How Frugal People Refuse to Be Average with Money

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When it comes to money - being average is NOT necessarily a good thing. That's why frugal people refuse to be average with their money.
We sometimes believe that being debt free, knowing how to save money, being frugal just drops out of the sky and lands on some lucky people. But, that’s not true. In this video, we’ll reveal exactly what we do, the top ways that we consistently spend far less than average, and how you can do it, too.
//WATCH MORE FRUGALITY VIDEOS:
○ How to Create Your Budget in Under 30 Minutes: • How to Create Your Bud...
○ How to Avoid Paycheck to Paycheck Living in 2023: • How to Avoid Paycheck ...
○ How Frugal People Continue to Pay Less as Prices Go Up: • How Frugal People Cont...
00:00 - Introduction
01:00 - How the Average American consumer manages their money
04:00 - Frugal people recognize destructive spending patterns
04:30 - Track your income and expenses
05:43 - Make sure your spending plan is prioritized
07:00 - How frugal people put limits on their spending
08:15 - Why frugal people don't buy into fads
10:35 - Don't allow peers to pressure you to spend money
11:45 - Keep a written list of goals
14:07 - How to adopt frugal flexibility
17:00 - Frugal people have frugal friends
19:23 - Frugal people don't follow the path of least resistance
22:23 - Create money challenges for yourself
23:23 - Figure out the ROI on purchases
24:41 - Frugal people are conscious spenders
25:40 - Frugal people do the math
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//ABOUT:
We're Hope and Larry and we love practical frugality. We raised our four sons, debt-free, including paying cash for our home when our income was well under the national average. For tips on saving money, budgeting, paying off debt, and setting goals (while living with a spirit of joy and abundance), subscribe to us here on KZbin and visit us at our website and on social media.
Information on Under the Median represents our opinions only. We are not medical doctors, medical professionals, nutritionists, or investment professionals. All content found on Under the Median is intended for informational purposes only. Please be sure to exercise due diligence and always contact a professional with any questions you may have regarding any information you have seen or heard on our KZbin channel. Use caution when following instructions in this video. The creator and publisher of this video will not be held responsible for any adverse effects that may arise from the use of any method on this channel.
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[@bluefoxblitz8416]

My grandparents had a saying, take care of the pennies and the pounds will take care of themselves.😊😊

[@patmartin9727]

Totally agree I was brought up with this saying

[@dorothyueck4441]

My wash machine died last January. Instead of running out buying a new one on credit I’ve been going to the laundromat. I live alone and can’t believe how easy it is to get all my laundry done once a week. Have also met some nice people.

[@lindadorman2869]

I love not being average! Some people never budget, some budget once a month...I budget every day. The first thing I do in the morning is check all my accounts and credit score, pay bills and update my financial tracking spreadsheet. It takes less than 20 minutes and it's become part of my daily routine. What started as a depressing chore has become a fun game for me to put over 60% of my income into savings.

[@asavannah7439]

60% savings is amazing! Well done

[@user46318]

@@asavannah7439 That's genius! I feel inspired. Good job.

[@Midwestmomvolunteer365]

Love this - I too start each day like this. We have had our bank account phished once and my identity compromised and let me tell you this habit saved a lot of time and stress. We found out right away both times and we able to quickly mitigate any damage or loss because I knew immediately something was wrong. Something else frugal people do, make sure we know exactly where our money is !

[@Jane5720]

You don’t need to check your credit score you can just skip that part

[@joannedibben2352]

Well done for saving sixty per cent income that's awesome🌈

[@asavannah7439]

I sometimes say to my husband: I don’t care about what other people do, I only care about what we do!

[@MaryEavey-dc3sk]

I just turned 65 in April; plan on retiring in a couple of years. I just paid my car off the first of July. The only debt I have left is a 401k loan that will be paid off in December if nothing extra is thrown at it. The interest on that loan is going into my 401k account so I have saved it for last. I got divorced in January of 2019 from a spendaholic. Since June of 2018 to December 2023 I will have paid off over $40,000 of debt on my own income. I am so happy going solo and not having to plug someone else's holes in the boat. Life started at 60 for me!

[@robertagrafals7590]

0⁰

[@StephanieGiese]

When my children were small we didn’t have a lot of extra money, so I would reserve fast food restaurants for dessert. In the winter our McDonald’s had an indoor playground which was a huge help as a young mom. We would go after eating at home and spend $1 on a pack of three chocolate chip cookies, and the kids each got to eat a cookie and spend time in the playground. Sometimes we would splurge and spend $3 on ice cream cones. They loved it and it never broke the budget.

[@jimmiepatrum]

What a beautiful idea. Diane

[@user-mp7jo1qn3l]

We used to joke that almost everything in our house, except the kids, was second hand. Even the dog. And the house was ‘used’ too! Thanks for another informative and thought provoking episode. Your doppelgängers in Knoxville.

[@elizabethcoates3024]

Being on the same page as your spouse is the best place to start.

[@bundydata]

I'm retired and I'm saving $1080.00 each month in four various mutual funds. When I worked I made about 48g but I lived on about 18g the rest went to 401k. No one knew I started late in my early 30s. Things seemed impossible I'd already worked 14 years and had debt. Wreck set backs, so I turned it around.

[@estherletteney3518]

Don't forget to check every gift card for any balance left. I had a $5 for a local restaurant in my email. I figured I'd treat myself to a specialty drink pay less than $1. I had points on the card so my drink was free!! That was a good start to the day.

[@AEvans36977]

Congratulations on 160,000 subscribers🎉🎉🎉 That's 160,000 people who appreciate the benefit of your real and applicable advice.

[@Dollcan]

We have a 3 year plan for getting out of debt and have found ways to cut 10% on our grocery spending. I feel so encouraged by you both!

[@UndertheMedian]

That's awesome! We're so excited for you!

[@Joce123]

I'm in the same situation. I need to stay focused.I'm 1 yr into my 3 year plan.I wrote down a list of things that I could've done better. I have eased up a bit because despite the news reporting that inflation is going down..I see prices still very high at the store

[@Emily-hh4vo]

I'm trying to focus on the small amounts adding up because frankly that is all I can spare. It paid off today, I had been placing $5 in a separate account every week or so recently- trying it out as a savings account. It wasn't much so far, less than $40 but I am broke, the already paid but still broke kinda broke 😂 So to get some groceries and pet supplies I used my little savings. I was so tired and frustrated after work I REALLY wanted to go get Mexican food but instead I made a better choice and the amount was just right to get us through the weekend. Still working on additional income but I appreciate reading the comments for ideas and also knowing most people go through this or are currently.

[@jimmiepatrum]

That's a big achievement. You overcame the temptation of going the easy route and did what was good for you and your family. It's not the amount we save each week ; it's the attitude and perseverance. Good job! Diane

[@cathyphillips679]

Here in Ontario Canada, I am in the 5th week of Air Quality Warnings from the wildfires, and the 5th day of Heat Warnings! All this to say that I have had to buy an air purifier and an air conditioner for my apartment. This is why you should have an emergency fund! You never know what is going to come up.

[@Jane5720]

It’s crazy

[@audreysavard3248]

Those things push in priority the buy of a thermopompe and some renovations to unblock some ducks in my house. I was going to do it in 3 years but now, I want clean air and my parents want cold air. I'm happy to have put money in my budget for home renovations. I will have to take a loans instead to pay it all in one time, but hey, it's still in my budget. I will wait next year to update my bathroom.

[@patriciarodriguez92]

I wish I was more confidently frugal. I can be extremely frugal around my family but when I’m around friends, I tend to be embarrassed :( they don’t support themselves and don’t have (rent, loans, pge,etc) like I do. And I get embarrassed to order the least expensive items on the menu but deep down it’s what I can truly afford!

[@jerrychetty2524]

To all of us who are watching the videos til the end, how hard or costly is it to just give it a little 👍

[@dabneydee9109]

Regarding peer pressure - all my friends make fun of me because I drive a 25 year old car and refuse to splurge on a new (or new-to-me) upgraded model. My reasoning is - why should I get rid of a car that still does its job well, and doesn't cost me anything except the usual maintenance and the occasional repair. It may not be as sexy as a newer model, but I honestly don't care. I have the money earmarked for a new car once something major breaks down, but until then, I'll continue to suffer the mockery of friends and family!

[@wendyw4023]

Y'all are "Under the Median" so I was surprised you didn't include the US median income. It's $31,133 per person (2019) and the median for a family income $69,717 (2021). (Source were Data Commons & Motley Fool) The billionaires and millionaires skew the average income to the point that it makes normal people feel defeated. I enjoy your channel and sometimes find helpful ideas. I'm widowed and retired, so a family-oriented frugal mindset doesn't always help me. Learned my budgeting skills 50 years ago, but it's always great to learn new ideas.

[@Elizabeth-mt6bb]

Comparison is the death of joy

[@lindaolson5798]

The Everywhere with Steve Young 74 channel was talking about a soda habit that could really add up. Just by cutting it out you could save a thousand dollars a year!

[@robinsutton577]

Buying cans to have at home is the cheapest way. One soda a day costs me less than $200 a year. If I bought it in a gas station or restaurant in town...that's another story!😊

[@trishacarlson4122]

I've never fit in my entire 34 years, why would I start now? LOL I just love you guys. I don't have much of a community except my KZbin videos, so I really appreciate you all.

[@UndertheMedian]

LOL! Well, you fit in here great and we appreciate you.

[@trishacarlson4122]

@@UndertheMedian thank you so much for the reply! :)

[@joannedibben2352]

​@@trishacarlson4122hi there I've never felt like I fitted in either there are many of us out there lol I'm in England I find the best blogs are American ones these guys are great aren't they best wishes to you🌈

[@angelsgarden3000]

My parents paid for their own funerals ahead of time and the only thing us 6 kids have to do is show up and get flowers. Yes their both still with us

[@ivy0912]

Listening to older people talking about wisdom is always a good thing. And you guys do a great job!!

[@ruthwiseman4730]

When I make out my monthly budget I always try to estimate about $10 more than what the actual bill will be like electric and water and things that change from month to month. This month that really helped out because when we got the water bill the rates had raised. But I still had budgeted enough to cover the bill so I didn't have to borrow it from somewhere else. Also after I pay a bill that wasn't as much as I estimated I keep the extra in the savings that way if we hit a month that is higher and then my estimate I always have extra to cover it.

[@KC-dr3cg]

Still difficult to be around my neighbors who have never had costly medical set backs frown on my frugal living.

[@suzubee9602]

I wonder why ppl care that others don't wanna spend more especially when it does not effect them

[@brg2743]

They need to mind their own business. Live the way you want or need to. They have no guarantees of tomorrow either.

[@truthseeker6370]

Their opinions Don't matter. Don't worry about what they/anyone else thinks of you. You don't need to explain Anything to them. Don't even talk to them other than a wave and basic pleasantries. Neighbors are neighbors/acquaintances.

[@joannedibben2352]

Hello there I hope your ok I found out long ago pay no attention to neighbours how dare they frown on you your just being super carefull with money keep your head high this is a good thing your doing for yourself 🌈

[@krissyk9767]

I am very frugal also. People think I'm weird cos I have an old non digital tv I got for free, and I don't have home internet. If I want to watch something online I just use my phone's internet and plug into my tv ! Being frugal has allowed me to buy and own my apartment despite being on a very low income. I have some health issues which means I can't work fulltime. Its great not to have to pay rent or mortgage anymore. Buying a property as early as possible is something I'd recommend.

[@user-wo1en8ip3s]

13:00 i like the saying, "If you aim at noting, you'll hit it every time!"

[@patmartin9727]

I never discus my personal finances with anyone except my adult child who will have to take over my finances when I am either unable or no longer around. I do discuss aspects on frugal living with like minded family and friends. This allowed me to pass on my tips and also pick up tips from other like minded people.

[@paulhaggard8746]

The greatest lesson you seem to be presenting, is to live a purposed purposeful life. Thank you.

[@lenabellamy1262]

I love Mint! I pay $15 a month and have no issues since I work from home and am usually on WiFi. Peer pressure: I’m single with one income and most of my friends are in 2 income households and like to go to the casinos for socializing. I am working hard to learn how to say no. My money isn’t built like those.

[@twinkboom9204]

@lena.....does mint have unlimited streaming included in the $15/month?

[@lenabellamy1262]

@@twinkboom9204 If you have WiFi you can stream all you want. You pick how much data you want every month. One of their higher priced options might have unlimited data but I’m not sure. I went with the cheapest. 🤷🏾‍♀️

[@lenabellamy1262]

@twinkleboom9204 I looked and they do have an unlimited data plan for $30 a month.

[@annielitton4622]

Goals make you debt free. Yay!!

[@susangray45]

I have the brakes ON in almost every area…. Especially electricity and food. I’ve been stock piling sale food for two years. Now, EVERY single morning, I write down the kwh from yesterday. Also ONLY turn on my hot water heater two hours per day. This alone, saves me $10-$15 per month. Also, EVERY DAY, I pay whatever bill is due via an automated phone call. I check my bank account online, and finally, I check my credit score for any surprises or fraud…….

[@muddyshoesgardener]

You guys look so cute! Are you twins? Thanks for the great video. I am earning the same as i was a few years ago. I work for our public school system. Inflation has doubled many of the basics and if we sit in the dark at night we can keep our electricity bill at double what it was last year at this time. We canceled our cable and disconnected our dryer. I’m working two jobs at age 65. I think we’re making it but it’s hard and living frugal is how we’re getting by. No credit card debt and my used car is paid for. I shop at the Dollar Tree for our groceries. See? Survival financing is possible. 🙂 Ummm….. eating at restaurants? Not even once. 😉

[@vibekeangelo6623]

I'm never average on quality, only on price. And then I discovered a North Indian takeaway which is absolutely addictive! I never bought takeaway before. Great quality and flavour, exquisite rice on the side. Well, prices are exquisite too. Now I have set a limit: Once or twice a month, and I plan it. An advice you gave in one of your videos! Thank you for that one. And another thing: I make a good, fullfilling sallad or other vegetable myself as a sidedish. This way, I can stretch my takeaway meal for two days, and then the price seems very reasonable. I'm 69 and I teach french on a private basis. I absolutely adore teaching this way: One to one, mostly online. And then, it keeps me alive and my budget healthy. Thank you for your videos. From a danish viewer.

[@auntiali9344]

P.S. Hubby retired and we are debt free. My car is 13 years old.

[@katherinerichardson1767]

It has been SO helpful to be apart of a frugal community. Your program plus others---that you recommended through the years---has widen my connection to other frugal people with great frugal ideas. Thanks for sharing!

[@andrewheffel3565]

I'm on board with keeping orderly finances. I was poor until my mid 30's, but I was never in debt. I always lived below my means. I married at 39 and my wife was even more frugal than me. She came from a poor farming village in the Philippines and knew the value of money. We both worked full time and managed to save a downpayment for a nice suburban house after only 3 years of marriage, and we have lived in the same house to this day. We still love our home. At age 55 I finally made $100,000 a year, and was able to increase our retirement savings at that time. My income kept going up a bit each year, and we were able to pay for our two sons college education. They have no college loans to pay off. At about 55 I was able to exercise some stock options I had been given many years earlier, a lump sum of about $200,000. Instead of buying stuff, we used the money for big downpayments on two rental houses. The rents more than covered the expenses like mortgages and property taxes, and we were able to pay off the mortgage loans in about 10 years. We paid off our home mortgage early as well. By the time I retired we were debt free. My wife plans to work till she is 65. Right now, we have my social security, two rental house incomes, my wifes salary, and I have two small pensions. We don't need to dip into our retirement savings at all yet, so it is still growing. In fact we are still saving several thousand a month even though I am retired. We have never been big spenders or flashy. My wife still likes to go to garage sales. We still don't buy new cars, although we did buy a nice used Lexus a few years back. We started taking nicer vacations maybe 7 years ago, places like Hawaii, a cruise to Alaska, Italy, and Paris. We take our grown sons somewhere each year. We have finally done some remodeling to our home. We have also started to enjoy having a nice meal at a good restaurant, and I intend to try a tomahawk steak one day soon. But we are still living well below our means and our net worth continues to grow. We will be able to help our sons with their house downpayments when the time comes. We are looking at starting a charitable trust to help some of the people who still live in the small village my wife comes from. We think we can help about 10 people on a regular basis. And when we die we will leave each of our two sons an inheritance of about $2,000,000. And neither of us ever made much over $100,000 a year in our lives. The entire point is this, just like debt can snowball over time, wealth can too. My wife and I ended up making fairly good money in our later years, but our salaries were never spectacular. We did it bit by bit over many years. Slow and steady wins the race.

[@mangopuppybaby]

Wow! What an encouraging story about slow and study wins the race. Being diligent and working hard. Thanks for sharing!

[@paulashottesbrooke4400]

Good for you both well done. If you still wanna try tomahawk I saw them in costco for thirty pounds for two.

[@andrewheffel3565]

@@paulashottesbrooke4400 Costco! I'm on board!

[@TermiteVideo]

I take my hat off to you Sir!

[@rsn7847]

Absolutely amazing the way you managed your money,well done.

[@benriecadiz3432]

I like this channel, it feels real. It's like you guys are just my next-door neighbors and I stopped by for some coffee and conversation. More than the tips you give, you guys tell your real-life, personal experiences. More power!

[@chelongogan3904]

My Mom wants to buy a bowling alley.... to own her own business

[@rough-hewnhomestead5737]

Great video. I especially liked the last bit about saving small amounts and how it adds up. I'd gotten sloppy in my frugal lifestyle and those things were where I was allowing "leaks in the boat". I've begun "stopping the leaks" by unplugging things, turning off lights, looking for better deals on things we use often or things that are expensive, line drying clothes, using short wash cycles, etc. The small savings really do add up.

[@patmartin9727]

I track the savings I make throughout the month and I find the savings on small items far out ways the large savings. Like you I have let things slip from time to time none of us are perfect, we just need to do the best we can.

[@louisedudley6478]

I recently took another look around my house and found that I still had a few lamps in some guest rooms that were plugged in. I thought I had done that some time ago. It just goes to show you that sometimes you need to revisit those basic frugal ideas to make sure you are on top of them.

[@rough-hewnhomestead5737]

@@louisedudley6478 So true! I'm learning to monitor things regularly.

[@emmabarry5010]

Hi Hope and Larry I love your channel since i started watching you and kate kaden in the last couple of years ive completely changed my financial well-being. My husband and i are now debt free and save 60% of our income. Thanks for the wealth of knowledge and wisdom you share with us all youve impacted many lives for better and its very much appreciated Emma

[@9FatraBbits]

You are both so encouraging and positive! I’ve used several of your ideas with success. Thank you!

[@GEAUXFRUGAL]

My washer is working fine. I'm hand washing my clothes and reusing the water for flushing. Shower water has been used for flushing too.

[@dorothyjelavich6657]

I’ve been part of the Frugal Money Saver family for almost three years…thank you for all of your guidance ‼️❤️

[@Joce123]

Having paid 50% of my net income on bills last year I sorta let up on my spending..I still have a lot of money goals. I appreciate your video as a reminder of good frugal choices.

[@joycegonzales4994]

I found a great barely used newish top load Maytag when ours died, for $200. Which is way better than brand new

[@auntiali9344]

Hubby has just gotten Mint Mobile and I'll be on it next week after I get my new refurbished iPhone 13. We are buying a new refrigerator that will come on Friday. Our fridge is 19 years old and I got it on sale and it will be more energy efficient. I've bought some clothes on line and now am in the process of returning the ones I didn't like. I'm a Walgreen's couponer but I don't spend money on expensive things that I won't use. Free toothpaste can go to the local food closet. We are still in our "starter" home 30 years later. Hubby and I are sharing one car as he has retired as of the end of June and had to turn in his company car and the company gas credit card. Hubby will fix our leaky toilet by replacing the gasket. Thank you KZbin!

[@cindypatrick785]

One of the best decisions my husband and I made throughout our 44 yrs of marriage is to buy and in a few cases pay off the bank loans on real estate investments.(1 triplex, 1 duplex, 2 single family houses.) That has helped us supplement our family owned carpet cleaning business. My husband had to take disability after working the business for 3 20:35 20:35 0 yrs.That cut our income from the business down a great deal. Our son- n -law and daughter and 2 grandsons have stepped in and Taken over the cleaning of carpets while my husband does the bookkeeping. I was busy being full time caregiver for my 88 yr old daddy( the patriarch of the carpet cleaning business). But I do pay the household bills.

[@nannettegonzalez8776]

I think you both know a lot!!! I’ve gleaned so much from you!!! Thank you!!!!❤ merry CHRISTmas!!!

[@anneard1674]

I found out about Mint from Pepper Princess... conscience spending = conscience consumerism

[@cindypatrick785]

Talk about unexpected events in your life: We just found out from an electrician that we’re going to have install some outdoor lights for us, that our breaker box is one of the brands that we’re recalled due to causing meltdowns inside the box and have been responsible for many house fires😮. The unexpected cost to replace the breaker box is $1700 !!! But what is the alternative? I don’t relish losing everything we’ve worked for these 44 yrs to a fire🤦‍♀️. 3:04

[@vixxcottage]

I wanted a freezer. Waited until they were on sale at $300/off. I now have a new medium sized chest freezer. I have always purchased used appliances but since Covid it is very difficult to find used appliances in good shape. My next major appliance purchase will be during Black Friday.

[@UndertheMedian]

You're absolutely right. You got a great deal. I got my freezer in the middle of COVID when the supplies had completely dried up and I considered myself lucky that my local appliance store was able to get one in stock. One of the few times in my life that I didn't buy something on sale - I did get two rebates and sold my old freezer for good money. But, I paid the sticker price for the new freezer and considered myself lucky.

[@arleensantos3397]

I’m glad you both are in the social media environment. Finally, I feel like I can relate to all the things that you do. I have been budgeting for the past 20 years but every day I become smarter and better at it. I have learned a lot from people like you to fine tune my budgeting skills.

[@kerryjames6312]

Vacation is once a year no spend days helps

[@josi4381]

As a German I find it interesting that many people from the US focus in mentioning no-spend days. Is it really that common for people to spend money every day? This baffles me.

[@beth3535]

@@josi4381For a lot of folks in urban areas or on the road, it is likely common. I thing the winds are changing, however.

[@beth3535]

Think

[@rg-mi5hh]

Our washer crashed during covid. We did a lot of research and changed to an lg front load washer. It is one of their cheaper models. Cold wash is about the only bells and whistles on it. 😂 It has proved to be much better than our Maytag top loader which only lasted eight years. We found Home Depot to have the lowest sale prices on appliances. Several of our appliances went during covid. Found sales there to be the best. We did not get the pedestal either. Not needed. Saved about $300 there.

[@jillautismhomeschoolmama6994]

Wow… I think I spend 4 hours a week just playing grocery trips at all the different places. 😂

[@boldwarrior2196]

85000 oh my I don't make anywhere to that. Raising kids too. But yes track money no mortgage here cars paid off. If you go over 1 week grocery means next week you have less to spend. Monthly grocery bill.

[@thomaschew2191]

I'm another that check bank balances every day. We always put something every paycheck into savings even if it is only $100 pay yourself every check. We shop carefully and buy just what we need. We never buy on credit and save for what we want. At those times that we feel like we want to overspend I simply ask one of my co-workers what he is doing in the upcoming weekend, it usually involves going somewhere or buying something he cannot afford. That keeps me in check.

[@kerryjames6312]

Our own adult children peer pressure us lol

[@fredswartley9778]

Great video! I like your point about having flexibility in your budget. I'm constantly having to adjust my spending based on various needs and challenges that arise each month. But I have flexibility in my budget, so I can adjust it up or down a few hundred dollars and still be ok.

[@beth3535]

I diary upcoming bills, credit card expenditures, bills paid, and the running balance in my checking account in my planner. I do it daily. That way I always know where I am in my budgeted vs. actual $ spent categories every day and can make adjustments, as needed, and then compensate by holding the line in some other place. I also pay off my upcoming month’s credit card balance by the end of the current month. Now that my mortgage is gone and credit card(s) are already paid off in the month I incurred the balance, Im much more in control of my money and expectations -largely because Im always aware of the opportunity costs associated with every expenditure.

[@GEAUXFRUGAL]

6.14" is said to be average . Dollar bill is 6.14". Mint has been my phone company for a few years now. The first year I bought the best they offer. No home internet I was ,is a data hog for what I do. I always ran out of data before the end of the month but usually for a few days. Unlimited data has a cap. They throttle you where you will leave the house to find wifi.Then I decided to get home internet. Dropped to the $15 a month.

[@Brattyanne1231]

I buy the hot cocoa bombs 50% off the day after Christmas and we use them through the winter and what we don’t use one winter we’ll save for the next

[@mkistach7115]

Wow average salary is $85k?? I am way below that and can make a dollar stretch like you two. No spending is the best method for getting through these inflationary times.

[@alisawoods555]

Thank you so much for keeping me on track I have been with you and Under the median for a while now got myself debt free 30 k paid in full and Christmas 🤶 is cash paid and now I am doing a No Spend July 2023 Frugality is the best way And No Worries or Anzeity!

[@marie-lynn5767]

Your channel helps me to keep focused on minimising my expenses. For example I am postponing a dental appointment to pay our council taxes for the quarter 👋🙂🇦🇺💖

[@bria2596]

This episode is another great example of being "real," and acting in a way to safeguard our current and future needs, instead of "what is wanted in the moment." I guess I was never average - certainly that salary your reported as "average," is more than double of what I earned for decades of my working life. That "average" is a skewed statistic, by high earnings. Your vidoes show the way for the vast majority of us who MUST do much better to have financial stability in our lives. Thanks for your consistently excellent advice, and sharing of research, on so many "small" things that all added up equal success. This new knowledge and encouragement to make behavior changes, and correct our mental thinking, to take us from not "making it," but actually" making it in a way that is satisfying, not frightening." Behavior changes are critical if we need permanent improvement.

[@Thefarm1889]

You are both so wonderful!

[@dianejennings50]

Time to get busy

[@kenyonbissett3512]

Start saving money on your big expenses. Examples would be housing, insurance and food. This will look different for different people. Buying vs renting. Long term vs short term. My niece (renter) looked different than myself (buying). She lived in an expensive city. She found 1-2 roommates. They moved every year to get introductory rates, usually in the same building. This encouraged them to be minimalists. And, they would even welcome a roommate’s sister to stay (and pay) during summer internships. She lived close enough to walk to work or “ride on” a $1 bus on poor weather days just outside her buildings front door. Her building had a gym, indoor/outdoor pool, party area, work space for home workers and gathering area inside/outside. Me. Live in exurban, sleeper community. I worked 15-20 minutes from worked. Though my interest rate was locked in I could shop for insurance and protest my taxes. My homestead taxes option saved money. Over the long term I watched interest rates to check if refinancing for a lower rate was an option. I combined house and car insurance for a lower rate, life insurance through work was cheaper. Saving dollars here and there long term eventually ended up allowing me a saving’s equal to one large expense. I cut my food/home goods budget by 70%. My energy costs by about 50%. Clothes (thrifted,gifted,yard/garage sales 85-90%) and appliances (60-70%). Entertainment 50% or more. Vacations by 50-60%. I had more storage and better long term planning than my niece. She could borrow from roommates on things like irons, kitchen gadgets, jewelry, and other things. I had room to keep plenty of items I don’t need on a day to day basis.

[@user-zz4zr3fy9r]

Pretty new to your channel but appreciate your help in accomplishing my goal of growing my savings account. Thank you

[@blessedbygod3430]

I don't have good reception with Mint Mobile. So I use Visible unlimited text/talk/data for $25.00 monthly. GREAT VIDEO!!😊

[@Mel-jt5fl]

We live in a rural area and have tried numerous cheaper phone plans: more than I want to remember. The only one that gives us reasonable reception especially during emergencies is Verizon. The crummy part is we pay $96 a month for their basic plan which is unlimited text and calls. We are not phone people, but being older, emergency calls are essential living rurally in a high wildfire area. I feel like we are cornered with Verizon being the only one that we can depend on. I have several neighbors who are in the same boat having tried multiple less expensive plans where there was no reception without Wi-Fi. During emergencies in our area, Wi-Fi will go down due to the power going out. A generator isn't the answer. We have that, but still, Wi-Fi won't work if PG&E does a black out. Any ideas anyone? Thank you. Love your channel...thank you.

[@lylagray9669]

FB marketplace is a hit or miss with me. I was able to sell some things, but not very quickly. My husband and I did find a Kobalt lawn mower for $150 less than Lowe's and it had never been used (couple split and the guy had no use for it). My hubby was also a maintenance man at our previous apartment, so he knows some electrical, some plumbing and other maintenance stuff. KZbin has saved us on how to videos to save money. When we moved into our house, the previous owner helped us with the siding replacement (50/50) and we just had four trees removed. We went with the company with the most experience who wasn't trying to push us into anything we didn't want (and he happened to be the cheapest). We did just pay off our car, as well. It is a great feeling, but now with some of the other stuff, we aren't actually 'saving' the old car payment 😞 I do get depressed about the state of our finances, but I know we are going to make it (I hope).

[@MsSarahJam]

Thanks for another great video

[@Thefarm1889]

I've learned so much !

[@kerryjames6312]

Rent gass electricity water transportation medicine groceries just in case an emergencey fund sinking funds I put limit on my spending

[@deliarealtor]

Always sensible analogies Larry, thanks.

[@marie-lynn5767]

I am very grateful for your channel 👋🙂🇦🇺

[@kathleenfreund7332]

One of your best!

[@suzubee9602]

thank you for the information without the judgement

[@knoxrunner]

Great video! It is real joy to listen to both of you.

[@user46318]

Very good insights and tips. Thank you.

[@mlv3707]

Thank you so much for a great video :) I always give a 👍, that is the first thing I do when I see that a new video is out, before even watching it 😉 Because I know that every video is great ❤️ Love from Sweden I am a huge and loyal fan. Thank you both for sharing your wisdom and knowledge, we are many who appreciate it 😊

[@lizbatley4839]

It’s really nice listening to very down to earth people. From Liz UK xx

[@ritastrange1609]

We don't make no 85000 in missippi

[@amyadamfrancis8726]

I love you both so much! You both have amazing personalities. Super valuable information! Thank you so much for all that you do to share your knowledge on finances!!

[@lindaripp5902]

Thanks

[@kassandrab665]

I haven't heard of these fads but I know a huge one this year is the stanley cup. It's all over tik tok. And in the past the it cup was a hydro flask and before that it was a swell bottle and a Yeti cup. I bet there will be a new one next year too.

[@davidkessinger1581]

Our local Big Lots and Dollar Tree ($1.25) had the Chocolate Bombs this past Christmas season. After Christmas they went 50% off. But yes, in 2021, they were wayyyy overpriced.

[@UndertheMedian]

I teach in the high school department at our local homeschool co-op. One of my students gave me a homemade chocolate bomb a couple of years ago. It was so good!

[@GEAUXFRUGAL]

WMT just upped the price of their 2 ltr dr.thunde $1.50 and I said that's the price I make changes. I'm back to circle K buying a soda refill a day. I'm getting greater selection and premium product.

[@patmartin9727]

I have took the opportunity to tag a few days vacation onto a work trip has allowed me to save on the travel expenses.

[@daniellecarney1487]

The average American does not make 85,000 per year.But I appreciate the concepts. Very helpful.

[@UndertheMedian]

You're correct. I checked it twice and apparently both sources misquoted that stat. $85K is the average household income in the US - the average individual income is closer to $55K.

[@douglashart5059]

Thanks for much for your time and ideas! Just found your channel and new subscriber. Can you give me an idea of what your monthly or quarterly goals are? Thanks!

[@UndertheMedian]

Welcome to the family. I love this question. Our quarterly goals are broad. For instance,: "Lower the average of this quarter's electric bills to $80 a month or less". (in this case, I'm looking for bills - which will vary by month - to average a certain amount of money over three months). A monthly goal is more specific: "Use less than 400kWh of electricity this month. (In this case, I'm watching our usage and deliberately trying to keep it at or under a given amount). A weekly goal is even more specific. For example: 1) Raise AC by 3 degrees and use fans in the rooms we're sitting in. 2) Remind the kids to turn off lights. Leave a sticky note by the light switch in the bathroom to help them remember. 3) Cook using only the Instant Pot this week." In this case, you can see that am trying to develop or improve specific frugal habits when it comes to our electric usage. By making sure all three kinds of goals are aligned, they support one another and lead to lower bills.

[@douglashart5059]

@@UndertheMedian Wow! Thanks for the detailed response!! Now I see I have developed very broad goals and not very specific. I can see how I need to focus on the little items. Thanks again for your time on this. I'm excited for the changes ahead!

[@kerryjames6312]

I have yearly monthly weekly goals

[@traceydufault297]

Hi hope and larry❤ your true friends and I'm sure they are good friends they'll like you whatever home you have heck I live in a mobile home

[@texasjones9541]

How do you handle parents who drive down every weekend and want to dine out? It cost us over $100.00 every weekend to feed everyone, and that is more than our monthly food budget. Some weekends I cook, but they still want weekends that we dine out. I enjoy the visit, but not the expense. Please help...they are in their 70 80s and are very demanding. Side note we are debt free and are still stuffing our retirement every month and have a 2 years pay emergency fund, but it hurts to toss this money away on eating out.

[@UndertheMedian]

Oh gosh. We know it's not easy. We've also dealt with difficult family relationships. It sounds like there's a lot going on and maybe the eating out is a symptom of deeper things you need to talk out with them. You have to be honest and set some boundaries. Maybe talking about the restaurant issue will open up the door to discuss other areas that need to be worked out. If they really want to dine out, it should be their treat. You are opening your home to them and feeding for all the other meals every weekend. Best of luck.

[@patmartin9727]

You can not allow relatives to scupper your financal plans, you need to be very honest with them explaining how the cost of all the eating out is depriving you of your ability to meet your other financal goals.

[@Emily-hh4vo]

It could be this is the one thing they really look forward too but don't realize the strain on you. My mom is stuck at home 99% of the time without company so she's excited to go anywhere, she gets excited and can spend more than planned. It's boredom and loneliness tbh. It might be difficult to share your situation but they may need to vent themselves also. I would keep trying to find none/low spending activities, lunch at home and maybe just dessert out or make a fun challenge for a theme picnic.

[@texasjones9541]

I think this inflation caused me to put a number on how much this cost and how much the food quality has declined. I love my parents dearly. They are not lonely by any means. I just don't think they add this up in their minds. I will let everyone know if a solution is reached.

[@rg-mi5hh]

Just tell them you can't afford it. Boundaries. If they want to go out to eat, they pay for yours too. If they eat at your house, order pizza and split cost. You and your spouse are in charge of your finances. It isn't about making them happy either. They are crossing boundaries.

[@paulashottesbrooke4400]

Can you let us know lots.of your weekly goals to give us inspiration. I have a finance Friday - every Friday I figure out if I can save any money on what I'm buying. At the moment I on my days off go to the local Lidl store and buy their veg boxes for ,£1.50 and make them into lunches for the next week. It saves me a ton of money and I always have fresh soup from the freezer.

[@KC-dr3cg]

I have no idea how to find other people in my area who live with frugality except that the food shelf and many of those people are not my cup of tea

[@asavannah7439]

I only know one other frugal person in my real life, but that's why we have our frugal KZbin channels!

[@malissachavira1412]

.... I'm in the same. The friends and family I have are not really frugal. I just spend so much time on KZbin.

[@josie4peace]

*Can you please talk about LIFE INSURANCE? Is it worth it?* Thank you!

[@comiccosmic36]

I’m closing in on retirement and love to move from Minnesota to a warmer climate, but home prices are ridiculous now, mortgage prices been skyrocketing on a roll.. do I get bullish with the trend and buy house anyways, or wait for crash? don't want to be a victim of FOMO