Underconsumption Core 101 – EP 436

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Overconsumption is out, underconsumption core is IN! We’re talking about squeezing out the last drop of soap or shampoo, using up every bit of toothpaste, and rocking that dented flask. In this episode, Jen and Jill talk about what it is, why it’s gaining popularity, why you should care about it, and what you can do to spread the message!

“Frugality is not being cheap, it’s simply using what we have, being good stewards of our money and our resources”

Sponsors:

  • Deinfluencers. The people who don’t care if you follow them cuz they’re just out here living their lives non-aesthetically, drinking from whatever cups they can find, using mismatched towels, and wearing shoes they bought 3 years ago, encouraging you that your enough is enough. They’re pushing against overconsumption and showing us. And if you need to be influenced by some de-influencers you need to attend the virtual Get Organized Summit running the week of Sept. 9th. It’s all the de-influeincing and contentment creating inspiration we need to reduce our consumption and spending. Attend this virtual conference for FREE!

Defining Underconsumption Core

This article by Angela Law explores the emerging trend on TikTok of consuming less with greater intention, as she examines TikTok’s latest trend: underconsumption core.

What Jen + Jill have to say:

Jen explains that underconsumption core refers to buying only what you strictly need and then using it until it is worn out or requires mending or replacement. Which, for Jill, is a great way to open up the conversation about choosing to consume less with intention and a greater purpose behind adopting such a lifestyle.

The Two Side of the Core

Jen discusses how some perceive living with “underconsumption” as a privilege. Because many people prefer to buy expensive items thoughtfully and use them for a long time.

However, at its core, Jill emphasized that underconsumption doesn’t necessarily mean giving up quality or being extremely frugal—it simply means using the things you’ve purchased until they are fully utilized.

Ways to Partake in Underconsumption Core

Jen and Jill share various ways to embrace underconsumption. These include participating in minimalist wardrobe challenges, DIY upcycling projects, and thrift hauls. They suggest styling the same outfit in different ways and breathing new life into old belongings. Other ideas include sharing their mindful fashion journeys.

What’s your favorite personal mindful consumption hack?

Jen likes to reuse and maintain home items and buys whatever she can secondhand on Facebook Marketplace, eBay, and Poshmark. She has also deleted apps that tempt her to buy things. Jill’s favorite hack is keeping a list to stay mindful and planned about her spending.

Bill of The Week

Thank you Kelly for sharing your bill about finding full-time work and the security it’s providing!

Thanks so Much for Listening!

Thanks so much for listening. We love love love reading your kind reviews and we especially loved this one from:

✰✰✰✰✰
The only money-related podcast I enjoy

As a trying-to-be responsible grownup person, I try to keep on top of financial advice, but it always felt like a chore. Jen and Jill give me all the info I need, but I actually look forward to listening to and learning from them. Thanks for making a serious topic so much fun

If you want to check out our monthly challenge community head to frugalfriendspodcast.com/club to see what challenge we have coming up next.

Keep leaving us reviews on iTunes or Stitcher, and sending the screenshot to reviews@frugalfriendspodcast.com. And don’t forget to share your favorite quote from the episode by using the hashtag #FrugalFriendsNote. 😉

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