I do make coffee the old fashion way , no designer clothes , always pack lunch ( no snacks ) , make my own cleaning product ( live in a chemical free environment is a must . Being frugal , is a life style . Knowing where your money goes is an awesome feeling
Even w the coffee pods you are still saving so much money compared to coffee out. The whole reason for being frugal is to be able to spend your hard earned money on what’s important to you and not on debt. So I think your list is absolutely spot on. You don’t spend on certain areas but once in a while realize that you may purchase a Starbucks coffee and it’s a treat you plan on ! I don’t drink coffee but I like icecream. So once in a while I treat myself to a cone at local icecream shop Yea I could buy a half gallon and have it at home but it’s a treat and brightens my day. Life and frugality are about balance as your channel shows us!!!
I go to thrift store for clothes. Great value. No credit cards. No extended warranty , no cable, no coffee shops. ❤❤❤ I have Dollar Tree spices. I have electric shaver. Paper towels for grease. I buy books on sale. ❤❤❤
My library gets 3-5 of bestsellers free for check out . They also have 1-3 depending on popularity that you can rent for $.50 a day. Since I will read the book in 2 maybe 3 days, I rent sometimes. Less than buying new or second hand.
We don't eat snacks. We always have fruit in the house, I make cakes at weekends, and we never buy other snacks. With 3 meals a day we don't need snacks. Fruit is much healthier. We live in Europe, for us is normal to walk, eat fruits, wait for book in library, use public transport, cook at home, make our own coffee ... It is ok to treat yourself now and then, but from these "frugal" videos we understand that people just need to learn to be patient and not lazy. Preparing your own lunch takes 5 minutes in the evening and coffee 3 minutes in the morning. It is not rocket science, just a habit.
I love a few brands of clothing and basically exclusively buy from them. Duluth and Eddie Bauer mostly. Keens for shoes. The clothes last forever, so I rarely have to shop for clothes, which allows me to justify the expensive cost on that rare occasion that I do buy clothes or shoes. I’ve had most of my wardrobe for more than a decade and I still love it all.
I do struggle in some areas to be frugal, but I think you made some interesting and balanced points. I love clothes and coffee. I'm trying to only shop at op shops ( I've just lost 18 kgs and am finding my clothes are falling off me)....and cut back on buying coffee out. Boy, it's hard to do, but hopefully we'll get there.
I don't drink coffee, only iced tea. I make my own, but will buy Starbucks if I'm out because it's always fresh and so good. Individual snacks I don't buy snacks much but if I do I'll buy individual ones because it helps me with portion control. I'm retired now and because I was careful with money while working, I'm well set for retirement and can splurge at times.
We used tto do that too when my husband was working. And then that coffee maker died. Now we are using my dad's Keurig (he passed away 7 years ago) and it sounds like its on its last legs.
@@yvette1097 YES! I got a single serving one (it can actually make two) after my Keurig died and not only is it cheaper all around, but the coffee tastes better too.
I do have Basic Cable at my house. It is actually more efficient than subscribing to the all the services separately. But no premium channels. It's easier to just rent a movie as needed.
I find that higher end clothing is better made, fits better, higher quality fabrics. So yes, I buy brand name clothes that are well made and flatter my figure. I tried not buying paper towels, but with 3 cats, I found it very impractical to not have paper towels. I buy the cheapest paper towels and use them to clean up after the daily "cat yack."
I would go to the kids consignment shop. Sell my kids old clothes and then buy designer clothes like Lily Pulitzer or Raph Lauren for $5-8. They are made very well and hold up well. I’m newer to trying to be frugal.
I'm selectively frugal just because I resist what feels like bad value for money. Coffee pods: never, I don't like machine coffee. I make coffee in a porcelain jug. Pre-packed snacks, occasionally cookies but nothing else. Brand-name clothing only second-hand. Extended warranty: never. Insurance companies are finance companies, they are not there to help you. Cable: we don't have it here, I have Netflix and one free local streaming service, watch a lot of RUclips. Coffee shops: never, I really don't like them, for one thing I can't stand the noise of the espresso machine. Gourmet spices - I don't use brand- name mixes but have a lot of spices to make curries. I get them from a local Indian supermarket that imports directly. Cleaning products : mainly dish soap, laundry powder, isopropyl alcohol, scouring paste. No fancy sprays. Disposable razors yes. Paper towels for food prep only, e.g. blotting moisture off raw meat. New books yes - I can spend a lot on books that the library doesn't stock. Fast fashion - cheap T-shirts, but they last for years. Lottery tickets - never. I once put a dollar on a horse for fun when I was about 14, won a few dollars, so I've had my gambling thrill. Premium gasoline - no, but I would if it was recommended for the car. ATM fees - I don't think we have them. My main difference may be that I cook all my food from basic ingredients and buy almost no prepared foods. I could afford them but don't like them. I eat in a restaurant only if forced to do so, and I grumble. I don't really like their food. I think I'm not exactly frugal, more mean and stubborn. I forgot to say I don't have a mobile phone and this is partly because I resent the cost for something I don't really want. So now you know I'm retired or I wouldn't have the freedom to choose ☺️
I think most of us are "selectively frugal". I don't think being frugal means we all must make the same choices. To me, being frugal means making choices that align with our preferences, habits and values. You know what is important to you. You know the value you get from things you spend money on, and you know the things that have no value to you so you won't spend money for them.
Thank you for the great tips. I have recently discovered Swedish dishcloths. I use them along with the paper towels; however, their consumption has drastically dropped since I have started using Swedish dishcloths. As far as gourmet spices are concerned, why buy expensive labels when there are always cheaper version available (try Aldi or ethnic Indian food stores). I was blown away to find out that Walmart carries Herbes de Provence at an incredibly low price.
Use the reusable k-cup alternative. 7oz. of coffee grounds on the largest cup setting produces a perfect cup of coffee. Ready it the night before. RINSE it out well after usage. It DOESN'T need to be washed after every use. I did this for years when we had our Keurigs.
My thoughts about frugal people. ... I think frugal people aren't impulsive shoppers. Patience as opposed to wanting instant gratification is a general trait of frugal people. Frugal people shop for needs and occassionally wants, but always search for the best prices. All that said ... being frugal means something different for different people and so, it looks different. Every person makes choices on what they will or won't, generally, spend money on, based on what is importantbto them. Someone wants to buy books because reading is a pleasure, so they don't spend money in other areas in order to afford books. One of the reasons we rarely eat out is not only that costs are high, and quality doesn't usually meet the cost, but that we have the money to buy good condiments and seasonings to make Thai, Israeli, Korean, Italian, Mexican, etc., dishes. We like to cook and it's enjoyable to be able to make a variety of dishes. We don't want spend money on dining out AND spending money on condiments and spices so we chose one. I have a basket of microfiber cloths by the kitchen sink and a small rack to hang them when wet. I go through, at least, a couple a day and throw them in the wash. One roll of paper towels lasts about 3 months, or more. We really like good coffee so we buy whole coffee beans and grind a small batch at a time, using a Magic Bullet, instead of buying less expensive ground coffee. Choices.
My pros: I work third shift. If i want something healthy, i need to bring my own lunch and snacks. Nothing good is open. Plus its good habit. I make my own coffee and tea. I even bring an assortment of varieties in each so i dont get bored. I buy in bulk when i see a deal of things i know i will use. I batch errand my car trips to save gas and my car is 5+ yrs to me as i do my best to maintain it. I loooove using the cash back on my credit card. So im diligently tracking every purchase and paying it off religiously every month. I cant wait till i get it to like....$500. Ill do something crazy maybe. (I wont, likely ill save it) I also generally pay my bills by the year. Auto insr, apartment insurance, phone, subscriptions. This allows me to put back gobs of money. Now....my joy is making food and getting creative in the kitchen. Gourmet spices and teas are my passion. I love a good drink recipe and meal prepping. Looove it. Examples: everyrhing but the bagel seasoning. 5 spice blend. Pizza blend. Etc. There are so msny spice options. ❤ thanks for taking the time to read! I typed this all out on my phone lol. Im waiting until black friday to get a decent lap top after mine died. Thanks for your content !!! ❤
The only thing I use paper towels for is draining bacon and occasionally to cover something in the microwave. I'm down to one or two rolls a year. The reusable wipes in the dollar store are really what they say, reusable. I have even soaked them in water with a tiny bit of bleach and they held up. They take up a lot less room in the cleaning closet too
Correct. That's frugal life... not extreme. I've never had cable. I haven't owned a TV in decades and decades. In the '90's, I found in a thrift shop in an affluent area, a custom made 2 piece dress. It was so high end that even the fabric had been custom woven for the dress. I snagged It for $10!!! I don't know how it ended up in the thrift store, but it did, and came home with me!
I make my own multi-purpose cleaner. (Alcohol and water and a dash of dawn) Once in a while I will treat myself to fall scents by Mrs. Meyers. Treats are important.
I buy Dawn. It cleans my plastic plant pots, cuts oil and grease on more than dishes and we use it to bathe flea infested kittens when we rescue them. Other than that its just bleach and vinegar.
I VERY rarely get coffee out. If we're on a longish road trip, the gas stations here in Oz now have pretty sophisticated, touch screen, DIY machines that grind the beans and make you a really good coffee to your preference - for a couple of dollars! Can't resist it BUT when our last coffee machine died, we didn't hesitate to replace it. It too grinds the beans and makes a coffee at the push of a button. We have tried lots of different beans and drive out of our way to buy coffee direct from the roaster. We definitely ARE frugal in so many ways, but everyone has their little thing that is not negotiable!! Cheers from Oz! We're enjoying spring - hope you are starting to see the beautiful fall colors!
I am definitely thinking about what to replace this Keurig with. Thanks so much for watching! We have had a crazy heat wave this week - it's starting to cool down a bit and the leaves are just starting to change.
Sara - some food for thought......We have a De'Longhi Magnifica and it's great! Beans go in the top, it's got a good-sized water tank, push a button and you've got coffee. You can adjust how much water in each cup and how strong you want the coffee. If I want a cappuccino I heat the milk in the microwave because it's easier for just one cup. Hubby likes a 'taller' coffee so he makes his with my settings and tops it up with boiling water - you need to play around a little till you get YOUR perfect coffee. The really important thing is to find beans you like. We've tried many and really enjoy one type which we buy directly from the fellow who actually roasts the beans himself. We buy a 3-4 months' worth at a time and it's always an added pleasure to visit him. I know the pods are very convenient but gosh they're expensive, and not great for the environment. Our machine makes a better cup and cheaper, even with the outlay for the machine itself and the pricier beans. I've had pod coffee at friends and meh, I find it nothing to write home about, (hope I don't sound like a snob). Hope this helps! Cheers from springtime in Oz.@@saraconklinfrozenpennies
I think being single meeting friends at a nice coffee shop instead of a restaurant helps me feel social and saves me money even though yes I could make coffee myself much cheaper.
I never saw a need to buy the expensive coffee pots and pods, I don’t think it tastes any different. I love my $25 Mr Coffee pot that is over 20 years old! It has a timer on it, but I never use it. I do put the coffee & water in the pot the night before, then push the button when I get up. By the time I feed the cats or go to the bathroom, my coffee is ready!
I agree, a coffee shop coffee once in a while is a treat. It's when you buy one every day that it becomes an expensive issue. I buy premium gasoline once every so often, usually when the price is at it's lowest. Otherwise no. Agree with you on everything else. I never realized just how frugal I was until I started watching your channel. Were you a fan of Amy Daczyn/Tightwad Gazette back when it was popular?
I may buy named clothing sometimes but on eBay only, thrift/charity shops/stores are getting wise in my area and creaming off these clothes when they are handed in. Even second hand it usually last longer.
I’am in Australia and have noticed there is a surcharge if you just tap and go with your ATM card , I know it’s only a few cents but I always insert my card .
Depending on where you live, you can get dozens of free channels with an antenna. We get 26 channels over the air, plus we have a Roku, and Amazon Prime. We freeze dry herbs from our garden, oregano, thyme, tarragon, basil, parsley, cilantro, dill, plus celery, peppers and parsley. We do buy sea salt, cumin and cinnamon. We don’t follow fashion trends, or buy expensive labelled clothes. We also buy store brands at the grocery store. They get their products from the same factory as the name brands. We do pay for premium gasoline, the ethanol free variety to use in the mower, wood splitter, chainsaw as the fuel can sit for a longer period of time and breaks down. Bad for the engine. We grind our coffee from beans, plus set it up the night before so we can just turn it on in the morning. The coffee is ready when we get back in from opening up the chicken coop. The weather is cooling down and I am enjoying the sweat equity of cutting, splitting and stacking wood for the wood stove. It was 74 degrees in the living/dining area of the house and 67 in the bedroom down the hall. Beats setting the thermostat at 60 degrees to control the electric bill. Hubby is collecting the leaves from the yard and they are going in the raised beds and open areas of the garden to break down and provide great organic fall gold fertilizer. Food scraps, egg shells, coffee grounds, manure from the chicken coop, hair clippings, wood ash and rotting produce from the food pantry we volunteer at, go into the compost pile in the garden. One friend that was visiting last week joked that we use everything. I took that as a compliment.
I don't economise on herbs, spices or condiments, my collection of which fills 3 shelves of a cabinet and half a shelf in the fridge. With them, I can turn vegetables, rice, beans etc into a different country's cuisine every night. If absolutely necessary, though, I could cut down to salt, freshly ground pepper, chilli powder, ground cumin, mixed herbs, bay leaves, garlic and a packet of vegetable stock cubes.
Coffee pods,buy a reusable one.they are far cheaper than the k cup pods. Buy items that actually work,like dawn dish soap,tide laundry soap, quality over quantity every time.some things, generic is fine,but not everything. Use until you can't anymore. Take care of what you have.
I know for our family, cutting cable in 2006 was the best decision. I did it because we needed to cut back and save money back then but now we are in a much better financial place but have no desire to have cable. Especially with a smart TV and Prime. It's like we have cable but pay $130/year. The cost of Prime.
yes I'm frugal & the things I do on your list are: buy 1 bag of Foca powder laundry detergent per year, 1 large bottle of multi-use disinfectant per year from dollar tree, & the cheapest per unit paper towels 😊 iced coffee: 1 cup cold water 2 tsp instant coffee stir 1 packet stevia 1 T coffee syrup 1 cup milk ice stir & enjoy!
We have a very good drip coffee pot and don’t want the pods. We consider than very environmentally poor. Would you consider setting up your Coffee the night before? We have a fire stick and don’t have cable. We are retired. We don’t watch TV during the day either. Too busy. I didn’t know they were still Barnes & Noble’s in business I think those tips are realistic
You are absolutely righ about the k cups and environmental issues. And I know I'm being selfish choosing my own convenience ofer the earth. We do have a couple of challenges with the one pot of coffee as we are both drinking different kinds but its given me something to think about. Barnes and Noble are pretty prominant still in Upstate NY!
1. I use a small, drip coffee maker. It's easy to use and easy to clean. 2-7 No to all of them. 8. I buy cleaning products. But I also don't normally buy the name brands. 9. I use disposable razors. But, I also don't shave often, normally only if I'm wearing shorts or getting a massage. 10. I use paper towels, but not a lot of them. There are certain things that they work better for. 11. I buy new books occasionally. I enjoy rereading books and it's hard to do that if I don't have them. 12. No 13. My late husband always bought lottery tickets. He wasted thousands of dollars that I could use now. I bought them for a while at his urging, but stopped years ago. I have better things to do with my money. 14. The only time I bought premium gasoline was because that's what I was riding (Buell Blast motorcycle) called for. I seem to recall reading that it's not good to use it ever if the vehicle doesn't need it. 15. I don't use a debit card, so no fees. And I always have at least $40 on me for just in case.
Gourmet spices, to me, means you paid too much for what you could have bought cheaper or in bulk at an ethnic market. When I began to venture into expanding my kitchen expertise/repertoire, I found that buying spice at the Indian and Chinese grocery stores or the international farmer's market gave me the best options on size, price, and variety. Being able to make my own curries instead going to a restaurant saves tons of money. A pot of rice and a gallon of creamy golden dal feeds us for days for less than $5. There's a world of food to enjoy and investing correctly in spices by buying at international markets is the gateway to great, better-than- restaurant meals at home. A little spice goes a long way.
I would report a restaurant that charged a fee for using a credit. They're not allowed to do that. When we were in Hawaii they added a tip to our bill for the kitchen staff, you weren't given a choice. Then you needed to tip the waitress.
I was only raised on name brand items that my grandmother's or my aunt's sewing factory produced, or we purchased 2nds at Factory outlets. Otherwise, generic.
This is me, living as a single person in Canada. 1. Coffee pods - I have one of reusable ones and love it 2 - Snacks - I buy a lot of the multi-packs of single serve snacks. I am one person and if I bought a bag of chips they would go bad by the time I got to them 3. Brand-name clothing - I don't but them 4. Extended warranty - I don't ever but them. 5 - Cable - I don't even use cable. 6 - Coffee shop drinks - I am able to get these every week. I just ask my family for Starbucks cards for stocking stuffers. 7 - Gourmet spices - I am spoiled with where I live. I go to the little family markets and buy the spices from there in bulk. 8 - Cleaning products - Due to allergies I am stuck with the ones I need to buy. Some are more expensive than others but I can go a year without repurchasing some of them. 9 - Disposable razors - I but the replaceable razor heads. I go through maybe 6 a year. 10 - Paper towels - I di use a lot of these 11 - New books - I am a reader with a capital R. For my life I decided it was worth it to buy a Kobo and get their Plus account. They recently did and audio book add on. So I can download 15 books plus audio books for $15/month 12 - Fast fashion - If I am desperate I will buy something, but usually I mend my clothes or repurpose them. 13 - Lottery tickets - I don't buy these 14 - Premium gasoline - I don't drive. My transit cost is $100 a month with half paid by my work. 15 - ATM fees - I don't use ATM's to get cash. Almost everything I do is either online banking or on my card. Not many places near me take cash.
I dont do cable. I do shop at stores to get new clothes...But i dont drink coffee. I only drink water from my amazing filter...and ive lost almost 50 pounds fasting Whew whoo...😊
@@saraconklinfrozenpennies that's good. I find that drinking water is not only cheap but also good to staying hydrated...which is a good thing and allows me to stay hydrated which also keeps me healthy.
Thanks Sara. Guilty here paper towels, but I do save them after use for spills on floor or window cleaning. Cable here, noise keeps me company and has visual. Bundle with company for Wi-Fi too. Brand loyal to LL Bean t shirts. Mr Coffee here but prefer a percolator, wasn’t available when my old one bit the dust. Now waiting for Mr Coffee to bite the dust. Shop with coupons. Sadly I do shop on line due to health and sometimes I have to send back items at a charge. However, in defense if I had to return to a store there would’ve cost i.e. gas & perhaps seeing something on an end cap. I do 1.25 store for cards, gift bags &paper. Actually I prefer to use a kitchen towel for wrapping. I am brand loyal to Crest toothpaste & Listerine. Keep up the good work. Thanks waving to you from Michigan. No ATM fees am mindful of that. However, I do encourage DH to buy RV gas for snowblower & zero turn mower. Very expensive to buy
Fix the pod the night before, after finishing the dishes, it's just push the button in morning. Cut the cable cord years ago. Plenty of goodies free on the internet.
I have a French Press for coffee. Gourmet spices are spices that I can’t get in Canada. Spices from Israel and Iceland. I love to cook and I love spices
1 - 7 no, cleaning products such as laundry, tub, toilet, sink and body cleaners yes. 1 disposable razor a year for quick facial touch ups. Paper towels 1 roll a month for collecting fried food oil, no new books. I don't know what fast fashion is but will purchase clothing and or shoes if they are worn out to replace them. 1 Lotto ticket when it gets real high because I can dream too :D No premium gas and no ATM fees, I'm often lucky if I have a few dollars on me now a days.
I am lazy, too, but it is cheaper to grind your own coffee ahead of time, take a few scoops, add a pot of water, and let ir run for maybe 10 min to have your coffee. On a coffee station, you can have the flavors you desire. I don't buy a lot of Walmart stuff because I need my clothes to be durable and presentable. Extended warranties have loop holes, and rarely are needed, or it is easier just to buy a new item. I was totally cord free, until we bought Amazon Prime and Walmart Plus. Amazon has some free TV and movies, and Walmart Plus has free Paramount Plus. I rarely go out for coffee, but Dunkin Donuts is WAY cheaper than Starbucks, and will let you accumulate rewards faster, too. We cook more than we get takeout, so we splurge on spices that will make us love our food. I use basic cleaners to avoid chemicals. Big jugs of vinegar, big bags of baking soda and huge Dawn detergent containers from places like Sam's are very reasonable and last a long time, better for you. Now, I have never been satisfied with the shave from an electric razor. I buy the men's disposable razors in bulk from Sam's. They have doubled in price, though, so I may have to settle for inferior hair removal in a few years. We will see. I use paper towels a lot. A handicapped husband and pets mandates it. I don't collect books. I use e-readers and check out books. There are a zillion great books. I don't have to have the latest or greatest thing ASAP. Instant gratification people don't truly understand the waiting game, and will never be truly frugal. My style is whatever I think looks cute and fits well on me. I don't go by brands, sizing, or newness, and many like the way that I dress. Since I shop bargain and thrift most of the time, I can afford 14 outfits at a time before I have to wash clothes (so I wash every 2 weeks). The one time I bought a lottery ticket, I felt guilty and lost. I would end up losing more than I won. I would rather enter sweeps, and using my talent to win contests. My vehicle does not need premium, and it makes very little difference in drive. I have NEVER used an ATM. Those are not safe. Forget saving money. They attract crime. They can malfunction. I plan my purchases ahead of time. ASAP people will be at the mercy of an ATM.
I'm not sure what gourmet spices are either. In my area there are a lot of Mennonite runs stores that sell spices in bulk. I like to get them when I can because they're fresh and usually cheaper than buying from a grocery store brand. Maybe these are "gourmet"? I'm not sure. But I do like using these spices more.
I get bulk herbs that I don't grow enough of from Mennonite stores but I'm also lucky enough to have access to an Indian store. They don't have bulk spices the same way, but they sell large bags of spices like cinnamon and turmeric which are much cheaper than the tiny sore bottles and cans and are much cheaper. I have never had a problem with quality. When someone says "gourmet" spices to me I think of fancy blends or chef branded things like Emerils Essence.
Does sprinkling Herbes de Provence on popcorn count as exotic spices? Ha ha. I buy new books to replace well-worn old books or if I know I will be taking months to read them (like poetry or short story anthologies). I no longer buy coffee, even at B&N because I've gotten good at making frou-frou blends to my taste.
Enjoy books as you do ! Also , for books I buy at B&N , I will pass them on to friends , asking them to do same when done reading, or I will donate the books to our local Humane Society thrift shop so their sales benefit the animals . 📚💚
I don't have a Keurig. I prefer steeped coffee, aka cold brew. It takes more coffee to cold brew than a pod, or for that matter, just hot brew in a drip machine. So you're beating me in coffee frugality! I do compost the coffee grounds in my garden. I get my "high end" clothes at the thrift stores, too. I don't like electric razors. But I buy paper towels. I don't buy new books. I'm patient that way. I do buy an occasional lottery ticket when it's above a certain amount. I put the same amount I spent on the lottery ticket in savings. My credit union gives back any ATM fees at the end of the month.
I do nothing on this list with the exception of fast fashion bc it’s cheap. Then I wear it until it’s worn out. Also zero subscriptions, never go to Starbucks, don’t own a Keurig, and only, rarely, buy new books if they aren’t at the library or I can’t get them used. I also don’t declutter. Why? On the continuum of hoarder to minimalist, there are other places you can land. No, I don’t save hairballs. But I also have more than 100 objects and most of them don’t spark joy. I just like them or think they may be useful in the future. I’m going to have to purchase a new phone, probably this month bc it’s pretty much inoperable. I hope, in the fall of 2023 to get an iPhone SE. I don’t need more than that.
If I tried to reuse ice cream containers for leftovers, my family would be heartbroken to think there was ice cream and then open it and see chili. Oh my gosh...that might actually be super fun!!
Great video! Frugality will be different from person to person. We eat takeaway a lot, but we do it as frugally as possible. I buy gift cards on discount to places I know we go frequently.
I do play the lottery. I know will most certainly never ever win. But here in Germany 40% of the lottery money is used for charity. 50% is used to pay out the winners. The last ten percent go to the costs. So in my book 9 of the 10€ I spend for my lottery ticket a month are potentialy making someones day a little ore even a lot better. And i get the exitement of playing. To me it is worth it.
Ha ha. Those tiny pods don’t even have enough caffeine in them to open my eyes-not much flavor either. I have a machine that has a HUGE filter thingy and I fill it almost to the top. (Like a knock off Keurig that has a k cup or grounds option but with a much larger space for grounds-only cost me $20 lol). I don’t love the maintenance but gotta have it super strong. I do it almost every day so I don’t really need to use my brain. It’s robotic. Lol. I like to have it all at once and I do it iced so I don’t have to keep reheating it (so annoying lol). Pre packaged food-some-not usually single serve snacks tho Designer clothing-thrift store only Coffee shop-rarely Cleaning products-some but I use bleach and peroxide for many things (multipurpose). I’m also in love with the Dawn power spray, but I make my own for the refills (it’s very easy and you really save on not wasting so much dish soap). Paper towels-a MUST-a house full of cats that pee, poop, puke and sometimes bleed or drool (we ain’t reusing that kind of nasty on a rag lol-also raw meat goo-they eat a lot of meat and for the the nasty wet food crud on their saucers and/or the floor. Fast fashion-a little, but I keep it as long as it holds up All the rest-No and no coffee pods
Go to your bank ATM. Then go out to fair, or festival. ❤. However, now with most festivals everyone can take Visa cards. The internet has fixed this and I find almost everything is available with a card. 🎉
No kuerig here - regular drip brew (set up night before with timer so it’s ready when I get up), no prepack snacks, never got into brands (unless it’s at the outlet mall), no to warranties, no cable no fire stick etc, never been to a Starbucks, I have splurged in saffron and real vanilla beans, I make own cleaning supplies, paper towels are only for vegetable storage (storing greens), Kindle is my splurge: love to read anytime anywhere, fast fashion occ to add a new piece to the long-standing clothes, never played lotto - might as well throw the dollars out the window…, premium yes because that’s what the car requires, have never used an ATM. As an aside, did you know health insurances pay providers with virtual credit cards - so first you have to wait several weeks to get paid THEN get fleeced with credit card fees which just reduce Ed your reimbursement.
I do make coffee the old fashion way , no designer clothes , always pack lunch ( no snacks ) , make my own cleaning product ( live in a chemical free environment is a must . Being frugal , is a life style . Knowing where your money goes is an awesome feeling
I could not agree more. Thanks for watching!!
Even w the coffee pods you are still saving so much money compared to coffee out. The whole reason for being frugal is to be able to spend your hard earned money on what’s important to you and not on debt. So I think your list is absolutely spot on. You don’t spend on certain areas but once in a while realize that you may purchase a Starbucks coffee and it’s a treat you plan on ! I don’t drink coffee but I like icecream. So once in a while I treat myself to a cone at local icecream shop Yea I could buy a half gallon and have it at home but it’s a treat and brightens my day. Life and frugality are about balance as your channel shows us!!!
YES! We should be best friends!! I 100% agree on what you say!
I buy Aldi’s coffee. It’s really good! I usually drink tea in the morning tho.
I go to thrift store for clothes. Great value. No credit cards. No extended warranty , no cable, no coffee shops. ❤❤❤ I have Dollar Tree spices. I have electric shaver. Paper towels for grease. I buy books on sale. ❤❤❤
Thanks so much for taking the time to comment. I do love reading these answers!
You're my kind of person! I love thrift stores. I shop Aldi when I can. I've never bought a lottery ticket in my entire life!
We are frugal twinsies!
My library gets 3-5 of bestsellers free for check out . They also have 1-3 depending on popularity that you can rent for $.50 a day. Since I will read the book in 2 maybe 3 days, I rent sometimes. Less than buying new or second hand.
We don't eat snacks. We always have fruit in the house, I make cakes at weekends, and we never buy other snacks. With 3 meals a day we don't need snacks. Fruit is much healthier. We live in Europe, for us is normal to walk, eat fruits, wait for book in library, use public transport, cook at home, make our own coffee ... It is ok to treat yourself now and then, but from these "frugal" videos we understand that people just need to learn to be patient and not lazy. Preparing your own lunch takes 5 minutes in the evening and coffee 3 minutes in the morning. It is not rocket science, just a habit.
👏👏👏👍👍👍
"What we do from habit, we do easily".
Marcus Aurelius
I love a few brands of clothing and basically exclusively buy from them. Duluth and Eddie Bauer mostly. Keens for shoes. The clothes last forever, so I rarely have to shop for clothes, which allows me to justify the expensive cost on that rare occasion that I do buy clothes or shoes. I’ve had most of my wardrobe for more than a decade and I still love it all.
Comfortable shoes, like Keen, are so worth the money.
I do struggle in some areas to be frugal, but I think you made some interesting and balanced points. I love clothes and coffee. I'm trying to only shop at op shops ( I've just lost 18 kgs and am finding my clothes are falling off me)....and cut back on buying coffee out. Boy, it's hard to do, but hopefully we'll get there.
Congratulations on your weight loss! That is hard work! Keep up the good work!
I don't drink coffee, only iced tea. I make my own, but will buy Starbucks if I'm out because it's always fresh and so good. Individual snacks I don't buy snacks much but if I do I'll buy individual ones because it helps me with portion control. I'm retired now and because I was careful with money while working, I'm well set for retirement and can splurge at times.
I am 76. Always thought of myself as frugal. You have me beat by a mile! Thank you for being on RUclips!
My mom would always get the coffee ready at night so when she woke up all she had to do was press start.
We used tto do that too when my husband was working. And then that coffee maker died. Now we are using my dad's Keurig (he passed away 7 years ago) and it sounds like its on its last legs.
I love my little Mr Coffee maker. Just the right size for my daily coffee lol.
@@yvette1097 YES! I got a single serving one (it can actually make two) after my Keurig died and not only is it cheaper all around, but the coffee tastes better too.
I do have Basic Cable at my house. It is actually more efficient than subscribing to the all the services separately. But no premium channels. It's easier to just rent a movie as needed.
So crazy. My cable company doesn't even offer the basic, basic anymore. I wasnt happy to hear that.
I find that higher end clothing is better made, fits better, higher quality fabrics. So yes, I buy brand name clothes that are well made and flatter my figure.
I tried not buying paper towels, but with 3 cats, I found it very impractical to not have paper towels. I buy the cheapest paper towels and use them to clean up after the daily "cat yack."
If I do buy high end, brand name clothes it is from the thrift store.
Yup - me, too!
Going out for coffee is a special occassion
Two of our local restaurants include an extra bar charge, even for soda! One of them has cash price, and card price, right on the menu.
Kindle and Libby is my go to reading source. I have so many on my hold that I will never stop reading. Love Libby. 😂❤😂
My best friend is the same. Her Libby is so full of books!
I would go to the kids consignment shop. Sell my kids old clothes and then buy designer clothes like Lily Pulitzer or Raph Lauren for $5-8. They are made very well and hold up well.
I’m newer to trying to be frugal.
I'm selectively frugal just because I resist what feels like bad value for money. Coffee pods: never, I don't like machine coffee. I make coffee in a porcelain jug. Pre-packed snacks, occasionally cookies but nothing else. Brand-name clothing only second-hand. Extended warranty: never. Insurance companies are finance companies, they are not there to help you. Cable: we don't have it here, I have Netflix and one free local streaming service, watch a lot of RUclips. Coffee shops: never, I really don't like them, for one thing I can't stand the noise of the espresso machine. Gourmet spices - I don't use brand- name mixes but have a lot of spices to make curries. I get them from a local Indian supermarket that imports directly. Cleaning products : mainly dish soap, laundry powder, isopropyl alcohol, scouring paste. No fancy sprays. Disposable razors yes. Paper towels for food prep only, e.g. blotting moisture off raw meat. New books yes - I can spend a lot on books that the library doesn't stock. Fast fashion - cheap T-shirts, but they last for years. Lottery tickets - never. I once put a dollar on a horse for fun when I was about 14, won a few dollars, so I've had my gambling thrill. Premium gasoline - no, but I would if it was recommended for the car. ATM fees - I don't think we have them. My main difference may be that I cook all my food from basic ingredients and buy almost no prepared foods. I could afford them but don't like them. I eat in a restaurant only if forced to do so, and I grumble. I don't really like their food. I think I'm not exactly frugal, more mean and stubborn. I forgot to say I don't have a mobile phone and this is partly because I resent the cost for something I don't really want. So now you know I'm retired or I wouldn't have the freedom to choose ☺️
I think most of us are "selectively frugal". I don't think being frugal means we all must make the same choices. To me, being frugal means making choices that align with our preferences, habits and values. You know what is important to you. You know the value you get from things you spend money on, and you know the things that have no value to you so you won't spend money for them.
Thank you for the great tips. I have recently discovered Swedish dishcloths. I use them along with the paper towels; however, their consumption has drastically dropped since I have started using Swedish dishcloths. As far as gourmet spices are concerned, why buy expensive labels when there are always cheaper version available (try Aldi or ethnic Indian food stores). I was blown away to find out that Walmart carries Herbes de Provence at an incredibly low price.
I've found some good prices on spices at Walmart. And I need to look up Swedish dishcloths!
Use the reusable k-cup alternative. 7oz. of coffee grounds on the largest cup setting produces a perfect cup of coffee. Ready it the night before. RINSE it out well after usage. It DOESN'T need to be washed after every use. I did this for years when we had our Keurigs.
I get Starbucks a few times a year. I get my spices at Trader Joe’s. I agree with the multi purpose cleaner.
My thoughts about frugal people. ...
I think frugal people aren't impulsive shoppers. Patience as opposed to wanting instant gratification is a general trait of frugal people. Frugal people shop for needs and occassionally wants, but always search for the best prices.
All that said ... being frugal means something different for different people and so, it looks different. Every person makes choices on what they will or won't, generally, spend money on, based on what is importantbto them. Someone wants to buy books because reading is a pleasure, so they don't spend money in other areas in order to afford books.
One of the reasons we rarely eat out is not only that costs are high, and quality doesn't usually meet the cost, but that we have the money to buy good condiments and seasonings to make Thai, Israeli, Korean, Italian, Mexican, etc., dishes. We like to cook and it's enjoyable to be able to make a variety of dishes. We don't want spend money on dining out AND spending money on condiments and spices so we chose one.
I have a basket of microfiber cloths by the kitchen sink and a small rack to hang them when wet. I go through, at least, a couple a day and throw them in the wash. One roll of paper towels lasts about 3 months, or more. We really like good coffee so we buy whole coffee beans and grind a small batch at a time, using a Magic Bullet, instead of buying less expensive ground coffee.
Choices.
My pros: I work third shift. If i want something healthy, i need to bring my own lunch and snacks. Nothing good is open. Plus its good habit. I make my own coffee and tea. I even bring an assortment of varieties in each so i dont get bored. I buy in bulk when i see a deal of things i know i will use.
I batch errand my car trips to save gas and my car is 5+ yrs to me as i do my best to maintain it.
I loooove using the cash back on my credit card. So im diligently tracking every purchase and paying it off religiously every month. I cant wait till i get it to like....$500. Ill do something crazy maybe. (I wont, likely ill save it)
I also generally pay my bills by the year. Auto insr, apartment insurance, phone, subscriptions. This allows me to put back gobs of money.
Now....my joy is making food and getting creative in the kitchen. Gourmet spices and teas are my passion. I love a good drink recipe and meal prepping. Looove it. Examples: everyrhing but the bagel seasoning. 5 spice blend. Pizza blend. Etc. There are so msny spice options.
❤ thanks for taking the time to read! I typed this all out on my phone lol. Im waiting until black friday to get a decent lap top after mine died. Thanks for your content !!! ❤
Thanks so much for watching. I appreciate the great comment. It sounds like you're doing a great job managing your money!
I bought a pack of 12 paper towel over a year ago and am on my 10th roll now cause I hardly ever use it.
NICE! Sometimes, ya just need them.
The only thing I use paper towels for is draining bacon and occasionally to cover something in the microwave. I'm down to one or two rolls a year. The reusable wipes in the dollar store are really what they say, reusable. I have even soaked them in water with a tiny bit of bleach and they held up. They take up a lot less room in the cleaning closet too
Correct. That's frugal life... not extreme.
I've never had cable. I haven't owned a TV in decades and decades.
In the '90's, I found in a thrift shop in an affluent area, a custom made 2 piece dress. It was so high end that even the fabric had been custom woven for the dress. I snagged It for $10!!! I don't know how it ended up in the thrift store, but it did, and came home with me!
I use the pods to have a variety of coffees. I love flavored coffee.
Yes! Still cheaper than going out for coffee!
I make my own multi-purpose cleaner. (Alcohol and water and a dash of dawn) Once in a while I will treat myself to fall scents by Mrs. Meyers. Treats are important.
Mrs Meyers seasonal scents are my favorite :)
I buy Dawn. It cleans my plastic plant pots, cuts oil and grease on more than dishes and we use it to bathe flea infested kittens when we rescue them. Other than that its just bleach and vinegar.
No on spot I do most if not all. WE hardly do restaurants to that fact of charging service fees
We do need to self care
Like what?
I do not meal plan. I do the carnivore diet and one to two meals a day. FYI: Got off all meds eating this way.
I VERY rarely get coffee out. If we're on a longish road trip, the gas stations here in Oz now have pretty sophisticated, touch screen, DIY machines that grind the beans and make you a really good coffee to your preference - for a couple of dollars! Can't resist it BUT when our last coffee machine died, we didn't hesitate to replace it. It too grinds the beans and makes a coffee at the push of a button. We have tried lots of different beans and drive out of our way to buy coffee direct from the roaster. We definitely ARE frugal in so many ways, but everyone has their little thing that is not negotiable!! Cheers from Oz! We're enjoying spring - hope you are starting to see the beautiful fall colors!
I am definitely thinking about what to replace this Keurig with. Thanks so much for watching! We have had a crazy heat wave this week - it's starting to cool down a bit and the leaves are just starting to change.
Sara - some food for thought......We have a De'Longhi Magnifica and it's great! Beans go in the top, it's got a good-sized water tank, push a button and you've got coffee. You can adjust how much water in each cup and how strong you want the coffee. If I want a cappuccino I heat the milk in the microwave because it's easier for just one cup. Hubby likes a 'taller' coffee so he makes his with my settings and tops it up with boiling water - you need to play around a little till you get YOUR perfect coffee. The really important thing is to find beans you like. We've tried many and really enjoy one type which we buy directly from the fellow who actually roasts the beans himself. We buy a 3-4 months' worth at a time and it's always an added pleasure to visit him. I know the pods are very convenient but gosh they're expensive, and not great for the environment. Our machine makes a better cup and cheaper, even with the outlay for the machine itself and the pricier beans. I've had pod coffee at friends and meh, I find it nothing to write home about, (hope I don't sound like a snob). Hope this helps! Cheers from springtime in Oz.@@saraconklinfrozenpennies
@@andersonomo597 Definitely looking into that! Thanks!
I think being single meeting friends at a nice coffee shop instead of a restaurant helps me feel social and saves me money even though yes I could make coffee myself much cheaper.
I never saw a need to buy the expensive coffee pots and pods, I don’t think it tastes any different. I love my $25 Mr Coffee pot that is over 20 years old! It has a timer on it, but I never use it. I do put the coffee & water in the pot the night before, then push the button when I get up. By the time I feed the cats or go to the bathroom, my coffee is ready!
I agree, a coffee shop coffee once in a while is a treat. It's when you buy one every day that it becomes an expensive issue. I buy premium gasoline once every so often, usually when the price is at it's lowest. Otherwise no. Agree with you on everything else. I never realized just how frugal I was until I started watching your channel. Were you a fan of Amy Daczyn/Tightwad Gazette back when it was popular?
I may buy named clothing sometimes but on eBay only, thrift/charity shops/stores are getting wise in my area and creaming off these clothes when they are handed in. Even second hand it usually last longer.
Great value ❤❤❤😊😊😊
Thanks so much!
Yes capsule wadrobe and capsule shoping list
I’am in Australia and have noticed there is a surcharge if you just tap and go with your ATM card , I know it’s only a few cents but I always insert my card .
Depending on where you live, you can get dozens of free channels with an antenna. We get 26 channels over the air, plus we have a Roku, and Amazon Prime.
We freeze dry herbs from our garden, oregano, thyme, tarragon, basil, parsley, cilantro, dill, plus celery, peppers and parsley. We do buy sea salt, cumin and cinnamon.
We don’t follow fashion trends, or buy expensive labelled clothes. We also buy store brands at the grocery store. They get their products from the same factory as the name brands. We do pay for premium gasoline, the ethanol free variety to use in the mower, wood splitter, chainsaw as the fuel can sit for a longer period of time and breaks down. Bad for the engine.
We grind our coffee from beans, plus set it up the night before so we can just turn it on in the morning. The coffee is ready when we get back in from opening up the chicken coop. The weather is cooling down and I am enjoying the sweat equity of cutting, splitting and stacking wood for the wood stove. It was 74 degrees in the living/dining area of the house and 67 in the bedroom down the hall. Beats setting the thermostat at 60 degrees to control the electric bill.
Hubby is collecting the leaves from the yard and they are going in the raised beds and open areas of the garden to break down and provide great organic fall gold fertilizer. Food scraps, egg shells, coffee grounds, manure from the chicken coop, hair clippings, wood ash and rotting produce from the food pantry we volunteer at, go into the compost pile in the garden. One friend that was visiting last week joked that we use everything. I took that as a compliment.
It helps to be frugually lazy save water electricity time efford i dont bake or use the oven i only use hob or slow cooker meal prep
I don't economise on herbs, spices or condiments, my collection of which fills 3 shelves of a cabinet and half a shelf in the fridge. With them, I can turn vegetables, rice, beans etc into a different country's cuisine every night. If absolutely necessary, though, I could cut down to salt, freshly ground pepper, chilli powder, ground cumin, mixed herbs, bay leaves, garlic and a packet of vegetable stock cubes.
Coffee pods,buy a reusable one.they are far cheaper than the k cup pods.
Buy items that actually work,like dawn dish soap,tide laundry soap, quality over quantity every time.some things, generic is fine,but not everything.
Use until you can't anymore.
Take care of what you have.
Frozen mocha frappé is my weekness . But just a few times a year.
I have friends who feel the same way about the Pumpkin Spice Latte!
Fantastic and informative video 😊 Thank you 😊
Thanks so much for watching!
I know for our family, cutting cable in 2006 was the best decision. I did it because we needed to cut back and save money back then but now we are in a much better financial place but have no desire to have cable. Especially with a smart TV and Prime. It's like we have cable but pay $130/year. The cost of Prime.
yes I'm frugal & the things I do on your list are: buy 1 bag of Foca powder laundry detergent per year, 1 large bottle of multi-use disinfectant per year from dollar tree, & the cheapest per unit paper towels 😊
iced coffee:
1 cup cold water
2 tsp instant coffee
stir
1 packet stevia
1 T coffee syrup
1 cup milk
ice
stir & enjoy!
We have a very good drip coffee pot and don’t want the pods. We consider than very environmentally poor.
Would you consider setting up your Coffee the night before?
We have a fire stick and don’t have cable. We are retired. We don’t watch TV during the day either. Too busy.
I didn’t know they were still Barnes & Noble’s in business
I think those tips are realistic
You are absolutely righ about the k cups and environmental issues. And I know I'm being selfish choosing my own convenience ofer the earth. We do have a couple of challenges with the one pot of coffee as we are both drinking different kinds but its given me something to think about. Barnes and Noble are pretty prominant still in Upstate NY!
We stopped purchasing extended warranties years ago. They simply promote the fact that the quality of the item is inferior.
1. I use a small, drip coffee maker. It's easy to use and easy to clean.
2-7 No to all of them.
8. I buy cleaning products. But I also don't normally buy the name brands.
9. I use disposable razors. But, I also don't shave often, normally only if I'm wearing shorts or getting a massage.
10. I use paper towels, but not a lot of them. There are certain things that they work better for.
11. I buy new books occasionally. I enjoy rereading books and it's hard to do that if I don't have them.
12. No
13. My late husband always bought lottery tickets. He wasted thousands of dollars that I could use now. I bought them for a while at his urging, but stopped years ago. I have better things to do with my money.
14. The only time I bought premium gasoline was because that's what I was riding (Buell Blast motorcycle) called for. I seem to recall reading that it's not good to use it ever if the vehicle doesn't need it.
15. I don't use a debit card, so no fees. And I always have at least $40 on me for just in case.
Thanks so much for the input. I think its going to be fun to see all the answers on this video!
I buy from thrift stores too & Walmart
I get my coffee pot ready the night before so all I have to do is turn it on. I'm a morning person so I'm raring to at 4:30 am.😂
Gourmet spices, to me, means you paid too much for what you could have bought cheaper or in bulk at an ethnic market. When I began to venture into expanding my kitchen expertise/repertoire, I found that buying spice at the Indian and Chinese grocery stores or the international farmer's market gave me the best options on size, price, and variety. Being able to make my own curries instead going to a restaurant saves tons of money. A pot of rice and a gallon of creamy golden dal feeds us for days for less than $5. There's a world of food to enjoy and investing correctly in spices by buying at international markets is the gateway to great, better-than- restaurant meals at home. A little spice goes a long way.
I would report a restaurant that charged a fee for using a credit. They're not allowed to do that.
When we were in Hawaii they added a tip to our bill for the kitchen staff, you weren't given a choice. Then you needed to tip the waitress.
I will check into that!
I was only raised on name brand items that my grandmother's or my aunt's sewing factory produced, or we purchased 2nds at Factory outlets. Otherwise, generic.
This is me, living as a single person in Canada.
1. Coffee pods - I have one of reusable ones and love it
2 - Snacks - I buy a lot of the multi-packs of single serve snacks. I am one person and if I bought a bag of chips they would go bad by the time I got to them
3. Brand-name clothing - I don't but them
4. Extended warranty - I don't ever but them.
5 - Cable - I don't even use cable.
6 - Coffee shop drinks - I am able to get these every week. I just ask my family for Starbucks cards for stocking stuffers.
7 - Gourmet spices - I am spoiled with where I live. I go to the little family markets and buy the spices from there in bulk.
8 - Cleaning products - Due to allergies I am stuck with the ones I need to buy. Some are more expensive than others but I can go a year without repurchasing some of them.
9 - Disposable razors - I but the replaceable razor heads. I go through maybe 6 a year.
10 - Paper towels - I di use a lot of these
11 - New books - I am a reader with a capital R. For my life I decided it was worth it to buy a Kobo and get their Plus account. They recently did and audio book add on. So I can download 15 books plus audio books for $15/month
12 - Fast fashion - If I am desperate I will buy something, but usually I mend my clothes or repurpose them.
13 - Lottery tickets - I don't buy these
14 - Premium gasoline - I don't drive. My transit cost is $100 a month with half paid by my work.
15 - ATM fees - I don't use ATM's to get cash. Almost everything I do is either online banking or on my card. Not many places near me take cash.
Thanks for the video
I dont do cable. I do shop at stores to get new clothes...But i dont drink coffee. I only drink water from my amazing filter...and ive lost almost 50 pounds fasting Whew whoo...😊
That is awesome! So good for you! Fasting is super good for oyur body! I only drink water and coffee.
@@saraconklinfrozenpennies that's good. I find that drinking water is not only cheap but also good to staying hydrated...which is a good thing and allows me to stay hydrated which also keeps me healthy.
We have cable for the soccer and hockey (ice) season and cancel in the summer.
Thats a pretty good idea to have it just for the season!
Thanks Sara. Guilty here paper towels, but I do save them after use for spills on floor or window cleaning. Cable here, noise keeps me company and has visual. Bundle with company for Wi-Fi too. Brand loyal to LL Bean t shirts. Mr Coffee here but prefer a percolator, wasn’t available when my old one bit the dust. Now waiting for Mr Coffee to bite the dust. Shop with coupons. Sadly I do shop on line due to health and sometimes I have to send back items at a charge. However, in defense if I had to return to a store there would’ve cost i.e. gas & perhaps seeing something on an end cap. I do 1.25 store for cards, gift bags &paper. Actually I prefer to use a kitchen towel for wrapping. I am brand loyal to Crest toothpaste & Listerine. Keep up the good work. Thanks waving to you from Michigan. No ATM fees am mindful of that. However, I do encourage DH to buy RV gas for snowblower & zero turn mower. Very expensive to buy
I’m with you, what the heck are gourmet spices.
LOL...I still have no idea!
We have Roku. We ditched cable and never looked back.
Yup, I really like Roku!
What is roku?
I believe gourmet spices are like those from Penzey’s.
Fix the pod the night before, after finishing the dishes, it's just push the button in morning. Cut the cable cord years ago. Plenty of goodies free on the internet.
No extended warranties here! We had bad experiences with them in the past!
They can be a waste of money.
I have a French Press for coffee. Gourmet spices are spices that I can’t get in Canada. Spices from Israel and Iceland. I love to cook and I love spices
We have a French Press for coffee when we go camping. Its really great. My best friend never uses anything else!
I'm frugal and I bought a $3 Powerball Quick Pick lottery ticket today 😁 The dream that theoretically I COULD win is worth the $ 3!
I hope you win! I understand how fun it can be to dream
1 - 7 no, cleaning products such as laundry, tub, toilet, sink and body cleaners yes. 1 disposable razor a year for quick facial touch ups. Paper towels 1 roll a month for collecting fried food oil, no new books. I don't know what fast fashion is but will purchase clothing and or shoes if they are worn out to replace them. 1 Lotto ticket when it gets real high because I can dream too :D No premium gas and no ATM fees, I'm often lucky if I have a few dollars on me now a days.
Thanks for participating! I love the answers!!
We pay atm fees, but at the end of the month our bank gives us a reimbursement.
We just bought an electric car (paid cash) so no gas for us anymore. Yaaa
Good for you! (and good for the environment, too!)
I have absolutely no idea what a "gourmet" spice is. Is it Curry powder? Or Celery Seed? 🤷♀️ I just buy spices so we can make tasty dishes.
I am lazy, too, but it is cheaper to grind your own coffee ahead of time, take a few scoops, add a pot of water, and let ir run for maybe 10 min to have your coffee. On a coffee station, you can have the flavors you desire. I don't buy a lot of Walmart stuff because I need my clothes to be durable and presentable. Extended warranties have loop holes, and rarely are needed, or it is easier just to buy a new item. I was totally cord free, until we bought Amazon Prime and Walmart Plus. Amazon has some free TV and movies, and Walmart Plus has free Paramount Plus. I rarely go out for coffee, but Dunkin Donuts is WAY cheaper than Starbucks, and will let you accumulate rewards faster, too. We cook more than we get takeout, so we splurge on spices that will make us love our food. I use basic cleaners to avoid chemicals. Big jugs of vinegar, big bags of baking soda and huge Dawn detergent containers from places like Sam's are very reasonable and last a long time, better for you. Now, I have never been satisfied with the shave from an electric razor. I buy the men's disposable razors in bulk from Sam's. They have doubled in price, though, so I may have to settle for inferior hair removal in a few years. We will see. I use paper towels a lot. A handicapped husband and pets mandates it. I don't collect books. I use e-readers and check out books. There are a zillion great books. I don't have to have the latest or greatest thing ASAP. Instant gratification people don't truly understand the waiting game, and will never be truly frugal. My style is whatever I think looks cute and fits well on me. I don't go by brands, sizing, or newness, and many like the way that I dress. Since I shop bargain and thrift most of the time, I can afford 14 outfits at a time before I have to wash clothes (so I wash every 2 weeks). The one time I bought a lottery ticket, I felt guilty and lost. I would end up losing more than I won. I would rather enter sweeps, and using my talent to win contests. My vehicle does not need premium, and it makes very little difference in drive. I have NEVER used an ATM. Those are not safe. Forget saving money. They attract crime. They can malfunction. I plan my purchases ahead of time. ASAP people will be at the mercy of an ATM.
So many great ideas. And thanks so much for taking the time to comment. This is fun!
No name brand i do choise quality though
I refuse to pay any kind of bank fee.
Yes! I'm still shaking my head over the fee at the restaraunt!
Haven't seen that one yet, terrible that this is happening in some restaurants, wow😫
One thing we definitely don't do is to not flush the toilet every time just to save on the water and sewer bills. Gross!
I agree on this one!
Good idea
I rarely buy new clothes. I get what I need to Christmas and birthdays and what I find at Good will.
Great idea - even gift cards at Christmas are a good idea!!! Thanks for watching.
I'm not sure what gourmet spices are either. In my area there are a lot of Mennonite runs stores that sell spices in bulk. I like to get them when I can because they're fresh and usually cheaper than buying from a grocery store brand. Maybe these are "gourmet"? I'm not sure. But I do like using these spices more.
I suppose if hey are cheaper, then maybe its not gourmet??? 😂 Maybe someone else will chime in on some examples!
I get bulk herbs that I don't grow enough of from Mennonite stores but I'm also lucky enough to have access to an Indian store. They don't have bulk spices the same way, but they sell large bags of spices like cinnamon and turmeric which are much cheaper than the tiny sore bottles and cans and are much cheaper. I have never had a problem with quality. When someone says "gourmet" spices to me I think of fancy blends or chef branded things like Emerils Essence.
I splurged on brand name jeans one time because they fit SO WELL. However, after a few wears, they already had a hole in the knee. 😭😭😭 Never again.
I don’t purchase extended warranty no cable gourmet spices I’m with you what is that 😅love you’re content ❤
Thanks so much for atching. I'll let ya know if I get an answer on the spice thing!
Does sprinkling Herbes de Provence on popcorn count as exotic spices? Ha ha. I buy new books to replace well-worn old books or if I know I will be taking months to read them (like poetry or short story anthologies). I no longer buy coffee, even at B&N because I've gotten good at making frou-frou blends to my taste.
Thanks so much for taking the time to answer. And thanks for watching!
Enjoy books as you do ! Also , for books I buy at B&N , I will pass them on to friends , asking them to do same when done reading, or I will donate the books to our local Humane Society thrift shop so their sales benefit the animals . 📚💚
I don't have a Keurig. I prefer steeped coffee, aka cold brew. It takes more coffee to cold brew than a pod, or for that matter, just hot brew in a drip machine. So you're beating me in coffee frugality! I do compost the coffee grounds in my garden.
I get my "high end" clothes at the thrift stores, too.
I don't like electric razors. But I buy paper towels.
I don't buy new books. I'm patient that way. I do buy an occasional lottery ticket when it's above a certain amount. I put the same amount I spent on the lottery ticket in savings.
My credit union gives back any ATM fees at the end of the month.
I do nothing on this list with the exception of fast fashion bc it’s cheap. Then I wear it until it’s worn out. Also zero subscriptions, never go to Starbucks, don’t own a Keurig, and only, rarely, buy new books if they aren’t at the library or I can’t get them used.
I also don’t declutter. Why? On the continuum of hoarder to minimalist, there are other places you can land. No, I don’t save hairballs. But I also have more than 100 objects and most of them don’t spark joy. I just like them or think they may be useful in the future.
I’m going to have to purchase a new phone, probably this month bc it’s pretty much inoperable. I hope, in the fall of 2023 to get an iPhone SE. I don’t need more than that.
Sounds like you are a frugal rockstar. Keep up the good work!
I don't buy razor. No body hair to shave 😂 so I am saving this way. Also I re use the ice cream containers for freezer food.
If I tried to reuse ice cream containers for leftovers, my family would be heartbroken to think there was ice cream and then open it and see chili. Oh my gosh...that might actually be super fun!!
Salt and pepper
Great video! Frugality will be different from person to person. We eat takeaway a lot, but we do it as frugally as possible. I buy gift cards on discount to places I know we go frequently.
IF is a small word that makes big money change many hands. Insurance preys on insecurities with the word IF
Being frugal is better for u financially n healthwise as domnt worry bout how to pay bills good for environment.
YES! 100% agree!
👍👍👍
I still use coffee pods. I only make one cup coffee.
I think that works out perfectly!
I do play the lottery. I know will most certainly never ever win. But here in Germany 40% of the lottery money is used for charity. 50% is used to pay out the winners. The last ten percent go to the costs. So in my book 9 of the 10€ I spend for my lottery ticket a month are potentialy making someones day a little ore even a lot better. And i get the exitement of playing. To me it is worth it.
Ha ha. Those tiny pods don’t even have enough caffeine in them to open my eyes-not much flavor either. I have a machine that has a HUGE filter thingy and I fill it almost to the top. (Like a knock off Keurig that has a k cup or grounds option but with a much larger space for grounds-only cost me $20 lol). I don’t love the maintenance but gotta have it super strong. I do it almost every day so I don’t really need to use my brain. It’s robotic. Lol. I like to have it all at once and I do it iced so I don’t have to keep reheating it (so annoying lol).
Pre packaged food-some-not usually single serve snacks tho
Designer clothing-thrift store only
Coffee shop-rarely
Cleaning products-some
but I use bleach and peroxide for many things (multipurpose). I’m also in love with the Dawn power spray, but I make my own for the refills (it’s very easy and you really save on not wasting so much dish soap).
Paper towels-a MUST-a house full of cats that pee, poop, puke and sometimes bleed or drool (we ain’t reusing that kind of nasty on a rag lol-also raw meat goo-they eat a lot of meat and for the the nasty wet food crud on their saucers and/or the floor.
Fast fashion-a little, but I keep it as long as it holds up
All the rest-No and no coffee pods
Coffee in a reusable pod doesn’t taste good. It tastes watery. Doesn’t work well.
I prefer classic peaces if clothes a jacket pants good paur if shows
Go to your bank ATM. Then go out to fair, or festival. ❤. However, now with most festivals everyone can take Visa cards. The internet has fixed this and I find almost everything is available with a card. 🎉
Yup. Great ideas. Thanks for watching!
No kuerig here - regular drip brew (set up night before with timer so it’s ready when I get up), no prepack snacks, never got into brands (unless it’s at the outlet mall), no to warranties, no cable no fire stick etc, never been to a Starbucks, I have splurged in saffron and real vanilla beans, I make own cleaning supplies, paper towels are only for vegetable storage (storing greens), Kindle is my splurge: love to read anytime anywhere, fast fashion occ to add a new piece to the long-standing clothes, never played lotto - might as well throw the dollars out the window…, premium yes because that’s what the car requires, have never used an ATM.
As an aside, did you know health insurances pay providers with virtual credit cards - so first you have to wait several weeks to get paid THEN get fleeced with credit card fees which just reduce Ed your reimbursement.
Ugh...health isurance. I hold so many frustrations...thanks for answering. I love reading the responces! Kindle is in my top 5 favorite things!
😮 you don't sound too frugal
Do you have a recommendation for an electric razor?
I have the Panosonic mint green one. Let me get you a link: amzn.to/3r6YbYM
Thank you 😊
Starbucks is disgusting. I'm only paying for mom & pop ☕️
I strongly disagree. It's my favorite (after my own coffee). Thanks for watching!
You fix it.🤔
Fix what?
Yes you tybe
I am crugual no cable
If i had a car am no me hanic would buy premium oul etc