Why I don't spend money.

So I think it’s no surprise, for those of you who’ve watched my channel for awhile, or who know me in person, that I’m pretty frugal…here’s why I don’t spend money. Enjoy! Add me on Instagram: GPStephan

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The video summer up:
I try to save 100% of my income by ONLY living the extra cashflow my rental properties generate, and it doesn’t matter how much I earn every month.

I’ve adopted this mindset that I live by: I only earn what my money makes me.

It doesn’t matter how much I make every month, I ONLY care about how much THAT money will make me INDEFINITELY if I invest it…and THAT is the amount of money I think I actually earn.

So if I have $100,000 net income in a month…that’s not $100,000, and I don’t have a lifestyle like I’m making $100,000 per month. Because FOR ME, that $100,000 is REALLY worth $300 per month…for the rest of my life. That’s how much $100,000 will buy me in inflation adjusted passive income, without ever worrying about running out of principle.

And when you see that $100,000 equals $300 per month…now you can understand why I’m not out there ballin with over the top luxuries. I can MAYBE increase my lifestyle $300 per month for every month I invest $100,000...but that’s about it.

Now call me pessimistic, or maybe I just have a realistic approach to all of this…but I’m not naive to think that this type of income will last forever. While I would LOVE for it to continue indefinitely, and I have NO intention of ever stopping, and I intend to be at the level of Grant Cardone, Gary Vee, and Dave Ramsey one day…I just realize that things change over time, and nothing will continue on indefinitely.

ESPECIALLY on Social Media, I’ve seen people come and go every few years…it’s just the normal cycle of things. And while I definitely intend to have as much longevity as I possibly can, I realize that just as quickly as my income scaled up - it could go down. Hopefully it doesn’t go down though…

I just really believe it’s smart to PREPARE for these things because life happens, and things outside of your control can and will come up…and then at the same time, focus on how you can continue growing and expanding so that it’ll last as long as it possible can. Cautiously optimistic is a good way to sum this up.

And here’s the thing…at the end of the day, money is really just about giving you OPTIONS. It’s about having the OPTION to pursue what you enjoy the most. It’s about having the OPTION to sleep in if you feel like it. It’s about the OPTION to focus your time on what means the most FOR YOU.

So what DO I spend money on, then, if I’m so frugal?
Well, besides index funds and real estate…which is basically where all my money goes..I spend it on things that really bring me value. Like I found a good deal in Las Vegas for $22 all you can eat sushi…and to me, that’s basically me splurging.

Beyond that…I really don’t need to spend money to make me happy. I like sleeping in, I like doing some light gardening in the backyard when it’s warm out…which is like every day here in Los Angeles, I like hanging out with good friends, I love a good conversation about random stuff, I love having the creativity to make youtube videos. That’s what makes me happy.

And for everyone watching, I guess the main takeaway here is that money’s main purpose is to give you security, and give you the option to pursue what you feel is best!

[JuliaCaban]

"The real enjoyment doesn't come from buying things, it's from having the option to buy things when you want to" - so true!

[markofree]

Flexing for poor people - showing off with spending a lot of money.
Flexing for rich people - showing off with saving a lot of money.

[SpecialgiftsLA]

I can picture you as a grandfather talking over dinner as your grandchildren eyeroll the night away.

[HootHoot]

Gucci clothes end up in the same landfill as walmart clothes.

[MichaelCowann]

This is so refreshing. I am sick to death of these social media Gurus all throwing there fake lifestyle in my face like "Hey your life sucks look how rich i am buy my course and you will be rich to".

[CryptoJebb]

This dude makes $40, 000 a month on his side hustle, and he still clips coupons. Love it.

[GreenredProductions]

This is one amazing video! I live with similar philosophy, I spend money only on stuff that hold value: real estate, physical gold, musical instruments, business growing solutions... Most people are broke because they finance expensive cars that loses half value in 3-4 years.

[eman]

The best splurge in life is living the way you want without having to worry about when your next check is coming

[Danny...]

I did the same thing as you growing up. Now in my mid-40s I'm fairly wealthy. Now I get the avocado LOL. Some advice: we will all be worm food. Enjoy your life a little more. You've made it. Our taste buds get dull as we get older so enjoy the taste of good food today. I regret being so cheap in my 20s and 30s. Time flies and I've missed out on a lot of experiences when I had more energy to enjoy them.

[valentindanielbara]

"The real enjoyment does not come from buying things it's from having the option to buy things if you want to" 👏 sensational quote

[dolafatwings]

"And 10 yrs later, Here I am, in my garage, alone, on a friday, talking to a camera, life is great." cracked me up, clicked on the replay button, over and over again.

[Healthylifelex]

You hit the nail on the head Graham! I thought I was the only one who felt this way. There are certain things that I can now afford but I don’t actually want to purchase them anymore. It feels so strange. I used to be the biggest impulse shopper. I got smart and am paying off my debt quickly.

[TheCreditShifu]

Man I am the opposite, I always pay extra for guac at Chipotle

[jwbbb]

You should do an expense breakdown. That kind of transparency isn't on youtube. Please include your avocado toast budget.

[applehacker]

“I get happiness from the smallest things” 💯 🔥👍

[juniorgomez]

CHALLENGE:
Take someone that lives paycheck to paycheck
And has nothing
And turn them into a success
I’ll be the first one to volunteer

[TTGOz]

Generic brand is actually the main brands in different packaging. Worked at a retail grocery store. They are cheaper because the advertising costs are cut out, less overhead.

Don't ever be afraid to buy generic, it is literally made by main brands who have accounts with Target, Costco etc.

[Imperium_Americanum]

*Graham's Date:* Do you think we can put the top up? My hair is getting messed up, and it's cold.
*Graham:* It's a scooter babe. Gas prices are real. Hold on tight, we're about to hit 40.

[LeojAdrac]

“10 years later here I am in my garage, on a Friday, alone, talking to a camera. Life is good.” Hahahaha! You’re killin’ it though man!

[Handicapable]

When i heard "I get happy from the most simplest things" I was expecting "like getting a like on this video" lol