Why Looking Poor Is Important

[@chucklander5475]

What I like about looking poor is that you really know your true friends.

[@csc-photo]

Ya but your true friends probably know you’re loaded

[@jsouto77]

Truth be told is that you dont really know who your friends are either way.. Akin to an insurance policy that that you dont really know if its any good until you have to make a claim.

[@newmobile1455]

@ your real friends will stick around in the bad times and not think any less of you than they already do

[@romank.3728]

@@csc-photo Don't ever speak about finances to your true friends. :)

[@acornsucks2111]

what about looking ugly?

[@Rottingboards]

Also looking poor stops the thieves.

[@GrnXnham]

Yeah, they look at my car and say "why would we bother stealing that?"😁

[@assist_o.k.]

Yup. Was gonna say exactly that

[@dongmingzhu666]

That’s why thieves don’t break into Warren Buffet’s home 😂

[@mocheen4837]

I just look poor because I happen to like clothing from Costco. I work from home and value comfort and flexibility. I work three day a week and like being able to go to the gym or work on the yard. Swears seem to make the most sense for me.

[@Rottingboards]

@@mocheen4837 LOL, my idea of expensive cloths is JC Penny. I was in Hawaii and I needed a suit and tie to go into the Hotels Dinning room. I stopped at several stores and saw $150 to $200 dollar pants. Long story short...I didn't eat at the Hotel. LOL. 😆 My wife still chuckles at this. A multi- millionaire who won't buy pants.

[@Econman]

People/neighbors believe because I don't have it, it is because I can't afford it. Truth is, I don't have it because I don't want it. Remember, contentment makes a poor man rich, but the opposite of that is, discontentment makes a rich man poor, and trust me, I see a lot of poor rich folks.

[@kburkes4245]

I'm frugal, and enjoy living below my means. Itts very important to know the difference between a need and a want, and especially stay out of the crazy consumerism culture of manufactured "needs".

[@mocheen4837]

I have relatives worth millions and they are very frugal.

[@NazmusLabs]

Islam has brought me content. And now, even when I have little material things, I am content, Alhamdulillah (ultimate praise and gratitude being to God)! May Allah (S.W.T.) guide you and bestow upon you His Blessings; Ameen.

[@straightpipec6099]

Well put and very true

[@ok2tmtsg]

We've always lived under our means even though we worth 8 figures. Currently living the life we envision for our retirement, we travel around the world with an annual budget of $250k. We don't look rich nor poor, but just live the life of our dreams and be ourselves - to us, that's important.

[@stevesworld620]

Back when I was 10 years old my grandmother took me over to her neighbors house. Three other ladies showed up and they all talked about their new car, their vacations, their husbands boat, etc, etc. When we walked back to my grandmothers house I remarked that she had some very wealthy neighbors. How come she doesn't have all those things. She responded, don't confuse wealth with buying sh!t...

[@AlphaSniperAcademy]

Your Gran was ahead of the curve

[@VivaciousOM]

Nice story and fantastic grandmother!

[@calsurflance5598]

Smart Lady!

[@mrki412]

Ask your grandma what is the purpose of collecting money, not using it, life is too short to spend it on collecting money for somebody else.

[@stevesworld620]

@mrki412 you missed the point.

[@joyh3086]

“Live BELOW your means” was the best advice I ever got. So I did not buy the big house, kept my cars for a long time and religiously saved the max into my 401k. Now 70 years old with no mortgage and no debt and a healthy investment portfolio. But the biggest asset is the time to spend however I want without financial worries. Cannot put a price tag on that!

[@tdhawk167]

And it's getting harder and harder...esp housing

[@mrki412]

One thing is financial worrie, another having money on a load that will someone else use when you die.

[@shoshaunnagragg6145]

Yes, it’s PRICELESS isn’t it! 😊

[@Rhotz-ix8ll]

And now you’ll be asked to support those who didn’t do any of this. Lotta grasshoppers not so many ants.

[@Freyia935]

"Now 70 years old" Thats the problem, your generation doesnt understand the financial problems of the future.

[@katherinemcintosh7247]

I grew up in a very affluent suburban neighborhood. Everyone (except our family) belonged to the Country Club. Everyone(except our family) bought a new car at least every other year. Everyone (except our family) wore brands like Polo, Izod, Guess?, Lillian Pulitzer, etc. (this was in the 1970’s and 80’s.) The neighbor kids were always making fun of us for being “poor.” So, one day I asked my dad, “are we poor?” He told me, “Kathy, we are not poor by any stretch of the imagination. Compared to most people in the world, we are wealthy.” I asked him, “well,if we are wealthy, why don’t we ever go on a ski trip over winter break or to the beach for spring break?” He then said something I use more often than one may suspect: “Kathy, we can’t see how much money people have. All we can see is how much they spend.” It was hard growing up in that neighborhood. But that has stuck with me and my parents’ frugality when I was growing up made me think about how I was spending money. I remember when a roommate of mine asked me to go out drinking with him and these other guys (we all worked together in the Gulf of Mexico Oilfield) and I said, “I can’t, I’m broke.” He laughed at me and asked me how much money I had in the bank. It was quite a bit. He said, “Kathy, not having money in your wallet does not mean you are broke. You can take money out of the bank and go out with us…none of these guys even HAVE bank accounts. They just spend their paychecks as they get them.” This was astonishing to me because I had been wondering quite a while how those guys could afford to spend so much time at the bar. And what my dad said to me came back. “We don’t know how much money people have, we just see how much they spend.”

[@colemancalgary5260]

But going out doesn’t mean spending a lot of money!

[@katherinemcintosh7247]

@ indeed, going out does not necessarily mean spending a lot of money. I love going out and doing all sorts of things with friends, guys I was dating (when I was single,) and family which only cost the gas it takes to get there and the food we prepare and bring from home. “Going out” for these guys was going to the bar and paying for drinks from around 7-8pm until close at 3am…that’s a lot of beer, and one pays a premium for that at a bar. I was neither interested in being around a bunch of sloppy drunk guys nor laying out the cash to keep up with them (it was a toss up which I would choose.) And, I am not really a fan of beer, which means my drinks were more expensive even if I just had well drinks (which I usually do.)

[@richardvass1462]

You gotta have money to just keep up with rich friends even if they don't care that you are poor.

[@katherinemcintosh7247]

@@richardvass1462 not really. I was poor for most of my 20's ("shopped" at the lost and found, ate mostly rice or noodles, called utility companies once a week to let them know I had sent another $5 check, "so please don't cut my power/gas/water"...that kind of poor.) I had several wealthy friends. We would do free stuff when we got together. We always had a great time. They did not invite me to do things they knew I could not afford and I was glad that they also all respected me enough to do that rather than offer to pay for me to participate all of the time. We would go on hikes, bike rides, runs, we would play catch or frisbee at parks or go to free attractions. We would bring snacks or lunches to share. It was really no big deal. My rich friends were also glad that I kind of taught them how to find inexpensive or free things to do which meant I was never leaning on them to pay. There is no reason why poor people and rich people cannot socialize together unless people are not open to doing inexpensive things when they are together.

[@SimonFrers-d9t]

When you appear poor, you also: 1. Naturally distance yourself from people who might exploit you. 2. Enjoy greater mental peace and tranquillity. 3. Avoid the trap of lifestyle inflation. 4. Lower the chances of family and friends asking for financial help, as they assume you have little.

[@RA-tj9nn]

This is me too! Nobody is asking for financial help, it also avoids scammers

[@Bigboss-xe6lm]

@@jasonalexander2413 You have issues man... Might want to invest in a therapist. But if you dont ruin peoples lives (many loose opportunities when they think they are with someone that want a family and live long together and then find out you lied the whole time, thats bad karma). And you have fun while not ruining peoples lives, then sure, carry on.

[@drott150]

5. Avoid carjackings

[@ronswansonsdog2833]

@@drott150aw hell naw 😂😂😂

[@DreamWorld-s2p]

Pretending to be poor out of fear of family obligations sounds like operating in a scarcity mindset

[@glasshalffull2930]

My neighbors think I don’t make enough to live in the neighborhood. Moved in 25 years ago and now I’m comfortably retired, but they’re all still working. They do have a new Lexus cars and I have a 2010 Toyota.

[@Mark-ph5nh]

Why do you save all that? Why not spend and enjoy life responsibly. When you are gone someone will spend it like casino

[@glasshalffull2930]

@ Well, being frugal allowed me to live in a nice neighborhood, my wife to stay home and raise the children and for me to retire at 55. Also, I traveled the world for work and have enjoyed the experiences and now I’m traveling when I want and have not a financial care in the world. I think I have spent responsibility and enjoyed life. 😊

[@ccdev]

@@glasshalffull2930 I love my 2007 toyota and hope it will last forever. Yes, frugal and responsible living and no worries and travel and eat good food now and then. I like going to a restaurant and not worrying about the pirce, life is good when you are financially intelligent and not keeping up with the joneses.

[@glasshalffull2930]

@@ccdev Amen!!!

[@kennv7566]

Let em keep thinking your poor it will help them feel better with their stuff.

[@phoebehill953]

Once my in-laws were talking about my brother-in-law‘s fiancé: “She must have money! She wears really nice clothes and drives an expensive car.” I replied, “that’s not a person with money - that’s a person in debt“. Which turned out to be the case.

[@cathwalsh9921]

Perspicacious!

[@john-o1g9p]

had a coat and tie life for the first 7 years out of college. hated it. moved to landscaping. no people, no office, no business lunches. a truck and tools. it was lovely.

[@thomassciurba5323]

I was a software engineer. Jeans, T shirt, snuffy smith beard and pony tail my entire career. Retired at 57.

[@couldntthinkofagoodnamesoi8357]

I don't want anyone knowing how much bread I have stashed. Not caring what other people think of you is true freedom.

[@DudeMuscle]

How much bread?

[@couldntthinkofagoodnamesoi8357]

Nice try Diddy

[@DudeMuscle]

@@couldntthinkofagoodnamesoi8357 I’m gonna check those accounts

[@Sasa-pm7jc]

I have a whole loaf + one In the freezer. I'm RICH!!! 😅​@@DudeMuscle

[@pinkpotatoes9849]

Look 'modest'. For people who grew up deprived, looking poor hurts.

[@MeganSmith-xx2ih]

Absolutely, the effort to look well turned out when you have grown up with nothing or very little stays with you for life.

[@phoebehill953]

Looking too poor will only get you disrespect. I make all my own clothing - which confuses people because they don’t know what income bracket to put me in, hence how to act toward me.

[@Mushroomsam]

It’s not about going hungry. It’s a frugal mindset. Save, invest for retirement, spend money on the things that give value to your life.

[@WhiteWolfBlackStar]

@@phoebehill953. I love the fact I can go thrifting, and o know how to alter my own clothing. Some of my favorite pieces I either made myself from a delicious piece of fabric, or I altered the piece with either taking out or putting in panels. I wore the same clothes for decades. And people tried to follow my trends. ✨🥰✨

[@chrissyuful]

@@MeganSmith-xx2ihyou’ll know your healing when you can live humbly outwardly, yet secretly have enough to be generous when you want to. An excellent book along these lines is The Millionaire Next Door. Most millionaires will not flaunt their wealth, drive used cars, and live in modest homes. It doesn’t mean you have to look like a slob either. But you can learn a lot about a person’s character by how they treat others who “appear” to look beneath them.

[@morgo5000]

I think looking good and dressing well is very important. It's polite and has a good effect on ourselves and our society. We'll.made clothes last longer and we use them more because they look better.

[@R-sn1ty]

agree. feels good to look good

[@paulapatterson4301]

I'm with you.

[@jB..33b854]

Spot on

[@michellemcgill9328]

Looking poor makes you less of a target for gold diggers, fraudsters, frivolous lawsuits, car jacking, kidnapping & robbery. You’ll also weed out the fair weathers.

[@user-od9iz9cv1w]

Great advice. I like looking poor. I never worried about having a new fancy car or all the toys. They become millstones. As a high tech pioneer, I was surrounded at work by upwardly mobile people who often made a lot of money. Many were keen on displaying their success. Other than living in nice neighborhoods, I never bought into conspicuous consumption. My wife and I both got laid off when we were 40 during a recession. That was useful. We learned that there were tons of cool things to do that did not require pulling out your gold card. Community pools, libraries, parks, the beach and hiking were things we enjoyed during a 6 month search for gainful employment. And it taught us the value of having an emergency fund and not having car payments. It stuck. We eat out a lot because we enjoy going on a lunch date. But we never needed flashy stuff. It made it easy to save and appreciate what we have. We find living in our own home in a great neighborhood near the parks we like is enough. When we had two homes, it was too much maintenance. Multiple cars brough multiple maintenance issues. Now it is cool to be retired and be able to have anything we want or go anywhere. Mostly we just enjoy our home and our neighborhood.

[@darrenmatthews1667]

I like your millstones comment. I came to that realization a few years ago. More things = More burdens. I never sacrificed but never was attracted to what the Jones' had. Now I'm retired early and can spend more than I ever have. I retired when a financial adviser I had told me 3 years ago that every dollar I was making was going to someone else because I already had more than I was ever going to spend.

[@showdogmissy]

As also a techie (not a pioneer but enduring through 40 years), I made more money investing in real estate the last 6 years than I ever did with start ups. I am now done & set to be DONE with the rat race.

[@dianecaird1697]

I LOVE your philosophy !!

[@user-od9iz9cv1w]

@@darrenmatthews1667 I did the same. Went to the adviser and got the thumbs up. Then worked 3 more yrs and saved a ton. I like having the buffer. Especially now that there is so much chaos. If Canada gets invaded I can move off the grid.

[@sjsmith4076]

I love your comment and I hope to find a decent neighborhood to retire. Just enjoy home as much as I like traveling

[@calsurflance5598]

Several years ago my son and I were at a vintage car race at Leguna Seca Raceway. We started talking with an older gentleman who was wiping off his greasy hands with a shop rag. We chatted about his Shelby Cobra and it’s history. We never introduced ourselves, nor did he. Later that day in researching his car I discovered who we were talking to. It was Rob Walton, 17th richest person in the world at that time with a personal net worth of $47B. He was very personable, not boastful or flashy, just an average guy at the race track. I seems to me that those who have to brag or show-off are just trying to impress themselves or have an inferiority complex, or both. As the Bible says; A strong man shall not boast of his strength, a rich man shall not boast of his wealth.

[@spesola74]

Where does the Bible say that ?

[@calsurflance5598]

@ Jeremiah 9, 23-24. Depending on the translation, the verbiage may vary slightly.

[@chicassoproductions8527]

But let him boast in that he knows me. This reminds me of when Paul said I seek to know nothing but to know Messiah.

[@calsurflance5598]

@ 👌🙏

[@QoraxAudio]

What's up with the trend of "looking poor"? Poverty comes with a lot of negative connotations, stereotyping and prejudices. Just look plain, basic and neat, well cared for. No poor looks, no rich looks. No wealth signalling, no poverty signalling, no prejudices nor unwanted attention.

[@jackieann5494]

Best Comment Award ! Absolute truth !

[@marktatum2592]

Be the gray man. They will be watching the peacock.

[@johnscott2746]

Looking poor to your friends is not necessary but looking poor to the government, on paper, is critical.

[@ccdev]

look poor to your friends is good so that they dont come to you for loans and financial assistance.

[@Sogard69]

im afraid more of the government than by friends (which i barely have any lol)

[@jayjaynella4539]

@@Sogard69 Govs have unlimited resources to make life hell for you, but your friends only have limited resources to make life hell for you.

[@teriliebmann3491]

😂

[@AS-yh6xu]

Totally. Once I lived in a gated community and I was uncomfortable being there. Tribe is important! Also, owning more means more pressure, fear of losing it, care, etc. I finally want no more things, I want more freedom.

[@azgardenlover370]

I hated living in a gated community. Also hated living in a HOA. Plain and simple is much better for me.

[@Gooeybrowniebaby]

No one wants to try swindling you, or rob you. I love being inconspicuous.

[@shirleylangton7967]

I am sick of this saying! A person can be sensible, spend wisely, etc. and not look like a bum. I am a baby boomer. In my work life, the slogan was, "dress for success". I can tell you, that really helped me to think better of myself and to have opportunities I wouldn't have had otherwise. I agree with you totally on choices and lifestyle. Even the poorest of us will dress our best, use our best manners for a wedding, to go to church, to interview for a job. Having a lot of money is not necessary to have higher ideals!

[@paulapatterson4301]

Great comment. We're are not poor, but the clothing I choose is expensive and classic. I've seen many a resentful stare from a culture that now looks like they just rolled out of bed when we are out in public. People show they have no self respect anymore.

[@RC-og1dp]

He’s not saying to look like a bum

[@eddiemalvin]

"Looking Poor" is just a euphemism. It doesn't mean dress like a homeless person. Perhaps it could be reworded as "Don't present yourself as an ostentatious fool".

[@lazygardens]

You don't have to dress in rags. Just don't dress in clothing that is expensive because of the label on it. $900 Brunello Cucinelli mens 5-pocket jeans do NOT cover your butt any better than Lee brand for $35.

[@borisb6423]

@@lazygardensit actually does

[@susandibiase9250]

Through living below our means, I had the flexibility to get out of a stressful career and into something more rewarding that I don’t want to retire from yet. I make much less money, maybe a third, but it covers my health insurance and pays some bills. We have always looked poor in the sense of not having to have the latest gadgets or new cars. I buy quality clothes and wear them until they wear out. I feel I have my personal style so I’m not looking to be “in style”. Love your channel, Azul! ❤

[@Michael_Thomas134]

I talked with a friend who told me about her uncle who was a retired custodian, after he retired the family came over to be sure he was going to be okay. He laughed and said his house was paid off and pointed to three other houses in the neighborhood and said he owned them all too and the rent income was good. They always thought he was poor because he drove an old car and never dressed up. Shocked everyone.

[@queenofkingsbury]

Living below your means is an important message

[@movdqa]

Our mother grew up during The Great Depression and that left her quite scarred for the rest of her life. She passed some of that on to us. Wife grew up in third-world poverty. I drive 12 and 6 year old cars and am looking to replace the older one though I'm waiting for a good price. I started looking at replacing it in 2022 and prices were nuts then and they're still nuts. Most of the people I know are millionaires but they pay cash for stuff and are fine with old stuff and dressing casually.

[@beerster]

My parents were kids during the great depression. My dad had to live in a park in a tent for a year. That experience gave him PTSD his whole life. He never stopped hustling. PTSD is contagious. I can't stop hustling. I still work at 72. I dress like I am poor. I try my best to be invisible.

[@MarkBush-en5cz]

Keep both cars. Don't turn in a car that can be fixed easily.

[@movdqa]

@@MarkBush-en5cz The 2012 has far less electronic stuff compared to the 2018 and I'm sure that the 2018 has far less than current cars. The current cars are hybrids too. Toyota's hybrids are supposed to be bulletproof but it is more complicated. Gasoline mileage is great but you also have to budget for a $3,000 battery replacement every ten years. The old car is incredible reliable, spare parts are easy to find and I have a nearby garage that has no issues working on it.

[@MarkBush-en5cz]

@@movdqa I know> I'm 68 and an engineer and I've been fixing cars since I was 14. A 1990's car with low mileage should be a treasured possession.

[@mocheen4837]

My grandparents lived through the depression and always lived frugally. Even to this day my grandmother does not onto eat or spend money on anything extravagant. They collected cans, reused string and rubber bands. They are probably worth more than $20 million but you would never know it.

[@danacaro-herman3530]

Live below your means!! Such an important thing to do when true necessities are met

[@phoebehill953]

If you can’t afford to pay cash for something, you can’t afford it

[@fashionandluxury101]

Why should I look poor? Everything in moderation 😊great advice but so much content now on “ Looking Poor.” Your video is more in line with what we all should do ; but looking poor is such a broad topic. I like looking put together , but still holding back on things I don’t necessarily need ❤

[@phildoy428]

Agree, why looking poor when you can look stylish or the way you like with good financial decision

[@fashionandluxury101]

@ Well said my friend💗why can’t it be both? We can do both 💗💗💗

[@Al.with.u]

I totally agree with you. I like being a stylish minimalist.

[@fashionandluxury101]

@@Al.with.u 💗me too

[@edwinhuang803]

I guess going extreme will help with clicks for content creators.

[@thefrozengoat]

Great video. Azul. I’d consider saying “looking modest” or “looking understated.” Looking “poor” is a bit of an extreme term and I think those who truly live in poverty might take umbrage with that phrasing. I don’t think most of my fellow viewers who are on a quest for the luxury that is financial independence are truly impoverished anyway. No disrespect meant - just opening up the conversation!

[@deedee2455]

This. I think modest is a better choice of word. Word matter because the vibe they are bring.

[@cecilyerker]

I think the title is important for the algorithm and also you can interpret poor however you want

[@billmoyer3254]

it says a lot of your mindset that you need to qualify looking poor with modest. Let it go and don't borrow trouble.

[@consucamp-guada-nyusa5493]

To make the title stand out for viewers, it works better to have a catchy title.

[@larrycoldwater1964]

Looking poor is easy, it’s the not having any money part that’s hard.

[@arielbertolotti1896]

It’s also hard to have money and look poor

[@larrycoldwater1964]

@ just wear a t shirt, jeans & sneakers: balenciaga t shirt $1300, amiri jeans $1600 and golden goose superstar sneakers $1900. - and you’ll blend right in

[@emh8861]

😂

[@Fr3d671]

Lol, I still drive my 2004 Corolla and a 2001 Toyota Sienna 😅 All my tenants drive nicer cars than me 👏🏽

[@hoke0818]

You are 100% correct. My parents always taught us kids (I have 6 brothers and sisters) this .. I'm now 80 years old and are comfortable financially. A lot of people try to keep up with the jones and are now in retirement with debt.

[@billhalbert7955]

I normally agree with Azul, but not in purposely looking poor. Maintaining a high level of appearance isn’t necessarily expensive. This also results in self respect, and respect from others. I recently retired from a career in general aviation as a professional pilot. People involved in private aviation tend to have money. The friends I’ve made in aviation tend to be professionals, or successful in business. My friends involved in aviation include physicians, attorneys, and businesses owners. These people have helped me personally, financially, and yes recreationally. We snow ski, big game hunt, enjoy whitewater, and travel. Networking is the key to success. My Mom used to say, “you are judged by the company you keep”. Happy New Year my friends:)

[@canny8228]

So obviously this sort of thing doesn't work for everyone. So yeah, it's probably better to do what you're comfortable with. For myself, I don't try to look poor, but I try to look unremarkable. I find that you will attract a lot less attention from people you wouldn't want to associate with if you look ordinary.

[@toddnelson7651]

I agree with you statement. It's easy to look sharp and not all that expensive. You need to care about your appearance. Sets an a example.

[@LJ-jq8og]

YES ... I am familiar with your "crowd..." You are blessed ! Every time I am at a general aviation hub it reminds me they are different "classes" of people... KEEP in mind that "layer of humanity" is typically SMARTER people, not just affluent people... I often found it ironic that the pilots were/are smarter than the "rich wives" of the smart businessmen that the pilots are flying around the world... 😊 Many moneyed air-heads peppered in with the brilliant business men 💪 husbands who married poorly... LIFE is fascinating (and predicatble) if you stop and watch it.

[@glennet9613]

Appropriate clothes, good grooming, paying your round, fitting in aren’t major expenses particularly in active sports and real friends take you as you are. I think Azul is talking about trying to impress strangers, showing off, buying things you can’t afford - bling.

[@julianprzybysawski8543]

My favourite is looking good on clearance.. secondhand clothes, wise purchases of maintainable and long lasting items, handmade items where possible, et cetera. I look like I take myself seriously and other people treat me accordingly... but of course they're none the wiser to the fact that half my wardrobe is thrifted

[@RichardVernadeau]

One of the best books I ever read was Champagne Living On A Beer Budget. It teaches you how to live well without spending a fortune doing it

[@montelamer2210]

Azul, thank you. Wonderful wisdom you have shared. I am enjoying looking poor.

[@danklein8587]

I love being the millionaire next door. And my neighbors are totally clueless -:)

[@richmoreno9938]

Until now. 😂

[@spirit_in_the_sky-u9x]

all right the wolf in the sheep clothing. how bout you take off your mask and show everyone who you really are? or are you worried that they might despise you for your exploited wealth?

[@gluecksdrache2054]

A too large difference in perceived wealth also could close doors - in the best sense. Just look on a weekend day trip to the beach or a lake. You have nearly the same landscape and scenery doing the normal stuff like hiking, eating in a restaurant etc. Or you can rent a jetski or whatever tool for the rich and pay the multiple for every hour of free time. Not looking like having so much will close "friendships" to people who only are a kind of spending community....

[@halcohal1776]

Muddy Waters said it; "If you got something good, keep it in your pocket." I went to a minimization mindset when I started my last business. Think first. Minimization took over my life within a utilitarian mind set. I appreciate my blessings.

[@gregkloe]

The Sheryl Crow line you mentioned has always resonated with me and I have tried over the years to live that out. Now, I'm 18 days retired, embarking on a simple life being true to myself.

[@tennesseenana4838]

I'm old enough to have learned not care what people think about me and what I have, wear or do. Most people spend their money trying to impress others with things. Why? They're not thinking about you, you just think they are. They're too busy trying to impress you, or whoever, to worry about what you're doing.

[@youngyhasard3219]

Moi j en tape ce que pense les autres. Ils ne vous nourrir PAS

[@mengshun]

Ok now the pendulum has swung way to far the opposite way. You can look sharp and clean frugally. And that's the magic word: frugal. Today, people throw out lots of near new or in some cases new clothes. I'd avoid Goodwill but there are good thrift shops in populated areas. Stores dump a lot of unsold clothes. Shop clearances. Dont look poor. Dont look like your ready for the red carpet either. Look clean and dressed well. Skip the pretentious jewelry and bling. Care for clothing - dont overwash or over heat.

[@QoraxAudio]

Yes exactly. The looking poor trend is ridiculous, since poverty comes with just as much negative connotations as wealth - if not even more. I call the best middle ground "plain and neat". No bling, no designer brands showoff. Just neat clothing that fit well and are well looked after.

[@cecilyerker]

I have some excellent Goodwill locations near me and while they have gotten more expensive, they’re still cheaper than the bougie thrift stores.

[@billmoyer3254]

that takes effort born of the burden of image projection. but, if it works for you, then go for it. You can look poor and clean lol.

[@martaescobar7625]

The self-satisfaction and confidence having everything you own paid for.... priceless. Just being able to walk into a grocery store and buy whatever I need, makes me feel safe. I can fix my 22 yr. old truck when needed. If you can't do good with a little, why should God give you more?

[@larrycoldwater1964]

I find looking poor isn’t enough, you have to smell poor as well to be really convincing 😂

[@bestman7776]

😂😂😂

[@steve0623]

Hahahaha

[@Staticbrain]

Old spice new scent "crippling debt"

[@Latour6182]

Don’t worry, these KZbin creators with their looking poor mantra will serve that up soon enough. They have to keep adding on to it with new material.

[@richardvass1462]

I get lots of compliments when i wear old spice. Old guy here. Secret is wash face and shave. No shower. Just splash on the good stuff and wear levis jeans. Same ones every day.

[@brianmcmullen4922]

Greetings from Scotland Azul. I really enjoy your videos as they make a lot of basic common sense. Keep them coming.😊

[@garyharper2943]

Grew up poor so it was easy. Always drove older cars than my employees. Retired at 53, twenty years ago.

[@RandyWinn42]

My experience is 100% consistent with the wisdom in this video. Briefly: at my 1st job I had 3% taken out of my paycheck into 401k (or something like that - I don't recall because it was 45 years ago) so that I never saw it. It was as if I just earned 3% less. My lifestyle unconsciously matched the income I felt I was having, without that 3%. I also felt revulsion at the thought of paying credit card interest ... extra money for things I had enjoyed months ago! ... so every month I paid that off. I learned to cook at home and prefer it to restaurant food. I have never made a big big paycheck (because my employment still is a bit irregular) but when the 2008 housing collapse came, I bought at the bottom of the market using my savings for a down payment. Now ... today ... the mortgage on my 3 bedroom house is LESS than the rent on nearest 1 bedroom apartment in my neighborhood (and I love my neighborhood). My current prosperity in retirement .... despite a chequered income history ... is all due to living on less than my pay! So ... watch this video again, take notes .... and then ... take action!

[@chitownkidd33]

You were just born at the right time, nothing else.

[@RandyWinn42]

@@chitownkidd33 50/50. Yes, I was born at a time of economic expansion and less wealth inequality - that is absolutely true. Now that we have extreme wealth in equality, it is hard or impossible for lots of people to do as I did. We need to change that. In the meantime, you should be saving that 3% before it hits your paycheck ... if you ever want a house (...and don't worry, the autocrats will periodically crash the economy because that's just the nature of unregulated markets; if you have your down payment ready you can get a bite of the feast - a sad state of affairs to be sure)

[@aces0730]

I was poor as a child. Once I got a job, I became spending. It’s bad. Trying to live below means is so important. I know you only live once.

[@richardvass1462]

Just don't borrow money and pay off the credit card every month. That's all.

[@-OBELUS-]

Ha! Our daughter said she thought we were poor the whole time she was growing up.

[@Lilo-A]

My dad always said “we’re not poor, just broke.”

[@aa-vy7cw]

​@@Lilo-A Lots of poor people don't realize they are "poor." They are too proud to admit to themselves what they actually are. They think you have to be literally starving to be considered poor. Nope. Lots of people are POOR, they just don't know it.

[@g.t.g1111]

I heard a lady who is wise after winning the lottery. She drove around in her town while looking 👀 at a billboard with an expensive necklace. She said, “it feels good to know if I want to buy it I can.” I’ve always liked her comments. Sometimes just knowing while resisting being an impulse buyer.

[@hiwaghaderi]

Wise man! Thank you sharing.

[@ePCAYT]

Exactly. I've always called my wife and I "Rich poor people" (as oppsed to "Poor rich people")...

[@Rob-dp3vr]

Just a personal story from me....I've had a career in real estate now for 24 years. I have also been flipping homes, buying rentals, and built some spec homes. As my wealth grew, I was able to build a nice new Gulf access pool home, and my wife and I have 5 nice cars that I paid cash for. I'm really not trying to brag, and if I was reading this I would probably be rolling my eyes, so I'm sorry. I understand. However I have to be honest to explain my point. And that is, I bought a beat up older pickup truck to use to pick up materials, labor, etc. Its kind of loud, dented, scratched and the interior is ugly enough that if I spill coffee, I dont even care. But I swear that I might be my happiest when driving that truck. First, it reminds me of being younger, having less. But also I feel more like the salt of the Earth. The common man. Working hard, just making a living. I also love how I disappear in society. No one notices me. I just fade into the landscape. In fact, I see people get out of my way more in traffic. As if they worry about that crappy truck hitting their pretty car. And if you park next to me too close, oh well. When I drive one of my sports cars, or my SUV I park far away and enjoy the walk. Just so I dont have to worry about some inconsiderate person hitting my vehicle. When I drive the pickup, I lose all of that pretentiousness and ridiculous concern, and it feels freeing. Working hard and earning a nice living allows me to do more for others. Every year, I donate to St. Jude. When we travel overseas, we are always generous and thankful to others with less.

[@WillyJunior]

Well I have 3 gulf access homes and 15 cars. Up your game!

[@rocketboostjump]

Yeah that was too much bragging.

[@paulapatterson4301]

Love that. Shows wisdom.

[@reealitey]

My neighbor commented a few years ago that my car is so old. Its a 2011. It still looks good, and it drives. Now Im able to semiretire at 42 and she is still working.

[@303goonie]

I like knowing that I have a lot of savings. Security makes me feel good but at what cost? My friends who make less are living ! Nice vacations and nice things!!! I need to do a better job of living which is hard to do when I’m naturally a frugal person

[@prof.heinous191]

Looking poor - I have managed to do this for decades, it seems to come naturally - I must be blessed!

[@kpb3118]

I always did well living below my means until my daughter got to high school! Teenage girls are so expensive - I try to make myself feel better by knowing the money I saved before this point is growing and will allow me to retire early and very comfortably.

[@lindawells]

Teach her good habits! We gave our girls $x and they had to pick what they bought.

[@cecilyerker]

Save for her future and make her a trust fund that she can only access until she’s older

[@janelleg597]

No is a full sentence

[@rozennrd4802]

As an ex teenage girl who lived in a family where we didn't have much money, I had a monthly stipend and could do whatever with it - mostly bought books, a bit of makeup, some clothes and stashed the rest. It gave me a strong sense of what things cost and when I left home I already had a little bit of money set aside. Today I'm doing good financially. I'm in Europe so credit score is not important, I'm debt free and live way below my means. I stash 20% of my salary for emergencies and will start investing in a few months (I'm still young so I had to build this emergency fund first before investing). I'd rather pay for sturdy clothes than fancy clothes, and educated myself to recognize defects in fabrication. I keep my clothes for years. I buy maybe one or two pieces a year in years when I buy a lot. I like browsing stores with my friends but clothes fabrication is really poor and I don't need anything so I don't buy anything. I'd rather wait for the right piece to show up.

[@elisalind4660]

It’s very sad if wearing expensive clothes is what makes you feel good in life. Life is so much more than the clothes on your back. Generational differences are wild. Wise words sir.

[@davidcobb464]

I can only speak to men's clothing: Buy quality classics that last for a long time, Buy at consignment shops or second-hand shops, and Buy items you can mix and match. No one notices when a man wears the same two suits over and over.

[@karensimpson4869]

I do this too , you don’t need a lot of money to look good just a sharp eye .

[@youngyhasard3219]

Truc et astuce , à la friperie regarder toujours les vêtements à la lumière. Transparent NON et la couture surtout important double coutures c'est sa la qualité. Pour éviter hacheter 2×

[@davidcobb464]

Oui ! Certains vêtements ne sont pas vendables.

[@davidcobb464]

Great minds think alike.

[@jwbjpb1338]

This video should be required viewing for HS seniors, college graduates and working people

[@joeljorgensen9657]

It took me a while to learn these lessons. I now own a few real estate properties including a small apartment. I take a bit of pride that my daily driver (2008 Explorer) is far older than what most tenants in my properties who drive much newer/nicer/expensive cars.

[@sheisofthewoods]

Was walking into Walmart with my whole family last week and a tweaker offered to sell us a food stamp card. We passed the "we look poor and hungry" vibe check with flying colors 😅 To be fair, I was eat out of dumpsters poor for all of my teen/early adult years so even when i think i look nice I'm still in that "buying food stamps" bracket lol

[@LouisLuzuka]

I’m grateful for this message ❤

[@Ester_Stamatakis]

Just discovered your channel and I'am absolutely addicted to your videos.... I feel I'm part of your tribe. New subscriber in Spain here.....

[@kevinwilliams2058]

2010 Camry gang checking in!

[@wd8dsb]

1996 Saturn SW1 with 340,000 miles and still going strong checking in😊. And I do all my own maintenance/repairs.

[@MrKrjuK]

I'm sure the message Azul is trying to convey is that you need to distinguish between necessities and emotional purchases. 'Looking poor' here is metaphorical, so you don't need to look homeless. You still need to look clean, well-groomed, wear fresh clothes, have good dental hygiene, and understand how to dress appropriately for different situations (you can't wear jeans and a hoodie everywhere). Also, be pleasant to people around you because you live in society, not in the wild. A well-balanced and self-sufficient person is always respected.

[@brianmcg321]

Stealth Wealth

[@HomeGrown001]

Thanks for sharing your wisdom. I love the quote about wanting what you have

[@dwb468]

Azul, great message! Another lyric in that vein is "Calling All Angels" by Train. "In a world that what we want is only what we want until it's ours".

[@sergiof91w8]

I’ve learned a lot this past year about living poor and actually being poor

[@tbobtbob330]

I loved living an extravagant lifestyle for years. When I started thinking about retirement, I had an estate sale to downsize and bought and moved into an older RV. Within 3-4 years I saved enough to retire at 52. I LOVE living in an RV and never want to live any other way. I wish I'd discovered RV living when I was 30.

[@Jeanniekret]

My husband and I are 79 and 70 …what I do worry about is if we have to move into retirement homes which seems crazy expensive if you would like to go somewhere decent! We are talking $200K just to buy in and $7-$8K/Month! That’s today….how much in 10 years?

[@almarios9164]

Move to Mexico!

[@VinceTomJones]

$2000 to live in a retirement home??... yeah right.. that is just Nonsense.... Cmon.. nobody believes you...

[@Jeanniekret]

@ look it up please before you make accusations! I live in Sun City…surrounded by retirement homes. If you want to move into something nice, that’s what it will cost..sure there are all kinds of pricing…just what you can afford. There are ones are all over the U.S. and are as beautiful as any 5star resorts with stunning grounds, restaurants, on site medical personnel, housekeeping, etc. etc.

[@Filosofuerza]

3:40 I can’t believe you were in Payroo 😂. Great wisdom, too. Thank you.

[@MemeKingChangwei]

this is exactly what "The Millionaire Next Door" conveys too

[@spsmith1965]

I think it's good to be able to look poor, or rich, depending on the occasion. As you move up the financial ladder, there are situations when it's good to look rich/successful. For example, let's say I am seeking investors/partners for a big real estate deal. If I look poor, do you think I would be able to convince investors to trust me with their money? But if I look too wealthy, they might think I am shady. So you have to strike a balance.

[@DonYang73]

There is no need to look poor, for goodness sake.

[@tonypreston7278]

Exactly

[@Progmium]

Ok, but what if you want something and can afford it? Should you stop yourself from buying it because it is important or advantageous to look poor?? 🤷‍♂️

[@maltesetony9030]

It's easiest looking poor when you are poor. And plenty of people are in a position to do that.

[@owemylife]

Many advantages to a humble lifesyle. The richest people Ive known are certainly not hung up on looking rich. I adopted the principal of buying assets, not liabilities, and it has served me well.

[@myvalium1]

The Sheryl Crow lyric was always a favorite of mine. Having said that, I’m finding that my desire for things has declined as I get older. I could afford to drive any car I wish to, but I love just driving a regular guy vehicle. I do keep it clean … that will never change for me lol.

[@brent1387]

Buy some cars for poor people so they can live in them!

[@illtryanything1]

I wish I would have had advice like this when I was young. It is something I now teach my kids and they are very good at it but I carry the scarring of being the guy who has means. That means expensive dinners, picking up the tab... Not that we lived in a mansion but the sentiment is the same. Great advice. Also...think about those guys in dirty overalls driving a 20 year old pickup but who own 2,000 acre ranches and have millions in their checking account.

[@the_stoned_investor]

I was one of the ones that wasn't frugal when I was young, never had a bankruptcy or repossession etc but I'd be retired by now [early 50s] if I had invested what I pissed away.

[@LJ-jq8og]

Think this is most of us 😊

[@trudieristich795]

I feel the same way but then, on the other hand I didn't kiss it away because it was money I had and I spent and had fun while I was younger.We won't be able to do all that stuff.Whether our money saved up or not we'll be older in not be able to enjoy things exactly how we used to

[@blski]

regarding the friends thing being frugal in regards to clothes and cars will not only invite people of less fortunate backgrounds to conversations and potential future experiences but at the same time will welcome most wealthy people as they will not feel intimidated by you as they as do with most of their relationships.

[@richardhudson1243]

great advise Azul, i'm convinced that investing as little as 50k-150k in the right company before it goes big is more important than buying the dip, however picking the right company lies the difficult task. My question is, what are the best opportunities to accrue profits now.

[@JacobsErick-u8r]

for me, investors should start with S&P 500/ETFs for a solid foundation, then diversify across asset classes and maintain disciplined, regular investing to minimize risks and maximize growth

[@ThomasLuke-u3v]

The issue is people have the "I will do it myself mentality" but not equipped enough, hence get burnt. Ideally, advisors are reps for investing, and at first-hand encounter, my portfolio has yielded over 300% since covid-outbreak to date, summing up nearly $1m.

[@LUCIASMITH-d1z]

Can you share details of your CFA? I want to invest my increased cash flow in stocks and alternative assets to achieve financial goals.

[@ThomasLuke-u3v]

Melissa Terri Swayne is the licensed advisor I use and im just putting this out here because you asked. You can Just search the name. You’d find necessary details to work with to set up an appointment.

[@winifred-k9e]

Thanks for sharing. I curiously searched for her full name and her website popped up immediately. I looked through her credentials and did my due diligence before contacting her.

[@mykhaelmatsko]

In order to value differently, you shouldn't necessarily have to look crappy. I personally never cared less of what people around might think on my looks.

[@Moneymanmick0804]

If you can afford it, look any way you want.

[@dantheman6607]

That’s the point he can afford it I can too but I dress down because of all the benefits you get.

[@misscoutts6193]

Dress UP.

[@VandeHaze]

Thank you sir, both for the advice and your lovely attitude.

[@cardo1111]

Sage advice. Completely agree regarding the better artists/singer songwriters among the best nuggets of knowledge can be found in their work.

[@Tclans]

I drive a thirtyfour year old car, not much to break and easy to repair. While it doesn’t look like a beater people are a tad judgemental towards it. But hey it saves me a lot of money. 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@targadave]

Notice how almost all of the comments and Azul talk about things like cars and toys but NOT about your domicile. I still think people spend way too much on showcase housing and upgrading their homes. Just look at how the average home size has grown over the years. People will quickly point how their homes have appreciated, not realizing that the building structure itself is constantly depreciating in parallel with constant upkeep costs. Wearing some fancy clothes is nothing compared to your ongoing housing expense

[@ChuckHolland-i4b]

It's nuts. My 55 year old buddy has a 10k monthly mortgage yet has not saved ANYTHING for retirment. Needs two brand new leased cars every few years. Hey, him and his wife live like Rockstars, but it's unsustainable.

[@RyanBerich-u1w]

Homes, cars, vacations, can all have the same impact. Cars are an easy example to discuss. New homes every 7 years or constant remodeling can destroy a long term plan as much or more than the big honkin SUV that so many waist money on.

[@SlumberBear2k]

I'm in a phase where I am just getting rid of most of my possessions. Things don't interest me at all. It's freedom and security that interests me.

[@nathanielcarreon5634]

Unfortunately many real poor people dont want to look poor.

[@christopherellis2663]

Deception, whether for self or others

[@Mark-ph5nh]

yes and dirty and poor ; I see many in my neighborhood

[@VinceTomJones]

LOL... All of them actually

[@larahporter8123]

I admire you and totally agree with you. My attitude and understanding towards money have changed so much over the years that it's crazy! I consider myself rich without earning millions. Is not how much you can earn but how much you can save.

[@edbrandt8972]

I buy used appliances and do the maintenance myself. Washer, dryer, and looking for an older refrigerator that still works. They will last for years.

[@glasshalffull2930]

My appliances are 26 years old. I do all the repairs. My neighbors replace their ‘energy efficient’ models every four years or so. Great savings and certainly environmentally damaging.

[@storyman34]

Agree, my washer and dryer are from 1981. Good old Kenmore, never getting rid of them and I fix what they need.

[@johntomik4632]

I'm doing the odd job traveling thing. I'm 46 with nothing but a backpack. No debt but nothing. Great channel. Thank you for sharing.

[@andrewstrakele6815]

That’s one thing I don’t have to worry about! 😸

[@ellinahuang8689]

I love this. Thank you, something my parents never told me before.

[@Anacottsteele]

I dont get why there is always this high end fashion shaming.. truth is noone knows what you do or don’t have and preserving judgement is more suited to persons rather then making false assumptions. To each their own, buying stuff you like is a personal choice and its up to that person to decide whether they can afford it. Having to look poor to not have to look wealthy, when you might be wealthy is just as distasteful as acting wealthy.

[@superfast30]

The bigger the logo on one's clothing, usually indicates how high their debt to credit ratio is!

[@spyhunter66]

Here in the Uk, it’s important to look poor - wealthy people are disparaged and vilified.

[@chitownkidd33]

The UK is dumpster fire

[@leonieharry2941]

Ultimately, it's all based on lifetime earnings versus lifetime expenses, and what you can save from the difference. And the assessment of lifetime earnings should be checked for reality

[@santafilipina9020]

Looking poor doesn’t mean looking like a hobo.

[@VinceTomJones]

Yes it does...

[@TheQueenRulesAll]

Sadly, when someone has to advertise their wealth, it means they have no self-worth. All their worth is in the stuff they own. It is not a happy place, I went through a time of low self worth when young, late teens. I remember feeling the need to tell everyone how much things cost. Then I grew up and realized stuff means nothing. Of course, it helped my parents had wealthy friends and I saw how their lives were just as messy as anyone else. They are not better humans, not necessarily any smarter, just have different living conditions.