Why I Quit Frugal Living 

To me, being frugal doesn't mean that you don't buy anything. It means not spending money on things that don't matter to you so that you can spend money on things that do. Appreciated the message of this video.

There needs to be a balance. I had friends diagnosed with cancer, or with long covid and chronic fatigue, I've seen people losing their husbands way too early... So sure, we save money and we don't waste them on expensive clothes or useless stuff, but I will take that nice vacation, and I will have professional family pictures taken, because tomorrow is not guaranteed

I had an elderly relative who was so frugal he denied himself simple pleasures like the *slightly* more expensive (but still cheap) kind of fruit he preferred despite having ample financial security (no mortgage and multiple income streams including rental property income). I was glad to hear he indulged a tiny bit in the weeks before his unexpected death (maybe somehow he knew?), but it breaks my heart that his whole life was clouded by his fear of not having enough. : - ( Balance is important.

I love being frugal. Growing up very poor made me appreciate what I have as an adult, especially as a single mom. It is ingrained.

I had a similar journey, I'm still frugal on larger purchases and tend to look at reviews for most things I buy online. I was spending 2-3 hours every week mowing my lawn and would have bad allergies the day after, I hired a lawn guy and it saved me time and allowed me to be more productive the following day.

tip for those entering the 'retirement zone' and used to being frugal .. what they don't tell you in the retirement planning workshops is how to make the mental transition from saving to spending .. all those years of watching your spending to now having to spend what you saved is a daunting change and you need to know how best to meet the challenge .. 7 years in and i'm still working on it ....

I’ve always had the philosophy of I can get more money but I can’t get more time. I am all about paying others to do things that would take me a lot of time.

This resonates with me, as I've been shifting away from being so frugal too. It's not as easy as it sounds

Lol she’s going to get the gifts next time! 😍🙌🏽

Here’s the thing, you HAVE to have TWO incomes with your essential LIVING expenses (like shelter, transportation, food and internet) LESS than ONE of those incomes. Frugal is wonderful but if you are single or have a super reduced income to start OR you are disabled and can only work ONE job (some people can’t work and build a business) then it is a lot harder. It’s doable absolutely! But super hard and you have to get super creative. It’s EASIER to save money when there’s TWO incomes and either no kids or just one or two. AND everyone is physically and mentally healthy. No one talks about that and we should. All the frugality in the world won’t help a person in a $13 an hour job, period. If you can get your shelter, food, transportation and internet for cheap or free then you are on your way. But otherwise, let’s stop pretending that “just not eating out” will make you rich (sure it can help). Otherwise wonderful video!

So glad you are balancing frugality with blessing yourself, your family, and others. Enjoyed your video.

I do value my time, but I could die tomorrow so I tend to spend because I want to enjoy my life now. However, I am starting to save more. 😊

Love your channel. I have been frugal all my life and I love it. I hate giving money to someone or something when I can keep it and save it or get something else. Thank you for a great channel.

I been following for a while and this has to be my favorite video you ever made. Thank you for talking about making realistic choices that match needs. Every family is different, it's not about being frugal and depriving, but it is a mindset like you said and that is something that has to be practiced continuously. If someone is working hard on rewiring their brain for better choices after a lifetime of bad decisions, once they get to good financial spot, it is so easy to fall back into bad habits. You have to keep practicing. It's just like sobriety.

Thrift stores are awesome. Got a $12 coat. I’ve had it now about 10 years Great coat

Love to see this topic on your channel, Gabe!

I appreciate your growth. Celebrate you bro!

I brainwashed myself into only buying what i need since a couple of years ago. I did save alot of money and it made get anxiety when wanting to spend it. It took awhile for me to be ok with buying things i wanted obviously within reason but im past it now and i enjoy life a little more thankfully

Thanks for touching on this topic!

I am having a negative net worth right now at age 28 and right in the middle of turning that around. Your content helps me very much at the moment to overcome this phase. Thanks so much for your good work, Gabe!

I am overall pretty frugal and agree that it is good to be generous. We live where we get a ton of snow (Donner Summit, CA). We've had 600 inches this year, with 80 inches more expected this week. Just tipped my driveway snow plow guy $100 who has been working day and night for the last 2 months to keep us cleared, and tipped the UPS guy $40 (whom I rely on for packages because I have a home based retail business). It felt good to let them know how much I appreciate them. And my husband likes having a hot tub, which I think is super wasteful money and energy-wise that he only used about every week. It recently broke and I think he's not going to replace it, so I am happy.

Thanks for your content, it’s really good!

I have died to myself and want nothing. My problem is I like to give. It makes me happy and I give too much many times.

A ‘low price pay twice’ video would be interesting. I always find the initial expense of better quality is most of the time cheaper in the long run.

Excellent video. I love it when it's real content and you share your own experiences. I believe Gabe, the time will come when you're way beyond FIRE. But your head's in such a good place now, it just seems to me you'll always be grounded and live a great life.

Thank you, Gabe, for this video. I know it's been out for awhile, but I only got to see it now. I have been trying to figure out how to balance budgets and hearing you has been inspiring. Hope you get your Tesla this year!

Truly enjoyed this video and it has got me thinking too about frugality. Thanks Gabe.

I also love being frugal. At our grocery it is actually less expensive to pick up groceries!! 😮 I also joined up with Mint when they were doing the buy 3 months get 3 months free!! LOVE finding ways to save money. Only pay for things that really matter. Appreciate the things I already have!! My dad was my best teacher of being frugal. 😁

Great personal information, thanks for sharing.

Great video! Thank you 🙏🏾💯

Amazing and inspiring super thanks for these great realistic approaches to understand the concept of money and living a happy life 😊 Always inspired after watching your video.

Great video and message.

Your editing is amazing! Love the content

My Wedding was at my husband’s home. Dress was borrowed from an older woman who kept hers for years. Ring 10.00 at a pawn shop and a notary of the public was dirt cheap.

I really enjoy your content thank you for sharing!!

Great message. I think balance and purpose are keys to good living. Frugal for the sake of being frugal - - or frugal to accomplish a goal, to prepare for the future, to be able to accomplish philanthropy, to live responsibly in this world, to avoid waste...

This is a really cool video, seeing you make good and creative decisions. I get some good clues from you for living better on less. I think this shift of spending mindset means you are getting to a new age and stage of your life....and seeing the payoff for frugal living and smart sacrifices in the past.

Inspiring video You're are speaking my lingo!

I get it, Gabe. Sometimes we go too far with frugality. I have been guilty of that! However, the older I get, the less I need or want. (Pushing 75 big ones) I thoroughly appreciate what you and your wife have accomplished.....this early in your life. I find making things work, being creative in our lifestyles and enjoying each day.....cannot be measured in dollars. Keep up the good work.

Sounds like living in such misery, has lead to a point where you feel guilty buying a drink and you need people's approval to justify spending $10. Frugality needs balance otherwise you end up in the headlines "They found millions in cash stuffed in the mattress of a poor old person who died of starvation".

I started in February once a month shopping at the food store. I make a list of ingredients I need to prepare meals for the month. Plus it saves me gas money and time. I also joined fetch it’s an app on my phone you take a picture of all your receipts they give you points when you have enough points you turn them in for gift cards. I’ve been saving my points for Amazon gift cards and then use them for Christmas presents for my kids. Thanks for the video 😊

Awesome video! I recently discovered online grocery delivery & I love it. I save a lot & don’t buy things I don’t need. I enjoy your content & have added your podcast.

Although I can’t deny I panicked a little when I first saw the title of the video however it makes sense and was a great video as always - here’s to living life a little more often @gabe 🍻

Brilliant as always! Love the Time is money idea

Love these videos. I have been trying to simplify my life a bit and the tips are helpful. I agree completely that living a simpler life is NOT just being a tightwad. I'm sure my kids think I an a spendthrift because I now pay other people to do things that I CAN do, but I value my free time at a higher rate than they charge.

Fantastic video Gabe.

You are AMAZING! Love you content

Thank you! I'm no longer gunna deprive myself this month!! Lol. Love from the Philippines! Btw, I always love your curly hair!

Good for you, both. Living experiences are so important. You never know what the future holds. Years ago, my sisters and I started sister trips. No spouse or kids allowed. Epic travel trips domestic/international via planes, trains, cruises, etc. Little did we know one of us would get cancer years down the road and pass. We have all those lovely experiences that we cherish each day. Be frugal but spend wisely/thoughtful. Thanks for sharing.

Frugality and minimalism is a sliding scale. It isn't one-size-fits-all.

Ironically I am looking at how and who I can work with to buy back my time. As I am developing my businesses I am looking to build a group of people that will accomplish tasks. Good tips BTW and thank you. ❤

Great video from you Gabe!!! You've always been impacting knowledge on the younger generations and I pray God keeps blessing you... I remember months ago when I joined your channel and watched a video where you spoke about your confidant on Virginnia maywynne, a financial consultant who has been a fundamental part of your journey, I am happy I reached out to her like you suggested, her one on one sessions on Financial Planning and wealth management has really made me better. Copying her daily course of action has helped me avoid mistakes as I've recently purchased my first house few weeks ago. Thank you so much I also feel you should make more videos like that, it will help people know the right person to use to get a better one on one experience when the youtube videos are not enough to avoid getting scammed, make wrong moves and make better yields.

I've been trying to live in a more frugal way, but the two things I won't skimp on are things for my pets and organic food. But on other things I'm willing to save money. Everyone chooses what's important to them.

Good stuff! One thing we spent money on when our two kids were growing up (in the 2000s) was Good Shoes. My husband’s family was very frugal about shoes and he grew up wearing cheap and/or secondhand shoes for far too long, and he developed problems with his toes and feet that are with him for life. He insisted that I buy our kids new, good quality shoes - not a lot of them, but what they genuinely needed - as they grew rapidly. They are now adults with healthy, strong feet and toes. Worth it!

I heard you say "I have very few skills". But I have seen you building houses and working with wood, and being crafty and handy. Don't say that about yourself. I can see you have more merit than you give credit yourself for. Have a nice day, man! 😁 Love your videos!

There's a difference between being frugal and being cheap or a miser

I particularly agree with your point about valuing one's own time to the point of actually hiring services/help for things that free you up to do what you do best. I've long since observed a genuine truth in life -- you pay with money or you pay with time. For much of my work life, time was a very precious commodity so we'd pay to, for example, have a deck put on; I can sink footers, run a saw and swing a hammer but even a straight forward project would take me two years to do -- two years of not enjoying that deck nor much else!

genious, one of the best videos about frugal life and minimalism !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 👏👏👏👏👏👏

Great Video!

Beautiful Family . Beautiful Home!

Awesome video. Where I live the housing market is still into the millions for just a small family home so we have had to move back home to save for the future. Small sacrifices now for something greater to come.

oh man, that's what we've been triyng to do too! We were SO SO Frugal as well, and now it's like...we CAN say yes, saying yes is still hard haha

I grew up poor but never knew food pantries. There is frugal and there is self debting. Frugal is buying underwear at discount stores, self debting is getting another year out of wearing them. Eating frugal is frugal, skipping meals to save a dime is self debting. If it is something you truly need, want and are willing to give up somewhere else it is adding to life. If it really would give you quality of life or an essential but you deny it it is self debting.

Your videos are amazing! Of late, I have been able to track my spending and have saved my money lately. Cooking Dinner every day has also helped me out financially and have been grocery shopping once a week every Friday.

Great video! For me, being frugal got boring. I loved buying picture frames and enjoying family photos. Having extra blankets is great because I keep my furnace temp super low. I have always wondered if "sharing" subscriptions is kinda like theft?

Great video! You and your family will always do well because of your mindset.

You have helped me tremendously in the last few months. From the book reviews to the ideas on saving money. I now live with a more concentrated focus on financial affairs. Thanks Brother..! Great work..!!!

Yeah, live a little, you deserve it!

I guess my problem after seven decades on this planet, is that I realize that by looking at everything in life as a monetary transaction has the potential for seriously damaging relationships. Just sayin’.

Many times I can buy things on clearance and often with coupons cheaper than the thrift store!

I agree with you it’s a hard balance to go from frugal living to giving. I just tell myself exactly what you did, it’s a blessing to give. I just make sure our home is blessed and then can bless others. Loved the content and can totally relate! Oh my word, totally loving that pizza oven! Meredith got ya a great gift! 🙌

I love Mint Mobile! It truely is NO different than the big box cell carriers. $1,200 a year to $240, yesssss please.

This video was relaxing. It literally put me to sleep.

Frugal living shouldn't be a reduction in standard of living, but making smart focused choices to maximise happiness from each $ or £. The worse thing would be a stingy mindset which like a runner at one pace is difficult to change as you are conditioned with guilt and remorse

Hey Gabe! Would you be interested in sharing your GF pizza crust recipe? I have Celiacs and am always looking out for a new pizza crust. Like you, we have 97% of our meals at home so it would be nice to try a new crust. Thanks! Love your channel!

The sad part about this is the wonderful experiences you have deprived yourself and your family because of fears you developed as a child. And, believe me when I say, you will be old before you know it. Enjoy your wealth while you have your health, it won't last nearly as long as you think it will.

The reason I normally spend more on items is: 1: Enjoyment. I like having nicer stuff. 2: Lifespan. Usually better stuff lasts longer, and has a lower cost per use as you say. 3: Resale value. This is worth considering. If you can use something for 3 years, and sell it for 40% of what you paid your cost per use drops further. 4: Hand me downs. If I decide not to sell something, at least I can give it away to a friend, family member, or donate it instead of throwing it out.

It's cool to see you guys achieving your goals and moving on to a new phase of goals, while building on the principles for success that have gotten you this far.

Balance is a good thing. You can enjoy yourself just don't put yourself in a place you have go do some extreme digging to get out of. Love your channel by the way 😉

I love this dude 😎

I love the production value of your videos in addition to the content and your delivery style. I have those same frugal struggles with not being stingy with myself and others. Thanks for the video!

great video, also be careful because if you'r frugal and start spending money you could start being addicted to spending and ending up pretty bad, put limits (20% of X income) put goals into it, but also keep being frugal, so you won't get addicted on spending.

I always enjoy your videos and your different view points when it comes to things.

Oh man. I would love to have a hot tub. That would be hard to let go, especially after living through COVID. Too fun to have that in the backyard.

Frugality only makes sense when you don't have enough. If you have enough, you've earned the right to not be frugal. Also, it can get the point where you're saving pennies and in the process losing out on dollars.

Sounds like you are finding a happy balance. You deserve it as you've really put in the work and you have a family.

I just subscribed to your channel to help you get the MX. But please don’t underestimate that car, it has many features that will give you peace of mind, especially when somebody scratching your car when you park and charge it, but your Sentry records everything and the repair costs being paid by the other party. Also, if you get it, please make the Falcon doors dancing, it’s just so much fun 😂

I’m convinced mint mobile is the flagship for minimalists..I’ve been on it since 2018

Love the video man and hmmm yea I really need to learn how to cut my own hair.

Yes the pursuit! The chase, that's where it's at.

I think all minimalist face that struggle . It’s so hard for me to spend but I have to remember to live.

I been through that phase. Some things you'll spend more for quality; like tools. Other things youll continue to probably be cheap with it; like a toothbrush. To each is own.

I have to be frugal and I hate it

I really love your videos, you always give great insights. I am striving to be more frugal and i am slowly getting there. A big point of improvement i am working on is to cut down our familys grocery bill, i find the videos on your diet and meal ideas very helpful. I would highly appreciate more frugal meal inspirations. All the best to you and your family from france❤

Both my husband and I are frugal. We have two children. One is frugal the other buys every shiny object placed in his path. I often wonder if we could have steered him any differently. My other thought, check your insurance policies, perhaps lower the premiums by raising the deductible? Put the deductible amount in an interest-bearing account. You'll have the deductible amount if you ever need it and you'll be earning some interest on your money.

HI, Gabe. I have been watching some of your RU-vid-content lately and got to the point where your goal is a Tesla. Go for it! Juste subscribed to help you. There are other nice electric cars out there, but I love your idea tu be frugal and have some objectives. Il work for MOVE public charging here in Switzerland. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and being authentic. 😊

I’ve always been frugal, which to me means spending my money wisely and not being wasteful. I simply don’t enjoy luxuries. I’m a simple man and if given the choice between living in a cozy old studio cottage or a luxurious mansion, I’d choose the cottage. That’s why when I moved to the Philippines, I was able to live on very little. A lot of guys move here and claim they spend thousands here every month. That’s absurd to me. I’ve lived here on as little as $200 a month. I only spend more now because I like using my extra savings to hire someone who needs a job. Because pay is so low here, I’m able to give someone a job, and that makes me happy. Happier than living in needless luxury. I treat myself to nice things, it’s just not constant. It’s when one is constantly spending money on needless purchases or carelessly spending more than necessary for things that they’re no longer living frugally. Like driving three new luxury cars, renting the most expensive apartment, and going to Whole Foods everyday and ordering premade meals. That’s definitely not frugal. It’s borderline insanity. 😂

This is a conundrum for many of us - we want to be more mindful with our money but it is too easy to become cheap. I always try to look for cheaper options but sometimes I have to ask myself if I actually like the thing because it’s not he cheapest one or should I buy the more expensive thing which is what I really like. I say it’s about balance - if you always buy cheap you will be left unsatisfied but you should always ask yourself if you really need it in the first place

Share your sourdough pizza crust recipe!! I’m gluten free and I miss a good pizza crust! I’m just starting to learn how to make sourdough! Have any starter you want to send my way??

I had a friend who used to say. It's easy to Spend, hard to o Save. I said you should try living by, Need vs want! Eventually he saved a deposit and bought an Apartment! He always thanked me for giving him that pep talk!!