Frugal Living Is The Only Way To SURVIVE The Cost of Living Crisis

[@ElAgustin]

What's one way you've been coping with the increasing cost of living?

[@plappin]

I make coffee at home in the morning and that's it for coffee for me for the day. (Luckily I can only handle one cup a day anyway.) I'm also much better off without expensive pastries and other "breakfast" items health-wise.

[@PulseRELOADED]

@ElAgustin I just opened a WeBull account, can you give me any advice on how to get started investing sir ?

[@letitbesaid8888]

​@@plappinI, do the same.

[@Moniccamccarty]

I had to stop buying coffee out for the most part. I tend to like to treat myself sometimes but it’s just getting to be too much. Thank you for another great video. God bless you 😊

[@MushroomNr1]

I rediscovered the public library!

[@MsEri20]

Mcdonalds is not cheap anymore.

[@ElAgustin]

I went one day and spend like $15 on a meal and my thought was, "I might as well just get some real food!"

[@pmwizard48]

I may eat there at most once a month. If that. 😊

[@fjhaydn6047]

Junk food will cost you later...at the doctors

[@chrisl418]

I stopped all fast food recently. Even stopping for a diet soda cost more than 50% more. If I want to eat I buy it at the grocery store (cheapest grocery store) and get the cheapest diet soda at a different grocery store where all the food costs more, except their 2 liter bottles). I bring my lunches to work, drink a cup of coffee offered at work and the filtered water from work. Fewer benefits at a full time job.

[@Kris7245]

$0 is too expensive for McDonalds. I wouldn’t even take a lifetime of chronic disease for free.

[@debbic2055]

Doing things infrequently (the drive through meal, coffee, etc.) makes them a special treat. That’s a lot more fun than doing them constantly.

[@ElAgustin]

You enjoy them more too!

[@deborahcurtis1385]

I never do this drive in food. Not ever cut it out years ago. I buy popped rice cereal from an Indian shop, a massive packet costs $5. Lasts 2 months. A tiny packet in the supermarket with fancy box costs nearly as much, lasts 2 weeks. Indian stores are the best for spices, rice, dried legumes etc. So much cheaper!

[@anyviolet]

Amy Dacyczyn ("The Frugal Zealot") calls this "creative deprivation" and it totally works. She talks about it at length in her first book.

[@theking8347]

This is a cope.

[@cosmicreef5858]

also it MEANT to be a rare or better yet NOT an existing thing in your life because it is unhealthy

[@coastingikifi]

Having the ability to live frugally is such a valuable survival skill. I like to think of it a bit like hibernation. If times are tough, go into "frugal living mode" until times get better again.

[@ElAgustin]

Exactly!

[@ricardojmestre]

Great analogy!

[@livingworkingoutsidebox]

While it's good to save and being frugal helps but just saving is not good. Inflation is eating away at those savings. It's better to get out of Survival Mode. Jump into learning and building mode. Create mental and physical assets!

[@nickorange4881]

yeah but its not always buying stuff that gets one into trouble. somethings its not having savings for emergency and having some kind of financial emergency that gets one into trouble.

[@suzannederringer1607]

Newsflash - things aren't going to get better again. Welcome to the New Normal.

[@consumerdebtchitchat]

At 56 years old, I finally became debt-free on September 1st. I purchased an 840 sf condo in Tampa in 2020 for 100k. I could have purchased a 200k condo, but decided I would rather keep the extra 100K for my retirement. I can now put 35% of my take-home income into retirement. It was worth it to buy just what I needed and nothing more!!

[@db7232]

nice! can't wait to say that.

[@kathleenepugh9495]

Be aware of the cost of insurance in Florida. Many people are selling their homes and moving to other states.😮

[@kurrwa]

@@kathleenepugh9495really? A lot people i know want to / moved to florida 😂

[@josefadams647]

LEGEND

[@willowwoolgather6478]

I’m happy for you. I hope to be where you are one day!

[@GenerationX1984]

Actively boycotting everything until they lower the prices would also work. If the corporations complain we can tell them we can't afford their stuff anymore. If corporations can lie to and manipulate us we should be able to do the same to them. We'll ruin them and claim it was an accident of circumstance and shift the blame to them.

[@joycef8443]

😂😂😂😂😂

[@nickorange4881]

yeah but certain things cant really be boycotted. what do you do when its food that is too expensive.

[@GenerationX1984]

@@nickorange4881 Food stamps and food pantry raids. Also when stores try to throw away expired food resort to criminal acts like attacking the guy who takes the expired food off the shelves at stores even though he's just doing his job and stealing it all.

[@lorijharman-runyan6433]

When the demand for goods go down, inflation will decrease. Suppy & Damand.

[@lucialuciferion6720]

Exactly. Because if we are expected to become more and more 'frugal', while the corrupt few keep raising prices and keep transfering all the wealth to themselves, where will we be in 10-15 years? It's not sustainable, and not fair. We need to stand up and stop complying.

[@Raymondjohn2]

Our economy struggling with uncertainties, housing issues, foreclosures, global fluctuations, and pandemic aftermath, causing instability. Rising inflation, sluggish growth, and trade disruptions need urgent attention from all sectors to restore stability and stimulate growth.

[@audeywolsh]

Things are strange right now. The US dollar is becoming less valuable because of inflation, and other powerful nations waking up to trade in their own currencies. Good thing is, a lot of people still turn to the Dollar because of the safety is somehow assures. I'm worried about my retirement savings of about $420,000 losing value because of these factors and more. Where else can we keep our money?

[@maga_zineng7810]

Well, I suggest you make a diversification plan because it's been harder to build a good portfolio that stays afloat since COVID. Personally, I garner knowledge from a brokerage Adviser whom I work with, and I've actually made over $350K with their help since February. Very effective defensive strategies are used to protect my portfolio and make profits despite the ups and downs.

[@usieey]

I find this intriguing. Could you please provide me with the means to get in touch with your Adviser? I am concerned about my dwindling portfolio.

[@maga_zineng7810]

My advisor is ‘’Natalie Lynn Fisk’’ she’s highly qualified and experienced in the financial market. She has extensive knowledge of portfolio diversity and is considered an expert in the field. I recommend researching her credentials further. She has many years of experience and is a valuable resource for anyone looking to navigate the financial market

[@usieey]

Thank you for this Pointer. It was to find her handler, She seems very proficient and flexible. I booked a call session with her.

[@rhondalyn100]

Excellent video, Austin. I never, and I mean *never* drive through restaurant parking lots to pick up food anymore. I never, and I mean *never* buy food at convenience stores anymore. I rarely, and I mean *rarely* eat out in restaurants anymore. The food quality is horrible, the service is often non existent and the prices are absolutely ridiculously high. The best of this society is long behind us, now. Time to buckle up, buttercup, and tighten our belts. We ain't seen nothing' yet.

[@girlygirl1890]

@rhondalyn so what do you eat? Do you cook at home and if so, what kinds of food?

[@Sacredmysticz]

As a black woman i do my own nails, My own hair, make dinner everyday and i dont tell people my business they think i have alot of money because i know how to take care of myself andlook good with little to no effort if i were homeless no one would ever know 😏😂

[@almudenagonzalez760]

And as a white one I do the same 😂😂I would add as sensible and hard working people , we do ourselves all those works .....greetings from Madrid !!

[@Sacredmysticz]

@@almudenagonzalez760 💕🙏

[@joeylopez7978]

You are my hero. You should do a Ted talk to teach all the other women how it's done.

[@sierravaa2280]

Girl, i got my hair braided at a salon and it costed me $425. That same night i was like.. oh heck no I'M never paying that much again. I learned how to braid my own hair on youtube 2 days later, only spend abut$15 to do so😂

[@KenrickMilroy]

Lmao what in all that's holy does your race have to do with anything??

[@Zachery_]

I’ve been saving like crazy the last couple years and living below my means with very minimal lifestyle inflation, because of this I don’t have to lower my lifestyle now while everyone else might be, I don’t spend much but we go on small trips and buy toys that we will use at home a lot (bicycle, swingset, power wheels, etc) and try to get outside more

[@aaron___6014]

Hell yeah brother.

[@hikerhobby1204]

Amen! My favorite place is walking trails. No cost.

[@greensorrel6860]

​@hikerhobby1204 until they pave all the green spaces living below our means is always wise but at this rate the term living will be a struggle

[@Emiliapocalypse]

Smart move

[@backbay2242]

I have plenty of money but have always lived frugally. I don't understand why people spend 7 bucks a Dunkin every day, why they buy crappy overpriced food at convenience stores, why they think nothing of continuously spending 35 bucks on a locally sourced sandwich and a craft beer? I'm in the process of tossing out all the crap I've accumulated. Cluttered house equals cluttered mind.

[@sjchan3199]

Yh, also they then bleat ohhh i havent got any money. Ive had that in my life from a 'friend'. Well look at where your moneys going then?. Im in the process of decluttering, good luck with yours. Its so satisfying when you do it and the house seems tidier.

[@deborahcurtis1385]

Well sometimes people do this to get a hit of social interaction. It's difficult to recalibrate and I've lost a lot of 'friends' in the process.

[@Saixjacket]

@@sjchan3199it’s not seeming, it’s factual. Addition by subtraction.

[@stanleykijek6983]

Wait until their health gives out because they lived on junk, despite the high prices they paid for that garbage. It one thinks health care is expensive now, it will get worse.

[@JimHarris-g7p]

There is a book from the 90s called: "The Millionaire Next Door". One chapter they ask people why they aren't millionaires. One old couple is smoking Marlboros and the interviewer asked about them. They said, 'well when we started they were only a nickel a pack'. So the guy asked how much they smoke. The woman said a half of pack a day and the man said a pack. They crunched the numbers and and if they had used the money to actually stock in Philip Morris they would have been worth something crazy. I may be misremebering, but i think it was like $200M. An extreme example but I imagine if some people bought McDonald's stock instead of McDonald's they would be pretty well off.

[@flyingsaucer1268]

I worked for the same company for 35 years (yes I got a gold watch too)..... I retired at age 59 after living a frugal life

[@garyhall5397]

Ill have 40 years at 62. Same for me and my wife on living frugal.

[@johnboy6594]

What used to be recognized as Frugality is now standard procedure for the working class American. By the time you get done paying insurance, taxes, and just a basic cost-of-living you ain’t got much left over.

[@deborahcurtis1385]

Many are dropping insurance, too.

[@firefly9838]

@@deborahcurtis1385 is that legal?

[@deborahcurtis1385]

IF the insurers drop you, it is legal. If you drop them... maybe? Either way we're the bunnies and they're the foxes. @@firefly9838

[@Saixjacket]

@@firefly9838hell no, it’s like taxes right now. There’s gonna be a massive shoe dropping in the near future. Many white collar criminals are going to be out of cash

[@NicEeEe843]

With how many people are alive today, if we all lived as bold as our parents and grandparents we’d have no more resources

[@MarkMark-ji6ts]

I have never understood eating out being a treat? Invariably I find home prepared meals much better after you do it for many years I can do soups, roasts, slow cooker recipes, I can bake bread, chicken green curry is delicious, various stir fry, I can even make my own beef jerky that blows the dust off the fake stuff in the shops. The only advantage of eating out is not having to clean up. I actually enjoy the preparation and cooking it's kind of cool watching the masterpiece coming together.

[@taffyalusa4642]

Healthier too, restaurant food quality has really gone down hill and prices up, just not worth it.

[@joycef8443]

I love to eat out…if the food is tasty!

[@la6136]

Cooking is fine if you have the extra time but not everyone does. Meal prepping takes a long time too

[@XOAliciaMarie]

I have started reducing, reducing, and reducing months ago: clothing, buying alcohol for my home, decluttering stuff around the house, removing decor / visual clutter, paperwork, my storage, tasks, negative thoughts, bad people out of my life, etc It's definitely "a journey." Even now I can still look around my apartment and feel I didn't do enough! I still get mail and Its back to the same routine of scanning in / shredding. Toxic people come back when I was enjoying not hearing from them. Sometimes I just want to hide from it all too, haha... It's NEVER ENDING process and really is a massive lifestyle change a person has to make.

[@airplane381]

I have been Frugal since January and it has completely changed my Life. I have not been Dining Out in May, July, and August. It has saved me a lot of Money and I meal prep on a daily basis. Thanks Austin for teaching me how to be Financially Literate!

[@ElAgustin]

Right on!!

[@girlygirl1890]

@airplane So I guess in June, you went all out??!! LOL

[@richardrhodes4407]

“Going through the drive thru will destroy us” 😂 you’re great! thanks for your videos

[@Cat-ik1wo]

I got off that consumer capitalist train 4 yrs ago. I continue to brainstorm and look at what I do and buy. Need versus wants. Trained my mind muscle. It is an awakening.

[@theking8347]

This is bullshit because Boomers and Gen X spent money on useless crap all the time and still had money left over for food and housing.

[@edward.abraham]

In the USA, individuals living in cars due to partial homelessness result from a complex interplay of factors. High housing costs relative to income, stagnant wages, and income inequality drive this issue. Job loss, weak social support, medical expenses, evictions, and lack of affordable housing also contribute, while systemic problems and inadequate policies further perpetuate the phenomenon.

[@Kim.beneteau]

If anything, it'll get worse. Very soon, affordable housing will no longer be affordable. So anything anyone want to do, I will advise they do it now because the prices today will look like dips tomorrow. Until the Fed clamps down even further, I think we're going to see hysteria due to rampant inflation. You can't halfway rip the band-aid off.

[@andrew.alonzo]

Considering the present situation, diversifying by shifting investments from real estate to financial markets or gold is recommended, despite potential future home price drops. Given prevailing mortgage rates and economic uncertainty, this move is prudent, particularly due to stricter mortgage regulations. Seeking advice from a knowledgeable independent financial advisor is advisable for those seeking guidance.

[@hunter-bourke21]

I've remained in touch with a financial analyst since the start of my business. Amid today's dynamic market, the key difficulty is pinpointing the right time to buy or sell when dealing with trending stocks - a seemingly simple task but challenging in reality. My portfolio has grown by more than $600k within just a year, and I've entrusted my advisor with the task of determining entry and exit points.

[@rebecca_burns14]

@@hunter-bourke21 My partner’s been considering going the same route, could you share more info please on the advisor that guides you?

[@hunter-bourke21]

I encountered *Camille Alicia Garcia* through my wife, and I emailed her. She is guiding me. Since then, she has given me chances to buy and sell the stocks in which I'm interested in. You can hunt her up online if you require care supervision.

[@workinprogresssince1974]

I agree with this. I came through 2020 unscathed thanks to frugal living and I'm determined to get through this mess as well. Being able to live frugally and well is a superpower everyone should have a chance to get to grips with. No one is going to bail anyone out at this stage.

[@janebishop5885]

Love your post. Yes, living well frugally is a superpower.

[@philipdefrancisco7540]

You need a certain mindset. I have a phone that is just a phone. I get unlimited grief from my family and friends. And I am serious that it helps to be single.

[@workinprogresssince1974]

@@philipdefrancisco7540 I am lucky that I have a family that don't have any interest in tech and I don't give a s*** what my friends think. And yes being single is definitely a way to keep life cheap. :D

[@Omar_Zazzle]

Have you considered eating 💩?

[@vladimirofsvalbard9477]

2020 was when everything was cheaper! I think you mean 2021/2022?

[@re8746]

Wife and I saw this coming in 2021. We saw prices slowly yet steadily increase on groceries, gas and our basic expenses. We paid off the home last year (still have property taxes), carry no credit debt and have no auto payments. All by design. In todays new economy, those out of debt will do much better and not be so stressed. Our government has not helped the middle class in years and they are not helping us now.

[@sunnyrays2281]

Congrats on paying your home off and zero debt. I totally agree with you. When we refinanced a few years ago, we opted for a 15 year mortgage instead of lower payments. It’s a sacrifice, making the slightly higher payments, but the principal on our mortgage is quickly disappearing. That motivates us even more to pay it off, and we truly hope to have it paid off in the next 4 to 5 years.

[@stevehartman1730]

Always been frugal its the best way. My family is all yuppje n forgot where they czme from. Mom said several times she had more faith i could survive another Great Depression than my siblings.like when my place burnt n the fire insurance made 1 check to the mortgager i adapted n lived n my 8x12 shed for 3 years n so on.

[@ernieroberts56]

"Things ant goin back." This medicine that is Hard pill to swallow.

[@suewarren4486]

I am moving from a 500 square foot studio to a 330 one. Rents had gone up 300 dollars. This change will claw back about 200. I thought i would be ok in retirement in a studio. Oh, well.

[@kristoffMR]

Everything in USA is geared to sell you some kind of something! Everywhere you look is a advertisement/commercial!

[@flovv4580]

Consumerism. America is built on it. The choice is yours whether to buy or not what they are selling.

[@ceciliaabdalla4954]

Or sue the hell out of someone or donate to this charity. America is one big hussle

[@jimmiepatrum]

I rob my grocery budget and eat less to try to cover the increases in insurance, property taxes, utilities...the list goes on and on. It works, but it's hard sometimes to keep from getting depressed. I am a retired accountant and a bean counter at heart, trying my best not to touch what little investments I have. Diane

[@deborahcurtis1385]

I eat nuts like walnuts and almonds and it fills the gap. It's not more expensive because crackers and chips are just empty calories and you want to eat more.

[@Gabi-lt4mx]

Do you know the channel Frugal Money Saver.? Try it. They show a lot of stuff to live a good life wolith less money

[@shoebill181]

Born in 1946, I see what your seeing only many times worse. However living the way we did growing up, not being caught up in buying stuff, but only buying what you absolutely need, I function quite well on just my social security. Families, however have it more difficult, but the one area I see for them is, they buy too much for their kids.

[@DesertMav]

I've been living a lot more frugally since 2020, but I've let the foot off the gas pedal more recently. I need to get back into really living that frugal lifestyle again. Lately, I've been going to restaurants and I've noticed that it's actually more frugal to go to a place like Applebee's or Chili's as opposed to going to fast food places like McDonald's in my opinion. The actual cost may be slightly more at a sit down restaurant, but the value is way better.

[@livingworkingoutsidebox]

Great point. Also have you thought if switching from Survival mode to Create and Expand Mode? Not your waistline 😅 Create more assets physical and digital. Expand your skill sets .💪🧠💡👍😉📕🖋🤓

[@athens31415]

Yes! In our neighborhood, Whole Foods is actually the cheapest option for buying basics like produce and bulk grains. It's surprising to find these "quirks" these days in where best options are for food (e.g., Applebee's cheaper than McDonalds, on a per-meal basis), a lot of the "traditional" advice is no longer relevant in today's market.

[@Sw87sw87]

Learn to cook yourself. Stop overpaying for restaurant and fast food garbage.

[@turtleanton6539]

Learn to cook !

[@Ricky-mo6mv]

In my area, it can often be cheaper to eat out than to buy a dinner at the grocery store to prepare at home.

[@ellisfrazier3640]

You are such an awesome realist! A lot of us older folks do need to accept, acknowledge, and adapt to our new reality, Thank you so much🎉

[@ernieroberts56]

I fit the description. "Things ant gowin back."

[@cajunjamis9001]

I concur !

[@kathleendonnelly6077]

Great video - loved when you broke out singing the Full House theme song. I also have something - as you said jobs are not dependable. I always thought I would work till retirement age or beyond. Then I got injured at work and now I am on permanent disability. I would never have thought that would happen to me. And I was not prepared.

[@ElAgustin]

Glad you knew the song!

[@janetstonerook4552]

I'm retired and am relatively debt free and live way out in the country. It's been easy for me to go back into frugal living habits we followed when i was a kid. I'm not fond of electronics and the latest of gadgetry. I grow much of my food, seldom eat out, buy in bulk when meats are on sale and batch cook, can and freeze meals. I do "no buy weeks" where I don't shop, spend or travel at all. I seldom charge anything but keep a couple of credit cards for travel or emergencies etc. I seldom buy new clothes or household items. I have so much stuff as I consolidated two households when i sold my house and moved back into the family homestead i inherited. So i'm usually able to live on my retirement check and actually save a little. Inflation sucks but it helps us see clearer what we actually need to live a good life!

[@noseefood1943]

Housing has skyrocketed to a point I’m seriously considering living in my Prius

[@ErisstheGoddessofmanhwas]

The problem is that while people don't have a choice and they have to accept the changes, the situation becomes worse and worse . I mean every 6 month to a year they changing the food prices and rent is going up

[@churchofpos2279]

The only thing that has changed is the younger generation had bought into having more/spending more to impress other people . Social Media has a lot to do with it. Increased pricing for products, utilities, housing, vehicles have always with us. Job insecurity has always been with us. What I am seeing now is that younger generation is just learning now what us old folks have known for years: You need a budget, sometimes there has to be delayed gratification for what we want, and you need to establish priorities with your money: emergency funds, savings accounts, and retirement.

[@TheRozylass]

Exactly! Inflation was horrible in the 1970's as were the gas prices, computers replaced lots of the jobs from then on, every generation complains that housing is unaffordable; then discover that the secret to it all is living below your means, budgeting and saving, starting small and growing, etc. etc.

[@TLA123y6f]

@@TheRozylass Wrong. I was there for the 70's. We had high inflation but people could still easily rent an apt or house. I was a stay at home mom and my husband could relatively easily support us. There's a lot of moving parts to this. One of the BIG ones is that we've lost 91% percent of a dollar's purchasing power since the 70's. We also had a solid 'middle class'. The wealth inequality has grown exponentially. Watch one of Noam Chomsky's You Tubes - you start to see the big picture.

[@TheDigitalslayer]

It’s been like this to me since late 2019 when a storm hit my home, I lost several items and I think realized I needed to simplify.

[@dee23gaming]

2023: I'll just eat one meal a day. 2050: I'll use photosynthesis to gain nutrients from the sun.

[@almudenagonzalez760]

Chistoso !!! Very good 😂😂😂

[@Ricky-mo6mv]

At this rate, we will all be dead within 10 years.

[@caseylarae9109]

YES, completely agree. One of the biggest bummers for me personally is how much of the cost inflation is coming from *needs* like food and shelter, as well as just wants that we can postpone. Living frugally and considering every purchase feels so important right now. I'm finding lately that it's often a great idea to consider whether or not you can make something instead of buying it. Thinking about buying a jar of pasta sauce? You can make that sauce from scratch for less. Thinking about buying herbs? You can grow them in your window sill for a fraction of the cost. Considering canned soup? Just make a huge vat of soup from scratch and freeze individual leftover portions. Need something soft like a new blanket, cozy socks, a bed for your dog, or a sweater? You can make it yourself for pennies on the dollar by knitting, crocheting, or sewing raw materials. Don't get me started on fancy drinks, either! They're dramatically, HUGELY less expensive if you make them at home. It's not worth making every single thing you use, but for some things it has a huge impact on the bottom line each month. And with the internet available to teach you anything you want to know, there's no reason not to try.

[@ElAgustin]

Yeah, rent is getting crazy! Plus food is much better for you when you make it fresh!

[@joycef8443]

Just made a vat of lentil soup today!

[@caseylarae9109]

@@joycef8443 Yes!!! Love this for you :D I made leek and potato soup on Sunday and ate it all week, soup is the best!

[@caseylarae9109]

@@ElAgustin Yep, it's so true. Not even just rent but property taxes as well due to the way the housing market is right now. I'm fortunate to own a home but I kid you not, my property taxes went up by $300/month this year and it was some major sticker shock. There's nothing you can do about that but try to cut back elsewhere, it's really too bad.

[@vickiewilkins1579]

I ask for prepaid cards for special occasions like birthday or Christmas so I can visit Starbucks as a treat without spending my money on it.

[@lamontcunningham5286]

"We can't rely on our job to secure us financially." Welcome to the American dream everyone.

[@Mady-lo6qb]

What will those illegal immigrants do when they find this out after the cities stop the handouts!

[@scorpiogeyser5211]

☄️☄️☄️☄️☄️☄️☄️☄️☄️☄️☄️☄️☄️

[@Ricky-mo6mv]

Haha!

[@lloydirving6209]

the American dream is very achievable if you aren't stupid with your money

[@JimHarris-g7p]

Well, that has always been the case. Google Pullman strike riots. Or the robber barons. the pinckertons. Or does no one remember the great depression? People acted like the post WW2 boom was the rule and not the exception. By the 70s inflation was through the roof and interest rates at 20%.

[@professordinca]

I'm a teacher and I think your video should be shown to high school students before they graduate, so that they are able to better manage their money after graduation and become successful financially. Muchas gracias, Austin!

[@ElAgustin]

It's weird to think of a class watching me, haha! It's just me in my small apartment making these!

[@absolutetruth3290]

My kids love to point out that we had it better than they did. Did we??? My parents had a 1200 sq ft house w/o a garage. They shared 1 car that was 20 years old. We NEVER went out to eat or grabbed a snack at a gas station. We had no cable, there was literally 5 channels to watch. They never paid for any entertainment. Mom and dad wore the exact same clothes my entire childhood. We never remodeled the house, or got any new furniture unless dad found something in the neighbors trash. We lived small. We lived frugal. We were considered middle class. Today…..that lifestyle would be considered poor. Things didn’t change, it IDEA of what was acceptable changed.

[@fpm8338]

Thank you for you video! I’m at the point where something seems ridiculously priced - I don’t buy it. For instance, a new bakery just opened in our neighborhood and they’re charging $7 for a single croissant - NO. The other night I wanted a milkshake and walked into an ice cream parlor saw that it was $10 for a milkshake and walked out. Not doing it anymore.

[@flovv4580]

This system has been unsustainable for a very long time. Those of us that have been aware, saw this coming from a thousand miles away.

[@Thomas63r2]

To get ahead financially you don’t need to be brilliant - you just need to not do what other people around you are doing with their money. You are correct about the rise of subscription services (heated seats in your car BMW?). The subscription lifestyle leads regular people down the ultimately bleak path of “you will own nothing and be happy.” There is an old fashioned thing missing from this video: to get a handle on where your money is going by tracking every bit of your spending monthly. It’s much easier to make positive changes when you can really see how all those dollars and dimes are frittering your money on things you wouldn’t miss and you would be just fine without. Living frugal does not mean living poorly, it does mean living with quality in mind. Buy nicer simple things that last rather than living a disposable lifestyle. I’m a young senior, my difficulty is cooking efficiently for just one person. I fix my own breakfast and lunch, but I do go out for dinner. Part of that is because I just want to get out of my house and see the local scenery. I have learned the specials of my local restaurants and fast food places. I just get a water and enjoy my favorite beverages at home. At fast food places I rarely buy a combo, usually just a chicken salad of some kind. I am blessed that I do not have car or home payments, but medical care is more expensive than those things.

[@johncalla2151]

The irony is that if everyone adopted a more frugal lifestyle there would be massive job losses and the government would have to swoop in with another quadrillion dollar bailout which will drive inflation up all the more.

[@bilahn1198]

You're right. If everyone saved the way they should save, the economy would collapse. There is really no answer to these problems!

[@TLA123y6f]

Yeah, seeing as how we don't make things anymore and our main source of gdp is 'consumerism'. That's why George Bush said at the beginning of the 2007 meltdown - "go shopping"

[@SkepticalMantisCHANNEL10]

That's capitalism...

[@Schaufelor]

It´s scary that in our system with all the technological improvements, we can´t just work significantly less and just consume what we really need. (that would be a real livestyle improvement for most people and true progress of society imho)

[@SkepticalMantisCHANNEL10]

@@Schaufelor Long ago people assumed that technology and increasing productivity would allow everyone to work less and less. Unfortunately, it's only the capitalists that have been benefitting.

[@Littlegoatpaws]

I've learned the more you buy and the more you try to upscale the more you want, the less satisfied you are, and the more work you have to do. I decided I didn't like juggling multiple jobs and not having anything saved for an emergency so I dont have a big brand new car or anything that would put me into huge debt. I dont go out to eat because on top of the ever growing price tag you have to leave a giant tip and the service, quality, and ambiance just doesn't justify it. When I delay gratification I enjoy something much more. The only thing I'm not adapting to well is not being able to afford to live by myself, I have to room up with more than one person and I get depressed without at least a little quiet and alone time and one person I used to live with was a thief.

[@Bennythesupersnooper]

How can you NOT accept this reality? It is everywhere. No driving for fun, no extras at the checkout, no meals out, coffee out is a one week thing and don’t even start me on the cinema..I gave that up years ago. 😢

[@theking8347]

It's not something that should be accepted, it's something that should be fought back against.

[@janetstonerook4552]

@@theking8347 Well, not playing the game and buying the over costly items is fighting back! I bought a very nice small bed and mattress. They had free delivery within a 20 mile range which was a lure for me. Then the sales lady said they didn't have it at their store and it would be shipped from the warehouse which was 50 miles away and I would have to pay delivery. I'd already written up the deal so I said okay. But I seethed at the trickery of the fine print. I won't even set foot in their store again! 😝

[@WoodyJ98]

@@theking8347completely agree. Moving backwards shouldn’t be accepted

[@AngryMiddleAgedMan]

A coffee is 3€/ $3 everywhere... Its not that much. Unless you pay the $30 extra galaxy universe starbucks coffee

[@christinaedwards5084]

@@AngryMiddleAgedManI can buy a jar of dowe and Egbert coffee for 6.50 and it lasts over a month. If I was less precious I could buy own brand for £2-3. And make loads of coffee.

[@jedipsen1]

Also, what do people use homes for? To fill them up with things they really don't need...

[@danicegewiss862]

Gas prices haven't been over $4 here in years, although they are getting close to $4 now. We never frequently got junk food. The crap that is in those foods will destroy your health. I'm weeding sugar out not just to save money, but to save my health which will save me more than just the meals. My energy is increasing as is my positivity. 😊 I'm studying and probably will work online until I can't which is saving me from driving and wearing out my car.

[@jessicaroyal4402]

I think it depends where you're at in the country. I'm in a state where it's just under $4, but I know other people in other states where it is still pushing $5 a gallon, and that's for regular. I live in a very hot climate and cost electricity has gone up considerably over the last few years

[@danshealthylifestyle8443]

I’ve been living this way my whole life. I shake my head when I see my coworkers buy lunch everyday, than complain about how everything is expensive and they are unable to save money.

[@rayjones4951]

Prices from 2020 to 2023 is drastic. Another great video! Thank you.

[@TraceyBergum]

All by design....

[@ElAgustin]

Thanks for watching!

[@sunnyrays2281]

Excellent video. I wish everyone could see it but I feel like a lot of the people who really need to see. It are the ones who are unwilling to embrace any changes. You make a lot of excellent points. Thank you.

[@katherinepace7369]

Very wise insights. I can see now how I've been subconsciously denying that the world has indeed changed. I am middle-aged, and some beliefs are ingrained, but are no longer appropriate to today's reality. Thanks for the reminder that we all have to continue to adapt. I always enjoy and look forward to your episodes!

[@ilovegreen0150]

I only buy if it’s on sale. Half price- stock up for later too❤️

[@classical7]

I was JUST at Chick Fila not too long ago....getting too expensive for sure. 😭 Gotta accept, acknowledge & adapt to this ever changing environment. Thank YOU!

[@Perfectlyimperfect9186]

I just went to chick fila the other day and canceled my order. They charged me $10+ for a large mac and cheese

[@Joce123]

People ae starting to figure out a way to divide their house to allow fir a faux duplex. I just moved the kitchen table out of my kitchen. I have a recliner ..or 2..in my kitchen..tv trays..where the thermostat is located.I closed off the doorways by closing doors and nailing a sleeping bag over 1 doorway. I heat with an energy efficiency space heater in the am..too early for the furnace this week in Minnesota ..I will move a 3/4 bed into the big kitchen for the winter..just the two of us

[@Mady-lo6qb]

In "The Long Winter" by Laura Ingalls Wilder, they eventually closed off the living/dining room and just used the kitchen. I did wonder why they didn't keep the dining/living room open but bring the beds downstairs instead of their going up to freezing cold bedrooms every night. But not knowing the layout exactly, perhaps that was the best way.

[@shaniquaknight3870]

You can’t start giving up everything because things go up. Neither. You still need to enjoy yourself,

[@joycegonzales4994]

You are just so cute, your little song. Lol God bless you.

[@duybear4023]

The Government needs to see this video. They spend like they hate money and love debt.

[@annazudis9850]

When I was working at McDonalds I remember when the value meals first came out they were $2.99. Did not matter which meal you purchased all were $2.99

[@SkepticalMantisCHANNEL10]

What year was that?

[@annazudis9850]

@@SkepticalMantisCHANNEL10 in the 80s

[@Lyn-in-Herts]

Thats soo true. At school in maths we would have been better prepared for life if we'd been taught about mortgages, inflation, debts and compound interest rather than vectors and algebra!

[@SpenceCurry]

That new math was engineering math thanx to Sputnik and the space race. Students who aced algebra were steered toward engineering and related sciences.

[@ceciliaabdalla4954]

Exactly. Algebra that 1% of people use. Schooling is indoctrination into this slave system

[@jessicaroyal4402]

I do pay for that "doorbell" service yearly. The yearly fee also includes all of the cameras I have around my house. It has been much cheaper than paying my previous home alarm system company their monthly fee of $51 plus the $35 for a landline. I purchased my house over 20 yrs ago in a very nice area that unfortunately has become extremely crime-ridden over the last few years & the surveillance cameras are necessary for my safety. My doorbell camera has captured numerous attempts at package thieves and people trying to open my door ☹️. Unfortunately, moving and getting a new mortgage is completely out of the question in this economy for me

[@maryjanegreen7601]

You need a mean dog.

[@girlygirl1890]

@jessicaroyal Yes, the doorbell service is definately worth it in your case. I would have that too if I were you because you can't put a price on safety. Especially having PROOF of what happens is irreplaceable. I would keep the doorbell service if I were you.

[@jamesr1703]

I treat myself to Chic-fil-A once a month. However, in order to do it, I make myself ride my bicycle. It's 10 miles roundtrip. If I don't feel like riding my bicycle...then no Chic-fil-A. It works for me.

[@cyclistsneedtochange3401]

The World Economic Forums plan being played out. He told us we’d have nothing and be happy. Well they got the nothing part right.

[@antgue756]

Were more frugal then ever already. The changes need to be made from on high

[@waynethompson1115]

I've always lives frugally. That's how I was debt free by 33. Putting 2 kids through college without borrowing. Buy vehicles with cash. Working in retirement the entire time. Life is good.

[@flovv4580]

Smart 👏

[@rudeboi6502]

Cant do that anymore with how expensive everything is 😔

[@stevec404]

I only buy for minimal current needs like basic foods to prepare at home. Since waking up to the fact that I had/have too much stuff I have been actively reducing the load. It is not easy to look at a packed walk-in closet and know that there is too much there, but what stays and what goes? I plan to gather my excesses over the winter months ahead, price them fairly, and have several tag sales in the spring. Making the load lighter is a good start. Vowing not to buy just to buy...is the permanent answer.

[@decentrifytech]

This just popped up on my feed. I used to work in Big Tech and when he is talking about services, he is talking about the 'SaaS' (Software as a Service' business model. I did a video explain how and why everything is now shifting to a service because of Big Tech in my video series 'Big Tech's Deception.' The old way of doing business where you actually own something is now going the way of the dodo bird. Capitalism now wants you to be a hooked and endless renter and subscriber. Its an awful direction!

[@ElAgustin]

Yeah, it's like a never ending business model. The Adobe services I use (which are great) is a never ending subscription, so I'll always be paying to edit and make thumbnails, haha!

[@ignaciogodoy7095]

The Big Mac index is a very useful indicator of the cost of life, In Chile the Big Mac cost 5 dollars, and in the US cost the same 5 dollars, but the minimun wage in US approximately 4K, but in Chile is 500 dollars

[@daniel11v33]

Wise words, Austin. Frugality is the only way to go!

[@stanrix]

I tried to adapt around 3 years ago…. And I’m still screwed… Things are getting BADDDDD

[@annetedder8202]

Consumerism and life as we have known is over. This includes "green" consumption as well. We are seeing the effects of climate change. True frugality is the only way out of this quagmire. Such a shift is not only critical for the survival of life on our planet but will align human beings with something more intrinsic and intentional.

[@joeylopez7978]

I have a secret for you. All that "green" stuff is really just new taxes the government is going to hit us with. Oh can't afford a new electric vehicle? Well here's a tax for that.

[@biggbeefer]

I agree with frugal living but I believe this is a false dichotomy here. While it is wise to consume consciously, we don't need to roll over and accept this new reality. It is not normal. It is being caused by artificial factors. There are actionable steps to take to return to a more reasonable cost of living. I advocate for living frugally in these times while also being aware that this is an abnormal financial climate and it does not have to continue to be this way. Just my opinion on the issue. I enjoy your content!!

[@beth3535]

I agree. I’m focused on cooking from scratch, meal planning, and eliminating waste. I’ve stopped spending on prepared items, snack foods, and treats unless I prepare them. It’s helping curb my spending no matter what’s on sale. I also stay within a comparatively low weekly limit on groceries. Eat out so rarely I can’t remember when I last did it! I see some prices inching downward. I do believe in pushing back too.

[@alsimmons5041]

What you stated is an absolute fact not an opinion. People speak about the tyrannical greed in our society as if it's some kind of unexplainable phenomenon that happens every year and we as the working class have to accept it. We don't! These are man made problems by greedy politicians and corporations all working together to get the maximum amount of profit and efficiency while giving back nothing to the people who work to keep this economy going.

[@jonnygraham2372]

I like how “living frugally” is to not buy things that are Pennies on the dollar to produce: coffee and drive through, foreign made clothes etc. Then there’s the cut to necessities.. transportation and housing. People could be happy with affordable single bedrooms and modest new cars. This is by design- the design is to rid you of the world.

[@TaySlayXOXO]

Been living in my car the past year. Looking all over CA for a room under 1k but it’s just not there. And I’ve already tried other states. The lack of good paying work just negates what I was saving on rent. So it’s a struggle everywhere. Might as well be in CA where at least I don’t have to worry about heat stroke or hypothermia when my housing situation inevitably falls through.

[@whatsleft100]

Having just left London for the Cornish coast I've noticed how much you can save when you can have walking / cycling / sea swimming as your main hobbies . Once you have the paid out the initial costs of walking shoes / bicycle / swimwear it's a inexpensive way to entertain yourself . London had free museums and nice parks but the supermarkets were more expensive to make lunches and then there's transport costs . I know this option isn't available to everyone. It''s just an observation ,you could enjoy nature for less ,which is why it's such an important aspect of town n country planning and needs protection.

[@85prp]

fast food is crazy expensive now, mc flurries use to cost $2- $2.50 in 2010 and now they are $4.85. In 2006 $10 at mcdonalds will cost like $28 today

[@monishthomasp]

Downsizing one’s life is the only way forward.. Thank you El Agustin.. ❤

[@BOSSDONMAN]

It seems like buying groceries and cooking at home is about as expensive as eating out pre-inflationary era. Nowadays, you can go to some basic fast food/fast casual restaurant, and you're spending AT LEAST $15 a meal - ridiculous.

[@Simon-je7ko]

Back in the 80's I could go to Mcdonalds and eat four hamburgers four 2-3 dollars. I had coupons for two for one. It also included fries and a drink.

[@jedipsen1]

At a given point, your things end up owning you...

[@rosenasser5943]

I have some older people in my family who are extremely wealthy but live like they are poor. You could say they are frugal, but the word "Miser" is more accurate. They have never liked spending money. They live a very simple, no frills lifestyle. They also do not like the stock market as they feel it is unstable. They have millions of dollars in interest bearing vehicles that banks offer like CD's. They have been in CDs since the 1930's. And they have been accumulating interest for over 80 years. They also own real estate and physical gold/silver. But no REIT's and ETF's. They also do not give to charities! If you want to know how to be frugal, ask a Miser!

[@almudenagonzalez760]

What will they do with all that money when they pass away !! Así son algunas personas 😡

[@rosenasser5943]

@@almudenagonzalez760 They already have wills and will leave it to their family/relatives (not the government). They have no children of their own, but have 2 surviving siblings and a few nephews and nieces. No church affiliation or charities either. I think hoarding money becomes a way of life after you've done it for years and years and years.

[@almudenagonzalez760]

@@rosenasser5943 Lo imagino , no debemos criticar a nadie aunque no entendamos su actitud , es su dinero y hay muchas razones en nuestra vida para actuar como lo hacemos .Un saludo desde Madrid

[@rosenasser5943]

@@almudenagonzalez760 Hola. Estoy escribiendo esto en el traductor de Bing. No hablo español. Gracias por su respuesta. Recuerda ahorrar algunos pesos para tu jubilación, saludar a los toros en las corridas de toros y comer una enchilda para mí. ¡Dios los bendiga!

[@almudenagonzalez760]

@@rosenasser5943 Thank you so much !!!! In Spain the tradicional dishes are paella Valenciana, cocido madrileño , sea food, gazpacho , torrijas de leche, pestiños extremeños , migas ,tortilla de patatas , pisto andaluz .... etc but not enchiladas ...😂😂you should come and try yourself !!!! But never come in summer it's very, very hot .I also wish you all the best !!! 💕💕 Ah !!! And your advise is very sensitive !!!

[@HH-xj8nh]

You made me choke 33 seconds in, with your performance of the Full House theme song. I’m crying😂

[@ElAgustin]

Kid don't sell your dreams so soooonnnnnn!

[@HH-xj8nh]

@@ElAgustin 😂😂😂

[@sierrasky2491]

I did not adapt to the increasing cost of living by hoarding things are buying bigger cars I tried to stay Frugal and keep the line even across the board. I did not always succeed but I still live with no TV no Wi-Fi and I have a beautiful simple life and want for absolutely nothing. It allowed me to retire early in life. Now I am watching people try to pay off their gigantic SUVs. I love your videos❤

[@awakenotwoke2643]

I didnt even buy Halloween candy to pass out this year.$26 for a shitty little bag,f em all.

[@tlopez5821]

Sadly, the commodification of life in the USA is definitely something people need to accept, acknowledge & adapt to. If motivated, we can all try to learn & find ways to live more simply & cost effectively but the fact remains that the idea of the "American Dream" should thrown out entirely, or at least also be updated to reflect the disposable, vanity/attention seeking, self-absorbed attitudes of the culture as a whole.

[@crishnaholmes7730]

Do you think it’s better in other countries

[@ceciliaabdalla4954]

Americans are slaves to their government and banks. The American dream is an illusion

[@theking8347]

The American dream is the entire point of living in this country.

[@huseyinhuseyin8042]

Bedankt

[@ElAgustin]

Thanks!!!!!!

[@georgeandrews2839]

Never thought I'd get sticker shock at the grocery store... 😆

[@stanleykijek6983]

Apparently, you must not have been around in most of the 1970s and early 1980s because inflation was bad then, too. However, we didn't have all of these extra things back then that this video clip shows. A phone was a simple device, not something that has all of these features one really doesn't NEED. If you wanted a new car, you ordered what you wanted. Today, you have to buy a whole package of features---take it or leave it. You can't skip AC, power windows or automatic transmission to save on cost. Also, the government REQUIRES all of these safety features on cars. Guess who's stuck paying for them??

[@Housestationlive]

i have a super simple life as an individual, but as a radio station manager who struggle to survive, i have to invest every single penny i can into it. i need phonic isolation to avoid amateur background noises, and making possible shows by night (because our audience is in another time zone on internet), and this is about 30 000 dollars investment.

[@cajunjamis9001]

Well said, Austin! I watched a Documentary about this Retired lady, 2 years ago. Remembered her saying Folks in the US will not be able to retire here. She was living in Bahia , Mexico. Real shame! INFLATION !!! "Geaux for the simple life." Cajun

[@GrannyLinn]

But people in other countries say we’re driving up their cost of living. 😢

[@cajunjamis9001]

@@GrannyLinn "like anything else." Go Figure? INFLATION

[@crishnaholmes7730]

@@cajunjamis9001would you retire in another country

[@beaulieuc8910]

Responsibility and bigger stuff is more expense

[@angeladawn805]

Cost of living - in terms of food - seems much cheaper in the USA than New Zealand. The take out meal has doubled in price, but then, if you look at wages around the same time period, that's almost doubled. That being said, weekly grocery shopping is between 3 to 4 times as much, and house prices have quadrupled. The net result is: tighten your belts, stop buying cheap tat that's destined for the landfill. My two young boys have also quadrupled in size, so we have made drastic changes to live lean and healthy. We ALL go to the gym every day, that's where we shower (and workout). It's a 5 minute walk from home). The hot water has been turned off, all the light8is LED bulbs, so our utilities are so much lower than our neighbors'. Finally, my hours at work have been cut back, so I've embraced intermittent fasting - which cuts down my food intake, and has improved my health 😊 My boys have plenty of food

[@somewhereelse000]

I don't eat out, and I don't subscribe to services other than my phone. I limit my driving to save petrol and I'm extremely frugal with electricity usage. I don't buy 'collectibles' or fill my house with consumerist junk. I sell that which I no longer use and keep an eye out for bargains that I can resell for profit. I am trying to save like mad, but the spiralling cost of rent and energy are making it extremely difficult.

[@kwokweng76]

i agree with all your points austin.............great video as always.

[@Joce123]

Frugal pod casts like this one are wonderful for support and ideas

[@nonnapapera3044]

I'm not american so maybe I'm not able to deeply undestand a lot... But something always confuses me when I listen to someone talking about the cost of eating out... Is it really that normal for the average american to eat out 3/4/5 times a week? I mean.. 3 fast food meals a week should concern you about your health before than about your wealth... What am I missing? English is not my language so forgive me if I'm not able to articulate my thoughts properly..

[@SusieQZee]

Firstly, your English is impeccable and better than some native English speakers, secondly, it’s not that American eat out from fast food exclusively; more so, coffee shops and sit down restaurants. It adds up!

[@nonnapapera3044]

@@SusieQZee thanks for your kind words! I'm trying to improve it :) I grew up in a low income family and we were used to eat out only on special occasions (and I'm not referring to birthdays or something like that... I've always cooked and baked home for those). Now I go out more frequently, but even in my most "mundane" times I ate out no more than once a week. I have friends and relatives who really enjoy going out for dinner, but almost everyone I know consider it some weekend treat. Many of them love to eat their breakfast out tho. It's not easy to replicate at home a perfect espresso or cappuccino :)

[@ElAgustin]

Yeah, eating out is a pretty big thing here. It's normal to eat out multiple times a week.

[@nonnapapera3044]

@@ElAgustinnow I see why a lot of financial advices focus on this topic. In my budget food (as a whole) is hardly a concern. It's always amazing to have a glimpse of different situations, cultures and habits around the world. Thanks a lot!

[@TLA123y6f]

@@ElAgustin Maybe for some

[@ltwig476]

For the many folks that worked one considered good paying job and gratified themselves only by consumer spending, it is a huge wake-up call. For the other few that found hobbies or other things to do with their lives, it's not nearly as shocking because their gratitude was not based on what they can consume. These types will always find something to be grateful about while using little to no money. These types are typically the same ones that had put away savings rather than consuming, as to not be miserable in their latter years. Science has now proven that the consumerism society is highly related to consumption of sugar and caffeinated drinks. The same synapses in the brain go hand in hand. You could claim we were duped. Except I'm not inclined to believe such. Rather I think it all came about gradually and more naturally through capitalist competition.

[@Revert2017]

I have been following Dave Ramsey- less debt is giving me more money in my pocket.

[@MrCrossface007]

I just cut caffeine out of my diet. I was going through 3-4 Celsius drinks a day. It was rough the first 48 hours but it had to be done. Feel much better physically and mentally.

[@AnnMitt]

Unfortunately, higher cost of products, services, rent, and fuel are here to stay. People must adjust.

[@ElAgustin]

Things rarely go down! Greed overcomes!

[@beth3535]

I have adjusted by walking away from services, cooking from scratch, buying used, and doing things that require more personal effort (like studying a new language or other skill) but little or no extra money.