Frugal People AVOID Doing These 17 Things//FRUGAL LIFESTYLE TIPS

[@debbiewhite1603]

I am so happy I came across you two. Lots of food for thought. Main thing is you promote me to be frugal. You remind me to be frugal. I love various ideas. My brother once told me he never buys anything that appeals to him. He goes home, thinks about it and then will go back next day if he still wants it. This helps me with emotional buying.

[@rnbphoenix]

I agree with everything except no vacations. Travelling and getting exposure to different people and cultures has an immeasurable benefit on your life and expands your mind.

[@leesa9673]

After 27 years of marriage, my husband and I went on a cruise . It was wonderful ! So relaxing with breath taking views and beautiful locations. We did not blow money on excursions, expensive foods, or souvenirs . I will never forget it and hope we can go again someday.. I want to see more of God's gifts on this beautiful planet.

[@kashfortheking]

I think they said “no fancy vacations.” They still had a good time.

[@cc-by8uk]

True. I am frugal and the only treat I give myself is fancy vacations and small weekend trips. This is the most important joy in my life.

[@99khalas]

@Betty Boop reading and travelling are two different things. Is like driving, you can read all about road signs and how to drive but no one can take away the experience of driving which is way more thrilling and engaging. Certain things are meant to be experienced :)

[@xenatron9056]

I went to Thailand, up into the mountains, they had only had electricity installed to the village the previous year. What an experience that was. No food, go to the mountain and dig up sweet potato. No shower, just a drum of water and a pail to douse yourself, sleep on the floor........no real income at all. They made beautiful jewellery and wove exquisite silk fabrics. It was very good to go on an overseas vacation and having my mind expanded. And the best thing was, everyone was happy and content, no fear of the future. Beautiful.

[@kashfortheking]

You two are great 👍🏾. Nice to see married people working together.

[@UndertheMedian]

Thanks, Keith, for your kind comments.

[@cynthiamyers4265]

We are frugal so that we can take fancy vacations! We save up and pay in advance. Of course, we don't take them every year.

[@lh7501]

Being frugal is about choosing what to spend your money 9n on

[@ladythornish8604]

I don't understand how people can pay 4 to 6 dollars a day for a cup of coffee?

[@elyc.1554]

Agree

[@vranckxveerle6450]

Hi, I'm from Belgium. I grow my own vegetables in the garden and the greenhouse for the whole family. That way I save money and it is a lowcost hobby.

[@UndertheMedian]

Great hobby and very relaxing, too.

[@judemathieu3717]

Plant based eating is such a savings! Camping for vacation. Coffee is made at home. Thrifting Christmas gifts. Experiences over gifts. Budgeting is always written and discussed together.

[@jessicamoore9771]

Eating healthy will definitely save on your medical bills

[@DouglasCohen1962]

Love it! Been Vegan for nearly 8 years and debt free for 5! Good for you guys!

[@karynm3365]

Here's a few more: frugal people have at least 6-12 months living expenses in savings and basic food supplies that will last at least 3-6 months. Also frugal people don't go to Starbucks or any coffee shops since you can make coffee so cheaply at home.

[@justmonathefurcrew9009]

As a single mother of 4, with rare occasions of child support, I always took my children on vacations. We camped regularly. Our luxurious vacations included going to different amusement parks! Which we did every couple years, plus the times we would stay at a campground where they might have a swimming pool. This way I can bring food from home and we would see the historic sites around the country. My neighbors said I was planning for the Apocalypse when they looked into my freezer or pantry. There was no fast food in our house because nutritious food comes from the heart and the stove

[@terrylynn9984]

Love this channel, before the Great Recession of 2008, we paid off our 7 year old home, we did vacation every year in a pop up when the boys were little, locally and even to Niagara Falls on a dime, even when hubby was laid off. Always tried to keep a strict weekly budget on groceries, keep our meals simple, bulk order meat every March with the tax return. We have managed to save money for retirement and the kids post secondary education. We are careful with our money, but we also live our life my husband and kids enjoy kayaking and golf. I enjoy buying my clothes and shoes at thrift store and buy items cheaper at the dollar store. We also live on one income. I consider myself cheap and frugal. But I have declared every other week a take out night., this mama needs a break from cooking....and that is with coupons❤❤❤ Love your channel.

[@UndertheMedian]

Love your "take out night" idea. Yes, a break is well-deserved and welcome.

[@jeankelly368]

What a great life plan!

[@jonnaborosky8836]

Frugal people never throw away uncanceled stamps! 😀 I love your channel!

[@almostthere2884]

My Dad saved and used uncancelled stamps. It wasn't until after I became a Letter Carrier for USPS that I found out using uncancelled stamps is illegal. I told him, but he still did it!

[@dianemedina5814]

I'm so sorry to hear about the loss of your child. My condolences. I just found you. Thank you so much for your services.

[@UndertheMedian]

Thank you, Diane.

[@chauntellewickham4223]

I'm so sorry as well. My heart hurts for you guys

[@garygnagey3569]

My husband Gary and I offer you and your husband our sincere condolences! Our hearts ache for you! May God be your comfort and strength!

[@aprilstevens7421]

Hello, great video, I really like that you have lived this way for a long time and had success. Keep sharing your tips :)

[@UndertheMedian]

Thanks April. We are delighted that you are finding the channel helpful.

[@susanferrazzano1957]

I took back roads to work (10 mins from my house) so I would buy used tires and they were 1/4 the price of new tires ! Loved the savings ! Also after hang drying my clothes to save money on electric bills ,I would fluff towels and clothes to soften on air dry! Also would cook my meals for most of the week on Sundays during non peak hours and filling the oven with meals that needed to be baked all at once to save save save! Always let dishes in dishwasher air dry. Also by replacement outdoor chairs at thrift shops,garage, estate sales as well as planter pots

[@kristivandenberg6339]

I just found your channel and wholeheartedly agree with most all of your advice. We live debt free and enjoy living under budget. Our children also graduated from college debt free, 2 of them did grad school with small debt which they paid of quickly. We were not able to help them, at the time, with college and they worked hard. Blessings to you both.

[@UndertheMedian]

Hi, Kristi. Thanks for watching. We gave our oldest son $1000 a year for college. Basically, we paid for books. He worked to pay the rest and received a really high value scholarship. He graduated last year debt-free.

[@almostthere2884]

I love your list! Two things; My Dad taught me to never buy anything at retail. Also I do not shop by price. I shop by cost per ounce on almost everything. I save a lot of money like that. I also did the "car payment to yourself" trick for a while after I paid off my car loan The $206.49/month is etched into my brain! I'm happy to see I am doing most of the things on your list.

[@seananderson683]

You two are wonderful. Some words of advice from a single frugal fella. I always use my credit cards to pay for everything including monthly bills and I receive 3 to 5% cash back on all my spend. I use my credit cards responsibly and pay them off each month. I never pay a penny in interest. This saves me hundreds of dollars per year. If you're not using credit cards to pay for things, you're simply over paying.

[@ThePantherproof]

#17: I don't know how you can get emotional about cookware., but I sat through a similar demonstration and told him I'd give him an answer in a week. He said, "No, you have to decide now." I'm sorry but I don't make decisions of that dollar amount right away.

[@UndertheMedian]

Good for you! Smart answer.

[@monicaluketich3106]

My last "vacation" was to Mother Earth News Fair. I got to talk to like-minded people, sat through multiple lectures, did hands on demos, and learned about vendors I might need for my farm. And I got off the farm for several days.

[@UndertheMedian]

That seriously sounds like a fun vacation!

[@monicaluketich3106]

@@UndertheMedian It was. It was the 3rd time I have gone to it in 5 yrs here in Texas. I would recommend it for people who want to be more self sufficient

[@jonnaborosky8836]

Ditto. I've found that some vegan foods are expensive, especially when getting complete proteins. Not always, though. I haven't eaten meat in 50 years, literally since the first Earth Day in 1970. So, I can't really compare vegan diet with meat eating diet. You can also make your own clothes to save money, and turn old clothes not only into rags, but also into re-worked clothing. Then rags, or strips of fabric to weave something... I've seen someone online make thread art, from dismantling small pieces of fabric and saving thread scraps from sewing. I haven't done that because I already save so much stuff. Loved listening to you. Look forward to more videos!

[@UndertheMedian]

You're right. We don't buy any pre-made vegan meat or cheese substitutes. You can get into some serious money quickly with these items. Plus, they are high in fat, calories, and salt. So, we just pretty much avoid them completely.

[@UndertheMedian]

@@sjordan7085 , yes! I love these ideas! Our oldest son has a business making and selling handmade rosaries. He often gets his beads and supplies second hand.

[@jonnaborosky8836]

@@sjordan7085 I haven't thought about how expensive they are because I have my, my mother's and my grandmother's. Plus my grandmother was given the whole sewing stash of a friend who passed away...that came to me. I haven't bought fabric since I was a teenager. I re-design pieces and outfits into something else. Or, I make something out of the leftovers from other projects. I really do want to buy a couple more gadgets, but they're too expensive. I just go back to using what I have. It works.

[@mcgmolly]

The US needs to follow you.

[@ericmcdowell5762]

I have "tons of clothes", ... yet most of them, sweaters, shirts, and shorts, I bought at Goodwill, ... and when I saw something really nice, I'd be sure to come back during their Saturday 50% off days. I was obsessed with this one year, many years ago, and I have enough clothes to get me by "for life". Most of the items I bought were in the $1 to $5 price range, ... even the sweaters. And I have some nice sweaters, ... some Eddie Bauer sweaters that I've gotten a few remarks about them. My thought is that there were affluent people that donated a lot of their clothes to Goodwill, in the area I lived. And boy, did I pick up some nice stuff. One time, I picked up a pair of size 15 dress shoes, with leather soles, that you could tell were never worn, because the soles were unblemished. I also picked up a pair of Ralph Lauren baggy carpenter pants, for $5, that still had the original tags on it (never been worn), ... and I wore those quite a bit, to the point that I eventually wore thin the seat of the pants, ... they were great pants though. I would say more, but this has already gotten longer than I wanted it to be. But yeah, ... Goodwill is one of my favorite stores, ... and I've picked up a lot of home decor items from Goodwill as well, ... you just can't beat it.

[@jameshudson5022]

Eric sounds like my wife, we have clothed our kids and ourselves for the past 38 years on thrift stores. We are extremely blessed . Paid off our home in seven years, have lived there 30 years and going to retire there. We are prepared for retirement now.

[@BastetNoodles]

Alot of people like to brag about how MUCH they pay for things ~ I prefer to have people be surprised at how LITTLE I pay. Goodwill is great for that!

[@Jennifer-1724]

I decided to stop shopping at thrift stores and buy new. Here me out lol 🤣 was I really saving money with my thrift shopping addiction buying endless amounts of clothes and ending up taking them back to the thrift store? So I decided to stop shopping for a year. I created a minimalist capsule wardrobe during this year break of shopping. I have downsized my clothes into a 1950's wardrobe. I currently own 28 items of clothes. I will adjust my wardrobe to 15 items once I wear items out I will not replace them until I get below the 15 item mark. Then I have a specific list and if I buy a new. I honestly thought I was saving money thrift shopping now my bank account is showing me I am really saving money being a minimalist and avoiding thrift stores unless I have a specific thing I am looking for which I rarely ever fun so I end up buying it new when I do shop. This is my second time in 3 years of having a no-bye year. Not at all knocking you down just sharing my story ❤️ I cannot find clothes for my son and daughter so I created a capsule wardrobe for them my son has like 12 items of clothing high quilting not a name most people know. My daughter is I just worked out $300 for her a capsule wardrobe but the clothing I bought too big and is also high quality it will last her for 2 years. Between time and gas I just don't do better thrift shopping at all. However my 16-year-old does way better at thrift stores. I make up for this little area buy a few things I don't have cell phone service because I really don't leave the house so I only spend about 40.00 in gas a month. I hope you have a blessed day.

[@camperjack2620]

Hi, have a budget, but often my spending does not match the allocations. I took your advice to track your spending, using a little notebook and keeping a running total of what I have spent so far for the month. Starting to work better. Thank you.

[@sparkle9482]

GOOD ONE STOCKPILE!! I JUST STARTED DOING THAT! AND INSURANCE IS A GOOD ONE I NEED TO DO THAT❤🙏

[@MsLucky443]

Great show! Many people need to hear this.

[@cgt6497]

You two are so sweet! I love listening to your advice. Thank you!

[@gingermcintosh6545]

I just saw a preppier video and he listed a lot of non-food items, which I think you said too. Some of the things: light bulbs, batteries, pet food, toilet paper, paper towels, first aid supplies and alcohol or peroxide, duct tape, plastic tarps, plastic garbage bags, dish soap, hand soap.

[@duvessa2003]

“Car payments to yourself.” I like it!

[@emilyrich9324]

I only pay cash for a car Dont keep up with the Jonses I only surround myself with like-minded people We do not vacation I compare prices or I just simply Taylor my menu to what I can afford I don't accept my company insurance I love to learn ! I agree with this No 401k etc Majority items are purchased used , not full price Here is my list of 'Do's' I am so happy I stumbled across your channel ❤

[@UndertheMedian]

Welcome! Thanks for your list.

[@samspraguefinanceformula3519]

Great video! Frugal : match value to price Cheap: everything is overpriced

[@UndertheMedian]

Exactly! We've always told our kids that it's not about never spending money. It's all about choosing when, where, and how you will spend your money.

[@samspraguefinanceformula3519]

@@UndertheMedian love it. The channel looks great

[@UndertheMedian]

@@samspraguefinanceformula3519 , thanks!

[@justinacase2623]

Sam, excellent! Spend money when it's warranted. IE quality tools. Old country guy told me " spend your money once".

[@marykincaid7477]

If it cheap and tasty

[@alexandraromanova369]

Aaaah what a nice surprise that you are vegans!!!!! I have been vegan for 8 y. ♥️

[@UndertheMedian]

We have been for 10 years and love it.

[@marla4041]

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[@rochellethundercloud346]

Im not vegan,but i dont eat pork ,or much red meat.pork is a very,very rare treat,like at the holidays,as is red meat. We eat salads a lot.homemade.chicken,fish

[@robertburns3014]

We aren't currently on a vegan diet but we have been vegetarians all of our 42 + married lives. I quit eating all types of animal fresh when I was 15 years old and my wife has never knowingly eaten meat or fish. We enjoy good health and save a lot of money avoiding the purchase of meat products.

[@sheriburke8276]

I do travel a bit, but instead of saving for a car, I save for a trip. My car is ancient but is always kept in the best shape.

[@victorwadsworth821]

Collect those points offered, some motels give you free rooms after a certain amount of stays. Sort of like the thrift stores giving you a free loaf of bread after so much spent.

[@demcrusherrepublican1655]

You two having a great time together is great ! You guys can be funny too .

[@emilyhart2252]

When socializing I don't just "get together" with friends -- that can lead to spending too much money. Instead I plan an activity and control -- minimalize -- the spending. I might invite friends over for a board game night or a screening of a movie I got for free from the library with a popcorn bar -- popcorn and assorted garnishes, or an ethnically themed potluck. We might go out to a free concert in the park and take our own grape juice and fancy wine glasses and be very elegant.

[@UndertheMedian]

I love these ideas! We do "themed" potlucks with friends, too. We've done soup bars, taco bars, baked potato bars. Seeing the huge array of food to try is so much fun - and such an inexpensive evening.

[@victorwadsworth821]

On big ticket items, it is best to use the "sleep on it" practice. if it's still not there, most likely it was not to be or as good or better deal will come along.

[@heatherjordan3539]

Cute couple 😊 Wish my husband and I agreed on all these things 🙃

[@athena3469]

Shout out to Vegans and being debt free! 🎉 *Clicked Subscribed Button*

[@ItsMaarrr]

I just stumbled across your channel and I love all the practical advice you are sharing. I never had anyone to teach me about finances and how to be a good steward of my money and have always found myself in debt. Well I’m 31 with 2 kids and I’m sick of it! My goal for 2020 is to pay off my car loan and credit card ($20k total) I know it won’t be easy but with the right mindset plus frugal living tips I’m getting from your channel, I know it’s possible! Thank you for posting these videos and I’m looking forward to seeing more!

[@UndertheMedian]

We are rooting for you, Marissa.

[@silviahoffmann158]

Good for u

[@carolynm9798]

May I suggest reading “Total Money Makeover” by Dave Ramsey; Money Smart Family by the Economides and The Tightwad Gazette by Amy Daczycyn. All books are at your library and you will find the advice helpful, I’m sure!

[@barbaratozzano6364]

Yes! Always keep learning!

[@anotherdayrepeat3283]

We are frugal so we can bring our kids on fancy vacations 😄😄

[@cassandramarie3099]

#8 is so important! My husband went back to school, and I save hundreds on his textbooks by shopping around.

[@melaniewhaley1709]

I found a second hand book store which was right around the corner from my campus...got a $45.00 textbook for under a buck!! Proud of that!!!

[@rg-mi5hh]

Some campuses rent books at their bookstore that students used the semester before. You can save a lot this way on books.

[@geewhiz6598]

Love your videos! Thanks for sharing. Love your dynamic together. I’d be interested to hear even a little more from Larry - I like his insights and unique voice, as well.

[@UndertheMedian]

I'll tell Larry to speak up. It's hard for him to get a word in sometimes with me. LOL!

[@yamilettegallo8048]

@@UndertheMedian yes you run the show lol

[@larryware1]

Oh, thank you. I'm so thankful for Hope and am delighted to let her take the lead in this area. She's done a really good job of managing our finances for the past 32 years. I could have never done what she did. So, Hope usually has the most to say on this subject.

[@geewhiz6598]

@@UndertheMedian Haha. It’s just the same in our house. 😬 😬

[@geewhiz6598]

@@larryware1 Aww. What a wonderful partnership. Don’t underestimate what you have to offer, though. You two have a really nice yin and yang going. I find your voice and insights to be a lovely counterbalance, and I’d love to hear more from you! P.S. My hubby has a hard time getting a work in edge-wise with me, too. :)

[@oliviafox3310]

We were part of a health sharing plan, Samaritan Ministries, for a time, until we had to go onto medicare. They were wonderful.

[@Coffeecup.0110]

Part of me would like to compare prices on insurance but I do really like having my local agent. They’ve been helpful many times which gives me peace of mind. Thank you so much!!!

[@michellejordan627]

So many wonderful points. Something we found that differs on one of your points is about life insurance. After research and doing the numbers, if you buy term (say 30 year) when you are young you get locked in at a much lower price. Then you invest the dollar difference between term and whole. If you invest wisely this will save you and make you a considerable more than paying for whole life for decades.

[@roselubbe9815]

As a courtesy, bank will forgive the overdraft fee the same for credit card's late fee and finance charges. Ask them politely if it's your first time and more than likely they will do it as a courtesy. Also you can use your savings account as an overdraft without charging you any fees if they are both from the same bank.

[@UndertheMedian]

You are absolutely right. I should have called and asked, especially since we have been with the same bank for over thirty years.

[@SarahLizDoan]

You guys are awesome!!! I love your energy; real, honest, thorough and positive! Respectfully, $40k went A LOT further 20 or 30 years ago. But car payments to yourself is a great idea!!

[@granitemoss1451]

Opening an HSA (health savings account) helps you cover those high deductibles and has tax advantages, too. We're in the same boat for health insurance and I just adore our HSA.

[@UndertheMedian]

We keep enough in the HSA to cover quite a bit of our deductible. You are right. It's really helpful.

[@AAA-nq6bo]

I buy used old cars and pay cash, my current car is 12 years old. I never go on vacations anywhere, I still use the first kitchen table and bedroom set I ever bought and both are over 30 years old. I use credit cards with cash back rewards and never carry a balance over. I NEVER use cash for daily purchases and use a cash back rewards credit card. I double paid my mortgage payments and my home is now paid for. I never eat at restaurants. I eat a lot of canned food goods like soups. I shop at the goodwill and Walmart and never shop at trendy stores. From my recent research on retirement I think my retirement portfolio might be 10 times what the average persons my age is but still not enough because I have no pension and will just have a meager monthly social security payment and a meager monthly 401k dispersement. Lesson I learned: It’s never to late to start saving! In 2008 during the Great Recession I lost everything including my small business and my home! I had $200 in the bank and no job or house. I picked myself up and dusted off and started a plan to recover... In 12 years with just an average job I now own my home and live debt free and have saved every extra penny so that I can retire. I’m just a few years from retirement and although I won’t be wealthy I will be OK. Word of advice! Save Save Save! No one is there to help you in retirement! You are on your own so if you Don’t want to live in a section8 apartment you better start planning and saving. Good luck all! You can do it!

[@UndertheMedian]

You have a GREAT story! That is awesome! Thanks for sharing!

[@alycewich4472]

@KG B - GOOD. FOR. YOU!

[@hansslane7080]

Much of frugality makes sense. Like anything fanatics usually aren't happy. My father use to berate my mother over the thermostat. Now she's dead,but now he still loves his wallet all by himself.

[@oxymoira]

as a debt-free, minimalist, frugal jones i am so fed up with the "keeping up with the jones" LOL !!

[@UndertheMedian]

Yep! My grandfather always told me that the hardest part about keeping up with the Jones is that about the time you catch up, the Jones refinance and you are behind again. LOL!

[@corinacorina1888]

I so enjoyed your tips! I love best that you guys work TOGETHER. You seem very warm and wise. I'm 36, husband 38, and we are barely getting our finances rite. So glad I gound your channel!

[@UndertheMedian]

We are so glad that you are hanging out with us, Corina. Feel free to ask questions. We'd be happy to answer them.

[@susanyates4233]

I have never had a car on finance, we always bought cheap cars. I use a rug and hot water bottle, but I also have the advantage of an open fire. When we retired, we decided that we would change nothing in our home unless we were unable to live with it. My husband was a joiner by trade, and very capable, so it was only rarely necessary to have a tradesman. Since his death I have realised how much money he saved us.

[@nicole8511]

Good advice, thank you ✨️

[@creolemarie6633]

I absolutely splurge on vacations but am 100% frugal everywhere else

[@UndertheMedian]

Travel is an admirable splurge.

[@KeliOConnor]

Can you create a food video on how to buy and make weekly/ monthly vegan meals? As a vegan if 20+ years, I think a lot of us have strayed away from making foods to buying prepared, since everything is so available to us now.

[@jo-annoconnor3]

Hi, I was surprised that I follow most of these points. For insurance, I use a website that allows me to price compare across a number of companies so it is fast. I've even used any quote I got to negotiate a better price with my current insurance company. Emotional shopping, we'll I think we all have done that and try, as you did, to learn from our mistake. The one thing I am doing is planning an expensive river cruise to France next June with my sister. This is my first big trip and I have a plan for paying for that trip. Thanks for sharing these tips. I'm single, retired and do my best to make good frugal decisions.

[@veganspace]

I rarely buy designer clothes anymore! Unless it is something I really like or company I like and have an ethical value. No more expensive bags either anymore.. Thrift stores are my fave now 🥰

[@larrytucker222]

One guideline my wife and I have have is that we would never have a rent or house payment over $600/month. This has worked for 34 years.

[@donnad4264]

We have lived by rule that house payment is only 25% of income, no more.

[@SauerPatchGardening]

You are both so candid and honest about things, even the mistakes. I'm so Sorry to hear that you lost a child. Someone found you at you weakest moment. I'm glad you still like the pans though.

[@elmobolan4274]

I stopped chasing my tail and have grown to love my 1970's Harvest Gold kitchen, I've polished up all the hardware, it looks great and my kitchen is now unique!!

[@UndertheMedian]

My stove is a brown 1958 wall oven - There was one kind of like it in the Dick Van Dyke show in the 1960's. It's a war horse and still works. We're not replacing it. There is a full kitchen in the basement, too. The stove in it is from 1946. So, it's even older! LOL! I'm accustomed to older appliances and I'm okay with them. They work.

[@elmobolan4274]

@@UndertheMedian Wow, that's so cool!!! Mine all wk too and I'm never gonna replace them....today's appliances are now made to break in a few yrs....

[@swicheroo1]

My brother fell for that pots and pans home sales demo! I like to buy some things new. But I find lots of joy in vintage--especially estate sales! That said, my purchases can be a bit impulsive and emotional at the estate sales but you're essentially dealing with used items that have to be liquidated. So, yeah, I really can't fall on my financial sword over a couple bucks for a box of embroidered napkins. I may have many more than I need. But I use them!

[@UndertheMedian]

LOL! Yep, those pans were probably the most irrational purchase that we have ever made! I'm with you on the embroidered napkins though. You'll have to watch Monday's video. We show photos of our first home in it. It was built in 1930 and everything in it was original. We went to estate sales to furnish it with as much time period stuff as we could. I loved that house.

[@roadmaster720]

salesman don't like me because i don't get in a hurry to make deals.i tell them to skip the b.s. sales talk and ask them how much the damn thing costs, leave me a card and get the hell out of my house. don't call me, i'll call you. my scotch thriftiness kicks in and i think it thru if i sign up at all.

[@UndertheMedian]

@@roadmaster720 , LOL! We're using your method next time.

[@roadmaster720]

@@UndertheMedian thanks. my method does work fine.

[@elizaC3024]

This one is for Larry!

[@alishajennings2013]

I would agree with no fancy vacations. But I think it also depends on your definition of fancy. My husband and I took a 4 day cruise for our anniversary. We paid cash for the entire trip including things we did off the ship. We also take 1 family trip a year to the beach that is 10 hours away. We stay in an airbnb home or condo and stay a week. Those trips are also always cash flowed. We are currently debt free other than our mortgage and we are on track to pay it off in January 2021. We purchased our home feb 2019.

[@UndertheMedian]

Sounds like you took trips that were well within your budget. Glad you could make some great memories.

[@grindingtowardsmybestlife3654]

Stumbled across one of your videos and was elated to know that there are others as invested as I am to being frugal. As a Property & Casualty Insurance Agent, I absolutely recommend price comparing annually. I have saved some of my clients hundreds of dollars on Auto 🚙 & Home 🏡 Insurance. Thank you for sharing your wisdom & accomplishments as Frugalistas Lol 😂

[@justinacase2623]

Awesome that you take care of your clients. Also make sure they are not underinsured. As in car insurance. I was in a accident, my medical was 128k. Other person only had 50k. I had sufficient insurance to pay all the bills. Don't trust others to look out for you. Always protect yourself and your savings.

[@alycewich4472]

@Grinding towards my best life - THANK YOU for the extra information on the insurance part. I've been a loyal customer to one specific national insurance company for over 40 years. Going to look into others now!

[@SokemRokemRobot]

We bought a new 2021 Mazda CX-5 Carbon Edition Turbo w/ AWD. We paid cash, and we're glad we bought it at the time because a similar Mazda CX-5 will cost about $4,000 more in 2022. We were also ready to buy a new vehicle because our 2 cars were 23 yrs old and 20 yrs old.

[@judymason630]

WOW!! What you have to say makes you stop and think..

[@AaliyahOKee]

Awesome video. I’m on my save 💰increase credit score journey, when I ran across this video. I’m a subscriber now. ✅

[@Thomas63r2]

First time I’ve seen one of your videos. I’ll share one of my life long ways of saving money: I started buying tools before I even had a car. I bought a rollaway toolbox and slowly filled it with tools as I learned how to work on cars. I am a serious do it yourselfer and tackle jobs big and small on my own cars. I am horrified when I hear what people pay for auto repairs - this has saved me many many thousands of dollars and allowed me to keep my cars in driving condition well beyond the life most people expect out of their cars. It’s almost a joke that I can nurse many thousands of miles out of cars that everyone else would have given up on.

[@UndertheMedian]

We LOVE this idea! Having skills like this can not only extend the life of your own vehicle, it's a serious source of side income.

[@Thomas63r2]

I have not really done this as a side hustle even though I have a nice home shop (I’m 60 and started buying tools when I was 15), but I have helped family and friends. My handyman skills also allowed me to confidently buy a fixer upper house that now appraises for three times what it did when I bought it.

[@UndertheMedian]

@@Thomas63r2 , we are seriously in awe of you! Larry has the skills to do basic electrical work and we do basic maintenance. But, we had to hire a lot more done than we wished we had.

[@Thomas63r2]

@@UndertheMedian I was the product of my step dad growing up in the great depression. His family ran a dairy, and his father died young at 42 and so my step dad as the oldest son became the man of the house as a pre-teen. He was self taught, learning how to weld and how to fix everything and keep it running because there was no other option. I grew up watching him fix everything and do construction. He taught me how things worked and I helped keep his tools clean and organized. I watched and learned. Today there is KZbin with a myriad array of videos on every subject for those interested in learning new skills. I would say to nearly anyone that you can learn how to fix and repair . Just be patient and don't worry if it takes you a longer time to complete any project - you will learn and become more skilled and more capable as you take on more projects. Sometimes with the purchase of new specialty tools I might not spend less on a repair the first time. But the next time I now have the specialty tool and I will save money.

[@UndertheMedian]

@@Thomas63r2 , well stated! - really good very sage wisdom. Thank you!

[@stinejohansen8342]

Thank you for sharing 👍🏻 And good to know you also have made a mistake or two before. We always learn! I’m watching old clips waiting for a the new show tomorrow ;)

[@lusnorthernhome3410]

Was told not to use debt cards for purchases anymore. Use a credit card and pay monthly. Was told it’s to easy to empty your bank account using a debt card. Also no check cashing on phone. A friend of our wrote a check to one of his kids . Within 3 days after depositing it in her account his account was emptied. He was able to get his money back from bank because you could tell it was a forged check and his signature was copy and paste type thing.

[@bridodonnell6698]

I'm sorry for the loss of your child x

[@2whitefrog]

Love your intro music, the content and your positive manner 👍

[@UndertheMedian]

Thanks. The intro music actually came with iMovie.

[@sunflower7766]

We are paying our overdrafts off we were being charged over £300 a year. Feels good they are going

[@deborahhuffman3231]

What a wonderful couple you are. Thank-you for amazing advice.

[@deniseclendening5381]

We do use a credit card. In fact almost all of our bills are paid through our credit card. It is fee free and pays a cash back bonus. Purchases made with the card gives you protection if you have any issues with a product. The one caveat is you MUST be able to pay the balance in full ALWAYS. Debit cards offer little or no protection once the transaction is complete.

[@UndertheMedian]

You are correct. Fraud protection is one of the reasons that we don't take a hard stand on credit-vs-debit cards. We, personally, have chosen not to use credit cards. Additionally, the vast majority of people who seek us out for counsel are in credit card debt. So, encouraging their use isn't a prudent idea. You do bring up some fair points, though.

[@karenbochinski]

Great videos. You guys are an inspiration to others. I can tell you are happily married and content

[@UndertheMedian]

When I met Larry 38 years ago I said that he was the nicest guy I'd ever met .... and I still say so today.

[@emmaelias1946]

Oh my goodness I got caught in the same trap, buying those pots and pans back in the 70s. I remember he put a bright red cloth on my table and placed the gleaming cookware in all their glory. I had no money of course but he had the perfect solution - a loan from what turned out to be loan sharks. My room mate's enthusiasm rubbed off on me and I walked right into it, which took me years to finally repay. You'd think I learned from that. Twenty-some years later a saleslady talked me into buying a ridiculously costly vacuum cleaner. The next day when I went to vacuum, it didn't work, so thankfully I was able to just return it.

[@UndertheMedian]

They make it all look very attractive, don't they?

[@ML-dj8fq]

Your channel is great! I learn a lot!

[@nanimaonovi2528]

Frugal people plan their giving. Explain what the budget is, and stick to it. Schools and co-workers ask for donations at least once a week, but I gave a newly divorced single parent a car this year instead. The power of planned giving! Don't discount your time either, volunteering is still giving.

[@GEAUXFRUGAL]

I don't hang out with anyone only here can I share my sanity. So this is very important to me.

[@leem200]

Find your own style in decorating because fads come and go. Same with cloths find what looks good on you and basic pieces to wear. Have a uniform for everyday clothes around the home. By uniform I mean like jeans and tops.

[@UndertheMedian]

LOL! Lee, I like your definition of "uniform".

[@alycewich4472]

Lee M - Ive been wearing that 'uniform' for years! Cheap jeans and tops that have been given to me.

[@bethany493]

I agree! And I buy all of my clothing secondhand . Salvation Army has great high end brand finds and also Poshmark.com . I’ve saved so much money even on kids snow boots etc...

[@starwish2467]

This tip may be small, but in your everyday life, it really matters. My Mother used to tell me, that no matter how tight the grocery budget, don't skimp on good condiments. Having mayo, ketchup, mustard, and salad dressing, etc, that you like is important! A 'poor' meal tastes better with your old, familiar condiments. But, if you buy condiments that are a different brand, or cheaper, you probably will be disappointed with the taste, and not enjoy the food as much. You can try out other brands, but have some of your old 'friends' waiting. You can budget the food choices - but remain loyal to your 'old friends'.

[@UndertheMedian]

I think in the same vein, we would say to have a lot of nice herbs and spices on hand. It doesn't take much quality seasoning to really being a dish to life - even if it's rice and beans in the dish.

[@debbiesittard7979]

Well I do take a vacation ever so often. That’s a must for me. Price comparison is ok if your home ordering on the internet. But to drive around all over town comparing prices on an item that is not cost effective. You must factor in the cost of the fuel to do so plus putting more mileage on your vehicle.

[@UndertheMedian]

That is a very valid point.

[@garygnagey3569]

Most grocery stores have their ads online now so if you shop the ads you can still compare prices before shopping!

[@debbiesittard7979]

That’s true Gary. And that helps tremendously.

[@cristinaevans139]

The only thing I spend good money is my first aid kit,don’t forget gastro stop etc etc this has saved me so many times over the years especially when I had kids at home❤

[@17topaz]

I have a tip : use shopping bags from store for garbage can liners . You can also use re- usable bags for food shopping which is good for the environment .

[@UndertheMedian]

Great tip. The other thing I do with extra plastic grocery bags is donate them to our local thrift store. They reuse them to bag customer purchases.

[@granitemoss1451]

I am very frugal but we enjoy a 'fancy' vacation now and then. A cruise, a Disney trip where we stay on-site in a mid-priced Disney hotel...our trips would be fancy to some and ho-hum to others, but I bet fancy for most other people who are frugal! Otherwise, I agree with most of these for sure.

[@helenread5767]

What a nice couple. Interesting video.

[@jenpisano5954]

I got solar panels that way 😩😩😩 I felt rushed and he was a good salesman, BUT I should’ve done my research FIRST, shopped around, and TAKEN MY TIME!

[@marykincaid7477]

Awe this is amazing u would never think about this am good to try to c if I can attempt to do this and will let u know how I get on thank u very much this is so helpful

[@UndertheMedian]

Mary, we will be cheering you on! Keep us updated.

[@carolynalison4997]

I am enjoying your program. I'm curious about what you are saving for? Are you saving for a more comfortable retirement ? College for your kids? Saving money is wonderful is great that you don't pay interest. Or is it that you just want to spend the least to get the most? I hope these questions were not too personal. Keep up the good work.

[@UndertheMedian]

Right now retirement is at the top of our list. In preparation for retirement, there are also some items that we want/need to replace. Our HVAC guy has told us that we will need a new furnace/AC unit in the next four years. So, we want to get that done We also want to replace the car one more time before Larry retires. We want one that will, hopefully, last for ten years.We're also pondering our very old washer/dryer and refrigerator. I'm not a fan of replacing something if it is working, but the newer units use less energy. So, we will probably think about those items, too. It would be fun to do a video where we show our personal short and medium term goals and discuss them.

[@Willettee]

These are great points. I own that same set of cookware. I've had it for over 35 years and I love it. It's held up well, except for the need for an occasional handle or new screw. It is possible to use one without a handle. 😆 Thank you for this channel. These are good points for anyone who wants to be financially independent.

[@UndertheMedian]

You're right. It has held up amazingly well. We just cringe when we remember how much we paid for it.

[@Willettee]

@@UndertheMedian I was cringing the whole time I was thinking about the price! Although, it would last through several generations.

[@diannsteck2644]

Thank you for another amazing video!

[@julibeswick-valentine3690]

I do travel now after many years of not having a holiday (exception is Covid - we are still in severe lockdown in Ireland). However I extensively research prices and find the best deals. Something you rarely see mentioned which is a big thing for me. Repair and maintain your belongings, be they tools, furniture, your property or clothes.

[@alycewich4472]

@juli Beswick-valentine - I agree wholeheartedly!

[@reneehemings4760]

Thank you I enjoy your help.

[@fredswartley9778]

Car payments are a killer. I never want a car payment again.

[@debbiesittard7979]

New vehicles are a rip-off! The second the vehicle is drove off the lot it has De-appreciated 20%! Spent years playing that game. Never again!

[@btx5740]

Bought 1 new car back in’92 Acura integra 25 years later bought ‘11 civic $5,000.

[@kimberlywalker1015]

I TOTALLY AGREE!...saving for my next car, now.

[@donnad4264]

I agree. Our 2019 is paid for, and have gotten dealer offer for price I paid. No more car payments, hope never.

[@angelinalozada189]

Thank You.

[@gloriapeel6887]

I am learning! Great advice! Very helpful!

[@marthahubbard9463]

Spot on!

[@Coffeecup.0110]

I enjoy you both so much AND the information you provide is very helpful. ☮️❤️😊

[@littlesquirrel5007]

Not "keeping up with the Jonse's" was probably the best advice. I always looked at some of our friends and thought how do they do it? It was later I realize they did it by financing everything and going into great debt, and I'm thankful everyday that although we do not have as much we owe nothing and what we do have is very nice and it is paid for completely with no bills hanging over my head.i agree that health insurance is expensive but coverage is important when you need it and when we did our hospital bills were so much more than any amount of insurance we had contributed to our entire time over the plan, and I'm not talking for the year I am talking since we had the health insurance... it takes one big medical scare. Or catastrophic event and expenses could be phenomenal. So we have certainly used more than we have ever paid in, that may not be the same for everybody but it was for us.

[@UndertheMedian]

I agree on the insurance. We paid in for years without really using it, but when Larry was diagnosed with a life-threatening heart condition three years ago, his bills in one year we near 1/2 a million dollars. The insurance paid every penny except for our deductible.