How we budget & live a simple life in Bali: Easy Minimalist Lifestyle Habits that Save Money

[@JeanVoronkova]

It feels wonderful to live consciously, non-wastefully and to make better choices that brings me closer to the true life i want to live. Why are you going minimalist? What other minimalist lifestyle habits do you practice? Do share! To get a 1 month free trial of Skillshare ► skl.sh/jeanvoronkova12221

[@SuiGenerisAbbie]

I always love your content. I learn so much from you. I have some questions for you, please, since you have already been so revealing here: 1) How much do your investment properties produce in income each month, please? 2) Who provides you your home internet service each month, and how much does it cost, please? 3) I love the wall-mounted TV in your living room. How did that get mounted? I am curious to know how people do what they do. I assume that Vitaly did this, yes? If you can ask him to please to tell us how that was done, that would be ever so helpful to us. Thank you Jean. You have made my days lovelier. -- Abbie

[@JeanVoronkova]

@@SuiGenerisAbbie hi Abbie lovely to hear from you too!

[@JeanVoronkova]

@@SuiGenerisAbbie ok so many things. Right first our monthly rental income is around 2k$ give or take cos there’s the element of currency fluctuation. Uh our internet is provided by our landlord since we r still renting our home so I don’t actually know the provider underfortunately. Yes V did the mounting. It was all very makan stuff. He bought the wall Mount for the tv separately off toko, got a drilll? Figured out the place, screwed it in, then we can hang the tv off it! Quite cool huh? I had my doubts but so far it’s holding up 😂

[@watzbaer]

Hi @@JeanVoronkova , thanks for all that amazing content. Can you please explain a little bit your 700 USD food and grocery cost? How to get it down while mixing local and western food (life is difficult without self prepared Müsli in the morning). Can you please also talk a little bit about rental in Bali? What to expect? Costs? Different options? Thank you so much

[@SuiGenerisAbbie]

@@JeanVoronkova Jean, Thank you very much for this information. You are always very helpful. I would not know how to wall mount a TV. Vitaly has tools and a tool kit, yes?

[@christineflygirl]

Living in a hot climate helps with keeping things simple. In Canada, you need at least 3 different coats in the winter, depending on how cold it is outside!!! Not to mention how many different boots! 😄However, my husband and I simplified our life recently, and it is liberating for sure. I heard someone say the term "stuffocation" before and it is so true. Great video, as usual, thanks!

[@nantambusatchldananda4513]

Jean thank you so much for your videos. I started watching your videos in 2022 and moved to Bali in April,2023 and have 6 years lease now for $1000.00 USD per year. And this include the usual amenities, free Wi-Fi, electricity, hot and cold water, garden and parking. You also helped me in choosing a more suitable place for my lifestyle-lifelong Yogi. I have been residing in Wanagiri-Munduk since May 5,2023.

[@RetiringToAsia]

Thanks Jean & Vitaly. Looking forward to putting this all to good use soon when I retire to Bali. Hope to see you there.

[@JeanVoronkova]

Cheers Michael happy to hear it’s been helpful for you :)

[@rinciel4999]

Hi Jean! I am wondering how have you been treating your emergency savings; how much do they make up your overall savings, and do you also contribute to your emergency savings each month? I feel that because it is the most vague savings, it is one we tend to neglect. Would appreciate your insights on this!

[@JeanVoronkova]

Hi Rinciel, in my earlier years i had a lot more emergency savings and less assets. These days I have less emergency savings - they're about 8.3% of my net worth, in cash + easily liquidable assets. The rest are long term investments that wd be harder to liquidate in a flash. This is partly because our passive income is pretty diversified into a few different streams. There's a bit of concentration risk cos a lot of it is in real estate, but real estate also offers a lot of stability the way we do our rentals. I mention the diversification cos previously my income source is only 1, that puts my financial risk much higher hence the much bigger need for more emergency savings. I hope you understand my drift. Yes i have automated savings for the emergency savings each month when money comes in, i find that's best to prevent us accidentally spending it away!

[@rinciel4999]

@@JeanVoronkova that was a surprisingly in-depth answer I really appreciate that you provided a larger context of what's your situation vs how much you would need depending on context. It is interesting that you also have assets as a form of emergency savings - it's new information for me as a total layman and I really appreciate that you took the time to explain. Thank you!!!!

[@dominichill1492]

Jean I love every single tips you have on how to budget. Also I believe that you can be a great financial advisor to people in Bail as well. Jean you would make a good portfolio manager. Keep up the great work on this channel Jean sweetheart. I'm always here to comment.

[@JeanVoronkova]

Thank you Dominic, I always look forward to hearing from you every weekend, I really appreciate you always tuning in 🙏🌻🤩

[@JeanVoronkova]

Have a lovely Sunday on your end

[@agnieleczka]

I’m so glad I found your channel. My boyfriend is Singaporean too and can so relate to your message. We’re planning to move to Bali next year - not retire yet but preparing for it :) all the best to you

[@JeanVoronkova]

Hi! Thanks for dropping by and sharing your story :) Lol Singapore is one of those places with a lot of emphasis on consumerism so i think there's a bit of a backlash with many people looking to minimalism these days! Lots of Singaporeans moving over here by the way! Most seem really chuffed about it! all the best to your move too hey

[@cryptorama287]

Your videos sends a very honest vibe when we watch and wish you the very best for this channel and hope many more will watch your videos and be inspired to live their life being happy the way they want to live it.

[@JeanVoronkova]

Thank you, that’s very kind of you, yes we hope that by sharing a bit of our lives today we can bring light to others still finding their way too 🤓🤗🌻

[@JeanVoronkova]

Kinda like how I was once upon a time

[@skmplanet9591]

Your videos are very informative and enjoyable.

[@LauraTryUK]

Your videos are so lovely! You have such a nice way about you. I will be visiting Bali soon and I really hope to meet you.

[@shumatsuopost]

Love the breakdown of your budget and the editing of your video! Keep it up!

[@JeanVoronkova]

thank you Shu!

[@bloggingbasics1014]

So good to see 🙌 looking forward to seeing again ☺️

[@JeanVoronkova]

🙏🌻

[@Tunettime]

Thst is really amazing shared, very informative Jean, thanks for sharing 💯😀

[@JeanVoronkova]

Hey SL hope ure having a good Sunday!

[@monalyca]

I am 23 but I am learning a lot from all your videos! I want to live a minimalist/simple life too 🤍

[@JeanVoronkova]

its super nice to start so young i wish i was that wise at your age! You might find yourself financially accomplished quite quickly down the road since starting early is one of the most important and instrumental steps!

[@lizzie7929]

Thank you for your video! I agree with all your points! I love how you try to portray a pleasant and calm demeanour! I love your genuine and down to earth attitude! Stay well🌷🙌🙏🦋

[@JeanVoronkova]

Thank u Lizzie I hope your Sunday is going well 🤓

[@lizzie7929]

@@JeanVoronkova Thank you, very well! Hope yours was too! Christmas Party🍾🎊🎄

[@JeanVoronkova]

Ahaa that sounds very nice! Our Sunday was quiet with some surfing in the morning mostly and dog time but I spoke to my parents for quite a bit on the phone which was v nice! 😍

[@lizzie7929]

@@JeanVoronkova Sounds very pleasant and relaxing ☺️🧘‍♀️🌊🏄‍♂️

[@followthemoney2220]

The key to maximizing your income is to know where you're spending it. And that is not just for us retired, living abroad. Because if I didn't do this, I would not be living on a beach in Asia. It's that simple. The next thing is that you will never get ahead working for someone. Most wealthy people have several sources of income. It sounds difficult or even impossible. But if you learn the art of time management and educate yourself in the field that interests you, you can also become profitable. Passive income is something to work towards. Thanks Jean for another awesome video that points out the true important things in life.

[@JeanVoronkova]

Hi, thanks for this really thoughtful comment it really resonates. You’re right, it’s not just for retirees or minimalists or whatever, it’s just good basic money sense and it’s true that if I hadn’t started being conscious about how I spend since 10 years ago when I left law without a plan and savings I wouldn’t be in bali today. Still can’t quite believe it when I think about it really

[@followthemoney2220]

@@JeanVoronkova You’re very welcome. I find your vlogs calming. I just recently left emergency medicine. What a stressful sh*tstorm that was. Life is too short to be asked to deceive those you’re supposed to be helping. So glad I found this slice of heaven. Physically and emotionally!

[@scottg2946]

This is such a nice and uplifting channel, and you have a really excellent perspective on how to manage one's life, paying attention to what matters most and not the distractions! It's hard for me to imagine what living in Bali might be like (though I did spend a month in Sumatra back before electricity...the late 80's....and lived in China for nine years more recently), your key principles are relevant pretty much regardless of where one calls home. Really enjoying your content, keep up the great work!

[@the_mwjournal]

Retired or Non Yet Retired, I find tracking expenses and actualising it with the budget to be very important. It gives me a sense of how my cashflow looks like in diff month, and make decision on what to do with "surplus cash"- treat myself, invest it etc. Also, I try not to dowgrade my lifestyle and try to increase budget for critical items like health supplements and quality food, inspirations trips etc. This will give me a picture to find where I need to find ways to increase my revenue, the end result might be to be frugal on this year so we can invest in yields that will increase of income in future years to we can afford to upgrade :)

[@JeanVoronkova]

totally agree, and thank you for sharing these very important tips about budgeting and expense tracking. You're right - we're increasing budget for health (insurance and emergency expenses) as we age, and yes i probably should review how we can find ways to increase our passive income over time since our cost needs will def increase, and i'll like to maintain our buffer actually.... thanks Marco!

[@paulinehillson6965]

Hello from the USA. I live very much like you do now. I wish I had started it at your age, then I would be retired now at 63. Really enjoy your videos. ❣️

[@JeanVoronkova]

it's never too late to start though, and like you, I often thought to myself in the past decade - "dang i wish i started this in my 20s!" but hey, it all works out in the end. Good luck to your own journey Pauline :)

[@stacyjong8096]

Good on you Jean!

[@TheCheckit96]

Such a nice house! How much is rent in Bali approx. Thanks.

[@penelopera8404]

I love this video -really makes you think about how we live our lives (and the rubbish we accumulate)

[@JeanVoronkova]

yeah... its so sad that possessions we treasure at some point in our lives later slowly converts to becoming accumulated trash.... dang

[@agusgunawan6200]

hi Jean, thanks for sharing and I love your contents. Do you have any plan to have like "long-distance traveling" plan, may be you can share for us too. Thank you.

[@JeanVoronkova]

Hi Agus thank you for leaving this kind note for us terima kasih 🙏🌻 we’re not yet travelling around but first stop when we can get away is def Lombok and we’ll prob video that n send prices n plans! But right now actually we’re in a project that keeps us here in Bali - will reveal in January 2023 I think! 😊 but anyway u have a lovely Xmas n NY meantime 🤩

[@achonwulove8989]

I love you videos. I watched 5 at a go . Thank you 😂

[@desTINAsyonPH]

Hi Ms. Jean, new subscriber here from Palawan, Philippines. Also a content creator for millennial mothers. ❤ Your contents finds me interesting. I'm watching now one by one while doing my online job 😊

[@JeanVoronkova]

Hi Tina, you're very brave to be doing what you're doing! Support!

[@propertyvideowalkthrough]

Hi Jean, always so enjoyable watching your videos. My friends and I have always wanted to go on the Trans Siberian Express from Beijing to Moscow with stops in between. But it is so expensive, in the region of tens of thousands. Have you been on this trip? It will be great if you will do the trip with your husband who is Russian and show us how you do it, if posssible, DIY.

[@Spiritueli]

awe, so nice to see soul mates on that level. i think in modern times the most problematic issue in partenerships is materialism via money ... i wish i d find a partner on such level, heck i can t even find friends that are not materialistic money suckers and non consumerism oriented. very nice video ...

[@TheCheckit96]

Your so amazing!

[@Zuzy-bc4wk]

finaly some realistic video about budjeting 👏👏👏extreme minimalism looks good only on screen. It is 1st of all just a copy-paste from another video or book, 2nd - I think it's unreasonable to trow away things that I own, things well preserved or new even if I do not used em often. It is way more important from the moment you realise you are overspending to put thought into your future orders

[@JeanVoronkova]

Totally agree, and I do think extreme minimalism isn’t sustainable nor good for life and soul in the longer term too

[@AndrewTube]

really enjoyed this one :)

[@JeanVoronkova]

Thank u Andrew! Hope you’re having a lovely Sunday in SG!

[@thatplace1]

Great tips. Appreciate your guidance as do many apparently given like # 596!👍 recording costs is a tough one but I see how it can be beneficial. Thanks from that place🤠

[@JeanVoronkova]

Thank you, actually costs recording becomes second nature after a while, even if u don’t write it down u stay conscious mentally, so it’s a really good life long habit to inculcate. Good luck 🦋

[@michaelironrider9443]

Thanks Jean. Your lifestile is actually called "frugalism", where basically all the general principles (e.g. 4% rule) are explained and well known amongst the members of the community. I appriciate the key message of frugalism, that many of us spend too much money on unnecessary stuff, like cosmetics, overpriced fashion clothes, big cars, entertainment (expensive restaurants, cinema etc.) and other hedonistic consumption stuff (I confess, I'm guilty as well, except for the cosmetics 🙂 ). I think we would create less environmental waste with a more sustainable lifestile (e.g. to wear clothes until they fall apart and then buy a new piece). We should all make more concious decisions how we spent our time and resources. On the other hand, I think frugalism takes this to the extreme! Its certainly nice while you are both young, have no kids, no other financial obligations like health issues etc., that will inevitabaly come when you get older - then you may want to live in a country with a good health system and that raises taxes to finance it. Further, doing "nothing" gets extremely boring as you may have figured out already. So its a bit the question if you want to spend your time and intelligence looking for the cheapest shower gel (and then walk to the other part of the city where that is currently under a rebate), or doing assistant fun jobs (with no professional education required) or following a career that suits your intelligence, your professional education and lets you grow mentally. And yes, in the meantime I've stepped up the career ladder and had an interesting, challenging time as well. And yes, I know what I talk about... while studying, I had to work in parallel (in a call centre) and was quite poor. Then I also worked in a big4 consultancy (unfortunately not as a lawyer, so I didnt earn 6k at that time). Yes its very exhausting, so I switched and went to the Industry with a 37,5h job. While sitting there and learning as a student 17 years ago, there was one thing that motivated me: I just never wanted to be have no money again (and turn around every cent before spending it)! So, money gives me freedom - a good profession lets me grow as a person, as well as having a family and being a father! The saddest thing in life is wasted talent, and the choices that you make will shape your life forever! (had to do that quote)

[@cristianlamb5156]

Great comment! I always admired the way my grandparents lived. I am 43 years old now, and they were amongst us until I was 25 years old. They lived up their 80's in the country side in south Brazil, farming and self sustainable. Nothings was wasted and no unnecessary staff. Either they would work, or there would be no food. There was no "home delivery/ take away food". There was no weekend. I was 14 years old when I started to work and during the first 4 years, I was also studying to become a Shoemaker technician. The school was in another town and I needed to live away from home on weekdays. Also during school breaks, I had no holiday and needed to be at the factory. At that time I had no idea what I wanted to be once grown up, but slowly I started to like what I was doing. It was when I found it is not about we do what we like, but more about we like whatever we do. I know time has changed, and people's priority as well, although I am pretty sure we are able to adapt 60-70% to live as they once lived. In 2000, when I was 21 years old I moved to another state in northeast Brazil and lived there for 2 years. I was going back home in south only once a year for 2 weeks. Later in 2008, I was 28 and for the first time I moved out from Brazil to live in Indonesia. It was a completely new environment, culture, cost of living. My plan was to live there for 3 to 5 years and back to my homeland The time passed and spent 11 years in Indonesia. Then in 2018 I moved to Pakistan and lived there for 16 months and January 2020 my wife and I moved to Vietnam. Since the pandemic, and specially after my sister had a stroke (also during pandemic), my wife and I changed significantly the way we live and spend our time and money. More home cooking and almost 0% waste. More walking and less car/ taxi. Less shopping. More fruits and vegetable. Less meat, chocolate, sugar and candies. It has been 6 months now we have not bought a single pair of shoes, pants, perfume, etc. Our plan now is to work less, use the money to help family and have a even more minimalist life!

[@tonywatson5704]

Tailoring is a big part of keeping the clothing budget down. You can get the style, fit and colour / pattern that suits you and it’s likely to last much longer. It’ll also likely be something timeless and be in your collection longer as you had input into the design.

[@JeanVoronkova]

Wow mine just repairs my clothes when they start to go apart but I do love what I have so I’m very grateful lol

[@seanpatrick2052]

ahh the simple pleasures.....😎😎😎

[@Lee-e]

Thanks for being a positive vibe. Left arm Tatoo - what is it? 😀

[@JeanVoronkova]

Hello 🤓 it’s the Thai 5 line sakyant 🙏

[@WonderfulWorld333]

Beautiful

[@JeanVoronkova]

🤗🌻

[@AG-so4gl]

Can you recommend a visa agent for long stay ?, thankyou. Your videos are so insightful.

[@JeanVoronkova]

We use Bali Visas ourselves and have been happy so far 🤓

[@nicolesusi4167]

What about your medical bills, as we age? Is hospitalisation, treatment expensive? How much we have to set aside for medical?

[@5000-p4q]

usd 700 does seem a lot for food. Congratulations on getting your passive income of around $24k p/a. I really enjoy your videos and the effort made to create them.

[@JeanVoronkova]

Thank u so much Rob. Heehee you’re not the only one who’s made the comment about our food budget but it’s for V and I plus our doggie Pam and we do eat a lot and we eat well 🙈😅

[@thanatos00009]

Hi Jean, I'm wondering, what Internet provider you use at your house, and how much it cost per month? I'm confuse what internet provider is the best for me at Bali..

[@patrickmaguire1407]

The element of de cluttering is so useful. I think it's the way of the world now. May I ask...why don't you buy a property there ?

[@JeanVoronkova]

We’re looking at it! But we don’t like rushing into stuff so we still feel like we shd take our time to acclimatise / learn more before making the move to own

[@patrickmaguire1407]

@@JeanVoronkova Rushing into stuff is relative I guess. To some 6 months is rushing. To others 10 years is still rushing. 🤔😅 One can research for eternity and still not be sure. You both seem blissfully happy there going by your videos. Life is short. The journey of your possible purchase would also be of great interest to us viewers .

[@JeanVoronkova]

@@patrickmaguire1407 hi Patrick, yes it’s all very relative isn’t it? But we r ultimately quite conservative at heart when it comes to investments, real estate especially cos there’s always the element of comparison to back home. Also from our many years in Vietnam we’ve seen a lot of deals gone wrong from lack of understanding of the local ways, hence the extra care. But yes, def will share on the experience if we go in here 😊 thank you for your time to watch the videos btw 🌻

[@patrickmaguire1407]

@@JeanVoronkova Totally understand that. And in a business sense very smart. But should our lives be an investment portfolio ? 🤔😉

[@cedric8620]

Hello! Can you share what kind of expenses still need to be continue running in SG such has medical ins plans, hp etc?

[@JeanVoronkova]

Uhm hi what do you mean by continue running in SG?

[@cedric8620]

@@JeanVoronkova meaning what other necessary expenses do you need to incur in sg while staying in bali

[@JeanVoronkova]

Ah ok now I geddit! Right so I maintain an SG number for the internet banking - getting OTP on overseas number is quite iffy in my experience. I use TPG SIM card n it’s affordable. I also still have health insurance back home. But that’s about it I think.

[@JeanVoronkova]

Surprising isn’t it when you think how little it takes to maintain a distant connection back to the homeland.

[@joycegonzales4994]

I guess food is much higher there. Here in US the two of us spend around $300 per month on food.

[@JeanVoronkova]

Wow! That sounds like a big stretch for us I guess if we ate and cooked at home only local style it’s possible but that’s not really how we prefer to live too

[@lizzie7929]

🙏 🙌❤️

[@JeanVoronkova]

🌻🙏

[@lizzie7929]

@@JeanVoronkova 🌻🙏

[@suryanqian9335]

Hi Jean..

[@JeanVoronkova]

hi Suryan! Happy Saturday :)

[@aileronyakadventures9505]

I am gear into trying to increase your income in Bali than to live a frugal lifestyle. I mean yes we shouldn't live lavishly but some things like a haircut can be done with the local shop, this will create income for them the locals as well. How much would it cost to cut hair in bali? I am sure it is much cheaper than Singapore. With the same budget vs Singapore, I am sure life in Bali is way better already. I also agree that we should recycle stuff like shoes, flip flops and clothes since u are bringing to the locals to repair in turn giving them an income.

[@heatherhampshaw569]

Want to retire with my hubby bit don’t no how to do it please help us

[@acs4410]

How much is your rental fees for such a big space?

[@mcking1006]

Is SGD1800 monthly possible to retire in Bali as a single?

[@JeanVoronkova]

It depends on individual lifestyle but for the way I live that would be plenty enough 🙏🤗

[@mcking1006]

@@JeanVoronkova thank you. I got a rough gauge now😊😊🙏🙏

[@JeanVoronkova]

@@mcking1006 you’re welcome! Excited for u! 1.8kS$ a month here as a single is actually a big budget for me. But then again I don’t drink or socialise haha. But u can definitely dine helluva well on that n live in a nice pad. Good luck!

[@ed-liem]

I hope I have the guts to jump and live a life like you are doing in Bali…

[@JeanVoronkova]

There’s always the option to u turn if it doesn’t work out. There’s never a dead end in life I think

[@godsmusic4226]

Hello, 👋★✨🌈🎭Thank you very much, my dear friend! 🎭🌈✨★ 😘😘👏👏👏👏👏👏 👈

[@JeanVoronkova]

🌻

[@chicofrijoles]

I would love to see how you cut your own hair

[@cherylchaudhary7736]

How will tithe new law prohibiting cohabitation between unmarried couple's affect Bali? The law as I understand it applies to travelers as well

[@bungelonlevel2862]

the law only applies if the parents report it to the police and implementation law in 2025...the police cannot act if there is no report from the parents

[@bungelonlevel2862]

so respect your parents

[@JeanVoronkova]

Yep the authorities clarified that the new law is not intended to dampen tourism and only family members can report this issue so really foreigner couples aren’t to be affected and also, even if you’re dating a local, try to do it not in violation of the family I guess…:

[@shawntolani5354]

700 $ per month food bill??? Isn't it too steep?

[@JeanVoronkova]

Haha it’s for V and me plus our doggie Pampam, but yeah we do eat well. Probably a lot too 🙈😅🤓

[@carolinesegers8928]

Interesting. But the music is too loud and distracts from your message

[@JeanVoronkova]

Thanks Caroline!

[@jasminealixandranorth]

Music overwhelms your voice at different points in the video....especially when you are out in the garden. Doesen't match the context either.

[@raver581]

What does the "To Lick Itself" in your video mean?😅

[@kristellebeauboeuf3917]

I think its hard to fin a partner that would be ok with this minimalist lifesttle

[@herman-df4jy]

U spend a lot 700 😅😅😅

[@JeanVoronkova]

It’s for 2 persons plus doggie Pam! But we do eat quite a bit and we def like to eat well 😂

[@richardpitan800]

Do you have kids? If not, do you plan having kids in the future? For sure life with kids is totally different.

[@JeanVoronkova]

Hi we have furkids now - I’m very content w life as it is and we r busy everyday so really not sure about kids. Why do you want kids?

[@ukidding]

Don't forget to get married b4 u go to bali

[@JeanVoronkova]

Uhm didn’t u see the old footage of our wedding in this video?

[@frankrispi2022]

hi guys, please come to our artistic restaurant called, The Forum Bali where you can have lunch or dinner, we have live music every night at 8 pm, let's celebrate life together

[@JeanVoronkova]

Hi! I just checked out your resto on Google maps your food looks completely up my alley! Kerobokan a bit far for us ya but we’ll swing by the next time we head to Canggu! Thank u for this kind note! 🎉

[@shibinsk5567]

Mam I want to clarify some doubts regarding settling in Bali.. Please send your contact.

[@pierrechang55]

Don’t know why, i got a fake vibe from this video… maybe cause of her fake smiles and chuckles

[@JeanVoronkova]

I know why! But you’re not really interested in that r u? U can just spend your time finding more stuff to slag off 😊