Have it All Life, Versus Simple, Slow Life

How we live is a personal decision, but should we consider a worst case scenario before we commit to spending?

[@katharinawalker716]

Live below your means, and allow yourself to enjoy simple treats with any extra from your budget.

[@primalengland]

Right, and those little treats become big treats when you get out of the spending habit. 😊

[@thedarklandsmusic]

many cannot understand this concept of living below their means... leave them to it...

[@KevinNordstrom]

10 years ago, wife and i decided to purchase a small 900 sq ft home that many would call a starter home. It needed work but was under our budget. We are in our 40s now, our kids are teenagers and have no debt and paid our mortgage off 2 years ago and saving for early retirement. We dont have everything, but we have everything we need, and we are happy. This shitty economy hardly effects us. Im glad we decided to live simple in our 30s when everyone was laughing at us. I now realize i dont what i thought i needed. Im content and find joy in nature, in the simple things, and having my time back with my wife and kids instead of slaving away at a job i hate.

[@primalengland]

That’s brilliant, Kevin. You sound content with less of the stress of being what society tells you to be. I hope everything keeps going your way.

[@SimonDeBelleme1]

I am a confirmed commitmentphobe when it comes to debt. I paid off 2 mortgages in my time, by scrimping and skimping to do so. I don't buy any luxuries unless I already have the money to pay for them, and I am really sure that they will add value to my life.

[@9714621]

Sage advice, mate. Ive lost a long relationship ,businesses, its a big fall when it comes. Fought hard to get back up and go again. Working last year lost my vision in my right eye in seconds. Luckily an operation restored some vision. Got chance to downsize, grabbed it with both hands. Living a steady, slow life now. My dad ended up in a wheelchair at 36. Thankfully, my parents lived a life to their means. Its all OK, whilst its all OK . View available debt with caution.

[@primalengland]

It’s all ok, whilst it’s all ok. Wise words and cautious ones, too.

[@aNaturalist]

I left this vid on loop for a while and listened to it multiple times.

[@primalengland]

Most people can’t wait for me to stop talking. 😁

[@cathypreddie98]

Yep. Totally. I live a simple minimalistic life. 😊

[@primalengland]

Good to hear. It works for me, although I know we’re not all the same. 👍

[@Anita-rq9ev]

I agree: materials bring pleasure, not happiness. So true 👍

[@Su-ri5ob]

I do wonder if student loan repayments somehow skew people's thinking. If a student debt is £60 or £70k, then really what difference does a £20k car make? And one has to live somewhere, so a mortgage is probably cheaper than rent. Young people enter the workplace already burdened with more debt than I have ever had in my life. I could go on, but you get the picture.

[@debbiesittard7653]

"Student" inquired the debt, students should pay their debt. They need to understand right from the get go YOU pay your b own debt it's not society's problem. This generation already has an entitled mindset. This foolish just adds fuel to the already out of control inferno,

[@Su-ri5ob]

​@@debbiesittard7653 -so stunned was I by your reply that I had to take the dog out for a walk, to clear the cobwebs and think. I could write an epic in reply, but I will confine myself to just two points. #1 I am truly glad that you hold this point of view, it means that I don't have to, I choose to have more empathy and understanding. #2 I now understand just why boomers are so despised and were it that we all held your views then I could understand the loathing. No generation is right or wrong, it's all down to the individual.

[@debbiesittard7653]

@@Su-ri5ob what is despised and rejected today is the Truth. You are certainly entitled to your opinion, and I too, could say much more but unfortunately it would fall on deaf ears and blind eyes. I'm very thankful the WW2 generation was not of entitled mindset and infantile behavior. Had they of been we would all be speaking Japanese. Now you have a good day.

[@DottyDolly-39]

My youngest graduated from Uni. Has uni debt. As far as I have been told, she doesn't have to pay it back unless she reaches a certain income. She wanted me to be her Guarentor for the uni loan. I said no way! I was on little income no way was I incurring my daughters debts. So her uncle and auntie did. So glad I did because in June I'll be a year debt free.

[@primalengland]

That is very true. Young people are programmed from an early age to believe debt is right and proper, and what successful people do…….. define ‘success.’

[@Tamietwist]

I like slow lifestyle however I cant do anything about rent and food getting more expensive.

[@primalengland]

I know where you’re coming from. I’m 69 and am renting on a state pension and a tiny private pension when I had my first mortgage at 20. It gets to me if I think about it. It’s my only big outlay, though. I’m lucky that I can ignore the advertising bots. They can be almost criminally seductive.

[@LauraSnow-in3nx]

I think they would end up just like us. It’s the human condition to want more and more and more. It’s when you look at what you have and say I’m grateful and actually feel gratitude that you start to find peace. Pay your debts and just be grateful and live in peace choose that for yourself

[@primalengland]

Wise words, Laura. 😊

[@blueglassog3600]

The things i miss most are the good people who are no longer around. Mortgages are a wasted life, we could be doing so much more with our precious time. Not sure that will ever change

[@primalengland]

I went for a pint last night with a friend who moved to the US many years ago. He was over for his mother’s funeral. We spent all night reminiscing about good friends no longer here. We are the last two of our group. What I liked was that we both seemed to have found peace later in life. I looked at him and could tell there was no stress and he was in a good place. We gave each other a hug at the end of the evening, and I know that will probably be the last time I see him, but that’s alright. 😊

[@DottyDolly-39]

I ponder if the 'Slow life' is generic? Or its just part of me. My family been carpenters, builders, seamstresses, cooking fresh foods, growing fresh foods. Its not worked its way down to my two grown up kids. Both introverts on technology. Back to my crochet. Finished making my first ever Crochet, Filet top. Omg I love it. Wore it today. Peace and Love Nigel. ❤ and Molly too

[@primalengland]

I think I get it from my dad. He was a very gentle, intelligent man, but also a great debater. He encouraged me when I wanted to go into the forestry when I was 17. He never bothered about money even though he was a head teacher. My mum would go mad because he’d walk round in battered sweaters. I took them when he died, and wore them until they fell apart. I felt it was incumbent on me as respect to the sweater.

[@cherryblossom6087]

Such good advice Nigel🙌 Love the channel You and Molly are fabulous💞 God Bless you both Always🙏 Thank you

[@primalengland]

Thank you so very much. We think you’re fabulous, too. ❤️

[@cherryblossom6087]

Aww Thank you🥰 and l forgot to say so glad you got the all clear🙏 Look into Carnivore and CBD oil amazing results Take Care🙏💖

[@lindacleveland1289]

I absolutely know from experience Nigel what you are saying having coped with some financial ups and downs in the past, business’s built up , worked hard for and lost and the loss of our thirty year old son in 2000 we no longer own a home and rent , living a frugal life , but reasonably content because we now know what is important in life , sadly it’s taken us a lifetime to find that out . ✌🏽&❤ Nigel

[@primalengland]

I, too, rent and before that lived on a narrowboat for 16 years. I thought renting would make me feel that I had let myself down, but, although I can only just afford it, and am slowly eating into my pension, I’m ok with it and am thinking of moving on to somewhere remote and quiet. I only have my rent to worry about. If the central heating explodes, I’ll just get on to my landlord. He loves me because I’m a clean elderly person who doesn’t upset the neighbours and pays his rent six monthly up front. 😊

[@RJC10101]

I rarely watch any TV these days so don't really see many adverts etc. This makes me so much more less inclined to buy stuff I don't need. My tip to anyone is try and watch as little TV as possible because it rots your mind and your wallet

[@primalengland]

Absolutely right. I haven’t watched tv for years. I tell my 96 yr old mum this on a regular basis, but she still messages me to tell me about programmes to watch. 🤷‍♂️

[@Rose_1256]

I mute all ads on TV. I also mute ads on KZbin... I let ads run as I know it is beneficial ££€$ to KZbin Creators... I read comments while ads run. My favourite button on remote etc 'MUTE'

[@primalengland]

Thanks for letting the ads run. I’m not that bothered about making money on KZbin. I know most creators are obsessed with it. I make enough to buy Molly’s dog food and pay for my internet. That’ll do me. 😊 I let them run, too, for exactly that reason. I usually play patience or scrabble whilst they run.

[@DottyDolly-39]

Ohhh Nigel, you just reminded me. This morning my front garden have two beautiful Gold Finches omg nearly held my breath too long watching them, and trying to take a photo lol. Boy, do they speed off fast. Speedy Gold Finches wow. ❤❤❤ I saw them. Because my lawnmower broke. And I hadnt mowed lawn because slow living and all that lol plus fancied letting it grow to see what came up. The gold finches was nibbling on the seed part of a Dandelion head once its gone to seed. Magic.

[@primalengland]

I’m sitting at my friends house at the moment. I’m dog sitting while she has a weekend away. She has a huge garden that I help her maintain. This was filmed in an old open barn that i converted into a sitting bbq area. I persuaded her to leave part of the garden to go wild. We get all sorts of birds, butterflies and stuff in it. I can sit for hours just watching them.

[@SimoneWhippArtist]

When I was much younger I would buy something because I wanted it and not because I needed it. Now I can imagine wanting something and imagine what it is like to possess it. After a while I can let the feeling go and realise that owning a particular thing only gives happiness momentarily. 😊

[@mariadillon860]

When my greedy self kicks in, it is like a child having a tantrum and not satisfied until I have bought the thing - so when my ‘wanting’ self appears I put the item I am so desperate to have on a wish list. Then, even though I don’t possess it, it seems to settle the greedy me 😅

[@SimoneWhippArtist]

@@mariadillon860 That's a very good idea and after some time passes you may not even want it anymore! 😄

[@mariadillon860]

Yep ..that is exactly what happens 😂

[@SimoneWhippArtist]

@@mariadillon860 😂

[@primalengland]

That is so true. If I want something I’ll sit on it for a while. 9 times out of 10 I’ll I realise I can live without it. I get a good feeling when I do that. Makes me feel all virtuous and clever. 😁

[@DottyDolly-39]

I think back to my early 2000's. Divorced two very young kids, and on benefits. Used washing up liquid to clean everything or cheep toothpaste lol. I had very little in cupboard. My mum visited she said oooo your cupboards arnt full here let me give you stuff. All that extra stuff did was give me a visual headache. She never got that I was happy with less. Im very happy still with less food in my cupboards, I dont need tons of cleaning products and I certainly dont need tons of make up products. Have a look in your cupboards, your bathroom bet you dont need half the stuff thats there.

[@primalengland]

You sound just like me. I actually look forward to running out of stuff because my life feels less cluttered with less in the cupboards. More stuff just feels like more responsibility.

[@vanessahobbs7112]

I also feel the same way. Before I met my now husband, I had very little belongings. I would slit the side of the toothpaste tube and make sure all the toothpaste was out and water down the fabric cleaner, buy cheaper toilet roll etc. it all worked and I felt less burdened by stuff. My husband loves his belongings and however much I love him, it feels like we now drag a big cumbersome shell around with us. Keep it simple, less is more! ❤

[@primalengland]

@@vanessahobbs7112 I know exactly where you are coming from. There is nothing clever about spending money. 18 years ago I bought a narrowboat to live on. I had to get rid of most of my possessions, and it felt like a huge load off my shoulders.

[@cherilynne1946]

I’m at a point in my life that I want nothing more than to unshackle myself from material possessions. The more I rid myself of unnecessary stuff, the lighter and freer I feel.

[@joystott1867]

I reflect on my finances over the years. I paid my mum rent for 6 years, got married, a mortgage right away. Had 3 different homes over the years with a mortgage on each one, two incomes, one car, carried on and the only thing that put me in the hole, a separation and divorce trying to manage keeping the home and children cared for. It was very hard, doing without more and more. The bills were, "rob Peter to pay Paul". Take on more and more work hours to try and make ends meet. Now after sharing a second, life with someone who has now gone, I am on my own for the very first time in my life renting, a very small flat, for the last 12 years, and throughly love my simple life! I told my children not to put themselves in debt, take care not to over spend. Budget always. My son doesn't own a credit card. My daughter is so frugal! I'm so proud of them, living the simple life. Nigel you teach others a good lesson on living simple. A carefree life of basics.

[@primalengland]

Funny you should say that. When I moved from a house to a narrowboat I had to get rid of almost all my clutter, because there just wouldn’t be room. It felt like a huge weight off my shoulders. 😊

[@cherilynne1946]

@@primalengland Mine is such a long, exhausting story as to why/how I came to this point, I won’t attempt to explain it. Therefore, I’ll simply say that just as I thought I’d be dancing my blissful, little dance of secure predictability, Life abruptly cut in. For most people, downsizing is a life choice. For me, Life demanded it. My two adult sons and I have been working this entire past year like borrowed mules to make a derelict, little house (that belonged to a textbook hoarder) livable again. We’re now finishing up a few details on the house, and I’m planning to move there next week. That’s when my new life will really begin. I’ll be leaving this small mountain town where half the population knows me (because I taught English here for many years) to an even smaller mountain community where no one knows me. Unless Life decides to cut in again, I will live a small, quiet, uncluttered existence of painting (I’m an artist), gardening, preserving food, taking care of a few laying hens, and beautifying the 15 acres that came with the neglected little house I bought. Solitude and I will become intimate friends. 🌷

[@primalengland]

@@cherilynne1946 That sounds like most people’s dream. It certainly is mine, but it has obviously come at a cost, emotionally and physically. I think we forget that we aren’t entitled to anything and have to work for it. Even living a simple life requires a lot of effort. I hope you are happy in your new home… I have a feeling you will be.

[@cherilynne1946]

@@primalengland Thank you, friend. I’m certainly planning on a new life of simplicity and tranquility.

[@Reso-pn7kr]

Language speaks... A? How we Resonate with others seems to ripple around the world before we know it. Good word, my friend.

[@primalengland]

Thank you. 😊

[@LauraSnow-in3nx]

The issue is not to If you’re in debt or not, the issue is, can you afford your lifestyle? I can more than afford my lifestyle, With the house that we built in the new car that I drive, but I chose options that I could afford. I didn’t go by a mansion that I could not afford and I didn’t go buy a Bentley that I couldn’t afford either. You absolutely have a mortgage you can have a new car. You can absolutely have new furniture, but you need to choose some thing that you can afford and that’s really the difference.

[@primalengland]

The reason I did this is that I know someone who is going down this road with bells on. They are trying to out wealth their friends like life is a game of ‘I’m richer than you.’ As a couple they are both driving themselves to heart attacks.

[@pamelawalton1255]

Everyone wants your cash everyone is selling you something you want or think you need,we are marketted at 24 /7, from the age we old enough to watch telly as young kids to old biddies it okay Im an old biddie so I can own that one😊 I'm a bit risk averse when it comes to debt, yes I've had a mortgage, but I've never had loans or debts if I cant afford to buy it cash I don't have it, suppose its old fashion way of viewing things.we were talking about last night being influenced by those around us, neighbours or friends who may have newer bigger better things getting the latest updates who may be splashing the cash showing the wealth and how you compare yourself whether you think you do or not, and how that affects your sense of self worth and that wanting which must of us do. It uncomfortable isn't it that wanting. I'd rather not have that bump down to earth when it goes wrong as it invariably does give me a safety net everytime and I'd take that over sleepless nights.

[@RainbowLane]

Young people really need to hear this kind of wisdom. Not that some would get it though. When I was young I was much more materialistic and duped by consumerism. What you say rings very true now though. As I write this, we are sat on the cliffs overlooking the North Sea. The evening is completely golden as the sun goes down behind us, there are small waves with white edges continually rolling towards the beach. It’s heaven and costs nothing. All the ‘stuff’ in the world could not match just sitting, watching and soaking up the scenery and fresh air. Makes the rest of life easier to deal with. Thanks for this video. As always, an inspiration.🙏

[@primalengland]

I thought I might get some push back from this video. I thought some might see it as me trying to dictate how younger people live their lives, but all I was trying to say was, don’t get into so much debt that you wouldn’t be able to function if thinks went wrong, as they so often do. As always, the people in my comments completely got what I was trying to say. 😊

[@pilpelet100]

You're so right. In the days when I was growing up (long ago), the only thing that my parents paid in instalments was their mortgage - and this was budgeted into their income. Back then, when "hire purchase" was new and you could buy new furniture (or whatever) and then pay for it month after month, people called it the "never-never" because somehow they never paid off their debt. There was always something else. My parents would save up for if they needed something new. That was just the way things were then. They were happy even with the basic necessities. However, don't forget that the advertising that we see today brings in huge revenues. Without that, the people who now run advertising businesses would be out of work. There's always a knock-on effect to everything. It would be a long and slow road back but maybe if slowly, people started living within their means, we could get there. I'm happy that I don't live above my means. But then - I'm from an older generation.😉😉

[@primalengland]

The ‘never never.’ It was such a common phrase. Some may say I’m just putting younger people off having nice things. Not at all. I just understand the seduction of the advertising business and society telling people what they should buy to be happy. Buy whatever you want, but always bear in mind, life can sometimes fall apart very quickly.

[@namelessbeast4868]

I know it's not always possible, but I try to save money and pay in full for the things that I want. When the pandemic hit and I lost my job, I was able to get by because I had some money saved and had no bills besides the essentials.

[@primalengland]

When I lost my business I cut up my credit card. That was 16 years ago. Since then, if I want something I save up for it. Works for me. No temptation and no nasty shocks. I try to keep things in my life simple. That goes for my finances, too. 😊

[@joyatwood2187]

Isn’t that fascinating Nigel. I could listen to you until the cows come home. Peace and love

[@primalengland]

Thank you, Joy.

[@barnyg6804]

I've always made do with what I have and not what I want , Im content with my lot.

[@SIERRATREES]

Me too. I just went down to a Salvation store and bought a few nice summer shirts for peanuts . Ran the iron over 'em and got a couple nice compliments.

[@barnyg6804]

​@@SIERRATREES Yes I'm another one who frequents the Sallies

[@primalengland]

When my kids ask me what I want for Christmas or a birthday, I draw a blank. I just say I’ve got everything I need, and it’s true. 😊

[@SuperHelious]

no tv love livig in the day love you vids

[@primalengland]

Thank you so much.

[@joystott1867]

I enjoyed the video you made on the moors of Lancashire burial grounds from the past. Venerable sacred grounds would make me feel, in awe of how important they must have been or this was so important to them to be buried this way. I so respect the lives of others whom we have learned from their way of life. Be it good or bad. Respect is what generations are losing. Thats why there's so much fighting nowadays. Thank you Nigel for this bit of Lancashire history! My granmother always said there was so much history and stories back home. ❤

[@primalengland]

I’m always in awe and a little humbled when I visit ancient places. Seeing with my eyes what they saw with theirs is a feeling that puts all other concerns in perspective. We are only here fleetingly. Spending time worrying or angry seems such a waste.

[@joystott1867]

I couldn't agree more Nigel! Always love your viewpoint! 👍👌❤️⛅️

[@marianfrances4959]

Very wise to consider these things, especially the living beyond one's means. Watched a documentary once about a wealthy man who spent his life working - and doing not much else. The film showed him at his sprawling home, all alone...as one by one his family had left the man that was never there for them. 🇨🇦

[@primalengland]

I think that is like the greatest tragedy.

[@DottyDolly-39]

I did a house swop. Family from Bulgaria. They been in UK, love all the name sports brands, fast food outlets, credit cards. Up to there eyes in debt. I very much doubt they want the simpler life again. I just spent two hours weeding the front garden in drizzly rain and bloody loved it! Peaceful. Un covered a cement slab under the soil, with a orange cement flower in it. Not sure what thats all about lol 😂. Felt like I was on Time Team just needed the Geo-phyz to scan the lay out of the soil lol 😂

[@primalengland]

And it didn’t cost you a penny. Tony Robinson would be proud.

[@livelearnandteach7402]

Everything you spend you make someone else wealthier and yourself poorer.

[@primalengland]

But then, you have to define wealth. I’m wealthy because I’m happy. 😁 This is a debate I get into all the time in the community. We can go on for hours, but as long as the debate ends in mutual respect, then it’s been time well spent.

[@livelearnandteach7402]

@primalengland in my post wealthier was a financial wealth. I agree that there are other forms of wealth.

[@gl8351]

Good advice well put, thanks 🙏

[@primalengland]

Thank you. 😊

[@Seamus3051]

Capitalism can only continue to exist if it continues to grow, and find new markets and consumers, which approximates the philosophy of a cancer cell. If we're able to concentrate, on and provide for our needs, which are finite, and learn to limit and control our wants, which are infinite, we can continue to live a debt free, unincumbered, moderately happy life. We are all targets of adverts, which strive to convince us that we can not continue to exist without a particular possession, service or commodity. We all fall victim to the advertising industry, at some point but it is incumbent of us, as individuals, to replace greed with reason. Cheers.

[@primalengland]

Great comment and very insightful. I support capitalism, but realise that most of the advertising we see today is disingenuous, and targets the wants rather than the needs in society. I don’t suppose you can blame them. Business is business, money is money, and that trumps everything else.

[@debzehr3244]

Happiness definitely trumps pleasure. 💖💖💖

[@primalengland]

Very true. 😊

[@nicolaanderson7495]

Great insight

[@primalengland]

Thank you. 😊

[@TheSustainableFamilyMan]

Thank you for this fun visual to share with others in my life 😊

[@linpollock54]

Absolutely right. Hugs from Crete!

[@primalengland]

Thank you. Hugs from Lancashire. 😊

[@thissideupthatsidedown]

Agree. Good message.

[@primalengland]

Thank you. 😊

[@xvola6888]

live big you only get one life so live it

[@valeriewalker954]

I don't have much, but i have prepped enough food for a year. I know the famine is coming & we have lots of fresh water in Canada.

[@primalengland]

‘We have lots of fresh water in Canada.’ Sends a shudder of envy across the globe. 😊

[@valeriewalker954]

@primalengland I live about 10 minute walk from the St Lawrence River in Ontario

[@primalengland]

@@valeriewalker954 OK….. I just Google mapped that. ….. I officially hate you…..❤️ and love you.

[@bethmendoza1847]

👍🏻

[@blueglassog3600]

The things i miss most are the good people who are no longer around. Mortgages are a wasted life, we could be doing so much more with our precious time. Not sure that will ever change