Hurricane Helene Forced Me to Start Over (Life Update)

[@craigo2142]

A man of character. Has a crisis, but has prepared for it, and sets up a fund that proceeds will go to charity. Good person.

[@HansHorst-fu2il]

yeah tell that to everything that went extinct already with not so much a chance to prepare. but boooho, the poor hewmons

[@Rayaelle]

You turned your own personal drama into teaching. That's one powerful defense mechanism.

[@jamesr1703]

This is why I never have a lot of "stuff". I am a minimalist.

[@vickieclark5931]

You are proof why being financially prepared and not living above your means is so important. You lost your apartment and some furniture and a few other things. So it's horrible that you had to deal with that. But it is more of an inconvenience than a catastrophe. Even if you don't have someone to move in with temporarily, if you have a little bit of money in the bank you can stay in a motel for a little while until you figure out what to do. It gives you so many options as opposed to ending up on the street cause you were not prepared. I'm glad you and your dog are ok cause that is really the only important thing. You stuff can be replaced. But you and your pets can not. Great video and a great reminder of why being debt free with an emergency fund is soooooo important.

[@adamchaifetz5876]

When it comes down to it, you are correct. Expensive items have expensive problems at times. Minimalism makes much more sense as one gets older. I am working on it!

[@jayclarke9546]

You can't take expensive items to your grave anyway

[@dyztructive]

Things like this makes it worth having fewer possessions, less things the flood can damage. Sad that your apartment is so badly affected

[@gregberkemer3515]

Your preparation and financial planning paid off. There is no place on the planet where nature doesn’t reside. Frugal and debt free works wonders. All the best to you. Do something special for mom and dad. 😊

[@StinzandL]

shows that nobody is immune to weather disasters. Helene was a BEAST. I'm glad you and your dog are okay. 🥺

[@pennywebb9546]

To bad its due to weather manipulation. Like with other hurricanes they drop dry ice in these hurricanes which cause them to hook. This is not all natural.

[@blogdesign7126]

Its Crazy because the attention was more on Tampa, Florida area for Helene and it turned out some of the most severe deaths from this storm was in Tennessee.

[@marioantoniocrespoMexican92]

@@blogdesign7126I want to live in Tennessee as a software engineer 💻💻💻💻 is it worth living in Tennessee

[@KayFabe87]

The tragedy is compounded by the fact that the area being most impacted is an area that was not even expected to get the brunt of the storm, so the people really had no warning or time to prepare for the deluge of rain that pummeled them. It was expected that the panhandle of Florida would get hit the hardest, so they were able to prepare accordingly. No one could have predicted the level of devastation that has upended the Appalachian region. The people were caught completely off-guard.

[@raedaze]

@@pennywebb9546 Nonsense. Our climate patterns have gone off course in comparison to prehistoric patterns. There is no way to predict how these storms will behave because of unpredictable weather patterns caused by the warming of the ocean. We are currently in a period where we have the most greenhouse gases lingering in our atmosphere since the dawn of time (they absorb a lot of heat from the sun and do not let it escape through the exosphere as it usually would). This throws off so much and causes new unknowns to occur in weather cycles. Things are going to get a lot more scarier as times progress if we cannot reverse the atmospheric temperatures. The only thing "manipulating" the weather is humans due to over usage of our planet's resources and doing it in the dirtiest ways possible (e.g. smog, fracking, burning trash, methane, etc).

[@cr8zystar282]

You have convinced me to never get an apartment on the first floor! 😂

[@ElAgustin]

Yeah, I definitely learned my lesson. Something I never considered when looking for an apartment. I think I'm in a flood zone too with old an outdated sewer system as Atlanta has some old sewage systems.

[@Beingnessing]

​@@ElAgustinand now the fumes from the biolab fire.with flooding I think you need to be at least 400 ft above sea level.#weatherwarfareWEF.

[@fafa1648]

@@ElAgustin In 2009 or so, a hurricane came through my area and my apartment ended up looking like yours. I was in a basement apartment and the water went up halfway to my knee. It was one of the worst experiences of my life. I had to wait a day to have a team come in and suction out the water, only to have mold develop over the next weeks. Needless to say, I relocated very quickly after. Good luck!

[@juliem.3936]

My cousin had a condo on the 1st floor in St. Petersburg that was under water. His car, however, was parked in the parking lot. That's ruined as well.

[@kimharris3322]

My fore was on 2nd floor years ago.

[@ChillChris95]

Glad you're okay, Austin. Life really can change quickly.

[@katherinepace7369]

I'm glad you are ok. I am also in Atlanta and I was fortunate to not get flooded. Every time I see images of floods, fires, etc, I think the same as you: stuff becomes garbage. And as you say, the insurance companies deny claims. I imagine folks who lose their homes have to continue to pay a mortgage on a home that is no longer there. All of these disasters remind me that all the stuff we own can be more burden than blessing. And that in the end, it's community that really matters.

[@Loretta_C]

Glad to hear you're ok, and this really highlights the importance of an emergency fund and exactly everything your channel represents.

[@Borinquena1973]

My boyfriend and I recently lost our Jeep. She was perfect and we had it just the way we liked it the extra accessories, etc. Everyone in town just loved it. Until the car caught fire in the middle of the street and less than 10 minutes, it was ashes. my boyfriend was unusually calm and I was freaking out and then he said the most important thing was still OK and that was me. When you have a crisis, you really do realize that human life is most important thing. I’m glad you’re OK. It is so important to have a simple life and I agree with renting. I never want to buy a home. It’s so much less responsibility and there is so much freedom renting. Life is short and frazzled and as soon as we figure out the purpose of life and our purpose in it, life is so clear. It is not about things, but about people. Wishing everyone the best in North Carolina. Keep up the good work you do on your videos.

[@15yrsandastory]

Glad you're okay! My husband went to prison in 2016 and his family blamed me and threw me out in the street, after a few weeks of homelessness I had sold and pawned everything of value and thrown away all the other stuff, job loss made me lose my first apartment, never was able to buy anything so not a big loss, Hurricane Michael moved me again, then again with Covid, and last May a tree fell through the shed that was holding my memories, business inventory, and future hopes and dreams! The hurricane missed us here in Tallahassee, I evacuated with my dog, but dang it, the rest is just stuff!

[@nitanice]

My life’s lesson: we’re all just one phone call from being on our knees. All our stuff is just for rent. Glad this is your takeaway. ❤

[@drewo6388]

Hey Austin, we're very glad to see you're ok. I know your world has been turned upside down but I admire your resilience and mindset here. Challenges in life give us opportunities to still be grateful and lean on our relationships. Prayers go out to you and all of those affected. I appreciate your link to the hurricane relief fund as well.

[@tdgdbs1]

I own two school buses and a shipping container on 20 acres of land, the buses are fully converted to RVs, 40ft container is raised on concrete blocks to store my tools. All can be replaced fairly cheap, but all are made of steel and are very heavy with tie down straps. Been through 100 mph winds, wild fire, hard freeze.

[@amyk6028]

Yes. Hurricane Helene was definitely a unicorn. Nobody was really prepared. We are outside of Greenville, SC and we were hit hard. Just got power back after a week. Fortunately, we had a gas generator and plenty of canned food I put up from my garden. A lot of people were devastated by this disaster. Thank you for this video and for your fundraising efforts! ❤

[@amandazplace5663]

Austin, I'm glad to hear you are okay. I can't believe how many KZbin creators are affected by this. "Heavenly-minded Home", a family of 7, who recently took in another family of 7, is now out of food, clean water, and power. I believe their road is blocked. Please, please pray that help comes very soon to these families.♥️🇨🇦

[@brianjohnson7137]

You are an inspiration Austin! I recently found my self in a rather “unnatural disaster” which forced me out of my home. Thankfully I live beneath my means and have savings, so I was able to buy a new home and continue living my life with minimal disruption. I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve heard the “what’s the point of making all that money if you don’t spend it” and “you need to reward yourself and enjoy life” or “I’m not gonna wait until I’m 65 to live my dream life” comments. Nevertheless it’s times like these that remind me why it’s all worth it. I’m glad to hear you and your pup are doing well and in good spirits!

[@suefleming]

Hi Austin. I'm so sorry to hear about your apartment. There has been much devastation from hurricane Helene. I live in North Fort Myers Florida and we were only sideswiped. I am a minimalist too. Minimalism is the only way to be as far as I'm concerned. You will make it you are strong!!!!👍🏼❤❤❤❤

[@afisanaa]

Sorry to hear that you were flooded. My family in Georgia were fortunate enough to not experience any flooding or loss of power. ALWAYS keep a "just in case" or bug out bag ready with important documents in waterproof and fireproof bags.

[@plappin]

Gives new meaning to the term "rainy day fund"! LOL. Glad to hear that you and Star are okay. You make some excellent points about living minimally and the virtues of renting instead of owning. As a flea market denizen, I am always reminded that one's "treasures" are likely to end up on a table at a flea market (if they don't go straight to the incinerator) being sorted through by strangers. Every week at my local flea market I see personal photos, letters, collections, etc -- a lot of them EXACTLY like the things I have held on to for decades. The truth is that most people aren't going to value your stuff the way you do so simplify your life -- or not, but just know that most of it will end up in big black trash bags. Here in NYC -- and maybe elsewhere too -- there's a company you PAY to lug away all your stuff, called "Junk Luggers." We actually used them to empty my mom's apartment. Long story short, keep it simple and try not to get too attached to things. Hang in there and thanks for keeping us updated, Austin!

[@TechOutAdam]

A camper van truly is the best insurance policy. Sorry this happened. This humbled me and made me very grateful.

[@nourishedheiress]

When I heard that Atlanta was affected I thought of you. I’m so sorry to hear about your home. That is so sad! So glad that your wisdom regarding having an emergency fund and not buying expensive stuff helped you in this situation. I’m happy to hear that you and Star are safe!

[@Luncheon23]

Glad you are safe Agustin! Praying for the people still stranded and missing and for those who have lost everything 😢

[@ElAgustin]

Thanks!

[@willasmith3024]

Very glad to see you're ok! The hurricane was a monster. My inlaws all live in Asheville (and I lived there for 5 years, it's my second home) and they've been staying with us for a few days. Its heartbreaking seeing the destruction, and knowing just how close it can hit. It really messes with your sense of security. But at the end of the day I'm just so thankful that everyone I love in the mountains are safe. Things can be replaced, people can't.

[@adamp6320]

Flooding is so devastating, I have lived through some incredible floods where people use boats to navigate streets and nothing prepares you for how much it ruins your home/belongings. I now live on "Cliff Road" which is so far up a hill/above sea level that it cannot flood unless we're building Arcs.

[@char5477]

I'm glad you and your dog are OK!! And good you can stay with your parents until you can find another place! You have pointed out many good points about having an emergency fund and living a minimalist life! Very important!!

[@CarolROSALES-q1h]

Glad you are safe. Thank you for the reminders. Take care my friend. ❤

[@whodey2112]

Best wishes to you and the rest of the people dealing with this disaster

[@rosemarywilliams9969]

Back in 2020 i did a calculation of all my possessions for insurance and after that eye opener, i told myself to stop investing in the latest "stuff" and start saving the money. Came in handy in 2022 when i had to live off my savings for 2 years after losing everything in bad investments and bad life choices❤ it's never too late to save. Be your own insurance company and have a bug out bag with your personal memories that are valuable to you 🙏

[@mgarcia2445]

Excellent advice! So happy that you and your sweet, beautiful dog are ok!

[@darlingd01]

Your parents should be so proud of the wisdom of such a young man. Be safe, praying for those who have experienced the power of weather.

[@loveofyahweh9660]

Sorry to hear that you were impacted. But praise God you’re safe.

[@astridbyfield2167]

There you have it guys, proof of the importance of frugality! I didn't need any convincing though. Glad you are okay and able to recover from this!

[@lolomissa]

agreed. insurance? useless. best protection is to have money saved. this is when i agree with the phrase 'cash is king'. glad you and your dog are doing okay! 🙌

[@adamp6320]

Insurance is not useless, and is a cornerstone of good financial planning (and also a requirement for mortgaged houses and driving a car in most cases). But you do need to understand what perils are included in your policy and obviously the excluded perils, along with deductibles and limits on what they will pay. His rental insurance was extremely clear that flooding was excluded, he could have purchased flood insurance but it would not have been cheap nor likely worth it given the cost vs the value of the contents.

[@dainasworldnumbers88]

Damn! This couldn’t have happened to a better person! We learn from this! This same thing happened to me seven years ago. My hot water heater broke and ruined most of my things. I became a minimalist and never looked back!

[@gloriastola1522]

So thankful that your 2 greatest possessions, (you and your dog) are both safe!! Thank you for reminding us how things can change in a moment.

[@diannabentley9363]

Austin, I'm so sorry you are having to deal with this. Thankful that you and your fur baby are okay and that you are financially prepared!

[@bstone50]

One of your best videos. An object lesson, a real world demonstration of the power of your lifestyle choices.

[@iamjane9628]

Oh NO, I am so sorry to hear that this affected you. I am glad that you and your dog are ok. Wishing you the best.

[@kimharris3322]

I went through fire years ago. Stuff is replaceable. People are not. Glad you are ok.

[@jenurias7303]

Austin thank you for this video and reminder of how emergency funds are critical. I am still working on funding my ER fund, but this is motivation to keep going.

[@therichbuddha3277]

Glad you are ok. Stuff is replaceable. Life is not about what happens to us, but how we react. Onwards.

[@andie1719]

I am so sorry this happened to you! My only comment about renter's insurance is that it did cover my hotel stay when my rented condo needed mold treatment, and I had to move to a hotel for two months. I stayed at the Double Tree, and that would have been quite expensive.

[@Margriet811]

Wow, I have deep respect for the way you deal with this. It’s amazing how you can still count your blessings as things could’ve been worse. Now we all get to see the good thing about saving up, living below our means and having an emergency fund. You’re a good guy and I’m glad to know that you, your dog and loved ones are fine 🙏🏻

[@geriatricmillenial1983]

I'm not a Christian man, nor Am I religious. Still, in situations like these, I remember what the Bible says about material possessions: "Life does not consist in an abundance of possessions." of course, take it with a grain of sand. It's nice to have valued possessions, but experiences can never replace the joy of traveling or other experiences. Austin, I'm glad to see you and your dog are safe.

[@KittyKat-vb1nd]

Its shocking how poorly prepared US is. This happo often

[@konuzbenissa7929]

US government priorities Israel over Americans unfortunately. I am not American but the world is witnessing.

[@nancy-sq2xc]

I LOVE your positive attitude, El Augustin! So glad you and your little girl are OK ❤

[@andowe1]

I'm so sorry you are going through this. I has a similar circumstance, we got 8 in rain in 4 hrs after days of rain having already saturated the ground. My house filled with water, 3 ft at least. To this day I have to pray through anxiety when it storms because of the trauma of watching my house fill with water. You find out really quickly how temporary things are, what is important, my pets, my memories, childhood ornaments and pics, nothing else. It forever changes you. Bless you as you get back to your life. I really appreciate your common sense wisdom on finances videos. I just wish I knew Spanish for your closing comments 😂❤️🙏

[@ailyn181999]

Glad you and your doggie are ok! Great video. Thank you for reminding us what’s really important.

[@tia8489]

So glad you and Star are safe and well.

[@dmc122291]

I’m so glad you and your dog are ok. Every point you make is absolutely right. The more stuff you have the more potential problems and expensive ones at that. It hurts to think about the damages of Helene. It could happen to anyone. Insurance is a joke, and with global warming there are more frequent and vicious storms. Insurance doesn’t even have the money to cover the damages! I watched a 60 second episode of a couple sitting their Florida house that’s rotting away from hurricane Ian 2 years ago. Their insurance altered the actual adjusters report, and they weren’t the only company being fraudulent. It’s insane. I hate to sound negative, but it’s almost like you can’t have anything nice. It could be ripped away from you at any minute. At least with having the bare minimum it’s a lot less to worry about. God bless America, and I pray for those affected by the hurricane.

[@SusansRoadLessTraveled]

Living north of you - we were hit in Upstate SC. Crazy situation! I moved in with my 81 year old mom earlier this year at her invitation, I work FT, have zero debt or rent costs (I pay the electric bill and mow the lawn), and live in 250 SQ above the garage. I am a maximalist, but know my posessions are fleeting. I am able to save 1/2 of my monthly salary every month towards my retirement and I contribute 25% of my payroll to my 401K. Thanks, Mom!!

[@sarahcasey7172]

Glad you and your dog are ok. Totally agree about renting vs owning. Repair bills for my home are never ending.

[@lc8119]

Oh man. Wasn’t expecting this. I’m so sorry. As these extreme weather events become more common, besides the points you raise, I think it is important to promote self reliance and responsibility. Insurance isn’t going to solve it. The government isn’t going to help you- at least not in a timely manner. You have to be personally prepared for adverse events

[@mentalmadness9783]

Insurance companies are literally fraud when it comes to situations like this. They advertise heavily that we need their help when in need, but when that need really happens they always find a way to not cash out or devalue your stuff. So I agree, it's better to have stuff that can easily be replaced aka cheap.

[@BrianK-zz4fk]

Id say taxes as well I mean where the hell is FEMA. My ex GF had an accident, not her fault, had to hire an arbitrator to get the fair value of damage.

[@adamp6320]

How is it literally fraud when the policy document says it will not cover flooding in bold print? Did they need it to shout flood not covered every time opened it like one of those birthday cards? Give your head a shake! That's not what fraud is at all. Flood insurance would be a separate thing from renter's insurance. And everyone who lives in an area that can flood should look into it. Hopefully they will.

[@sarahbannon4752]

You’re dealing with this so well, such a fantastic attitude Austin, good luck finding a new apartment.

[@ElAgustin]

Thanks!!! Hopefully I can stay in that one and they can renovate quickly.

[@jayumble8390]

I've been there too. My office was flooded (2011) and a case of coke, from another room in the basement, was floating in my office. It was surreal. All told we had 18" of water in our basement...we lost so much stuff and it took me a year to completely rebuild my office space. I can also say that I had no idea regarding the physical energy it zapped from me to do the rebuilding process. Ever since this experience, I have great empathy for anyone going through a flood experience.

[@patriciapajares6185]

I lived through hurricane Ian 2 years ago. It took me 6months to rebuild and moved back home. Those were hard days. But thankfully many people get together to help

[@krislee5343]

Glad that you and your dog are safe. ☮️

[@LilannB]

Glad that you and your dog are safe.

[@resolutesky948]

Glad you're both safe and doing well.

[@DesertMav]

I'm glad to know that you and your dog are safe. Natural disasters are no fun. When my parents and i were about to move 8 years ago, lightning struck our house and it caught fire. Thankfully, a neighbor saw the fire and let my parents know. In that instance, the Insurance company was great and took care of all of the repairs needed, from fixing the hole the firefighters cut in the roof, to replacing most of the areas that wete damaged by water and the power surge from the lightning.

[@mrsm482]

Oh, Austin! You can do it, man! Blessings.

[@rhondalyn100]

I'm glad you and your pet are okay. Best wishes to you as you travel through this next new phase of your life.

[@josephpeel9232]

Austin your strength even through the storm and after ! This is probably the most important and eye opening video you have ever made. I thank you for sharing this at your time of need..But I know you’re going to make it, take care of your dog and mom . ❤

[@mcspankie2010]

Im sorry for you and all the others affected by this horrible storm. I watch all your videos and love them you're a genuinely nice guy. If anyone can pick their self up and move forward it's you! I believe in YOU! Will be watching and praying ❤

[@Parel-pf1nc]

Good to know you're well Austin. Wishing you all the best from the Netherlands

[@tbarc1]

Flood insurance is always a separate policy. Sadly, it's expensive AND much of the time not even available in flood prone areas.

[@SpatchG]

Very glad you and your dog are okay. Thank you for this reflection.

[@TimelordUK]

So glad you are doing ok. Being prepared always pays off xx

[@te7406]

Thank you for sharing. This is a real life example of what you've been saying all along about stuff and how you don't need much stuff and how frugality is good. In this case, the more you had, the more you would have lost due to this random event. I'm glad that you and your dog made it and that you could stay with your mom.

[@saynay333]

Glad that you and your dog are safe even if your stuff isn't. But you're right being financially prepared gives you peace of mind in these situations.

[@Coffeaddictedcinephile87]

Good thing you're in an apartment. You don't have to worry about insurance and repairing hurricane damage. Way less stress.

[@audreyhuggins8822]

You're amazing! Wow, giving back to the community is the greatest gift we can give.

[@thekid1597]

So glad you're okay, but I'm sure it still hurts 😢, sending prayers 🙏 ❤

[@daniellehart487]

So sorry to hear your news. Pleased you and Star are ok and you could go back to your family! Wishing you good luck going forward!

[@carmenalabat8425]

Glad you are fine and I know things will get better with time. You have what’s most important your life and refuge while you figure things out. Thank you Austin as amongst the tragedy , we can always find gratitude in what remains ❤

[@michellecollins6379]

Sorry to hear this some of my family near you are ok now as well. Hang in there my friend. ✌️

[@Ravenelvenlady]

I am so glad you and doggy are okay. Thank you for taking the time to share your journey and encouraging us to support each other. We need to do more of that in the world. Peace and all the best! ❤❤🙏🏾🙏🏾

[@thehylers1021]

A sincere thank you for this video and thoughtful reminder. Best wishes to you. Not affected by Hurricane Helene but experiencing PTSD from seeing the aftermath. It could have been me! More thankful, preparing better, and being available to assist others. Thank you as and God bless you 🙏❤

[@jayocean4724]

Prayers for you 🙏🏾 I just had to be towed and got a huge repair bill this week which was expensive. Thank goodness I had some savings even though I hate having to use it. The point you made about it could always be worse struck a chord with me. We have so many blessings that we don't even think about. Some of Helene's victims homes were washed away in the storm. Being a renter definitely does have some advantages.

[@lisab2303]

So sorry Austin that you had this happen. I live in the Big Bend area of Florida and the hurricane went through but I luckily just had some damage to my fence and some tree limbs down in my yard. However, in April of this year we had torrential rain and my last townhouse flooded. I too woke up in the middle of the night to find 6 inches of water throughout my home. My couch, various furniture items and a lot of my possessions got destroyed. I luckily found another place to live within several weeks because I had an emergency fund. You are right that you need to be prepared at what life throws out at you. You never know what is around the corner. Best of luck to you!

[@nirui467]

You have a great attitude, this is a good reminder things can be replaced.

[@JoJo-vz5uy]

Poor wildlife and birds too. So many died and loss of habitat and food sources. They’re starving now. Love your pup!!! I love your outlook in life. Things aren’t more important than life, but people care more about than a life of an animal.

[@angelawalker6459]

Im so glad you are safe. I am to a minimalist and am grateful that material things dont run my life.

[@KarenReusch-j1u]

How wonderful that you see the light at the end of this crappy tunnel!! Keep us updated!

[@KarenReusch-j1u]

Oh Austin!!! So sorry to hear that you have been affected by this disaster!!😢😢😢

[@l.gibson6422]

Glad you are ok and safe 🙏🏾

[@peppermintpeggy658]

I'm so sorry to hear that you've been displaced; thanks for your insight on this crappy situation.

[@tessajetta8146]

Thank you for still making videos during this time

[@DamonCassidy]

Glad to hear you are okay, great insights on your experience! Something we all need to consider

[@ElAgustin]

Thanks! Hope you're doing well!

[@tarzz25qwe]

This video is filled with golden advice, as soon as I get a chance I'm going to add more to my emergency fund. It buys you peace of mind in a time of crisis. I also buy furniture second hand and if I were to have a flood that were to damage it or I had to move and get rid of it, I wouldn't even care because I bought it so cheap! I liked what you said about everything ending up in a land fill, great way to thing about physical objects

[@juliequick5526]

So sorry to hear this news but as you say, you have been lucky compared to some. Such sound advice because a lot of people will have one or more devastating moments in their lives and the money will allow you what I call financial serenity. I don’t think I could live any other way. Blessings to you and everyone affected by this x

[@juliem.3936]

My mother always told me to save for a rainy day! 😉So glad that you and your pooch are okay and that you're safely at your mom's. Good thing the items ruined were mostly second-hand and not expensive.

[@juliemoore6957]

God bless you. Your outlook is right on, and your advice is excellent!

[@oscartrujillo5278]

Things are just things but it’s smart to be ready financially always. 😅

[@Izzy_Gtz]

Thank God you are doing okay El Agustin, a great example of why being on a good financial position is a blessing, real life situations like this one should open our eyes to what's really important in life.

[@nicoleleary1000]

My rental house in St. Pete FL got flooded too. It sucks and I'm sorry you're dealing with it too! These are great insights though, and some things I have also been reflecting on. Luckily I didn't lose that much $ because all my furniture was thrifted/purchased secondhand. I also lost about 1-2k and am feeling pretty good about myself right now for being so thrifty haha!