Bradley's risky frugality: $250k in savings, no insurance
Bradley is a TikToker from America who shares his lifestyle on social media. The influencer lives scandalously frugally, denying himself pleasures and necessities.
Establishing a healthy relationship with money, akin to managing food, can be challenging. Unknowingly, one might fall into certain patterns: such as spending substantial amounts immediately after payday or, conversely, hoarding money "for later," which never seems to come.
TikToker Bradley is part of this latter group. The influencer revealed that he lived on the brink of poverty in the past, which forced him to learn survival skills. Even though he now earns a good income and has $250,000 in savings, equivalent to approximately £205,000, he has not changed many of his habits that helped him through tough times.
Examples? Bradley does not eat out and prepares every meal himself. He consumes almost exclusively chicken, sweet potatoes, eggs, and tortillas, occasionally "treating himself" by buying a pineapple and his favourite yoghurt. He can't recall the last time he bought new shoes, and when leaving his home, he unplugs all devices, including the refrigerator. He seldom buys gifts - he simply regifts those he received from others. This all seems quite controversial, but not as much as his lack of health insurance. His confession prompted a flood of comments.
He hasn't had insurance for six years
Bradley explained that in America, when you turn 26 years old, you can no longer be covered by your parents' insurance - similar to the situation in Poland. The TikToker added that a few years ago, he was in a dire financial situation and couldn't afford to pay insurance premiums. He also mentioned that he rarely gets ill - perhaps once a year, so a "subscription" to insurance doesn't seem worthwhile for him.
Bradley shared that when he’s sick, he focuses on staying well-hydrated by drinking plenty of hot water, which he finds effective. He reasoned that if he ever felt unwell enough to need medical attention, visiting a clinic would cost less than paying for insurance throughout the year. However, he clarified that he’s not advising others to adopt his approach, attributing his choices to a complicated relationship with money. In the video, he appears at home bundled up in a sweater, warm jacket, and hat, sitting under a heavy blanket—likely due to cutting back on heating to save on expenses.
The TikToker's video sparked serious concern among his audience, who shared a range of critical comments. Some urged him to prioritize health insurance, with one noting that urgent medical procedures could quickly drain his savings. Others pointed out the risks of unforeseen emergencies, such as car accidents, emphasizing that health insurance isn't just for minor illnesses like the flu. Another remarked that having substantial savings without insurance is shortsighted, while others labeled his approach as reckless rather than frugal, stressing that true wealth lies in safeguarding one's health.
