I deprived myself last year. Lost 50 pounds, paid off a lot of debt, and saved up $10k. It truly is AMAZING when you deprive yourself. Those nights when you eat out are INCREDIBLE. I had to shop for all new clothes and I did it happily because I had the money and the new body to do so. I highly encourage others to do it too. There is no other feeling that is so rewarding.
Be cheap until you pay off your debt and then build a solid foundation so you can stop being cheap because the longer you are trading away today for tomorrow, you’ll eventually not have tomorrow to use anymore.
I don't have any debt:/. I'm 19 I live alone. I make 60k a year. I'm a full time student so I actually get fasfa money like 4k a semester. That's not included in my 60k. But yes. My apartment is 1900. And I got a tesla lease for $353. And I have free charging bc well i work at tesla. But any left over money. I immediately invest it...or uber eats. That's all I spend on. My food is like 1k a month 😭. But I still invest a lot
What I found was when I had very little money working an awful job that depressed you spending money on nice unnecessary things was a treat to have something enjoyable in my life. Then Covid came , I couldn’t go out , spend or socialise, I discovered I didn’t need these things and was happy . Knowing that I can go on a walk spending nothing more than shoe leather and making things myself or buying secondhand things I can’t has meant I have a £1000 extra every month which I pay down debt . I pay my credit card total every month and use it because they pay me and now paying extra on my mortgage means I will pay it off in 3 years, not ten . 12 years to retirement I will save £12 thousand a year for 9 years just by living the same. This is money I would never have had.
I'm fortunate to have plenty of money but it took years of being frugal and not wasting money on things that I might want in the moment - but don't need. The best thing about having money is not worrying about money.
If you're in a relationship, being cheap is a tough position to be in. If your partner is spendy and you are trying to reduce spending its a cyclical conflict.
This is big. If you are trying to get on the same page and they aren’t along for the ride then you identified a problem in the relationship :). For me it was communication related and me and my wife have much better communication now
Yep my bf is wayyy more spendy then me, he's a gamer and just so much gaming stuff gets advertised he can't resist. He also has ADHD so he can be super impulsive with money and not very good at controlling it. I really do get angry with advertisements being literally pummelled into out faces every day, literally thousands. It's difficult for impulsive people and for me it's the booze adverts when I'm trying to stay sober ... It keeps advertising to me whilst even watching RUclips. Actually is hell! At least me and my bf have separate accounts and we both prefer to have separate money but if either of us is struggling we help each other out and pay each other back. Much better then a shared account if your with an overspender. That sounds like hell. Il never have a shared account.
We've been in a debt in 2017 that 10X of our monthly income and the paycheck that deducted by bank, 1/3 of it is all we have to live in a month. And what we did we do survive that rough times? We live in extreme frugality by not having internet (just mobile data), no eating outside, malls or vacations, no new stuff, and no unnecessary stuff, just things we only need for survival... And the result is, in just 1 year, we paid that debt! YES! BEING CHEAP (in a good way) AND FRUGAL WORKS IN ANY SITUATIONS!
The biggest benefit for me: Being cheap teaches you how to enjoy things that cost little or no money. So many of the best things in life are free: Hanging out with friends, taking a walk outside on a nice day, going to a street festival, learning to cook a delicious dinner (yes, the ingredients cost money, but you have to pay for food no matter what you do, so you might as well learn to make it taste good). I often say that the best financial decision I ever made was going to grad school, not because it set me up for a high-earning career (my salary's good, but nothing super spectacular), but because it forced me to learn to manage money while making diddly-squat. And I don't see that period of my life as a time of deprivation at all. Those were some of the best years of my life, and I made so many wonderful memories while spending hardly any money.
I say this all the time, I dont want to spoil myself, because then nothing special. I don't want to eat out all the time or buy stuff everyday like its Christmas, because then it isn't special. I wholeheartedly agree with you Austin.
The rich often don't get a special feeling when they spend money, so they spend it on increasingly exotic experiences. It's an internal ennui and jaded feeling.
I've stopped buying clothes, shoes, home decor, and any frivolous items. My husband and I have discovered SUV camping and we can spend a few weekends at a nearby lake campground for less than $50. We cook most meals at home. Everything we have is paid for. Retirement is within our reach and these next 10 years will be crucial to meet our goal of retiring comfortably. I don't feel deprived of fancy things. Our life is full, but simple.
Wise words! Being cheap really shows how little we actually need. Then so many things become special when you enjoy them not every week but let's say once a month.
Thank you Agustin. For many of us who grew up in low income households being cheap was the default because we had no other option. It is when we start earning that we get into debt because we want to "treat ourselves". It was that way for me but for some years now I've reverted back to being cheap as a way to save money. Thank you again for the inspiration 😊
I might choose the word frugal instead (he he), but I've been cheap all my life -- it's just a reflex with me. That doesn't mean I deprive myself of things I really need (and sometimes simply want), but those tend to be things that are relatively inexpensive. I simply don't crave a "luxury" lifestyle, hence I don't feel deprived not having one. So many of the most memorable experiences I've had haven't cost a lot of money, sometimes no money at all. You just have to figure out what's really important in life -- generally these are not "things." Excellent video!
Give me a slice of cinnamon toast and all the more expensive pastries won't tempt at all. Being pleased by cheap treats is a blessing. Will splurge on raclette cheese now and then.
2024 is our “cheap” year. No vacations, fun day trips, or spur of moment trips for frozen yogurt 😔. 2024 is also the year we pay off the credit cards and the car. It will most definitely be a fair trade.
That’s great! Maybe enjoy nature walks not to far from you at a park or even your neighborhood, a nice picnic , cook together, visit friends/family, movie night at home with a snack. There was a time shopping and eating out and fancy vacations were my entertainment. Good Luck!💗
This is my monkish, beans-and-rice era. My credit score sprang from the mid-400s all the way to about 740 in the 6 months it took me to divert most of my income towards aggressively paying down the last of my debt and saving my second $10K. I still slip up at times, backslide into expensive habits, but its easy to get on track knowing my freedom is just over the horizon.
YES! THIS! Funny how some people are hesitant to say "Be Cheap" (for a time) when THAT IS THE ANSWER to so many problems! also - taking responsibility for our situation (as much as possible).. very good!
Seriously Austin, I see a book deal on a title like "The power of being frugal" in your future. And a very timely book in this high inflation times. This is real good content; you move between the tactical and pragmatic, to the holistic and philosophical ("being cheap increases your control on life and to reach other goals").
When i started being cheap I 'found' £500 a month spare money 😮😮. I used to go to the mall for a day out twice a month and buy a bunch of crap plus an expensive lunch.
what luxury. I have to choose between a budget holiday (by bike and tent) once a year or some decent health care. Most of my money goes to food (that i prepare at home all year round myself, not restaurants), I have some money left for a cuppa coffea in a cafe every week to meet some people. Like, not a fair choice actually
Very true. After a long while of living and spending mindlessly - buying things - phones, cars and other liabilities and getting into all kinds of debts, I now feel no need to buy these things anymore as I realized the meaninglessness of these.. my only vice these days is a trip to the pub once a week, which sells the cheapest drinks and that too only during happy hours when they have the best deals.. everything else seems a waste these days., my car now with me since 6 years.. I don’t feel any need to change at all.. pointless spending. A new item can give you a happiness fix for maximum a month or two.. after that you go after the next new thing and so the spending cycle continues. So, the ideal time to sell your phone or car is when it breaks.. not when the newest model comes out.. 😅 Great one as usual El Agustin… ❤
I'm not being cheap but I am doing a low buy this year. It's only March but I can already see the effect it has on my savings and my Emergency Fund goal. Sometimes it is frustrated, specially when you are online a lot and see all these cool things you'd like to have, but the feeling I get from seeing that Emergency Fund number finally go up towards my goal is even better :D
As a retail manager, it's a strain, as Head Office wants to have Sale after Sale after Sale. Customers - who have finite resources (even with Afterpay/Zip and other debt inducers) - can only spend so much. Ultimately, it's the grocery stores who make the most, because you have to eat.
For me. One of the ways to make money go a long way: i just stick with clearence sales Walmart or TJ maxx for $10 pants, shoes etc. Instead of $150 brand name shoes
I worked with a man in the engineering department of the phone company. He wanted to become a millionaire. He didn’t spend any money. Lived in a camper someone gave him. Worked out of town as much as possible to collect $15/day per-diem. Long story short. He now owns the largest car dealership in Houston.
I completely agree, Austin. I am in a period of austerity and plan to be debt free in two years or less. It’s taken a lot of big and small steps to make and implement a comprehensive financial plan, but the feeling of empowerment and excitement will make the sacrifices worth it!
Thank you for showing me that there is a tomorrow! I have been spending money like there is no tomorrow, now I’m creating a budget and believing that “yes I can” get out of debt. 😅
I concur. There are times when being cheap is necessary and if you do it long enough, it can change your financial picture for the better. I will be cheap for March 2024 because I am committed to saving money each month and I got hit with a few big bills to start this month. For March, I will spend money on the gym and grocery store, but not much else. Doing a budget gives me an idea of how frugal I need to be each month, depending on my financial goals and what my expenses are. I will continue to tune in to your videos Austin.
I totally agree, name brands are there for status buyers, cheap t shirts from JC Penney have always worked for me, its the same with appliances and expensive cars, the prices are high to make the purchaser think its a better product, I have in laws that buy high and name branded stuff, its always breaking. I try to buy middle of the road, it works for me, you've got to be selective that way you really do save money.
Excellent advice! Being cheap paid off for me, for 35 years, I have invested and practiced delayed gratification. I've supassed my financial goals beyond my wildest dreams and now I can act like a drunken saylor, but still implement frugality ❤
I started out very cheap to the point of deprivation. It allowed me to achieve financial independence at a very young age. Although I have upped my spending quite a bit, I am still considered to spend very little compared to the average American.
We have been taught that we have to have everything, and going without is bad. We have been turned into consumer monsters by retail. It's dreadful because now everyone has crippling debt and apparently that's okay too.
and our planets health and our childrens health are in debt too, because ot this behaviour (PFAS, polluted water, polluted air, destroyed environments, car traffic indigestion, polluted food, all direct result of consumerism)
Be cheap with most clothes but spring for the best shoes or sandals you can get. Make a life list for what products or services are worth paying more for.
I like when you add a comparison or contrast to scenarios if we were to make different decisions. This always give me a different perspective to look at my own relationship with money.
Spending money makes me feel happy. The problem is, the things I spent money on did not make me happy and just sat unused and sometimes, unopened. I solved this by opening a brokerage account instead of an Amazon account. I can now buy stocks instead of socks. I still feel happy to buy and there is no shipping. When I don't want the thing I bought anymore, I can sell a stock with a click of a button and usually sell it at a profit. In the last 6 years I "spent" (invested) $152,000 and gained $50,000 in profits leaving me an account valued at $202,000. It still makes me happy when I buy stocks exactly the same as when I bought stuff off Amazon but without shipping expenses and return issues. There is nothing wrong with shopping on Amazon but now I prefer to own Amazon.
Hello I want to take a few minutes of your time in Augustine 😊. Your videos helped me a lot. I learned about the frugal lifestyle. Learned importance Emergency Funds and for Monthly Expenses 😊 How to budget monthly. Importance of Savings 😊 Keep up the Excellent Job 😊😊 I am following your step day by day. I have been watching all of your videos 😊very carefully I have an Emergency Funds account. I have a Monthly Expenses Account I have an Investment Account 😊 I am planning to stay on living below means. Avoid inflation lifestyle 😕. No debts No Credit Cards and buy Everything Cash 😊 I am actually working on being a professional Physical Gold Bullions Stacker 😂 I am 47 Years old. I have 2 handsome boys ( 10 years old+ 8 years old) I want to Save for their future betterment+ For My future betterment 😊
We live under our means. We arent cheap, nor have we ever been. It's unnecessary to buy everything you want. We keep our heat turned down because we find 66° to be comfortable. My home cooking tastes better than restaurant food. Buying decent quality classic stuff saves money in the long run.
Exactly. Sometimes after buying a few beater cars, that end up laying down on you, can cost more money, than just going ahead and buying a good car to start with.
if its about postponing medical help or treatment, you cannot be cheap about that. Investimng in your health, both physical and mental gives you back a lot of money later
I prefer “thrifty.” I’ve known people who were so cheap they would cheat other people… refuse to tip a waiter, for instance. I guess that’s “stingy.” Sorry, English major/editor! But I absolutely 100% agree with these principles.
Another great video, I appreciate your voice of common sense and providing a different voice to mainstream consumerism. I like to being cheap to enable intentional spending. This changes the destination of 'debt-free' but to a journey of allowing your finances to do what you really want them to do for you rather than what other people want your money to do for them. No matter how much money someone makes, or what positive financial position someone is in, intentional spending very rewarding should be strived for.
I have to say there needs to be a balance. I never really deprived myself, I just didn’t spend money on things that I didn’t see as of value. Sometimes when I was younger I would go out and spend silly money on a night out, or buy some expensive clothes, but I always made sure I was saving. I’m now what you would consider a next-door multi-millionaire and I still have the same mindset. I’ve bought a few nice cars but I still don’t buy things that don’t bring me joy. I hate fancy hotels (unless I get them for a steal or via points) and I don’t bother with luxury clothing. Last week I bought an Apple Watch Ultra and new top of the line iPhone, but I had to think seriously whether I really needed it.
I’m really enjoying your videos Austin! Thank you for helping me see money, spending and saving in a different and refreshing way. I wish had learned the lessons sooner. I would say I have done a lot right but I’ve always struggled to save money as I’ve used shopping not only as a treat but like my therapy. It’s been hard trying to break this habit and watching your videos reminds me of what’s really important to accomplish with my money instead: security and freedom for my future.
If you look up two greedy Italians on youtube. This is my definition of living wealthy. Just two people cooking, no reaching for status. I am moving to a live life with quality. But, my ten year journey to financial independence has been achieve. I'm now reaching for abundance, which has less to do with money and more with reaching to quality.
Love your channel Austin! You’ve helped me so much with understanding money and mindset. Been watching you for a few months and I’ve saved more in a few months than I’ve ever managed to save before! Thank you 🙏
I stopped buying anything but essentials this s year and started paying attention to my money and I have put more into low interest accounts and retirement. Also I have been earning more! I think my money appreciates the attention it’s getting. ❤
It may make sense mathematically but the problem is that while it's fun to spend when you're young, naive and everything is fresh and new, when you're old and you saved enough, spending isn't fun anymore. You don't care about your car, your restaurant, your clothes. Yes, you end up with more money for sure, and you're being responsible, but you paid for your security with your joy and you lived a very sad life. That's how I feel but I know that some balance is needed. I don't regret the expenses I made in the past because the same things now, even though affordable, would be boring now I am 45 while they were fun when I was 20 ~ 25. I hope I never run out of resources but, if I do, I will apply to euthanasia. Sorry if oversharing but I prefer to run out of life than running out of money.
Cheap for me = not using the heater in my paid off house. 😂 While everyone is complaining about their gas bills, I just have a nice hoodie, alpaca slippers, and the extra $200 a month in my pocket
My mate does this, you've taken it too far, I say this as a complete scrooge myself. If youve already paid off your house what is the end game? There has to be a day when you can say, it doenst matter if i leave the heating on all day i can afford it.
I’m using up the food in my pantry which is saving a few hundred a month on groceries. Been doing it for the last few months and my pantry still looks full.
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.
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've been in touch with a financial advisor ever since I started my business. Knowing today's culture The challenge is knowing when to purchase or sell when investing in trending stocks, which is pretty simple. On my portfolio, which has grown over $900k in a little over a year, my adviser chooses entry and exit orders.
this is definitely considerable! think you could suggest any professional/advisors i can get on the phone with? i'm in dire need of proper portfolio allocation
My CFA ’Margaret Johnson Arndt’ , a renowned figure in her line of work. I recommend researching her credentials further. She has many years of experience and is a valuable resource for anyone looking to navigate the financial market.
I am slowly changing to this way of life and so far, so good! One of my biggest spending habits was the grocery store. I would go for bread milk and eggs and come home with everything else. I cut out buying shit online and stopped clothing shopping because I have what I want and need. I decided not to buy the RV I wanted (and go into years long payments, adding to that the cost of insurance and the reality of only using it a couple of weeks total a year) and buy a good tent and go camping. I found out; I love that! I didn't think I would, but I love it. I just booked my July 4th weeklong vaca at a whopping 22 bucks a nite state park. Anyway, I went to the grocery store yesterday with twelve bucks' cash in my wallet and spend it. I wanted to buy raviolis at 5 bucks a bag but opted for the veggie bag on sale at a buck fifty. I bought a bag of chicken on sale for seven bucks. I came home and cooked dinner and now lunch today. I am so glad I didn't impulse buy the raviolis ... at 5 bucks and eat something really unhealthy. Anyway, I threw some extra cash in the savings and just go from here. I am actually really liking this way of living.
What an extraordinarily intelligent young man, what great wisdom! Would love to know your childhood, family influences that led you to it. For my part, becoming if not cheap but frugal made me far more creative and delighted to learn that if I don’t allow myself to buy something, my mind puts itself to work and 💡‼️ a solution pops up out of nowhere Necessity IS truly the mother of invention. Thank you, mi amigo.
Hi Austin, It's Madeleine from Greenville, South Carolina, I have been gone a while but missed you. Cancer is back 1st time was triple advanced stage 3 breast cancer and I lost both, Now I have colon cancer stage 4 and it has spread to my liver. I will not bore you with my tale of woe. I no longer work 2 jobs but son will graduate May debt free Yay Baby! So glad you have moved closer to your family, hey I need a video of your pookie and a tour of your new apartment. Trust me on this you will get great views - we women love tours It is a woman thang!) of apartments and houses, how you are liking the move. I know you love to travel the family can take care of the pookie or hell take her with you. Great insightful videos rock on.
I like him his message is the same but his delivery is what makes him shine. It’s not what you do. It’s how you do. It. Your personality. Also helped to your RUclips success. 😂😂😂 cheers mate
Rather than being "cheap" I'd use "frugal" - semantics, but words do have both a denotation and connotation and words, spoken or written, are what helps/keeps us from clubs and fists - though I agree with your overall approach (been there, done that, and now have financial peace!).
I think like u austin since last 30 years and I love my life and feel i am the happiest person in the world. But for that I had to stay single because relationship prevents you from living the life you profess. Im 53 , fitness freak and married at 28,divorced at 33 and have lived happily since then.
Here are the benefits that I've found from being cheap/ positive/frugle. 1. . It's the best way to stick it to the man. Number 2, you don't have to rely on people number 3. You have a work less number 4. It means freedom, freedom and freedom number 5. You get to think long-term and you get to do things live slower. Number 6, you can buy better quality stuff.7. When you go slow, take your time and purchase. More correctly.,,8 life is less complicated, 8 you smell bad to materializum peeps so the stay away,,9,,,people won't ask you for money. 10. You sleep like a baby due to less stress,,,,11 bible says waiste nothing,,,you take care better of what you hacmve,,12. Less mentle clutter..
Totally agree, on some workdays I literally run like the hamster, I run until the bell to go home is sounded, then I drag my sorry arse home and collapse and check my bank account to see if I will still be in positive credit before the next paycheck arrives. Only two more gruelling weeks before the cheque clears and then I do it all over again. Watching Austin has motivated me to a make a simple budget to ensure I live below my earnings. I also do some online sales, just tiny sales that net between say £5 to £30 so I have to list a lot, sell them and only buy food and transport. Its working, I now have left over for adding to my pension and to experiment with some trading of stocks (and the courses to learn to do it well). I feel more positive about the next few years before I can retire from my gruelling job and take time out to learn skills that will allow me to make money from home full time.
Totally, become debt free and then have balance of enjoying your life and saving a bit for the emergency fund. But not be cheap forever, that is just depressing lol
At the end of the day. If you're not making 90k or higher then you need to live below your means. Get the debt cleared. and move up at your company if you think you can do it or want to. Save money but also invest it in stocks so your money grows.
I would TOTALY LOVE El Augustin to make a second channel about Spanish (or Spanish playlist). I am learning Spanish and this is something that would be freaking awsome!!😊
I am frugal. I use old clothes, old shoes, old home stuff. I rent a small place. I don't drive needlessly. I don't eat out. But I just found more work opportunities and this year, I booked 3 trips... Just so I can keep motivated at work.
I have a friend who was complaining about how big his monthly bills are. This was via his £60 a month latest contract smartphone to my £100 secondhand smartphone with £10 a month sim only contract. So he pays £720 over his two year contract, and I pay £340 (inc cost of phone). I don't think I'm cheap, just frugal.
To play devils advocate, how much did you have to work and how quickly did you blow through that money traveling Europe all summer? I’m quite cheap myself, but would feel equally bad blowing all that hard work in a fraction of the time it took to earn it
![Felix "Unfair" | [Stray Kids : SKZ-PLAYER]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/Oswujxm2Ag0/mqdefault.jpg)
I deprived myself last year. Lost 50 pounds, paid off a lot of debt, and saved up $10k.
It truly is AMAZING when you deprive yourself. Those nights when you eat out are INCREDIBLE. I had to shop for all new clothes and I did it happily because I had the money and the new body to do so. I highly encourage others to do it too. There is no other feeling that is so rewarding.
Brings a smile to my face when I read about the successes of others, well done and keep it up!
👏🏽
Been there too.
It's like living a different life.
Good for you! You motivate me. I feel like it’s a win-win when you can save money and lose weight & get your health back all in one. ❤
Be cheap until you pay off your debt and then build a solid foundation so you can stop being cheap because the longer you are trading away today for tomorrow, you’ll eventually not have tomorrow to use anymore.
Mad facts 👍
Thus, enjoy your life (spend money, don't hoard it) because tomorrow is never promised
@@fueledbymusic3 spend YOUR money. Not the banks
I don't have any debt:/. I'm 19 I live alone. I make 60k a year. I'm a full time student so I actually get fasfa money like 4k a semester. That's not included in my 60k. But yes. My apartment is 1900. And I got a tesla lease for $353. And I have free charging bc well i work at tesla. But any left over money. I immediately invest it...or uber eats. That's all I spend on. My food is like 1k a month 😭. But I still invest a lot
@GD2024 How the heck are you making 6K a year at 19???
What I found was when I had very little money working an awful job that depressed you spending money on nice unnecessary things was a treat to have something enjoyable in my life. Then Covid came , I couldn’t go out , spend or socialise, I discovered I didn’t need these things and was happy . Knowing that I can go on a walk spending nothing more than shoe leather and making things myself or buying secondhand things I can’t has meant I have a £1000 extra every month which I pay down debt . I pay my credit card total every month and use it because they pay me and now paying extra on my mortgage means I will pay it off in 3 years, not ten . 12 years to retirement I will save £12 thousand a year for 9 years just by living the same. This is money I would never have had.
I'm fortunate to have plenty of money but it took years of being frugal and not wasting money on things that I might want in the moment - but don't need.
The best thing about having money is not worrying about money.
If you're in a relationship, being cheap is a tough position to be in. If your partner is spendy and you are trying to reduce spending its a cyclical conflict.
you've just got to communicate so your goals are aligned. Don't assume the other person knows what you are thinking or feeling.
This is big. If you are trying to get on the same page and they aren’t along for the ride then you identified a problem in the relationship :). For me it was communication related and me and my wife have much better communication now
Yep my bf is wayyy more spendy then me, he's a gamer and just so much gaming stuff gets advertised he can't resist. He also has ADHD so he can be super impulsive with money and not very good at controlling it. I really do get angry with advertisements being literally pummelled into out faces every day, literally thousands. It's difficult for impulsive people and for me it's the booze adverts when I'm trying to stay sober ... It keeps advertising to me whilst even watching RUclips. Actually is hell!
At least me and my bf have separate accounts and we both prefer to have separate money but if either of us is struggling we help each other out and pay each other back. Much better then a shared account if your with an overspender. That sounds like hell. Il never have a shared account.
Divorce works !
Dump them and find someone who is on the same page. Otherwise it's nonstop stress. Not worth it. Voice of experience speaking.
We've been in a debt in 2017 that 10X of our monthly income and the paycheck that deducted by bank, 1/3 of it is all we have to live in a month. And what we did we do survive that rough times? We live in extreme frugality by not having internet (just mobile data), no eating outside, malls or vacations, no new stuff, and no unnecessary stuff, just things we only need for survival... And the result is, in just 1 year, we paid that debt! YES! BEING CHEAP (in a good way) AND FRUGAL WORKS IN ANY SITUATIONS!
The biggest benefit for me: Being cheap teaches you how to enjoy things that cost little or no money. So many of the best things in life are free: Hanging out with friends, taking a walk outside on a nice day, going to a street festival, learning to cook a delicious dinner (yes, the ingredients cost money, but you have to pay for food no matter what you do, so you might as well learn to make it taste good).
I often say that the best financial decision I ever made was going to grad school, not because it set me up for a high-earning career (my salary's good, but nothing super spectacular), but because it forced me to learn to manage money while making diddly-squat. And I don't see that period of my life as a time of deprivation at all. Those were some of the best years of my life, and I made so many wonderful memories while spending hardly any money.
👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏
I say this all the time, I dont want to spoil myself, because then nothing special. I don't want to eat out all the time or buy stuff everyday like its Christmas, because then it isn't special. I wholeheartedly agree with you Austin.
Yeah, it gives you a deep appreciation of what you have!
The rich often don't get a special feeling when they spend money, so they spend it on increasingly exotic experiences. It's an internal ennui and jaded feeling.
I am being cheap this year by paying by 2023 vehicle off in 2 years. I found lots of low to no cost fun things to do in my town.
I've stopped buying clothes, shoes, home decor, and any frivolous items. My husband and I have discovered SUV camping and we can spend
a few weekends at a nearby lake campground for less than $50. We cook most meals at home. Everything we have is paid for. Retirement is within our reach and these next 10 years will be crucial to meet our goal of retiring comfortably. I don't feel deprived of fancy things. Our life is full, but simple.
I'm in the same situation as you. I only have about 10 more working years. I need to make them count and stop buying things that I don't need.
Camping is the best to reorient yourself. A shower at home is soooo luxurious afterwards.
Wise words! Being cheap really shows how little we actually need. Then so many things become special when you enjoy them not every week but let's say once a month.
Thank you Agustin. For many of us who grew up in low income households being cheap was the default because we had no other option. It is when we start earning that we get into debt because we want to "treat ourselves". It was that way for me but for some years now I've reverted back to being cheap as a way to save money. Thank you again for the inspiration 😊
I was brought up in poverty and I agree with you. And then when my husband died I treated myself more. But back to basics now, thank goodness.
Yeah, when you have a choice you're lucky! Many people don't have the choice.
I agree 100%. Until your finances are back on track, be cheap.
I might choose the word frugal instead (he he), but I've been cheap all my life -- it's just a reflex with me. That doesn't mean I deprive myself of things I really need (and sometimes simply want), but those tend to be things that are relatively inexpensive. I simply don't crave a "luxury" lifestyle, hence I don't feel deprived not having one. So many of the most memorable experiences I've had haven't cost a lot of money, sometimes no money at all. You just have to figure out what's really important in life -- generally these are not "things." Excellent video!
Thanks!!
Give me a slice of cinnamon toast and all the more expensive pastries won't tempt at all. Being pleased by cheap treats is a blessing. Will splurge on raclette cheese now and then.
“A sacrifice is a fare trade.” Wise words indeed Austin. Well done!
2024 is our “cheap” year. No vacations, fun day trips, or spur of moment trips for frozen yogurt 😔. 2024 is also the year we pay off the credit cards and the car. It will most definitely be a fair trade.
Good luck this year!
I'd like to mention, that there are VERY many fun things to do that are free. I could list but everyone's tastes are different.
That’s great! Maybe enjoy nature walks not to far from you at a park or even your neighborhood, a nice picnic , cook together, visit friends/family, movie night at home with a snack. There was a time shopping and eating out and fancy vacations were my entertainment. Good Luck!💗
Thanks everyone! Credit cards are done! Now off to the car loan 😮💨 so close
I already do well with being a minimalist and saving, but I watch your videos to confirm my thinking. Thanks a lot my friend.
This is my monkish, beans-and-rice era. My credit score sprang from the mid-400s all the way to about 740 in the 6 months it took me to divert most of my income towards aggressively paying down the last of my debt and saving my second $10K. I still slip up at times, backslide into expensive habits, but its easy to get on track knowing my freedom is just over the horizon.
YES! THIS! Funny how some people are hesitant to say "Be Cheap" (for a time) when THAT IS THE ANSWER to so many problems! also - taking responsibility for our situation (as much as possible).. very good!
Seriously Austin, I see a book deal on a title like "The power of being frugal" in your future. And a very timely book in this high inflation times. This is real good content; you move between the tactical and pragmatic, to the holistic and philosophical ("being cheap increases your control on life and to reach other goals").
Yes, please!
One of these days!
When i started being cheap I 'found' £500 a month spare money 😮😮.
I used to go to the mall for a day out twice a month and buy a bunch of crap plus an expensive lunch.
what luxury. I have to choose between a budget holiday (by bike and tent) once a year or some decent health care. Most of my money goes to food (that i prepare at home all year round myself, not restaurants), I have some money left for a cuppa coffea in a cafe every week to meet some people. Like, not a fair choice actually
Very true. After a long while of living and spending mindlessly - buying things - phones, cars and other liabilities and getting into all kinds of debts, I now feel no need to buy these things anymore as I realized the meaninglessness of these.. my only vice these days is a trip to the pub once a week, which sells the cheapest drinks and that too only during happy hours when they have the best deals.. everything else seems a waste these days., my car now with me since 6 years.. I don’t feel any need to change at all.. pointless spending. A new item can give you a happiness fix for maximum a month or two.. after that you go after the next new thing and so the spending cycle continues. So, the ideal time to sell your phone or car is when it breaks.. not when the newest model comes out.. 😅
Great one as usual El Agustin… ❤
I'm not being cheap but I am doing a low buy this year. It's only March but I can already see the effect it has on my savings and my Emergency Fund goal. Sometimes it is frustrated, specially when you are online a lot and see all these cool things you'd like to have, but the feeling I get from seeing that Emergency Fund number finally go up towards my goal is even better :D
As a retail manager, it's a strain, as Head Office wants to have Sale after Sale after Sale. Customers - who have finite resources (even with Afterpay/Zip and other debt inducers) - can only spend so much. Ultimately, it's the grocery stores who make the most, because you have to eat.
Learn to grow your food and minimize them too
For me. One of the ways to make money go a long way: i just stick with clearence sales Walmart or TJ maxx for $10 pants, shoes etc. Instead of $150 brand name shoes
I worked with a man in the engineering department of the phone company.
He wanted to become a millionaire.
He didn’t spend any money. Lived in a camper someone gave him.
Worked out of town as much as possible to collect $15/day per-diem.
Long story short. He now owns the largest car dealership in Houston.
I completely agree, Austin. I am in a period of austerity and plan to be debt free in two years or less. It’s taken a lot of big and small steps to make and implement a comprehensive financial plan, but the feeling of empowerment and excitement will make the sacrifices worth it!
I will listen to this every day like a mantra, thank you
Thank you for showing me that there is a tomorrow! I have been spending money like there is no tomorrow, now I’m creating a budget and believing that “yes I can” get out of debt. 😅
Life tip: pick a life partner who applauds you for being cheap, not someone who criticises that and demands expenditure.
Very important indeed
I concur. There are times when being cheap is necessary and if you do it long enough, it can change your financial picture for the better. I will be cheap for March 2024 because I am committed to saving money each month and I got hit with a few big bills to start this month. For March, I will spend money on the gym and grocery store, but not much else.
Doing a budget gives me an idea of how frugal I need to be each month, depending on my financial goals and what my expenses are.
I will continue to tune in to your videos Austin.
Thank goodness for my mother 💕
Whom was teacher in Latinamerica mastered both concepts.
She knew where and when apply it.
This is true at least until we learn to manage our money, and often the more expensive stuff isn't necessarily better, especially name brand items.
I totally agree, name brands are there for status buyers, cheap t shirts from JC Penney have always worked for me, its the same with appliances and expensive cars, the prices are high to make the purchaser think its a better product, I have in laws that buy high and name branded stuff, its always breaking. I try to buy middle of the road, it works for me, you've got to be selective that way you really do save money.
I get to go to a restaurant twice a year and it's the most amazing thing ever because it's a treat and I appreciate every second of it. :)
Excellent advice! Being cheap paid off for me, for 35 years, I have invested and practiced delayed gratification. I've supassed my financial goals beyond my wildest dreams and now I can act like a drunken saylor, but still implement frugality ❤
I started out very cheap to the point of deprivation. It allowed me to achieve financial independence at a very young age. Although I have upped my spending quite a bit, I am still considered to spend very little compared to the average American.
We have been taught that we have to have everything, and going without is bad. We have been turned into consumer monsters by retail. It's dreadful because now everyone has crippling debt and apparently that's okay too.
and our planets health and our childrens health are in debt too, because ot this behaviour (PFAS, polluted water, polluted air, destroyed environments, car traffic indigestion, polluted food, all direct result of consumerism)
I agree, I literally spend money only on rent and investing.
and mom takes care of food and bills.
we both work.
Be cheap with most clothes but spring for the best shoes or sandals you can get. Make a life list for what products or services are worth paying more for.
I like when you add a comparison or contrast to scenarios if we were to make different decisions. This always give me a different perspective to look at my own relationship with money.
Spending money makes me feel happy. The problem is, the things I spent money on did not make me happy and just sat unused and sometimes, unopened.
I solved this by opening a brokerage account instead of an Amazon account. I can now buy stocks instead of socks. I still feel happy to buy and there is no shipping. When I don't want the thing I bought anymore, I can sell a stock with a click of a button and usually sell it at a profit.
In the last 6 years I "spent" (invested) $152,000 and gained $50,000 in profits leaving me an account valued at $202,000.
It still makes me happy when I buy stocks exactly the same as when I bought stuff off Amazon but without shipping expenses and return issues. There is nothing wrong with shopping on Amazon but now I prefer to own Amazon.
My aim for 2024 is to clear my credit card debt! Let’s do this!! Thanks for the motivation.
Hello
I want to take a few minutes of your time in Augustine 😊.
Your videos helped me a lot. I learned about the frugal lifestyle.
Learned importance Emergency Funds and for Monthly Expenses 😊
How to budget monthly. Importance of Savings 😊
Keep up the Excellent Job 😊😊
I am following your step day by day. I have been watching all of your videos
😊very carefully
I have an Emergency Funds account.
I have a Monthly Expenses Account
I have an Investment Account 😊
I am planning to stay on living below means. Avoid inflation lifestyle 😕.
No debts No Credit Cards and buy Everything Cash 😊
I am actually working on being a professional Physical Gold Bullions Stacker 😂
I am 47 Years old. I have 2 handsome boys ( 10 years old+ 8 years old) I want to Save for their future betterment+ For My future betterment 😊
Exactly, to all this video stands for!!!!! I guess I've been cheap for over my 36 working years 😂
I get more joy out of being cheap and debt free than wasteful spending and in debt.
We live under our means. We arent cheap, nor have we ever been. It's unnecessary to buy everything you want. We keep our heat turned down because we find 66° to be comfortable. My home cooking tastes better than restaurant food. Buying decent quality classic stuff saves money in the long run.
Be careful being cheap though. Because under some conditions, being cheap can end up costing more money at the end
Exactly. Sometimes after buying a few beater cars, that end up laying down on you, can cost more money, than just going ahead and buying a good car to start with.
if its about postponing medical help or treatment, you cannot be cheap about that. Investimng in your health, both physical and mental gives you back a lot of money later
The Spanish intro was just too hilarious 😂
I loved it. I tried to learn a little Spanish.
Thanks! It somehow finds its way in!
“No be mo chi co “ lol 😅
Loved it too ☺️
I have 265k saved, military retirement, 100% VA compensation, Social Security, Investment income, rental income. Been saving for today for 25 years.
I prefer “thrifty.” I’ve known people who were so cheap they would cheat other people… refuse to tip a waiter, for instance. I guess that’s “stingy.” Sorry, English major/editor! But I absolutely 100% agree with these principles.
Keep doing what you're doing ❤
Your advice saved me from a lot of potentially tragic situations.
Another great video, I appreciate your voice of common sense and providing a different voice to mainstream consumerism. I like to being cheap to enable intentional spending. This changes the destination of 'debt-free' but to a journey of allowing your finances to do what you really want them to do for you rather than what other people want your money to do for them. No matter how much money someone makes, or what positive financial position someone is in, intentional spending very rewarding should be strived for.
I have to say there needs to be a balance. I never really deprived myself, I just didn’t spend money on things that I didn’t see as of value. Sometimes when I was younger I would go out and spend silly money on a night out, or buy some expensive clothes, but I always made sure I was saving. I’m now what you would consider a next-door multi-millionaire and I still have the same mindset. I’ve bought a few nice cars but I still don’t buy things that don’t bring me joy. I hate fancy hotels (unless I get them for a steal or via points) and I don’t bother with luxury clothing. Last week I bought an Apple Watch Ultra and new top of the line iPhone, but I had to think seriously whether I really needed it.
I’m really enjoying your videos Austin! Thank you for helping me see money, spending and saving in a different and refreshing way. I wish had learned the lessons sooner. I would say I have done a lot right but I’ve always struggled to save money as I’ve used shopping not only as a treat but like my therapy. It’s been hard trying to break this habit and watching your videos reminds me of what’s really important to accomplish with my money instead: security and freedom for my future.
I'm glad! Best of luck on your journey!
I paid off $15,000 in 8 months! Now I’m just saving for a significant emergency fund!
That's a great achievement! Well done!
@@yukkimooky3941
I totally agree.
That is outstanding.
If you look up two greedy Italians on youtube. This is my definition of living wealthy. Just two people cooking, no reaching for status. I am moving to a live life with quality. But, my ten year journey to financial independence has been achieve. I'm now reaching for abundance, which has less to do with money and more with reaching to quality.
Helpful content. And love the way you keep it real.
I'm glad!
Love your channel Austin! You’ve helped me so much with understanding money and mindset. Been watching you for a few months and I’ve saved more in a few months than I’ve ever managed to save before! Thank you 🙏
Awesome!!!! I'm so happy to hear! Keep it up!
I stopped buying anything but essentials this s year and started paying attention to my money and I have put more into low interest accounts and retirement. Also I have been earning more! I think my money appreciates the attention it’s getting. ❤
It may make sense mathematically but the problem is that while it's fun to spend when you're young, naive and everything is fresh and new, when you're old and you saved enough, spending isn't fun anymore. You don't care about your car, your restaurant, your clothes. Yes, you end up with more money for sure, and you're being responsible, but you paid for your security with your joy and you lived a very sad life. That's how I feel but I know that some balance is needed. I don't regret the expenses I made in the past because the same things now, even though affordable, would be boring now I am 45 while they were fun when I was 20 ~ 25. I hope I never run out of resources but, if I do, I will apply to euthanasia. Sorry if oversharing but I prefer to run out of life than running out of money.
I love how simple yet so informative your videos are. Thank you!!!
Thanks! I try to keep it simple and to the point. I'm literally cutting out single words when writing!
Delayed gratification, thank you El Agustín, siempre grande!
El hombre Augistini e loca!!
Cheap for me = not using the heater in my paid off house. 😂 While everyone is complaining about their gas bills, I just have a nice hoodie, alpaca slippers, and the extra $200 a month in my pocket
An electric blanket in the winter too
Sounds like me. Why heat the whole house ? I heat my bedroom and use smoke detectors
I draw the line at freezing my ass off in my own home. Heat is a necessity.
Where I live, you’d have frozen pipes and would pay much more than $200 to get that fixed.
My mate does this, you've taken it too far, I say this as a complete scrooge myself. If youve already paid off your house what is the end game? There has to be a day when you can say, it doenst matter if i leave the heating on all day i can afford it.
Yeah, I need prescriptions. I'm going to buy them. No point in saving for my 60's if I don't make it out of my 30's. Thanks for the message though.
I’m using up the food in my pantry which is saving a few hundred a month on groceries. Been doing it for the last few months and my pantry still looks full.
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.
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've been in touch with a financial advisor ever since I started my business. Knowing today's culture The challenge is knowing when to purchase or sell when investing in trending stocks, which is pretty simple. On my portfolio, which has grown over $900k in a little over a year, my adviser chooses entry and exit orders.
this is definitely considerable! think you could suggest any professional/advisors i can get on the phone with? i'm in dire need of proper portfolio allocation
My CFA ’Margaret Johnson Arndt’ , a renowned figure in her line of work. I recommend researching her credentials further. She has many years of experience and is a valuable resource for anyone looking to navigate the financial market.
Thanks, I just googled her I'm really impressed with his credentials. I reached out to her since I need all the assistance I can get.
After every number I was saying "that's true" thanks for another thought provoking video. ❤
I am slowly changing to this way of life and so far, so good! One of my biggest spending habits was the grocery store. I would go for bread milk and eggs and come home with everything else. I cut out buying shit online and stopped clothing shopping because I have what I want and need. I decided not to buy the RV I wanted (and go into years long payments, adding to that the cost of insurance and the reality of only using it a couple of weeks total a year) and buy a good tent and go camping. I found out; I love that! I didn't think I would, but I love it. I just booked my July 4th weeklong vaca at a whopping 22 bucks a nite state park. Anyway, I went to the grocery store yesterday with twelve bucks' cash in my wallet and spend it. I wanted to buy raviolis at 5 bucks a bag but opted for the veggie bag on sale at a buck fifty. I bought a bag of chicken on sale for seven bucks. I came home and cooked dinner and now lunch today. I am so glad I didn't impulse buy the raviolis ... at 5 bucks and eat something really unhealthy. Anyway, I threw some extra cash in the savings and just go from here. I am actually really liking this way of living.
I love you Augustinito! You are so funny! Excellent video, great content!
What an extraordinarily intelligent young man, what great wisdom! Would love to know your childhood, family influences that led you to it. For my part, becoming if not cheap but frugal made me far more creative and delighted to learn that if I don’t allow myself to buy something, my mind puts itself to work and 💡‼️ a solution pops up out of nowhere Necessity IS truly the mother of invention. Thank you, mi amigo.
It’s also important to use a debit card instead of a credit card.
Hi Austin, It's Madeleine from Greenville, South Carolina, I have been gone a while but missed you. Cancer is back 1st time was triple advanced stage 3 breast cancer and I lost both, Now I have colon cancer stage 4 and it has spread to my liver. I will not bore you with my tale of woe. I no longer work 2 jobs but son will graduate May debt free Yay Baby! So glad you have moved closer to your family, hey I need a video of your pookie and a tour of your new apartment. Trust me on this you will get great views - we women love tours It is a woman thang!) of apartments and houses, how you are liking the move. I know you love to travel the family can take care of the pookie or hell take her with you. Great insightful videos rock on.
Thanks for making your videos. This type of content is difficult for me but you make it more enjoyable. I appreciate it 😎👍🏻
I like him his message is the same but his delivery is what makes him shine. It’s not what you do. It’s how you do. It. Your personality. Also helped to your RUclips success. 😂😂😂 cheers mate
El Augustin,you are the BEST!!!
You're the best!
Rather than being "cheap" I'd use "frugal" - semantics, but words do have both a denotation and connotation and words, spoken or written, are what helps/keeps us from clubs and fists - though I agree with your overall approach (been there, done that, and now have financial peace!).
There is cheap and frugal meaning. I ‘ m both.It depends on the situation.
I think like u austin since last 30 years and I love my life and feel i am the happiest person in the world. But for that I had to stay single because relationship prevents you from living the life you profess. Im 53 , fitness freak and married at 28,divorced at 33 and have lived happily since then.
Here are the benefits that I've found from being cheap/ positive/frugle. 1. . It's the best way to stick it to the man. Number 2, you don't have to rely on people number 3. You have a work less number 4. It means freedom, freedom and freedom number 5. You get to think long-term and you get to do things live slower. Number 6, you can buy better quality stuff.7. When you go slow, take your time and purchase. More correctly.,,8 life is less complicated, 8 you smell bad to materializum peeps so the stay away,,9,,,people won't ask you for money. 10. You sleep like a baby due to less stress,,,,11 bible says waiste nothing,,,you take care better of what you hacmve,,12. Less mentle clutter..
This is an excellent video with loads of commonsense that many need to hear. Thank you
It’s one thing to be frugal and resourceful and another thing being cheap and greedy.
Totally agree, on some workdays I literally run like the hamster, I run until the bell to go home is sounded, then I drag my sorry arse home and collapse and check my bank account to see if I will still be in positive credit before the next paycheck arrives. Only two more gruelling weeks before the cheque clears and then I do it all over again. Watching Austin has motivated me to a make a simple budget to ensure I live below my earnings. I also do some online sales, just tiny sales that net between say £5 to £30 so I have to list a lot, sell them and only buy food and transport. Its working, I now have left over for adding to my pension and to experiment with some trading of stocks (and the courses to learn to do it well). I feel more positive about the next few years before I can retire from my gruelling job and take time out to learn skills that will allow me to make money from home full time.
Thanks. I was finally able to cut down my CC debt
Totally, become debt free and then have balance of enjoying your life and saving a bit for the emergency fund. But not be cheap forever, that is just depressing lol
True. Been there. 2 years of being cheap paid off😍
Another epic video! I'm being cheap until July so I can build up an emergency fund!
At the end of the day. If you're not making 90k or higher then you need to live below your means. Get the debt cleared. and move up at your company if you think you can do it or want to. Save money but also invest it in stocks so your money grows.
Thanks, El Augustin!
Thanks for watching!
I would TOTALY LOVE El Augustin to make a second channel about Spanish (or Spanish playlist). I am learning Spanish and this is something that would be freaking awsome!!😊
I am frugal. I use old clothes, old shoes, old home stuff. I rent a small place. I don't drive needlessly. I don't eat out. But I just found more work opportunities and this year, I booked 3 trips... Just so I can keep motivated at work.
Great Advice Austere Williams !
I have a friend who was complaining about how big his monthly bills are. This was via his £60 a month latest contract smartphone to my £100 secondhand smartphone with £10 a month sim only contract. So he pays £720 over his two year contract, and I pay £340 (inc cost of phone). I don't think I'm cheap, just frugal.
Que lindo suena tu español !. Gracias por tus videos.
Well said!
Thanks!
To play devils advocate, how much did you have to work and how quickly did you blow through that money traveling Europe all summer? I’m quite cheap myself, but would feel equally bad blowing all that hard work in a fraction of the time it took to earn it
0:22 😂 he is the cutest ❤
You're the cutest!
@@ElAgustin ☺️
Thank you so much!!
I really appreciate all the good advice you give!!!❤
I really enjoyed this video, Agustin! Me gusta cuando hablas en espanol!
One of the best videos you’ve made Augustine! So many people need this
Thanks!
Gracias Agustín! Eres una inspiración 🤩 saludos desde Chile
Dude spits facts. Amazing video