What's your weakness with convenience?

@nicolejohnson5225

Жыл бұрын

Doordash 🤦🏾‍♀️

@carnivorecaveman

Жыл бұрын

I don't have many weaknesses since I switched to minimalism, one of which remains is that I'm still a beginner when it comes to showering in cold water. I find it hard to give up the comfort of hot water... But I will have to, because in my old age I want to live off-grid, far from civilization, without electricity like a "mundane hermit". In my opinion, the biggest problem with modern civilization is not even that it softens you with too many comforts, but that it is too complex and therefore increasingly opaque, there are no clear rules, and even the existing rules change almost everyday. In the old days, in the age of barbarism, the rules were simple, a man was a man, a woman a woman, each knew what the other expected. It was also clear that whoever is stronger is always "right". But for those who did not want to put up with this, the way was to move to desolate, remote places, where they were less exposed to the attacks of the powerful ones, and in return, of course, they had less protection from the community. It doesn't work that way these days. Today, it is hardly possible to withdraw from the rules dictated by the mainstream. And today, it is not even certain that at least one's biological gender/sex is what one shows oneself to be. It's also not certain that you won't lose all your money just because you don't understand the small print in a footnote in a contract. In terms of our physical comfort, even the poorest wretch lives better than Queen Anne Boleyn of England once did, yet we are no happier, in fact, depression is spreading faster than Covid at the beginning of the epidemic.

@AnaGiselle777

Жыл бұрын

Maybe Amazon Prime, I have years using it. I don’t like go to stores or malls. But I’m paying half off the regular price of Amazon Prime.

@minttul.8237

Жыл бұрын

Instant coffee. That's the only one, but I feel ashamed.

@Rebecca1

Жыл бұрын

I order Doordash and Uber eats too much. Instead of taking the time and effort to go out and shop for food and cook I order food I shouldn’t eat using a service I shouldn’t use. It is so seductive. I say I am so busy or tired but then using this service makes things worse. I have to work harder to be able to spend money to continue using a service that I never should have started in the first place. By using an easy short cut, has led to long term hardships.

"It's easier to spend less money, then it is, to work more" One of my favorite frugal sayings!

@kartikkowligi

Жыл бұрын

Than*?

I've come to realise that money does bring happiness... When you don't spend it, and let it add up.

@ElAgustin

Жыл бұрын

Money brings options and options bring happiness!

@asavannah7439

Жыл бұрын

Having no debt and a nice cushion in my bank account gives me peace of mind and peace of mind makes me happy

You're one of the few guys on KZread that keeps telling us what we do not want to hear... but badly need to.

What distinguishes your channel from many other frugality channels is your capacity for true thinking.

@ElAgustin

Жыл бұрын

Thanks!

You're right, but delivery has become a godsend to senior citizens and people with special needs. Perhaps we should carefully see which conveniences are necessary and where we can become frugal and minimalist. 🎉

@rotru4977

Жыл бұрын

As someone with mobility issues who is essentially alone, I'd most likely die without these services. Amazon & instacart are a Godsend

@bessieoriotis5104

Жыл бұрын

@@rotru4977 My heart goes out to you. I truly understand. We're fighting a storm. GOD BLESS YOU AND HELP YOU

@rotru4977

Жыл бұрын

@Bessie Oriotis thank you. You as well. I got a back injury in 2019 Then when the pandemic hit my physio stopped etc. So I'm kinda starting from scratch The pandemic made everything so much worse.

@danicegewiss862

Жыл бұрын

My dad had meals on wheels deliver meals. He had a picky appetite, e.g. no tomato sauce, nothing hard to chew (he had no teeth), and more, but I can't remember because he's been dead for over 20 years. I understand the need thanks to him. For you it isn't convenience, it's survival.

i despise shopping, and when i can avoid it i will avoid it. i despise having to deal with other people, standing in line like a lemming, standing in line waiting because the tool in front of me cant figure out how to use their debit card....i hate every part of shopping. but im also not so lazy to pay $15 more for my delivery either...ill go pick up my own chick fil a or coffee. i also refuse to have a subscription for everything or anything for that matter. then i laugh when im called cheap, no its called i dont need that crap

One important unintended consequence of convenience is damage to your health. Eating fast food daily for convenience, rather than cooking healthy foods at home, damages not only your budget but your body.

@theintrovertedaspie9095

4 ай бұрын

Problem is poor people often don't have the time or money to eat healthier, especially in this day and age. Some people have to deal with food desserts.

I stopped wanting and buying things because I dislike the stress from the cycle of working and spending. When I was younger I use to admire new cars. Now I admire older cars. I’m like wow look at that car! It’s 20 years old and still going.

I’ve never ordered anything from Amazon, Door Dash or Uber Eats. I like to go to a store and try on my clothes before I buy it. I worked full time for 40 years as a nurse and during the pandemic worked on a covid unit. I was able to go part time one year ago and absolutely have embraced a slower pace. Im working towards paying off my mortgage now before I completely retire. Thank you for another inspiring video

@tojatojatoja

Жыл бұрын

I've never ordered anything from Amazon, Uber Eats too 😊.

@MountainGirlwIPA

Жыл бұрын

Wow that’s impressive! Congratulations

This struck a chord. I have never thought of it as a vicious circle. A constant need to work harder to make more money to pay for more convenience! Great video as always and so articulately explained.

I have made this comparison many times. So obvious to me that normal is not what normal was even a few years ago.

I agree that too much of a good thing can turn bad. However, its in our power to consume consciously.

Full disclosure: I've never bought anything online before, not from Amazon or anywhere else. I've also never ordered food from one of the delivery apps, or used any rideshare app. Weird? Maybe. Do I care? Nope.😂

@Deemce

Жыл бұрын

I have ordered two things only from Amazon but I never had food delivered ever, been to Uber (taxi) once!

@ElAgustin

Жыл бұрын

The options on Amazon stress me out. And the quality is unpredictable. I think that might be their downfall.

I have paired back so much and I luv the feeling of control it gives me ❤

Ad after ad after ad from Amazon with pinpoint accuracy of my preferences (office supplies) since watching this 30 minutes ago or so. Time to put the phone down and do a million other free things.

Talking of wasting money - there is some parents at my daughters school that come from the gym and have to park as close as humanely possible to the school because they can't be bothered to walk!

@claudiaweber4564

Жыл бұрын

Madness I used to walk to school as a child.

I have my groceries delivered. It's free delivery on Tuesdays. I find that I save money by not impulse shopping. I pay cash and we at all of our meals at home.

Luxuries become necessities. That's why I'm always very careful about what I bring into my life. Bring nothing into your home that is not beautiful, functional, or both.

Thank you for always keeping us in check 😃

I agree. It has to work for your benefit. You have to weigh up if the convenience is worth the extra cost. For example. I get my groceries delivered. I know they cost more to buy this way but I also know that the convenience of the grocery delivery means I am less stressed after a busy day at work and I know I am more organised when it comes to preparing healthier home cooked meals rather than getting take out, restaurant deliveries or eating out.

In addition to a lot of work I say frugality is an income all it’s own. After 6.5 years next month is my last mortgage payment

Austin, you continue to influence me. In checking messages this am, an Amazon advertisement came up..was almost going to click on it and there was your video of today! Yes you won lol. Seriously, after becoming debt free and NO credit cards, I will continue to prioritize what’s important, and what’s not. You are wise beyond your years. Blessings 😊

@ElAgustin

Жыл бұрын

Right on!

Austin you have wisdom way beyond your years keep it 💯 percent brother like you always do thanks so much for sharing all the wisdom and knowledge

I like the way you articulated this situation. It is one of those subjects that presents examples in people I know all around me. I don't want to fault them for their habits, rather I feel bad that they are missing out so much by doing things the "too easy" way.......which leads them nowhere.

I'm definitely not one of the richest persons in the world but I'm proud to say I'm debt-free. Thanks for your pieces of advice 😊😊

Long time subscriber here. Love today’s content. I enjoy your encouragement

My biggest weakness in this area are the meal delivery services (DoorDash / UberEats). During the pandemic I tried it once because I needed to get something to eat for dinner and I didn't want to go to the grocery store. That one purchase opened the door for many more and a few months later I started paying for a membership which gave me "Free Delivery". Sure, convenient but I was spending more and eating much less healthy. I eventually cancelled the membership and cut way back but even now when I just don't "feel like" cooking it's hard to resist. Ugh! 😫

Consequence 3 is absolutely profound. Brilliant video.

I know people who shop ONLINE like crazy with 2 day delivery only to RETURN RETURN RETURN their purchases. 🤦🏻‍♀️

I absolutely hate traffic. So I will buy something at a local store when I know it will cost me more compared to driving to a more economical option.

Thank you for pointing out the obvious. It’s usually much needed. ❤

I love listening to your videos ，so inspiring ！I saved way more money than before since I watched your channel

So much truth is spoken on this channel that, all the saints gather in circle and listen.

@ElAgustin

Жыл бұрын

Thanks!

It's true that sometimes we prioritize convenience over things that are truly important, which can have a negative impact on our lives. I look forward to watching this video to learn more about the topic.

We cancelled our Amazon Prime, one of the best decisions we’ve made! 😅

GREAT one!!!! It's definitely a snowball.

As a person ages, convenience is a good thing. I remember walking into Walmart and thinking, Oh this is where the people are. It was exciting to be out and about. It is nice to have the choice. However, convenience at home wins in my opinion. If you don't use your money to buy a car, pay for insurance, pay for gas, pay for maintenance, license, inspection, registration, Public transportation, Taxi service and you pay $15 a month for free shipping, convenience is what?!!

Online shopping convenience and the loss of local stores has ruined communities. Where are the touch points between people if you only commute work and back and have everything delivered to your door? I love my trips to the supermarket. Some days it's the only way I get to interact with another human being.

I can proudly say I’ve never order an Uber, or Uber eats. I used to ride the bus, once I got my car I was forever grateful. I used to have Amazon prime but cancelled it, as it made me spend on things a lot more. I know enjoy going to the bookstore and going on a “treasure hunt” if I ever go shopping with someone. It’s convinient and yes even genuinely helpfulll for people, but currently it isn’t for me.

So true, great video!!

For someone with chronic illness, like me, whose energy levels are often inconsistent, these conveniences are necessary. I can’t go out of the house often because of this, so if things are available online and it’s under free shipping, then I always opt for those instead. It did not make me busier, but it prevented me from being overwhelmed with the routinary logistics-related daily-upkeep things so I could focus my limited energy on the bigger, more creative things.

@sarahcook908

11 ай бұрын

I do some of these things too so I can use my limited energy for work (I actually love my job) and do things like walk along the beach after work, hike, swim or draw/paint with my little bit of energy left over. Sometimes my boyfriend and I just play catch outside on the grass. I do wish I didn't need the convenience to be able to do the otber things though.

I love Amazon Prime fast shipping! the one thing that is supposed to be convenient but is actually frustrating is McDonalds self order screen, I just want a cashier to take the order

🌿 What about the unintended environmental impact that comes with convenience? 😅 I lead a frugal lifestyle and am aware of the positive impacts my behavior and habits have on the world around me.🌱

Dog walking app lol. That's a new one for me. Another great an undeniable message Austin!

@ElAgustin

Жыл бұрын

It's bizarre!

Help! Stop the world, I want to get out!

Excellent video! With food being so expensive nowadays, we only go out to dinner once a week. I cook dinner everyday and prepare salads, etc. for lunches. Also growing lettuce, herbs, tomatoes from seed in containers.

@claudiaweber4564

Жыл бұрын

Even once a week seems too much for me I buy food in takeaway maybe once in 2 months. It saves a lot of money to cook at home and go shopping to good price /value shops.

I'm probably one of the few who has never used a food delivery service, grocery delivery etc. What a waste of money. If you have mobility issues, then they are definitely a good thing. But for the rest of us, it's just laziness. I like to get out in the world and be a part of it. Plus, we rarely eat out anyway and I actually like grocery shopping in store. I refuse to play in this new normal. It's not me. I don't even use Alexa on Google. Creepy as heck lol.

@KD6-3.7.2

Жыл бұрын

I used to use Uber eats and door dash more when I didn't have a car. Now that I have one I prefer picking up my own food. The upcharge on those apps is outrageous and they always get my food to me cold or forget something. In fact I prefer to cook my own burgers, breakfast bagels etc. I do it better than any fast food place out there!

I'll take option 1, thanks!

We occasionally do take out, but almost never get delivery. I cut way back on Amazon delivery. I need to socialize so I don't want my groceries delivered. Online work and schooling is nice, but it misses the socialization. I was surprised the other day when my neighbor came over to introduce me to her new grandson. He's 7 months. He was precious. She indicated that he would get used to me. I rarely see them. This was interesting. I think she's lonely. The kids are full grown and gone. I was doing Spring clean up on the front lawn. She hires people to do everything on her property. I think she's bored and lonely.

This is an excellent topic, Austin. I think the largest consequence of convenience is environmental. The automobile, for example, which led to superhighways, suburban sprawl, parking lots, and shopping malls -- not to mention fracking -- has contributed greatly to the destruction of our natural environment. But what could be more convenient than the automobile, which allows you to go wherever you want, whenever you want? And it also makes next-day delivery, food delivery, and conveniences like that possible. Then there is the issue of packaging, both paper and plastic: we'll be living with the consequences forever. Living in NYC as I do, without a car, I find (occasional) food delivery and online shopping to be exceedingly convenient and they allow me to be LESS busy: I don't have to get to a store, hope that the store will have what I want in stock, carry the item(s) home, etc. But online-shopping convenience does require discipline: if it's contributing to living beyond your means, it's always a problem. As you say, it's not black and white. I see a lot of dog walkers in my neighborhood. I wouldn't get a dog if I needed to hire a dog walker to walk it but for a lot of people, the joys of dog ownership outweigh the cost of a daily dog walker. I think people of means have always been able to pay for convenience (childcare, domestic staff, chauffeurs, etc.); what's changed is that these conveniences are available to more people, some of whom may have to work harder to afford them. I guess the question is, is it worth it. If it's stressing you out, maybe not. BTW, I don't think anybody thinks self-checkout is a convenience--just the opposite. It's strictly a money-saving decision by the business owner, who prefers to make the customer work, rather than hiring someone to do it. Great video, as always, Austin, and very thought-provoking!

@jrbk2023

5 ай бұрын

Great points, and I totally agree about self checkout! After a long day at work, I have no interest in working again at the grocery store! 😂

I stopped with eating out. My main conveniences are Walmart Plus and Amazon Prime. I use Prime mainly for the video service. Great content on there. I only do Walmart Once a month. Pickup has saved me from spending more in the store.

Just a suggestion. Consider putting a list recapping your major points at the end of your videos. It would be nice to see them all together.

@ElAgustin

Жыл бұрын

If you look at my description section, I always write a long description of the main points in the video!

10:30 Doing what is easy has really made me waste more money than I intended. Food delivery and Amazon Prime being two of the many conveniences that led to loss of savings. I'm hoping to turn over a new leaf in 2023. Thank you Agustin for the inspiration to change harmful habits.

Agreed in full....treats aren't treats anymore there the new normal....shopping creates excitement, adrenaline hits..its a drug and it will bankrupt many

It is true that paying all of these fees for convenience is almost always a waste of money (looking at you DoorDash and UberEats), but if spending $7 gives me 2 hours uninterrupted with my family, I will take it. Unless you are buying things you don't need, Amazon can save you from schlepping from store to store and wasting gas and precious hours of your week, not to mention all the people who NEED delivery services. But your overall point is a good one. It's way too easy to say, "I'll just pay extra and not do X" and not realize how much money you are spending every week doing that. A lot of excess fees comes from things you could do in 15 minutes, like chopping your own vegetables. Unless you are unable to do this, you are wasting so much money.

Hard times create strong men, strong men create good times, good times create weak men, and weak men create hard times.” The quote from a postapocalyptic novel by the author G. Michael Hopf.

Muy cierto 🤨, Muy buen video ! 👍🏻

You are right again, young man. I would wish more youngsters would follow your advice.

i'm personally really against food delivery myself. it's not a big deal to carve out an hour for myself to pick up the food for myself but save myself quite a bit of $ compared to if i got it delivered. the time saved does not outweigh the extra money i would pay instead.

@oscarfelix1952

Жыл бұрын

Yeah, it really ticks me off when the credit card bill shows up, not to mention that I may have to pay interest because I can't pay balance in full.

Convenience is tool in a very long life and we all have a choice in what we keep in that toolbox and what we choose to use x

I....was not expecting the Spanish at the end 😆me encanta.

Interesting to see an Uber Eats add on the video 😄

I also have not ever used Uber, food delivery services, and only ever ordered from Amazon one time. I use public transportation (free bus pass I am a city bus operator) or help from dear friends to get around. I told myself anything I buy that is materialistic it has to be something I use often or I see the item in my apartment and I get enjoyment from it. I am living well, debt free and content. I enjoy your channel thank you

@ElAgustin

Жыл бұрын

Thanks!

@derekspence7241

Жыл бұрын

@@ElAgustin You’re welcome

@BanjoPixelSnack

Жыл бұрын

I could not get where I needed to go using public transport where I live. Buses don’t run to most places and often don’t show up and the trains are expensive and frequently cancelled. So I have to own a car. But I only use it for distances that I absolutely cannot walk.

@derekspence7241

Жыл бұрын

@@BanjoPixelSnack I’m sorry it is not as easy for you to take the bus. The advantage is have I live very close to my work and grocery stores. I live in a small city about 200,000 population. I made the decision that to make life easier for myself is I need to live close to my job. I can’t be stressed out with commuting dealing with long drives and traffic.

This video is an Inconvenient Truth.

We pay for convenience and in return that makes us poor and stupid. We no longer have money or skills...

I'm in UK. I don't do online grocery shops now. I only did a few anyway,a few times when I could not leave my late Mum and a couple of times in lockdown. But I first you have to spend a certain sum and in order to attain that no extra charge sum (on top of delivery charge ) you have to bulk buy stuff or add fun stuff like chocolate and ice cream which I wouldn't buy in the store. But then when you check your order a few days before you find out the things you REALLY NEED have been deleted as "out of stock" or "unavailable" only the stupid stuff is left. Then most of these delivery men are complete or partial numpties and they turn up before the booked time or half an hour after and they stand there while you have to unload the baskets. I know that was a rule brought in to protect them in COVID time but its bloody annoying to see the young kiddie smirking while you at nearly 70 are unloading heavy items from the delivery crates. I'd rather go to the stores and pull a shopping trolley home. Its dangerous to get too reliant on deliveries as one day THEY are going to pull the rug from under us ie switch off the web for the fun of seeing the turmoil of us ants scurrying round the collapsed ant heap.

I plan to close my Amazon account. Their free shipping is now 99 euros from 49 euros. As soon as they refund my broken product, I will delete their account for good. If I need something one day, I will be sure to checkout best prices and buy. Just having that account somewhere is very tempting to spend your hard earned money on nothing at all.

It's just like having all these new Electrical gizmos like Electric gates, intercoms, Alarms, Pit pumps etc etc etc. They're all great, untouched they stop working and you have to pay to have them repaired!!

love the video because I agree. I like a balanced of convenience and non. only feedback I'd give respectfully, Is that some words in your sentences can be redundant~ other than that great vid!

💯 well said

10:43 that photo was taken in Grand Central

Amazon was pretty handy during the pandemic, and even now when I just can’t find what I need to talk going to 40 million stores and they still don’t have it. But I agree with you and principal.

@darrenpat182

Жыл бұрын

I'd argue the "pandemic" couldn't have happened without websites like Amazon...

@Michelle_Emm

Жыл бұрын

@@darrenpat182 🤦🏼‍♀️

@Michelle_Emm

Жыл бұрын

What the pandemic showed was how willing we were to exploit others for our own benefit. All those Amazon employees risked infection everytime they went to work so wealthy people didn't have to miss out.

@darrenpat182

Жыл бұрын

the "pandemic" revealed a lot of abuses of the power dynamics of our civilization, most disgraceful display of behaviour the human race has exhibited in my lifetime, I'm now an alcoholic because I've so little faith in my fellow man, every day I wake up I'm filled with despair, I saw through the bs right from the start, a society addicted to smart phones and completely in denial of our mortality and an absence of religion.

@Michelle_Emm

Жыл бұрын

@@darrenpat182 so you believe in the invisible man but not science.🤦🏼‍♀️ Your reaction to the pandemic is your choice, no-one elses.

I think you forgot one. Housekeepers. People don't have time to clean their houses either.

As a addiction doctor once asked, if there was a drug that got you higher than any other, but the high didn't kick in until 72 hours after you smoked it, could you even give it away?

Love the background Augustin. Can you do a behind the scenes video?

@ElAgustin

Жыл бұрын

Eventually!

Hi Austin, how you doing? My name is Jason and I am a new subscriber. I don’t know if you take questions about your videos, but I thought I would ask anyway. On the video you did a while ago on how to save money at the grocery store you said that you only do one load of laundry a week. I am just curious and how you manage to do that. Also, what grocery store do you shop at? I am trying to become a minimalist myself, so any pointers would be great.

Austin- I REALLY think you would REALLY enjoy reading “The Pleasure Trap” by Drs Alan Goldhamer and Doug Lisle! REALLY! I’ve been watching and enjoying your videos from back when you first started. I think this is my first comment. 🎉

@ElAgustin

Жыл бұрын

Thanks for commenting! I know it takes a lot for someone to comment as most people just watch. I'll check the book out!

I dont have amazon, doordash, and all the conveniences that make you broke. I want to work and at least save money for a rainy day

Love background 😍

As your conveniences increase….so does your waist size.

I don't get the connection between working more hours for more convenience... My wage is the same, no matter whether I work more hours or less, and I can have so much convenience as I can afford for my wage. So no need to spent more time at work just because you want to have a more convenient life.

Delivery fee is 7$ ?? Where Oo. In Germany its sometimes 1€ or a minimum price for delivery but then mostly free

Fantastic video as always! I love that you didn’t say ‘Ladies & Gentlemen’ in this one x

i simply like this video austin..........

@ElAgustin

Жыл бұрын

Thanks! Writing this one was fun as it's like, "What happen next when you are busy for so long?"

Still love going to the mall.

Obrigado 🇧🇷👍

Companies like coke Pepsi Budweiser Amazon ebay get rich from our mental weakness

Dude your ZOOM call wall is covered with amazon purchase junk.

Am I the only person on the planet that has never used Amazon (I despise Bezos), Doordash, Uber eats, Instacart etc? I admit I did get the dog wash guy to come to my house sometimes because my dog loved getting a doggy spa.😂

@claudiaweber4564

Жыл бұрын

Amazon is a great platform to save money. I buy almost everything on amazon before I compare it with the price in shops. You can save such a lot of money and you don't do any emotional shopping, because you csn put items you like on a wish list and decide later if you still need them and you want to nuy them. Sometimes they even drop in price when you wait.

@Michelle_Emm

Жыл бұрын

@@claudiaweber4564 I will never ever support Bezos, I don't care how much cheaper Amazon is. I will never contribute to his exploitation of people. I buy almost nothing, except food.

@claudiaweber4564

Жыл бұрын

@@Michelle_Emm If you don't want to support companies, which exploit their employees, you better stop shopping at all. Aldi, Lidl are very bad, I have friends working for them and what they told me was frightening.

@Michelle_Emm

Жыл бұрын

@@claudiaweber4564 that may be true in UK and US but in Australia Aldi is one of the best companies to work for. But even so buying food is not an option, it's pretty much the only thing I buy.

so true

The only consuming I do is travel everything else upcycled frugal minimal volontary simplicity

We get our wants and needs mixed up

Living is your primary job, you can do it well or totally crappy. It's your choice.

Thanks for the video. The denim background makes it hard to see the red words

@ElAgustin

Жыл бұрын

Sorry! Won't use it for future videos!

I’m soooooo spoiled by convienence

Not all of use these Conviences some of us ARE working for them to make extra money from those who don't get it. ;)

What are the titles of the books behind you?

@ElAgustin

Жыл бұрын

Shantaram, Living Poor, Mountain Shadow, The Body Keeps The Score!

People are happy to put others out of a job for convenience such people deserve to suffer the consequences of such a desire.

I hate to go to work, I enjoy working for myself and I'm a busy person, but goi g to work I try to keep as less as possible. The reason, why I aim not to spend useless money. My house got no depts, the current costs, I shate sith my partner, so I manage to live from 500£/month.Thete is no daving heck I don't know. 🤣