Back in the Philippines, I tend to buy unnecessary things like clothes, bags, and shoes. I wanted to collect as many bags as I can and didn’t want to repeatedly wear the same clothes. I have accumulated junk in my life. Those things were unnecessary and have no relevance nor served any purpose other than to sit there and collect dust. I bought things just because they were on sale. It’s only when I moved to Japan that I realized I don’t need as such. I could only take a few of my things so I had to get rid of or gave most of them. That moment struck me like a lightning. I relied too much on objects and things. I put so much value on material things.
Moving to Japan has changed me a lot as a person. I’ve learned and embraced the concept of minimalism. It is not just about having a fixed amount of things you have. It’s beyond that. It’s when everything you have are the things that add value to your life, things you really love, and honestly, absolutely need.
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1. Things we can’t afford
It’s the most important advice or not, reminder you can take away from this article. It’s the only way we can save money.There’s no way around it. Spend less than you earn. I know this is easier said than done but you can start with small steps.
2. Duplicate of things
Seriously, who needs ten lipsticks with similar shades of red or pink? The first thing you should get rid of or avoid buying is duplicate of things. And I think making a list of the things you own from clothes to bags and shoes will help you become fully aware of everything you own.
3. Movie tickets
I love watching movies and until now I watch movies but I stopped going to the cinema if not, I rarely go watch newly released movies. Netflix is enough for me!
4. Trendy clothes
Just because everyone is wearing fancy and pretty clothing doesn’t mean you have to follow. Once you have all the things you love in your closet, then you are good. You don’t need trendy clothes just to fit in the crowd.
5. Books
Utilize the library. Switch to ebooks or use the internet. You can find pretty much everything online. I use Blinkist instead of buying physical books. It is such a powerful tool for growth.
6. Salon services
You can now ditch your hairdresser and cut your own hair. There are a lot of free resources online on how to cut and dye your own hair.
7. Impulse purchase
Before buying a thing, try to stop and ask yourself these questions first to avoid impulse purchases
- Do I need this thing or just want it?
- How often will I use this thing? Always, sometimes or rarely
- Can I afford this thing?
- Is it on my list?
8. Home decors
I know we love decorating our rooms and houses but you can use DIYs instead of purchasing home decors. You’ll value them more when you put effort and time creating decors.
9. Excess make-up
I used to buy tons of make-up because I wasn’t confident with my skin. I wasted money on excess make-up I don’t even use. Learn to be comfortable with your skin and invest your money on quality makeup. Have a couple make up products but you can get rid of the extras and duplicates.
10. Bottled/ mineral water
Bringing water every time you go out will save you a decent amount of money.
CONCLUSION
I’m not saying I’m a minimalist but I do apply concepts of minimalism in my life. I also encourage you to dig deep in your lifestyle, excess baggage and be aware of all your belongings. Big changes in our lives start with awareness.
What are the things you stopped buying? Write them down in the comment section.
Thank you for this tips Ms.Ali.Ito talaga yung dapat matutunan ng tao kung pano yung tamang pag gastos para maka save ng money kahit gaano pa man ka kunti ang ating kinikita.Dapat talaga practical tayo sa lahat .Iwasan gumastos sa hindi naman talaga kailangan.
Done read your blog. Napaka helpful po ito sa aming lahat lalo na kung about sa pag titipid din , kung ano ang mga dapat bilhin at kung ano ang mga dapat hindi bilhin . Nung dalaga po ako aminin kopo napaka gastos ko. Kung ano anong mga binibili ko ma hndi naman kailangan. Pero ngayong may dalawang anak na ako mas priority kona silang dalawa.. Bago ako bumili sa sarili ko mas inuuna kona ang pangangailangan ng dalawang anak ko..
i like this list, it is realistic and practical. sometimes we are not aware of how we spend. this list reminds me to purchase what is only necessary and to find other cheaper alternatives. if we will refrain from buying these list we surely can save some money which we can use for greater purpose.
Yes true lahat . Lalo na kung hndi nman tin afford ang mga bagay .. kahit ako wala din ako mabili for me or ung khit hndi nman ganun ka kailangan ng mga kids ko . Ung mga damit home decor salon books. Laht nman ata . Kase mas importante talaga ang food at gatas diaper ni baby un lng tlga priority ko din . Kse un ang mas kailangan at un lng ang nkalaan sa budget . Thank you for sharing this tips . Makakatulong din ito sa nkararami 😍❤️
aww buti na lang tlaga aq hnd na aq basta mapapabili kung hnd q naman kelangan natuto na aq sa mga nakaraang pagkakamali q hahah char sayang dn kc pera e ung sobrang tipid mo nga nauubusan ka pa dn e un pa kayang masyado kang magastos, need natin magtipid lalo na sa panahon po, iba pa dn po ung may naitatago ka kahit paano para oras na kelanganin natin may mapagkukunan po tayo 🙂
You’re definitely right. I’ve been doing some of these and I can actually see where I am able to save more but sometimes I do fall back in the habit of unnecessary spending 🤦♀️🤦♀️
I’m glad these tips are proven and real money-saving tips for some people. We may not apply it perfectly or consistently but definitely they help us achieve our financial goals