I had zero pesos and was an illegal immigrant once (a DACA long before the term was formalized). I lost my small deli due to COVID. I am not complaining. Through a life of hard work and mindful spending (as well as achieving financial literally through avid reading), I am fully financially independent in my 50s -I don't claim this can be done by young people today. Due to a number of reasons, it is much harder for them now and, if things don't change quickly, it will only become harder for future generations.
If you're so content with what you have, why are you on RU-vid trying to get subscribers so you can make more money? You don't come across as genuine to me
I am from Canada. I have been practising minimalism for more than 20 years. Couldn't be happier. After our boys grew and started living separately, we got rid pretty much of 80% of our belongings. We own small 3 bedroom house in Gatineau, a car, and only necessary things. We eat twice a day - good breakfast an 11 and good dinner at 5. We earn more than we spend, help financially our kids and old parents, travel, laugh, exercise - and planning to follow this lifestyle! Happiness and pеаce to all of you!!! ❤❤❤
My Generation Z son and many of his peers have no interest in consumerism. They buy second hand when they buy, and they are interested in trading their smart phones for flip phones. They are a completely different generation. It gives me hope.
This is very encouraging. I have four Gen Z grandson's, two love stuff, two couldn't care less about stuff. I live in hope that the more mindful Gen Z's take over the world one day. Thank you for sharing this story.
My sons are ages 25-37. They do like the newest and latest and greatest technology but have zero interest in grandmas china or any knick knacks. I’ve noticed in antique stores, that the furniture has really come down in price. I talked to one owner and he said, this younger generation doesn’t want all the old stuff
Hi Connie! I am neither a minimalist nor a hoarder. Contrary to what many commenters here seem to believe, this is not an either/or choice. There are probably way more Inbetweeners than either of those two groups. People like me, who value, enjoy and honour the high quality items passed to them from previous generations. Many now proclaim themselves minimalist but have sent the entire contents of their home to landfill to achieve what they fondly believe is a minimalist lifestyle, but is merely an almost all white, magazine driven look. Like many in the UK of my generation, I grew up in a post-war frugal family. Most of us have sent little beyond broken crockery, a mattress and food waste to landfill in the past, or recently. We have always bought only what we need and with an eye for long future use, and accepted good, pre-used toys, books and household items gratefully. We rarely fly, use public transport and only shop when necessary. We may not be minimalist but don't waste fuel in constant, daily travel or overheating our houses. Our homes are clean, tidy and uncluttered. I resent the word hoarder being applied to everyone who is not drawn to minimalism in our homes. (To me, many minimalist homes feel unloved, more like an Ikea roomset.) Using the word minimalist as a form of self-praise and hoarder for everyone who is not a follower of the minimalist path is virtue signalling. Minimalism is a lifestyle choice. Taken to the extreme where all who make a different choice are seen as inherently bad, is no longer just the way they wish to live, but a cultish obssession, no better than true hoarding. I enjoy seeing how others live, what their goals in living as they do are and how these ideas evolve in society over time. I do not decry minmalism, only the "we are good/every one else is bad" attitude it has brought out in a few who have chosen it. It is not for me, but I see the value it has for some others and do not lump all minimalist together as a homogenous group. Please ask followers and commenters here to respect the choices and integrity of those who choose a different path to environmentally friendly and frugal living. Where does my money go? On making our ancient cottage environmentally friendly, on making the 5 acre garden a wildlife haven. My choice is to live frugally and hand to my grandchild a once cheaply bought, derelict home that will soon meet ecologically sound standards. That's my life choice, it is no better or worse than most other life choices, just perhaps a little different from that of commenters here who wish to be free to choose their own title of minimalist while deciding my identity of "hoarder" for me. My life style designation is mine to choose, they have no right to choose and foist it on me themselves! Rant over...each to her or his own! Sent Jen
Dear Jen, thank You so much for this honest and wise comment. We all have different lives, situations and needs. It is important to find a golden center in everything. It is also wonderful that everybody can have their own way of living, their own song, their unique path.
I embraced my version of Minimalism about 5 years ago when I was overrun with debts and stuff and although I was not broke, I did not see where my money was going, since it was not being saved. I desperately needed to start saving for my later years and started paying off debt, getting rid of 'things' and stop buying 'things'. So many mistakes made along the way, but I am in a better place mentally without all the baggage.
You live a nice, simple life in minimalism and made this lovely video about it. We must remember that many people are affected by illness, unemployment, injustice... People who live in hopelessness in overcrowded city neighborhoods, are involved in cruel wars, oppressed by systems, and suffer from hunger. They have no financial safety net and minimalism is the last thing on their mind. Minimalism is great- as I experience myself - but only if a number of basic conditions are met.
I think there are two extremes here. One extreme is the hoarder, who cannot resist buying. Then there are those who buy nothing that is not absolutely necessary. I choose to save first, then pay all outstanding bills and lastly spend a bit. I do love second hand but I sometimes buy new too.
@@M_SC I like watching those hoarding shows. Seems like it’s 50/50. Half just never get rid of anything including garbage and half can’t stop shopping at yard sales/thrift stores and garbage pick 🤷🏼♀️
To be frugal in todays society is more difficult than it sounds! Advertisement is everywhere, and we’re almost programmed to consume on autopilot - I strongly believe social media has a huge role to play in this! So it’s about making a conscious effort to turn off the noise of consumerism and really ask yourself what YOU want and need. Minimalism has opened so many doors for me to live a happier and more content life. The best decision I’ve ever made, but it sure takes work! Great video as always thank you☺️
With respect, I suspect this is not frugal, people HAVING to sell their labour for the minimum wage ! ! Sleep in the street with no savings or comfortable living relations for financial back up “ when the going gets tough ! ! ! Thanks.
Just replaced a twenty year old wall to wall carpet with a new floor, easy to maintain and allergen free. A complete joy to see the result. Needed to be done. Could have gotten it cleaned, again, but it was a great improvement in our home, and money well spent.
We are moving to another state, when I look at homes in the area to purchase, I am almost hyperventilating at the stuff, stuff in these houses. I guess I realize that I am a minimalist. My house has only furniture I need and love, the pictures on my walls all mean something special to us, I don't collect things. Really eye opening.
My husband and I are currently in the process of going organic eating, non-toxic and clean living in our home. With that comes higher costs, yet we are finding savings in food cost by not buying the ‘junk’ anymore and putting that difference into healthy organic foods instead. It’s almost a balance out for us. Obviously it does cost slightly more. Never thought about it to that way once we started the journey. Once you realize the cost of things, it helps one be frugal to put money where it matters most.
Minimalism is a personal lifestyle choice, it's ok if others do not live the same way you do. It is our uniqueness that makes all of us interesting. If you struggle with not wanting to spend money for an expensive night out with friends, try suggesting a fun "girls night in". Cooking together is an opportunity to visit more. 💗
I totally agree. I went on an Alaskan cruise that is geared toward shopping. I was happy to put $00.00 on my customs form for purchases made on my 7-day adventure. I invested in excursions that brought me joy instead.
We drove 7 hours to the Atlantic Ocean with 2 of our sons and enjoyed 4 days there. We didn’t buy any souvenirs. We just took lots of pictures and enjoyed our time together. And interestingly enough, they wanted to go back there because they remembered being there as little boys. They don’t remember the toys, but the experiences. 😊
We did same thing when my daughter and I traveled in Europe this past May. We only spent money on eating out one meal a day. Breakfast included in hotel stays. Enjoyed a guided tour in Florence and Paris. Simple joys. Walked lots.
I live on the Uk state pension so have to be careful with money. A treat for me is to go to a cafe and have tea and cake but can’t do it often. Today I ordered a brownie at £2.85 and took it back as it was not gooey, it was raw. They changed it but the next one was not much better. I was really upset that I had wasted my treat allowance. But, lesson learned, I will not buy cake in that particular cafe again as it’s the second time I’ve been let down. Even at age 72 I find you so inspiring. Are you ever disappointed when you spend money on something that lets you down?
Im 65 and on a fixed income here in the US(Social Security)Ive had experiences like the one you described and its very frustrating. A learning experience but yet I feel bad at having wasted money.
Hi Polly! I can relate. Because I'm very thoughtful with my money, if I purchase something I want it to be worth my money. When I'm let down by my expectations of what I thought it should have been, I remind myself that I only have control over my choices not the product.
Hi Polly, I have a simple recipe for a cake that is easy to make, I slice it and put in the freezer. When I want to treat myself and do it with spending less, I take a slice and wrap it in a bag, I can then have it with my drink at a cafe, if it is self service. It is very understandable to feel that, try not to be hard on yourself and rather be proud of yourself for wanting to be consciencious..then try differently esp. at a different place, you might be pleasantly pleased and then feel you have had a nice part of your daily treat pleasure. Sending Love Lia
I would let the cafe aware of your disappointment so they can improve if they really want your business...
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In today's world, it's a huge challenge to be frugal in this hyper-consumerist society. We are looked down upon, and no one notices us... They don't understand something as basic as, if we want to save the planet and its various cultures and people, we have to reduce consumption to the essentials to live well but without excess. Thank you for your work. 🙏🏼 Big hug from Portugal. 🤗😘🇵🇹
So very true. I was berated by some people on another minimalist page because I stated that I didn't support a major online company she was focusing on and that I prefer to shop fair trade, ecocentric companies that do not ship in plastic. By some of the responses you would have thought I was doing something unforgivable. But I am glad to know that I am not alone in being a global citizen and caring for the well being of others cultures and the planet.
I moved into fifth wheel RV because my rent increased over $400. I paid $9,000 for the 2006 RV. I am parked by the beach. Lot rent is $1,100 utilities included. Storage room $200. Eventually I will save enough for a larger used RV and hope to get rid of the storage space. It is like a fresh start. I have no mortgage with all that interest to be paid.
I recently lost some weight and could no longer wear some of my favorite pants. I saved the budget to buy some pants and was able to stay under my budget and feel like I have some items that will last. I always think of that video you made where you selected your clothes to take in your suitcase. Well that’s how carefully I made my purchases. I care for my clothes and always buy sale items. I have more weight to lose but I will go with the flow and remind myself that right now my health is the most important thing on my current journey. I love how simple my wardrobe has become 😊
What a lovely and pleasant video, Connie. My consumerism consumed my life in my 40s and a bit of 50s, I think, I shopped to compensate for the loss of youth and beauty that I found to be devastating. Not any longer. I have purged tons and tons of stuff. The only good thing about it all there are hundreds of people who are enjoying my stuff around the globe as we kept moving and bringing all the things and buying more and more. But truly, to help our planet to purge we have to stop producing all that junk and it means changing the economy and politics and mindsets of the entire population. I see it in young generations they need the planet back in order to enjoy what we came here for: simple life in synergy with our natural surroundings.
I noticed that your fingers are covered in rings. Perhaps you purchased them before you became so thrifty. I would be happy to sit on the sandy beach of a lake. And listen to the waves crashing. And feel the breezes across my face. I could feel content like that. And then I could pontificate to other people who live in the centre of the city and have not seen a lake for a decade. In my world, I interest myself with some Thrift store shopping. Do not disparage how a person can find some pleasure, even if it is to find a small treasure in a thrift store.
I’m trying to get rid of most of my stuff cause I have a small space and it’s full of stuff.. I’m feeling like it’s stressing me out..I work in retail so that definitely doesn’t help me 🤦🏼♀️
I have been given so much stuff!!! Elderly parents moved, partner has parents who gifted us with so much!!! Losing more than one friend whom blesses with more things...feeling overwhelmed as I'm a frualist!!!
I'm living in my parent's condo by myself now that my dad passed away 2017 and after 8 years of being my mom's live-in caregiver, at age 58.5, I could no longer do it with her frequent falls and my bad back. My parents were hoarders. They hid the hoarding in closets, cabinets and every drawer. I've been slowly downsizing everything over the last 6 years. I'm also donating and discarding my stuff as well. It feels so good with every trip to the donation center. I'm just keeping what I use. With all the decluttering I've done, my life feels less stressful, my moods have improved, I'm less frustrated because I know where everything is, and I don't spend as much time looking for things.
We are in exactly the same boat, our ages, parents, condo and all. Except that my mom wasn't the hoarder...I am! I can't get rid of anything. Moved my stuff in right on top of my mom's one year ago. Have yet to sort through everything but I'm slowly...very slowly... making progress. Thank you for posting. It helped. We've got this. 🙌
Welcome! I'm glad you are here. My husband and I travel full-time. We are currently in Mexico for a month and then we go to Costa Rica to visit our son and his family. Here is a link to the videos that explain the journey. "I sold everything" ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-t3me_Kr4y2s.html "Leaving the USA" ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-3eInt_I0CoU.html
Everything on here (the internet) is about extremes - 'unboxing' videos, people with vast workshop full of OTT DIY machinery, billionaire dream-houses, flash cars ... then we have the opposite extreme (if I may so put it) - minimalism, frugality, off-grid, back to the stone-age .... My own philosophy - well I don't have one, nor do I peddle advice to anyone - my own way, is one of balance - moderation in all things ... common sense. Good old fashioned, unfashionable, not all that clever normality.
I too am grounded in living simply & frugally. But, partly because I am retired with very limited funds & I live in a small spartment with my brother. I only make big purchases when I absolutely must. This year, we had to replace both our 21 year old mattresses with 2 new economy mattresses. The old mattresses were very worn out.
When I travel anywhere I don't want to be burdened with hauling around souvenirs I don't need. I choose a few easy to pack items for family members that I know they will appreciate and enjoy having. For instance, my daughter-in-law does flamenco dancing, so I picked up a beautiful fan for her in a flamenco supply shop on a trip to Barcelona.
I took pictures of treasured items. I took pictures of places I traveled. Just printed what reminded me of the trip and meant the most. Put pics in small flip album. Easy to store.
I was having a hard thought on the unstable economy and its traits, fortunately, I remember I had a college economics teacher who taught me a lesson when I was 19 years old. That lesson was: you can't buy something else for every purchase you make. Having multiple sources of income is prudent, as is living within your means. I have a 10 year old vehicle because it's all I need. I like it, and I can do whatever I want with it. My net worth is $handsome and I can pay my bills without stress, but I don't live like I have that. I have no complaints.
Sure, I agree with you, I recently retired with approximately $1.6million in outside retirement funds, no debt and very few dollars in retirement funds in comparison to my portfolio balance over the last 3years. To be honest, the financial advisors' role can only be ignored, not dismissed. Therefore, do your research to get a reputable one and that should be any individual main route into the market.
Very accurate, it's not really about how much you save. It's about how well you manage your money. Whether you work to earn income or invest, it still boils down to income vs expenses. So, you may look into investment advisors for for a strategy that suits your goals.
Sensible money management, wealth is not about "how much you have" but, how wisely you employ it. Your approach is an example of how we all should be living.
Love the message Connie, so needed. I love shopping but just to look around in a way now. There is nothing that I need either. It's a refreshing perspective for sure, not to just keep consuming more and more and need the next new thing.
I think that the most important to save our environment and ourselves is not only not to buy things, but not to produce all this stuff. It's crazy that people in Asia or on South America are losing their rivers, because we, in western word, need to go shopping.
glad that you have found what works for you. For me living with just my husband away from my home, country and family is taking my greatest riches away from me. After working a lifetime with him we are now at the best time of our lives to be close to our grown children with children and help them out in delightful unexpected ways, and to enjoy our lifetime just big enuf family home and upgrade is extravagantly to fit our lifestyle.... not for show, but fun & healthy lifestyle - pool, pickleball court. I guess to each his own, no one way is right or wrong. While living without clutter is nice, living with less and less and less is definitely not for me
Oh my, was that something you needed to say on someone's channel who is about minimalism? To even mention their lifestyle in that way. you say "to each his own' then completely put their choices down. Grace and manners seems to be something that "is definitely not for you" either.
Her children actually live in different countries all over the world. That's one big reason why she is traveling with her husband. So she can watch their grandbabies grow up and be with her children MORE. Not everyone's children all stay and live in America after they are grown. Yes it's the norm. but in their case it's not.
@@kristyjo5745... I don't understand grown kids living in other countries away from their parents. It's weird to me. Families are meant to be together. At least together they can share experiences and look after each other. My sons and wives are in my city and about 25 and 30 minutes drive away. We text each day and night often in their lunch hours and sometimes late at night (or not if exhausted) and get together regularly about each two weeks if possible. (I am going to stop buying too. I realised my clothes situation is out of control).
The old furniture is so much better made. Modern stuff is put together with particle board n cardboard n staples n pine wood. Cheaply done yet doesnt last. My late wealthy uncle said BUT QUALITY.
I'm trying to be a minimalist myself soon. I'm staying with someone, but as soon as it cools down I'm going to live out of my car. I work 2 jobs and drive Uber/Lyft. So I basically live at work and stay in my car. I eat for free at work so only bills I have are car payments, insurance and cell phone. I'm going to build a huge savings so if I ever need to move on the drop of the hat or anything else I can. Im saving and paying down debt at the same time.
Set your budget live within your means don't buy anything that you don't need if you don't have extra money don't buy anything but if you got money and you can go buy a new car and a new house and take fancy trips and you can spend hundreds of thousands of dollars you're only going to live one time enjoy your life at the level you have if you don't have it you cannot spend it but if you got it and you don't spend it I will be happy to spend it for you
some people live in a very cold climate and don't have a beach to go for a walk so they have to buy a membership to a gym. Some people have needs that don't mirror yours and so need material things that don't allow them to be as frugal. Some people live in an area of the U.S. that is very expensive and don't have the freedom to move as you do.
You do the best you can. We can all make some kind of excuse. I moved into and small RV because of my rent increase. Is it crowded as I downsize, yes. But I will save as much as I can to put away for larger used RV. I never thought of living in an RV but I like the thought of not using so much of my fixed income for rent or being house poor. It sure is an adjustment, but I will survive.
you don't know my or anyone else's financial or personal situation. Good that you were able to do what you did. But again it's presumptuous to assume we can all do the same. It's an oversimplication of embracing this lifestyle successfully and happily.
Do those flowers give you joy? Minimalism is intentionally only purchasing things you need and what enhances your life. Gives you joy. If you have a house of stuff and clutter it’s stressful. Know when to let go and know what makes you happy. Frugality also gives one piece of mind and control. Living below your means is so freeing. Yes that makes us weird to the rest of the world. I am happy being wierd
Hi Cathy, I grow my own cut flowers and I never buy flowers ,, yes, you have the initial outlay of the bulbs, tubers or plants but then every year they get bigger and better year on year ,, if you have some outside space try gladioli, crocosmia, dahlia, echinacea, alstromeria, yarrow which are reliable and come back every year,, I have saved a fortune on funeral wreaths and flowers for family graves, kind regards, Lisa
I love flowers too! There is no right or wrong way to be a minimalist. Before making a purchase ask yourself, "Does this bring me joy? Do I need it? Do I love it? Does it improve my life?" If flowers brighten up your home and mood it may be worth the cost or maybe you could find less expensive flowers that give you the same joy.
Hi, you should do live in a beautiful part of the world. When living in Mexico does your husband work? How long do you stay in one spot at a time do you get to see your children while you were there?
Great video idea! My husband and I both work online wherever we live. We stay in each location one month or longer. We travel to where our children live and spend one or two months near them. Next we go to Costa Rica to help with our grandkids for two months.
If you say: "I'm frugal" => agree ✅; if you say: "I'm EXTREMELY frugal" => disagree ❌. Nevertheless: nice video. Enjoy your (relatively) frugal life in Mexico.
Top vid Connie & hubby. Thanks. 😊 I am still feeling Connie would either make a great President or a compatible collaboration with Marianne Williamson - as the world needs to strive for collective truth/ love consciousness perhaps sooner rather than later. Have a wonderful way! 🙏🤸♀️🌈 ... (just to elaborate on truth/ love consciousness - prescence/ silence/ stillness/ god/ soul/ true self/ 5th dimension/ authentic self/ source/ big me/ nothingness/ awareness/ essence/ guardian angel/ I am that/ love/ illuminon/ self with a capital S/ essential/ emptiness/ big me/ sense of I am/ higher self/ higher sense of self/ beyond expression/ ...) Yippee 🙃 enjoyable inquiry.
Joel and I thank you for the compliment on the video! WOW! President or VP?! I'm definitely underqualified, but thank you for your lovely compliment. happiness & peace my friend
Such an interesting video I too have changed my lifestyle in the last few years don't spend as much as I did than in my 30s & 40s I'm in my 50s now don't buy things that I don't need & try to travel more
Thank you for your videos. What you say and believe, although simple, are so profound! I have started my journey of living minimally. I am starting with getting rid of 50% of everything! It's been an adjustment but I am working through it.
Beautiful! _In the end, only three things matter: how much you loved, how gently you lived, and how gracefully you let go of things not meant for you._ ―Attributed to Siddhartha Gautama (the Buddha) *_Without love and sense of humor there is unhappiness and life is meaningless._* 💕☮🌎🌌
this is me now, extremely frugal. even an item is on sale, I don't want to buy it, because I don't need it. in fact I want to dispose my other stuffs because it suffocated me in my room.
