How Being Frugal Made Me Rich

Frugality is the answer.

Here's what I'm reading:

I have chosen to live a very frugal life being very intentional about how I spend and manage my money. Frugality isn't about not spending money and being cheap, but it is about being intentional with your money and not wasting anything. Choosing to live a frugal life has allowed me to do many positive things in my life that have ultimately have made me live a rich life.

In this video, I share my life story of how frugality has allowed me to live a rich life full of many experiences without money ever holding me back.

Chapter 1: Being Frugal Gave My “Teenage Self” Direction

My teenage years were very difficult as I moved around quite a bit and didn't have much direction in life. I first discovered frugality when I was 16 as I had a dream to travel to Europe once I graduated high school. I used frugality as a tool to save a large sum of money to fund my dream trip. After two years of being frugal and saving money, I was able to go on my trip around Europe. By being frugal during that time in life, it enriched my life and gave me direction.

Chapter 2: Being Frugal Educated Me With No Strings Attached

Once I finished my trip around Europe, I discovered the importance of an education. I wanted to get an education; however, I did not want to take on student loan debt. At 19, I started to use frugality as my weapon to be able to pay for college tuition as it came. I took the frugal route and focused on saving money throughout college, which allowed me to graduate without student loan debt. By being frugal throughout college, it allowed me to get an education with no strings attached.

Chapter 3: Oh Yeah, In The Meantime I Traveled To 35 Countries

Many people might thing that being frugal isn't enough to afford to pay for college without taking on student loan debt; however, because I was frugal, I also saved money to travel the world during summer break in college. I worked at minimum wage jobs and saved money, which allowed me to travel to about 35 countries in a period of five years. By being frugal, it gave me life experiences that nobody can take away from me.

Chapter 4: And With No Financial Burdens, I Moved Abroad

The beauty of living a frugal life and paying for things as they come is that you do not have any financial burdens holding you back. You are able to live life as you wish. Since I did not take on any student loan debt or other types of debt, I didn't have to rush into making money after college and I moved abroad. By previously being frugal, I was allowed to seek the life I wanted and gain priceless life experiences.

Chapter 5: Being Frugal Has Given Me The Strength And Courage To Pave My Own Path In Life

Choosing to life a frugal life has allowed me to do many things. It has allowed me to view money as a tool, instead of fear money. Being frugal has given me the strength and courage to pursue the life I want and not let money hold me back. I continue to live a frugal life as I know it will keep enriching my life and give me wonderful experiences.

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[danielp]

Hey Austin, I sold my truck because I heard in one of your videos “you’re not hauling anything “. Thank you, thank you, thank you. Now I drive a paid off 2003 Toyota Corolla but I’m debt free!!!! This feeling is amazing 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏

[poolboyinla]

I am the most frugal person I know and have been to many countries but the most fulfilling thing I have ever done is become a father.

[marep]

You weren’t privileged. You were determined, hardworking, and laser focused on what you wanted to do with your life. Kudos to you.

[Denise_Cocoa]

Wish I had learned this 15 years ago. But I’m starting my frugality journey now!

[AnnMitt]

My son attended community college and then transferred to a local 4 year college, all while working at a part-time job. He'll graduate debt free December 2023. However, during the first two years, he was harassed, bullied, and made fun of by his HS "friends" who went away to big universities. As a parent, that was gut-wrenching to watch. He actually lost friendship over attending a community college.

[Mr-S.C.]

Remember that frugality is the direct opposite of what society wants you to be. So it takes focus and discipline to be frugal because life wants you to be wasteful and reckless. In fact, the economy depends on everyone being loose with their cash.. don't be the majority.

[costumej]

Frugality also forces a person to be more creative. It's easy to see something and just buy it. But I enjoy seeing something I like and think" can I make that?" Or can I buy it second hand? Or maybe it's worth saving up for. I make my own clothes, curtains, bedspreads, I can re- upholster old furniture and generally try to make presents for people. I forage for wild fruits and make jams and chutney etc. I steal from skips and repaint furniture people throw out. I am loving your frugal tips! Keep it up Austin!

[judyduncan]

Your take on life and frugality is so refreshing. Many podcasts etc focus on making tons of money, including working "side hustles, in hopes of becoming millionaires. I just want to live a simple and fulfilling life, doing the things I live, while taking care of the money I have.

[giagallo]

This is true you can go to college and pay cash and after you graduate be debt free. Single mom of two boys and a mortgage. I paid for my associates cash at my community college. I used my free time to study. Now I’m attending a university for my bachelors paying cash. Still using my free time to study. Some of my family members and friends say couldn’t live my type of life. But simple life style has helped me survive when I was a single mom. Now empty nest I’m still being frugal for my retirement. 🙌🏻🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[healthiswealth]

Been watching all your videos today, very inspiring to stop wasting money on pointless purchases, and start saving as much as I can,

[katherinepace]

Thanks, Austin! Being frugal gives you the wealth of having choices. We have raised our kids to be frugal, and they have thanked us as adults that they don't have student loans and car payments as they start their adult lives!

[cintianascimento]

I learned about frugality from my grandmother. She was also a great environmentalist without realizing it because she never waisted anything. She reused margarine and yougourt containers instead of keeping buying expensive plastic food containers at the time.

[pamanderson]

I wish this video could be shown in all high schools.

[tholm]

Frugality has shown me that I really need or even want very little. It has helped me find so much clarity and JOY in being selective and intentional about the things I bring into my life. I’m so much happier and feel a great deal of freedom in this way of living. Austin you are an inspiration to us all!

[gailtester]

Thanks Austin. I am going to share this video with my three teenage grandkids. I found frugality later in life. To find it as a teenager, like you did, is exciting to think about! You ARE crushing it and inspiring people of all ages! Keep up the good work!

[RP]

I love being frugal. I've been frugal my whole life and it has paid off in dividends and saved me from buying things that would be in the garbage heap right now.

[danicegewiss]

Americans are rich in so many ways compared with other cultures. I have friends who visited parts of Mexico where they don't eat unless they find something. Their clothes are barely classified as such. As Americans we poorly handle our money and end up broke. I remember going to Virginia for a 4th of July festival and paying my mom's way. She and I went home by touring. It ended up being a lovely trip. I saved for that trip. My husband and I took that trip after we got married. This country offers so many incredible places we've seen. My mother insisted on going with me. I'm glad she did. Frugality allows me to carry a $35 designer purse. I bought it online. My parents were extremely frugal. We sit in a home that's close to be paid off, no credit card debt, no car payments, 3 pets (dog, cats) and full bellies daily. I won't tell you what we're worth, but we're comfortable. I look forward to hearing your nuggets of wisdom. We're were to Canada once. It was an interesting learning experience. 90 on the speed limit sign isn't quite as fast as that sounds.

[AnnMitt]

Excellent video, Austin. The power of living a frugal life is underrated.
💪🏽

[dorahmulinge]

Your story has encouraged me big time. I strive to live Frugal, simple and make memories

[georgiaanderson]

I would rather have a passport full of stamps VS a house full of stuff ! ❤️