10 Low Income Frugal Hacks For 2024
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- Опубликовано: 15 ноя 2023
- When you are already cutting back on as much as possible to make ends meet, here are a few ideas to live a little more frugally.
Save money by being diligent with your finances and budgeting in the new year.
With $14,891 per year being the poverty line in the United States (about $1241 per month), frugal living is a must!
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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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Getting rid of a car, thats running and good shape ahould be a LAST step, not first. A car is mobility, access to better paying jobs, can serve as shelter while considering where else one can live, with a better economic outlook
Yeah we live between the country and city and that's just not an option
I drive so I can work more, so that I can make more money, so I can buy more gas, so I can drive more, so I can work more, so I can buy more gas, so that I can drive more, so I can work more, so I can buy more gas. Addiction is a powerful foe. Most addicts are strangely unaware that they are in the grips of an addiction. What happens when the entire society is in the grips of an addiction?
@@alliemille Exactly. Me also. If one lived in the city with public transit maybe. But then again you would be paying much more for accommodations.
She did say, "If you're able to" for many people living in metro areas, having a car can sometimes be more of a hassle than a benefit, but people keep the car for those once-in-a-long-while trips that go beyond public transportation. When I work downtown public transportation was < $5 a day while parking downtown was easily > $10 a day.
I live out in the middle of the woods in the country. I'm not going to get rid of my vehicle ever. No way. I would isolate myself without transportation. I only paid $1200 for it. It's in excellent running condition. It's also a van, so I can use it for everything under the sun. My landlord's nephew is a mechanic who I've been able to trust implicitly for twenty four years, and my daughter's new boyfriend works on my vehicle for free. All he requires is a nice home cooked meal when he's finished.
I make a six figure salary and I love saving!! My family makes fun of me for having a 2013 car but it was inherited and I am laughing all the way to the bank.
Exactly!!!
Mine is a 2012 so there you go; I’ve never had a car less than 10 years and always buy used to save thousands.
We have two vehicles... 2003 and 2005.
Lol. I have a “gently used” 2004 Jeep Wrangler. (Low mileage and the classic die hard engine that prob would outlive me lol. The potential eventual rust being the only thing to worry about). It’s still cute and has all I need so I just carry on.
Well your family would be laughing at me too with my 2012 Jeep lol and I feel like my car Jeep is still new and whenever I look at him (yes it’s a him) I smile because I am really lucky and appreciative to have access to him.
Use a wool blanket under the sheet the fitted sheet. Only takes a few second of your body heat to warm up. Save electricity.
That's a great idea!! Thanks!
I use a Sherpa blanket as a sheet- SUPER warm!!
My mom does this❤
I need to try this when I move into my camper!
Now, I like tips like this.
I cut back on portion size and snacking on junk food. I used to fill a dinner plate with meat, vegetables, carbs, etc...but now I use a salad plate and limit the portion size to 4 oz. (about 1/2 cup) of each food. So what used to be one meal is now two meals. Instead of eating a whole piece of fruit, I eat half, wrap and save the other half for later. All my junk food snacks - chips, nuts, cookies, candy, ice cream - are 1/2 cup as well and no more than once a day. I find eating just a few bites is enough to satisfy the craving.
I gave up junk/snack foods, sodas. Good for my budget and my health.
Smart!!
Pay your car insurance up front for 6 months . You save a huge amount of money. Put minimum insurance on your car if it`s 7 -10 years old. Stay away from trendy coffee shops, buy a jar of instant for $5.00 bucks. Shop for clothes at Savers , Goodwill, estate sales, etc. Avoid malls, sit down restaurants, movie theaters, bars and stay home. Being cheap is not that difficult.
I went to goodwill 😳they wanted $8 for a girls USED SHIRT! I went to another store and bought brand new for $4
@@chaz4471goodwill has jumped on the bandwagon of greed. I’ve stopped donating to them & will try to sell my items on fb or just give them away.
I live off $11604 a year.
1500 calories a day. I visit pantries before I grocery shop. During the summer, I grow my own vegetables and fruit. Utilities on a budget. I don't purchase anything that is unnecessary. I live as a minimalist.
how much is your rent?
Regularly inflate your car tyres to the recommended PSI.
U will save lots on gas by not driving with partially deflated tyres
I cut my power bill from $200 per month to $15😉
Turn your breakers off. Especially for washer/dryer & stove when not in use.
Ask about senior, disability, low income discount and medical equipment use discount.
I don't use my stove.
I have an electric kettle.
A mini blender.
I have a two burner hot plate.
Wake up early. Go to sleep early.
Get stuff done when the sun is out.
At night,
I use the battery operated and solar powered lights also. Looking forward to getting the USB rechargeable lights.
Blessings!🙋🏾🌉
Great ideas!!
@@helgahaa yep just unplug
Impressive!!
yeah sure
Need proof. I got receipts. Off means off. You can't be charged if it's OFF. Duh.
70 years old & going back to work to buy a car because public transport ( which I used for 30+ years) has become too dangerous.
Speaking of Kroeger's (=Smiths here) - I subscribed online to receive coupons. I save hundreds of dollars each year. The system will give you coupons for the sorts of items you buy. LOVE my coupons.
PS with Smiths gas based on my total monthly bill, I get their store points gas discounts - this month I saves 50 cents/gal! I fill up of course.
Stay safe
Im so sorry!
The cost of living in the states is way out of control. I moved abroad 5 yrs ago and couldn't believe how inexpensive it was compred to the US. My only income is SS 1200. Due to family (daughter, grandson) and friends I would move back. However, I couldn't even afford a small apartment on my income. All of the suggestions for inexpensive living are usually in unsafe or just plain undesirable areas. Safety, quality of life etc should not only be for the wealthy.
I would consider small towns and senior housing. The waitlist is a thing but if you’re considering it, my area has gorgeous senior apartments based on 25% of your ss income.
Yep. We moved out of the Chicago area … the taxes alone on our 2200 sf house with a third of an acre of land was $900 a month ! A real estate friend of ours said that those that have retired but only have ss to live on, have to sell their home, even if it’s paid off because the taxes are so high. Ugh !
We moved 10 years ago. Bought 5 acres in a red state and built our own home. $600 a YEAR for taxes !! Huge savings
@@cjhoward409which red state? If I may ask. We are looking at Mississippi
2:08 live in 1400 Square ft house walking distance to beach. Small lot. Prop taxes are $400/mo and sales tax is 5 1/2%. No sales tax on groceries, clothing or medicine. Low crime. Blue state of massachusetts
@@saraconklinfrozenpennieswhere do you live? I would be interested in knowing about the Senior Living apartments.
So the minimalists would have a cow on this, but I like to pick up select spares of things at thrift stores. Like, my son is bound to rip up his gloves or completely lose them in the winter beyond repair. I have it on my list to pick him up an extra pair if I see it at the thrift store. Sometimes the stores are even out of gloves by the time he needs his new pair, but if I thought ahead and picked up a pair at the thrift store I'll already have what I need and have it at a great price. I don't do a ton of stuff this way, but I will for select things that are prone to needing replaced.
I stay well stocked the basic products I use all the time so that I don’t have to make a special trip to pick them up. I don’t use ‘fancy’ cleaning products .People were able to keep everything clean before the wipes ,sprays,fresheners and mopping systems.
Maybe cleaner the old school ways vs.disposable methods.
I took a no-spend month challenge after realizing how much money I spent on Amazon purchases. This was quite an eye opener for me and I will be doing this a few times a year to keep on track. I've decided to not resubscribe to Amazon when it comes due. The ease and temptation is too much for me. I also thought (pre-challenge) that I didn't need a budget because I already live below my means. When I wrote out a budget and included in it a monthly breakout of bills I pay annually (i.e. insurances/taxes) and found I really don't live as cheaply as I thought. As a result of these 2 things I'm learning to be more frugal and making do with what I already have.
I really love this so much!!! Amazon is a difficult one for me too.
I shop Amazon, but I do not pay for Prime. There is nothing I need so readily, so I do not for shipping. Many times, the item(s) come sooner than was advised.
I don't have Internet either; cancelled two yrs ago. I only had because when I started working from home due to the 2020 fiasco, I had to have for work. My phone service is Cricket and I pay $45 for unlimited. Everything I do is through my phone.
Now ... If they would just stop increasing everything, we may make it out alive!!!
No spends are great! 👏🏼👏🏼
As a child in the 1970s about 30 min. Before bed my Mom would announce time to turn the electric blankets on! We all run in our rooms turn on the blankets, wivh warmed up the bed, no $$ to spend on a new mattress pad that warms, used what we had! Once we got in bed, the blanket wasvturned Off, bed was toasty warm😊
I love this so much. We heated our house with a wood stove in the 80s and it would be hot as heck when we went to bed and the closer we got to morning, the cooler it would be. Our electric blankets came in handy for sure!
Wow , we didnt have electric blankets... maybe a great thing or i might have never gotten out of bed...
Oh my gosh that brought back such memories. We did the same thing but my Dad would walk thru at night double checking to make sure the blankets were unplugged. He always feared a fire!
We did the same thing in our family. On a side note, have you seen how much a heated blanket costs these days?!
I use an old heating pad my mom left behind. She used it when she was raising birds, and we found it in some stuff in the garage. I washed the cover, cleaned the outer plastic/rubber part and wiped the cord clean. Works great for back aches and fog heating up a cold bed
All good advise, I personally take exception to utilizing charity food pantries meant to help those who cannot afford food at all. If this is the case for you, of course take advantage of programs avaialable, but please do not take food because you are simply trying to be frugal when that may be someone else's only means for obtaining food.
I work for an organization that runs a food bank. Though no one is turned away, it takes a different sort of person to come in, ask for and receive food when they could otherwise afford it. There are people who may take advantage at every stage of the income spectrum, look at Bernie Madoff. For the majority, the courage to ask for help with food usually means they need food.😊
Our small city has a food bank that opens to the community each Friday - the goal is to clear out perishables before the weekend and to make room for incoming donations. They enthusiastically invite all to come regardless of circumstances as it’s brings awareness to the food bank and encourages donors to continue giving.
I also volunteer at one and some folks use it as they really need it, however some people take advantage of it...People with high incomes, wearing designer clothing, driving Mercedes SUV, etc. It breaks my heart to see them take items and we run out before other individuals in true need get theirs.@@kristymoore7052
I'm on disability and food stamps, neither one is much. I go to food banks to supplement what I buy. It's not just for people who can't afford food at all. I'll never feel guilty about getting the help, especially at the end of the month. Don't judge people for this please, may be a time when you need the extra help.
Agree. I know some people take advantage of this particular program even though they can afford to buy food themselves. It's not right.
Order your groceries online for pickup. Over $35 is free pickup at Meijer or Kroger, no tipping as it’s store employees who do the shopping. Picking up my groceries pre-shopped means I cut down the impulse purchases! I just request prior purchases and boom I’m done. 20 min round trip and 6 miles and my shopping is done ✅ saves time, wear and tear on my aging body and money.
This saved me a lot of $$ on groceries. I went from $70-100 wk to $70-100 every other week! It eliminates impulse buys or buying what I don't need but get it because it's on sale. I also try to go as long as I can between deliveries (10 days to 2wks).
This has saved me so much from Target. I only do pick up on diapers and wipes. No extras. Before every trip, we would have a surprise purchase
Same! I only go in if I have to have something for an event. Otherwise, I order online.
I enjoy shopping in the grocery store. I meet people. Have short conversations. I have a smile on my face and receive other smiles. When one lives alone, human contact can be important.
I use the pick up option at Kroger, too. The only problem is that they charge more online than what is listed on the shelf. I’ve seen the price as much as 30% higher online than on the shelf.
In other words, the service isn’t exactly free.
Great ti
We live in a very rural area in a tiny town. No public transportation. Everything is a drive. We have 1 gas station & 1 grocery store - so no coupons or discounts & prices are high. There is only 1 cellphone carrier and it is $$$ where I live. Thankfully housing is cheap, so it offsets higher costs in other areas. (I am not in the USA).
We always budget and have an emergency fund built by living frugally and simply for many years. We sit down once a month and review & pay all bills and review finances.
We have built a large garden over the years and grow what we can as food is our single biggest expense. We also get our meats directly from local farmers at a much better price than in stores.
We don't have memberships or subscriptions. We participate in free activities. We spend time outside with our dogs, we hike & kayak in summer. During the long, cold winters, we read, play games, have potlucks with friends, etc.
Sounds great! God bless you!
I use unrefined coconut oil as my face moisturizer. Yes, the $4.50 pound jar found at Aldi, at least it was that price when I bought my last jar 4 years ago. It's not only inexpensive, but has been wonderful for my sensitive skin.
My unrefined coconut oil has little bits in it. 😮
I use that same coconut oil from Aldi. I just bought another jar last week. It's a 14 oz. jar for $5.35 now. I use it as a moisturizer and also for a mouth moisturizer at night as I take medication that dries out my mouth. It also has a good flavor as opposed to the refined variety.
Heads up: Coconut is considered a 4 on the comedogenic scale.
I started using shea butter and its been better than any expensive face cream/serum.
Sam's sells 56oz organic virgin coconut oil for under $10. If you don't have a membership, or if you know someone who has a membership, ask them to pick it up for you. I remove some from the jar, and place it into a plastic lidded container for my bathroom. Use to remove makeup and all-over body moisturizer.
I have to live on $15,000 a year already, but your tips are always hood.
Hello Diane how are you
Life is tough
Go to food banks. Use any ressource for poor people. You need to look for them
For transportation, I take care of my car and drive it till the repair is more than the value of the car. I also drive so little that I've only had to fill up the car 2.5 times this whole year. The last time was recently, so it'll to still be mostly there till sometime in April or May of next year. When I told the car insurance company how little I drove, I got a discount on car insurance.
I used to be a traveling nurse. I thought my electricity bill would go lower when I was away from home on assignment. It didn't. So, I unplugged all I thought was taking major electricity. My bill went down by 76%. I got all excited and unplugged everything, except the stove and refrigerator the next time I went away. My bill decreased another 11%. I thought I'd unplug the stove if I didn't have to slide it in and out from the wall...then I realized the fuse box was on the kitchen wall, almost beside the stove. I started turning the fuse off while I wasn't cooking. I'd turn it on to cook and then right back off again as soon as I stopped cooking. I didn't measure that reduction in the bill, but a stove has a large plug in, so it takes a lot of vampire energy. I calculated that I use about 1/15th the amount of utilities a "normal" household uses. Since then, I've learned more ways to cut down utility usage.
Brilliant!!!
😮😮😮😮😮😮😮
That's amazing that you got that kind of a discount! There's no way that could happen where I live, where I live my usage is less than 25% of the bill and everything else is fees and services the electric company charges for the privilege of being hooked up to the power lines that the workers service. That's almost $85 on my bill before my usage is even taken into account let alone taxes.
Yes I get a senior discount, a low mileage discount, and a Safety course discount that is good for 3 years (you invest some time online). Also paying up front for 6 months avoids the monthly processing fee. I have AAA. Call them and ask what you qualify for.
Very smart ideas! Thanks!
Financial success and blessings to everyone. May 2024 be filled with wealth, prosperity and abundance! 🙏💸💰
Housing is killing low income budgets
Forget the heated mattress pad or electric throw.
Get an old sock. Fill it with rice and close it up. When you're ready to go to bed, pop it in the microwave until it's hot. It does a good job of warming you up.
I do this this as well,, no worrying about electric cords ,etc ,,,,my cat comes to my bed searching for the heated bag ,,🤪😇 ,, I may buy a few more ,,a local lady makes them for cheap,,Awesome gifts too ❤️😇
Just regular rice?
@@ehbokarinyes, just regular rice. You can also use it on your muscles ( especially on your neck area ) as a heating pad too. It works great
@@princessbabibear4794 for something like that, it's understandable. My late husband had an electric blanket. He had cancer and had lost a lot of weight. He couldn't stay warm.
But for most of us, we don't need this. We just need to take the chill out. And once that's gone, we're fine.
@@ehbokarin yes heat for about 2 minutes
Am 58 retiring next year but the thought of retirement gives me weakness. My apologies to everyone who have retired and filing social security during this time after putting in all those years of work just to lose everything to a problem you never imagined to happen. It’s so difficult for people who are retired and have no savings or loved ones to fall back on.
Even if you’re not skilled, it is still possible to hire one. I was a project manager and my personal portfolio of approximately $850k of my retirement pension took a big hit in April due to the crash. I quickly got in touch with a financial-planner that devised a defensive strategy to protect my funds and make profit from my portfolio this red season. I’ve made over $250k since then.
This is exactly how i wish to get my finances coordinated ahead of retirement. Can I get access to your advisor?
My Financial adviser is ‘’JULIE ANNE HOOVER’’ she’s highly qualified and experienced in the financial market. She has extensive knowledge of portfolio diversity and is considered an expert in the field. I recommend researching her credentials further. She has many years of experience and is a valuable resource for anyone looking to navigate the financial market
@@carssimplified2195 Thank you for this tip. It was easy to find your coach. Did my due diligence on her before scheduling a phone call with her. She seems proficient considering her resume.
Nomad land. Watch the movie or look up Bob Wells at Cheap RV Living. It’s real and real sad for some, a game changer for others.
LOL, I have an older Toyota Camry LE, in pristine condition, never breaks down! it cost little for maintenance, and insurance is only $50.00 a month. Doing without a car is not such a great idea, for many reasons, especially when one becomes older. So called Financial Planners are often keen to tell others to do without their cars, even though they, themselves would never think of doing the same themselves. By being a mindful prepper, one can easily mitigate shortages and inflamation. There are free cell phones for those who are low income. I rarely buy anything new when I can find used in excellent condition either free or at low cost. Beauty Schools offer low cost services. Dental Schools and hospitals offer financial help for those who are low income. Most of all, I never waste anything ever. Never open anything new until what is open has already been used up, and always use the very last drop! Never pay anyone to do a job one can safely and correctly do oneself. There are ways to live like royalty on very, very little!
May not work for some, but I’ve used a range of moisturizers from cheap to expensive, and the best ever for me is Aquaphor. It’s like $6/tube.
I went away from heated blankets and other heated items for the bed. I use a down comforter and they work great. They make them thick or thin depending on your needs. The thick one really needs a room temperature of around 60 degrees or I feel too hot.
I am retired and ride an Ebike. I am at 2000 miles a year with the car. The savings is staggering owning an Ebike. I am in Wisconsin and we have warmer weather Friday and I will grocery shop using the Ebike. It holds 4 bags of groceries.
How do you keep it from being stolen while you shop?
@@bmiles4131 I put a high security lock on it. You can put theft insurance on it if you think a lock isn't enough. The lock is working well so far. I owned the Ebike going on year eleven.
Wow! Congratulations! That's great!
I have an electric blanket and it has saved me from a high light bill. I also brought a thick winter robe from Walmart as well as winter pajamas. My food cost is $360 for one person. I’m still trying to reduce the cost.
Do you have some space to grow food ? That has saved us tons of money growing our own veggies and some fruit. And I freeze the extras to use throughout the year 😊
Look into intermittent fasting. It saves money, and is super healthy for your body.
Per week or per month?
@@romancetips365 per month
@@cjhoward409 I grew some mint. I will definitely try growing other food items.
I save money by diluting nearly every liquid as soon as I get home. Fruit juice, salad dressings, sour cream, yogurt, milk all get diluted. I also dilute laundry detergent, hand soap, shampoo, dishwashing liquid, cleaning fluids, etc...everything lasts twice as long and I don't use more since these items tend to be highly concentrated anyway.
Excellent idea. Thank you.
I don’t dilute food but I have been diluting for years my dawn liquid dishwashing , I even use it for foamy hand soap,cleaning products & laundry detergent.
I do the same thing!! Juice is too sweet anyway. Soap an fabric softener as well as shampoo and hand cream should be diluted. Most of it at least 1/4 of product stays in the bottle. Whole milk as well. If u r not picky you won't feel or taste the difference. Try it once u will like it.
I like that you have practical advice. Sinking funds for things like car repairs/maintenance really was a turning point for me as a lower wage earner who is also a single parent. It's really interesting how a little bit of money adds up and allows you to have an emergency fund, a fund to pay for quarterly or annual expenses without feeling gutted. Before implementing this if anything came up I was desperate and robbing Peter to pay Paul.
Absolutely. I use sinking funds for my two annual tax payments, for my insurances, and for glasses. Small monthly captures in my budget for gas, household needs are very helpful too.
My wife thinks that that the word budget is obscene. Otherwise she is a great mother and wife. Fortunately I still have been able to keep us living within our means. I believe that it is best to have six months of bare bone living expenses just in case of an emergency. My wife agrees with me on this issue.
😢 ask her if she wants to be homeless if u loose ur job.😅😂😂😂😂
My husband is like this.
Instead of budget I use the phrase money plan. It's more positive and implies abundance.
Number ONE should be create a budget!
You are right - although these were in no particular order 😊
For Christmas, I gifted my dad an electric blanket and a really nice beanie. He is always cold, and Mom is always hot. It's always Thermostat Wars at their house... lol. Hoping his gifts can keep him warm without sending Mom over the edge. Lol!!
I live on a pension in Canada, 22k...including gov. rebates, gst, climate rebates, etc. I live in the sticks and I have good rent. can pay my cc's and utilities and have money left over. Drive old car, 93 caddy. insurance is expensive but no car payments, reliable car. Best of all no medical bills, universal healthcare pays for it all.
I buy down comforters at thrift/resale stores, take them straight to a laundromat, wash with hot water, soap and a little bleach. Line dry in the sun (if possible, otherwise inside line for a day), then tumble dry on low til fluffy.
So incredibly light & warm. I have given many away after cleaning and they are always appreciated. They last for many years.
I put a blanket on my bed, on the top sheet,it gives more warmth. I also used,a heating pad to warm the bed.Love your ideas. We got rid of our extra car,that was taking up space in our garage,I couldn't get in it very well,so we will save that money.
I really need all the frugal living advice I can get. Keep it coming!
I’m really looking forward to that video on work for older women. I especially need work-from-home info. I’m disabled.
Hello Gina how are you doing
We use nightlights in the evening and try to leave as much lights off as possible. With the heat being on we have to sit in the dark most of the time. That's o.k. though we go to bed early and get up early.
We have a few of those night lights too - they come on in the dark and go off when the sun comes out. I think we may need one in the kitchen!
Hello Cathy how are you
I live in a small village. I also live on $1K a month. I sold my car and bought an e-bike (I’m 70 and need a little help with hills).
When I was actually poor( as opposed to just struggling now); I had my monthly groceries in a spreadsheet for budgeting. At the two stores I got most of our food at I had an entry for “crap” do we could either get extra of something or an impulse buy.
I don’t really find anything that fits that catagory at those stores now so now every pay day I allow myself $30 online for silly things.
I've met seniors who get $6022.00 per year and they struggle decided to half the meds between them, I am so disturbed by this is how they live. They're going to food banks but most canned food is high sodium, I wish I could help.
For gasoline ⛽️ use grocery store points that reward you at their own gas stations. I routinely get $1 off per gallon just from shopping at Meijer or Kroger groceries in Indiana.
@@princessbabibear4794 I use Costco gas which is OK. I have never had an issue with my vehicle. My 2014 MKZ hybrid has only needed normal oil changes & new tires since I purchased it. TBH - I do know that the best gasoline formula is Chevron - & best oil is Valvoline semi-synthetic. I am not low income - but I have lived frugally my whole life. Why waste money?
I’ve found that marathon’s gas is 10 cents cheaper than the grocery stores has even with points. 🤷🏼♀️
@@princessbabibear4794our 2017 Honda Civic gets different gas. But mainly from our local Marathon station. No issues
Our stores have been running turkey sales the past couple weeks. Giant Eagle had turkeys this week limit of 1 but it was 47 cents a pound. Krogers has had turkeys 49 cents a pound with a $25 purchase. I planned out my grocery spending, Giant Eagle today I got a turkey that cost $8, Krogers last week I got a turkey for $6 and Krogers this week my turkey was $9. I am thawing the last 2 out now and will boil them in a large pot ( my older pressure canner) debone and freeze the meat in to single serving trays. I am blessed to have 3 deep freezers so I stock up on meats when they are on sale like that and will have plenty of meat for awhile. Anna In Ohio
I like to can up on sale meats as well for quick meals it's cheaper to can your own on sale meat, than buying it already canned up for you. I cannot believe the price of canned meat. Major rip off in my opinion. I wish we could get and extra turkey to can turkey and broth, and make and can bone broth out of. I like to do broth meat and veggies too for pot pies, or biscuit bake or quick soup or stew.
Here is a You Tube video on how to cut up a boneless pork top loin -- ruclips.net/video/8lM5h2TJm_0/видео.html
Exactly what I did! ❤❤❤😂🔥🔥🔥☺️
There’s no way I can live on $14,000 yearly. Our rent is nearly $3,000 per month for a two bedroom! We have the greediest landlord in the world, who raised our rent by 40% last year!!!! I’ve tried to move, but as a single mom and with my student loan, no one will accept us with a low credit score that is the direct result of having an unpaid balance on a student loan! Plus, I can only find a job as a substitute teacher here in OC (I was born and raised here, but have also lived in Northern California, Utah, and Montana.) even though I do have 10 years experience teaching various grade levels in my own classrooms!!!
It’s a crazy life! 😝
Have you tried to get a student loan payment basiced on your income?
That's why I bought a house. It was a fixer upper and people balk, but I can't afford double or triple for a TRAILER or APARTMENT
house and apartment prices are INSANE !! my 26 year old son just moved back home with me & my husband cause he couldn't afford the 1,000.00 a month 1 bedroom apartment anymore and he has a full time job, no kids and no car payment and still couldn't save money for a house of his own and eat at the same time. I feel so bad for the 18-30 year old people who struggle to achieve " the American dream"
@@lauramarzen7081 Yes, I really do worry about my teenagers! What will they do in less than 10 years when they are in your son’s position??! One of them has been told by his middle school math teacher that he has the kind of brain that engineers have, so thinking he’ll pursue being an engineer, that gives me some hope!
Apply for apartments or houses that go by your income
Just a FYI...the Affordable Care Act must be renewed by Congress in January for it to continue. I received a notice from my internet provider to let me know that the $30 a month discount would not continue as of January 1st. Congress would need to approve the new budget and then everyone would need to reapply for that discount. Just thought I would let you know.
It's the Affordable Connectivity Act
@@bluebee5266Thanks for that clarification. I was going Huh?!!! What did I miss?
The Affordable Connectivity Act is no longer available. It expired on April 30, 2024 & no longer available. I saw this on AARP website.
You didn't mention one device I use to save electricity--its called a kill-a-watt. It reduces the electricity down by 40-50% from the outlets you use. It is a plug in device but it reduced our electric bill by a LOT. I used to have power bills over $300 but now, I only have power bills no more than $180. That is a great savings in my book.
I just saw an add for that. It really works ??? I’m very skeptical
@@cjhoward409 Yes, it really works. Its grey in color and has a black looking middle with green dots. Our electric bill used to be over $480 in winter. Now we pay $159-170 at most.
Where do u get it?
Under the Median uses this and has done review video.
My vehicle is my freedom.
I live on 8k a year, but I have a mom that helps by driving me to places (I still pay for the gas though)
I earn around 723 euros a month, I'm on "retirement" until I'm well enough to go back to school (I'm 20 and live with 3 dogs)
Out of the ~700 euros, 350 goes for rent, around 125 goes for electricity bill, and every 2-4 months I buy my dogs new kibble bags, which are ~150. (And I can't change the kibble to a more cheap one, since I have "trouble" dogs that lose weight in a heartbeat and they're allergic to everything under the sun lol)
Great tips!!
Enjoy your channel. I’m still working, but at 64 who knows what the future holds. I’m actually not a shopper / spender. Husband is …Definitely some good advice.
After my whole grain toast, fresh, organic fruit and great coffee every morning, I enjoy one other delicious, nutritious meal each day.
Wish I could get into that mindset - but my stomach pushes back.
I wish! My rent alone is 28,000/yr. I’m doing research to know more on how to save money and budget wisely
Great points on saving money. I have a budget and go through it often. I have automatic savings. My goal is to pay off my mortgage early. In 8 years I have paid off more than half my 30 year mortgage. I treat myself once a month to lunch out.
You will succeed with the disciplined approach you follow. Remember to balance life as you go. You cannot purchase youth later.
I've been doing that for twenty five years and I'm thriving, debt free, have superior credit, and significant savings because I pay myself first and live simply within my means. It isn't always what you have but how you manage it. Of course, it doesn't hurt that I've also been in the same rural rental for twenty five years and am still only paying six hundred dollars a month because I have a farmer landlord who likes and respects me and thinks I'm the best tenent he could hope for.
And no, I'm not on welfare, foodstamps, or in Section 8 housing.
I have everything I need. Why should I pay $250 for a coat when I can get that exact same coat for $12.99 at Goodwill?
I've also been heavily into barter and trade, and I really recommend people get back into that practice. We all have something to offer someone else. It's easy to trade goods and services amongst each other without exchanging cash.
A little tip. Put $1 in pocket change in a jar every single solitary day without fail & you have $365. cash at the end of the year. Three dollars a day, and you have over $1000!
I love your videos because you give REAL options for people & tell us exactly how to go about it--even providing links. Thanks so much ~
You can pick a hairstyle that doesn't have to be cut every month to keep it looking good or learn how to diy. Hot water is expensive, wash your clothes in cooler water or shower every other day. Just wash the stinky parts with a washcloth on the off days. Instead of buying new clothes look for new ways to wear the clothes you have. Rent movies instead of going to the theater.
Libraries also have movies and audio ebooks to check out for free.
This is genius. A lot of people need this rught now! This inflation is CRAZY.
Food food, find out when shipment some in. Usually that day or even the day before they will put the food on clearance. For weekend farmer markets, go on Sunday evening in the last hour. Many food vendor prefer to sell than to donate or throw out. For cooing basis like onion, garlic, celery, ginger, if you buy from the store, cut off the bottoms and plant in soil pots. These cooking basics grow well in containers and will grow all years. If you don't want to buy pots, cut of the tops of dairy or juice containers and use them as plant pots. They are water proof and don't have chemical lining that can be found in some plant pots.
I've never even thought of the juice containers for planting. Thank you 😊
Great idea!
I have a heated mattress pad and it’s a game changer. It also warms the air. I’ve only turned my room heat on once whereas last year it was on daily this time of year
I got one too but haven't put it on my bed yet. But using an electric blanked. I also have an electric throw. Going to get that heated mattress pad on my bed SOON.
I started doing no spend months a few times a year to practice mindful purchases only ( fuel and food) and stay away from so much marketing.
For electric/gas bill, check to see if youre state has deregulated energy. A lot of states now let you pick energy suppliers. The bill still comes from your utility company but you can change supplier.
For example, in PA my elec company is peco. My bill shows distribution cost (you cant shop this) and a supplier cost. Peco's rate for supply is .089 per kWh. I found a company with 3 month contract rate at .056. Look for fixed rate, no fee, no cancelation fee plans. Mark the date on your calendar and shop around again when the contract is going to end.
It may seem like a pain, but its really not. Most companies make it easy, just enter your utility company account number and they do everything else, it takes 5 minutes.
Great video Sara!
I joined Food City online. I shop on my phone using the ad circular, then enter the item in my "list". When i do, often a coupon pops up. I download that to my phone and it is automatically deducted from my receipt. I mostly only buy items on sale. I buy milk by the gallon. I save half of that by filling and freezing 8 oz jars. When the remainder of gallon jug is gone, I defrost one jar a day. I live alone but cook once a week for 6 people. I love leftovers for another 5 or 6 days. I buy gas from Food City station for further deductions. I have a 25 year old car and only drive 1500 miles a year. Insurance is $260 for $50,000/$100,000 per 6 months. I wear long underwear, long sleeve t-shirt, sweat shirt and pants (plus knee high socks), and a sweater in the winter. I keep the thermostat at 65 degrees all winter.. In summer I have window ac's in every room. I only cool the room I am in at the time, normally the living room. I keep the blinds and curtains open in the winter to let the sun in. Summer is closed blinds and curtains to keep the sun out.
Right now I’m living on about $16.8k but I’ve lived on half that or less before. To me this seems very “comfortable.” Lol. Income could change and go up but I can’t rely on that for sure. No debt and not so terrible overhead. What I do wonder about is how to have any kind of nest egg at all for retirement. Although I do know that it can all come out in the wash really. Making more means spending more. (The cost to make money etc). Making less can also mean spending less (and lower overhead). And I’ve never really had even a reliable thing at all before so getting even a bit of SSA every single month like clockwork would be a huge contribution to making ends meet (I’m about 7 years away from 62). Add a little part time side hustle and I might be making more than I do now anyways. (Or similar). Lol. And maybe with less overhead to boot. So I guess I’m trying to be careful but I’m not mega worried about it. If you’re used to being “poor” you have a lot less “adjusting” to do when that time comes. Lol.
Yes, but when you get older you get less physically able. Even 10 dollars or pounds put away each week or month in a high interest bank account will add up and the compounding of that money will give you a cushion for when you can no longer do side hustles and,say, something needs repairing or you might need monies for going into hospital. In the UK treatment might be free but things such as transport to get there are not. 10 dollars or pounds per month = 120 per year. Over 10 years = 1200. Not much but at least something in today's world. I agree tho, once you've been poor, you remember how to do it!
@@lynnoorman2144 Ya for sure. Great advice. Just trying to keep my mind in a good place Bcuz freaking out about it (or getting depressed over it) won’t help. Def would like to live close to medical amenities, have less stuff and Sq footage to care for, a reliable economy car and for me here in the US, add on Medicare Part B to the free med coverage. They have a lot more in place health wise seems like for people here 65 and older. And also depends on what state/city you live in. Some places are better than others. The state I want to move to (and downsize in) they say is pretty good in that respect. It will be better than what I have now….which is nothing for health insurance or med coverage. And hopefully my adult son and future wife will stick around also for things like occasional rides and emergencies. (But I can’t bank on that exactly lol).
So far so good tho for not being a big high earner. I just hope I can keep my pretty good health up. And def I don’t plan on the side hustle being too strenuous either. Lol. Idk how many times life wants to play Russian Roulette with me, but I guess at least I can say that it’s not exactly a new thing for me. Seems like sometimes you just gotta pray for an empty chamber and trust God just a little bit. (Well I know that’s what I’d be doing anyways). Nobody can really do better than their best, so I guess that just has to be good enough for now and just hope for a little grace added to the mix. If this absurd real estate market would ever cooperate anymore, maybe I actually could have a little nest egg and get me some decent health insurance from house proceeds overage. Fingers crossed anyways. I want to dump this dinosaur house and go as small as I possibly can. Like maybe one step above tiny home size. Little cottage or cabin or such. Smaller home means smaller expense and repairs and cleaning all the way around. And I wonder why in the world a single lady would need 3+ bedrooms and 2+ baths. I know I don’t need all that anymore. lol. Well I need a little something for the cats, but that’s about it tho. Lol.
Thanks so much for the reminders!
I had been looking for a good video to talk about budgeting with a low income and this was super helpful thank you so much!!!!🎉❤
We live in a city where public transportation is a joke, and really not feasible for 95% of the population…and it’s a big city, so you have to have a car. We budgeted for a new car for me last year, (yes, the worst year ever to buy a car…but my car was 12 years old and starting to have some problems.) I chose a hybrid, and it was not much more than the gas version…and my RAV4 now gets 45mpg. I had a 12 yo Ford Escape and it got 23/27 and it is a major change in how much we spend on gas. We also always get gas at Costco (the membership will pay for itself when gas is .30 less a gallon.) For food, we stock up on things that are on sale for every holiday, and use Aldi for produce and canned goods at other times (also Trader Joe’s has a lot of inexpensive items as well.) We invested in a stand up freezer at the scratch and dent outlet at a major retailer (the scratch is on the side against the wall) to save $300 on it. Now we can stock up on meat and other items to freeze when there are good sales. We use a vacuum sealer my husband found at a thrift store to keep everything from getting freezer burn, works fantastically. Use those digital coupons if your grocery store has an app!!!
Yes most food pantries are drive through too!
Excellent video👍🏾
I’m going to try this. Love 💕 and Hugs. ❤❤❤
Fantastic tips, thank you
Thank you very much. I live in California and we have great food banks that give out really good food. Also I don’t own a car. Funny thing is, I honestly do not mind not having a car. I use the public trains or a cheap special transportation service for people with mobility issues
That’s great for those living in cities and densely populated areas. We live 15 miles outside of our little country town of 2,000 folks. We need vehicles 😅
That is actually pretty much how much I live on (had to convert into my currency, and yes) and I find myself nodding to all of those tips because I already do them, except for maybe one, the ask for discounts part because where I live I dont think it is possible the same way as in the US. So great tips! Next year my goal is to reduce my grocery cost a little bit, and I plan on doing so by regularly using up what I have before I buy new/more, plus actually meal plan, which I havent been very good at before.
Great tips!
It's better to Budget. It's like telling your money where to go. then to wonder later where it all went.
Yes!! Everyone should have a budget! No matter what your income 🙂
Love this. Because by having a budget, it informs you, and gives options to make conscious decisions here and there. It empowers you as a conduit for active money management!
Love all these tips and the tips in the comments
Stay off amazon and away from malls.
I live so remotely that Amazon Prime membership actually pays for itself. Otherwise I would have gotten rid of it. Now, to be better about buying just the necessities! 😂😂😂
this is genuinely good advice, thank you!
I live in a studio apartment and I recently found a plug in heater, at Goodwill, for $5. I have kept my heat off entirely this winter and only use plug in heater, when I'm feeling cold......and my electricity bill has been only $55-$67 dollars, the last 2 months. I plan on only using my portable heater, from now on, during the winter months. And only using ceiling fans and plug in fans from now on, during the summer months.
Here is what is different from my generation and now. I had my first bank account at 6 years old..I started saving for my retirement at 15 years old... at 60 years old I have 2 houses worth $450,000 and $900,000 in Savings all from a Military salary. You don't need a Harvard Degree to figure out the more time you have to save then the more you can save. From the time I had my first paper route I was saving money and I bought my first house at 19 years old. Im retired from being frugal because I was frugal for the first 50 years of my life...
Good for you. Wish I had had the knowledge and wisdom to do that. 👍❤️
In addition to being sure all lights are LED you can put motion activated lights in rooms or areas where you find you forget to turn the lights off when you leave. Of course it's cheaper to just remember and develop the habit but if that's hard to do motion activation or an occupancy sensor is fairly inexpensive. I have a closet that has those puck lights but they are also motion activated so you don't run the batteries down if you forget to turn them off. You can also get very inexpensive power strips that will turn off items not in use.
Thanks to the affordable care act i was able to get free cell phone service - still going thank goodness! Being self employed and dont know what your income is from week to week; it’s really tough to make ends meet. Thanks for the tips; some were very helpful
Thank you is worthy listening to the video ❤
This is good info. Most videos are for people who make a lot more money.
Very good information
Great job Sarah ❤❤❤😮😮😮😊😊😊
Thanks so much!! 😊
The Affordable Care Act has been abolished. So much for help
To suggest selling your car is ridiculous. Ive made cuts. My car is not on the list. There are life occurrences, emergencies, dr appointments, etc. Depending on others all the time is not wise.
No amount is too small, ok Sara I will try. I just tallied monthly cost. Well communication, utilities, life ins, amount monthly for car ins & hse. I need to count on groceries…..many thanks, waving to you from Michigan. I am going to watch again……I forgot to factor in medication expense. More difficult because some are 90 day supply, filled at different times. And doc office call, which will be more $$$ starting in Jan because copay not met. You’ve started me thinking. Thanks thanks
Do you have minor children or a spouse that depends on you? If not, you don't need life insurance. If you do, make sure you are buying term life insurance for as big a term as you can, not whole life insurance, which can be a rip off...as it costs much more.
Also, you can request pharmacy put all your meds on same day refill. Example: all 30 days fill 15th of month and all 90 days fill 15th of 3rd month. It takes a while to get it organized however its so much easier in the long term.
EDIT: Yes, software does this, all computer software does this. Do not accept this excuse.
I got notified by my cable/internet company 2 months ago telling me the Affordable Care Act has ended so I'm paying full price as of this May.
Great advice for the most part, but tbh, I never liked the idea of haggling (particularly with small businesses owners) without the caveat that no means no… everyone’s trying to make a living here.
My yearly bills are 5,700.00. Not including food or gas because that varies. Those are utilities, insurance, cell phone. Yes, I have cut 😊
no rent?
You right
Call your local 211 for resources. They helped me alot!
Also, for Renters, consider apartments/homes that go by your income. These days we have to put our prides to a side!
We use food banks
Ciao Sarah,ti seguo dall 'Italia proponi sempre argomenti interessanti 😊
Grazie mille 🥰
I definitely need to budget my food cost
Clever❤
❤❤❤ Auto-savings great idea amongst many wonderful ideas ❤❤❤
My daughter makes 20 hour as oto tech...hearing..She has a high insurance deductable and is still paying on that while starting all over..She sees specialist so adds up..I dont know what else she can cut honestly.Its a trap every year.
Can’t wait to say I’m debt free👏
I live on $1100 a month, I cut everything to the bare bones n having a budget let's me see where everything is going n how much I can save. I have managed to save almost $4000 since starting this last July. My problem now is I'm a diabetic, n my Dr wants to start me on a new med, I have Medicare n they only will help with generic meds, so these new meds are going anywhere from $200-400 a month I can't afford that. I tried going directly to the manufacture but they won't help because I have Medicare
Prescription savings card?Good Rx?
We have a friend on Medicare and his doctor put him on Farxiga, and he can find no help for it . At 300.00 a month, it is taking a toll on his budget.
@@melissavazquez2953 Good RX cost are $861 a MONTH it's cheaper with Medicare but like I said it still will cost $361 a month. I tried going to the manufacture but since I have Medicare they won't help. All the new diabetes meds cost so much they all are over $800-1200 a MONTH. How can anyone afford these new meds, just more profits for them while we get sicker. What a racket
Ask your doctor if he will prescribe brand name only, due to adverse reactions. My mother had a couple of meds like that & every couple of months, I did an in-person review with the pharmacy to reset the computerized automatic override of my settings!!
Go keto and reverse your diabetes! Watch Dr. Berg, Jason Fung, Dr. Ken Berry.