The Rachel Cruze Show - How I’m Prioritizing My Spending in 2024

Episode Date: January 15, 2024

If you want to ditch debt and save money, you’ve got to be intentional with every dollar you have. That’s why Dawn Madsen—aka The Minimal Mom—and I are listing off the things we won’t be spending money on in 2024. Plus, I’ll share a few Amazon buys I’m loving and the money advice that can transform your mental health.   What you get in this episode: ·      Things We Won’t Spend Money on in 2024 (with The Minimal Mom) ·      My Most Hated Financial Advice: Giving ·      What I’m Loving (and Hating) From Amazon Right Now   Helpful Resources:  ·      Follow Dawn Madsen at @the.minimal.mom. ·     Watch the 10 Best Amazon Purchases Under $20 with But First, Coffee. ·      Start budgeting for free with EveryDollar. ·      Learn more about Christian Healthcare Ministries. Sponsors pay the producer of this show, The Lampo Group, LLC, advertising fees for mentioning their services or products during programming. Advertising fees are not based upon or otherwise tied to any product sale or business transacted between any consumer or sponsor. The following sponsors have paid for the programming you are viewing: Christian Healthcare Ministries.   ·      Learn more about your ad choices: https://www.megaphone.fm/adchoices ·      Ramsey Solutions Privacy Policy: https://www.ramseysolutions.com/company/policies/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's amazing how many things we buy and we keep without actually really thinking about it. And again, if you are married to any of these things, of course, you can keep them. But it's just one more thing. And it just gets in the way most of the time. It really does go hand in hand. Getting out of debt and decluttering. Yep, yep. Hey, guys, welcome to this episode of the Rachel Cruise Show podcast.

I'm so glad that you're here. So today we're going to talk about how I'm prioritizing my spending in 2024. I'll share with you some of my most hated financial advice. And to be honest, I've been honest, I've got to talk about. I was really surprised by the feedback on this advice. Then I'll share what I am currently loving and hating from Amazon right now. But first, let's talk with Dawn from the Minimal Mom about what we won't be spending money on this year. Take a listen.

I am so excited to have Dawn, AKA Minimal Mom, back with me, you guys. And Don, thanks for being here. Thank you, Rachel. Oh, my gosh. Every time she comes on, you guys love her. I love her. It's just fantastic. So we're going to talk about minimalism, because that is something we talk about a lot on this show.

And when you're taking control of your money, again, it's really helpful to adopt some of these habits when it comes to the minimalistic practices in your life to help you simplify your life and spend less money. And Dawn and her family have been practicing this for over, what, eight years now, which is amazing. And she's been always gracious on this show to share her knowledge with us. And she's been on multiple times. So today, in honor of a new year and a fresh start, we're going to share some of the things that we are no longer going to spend money on. So I asked Don to make a list for her. I've made a list.

So we are going to talk through it and why we've decided to cut these things out of our life. And so I'm curious from you guys what things that you're going to cut out of your life so that you spend less in 2024. So, all right, Dawn, let's jump right in to these lists because... Okay. You're a great thinker. You always think outside the box. And all her ideas, I'm always like, oh, that's good.

That's good. Okay. So why don't you start with something that you're cutting out? All right. And again, if you are married to any of these things, of course, you can keep them. But it's amazing how many things we buy and we keep without actually really thinking about it. So number one, question all of the rugs in your house, the scatter rugs and the throw rugs and the area rugs. Because it's just one more thing that we have to sweep around and move around and shake and vacuum.

And it just gets in the way most of the time. Yes. you know the ones that we just like just was the ones by our bathroom sink. Oh, yeah. Like I had two by, and I did away with those years ago. And I don't miss them. They collect the hair spray and the hair, like all the things. It's just like, they get so gross.

I'd rather have an outdoor rug than the one by my sink with all my makeup and hair and everything on it. Okay, that's a good one. All right. Number two is microfiber towels. So fascinating. So I'm so grateful for you all because you teach me things every day. And so one day I'm like, okay, get your microfiber from Amazon. on, there's this great set. And like, so many comments were like, hold the phone. We don't buy

microfiber anymore. And so I'm like, tell me more. So it turns out that microfiber is basically small plastic particles. And it breaks down in our water and they are forever chemicals. They get into our body, our water sources and all this. And I'm like, I had no idea. Me neither. And so there are catchers that you can buy when you launder them to help catch the little fibers or whatever. And so I am going to use up the ones that I have in my house. I'm not going to purchase new ones. And really what I've learned from professional cleaners now is you can actually just use, like, the cotton bar regs. And so they're not as fancy, right? Everything's microfiber right now.

But they actually do work really well. But they're fine. Yes. Okay. That's so good to know. Because I can get on a train of like, oh, yeah, I need like six of the, I need so many. And it's nice to get new ones sometimes too, right? Yeah, that's right.

Yeah. Okay. Okay. So one of mine is cups. Okay. And that sounds kind of funny. But whether it's coffee cups, water cups, water bottles.

I get so many just like tumblers or the kids come home. They came home from the dentist two days ago with little water bottles. I have to dentist like, but it's like plastic, you know, all that. And I'm just like, oh my gosh,

we just stack up all this crap. And what stresses me out the most on is I open our cabinet. Yep. And you're trying to push everything back out. I'm like, I'm done. I'm done. So like more water models or coffee cups,

I'm done. Especially the promotional ones that aren't as good at quality so they don't seal well. And they leave. I need just a couple. Like, give me a nice Yeti or two. Yep.

And I'm good. But I don't need all these. And it's so much harder to unload the dishwasher and everything. It's actually best if your kitchen cabinets are like half full. That's what makes it the easiest to put step away and to get your family to also put stuff away. So good. Love it. Love it.

Okay. So what's one of yours? All right. Next, gimmicky kitchen gadgets and cleaning products. So this is tough. I mean, I think we've all gone to the pampered chef party. And the hostess is so good at using the products. So she's like, look at this chopper.

I'm just going to, and again, I'm not against Pamberg Chef by any means. Like I, but I think, and we see influencers using kitchen gadgets and they're going to look how quick this is and it's so easy. Well, yes, because they've gotten very good at it. That's what they do and they're trying to sell something. And then we get it home and I'm like, I don't even take it out of the box because I don't even know how to assemble it. Or we do use it once and we're like, this was way more work to clean than it was worth the time. It saved me for chopping the onion. Totally.

Right. And so we've acquired a lot of gimmicky gadgety things, even household cleaners that we think are going to, make our life easier and they don't. They just end up cluttering up our kitchen. They're hard to get rid of because we've spent money on them. But today, permission to let those things go if you are not using them and they're just cluttering up your kitchen. Yeah, okay. That's good. I love that. Okay. Next. Okay. Skincare, perfume, lotion candles. So again, I kind of want to blame influencers a little bit for this. I feel like every influencer I follow is like, this is my skincare and this is my miracle hair care products and this is my miracle clothes. And this is my miracle

cleaner. And every week they have like a new thing that they're trying to sell me. And it's very confusing, Rachel, because in many ways they feel like my friends. Right? And I'm like, my friends would not steer me wrong. Like if they're recommending it, it should be really good. And once in a while it is. Often it's not. And now I have all these things in my cabinets from the bathroom to the kitchen everywhere that I've acquired and I'm not using. And so I made a rule about a year ago. Like at the beginning of 2023, I'm like, this is the year of using everything up. I'm like, I am not buying anything new in these areas until it is all used up. And what I found is that it's not actually the skincare system or the cleaner that's magical.

It's when you use it. It's when you use it consistently. Right? And so most cleaners and most products work really well when you use them consistently. So again, we're at the beginning of a new year. So a great time to, like, commit. I am using things up before I buy anything. Oh, it's so good.

And I'm the worst with hair stuff. Yes. I'm like, I'll see all this different, like, boost this or like, I need that. The texture spray and all this. I'm like, ooh, I'll try that and that and that. Because somehow I'm going to have long, flowy thick hair, right?

Like, with all of this, it's going to work. And you're like, no, mm-mm, no. So yeah, that's my weakness, for sure, for sure. Okay, one that I'm not doing anymore is buying, like, nice kids clothes. Yeah. So there's a sweet store, Janie and Jack. I don't know if you'll have one in Minnesota,

but it's like the cutest stuff, but it is, it's expensive. And I would go through every year and buy like maybe like six nice pieces for my kids per season. Did they wear them, Dawn? No. No, they did not wear them. Nope. And there I am, packing them up to give to our little neighbor with price tags still on them. And I'm like, this is like, this is nice stuff. So I'm done. I'm just like, it's going to be the old Navy target. And it may not even last to the season. And I don't care anymore. I'm just like, I'm going to spend a fourth of the money. Yes. And if we have to buy another piece throughout the season. I will. That actually feels better, right? Because we've gone to that point now,

too, with our kids where they're actually wearing their clothes out. Right? And by the time they're done with it, that it is just done. And I'm like, that feels so much better than donating the clothes that are still like new. And so we decided, I'm like, I actually need, at any age of our children, like, they needed one dress outfit. Yes. And that was it. Right. But it's so fun, especially even if you're going to garage sales and thrift stores, like, it's always the nice clothes that are there, right? Because their kids didn't wear them. And I'm like, it's only $2. I'm just going to grab this. Yep. And then again, you feel so guilty once they've outgrown it and they haven't worn it. Yes. And so I think there's so much wisdom and being like, okay, what type of clothes do my kids actually wear?

Yeah. Because what our kids wear to school? Even the girls, it's like, like Nike shorts and T-shirts. Yep. That's all anyone wears. Right. And I'm just like, why am I trying to convince you to wear a dress? I don't know. I know. I just think it's cute with like a headband to look somewhat put together. But nope, they all just run out the door. Right. The whole thing. I'm like, I'm done. That's great. That's great. That's great. Go girl. You go girl. All right. Next is jewelry. So again, I really like to invest in good quality pieces that are very versatile and that I know that when I'm getting dressed in the morning, I can just grab something. It goes with

everything, dress it up, dress it down, and not have to fuss with storing it and untangling it and having stuff that's, you know, going out of style and whatnot. So I've decided to just invest in a few good pieces. I mean, invests. I mean, these are from Target. I love it. neutral, versatile, they go with everything. Mine are Amazon. Okay, nice. Yeah.

So easy. But not to have to put much thought into getting dressed and what I'm going to wear. Yes. It's amazing, the amount of, like, mental space that you actually end up having when you don't have a thousand choices. Yeah. Because jewelry earrings are probably my weakness. I do love earrings.

Okay. But I even, like, today, I'm like, and I always just go back to just the gold earring. I'm like, I can't believe. But the mental space that it takes to, like, have to sit there and sift through and think and decide. I'm like, no, it's, yeah, it's too much. All right. Next is unnecessary home decor or furniture. So, again, I mean, stores like home goods and Hobby Lobby and T.J. Max, oh, my goodness, the amount of home decor. Like, when you walk in there, I'm just like, how can they fit

so many things in such a small square footage? Totally. And it's so tempting because, I mean, in many ways, I think as women, it is fun to make our house beautiful and to look nice. But I just found, again, especially I think the season of life we're in with young kids and running them places, that it was more to manage. It was more to dust. It was things that were going out of style. And then I'm like, oh, I want to switch it out. And so I have found that as I've simplified, highly simplified, the furniture and the decor

in our house, that it's so much easier to take care of. And it's also easier for our kids to help. I realize that often I wasn't even asking our kids to help in certain areas because I'm like, oh, don't break that or don't touch that, or only I can do that. And so I feel like our house now, it's much more peaceful. that we don't have so much of that stuff in it. Oh, I love that. I know. Because for me, I'm like, I, because I haven't done this in a while. I really haven't. We were talking about earlier, Christmas decor from the previous season and how we bought some stuff years ago, invested in nice

pieces. And I feel like when we shopped in 2019 for our home, that's the philosophy I took. I'm like, I just want to invest in some nice stuff. So I don't have to go through TJ Max and feel like, oh, I should get a new throat, all this stuff. I'm like, you know what? No. I have what I like. Yeah. And it's fine. And it's fine. And it's fine. So it's nice. And I mean, I do think that's hard, too, because there's so many influencers that make their living by showing us different, like, home decor and stuff.

Totally. And I love them as people, but I have had to unfollow, especially if you're working on getting out of debt, working. I mean, I love your children's book about finding contentment. Yes, yes. And so I do think sometimes we have to unfollow certain accounts and or mute them for a while so that we aren't always tempted to buy some of these things. Yes, totally.

You open it up and you see something new. I know. Okay. So one thing I'm not buying this year. you'll have to hold me to it is jeans. Okay, this sounds so silly. I realize with jeans,

the style changes every season. Yes. Every season. So it goes from this thing to that thing to that. And so last year, I did the mom, high-waisted, you know, straight-legged. And I was like, you know what?

And I bought probably three to four. Nice pairs of jeans. Because it's basically all I wear. I just wear jeans all the time. And I'm like, and that's it. I'm not going to go by anymore. Because, let's be honest, next season,

it's going to change. and I'm going to want it because I know me. And so I'm like, no, I'm not going to stack up on jeans. I used to say, oh, I'll have a lot of jeans because it is what I wear. And now I'm like, no. You don't actually need a lot. I don't need a lot. So hold me to it, Don.

I love that. No jeans in 2024. Yeah. No, every time I reset my wardrobe for the season, I have two pairs of jeans. And again, that idea, like, I kind of want to wear them out, you know? And then the next year when the style changes, I'm like, I can justify getting new jeans. And because I have, I wore. me. I've gotten the use out of them. I got my money out of them. And, you know, mostly always

two pairs of jeans would put in my budget no matter where we were at getting out of debt. And so I love that. And again, is anybody really looking at your jeans that much? No. No. No. No. So. All right. Next is no fake plants. So again, this is something that friends online gave me a hard time about. They would see like my fake IKEA plants. And they were like, Don, you should upgrade to some real plants. And I'm like, no, because I kill them. Right? You know, I was just like it's very logical. And it's very logical. And so I was like, okay, I'll start with a couple easy ones. And then I started having them in our house. And I'm like, oh, it's very nice actually to have living things around us and not dead things.

Yes. Dead fake plants. And so, again, I still stick to plants that are very easy. I have had to throw a couple away. But I have grace for myself with that. But it is actually very enjoyable now having some real plants around the house. Probably because our kids are a little bit older too. I feel like I can take that on.

Totally, totally. And getting rid of all the fake ones. Yes, I love that. I know we have these two vases in our front room when you walk into our house and they had orchids. Because those are not supposed to be hard to kill, apparently. And I've replaced them a handful of times. But when they are replaced and I am in the same, it is, there's just something so like peaceful. Yeah.

About having. Yes. Living plants. So I'm with you on that. I love that. I need to do more of it. I think it's great. And there's supposedly something about the colored green that helps us to like relax.

And then, you know, they help like clean the air and whatnot. We probably need all the help with that. we can get it. I know. Right. Totally. Totally. All right. Next is kids toys and craft supplies. So something that I have learned on this journey of becoming minimalist and getting rid of 85% of our stuff is that kids need very little when it comes to craft supplies and toys. And it was always important to me that I had very creative kids. I was creative growing up and did lots of different art stuff. But I realized that kids don't need the stuff. They just need their imagination. Because we've seen when kids can go outside and build nothing from sticks or other things they find. Or, you know, the joke always

around Christmas is like, oh, well, they just need to play with the boxes, right? And so again, I kind of did this experiment where I was just like, I don't enjoy maintaining the craft supplies. It felt like a big mess all the time. And so I'm like, I am going to remove the craft supplies. I am just going to have like cardboard boxes, masking tape is very safe for kids and some markers. And they would play with that stuff for hours. And so I know it's fun to go to the dollar store, go different places and get all the fun bright colored and the pom-poms and the pipe cleaners. But that is a lot for you to manage. And if you're kind of tired of having to organize it and take care of it and your kids aren't very

good at doing it, I would encourage you to highly simplify that stuff and just let them use their own imaginations with the limited things they have. You're going to be so impressed with the things that your kids come up with. Oh, it's so fun. Don, you're a hero. Thank you for just releasing all of that from us feeling like, because it is true. We have a thing of crayons and we'll get some from like a, you know, even a restaurant.

They'll come home and I'm like just throwing the ground. And I'm like, that with some blank sheets of paper. Seriously, my kids still, to this day, I'll do it. And it's like, and it just does something for them. I'm like, this is great. This is great. Okay, one thing I'm not doing in 2024 is the Target dollar section. I'm right there with you, sister.

I, and I've been pretty good at it recently. That's why I feel confident I can put it on this list. Because I'm like, I think I really can fulfill this one. Because I used to just go buy stuff. It's just crap. And I'm like, and you justify it. Price justify it. Oh, I don't need it.

Yeah. My kids don't need it. I mean, it's all of it. So I, yeah, put the blinders on. Keep moving. Well, and I notice, because I'm always, you know, around my house, I'm like looking like, what stands the test of time and what doesn't? And I felt like, even though it's always like super cute, on trend, inexpensive, the scale was never right. Like it would be cute in the store and then I get it home and I'm like, it's so tiny. It's tiny. I need 14 of those. Or I have to pair it now with something from, you know, T.J. Max or whatever. And so I did, I'm like, this stuff does not stand the test at time or it goes out of style.

And so again, I put the blinders on and I haven't really missed any of them. I know. Me neither. It's good. All right. Next, things I no longer buy are subscription boxes. So in the beginning when they first came out, I'm like, this is so fun. Yes.

You can try new things. I had an Ipsi subscription and you get like different makeup products. And I'm like, it's so fun to try new things. And, like, the first box is super fun. The second one, you're like, oh, I use some of it. But then there's stuff I didn't. But I feel like with subscription boxes, most of them, by the time you get the second, third, fourth, you end up bringing a lot of stuff into your home that you don't end up

using, doesn't totally fit your needs. And they're kind of expensive too. Yes, totally. Oh, yeah. Well, for me, it's like half the stuff I just didn't never use. And then it ends up in a drawer. Yes. Because I feel bad throwing it away or whatever it is and it just keeps it going.

So, yeah, I'm with you. I haven't done them. I haven't done them in years. Yeah. I'm the same. All right. Next, again, it's the new year workout equipment. And so how guilty do we feel when we buy new shoes, new workout equipment, new leggings or whatever it is, new gym memberships? And then we never use it and we see it there. And so my best encouragement to you is to start the new habit first and then reward yourself with the new stuff. So really, if you're hoping to get in shape this year, you could just walk outside. I mean, Minnesota and Nashville, it depends on the weather. But there's so many things you can watch free exercise videos on YouTube.

There are so many things that we could do right now to start the habit. And then once we've proven to ourselves and kept this commitment with ourselves, then we can reward ourselves with new shoes or some new equipment. And that feels so good. Yes, for sure. Once the habit is in, because I think you're exactly right. Because I used to feel like, oh, if I get the stuff, that's going to be the thing. That's going to be the motivator.

And it's not the stuff. No. The newness of it is done. Right. It's just another cute pair of yoga pans, but you're not doing yoga. So you doing it, though, and getting in that rhythm. And then I love that, rewarding yourself with a great outfit because, let's be honest, you've been it.

Yeah, I'm like, I'll do it. I knew that. Okay, so one thing we're not doing and spending money on in 2024 is nice restaurants with the kids. I don't know why we do this, Don, we do it to ourselves. Because Winston I love good food. So we're like, if we're going to go out to eat, like, you know, you can only do Chick-fil-A so many times.

So let's go to, like, a nice restaurant. Yeah. Our kids are just at the cusp. I think, like, 2025. I may insert it back in. Something to look forward to. But there's just still that like amount of stress as a mom that I'm like, everyone's, because I don't want to ruin it everyone else is.

Everyone else, right? Yes. And like, you're not eating the kid's meal. That was $14 or whatever. And I'm just like, oh my gosh, why do we do this? And Winston, I can't enjoy it. So we're reserving all nice restaurants just for me and Winston for date nights. I'm like, we can enjoy great restaurants.

But why bring the kids? They're going to want a chocolate milk that costs five. You know, all of it. of it. I'm just like, oh my gosh. So that's one thing. That's one thing that we're cutting out. So we'll see. We'll see if it sticks. So as you guys can see, you know, overall, there's no like magic to one specific thing or product that's just changed our lives. But really, what brings the most fulfillment is keeping it simple to free up my time and my mind so I can spend it with the people that I love. So be smart, you guys. Be smart when you go and spend

money. That it's not the thing that brings peace in your life. It's who you are. And I'll just tell you, it gets easier over time to say no. So start that muscle and it will come natural. So, Don, thank you so much for being a guest on today. I always love having you in. Yeah, thank you, Rachel. Thanks for all your thoughts. And where can everyone find you?

I hang out the most on YouTube. So we have over 700 videos to help you declutter. Of course, January 2, the time where we're looking at moving stuff out of our house, I can help you with that. I'd love to help you to clutter. So great. I know. People love us teaming up, especially on my channel because so many of the people that watch you

too. Yes. It really does go hand in hand. Getting out of debt and decluttering, it's, yeah. Yep. They're like BFF. So great. Okay, today I'm going to be explaining another one of my controversial takes.

Today's topic is that the one piece of financial advice I thought was like 100% safe in that I wouldn't get canceled or yell that on the internet for. And the teaching isn't really even about money when you boil it down. It's more about who you are and your character. So what I'm talking about is giving. So who knew encouraging people to practice generosity would cause such a heated uproar, but did it ever? Yeah. Oh, sure enough, whenever I'm editing someone's budget and looking at it or showing people how to plan out their paycheck using every dollar,

one of the most common comments that I get about how dumb it is to give away a portion of your income when you're trying to build wealth, how could she keep giving in there? This is unbelievable. I mean, they keep going at it. And I'm like, okay, I get it. yes, when you are giving money away, you technically have, you do, you have less money to pay off debt or build wealth or whatever it may be. Like, yes, that is true. I understand that. But also, can we just talk about what a good thing giving is, regardless of where you are financially,

giving and living your life with an open hand, is pretty incredible. And I guarantee that this will transform your relationship and your progress with money. Now, if you are somebody on the spiritual end of the spectrum, right? So, like, you're a believer, you're a Christian, like whatever you could put in your religion of whatever you worship if you do. For me, I am a Christian. And so there is a thing called the tithe in scripture that I do practice. And the tithe is 10% of your income. It talks about this in the Old Testament. And then Jesus talks about giving a lot in the New Testament. And so for me, there is a spiritual element that not only is it out of obedience, not in a legalistic way, but I do believe God,

sets this up for us to be reminded that, hey, this is all his anyways. And when you do give, there is a level more of trusting, I think, a higher power, right? In my case, God than just myself. And there is something about, hey, I'm going to work on who I am in this process and opening my hands and being a selfless person. And I am to be giving and creating that habit in my life. Because ultimately, I believe spiritually, that is what God is. He is a selfless God. He is a giver. and we're created to be more and more like him. We are in that process of being refined. And I think when it comes to your money,

there is something about letting go of that control and saying, hey, I am going to trust you in this. And I am going to be obedient. And I am going to give 10%. And for the tithes specifically, it is to your local church. And so Winston and I, we do this. And every month, it's like, hey, we're going to put money aside 10% for a tie. Then we've done that from the very beginning.

And my parents even talk about this. They tides into bankruptcy and out of bankruptcy. So it's not one of these things either, a prosperity gospel, that if you do this, you're going to get a BMW in your driveway when you come home or you're going to get a $100,000 raise next year, like, you know, something crazy because some people go off on that end. But I do believe something happens inside of you. There's a level of contentment. There is something that is produced in you when you are a selfless person.

And I think from a spiritual aspect, that is huge. Now, if you're not somebody that is a believer or, you know, you have a spiritual practice in your life when it comes to money, let's just talk about just like the humanity. right? The humanity and your posture and your heart towards money. Because if money becomes the thing that you're after, and that's it, and that's the only goal in mind, and it's the only thing you're looking at and you're obsessed with it and it does become the thing in life, you're going to hit that goal, you're going to get that car you've wanted. You're going to get the thing, and you're going to realize, wow, that's like, it's temporary happiness. And then it's going to be

the next thing and the next thing. It's never going to be fulfilling. But what's fulfilling is when you honestly, again, live your life with that open hand, financially speaking, and you help people and you experience the act of giving, there is a joy in that that can't be bought. There's a joy in that that is, it is unbelievable. And Winston, I have done some anonymous stuff. And I can just tell you, it is one of the joys that we are able to do. And we also have places and ministries and foundations that we personally love and have a heart for that we give to every month because we believe in what they're doing.

And for me, it's always around the idea of anything with kids. So whether it's like fostering or adopt. option, like anything in that spectrum, I just feel like if people have the resources to be able to do it, like, that's where I want to give. And what it does is it moves you beyond yourself. And that's what giving does. It's really a beautiful thing to go on that spectrum from being selfish, where it's like all about us to actually looking up and looking for others and being generous. So I know for some of you, you're thinking, yeah, Rachel, that's great. But listen, I'm drowning in debts. I'm trying to budget, but literally have no money. What do I do? And listen, I hear you.

I know. It's been a really hard year financially for a lot of people last year was, So what I would say is be as diligent as you can, but I would give something. Like, even if it's $10, but start that habit. I always tell people, give a little until you can give a lot. 10% I think is a great baseline, but if you can't get there, give something. Start the habit because people believe, well, if I just had more money, I would give. And the weird, messed up truth of it is, if it's not a habit in your life and you get more money, your lifestyle just seems to match up to that and you just get used to that and use to that.

And it's not as easy because you're just continued to live in the habits you've been living. So once you start getting out of debt and you have an emergency fund and you start to get control of your money, you're going to find more margin. And that's where you can up it. But dream big about this, you guys, because generosity is a part of money that a lot of people don't talk about. But it is something that is so, so huge. It is huge in who you are.

So find that thing. Again, for me, it's foster care and adoption. Like, I had this goal. I'm like, how fun would it be to pay for somebody's international adoption one day and just, like, write the check for them and just do it. Like, have things in your life that you think, I want to do that. I want to do that. Because that is going to spur you on to do things bigger and better than just what's in you

and what you want for your life, right? So changing your family tree is huge and doing all the Ramsey Baby Steps. Part of that is to change your life and change your family tree's life. But we say to live like no one else so later you can live and give like no one else. And giving doesn't have to be a thing you dread or you hate to do. Again, making it small and a manageable habit now. and as you start to do better, open that up and continue to give more and more. So whether you're, you know, spiritual or not, whatever, the science, though, is there.

It is proven the people who are generous, have higher levels of joy, have healthier, mental health stability, and there is just something about living your life selflessly that affects all areas of your life. And it's a pro. It's a pro. So give it a try today and even download every dollar. Because when you start your budget, you'll see on every dollar the very first category is giving, I challenge you to a new way of thinking. Practice generosity and put something there.

How you guys, do you ever feel like Amazon listings, they trick you into ordering something, and then you end up getting it, and you're like, this is just terrible. Well, recently, in my Amazon purchase history, I've seen some highs and I've seen some lows. So today, in the spirit of saving you from wasting your money, I'm going to share four things that I loved from Amazon that are actually great buys, and four things, not so much. And, since I always end on a positive note, let's just start with the bad things I did not like. So the first item that did not meet my expectations that I really hope for. And I will admit, I feel like I was a little influenced into buying them because I saw a few

bloggers and then a few celebrities that had them on their stories. And I was like, oh my gosh, these are so cute. And it's like these hoops. And they're very, very, very thin hoops. And I thought, I want to try these out. and so I ordered some of Amazon, got them, and yeah, definitely not as high quality as they seemed. Yeah, it was a little bit sad because when I started putting them in, I was like, oh my gosh, it's like, like you bend it and it just stayed that. Like, it didn't have a shape, like it just was not great.

Cheap metal, it broke, just not good. But after that accessory fail, I decided to pivot. A piece of workout equipment should be great, right? which brings me to the second Amazon item that was not great. I must say, I have some compassion on the version of me who thought that she could buy some cheap athletic gear on the internet and suddenly just, it'd be great and awesome. So Winston, actually, we were looking online,

and I was like, ooh, I really want some resistant bands because we were doing some stuff and you got a pull-up bar. And I was like, this would be great, great, great, great. Yeah, they weren't. I think they lied. Like, I genuinely think they just did not, they did not work, y'all. I'm telling you, like they had like a certain weight

or something of what the resistant was supposed to be. I was like, this isn't it? They were just cheap. They were not great. So it was a no-go for me, at least in my experience with this brand. Which is why I decided to pivot back to jewelry again with item number three. Now, I know that some of you have very strong feelings about my why behind this purchase, but Winston and I had a trip coming up where we had tickets to a very exciting show.

And for this show, everybody in the audience dresses up very enthusiastically. It's a lot of Gen Ziers and millennials and, you know, all the things. And so, yes, it was a Taylor Swift, Taylor Swift concerts. So it decided to go with the reputation vibe. And so I got these, like, this packet of snake jewelry. And I was like, this would be great. And I think the earrings were fine. Everything else, it was just crap.

I tried doing the bracelet, but it kept unwinding. It was falling apart. The necklace, like, was supposed to cross, but it, like, looked all bizarre. Anyways, it was very inexpensive. and that's when you realize some things you buy that are cheap or like dupes and they're awesome and actually are great and hold up well. This, not so much. Not so much.

The outfit was great. The snake situation around the arm and then, yeah, it just wasn't. It wasn't. Very sad, but we're fine. We live to see you another day. So the fourth Amazon fail on my list is the sticky patch that goes on your iPhone so that it sticks onto surfaces while you film. And I've seen some influencers use it and had a short video or would talk directly into their phones

for a social post. and, you know, that's my job. So I was like, oh, yeah, what this is is great. Well, it's so funny is Winston bought one and two uses it all the time. All the time. For me, I don't like it. I think I got makeup in it. It didn't stick as well.

And every time I put it up, I just feel like I'm, like, panicked because I'm like, oh, my gosh, I feel like it's going to fall down and it's going to break. And I get more anxious using it than not. So maybe it's more of a me problem, but I was like, mm-mm, can't do it. It was not my favorite purchase. I didn't like it. Okay. we go and cancel our Amazon Prime accounts, those are things that I did not love. But here are some

that I did love. Buying this next item on Amazon pretty much was a core value of mine at this point. I use these every single day, but they're way too easy to lose or to break for me to ever buy a really fancy version. And I know we've all had moments where we accidentally sit on them in the car and crush them where they drop into the lake and you can never find them again. And if you know me, you know that Amazon sunglasses are a must. I mean, I mean, a quick $999 pair that is trendy and cute, and they look like they're $500, but they're not. Give me Amazon sunglasses all day, people, all day. The next Amazon item that I've been loving recently is another go-to plastic accessory.

I remember seeing these for the very first time back in the 1990s, you know, Claire's in the mall. You can almost smell that Auntie Ann's pretzels in the food court, you know, go back there. Well, the second item that I just love from Amazon are some good claw clips for my hair. Yep. Now, they come in all different shapes and sizes. But let me tell you, these that I bought, it was like a four-pack, large clips, and they are some of the best in the biz, I'm telling you. It's just one of the best things that you can do.

I'm like, it was cheap and expensive, showed up at my door, and cute and trendy, all the things. All right, you guys went crazy for this third Amazon purchase that I loved. And out of all the financial content that I put out on the internet, all the things about teaching you about money on social media, this was the thing you couldn't stop commenting about. And I don't blame you because I literally wear these once a week and it compliments every single time I wear them. And they are my pink trousers from Amazon. They are the comfiest piece of clothing ever. They are flowy. They are professional. They are cute. And I have them in four other colors because they're affordable and they're wonderful. So give me a good trouser. All right.

day any day, and all of you loved it. You were all like, where did you get those pants? Where did you get those pants? Amazon, you're fantastic. Hey, but if I'm being honest, this fourth and final item probably has been the biggest game changer of my life day to day because my entire life I've struggled with the same thing that a lot of women struggle with from time to time.

You know, no matter who you are, it's part of your appearance that you think about at least once a day when you wake up in the morning. For me, it's something that I'm very aware of, and I spend a good amount of time on because I'm on camera and the lighting and the pictures and all the things, and that is my biosilk hair therapy treatment. It is like great.

I get a lot of my products on Amazon. But this, I got really inexpensive. It was cheap. I think it was like $17. And I just used a little bit at a time. But it's convenient. It does great for the ends. It's useful.

It's all the things. And it doesn't cost a fortune. So moral of the story, the most convenient, useful products in your life, they don't have to cost a fortune. And sometimes when you buy something because it looks so life-changing on Amazon, it ends up not fulfilling.

the needs in real life that you think it might. This? Oh, it did. But of course, online shopping has to fit into your budget, of course. And make sure to check out every dollar to create your personalized monthly budget so that you can know, hey, how much money do I have to spend on clothes or hair products or resistant bands, ones that actually work? Right? Like, those kind of things.

Oh, Amazon. I usually love my purchases there. But yeah, a couple of those just didn't quite do it, you know? happen sometimes. Well, Dawn, I want to thank her so much for being on the show. She's incredible. Make sure to check her out. And for all of you guys that are loving this podcast, if you would leave a review and let us know the things that you want to hear in future episodes because I love to hear from you guys. So thank you so much for listening to this episode. And remember to take control of your money and create a life you love.