Let's Get Personal: Why I Am Frugal

[@raisingwildflowers]

Interested in my favorite 3 ways to make money without a 9-5 job? Check out this video! kzbin.info/www/bejne/l2bdiIqhrdOhgdU

[@susansmith493]

Your story is similar to my father's story. Single dad. Four kids under 8. Not one penny in financial support. Absolutely no visits or physical support. All in all, it was a blessing. We had very very little, but the household was happy and peaceful. Everything he did was to make our home a respite. We all adore that decent, humble, strong, kind man.

[@hippiechic9441]

This brings tears to my eyes. You are blessed to have had a good kind father. ❤

[@amybell1375]

I am a single mum with 7 kids - got out of an abusive relationship. No financial support from him. I homeschool - always have. Frugality came to me as we (husband & I) racked up a lot of debt (due to husbands refusal to work + not spend) and it took me years to get us out - vowed we’d never go back into it.

[@esteeb42]

My husband passed away October 27th of last year from brain cancer. I had not been working outside the home for a while due to his illness and caring for him. Because I am just about to turn 60 I cannot even think about social security for a few more years so I am thankful that we are debt-free except for a small Mortgage Balance. If need be I can sell my house here in California and downsize. I am thankful I don't have to think about it right at this moment, and I am thankful for the peace of mind I can have at this difficult time that comes with having lived a Frugal lifestyle.

[@professormustard75]

Frugality= freedom to me. I don't have to be a slave to my job and I have more time for my son who is neurodivergent. Our home and pace of life is calm, slow, and content.

[@jenniferrosenthal7731]

Same here. 2 kids that have autism and I don’t have to be a slave to my job and can be a better mom for them.

[@joniahaworth]

I love you saying Frugality=Freedom

[@billb945]

There's an element of efficiency to frugality.

[@avir2us1]

Great reasons for living frugally. I choose to live frugally to save for retirement and not have debt. Thanks for sharing.

[@Thisisit120]

I can’t say enough good about homeschooling or being frugal and out of debt. I am a 67-year-old married woman of 50 years and my husband and I bought our first farm six years ago and paid cash for 45 acres. With a farmhouse and outbuildings. I homeschooled my children and some of my grandchildren for a total of 26 years. And I must say I do miss thoseDays. When they say it goes by fast boy are they not kidding it goes fast. Keep your faith young lady I subscribed to your channel today. I always do the thumbs up and try to comment. Trying to help you out the best I can God bless you and your family.

[@carolcatchychanneltipsandt1448]

I love being frugal . I was a Single Mom . I did what you did and I worked in a school childcare , so she could come with me for free. I had to do it . And I still am frugal ,I literally have furnished a 2 bedroom apartment on all freebies . Or would sell items I found for things I needed . I am saving up again and looking for a piece of land to buy . I would love to have a off grid place . A I don’t have debt .

[@marywatkins6798]

I worked frugality for years, as I raised my two kids, toward the goal of being debt free. I paid off our home mortgage and car loan over those years. We are still deft free. Frugality = Freedom

[@dialdfordebt7326]

For a long time my family had to be frugal out of necessity, but we’ve been fortunate to have a good income in that past couple years. However, lifestyle creep is a REAL thing. We just recently enacted a new way of living… frugal by choice. I actually miss when I was poor. Obviously not everything, it was very challenging. But I miss the simplicity of my life and cherishing the little things in life. Come to find, I just needed frugality and minimalism to achieve that old comfort. So, now I’m not stressed about bills, get to homeschool my son who is also ND, spend lots of time outside, etc…. And I’m so so content. I think it helps to stay off social media… I am present with my actual life, ya know? Anyway, you’re awesome. And I totally wish you were my neighbor. I think your outlook on life is great.

[@gilliancarnes5279]

Single mama here. Very similar story to yours. My daughter is two. I'm in nursing school and I work as a nanny so I can have her at work with me. I plan to homeschool her as well. We're very frugal so I can save money back and pay for school in cash. Praying blessings for you and your family. ♥️

[@PinkMaeve]

One of the reasons that I have been frugal is to take care of my future self . There may be a time where I am elderly and cannot work any longer,and I want to retire with financial dignity.I do not want to be dependant on the system,and I do not want to stress on whether or not I can afford basic necessities.Frugality has been my way of life.

[@jillgott6567]

I am so happy. I did my taxes yesterday and am going to have money back to be able to buy new tires. Plus have a little extra. I also listed some items online. They will be sold this Friday and I will make $43 on the deal. I feel blessed.

[@rachelcrossen8136]

It is so fantastic the you prioritized your kids wellbeing over things. So few people are willing to do this

[@suefleming]

I grew up sorta poor... I ADMIRE YOU SO MUCH !!! As far as I'm concerned, minimalistic is the only way to live .!!! ❤❤❤❤

[@lynnoorman2144]

An accidental by-product of frugality, I find, is being environmentally friendly and sustainable. A lot of my furniture and crockery is from family or thrift stores and I have had it for years. I have no desire to rush out and buy new stuff at all. Contentment is the big bonus. And I so agree with you that less stuff and complications = more free time!

[@thehomespunwife]

I enjoy being frugal because I have seen the benefit of it over many years. We were a family of 6, living on one income. We learned inexpensive ways to live, eat, save, and have fun. Even before we had the internet, I was always looking for free or low-cost events for us to enjoy. In the midst of our frugality, my husband earned both his Masters and Doctorate degrees and we paid for both of them with cash. It was hard but worth it and God provided. Our children are grown now, yet we are still making the effort to live below our means as we look ahead to our retirement years and to enjoying fun times with our 11 grandchildren. Thanks so much for your videos. I just discovered your channel a couple days ago and I appreciate your content. ~Sherry

[@andrewminjiras5745]

As a former spendthrift, I definitely prefer frugality. It’s kind of a spiritual discipline for me, and I’m saving hundreds a month. Fun

[@carolwoodward6141]

You are a woman of strength and courage!

[@Patti-1962]

I just discovered your channel through this video. My husband left a lucrative job in business to follow his passion for teaching. This was over 25 years ago, but we became extremely frugal and have kept that lifestyle to this day. Because we saved money, we were able to take our kids on wonderful vacations each year.... traveling to all the large cities and places like the Grand Canyon. When our kids were in college, we were able to take them to Europe, our last family vacation before our oldest got married. So when you talked about how you would like to travel, I just had to leave this comment that you can achieve that goal!! We also invested heavily into our retirement, which means my husband can retire in just a few years, and we can enjoy time with our 5 grandchildren!❤

[@CourtneyRobinson]

Excellent video. I’ve been on this path for 30 plus years and it has allowed me to retire early, help others, & have time freedom. I am frugal because it allows me to have more time because I don’t have a lot to take care of. We have a modest home and cars. While frugality eventually led to a high net worth I don’t think it would have ever happened had we not been minimal and frugal.

[@hills_tinyfarmhouselife]

So glad to have found your channel. I have a KZbin channel that is very similar to yours. I have been frugal for many many years. I was a single mother and put myself through nursing school so I did it out of necessity. I won't live any other way. I also live in Florida.

[@barbarahughes6009]

Thank you for sharing.I love the fact that you have worked out a way to live differently in a world that is groaning with waste,over shopping and debt.Well done.

[@nicolewalters5039]

Love your videos and way of looking at life. The simplicity of owing less and being frugal is a good way to live.

[@susanquinlan7426]

I have seen the results of home schooling and now believe it is such a gift to them. God bless you for debt free. It can be very hard and yet not as hard as results of crisis unprepared. You have it girl, keep moving.

[@raisingwildflowers]

Thank you!

[@jillgott6567]

I have never been a high earner as I deal with anxiety, depression , and back pain. In my 40's I finally found out I have ADHD. I finally found a niche working in the Temporary Staffing field. It was hit or miss but I built up a good reputation, worked when I could and overall enjoyed the experience. The last of my working [ I am now retired but still do odd jobs here and there ] , I worked a preschool/daycare substitute teacher for a child with developmental issues. Then COVID struck and the centers were closed. After doing a few more temp jobs I decided to retire early. Not a lot of money but I ♥ the freedom ! I now have time to focus on my health, and creativity which is important to me. I ♥ frugality so much that I now run a Facebook group on frugal living 😍 Great video nice to know there are others who are willing to sacrifice " things" for peace of mind.

[@laurijohnson7754]

What’s the name of your Facebook group?

[@fredrika8011]

Way to go, to all us single moms who made it through. I’ve been through a similar story as yours. Except my child support was like the wheel of fortune. On any given month it could be any dollar amount. I also got nothing at all for many months. Best wishes to your family. I really enjoy your channel. 😊

[@bridge7528]

I’ve never been a single mom, but I admire all of you so very much! You guys rock!

[@rough-hewnhomestead5737]

This is really interesting! We originally 'went frugal' due to an upcoming job loss (we had a bit of warning) in 2012. I knew that we'd be floundering to pay bills unless we did something fast. We decided to live on less so we began cutting back on things and paying off debt. We're still frugal today because we like this lifestyle. Many of the changes we've made in order to live more frugally have helped us achieve a more grateful and peaceful lifestyle. We have come to really enjoy finding new ways to save money and live on less. We love living closer to the land and it has enriched our Christian walk. We used to live pretty status quo...but now we've turned our rural neighborhood home and land into a small homestead where we grow veg and fruit, herbs for food and medicine, pastured poultry for eggs and meat, and we homeschool. We feel much more free living this way and have no intention of going back to how we lived years ago.

[@kb8990]

This is very encouraging to me as a one income homeschooling mom. Glad to find your channel!

[@susanne022]

I adore your lifestyle, in parts we are also frugal, I try to mix not buying unnecessary things with Self sufficient gardening and having my own food. I know many women, staying in a toxic relationsship because of financial dependency

[@RegularHuman]

It seems you found the happiness every one is actually looking for, Good for you

[@desertrat5543]

Being frugal allows me to homeschool my kid. Our family is ND as well, and it’s amazing what I am able to afford to our mental health. I feel like I’m giving my kid the best possible childhood and that he doesn’t have a terrible sensory experience at public school. And that I can raise an independent person.

[@yadymoncayo294]

You are a very smart young lady. I wish I could learn this 15 years ago.

[@denbeingfree]

I grew up with a single mom and ended up paying her debts. So I became frugal because i knew this is not what I want, to pay the debs for another x years. I was able to save enough to almost pay it all and I think I will be able to pay that all off this year. The frugality taugh me that the most dangerous way of living is the one when you live paycheck to paycheck without any saving ans I know thats not a way for me. So Im doing it smarter than my family. I have my emergency fund, Im investing monthly. And I will continue to live frugaly and to be honest stress free because I simply love my life like this.

[@nancyshrout-wankowski7147]

How did you get stuck with her bills?

[@IdaMaySmith]

Been there!!!🙋🏻‍♀️ Yay for us! We didn’t just survive we learned to thrive! Never easy but so worth it!

[@laurijohnson7754]

I’ve learned to become frugal. But I wasn’t always that way. Two of three children were complicated pregnancies. We owed close to 300,000 in hospital bills after our health insurance coverage. I fixed that once that mess was cleared up we would never be in that position again. Before that we were swimming in credit card and car debt. Since then we have dug our way out. It was a blessing to have that struggle because it taught my husband and I the value of frugality. We now are retired with a good amount in an IRA, a home paid off and property. So many of my friends and family are struggling right now in this economy not knowing if they will ever be able to retire!

[@suefleming]

Because my mother was frugal... necessary for me.. and now it's kind of FUN !!!?? Would have never guessed it would be fun...

[@Opm0316]

I just saw your channel and love it so far. I have the same principle as you. I value time, experiences over stuff. I try not to buy unnecessary things so I can afford a nice hotel when we go for vacation, etc. I just quit my very stressful teaching job because it was consuming me and I’m not able to enjoy my life with the people I love the most which is my family. I realized it’s no way to live a life. I know we’d be better off with me working in a less stressful environment with less money but I have more time with my family and I’m enjoying my life.

[@raisingwildflowers]

Isn't it disappointing that teaching has become so stressful? That was my career of choice at one point, but I quit mid-degree because I had teacher friends who were so unhappy. I am happy you were able to quit and have your time back!

[@judithscharf6318]

Excellent video. I’ve been frugal all my life. I have also been a minimalist for 3 years. Being frugal allowed me to spend on our children’s college education and a home for them to live in. My husband is also frugal. We have always agreed on money.

[@carolined3058]

Started the frugal journey about 2 years ago to have less financial headache and stress. It's a succesfull journey .

[@sallyapplegate4591]

Kudos to you!!!! Keep doing what you’re doing!!! You’re an inspiration!!!!😊

[@Cindyscrossstitch]

I really enjoy your channel. Your a kind sweet soul🌻🌻homeschooling is the best thing you can do for a child

[@Thisisit120]

There is nothing like making memories instead of having things.

[@MaggieHessYoga]

Proud of you. So empowering!

[@terrypelletti8535]

You are old beyond your years. You should be very proud of yourself.

[@jamieanderson5991]

I am very much like you. I was in an abusive situation and was homeless for 3 months in chicago in the winter. I dont need much and struggle at times but I work from home and can take care of my son(autistic) and husband who also needs care. I make most everything from scratch. All breads, pasta.. love your videos

[@juditharsenault2131]

I became frugal after some rude awakenings about my overspending habits. It was a horrible revelation. I slipped again when I received an inheritance but have since changed my ways since retiring and struggling a bit. I like your channel because you're realistic.

[@susanf4857]

So proud of you!! 👏👏👏 Thanks for sharing all of this!

[@cantocant2346]

So much respect for you. Thank you for sharing your story.

[@marlenearocho3680]

Glad to see you back !! Keep the videos coming . in these days we all need life hacks and more ways to make money !.

[@TheChan7]

Thanks for sharing your story. So inspired!! We are a very frugal family as well.

[@missdesireindependance5194]

I feel it’s good to be fugal to have a savings for emergencies.

[@kristinolan7240]

I am a new subscriber. Thank you for sharing your life and ideas with us. You've done an amazing job changing the legacy for yourself and children

[@raisingwildflowers]

Thank you so much!

[@WarriorGoddessSubliminals]

Being frugal is my cardio ❤

[@elainevega1092]

Thank you for all you share. Love watching your videos. You are such an inspirational voice.

[@davewil3]

Frugel friends concentated all their lives to minimize spending. Now at retirement age they still "just get by". In contrast, I spent a lot less time trying to save a dollar, and more time figuring out how to make a hundred dollars. For my wife and I, that worked very well for us. We are now retired with two homes, no debt, and financially in excellent shape (critical mass met).

[@Ableurself]

Love your channel…. Jus sayin for anyone who may need it fed ex (ground) i know will hire anyone tommorrow an they pay $20 an hour an you can do the occasional thing where you only work 2 shifts every 30 days an you can pickup shifts whenever an benefits start at part time an full time ect…. Seasonal its incredible money cus overtime an surgepay ect…. I love the idea of working 3-8 or so ann having the day to do day time things be in the garden do yoga in the sun ride bike ect!

[@raisingwildflowers]

Thanks so much for sharing!

[@carolwoodward6141]

Thanks!

[@raisingwildflowers]

Thank you so much!

[@papercuts500]

I'm glad I found your channel

[@lindc1070]

I am frugal but in a different way. I go for Value for money. We live below our means so its not a problem. We are careful with small things like buying stuff when its on sale but we will splurge on a good hotel while on vacation.

[@andreacifuentes1363]

Thank you for sharing 🙏

[@rochellethundercloud346]

Hey.congrats on the baby.hope you're doing good.

[@amandazplace5663]

You are AMAZING!!♥️🇨🇦

[@priscillabohn4621]

my husband and I are frugal we live below our means always have 43 years, I had a mother who had so many c.c. and would buy things when she passed away she owed 109 camisoles it was crazy. she died penniless and home was reverse mortgaged. I hated feeling not in control of our destiny. We own a 1,000 sq. foot home. We have paid cash for our cruises to Hawaii, Mexico and Bahamas all on sale Hawaii was $400. I do our hair cuts we use up what we own repair it and then use it for rags. we fix things I hang my wash. I hate clutter and we have an open ranch style home with the basics unless it was given to me. I used t spend money and use c.c. but hated the feeling. We have a joint account and a seperate savings. I have no desire to own more than I can use, wear or want. same earrings for 30 years,

[@tammyr...9209]

Just found your channel. ❤

[@terrychittam8483]

My second vlog ❤❤❤

[@seasonalliving2881]

Can you share what jobs you were allowed to bring your kiddos to work?

[@virginiakihne5007]

Thank goodness you got out, that took a lot of guts to leave.

[@josephbrown1573]

If it is not too intrusive a question ,do you receive any government benefits ? I watched your video about living on 1500/ month you even mentioned that this income was below the government poverty guidelines.

[@raisingwildflowers]

Not too intrusive :) The kids have Medicaid and my husband and I have insurance through the Marketplace (subsidized). We qualified for this even with is job. We do not receive any other assistance. We actually don't qualify because we have more than $3000 in savings.

[@TRuth.T]

Thanks for sharing. My family says I'm cheeeep 🤣

[@abidashah4943]

Lov your story ❤ 💕 well done 👏 hope u the best 👌 joy 😊 peace ✌ and 👸 happy ness in your life .inspiration 😊 ❤ 💖 si gle mummy surviverand provider super mummy 💖 ♥ ❤ 💕 💓 😍 lov from UK wishing u the best in life u deserve it

[@raisingwildflowers]

Thank you!

[@LifeofWalk]

Me too! I love squeezing water from a stone. Or at least trying to! 😊

[@zolnaimolli]

Hi Katie, i love your videos! Just wanted to say that thank you for inspiring me. Nowadays the economy is totally s*cks. Personally i am from Hungary, where the inflation is ridiculously high so your videos help a lot. Have a great day🌞

[@raisingwildflowers]

I am so glad they are helpful! Thank you so much for watching :)

[@Yohana_kiflay_Russom]

you are so cool!

[@kenyonbissett3512]

I felt bad for some single moms. If they never received child support they were eligible for benefits. If they got one month a year the state I live in counted it as 12months of child support. Big difference between $300 and $3,600. I don’t know if they still do that, but what a crock of black stuff.

[@marialara9400]

Please make a video how much KZbin pays you ?

[@rachelcrossen8136]

What jobs can you work and bring your kids to!

[@raisingwildflowers]

I worked with dogs :) Mostly in boarding kennels, daycares, and groom shops. It is just a really laid-back atmosphere to work in. When they were younger, they went to Head Start and I ended up teaching a preschool class at their school for a few years until they aged out :)

[@Janey234]

Daycare, school bus.

[@cianapa99]

I'm frugal because I don't want support the military industrial complex.

[@breezybre2670]

You have lost me at not being financially dependent on each other. Marriage is about oneness.

[@pennynickels5216]

Financial and time freedom are IT! 😊🛵 I value and appreciate both.