Why I'm So FRUGAL

WHY am I so frugal - and am I WASTING my life by being extremely frugal? Today I'm sharing the reasons I love saving money and practicing frugal living, the hard lessons about personal finance that have changed my life, and how frugality fits into our simple life as a minimalist family.

This video is part 1 of our 2023 Frugal February series as we complete a one-month no-spend challenge; more content and frugal living tips will be shared each week, so please like + subscribe to join in!

► 🌟 JOIN OUR FAMILY:

►💰FREE BUDGET PLANNER [PDF]:

__________

► 💸 2022 FRUGAL FEBRUARY VIDEOS:

► 💻 READ THE BLOG:
__________

***Marissa's sizing:
- Height = 5'6"
- Weight = 135 lbs

► 👕 SECONDHAND CLOTHING ITEMS:

► 🌸 NEW CLOTHING ITEMS:

__________

► FAVORITE DECLUTTER + ORGANIZE STUFF:
👟 Shoeboxes - free :)
🥛 Empty glass jars - free :)

► FAVORITE YOUTUBE TOOLS:

__________

ABOUT A TO ZEN LIFE
Along my journey to let go of 30 years of clutter, I accidentally became a minimalist and it was life-changing.

Before, I was an emotional hoarder with nothing but the clutter from lost loved ones — and $25,000 of debt — to my name. Now I have a beautiful home in Europe, a happy family, live debt-free, and — best of all — wake up to a life that I’m EXCITED to live every day.

__________

NOTE: This description may contain affiliate links; these links allow you to find the items mentioned in this video at no additional cost to yourself. While this channel may earn a small amount when the viewer uses the links, the viewer is in NO WAY obligated to use these links.

[micheleohmer]

We have greatly confused needs vs wants. The US is the most over-consumer on earth! I am convinced it's a serious addiction that we gloss over as just having too much stuff. If we declutter then don't minimize the stuff coming back into the home, it will be a never ending cycle of waste. I enjoy all your content. You walk the walk, not just the talk, like so many other y tubers do.

[marcelarice]

When I graduated from college and got my first job my mom said to me.
" Money can't buy you happiness but it can buy you solutions to your problems."
She also said "Buy the best that your money can buy so you don't have to replace it."
I never forgot this.

[sueschoers]

To me, money is security. My bills get paid, I have a roof over my head, food on the table. I sleep easy knowing that I can provide a safe harbour for my family 🥰

[Firerose]

Not only am I frugal with my money, I am frugal with my time

[theenlightened]

There is great quote "Earth has plenty for everyone's need but not enough for their greed.''

[ellenhawkins]

Thinking of clutter as roommates not paying rent is spot on. I think of clutter as things that aren’t serving me; I’m serving the things with my time, mental attention, and physical energy.

[peterwulff]

You are so right! I would like to add these to your list:
8) avoid as far as possible to buy anything new,
9) avoid buying anything that cannot be sold at an auction,
10) buy the best quality you can afford,
11) maintain and repair your possessions.

[leanna]

I agree with all you said, and I would also add one more. My husband and I live a frugal life because we just don't want to be a part of using up resources and filling landfills.

[nanchesca]

I did a no-spend for 6 months, back a few years ago. Was really helpful to stop bad habits and get myself out of debt! Also, tracking your spending so you can see where your money is going. It can be quite surprising how much we spend on the little stuff. 5 bucks here, 5 bucks there

[keithkollenbaum]

What a wonderful post. I became a minimalist about 20 years ago. I never looked back. The real epiphany came about 10 years ago. I realized that the real minimalist doesn't end with material minimalism. We all have hard luck friends, and family, who add nothing to our lives. By slowly and courteously distancing myself from them, my journey was complete.

[AldoFelt]

To have almost nothing is the new luxury. Great work!!!

[yn]

Great video! Almost nobody speaks about this things. I value more my free time as money. A lot of people in my life think that I'm not ambitious or I don't have goals. But this is not true. My goals are to live slowly, with enough stuff (minimal) and to have free time for hobby's and family. Money is just a tool, not a goal. Big bravo! 👏Greetings from Bavaria Germany!

[griselleisara]

I will be 54. Next month. I don’t have the same energy. Working in the health field. Takes a toll on my body. I want to work part time. That’s my goal for next year. ❤

[vincentyeo]

Several years ago, a news reporter had discovered a supposedly homeless woman living inside an airport, making free use of bathrooms and WiFi facilities.
She was found to be renting out her downtown apartment and collecting monthly rental income of about $2, 000 and having a bank savings account of more than $100, 000.

[jenniferwutt]

Finally, a person who represents EXACTLY how I feel. I retired after a 32 year teaching career at age 55. I feel sorry for my teacher friends who are way beyond retirement age, but they feel that they won't be able to sustain themselves. It's not that hard. Just don't buy much. Don't compare yourself to another. We disappoint the salespeople by living that way, but outsmarting our consumer culture is actually what I live for.

[vivio]

Not only is your house minimal, you have a great sense of style. The items you do have really pop.

[Wundertastisch]

So happy you live in Germany now too. On January 6th I broke my ankle bouldering (sounds familiar? :D) and thanks to our health care system I could call an ambulance, have two operations, get still paid by my job and can take the time I need to rest and recover. Without worrying about debt. These are the moments I‘m truly grateful for the country I have been born in. It‘s a privilege.

[ctcv-tokq]

I'm so glad my dad taught me the value of a dollar and how to save. I wish he was still around so I could thank him.

[JosephSato-]

Great video. I used to stuff my refrigerator when certain grocery items are on sale. Now I buy things only after they ran out. I enjoy the emptiness of my surroundings so that I have more space to fulfill my dream.
2023.10.23

[semyongoncharov]

As a person who lives in Germany, it is terrifying for me to hear you could not get/afford basic medical treatment after your climbing accident 😧That's insane!