1.healthy food 2. Her dog 3. Clothes 4. Her home - renovations 5. Concert tickets 6. Dependable as opposed to cheap but risky things 7. Investment in herself or her business
I went out yesterday and bought a ride on mower. At 54, pushing my heavy hand mower around my 2 acres became too hard! While I was in town, I followed Nicol's advice and purchased some raw food for my dogs after researching that commercial kibble aint so great. I also took her advice on the self care route and got a new white sheet and pillow slip and a fancy white comforter. I had previously taken on foster dogs...these came with blankets etc that were all far superior to the blankets I used for myself. I even bought 50 sunscreen as a self care thing. 9h, and a new skill saw for my home maintenance. 😅
I went through an exercise with myself at the end of 2022 where I analyzed my spending for the past two years. I then wrote out a list of every category of spending, ranked them in order of importance to me and noted the annual spend in each category. I was quite shocked to discover that my spending did not reflect my true priorities. I have now revised my budget and am very deliberate about my spending so that I can allocate more of my resources to those spending priorities. It has been quite the eye opener!! I'm glad that your investment in camera equipment worked because your content is great!
I am sure I am the same. I am slowly becoming more aware of each penny I am spending because it all adds up. You go into a dollar store and buy 20 dollars' worth of cheap deals because they were cheap, but you didn't really need them anyway. For me, its the grocery store. I am now trying to stay focused and not meander around the store looking for something to buy.
I have a Norwich( ears up) named Teddy. She is the funniest dog and also the most fun of my 3 dogs. All our dogs are getting older and vet bills are definitely a major cost we have figured into our lives.
I am happy to spend money on travel. Nothing gives me more enjoyment, it's entertaining and education ... I think it adds to the quality of my life. So far I have visited about 88 countries on six continents. I research before I go. I never took a trip I regretted.
Older woman here 😊found your channel recently and love your wisdom and clarity of thought. The fact that what you present is authentic and relatable. I am getting so much from watching all your videos and can’t help but having the odd wistful wish that I had been as clear in my mind about life at your age. Best wishes for continued success in all that you do ❤️
I've honestly never found someone so similar to myself. I just started watching your videos yesterday. I also splurge on groceries 😂 and we're also the same age. I bought my house two years ago from lots of hustling, saving, not really buying into fads or products my friends did, and I'm glad I didn't. I was always saving for a "rainy day" and now I have two kids and a husband that I can now afford to spoil 😂😅
I’m 5’7” with long torso too. I stumbled into a plethora of options a few years back - shop men’s. The sweaters and tops are longer torso and arms, usually better quality for less cost (less fast fashion). I also shop men’s pants too since you can shop for leg length specifically. It’s crazy how deep the pockets are.
As someone who has a gorgeous Dachshund I know what you mean about an expensive pet! My girl had a herniated disc which resulted in emergency neurological surgery. Over her 13 years she's probably cost me more than a nice car, LOL. Worth every penny!!!
Levi is a beautiful boy and I agree that vet bills can be hugely expensive. However, I wouldn't have had it any other way with the pets we had. It's sad they had to get ill but I'm glad I could do right by them and get them the care they needed.
Hi, I’m a Boomer from the PNW (🇨🇦). I’m a high school sewing teacher, and am also WFPB and, like you, I spend a lot of time at home. I live with my partner in the northern wilderness and we have a simple life. Although we are not minimalists, we are conscious consumers and are very money-aware and planet-conscious. I stumbled across your channel recently and have been binge watching your vids and loving them. I love the Canadian content and your intelligent perspective. I think the main take-away that I get from your videos is the concept of making priorities and being extremely mindful of one’s spending habits. In today’s video you asked what we spend our money on? Well, everyone is different and we all have unique hobbies and life interests. Because I have had 6 orthopaedic surgeries on my body, I am no longer a PE teacher and my days as an athlete and coach are behind me. That said, my three main hobbies are plant-based cooking and baking from scratch, wild swimming (the lake is near my house, it is free, and much more healthy to swim in than a pool), AND… skill toys. Yes, you read that correctly… skill toys which, for me, predominantly include yoyo and kendama, as well as knuckle bones and begleri. YoWzA… as with most hobbies, one has to be careful to purchase items that will fuel their passion and advance their skill set, and not get caught up in the mindset of “building a collection”. Thanks for asking about this. Tbh, most people are completely shocked to hear of a middle-aged woman who plays with skill toys but that’s my passion!! Additionally, skill toys align with my values since they build skills, and are affordable, portable, not reliant on tech or batteries, and they are a great way to interact with others who are curious. Lastly, I was stoked when I watched one of your recent videos where you mentioned you were into Lego!! I friggin’ love that! Have a great Long Weekend and thanks for making these thought provoking videos. Ⓜaryo🪀
we had a yo-yo resurgence when I was a kid. I had an awesome wooden yellow painted Duncan. wasn't very good with it though. my brother had a modern one with crazy bearings. I remember the one trick. the confederate flag
Wow! I love this reply! I hadn't thought about the option of skill toys as a way to keep my middle-aged body moving. And there's the hand-eye coordination... And I am sure that these toys are far less expensive than tech toys -- and not subject to planned obsolescence. Your lifestyle sounds amazing. While I am very much a city person, the idea of having a retreat from the madness became increasingly appealing in late 2020. Have you ever seen the video for Innermost House? That's quite an extreme lifestyle, but there's something so alluring about how scaled back and simple it is. ua-cam.com/video/lDbrUk2xYBo/v-deo.html
@@theesilverghost Yes… you said it!! Skill toys are great for not only keeping the middle-aged body moving, but they engage the brain!! Skill toys keep me off screens, unless of course, I’m learning a new trick from an online tutorial. Highly recommend. Thanks for you comment. Ⓜ️ary
@@sanniskett I love yoyos too!! I’ve done some juggling but the thing that I find unappealing is that every time I screw up (which is often) I am bending down to retrieve a stray ball, bean bag, etc. With yoyo or kendama (a traditional Japanese skill toy) the yoyo or the tama (ball) is attached by a string… less frustration and strain on the back when one does not have to pick up stray items from the floor. Thanks for your comment and happy yoyoing & juggling to you. Ⓜ️ary
1. Lattes / local businesses I literally piss away money on lattes! However, I consider this to be an investment in my mental health and my neighborhood. I work from home, and escaping to the local, independent coffee shop is my chance to read, relax, and connect with other shop regulars. This was a daily habit, but I cut back to the odd weekday and weekends. My favorite local coffee shop has a garden (open as weather permits), and if the cost of admission is a latte, I am happy to pay it. 2. Personal care Massages - I have a monthly massage membership, which gives me access to a monthly massage at a discounted price. This serves my physical and mental health. Sunscreen - I no longer buy loads of skincare and makeup, but the one area in which I spend more freely is sunscreen. I cannot tolerate "chemical" sunscreens, and too many physical ones impart a pasty zinc face would have charmed a 20-something Goth me, but I'd rather have a mineral sunscreen that blends a bit better. I pay a bit more (but look for sales) on "cosmetically elegant" sunscreen.
Nicole, you are a very wise woman. It took me a lot longer to come the conclusion that I appreciate what I already have in my life. I’m always saying that life is all about the little things too.
Enjoying your outlook on life! We too spend money on nutritious food to power our older bodies. Our Corgi girls are a total joy so whatever they need, they get. Both of us enjoy reading so use the library all the time, but if there's a book we want to own we don't hesitate to purchase. Our home is our haven and our vehicles are necessary as we live in a rural area so we make sure they're clean, serviced, and kept up so if we decide to move, the house is ready or trade a car in it is ready to go. BTW, we're in total agreement on Wonder bread, wondering what it really is. 🐶🐶👵👴
🦍I'm 5'9" with a long torso so I get it. I don't think about how much it costs for anything my daughter wants to learn. She's been in swimming classes this year but has decided she wants taekwondo next. Since we didn't have much money growing up I decided I wanted my kids to have those opportunities I never did, so it's not a matter of price for that stuff.
I love to bake and cook from scratch and consider researching/making recipes to be one of my hobbies. Many years ago, I invested in a quality stand-mixer and have a couple of other kitchen appliances of that scale that I use multiple times a week to make various meals or baked goods. For me, it was worth spending the money on quality brands and they have lasted forever. When I need to buy/replace cooking items, I tend to buy high quality because it increases my enjoyment of preparing food and the items last such a long time. In terms of true “luxury” items that I spend money on? I enjoy painting and I buy nice paints, brushes and sketchbooks. Now that I have those things, they last for quite a long time and don’t need to be replaced that frequently. They provide me with many hours of enjoyment and are worth including in my budget.
I buy the best footwear that I can afford. I’ll take worn out shoes to the cobbler and have them repaired . I’m also happy to spend on good quality fresh ingredients for home cooking. We definitely are what we eat. I’ve started thrift store shopping for certain clothing items with an eye for quality like cashmere sweaters and scarves on the cheap. I’ve snagged some great finds!
My brussels griffon had a heart murmur and cost thousands to treat over her precious lifetime. Now my italian greyhound has very expensive dental issues. I had horses, too, that were a fortune to care for, but their love and companionship is priceless. My animals are my life!❤
Love this ❤I am actually going to try to learn how to make my own bread. I am also trying my hand at apartment gardening. I already have onions sprouting. Levi is cute 🥰
There was once a farmer who owned a horse a beautiful animal lovely gate., but it had a mean streak it would snip at his owner's hand when he attempted pet him it would jump and kick. So, the farmer went to a vet and said this to the vet. So, the vet said when he's behaved, sell it.
I'm trying to catch up on watching your videos. I like the content because of their sensibility and practical application. Even to a senior, like me, who generally has their life habits set, your advice is very helpful in most situations. I consider your videos a very sensible use of my time.
I will spend on quality tools (on sale) and have gotten so much use over the years, saving money by being able to do work myself. My dad once repeated "the poor can only afford the best", and it stuck. Some of my favorite handtools are pro quality tools from when I was 19. I'm past retirement now and they are all still working fine. Maybe wear out electrical tools occasionally, but cheap tools only needed a few times. I still buy great tools at estate sales.
Totally agree with you on food- and the tools to process and cook it. Like you I have a long torso so my next happy spend is yarn and fabric as I sew many of my own clothes. Thus I get the joy of clothes that fit and creating them- from quality ingredients.
100% agree with everything you said here. Pets is something that I don't ever regret spending money on, and clothes I am 5'9 and have long torso also and most clothes are like little crop tops on me.
I buy high quality coffee beans, use an inexpensive coffee grinder and bought a new, moderate priced coffee machine recently! Most enjoyable part of my day…..coffee!☕️ AND I enjoy your relatable content, Nicole!🙌 thank you
Levi is so cute, fluffy and adorable. Ive had pets with asthma, hypertension, hyperthyroidism. Our fury family gets all the same diseases we get. Ive spent tons on pets too. Hes so lucky to have you as him mom!
Interesting to hear what you spend freely on. Vets can be something of a racket I think, but as a dog lover I understand your view. The things I spend money on: my piano cost a lot but I don’t mind at all. I like nice shoes: comfortable, good materials, not heavy, stylish - and I don’t care what I spend, including going abroad on shoe-hunting trips! I have 2 bicycles, and if I saw the perfect bike + trailer, I could justify it to myself. When I think about it, these things are investments in happiness, as you say. Great videos, I love your unconventional take on things.
My cat Lenny had a $4,500 belly ache last weekend. It was a rollercoaster of a weekend with him in the hospital. Unrelated, he also has a thickened heart and we have to take him for echocardiograms (first one was $900 lol). 😍🦍
Poor Lenny. I hope he’s doing better now. Yep, ECGs here are $800. And $80 just to check his blood pressure. I wish I could just stick him in the machine at the pharmacy and call it a day.
Hi Nicole. I love a dog lover. I have two. Harry a blonde long haired dachshund and Ollie a Chinese Crested. Ollie is older and requires a lot of extra vet trips. I make sure that that both get the best. Love my boys. I also wear what I have come to realize is a uniform of sorts. I only wear gray, black, navy and white. I love all things Llbean and Duluth Trading Company. My husband and I eat what we like. Good food. We are homebodies. I grow a garden in summer. Love that. I also knit and make soy candles for gifts and to take to local craft shows. We eat out rarely. We own one car; a Honda CRV. It is paid for. We are homeowners. We heat a lot with wood that we take off our property. Lots of downed trees from storms. Another great vid. Keep up the good work, dear. I do not have Nicegram. Happy I can use the platforms that I do. Lol!
I also happily (sometimes) spend money on my 11 year old chihuahua daughter. All medical related but wouldn’t have it any other way, wouldn’t be who I am if she hadn’t come into my life. Another is also healthy food. Good quality produce and meat (for the bf, I’m veg). Another is experiences. Going to my dream concert, paramore, this summer and got floor tickets. Have another in April and also a trip to California! Other than that I don’t spend much because I get a lot more out of the few things that I do that I feel fulfilled enough to save the rest. 🎉
Hi Nicole, did you consider trying on high waist jeans? And maybe tuck in the shirt… even if only in the front… You mention difficulty finding suitable clothes for your long torso, I think high waist vs low waist pieces are always flattering for this body type. I love love love your channel, thank you for all the inspiration!
I feel like with the pet insurance, it makes sense not to get it once you have the savings to cover anything that comes up, but until then, I think the better recommendation is to have the insurance. That way, those without the savings (yet) have something in case they get a big vet bill.
I so look forward to your videos, thank you so much for your clarity and for sharing your wisdom. I couldn’t agree with you more about the spending on your precious fur-boy, Levi. He’s such a cutie, I love to see him playing and scattering around on your shiny floors and having such (gentle) fun with you. I feel exactly the same about my fur folk. With love to you both, Jan, England 🐾🧡
I'm from NYC and I can't buy anything outside because of the prices, I try to not bring much money when I go out, I used to buy things thinking it would make me happy but it definitely doesn't work like that also buying all this stuff actually made me more depressed knowing I wasted money on things Id buy so much makeup... frivolous things I made a decision to only buy something if something breaks or it's something for my cats.
Hi from Warrington UK Totally agree with your view on healthy food... Has a big effect on your body. You've started making me think when I go the supermarket to seek out the best food for the least £££s! Usually the best bargains are definitely not at eye level on the shelves! Keep up the great videos! 😊
You mentioned poor cell coverage in your area; you should check if your carrier supports Wi-Fi calling; it can help. Also, when traveling abroad, wi-fi calling can allow you to make calls without paying for roaming charges. My wife And I do cruise a bit, and this feature has saved us $$$; as far as Appliances, it's worth investing in QUIET appliances; the noise in your home can really be intrusive to your well-being. BOSH dishwashers are well known to be quiet. However, any way to reduce noise at home is worth investing your time in.
I love your channel. I thought I was mindful of my spending but you have made me even more intentional. I totally get spending on your pet/BF. One of our fur family died the day after we spent $600 on his meds and I would do it again. You just have to know what is important.
I agree with you. However, several folks would think me mad, for spending well over $6,000.00 on an 8, now 12 year old Mini German Spitz I adopted after his owner died. His teeth were never taken care of, and he had a mouth tumour that was benign, but had to be removed twice after it grew back the first time; of course biopsies are not cheap. He now has no teeth or growth, and is up to date on his vaccinations, and neutering. Of course, all the expenses came a bit at a time, not all in one go, but still that is a lot of money. Pets are by far my greatest splurge. As I am getting older I need to limit my animal contributions to volunteering in a local Humane Society Thrift Store. It will be very hard not to replace the present batch of pets,
I really enjoy your channel Nicole, even though we are a tad different, when it comes to frugality. I would never spend more than $10.00 tops on a pair of jeans, and for that price they would need to be in excellent condition, and likely a designer brand, usually found for $1- $5.99 US. Same with boots and shoes, though I did buy my daughter a pair of boots that were in perfect condition for $50.00, that was a one off, they would easily have cost more than $200.00 new. And, yes, I love Coach bags, but the one I use daily was $25.00 at a boutique type Thrift Store, not one of the over priced 'chain' types, such as Goodwill or Value Village. I like to support my favourite local charities when I shop. I rarely buy anything new unless it is something such as car parts, and/or an item that is difficult to find. I own a Berkey and a plant-based milk machine, both from the Dent and Scratch Dept. at a reduced price. Same with a Champion Inverter Generator, I bought factory refurbished, maybe the wrapping had been changed, but it had obviously never been used and was not damaged in any way. It came with the same warranties as a brand new one, along with free S&H, so a great deal, and perfect for emergencies and/or camping in my RV. More than $100.00 saved. Doubt I will ever become a minimalist. I tend to become annoyed when minmalist friends want to borrow, instead of providing for their needs, after making fun of me for being prepared. My daughter often asks what something is for, only to come back a few months later to remind me that she is now ready for whatever it was I stashed for her and my little grand-daughter. As someone living on Social Security plus a tiny pension, being a mindful frugal prepper is, the very best way to mitigate food shortages and inflation for all aspects of lfe. Havng a hobby such as gardening and other skills also helps. You have a good head on your shoulders in many ways, and are likely far ahead of your peers!
Awe! Love this! I have similar problems with clothing. I’m 5’8”and 117( I lost some weight over past year since I went back to work after my surgeries and then I had Covid in December so Doc says I’m okay if I don’t lose anymore. My arms are super long too! You tickled me with your jeans dance! Love it!
I admire your life discipline and as a fellow Canadian cheapskate I have to agree with you on most of the the things, however living in the GTA is not one of them. There are better places in Canada to live on less $, and pay less taxes. We save and trying to be resourceful with the daily spending, but the biggest expense is usually your home and I do understand that many would stay put due to family, friends, jobs, etc. Have you ever thought about selling your home and moving to another province, where you could buy a similar home for half of the money you'd get for yours, pay less taxes, no land-transfer fees and access to better healthcare? We also also cook at home daily and have pets (fish) and we're trying to save and do save a lot by just going to the flea-market every Sat and spend fraction of the money on the basics we need for our daily cooking for 4 ppl. I also had the option to buy a new car on payments, which I was sharply against. Anything in our life that costs money is a liability and a car payment is the last thing I want to hoover over my head. So my 9-year old Honda will do and takes us from A to B safely. :) Thanks for the tips Nicole... Enjoy the long weekend!
Hi Nicole, I just found your channel and I absolutely love it. I can empathize with you about your furry friend. I love my maltipoo, he's turning 13, we rescued him at 6, and he has a heart condition. I would absolutely give everything to him, I would even take on a second job (luckily I don't have to) to give him a good life. Keep up the great work.
Healthy food is number one. Your health is your wealth. I do tell people to check the labels of so-called healthy food at the store. The boxed frozen food with low calories to draw your attention but overlooking the amount of sodium they put into it. Tiny portions in a big box that are just not good overall. So, I do buy fresh chicken all the time and fish here and there. Most of my clothes are from a thrift store which is easier for me. My friend is also tall and slender with a long torso and so buying anything is more of a challenge for her. Fun is a must. For me its a holiday adventure with friends and I do one or two a year. I also agree on taking up a class for yourself on something new or different that may help you in life. I took a pottery class. which made me realize how hard it is and that I stink at it.
I invest a lot of my money into martial arts (classes, gear, etc), hiking, and traveling. Yeah, these hobbies can be expensive, but the benefits they have for my physical and mental well being are worth it. It's also way cheaper than a very expensive hobby that I gave up (scrapbooking and card making). 🦍
I usually go for quality instead of quantity. I buy real food that is healthy and I know I'll eat. I don't like waste and use what I have before I buy groceries. I love thrifting albums and the hunt and reward of great music brings me joy. If I can't afford it I'll save up for it or not buy it. Concerts for me are a pleasure I indulge in. 2 or 3 a year and NEVER pick up a phone to start recording!! Don't understand the logic of doing that. Thanks for the video💖
I came to Canada when I was 12, I have notices Canada + America are super into supporting dog business. Every single movie every single "happy" family has a dog. Okey, I DONT UNDERSTAND IT AT ALL, first u spend 3000 to get a puppy, then u spend more than on yourself and your kids just to keep it alive and it doesn't protect your home or your property (in most of the time) lots of small dogs are in demand and they have lots of health issues and businesses keep producing them, just for the consumer to have someone to spend money on... in my country we would have a dog to protect our property and it would eat left over food from the table.. we would usually get it for free at the shelter or from friends (if there dog has puppies) just to keep the dogs alive...
I'm on my third old toyota camry (1996, my others were a 1986 and a 1995). I get them old and drive them into the ground. this one cost me $3500 from a dealership. my last one got well over 200,000 miles.
I grew up poor also. I find I live by the saying “you can take the girl out of poverty but you can’t take poverty out of the girl”!! I live very frugally still even though my husband and I have done very well. As a kid I never liked growing up poor but now I look at it as a blessing because of how it shaped my life. Thank you for your amazing videos Nicole, you always make me laugh with your quick sense of humor.
I'm with you on clothing! I prefer loose fit tops, but when working in the garden with spades, posthole borers etc, oh the annoyance when the clothing gets in the way! I'm currently looking for a summer lightweight overall to wear as my home uniform. No, nor high viz! Nicole, perhaps you could source, or even DESIGN something comfy for us to wear at home (ibstead of our jammies!😂😂).
Levi is beautiful 😍 I'm happy to spend money on anything that will improve/protect my home environment in a practical way over decorative, healthy/high quality food, anything related to health and most importantly anything that relates to making sure my 5 cats are happy and healthy 😻
So many guitar players spend tons of money collecting guitars, amps, pedals. Have you ever fallen into the GAS trap? The only guitar-related thing I spend top-dollar on is cables. Playing a show with a guitar cable you can't trust is really stressful haha! Otherwise I'm completely satisfied with my two electrics (one SG and one hollow body) and one acoustic and never feel tempted to add more guitars to the rack.
I hear you on the pet expenses. I have 2 elderly pets and their cost for care could buy me monthly payments on a luxury vehicle 😂 anyhow, I have the same goal as you for my pets, healthy and happy lives. I budget for their expenses and if we have to do anything major like surgery I ask the vet for an estimate so I can budget appropriately. Lucky the 1 surgery we have gone through so far was a minor surgery so I had about a month to prepare financially.
as you started your intro right away i said healthy food and my beloved pets in my mind before you said it...yes its true we love to subscribe to like minded people... everything else i think is exactly how i prioritize my life...i grew up with extreme excess that grossed me out as you articulate so well..then living on indian reservations wow and the wilderness in alaska you learn at break neck speed what is really important and how to make do with little..a good chainsaw was a big splurge..but even back then ...FOOTGEAR...had to have good waterproof boots and hiking boots with yes expensive wool socks..even now in the tropics (mostly go barefoot) or wear tevas when i hike with the dogs in the palmettos with snakes and muk a good boot is worth every penny (not to mention long lasting and comfort of a thing you have to wear every day) BTW fashion shoes to me serve no purpose unless required for an event ...oh i would add TOOLS..cheap tools break especially with the watered down metals they make them out of..dewalt commercial brand tools are good if you're the handy type this goes for kitchen tools (knives) pots pans i only have five but they are cast iron or stainless...I REALLY LOVE THE WAYS YOU PUT THINGS AND YOUR DIRECT ,TO THE POINT PERSPECTIVE
I'm cheap or frugal. I splurged recently on a 34 key kalimba for $70 that usually runs $99. I always look for sales and then check to see if there's a coupon code I can stack on top of the sale.
Hey Nicole - completely agree with you on the pet insurance thing. It may seem tempting, but usually isn't worth it. I learned this the hard way from paying for home service insurance. By this I mean one of those contracts covering repairs and replacements of home appliances, etc. Most of the time they pointed to fine print to avoid paying for anything. It's been much more cost effective to put money aside on an ongoing basis, and pay out of pocket for needed repairs and replacements when they occur. Kudos to you for learning your lessons at such a young age!
I like to spend money on traveling. Splitting costs with my sister lowers the costs too! A note on vets. In my experience, vets generally take advantage of people and their dogs. Sometimes all the tests they order are not necessary. I’ve had horses all my life and the vet coming out to check my horses in person was always less than taking in my dog and the never ending tests that are ordered. I would do anything for my dogs too, don’t get me wrong but small animal vets do take advantage of caring pet parents. 😔
Terrific video. I say yes to all that keeps me happy, safe and healthy! I eliminate all that doesn’t! I ask myself and once I think about it… the answer is clear. ❤️
1) I have basically the same measurements as you lol I also hate buying clothes 2) something I'm willing to spend money on that some people would find frivolous: living alone instead of having roommates, it would of course be way cheaper but I've always been miserable with roommates and never able to 100% relax at home. Also I live in Texas and A/C in the summer is not something I'm willing to compromise on! Like I'm never the type of person to blast the heat or A/C a lot but I'm not going to be uncomfortable to save a few bucks on my electric bill
Great video. I like to spend money on good hobbies, like mountain biking. As well when you like concerts, I don't. In other words I like to spend on Spotify myself. This is because the artists I listen are so underground, they are not on tour, and some of them are not living anymore either. So it makes sense for me to spend on Spotify this way.
Hi Nicole. I really appreciate your honesty about items that you like, and also about those that aren’t good such as Wonder Bread, Keurig cups, etc. So many people are reluctant to speak up. It’s refreshing!
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As an artist, I am happy to spend my earnings on art supplies because the happiness I feel making art has no price tag. ;)
1.healthy food
2. Her dog
3. Clothes
4. Her home - renovations
5. Concert tickets
6. Dependable as opposed to cheap but risky things
7. Investment in herself or her business
I went out yesterday and bought a ride on mower. At 54, pushing my heavy hand mower around my 2 acres became too hard! While I was in town, I followed Nicol's advice and purchased some raw food for my dogs after researching that commercial kibble aint so great. I also took her advice on the self care route and got a new white sheet and pillow slip and a fancy white comforter. I had previously taken on foster dogs...these came with blankets etc that were all far superior to the blankets I used for myself. I even bought 50 sunscreen as a self care thing. 9h, and a new skill saw for my home maintenance. 😅
I went through an exercise with myself at the end of 2022 where I analyzed my spending for the past two years. I then wrote out a list of every category of spending, ranked them in order of importance to me and noted the annual spend in each category. I was quite shocked to discover that my spending did not reflect my true priorities. I have now revised my budget and am very deliberate about my spending so that I can allocate more of my resources to those spending priorities. It has been quite the eye opener!! I'm glad that your investment in camera equipment worked because your content is great!
What a good idea!
I am sure I am the same. I am slowly becoming more aware of each penny I am spending because it all adds up. You go into a dollar store and buy 20 dollars' worth of cheap deals because they were cheap, but you didn't really need them anyway. For me, its the grocery store. I am now trying to stay focused and not meander around the store looking for something to buy.
I have a Norwich( ears up) named Teddy. She is the funniest dog and also the most fun of my 3 dogs. All our dogs are getting older and vet bills are definitely a major cost we have figured into our lives.
I am happy to spend money on travel. Nothing gives me more enjoyment, it's entertaining and education ... I think it adds to the quality of my life. So far I have visited about 88 countries on six continents. I research before I go. I never took a trip I regretted.
Older woman here 😊found your channel recently and love your wisdom and clarity of thought. The fact that what you present is authentic and relatable. I am getting so much from watching all your videos and can’t help but having the odd wistful wish that I had been as clear in my mind about life at your age. Best wishes for continued success in all that you do ❤️
Yay!!! Someone who sees the value in proper food! I get so fed up of silly vloggers eating McDonalds for 24 hours etc!
I've honestly never found someone so similar to myself. I just started watching your videos yesterday. I also splurge on groceries 😂 and we're also the same age. I bought my house two years ago from lots of hustling, saving, not really buying into fads or products my friends did, and I'm glad I didn't. I was always saving for a "rainy day" and now I have two kids and a husband that I can now afford to spoil 😂😅
I’m 5’7” with long torso too. I stumbled into a plethora of options a few years back - shop men’s. The sweaters and tops are longer torso and arms, usually better quality for less cost (less fast fashion). I also shop men’s pants too since you can shop for leg length specifically. It’s crazy how deep the pockets are.
Thank you for the tip! A great idea that I will put into practice!
and mens clothes are cheaper although the same brand
Cleaners will feature a tailor that for a real nominal price will make your clothes fit better on you than on models.
You wont turn back with mens undies!!! The most comfy !!!! Hello from Australia 🇦🇺
Great tips, thanks!
As someone who has a gorgeous Dachshund I know what you mean about an expensive pet! My girl had a herniated disc which resulted in emergency neurological surgery. Over her 13 years she's probably cost me more than a nice car, LOL. Worth every penny!!!
You and Austin Williams are my new favorite UA-camrs that talk about minimalism/frugality/money. I’d love to see you two collab! I’m manifesting it ✨💫
@@dave7956 lol I would be surprised if you don’t also follow Caleb Hammer then! 😁
Levi is a beautiful boy and I agree that vet bills can be hugely expensive. However, I wouldn't have had it any other way with the pets we had. It's sad they had to get ill but I'm glad I could do right by them and get them the care they needed.
Hi, I’m a Boomer from the PNW (🇨🇦). I’m a high school sewing teacher, and am also WFPB and, like you, I spend a lot of time at home. I live with my partner in the northern wilderness and we have a simple life. Although we are not minimalists, we are conscious consumers and are very money-aware and planet-conscious. I stumbled across your channel recently and have been binge watching your vids and loving them. I love the Canadian content and your intelligent perspective. I think the main take-away that I get from your videos is the concept of making priorities and being extremely mindful of one’s spending habits. In today’s video you asked what we spend our money on? Well, everyone is different and we all have unique hobbies and life interests. Because I have had 6 orthopaedic surgeries on my body, I am no longer a PE teacher and my days as an athlete and coach are behind me. That said, my three main hobbies are plant-based cooking and baking from scratch, wild swimming (the lake is near my house, it is free, and much more healthy to swim in than a pool), AND… skill toys. Yes, you read that correctly… skill toys which, for me, predominantly include yoyo and kendama, as well as knuckle bones and begleri. YoWzA… as with most hobbies, one has to be careful to purchase items that will fuel their passion and advance their skill set, and not get caught up in the mindset of “building a collection”. Thanks for asking about this. Tbh, most people are completely shocked to hear of a middle-aged woman who plays with skill toys but that’s my passion!! Additionally, skill toys align with my values since they build skills, and are affordable, portable, not reliant on tech or batteries, and they are a great way to interact with others who are curious. Lastly, I was stoked when I watched one of your recent videos where you mentioned you were into Lego!! I friggin’ love that! Have a great Long Weekend and thanks for making these thought provoking videos. Ⓜaryo🪀
we had a yo-yo resurgence when I was a kid. I had an awesome wooden yellow painted Duncan. wasn't very good with it though. my brother had a modern one with crazy bearings. I remember the one trick. the confederate flag
Wow! I love this reply! I hadn't thought about the option of skill toys as a way to keep my middle-aged body moving. And there's the hand-eye coordination... And I am sure that these toys are far less expensive than tech toys -- and not subject to planned obsolescence.
Your lifestyle sounds amazing. While I am very much a city person, the idea of having a retreat from the madness became increasingly appealing in late 2020.
Have you ever seen the video for Innermost House? That's quite an extreme lifestyle, but there's something so alluring about how scaled back and simple it is.
ua-cam.com/video/lDbrUk2xYBo/v-deo.html
LOVE YOYOS recently i've toyed juggling
@@theesilverghost Yes… you said it!! Skill toys are great for not only keeping the middle-aged body moving, but they engage the brain!! Skill toys keep me off screens, unless of course, I’m learning a new trick from an online tutorial. Highly recommend. Thanks for you comment. Ⓜ️ary
@@sanniskett I love yoyos too!! I’ve done some juggling but the thing that I find unappealing is that every time I screw up (which is often) I am bending down to retrieve a stray ball, bean bag, etc. With yoyo or kendama (a traditional Japanese skill toy) the yoyo or the tama (ball) is attached by a string… less frustration and strain on the back when one does not have to pick up stray items from the floor. Thanks for your comment and happy yoyoing & juggling to you. Ⓜ️ary
I’m happy to invest in a quality bed as well as high end sheets.
1. Lattes / local businesses
I literally piss away money on lattes! However, I consider this to be an investment in my mental health and my neighborhood. I work from home, and escaping to the local, independent coffee shop is my chance to read, relax, and connect with other shop regulars. This was a daily habit, but I cut back to the odd weekday and weekends. My favorite local coffee shop has a garden (open as weather permits), and if the cost of admission is a latte, I am happy to pay it.
2. Personal care
Massages - I have a monthly massage membership, which gives me access to a monthly massage at a discounted price. This serves my physical and mental health.
Sunscreen - I no longer buy loads of skincare and makeup, but the one area in which I spend more freely is sunscreen. I cannot tolerate "chemical" sunscreens, and too many physical ones impart a pasty zinc face would have charmed a 20-something Goth me, but I'd rather have a mineral sunscreen that blends a bit better. I pay a bit more (but look for sales) on "cosmetically elegant" sunscreen.
It makes me happy how well you care for your dog. 🙏
Nicole, you are a very wise woman. It took me a lot longer to come the conclusion that I appreciate what I already have in my life. I’m always saying that life is all about the little things too.
We share the same things that make us happy. I think concerts are the only thing I don't care about. I'm 73 years old and love your videos.
Levi is so stinkin' cute 😍 I love him!
He’s my favourite person.
Enjoying your outlook on life! We too spend money on nutritious food to power our older bodies. Our Corgi girls are a total joy so whatever they need, they get. Both of us enjoy reading so use the library all the time, but if there's a book we want to own we don't hesitate to purchase. Our home is our haven and our vehicles are necessary as we live in a rural area so we make sure they're clean, serviced, and kept up so if we decide to move, the house is ready or trade a car in it is ready to go. BTW, we're in total agreement on Wonder bread, wondering what it really is. 🐶🐶👵👴
🦍I'm 5'9" with a long torso so I get it. I don't think about how much it costs for anything my daughter wants to learn. She's been in swimming classes this year but has decided she wants taekwondo next. Since we didn't have much money growing up I decided I wanted my kids to have those opportunities I never did, so it's not a matter of price for that stuff.
Love how you’re able to prioritize and spend on the things important to you, especially on Levi ❤
My senior cat is my biggest expense too but she's worth every single penny
I am 64 yrs old and recently found your channel and have been binge watching.. As a rule I don't watch channels about finance but I enjoy yours.
I love to bake and cook from scratch and consider researching/making recipes to be one of my hobbies. Many years ago, I invested in a quality stand-mixer and have a couple of other kitchen appliances of that scale that I use multiple times a week to make various meals or baked goods. For me, it was worth spending the money on quality brands and they have lasted forever. When I need to buy/replace cooking items, I tend to buy high quality because it increases my enjoyment of preparing food and the items last such a long time.
In terms of true “luxury” items that I spend money on? I enjoy painting and I buy nice paints, brushes and sketchbooks. Now that I have those things, they last for quite a long time and don’t need to be replaced that frequently. They provide me with many hours of enjoyment and are worth including in my budget.
I buy the best footwear that I can afford. I’ll take worn out shoes to the cobbler and have them repaired . I’m also happy to spend on good quality fresh ingredients for home cooking. We definitely are what we eat. I’ve started thrift store shopping for
certain clothing items with an eye for quality like cashmere sweaters and scarves on the cheap. I’ve snagged some great finds!
Thanks Nicole - I’ve never used Nicegram. Not familiar with it.
My brussels griffon had a heart murmur and cost thousands to treat over her precious lifetime. Now my italian greyhound has very expensive dental issues. I had horses, too, that were a fortune to care for, but their love and companionship is priceless. My animals are my life!❤
Love this ❤I am actually going to try to learn how to make my own bread. I am also trying my hand at apartment gardening. I already have onions sprouting. Levi is cute 🥰
Driving a used 2010 Toyota Camry that I bought for 10K about 4 years . Best car I have every owned and as I paid cash, no monthly payments.
I wish that when I was your age I was discerning as you are about spending money. Now I’ve recently become a minimalist and I find it very freeing.
There was once a farmer who owned a horse a beautiful animal lovely gate., but it had a mean streak it would snip at his owner's hand when he attempted pet him it would jump and kick. So, the farmer went to a vet and said this to the vet. So, the vet said when he's behaved, sell it.
I love your channel. As a Canadian it’s so nice to find a channel that I can relate in.
I'm trying to catch up on watching your videos. I like the content because of their sensibility and practical application. Even to a senior, like me, who generally has their life habits set, your advice is very helpful in most situations. I consider your videos a very sensible use of my time.
I will spend on quality tools (on sale) and have gotten so much use over the years, saving money by being able to do work myself. My dad once repeated "the poor can only afford the best", and it stuck. Some of my favorite handtools are pro quality tools from when I was 19. I'm past retirement now and they are all still working fine. Maybe wear out electrical tools occasionally, but cheap tools only needed a few times. I still buy great tools at estate sales.
Totally agree with you on food- and the tools to process and cook it. Like you I have a long torso so my next happy spend is yarn and fabric as I sew many of my own clothes. Thus I get the joy of clothes that fit and creating them- from quality ingredients.
"Most things in life are dumb" ha ha ha. That's great. I love it. Thanks for the video. I enjoy your content.
100% agree with everything you said here. Pets is something that I don't ever regret spending money on, and clothes I am 5'9 and have long torso also and most clothes are like little crop tops on me.
Thanks Nicole. I like spending money on travel. I like to travel once or twice a year :)
Levi is a doll. His love is worth every penny.
I buy high quality coffee beans, use an inexpensive coffee grinder and bought a new, moderate priced coffee machine recently! Most enjoyable part of my day…..coffee!☕️ AND I enjoy your relatable content, Nicole!🙌 thank you
I'm a concert freak 🎤🎸.it's cheap for a lifetime memory
Just went to a packed Sting concert ✨
Levi is so cute, fluffy and adorable. Ive had pets with asthma, hypertension, hyperthyroidism. Our fury family gets all the same diseases we get. Ive spent tons on pets too. Hes so lucky to have you as him mom!
I love my furbabies like you do! Animals bring so much love into a person's life.
Interesting to hear what you spend freely on. Vets can be something of a racket I think, but as a dog lover I understand your view. The things I spend money on: my piano cost a lot but I don’t mind at all. I like nice shoes: comfortable, good materials, not heavy, stylish - and I don’t care what I spend, including going abroad on shoe-hunting trips! I have 2 bicycles, and if I saw the perfect bike + trailer, I could justify it to myself. When I think about it, these things are investments in happiness, as you say. Great videos, I love your unconventional take on things.
My cat Lenny had a $4,500 belly ache last weekend. It was a rollercoaster of a weekend with him in the hospital. Unrelated, he also has a thickened heart and we have to take him for echocardiograms (first one was $900 lol). 😍🦍
Poor Lenny. I hope he’s doing better now.
Yep, ECGs here are $800. And $80 just to check his blood pressure. I wish I could just stick him in the machine at the pharmacy and call it a day.
Hi Nicole. I love a dog lover. I have two. Harry a blonde long haired dachshund and Ollie a Chinese Crested. Ollie is older and requires a lot of extra vet trips. I make sure that that both get the best. Love my boys. I also wear what I have come to realize is a uniform of sorts. I only wear gray, black, navy and white. I love all things Llbean and Duluth Trading Company. My husband and I eat what we like. Good food. We are homebodies. I grow a garden in summer. Love that. I also knit and make soy candles for gifts and to take to local craft shows. We eat out rarely. We own one car; a Honda CRV. It is paid for. We are homeowners. We heat a lot with wood that we take off our property. Lots of downed trees from storms. Another great vid. Keep up the good work, dear. I do not have Nicegram. Happy I can use the platforms that I do. Lol!
I also happily (sometimes) spend money on my 11 year old chihuahua daughter. All medical related but wouldn’t have it any other way, wouldn’t be who I am if she hadn’t come into my life.
Another is also healthy food. Good quality produce and meat (for the bf, I’m veg). Another is experiences. Going to my dream concert, paramore, this summer and got floor tickets. Have another in April and also a trip to California! Other than that I don’t spend much because I get a lot more out of the few things that I do that I feel fulfilled enough to save the rest. 🎉
I love how you just get straight to the point and are sooo informative! Thank you for the vids
The way you talk about Levi is the same way I talk about my doggie! I'm not having kids ever, so I call him my son, too! lol. SO cute! :D
I agree with the concert tickets and the Wunderbread...lol
Hi Nicole, did you consider trying on high waist jeans? And maybe tuck in the shirt… even if only in the front… You mention difficulty finding suitable clothes for your long torso, I think high waist vs low waist pieces are always flattering for this body type.
I love love love your channel, thank you for all the inspiration!
Good job, fellow human. Video is top shelf :)
Paint that wall girl! lol but i totally agree its so much cheaper and healthier to cook at home and meal plan. love your no bs videos!!
You are a gift to this earth. Your stubbornness is admirable. I love hearing you talk about the sh#* you refuse to put up with. Thank You
I feel like with the pet insurance, it makes sense not to get it once you have the savings to cover anything that comes up, but until then, I think the better recommendation is to have the insurance. That way, those without the savings (yet) have something in case they get a big vet bill.
I so look forward to your videos, thank you so much for your clarity and for sharing your wisdom. I couldn’t agree with you more about the spending on your precious fur-boy, Levi. He’s such a cutie, I love to see him playing and scattering around on your shiny floors and having such (gentle) fun with you. I feel exactly the same about my fur folk. With love to you both, Jan, England 🐾🧡
As yourself, my dog is my number one. My favorite love. My man understands. He doesn’t ha ve a chance next to my fur baby
I'm from NYC and I can't buy anything outside because of the prices, I try to not bring much money when I go out, I used to buy things thinking it would make me happy but it definitely doesn't work like that also buying all this stuff actually made me more depressed knowing I wasted money on things Id buy so much makeup... frivolous things I made a decision to only buy something if something breaks or it's something for my cats.
Hi from Warrington UK
Totally agree with your view on healthy food... Has a big effect on your body. You've started making me think when I go the supermarket to seek out the best food for the least £££s!
Usually the best bargains are definitely not at eye level on the shelves!
Keep up the great videos! 😊
Im glad wrangler jeans fit me best. $20/pair.
You mentioned poor cell coverage in your area; you should check if your carrier supports Wi-Fi calling; it can help. Also, when traveling abroad, wi-fi calling can allow you to make calls without paying for roaming charges. My wife And I do cruise a bit, and this feature has saved us $$$; as far as Appliances, it's worth investing in QUIET appliances; the noise in your home can really be intrusive to your well-being. BOSH dishwashers are well known to be quiet. However, any way to reduce noise at home is worth investing your time in.
I love your channel. I thought I was mindful of my spending but you have made me even more intentional. I totally get spending on your pet/BF. One of our fur family died the day after we spent $600 on his meds and I would do it again. You just have to know what is important.
I agree with you. However, several folks would think me mad, for spending well over $6,000.00 on an 8, now 12 year old Mini German Spitz I adopted after his owner died. His teeth were never taken care of, and he had a mouth tumour that was benign, but had to be removed twice after it grew back the first time; of course biopsies are not cheap. He now has no teeth or growth, and is up to date on his vaccinations, and neutering. Of course, all the expenses came a bit at a time, not all in one go, but still that is a lot of money. Pets are by far my greatest splurge. As I am getting older I need to limit my animal contributions to volunteering in a local Humane Society Thrift Store. It will be very hard not to replace the present batch of pets,
I really enjoy your channel Nicole, even though we are a tad different, when it comes to frugality. I would never spend more than $10.00 tops on a pair of jeans, and for that price they would need to be in excellent condition, and likely a designer brand, usually found for $1- $5.99 US. Same with boots and shoes, though I did buy my daughter a pair of boots that were in perfect condition for $50.00, that was a one off, they would easily have cost more than $200.00 new. And, yes, I love Coach bags, but the one I use daily was $25.00 at a boutique type Thrift Store, not one of the over priced 'chain' types, such as Goodwill or Value Village. I like to support my favourite local charities when I shop. I rarely buy anything new unless it is something such as car parts, and/or an item that is difficult to find. I own a Berkey and a plant-based milk machine, both from the Dent and Scratch Dept. at a reduced price. Same with a Champion Inverter Generator, I bought factory refurbished, maybe the wrapping had been changed, but it had obviously never been used and was not damaged in any way. It came with the same warranties as a brand new one, along with free S&H, so a great deal, and perfect for emergencies and/or camping in my RV. More than $100.00 saved.
Doubt I will ever become a minimalist. I tend to become annoyed when minmalist friends want to borrow, instead of providing for their needs, after making fun of me for being prepared. My daughter often asks what something is for, only to come back a few months later to remind me that she is now ready for whatever it was I stashed for her and my little grand-daughter. As someone living on Social Security plus a tiny pension, being a mindful frugal prepper is, the very best way to mitigate food shortages and inflation for all aspects of lfe. Havng a hobby such as gardening and other skills also helps. You have a good head on your shoulders in many ways, and are likely far ahead of your peers!
Awe! Love this! I have similar problems with clothing. I’m 5’8”and 117( I lost some weight over past year since I went back to work after my surgeries and then I had Covid in December so Doc says I’m okay if I don’t lose anymore. My arms are super long too! You tickled me with your jeans dance! Love it!
I admire your life discipline and as a fellow Canadian cheapskate I have to agree with you on most of the the things, however living in the GTA is not one of them. There are better places in Canada to live on less $, and pay less taxes. We save and trying to be resourceful with the daily spending, but the biggest expense is usually your home and I do understand that many would stay put due to family, friends, jobs, etc. Have you ever thought about selling your home and moving to another province, where you could buy a similar home for half of the money you'd get for yours, pay less taxes, no land-transfer fees and access to better healthcare?
We also also cook at home daily and have pets (fish) and we're trying to save and do save a lot by just going to the flea-market every Sat and spend fraction of the money on the basics we need for our daily cooking for 4 ppl. I also had the option to buy a new car on payments, which I was sharply against. Anything in our life that costs money is a liability and a car payment is the last thing I want to hoover over my head. So my 9-year old Honda will do and takes us from A to B safely. :) Thanks for the tips Nicole... Enjoy the long weekend!
I think about it all the time but if I left the GTA I would move to the states. Somewhere warm.
Hi Nicole, I just found your channel and I absolutely love it. I can empathize with you about your furry friend. I love my maltipoo, he's turning 13, we rescued him at 6, and he has a heart condition. I would absolutely give everything to him, I would even take on a second job (luckily I don't have to) to give him a good life. Keep up the great work.
Healthy food is number one. Your health is your wealth. I do tell people to check the labels of so-called healthy food at the store. The boxed frozen food with low calories to draw your attention but overlooking the amount of sodium they put into it. Tiny portions in a big box that are just not good overall. So, I do buy fresh chicken all the time and fish here and there. Most of my clothes are from a thrift store which is easier for me. My friend is also tall and slender with a long torso and so buying anything is more of a challenge for her. Fun is a must. For me its a holiday adventure with friends and I do one or two a year. I also agree on taking up a class for yourself on something new or different that may help you in life. I took a pottery class. which made me realize how hard it is and that I stink at it.
I invest a lot of my money into martial arts (classes, gear, etc), hiking, and traveling. Yeah, these hobbies can be expensive, but the benefits they have for my physical and mental well being are worth it. It's also way cheaper than a very expensive hobby that I gave up (scrapbooking and card making). 🦍
I enjoy traveling and seeing our beautiful country. But I don’t go for extravagance. I love road trips!
I usually go for quality instead of quantity. I buy real food that is healthy and I know I'll eat. I don't like waste and use what I have before I buy groceries. I love thrifting albums and the hunt and reward of great music brings me joy. If I can't afford it I'll save up for it or not buy it. Concerts for me are a pleasure I indulge in. 2 or 3 a year and NEVER pick up a phone to start recording!! Don't understand the logic of doing that. Thanks for the video💖
Thanks for your videos. And thanks for prioritizing your pets.
New subbie! Enjoying your content! Bonus points for inserting a clip of the Smashing Pumpkins on the Simpsons haha
Welcome!!
I came to Canada when I was 12, I have notices Canada + America are super into supporting dog business. Every single movie every single "happy" family has a dog. Okey, I DONT UNDERSTAND IT AT ALL, first u spend 3000 to get a puppy, then u spend more than on yourself and your kids just to keep it alive and it doesn't protect your home or your property (in most of the time) lots of small dogs are in demand and they have lots of health issues and businesses keep producing them, just for the consumer to have someone to spend money on... in my country we would have a dog to protect our property and it would eat left over food from the table.. we would usually get it for free at the shelter or from friends (if there dog has puppies) just to keep the dogs alive...
I'm on my third old toyota camry (1996, my others were a 1986 and a 1995). I get them old and drive them into the ground. this one cost me $3500 from a dealership. my last one got well over 200,000 miles.
I grew up poor also. I find I live by the saying “you can take the girl out of poverty but you can’t take poverty out of the girl”!!
I live very frugally still even though my husband and I have done very well. As a kid I never liked growing up poor but now I look at it as a blessing because of how it shaped my life. Thank you for your amazing videos Nicole, you always make me laugh with your quick sense of humor.
that's a great point about the healthy food
I'm with you on clothing! I prefer loose fit tops, but when working in the garden with spades, posthole borers etc, oh the annoyance when the clothing gets in the way! I'm currently looking for a summer lightweight overall to wear as my home uniform. No, nor high viz! Nicole, perhaps you could source, or even DESIGN something comfy for us to wear at home (ibstead of our jammies!😂😂).
Levi is beautiful 😍 I'm happy to spend money on anything that will improve/protect my home environment in a practical way over decorative, healthy/high quality food, anything related to health and most importantly anything that relates to making sure my 5 cats are happy and healthy 😻
So many guitar players spend tons of money collecting guitars, amps, pedals. Have you ever fallen into the GAS trap? The only guitar-related thing I spend top-dollar on is cables. Playing a show with a guitar cable you can't trust is really stressful haha! Otherwise I'm completely satisfied with my two electrics (one SG and one hollow body) and one acoustic and never feel tempted to add more guitars to the rack.
I did when I was much younger. Now I’m pretty happy with the gear I have and I don’t often feel the need to buy anything new.
I love your videos Nicole! I hope this channel grows and grows!!!!
I hear you on the pet expenses. I have 2 elderly pets and their cost for care could buy me monthly payments on a luxury vehicle 😂 anyhow, I have the same goal as you for my pets, healthy and happy lives. I budget for their expenses and if we have to do anything major like surgery I ask the vet for an estimate so I can budget appropriately. Lucky the 1 surgery we have gone through so far was a minor surgery so I had about a month to prepare financially.
Love sure is expensive.
Yup 😅
as you started your intro right away i said healthy food and my beloved pets in my mind before you said it...yes its true we love to subscribe to like minded people... everything else i think is exactly how i prioritize my life...i grew up with extreme excess that grossed me out as you articulate so well..then living on indian reservations wow and the wilderness in alaska you learn at break neck speed what is really important and how to make do with little..a good chainsaw was a big splurge..but even back then ...FOOTGEAR...had to have good waterproof boots and hiking boots with yes expensive wool socks..even now in the tropics (mostly go barefoot) or wear tevas when i hike with the dogs in the palmettos with snakes and muk a good boot is worth every penny (not to mention long lasting and comfort of a thing you have to wear every day) BTW fashion shoes to me serve no purpose unless required for an event ...oh i would add TOOLS..cheap tools break especially with the watered down metals they make them out of..dewalt commercial brand tools are good if you're the handy type this goes for kitchen tools (knives) pots pans i only have five but they are cast iron or stainless...I REALLY LOVE THE WAYS YOU PUT THINGS AND YOUR DIRECT ,TO THE POINT PERSPECTIVE
Nicole I am enjoying your videos…. Love from Melbourne x
Im with you on the concerts! 😀🙌👍
I feel you. I'm 6ft tall and long torso as well.
We bought a loaf pan and bake our own bread to cut some costs and money! And as well it is so much fresher and better.
Great video. I love peace of mind purchases, too. The one thing I’ll splurge on is travel. Experiences over stuff any day.
I'm cheap or frugal. I splurged recently on a 34 key kalimba for $70 that usually runs $99. I always look for sales and then check to see if there's a coupon code I can stack on top of the sale.
Hey Nicole - completely agree with you on the pet insurance thing. It may seem tempting, but usually isn't worth it. I learned this the hard way from paying for home service insurance. By this I mean one of those contracts covering repairs and replacements of home appliances, etc. Most of the time they pointed to fine print to avoid paying for anything. It's been much more cost effective to put money aside on an ongoing basis, and pay out of pocket for needed repairs and replacements when they occur. Kudos to you for learning your lessons at such a young age!
I like to spend money on traveling. Splitting costs with my sister lowers the costs too! A note on vets. In my experience, vets generally take advantage of people and their dogs. Sometimes all the tests they order are not necessary. I’ve had horses all my life and the vet coming out to check my horses in person was always less than taking in my dog and the never ending tests that are ordered. I would do anything for my dogs too, don’t get me wrong but small animal vets do take advantage of caring pet parents. 😔
Terrific video. I say yes to all that keeps me happy, safe and healthy! I eliminate all that doesn’t! I ask myself and once I think about it… the answer is clear. ❤️
Y’all’s cash is soo much cooler looking!
You are so wise and so young. Thank you for sharing. I enjoy your videos.
Excellent mind set👏👏👏you would be a wonderful motivational speaker 😊
1) I have basically the same measurements as you lol I also hate buying clothes
2) something I'm willing to spend money on that some people would find frivolous: living alone instead of having roommates, it would of course be way cheaper but I've always been miserable with roommates and never able to 100% relax at home. Also I live in Texas and A/C in the summer is not something I'm willing to compromise on! Like I'm never the type of person to blast the heat or A/C a lot but I'm not going to be uncomfortable to save a few bucks on my electric bill
I have a Norfolk, too! She is also my ride or die. I have had 5 Norfolks total in my lifetime. Best pups ever.
Did yours get MVD?
One did have a mild heart murmur and she lived to 15. Another developed an enlarged heart and lived to 14.
Great video. I like to spend money on good hobbies, like mountain biking. As well when you like concerts, I don't. In other words I like to spend on Spotify myself.
This is because the artists I listen are so underground, they are not on tour, and some of them are not living anymore either. So it makes sense for me to spend on Spotify this way.
Hi Nicole. I really appreciate your honesty about items that you like, and also about those that aren’t good such as Wonder Bread, Keurig cups, etc. So many people are reluctant to speak up. It’s refreshing!