Alani Asis, Author at Clever Girl Finance Empowering women to achieve financial success. Fri, 12 Jul 2024 13:03:36 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://www.clevergirlfinance.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/cropped-Favicon-06-12-400x400.png Alani Asis, Author at Clever Girl Finance 32 32 32 Fun Challenges To Do At Home Instead Of Going Out https://www.clevergirlfinance.com/fun-challenges-to-do-at-home/ https://www.clevergirlfinance.com/fun-challenges-to-do-at-home/#respond Fri, 12 Jul 2024 11:09:00 +0000 https://www.clevergirlfinance.com/?p=15070 […]

The post 32 Fun Challenges To Do At Home Instead Of Going Out appeared first on Clever Girl Finance.

]]>

Going out to watch a movie, see a sports game, and attend a concert can be a fun way to spend your time, but it can also be quite expensive. But you don’t have to spend much money to have a good time! There are tons of fun challenges to do at home to beat the boredom. Keep reading for some great ideas!

Fun challenges to do at home

Did you know that American families spend about $3,458 on entertainment every year? Instead of spending your hard-earned cash paying for entertainment, gather up some friends and family and give these at home challenges a try!

32 Fun challenges to do at home

Whether you love speed challenges or fitness challenges, we have just the list of at home challenges for you! These challenges can be done by yourself or with friends and family. Even use them as family night ideas!

That said, here are 32 fun challenges you can do at home that are entertaining and budget-friendly!

1. Accent and impressions challenge

The accent and impressions challenge requires at least two people, 20 sheets of paper, a paper/pen, and a timer.

First, write an accent (i.e., American, British, Scottish accent) on each slip of paper and put the pieces of paper in a pile. If there are more than two players, you can split the participants into two teams.

Then, two players (from the same team) must stand on opposite sides of each other. Have one player pick up an accent card and raise it above their head.

Finally, the other player must speak with the accent shown on the card. If the participant with the accent card can guess the accent being spoken, then the team gets a point. Each team is given one minute to rack up the most points. You can get accent help or confirm an accent is accurate by checking on YouTube!

Alternatively, you can also impersonate famous people and guess who that person is.

2. Psychiatrist challenge

This at home challenge requires at least two players, and no materials will be needed. One player will be assigned the role of the “psychiatrist,” and the remaining players will be the patient(s).

Then, the players must form a circle with the psychiatrist in the middle. The objective of the psychiatrist is to figure out the shared pattern among the other players.

For example, say the players (patients) agree to use a number every time they speak. The psychiatrist will be allowed a maximum of 20 questions to determine this pattern.

Example:

Psychiatrist: Patient 1, who are you?

Player 1: No one (1)

Psychiatrist: Patient 2, who are you?

Player 2: Me too (2), I am no one (1).

If a player (patient) doesn’t follow the rule, the other patients must shout, “Psychiatrist!” That usually gives the psychiatrist a hint as to what the pattern might be.

3. Know that lyric challenge 

Are you a song aficionado? You’ll certainly love this fun challenge that you can do at home! The “know that lyric” challenge requires at least two players, 20-30 slips of paper, and a pen/pencil. You can also use a bowl to put the papers in.

First, on each slip of paper, write a song lyric. Then, underline half of the lyric for each slip of paper. Take a look at this song lyric, for example: “Oh say can you see, by the dawn’s early light.”

You would start by singing the first part. Then, the other players would have to jump in and guess the second part (the underlined section). If a player guesses the lyric, then they receive a point. The player with the most points wins.

Try writing different song topics for the best results, and try different genres. For instance, write songs from a category like country music, but also Broadway show tunes and pop music.

I personally love games like this and find it’s great to play for a family game night!

4. Blindfold makeover challenge

The makeup challenge requires at least two players, a blindfold, and the makeup of your choice. One player must apply makeup on the other participant while wearing a blindfold.

Take some pictures after the challenge and share them with your friends. You might be surprised by how well you’ve done! Maybe you will get inspired to try our custom “glow-up” challenge too!

5. Blindfold drawing challenge

The blindfolded challenge for drawing requires at least two players, a pen or pencil, two pieces of paper, and a blindfold. The players must wear a blindfold and draw the same picture from memory.

When finished, remove your blindfolds and compare drawings. Then have a judge decide who drew the better picture and give that person a point.

6. Baby food challenge

Ready to test your senses? Here is a fun challenge you can do at home. The baby food challenge requires at least two players or more, six types of baby food, and a couple of spoons.

Each must take turns eating a spoonful of baby food without spitting it out. If a player keeps the food in their mouths, then they will get a point. The player will get another point for identifying the type of baby food that was eaten.

After going through all six containers, tally up the scores. The player with the most points wins!

7. Tin can challenge

The tin can challenge requires at least two players, eight to ten tin cans, a spoon, and a can opener. First, pick out different types of canned food you find gross, strange, or smelly. Then, pick out several canned foods that you find tasty. You might use beans, tomatoes, etc.

Next, remove the label of each can and place a number on each corresponding can. Write the numbers down and place them in a container (or a hat).

Then, have each player draw a number from the container and open the can with the matching number. Finally, the player must eat a spoonful of the mysterious substance without spitting it out.

Each person who guesses correctly gets a point, and the person with the most points wins the game! It’s one of those fun challenges to do at home that requires a strong stomach.

8. Eat it or wear it challenge

Don’t mind the mess? Here is another fun challenge you can do at home that you’ll definitely enjoy!

The eat it or wear it challenge requires at least two players. You will also need about 15-20 brown bags, spoons, cups, and random food (mayonnaise, tuna, soda, french fries, juice, and donuts) you may have in your house.

Start the game by having each player go through the bag and remove the item inside. The player can either choose to eat it or dump it over their heads. If the player chooses to eat it, they can dump the remainder on the player of their choice.

The game can get really messy (and smelly!) so you might want to play this at home challenge in your backyard.

9. Whisper challenge

The whisper challenge requires at least two players, headphones, and a device to play music from. Pick one player to wear the headphones, and another to turn up the music so that the other participant is inaudible.

The player without headphones must say a phrase, while the player with the headphones guesses the phrase by reading the other person’s lips. If the player guesses the phrase right, then they get a point. The player with the most points wins.

This is one of the best at home challenges to play. Even Keanu Reeves and Jimmy Fallon have a blast with this challenge!

The cookie challenge requires at least two players and a cookie of choice. If you enjoy cooking or you like baking, you can make the cookies yourself! First, each player must place the cookie on the middle of their forehead.

Then, they must use their facial muscles to get the cookie into their mouths. The first player to do so wins! The cookie challenge is personally my favorite of all the fun challenges to do at home.

11. Chubby bunny challenge

The chubby bunny challenge requires at least one player and a bag of marshmallows. Stick as many marshmallows into your mouth as you can until you can no longer say “chubby bunny.”

If you are playing with multiple participants, take turns putting a marshmallow into your mouth and saying “chubby bunny.” The person who can fit the most marshmallows into their mouth while being able to say “chubby bunny” wins! If you love sweets, then this is one of the tastiest fun challenges to do at home.

12. Bake off challenge

The bake-off challenge requires at least two people and random ingredients you can find in your pantry. First, give each player 30 minutes to make something from those ingredients. After the 30 minutes is over, have someone taste the creations and decide who did it best.

I love baking so this is one of the best challenges to do with friends, in my opinion. My favorite part is that we get to eat the leftover baking creations!

Alternatively, you can challenge yourself to a bake-off with another player by seeing who can make the best meal from the same recipe. Consider these delicious, frugal meals to try out to level up your game.

13. Egg dropping challenge

The egg dropping challenge requires one person, a raw egg, and materials for the container.

The objective is to build an “egg” armor that can withstand the impact of a drop. Test your design by dropping the egg from a high elevation. If your egg doesn’t crack, congrats, your device works!

14. Yoga challenge

Every yogi will love this fun challenge that you can do at home! The yoga challenge requires at least two players and no materials are necessary. Start by having the first player perform a yoga pose of their choice.

They can either start with an easy pose or jump to something more advanced. The other players must mimic the pose and hold it for at least ten seconds.

Each player who can mimic and hold the pose for ten seconds earns a point. The person who earns the most points wins!

15. Dance-off challenge

Get ready to bust a move with this at home challenge! The dance-off challenge requires at least two players and no materials are necessary.

To start, the first player must perform a short dance move. Then, the next player must mimic the dance move and add a new one.

Each player will take turns performing the previous moves while adding their own. There will eventually be a long sequence of dance moves, so the person who breaks the sequence loses! It could be another great date night idea, too.

16. Relay race

Hosting a relay race among friends can be a fun summer challenge that you can do while you’re home! The relay race requires at least two players, and the materials will vary based on the type of relay race.

There are messy outdoor water activities, like the fill-the-bucket water race or bobbing for coins, and fun indoor games, like necking the orange or passing the balloon. The types of relay races are endless, and are pretty easy to set up!

For your relay race, try to include at least two or three challenges that each person must complete before the next person on their team begins. The first team to finish everything wins!

17. 30-Day jump rope challenge

Jump rope is a great way to get your body moving and your heart pumping, especially if you don’t have that much time! The jump rope fitness challenge is great if you want to squeeze a little exercise into your day. The 30-day jump rope challenge requires at least one person and a jump rope.

Start off with as many skips as you feel comfortable with, then increase your skips in 25-50 intervals each day. By the end of the 30-day challenge, you might be able to get up to 1500 steps or more!

Of course, don’t forget to take breaks when needed. After all, this is supposed to be an enjoyable challenge!

18. Riff-off challenge

Love to sing? Then this is one of the most fun challenges to do at home with your friends. The riff-off challenge originated from the movie Pitch Perfect and has been a popular game since. This riff-off challenge requires at least two players and no materials are necessary.

One player starts the game by singing a song lyric, then stops at a word of their choice. Then, the other player has to sing a new song starting off with that particular word.

For example, if the song lyric is:

“I can’t help falling in love-

The other participant can jump in with:

-love never felt so good.”

The game ends when a player can’t think of a song to start at that particular word.

19. Alphabet game

The alphabet game has at least two people, and no materials are necessary, making it one of the easiest challenges to do with friends.

Each player will take turns acting out a random scene (e.g. friends at a party, or students in class). The first person must start their sentence off with the letter A, and the next player must start their sentence off with the letter B.

Each player must deliver their line starting with the next alphabet letter. The game’s objective is to go through the entire alphabet without stopping. Give each player about five seconds in between each turn.

If players can’t think of the next sentence before time is up, they are eliminated. The last player standing wins!

I think if you can think quickly on your feet, this is an extremely fun at home challenge.

20. Ice bucket challenge

You’ve likely heard of the ice bucket challenge and the role it played in promoting awareness and donations for ALS organizations. You can still support these organizations using the ice bucket challenge!

The idea is simple. Fill a bucket with ice water and choose a willing participant. Then, dump the bucket of water on their head. The idea is to increase donations for research and a cure for ALS, so try to give if possible!

Get your friends and family involved, challenging each other and donating.

21. Minute-to-win-it challenge

The minute-to-win-it challenge can either be played by one person, a group of people, or in teams. The materials vary based on which games you choose to do.

Make a scoreboard if you are playing with multiple people to track who or which teams win. The list of minute-to-win challenges is endless!

Play defying gravity and try to keep three balloons up for a minute, or see if you can completely wrap your friend up in streamers without exceeding the time limit. Sounds fun? Here are some minute to win it fun challenges to do at home!

22. Word recall challenge 

The word recall challenge requires at least two people, at least 4 sheets of paper, and a pen/pencil. Start by having one player write a list of 25 words (preferably 4-letter words) on a sheet of paper.

Then, give the other player two minutes to study the entire list. After the two minutes is over, take the list away and have that player write down every word they remember.

Finally, the players will switch roles and repeat the process. The person who can recall the most words wins!

23. Try not to laugh challenge

This challenge requires at least two players and a compilation of your favorite videos. You can also tell jokes or stories to try to get people to laugh. The players must sit through this without laughing.

The player that goes the longest without laughing wins. This at home challenge will brighten anyone’s day!

24. Photoshoot challenge

The photoshoot challenge requires at least one person and a camera (can be your mobile phone). Have a photoshoot in and around your house. Use your imagination to create backdrops and props from items lying around.

Then, share the silly pictures with your friends and family or on Instagram! Who knows, maybe you will love them so much that you will turn them into a profitable photography side hustle!

25. 100 layer challenge

The 100-layer challenge requires at least one person and 100 articles of the same type of clothing or makeup of your choice. If your clothing of choice is a shirt, then layer on 100 shirts.

If your makeup of choice is lipstick, then apply 100 layers of that lipstick. To play this game with a group of friends, see who can put on the 100 layers without quitting, or who can do so the fastest!

26. Pillow challenge

The pillow challenge involves taking common home decor (like a pillow) and turning it into a wearable piece.

It requires at least one person, a pillow, and accessories of choice. Turn your pillow into a dress or a skirt and embellish your outfit with accessories! Then, have a photo shoot around your house and share your pictures with friends and family!

27. Cleaning challenge 

Need to get some cleaning done but don’t have the motivation to do it? Decluttering your life can have a ton of benefits, like reduced stress and increased focus. And decluttering doesn’t have to be boring, either!

It can be one of the most fun challenges to do at home. Simply spice up your cleaning routine by turning it into a game. See how fast you can declutter your room, and try to beat that number each time you clean it.

Want to get your family to enjoy decluttering? Have a competition and see who can clean their room the fastest. Reward the winner with a prize afterward!

28. Getting to know you challenge

Getting to know you is one of the best at home challenges for new best friends or long-time partners. Good communication builds strong relationships and can improve all aspects of your shared life. It doesn’t have to be daunting, either!

The getting to know you challenge facilitates conversation through the exchange of surface-level and personal questions. You can deepen your relationships by learning more about someone and having them learn more about you!

You can make it a challenge by having each person ask a question and then the next person for a set amount of time. Or you could have each person ask several questions in a row and see who runs out of questions first!

29. Escape room challenge

An escape room challenge takes some prep time, but it’s worth it and is a memorable way to spend an afternoon.

First, find a place to create your escape room, which could be an empty room or space in your home. Then, make clues and a puzzle that must be solved, each clue leading to the next one like a scavenger hunt. The final clue should solve the puzzle or open the door to the room.

It’s also fun to have a time limit so that there’s a sense of urgency during the game. See who can escape the room first or solve whatever the puzzle is!

30. Mannequin challenge

The mannequin challenge will put your skills to the test! Each participant must remain completely immobile, like a mannequin, at the start of the challenge. You can then see who can stay still the longest, or you can play music and have people freeze as you turn the music off and use a point system.

Be creative with this game, and try out different versions!

31. Cooking challenge

For this game, you need an impartial judge and 2 or more participants. Each person will be given a time limit (usually between 1 and 3 hours), and they must create a delicious meal. You can have everyone use the same ingredients or give people time to shop for their own.

If you are having everyone use the same ingredients, try to include some unique flavors that present a challenge, like watermelon or hot sauce. Or add a unique twist, like, the meal must involve chopsticks.

At the end of the time limit, they’ll serve their meal to the judge and be graded on things like originality, flavor, presentation of the food, etc. It’s a fun idea if you’re an amateur chef trying to perfect your craft or if you’re just having fun!

You can do multiple courses if you want, but the best part is that everyone can eat the food at the end!

32. Save money challenge

A money saving challenge like this is ideal if you have a bit of time and you want to improve your savings game! You’ll need at least two people for this challenge, though you can include as many as you like.

To play, agree on an amount of time, like a week or month. Then, see how much money you can save during that time.

For instance, you might see how much you can save in ten days. But remember, you must start from zero and not include previous savings!

A quicker version is to see how much cash you can find and save in a single afternoon. You might check your change jars, under the sofa, or in your car. In the end, see who found the most change.

If you want, treat yourselves to something fun, like ice cream, with the money you find!

Expert tip: You can still have fun spending time at home

Personally, I’ve discovered that trying out a fun at home challenge can save me a ton of money. It also helps me bond and spend quality time with my friends and family. Doing something like this can help you out if you’re on a strict budget or want to save a lot of money for a goal.
You can still spend time with your friends without spending a fortune. Pick one night a week, every two weeks or once a month to try out something fun!

What challenges can you do at home for kids?

There are so many fun challenges to do at home for kids, and some ideas include the accents and impersonation challenge, the blindfold makeover challenge, the blindfold drawing challenge, the whisper challenge, and the dance challenge.

Make sure to choose a challenge that will be entertaining or educational. Competition challenges can also be fun, but make sure that kids don’t get too competitive! Instead, help them remember to have fun and do their best.

What at home challenges can you do by yourself?

On your own? Not to worry, there are several challenges you can do at home alone that are a ton of fun!

For example, you can try out the chubby bunny challenge, the egg-dropping challenge, the 100-layer challenge, the cleaning challenge, and the 30-day jump rope challenge.

Another great challenge is the saving money challenge. You can compete with yourself to save more money each week or month than the one before.

Be sure to check out our list of things to do when you’re bored!

What are fun challenges to do at home with friends?

Some fun challenges to do with friends include makeup or drawing challenges, baking challenges, and even money challenges. It’s important to pick something that interests you and your friend group.

To find the right games, I like to consider whether my friends and I enjoy competition, art, or practical games. Then, I choose things that will be both entertaining and help me spend quality time with the people I care about!

Why is it more fun to do a challenge with friends or family?

It’s more fun to try out a game or challenge with people you care about because it can help you become closer. You’re spending quality time together and doing something fun and memorable!

Additionally, some challenges can be fun on your own, but others are better with a group. You’ll create fun memories and may discover hidden talents you didn’t even know you had, such as cooking or drawing.

If you enjoyed this article on fun at home challenges, check out this related content!

Try these fun challenges to do at home!

These at home challenges are an excellent way to enjoy the day without spending a bunch of money. Even if you are a working mother of three kids, a full-time graduate student, or a working professional, you are never too busy to have fun. “Playing” as adults can have lots of benefits, and can be considered a form of self-care.

The best part is that having fun can be completely inexpensive and guilt-free! Learn how to incorporate “fun” into your budget by creating a budget that works for you with our completely free budgeting course! You can also make saving money fun by trying out some different money-saving challenges.

Check out the Clever Girls Know podcast and YouTube channel for more fun ideas on how to save money!

The post 32 Fun Challenges To Do At Home Instead Of Going Out appeared first on Clever Girl Finance.

]]>
https://www.clevergirlfinance.com/fun-challenges-to-do-at-home/feed/ 0
How To Be Ruthless When Decluttering Clothes! https://www.clevergirlfinance.com/how-to-be-ruthless-when-decluttering-clothes/ Thu, 23 Dec 2021 17:48:55 +0000 https://www.clevergirlfinance.com/?p=16299 […]

The post How To Be Ruthless When Decluttering Clothes! appeared first on Clever Girl Finance.

]]>

How to be ruthless when decluttering clothes

I used to feel like I had nothing to wear even though my closet was always jam-packed with clothes. On top of that, I'd feel stressed and overwhelmed every time I'd have to face the tragedy that was my wardrobe. It wasn't until I learned how to be ruthless when decluttering clothes that my perception of my closet and my personal style had changed for the better.

Nowadays, I spend less time searching for something to wear and more time doing things that matter to me, and you can too! So let's dig into how to declutter clothes and how to keep your closet decluttered!

What is ruthless decluttering?

It isn't uncommon for people to hold onto things they don't need, but a cluttered closet can take an emotional and financial toll. Ruthlessly decluttering your clothes is a bit different from organizing your closet.

While the goal of organizing is to create a system that makes it easier to find items, the goal of ruthless decluttering is to get rid of clothes that don't add value to you.

It isn't easy to find the motivation to declutter and downsize your wardrobe. But ruthless decluttering will enable you to sort through items that enhance your life and sort through items that don't. By doing so, you can learn how to fall in love with your closet and personal style once again.

Should you try ruthless decluttering?

So, you might be wondering, "does my closet need to undergo ruthless decluttering?" It might not. Maybe your closet needs light organizing over a complete transformation. So, before you start discarding clothes, ask yourself a couple of questions.

"Does my closet make me feel overwhelmed and helpless? Do I have heaps of clothes I never wear? Does my closet make me feel negative about my personal style?" If you answer any of these questions with a "yes," then a closet purge might just be what you need.

What are the benefits of ruthless decluttering?

While it is never easy to let go of clothes you spent your hard-earned money on, ruthless decluttering can be a freeing experience.

Although you lose that beloved shirt you never wear, you make space for clothes that actually serve their purpose in your life. Here are a few benefits of ruthless decluttering:

Mental clarity

Cluttered spaces can leave you feeling overwhelmed and stressed, which isn’t a good way to start your mornings. In fact, mothers in cluttered homes have higher levels of the stress hormone cortisol. You shouldn’t have to start your day feeling stressed, and a good ruthless decluttering can help mitigate that.

Similarly, clutter is said to be a visual distraction that overwhelms your brain. As a result of overstimulation, clutter can impair the working memory.

While some people have the ability to thrive under cluttered circumstances, most people respond positively to a decluttered space.

Save time in the morning

It's easy to feel overwhelmed when presented with a crowded closet in the morning. I used to waste an extra 15 minutes trying to find the perfect outfit to wear only to end up choosing the same outfit I usually do.

Ruthless decluttering will allow you to pick from fewer options. While that may sound depressing at first, these options only include items you absolutely love, so you no longer have to waste more time in your closet than you have to.

Easier to keep your closet clean

Do you spend a considerable amount of time tidying your closet but can never seem to keep it clean? One explanation is that you are organizing your closet rather than ruthlessly decluttering your clothes.

Getting rid of items that you don't need mean less clothing you have to wash, fold and organize. This can save you a whole lot of time and energy that could be used elsewhere.

Saves money in the long run

Women have an average of $1,000 to $2,500 worth of items in their closets. Additionally, 50% of women won't wear 25% of their wardrobe, which is about $600 worth of clothes wasted.

Decluttering your closet will help you understand your personal style, so you'll be more intentional with future apparel-related purchases.

Find items easily

Isn’t it frustrating when you know exactly what you want to wear but can’t quite find it? Searching for that beloved cardigan can feel like finding a needle in a haystack. According to a study by IKEA, "we spend an average of 5,000 hours looking for lost items!"

That is a lot of wasted time, and I prefer to spend no time finding exactly what I need. Additionally, ruthless decluttering will allow you to see all your pieces at first glance, so you can save yourself the stress of not finding that item when you need it.

So with that being said, let's dive into how to declutter clothes!

How to be ruthless when decluttering clothes: 8 Key tips

Now that you're aware of the benefits ruthless decluttering can have on your mental state and financial goals, it's time to get to decluttering!

Here is how to be ruthless when decluttering clothes! You can take things to the next level by checking out our list of best decluttering books! You can also check out our tips to involve your kids in the decluttering process too.

1. Get in the right headspace to start ruthless decluttering

Ruthless decluttering can feel overwhelming at first, especially if you're devastated by the idea of having fewer clothes.

However, knowing why you're decluttering in the first place will keep you motivated during the process. Think about what you want your closet to look like or how you want to feel when you step into your closet.

Maybe you want to revamp your closet so that it only includes high-quality items that you will love and wear frequently.

Perhaps you simply want to save time in the morning by having fewer clothes to dig through. Knowing your "why" can help you declutter your closet with intention and direction.

2. Set a deadline

Setting a deadline is how to declutter clothes efficiently. Schedule a day and a time where you can go through your closet thoroughly.

So, one to two hours should be enough time to get through the ruthless decluttering process. You can also include ruthless decluttering as part of your home cleaning routine or you can set aside a separate day to ruthlessly declutter your clothes.

3. Make ruthless decluttering fun

Do you want to know the secret of how to be ruthless when decluttering clothes? Make it fun! Decluttering doesn't have to feel like a chore; rather it can be quite enjoyable when paired with a fun or relaxing activity.

For instance, you could call up a friend or watch your favorite Netflix series while you sort through the clothing in your closet.

You could also turn on some good music and have a dance party while you declutter your wardrobe. The options are endless, and ruthless decluttering doesn't have to feel ruthless at all!

4. Motivate yourself with a reward

As mentioned, getting rid of your stuff is never easy, so treating yourself to a reward might motivate you to get started. Although it probably isn’t a good idea to reward yourself with a shopping spree to fill your closet again, the reward doesn’t have to be expensive or time-consuming!

Treat yourself to an ice cream cone or set a date with a friend afterward. You're more likely to enjoy the experience if something fun is waiting for you after the mundane task.

5. Lay out all your clothes

Dumping all your clothes into one place can help you face the number of clothes you actually have. Additionally, it can give you an idea of what you might want to keep or what you want to do away with.

You could also opt to do some light dusting of your closet and organizers before placing your clothes back inside.

6. Create a sell, keep, donate, and discard

Separating your clothing into different categories is how to be ruthless when decluttering clothes. You should create a sell, keep, donate, and discard box. Here are some things to keep in mind when you decide where each item should go.

Sell

What if your items are still in tip-top condition but it doesn’t quite fit the theme of your wardrobe or personal style? If this is the case, then you’ll certainly benefit from selling your clothes!

Make a quick buck from your items by selling them on second-hand online stores like Poshmark or ThredUP. You could also opt to sell your items at your local consignment store. You’ll be surprised by how much you could potentially make from used items!

Keep

The “keep” box is comprised of items you absolutely love and will wear frequently. There are several questions you can ask yourself to determine if an item is worth keeping. For instance, "Do I or will I wear this item often? Does this item make me happy? Does it fit? Is this item a duplicate?"

Donate

Do you have clothes that you never wear but don’t see resell value in? Sometimes the shipping fee might cost more than the item itself, so it might not be worth selling at all.

If you have an article of clothing that is still in decent condition, then head over to your local thrift shop and donate your clothes for someone else to use instead!

Discard

Do you have clothes that are completely worn out and falling apart at the seam? If the item doesn't appear to have value to you or anyone else, then your best bet is to discard it.

Alternatively, if you're a skilled sewer, then you could give your clothes new life by repairing the damage or finding ways to upcycle them!

7. Ask yourself questions as you start ruthless decluttering

As you start ruthlessly decluttering your clothes, you might struggle with distinguishing which items are worth keeping and which aren't.

Maybe you're on the fence about that cute, yellow top you loved on the mannequin but haven't yet worn. Fortunately, there are a few questions you can ask yourself to help with the process.

Do I or will I wear this often?

Is this item of clothing something that you've worn many times in the past? Is this an item you'll always go back to when you've got nothing to wear? If this is the case, then you should absolutely keep that piece as you'll likely wear it again.

Similarly, you should keep clothing that might not be in season but you'll certainly wear when the time is right (think winter clothes!).

Does this item make me happy? Do I feel comfortable wearing this?

Maybe you don't wear that black dress all time, but when you do, you feel your absolute best. Keep clothing that makes you feel confident about your style and clothing that you are comfortable wearing.

Too often, we buy items that look good on a model or mannequin but we don't quite feel our authentic selves in. If the piece of clothing doesn't make you happy, then consider tossing it.

Does this item fit?

I'm guilty of keeping pieces of clothing that are too small in hopes that they'll fit one day. This phenomenon is sometimes referred to as "goal weight clothes." "Goal weight clothes," serve as a reminder of one's weight loss and dieting goals.

However, this practice often has adverse effects, namely to do with one's self-confidence and inability to let go of items that don't provide true value. This is why it might be easier to let go of items we don't like over items that don't fit.

Is this a duplicate?

Do you really need five pairs of the same hoodie in different colors? The answer is usually no. Now, if you're thinking about rocking the "Steve Jobs," look, you might be an exception. However, if you have duplicates of the same article of clothing, then consider doing away with it.

8. Avoid second-guessing as you ruthlessly declutter

Whether it be digging into that "sell" box or leaving an item aside for later, avoid second-guessing your decisions. Ruthlessly decluttering your clothes requires you to commit to your choices.

All that being said, the more you practice decluttering, the easier "trusting your gut," gets. Standing firm to your decisions is how to declutter clothes with success.

Ruthless decluttering like a pro? Maintain your wardrobe!

Congrats! You've decluttered your closet. However, ruthlessly decluttering your clothes is only half the battle. The other half is to maintain a decluttered closet. Fortunately, there are a number of ways to do so.

Ruthlessly declutter by tracking your wardrobe

You can make ruthless decluttering easy by tracking the frequency you wear a particular item. There are simple and straightforward methods like the "hanger-turning trick," or you could opt for a more elaborate tracking system like the "pen and paper," method. Here are a few tricks on tracking your wardrobe:

Hanger turning

An easy tip to track your closet is by using your hangers. Every time you use a piece of clothing, turn its hanger the other way. Creating an easy wardrobe is that simple!

Set a date (perhaps every six months or once a season) to toss any clothing you haven't used within that time frame. Continue to do this as often as you feel like.

Pen and paper method

Another simple and easy method to track your clothing is by using the pen and paper method. Start by making a list of all the items you own and then add a tick next to the item every time it's worn.

This method is a little time-consuming especially if your closet is still relatively full, but it's helpful to get a visual of which items you wear the most over time. Additionally, you could use note-taking apps like Google docs or Notes if you prefer tracking digitally.

Apps

Finally, apps specifically for curating your wardrobe could be used for more complex tracking systems. In addition to tracking your "wear frequency," you could also use the app to plan future outfits.

Planning your outfits ahead will save you a lot of time and a lot of stress in the morning. There are tons of affordable apps like Stylebook and SmartCloset that will do just that.

Be conscious with your new purchases

At this point, you might feel the urge to fill the empty space with new purchases. However, one of the most important parts of ruthless decluttering is keeping your closet decluttered. Here are some things to keep in mind before you shop:

Keep your closet criteria in mind

Does the new item fit your aesthetic and style? Do you feel comfortable wearing this item, and do you anticipate wearing it often?

Asking yourself the aforementioned decluttering questions can help you decide whether the purchase is going to be of value to you or if it's going to find its way to the back of the closet.

Remember to shop your closet before making any new purchases!

Buy it later

Another way to ensure that your clothes stay ruthlessly decluttered is by saving purchases for later. For instance, there might be a pair of shoes you really want to buy. You might think that you absolutely need it at the moment.

Before making the purchase, leave that pair of shoes in your cart for about a week. 95% of the time, you'll probably forget about the item anyway. However, if you still think the purchase is still worth it, go ahead and buy it. This trick is effective in keeping you from impulse buying by delaying gratification.

Limit the number of clothes in your closet

Limiting the number of clothes you have in your closet can prevent your closet from becoming crowded and cluttered once again. I suggest building a capsule wardrobe!

A capsule wardrobe contains about 10-14 of your favorite pieces to be mixed and matched, and worn together.

Before going on a shopping spree, identify what your decluttered closet needs and what it doesn't need. Then, plan your capsule wardrobe and set a budget.

Don't feel compelled to spend on your closet all at once. It's important to take your time to find and purchase items you absolutely love.

Set a date to ruthless declutter your closet again

Don't feel bad if you end up with a cluttered closet once again. Set aside some time to ruthlessly declutter your clothes again, and find a system that works for you.

Set a date to declutter your closet again

As mentioned earlier, it's important to set an hour or two for ruthless decluttering. Check back every six months or once a season to declutter your closet, and don't forget to motivate yourself with a reward after you've finished.

Ask a friend to keep you accountable

As humans, it's easy to fall off the wagon in our decluttering journey. That's why it's helpful to commission a friend to remind you of your ruthless decluttering goals. Perhaps you both can start a ruthless decluttering routine together and keep each other accountable!

Ruthless decluttering doesn't have to feel ruthless!

Now you know how to be ruthless when decluttering clothes! Letting go of your favorite items might be hard at first, but imagine how good it'll feel to walk into your decluttered closet every morning.

You'll no longer have to stress over what to wear, you'll save more money in the long run, and you'll spend less time trying to find items in your wardrobe. Ruthless decluttering doesn't have to feel ruthless, and you can learn to love your closet once again!

Now that you are on a roll of minimizing your wardrobe and saving money from not buying new clothes, keep the momentum going by enrolling in our completely free "Savings challenge" bundle.

It features various money-saving challenges, including the "Master your spending" challenge, which will help you not spend money on anything but necessities!

Also check out our other articles about decluttering, such as books on decluttering and how to declutter paperwork. For more great tips on being fashionable on a budget, tune in to the Clever Girls Know podcast and YouTube channel!

The post How To Be Ruthless When Decluttering Clothes! appeared first on Clever Girl Finance.

]]>
Beauty Hauls, Makeup Hauls… Are They Ruining Your Finances? https://www.clevergirlfinance.com/beauty-haul-makeup-haul/ Sat, 04 Dec 2021 04:06:45 +0000 https://www.clevergirlfinance.com/?p=15977 […]

The post Beauty Hauls, Makeup Hauls… Are They Ruining Your Finances? appeared first on Clever Girl Finance.

]]>

Beauty haul makeup haul

Beauty is a $500 billion industry and will continue to grow with the help of social media and rapid-changing trend cycles. Two emerging trends in this industry are beauty hauls, and makeup hauls.

The idea of revamping your skincare or makeup routine to keep up with the latest hype is gaining traction among consumers. Especially when they see haul videos from their friends and favorite influencers.

And yes, getting your hands on the newest products all at once is tempting. But, going on beauty hauls and makeup hauls could be ruining your finances.

So let's talk about these beauty and makeup hauls in more detail and what you can do instead!

What is a beauty haul?

If you've ever been on social media, then you probably know the meaning of a beauty haul. If you aren't familiar with the term, a haul is an act of buying products in large quantities. This usually occurs in a short span of time. Kind of like a shopping spree!

Beauty haul meaning: A beauty haul specifically refers to skincare, haircare, and other personal care products purchased in bulk.

You might participate in a beauty haul to test and try new products. Or maybe you've seen the 10-step skincare routine and want to incorporate a complex skincare regiment into your routine. However, owning a variety of personal care products is often unnecessary and quite costly.

What is a makeup haul?

Makeup haul meaning: A makeup haul refers to cosmetics purchased in bulk just like a beauty haul. Despite the cost, makeup hauls are popular for several reasons.

One reason makeup hauls are so popular is that you can build an extensive makeup collection that allows you to experiment with different looks. In turn, you can keep up with ever-changing makeup trends with a large collection.

Another reason is that makeup hauls allow you to buy and try various products until you find one that works for you. However, by doing so, you most likely end up with a bunch of barely used products.

Now you know the beauty and makeup haul meanings so let's dive into how they could be harming your finances!

How the beauty haul and makeup haul trend could be ruining your finances

If you are working towards your financial goals, then you should steer clear of the beauty haul and makeup haul trends. Cosmetics and personal care products aren't cheap.

When bought in large quantities, these purchases can take a toll on your wallet. To be more specific, here are some ways they could be hurting your finances:

Being influenced by social media

As you scroll through your feed, you'll often see beauty content creators post their makeup hauls and beauty hauls. As a result, you'll be tempted to buy things you don't need with the money you might not have.

Social media has a way of luring its audiences to make compulsive spending decisions. It is so easy to open Instagram or TikTok, see something you like, and make a purchase with the click of a button.

Seeing all your friends and favorite influencers making big cosmetic and beauty purchases can pressure you to do the same. Similarly, being bombarded with deals and discounts can tempt you to spend money in fear of missing out.

Buying makeup and beauty products you never use

Regular makeup hauls and beauty hauls inevitably result in products going to waste. You won't use a product if you don't like it, if it falls out of trend or if it simply doesn't fit into your makeup routine.

As a result, you'll spend more money to replace that product. So, the cost of having unused products ultimately adds up, and this can take a toll on your finances.

The cost of makeup adds up

The cost of makeup adds up, so it is important to ensure your purchases are worth its cost. Women spend over $3,700 for beauty maintenance per year and over $200,000 over the course of their life. That's approximately $300 per month! If you can save $100 or even $50 by shopping smart, then you're doing your wallet a huge favor.

How to shift way from beauty haul and makeup haul trends

Social media and peer pressure make it difficult to avoid impulsive spending. However, there are ways to move away from beauty haul and makeup haul trends. And no, you don't have to give up makeup entirely!

1. Set a budget

Before you stock up on beauty supplies, be sure to set a budget. Setting a budget will prevent overspending on beauty hauls or makeup hauls.

Take a look at your bank statements and credit card bills dating two or three months back. Then, determine the average amount you spend on beauty products each month. Set a goal to reduce that amount by $100 or even $50 per month depending on how you see fit.

To prevent overspending, you must distinguish between your needs and your wants. Is this a product you'll use regularly? Or are you making an impulsive purchase based on an ad or a beauty haul you saw online? Setting a budget can help you make conscious purchases based on items that enhance your life.

2. Ask for free samples before buying full products

While it might be tempting to switch foundation brands every time you come across a new one, constantly testing out new products is costly. Especially if you don't like the way a product looks or works and it ends up going unused.

But once in a while, you like to treat yourself to something new, and that's perfectly fine! You don't need to do a beauty haul or a makeup haul to find something you like.

By asking for free samples before buying full products, you'll reduce the amount spent on products you won't use. Sephora and L'Oreal offer free samples on their website so you can try before you buy. Of course, you could also walk into major department stores to pick up free makeup or beauty samples.

3. Incorporate a good yet simple skincare routine

A good skincare routine is important, and it doesn't have to be complex or expensive! A good skincare routine can help you reduce the amount of makeup you use, which saves you money in the long run.

You don't need a 10 step skincare routine, and you don't have to fork over hundreds of dollars to take care of your skin. There are amazing drug store skincare products that cost less than $20 and work very well.

4. Take a minimalist makeup approach

Taking a minimalist makeup approach will help you enhance your appearance all while saving money. By adopting a minimalist makeup routine, you'll save a ton of time getting ready in the morning too.

Additionally, you no longer have to spend on products you don't need or won't use daily. Start your minimalist makeup routine with BB cream, concealer, blush, mascara, and lip/eye color. Then, incorporate additional steps into your routine how you see fit.

5. Go on a social media detox

Seeing beauty hauls and makeup hauls regularly could influence you to splurge on products you don't necessarily need. A social media detox will reduce your exposure to beauty hauls and ads which will prevent you from making impulsive purchases.

Not to mention, a social media detox will benefit your mental health and help you save money and time that could be spent on your goals instead.

There are many ways to do a social media detox. You could opt to unfollow influencers that don't align with your spending goals, or you could choose to delete Youtube, Instagram, or TikTok entirely.

Alternatively, you could watch anti-haul content. Anti-hauls are a relatively new concept to counteract the beauty haul and makeup haul trend.

Influencers create anti-hauls to share makeup or beauty products they won't be buying. Anti-haul content can perhaps persuade you out of buying that eyeshadow palette you had your eyes on.

Avoid beauty hauls and practice mindfulness instead!

Beauty hauls and makeup hauls could be ruining your finances. The best way to steer clear of beauty hauls and makeup hauls is by practicing mindfulness in your purchases.

Social media can make you feel like you're missing out if you can't get your hands on the latest beauty product. But it is essential to make purchases that align with your values, enhance your life, and allow to you live authentically.

Learn how to create a budget that includes a category for your beauty products with our completely free budgeting course! Don't forget to subscribe to the Clever Girl Finance YouTube channel and Clever Girls Know podcast for more great tips on being stylish on a budget!

The post Beauty Hauls, Makeup Hauls… Are They Ruining Your Finances? appeared first on Clever Girl Finance.

]]>