@@FrugalQueeninFrance it’s a fact, it took me years to get my on family on board, but my children and grandchildren were raised frugal and understand and they thank us for it because they are in position to ride this 2nd Great Depression.
Working to get my spouse more on board. We have a moderate income, not low but every livable. But we are in our 70s and can no longer work full time jobs. Being more frugal helps us stretch our savings for the future and maybe pass $$ to our children in the future. Thanks for your great videos.
Frugal living has allowed me to stay home and raise our boys, even in the very expensive San Francisco Bay Area. Yes, our family (kids included!) might share one car, we don't have cable, and we don't take extravagant vacations, but it's a wonderful life!
Frugal living enabled us to retire at the age of 62 for my husband and the age of 57 for myself. We have always planted a garden (husband is a farming child) and I have always knit, and sewn my own clothes. I am now doing simple quilting and will be learning to weave shortly. Life is an endless learning and joy. God bless.
Living a frugal life has taught me how little I need to be happy! We vacation and attend events several times a year. I find they stress me out more than I enjoy them. I’m a happy homebody. Love the comments!!
Living frugally has ment now I'm 47 and unable to work due to health reasons. I have a small mortgage and a home that is mine. I see the cost people pay for rent and think wow I'd not be able to afford that what would I have done if I hadn't gone without stuff in my 20s and 30s. While it was hard when I got my first rubbish house at 19 and back then paying more than the average rent for. Now my mortgage is like 1/5 of the average rent. Plus I have equity and security. I still have a simple home but it's mine I can plant gardens and fruit trees knowing it won't be wasted by being forced to move out. Pride it gives me alot of pride that I have achieved this while being a single low income mother of 3.
My friend asked me out to lunch tomorrow. I am already going out to dinner with her Saturday night. I told her no because I limit myself to going out to eat only once per week. I think she was just so confused when I told her this. I’d rather save that money that I would have spent on a lunch out and put it into my vacation fund. It’s all about the choices that we make.
Living frugally has given me the freedom to retire early at 55 to help with my granddaughters. It’s a great life and so much better than having more things I really don’t need. Wouldn’t live any other way.
Living a frugal life has made me realise that many things I bought in the past were totally unnecessary. It is also very satisfying to have conquered debt and come out the other end on top, with lessons learned. Thank you Jane and Mike for sharing your own experience of this. 🤗
Its brought us peace of mind and just spending time together doing everyday jobs is worth more than the latest fad. Spending time with my fur babies without rushing out the door to work. It’s priceless. Love to you two and your fur babies 😘
Our children, nephews/ nieces & ourselves remember most fondly the things which cost us ,& our parents very little. Playing, running free on the beach - summer & winter (homemade sandwiches & soup out of flasks). Walks on the moors picking wimberries (the best pies ever), paddling in the steams (freezing even in summer) hot chocolate out of a flask & homemade picnics. Just being together doing simple things. We've made sure our children & grandchildren have had the same had the same experiences & they rate them above all the theme parks & expensive restaurants. I did the same with my guide group one summer camp, on a hot day we stopped for a break & ended up not carrying on to our planned destination - they enjoyed paddling in a stream, eating our packed lunches & later having an ice-cream (from a van) & didn't want to move on. When I see them now they talk about it as the best trip EVER, it was 30 years ago. So I can safely say from a sample of 3 generations & multiple families that simple low/ no cost activities are as much if not more fun. Love the channel. T.🤗
Thank you. It was hard work to be debt free and it was and is a great accomplishment. Thank you for the reminder of the feeling that I felt when I finally became debt free and still am. I can still improve in areas and you and Mike are still inspirational to me. ❤️
I’m so glad you included that you can find enjoyment and make memories without much money. My daughter and I did all sorts of cheap or free things during her last summer break and we called it pilgrim summer (because I told her no electronics all day). We had a blast! Turns out kids still have fun playing games like jacks or balloon badminton 😂 We’re also very lucky to live in a part of the country with every outdoor environment you could want. It was good for us both to spend time in nature. She’s already talking about “pilgrim summer: the sequel” when she finishes school in 3 weeks.
Being a frugal friend myself, I learned that people are almost happy to have a person they don't have to compete with. The key is that you are genuinely happy for them.
A frugal life has shown my family and I how to find enjoyment in life that doesn't have to involve a lot of money. It has helped my family find ways to be creative and close. It has helped allof us have less worry about our financial future.A frugal life can help you feel more independent and aware of skills we have and can learn.
Lots here resonates with me. I’m 72- so first I will agree that time does indeed go very very fast. Always been frugal, and needed to … so always been inventive /creative. Everyone has ALWAYS loved what we have made. We wouldn’t have our amazing life if we hadn’t been doers and makers - across the board. ( and it’s not so difficult getting to grips and getting skills ) Our firewood harvests - crazy enjoyable at every stage ( we are all wood too, but on west coast Scotland … ) Not to be too verbose, I have to say we will ALWAYS be frugal. What other sane way is there to be ? The world with finite resources cannot afford the reckless extravagance and utter waste. Our ways are first and second nature to us, and most definitely not a hardship in any way. Quite the reverse ❤️ Thank you for doing what you do.
Frugal living has allowed me a financial peace of mine . Due to a chronic illness I sometimes have to take sick time from work sometimes unpaid 😢 I am proud of my frugality. I can take care of myself without the stress of thinking about money , which I truly believes allows me to recover more quickly and return to my normal life again . I am Grateful for all I have worked hard for . 😇🙏 Great video ❤
Though it's only been a few days since watching your channel, and doing a no spend 2 weeks until November 1st, I'm able to put 50% of this months income into savings with more than enough in the checking to cover the rest of this months bills. A few times per day I check the bank to make sure it's there and I'm not dreaming. My husband has already said he's proud of my change and what I'm able to do. I speak of all the money blown as if it were in the distant past and repeat in my head what an awesome saver I am now. A few times I've watched the parade go by, was excited, but stayed on the sidelines until it passed. It felt wonderful to be in control, to enjoy the new thrill, then decide it was fun but I don't need it in my life. My cats ran out of dry treats and was going to buy more (Screeching Halt), they are making due with small cans of wet food that I bought because I heard wet food was better than dry to keep from forming urinary crystals. Before I would have bought more dry food without thinking. Learning these new skills is awesome and I'm pleased with myself for making the effort. I can't thank you enough for the schooling and your thoroughness in explanation how we can apply this to our lives. 🥰❤
Very good points. With time flying particularly .. so true! It's going past whatever you're doing so you might as well be working towards a better future too. That's been my experience with retiring early. Also, really impressive paying £45k down in such a short amount of time. We've also been discussing recently the obsession we see around us with travel and paying a lot of money to entertain yourself. The best things in life really are free..
It's stressful to try to keep up with what everyone else thinks I should have. I prefer to eliminate stress in my life, so I decide what I need and have. Before I retired, on occasion, I spoke briefly about what I did for frugal living. Months later, I'd find out some of my coworkers were the same frugal tactics they heard from me. In other words, they took up the frugal habits they heard from me. I was shocked, and pleased, I had an influence on them!!
This resonates with me. A friend recently admitted to me that he now visits Morrisons at 5 pm to get the yellow labels which we’ve been doing for a few years.
The one thing I have noticed as I begin to change many of my bad habits is my friends are surprised that I’ve come up with a very creative way to enjoy meals, home decor and my over all style while giving things away and keeping what truly makes me happy down sizing doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy life that is the lesson I had to learn which was do I like this because others do or could I live happily without it and the answer even surprised me ❤
Another great video! What I admire so much about you both, is you actively work every day to maintain your lovely life! Sure, you’re retired but certainly not couch potatoes. There’s no air of entitlement around you. Just a wonderful team effort to live how and where you have chosen to live. One of my children’s favourite memories is getting a backpack with snacks and drinks. Taking our Labrador, Ben and going‘exploring’! We had a small wooded area directly across the road from us that was a wonderful place for them to explore. They all, including the dog, loved it 😍 Cheers, Janina from Ontario, Canada 🇨🇦
Jane, can you make a tutorial on frugal dish washing? I saw you fill up a tub with soapy water, but do you use it to soak first, do you rinse every dish with running water? Maybe a video on house tasks on a budget?
A ‘tree change’ and adopting a frugal life has given me something of immense value…… Peace of mind. Until recently, I lived in a Community Housing project in a large regional city in Australia. I am on the aged pension, and whilst living in the city, I spent every cent from pay day to pay day. Then, 15 months ago my family offered me a container unit to live in on their property. Since moving, I have paid for around $10,000 worth of improvements to the unit, and I also have personal savings for the first time ever! I have stopped the bad habits of spending my money on nothing….partly because I do not drive and I am in the country so I can’t get out as much, but I have found my spending has changed from ‘wants’ to ‘needs’ quite naturally over the time I have been here. I have a second savings account that I will not be touching, and watching it grow from fortnight to fortnight makes me feel so good about myself.
Thanks Jane and Mike, I've had a big change in circumstances recently, but what I've learned from your example is giving me a lot of comfort when I think of the future. I can take these skills learned into my new life and it's really helping me to feel safe. So thanks again because you're really making a difference 🙂
Hard work is greatly admired, and your success is plain to see. I couldn't imagine being in debt for any amount, and being able to sleep at night. I had a bit of a laugh when you mentioned friends with expensive holidays, because I have wealthy friends who decided to put up a very expensive greenhouse after tasting the fruit in ours....which resembles yours. I think that because you worked so hard to get the life that you want, that you enjoy it more than someone who can afford to buy several mansions.
I am a recent subscriber-- but have been following and watching your channel for a little over a year, (actually you are the first I've subscribe to). And I honestly feel like your're a sister of the same spirit just across "the pond"...and one who I've learned so much from so a big, long over due Thank You! (I'm a bit of a late bloomer and slow "adopter" to tech, in the same Gen X age group). I've lived "relatively" frugally my whole life, mostly because it was either make the choice to give a thought about what next week, or month would be like if I'd made less frugal decisions at that moment. I'd have to say that the biggest thing I've learned from being frugal is-- Be Thankful, Grateful for ALL that I have 'cuz there Have been times when I Haven't Had ..........(nor did I grow up-) with a larder/pantry full of food, or a closet full of decent, presentable clothes, or many other simple "comforts" in life that I now have........... so Its Not about what Others think, do or say Its about how My life is affected by my choices..... and those I've been able to help along the way- 9, who have inadvertantly and unknowilnly, benefitted from my frugality as well)......
You said it so right. Many will admire you,but not everyone will put the effort. As you said,it takes efforts. 45k that aprox 50k something euro...in 2 years with avarage incomes-Bravo. Now this is determination. You felt that you are going deeper in the ....and you collect yourselves, with descipline and efforts and got out clean in just 2 years. That's really amazing. Well done to you two. It's really absolutely not a condition to spend money,in order to have a great time or build memories. I still can't believe how plenty of people still think so- ridiculous really. It's warming my heart listening how you two are living in harmony and in the way happiness means to you. You show gratitude to each other every day. With your mutual goals and authentic frugal living,full with rewards and value. It is for admiration and if I was in your shoes,I was going to be proud the same way like you are. You put the efforts and you earned it. 👍👏🥳
I am in the beginning to middle of this pay off struggle and it SO anxiety causing but i know we'll get through it if we keep it up. Its so bad. I can only imagine the relief i will feel.
Tomorrow is Thursday so we are off on our bus pass, it is not going to be a nice day so we are going to Oban it always rains in Oban. We will enjoy the scenery have lunch at Wetherspoons then come back by bus. Pick up the car and do the five minute drive home. We have taken a picnic in the past but we can afford lunch out so we will.
Your chat mentioned good memories that your children have doing various activities with you. This reinforces that Quality time with loved ones and friends is what counts. Not spending money on them all the time.
Bravo for your comments on when you have friends you should not be shy about your frugality. I think that some people are amazed that it can be done but many do see the reason for it and wish they found a way to do themselves too, in order to prepare for a world future we are not too sure will be as prosperous as we would all like it to be.
I am 57 and I really regret, that we started our frugal journey not earlier. Now, we have to work until 65 (me) and 67 (my husband). I know it was also my fault, because I was a spender for many years. And I am very ashamed of this, but it is what it is now....In two years we will payed off our house (old, little, but lovely with a garden), so we can than take our full income for renovate the windows, the floors and the kitchen and other things in our house. We have never had other debt, only our house. Thank you again for your videos!!
Definitely still learning but I have learned that small changes over time adds up to a big savings. When you talked about getting free plants from friends or along the roadside I was excited so I started trying to figure out ways to get more flowers or vegetable plants to cut the costs of my hobby. So far this year I have been offered free Daffodil, iris and tulip bulbs. I have also gotten a free packet of zinnia seeds in the mail and got 3 different tomato plants free as well as a pepper plant.
This is my favorite frugal channel. I had a meeting with my financial planner yesterday and I’m very well set up to retire. I have always been frugal and it’s paid off. No debt for years is great for reducing stress
I notice that since I started the envelope system, I know where my money is going and what my budgets are. I haven't stressed about money nearly in any way that I did before since I started this a year or so ago. I know that, my gas money is close to running out but I'm almost to payday & I have a buffer option if I rly need it (usually dont). So when gas prices increase 10 cents at the pump or higher, I don't immediately freak out. One thing extra I do is when I put in in splurge money, I separate it per week. So, if I dont spend anything that week, I divvy it out to other areas that will need money in the future. It's been so helpful & I only wish I had known it sooner.
When I think back on my most epic days they were doing free things. I do like to go on vacation but budget for it and do not go first class and even on vacation most of my days are free and I usually go to a grocery store and buy something for dinner and most hotels the breakfast is free and the free breakfast is a lot better then it was years ago.
My daughter is not at all on board with me not being able to afford to go on vacation with her. She and her husband make ooodles of money and I live on less than 25,000 so going on vacation with her isn’t affordable. Nobody is happy that that I have managed to keep myself out of the poorhouse and I’m not in debt up to my eyeballs.! I’m proud of myself but putting up with family who has a way different standard of living is challenging.
Frugality has bought me financial peace of mind and the absolute priceless luxury of waking up in the morning when my body decides it has had enough rest, then having my cup of morning coffee while I decide how I want to spend my day. I would not trade this for anything in the world!
I'm happy the people around you respect what you've done to achieve an early retirement. I respect it, too! My husband and I are on our way to an early retirement. We're 30 and are planning on retiring at 60. Personally, I've noticed a bunch of judgment from my older co-workers. They think life is short and I should live for today. I tell them I enjoy being frugal, and I never feel neglected. They dont believe me! Meanwhile, they complain about how they are in their 60's, and they still have to work 50+ hrs a week just to make ends meet...
Oh so many areas in my life are better!! I don’t lie there wondering how am I going to pay this or that bill . How much materials things are so unnecessary, how much fun and rewarding to do things around are home and yard , and just spending time with family and friends!
1:13 Oh yes. Peace of mind is worth any of the difficulties of the very lean days with medical debt stacked up and now paid off. I'm not rich but I am fairly self sufficient. I could do better, but I have to get a bit stronger 1st. I can't mow the lawn which frustrates me, and sometimes I have to hire big work done, but I do everything I can. The one habit I have yet to break is drive through fast food. That's my next goal. And my plan never included keeping this California home. I am rethinking that now.
Remember this, that stuff you call fast 'food' is just factory processed matter which is ruining your health. Eat real food that's never been near a processing unit. We can all be healthy and strong until our last days if we look after ourselves.
Jane, do you think you could do a video on being disciplined and how you got there? I didn’t have these examples growing up. I find that some days I’m really good and then many I struggle. Consistency tends be to my tough part. Maybe I’m not setting myself up for success? Any thoughts?
Remind yourself every day that you're an adult. A Quick Look in the mirror will do that. Adults do the right thing....always. Adults: work, provide, protect, plan, maintain, cook, clean, care for themselves and others. They don't mess about doing stupid stuff.
I work in a school and literally before every half term all people talk about is where they are going on holiday to. There was a time when I'd feel pressured by these conversations and actually book to go somewhere. Now i just stay out of the conversation, because I'm tired of saying 'I'm saving, I'm not going on holiday '.😊
A frugal mindset on below average earnings have allowed myself and husband to buy a house, pay off the mortgage in a fifth of the time, buy another, pay that one off in a similar time and now have enough of a savings pot to retire at 51 and buy my siblings out to live in the inherited family home. They kind of laughed at me for years, but they are not now. We do not have an extravagant lifestyle, we enjoy the outdoors and being sensible with what we have. Love your channel Mike and Jane xx
Not in my budget. If you’ve watched our budget videos you’ll see we don’t do that. Maybe if we had the money in the budget we might but we always have food at home.
We have coffee out once a week (wetherspoons, v good decaf coffee, £1.59 and refillable) but never eat out (not primarily for money reasons) and actually find it easier to eat/ drink in ..
I do not get a lot of positive reinforcement for being frugal at all. Chalk it up to American consumer culture, maybe? British and American thinking overlaps at times, but Americans do like the "go big or go home" lifestyle.
I think it depends on where you live and its local culture. I moved to a community where no one blinks an eye if you curb-shop or wear the same outfits to work every week.
A frugal life has allowed me to retire 8 years early from the rat race and I am loving every minute of it😀
That's great
That happened for me too, I was SO surprised, and it was a good decision.
Reading other frugal comments has also been a great help as well as watching your program. Thanks for sharing everyone!
Awesome! Thank you!
@@FrugalQueeninFrance I love reading all the comments! They’re gold lol
Personally I wish more people would subscribe to this channel because if people would use half of what she’s saying they would be better off.
That’s very kind of you to say that
@@FrugalQueeninFrance it’s a fact, it took me years to get my on family on board, but my children and grandchildren were raised frugal and understand and they thank us for it because they are in position to ride this 2nd Great Depression.
Working to get my spouse more on board. We have a moderate income, not low but every livable. But we are in our 70s and can no longer work full time jobs. Being more frugal helps us stretch our savings for the future and maybe pass $$ to our children in the future. Thanks for your great videos.
I totally agree. The channel get so many views and comments, I can’t understand why there aren’t more subscribers.🙅♀️
Peace of mind is worth every frugal struggle .
You better believe it.❤️
A frugal life has bought me peace and security - both are priceless 😊
Well said
Frugal living has allowed me to stay home and raise our boys, even in the very expensive San Francisco Bay Area. Yes, our family (kids included!) might share one car, we don't have cable, and we don't take extravagant vacations, but it's a wonderful life!
That is awesome!
I live in SF and I know how difficult it really is. I too have no cable, no trips etc. Congratulations to you and your family!
Frugal living enabled us to retire at the age of 62 for my husband and the age of 57 for myself. We have always planted a garden (husband is a farming child) and I have always knit, and sewn my own clothes. I am now doing simple quilting and will be learning to weave shortly. Life is an endless learning and joy.
God bless.
That's wonderful
Living a frugal life has taught me how little I need to be happy! We vacation and attend events several times a year. I find they stress me out more than I enjoy them. I’m a happy homebody.
Love the comments!!
Thanks for sharing!!
Love that!
My daughter had her co workers over for a pool day, one brought ice, one brought water, she did some hot dogs on the grill, everyone had a great time.
Living frugally has ment now I'm 47 and unable to work due to health reasons. I have a small mortgage and a home that is mine. I see the cost people pay for rent and think wow I'd not be able to afford that what would I have done if I hadn't gone without stuff in my 20s and 30s. While it was hard when I got my first rubbish house at 19 and back then paying more than the average rent for. Now my mortgage is like 1/5 of the average rent. Plus I have equity and security. I still have a simple home but it's mine I can plant gardens and fruit trees knowing it won't be wasted by being forced to move out. Pride it gives me alot of pride that I have achieved this while being a single low income mother of 3.
That's amazing. Good for you
My friend asked me out to lunch tomorrow. I am already going out to dinner with her Saturday night. I told her no because I limit myself to going out to eat only once per week. I think she was just so confused when I told her this. I’d rather save that money that I would have spent on a lunch out and put it into my vacation fund. It’s all about the choices that we make.
Good for you
Living frugally has given me the freedom to retire early at 55 to help with my granddaughters. It’s a great life and so much better than having more things I really don’t need. Wouldn’t live any other way.
That’s brilliant
Living frugally gives so much freedom!
Absolutely so
Living a frugal life has made me realise that many things I bought in the past were totally unnecessary. It is also very satisfying to have conquered debt and come out the other end on top, with lessons learned. Thank you Jane and Mike for sharing your own experience of this. 🤗
So true!
A frugal life has brought me peace and lack of worry about my financial future.
It’s worth every second of budgeting
Its brought us peace of mind and just spending time together doing everyday jobs is worth more than the latest fad. Spending time with my fur babies without rushing out the door to work. It’s priceless. Love to you two and your fur babies 😘
Awwwww! I love your puppy clips! So darling😇Thank you for your money saving ideas!!!
You are so welcome!
You have such a good outlook on life!!! Hello from USA
Our children, nephews/ nieces & ourselves remember most fondly the things which cost us ,& our parents very little. Playing, running free on the beach - summer & winter (homemade sandwiches & soup out of flasks). Walks on the moors picking wimberries (the best pies ever), paddling in the steams (freezing even in summer) hot chocolate out of a flask & homemade picnics. Just being together doing simple things. We've made sure our children & grandchildren have had the same had the same experiences & they rate them above all the theme parks & expensive restaurants. I did the same with my guide group one summer camp, on a hot day we stopped for a break & ended up not carrying on to our planned destination - they enjoyed paddling in a stream, eating our packed lunches & later having an ice-cream (from a van) & didn't want to move on. When I see them now they talk about it as the best trip EVER, it was 30 years ago. So I can safely say from a sample of 3 generations & multiple families that simple low/ no cost activities are as much if not more fun. Love the channel. T.🤗
Thanks for sharing
Thank you. It was hard work to be debt free and it was and is a great accomplishment. Thank you for the reminder of the feeling that I felt when I finally became debt free and still am. I can still improve in areas and you and Mike are still inspirational to me. ❤️
You are so welcome!
Enjoy the free things in life✔️ Being able to manage money and no debt free is peace of mind 😊
Thank you both for a great video.
Thanks for your reply
I’m so glad you included that you can find enjoyment and make memories without much money. My daughter and I did all sorts of cheap or free things during her last summer break and we called it pilgrim summer (because I told her no electronics all day). We had a blast! Turns out kids still have fun playing games like jacks or balloon badminton 😂 We’re also very lucky to live in a part of the country with every outdoor environment you could want. It was good for us both to spend time in nature. She’s already talking about “pilgrim summer: the sequel” when she finishes school in 3 weeks.
I love that
Nice!
Being a frugal friend myself, I learned that people are almost happy to have a person they don't have to compete with. The key is that you are genuinely happy for them.
I’m always happy for people but as a Brit it’s in our nature to ridicule/ take the piss when people do daft things.
A frugal life has shown my family and I how to find enjoyment in life that doesn't have to involve a lot of money. It has helped my family find ways to be creative and close. It has helped allof us have less worry about our financial future.A frugal life can help you feel more independent and aware of skills we have and can learn.
Very well said
Lots here resonates with me. I’m 72- so first I will agree that time does indeed go very very fast.
Always been frugal, and needed to … so always been inventive /creative. Everyone has ALWAYS loved what we have made. We wouldn’t have our amazing life if we hadn’t been doers and makers - across the board. ( and it’s not so difficult getting to grips and getting skills )
Our firewood harvests - crazy enjoyable at every stage ( we are all wood too, but on west coast Scotland … )
Not to be too verbose, I have to say we will ALWAYS be frugal. What other sane way is there to be ? The world with finite resources cannot afford the reckless extravagance and utter waste. Our ways are first and second nature to us, and most definitely not a hardship in any way. Quite the reverse ❤️ Thank you for doing what you do.
Thanks so much
Frugal living has allowed me a financial peace of mine .
Due to a chronic illness I sometimes have to take sick time from work sometimes unpaid 😢
I am proud of my frugality.
I can take care of myself without the stress of thinking about money , which I truly believes allows me to recover more quickly and return to my normal life again .
I am Grateful for all I have worked hard for . 😇🙏
Great video ❤
You've learned well
Though it's only been a few days since watching your channel, and doing a no spend 2 weeks until November 1st, I'm able to put 50% of this months income into savings with more than enough in the checking to cover the rest of this months bills. A few times per day I check the bank to make sure it's there and I'm not dreaming. My husband has already said he's proud of my change and what I'm able to do. I speak of all the money blown as if it were in the distant past and repeat in my head what an awesome saver I am now. A few times I've watched the parade go by, was excited, but stayed on the sidelines until it passed. It felt wonderful to be in control, to enjoy the new thrill, then decide it was fun but I don't need it in my life. My cats ran out of dry treats and was going to buy more (Screeching Halt), they are making due with small cans of wet food that I bought because I heard wet food was better than dry to keep from forming urinary crystals. Before I would have bought more dry food without thinking. Learning these new skills is awesome and I'm pleased with myself for making the effort. I can't thank you enough for the schooling and your thoroughness in explanation how we can apply this to our lives. 🥰❤
Good for you!
Very good points. With time flying particularly .. so true! It's going past whatever you're doing so you might as well be working towards a better future too. That's been my experience with retiring early. Also, really impressive paying £45k down in such a short amount of time.
We've also been discussing recently the obsession we see around us with travel and paying a lot of money to entertain yourself. The best things in life really are free..
I think people are less imaginative than they used to be.
It's stressful to try to keep up with what everyone else thinks I should have. I prefer to eliminate stress in my life, so I decide what I need and have.
Before I retired, on occasion, I spoke briefly about what I did for frugal living. Months later, I'd find out some of my coworkers were the same frugal tactics they heard from me. In other words, they took up the frugal habits they heard from me. I was shocked, and pleased, I had an influence on them!!
Thanks so much
This resonates with me. A friend recently admitted to me that he now visits Morrisons at 5 pm to get the yellow labels which we’ve been doing for a few years.
The one thing I have noticed as I begin to change many of my bad habits is my friends are surprised that I’ve come up with a very creative way to enjoy meals, home decor and my over all style while giving things away and keeping what truly makes me happy down sizing doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy life that is the lesson I had to learn which was do I like this because others do or could I live happily without it and the answer even surprised me ❤
Love that!
Another great video! What I admire so much about you both, is you actively work every day to maintain your lovely life! Sure, you’re retired but certainly not couch potatoes. There’s no air of entitlement around you. Just a wonderful team effort to live how and where you have chosen to live. One of my children’s favourite memories is getting a backpack with snacks and drinks. Taking our Labrador, Ben and going‘exploring’! We had a small wooded area directly across the road from us that was a wonderful place for them to explore. They all, including the dog, loved it 😍
Cheers, Janina from Ontario, Canada 🇨🇦
Thank you
Hi Jane and Mike. Learning the REAL difference between needs and wants has served me well over these years.
Well said
Living a frugal life has taught me that happiness is truly an inside job and that I can be super inventive if I need to be.
Yes indeed
Frugal life means no worry about bills and late charges.
Jane, can you make a tutorial on frugal dish washing? I saw you fill up a tub with soapy water, but do you use it to soak first, do you rinse every dish with running water? Maybe a video on house tasks on a budget?
Can do.
Can do.
A ‘tree change’ and adopting a frugal life has given me something of immense value……
Peace of mind.
Until recently, I lived in a Community Housing project in a large regional city in Australia. I am on the aged pension, and whilst living in the city, I spent every cent from pay day to pay day. Then, 15 months ago my family offered me a container unit to live in on their property. Since moving, I have paid for around $10,000 worth of improvements to the unit, and I also have personal savings for the first time ever! I have stopped the bad habits of spending my money on nothing….partly because I do not drive and I am in the country so I can’t get out as much, but I have found my spending has changed from ‘wants’ to ‘needs’ quite naturally over the time I have been here.
I have a second savings account that I will not be touching, and watching it grow from fortnight to fortnight makes me feel so good about myself.
That's working out great for you
Thanks Jane and Mike, I've had a big change in circumstances recently, but what I've learned from your example is giving me a lot of comfort when I think of the future. I can take these skills learned into my new life and it's really helping me to feel safe. So thanks again because you're really making a difference 🙂
Thanks
Hard work is greatly admired, and your success is plain to see. I couldn't imagine being in debt for any amount, and being able to sleep at night. I had a bit of a laugh when you mentioned friends with expensive holidays, because I have wealthy friends who decided to put up a very expensive greenhouse after tasting the fruit in ours....which resembles yours. I think that because you worked so hard to get the life that you want, that you enjoy it more than someone who can afford to buy several mansions.
Thanks so much
I am a recent subscriber-- but have been following and watching your channel for a little over a year, (actually you are the first I've subscribe to). And I honestly feel like your're a sister of the same spirit just across "the pond"...and one who I've learned so much from so a big, long over due Thank You! (I'm a bit of a late bloomer and slow "adopter" to tech, in the same Gen X age group). I've lived "relatively" frugally my whole life, mostly because it was either make the choice to give a thought about what next week, or month would be like if I'd made less frugal decisions at that moment.
I'd have to say that the biggest thing I've learned from being frugal is-- Be Thankful, Grateful for ALL that I have 'cuz there Have been times when I Haven't Had ..........(nor did I grow up-) with a larder/pantry full of food, or a closet full of decent, presentable clothes, or many other simple "comforts" in life that I now have........... so Its Not about what Others think, do or say Its about how My life is affected by my choices..... and those I've been able to help along the way- 9, who have inadvertantly and unknowilnly, benefitted from my frugality as well)......
Thanks so much
You said it so right. Many will admire you,but not everyone will put the effort. As you said,it takes efforts. 45k that aprox 50k something euro...in 2 years with avarage incomes-Bravo. Now this is determination. You felt that you are going deeper in the ....and you collect yourselves, with descipline and efforts and got out clean in just 2 years. That's really amazing. Well done to you two. It's really absolutely not a condition to spend money,in order to have a great time or build memories. I still can't believe how plenty of people still think so- ridiculous really. It's warming my heart listening how you two are living in harmony and in the way happiness means to you. You show gratitude to each other every day. With your mutual goals and authentic frugal living,full with rewards and value. It is for admiration and if I was in your shoes,I was going to be proud the same way like you are. You put the efforts and you earned it. 👍👏🥳
Thank you so much for your reply, that’s very nice of you
So we’ll said
So well said !
Awesome comment , I agree whole heartily❤
I am in the beginning to middle of this pay off struggle and it SO anxiety causing but i know we'll get through it if we keep it up. Its so bad. I can only imagine the relief i will feel.
You will get there.
Best of luck, keep going. At the end its payoff time. Its so worth the hard work.
Strangely, the payoff seems to go faster at the end, no matter what interest structure it has. Keep going!
Tomorrow is Thursday so we are off on our bus pass, it is not going to be a nice day so we are going to Oban it always rains in Oban. We will enjoy the scenery have lunch at Wetherspoons then come back by bus. Pick up the car and do the five minute drive home. We have taken a picnic in the past but we can afford lunch out so we will.
Thanks for sharing
You set a great example for everyone trying to get, with your frugal living tips!
Glad it was helpful!
Your chat mentioned good memories that your children have doing various activities with you. This reinforces that Quality time with loved ones and friends is what counts. Not spending money on them all the time.
It’s true.
Bravo for your comments on when you have friends you should not be shy about your frugality. I think that some people are amazed that it can be done but many do see the reason for it and wish they found a way to do themselves too, in order to prepare for a world future we are not too sure will be as prosperous as we would all like it to be.
Thanks
I am 57 and I really regret, that we started our frugal journey not earlier. Now, we have to work until 65 (me) and 67 (my husband). I know it was also my fault, because I was a spender for many years. And I am very ashamed of this, but it is what it is now....In two years we will payed off our house (old, little, but lovely with a garden), so we can than take our full income for renovate the windows, the floors and the kitchen and other things in our house. We have never had other debt, only our house. Thank you again for your videos!!
Better late than never. Two years will pass quickly
Definitely still learning but I have learned that small changes over time adds up to a big savings.
When you talked about getting free plants from friends or along the roadside I was excited so I started trying to figure out ways to get more flowers or vegetable plants to cut the costs of my hobby. So far this year I have been offered free Daffodil, iris and tulip bulbs. I have also gotten a free packet of zinnia seeds in the mail and got 3 different tomato plants free as well as a pepper plant.
That’s great, thanks for sharing
This is my favorite frugal channel. I had a meeting with my financial planner yesterday and I’m very well set up to retire. I have always been frugal and it’s paid off. No debt for years is great for reducing stress
That is awesome!
I notice that since I started the envelope system, I know where my money is going and what my budgets are. I haven't stressed about money nearly in any way that I did before since I started this a year or so ago. I know that, my gas money is close to running out but I'm almost to payday & I have a buffer option if I rly need it (usually dont). So when gas prices increase 10 cents at the pump or higher, I don't immediately freak out.
One thing extra I do is when I put in in splurge money, I separate it per week. So, if I dont spend anything that week, I divvy it out to other areas that will need money in the future. It's been so helpful & I only wish I had known it sooner.
Superb
When I think back on my most epic days they were doing free things. I do like to go on vacation but budget for it and do not go first class and even on vacation most of my days are free and I usually go to a grocery store and buy something for dinner and most hotels the breakfast is free and the free breakfast is a lot better then it was years ago.
Your hair looks lovely 🥰
Thank you so much
My daughter is not at all on board with me not being able to afford to go on vacation with her. She and her husband make ooodles of money and I live on less than 25,000 so going on vacation with her isn’t affordable. Nobody is happy that that I have managed to keep myself out of the poorhouse and I’m not in debt up to my eyeballs.! I’m proud of myself but putting up with family who has a way different standard of living is challenging.
I’m proud of you too.
That's tough. Yes, a lot for you to be proud of but it is hard when our family don't get it.
Agreed!
Frugality has bought me financial peace of mind and the absolute priceless luxury of waking up in the morning when my body decides it has had enough rest, then having my cup of morning coffee while I decide how I want to spend my day. I would not trade this for anything in the world!
@@thefinefrugalline3232 well said.
Its taught me that I am more capable than I thought.
That's for sure
Cute sweater ❤
I was thinking the same thing! 😊
Brilliant video, really enjoyed your practical wisdom and tips ❤
Glad it was helpful!
I'm happy the people around you respect what you've done to achieve an early retirement. I respect it, too! My husband and I are on our way to an early retirement. We're 30 and are planning on retiring at 60. Personally, I've noticed a bunch of judgment from my older co-workers. They think life is short and I should live for today. I tell them I enjoy being frugal, and I never feel neglected. They dont believe me!
Meanwhile, they complain about how they are in their 60's, and they still have to work 50+ hrs a week just to make ends meet...
They say it because they know they’ve messed up. They know they’ll live to 80 and have no money.
Oh so many areas in my life are better!! I don’t lie there wondering how am I going to pay this or that bill . How much materials things are so unnecessary, how much fun and rewarding to do things around are home and yard , and just spending time with family and friends!
Well said Mary
1:13 Oh yes. Peace of mind is worth any of the difficulties of the very lean days with medical debt stacked up and now paid off. I'm not rich but I am fairly self sufficient. I could do better, but I have to get a bit stronger 1st. I can't mow the lawn which frustrates me, and sometimes I have to hire big work done, but I do everything I can. The one habit I have yet to break is drive through fast food. That's my next goal. And my plan never included keeping this California home. I am rethinking that now.
Remember this, that stuff you call fast 'food' is just factory processed matter which is ruining your health. Eat real food that's never been near a processing unit. We can all be healthy and strong until our last days if we look after ourselves.
Oh yes, that's true. Frugal take time. I realised that I find myself picking up choko and kimchi them all weekend now. One batch lasts us a week.
It takes effort but I would argue that everything takes time. Life wasn’t meant to be easy.
Well said
Thank you.
Jane, do you think you could do a video on being disciplined and how you got there? I didn’t have these examples growing up. I find that some days I’m really good and then many I struggle. Consistency tends be to my tough part. Maybe I’m not setting myself up for success? Any thoughts?
Remind yourself every day that you're an adult. A Quick Look in the mirror will do that. Adults do the right thing....always. Adults: work, provide, protect, plan, maintain, cook, clean, care for themselves and others. They don't mess about doing stupid stuff.
Frugal living has taight me self-respect and independence.. It's taight me to see situations with "new eyes"!
Thanks so much
You have a beatiful house and a beautiful big garden 👍👍👍
Thank you
I work in a school and literally before every half term all people talk about is where they are going on holiday to. There was a time when I'd feel pressured by these conversations and actually book to go somewhere. Now i just stay out of the conversation, because I'm tired of saying 'I'm saving, I'm not going on holiday '.😊
I had the same.
A frugal mindset on below average earnings have allowed myself and husband to buy a house, pay off the mortgage in a fifth of the time, buy another, pay that one off in a similar time and now have enough of a savings pot to retire at 51 and buy my siblings out to live in the inherited family home. They kind of laughed at me for years, but they are not now. We do not have an extravagant lifestyle, we enjoy the outdoors and being sensible with what we have. Love your channel Mike and Jane xx
Thanks Debbie, it can be done
Frugal life has for me been self respect and financial stability
Hi do you ever have a sod it day and just go out for a coffee or a meal out?😂
Not in my budget. If you’ve watched our budget videos you’ll see we don’t do that. Maybe if we had the money in the budget we might but we always have food at home.
We have coffee out once a week (wetherspoons, v good decaf coffee, £1.59 and refillable) but never eat out (not primarily for money reasons) and actually find it easier to eat/ drink in ..
Its taught that you can get out of debt.
Indeed we did
Those are your best friends and family
I do not get a lot of positive reinforcement for being frugal at all. Chalk it up to American consumer culture, maybe? British and American thinking overlaps at times, but Americans do like the "go big or go home" lifestyle.
I think it depends on where you live and its local culture. I moved to a community where no one blinks an eye if you curb-shop or wear the same outfits to work every week.
@@jbalconi9903 Of course. I was generalizing. Communities vary.
Sorry to hear that but it won’t be everyone.
I just wanted to encourage you that there are like-minded people out there. This inflationary period may shift the culture where you live.
@@jbalconi9903 Thanks, and that does make sense. Inflation is definitely forcing people to be more frugal.
Wanting less..having less.
NEEDING LESS BUT HAVE MORE MONEY