I wanted to mention that this is a bigger look at the need for better financial literacy in Hawaii, which can start in schools. I like spending money as much as the next person. I'm just glad I learned how to budget and live within my means. Save some, spend some, invest some (and save more than you spend). So no judgement here in how others choose to spend their money. I hope that we, as locals, can do better in our finances, especially as things continue to get more expensive.

@ericgene

5 ай бұрын

you ever talk to @movingtohawaii about investing?

@c2hawaii

5 ай бұрын

I spent a couple years in my 20's trying "simple living", budgeting and seeing how little money I could spend while still having an adventurous life that didn't cost very much. It was an invaluable experiential education and I'm still careful with how I spend money and still know how to enjoy life without blowing my paycheck on a lot of "things".

@Good1.way.to.live1

4 ай бұрын

Forgot to talk about Credit cards and how no one teaches you how credit cards really work until too late.

@SunnyIlha

4 ай бұрын

Tell everyone 18 years old to put 20 bucks a month in a 36 year maturing CD, and let it grow their whole life. Just watch it grow. It starts out with only 100 bucks to open.

Financial literacy should be taught in schools, for sure. But for most adults, financial literacy starts with behavior. Debt is not a math problem, it's a behavior problem. Change your behavior and you'll change your spending habits. I did. I was almost six figures in debt, but now I'm debt free. Change is good.

@kauaiboy5o

5 ай бұрын

You learn all those things from home and others in your environment, not in school or math, etc.

@HelloFromHawaii

5 ай бұрын

Congrats on being debt-free. While we still have our mortgage, it's nice not having student loans and a car payment. It really frees up the money each month.

@EvilTheOne

5 ай бұрын

And it's sad when ;home' doesn't understand financial strategy. That's why it needs to be taught in as many places as possible, even at someone's first career job place of employment. Mine did, and it's a great resource to have around.@@kauaiboy5o

Pretty much everything you describe about locals in Hawai'i is also true of Americans in general. A culture that normalizes over-consumerism, leaving most people in debt despite making more money than rest of the world (even at minimum wage and paying for inflated costs of housing and food). Car loans ($1.6 trillion in US debt) and eating out are the two biggest discretionary problems. Somehow, we collectively have to make eating at home and driving clunkers cool, otherwise this is just going to get worse and worse.

@HelloFromHawaii

5 ай бұрын

I thought eating at home was cool during the pandemic. Still, many places began offering take-out. Coupled with meal delivery services, it's a new way of life, I guess.

@2-old-Forthischet

5 ай бұрын

I sent my son to the best private school where I live in California and during that time, I drove $900 clunkers to and from work. It paid off in the long run. I didn't care about keeping up with the Joneses.

@jerryh8417

5 ай бұрын

Agreed. It is sad that so many Americans will need to work until they're 70 years old, or not be able to retire at all. When young couples ask me for general life advice, I always recommend that one, or both, take some type of mind-numbing government job for the pension(s). A number of my cousins worked at Pearl Harbor, and are in stable financial situations now that they are retired. Pensions along with Social Security and yearly maxed out 401K plans will allow for retirement at a reasonable age. Also, moving somewhere you can afford a house that will appreciate while still young, not having kids, and being a cheapskate will do wonders for one's financial health.

@EvilTheOne

5 ай бұрын

At a young age, even before I got my first career job, my father told me 'you work for retirement'. Too many people work from paycheck to paycheck, he didn't want his children to grow up with that mindset. Three of the four of us (his former children) have completed our mortgages; with the final one completing their mortgage in the next couple of years. With all of us barely have entered into our 60's. And as Stephen Covey said 'being with the end in mind'.@@jerryh8417

This is the reason why I got divorce. My wife was a high-class spender in the military who wanted a house by the beach while i was a HIDOE teacher who budget my money. Your video really hit home for me.

@HelloFromHawaii

5 ай бұрын

It's tough when spouses have different spending habits. My wife tends to be a spender, so we had to establish a budget we could agree on. It was tough at first, but I'm glad we have one that works for us.

@DecrepitBiden

5 ай бұрын

Money is the most common issue every couple argue about. My sister & her husband goes through it, same with my brother & his wife, same with my dad & my mom.

@alexcarter8807

5 ай бұрын

Back In The Day(tm) a house by the beach was cheap, if you didn't mind living out in Hau'ula or Punalu'u.

It depends on the generation and social class. People who burn fireworks are the ones who should be saving. There are many multigeneration households so that might affect spending.

@HelloFromHawaii

5 ай бұрын

I still don't know how that many people can afford to buy fireworks. All that potential tax revenue :)

I agree on everything they said. People like to live an extravagant life. Just keep it simple and be HAPPY!!!!

@HelloFromHawaii

5 ай бұрын

Agreed. 🤙

@EvilTheOne

5 ай бұрын

The more simple it is, the less stress in life. The more money saved and invested, the more control a person has of when (and where) they choose to retire.

I knew Ala Moana had changed, but, watching this video, it is unrecognizable to me! (I was totally blown away by the fact that Long's no longer holds the corner spot down the end where Sear's used to be. It felt like it had been there from when the mall originally opened, and would always be there. WOW!) I think some of the local behavior of shopping (not necessarily buying) is kind of like dream building, an opportunity to think about what they would buy if they ever hit it big time. Used to be that Ala Moana was more of a locals' mall, and Kahala Mall had the high mucka mucka shops. The last time I was back, that seemed to have changed where Kahala was more of a locals' mall. I knew that Ala Moana had gone extreme high end shopping, catering to affluent tourists - a lot like the Royal Hawaiian shopping center in Waikiki. Of course, Pearl Ridge and Windward Mall were always geared to the tastes of the locals and were like "neighborhood" kine places to go shop. Time changes all.

@HelloFromHawaii

5 ай бұрын

Ala Moana is definitely different. I'd love to see a timeline of which stores have come and gone.

@LuanaOnMaui

5 ай бұрын

Ala Moana started changing in the late 80’s. The high end stores started moving in with the influx of Japanese visitors.

@christopherturco197

5 ай бұрын

@@LuanaOnMaui True, however, it seems like it accelerated as if on steroids when they added the third floor to Ala Moana.

@alexcarter8807

5 ай бұрын

@@LuanaOnMaui Yep I left in 1986 and it was pretty unchanged from the 1970s at that time. But the Japanese economy took off like a rocket and didn't crash until 1989-90 (look up the Plaza Accords) but now it's affluent people from all over Asia not just Japan plus in Asia people will save for 10 years for that holiday in Hawaii. Long-term saving and planning.

@laurakibben4147

5 ай бұрын

I hate seeing the change of International Market Place 😢😢

Love the videos that include your wife. Would love to see an episode of both of you going over how you meet and budget each month.

@HelloFromHawaii

4 ай бұрын

That's a great idea. Budgeting is so important.

Great topic. I’m always surprised at how many people are driving fancy cars, especially for such a small population. Way more than in California.

@HelloFromHawaii

5 ай бұрын

I've been seeing so many more Teslas and Lexus SUVs around. And of course the fleet of Tacomas 🤙

@lorraine928

5 ай бұрын

Yes!! The Teslas! It doesn’t make sense because the island is so small. You think it’s because people gave up on home ownership so blow their $ on luxuries and eating out?

@alexcarter8807

5 ай бұрын

Cars are killing Hawaii. If I were kanaka maoli, I'd be pissed off over the invasion of cars, not some telescope, as the first priority to change. For each person, a car takes 3X as much space as the person does. Imagine all those roads and parking lots being gardens and lo'i and nice trees to sit under.

@EvilTheOne

5 ай бұрын

Most all cars are a 'money pit'. In my quest to focus on my investments, I've only had three (3) cars my entire working life of 40 years. One got into a 'total' claim accident, the second broke down beyond financial suitable repair, as the repair would exceed to worth of the car. And my third one is still doing great as I entered retirement with it. As a car depreciates the minute we sign the buyer's ownership contract, it makes no sense to me.

@bw5277

Ай бұрын

Lot of multi-generational homes. I don't know, but I'm guessing lot of the younger 20s and 30s living with parents don't save and invest like they have the opportunity to do. You see lot of expensive cars and trucks and boats. Also, hear of some that buy dogs for thousands of dollars, eating out everyday, vacations. I think many don't contribute to rent at parent's or grandparent's home and spend what they feel is disposable income...I could be wrong....Mahalo Chris....

I agree with the food aspect of spending money on food socially, culturally, etc. I’m a natural saver and it’s a must when I lived in Hawaii.

There is a culture of financial irresponsibility in Hawaii. I moved here 12 years ago and bought a fixer upper on the west side of Oahu because that’s all I could afford. I spent my first two years here fixing my place up and making it nice every spare minute I had. Didn’t even go out once in two years. During that time several of my local co workers lied to our union hall saying they needed to pull their retirement annuities for a house down payment. Every one of those guys spent their retirement money on new vehicles and expensive vacations instead of a home. Several others I work with have $1000 plus, a month, drug habits and rent their homes. A couple of locals my wife works with brag about how they and their husbands spend $20,000 a year on illegal fireworks, and of course they are renters. All of these people complain about not being able to afford a home. Is it expensive as hell in Hawaii, yes, but being financially responsible goes a long way toward helping deal with that.

@allaroundz

5 ай бұрын

no talk about the gold chain wearing, rims on they honda, Heinekens every weekend hawaii locals like that. lol

@HelloFromHawaii

5 ай бұрын

Wow, what a luxurious life. I can't imagine spending that much on those things. Good for you that you were disciplined in saving and fixing your home.

@HelloFromHawaii

5 ай бұрын

lol

@laurakibben4147

5 ай бұрын

Just evidence of feeling the need to keep up with the Jones'. Also, the biggest reason for hatred towards EBT and housing recipients. They are NOT shy about what they do and will spend on while on the dole. 😏

@user-1rg9f2-g3l6d

5 ай бұрын

The politically incorrect reality is that it indeed boils down to culture. Locals may be prodigal, whereas the Japanese are thrifty, deferring (or even forsaking) gratification. Indeed the Locals disparage the Japanese as "tight" and "stingy" or even "J_w" . . . But at the end of the day, you end up with the theme from the Aesop's fable _The Ant and Grasshopper._

Very good topic! Not only locals....I see so many people spend money on lots of non-essential items. My sons and their girlfriends go on some trips, eat out, buy few fun items, but not excessive in my opinion. I see other kids with expensive cars, designer everything, 5K dogs, Starbucks daily, etc To each his own I guess...

I noticed this when I was back at Xmas this past Dec. I think it’s because people are bored. There’s not that much to do in Hawaii, and if you’re someone who’s not into doing outdoor activities, then there’s not much to do besides spend money. Everyone I know there their houses are full of junk from Costco, Sam’s club etc. not just for non perishable goods, but just stuff in general, a lot of which goes bad because people do eat out a lot. Also, there’s a lot of keeping up with the jones mentality there. Trends are a real thing there.

@cupidok2768

5 ай бұрын

Y even buy. It's hawaii

@mindibear

5 ай бұрын

Really? Every time I watch a “what you need to know before moving to Hawaii” video people always say Hawaiians don’t care about your fancy car or clothes, they care about how you treat people. So leave your “keeping up with the Joneses” mentality at home.

@HelloFromHawaii

5 ай бұрын

Great observation about a lot of homes in Hawaii being packed. Unfortunately, we don't utilize attics or basements like they do on the mainland. I've tried to take the advice my dad once gave: whenever you buy something, throw away two things.

I think budgeting is part of the equation, but also understanding the difference between needs versus wants is critical too. I have to check myself and ask "why do I want to buy this?". I think buying 'stuff' that isn't essential is an emotional reaction.

@HelloFromHawaii

5 ай бұрын

Good point. I have to check myself too. When I feel that pull, I have to ask why I want it. I try to give myself a few days to think about it when it's a big purchase.

@alexcarter8807

5 ай бұрын

@@HelloFromHawaii This is what I do. I think about it for a while. Sometimes a long while like months or year. Then if I still want the thing, and I see it at a good price, my friends see me jumping to buy it, and to them it probably looks like an "impulse" buy but it's actually not.

@EvilTheOne

5 ай бұрын

SO TRUE! Budgeting and purchasing items should all be a part of financial strategy. And buying things, if done thoughtfully and patiently, can be done with the target of opportunity. @@alexcarter8807

09:37 Live within your means. Totally agree.

@HelloFromHawaii

5 ай бұрын

Still something I'm trying to learn. We have a solid budget, but still tough to be disciplined.

@EvilTheOne

5 ай бұрын

Stephen Covey's 2nd habit 'begin with the end in mind'. As a matter of fact, check out all his seven habits, they've been useful to me, as they put all of my beliefs into context.@@HelloFromHawaii

So excited I discovered your channel! The two of you are so lovely

@HelloFromHawaii

5 ай бұрын

Mahalo 🤙

For the algorithm. I'm about to retire. Nice presentation on spending money.

@HelloFromHawaii

5 ай бұрын

Mahalo 🤙

Growing up in a Filipino family in Hawaii (O'ahu), you find yourself attending weekly parties for baptisms, birthdays, graduations, anniversaries, super bowl, and GRADUATIONS. Depending on the season, sometimes a few of these events a week. Each event usually required ( but not obligated, unless you like stink eye and gossip) some sort of gift... Usually $$. As I grew up I started to ask "How does anyone afford this?" And then you go to Kahala Zippy's and pay $25 for a bowl of oxtail soup. And then follow that up with a $20 Zip Pac. Not financially feasible. It's likely why I stay in the mainland.

I enjoy seeing your content and the perspective you show. thank you

@HelloFromHawaii

5 ай бұрын

Mahalo 🤙

important video-lack of financial literacy-the narrative of how difficult life is in Hawaii would be different if people were more frugal

@HelloFromHawaii

5 ай бұрын

I'd be curious how life would be if more locals were more financially secure. Again, not just making more money, but also budgeting and learning to live within one's means.

I think you need to take into account the percentage of people who live in some kind of extended family or multi-generational household or live in an inherited home. I haven't lived in Hawaii for a long time, but that is the main difference I see driving cash available for non-essentials.

@HelloFromHawaii

5 ай бұрын

Good point. It's hard to save even when living for free with one's parents. I've been there. It's hard to stay disciplined.

@drjojo5551

Ай бұрын

You live with your parents for free??? YOU LEECH!!!!! Did they ask you to stay…….or did you worm your way into their home??? How many kids do you have????

A very thoughtful video. I didn't learn to budget till I moved to Hawaii and I was 49 🤣

@drjojo5551

Ай бұрын

Jesus h Christ!! FOR SHAME!!!!! SO HOW THE HELL DID YOU SURVIVE THIS LONG??????? Are you mentally challenged???

Thanks for the vlog! I think personal finance in general should be included in schools. Not only just balancing a budget but learning how and why to invest for the future and the options for investing and the pros/cons for those different investments. For me, I was self-taught by just reading a bunch of personal finance books.

@HelloFromHawaii

5 ай бұрын

Investing is also a great tool for young people. As generations have said before, "I wish I would have started sooner." But we're investing a little at a time.

@drjojo5551

Ай бұрын

If your kid is too stupid for the school curriculum……..what the hell makes you think he/she will be able to deal with a bank statement?????

The math doesn't work out for these Hawaiian households. Eating out, eating lots of fish and meat (very expensive unless you hunt and fish), so much money on fireworks! Big tvs, lift packages for big trucks etc. And then say rent is too high (which it is) but you have to also save money and spend carefully. Saying they can't save money because of high rent costs but blow it up in the sky on New Years to the tunes of thousands of dollars.

@HelloFromHawaii

5 ай бұрын

Great point. Although the cost of living is high in Hawaii, some don't make it any easier on themselves without good personal finance.

We used to like to go Kam Swap Meet or Flea Markets or 2nd hand stores to investigate what got, in small towns like Wahiawa & Waipahu. 😁

Spending habits are really crazy on the island. I new so many people that are buying expensive cars but they live with parents.

@HelloFromHawaii

5 ай бұрын

Or leasing new cars :)

Japan is on sale due to the exchange rate.

@HelloFromHawaii

5 ай бұрын

The rate is good for us, but tough for the Japanese visitors.

Your wife need own channel. The camera love her.

@HelloFromHawaii

5 ай бұрын

Thanks! I told her she should start her own. She's great.

My friend recently bought a new car out of necessity (his old car was giving him problems). He was able to make a hefty down payment and when he told the loan officer how much he needed to finance, she was shocked, she even asked him if he was sure. She didn't expect the financing amount to be so little as she was used to issuing much higher financing. She told him, "I just helped another client finance $90,000 for a GMC truck." 🥵Hawaii people are notorious for living outside of their means--I believe it's a behavioral problem that largely stems from insecurity. And I get it, I like to have nice things too or take vacations, but we need to stop caring so much about what other people think of us if we don't have "the latest and greatest". I'd like to see more local people take a genuine interest in financial literacy, especially when we live in a place with limited resources.

@HelloFromHawaii

5 ай бұрын

Our car just got fixed and we were ready to start looking. I was worried about the financing, but I think we could pay cash for a new car. $90K is a lot to finance over 5 years.

@alexcarter8807

5 ай бұрын

Maybe not enough kids joined The Eagles..... There was this commercial on TV at after school cartoon time, for a kids' savings account program called The Eagles, I still remember the song, something like "Saving! Oh, supah supah fun! Saving! Saving with Eagle Onnnnne! Come an' join The Eagles!" it had video if these kids running around, barefoot of course 'cause Hawaii, jumping over tree roots and stuff. Good times.

Another great topic! People always complain about not earning enough money. But nobody talks about how much people spend. If you don’t learn how to live within your means and prioritize your expenses for essential items like food, housing and healthcare, then no matter how much you earn, it will never be enough. I notice that the younger generation will not think twice about spending money on high end restaurants, designer handbags or a Starbucks beverage everyday but complain that they can’t afford to buy a house. If you don’t save learn to save, you will never be able save enough to put a down payment on a house. Financial literacy and budgeting is a must. Government sets a poor example of financial literacy. Our government spends more than what we take in so people think it is okay to follow what the government does! Also, if kids live with parents or grandparents and are not paying rent, they have a lot of disposable income to spend on non-essentials. Just my humble opinion…

@laurakibben4147

5 ай бұрын

Very good opinion 👍👍

@HelloFromHawaii

5 ай бұрын

Mahalo for the comment. Lots of great points. I think that the discussion about the cost of living here should include how much we spend, as well as how much we earn. Budgeting is key.

I guess I haven't been to Ala Moana in over 10 years. I was in Hawaii last month, it was expensive coming from NM. I do think about working back home and living at home. If the right opportunity comes up, I would. I'd like to be closer to Mom. Surprised at Gas, Plate Lunches, Oxtail Soup, Poke...etc.

@HelloFromHawaii

5 ай бұрын

It's different.

@drregmonster4371

5 ай бұрын

There’s only a few places in the US that have all these expensive stores in one mall, and Ala Moana is one of them. Plus the sales tax is lower in Hawaii.

@drjojo5551

Ай бұрын

Dukey…….SURE……you’d love to live with mommy!! Free food, no dishes, free laundry, free babysitter, no cost home repairs, friendly loans officer when needed, you can afford good dope and more of it!!! I PITY YOUR MOMMA!!!!! BIRTHING A LEECH LIKE YOU!!!!!

Where do Hawaiians stay in Las Vegas for free? What I found interesting is that when I had to go to Vegas for work or my daughter's sports competitions, the majority of the people actually gambling were Asian. Living in the East Bay of SF, many took bus trips to gamble. The 4 times I went to Hawaii, I met many Japanese people, and many grew up in Hawaii, so I would expect them to travel home at least once a year.

@HelloFromHawaii

5 ай бұрын

I'm sure a lot of places, but the Cal is probably the most popular casino for locals.

I could never figure out with their low wages that Hawaii people are big spenders ! My sisters in laws just love to shop .

@HelloFromHawaii

5 ай бұрын

Favorite stores? Ross? Target? Amazon?

@SunnyIlha

4 ай бұрын

Get hot wheels for da keike 😁 Inexpensive fun play with and collect stuff, and it doesn't clutter badly 😁

Financial guru Richard Kiyosaki told a story about his father who was a former Hawaii DOE superintendent. He had asked his father why financial literacy was not taught in Hawaii schools. According to his father, the Hawaii education system didn’t want it to be taught? I believe it was a way to control the masses. Keep them illiterate, keep them poor or indebted to those who controlled the money and financial system. A form of slavery to say the least. My parents didn’t have those skills either. As a result, myself and my brothers made many financial faux pas, aka the school of hard knocks. It’s a generational curse that needs to be broken here in Hawaii especially. I also think that Hawaii people spend money because of boredom. Not too many extracurricular here outside of surfing, swimming and fishing. The culture and the arts experience is very limited here too. Thanks for the great video and I hope it reaches many locals here in Hawaii Nei. Time to wake up and become financially savvy!

@HelloFromHawaii

5 ай бұрын

Mahalo for the comment. Interesting that you brought up boredom. I suppose so, even though there is so much to do here for free.

@alexcarter8807

5 ай бұрын

Kiyosaki is a fraud and a crook. He's not anyone to take advice from.

I live in the mainland now but I'm always amazed when I go back home to visit how local people spend their money: fireworks, vegas, and surplus shopping (you'd think hawaii people were all preppers but really its just hoarding). The ones that really boil my blood is the ones that live on government provided housing (and you know they got the food stamps too) but overspend on multiple cars, boats, etc and the customizing of cars (I'm thinking of Nalo in this case). I should also mention fools with big rope chains and expensive sneakers but can't afford to pay their electric bill and then use their grandmother's or mother's ebt card.

@HelloFromHawaii

5 ай бұрын

lol. Don't they do an asset check when they give out government assistance?

@alexcarter8807

5 ай бұрын

@@HelloFromHawaii That's why he said his grandmother's EBT card. Grandmother's poor and has the card for food, and the kid spends all his money on stupid things then gotta use HER card.

Hi guys In want to come out to Hawaii just for about 4 days. I’ve been to Honolulu . What island would you recommend that’s nice not too touristy? Thx Dawn

@HelloFromHawaii

5 ай бұрын

I'd recommend Kauai. Very laid back. It's my favorite island, even though I'm from Oahu. I love the taro chips in Hanapepe.

@drjojo5551

Ай бұрын

NIIHAU!!

I work in the financial services industry in the mainland- would people of hawaii want to learn financial literacy if I taught it for free? If people don't want to change their ways, then it's not worth it to help people who don't want to help themselves.

@HelloFromHawaii

5 ай бұрын

They might not want to learn it, but it would be nice if it was available as a class in schools.

School curriculums around the world need to shift focus away from forcing kids to memorize the names and dates of wars and their awful perpetrators to investing 101, entrepreneurship, sensible personal financing and many other skills that help the future generation build a great life.

@HelloFromHawaii

5 ай бұрын

General business skills would be nice. Not everyone needs to start a business, but at least these kids would be introduced to that world.

@drjojo5551

Ай бұрын

Skinny…….the problem with uses is that if you don’t learn about wars, fuck ups, communism, ethnic wars, we are bound to repeat them without at least knowing something about war, pain , misery!!! I mean just look at American college kids today!!

It's cultural, you learn those things not from school but from the environment to grow up in, your family and others in your environment.

@HelloFromHawaii

5 ай бұрын

True, but I'd hope that school could supplement whatever is learned, or not learned, at home.

vielen Dank👍🇩🇪

Interesting. You can’t help spending money in Hawaii because everything’s so expensive just to live. I guess, as you say, it comes down to choices. But I will add one thing. Hawaii has a very generous local culture. You go away, you come back with presents for people. End of the school year, all the teachers get something. Have a kid’s party, there are always little gift bags for the keiki who attend. And if you go someplace with a Trader Joe, you bring things back for folks! That costs something, but what society gets in return is a feeling that everybody is appreciated, remembered, and important. That’s worth something not measurable in dollars. Sorry, just an idea …

@HelloFromHawaii

5 ай бұрын

Mahalo for bringing up the generosity. Locals are often times very generous. It's something I appreciate about locals, even when it costs a relatively large amount of money.

@alexcarter8807

5 ай бұрын

Omiyage!

It's true 😁 Could be be more minimalist, I think. Local stuff is good though. Carvings & stuff. Things made from coconut shell, like.

I spend most of my money on food 🤣- I think food’s pricey here. Not only eating out but buying your own groceries as well. Everyone said you can go to Costco but hey I live with my husband only it’s not possible to buy such a huge amount of food. It either go to a waste or just keep it in my freezer. The food isn’t fresh anymore…

@HelloFromHawaii

4 ай бұрын

Groceries are expensive. And I can understand your situation when shopping for two. I tried my best to buy fresh when it was just me, but I ended up wasting a lot. Now that we're a family of four, it's much easier to buy in bulk.

Hmm. I read this the other day but decided not to respond and not comment right away. This morning, I read an alert on my phone which piqued my curiosity. It was a news article about Gen Z not having the life of their parents. I read a few comments this afternoon. I thought about being a tail end baby boomer versus Gen Z, and other age groupings. It certainly gives thoughts about what Gen Zs expect here and in Hawaii. For the baby boomer generation, there's been incredible changes from the parent/grandparents of WWII. Hawaii is experienced in many ways of going from sugar/pine agriculture-based economy to Defense spending & tourism. Along with the changes, household incomes have really increased with unionizations that our grandparents and parents would not have seen in their lifetimes. Added to that economic change/income comes technology advances in medical, industry and commerce. Lifestyles have changed with all of that, so compared to earlier generations, much of which, they accepted it as it came, never thinking of the consequences. So, when Gen Z, or generations now, think why I can't get what my parents/lifestyle have, it's because they haven't jumped to meet what's required that the grandparents/parents endured to get there. My grandparents/parents scrimped/saved what they could, did what was necessary, and the post war generation lived it as it came, doing what was necessary, worked hard and adjusted as it came. Life in Hawaii is expensive, choices must be made now, later, whenever. Whether education, career, lifestyle, it all adds up and depends on the individual's choices on, whether living for today and not for tomorrow, or working for tomorrow and the next thing. I've changed a couple of times as an adult deciding career direction, some worked/others didn't, but I kept an eye as to where I wanted to end up with. It's a hard haul with no certainties until I retire. There were relationships, financial and professional humps that seemed unsurmountable, but one gets ahead by giving up. You find a way, somewhere else, but you keep moving forward.

@HelloFromHawaii

4 ай бұрын

Mahalo for sharing. I think it comes down to individual choices, but also life circumstances. The globalization of the economy presents challenges that older generations in Hawaii never had to deal with. Still, personal finance and education come down to the individual.

Alamoana mall does not have any deals… yes I shop there but I hate money 😅

This is a problem everywhere.

Remember, Hawaii is a very heavy Civil Service employed State. Yes, I'm a spender ... 😁😁😁 Plus, when I go grocery shopping, and then have to prepare and cook ... a majority of the time, it costs more than just going out and buying lunch and dinner. As for shopping, my GF will look, look, look, (hours) and buy a few things .... how.men shop is grab, grab, and go home... I noticed that if stores like Macy's, had chairs on the floor, the men can sit as the woman can browse around and take their time ... if the man has to hang with the woman, he tends to insist, hurry up, and let's go already! ... spending less money lol. My father used to hang out in the Sears tool section for hours while my mother used to shop the whole store ... 🤔🤔🤔

@808ecobeast7

5 ай бұрын

My co-worker, who's a Millennial, and a Hawaii Civil Service worker (pretty much guaranteed salary), when his dishes and clothes are dirty, he throws them away and buys new ones ... 😂😂😂 When his car registration and safety inspection expires and too much trouble to renew them, trades his car in and buys a new one ... 🫣🫣🫣

@HelloFromHawaii

5 ай бұрын

We used to hang out in Sears when my Mom went shopping. With cell phones, I guess people can hang out anywhere and be entertained.

@HelloFromHawaii

5 ай бұрын

lol. Hope he uses paper plates 🤙

They are spenders. I been in Honolulu and alot of waste money. I like Bob barbecue, as well Kenneth where you get two burgers and a drink 7.99. The rents are crazy in Oahu.

@HelloFromHawaii

5 ай бұрын

🤙

Americans in general are spenders. Get 1 dollar, spend 5 dollars. Since consumer spending is a large part of our economy, it helps our economy. But the drawback is a country that has 1.3 trillion dollars in consumer credit card debt as an example. Good luck everyone!

@HelloFromHawaii

5 ай бұрын

It's hard when there is so much debt floating around. Looking forward to the day we're debt free.

All the younger kids live with parents and grandparents, so they spend their money instead of paying rent or saving for a home.

@HelloFromHawaii

5 ай бұрын

Too bad they don't save it. A person could build a good savings by living rent-free.

Definitely spenders! Life is slow there. They got nothing better to do after they got bored of the free beaches and natural wonder. Eating everywhere in the whole wide world is what life comes down to. I love those stores too. I can buy 10 pairs of jeans for about $100 bucks whereas, that is the cost of 1 pair of jeans in other stores. When my kids were young, food is what I blew money on. In the summer, I'd go to yogurt and icecream places couple times a week, not to mention eating out and going to parks and kids places, which have expensive foods.

@HelloFromHawaii

5 ай бұрын

Interesting that you brought up boredom. I guess locals can get bored of Hawaii. I've found that there's a lot to do for free, but I guess some people get bored quickly.

Some people in Hawaii are making sufficient income, but not enough to save for a home on the islands. Those in generational households are just waiting for their parents to pass in order to take over the house. Others no longer aspire to save for a house and have resigned themselves to being perpetual renters. In both situations, extra income can be devoted to all the trappings of conspicuous consumption to support the facade of affluence and success.

@chrissnydez

5 ай бұрын

The crazy thing is even if they inherit the house there's still a lot of financial responsibility in a home outside of a mortgage. You can assume the home is going to need repairs (roof, appliances, etc), insurance, property taxes and utilities. If they fail to keep up with maintenance the house will fall apart over the years and if they get behind in taxes the government can take the property.

@HelloFromHawaii

5 ай бұрын

It's too bad that those who are living at home don't always save when they are living rent free. I get it. I was in that position too. However, once I was serious about getting my own place, I became serious about saving.

@HelloFromHawaii

5 ай бұрын

Great point about house maintenance. It's such a big responsibility. Painting, roof, foundation, termites. All costs associated with living in a house.

Excess spending behavior includes HI is good for economy but problem for personal finances and future

@HelloFromHawaii

5 ай бұрын

The State collects on GET, but it still hurts personal finances.

rumors are that malls will close in a matter of a few years… 🤔

@HelloFromHawaii

5 ай бұрын

I think malls like Ala Moana will still be here because of the high end stores tailored to visitors. However, as Waikiki continues to grow (Target coming soon), it will be challenging for Ala Moana to compete. Without the food courts, I'm not sure how many locals would shop there.

sometimes spending mentality goes to f it i cant afford a house easily or i never gonna be a millionair not gonna live forever so im gonna enjoy my money

@HelloFromHawaii

5 ай бұрын

Yeah, it's sad that it's so expensive that it's discouraging to try to save. When you need to save over $200K for a down payment, it's hard not to want to spend money.

Another reason…. Since Hawaii is so expensive, you gotta look for the deals

@HelloFromHawaii

5 ай бұрын

Costco and Ross :)

Here's some of my thoughts: - Eatery accessibility: when living on the mainland, the closest Asian food place was 15 miles away. And since I lived and worked on the outskirts of town, most food places were three miles away. I can't even count the amount of eateries I have within a three mile radius in Kalihi. So spending money on eating out is much easier when the eateries are this close and on-the-way as we move around in our vehicles daily. - Activity: Southern California offered a multitude of activities, daily concerts, amusement parks, mountains, beaches, deserts, major sporting events, etc...other than shopping. I view that there are some in Hawaii that view shopping as an activity/outing. This makes shopping a sneaky expensive activity. - Financial philosophy: if someone's 'luxury' expenditures exceeds their investment portfolio, then chances are they aren't going to retire until very much into their 60's. 'Needless' spending on things we want, will never get us to where we 'need' to get to. There are two times that people need to take stock of their financial planning; in the early 20's AND when they get their first 'career' job. - 'Keeping-up-with-the-Joneses: this is as much of a psychological issue as it is a financial one. Trying to keep up with trends, changes, popularity, fads, etc...is really impulsive purchasing built upon other people viewing our worthiness. It's a sure way to keep oneself in constant debt, as 99% of things bought immediately lose their value upon purchase. - Final recommendations to businesses/government: all of them should make it mandatory to have financial strategy classes and at least an office/specialist offered within them. Mine had one, and they could help you adjust your strategy and/or point out things that you were not aware of. Mapping out a retirement strategy is one of the most important things in life that needs to be discussed right when you get your career job...so important!

@HelloFromHawaii

5 ай бұрын

Mahalo for sharing your thoughts. Great recommendation on having financial strategy classes, particularly to help employees figure out how to best save for their future.

@EvilTheOne

4 ай бұрын

As I once did before retirement, I indulged in 'fantasy football. Doing daily research to attempt to maximize my team's success for the coming weekend. Many of us spend a good amount of time and energy in this endeavor. The more I got involved in analyzing the stock market, the more I found that doing this was just as interesting as fantasy football. The great point, is the market results are more rewarding. If people would spend even a part of their energy towards their investment portfolio, they would be surprised by the financial education it would spark within them. After all, "since we work for our money...we should make our money work for us".@@HelloFromHawaii

I live on a fixed income. Realistically at times it more economical to eat out. I use curbside to limit my impulse buying. I have subscriptions for my monthly repeat purchases through Amazon to save gas and resist temptation. I applied for a Micro Grant with Hawaii Dept of Ag to purchase the expensive raised beds, grow towers essentials etc. Honing my growing skills to feed extended family, friends and neighbors. Keeps me occupied less time to hit the malls to shop till I drop.

@HelloFromHawaii

5 ай бұрын

Did you get the micro grant? If so, congratulations. I recommended that to someone who was interested in gardening.

@naomiaki2962

5 ай бұрын

I did first time applying. Towers are great, but expensive and shipping is outrageous. I was able to purchase items I wouldn't consider otherwise. Dabbling in hydroponic everything can be utilized ongoing 🤙

NORTHERN COLARADO 🥶

@HelloFromHawaii

5 ай бұрын

Go Bears! 🤙

In the 1970s when I was a kid we were poor and were very thrifty, almost everyone is. To give an example, I've never had loco moco in my life! How is this possible?? I was not big and strong enough to be a football player and when I was growing up, loco-moco was something the big, strong, and better-fed football players ate, not poor kids. Too expensive, too much food at once, etc. To give a shining example of how Hawaii was in the old days, in the early 80s I worked for Burns Security for a while, as a security guard. At the time, a Japanese company, Satsuma Ramen, tried opening some shops in Honolulu. It was distinctive ramen in that it came in these tall cardboard cups, like imagine a Shin Ramyun cup but not as big around, and taller. Also, it had a much richer broth and had a lot of good stuff in it, unlike the saimin I grew up on, which had a very minimum amount of add-ins. This made it expensive, like $4. An hour's pay! I could never afford it, and got to watch while one of my supervisors ate it, and I only got to smell it. After not too long, Satsuma went out of business because most people were too broke to afford their nice ramen. Also keep in mind, Hawaii's a big mixing pot, of all kinds of people/ethnicities. Your locals of Asian background were big on saving, and teaching their kids to save and be frugal and think long-term. I think we all know how mainland people tended to think - Have fun, spend money, and if the kids don't have food or money for college, that's their problem. Short-term thinking, their marriages are treated as temporary, etc. Then you have the Pacific Islanders who came to Hawaii, maybe got a good job being a trashman or something and their culture is all about sharing, so they share all around their family and group which is good in that no one goes hungry or homeless, but they're never going to be rich. Personally, I like their approach the most - having a large social/family network and knowing you'll never be hungry or homeless beats just about everything else. Hawaii becoming home to all these high-end stores is a new thing to an old-timer like me. I don't think it's locals spending money in those stores, for the most part. It's people visiting from all over the world, with a lot of visitors from Asia. It's not that they're rich, but they'll save for years on end to visit Hawaii and in some cases, they'll come to Hawaii to buy high-end stuff they can resell back home. Sadly, I think there *is* a lot of pushing of "luxury" spending to people who would be better off being more careful with their money. This is how America works - this is mainland culture. It's a money-based culture and the more money circulates around, the better for the people at the top. Ultimately people will have to adjust to living a more humble lifestyle because this "party" can't go on forever.

@HelloFromHawaii

5 ай бұрын

Mahalo for sharing your experience about the ramen shop. I think restaurants often struggle locally because of pricing. While it's fun to try new things, if locals only try on special occasions, it will be tough once the fad is over. Not all of the stores are high-end, but many of them are in certain locations. Then again, the audience for those places are the tourists who want to spend the big bucks. And I agree that the party can't go on forever. Gotta pay the bill at some point.

@alexcarter8807

5 ай бұрын

@@HelloFromHawaii The thing is, Satsuma Ramen was really ono. The average person could not afford it though. It was aimed toward the regular people not tourists, the idea I'm certain was to have it like Japan, where you'd have good ramen (or bento or whatever) near your work and be able to afford it. They just underestimated how broke the average local was.

Budgeting is nearly impossible. When it was just the wife and I, saving was easier. Now as home owners and 2 sons, with vehicle and property upkeeps and unforeseen emergencies every dollar is spent. We are in the deficit of paycheck to paycheck living. Our government sucks!!

@HelloFromHawaii

5 ай бұрын

I know it can be tough. It was much easier for us too. With two kids, who knows what is going to come up? We continue to talk over a monthly budget and that's helped. We make adjustments as we go along, but glad we're able to save. Also having no student loans and car loan helps.

@drjojo5551

Ай бұрын

No Bub…..IT IS DEFINITELY YOU WHO SUCK!!!!! You don’t have to be a multi millionaire to live within your means!! Don’t have enough??? Get a better job!!!

Ala Moana looked so empty!

@HelloFromHawaii

5 ай бұрын

It was early before any of the stores were open. It was much more crowded in December.

I die laughing and shake my head both when i heard and hear the reports that claim raising a kid from birth to 18 was 180k when i was doing it to 300k now. 😆😏

@HelloFromHawaii

5 ай бұрын

I heard it was $250K per child. :)

@laurakibben4147

4 ай бұрын

@@HelloFromHawaii Well, I did it far below both numbers and my kids weren't deprived or unhappy, etc. Good luck!!

Hawaii merchandise is so enticing when traveling there. I quite enjoy Kona coffee and shortbread cookies. But you don’t need to buy much apparel with the warm climate. Vegas is a weekend trip for me, but it got more expensive even for me so I pass for now. Japan is actually cheap because of the strong dollar.

@drjojo5551

Ай бұрын

Bub….homemade shortbread is sooooooooo much better than Costco crap!!!

I can't afford to eat out. I bring breakfast and lunch from home everyday.

@HelloFromHawaii

5 ай бұрын

That's good. I don't eat out too often and we budget for eating out as a family. It's not much, but at least we have limits.

The people I believe that are shopping here Are mostly tourists or they're mega rich! The rest of us are just trying to survive I am a simple military wife and cannot afford $30 for a small pizza from Domino's that is 6 bucks back home

I think Hawaii people are over-spenders! It’s also personal experience with family members I am from the Mainland, and married to a local. I can never figure out, with low wages, food and housing costs. how do people make it?? !! I am able to save from my job on the Mainland, and stay practical and mindful

It's not just people in Hawaii. People today don't want to believe the economy is headed for the dumps. Don't be in that group that regrets it too late. I was born in Hawaii in the prehistoric time. My parents were not wealthy so we struggled daily. We always lived below our means even though we were able to buy a brand new house in 1962. Here in California, our cost of living where I live is pretty close to Hawaii's. Do you shop on the fourth floor of the mall? Take it from this old fart, if you have a 9-5 job, you'll need a lot of money to live an average life. I paid for my son's 5 1/2 years in college in cash and looked at it as part of my retirement. A recent study showed that an average family with two kids will need to earn $1.7M in their lifetime just to survive. Good luck.

@HelloFromHawaii

5 ай бұрын

Mahalo for the comment. Didn't know it was that much to raise two kids. That will be us, I guess. :)

@2-old-Forthischet

5 ай бұрын

@@HelloFromHawaii and that estimate was with the purchase of a home at the national median price of $400K. I think that amount will buy you a parking stall in Hawaii.

I don't think it's a Hawaii thing. It's an American thing. A lot of people I know that live in other states have parents that didnt even save up or think of retirement. They didn't even save for their kids' college fund. All they do is live for now. I think with the large Asian culture in Hawaii we have more people that were taught to at least save money and be financially responsible than the rest of the mainland. As other viewers said, it is a learned behavior. Thankfully I was taught that and live debt free except for my mortgage. I live near a mall and havent stepped in it for years. I have no interest in shopping for junk.

@HelloFromHawaii

5 ай бұрын

Mahalo for sharing. Maybe it's an Asian culture thing. Then again, there are a lot of Asians who look like they are spending a lot. Maybe they can afford it. Who knows? And it's always fun to walk around the mall. Most of the stores at Ala Moana don't do much for me. Just too expensive. But always fun to look.

The biggest mall in Honolulu and besides you, your wife and kid there were like 10 people in the video?

Here’s a local yokel eying a gold Cartier!!! WOW!! GHOST MALL??????????

It's an American thing! Hawaii isn't any different!

@HelloFromHawaii

5 ай бұрын

🤙

Bub…..if a bank is stupid enough to issue locals credit cards, then bear the consequences of deadbeat customers!! But you’re talking about fast food!! Here in Canada, even our homeless won’t eat SPAM!!!!! BON appetit island boy!!!!!

One word CREDIT

@HelloFromHawaii

5 ай бұрын

But it eventually has to be paid back

@eaaron3

5 ай бұрын

@@HelloFromHawaiithey know that but they will just file for bankruptcy

Not true s i m a local n we do not overspend. Those who move here from the mainland assume certain things n may not necessarily be correct

Good video but you should give some actual examples and maybe partner up with someone who understands finances.

Maybe it is because so many of us are immigrants....want to show we can afford a big truck now. We need to be more European...small vehicles and no shame in using public transport.

@HelloFromHawaii

5 ай бұрын

lol. Big Trucks!

Hmm more like Hawai'i government overspends

@HelloFromHawaii

5 ай бұрын

lol

You two seem very average……YET…….EATING OUT SEEM TO BE YOUR SCHTICK,!!! WE ARE NOT RICH……….BUT EATING OUT IS A DEFINITE MISTAKE!!!!

@HelloFromHawaii

Ай бұрын

We actually don't eat out often. We budget for it, but only a few times a month, if that.