Amen on the clothes! As a teacher, I spent the last 20 years of my career following an almost Steve Jobs-like wardrobe scheme. Black jeans, the same shoes, a sleeveless shell under a comfortable and professional button shirt. It was a blessing to have ONE LESS decision to make in a career of decision-fatiguing days.

Order water Take your lunch to week I don't drink coffee I don't drink alcohol Order off the value menu Wear the same style of clothes Don't spend money on expensive meats Don't buy expensive razors Conserve home energy use Use the library Own less stuff Throw extra cash at debt

@HR-re6mr

Жыл бұрын

Thank you mucho

@vanessamay3689

Жыл бұрын

We have a coffee machine and take my coffee with me wherever I go. So freeing not going to a coffee ☕️ house 🏡

@safaakamelzaki9352

Жыл бұрын

I wait for your summary every time ⏲

@heatheroconnor

Жыл бұрын

I do all of this except the fast food…I will not put that carcinogenic stuff in my body at all.

@vondrabejot9851

Жыл бұрын

I take notes because it helps me process and remember. I'm a visual spatial learner. I love this channel. Decluttering my surroundings has really helped calm and focus my ADHD brain.

I have been hanging my clothes out on my clothesline, electric reduction $100.00. I use a lot of your excellent points.

We have rediscovered the joy of going to the library in recent months. One suggestion I would offer is that if you have to buy a book that your local library doesn't offer when are done with it ask if the library will take it on donation. We have donated a number of books to the library. They will either shelf it or sell it to help fund library programs.

Things I live by and feel happy with: 1. Prepare your own meals and only eat out on special occasions 2. Eat vegetarian or vegan 3. Use your local library 4. Do free sports like cycling, walking, running 5. Don't buy unnecessary stuff 6. Don't drink alcohol 7. Bring your lunch with you anyday (not only work days but also when you are on a trip for example or shopping in IKEA) 8. Share digital subscriptions (like Netflix, news papers etc) 9. Buy clothing second hand 10. Negotiate when buying something 11. Better plan your meals, don't waste food and money 12. Take shorter showers or skip one if you don't need one and just wash yourself 13. Simplify your life in general. You don't need thirty different skin care products or hair products. All this seems frugal and it probably is, but I rather spend my money on high quality food like fruits and vegetables, a nice cup of coffee in the city centre and experiences with family and friends

@heybonbon8525

Жыл бұрын

Agree! I would rather spend my money on high quality food from the store than a lot of other things. I like my own cooking and my own coffee ☕️

@HeronCoyote1234

Жыл бұрын

All excellent tips. Thank you.

@simini1837

Жыл бұрын

@@HeronCoyote1234 you're welcome!

@sorayaassar1602

Жыл бұрын

Showers are a daily thing. I take two a day.

@simini1837

Жыл бұрын

@@sorayaassar1602 it depends on the day for me and whether it's winter, whether I go to the gym or not and other things. Excessive showering usually dries out the skin with many people. Sometimes I take a cold shower.

My husband gifted me a $50 espresso machine. I save tons of money making my own lattes and have friends over to enjoy it also! Also we wait for movies to come out vs in the theater.

We take a flask of coffee with us when we go out for the day so we don't have to buy any. Eating out is for birthdays and wedding anniversaries. We always try to source second-hand items before buying new.

I got my 4 cup coffee pot st the thrift store for $2. Still going strong years later.

@tracyd2598

Жыл бұрын

Wise move. My Keurig died at 18 months old... They're junk. Not to mention the cost of the cups.

The BIGGEST savings and I mean to prevent you from going bankrupt in later years, invest in your health NOW! There are 2 steps: 1. STOP putting trash and garbage in your body 2. START feeding yourself with healthy vegetables, beans, legumes and grains. This will save money upfront and you will avoid hospitals and nursing homes which will take all of your hard earned money. Moreover, your quality of life will immediately improve, physically and financially. There is no more winning solution!

@ajm3821

Жыл бұрын

Have you ever seen a hospital full of vegans?

@144Donn

Жыл бұрын

@@ajm3821 NEVER! It is always filled with people who are obese and tragically out of shape. No judgement here! I am pulling for and hoping people wise up to the fast food and pharmaceutical commercials.

Regarding lowering air conditioning costs: I used to think that this was bogus, but it really works-- I drink ice water in the summer and feel significantly cooler!!!

My husband is into smoking meat. The meat for slow smoking is generally way less expensive per pound than most meats! He gets a giant pork roast (per pound it is equivalent or less $ than chicken), and smokes it slowly for many hours (a process he enjoys and finds relaxing - and it's mostly hands off). In this manner, he is able to feed big crowds for family (I have a big family...) and church gatherings very inexpensively. If it's just for our immediate family, we will eat leftovers as sandwiches or tacos throughout the week or freeze for future meals...pulled pork is amazing! On the other hand, the cuts of meat you can use on a gas grill are quite limited to expensive cuts. Just saying :)

We have always been heavy library users and last year we diched ALL streaming services and watch YT and movies or series from the library instead. I also have found over the years that taking the time and spending the money, if needed, to care for your items properly saves you money in the long run for sure.

Growing up my dad always told up to put a hat on of we were too cold inside during the winter. Love these.

We always paid a little extra on our monthly mortgage payments and paid it off 8 years early!!! Great advice - thank you 👍

The only way to save money by spending it is to spend it on paying down debt" I love this advice. It may be obvious many folks fail to follow this effective tip👌

Love your show. On the topic of libraries. My wife reads multiple books a week. By getting a library card you can have them send you books, readable or audio, for free. And if they don't have it they will get it when you ask. We are saving a lot using our already paid for tax resource, our library.

@shirlysmilesmusic6919

Жыл бұрын

I am a librarian! People do not know what they are missing by not using them!

I wear basically to same type of clothes every day. Cozy lined tights with top and pullover,and all are thrifted. I live in Ontario so very cold right now. I keep my thermostat at 13 C at night with warm blankets on our bed, 14 C during the day when we are working, out or busy doing chores then either a fire in our wood burning stove or up to 16 C until about 8 p.m. then back down before bed. We don’t hVe cable but watch either Netflix or KZread or read. I don’t do fast food and we rarely eat out but yes, when I do, I only have water. Better for me and my pocketbook. I am vegetarian so save a lot right now not buying meat. Beans, tofu chick peas and veggies are less expensive. Same straight razor for years. Library and thrift books are great. I don’t drink alcohol so that is not an expense. For fun I do like crafts so I thrift stuff for that. We also do puzzles, watch movies on netflix, read, play games and have family or friends in for a meal or desert and games. I don’t really like coffee from outside places, I love my dark roast made at home. I also paid extra on our mortgage and it was paid off long ago. Feels free not to have a mortgage. Also no car loan.

@vanessamay3689

Жыл бұрын

👏👏

The water at restaurant advice is what I do. Hard to get everyone to do it though

Hi Joshua, I insist on getting my meats from a reputable source and end up paying way more knowing that my food comes from farmers that raise healthy animals and harvest them in a humane manner. I cannot fathom getting our meat from any other source. Thank you for your videos. -Lisa

@sct4040

9 ай бұрын

Costing way more? Not many people can do that.

When I was growing up we had a rule when we went out to dinner as a family: We weren't allowed to order beverages besides water. My mom always said, "Why pay for sugar water!"

@JoshuaBecker

Жыл бұрын

I love it.

Freevee is a good source of films - absolutely free. When there are a lot of things I want to see on Netflix, I pay for one month, watch them, and then cancel. The library has everything I need e-book-wise; they always arrive sooner than promised, and I don't even need to leave home. Paid off the mortgage ages ago by paying extra payments. Used whatever money I had left over and invested it, retired early. Car paid off in one year and I keep up regular maintenance on it. Debt-free now; when I want something, I pay cash. Growing your own fruits & veggies is a great thing too, especially with the crazy prices stores are coming out with. If only the HOA allowed chickens, I would have a couple to provide eggs.

I did notice that narrowing my wardrobe helped me greatly financially. I used to buy clothing for every season and they will feel obsolete by the next year. After narrowing my wardrobe I feel more context with it and only buy new ones when necessary.

@sct4040

9 ай бұрын

I got rid of most of the synthetic fibers in my wardrobe. Keeping a few dressier clothes for special occasions, so not having to buy any. I live in shorts, jeans, tees, and tank tops. So freeing. I retired 2 years ago, so can do this. No more commuting to work. Also, sold 41 handbags in my collection. Keeping knapsacks and 2 dressier bags only. So happy with my decision.

My friend always orders hot water with lemon instead of tea or coffee at restaurants. We eat out once a week at most - better for your health as well.

I tried to wear the same style and my most fave clothes only, yet my friends each time see me ( i have a scheduled hang out time w/ friends) they noticed it and say why you always wearing that? Don't you have any other?? I just smiled and replied you need me here or my outfit?? 😄 For the water, i always brought bottled water even small one, and whenever i'm eating out i often share meal ( you share the calories and the cost too, win win solution)

It is so comforting entering our retirement years with no debt at all. I highly encourage debt free living to everyone.

I’ve already always done all of this so it’s hard to cut any more during times like this when you were already frugal.

Problem at my condo I was relocated to an Airbnb until containment then repairs are complete - 2.5 months, mould & asbestos. One month now, I’m amazed what I’m doing without & making lists of what to donate/sell.

Ordering water at restaurants is a great idea! Their drinks are so expensive (alcoholic or non-alcoholic). I do order off the value menu, and I've utilized my local library for years now (books & DVDs).

@laurasagan2606

Жыл бұрын

I order hot water and a lemon to replace my tea.

@HeronCoyote1234

Жыл бұрын

@@laurasagan2606 I saw a teenage girl do this in my favorite restaurant the other day. The waitress, who did this out of kindness more than jacking up the cost, asked her if she was sure she was ok with just hot water and lemon. I’ve known this waitress for over ten years. She’s the one who says Christmas is to primarily celebrate Jesus Christ, not give gifts to each other. One of the most genuine people I’ve ever met.

@HeronCoyote1234

Жыл бұрын

When my best friend and I want to have a meal out, whether it’s breakfast, lunch, or dinner, we prefer a local mom and pop (now the daughters) place in town. It’s quiet, the food is excellent and made from scratch, including the desserts, and the prices are VERY reasonable. They’ve been catering to the “blue hair” crowd for decades. Best deal in town.

funny story... our library is a spiritualist church! We had to stop allowing our child going up there, because she was coming home with very inappropriate material. With that being said we have made nice streamlined shelves for our home library and that has been a good thing for us. Plus my husband loves collecting old books, so we always bring back books on vacation instead of souvenirs.

Make your own cleaners. Vinegar and baking soda will clean just about everything in your house. I also make my own laundry soap.

@sct4040

9 ай бұрын

How much do you save? Sometimes, it is not worth it.

When my wife and I go out to a restaurant we split a meal, which saves...but ordering water is a good idea as well. I used to use a butterfly razor to shave because you can buy 100 disposable blades for about $10. It worked out pretty well for a while, but I have sensitive skin and kept getting nicks and cuts all the time, so I had to switch back to a foil razor. If your skin isn't prone to razor burn and such, a butterfly razor would be a good option to save money.

Joshua, I really enjoyed The Minimalist Home. I checked it out from the library! Picking up The More of Less tomorrow at the library. Thank you for these ideas. My husband and I retired last year and we are finding such happiness in being content with a simpler life.

Grocery shopping with a detailed grocery list, organized by aisle, makes it much easier avoid impulse purchases. I don't even go down an aisle that's not on my list, and I get out of the store much quicker.

@HeronCoyote1234

Жыл бұрын

I have another grocery store tip. Go alone. The cost adds up when you’re with anyone else, especially if they impulse by.

@ObieMinimalist

Жыл бұрын

I agree with you, I do the listing before I go to grocery alone.

ABSOLUTELY use the library. if you are lucky you can even get multiple library cards from different jurisdictions.

Focusing on living within our means. We are eating at home, being mindful of food waste, and avoiding on-line shopping. My husband is retiring at the end of June and I will be retiring a year later. We are using this money to pay off debt before my final pay check.

In regards to close... I have three sets of clothes, spring, summer, and winter. 3 or four similar-looking set per season. Friends think I'm poor and are always dropping off clothes and food.

I love that you talk about still tipping the waiter/waitress appropriately with the beverage! In the past year I’ve found myself only ordering water because it is a big cost savings. Great tips!!

@sarahmacrae8277

Жыл бұрын

I wouldn't do that any more than I would for ordering the pasta not steak, I realise in USA you have to compensate for servers not being paid properly, frugality is not a cure for poverty decent wages for work is.

I use an old style razor for my legs and armpits 😂 lady razors are so expensive! it takes a while to get used to as it’s so sharp but I’ve bought one handle and a box of blades (not finished it yet!) and saved so much money in the last few years - I just checked Amazon and it was 2018!

Joshua, I am amazed at how many of these we already follow. We paid our house off 6 years ago & it is so freeing not having a house payment each month. Great video! 🙂

@Starfish12345

Жыл бұрын

Awesome! How long did it take you to pay off your home?

@kakylong2

Жыл бұрын

@alejandra hearts It took us 19 yrs of our 30-year loan. So, 11 yrs early. I wish we hadn't been so foolish with our money when we were 1st married & paid it off even faster.

@Starfish12345

Жыл бұрын

@@kakylong2 that’s amazing! I think back as well if I knew 10 years ago what I know now. When we have such a big goal like paying off a home that takes years, how did you also stay focused and appreciated your day to day? Im struggling to not be so focused on a big goal that I feel I miss out on my day to day. Does Joshua have a video about this you’ve seen?

@Ruth-rs1rj

Жыл бұрын

@@Starfish12345 Dave Ramsey has a lot of tips and testimonials to stay focused

Thank you for reminding me what I do is important and why. Common sense seems so uncommon these days! 😢

I had gotten some things on Amazon that I thought I would use but I ended up not liking them. Instead of donating I did the extra effort to return them back to Amazon. And I am glad I did for it has opened my eyes to how much is charged via online just by sales tax and how quick a 10-12 dollar purchase here and there add up. Opened my eyes so much that I ran around the house grabbing all I can return and then replaced those things with creative ways that I already had.

@Sheryl777

Жыл бұрын

I've been trying to do surveys (which don't pay a lot at one time, but what it does pay helps to reduce the total cost of a purchase on amazon). One of the survey sites I use is called paid viewpoint. In the beginning month or so, you have to make more to cash out than you do later on though. They reduce it from like $15 to $5 cash out after you've been there for a month or two. In the beginning, I was just sending the money to paypal, but now I mostly send it to my amazon account on a gift card. I also try to only buy household type things that we will use anyway, but it really helps cut the cost of those.

@lynnettemurphy8243

Жыл бұрын

@@Sheryl777 I do surveys as well. Certainly won't get rich with them. I've never shopped on Amazon, prefer to shop with local Irish shops as much as possible. I get egift cards for TK Maxx, same as TJ Maxx in USA. Mostly use them for Tesco supermarket. Definitely helps the budget. For January I decided that apart from bills like insurance, phone I wasn't spending any money for January.Nothing out of pocket, not even food. If I run short of somthing I either do without or use the egift card. Every little helps. Take care.

@Sheryl777

Жыл бұрын

@@lynnettemurphy8243 👍

In India, I am just laughing at these tips. (1) My alcohol expenses are zero. In my childhood, only poor people drank alcohol. (2)I rarely eat outside as I come from a time when only travelers or cargo drivers ate outside. Rich people used to eat at home. They will employ people to cook large meals but the cooking will be done in a controlled environment. (3) We always carry out lunch or go home for lunch. (4) I am a scientist. We never took any loans for any education. (5) Non-veg was mostly eaten by the poor people - lower in the social structure- not the other way round Of course, the American culture is ruining the old culture in India as well. But luckily, I saw the earlier time -exactly opposite to what you are mentioning. So I was wondering whether westernized India with more alcohol shops, meat shops, junk food, the craze for tourism, the craze for sense gratification, etc. is good. Lastly, in my Ph. D. I had only 4-5 pairs of clothes. I wash them with my hands as there was no washing machine. No heating or cooling except in the laboratory area. But I also got a wonderful education, a wonderful career and all that. I didn't miss anything.

@TheHoriginal

Жыл бұрын

Wow so cool!

@bobadams7654

Жыл бұрын

Been to India many times. My wife worked in Bangalore for several years. So sad to see the negative changes caused by Western influences. An amazing place with amazing people.

@geetasart2294

Жыл бұрын

I think poor people indian cant afford money to buy nonveg,alcohol,i m Indian i never seen poor people eating habit was bad,u might experienced dt but still my middle age i never seen

@PankajPoddar

Жыл бұрын

@@geetasart2294 It's not true. Even today, laborers waste their daily earnings on alcohol while their women and kids live in poverty. It's not about poverty. One can buy cheap alcohol and they don't buy non-veg as most have their own pigs or poultry or fish ponds. In India, most laborer class people waste their little wealth on prostitution, gambling, smoking, gutka (tobacco) etc. and they remain in the cycle of poverty.

@PankajPoddar

Жыл бұрын

@@geetasart2294 That's the narrative I heard when I went abroad that Indians are too poor to afford alcohol and non-veg but if you go to any tribal area you will notice otherwise. In contrast, in northern India, rich people stayed away from alcohol and meat. So it's not about poverty. My maid eats non-veg several days a week and I don't.

Love these tips and we have already implemented all except We spend more meats from reputable farmers because we don't eat out unless we run out of the packed lunch.

Hey Joshua, great idea about the library. Been listening for years to audiobooks from the library for free. In fact, I've listened to all your books free on audio from the library. :)

I always drink water 😊and bring lunch at work, love vegetables rather that meat and controlling the heat, … as a minimalist I agree with it all 👍😊

@henriettajimenez5949

Жыл бұрын

Great

This man doesn’t show you cluttered cupboards and bulging wardrobes , he switches the light mentally on to show why and how to do it ,

@henriettajimenez5949

Жыл бұрын

Ok

Excellent video! 😃👍

Yes, tip extra for water service. Great list!

Wonderful, practical suggestions! We follow many of these as well, but have room for improvement!

I can’t wait to hear when you pay your house off!! That’s incredible!!

Thank you Joshua Becker for making this video now i learnt more about saving money thank you so much Joshua Becker

Living in a smaller space, no debt, simple wardrobe, simple eating, limited purchases, decluttered space are all necessary for a peaceful life.

@ Joshua Becker, I'd recommend DE Razors for ultimate savings costs and quality of shave. Once you invest in a good razor and shaving brush the cost is very minimal in comparison. For instance 100 blades can cost between $10-$20 and can last years depending on how often you use them.

Mr. Becker could you make a video on like night time / bedtime routines . Would love to hear some tips

I buy all kinds of reusable! Wash and reuse! Especially any type of filter!

I use cheap razors, brew my own coffee, and keep my thermostat turned down but I absolutely can not drink restaurant tap water. It tastes gross. I'll just keep ordering my bottled spring water/sparking water lol

@inbetweenworlds

Жыл бұрын

You're eating at the wrong restaurants if the house water is gross. Lollll.

@margareteraab3899

Жыл бұрын

Ask for lemon.

These are all easy ways to save money - wash your own car, clean your own windows and meet friends in the park, taking your own picnic.

Cancel monthly subscriptions that no longer add value and you can go without. Those small dollar subscriptions add up to big bucks.

Love this! How awesome that you'll pay off you're mortgage soon!! 👍🥳

Awesome! Doing many of these already!

Definitely agree as I have been practicing these too. The clothing one will work better once I figure out how to lose weight, but I learned how to sew and make my own stuff. The energy one will be the biggest challenge since I live in an old building that was built in the 1950s.

@henriettajimenez5949

Жыл бұрын

Good

@sct4040

9 ай бұрын

In the winter, I put up heavier or 2 layers of curtains. Last winter, I put up a transparent shower liner behind my heavy curtains. Really helps to keep me warm.

Very practical advice! Thank you.

Very wise words!!

PTL Joshua…the best thing about this episode and your suggestions is that you use them yourself 💯💌!

All great ideas! Thank you for sharing. Most of these save time and reduce stress also.

Great advice, as always! I appreciate how you break down tips into manageable steps and also how real you are, like not telling us to stop eating fast food but instead sharing how to buy it more affordably

Great, common sense advice! Thank you. Happy 2023 to you!

Thanks Joshua!

Our library has ebooks. Ready free books without even leaving the house ;)

Thank you! ❤

I only make online purchases that offer free shipping!

One of my totally fave channels! It is Saturday here in NZ and It's exciting because I know I will wake up to one of your videos. Enjoy your weekend with your loved ones and thank you for sharing simply incredible content , (all the time). 🌺🌺🌺

@vanessamay3689

Жыл бұрын

Me too except I can’t find what I want at our library 📚though here in the Waikato so buy books that I really want or need.

@HeronCoyote1234

Жыл бұрын

@@vanessamay3689 on the rare occasions I buy a book, I always go to (or order from, if not in stock), my local independent book store. It may cost more, but I’m supporting my community, and keeping the money they earn local.

@henriettajimenez5949

Жыл бұрын

Ok

Love your advice!! I have the same beliefs!! Thank you Thank you Thank you♥️♥️♥️

Great advices as usual! Thank you mighty neck!

Great tips as usual. Thank you for all of your encouraging messages.

ALL Tip's are Great !!

Great ideas, thank you

I'd like to know about your wife's wardrobe. Is she following the same plan? I really enjoy your content.

I really like your hair style, very unique and suits you.

Great ideas

Thank you Joshua for another great video of useful tips. I am with you- I only drink water when dine out or even 95&% of the time act home and, we dont drink alcohol, no mortgage and have stopped buying much less clothes. We have a small closet, so I am trying to use that as a guide to see more open spots. You have really inspired me and have come so far. But, I will also consider of buying only the most needed items of clothes in the future. This video is also challenging me on the idea of using a fan and dressing up a bit more. HMM...learning curve that is worth thinking about and doing it. If I may - I would have a question. And this is purely to challenge my thoughts. What would you do if you were in my shoe? Again, it is to challenge my thinking process. We have a small kitchen, with one dining table in the house (if we extend it 10 or stretching 11 people can sit). But the kitchen is very crowded. I was thinking to open up the kitchen by removing one wall of the small bedroom. Reasons for it: 1. We have three children (two married and one at home), was thinking for the grandchildren spots too. 2. We could have family gatherings at our house too- which means we could squeeze in one small foldable table . 3. As I am cooking I could look to our small backyard. 4. Could be a tiny bit more spacious as we do not have a family room. I understand, everyone could have a different opinion on this. But I would like to know how would be your approach this as a minimalist. AND why?. If you are able to respond to my request, I would highly appreciate it. Thanks again, Maria .

Who knew, turns out I've been a minimalist most of my adult life.

Thank you.

Good video!

Sound advice! And it’s so refreshing to hear that you like fast food.

What a Dilf! Thank you so much :)

Fast and you save lots of money, really.....

It takes such a long time using down my skincare products. Never again would I waste money on esthetics. I am focusing on simple ingredients and limited products including sunscreen.

what razor do you recommend?

I make a years supply of laundry detergent for $10 get Zotz soap n washing soda n Borax mix all thrn use it to do laundry.

You do like fast food Joshua? Haha thought you didn’t ! 😆

I’m saving by my commitment not to buy anything but food while there. (My insurance pays for the relocation. My condo insurance pays for repairs as problems within the walls.)

Cheap razor: I spent 44 Euros on a stainless steel safety razor and a pack of razor blades that contain 100 blades. This will last me for life, no more costs. I got a Mühle Rasierhobel from Germany and it works great

Yep, my ice tea is now $3.75.

I buy my books on a garage sale and a thrift store..you can sale them again. Eat what on the land. Don't buy cream make you're own like olive oil with bee wax Don't buy to much cleaning stuff.

2:30, I believe it was Jerry Garcia of the Grateful Dead who began wearing black T-shirts all the time, so he could have more attention on music and performance over figuring out what to wear :)

We had 5 kids--ordering a drink for all of us could buy one of the entrees. They learned to make lemonade at the table!

I’m debt free, and I bring my lunch to work every day, and only go out for lunch with a coworker once or twice a month. I brew my own coffee and found sugar free, calorie free syrups to add to my coffee and half and half. They’re called Jordan’s Skinny Syrups. I paid about $35 for six large bottles in multiple flavors on Amazon, but that will last me a long time.

Have you ever tried an electric razor. What's your opinion about that option ?

I rent movies from the Library as well as Books