TikToker's frugal lifestyle sparks debate over lack of insurance
Bradley is a TikToker from the United States who shares his lifestyle on social media. The influencer lives extremely frugally, denying himself not only pleasures but also necessities.
Having a healthy relationship with money, similar to having one with food, is challenging. People may be unaware they're stuck in certain patterns: like spending large sums right after payday or, conversely, hoarding money "for later," which never arrives.
TikToker Bradley belongs to the latter group. The influencer revealed that he once lived on the brink of poverty, which forced him to learn how to survive. Even though he now earns a good income and has $250,000 in savings, approximately 340,000 CAD, he hasn't changed many of the habits that helped him during tough times.
Examples? Bradley doesn't eat out and prepares every meal himself. He predominantly consumes chicken, sweet potatoes, eggs, and tortillas, occasionally "treating himself" by buying a pineapple and his favourite yogurt. He doesn't remember the last time he bought new shoes, and when leaving his apartment, he unplugs all devices, including the refrigerator. He seldom buys gifts, choosing to regift items he received from others. These habits seem quite controversial but not as much as his lack of health insurance. His confession sparked a flood of comments.
He hasn't had insurance for six years
Bradley explained that in the U.S., when you turn 26 years old, you can no longer be on your parents' insurance, similar to the rule in Poland. The TikToker added that a few years ago, he was in a terrible financial situation and couldn't afford to pay premiums. He also mentioned he rarely gets sick, maybe once a year, so a "subscription" to insurance doesn’t seem worth it 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.
