Anyone else just not that bothered about buying new stuff as they get older?

[MrsGrindah]

Just realised that I buy less and less stuff these days. Never been especially materialistic but like most people enjoy fashion, nice phone etc. But over past couple of years my expenditure on stuff has gone right down. If I see something I like I’m quite happy to buy it and then automatically think “ But I have one very similar “ or “ I don’t neeed more jeans” etc. As a result I’m building up a nice nest egg but I know that’s not the reason why I don’t buy new stuff. Is it just me or do you eventually just get over the need to have new things regularly?

Yes I've become like this, in my twenties I wanted to buy stuff and more seemed like better, now approaching 40 I've really changed, gradually over the last five years in particular, and I want less stuff!

I feel really good when I can throw an empty beauty product bottle away for example, and only have the minimal in that way.

I stress out at birthdays and Christmas about the stuff, and if people ask me what I want I go for things I can use up ( chocolate, perfume etc) or practicle things I would buy anyway.

I have no interest in more clothes or shoes, I have minimal but good quality so it lasts.

New stuff just seems so wasteful to me now unless it is actually needed.

Totally agree. We have also been dejunking recently and I have been a bit horrified at all the stuff that has just accumulated over the years and don't really want to buy anything other than necessities.

Me too! And I'm a bit tight now as well (nearly 40)

Used to love a new phone, now I wait until mine turns itself off and gas a 3h battery life before researching the cheapest possible smartphone which isn't horrific.

Clothes - unless it's live at first sight I don't bother. And 90 % of the time I only love stripey tops & I have enough if those .

My running gear is bobbly and so, so old but ... Meh, I only sweat in it so I'll wait 'til it falls apart (imminent).

I would actually like to spend a bit more on clothes but I really struggle to find unfussy, well structured items on the high Street.

The shopping buzz has pretty much disappeared for me.

Definitely. DH and I were talking about this today. The only thing I really spend money on now is our twins, I had to buy some clothes in a recent sale as none of mine fit and I was a state. I just have no desire for more stuff.

Oh I’m glad it’s not just me! Though I might be getting to be a bit miserly , although I know saving money isn’t my motivation. Just don’t seem to see the need to spend money on more stuff

I'm the same.
I used to update my tech every year to keep up. Nowadays I want to get as much use from it as possible before having to replace it. Same with white goods. Never been into clothes really but will only buy if I absolutely have to.
The cost of living means no nest egg yet but I'm working on it !

Same here. I buy plants, books and essential clothes. Virtually nothing else (apart from food etc).

I was pottering round a shopping centre with DD recently and couldn't see a single thing I would spend money on. It does save loads of money, and means there is more for holidays or something special.

My brother thinks my phone is old-fashioned but as it makes calls and sends texts I'll be keeping it until it actually stops working. DH is the same as me, probably even less inclined to buy things.

We are in our late 40s and we can't even be bothered to decorate anymore, We will end up old people with decades old decor and furniture.

I don't buy much stuff but as I have three children about to go to university I have no expectations of building up a nest egg either.

Oh well...

I hate shopping with a passion, so I have very little motivation in the first place but yes, I really don't buy 'stuff' anymore. I have enough shoes to last me a lifetime and I couldn't care less about clothes. My house is perfectly lovely as it is, so there's really no need to decorate. I've got enough make up and toiletries to last for months. It's all just stuff in any case and it absolutely does not make you happier.

Yes! Approaching 40 too and I have clearly found my spendthrift kinfolk!

I HATE buying stuff, I am even stressing out because I have lost weight, at the prospect of having to buy new clothes! .

I think what does it for me, is the feeling that nothing lasts like it’s supposed to, I also get sick of replacing stuff that breaks quickly, or that my kids/dogs/exuberant nephews etc... have trashed over the years. I think my second wind will come when the kids leave home, and I can finally both afford nice things, and keep them safe/enjoy them once I have them!

Also, the typical high street/shopping centre is a souless clone of every other highstreet/shopping centre these days, nothing feels different or original anymore and I don’t get the same feel buying from online stores...

Crikey, yes.

A read of “Affluenza” by Oliver James will convince you you’re on the right path now.

I've reached a point where I actually got my favourite boots resoled because I couldn't find a pair I liked as much in any shops. The repair cost £7.50 more than the boots themselves originally cost me. I look in windows and magazines and online and nothing ever seems to bounce out shouting BUY ME NOW!!! in the way that stuff did twenty years ago.

Apart from chocolate...