so I won't even try to figure out an alternative" trap.
awesome!
So interesting to hear all of your thoughts! I never thought about it like a stop and start no buy, but that makes perfect sense that that's what happened.
I just finished my first low-buy month (I allow myself to purchase one item for pleasure no matter the cost, aside from refills/replacements per month), and it reminded me of an observation you made a while ago about how hard it can be to buy just one thing. I hit the plant store to buy one replacement office plant and walked out with four plants. 🤦♀️ Now I have to get through March before I’m “in the black” again, and I’m kicking myself for spending my item allowance per month on a $5 plant, rather than a nice piece of clothing that I wanted more and would get more use out of. What a good lesson for me about purchasing with intention. Thanks, as always, for the inspiration, Hannah!
four plants, that sounds like me!
I love thinking about where our money goes. I would be happy to see videos dedicated to different companies, their ethos, their owners, products, and reviews.
Too funny (the outro)!!! I know there is a convenience factor to Am*zon, but it is a big corporation with questionable employee practices and a penchant for tax avoidance. When at all possible, support local businesses, who employee members of your community and contribute and support local and state municipalities. Just as those smaller, indie brand vendors at the trade show, there are plenty of local businesses that are around the corner that are available to serve. Just throwing that out there to plant a seed for your awareness and purchases consideration. Carry on!
I'm not sure if you've seen my intro video to the budget year, but part of my project this year is to learn about the ethics of the corporations I buy from. amazon is definitely on the list, I'll be reporting back about them soon!
Hannah Louise Poston As a publishing professional, I have a distinct perspective. LOL. Yes! I was just throwing that out there due to your insightful comments about the entrepreneurs at the trade show. I know so many wonderful independent booksellers and publishers and have lived through the convulsions that A has wrecked upon our industry (and others), that I thought it was worth mentioning.
THIS. I find it hilarious (and tragic) that Amazon is now apparently opening its own bookstores after putting everyone else's out of business 😒
Hayley Longster Right? A true disrupter of all sorts of businesses. Unfortunately, When one peels back the layers of how this all evolved, it isn’t a pretty picture. No other business would be allowed to lose $$ for as long as they did while they used predatory practices to attempt to become a monopsony. Thankfully, bookstores are alive, maybe not in as many numbers, but they are independent businesses investing in their local communities and oftentimes bringing authors directly to their readers.
Love the video, and I love being on the journey with you as you grow your channel and decide what is best for you and your channel. Its great to be included in on your thought process along the way!
thank you Katie!
This is what I feel after I lose weight! So we'll explained. Tfs. I'm becoming more aware of how this affects me in lots of areas. Happy to say I had a great first month on my no buy thanks to your insights. 😘
Beautiful video in every way, as always! You always say just what is helpful to hear at the time!
Ugg... I bought the NYX brow gel too, and I regret it... but I’m just going to use it up. Next time, I might just get Boy Brow again... I know I love it so much! 🤦🏻♀️
I find myself being lured in the direction of the makeup or homeware aisle in various stores, and I experience a similar feeling of disappointment if I don’t find something I’d like to buy, whether I intend to actually purchase the item or not. My willpower muscles must be pretty strong at this point as I gawk at so many wonderful things but usually exit the store with the items I intended to buy or very little extra baggage. Wonderful video!
I made it through the first month of my no buy with success! Thank you for your content, Hannah.
YAY!
Hannah, you've got the nail on the head again!!! My shout out is to Maelove skincare products. I love their skincare products and they are very budget friendly. Love your videos Hannah!!❤❤❤
Will power is not just a muscle. It's a limited resource that we run out of during the day, bit by bit every time we have to make a decision
Omg. Making a mental note to scrub back to 10:39 on this video any time I need a laugh. You are a hoot, Hannah.
So many great points in this checking 😁😁😁 I agree i try to buy products with the thought of I want them to keep. If not I would end up overspending thinking I will return it. One tip that has been helping me is prioritizing. I have specific rules in my low buy so I try to prioritize what is most important and why I think I need it. This has also helped me when I go shopping. I might feel I want something but then I think this was not a priority this month so it’s not needed. This seems to have worked for me this month. Hope this helps Hannah.
For my no-buy, I’ve started keeping an ongoing list in my bullet journal of everything I’ve wanted to buy and would have bought. It’s kind of amazing to see how much I didn’t spend in just one month. On the subject of returning things, I try to be mindful of returning things like makeup because it can’t be resold, thus creating more waste.
I loved this Hannah! you look gorgeous, as does the lighting! I can totally see how a low buy is harder than a no buy in many ways. I love your self awareness in grappling with these things, you're amazing! I loved your thoughts on returns too, I'm just coming out of that cycle too!
Happy to watch your content, you did your first sponsorship really nicely! You will get used to the budget, after your no buy year you probably needed new things, your budget should stretch further after you have replaced Essentials & clothing basics
I could totally see it being a smarter decision not to return the lower prices items. My reasoning would be it’s not a bigger ticket item, time is money, and you could’ve potentially spent more time in a store returning something and maybe even mindless buying or shopping for other items you may not have truly wanted or needed. But it being just the habit of buying something because your brain is still in a sense being trained. So I would’ve done the same thing, unless it was a larger purchase amount. Great video Hannah! January was a complete success so far and I appreciate all your content as it truly helped me through!
Your editing has gotten so creative! I love it, I thought it was so funny!
"bye girl bye" lol. I love the introspection you went through. I often have many similar thoughts but find it difficult to articulate all the things I want to say.
Love your videos Hannah! Enjoying your thoughts on conscientious consumerism. Try researching homemade skincare. I've made my own facial moisturizer for years using organic ingredients like shea butter, jojoba oil, etc... but I still buy facial cleansers & special treatment products :)
Wow! Lots of info! Thank you for sharing your first month's experience with us. Speaking of the sheet suspender, I got a fitted sheet that is way too small for my mattress, so when you mentioned the first time in another video, I was considering it. Do you think it's a good buy?
I feel you on the always wanting to buy lipsticks issue, they're by far the biggest part of my collection! The worst is when I convince myself I need a blue, green, etc. in order to have a "complete" collection, when I know I'm never going to wear those except maybe on special occasions. 🙈
I love the word "skulk." Thanks for using it!