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First, you will not regret buying reusable items that work for your lifestyle in 2025. I talk about reusable items all the time; I know I sound like a broken record, but you'd be amazed how much money and space you could save by switching over a couple of things. It's such a peace of mind not having to go to the store to buy more of a certain product. For example, I have reusable sponges, napkins, and period underwear—so many reusable items that save us thousands of dollars each year. Now, I do want to say there are some reusable items I wouldn't purchase; it doesn't mean they're bad, just not for me and my lifestyle. I don't feel the need for reusable Q-tips because, even though they're reusable, they don't fit my lifestyle. There are some reusable items I wouldn't spend money on because they don't fit my life. If you want a separate video on which reusable items are worth it, or how to choose reusable items for your home or car, let me know below. I can do a whole separate video on that.
Next, you will never regret buying a reliable vehicle in 2025. Not a luxury car, not a fancy car, not a brand new car—just a reliable vehicle. My car is used; I've had it a long time, and it drives like new because I keep up with it. Also, do your research before buying any car. Research the brand, gas mileage, and number of previous owners. Don't just jump on the bandwagon because a car is pretty or everyone has it. Trust me, I bought a fancy car, made payments on it, and it was one of the biggest financial mistakes ever. I could have made payments on a more reliable vehicle, and that would have been way worth it. The car I bought had so many issues and was very expensive because it was a luxury model. I paid so much for car insurance and payments; it just wasn't worth it. Once I started researching vehicles—how long they last, gas mileage, whether they last above 100,000 miles—I realized some cars don't. Some luxury cars are well-made, but consider your budget: can you afford payments and maintenance? Luxury models are pricey to maintain. I don't think anyone would regret buying a reliable vehicle in 2025. I'm a fan of used cars; they work just as great as new, if not better.
This is something I wish I'd purchased a long time ago, and I do not regret it: an electric toothbrush. The one I have is pricey, but you get what you pay for. I chose my model because it's plant-based and doesn't create waste. I try to do my part in lowering my waste, and my teeth have never felt so clean. I wish I'd bought one sooner, especially with impacted wisdom teeth. I don't plan on getting them out anytime soon due to insurance issues, but I needed a better toothbrush to clean them. A manual toothbrush just wasn't working. If you have impacted wisdom teeth or just want a thorough clean, get an electric toothbrush. I'll link the one I use below—not sponsored, I buy things with my own money. I have no complaints. You have to find the right toothbrush. There are so many electric toothbrushes; find one with the best function for you. Mine is minimalist: a built-in timer, two settings (regular and polish), a charger, and you change the heads every four months. It's great. I chose it because it's plant-based and minimalist; I don't like too many buttons on a toothbrush. I just want clean teeth. This is the first time I've actually brushed for two minutes. Before, with a manual toothbrush, I rushed. Now, my teeth seem brighter and more polished, without whitening products. I see a difference, especially with my back teeth—they're so much cleaner.
Another thing I don't think anyone would regret is a heavy-duty phone case. I have a DIY magnet attached, but it also has a protective screen, so you don't need a screen protector. I've dropped it so many times, and it's still fine. Find one that works for you. Newer phone cases protect your camera—a little sleeve that protects the lens; a genius idea. A phone case that protects your phone is far more reliable than a cute one. If you drop your phone, you won't have to replace the screen or phone. Stay away from cute cases. Mine is durable, maybe manly-looking, but it protects my phone. It makes my phone heavier, but I'm okay with that. My phone looks amazing; not a scratch on it. I've never met anyone who regrets this phone case. My partner bought one, loved it, and bought the same one for his iPad (he uses it for work). He's had it for four years, and his whole family bought the same case. It works so well.
This isn't a product, but something you'll never regret: learning the value of a dollar. Learn it on your own; watch YouTube videos, read books, listen to podcasts. There are so many ways. You can pass this knowledge on. It took me a couple of years. I had a shopping addiction in my 20s. By my mid-to-late 20s, I learned the value of a dollar. I don't waste money on stupid things anymore. I still make mistakes, but not nearly as many. Learning the value of a dollar helps you succeed and you can pass it on to your kids, nieces, nephews, family, and friends.
Next is learning to live with less and knowing what you have is all you need. Living with less has taught me so much—it's hard to put into words. It made me realize I wasn't missing out. I thought I was missing out if I didn't buy something—a shirt, outfit, or makeup. Living with less taught me you don't need everything. What you need is what you have or are working towards—a house, a better car. It taught me to take my time with purchases and do research: why do I need this? Where will I put it? Can I afford it? I always ask myself those questions now, thanks to living with less. No one will regret learning that what you have is all you need. If I hadn't learned to live with less and be happy with what I have, I'd be a very different, miserable person, like I was in my early 20s. I constantly wanted what I didn't have. Now I'm grateful. We want a house, but maybe it's not the right time. Everything happens for a reason. Living with less has taught me to be grateful, at peace with where I am, and at peace living in a somewhat empty home. I'm more at peace in a room with just a bed. I don't need fancy gadgets or furniture. That's not for everyone, but for me, I'll never regret learning to live with less.
Lastly, learn that no one lives a perfect life and it's okay to make mistakes. I used to put myself down for not getting my to-do list done, not having a certain career or savings by a certain age. I watched self-help videos and read articles; it helped me realize no one has things figured out by a certain age. Everyone's life is different; there's no such thing as a perfect life. I'm 33; I don't have what a typical 33-year-old in the US has—a house, kids—but do I need that to be happy? No. I'm more myself now than ever. I know what I like and don't like; I'm not following the crowd. You'll never regret learning that no one lives a perfect life; you'll make mistakes, and that's okay. I've made so many financial mistakes, but I learn from them. I don't put myself down; I move on. Let me know what you don't regret learning—from this year or past years. [Music]