10 Things We Stopped Buying To Make Money For Financial Freedom

[@TheHumblePenny]

We had fun making this video :). What have you stopped buying in order to make more money?

[@mrsabe4]

Awesome video, Ken and Mary! One great money saving decision I made about 8 years ago was to go natural and cut my hair. I am loving it and saving so much money!

[@danielsquires2844]

How do you decide what’s being “too frugal”. Like for women doing hair and nails, eyelashes is very expensive or even guys with getting haircut and braids, how often you do it etc? And with work do you see networking - paying to go out for drinks/ lunch with colleagues as an investment or expense to cut down?

[@TheHumblePenny]

​@@mrsabe4this is huge!!

[@TheHumblePenny]

​@@danielsquires2844Good question. Mary does her hair once a month and most of the time, she does it herself. So for example, the hairstyle in this video she did herself. Once in a while, she goes to a salon if it's a complex thing. Nails - once a month. Around £22. Ken - I cut twice a month. £15 each time. I think this is a personal thing. Some see these as part of what gives them joy and that's fine. I certainly enjoy the banter at my barbershop etc. Networking is important but could also be done cost effectively.

[@ezinneerhirhieneeukaogo1439]

Eating out, limited it to once in 6 weeks on the average. I work over 50 hrs weeks with 3 young kids but still cook from scratch. Meal prepping.... No premium for me. No branded food or clothes.

[@NS-pt9rr]

Coming from an Indian Heritage, you guys are Indian definately.. Everything you say we have been doing from day dot. The new generation have unfortunately lost the plot & waste alot of money their parents earned but will only realise in the years ahead. Love your channel & well done❤

[@TheHumblePenny]

Haha 😄. Love this! ❤

[@alegna4132]

I am sticking with the gym for health reasons to do multiple aquafit classes and use the gym bikes to keep moving. But I don't drink or smoke so think that is a pay off. Have lived in this house 30 years and not planning a move anytime soon. Great video today guys - you are such a lovely couple. Thank you.

[@TheHumblePenny]

Thank you 😊. Yes, stick with your gym if it's part of your life of Financial Joy ❤

[@chidinmaanumnu3739]

Brilliant video 👏, thank you. Make one for parents please, how to keep our children happy without having to spend so much 😢

[@TheHumblePenny]

Great suggestion! Noted ✅️. What are you typically spending on for your children?

[@ezinneerhirhieneeukaogo1439]

My kids and I get ideas of dishes ,toys etc on KZbin and we have fun creating these at home. And we go to shops see the prices we've saved and hi five ourselves. I made it a priority to ingrain it in my kids not to judge themselves or others based on material things or holidays I opt for edutainment which are generally more affordable. We've gone to farms , gone on walks , gone sightseeing, camping etc. I emphasize meaningful connections rather than bragging rights.They do have some expensive stuff like a piano but they have to have wanted it for upwards of 3 months and have a plan for it. In my home ,it's a rule to write an application letter to me on why you want something and they have to make a sales pitch 😅. My 7 year old does this too. Then if you still want it months later we get it. We even discuss how to address their mates who try to make them feel down for not going to see overpriced movies, theme parks or have the popular school bags or lunch bags etc The earlier they learn not to bow to societal pressure the better for them You may want to check out the TIP academy.

[@chidinmaanumnu3739]

@@TheHumblePenny holidays, outings, it just seems like you have to spend good money to make them happy. I have tried to minimise these but just getting some unhappy faces.

[@FloralSmith-u7k]

Sim only mobile phone contract. Cook food from scratch.

[@TheHumblePenny]

💯

[@Andy-lu3bd]

Only thing I would say is nowadays a £3-£5 meal deal is probably about how much it would cost to make a decent lunch giving the prices of ingredients etc.

[@TheHumblePenny]

This is a good point. But it could be done cheaper and still healthy for sure.

[@emmacamm831]

I think good sized portion of a decent meal I have batched cooked and a snack such as a piece of fruit could cost me less then 3 pounds, it does require effort and always being on top of things. Id say the expensive drinks can be the best part of a meal deal. I save meal deals for when I am traveling home from a trip and I haven't had time to make something or haven't had access to a kitchen

[@sinkintostillness]

It depends what you're eating! My husband is the only one who takes in lunch and coffee in a flask in his office, and he is often baffled by this! Most days he's taking in sandwiches, fruit and crisps - plenty enough to get him through till dinner, he choses these items for ease of transport and incase he can't refrigerate at location. That's a loaf of bread, butter, the fillings (we mostly use cheese) a multibag of crisps and the fruit/veg items for the week. Sometimes we have left overs which transport well, so he'll take them in. That's £3-5 per week rather than day easily. Also he's drinking water through the day, so is not spending ghastly amounts on drinks which are usually packed full of sugars anyway.

[@sarahdaniels6078]

It’s strange how times have changed, now I feel embarrassed to wear the designer watch I bought 2 yrs ago. I guess it’s becoming older, but also more aware of how little I’m impressed by flashy, shiny, objects.

[@i.j.chibeze7404]

Brilliant video👌🏽Thanks Ken and Mary☺️ The highlight of this video is going through the 11 points and seeing that I already have these habits so I’m on the right track with the right mindset. I will even add to the list, not going to birthdays/activities of acquaintances just to please them or going over the top with costly gifts when you are not in a financial position to do so because you are actively fighting to accomplish a specific goal.

[@TheHumblePenny]

Glad you enjoyed it. Do share with others

[@i.j.chibeze7404]

@@TheHumblePennyDone ❤

[@MissAngieA]

Me too! Cancelled my expensive gym membership a few days ago. Otherwise on track! And great additional points. I always re gift where I can 😊

[@MissAngieA]

10 things to stop buying to make money ❌ 1) house upgrades / moving to a bigger home 2) premium TV subscriptions (eg. Sky) 3) expensive cars (pay monthly) 4) regular phone updates (don’t fall for it!) 5) designer clothes 6) daily takeout lunches 7) buying things on credit 8) dining out frequently 9) overpriced gym memberships 10) brand loyalty blindness (sometimes generic brands are just as good) 11) useless dates 😂 (don’t spend 100’s on dating, keep it simple)

[@christinamort]

Thx...we don't do all the list except for sky

[@SummerTyme2023]

❤

[@alitristan1933]

Never had fancy tv packages, me and hubby share a car since lockdown and both working from home. We don’t buy the latest phones and only do cheap, sim only contracts. The majority of our clothes and shoes are thrifted as are our children’s, had some amazing bargains from car boots and charity shops over the years. We always try to buy second hand before buying new. Your money goes so much further! I do get my hair cut and coloured but no other beauty treatments. We don’t eat out as much since covid either.

[@chrisjbawn]

Only just discovered your channel, great advice guys. So many of my friends waste cash on TV subs, takeaways, luxury car finance, designer clothes etc. Well done on preaching merits of humble living

[@abumaalik9272]

What i like about your advice is that its not just about being frugal and living, its advice that geared towards achieving a goal.

[@benj6244]

Great advice and positivity as always!

[@chrisloizou7997]

Great video and thanks for sharing! I just signed a 3 year car lease split with my partner via an EV salary sacrifice scheme through work. It works out to be approx. 200 quid a month each, and its tax efficient. So we thought why not. Also just bit the bullet on 2x new iPhones and watches for both myself and partner. I think its important to have a balance and enjoy your money. I found that I was saving way too much for my future self, and not actually living for today. Remember to live a little, as well as save. Money is a means to get wealth, this is true, but it is also there to be spent today! Finding that balance can be somewhat difficult.

[@marlowebster487]

Useful video. I've never taken a mobile upgrade and thankfully kept my mobile cost pretty low 🙏🏽 I have ticked most of your recommendations ❤

[@TheHumblePenny]

Fab! 😊

[@mazzymaz6158]

I use to have a big issue with overspending on sales such as clothes, shoes, bags, jewellery etc. Whats helped me stop or reduce my spending is by asking myself 'would I buy this if it was full price'? If the answer is no, it means i dont like it enough to buy it for sale price either.

[@njemilenantan2269]

I do not do or spend money on 9 out of 10 of the expenses listed so feel really good about how I am managing my finances but I am near retirement age.

[@paulo7507]

yeah unfortunately we are living in different times compared to when you were younger and getting started in life

[@njemilenantan2269]

@@paulo7507. Not so much so we were not as materialistic and we did not need top designer clothes or fancy mobile phones.

[@TheHumblePenny]

You need to teach our generation 😅

[@njemilenantan2269]

@@TheHumblePenny Unfortunately we are a hard headed people some of us who are easily led by mainstream media.

[@parmjitbansel]

Great video, Ken & Mary. The one to add to this list is buying a regular £3-£4 coffee. Good to invest in a coffee machine, where you can buy capsules at under 30p each. Then maybe treat yourself to an outside coffee once a week instead of everyday. PJ.

[@TheHumblePenny]

Yeah we have a coffee ☕️ once in a while. Maybe even once a month and typically when we're on the move. But never at home because we're not so much into it. Typically decaf tea or organic hot chocolate.

[@profpat24]

I am guilty of this. Thanks for the advice.

[@sandrakaima]

I spend a lot of money on courses and books ( seriously) I need to get a return on my learning. You can go on cheap dates, go for walks and picnics etc have realistic dates.

[@TheHumblePenny]

What was the last book you read?

[@Andy-wp6lj]

You guys never said the line that cracked me up “ There is rice at home” 😂🤣😂🤣🤣

[@pauljamesdidit]

My wife Chrissie and I relate to this list. We also came across Andy Ayims story on your website which is inspiring congrats to him and the work you are both doing. Have a lovely weekend both 🙏🏽

[@Langwigcfijul]

The getting a new phone each year paying monthly I was doing up until this Feb when the 2 year contract ended. I went to a sim only plan saving me >£70/m which allows me to put that towards paying off debt etc.

[@chukaehighibe6886]

"Have you seen my watch?" "Have you seen what I'm wearing"? 😃Nice to see that you haven't totally lost your Nigerian accent Ken. 😉

[@TheHumblePenny]

😊😊

[@chidomharapara941]

Loved that bit.

[@yv_greaves]

Hi, I have a few questions about this video and other regular payments or lifestyle changes. 1-What about changing job to work abroad for a lower salary is it wise if the cost of living is less? What about taking on a life coach? They boast to change life habits and mindset. What about taking on a PT to lose weight and get fit? 2-What about subscriptions to keep your computer working e.g. I-Cloud, Apple cloud? 3-What about the charity donations? They knock on your door for worthy causes. 4- What about paying anything monthly e.g. Audible is cheaper to buy years or six monthly. 5-What about insurance of kitchen appliances, all the appliances are insured separately at home? Is there a better alternative? 6- Could you both do this economic lifestyle without being in a partnership with each other? Thanks.

[@pipmorgan3496]

My wife loves spending on holidays I'm motivated to pay off the mortgage. How can i be wrong?

[@cajunthibs]

We do repairs not upgrades. However when it comes time for the repairs we do choose the ones my husband knows bring the most value.

[@brownze1]

I buy lunches every day from Aldi … it not expensive though £8 a week but I’ll try homemade meals soon

[@angelwings1]

I also work out at home. I have a mini home gym. I pay for KZbin premium so that my workouts aren’t interrupted. It’s well worth the money. I also watch KZbin more than normal tv everyday. There’s nothing worth watching on tv. Wish I hadn’t renewed with Sky ☹️

[@TheHumblePenny]

KZbin Premium is brilliant 👏🏾

[@Andrea-sl3ey]

Bought my iPhone7 in 2017, have no intention of replacing it until it literally dies, and then I will cry, as I absolutely hate spending money on tech (and I think your point about phones could be widened to tech in general). My monthly membership allows me to swim outside all year round in the beautiful Suffolk countryside and I now swim for 6 hours a week, it has improved my mental well-being as much as my physical. My weakness is I do like a nice car, but instead of upgrading my 9 year old car this year, (which I own outright) I’ve put solar panels on my roof instead. This week my energy bill was under £4. I do use 0% credit if it is available but only buy something if I could actually pay for it in cash. I don’t commit to more 0% credit than I have cash to pay off all in one go if I needed to.

[@TheHumblePenny]

6 hours a week of swimming, wow 👏🏾

[@BazGriffo]

Great advice ... We have the exact same mindset now, have done for years.. It works. Plus as you say not out to impress, with anything in the slightest these days.. The freedom from it feels fantastic.. Keep up the great work 👍

[@TheHumblePenny]

Well said! Thank you.

[@teeteeme5752]

My only two TV subs is Netflix. I started when it first came out and it was cheap and remains cheap. The second is paramount. I have a monthly gym sub for 40 pounds. I like it because of swimming. My highest is my private health insurance. I have been contemplating to cancel it.

[@TheHumblePenny]

Don't cancel your health insurance.

[@batemanlife]

Good video guys ❤

[@TheHumblePenny]

Thank you! Do share with others

[@darkangel686868]

How do you batch cook? And how many meals do you get out of it? This is my weak area, relying on pre made foods, when too tired or time pressed to cook.

[@barbarar5869]

There is nothing wrong with wanting some 'luxuries' but the issue is when people think they NEED those things. Like needing a home office even if you work from home one day a week. Needing an SUV because they have one child, even though a small car would be just fine. Needing a fancy Mac when in reality their only use for a computer is netflix and email.

[@barbarar5869]

If you are meeting someone from a dating app, then the first date or two should only be coffee or drinks. And in the UK it is normal to split the bill, especially at the beginning

[@paulo7507]

100% this is it.

[@TheHumblePenny]

💯

[@TheHumblePenny]

True!

[@deniseisaacs3042]

Coffee/ tea in a nice hotel or cute coffee shop

[@TheHumblePenny]

Sounds great! Really good point about the nice hotel ✅️

[@paulo7507]

I saved money on not financing cars and motorbikes, I sold off all of them and cleared all debts relating to vehicles and im so thankful for it. Now just need to pay off my home and student loans, ive been told I should pay off my student loans because im in the higher tax bracket for income, is that what you would suggest?

[@TheHumblePenny]

It would make sense, yes. How much is your loan? And what do you earn?

[@paulo7507]

@@TheHumblePenny student loan is £35k and I earn £69k

[@paulo7507]

@@TheHumblePenny roughly £360 is taken from my pay to go towards the loan. If I was going to pay it back I guess I could do some extreme saving for 3 years and clear it off but then it would mean I would have to be living a very contained life style for the next 3 years and then I have to remortgage at the end of those 3 years. Do you should I pay of the student loan first or put extra income to the mortgage which is currently sitting at £125k

[@TheHumblePenny]

@@paulo7507 Prioritise paying off priority and expensive debts first. Then homeownership if that's your goal, then mortgage (if you have one already), then student loan.

[@tiyom1]

Hi Mary, what is the app you mentioned please?

[@TheHumblePenny]

Yuka

[@tiyom1]

@@TheHumblePenny thank you so much

[@njemilenantan2269]

I watch my expenses like a hawk and reign myself in if I feel I am spending unneccessarily.

[@TheHumblePenny]

How do you track it?

[@njemilenantan2269]

@@TheHumblePenny. I should maybe write it down but I have a debit card that I put a certain amount of money on and I limit myself to that. I also withdraw a certain amount of cash. I do not touch the main bank account maybe more than twice extra during that month and sometimes not at all. So the bulk of my expenditure comes from the loaded debit card and with my cash. If the cash is going down extremely fast I hold back and check exactly what I do need.

[@CareerCoachErnestEnabulele]

Great tips

[@cbrockett6736]

With regards to dates I only used to see someone for a walk and a coffee at the weekend, especially if it was the first time meeting them. If I didn’t like them and wasn’t going to see them again worst case scenario I lost £3-£5 on a coffee. I’d still get fresh air and exercise and it also kept things casual where you could properly get to know someone. As opposed to not really speaking to each other in a loud bar/pub

[@TheHumblePenny]

Love this!

[@jdizzle1779]

Purchases fuelled by desiring status are a big killer. I fell for this in my youth.

[@TheHumblePenny]

Sadly, many are still blind to this.

[@CareerCoachErnestEnabulele]

Hello please how do you record your videos? Brilliant

[@TheHumblePenny]

At home using this camera amzn.to/2zcz1K0

[@annawong5027]

So true! I'm in the office 3 times a week and I spend roughly £6-9 a day and I also dine out once a week but I do save/invest roughly £3k a month. I only got a credit card this month after 20 years of not owning one

[@TheHumblePenny]

£3k invested monthly is powerful 👏🏾

[@ellea2541]

I honestly think coffee and cake or Nandos is a perfectly reasonable first date if the goal is to get to know someone rather than to have a pleasant dining experience. I think that most people don't actually feel comfortable in expensive restaurants anyway and would rather go somewhere where both parties can just be themselves. Also, people should avoid portraying more wealth than is their reality because they're setting a standard for the kind of dates their partner starts to expect.

[@Sed1510-n4x]

This was great!🎉

[@TheHumblePenny]

Thank you 😊. Do share with others.

[@Sed1510-n4x]

Most definitely, already have 😝😂

[@hannahkirby424]

What's the shopping ingredients app called?

[@TheHumblePenny]

Yuka!

[@angeline3147]

As a dating woman, I’d say a brunch/lunch date in a aesthetic place plus a walk/hike is a good first date. Breakfast is capped, no alcohol is involved and it allows you to talk/get to know each other and be free without being pretentious. If you like the person, you can invest more into the relationship.

[@stilnessspeaks8104]

Love your videos guys :)

[@TheHumblePenny]

Thanks so much! Please share with others 😊

[@michaelfarrell3391]

Thank you for all the information , you should teach teenagers about finance, I wish I was 40 year young just took early retirement, got 2 final salary pensions ,1DC PENSION I HAVE NOT TOOK, never took my free tax allowance on my final salary pension bring in 18,670 plus 3% add each year . GQ pension 6.5% . ISA SCOTTISH WIDOWS OVER 30,000 PLUS CRYPTO AS WELL keep doing show ?

[@trzagor2769]

The irony is that the majority of people barely notice those wearing design clothes. These days the street is full of fake design clothes, nobody really pay attention anymore. I generally don't trust the food industry, so eating out is not for me. 😅😅😅😅

[@TheHumblePenny]

Huge irony. Re food, you must be saving lots! I know someone who used to be on a 1,500-a-month takeaway bill 😅. Interesting though, this was their normality.

[@Antonio-hb8rd]

I have a relitively cheap car finance and I still hate it, I don't even care about cars. It's my highest bill and I can't wait for it to be over.

[@TheHumblePenny]

How much per month?

[@Antonio-hb8rd]

@@TheHumblePenny £125 until Dec 2024

[@helennoble9587]

I’ve not bought into any of these Cars bought out right Same house 21 years Phone 2 years out of date I really don’t like seeing people in designer clothing, it screams hi I’m skint ! Work as in health also studied hairdressing so I trim my own hair and do friends and family , extra pennies

[@paulo7507]

yeah your an oldie though the younger generation is different from yours

[@TheHumblePenny]

"hi I'm skint" 😂🤣🤣

[@geraldstiling3735]

I have never Smoked 🚬.. Don't drink 🍻 except on rare occasions...Never eat takeaways..Do my own cooking 🍳 .. Sim only contract..No TV subscription...Save at least £5k annually

[@ebenezermensah5835]

Guys I’ve had my IPhone 10X Max for 5 years and it’s still in anew Condition and has my very valuable apps on there. So, I’ve said to myself I will keep this phone for ever, because I literally use it to trade, invest, everything. I used to be one of those people paying hundreds of pounds each month just for having the latest phone. I’m more mature now and realise it’s all meaningless. It’s just a prude thing.

[@CareerCoachErnestEnabulele]

I agree with you about dating, wastful money when the dating isnt making any plan just spending

[@helenshomecomforts677]

Interestingly I probably buy more designer things now since discovering vinted, but only if it’s something I truly love as an investment piece

[@kayleighmoliver]

When you said take them out to somewhere cheaper I thought you were gonna say McDonald's 😂. Agree with most things here. Can't say I know how much dates cost nowadays, but I think speaking on the phone or going for coffees, not food dates is better in the early stages. I guess we decided to keep the subscriptions (we only have three) because the films come out on them and it's cheaper to watch them on the subscriptions rather than going to the cinema each time now or having a ton of DVDS around the house that aren't worth much anymore. Definitely agree with phones, designer clothes, cars and making your own lunches though.

[@paulo7507]

whats wrong with mcdonalds, we all love a bit of mcdonalds 😄

[@kayleighmoliver]

@@paulo7507 lol. Especially if you're keeping the costs down

[@TheHumblePenny]

​@@paulo7507😂

[@TheHumblePenny]

Haha 😄. Interestingly, I heard McDonald's was bringing out another chain of restaurants.

[@izuchukwuuchegbu2906]

If you stop buying your technically saving money, not making money isn't it?

[@TheHumblePenny]

You're making money if you invest it.

[@a.h.pcollective3525]

You save money that will enable you to invest into income generating assets

[@ThomasM-sy1hf]

Love your financial advice but not 100% sure about your dating advice 🤣

[@TheHumblePenny]

😂🤣🤣

[@goodyan4453]

Disagree with house upgrades, if you live in a desirable location it is essential sorry. I live in the best village in the area and my 300 year old house has doubled in value in ten years due to my investment in it.

[@TheHumblePenny]

That suggests a 7.2% average growth rate per year. You can achieve that return by simply investing in stocks without the additional costs of moving home. Thoughts? 🤔

[@namandlovu]

​@TheHumblePenny do you have any videos on stocks and shares?

[@5unam1]

The dating tip is only applicable to the male viewers sadly😭😭😭

[@TheHumblePenny]

True!! 😅

[@koconnor3814]

Noo!!! 21st century. First date picnic then after that do it in rounds. I would never expect someone to pay for me constantly. Also there are "expectations" when one person pay that are unhealthy for a relationship

[@abdulrahman31350]

Buy absolutely nothing on finance.

[@TheHumblePenny]

Yup