Why I'm So Frugal

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I’m about to be 33 years old and I still drive the car my wife got when she graduated highschool… The AC and Heat both work, it gets me where I need to go and the best part, no payment.
Now can I afford a nicer car? Yes, but I don’t really need it.
I choose to live a frugal lifestyle and that is just 1 of the many examples in how I do so.
But today, I want to talk about some of the reasons why I chose to live like this and why I am so frugal.
Some of my favorite things to do in life are spend time with my wife and kids. My favorite part of the day is waking up, having coffee, and talking about what the day has in store for all of us.
I also enjoy working out, going on a run, and enjoying new experiences with my family.
One of the main ways I am able to enjoy all of this is because I choose not to live an expensive lifestyle.
Bc think about it, if I spend more, then I have to earn more, and if I have to earn more then I have to work more… Which in return, takes away my time of doing the things that I truly enjoy.
Ultimately, this comes down to freedom and I can get to freedom much faster living a frugal lifestyle
Now that may mean, I don’t get as much stuff in life, for example, like the fact that I am still driving my wife’s car from high school. But I don’t need new stuff. It doesn’t make me happy. Now it may bring some short-term happiness but it never lasts long.
For example, you know when you go get a new car. It’s exciting, right? But what does it feel like after owning that car for about 1 year? It’s not as exciting anymore. If you have kids, the new car feel and smell is definitely gone haha. It ends up turning into just a regular old car again.
I like to choose to spend my money on things that will bring me happiness on repeat.
One thing my wife and I both agreed on is that we would spend money on experiences over material items.
Did you know that 73% of Americans rank their finances as the No. 1 stress in life. The shocking part is if we break this down to different generations, us younger generations are even more stressed about our finances with around 81% to 82% of Gen Z and millennials stating that finances are their number 1 stress in life.
I absolutely hate seeing this and the problem is, in the current times we are living in, it makes it even harder to get caught up financially.
That statistic is one of the main reasons why I am so frugal.
Stress free finances.
Living a frugal lifestyle means I don’t have many bills.
When I don’t have many bills, I don’t have to earn as much and since I don’t have to earn as much, I don’t have to work as much.
There is one word I have brough up in this video a lot already and that is Freedom. Freedom is what we all strive for, its what we all want. The ability to wake up every day and have a choice of wanting to go to work or say eh f*@k it not working today is the ultimate dream.
Frugal living helped me get closer to that freedom bc the more money I saved, the more money I could put into investments.
My biggest goal right now is building up my taxable brokerage account to over $1 million as well as adding 3 more rental properties to my portfolio. I can accelerate this by being frugal. With thoughtful spending and tracking where my money goes, that gives me more money to put towards investments which in return will ultimately buy me even more freedom down the road and also help fund what my wife and I enjoy most… travel.
One big tip I have for most of you out there if you are thinking about making a change to a frugal lifestyle is you have to stop worrying about what other people think of you.
Don’t keep up with the jones.
Understand your goal and the reasoning why you are doing what you do.
Don’t get caught in the hamster wheel.
I want to make sure I am prepared incase all goes to crap
If the worst happen and my main source of income dries up, I will be ok.
Bc I saved money, I invested, I have minimal spending I need to keep up with.
It is all about compromise. You don’t always get your cake and get to eat it too. Life is about compromise. I choose to spend money on going out to eat and traveling bc that is what we love to do.
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DISCLOSURE: I am not a finanical advisor. I am sharing my personal opinion on all topics dicussed in my videos. Please seek professional advice when needed.

[@jjbuckner]

If I Started Investing Today, I Would Do THIS: kzbin.info/www/bejne/d2qXk59_Yt6fnK8

[@CAGChannel1]

Just a note from an old lady mom of eight - remembered “ experiences” won’t be what you think. My kid’s precious memories would greatly surprise you - the 3am bowl of cheerios with a sibling, the jumping on the bed dance praying it’s a snow day, on and on with super simple, very precious memories that they return to. Planned experiences rarely come up, mostly they remember the chaos of getting somewhere or the ugggggg of packing and unpacking and the “ horrors” as one of my kids says of planes. Oh, and they will laugh and rib you in 30 years for the “ darn it, turn the lights off!.” :) I once had a super important phone call when they were all semi- little and I went into a closet and still couldn’t get the call done , so I said “ mommy has to do this for five minutes. I don’t want any interruptions unless there is a true problem” my kid said, “ like what,” and I exasperatedly said “ someone is bleeding or on fire.” I have not heard the end of that for over a 1/4 century. It’s a family joke to this day. You will be surprised by what becomes precious experiences or memories.

[@auntiali9344]

My kids would wear their pajamas inside out in hope of a snow day. I taught them so well to turn the lights out that they are ingrained and still do it to this day in their 30's.

[@DaveM-FFB]

This retiree has concluded that virtually all "useful stuff" ultimately becomes obsolete or breaks down, with the remainder being consumed. The more stuff you accumulate, the bigger the liability. Certainly electronics, but also appliances, vehicles, housing, soft goods like clothing and decor, etc. Acquire as little as necessary to live a fulfilling life.

[@jjbuckner]

You could not have said it any better.

[@commonsenseisntcommon1776]

I have a garage and basement full of crap I dont even use.

[@stephenw.9647]

i agree, good advice

[@Bigboss-xe6lm]

Wealth consists not in having great possessions, but in having few wants. --Epictetus

[@jrcrash4644]

What? I can't live without my bread maker machine.

[@voodoodrug]

Started living the frugal life style 15 years ago. My highlights are just as you say. Some times I just stop and relax gratefull Now I don’t have to work. Yeah must have nice Harley’s . One of my biggest moves you seemed to miss, real estate hack…. Saved a million. Downsized the house and my wife and I got extremely introverted ladies to live with us and pay every bill including food plus the chores. Wow game changer and it’s easy with the internet. Technically we’re “sharing” expenses . Another ground braking move was having a baby momma , avoided all the bs and raised my awesome kids with pease and max benefits😎 These two maneuvers in life are stupid easy and nothing short of a miracle. As long as you don’t care what others think

[@jjbuckner]

You got it figured out!! Love this!!

[@ljrockstar69]

At a certain age, material things don't matter. I used to buy a lot of clothes, but now I downsize my closet and dress simple.

[@yasminogbu8929]

Me too! I was majorly into my clothes and designers. Since trying to pay off my mortgage it’s honestly been a waste of cash spending money on things that have no long term investments

[@HenryKatty]

I would be retiring or working less in 5 years, and I'm curious to know best how people split their pay, how much of it goes into savings, spendings or investments, I earn around $250K per year but nothing to show for it yet.

[@bonner-qv3mi]

predicting short-term market movements is extremely difficult in reality. It also essentially requires the investor to be right twice: they must perfectly time both their entrance to and exit from the market.

[@rapp-in1mz]

That is exactly the reason I stopped taking advise from KZbinrs; in the long run, I only end up with a jumbled collection of stocks and bonds. Whereas all I needed to earn over $350k in less than two years was guidance from a true market expert.

[@HenryKatty]

I hope you don't mind if I ask you recommend this particular professional you use their service? I have quite a lots of difficulty sorting myself out in this downtime.

[@bonner-qv3mi]

"Angela Lynn Schilling" is the licensed advisor I use. Just research the name. You’d find necessary details to work with to set up an appointment.!!

[@HenryKatty]

I looked up her name online and found her page. I emailed and made an appointment to talk with her. Thanks for the tip!!

[@MsHtc2011]

Hebrews[13:5] Don’t love money; be satisfied with what you have. For God has said: “I will never fail you. I will never abandon you.” [6] So we can say with confidence, “The LORD is my helper, so I will have no fear. What can mere people do to me?”

[@user-zy2hd8lc1x]

💯 That is what life is all about. Thinking way ahead financially living on less than half your take home and not having to work to many hours. We started our debt free lifestyle in 2010 and it was a game changer. Nice to see someone so young thinking that far ahead about family and finances. JJ your kids are watching and will follow in your footsteps and pass it on. Generational wealth is being created. Good luck to you and your family. Have a great day 😊

[@dixonshaun]

A couple of great aphorisms you pointed out here are "take care of the little things, and the big things will take care of themselves" and of course "penny wise, pound stupid".

[@ghgilland]

In far fewer words, we do the exact same thing. Grew up poor and now have an incredible life of enjoyment. At the same time, we can also be generous. Fancy items aren't even real assets in many cases. In general, the more stuff you own, the more you have to maintain.

[@GiveAbundance]

I think you are spot on living in a lower cost area and occasionally taking a cheap flight to Florida when you and the family need a vacation. We take our kids on vacation, and I will cherish those memories forever. I would rather have the memories than a corvette in the garage.

[@jjbuckner]

Also makes you enjoy it more as well. It’s funny how easy we take things for granted when we see it everyday.

[@MichaelJosephJr934]

You're lucky your wife is on board with the plan. I sold my wife so I could spend less.

[@jjbuckner]

🤣🤣🤣

[@manasseh7]

😂😂😂

[@stephenw.9647]

that's how re-gifting started

[@kzen848]

Pretty sure that new car smell is toxic. No joke.

[@jjbuckner]

🤣🤣

[@popaoomowmow]

What's funny about that?

[@drewdobbins8178]

I needed to be reminded of this. Thanks JJ!

[@jjbuckner]

We all need the reminder every now and then! Myself included! Thanks for watching

[@kwokweng76]

i love this video JJ

[@alanhill2508]

I'm 69 years old. I have to say first, what happened to us that what was once common understanding now has to be instructed? Consumer culture has turned us into automatons. Growing up, my father incurred zero debt except for a home mortgage, which he paid off in the stipulated 30 years. He used to tell us, " If you don't have the money (and he'd mime cash in his pocket), you can't afford it." Simple. Live within your means. Nowadays, we're conditioned by advertising to never even consider what our means are! I drive a 16 year old Corolla. I've always kept up the routine maintenance and the car runs fine. Doesn't look impressive, but it's paid for. I pay my credit cards off in full every month. I buy used over new when possible. I dine out once in a blue moon. I was blessed to inherit a house that I was able to sell in a seller's market and buy my current home for cash. No mortgage. Am I fortunate? You bet! But I'm also frugal. Bless you, Mr. Buckner for making this channel. And kudos to you for having the sense to get out of Florida and move to a place that's more economical. Home owner's insurance in Florida has become impossible. I left Florida in 2021, and it was one of the smartest decisions of my life.

[@time2eat850]

FREEDOM = WEALTH 💪😎

[@kellybarrington9057]

We also left FL to move to MO a few years ago. We bought a house on the internet w/o seeing it. We had friends in MO and they looked at the house and told us what they thought. We bought it.

[@dailytheology1689]

Great job on the video.

[@jjbuckner]

Thanks for watching!

[@jenniferselespara1327]

Having a coffee at home staying home with my son priceless!!!

[@johnchan9392]

A great reminder or first time getting into the frugal lifestyle. Thanks JJ. 👍 A simpler lifestyle brings less stress and headaches, not to mention clutterness.

[@BrianK-zz4fk]

The last part is key focus on the big items first rather that saving 25 cents a can on food. Be careful on the rental properties though as the amount you can rent them for is not profitable in many areas.

[@brettwalsh2847]

Spend time , not money although it is easier said than done especially since I live in Vancouver Canada and it is absolutely crushing to live here financially, but my family loves here or else I would leave in a blink. I try to remember that They are just things and people want to own things. The things end up owning them and you have a very quality mindset.

[@jjbuckner]

Canada is crazy right now! Some of the stories I hear from my neighbors up north are crazy!

[@langdonbarnes]

Great video! Delayed gratification and choosing what brings you joy come to mind from this

[@jjbuckner]

Thanks brother! So true!

[@nicolcacola]

This video is a red-pill antidote. Love it.

[@jjbuckner]

🫡

[@susanlewis1953]

Love your mindset - prioritises the right things. Enjoy watching the videos, Sue 😊

[@jjbuckner]

Thanks so much for watching Sue! Glad you are enjoying the content!

[@Jayvazquez15]

One thing I’m working on paying off is the family SUV I financed about 3 years ago which I’m almost done paying and can’t wait to invest some of that extra money then in SCHD!!! Nice video!!!

[@jjbuckner]

Let’s go!! Once that car is paid off, that’s a whole new pay raise!

[@richardpvancouver7520]

Im frugal with everything but cars .Cars are my passion .I taught myself mechanics and buy cheap classics and fix up .like he says its all a choice .no fancy trips ,cook my own food etc

[@tonydouglas863]

Did your employment move with you ? I'm just curious, because I think that could be a contributing factor for a lot of people. Great video. Excellent points. Especially regarding quality of life!

[@jjbuckner]

Wife did a travel nursing assignment down here and we loved it. The hospital she worked at gave her a full time position. Appreciate the kind words!

[@AnnCashes]

Love Missouri and you can visit Florida anytime!!

[@1983Macgyver]

Hi. Great videos. Just found your Chanel today. I am a bit like you. Live frugal, earn good, morgage free om my house, driving and old Prius and walking around in cheap clothes from H&M. I am 40. Did buy a 2 flat rental property last year for 500 000 USD but I only have about 340 000USD in morgage on that. I am also a engineer and am able to fix about anything my self for low cost.

[@lexide9432]

Had 2 drop a like after he said he enjoys winning fortnite games with his son. Gaming can be a good way to pass time on a frugal budget. Fortnite is entirely free to play as well.

[@sebastianoteri7912]

Nice video JJ I agree 100%. Thoughts on the SCHD reconstitution seems like you just can’t get away from Dicks Sporting now added in lol

[@jjbuckner]

Right?! I saw that, not a fan lol. Also not a fan of them removing AVGO.

[@user-tv6bh3bp2d]

Missouri is a hidden gem.

[@deersakamoto2167]

Frugal people who are skeptical about the "buy experience not things" narrative (a very common view on KZbin) should read a New Yorker piece called "The Case Against Travel" by Agnes Callard (philosopher).

[@texastourist1161]

I hate to disagree, but I don’t travel much because it’s too expensive. My parents and grandparents generation could never have imagined the type of life you aspire to i do agree with frugality, budget, goals etc. but yours is probably the 1st generation ever in history with the expectation of having enough money to travel the world for ‘experiences’. My advice is to Be happy where you are with your family and friends and faith. Anyway, That’s my 2 cents…

[@BassamIesa]

I agree 100%

[@jjbuckner]

🤝

[@Sparkyzachchannel.]

The only thing you get a break on in Florida is no state income taxes

[@cur244]

Yup there are so many other expenses a lot of people don't consider. The insurance is absolutely ridiculous.

[@Xairos84]

Missouri is a gorgeous state

[@Sparkyzachchannel.]

Agreed Kansas City was so nice when I went there and Branson was

[@gonzaloespinoza5258]

Great Points JJ trying to pay off debt is hard but rewarding. Also..Do you recommend creating a youtube channel in 2024?

[@aquahero]

I was thinking about buying a new car, but JJs comments on how long the new car feel lasts was like a gut punch. So true. Oh well, Toyota's loss is my gain. 😁😁

[@auntiali9344]

You sound like me 32 years ago. Hubs just retired and we are living our best lives. We have a healthy investments as well as his pension and our social security. I became frugal 32 years ago to stay home with my kids. We were still able to send the two kids to camp for a week in the summer, go on vacations and have fun in our backyard and our free county parks. I took hand me downs for the kids and hand me downs for furniture.

[@commonsenseisntcommon1776]

I live in Missouri currently, my property taxes went up, we pay personal property taxes here and State income tax too......are you sure we're cheaper? What City will you be moving to?

[@jjbuckner]

Born and raised in MO. 100% cheaper lol

[@yourwisecousinjoe8841]

FL has no income tax.

[@joseph10704]

I drive a 2020 Toyota Corolla SE I love it I paid it off last year.I will be driving it till I can not anymore.The goals in my life is to live a life style in a budget and save in my Roth IRA max it out each year 7000 every year and invest in the brokerage .also goals I have is to buy a condo or coop.I would settle for a study coop.Thats how small of a life style I want to live and enjoy.I dont have kids I dont have a wife.IM 34 years of age.And to be fair I dont see myself being married or having kids.and im ok with this if it happens ok cool But im not hunting for it.

[@coreytaylor1673]

As a dad of 3, turning lights off is a part time job for me.😆😆

[@jjbuckner]

You get it! Lol

[@brianhall2525]

FACTS!

[@KathyJacksonSanDiegoRealEstate]

Is that Cowels Mountain in the walking scene?

[@davinci05131979]

I'm sitting here laughing at my self thinking "This sounds like Graham without the yelling!" then you pull his picture up! LOL...seriously why is his mic always so loud.

[@jjbuckner]

Haha all love for Graham. He's the GOAT.

[@ROCKETS2965]

Rich people that grew up poor can spot other rich people that grew up poor.... I see you, bro. 🤣

[@jjbuckner]

🤣🤣🫡

[@ryanvboy]

Whats the car youre driving?

[@helloharry1418]

Looks like a pontiac g6 a little bit But i dunno for sure

[@jjbuckner]

Pontiac G6!

[@commonsenseisntcommon1776]

A new car smells like payments!

[@afriend621]

I wonder if I really want to be a frugal person. The frugal people I know do not help their families when they need help. Just wondering if I really want to give so much space in my mind to frugality.

[@beaulieuc8910]

I don't want kids or a car. I want to spend the money on me and my hobbies. A car is dead money. We have plenty of public transort, cycle lanes and it is fairly easy to walk to interesting places. People assume everyone can drive a car, but sometimes due to illness they have to get rid of the car, so learning to live without a car is useful. Renting out properties means even more people cannot afford a home as rental prices are so high and houses are being used for rent only, it makes homelessness worse.

[@DiFinni]

Yeah, no reason to get a new car, and especially every few years. Save and invest, you will thank yourself when you're older. Sure, do things, enjoy life, but blowing money on things you only want and don't really need is a total waste of money. Good luck everyone.

[@keeperzero]

I stopped using toilet paper

[@tinanolan1485]

Great content. Im in England and when the Covid shit show first started I threw everything at the house to be debt free - paid off ten years early. No regrets. Living frugally, paying myself first but still visited Maldives, Spain twice and Egypt in the last year have all been possible.

[@jjbuckner]

This is what we call the dream life! You figured it out my friend!

[@AddissiddA]

That is not frugal. I am responsible spender like you.

[@yourwisecousinjoe8841]

I really like my 10 years old car... 😅

[@DY-cq3qd]

Save money on tattoos?

[@kimberlythompson926]

omg Misery?

[@alanrohrer3794]

Get a bigger used car! Crash test ratings only rate against similar size vehicles so a car with a five star rating will still get destroyed by a two star rating SUV. Since you have kids, look to maximize your chances of survival in the unlikely event of an accident. Get a 2010 Highlander or something

[@MrPalaad]

good job young man

[@commonsenseisntcommon1776]

If you're married , it's not you, it's WE!

[@jjbuckner]

Agreed

[@slepwick01]

I'll drink soda out of my shoe if I have to.

[@jjbuckner]

😂

[@Sparkyzachchannel.]

Inflation is at 3 percent there gonna be no recession the stock market won’t hit 0 ever

[@johnmatthew7630]

The way in which inflation has been calculated over the years has changed. So, the reported number isn't necessarily trustworthy.

[@billyjohnson9166]

You couldn’t pay me to live in Mo. let’s go a step further you couldn’t pay me to live in the U S.

[@jjbuckner]

‘Merica 🇺🇸

[@commonsenseisntcommon1776]

You're just jealous, everyone else is jumping the Border to get here.

[@nomad6406]

We don't need you.

[@sirleroyale4412]

Guess wat kzbin.info/www/bejne/ppjTg6ifm8eZq5Ysi=_zj1R0VXYksF66WA

[@LarryDickman1]

I learned a long time ago 'not to drive your money.' All you need is a reliable point A to point B vehicle. My truck is 11 years old and has another 10 to go. BTW don't keep up with the Jones'. They are in more debt than you trying to be better than you.