I've added a new mantra to my daily: "I'm happy with what I have." Just like most people, I like to shop. Pinterest is full of cute hobby rooms/gardens/fire pits/whatever, but at the end of the day, I'm happy with what I have.

Three years ago I created a spreadsheet where I tracked my spending. For 12 months I noted what I bought and how much it cost. I included monthly payments, car expenses, gifts, taxes, etc. I found that I spent a ridiculous amount on craft supplies that I rarely used (but thought had to have). It was a good exercise. A few months later I confidently bought a new home, knowing exactly what I could afford.

@TH-pb4ux

4 жыл бұрын

Tracking every penny is time-consuming at the start until it becomes a habit. I like to track all my spending because it makes me feel in control. Also I see, when it is absolutely fine for me to pay for an expensive vacation or buy something expensive.

@beckysmith2346

4 жыл бұрын

I’m a craft and office supply hoarder.

Lol! "Uh, go play with nature"

Erica, you light up my life! I call you my friend and my husband thinks I’m crazy.

So, now when I look at you in your videos, I'm like, "Day 2 hair???" Lol. Also, in relation to your paper towel story- my two sons have Autism. Something was spilled the other day and my 5 year old said, "Daddy, go get the kitchen toilet paper!"

I haven’t been buying kitchen paper for environmental reasons, I never really thought about the money saving aspect of it, but now that you mention it, it’s a good motivation for other environmental decisions. Thank you for your insights.

I love your channel and think you are doing amazingly at trying to "turn your way of living around. " These 4 tips that you mention here are really just what most people do without thinking in Europe!...it is just normal everyday living! .. And doesn't really have much to do with minimalist living... Unfortunately the American culture is "buy cheap.. Trash quick".. Which doesn't help costs or the environment. Your example with the spoon..those things are normal.. Giving things a "second life" as toys in the bath or garden or in a DIY project or selling or donating etc are also normal! Just a tip: that puzzle you bought.. You really didn't need to buy it.. You could have cut out colored shapes with the kids and played a game where you call out the shape and they have to find it.. Or you run around the house and look for different eg square things and see who finds the most... Or you write the name of the shape and they have to turn it with the shape picture ie a homemade memory game. There are loads of ways to teach such things without having to buy a "single purpose object" to do the job.. Which after a few times they will get bored of anyway... And playing a game to learn these things and spending time with you or their older sister/brother is much more fun for them!

Saving money 💰 by not spending it. Brilliant 😁🥳🥰 🇨🇦.

To be honest the term minimalism is not as widely used in Europe. Depends what you descibe as minimalism. Anyway, from your perspective all the minimalist tips you have just said are common for Europeans. These are only normal habits. People here just don't go out and buy everything they see.

@ColleenMarble

4 жыл бұрын

Sadly, consumerism/mindless spending is out of control in the United States.

@MaximusG6

4 жыл бұрын

The term Minimalism is 'over-used" in the US

@minimalzebra

4 жыл бұрын

Marie Hoffman when I watch videos of people in Europe their small wardrobes and kitchens compared to America I love. European homes have always made more sense to this American.

@momof2momof2

4 жыл бұрын

Probably because Europeans don't have the space or extra money. I go to Europe yearly to different parts, and see mostly apartments or very small homes, and you just don't have the spacious homes we have here in America.

@ColleenMarble

4 жыл бұрын

@@MaximusG6 I don't think it is. It's just reflective of where our society is. People have been living by the rule 'more is more' for a long time, and many have become sick of it. Getting rid of half your things sure feels like minimalism even if you're left with more than other people have. And when people criticize you for stepping off the consumer treadmill, it can be hard to continue. The culture is not friendly to minimalism, but people are starting to understand that it brings freedom. I applaud anyone who embarks on this journey. It's bold and courageous.

The quarantine has really changed our spending habits. We got out of the habit of spending as much during quarantine and quit eating our almost entirely. And we really just don’t want to spend money on those things anymore.

@lindatalbot3208

4 жыл бұрын

I agree! Our eating out went down to £0 in April as even the takeaways were all closed. Clothes spending went down to 3 pairs of leggings for my growing daughter and some socks and underwear to replace ones with holes!

When my son was growing up, most of the time I didn't have so much money. Now he thanks me because he says he knows the worth of money. My point is that you will learn your children, how one can cope (well) with less money, either by necessity or choice. Love your videos, enough but not too much details and examples!

Awesome tips. Sweetheart I really think you are still sometimes just too hard on yourself. You have come such a long way! And you did it with a family of 5 and a puppy. I would say start saving on side for cleaning service for when you move out that might help your stress some. In the meantime just do what you can do you e made amazing progress so far and still juggling daily chores type atuff.

Save this for the next time you feel really guilty. Kids college, wow! That is so commendable. Especially with all you are doing right now. I honestly have no idea how you can home school, home raise, and keep up with all the work that entails. Most people have no idea. When I say home raise I mean you dont have a job to run away to and relax. Seriously, it is easier. Having to provide all the structure for yourself and everyone would send me over the edge. Give yourself credit, you are doing a big job and being super responsible. No more guilt!

For messes, i use our beat up shirts torn, with holes or rips for cleaning up. I use it as a shop towel, to clean the bbq pit, for kitchen spills, kid spills...

@kellyharris4639

4 жыл бұрын

Me, too. That’s what my mom always did. I have paper towels in the house for very specific things like covering plates in the microwave. A roll lasts me a couple weeks.

@kempfreehold9450

4 жыл бұрын

Me too and if they are used to clean up something super nasty, I just throw them out and don't worry about it.

I found that through my own decluttering journey ( which is not done) , I needed to create a maintain system. I just fall into cracks with remaining stuff, money management and cleaning. I have been slowing adding habits into place from “Clean Mama’s Cleaning Routine”, Melissa Maker “ Clean my Space” and a small bit from “ Fly Lady”. Learning new habits/routines that I can do and help me to not become down with it all. Less stuff has helped soooooo much with cleaning and not storing but I still strive for the “more of less”. It pushes to get rid because I truly don’t want my time on those things anymore. I want to clean to appreciate my home and treasured items that are a joy to me to be around. Keep going: you are the best to watch and hear wisdom of growth from because you are so honest and upfront with where things stand.

I highly recommend watching the old classic movie "Mama's Bank Account." It's about a Swedish family in San Francisco prior to World War I, and starts with the family around the table figuring out where the money (all in coins) is going to go for the week. They figure out how different ones can save here or earn money there or go without something they want so the family can get the things they need most. The recurring line is, "We don't want to have to go to the bank." At the end of the story, it turns out they have never had a bank account, the mother has never been inside a bank. The "pretending" was because they believed that children should not have to be worried about money. (The daughter sells her manuscript to a publisher.) They learned responsibility without the fear of poverty. It's a wonderful movie.

@jgordy4840

3 жыл бұрын

I love that movie;. I believe the Title is "I Remember Mama"

I love how you offer such practical advice.

This was so helpful❤️❤️❤️! Thank you!

Erica, you are amazing. I have watched your decluttering videos and now the finance videos. Thank you. I have been trying to decluttering slowly over several years. It’s now getting to the point of getting rid of stuff that I have had in containers for most of my life. You amazed me at how easy it was for you. Everything to me is sentimental at this point and yet it’s in a box. I inherited painting from my dad and a few other items from dad or grandma that passed. I am having a hard time getting rid of kitchen items such as a sundae cup or a baking dish. I am ridiculous. I haven’t used the sundae glasses in 15 years but yet they sit in my cabinet. Anyways, I have started rambling. Keep the videos coming. You are the best!!

Out here cheering you on you are so inspiring!

More useful tips. Thanks for sharing!

Fantastic content. Thank you!!

Thank you for the reminder to get my butt in fear and sort out budget out!

Good video Erica! Proud of you.

It's fun to watch you grow

Absolutely love watching your videos. I like your humor - also well done on how you have approached reducing debt - makes for an easier night of sleep

Love how passionate you get about being intentional now 🥰

You are doing a great job Erica

You are doing an amazing job, your family must be so proud of your choices that will impact them for years to come.

Congrats on your huge debt and savings!! You're on such a good path for a healthy future!! Loved watching!!

Thank you for staying in your own lane and sticking to the subject of minimalism. Some things are better left unsaid.

After watching your videos, I also bought the microfiber towels and I've only used 1 roll of papertowels per month! You inspire me!

Thank you for your inspiring content, I’m hoping to retire in 18 months which means I have to change spending habits. Learning so much from you! 💗💗💗💗💗

The puzzle aisle looks like the pasta aisle that first week of lockdown. Picked over.

Your videos are so down to earth. If I wasn’t in the UK I’d contribute my time as a professional cleaner to you!

@hipheli

4 жыл бұрын

When I started to watch Erica's videos I dreamed about travelling to USA to visit her and help her with all that decluttering! I even told my husband that it would be so amazing if it was possible somehow. I would really love to go through every single box and sort them as needed or not needed and declutter every place! But well, I live in Finland... =) so I just have to continue watching videos and cheer for all great progress she makes! Go Erica go, you are the best! ♥

Thank you for a great video. I now use microfiber cloths as you suggested in a previous video. I have one roll of paper towel for yucky doggy clean ups.

I’m on a decluttering group on Facebook. Some asked for KZread recommendations and I sent her your way. I love your approach and attitude. Plus you are real!!!

@ceciliefranciska899

4 жыл бұрын

Lorene T. What group is it? Looking for new ideas and help.

@lorenet.2182

4 жыл бұрын

@@ceciliefranciska899 Organizing Advice for Clutterbugs

I just watched a documentary about plastic and I’m having a hard time with it! Your paper towels reminded me about this. I have kitchen towels instead of paper towels, and now I’m concerned about the amount of plastic we have. 🤔 I am also so with you on wanting to redecorate but needing to be responsible lol.

Ahhh man! I need to do those microfiber towels.

Looking for alternatives not only saves money it also helps mother nature! And make your decoration by your self. You have so much coulores and stuff you will find something to upcycle. In the net their are tons of ideas.🙋‍♀️

Great tips. I do the every dollar app for each month. I know where every dollar goes to. It is freeing.

Alternative=problem solving skills! Plus $1 at the dollar store=$10 plus gas and time buying other things while you’re there.

The app Angie's List, now named: Angie, is a good place to look for a cleaning service. That will clean well, that is reliable, near you and show you the reviews.

If you budget for it, you can hire a cleaning service maybe once or twice a year, until you get to your complete minimalism goal, which looks like will be within the year :) With 80 to 90% of your possessions gone, and your home minimal-ish and organized, you won't need to have a cleaning service help you , because your home, like mine, will be a breeze to keep clean. tfs 💗

I term myself 'clutterfree'. It is a better fit for me than 'minimalist. Like you I like a cosy, warm environment. I have my favourite cottage, pretty things as my homey touches. I was thinking about you when you say minimalish and wondered if you would feel more comfortable with the clutter free term rather than minimalist? For myself it was a breakthrough of what I was at ease with. I enjoy watching some favourite minimalist channels but I know where I fit in the spectrum. I would be interested in your thoughts on this after watching you discuss the term cosy minimalish.

This reminds me of that old saying “ It’s easier to get money than it is to keep it” 🤷🏼‍♀️ The problem for me is, I was raised to be a minimalist due to financial necessity and the fact that my parents were raised during the Depression. I perceive my childhood as being one of lack, especially as regards clothing. Somehow this has attached itself to my self-worth. It’s a daily struggle.

@juanitamayes6329

4 жыл бұрын

Change your perception about it. Your childhood taught you how to be thrifty, how to be creative with what you had, how to use up what you had and not be wasteful, etc. It's all in how you choose to see it.

@bethknight4436

4 жыл бұрын

Juanita Mayes thanks so much, Juanita- I’m going to take the leap 🤔

Love your content, Erica, especially the financial guilt videos. That's a really tough one. We've been paper towel free (mostly) for years, too. (We do keep a roll for disgusting messes like vomit and dog accidents.) I really like my microfiber cloths, too. I worry about the micro plastics they shed, though and plan to purchase a bag to wash the cloths in to prevent the fibers from getting in the water system.

you should try a cleaning party like how people have painting parties... they could even bring their kids and they can all play out back and order some cheap pizzas or something. way cheaper and more fun than hiring people. just a thought lol

Could you possibly do a video on how to do printables? I would like to do some, but not sure where to start. I think it would make a great video - even if it is just other you tubers you would recommend or software. Thanks!

Need vs Want---the struggle is real!! Lol

maybe ask some friends to help you clean! and you don't need to save for college for your kids right now if you are still in debt. focus on paying that off. maybe all 3 kids will go to trade school. good luck! ❤

Cute farmhouse decor is cheap, just buy some junk at goodwill and grab a jsr of chalk paint.

@kellyharris4639

4 жыл бұрын

Lindsey Domer’s channel is great for showing how to do farmhouse style on very low budget @domerhome

Good morning 😘

Would you show what it says on the inspirational canvas to your left in this post please? It looks interesting.😷😘

Erica, if I lived close, I would offer to help you clean. I get sick of cleaning my place but I love helping someone else with their place. 😆😆

With the puzzles you have I’ve seen someone cut out the picture of the puzzle then downzize the space and put them in a plastic ziplock bag. If that all makes sense.

Go play with nature. My kind of mommin' right there. My people!

I am torn between disposal paper towels for cleaning vs reusable cleaning towels plus the cost and impact on the planet of the trash created vs the water and detergent used and impact. Would you share your thoughts on this?

@angelacross2216

4 жыл бұрын

Debbie , I use both. I keep a clean washcloth (bought by the dozen) by the sink so it’s as handy as the paper towels. I often throw them in the wash as fast as I would dispose of a paper towel. But sometimes a paper towel absolutely makes sense and I throw them in the compost to even up the carbon and nitrogen ratio.

@annettetaylor8992

4 жыл бұрын

We use reusable for 98% of things. Excepts accidents like dog vomit, or other accidents like that. We keep 2 paper towels for $1 at Walmart.

Can you please link the melissa and Doug puzzle? Lol

Hi Erica, I always enjoy your videos, they are very realistic, motivational and helpful. Out of nearly every video I get an idea, which I could try/ implement in my life. When you need motivation once in a while, too, to continue your journey, check out Flylady. All the best to you and thumbs up for your journey and for sharing it. Success with your move.

15$ for paper towels? Are you kiddding me? Over here i pay 2 euro ( about 2 dollars) for 3 rolls!

@TanjaHermann

4 жыл бұрын

Remember that in the US those come in a 16 or 20 roll pack. Nobody over there buys them in 3s.

@angelavlogt2230

4 жыл бұрын

@@TanjaHermann that explains a lot! Thanks😀

Erica, I love your content and I would love to continue watching it. I understand that you may be conflicted to speak out, given that you are a military wife. But it is so, so important that you say something, anything. This is the time to discuss with your lovely children what other children go through. What other families go through. Other mothers have been saying "when George Floyd cried out for his mama, we all answered the call". She had been dead for 2 years when he called out for her. Silence breeds violence. I have been conflicted to speak out in the past too. We owe it to children to do what's right by them and teach them these things, so they can grow up and be better to their fellow humans. Even Sesame Street has done a special with CNN on this subject, for your younger ones. It's been swept under the rug for far too long. As a longtime fan of your minimalism content, please consider using your platform for good, no matter the size. Thank you.

Saving money and making better choices is not minimalism. It's called common sense and wisdom. Please don't mask the lack of both with the different term or word of minimalism.

Is there a reason you’re not using your platform to discuss the BLM movement? Not an accusation, I love your channel and your content, but feel an opportunity is being missed to join in on a hugely Important conversation. The silence I’m seeing on some of the Channels I follow is deafening...