The 7 Levels Of Frugal Living (What Stage Are You In?)

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In this video, I’ll be talking about seven different levels of frugality, showing how people save money at each stage and what their personal finance habits look like. Whether you're just starting to figure out how to save money or you've already embraced a more minimalist lifestyle, understanding where you fall on these levels can help you identify the next steps to take if you want more control over your personal finances.
Learning how to be extremely frugal can help you stop wasting money on things you don’t really need. Many of us struggle with constantly wanting to buy more stuff, but it’s important to realize that buying more doesn’t always lead to happiness. In fact, understanding how to stop wanting to buy stuff can be one of the best ways to get control of your personal finances. If you focus on what truly matters in life, you'll see that there are many things you no longer need to buy, and you'll start to appreciate the freedom of living with less.
As we explore these seven stages of frugality, you’ll see how adopting frugal habits can save you money and simplify your life. My aim is to help you embrace a minimalist approach, where you can quit unnecessary spending and start focusing on what truly matters. Whether you’ve given up 50 things or just a few, this journey can lead you to financial freedom and a simpler, happier life.
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• The 7 Levels Of Frugal...

[@SunnyKindJourney]

Which level are you at? 👇😊

[@ashikmahamud4640]

at level 3

[@JoshFerguson-yd8gn]

I’m at 4 but with some 5 tendencies.

[@nikedoesthings]

I am definitely at the level 5, though slightly at 6 because I have seriously neglected buying clothes and I notice most of what I own is truly old and loved. So I am going to purge and recycle what I can miss and replace some items that truly can use an upgrade. I just don't like shopping, but I prefer to try things on in person so I don't order online either. I always try to look for sustainable clothing, not second hand, but good quality, and I am willing to spend more if it means the garment will last longer.

[@MightyBearKing]

My mindset is more or less at 6, but in practical Im at level5

[@jasonfenderson5372]

I'm at level 4, and I'm aiming for level 5.

[@katherinepace7369]

Well observed. I try to strike a balance so that I am not depriving myself and obsessing about money, but I still spend a lot of time looking for the best deals. The mindset needs to be using money as a tool and not hoarding money above all else.

[@SunnyKindJourney]

Very well said, and thanks for sharing! 🙌😊

[@yvonnejackson1696]

I’m a 5. I’ve had the advantage of a fairly long life to practice and learn. My mother was a 6 and it was never my ambition in life to buy the cheapest product then complain about it being shoddy. I feel comfortable with my lifestyle, I live lightly upon the earth and am able to help others and not be a burden. This was a good, well thought out video. You do a great service to others.

[@SunnyKindJourney]

"I live lightly upon the earth", I really like how you describe that ✨❤️

[@WendyLiu125]

I'm level 5. After decluttering, my home has less furniture. I have more spaces for pets to play in my home. My mind has been change a lot after COVID. Before I travelled very frequently. But now I'm not. I stopped travel to other countries, I donated my big suitcase. I use my money to buy dog food to dog shelter. I wanna to help them rather than to spend money in other countries and buy lots of stuffs back to home. Lots of joys that I can help the homeless animals.❤

[@SunnyKindJourney]

That's so lovely ❤️❤️

[@terriirvin753]

Seve, Another excellent video from you! I always learn so much. I am a 5. Problem is my husband of 30 years who has problems with money. Can you do a video on when your partner does not match what level you are?

[@SunnyKindJourney]

That is indeed an interesting idea. I discuss this partner thing in my latest video a bit but more from the minimalism pov. Hope my thoughts there can help you a bit at least for now 😊

[@seikkulansuvi]

I'm a mixture of 3 and 4 with an occasional lapse to 2. Would be nice to reach level 5. Wouldn't want to venture beyond that, though 😬

[@SunnyKindJourney]

Yeah me neither, even though sometimes I do recognize I am being overly frugal 😄 Keep it up! 🌿

[@iffie]

I like the levels and also your channel is great. Unfortunately it is very difficult dependent on each individual different lifestyle on what they need and what they see as waste. I just started fitness again so buying proteine/creatine every month at Amazon has become standards again as expense. I do not want to buy it but still do it, but is that bad not frugal, should I eat salmon instead. It all depends on the mindset how you want it. Discipline to skip the advantages it brings, is difficult. 😅

[@SunnyKindJourney]

Yeah it's sometimes hard to know what we actually need and what we don't. I always think health is something I'm ready to invest in and I don't want to compromise that to save money

[@FarranCyr]

I am just beginning my intentional living, decluttering, and minimalism journey and I would say I am somewhere between levels 2 and 3. I grew up upper middle class, but, as a grown up, I am most definitely not middle class. There are a lot of habits I need to learn and many more that I need to unlearn, but this video does leave me feeling hopeful though. I feel like I am reasonably on the right track to improve my financial habits over time, which is a realistic goal for now

[@MarahVolk]

I’m wishing you good luck on your journey! 🙋🏻‍♀️🙂🤩

[@Carole616]

I am Level 5 and it feels just right. For ecological reasons I do not support commerce anymore than necessary.

[@MightyBearKing]

I wuold love to have mindset at level 5. Mindset at level6 is causing me some anxiety, and I would like to allow myself to use money little more freely. But I feel too much financial insecurity to do that (and absolutely no real reason).

[@Naomi-zd3pk]

I’m at a level 4... I was perhaps t level 3 a few years ago, but I realise I was wasting money on pointless things that in the end, wont benefit me and just clutter my house. Since stopping spending money on pointless stuff, I’ve felt a lot more mental clarity and my house looks way better! Thank you for another wonderful video ❤

[@SunnyKindJourney]

That's great! Well done 😊👏 And thanks for watching!

[@Florencial_Reader]

I am level 3, but heading towards level 4.

[@Con-Pin-]

I do not know which level I would be at, all I know is: 1. I only own the items necessary for optimal health and required for work and improving myself 2. I save about 27% of my income 3. Everything I buy is on the higher end with the logic of "$300 jacket that lasts 10 years > $100 jacket that lasts 2 year, because $300 : 10 = $30 and $100 : 2 = $50" 4. don't spend on temporary enjoyment, no going to theme parks or zoo, instead go walk in a forest probably a mixture, but I don't know if I would put myself any higher than level 4 Great video as always

[@SunnyKindJourney]

I think you're doing very well! Those habits sound financially really healthy, and well thought of 🌱😊

[@carnivorecaveman]

Well, I don't know what to say about this video, Seve, I only recently found your channel, I subscribed, but forgive me, I would categorize minimalists differently. (I also wrote a book about minimalism in my native language, Hungarian). Your video is really good for humor, and I admit that there DO are some people who belong to the listed groups, but it is certain that at least I cannot classify myself in any of them. Which one do you think I belong to, based on the following characteristics? Here it is: -I'm 59 years old, I switched to minimalism about 4 years ago, and since then I've "transformed" myself into a Stoic philosopher too, and wrote a book about it. -I live in only 14 square meters, including the bathroom. -I have no TV, phone, bed, chair, table. And I've been sleeping on a hard surface for about 26 years now, starting long before I became a minimalist. -I do not consume any artificially produced food, I do not drink alcohol or sweet soft drinks, I follow the raw carnivore diet, i.e. I almost always eat meat and offal raw. I also eat certain insects, also raw. -I swallow live earthworms without batting an eye, because my hobby is "survival in extreme conditions". -Despite the fact that I live on 14 square meters only, I consider the number of my things to be too huge, and I try to fit everything I have into just one large military backpack. I'm not there yet, but I'm getting closer to the goal, because at least in 3 backpacks - a large 100-liter, a medium-sized 52-liter, and a 20-liter - can fit everything I consider REALLY important, which 3 bags can be taken by me anywhere even with some difficulties, and I wouldn't regret it the things that stay here in my room. -I have so much savings that even if all my income stopped, I would be able to last for at least 10 years, at my current standard of living. -I don't smoke, I don't socialize, but not because I'm stingy, but because I'm not interested in social events. I find my joy in creation, so far I have written 66 great novels, many short stories, numerous computer technology books and philosophical works. I consider myself a "mundane hermit". My 2 main slogans: "You'll never live this day again, so make it count!", and: "Today I learn what others won't, so tomorrow I can do what others can't!" -My plan is to quit my job in a few years and live off-grid, without electricity, far from civilization. -I don't find it burdensome to live like this. There is no question that I dare not spend on what I consider really important. For example, my tent, which I keep in the big backpack, cost almost 2000 dollars, it is a world brand. All three of my backpacks are top quality, the largest one was $470, now it costs well over $500. So if I consider something USEFUL, for example it has to be durable, I am ready to pay the high price. Despite this, I have many things that no one would pay a single cent for because they are not beautiful, not ergonomic, etc., because I MADE them MYSELF, and I ENJOY the creation, the self-made items, I enjoy being as independent as possible, if I don't need other people, civilization, large distribution networks like stores, the Internet, electricity, gas providers, banks, etc. I know that the complete independence I desire is an unattainable dream, but I try to approach it as thoroughly as possible. For example, I wove my belt from paracord myself. I also made a leather belt bag myself. It's ugly, but it's durable and I'm proud of it. I know how to make tools from stone or bones. From many aspects, the cavemen are my role models. -I am also independent in terms of my entertainment, because, for example, I learned to whistle tunes and even Mongolian throat singing. Well, which group do you think I belong to?

[@jeanmariemclain2836]

If I were you I wouldn’t be concerned about your level of frugality on this chart. These levels seem to be for normal people, and your description is of a life that is not normal. What you describe is quite extreme and defies categorization. In English we say, “You can’t put a square peg in a round hole.” You, my friend, are a square peg and this chart has only round holes. He is not speaking to you. Don’t agonize about your place on the chart. Best wishes to you on your adventures.

[@carnivorecaveman]

@@jeanmariemclain2836 My dear friend, I am fully aware that I am not an average person, and it is even questionable whether I am "normal" in the strict sense of the word. But I never ever even wanted to be either "Average John" or "normal" so to speak. On the one hand, because it is too boring, on the other hand, it is also too stressful. When I was younger, and even during my middle age, I sometimes tried to conform, to be a "good parent", "good husband", "honest worker" and so on, so I tried to "fit in" so to speak with "society" and some communities, but it always turned out to be the result was that, no matter how hard I tried, I didn't get any recognition or praise for it, but they always only criticized me and made new and new requirements for me to adapt even in this and in that... I've had enough of it! Now, in my old age, I finally realized that my REAL desire, the biggest and most important thing I want in life, is the MOST PERFECT INDEPENDENCE! I don't want to fit in anywhere anymore. I don't want to adapt to anyone or anything. At least I try to reduce the need for this to the smallest imaginable, infinitesimally small minimum. So I consciously decided some time ago that if I have the opportunity to achieve GREATER independence at the price of giving up even a SIGNIFICANT amount of my comfort and standard of living, I will choose greater independence without hesitation! Yes, in exchange for significant independence, we have to significantly reduce our needs and comfort, I admit. I chose this quite consciously, because I think it's worth it to ME. I also admit that this lifestyle is not for everyone. For example, I doubt that I would find a woman who would be my partner, who would tolerate this lifestyle, but I am also of the opinion that there is nothing wrong with this, I have already had two marriages, neither of which really worked out, now I see in retrospect that it was a mistake to get married (especially twice...), so marriage also causes DEPENDENCE, unnecessary attachment, and diminishes my desired independence, so it's better to avoid it. In fact, if I were religious, I'd say I must have been some kind of Tibetan hermit in my previous life, with that attitude... Either way, I can assure you, no one needs to feel sorry for me, because I am very happy this way, Far, far happier than in my previous decades! I wish I had been aware of my own tendencies earlier, I wish I had had more self-awareness earlier... But, well, better late than never...

[@adesso.laurenzo]

I'm really loving your content! Just recently found you. Thank you for your work! -Laurenzo in Ohio, USA

[@SunnyKindJourney]

Awesome! Thank you so much! ❤️😊

[@toothpaste_tm7323]

Delving into minimalism and simple living and not having very expensive hobbies makes it pretty easy to be at lvl 4 or 5, in probbaly at lvl 4 atm going to lvl 5 slowly. Lvl 7 sounds like a very unenjoyable life unless you are a monk or something

[@Hakumokuren]

Former shopaholic (level 1-2) and formerly unemployed (level 7). Now a mix of levels 4-6 while at a low-income level. I save 30% out of habit thanks to minimalism / essentialism and a partner to share expenses with. I only buy good quality, affordable, and durable replacements (especially on sale) for broken/worn things or things I will use at least once a week to improve my way of living.

[@SunnyKindJourney]

Very good! 🙌🙌 Your journey sounds so inspiring!

[@janapet483]

I'm somewhere between 4-5 and happy with that :)

[@SunnyKindJourney]

That's great! It's very important to know what you are satisfied with. Well done 😊

[@AdrienneSantiago-xf9tw]

In action I'm a frugal minimalist....but I'm not quite financially secure yet! Maybe living this way will get me there :)

[@SunnyKindJourney]

It may take time but I'm sure it will 🙌

[@trainerbeckyreid]

Fun video Seve! I’m a combo 4 and 5. Proud of my DIY skills, old but perfectly functional phone and car. Happy to buy used and travel with the savings. 😊

[@SunnyKindJourney]

Well done! 😊

[@martina.710]

Another well thought out video, thank you so much. Level 4-5 here but by no means financially independent.

[@haleycarolina85]

Oof, I just watched the minimalism video and loved it, but this one was actually hard to watch because I’m not as far along in my money journey. Level 2 and moving into Level 3 here. Level 5 sounds like a dream, but often seems out of reach with my unhealthy money mindset. These are such great videos, and I like the updates to presentation you did to this video as well. 🎉 Thank you for your humanity. ❤

[@SunnyKindJourney]

Thanks for watching and commenting! 😊

[@MarahVolk]

I think overall I’m in category 4. 🙂 My goal is to continue to work towards being in category 5. I feel like I’ve reached this stage to a certain degree. 😍 Thanks for making the video! I enjoyed both videos of this particular type.

[@Walking_w_Jesus]

Started at level 2 in July ~ now at level 4 striving for level 5 🙏😎

[@SunnyKindJourney]

That's fantastic! ✨✨

[@suzannebousquet2710]

I am a 5. It helps that I don't like to shop, grew up having to pinch pennies and am happy with what I have. I have a wonderful husband of 40 years and two happy and independent daughters that believe in experiences rather than things. We are very blessed!!

[@katkasvobodova7733]

I am not sure if you have taken into account that some, many acctually, people live frugal lives because it is a necessity not a choice. You talk about achieving financial independence by it. But what if you don't have a large enough income in the first place? Or you have some non-optional expences you have to pay that consume a significant portion of your income? I can tell you I am level 5 but I defenitely can't save 10% of my income. Although I wish!😂

[@shaynaangers5691]

I dont have much money and grew up this way so here in canada we can return our cans and plastic soda bottles for cash and youtube is a great teacher for household problems want something done you gotta do it yourself

[@shaynaangers5691]

Id say 3 or 4 im really good at making a budget but at the end of the month dont have much left

[@SunnyKindJourney]

We return those here in Finland as well! I mean it's nobody's main source of income (maybe a few exceptions here and there though) but it's a really good system to help the environment and get some money from doing a good deed 😊 Good luck for your journey!

[@VitalBigras]

My furniture are just fine 😅 I don’t see why I would throw them away …

[@BlackRose-ov7js]

I think I am stuck between the third and fourth levels currently,😅 but I am trying to reach the fifth level in the future

[@SunnyKindJourney]

Little by little 😊

[@pamelaflickinger2160]

I am at level 5 TheFrugal Minimalist. This was a very, very good video.

[@jademint-z4g]

I am 30 percent level-2 and 70 percent level-3

[@mariahsmom9457]

4-5. Striving for a solid 5.

[@jademint-z4g]

I am 30 perent level-2 and 70 percent level-3

[@jademint-z4g]

I am 30 perent level-2 and 70 percent level-3

[@doloresofcourse]

I'm a solid 4. You really nailed that description!

[@SunnyKindJourney]

Thank you! 🙌😊

[@prakharagarwal8775]

Level 5 i am in

[@sarinasuisse6933]

Cool video😊

[@OberschlumpfNr1]

Level 2 was absolutely perfect... I identified with the first point and hoped, that the rest wouldn't fit, but it was so accurate... Actually upset me a little, that it was that accurate to my current spending habits

[@SunnyKindJourney]

There so many ways you can improve the situation. I'm glad you now have the awareness 😊

[@smegge100]

Hello everybody! I would like to recommend YT channel 'Minority mindset' It has helped me to move from a 3 to somewhere between a 4 and a 5. I love your channel Seve, thank you very much. 🙏

[@SunnyKindJourney]

Thank you! 😊

[@susanbernier9399]

I don’t think I like where I am…. 😂 definitely will be listening again.

[@SunnyKindJourney]

Haha, hope my videos can help you in that case 😊

[@padmeasmr]

I'm a 4 but I used to be a 6 and then 5 in some periods, but tbh I wasn't really earning much money as a student, so even 10 euro felt like a lot to me and thus I was reluctant to pay for stuff, especially stuff that dont last like food. Now on the contrary sometimes I feel like I could be going on a 3 level when I feel very stressed and sad.

[@aspinaki]

Level 7 is called a "Miser". I had one Miser so-called friend, who even never spend a penny to call me from his end.

[@ashikmahamud4640]

I am at level 3 currently and my goal is level 5

[@SunnyKindJourney]

You got this! 🙌

[@millie8947]

Great video!

[@SunnyKindJourney]

Thank you! 😊

[@rossedwardmiller]

I’m at level 4, which feels like it was a natural part of growing up; but level 5 feels very far away, like I would/will really have to buckle down and change my worldview dramatically in order to achieve. Wish me luck!

[@SunnyKindJourney]

Thanks for sharing! Little by little, don't go too overboard. Good luck 🌿

[@flohough1870]

I'm a mix of 4 and 5. I enjoy shopping sometimes, but I'm also in a good place financially now because of being cautious. If I think about going shopping, I ask myself the question "is there anything I REALLY need?" If it's a no, then I don't go.

[@SunnyKindJourney]

That's a great habit to have! 🙌

[@ElowenFaye]

This is an interesting topic! I recognise an analogy to eating disorders. Levels 1 and 2 (and to some extent level 3) are similar to binge eating disorder or bulimia, where impulsive consumption is intended to give a quick dopamine kick or fill an inner void. Levels 6 and 7, on the other hand, are more like anorexia. Needs are completely denied, restriction gives a feeling of power and control. What both extremes have in common is that an internal (emotional) regulation is attempted via an external medium (in this case money) - which is an endeavour doomed to failure. For me, a desirable goal is to keep money out of such ‘internal affairs’ and to see it for what it is: a tool to enable me to do the things that are important to me (which for me means: experiences > stuff). This implies that the conscious handling of money is preceded by an awareness of what is important to me in the first place.

[@SunnyKindJourney]

Wow, this is a great comment! I really appreciate the analogy to eating disorders. You're absolutely right that whether it's money or food, trying to fill internal voids or gain control externally often leads to a cycle of dissatisfaction. Thanks for the comment! 🙌

[@donnahogan2999]

❤

[@SunnyKindJourney]

❤️❤️

[@Luminous_leaf3]

I'd say i'm at level 4, going towards level 5 🙂 It kind of suprises me how I changed my spending habits so quickly though. I used to be at level 2 not even a year ago 😅

[@SunnyKindJourney]

That's excellent progress! 🙌🙌

[@madbrainmakesnosense8229]

I would have never called my Lifestyle frugal but from your list im a solid 4 with big tendency to 5. The only goal is to extend the feeling of Freedom and quiet of mind that comes with These habits . Hopefully i will Never end on a higher Level😅

[@SunnyKindJourney]

I'm happy this gave you some new ideas and perspectives then! 😊 Thanks for watching!

[@juliequick5526]

As an older person it took me some time to go through the steps, but i am 5/6 and do have to encourage myself to spend at times! No rainy day saving now, just for holidays/planned purchases.

[@SunnyKindJourney]

Great! 🙌🙌

[@annesmith1535]

Another wonderful video, thank you - 4 to 5 but sometimes 3 😁

[@SunnyKindJourney]

Great job! 🙌

[@shawnlowery6246]

Great realistic info. Thanks.

[@SunnyKindJourney]

Thanks for watching! 😊

[@SimplyKatieWalks]

3. Definitely 3.

[@SunnyKindJourney]

🙌🙌

[@pamelalyon3264]

I'm between 3 and 4

[@SunnyKindJourney]

🙌🙌

[@telmojuliao]

Me too. I started the journey to move up from 3 to 4 in the beginning of this year but is a work in progress. I hope I have it all settled by next year.

[@robvlogx4673]

It's hard to be frugal when you are in an asian country and you are the eldest child, a lot of things should be handled, and your parents just work without any salary because of debt 🥲