Save More Money By Changing How You Think About Frugality

[@AmazingDogMom]

I'm so proud of myself! I paid off my student loans today🎉 I made it my mission to take advantage of the last 3 years being interest free and continued to pay even though payments were halted. I could cry and I just wanted to share my HUGE accomplishment 🎉

[@patriciagreene9305]

Congratulations🎉

[@jane6517]

Wonderful and smart rolled into one!

[@rg-mi5hh]

So proud of you! Got that behind you!

[@robinsutton577]

Well done, a big congratulations!🎉🎉

[@darlenepaul2918]

Good for you! Great job!!!

[@glendagrosjean477]

Something that dawned on me today is that I've gotten into the habit of wanting quick results for everything I do. Frugality, just like health, isn't an overnight success story. It takes hard work, practice, and staying in it for the long haul to be successful.

[@jenshark4]

I’m in a situation now that requires patience. And I have to keep reminding myself that even though we live in a world where (almost) everything is instant, that this current challenge in my life is me practicing patience, a very important skill. I think back to when I was a kid and a young adult and remember that things took much longer back then. So I can be patient and the end reward will seem so much more exciting because I had to wait for it.

[@Maria-ps7ur]

Singing,dancing,laughing is for free! Doesn't cost any money. Comes frim heaven.😀

[@monicaluketich6913]

Being a senior citizen, I try my best to be frugal. Today, at the grocery store, they had a bunch of foods that I like on sale and with extra online coupons. When I got the total, I thought it was a bit higher than I expected. So I checked my receipt vs.what was charged. Eight items (some were multiples of the same item) were priced at the regular price! I took my receipt and phone, and she agreed that the prices were incorrect. I got back almost $15! Check your receipts! That money will help (a little) tomorrow when the pumber comes to fix a broken water pipe...

[@marilynpeppers1356]

✅✅✅💜

[@fionaj3093]

I always take the receipt, or if not offered a receipt, ask for one. I keep them for reference😊 Scotland🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@monicaluketich6913]

Update: The pumber came today, and the water leak was a spigot on the back of my house where I seldom go. My goats had turned the water on by rubbing against the handle! NEVER thought of that. Will have to "cage" the spigots. FRUGAL HINT: If you have larger animals (dogs to cattle) that can get to water spigots, find some way to cover them so the animals can't turn the water on when they are scratching their hides.

[@dabneydee9109]

For me, frugality is actually fun. It's like a game finding the best grocery deals every week, or waiting to catch the lowest gas prices before filling up. It's a daily challenge that makes things a bit more interesting.

[@Dan-sb5sf]

it’s exhausting, though.

[@dabneydee9109]

@@Dan-sb5sf Is it? It comes so naturally to me that I can't imagine doing things differently.

[@Dan-sb5sf]

it’s a habit for me because i’ve made it so out of necessity but it is not a ‘freeing’ way to live.

[@barbarabruce7648]

I also find it fun and my brother, sister and dad all compete with each other for the best markdowns, cheapest fuel, best deals for things we all need. We share the spoils. I find it not to be exhausting when you list your must have items. For me it's, frozen berries, frozen edemame, apples, bananas, soy milk, bread, chickpeas, carrots, onions, greens and fuel. Know where to get them at their cheapest and the rest is a treasure hunt. If you see your essentials marked down it's a victory. The savings are enormous. And never eat out unless it's essential.

[@juliemoore6957]

Me too! I like the challenge!

[@megantorri1711]

When I was raising my kids we used to do what we called a "free day." We would pack a lunch and head out to the local library. After the library we would have lunch in the park and go to the recycling center with our aluminium cans to get money. The recycling money would pay to get into the pool and would buy one small treat for each child.

[@bria2596]

"Just because you are low income, it doesn't give you a pass." You give such excellent advice. Thanks so very much.

[@cgt6497]

I think one of the first things I realized when confronting these lies is that I was actually a bit addicted to shopping. I started by staying out of stores and online unless I really needed something. Then I used the time to search thrift stores or freebee websites to find the things that I needed. That led me to discover that I needed far less than I thought. That led to decluttering, giving clutter-free gifts, etc. Now I realize consumerism is the mindset that advertising brainwashes us with, to keep us poor. I love the image of frugality like putting reins on a horse to make it go where you want it to go. That's exactly it! It is deciding what you want in your life and using your money wisely to achieve it.

[@nancylutsch6018]

Frugality is a habit. Once you get into the habit, it doesn't take so much thought.

[@GraceFaded]

I owe Hope and Larry so much. Finally bit the bullet after overspending for years. In the midst of a transaction-by-transaction review of EVERY debit card purchase made in 2023. Hundreds upon hundreds of transactions. Doing better moving forward, but THOUSANDS and THOUSANDS of wasted dollars because I was a child and wanted it now. I used to think eating out was no big deal. Well, I could have had a 2-3 year old Versa with what I wasted last year. Tracking every single penny moving forward.

[@elizaC3024]

I thrive while trying to stretch my hard earned money 💰. We always have a goal or two, and we have a dream list....kinda like a bucket list of places to travel to. When we have stashed $3000 over our emergency fund, we start watching airfare to the different locations. The cheapest flight wins. We then begin our travel itinerary, going from town to town by train or bus. This year we found a repositioning cruise for 14 days from Barcelona to Florida, with Port charges and taxes it was under $100 per night, and that includes meals and entertainment, and lodging. We then found the cheapest flight was into Milan, Italy and planned 4 weeks through 5 countries by train, and staying at Airbnbs. We booked the cruise 9 months in advance and saved $2500 more to make the 5 countries, 6 week vacation possible. Frugality has made it all possible. Dream big, and start saving your pennies.

[@mangopuppybaby]

We just took a frugal vacation. 3 nights and I brought a cooler full of food. We made all of our meals except one. We went to a state park, the beach and brought packed lunches everywhere we went. So many memories. We almost went out one night but the wait was over an hour. No thanks! We ate in our hotel room.

[@susandorry6149]

I know about it only because we had nothing in 1980 and I had to start saving more, I bought a scrub boarding, and a whole turkey to make do, and we had 4 rooms to start 3 children, I bought a sewing machine on credit and made everything that I could, it was a slow process but we made it, FRUGALITY is my way to go even today.

[@marilynpeppers1356]

1980 was horrible for us, too. Yikes! I sometimes look back to remember those tough times that I thought we would not be able to get through. Somehow, God provided as we kept putting one foot in front of the other.💜

[@lj2070]

Today in my Frugal Life : One of my local churches does a hamper box for $10, I got one and meal planned with the ingredients: It was mostly fruit, salad items and veggies, zucchini, eggplant, broccoli, spinach etc So I think I'm going to make two different curries this week as I got two coconut curry sauce packs, a spinach and potato and the second, chickpea and cabbage curry. I am going to make some vegetable soup And I am going to make a chickpea salad And with zucchinis I am going to make zucchini bake and zucchini fries And I am going to make a very simple pasta dish with basically the garlic chives the pasta and 1 pack of cherry tomatoes. And eggplant parmigiana I didn't need to buy any further ingredients. So the money saved in groceries this week, I was able to top up a few $$ in my emergency fund and a few $$ in my gift sinking fund. Library trip for some movie and murder mystery dvds.

[@TeresaOwen-rt1sb]

I’d love to see a video (or two) of things you do for fun without spending a boatload of money. One summer when my kids were younger I put together a huge list of things we could do for free or very little money. Creek walking, story time at the library, nature scavenger hunts, etc. we did a different thing almost every day and it was one of the best summers ever.

[@ClaireForsberg-rl6tc]

I've been frugal nearly all my life. I never have sleepless nights over money, or lack of it. I have everything I need plus more. Frugality is to me, a better life than having tons of money. I know what that's like too. Having tons of money is fun, but that fun is short lived as you acquire tons of stuff. Rack up the bills, and now your brain is overwhelmed and loaded with all the stuff that needs maintenance, protecting, and space to store it. How many folks out there actually park their cars in the garage? Or have a storage unit to store the overload of what money can and did buy? I'll take this life of frugality gladly.

[@jenshark4]

When I was in my 20’s before marriage and kids, I used to take a week of vacation, but I had absolutely no money. So I would take a week off and use that time to organize and clean my apartment. It cost me nothing to do this. It’s a memory I have that when I think about relaxes me. I really enjoyed that time.

[@letagwinn2622]

AFTER WATCHING YOU I HAVE FOUND OUT I'VE BEEN FRUGAL ALL MY LIFE,IT NOT HARD IT'S JUST A WAY OF LIFE PLUS MY HUSBAND AND MYSELF ARE BOTH HOME BODIES,WE ENJOY BEING HOME AND HAVE OUR ROUTINES AND ENJOY AN OCCASSIONAL DAY OUT WHICH MAY BE ONCE A MONTH OR EVERY OTHER MONTH AND BEING WITH THE GRANDKIDS WE ARE BOTH 71 YRS. OLD.

[@melissab8500]

Getting rid of my tv made a huge difference because I wasn't seeing commercials all the time. They are so devious. Now commercials seem very intrusive when I do happen upon a tv.

[@LadyBeeSting2434]

I enjoy being frugal. I am not going to lie, being younger on social media it can make you step back and make you question your goals but eyes on the prize. Slow living for the win!

[@Beckysgetsittogether]

We lived next door to a neighbor for several years. We had save a windfall for several years, and eventually paid off our house with it. Our neighbor on the other hand, had high priced furniture, rented their home, and prided themselves on expensive kitchen gadgets. They had to move because of medical, financial and marital crisis. We've had similar crisis, but were able to keep our heads above water because we were frugal, and obeyed God.

[@monicaluketich6913]

The time you two put into these videos is evident by the quality of the video. I was brought up by parents who grew up during the Depression, so I heard them talking about some of these topics as a child. It is nice to hear similar choices that must be made for frugality from our generation - you two.

[@Savvymammagreenlife22]

It cost me probably like 20$ a month..I breastfeed,cloth diapers,cloth wipes, clothes were quite minimal because she grows out so fast and I get from the thrift store of course!She shares my body wash and shampoo because it's clean and natural and safe for her too

[@r8edrv4fun65]

I have found it much easier to save money while being single. A persuasive partner can put you in debt really fast. Just as fast as one that makes you feel guilty that you're not spending as much as they are. If it's your idea and plan for a 3 day weekend, Thank you, you can pay for it all.

[@mariasinclair9718]

You guys are like missionaries for the poor. I really think you save people from homelessness. May our rich and wonderful God to continue to bless us all. Thank God for this channel. Love from Adelaide Australia 🇦🇺 Keep your heads up.

[@joanncole9603]

This was such an encouraging comment. Bless you.

[@jerryspinosa5466]

I was told by a farmer "It's not what you make it's what you keep"

[@karenmiller8517]

I remember when my kids were little the govt said it cost $100,000 to raise one child to adulthood. Crazy! For the first couple years they each cost pennies...i breathed them so that was free--then they ate table food, their clothes were gifts or from garage sales, we got books at the library.

[@karenmiller8517]

I meant BREASTFED!

[@maryallen1017]

I have no idea where the Government comes up with that amount of money it takes to raise children from new born to 18 years old. That amount is definitely not in my budget. Thanks for all your wisdom Hope & Larry. Keep up the good work.

[@kempfreehold9450]

They include part of the cost of a home and utilities but you would have the home anyway. The government figures are ridiculous. They extrapolate some wild figure out of their collective derriere

[@kempfreehold9450]

@@sueievers8700 yes but you wouldn't need a six bedroom house which is basically what the government is suggesting. You would not need a huge difference in price that the gov numbers allot. AND these numbers are for ONE child not for four. If you have one child, you would need a two bedroom home. Unless you grew up in an area where I did, and children frequently had beds in the living room and the parents had a bedroom. But that outlier aside, you're not comparing apples to apples.

[@rg-mi5hh]

Your channel is great! It keeps me motivated to keep finding more ways to conserve so we can have what we would like to have.Being frugal is like decluttering our home and weight. Get rid of what isn't needed so we can enjoy what matters to us.

[@fredswartley9778]

Great video. These myths need to be busted! Frugality is really fun. It's not a a life of deprivation. Being frugal helps you learn to be creative and intentional with your money and lifestyle.

[@gaylekanak9269]

Thank you both for all the work you put into these videos. They are not only entertaining, they are instructive and always full of useful advice. As a single mom I always practiced frugality. I made it into a game. One thought I will put out there - - - I have to be careful about which videos I watch. Some are encouraging, like yours, but others are very negative. Those can make me feel a little bad until I step back and realize what is happening. Only put good, postive thoughts into yourself :)

[@sophiakitts]

Another good one! I’ve heard each of these sentiments from friends, family, and coworkers. But we stuck to the frugal path and are debt free, retired, and living a nice, low-stress life. Thanks for being the voice of economic sanity in a sea of crazy. The Doppelgängers

[@kimberlyc84]

I used to think when I've seen the commercials about 'for the cost of a cup of coffee' kids WOW! If the coffee kids could do it, why not me? We are a most wasteful country as a whole. 'Normal' is borrowing without paying back, overextending, and not thinking ahead. I have been a saver and frugalista since the age of five when my mum set up a custodial savings account for my brother and myself. We were taught how to look for quality, how to repair things, and how to wait for things. 50+ years later and I'm in the best place I've ever been in. Wonderful channel🎉🎉

[@VeganMangoQueen]

Long term slow process yes. So thankful my parents and grandparents were frugal so it’s something I learned young and consumerism and material things never meant much to me. When I look at items around me I say that’s a lamp not that’s my lamp. I try not to put ownership on objects because they can be gone at any moment and as long as I have my health and my frugal minimal lifestyle I’ll be good. 🌱💚✌🏼

[@victorwadsworth821]

As hot as it's been in Texas, my electric bill usage is about 20% less than July last year.

[@kristiecox7350]

Wow, kudos to the time you’re putting in this channel. Thank you for your hard work.

[@nunyabiness1097]

My Live is more happier, because of the frugality I have Learned from Under the median ;)

[@sharonhost2469]

I love this video. I think resistance to frugality is rooted in fear and this was a great myth buster!

[@vibekeangelo6623]

I am totally into your thoughts; well, for instance, I just (almost!) did not spend any money on clothes for one year. And now I bought the most beautiful, and also quite expensive, norwegian wool sweater I never ever would spend so much money on before. And then it will help me keep warm for many winters ahead, in a nice way. So frugal, yes: But not depriving myself. I was a lonely mother with four kids for many years; so frugality wasn't a choice, but a must. We made it and today my kids are grownup, responsible and wise with their money...

[@UndertheMedian]

Good for you! Enjoy the sweater every time you wear it.

[@marynienhouse6143]

I absolutely love the harness/horse analogy! Spot on! What a fantastic visual ❤️. Love that you do these videos! They are so very helpful in my/our motivation in this frugal journey. Thank you!

[@annelisewhite6244]

My husband and I are saving up to spend 4 days in Paris next spring for our 7 year wedding anniversary (we live in the UK). A few sacrifices now mean we can have a great trip to remember later x

[@UndertheMedian]

I love this goal!

[@tinablair2206]

I love your videos. Thank you for your hard work making them. Mindset is everything!!

[@stephanielitz5102]

The harness on the horse was an excellent example! I always enjoy your videos and tips!

[@d.t.simmons2794]

Having a great time trying to be frugal....feeling financially liberated! Thx.

[@krystalschulze7]

On every video in the last month my comments are deleted here...trying to see if this one does. I really love you guys!

[@UndertheMedian]

It could be that your comments are not deleted. We have set the levels for holding comments pretty high. We have banned words which scammers have used on the channel comments. Because of those settings if you use any one of those words, your comment will be held.

[@sallyprzybil2404]

Great stuff. Yes you can go on vacation and be frugal. Just went on a fun vacation. We stayed at a lodge at a state park. It was on a lake. Swam and played all week. Ate at the lodge restaurant. 4 nites, 5 days. All for under $700.

[@HealthyWealthyMogul]

I missed the premier. We were eating dinner. Anyway, I will watch it later. I am trying to enjoy the journey instead of the result only.

[@angelaopland6009]

Thank u for all u do

[@Nicole-zv7ee]

Larry & Hope........would you be able to make a video dedicated to your thoughts regarding car purchases, car repairs, car maintenance.........? I took my 2012 Nissan to the shop today, to have the A/C looked at, and it is going to cost $1600ish to fix. I am thinking about just not fixing it and not having A/C. I am very curious how you both navigated through the financial costs of car repairs and car expenses. If you could do a video dedicated to that topic, it would be greatly appreciated! Thank you.

[@ashleyb6258]

Frugality is fun to me. Saving $ can be hard, but we have to choose out hard. Being in debt is hard(er) to me.

[@FloridaGrowing]

I hope that you keep working, with your videos coming ❤ we love you and need your advise

[@stevegorkowski3246]

Sorry to hear someone played with the metering rods on your quadrajet carb. Not everyone understood the ramifications of adjusting the rod would do. Once out of adjustment getting it back in the correct position was hard. This became such a big problem Holley made a bolt on replacement carb that used normal Holley jets. Years later they made a computer controlled quadrajet that was even harder to adjust.

[@alisawoods555]

Good morning Thank you so much I appreciate you helping Me And I Am So Doing A No Spend July and August I am having Fun and getting myself Secure!

[@asavannah7439]

The Smoky Mountains are my favourite place in the USA ❤

[@victorwadsworth821]

I seen on my bank webpage, if I have twenty-five thousand to set aside for eleven months, I will get 4.5% interest.

[@MYlearning-f7l]

I appreciate your "practical wisdom" so much!

[@kristinaatgreenmeadowswede6714]

Hi from Sweden!🇸🇪🇸🇪🇸🇪 To raise a child in Sweden is calculated by the government to be $180 000 per child up to their 19th birthday. This sum is calculated based on an average middle class family's costs, and it just containes the most necessary things a child needs until the day they are seen as adults... Of course you can decrease the costs for a child living more frugal, as well as increase the costs if you have a more luxurious way of life! But the average calculated sum is what the government are using as a normality. Have a great continuing day! 🤗🌱🇸🇪

[@zoilacruz1843]

You are doing a good 👍🏻 job !!

[@terrypelletti8535]

I really enjoyed this video Thank you!!!

[@LynSarayan]

Love your great content Larry and Hope. To Kate Kaden thanks for sending me to your channel. Highly appreciated.

[@aridamenendez1247]

Another great video. Thank u

[@CherieNorquay]

Great video!

[@kimberlyc84]

The figure that the gov't says is based on never buying used (or swapping or (here's a shocker) actually NOT using hand-me-ups); buying children every single solitary THING...), not TEACHING children put the value in delayed gratification, saving for what you want, and researching quality regardless of the name. This, among many many many many many other things, is why the government deficit is astronomical.

[@cherrycain6425]

Thank you for this video. I have severe anxiety and depression and I watch alot of different videos and get myself upset because I am on a fixed income and live alone. I’m afraid to get out and spend money or do anything because I am afraid l can’t afford it. I stay home and make my health worse.

[@stephy8429]

I’m so sorry. I understand this wholeheartedly, I’m somewhat the same.

[@cherrycain6425]

@@stephy8429 I am hoping that getting out and going to church and being with people and turning my life around is the key to getting me well and feeling better about myself and making my life and especially my health better.

[@robinsutton577]

Your videos are always so enjoyable. Thank you!

[@marshalindhorst6416]

U are both amazing ❤

[@robyndolanbooksandmusic]

I find the government stats hilarious. I raised four children on an average income of $20k per year, with no government assistance. Mostly owned our own homes but did rent for a few years. Mostly as a single mom.

[@deedeesmith3073]

Quality channel 🥰

[@allardvanderstarre5238]

learned a lot from you guys, thnkxa lot!

[@lindashipley5293]

So glad you visited. The Great Smokey Mountains! Imfrom East TN. Growing up we would go there one day to see the Fall leaves. Wed takea picnic to have at a special place near a running creek. My family was fruegal. My sister and I would get. Like a toy black bear, one year an Indian Doll we wluldmeet native Americans in "town". Visited a small old school. Went walking on traill. As we got older we got to get a tshirt with Great Smokey Mountains and scene. As we got older like. I was in 6th grade, we went to Dayona each summer. Wed save all year. My dister and I got 50cents a week for a chore ore 2. We loved buying a straw purse. Each year or a tshirt. My mother was a severe type 1 diabetic. Lots of dr. Bills. Not sure how Daddy did it. He worked at a book making factory. Mom was just the best to help us on school tasks spelling. We hada simple mealeach night. Nicer on Sundays and Daddy was home then. I guess in many ways you guys remind me of my parents. Daddy love watch making, radios. On the way home from Fla. We always stopped at a place like a thrift store. I loved finding 45 records. Daddy even got a record player you had to wind up once. Huge records. We also had many 78s. Like. Patti Page. Tn Waltz. Etc. He taught me much about music.. platters. Big Band. Nat King Cole Hank Williams. Id saved money to buy my first Beatlle lp. He took me to a real record Store as he thought the lp be the best than at Woolworths. Well he had to give me an extrafollar there. I had been saving the 5 and dime price! On wayhome. Itold Daddy Id pay him back. We were in a record club and got different genres ofmusic. He daid no, just listen to one side of.....I cant rember but it was opera. 😄Well secretly. I enjoyed it. Haha. Momma loved more. Country, spiritual,rocknroll so we werewellgrounded musically. Didnt have tv until I was three and we listed to a childrens show. Bre Rabbit andthe like. Then grew up in our "new" house with a baby sister friends for life and when each off us got to 6th grade we joined the band. 3 years apart. We are salt and pepper personality wise. Lol but best. Best friends. I became a school teacher for 48 and a half years. Im 72. And retired 3 years ago. This past year I had covid and then long covid. Already had degenerative disc, neck. Back. Knees and all that got worse. It been a rough year. I lost my phone and had to use one from Walmart and scout about for friends to know my new # as I didnt have theirs anyplace. Has taken me a year and finally have found all but one of my fave utubers. About 2 weeks ago. I finally found you again!!!!! I could NOT think of thetitle of your show. I would look on frugal. Sites. Etc. Finally. I saw. Under the Medin and was theilled!;! Hope you look more beautiful than before!!! So does Larry. My mother died at 46. Kidneys stopped working. Etc from her type 1 Diabetis. She was allergic to the insulin she had to take. Ate away muscle tissue. Daddy died at 74. Copd. Smoker and his work at book makingplacce probably notso good onhim either. I love you two, the marriage and family you have. Your virtues, good common sense in life. Not married but. I want to be to my home. My friends and family as you are. So much like my parents raised us. Lol gee. I hope this isnt too long to send. Just grateful. I found you two again. Love and prayers. Lindy

[@lindashipley5293]

Oh mercy. So many spelling errors. I so need glasses. Didn't even have on the readers from Dollar Tree! Thank you for being there for SO MANY to enjoy and learn from.✌️🤟😆❣️🎶🌻🦒

[@kimberlystrickland189]

I wanna know how you guys are managing after larry retired. Has your income changed significantly?

[@nikkif9873]

My daughter said she can feel the frugality 😂

[@UndertheMedian]

😀 LOL! I love it!

[@GEAUXFRUGAL]

Something I hear from people that they are stacked can't get by only one bathroom. A mirror and a little bit of imagination and you can get everyone a place to get ready. Remember those pitchers and bowls? Folks washed their hands using that. How about the #1#2 well a bottle that use to contain laundry soap can help. A milk crate and a lined container you can take it almost anywhere. Just have to think,how can I get the job done and enjoy the process. "There's a right way wrong way and Johnny's way. " That's what they said about my grandpa.

[@kempfreehold9450]

We are a family of six (seven up until my mother in-law moved out last month) and have one bathroom. We are all just fine

[@rochellethundercloud346]

You don't ever really need a huge house. Unless you're my parents,who had 23 You saw correctly,23 children. You gott love those old school irish Catholic

[@hollyroecker9019]

Off topic a bit - will you be doing any content regarding weddings on a frugal budget? I do realize your son and new daughter may want to keep it private, though!

[@UndertheMedian]

I think they are going to keep it private. We may share some photos with their permission, though.

[@phil16woman64]

They include the total cost including cost of education, medical costs, housing etc. It is not counted as though there was no base cost that parents are already paying. You are counting incremental costs of adding a child, which is far more realistic.

[@Alicesgardenau]

Surely that figure includes the price of housing whether that’s rent or buying. If you raise a child you need to keep them sheltered

[@kelleyspears1218]

I think the government is giving a median example of what it costs. So some places obviously have higher costs of living and some lower. The prices of goods and services are different in different areas of the country. But children can be raised much more cheaply than most people would realize. If you have children that are the same sex, hand me downs are easier. You might hand down clothes, cars, sports equipment, etc. A lot of parents today give in to every whim and want their children have. That is expensive.

[@queenmarymullin7345]

Kohl in Canada

[@queenmarymullin7345]

No fetch reward cards in Canada

[@rochellethundercloud346]

Some people think frugal is cheap. No. Cheap only cares about lowest price Frugal cares about best value for the money spent. Also, frugality is not deprivation.

[@davidpotter9462]

When they give that figure, they're figuring in future inflation

[@GEAUXFRUGAL]

I saw a great RV and went to the bank . I handed the loan officer $5K and said I'm looking for a loan for a $15K RV. I was asked what my income was. I said $xxxx$ she said the most we can lend is

[@GEAUXFRUGAL]

Spend 3 days with a relative. And when you get around folks that just don't care it's amazing just how much they 💩 away $.

[@jeanettewilliams8898]

The Government number is correct with inflation and buying and trying to do everything. Most of our paychecks are nowhere there. Lots of people end up frugal not because we want to if they deny you credit card you have to use cash. So using cash you will be frugal there's money 😂. I can see people being burned out on being frugal if you see social media it makes you want everything.

[@AEvans36963]

People are now raising kids in a culture that is functioning at higher costs of living so $288k may actually be true, esp if you include the cost of college.

[@pamelastandhart240]

I would bet that that number includes college costs

[@karenmiller8517]

I thought that too, but it's only calculated to age 18, which only would include one year if the child graduated HS at 17, which many don't till 18...

[@cogit8able]

I have 5 kids I am not sure if I made that much in the entirety of their upbringing.

[@barbaratozzano6364]

Seems to me that frugality is absolutely necessary when you have a low income. How else could you live?

[@keridrowatzky9543]

Government numbers are anti-child. If parents would give up the idea they have to give them everything, the overwhelm wouldn't be so much. There doesn't have to be brand new unless there are items needing to be brand new like shoes.

[@Spot4art]

❤️❤️❤️👍

[@milda0820]

💖💖💖

[@reginabowers9890]

❤

[@Milomuffin771]

Can you wear an Apple watch and call yourself frugal?

[@UndertheMedian]

Of course you can. Frugality is about saving money on some areas of your budget - so you can save up to spend money on the things which are important to you. One of my sons has an Apple watch that he found lightly used. He paid a fraction of the new cost. Make it a goal. Save for it. Find it at a great price.

[@fdauphine9595]

By the looks of your furniture, in my humble opinion, mission furniture is not frugal. I'm frugal in many ways, so I can enjoy some of the pleasantries of life. We all have choices.😊

[@UndertheMedian]

Thanks. We bought our mission oak futon brand new over 25 years ago at a furniture store brand opening. I think we paid about $350. The two Mission Oak chairs were in perfect condition with the matching footstools were bought a couple of years ago on Marketplace for $300.

[@katieheidinger4635]

Actuality mission furniture is the best investment. Because they are well built and you can recover the cushions over & over again!!!

[@tawnaparko3388]

I agree with with what you are saying. At the moment it is exhausting. Everything takes extra work.

[@rochellethundercloud346]

It might cost that to raise a special needs child,with medical care and all that.

[@deboranndeborann933]

If the government says/knows it cost that much money to raise a child, then why aren't they helping instead of hindering?

[@Ozarkmountainoutback1]

I would just prefer they stay out of my life. I don't need their help or interference 😊

[@kelleyspears1218]

I think the government is giving a median example of what it costs. So some places obviously have higher costs of living and some lower. The prices of goods and services are different in different areas of the country. But children can be raised much more cheaply than most people would realize. If you have children that are the same sex, hand me downs are easier. You might hand down clothes, cars, sports equipment, etc. A lot of parents today give in to every whim and want their children have. That is expensive.