Link to original video by Ali Abdaal

17 Cheap Purchases That Actually Improved My Life

Outline Video 17 Cheap Purchases That Actually Improved My Life

Short Summary:

This video explores 17 inexpensive purchases that significantly improved the creator's life. Key items include an apple chopper, a magnetic phone tripod, a portable bidet, multi-pronged USB-C cables, magnetic phone battery packs, real plants, Harry Potter-themed notebooks, small trash bins, a paper to-do list system, surgical tape for mouth taping, blue light blocking glasses, a Kindle, conversation cards, an Aeropress coffee maker, a yoga mat, a massage ball, and the VoicePal app (a speech-to-text writing tool). The video demonstrates how these seemingly small purchases contribute to increased productivity, improved well-being, enhanced organization, and better overall quality of life. The creator emphasizes the simplicity and affordability of these items, encouraging viewers to consider similar cost-effective solutions for their own lives. Several items are shown and their usage is explained in detail.

Detailed Summary:

The video is structured as a list of 17 cheap purchases, each discussed individually. Here's a breakdown:

  1. Apple Chopper: The speaker demonstrates how an apple chopper makes eating apples easier and cleaner, leading to a tenfold increase in apple consumption. This is presented as a simple example of a small purchase with a big impact on daily life.

  2. Magnetic MagSafe Travel Tripod: This lightweight tripod allows for easy self-photography and convenient video calls without the need for awkward posing or makeshift stands. The speaker mentions Peak Design as a brand but suggests cheaper alternatives.

  3. Portable Bidet: The speaker strongly advocates for the use of portable bidets for improved hygiene, comparing the Western reliance on toilet paper to practices in other cultures. He carries one in his backpack for use in public restrooms.

  4. Multi-pronged USB-C Cables & Magnetic iPhone Battery Pack: These are presented as solutions to cable clutter and low phone battery life. The speaker highlights the convenience of having multiple charging options and a magnetically attaching battery pack with a built-in stand. He mentions specific brands like Anker and Belkin.

  5. Real Plants: The speaker emphasizes the positive impact of real plants on the atmosphere and mood of a workspace, contrasting the smell of his studio with his wife's plant-filled space. He purchases several inexpensive plants to improve his studio environment.

  6. DeleteMe (Sponsored Segment): This section promotes DeleteMe, a service that removes personal information from data broker websites, highlighting concerns about online privacy and the risks associated with data brokers. A discount code is offered to viewers.

  7. Harry Potter Moleskine Notebooks: The speaker showcases his collection of Harry Potter-themed notebooks, explaining how aesthetically pleasing notebooks encourage journaling and planning. He also mentions Lochm 1917m dot grid notebooks as an alternative.

  8. Small Trash Bins: The speaker highlights the usefulness of having small trash bins in every room to prevent clutter and maintain a cleaner environment. He shows examples in his studio and living room.

  9. Paper To-Do List System: This section discusses a cheap alternative to expensive, artistically crafted to-do list systems. The speaker demonstrates the system's functionality, emphasizing its effectiveness in keeping tasks top-of-mind.

  10. 3M Surgical Tape (Mouth Taping): The speaker explains his practice of taping his mouth shut at night to encourage nasal breathing, citing evidence of its benefits for sleep quality.

  11. Blue Light Blocking Glasses: The speaker discusses the use of blue light blocking glasses to improve sleep, acknowledging the mixed scientific evidence but highlighting the placebo effect and its contribution to a bedtime routine.

  12. Basic Kindle: The speaker considers this a life-changing purchase, emphasizing the convenience and accessibility of reading on a Kindle compared to physical books.

  13. Conversation Cards: The speaker introduces conversation cards as a tool for deepening relationships and fostering meaningful conversations with friends. He demonstrates the game's mechanics and questions.

  14. Aeropress Coffee Maker: The speaker recommends the Aeropress as a cheap and effective way to make high-quality coffee.

  15. Yoga Mat: The speaker explains how having a yoga mat readily available encourages him to incorporate stretching and mobility exercises into his daily routine.

  16. Massage Ball: The speaker demonstrates the use of a massage ball for targeting muscle knots and relieving tension.

  17. VoicePal App (Self-Promotion): The speaker promotes his team's app, VoicePal, a speech-to-text writing tool, highlighting its time-saving benefits and ease of use. He shares his personal experience using the app.

Throughout the video, the speaker emphasizes the affordability and effectiveness of these purchases, encouraging viewers to consider similar cost-effective solutions to improve their own lives. The video is conversational and engaging, with demonstrations of many of the products.