Hi, I’m Elle. After battling my own 20 year shopping addiction and mounting debt, I realized the root of the problem wasn't my math.

It was what I was trying to fix, prove, or hide by buying more things.

Don't Be A Lemon is for anyone who feels overwhelmed by their spending habits. Yes, the daily coffees, the manicures, and the impulse busy absolutely matter. But restricting your spending won't work if you don't understand the psychology driving the purchase in the first place.

This is the brutal honest truth about:
• The psychology of emotional spending
• Why we actually buy what we buy
• The toxic money habits sold to us by influencer culture

Let's stop chasing status and find identity beyond consumerism.


Don't Be A Lemon

100,000 subscribers.

To be honest, when I started this channel, I never imagined 100,000 people would want to follow along.

Thank you for watching, commenting, sharing your stories, and being part of this community. What started as me trying to get out of debt and figure out my own relationship with shopping and money has turned into something much bigger than I ever expected.

To celebrate, I'd love to do a Q&A.

If there's anything you've wanted to ask, please leave your question below. Nothing is off limits.

If you'd rather ask privately, you can also email me at dbalemon@gmail.com.

Thank you again for helping me reach this milestone. I appreciate every single one of you 💛💛💛

3 weeks ago | [YT] | 2,502

Don't Be A Lemon

For years, I thought status made me look successful, designer bags, perfect nails, a life that photographed well.

But looking back, I realize it had the opposite effect.

The harder I tried to look “put together,” the more insecure I looked.

Status chasing isn’t confidence, it’s signaling that you don’t have enough of it.

I’m still unlearning a lot of it, but I’m no longer chasing the signal.

8 months ago | [YT] | 618

Don't Be A Lemon

Yesterday I brought my dog to the vet.


I noticed CareCredit posters all over the office.


And it’s not just the vet.


I’ve seen CareCredit ads at dermatologists, med spas, doctors’ offices, even plastic surgeons.


Here’s the problem:


They show up when you’re at your most vulnerable.

Your pet needs urgent care.

You’re worried about your health.

Or you’re considering an expensive elective surgery.


That’s when they push CareCredit as the “solution.”


But it’s not a solution.

It’s a trap.



Red Flag #1 – The fake 0% interest

It’s not really free. It’s deferred interest.

If you don’t pay every single dollar by the deadline, they charge interest on the ENTIRE bill from day one. (They have been sued for this)



Red Flag #2 – Sky high interest rates

After the promo ends, the rate often jumps to 30% or more. That’s higher than most credit cards.



Red Flag #3 – They catch you under pressure

These offers are everywhere in high stress situations when you don’t have time to read the fine print.



Red Flag #4 – Complaints everywhere

Thousands of people report billing errors, surprise charges, poor customer service, and sudden account changes.


CareCredit is designed to look like help, but it costs people way more than they expect.


Avoid this company if you can.


P.S. Aspen is okay but may need surgery. Thank god for an emergency fund 💛

8 months ago (edited) | [YT] | 623

Don't Be A Lemon

I’m on a mission: figure out what clothing is worth the price and what’s just overpriced hype.

Step one: Learn how the clothes are actually put together.

I wish I did this years ago….

P.S Libraries are amazing 💛

9 months ago | [YT] | 458

Don't Be A Lemon

I just filmed a Deinfluence video on the products I won’t be buying.

I forgot to include the brand Saie so let’s talk about it.

It’s heavily hyped and hype fades fast. It’s a “‘must have” today but will be forgotten next season.

My current makeup already gives the same look ( I promise it’s not a game changer in your makeup routine)

Pretty branding, but the results aren’t likely anything special.

So no, Saie won’t be taking my money this time.

10 months ago | [YT] | 482

Don't Be A Lemon

Crazy we hit 20K! In honor of that, let’s do a Q&A. Ask me anything and I’ll do my best to answer. 🍋

1 year ago | [YT] | 360

Don't Be A Lemon

You know luxury dupes are getting out of control when you spot a Louis Vuitton Stanley

1 year ago | [YT] | 156

Don't Be A Lemon

By far the best personal finance video I’ve seen. If you need motivation to budget and save, here it is.

1 year ago | [YT] | 34

Don't Be A Lemon

I can’t believe I’m saying this, but I reached 10,000 subscribers! A few months ago, I never would have thought this was possible. I’d love to do a Q&A, so ask me anything, and I’ll do my best to answer. Thank you so much to everyone who has watched and subscribed—you’re amazing 💛

1 year ago | [YT] | 614

Don't Be A Lemon

A former shopaholic’s kryptonite.

1 year ago | [YT] | 131