People think that buying less means living less. What they don't see is..

@_amieobrien

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SoundTikTok sound · My First Kiss (feat. Ke$ha)

Why it worked

The content resonated by challenging a common societal pressure to consume, offering a relatable and aspirational alternative through practical budgeting and lifestyle choices. The creator's personal story and clear financial breakdowns provided actionable insights and a sense of community for viewers interested in financial independence.

Summary

This TikTok slideshow challenges the idea that buying less means living less, by showcasing how the creator prioritizes experiences and savings over excessive consumption. The creator details how they've made financial choices like buying a modest house, cutting food costs, and having a budget wedding to fund holidays, renovations, and personal well-being.

Structure

1Introduction to challenging consumer culture
2Financial choices for a modest lifestyle
3Prioritizing experiences and savings over material goods
4Budgeting strategies for food and major life events
5Focus on health and well-being over new purchases
6Invitation to follow the creator's financial journey

Product placement

ALDI: ACTS - grocery store where the creator shops, removing it would change the context of the food shopping slide. It is a physical store, so removing it would change what happens in the video. Apple Pay: ACTS - payment method used at ALDI, removing it would change the context of the food shopping slide. It is a payment system, so removing it would change what happens in the video. Cash ISA: ACTS - a type of savings account, removing it would change the context of the savings slide. It is a financial product, so removing it would change what happens in the video. St Andrews: ACTS - a savings account, removing it would change the context of the savings slide. It is a financial product, so removing it would change what happens in the video. School uniform 2027: ACTS - a savings fund, removing it would change the context of the savings slide. It is a financial product, so removing it would change what happens in the video. My lily Florida fund: ACTS - a savings fund, removing it would change the context of the savings slide. It is a financial product, so removing it would change what happens in the video. Lily's holiday Orlando: ACTS - a savings fund, removing it would change the context of the savings slide. It is a financial product, so removing it would change what happens in the video. Car MOT & service: ACTS - a savings fund, removing it would change the context of the savings slide. It is a financial product, so removing it would change what happens in the video. Christmas 2026: ACTS - a savings fund, removing it would change the context of the savings slide. It is a financial product, so removing it would change what happens in the video. Holidays: ACTS - a savings fund, removing it would change the context of the savings slide. It is a financial product, so removing it would change what happens in the video. Linktr.ee: APPEARS - a link aggregator in the creator's bio, removing it would not change what happens in the video as it is just a link to other platforms.

Original caption

Buying less = living more, here is how 😉💰 Let me influence you in a positive way 🙌🏼 Personal finance | budgeting | overconsumption | living within your means

More from @_amieobrien

On-screen text

People think that buying less means living less. What they don't see is.. We bought a modest 3 bed house with a smaller mortgage. This means that we have more money to spend on holidays, experiences and activities. A big house with a driveway and a downstairs toilet would be lovely. But this year so far I've been to London, benidorm, aviemore, have a hen do this month and Italy in September. I don't spend money on daily coffees, a new water bottle every month or seasonal decor for the house everytime B&M or home bargains has something new in! This has allowed me to put money into emergency savings (£50) a month instead of over consuming on stuff we just don't need! nearly at £4k! I cut our food shopping in half so that we had money to eat out and order takeaways. I meal plan, write a shopping list, buy reduced & non branded and avoid the middle aisles. It is tedious and meticulous. But this cut our food shop from £150 a week to £90 for a family of 3. Spending less in supermarkets = money to eat out. We had a budget/DIY wedding in 2024 at a local venue with 67 day guests. Our day cost £15k all in and while that is still a lot of money, it is the cheapest wedding we have been to out of all our family and friends. This meant we could do loads of renovations to our house and have a two week honeymoon in Italy. It was the most amazing day and if we had spent an extra £10k it would have been the same day! I would rather have the house done up than spend £25-40k on one day! I haven't bought a new car for years. She is 7 years old and I have a small finance payment. This means I can pay for really decent gym coaching (£120 a month) and actually focus on my health & wellbeing. A new car is only new for about 5 mins then the novelty wears off 🚗 I still buy all the things we actually need (see screenshot) I just don't put it on credit cards anymore! Car repairs, holidays and Christmas are all planned for by saving little & often. I still spend the same amount I usually would it just doesn't cripple me anymore. Gone are the days when a full months wage would gone on Christmas or holiday spending money! If you're new here .. hi 👋 I'm Amie! I'm from Glasgow and I'm challenging modern money culture. Creating content on practical budgeting and finance tips that you can use in everyday life. A former teen mum who went from debt to savings & has learned a lot along the way. Follow along to join the journey 💸