How to Start Living Below Your Means

[@tealkerberus748]

I don't need movies, or streaming services, or restaurant meals. I'm warm and have tasty home-cooked food to eat. People need to appreciate the simple pleasures - a nice pot of tea, a chat with a friend, walking through wet grass and having warm dry feet. It doesn't take a lot to feel good about your life.

[@BrianK-zz4fk]

there are free streaming services like Tubi but agree staying humble with simple things is key 👍

[@Anne_Myriam_]

@@BrianK-zz4fkyes indeed , just realize that my Netflix is literally a bill smh . I’m going to cancel it now because I just don’t need it .

[@Uncommony]

This is something very close to me. When I hit rock bottom and stuck on minimum wage it taught me to make the most of nothing, when when I turned to self development and hit 100k I didn't change anything other than better food for 8 years and living below my means has set me free. Stay Uncommon!

[@rodneycromie4964]

Well done

[@Uncommony]

@rodneycromie4964 Thank you Sir.

[@danjumasani7953]

I'm benefitting immensely from your channel, thank you very much

[@Uncommony]

@danjumasani7953 Thank you very much! You'll love the video that I'll release on Monday. Wishing you well wishing you Stay Uncommon.

[@UTP504]

It took you 8 years?? Either way, your discipline is incredible, job well done 👍🏾. I just subscribed to your channel.

[@rqn1998]

Each time you look at your paycheck just remember how much precious time you wasted to get it!

[@JohnH-zq7vm]

Good point

[@solarwinds-]

And the government will get even more of it. There is a bill in congress that will tax not only your paycheck but your checking account, your savings account, your retirement fund, your house, your car, EVERYTHING. It's called a wealth tax and it's not for the rich, it's for EVERYONE. We can't afford this country anymore.

[@BrianK-zz4fk]

and how much was stolen by the criminals in washington

[@markwhittaker6866]

​@@BrianK-zz4fk 😂😂😂😂😂. Brilliant comment.

[@tangobayus]

Having more cash is better than having more stuff.

[@loveofyahweh9660]

Just paid off my 35,000$ car today! Praise God! Now for the house.

[@CA1567-v8p]

Congratulations, just take care of it

[@GrannyLinn]

It feels so good not to have a car payment, doesn’t it!

[@dialmstyle]

Congratulations! 🎉

[@azdbecko3499]

Once, someone said "You can buy anything, but not everything." Thank you for another video 👍

[@Revert2017]

I used to make a ton of money and blew it all. Now, I am having fun living below my means. Life is simpler and, when I DO spend money, I enjoy it more. BTW, I have a SoFi account and they send out a digital email. Yesterday’s said that Starbucks is reporting lower profits this quarter. They are attributing it to the economy and that more people are making coffee at home.

[@isabelbecerra9258]

Starbucks dropped the price of a grande by $2

[@KellyWeyd]

The cost of food is so crazy right now. It's hard to get that under control. However I have gotten it down by shopping sales and shopping at Aldi.

[@sharonlugone5955]

Because I've been reverting to Retail Therapy when feeling down. My motto for 2025 is Create Not Consume. I love making jewelry, cooking and writing, so when I'm feeling down I'm going to focus on those activities. Thanks for all your great videos! ❤

[@simon5005]

I've been basically living below my means for thirty years now, and that's why I can get along nicely on Social Security. I also learned good $$$ management from my Mom!

[@a.e.7988]

Amen, I retired at 60 and am getting along, without the pressure of working.

[@williammartinez3883]

Your videos over 5 yrs has saved me 20k thanks thanks thanks.. I now have a big stack I feel very chipper and very empowered!!!!!

[@ElAgustin]

Wow! And I've only been doing this for 3 years, haha!

[@candy2325]

I recently got a raise, so I’m reviewing my budget and I do a zero based budget. Every single dollar gets allocated to all expenses, savings and debt. I’m focused on paying down my student loan and putting more towards that. I’m building up my savings and spending for fun within reason. It’s a healthy balance and I don’t feel too restricted

[@blackgrandpa7652]

I went from negative equity after divorce and child support for 18 years and living below my means and investing to becoming a millionaire and nobody knows and continue to live below my means and invest and eat great tasting food and i sleep without stress

[@abrahamcisneros1425]

Good job!

[@Observer100-cn7gv]

Why aren't you still married? Did you break your vows and cheat? If so, you deserve to suffer. Hope that was not the story because once you are married, you are married forever. Stop rushing into marriage if you aren't ready or are not ready or plan to commit. You have to be faithful.

[@memeshouse5007]

Why speak to someone like that. This comment of out of pocket.

[@joshuamckillen3712]

I could be a multimillionaire and noone would know it. Allways stay humble and frugal💪💪💪.

[@BrianK-zz4fk]

I could be too 😉.

[@susanarodriguez1675]

That should be our way of life. Do not spend more than you make.!!!

[@Luncheon23]

I really appreciate the chapter divisions of your videos Agustin. Everything is more systematic and organized.

[@ElAgustin]

Thanks! I have a certain writing style and it's much easier to write things out in sections and let you all know the sections! I've gotten to write so much since doing this!!

[@Luncheon23]

@@ElAgustin I think that's what makes your videos well presented and the information neatly laid out. While I appreciate other channels with a more impromptu style, yours makes it easier to go back and find a useful point!

[@kingchris6998]

​@ElAgustin we'll need you to write a book for us one day Austin. I would definitely support it/you.

[@frenchfruga4851]

Like the way you talk during your videos , clearly , simple , everybody can understand all those things about economic and frugal life 😊

[@ElAgustin]

Thank you so much 😀

[@brndnt925]

A full freezer and fridge use up much less energy than an empty one. More reason to stock up and eat at home!

[@grantgayle9212]

I love the advice in this video! However, the one part I disagree with is shopping as discount stores for groceries, especially for produce. I will spend the extra money to shop at Sprouts, Whole Foods, Central Market etc for much higher quality foods, because I don't want to pay for it later in life by getting preventable diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, cancer, etc. Dollar store boxed mac and cheese is not food. Invest in your health, because health is wealth!

[@andreabellini6796]

Yes! Qualify food is important

[@michaelwhary7697]

It's not the food, it's the plastic it comes in.

[@ellyne3863]

exactly. i feel the same way!!!!! money doesn't necessarily automatically mean happiness/power...health is wealth too.

[@williammartinez3883]

I have zero depth just basic bills to live. Life is real good. Money very well managed is great freedom!!!!!

[@mangayakposowa4334]

You need to an emergency fund and a rainy day fund. Emergency fund is for when you’re not earning as much or a huge expense, like being fired. Rainy day is for small unexpected occurrences, like car repairs.

[@isabelbecerra9258]

Keep teaching money principles to America Austin!

[@brndnt925]

The bus and the occasional Uber is very affordable and reliable. No insurance or maintenance. Rental cars are real cheap on weekends if you have to get out of town

[@leeallsopp5152]

I love this Austin 👌 I just had a £3000 car emergency and it near wiped out my Emergency fund but I’m glad to rebuild it rather than smash it on my credit card

[@vzimmer1951]

Housing includes more than rent or house payment.

[@misslinda772]

My three main expenses are food, utilities, and insurance. Which are: Home, auto, medical, dental, Life (Whole), Life (term) and vision. And I bundle these. ❤

[@carrolann8074]

No phone, Internet, water/gas, trash? That's awesome for you! 😁

[@kiewkam4226]

Please share as much as you can. Widespread awareness is the best defense against these criminals.

[@326159487d]

I love this video. And yes, you always wear black right??! Just kidding! 😄 'Living below your means' was my favorite thing to do when I hit rock bottom financially wise, years ago. And I still do it. The first three years I didn't spend anything more than rent, food and bike reparations. So no clubbing, new clothing, eating out, etc. At year four, I spend a part of savings from year 1. At year five, I spend a part of savings from year 2. At year six, I spend a part of savings from year 3. And so on. This way, I'll have a builded up buffer of three years maximum savings, of what I'll spend like the half of it for fun and extra things in life. (So in year four I spend half of savings from 'year one', etc). The other half of savings I set apart, and won't touch it/spend it. I'm still not hitting the 10K, but that's OK. I'll get there. (Living in Europe, Netherlands. My rent is probably more than half of my income, my *total basic* needs are probably around 85% of my income) For me it's a marathon, not a sprint 🙌 But the mindset of living below your means, helped a lot at the beginning, especially the first hard years to get in into my mindset, financial system and DNA. Now I have enough money to haul bigger portions of groceries, so I'll last longer/and it's cheaper. So I'll bulk the things I'll need and definitely use in one year (soap, hair products, razors, parfumes, new socks and underwear, spices, tea, etc) for a better price. Everything I'm not (extra) spending is going into the savings account. In that way, I'll live without any mishaps and regrets. I'll have everything I need to eat, be clothed, be hygienic & feel fresh and so clean 💫👌 Even my money doesn't stink 🫢🤣

[@danicegewiss862]

Living above your means being poor but looking rich. Living below your means being rich but looking poor.

[@surfside75]

-not doing that looking poor part😂, though I did budget my clothing purchases to be sure I did not go too far.

[@GMoney-eo8es]

Ha! That stick figure was too funny to me.😅

[@Emlyusa]

I spent most money on food, groceries and eat out. But I live below my means.

[@brndnt925]

Meal prep the week. Frozen foods are great for this. Definitely treat yourself once or twice a week dining out to break up the monotony. We could all use a few less calories anyway

[@deloresredman4792]

Yes you need something to look forward to or you will get budget burnout

[@JosephLubeck]

Love you, Austin, keep speaking the truth.

[@dvdgantt1]

Austin! Your info is very down to earth, very rooted, and grounded to have clarity without worry of tomorrow. 😎👌💯💪🔥

[@umerahshuaib9935]

What a brilliant clear video, Thankyou for sharing.

[@towritemichelle210]

Thanks for breaking it down! Super helpful

[@ellyne3863]

food is the only thing I will splurge on. quality matters. doesn't matter how large your bank account is if you're not feeling well living off cheap food. you don't necessarily have to shop at high price select stores; costco has a lot of quality products, so does trader joes.

[@paulawarwick1854]

I love your videos so helpful ❤

[@TessieDobey]

I agree, my husband and I have ten boys (yeah you read it correctly) and find it easy living on the basics. Our children want for nothing, no debt, and a good lifestyle. So many folks need "things" to be happy.

[@Observer100-cn7gv]

Why have so many children? I never understand that, even if you can afford it. Why would anyone subject themselves to so much stress, put their body through so much and push out so many children? Can one person love pain, losing their personal time, and always preoccupied with caring for children that much? What if the husband leaves? Why put your body through all that for a man? Sorry but you're never going to get a girl so don't try again. Just adopt if you want one that bad. Don't know if that's why you kept on trying but that's your business. Sorry that's your reality. Take care.

[@KevinNordstrom]

​@Observer100-cn7gv maybe because they love being a mother and father? If they arent a burden on the taxpayer, stay in your own lane.

[@joannbrown2842]

My father has 10 siblings and it's an awesome family. 10 boys must be crazy and wonderful. I had all girls, it's been very special to watch my grandsons grow up. They have a special place in my heart. Go you !

[@solarwinds-]

Great video, we need this type of content these days!

[@katec9893]

This is really helpful and clear, thank you. We never got taught this at school and although it seems obvious it can get confusing working this out yourself, ie whilst job hunting I have to work out the net salary to see whether I could afford to live on it. One issue I'm facing is salaries here being v low whilst rent has increased a lot, it's been making me feel extremely stressed. I'm going to figure out a way forward with this, thank you.

[@juvicentim]

I’m from Brazil and love your videos!! :)

[@ElAgustin]

Thanks for watching!!!!

[@Zeras5474]

Thank you for all those reminders ❤

[@andrekeulemans473]

Thank Goodness My work area is from a Cycling Distance

[@noreenn6976]

Great advice!

[@AndreaJames-dv1rr]

Another GREAT Video! I now shop at ALDI because of you and what you stated in a previous video! It has saved me in a very big way! Blessings to you for always being a blessing to others!

[@nickheld797]

Im a super happy guy bc my rent is aprox 550 bucks, I live in a criminal area, wich means low rents. I go to work by bike (income ca 2k a month) and my food is from a dumpster. I need to restock once or twice a week. Freezer full. Fridge full. Delicious and good food, sometimes even luxury. Haven't been buying foood for 40 days now. This is my life hack.

[@karenbynum846]

Wow!

[@Observer100-cn7gv]

This must be a joke.

[@wendyshoowaiching4161]

Monthly $5,000. Pension $3,000x12x40 years up+compounding interest. $200x12 Annual Trip. Balance Food+Utilities.....

[@eduardor0605]

I really enjoy your videos, thank you so much! Nos vemos chico

[@charlesschulz8416]

Cant afford to buy a house so i rent i get $565 aud from the government per fortnight i own a 30yr old car i dont have the latest phone nor do i have the want for one so what fiat money i have spare after expenses i bought 3 ounces of gold and 21 ounces of silver

[@susanarodriguez1675]

Nunca gastes mas de lo que ganas. Esto debe ser nuestro estilo de vida.!!!

[@ElAgustin]

Exacto!

[@GramGramGenX-ln5sc]

Sell everything you own except a laptop and a couple of outfits. When you work, put 75% of what you earn in the bank. You might have to do a bunch of stuff you don't want to do in order to do this, but anything is possible if you were determined. After doing this for a few years and investing properly, you will be building a real retirement for your elderly self. Or you can just blow all your money on stupid sh*t and live in a cardboard box when you are 80.

[@christinecoblentz2036]

This video was so helpful and I plan on doing all the suggestions. Thank you.

[@GigaChadBigW]

where I can find that hexagone wall setup? amazing video

[@plappin]

So I just learned what YOLO means. Excellent video as always, Austin!

[@ElAgustin]

Really? Haha, that's funny. I feel like it was popular a while ago, but has phased out because it was getting toxic!

[@repboy1]

My Car is paid for but rent is way to high 😔 it wasn’t when I moved in

[@rensgreuter8152]

buy/rent a house in cheaper, remote area means more gasoline too move around, so the car will be more expensive. that leads too spent more time and energie and cost you more food and drinks.

[@lmacdonald1281]

Figure out a week’s worth of simple, basic, healthy, delicious meals you can prepare yourself and can be frozen if not consumed right away. Buying the ingredients at the best prices possible and eating at home makes a difference. Prepare these meals regularly so you can buy at the lowest unit price. Avoid sugary snacks and drinks. Avoid alcohol. Healthier lifestyle reduces costs, medical issues and depression.

[@charletfoster8917]

👍🏿 explanation, this video should be available for new hires at jobs!!!!!

[@schoolneverteach]

Useful reminder!🎉❤

[@RobCLynch]

Ten Percent is yours to keep - The Richest Man in Babylon.

[@Observer100-cn7gv]

Who asked you?

[@RobCLynch]

@@Observer100-cn7gv Creo que te habrás tomado la molestia de copiar y pegar esto en un traductor y ahora podrás acostumbrarte al hecho de que acabo de reclamar un minuto entero de tu vida.

[@anacuevas9273]

In NJ you can’t find where to leave with 30 0/0 of your monthly net income.

[@rogerbernard9572]

Darling man… I normally agree with everything you say, but not this time. The American system is designed for us to live beyond our means - often times it’s not our fault. Example: In Charlotte, N.C. a studio apartment rent is between $1,200-1,400! Lots of building going on - in the month of September I had 3 flats on my truck = over $600.00. Also, had a dentist do a botched job on a root canal. An oral surgeon removed the tooth and began a bone graft procedure : $1,979.00….the implant will be over $3,000! Most Americans cannot cover a $400.00 emergency expense and have less than $1,000 in savings. I’m fortunate because I have a decent income BUT I hate where I live because I can’t afford a more pricey location, my truck is over 13-years old and I have to continue to try and keep it running because the thought of buying a new car would probably give me shingles. Live below your means? Good luck with that in America.

[@Strobenz]

Un concepto tan simple pero tan difícil de poner en práctica

[@mcgee227]

I use this rule: Minimum wage save 5%. Double minimum wage save 10%. Triple minimum wage, You are now crossing over the coast of living line, save 20%. Quadruple minimum wage save 30%.

[@stevehancock7925]

Nice video. Agree with all your points. Its simple but not easy.

[@ElAgustin]

Exactly!

[@violetagira5128]

Austin, how do you like living in Atlanta so far? Do you miss Colorado at all?

[@MM-jq1nx]

Here in Europe we get according to the law always net income on our bank account

[@RockerKapula]

Thanks so much

[@MichelaCattabrigaHolistic]

extraordinary speech

[@henriontour]

Thank you super interesting!!

[@aprilm2664]

LOVE YOUR VIDEOS

[@AnshulDabholkar]

Got to start implementing :)

[@GigaChadBigW]

my net income: 2750$ month how can I know my big 3 and my remaining?

[@rachelwalsh4378]

Great video 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

[@LearnGermanwithMarzipanfrau]

Yes, it's important to adjust your spending if you spend too much.

[@SouLoveReal]

I like that world map on your wall. Is that a particular "era" map? (Fan from San Francisco, California.) *!!~

[@ElAgustin]

The link to it is in the description. It's a bit expensive, but it's really cool and fun to put up. The one I have is Large!

[@debbiewalker273]

@@ElAgustinMy Dad is a retired History/Geograpy teacher, and he’d love that map. My Mom probably wouldn’t let him hang though. 😆🤣

[@matchstick8]

I look forward to Austin's videos

[@ElAgustin]

I'm glad! I've been slowing down a bit with output so I can get a break (2 videos for 2 years was a lot), but might increase output in the coming weeks slightly!!

[@stephenkent339]

Good solid advice. I’m trying hard to follow your recommendations. My Wife is not having it and thinks I’m a ATM.

[@Parcother]

if your defense part in financial is not enough. then focus on offense part of financial. you need to find a way to make more money.

[@lindafuller446]

Do you think it’s a good idea to transfer money from a tax sheltered annuity to an index fund considering the taxes one might pay compared to the dividends?

[@robertmcgregor8144]

Hey Austin, where is the link to your budgeting video?

[@TheRealEysi]

Early gang! 🤝

[@shigaxn]

Certainly beats living below a bridge

[@philliproberts7294]

Many people in Australia living under bridges I kid you not

[@myaccount9498]

​@@philliproberts7294yes

[@mbank3832]

it's such a simple concept, yet, so many people don't get it and fall into debt. Well, you can't be an American without something financially stupid I guess

[@jeffsnow7749]

Bang On!! 😀😃😄😁😊

[@BigGuyBandy]

Austin, do you have a video editor? If not I'd be happy to put together a video for you.

[@juliemarkham4332]

Great tips.

[@monishthomasp]

Great advise as usual El Agustin.. you had a budgeting spreadsheet right ? Can you share the link ?

[@ElAgustin]

I added it to the description!!

[@monishthomasp]

@@ElAgustin Thank you 🙏 ❤️

[@kathleenepugh9495]

Yep, confusing your gross income and net income will devastate your life!

[@musafir123]

Be more productive than consumer

[@RoseNasser-f1b]

¡El dinero habla y suele decir adiós!

[@ArafatBukhari]

Hello 👋 Excellent 👌👌👌 video 👏

[@ElAgustin]

Thank you 👍

[@TheCharlieH]

I like Disney Plus better than Netflix! Mostly for the NG content.

[@WanderInWunderland]

Duuuuuude….. the rent! I wish it was that affordable

[@surfside75]

I have the right car, the rent is good. Still no money? -hobbies.😅

[@InfiniteWealthWisdom-k1c]

It was impressive

[@wathah323]

Hanging out with cheap friends is stressful.

[@Linda-or6rb]

Your stick figures express emotions well

[@DarrenRivey]

Get ready to live further below your means as Federal Taxes increase and 401k deferred tax rules change to slow to path to Quadrillion Federal debt.