Some of us don't care about experiences and traveling to see the world. I am just fine sitting in my own home, reading a good book and being at peace. And this ladies and gentlemen is why I have money saved. ❤
Don’t let this mindset prevent others from being guilty experiencing and traveling. I love to travel and see around 4 new countries per year. Still am able to save a good amount of money while having nice experiences
@Thug_Nose you're insecure? He obviously wasn't making anyone feel guilty. We get the opposite message pushed constantly. As if anything other than going it isn't considered "living". Shhh.
You've got a really good point here. I look around and all I see is "middle class" people spending and living like they are millionaires. The whole thing is ridiculous, and it's all based on jealousy. They all compare themselves to the wealthiest people instead of the people below them.
@@UsurpersAndAssassins I was watching a few cash stuffing videos and noticed the amount of money that people put into “self care”. I suddenly realized how we have been sold a bunch of BS by marketing agents. Self care is, mostly, free….a long walk, time away from your cell phone, warm sunshine and good food….this is the REAL self care.
I didn't even pay attention to class, just mind my own business, paying the bills to keep the heating on during winter. Thanks you for the class, much appreciated 🙏.
I am 55 and have lost a butt-load in flipping houses in the past. (I bought too many too fast on borrowed money). However, it taught me a lot about buying homes. 1- home ownership is a huge responsibility. The mortgage is only a piece of it. Most houses we bought were in dilapidated conditions. The people were paying their mortgage but could not afford the upkeep. I loved living in an apartment and being able to call maintenance to fix issues and it cost me zero. 2- The mortgage may be fixed but the property taxes and homeowners insurance is not. 3- if a person can actually save 10% for a down payment, that person will likely be successful. Anyone who has sacrificed and committed to saving will make a good choice in buying an affordable home. 4- Kids are happy in a small house or a large house. Once children become teens, they may need more room. Meanwhile, take advantage of the young years, stay in a smaller home and build your wealth.
All we need is enough to cover our expenses with a little extra to save for the future and maybe a few special treats here and there. Doing that while working part-time can give you a very good life. In the US, doing this is generally not readily possible unless you do not have to pay rent.
@@kaninma7237 Very true. The cost of living in the US has skyrocketed to the point of unlivability. I don’t know how most people can stay out of debt, much less save for the future
I understand your points. I think the problem is that many folks now in the middle class were raised by folks that were maybe lower middle class or lower class. So, they were not taught how to use their money to make money. Now some will teach themselves (which is what I did) and others will fail at building wealth.
My parents struggled. Health problems did incredible damage. So many things they were unable to do. One of my siblings never had enough and couldn’t stick to anything. Money ran through his fingers. Another did alright because of a government job and divorce leavings but was always begrudging what others seemed have. Another did really well buying and selling real estate and retired early getting richer through investments. My path has been through increasingly better paying positions and doing without things others consider normal. Retirement savings have been my focus. House is in a decent neighborhood and paid off. Worth about two and a half times what I paid. Car is also paid off. These efforts and sacrifices have been very small compared to the returns and security. In semi-retirement, my finances are solid largely because of these efforts and a lifestyle that is enriched by interests I’ve nurtured. Self-discipline through a focus on meeting my saving and spending targets has been key. I feel very fortunate and value the many things I learned from my parents. My three siblings have always felt shame and resentment.😮
The thing that gets me about buying stuff and has really opened my eyes: we pay so much taxes and then get taxed on top of that for every purchase! We are being taxed to death..💀
I’ve seen a couple people with upper middle class salaries like $100k+ a year, and don’t have a dollar to their name because they blow every check on designer clothing, fancy restaurants, renting a ridiculous apartment, leasing expensive cars.
Maybe in a rural area, but I agree. Owning a home on a single income is no longer really a middle class thing, especially if you live in a high cost area.
@@kamilxgothic Buying a home is the same as buying a candy bar. If you don’t have the cash you can’t afford it. Live where you can afford to live. Not go into debt with a mortgage to live. This system has its belt to peoples ass.
Financial planning and retirement strategies are crucial, especially in today's economic climate. With global economic fluctuations and uncertainties, it's essential to have a solid plan in place to protect your financial future.
Most people miss it but the secret to living and retiring comfortably is finding a way to make returns while your money works for you. My Dad, as i remember started saving for retirement quite late but I know he was making more than 10k returns from his investments monthly and it was completely passive.
the problem is that most don't have the knowledge needed to succeed in a challenging market. Only highly qualified professionals who had to experience the 2008 financial crisis could hope to earn a high in these challenging conditions.
Consider diversifying your portfolio with a mix of stocks and stable assets. Seeking professional advice now could provide valuable insights and strategies to navigate market uncertainties and protect your investments.
Absolutely! There is a poor mindset and a successful mindset. Once you discover that your money is supposed to work for you, you’ve turned the corner and opened a whole new world of possibilities.
Most people (at least my age group) Gen-Xrs. didn't have any money to invest when we were in our 20s, because we had a wife and children to support. the sad truth is, if you want to be wealthy, don't get married and have kids. Life is not supposed to be that way, but unfortunately, that's the reality we live in.)
My outlook on money changed when I realized someone making $300,000 can retire broke & someone making $80,000 can retire a multi-millionaire. Living within your means and living a frugal lifestyle is the first step to financial independence. I just hit the one million mark last year, cheers to everyone striving to get there someday.
Varied sources of income is wise and especially living within your means. My net worth is over $1M and I can pay my bills with no stress, but I don't live like I have that. I have no complaints.
Although financial advice is arbitrary and what works for one person may not work for another, planning is always preferable. I consider myself fortunate to have been introduced to personal finance at a young age. I started working at the age of 19, purchased my first house at the age of 28, was laid off at the age of 36 during the COVID-19 pandemic, and immediately sought advice from an advisor to manage the expansion of my finances. After further investments, as of right now, I'm only 25% short of my $1 million target.
This intrigues me. I've looked up financial advisors online, but finding one to connect with is a bit difficult. Do you mind if I ask for your recommendation?
Well, I chose Kristin Amber Landis as my advisor after her interview on CNBC In 2020. She is SEC regulated with offices in the US and quite frankly a genius with portfolio diversification. You should look her up
Managing money is different from accumulating wealth, and the lack of investment education in schools may explain why people struggle to maintain their financial gains. The examples you provided are relevant, and I personally benefited from the market crisis, as I embrace challenging times while others tend to avoid them. Well, at least my advisor does too, jokingly.
Investors should exercise caution with their exposure and exercise caution when considering new investments, particularly during periods of inflation. It is advisable to seek guidance from a professional or trusted advisor in order to navigate this recession and achieve potential high yields.
This is superb! Information, as a noob it gets quite difficult to handle all of this and staying informed is a major cause, how do you go about this are you a pro investor?
Due to my demanding job, I lack the time to thoroughly assess my investments and analyze individual stocks. Consequently, for the past seven years, I have enlisted the services of a fiduciary who actively manages my portfolio to adapt to the current market conditions. This strategy has allowed me to navigate the financial landscape successfully, making informed decisions on when to buy and sell. Perhaps you should consider a similar approach.
Well, there are a few out there who know what they are doing. I tried a few in the past years, but I’ve been with Melissa Terri Swayne for the last five years or so, and her returns have been pretty much amazing.
Appreciate this recommendation, hopefully I can get some insight to where the market is headed and strategies to beat the downtrend with when I hear back from Melissa.
I do suffer from that last habit where I save up for something and then I wind up back at zero after I get said item. However, I've begun to work on this issue and focus more on paying down debt again. The good news is that I now have an emergency fund that I refuse to touch and I have some additional in regular savings as a buffer. Another thing to do is to try to pay above minimum payments on any sort of debt that you have. I have a loan I took out to do some remodeling at my house and I was paying the minimum for over 6 months before realizing that I wasn't really paying anything down. I decided to add $100 on top of the minimum per month and now the loan will be paid off in 1/2 of the term of the loan.
Thank you Austin for your super informative content. I always make sure to watch, like and comment on all of your videos. I also watch the ads hopingit helps your channel. This is exactly the type if content everyone should be watching ❤
All this means that discomfort is crucial to growth, as hard as it may be to accept it. Having to always improve our game helps with identifying new skills that could bring in new streams of income. Also, accepting discomfort makes us not immediately rely on savings and by doing so we have the chance of increasing our wealth.
*If you are not in the financial market space right now, you are making a huge mistake. I understand that it could be due to ignorance, but if you want to make your money work for you...prevent inflation*
Interesting, This is superb! Information, as a noob it gets quite difficult to handle all of this and staying informed is a major cause, how do you go about this are you a pro Investor?
I feel Investors should exercise caution with their exposure and.exercise caution when considering new investments, particularly during periods of inflation. It is advisable to seek guidance from a professional or a licensed expert in order to navigate this recession and achieve potential high yields
Prioritizing effective personal finance management holds greater significance than the sheer amount saved, irrespective of income source. Consulting a certified financial advisor can offer tailored strategies to optimize financial results by reducing expenses and enhancing income, regardless of whether it's earned through employment or investments.
Brian Humphery Services was my hope during the 'bear summer' last year. I made so many mistakes but also learned so much from it, and of course from Brian.
I had a friend tell me once that she called the class directly BELOW the middle class as “Working Class.” That seems to make a lot of sense to me. $60,000 per year is still a fairly healthy income, but what about those who are sandwiched between middle class and lower class, earning, say, $25,000-60,000 per year? There’s your “Working Class!” Don’t forget them! 👍🏿👍🏿
Actually it all depends where you live, if you are in NYC or surrounding boroughs - even $90-$100K is not a huge amount, unless you purchased a home about 10-20 years ago at a very low price! This is why people try and secure side gigs. Having a fixed salary with rising inflation requires budgeting everyday.
Well if given middle class individuals have been practising these habits, then that might mean that they have never been middle class individuals in the first place. Every class from lumpen to aristocrats and millionaires has its own defining traits and customs which crystallize in their decisions and behaviours right from the beginning.
I always love your videos! So spot on! I make $51,000 and my fiancé makes 80, but we live in the Bay Area and sadly our dual income of $130,000 is considered poverty. 😓 we’re both really good at budgeting and saving but we can’t even afford a starter home. We’re moving to Missouri in a couple years and will have a house paid off in 5 years (by 40)! Can’t wait! 💚
Austin, what is the point of saving until you're 65? How much life do you possibly have left. I'm not saying you can't enjoy stuff at that time but, it is not the same as enjoying while you are younger. Are you sacrificing and saving to leave to your kids? Honorable as that is, many times, those kids who inherit, don't appreciate or manage their inheritance properly. If you were to die right now Austin, what would happen to all the capital you have saved or is in an investment. If you don't have a will/trust, it can be extremely difficult for your next of kin to collect. My guess is, it would eventually end up in the State's Unclaimed Property Division/Department. It would be escheated. I have been debt free for a decade now, and I do not worry about the future, cause it is not guaranteed... However, I'm not out here living a reckless, irresponsible financial life either.
tldr ... try to be a little more cooperative and forward thinking on a social level. --- ", those kids who inherit, don't appreciate or manage their inheritance properly." ah ... yes.. let the kids struggle ... that will help them.. " If you don't have a will/trust, it can be extremely difficult for your next of kin to collect. " incorrect... basic beneficiary POD is effective and standard on a lot of basic financial tools. "My guess is, it would eventually end up in the State's Unclaimed Property Division/Department." EHHH .. no ... stop guessing and look things up... we have the internet ( hint, your on the internet right now) "I do not worry about the future, cause it is not guaranteed" sooo... you dont care to help the future is what i am hearing? if you can't play with the toys no one can? "However, I'm not out here living a reckless, irresponsible financial life either." this is great.... you are being an individual out for their individual accumulation of experience.... you admit you dont care about the future generations... ... that's fine.... but its also selfish and unethical on a planetary scale ; even if the individual actions you take are not unethical.
The drive for profit from the corporate, business, and upper class are the reason why housing costs and standard of living goes up, leading to social stratification and decline of the family. In addition, the drive to overconsume by majority of people and to desire material and luxury objects and monetizing human life and relationships are the reason why there is poverty, people struggle, and the economy will collapse. Population will decline, good, life is becoming too miserable anyway. People should stop consuming, buying things from these corporations, and supporting businesses. Let it all collapse and hence there will be change.
Saving and spending do NOT have to be mutually exclusive. I am 55 and haven’t saved for retirement. I always wanted to spend money at the moment. I didn’t save anything. I finally understand that I can do both. I save regularly now. I also have sinking funds for traveling and fun. Now, I go do things once I actually have the money for it. I also find that eating home cooked meals, living in a clean house, talking with family and having a social group at the dog park is fun, too. Those things don’t cost me anything. If only I had slowed down, saved a little, spend only when I actually had the money….I would be a in a pretty good spot right now.
@@Revert2017 Well, at least you are married and can rely on someone else. Younger people will not have that luxury when they are your age as more people are becoming childless and not married anymore.
Excellent observing, just you did not mention the possibility that your investment fail, it then broke your investment chain and return you backward to Zero or in best case to your thin emergency fund. This has been happened to many people and many times, including myself... With smart and safe investment and work with reliable people your money could rise. Strong support from me👍
Very helpful video as always but on your section titled "Interrupting Compound Interest" I don't understand your example of the Penny Challenge adding up to $2 million plus after 30 days. That seems very strange to me. I do believe that your ideas and your explanations are top notch and your videos are consistently extremely well done. Your channel is way above most others IMHO.
What about a combo of saving for retirement and fun. I mean, why work and not allow myself to enjoy something in my life, like a small vacation that you saved up for, or an anniversary night out. Ive dealt with older people that saved every dime, and regret not enjoying life experiences. Its called having balance
I'm working class on minimum wage working overtime to earn 25k. Same for my partner. and we are both 1 month away from saving 10k each., and I saw on the news about doctors and teachers with a combined salary of 100k+ struggling and going to food banks. And it's funny to me. As they're clearly driving an expensive sports car/range rover around. And have a mortgage out on a 6 bedroom house and are splashing out on their 7 kids and going on expensive holidays. They don't live in a big city. I'm talking about like pretty rural. Where as, I bought my grandads car which was 20 years old. But was sat there, so in very good condition. And I'm renting a cheap 1 bed flat. And yes i do have holidays. But very smartly. I feel like I can do all the same things anyone else can. But I think smartly about it. When I went on holiday. All My friends and family were going out to eat at every restraunt and cafe they can find. And spent over 1k on food and drinks. Where as we went to a supermarket and got ready to eat stuff. And alcohol and stayed on the beach and had the most amazing time. And met some local people, we all played music by the sea, it was amazing. I just feel like people need to prioritise things
The problem is our expectations of what a middle-class lifestyle should be based on what a middle-class lifestyle was during the immediate post-WWII golden era. It's the lifestyle many of us (not all of us, natch) remember from our childhoods: car(s), house, vacations, low tuition, etc. It's tough to acknowledge that those days are over, aren't returning, and we're pretty much on our own. We have to invest and hope our investments yield us the kind of returns they did in the past, but there's no guarantee of that. It's a precarious place to be but here we are. Excellent video as always, Austin!
💯 People still take as fact so many outdated things. Despite us now literally having an entire library in our pockets to search and confirm. Drinking milk, eating cereal and granola bars once advised as "a balanced breakfast ". ....garbage! You may as well finish up and eat the plastic and cardboard containers they came in - why not? They have the same nutritional value.
In those “good old days,” we didn’t have clothes dryers, dishwashers or air conditioning. If a family had a car, it was only one. We walked or rode the bus. No one had color TV; if you had a 12” black and white, you were rich. Now the “middle class” expects to have these things that were considered luxuries then.
While those days are over, it seems that so is the mentality that people had back then. Many people want things now... No concept of having to work for it or having to wait for it. yes, affordability has gone out the window, but so have values and principles. I remember my grandma being perfectly content with the same TV she had when I was a kid through her entire life. Cut to her grandkids, replacing their tube TVs, for flatscreens, then plasmas, needlessly.
@@nicolletelangdon2694 I agree, but splurging on wide-screen plasma TV's is not the reason the middle class is in trouble. It's expenses like high rent, out-of-control healthcare costs, ever-rising college tuition, and every kind of insurance. Relative to other expenses, the cost of a TV is cheaper than it was in the 1950's.
Definitely, if you ard falling behind, then you are not constantly elevating as you need to keep yourself valuable in the market. You are your greatest assest. Dareto be exceptional. Dare to be uncommon!
You will never see money the same way again when you realize every dollar is your slave, every dollar has a job to do and that is to work for you. It is at this point when you start differentiating needs from wants and you question the value of everything you purchase.
Middle class people forget they are technically still working class, because they have to work for a living. The middle class aspiration is a distraction from society's real dividing line: the capitalist owner class and the working class.
i personally am the same i hate to travel....i have plenty if spare time cash to travel with the time etc etc but i go nowhere and i love it.....everybidy is different....trust me if i lived travelling i would have gone not like some of my mates who say they live travelling but have been nowhere....anyway i do love crack and bit of a bobby so i just stay home massage the bobby and talk to the crack in the wall
While $60,000 may be middle class in some areas, in others that is not the case. Where I live, it's a livable wage, but I can't imagine living in say New York City, Washington DC or Los Angeles on that salary and being able to stay above water. Basing where you are financially on numbers is not a great idea.
The drive for profit from the corporate, business, and upper class are the reason why housing costs and standard of living goes up, leading to social stratification. In addition, the drive to overconsume by majority of people and to desire material and luxury objects and monetizing human life and relationships are the reason why there is poverty, people struggle, and the economy will collapse. Population will decline, good, life is becoming too miserable anyway. People should stop consuming, buying things from these corporations, and supporting businesses. Let it all collapse and hence there will be change.
Your middle Class if you can lose the place your renting and go live with your parents. I have to save because my parents abandoned me at age 16. I never had the chance to just go and live with them if i stuff up.
Obviously, you don't sell when you lose and "realize" your loss, but compound interest only works when the "market" continues to do well and stabilizes, but in a rollercoaster, your gains come and go, so compound interest is constantly being interrupted by the stock market. So you do compound in a fierce way. At all.
Just HOLD. All of the results long term show that the market always recovers. The very worst thing you can do is sell during a downturn. HOLD, HOLD, HOLD. As Joe Biden would say, "repeat that last line", HOLD, HOLD, HOLD.
oh .... no no no... "average" quality of life and treat yourself on occasion.. i absolutely disagree with that definition. ( and that 60k number in the example... NOPE .... then 120k in the upper class example double NOPE) the "average" person in america is POOR. and there should be no stigma of moral character in that. but there should be outrage at WHY there are so many poor people and the disparity between the poor and the rich. poor is separate from being in poverty, and separate from destitute. ::: my understanding of middle class is ::: a fully funded retirement fund: an emergency fund ( 6month to 2years , ish) ira maxed (yearly 7k) 401k maxed (yearly 23k) (( in the past i would through in pensions... but that doesn't exist anymore)) 1000k investment allotment per month (yearly 12k) full medical coverage (yearly ) housing covered (including insurance and utilities, lets say yearly 36k) transportation covered ( including insurance and fuel ) healthy balanced nutrition + a travel vacation for the family yearly a hobby for each member of the family and regular gifts and celebrations all with low risk of losing this standard aka... "the american dream" a step out of survival and into sustenance but shy of lavish. even with just SOME of the expenses budgeted here... 78k on the low end AFTER tax.
um... im not sure you are describing the "middle class"... you are describing a leisure class mindset when a person feels they are out of the pay-check-to-paycheck grind ( when in reality they are still pay-check-to-paycheck.)
" the bulk of the growth happened in the last 10 years" i would have rephrased this. it should say // the bulk of the growth happened AFTER the first 20 years \\
Needless and weird attempt at an English accent. Why is it Americans still think a current English accent is found in the mid-19th Century? Try a Birmingham or Bristol accent. England doesn't have one homogeneous accent that covers all regions, just like America doesn't have one coast-to-coast accent that covers all states. But good video, I enjoyed it.
I save money by not using bar soap I just let the shampoo drip down my body and use my hands to wash it in the skin. I also crap early in the morning so I don’t use toilet paper I just take a shower to clean my butt it all goes to the same pipes anyways. You’re welcome I shared some of my money saving tricks.
Its harder, but starting investing when you're 40 is not the end of the world, you invest £1000 a month and by the time you're 65 you will be a millionaire.
And sure you can invest, HOWEVER, when the "stock market" takes hits, you lose your interest and gains, and hopefully not your capital! So compound interest is great, but it doesn't grow that quickly or by that much with all the DIPS and hits the market takes.
The drive for profit from the corporate, business, and upper class are the reason why housing costs and standard of living goes up, leading to social stratification. In addition, the drive to overconsume by majority of people and to desire material and luxury objects and monetizing human life and relationships are the reason why there is poverty, hatred, war, mental illness, loss of family, child abuse, crime, hunger. As more people struggle, economy will collapse as nobody will be spending. Population will decline, good, life is becoming too miserable anyway. People should stop consuming, buying things from these corporations, and supporting businesses and making the wealthy weathier.
English accent? He’s Puerto Rican and he has a Puerto Rican accent. You seem to be from a different country and this is why you said an ignorant remark. Lol
You don’t understand what the middle class is. It can’t be KEPT poor because it ISNT poor. It’s middle. Middle class financial habits are saving, spending on education, and buying houses. You are talking about what only the Americans call middle class, which is what everyone else calls the working class.
Middle class is a culture, or rather 2 cultures, upper and lower middle class. It’s not a function of income alone. If you make a salary, you are middle class. If you make wages, you are working class. A working class person doing construction might make more than a middle class teacher. It’s Socio-economics and you seem ignorant of the whole social part. Read history. Read the communist manifest (not to be come communist).
Crazy how this guy never runs out on videos on saving money 😅
It's really like, he actually is living what he preaches and good for him 😌
Some of us don't care about experiences and traveling to see the world. I am just fine sitting in my own home, reading a good book and being at peace. And this ladies and gentlemen is why I have money saved. ❤
Don’t let this mindset prevent others from being guilty experiencing and traveling. I love to travel and see around 4 new countries per year. Still am able to save a good amount of money while having nice experiences
I car camp in my Tesla to save money when i travel. I keep a high savings rate and still do things
Omg same. I've been this way forever. I love just hiking and taking walks. I'm in my 20s.
@Thug_Nose you're insecure? He obviously wasn't making anyone feel guilty. We get the opposite message pushed constantly. As if anything other than going it isn't considered "living". Shhh.
@@Thug_Noseand your initial sentence doesn't make any sense. Don't let this mindset prevent others from feeling guilty? What?
You've got a really good point here. I look around and all I see is "middle class" people spending and living like they are millionaires. The whole thing is ridiculous, and it's all based on jealousy. They all compare themselves to the wealthiest people instead of the people below them.
Social media is a bitch
@@UsurpersAndAssassins I was watching a few cash stuffing videos and noticed the amount of money that people put into “self care”. I suddenly realized how we have been sold a bunch of BS by marketing agents. Self care is, mostly, free….a long walk, time away from your cell phone, warm sunshine and good food….this is the REAL self care.
I didn't even pay attention to class, just mind my own business, paying the bills to keep the heating on during winter. Thanks you for the class, much appreciated 🙏.
Absolutely 💯 @@Revert2017
Another spot on video. The key is for people to take responsibility for their own actions and not blame outside forces.
I am 55 and have lost a butt-load in flipping houses in the past. (I bought too many too fast on borrowed money). However, it taught me a lot about buying homes.
1- home ownership is a huge responsibility. The mortgage is only a piece of it. Most houses we bought were in dilapidated conditions. The people were paying their mortgage but could not afford the upkeep. I loved living in an apartment and being able to call maintenance to fix issues and it cost me zero.
2- The mortgage may be fixed but the property taxes and homeowners insurance is not.
3- if a person can actually save 10% for a down payment, that person will likely be successful. Anyone who has sacrificed and committed to saving will make a good choice in buying an affordable home.
4- Kids are happy in a small house or a large house. Once children become teens, they may need more room. Meanwhile, take advantage of the young years, stay in a smaller home and build your wealth.
thank you, this comment helps a lot sir
All we need is enough to cover our expenses with a little extra to save for the future and maybe a few special treats here and there. Doing that while working part-time can give you a very good life. In the US, doing this is generally not readily possible unless you do not have to pay rent.
@@kaninma7237 Very true. The cost of living in the US has skyrocketed to the point of unlivability. I don’t know how most people can stay out of debt, much less save for the future
I understand your points. I think the problem is that many folks now in the middle class were raised by folks that were maybe lower middle class or lower class. So, they were not taught how to use their money to make money. Now some will teach themselves (which is what I did) and others will fail at building wealth.
My parents struggled. Health problems did incredible damage. So many things they were unable to do. One of my siblings never had enough and couldn’t stick to anything. Money ran through his fingers. Another did alright because of a government job and divorce leavings but was always begrudging what others seemed have. Another did really well buying and selling real estate and retired early getting richer through investments. My path has been through increasingly better paying positions and doing without things others consider normal. Retirement savings have been my focus. House is in a decent neighborhood and paid off. Worth about two and a half times what I paid. Car is also paid off. These efforts and sacrifices have been very small compared to the returns and security. In semi-retirement, my finances are solid largely because of these efforts and a lifestyle that is enriched by interests I’ve nurtured. Self-discipline through a focus on meeting my saving and spending targets has been key. I feel very fortunate and value the many things I learned from my parents. My three siblings have always felt shame and resentment.😮
It's my birthday month and I'm splurging. I'm very good at being frugal and saving and living within my means, but I'm treating myself this month
Happy birthday 🎉 good on you
Just go ahead and treat yourself on your birthday. Life is too short so enjoy yourself.@@kamsavesmoney
Happy birthday 🎂
Happy birthday. My husband and I go out to dinner. That's my treat.
As you should. It is your money. Life is short.
The thing that gets me about buying stuff and has really opened my eyes: we pay so much taxes and then get taxed on top of that for every purchase! We are being taxed to death..💀
I’ve seen a couple people with upper middle class salaries like $100k+ a year, and don’t have a dollar to their name because they blow every check on designer clothing, fancy restaurants, renting a ridiculous apartment, leasing expensive cars.
Sadly, an income of $60k is not nearly enough to afford an entry level home, IF you can even find one.
If you can’t pay cash for a home, you can’t afford it. No matter what salary you have.
Maybe in a rural area, but I agree. Owning a home on a single income is no longer really a middle class thing, especially if you live in a high cost area.
@@minimalist_monkcar, house anything!!
@@minimalist_monksobie should i be homeless for 20 years?
@@kamilxgothic Buying a home is the same as buying a candy bar. If you don’t have the cash you can’t afford it. Live where you can afford to live. Not go into debt with a mortgage to live. This system has its belt to peoples ass.
Financial planning and retirement strategies are crucial, especially in today's economic climate. With global economic fluctuations and uncertainties, it's essential to have a solid plan in place to protect your financial future.
Most people miss it but the secret to living and retiring comfortably is finding a way to make returns while your money works for you. My Dad, as i remember started saving for retirement quite late but I know he was making more than 10k returns from his investments monthly and it was completely passive.
the problem is that most don't have the knowledge needed to succeed in a challenging market. Only highly qualified professionals who had to experience the 2008 financial crisis could hope to earn a high in these challenging conditions.
@@benjamineprg4249 This is amazing, I'm curious, how did he do it? Was it real estate? Or he was a market enthusiastic?
Investing in gold and silver seems like a good move, especially with the current market uncertainty.
Consider diversifying your portfolio with a mix of stocks and stable assets. Seeking professional advice now could provide valuable insights and strategies to navigate market uncertainties and protect your investments.
Absolutely!
There is a poor mindset and a successful mindset. Once you discover that your money is supposed to work for you, you’ve turned the corner and opened a whole new world of possibilities.
Most people (at least my age group) Gen-Xrs. didn't have any money to invest when we were in our 20s, because we had a wife and children to support.
the sad truth is, if you want to be wealthy, don't get married and have kids.
Life is not supposed to be that way, but unfortunately, that's the reality we live in.)
My outlook on money changed when I realized someone making $300,000 can retire broke & someone making $80,000 can retire a multi-millionaire. Living within your means and living a frugal lifestyle is the first step to financial independence. I just hit the one million mark last year, cheers to everyone striving to get there someday.
Wow! Congrats on that. Is it preferable for me to save money or allocate a significant amount of my salary to stocks in order to accomplish this goal?
Varied sources of income is wise and especially living within your means. My net worth is over $1M and I can pay my bills with no stress, but I don't live like I have that. I have no complaints.
Although financial advice is arbitrary and what works for one person may not work for another, planning is always preferable. I consider myself fortunate to have been introduced to personal finance at a young age. I started working at the age of 19, purchased my first house at the age of 28, was laid off at the age of 36 during the COVID-19 pandemic, and immediately sought advice from an advisor to manage the expansion of my finances. After further investments, as of right now, I'm only 25% short of my $1 million target.
This intrigues me. I've looked up financial advisors online, but finding one to connect with is a bit difficult. Do you mind if I ask for your recommendation?
Well, I chose Kristin Amber Landis as my advisor after her interview on CNBC In 2020. She is SEC regulated with offices in the US and quite frankly a genius with portfolio diversification. You should look her up
Managing money is different from accumulating wealth, and the lack of investment education in schools may explain why people struggle to maintain their financial gains. The examples you provided are relevant, and I personally benefited from the market crisis, as I embrace challenging times while others tend to avoid them. Well, at least my advisor does too, jokingly.
Investors should exercise caution with their exposure and exercise caution when considering new investments, particularly during periods of inflation. It is advisable to seek guidance from a professional or trusted advisor in order to navigate this recession and achieve potential high yields.
This is superb! Information, as a noob it gets quite difficult to handle all of this and staying informed is a major cause, how do you go about this are you a pro investor?
Due to my demanding job, I lack the time to thoroughly assess my investments and analyze individual stocks. Consequently, for the past seven years, I have enlisted the services of a fiduciary who actively manages my portfolio to adapt to the current market conditions. This strategy has allowed me to navigate the financial landscape successfully, making informed decisions on when to buy and sell. Perhaps you should consider a similar approach.
Well, there are a few out there who know what they are doing. I tried a few in the past years, but I’ve been with Melissa Terri Swayne for the last five years or so, and her returns have been pretty much amazing.
Appreciate this recommendation, hopefully I can get some insight to where the market is headed and strategies to beat the downtrend with when I hear back from Melissa.
I do suffer from that last habit where I save up for something and then I wind up back at zero after I get said item. However, I've begun to work on this issue and focus more on paying down debt again. The good news is that I now have an emergency fund that I refuse to touch and I have some additional in regular savings as a buffer. Another thing to do is to try to pay above minimum payments on any sort of debt that you have. I have a loan I took out to do some remodeling at my house and I was paying the minimum for over 6 months before realizing that I wasn't really paying anything down. I decided to add $100 on top of the minimum per month and now the loan will be paid off in 1/2 of the term of the loan.
Thank you Austin for your super informative content. I always make sure to watch, like and comment on all of your videos. I also watch the ads hopingit helps your channel. This is exactly the type if content everyone should be watching ❤
All this means that discomfort is crucial to growth, as hard as it may be to accept it. Having to always improve our game helps with identifying new skills that could bring in new streams of income. Also, accepting discomfort makes us not immediately rely on savings and by doing so we have the chance of increasing our wealth.
*If you are not in the financial market space right now, you are making a huge mistake. I understand that it could be due to ignorance, but if you want to make your money work for you...prevent inflation*
Interesting, This is superb! Information, as a noob it gets quite difficult to handle all of this and staying informed is a major cause, how do you go about this are you a pro Investor?
I feel Investors should exercise caution with their exposure and.exercise caution when considering new investments, particularly during periods of inflation. It is advisable to seek guidance from a professional or a licensed expert in order to navigate this recession and achieve potential high yields
Prioritizing effective personal finance management holds greater significance than the sheer amount saved, irrespective of income source. Consulting a certified financial advisor can offer tailored strategies to optimize financial results by reducing expenses and enhancing income, regardless of whether it's earned through employment or investments.
Brian Humphery Services was my hope during the 'bear summer' last year. I made so many mistakes but also learned so much from it, and of course from Brian.
He is really a good investment advisor. Was privileged to attend some of his seminars.that's how I started my own crypto investment
Brilliant! They need to show this clip in US schools.
I had a friend tell me once that she called the class directly BELOW the middle class as “Working Class.” That seems to make a lot of sense to me. $60,000 per year is still a fairly healthy income, but what about those who are sandwiched between middle class and lower class, earning, say, $25,000-60,000 per year? There’s your “Working Class!” Don’t forget them! 👍🏿👍🏿
Actually it all depends where you live, if you are in NYC or surrounding boroughs - even $90-$100K is not a huge amount, unless you purchased a home about 10-20 years ago at a very low price! This is why people try and secure side gigs. Having a fixed salary with rising inflation requires budgeting everyday.
Working class here 🙋🏻♀️
Love your videos. I have learned a lot from your teaching. I also love your self that holds your plants.
All great saving tips and advise. And young Austin is looking sharp and very stylish!!!
Spot on! Thanks for putting this together
Hello 👋
Austin 😊
Excellent 👌 video as always 😊
This is soooo true; thanks for this explanation🙏🏿😊💰💰
Well if given middle class individuals have been practising these habits, then that might mean that they have never been middle class individuals in the first place. Every class from lumpen to aristocrats and millionaires has its own defining traits and customs which crystallize in their decisions and behaviours right from the beginning.
I always love your videos! So spot on! I make $51,000 and my fiancé makes 80, but we live in the Bay Area and sadly our dual income of $130,000 is considered poverty. 😓 we’re both really good at budgeting and saving but we can’t even afford a starter home. We’re moving to Missouri in a couple years and will have a house paid off in 5 years (by 40)! Can’t wait! 💚
phenomenal video. great explanation. more people should an swill see this
This is the most pertinent and informative video you’ve made so far. Thank you so much ❤
Muchas gracias 😊
Great video. You need to teach this in high schools!
Hello! Do you have tips for hollidays avoiding spendind too much money? How to unwind when you can't spend a lot of money? Thanks
The grocery bill is a treat at this point 😂😅
Austin, what is the point of saving until you're 65? How much life do you possibly have left. I'm not saying you can't enjoy stuff at that time but, it is not the same as enjoying while you are younger. Are you sacrificing and saving to leave to your kids? Honorable as that is, many times, those kids who inherit, don't appreciate or manage their inheritance properly. If you were to die right now Austin, what would happen to all the capital you have saved or is in an investment. If you don't have a will/trust, it can be extremely difficult for your next of kin to collect. My guess is, it would eventually end up in the State's Unclaimed Property Division/Department. It would be escheated. I have been debt free for a decade now, and I do not worry about the future, cause it is not guaranteed... However, I'm not out here living a reckless, irresponsible financial life either.
tldr ...
try to be a little more cooperative and forward thinking on a social level.
---
", those kids who inherit, don't appreciate or manage their inheritance properly."
ah ... yes.. let the kids struggle ... that will help them..
" If you don't have a will/trust, it can be extremely difficult for your next of kin to collect. "
incorrect... basic beneficiary POD is effective and standard on a lot of basic financial tools.
"My guess is, it would eventually end up in the State's Unclaimed Property Division/Department."
EHHH .. no ... stop guessing and look things up... we have the internet ( hint, your on the internet right now)
"I do not worry about the future, cause it is not guaranteed"
sooo... you dont care to help the future is what i am hearing? if you can't play with the toys no one can?
"However, I'm not out here living a reckless, irresponsible financial life either."
this is great.... you are being an individual out for their individual accumulation of experience.... you admit you dont care about the future generations... ... that's fine.... but its also selfish and unethical on a planetary scale ; even if the individual actions you take are not unethical.
The drive for profit from the corporate, business, and upper class are the reason why housing costs and standard of living goes up, leading to social stratification and decline of the family. In addition, the drive to overconsume by majority of people and to desire material and luxury objects and monetizing human life and relationships are the reason why there is poverty, people struggle, and the economy will collapse. Population will decline, good, life is becoming too miserable anyway. People should stop consuming, buying things from these corporations, and supporting businesses. Let it all collapse and hence there will be change.
Saving and spending do NOT have to be mutually exclusive. I am 55 and haven’t saved for retirement. I always wanted to spend money at the moment. I didn’t save anything. I finally understand that I can do both. I save regularly now. I also have sinking funds for traveling and fun. Now, I go do things once I actually have the money for it. I also find that eating home cooked meals, living in a clean house, talking with family and having a social group at the dog park is fun, too. Those things don’t cost me anything. If only I had slowed down, saved a little, spend only when I actually had the money….I would be a in a pretty good spot right now.
@@Revert2017 Well, at least you are married and can rely on someone else. Younger people will not have that luxury when they are your age as more people are becoming childless and not married anymore.
@@jacqueslee2592 Not married- divorced 30 years ago.
Excellent observing, just you did not mention the possibility that your investment fail, it then broke your investment chain and return you backward to Zero or in best case to your thin emergency fund.
This has been happened to many people and many times, including myself...
With smart and safe investment and work with reliable people your money could rise.
Strong support from me👍
Great video as always!
My reason for continually saving is so that I can spend a modest percentage on experiences…they beat possessions hands down…
I'm retired so I get a few kicks from watching these maroons
If you're not retired, get out and make friends
That's what will provide your future
I love your videos, keep it up my man
This was helpful, thank you
Very helpful video as always but on your section titled "Interrupting Compound Interest" I don't understand your example of the Penny Challenge adding up to $2 million plus after 30 days. That seems very strange to me. I do believe that your ideas and your explanations are top notch and your videos are consistently extremely well done. Your channel is way above most others IMHO.
😂 Loving that British accent... Watching you from London 🇬🇧
I wish I knew about this 30 years ago 😢. I guess better late than never.
How do you like this Ga heat? Stay hydrated
What about a combo of saving for retirement and fun. I mean, why work and not allow myself to enjoy something in my life, like a small vacation that you saved up for, or an anniversary night out. Ive dealt with older people that saved every dime, and regret not enjoying life experiences. Its called having balance
I'm working class on minimum wage working overtime to earn 25k. Same for my partner. and we are both 1 month away from saving 10k each., and I saw on the news about doctors and teachers with a combined salary of 100k+ struggling and going to food banks. And it's funny to me. As they're clearly driving an expensive sports car/range rover around. And have a mortgage out on a 6 bedroom house and are splashing out on their 7 kids and going on expensive holidays. They don't live in a big city. I'm talking about like pretty rural.
Where as, I bought my grandads car which was 20 years old. But was sat there, so in very good condition. And I'm renting a cheap 1 bed flat. And yes i do have holidays. But very smartly. I feel like I can do all the same things anyone else can. But I think smartly about it.
When I went on holiday. All My friends and family were going out to eat at every restraunt and cafe they can find. And spent over 1k on food and drinks. Where as we went to a supermarket and got ready to eat stuff. And alcohol and stayed on the beach and had the most amazing time. And met some local people, we all played music by the sea, it was amazing. I just feel like people need to prioritise things
Thank you Austin I am lucky I have found u
The problem is our expectations of what a middle-class lifestyle should be based on what a middle-class lifestyle was during the immediate post-WWII golden era. It's the lifestyle many of us (not all of us, natch) remember from our childhoods: car(s), house, vacations, low tuition, etc. It's tough to acknowledge that those days are over, aren't returning, and we're pretty much on our own. We have to invest and hope our investments yield us the kind of returns they did in the past, but there's no guarantee of that. It's a precarious place to be but here we are. Excellent video as always, Austin!
💯
People still take as fact so many outdated things. Despite us now literally having an entire library in our pockets to search and confirm.
Drinking milk, eating cereal and granola bars once advised as "a balanced breakfast ".
....garbage! You may as well finish up and eat the plastic and cardboard containers they came in - why not? They have the same nutritional value.
In those “good old days,” we didn’t have clothes dryers, dishwashers or air conditioning. If a family had a car, it was only one. We walked or rode the bus. No one had color TV; if you had a 12” black and white, you were rich. Now the “middle class” expects to have these things that were considered luxuries then.
@@GrannyLinn Modern times: we are cacti in the rainforest.
While those days are over, it seems that so is the mentality that people had back then. Many people want things now... No concept of having to work for it or having to wait for it. yes, affordability has gone out the window, but so have values and principles. I remember my grandma being perfectly content with the same TV she had when I was a kid through her entire life. Cut to her grandkids, replacing their tube TVs, for flatscreens, then plasmas, needlessly.
@@nicolletelangdon2694 I agree, but splurging on wide-screen plasma TV's is not the reason the middle class is in trouble. It's expenses like high rent, out-of-control healthcare costs, ever-rising college tuition, and every kind of insurance. Relative to other expenses, the cost of a TV is cheaper than it was in the 1950's.
Tengas???
2:40 you got me there
Definitely, if you ard falling behind, then you are not constantly elevating as you need to keep yourself valuable in the market. You are your greatest assest.
Dareto be exceptional.
Dare to be uncommon!
You will never see money the same way again when you realize every dollar is your slave, every dollar has a job to do and that is to work for you. It is at this point when you start differentiating needs from wants and you question the value of everything you purchase.
Oh wow, I have only 3/8 of these habits! Better than I thought.
Middle class people forget they are technically still working class, because they have to work for a living. The middle class aspiration is a distraction from society's real dividing line: the capitalist owner class and the working class.
“The middle claaaass is faaalling behind” Hilarious!!
i personally am the same i hate to travel....i have plenty if spare time cash to travel with the time etc etc but i go nowhere and i love it.....everybidy is different....trust me if i lived travelling i would have gone not like some of my mates who say they live travelling but have been nowhere....anyway i do love crack and bit of a bobby so i just stay home massage the bobby and talk to the crack in the wall
TLDR;
being poor is keeping you poor, go make more money you poor people.
( i am being facetious, but that KINDA feels like the vibe of the video)
I'm in the very upper class category but would like to move to the lower class. What habits do I need to develop to help me? Any suggestions or tips?
While $60,000 may be middle class in some areas, in others that is not the case. Where I live, it's a livable wage, but I can't imagine living in say New York City, Washington DC or Los Angeles on that salary and being able to stay above water. Basing where you are financially on numbers is not a great idea.
Do you have any books you recommend to learn more about investing?
How can I make my money work for me?
How do I stop saving to spend? I thought I was doing a good thing by not swiping my credit card..
The drive for profit from the corporate, business, and upper class are the reason why housing costs and standard of living goes up, leading to social stratification. In addition, the drive to overconsume by majority of people and to desire material and luxury objects and monetizing human life and relationships are the reason why there is poverty, people struggle, and the economy will collapse. Population will decline, good, life is becoming too miserable anyway. People should stop consuming, buying things from these corporations, and supporting businesses. Let it all collapse and hence there will be change.
Now I can't help, but notice how practically every habit starts with "now". Now so does that mean I should start now?
Your middle Class if you can lose the place your renting and go live with your parents.
I have to save because my parents abandoned me at age 16. I never had the chance to just go and live with them if i stuff up.
Austin, once a person hits the bottom, they can't go any lower, so aim for higher things from the bottom; that's when your videos begin to pay off
Where are the middle class homes? Please ket me know so i let everyone else know
Obviously, you don't sell when you lose and "realize" your loss, but compound interest only works when the "market" continues to do well and stabilizes, but in a rollercoaster, your gains come and go, so compound interest is constantly being interrupted by the stock market. So you do compound in a fierce way. At all.
Just HOLD. All of the results long term show that the market always recovers. The very worst thing you can do is sell during a downturn. HOLD, HOLD, HOLD. As Joe Biden would say, "repeat that last line", HOLD, HOLD, HOLD.
All good advice but the premise is wrong. The average salary can't buy the average home like it used to. Rich people have destroyed the middle class.
Less equals freedom
oh .... no no no... "average" quality of life and treat yourself on occasion..
i absolutely disagree with that definition. ( and that 60k number in the example... NOPE .... then 120k in the upper class example double NOPE)
the "average" person in america is POOR.
and there should be no stigma of moral character in that. but there should be outrage at WHY there are so many poor people and the disparity between the poor and the rich. poor is separate from being in poverty, and separate from destitute.
::: my understanding of middle class is :::
a fully funded retirement fund:
an emergency fund ( 6month to 2years , ish)
ira maxed (yearly 7k)
401k maxed (yearly 23k)
(( in the past i would through in pensions... but that doesn't exist anymore))
1000k investment allotment per month (yearly 12k)
full medical coverage (yearly )
housing covered (including insurance and utilities, lets say yearly 36k)
transportation covered ( including insurance and fuel )
healthy balanced nutrition
+
a travel vacation for the family yearly
a hobby for each member of the family
and regular gifts and celebrations
all with low risk of losing this standard
aka... "the american dream"
a step out of survival and into sustenance but shy of lavish.
even with just SOME of the expenses budgeted here... 78k on the low end AFTER tax.
um... im not sure you are describing the "middle class"... you are describing a leisure class mindset when a person feels they are out of the pay-check-to-paycheck grind ( when in reality they are still pay-check-to-paycheck.)
" the bulk of the growth happened in the last 10 years"
i would have rephrased this.
it should say // the bulk of the growth happened AFTER the first 20 years \\
I want to save and invest so that I can travel, have experiences, and live a simple frugal life. ❤
👍👍👍👍
We need to start investing at 15
LOL. What a cutie! So, is $60k or above considered middle class?
Needless and weird attempt at an English accent. Why is it Americans still think a current English accent is found in the mid-19th Century? Try a Birmingham or Bristol accent. England doesn't have one homogeneous accent that covers all regions, just like America doesn't have one coast-to-coast accent that covers all states. But good video, I enjoyed it.
I save money by not using bar soap I just let the shampoo drip down my body and use my hands to wash it in the skin. I also crap early in the morning so I don’t use toilet paper I just take a shower to clean my butt it all goes to the same pipes anyways. You’re welcome I shared some of my money saving tricks.
You must be joking or just plain nasty. I hope you live alone. Can't stand nasty people.
No it's the individuals slackness
Its harder, but starting investing when you're 40 is not the end of the world, you invest £1000 a month and by the time you're 65 you will be a millionaire.
nobody in England says "the mittle class"
thank you cute kid now handsome man!!!
I've never heard any English person say those sayings you claim to be English.
100% like
Spend less than you make and invest the rest.
You can lose every dime on the stockmarket................
Travel to places you never been twice a year only
I m a lower than mid class
Live poor, buy bitcoin and realize you wont actually build any real wealth in paying down your house.
Ok you should be the next Doctor for Doctor Who 🥹
And sure you can invest, HOWEVER, when the "stock market" takes hits, you lose your interest and gains, and hopefully not your capital! So compound interest is great, but it doesn't grow that quickly or by that much with all the DIPS and hits the market takes.
You were a cute kid! Still cute! Lol
The thing is that you are gay and it's easier for you to save money
"Don't hate the player, hate the game."
Or in other words :
Don't hate the Upper Class, never play Their Game, it's Rigged.
The drive for profit from the corporate, business, and upper class are the reason why housing costs and standard of living goes up, leading to social stratification. In addition, the drive to overconsume by majority of people and to desire material and luxury objects and monetizing human life and relationships are the reason why there is poverty, hatred, war, mental illness, loss of family, child abuse, crime, hunger. As more people struggle, economy will collapse as nobody will be spending. Population will decline, good, life is becoming too miserable anyway. People should stop consuming, buying things from these corporations, and supporting businesses and making the wealthy weathier.
Your English accent is amazing. Amazingly bad.
English accent? He’s Puerto Rican and he has a Puerto Rican accent. You seem to be from a different country and this is why you said an ignorant remark. Lol
@@ihaveadreamformykids4400 you obviously didn't watch the video
@davidthomas, of all the things you could say, that's the comment you chose to make. Useless 🙄
@@Observe199-l6w Ditto
You don’t understand what the middle class is. It can’t be KEPT poor because it ISNT poor. It’s middle. Middle class financial habits are saving, spending on education, and buying houses. You are talking about what only the Americans call middle class, which is what everyone else calls the working class.
Middle class is a culture, or rather 2 cultures, upper and lower middle class. It’s not a function of income alone. If you make a salary, you are middle class. If you make wages, you are working class. A working class person doing construction might make more than a middle class teacher. It’s Socio-economics and you seem ignorant of the whole social part. Read history. Read the communist manifest (not to be come communist).