5 Things I CONSISTENTLY Do on a TIGHT BUDGET to SAVE MONEY & LIVE A FRUGAL LIFE
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- Опубликовано: 27 авг 2024
- When living on a tight budget, since I first started this frugal journey, here are 5 things I do consistently each day to save money. They may seem simple and even possibly redundant, but they are the backbone to how I save money every day and life a frugal life. As I said in a recent video, it's what you REPEATEDLY do that will get you the results you need and want.
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I have to shout at the rooftops at how good it feels to pay down debt. We can’t always share with our friends and family this information because they don’t like to talk about it. We have paid of 20k in 3 months!! We have 3900 left on credit cards then we are credit card debt free! On to the one vehicle with a balance then the house!
That is so exciting!! We here in the KSquad are celebrating with you! It does feel so good. Great job!
Congratulations. Throw yourselves a private little fun celebration when you each your goal! ?🎉🎈🎊👏👏👏
BRAVA!!
Awsome, great job!
My house has been paid off for a year now and I can just hug a wall, I am so happy and grateful!
Intermittent Fasting is saving lot on grocery and also keep you in a good health and full of energy 🎉
We lived on one income when I stayed home with the kids until they were elementary age. When I returned to work we continued to live on only one income, saving my earnings to pay off the mortgage early and save for retirement.
Love this. My hubby will retire at the end of 2023 and we’ve been living off one income and saving his. It’s totally doable. We’ve been totally debt free (mortgage too) for 3 years now.
This is why I go out for coffee. I live alone and I'm quite alright with that, but still, I need human contact so I meet 2 friends at Huddle House nearly every morning for coffee and conversation. I have no other social involvement where I live, so this is what I have budgeted for and I don't eat out much at all. Maybe once a month I go for Mexican food because I love it. Give me that and I'm on board with all else you say. 😊
Being frugal is about choosing wisely and with purpose. I drink coffee for the caffeine. That kind of coffee drinking would be wasteful FOR ME because I can get my caffeine fix cheaper.
An entire social life where you visit with friends daily? Seems like you are getting a bargain for what you are looking for. Good for you.
I am new to this
at age 57, so I really need this help and encouragement. After my husband passed in 2013 I have been in a financial nightmare, so to find Kate is a blessing to me. so, here I go wish me luck
Sherry! We are here for you! I really hope my videos are helpful!!!!
Hello Sherry my condolences ❤I have help several women including my mother is your type of situation. If you ever need guidance and a plan please let me know free of charge of course.
ohhh the bliss of morning coffee at home before anything else ... the sheer euphoria
This was really good. I caught credit card fraud just last month on my account because I check my card account two to three times a week. I use that card to earn free groceries and pay it off immediately after using it. I’m mortgage and debt free. 🙌🏽❤️
Totally agree. I pay my 1 credit card (I get cash rewards for using it) every 3-4 days. Don't want any unexpected bills at the end of the month. I stay within my budget.
Things that I do regularly to save money include: Because I work from home a number of day and on the other days I am on the road seeing different people, I have the luxury of being able to wear the same clothes more than once in a week. The nicer clothes I wear when out seeing people I will change out of immediately when I get home and can often wear at least another day because I do not get "dirty" on the job. The comfy clothes I wear to work at home on the computer get worn sveral times. Saves money on wardrobe and laundry. I also never leave the house without a wate bottle and eith lunch if needed or a snack, "just in case". I may not eat it but I'd rather have it just in case i end up being caught up at something and stat driving home later and more hungry or thirsty than I anticipated. I do cash envelopes but every big bill (like annual insurance payment, all Christmas shopping, etc.) gets paid on a specific credit card and immediately paid off using my sinking funds so that I can accumulate teh travel benefits. I also make "planned over" meals, sort of like left overs but I make them intentionally. As I live alone if I make a casserole, it is always too much for one and reheating can kind of dry it out. So I make the whole resipe, divide it into small seperate glass baking dishes, all but one of which I will freeze uncooked. This way, I always have an assortment of options in the freezer from which I can pull out one the night before, stick in the fridge and them just put into the oven when I get home and it doesn't feel like just heated up left overs. Great video, thanks!
I agree about the laundry! I work from home as well and I have wear a lot of loungewear, sweats and loose sweaters and I’ll wear them multiple times. I even go out and run errands in them. I’ve been donating so much clothes because I rarely get super dolled up and dress up.
Well done!
Love your idea of dividing a casserole into individual portions and freezing. 👏🏻
Savez vous pour EVITEZ DE LAVER SOUVENT LES VÊTEMENTS AÉRÉ DEHORS SURTOUT L AIR ENLEVE LES ODEURS LA PLUIE LAVE VOS FRINGUES
À PART VOS SOUS-VÊTEMENTS
TROP LONGUE À LIRE
Things I do everyday to save money are eat at home, take food to work for lunch, yes take advantage of free spring water at work, avoid shopping after work, have premade meals at home from my batch cooking that I can just stick in the microwave to heat up. Engage in free entertainment ie a walk, talking on phone, RUclips, online games, reading, making and selling things on Facebook.
I’ve tried to do cash envelopes so many times and I feel the same way! It’s easy for me to pull from other envelopes, lose track of my spending, and then there’s so record. Seeing all those charges in my account hurts more!
Totally:)
Exactly, Jessica! I was all over the show when I tried this system!
Kate I am like tin man to creek creek untile I have my coffee I have three coffees home made at home to sister
ahaha im the same with digital. we can all conect on the urge to spend with each method feels easier
Happy Frugal Friday. I paid off one of my credit cards today! IN FULL! Done... 3 more to go...but one will be done in 2 more months and then another in June... Then the final one in December.. if not sooner! I do all of these things that you mentioned. It works..
🎉🎉🎉congrats!!!!!🎉🎉🎉🎉
I buy almost everything on credit cards because it enables me to track every purchase AND I get rewards.
Yes coffee at home!!! A co-worker buys coffee at a drive thru everyday but complains of never having enough money and every time I see it I think in my mind cha Ching 💵 there’s that extra cash
2 weeks ago I made a roast chicken, kept the carcass and fat to try and make my first ever chicken broth. Today, not feeling so well and thought to give a try and make broth. I only put onion powder (did not have celery or carrots) the house smells so good and tastes delicious!! WOW, I can now make my very own Chicken Broth for homemade soup!! #Win #SavingMoney #StayOnBudget
I use cash for my groceries once a week. That keeps me in check. I also save all receipts even if using cash. Looking at all those receipts makes it real. Love your channel. Thank you for keeping it real!
5:18 Finally! I feel the same Kate - spending cash is so easy and painless, but seeing balance on my bank account hurts.
This is how my kids feel, and from what I understand, most kids these days feel this way. Cash almost feels like found money to them
I have my coffee at home and I spend at least 30 minutes doing “free writing “ on why I want to save money and any temptations I am experiencing.
This has helped a lot during the No Spend January. I write my goals etc. If I spend, I take some time to reflect as to whether it was needed or an impulse helps me figure out the triggers or the reasons. It’s helped me get in a good frame of mind before heading out the door. For example, I have slipped $25 worth of impulse used book purchases this month, but I am ok with that and will work on avoiding the library used book store in February. Lol. This means dropping books off and picking them up at the drive through windows because I know the bookstore is too tempting. Lol.
I am continuing my no spend January into a “Financial Freedom February “ with the same guidelines. I have a couple knitting classes coming up that I have to buy supplies for, but I am writing a bare basic amount of funding in for those.
Cooking at home and meal planning at least a week at a time has helped with both grocery shopping and knowing what to cook.
Love Financial Freedom February ❤
J N vais plus à la boulangerie trop tenter
J fais moi même le pain. U PEU raté mais mangeable
Nul nul TT c qui CONSERNE la cuisine
I totally agree with you! 👍
Another good snacks non salted cashews , pecans brazil nuts add some raisins &/ or plain m&m s ??? Ooor anything that you like 2 eat...in small amounts ..i also love my sode stream..i just drink freezing cold bubly water . I cant do just plain boring water. I git my machine 4 only $ 20. From mark etpkace & then i had 2 byy tge c o 2 tube & the special bottles .. b u t its super cheap & no carrying 2 lites of club soda / once in awhile pop...i do diet gingerale once in a while..
Fyi you get 60 litres of water ( or pop or bubly flavors added ) for only $ 20. Plus tsx for your c o 2 container..i also bought 2 of them ( co 2 ) so when one is finished i have a spare.
We eat at home almost always now. That didn’t used to be the case. Also: Reigning in my impulse Amazon shopping. While I appreciate the convenience I make myself wait before ordering to make sure it is a need and not a want.
MANGER chez soit pas cher. Au restaurant le pâte fine à 050€ PLUS LES LÉGUMES À 1€ ET FROMAGE RÂPER À 0,20€ ET JE PAYE À 20€ L HORREUR TROP CHER. MANGER DEHORS C EST DU LUXE
Little things I do
Shop ones a week (stay away from (online) shops
With a grocery list
Based on a mealplan for breakfast, lunch and dinner
Based on real bargains
Afther I checked what's in de fridge, freezer, pantry
I buy what's on the list and back home straight away.
Cook simple meals from scratch like Asian stirfried veggies or fried rice, noudlesoup, harira or Italian minestrone
Make filling soups in a large batch for a couple dinners every week, freeze some for next week
Cook one pot casserole /stew or pasta in one pot (boil veggies at the last couple of minutes and use less water or pastasaus and some water to cook the pasta in)
Keep heating low or off (especially when I am not at home or a sleep) , put on layers, wear a thin head at home or a buff
Leave lights out except the one you need to see what your doing at this moment
Shower shortly
Linedry clothing
Close curtains when it's becoming darker and cold
Open curtains and use daylight
Living in Florida I don’t use my dryer April thru November. It helps alot😊
A good topic might be: how to treat yourself on a budget. I’m a (retiring) therapist and know that emotional spending is a real thing. What else is going on in a person’s life that might need a second look? Relationships, physical/medical needs, family issues, spiritual growth, mental/intellectual curiosities, etc.
Finally, someone else who is sick of the cash envelope idea. I check my accounts every morning using my cellphone. I write down what I spend each day. This helps me see what's going on and track my spending. I've been able to identify over $1400 a month that I now use for debt repayment and savings.
I do exactly the same thing as you do. I start my day by checking my bank account and track my spending on a calendar. I write how much I spend each day. I’m doing a no spend January and a low spend 2023.
Same. I hate going to the bank. Can’t imagine having to visit the back numerous times a month for cash envelopes.
I feel like cash fritters through my fingers. I much prefer to use my card and be able to see where my hard earned money is going!
You know what saves you money? Being vegan.I am more like a flexitarian(vegan most of the time),but even if I buy plant-based milk which is more expensive than dairy,not buying eggs,cheese or meat regularly will save you a lot of money.Contrary to what some might think,cooking vegan is not hard and could be tasty too.If you want to lose weight,a healthy vegan diet can help you lose weight too. RUclips teaches so much.
So many good/excellent reasons to be vegan, I totally agree!
You are a joy to watch! I completely agree with you except for using cards. Cash just works better for me. I pay myself every week on Friday ($ for groceries, gas and personal, only $200). I find that I don’t even spend all the personal $. Whatever I have left at the end of the week I use it for my pantry stock up or place in savings. I do all 5 of those that you do. What has really saved me money is taking inventory of what I already have (checking my freezer and pantry inventory sheets) and planning my meals based on the sales at the stores. For example, ground beef was on sale at 5lbs for $10 and a 5lb bag of potatoes $2.49. Meals for the week: meatloaf and potatoes (made 2 meals) spaghetti meat sauce ( spaghetti and lasagna made with this), burritos (1 meal) and potato soup with homemade baked bread. I only spent total of $50 plus change ( had to get some fresh fruits, veggies and eggs 😳). The other $50 went towards savings and a few stock ups for my pantry ( sales only). No spend January has been successful thus far. I believe I will continue into the next month.
Thank you so much🙏❤️
(Abby typing) I know it is No Spend January so later check out Souper Cubes which are silicon cube trays that you can freeze batches of foods like soups, stews, starches, etc into different size cubes to reheat later. If you make a huge batch of black bean soup but don't want to eat it every day or have a huge container in your fridge check them out. I have saved money using their products. Some other examples..juicing and then freezing citrus into cubes, chili into one cup cubes, pasta and sauce into cubes, all kinds of pureed fruit and juices including apple cider into cubes, Anyway you get the gist. I buy all kinds of food staples from Azurestandard and store them like beans, rice, oats so I like to make things in large batches in my Ninja Foodi. Yes I think I have "brand dropped" more in this post than ever before but maybe one of you will find it helpful. Thanks Kate!
I love Souper Cubes and Azure! The cubes are a little pricey, but they make it so much easier to quickly freeze leftovers. I’m hoping to start making intentional freezer meals with mine, but first I need to buy an extra freezer. Azure saves me money on some allergy-friendly foods, but I definitely recommend doing a price comparison because some things were cheaper locally for the exact same product.
I just bought those cubes. They are great! Expensive, but I make a lot of soups and felt it was worth it. Makes it easier to store my food in the freezer too.
Put a cup of soup or casserole into a plastic sandwich bag, seal, freeze flat, they store wonderful upright in the freezer basket, they are a quick hot meal, defrost and cooked in 5 to 6 minutes.
Since one year I use terrycloth washcloth to clean instead of paper towels. I wash them and reuse them. Saves little money, but reduces waste.
I cook almost every day. We go out to eat once a week and usually bring home leftovers for another night. I love to make soups. Soup is so easy to make, it’s inexpensive, healthy and one pot is good for several meals. And it freezes well. It’s a frugal cooks best friend.
Living below our means has helped us so much in the past 20 years. Our financial planner told us that we "aren't normal". He can't quite wrap his head around how we do it, but he's taking advice from us if that tells you anything.
Great tips!!!! We implement these as well, but it's great to see others do the same so save.
That’s wonderful! He’s learning from you 😅😊
I make lunch for my son to take to school every day. Bonus: On the odd day that he buys lunch, he always talks about how much better his homemade lunches are. I check my accounts during the week and feel a little out of control if I don't. No spend January is going so well, I'm going to extend it to February. Thanks for everything, Kate! xo
Lisa, YOU ROCK!!!
@@KateKaden YOU!
My kids were the envy of their classmates because they got such nice lunch boxes. These were 90% healthy, but there was also a little treat every day. They never wanted money for the tuck shop!
I pack my kids' lunches! School lunches are around $3. Multiply that by 4 kids, and I'd be spending a small fortune each month! So we pack sandwiches, homemade pita-pizza, pasta, and sometimes convenience foods like chicken nuggets. We add a fruit and a veggie and a reusable bottle of water. Much cheaper and healthier than school lunches. And bonus, when they empty their lunchbox at night I know just how much they ate and whether they skipped their veggie. 😆
I print out a TON of recipes on Pinterest and I have a huge folder of recipes to rotate. I plan my meals based off the recipes that sounds good and cook accordingly. Making my grocery shopping list is so much cleaner and more streamlined when I plan ahead and only get the necessities and not just random items. I just invested in a nice, non stick cooking pan that is big enough to cook one pot meals that I ordered from Amazon and can’t wait to try it!
Love the way you said the credit card or debit card and the paper trail keeps you accountable. Totally agree! When my husband did all the finances, I was spending money like water because it wasn’t concrete and it didn’t happen. I told him I needed to pay bills or we were going to go bankrupt. Seeing the spending in front of my face was exactly what I needed to be held accountable.
I do all these! But my newest one (im a year in) is that I also check my bank balance every morning now thanks to you! Used to dread it! But now I'm in control :)
YASSSSSS JULIE!
Me too!
I do now, too!
"If I don't see it doesn't happen". Love that. Follow the paper/digital trail.
LOL!!!! That's what it feels like for sure! LOL!
I've started checking my bank balance every day!!
yes! seeing it on paper is completely different. it hurts to look at it.
I fix tea everyday and I drink glasses of it.
Great tips! I batch cook in 3 crockpots each weekend. Then freeze in portions. This gives me homemade freezer meals! And ‘I Am’a great cook. Im age 73. Retired.
Cooking gets better as you get older.
Pat in Colorado
You're so right! When you're on a tight budget there can be no surprises or mistakes in your budget. I monitor my bank accounts daily and track my spending. When you're on a tight budget going through the drive-thru is a treat! I've had to really put the breaks on this habit. My goal is to have money leftover at the end of the month. This money is then used for savings and sinking funds! Kate, you've given us lots of good ideas!
I'm the same way with cash spending vs swiping a card. If I withdraw cash, It's like it's already spent and I tend to more impulse buys that way. I'm a big fan of DIY in order to save money. If it's something I know how to do, I DIY...I trim my own hair, used to color it at home--now it's gray, hem my own pants, do my own manicure, etc. I've even figured out a few home repairs with the help of youtube and google.
Hi Kate, I do a lot of the same... make my own coffee (bring it and a thermos cup for 2nd - stays warm until the afternoon) and bring my own lunch/snacks as well... I also love my crock pot for the days I know are going to be busy so... supper cooks itself on those days. In regards to cash... I use a hybrid system with all my bills coming out of one account; my groceries/gas out of one account and 3 separate savings account for emergency, vacation and Christmas accounts... all my other sinking funds/wallet money is in cash... everything is assigned as soon as I get it so I can track everything easily. Luckily I am now debt free so if I use my credit card, I immediately deposit the funds from the applicable account/envelop every pay day... writing everything down also helps in the process.
I buy a coffee once a week . Its my way to socialise as I live alone.
Each fortnight i put money aside for rates,electricity etc. No bill problems. No stress.
If I need clothes I buy on line out of season. Big savings. I'm a pensioner and I save due to simple lifestyle and some frugality.
I believe we need to be happy so I treat myself to things that enhances my life eg garden plants and my beautiful pets.
My husband and I work at the same place but his day started at 7 & mine at 8. We talked to our supervisors and they agreed to a half hour difference and now we car pool
Coffee is life! I’m the same 2 cups of fresh filtered coffee at home before 11am 🤩
I also make my own coffee, cook meals at home and take EVERYTHING I need for the day in my lunch box! I've done this for years! I have gotten out of the habit of checking my accounts daily and I neeeeed to do that! Thanks for all the great tips! I started my now spend in December and have also been cooking out of my pantry and freezer since then. As the end of the month is approaching, I am thrilled at how much money I have saved!!! That feeling far exceed any feeling I've gotten from shopping. I plan to continue on with even after these two months. I am going to give myself a small allowance each month for fun extras, though. Thanks for the great content - just love your positive, bubbly personality and really appreciate your knowledge!
I didn't have my gift cards with me today so I drove on by Starbucks and Dunkin Donuts...the pain! The $1811.83/yr on car insurance I saved yesterday motivated me. My goal this year is $6500 into my brand new retirement account. Threw another 10-er in the pot today!
I recently opened a new savings account into which I transfer $15 each week that I am going to use to buy pretty little things that I do not "need" and I gotta say, it's making me feel much less deprived and I love it. I'm planning on buying a new set of sheets that I don't really need, I just want something different besides the same two sets that I have already. Normally I would forbid this purchase, but with this little savings account, it's painless and I'm spending that money on what I budgeted it for: random objects that I desire. It's nice and guilt free!
Same here! I have a savings called “shopping” and slowly saving up for items I would love to have. Saving slowly is nice because I’m not acting on instant gratification and can really think about the purchase
@@candy2325 We're like sister in savings, I love it! More power to you, candy!!
I procrastinated but finally cut the cable tv cord! Saving 💲💲💲
I am so in line with you but I use cash. I swipe and forget that bills haven't cleared. Overdrafts were killing me. So I parked the card and have managed to greatly reduce my stress level around my finances. It's amazing how we all process things similarly and differently. Success however it works best for you!
Glad cash works for you; it does for me, too!
I’ve been retired 3.5 years, but when I was working, I ate breakfast at home before going to work in the morning, I would bring my own food for lunch and snacks, and I drank water all day, just like you’re doing. I would marvel at the majority of my coworkers who would buy breakfast and lunch every single day…..🤔
Now that I’m retired, I make all my own food and rarely go out to eat. I do have 2 different sets of friends (they don’t know each other) and we try to get together once a month to meet up for lunch. So that’s part of the budget. My biggest savings tactic is that I’ve learned how to make a copycat Starbucks bottled Frappuccino drink that I can do at home and it’s delicious! The price of a case of the real Starbucks bottled drinks at Costco has risen almost $7.00!!!!
I like your idea of checking your bank account every day-you can definitely keep an eye on transactions AND catch anything fraudulent that might post.
Loved this video!……….❤️-Brenda
The only cash stuffing I do is what I take out once a month for spending money. The rest I manage online and keep a notebook to track everything. I'm old school when it comes to record keeping. Any spending money I have left over for the month is rolled over to the following month. Or for any extra saving challenges I am doing. At the end of the year, I turn my coins in and add half to long term savings and the other half to my emergency fund. This system is working for me so far.
Happy Frugal Friday KSquad! Wonderful, as always Kate! My No Spend January was going so well and then our car timing belt and clutch went kaput! Added to that my husband needed to buy a new suit sooner rather than later as our dear friend’s dad passed away. Thankfully we had budgets set aside for these things and what in the past would’ve been a disaster, is now a hiccup. Sometimes life gets in the way but I think if the foundation is strong, all will be well ❤ You motivate and inspire us all so much! Thank you ✨
Unfortunate events happen that can necessitate spending money. I would not count those things as "breaking" any of the No Spend January rules you have set for yourself. I still consider you 100% on track! ❤
@@ruthcaruso9181 oh thank you so much . I do think it’s important not to be too rigid , we can only try our best each and every day ❤️
I’m so sorry for your loss🙏❤️🙏
Every day I make a pot of steeped tea. I can get 4 cups of tea out of one tea bag. Instead of buying milk, I have been using up my store of powdered milk before it goes out of date. Also I freeze the used tea bag for either a foot soak or to reduce eye puffiness. Yup I get my 4 cents worth out of one tea bag lol.
YASSSS!
Love it
I am realizing I am starting to like the paper trail of using cards. I drink free water at work and coffee at home. We have only eaten out once during January so I am considering that a win so far.
YASSS Abra!
I absolutely agree with using cards instead of cash and paying them off promptly. Then the expenditures are like etched in stone, and there's no way you can pretend you did not spend that money. I find this helps me to be more accountable and better able to stay on budget! 👍🌞🤑
Depuis que je FAIS un budget FINI DE DONNER À TOUT BOUT CHAMPS
I keep track of produce and dairy that will expire.
This morning I made a batch of crepes using up my 2 eggs and they can also be frozen.
I had a pound of fresh broccoli and milk that I also needed to use up.
I made a big batch of copycat Panera Broccoli Cheese Soup. This can be frozen for up to 3 months as well!
Yes- I looked at this late (1 yr later). I am retired and on a fixed income. I shop at Costco and stock up once a month. And that's all the shopping I do. I strategically share my card with my daughter who buys for herself and her significant other. With the 2 of us racking up what we spend, membership is paid for with their rebate cheque. I also think that 'delayed gratification' should be practiced by everyone. If you think you want something. Wait a week, and see how often it would have been used, and constantly reflect on it. Quite often you find that you don't really need it after all.
I totally agree about checking my credit card account a few days a week. There were many times over the years where someone got our number and charged things. We just called and Discover checked into it and sent us a new card. This isn’t daily but when I send my grandkids cards I get them at dollar tree.They had cute valentines 2 for $1. For Halloween treats I pass out I always get snacks I know my family likes in case I have leftovers. I have been buying liquid eggs now too.If it calls for 2 eggs I use one egg and 1 serving of liquid eggs. Turns out perfect.I cut up old t shirts to use for rags instead of paper towels.
I agree wholeheartedly with you regarding the use of credit vs cash.
I love your tips! I have a lot of credit card debt and your podcasts are keeping me motivated❤️
I'm so so glad Georgia! I'm so glad they are helpful and I'm so happy you are here!
Me too Georgia!!!
Spending when I’m feeling lonely and empty…yep that tends to be me. I used to be so much better in saving money and frugal and hated debt, but 2023 did a number on me 😢 and the stress/anxiety was awful . But I’m back t tue mindset of eating healthier/intermittent fasting, paying off the car debt I took on, decluttering, and no spend January 😊. I’ve been feeling so much better the past 8 weeks because of taking better care of myself and my life. It nice to find you on RUclips who is also a single mom …I am too so listening to someone in the same boat as me is refreshing 😊. Thank you!
YESSS!!!! I'm cheering you on! I'm so glad in the past 8 weeks you are taking good care of yourself. Cheers to an AWESOME 2024! Let's do this! We single mamas make it happen!
I go to my friend’s work on my day off and we sit in the lunch room and eat our meals from home. Go sit at the library if they have benches out front and shade and eat your meal. Take your kid to the park and have a meal there. We have benches outside our work under the trees
Love the tree in the Forest analogy! So true!
Thank you!!!!
I used to take our family of 5 to McDonalds. Total was about $35. We then began to order off the value meal and use the McDonalds app and we could drop it down to $20. Then we began eating at home and only going out for ice cream there $7. Now we go to Aldi and get two ice cream tubs for $6 and we can have multiple bowls. Baby steps. 😉
I have for 15 of my 16 years working at my job have brought my own food. I drink my tea at home. I had been doing really well with my budget but now have combined with my husband and he is not so much on the written budget train. It is very frustrating. I am doing what I can to keep us on track but it is hard to convince someone who for 40plus years has done things his own way. Thanks for your video.
Hi Kate. I make my own coffee. I learned how to check my accounts from you several years ago and continue to do that. I drink water. And for the most part, I make my own meals and eat at home. Thank you!
I feel the same way about cash! Feels free in a sense. I’m much more accountable to my online CC transactions because those I have to face & get transferred to my budget
By making your own coffee you are not only saving the cost, but also the cost of gas while sitting in the long line at the drive-through and if you went inside then your taking an extra risk of COVID exposure. Don't know about in Maine, but here in Tennessee our numbers have been rising again. Two more potential costs from not making your own coffee. Debbie
I'm not a big coffee drinker. I have a cup occasionally, mostly w my grandma. I started brewing tea at my house more. Helped me stop drinking so much soda. (Down to the occasional, but rare coke.) I use a gallon mason jar. I heat water in a kettle and pour the water over tea bags in the jar. (I use a clothes pin holding the tea bag tags to keep them outside the jar. I close and let steep. When jar is cool/slightly warm I put in the fridge. I don't need ice, it's already cold. I can sweeten to my preference. I actually lessened my sugar little by little. Better for my health. My mom and grandma are from Kentucky. They made sun tea in the summer. Iced tea in the summer and hot tea in the winter. Figure out what works for you. It's mostly the Lipton like black tea blend bags. I get the store brand. I occasionally have a spiced chai or other flavor. I used to get together occasionally w a friend and talk over tea. We would rotate houses. Easy to have some simple cookies or muffins. Maybe a light lunch.
Kate; Thank you for another great video. I make my iced coffee every morning at home. This month I am in a challenge to eat every meal and make every drink at home. I also do food prep so hubby doesn't have to go out for food - and I purchased items that go into his snack basket. I also make our own bread by hand and with a bread machine.
YASS! You've got this Becky!!!
I make a copycat recipe for Olive Garden chicken pasta in crockpot. Love it!There is plenty to freeze for later! Do the same with pulled pork, and Italian beef in the crockpot. Today we had homemade chili that I canned in October. I try to cook up a couple meals at a time so that we have options plus there are times we don't want to cook and this keeps us from eating out. We drink water also. We can all do this!!😊
I check my bank account every day and use Every Dollar! I've been using it for a while and I love it! It helps me stay on track
Here locally I go to value village and no frills for clothes and groceries. Save a ton of money and clothes are reasonably good at Value Village or any thift store
I make a habit of checking my accounts several times a week so I know exactly what I have.
I also delete items out of my check book the day of purchase. It's a lot of work but gives piece of mind😊
Way to go Vanessa!
Love my own food prep. I keep eating out for a special intentional experience. Not on a whip. Thx Kate great video! 🌻💕💐💕
Good inspiration. I so agree. The habits we drill into our routines will thrill us later. I'm a mid-westerner and like you like to spend my saved $ when things really pick up here in the spring & summer. For now it's hearty homemade soups & one pot meals. So worth it. When weather warms I do have to work on carrying the lunches & meals. 😇 Saves a bundle.
I completely agree about the cash vs card spending. I feel like cash is "treat money" that I don't have to account for. ;)
I have 3 different crockpots and each day I use one of them. I have a tiny one that's good to make small batches of chili or soup up to a large one forfamily meals.
This helps keep us frugal as far as food and electric.
YUMM!!!!
I 100% agree about credit cards! Cash is like using play money!!
I SO AGREE about using cards over cash. I find it gives me way more accountability. I bet it's because you and I are such ninja budgeters and always look at our accounts daily! Go us!
I agree 100000% about the cash. For me, it's easier to track spending on my cards. We never carry a balance...we pay it every month. I just had cash for Christmas and I felt lost. I had no idea where I spent my money!
I’ve adopted all 5 of those things this year. I’m really focused on paying down my debt and building my savings. I’m also writing everything I spend down in a notebook and at the end of the month I’ll total everything up into categories and see where I’m spending to make better decisions. I can’t wait until I get my tax return as that will allow me to take a big chunk out of loan I have and be able to pay it off about 6 months sooner than expected! That will free up so much money each month to pay down debt even faster! I’m doing my best to live under my income so that I don’t get used to having that payment gone and I can easily transfer it to something else.
You are my frugal sister!! Everything you wrote is the same for me…but I know I need to update my water intake. I paid off three bills last month, two bills will be paid in full in February and then my tax return will be used to take a large chunk out of my debt, leaving only the larger debts and bigger monthly payments toward them. Great minds think alike!
Now while the emotion and greatful feelings of no longer having your debt payment haven't hit you - Please, please, please generate an additional goal(s) and/ or a very specific (complete with prices and research), prioritorized, spending list. The month after payoff date, write the amount you've been spending on debt right into the budget. It can be something like clothes but with an amount and cap, it can be something like retirement investments or savings which you'll never physically see until "someday", some health and assest (car, house, etc..) maintenance, or some mix of austere and pure pleasure. It could even be something like a serious stand mixer, sewing machine, or some tools to add diy capability for short term savings and a prayer that the investment equipment its self will pay for its self sometime down the road. Just use it for purposeful spending from the get go.
C EST ce que je FAIS. J note TT
ATTENTION, J AI VOULU FAIRE COMME VOUS REMBOURSER LE PLUTÔT POSSIBLE. SOYEZ PRUDENT À CE SUJET. PRIOTEGEZ VOUS
I have started this January to write down all my spending, I know it all there in my checking account online but writing it down makes me reevaluate my choices, sometimes it’s painful to see how I spent when I did not have to. But this process has made me more aware and more pragmatic in my spending.
I make large portions of soup & freeze enough for other meals. I meal plan with recipes. I look in the freezer for meats I have bought on sale to plan a meal. I always look in the cabinet & refrigerator before putting ingredients for meals on a grocery list. I have been putting money left over at the end of the month (besides allotted amount) into budget buster category instead of vacation. I am strict with utilities.
Great video! I eat breakfast, lunch, and snacks from home for work! I also make my own coffee and pack it! Another thing I do is go straight home! I don’t make any stops. One stop to dollar tree can easily spy roll out of control!
I also like a digital record and use my debit or Costco (for Costco only) card for everything. My no spend is no spend on clothes for the whole year and I am seriously breaking the twitch and it's making me realize where my triggers are...mostly you tubers talking about 'minimalist capsule wardrobes'...I was always looking for the 'perfect jeans' or 'perfect tee'. It is fun shutting down that nonsense and using what I have...which is plenty and nice. I love your channel Kate....you NEVER trigger spending!
I bring my coffee to work and I bring lunch almost every day. I am getting better at that because lunch can be so expensive.
Totally agree, paper trail on spending. Awesome tips
Totally agree with you on cash....there is no accountability, in my mind it is free.
I too look at my bank acct everyday day when I get up! I don't like surprises so I keep a close eye on it🧐 lol trying to get out of debt this year is a daily sacrifice 🙃📓
Greetings from Ireland. Be a leader with your family. Decades ago I gave up Christmas presents. Encourage your family menbers to give up those shop bought coffees and goodies which are not helping their health. Great video Kate.
Have you addressed the work place money issues when it comes to "birthday contributions" that you kinda get guilted into? I don't miss that anymore...retired now.
Thanks for a great quick reminder to all video about keeping track of money spent
It's harder sometimes when kids are involved
Having a relisten Kate! My good medicine! I love everything frugal topped up with an abundance of gratitude ❤❤❤
I’m with you on feeling more accountable if I use my card to buy things. And I much prefer being able to see exactly where my money went, all in one place.
Great ideas, Kate. One thing I won't scrimp on are my self care appointments. Am a generous tipper but realized if I use my debit card to tip, am overly generous. So always make sure I have cash for tips (including restaurants) in my wallet. Otherwise use debit card for everything to make me face the mirror regarding frivolous purchases. Have a great weekend Kate and KSquad 🤗
Some restaurants are taking a good portion of the tips as well. So cash gives more to server. Js
I am retired and saving for a new used car. I always get at home. I walk everywhere I go and do my own lawn care I hang clothes inside to dry and wash out ziplocks bags and reuse
Every day I check on checking activity. I also make a list of items that I do not need from the grocery store and try to do better. Like my favorite protein bars that is NOT a need and they add up. I can do better. You videos get me excited about saving and doing better. Thank you!!!!
Have you tried finding (or creating) a copycat recipe for your protein bars?
@@username00009 no! That is a great idea….I honestly did not think of that because I was so focused on not buying them. Thank you 😊
Great sound advice Kate...especially bringing your own food when out. Fruit and water are great too for keeping fast junky food at bay.
My daughter and her husband are currently living with me as they are building, and they eat out or door dash at least four times a week. I eat what I have here! I also check my bank account at least once a day. I have a lot of items that are automatically deducted, but sometimes on different days, so I watch to make sure they are being paid.
As for no spend January, I took a break as my younger brother died😢, and there were some unexpected expenses with that, but plan to get back on track the beginning of next .
I am so sorry to hear about your brother!
I relate so much with respect to cash. I feel exactly the same way about it. It feels like it's not part of my spending and is too easy to hide. I also have anxiety about losing cash. Definitely in the minority with you!!!
I lost the $80 gift of cash from my mom for Christmas, I was so glad I found it 3 weeks later when I was looking through my stack of bills in my cupboard. Very happy to find it!