So true and for that matter choose your roomate wisely because they may not have the same frugal habits you do and utilities can be much higher then expected
I'm a truck driver & I invested in an electric skillet, microwave & a toaster oven. I have saved a lot of money cooking meals in my truck rather than eating at fast food places on the road.
It is good you don't eat at truck stops, I am 42 and was a Truck Driver but started losing my balance and I thought it was because of my back because back in 2018 they wanted me to get a Spinal Fusion but I have a Medical Background from becoming a Truck Driver so I knew these were not good because you are putting metal in your body so I ended getting a Spinal Laminectomy done July 14th of last year but 5 months later I was still losing my balance, cognition issues, muscle spasms, blurry vision and fatigue so I went to the Emergency room, long story short I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. I have been researching a lot about Multiple Sclerosis and diet but the way they say to eat is good not only for Multiple Sclerosis but for all health in general so I advise anyone to look up Dr. John McDougall and he has a website plus a book called The Starch Solution and Jeremy on PB with J RUclips channel follows Dr. John McDougall's way of eating and does recipe reviews plus he is hilarious so I think you would not only get good recipes you can do in the Truck but it will keep you laughing while driving. I would advise three more utensils for your truck, an ise maker, a Vitamix Blender and an air fryer, stay safe and Blessed 🙌 🙏❤
I’m also a truck driver and do the same. I have an air fryer and a microwave. Making good meals is the truck to not eating out. Cuz when what you’re eating is just as good or better than what you would eat at fast food or a diner then there’s really no desire to eat out. I go to Costco and Walmart and cook some good meals for not too much money. I think it’s also just good to have a hobby like cooking on the road to keep you somewhat normal. Something I also do is inventory my food in my notes app. Really helps me keep tabs on what needs to be eaten and what I can buy to use with what I already have.
Could you share your favorite easy meals on the road? I’m a musician and travel a lot. I usually take a pot and camping stove and cook at rest stops if I’m allowed but I’m always looking for new ideas.
People really underestimate how much they spend eating out. The amount of times I hear people say something to the effect of "it works itself out in the end, I dont pay that much". FALSE. If you're not tracking it, you're spending WAY too much.
I use my library for digital books all the time. I have vision loss from diabetic eye disease and cant physicall read books anymore unless they’re audio books ir digital e books. Yes some of the popular stuff has a wait list but the amount I have saved from not going on kindle or audible all the tume is totally worth it
My mum and sister do this! I get my books and mags cheap at the charity shop or from Kmart but she goes through new release magazines at the library and scanning to usb the things that stick out to her. She has her own rotating veggie and herb gardens so she has most of the ingredients at home too.
I’ve found not comparing my life to others is really helpful and not being on social media as much. I get jealous and want what others have, forgetting I have my own goals. I’ve heard it said ‘stay in your own lane’. This is so helpful for me! Comparison is a thief of joy
Me too. I am still on Facebook but just more like once or twice a week. I was doing it daily because I had certain friends but as life gets busy so did they. Then I found myself comparing myself to orhers and went into a deep depression.
Staying home is definitely our biggest money saver. We have decided that instead of spending money on vacations that we are going to invest that money into making our home more like being on vacation. For example spa like shower heads, teak benches and really good towels. This way we get to enjoy that everyday. For the price of a weekend trip we can now have these things for years to come. Decide what you consider a luxury and do a little at a time.
That is exactly what I was thinking about this year. I like short trips but a vacation always makes me spend too much money and makes tired anyway so I'd rather stay home and relax. So making your home a vacation is truly a great idea.
Great idea!💡 I’ve heard the quote “Build a life you don’t need an escape from” and I think it really applies to what you’re saying here. Thanks for sharing!❤
I bought 5 sweaters for a ridiculous price of $4 each in the summer. In winter the price of one was over $20. So I had 5 sweaters for the price of one.
@@inihilisme1511 I dont agree with you. In my case for exemple, I choose buying a house. Cuz having my own house instead of paying rent for others ppl house and never being my own, its not my vibe.
Spatulas help get all the food. Examples - all the mashed potato out of the saucepan OR all the jam out of the jar. Before washing up, use spatula to clean off plates, saving time, hot water & detergent.
Toothpaste ads always show a full line of toothpaste on the toothbrush, it is actually better for you (fluoride) and more economical if you use “just a bead” - advice given to me by my dentist brother years ago.
I recently discovered that your toothpaste already has enough liquid in it to do its work. By getting your toothpaste wet before brushing, you're creating too much foaming action. This causes you to spit it out before it's done doing its job.
Living below your means is advice that I learned from of all people, a stock broker! He was successful and I questioned why he lived modestly. He explained that as fortunate as he was, he knew the money could be cut off in an instant. He said that early in his career he saw some high flyers fall flat when the markets changed and they lost their best clients. He saw their Ferraris get repossessed, their luxury homes foreclosed. So he decided to be a cash and carry guy driving a more reasonable luxury car and living in a nice but not over the top suburban home. What he owned he owned - so when markets changed he wasn’t knocked out, and then he could work on building new clients to replace those he lost without worrying about losing the mansion or exotic cars. His kids had no idea how loaded he was. Living modestly has many benefits, you are never maxed out, it’s very relaxing. Being thoughtful and intentional with your money is a good idea no matter your income and budget.
Same, being older I have seen the markets go up and down and people get so hurt. Jobs lost, people even committing suicide. It's really tough on men when they can't find another "comparable" job. You ladies are doing a great job here.
I also deleted my social media apps. I found myself wanting to keep up with the trends and buy all the latest items people were raving about. It also helped me mentally because I felt I was so far behind in life by not being married, buying a home I can’t afford, and a new car that I don’t need. Now I have no idea what is trending and I’m ok with that. It has helped me determine the things I actually need.
And to add to your comment... What gets me is all the videos advertising how to organize, things you need in your kitchen, and these dang decorating hypes!! My parents and grandparents managed to survive with none of these things. I don't fall for them. No social media, either.
What you can't see won't hurt you. Feel better knowing you're more than likely in a better place than your friends are. Get rid of debt and start saving in a high yield SA or investing or both.
Instead of asking a friend out for lunch, I usually say, “ Let’s. Take a walk or workout together.” If we need food, I bring over fresh berries or veggies and dip! We get to spend time together and save money!
I try to run any errands on the same days I work. On the days I don't work, I don't drive. If I leave the house on my days off, I walk. Staying home saves money on gas and the stuff you didn't buy. During baseball season, I watch from home. No more tickets. Same with concerts and movies. I try to read more in an effort to spend less time on my phone. I dumped Temu and Amazon shopping apps. I call my friends on a semi-weekly basis. We socialize without the expense of going out and it gives us something fun to look forward to. I joined a free on-line writing group. We meet once a month. Again, it's good socialization, a creative outlet, and a fun event I can enjoy from home.
If I have no reason to leave the house I try to wear pj so I'm less likely to go to shop because I want a chocolate bar if I have to go and get changed into clothes first. The craving will be gone by the time I'm fit to be seen outside
I'm the same. I actually lent a very close good friend to the family, a brand new expensive carpet cleaner. I had only used it on a small area of carpet in the hallway to try, when we first moved in. They returned it eventually, with green mouldy in the tanks. The clear plastic water containers were scratched up and cracked, the extension tube for cleaning smaller items was Full of animal hair, dirt, sand, and beyond use. I have a baby so I would never have wanted to even borrow something in that condition. It didn't even work, after a very lengthy and time consuming clean. Even the store wouldn't take it back or exchange in the condition it was returned in. Wasted $350. Never tell others what STUFF you have as they will always ask to borrow.
Absolutely LOVE hosting people at my house instead of eating out. So much more comfortable and the conversation is SO much more meaningful normally. We save a lot of money and create much better memories, plus the food is higher quality!
Buy your clothes second hand. Freeze the food you haven t eaten. Cook from scratch, don t buy processed food, bake your own bread ( no machine needed,bake 2 or 3 at a time in the oven). Don t bring your credit card when you window shop. If you want to buy something, delay the purchase for a few days.....
I buy all my clothes through charity shops, car boot sales and jumble sales. If I buy new I wait until the end of the sales. A lot of the stuff I get from thrifting is brand new and good makes.
I don't carry a purse, but I love my car water. At least in the winter. It doesn't generally freeze in lower Virginia, so I end up with ice-cold water that is just amazing. During the summer, I have to remember to grab my water from the fridge, which I forget way too often. I usually keep a snack with me. Even if it's just a hard candy.
We began using grocery pickup at Walmart. This helps us be specific about what we are purchasing. We aren’t walking thru the store so marketing techniques aren’t catching our attention and we are no longer buying “extra”. So far it has worked really well and reduced our spending.
Hang out with people who have less than you do and adjust to match what they are doing! It's not that hard... People tend to gravitate to more 'well off' friends and then feel like they have less and make themselves unhappy. You will undoubtedly have some more frugal friends and you can do things together that are cheap or free.
I agree that it's good to focus on our blessings and find people who share or values, but I don't think I could ever drop my friends just because they are wealthy. I love my friends.
My tip is live below your means, used car , thrift store clothes and decor , bring your own ice coffee out , dry clothes on lower heat setting, and cook your own food . Be picky who borrows your things . I had a neighbor who would borrow and never return ….even if I asked for it , they would act like they don’t remember borrowing items.
I put my liquid detergent in a pump bottle and use 2-4 pumps per load depending on how dirty the clothes are. Agitation is what actually cleans the clothes!!
I recently started reviewing my shopping cart before checking out at the grocery store. I can usually find about $10 worth of items that I really don't need and can put back.
That is what I am trying to learn. I just bought a back scratcher and it is lossed in the mail but yesterday I found the one I had lost. I knew that was going to happen and so I looked for a month before getting a new one.
“There’s no one I want to see that badly”. I love that! I couldn’t believe some of the amounts people spent just to see a concert. Taylor Swift recently comes to mind. Some people spent the equivalent of what someone might make in a year for one night. Crazy!
Especially when Taylor and other entertainers distribute the movie version of the concert for fans who couldn't or didn't come in person. Which is what she did! A huge savings!
Laundry soap hack. Walmart sells Mexican laundry detergent. it's at the very back end of the laundry soap aisle. the one called Foca is really inexpensive. it says to use a half cup but I use about a tablespoon and it gets my clothes nice and clean
I make my own laundry detergent and use the big bag of foca to stretch it even further. As foca is actual laundry detergent it actually improves the homemade version, which is a box of washing soda, a shredded bar of zote soap, a box of borax. I also add and these are *optional items* from the dollar tree, blue scent crystals, the LA orange oxy stuff, if they have it if not, I use blue container, and a small box of baking soda too. It lasts us about a year. We only use the little oxy scoop about a TBSP worth for each load as well. My husband really likes it.
@@claireewing6188 maybe you should talk to the big corporations that use plastic in everything, and their paid off politicians want the rest of to go green everything???
The best money saving for me is a quote from my dad. Use it up Wear it out Make it do Or do without. Also another of his sayings If your outgo is greater than your income, your upkeep will become your downfall. Both, sage advace
I stopped myself buying a small £4 cup of iced coffee at a cafe and went to a supermarket instead. £2 for a 1L bottle of iced coffee - winner! Lasts me days, not moments ❤
eliminate as many single use products as possible. No paper plates. No paper napkins. No plastic cups. No paper towels. No plastic utensils. Use your standard plates, glasses, cups, forks, knives and spoons. Fabric napkins (or tea/kitchen towels). Save money and lighten the environment.
I never use disposable silverware or plates but it’s very hard to get rid of paper towels. It’s just about shelling out the bulk sum at once for the good, reusable ones and a bunch of them. But prices at the store are so high that if we just double the amount we will have a sustainable and cost saving alternative.
I struggled with leftover casserole for years. We would eat half, then have some for lunch, but never finished the whole thing. Now, I freeze all of the leftovers the next day. Casseroles reheat wonderful. 😊
When I make casseroles, I have two dishes: I fill one for today/tomorrow and immediately freeze the other. In a week or two, I'll pop that badboy out of the freezer as a fresh meal 😉
My favorite money saving tip is to use Blackout curtains. Second favorite is to shop at Dollar Tree before all other retailers first. Oftentimes, I assumed that Dollar Tree wouldn't have what I needed and ended up paying more elsewhere. Now I start there first and frequently find what I need there for $1.25
Even for small businesses. It's amazing what you'll save just on something like rubber bands as compared to an office store. Some dollar stores have name brands also if you need better quality for much less.
Great list...well thought out! I'd add: dilute soaps and cleansers by at least 50% water before using them. That's dishwashing doap, laundry detergent, shampoo, hand soap, cleaners for walls and floors, etc. Dilute all by 50% water and then use the very least amount possible to get things clean. I read an article years ago, in the '80's, about the "Haves and Half Nots." It was about a couple who cut down the use of everything each time they used it finally to find the amount really necessary for use. For example: use the amount of shampoo you'd normally use. Maybe it's the size of a quarter. Next time, cut that amount in half and see if it still gets your hair clean. If it does, the next time you wash your hair, cut the last amount in half. Keep doing that "halfing" until you get everything you use down to the amount you need to get things still to function just fine. It's amazing how little you'll use and how much you'll save.
Your comment about cutting things in half made me think of a surprisingly good frugal tip I came across this week- a RUclipsr said she cuts all her sponges in half 😮and saves money by doing that.
I started watering down my laundry detergent a few years ago. I actually noticed a benefit as I am too heavy handed with detergents and there was a build up in the machine and on the clothes.
Pls be careful with watering down products you use on your skin, watering down changes its formulation and also would water down the preservative concentration and might make them ineffective, causing bacterial growth and mold
One of the best small appliances I have is my Food Saver. I buy meat in bulk when on sale, then break it down to smaller portions, vacuum seal it and freeze. It’s only two of us at home now, but I still cook large batches of certain foods. Once they have cooled I vacuum seal in 2 person portions and freeze. This works great for things like chili,stroganoff, baked beans, leftover roasts, chicken, etc. Having food in the freezer that only needs to be thawed and heated makes meal prep so much easier on days that I am working longer hours. This also saves us from ordering in, or going out.
The food saver has saved so much money it's not even funny. We used to throw away food that was cooked in a bigger batch than we can eat. And if we froze it, it would be freezer burned. Not anymore 😃👍
I have a friend who used to host dinners for his ex wife and he was a character, he said he would buy wine at aldi put it in a decanter and the folks his ex hosted never knew the difference of wether it cost 10$ or 80$ bucks he said he saved money in almost every aspect of shopping living by recycling removing and rethinking did he really need it …. I have been doing that for awhile now and it’s made a big difference in our wallet and our priorities…
What I like to when I do my monthly budget is to over budget for bills that are the same every month, for instance if my cell phone bill is actually 80.00, I budget for 100.00 a month instead so that when the month is over I have savings. I am tricking my brain into saving money because I have told myself the extra is “spent” on a bill but when I close my budget at the end of the month I usually have at least an extra 100.00, or sometimes more to add to my savings. This has worked well for me.
I work at at grocery store and get paid weekly. What I like to do is take out enough money out of my bank account and take $20 with me to work for the full week. Whatever I have left over from the day, even if it’s the full $20, I put in a gallon Ball jar.
One thing my husband and I do in the summer that is free is to go to the beach. We have 2 dogs and they love the beach so we found a beach that is free to park and dog friendly. We pack up lunches for us and the dogs and head on down to the beach. We use towels and umbrellas we already have and just enjoy the sun and sand. It's a great way to get out for free. We also like to go for walks down by the river again completely free and you're exercising! Win win!
The only thing I really miss about cable is Turner Classic Movies. They don't have a streaming app to use unless you are a cable subscriber! Of course, I could waste a week straight watching TCM so it's probably better I don't have access to it. 😅
I love hosting at home rather than going out. So much more personal and warm. I also don’t have the patience to wait on someone to get ready, or deal with parking, drinking and driving, or waiting for food that doesn’t always come out right. Per unit or even bottle, buying from the store is SIGNIFICANTLY cheaper. Plus, gracious guests sometimes show up with a nice bottle of wine but of course never necessary since their company is the best part ❤
This is most definitely a money saver and more enjoyable! Friends look forward to our invitations. My kids are so grateful that they learned how to cook from my husband and me! Nutrition value and $avings. We enjoy cooking together as a family too.
What has helped us is to set up a budget, then set up automatic withdraw for fixed expenses- things like mortgage, health savings, insurances (home, health, life, auto)property taxes, phone, utilities, investments/savings. Most of our incomes pays for fixed expenes. What is left each monrh pays for gas, groceries and discretionary (non essential spending) I really like how you say, know where every dollar goes! It really is that simple!
Thank you for saying that RUclips is a hobby! Am retired, and I love RUclips because I am also a lifelong learner, and I learn so much simply by watching RUclips videos. I can learn about science and history and archaeology and finance and so much more. And it’s all free. Along with driving sensibly, learn what the speed limit feels like in a new car. A couple of years ago we got a different car and my daughter ended up with a speeding ticket that cost her a lot of money because the car handled differently, and she was going much faster than she thought she was.
TY for saying YT is a hobby. I love watching all the trials ie Johnny Depp, Fani Wills etc. They are not only riveting, but I’m learning so much about the legal system - for free!
Excellent video! Just a comment about "don't overcook". I live alone, and if I make a pot of soup, casserole, etc., I put half in the fridge, and freeze the other half. That way, I can pull what I need from the freezer at a later date. This saves me so much money on food. As long as the food is frozen, and in an airtight container, it should be good for a long time.
My best money saving habit is with clothing. I wear business casual for work and love Pinterest for outfit ideas and first go to my closet to see if I have something similar for an idea. My next is I buy fast fashion brands BUT I wash on gentle and hang dry. It’s not ideal but it’s what is in my budget if I can’t find second hand and washed and dried gently makes them last years.
#7 I disagree I batch cook, freeze and plan it on the menu for 2 weeks from the first time saves time and money on those nights when you are too tired to cook and tempted to buy fast food when you already have a ready made meal to cook and serve. Anna In Ohio
I'm all about freezing meals lately! Ex. Thanksgiving wasn't a great day for me. The food we had gotten would've gone to waste if I didn't freeze them. I'm on my last Thanksgiving meal leftover now. So thankful for my freezer lol
I agree! I have kids who have sports in the evenings. I plan ahead and batch freeze for those busy evenings to avoid eating out or throwing a pizza in the oven.
At the beginning of the year I create a notebook for the new year. I create tabs for utilities bills, medical statements and premiums, insurances, car expenses, and other misc.- vet, carpet cleaning, etc. I also review the previous year's notebook and do a spreadsheet that tracks what I spent on those in the past year. This has helped me cut expenses and be conscious of where the money is going. Ie: realized I was paying an add on for an extra car I no longer had on umbrella insurance and was given a refund. Found less expensive Healthcare with more coverage, will be moving to a less expensive cell phone carrier, replaced weather stripping on my doors to save on heating costs, etc.
Love libraries! My Austin Library has a recycled book store where you can get books for $1-2. Was just there this week. Also, I found a book in excellent condition that I'll be gifting a friend for her birthday with something else I have.
Love all these tips! I was wondering if “stay home” would be one of them. I save the most that way! Also make use of grocery store curbside pickup! I am not tempted to buy what I don’t need that way !
I love aldi for my basics canned goods, we’re big on bean protien, tomatoes, coffee shoot even coffee filters cost 3X less than at the store and there is no difference in taste but a giant difference in savings … I can go in with a hundred bucks and stock up for a month… and there are three of us in the house hold plus one that always comes when they forget an item or two… and that 100 bucks includes meats… I have been really amazed that the meat quality is good …
I feel the same way. What you can do is order online but not the stuff that goes in the reduced bins. Go to the store early and see if what you want is in reduced. If not shop the aisles. THEN pick up your order.
My #1 tip: Use a single notes app for ALL your lists and give the lists practical names. Before and while I go grocery shopping, I check Pantry Inventory to see what I have. I have a grocery shopping list handy at all times and bold items when there's a coupon. I have a Price List where I note what the store charges for staples. Obviously, inflation affects prices, but one store regularly offers lower prices for local produce and another has manager specials on Tuesdays. I also have VERY specific wishlists. When a bed needed a new headboard, I measured the length of the then-current headboard and bed height. I also had the amount I had budgeted for it. When I found one at a thrift store for $15, I bought it immediately and with confidence that it would work in the room.
Everything I own is thrifted. Furniture, kitchen items, clothes, shoes, lamps, bedding, you name it. Been doing this for 12 years now and I have a beautiful home and wear designer clothing. Yes that’s right.
Happy Birthday, girl! I am also turning 40 this year and so lucky to have made it this far - we all know each day is not to be taken for granted and I love this journey and appreciate it so much!
Buy clothes online from the opposite hemisphere. I’m in Australia and I get amazing discounted clothes from those countries going out of season when I’m just going into the season.
Going to the park and feeding the squirrels is really fun. There is a rose garden there.... we stroll through this and then have a picnic from sandwiches made from home. During the 🌕 moon we have a fire pit and relax and have drinks and dance. I garden and ask for seeds and sometimes I take my shovel and ask people if I can have some plants from their garden which I devide.... people are happy to do this! The Library is a wonderful resource for books and movies and music. Helping others will bring many blessings to you. And lastly, there are no Joneses.... don't go into debt if you can help it and no credit cards!! Ever. I do the tag and garage sales and seriously, I live like a Queen.
First time watcher. Free content and your library card. If your local doesn't have audiobooks dvds and access to also like lobby or hoopla ask about it. Lots of libraries have passports for local museums etc
What a great list! Thank you❤ my #1 Savings method is thrifting; anything we need I first see if I can find it for free , borrow and then see if I can find it used. This applies to everything. Oh so often I have found new with tags items in a thrift shop and even free food on "buy nothing" groups. This one but huge habit saves my family at least $20 K / year!
I didn't even know there WAS such a thing as a "buy nothing" group. Would that be the same as a barter group? I wonder if there's one in my area -- thanks for the heads up on this. We shop at thrift stores a lot (I haven't bought new clothes for at least 10 years).
Grocery store in my country has a delivery app. I add items to cart there to get an idea of how much it will cost and then figure out what can be removed and is not required. Usually food is expensive online and there is a delivery fee so I go in store to shop but stick to the list and play a little game of guessing the total in my head. I plan my meals on Saturdays so I don’t waste food and only buy what will be needed to make sure I am well fed without going over my budget. (Obviously a snack or 2 are mandatory so I don’t crave and spend more eating out later) 😂
Love this video. When you shop, only shop from a list. Divide the list needs and wants. Don't go for a day or two, recheck your list and buy only needs. So easy to pick up 3 packages of cookies, 2 boxes of cereal when you have plenty at home. Compare prices even at stores like Dollar Tree. Not eveything is a bargain. Our Dollar General still charges a $ for a lot of things that are $1.25 at other stores.
Another great video! Unless I actually need something, I try to stay away from Amazon. I'm just too tempted to purchase items I don't need and can definitely live without.
Act like you "can't " buy it. What would you do if you just could not buy it! You would be surprised to find out how many ways you can go around something. And sometimes you find you don't miss it.
That’s a good tip. That’s how I keep a savings by acting broke because if I tell my mind the money is available…it will get spent and if I ever let my kids think I have more money then they would bug me to buy things that we/they don’t need and knowing the parent I am I would brake down and get it so I act broke even when I’m not so that I will still have money leftover.
I use cash now for everyday shopping, before I hand over cash, I work out what change I should receive, it’s amazing how often you get given incorrect change. ❤❤❤
I get teased by friends for subscribing one month on and then one month off with Netflix. But I go some months not watching it, so I unsubscribe. Save money this way!
One thing that is fun to do, not really money saving, but when you use coupons, or points or anything that saves on purchases - put that money in a jar or move into a savings account. I put all the 7 cents off a gallon or 30 cents off, all my coupon saving, all the sales against regular price, all the points and grocery money saved that shows on you grocery receipt and at the end of a year there was over $400 in cash in my jar. Also put in the jar any time you were gonna buy something but didn't such as a daily coffee or a new piece of clothing you really did not need.
I know this sounds over the top, but needed to get moving more for health reasons, we are raising a guide dog puppy. We’ve done this before and really enjoy it. No gym membership!
Ice coffee you can use your left over coffee Just add Ice and French vanilla coffee creamer do not throw away your coffee left over save it put it in the fridge add coffee creamer of your choice and ice and you have your Iced coffee
I bought a wonderful stand up freezer off of Facebook marketplace much more inexpensively than if I had bought it new. Then, I have been using it to be able to buy meat that is on sale and store it for later. This has saved me so much money! That freezer was a great investment for me!😊😊
1.)Reuse and wash Gallon size freezer bags. 2.) BUY meats on sale , portion them out, freeze them for the future. 3.) Stay out of retail stores and buy online or pick them up in parking lot service. 4.) BUY ONLY NEEDS, not wants.
It's hard to cook for one. I have a friend with similar tastes in food, also single, or cleanliness matches and we bought food freezing trays so they are the same size. We cook larger meals and trade frozen meals. Of a veg, starch and meat. We have a great system. Allows for variety and perfect to have some nights where you don't have to cook!
This is my first time watching your videos but what I can already tell is that you are a great you tuber since you add a heart to every single comment! How amazing is that? You actually read them all and like them. Very impressive ❤
I bought a big jar of mayonnaise on sale for $4. When I got home, I noticed on the receipt that I had paid $6 for it because I hadn’t used a digital coupon! I clipped the coupon and went back there the next day to see if I could get the two dollars after the fact. I ended up being refunded $2.80. I don’t know why I got extra off but, I was very happy about it!
Anytime my family gets gift bags &/or clothing boxes or even pretty ribbons🎁🎀 I flatten them & save them in a closet to be reused! I've saved a bundle doing this! Plus, I always have a gift bag for any improptu gifts!😊✌️ Also, we have glass containers & once a week we eat LEFTOVERS! We call it "picky dinner" because everyone can pick & choose what dishes they want to eat!🥘🍲🥗🍛🍜🍝🥪🌮🌯🥂
Changes that have made the biggest impact for me 1. Not drinking any type of alcohol/wine 2. Cooking at home from scratch rather than eating out or purchasing prepared food (including buying meat when it’s on sale and freezing it/cutting and prepping chicken before freezing makes life so much easier) 3. Staying out of the thrift stores and when I do go, being very mindful with what I purchase. 4. Cash envelope system. Just implemented this last month and notice a big difference in my spending. 5. This may sound extreme but I also quit buying paper towels. Washable dish towels have been working out great. I keep a large basket of them on the counter near sink and be sure to throw them in the wash regularly when doing other laundry. Paper towels are SO expensive! I got tired of buying them.
A good frugal hobby I've found is gardening to grow my own vegetables. As long as I don't spend too much on different soils or cute growing pots or different seed packets, etc. If I spend more on my hobby then I would spend on just buying the vegetable at the grocery store, then it's not frugal anymore lol
Ask at supermarket what time they do there mark downs amd go its saved me alot of money and sometimes u can get a treat u would not normally be able to afford
This was really interesting -- and I have listened to many such 'frugal' advice videos. slowing down your driving also saves on gas! I would add: save trimmings of vegetables in a bag in the freezer and make your own veggie brother. I freeze mine in quart containers of 1/2 homemade and half store-bought.
We do that with the vegetable trimmings! They make wonderful vegetable broth, without all the added salt I find in the packaged stuff at the grocery store.
Thank you for mentioning the library. My daughter spent hundreds of dollars on streaming music apps. I told her about free streaming apps at our library and she is now saving money. You can also borrow dvds, Blu-ray’s and music cds. It’s a great way to save with your library card.
When my oldest daughter was going to college , she decided on the 1st 2 years at a community college - best move EVER ! She was an honor student with honors classes and got part of the fees forgiven if she kept her grades up , then when she moved onto the next college signed up to be a - I think it was called a CA , responsible for her floor in dorm on campus and received large discounts on room , board and meals and kept her more responsible and grounded for sure !
One of the best budget templates I use is from Dave Ramsey, and that is to make your budget down to zero. Every Dollar gets a name so that when you do your budget either on paper or an app., make sure its zero out. Thats where you are confident that every category is fulfilled. Never having extra unaccountable cash on hand. This has been huge for me in having accountability and consistency. The budget repeats in every category. From small to large savings included. I save not only from my employer deductions in 401k and stock purchases but in my budget allocating savings as part of the plan. Diversifying my savings and every dollar is counted.
Number one thing choose your spouse wisely this one choice will cost you dearly if you get it wrong
🤣💯👍
You got that right! This lady is proud to be single! 😂
That can definitely work both ways.
So true and for that matter choose your roomate wisely because they may not have the same frugal habits you do and utilities can be much higher then expected
100%
I'm a truck driver & I invested in an electric skillet, microwave & a toaster oven. I have saved a lot of money cooking meals in my truck rather than eating at fast food places on the road.
It is good you don't eat at truck stops, I am 42 and was a Truck Driver but started losing my balance and I thought it was because of my back because back in 2018 they wanted me to get a Spinal Fusion but I have a Medical Background from becoming a Truck Driver so I knew these were not good because you are putting metal in your body so I ended getting a Spinal Laminectomy done July 14th of last year but 5 months later I was still losing my balance, cognition issues, muscle spasms, blurry vision and fatigue so I went to the Emergency room, long story short I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. I have been researching a lot about Multiple Sclerosis and diet but the way they say to eat is good not only for Multiple Sclerosis but for all health in general so I advise anyone to look up Dr. John McDougall and he has a website plus a book called The Starch Solution and Jeremy on PB with J RUclips channel follows Dr. John McDougall's way of eating and does recipe reviews plus he is hilarious so I think you would not only get good recipes you can do in the Truck but it will keep you laughing while driving. I would advise three more utensils for your truck, an ise maker, a Vitamix Blender and an air fryer, stay safe and Blessed 🙌 🙏❤
I’m also a truck driver and do the same. I have an air fryer and a microwave. Making good meals is the truck to not eating out. Cuz when what you’re eating is just as good or better than what you would eat at fast food or a diner then there’s really no desire to eat out. I go to Costco and Walmart and cook some good meals for not too much money. I think it’s also just good to have a hobby like cooking on the road to keep you somewhat normal. Something I also do is inventory my food in my notes app. Really helps me keep tabs on what needs to be eaten and what I can buy to use with what I already have.
Could you share your favorite easy meals on the road? I’m a musician and travel a lot. I usually take a pot and camping stove and cook at rest stops if I’m allowed but I’m always looking for new ideas.
People really underestimate how much they spend eating out. The amount of times I hear people say something to the effect of "it works itself out in the end, I dont pay that much". FALSE. If you're not tracking it, you're spending WAY too much.
That’s an awesome idea that a lot of people could use! 💚 Good tip!
I am a big believer of libraries. Great resource for books, magazines, movies, computers, printers, classes, etc. without having to purchase items.
I never buy books since they are so expensive. I go to the library a lot.
I use my library for digital books all the time. I have vision loss from diabetic eye disease and cant physicall read books anymore unless they’re audio books ir digital e books. Yes some of the popular stuff has a wait list but the amount I have saved from not going on kindle or audible all the tume is totally worth it
A lot of libraries also offer free passes to museums and other local activities so there’s that added bonus.
My mum and sister do this! I get my books and mags cheap at the charity shop or from Kmart but she goes through new release magazines at the library and scanning to usb the things that stick out to her. She has her own rotating veggie and herb gardens so she has most of the ingredients at home too.
I’ve found not comparing my life to others is really helpful and not being on social media as much. I get jealous and want what others have, forgetting I have my own goals. I’ve heard it said ‘stay in your own lane’. This is so helpful for me! Comparison is a thief of joy
wise soul, many folks on social media are liars anyways. it's not always truly their real life.
This is so true
Me too. I am still on Facebook but just more like once or twice a week. I was doing it daily because I had certain friends but as life gets busy so did they. Then I found myself comparing myself to orhers and went into a deep depression.
THIS
Very well said. Thank you.
Staying home is definitely our biggest money saver. We have decided that instead of spending money on vacations that we are going to invest that money into making our home more like being on vacation. For example spa like shower heads, teak benches and really good towels. This way we get to enjoy that everyday. For the price of a weekend trip we can now have these things for years to come. Decide what you consider a luxury and do a little at a time.
A nice jakuzi outside! ❤
Thanks, that's right..and it's a true, I'I believe to stay home.
That is exactly what I was thinking about this year. I like short trips but a vacation always makes me spend too much money and makes tired anyway so I'd rather stay home and relax. So making your home a vacation is truly a great idea.
Great idea!💡 I’ve heard the quote “Build a life you don’t need an escape from” and I think it really applies to what you’re saying here. Thanks for sharing!❤
@@daniela_5542 That is a great quote of it
I bought 5 sweaters for a ridiculous price of $4 each in the summer. In winter the price of one was over $20. So I had 5 sweaters for the price of one.
That is awesome!!!
That's awesome
But did you really need 5 sweaters? You would have saved another 12 dollars if you had only bought 2!!
@@heatherrobinson7026 lol true but I won't have to buy sweaters for years.
YESSS I bought my son shorts for $2.97 each OLD NAVY. I got him 8 of those,different colors. I returned the 4 I had gotten for $16 each OLD NAVY
Best tip: Ask yourself if you would rather spend the money or choose to take the same sum, but save it. This is great advice! Thank you!
🤗
THIS!!!! This one is my favorite ❤️!! Thank you!
It's brilliant 😁, I have never thought of it that way, but it makes a lot of sense.
yeah thats was the best!!
@@inihilisme1511 I dont agree with you. In my case for exemple, I choose buying a house. Cuz having my own house instead of paying rent for others ppl house and never being my own, its not my vibe.
Yes, i cut open toothpaste tubes, and lotion bottles, and find so much inside! Well worth it! 😉
Love it!!
Please don’t do that with toothpaste as it will put plastic in yr body. We have a lot of plastic in our body. Check out this month’s Consumer Reports.
I do the same! And, scrape out the last bit of lip balm, deodorant, lipstick, etc.
Spatulas help get all the food. Examples - all the mashed potato out of the saucepan OR all the jam out of the jar. Before washing up, use spatula to clean off plates, saving time, hot water & detergent.
I also do.
Toothpaste ads always show a full line of toothpaste on the toothbrush, it is actually better for you (fluoride) and more economical if you use “just a bead” - advice given to me by my dentist brother years ago.
Laurie, thank you for sharing this!
I recently discovered that your toothpaste already has enough liquid in it to do its work. By getting your toothpaste wet before brushing, you're creating too much foaming action. This causes you to spit it out before it's done doing its job.
They showed a full toothbrush of toothpaste cuz they want you to buy more of their toothpaste. The same with laundry detergent!
@@lovealwaysmom that is so smart and works with peanut size toothpaste.
I make my toothpaste
Number 26 is so real!! Staying home. Having board games to play. Having food and drinks. Being comfy. It saves so much money
My grandmother told me the way to save money is not to spend money.
Never told but should work
Exactly!
😂
Living below your means is advice that I learned from of all people, a stock broker! He was successful and I questioned why he lived modestly. He explained that as fortunate as he was, he knew the money could be cut off in an instant. He said that early in his career he saw some high flyers fall flat when the markets changed and they lost their best clients. He saw their Ferraris get repossessed, their luxury homes foreclosed. So he decided to be a cash and carry guy driving a more reasonable luxury car and living in a nice but not over the top suburban home. What he owned he owned - so when markets changed he wasn’t knocked out, and then he could work on building new clients to replace those he lost without worrying about losing the mansion or exotic cars. His kids had no idea how loaded he was. Living modestly has many benefits, you are never maxed out, it’s very relaxing. Being thoughtful and intentional with your money is a good idea no matter your income and budget.
Thank you for sharing this 🤗
Same, being older I have seen the markets go up and down and people get so hurt. Jobs lost, people even committing suicide. It's really tough on men when they can't find another "comparable" job. You ladies are doing a great job here.
Use kitchen towels to dry your hands in the kitchen instead of paper towels every time. I use less paper towels and buy them less frequently.
Agreed!
And use rags for messes and cleaning. I have very few uses for paper towel (bacon grease, pet messes)
So much better for the environment too.
Yes! This tip saves so much $. I use white bar mop towels in the kitchen for most things and can wash and reuse and bleach if necessary.
People actually do that!? Wow!
I also deleted my social media apps. I found myself wanting to keep up with the trends and buy all the latest items people were raving about. It also helped me mentally because I felt I was so far behind in life by not being married, buying a home I can’t afford, and a new car that I don’t need.
Now I have no idea what is trending and I’m ok with that. It has helped me determine the things I actually need.
And to add to your comment... What gets me is all the videos advertising how to organize, things you need in your kitchen, and these dang decorating hypes!! My parents and grandparents managed to survive with none of these things. I don't fall for them. No social media, either.
What you can't see won't hurt you. Feel better knowing you're more than likely in a better place than your friends are. Get rid of debt and start saving in a high yield SA or investing or both.
I did this too! It’s been such a game changer. 3 years socials free and I feel 100% better about myself too
Instead of asking a friend out for lunch, I usually say, “ Let’s. Take a walk or workout together.” If we need food, I bring over fresh berries or veggies and dip! We get to spend time together and save money!
I try to run any errands on the same days I work. On the days I don't work, I don't drive. If I leave the house on my days off, I walk. Staying home saves money on gas and the stuff you didn't buy.
During baseball season, I watch from home. No more tickets. Same with concerts and movies.
I try to read more in an effort to spend less time on my phone.
I dumped Temu and Amazon shopping apps.
I call my friends on a semi-weekly basis. We socialize without the expense of going out and it gives us something fun to look forward to.
I joined a free on-line writing group. We meet once a month. Again, it's good socialization, a creative outlet, and a fun event I can enjoy from home.
If I have no reason to leave the house I try to wear pj so I'm less likely to go to shop because I want a chocolate bar if I have to go and get changed into clothes first. The craving will be gone by the time I'm fit to be seen outside
I was always taught, "Never a borrower nor a lender be". I stick by that because I never get my goods returned!
I'm the same. I actually lent a very close good friend to the family, a brand new expensive carpet cleaner. I had only used it on a small area of carpet in the hallway to try, when we first moved in. They returned it eventually, with green mouldy in the tanks. The clear plastic water containers were scratched up and cracked, the extension tube for cleaning smaller items was Full of animal hair, dirt, sand, and beyond use. I have a baby so I would never have wanted to even borrow something in that condition. It didn't even work, after a very lengthy and time consuming clean. Even the store wouldn't take it back or exchange in the condition it was returned in. Wasted $350. Never tell others what STUFF you have as they will always ask to borrow.
Absolutely LOVE hosting people at my house instead of eating out. So much more comfortable and the conversation is SO much more meaningful normally. We save a lot of money and create much better memories, plus the food is higher quality!
Us you don't have to cook much for the next meal😅
@mitaleesamant9681 too true!!! Leftovers for the win 🏆
Baking from scratch always intimidated me, but once I did it, it changed my life. Don’t let it scare you!
Buy your clothes second hand. Freeze the food you haven t eaten. Cook from scratch, don t buy processed food, bake your own bread ( no machine needed,bake 2 or 3 at a time in the oven). Don t bring your credit card when you window shop. If you want to buy something, delay the purchase for a few days.....
Great tips!
I agree! I have found some beautiful clothes second-hand at charity shops (thrift stores).
I love buying clothing secondhand!
I buy all my clothes through charity shops, car boot sales and jumble sales. If I buy new I wait until the end of the sales. A lot of the stuff I get from thrifting is brand new and good makes.
I always carry nuts and water in my purse.
Yes. Great idea! I always keep an extra meal in the car, so I never have to stop for fast food or snacks, out of desperation.
Cook your own food…you saved a lot of money. Plus it taste so much better.😋
I don't carry a purse, but I love my car water. At least in the winter. It doesn't generally freeze in lower Virginia, so I end up with ice-cold water that is just amazing. During the summer, I have to remember to grab my water from the fridge, which I forget way too often.
I usually keep a snack with me. Even if it's just a hard candy.
Hey,❤❤❤ good evening and also how are you doing?
We began using grocery pickup at Walmart. This helps us be specific about what we are purchasing. We aren’t walking thru the store so marketing techniques aren’t catching our attention and we are no longer buying “extra”. So far it has worked really well and reduced our spending.
Fantastic!
I did the same thing. Shopping within the app allows you to compare shop. I don’t shop any other way now. My budget loves this
Hang out with people who have less than you do and adjust to match what they are doing! It's not that hard... People tend to gravitate to more 'well off' friends and then feel like they have less and make themselves unhappy. You will undoubtedly have some more frugal friends and you can do things together that are cheap or free.
I agree that it's good to focus on our blessings and find people who share or values, but I don't think I could ever drop my friends just because they are wealthy. I love my friends.
My tip is live below your means, used car , thrift store clothes and decor , bring your own ice coffee out , dry clothes on lower heat setting, and cook your own food .
Be picky who borrows your things . I had a neighbor who would borrow and never return ….even if I asked for it , they would act like they don’t remember borrowing items.
I put my liquid detergent in a pump bottle and use 2-4 pumps per load depending on how dirty the clothes are. Agitation is what actually cleans the clothes!!
Kathy, that is smart!
❤ this Idea
Great idea!!!
Also read somewhere to use a shorter wash cycle time, saves on water too. I took use less detergent it's not necessary!
Mine is right over the drawer in the washer so i just touch a button and it comes out
I recently started reviewing my shopping cart before checking out at the grocery store. I can usually find about $10 worth of items that I really don't need and can put back.
Great idea!
wow, congratulations.
I do that at every single store.
I do that at every single store.
I do that at every single store.
Carrying a snack and water is sooo important!!!
Agreed!!
Gotta do this one. I have an early lunch so I’m tempted to buy food when I get off work🤦🏽♀️
Stay organized so you can always find something that you need instead of buying things that you already have
So important
That is what I am trying to learn. I just bought a back scratcher and it is lossed in the mail but yesterday I found the one I had lost. I knew that was going to happen and so I looked for a month before getting a new one.
“There’s no one I want to see that badly”. I love that! I couldn’t believe some of the amounts people spent just to see a concert. Taylor Swift recently comes to mind. Some people spent the equivalent of what someone might make in a year for one night. Crazy!
Pamela, I completely agree with you!
Especially when Taylor and other entertainers distribute the movie version of the concert for fans who couldn't or didn't come in person. Which is what she did! A huge savings!
Wow, I already use 37 of these tips! Must be due to being raised poor but happy. It all comes natural to me 😊
Delete your credit cards from Amazon, Chewy, etc. Safer, and if you have to load up your CC every time, you will rethink it.
Laundry soap hack. Walmart sells Mexican laundry detergent. it's at the very back end of the laundry soap aisle. the one called Foca is really inexpensive. it says to use a half cup but I use about a tablespoon and it gets my clothes nice and clean
I make my own laundry detergent and use the big bag of foca to stretch it even further. As foca is actual laundry detergent it actually improves the homemade version, which is a box of washing soda, a shredded bar of zote soap, a box of borax. I also add and these are *optional items* from the dollar tree, blue scent crystals, the LA orange oxy stuff, if they have it if not, I use blue container, and a small box of baking soda too. It lasts us about a year. We only use the little oxy scoop about a TBSP worth for each load as well. My husband really likes it.
Thanks! And no big plastics!
@@claireewing6188 it comes in a plastic bag but that's still way less plastic than the huge bottle
@@claireewing6188 maybe you should talk to the big corporations that use plastic in everything, and their paid off politicians want the rest of to go green everything???
Thanks for the tip! I'll check it out.
The best money saving for me is a quote from my dad.
Use it up
Wear it out
Make it do
Or do without.
Also another of his sayings
If your outgo is greater than your income, your upkeep will become your downfall.
Both, sage advace
Very intelligent Dad!!!! Plus he is doing his job, teaching even after raising you.
I take dishwashing gigs so i can take home all the food at the end of the night. Take the food home then meal prep. I save so much money doing this
I stopped myself buying a small £4 cup of iced coffee at a cafe and went to a supermarket instead. £2 for a 1L bottle of iced coffee - winner! Lasts me days, not moments ❤
Nice one!
😂😂 Smart one and as delicious too.
wow, you're a genious. Conrgatualtions on howing to get the same thing for less.
eliminate as many single use products as possible. No paper plates. No paper napkins. No plastic cups. No paper towels. No plastic utensils. Use your standard plates, glasses, cups, forks, knives and spoons. Fabric napkins (or tea/kitchen towels). Save money and lighten the environment.
I never use disposable silverware or plates but it’s very hard to get rid of paper towels. It’s just about shelling out the bulk sum at once for the good, reusable ones and a bunch of them. But prices at the store are so high that if we just double the amount we will have a sustainable and cost saving alternative.
No coffee filters, no dryer sheets
I struggled with leftover casserole for years. We would eat half, then have some for lunch, but never finished the whole thing. Now, I freeze all of the leftovers the next day. Casseroles reheat wonderful. 😊
Great idea!
Wow - who would have thought of that to save money?
When I make casseroles, I have two dishes: I fill one for today/tomorrow and immediately freeze the other. In a week or two, I'll pop that badboy out of the freezer as a fresh meal 😉
My favorite money saving tip is to use Blackout curtains.
Second favorite is to shop at Dollar Tree before all other retailers first. Oftentimes, I assumed that Dollar Tree wouldn't have what I needed and ended up paying more elsewhere. Now I start there first and frequently find what I need there for $1.25
Even for small businesses. It's amazing what you'll save just on something like rubber bands as compared to an office store. Some dollar stores have name brands also if you need better quality for much less.
Make sure you know your prices. Not everything is cheaper at the Dollar Tree. I've found food items (same brand and size) cheaper at Dollar General.
Yeah, I buy at Dollar General 1st and then buy at the grocery store. IT WORKS.😅😅😅❤
@@49lucky Yes, Yes....every penny saved counts!
genuine question, how does blackout curtains help saving money?
Great list...well thought out! I'd add: dilute soaps and cleansers by at least 50% water before using them. That's dishwashing doap, laundry detergent, shampoo, hand soap, cleaners for walls and floors, etc. Dilute all by 50% water and then use the very least amount possible to get things clean. I read an article years ago, in the '80's, about the "Haves and Half Nots." It was about a couple who cut down the use of everything each time they used it finally to find the amount really necessary for use. For example: use the amount of shampoo you'd normally use. Maybe it's the size of a quarter. Next time, cut that amount in half and see if it still gets your hair clean. If it does, the next time you wash your hair, cut the last amount in half. Keep doing that "halfing" until you get everything you use down to the amount you need to get things still to function just fine. It's amazing how little you'll use and how much you'll save.
Your comment about cutting things in half made me think of a surprisingly good frugal tip I came across this week- a RUclipsr said she cuts all her sponges in half 😮and saves money by doing that.
I started watering down my laundry detergent a few years ago. I actually noticed a benefit as I am too heavy handed with detergents and there was a build up in the machine and on the clothes.
Pls be careful with watering down products you use on your skin, watering down changes its formulation and also would water down the preservative concentration and might make them ineffective, causing bacterial growth and mold
One of the best small appliances I have is my Food Saver. I buy meat in bulk when on sale, then break it down to smaller portions, vacuum seal it and freeze. It’s only two of us at home now, but I still cook large batches of certain foods. Once they have cooled I vacuum seal in 2 person portions and freeze. This works great for things like chili,stroganoff, baked beans, leftover roasts, chicken, etc.
Having food in the freezer that only needs to be thawed and heated makes meal prep so much easier on days that I am working longer hours. This also saves us from ordering in, or going out.
The food saver has saved so much money it's not even funny. We used to throw away food that was cooked in a bigger batch than we can eat. And if we froze it, it would be freezer burned. Not anymore 😃👍
I have a friend who used to host dinners for his ex wife and he was a character, he said he would buy wine at aldi put it in a decanter and the folks his ex hosted never knew the difference of wether it cost 10$ or 80$ bucks he said he saved money in almost every aspect of shopping living by recycling removing and rethinking did he really need it ….
I have been doing that for awhile now and it’s made a big difference in our wallet and our priorities…
Elsa, thank you for sharing this fun story about a friend! 🤗
What I like to when I do my monthly budget is to over budget for bills that are the same every month, for instance if my cell phone bill is actually 80.00, I budget for 100.00 a month instead so that when the month is over I have savings. I am tricking my brain into saving money because I have told myself the extra is “spent” on a bill but when I close my budget at the end of the month I usually have at least an extra 100.00, or sometimes more to add to my savings. This has worked well for me.
Great idea!
I work at at grocery store and get paid weekly. What I like to do is take out enough money out of my bank account and take $20 with me to work for the full week. Whatever I have left over from the day, even if it’s the full $20, I put in a gallon Ball jar.
One thing my husband and I do in the summer that is free is to go to the beach. We have 2 dogs and they love the beach so we found a beach that is free to park and dog friendly. We pack up lunches for us and the dogs and head on down to the beach. We use towels and umbrellas we already have and just enjoy the sun and sand. It's a great way to get out for free. We also like to go for walks down by the river again completely free and you're exercising! Win win!
We got rid of $200 a month cable! We have antenna and watch local tv .
Yes!!!
I've never had cable and have only used antenna TV. It's enough and I watch less TV
The only thing I really miss about cable is Turner Classic Movies. They don't have a streaming app to use unless you are a cable subscriber! Of course, I could waste a week straight watching TCM so it's probably better I don't have access to it. 😅
I love hosting at home rather than going out. So much more personal and warm. I also don’t have the patience to wait on someone to get ready, or deal with parking, drinking and driving, or waiting for food that doesn’t always come out right. Per unit or even bottle, buying from the store is SIGNIFICANTLY cheaper. Plus, gracious guests sometimes show up with a nice bottle of wine but of course never necessary since their company is the best part ❤
This is most definitely a money saver and more enjoyable! Friends look forward to our invitations. My kids are so grateful that they learned how to cook from my husband and me! Nutrition value and $avings. We enjoy cooking together as a family too.
What has helped us is to set up a budget, then set up automatic withdraw for fixed expenses- things like mortgage, health savings, insurances (home, health, life, auto)property taxes, phone, utilities, investments/savings. Most of our incomes pays for fixed expenes. What is left each monrh pays for gas, groceries and discretionary (non essential spending) I really like how you say, know where every dollar goes! It really is that simple!
Yes!
Buy men's disposable razors for men AND women. Same product, but the men's are usually cheaper
Especially hair color, toooo
Taking water with me has saved a lot. Make sure to use a glass or ceramic container, it’s much healthier than plastic.
Thank you for saying that RUclips is a hobby! Am retired, and I love RUclips because I am also a lifelong learner, and I learn so much simply by watching RUclips videos. I can learn about science and history and archaeology and finance and so much more. And it’s all free. Along with driving sensibly, learn what the speed limit feels like in a new car. A couple of years ago we got a different car and my daughter ended up with a speeding ticket that cost her a lot of money because the car handled differently, and she was going much faster than she thought she was.
Debi, I agree! You can learn so much on RUclips 🤗
Great remark about the easy way the new card picked up speed. Found that myself.
TY for saying YT is a hobby. I love watching all the trials ie Johnny Depp, Fani Wills etc. They are not only riveting, but I’m learning so much about the legal system - for free!
Excellent video! Just a comment about "don't overcook". I live alone, and if I make a pot of soup, casserole, etc., I put half in the fridge, and freeze the other half. That way, I can pull what I need from the freezer at a later date. This saves me so much money on food. As long as the food is frozen, and in an airtight container, it should be good for a long time.
Garage sales, auctions and thrift stores are great ways to find things you need for much less money 😊
My best money saving habit is with clothing. I wear business casual for work and love Pinterest for outfit ideas and first go to my closet to see if I have something similar for an idea. My next is I buy fast fashion brands BUT I wash on gentle and hang dry. It’s not ideal but it’s what is in my budget if I can’t find second hand and washed and dried gently makes them last years.
🤗
#7 I disagree I batch cook, freeze and plan it on the menu for 2 weeks from the first time saves time and money on those nights when you are too tired to cook and tempted to buy fast food when you already have a ready made meal to cook and serve. Anna In Ohio
Yes, you are right about that if you are freezing the food. That is a great time and money saver 🤗
I'm all about freezing meals lately! Ex. Thanksgiving wasn't a great day for me. The food we had gotten would've gone to waste if I didn't freeze them. I'm on my last Thanksgiving meal leftover now. So thankful for my freezer lol
I agree! I have kids who have sports in the evenings. I plan ahead and batch freeze for those busy evenings to avoid eating out or throwing a pizza in the oven.
Save your money and your money will save you.
I love that philosophy
I like this message.
I drive at the speed limit on the right lane. Let those drivers pass me.
Red light,stop sign ,traffic when I see it I take my foot of the gas it also saves break pads 😊
At the beginning of the year I create a notebook for the new year. I create tabs for utilities bills, medical statements and premiums, insurances, car expenses, and other misc.- vet, carpet cleaning, etc. I also review the previous year's notebook and do a spreadsheet that tracks what I spent on those in the past year. This has helped me cut expenses and be conscious of where the money is going. Ie: realized I was paying an add on for an extra car I no longer had on umbrella insurance and was given a refund. Found less expensive Healthcare with more coverage, will be moving to a less expensive cell phone carrier, replaced weather stripping on my doors to save on heating costs, etc.
Love libraries! My Austin Library has a recycled book store where you can get books for $1-2. Was just there this week. Also, I found a book in excellent condition that I'll be gifting a friend for her birthday with something else I have.
Gladys, that's awesome!
Love all these tips! I was wondering if “stay home” would be one of them. I save the most that way! Also make use of grocery store curbside pickup! I am not tempted to buy what I don’t need that way !
Absolutely!!
@THEJENNIFERCOOK Yet you also lose out on the sell quick items. I'm able to get some items I need from 30% - 75% off.
I love aldi for my basics canned goods, we’re big on bean protien, tomatoes, coffee shoot even coffee filters cost 3X less than at the store and there is no difference in taste but a giant difference in savings … I can go in with a hundred bucks and stock up for a month… and there are three of us in the house hold plus one that always comes when they forget an item or two… and that 100 bucks includes meats… I have been really amazed that the meat quality is good …
This is truly the best tip! Stay home-
Buy groceries online so you only get the items you need
I feel the same way. What you can do is order online but not the stuff that goes in the reduced bins.
Go to the store early and see if what you want is in reduced.
If not shop the aisles.
THEN pick up your order.
Use up..... chapstick, on the heels of your feet.....or your dogs paws❤
My #1 tip: Use a single notes app for ALL your lists and give the lists practical names.
Before and while I go grocery shopping, I check Pantry Inventory to see what I have. I have a grocery shopping list handy at all times and bold items when there's a coupon.
I have a Price List where I note what the store charges for staples. Obviously, inflation affects prices, but one store regularly offers lower prices for local produce and another has manager specials on Tuesdays.
I also have VERY specific wishlists.
When a bed needed a new headboard, I measured the length of the then-current headboard and bed height. I also had the amount I had budgeted for it. When I found one at a thrift store for $15, I bought it immediately and with confidence that it would work in the room.
All fantastic list ideas! Thank you for sharing 🤗
Everything I own is thrifted. Furniture, kitchen items, clothes, shoes, lamps, bedding, you name it. Been doing this for 12 years now and I have a beautiful home and wear designer clothing. Yes that’s right.
Happy Birthday, girl! I am also turning 40 this year and so lucky to have made it this far - we all know each day is not to be taken for granted and I love this journey and appreciate it so much!
Happy birthday to you! Yay 40 🤗
Buy clothes online from the opposite hemisphere. I’m in Australia and I get amazing discounted clothes from those countries going out of season when I’m just going into the season.
Yeah, that's so great for the environment
Can you recommend some websites? I'm in the USA and wouldn't know where to start except for Temu.
I make cookie dough in advance and keep it in the freezer for when I need it!❤
Yum!
Did you say for when you eat it!?😂...
Going to the park and feeding the squirrels is really fun. There is a rose garden there.... we stroll through this and then have a picnic from sandwiches made from home. During the 🌕 moon we have a fire pit and relax and have drinks and dance. I garden and ask for seeds and sometimes I take my shovel and ask people if I can have some plants from their garden which I devide.... people are happy to do this! The Library is a wonderful resource for books and movies and music. Helping others will bring many blessings to you. And lastly, there are no Joneses.... don't go into debt if you can help it and no credit cards!! Ever. I do the tag and garage sales and seriously, I live like a Queen.
First time watcher.
Free content and your library card. If your local doesn't have audiobooks dvds and access to also like lobby or hoopla ask about it. Lots of libraries have passports for local museums etc
What a great list! Thank you❤ my #1 Savings method is thrifting; anything we need I first see if I can find it for free , borrow and then see if I can find it used. This applies to everything. Oh so often I have found new with tags items in a thrift shop and even free food on "buy nothing" groups. This one but huge habit saves my family at least $20 K / year!
Finding great deals is so exciting 🤗
I didn't even know there WAS such a thing as a "buy nothing" group. Would that be the same as a barter group? I wonder if there's one in my area -- thanks for the heads up on this. We shop at thrift stores a lot (I haven't bought new clothes for at least 10 years).
Buy nothing is the best!!! Thrifting is my favorite, toooo!
Yes what if people are poor and need that food :(
Thanks. We make breakfast, lunch and dinners at home. Eat out only on birthdays of anniversaries or while on vacation. It works!
I agree, stay st home if possible.
Grocery store in my country has a delivery app. I add items to cart there to get an idea of how much it will cost and then figure out what can be removed and is not required. Usually food is expensive online and there is a delivery fee so I go in store to shop but stick to the list and play a little game of guessing the total in my head. I plan my meals on Saturdays so I don’t waste food and only buy what will be needed to make sure I am well fed without going over my budget. (Obviously a snack or 2 are mandatory so I don’t crave and spend more eating out later) 😂
This is a great idea! Thank you for sharing it 🤗
Love this video. When you shop, only shop from a list. Divide the list needs and wants. Don't go for a day or two, recheck your list and buy only needs. So easy to pick up 3 packages of cookies, 2 boxes of cereal when you have plenty at home. Compare prices even at stores like Dollar Tree. Not eveything is a bargain. Our Dollar General still charges a $ for a lot of things that are $1.25 at other stores.
So true!
Meal planning and using the slow cooker/ pressure cooker etc saves me a small fortune
Another great video! Unless I actually need something, I try to stay away from Amazon. I'm just too tempted to purchase items I don't need and can definitely live without.
Linda, thank you so much!
Act like you "can't " buy it. What would you do if you just could not buy it! You would be surprised to find out how many ways you can go around something. And sometimes you find you don't miss it.
Great idea!
That’s a good tip. That’s how I keep a savings by acting broke because if I tell my mind the money is available…it will get spent and if I ever let my kids think I have more money then they would bug me to buy things that we/they don’t need and knowing the parent I am I would brake down and get it so I act broke even when I’m not so that I will still have money leftover.
I use cash now for everyday shopping, before I hand over cash, I work out what change I should receive, it’s amazing how often you get given incorrect change. ❤❤❤
We over cook favorites and immediately after dinner we dish them up in serving sizes snaplock dishes for work lunches.
I get teased by friends for subscribing one month on and then one month off with Netflix. But I go some months not watching it, so I unsubscribe. Save money this way!
One thing that is fun to do, not really money saving, but when you use coupons, or points or anything that saves on purchases - put that money in a jar or move into a savings account. I put all the 7 cents off a gallon or 30 cents off, all my coupon saving, all the sales against regular price, all the points and grocery money saved that shows on you grocery receipt and at the end of a year there was over $400 in cash in my jar. Also put in the jar any time you were gonna buy something but didn't such as a daily coffee or a new piece of clothing you really did not need.
You are sooo right! Crafting instead of buying❤❤❤
Crafting is such a fun hobby!
I know this sounds over the top, but needed to get moving more for health reasons, we are raising a guide dog puppy. We’ve done this before and really enjoy it. No gym membership!
I give you so much credit for doing that. We’ve wanted to but I feel like I wouldn’t be able to part with the dog when the time came 😞
Ice coffee you can use your left over coffee Just add Ice and French vanilla coffee creamer do not throw away your coffee left over save it put it in the fridge add coffee creamer of your choice and ice and you have your Iced coffee
I bought a wonderful stand up freezer off of Facebook marketplace much more inexpensively than if I had bought it new. Then, I have been using it to be able to buy meat that is on sale and store it for later. This has saved me so much money! That freezer was a great investment for me!😊😊
1.)Reuse and wash Gallon size freezer bags.
2.) BUY meats on sale , portion them out, freeze them for the future.
3.) Stay out of retail stores and buy online or pick them up in parking lot service.
4.) BUY ONLY NEEDS, not wants.
Love the “caution when bundling” tip. Had never thought of that. ❤
0:53 I've heard many questions to ask ourselves when we are debating if we want something or not, but I never heard that tip, it really helped !
I am so glad it was helpful! 🤗
It's hard to cook for one. I have a friend with similar tastes in food, also single, or cleanliness matches and we bought food freezing trays so they are the same size. We cook larger meals and trade frozen meals. Of a veg, starch and meat. We have a great system. Allows for variety and perfect to have some nights where you don't have to cook!
Making my own coffee and iced tea. Take an extra bottle or thermos with me when running around!
This is my first time watching your videos but what I can already tell is that you are a great you tuber since you add a heart to every single comment! How amazing is that? You actually read them all and like them. Very impressive ❤
Awww...thank you! I really appreciate you 🤗❤️
Great idea on receipts. I found a mistake. Instead of 50% off, I only received 30%. I went back and went the 20% missing.
I bought a big jar of mayonnaise on sale for $4. When I got home, I noticed on the receipt that I had paid $6 for it because I hadn’t used a digital coupon! I clipped the coupon and went back there the next day to see if I could get the two dollars after the fact. I ended up being refunded $2.80. I don’t know why I got extra off but, I was very happy about it!
I didn't know you can scan your receipts. I live in NZ, I've never seen anyone do this.
Anytime my family gets gift bags &/or clothing boxes or even pretty ribbons🎁🎀 I flatten them & save them in a closet to be reused! I've saved a bundle doing this! Plus, I always have a gift bag for any improptu gifts!😊✌️
Also, we have glass containers & once a week we eat LEFTOVERS! We call it "picky dinner" because everyone can pick & choose what dishes they want to eat!🥘🍲🥗🍛🍜🍝🥪🌮🌯🥂
Changes that have made the biggest impact for me
1. Not drinking any type of alcohol/wine
2. Cooking at home from scratch rather than eating out or purchasing prepared food (including buying meat when it’s on sale and freezing it/cutting and prepping chicken before freezing makes life so much easier)
3. Staying out of the thrift stores and when I do go, being very mindful with what I purchase.
4. Cash envelope system. Just implemented this last month and notice a big difference in my spending.
5. This may sound extreme but I also quit buying paper towels. Washable dish towels have been working out great. I keep a large basket of them on the counter near sink and be sure to throw them in the wash regularly when doing other laundry. Paper towels are SO expensive! I got tired of buying them.
A good frugal hobby I've found is gardening to grow my own vegetables. As long as I don't spend too much on different soils or cute growing pots or different seed packets, etc. If I spend more on my hobby then I would spend on just buying the vegetable at the grocery store, then it's not frugal anymore lol
Oh boy, number 3 spoke to me 😬
I'm going to stop buying craft supplies for the rest of the year.
Get carried away in groceries: have to keep checking myself: do I really need this!😂
This evening I scrolled through my accounts to add up my spending on coffees and snacks in cafes in the last month!!! 🙈 I was shocked.
Liz, seeing the numbers can be shocking, but now you are aware and will be more conscious about it. Hugs 🤗
Ask at supermarket what time they do there mark downs amd go its saved me alot of money and sometimes u can get a treat u would not normally be able to afford
This was really interesting -- and I have listened to many such 'frugal' advice videos. slowing down your driving also saves on gas! I would add: save trimmings of vegetables in a bag in the freezer and make your own veggie brother. I freeze mine in quart containers of 1/2 homemade and half store-bought.
Great tip!
We do that with the vegetable trimmings! They make wonderful vegetable broth, without all the added salt I find in the packaged stuff at the grocery store.
I have used some of these for years. New ones I plan to include!!
Fantastic!
Thank you for mentioning the library. My daughter spent hundreds of dollars on streaming music apps. I told her about free streaming apps at our library and she is now saving money. You can also borrow dvds, Blu-ray’s and music cds. It’s a great way to save with your library card.
When my oldest daughter was going to college , she decided on the 1st 2 years at a community college - best move EVER ! She was an honor student with honors classes and got part of the fees forgiven if she kept her grades up , then when she moved onto the next college signed up to be a - I think it was called a CA , responsible for her floor in dorm on campus and received large discounts on room , board and meals and kept her more responsible and grounded for sure !
One of the best budget templates I use is from Dave Ramsey, and that is to make your budget down to zero. Every Dollar gets a name so that when you do your budget either on paper or an app., make sure its zero out. Thats where you are confident that every category is fulfilled. Never having extra unaccountable cash on hand.
This has been huge for me in having accountability and consistency. The budget repeats in every category. From small to large savings included. I save not only from my employer deductions in 401k and stock purchases but in my budget allocating savings as part of the plan. Diversifying my savings and every dollar is counted.