8 Countercultural Decisions to Find Financial Freedom

These tips are both bold and unusual, and may not be a fit for everyone, but if you feel like you've tried everything to get out of debt or save money, consider these 8 off-the-beaten-path ideas to reach your goals.

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[GerardoRossete]

Planning ahead can really minimize taxes! I’ve made a smart reinvestments, especially with some great guidance from a pro for a half year now, and it’s been a game changer. I was able to reinvest my RMD strategically, and I’m now pulling in about $25k a week, despite doing very little trading myself. It’s a nice cushion against financial stress. Best of luck with your RMD decisions!

[TylerG]

I agree with most of your points, except the one about never retiring. Absolutely not. I am nearing 60. I’ve been working since 17 years old (except during college) and I can’t wait to retire, and I will do guilt free. I am an ER doctor. I’ve worked the last 20 years in an incredibly stressful job, always with the threat of a lawsuit if I make any mistake, or even if I don’t! I work days, nights, holidays, birthdays, anniversaries, etc. I have saved countless lives. But I cannot do this “until I’m 99” as your grandfather put it. I have contributed to society. I can’t wait to say, “I’m done”. It’s my turn now to relax and enjoy the fruits of my hard work. If you choose to work until you drop, be my guest. More power to you.

[kh]

I really like your video format: No needless stock video footage, no extra sound effects or background music. 95% of the time in videos, it's just clutter. I like your clean, straightforward approach.

I think adding text of the 8 topics to the bottom of the screen while you're discussing would be helpful, but otherwise, I would not change a thing.

[rainncorbin]

I bought a small house that was a foreclosure and got it for $60k. I only pay cash for cars. Bought my current one for $800. Because i live this way, when i ended up in a wheelchair, I was still able to afford my mortgage payments. I don't drink either and don't buy alcohol. I may be in a wheelchair but i do all the work around the house and the yard and i taught myself to paint so i could sell my paintings and make extra money. It worked!!
I pay with cash. I don't have any credit cards.
Yeah, giving away. I'm currently working on a series of paintings that I will sell at the animal shelter and the profits go to the shelter.
I loved accounting in college. I do the finances and I'm the spender. I don't compulsively shop. I track every dollar. Great video. Guess I'm doing well managing my money.

[SusanL-dslc]

My favorites : 1) Live below your means.
2) Don't drink alcohol. Great life choices all around - for health and finances.
I am retired from a paid job. I have created a daily schedule where I can do good. Nice talk :)

[vikieierdam]

I love all of these. Thank you so much. My husband and I paid off our first and only house in 9.5 years. We celebrate 29 years in it this November. Fighting against the culture and defining contentment early pays dividends for life.

[mikegathercole]

I can't wait to retire. I am so burned out on hustle culture, Protestant work ethic. I wore out my body from 40 years of construction. You guys do it. I'll play my guitar now.

[marjoriehall]

Great content. I don't agree with the "never retire" philosophy. We can be useful to others outside of traditional work, as I'm sure you're aware. Having savings to live on for retirement gives us the freedom to volunteer and find other ways to be useful to others. That said, all the points you raise are excellent.

[valeriehowden]

We moved 10 years ago to an older neighborhood. We got the same sized house, bigger yard for a garden, less taxes, was closer to work + all of our recreational activities in addition to costing less. Downsized our mortgage, saved on gas, and was more suitable for walking and cycling for day to day activities. Made sense to own 1 vehicle, too. Zero debt.

[ritabutler]

I have one last car payment in September. I paid it off ahead of schedule.

[sallyprzybil]

I disagree about working till you die….im retired….but raising my young grandson….hes high functioning autistic and has a hard time keeping up with school….so my evenings are spent doing a ‘homeschool’ time supplemental reinforcing the things he learns at school and helping him keep up with reading, math and spelling…..during the daytime I spend some time studying birds, ornithology, and piano….i do not ‘get paid’ for these activities but. Finally, after retiring from a grueling job I have time and energy to do, study, learn the things I love….yes, retirement is a very good thing!

[Meinvt]

I also disagree with never retire. I am retired, in my early 60s, and now am able to contribute to my family and community more than I ever was able to when working. Stay involved, but if you are financially able to stop working for money there are many many needs for volunteer work.

[janethunt]

Alcohol has been the source of much grief and sadness in my upbringing. The decision to not drink is like a decision to wear a seatbelt. It can save you from a lot of physical and mental damage, even your life.

[MendeMaria-ejbf]

It would be great if the millionaires and billionaires would spend 10 % of their financial resources instead of buying elections and politicians. Thank you for your thoughts and reflections. ❤

[janellesanders]

My family switched banks to one that is small and local. Yesterday, I asked them if they have a credit card option...my adult sons each want one to make gas purchases to pay off each month in order to build up a credit score so that they can rent an apartment. The bank told me that they use to have a credit card but they noticed that people were going into credit card debt so they discontinued them. What a breath of fresh air. Their moto is "live life wisely."

[derekhines]

All of these are great. I’d add stay healthy and out of the sick care system. Ditch processed foods and eat a whole food diet; meat, some veggies and tubers if you want and fruit if you’re metabolically healthy. Add in moderate exercise. That’ll help with the don’t retire part.

[gtakween]

Put the spender in charge???? Did this and after his sudden death, found out he had blown through the savings AND left $50, 000 in credit card debt. He had maxed out his 3 credit cards but no monthly bills ever made it into the house. He had been secretly grabbing them and barely paying minimum. Why didn't I intervene? Vision loss kept from actually seeing just about anything and fighting cancer. Several surgeries later, I used a surprise insurance policy to pay off his debts and vehicle. Pay via debit only to help with record keeping. I'm retired, live off what I get from govt and my reduced portion of his pension. This month (Aug.) my bookkeeping shows that I've saved $2, 800.

[tomf]

You know Joshua…I always watch your videos and agree mostly, but your retirement comments are flat out silly. I worked construction for 40 yrs and am now living on Cape Cod w/ a hefty nest egg, never having to trade time for money. You want to go off and waste your time(which isn’t replaceable) working til your 99, GOOD LUCK. I’m going fishing.

[andrewellis]

WOW Joshua - just love every word. THANK you. My wife & I worked right up to our 75th year - & we just sold our home & moved into a small condo. It feels cozy & we are thankful we can rest in the Lord. But we plan to volunteer now. WE feel ready to work for others.

[jeanmariemclain]

These are all excellent suggestions. Most of us have no idea of anyone else’s financial condition. When we see people with fine houses, nice cars, memorable vacations, etc., we “assume” they have enough money to afford these things. According to the statistics you cite, this is rarely true. Most of these people must be drowning in debt. They need to hear your message. Thank you.