Why Frugality Will Change Your Life

10 Reasons Why Frugality Will Change Your Life
Frugality is an idea that has the potential to change your life. It might sound too simple to be true, but this idea has allowed me to do many things in my life with very little money. It's allowed me to travel the world, graduate debt free, and move across the country to Colorado.
In this video, I discuss this concept of "frugality," which means carefully managing your money and not wasting anything. I discuss all the benefits that come with spending less and being more conscious of your money.
1. Freedom Becomes Realistic
Money allows you to have more freedom in your life. The truth about money is that it is much easier to save $1 than make $1. When you are frugal and live below your means, freedom becomes more realistic because you need less.
2. Life Can't Hit You as Hard
No matter who you are, life is going to hit you; however, it won't hit you that hard if you are frugal. If you live a lavish lifestyle where you spend a lot of money, life can hit you hard because if something happens, like you lose your job, you will need more money to cover yourself. If you are frugal, life won't hit you as hard because you will be able to cover the expenses.
3. Money Respects You
Money has two personalities: savings and debt. Savings is the personality that respects you and will take care of you. Debt is the personality that does not respect you are will walk all over you. When you are frugal and conscious of your spending, money will naturally respect you more because you won't have debt.
4. Risks Become Less Risky
You need money to take a risk in life, like quitting your job. When you are frugal and spend less, you naturally need less, so your money will last longer. The risk you take will be less risky because your money will protect you in the meantime.
5. Money Goes Further
When you are frugal and are conscious of your life decisions, your money will go further. For example, if you go on a vacation for a week and stay at a resort and spend a lot of money, you might spend $2,000 in a week. However, if you go to a cheaper region of the world and stay at humble accommodations, that same $2,000 could last you for a month. Your money will allow you to do more things if you are frugal.
6. Life Becomes Easier
Life will never be easy, but life doesn't need to be as difficult as we've made it out to be. Many problems in life come from worrying about money. When you are frugal, your life expenses are lower and naturally that takes away some stress that comes with money.
7. You Don't Have to Panic
When it comes to money, there is an entire industry of people trying to profit by making you panic. People talk about recessions, market crashes, and other terrible financial events. However, no one knows what is actually going to happen and when you're frugal, life is cheaper and you don't have to worry as much because, like I mentioned before, life won't hit you as hard. You can block out the noise and not panic.
8. You Become an Individual
What makes someone an individual does not come from what shoes or car they're driving, what makes someone an individual comes from their thoughts, beliefs, and experiences. When you're frugal and spend less money, you focus more internally for identity rather than externally.
9. It's the True Path to Contentment
I don't believe you'll ever find contentment from material possessions. I think you can find enjoyment, but you will never be satisfied. A result of being frugal is becoming content because it forces you to be happy with what you already have.
10. You're Doing It For Yourself
It seems like everyone is doing life for other people. Buying a new car or new watch to impress other people, but the reality is, is that nobody cares. You can waste so much money buying things to impress people, but no one really cares what you have. There is nothing wrong with having nice things, but there is something wrong with having nice things to impress other people. When you are frugal, you spend less because you are doing life for yourself, not other people.

[@ElAgustin]

What's one benefit of being frugal?

[@omalleysmith9100]

Zero food waste. I went from tossing out weekly wilted greens or whatever that I'd forgotten about in the back of the fridge - due to over-spending on food - to eating every single morsel I buy. Now, if I have leftover lettuce or spinach that has seen better days; it goes into a smoothie and gets consumed.

[@nowanobady]

Contentment, being happier with less and learning to be more appreciative.

[@sarahbannon4752]

Being able to build an emergency fund 😊

[@mariebammann1561]

Peace of mind.

[@youtubeboi855]

1. Fewer items to worry about which is great for mental health (ie maintenance) 2. Less superficial obsession with materialism which helps you focus your mental energy on what's really important (impulse spending tends to fuel further impulsive spending) 3. More money for emergencies 4. More money for investment opportunities 5. Less clutter in your home These are the main ones that come to mind for now (I know you asked for one, but I can't pick just one 😂). Great video Austin!

[@cocomuhly]

Frugality does truly equally freedom. I remember just starting out, cutting back on eating out and smaller steps. My bank account got bigger and my waste line got smaller. Now, debt free, with minimal bills my daughter and I can travel when we want and that is what is important to us. Experiences over things any day.

[@doctork1708]

waist

[@Michelle_Emm]

@@doctork1708 both are applicable.😁

[@Benjaminleo815]

Memories of trips to London with my mom are now my absolute treasures.

[@georgemarsilio5122]

exactly

[@hologramhouse729]

I remember many years ago reading a book called Voluntary Simplicity. I also love Henry David Thoreau's quote: "Simplify! Simplify! Simplify!"

[@purpledream1045]

Making one dollar is hard but saving one dollar is easy. Good point!

[@ElAgustin]

Yes!

[@char5477]

Agree!

[@ksk881]

I gave up a lot of "things" while I was a single mom because my main goal was doing for my son. I probably overdid it with buying things for him to make up for the hours I worked. I never made much money and I wish I had had a mentor or someone who might have explained to me that setting aside even a few $$s from each paycheck would have added up and made a difference. At any rate, I'm almost 70. I don't have a lot of money, but I manage it well; my mobile home is paid for, my car is new and paid for, I have no credit card debt or debt of any kind. Was is difficult ? Yes, sometimes more than others! Was it worth it? Again, Yes! The best part of being frugal for me is being able to pay my bills and not owing anyone anything! Being a minimalist means that my place is easier to clean. For me there are no downsides to being frugal.

[@Meghana_Narayanswamy]

6 months into frugal living (simple living) What once was an empty savings account is filling up with emergency fund. Delayed gratification is at heart. Much more peaceful and focusing more on health. Life's good. Simple living is the key people.

[@onewomanandsomesongs]

I've been frugal all my life, and because of that I'm comfortably retired. Great video.

[@SkySports1]

Very well played, great wisdom, I wish I'd woken up 20 years ago but I did 5 years ago.

[@roslinney4285]

I am living proof that frugality works. Being frugal has allowed me to travel the world (back packing) I also retired at 53 . . Frugality definitely gives you freedom. Loving your channel

[@pbear49]

Same here Ros, I lived below my means, saved, and retired at 51.(I'm 73) I've traveled and enjoyed my hobbies and a simple quiet life.

[@roslinney4285]

@btombrand I totally disagree I was a teaching assistant and not on a high income. I saved and invested my money in property. It didn't happen over night took me 30 plus years. It was scary and I had to take risks but paid off in the end. I don't have a high income now after retiring but I am very comfortable.

[@EFTINSTITUT]

Same same,but different❤😊

[@barbaratozzano6364]

I was raised to be frugal and it is second nature to me. One benefit has been, I have never lived "paycheck to paycheck." I have always had an emergency fund, no matter how little my income.

[@John-gc3qk]

Thanks Austin I love your channel. I am 50 years old and have been frugal my whole life, I have never had anyone that would come and bail me out of trouble. After leaving the army I was very close to being homeless at 25. But today I am a self made multi-millionaire, married with 3 kids, debt free, 28 acre farm , million dollars in shares, and a couple of cool classic cars and bikes, but I still grow our vegetables, raise and butcher our livestock and hunt to put meat on the table. You are doing a great job educating people that there is another way to live life. Thanks

[@drummermike5150]

@John303 - That is awesome!!

[@rachelhagen9176]

Frugality has given me the freedom to do what ever i want, my house is paid for, I get to travel and I have no debt

[@guesswho1918]

I am frugal and live on a budget. My wife is the spender and I am the saver always working on the budget. I explain that we must live debt free while she tells me that it cannot be done. We have 5 grandchildren and love buying them gifts. As long as the gifts do not require a credit card, it's not a problem. Excellent videos! Thanks for sharing.

[@Eagle-zl4gz]

I’m in the same situation But I haven’t had any luck getting my wife on board so I seem really weird in my house.

[@milicamarshastefanovich3312]

Frugality is the only way to survive this current life situation we are in. While I was never really frugal, I sure did adopt it in the beginning of the pandemic. I haven’t looked back and I’m weighing my options on how to significantly lower my living expenses. I live in California and rent is astronomical, it eats up half of my salary. Once that part is settled, it’ll be smooth sailing. I dropped Verizon and got Visible for $25 a month, I’m looking into Mint Mobile for $15. I stick to a strict grocery budget, eat at home and make my own coffee. If I can buy Walmart’s brand over a name brand I will, from supplements to body soap and body lotion as well as food. Just being smart with my money. I’m thankful to the pandemic for teaching me a valuable lesson.

[@DesertMav]

The biggest lesson I've learned with frugality is to live below your means. I made sure this would happen with my parents and they are living on fixed retirement income and I always move money into their savings every month since they live so much below their means.

[@veradominic6270]

No doubts , a good way of growing and saving your money is through investing . You don't need to have much before you can invest. "That little money you have now can make you millions if you invest it wisely". I wasnt financial free until my 40’s and I’m still in my 40’s, bought my second house already, earn on a monthly through passive income and got 4 out of 5 goals, just hope it encourages someone that it doesn’t matter if you don’t have any of them right now, you can start TODAY regardless your age INVEST and change your future! Investing is a grand choice I made

[@veradominic6270]

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[@stephaniefythm]

I value your recommendations. It's challenging to locate a trustworthy person. I could really use your investment advisor after seeing how much money you've made through investing. If you don't mind revealing her information, that is..

[@veradominic6270]

you can easily find her information by doing a quick search. Feel free to reach out to her directly with any questions you may have

[@Lawrencekingsley01]

Thanks for sharing. I curiously searched for her full name and her website popped up immediately. I looked through her credentials and did my due diligence before contacting her.

[@emeldcentor1474]

This is a shocker to see Regina Louise Collaro mentioned here. I always had mixed feelings about hiring an investment advisor. For the record, I started working with Regina in 2019, and she manages about 70% of my investments while I manage the other 30%. My philosophy is that I care more about my own money than anyone else, but she made me accept that she has a wealth of information on current conditions and future trends...

[@lindadavis5668]

I hang clothes on racks in my condo to dry. I wash dishes by hand. I cook meals one day per week and freeze. Lasts a week or two. Lessens electrical use. I have trees and garden flags covering up all windows. Huge Savings. During summer, eat cold foods. Winter, stews and hearty rice dishes. I now recycle what is practical. I repair things instead of tossing out. I lessened disposable paper goods and use cloths to rewash. I never buy cokes, fast food, or coffees. I watch for sales and that's all I buy. I vacuum seal grains, cereals etc. I save a lot of money. When I was a young single mother, I didn't have time to do many things. Now it is a creative challenge.

[@SkySports1]

You have probably saved yourself many thousands of pounds/dollars.

[@theguy4615]

I've always been pretty frugal but I will buy something I really want. Now at 55 I have a house and cars paid for and no debt. Along with a six figure income the peace of mind and freedom are priceless. I've recently started buying and selling muscle cars and always negotiate and pay cash. Yesterday a friend I haven't seen in years stopped by. He is homeless and living in a rusty old van. Made me think about how even small decisions can have a big impact on your life and peace of mind.

[@John-gc3qk]

well done, I have a very similar story to you.

[@cherylT321]

Are you going to help him?

[@backroadsusa6915]

And since you are in a position to help somebody else how are you going to help him get his life back on track?

[@cherylT321]

@@backroadsusa6915 I guess not since they didn’t bother to answer!

[@backroadsusa6915]

@@cherylT321 that very well could be the answer.

[@fwebster6226]

Practising the art of frugality whilst watching this clip - repairing a damaged curtain as there is no way in hell I am going to pay the inflated prices for a new one…and guess what? Nobody died. Love your clips 👏

[@ElAgustin]

Keeps it out of the landfill too!! Thanks!

[@backroadsusa6915]

And honestly nobody probably even looks or notices LOL that's the bonus there.

[@KS-xz2rq]

Great ideas and presentation.I have been frugal all my life and have avoided debt like plague.I retired three years ago at 57 by winding up my small business and having built a solid net worth of just under two million USD.Really a lot of money for an Indian residing in my own country .

[@lindadavis5668]

Congratulations 👏.

[@lifeyang2]

"Our greatest glory is not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall."

[@A222Z]

I like the challenge of seeing how long i can go w/out buying anything or tapping into my pantry reserves (about 3 months worth) or any savings. It's amazing how creative we become. .. i don't consider myself extremely frugal either, but i try to be a wise steward & still enjoy having conveniences within reason.

[@sarahphillips8884]

yes this! My husband and I started being frugal and I was able to transition to part-time, and he was able to take a low stress job. Now that we dont impulse purchase at Nordys, we are abel to travel regularly and just enjoy life. ANDDD all while making less. This seems so obvious but so many people dont even consider it. Sometimes I think people want to look rich more than they actually want to have money.

[@dylansylvan6398]

Brilliant explanations, I especially liked reason #4

[@phoenixbyrd79]

I've started adopting minimalism awhile ago and still working at refining it. Then I got out of working a W2 and freed up my time and schedule allowing me to do 4 one week long camping vacations this summer with my family. Next will be honing in a frugal lifestyle so I have a little more financial freedom.

[@vanman798]

A benefit of frugality is a simpler life with less to worry about! Thanks for another great video full of truth!!!

[@MsTiticat]

I am starting my frugality way, this is helping a lot

[@MsTiticat]

@myoutube-channel You are such a pity scammer.

[@leniesgarden9501]

Love your videos keep them coming!

[@ElAgustin]

Thanks!

[@ronjr831]

It’s that simple. Frugal living will break the chain from the Man. Debt means slavery . Listen and learn. Stay out of debt and save. Good advice.

[@ElAgustin]

Thanks, Ron!

[@imnivek5718]

another great video, Austin :)

[@nikyabodigital]

The core habit that you get in living frugally is you'll genuinely have more fun in doing things that matters. Spending is addictive like a drug. It's like your brain is overstimulated on the daily that doing things that actually matter would be less enjoyable. Than going yo starbucks to buy another cup of coffee.

[@elvissancho2722]

💯 Frugality is my Gospel.

[@aussiebattler7566]

Thank you Austin, I like listening to your videos. Keep up the awesome vids

[@xporkrind]

Agree with your analysis 100%.

[@sct4040]

It’s good to set up spare money to do or buy what I love. That way I won’t feel deprived. Currently, not traveling and have quit buying most of what I used to. We don’t eat out, I stopped buying handbags 😊, actually sold them.

[@nicolaisss]

oh man, i love the content, feels so refreshing

[@renielbaloaloa9760]

This is the best content I've watched so far. Thank you for this. 🙏

[@justinellison4117]

Great video/channel. Thank you.

[@cyshehni]

Great vid Austin! Love everything you said especially the bit about les brown. Keep up the good work.

[@aliceqt6710]

Thanks!

[@cmre22233]

I love your videos keep up your good work brother very much appreciated

[@elizabethkaplan1823]

costs for basic needs continue to rise even the most frugal are struggling

[@warreng106]

Thank you Austin, this should be teach in our schools and churches!!!

[@Doobency]

I'd rather work a more fun but lesser paying job, and just learn to be frugal, than to work a grinding and stressful 9-5 just to obtain quantity. If I could (and I might), I'd make the minimum and just love out of a van. To me, living and exploring is far more important than having 2 cars and a white picket fence.

[@suzanneboily5224]

I listen to you e everyday!! Thank you!!❤

[@alias8582]

Obrigada!

[@MrByrneyboy]

Austin, always wise words

[@momnjayden3043]

You changed my life thank you 🙏 so so much your an inspiration god bless you with lots of success

[@petalkjhgfdsabermanec645]

Great video!

[@doyeworrell1680]

Great information Austin! Nothing is more valuable to a person than their personal freedom. The freedom to be yourself and be content with your life is everything.

[@merrykaczmarek3757]

I love it, I am doing it, I just need to get better at it. Thanks for your earnestness and passion I really feel like man you’re doing a good job

[@Vanja1973]

Thank you, Augustin. I like your videos and I have set up a small investmest each month in index funds. Also, watching your videos again and agian will - I believe - subconsciously affect my thinking. Thank you for this, also. Keep up the good work! Muchos ❤ for you

[@esperanzamartinez5469]

Love your spanish!!🥰 New subscriber. I love your videos. I've learned so much about frugality. Blessings to you🙏❤ looking forward to more learning videos. I also love that quote..

[@starwarsnerd7658]

great quote. it cant get any simpler than that

[@FrugalGardenerOntario]

Thank you for another weekly reminder to keep my eyes on the prize

[@auditat]

Thank you

[@stk2290]

Excellent video..speechless

[@leichtliving8740]

" FUGALITY IS FRUITION " well done again on your video Austin!!!

[@ninamady5861]

Your smart. .. it's a pleasure to listen to you xx🥰

[@Peg38542]

Thank you so much Austin for your words of wisdom Your videos have helped me so much to keep pressing on and go against the grain of this culture!! 😊

[@claudiazam-rod3362]

The greatest video ! I ever saw thank you Austin very much

[@ElAgustin]

Thanks, Claudia!

[@georgecon1466]

You have so much wisdom for a young man.

[@horaciot8277]

Muchas gracias por el video!

[@ElAgustin]

Que viva Horacio!!

[@keekee8760]

I just love your channel. Great video, thank you for sharing.

[@ElAgustin]

Thanks!!!!!

[@hereim5648]

You're just amazing bringing truth to Americans needed badly.

[@ArafatBukhari]

Excellent 👌 video 👏

[@mangalsingh4036]

Once again a great video. Keep them coming. Thanks

[@ElAgustin]

Thank you!

[@ameliahanson]

Love the Les quote. Very true

[@ElAgustin]

Very true!!

[@A222Z]

Definitely agree about a group of people trying to cause us to panic.

[@lynn9935]

You are the BEST....... love watching and learning.

[@ElAgustin]

You are the best, Lynn!!

[@gracemedina9196]

so powerful motivation. i read and watched money sabing sites and yours is one of my favorite. i listened very carefully . all you said are true.

[@shess1640]

Thanks for the encouraging video!

[@ElAgustin]

Thanks for watching!

[@lindyft1488]

The travel example was on point, thats what I done

[@arafatbukhari4424]

Agree 👍 frugality is a true way to success

[@kevinfestner6126]

My favorite les brown quote, and i did meet him once one on one, a very nice man, was that guy's so negative, whenever he enters a dark room, he starts to develop.

[@Lunay08]

Youre growing so fast Austin! Im so proud of you! continue to give us valuable content, it truly helps

[@ElAgustin]

Thanks! I appreciate you watching!

[@Roadlovedrive]

For me it relates if I think it means some decisions in life are hard to do but if you do them your conscience will be clearer and more content which makes your life better.

[@alexramirez5104]

I'm starting the journey toward this mindset Austin...thanks for the videos, they are truly inspiring.

[@ElAgustin]

Best of luck!

[@castanedagus]

Be realistic with spending and don’t buy it unless you need it. Difference between want and need is, money or lack there of And don’t get influenced by the media and living up to society’s standards of happiness Love your channel bro!

[@juliebutler8241]

Yep thats me.Havent made much, saved a whole lot. People say I can live on air. Almost.

[@derrick8224]

New subscriber here. I’m enjoying your content. Like minded

[@MarioLeyva]

Agustín me encanta tu español 😍

[@leighd6409]

Wow...thanks for sharing

[@ElAgustin]

Thanks for watching!

[@juliescheidler7763]

My house is paid for because I'm frugal...yea!!

[@UsurpersAndAssassins]

When life is too easy, people become weak. Hardship is good for people.

[@raunholt1234]

By sowing frugality we reap liberty a golden harvest - Agesilaus

[@kimberlyroberts2415]

I love your videos, so glad I found you. What a breath of fresh air you are. Please keep them coming. I want to share them with my grandson. I hope he gets the reason I am sharing. It really is important to me. Thanks again.

[@ElAgustin]

Thanks for watching Kimberly and for the kind remarks!!

[@jonlilley2832]

Muchísimas gracias for all your advice, Austin! I was on the never-ending treadmill of spending. It was so hard to get out of debt and stay out, but I'm on the road to saving now and couldn't be happier! It's a hard lesson to learn, especially when society is on us all the time to spend. I just didn't understand. Well, I get it now and life's turning around for me. I got the debt monkey off my back and things will be different!

[@marcelokufelcarmona775]

amazing ideas

[@ElAgustin]

Thank you!

[@LegacyCraftworks]

I’ve been enjoying your videos for the last few weeks. I just landed a new job and I’m working hard to not increase my cost of living based on my new salary. I appreciate your work! 👌

[@ElAgustin]

Congrats! Best of luck!

[@denisebranquinho2377]

I love your accent, Austin!

[@fafa1648]

Just the ability to break away from the notion that THINGS = HAPPINESS is huge for the vast majority of the population. We are a consumer-driven society hooked on buying things. Even coining the term "retail/shopping therapy" as a coping mechanism, while not realizing that this mentality is just keeping them in that sickly endless cycle. But it's so hard for the vast majority to break free from this mentality when they are filled with thousands of daily ad messaging, influenced by peers and youtube videos to spend, and lifestyles (like wealthy and rap culture) that promote the notion that spending = wealth. Thanks to channels like yours, more people are learning that this is a path to misery and disease.

[@ElAgustin]

Appreciate it!

[@stop08it]

I have no choice but to be frugal now, I'm so behind on so many things especially finances due to being in a daze for over a decade thanks to depression and anxiety. I barely remember most of my 20's & most of my 30's and barely made any progress, it's so hard to think about. I'm working to pivot into a career that will improve my income significantly and plan to continue to be as frugal as I am now. I've never been a flashy person and I enjoy being alone and enjoying simple things. I just want peace and to enjoy my life in simple ways and experience life. It's possible to do the latter without constantly spending

[@charlenecausey105]

Another quote similar to Les Brown’s is, “Learn to eat the crust first.”

[@ElAgustin]

I'm guessing it means, "Get the bad part over with first?"

[@Montegrl]

We do all these things plus more. Still struggling to stay above water. This is all great advice, I was just hoping for more practical tips that work for a family!

[@Michelle_Emm]

Giving advice about families when you don't have a family usually makes people with families really mad. Lol

[@noreenn6976]

Plenty of you tube channels geared toward frugality with a family.

[@ToquzOghuzKhaganatekhan]

I am people pleaser but I please whom ? I please my boss bro ! keep doing what's right ! keep goes up in best social circles !

[@JesusSVasquez]

Buen video! Me gusta cuando hablas en español 🤗

[@ElAgustin]

Me gusta hablar en espanol!

[@txoxley]

As inflation got worse this past spring, we had to revamp our grocery budget. We took a break from all soda, substituting iced tea, and no more processed convenience foods. Our grocery budget went from barely cutting it at $500/mo to affording what we need and adding some to back stock at $400/mo. It was like getting a raise.

[@ElAgustin]

The easiest way to a raise is to spend less!!

[@deerhaven3350]

I can't believe you only have 14.7K subscribers. You make so much sense and, as I've said before, are wise beyond your years. Your fan, Stephanie J., debt free and somewhere in the middle of a forest outside of Olympia, WA, USA.

[@ElAgustin]

Only 14.7k? Haha, has like 600 less than a month and a half ago!! Just enjoying the ride! Thanks, Shephanie!

[@noreenn6976]

@@ElAgustin your channel has really grown, congrats!

[@noreenn6976]

Up to 17.5k on 7/17/22

[@peacelovejoyandhappiness]

YOUR VIDEOS ARE AWESOME!!! THAT'S ALL I WOULD LIKE TO SAY!!!!

[@ElAgustin]

Thanks, Krissy!!

[@peacelovejoyandhappiness]

@@ElAgustin seriously! I may have to put your channel on every notification subscriber! Thanks for all that you do. Your personality is extraordinary too! So cool!

[@judithgrace9850]

❤❤ Les Brown Wayne Dyer,Stoics and youm