Podcast Summary: How to Money - Episode #1004

Title: Use It Up, Wear It Out, Make It Do, or Do Without with Katy Wolk-Stanley (Bestie Ep)

Release Date: July 2, 2025

Hosts: Joel and Matt
Guest: Katy Wolk-Stanley, Founder of The Non-Consumer Advocate

Introduction

In the 1004th episode of "How to Money," hosts Joel and Matt welcome Katy Wolk-Stanley, a renowned frugal living expert and the mastermind behind The Non-Consumer Advocate. The trio delves deep into the principles of non-consumerism, exploring practical strategies to live economically while minimizing environmental impact.

Katy’s Frugal Philosophy

Katy introduces her guiding principle: "Use It Up, Wear It Out, Make It Do, or Do Without." She traces its origins back to World War II, highlighting its enduring relevance. Katy emphasizes that this approach is not about deprivation but about conscious consumption.

Katy Wolk-Stanley [05:26]: "It's so concise, and yet it's wide and meaningful."

Joel and Matt appreciate how the motto contrasts sharply with modern society's consumption-driven mindset, noting its appeal among Katy’s dedicated followers.

Balancing New Purchases with Frugality

Despite her frugal stance, Katy acknowledges the necessity of buying certain items new, particularly those related to personal hygiene and comfort.

Katy Wolk-Stanley [07:31]: "I categorize personal care items like toothbrushes and undergarments under things I will buy new."

She shares her reluctance to purchase used mattresses due to concerns like bed bugs, illustrating her selective approach to frugality.

Matt [08:29]: "Well, that might be one area where I've got you beat, Katie."

Katy maintains that quality and necessity dictate her choices, avoiding items that pose health risks or require extensive repairs.

DIY Repairs and Sustainable Living

A significant portion of the conversation centers on Katy’s passion for repairing items to extend their lifespan. She advocates for utilizing resources like YouTube for DIY fixes, thereby reducing the need for new purchases.

Katy Wolk-Stanley [12:28]: "There is very rarely something that you're trying to figure out how to do that you can't find on YouTube."

Katy recounts repairing a dining room chair for her son, transforming it from discarded furniture into a functional piece, thereby preventing it from ending up in a landfill.

Matt [13:16]: "Which is, honestly, that's the most important thing, right? The ability for folks to gather around that table."

Determining When to Replace vs. Repair

Katy discusses her criteria for deciding whether to repair or replace an item, using her refrigerator as an example. After numerous repairs proved futile, she opted to replace it with a more durable, no-frills model from Costco, ensuring longevity and reliability.

Katy Wolk-Stanley [14:36]: "I look for companies that treat their employees well and pay a living wage. That's who I want to buy from."

This decision underscores her commitment to quality and sustainable consumption, emphasizing the financial and environmental benefits of choosing durable goods.

Maximizing Tax Benefits Through Donations

Transitioning to decluttering, Katy advises listeners on how to effectively donate items to organizations like Goodwill for substantial tax deductions. She highlights the importance of detailed record-keeping to maximize returns during tax season.

Katy Wolk-Stanley [17:14]: "They'll give you a $10 credit for a single pair of men's pants. That could be significant."

Joel and Matt humorously caution against over-donating essential items, ensuring the conversation remains practical and relatable.

Thrifting and Reselling for Extra Income

Katy shares her success in thrifting and reselling items for profit, illustrating how strategic purchasing and sales can generate additional income. She emphasizes setting profit goals to make the effort worthwhile, typically aiming for a $30-$50 return per item.

Katy Wolk-Stanley [31:22]: "I bought them for $9.99 each and sold the pair for $175 on Facebook Marketplace."

This section provides listeners with actionable insights into how they can emulate Katy’s methods to declutter and bolster their finances simultaneously.

Frugal vs. Cheap vs. Non-Consumerism

A pivotal part of the episode explores the nuanced differences between being frugal, being cheap, and embracing non-consumerism. Katy contends that these concepts are often mistakenly seen as mutually exclusive but argues for a more integrated approach.

Katy Wolk-Stanley [23:11]: "It's a good Venn diagram: cheap, frugal, and non-consumerism intersect in the middle."

She explains that non-consumerism transcends frugality and cheapness by focusing on purposeful living and environmental stewardship, rather than mere cost-saving.

Embracing Contentedness and Personal Satisfaction

Katy emphasizes the importance of contentment in resisting societal pressures to consume. She advocates for finding happiness within one's existing resources and possessions, rather than seeking fulfillment through purchases.

Katy Wolk-Stanley [28:37]: "It boils down to contentedness. If you are content with who you are and what you have, Madison Avenue can't touch you."

This mindset shift is presented as essential for long-term financial stability and personal well-being, encouraging listeners to prioritize inner satisfaction over material accumulation.

Practical Frugality Tips for Daily Living

Katy offers a plethora of practical tips for integrating frugality into everyday life, such as:

1. Strategic Grocery Shopping: She explains her method of purchasing specific items from different stores to maximize savings without additional time investment.

   Katy Wolk-Stanley [38:46]: "I call it the dented vegetable store, where I buy bulk organic mixed greens for two bucks instead of six seven dollars."

2. Minimalist Parenting: Katy discusses raising children with a focus on quality over quantity, ensuring they appreciate and make the most of the items they have.

   Katy Wolk-Stanley [35:21]: "Having less stuff helps kids focus more and appreciate what they have."

3. DIY and Self-Sufficiency: Encouraging listeners to perform simple repairs and maintenance, Katy underscores the value of self-reliance in reducing unnecessary expenditures.

Building Financial Security for Future Generations

Katy reflects on how her frugal practices have positively impacted her family, particularly in funding her children’s education without accruing debt. She highlights the broader financial benefits of living below one’s means, fostering long-term stability and opportunities.

Katy Wolk-Stanley [52:02]: "We paid for their college out of pocket through our extreme frugality, setting them up for a good adult life without burdensome debt."

Conclusion and Key Takeaways

Joel and Matt commend Katy for her insightful and practical approach to frugality and non-consumerism. The episode reinforces the idea that intentional spending, combined with a contented mindset, can lead to both financial freedom and personal satisfaction.

Key Takeaways:

• Intentional Consumption: Focus on buying only what is necessary and maintaining quality to ensure longevity.

• DIY Repairs: Utilize resources like YouTube to fix items, reducing waste and saving money.

• Donation for Tax Benefits: Properly document donations to maximize tax deductions.

• Thrifting and Reselling: Turn unwanted items into profit by strategically purchasing and selling quality goods.

• Mindset Shift: Cultivate contentedness to resist societal pressures and find fulfillment beyond material possessions.

• Practical Strategies: Implement everyday frugality through strategic shopping, minimalist parenting, and self-sufficiency.

Listeners are encouraged to visit Katy’s website thenonconsumeradvocate.com, join her Facebook group, and follow her on Instagram for ongoing tips and community support.

Notable Quotes

• Katy Wolk-Stanley [05:26]: "It's so, like, concise, and yet it's wide and meaningful."

• Joel [07:31]: "I start the buy nothing new practice myself even before I started blogging."

• Katy Wolk-Stanley [12:28]: "You don't need to invent the wheel."

• Katy Wolk-Stanley [23:11]: "I feel like the cheap versus frugal debate is like a false dichotomy."

• Katy Wolk-Stanley [28:37]: "It boils down to contentedness."

Further Resources

• Katy’s Blog: thenonconsumeradvocate.com
• Instagram: @thenonconsumeradvocate
• Facebook Group: The Non-Consumer Advocate
• YouTube Channel: The Non-Consumer Advocate

For more insights and tips on managing your finances and living a fulfilling life without unnecessary consumption, subscribe to "How to Money" on your preferred podcast platform.