Why LOOKING POOR Is So Important

[@AccordingtoNicole]

How do you guys feel about this nighttime set vs natural daylight? Do you care?

[@Melly3112-ox3ey]

The muted background is less distracting, but the focus is on content, of course. Either way is fine. The choice is yours.

[@seltzermint5]

I like both! Variety and all.

[@neilr1492]

As long as we can see you, either is good 😊

[@JodieWolford]

Nicole, I love what you have to say! Not nearly as concerned with your lighting. I enjoy hearing what you have to say and believe you have got it more together than most people my age!

[@dingokidneys]

I liked the lighting, but I'm old and my eyes don't enjoy bright computer screens. I thought the subdued light in the background was kinda classy too. Well done considering you were feeling less than at your best. Get better soon.

[@GentlRebel]

I’m a CPA and many of the clients I handle for my firm are high net worth individuals. Almost without exception they are low key and if you saw them in public you would not identify them as having wealth. And as far as I am aware, none of them are visible on social media or the internet at all. Stealth is the goal.

[@seltzermint5]

while my dad and stepmom aren't super wealthy I remember slowly realizing how comfortable they were when I hit my late teens and college phase and realized they didn't have the same financial issues as my friends' parents. I definitely model myself after them (now in middle age myself).

[@brucemorris3830]

When I was in banking (mortgage lending specifically) I noticed the same thing. The people who were on the edge of foreclosure INVARIABLY had expensive shoes/clothes/cars and virtually no cash on hand. By contrast my first $1M+ net worth client of my career drove a 20 year old pickup truck and dressed like he was doing yard work… because he ran a very successful landscaping business and owned rental properties!

[@seltzermint5]

@@brucemorris3830 I meet a lot of people like the latter in my line of work. Most of them have multiple streams of income and come across as good ol' boys who don't know much. They are usually very financially savvy and down to Earth. I remember one guy with a flashy truck bragging about his wealth and he was one of our very few collections issues accounts...typical. More often they are modest guys who build a "little cabin" at the lake and it's a beautiful stone house with a view.

[@ssing7113]

For them…. I’m “rich”. I have tons of “expensive flashy things 😂 and I still manage my money just fine. I’m not sure but people thinking “acting poor” is any better than “acting rich”. Their opposite sides of the pendulum. Might as well be on the fun side 😂. You’re gonna die and not take any of it with ya anyways. As long as you have money to pass down you’re good to spend on what YOU WANT

[@youtubesucks8024]

Michael Jackson rented out a whole grocery store once just so he could do something “normal people” do. Stealth is the key.

[@danadickey4513]

My wealth is my health. Not being in debt and having good food to eat. A nice place to live...not necessarily a house. A decent paid off car.❤

[@justgivemethetruth]

> Not being in debt and having good food to eat. Yeah man! That is 99% of a good life.

[@hadimahamidh]

@@justgivemethetruthand a safe place to sleep in.

[@PepeCoinMania]

Homeless people are healthy sometimes it makes no sense Health is not optional

[@dreameryoung38]

Love your motto

[@Betancourts]

Health and wealth ARE NOT the same thing. Look up the definition for both. Stop making up your own definitions. They are spelled differently to begin with 😂 You sound ignorant and poor when you justify that you are “wealthy” just because you THINK you are healthy.

[@woodywoodverchecker]

The cool thing about buying used is that since the first scratch is already there, I'm not anxious when using that item.

[@Loving1999december]

Great insight.

[@jamestrent-nw9zb]

Excellent point...I like your style kiddo!

[@NahumOchoa1]

Also, you can buy better quality goods at reasonable prices.

[@theresamish1746]

Alot of people mistake the idea of frugal living and looking poor, by not investing in themselves! No Improve yourself by learning new skills, saving, budgeting, Investing and achieving financial freedom to enjoy a fruitful life. Wealthy is to be able to live freely.

[@1Beardedkelly]

Yes you're right, my friends upscale yourself, save, invest and learn skills that build up your value. You're your greatest asset! BE FRUGAL

[@rubyhenshaw3391]

love your comments, everyone keeps talking about educate yourself about investing. Please point Me in a direction of articles and books that are helpful. I've found it difficult to learn online

[@theresamish1746]

There are many options to explore, get a pro to guide you in. that will make it easier

[@rubyhenshaw3391]

Thanks for replying, can you recommend any articles and Pro to guide me ?

[@theresamish1746]

*Growwealthy* *with* *Rachel*

[@sharoncurran6622]

My friends recently told me they thought I was rich; I never talked about money. I've never had any, so, never bothered about it. All my clothes are 2nd hand. I use Libraries a lot and I am perfectly happy. I guess I am rich.

[@autfiltv5331]

I used to wear 2ndhand too. My husband teaches me how to save money and how to live a simple life. But he is rich but never looked at expensive things. Instead he always looked dirty but he is very organised and cleaned even though he is a Teacher at the same time a Mechanic 😅

[@lrbolotin1227]

You live a rich life. They confused that with being rich.

[@gracesimplified3860]

👍🏼 I do not care how others perceive me. I own a beach house paid in full, but I drive a twenty year old Honda CRV. When my septic line failed, I was able to pay in cash the $10,000 to repair it, yet my wardrobe consists of 4 pairs of pants from Costco, 8 shirts and 4 pairs of shoes. I don’t buy jewelry or fancy skin care products, but I do eat out weekly and buy what I want at the grocery store as long as it’s nutritious. I don’t drink alcohol or use recreational drugs, however I’ll help my daughter with medical and health related bills. I splurge on a gardener monthly, but only get a haircut 4 times a year. It’s about what you prioritize. I prioritize health, security, and peace of mind. Nicole, I hope you figure out what is causing this fever and wish you good health.

[@gwills9337]

2009 CRV 🫡

[@MrDuncl]

We were discussing at work how people with really nice houses don't have flash cars. There are £1million+ houses near here with 20 year old cars like yours parked outside. I would guess that the reason they have got to 20 years old is a full service history.

[@marklane870]

Daytona Beach 🏖️ here!

[@JessetheExplorer]

@@gwills9337 I have 2004 CRV

[@jamespn]

I would go into an Academy sports store and when I check out with slacks, shirts and a pair of shoes, the clerk remarked, annual clothes shopping sir, I could only laugh, because her assumption was correct.

[@awarepenguin3376]

looking poor is my specialty.

[@marianfrances4959]

😅

[@sandiepaul9421]

Me too!!! ❤❤

[@dixonpinfold2582]

I in fact have my Master's in Looking Poor, from the University of Some Place in India.

[@TopperPenquin]

​@@dixonpinfold2582Well We'll See About That

[@ottisqaiucci2987]

I am very well off and still find free things to clean & sell , that's my entertainment now that I'm retired ...

[@pdodwell1575]

I once heard the following philosophy espoused that covers your reaction to dealing with your garage door incident. If you have a problem that can be solved with money and you have money, you don’t have a problem.

[@robertburns3014]

I used to complain when I was younger about the "unfairness" of having a relatively small income as compared to friends with whom I went to college. I chose a career path in the "human services" field, which doesn't pay what a business or finance degree often offers. However, after some years, I realized that I had no reason to complain because I had everything I needed and wanted. Today, I drive a 15 year old car, live in a house under 2,000 square feet, and I am happy! I could care less what others think of me based upon what I own and do. My wife and I are retired, completely debt free, and we're enjoying life! It's great because we are free and able to do what we want to do when we want to do it. Our needs are few, and our wants are modest. This is the life!

[@CromulentEmbiggening]

ahem, AKSHUALLY you *couldn't* care less what others think of you

[@learningisfun2108]

Great post. I could not agree more. It takes time and reflection for people to realize, “Hey, I have enough!” It’s a great place to be. Enjoy it. Happy retirement!

[@chrishart8548]

Finding a wife that feels the same way is the difficult part.

[@douga7649]

I couldn't agree more.

[@yump]

my place is 700 sqft. yeah i'd be happy too with a "modest" 2000 lol.

[@envaleorex7361]

Nicole, you really are smart. You've figured out consumer culture and what a mess it is - apparently all on your own. You have impressive critical thinking skills.

[@AccordingtoNicole]

💅🏼

[@eveadame1059]

​@@AccordingtoNicole 🌱 Self Heal, Prunella Vulgaris is an awesome herb that you can make Tea out of. It is wonderful for cold and flu symptoms. Do take care of yourself. Watching a young wise woman your age, is refreshing and a needful example for other young people. 💕 And us older gals too. 😊

[@pawsnout]

Everything you own owns a piece of you.

[@ypey1]

So true, beware of wanting to be crazy rich

[@klmjtr]

I never heard that before. Really makes you think!

[@chrishart8548]

Everything your wife owns also owns a piece of you

[@corinth1121]

And a poor man's wealth is his ability to store things away😮

[@Neo5GT]

What does that mean?

[@rmickel1322]

So refreshing to see a young person who understands life and money.

[@ozarkrefugee]

She must be a virgo.

[@mycharles3340]

My mother was widowed at 41 with 4 kids. We never felt poor because we had the essentials. Now I value security and not stuff.

[@eh1702]

I was fortunate to be a kid in the 1960s & 1970s when everyone was scruffy, and then going creatively overboard with thrift-shop stuff as punk arrived. I only began to realise we were poor in my later teens.

[@jadonnoble5621]

I know exactly what she is talking about. A little over a year ago I got the itch to go out and buy a brand new truck for my lawn care business. I had the money to afford it and was about to pull the trigger. After thinking hard I decided this would be the worst decision for my business. The truck I had did everything I needed and had no mechanical issues. It is able to haul my equipment and buying a new truck would not make me any more efficient. Also, I realized it would be hard to keep the new truck looking nice because I haul so much debris off. I would be more stressed out keeping the truck looking nice instead of keeping my older truck where I don’t have to worry about scratching it or cleaning it all the time. My decision saved me over $50k and a $3500 insurance payment per year. It’s best to never make a quick decision when making a big purchase and to always look at the consequences of buying something that cost a lot.

[@jadonnoble5621]

@@mustbetrue1602 exactly! It’s impossible to keep a new truck nice in my line of work. I’m still looking for a nice used truck that has some more power but I won’t be buying a new truck probably ever lol

[@MrDuncl]

You haven't even thought about what your customers might think if you pulled up in an expensive brand new truck. "How much profit is he making from us ? Is he overcharging ?".

[@jadonnoble5621]

@@MrDuncl that’s actually a good point. I’ve decided to never buy a brand new truck for lawn care so I will hopefully never have this problem.

[@michaelxz85]

Consider yourself rich, if you have food shelter and good health. We live in a materialistic society. The moore you own the more stress and financial issues you have.

[@nobbynoris]

Food, shelter, good health, family, friends, a lifetime of experiences and few if any regrets. That's proper wealth.

[@chrishart8548]

But people have been conditioned to be miserable and want material things. People just don't understand.

[@Thalanox]

Logistical demands and maintenance labour are a kind of cost.

[@chrishart8548]

@randomletter-5i4 perfect that's what I live by. The hard things we have to do are the best things in life

[@Thalanox]

@@chrishart8548 I try to think of it like some level of voluntary discomfort is a kind of brain vitamin. It helps moderate the lows and highs of life. I think the word for this sort of thing is Hedonics. Your subjective experience of enjoyment and happiness can be controlled to some degree by balancing the enjoyable with the unpleasant. And meditation for a bit also helps with that.

[@gordongekko2781]

Speaking as someone who has done it, THIS IS 100% TRUE! I grew up in a lower-middle class single parent household. I chose the 2-year community college route (cost me just a few hundred dollars a quarter, so no loan), I worked 13+ years at a blue collar job, avoided the debt trap, lived a minimalist lifestyle, retired from the workforce at 36, millionaire at 46. The key is that I never cared about status symbols or impressing others. I live in a tiny 700 sqft 2 bedroom / 1 bathroom home, drive a 2015 Nissan Rogue, all my furniture was bought used or given to me from friends who upgraded, never owned an iPhone, no international travel, and bought most of my clothes from Goodwill. If you simply save your money, invest it, and avoid the consumerism traps, then you typically can do pretty well for yourself given enough time.

[@nicholasgutierrez9940]

People don’t want to do that. I call it a decade of sacrifice. After that you are set. I can do part time forever now if I wanted to. I could not work at all. I could work more and aim higher. I have options because I built the road to them.

[@gordongekko2781]

@@nicholasgutierrez9940 Congrats to you for choosing the wiser path. A "decade of sacrifice" is a good way to describe it. A decade may sound like a long time, but for most of us it's just a fraction of our lives, and if you make the sacrifice on the front-end, then you have the whole rest of your life to reap the benefits!

[@thepragmatist]

Good for you!

[@gordongekko2781]

@@mustbetrue1602 My take on Bachelor Degrees is that they're probably worth it if someone is going into a STEM field or other professional field that is in high demand and pays well. Unfortunately, I think far too many young people pursue careers that they perceive as either fun or emotionally rewarding. The problem with that is so many of their peers feel the same so there is a much greater supply of people with those degrees than there are job openings in those fields. In those cases, people would probably be better off learning a trade. Right now for every five people leaving the trades, there are only two people entering the trades! That's where the demand for labor will greatly exceed supply.

[@tdgdbs1]

Goodwill is expensive, Nissan Rogue is a terrible SUV, a tiny home will be hard to sell. I drive Toyotas, clothes from donation at church, live in a good size manufactured home on land.

[@joesimo11]

Financial freedom is priceless.

[@northernpianomusic]

Exactly. Well said.

[@one100billneoone4]

Yes, yes and YES!! Best feeling EVER!! 8 years strong!!

[@TopperPenquin]

A family are Lying A Holes are Soulless.

[@tedlogan4867]

Not to mince words, not to get tied up in semantics, but I would suggest rather than LOOKING poor, it's avoiding chasing the APPEARANCE of affluence. Simple but neat and presentable, particularly in clothing... never top tier designer labels, but dressed nice. Never borrow money for a car, but find something not junky looking but simple and reliable. Stop constantly dining out and going out. NEVER NEVER run up a credit card to go on that dream vacation so you can fill up your social media with photos of how you went into 20k of debt.

[@lumensauce3199]

Nothing wrong with a "junky looking" car if it is reliable. 🙂

[@fjorddenierbear4832]

I think how you dress should be based on how you want to be treated. So usually that means being presentable, above average. E.g. choosing a collared shirt over a hoodie, unless it's too cold. Or choosing a collared shirt over a t-shirt, unless it's too hot.

[@tedlogan4867]

@@fjorddenierbear4832 Think Chapelle's bit on the uniform. You become the costume, you become the uniform. It is little wonder to me that all the hoodie/pajama pants/ ungroomed bearded slovenly younger men in particular are not taken any more seriously than their uniform. Maybe you're not a loser bum, but you ARE wearing the uniform.

[@Star-333]

So true on the clothing comments. I work in an office and people would be surprised to realize that my blouses, cardigans and flats, all come from Amazon and sometimes the amazon basics line. I get compliments on my clothes even. You can absolutely look put together for less and save or invest the money you would have spent.

[@tedlogan4867]

@@fjorddenierbear4832 Amen, Wear the uniform of the type of person you want people to see.

[@pschneider708]

I just keep getting blown away by the simple wisdom presented by Nicole on this channel. I was raised in much the same environment (poor) described, and learned early that money was something to manage and not be managed by. Debt was absolutely reserved for a) puurchasing a home, and b) a functional car IF NEEDED (there are things called busses, etc.) I've carried those lessons alll the way through a series of good careers and into a comforatable (not "wealthy") retirement. I live by my actual means, and I have no need whatsoever for fancy baubles to show off to others. Fact is, I'd RATHER look poor than rich, because nobody can take from me what they don't know I have. Thanks again Nicole for a great video, and I hope you quickly get ovver what sounds like an awful health challenge! 😍

[@privateconfidential4775]

Do you live w your parents or do you have your own home?

[@bemoregrandma]

I’ve thought about this and being poor in my childhood was absolutely an advantage for me in later life. First of all, I know I can survive on very little and, secondly, I value small things so much more. I can’t believe that I can have a hot shower anytime I want or I can buy any food I want. Even though I live on average income, I feel so free and rich.

[@armandobarbarek]

I agree with the idea of being debt free and staying that way. I don't care what people think of me, never have. I like being low-key. I also grew up poor and understand the importance of holding on to money rather than squandering it. Another great video, Nicole 💯

[@bbb_888]

Be careful holding onto money as inflation will slowly kill it. Make your money work for you!

[@tj3688]

When I was a kid I dreamed of having jet skis, big home, cars, etc. Now that I have these things, I have come to realize, you don’t own these things, they own you. The cost in time and money to maintain this stuff is more than I anticipated. My advice for young people; keep your life simple. This equals freedom.

[@Linoversace034]

Can you give me some advice on how to make money first of all

[@tj3688]

@@Linoversace034 Work hard and find a niche. Second, save more than you spend.

[@McGuire40695]

The sentiment of $having enough FU money in the bank" at the end speaks volumes. Back in 2021 after years of getting no advancement opportunities at a job I was at for 8 years (despite praise and push from higher ups and my peers), I said "screw this, I have more than enough money in my savings to allow me to quit and look for another job." The job search was frustrating with at least 20-30 applications a day, but I took 3 months off and covered my bills

[@seltzermint5]

I feel that too. I went through a divorce, move, and career change about 12 years ago and was able to basically not work for the better part of a year with my own frugality living on savings. It was totally worth it for the peace of mind and room to "grow" as a person while finding a job that pays well, has better benefits, and has been an awesome fit for the past 11 years. During my transition period I was able to say no to a lot of bad jobs and that felt great.

[@lillianbarker4292]

When I was young I drove an old car and sometimes felt inferior. Others were driving cool new cars often leased because that was popular. My car was paid for but that didn’t mean much to me at the time. When I married a teacher people were shocked that I married someone with less status and money. Some looked down on us-really! We are retired and well off now because we were modest spenders and good savers. We didn’t get divorced which is very expensive. We married for love and worked on our relationship. We also loved our work, teaching.

[@elainealibrandi6364]

You're not getting old. You're just sensible.

[@eveadame1059]

😊 It is refreshing to listen to how sensible she is. Lovely she is making common sense, common again.

[@MrbaraLover]

As someone who grew up poor i feel this in my soul. Girl your very intelligent and will go far in life. Love your channel.

[@VexedGenX]

Side hustled at a car dealership to get access to wholesale car inventory. Bought well maintained 2005 Camry, 140K miles, for $3,500 cash. Had it almost 2 years without any issues.

[@CitAllHearItAll]

You walk the walk. It’s inspiring! Grew up poor. Recent years have put me in the high earner category. I have lived in the same place for 15 years. Drive a 9 year old Honda Accord. Watching vids to inspire me to pull back the reigns of lifestyle creep. Be careful what you let yourself get used to! Words I live by. Once you cross thresholds in lifestyle, it’s hard going back.

[@kyliechen5263]

I have been living frugally since young. Bought and fully paid a small 105 sqm apartment by 35 and retired at 50. Still living frugally with enough saving to get by. Nothing is more peaceful than not having to slog to maintain my lifestyle.

[@paulabeattie8565]

LIke and subscribed. You are talking my world, I am 57 and retired at 54; it takes effort, sacrifice and willpower but it has been really worth it.

[@SeasideBandit]

When i think about being rich, it is about not being tied to a job, have the means to live in an adequate accomodation, never needing ro work again, and able to survive to the end of my days sufficiently fed. I'm not talking about living in pods and eating worms and cocktoaches.

[@insomniacresurrected1000]

This would actually be me.

[@alinatamashevich3354]

That would be wealthy, not rich. Rich work, the wealthy do what they want when they want.

[@LynsAlteredArts]

I’m definitely not rich or wealthy, but I meet your requirements. I just say I’m comfortable. I don’t have to worry if I need a $200 or $400 garage door repair or there’s a leak in my roof or anything like that. The only worry is finding someone reliable to fix it. I’m not tied to a job because I spent 38 years tied to a job and now I’m retired. To have this lifestyle when I was younger would’ve been ideal now I can pretty much afford to do anything I want, but mostly, I can’t with bad knees and bad hips and all the things that come with age. Also, like Nicole, I have no desire to have a Tesla or some designers brand-name plastered all over my purse or my clothes or my shoes, those things don’t interest me. I’m happy with my jeans from Walmart and my T-shirts from Kohl’s and my eight year old car.

[@suzywernet5312]

I’m 73 and completely agree with you. You are so smart I really mean it. Thanks for your videos.!!

[@nobbynoris]

Also being able to provide for and treat your family and friends

[@amytuttle1621]

Financial planning is like navigation. If you know where you are and where you want to go, navigation isn't such a great problem. It's when you don't know the two points that it's difficult

[@losperez41]

Feel better Nicole! You are loved and appreciated! I enjoy your videos and logic very much! ❤️❤️

[@The-Rain-Ninja]

Awesome points! I have searched minimalism for a while and frugality only because more stuff is more clutter and more stress. I love the simplicity of how many people live. I think the one point I had not thought about was the buying something really quality and expensive and worried to wear it, sit in it, or even use it... I have done that repeatedly. So dumb. That opened my mind to not trying to buy super quality if it cost a ton of money. Wait for sales and then buy if essential.

[@sunnyside287]

Just brought a 21 year old car for $2000 with cash that I saved up for 3 years monthly. I can afford a much more expensive car but I’d rather not waste money and spend it on things that truly matter to me.

[@seltzermint5]

our cars are 17 and 18 yrs old (Toyota and Kia) and still take us everywhere we need to go including thousands of miles on road trips. They are cute cars too that get high mpg. There's a LOT to be said for preventative maintenance. Very few people need to replace their car every 4-5 years like so many people do.

[@invictaland1983]

I have seen this concept in videos at least 10 times now. Just saying. (Also, feel better soon!)

[@deansusec8745]

Like repairs every three months?

[@raloufen4292]

Repairs are truly expensive. Good luck

[@chrishart8548]

Depending what you define as an expensive car. Do you mean a newer car or a luxury car.

[@Syl839]

Bingo! You’re not old; you are real and down to earth. Good for you!

[@nathanjamesbaker]

2:30 I agree with you about the water bottles.

[@Zebra_3]

I want one! 💦

[@anastasiya8314]

They sell $5 dupes at five below. I have a few insulated water bottles gifted to me and they all work about the same

[@mrwillwgp]

I waltzed around Walmart the other day and found the cheapest water bottle, $3.50. Holds 32oz of water!

[@MrDuncl]

That passed me by although I have noticed it at work. Buy a six pack of Sports drinks in Lidl for £1.50 and you get six reusable bottles for free 🙂

[@JasonOwen-xe4gz]

Nicole, I've lived somewhat like you most of my life. Until about 3 years ago my wife and I acquired alot of stuff for whatever reason so 2 years ago we gave away, sold, and or throw stuff away sold our 2000 SF home, and now live in a 40ft camper. I can't begin to tell you how liberating it was. Keep up the good work!

[@GeezerAnonymous]

There's a book recommended to me long ago "The Millionaire Next Door" that talks about and endorses many of the values you talk about. Tells stories like you did about your school teacher friend. Really good advice that served me well as I too was not well off growing up and in early adulthood on my own. Hope you feel better soo

[@penelopeprimrose90]

Yes, that book is all about this topic. There's even an updated version. And the author wrote other interesting books like "The Millionaire Mind" and "Stop Acting Rich".

[@TheInterstellarHobo]

A quite wealthy friend of mine told me " The only thing money does is make like easier it certainly never makes it better. ( he was referring to what you mentioned about on hand emergency cash)

[@uui219]

Easier and better are literally the same thing.

[@ForestFury101]

Most people have no interest in the truth.

[@gwarlow]

How did you make time to survey everyone on the planet? Thank you so much!

[@corinth1121]

And the truth....is relative 🎉

[@TopperPenquin]

The relatives are going to Prison.

[@thepickles8833]

because it hurts them

[@Newlinjim]

@@gwarlowstats would confirm his comment from a financial perspective.

[@martinpreikschas6660]

You are so on the ball. I was in my 40's before I learned what you already know. I spent 15 years digging myself out of a debt hole and am only now living a life with a growing investment account and near-zero debt. If I had known 20 years ago what you already know, ... ah... don't get me started. My greatest hope now is that I can introduce my 20 year old daughter to your content and that she will "get you" as much as I do. From Montreal, cheers!

[@johnkay4701]

Glad that you weren't hurt when your garage door pranged itself. About 35 years ago, my garage was broken in to & a new racing bike stolen from within. I eventually got my bike back intact. But I realised that my very old garage doors were not secure. So I bought a new 'up & over garage door' & fitted it myself. Then about 20-years ago a 'neighbour from hell' moved in next door. So as a precaution I purchased a couple of lockable high security shoot bolts & again fitted them. Later that year, there was evidence that 'someone' had tried very hard indeed, to break into my garage door again. This time they failed. The point I'm trying to make is that, practical skills are also a form of riches, security & self-sufficiency, practical skills save you loads of dosh over the years. A also wholeheartedly agree that living a simple, non materialistic way of life is good; living well within one's means is good, being debt-free is good. NB. I paid-off my mortgage on my modest home 31-years ago & I still drive a Ford Focus hatchback that is now 20.5 years old, that I'd bought new for cash. Believe it or not, I prefer short journeys riding my bike - who needs a gym membership - lol. Well done Nicole, I mostly agree with your videos. If more people took notice of them, we would have better, less stressful lives. Thank you.

[@random.oddities]

I really don't understand how people can buy a car with an average payment of $700! Per month!!! I've had the same car now for 13 years and once it was paid off it was such a relief. It's definitely the longest I've gone with the same car. I used to be one of those people that would trade in my car before it was paid off just to get another one. Glad I grew up.

[@MultiSUNFLOWER18]

I bought a used car 2 years ago that was a few years old with low mileage. My car payment is not high and thankfully nearly paid off. $700 a month is probably because of crappy credit and a crappy interest rate.

[@random.oddities]

@@MultiSUNFLOWER18 yep, rates on cars and homes have made it nearly impossible to own either, unless you can put half down or something like that. What I don't understand is how people can still sign on that dotted line when they see their $700 tied up for 5 or 6 years. Holy moly.

[@Christian-qu9ml]

I have had the same car for 25 years.

[@MultiSUNFLOWER18]

@@random.oddities I was able to get my car through my credit union with a car planner. I also put money down on the car. Yeah, I would be taking Uber or the bus before paying $700 a month on a car payment. Honestly something in the economy has to change because I get why people would have crappy credit in this economy.

[@xlerb2286]

I hear you. If you make enough money that $700 isn't a big deal fine (though that person would be better off buying a car they can afford to pay for in cash). But for most of us $700 a month is a budget buster. That's $8400 a year that you can't spend on anything else. The last cars we bought we paid for in cash and they weren't fancy cars. Both of them together wouldn't have been a $700 payment. 8 years later we're still driving them and hopefully will be for many years yet to come. I'm lucky I guess, I get attached to cars and don't want to get rid of them.

[@Average--Joe]

I grew up always wanting to own a home. My home is now paid off, but the fact that my property taxes keep going up, it really takes away from the ownership "pride"

[@bbb_888]

At least you don't have a landlord controlling you. Property tax should be proportional to the property value, so it probably means your house is worth more.

[@camillaampy6937]

I agree.

[@aaronloyd2706]

Yes, the trick I have found is to never pay off your house. Pay it way down and ride it out as long as you can. There are too many incentives to not pay off your house right now. In the last five years, a lot of people lost their paid off house.

[@peterwulff469]

- the socialhumanitarian welfare state must be paid for!

[@amyg.5376]

@@aaronloyd2706 The comfort we have from a paid-off house is priceless for us. Yes, we pay property taxes but they are minimal. We're comfortably well-off. I love knowing that if we need another car (ours is from 2012) we can pay for one in cash.

[@fibee8324]

I've always felt that there was something wrong with me for not wanting all the 'stuff' that other people want - and that society tells us we need. It's hard to go against all the messages we're fed every day to buy more, have more etc - the message that all this stuff will make us happy. But ultimately you HAVE to live your life according to your own values :)

[@delainestasik837]

You have inspired me! I am 64 and don't have savings to speak of, shame on me. But as you said don't go back...go forward! I have good income and am determined now to save up money, thank you Nicole!

[@tracycagliero129]

Your evening set is calming 😊

[@Allystargirl]

I feel like you would be an INCREDIBLE teacher Nicole :)) your the type of teacher teaching the types of things that high schoolers REALLY could hear. Thanks for these videos 🩷

[@Newlinjim]

I agree,she presents extremely well both in intellect and personality. I can’t imagine a class that would find trouble connecting with her.

[@kims7387]

Agreed- old car- no expensive clothes or bags- but living the best life and enjoying the ones we love.

[@TrueFileJunkie]

As a someone who was raised by a single mom for the second part of my childhood, one of the most important things I learned is that random windfall money is not to be blown. You can burn some slice of your _regular_ income, but windfall ones are to cover debt and/or save.

[@TopperPenquin]

Foe what?.. Death?

[@bettybotterbutter]

I really enjoy your videos. Your channel is kind of a philosophy channel hiding behind practical advice on topics like financial freedom. Thank you!

[@AccordingtoNicole]

You get it 😉

[@marton349]

I love your attitude towards wealth and happiness, I could watch your videos all day!

[@TheFatesLieutenant]

Aye - With you all the way (retired w/ financial peace). Fortunately I got the "I need a fancy car!" out of they way 30+ years ago (and she was a sweet vehicle - Buick Regal GranSport - beautiful shade of metallic green, took me to Scotland, France, Germany, Switzerland, etc. 320,000 miles when she finally died) and now I happily drive a very reliable 15 yo Honda, no debt, house paid off years ago, etc. and all the time in the world (and if/when something untoward does comes up if it can be dealt w/ it will be, if not, c'est la vie!).

[@Leon-xw3nv]

Excellent video! So many are consumed by looking wealthy, they miss any chance of that happening. Poor choices and the I deserve it mentality has overtaken most of the population.

[@UTP504]

Every word of what you said is the absolute truth💯

[@vernshird711]

Same situation. In my case, my mom was widowed before I turned 7. I've always worked for everything, put myself through college, and keep my vehicles for as long as they run. The visual I love is the debt iceberg - the visible part is all the stuff the "Joneses" have and the huge portion of the iceberg below the surface is the Joneses debt. The truly wealthy are not the ones who have the most, but the ones who need the least.

[@seabreeze4559]

it's a cope that all people with nice things are in debt, personally, I save in cash for things I buy

[@richjohn11]

Here in the UK we now say, keeping up with the Beckhams!

[@vernshird711]

@@richjohn11 She's not called 'Posh" for nothing! 🤑

[@keilder8543]

Love the channel. Fellow Canadian, Torontonian for most of my life. I've always been a saver, hoping my children will also follow your financial prudence.

[@mattw8332]

The example about the broken garage door resonates with me. Last year I moved into a flat I bought. It had an integral electric cooker. A fortnight ago the cooker stopped working. I phoned up the service department of the company who manufactured the cooker to ask if a technician could come round and fix it. It cost me £200 which might seem a lot to many others who may find themselves in the same predicament but it was well worth it to me just to get the cooker working again. Turned out that the fan stopped working and had to be replaced.

[@jp040759]

Financial security is number one. Number two is doing your own maintenance and repairs. Not talking about laying brick but relatively minor repairs. Fixing things through the years myself has allowed me to put that money not spent into investments for the future. That money is going to be useful in my older years when I can't do all the repairs I used to.

[@nickfrancis8158]

This was one of the greatest things I was mentored on in my early 30s when my manager sat down with me and explained how to pay off debt, stay out of debt and live well below your means. This was at a time where I had a 371/mon 4 year lease, 500 in student loan expenses and I was not bringing in much on a salary. Today I have a 13 year old car, no debt but the remaining mortgage mortage and you said it best… it’s not the material things it’s the freedom of having a choice. The ability to know a surprise expense is an inconvenience is a gift I will no longer give up. We all deserve this experience.

[@DirasatLanguage]

Great video! This is a mindset we don't learn from school.

[@one100billneoone4]

By design. They don’t want us to be financially educated. The more uneducated and dumber we are, the more debt we have, the longer we have to work, the wealthier “they” get of our backs.

[@vinaygohil3793]

Really needs to be shown in schools as an educational tool to steer kids away from the expensive designer clothes , phones etc

[@douga7649]

I'm glad someone said this out loud. My wife and I have been pretty frugal. I grew up with my needs met but in a very blue collar household with WWII era parent, with dad serving in WWII. I figured out early on to save and invest my money. Now I'm 58, retired for the last 2 years. My friends are all working and just now trying to figure out how they are going to retire. I've been thinking about that since my early 20s so I prepared. Even though we could go out and buy a new house, new cars, toys and things but instead, we drive cars that are 13 & 18 years old respectively. They still run well and we'll keep them until it doesn't make financial sense to do so. We have a house, and a cottage (inherited parents home) in the rural area where I grew up. The best part of having money and not showing it is that you get to see the real character of others. Nobody is kissing up to us, thinking that they might get their hands on our money since it looks from the outside like we don't have much. Nice cars, clothes, jewelry, homes and other trinkets that people display may merely paint a target on them.

[@Silverdragon517]

You are a gem. I have not heard such an honest opinion and analysis at any other place

[@pubwvj]

Aye. You are spot on. Reasons why I have have purposefully never forgotten the lessons I learned growing up poor. I live frugally. What I do but is quality. Focus on tools that let me do.

[@dalewilliams8001]

Nicole, I've watched other videos by you since last year. I didn't know the back story of your upbringing with your Mom, so it was an "AHA !! moment when I realised why you are the way you are. You have much wisdom for someone of your age. I am in agreement with most everything you talked about here, and your thoughts about materialism, appearances ..... are very similar. I'm glad that I tuned in for this one, on this fine Sunday morn. Did you mention at the end that you have a "mystery fever"?? If so, fevers are a sign that something serious is going on.Take good care of yourself.

[@jorgetrimboli]

You have wisdom. I hope other young people get to listen to your thoughts and keep your lessons. I agree with you 100%. Thank you!

[@plantlady1227]

It seems to me that flashing signs of wealth (real or not) only serves to make you a target for unsavory people. It also screams to me of insecurity and a certain amount of immaturity that requires the attention and admiration or envy of other people. It seems like a truly wealthy person is secure enough in themselves that they have no need to impress others.

[@amyg.5376]

Going along with this: we live in a small town and the people who live here make an effort to not appear wealthy in order to not make anyone else feel inferior. It's so different than when we lived in a big city. Nobody here would dream of owning a flashy car or carrying a designer handbag.

[@colleenmarin8907]

The poorest where I work (we all make about the same per hour) spend unnecessarily. One spent over $500 US for a prom dress (with shoes , accessories & alterations) because the kid went to the same expensive store as their friends. They also bought a $40 cup (this kind is at least spill proof) and convinced a fellow poor coworker to also get one. I hope the cups last and that the prom memories will be fantastic

[@seltzermint5]

A friend who needed a temporary loan from me for costs associated with buying her modest small home spends roughly the same at the salon as her mortgage payment every month. Her car payment is more than both of those...and she does not like her 2023 model car because it's too small for her needs, and costs a lot when repairing or getting oil changes. Hard to understand a lot of the decisions people make.

[@HomeEcSewing]

This describes the family that raised me. Their main concern is buying things to impress people. My lifestyle is the exact opposite - what anyone thinks of me and my material possessions is none of my business. And while they are convinced that for all their efforts to appear "rich" they do not understand that wise people know better. It's just all so ironic. Thanks for your well-crafted videos! Hope you're feeling better soon.

[@seabreeze4559]

erm some people just buy nice things they saved for, they aren't trying to impress you

[@HomeEcSewing]

Good to know. Glad you felt the need to tell me that after NOT reading my comment (or maybe you didn't comprehend it)- it says a lot about your mindset.

[@TrevorHamberger]

@@seabreeze4559 you're a genius.

[@seabreeze4559]

@@HomeEcSewing you called yourself wise, that's sad. pathetic, actually. ditch the smartphone if you're so anti-materialism

[@seabreeze4559]

@@TrevorHamberger yep, unlike a bunch of yankees who own smartphones while decrying materialism from them

[@JoesLife89]

I have 120k saved up, no debt, im 35, sometimes i think im nowhere but im actuallly doing pretty good when i see other peoples car bills and phones.

[@pennynickels5216]

Health is wealth. The thing about having money? It not only gives you freedom and security, it also gives you the ability to make choices IMHO.

[@one100billneoone4]

OPTIONS!!

[@thirstonhowellthebird]

ABSOLUTELY ❤❤❤❤

[@peterwulff469]

- very well put. Total autonomy/independence is what one shall aspire to.

[@kagepoker]

Refreshing to see substance over flash. I watched some of your other videos and can definitely say you deserve more views. So many people are brainwashed into excessive consumerism today because they use silly metrics and compare themselves to others.

[@PetraHanner]

True wealth whispers while debt is flashy and loud. My neighbor's daughter said she would never be caught dead in a car like mine (10 year old paid off Toyota Highlander). Her parents are driving a $200K car totally financed, in a house with a second mortgage.

[@TrevorHamberger]

right now a 10 year old highlander paid off is like the best car you can own. near to it anyways.

[@mikemcglauflin8985]

Wealth is knowing someone cares about you and you care about them. Nothing else matters.

[@jennifercaskie3895]

I hope you feel better.

[@AccordingtoNicole]

Thank you. I’m fine now.

[@spencers-adventures]

The lighting setup in this is your best yet! Loved the video, thanks Nicole 👍

[@pattycake8272]

I had a part go out in my oven. I ran over to the bank and got the money out for that part. (Small town). It felt great!!!! Now for the wall down in my basement is a different story because of all the building contractors we have in this town I can't get one to come look at it, they want the big jobs.

[@jerrygebhardt4045]

Love you Nicole. I hope you,get well soon. You still, put on a great presentation. You’re right, we don’t need to show off, our successes. Most of my life, it only attracted people, that robbed me of, my hard earned goals. I tried to teach people, they could achieve, anything they wanted. It took them, a few minutes, to take my items now. Most people, have nothing, to show, for their lives, after all the harm, they caused. Jerry from Anaheim, California USA.❤

[@dcabral00]

Thank you. I love your content. You are very genuine.

[@steveb6371]

Definition of “impress” - buying something that you don’t need with money that you don’t have to get a reaction from somebody that you don’t know.

[@mariaelizondo7808]

I’m fifty I barely got on the beautiful frugal life and I’m loving it my credit score is up and so are my savings and 401. I’m Loving my life now and I hope to retire In my late fifties. Love this kind of content.

[@TheyRiseBand]

Just shelled out $7k for back surgery (and that was with insurance). Glad I had the cash-on-hand to cover it. Not to mention, they wanted 50% upfront. Having personal savings is critical.

[@MilaN-lt2mq]

You make some very good points. I just want to add, that choosing your friends is also important. My friends don't care about material things. They all are very comfortable financially (some of them are very, very comfortable financially), but they live in regular middle class neighborhoods, drive basic cars, cook their own meals, and have no debt. There is no push to show off, because none of us care about that. We care about spending time together.

[@seltzermint5]

it can definitely be hard to watch friends spend their money very differently. I feel guilt at times when some of my friends are struggling but I just have to see some of their less than great decisions (buying a new car when they have a 6 yr old perfectly sound vehicle already, Door Dash 4 times a week) to just think "live and let live".

[@chrishart8548]

​@@seltzermint5they can do those things if they want as long as they don't moan about not having money. People do seem to think they have a rite to tell you what you can and can't do with your money. I find That annoying.

[@or123and]

What most people get wrong is that compounding is not just a financial aspect but very much also about know-how and learning.

[@FinanciallyPowerful]

I really like the night time setting! 💡

[@richjohn11]

Hi Nicole salutations from the UK! As a 60 year old male I had this advice in school, and that money was included in the curriculum. I wish you all the best of health and keep up the great work, giving real education

[@PopsSinging]

"True wealth is silent" sounds like a cool title for a song. I scribbled that down and might write something I can screech out later into a microphone...lol.

[@seltzermint5]

Love it. There's a Princess Nokia lyric that says "if you rich then you don't stress it, the more you have the less you show and let that be a lesson".

[@peterhuber1702]

Great video Nicole! I'm with you on what really being rich is: the safety and security of having money for the times when life happens. Last winter, my furnace suddenly stopped working in early December just when the weather temperature dropped to 10-15 below zero. I live in Minnesota where water pipes can freeze and burst when it gets that cold here. Due to being frugal and having a strong savings account I was able to buy a new furnace and have it installed in two days. It cost over $6000 from a good heating company who would do the work fast, but I paid for it in full. I hated to spend that much all at once but was very grateful I could. Same thing with cars - I've always driven them until they die because I had to...never had enough money to get a replacement when I wanted to. I'd just keep fixing them until they wouldn't run at all or the repairs would cost more than a replacement. 3 years ago, that all stopped because I've been frugal and have been saving. As my 20 year old Hyundai Accent crossed over 120,000 miles and started to show signs of failing, I went out and bought another, newer used car for $4000, in cash, in full. I still have the Accent as a back up car. Never been able to do that in my entire life (I'm 56 years old). When things go wrong, I'm covered and don't have to go into debt to pay for things in an emergency. Now that's 'being rich'.

[@badcat4272]

Looking rich is a fast track to being poor.

[@davea691]

Driving a 14 year old Toyota Camry with 229,000 km on it. Plan to keep it a least another 5 years. Kept the previous car to 460,000 km (Honda Accord) and the one before that to 350,000 km (Toyota Camry). Made a point to maintain these cars properly.

[@Zebra_3]

my millionaire aunt w/ 2 homes drives a Honda Civic LX (base model).

[@neverwilliam]

"Plan to keep it a least another 5 years"... why? if you like it,works well, why?

[@LindaLinda80Linda]

My friend had a doctor who complained he might not be able to give his daughter a $200,000 wedding! He spent everything he made. Couldn’t even pay his taxes. Wow.

[@marksin515]

To your question, I've seen just two of your videos, one each, and they both seem great as to lighting. Probably not worth spending more mental energy on that aspect. I love your story, and how you tell it. Your attitude toward riches and appearances and trying to put on a show for others is spot on. I will watch for myself and recommend you to my granddaughters and nieces, of which I have an abundance! Keep up the terrific work, you're on a great path. PS: nice work on producing your videos, they're visually interesting, well-made, and your audio quality is pretty good.

[@bria2596]

"Financial stability is directly related to mental health," (paraphrased). This is an important truth.

[@TABLESAWTIM]

Rheumatoid arthritis will give one a long fever. I was diagnosed with JRA at 13yo. In my 30s I started getting short fever spikes, headaches & would just sit in one spot until the fever subsided. It progressed into longer term fevers. My Rheumatologist finally found that I have Systemic RA. That's all through my blood & not settled in particular joints. It just pops up at times. Also look into a lower jaw tooth cavity infection, or maybe a recent root canal gone wrong.

[@amyjones8613]

I hope you're feeling better really soon. Fevers can be brutal ❤

[@hollyholmes1392]

You are very wise for your years!! My younger son has a similar outlook on life. He's very frugal, works hard at his own business, and hopes to retire by 40. We'll see!!

[@seltzermint5]

This may seem out of nowhere - but I know a lot of women in their 30s and 40s who spend around $500 every month getting their hair and nails done. Normal everyday women. Regular hairstyles. Not people in the public eye or anything. What has also gotten out of control is they are tipping $50+ and bringing their hair and nail technicians Starbucks drinks every single visit. This is a real thing I've witnessed, but originally thought it was silliness from Tik Tok. Similar for tattoos, which I wouldn't spend thousands on either, but at least it lasts forever unlike highlighted hair or gel nails with designs...

[@sxwrtr918]

Yes. It"s crazy! Not a new thing, though...just more outrageous and expensive now. Had friends like this many years ago, frivolously spending on all kinds of beauty services, overpriced home goods and trendy clothes (I got great stuff at thrift shops), Starbucks, restaurants. I'd get teased bc I didn't do all that (just occasional restaurant). They always cried poormouth and how hard it was to pay their utility bills or rent, and how "lucky" I was to always have money in the bank. That really p..sed me off. Like many wrapped up in this lifestyle, they just didn't get the connection between their chosen actions and the consequences. P.S. Used to get my hair trimmed 1x/2 months by a lovely woman at a salon for a reasonable rate...and I did have an on-camera occupation for years. After that time, I used to give her a copy each visit of the magazine where I was an editor (she loved this mag.)...not a Starbucks😅. She was a single mom whom I'm sure appreciated clients' good tips way more than burnt coffee (I worked there waaay back).

[@seltzermint5]

@@sxwrtr918 You are so correct! It just gets more extreme through the years. In my twenties it was $150 Ugg boots and now it's a $4k Gucci bag! I have to admit I do tell some people griping about 12 yr olds wanting Drunk Elephant skincare products that when I was 12 we all wanted Liz Claiborne purses and perfume meant for adult women. 12 yr olds haven't really changed! I ALSO hate those "lucky" comments...yes I am lucky to have decent genes with no serious health problems, yes I'm lucky I was born in the 1970s and not the 1870s. But I'm not LUCKY to have good credit or a college degree...

[@hr3134]

Good point! Plus, it gets worse with age... covering grey hair, "anti-aging" treatments, etc, and that's not including those who go the botox/fillers route. Plus if you cut your hair short (as many do) there's the added cost of all those salon appointments. My mom had long, natural hair into her seventies and not only was it pretty, it seems the wise choice.

[@rbnhd1144]

Your post blew me away, $500 a month on hair and nails plus tips and coffee, I suppose it pays to be a hair stylist or nail person. Gulp!

[@sxwrtr918]

@@seltzermint5 ". Lucky to be born in the 1970's and not the 1870's..."🤣. True indeed. I do remember the Ugg craze, never heard of Drunk Elephant...sounds like an alternative band. Is the company still around? As for myself at 12, I was getting dirty and scraped up at sleep-away camp, roller skating (the kind with the key) back in the city, and using some of my babysitting/dog-walking earnings to 'splurge' on records, some of it I gave to mom to put in my passbook savings account. Seems like some 12 yr olds have the desires and tastes of a 25 yr old with a good ft job. After getting my first job out of college many years ago (at very modest pay), I treated myself to this nice perfume I'd always liked. Seemed like a small fortune at the time, but looking back it wasn't at all. Glad to have been a kid/teen in the '60s and '70s with the simple pleasures of banana seats, mood rings, Earth shoes, good music, rotary phones with cord to play with, human interaction, and when a mouse was a rodent and an apple was a fruit. Like you, I do indeed feel lucky to have good health...that is true wealth too. Thanks for the unexpected trip down memory lane. Be well🙂.

[@chuckc6256]

Just found you today and I've been binge-watching your videos. I'm in my 50s and everything you're saying is spot on

[@loes6839]

As someone who visits about 5 houses every day for my work, I see such a big difference between the people who are smart with their money and the people who are not and it's very interesting to see. Some people live in a giant mansion and still want to pay in parts, while other people who live in a normal house can pay all at once.

[@Tha3cozart]

Great video wise words here alot of people go broke trying to look wealthy...