11 Things We're Not Buying in 2026 to Be Happier | Queer Money Ep. 633

Our Commitment to Stop Wasting Money on Worthless Stuff We’re not broke. We’re just done paying luxury prices for low-value lives. In this episode of Queer Money, we’re breaking down the 11 things we’re not buying in 2026 because too much of what people spend money on today is just worthless stuff dressed up as self-care, status, or convenience. And for too many gay men, those purchases quietly lead to stress, lifestyle inflation, and staying stuck one paycheck away from panic. This isn’t about deprivation. It’s about finally seeing the difference between what looks fabulous and what actually builds a fabulous life. We’re talking about everything from upgrading phones too often, designer clothes, seasonal home décor, and movie theater prices, to buy now, pay later traps, new cars, 50-year mortgages, and spending money just because you technically can. We also get honest about the kind of spending habits that keep many of us chasing appearances instead of building freedom, peace, and options. If you’ve ever looked around and wondered why so much modern spending feels expensive, underwhelming, and weirdly empty, this episode is for you. Because the truth is, we didn’t get calmer, happier, more financially secure lives by making endless amounts of money. We got there by spending with intention and investing the difference. For gay men over 45 especially, this matters. The pressure to look successful, stay relevant, and buy into convenience culture can be intense. But real wealth doesn’t come from collecting status symbols. It comes from owning your choices and refusing to waste money on things that don’t improve your life. In this episode, you’ll hear: The 11 things we’re not buying in 2026 Why so much “luxury” spending is actually low-value spending How worthless stuff delays retirement, freedom, and peace of mind Why intentional spending can buy more happiness than status ever will How to stop financing a lifestyle and start funding your future If your money keeps disappearing faster than your patience at brunch, this conversation may be the reset you need. Takeaways: Intentional spending beats performative spending. Luxury isn’t always value. Many of the things we’re told to buy are distractions from real freedom. The less you waste on low-value habits, the more you can invest in happiness, mobility, and early retirement. Chapters: 00:00 - Intro 00:58 - New Phones 01:45 - Food Delivery 02:17 - New Home Goods & Seasonal Decorations 02:45 - Big-Chain Quick-Casual Restaurants 04:08 - Designer Clothes 04:47 - Movie Theaters 05:07 - Curated Thrift Stores 05:38 - “Low” Monthly Payments 06:36 - New Cars 06:57 - Trump’s 50-Year Mortgage 07:50 - Buying Things Just Because We “Can Afford Them” 08:27 - Outro Mentioned in this episode: Your fabulous retirement in Portugal is calling! Ready to turn your IRA assets into a gateway to living in Europe? With the Optimize Portugal Golden Opportunities fund you can do just that. Join hundreds of other U.S. investors taking control of their retirement and using the assets they have to open doors to freedom. Click below to get your Portugal Golden Visa! Get Your Portugal Golden Visa Here! Get Your Portugal Golden Visa Here! Want the confidence to retire when and how you truly want? If you’re considering retirement abroad, or simply want a second & third set of eyes on your retirement plan, we help gay foks retire fabulously — wherever that may be. Our retirement mentorship can help you gain the confidence to say yes to retirement! Queer Money Retirement Mentorship Make your retirement fabulous! Not sure if you can retire or when? Worried about how much you can safely spend without running out of money? We help you get clear answers and the systems to retire with confidence and peace of mind. Let's go! Queer Money Retirement Vault