It is possible! And it is worth it! More information here on our site www.livingonadime.com/stay-home-save-more-money/

While our children were growing up, we took mini vacations. We would take a long weekend, go somewhere within 200 miles of our home, and spend the night in a hotel. It was a lot of fun, and we felt like we had been away. Sometimes we would go to a hotel, off season and spend the weekend. It was great. Paid cash, breakfast was included, pool, spa, etc. really fun

The "must be nice" comment irritates me no end. Some guy at work said that to me when we were talking about mortgages. My mortgage was paid off - early. And I paid every penny myself as a single non-college working mom. His comment was "must be nice" with his snotty attitude. My response, "yes, it is nice. I did it myself - I drive a car until it falls apart - I don't have professional landscaping - no pool - none of the latest technology - I live in a small house that I've lived in for 20+ years - no new furniture every few years - I'm retiring at 55." He didn't like my response - too bad, because he and his wife could keep on living and spending and paying the mortgage and he had already retired once. He was really really ticked when I did actually retire at 54 with a 'bridge' to 55 included in an early retirement package, he barely spoke to me when I left. Pension, savings, house paid for, vehicle I bought used and paid cash - I was outta there! Thanks for spreading the word - you are great for teaching this to other people.

@vickigallagher1271

4 жыл бұрын

LiveLaughLove, EveryDay good for you!!!!

@cherylT321

4 жыл бұрын

LiveLaughLove, EveryDay. You are absolutely awesome! It’s amazing how jealous people can be when they know someone is doing better than they are. I am debt free and live very frugally. I have tried for years to help my brother and his family. They refuse to hear me, though they have been struggling with their finances for years. It’s all in your mindset!

You just have to accept there's always going to be jealous people, it's obvious you work hard in the home, you aren't cheap you are careful, carry on being great as there's far more people viewing you (like me) who get something positive from what you do xxx

Adults devise a plan and execute it. children do what feels good. "Dave Ramsey" Frugal for life

@steveibarra109

7 жыл бұрын

I thought I'd see Ramsey's name on the comments lol

@hollykbae5231

3 жыл бұрын

“I’m Prison Mike! The worst thing about prison was dementors!” Great profile pic. Always wanted to meet you, Prison Mike. I feel I could sit and just... learn something.

Wow! I needed to hear this. I am currently on leave recovering from a mastectomy. I received chemo and now I'm trying to recover prior to going back to work. I've been thinking a lot that even though I am sick, my kids have flourish in the time I've been home. Grades are up, house is always clean and organized, I am resting and taking care of my health. maybe staying home on one income will be possible for us. Thank you for inspiring me!

I'm a single parent who works full time raising two kids on my own, while living on one income and I manage to save and budget very well. I agree with these principles.

this isn't necessarily a money saving comment, but my husband and I have been able to have it so that I stay home and he works. He only makes about 15k a year and we as a family of four are still able to manage this. We have no credit cards, cable bill, car payment etc. We have a lot of family time which is great. That brings me to my point, we see soooo many people with two incomes, kids are in activities, both are gone for work, yes they have some things that are nicer, but bigger also requires more time and upkeep, these people work so hard for all their nice stuff that they never have time to enjoy or see their families. Huge empty house and yard that they are gone trying to pay for.

Sally was alittle judgemental! Being frugal does not mean living in poverty. I say well done x

Great video! A few years ago my husband was laid off from a job that was stressful and he hated! We were forced to live on one income. By that time, I had already been reading your website and book. We got rid of a bunch of useless items (like cable) and found that we were just fine. We moved to a new city for my career (that I love). I work only part-time but make a lot more money and we were able to have another child and he stayed home for as long as he wanted. He ended up getting a job that he loves. We make twice as much as we did when both of us worked before but we are happy and still trying to live on less and our lives are much less stressful. By the way, we got cable for a while but realized its still worthless!! Thanks for all of your tips over the years!!!

My husband and I are 23 years old. We have been moved out and living on our own since 17. Being financially responsible has allowed me to be a stay at home mom! At 23 years old! That says something. It's possible. You don't NEED fancy name brand clothes, the newest car, or latest phone.

@eclairtreo

6 ай бұрын

Wow, now THAT, is impressive. You must be very proud, very organized, wise, and devoted to your goals. Much admiration!

Great video!! I too get so sick of defending our lifestyle. I am a SAHM to three kids. Two of them are grown(my oldest daughter has moved out, but our 24 year old son still lives at home because he works with my husband at our tiny home based family business), and the youngest is 17 and still in school. I don't have a college degree so I can only make slightly over minimum wage at job. We choose to live a frugal lifestyle and have figured out that by doing so, we can save more money than I would make at a job away from home. Case in point, it's Friday night and most families we know are going out to eat this evening. They feel like they deserve it after working hard all week and they are stressed out and worn out. Well, I don't feel like cooking on a Friday night either, so we are having leftover chili! THAT my friend, is how we manage to live very comfortably on one income. It has nothing to do with "luck", and everything to do with "choice".

There will always be "naysayers" who don't understand your message. Just ignore them and keep on keepin' on! We've been a one income family with 3 kids for nearly 20 years. Life is all about choices. Many blessings to you and your family in 2016!

When people behave rude, its because their jealous or not making their money behave correctly. do not let peoples judge your family. they are not walking in your shoes.

IF anything your “frugal living” concepts WORK by your house. Most “poor” people, are individuals who waste money, not invest it. I’m glad she was misinformed, because it just reinforced your concepts. You guys rock. Inspiration! Seriously anytime I want to spend money, I think about things you say...or turn on one of your videos! Ty for what you do! I can’t wait to buy your book!

This would have to be one of my favourites! We lived on one income and lived in much the same way as you do. I had 4 children and they could pick one sport or interest each. I found that they would rather have the freedom to play with their friends. We lived in a small town and although it was mostly a farming town it was right on the coast. We didn't eat out either and I never bought drinks out I took cordial or water bottles. We had a very big vegetable garden and I kept to a budget. I stayed home and cooked all the things that the kids had for snacks like cookies, banana cake, muffins etc. My kids are adults now and I own my own home right near the beach and I also own my car. You can do it if you really want to, it's just a decision. Once you decide to do it you'll never look back. Thank you for bringing this out into the open. I love your channel!

DO NOT let people's envy and criticism bother you! You guys are amazing, and are uplifting to so many people! God bless you!!! Your blessings are actually INSPIRING. More power to you!! That viewer was on a different plane than you, definitely.

@sl4983

8 жыл бұрын

+cathie romero And youre blessed with a sweetheart of a husband!

@LivingOnADime

8 жыл бұрын

+cathie romero Thanks so much!!

My husband and I have both always worked. Well about 2 years ago we decided I should stay home with our 3 kids since our eldest will be entering kindergarten. I was so afraid of going from 2 income to 1 income. But so far it's worked out pretty well. We did have to make sacrifices. But we are still able to have everything we need and some of what we want. My kids are not in a lot of activities. But they do have swimming and all the one on one tutoring they need for subjects that they are struggling in and we do have nice family vacations. I have a lot of my friends say oh I wish I can stay home like you. I actually believe they can with some sacrifices. Living frugal doesn't meant to live poor. It just means we learn to make our money go a long way.

@kmundwiller3936

6 жыл бұрын

Reagvianson I'm trying to figure out how you managed daycare for 3 while you worked!? It's usually mom stays home until they're all in school. Or for us homeschoolers, when they're all teens? Or just moved out. Lol

Love this video! Totally agree with making kiddos work for things and teaching them responsibility. We started our "budget" journey a month ago and I was shocked at how much we could live on, including eating out once a week on Sunday. I smiled when you described your family's dining out experience, as it is sooooo similar to the way we do. Love your channel...please keep the videos coming! This was so encouraging.

@LivingOnADime

8 жыл бұрын

+I'm JustMe Thanks! We are making more!

I so agree! Giving your kids everything causes them to be lazy and selfish. Good video guys. Wished I would have been more frugal in my life.

Very very responsible life style!! you guys are doing great job! I'm newly married. We've been budgeting for 3months now and pay off depts. We are working on it. love this feeling that we are getting stronger and responsible for ourselves and future family. Thank you for sharing!

Love it guys. Thanks for sharing all these wonderful tips for others. We too are a family of 7 living on one income in an expensive city in California. We have no debt and no payments on both our vehicles. In five years we have saved up a down-payment for a house. Yes, I agree it is all about what you choose to spend your money on! Bless you for sharing.

Great advice for people. My wife and I have lived on one income for about the last 6-7 years. We too don't take big vacations. I love camping, and the kids have grown up loving it as well and it is cheap to get away for several days that includes biking, hiking, fishing, playing games, and more. The biggest relief was paying off debt and not paying for daycare when the kids were young. The other largest savings was not eating out. People just don't realize exactly how much that costs. Sometimes we feel a little guilty when we do eat out and think how much we could have bought at the store for that amount. We have reduced our food expenses by having a small garden. With just 4, 4'x4' raised beds we get an abundance of various fresh vegetables during the year. We live in the suburbs north of Dallas, so we don't have a huge section of land, but you can grow more than you realize in small spaces and in containers & window boxes, or growing vertically along a fenceline. It doesn't fully replace everything we eat fresh, but it does lower our expenses. We've also learned how to freeze or can the extras (like tomatoes, cucumbers, green beans and peppers during the summer) The kids are also involved in planting, watering, and harvesting, so they get the added lesson of learning where some of their food comes from and how to work for it. Plus it's fun to pick sweet cherry tomatoes or sugar snap peas off of the vine for a snack while playing in the back yard.

We have done it for years also. In the beginning I watched a couple other kids to supplement my husbands income. Later on we just lived on a budget (still do), cook from scratch, buy in bulk or on sale and stock up, grow a big garden and can, we have chickens for eggs and we drive our cars till the wheels just about fall off. We also put a timer on our hot water heater - saved us a ton! Why does the water need to be hot in the hot water heater at 2 am? I agree it can be done.

Never buy second hand sneakers if you are a runner or run a lot because you'll have knee problems, get shin splints, etc

We have a lovely home in Australia and we love to live frugally. It is not about what you have and don't have. It is about not wanting to waste money. I love your videos and have been so encouraged by them. We were one income with four kids. Now coming up to retirement so living frugally will be a great bonus.

Living frugally doesnt mean taking a vow of poverty... it means making choices and living carefully so that you can have the lifestyle or home you want... IT means staying out of debt and living on a budget... THAT email would have upset me too! KUDOS to you for having a nice home and thank you for sharing your insights❣😆 God bless!!

I love your common sense attitude. It drives me crazy when someone is complaining that they don't have money, yet they have a boat, a couple 4 wheelers, the latest phones, regular vacations, eating out and daily Starbucks....

I've lived on one income my whole life. I'm 57 and live in an expensive part of the country (So. CA) and have been a stay at home Mom, of 2, and still am since my husband passed away 7 years ago. I own my home, and my children and I have everything we want and need. It's all about living smart and living below your means. Following Suze Orman has been wonderful for me since my husband's passing. I love saving money, and have a beautiful home. So much of my beautiful furniture was either free or from the thrift store. I am always being complimented on my home. I could go on and on about what I have done, but most of it is just common sense. It can be easily done. I applaud you for being smart, and will subscribe to your videos :) Thanks

I'm a Brazilian lawyer, single, 29 years old. My wage is average for a Brazilian and my friends makes almost the same. I have an apartment that I live alone and it is gorgeous. I had a carpinter make all my furniture, is the house of my dreams. My friends think I'm rich and they just cannot believe that I could have al this with a small wage. I tell them to add up the amount they spent on drinks, beverages and alcohol in the last 6 months and they will understand (I don't drink). People don't realize that these little expenses add up to huge amounts. Great video!

Great ideas and the Bible tells us, having food and clothing to be therewith content. That is the way we save money.

@yourloved3349

5 жыл бұрын

Rev. Tim George Amen!

Sorry someone was rude and ticked you off, but glad it "inspired" this video. Lots of good information. As long as there is an internet, there will be trolls. Please don't let them get to you.

@LivingOnADime

8 жыл бұрын

+Laurie McLean Thanks!!

I don't like spending a lot of money as well since I have a goal to finish house payments in the next 5 years . I enjoy life as well enjoying experiences like listening to music, talking walks exercising , doing things that are cost free . At present my priority is getting out of house debt which is important. It makes me feel so nice when I make bulk payments for my house. What's the use of stuff ?clothes , shoes and electronics do not help me getting out of debt. They just create clutter in the house eating up money. I just love minimalism and chose to live a simple debt free life .

I love how brutally honest you are. My husband and I are in our 20's have three kids and are comfortably living off one income. We'll be completely debt free before the end of the year because we've illuminated credit cards and other unnecessary debts and never finance anything. If we want something we save up and pay cash.

My wife and I are truckers, we make 121,000 a year. We spent 98% of it on frivolous things. This coming year and the past 3 months we are living on 1 income and we are building a new house in the next 6 months. It isn't hard but I do understand those that are not lucky to find a job that allows them to move forward in life.

Thank you for this video. My husband and I have lived on one income for 29 years (and we've been married 32 years). I stayed home with all four of our children. I was thankful to raise them, hands on. We were frugal and tried our best to enjoy life without a lot of extras. God blessed us and we are grateful. We have learned many lessons the hard way, especially about debt and raising reasonable children in a spoiled world. But we have lived long enough to see our 7th grandchild on the way...and to see our kids living frugal but rewarding lives too.

@FlawlesZMa

8 жыл бұрын

+Sherry Hefner (The Homespun Wife) that's awesome! God bless you

I chose to live in an apartment complex next door to my kids high school for 8 years. My kids were able to participate in any activity they chose their school under the following criteria: they had an annual budget, their grades had to be maintained, and their home chores had to be maintained. Since we lived close enough for them walk, their activities did not result in my schedule being taken over or deplete what energy I have left after working full time. I did pay for my kiddos activities myself, but they were budgeted for and did not result in any debt. Nothing against your decision to have your children pay for their own. I just cho to give these things to my children with the understanding that there were no big Christmas and birthdays like their friends got,

To me being frugal does not mean being poor; it means you have learned techniques to live without as much waste, with more balance, being able to have no debt, to save up, to be simpler. I feel like it's living with more awareness and mindfulness. It does not mean you have to live in squalor with nothing. That is ridiculous! Case in point, my grandparents are literally very rich people financially; but they live frugally. Their cars were new in the 60s, their furniture was new in the 50s, my grandmother saves boxes and bags and wrapping paper and only buys what she needs for food and nice things that she needs, and nothing to excess. My grandmother is my role model.

@cherylT321

4 жыл бұрын

Rose Panofsky. You and your grandparents are awesome!

The house that you have is the result of your patience, being intentional and smart with your money. Kudos!

More people should live this way. You are doing a great thing for your family.

I'm very careful about the electricity I use: I switch off lights when I walk out of a room, I lower the electric heater when I go to work, I wear an extra cardigan in winter, I use my dishwasher/washing machine/dryer during low-peak rates. The electricity company employee told me I was about 30€ below the expected monthly bill, nearly 400€ a year. And I walk a lot, and use public transports, which are good in my town. Going to the supermarket after a meal is also a way to avoid temptation due to hunger. Stick to you grocery list and make sure you get deals (3 for the price of 2...) only for things you actually like and consume regularly. Also, never take a loan for anything else but your house and get a good health insurance (maybe easier in Europe than the States). Go shopping for fancy things only once a month with a fixed budget and find some hobbies that are free or cheap (books from the town's library, free museums, walks in the forest, board games with friends...)

I think it is so wonderful to see a couple working together to make it all Work! Blessings to you and your family.

This person thinks you lost your credibility?? This video was incredibly inspiring and I loved all of the tips to save a little money here and there. Keep doing what you're doing with these awesome videos because you're the real deal :)

I like this video. You are both so calm and focused. Tawra, you can sometimes be kind of rough on folks and their choices. In this video you are more measured and understanding. It really suits you and it makes it easier to take your points to heart. Two thumbs up for this one! Very nice work.

I love your unapologetic stance on living on one income! It is so refreshing. You guys make a great team.

I don't think that your cheap. You are wise. I always was a stay at home mom because of my disability. But I found ways to make some money and took care of my kids. I also use the money wisely. Great video. Loved and Subbed.

I like how transparent you guys are! Also a tip regarding clothing. If you have a goodwill outlet in your area, go to it. It’s overwhelming at first but worth it. Items are charged by the pound. So you’re paying pennies on the dollar for each item! Also we save money by saving our kids clothes. To pass to the next child.

You guys are great, you are teaching how to live well without spending for unnecessary things. I am not an american, but I lived in Washington DC for a few years, and I also got in the game of going "shopping" with nothing in mind! Now that I am home I think before I spend my money, I am also chronically ill, so I take care of my money because it can get expensive. Much love to you, I admire your mother! I am her age!

My husband and I live on one income with 5 children (8, 4, 2, 1, & 16 days). We are debt free. It is 100% possible to do. Like you said it's all about choices.

It is absolutely a myth that you need two incomes. I've been saying that for years.

@GinaHaffie

7 жыл бұрын

that is so true..... and i am able to put my children in activities as well! It's amazing actually how many one income families are around, when we open our eyes! I didn't realize until my kids got into school (and now they are graduating!).... people see what near the same as themselves.

I think you are doing awesome!!!! Thank you for sharing your tips. It is really inspiring. I was once in debt up to my eyeballs. I had nearly 40,000 dollars in credit card debt, I was a young Mom who wanted my kids to have everything I never had. I spent so much money on all star cheerleading. My older two were extremely talented and my daughter actually made the Miami Dolphins Cheerleaders and traveled the world. My son is now a coach and makes a lot of money. This is actually not what happened for the other kids whose parents spent tens of thousands on All Star Cheer. My husband started to see the commercials of the guy mowing his lawn, saying while smiling" I am in debt up to my eyeballs." I was never upset because we could afford the minimums. All of a sudden a panic hit me and I started to panic. We honestly paid every bill by debt stacking and sacrificing. We are debt free!!! Well credit cards, no car payments and my youngest son is in tackle football, but it is not a full time travel squad. I love your tips!!!!

I buy new clothes but not until I really Need to replace them and I buy two pairs of shoes per year in a sale again only when they need replacing never buy full price for anything, Wise video Thank you for posting from UK

I have 5 kids. From 22 years to 4 years old. And we live on one income.... Always have. I am so blessed to have been able to be home with my babies! And we also have ZERO debt. But... We are trying to buy a home right now too. Lol. Fun! Budget is tighter, but we are determined to reach that goal! I'm so sorry you have to deal with nasty emails. I think you two are great... Subbing now!😊

Great video. My husband is the only one working, I am not due to health issues right now. We make it work by watching where our money goes.

Frugality all boils down to being good stewards of what God has blessed us with. We dumpster dive... search Craigslist's Free site... etc. then using our talents to make them ours or even flip items to bring in some money. I agree it is not about being "fair" nor "luck" ~ it's God's favor. Living on one income is very doable if you don't try to "keep up with the Joneses". I say KUDOS!!! You guys ROCK it!!!. God has richly blessed you and pray He continues to do so.

My two ideas - We always drink water when we eat out and stay under 25 dollars - its a treat. On busy days - after school events/sport/activies, we picnic. We do not eat out. I use to be bad with fastfood but I gotten a lot better. One day at time - refocus.

I enjoy tamras family and friends videos. I have a friend who said she has been a stay at home wife and mother. My friend said a family can live on one income, she said they only went on vacation once a year and cut costs where they needed. I like how tamra defines Wants from Needs. Keeping a simple eye is a biblical teaching. A person has to act in harmony with Matthew 6:9,10 and try to make sure it’s a Need and not a want.

great advise .. My father raised our family. with. pretty much same ideas thanks to that I am now financially very stable at age 29 . 2yrs away from paying off my home. have never had a car pyment in my life . your children will thankyou like I do now with my parents .

I have the same feelings as you do. Thank you for being frank with people. Just because youd on't have tons of money does not mean you live in a shed.

I know this is an older video but I am more than positive that that letter came from a place of jealousy. She wants what you have. Simple. There is nothing at all wrong with being frugal and wanting a nice home. A house, especially if it's on a good sized plot of land is a great investment. It's not the same thing as wasting your money on the latest Iphone even though your current cell works. Holy cow some people are bitter. I hope she got over her crap!

Very impressive. My family has similar situation with chronic illness and hard to work so I see the struggle. Refreshing to hear people can make it on one income. Way to go!

I love the bluntness. Preach! I've gotten a lot of people making fun of me for my frugality and working part time thru college. Graduated and I owe 00.00 dollars to anyone. Do I wish there were some things I could have done in college? Yes. But not owing any college loans and being able to save up an emergency fund in 6 months of graduation and now travel for my job? More than worth it!

you guys are very intelligent people and im glad you guys gave a response back to that ignorant women and her ignorant comment. I agreed with everything you guys were talking about so its very refreshing watching your video. have a great day, both of you. great video bye the way.

No wonder what someone does, someone is going to complain. Love your show. Download it and listen to it at work about every day! Listening to all your reruns!

I have learned so much from you guys..we are a one income family as well. What slays me is the audacity of some people! we as Americans are taught to buy what we want, and not paying attention to our needs...getting further and further in debt. You are bringing you kids up right and ready for the real world, nobody is going to do it for them♡ Thanks guys for this..keep up the great work😀

We are so happy for people like you! We are so much like you! I have worked in different faces of childcare from being the nanny to rich families to seen first hand daycares, NOBODY takes care of children the way only the parents will do! Nobody

This video really encouraged me! Thank you! I don't have the best job and am single so only have one income as well so I find myself struggling often. Your advice inspired me to save in different areas like eating out where I can definitely save more money by making my own food. I want to live more frugal and get my debt paid off

you are so right about living on one income I had to stop working and we live on my husband income and we are OK God didn't make us all the same we all have a different way of living otherwise it would been a boring world so keep on doing what you guys do I will keep watching because we want to learn how to better ourselves.

Hi I lived in another culture some years ago. I was working and exhausted; it seemed it would never end. Th local women were "at home" as they called it; and happy. At a meal once; the ladies said to me"We feel so sorry for you western women. I mean; even when you marry you've GOT to work; haven't you?" I was shocked; angry; sad. They were right. It was a wake up call for me! Since then I have addressed that issue ( by making investments and budgeting) and I'm much happier.

WTH. Who cares how much your house is worth???? You guys are wonderful. My house to build thru a company would have been upwards of $100,000. My husband and I built our home with our hands very frugally with pallets, second hand windows, recycled paint, recycled wood, etc. In total we paid less than $10,000. And it is a 6 bedroom house. I pay everything with cash, BUT I do have medical bills. I pay them every month. I have a weird blood disorder and my husband is disabled. We have an extremely very small household income and two children. I make everything from scratch. Do not feel the need to explain yourself. You guys are amazing.

New subscriber. Agree with your points.. The key is being content. We don't need more money... We need more wisdom with money. I wish I made better financial decisions... But I'm learning and making better decisions. Learning to live within my means on a strict budget. Thank you for sharing

@blasiangoddess9831

5 жыл бұрын

Same here. I'm learning too. Loosing my small business to cooperate selfish huge companies and being currently unemployed has seriously hit a different outlook on money/lifestyle . It's a terribly hard pill to swallow. Beaten myself over my poor spending habits continually in the past. But I'm proud of myself for accepting the truth and making better choices. Good luck to you all. May we all grow in wisdom simplicity, and personal financial success.♡

@phaworth8520

2 жыл бұрын

Good for you, some people NEVER learn. I could have done better in my life but I am kicking into gear now.

I love you two!! You are speaking my language. I also don't go way overboard at Christmas. I choose to live frugally and simply. Bravo to you!

@wolftreetree

7 жыл бұрын

Paula Boynton Christmas is hard for me, I never feel we do enough, and even though I have an envelop were I save for it year long I always come up short and my envelop is just a drop in the Christmas bucket. That's including making some gift etc.

thank you, I want to stay in home with my new baby and my 5 year old. And just not eating out save me the money to stay.

I recently came across your KZread channel and Love it! I've been living and preaching this lifestyle since the early 1990's. My husband and I raised our son born in 1989, through the 1990's and early 2000's. Hubs worked full-time and I was fortunate enough to stay home with my son until he was 6 months old. Then, I went back to work, only 3 - 4 hours a day, out of what I thought at the time was necessity (It was fear). I went into work early (7am to 11am) and hubs started at 8am which meant our son only needed care a few hours a day with a neighbor and close friend. I shopped thrift stores and yard sales for 90% of our clothing and household goods. I made the most of our very small food budget just as you do. I would hear the same things from friends and acquaintances....I wish, I wish, I wish.... I would try and explain that its a choice, a lifestyle we choose to live. We didn't have fancy cars and didn't buy the latest gadgets...and still don't. I fix and mend, not toss away and buy new immediately. Because of our frugal lifestyle, when my husband passed away in 2015 and to this day, I have been able to stay at home and my only income is from my Etsy shop and income from investments. People are shocked (I think they don't believe me) when they ask me what I do for a living and I say I am financially independent. Keep preaching the frugal lifestyle! It's not always easy but definitely worth it! I hope more people open their minds up to it and enjoy the peace and serenity frugality can bring them. Blessings to you and yours.

Bingo!! Wants vs. Needs. And teaching children and teens what it takes to buy something and how to think about cost benefit of a purchase is so important.

Sally and the like will never get it. Thanks for sharing what works for your family with all of us.

I grew up with my mom staying at home. It can be done. i think people look at their wants as needs. You can enjoy life and still be frugal. The key is using cash and save for what you want. Most want instant gratification. Tfs.

We still drive a Toyota Camry CSI sedan which is 28 years old. Hardly any repairs over the years, just replacing the regulator on the alternator (around $10) every few years or so, new tyres, grease and oil change, etc. Still has the original exhaust system because we don't travel short distances. Goes like a bomb!

Happy to see this video circulating again! My grandfather was super frugal. He was also an Engineer. Everything he owned was paid for so his children inherited quite a bit of money and therefore my frugal parents had a nice paid for house too. Some of his other children didn’t take those lessons and use them so they have debt and nice things.

You guys are amazing! Thank you for what you are doing. Love the practical tips. These tips help not just to save money, it also helps save the planet and bring families closer together.

Love watching your whole family you have done a great job teaching your children about important things, you all are so happy and put a smile on my face, keep up your great videos, love watching anything you post.

I absolutely agree with you. You must learn to say no !!!!!!! You must have discipline. You must not submit to advertising pressure.

I really like your video and I agree with everything. I live in a city and on rent but the major issue is to actually find a partner that has the common sense and is willing and above all believes that life can be lived in full with happiness, with children, a house to call your own and still have just a normal job.

I lived on one income when I was married and yes it can be done, but u hit the nail on the head, most people want to live on one income but make a million excuses of why they can't because they don't want to change their lifestyle. I now live on less than $750 a month because i became disabled 5 yrs ago. My house, car are paid for so no payment there, no credit card debt I pay everything in cash n if I want something I need to save for it. I have medical bills but i worked out a payment plan that I can afford. I have a friend who is working 2 jobs makes 3 times as much as I do and lives in a trailer. She just went out and bought a huge SUV that was 5 yrs old n now has a payment $512 a month for her car n insurance for 6 yrs, and told me she now needs to get a roommate because she can't live on her pay check.

this is so refreshing..tgat another couple is like my husband and me. we also live on one income.

I don't think you owe that lady any explanation on how you want to live your life. People are going to complain either way. As long as you are happy then thats all that matters.

Hello from Littleton! So glad I found your videos. Great inspiration. I am working on changing how we live and spend

Boy can I relate to you . We did how ever pay for student loans for my children. It was hard but we were able to do it.

I accidentally hit the the post icon on my previous comment before I meant to. I find all your videos that I have watched very informative & inspiring. I am very impressed with what you share - very common sense. Your videos inspire me to stay on my budget & give me a new perspective on the way I view life. Thank you for ALL you do. I appreciate it very much. The picture of your house in Kansas & your shed inspire me to do to my home the things I want to do to it. Thank you so much. I now believe in myself. I can learn to do what I need to do to my home, inside & outside, & to my yards. All my love to you, your family, & your mom, Jill.

Why would someone write like that to you? Am really happy for you. Listening to all that happened since years ago, it's really great that you have such great attitudes. Thank you for your giving of yourselves to all of us.

I agree with you guys 100%!!! We have lived the exact way and still do!!....:)

Omg! Everything you have listed that you don't do, we literally do! Trying to change our ways. Thanks for the tips.

This Sally person needs to worry about herself and stop trying to put others down for working hard for a nice place to live. You two are a great example of what others should be working towards and I honestly believe that we all are given opportunity to become better versions of ourselves and situations.

I'm a SAHM with two kids (6 & 2) and my husband is the only one that works. I decided to stay home when my first was born. We've definitely made sacrifices, but it's worth it to me to be able to be here all day and to be able to homeschool. He brings in under $30K/year. Like you, we buy socks and underwear and shoes when we need them. Aside from that, about 99% of our clothes are secondhand. We love hand me downs, yard sales, and thrift stores! The clothes that are new are usually Christmas or birthday gifts from grandparents. Oh, and I also starting swapping clothes with a friend about 9 months ago, which has been a huge help! We've never had new cars. My most expensive one was the van we purchased two years ago for around $3,000. (I think it was actually $3,200.) I used to coupon, but found that typically the coupons we got were for things we don't really use/need. I'm starting to cook from scratch (something I'm teaching myself) and I'd love to cut our food budget in half. I'm learning more and more that less is more and stuff is just stuff. It means nothing. Hopefully in a few years, we will have saved enough to be able to buy a house. We currently live in a 30+ year old trailer that we purchased for $5K about 5.5 years ago. It came with furniture, a stove, washer, dryer, dressers, and new recently built porches. No, it's not the best place and we've been fixing it up as we get a little extra money, but considering that we paid it off in a little over a year, we can't complain much. Here's to saving and penny-pinching our way to a forever home. LOL! Oh, also, we started gardening!! It helps SO much in the summer months! I also learned how to can our garden veggies and I even started making jam with local berries. It's been SO nice! Also, while I don't use apps, there are several that can help you save on everyday items you'd be purchasing anyway. I do use ebates, but I shop online so little that I get back around $5 a year. haha But hey, it's $5 on something I was buying anyway. I don't do extra things like get my nails done or go to the movies. I get my hair cut about twice a year on average, my kids get it done as needed, and I cut my husbands at home now to save money. (Tried to do my sons last night. Not a good decision. lol) The last thing I can think of is we don't have a house phone since we get cell service at our house and if we don't have the extra money to buy cell phone minutes for a week or two, we just don't buy them and I do without. My in-laws live next door, so if something comes up and I HAVE to make a call, I can walk across the yard. Even the smallest of things can make a big difference!

@LivingOnADime

7 жыл бұрын

Good job! Yes, it's not always easy but as you've shown it is doable!

Way to go! Love your response! God bless you, your family and your choices! You guys rock! ;)

life is about enjoying it. you only live once, so why not. I am one frugal person but at the same time I want enjoy life without be boring. No vacations, no out to eat, no activities, what fun do you all have. I once read, elderly folks were asked, if you could do it all over again, what would you do differently. A great percentage of the replies were "I would do more" explore the world, be more adventurous & so on. Living on one income with a huge family to me is depriving. Don't let life pass you by & not enjoy it to the fullest. You don't want to get old & wonder what happened.

@springtime1009

8 жыл бұрын

+mamatosh05 : I think people missunderstood what frugal is. Frugal means living within or below your means. You cannot explore the world without planning ahead of time. You don't want to take your children to Disneyland and when the credit card bill arrives don't have money to pay the full amount. Being frugal means stay away from what you can't afford.

@jennyjenny3531

8 жыл бұрын

+mamatosh05 there is much exploration and fun to be had without vacations, eating out and organized sports. I grew up with 6 siblings and none of these extras and life was rich, adventurous, and I have tons of wonderful memories of my childhood.

@jenniferg1484

8 жыл бұрын

We are a family of 6, we were 7 before our eldest married. We do take vacations, but they are not a given. It's not a yearly trek to Disney (yes, we know multiple families who do this)We sometimes do a vacation when my husband has a work trip. His hotel is paid for, and his meal and travel as well. So, we can have a fun trip, without laying out all the money ourselves. We also go places that are off the beaten path, or book VRBO instead of hotels so we might cook our own meals. We have also done more "local" trips by seeing attractions that we can reach in one day's travel by car. We really enjoyed our trip like this years ago seeing Arches national monument, Great Sand Dunes, and Royal Gorge. For millennia travel was local if at all. Perhaps we are more discontent due to being exposed to beautiful images, or travel shows than our ancestors, but we can still live full lives without exotic travel.

@ayeshiawyatt8654

8 жыл бұрын

This is when I say prioritize. if you have a desire to travel (or whatever goal you want to reach) and it's something you really want to do, you'll find a way to make it happen. Traveling is not that expensive if you plan accordingly. Stay away from commercial areas and tourist traps (Disney world) Research cheaper alternatives to lodging. Inquire to see if anyone at church or work has timeshares or cabins that they can rent out to you for the cheap. I see plenty of budget friendly family trips visiting the sand dunes in New Mexico, the Redwoods in California, camping in Arkansas, and the Waterholes near Barton Spring Texas. All done via road trip, and since these are all outdoor activities the costs are slim to none.

@runkeral901

7 жыл бұрын

Not everyone is that lucky, dont forget!

You are a wonderful couple, Thank you for the wonderful tips 👍👍👍

First, I wanna say Thank you for your videos. You are totally wonderful people & I love learning new things & ways to live frugally. I think one of your keys to success is #1- You work together. #2- You don't have a lot of unnecessary 'wants'. #3- You create ways to get things & materials cheaper too. I admire your ways. Keep the videos coming, please.

I started to stay at home when I became pregnant with my 2nd child about 8yrs ago. Daycare for one child in NJ was at that time $800 a month, so times that by 2.. That's basically a mortgage on a house. I barely made enough money to cover day care & I was in management.

Thank you so much for explaining this, You are both such a positive influence to everyone. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!!!!