How to Save Money Like a Minimalist | Minimalist Money Saving Tips

[@AbundantlyMinimal]

Hi all! In case you are looking for a related budgeting video, I recently filmed an updated budget video using actual numbers. You can check it out here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/g521fHeXn5acfMU

[@jarred333Boss]

good video girl

[@Becky4grands]

I am 69 years old and yesterday was the first time in my life to buy only that which was on my grocery list. Wow! What a great feeling.

[@AbundantlyMinimal]

Congratulations, Becky! That is such a huge accomplishment!

[@chillydawgg4354]

Nice

[@maddscientist3170]

LEARN!!! learn how to cook, sew, knit, crochet, woodworking, basic electrical repair, basic plumbing, garden, fix ur car, fix ur furniture, etc. etc. etc

[@AbundantlyMinimal]

That is a great tip! Thanks for sharing!

[@markwhittaker6866]

Madd Scientist PREACH!

[@bdwalters4585]

I would add this...learn then WORK your trade for others and produce income versus working only to retire on investments that only pay a stipends like 2%. I knew a man who saved until he had over 3mil$ sitting idle but it paid 2500$ a year, so he left it. He wore clothing until it fell apart, didnt repair his house, let alone upgrade. A foolish way of life, no actual REAL LIVING there. He died a pauper.

[@tavaresrajasingam]

Great points. Buying in bulk, using credit card reward points, having low to no fee bank accounts and using the 30 day rule are also great tips to save lots of money. I just posted a video on this

[@coasteyscoasteys]

Madd Would not recommend self electrical repairs unless you really are experienced. Seen a guy kill himself doing that

[@caroleanndavis8255]

Eat it up, wear it out, make it do or do without!

[@AbundantlyMinimal]

I love it! Thanks, Carole!

[@eliasrodriguez84]

That’s what I’m doing it’s hard for me because I love shopping online ☹️

[@Moonsharkstudios]

That's great!

[@DD-d6d3]

@@AbundantlyMinimal it's USE it up..

[@jaimepulido5109]

CODE: 8GV5F If you want to save money on your gas purchases GetUpside is a great way to do it. You can get up to 45 cents back per gallon CASHBACK. Payout through PayPal or a check in the mail. REMEMBER USE CODE: 8GV5F to get and extra 20 cents back.

[@margyiphillips4931]

"USING UP WHAT YOU HAVE BEFORE BUYING ANYMORE".This I decided to do with my beauty and skin care products. I took a look at my beauty and skincare section of my bathroom and discovered that I had at least 3 of each item every woman needs. It was like the scale fell of my eyes. I was so disappointed in myself and decided to use them up before buying anymore. Almost a year later, I have gone only about halfway.

[@AbundantlyMinimal]

This is a great tip!

[@carolc2574]

I used to live in a town during week days and a different town during weekends for several years. I ended up having most personal products duplicate (moisturizer, deodorant, toothbrush, make up...) so I am now finishing all of those products

[@lalahdz9553]

Right! I am with you. I am on a no-buy beauty, makeup, lotions, deodorant, shampoo, toothpaste until its all gone. I am trying to declutter my home and trying to payoff.my home!

[@happycook6737]

My grandfather was a doctor. He said you need only mild soap, sunscreen, deodorant and a moisturizer. Every chemical you smear onto your body or use increases disease risk. Including make-up!

[@jamesfudge207]

My biggest savings comes from learning how to cook.

[@AbundantlyMinimal]

Savings from cooking at home do really add up!

[@WilletteB]

My cooking habits revolve around eating out less and intentionally eating in (as in almost always). It tends to be the kind of game I have learned to play very well.🙂

[@eileeneclark9011]

1/2/22....Buy store brand food b/c you can save quite a lot. Also CHECK your pantry + fridge to do quick look-see INVENTORY before going to the store. READ the weekly newspaper ads. ALWAYS buy BOGO to get your usual items @ automatic 50% savings. Good way to stock up BEFORE you run out of your most important items. Also lots of BOGO "specials" like mayo + mustard + ketchup right before Labor Day/4th of July/Memorial Day holiday weekends.

[@jazziered142]

I have currently challenged myself to use up every single beauty product in my house before I buy another. I looked around at all the perfume, styling products, shampoos, conditioners, and decided it goes before I buy.

[@AbundantlyMinimal]

That is amazing! Great work!

[@ALMOND725]

I definitely need to do this

[@leedezern6862]

Guilty as charged😔

[@mj5885]

This is a good tip for sure!

[@MsSusieStone]

But please do not forget that beauty products and makeup also have expiration dates. Especially mascara should be thrown out once it reaches its expiration date - it’s just not worth risking an eye infection. Just buy another mascara 🤷🏼‍♀️

[@jonnaborosky8836]

I dilute all soaps and cleansers with 50% water. That includes dish soap, laundry detergent, surface cleaners, window cleaners, shampoo, liquid hand soap, etc. As long as you still see soap bubbles, it'll clean just fine. It also makes it far longer between having to purchase products...even products to make your own cleansers.

[@TannerandGus_2023]

I'm 14 and usually buy second hand because I just simply love getting more for cheap I'm in the thrift stores a lot

[@AbundantlyMinimal]

That's one of the reasons I love thrift shopping too!

[@CrystalChristianStore]

I wish my daughter been like you! Today teenagers care too much what others think. ☹️Great 👍 example.

[@TannerandGus_2023]

DIY CRYSTAL I only will but thrift store clothing if it doesn’t look like it’s been worn to the point of death but other than that if I see a sale at a store I would buy a shirt I find it fun seeing savings

[@CrystalChristianStore]

Tanner Robbins Yes that’s true 😊I found many sales at Marshalls for new clothes of brands

[@Aleisha313]

I was 14 when i discovered thrift stores. I think its better than going to retail stores because you never know what your going to see😊

[@thisisfloraa]

Really good video, thank you for the tips! Here are the ones I found really helpful: - buy store brand products - make your own cleaning products - compare prices before you buy - wait for deals if you want to buy something - ask yourself if your memberships are worth it (fitness/TV memberships etc.) - look at the unit prize of foods/buy bigger packages - use LED lightbulbs to save energy - use less of certain products (shampoo, tooth paste etc.) - make copycat versions of your favourite "going out" foods - set up an automatic saving setting at your bank (each month, the amount of money you wanna save goes automatically to your savings account) - do carpooling Hope this helps:)

[@AbundantlyMinimal]

You're welcome, Flora!

[@georgesmith5608]

*Had a problem facing on my bank debt so I went through comments and suggestions for help on KZbin found a legit hacker *Pi_tech04* on IG [phone] on WhatsApp I really *don't know how to appreciate you for clearing my bank debt 🙏I recommend you for your help and support 💯💯**

[@coun_rylady9098]

9

[@mamadoom9724]

These tips are great. My New Years resolution is to downsize, simplify my life, and live a more minimalist lifestyle. Then my money will be freed up for savings and investments. Last year was so bad for me that I actually feel beaten down and traumatized. This year I’m determined to take back control of my life.

[@AbundantlyMinimal]

You can do it, Sarah!

[@jg-ko5qs]

For those who might impulse buy at the grocery store, order groceries online for pickup. This reduces temptation. Also grocery shopping after a full meal will reduce the same.

[@AbundantlyMinimal]

Thank you! Those are good strategies!

[@awesomelife3710]

For me it’s all about, “You only live once,” so I live as well as I can by focusing on a balance between wealth creation and spending it in ways that bring me happiness.

[@danidtv5823]

Great savings tips! I recently did a savings challenge and managed to save $1300 a month by cutting down household costs and "frivolous" spending. Keep up the great work and thanks for sharing!!!

[@AbundantlyMinimal]

That's wonderful!

[@cdugral]

Wow. I don’t even have that much money monthly. Let alone save.

[@carolc2574]

I downsized from a spacious two bedroom rented apartment to a tiny one bedroom apartment in property. It was a once in a lifetime deal so it costed a fourth of the price of a regular apartment in that area, and we could pay it upfront with our savings (we were saving money to celebrate a wedding). So no mortgage at all and saving a lot of money on rent!

[@AbundantlyMinimal]

Awesome! Sounds like a great move!

[@matthafer2415]

I get paid weekly, I budget on a monthly scale, every so often there are those months where I get 5 paychecks instead of 4 and I save almost all of those "extra" paychecks....

[@williamhadley1096]

Buying things that are on sale is actually a spending not a saving. That's what I realize when I started to save and be frugal.

[@1sttimemom76]

That's true if the item is not needed. If you actually need the item and can get it on sale or use a coupon, you would be saving.

[@AbundantlyMinimal]

This is definitely a great practice for items that you don't actually need! I do rely on sales a lot with food items though. For instance, when the peanut butter is on sale at the grocery store, I will stock up because it is something we always use, and it saves money in the long run to use the sales.

[@willdriver7542]

You can't get a better sale than 100% off. Don't buy it unless you need it.

[@anitaares8271]

We recently had a store wide %20 off sale at our super market. So I bought over two hundred dollars worth of nonperishables for $197. I stocked up and locked in the prices. Savings can also be accomplished by cost averaging over time.

[@jordanmchighlander9365]

Something I do is ask myself "If this were the normal price and not a sale price. Would I still buy it?" If the answer is "no" then it's not a worth while purchase.

[@skydmark]

These are good tips for people who are used to spending money superfluously but for those of us living paycheck to paycheck, we're already doing most of this stuff.

[@AbundantlyMinimal]

Thanks, Jason. I'm sorry that the video was not very helpful for you.

[@upstatenewyork]

Agree

[@hellooutthere8956]

Can't get blood from a turnip, huh? Even though I can relate. Been there done tht I found minimal living videos to still be extremely helpful. Remind you ppl are doing this I wasn't alone and it was a productive way of living. You are being proactive, discipline, living with purpose etc... You become more involved in life. Not fall victim to misery. I do hope things get better financially for you.

[@nancynewman6592]

I have been working on this for 30 years...so of course I know most of these tips as well, but I love to see reinforcement videos, and you never know when you can get that one new thing :) If nothing is new, pat yourself on the back for doing a great job √

[@happycook6737]

If that is the case, I'd be looking at what could I do to get a better paying job or move to an area with lower expenses. Sometimes that is what it takes.

[@ritalynb7070]

I have been on a no-buy in 2019, but I have lost a lot of weight in the last 5 months and needed new items. Last week I went thrifting and was able to purchase everything I needed for my wardrobe second hand. Back on the no-buy bandwagon now....

[@AbundantlyMinimal]

Yes! That is the best!

[@gracieallen8285]

ritalyn b, congratulations on your weight loss.

[@Nikkisweeets]

How did you lose weight??

[@ambotngababoy]

@@Nikkisweeets probably by buying less processed foods found in groceries, eating out, and buying to go foods.

[@ks-27]

How do you control yourself from not buying anything? Tips please

[@BriSoza]

Making your own beverages is so true. One summer I went to Starbucks almost everyday and spent more than $200 on Starbucks alone! Now I brew my coffee at home and put it in a pitcher in the fridge!

[@AbundantlyMinimal]

That is an awesome switch! I could easily see how someone could spend $200 since those drinks can be pricey!

[@alexmcginness8859]

Same. I got a frother so I could make my own lattes at home. Hardly ever go to coffee shops anymore except on special occasions.

[@BriSoza]

@goldenfang Saving money doesn't have to be restricting yourself from something you enjoy. Especially if it is very cost efficient.

[@clwest3538]

I live in the middle of nowhere - a Sb moved in and I got hooked on caramel macchiatos - then they closed shop so I asked the barista how he made my drink and he told me (it is 60 miles to closest Sbs) ... I started a sinking fund for espresso machine, coffee grinder etc ... that Christmas my son gave me an espresso machine and a coffee grinder! now, i have my drink whenever I want - especially weekend mornings and save a ton! Also, I'm not a coffee 'snob' soI love my little machine - my drinks are made to my taste!

[@vanessabayardo9788]

Lucky! I am not even allowed to drink coffee anymore for the rest of my life, due to having had kidney stones.

[@CentsibleLivingWithMoneyMom]

Hi Sarah our family is completely debt-free our mortgage is paid off we have no Consumer Debt no car payment it does take a lot of work my biggest hip is not only have saving funds but work on being a month ahead of your bills and also have sinking funds for things you know are coming up for example say if your car is getting older and you're starting to have to put more repairs into it you may really want to start elevating your savings for that so that you can pay cash for a car this is if you want to live a debt-free life

[@AbundantlyMinimal]

Hi Dawn! Absolutely...those are outstanding tips and ways to be debt free!

[@markwhittaker6866]

Centsible Living With Money Mom Great advice which hopefully many will follow. Also love your account name.

[@airicaxoxo]

Thank you so much for advice!!!

[@danawood8103]

Mark Whittaker she has a KZbin channel...she is very sweet

[@rebeccaalbrecht771]

I did all those things plus we air dry our clothes. Something that most people can’t do, but when we retired, we moved to the Netherlands. We no longer have or need a car. Our car had been an enormous expense for us. We now bicycle everywhere near by. Train service is very good here. We use trains when we need to go somewhere farther away.

[@AbundantlyMinimal]

That is wonderful! I do hope to go car free in the future when I hopefully am able to work from home! :)

[@lek0mania]

i can't even believe that people don't airdry. just buy a rack and dry clothes on them.... what kind of detached from reality people use machines to dry?

[@TWills-oe7hn]

So, agree on airdry cloths. I save a fortune with air dry. I do have a dryer for when I am in a bad weather cycle but only use it when I must. Furthermore, even in a condo you can get these foldable racks for occasional use. We have 2 and put them in the tub. Also great for handwashing. In the winter, yes you don’t have worm/hot air around the cloths BUT the humidity is usually very low so you win with a little patience.

[@dianaprice5638]

Rebecca Albrecht heated airers are great, better than just normal airers

[@dianaprice5638]

lek0mania those that prefer to tumble dry, some do part both, which I would if I had a tumble drier

[@MsCarolinaBernardi]

Eating healthy and exercising frequently are good tips to avoid preventable medical expenses in places like the US, without free universal health care

[@AbundantlyMinimal]

That is very important, Carolina! Thanks!

[@xubionelen]

I have a question. Even if u have an insurance in US is it still expensive for health care? Im from sweden and we pay our hospital/medicine up to $250 then high cost protection kicks in and we get 12 months free health care/medicine.

[@maayans.181]

@@xubionelen I don't get the US system too, in Israel we pay up to 10$ a month (for the fullest coverage) and get everything else free. :)

[@1st1shot]

baller07 yes. It depends on your insurance plan, but even if you have insurance, your expenses can be very high.

[@granitemoss1451]

@@xubionelen Absolutely! You pay a huge amount to be 'insured' but insurance covers less and less and less all the time. The US healthcare system is broken.

[@Jessiemadanat]

Meal prep is life! Also invest in a thermos and good Tupperware bring your food everywhere. Also having all sizes Mason jars with wide mouth lid for storing half used onion, lemon etc.

[@AbundantlyMinimal]

Absolutely! Thanks, Jessie!

[@jennyeagan1840]

The mason jar will help add 'insulation' to your fridge. I recently moved and for now, I put food items into my glass baking pans, even a clear glass dishplate inside my fridge to recoup moving costs. In time, will go with something like glass pyrex storage containers. I prefer the square ones.

[@tavaresrajasingam]

Food containers and canister when my wife and I were busy working multiple jobs save us over $100 a week in regards to food and coffee

[@ColorMeAnnie]

Another tip to add to this, YOU DON'T NEED TO BUY MASON JARS! A lot of food comes in a glass container (ex: salsa, anything pickled) so just wash it out and you can use it for storing anything. I use an old salsa jar as my toothbrush holder! (also easy to clean)

[@user-dq2ym1nn9k]

@@ColorMeAnnie I never thought to use a glass jar to hold our toothbrushes! I'm going to change it right now hahaha

[@dotaallstars8172]

"surround yourself with budget-friendly poeple" . I love it! Another way to say be around cheap ass people like myself

[@AbundantlyMinimal]

Haha YES!

[@shokhrukhkhaytimov661]

Ahahaha

[@MiriamH-l6d]

Dollar menu ! Lol 😂

[@Mrs_Guac_and_Glock]

I'm not saving up for anything in particular but my husband and I are trying to make our dollars stretch so he doesn't have to work as much and he can be home with our family more ❤️

[@AbundantlyMinimal]

That is an amazing goal, Brittany!

[@creatingbalancefinance]

i love the combination of saving, investing ad minimalism, they just go so well together. Thank you for sharing this video. Looking forward to watching more of your videos!

[@AbundantlyMinimal]

Thank you so much!

[@38ddkelly]

Two things we have done for years: Save all your coins/pocket change. We probably save $300-$450 a year in change alone. Also, any money you receive that isn't part of your "normal" salary, should be put in the bank. This includes tips, bonuses, scratch ticket winnings, gifts, etc. Learn to live off just your income. Never touch your savings. And we put 25% of our savings into CD accounts.

[@AbundantlyMinimal]

Thanks for sharing!

[@irishcladdagh3]

If u look at my car right now it is shamefully laughable....its literally falling apart at I write this...BUT....it gets me to where I need to go for the moment....I have been agressively saving since Jan 2021 to move out of state in 2022 and everything on ur list Ive been doing for 6 yrs now and it has helped me saved over $15k and I just have a 42hr a wk job and although a side hustle wasnt cost effective for me downsizing eating plant base and being more sustainable and really just focusing on a no buy yr really helped me be more agressive in 2021

[@EmilyRTurk]

Controlling spending has been the key to our financial success. Good tips, Sarah! Keep them coming!!

[@AbundantlyMinimal]

Thank you, Emily! Will do!

[@henrybirchard2902]

I’m saving up for a pool table. I have been obsessed with the game for a few years now. Wish me luck!!!

[@henrybirchard2902]

Cat thanks

[@glendaschilder3048]

Save up, but still try to find a second hand 1..money left over for other things that way

[@granitemoss1451]

We are working hard to slay our mortgage. We did not begin seriously paying it down until maybe 4 or 5 years ago. We are 15.5 years into a 30 year, we hope to have it done in 4.5 years, making a 30 yr. into a 20 yr. It's tough on one income, with children, but we've got $80k to go. I ran the ammoritization charts recently and discovered we are $55k ahead, or over 7 years ahead, on our mortgage. That amazed me and has helped motivated me to keep squeezing those pennies til they scream to get it done!

[@AbundantlyMinimal]

Keep slaying that mortgage! It sounds like you are doing great!

[@tavaresrajasingam]

Awesome job. Especially with one salary. I have a new born and noticing costs adding up. If you're interested to grow network and cash flow. I've created a step by step guide to buying your first rental property. Keep up the hustle

[@frugalnanny]

When my children ask what I want for y birthday, mother's day and such I ask for fruit trees, gift cards for meals out or they give me cash. I then have a gift that I will use again and again as well as the trees will give me food in the future.

[@AbundantlyMinimal]

Fruit trees are such a wonderful gift! Thanks for sharing!

[@savannahwillliams9693]

There are great videos on YT teaching you home maintenance: once every sixty days, set aside the day to do maintenance, which saves you $$$ on repairs. Most house repairs are due to negligent maintenance. This is also true of auto repairs.

[@AbundantlyMinimal]

Thanks for sharing, Savannah!

[@mattneillninasmom]

Many of the cost cutting things you suggest are social events - such as the gym, eating out - which for single people is a major socializing opportunity. You are married, but for people who are single and trying to save, we find ourselves participating in activities in order to be with other people!

[@kdc.4827]

But we don't really have to spend money for social opportunities. Spend time in public areas like libraries and parks. You can even volunteer on non-profit organizations in your local area. In my case, that's how I met some people with similar interests as I do. If there's a will, there's a way.

[@AbundantlyMinimal]

I think it is best for everyone to implement the strategies that work for them. Personally, one of my favorite activities to do with friends is to go walking (assuming the weather is nice out). Not only do you get some nice conversation, you can get a workout and some time spent outdoors! But I agree with Kristian that there are a lot of great public areas or volunteer opportunities that could be a fun option!

[@mizzmiami3242]

Eat and drink a cocktail before you go out.. OR Go to happy hour or lunch. The menu is usually half price 😊

[@terrywrae7235]

Kristian DC. Join online groups that are free, such as Adventure Chicks...all women hiking, swimming at beach, paddling etc.

[@simini1837]

Dolores Du Bois I agree with you. I am not single for the last six years but when I was I spend quite a lot of money on social events, going out on dates etc. Also the gym is still a social thing for me as well

[@jennyhughes6597]

HI Sarah, great video. I use a lot of these tips. Recently my boots started coming apart at the soles and I didn't want to buy another pair. I bought shoe goo to repair them. It worked perfectly. Money saved. I had another pair of old ones I wear around the house but my feet were cold in them. They needed insoles. I found a wool sweater and cut insoles to fit them. Very warm feet now. More money in savings!

[@AbundantlyMinimal]

Those are amazing ideas for ways to extend the life of shoes! That is wonderful, Jenny!

[@pacosdad4525]

I'm a Shoe Goo fan too. The stuff can also be used to build up heels that are worn down. After using, put the shoes in the garage for a day or so to avoid the fumes.

[@hudsonquay]

Growing up it was very common for people to take their shoes to the cobblers to be resoled and repaired. Globalisation has driven prices down and fuelled rampant consumerism. Low prices have contributed to a throwaway culture.

[@Rebecca_christopher]

I love your channel because there are no gimmicks and you are straight to the point. Congrats on 60% of your house!

[@AbundantlyMinimal]

Thank you so much, Rebecca! I'm glad to hear you love the channel!

[@melodyglenn3366]

Thank you so much for this. Last year around this time I delved in deep to decluttering just by watching the first video on youtube that came up. After that I studied the Kon Mari method thoroughly and made major turn arounds in my life and home as a result. It was my huge 2018 transformation along with learning Myers Briggs, and Carol Tuttle Energy Profiling. Tonight as I was folding laundry I was finally ready to listen to something or someone that would help me jumpstart my 2019 transformation. I wasn't even sure what it would be. I flippantly decided I would go with money and budgeting and yours was the first video that came up. I started crying several times as I was watching it. In my experience this is my body and mind saying yes to the information I'm receiving. This topic is so difficult for me and I'm very resistant to being thrifty--I love living in abundance and to me money is energy I put out in the world and when I've lived with that in mind, I do find it comes back to me abundantly in return. That being said, I know I need to focus some energy on being thrifty and more intentional with my spending. This information was presented in such a loving and compassionate manner. I was relieved to hear many ideas I've already implemented, as I don't think of myself as thrifty, and some areas I can start on anew. Thank you for helping me start!

[@AbundantlyMinimal]

Aww, Melody, thank you so much for sharing your story. Some of these changes can be very challenging and it might feel like we are giving something up or sacrificing, but I think it can be worth it and we can adjust the way we see things. I am so excited for your journey and I'm wishing you all of the best! Let me know if you have any questions!

[@caseyglenar7268]

Upon reading your comment a couple of thoughts came to mind. One thought is what the Scriptures says, in part, at Acts 20:35 that there is more happiness in giving than in receiving. This is the energy that we need to put out into the world. This doesn't mean that you have to give handouts at every corner or give away your hard earned cash, although sometimes there is a need for that too, but you can give of your time and energy to people and organizations and receive the happiness that is promised for doing acts of kindness. Proverbs 11:24 confirms that "one gives generously and ends up with more....." For example, you have decided to declutter and have good things that you no longer need or want. Yes, you could sell them and keep the money or find a charity that takes care of battered spouses, homeless individuals, animal rescues (blankets, etc.) or other helpful causes. As far as money goes consider these two scriptures. 1 Timothy 6:10 brings out that the love of money is a root of all sorts of injurious things .....", while Hebrews 13:5 says "Let your way of life be free of the love of money, while you are content with the present things...". Having a balanced view of money is a goal worth considering for all, and especially for a you as you struggle with the feelings spending gives you. I hope I've given you something to meditate on. the Bible is a practical book, even in our day. I encourage you to read these verses in their entirety.

[@111-k4d9m]

Car pooling - luckily in Switzerland one really does not need a car. Our public transport is so well intergrated, runs on time and timetables for trains, busses, ships and... is all interlinked to a superb timetable. So although our country is very expensive things like university costs are very low, so no student debt. Seems to me in USA one has to pay for every little thing. Great tips in this video Sarah.

[@AbundantlyMinimal]

That is wonderful you have such great public transport! Thanks!

[@MusclesandBooks]

I've never thought of it that way, but you're absolutely right. Nothing is free or included here in the U.S.

[@rosemarysykes6178]

I wish I could say the same of public transport in the UK. But I have still managed to live without a car for the last 25 or so years.

[@111-k4d9m]

@@rosemarysykes6178 Hi Rosemary, as I mentioned above the Swiss transport is a dream. You take say a train from Zurich to Lucerne, walk 50m or so hop on a paddle steamer boat then get onto a waiting cogwheel train up to the Rigi and so on. All perfectly timetabled. But whenever I've been in UK on holiday, have got around very well. I adore the Lake District. From Windermere in summer, there is a great doubledecker bus doing various loops. Even to Ambleside (charming area), to Levens Hall topairy or.... Granted if there is heavy rain, your railway lines can get flooded or... But at least I got around well and had many marvellous trips. Even in Australia recently I got around using Greyhound, shuttles or..... Everything in Switzerland functions like clockwork - even if a tram is two minutes late the Swiss will raise their eyebrows at this. I have endless patience as we lived in South Africa for a few years. There if the bus comes is a question. Cape Town has a super bus service but this is recent to boost the tourist trade. Life in Switzerland is really lovely, but as you no doubt know everything comes at a high price here. London is also expensive. Have an enjoyable evening.

[@naelyneurkopfen9741]

@@MusclesandBooks it's not free if it's govt funded. It just means more taxes taken from your earnings,ie theft.

[@MiriamH-l6d]

I’m addicted to saving money 💰 . I eat blueberries,eggs, beans, rice 🍚 and homemade salads .I make my own drinks . Honey .lime.water . No sodas or sugary drinks . No snacks. No frozen food !no liquor You’ll save twice as much

[@AbundantlyMinimal]

This is great to hear, Miriam!

[@rellrell9457]

YES. I HAVE TO STOP 🛑 stopping @ Dunkin Donuts, Starbucks, Panera, and Wawa. I stop almost once a day @ (1) of these places!!!

[@sarahclark4534]

Sarah, I've been watching your videos for a long time and have loved learning from your journey. One of my favorite things about your videos compared to other youtubers who have similar content is how real and honest you are about your process and mindset regarding this lifestyle. Congratulations on your beautiful home, keep the content coming, you continue to be an inspiration.

[@AbundantlyMinimal]

This was such a lovely comment to read, Sarah! Thank you!

[@karensinclair1954]

I'm happy to say I do most of these recommendations and am moving into the more challenging ones. My goal is to live on 1/4 of my income and save to buy a minivan to live in. 5-year goal! Currently, I am nestled in my very large rental surrounded by 1/2 of my possessions prepared for an estate sale this weekend! A long way from where I started 6 months ago on my minimalist journey and your videos have helped. I have a $30,000 dental re-do that is necessary for my health. That was my last straw in my consumerist lifestyle. However, I worked it out so it will be paid in full within 18 months NO INTEREST!! Any procedures I pay for in advance give a 5% discount which is what I aim for. Thank you for your contribution to a better happier me and many others.

[@anniesshenanigans3815]

Are you in your van yet?

[@allie8442]

WHAT - wear jeans 25 times before washing!! That makes me feel sooooo much more hygienic about my laundry habits.

[@christinefindorff5328]

Right! I definitely wear jeans more than once, but I don’t think I’ve ever worn jeans more than five times at the absolute maximum. And that’s only if I didn’t get them dirty or anything. If I spill something on them then they automatically go into the laundry. I typically wear them about 2 or 3 times. 25 times seems wayyy too much at least for me personally.

[@brittanyr8357]

Christine Findorff I agree...3 times tops! 4maybe but I doubt it. Lol

[@sylvia9290]

Denim material is meant to be worn more than once between washes

[@amara560]

The general recommendation is 5-7 times iirc. 25 doesn't seem great at all. I'm sure it smells bad.

[@tnt01]

@@amara560 it is beyond gross and unecessary.

[@Jimmy-ph8xn]

I’m literally drinking a free coffee while getting my tires rotated for free at a discount tire right next to a Starbucks while watching this vid.

[@AbundantlyMinimal]

Well done! :)

[@Zacharon1]

I pay a little extra for tires bc I get flats fixed and tires rotated for free later. They also do mobile repairs if I need. It's worth it

[@Slayer666th]

The thing with the gym can be looked at from different angles. I go to the gym 4x per week and it costs 20€ a month. I never shower at home since then. After i worked out at home or went for a run i easily shower for 10min what costs about 1€ per shower. So in conclusion i save 4€ per week and about 17€ a month in water and this brings down the costs for the gym down to 3€ a month. I mean thats freaking cheap for staying healthy, having a hobby that is fun for me and it makes me feel really good. So i fight your home training advice :D

[@AbundantlyMinimal]

That is wonderful! Of course, as I mention at the start of the video, each person will have different priorities, so not all tips work for everyone. For the short time period we had a gym membership, it was $50 a month and we maybe went three times a month, so that was a waste of money for those months before we canceled it!

[@JB0528]

Staying healthy can also have a lot of financial benefits in not having to pay medical expenses for things that may be preventable. It's definitely something to evaluate on a person by person basis.

[@MrsThollo]

Omg! I thought I was the one who considered this!

[@jokedog4341]

You must never been to NYC. $50 membership is a steal.

[@lauraclark4542]

What about the cost to drive to the gym,?

[@MiguelSevilla]

The Citi Double Cash card gives you back 2% cash back on all purchases. So it’s a slightly higher gain then the 1.5% you mentioned. The trick is to try and pay for everything with the card (e.g. bills, groceries, etc..), and then just pay off the balance every month. You can then just use the cash back to credit your account and cash in on that 2%. Nice vid.

[@AbundantlyMinimal]

Thank you for sharing, Miguel!

[@brownwaytomoney]

That is completely right!! I do exactly the same thing!

[@WiggleIsWiggly]

Checking my bank statement has made me realise my biggest expense is food. I've done my best to cut down in all the other ways but food is still a huge issue for me. I need to learn to meal plan and not impulsively buy things when food shopping. At the moment I have "no food" in the house but my cupboards are still full because I end up buying adventurous things that I quickly decide I won't like but then keep it because it feels wasteful to throw it away. I often find myself coming home with a strange mix of foods that dont actually make many proper meals. I definitely Italy need to work on that.

[@jenns37]

Alice Honey I used to do that too! I recently went through my food storage and gave away whatever I didn’t like or was going to expire before I could use it to the food pantry. From now on, I’m only buying what I know I’ll use and I save the more elaborate dishes for eating out.

[@AbundantlyMinimal]

You are not alone! At times I struggle with this, because I love trying out new products. One of the things that helps me with this specific issue, besides the other tips about food I mentioned in the video, is to purposefully plan out how I am going to use those ingredients during the week, so if I have a random box of falafel mix (sort of random but it is currently in my pantry), then on Wednesday this week we will have falafel salads to make sure we use it up! I also really like Jennifer's tip!

[@cat_pb]

I have a similar problem!! but right now, I share the kitchen, so it's hard for me to feel comfortable with cooking as before !! Something I need to get better at

[@kimjong-un5562]

You could spend around 50 bucks a week on food and eat healthy . But u gotta make it from scratch

[@jennyeagan1840]

I use the 'notepad' on my cellphone; usually starting with the 'next month' (today it would make it March 2019); I start with notes on bills needed to be paid...then add something to the wishlist if I can afford it. Usually the wishlist is something for the kitchen to keep my healthy and keep food costs low. I've brought things(on sale)(gives me time to windowshop and do reviews for the best brand&prices); i've purchased personal blenders for my own healthy inexpensive smoothies and a mini food chopper initially for salsa(didn't work too well for me)but ended up doing great for taking a can of hummus beans and mixing it with store brought hummus. Store bought hummus too strong in flavors for me; but my own hummus recipes flipflopped. Mix the two together and freeze off one...the grocery list i prioritize and it always seems I'm out of organic milk, eggs and bananas but I'm ok with that 'splurge'. Then I go over the rest of the list and see if anything on sale I can get that same day. Also, milk, I have used peanut butter jars, clean and use about 3 to freeze off my milk. To cut sugars, but I'm not sure of expensive, I use my blender to add an egg or two. Also, adds in more and different vitamins. But if I can, I try to get to other stores for either better prices or preferred brands. I try to wait 'til the mid or end of the month for most shopping as that's when most grocery stores, even clothes and electronics tend to start better sales prices and discounts.

[@murdochcampbell7211]

Vans authentics and converse are amazing because they affordable and last at least 2 years also they look just as good when they worn out

[@cb9825]

baking soda is a must have for home cleaning. but I can't say it saves me tons of money, because I wasn't buying expensive cleaning products before I started using baking soda.

[@AbundantlyMinimal]

Absolutely! I suppose it could be hypothetical savings? Thanks for your comment!

[@TWills-oe7hn]

Buy baking soda from a supplier to a bakery. I comes in like a 20 pound bag. Yes, you have to be willing and have the ability to store it BUT after you buy it it will be a long time until you run out. For storage you will need a couple of huge container with lids such as empty protein powder containers. The dollar store also has containers suitable.

[@Jenatorre]

Sarah: As an Artist and a visual person, I am sensitive to ugly spaces. Perhaps this is why I decorate all my living areas. I do love small and cozy and downsizing and make everything aesthetically pleasing. I purchase most home decor at thrift stores and do DIY projects using nature.

[@AbundantlyMinimal]

It is cool that your DIY projects are inspired by nature!

[@Jenatorre]

@@AbundantlyMinimal Sarah, I do not use faux floral or foliage -- mostly pine cones for year round.

[@angeliiis2419]

For the first time I bought food for a specific thing that I usually buy out. I bought a pound and a half of corned beef, and rye bread and swiss cheese for my favorite sandwich. It cost about$27.00 in total but, that prevents me from spending at least ten dollars every time I want it. In short it cost me $35.00 in two days for delivery and now I have a couple of weeks worth of food for $27.00.

[@theab5867]

I live alone I work a full and part time job, I have a pet and decided to try and save $20,000 dollars. This year … not by the end of the year just sometime with in the year. I only started lastnight but a start is the beginning. 😇😊

[@chris70790]

Video summary of all points. Bit of a long one, but had some amazing points. Please see below: ---- EASY TIPS ---- 1. Consider purchasing store brand 2. Dress for the weather (cold) - saves on the electrical bill 3. DIY cleaning products 4. MYO beverages 5. Use up what you have before buying more - food, household supplies etc 6. Consider purchasing a used option - thrift store clothing 7. Compare prices before you buy something new 8. Cashback programs on what you already buy - ie. reward programs 9. Wait before making a purchase, wait for sales 10. Remind yourself - is this something you actually need 11. Be mindful of subscriptions - is it worth it? 12. Use your local library - see the free services outside books 13. Switch to a high yield savings account 14. When shopping - look at the unit price 15. Consider purchasing in bulk 16. Drink water instead of other beverages when out 17. Energy-saving settings on appliances 18. Use LED lightbulbs 19. Avoid single-use items 20. Use less of certain products - ie. can you use less shampoo per use? 21. Wash your clothing less 22. Have regular financial meetings - track spending ------ MODERATE TIPS ------ 23. Cut your own hair - or get a family member to 24. Cutting out cable TV 25. Meal Prep 26. Make copycat versions of your favourite restaurant meals 27. Exercise at home, instead of the gym 28. Be patient - wait for new products to drop in price 29. Try to fix things yourself 30. Get a programmable thermostat 31. Sell items that no longer bring you value 32. Start a garden - save on food costs 33. Set up automatic transfers and payments - for savings 34. Surround yourself with people that have similar goals - people that are money conscious ----- ADVANCED TIPS ---- 35. Get a roommate if you have space 36. Downsize your living space (not for everyone) 37. Carpool to work 38. Do a no/low spend challenge 39. Use a credit card strategically 40. Live in a cheaper area 41. Lower your expectations - we're pushed by society to live a lifestyle we can't afford.

[@teambeining]

Another tip is to use lists at your favorite store. For instance, if I am shopping online at Macy’s or Amazon, I put the items I have want on my account’s list. The app will show you (and sometimes notify you) when the price has dropped to below your desired price point.

[@abbytooshabby109]

Great advice, I’ve recently started to buy stuff second hand which saves a lot of money. And I’m able to get higher quality at half or more of the price instead of buying clothing that wears out after a year or two. And I definitely agree about washing clothes less, and if your not concerned about status you can really save with housing and clothing . Anyway thanks 🙏

[@AbundantlyMinimal]

Those are great swaps!

[@happycook6737]

The very UHNW rich people I know don't spend a lot on clothes. They buy quality not necessarily designer.

[@kenyonbissett3512]

Using your bath towel for a week and air drying it between uses. You are wiping a clean body folks.

[@RushellKB]

Kenyon Bissett Yes we been practicing this for a lot of years

[@lek0mania]

people throw to laundry bath towels after single use? lmao, they must be crazy

[@doubleg3973]

Your body is not 100% clean though.. and the bacteria you wipe off onto your towel continues to multiply... i do laundry every 3-4 days... my mind will not allow me to use a towel for a whole week 🤢

[@joannbryan303]

I have lived in both an extremely humid climate and now a very arid one. I was not able to use them for a week in the humid climate because they never dried between uses but now I'm firmly in the once-a-week camp.

[@Juan_Hernandez_Jr.]

I've been doing that for years ;)

[@wayneroyle6432]

In Ontario, Canada, we have different times of day and night where electricity is at different rates. So laundry is done after 7:00pm with cold water detergent, rinse cycle with vinegar, baking soda goes in with detergent.

[@stephandden]

Great video Sarah! I've just recently started to look into minimizing food that often goes to waste from our grocery list! I actually just shared a video on my goal of getting to $25,000 in SAVINGS this year ✨

[@AbundantlyMinimal]

I love that plan! Good luck!

[@rosemarywilliams9969]

Saved to Favorites, playing this in the background while I work on spreadsheets. I am doing the shopping freeze this month where I wont buy anything until everything/food I have is used up. It's hard.

[@AbundantlyMinimal]

You've got this, Rosemary!

[@Lady_dromeda]

I have saved hundreds of dollars with my wardrobe, the majority of my clothes are clothes that were passed down to me from my sister who no longer wanted them

[@AbundantlyMinimal]

That's wonderful, Andy! It's great you can share clothes with your sister too!

[@akak7017]

Hi Andy Dawn, don't comprise on clothes. Do buy a pair of clothes a year and use it on yourself. Don't go for used clothes, there's a potential for hygienic disaster😷😢

[@dikshyachapagain5442]

You save 50 percent for the condo wow bravo !! I am a huge believer in paying 50 percent for your property so that you get less interest rates and less mortgage years and you will be financially free before you know it. You are the first person who said that i wanted to hear that from some ones mouth for a very long time haha :) Well done ! thank you for sharing the tips

[@AbundantlyMinimal]

Thank you! Great minds think alike! :) That was our exact rationale when purchasing our home...we wanted to make sure we were able to cover 50% upfront so we wouldn't overspend and need to take out a huge loan!

[@PardonMyFlyness]

who payed your student loans? or how are some of yall able to save that much? was school free?

[@dianemalek436]

These are great tips for saving money. I especially liked that you mentioned use the public library. That is a much underused asset in a lot of communities. We are retired now but we used to brown bag our lunches for work. We also just get water when we do go out which is very seldom especially now with the Covid 19 virus. Wishing you well in your saving journey and lots of luck with the house!

[@AbundantlyMinimal]

Thank you so much, Diane!

[@ModernMinimalistMom]

I check my finances every day and always have. It helps to keep my mindset right and is a great way to stay on the lookout for fraudulent charges. Thanks for the tips! We follow a lot of them!

[@AbundantlyMinimal]

You are so right about checking them every day to prevent fraudulent charges! Keep up the good work!

[@lindacgrace2973]

I'm a LOT more DIY than you are and I have saved a TON of money by cooking. I make stuff that most of my friends think is crazy. For instance, mayonnaise is $2.48 for the Great Value WalMart brand for 30 ounces (essentially 2 quarts). I can make the exact same product using healthier organic oils and pastured chicken eggs with tasty fresh lemon juice instead of white vinegar in about 3 minutes (including clean-up time, have I mentioned how much I love my plunge blender?) for $0.22 per two-quart batch. The difference of $2.26 doesn't seem like a big deal; but when you combine that with saving 80% on my ketchup, pickles, DIY frozen pizzas, frozen Hot Pockets (Nona called them calzones), marinara, salsa, bread, pasta, etc.; well, it adds up. I eat almost exclusively organic with grass-fed grass-finished and heritage breed meats, gourmet single-source fair trade organic coffee, and artisanal bread for $150 per month, or $37.50 per week. I have seen some of the KZbin "eat for $10 for a week" videos, but those women are on a very low-calorie and low-quality diet! I can't make it on only 1,000 to 1,200 calories and I am most certainly not vegan! I have tracked my calories and I follow an all-natural Mediterranean diet (except for very little fish - allergies) of about 1,600 to 1,800 calories per day. I like to cook but don't like to cook three times per day every single day. So, when I prepare something freezable, I make one for now and two for later. I prep snacks along with my meal prep so I'm not tempted to order take-out, I'll just grab food from the freezer/refrigerator when I don't feel like cooking. Learn to cook! You can save big if you know how to cook.

[@hugskissesxoxoashley9925]

I agree with so many of these points! We project pantry/fridge twice a month and meal plan weekly so we don’t waste food as much as possible. Total side note: You can’t buy a tent in Orange County, CA for $160K LOL. I am envious of the home prices in other areas/states. Not enough to move but wow, how great!

[@AbundantlyMinimal]

That is great to hear you do project pantry/fridge! I always love visiting California and think about how nice it would be to have warm weather all year (I hate winter haha), but the prices are insane!

[@jpeterson2150]

We moved to Texas from California and got a brand new 4 bedroom 2-1/2 bath (plus media room) for $1800 a month! Needless to say we're paying off the mortgage in half the time. Moving was a no brainer for us and just 2 years later our house is worth $30k more than we paid (we took the last one in the tract that hadn't sold but had all new appliances). Surprisingly our area of Texas reminds us of where we left, Menifee CA and other than the accents doesn't seem much different!

[@candymartinez5123]

doppelganger_ nails I’m certain you moved to Plano. DFW is just becoming another California and most Texans can’t even afford houses anymore with all this inflated money coming from the west coast. So welcome to TX ... I guess.

[@kenyonbissett3512]

Idea from “The Tightwad Gazette”. Buy coffee beans and grind to a Turkish grind. Now use 1/2 the amount you usually use to make coffee. Your favorite bean now costs 1/2 the price you usually pay. And you save time buying and cost to the environment to recycle container. Advanced idea - take the grinds you just used to make coffee and refrigerate. Tomorrow morning put yesterday’s grinds back in coffee maker, now add to it 1/2 the coffee grinds you usually use. Brew as normal. Has the same great taste you expect. So normal cost $10lb - Turkish grind - now $5lb -using advanced method the new cost is $3.75. Cost of coffee, without a sale, is $6.25 or 67.5%. Plus saving more time not buying coffee and less recycling.

[@joytotheworld2100]

This was full of great ideas. I'm retired, but have always been frugal. My favorite tip from this video is " surround yourself with frugal people". Keep up the good work. ( I'm from Mchenry)

[@AbundantlyMinimal]

Greetings in McHenry! Not too far away! :)

[@morganprice4907]

I have been researching minimalism. I truly believe i have cbd, ill have 25 dollars and HAVE TO GO spend it on THINGS I DONT EVEN NEED i may have 5 min but ill run in there and spend it even if i have a bill do....i love the idea of minimalism and hope i can achieve it one day. Love your video and positivity ❤ congrats on the house!!

[@AbundantlyMinimal]

Thank you, Morgan! You will get there! :)

[@RadCenter]

Tip: After you pay off your car loan, if any, don't buy a new car. Keep setting aside the same amount of money every month, so that when your current car finally needs replacing, you can pay cash for your next one, which should be a pre-owned one. No loan interest payments.

[@AbundantlyMinimal]

Thanks for the tip, Nancy!

[@vivianblack2951]

With clothes you have to factor price per wear... for example I paid full price for a blouse I "fell in love" with at the shop. I've worn it dozens of times, so about 15 cents per wear vs. a blouse I bought at a thrift shop which I wore a couple of times and re-donated at $2 per wear. Expensive runners which are comfortable and you wear 4 or 5 times a week are better than thrift store shoes that were donated because they were poorly constructed and uncomfortable.

[@CasuallyMatthew]

I use a library before going on vacations if I have time to return them! It saves a ton of money and I can always grab a few books if I'm worried I'll read them all on my trip :) .

[@AbundantlyMinimal]

That is a great suggestion, Matthew!

[@CherylMacKay11f]

Excellent job on the 50% down!! Great start to your life.

[@AbundantlyMinimal]

Thank you so much!

[@justagirl8354]

When u got too many ideas to save but u got no income😭😭😭

[@transgenderxoxoxox771]

I have a garden now. I don’t buy Swiss chard, kale, mint and celery anymore. I have more produce but it take time. I’m a minimalist but my family isn’t so it’s difficult

[@AbundantlyMinimal]

That sounds like a great array of produce!

[@gerRule]

I would love to grow my own berries, vegetables and cannabis, I would save so much money 🤣

[@jadiecakes3241]

Your actually supposed to freeze your jeans instead of wash them (unless you get them actually dirty). The freezer kills the germs. Just pop them in a water proof bag and freeze for 12-24 hrs. The cold also kills any smells.

[@AbundantlyMinimal]

I have heard that before but hadn't actually done it. Does it work well for you?

[@jadiecakes3241]

@@AbundantlyMinimal ive only tried it once and it did work! However i have to wash my jeans after like 3 or 4 wears to re-shrink them down, because they stretch out too big otherwise. Never had issues doing it, ive had some jeans for like 6+ yrs and all different price points. Ive only bought more jeans because my old ones stopped fitting once i got an office job haha!

[@AbundantlyMinimal]

Good to know! Thanks!

[@Shiryone]

If you have auto pay set up, still check your statements monthly. AT&T raised our bill by a few cents. It was payed with the old amount, and they dinged us for a $7 late fee the following month. We were peeved.

[@AbundantlyMinimal]

Thanks for the tip! That is very frustrating with AT&T.

[@conniemontenegro2851]

its good to save money for interest but its not advisable you put in a total 100% into savings. put your money to work, is always necessary to invest so as to multiply income.

[@AbundantlyMinimal]

For sure! This video was about saving money, so we mostly addressed that! In our budgeting videos, we discuss how we contribute $1700 per month towards investments and retirement!

[@dominichawkins8777]

so what type of investment can i begin that will probably earn me close to 20% biweekly

[@conniemontenegro2851]

@@dominichawkins8777 Stocks, Bonds, Mutual funds, Options. and the Forex market. Forex can be a very good lnvestment compared to stocks. The advantage of a forex lnvestment is that the trader is using leverage. to potentiaI lnvestors Forex is a good way to make a nlce ROI most specially with the help of a professionaI portfoIio manager

[@MBest-ty3zs]

i'm a profitable Forex Trader. I'm not a billionaire but I'm making stable profit every month. I started to learn Forex when I was 18 years old. And practice a lot opening BUY/SELL orders on demo accounts

[@chrisrodriguez2574]

​ Can you get rich by trading forex?

[@MsSquarebanana]

We meal plan and cook in bulk. We make a dinner option and lunch option that lasts about 4-5 days. We spend around 250-300 dollars on food a month (family of 3). If you are okay eating boring and cooking larger meals and eating only that, then you can save a ton of money.

[@AbundantlyMinimal]

That can save a ton of money! Thank you for sharing!

[@sandrafromscotland]

Hi Sarah. Thanks for all the tips. Glad you shared larger expense tips too as these are really worth looking at from both a financial & minimalism perspective. I appreciate KZbin channels in the financial community like Lydia Senn & A Merry Life (I smiled when I saw you in the comments 😄) who share budgets & financial goals. I am seeing minimalism show up more & more as a way of saving money & living intentionally.

[@AbundantlyMinimal]

Thank you, Sandra! I agree the minimalism can be such a great way to live intentionally!

[@maxinechivers3210]

This is a wonderful video. I think it won't take long for you to pay off your mortgage. I paid mine off in 7 years using over payments and a few lump sums.

[@AbundantlyMinimal]

Thank you so much, Maxine! That is the hope! Congratulations on paying off your mortgage in just 7 years! :)

[@maxinechivers3210]

I now have a pension that I am paying into every month. I think paying off my mortgage was the best thing that I have ever done. It means more money for me and my children. Thanks for your lovely comment.

[@dotdedo]

Dollar stores are your friends. There are some things I won't buy from dollar stores for quality reasons (medication for example) but you can get new dish ware, cleaning products, snacks and drinks, and much more for $1.

[@turanad]

@M Detlef AND if it's made in China, it is probably dangerous

[@A012345689B]

I agree. I went to dollar tree and found frozen veggies and fruit like mango, blueberries, strawberries etc. Which is great for smoothies. I prefer frozen veggies rather than canned goods.

[@wmluna381]

@M Detlef 😂😂😂

[@mjones1122]

I do my own cleaners, would recommend adding a couple of squirts of dish detergent to the water, vinegar mix instead of lemon juice. Best of all no storage needed for cleaning supplies. They tend to clean better than the store bough versions. Doing it 2 minutes here and there, saves the Saturday morning cleaning binge.

[@AbundantlyMinimal]

Love this tip, Merrie! Thanks!

[@hudsonquay]

This may be counterintuitive, but buying quality, although costing more initially will last longer. It's also better for the environment to buy stuff that isn't worn out or broken after a year. I have good quality merino wool sweaters which are 5 years old and still look great. A cheap synthetic equivalent would likely be full of bobbles after a year. Same with shoes and tools. You have to be careful though, some products market themselves as quality but are no better than a cheap no brand alternative.

[@AbundantlyMinimal]

This is very true!

[@financefirewallsreviews]

I've found this to be true. I look for quality clothes in the thrift store. Found a number of items that still have tags.

[@cf8959]

I love your money-saving strategy. I’ve been doing some of these for decades. I rarely eat in a restaurant. When I do, it’s a special occasion or while traveling back home. But, I always pack a cooler with drinks, fresh veggies and fruit, PB&J sandwiches, etc. I recently began making my own laundry detergent with a recipe I saw on KZbin. It’s amazing and costs only about .05 per load. The last time I went to a theater was when “Star Wars : The Force Awakens” was released in 2015. There hadn’t been a Star Wars movie for years. So, of course, I splurged.

[@AbundantlyMinimal]

These are great strategies!

[@happycook6737]

Over time the homemade detergent ruined my clothes with residue and clothes stunk bad. When my machine broke the repair guy said the homemade detergent is bad for machines. I live in a very hard water area. Now I just use a bit less of the commercial powdered detergent from Costco which I dissolve in a cup of boiling water before adding to wash.

[@iamjane9628]

Love all these tips. Way to go on making such a big down payment and paying off your mortgage early! We paid ours off early also ( although not as early and young as you!) I am now saving for an early semi-retirement.

[@AbundantlyMinimal]

Thank you! It is definitely one of our major goals, as it will provide financial security when I stop teaching for an extended maternity leave (when the time comes!). Keep up the great work!

[@joshwilson9393]

Great suggestions for saving money and being more in control of financial goals! I especially liked the ending where you talked about lowering your expectations. I think that's definitely the most important point and a great one to close on. That mindset of sacrifice in order to invest for a better future is what motivates me to be more disciplined. Thanks for the video!

[@AbundantlyMinimal]

Thanks for being here, Josh!

[@vedmaburuxova68]

I think one of the most important ones is the one about buying store-brand / cheap-brand. It is a continuos expence that a lot of people seem to just accept. I buy salsa for approximately 50 dollar cents, but I see so many people buy the expensive one for 2 dollars. It's crazy. Goes for so many foods and it adds up, especially in a big household.

[@AbundantlyMinimal]

YES! This is a crucial thing that adds up so much over time!

[@noraarico1313]

Sometimes, store brands have added unwanted ingredients or may not taste as good as brand names. Cheaper is not always best.

[@vedmaburuxova68]

@@noraarico1313 Sure, don't eat something you don't like just to save money. Food is very important for happiness! The only thing I don't buy cheap brand of is chocolate, though.

[@happycook6737]

Make your own salsa for pennies. It is very easy. Cilantro is super easy to grow in a small pot even on a balcony. PS I use canned tomatoes if I want that jar salsa taste but living near border we like the real Mexican freshly made various salsas.

[@kaitlinobrien243]

Brilliant. I don't own a car. Exercise is doing errands and hiking. Of course with a packed lunch. I house sit, pet sit, share living space always to save on rent. At 60 plus I love it. Not for everyone. I do have two properties that I rent out.... while I live wild and free in the world. Thank You great content.

[@AbundantlyMinimal]

This is wonderful, Kaitlin! Thanks for sharing!

[@bethanycollett9681]

Saving for fertility treatments

[@AbundantlyMinimal]

Sending good vibes your way, Bethany! 💕

[@twinboys6401]

Best goal! Best wishes.

[@drusilla_darke]

@ _Bethany Collett_ ▪︎▪︎▪︎ Sweetie ... I wish you the best of luck! Hopefully in time you'll be back here posting that you're Expecting. 💕

[@kimberlywalker1015]

Got to share that I absolutely love your video... two things... 1 is I also enjoy shopping at the thrift store and I'll tell you why many times you find better quality if you're willing to look.... also many times you can come up with a one-of-a-kind outfits which I think is pretty cool. 2) Great idea on making copycat recipes on things that you're hungry for I'm not sure that I never really given this much thought but it makes all kinds of😀 cents😀

[@AbundantlyMinimal]

Thank you so much, Kimberly! I'm really happy to hear that!

[@ayoub3919]

I wish I had a girlfriend with this mindset and build up our minimalist happy life together forever 🤩thank you for these tips really good advices🙏🏼

[@AbundantlyMinimal]

Thank you, Ayoub! She's out there! :)

[@HomeswithD]

Quick question what type of savings accounts did you switch over to, with the larger interest returns?

[@TheFrugalMinimalist]

Completely agree with these points. Really great tips and I like how you organized them from easiest to hardest. The one I like most is surrounding yourself with people who have similar goals. I was looking at the bureau of labor survey results. For 2017 the average household grossing about 70k spends about 20k of that in housing - the largest expense by far and cutting that is definitely the biggest thing you can do. Great video!

[@AbundantlyMinimal]

Thank you so much!

[@agodlyhome]

We are trying to pay off our house in the next one to two years. Very encouraging video!

[@AbundantlyMinimal]

That's awesome!

[@AlexSuperTramp-]

No spend challenge is a great idea! I hadn't heard that one before. Awesome thank you.

[@AbundantlyMinimal]

I'm so happy to hear that! :)

[@lizcedillo4602]

I liked these tips. I've already started on some of these but definitly some new ones I will mentally note take and begin doing and use in the future when I'm in a certain situation.Thank you.

[@AbundantlyMinimal]

I'm glad to hear that, Liz!

[@juniorpilex]

My dream is marrying a woman with your mindset

[@AbundantlyMinimal]

Haha, don't worry, there are more people out there who think this way!

[@alejandracamacho3550]

My mom would add water to the soap dispenser and shake it. We were never able to tell the difference. She said she did that for our shampoo also. Made it last longer. We cut the toothpaste tube, lotion tube and take out all the product before we discard it. They are little things but pennies add up.

[@alexandra109]

LED light bulbs can be an even greater savings if they are lights you keep on for an extended period of time. Those “cost per year” savings are based on average usage. If you have a light that stays on longer than average (and you can’t turn off that light) than the impact on your savings is even greater. For example, I have a lamp I keep on all day because my dogs are kept in that room during the day when I’m working. If I keep the blinds open they suffer from anxiety. I don’t want to leave them in the dark, so I leave this lamp on. Changing to an LED light bulb in this lamp was a HUGE savings. I also changed my bulb to LED in the light outside my front door. I keep that light on all night long for safety purposes so again big savings.

[@AbundantlyMinimal]

That is a great point, Alexa! Thanks!