In December 2021 I came across your RUclips channel. I listened…and took your advice …. All of it!! In 2022 I saved over $7000 as a result of following your budgeting, tracking and frugal living tips. I still have a mortgage, but I’ve been making extra payments to get it paid off as quickly as possible. I’ve given up the ‘crap’ and truth be told …. I don’t even miss it! ❤
I did a no spend in 2023, I faithfully only purchased necessary consumables as needed. With the increase in utilities, rent, fuel, etc.,I did not actually save any extra money. I also did not acquire any debt buying what I did not need. So, I call it a win.
Old habits are so hard to break..we had a no spend month in January...it's doable..Amazon is not my friend...thank you for sharing your experiences..appreciate you both...
I think we forget just how fortunate we are in the UK compared to other countries. Gratitude goes a long way. My grandmother always said “ It’s not how much you’ve got. It’s what you do with it” 😊
I live by a written budget, I have to due to living on a fixed income...every day balancing bank accounts...not buying "junk", getting the best deals I can on food & stocking a pantry & freezer...wish I had been frugal my whole life...I wasn't but no time like the present to change!
Interesting to hear the inflation is all around the world 😢 We live in America 🇺🇸 ❤ absolutely a fantastic video ❤ We are a Retired Couple and living the life of frugality. We never eat out because its to expensive, homemade cooking, we are grateful for what we have ❤
If you are interested in going out occasionally, here’s an idea. Most restaurants take part in a National Day, National Pancake Day IHOP gives away free a stack of pancakes and then donates to charity for every stack they give away. If you want a coffee or sausage/bacon you pay for that. To save more you can pay using a discounted gift card bought online (10-30% off). Other restaurants do the same thing. I used to get 1 order of meat and I would get a mix of bacon/sausage, I’d eat the bacon and my son would eat the sausage. We would both get ice water with lemon. Our bill would be $3 + tip. Just a thought, 😊
My mom and dad were very frugal. My mom alway brought her lunch, coffee and diet soda (everything bought at a sale price) to work. She had co-workers who never did and complained about never having money or debt. She would just listen as she ate her bag lunch and they ate there bought lunch. She would tell us and shake her head.
I'm one of the ones who already do all that you mentioned. Thank you for acknowledging that there are some people who are not in a position to pull themselves up out of poverty. I live in poverty, but I didn't realize it until you mentioned it once. I didn't grow up in poverty, or live as a working woman in poverty. I had all that I needed, plus excess. I've had some leaner years, but always enough, with extra. I've always been a saver, so it was easy for me to save. And, I've always been grateful, no matter what I had or didn't have. Even now, in poverty, I'm perfectly content. I did my part to be ready for whatever came my way. And it's a good thing because I went through a period of 2 and a half years of having no income at all... and I was able to withstand that due to savings. This was when I first became disabled. My disability itself prevented my being able to get through the application process for disability income... so it took a very long time, and help to get it done. As I said, I did all the things one is supposed to do in order to be prepared. I didn't anticipate the size of medical bills I'd have and I didn't anticipate legal fees. My savings were pretty well wiped out between those two expenses and the lack of income. So now I live on Social Security Disability Income. I'm very thankful for it, even though it leaves me in poverty. Compared to no income at all, this poverty level income is absolutely wonderful!!! And I am SO thankful!! I budget within my means I do year long no-spends now, and have come to love that, because I don't have to spend any time deciding whether to buy this or that: the answer is no, so it's silly to spend time pondering it. That leaves me free to try to figure out how to get rid of all the excess I have, except that I have a hard time doing that, due to the disabilities. Not only am I content with what I have, am thankful I have any income... I'm also downright happy that God knows what I need and gives it to me. I mean that in terms of living in poverty. God knows there's some good in that for me... so He's allowed these circumstances to come to me. He also sends me what I need, sometimes in ways that amaze me! Someone put a basket of clothing by my backdoor once, years and years ago when I'd lost everything I owned. In recent years, various people, through varying amounts, sent me $2250 to help me take care of a major car repair. Someone used to take me shopping and buy all my groceries. None of this was asked for. I simply did not ask for help. God knew to send me people who were of a mind and ability to help, and so they did. It's hard to go from one who does the giving to the one who is the receiver. It's humbling. Maybe God knew I needed more humility...or some at all! He provided circumstances for me to need to be the receiver. I have nothing to reciprocate with to people who help me, except that I can pray for God's blessings to come to them... and I do pray for that. God is All-powerful. He knows what they need, and provides for them as well. I should stop here so this doesn't become a book!!! As always, I love listening to you, and am thankful for all you post!!! ❤😊😄😙 God bless you and Mike for all you do for all of us!!!
Amazingly you are repeating what my Memere was saying to me 55 years ago. She lived through WW1 and the Stock Market crash. the lessons learned were never forgotten. After she arrived in America, her husband developed pleurisy and couldn’t work. They moved to a cabin on friend’s property and she learned to forage in her new country. She bartered sewing skills for what she could and lived in a supportive community. She shared her skills with me and even through the “fat times” I never forgot. I’m retired and have incorporated more of her wisdom into my everyday life. Thank you for sharing your wisdom.
Thank you Jane for your inspirational videos. Last month I paid off my final credit card and paid the of the mortgage 18 months early. We are now debt and mortgage free. We did treat ourselves to a pub lunch but I think we deserved it
I find the largest amount of savings for our family is my ability to cook and bake from scratch, I keep a well stocked pantry with items on sale and I am able to produce a complete meal and dessert 365 days a year. I can only control the electricity and gas to a certain point but I am able to control our food costs.
You’re quite right Jane - ‘there’s nobody out there to help”……….except you and your husband who are doing a great job, so thank you so much for that. 🎉❤
A fun micro savings moment. I have a wonderful coat, that has served me well many years (25! and counting). It remains in remarkably good condition because it was made of the first generation of microfiber for coats - tough yet silky smooth, no pulls, no real wear on it, even though it gets used most of each winter. The color on the plastic buttons wore off. Our local dollar shop had some blue fingernail polish that was very close to the color of the coat. I painted the buttons, then sealed them with another ($) coat of clear nail polish. The buttons look good! I'm sure no one will know except me. * My "gold" expensive door bell ($18 before install) had worn down to bare plastic (Texas heat does this to plastic). Another $1 gold fingernail polish fix. The doorbell actually looks brand new, and I can retouch it up anytime, because fingernail polish will last for years, if kept in the refrigerator (true!).
Jane you are right, no-one is coming to save us but ourselves. Handy tip for you all - when you do a shop in the supermarket , just before you get to the till look in your basket or cart or trolley and take out all the unnecessary items that have popped into your trolley. Also when its on the conveyor belt at the end group all your like minded items together such as meats, veg , juice and also anything that is a treat at the end. This way its easier to look at what you have spent your money on & I bet you will take some of the treats off the belt. It also helps to ask the cashier at the till if they can do a sub total at a certain point if you can so you know without the treats how much you are paying before & after, its an eye opening experience. ❤
I’m in USA and listening for 1st time. Enjoyed the content. I too are fortunate to be debt free, house, car, everything. Not sure how France is but here there is opportunity to purchase 2nd hand goods from thrift shops and private people. My number one rule is buy used whenever possible. So far it has worked very well for me.
I was talking with someone very recently who asked for advice on cutting expenses. However, they didn’t want to get rid of any of their streaming services (more than $100/month), shop at a cheaper store (Aldi has many stores in our area), change their eating habits to less meat, etc. This person didn’t even want to get a library card and check out all the offerings for movies, TV shows, books (including ebooks), etc. You can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make them drink.
I’m keeping a graditute journal. To start everyday counting my Blessings. They are the things mentioned in your video. My husband passed july 4:2020. Every day I thank God he isn’t suffering. Also he left this world “debt free”. Thank you for the reminder: how blessed many of us are 🙏😇❤️ God Bless you🙏
Best thing I ever did was a few years ago I cancelled my gym membership. Then for the same amount as one years membership, I bought a treadmill, an exercise bike, a yoga mat and some hand weights. So now I exercise at home for free. And no gas for the car to drive to the gym! Especially important here in Canada with all the cold and snow we have had recently.
Not feeling so hot today, but still prepared Mac and cheese for my son and husband. They love it and it’s quickly prepared. Yes we are incredibly fortunate. Appreciation goes a long way.
Thank you for your valuable insight into budgeting. My husband and I are pensioners in Australia. We also are now thankfully debt free but rising costs were harsh on my budget last year and we had to dip into our savings. We had a hefty vet bill an unexpected repair to our home and increased inflation. This year I budgeted extra for health home vehicles insurance as that is where costs have skyrocketed. We live on $115 Australian which is par to 70 euro for all groceries etc per week. My husband is a carnivore and meat is expensive but I manage shopping wisely. We grow certain vegetables i pickle jam bottle any produce we have here. We live on an acre so we have some room but are no longer young. I am a quilter too and enjoyed your insight into sewing tips. We practice being thankful for our blessings 3 children 9 grandchildren a roof over our head and food on our table for ourselves and anyone that comes to our home. Bless you both. Brigitte
Been married 46 years and have been tracking/written budgetting for 46 years. What we neglected to do the first year was track discretionary spending. So for 45 years now, we track all expenditures. It's interesting to see how over the years, discretionary spending has come to a near halt.
Gratitude - great point!!! I have had a tough time financially - no furnace since 2020, no hot water since 2021. I boil water in a kettle or heat it on the stove. I have electricity (expensive, but a wonderful convenience) and so I can stay warm. I can still wash, with a bit more effort. I have a home. I have food. I can cook. I sleep in a bed. I feel pretty content and look forward to the day that I can improve the situation. It has actually given me a greater heart for the homeless, destitute and those who are in war-torn nations. To be honest, I feel so rich that I'd prefer to share the money that I have and do without for a little longer.
You asked us to write what we are doing now to NOT go broke as frugal people. Here goes: We don't have many streaming apps. We have one right now, but will cancel it this month. We don't eat out more than once a month. We cook at home 200% more than we did before we formed our Frugal lifestyle. We downsized to a smaller condo with condo fees that are less than 1/3 of our previous fees. We sold our second car and now use only one car. We shop at discount grocery stores, tracking all purchases and prices. We write down every expense in our Excel budget program. We save money every month. That goes into our savings first. We contribute monthly amounts to sinking funds now to fund quarterly /annual expenses . These come out of our account second. Then we pay bills. We Track all expenses. This has made everything possible. We don't compare ourselves to others anymore. We are happier, more secure and more optimistic. Being frugal rocks. Wish we had started with this mindset long ago.
Last year i was ill and lost track of the finances. We are getting back on track now. Ive been through the bank statement and just on buying crap from the local shops (fizzy drinks, wine and random rubbish) we were spending over £500.00 a month !!! You dont notice or realise how silly mindless spending here and there is literally making you poor! No more ! I go to the supermarket once a week and if i dont get it there we dont buy anything else. No more takeaways, no more frivilous spending. Packed lunches on days out the lot! We are not going to live like this anymore ! Thank you Jane your harsh truths are needed by many. Already this month we've spend nearly zero on unnecessary things. Im ready to make this year the year we get on top and not go broke !!! ❤
I’m working on being debt free by the end of the year…. It won’t be easy but as they say, being in debt is hard, clearing debt is hard…. Pick your hard, I pick debt freedom, another great video x
Yes we are very fortunate and don't always appreciate the life we have. I have a disabled daughter who is recently divorced from an abusive man, and watching her struggle in poverty is heartbreaking. We help her financially when we can and she very much appreciates it. She is living very frugally and is managing to put money in the savings even though she is on a fixed income in the poverty level. She's one of the lucky ones, since there are so many who can't change their situations. We went from extreme debt to money in the bank and finally living comfortably. Yet we still budget, cook all meals at home, plan trips to the store and errands to save on fuel, stay home as much as possible and find inexpensive things to do for enjoyment. This is a harsh video, but one that needs to be said periodically to wake up and get better at what we do, or for those novices looking for info on how to live frugally. Great message.
Message was on point. No one is coming to save you - it’s down to you. Retirement investments and savings my priority. House paid off ten years early, no debt or credit cards.. Now to shave my budget even further to up my pension contributions again. This is some of the best content I’ve seen.
You are sooo right about macro changes making the biggest difference. "Stop worrying about stock cubes, and start worrying about saving to your pension." Sooo true.
I completely agree with everything you said. My biggest issue is people complaining or moaning that they are supposedly struggling for money, BUT still paying that pack of 20 cigs per day or that 4 cans of larger every night, those things are cheap. It's was always I can't feed my kids I have no money. But hey I can always find money for cigs and booze. Personal experience.. Both my parents pleaded poverty. But always went to the pub every night also Both had a pack of 20, every day..plus they are even more expensive now. Don't plead poverty and waste resources for people who actually need it. When you still watching cable or got the latest gadgets..
Turning 59 in February and I’m becoming more aware of both time passing and not wasting anything as you are very correct in saying “no one is coming to help”. Also becoming very aware of all my unnecessary purchases over the years and deeply regret buying too many clothes, shoes and “stuff”. I really didn’t need so much and could have made do. I wish I had understood age 19 when I started my first job that “ no one is coming to help” and managed things better for when I was turning 59.
We are doing a low spend 6 months combined with a pantry challenge this month. There was already a booked ski trip next month for me and the kids from last year, so a no spend isn't possible. BUT. Once my mom flew home from her month long visit for the holidays, I have not been to the grocery store once and today completes day 12 of the pantry challenge. This is huge for me. There are weeks we go to the shops 5 times. Food is getting rotated in the pantry and the freezer has some space freed up for a change. I am keeping very close track of spending and focussing on saving. All subscriptions but my kindle have been cancelled or paused for the time being also. Always appreciate your tips.
My husband and I are going through a no spend January. So far we have around a thousand dollars. It was tough at first but it then got better. The snow storm outside has kept us from spending because we cannot go anywhere. The weather has been very helpful.
We live in the US, we switched phone providers from a nationwide expensive provider to a prepaid one. It's savings us around $70/ month. And we cut out subscription services. Yes it is making a difference. I've been putting a little into savings and to the mortgage payment each month.
Great video 🎉 please anyone who watches this take on board the things Jane Says. We were ticking along just on the edge and then within 24 hours my husband was in a critical care bed and unable to work for 3 months. We are now broke (again) everyone thinks it won’t happen to them and although we can pretend things around the world won’t have an impact, things can happen in your own life that you are not prepared for xxx
Fantastic video! I needed to hear this again. I budget and track all my spending and even carry a little calendar with me daily to record any transaction. I will be doing a bare bones budget in February because all employees at my workplace are laid off at the end of January. Our business is closing. My priorities have changed the past 2 weeks. I'm thinking of this as a personal challenge for myself once again.
finally sat down and reviewed income vs expenses. whoa! such an eye-opener! So many lazy transactions! much easier to stop myself making dumb purchases. I’m much more mindful now. ❤ love your channel, thanks for the sage advice. 😊
Thank you for this inspirational post. We have stopped buying clothes, extras for house, and just plain unnecessary crap!! Making do with everything we have plus using things up and not replacing most. We are incredibly lucky to have what we have because we are frugal. Many don't. I've picked a word for this year and it is Grateful. We've always been grateful but saying it now everyday really puts it in the right place. I'm grateful for you and Mike also. ❤
Love this. Please consider a longer video every now and then. I like to listen to you while I do my housework, so 30 minutes to an hour would be fantastic. I treat it like a podcast. 😊
Thank you for appreciating the plight of those of us in our eighties. Budget is limited but, hey, we have had more years to get smart about our living and savings habits. Each year we can confront at least one budget item and ind ways of winnowing it down to its bare bones. This year, I am getting evan more serious about the electric usage and Christmas gifts. I approach it like a class I would teach with a research approach and I think I will make progress. And, really see if I can sew some nice gifts for my family and buy used books in excellent condition with personalized bookmarks. I want to be more than talk and we shall see how I do Hmmmmmmmmm. Thank you for your honest confrontation. We are tough and we can take it!
It strikes me that managing money and living a productive lifestyle should be taught if not a home, at least at school. People really need an understanding of these things before they get out in the world and wind up learning that hard way once they run themselves into debt. 😺
I feel very, fortunate, we are a by choice one income couple, only debt is our mortgage, which way are working hard in to pay off quicker. We have made so many changes, in September we sold our car and either walk or use public transport to get around, no TV licence, we just watch DVDs. We buy as much supermarket savers range as we can or shops home brand, meal plan & apart from the odd treat which is usually something that has a yellow sticker on it, everything is made at home. We are home birds so not bothered about going out. I have had a budget book for many years, this month though I have tracked spending, which has been an eye opener, so will be looking at cutting things out or back next month. I am saving for my daughters wedding as well as putting a little money away each month. Our gas we pay a monthly bill which in winter in the past has never been above £70, plenty of layers and electric we have a battery which charges on a cheap rate night tariff and we use during the day, that is less than £50 a month. We love your videos and take on anything that we feel we can do and what will work for us. Thank you so much for all you do ❤❤❤
The saddest thing is that children are being taught about personal finance in schools but with materials provided by banks. Therefore they are being taught to manage debt but not to avoid debt like the plague it is. Our children are encouraged to use plastic and frictionless payment methods that entice people to spend more. The banks are preying on our young folk and parents need to explain that there are better ways with money.
@@vivr662 It makes me feel sorry for young people or anyone who didn't have the opportunity to learn about money management and a responsible lifestyle. One young married couple I know of bought new furniture on credit and didn't have to even start paying on it for a year or two. By the time they had to start paying the bills, the furniture was used to the point of wearing out, but they still had to pay for it. They were very discouraged. 🙁 People need to know that they aren't necessarily going to start out living like the rich and famous as soon as they get their first job and they need to spend their money wisely.
Hi have you read the dressmakers of Auschwitz, by Lucy Adlington ? Fascinating read especially for a sewer. And it made me realise how very incredibly rich I am , feeling sorry for myself with flu , I became extremely grateful for my paracetamol, warm covers and hot drinks . Your so right , practice gratitude for our basics !
I’ve been debt free for years and worked rigorously to do that, as you well know what that’s like. For the first time in those years I’m stressed about my finances because of increasing prices of everything. I do everything imaginable, sacrificing most comforts like electricity, food, housing where there is no low income housing available, to be frugal. Even though I’m not fully able to go to work, I have to consider that, or just not celebrate anything, such as holidays and birthdays for children and grandchildren, or do anything outside paying for living expenses. Thanks for understanding.
I try to make as much as I can from scratch. We also tore out our lawn and put in a huge vegetable garden a year ago. Our household has been under the weather, so I bought a few convenience items this week: canned enchilada sauce and bakery bread. I spent $62.08 and live in Northern California. This experience just reminds me of how important it is to be frugal! Items I bought: 1 gallon milk, two coffee creamers, 2 8 oz packets of cheese, 3 cans sauce, 2 loves of bakery bread, 1 package of spray oil, and a cup worth of cherry tomatoes. Insanity.
I do everything u said, budget, meal plan, I don't eat out, my electric bill went up over $20 dollars this month even though my usage went down 36% from this time last yr. It used to be between $15-20 a month in the winter, because I never turned my electric heat on. We had our Nuclear Plant finally come online after 12 yrs behind schedule, n it raised our electric bill almost 50%, We went from having some of the lowest KW prices in the US, to now being in the top 5 for the highest in the US, n NO body is happy about it
Such a great advices . Straight and to the point. Well done. I have started my frugality Journey and I'm trilled how much I can Save. I really take your words "nobody is going to help you"
I subscribed half way through this video. I’ve watched you on and off for a while but your realistic recognition of how rich we are just by looking around us, being grateful for what we have, that’s what made me decide to hit the sub button. Thank you. Ps, I probably don’t even need to watch your channel, I’m already very good at budgeting and live a frugal lifestyle 🤣
Hi Jane and Mike. Yes, surprising how the cost of small things can mount up. I have a system going now which works really well for me and I know where I'm up to with my outgoings at all times. I too used to see people at work buying lunches and coffees everyday and wonder how they did it. I would then hear these same people complaining that they had no money. 🤷 Thanks again to you both for sharing this video. 🤗
I love how you acknowledge those who are unable to make improvement in their state. There are many who can't. Far too many will not acknowledge that and some are downright rude, mean.
My husband and I are now doing all of these things, and it is helping us pay off our debts! When we don't spend on the less important things, we find we actually have lots more money than we did before. We never have to worry about being able to pay all of our bills. Things are still tight, but there is a light at the end of the tunnel for our debt! Thanks for helping us get to this place!
Thanks Jane and Mike - Everyone is doing it hard these days, but it is empowering to have control over your own finances. Often people manage better with less as it takes a lot of thought, planning and creativity to manage what you have.
>streaming services People are hemorrhaging money with those, mainly because they just keep a bunch of subscriptions for ever and ever. I like to get a one-month-pass (=subscribe and cancel right away) for something every now and then when I have a week off from work and there is a promotional offer (there is almost always one for returning customers ;) ). Then I get to binge-watch on the series(es), and watch all the documentaries and specials they added since the last time I had a subscription with them for less than the price of a regular movie ticket.
Excellent video again Jane. I have been feeling like things are happening to me that are out of my control, because they are. We have been able to absorb the additional expenses and inflation without going into debt. I'm pretty good at the budgeting bit but I need to know I am not alone in these extraordinarily times. Your video's provide a sense of community in this tough time and help me keep my head on straight. We really are blessed. Thanks so much for that.
You are certainly not alone. Many are in this boat. My income is below the " poverty line" income set by the government. I am not poor. I have more money available than when I was working. My needs are few and I am quite comfortable. Best wishes! Oh by the way I have tithed for decades and God supplies all.
Excellent!! Thank you for being blunt. You are totally on target!! We never go out for coffee when we are home. We keep that as a special treat for when we travel. We love making coffee at home. Not going to Starbucks once a week with my husband saves at minimum about $600 per year. 😁👍🏼
I hear you! We have been focused on house hold resiliency for about a decade now and sleep better for it. I love the honest message that you have delivered- we have to all up our game to save money but definitely be grateful for all that we have. I'm up early tomorrow to make more tomatoe relish. This is $8 for 700ml jar in NZ and I can make it for $2- it's a bit of faffing about but feels so worth it!
Your videos are a breath of fresh air. We are very like-minded. We do just about all the principles you talk about and have for over 30 years, but I am always trying to learn something new and hone my frugal skills. One thing we would not have thought to do pre-retirement until it was rather forced upon us by an unfortunate incident with a patch of ice was to only have one vehicle. Is it always convenient or easy? No! Is it worth it? Yes! You are so right that most of us need to have more of an attitude of gratitude because we have more than 95% of the rest of the world if we do not live in a third world country. Looking forward to seeing more of your videos in 2024.
This was a fantastic video and very timely! Just this week I cancelled all of my streaming services saving around $80 per month, I have started doing the grocery shopping online so extras can’t sneak into my trolley. I have a small amount of money on hand for miscellaneous items so I can’t go overboard. I will be watching your budget video shortly as I don’t have a written monthly budget and am looking forward to making one.
Thank you for your supportive advice. My husband and I are saving every month. We have cut out unnecessary expenses. We have a mortgage but that is the only debt. One of my now grown daughter’s favorite memories was looking at the grocery store sales flyers with me and planning meals when she was a kid. You never know what they will remember. 💜
I especially appreciated how you pointed out that poverty is relative. And that we in the West only THINK we are poor. My dear wife grew up in a poor Latin country with a single mother, worrying about food. My worst memory is my parents not buying me a brand new car in high-school. 😢 Most of us are doing fine.
Great video! I give all my dollars an assignment. I am working on accomplishing two goals, paying off my mortgage by August, and retiring in 5 years. I create a money plan monthly and yearly, making sure I'm saving ( 401k, roth, sinking funds, brokerage account) pay bills and, of course, have money for vacation. It's a tight plan . I purchase all of my household products and personal items at the beginning of the year. Entertainment is done mostly at home. Thanks again for sharing.
Thank you for being brutally honest...something that we really need right now. With all the alternate "truths" floating out there knowing the reality of these inflationary times is what is truly needed. No one is coming to rescue you is the real truth. Being frugal all these past years means I do not have to worry so much now. Thank you for another brilliant video.
I honestly feel for people now who have no experience with frugal living. It's rather a difficult skill to master, especially in a time of sudden, dire need. One thing that helped us not feel deprived over the years was learning how to make really tasty meals inexpensively. Life seems a lot more pleasant when you can sit down to a nice meal, rather than something unappetizing. Cooking is another of the valuable frugal skills, like budgeting, that can take a while to learn, but then makes the entire rest of your life better.
Great message Jane and Mike! We have to look after ourselves and develop the skills and habits to do that. I am thankful I have learned those skills and have no debt as we live on an incredibly small income and manage to thrive while doing so.
I loved the first one. Just remembering that I don’t have to tote water,forage for food or walk miles for medical needs makes me so grateful. Planning on a hot water timer. Don’t know why I never thought of it before but it should save about 30% on monthly electric. In my part of States electric has increased 40% this past year.
Great video 👍. I've been following you for a while and the first year i started 'paying myself first' and having a written zero budget it took me 10 months to save the same amount that it had taken me 5 yrs to pay off in my last debt 😮.....it was such an eye opener! As you say " no one is coming to save you" and as a person living on their own thats particularly poignant.
After a very expensive year of property maintenance in 2023 I need to replenish my emergency and sinking funds in 2024. Having a no spend January as I do every year but intending to do a low spend for the rest of the year or at least until I feel my sinking funds and emergency funds are back to fully funded. At the end of 2023 I moved the surplus money from some of my sinking funds around to kick start the refilling of my emergency and building sinking funds.
I changed the frequency of haircuts since retirement last year from 4 to 5 weeks. Also, changed frequency of pedi/mani from 4 to 6 weeks and cut in between weeks.
As my husband gets closer to retirement the pressure is on to save. I’ve been a budgeter for many years, but I wasn’t raised one 😂. In fact, when my husband and I got married 33 years ago, he questioned why I was getting so many credit card statements in the mail, all carrying a balance. I just thought that’s what normal people did, after all, that’s what my parents did (and still do!). He made me take money we received as wedding gifts to pay them all off. I wasn’t happy, but am thankful that we’ve never had to carry a balance since. With everything getting so much more expensive, and helping our kids through university, we need to crack down. Thank you for all of the helpful tips!
I use hot water bottles, night lights and 1 lamp on in a room. Fewer baths. I was rich but now I budget and look at it as a game how much I can live on less. Even when I do earn more money I will still be frugal now used to it. I walk and listen to the radio and read and content. Odd DVD. My cat is v expensive. Animals are.
![Noob To Max With DRAGON REWORK In Blox Fruits [FULL MOVIE]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/LnBMOinoOvA/mqdefault.jpg)
![Felix "Unfair" | [Stray Kids : SKZ-PLAYER]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/Oswujxm2Ag0/mqdefault.jpg)
In December 2021 I came across your RUclips channel. I listened…and took your advice …. All of it!!
In 2022 I saved over $7000 as a result of following your budgeting, tracking and frugal living tips.
I still have a mortgage, but I’ve been making extra payments to get it paid off as quickly as possible. I’ve given up the ‘crap’ and truth be told …. I don’t even miss it! ❤
Awesome news on the savings
I did a no spend in 2023, I faithfully only purchased necessary consumables as needed. With the increase in utilities, rent, fuel, etc.,I did not actually save any extra money. I also did not acquire any debt buying what I did not need. So, I call it a win.
It's very freeing, isn't it! 👍😚
Old habits are so hard to break..we had a no spend month in January...it's doable..Amazon is not my friend...thank you for sharing your experiences..appreciate you both...
That’s great!
I think we forget just how fortunate we are in the UK compared to other countries. Gratitude goes a long way. My grandmother always said “ It’s not how much you’ve got. It’s what you do with it” 😊
She was right
I live by a written budget, I have to due to living on a fixed income...every day balancing bank accounts...not buying "junk", getting the best deals I can on food & stocking a pantry & freezer...wish I had been frugal my whole life...I wasn't but no time like the present to change!
I have been leaving on a tight budget for the last 6 years and paid my mortgage off on my own 12 years early. Budgeting works!
Congratulations
Interesting to hear the inflation is all around the world 😢
We live in America 🇺🇸 ❤ absolutely a fantastic video ❤
We are a Retired Couple and living the life of frugality.
We never eat out because its to expensive, homemade cooking, we are grateful for what we have ❤
Thanks for watching!
If you are interested in going out occasionally, here’s an idea. Most restaurants take part in a National Day, National Pancake Day IHOP gives away free a stack of pancakes and then donates to charity for every stack they give away. If you want a coffee or sausage/bacon you pay for that.
To save more you can pay using a discounted gift card bought online (10-30% off). Other restaurants do the same thing. I used to get 1 order of meat and I would get a mix of bacon/sausage, I’d eat the bacon and my son would eat the sausage. We would both get ice water with lemon. Our bill would be $3 + tip.
Just a thought, 😊
My mom and dad were very frugal. My mom alway brought her lunch, coffee and diet soda (everything bought at a sale price) to work. She had co-workers who never did and complained about never having money or debt. She would just listen as she ate her bag lunch and they ate there bought lunch. She would tell us and shake her head.
Thank you
I'm one of the ones who already do all that you mentioned. Thank you for acknowledging that there are some people who are not in a position to pull themselves up out of poverty. I live in poverty, but I didn't realize it until you mentioned it once. I didn't grow up in poverty, or live as a working woman in poverty. I had all that I needed, plus excess. I've had some leaner years, but always enough, with extra. I've always been a saver, so it was easy for me to save.
And, I've always been grateful, no matter what I had or didn't have. Even now, in poverty, I'm perfectly content. I did my part to be ready for whatever came my way. And it's a good thing because I went through a period of 2 and a half years of having no income at all... and I was able to withstand that due to savings. This was when I first became disabled. My disability itself prevented my being able to get through the application process for disability income... so it took a very long time, and help to get it done.
As I said, I did all the things one is supposed to do in order to be prepared. I didn't anticipate the size of medical bills I'd have and I didn't anticipate legal fees. My savings were pretty well wiped out between those two expenses and the lack of income. So now I live on Social Security Disability Income. I'm very thankful for it, even though it leaves me in poverty. Compared to no income at all, this poverty level income is absolutely wonderful!!! And I am SO thankful!! I budget within my means I do year long no-spends now, and have come to love that, because I don't have to spend any time deciding whether to buy this or that: the answer is no, so it's silly to spend time pondering it. That leaves me free to try to figure out how to get rid of all the excess I have, except that I have a hard time doing that, due to the disabilities.
Not only am I content with what I have, am thankful I have any income... I'm also downright happy that God knows what I need and gives it to me. I mean that in terms of living in poverty. God knows there's some good in that for me... so He's allowed these circumstances to come to me. He also sends me what I need, sometimes in ways that amaze me! Someone put a basket of clothing by my backdoor once, years and years ago when I'd lost everything I owned. In recent years, various people, through varying amounts, sent me $2250 to help me take care of a major car repair. Someone used to take me shopping and buy all my groceries. None of this was asked for. I simply did not ask for help. God knew to send me people who were of a mind and ability to help, and so they did. It's hard to go from one who does the giving to the one who is the receiver. It's humbling. Maybe God knew I needed more humility...or some at all! He provided circumstances for me to need to be the receiver. I have nothing to reciprocate with to people who help me, except that I can pray for God's blessings to come to them... and I do pray for that. God is All-powerful. He knows what they need, and provides for them as well.
I should stop here so this doesn't become a book!!!
As always, I love listening to you, and am thankful for all you post!!! ❤😊😄😙
God bless you and Mike for all you do for all of us!!!
Thanks for your feedback
You sound a nice person who has go through tough times with god on your side your deserving of every happiness I wish you well
Amazingly you are repeating what my Memere was saying to me 55 years ago. She lived through WW1 and the Stock Market crash. the lessons learned were never forgotten. After she arrived in America, her husband developed pleurisy and couldn’t work. They moved to a cabin on friend’s property and she learned to forage in her new country. She bartered sewing skills for what she could and lived in a supportive community. She shared her skills with me and even through the “fat times” I never forgot. I’m retired and have incorporated more of her wisdom into my everyday life. Thank you for sharing your wisdom.
Inspiring!
Be grateful to God for what He has given us and start off from there.
Thank you Jane for your inspirational videos. Last month I paid off my final credit card and paid the of the mortgage 18 months early. We are now debt and mortgage free. We did treat ourselves to a pub lunch but I think we deserved it
You did indeed!
Well done!!🎉
Way to go, that's fantastic, you did deserve your pub lunch xx
Great job
Mortgage free is definitely a reason to celebrate.
I like your inflation explanation. You’re absolutely right.
Glad you think so!
I was listening to the girls at work talk about how much they spend on their nails and I nearly died!
Ridiculous vanity
I find the largest amount of savings for our family is my ability to cook and bake from scratch, I keep a well stocked pantry with items on sale and I am able to produce a complete meal and dessert 365 days a year. I can only control the electricity and gas to a certain point but I am able to control our food costs.
It's a huge savings Dawn
Love your no nonsense yet empathetic approach in your videos.
I try
I have found, when I need a boost in my "gratitude for all I have"...cleaning my house helps remind me how nice a home it is.
Love that!
You’re quite right Jane - ‘there’s nobody out there to help”……….except you and your husband who are doing a great job, so thank you so much for that. 🎉❤
Thanks so much
A fun micro savings moment. I have a wonderful coat, that has served me well many years (25! and counting). It remains in remarkably good condition because it was made of the first generation of microfiber for coats - tough yet silky smooth, no pulls, no real wear on it, even though it gets used most of each winter. The color on the plastic buttons wore off. Our local dollar shop had some blue fingernail polish that was very close to the color of the coat. I painted the buttons, then sealed them with another ($) coat of clear nail polish. The buttons look good! I'm sure no one will know except me. * My "gold" expensive door bell ($18 before install) had worn down to bare plastic (Texas heat does this to plastic). Another $1 gold fingernail polish fix. The doorbell actually looks brand new, and I can retouch it up anytime, because fingernail polish will last for years, if kept in the refrigerator (true!).
I did the same to coat buttons that were discoloured at the dry cleaner's.
I love that!
Such great tips with the nail polish thank you, I will be trying that 👍😊
Great ideas, thanks!
Jane you are right, no-one is coming to save us but ourselves. Handy tip for you all - when you do a shop in the supermarket , just before you get to the till look in your basket or cart or trolley and take out all the unnecessary items that have popped into your trolley. Also when its on the conveyor belt at the end group all your like minded items together such as meats, veg , juice and also anything that is a treat at the end. This way its easier to look at what you have spent your money on & I bet you will take some of the treats off the belt. It also helps to ask the cashier at the till if they can do a sub total at a certain point if you can so you know without the treats how much you are paying before & after, its an eye opening experience. ❤
Thanks so much
I’m in USA and listening for 1st time. Enjoyed the content. I too are fortunate to be debt free, house, car, everything. Not sure how France is but here there is opportunity to purchase 2nd hand goods from thrift shops and private people. My number one rule is buy used whenever possible. So far it has worked very well for me.
Welcome aboard!
I was talking with someone very recently who asked for advice on cutting expenses. However, they didn’t want to get rid of any of their streaming services (more than $100/month), shop at a cheaper store (Aldi has many stores in our area), change their eating habits to less meat, etc. This person didn’t even want to get a library card and check out all the offerings for movies, TV shows, books (including ebooks), etc. You can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make them drink.
Agreed
I love the "harsh" videos! I track every penny.
Thank you
I’m keeping a graditute journal. To start everyday counting my Blessings. They are the things mentioned in your video. My husband passed july 4:2020. Every day I thank God he isn’t suffering. Also he left this world “debt free”.
Thank you for the reminder: how blessed many of us are 🙏😇❤️
God Bless you🙏
Thanks for watching and I'm sorry for your loss
Best thing I ever did was a few years ago I cancelled my gym membership. Then for the same amount as one years membership, I bought a treadmill, an exercise bike, a yoga mat and some hand weights. So now I exercise at home for free. And no gas for the car to drive to the gym! Especially important here in Canada with all the cold and snow we have had recently.
Love that!
Not feeling so hot today, but still prepared Mac and cheese for my son and husband. They love it and it’s quickly prepared. Yes we are incredibly fortunate. Appreciation goes a long way.
Love it!!
Thank you for your valuable insight into budgeting. My husband and I are pensioners in Australia. We also are now thankfully debt free but rising costs were harsh on my budget last year and we had to dip into our savings. We had a hefty vet bill an unexpected repair to our home and increased inflation. This year I budgeted extra for health home vehicles insurance as that is where costs have skyrocketed. We live on $115 Australian which is par to 70 euro for all groceries etc per week. My husband is a carnivore and meat is expensive but I manage shopping wisely. We grow certain vegetables i pickle jam bottle any produce we have here. We live on an acre so we have some room but are no longer young. I am a quilter too and enjoyed your insight into sewing tips. We practice being thankful for our blessings 3 children 9 grandchildren a roof over our head and food on our table for ourselves and anyone that comes to our home. Bless you both. Brigitte
Thanks for sharing
Been married 46 years and have been tracking/written budgetting for 46 years. What we neglected to do the first year was track discretionary spending. So for 45 years now, we track all expenditures. It's interesting to see how over the years, discretionary spending has come to a near halt.
Little drips sink big ships
@@FrugalQueeninFrance glad my 23 year old self was a quick learner! :)
That’s amazing and great teamwork
Gratitude - great point!!! I have had a tough time financially - no furnace since 2020, no hot water since 2021. I boil water in a kettle or heat it on the stove. I have electricity (expensive, but a wonderful convenience) and so I can stay warm. I can still wash, with a bit more effort. I have a home. I have food. I can cook. I sleep in a bed. I feel pretty content and look forward to the day that I can improve the situation. It has actually given me a greater heart for the homeless, destitute and those who are in war-torn nations. To be honest, I feel so rich that I'd prefer to share the money that I have and do without for a little longer.
Thanks
16:38 even on a pension following your tips and suggestions, we are saving 10% a month.
Impressive frugality right there
You asked us to write what we are doing now to NOT go broke as frugal people. Here goes:
We don't have many streaming apps. We have one right now, but will cancel it this month.
We don't eat out more than once a month.
We cook at home 200% more than we did before we formed our Frugal lifestyle.
We downsized to a smaller condo with condo fees that are less than 1/3 of our previous fees.
We sold our second car and now use only one car.
We shop at discount grocery stores, tracking all purchases and prices.
We write down every expense in our Excel budget program.
We save money every month. That goes into our savings first.
We contribute monthly amounts to sinking funds now to fund quarterly /annual expenses . These come out of our account second. Then we pay bills.
We Track all expenses. This has made everything possible.
We don't compare ourselves to others anymore. We are happier, more secure and more optimistic.
Being frugal rocks. Wish we had started with this mindset long ago.
Brilliant! Thanks for sharing
Last year i was ill and lost track of the finances. We are getting back on track now. Ive been through the bank statement and just on buying crap from the local shops (fizzy drinks, wine and random rubbish) we were spending over £500.00 a month !!! You dont notice or realise how silly mindless spending here and there is literally making you poor! No more ! I go to the supermarket once a week and if i dont get it there we dont buy anything else. No more takeaways, no more frivilous spending. Packed lunches on days out the lot! We are not going to live like this anymore ! Thank you Jane your harsh truths are needed by many. Already this month we've spend nearly zero on unnecessary things. Im ready to make this year the year we get on top and not go broke !!! ❤
Music to my ears
@@FrugalQueeninFrance love your channel ❤️ long live The Frugal Queen
Thank you for the reminder about gratitude.
You are so welcome
I love this type of video! It gets to the heart of my financial struggle. Your words motivate me to stay on track. Thank you Jane and Mike!
You are so welcome!
Learn to love your calculator.
Yes!
I’m working on being debt free by the end of the year…. It won’t be easy but as they say, being in debt is hard, clearing debt is hard…. Pick your hard, I pick debt freedom, another great video x
You can do it!
Yes we are very fortunate and don't always appreciate the life we have. I have a disabled daughter who is recently divorced from an abusive man, and watching her struggle in poverty is heartbreaking. We help her financially when we can and she very much appreciates it. She is living very frugally and is managing to put money in the savings even though she is on a fixed income in the poverty level. She's one of the lucky ones, since there are so many who can't change their situations. We went from extreme debt to money in the bank and finally living comfortably. Yet we still budget, cook all meals at home, plan trips to the store and errands to save on fuel, stay home as much as possible and find inexpensive things to do for enjoyment. This is a harsh video, but one that needs to be said periodically to wake up and get better at what we do, or for those novices looking for info on how to live frugally. Great message.
Thanks Sally
Definitely strongly worded, hopefully to good effect!
Message was on point. No one is coming to save you - it’s down to you. Retirement investments and savings my priority. House paid off ten years early, no debt or credit cards.. Now to shave my budget even further to up my pension contributions again. This is some of the best content I’ve seen.
Thanks Tina
You are sooo right about macro changes making the biggest difference. "Stop worrying about stock cubes, and start worrying about saving to your pension." Sooo true.
Thanks for your feedback
Great reminders! I really appreciated the macro vs micro discussion
Glad it was helpful!
I completely agree with everything you said. My biggest issue is people complaining or moaning that they are supposedly struggling for money, BUT still paying that pack of 20 cigs per day or that 4 cans of larger every night, those things are cheap. It's was always I can't feed my kids I have no money. But hey I can always find money for cigs and booze.
Personal experience.. Both my parents pleaded poverty. But always went to the pub every night also Both had a pack of 20, every day..plus they are even more expensive now.
Don't plead poverty and waste resources for people who actually need it. When you still watching cable or got the latest gadgets..
Well said
An attitude of grateful!! Most definitely. ❤❤❤
Absolutely!!
Turning 59 in February and I’m becoming more aware of both time passing and not wasting anything as you are very correct in saying “no one is coming to help”.
Also becoming very aware of all my unnecessary purchases over the years and deeply regret buying too many clothes, shoes and “stuff”. I really didn’t need so much and could have made do.
I wish I had understood age 19 when I started my first job that “ no one is coming to help” and managed things better for when I was turning 59.
Better late than never
We are doing a low spend 6 months combined with a pantry challenge this month. There was already a booked ski trip next month for me and the kids from last year, so a no spend isn't possible. BUT. Once my mom flew home from her month long visit for the holidays, I have not been to the grocery store once and today completes day 12 of the pantry challenge. This is huge for me. There are weeks we go to the shops 5 times. Food is getting rotated in the pantry and the freezer has some space freed up for a change. I am keeping very close track of spending and focussing on saving. All subscriptions but my kindle have been cancelled or paused for the time being also. Always appreciate your tips.
You're doing great and thank you
My husband and I are going through a no spend January. So far we have around a thousand dollars. It was tough at first but it then got better. The snow storm outside has kept us from spending because we cannot go anywhere. The weather has been very helpful.
Go you! That’s a great saving
Great advice as always Jane. Attitude of gratitude is a good way to go through life!
Thank you
You said it all. Stop buying crap!. 👍
Indeed
Having a no spend January.quilting with fabric,that I have.👍 It's going very well.
Lovely. I just finished a quilt using only what I had
@@FrugalQueeninFrance Love to See it.
We live in the US, we switched phone providers from a nationwide expensive provider to a prepaid one.
It's savings us around $70/ month. And we cut out subscription services.
Yes it is making a difference. I've been putting a little into savings and to the mortgage payment each month.
$840 a year staying in your pocket!
Great video 🎉 please anyone who watches this take on board the things Jane Says. We were ticking along just on the edge and then within 24 hours my husband was in a critical care bed and unable to work for 3 months. We are now broke (again) everyone thinks it won’t happen to them and although we can pretend things around the world won’t have an impact, things can happen in your own life that you are not prepared for xxx
I wish your husband a good recovery.
Excellent video Jane & Mike 👍🏴
Many thanks!
Even our food portions are to large. Especially in the USA. 😮😅😊
Not if you always eat at home, you can control that
Canada as well!
Best video so far! Thank-you
Fantastic video! I needed to hear this again. I budget and track all my spending and even carry a little calendar with me daily to record any transaction. I will be doing a bare bones budget in February because all employees at my workplace are laid off at the end of January. Our business is closing. My priorities have changed the past 2 weeks. I'm thinking of this as a personal challenge for myself once again.
You got this!
Great content Jane hard hitting reality check, needed once in a while.
Thanks for the feedback
finally sat down and reviewed income vs expenses. whoa! such an eye-opener! So many lazy transactions! much easier to stop myself making dumb purchases. I’m much more mindful now. ❤ love your channel, thanks for the sage advice. 😊
Thank you for this inspirational post. We have stopped buying clothes, extras for house, and just plain unnecessary crap!! Making do with everything we have plus using things up and not replacing most. We are incredibly lucky to have what we have because we are frugal. Many don't. I've picked a word for this year and it is Grateful. We've always been grateful but saying it now everyday really puts it in the right place. I'm grateful for you and Mike also. ❤
You got this!
Thank you once again Jane!
Love this. Please consider a longer video every now and then. I like to listen to you while I do my housework, so 30 minutes to an hour would be fantastic. I treat it like a podcast. 😊
Noted!
Thank you for appreciating the plight of those of us in our eighties. Budget is limited but, hey, we have had more years to get smart about our living and savings habits. Each year we can confront at least one budget item and ind ways of winnowing it down to its bare bones. This year, I am getting evan more serious about the electric usage and Christmas gifts. I approach it like a class I would teach with a research approach and I think I will make progress. And, really see if I can sew some nice gifts for my family and buy used books in excellent condition with personalized bookmarks. I want to be more than talk and we shall see how I do Hmmmmmmmmm. Thank you for your honest confrontation. We are tough and we can take it!
Thanks Anne
Lovely idea about the used books with special bookmarks!
It strikes me that managing money and living a productive lifestyle should be taught if not a home, at least at school. People really need an understanding of these things before they get out in the world and wind up learning that hard way once they run themselves into debt. 😺
Dave Ramsay says managing money is 20% head knowledge and 80% behaviour.
I feel very, fortunate, we are a by choice one income couple, only debt is our mortgage, which way are working hard in to pay off quicker. We have made so many changes, in September we sold our car and either walk or use public transport to get around, no TV licence, we just watch DVDs. We buy as much supermarket savers range as we can or shops home brand, meal plan & apart from the odd treat which is usually something that has a yellow sticker on it, everything is made at home. We are home birds so not bothered about going out. I have had a budget book for many years, this month though I have tracked spending, which has been an eye opener, so will be looking at cutting things out or back next month. I am saving for my daughters wedding as well as putting a little money away each month. Our gas we pay a monthly bill which in winter in the past has never been above £70, plenty of layers and electric we have a battery which charges on a cheap rate night tariff and we use during the day, that is less than £50 a month. We love your videos and take on anything that we feel we can do and what will work for us. Thank you so much for all you do ❤❤❤
The saddest thing is that children are being taught about personal finance in schools but with materials provided by banks. Therefore they are being taught to manage debt but not to avoid debt like the plague it is. Our children are encouraged to use plastic and frictionless payment methods that entice people to spend more. The banks are preying on our young folk and parents need to explain that there are better ways with money.
@@vivr662 It makes me feel sorry for young people or anyone who didn't have the opportunity to learn about money management and a responsible lifestyle. One young married couple I know of bought new furniture on credit and didn't have to even start paying on it for a year or two. By the time they had to start paying the bills, the furniture was used to the point of wearing out, but they still had to pay for it. They were very discouraged. 🙁 People need to know that they aren't necessarily going to start out living like the rich and famous as soon as they get their first job and they need to spend their money wisely.
I agree. I think people should be taught to live frugally. I was born in a low middle class home. I appreciate everything that I have now
Hi have you read the dressmakers of Auschwitz, by Lucy Adlington ? Fascinating read especially for a sewer. And it made me realise how very incredibly rich I am , feeling sorry for myself with flu , I became extremely grateful for my paracetamol, warm covers and hot drinks . Your so right , practice gratitude for our basics !
Thanks for the tip
I’ve been debt free for years and worked rigorously to do that, as you well know what that’s like. For the first time in those years I’m stressed about my finances because of increasing prices of everything. I do everything imaginable, sacrificing most comforts like electricity, food, housing where there is no low income housing available, to be frugal. Even though I’m not fully able to go to work, I have to consider that, or just not celebrate anything, such as holidays and birthdays for children and grandchildren, or do anything outside paying for living expenses. Thanks for understanding.
We do understand
I try to make as much as I can from scratch. We also tore out our lawn and put in a huge vegetable garden a year ago. Our household has been under the weather, so I bought a few convenience items this week: canned enchilada sauce and bakery bread. I spent $62.08 and live in Northern California. This experience just reminds me of how important it is to be frugal! Items I bought: 1 gallon milk, two coffee creamers, 2 8 oz packets of cheese, 3 cans sauce, 2 loves of bakery bread, 1 package of spray oil, and a cup worth of cherry tomatoes. Insanity.
I do everything u said, budget, meal plan, I don't eat out, my electric bill went up over $20 dollars this month even though my usage went down 36% from this time last yr. It used to be between $15-20 a month in the winter, because I never turned my electric heat on. We had our Nuclear Plant finally come online after 12 yrs behind schedule, n it raised our electric bill almost 50%, We went from having some of the lowest KW prices in the US, to now being in the top 5 for the highest in the US, n NO body is happy about it
I bet! That's terrible
Such a great advices . Straight and to the point. Well done. I have started my frugality Journey and I'm trilled how much I can Save. I really take your words "nobody is going to help you"
Thanks Anna
thankful for everything I have and thankful for the prepping community I'm discovering everyday. Keep up the excellent content and thank you,
I subscribed half way through this video. I’ve watched you on and off for a while but your realistic recognition of how rich we are just by looking around us, being grateful for what we have, that’s what made me decide to hit the sub button. Thank you. Ps, I probably don’t even need to watch your channel, I’m already very good at budgeting and live a frugal lifestyle 🤣
Welcome aboard!
Hi Jane and Mike. Yes, surprising how the cost of small things can mount up. I have a system going now which works really well for me and I know where I'm up to with my outgoings at all times. I too used to see people at work buying lunches and coffees everyday and wonder how they did it. I would then hear these same people complaining that they had no money. 🤷 Thanks again to you both for sharing this video. 🤗
Sounds great!
had a chuckle 😂 tell it like it is jane your just keeping it real .keep up the good work ❤
Thank you, I will
Hi, I am trying all your frugal tips. Working well. Thank you Jane and Mike and Puppies.
Our pleasure!
I've cut back on impulse buying, I really think hard on do I need this product.
I love how you acknowledge those who are unable to make improvement in their state. There are many who can't. Far too many will not acknowledge that and some are downright rude, mean.
Thanks for your feedback
My husband and I are now doing all of these things, and it is helping us pay off our debts! When we don't spend on the less important things, we find we actually have lots more money than we did before. We never have to worry about being able to pay all of our bills. Things are still tight, but there is a light at the end of the tunnel for our debt! Thanks for helping us get to this place!
Keep going, it'll get easier
Excellent video! We all need reminding of priorities that will keep us on track.
Yes we do
Thanks Jane and Mike - Everyone is doing it hard these days, but it is empowering to have control over your own finances. Often people manage better with less as it takes a lot of thought, planning and creativity to manage what you have.
Thanks Janet
>streaming services
People are hemorrhaging money with those, mainly because they just keep a bunch of subscriptions for ever and ever.
I like to get a one-month-pass (=subscribe and cancel right away) for something every now and then when I have a week off from work and there is a promotional offer (there is almost always one for returning customers ;) ).
Then I get to binge-watch on the series(es), and watch all the documentaries and specials they added since the last time I had a subscription with them for less than the price of a regular movie ticket.
Thanks
Excellent video again Jane. I have been feeling like things are happening to me that are out of my control, because they are. We have been able to absorb the additional expenses and inflation without going into debt. I'm pretty good at the budgeting bit but I need to know I am not alone in these extraordinarily times. Your video's provide a sense of community in this tough time and help me keep my head on straight. We really are blessed. Thanks so much for that.
Thanks
You are certainly not alone. Many are in this boat. My income is below the " poverty line" income set by the government. I am not poor. I have more money available than when I was working. My needs are few and I am quite comfortable. Best wishes! Oh by the way I have tithed for decades and God supplies all.
This is exactly why I enjoy watching your videos! Straight talking, no nonsense truth. I prefer that in people, just say it as it is! 👍
Thanks for your feedback
Excellent!! Thank you for being blunt. You are totally on target!! We never go out for coffee when we are home. We keep that as a special treat for when we travel. We love making coffee at home. Not going to Starbucks once a week with my husband saves at minimum about $600 per year. 😁👍🏼
Exactly!! Thanks for sharing
I hear you! We have been focused on house hold resiliency for about a decade now and sleep better for it. I love the honest message that you have delivered- we have to all up our game to save money but definitely be grateful for all that we have. I'm up early tomorrow to make more tomatoe relish. This is $8 for 700ml jar in NZ and I can make it for $2- it's a bit of faffing about but feels so worth it!
You got this!
Brilliant video, I love the real talk videos and share your advice with others too.
Glad you enjoyed it
Your videos are a breath of fresh air. We are very like-minded. We do just about all the principles you talk about and have for over 30 years, but I am always trying to learn something new and hone my frugal skills. One thing we would not have thought to do pre-retirement until it was rather forced upon us by an unfortunate incident with a patch of ice was to only have one vehicle. Is it always convenient or easy? No! Is it worth it? Yes! You are so right that most of us need to have more of an attitude of gratitude because we have more than 95% of the rest of the world if we do not live in a third world country. Looking forward to seeing more of your videos in 2024.
Thanks so much
This was a fantastic video and very timely! Just this week I cancelled all of my streaming services saving around $80 per month, I have started doing the grocery shopping online so extras can’t sneak into my trolley. I have a small amount of money on hand for miscellaneous items so I can’t go overboard. I will be watching your budget video shortly as I don’t have a written monthly budget and am looking forward to making one.
Thanks so much. I wish you well with the budgeting.
Thank you for your supportive advice. My husband and I are saving every month. We have cut out unnecessary expenses. We have a mortgage but that is the only debt. One of my now grown daughter’s favorite memories was looking at the grocery store sales flyers with me and planning meals when she was a kid. You never know what they will remember. 💜
Wonderful!
This was one of your best messages. On point.
Thanks
Thanks Jane! Whenever I watch your videos they give me a proverbial kick up the backside! 🤩🤣🤗👏
Love that!
I especially appreciated how you pointed out that poverty is relative. And that we in the West only THINK we are poor. My dear wife grew up in a poor Latin country with a single mother, worrying about food. My worst memory is my parents not buying me a brand new car in high-school. 😢 Most of us are doing fine.
Thanks
Good solid advice. Would give it a million thumbs up if I could!
Wow, thanks!
Written budget and track my spendings. And the mealplanning you do too is a gamechanger🌷
Superb piglet
@@FrugalQueeninFrance thanks😊 your video was very clear!
Great video! I give all my dollars an assignment. I am working on accomplishing two goals, paying off my mortgage by August, and retiring in 5 years. I create a money plan monthly and yearly, making sure I'm saving ( 401k, roth, sinking funds, brokerage account) pay bills and, of course, have money for vacation. It's a tight plan . I purchase all of my household products and personal items at the beginning of the year. Entertainment is done mostly at home. Thanks again for sharing.
You got this!
Thank you for being brutally honest...something that we really need right now. With all the alternate "truths" floating out there knowing the reality of these inflationary times is what is truly needed. No one is coming to rescue you is the real truth. Being frugal all these past years means I do not have to worry so much now. Thank you for another brilliant video.
Thanks
I honestly feel for people now who have no experience with frugal living. It's rather a difficult skill to master, especially in a time of sudden, dire need. One thing that helped us not feel deprived over the years was learning how to make really tasty meals inexpensively. Life seems a lot more pleasant when you can sit down to a nice meal, rather than something unappetizing. Cooking is another of the valuable frugal skills, like budgeting, that can take a while to learn, but then makes the entire rest of your life better.
We enjoy our meals at home too
Agree with this!!!
A peanut butter and jelly sandwich is mana if one is hungry and becomes a feast with cloth napkins and candlelight! 👵🏻Susan
Great message Jane and Mike! We have to look after ourselves and develop the skills and habits to do that. I am thankful I have learned those skills and have no debt as we live on an incredibly small income and manage to thrive while doing so.
So true!
I loved the first one. Just remembering that I don’t have to tote water,forage for food or walk miles for medical needs makes me so grateful. Planning on a hot water timer. Don’t know why I never thought of it before but it should save about 30% on monthly electric. In my part of States electric has increased 40% this past year.
Sorry to hear that
Brilliant video as usual . Very inspirational, a tonic in these trying times.😊
Glad you enjoyed it
Thank you Jane for some good advice.
You are so welcome!
Absolutely brilliant video , I’ve just subscribed.
Welcome aboard!
Great video 👍. I've been following you for a while and the first year i started 'paying myself first' and having a written zero budget it took me 10 months to save the same amount that it had taken me 5 yrs to pay off in my last debt 😮.....it was such an eye opener! As you say " no one is coming to save you" and as a person living on their own thats particularly poignant.
Congratulations on the savings
After a very expensive year of property maintenance in 2023 I need to replenish my emergency and sinking funds in 2024.
Having a no spend January as I do every year but intending to do a low spend for the rest of the year or at least until I feel my sinking funds and emergency funds are back to fully funded. At the end of 2023 I moved the surplus money from some of my sinking funds around to kick start the refilling of my emergency and building sinking funds.
You're very much in control there Pat, we too are having a low spend year other than both of us needing clothes
I changed the frequency of haircuts since retirement last year from 4 to 5 weeks. Also, changed frequency of pedi/mani from 4 to 6 weeks and cut in between weeks.
As my husband gets closer to retirement the pressure is on to save. I’ve been a budgeter for many years, but I wasn’t raised one 😂. In fact, when my husband and I got married 33 years ago, he questioned why I was getting so many credit card statements in the mail, all carrying a balance. I just thought that’s what normal people did, after all, that’s what my parents did (and still do!). He made me take money we received as wedding gifts to pay them all off. I wasn’t happy, but am thankful that we’ve never had to carry a balance since. With everything getting so much more expensive, and helping our kids through university, we need to crack down. Thank you for all of the helpful tips!
You’ve done well
Definitely keeping me solvent and some to put by.
I use hot water bottles, night lights and 1 lamp on in a room. Fewer baths. I was rich but now I budget and look at it as a game how much I can live on less. Even when I do earn more money I will still be frugal now used to it.
I walk and listen to the radio and read and content. Odd DVD.
My cat is v expensive. Animals are.
Thanks Sarah
Just downsized to an apartment..won a snowblower today!lol
Thanks