Hey guys! Just wanted to let you know that my new book, Things That Matter, is finally here. I put my heart into it, and I can’t wait to share it with you. You can pick up a copy at www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/676394/things-that-matter-by-joshua-becker/
Sadly in some circumstances this is not true I had an old friend that was paying $550+ a week to rent a house for her family, so they're struggling to make ends meet! And she couldn't work much at all, and her hubby was the main income earner
I appreciate your honesty. I’ve been told that I’m “lucky” because I travel more than the average person. But it’s not that I’m lucky- it’s that I’ve made travel my goal. I live in a tiny apartment, I don’t eat out, I rarely buy new clothes, and when I recently upgraded to an iPhone 12, my previous phone was the iPhone 6. You can have anything that you want, but you can’t have everything that you want (right now).
We just did the same going from an IPhone 6 to 13. It was so hard for me, I kept saying cant we just write a letter! Though stamps aren't cheap either!
I was once told that I was lucky to travel by someone who had double my income and half my living expenses! I told her that I made a choice to prioritize travel. I also recently upgraded my phone, but from a flip phone to an older version Android phone that was only a few hundred dollars 😂
Yup! We decided to forego owning a personal motor vehicle of any kind and cell phones at all. Saves a whack of money & made it possible to pay off our mortgage. Not to mention riding a bicycle is freaking fun!!
I made all those decisions 50 years ago. And...the mortgage disappeared, I wrote a check for my last car purchase, I contribute heavily to charities that feed the poor, and I am helping my niece's family build a new house. Financial freedom has long term rewards 💰
I dream for this day. God willing, it will be soon. We have no consumer debt, only school loans and mortgage. My husband and I are revved and ready to pay it all off!
I did a No Buy January and saved $850. I have decided on a No Buy Year and by the end of the year the bulk of my debt will be paid off. I did not miss anything and have already gotten into the mindset of not spending. Learning about and embracing minimalism is truly changing my life for the better. I can't wait to see each much what other changes I can make that will add to my quality of life.
I’m doing a no buy year, as well!! January went well, but I’m hoping the next months go even better. It is lovely to get to the next pay day and still have a chunk of cash in my account. You’ve got this!!
That's cool and all but how are you going to survive without food? I mean there are some people who are morbidly obese that can survive a year without food but it's not healthy . Are you going stand at an intersection and ask people for a dollar?
I notice a lot of folks spend their money on WANTS and then complain when they're struggling to cover their NEEDS. I get it, needs aren't sexy or fun, but neither is the stress of always coming up short. The better you look after your money, the better your money will look after you!
When I was adopting my daughter I heard time and time again but how people wished they could adopt but couldn't afford to (not everyone should adopt, and most people don't understand anything about adoption) but at the same time bought expensive cars, electronics, etc. Becoming a mother was the most important thing to me so I made it happen. Same with travel, that's now an important thing for me to save for. My daughter doesn't need fancy toys or fancy clothes when instead we can make amazing memories.
We also adopted from overseas 3 times years ago. We heard people ( non adopters) ranting about how ridiculously expensive adoption was. Meanwhile they are driving cars that cost more than any adoptions we had. Many times I shut people up by telling them they spent more money on something that will rust away than I did on my child. It all depends on your priorities.
I'm already a minimalist. Been one for a long time. I don't struggle with it. But your output, Joshua, continues to sharpen my understanding and appreciation of it, and my ability to articulate its principles and benefits to others. Thank you for this.
One time I was in a drugstore waiting to check out. It was in a mall, and it was winter time. Parents and little girl in front of me. The child asked the Mom if she was going to buy her a new jacket. The jacket she was wearing looked too small, and it also had a broken zipper. The mom told the kid they didn't have enough money to buy her a jacket, and then proceeded to buy a carton of cigarettes. A kid's jacket would have cost less.
Very tragic, the poor kid! Too many adults find money for their vices (tobacco, mind-altering substances, gambling, etc.) without even thinking of their children's health and welfare. Seeing that must have been heartbreaking!
Next week I go down to working two days a week. The reactions have ranged from, great, you can start a side hustle! to envy. I've spent the last 10 yrs laser focused on debt reduction, and have decided after seeing this pandemic that time with family is most important.
I had an acquaintance who, when he kids were complaining about not having a bike, said they would have to wait til Christmas. It was Spring at the time. We live in Canada. What good is a bike to a kid in winter? Both the parents smoked. I spoke up and said that if they stopped smoking they could buy both of their kids new bikes in no time, and they would be doing themselves a favor too. I was not too politely told to mind my own business. Speaking up doesn't really pay.
I have been living frugal for so many years that I cannot imagine living any other way. But my bills are paid on time, and I can afford the things that are important to me. Makes me happy. (Edit: And I should add that I am below poverty level for my area) When women at work complain about not having the money to pay their rent or buy new school clothes for their children.....yet they have the latest cell phone, salon nails, designer fashions, subscriptions to all the cable/satellite networks, brand new cars, eat out every day & party every weekend, spend thousands of dollars on Christmas, Valentines, birthdays, etc---and get angry if their husbands don't spend the same on them---go on expensive vacations every year, buy new tattoos every month......and I don't do or have any of that (I don't want any of that lol), I can't drum up any sympathy. I just can't. I believe you spend your money on what is most important to you. I don't think I could be as gentle and tactful about it as Joshua is, so I just keep my mouth shut. But it sure is nice to feel validated.
They are manipulated by marketing campaigns. They are not as aware as you are. Marketing campaigns aim to make us feel bad about ourselves so that we rush out and buy stuff to improve or fix our percieved inadequacies
@@Atexequipment You're right. Marketing campaigns prey on people's insecurities. I've fallen for that, because I've made some really stupid purchases in my time that I sorely regretted. But many people spend everything they make every day...mostly on themselves. And that's fine. Not my business. Their money, their priorities, their life. The thing that gets me is when they do that and constantly complain that they can't afford necessities. I always want to say something snarky like "Gee, I wonder why. You make the same as I do. I wonder where your money went? Oh hey, I like the new tattoo." Lol. Why I keep my mouth shut.
I committed to paying off debt in one year. Everyone thought that was incredible. When I completed my goal, they asked what my secret was. I told them there was no secret, I simply cut out unnecessary spending. When I did that, I got back over half my paycheck.
I agree with everything you talked about here. I think money is emotional, and getting control of where it goes and why we spend it that way means confronting some emotional issues. Issues many of us are either completely oblivious too, or would rather ignore. Thinking of internal messages like "I need to give my kids the childhood I never had," or "I've worked hard and I deserve this," or "That person who put me down all my life (whom I've never forgiven) won't put me down now when they see how I live/what I own," or "I've always wanted to be in the in crowd, so I need to have the things they have so they will accept me." I think until we get to the bottom of what is really driving the purchasing, it is hard to control it.
I love your lessons and I agree with all of them 100%! Because of your wisdom, I have been able to get rid of a lot of stuff. It’s still a work in progress but it’s going! I agree with everything you said in this video. For the past two years I have worked really hard to get rid of all my consumer debt and build a 6 month emergency fund in case I lose my job. Right now I’m saving for a down payment for my future home. It’s going to take me 2-3 years but I am determined. I understand more about money after discovering minimalism (and Dave Ramsey). I’m in a better financial position than I ever was in my entire adult life. I honestly think insecurities and ego are the two main problems why people are “broke” or struggling. If we just practice delayed gratification and be content with what we already have, I am convinced that many Americans wouldn’t struggle. It took me 2 years with deep sacrifice and I intend on continuing what I’ve learned for the rest of my life. If we all weren’t so over consuming things and materialistic I believe people would be in a much better position financially and in their personal lives. Thank you so much for your lessons and wisdom! I literally listen to you every single day at work!
I found that I would buy the same amount of meat and veg that I would buy while I was NOT metabolically healthy; however, one of your tips, Joshua, was to not "add" but "remove" something to solve a problem. When I removed sugar, grains, seed oils, and refined foods, I removed: a 500 ml Coke daily ... and a litre and a half of Red Cola on both weekend days ... cookies nightly ... breakfast (banana, oats, sugar, chocolate, vainilla, huautli (amaranth), cinnamon) every morning ... apple and banana daily ... cereal in the evening and milk or chocolate milk. Now I eat once a day. For example, today I ate about a half pound of ground beef, cream cheese, cream, about a half pound of chilorio (pork rib and pasilla chile), three eggs, and some cheese. This will do me for the day till dinner tomorrow and quite nicely. My savings from not eating breakfast, snacks, cena, and fruits and sugary drinks including fruit juices has saved me at least $1200 MXP per month just for me! Removing gluttony has reaped tremendous benefits in money not spent and fat not gained and by consequence health gained for future "not necessary" medical expenses for chronic sick care! Just that one change in my life has reaped $14,400 MXP per year that has gone into savings! By the way, t-bone steak and Chokis cookies are exactly the same price gram for gram, and the meat is much more nutrient-dense and satiating! Consider diet along with minimalism, and you will truly find "inner peace". Thanks, Joshua!
"It is said that for money you can have everything, but you cannot. You can buy food, but not appetite; medicine, but not health; knowledge, but not wisdom; glitter, but not beauty; fun, but not joy; acquaintances, but not friends; servants, but not faithfulness; leisure, but not peace. You can have the husk of everything for money, but not the kernel." - Arne Garborg
About thirty years ago, I was talking to women whose children were the same age as mine. One laughed at the little packs of fruit juice I gave mine. "Oh we can't afford that. I make a bottle of squash last a year. Ooo we've just bought a boat - it'll be lovely for our holidays." Another one asked us to babysit. There was snow on the ground and we huddled round a one-bar fire. She washed her hands in cold water to save money. But they drank wine with dinner and had holidays abroad every year. That's when I realised that "can't afford" just means that's not what I want to spend my money on.
People need to delay gratification in their young years so that they can live comfortably when they are older. Life goes by quickly and if you didn't save then it's hard to do much about it later. I see seniors working at registers with bad legs, I feel terrible...Don't be caught up in all of this buying...listen to Joshua!
Thank you, Rosemarie , I had a Grand mother who preached "Always pay yourself when you get paid, aka Save. if ,make a dollar you can save a dime" As I posted I listened to her. I lived frugally, saved, and retired at 51, I see the same thing it's so sad to see a 65+ person with health issues having to work to supplement the income.
@@pbear49 Agreed, I also think that kids should be taught how to save and basic finance early. ....maybe even in school! Some parents can not be relied on to teach it to their children. I came from a family that lived below their means. I am so passionate about this !
I needed this today! My husband and I have lived within our means our whole marriage (12 years) and most of the time it doesn't bother me that we live modestly. Today, however, I found myself having a pity party that we have the lifestyle we do. This video was the perfect jolt I needed to remember what a blessing it is! I was able to give to multiple nonprofits that I wanted to this year as well as spend more money on my students (I am a teacher) because we choose to make only small and moderate expenses. God is good and is speaking through you, Joshua!
One of the best lessons my parents ever taught me - when I was itching to spend my allowance on some stupid nonsense - was that if you don't spend all your money on things you don't really want, the money will be there when you find something you do really want. The principle has served me well to this day. This is why it drives me nuts to see the personal finance exercises about distinguishing "needs" from "wants" - they all seem to assume that everyone goes around "wanting" absolutely everything under the sun. To me, it makes more sense to talk about "wants" versus "don't wants," and to realize that I don't actually want the latest gadget, dinner at a fancy restaurant, a closet full of new clothes every year, etc.
A recent study said that most cars sit idle for 90% of the year, you drive to work and it sits 8 hours until you drive home, where it sits in the driveway for over 12 hours until next morning. I've worked all my life without a car, I took jobs where I could walk or bike, in winter I car pooled with a co worker. We cooked once and made double for the next day. We have 1 tv, no I phone, no cable, no brand designer clothes, you know what we do have is a stress free ,peaceful, good night's sleep, not worried about inflation life. Priceless.
Agree w/everything you said. You always say it so well. .. Our nation is smothered in Abundance that we are overwhelmed w/ decluttering, financial, & health issues. All we see is lack in our lives, when we need to use Wisdom for making 'Wise Choices'.
I think you were right in not saying anything. If you had spoken up, you wouldn't have told them anything that they didn't already know, and you would become less of a friend and more of a judge in their eyes. In other words, pointing out the obvious has a big downside with little upside. And, in each case, your friend was complaining that they couldn't afford one thing because they bought something else. Well, if they had bought the second thing, they would have probably complained that they couldn't afford the first thing.
Great truth as always Joshua. The best we can do is show through our actions, speak of our own personal journey (minimalism, financial peace, physical, mental, emotional and spiritual health) and listen without judgement (out loud anyway). Thank you for sharing your personal journey as it has helped me declutter my physical world.
Love your content & channel! Wish I'd had this info 20 years ago when we were all in debt! Your info helps so much! Financially & reducing too much stuff!
You were wise NOT to say something when your friends bring up their financial difficulties because too often the person complaining is not asking for advice. Thanks for your videos because we have revaluated our spending and were surprised what we carelessly spent money on during the week. Keep up the good work.
Good video. You hit the nail on the head. Coworker struggling with payments on Escalade downsized to Lexus to save $35-$40 dollars a month. But had to extend her payments out another 12 months. I too had to bite my tongue.
I agree is it so maddening when people will say “you’re so lucky”, but in reality they have had an easier start to adult life ( Me and my now husband had our first child aged 19 and 21) We just got our s**t together and bought out first ( very small) house just before he was born. And have made sensible decisions with our money because we know the struggles of life. Yes we’ve had many times we didn’t know how we’d pay for uniform, a car bill etc but you make it through the hard times and they just make you wiser!
This is very true .I really know this now. I'm still decluttering looking for my clothing ect that we are not using. But I've done very bad things with my money. My add , my stress and circumstances beyond my control for years .We've always rented. I don't even own a car we walk everywhere. I know it's not the same for everyone. But over the last 30 something years I've wasted so much money .I shopped to curb my circumstantial depression and my stress with having kids with serious mental health issues. It made me a stronger single parent for 23 years .I wish I had more of a person that pushed me harder and wish I had found these channels sooner and I regret doing what I did with my finances. I'm on my debt journey now .Because saving my credit it really important to me for the future. Thank you Joshua for always being truthful and to the point. I was a shopping addict and the only that changed that was me. NO ONE helped me. I just retrained my own brain .
Kudos! I’m rather late in this journey but now I budget and save every month; even if just a little. I also listen to Dave Ramsey and Clark Howard podcasts and that keeps me on track.
I am cheering you on to sell your clothes and things. You admitting to being a shopaholic has now given your mind great power to do a “no buy” on the things that gave you that temporarily fix or unhealthy shopping to fill voids. I am speaking because I too was one. I have decluttered many of times but now I am down to the very high end things and even though I donated lots of it as well. I am hoping one day to figure out what my life is after this thing we all are going through. I have been living in my pjs, no makeup and stay inside. A few times I open the door for an inhale of fresh air. My story is different than anyone could imagine. I pray to God to please help me detach. I also say to my husband that what I have, I love and I am not using or wearing anything because of this life. I know one day I will declutter again and again. I will do it until I have no more clutter like I use to. I feel paralyzed because I can not think in clutter actually it is nice clutter but so much of it. I was not like this until I had a RU-vid channel which made me buy and my husband’s health journey, etc. I understand. I am proud that you admitted to being a shopaholic and I pray now that you become repulsed by the thought of shopping. I dislike shopping very much. Blessings to you🙏🏼
Your so right Joshua you make a choice with your money, we chose to stay in a smaller home, and I’m so pleased we did, i would of been so worried had we taken on all the debt a larger home would of brought, but it allowed us extras we wouldn’t of been able to do, Thankyou x
I prioritize spending money on healthy food (fruits and vegetables) and my health insurance. Before COVID I also went to a yoga studio and the gym. Now I walk a lot instead. Your health is your wealth! I see so many people who have a big car, a big house and lots of fancy stuff but are overweight, smoke, drink a lot and suffer from chronic diseases
Preach it, brother Joshua, Preach it! One thing I've said to people is that we are all making choices about how we spend our money. "Can't afford" just should not be in the vocabulary of most. "I've chosen to buy this instead of that" is what is really going on for most people.
The day I set financial goals and started doing a budget every month is the day my financial life changed. I was project happy between my house and my rentals. Now I budget and save and no more surprises. 🥰
I agree and appreciate all your honesty. Sometimes you think you can enjoy it all. But it does require major strategic decisions. Debt free life is so important. Living in a comfortable environment within your means! Thank you.
Thanks again for another great video. I always appreciate your videos and their timing--before the weekend when I am most tempted to buy things that are going to be clutter in my life. It is always a challenge to stay true to principles that are not in line with a consumer culture. These videos help me greatly to stay true. All the best for a great weekend!
Your videos are really great, Joshua. I watch a lot of RU-vid videos about minimalism and finances, and you always dig a little deeper and work a little harder at delivering really valuable content. A lot of the videos out there tell me things that I’ve already heard 1 million times. Your videos are original and fresh and frank, and you don’t waste our time going on and on about silly stuff. I really appreciate what you are doing.
How many times have I heard someone say they can't afford something simple or pay a bill because they just came back from vacation 🙄 It's called ..... priorities
I have heard this also from families that are on assistance that the rest of us pay for. They take a vacation every year and brag on Facebook about it.
@Lindsey D I always ask myself if it wasn’t on sale would I buy it? When faced with the original price the answer is often no. Thinking about it usually ends with a no.
Sometimes I add it to my basket, I leave it there and I wait a couple of days to see if I still want to purchase it. Obviously not talking about brick and mortar stores 🙃
A really insightful video, thank you! I think you're wise not to say anything when people complain about their lack of money. Oftentimes they're making an excuse for something they really don't want to do (e.g., drive an inexpensive car, give to charity). Other times it's to commiserate with someone who they think will offer them sympathy ... some folks love that kind of attention. Most adults already know what they need to do to improve their financial situation, but they choose not to.
I agree with everything you said. I hear all these things all the time. I work in finance and see these all the time. Unfortunately, many times I can't say what I think. However many people don't want to live like me - minimal.
Great video Joshua. (Weird saying that to another Joshua). I'm on a minimalist journey right now, and on a 3 month long van life (mini van) trip across the US. Materialism is the crutch of society. Heck I know that I have stuff in my little van I never use and ditch more all the time.
This is so true. We live VERY comfortably on one income with 5 kids, and are always able to spontaneously help someone or donate to a cause. We know people who make twice as much and live paycheck to paycheck because of cars, boats, RVs, subscriptions, etc.
I had thought of buying tickets to see Chicago and the Doobie Brothers this summer, but the tickets are well over $100 each. I've seen both of them before, and told myself that I don't need to see them again. I have an "Alexa" and I can hear their music whenever I want. I can also look for them on RU-vid. I really appreciate your wisdom around spending.
I'm glad you said it, Joshua. Now, please demonstrate a caring way to broach the subject when we see it. I don't want to anger my friends when I gently point out these facts to them.
@@allinotte4263 You are right. It's not our place to say anything unless the complaining person asks for our advice. Otherwise they have to wake up and and realize by themselves once they are ready for it.
It's true, we purchase so many things without giving a thought tht how it will be helpful in daily life. It's actually small choices which can make large differences. Honestly great channel.👍
You are so right! We would all do well to reevaluate our spending priorities on a regular basis. My husband teaches at a Christian school-we have seen many families over the years who ‘can’t afford’ private education when in most cases it is simply a matter of priorities. Thanks for being bold enough to share this.
It’s true. I am in my mid twenties and save and invest most of my money. I’m probably in better financial shape than half of America already and growing. I make a median income, I just choose to use my money a little wiser and it pays off big time over time. Then when I do buy more expensive high quality items that I really want (which is rare), people think I’m crazy for spending so much but it’s actually quite immaterial for me. The key is just be very intentional with your money and decision making
I have been able to save $$$$ by redesigning my home. I own a home that requires quite of bit of maintenance because the design called for a lot of foliage both inside and out. Now that I live alone I've decided to remove anything that requires hands-on care. I have either replaced or removed any plants, shrubs, and trees that required weekly attention. The challanging part was finding a balance in design that brought back the warmth and invite that only living plants can bring. I've learned that anything organic solves this problem.
How many times do we hear people moaning about money, but yet there they are with the most up to date phone, or a pack of cigarettes, or of wineing and dining, yet they have no money for the truly important things, like a roof over there heads and food in their belly’s
The question about when or when not to speak up in situations like that, imo, depends on what the other person is seeking in the interaction. Do they want to complain because sometimes complaining is fun, or do they want someone to help them fix it? My guess is they just want to complain; they already know what they need to do about it, but for whatever reason choose to ignore the answer staring right in their faces. Sometimes people do just need to be told the hard truth, when if they're not specifically seeking it, but that's a tool that needs to be used carefully and intentionally (and I dare say, under a Higher Influence)
I realised whatever Joshua said a year ago. It all ends to our priorities, where we spend our money, I've even seen people prioritising their House Loan EMIs over their children's education, this is the gravity of the situation, and the extent to which conspicuous consumption has engrained in our minds and daily lives. But I'm glad I found out the meaning of life.
I got honest with myself recently. I was spending too much on food and was in denial of just how much. Now, I’m focused on eating what is currently in my house and not chasing what I think I need to eat. Similarly, I was giving huge chunks to charities, but realized I can still give and not feel the financial pinch. I didn’t need to fuel my anxiety by giving a lot at once. Instead, I give a set amount monthly. Having said all of this, I am very fortunate to have a good amount in savings. As my brother pointed out, I probably have more saved up than 90% of the US population. A big factor in that is due to being more minimalistic than most people. But, I can do better, and really appreciate these vids from Josh and other minimalists.
I completely agree with you, and I have had friends in similar situations. In these situations most people don't want to hear that truth! Thanks for the video.
I feel all of this!! I hear people complain about not having money all the time, but then walk around with their designer clothes, new car, new phones, etc. It kills me, but I keep my mouth shut. I wad able to help a friend get out of 80k od debt in a few years and it felt so good for both of us!
I think it is part of American culture to talk about money and things they want/can’t afford/cost too much. Complaining about not being able to purchase X when they just purchase Y + Z is like a “how are you” greeting - no need for a response. Or it is similar to people talking about the weather - a safe topic that everyone agrees on and nobody is offended by - just like complaining about how expensive or unaffordable something is. A shallow topic you can talk about with any stranger or acquaintance. True friends have better things to talk about.
Great video! We all need to look at the choices we’re making in our own big picture!! Probably good you didn’t comment to your friends though. We never know the reasons others make the choices they do. Maybe your friend who bought the season tickets is trying to make memories with his kids. Maybe the dinner with you was meant to prioritize your relationship. Maybe not, but the point is not to judge. I agree, they don’t sound like great choices, but we’re never in someone else’s shoes.
Your words are so true and I have also seen this phenomenon played out in people’s lives. It makes me reluctant to give to needs within my own wealthy nation rather choosing to give primarily to overseas aid.
But the “wealth” is not present for a large majority of Americans. Having to participate in, what was then called, The Appalachian Service Project through my church, when I was in high school, opened my eyes to the poverty all around us. The wealth gap has only increased since then 😥
@@HappyLife-wv5ms I definitely know what you are saying (though I’m not American myself). I am aware of homelessness in my country. I was however thinking of times when I gave to someone in supposed need to see them spend money on things I would have considered beyond my means. So I have become wary.
@@kobrien7945 I do understand that. My parents taught me that if you give someone money, you have no control over how they use it and you cannot expect it to be repaid. So, basically, give if you choose to, without stings attached, or do not give. Peace.
What I LOVE about my three closest friends is how they help keep me accountable when it comes to money and 'stuff'. It's really important that I have REAL friends who do this, if for no other reason than its makes me better people and a better ADULT. Joshua how would any of those friends reacted had you shared what you thought?? I doubt you would have phrased things in a hurtful manner, but a more thought provoking manner than denoted you were there for them were they to want to learn to spend money more wisely and plan better for future purchases.
Too often are we encouraged to fill the role of the victim rather than the hero. We are so much more resourceful than the world would have us believe. Opportunities and money are out there but usually at an opportunity cost. What cost are we willing to make to achieve our goals? There's always a cost to any choice but we can choose how we feel about that choice/cost. I appreciate your courage and boldness here where we can seek it as we are open to it. I believe being slow to speak and quick to listen was a wise choice with your friends. 🙏🏻
This is not about money, it is about values and beliefs. People spend money on what they value most. That person valued a home pool more than supporting a charity etc (or whatever that was, you get the drift) ... I find this ALL the time: people complain about the price of a health-promoting, stress-reducing massage, but then spend double that at the bar (drinking alcohol, perhaps getting drunk, which is bad for your health). I don't get that at all.
I didn’t like the pool example because it felt like it was missing context. Was the friend asked to donate, in which case the pool may have been a polite excuse? Or was the friend making a poor attempt at virtue signaling by saying he wanted to support a cause that he obviously wasn’t thinking about before he made the choice to finance a pool? Either way, your statement is likely incorrect because we only know for certain that the friend values paying off his debt quickly over supporting a cause. We don’t even know whether the friend already supports other causes because the example conversation refers to a specific cause rather than donating in general. That being said, I do agree that money decisions are a reflection of our values and beliefs.
Thank you for sharing! Such good advise! I'm old now. Never had much . Did what you've just said. I'm now very comfortable. Have money in the bank...plenty, and I still drive a small car and a have very cheap phone!
Easy credit distorts most people’s notion of what they can actually afford. Most people don’t live within their means. The American public’s complacency with holding debt causes latent stress that deteriorates their quality of life.
Very well said. Some people know all these things but still have no willpower and buy whatever they want anyway - no matter how much debt they incur or what else they can't spend their money on that may be more important.
This is how I feel when talking to my sister. I am in the same boat not saying anything to her about her spending because she doesnt listen to the advice. So its just waste breath. For now I will just listen and try to be an example to her.
I agree with this 100%. Sometimes it's hard, though, when I want two or more things that are exceedingly important to me at the same time. I want to travel and I also want to buy 100% organically-grown food. The latter is really not an option, because I simply do not enjoy produce that has been sprayed with chemicals, but travel is an option. However, I feel a strong internal struggle that somehow I'm missing out on life while paying much more than the average person for my groceries (3X more, probably). A side hustle is a great way to fund one of the things that you want, and I'm working on that now. Want to pay off more debt? Get a weekend job with a salary that specifically gets funneled to paying debt off.
Your friend is out at a nice restaurant but maybe that is the only 1 or 2 times he’s done that in the year. If he’s fine dining every two weeks, that’s a different story ..I agree with your point and I understand how you’re trying to make it with examples but, unless asked, we should never volunteer opinions to our friends on personal topics as sensitive as their budgeting because we just don’t know everything about that person’s situation. And even then, tread carefully.
Very good. I have been vilified during all of my life for speaking my logic. However now in my ninth decade, I am comfortable with my housing comfort family & friends.
My hubby and I are able to travel because of choices we make daily...so many tell us we are "lucky" and "it must be nice"... Luck had nothing to do with it...planning and choices did.
Joshua, what about medical debt. My husband has had diabetes complications and had several surgeries over the past two years. We can barely pay out regular monthly bills and pay medical bills. We don’t travel. We dont eat out and have basic expenses. Any suggestions? The stress is real!
I give a house tour at the end the 12-week Uncluttered Course and I mention all the reasons why I wait until the end. I do not believe a house tour is helpful in the context here. Without a doubt, it would shoot to the top of my most popular video list, but that's not a good reason to do it.
