Low Income Woman's Frugal Living Secrets (Frugal Money Chats Series #1)
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- Опубликовано: 25 сен 2023
- In an ever-changing world filled with financial uncertainties, uncovering the secrets of those who have mastered the art of frugality is crucial. Join us on an insightful journey into the life of a low-income woman who has perfected the craft of stretching her dollars and living a financially savvy life.
This video isn't just about scrimping and saving; it's about thriving with purpose. Low-income women often possess a unique perspective on life, valuing the essentials and finding joy in contentment and simplicity.
This will inspire you to reassess your own spending habits and embrace a more fulfilling, mindful way of living.
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I’m so very happy to have you here. We are all about saving money at Frozen Pennies. Whether you have a goal like debt freedom, purchasing a home, retiring, or just making ends meet, we are all about making that happen. Here you’ll find tips on saving money on groceries, ways to tweak your budget, and living an overall frugal life (all while having more fun)! Thank you for supporting my channel.
About Sara:
Sara is a wife, mother, and creator of Frozen Pennies. With a degree in English, a former teacher, and a Certified Financial Coach, there is no better place to learn about debt freedom, budgeting, and overall frugal living.
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No elderly person should be low income. We really do need to take better care of our elders
@@traybernSounds good in theory but I had the roommate from hell. He seemed fine at first. Had job and a vehicle. That ALL changed. His truck all of a sudden had a serious problem and disappeared. I was stuck driving him everywhere in my old vehicle. He lied about just about everything. Said his half of the electric was paid/wasnt. People can and will steal medicine and money from the elderly. Ive even met nurses who steal medication. I had a neighbor in my complex who took my mail order arthritis medication.
@@traybern Or more likely live with their younger family members. These can't all be childless. Even a great uncle or great Aunt can be a valuable addition of "helping hands" in a family with young children
@@traybernNice theory, but not always possible. Some of us have chosen to live in very small houses.
Many elderly failed to save for retirement. Let that be a lesson for all of us still young enough to learn frugality and live BELOW our means, to SAVE for retirement!
But the elderly should have prepared better I understand some of that illnesses and lost their savings but others just did not prepare for the day they could no longer work. I am 69 saving was always a priority no matter what the amount
Anytime I find myself feeling anxious about money, I stop and say out loud: I have enough. And I really do.
Thank you. I'm so glad it's not just me. 😅❤
Yes, abundance.
I have more than what I "need," and have a bit of what I want. That's enough for me.
Anne has found the answer to life: Gratitude. You don't need a lot, you just need enough.
Indeed. Yes indeed.😊
I too am on a low income of $1100 a month, I'm debt free No mortgage, No car payment, No credit card debt. I had found a frugal living video last yr that changed everything for me. I didn't realize that I was already doing some things already like "no spend weekends" I have made them into "no spend months". I changed my grocery shopping from "trying n failing monthly hauls" to weekly shopping n saving money. I started last July setting up a budget n having sinking funds. So far this has helped me save almost $4000 since I started. I got a lot of my bills lowered to the bare minimum, like internet, home n car insurance, phone, etc. and that really helps
It’s game changing.
With the average monthly rent in US at $1250, I am amazed at this!
You have sure done a great job saving your money!!
You are a ROCKSTAR!!!
Wow! That is amazing. You are a motivation.
I loved this video. Please give us more of these personal stories, especially those of folks living on a low and fixed income. I am 77 years old, widowed, and a former accountant, living primarily on Social Security. So I'm an eternal bean counter! I also prefer to have my bank statement mailed to me. I want a hard copy record. I rarely write a check, preferring to use my bank's online bill payment service. I look at my checking account on line every single day. Budgeting is extremely important. Also important are meal planning and looking for frugal ways to live without deprivation. As Thomas Jefferson once said, "Most folks are about as happy as they make up their minds to be." That mindset and looking to God for peace in all things is paramount. Diane in NC.
Love this!! And I'll see what I can do about adding more personal stories!
Amen!
Funny I was always told that Lincoln said that. Either way, I believe it.
We are late 59s and We make 450 k a year. I still get a physical bank statement and go through every line against my records. I cannot believe people don’t do this. I actually do a lot if the things the lady in this case study does!
@@sw6118 Ooops...you are correct. I misspoke myself. Thanks for the correction. Diane in NC
There's a verse in the Bible that says, godliness with contentment is great gain.
My Dad used to buy a rotisserie chicken and some lunch meat every week.
He based his meals around the chicken.
He also cooked the bones down and made soup.
He was still doing firewood at 91!
Love that!
Thank you for sharing Ann’s frugal but happy ideas. My husband and I are retired and live in a very expensive area on a small income. One thing that I do that has helped is to study the store ads each week. I make my grocery list by choosing to make our meals based on the lower priced items. When I tell others how much I spend on groceries they are really surprised. And we don’t eat out…doing so would eat up our budget too quickly. We could get jobs for seniors and ease the money issues, but we rather spend our time doing things for others. We have many friends older than us (80s and 90s) and we help them with yard work or techy stuff or just cooking simple things to share. “Giving makes us happy.” Acts 20:35
Great! I would suggest that is people are really struggling (with money, time and/or energy) rather than trying to treat yourself, treat someone else first. That will do more for you & your well being (as well as the person you help out). 😊❤
As someone who is in pet rescue, I would like to extend the suggestion that if you would like to have a cat, but can’t afford one you might think of fostering. Pet rescues always need foster homes, and they supply the litter and the food and the medical. You supply the love, the socialization, the pets, and the safety of the animal, until it gets adopted..
also, there are shelters and some rescues that have food pantries for cats and dogs .
That's an amazing benefit for fostering a pet, but how does the rescue afford that when they're bringing in new pets on a consistent basis? I'm not complaining, but I'm surprised that they pay for all the support of the pet that's being fostered!
I am surprised to see some comments here that are criticizing some of Anne's lifestyle preferences. Obviously her choices are working for HER...even if someone else might make different choices. Her life is full--she is happy, and she's got it all covered. THAT is all that matters. Her life, her choices. Some people can't resist passing judgment on every little thing....sheesh.....
Agreed. 🤦🏻♀️🤦🏻♀️🤦🏻♀️🤦🏻♀️
Love this❤
So true.
She's doing just fine❤️
People just do not know how to be happy for others…
Ann needs to utilize her completely free public library! They have weekly programs and lessons on so many topics. Plus videos, 📀, music, magazines, newspapers & of course all the 📚 her heart desires!
@@metalhead6526 True but low income people pay little to no income tax.
LOL, where I live, the Public Library has been transformed into a living room/computer room for the local homeless population as a change from one of several shelters. It has armed Police inside, to deal with the goings on. Can't say, I'd go there, given the choice. There is a second library in town, but it is small with little selection, and the computers haven't been available since Covid.
that’s terrible. Are used to go to the library every week but now you can reserve stuff online.
I get all my books from Neflin online....free:)
@@MarilynMayaMendoza
@@metalhead6526 Our tax dollars pay for it !!!
I love animals and have always owned a dog but this cost has become very expensive for senior dogs. So now I foster! The rescue provides free vet and pet supplies. Yes, the dog is not mine but the companionship and love is priceless
Once my aging animals are gone, I too will foster. Today spent $100 per bag of dog food and $80 per bag for cat. Then off to vet to pick up case of wet cat food at $90 for cat with bladder issues. Ugh, how are people going to survive with kids and Animals. I fear the animals are being dumped, especially horses, as I write this since most humans can’t justify them over feeding kids. Sad world now.
@@terrifiorelli9819yes, animals are being relinquished, not yet to the point of the Great Recession but a lot. During the Great Recession we saw a lot of horses being abandoned😢
We have rescued kittens but no help
One poor adult male just showed up horribly sick, we did hospice with him after trying our limited means to get him well. It was soul crushing.
Plus a tiny kitten in a litter who was found passing bloody urine. She only made it a couple weeks then died horrifically too. I was just sobbing wishing for a way to end it, while I held her thru it.
I’ve never been an animal rights person or greenie or anything. I just hate suffering.
We had successes and actually fostered a whole bunch too.
I would love to foster more animals but we’re living with others now so that’s on hold for me.
That's a great idea.
Fostering a pet is another great option to afford a fur family companion at any age. Many shelters also allow seniors to be permanent fosters so they do not pay any pet or care fees
That's a fantastic idea!! Wish a frjad known that before paying for a puppy. Some Seniors make reamky dumb decisions 😮... she lives on $1100 a month and had saved a little cash when she was forced to get roommates. Instead of saving it for emergency, etc., she bought a puppy. Not long after she had ti move into more expensive places because the roommates were difficult..
Kudos to Ann and anyone else who lives a frugal lifestyle, either by choice, circumstance, or economics. I am 65. I live in a share-house of 5. 4 young people live in the main house. I have the unit/apartment out back divided by a courtyard. (I share the kitchen). All expenses are shared x5. The utilities are discounted/shared thanx to my pension. Never in my life did I ever think I would live in a shared house at this age, let alone find a rental such as this. Living independently was/is a $truggle (even when I could afford it), living in a shared house as a retiree is doable.
Exactly like me!
I'm almost to that point now. My rent is going up so much yearly, more than my SS is, and I feel like this is going to be my last year here. I love this apartment so much, but I've started downsizing drastically, because I feel like I'm going to have to move next year when they raise the rent again. I may just trade my little car for a mini van and live in that!
Gotta do what you gotta do. Adapting and being able to adapt is a part of life. Counting my blessings each and every day and having my cat, my precious 7 year old grandson, my 4 step granddaughters, my 2 boys, my niece and other Family and Friends and God makes life a little bit better
Sounds like you have found an almost perfect situation!! Good for you!
Before the pandemic, I used to go out 3X a week. Cheap places, so I didn’t think it was bad. Once we were in lockdown, I had bought ingredients for my slow cooker. The amount of money saved blew my mind. I’ve ordered pizza twice since, but still cook at home. It saves so much money.
Similar. We ordered so much take-out I told my boyfriend it has to stop. He is the cook of the house, but I buy the groceries lol😂. I said I want to move and the food is cutting into savings. Unless you want to foot the bill this is what we have to spend each week. So now we go grocery shopping together each week. 😊
I have a savings thermometer 🌡 I printed out and everything.
Because I hardly ate out during covid, and cooked at home, my taste buds changed! The few restaurants around me no longer appeal to me and I prefer to eat food I prepare myself.
@@traybern Can't agree more! Your bread maker not only baked breads, it also can bake rice, chicken, cakes, make yoghurt and delicious jams. The best thing is, they are doing it while we can tend other stuff without heating the whole kitchen up with huge oven.
Home cooking is also healthier
Pre-pandemic I would go out to happy hour at least every two weeks, dinner with friends 1-2 times a month. During and post pandemic how much money I spent on food deliveries. I could buy a good used car! On my 60th birthday this year I got rid of subscriptions, automatic payments, patronage. I went back to cooking at home. Even with higher food costs, I am saving money. I just had a best pal along with son and fiance over for meatloaf dinner. The costs was $30 including desert. She brought a bottle of wine, son brought ice cream for the cobbler. Nice time spent with paying $125 for the 4 of us to eat out. I also spend less time on Facebook, got rid of othe social media because it leads to envy spending, or impulse shopping. If I buy a piece of clothing, something equal has to leave. Same with books, furniture etc. I only buy used cars because I do not drive much. For grandchildren spending time with them is important. I donate to their savings and plan outings that don't require much money and save for those occasions.
I’m on a fixed income here in Scotland but I’m from America. My disabled husband and I live in a senior apartment complex (I’m 64, he’s 69) and we seem to do ok with finances. We buy things like chicken in bulk when it’s on sale and freeze it, I buy most of our hygiene products (soap, shampoo, shaving foam, etc) at the U.K. version of Dollar Tree, we’ve never been fans of eating in restaurants but we do get takeout fish & chips maybe once a month. We also use the local library because I’m an avid reader and books can be expensive. We don’t have a car but anyone over 60 can get a free lifetime bus pass. It’s really about making good choices as older people.
Thanks for sharing!
The life time free bus pass for seniors would be great.
Sounds like a lady who has an abundance of "common sense" which seems to be rare these days. Retired, debt free, four dogs and on a fixed income and very happy with my life.
Her life sounds so peaceful. Without having much to care for there are less worries in life.
I have a friend who is also on a limited budget. She lives in a one bedroom house, about 400 square feet. She has a great landlord and asked the landlord if she could put out a garden in the back yard. It isn't big but it helps to sustain her pantry. She shares it with her landlord also. She cans and freezes. She only grows what she likes. She is also a seamstress and crafter. She takes in any old clothing that comes her way and upcycles. Her landlord takes care of the lawncare. Her car is paid for, only carries liability and usually only drives to visit her family on special occasions. Her family helps to maintain her car. There are ways. Her son pays for her internet. She makes use of packages of multiple pieces of chicken and lots of ground beef She'll buy a large inexpensive and cut up for stew meat. She makes her stews and soups for freezing for later dates. She grows carrots celery, potatoes, green beans, tomatoes and onions. Things that make multiple dishes.
May I ask, how does she store her extras? We have a TINY 2 bedroom which we use the second bedroom for storage, including our off season stuff.
Fab absolutely fab
Any foods she knows she's going to eat, she has in her cupboards. Her sofa is a pull out with storage underneath. Her closets are also used for storage. I must say it is all very neat and tidy. She has access to the small attic with a pull down stair in her hall. Every nook and cranny is utilized. She uses her laptop if she wants to watch a movie, on RUclips. I wish she'd let some one do a quick video and she could show what a tiny home really is.
@@Jennifr1966
@@Jennifr1966Closets, dressers, under beds (some people use risers to make more space), corners, etc. Purging things they don't absolutely NEED to make room for things they do.
I’m in a tiny home too. My bed has all the.home canned goods under it and my son gets all the store boxed goods and toilet paper under his bed. My end tables are actually plastic bins with lids that I stuff with food and throw a pretty cloth over. My closets hold food and clothes and seasonal stuff. It is a tight fit but it works😁
Thank you for sharing Ann's financial advice! I am only 33 years old but it really resonated with me, especially being content, finding joy in the simple things, and having a cat for companionship! I have a decent income, but with prices being so high these days I know I need to work on spending less. My rent is going up next month and that made me a bit grouchy, but then I looked for similar apartments in my town and saw that I am still paying less than a lot of places are charging. I would love to live someplace nicer, but I can't justify it when my current "boring" apartment is doing everything I need it to. So, contentment is key at this point.
You got this! Thanks for watchand and Im happy it helped!
At age 42 I wrote up our first ever budget and found out how much $ I was wasting with fast food, eating out, impulse purchases, junk I didn’t need. I was able to stick to the budget with a modest allowance for each of us, and was able to quit working, then homeschooled our son. The budget was the key.
Yes, being grateful for what we DO have is key!
What make an apt NOT boring? Pool, tennis court, playground? Top end finishings? Or just location?
Try to save for a house, cuz rent will always go up and won’t match your wages.
I am on a low income (single parent on disability), and i believe i have a great life! It may not look like what others would think of as 'success', but we are all happy and manage to get everything we need, along with small but rewarding wants.
I was a single mom with four, worked a full time job and at times a couple of part-time ones in a week. The kids are now 36, 38, 40 and 42, at the time of being a single mom, they were 8 months, 2, 4 and 6 and they honestly have the best things to say about working together and being a happy house. Plus, all of their friends wanted to be at our place cause we had so much fun! Honestly is not about 'stuff'. My life was amazing with them, now 67 and retired, it is good. Still watching the pennies....
Me to as well
@Connaught56 Noticed your title "Connaught". This is the name of a province in Ireland. Are u from there?
Living below my means, saving since I was young, and living debt free. These goals help make the tough times not as painful.
Sounds like you're doing a great job! Thanks for watching!!
Your so rightx
Yay for you. May you never get cancer or survive a fire or a car crash with overwhelming medical bills - May you never go blind. So smug.
@@elizabethhennessey6437 I’m no stranger to either one of those things. Thanks for your well wishes though!
@@elizabethhennessey6437 I don’t think she was “smug” AT ALL! She’s doing THE WORK, and doing a lot of things right! And very few of us escape illness, accidents, aging and trauma!
People also need to know that asking for a little help is not shameful! These programs are in place with our tax dollars to help all folks live a better life. If you think of all the bad spending and wasteful loopholes for big businesses then taking a little help that has been allocated is just fine and accepted! xx
That's a very good observation. Thank you.
Spot on! Programs for everyday folks are a mere drop in the bucket compared to corporate bailouts, etc
I’ve been able to save money by making my own bread products, tortillas, biscuits. Dough can be made and extra dough can be frozen, parchment paper and foil. I stopped eating pre made products, like boxed cereal, boxed pre made mixes for waffles, meats, canned soups, etc. I make all my own from basic foods, grains, meats, veggies, fruits, etc. Making things from scratch takes more time but I’m retired, live in a 300 sq. hotel room. Other budget items are public transportation, utilities, rent, pet care, internet, phone, exercise (pool, conditioning classes), I don’t use any drugs (pharma), I don’t drink alcohol. If I can stay healthy I can get by with less income.
Great job!
@@christinewallace9251
The one thing I would like to add is that I feel it’s important to use farmers markets when ever possible. Supporting local farmers I believe supports the community and the families that own, have employees, that produce and provide fresh food. It’s a great way to give back to society if you’re low income like me.
There are also vouchers that seniors can get to use at farmers markets, too! I think they are a part of health insurances and SNAP.
Yes ppl don’t incl internet & phns
They wouldn’t be online without them lol
Plus pets are huge! If u have somewhere to take them outside n live in a decent climate, they give great joy for not much $ to feed. If they get sick tho, u have to watch them suffer for lack of vet care.
Farmers markets in many areas are only for the very wealthy. One vendor in our area charges $14 for a pint of strawberries.
So lovely to hear that Anne is able to have a pet for companionship, and that her cat is financially catered for. 🙏 So important for our mental health and contentment.
We have three cats. Before we bought them we made sure we could afford them. At the moment we are having some ongoing health issues with them and I would have to not be able to take them to the vet. I have cancer. At my lowest point this year, recovering from surgery and side- effects from chemo, my cats would take it in turn Tim’s,eep with me. A cat, lying beside my head, gent,y purring, was deeply soothing.
@@india1422 I'm sorry to hear you're unwell. I'm glad your cats have been a comfort to you. We are lucky to have them in our lives.
The public library is a wonderful resource, including information about all kinds of community resources. And it's free.
YES! Thanks for the tip!
True. My library now has a collection of “things” to check out. I borrowed a leather punch to add a hole to my belt. Wonderful not to buy a tool I’d use once or twice.
Treating my household budget like a business has been game changing for me. I’m in my seventies and I’ve only done this the last decade. It allows me to be aware of the numbers daily rather than monthly and thus I am aware of my spending habits…good and bad!
Love this idea!
I do too. My spending money is not in with my household and that makes me aware of what I am spending.
I do the same! All businesses have a budget.
I've been frugal straight out of college and I have no debt, I cook at home , balance bank book, I buy what I need and do my own sewing. Yes I have online access for my job but I don't subscribe to extra apps . I buy everything on sale etc meal
Planning has always been a must but then I learned this from my parents !
Aren't apps free?
So sad that our seniors have to live so close to the edge! It is shameful that our society allows it while wasting billions of dollars.
It's infuriating that biden will spend billions on illegal aliens while neglecting our citizens especially veterans and the elderly 😡
It isn't the government's job - it is our job to save during our working life, for retirement.
@@Ray7234Apparently she thinks seniors are a waste.
Each individual person is responsible for their own life. It is not a duty of a government or a society to entitle "seniors" or any other class of individuals with financial support. Many seniors are in the situation of low income or poverty because they did not plan their life well, did not get a skill or education, and did not set themselves up for financial security during their last decade or 2 of life.
@@homesteadgal4143 True. I expect no help from the government. I am a bit bitter about paying social security and medicare tax, since I know I'll never get anything from it. It's a massive ponzi scheme
I am 66 and am on a low fixed income. I retired at 62 and my only child and her husband had bought a house in another state, and she had begged me to move into their house as she had a room fixed up for me. I made the decision to downsize and am loving living with my daughter and her family. Her and her husband both have day jobs, so I have the run of the house during the day. I help out with the bills by paying the electric bill because I run my A/C window unit every day because I'm hot natured. Between paying my bills and the doctor and medications every month, I have very little left after buying the few groceries I use. But I am happy and content. My family has a dog and a cat, so I have company during the day. Because of my declining health I don't go out except to doctor appointments. And that is okay as I have plenty to do with my hobbies. I realize that some people don't have the luxury of living with family and have a hard time making ends meet on their own. I'm glad that the lady suggested some practical things that money strapped people can do. Thanks for sharing.
No need for some to be critical!
No one is making you watch her video.
Thank you for taking your time sharing these tips.
Appreciated so much!
Thanks so much. I appreciate you.
My two cats are the BEST company! Worth every penny.
Thanks so much for watching!
It's nice to hear how other people are managing.
My husband is 65 and I'm 62. A few years back, we made the decision along with our son and his wife to purchase a home together.
Our mortgage is less than what we were paying out for rent and from what I've seen rent keeps going up for people.
We now have an 10 month old grandson - whom we babysit while the kids are at work.
At least once a year, we drive down to Iowa and go shopping at an Amish grocery store and at a Mennonite store.
It's a scratch/dent store, surplus canned goods etc. (Some of the items are close to expiration or expired so we always check the dates)
So for around $600 we can buy enough canned goods, blocks of cheese, meat, sundries (laundry soap, dish soap....) All of this lasts us for around 7 months.
We also get a food box from the local church once a month.
Next year, I'm hoping to start a veggie garden and start canning again.
It helps that we live in the small town that my husband was born and raised in - he knows just about everyone. The other nice thing about living in a small town, everyone helps each other.
I suggest that people do what works the best for them. Listen and learn what other people are doing that you might be able to adapt to your way of life.
What an amazing story thank you for sharing!
We got hit with medical bills over 3 years and are facing retirement years with debt. We are quite frugal, but we need more income due to the debt. Sometimes it's an inflow problem not an outflow.
@@bmarieluvstheearth3879 Yes, i was hospitalized three times in seven months. Although the bills weren't as high as I had feared, it was still kind of a struggle to pay them, added to the fact that I had to quit my part time job after the first stay.
I worked in a commercial bank as a risk analyst, can confirm debt is evil.
I am 74. After age 67 you can make an unlimited amount of money and still get all your SS.
Pets can get expensive. It just cost me $326 to have my 20 yr old cat, put to sleep!! Not only is it so sad, the cost is outrageous!
Great video.
Oh, after age 67? This is good info!
Blessings to you and your Angel cat in heaven❤
I am 71 and have worked consistently since 66…no SS offsets…I make about 40 thou a year. It does affect your tax obligation…but tax is never 100%…I am single with no special tax advantages…I pay about 5 thousand $ a year in tax…my SS is $ 1650. A month. So there are big advantages to work…also adds structure to your life, exercise, socialization…and money. I am a 1099 worker ( nurse) so I do get write offs related to that.
I still have to count some of my SS on my income tax and I am 80 but still working.
@@virginialangford6257 I worked until I was 70 and wish I could still work. I walk with a walker now because of bad knees. I had a hip replaced when I retired. I was a hair stylist for 37 years and the foot that I pumped up the chair with mostly was the side I had a hip replacement on. The last 5 years I alternated feet to pump with.
Some of us have had to live below our means for many years based on physical issues or loss of jobs due to downsizing. My spouse of 50 plus years and myself have had to be very frugal much of our life and now that we are in better financial we continue to shop at places like Aldies for groceries and thrift stores. We rarely go out to eat or other entertainment. We are not "deprived"....just dont want to waste money when you can get free entertainment on RUclips for free,
Our cars and house are paid for which makes us sleep a lot better at night.
Right with you! Do you find it hard to loosen the purse strings? We sometimes do except for the grandkids and maybe our dogs.
You also have each other which many many older ppl don’t. Companionship can make or break ur life.
No mortgage, car payment or credit card debt! I am blessed. Plus I have a sweet lil doggie. 🐕
The UK basic pension is currently £203.85 a week, which is not great with food and bills rising. You can get free bus travel and free prescriptions from your state retirement date, which is good, but this has inspired me to save as much as I can before I retire!
Frugal and content with simple things. I love the video.👍
Thanks so much. And thanks for watching!
Those night lights are great! I walked so fast one night in the dark to the restroom and on the way back found myself in front of the wall and reaching out for a door knob that was not there. I had a good laugh! 😎😂
Kudos to Ann. She has aced the puzzle of making it work. I know its harder for some than others but my point is she’s thought through and maximized resources where she can.
I am frugal and enjoy it❤
Anne is a wise person! I, too, am very frugal living on social security but my apartment is more than my income! It is one of the lowest price units in the city without living in a horrible neighborhood so I get a little help from my family. I make extra money by doing surveys for gift certificates and that's how I do birthdays and Christmas. I also do the Google surveys on my phone that give me points to buy ebooks with--because the library doesn't have everything! I wish housing was affordable, I hate asking for help. But I"m so grateful that I have family that don't mind. I also make big batches of things I like for dinner and freeze them so I don't have to cook every night and I have a variety to choose from.
Our expenses are more than our income, even with being frugal, due to medical debt. We use a food bank and share expenses with our daughter and SIL living in our home. It has many advantages. She likes to cook and is quite clean. She's moody, which can be a little off-putting, but it works.
Growing up in the 50's gave me the gift of being frugal for life.
My MiL grew up in the 50s. Your parents must have done a way better job with you. She is the most wasteful person I have ever known. When she visits she asks to go to the grocery store. She is only here for three to four days (husband can’t handle longer) and somehow needs $100+ worth of special food items for that short time. I caught her dumping cans of soda down the drain when she was packing. She didn’t leave them for someone else - she threw them away. Sealed cans. Unopened yogurt, etc same story. Big shock she is always broke. She thinks being frugal is beneath her. It’s not beneath me! We don’t waste food and we take care of our things. She has a throw away mentality. I have suitcases that are twenty years old. She typically buys a new one every year.
@@BusArch42 She sounds horrible
@@BusArch42 What?? Why would she throw away food items that weren't spoiled?
@@tammiekimball8636 because otherwise she would have to admit she bought way too much and wasted her sons money. She is an addict. Addicted to gambling and to spending money. If she has a dollar it’s burning a hole in her pocket.
She assumed that since she bought the items for herself that no one else would want them.
I’m on disability, so I have a fixed income. I do have internet, cable and a phone. I only buy multi-use items like the multi-function pressure cooker I just bought. I do have a blog of sorts called Story Time. A story every week. It will eventually earn me money. Contentment is the key :). I have become a minimalist and take pride in that. I use the foodbank once a month. I keep both a gratitude and blessings list. These help me to stay grateful and to count my blessings on a daily basis. I choose to be single at the stage of my life. That may change at some point but it’s ok if it doesn’t. I don’t have pets but there is a dog park I visit often. I have a great life
Thanks so much for watching. I appreciate you!
Great attitude! Inspiring testimony. 😊
Thanks Sarah for featuring Ann on your video and I also want to thank all your viewers who shared comments about frugal living tips. I appreciate that we can all learn from each other and I am grateful for everyone’s helpful information!
It is a pleasure to share such valuable information!😊
I commend Ann on her wise choices. She is content and frugal. Kudos!
Please let Ann know this : she IS GIVING BACK to people by you doing this video ❤❤❤❤❤. Bless her. I learned alor from this. This was a Joyfully 🎉🎉 video 🎉🎉. Thank you❤
Rhanks so much! I will pass on your kind words!
One should never be too prideful to ask for help when it is really needed. I learned that from my own painful personal experience. There's nothing wrong with being frugal and independent but don't be too quick to dismiss possibilities. Life happens, sometimes when you don't expect it to. It's good that this lady is making do with what she has but no man is an island.
YES! All this! 100%!!!
As somebody in my late 50s, I really appreciate people like and sharing their wisdom with us. Life does not become more simple as you age it just becomes more complicated and any advice that I can gather from those who have lived what I have yet to live.
Ann has found contentment. I think Ann is richer than all of us.😊
Some helpful advice here. Avoiding fraudulent charges with electronic banking is crucial and it's always nice to have a paper statement to refer to - word of caution though, be aware of those perfectly legal bank charges and fees for keeping paper statements. Many banks are now charging $3 - $5 per mailed out monthly statement if you don't opt-in for paperless. Banks don't bother telling you beforehand because more $$ for them. Fees are their bread and butter.
@@jlotoo850 yes, I only use credit unions myself, but certainly not foolproof.
And the cost of checks ($25-35) with the cost of stamps. Plus, checks have the full account number and routing number that can be stolen. Paying bills from the bank account to the service is safer and cheaper.
@@jlotoo850credit unions charge for paper statements too
I only bank at credit unions
@@HLD0205thank GOD my one credit union I’ve had for yrssss and my check use is so rare they have lasted me
It’s the last acct Ive bought checks for. I prob pd $20 (I get cheap ones, not from the bank) but I hate buying envelopes and stamps for sure!
I do support a couple small ministries that have no overhead, incl no online presence so have to write checks.
I’m so relieved to have discovered you by accident! I’m 74 years old and in the processing of selling my home I’ve shared with a co-owner for the past 16 years and going out on my own when this house sells. With the cost of renting in 2023 in Canada it’s very daunting. Thank you for sharing Anne’s tips!
Nesara Gesara is being implemented world wide...all pensioners over 60 get around $5200 per month. All debt will be zeroed. No taxes to pay anymore. Food will go back to 1950's prices.
You believe in the tooth fairy🤔
Next your gonna tell me there's no Santa or Easter bunny come on not true😂
I follow a channel from Canada called " Thinking about Retirement" , and they sold their home and decided to rent an apartment somewhere in Southern Ontario. They don't say the name of the town but they ended up moving into an apartment that was rent controlled, and they didn't even realize it right away. They talked a lot about how they invested their money to get dividends and how to get programs available to Canadian citizens to help with finances. I highly recommend checking them out and their names are Tina and Norm!
I’m not sure how to describe my dilemma without maybe sounding like a “loser.” But yah. Abuse. Family of origin abuse. Falling into repeat abuse. For ages. Things like bully bosses. Bouts of low income employment and unemployment. Single mom the whole time (my son is grown now). Downtrodden mindset etc. Sabotage and harassment. And for ages Bcuz it took me so long to figure out what was going on and how to end the vicious cycle. So by that time I was almost 50 and had nothing to really show for it. So ya know. Good luck suddenly making a lot of money for myself or “saving for retirement.” I wish. Ugh.
Rarely is there any abuse in FOO or DV situations that doesn’t also include financial abuse and a real hit to your pocketbook and/or ability to make a higher income. Glad I tuned in tho. I have watched some other retirement videos and I just wind up feeling sad and discouraged Bcuz I mean what? Triple digits in your 401k etc? I just feel like whatever. Good for you buddy. Must be nice.
I’m not as bad off as all that now tho, but I still can predict that there won’t be mega money when I retire. That was my plan tho. Majorly downsize. Live simple and frugal. It’s good to know that you don’t really need to have hand over fist money to have some semblance of a life. Of course I’ll do all I can between now and then (about a decade I guess) but I really also don’t see myself trying to have some fancy “career” between now and then either. Esp not if I had to pay for college and so on. Doesn’t seem worth it to invest so much in that if it’s not going to be more than a few years before I may not be able to work like that down the line.
I have all I need tho. I am thoroughly enjoying my frugal and minimalist journey so far. I just know I don’t look good on paper. AT ALL. Lol. And I’m trying to look on the bright side and work through my anger over the past. Better to be happy than forever bitter about it. Bcuz I know what’s up now. I know I was basically robbed and pillaged. But imma still make the most of what’s left in this new abuse free peace the best I can.
I also had a less than stellar childhood, and ended up divorced with 2 kids. It has been a bumpy ride.
If you love what you do and do everything you can to stay healthy moving forward, you might want to keep working past retirement age. Going to school might be great for you. There may be financial aid / displaced homemaker aid available for you. OR tech, Preschool Teacher might be something you would find at a local community college...as well as lots of other possibilities. If you don't want to go to school, perhaps you would enjoy working in a library You could start as a Library Shelver and work your way up. . Reach out to your local community college.... they would be happy to help you navigate and see what help you might qualify for. There are two books I love that helped me: Bad Childhood Good Life by Laura Schlessinger and When Your Body Gets The Blues. A clear umbrella and walking outside for at least a half hour has really helped my body and my mind. Peace.
@@CLord-gs7nj I appreciate that. And I guess there are a lot like me out there who might still be too embarrassed to put it out there like that. I used to be, but now I just want real answers wherever I can find any. Lol. I guess I’m just kind of in the middle of “processing” my anger about it. I know I’ll get over it and I also know that any little good thing will def help me get over it a lot better. This sick fam really is like workaholic, grandiose, entrepreneurial, money and image is everything, maximalist fake hustle culture (with a marked lack of real love) tho and I hate every bit of it. Lol. Feels more to me like I was supposed to be some “trophy child” to promote their image….but not loved.
I guess you could say I was raised in overachiever land and I did excel (at least externally) when younger. And it really was more like I got to some place where I was in over my head and then crashed and burned. I def wasn’t mentally and emotionally prepared for “life” tho. You’d think great. Smart girl. Accounting degree. Passed CPA exam but I guess maybe just too plagued with imposter syndrome and after up and down and around 20 something years of it (idk. Maybe you could call it more of a feast or famine type of thing). Never married. Prego out of wedlock. And now I guess the thing for me is sort of being in a catch 22 on the tail end of the toxic fam business. I guess I feel sort of lost tho. Career wise idk even what I want or what I like and even if I do, I just don’t feel like I could ever make a decent living off of it. And now I guess it seems to also be the cat mafia. Lol. But you are right. If I had any passion for it, better to just do whatever needs doing to be happy. (Although no. It’s not gonna be daycare Bcuz I already am stressed out by the cat day care and the “adult children” I seem to be stuck with “managing” and I can say that some days I just want to go to some job part time and for it to be any job I half like so long as it’s not anyone at all after me like “mommy mommy mommy.” Lol. A job where when I come home I can forget all about work until I clock back in. I would say tho that I’d prefer a job that wasn’t high pressure or entrepreneurial (24/7) or to where people are always after me to solve their hardest problems. I’d rather just be the “assistant” lol and be able to say yah. I’ll pass that on to the boss. And then literally pass it on and not have to take it on.
But well yah. Narcissistic parents. I admit. I was infantalized. Identity robbed. Isolated. So here I am at 55 still trying to figure out who I really am and how to “adult” properly. I am determined tho. And I may just be mad enough about it to make sure I don’t wind up badly off…bcuz if that happens then they “win” and I don’t want that. Lol. But there are days I totally wanna at least verbally rip into them and shake my fist at them still. God help me. Lol. That is the ultimate to me tho. When you find what you love to do and it can be financially sustainable. I just don’t know if that’s possible for me tho. I’ll be ok with decent and not too shabby and this boss isn’t the devil and if this or that job doesn’t make me want to puke. 😅😅 I’m thinking maybe I’ll just start working part time at a thrift store or something Bcuz I’m just some weirdo who loves to sort and organize things. Lol. And well big accounting job. It wasn’t really ever me. That was my robot self they made. Some role I was playing. Now I have no desire for it even tho it could actually be quite decently lucrative. And I also don’t want the stress of at least “CPA” life.
I guess people wonder why the “former CPA” wound up waiting tables or being hotel front desk or just getting sucked back into the toxic fam rental business, but there was so much pain and fake and failure there that I never wanna go back to any of it.
And for sure I’d def love to work as long as I’m able. But just not a job I loathe (which is kinda like the current situation. I do what I must but I’m not exactly “thrilled” with it). I just hope I can stay “able” long enough and can find something that really suits me better. Lol. And i often think like yah. I could be very happy seems like if I could ever get out of the throes of what so often feels like “identity crisis” all the time. I’m pretty skilled at many things. It just seems like none of them even come close to “lighting me up.” And the things that light me up, well they don’t so often make anyone a lot of money really. So you can’t just live in “hobby land” forever tho Bcuz the bills still have to get paid. And really tho. I could kill it and become a millionaire and they’d still call me a loser tho…simply Bcuz I refused to “get with their program” 🙄….So I may as well embrace the “beatnik” life if it makes me happy. Lol. And what does it matter? If I have a roof over my head. No burdening debt. Food on the table. Enough to have a bit of fun. Satisfying things to put my hand to. Healthy relationships. Everything else is not really all that useful or necessary. Def have to rewire my head about what is truly “rich” Bcuz I already know “more money” does not always equate to “more happiness.” And you really DO have to wonder just how many who are seemingly so “well off” are secretly miserable.
I hope you're safe now. I know freedom has such a high price❤ good for you getting out, and I know you're stronger for what you had to endure. No one should have to, and I'm sorry you had to deal with abuse. Thank you for sharing your story ❤
@@amandaelaineeldridge3362 Aw shucks. Thanks for bearing with me. Lol. I know I can get a bit long winded and ranty at times. Lol. Yeah. I think I’m safe enough. Most of it really was just mental and emotional so “safe” really just means on that level. They’re not after my literal life, but one could say that they def are after my soul.
Just now kind of dealing with all the aftermath kind of stuff I reckon. Like when I go to make a move or to learn the next thing, all the struggles with it….which can make me angry at times Bcuz now I know why. But at any rate, I guess it’s still better to know than to remain blissfully ignorant. And then just all the stuff to do with feeling a bit lost in a foreign land and things like that. More or less stuff that makes me so frustrated (what they did and how it seems to STILL affect so much daily living) and also things like where do I go from here? (After so much controlling “institutional” life). You know the institutional grind very well, but out here in freedom land, it’s a bit harder to learn how to function. I guess something like culture shock would be a good comparison.
Freedom really is a beautiful thing, but it does you little good if you don’t know what to do with it and I’m finding that “transitioning” isn’t always easy or fun and most def not quick. It is ultimately rewarding and worth it tho but it can be temp difficult to remember that during one struggle/growing pain after another. Lol. I mean just like any kid trying to learn things…like I struggled with everything. How to keep a clean/tidy house. Feeding myself. Managing money. Dealing with daily life pressures/curve balls in a healthier way. And so on. And then it’s like I’m 20 years old or such. Idk. I’m like some kid who can’t seem to quite pick a major or a path to pursue. 😅😅 And that’s ok for a kid but it can be kind of troublesome for someone my age. Seems like that right now anyways.
@@goodenoughgirl8102 I hope that you will try reading my favorite books. I picked up the bad Childhood Good Life book in the audio version from the library and listened to it a few times until the message sunk in. Ypu are not doomed because you had selfish, unloving parents. I have had lots of therapy, and it has helped immensely. My family of origin is of the dysfuntional / drug and alcohol abusing variety, so i cut them out of my life, but it doesn't matter, you don' t have to put up with bad treatment of any kind from ANYONE at any time.
This was a great video that was a walk down memory lane for me. Back in 1989 my husband of 16 years decided to just walk out on me and our 2 children. When the dust of the divorce finally settled, I had the house ($600/mo payment) and $1300 of 'support'. I lived this life until seeing both of my children through to high school, managed to earn TWO degrees, and put myself and my children on secure finanacial footing. I am grateful for that experience as we are now in an economic situation that will be well served by all that experience.
I m 62. No credit card debt, only car insurance and rent which I share with my brother and the electricity. I save money going to pantries every week. I also shop at goodwill once in a while. Living frugal. I love to eat out, and spend time with friends and church.
I am a night shift nurse that travels the roads between Atlanta & macon. I’ve learned to carry insulated bags and pop into grocery stores to check the discounts. Can’t go wrong as my mileage is covered by employer. 15 minutes here & there saves $$$$$$
Now that is smart! Good thinking!
Energy savings. I invested in lined blackout curtains. They have helped a lot this summer. We had some heat index days of over 100 degrees/ I think I may have had the AC on less than a dozen times all summer long. I have asthma so if I get too hot or too cold it can trigger an attack. I have 2 tabletop fans that I use instead. I can't see heating or cooling the entire apt if I'm only in 1 or 2 rooms. In the winter I have a space heater for the room I'm in. I too have an electric blanket. If I'm chilly I'll crawl under it and watch TV or read.
I can't remember the last time I had cable. A few years ago I bought a Sanyo flatscreen for $148 that has a built-in Roku. I have only recently upgraded to YT TV. I may be getting rid of it in Jan when the discounted price goes away.
I sign up for free trials a lot. Hulu, Netflicks, etc. When the trial is over, I cancel.
So many great tips! Thanks so much for watching!
I buy very heavy insulated black out liners from Home Depot and then I sew them as liners on to my curtains. This allows me to buy whatever curtains I like. The added weight makes the curtains hang better and they look much more expensive! Of course, they make the room more comfortable too!
This was such a good video.Anne is a smart and resourceful lady!
Thank you for giving us this example of Ms.Anne. I’m on SS too and I will definitely us her ideas
Let's also not forget that age-old free community resource--the public library. I love my local library.
Love the library so much!!
Even though I am working, I still feel like I am on a fixed income. Apartment rents are high and cost of food is high. To keep my spending down, I cook at home, bring my own lunch to work, buy food that's off brand to save some money, my car isn't financed so that helps and I buy only the things that I need not want.
Ann sounds like she has learned the magic of the word "Enough".
Smart to go to an expert in the field. One who truly lives it and thrives. Please thank Ann for sharing her tips.
We started doing most of these savings tactics 20+ years ago when we lost a huge portion of income due to disability. Our plan is to stay on the path, especially being debt free, as full retirement isn't too far away.
TIP to save on electric bill: We unplug items when not in use. Examples: toaster, coffee maker, and even the microwave. We also shut off the TV power strip if we're going to be gone for the day or go on vacation.
If an electrical item has an oversized plug such as a TV, "roomba" or stick vacuum, computer, laptop or CPAP it is always drawing power to be ready for a fast start. These are the items that need to be unplugged if every single watt of power used strains your budget. You will just have to wait a bit for then to "warm up."
I have wondered about unplugging the TV and its related stuff like DVD player - but do you have to reprogram everything when you turn it back on?@@daralynncameron3290
Low income housing is key if you’re renting as a senior. You need the stability of knowing you’re not going to be homeless if the real estate market changes.
Thank you so much for this video. I saw myself in a lot of the things Ann does. I don't have a cat, but my indoor water garden of many plants does the trick for me. Talking to them must be working because they are lush, full and even put out flowers! I'm content and grateful!! ❤
Please know you have a new subscriber! 👌👍🏻
I loved this video and all the tips. So helpful. The next time you see Ann, please give her a big hug from all us viewers! 😊
I will! Thanks so much for watching!
Thank you for this. Im there. I didn't know how I could possibly! and so this is important. Feeding the strays doesn't require shots, etc. and birds are the cheapest pets to have. Their little peeps and songs give great joy.
The one drawback to getting subsidized housing for seniors is the extremely limited financial assets ($about 2000/ single & $3000/ couple. Certain things, like modest burial plans & gravestones & low value used cars are excluded... Doesn't leave much for an emergency fund though!!
It must be our age, (I'm 75) but I still use checks, send in my bills, edit my check registry daily, and try not to use technology if possible. Ann is an inspiration for sure!!
I was still paying bills by regular mail until my mail service went downhill. First I noticed I wasn’t getting some of my monthly bills in the mail but luckily I realized it and made payments before they were late. A couple of months later it happened again so I notified the post office but the problem continued. Their incompetence pretty much forced me to switch to online billing and payment.
I’m 73 and have been banking online for at least 15 years. So much easier and never an issue with accuracy. Also no more check register and postage! I don’t trust the postal service having had a few “lost mail” issues. @@TC-fx5zu
With regards to pets and vets, phone around. When I was looking for a vet to neuter my cat, I did this and found that the difference in price was significant, with the higher priced vets being those who were near low income housing, and the lowest prices were the vets just slightly out of town. You can save hundreds by shopping around. The vet I have now also knows that I have a lower income, and will not order unnecessary tests, while still looking after the health of my cats.
I live in the uk and on restricted budget, I’ve inherited my husband’s pension (which I’ve invested and get £800 a month from it). I now get a state pension to top it up. I get £1400 which is about $1700. I don’t have a mortgage anymore and although it cost thousands of pounds, I’ve switched to solar and an air source heat pump and get a government grant of £300 a quarter. We don’t have gas as a heating source and the oil had quadrupled since I moved here 2 years ago, hence the change. Watching your video made me check my phone contract and by renewing (instead of running on the ‘no contact’ deal) and committing to an 18 month contract, has cut the bill in half! 😱 I know, bizarre! I’ve also realised it’s too easy to click that buy button on Amazon and restrict myself to £50 a month for fripperies. I’m a type 2 diabetic but fortunately here in uk my medication is free 🎉 Sorry for the long comment xx
Contract phns can’t touch prepaid in the US
I pay $50 monthly for service that uses Verizon towers and has 60G data.
I just started doing a 2-line plan with my daughter so now it’s only $85 for both of us! She gets 60G on her phn too.
My friends who insist on contract phns pay $100-150 monthly
@@YeshuaKingMessiah my new plan is equivalent to $35 now, before it was $80 a month without a contract, so it ends up being much cheaper here in UK committing to a contract saving me $658 a year 🤔
Greetings from Costa Rica. We just found your channel. Love this video. I am 74 years old woman, retired and living in a condominium. I am trying to live frugally.
Welcome! Happy to have you and thanks for watching!
My life experience is very different than the woman you discussed in the video. I live in HUD housing in Washington State - small town. My apartment is broken into on a regular basis. Making me feel very uncomfortable in leaving my home. They steel food, break my special things, even took a deer ornament through Christmas - then just brought it back - steeling my joy. My freedom, my trust. I worked all my life and now feels like I live in a prison. Housing Authority does nothing insisting that they have a MASTER KEY. To enter anyones apartment at any time. So I can not get secured. I have an incredible view for the first time in my life and demons as neighbors - not fun. They are obnoxious in these times.
That is terrible
I grow all my own fruit and veg in less than 25ft by 12ft. I eat seasonal vegetables and preserve a lot of the summer produce for the winter months. I walk with a friend five mornings each week and we play rummikub together after the walk. If you are in the uk oxfam has an ebay shop selling new clothes at a fraction of the full price.
Paradoxically, here in Sweden a smaller apartments can be much more expensive than bigger ones. One must also think that being older one will need to be able to move in the apartment at wheelchair and come in a bathroom on wheelchair which is often impossible in smaller appartments. I work in elderly care at homes so I know how it is to help elderly people to shower from being self down under washbowl. There are no cheap appartments here.
here in Toronto Canada, a small apartment cost about $2000 monthly. No way could live on $1100.
hanahudcova891 we have family/friends outside Solna, and Stockholm and one thing you Swede's do well is live a healthy lifestyle, with healthier food choices, more physical movement, less sitting watching tv etc. And you don't make Starbucks, Coke, Pepsi, processed food/junk food daily choices.
Kudos to Ann for managing on such a low income. Depending on what grocery stores are available to her, though, she may really be missing out on grocery savings by not using some of the digital apps. Safeway is my primary local store, and many of its best sale items require digital coupons, plus they offer $5 off on $25 of purchases or $10 off on $50 every three weeks or so. I diligently search the online ad, add the desired coupons to my "account" and stock up when things are on sale. It makes a HUGE difference. My savings this year so far, for example, is $557, on a total grocery budget of $2,191, and I eat quite well, with lots of meat and fish, fresh veggies and fruits, and quality items. Without those digital resources, I would be spending a lot more. If she has a nearby library, she wouldn't even have to buy a computer or wifi, she could just go in once a week and do her planning and digital couponing on the library's computers.
As a senior myself, when I feel my prescriptions are too expensive, I call my health ins and inquire why. Ann can appeal to have the cost of the drug lowered. In my case, my medication went from TIER 3 to TIER 4 and I'm asking for the price to be honored at the 2023 TIER 3 level. My appeal was honored last year. I hope to have the same success this year.
Good video! One thing that has not been mentioned is that there are senior living apartments that are subsidized through HUD. Your rent is based on your income. Also if your Social Security check is low and you are 65 or over, you can also get help from SSI (Social Security Income). It is not a lot but in NY the state adds a bit to it also. No car and no debt is a big help too.
I'm on a waiting list for a HUD elderly income-based apartment, which is in walking distance to shopping and my hometown's small downtown. I'm happy I need to wait, because I haven't saved up for my moving costs yet.
Yeah I am on a 7 year waiting list here in GA
@@betsybarnicle8016 wait for senior and or section 8 is 5-7 years and of you have a few dollars over you are off the list. Don't worry though the shelters are full.
@@october50baby You're both wrong and rude.
@@betsybarnicle8016 I'm not wrong. I'm not rude. Thanks though for bringing it to my attention. I am a 73 yr old senior on the east coast. I've tried. Some of us are just over by a bit. There are some who qualify bc anything they saved is not in their name. My rent just went over 1640. That's a big chunk of my SS. Last 5 years I got lucky found data entry work from home. The dr passed away suddenly. I lost 2 months income bc his wife didn't want to pay 3 of us. It really did carry me through. Don't have plan B.
It’s very difficult to find a place to rent here for under $1200 per month. That’s more than her monthly income 😮
My friend's grandma has quite a little business selling on Vinted here in the UK! I think the equivalent in the US would be Poshmark? Vinted does not take any of your profit. The customer pays for shipping. She enjoys her walk to the post office for exercise! My friend was having a visit and she excitedly said "come look at my little store!" She was selling clothes, costume jewelry, housewares and nik naks! She has made over £1000 so far! I always encourage donating but if its items you think someone would love to buy from you it is a very easy way to earn a little extra cash on things around your home already!
This is great! What a good idea!
As a 67 year old female, I'm so thankful and get so much help from my church family!
Ann is such a wise shoppers. I saw somewhere that even those near expired or even reach expired canned or bottles, food still good to eat, as long as they didn't change colours and taste, they are still consumable.
Ann sounds like a wonderful person. Thank you for sharing.
I'm not at retirement age yet but I'm always trying to learn how I might live on a fixed income. This will be my reality one day. Thank you for great advice.
@acraftersstory I'm 67, retired and on SS. Had no savings after years of being a single parent with 4 kids. I worked for a few years after retiring, but after 2 years spent recovering from covid I'm no longer able to work, not knowing from one day to the next how well I'll feel. So I've started selling on eBay to supplement my income. You might consider selling your craft items online or in a booth, when you retire.
@@pamprier4710 that's a great idea. Thank you very much. I do a little freelance writing too on a platform called Medium. So, I'm hoping to supplement my retirement that way. Fingers crossed. 😊
Wonderful to know seniors can foster a pet long term. Pets provide wonderful companionship and give total love to those who care for them.
For those who hesitate to “give away/donate” things before downsizing; a woman told me what she did.
1) She set aside what she wanted to keep for herself.
2) She had her kids have first dibs.
3) Then her immediate family.
4) Then her extended family.
5) Then her friends.
6) Then her neighbors.
7) The rest was picked up by a charity.
Great advice. I have also thought that it might be helpful for single seniors to try to find a roommate - not a partner - an actual roommate to share the rent with. I know it can be tricky living with someone else but it could really help the budget and provide companionship.
Get a smaller place. No roommates
Hard to adapt to someone when you get older unless you were already friends. Than that might end the friendship. Even Bea Arthur said the Golden Girls could NEVER happen in real life.
Roommates are key to survival
Single moms have known this for a century.
@@YeshuaKingMessiah I have a small one bedroom so is affordable. Also cannot HAVE a roommate unless they are spouse or close relative.
My mom had a friend as a roommate in her house….it was great for companionship…unfortunately her friend passed away shortly thereafter…but for the time it lasted it was fantastic for both of them
Thank you, this is so very helpful, and thanks to Ann for her candor!
Great video Ann. I intend to make this a no year spend.
It is not easy to live on a budget. You have to be very disciplined and self-sacrificing, not easy to do. However, you need to live within your means and so you need to budget.
Health is everything x
Cute cute cute hair do😊
Thank you 🤗 And thanks for watching!
I did well till I got very sick for months, but I think it's wonderful to live within your means. It makes life so much easier.
I once had a bank that chsrged like$1.00 to mail you a printed statement! Print it youself! Save$12/ year!😊
Great video! I'm a new subscriber. My husband and I (both semi-retired)working part, part time live like
Ann. I remember when as a first great teacher, Junior Achievementwould come in a give talks about needs and wants. It was amazing how easily first graders could understand that concept. Also, I notice in the younger people living around us, that there seems to be this motivation as to how to live debt free. My husband teaches people about it all the time. Plus, I grew up thrifting and still do when I need something even though I could by it new. Thanks again!
Hooray for Ann...this video really hits my situation. Thank you for this.
Thanks so much! So happy it was helpful!
Our house has no mortgage but taxes are almost $500/month. Our A/C doesn’t work and we can’t afford to replace so for the last 3 years we swelter. This year has been brutal with multiple days over 100 and our house gets to 90-93 degrees. Heading into October and our temperatures are still 95-97 degrees. In the winter we keep our thermostat at 60 degrees. I can’t imagine the quality of life is staying in your house all the time. We have a yard we enjoy, have hobbies that we enjoy and live frugally but can’t understand why people can get assistance by living in 2 small rooms which would cost more than the $500 we spend.
I appreciate you sharing your knowledge.
If there is vet hospital in you area...lower prices as these vets are in training. You can Google "vet care for low income". Also, the Council on Aging, Goodwill, Salvation Army and United Way.
One of my hacks to save is you can flip breakers off for appliances like washer and dryer stove etc. when not being used. It will really save a lot
Great tip! Thanks!
How much power are your washer and dryer using when they are turned off? Why would they be drawing power? Mine are not digital and I don't believe they draw anything when not turned on.
I've been thinking about doing this lately 👍
I’m impressed that she can live off of that. I can’t find a one bedroom apartment for $1100.