Another wonderful video. I enjoyed hearing about your conversation with your dad and sons. It’s all a matter of perspective. Once you really understand needs vs wants deep down, life changes. Our society tries to tell us just about every thing is a need but it’s a lie. Our planet is suffering for it, as are a lot of people’s finances.
Hi Sue 🙏. Yes needs are actually very small and most of us have our needs covered. Once you are aware that you have everything you need, it brings such a feeling of gratitude and peace to life and really does let you get your finances in order. Big hugs 🥰
Hey Rowena, great to see you 😊 I agree with your dad's perspective, once our basic needs are met the rest/the wants are optional - Just having food, clothes and a roof over our heads makes us wealthy compared to people in some parts of the world who don't even have these basic needs met - Hope you're having a lovely weekend ❤️
Hey bex, lovely to hear from you. This perspective really changes how life is viewed and increases contentment and happiness, which I think help reduce spending money in general. I hope you are having a wonderful weekend yourself. Big hugs 🥰
My son also lives on disability. It’s very challenging. I can see where he could improve and I am trying to help him. Today he told me to pick up the small bag of fruit because it was actually cheaper by the ounce. I was so proud. Thank you for another great video.
Hi Courtney, yes it can be challenging for sure. One of my sons told me yesterday that a conversation we had had about money recently really struck a chord with him. He said he had decided to change the way he was managing his money and start putting aside money to spend each fortnight and then saving the rest. I was so happy to hear this as it will have such a positive impact on him. It sounds like your son has been taking on board what you have been teaching him also....I can imagine you must have felt so happy to see him putting this into action. hugs 🥰
Wow! I am amazed at how good you are at budgeting and sticking to it. I get a bigger budget and yet can’t seem to save as much as you do. Thank you for this very inspiring video🙏🏻
Hi Maria, 🙏 I think the key for me is that I have found a way to keep the base needs costs fairly low and I also really don't want for much. When I do decide to make a purchase, I give it quite a bit of thought and then I find myself really appreciating and enjoying that thing. hugs 🥰
Hi Eric, there’s a huge difference between want and need….and in my experience, as long as my needs are met I feel quite content…it’s always nice to have a few wants though 🥰
I am thankful for what I already have which helps reduce spending. You spoke of your father and sons. Do they share the same mindset with you? Sometimes there can be judgment in prices, quantities, etc. I'm inclined to find creative ways to fix, repair or use what I have before purchasing a product that clutters. For my household in a year, I bought only two big items: a fan and a trash can. I use the latter as a compost bin for my garden, upgrading from cardboard, wire, and flimsy plastic. I will likely buy another trash can to collect rainwater which may be needed in dry season. I'm anticipating the need to have it, just in case, since I can't control the weather. Water seems essential to me.💧 TY for posting.
Hi Donna, I definitely agree, gratitude definitely helps to reduce spending. Yes, my father has the mindset that is you have a roof over your head, food to eat and clothes to wear, you have what you need. I also think that investing in things that pay you back over time is well worth it. There are some things we buy because they are going to end up saving us money over the long term. hugs 🥰
Thank you for sharing the actual breakdown of your budget; that helped clear things up, and I really like how you keep the categories very simple! 👏 People/books typically suggest more specific categories, such as “entertainment” or “non-essentials”, but these are too suggestive and therefore create too much confusion and frustration when it comes to collectively deciding which category an expense should fall under. 🙃 Would you consider creating a video that breaks down your decision-making process that led you to these figures (percentage of income per category)? 🤔 For instance, I’m wondering if you set amounts and tested them out for awhile, or came up with averages based on pre-budget spending habits, or (etc.). Or if you already have uploaded videos that discuss these sorts of things, could you please point them out? 😊 Thanks so much! New to your channel! Glad TH-cam suggested it to me! ☺️
Hi kat, thanks for your comment and questions 😊. The decision making process around my budget is mainly from experience of knowing how much we generally spend in different areas. Our mortgage payment is fixed, so we always know that amount. The bills are always about the same, but I do allow for rising costs and we also do try to keep costs low by being careful with utilities and shopping around. When it comes to food, I pretty much know what we spend but do allow more than we need so there’s wiggle room. We have got to a point where we are comfortable keeping some money aside for ourselves and I think it’s really important to have money that you can use as you wish, but this doesn’t mean we just spend it because we have it. We try to be intentional about most of our purchases. The money we gave aside for repairs, maintenance and updating is only used when we really need it. Then most of our money is invested to pay out the mortgage at the end if 2025. I like a simple budget, without all the categories for specific spending…I really don’t think that’s needed. I also think being minimalist and having a mindset that I already have what I need helps to make the most of our money. I hope this helps. Hugs 🥰
@@RowenaMarie Thank you so much for your time in leaving such a thorough response! This really does help to clear things up! I think we’ve just been going about it in a way that’s too complicated/arduous. I think I see how we can simplify it now, and what changes we need to make. Thank you, I really appreciate it! 🤗❤️
Everything is very expensive in my country. I'm trying to be wise with my spending but with one stream of income I'm not left with much to save. I'm still trying to cut and save every way I can.❤
Hi Angella, getting the cost of your basic needs down as low as possible is definitely the best place to begin. Is there any one area that you are finding it hard to get low? big hugs 🥰
@@RowenaMarie thanks for asking I have to say the cost of gas for my car. I have a nice 2011 Toyota vios car which does well with gas etc. but I have to full up 3 times for the month. I basically only drive to work and back home 5 days per week but work is about 45mins drive each way. I sometimes wish I could take a public transport but that's a real hassle. I'm trying to work on the other areas I can though. 🤗❤❤
Hi Rowena, hope you are well. Could you please do a video on investing and how you make your money work for you? I always assumed that you were paying it straight off your mortgage, but it makes sense that you would invest to earn interest and pay it off faster. I am not very confident or experienced when it comes to investing and wouldn't know where to start. Thank you x
Hi Jessica, I would definitely not call my self an expert in investing. We put the bulk of our money into Vanguard Index Funds, we have some money in cryptocurrency and I am about to start investing in some blue chip stocks. I hope this helps. If you have any further questions just email me and I will do my best to answer them. hugs 🥰
I’ve never thought to break down my spending into a yearly amount of my salary. I’ve always done it fortnightly or monthly as I’m paid fortnightly. I’m going to give this a try and see how it goes.
Hi Kso, I find when I total our spending and savings over a year it encourages me to spend less. $100 a month may not seem like a large amount until you think that it adds up to $1200 a year. hugs 🥰
I would love to know how long you regularly spend in your researching when you seek out the best prices for the things you need or choose to buy? I find sometimes it can be quite time-consuming, but I have thought this might be because I'm quite close to the start of living my life in a more intentional way.
Hi Amanda, it really depends on what I am buying. If it it something I need, right away...for example yesterday I found an issue with the SD card for my camera and this is something I need as quickly as possible. I new which type of card I wanted, so I just googled it and found a great deal on a slightly slower card. After about 30 minutes of researching I was happy with my choice. When it comes to less urgent purchases I will take my time and enjoy the process of researching. I don't do this all at once but over a matter of weeks. I have found that when I take my time with a purchase I am very seldom disappointed with it. I hope this helps. hugs 🥰
@@RowenaMarie Of course! I feel a bit silly now, having asked a question when everything is going to be different, depending on the circumstances. I think I was just feeling a bit overwhelmed with the amount of things that needed to be researched, for me to feel I'd done things appropriately! In the end you have to say, I've done enough now, I can make the decision on what to spend my money on. You talk so much good sense.
4:00 "bills" is a nebulous category. But $8k seems darn low. Of course being from the USA where health insurance alone often exceeds that, maybe that is reasonable in Australia.
Hi ThePantherproof, bills as a category makes sense to us. They are all of the costs we must pay for our home, car and health insurance. We have made many decisions that have contributed to keeping our bills as low as possible. 🥰
Hi Georgeanne, I buy oat milk, cat food and kitty litter regularly…all for less than I can buy them in shops, plus we keep our eyes open for any specials. Hugs 🥰
Do you give any money to charity? There are only,y a few frugal channel that recognize giving to the poor We feel God has blessed us so we need to give back
Hi Linda, I don’t give money to any particular charities on a regular basis, which I think is what you’re asking. However I do help out in my own way. My first priority is my children, so I help them out. I also donate to animal charities from time to time. I also like to help out the homeless when I meet them. I have bought groceries for them and also given money. Hugs 🥰
Another wonderful video. I enjoyed hearing about your conversation with your dad and sons. It’s all a matter of perspective. Once you really understand needs vs wants deep down, life changes. Our society tries to tell us just about every thing is a need but it’s a lie. Our planet is suffering for it, as are a lot of people’s finances.
Hi Sue 🙏. Yes needs are actually very small and most of us have our needs covered. Once you are aware that you have everything you need, it brings such a feeling of gratitude and peace to life and really does let you get your finances in order. Big hugs 🥰
Hey Rowena, great to see you 😊 I agree with your dad's perspective, once our basic needs are met the rest/the wants are optional - Just having food, clothes and a roof over our heads makes us wealthy compared to people in some parts of the world who don't even have these basic needs met - Hope you're having a lovely weekend ❤️
Hey bex, lovely to hear from you. This perspective really changes how life is viewed and increases contentment and happiness, which I think help reduce spending money in general. I hope you are having a wonderful weekend yourself. Big hugs 🥰
My son also lives on disability. It’s very challenging. I can see where he could improve and I am trying to help him. Today he told me to pick up the small bag of fruit because it was actually cheaper by the ounce. I was so proud.
Thank you for another great video.
Hi Courtney, yes it can be challenging for sure. One of my sons told me yesterday that a conversation we had had about money recently really struck a chord with him. He said he had decided to change the way he was managing his money and start putting aside money to spend each fortnight and then saving the rest. I was so happy to hear this as it will have such a positive impact on him. It sounds like your son has been taking on board what you have been teaching him also....I can imagine you must have felt so happy to see him putting this into action. hugs 🥰
@@RowenaMarie We can hope that we help them long term by teaching them. ❤️ Hugs to you.
@@CourtneyRobinson thats amazing !
Wow! I am amazed at how good you are at budgeting and sticking to it. I get a bigger budget and yet can’t seem to save as much as you do. Thank you for this very inspiring video🙏🏻
Hi Maria, 🙏 I think the key for me is that I have found a way to keep the base needs costs fairly low and I also really don't want for much. When I do decide to make a purchase, I give it quite a bit of thought and then I find myself really appreciating and enjoying that thing. hugs 🥰
Very useful especially the contrast between "want" and "need". Thanks!
Hi Eric, there’s a huge difference between want and need….and in my experience, as long as my needs are met I feel quite content…it’s always nice to have a few wants though 🥰
Love seeing the yearly breakdown🤗
Hi Kat, 😻
I am thankful for what I already have which helps reduce spending. You spoke of your father and sons. Do they share the same mindset with you? Sometimes there can be judgment in prices, quantities, etc. I'm inclined to find creative ways to fix, repair or use what I have before purchasing a product that clutters. For my household in a year, I bought only two big items: a fan and a trash can. I use the latter as a compost bin for my garden, upgrading from cardboard, wire, and flimsy plastic. I will likely buy another trash can to collect rainwater which may be needed in dry season. I'm anticipating the need to have it, just in case, since I can't control the weather. Water seems essential to me.💧 TY for posting.
Hi Donna, I definitely agree, gratitude definitely helps to reduce spending. Yes, my father has the mindset that is you have a roof over your head, food to eat and clothes to wear, you have what you need. I also think that investing in things that pay you back over time is well worth it. There are some things we buy because they are going to end up saving us money over the long term. hugs 🥰
Thank you for sharing the actual breakdown of your budget; that helped clear things up, and I really like how you keep the categories very simple! 👏
People/books typically suggest more specific categories, such as “entertainment” or “non-essentials”, but these are too suggestive and therefore create too much confusion and frustration when it comes to collectively deciding which category an expense should fall under. 🙃
Would you consider creating a video that breaks down your decision-making process that led you to these figures (percentage of income per category)? 🤔 For instance, I’m wondering if you set amounts and tested them out for awhile, or came up with averages based on pre-budget spending habits, or (etc.).
Or if you already have uploaded videos that discuss these sorts of things, could you please point them out? 😊
Thanks so much! New to your channel! Glad TH-cam suggested it to me! ☺️
Hi kat, thanks for your comment and questions 😊. The decision making process around my budget is mainly from experience of knowing how much we generally spend in different areas. Our mortgage payment is fixed, so we always know that amount. The bills are always about the same, but I do allow for rising costs and we also do try to keep costs low by being careful with utilities and shopping around. When it comes to food, I pretty much know what we spend but do allow more than we need so there’s wiggle room. We have got to a point where we are comfortable keeping some money aside for ourselves and I think it’s really important to have money that you can use as you wish, but this doesn’t mean we just spend it because we have it. We try to be intentional about most of our purchases. The money we gave aside for repairs, maintenance and updating is only used when we really need it. Then most of our money is invested to pay out the mortgage at the end if 2025.
I like a simple budget, without all the categories for specific spending…I really don’t think that’s needed. I also think being minimalist and having a mindset that I already have what I need helps to make the most of our money.
I hope this helps. Hugs 🥰
@@RowenaMarie Thank you so much for your time in leaving such a thorough response! This really does help to clear things up! I think we’ve just been going about it in a way that’s too complicated/arduous. I think I see how we can simplify it now, and what changes we need to make. Thank you, I really appreciate it! 🤗❤️
Hi kat, you are so welcome, I’m glad that helped. Hugs 🥰
Everything is very expensive in my country. I'm trying to be wise with my spending but with one stream of income I'm not left with much to save. I'm still trying to cut and save every way I can.❤
Hi Angella, getting the cost of your basic needs down as low as possible is definitely the best place to begin. Is there any one area that you are finding it hard to get low? big hugs 🥰
@@RowenaMarie thanks for asking I have to say the cost of gas for my car. I have a nice 2011 Toyota vios car which does well with gas etc. but I have to full up 3 times for the month. I basically only drive to work and back home 5 days per week but work is about 45mins drive each way. I sometimes wish I could take a public transport but that's a real hassle. I'm trying to work on the other areas I can though. 🤗❤❤
Hi Rowena, hope you are well. Could you please do a video on investing and how you make your money work for you? I always assumed that you were paying it straight off your mortgage, but it makes sense that you would invest to earn interest and pay it off faster. I am not very confident or experienced when it comes to investing and wouldn't know where to start. Thank you x
Hi Jessica, I would definitely not call my self an expert in investing. We put the bulk of our money into Vanguard Index Funds, we have some money in cryptocurrency and I am about to start investing in some blue chip stocks. I hope this helps. If you have any further questions just email me and I will do my best to answer them. hugs 🥰
You are so intelligent and thoughtful in your videos… I’ve learned so much by watching your amazing videos❤️
Hi Shobha, 🙏 for such a lovely compliment. I am so happy to hear that my videos are helping you. hugs 🥰
I’ve never thought to break down my spending into a yearly amount of my salary. I’ve always done it fortnightly or monthly as I’m paid fortnightly. I’m going to give this a try and see how it goes.
Hi Kso, I find when I total our spending and savings over a year it encourages me to spend less. $100 a month may not seem like a large amount until you think that it adds up to $1200 a year. hugs 🥰
Hi Rowena
I love listening to you
It all makes so much sense
Sending lot’s of love from 🇬🇧
Xx❤️❤️❤️❤️
Hi Paula, 🙏. I am so glad my videos resonate with you. big hugs and lots of love coming back to you from Australia ❤️🥰
Thank you xx❤️❤️❤️❤️
You are inspiring calm and collective
Hi Jeanette, 🙏🥰
I would love to know how long you regularly spend in your researching when you seek out the best prices for the things you need or choose to buy? I find sometimes it can be quite time-consuming, but I have thought this might be because I'm quite close to the start of living my life in a more intentional way.
Hi Amanda, it really depends on what I am buying. If it it something I need, right away...for example yesterday I found an issue with the SD card for my camera and this is something I need as quickly as possible. I new which type of card I wanted, so I just googled it and found a great deal on a slightly slower card. After about 30 minutes of researching I was happy with my choice. When it comes to less urgent purchases I will take my time and enjoy the process of researching. I don't do this all at once but over a matter of weeks. I have found that when I take my time with a purchase I am very seldom disappointed with it. I hope this helps. hugs 🥰
@@RowenaMarie Of course! I feel a bit silly now, having asked a question when everything is going to be different, depending on the circumstances. I think I was just feeling a bit overwhelmed with the amount of things that needed to be researched, for me to feel I'd done things appropriately! In the end you have to say, I've done enough now, I can make the decision on what to spend my money on. You talk so much good sense.
I am looking for health insurance please can you suggest which one I choose thanks🌹
Thank you 🙏
Hi Leanne 🥰
i would love to see your veggie garden. Just want to see the produce that you use for cooking😀
Hi Perks of a simple life, I do have some footage of my garden in some of my videos, but I’ll try to add some more in future ones. 🥰
well I will always watch your videos! love them
Hi Donna 🙏. I am so happy my videos resonate with you. hugs 🥰
Yes your Dad is so right
Hi Linda, yes he is 🥰
4:00 "bills" is a nebulous category. But $8k seems darn low. Of course being from the USA where health insurance alone often exceeds that, maybe that is reasonable in Australia.
Hi ThePantherproof, bills as a category makes sense to us. They are all of the costs we must pay for our home, car and health insurance. We have made many decisions that have contributed to keeping our bills as low as possible. 🥰
can I ask what foods you buy in bulk from Amazon Prime? I've never thought of this before
Hi Georgeanne, I buy oat milk, cat food and kitty litter regularly…all for less than I can buy them in shops, plus we keep our eyes open for any specials. Hugs 🥰
@@RowenaMarie
thank you
I'm yet to find rolled oats less than 17c per 100...$1.70 per kilo....I'm sure they're somewhere
Love ❤️ your channel(:
Hi Carmen, thank you 🥰
Great video😁
Hi Go Vegan, 🙏. hugs 🥰
Do you give any money to charity?
There are only,y a few frugal channel that recognize giving to the poor
We feel God has blessed us so we need to give back
Hi Linda, I don’t give money to any particular charities on a regular basis, which I think is what you’re asking. However I do help out in my own way. My first priority is my children, so I help them out. I also donate to animal charities from time to time. I also like to help out the homeless when I meet them. I have bought groceries for them and also given money. Hugs 🥰
👍🌹
Thanks Virginia 🥰💕
🤔😒