You Aren't Really BROKE, You're "AVOCADO TOAST" BROKE

[@SocialSymone]

What’s your take on the idea that some people are broke due to lifestyle choices versus systemic financial issues? How do you feel about the portrayal of peoples financial issues in social media? Does it accurately reflect reality? Also what percent is your phone 🔋 on? It's 12:07a.m and I'm on 93 % 😎

[@ditsytrixie]

I think there are people who are truly broke due to system financial injustices but majority of the people on social media who are broke are broke because of their frivolous spending habits and their inability to stop going after the next big trend. People need to realise old age creeps up fast and you have to save money for that instead of spending it all in your youth for shits and giggles.

[@Rpm-o1y]

I genuinely believe we as a society, a modern society, have life style inflated ourselves across the board and its a very harmful, dave ramsey style stereotype to say someone is avocado toast broke when the standards of living are going higher and higher. Thats how the mortality rate is lower and average life expectancy is higher. We live softer lives, we eat better and we take care of ourselves. Its elitist to say good nutrition or basic life luxuries like vitamins or skincare should be reserved for the rich

[@ditsytrixie]

@@Rpm-o1y It's not an elitist take, vitamins and supplements are not proven to be effective - instead of spending $$$ on those sugar gummies, get a blood test, ask your doctor if you're deficient in any micronutrients and get them prescribed. Same for skincare - there is cheap and effective skincare, we don't need expensive shiny new serums and creams. You can buy healthy and whole foods from Aldi, walk in the evening and maintain great skin and health instead of wasting money on all the other stuff. It's called being smart and financially savvy. We live in an increasingly consumeristic world where we think we need to buy something to be something. Cut out sugar, stop eating junk food and watch your skin glow without any skincare products.

[@AfroCitrus]

I feel a good topic no one has talked about on YT, is this lifestyle choice: hosting over the top celebrations for occasions that were done relatively simply and affordably beforehand, e.g. babies' birthday parties, bridal showers, etc. 😊 There's a ton of content on Tiktok that could be used to support

[@RamenzillaX]

Lifestyle inflation - the more money you have the more likely people are to spend it on "upgrades" - whether it's a nicer apartment/house or more expensive goodies (clothes, cars, vacations, social affairs, etc). Their spending may be proportionally similar to when they didn't have money, despite making more money - hence why they still live paycheck to paycheck...They're functionally broke in the sense that they don't have money left over to save, they're definitely not broke in the same way someone living in poverty is.

[@bullitt0713]

Yup. These are the people that talk about having no money and meanwhile they are door dashing all their meals.

[@SocialSymone]

THEY LEAVE IT OUT EVERYTIME! ❤️

[@tymondabrowski12]

I've seen an argument that poor people don't have time to buy groceries and cook, which I empathise with but I feel like they should calculate how much they earn during the saved time and how much they overpay on those meals. Poor people's time is usually cheap (money-wise), they don't earn a lot during that saved time, so cooking for yourself often makes more sense financially.

[@golf869]

Everyone has time to buy groceries and cook. Fast food ain’t even fast no more

[@IllusiveSwampMoose]

I was living in a hotel for a few months for work and they gave me a per diem for doordash. It blew my mind how much food for one person cost, it was easily 40 a day even eating from cheap places.

[@AJStarhiker]

​@@IllusiveSwampMoosedid you have to file reciepts for the per diem, or could you just grocery run for sandwich stuff and pocket the rest?

[@GigaChad_169]

Self-storage units are springing up EVERYWHERE. People keep buying junk and don't have any place to put it. Then they complain about being broke.

[@hcf4kd1992]

That's crazy. If people don't use it often enough to store it in their own place, they don't need it. Storage units are supposed to be temporary for people who are moving

[@Wishfull171]

@@hcf4kd1992I agree but sadly I do know a couple who would like this

[@razzledazzle5933]

THIS!!! My sister in law constantly says she's broke. Yet they have money for not 1, not 2, but 3 STORAGE UNITS! If the item is not in your house, you clearly don't need it. Stop paying storage fees for an item you haven't seen in months!

[@Yeroc357]

Theres actually a reason for all these damn storage units and car washes. people buying up land and putting a cheap to run business generating a little income with the intention to sell when the land is worth significantly more. these things are super cheap to build, they need little to no employees, and upkeep is minimal. They just generate a little bit of income and then in 10 years when the land is worth 5 times what they paid for it, they cash out.

[@nelliesmith5699]

I’m guilty of this

[@EL-ln2mr]

As a foreign, americans overconsumption it's wild for me. No surprise why the vast majority are in debt, you guys have a crazy standard for what a "good life" looks like.

[@SocialSymone]

Sadly you are right, as a whole, we as Americans over consume and aren't the best with money. There are a group who are but it's small. most people here aren't taught about money which keeps us trapped financially also. I don't like that it's this way AT ALL! 💔 💔 💔

[@firefly5874]

When i went to atlanta, went to a sketchy ass area bc for some reason my father booked a motel there, the cars were unreal. Bigger and fancier than some of my neighbours that live in villas

[@tempest6048]

I feel the same. I'm European, not from a rich EU country, grew up and live in a rural city. We live comfortably with so.much.less!

[@fatimamanneh9432]

I agree most Americans are very wasteful when it comes to money which is a shame

[@longlongie5938]

I'd say it's either individual or it applies for Germany as well. My German husband's family buy so much stuff it's crazy. And if you look at posts in r/GroceryCost from specifically Germans it's like the fattest ass competition.

[@sunshinerose2603]

This is such an interesting topic and makes me think of all the times when I’ve googled “frugal tips” and found lists that say “make your coffee at home!” or “bring lunch from home once a week!” or “cancel one of your streaming subscriptions!” And it reminds me that we’ve adjusted the idea of basic living to be very high above most people’s means, to a point where it’s considered extremely frugal to pack a lunch or not have Netflix.

[@613Cris]

I saw one of those videos lately but they were super honest and said you can't bag-lunch your way to wealth, changing to LED bulbs MIGHT save you money and most of those tips might make "month ahead" type money available but for real you needed to make more money.

[@Momo-po5tn]

I tried watching a video like this recently, with hundreds of thousands of views. All the tips were :stop eating out. Make your own coffee. Etc etc. Like this is basic savings

[@nbucwa6621]

I mean I do see it as frugal to not have netflix in a time when there is no free tv or access to shows. Sure, youtube is free BUT youtube also comes with a risk to your mental stress and the temptation of doomscrolling. I honestly don't see youtube as a healthy alternative to actual shows/tv. Unless your belief is that abstaining from any sort of visual entertainment (watching nothing ever - just read a book) should be the standard.

[@oliveherklozoff9398]

These people absolutely exist! They "need" tattoos, a brand new iphone, brand new vehicle, unlimited stops at Starbucks, and then wonder why they're not getting anywhere. Sorry, but I find it difficult to sympathize when someone's biggest issue is having lousy priorities. The biggest defense I hear is that it's not their fault they've been influenced that way, but I live in the same society with all the same messaging, and do none of those things.

[@jewjewbees24]

You don't even understand how real this isss. I've been wanting several tattoos but I've put them well of because I'm saving towards my masters. Priorities man cause they're EXPENSIVE

[@jocelynsmyth6604]

Honestly I hear you, I'm in Canada and the cost of living for us in Toronto is going up and up.... salaries don't match, and a lot of us don't work for big corporations. We've trimmed everything down and it's still tight.... so when I see people making dumb choices I'm just over here like '😮'

[@a.w5533]

My sister has always made more than me. I’ve never made close to 6 figures. She chose to walk away from a 6 figure job to work one day a week, and continued to maintain her lifestyle and traveled to Hawaii and Japan and maintained her Sephora Rouge status and had to have her AC weekend getaways … BUT according to her, she’s broke because she “can’t” afford haircuts and needs me to fund her groceries. Do not enable family members like this. (Forgot to add: she needed grocery money but then went on a very expensive Disney vacation)

[@___emi383]

these type of people want everyone to help them but not themselves

[@Iquey]

Nah at that point tell her to apply for food stamps if she only wants to work one day a week.

[@Aug520]

😮😮😮 the audacity! Good for you for keeping your ground and not allowing people to spend YOUR income when they overspent theirs.

[@MelanatednNature]

Wow

[@jennifferflowers]

😳 wow

[@SCabanlitProductions]

My friend had $12k of savings. He spent all of it, borrowed $10k from his mom, all just to put it on a downpayment for a $49k Dodge Challenger, that costs 7% interest and his monthly + insurance is $750. He eats out everyday, he got his hours cut, and makes around $2K a month, and complains about the system and being broke....

[@cniknik9863]

Yikes!!

[@candy2325]

Good god! 😨

[@tuttuttut7758]

Force him to watch this video lol.

[@sugasweet435]

Bro, give me that $2k/month

[@joannaalexander1006]

Sounds like most of the people I know in the military 😂

[@MissJoyce88]

A couple of weeks ago I saw a lady on TikTok complaining about how they weren’t going to be able to properly feed their kids until the next paycheque. Meanwhile she was in fake eyelashes, fake nails and hair extensions. Priorities 😳

[@anniesshenanigans3815]

Most are lifestyle creep. Make more, spend more. Today I am saving 2k a month. 5 years ago i was living paycheck to paycheck bcuz i spent it as soon as I got it. A budget made the difference.

[@rosexiong210]

I read your post and it's exactly me 🤣. 5 years ago living pay check to pay check, today I'm also saving 2k a month and even have left over money before the next pay comes in. Having my daughter definitely helped me pull my shit together though lol.

[@Omiiee]

These folks need to learn to spend within their means! Not being able to afford that Chanel bag today, does not make you broke. Struggling to find enough money to do a basic essential food shop? Sure

[@SocialSymone]

SOMEBODY THINKS THIS...AND IS MAD ABOUT MY AVOCADO TOAST COMMENT!

[@luna_soleil]

One of my roommates works part-time, minimum wage at a coffee shop. Never cooks, always gets Uber eats and likes to buy mid-range alcohol and brand name groceries. But can't contribute to the toilet paper, paper towels or cleaning supplies. Then complains about how broke she is and how it's the customers fault for not tipping her on an $8 coffee.

[@jolieaein4733]

I would be sooooo mad! I'm a server, people who earn hourly and complain about not getting tips make me so mad. Humble yourself💀

[@ammalyrical5646]

A little tip that's both good for the environment and your wallet: get rid of the paper towels as much as possible. Use the reusable, textile ones you can put in the laundry instead. It's a one time investment and one less annoyance to have about the fiscally dimwitted person. Plus, if you pay for them you can take them with you when you leave.

[@bigbumimpi]

Keep the cleaning supplies, paper towel and toilet paper in your own room and take them out as you need them until they contribute

[@nbucwa6621]

@@ammalyrical5646 one time financial investment but a lifetime time and energy investment. Believe me as someone who mostly has reusable cloths for cleaning, nothing is more annoying than have to wash out the disgusting mess your roommate decided to use your cloths to clean only to then let the ungodly liquid dry in and stain your so now you out here stressing and bleaching to try get it out while they relax on the couch.

[@zafrehthelife7359]

I make well above 6 figures in my early 20s and I religiously say I'm broke to keep eyes off me.

[@SocialSymone]

BEST WAY TO DO IT!!! ❤ AND CONGRATULATIONS TO YOU!!!!!!

[@Ms.MD7]

I do the same; my nephew the other week asked me if I was poor 😅 little do they know I have no debt other than my mortgage.

[@FreckledOne-d2e]

Smart. Last thing you need are family members/friends asking you for money.

[@MuseSunflower]

🎊 🎊 That's amazing! What's your career?

[@zafrehthelife7359]

@@MuseSunflower cloud engineering ☺️

[@hangny98]

Everyone I know who is "broke" is due to lifestyle choices. At the same time though, the term broke is tossed around so much that its definition is pretty much subjective. For example, I'll say I'm broke when I don't feel like spending money because it's more normalized to be broke than wanting to save up

[@SocialSymone]

This is very true!!!! It has become the scapegoat phrase for a lot of things! To be honest, though, I don't see anything wrong with saying you're broke if you are doing so to keep people from trying to take from you. Sometimes you gotta do that, but you could be broke in that case because you invested all your money and you truly don't have money to give away. But the type of broke that "complains while living above their means" I don't like!

[@AFFTFOMSICHTS]

FR I say I’m broke when I’m really just cautious on how I spend money.

[@alexandriadillhoff7069]

My husband and I are not broke, we live comfortably on ALOT less than most people.

[@SocialSymone]

I'm happy for you both! ❤️ ❤️ ❤️

[@MissAshlee]

@@alexandriadillhoff7069nah, you weren’t snarky, you were truthful. It’s snarky to cosplay as poor and use doordash costs to distract from actual issues that could help you and others like you.

[@GingerSpiritSmurf]

Same girl, thank goodness too

[@emilyp3150]

My grandparents lived in a three bedroom 1,000 square foot house with six kids. Never ate out, made their own clothes, and they wouldn’t say they were necessarily poor. They lived through the Great Depression so I think they were just grateful they weren’t starving. I’m not saying it isn’t difficult right now and it isn’t fair, but life isn’t fair. Also wanted to add, her rant was what I needed to hear! I am guilty of lifestyle creep, and I really want to make better decisions. 💗

[@nbucwa6621]

Life isn't fair, absolutely but also don't let that allow you to not hold your policymakers accountable when they create policies that make life harder for everyone who isn't a billionaire or a scammer.

[@khayon4364]

This is a great topic, my wife and I when we met had to come to an understanding on "broke" and what it means. My wife went through periods of poverty in childhood and young-adulthood giving her a different perspective than me on the subject. My wife says "broke" and what she means is she is having to choose between electricity and gas for the car to get to work..... When I say "broke" what I mean is "all my bills are paid, my savings and retirement are funded, and I don't have money left for fun stuff!" - that is MY broke.

[@stephanieg2000]

*chokes* $1300 a month on DOOR DASH? I can't comprehend that.

[@adoroselatte]

$1300 I would rather spend half,save some 👀

[@AtrusOranis]

​@@adoroselatte Spending half on food would mean I'm eating top shelf food items! That is almost DOUBLE my monthly food budget.

[@adoroselatte]

@@AtrusOranis yes LOL!

[@ghostoflazlo]

That was more than I made a month when I was broke. That's so much money it's ridiculous

[@lilithjensen1235]

I just feel broke cause the second I get paid I pay rent and put 50% of my salary aside 😅

[@SocialSymone]

whoa ❤️

[@stardustbunny4570]

same, I know I'm definitely not broke but I'm putting aside 60-65% of my paycheck to savings, and pay rent/bills/groceries with whatever is left. Hoping to buy my own place next year at the rate I'm saving. With mortgage ofc lol.

[@madeleineeggert127]

I agree, not sure where she lives. But I live in probably the top 5-10 most expensive states in the US. It's a struggle. And no, I didn't just up and move here for scenery like some people do my family roots are here and my parents are very involved in my child's life. So if I left to live in a LCOL state I'd be out of child care and back to square one. My partner is an engineer and tell me why we still struggle even with family help. Everyone around us is struggling here so I know it's not just our spending habits. Some areas are just harder to live in and get ahead in. That's just reality

[@carmenitac]

@@stardustbunny4570oh wow good for you! Once I finish paying off my debt, I think I’ll try & do that!

[@bluz1864]

40% for me but I know the feeling. I have reasons though and I am sure you do too!

[@SummaSummaTime_]

This!! My husband and I are broke broke even with degrees. He recently had to quit his job because HR/leadership team were basically going against him and mental health has been weighing heavy on the both of us. He’s applied to almost 200+ jobs with no luck so far. I don’t make a lot of money but we’re managing. We live in a 650sqf apartment with 2 pets and it’s about $1100 a month. Best of luck to everyone going through these trying times! ❤

[@caseyrae0117]

I used to have a really bad shopping addiction. I had 8 store credit cards all maxed out and 2 visa credit cards that were very close. I paid them all off. If it's not a pre planned thing so I can put it in my budget I tell people "sorry im broke" because that money is already in my savings account, and im not taking it out. I know im not really broke. I just tell myself I am so I dont go on a spending spiral.

[@ccbam32]

I’m in that same situation! It’s so bad like it can be really hard to stop when you done it for a long time

[@coffee8599]

One thing I will NEVER understand: people who send money and gifts to influencers. I mean.. are you for real? Lol.

[@SocialSymone]

OH YES! I think it's because they feel closer to them that way and also because they really like them, which is fine, but some people are broke because they make bad decisions...so if they are just given money...isn't that enabling? I wouldn't want to be part of that if so.

[@Carina518]

Yes! My boyfriend and I were talking about this because we’re broke broke, like working in a warehouse, and living in a small apartment for $1800. Anything cheaper than that and you’re in a bad neighborhood. We’re trying to start a business to get out of this situation. Anyway, I don’t feel bad for people who complain about being broke and don’t talk about the details. I’ve seen people mention that they make 60, 70, 100k and complain about being broke. What?! How?!

[@SocialSymone]

They are broke, but there is levels to it, they just spend every bit that they get! They may live and eat better than someone who is the other type of broke that I was talking about. They are both still broke, but one is a comfortable broke by choice! But talking to some of these people, they'll make it seem like they're the first type and they're not they're imposters! 😂

[@tymondabrowski12]

Be careful with the business, make sure you won't end up in huge debt if it doesn't work out.

[@vvitch-mist20]

While I was in college for my degree I stated in class that if you make $120k a year you should be able to live comfortably, and people had the audacity to act like I'm being rude because people pay college tuition. I'm sorry, but you should be able to make 10k-12k a month work for you. That's a you problem if you can't.

[@eliza5059]

If you're really "broke broke" then you'd probably be living in the bad neighborhood tho 😅 it sounds like you can't comfortably afford what you want which is not the same experience as being truly poor. No disrespect tho, just a moment to reflect maybe

[@vvitch-mist20]

@@FromNyo People need to be more critical about their spending habits. I'm broke broke, and I've had to drop some things I enjoyed.

[@camb-t8p]

This is such a good topic. Housing prices are totally wild in a lot of countries, so I usually have empathy for anyone struggling to pay rent. But when I see people who I know make as much or more than I do complain about how broke they are, I can’t help but roll my eyes sometimes. Idk if you’ve ever seen Ramit Sethi’s financial audit style videos, but he has a lot of high earning guests on who have no concept of going without luxury items and services. It’s really hard to watch as someone who makes decent money and saves/budgets like crazy on a much lower income. People will always try to keep up with the Joneses and constant social media marketing is making it so much worse.

[@SocialSymone]

Thank you!!!! I haven't seen his style of those videos, but I know who he is ❤ I do watch Caleb hammers financial audits, though, which I assume may be similar. Maybe not because you said high end, luxury. On his, I feel like they're more like regular people, but they still blow their money too, and are broke. But I will have to check his out as well! And it's more common than people know for people that make more than you to be in a worse financial situation than you because of their spending. I won't lie. I've had a similar experience to you and I was just like how?! This guy owned a new truck with all the bells and whistles! IT WAS 1800 A MONTH, NOT INCLUDING GAS INSURANCE, OR MAINTENANCE! We worked together too and he had like 3 kids! WE WEREN'T MAKING ALOT EITHER!

[@JessicaChungMN]

@@SocialSymoneRamit is much more strategic and compassionate. Some of Caleb’s approaches feel exploitative of the individual whereas Ramit is holistic and understands societal factors

[@CarlaBaku]

Truth, truth, TRUTH. There is a vast chasm between systemic poverty and financial irresponsibility, and SO many sob stories turn out to be tales of childish overconsumption when you scrape away the excuses.

[@jocelynsmyth6604]

I also always love when people go 'oh just move out of the city' - I live in Toronto, Canada, and it takes an hr-ish to get to work, within the city, on transit, because having a 2nd car would be $500 in parking... let alone the other costs. If you want a house, places 2 hrs outside the city are still $500,000+ for something that's a hot mess. We make our own lunches, our own coffee, and almost never go out, and we're still struggling. Some of these people are so funny with their 'brokeness'

[@zahraaalz9621]

Leaving a job because of mental health is understandable, but leaving a job because of mental health with no savings and nothing lined up is going to screw up your mental health even more because now you're broke and depressed pretty much.

[@Allfath3r]

I COMPLETELY agree with you. Times are hard in many ways, there’s no denying that. Yet I have friends that will spend $200 on weed, refuse to work a traditional job (i.e. not DoorDash gig work), and put things they can’t afford on a credit card, and 24hrs later those same people will complain to me about being broke. What it comes down to is that a lot of people want to live comfortably without putting in the work and making the sacrifices needed to get there. Work hard (in your personal life AND at your job), hustle, and watch your spending like a hawk, and you can turn your life around FAST. It’s really that simple.

[@adr4693]

This is why it's important that you CANNOT just blindly trust these influencers. You may think, oh they're so funny and relatable and just like me, i regret to inform you that 9 out of 10 times they're just carefully planning their income through you and everyone who fall for their character. Cause that's what it is at the end of the day, just someone who plays a persona in the hope you buy what they're selling. Can't hate the player (unless it's morally wrong) , shoot if i was charismatic like some of these guys you'd see me in front of a camera since yesterday 😂 Just gotta grind in our own way, don't fall for lifestyle inflation, don't impulse buy, save up and invest for your future. We got this babes, let's work hard and actually get out of our broke situation ❤

[@SocialSymone]

I agree I'm trying to see what's really going on because ain't no way! I was explaining something very similar to what you said to one of my family members. This is HOW some people make their money. I honestly don't have an issue with tit because people don't have to GIVE. BUT IF IT'S ALWAYS BECAUSE YOUR BROKE AND YOU ARE DEPENDENT ON THIS BECAUSE YOU LIVE ABOVE YOU MEANS...NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!

[@dominiquecp3307]

😅😊😊😊😊

[@candy2325]

I paid off so many cards, paid off two vehicles and now busting my ass saving 20% of my paycheck and paying down my last debt, which is my student loan. I give myself spending money for planned outings within reason but once the money is gone that’s it, no more! It holds me accountable and I love budgeting my money. I was god awful with money six years ago… girl! I’m a changed woman now

[@queenmin5902]

@candy2325 Any budgeting apps or programs that helped you? I feel lost in a sea of bad social media budgeting advice…. 😢

[@christianalexandermarion]

okay. why does this and everything I've seen from you hit me like a Sunday sermon? Financial security impacts every aspect of our lives but it'e not passed down like old recipes. I want to change. I want to break the cycle of powerlessness! Thank you so much for your delivery! Message! Thank you!

[@MsJai_1]

Ramit Sethi's 'I Will Teach You To Be Rich' podcast and KZbin channel is a perfect example of this nonsense. People are bringing in $200k+ and are "broke."

[@adoroselatte]

I love Ramit! His KZbin videos help me currently because I'm still struggling,it's okay, I'll get to the savings I wanted one day!

[@MsJai_1]

@@adoroselatte As long as you have a plan to get there, you will! Good luck.

[@adoroselatte]

@@MsJai_1 thank you TT life has been throwing me here and there + I keep spending due to stress,now hopefully I am able to save up-

[@IrisP989]

I saw those couple on his show. Barely any savings and retirement but some didn’t even have kids to spend on and kids can be expensive.

[@AFFTFOMSICHTS]

I have a coworker like this she does not have a mortgage, is engaged so barely pays any of the other bills, works full time and is still broke…. I’m single, rent is 1850 yet I have more money than her. It makes absolutely NO sense. She goes through money like toilet paper

[@firefly5874]

Im broke due to my budgeting. My high yield savings are growing tho

[@SocialSymone]

It's okay...you gotta start somewhere. The good thing is, it sounds like you have!!! DON'T GIVE UP! ❤ you got this!!

[@dvn.pod.2023]

Make sure you strike a balance between saving and spending. Of course, not spending too much, but also not saving too much to where you are cheating/depriving yourself of things you need and occasionally want (life is not promised). It's so easy to fall into either extreme. Peace and blessings.

[@jenniferwright8355]

We used to call it "poor mouthin' it" when people were broke from bad spending. 😅

[@ichigo4chan]

Actually being poor is deciding between paying for rent and power or having nothing to eat for 3 weeks. Social media has skewed the perspective and gap of actual poor/broke and, as you said, "avocado toast" broke so much. As someone who had no home and lived on the streets for a while, these people have no idea how good they have it. I just wish they would appreciate what they have instead of crying about how they can't live up to their enormously high standards.

[@carmenitac]

lol omg I love you & Caleb hammer!! I’ve actually paid off about $1500 of debt so far!!

[@maskedmullattoauben12]

I come from a low income family and worked my ass off to be an accountant. And whenever I see influencers and celebraties say their broke. Then I see other video of listening to their expenses I'm like "Somebody lying"

[@rayray117]

You can earn 6 figures but if you have a high mortgage and a high car payment. Then you’re broke.

[@sabeenie21]

I’m likely twice your age but I love your channel. You have a lot of wisdom for your age. I hope your peers are paying attention and taking notes.

[@sunbeam3658]

YES. i cant stop thinking about this, I saw a video of a girl crying because shes struggling with 2 jobs and in school and at the end of the video she says "anyways i just got my nails done, arent they cute" i thought it was a joke. made me think of what else shes wasting money on.

[@quiet_shy]

"I'm broke, I can't afford to pay the minimums on my debts" meanwhile they're spending $900+ a month on eating out and have the audacity to say "but I have to eat!" What a joke.

[@tommrugala1513]

Amen. I lived below my means most of my life. I'm 68, haven't worked for 4 years, and live VERY comfortably, including international travel. And I STILL save some money each year.

[@TheStreetsOfOurLives]

This is the 4th video I've binged of yours today after finding your channel. Just gotta say THANK YOU for saying what people are often too afraid to say! Thank you for calling out how so many don't have their own minds... how they jump on trends regardless if it's good for their mental health/finances/relationships. 👏 Keep up this great work, Symone! P.s. I like your honesty and humor! It's refreshing

[@dragoon1090]

I was literally this person a month ago. I stopped smoking weed and buying unnecessary fast food. I'm now being conscious about where every penny I spend goes. I am not doing this anymore.

[@RossLemon]

Doordash, new iphone, reckless credit card spending, car payments on vehicles way outside their budget, and many other things are why these people think they're broke.

[@littlefairykaija]

As someone who grew up in pretty bad poverty (had to bottle pick as a kid for grocery money, eating oatmeal for a week since there was nothing else, etc) who has managed to climb from that to lower/low-middle class I definitely have kept myself from climbing further out due to lifestyle creep and poverty mindset spending. Been working hard this last year to face the facts that my credit card debt is my bad shopping decisions, my lack of savings is from my frivolous splurging. It's a hard pill to swallow but I feel lighter having owned up to it and started on the journey towards being better. It's been such a difference just from the start of this year to now.

[@ashleyzerfas1334]

I found you through Caleb Hammer and I love your commentary! Keep it up ❤

[@Beapoem0802]

I was looking at Pinterest the other day for some outfit inspiration and I looked at these collages for different aesthetics like “Dark Cholocate Girl” or “Dark Academia Boy” or “That Girl” etc. And I noticed that every single one of those collages featured a Cartier watch. These watches cost thousands. And Chanel products. And “the row”. Only the most expensive stuff. So I wondered: Okay, why does “aesthetic” also mean “expensive”? I think that says a lot about our current mindset of beauty and aspirations. Maybe that would also be a good topic for another video? 😋

[@raniressler]

I’ve definitely found myself saying “I’m so broke” when I’m not because I don’t want people knowing that I’m doing well financially because it’s not normal to be doing well. I’m the only one at work that packs a lunch regularly. To me it’s worth it because I’m trying to save money. Sometimes I’ll get something special one day, or get a coffee, but I can’t spend $50-70/week on lunch when I can buy the food for $20-30.

[@LADYSILVERWOLF028]

100%. We are begining to struggle as the bills are adding up. Not broke, but things need to change. We do not eat out, do not go anywhere, vacation (that is a trip to the store just to get out of the house..lol), no eating out either. But we are also taking an honest look at our finances and making the decision to work on getting out of debt. Paying off credit card, then going to work on paying off the car, then our house. Going to be snowballing it. Wish us luck!

[@skaterzrule4]

Symone thank so much for these videos. Months ago i was approved for EBT, bought a bike to commute to work. Canceled memberships. Now i'm 5 months from being completely debt free. Getting back in my car that has been parked for almost a year is gonna feel amazing.

[@MariaClara-fi9yw]

Youre hitting it out of the park with the financial vids lately! Yas gurl drag us lol

[@zinatarata]

We used to be a one income household living paycheck to paycheck. The last few years we've become a two-income household, but not changed spending much. That means that we're now a year away from paying off our mortgage, we don't have any other debt and we have savings. I don't think I can describe how much relief it gives me. I used to feel we were one disaster away from it all crashing down. But it could have been easy to just upgrade the lifestyle and continue living without a safety net. And probably felt a lot more broke than we do now. Even though we would have looked richer in front of others with a bigger house and better cars.

[@bluz1864]

5:18 - "everyday"! Exactly. I've always told my friends that if they want an overpriced iced coffee once or twice month, that's one thing. Planning for a summer trip (and summer where I'm from is in April) as early as September? Fine. Have fun. The issue is when we don't sit down with what we can actuallt afford and plan accordingly.

[@laurennichole161]

Caleb Hammer’s show has brought so much to the surface for his viewers 😅

[@Maritinylibrary]

This is why when people say they broke and then go to either Target or Trader Joe's they immediately get discredited in my brain. I'm not saying that Target and Trader joe's don't have good prices or whatever. But when you are broke, you know that every penny counts so why would I go to the two supermarkets that will charge me double for less when I can pay less for more at a cheaper place like Walmart or the dollar tree???

[@avengermkii7872]

Complaining about the economy is a lazy to not take responsibility for your own actions. Caleb Hammer brings people who blow their money on dumb bullshit and try to make excuses for it. Blame the economy all you want but reality will hit you in the face when you won't realize your own actions is what made you poor, not the economy and not the government. My favorite one is when a woman said she only wants this specific car and won't every change while in deep debt. That was pure delusion.

[@faithrider94]

5:45 i got into caleb hammer from some short-clips and laughing about "well at least i'm not as bad as that"... Then when i watched full episodes it made me really re-evaluate what i spend where... Early episodes had me feeling a bit called out.

[@buttaflyantics8618]

I take full responsibility for my brokenness,, I use Amazon instead of therapy and blew through like 30k in 4 months and don't know what the hell I bought. I'm better now, I'm praying more, stopped shopping unless it's absolutely needed, and cook most of my meals at home. I'm tired so I had to change.

[@janaynmelis5250]

Yes, as someone who went from broke broke to upper middle class broke it's definitely different. Right now, I could cut back, take my daughter out of daycare and shop only at Aldi if I needed to. There's levels to this.

[@JessicaC1]

This is one of the best videos I've watched in some time. I thought it was going to be tiktoks and IG story reactions like normal, but this was even better. I wish I could share this video with everyone I know, who always complains about being broke, and they'd get something out of it besides taking offense (lol!). But, really, this was awesome. Great video!

[@missioncalming7172]

The root of all my “problems” including financial is loss sense of self. I was spending money on myself and other people to avoid me. FINALLY I sat with myself and GOD to get organized and ask for help. Thank you for this video.

[@nathalie12890]

Thank you so much for this video, it makes me feel normal and not crazy for not taking luxury vacations or getting takeout all the time even though my partner and I make decent money. We’re just out here trying to live our day to day in a tough economy while saving for our future selves!

[@Matildacona]

As someone from the global south, I thought the economic situation in America was really getting bad from the content I saw. Until I saw the “underconsumption core” trend and realized they don’t know that’s just how most middle class people live in the rest of the world

[@constipatedllama9313]

Your videos are such a painful slap in the face for me. I just got promoted at work and got a major pay increase, and guess what has been circling through my head? Buying a new 2024 car, buying a new phone, buying all these crap that I don't NEED but want. And the worst part is, I'm already in debt which I can use my pay increase to pay off quickly, but that's not what I was thinking about lmao. Now I'm binge watching your videos and realizing how shortsighted and financially irresponsible I am :')... Thanks for the much needed reality check.

[@thegirlwiththecurlyhair]

I’m glad someone is talking about this. It’s super shameful to live in poverty but especially when others idea of broke is very different from your own. I can’t afford hair bows, and came up with a braid and knot ordeal that keeps my and my daughters hair up okayish. I also lost about 20lbs since January. Because I literally can’t afford food. I would go days without eating because I wanted to make sure we kept enough for my kids. I graduated in December of 2023 and just had my first interview after endlessly applying. I stopped my faith, and this situation has stressed me out so much I started praying again. Religion is neither here nor there for this, but what im saying is that I truly am doing everything I can. Im trying so hard. I don’t shop, buy clothes, not even goodwill. Nothing new. No trips or vacations in years. Im not trying to make the poor Olympics, but I swear so many people don’t understand just how much they have by simply having a job. It’s so so hard.

[@dianaholly3202]

"You're like 'broke broke'" 😆

[@SocialSymone]

😂 BUT THE PEOPLE KNOW WHAT THAT MEANS!

[@benangieb7400]

I found ur channel the other day.. I’m here to stay 😊

[@PJSparkles100]

In Canada there is no reward for working hard. The middleclass are taxed at 70%. It's almost better to be lower income and be on benefits. At least you can enjoy life.

[@mindsetcoachingwithgenelle]

I had to learn the lesson painfully. I am proud to say that I have no car payments. My hubby, my son (who is 18 yr) and I have paid off cars that we paid for cash after letting go of 2 vehicles that we had car payments on. Working on my savings and have my emergency fund set up. My hubby and I have started our investments finally. Now we are trying to save up for a home. My vice is Amazon which I am working on. This topic is much needed :)

[@snowiris725]

Tough love. It's good to hear. Definitely need it!

[@prettynpetty8342]

Great video. I live in a multi million dollar neighborhood and sometimes do my hot girl walks around different parts, you can tell who has their life together, as in who has real wealth (and who will MAINTAIN the wealth) and who doesn't by the state of their garage. Ya'll...many RICH people have a hoarding problem. It was to the point they couldn't even park their Tesla. WEALTHY people have absolutely pristine garages. It's ALL about the mindset. Some of yall may have fat banks accounts and dirty af garages. It's about who has their life together and who has their mind together. You shouldn't have more than what you absolutely need.

[@thejenimal775]

I clicked on your video while eating a slice of avacado toast from my kitchen... To break it down, an avacado cost $0.88, a slice of bread from the loaf is roughly $0.35. If you wanna get fancy and throw in an egg, thats another $0.50. That's $1.73 for avacado toast which is far cheaper than a grande coffee at starbucks, less than a redbull, etc. A cup of noodles is $2.19 where I live at... I think I'm gonna keep eating avacado toast because of how cheap it is, and offers nutritional quality, while eating healthy on a tight budget.

[@jofieraymond6528]

Omg 👏🏽 yes !!! 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽 I encounter this issue all the time people complaining about being broke and get defensive if you point out decisions theh made that directly contributed to the state theyre in

[@SOJ42]

Needed this ❤ thank you!!

[@ThreefoldDesigns]

Love your rant!!! Yeah, young people saying they're broke, but still getting botox and fillers ... :/

[@crys2982]

Love this so much! There is a huge difference between not enough for survival and broke but spending on restaurants, delivery, clothes, fun, etc. I get inflation is terrible right now but because it is, we have to adjust. Either more income, spend less, or both. I’m also super shocked at how many videos I’ve seen of people saying how it’s cheaper to buy meals out instead of cooking at home. Yes you can spend $5-$10 on a meal vs $15-$20 on ingredients but that’s multiple meals!

[@BobSure_AKA_PotatoSmasher]

This lady about to end up in an episode of "When Keeping It Real Goes Wrong.' I LOVED every minute of this rant. Gotta speak the truth to people #Idiocracy

[@ThisIsMyBroomstick]

I 100% agree with you!!! There are a lot of folks that complain about money that I know personally but then quit their jobs for illegitimate reasons then come for sympathy. I know I shouldn’t but I hold everyone to the same dang standards I hold myself to - do your job, do it well, and go on about your business. No one ever said life was always going to be easy and I’m in the mindset that working hard makes you appreciate what you have more but not only that, it is good for your mental health and this is coming from someone who has anxiety but still works every day and has no excuses. I don’t know what the world is going to look like 10 years from now but I’m sure as hell saving for my future while I have the means to do so. I don’t live a fancy life but I’m content with where I’m at. I mean, sure I’d love to be paid more for the amount of work I do, but if not, it is what it is. Sorry for the tangent - I recently came across your channel and I’m glad I stuck around for your content! Great video

[@Samantha-fr6bg]

This literally reminds me of my mom she says she doesn't have money to spend on groceries or enough to give me money for my own groceries. I'm talking about 40 or 50 dollars, but i go in her car, and she has 3 or 5 bags of fast food and goes to McDonald's every morning and Starbucks/fast food for lunch every day but goes home complaining we have no food like literally nothing only frozen sink water and nothing in the fridge but she has money for everything else like five and below or a 13 dollar Chinese plate and smoothie I don't understand how you complain about not having money for food and groceries but you spend money on fast food everyday and I'm starving at home because I haven't eaten in a week or 3 days.

[@Lostb3]

I just want to say thank you! I've looked inward and realised I was spending waaaay too much money on things I don't need to try and fill a void. I've now started saving and investing because of your influence, and I'm finally beginning to see the light.

[@rosivega8549]

I'm currently broke because i just finished college and studying for my boards. I'm lucky enough to have parents that are very supportive and helped me through college as long as I i pay them back and let me live with them. I only owe them about $13k because I was able to work while i got my master's degree but once I get my big girl job I'm going to pay them back and save to move out and spend money on things that I need to survive. One of the big reasons I deleted tiktok was due to the amount of content that is trying to influence me to buy me things and content that was really messing with my mental health. I feel really free because of that.

[@hmpd5997]

Symone, you give us the pep talks and reality checks we all need!! Love your content

[@ms_cartographer]

I feel broke because 75% of my income goes to rent and student loans. I'm trying to move jobs to get paid better. I WISH I could choose if I wanna spend $1300 a month on doordash.

[@Es24688]

I know a family with 2 sisters. They had the same parents, same opportunities, and they both are married with the same amount of children and are both physically healthy. When people see them now though, they think that one must have been given a lot more in life. They are now in 2 different classes in life, but it all boiled down to personal choices made. No one wants to say that though. It’s easier to try and blame it on external factors. I also know a couple different families where there’s a lot of children and more than one baby daddy. They had extended family around them to make sure they at least had clothes, food, and somewhere to live, but no “rich uncles” to help them out. So far, it appears like the firstborns are going to be ok, but it’s not looking as great for the others. Those oldest went to college thanks to financial aid and had jobs as soon as they could to try and make a better life for themselves. The youngers for some reason just don’t seem to have the same vision or drive.

[@baneen_aah]

Though thanks to god I come from a well-off family after years of struggle from my parents immigrating to where we live now. Watching this channel has really made me more conscious on my decisions on money as a high schooler. Love your videos! 💕

[@SocialSymone]

THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!! ❤ ❤ ❤ I'm so glad I could help!

[@Beautiful_Beginnings_]

Love your video sis straight to the point!!💕🤗

[@tapersaud]

I am seeing this like crazy in Canada right now, middle class that are making 150k a year complaining about cost of living. They are not broke just can't take a vacation to Mexico every year now

[@tuttuttut7758]

Meanwhile, never cooking any more and ordering food online, having a dozen streaming subscriptions etc etc

[@rodneypegues4733]

Symone I love your content. Please keep up the great work.

[@womanlyire1217]

Thank you for your honesty and I'm so glad someone finally said it 🎉

[@Scottthespy13]

Man I have a friend like this. "Godaamn goberment takin' all my money in taxes and givin it to the homeless crackheads!" Meanwhile, probably close to $15k worth of MTG cards, military surplus store purchases, and Warhammer 40K minis sitting in one room, while he nickel and dimes himself to death on a busted ass old jeep because he refuses to buy a normal car, and by choice against the advice of *everyone* in his life got himself a 100 pound dog that eats fucking everything (including parts of the house because he can't be assed to train it). Oh it sucks the government made you buy $200 worth of D'n'D module books! Oh, wait, you bought them yourself? But it's okay because they were on sale? And they were a set of three but you only wanted two of the books, but one of your friends is going to buy the one you didn't want for $20 so its practically free? And this is the third time you've done this this month? Yea, you're *totally* not to blame for being broke despite making 3.5 grand a month and paying literally $537 a month in *mortgage* payments. Yea, the carbon tax sucks, the fact that there's only *one* phone and internet provider where you live and they charge $100 a month for basic service is unavoidable, and food costs more and you live in a place where you need to heat your home 9months out of the year or your pipes will literally freeze, and you need to pay land taxes AND town taxes on top of all your other bills. But the daily doordash for work lunches, weekly nerd stuff binges, and irresponsible pet collecting *really* aren't helping. Get over yourself. I lived in an even more expensive town making $2200 a month and I managed. Wasn't even paycheck to paycheck, I managed with *savings*. And no balance on my credit card! Because I was *mindful* of my spending. Not everyone is lucky enough for mindfulness to get them through the month, but some people are definitely stupid enough that mindLESSness is what's killing them.

[@sophiaciabattoni]

Good video, I agree with this a lot and it’s sad to see those who actually suffer financially be grouped with those who just don’t want to work or cut out spending.

[@SocialSymone]

THANK YOU! ❤️ I'm hearing it so much and seeing it I honestly can't believe that people don't understand that they are not the same as other people in different situations without these resources. Most truly like discipline and overspend!

[@anjelab1429]

Or the part where they let/ask the people actually struggling donate. Crazy work

[@atreq]

And also I want to say that quitting a job bc of bullying from coworkers/boss or because of a toxic workplace that is hurting you physically or mentally is very valid. When you get to a point where you get a panic attack every morning and every night when you remember you have to go to work the next day and you can't eat or sleep because you literally fear your job so much, it's time to quit.

[@DeadDancers]

Absolutely, but also you should look for a job before you jump.

[@kira5612]

I completely agree with the distinction between the two different types of broke. I know for myself I had an issue with purchasing planners ( very random I know) and stationary. It wasn’t until last year I found out I have ocd and was making excuses for why I couldn’t utilize the necessary resources but then I looked at what I spent money on and realized that I could utilize the resources which would ultimately help me manage my ocd and take care of myself. I know for myself it was a slap in the face I needed to prompt me to actually start taking care of myself instead of putting myself in stressful situations that I knew I could avoid had I been diligent with learning and improving my financial literacy. Great video!!!

[@jasminesmith5447]

Thank you for saying this because this is exactly how I feel!

[@camizzle007]

period!!! mic drop!!!! that's what I've been thinking too. I'm like hold up I'm not broke, I put myself in this situation but best believe I'm making strides, putting in the work, changing the behaviors and getting out of it! great video as always

[@Sweet_Dee]

I will always respect honesty/accountability! And I love to see people learn from their mistakes and turn it around. I don't wanna be too judgmental toward anyone, because certain life lessons don't always start clicking until you fool around and find out the hard way. The question is, how do you move forward? Sometimes that starts with the admission of "yeah, my current financial situation is (at least partially) self-inflicted." There's no perfect method of handling finances or we'd all have it figured out. But there is always room for improvement. 1. Be honest with your current self about how you got to where you are. 2. Have some compassion for your past self. Hindsight is 20/20. No use in beating yourself up. 3. Change your behaviors and make better choices for your future self. You are worth it!

[@alyhaggerty]

I’m so glad you posted this video! I love Caleb Hammers content and I know so many people who are in the same situation as the people on his show. They take no accountability and are always the victim. They just think the rules of life do not apply to them. My husband and I worked hard for what we have and didn’t get hand outs from our parents. We have a mortgage on a older but reasonable property that is manageable for us in a decent area. I have friends who don’t work or have 1 income between the two of them with children and want a new build home in a fancy area and expect that they “deserve it” while eating out constantly, purchasing items worth $800+ on a whim, buying a brand new 2024 car on lease and other ridiculous frivolous things. I am frugal by nature but over consumption is a massive issue our generation has, a unjust sense of entitlement and a lack of awareness.

[@beck_realtruth]

I love listening to your rant sis ❤it happens to most of us, you are so honest and sometimes we need to be slap in the face to wake up 😂your lecture is the music to my ear ❤❤❤❤❤