Why I'm so Frugal

I often get asked why I go to so much effort to save money and why I'm so frugal. So here are the reasons why I buy nothing.
Some people might call me cheap. But adopting simple living and a minimalist lifestyle has led to financial freedom, a lifetime of adventures and the flexibility to work part-time. Find out more in this video!
#frugalliving #simpleliving #financialminimalism
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[@awarepenguin3376]

If broke people call me cheap, I know I'm going in the right direction.

[@UTP504]

😂, right.

[@bgreg6069]

If rich people call you cheap then what direction are U going?

[@valerierogers9609]

Be part of the mainstream and it'll drown you. Here's to the wee life 🥂

[@BandFamilyAdventures]

Totally! 🥂

[@mwebb3014]

This is great advice for couples who are on the same page with the same goals. I was just like you when I married. Sadly, my then husband was most definitely not. We never could align our goals and values. I shopped thrift stores for our kids and myself. He bought expensive brand name clothes. After 25 years, we divorced. We had no money. I am now married to my soulmate who shares my frugal mindset. We are financially comfortable and retired in our early 50’s. More than anything, aligning your financial goals and your desire for things is critical for a happy and successful relationship. No one ever talks about this to young people. Thank you for spreading this idea and your success living like this. It is so freeing and comforting to live frugally.

[@BandFamilyAdventures]

Thanks so much for sharing your experience. I have never given it much thought but myself and my husband definitely have aligned values when it comes to spending and what we consider important in life. I can imagine that’s very difficult to manage if your partner thinks differently. I’m happy to hear you have found your soulmate and are enjoying your frugal freeing life :-)

[@EcomCarl]

Your transformation through frugality is truly inspiring! It’s a powerful reminder that reducing our footprint can significantly enhance not just our financial freedom but also our life satisfaction. 🌿

[@BandFamilyAdventures]

Exactly - good for planet and good for us! Thank you 🙏

[@andrewminjiras5745]

I admire your frugality…I’m learning.

[@BandFamilyAdventures]

Thank you x

[@danielespinoza8614]

Love watching people who share the same ideals! It can get lonely when you decide to walk a different path than others, but this kind of content is a great way to end the day as a reminder that like minded people are out there... great content!

[@BandFamilyAdventures]

Thank you! It really can be a lonely space. It’s great to connect though and to know there are others who think the same way.

[@lynnettemurphy8243]

Its better to walk a lonely path, than share the space with folk who dont share your outlook and values. So, take the path less travelled. When youre not burdened by consumer debt and stuff, adventure awaits. And maybe crossing paths with like minded folk. 🥾☘️

[@kallistoindrani5689]

Give me my book collection instead of traveling every day. 😂

[@BandFamilyAdventures]

😂 now that’s a good use of money! Although I have to admit I just treat the local library as my personal book collection!

[@Iquey]

Freedom and Peace of mind is very important!!!

[@BandFamilyAdventures]

Can’t put a price on it! :)

[@SuzannesSimpleLiving]

Hi Bex & Gill, this is a brilliant video I have been frugal all my life, Life is about living and doing stuff and having adventures and that’s certainly what you’re doing 😃👍

[@BandFamilyAdventures]

It really is! Thank you ☺️

[@Pursuitofhealthwealthhappiness]

LOVE THIS! I am just up from you in Bristol and originally from Somerset! :D

[@BandFamilyAdventures]

Thank you! Nice to connect with a neighbour :) We lived in Bristol for a year before moving to Frome where we’re now based. Looking forward to taking a look at your videos! :)

[@ginnymiller5894]

2nd hand clothes are fine but shoes should be fitted for each child, or they could suffer later on.

[@BandFamilyAdventures]

We measure their feet first to make sure any shoes we get are the right fit - we’re also a big fan of bare feet shoes so they have more space :)

[@kimmcmahon9682]

So excited to see and hear about Your lifestyle. We could learn so much

[@BandFamilyAdventures]

Thanks so much ☺️

[@architect_abc]

Greetings from India! A very inspirational video for all those who are in the trap of consumerism (no offence to anyone). Since you yourself were a victim of falling into a trap of buying everything you see (irrespective of whether you need it or not), your experience about it and the transformation matters to all those who want to change. I would like to mention, in India, still a large part of the population believes in reusing and repurposing things which are used for daily household chores. This is sort of a cultural practice one could say. Although with the advent of free market and globalisation, many people, especially in cities who can afford brand new stuff each time, have fallen into this consumerism trap. But around 70% of the country's population still lives in villages and tier-2 and tier-3 towns and people there are very cautious about where they spend their money (basically they assess cost-effectiveness before purchasing). Unfortunately, many giant businesses are trying hard to convince the younger gullible generation to buy first hand and latest gadgets to make them feel socially relevant among their peers. Good wishes to you and your family. Stay frugal, stay happy!

[@BandFamilyAdventures]

Thank you so much for your kind words and for sharing your experience. It’s very interesting to hear what the mindset is in India and how consumerism is affecting great practices such as reusing items!

[@Change_O]

People hate it when they see themselves in others. I have an acquaintance (Lucy) that always puts a particular guy (Jack) down as he doesn't spend much on going out, for meals etc. But Jack works in public sector, environmental and is earning far less than Lucy, Lucy works in the private sector. Jack has two kids, is separated and drives a car. Lucy refuses to get a car due to the cost. Lucy uses supermarket basic washing up liquid and gets her clothes second hand. Names have been changed.

[@BandFamilyAdventures]

So true! And it’s really interesting that different people have different values when it comes to spending. I’m always trying to evaluate different areas in our life where we spend more money and question if it’s really what do you want to be putting in our fans towards. Thanks for sharing!

[@bgreg6069]

Buy what makes you happy !

[@AbidaS0301]

Thank you sweetie ❤for sharing .don't worry 😟 qhat pepole say 🎉.home sweet home great 👍 frugal simple life 😊❤❤❤❤

[@BandFamilyAdventures]

Thank you so much 😊

[@brianfallon2607]

5:01 Thank you for introducing my daughter to your world (trans Norway and the INT).

[@BandFamilyAdventures]

Thank you for producing one of my absolute fav ppl! ☺️

[@teresitap5778]

What a wonderful story! I've been leaning towards this direction for some time. Love to you & your lovely family!

[@BandFamilyAdventures]

What a kind message. Thank you! We wish you good luck on your journey - it’s a big transition but so worth it! :)

[@99debris]

Genuine question. You are British, as am I, so why is everything in dollars? Other youtubers do this too and its so grrrrrr lol

[@BandFamilyAdventures]

I tend to provide USD figures as the majority of my audience are from the States :)

[@lisag9493]

Wow, what an amazing life you already have lived, good on you both for finding an alternative lifestyle away from consumerism, kinder on the planet too, I’m not one for hair, nails handbags and latest fashions, I have 2 allotments, retired early from 39 years of nursing, sold my car and use my bicycle and trailer for local journeys, my husband has an old Yaris that I sometimes use for big supermarket shopping and visiting, I have recently treated myself to a new Fitbit watch to track my activity and make sure I do 10k steps every day, Best wishes, Lisa

[@BandFamilyAdventures]

Thanks so much Lisa. It sounds like you’ve also cracked the secret to life - that sometimes less really is more ☺️

[@noralaughlin9798]

Would love to see a home tour if you’re comfortable!

[@BandFamilyAdventures]

Thanks for the suggestion. I’ll add it to future potential videos! I definitely think ppl would be especially surprised by how few toys and items our children have :)

[@sanctuarydelete6-6-6]

a dollar saved is a dollar wasted

[@BandFamilyAdventures]

I think there’s a balance with saving for security and spending. We do spend a lot of- but in experiences and not things.

[@os-qt1hc]

I think it is common sense not to be consumeristic and save money. However, many people cannot even afford to live a consumeristic lifestyle. You can be as frugal as you want, but if you live alone with a net salary of €1000/month, it is impossible to save more than 200-300€/month, even if you do not buy anything you want, only the essentials.

[@bser3973]

Ignorant people think , Ignorant things.If they have everything, there up to there ass in debt.

[@I_am_dovakin]

You are not being cheap. But I can tell you there are many who confuse wealth with dept. There are many people whom are so poor they only have things, but have very little to live for.

[@Thesignarizzler123]

What a brilliant story of your life. Inspiring ❤xx

[@BandFamilyAdventures]

Thank you so much! 🙏

[@mrstrawberry2628]

May all your wishes come true in your heart feeling soul.

[@myaccount9498]

Thank you for showing us some of Israel

[@BandFamilyAdventures]

🙏

[@CNT40868]

2nd hand..half or less. In price....why not!

[@bgreg6069]

Buy what multiple your resources !

[@msme2400]

Reusable USED diapers? Hmmm, too far. If you can afford new diapers, then..

[@BandFamilyAdventures]

Why? They’re perfectly clean and were barely used. Logically and practically it makes no difference new or used in good condition.

[@extrememinimalism]

I am an extreme minimalist, so not exactly frugal or environmental though I guess both are a by product of being an EM, but owning a lot less than the norm.

[@BandFamilyAdventures]

I’m leaning more into extreme minimalism - it’s something that really interests me. And you are right that they are all connected and buy products of each other. So win-win for us and the planet!

[@nikkir1664]

My friends call me cheap. While I don't think I'm cheap - I spend on necessities only and with the rest of the money....I buy my freedom & time. Decided to give myself a break from the 9-to-five and haven't worked for about 8 months now. Money is freedom and independence, why exchange it for stuff??

[@BandFamilyAdventures]

So nice to hear there are others out there with the same mindset! Well done for making the transition. I’d choose cheap any day if it gave me more time and freedom…no brainer :)

[@alexpfarl307]

The same here in Austria 😊 some friends are jealous that I work a 9 hour week....... But think that I am cheap because I live on 750 euro a month 😅😅😅😅😅😅..... Greetings, Alexandra

[@BandFamilyAdventures]

Great to know there are others who have the same outlook on life. Time and health really are the most valuable things we have! :)

[@lindsay3793]

How can you work part time and still afford food, healthcare, transportation, and rent? It doesn't add up. In America you can work overtime and still be homeless because it doesn't afford you rent, food, and transportation to and from work.

[@BandFamilyAdventures]

It’s a good question - we weren’t always able to afford this lifestyle but we worked hard alongside our 9 to 5 jobs to build side hustles which have grown and now become our main jobs. We moved out of the city so life is cheaper. And we are very frugal with our spending. We’ve also made our passion (adventuring) our careers so we effectively get paid to do things we’d normally pay to do (ie, camping, travelling, trying outdoor gear). This has a big impact on keeping our costs low. I’ll make a video explaining this all more!

[@Michelle_Emm]

If they're in the UK they have the NHS and don't need to pay for health insurance.

[@lindsay3793]

@@Michelle_Emm Regardless of the healthcare alone, a part time job in the USA will not afford rent for a studio in a bad area and food.

[@Michelle_Emm]

@lindsay3793 doesn't that depend on where you live? I've heard prices vary greatly between states.

[@NefariaAdventures]

Because they aren’t in the US and there is a different cost of living in the UK. Health care is also covered; they won’t be driven to financial ruin by medical bills like we would be here in the US, for example.

[@suredeydo]

I admire this so much. Thanks for sharing. What is it they say..? "Those who mind, dont matter." Its absolutely true 😊 cheers!

[@BandFamilyAdventures]

Thanks so much ☺️🙏

[@ChrisLitton]

Gets to the point of extreme, though, doesn't it. If I can save but also enjoy life occassionaly .think that's better

[@BandFamilyAdventures]

Id argue that because I save lots I get to enjoy life even more. Being frugal has meant working less, more free time, money to spend on experiences over things.

[@JolanaKonarikova]

👍👏👏👏

[@BandFamilyAdventures]

Thanks ☺️

[@Tamietwist]

Also not paying for food and living costs? Sounds amazing! I reaaly would want that aswell.

[@BandFamilyAdventures]

Paying for a home and consumables is very different to spending money on things/stuff. Although even when it comes to your home and food you can choose to be frugal. We live in a very small home for example.

[@cinematicchild7286]

I love this. Thanks for sharing your experience and wisdom.

[@BandFamilyAdventures]

Thank you ☺️

[@monalisa6599]

Hello, you are very inspiring, you are examples to follow, listening to you makes me feel good. I am a minimalist on the lookout for all good ideas and good examples. Thank you so much. Continue.

[@BandFamilyAdventures]

Thanks so much! :)

[@sarahcooper6507]

You will have no pension or long term financial stability - no one is jealous of you - loads of people work part time

[@BandFamilyAdventures]

We’ve got a great pension set up (way above what is recommended for our age) and have lots of savings in long term investments so are managing just fine. Thanks for the concern!

[@ykook7000]

Lol one day my ageing mother said you have nothing...mean not many possessions ...l said thats the point 🤣

[@BandFamilyAdventures]

😂

[@cynicallyyours61]

So why use the title? I buy nothing. Because you buy items every day.

[@BandFamilyAdventures]

My mistake - I’ll correct it to ‘I mostly buy nothing except for essentials and a few items here and there’. I think you’ve missed the point 😂

[@PeterVanDeMotter]

0:48 If only we could get second-hand medical care! (I know, not a problem in England). Cars have become so expensive, even second-hand is too high. Buy at least third-or-fourth hand.

[@BandFamilyAdventures]

I can’t comment on medical care, but I’ve heard it’s not easy managing that in the states. And the car is definitely a big expense. I got rid of mine when I was 22 and managed 10 years relying on public transport but now I’ve got kids it became too difficult. But I saved a lot not having that expense for 10 years for sure.

[@PeterVanDeMotter]

@@BandFamilyAdventures It is great to live in a place where you can be car-free. Unfortunately there are not many places in the US where that is feasible.

[@CozyToni]

Wonderful message! Thank you 😊

[@BandFamilyAdventures]

Thanks ☺️

[@monishthomasp]

Lovely.. ❤

[@TracyOwen-y9t]

Great video 😊

[@BandFamilyAdventures]

Thanks ☺️

[@KristelViljoen]

Very inspirational ❤

[@BandFamilyAdventures]

Thank you 🙏

[@pattiupton1499]

Great video!

[@BandFamilyAdventures]

Thank you ☺️

[@JohnDoe-zz7on]

Everyday, Amazon stops by my home. My house is an Amazon hub. We can learn alot from her. Good for her

[@BandFamilyAdventures]

Thank you - that used to be me. I can’t believe how different my habits are now though!

[@lisag9493]

What would happen if you stopped ordering all the stuff off Amazon ? Surely the world wouldn’t end and maybe you’d find other pleasures in life like going for a walk, volunteering, growing a plant from seed and watching the miracle of Mother Nature, maybe start off first by having a no spend week and see how you feel,, good luck 🙏🏼

[@JohnDoe-zz7on]

@@lisag9493 I don't but my other family does.

[@kerryryan5116]

Long term renting is not being frugal! You are putting money in to pay someone else’s house off. We are a zero waste house and worked out the long term the comparison between renting versus buying. The hit comes when you reach your late forties into your fifties, by that time you are tapped in the rental merry go round.

[@BandFamilyAdventures]

We also calculated both and for us renting was better financially. If you invest all the money you save not buying and keeping up house costs and the money you save not paying the bank interest (and you know how to invest properly) then I’m a lot of cases you end up the same or even better off financially. On top of this, I would add that getting into the cycle of buying a house massively reduces peoples financial freedom as you are more likely to want to continue at ladder to a bigger house. Upgrading room, DIY, buying new furniture and things for the house, etc renters are much less likely to invest in things like furniture and aesthetic things for their homes.

[@Caroline-Ann1509]

@bandfamily when you say invest the money you save not buying what do you mean? Where I live in the UK it would cost me a minimum of £1500 a month to rent a two bed house with a garden. I work full time for the NHS and I don’t earn much more than that. If I hadn’t got a mortgage years ago when I was younger and is now paid off I’m not sure how I would afford a roof over my head

[@sarahcooper6507]

Renting is wasted money with nothing for your children to inherit - plain stupid to give up your careers

[@Michelle_Emm]

I bought my house almost 10 years ago for $470k(cash), it's now worth $1.1mill. Curious to know if your investments have grown by more than 100%.

[@BIKESnSKILLETS]

When i buy things i know im helping the economy and jobs so i feel less guilty 😅 its ok !

[@BandFamilyAdventures]

That’s one way to sell it 😂

[@sarahcooper6507]

Second hand shoes - disgraceful - broken and mouldy

[@BandFamilyAdventures]

What a strange thing to say! None of our preloved shows are neither mouldy or broken?!

[@bevanbuckwheatshea5520]

Be careful buying 2nd hand shoes