This piece is part of my 2016–2026 archive migration. Some original formatting, content, and external links may be missing, changed, or not be optimized.
It’s funny how some of the most broke people have the most stuff.
It almost makes you want to look at them like they’re crazy because they would have more financial resources if they stopped buying bullsh*t or sold much of their belongings.
But to each their own.
Most People Will Never Have Any Real Money
The more you consume, the less you keep.
People are frequently broke and without money because they continually buy stupid stuff.
What Stupid Stuff Does To Your Finances
It keeps you in debt
It keeps your net worth in the red
It keeps your savings and investment rates low
It keeps your liabilities higher than your assets
It keeps you buying things you think you need and want
The more stuff you buy, the more broke you become – unless you have an excess income that allows you to make unlimited purchases without any adverse financial effects.
Most of the stuff people buy is from something other than the dollar store (but consistent cheap or low-cost purchases still add up quickly).
People make mainly impulse purchases from online stores (i.e., Amazon) and in-person department stores (i.e., Target). It’s unnecessary services, subscriptions, recreational activities, and other non-essentials that cost more than $1.
Why I Choose Minimalism Daily
Clutter sucks.
Clutter takes a toll on your mental health, and it costs money to clutter up your home.
Go to the average person’s garage, storage unit, closet, or house, and I guarantee you’ll find a load of stuff that goes unused, unnoticed, and unnecessary.
There’s always something to buy.
There’s always something else that will grab your attention.
Someone told me they recently bought a travel vehicle sitting in their driveway; they are still determining what to do with it.
Then you have the people who buy endless holiday decor.
Why do some people have 50 coffee mugs, 50 plates, 50 forks, 50 spoons, and 50 pieces of Tupperware?
Why do some people have closets full of clothes with tags or clothes that don’t fit them?
It’s out of control, mate.
Some of you can laugh at the people who make these funny and extravagant bulk purchases because you’re frugal.
But people on the other side have bleeding bank accounts and credit cards. Eventually, they won’t be laughing or enjoying themselves so much.
Many people who buy stupid stuff in bulk have little in their financial portfolios.
When you prioritize one thing (purchases/liabilities), you sacrifice another (savings/assets).
The Only Time Buying Stupid Stuff Isn’t Stupid
When you can afford a stupid purchase – for instance, a $50 light-up face mask – and be on track with your retirement, savings, investments, and have a fully stocked emergency fund, and don’t have any debt, sure. Go for it.
But remember, the more stuff you accumulate, the more it can take a toll on you.
People only know how much stuff they have once they move or clean their house.
Some wonder why their house gets dirty so often because they have too much stupid stuff.
Another way to know you have too much stuff is if you need a storage unit, can’t park your car in your garage, or have stuff outside of it’s designated area in any of your spaces.
The more stupid stuff you have, the more time it can rob you.
If it’s not hurting your bank account, it’s hurting something else:
Your time.
Time is a nonrenewable resource; it’s the most precious thing you have outside your mind.
Minimalist Have This
One thing minimalists have is freedom.
They don’t have a lot of stuff weighing them down.
This content is for informational purposes only — not professional advice. Consult a qualified professional before making any major decisions.