Hey guys! Just wanted to let you know that my new book, Things That Matter, is finally here. I put my heart into it, and I can’t wait to share it with you. You can pick up a copy at www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/676394/things-that-matter-by-joshua-becker/

My friend at work just got the most gorgeous BMW SUV. It even has sunroofs for the front and back seats. Riding in it was the first time I wanted to upgrade my car a bit. Then I learned she has car payments and I remembered how lucky I am a to have a ten-year-old car that I was able to pay in full.

I passed the bar exam last spring and have been an attorney for a year now. Instead of going to work at a law firm, I decided to stay home with my two year old. He didn’t need to go to $200/week daycare when I can get some legal work done from the house. I’m also here when my 4th grader gets off the bus. Being a mom is more important than being a new lawyer. I can always be a lawyer later, but my sons won’t be little forever. We stay within our means. We shop at Aldi and I have a paid-off ten year old Mazda my parents gave me. I have zero debt and my husband didn’t not put me on the mortgage, just the deed. We live within our means, even if it means I don’t get to strut like my law school classmates who all took fancy firm jobs and went on shopping sprees/life upgrades.

Joshua.....i love living below my means...I have a 2011 kia rio, 62,800 miles, mint condition..well maintained only by a dealer. 11 years ago I downsized my life...retired at 54, have good health, great PEACE, calm,great sleep, live in a nice large apartment in a great county neighborhood, no debt, ...able to maintain and enjoy life in spite of this pandemic and depression state economy!......Most Americans live above their means, DEEP in various debt, depressed, stressed, bad health in some form, not prepared for emergencies like this pandemic, ETC, there are many with these expensive vehicles, homes, vacations due to loans,etc.....mainly trying to impress or keep up with others.....I've learn to live as the Scriptures in the Bible states..".TO be content with your blessings, know a need verses a want, count the cost, DONT BE A slave to the Lender, have MONEY for Emergencies "!......Just because you have money, do not mean you should spend it on frivolous, unnecessary, things....not prepared for that Rainy Day....LOVE YOUR CHANNEL, WISDOM, HUMILITY , INTELLIGENCE, .......

This is such an important point you are making. I wish for teenagers to hear this before entering adulthood. Flashy stuff doesn't bring lasting joy. Memories do. So well said thank you :)

Living within your means. That’s the point! I’m 45 and retired with my Husband. gathered over $1 million from saving and investing We’re both living in Springfield,CA and having the best of our retirement

I really like that you emphasised that the story is not about the other guy but about you.

Agreed!!!! I have a coworker who is always complaining about being "broke". She was recently telling me she plans to trade in her 3 year old car for a new one, why? because she wants one. I purchased my car used and carry no loan on it. It's a wonderful feeling to not worry how I would pay for an unexpected repair or replacement of an appliance. I see too many people these days "wants" costly them peace of mind.

When my father was young he bought a cheap car and paid in cash while his friends bought expensive cars and got in debt. His friends were laughing at my dad for his car when he said: at least mine is fully paid. My dad then bought a house for us while his friends were still in debt and homeless.

We have always lived in our means. And we’ve been married for almost 21 years and we’ve always been debt-free. Love it that way.

I have always lived within my means, used to live very frugally, and really enjoyed it as well. I find myself now in a different situation in which my means have grown significantly. I still live within my means, I do allow myself some luxury by still owning less but choosing better quality. My conundrum is in deciding what to do with all the extra money. There are a lot of great causes, but I haven't figured out yet where to focus my increase in resources. It's a weird sensation to not want anything else and still have money accruing.

and I still love my 2002 Honda Civic - hubby and I have always lived below our means - we've even lost friends over it who though we should be buying up instead of down where it came to our house - but after 3 major renovations - all paid for in cash, we love our home - and the lack of those kinds of friends hasn't impacted us at all except for the better! Cheers to you! ♥ ♥

It is hard to force people to live within their means until they see the invisible benefits outweighing the flashy things they purchased. I became a minimalist because I realized that I had spent too much time organizing stuff I did not use. The opportunity cost of over purchase is much higher than we think. By keeping things that I only need, I spend less time organizing and cleaning. And I saved a lot more as end result:)

“I choose calm and piece”...we all need these words. Thanks Joshua!

A simple life is a beautiful life. Have always lived within my means.

Right on! More younger folks need to hear this before incurring debt, live within your means and ignore the 'buy more" media! Amen!

Thank you for your message Joshua. I had a 16 year old Toyota Camry that I gave to my son because he needed a car. I paid for my new(2 year old) Camry in cash because I didn’t have a car note for 13 years

I had a hot racecar when I was younger. It was fun because it was fast, and I do love to go fast, but if I'm honest, the funnest part was all the attention it got me 😆 Back then I cared a lot about what people thought of me, and was always seeking outside validation. This is something I'm still working on, but I can honestly say that I don't miss having a racecar, and I find so much more peace within myself than I used to. Letting more things go has forced me to question why I had them in the first place, and to face some really uncomfortable truths about myself. The level of awareness it has given me though is priceless, because it has allowed me to chose who I want to be going forward, who I can be proud of even if no one is watching 😁

I was considered an odd one when I got married 30 years ago. I was taught to live on one income but no one was doing that then really. The realtor wanted us to look at homes based on both but we said "no". I knew I'd be home for bit with kids that would come and I never regretted it. Not flashy, not large, but we always could afford it. and could have a little savings. Same with cars, we buy and drive until they can't be resuscitated. Not for everyone but it helps me sleep. We love our Honda and Subaru....if you get a good one, they go on and on. : ) Sometimes I look at the fancy car and gorgeous kitchens and things like that with some envy, but I wouldn't trade. My time with my kids was irreplaceable.

Yes, this is one great thing my dad taught us growing up. My dad worked and mom stayed home. It wasn’t always easy but we had everything we needed and most importantly we had each other. Dad has been gone since 2014 but I can still hear him giving this advice often.

so my husband and i just watched this (my husband’s first joshua becker video) and i said ‘good stuff, right?’ and he said, ‘yeah. we don’t live within our means.’ and i was like, ‘we don’t?!’ so we just talked about how we will trim our grocery budget, our biggest line item on the credit card statement. so, thanks for the motivation!

I love my Honda Accord. I hope it gets 200 thousand miles and beyond! There is freedom in not having to want things. Being content with what we have is an amazing feeling.

Beautifully said. I recently experienced life without a car payment, and it’s addicting and fulfilling. Thanks for the great message. Cheers.

I have a 2003 Toyota Avalon that I paid off in under 3 years and 18 years later it still runs great. I’ve had a person tell me I should get a new car, I can afford it. I ask why when this car looks and runs great and I haven’t had a car payment in over a decade and a half. To which this person replied, people always have a car payment, it is a fact of life and just accept it. I just looked stunned that anyone thought this way. Found out this person just goes from lease to lease so there is always a newer car in the driveway but they will never end up owning a car. So that person WILL always have a car payment. To each their own I guess. They telecommute and the company does not care what they drive so they don’t lease for the job.

You always say it so well, Joshua. I too love living within my means. And saving/ investing money makes me feel secure as I plan for retirement. But living within my means coincided with my realization that stuff, especially luxury designer stuff, really no longer matters to me. I don't care if my neighbour sees me waiting for the bus while they drive by in their new BMW. Or that I still wear the coat I bought three years ago.

People think it’s a tragedy to live with very little in terms of things. I think it’s great to live with only what I need.

We bought 1997 Toyota Camry when my daughter was 6 months old. I drove that car until my daughter turned 18 yrs old and it became her first car. She drove it for 3 years until we got her another car as a college graduation present. I took back the Camry and drove it for another year until I retired in 2019 at the age of 49, and my husband at 53. My husband and I made good morning throughout our careers. To us a vehicle is a mean of transportation from point A to point B. My Camry always start in the morning when I go to work. It never die in the middle of the street. That’s all I needed. We sold the Camry for $800 in 2020 to downsize to one car family since neither of us need to go to work. The other car we own is 2011 Toyota minivan. We plan to travel across United States in the minivan once pandemic is under control. Being frugal means delay short term ratifications for long term goals. I get to retire 10+ earlier than normal retirement age. I don’t have to wake up in the morning hurrying to work. Now my day starts with breakfast with my husband and then a walk around the neighborhood.

Contentment is the key.

This is how I feel. It stresses me out just hearing about the money problems of people I know! I can't imagine having them. I know I'm fortunate, but I am also disciplined.

I think it also needs to be said that even if this man’s car was within his means or if anyone can purchase luxury holidays and cars within their means, it does not mean that they should when the funds could be used for better.

You can’t put a price tag on joy and calmness💕

I have always been a firm believer, and still to this day, in living below my means and not acquiring things or stuff that accumulate as “junk” over time. 30 something years later, I’m a millionaire with a nice sized clutter-free condo and a Maserati Ghibli SQ4 on Miami Beach. I now recall when I was in my 20s and 30s and people were living life like they had all the money in the World, so proud of their designer goods and showing off what they had bought. Today, most of those people are still working well into their 60s, wondering if they’ll ever be ready to retire. Invest early, and get a Vanguard Financial Advisor. I did and what a difference it has made in my accumulation of money, not stuff. It’s a good place to be when you have absolutely NO debt and “you’re no longer working for your money, but your money is working for you. Invest whatever you can for as long as you can. You’ll live a more relaxing and enjoyable life later, if you do.

If people with flashy cars realized how truly unimpressed a lot of us are, it would save them loads of money!

There is no better comfort than being debt free !! We live below our means and the thought and experience give us peace. No judgement of others but just the encouragement to (if you can) work toward this type of peace.

"I enjoy living within my means" in my case...I'm at peace and content to live within my means.

Not only live within your means consider living below your means. Pay off your credit cards before they are due to avoid paying interest. Get rid of debt including your mortgage. Pay extra on the principle and you will be surprised at how quickly your mortgage will go down and how much you will save on interest. The so called experts say do not pay off your mortgage but rather invest those extra payments instead. However, real life emergencies can make it difficult to make mortgage payments. No debt and yes, living within your means is the best. Great advise, Josh!

All great points of the truly "wealthy life." More stuff = more poblems with life. When you don't have money, you want all these "stuff" that only brings more bill payments and problems. When you get to a wealthy point in your life, you realize that you can afford things, but no longer feel the disire to want it. With the big job, big house, more toys.....all add up to headaches and bigger payments if you don't manage them. The simpler, the better and the more wealth you can create along the way by keeping focused and staying the course towards a simple and fruitful life towards retirement. Amen!

Agreed! It is very freeing to not have debt. I appreciate my simple life with fewer possessions and less pressure which is the result of spending less than I make. Many thanks for another great video!

No truer words ever spoken. My Fico score is the highest it’s ever been., excellent. House paid off, no debt and I drive an 17 yr old vehicle. Works for me. I refuse to keep up with the advertisers and the Jones’s. Great message as always Josh. ✨

Thank you for sharing! I choose live my life for Christ, for my family, my church and for my friends! Have less, give more!

i love this! loved when you said 2005 accord. i drove a honda accord that ran 20 years and only replaced it when the A/C stopped working. i was sad but bought another used accord. found one that was 5 years old and paid cash for it. i'm in my 40's and i don't owe a dime to anyone - no house payment, no car payment, no credit card debt. its a very freeing feeling. my identity is not based on my possessions

Less is more. No debt. Don't need overtime to make ends meet. Life's great

It is very peaceful living within your means when you see the stress and have felt the stress of not doing so. It enhances the quality of your life and how you work. Keep the great messages coming Joshua.

My husband and I are trying to get out of debt from having to pay those extra expenses that came up. Due to child care for our twins and then preschool which was more money. Then having to pay for food for our family. I do see things differently now and we paid off one credit card. On a special program called ACCC for the rest. It felt so good to have saved enough to pay off that card. Can’t wait for the next.

I will always try to live within my means. I just hope Ferraris and Lamborghinis are within my means.

Until recently one of our cars was my first car. 1989 Honda Civic. Over 30 years I had that car. I paid cash for it a the time. Served me well and even after people offered to buy it we said no. It was paid for and got us where we needed to go. Why would we part with it. 😀

I love your videos! I have been watching you and a couple women that talk about minalminist. I have even talked to my friends and my boys! 😊🙏 I wish I knew then what I know now. I'm so glad I know what I know now. I have been decluttering and giving things away that don't suit me anymore. No more spending, paying down my mortgage and living without stress. Thank you!

We have a 1994 Honda Integra which is in remarkably good condition, drives very smoothly and we love it! It took me awhile to get on-board with living more simply but am now converted. Thanks for your excellent message.

I think that people underestimate the value of their own peace of mind, not having debt is a huge weight of your shoulders. We are very fortunate to live below our means and we have never argued about money. But I have family members that have split up over money problems 😔. I have already started to teach our 6 year old daughter how money is earned and how it should be saved and spent. She knows the difference between wants and needs and is also being taught about being charitable to the less fortunate. Great video 👌👏👏👏👏👏😊

I drove my 1997 Honda Accord until 2017: 19.5 years. (It was fun to say that I hadn't made a car payment in this century.) At that time, I bought a new Toyota Corolla, put down half as a down payment and financed half for 3 years. Fortunately it was paid off before my employer shut us down in 2020 and I said "to heck with it" and retired!

I could have gotten into debt and bought a really nice car. But I chose to pay cash for an old well cared for Toyota Matrix. It is joyous to live within your means. I've been in the other place of fretting about payments and it's too nerve racking!

We live on less than half of our income. It’s absolutely the way to go. Money in the bank = options. You have a finite amount of time left to live. Every new “thing” that you buy costs not only money but a commitment of your remaining time to spend on acquiring, using, maintaining and eventually disposing of that new thing.

The billionaire Warren Buffett drives an old 2006 Cadillac DTS. I think he just recently upgraded to a 2014 Cadillac XTS. He's always been a role model for us accountants.

As much as I simplify and declutter and do-not-buy, it still feels too much. But a day spent in the garden with the whole family feels so great!

There's even joy found in living Below your means. I'm so grateful that I had already learned lessons & changed spending habits before I got sidelined with worsening chronic illness. I live such a simple life now that - when I'm feeling better, my part-time job pays more than I need - and when I have to stay home, I can use savings to pay my few bills until I feel strong enough to work again.

I don’t understand why anyone wouldn’t want to live within their means. It’s almost like freedom 🙏💕 great video Joshua

I grew up in the 60s and as I grew older,70s the goal was to achieve and buy all the dreams we thought,so I did from porches and Ferrari and homes,but I had to work hard for them,also a 60 foot motor yacht that m6 friends enjoyed it more than me,I finally got out and now I live in the suburbs in a 55 and over,no more Harley Davidsons also and I’m at so much at piece,love my simple life and not worrying about things I don’t really miss

Financial freedom is peace. No flash is worth the stress.

Oooo my heart skipped a beat when you said 2005 Honda...I had a 2005 Pilot, bought new. LOVED IT so much!! Best car I ever owned. Got rid of it in 2014 due to the air bag crisis. I'm 2 cars past that now, and miss the Pilot all the time, but wouldn't go back to Honda because they knew for 10 years about the airbag issue and covered it up. So disappointing.

My parents lived very humbly while they raised me. They came to this country with basically nothing. They didn’t make a lot of money and they rarely used credit unless it was for a big big purchase that they really needed like a new AC unit. By the time I was in middle school I realized we didn’t have a lot of money but I didn’t feel poor because we had a house and food on the table. Kids made fun of my clothes, my mom did her best to provide me trendy clothes but now I feel guilty that she felt she had to do that because my parents taught me to not judge others but for some reason I let others’ judgement guide my wants into needs. I followed that path until my late twenties. The day I drove out of a car dealership with a brand new but leased car, I felt so upset with myself. The stress of car shopping made me feel hallow, it felt like I HAD to get a new car that looked good when I just wanted was a car that worked and would last me a long time. I liked the car a lot and I cried over every ding and scratch. Fast forward when my lease was up, I didn’t get into a new lease or a new financed car. I bought the car that I had leased. Since it was a lease I had been cognizant of keeping it below mileage and the dealership could have sold it pre owned for nearly double the amount I purchased it for. People laugh that I still drive that car with all its dents and scratches, but to me it’s a representation of wanting to live below my means, not a representation of struggling. Society looks down on people who struggle financially for some reason and if anyone lives as if they were “low income” people automatically assume it’s because they don’t have money. Having or not having money shouldn’t be what determines character. My mom retired a few years early and my dad was able to retire when the pandemic started when he realized continuing as an essential worker would be too risky. Their house was paid off and they own their cars and will likely downsize to one car now. I believe that shows a lot of character. They worked their regular jobs, lived within their means, focused on their values, and now they can enjoy the rest of their life together stress free.

I love your messages of contentment! ❤️

I still have my first car, a 1997 Honda station wagon. 24yrs and hopefully longer. I remember my friends bought their first cars around the same time too and they got leased Toyota 4Runners. This was when leasing was new. I was determined to buy so that I own the car. I didn’t know much abt cars so I bought a new one. I also knew that I needed big cargo space as my job would require traveling and working in different states for months so I had to load all my worldly goods and it needed to fit. Though I knew they were cool, I knew SUVs would be more expensive so I chose a station wagon even though it was not sexy and didn’t fit the usual 23 yr old’s preferences. I was so not cool! Lol But I didn’t care. I paid it off 5 yrs later and have used it for 16yrs after that, still do. Sadly Honda stopped making the model in 1998 and parts are harder to replace. I hope it lasts longer. I love that car, I’ve noticed newer models have less passenger and cargo room, and they don’t last as long either, and break down more often than my trusty old wagon. Never had any problems beyond having to replace worn out parts. I dread having to replace it. It has been so nice it having car payments for the past 19 yrs.

Thank you Joshua. I felt this.

This video is sooooo well made. The presenter spoke seamlessly. No rifts in the video production. Great pace of speech. Video started right away and he put his branding slide at the end which allowed for an instant start. The video quality is beautiful. So much to say here.

If more people think the way you do, the world will be a better place; three cheers to you.

Spending within your means is a discipline that, like keeping clutter to a minimum and keeping your home clean and orderly, require daily awareness and self reminders. However there is an amazing peace, a powerful peace that pervades when you live within you means. It is not only a way of life, it shapes your outlook ON life. It shapes your values and choices on what you allow to enter your life. Thank you Joshua. Really like this commentary and I have been there too, where you were as you pondered at the gas station.🌝🌝🌝🌝

Love the nice, clear intentional way you speak. So easy to listen to, and good advice. Thanks for sharing.

Great message. I love my Subaru and hope it lasts forever!!

My father taught us kids one lesson we all follow: pay all your bills first (without using credit cards) what's left gets divided in half. One half goes into saving. Whatever is left is ALL you have to spend per month for fun NEVER owed anyone and never went onto debt for anything in my 65 years.

Your message came at the right time. I spent Memorial day Weekend going back and forth on whether or not I wanted to fix my current vehicle or get a new one. Whether to buy or lease, my mind could not decide. Finally, I decided to stop, and just fix my current car. Having a vehicle that is paid off is such a treat. Why not use that money for a down payment on my first home instead? Thanks for putting this message out there.

Great video mr. Becker I myself I've always been pretty frugal I'm not interested going in debt for example one time I bought basically a new car I paid High insurance cost me more in upkeep I also had a second car $1,000 that one I had the best memories of and it got me to where I needed to go and it didn't depreciate in value less is best looking forward to you next video

your in g00d company we have a 2005 red Honda with almost as many miles. bought used 6 years ago with cash. our life is also a choice, we are so thankful for no car payments and living within our means. god is great.

Can't agree more. Besides i wear the same type of t shirts that i see here this gentleman wear .. thank you so much for sharing this. In this world of kiosaki type rich dad poor dad teachings, I'm soo blessed to hear about a fundamental human right, about values such as peace and harmony. Bless you Sir for sharing this

Agree, a few months ago someone showed me their Apple Watch which was nice but I didn’t seem to care much, not because I can’t afford one just because I don’t seem to need one that’s all I like the simple things that I have they make me feel happy

This is by far the channel I enjoy most and revert to it regularly. Thank you for posting and thank you for the wonderful content.

I find that having savings and a 2007 Volvo I like are both great. You are so right! Keep up the good work! The world needs this message. It describes the way I grew up, and I have watched the changes over the years. Credit cards really “began” in 1968 . TV was starting in most homes in the 1950’s . Prior to that the main debt for ordinary people was a mortgage. Toys and indeed homes were fairly minimal for the most part. So many changes in the last 53 years and the impact has been negative for the most part.

Hi Joshua..very nice piece. And nice Peace💞..I know someone who became a millionaire by living within his means from a young adult to having family and driving a successful business idea. It is astounding the focus he had on his work family and serving the community in meaningful way..I feel so ahead of the game now that I am easily practising this way. I tell myself aswell that 'this is my choice..and I believe is a good one ..that suits my dreams ..temperment etc..being true within yourself is a priceless thing. Thanks for teaching by example. The guy in the sports car might see this😁😍😍🙆👏👏

It is so peaceful to live at or below your means. Been there and doing that.

We live below our means since newly weds. Now we lost our job due to health issues. We live in a modest 2br unit while our friends live in big houses in expensive suburbs. But as Joshua said, it gives you Freedom and Peace of mind. We have more options than most of our friends in big houses, we can choose what is best for us & also generous to Christian work & Charities. Thank God we live within our means, started with fear of poverty(grew up very poor), now it is Freedom, joy and peace. It takes discipline but it is well worth it.

It’s always a joy to see that you posted a new video

Just recently found you through YT’s algorithm lol….glad I did, because I love your content! 💕 💞

I think the same as you every time i see a scene like that. Cheers from Brazil. Thanks!

LOVE seeing your videos pop up! This was such a great message. Your humility is refreshing. On another note, I see ya have a new uniform. Nice👍😉 Thanks for quality content, Lisa

Life is really how we view it. Joy is truly contentment. Thanks for your shared truths.

Bravo!!!!! I drive a blue 2003 Honda Accord with 250,000 miles and I kinda like it too😁

Your videos always have a great message!! Am so glad you noted you did not know the man, because he may well have been debt free, living in a modest home, and wealthy as well as a very giving person, with the sports car being the one extravagance he allowed for himself. Am so glad I live simply with the goal to be free of the $3k debt I have and to live in a smaller home, with a walk in shower and no stairs since I am disabled,

It has took years for us to be able to live within our means. I feel incredibly blessed after such struggles. We did not live the high life before - just survived like a lot of people. We are not mega rich now - just mega grateful to of ended that journey.

Love this message! Thank you for sharing!

"I like knowing that I spend less than I make" good words! Thank you! And this is THE solution to so many problems...

Thanks Joshua so true...

I enjoy finding a great outfit and designer labels for a fraction of the price at a thrift store. I enjoy living without debt.

I sense the underlying assumption that people driving flashy cars and wearing designer are living outside their means

All I can do is agree with you, Joshua, and say, "Thank you" for your message. How thankful I am to have learned about frugality and the responsible use of money. I think of a couple that I know and one of them lives beyond their means and I've seen the misery it causes for both of them and how they are one emergency away from financial disaster. It's heartbreaking.

My husband and I live within our means and are very happy with our spending. We have nice things and most was bought at thrift stores and yard sales. We enjoy our lves!

I agree! Same here. No car payments. No debt. No desire for more and more.

Absolutely- I agree! There is so much more freedom and options when you live withing your means. People view it as freedom to buy whatever they want whenever they want it...but there is no freedom in debt or a zero balance.

I drive an older Honda Accord as well😉 Thanks for your message.👏

This is what I am thinking about this week😊 Good topic.

I appreciate these videos so much! Thank you!!

Love your advice and THANK YOU FOR YOUR HELP !!♥️♥️♥️