REAL WANTS VS. NEEDS AND BEING GRATEFUL FOR WHAT YOU HAVE 

I say all the time, and especially to my young adult children. If you’re broke or hungry in the United States, you’re lazy and/or overspending. You can get ahead in life. You may not get to be rich BUT you will survive. You must create some Financial goals and stick to it no matter what. You may have to get roommates or a 2nd job until you get ahead, but with grit and determination, you can achieve your financial objectives and success. This is coming from a black woman who does not believe that race or family circumstances necessarily play a negative role in how well you do in life. My husband who’s also black became an attorney and I achieved career success as a registered nurse. We both come from humble beginnings. It can be done!

Favorite adult memory was driving my two grandsons and son home and passed a big field with dozens of nuns and a few kids flying kites. We turned around and flew kites for hours with the nuns. They had dozens of great kites. It was a hot, hot windy day but we had a blast! A day of heaven on earth.

I live off 1100/ mo retired. Zero debt of any kind. I do not received assistance of any kind. I have to pay for medicare, supplement and prescriptions $321/mo. I do spend a little on wants here and there, but at 65 there it is not much. I do go out for dinner maybe every month or 2. I enjoy it now and then if I can get something special not something I can cook at home. I live in a 1060 sq ft house that I have updated Everything in it, drive a 2016 Honda Fit with 35k miles. The piece of mind is enormous. I do pity the people that haven't figured this out yet. It will be a rude awakening when they want to retire.

Fun and free. I watch free streaming on Tubi with my almost 80 year old dad. We make our own popcorn and watch crappy old movies in his living room and yell at the screen. Its a blast. Lol

I find that frugality comes with maturity. When I was young, I wanted to buy/have everything. When I got older, I realized the waste of money on excessive stuff. Now, I never buy anything without a week of thinking it over. Debt free living is so peaceful and calm

The people who can't understand the difference between wants and needs, are the same ones who call me "lucky" because I own a house & car, and have savings. We have the same salary. It's called sacrifice and priorities.

My 11 yr old son recently told me I should get a new car. Mine is only about 9 yrs old and it was paid for outright so I've never had a loan payment on it. Sure it has some wear and tear from 4 kids and a few long road trips, and it doesn't have all the bells and whistles of newer cars, but it still gets me where I need to go and I still love it. So I told my son, "No, I'm good. I'm enjoying not having to make a car payment every month". Which led to a discussion about saving up to pay for something versus getting loans and having debt.

Frugal is what you make of it. People consider me cheap. I don’t spend on things that aren’t important to me, like buying lunch everyday. Yet, I have no problem taking my mom to an great restaurant for her birthday or buying my sister a nice top. Depends on what you consider important and enjoy doing with the money you earn. I enjoy walking my dog - free. It’s the darn taxes that eat up my budget. Government needs to change.

Live in NorCal, too. Down by SFO. Will retire in 79 days, so have been tracking my expenses over the last three years and have averaged under $12,000 per year. Being conscientious on spending and investing has allowed me to retire at 55 years old.

This one was really compelling. You said so many things I agree with. I do think it's ok to buy wants, but then, for all that is holy, don't turn around and say you're broke. We all make choices, just own them.

So, what are you all here thankful for? Several years ago after a divorce I was so depressed that I prayed for God's help. Moments later He helped me by giving me the thought about gratitude. Standing at my kitchen sink I started by being thankful for my washer & dryer. It was that simple and I haven't stopped being thankful. Sometimes it's people or opportunities but I'm thankful and I express it to the Lord & to others. It's the little things. Just do it. I love your truth bombs, PP!

I wanted, so bought two brightly colored t-shirts from Walmart. $3.88 each. Didn’t need them but now my summer wardrobe is updated and I’ll feel good about myself.

If I could go back in time, I would bank as much $$$ as possible and forget about all the stuff/things that I bought when I was young. Hopefully, the young people today will learn from retired folks!

I discovered once I started being more grateful things fell into place in my favor as if by magic. It's truly awesome!

Living a daily habit of gratitude is most helpful. I list in my head each night as I go to sleep all my blessings including things like a comfy bed and not having to sleep on dirt as others must do in impoverished countries, having reliable electricity at the flick of a switch...I fall asleep way before the list is done. Then sharing my good fortune with others by donating to vetted charities that provide resources to others in need. I can go with less wants on my list to provide a warm blanket to someone in need. I am 74 and retired and am fortunate to be able to do this. Great video Prepper Princess.

I love your videos but this one in particular really resonates with me. For the past three years I have lived part time in a semi-rural area of Mexico (remaining time in the US). My perspective has changed so much since observing how regular Mexican people live and the struggles they face and how strong and practical they are in general. Bottom line - we are SO spoiled. Myself included. It’s embarrassing how spoiled and entitled so many of us are. We definitely disguise our wants as needs. I love that you call this out such a matter of fact manner.

Appreciating the abundance in my life is step 1 in being a happy person❤

I agree with all you said in this video 💯 %. People don’t realize how well we have it in the US. It wasn’t until I was 50 before I realized everybody wants your money.

We most certainly are privileged. We just don't see it. Having travelled and lived in many 3rd world countries in my life, I can honestly say that us here in the western world have NO idea what real suffering and 'need' is. Travelling to these places, forever changed how I viewed the world. I think everyone should do it at least once in their life. I remember as a kid, my best memories were taking off on my bike to a secret hideout in the bush (woods). So much fun, cost:$0. Now it seems kids just want to shop 😔. What happened to imaginative play and simple living?. Great video! You've influenced the way I live so much....thank you ❤😊

During summers as a kid I remember going on long bike rides, packing a lunch. Best time of my life. As an adult we can forget those times an seek to fill our lives with things.

When I first left home it was so expensive to get food. Now 45 yrs later it really bugs me when people throw leftover food away or throw out produce that you can cut the bad parts off and it is still safe to use.

Remembering those awesome memories qualifies as free entertainment!

My favorite phrase is money doesn’t buy happiness but it does buy freedom

Disregard negative comments. Im sure you're an inspiration to many.

We are definitely spoiled and ungrateful AND ignorant if we don't appreciate a roof, running water and shamefully amounts of food at our fingertips. My wife and I owe no one, we are nut wealthy, but we are rich! Keep pounding it to them, some of them may actually listen. Thanks.

My happiest moments at any age is hanging out with friends and family. No amount of money can replace that.

Amen that we are so privileged compared to so many. I try not to take anything for granted.

I'm with ya sister! I'm living that way more and more. Retired RN, living in KY now, beautiful apt, was old HS, high ceilings, hardwood, safe, small town, over 55, $570/mo. I feel . blessed, 2003 Highlander. etc. Thanks for some good info, car insurance, I struggle with that as far as what I should have. It's gone way up.... Have a good day

Camping in the backyard. Every summer for my birthday my dad put up a big tent. My cousins came over every year to camp for my birthday. It feld very special .My mum let the door from the house open all night for emergencies. Lovely memories

Don't even get me started on dryer sheets😅

My parents gave me hand me downs of everything, including my bicycle until my mom won one. I still have that bike. We had a picnic area in the woods across the road from our house growing up. We rarely go out. Last week I was carrying stuff upstairs. My dog thought it was a game and ran under my feet causing me to fall. I slammed into my railing breaking my nose. Thank God for good health insurance. That is definitely a need.

Swimming and fishing off the pier in my neighborhood as a kid in the 70s. We lived right on the gulf coast in Texas. We caught croakers and cleaned the and fried them in a frying pan. All free and the best times of my life. And we went without our parents watching our every move. Heaven on earth.

Hi there! I wanted to share that I did a laundry experiment. I washed my towels without detergent. I peeked in during agitation and saw suds! I knew this was from previous washes. I have decided to use 1/2 the amount of detergent and no detergent every other wash. Thanks for sharing your knowledge!

We had no money for extras. My fondest memories are just hanging out with my friends. There was never a dull moment. I used to go to the mall just to watch people. Yep, I just enjoyed watching people, and I would make up little stories about who they were and what they were all about. Full free life just by using my imagination. Anytime someone asks me what I would do with a million dollars, My answers was and is, that I would use it to help those who have nothing. Making money a huge part of my life has never been who I am. I'm grateful for what I have. Making people I love the number one priority is key. Anything beyond that is extra. Somehow I have never really been wanting or needing for anything.

I love your channel ! you are so spot on about needs versus wants. we in the USA are so spoiled compared to most of the real world. The entitlement attitude is far too pervasive our society.

Riding my bike, walking in the woods, laying in the grass, and watching the clouds, and catching crayfish with bacon on a homemade rod. Making scratch chocolate chip cookies and burning the bottom of them. Yum !

I fund it hard to believe that anyone would have anything negative to say. I think you are amazing, and you have definitely opened my eyes.

As a Norwegian im fascinated over how much pride there is in the USA to not receive benefits. Especially when companies and the wealthy don't hesitate to cash in on tax loopholes and other schemes. I'm not being sarcastic. Would sincerely appreciate if someone could share their reason behind this. I believe that understanding someone's beliefs helps me grow as a person ❤

Bike that my dad got in the garbage . He painted it purple and added a new banana seat & tassel handle grips!! I jumped ramps and went everywhere!

Omg my memory actually brought me back to when my grandparents came to visit us in Germany, parents worked military there so min amount of money but we walked... Everywhere we walked all I remember is walking yes lots of towns from where we lived but we walked and talked. I was 4/5 years old and all we did was walked. Various trails to castles and such but really we just walked and talked. The best memories of my grandparents that I had until my early teens

Prepper Princess, you are my inspiration!!

I live on 777. a month and switched to mint mobile and have no issues. I own my home outright.

I watched a documentary about people eating pagpag in the Philippines. It's literally leftover rotting restaurant food mixed with garbage scavenged from the dump - and washed and cooked in flavors to mask the rotten taste. We have so much to be grateful for in the United States.

Thank you for our continued contributions to fighting consumerism.

I get something out of your videos however often I watch them! It is like reading a good book! Aussie Lady!!!

The best way to save money is not to spend money ❤️

I love your channel. Growing up, I had one pair of shoes til I outgrew them. Loved getting my cousins hand me down clothes! Loved going to the library every week. Our bonfire was called a weeny roast and was the highlight of my summer. I'm 71 now, and blessed to grow up in the 60 and 70's. One of 5 children and shared a bedroom most of my life. Keep up the good work, Princess!

I have 5 kids. We brought a landcruser for $6500 cash they asked $8000. They needed the money. Our cars worth $30,000 after a few things got fixed. My husband fixed it.

I love that commentary on "starving." You are simply amazing! That is so true.

My best memory was catching crayfish at a creek near my house with my 3 sisters and our friends. We filled a big fish tank in our basement with tap water, put them in it and forgot all about them. My Dad smelled something reall bad in the basement and found them. I helped him bury them in the yard. I learned what not to do with crayfish.

Very helpful reflections. We are in our 60s and paring down on extras. You are right on.

Car insurance in NJ is $200-$300 a month! And yes it is just the basic insurance. Cars are old. We have zero debt and our basic expenses are about $3000/month. No subscriptions, no cable, no eating out, no vacations. Not that we aren’t extremely happy living frugally but cost of living varies by state.

Full coverage will not keep someone from suing you. Nor does it pay for a $3000 car. Full coverage serves no purpose on older cars.

I've been watching for almost a year now. I've started watching some of the video you put out 6 years ago. I have learned so much. Thank you Prepper Princess

The simple life is the BEST life! No worries! I'm with you!

Debt free will become the new luxury status, like time freedom became a luxury.

The paper towel discussion hit a nerve with me. I never use paper towels, except for two reason.... My son will grab a paper towel. I say to him, you better be frying bacon or washing windows!!!

I never had iPhone and that is ok!

Catching fireflies 😊

You are a remarkable individual! I'm a 74 year old British lady living in central Portugal.A frugal life, but a contented one. I glean so many good tips and excellent advice from your videos. Thank you so much for doing what you do! Bless you and your lovely furry friends...

This was a very good video. I'm not a spend thrift at all. And even though I've heard your words all before, I feel like something shifted in me now. I'm recently retired and single, and sick of over priced everything. Lol. My car insurance just increased by $358/annually. Last year it increased by $250/annually. Sheesh. Now it's over $2,170/year. It bugs me so much. I can afford it but it's just not right. Your video got me thinking to give my car to my son. And instead of him using my car when he needs it. I'll now use his car when I need it. Lol. With the money I save from the car loan and car insurance I will be able to pay off my mortgage pretty quickly. 🎉 Thanks much Prepper Princess. I truly enjoy listening to your videos. Thanks much. 😊🤗✌💕

College is a joke. My son was paying for it as he went. He had friends with master's degrees that couldn't find jobs 😮. He stopped halfway through his jr year, when was hired for a federal job. He has been with it almost 15 years now. 401k match, health care, and pension when he retires. Marketing is crazy. Higher education is crazy.

Going to the park, library, The Mall just to sit in back with other teens reading 📖, riding bikes 🚲 trail nature walking. Bible study at church with Grandma 😊

Walmart Zote soap $1.62 a bar. I use Purex free and clear. Used to be $5.97, then $6.97, now $9.97. Don't want to pay the $9.97, so I'll get some Zote soap. Greatest memories - playing in the summers at my Grandparents' farm - free!

Prepper princess is a strong and amazing woman

I think there’s beauty and freedom in simple living. I love you have unhooked from the consumerism mindset that is slavery. I’m in process….there are still more “wants” than I care to admit but I’m learning to wait and many go away. The ones that don’t, I plan for and try to find a less expensive way. However, my goal is to be satisfied with what I have. Truthfully, I don’t need anything. It really is about changing focus and mindset. What really makes me happy are good friends, my dogs, and nature.

Life is definitely more stress free and empowering when we get off the consumerist treadmill. The benefits extend way beyond ourselves. You are doing a great job trying to show this to people. 👍🏼

1999 Hyundai Accent AKA "The Purple Rocket ". She just rolled 85k miles. Love her !

I’m with you on the eating out thing, I too get sick every time I eat at a restaurant.

I feel America is going to experience a great change and there will be people telling their children and grandchildren of how prosperous and free America was once.

So sorry people give these negative comments. If they don't like what you say then why watch. I think they would like to be in your position and their mind set just isn't there to do it. I applaud you and I believe God blesses you for your efforts. Thanks for encouraging us all. It's good to hear these things and to strive to do them in our own lives. God Bless You and keep on listening to Him. Have a great weekend❤🙏☀️🐶🐕

I think people are just jealous you have a great home you always look really nice you look like a modern Grace Kelly you have cute little puppy dogs you are rich thank you for everything

Love your channel! I recently discovered pork neck bones at Safeway. $3. I seared, put them in my crock pot over night on low w seasoning and water. There is enough meat for 5 tacos or 3 large sandwiches, and the broth is delicious! Also I have been getting -$6 rotisserie chickens from Sam's, literally feeds me for a week. I eat the thighs and wings for one meal cuz they are my fav, make a full week of chx salad for lunches, and boil the bones for broth. Do so delish!

I would rather have money in my pocket and take vacations and live frugally. Then I have a bunch of junk.

I was taught when growing up to be content with what you have, and grateful. When I was a single divorced Mom for several years we didn't have a lot of money but we had each other, we did many things that cost little to nothing

I know I'm so far from perfect managing money, but every day, I try to do better. My cheap, smart phone does pretty much exactly what everyone else does. I have had this same conversation with so many loved ones who either want to cry to me or ask for money; but the instant something expensive happened to me, I'm told to work a little harder, manage a little better, or "right my ship." I have NEVER, would NEVER ask them for money, but I have given every single one money and/or paid at least one bill for them; or bought their kids clothes/food/Christmas gifts; babysat for free a lot. I love them, so it's OK, but I WELL know and understand my NEEDS over my wants. Now that I'm closing in on buying a house out right and retiring, they all want to advise me again... I'm just so tired.

Run your life like a business. Money is for when you cannot manage without it... Its your last resort not your first

My stepdaughter, lives in a 5300 sq' house with her husband and 2 kids, because they were "busting at the seams" in their 4000 sq' house. I have a cousin that believes that having her nails done is a necessity because of her professional job and if she doesn't, she will start biting her nails again. People like this just can't be helped.

Most “needs” in our country are really first world problems. I “need” coffee every morning…but it’s actually a LUXURY! I drive a 2013 Corolla and my home is paid for. I have enough food so I don’t go hungry. I have a full time job in the local school system (=low pay) and I don’t receive government help. I am blessed!

I am so glad you mentioned giving to needy people…..I worked with a guy that was cheap…some people don’t realize that frugal is very different from cheap

My mom who was a very young child at end of the depression, always said there is a big difference in our NEEDS and our WANTS. I still use that motto to stop myself many times from buying UN NEEDED things!

Society is spoiled. Too much materialism and the country also needs to downsize, too.

I so wish you and I lived in the same neighborhood. I would come over with homemade banana bread and coffee and we would be the bestest friends ever! Love your channel and tips on how to save money ❤

Prepper Princess you are a joy and delight! And you have helped me save a fortune! Aussie Lady

My favorite memories I use to clean stalls just to ride 1 hour . Bartering when I didn’t know I was Bartering.

Thanks PP for your encouragement

Hi Prepper Princess, I Love your channel. You have so much common sense. I am probably old enough to be your mom. It took me a lifetime to learn what you already know. My background was very similar to yours, that is: use what you have until you have the money to buy something better( cash not charge). I hope the XYZ generations are paying attention to the advice here. Few of them have a clue. Kudos on the channel.

Thank you for the comment about not doing govt assistance… too many people taking that are able bodied and worse yet are not even citizens. Sigh.

We feel blessed, retired and everything is paid. All we have is our electric bill and car/house insurance. We stay home and we don't spend. Great video. Thank you for sharing.

I like your memory about riding the bike and floating down the stream to the next town. 🧡 As for all the spending people do to try to make memories these days, they are programmed to do so. They know no other way. It's sad. Like you, I have some great old memories I wouldn't trade for anything. And if there's anyone else out there who also has great memories about real old-fashioned fun, good on you!

People trying to get money. I can relate. I have a friend that was trying to sell me Mary Kay. I do not want Mary Kay! I use face cleanser and moisturizer that I can buy at Walmart. I don't need to spend $60 on cleanser. I could live on way less once my house is paid off. I don't have a car payment. I do have internet because I need it for my job. My boyfriend does not have cable or internet. He watches TV by digital antenna that is free. He has no truck payment and his land and house is paid for. He does complain about the price of gas. He has to buy it for his truck for work.

Hi Princess!!❤❤❤ You are smart!! This world is sadly full of too many wasteful idiots. I love being frugal. Love your beautiful doggies!! Peace and happiness to you!!! ❤❤❤❤

My gas bill has been over $100 since I moved into my house pre-covid. During the summer it's closer to $20. I got my January gas bill and it was right under $200! I could believe it. I also had already cut back on the amount of gas I was using.... I simply shut it off and I use a space heater in the main space. We have solar for that. I turn on the heat for my family before bed and keep it on for them. No one has complained yet. So I realized how much of a waste it was using the gas so much.

NEVER have a TV in the Bedroom. The bedroom is for two things (sleep and fun) and nothing more. Haven't had a TV in my bedroom in over 30-35 years.

Sounds like living in the 1950’s. Life seemed so much simpler and happier than now. One vehicle per house hold instead of one per person... things made sense and you didn’t compete. Basic Bible principles. Sounds like heaven 😊

Ok, had to laugh. My favourite childhood memories that first came to mind, was at my family summer cabin by the fjords. Tiny cabin, one room and one bedroom with an outhouse. Anyway. One summer my brother and I went out fishing, we were probably 10-12 years old. We had a line after the little wooden boat, with several hooks. my brother were rowing and I pulled up so much fish from the fishing line, we filled two buckets with mackerel. Then, we went around to the other cabins in the area, selling fish. We earned a fortune back then I remember, and we ran straight to the nearby rv park, and the little store, we got so much candy! 😂 No saving back then. Money is actually how I learned to swim too. My dad said I would get a dollar if i would swim from the pier and into the shore. I did! 😅 So my memories contains of making money, not spending them, or maybe both... lol.

I thought of the same memory!!! My dad sold tires, so we always had car tubes to float on. We lived near the shore in Connecticut so we had tides in our rivers, so we’d bring our lunch, hop on the tubs and float to a place where there was a dike with a rope and we’d play there all day until the tide went back out so we could float back home. If someone didn’t want to stay all day, then they’d ride their bike there and meet us. It was magical.

This is a good reminder for me regardlng all of my "wants" that fritter away my money. Thanks for helping me focus on the plan ❤

Thank you for your tips and tricks! We almost have zero debt… Only a few thousand left to go on the mortgage🎉 🎉🎉

Really appreciate your videos, I save on cleaning products I use white vinegar, baking soda, borax, and Eco's Clean and Clear dish soap (diluted) I owned my VW Bug for 42 years, only car I ever owned. People thought I was really strange, lol. I also believe in powestrips, wear jeans several times, yes dust with water, washcloths. I Buy some paper towels, toilet paper doesn't always handle cat's oops 😮 I save glass jars with wide mouth, for storage, better than plastic. Thanks 👍