I found a rug that my neighbor was placing in the rubbish for pickup for trash, I brought it home and took pictures of it and sent to my friends husband who works for Sotheby’s in NYC. he got back to me a week later and said it was worth between 4 to 5 thousand dollars, Sold it last week for 6 thousand!

Frugality is shamed because the corporate powers thrive on gluttony.

I ended up homeless at 55 and under a bridge after a medical issue that left me severely disabled ,Frugality saved me and taught me quick !!!......... those that live on an 800 disability check can vouch for this !!!.... I moved out from under that bridge into a motorhome that I added solar to and know enjoy life much better out here....... Be Safe...Be Frugal.... Life can Change in the Blink of an eye !!!!

We live off one (French) minimum wage and save half of it as we’re debt and mortgage free. We don’t need to be entertained. We love making our garden, cooking our own food, walking our dogs, hiking, going to the beach and none of that costs. I think picnics are awesome. The best days cost nothing at all.

There is a huge difference between cheap and frugal.

Best parent moment,when teenaged daughter said,"we never had money,but,dad,you made every day fun!"

$4,900 left before we’re debt free! 👏🏼👏🏼

When it’s tough to increase your income, focus on controlling your outgo.

Several years ago, Doomsday Preppers was coming to film my wife and me, but they wanted us to do this crazy stuff, and spend a bunch of our own money on a project I wasn't ready to tackle. I said sure, if you'll pay for it. They refused. My wife and I talked it over, and cancelled the filming three days before they arrived. TV is just fake!

I think people are wasteful because it makes them feel rich and powerful. Also people shop for things they don't need to fill some kind of void in their life.

It boils down to making yourself happy, not trying to make other people jealous.

Yes I am out of touch, I am a 30 year old married mom of two. No car, no credit cards. Do not drink or smoke and for entertainment I work on my Udemy course and watch frugal living videos for entertainment. My husband studies in his free time. Aside from that we spend a lot of time playing or reading to our kids. We are anomalies in our neighborhood.

The whole system they've created falls apart if people don't consume and get indebted.

Because of you I now have a different thought process. I have worked two jobs and paid off 148,000 in three years!! I do not spend money on things that I do not need. I have not purchased new clothes for a long time. I use a credit card that pays me 130.00 every three months. I charge my monthly bills and pay the card off every other Friday. I have no desire to keep up with the Jones!! I do not care what others have. I’m happy with what I have❤️

I'm a Teen Librarian, and before the lockdown, I taught "adulting" classes at my library. Teens learned basic money skills, cooking, car care, and more. I emphasized saving over spending, the joy and downfall of compound interest, and other frugal ideas. I've really enjoyed seeing the teens discover the joy of frugality. When I tell them I paid for my undergraduate and graduate degree in cash, they really started listening.

Co-worker asked if I did anything fun this weekend. I planted strawberries and onions. She just shook her head. Oh well, her loss.

One thing my son in law who is from Africa told me he learned right away when he came here is that Americans are consumers always having to spend their money. One thing I saw from all these young people from Africa in our life was that those young people could do hard unlike a lot of Americans. They work ridiculously hard and save their money. My son in law worked and payed his way through college in Africa then came to the U. S. And worked and payed his way through college here with a wife and kids. No debt. I’m proud of him.

"A fool and his Money is soon parted"; "there is a sucker born every minute" - making you feel bad for being frugal is a way to try to convince you to part with your money.

I'm 53 and finally convinced my mother not to buy me anything for Christmas last year. I said if you have debt you should not be buying people things with money that you don't have.

I went to high school 1976-81. We had a 'Home Economics' class where we had to draw cards to be given a 'household situation' ~ single, married, single pregnant, married pregnant, college student, homeless; then had to draw an income card~ so much $ per week; and then a card for transportation~ car, bus, or nothing. Then we had to live within that income, so we had to go to the grocery and buy a weeks food for the family, budget for rent, electric, transportation. We had to search the ads in the paper to buy used furniture and to search for housing. We learned frugal meals, thrift shopping, and the idea of canning and freezing for food storage. We learned where to look for government and church programs for help with food or rent. Most of the students treated the class as a joke, an easy A, because they never saw the need to know these things. Other students already knew all about what was being taught because they were living it.

Today is my birthday, and to celebrate my hubby and I went to the Goodwill, washed and dried my car by hand, and we each had a small vanilla ice cream cone from Dairy Queen. It was an AWESOME birthday! I’m sure many people would look down on that and not call it a celebration at all, but we really enjoyed ourselves, and spent a very small amount of money.

It's only shamed because we live in the age of decadence.

It's simple, sister. You are not contributing to society's greed, you are not filling car company's bank accounts, and you deffinetly do not fuel the alchol and tobacco ondustry that targets children. Long story short, other people do not make money off of you, and they do not like that.

Growing up years ago back in the 70’s we had home education classes, and we learned cooking ,sewing, balancing a check book, etc. schools need to go back to the basics.

I always say - you can either look rich or be rich. I drive a van that has 250,000 miles but I live a financially stress free life.

My husband found a tee shirt on the street during our walk to the beach on vacation a couple years ago. He still wears his “street shirt” and it’s in perfect shape.

We are not debt free. We're still working on digging ourselves out from a bad business decision. Luckily, we've both learned frugality & it's helped tremendously. Recently, one of my affluent friends pulled me aside and asked why I was driving my Mom's 12 year old car. I said, 'because she's in a home & no longer drives it. It's a Honda Accord, long ago paid off and it only has 65,000 miles.'

I get called cheap all the time and joked for my frugal ways but it does not bother me anymore. I don't joke my friends for spending hundreds of dollars every month on their hair and nails because it's their money to spend. Yet I've lost "friends" because I don't want to go waste a hundred bucks drinking in a club every weekend.

Learning to be frugal has made me extremely content & grateful with the small blessings in life! Sitting on the deck with coffee & listening to the birds beats a shopping trip to Target!

You're probably too young to remember but in elementary school there used to be this class called Home Economics that taught the basics of home budgeting, cooking, tax preparation etc. extremely useful and they don't teach it anymore. I don't think every rotten thing in life is some sort of grand conspiracy but I wonder when this country in the early 1980's switched from being a production oriented country to a consumption oriented society; classes like that which taught home management were cut because they slowed down buying stuff.

This whole COVID experience has made me frugal. You never know what will happen in life. I respect money and I hate wasting it . I’m older and have learned the hard way. My mother was a shopper and I thought that was just normal. I’ve learned you can’t buy happiness and nothing feels as good as financial security.

I agree with you 100%. I’m 70 y o and was raised by parents who lived through the depression. Frugality and hard work were drummed into me. As a result I’m now enjoying my retirement, unlike many others who are having a hard time getting by. My favorite hobby - decorating my little house with thrift store finds. Everyone raves about my good taste and style.

I'm completely out of touch with those who spend frivolously. Those people can't comprehend how I can afford to buy some of the things I have. It's easy enough for those who understand - Instead of wasting my money, I save it until I have enough to buy what I want. Then, I only buy things which are useful. If it has no practical application in my life, it has no place in it.

Last yr my 18yr old Grand daughter wanted her GED so she could take college classes. My daughter works from home and instead of college classes my daughter ( hired ) her as her personal assistant .My Grand daughter is in control of the Bill's, homeschooling her younger sister, meal planning and shopping, keeping the home clean .She is learning so much and saved enough last month for her 1st car .In a yr my daughter and her girls have such a more peaceful and stress free life .

I ain’t embarrassed about it! I’m very frugal. Came from poverty, learned to budget, rent was always paid and food always in the fridge. Would mend old clothes, sew buttons back on coats. I survived!

Yes, when new friends want to get together my go to recommendation is hitting up a beautiful park for a nice walk. Almost no one wants to do that, instead they want to hit an expensive restaurant or to go be entertained by doing something like throwing axes for $25 for 30 minutes. I am learning to just not get involved with people who I need to spend money to be around.

Many years ago, my husband would tell his friends the amount of money that we lived off of, and they literally couldn’t wrap their heads around it. He would always say “ live below your means “.Some of them thought he was lying.

I’m out of touch with people who live in a Fantasy world. I live in a world with people who have gardens, do canning, hang out at the library or the community center (learning a musical instrument or sewing for free). No keeping up with “the Jones” here. I love your videos.

money stupidity bugs me so much, I can no longer handle hanging out with money-stupid friends.

I have always been frugal. But even more so, the older I get. Now that I'm retired, I have to be.

I realized once I got rid of all my junk and stuff from over buying, I have never been happier and calmer.

I sold my high end vehicles, and bought practical cars, stopped going out, started doing more diy than paying people or buying it.

When I was a kid, my dad would take us on "treasure hunts" i.e walking and picking up useful items! We loved it.

There's a saying I've heard many times. "If the whole world lived like Americans then we would need 4 planets to survive."

I shake my head when I see people in their sixties getting into huge debt. They should have things paid off.

I think it is partly related to the "keeping up with the Jones''" mentality. Got to have the latest, greatest, biggest, flashiest, etc. As the old timers say, "ain't never seen a hearse pullin' a U-Haul". You won't take anything with you when you take the long dirt nap. The first time I heard Dave Ramsey say that the paid off home mortgage has replaced the BMW in the driveway as the new status symbol, or words to that effect, I thought that was great. A roof over your head, food on the table and clothes on your back are the only real necessities.

Doesn’t shame me. Our house is paid for and we have a 2019 SUV we bought new with cash( have to be able to hurricane evacuate with our pets). I craft with junk mail make a list to shop and make my own coffee and smoothies. I garden and read. I also watch your videos which are always inspiring. My husband and I have an emergency fund and retirement fund. We also have savings accounts for the grands for college or whatever they need. We have taught them all to save and they always put some of their birthday money and Christmas money in their accounts, they know the difference between a need and a want. We have done our job. The rest is up to them. We get our entertainment from our garden wood working and crafting and out beloved pups and kitty. So don’t let people shame you. This economy is not near as scared when you have resources and a safety net. We are just 2 average income people. Anyone can do it. Just start. Thank you for all your common sense! Love to you and Rocky!

The more frugality is shamed the more I scoop up when I raid the clearance racks. I seldom pay full price for anything and I buy my winter gear on the hottest day of the year. Ever since I was a child I was aware that people wouldn’t be caught dead in a thrift store. The ridiculous psychology behind purchasing is truly laughable. If I buy a leather jacket for $5 and price it for $15 it will likely be ignored but if I price it for $50 or even much, much higher it will receive plenty of attention. Great channel!

There's no shame in being frugal. I have a rule, new shoes, new beds, new underwear, everything else is window dressing. I am 68 and happy.

I have always felt pretty lonely as far as finding others to do things with. I am female and always went swimming, fishing, playing some guitar, singing and growing things. Other gals wanted to go shopping and out to lunch. I can be by myself and still have a good time though.

I’ve never seen it that way. I’m not the most frugal person but learned from watching my grand parents. The lived in the same house for 50 years, drove old cars, they were multimillionaires.

We had a teacher in the 80’s named Bill Denuccio, god bless him as he has passed, who taught us about money, frugality, and that we are the best stewards of our money. He taught us many great life lessons and I was one student who listened and absorbed his messages. Coming from a very poor family a lot of what he taught resonated with me.

Your not out of touch, America is out of touch, do what you can with what you got. Love it!

I neverfind anything, but I love being frugal. I love going for walks, biking, cooking, reading.

I’m relatively young (58) retired and fit (going on long walks and riding my bike is a lot of fun for me). My 2000 Ford Engine finally gave out after 21 beautiful years so I had to purchase another vehicle and I decided to get me a used vehicle with low miles. I have no need to impress anyone because I would rather live a life of purpose with less material possessions versus buying an expensive BMW to impress people I don’t know! Instead of spending all my money up in retirement I’m planning to leave a lot of my money to my grandchildren for their college education when I’m gone. I’m grateful to have worked really hard during my 30 year career saved and invested and lived very frugal by choice.

I used to be a heavy consumer.. makeup, clothes, new car, going to night clubs, etc.. but one day I woke up to the reality that I was always broke. I never had anything in savings, credit cards always maxed out... even though I worked a full time job! So my mindset has changed. I am self-employed, practical car, moved in with family, and I am budget conscious. I no longer go to night clubs (that scene just doesn’t interest me). I get more pleasure taking my dogs to the park or finding a new niche on eBay (one of my income streams). I am FAR LESS stressed than I was before!

It’s the entitlement mindset. My sister and her husband both have great jobs BUT in the 18 years they’ve been married, they have NEVER paid off one thing; not the house, a vehicle, pool, camper, not a single bill! They are in a constant state of buying the next new thing. Last year, my sister and I drove to see our dad, and when we stopped to get gas on the way home, she asked me for some cash because she and her husband had maxed out all of their credit cards. But I’m often made to feel like a freak because I drive a 16 year old car that owes me nothing.

Bc of Covid, in SC where I live, u had the option to send your children to school or do Virtual Academy at home thru their school. My 13 year old and my 22 year old, have both done online school for over a year now. I have a 2 year old that I’m starting to do preschool with. We all helpveach other out and we do it all day in our pj’s. I’ve saved a ton of money on school clothes, school supplies, cafeteria lunch, etc... I’ve always done preschool with all 5 of my children, but after that, I sent them to regular school. I’m thinking I’m going to homeschool Baby #5. I’ve learned how to save so much money bc I’ve bought so many reusable products bc of Covid, I couldn’t find what I needed. This situation that we have been put in has saved me so much money. No wear and tare on my vehicle bc I’m not a taxi, running the kids back and forth to school. I’m saving money on gas. I changed my daughter to reusable diapers and reusable wipes, which has saved me a ton. I’ve spent hours of research online, bc you’re right, this info isn’t easily accessible. Once u figure it all out though, it’s a total game changer. Thanks Prepper Princess for keeping me motivated and for all your tips and tricks.

It's so funny to me the aversion to frugality. A lady at my workplace complimented my jacket. I told her it was from a thrift store and she responded 'eww, I thought you were rich'. 😂

I agree with you. We need our children educated about finances. It took me awhile to figure it out, because we've been brainwashed into thinking it's normal to be in debt.

After listening to your channel and a couple others I went debt free. I sold two classic yachts that I never use. I sold the slips I owned associated with those boats. I had a car collection but drive my 1998 Chevy truck. I have Armani clothes but wear jeans. I'm 70 and have been successful but this will be the first month in years that I haven't written several thousand 🙃 in checks for status TOYS. Plus so many of the people associated with those toys are not REAL. Don't get me wrong I still have a couple of KOOL cars..but they were paid for years ago. Thanx Prepper Princess. Greg Chaney in coastal N.C

I think I have always been out of touch. When I was 18 I bought my first car. It was a 98 oldsmobile station wagon that was in mint condition for 1800. I remember my older sister making fun of me. I remember my coworkers making fun of me and saying that I was an old person because they all had brand new cars that they couldn't afford. It never bothered me, those are just things I've never wanted.

This is the way I look at it, it only matters if I care what others think. I also had a saying when my sister used to tell me I was too strict with my kids, people need to clean off their own door step before they criticize mine, wasn't my kids that sat in jail because of DWIs. One of my kids really took to my examples loves yard sales, resale shops, flee markets, and auctions...it's not about how much you spend, it is about how much you don't.

Finding like minded individuals is extremely difficult. So glad I can find them here on KZfaq! Thanks for the encouragement today, this is truly what I needed to hear.

I think frugality is shamed because it reminds most people of just how tenuous their own financial picture is. I've known plenty of people of who buy everything new, only buy "prestige" brands, and who wouldn't be caught dead in a thrift or resale store. Most of them were also carrying a ****load of debt. More than a few relied on Xanax, Ambien, or other drugs to ease their anxiety. People like you and me sleep soundly every night knowing that everything we own is fully paid for, all our needs are met (and then some), and that we can weather the next economic downturn without breaking a sweat.

Reminds me of my former boss. She and her hubby were walking in Vegas whilst on vacation. The hubby started kicking around a large clear jem. My boss picked it up and took it home against her husband taunting her for bringing home plastic. Well, it was a diamond worth 37k!

I used to be the person that constantly went out with friends for meals and or drinks. Let's not forget the massive shipping trips. Amazing how much money I blew through on "entertainment". Just ridiculous and I'm glad to be out of the idiocy. Prepper Princess I really enjoy your real world approach, wisdom and your no nonsense additude to stupidity. Thanks!

I can honestly say I have not been bored since I was around 10 or 12 years old, and am almost 57. I don't have time to be bored. I am partially disabled, so getting out and about is usually rare for me, plus I do not drive, and getting out for walks is physically not possible. With having a small paid for home on 1/4 acre, keep my yard neat, and growing things, and my pats, I have more than enough to do. I can still sew, crochet, research things online, have my talking books to listen to, and I just never have the strength or enough time, to get 'er all done. Being frugal isn't worth losing friendships over, so I will remain, the really cheap ME that I am, and be what my mom used to say often...poor but proud!

I’ve always been frugal. My parents were frugal. I raised my daughters to be frugal and, thank goodness, it has benefited them greatly. We are not cheap, we are frugal. I pride myself on being frugal. Many of my friends are frugal. I think highly of frugality. Love your channel!

I found a $2 coin on the ground when I parked my car this morning, when I went to the supermarket. Hi from Australia. You have changed my thinking over the last couple of years, PP.... I now realise I have enough shoes, clothes and stuff.. I have enough for my needs. I hate shopping now.

Today,in this period of history and media,you a specie in danger of extinction !!!You are correct in your teachings...well done!!!Never stop!!!

My husband and I have lived frugal most of our marriage. We’ve been married 41 years. We’ve raised our food and canned it, hunted for deer, raised meat, etc. our sons learned with us. A necessary thing due to a lot of medical bills. Plus, I stayed home to teach our sons as one had an immune deficiency and needed to be away from others. Raising our food was a health and wallet choice. Fast forward to now, husband and I still grow and process our food. He’s on Social Security, I’m on Disability. We get by just fine. As for schools, if kids are going to go to college, they should be required to take classes on loans, credit, etc. and every child should have those skills along with homemaking!

I'm off all social media, don't compare myself w others and just do what I can with what I have. Watching your videos inspires me to save more.

Something tells me the people with bad spending habits are about to be shocked...

I have a lot of friends that go out to eat and spend a lot of money on “fun” weekly. I have simply told them that I don’t have the allotted funds to do those things all of the time. I am happy to spend money a couple times a year to go see a musical or go see the symphony play live, but otherwise, my friends have learned to invite me to free things. I’m also very introverted and am very happy to be home gardening and hanging out with my pets!

People can look down all they want, i am extremely frugal and proud of it. Thanks for making and sharing great content. Yep I'm out of touch but I'm happy.

I also enjoy finding things. I shop at thrift stores and really love pulling together great outfits that I wear for years. I find books at thrift book bins and garage sales. I find a lot of my craft supplies at garage sales and thrift stores. My father passed away seven years ago, but I'm still driving his '97 Mercury, love it and it's like holding on to a bit of my dad.

Thank you for bringing up fact kids are not taught basics of money or budgets in school. I have been complaining about that for years!!!$

When your outgo exceeds your income, your upkeep becomes your downfall!

I so appreciate your frugality and all the comments. I’m so tired of being shamed, mocked, ridiculed, belittled, humiliated, made fun of and being the butt of jokes !!! Yet when someone needs money or to barrow something, guess who gets called ? And they usually don’t feel the need to pay me back because I have some money and am content with little 🤷🏼‍♀️ I feel reassured here ....thank you !!

The butler helps me dumpster dive, afterwards the chauffeur drives us back to the main house.

My husband and I are debt free and retired. We're busy turning an old shuttle bus into an RV so we can travel for a while. We're really careful what we spend our money on.

An old friend, no longer my friend, told me that I was not providing my daughters with all the things that they "deserved ". She said she did not want us in thier lives anymore until I took a "real" job and "get right with the Lord.". They were once, once very wealthy, at the time of this incident. They lost everything in the 2008 crash because they weren't prepared.

Love Prepper Princess . Every time I need motivation to be more financially savvy , I watch her videos and they are so inspiring! 🙌

We have a balance. We don't buy Starbucks coffee, but we have a really good expresso machine from which we make better coffee. We buy everything we desire to eat, but we plan our meals on what is on sale. We rarely go out to eat only because we both enjoy cooking copying the restaurant recipes. We have three cars, one is 20 years old, one at 16 years, and one 14 years. We bought them new, but we take care of them. We are the millionaire next door, we will never need to worry about our retirement because we have several rental properties. We worked for our money, did not inherit it. It's balance.

I did teach consumer math in high school for years. It was part of the county curriculum. Finances, budget planning and the like were all taught. We are excited for a truck load of garden soil with compost in it to be delivered in a new raised bed along our drive. Edible fruiting shrubs a small tree and deer resistant herbs will be planted. There is a group of local county gardeners online, no Teslas here!

Schools just don't teach finances and I surely wish they would. I taught my kids how to use money, basic finances, cooking, cleaning, laundry...they need to know how to live on their own...and they do now. I drive a car that is paid for...and when I see a very expensive car/truck on the highway, all I can think of is that I'm glad I don't have their car payment! I enjoy your videos...thank you for taking time to make them.

Thank you for speaking out on this. I work with so many people who go out to eat several days a week, buying presents constantly for adult children, buying new vehicles, clothes, etc. Then they wonder what happens when their bills come due. I have stopped trying to let them know to stock up, prep, be ready, etc. They look at me with PITY or feel sorry for me because they think I am poor. Um...sometimes there are no words.

You'd be surprised at how many millionaires and billionaires are cheap skates and frugal

That is why I don't have TV. Sometimes the youtubes are too much as well. A frugal youtuber now has two homes, spends $500 at the thrift store, or another frugal youtuber just gutted and re-did her kitchen, which was huge and very, very nice to begin with. I understand as a senior trying to live on $12,000 year probably qualifies me as super frugal, but I look it as a game too and make it an adventure. Finally, big YES I feel totally out of touch with everyone's huge homes, awesome granite, black, white and stainless stuff and their giant gas guzzling shiny SUV.

I know, I am chocked about the consumerism amongst my american relatives. A young couple got engaged. Had an engagementparty, then the marriage with "pre-wedding" rehersal dinner, wedding, and afterparty... Now my cousin sent the happy news they are expecting a baby, and now they are having a babyshower. For all these occations a wishlist was shared for different categories and shops. Being a Norwegian, I am chocked. The only occation out of all these we celebrate with gifts and party is the wedding itself. We normally send a card with our best wishes for the other happy events. Then there is shopping for Christmas, (gifts to everyone, even collegues, absolutely wasteful) and other events like Halloween, Mothers/Fathers day, all created by the Big businesses, corporate powers, and adopted as a "must" by the consumers. And eating out as a regular thing? No wonder the debt is growing.

I love watching videos by people that I can learn from. Saving money, changing a shower head, checking my furnace, saving $ on groceries, great recipes I learn a ton from KZfaq!

I don't care what others think. The older I get the less I want. The needs often will no t get people in trouble. It's what people think they want.

If you’re ever looking for new regular content ideas, I think a “What I found this week/month” series would be fun and educational. Loved hearing about the things you and Rocky find on walks!

I grew up with very frugal parents. We lived below our means but always had everything we needed. I try to continue the same.

We used to have home economics and shop classes in high school. I think that show you're talking about is about the most bazaar eccentric behaviours that bring in ratings. I have an in-law who likes to brag about how much they paid for something expensive and shine with pride. I am the opposite, I am so proud of a fine toaster oven I got at an estate sale for $2.00! Just last week I saved a cute solid oak table from a burn pile! I was at the town dump once with tree limbs and found the cutest cart made from an old Coke case, I cleaned it up and sold it for $30.00 ! My parents grew up during the depression. I inherited their genes :)

The farther you get out into the sticks and away from the city the more people you will find that appreciate frugality. They're often portrayed as ignorant and backward but have usually been raised from children to appreciate being frugal. It's just the normal way of life.

Love being debt free. One of my mottoes: No money, no shopping. Saving up for what you want to buy makes a stress free life. Stuff doesn't make one happy, Loved ones do.

I agree that children need to be taught money management in school. I had a roommate once that could not balance her checkbook. She was always overdrawn and I had to get rid of her when she was always late on her share of expenses. I love not owing anything. I don't buy things I can't afford and I don't esteem myself with material possessions. It's very liberating.

I can go to Kohls and buy a shirt and jeans for $45, or I can shop at a thrift store and buy a cute shirt and jeans for $7 (like new, and a good brand.) . Guess what I do? I prefer to be debt free, stress free, and not afraid of having no money when I need it. Carry on Prepper Princess!