How to Stop Spending and Start Saving Money

If you're ready to break bad spending habits (and begin saving money, instead), you're in the right place. In this video, we will share what we did to switch from a spending-focused mindset to a saving-oriented one - and, the good news is, we saw nearly instant results in our greatly- improved bank account.

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We're Hope and Larry and we love practical frugality. We raised our four sons, debt-free, including paying cash for our home when our income was well under the national average. For tips on saving money, budgeting, paying off debt, and setting goals (while living with a spirit of joy and abundance), subscribe to us here on YouTube and visit us at our website and on social media.

Information on Under the Median represents our opinions only. We are not medical doctors, medical professionals, nutritionists, or investment professionals. All content found on Under the Median is intended for informational purposes only. Please be sure to exercise due diligence and always contact a professional with any questions you may have regarding any information you have seen or heard on our YouTube channel. Use caution when following instructions in this video. The creator and publisher of this video will not be held responsible for any adverse effects that may arise from the use of any method on this channel.

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[OurRetireEarlyJourney]

We felt out of control for so long, now we own our own existence! Budgeting is liberating. 😊

[bellen]

We are in our late 70s and have come to realize we do not want to leave our adult out of state kids with the task of distributing our estate. So, we have decided to do a "no spend" life. If we don't absolutely need it, we don't buy it. It's a use it up, make it do or do without system. We'd much prefer to leave the kids money than stuff. We are setting up accounts with our Credit Union for the grandkids with a dollar amount in mind, and we are finding it easy to budget for it and will realize the goal within a couple of years.

[wallye]

Luv this channel. Even at 60 + it is refreshing to c others with same mindset. I’m not perfect but I am making changes for good.

[sallyprzybil]

I’m coming off a period of spending. Bought a house, moved to a different state, bought a few pieces of furniture, had some extra charges to set up the utilities in the new area, costs related to ending the utilities in the old area and had to replace some of the things the movers broke. I had budgeted for most of these things but some cost more than I’d planned. It’s going to take me 3 to 6 months to re arrange my budget to accommodate the new ( lowered) cost of utilities, etc. I have a list of New House Projects that I want to complete over the new few months, none very expensive, but I’m adding a couple to each months expenses. So they will gradually get done. So my big entertainment right now is loving my new house and just enjoying being here.

[suzettecooper]

Really enjoy your content. Your inspiration has made me have a written budget. I collect and read my receipts and find my spending mistakes.
I can now resist impulse spending.
I'm on the aged pension and saving approx $500 monthly. Thankyou from Australia

[sheilafreisthler]

Local county fairs are starting in my area. Most of them have a day that senior citizens are able to attend for free. We also have free concerts on the court square in my town. They are always fun to attend.
In September there will be a Civil War reenactment at our city park. History buffs love it!

[truthseeker]

Having and following a budget is truly key! I remember when I was in debt- it was so easy to keep spending money I didn't have! Working hard to get out of debt truly changes future behavior!

[rochellethundercloud]

If you are not tracking your spending, you can't budget.. because you guess at what you spend, not what you actually do spend
Plus, you have to see any budget leaks

[marymanning]

I worked out it was costing me £5k a year to go to work at a company were I wasn’t happy.
So I figured I could get a job closer to home for £5k less, which did. Saved money, time and I was happier.

[lemonteapot]

For the first time this year when we went on holiday to Greece it wasn’t on credit, all paid upfront. And I budgeted over several months for the added expenses too - train to and from the airport, spending money at the airport and on the plane and holiday spending. It was the best feeling thinking that the money was there saved specially to enjoy, without getting me into debt. Budgeting is NOT boring it’s AWESOME

[strlslvr]

Yes! We have been working on stopping the habit of window shopping for entertainment

[jbalconi]

The looking forward is a great tip. My cousin has been having contractors giving her estimates on all sorts of home improvements. She's been saving for six years to pay for them.

It was PRIORITIZING, which is right up your alley!

The sidewalk was tilting towards the house, which could lead to water damage. So that was #1. The other jobs were prioritized according to the typical life expectancy of the materials; for example, the roof. After looking up the typical prices for those jobs, my cousin started saving towards the higher estimates.

I'm doing the same thing with my paid-off car. I asked the dealership to let me know about used cars similar to mine. Although I have no intention to buy right now, I will have a good goal.

[themasseyhomestead]

That's a good idea putting the days when I can eat out actually on my calendar for specific dates. My office is right next to a restaurant and it makes it super easy to run over there and eat.

[StartUpThree]

Such great information! I always learn something new that I can apply. Thanks for sharing.

[terryhenderson]

There have been age long jokes, newspaper comics, and now social media funnies related to: If you saved so much money on that 50% (or other) sale, where is that money in your pocket?

The bottom line is that if you spend money, you may not spend as much money to buy items on these sales but you have still spent money. There is no true savings until you have the 50% "savings" still in your pocket. And, if you do actually have that 50% savings in your pocket, there is no savings in the budget at whole until that money is removed from the spending stream.

[JustOnePageAway]

Your channel is beyond encouraging. Thank you so much for all your tips and advice over the years.

[jdqwomo]

Great information. I will now ask for all my daily receipts and in the evening write them down on sheets of large paper with a staple

[sophiafelmingham]

Hi Hope and Larry, thank you for all the work you put into your videos. I am learning so much. I always did a stocktake and menu plan but it never really worked for me as we would eat leftovers so some of the planned food would get near its expiration date and Im ashamed to say sometimes past it. I had to throw out a raw chicken once so it died for nothing 😔 so I decided to make a change. Ive been watching your videos a lot and your prioritised perishables idea is a real game changer for me. We aren't wasting food now! Thank you thank you! I love to watch all your food videos and learn about vegan food. I only buy 1-2lb of meat per week for my family of 3 adults and a teen, and stretch it with veg and lentils. We do eat cheese and eggs I'm trying to learn more vegan recipes to step away from meat more, slowly, in a way that the family don't really notice lol. My husband doesn't tolerate beans very well, which is annoying, but chickpeas and lentils are ok. I'd love to see a video about protein sources and making complete proteins from non meat sources so I can broaden my repertoire. I saw your video about fake bbq spam and I'm going to try that as a meat substitute and would be grateful for any other fake meat ideas to ease the transition for a semi-reluctant family 🙏 Sending blessings to you and your family, from Kent in England

[rochellethundercloud]

Ask yourself why?
Why do I have to buy the latest trends?
Why do I need all that clutter and debt?
Who am I trying to impress?
Do they really care what I have?
Would they take me in if I became homeless?
Do they pay any of my bills?

[robindouglas]

You two are so informative on all your videos. I shared it with my granddaughter. Our young adults need any tips for sure. Thank you for great advice!!! God Bless You 🙏😊❤