A few years ago, when my daughter was in college, in a social economics class, the teacher asked a series of questions. They had the whole group stand and as they asked questions they would sit down if they had never done something. When they said “remain standing if you have ever learned to preserve your own food, as well as processed wild game, made your own bread”. My daughter was the only one left standing for any of these questions. Many times throughout the years she has called and thanked us for making her learn things.
the economic model dictates we have to buy things and services we don't need and didn't know we wanted, which is why frugal people are vilified by the media.
I'm a frugalista and proud 😀. An acquaintance of mine...she spends a fortune on meal boxes (similar to hello fresh) as she said shopping and cooking eats into her social media time 🙂...Im amazed at how lazy people are. I'm in my 40s and my mum and grandma taught me everything. My husbands mum taught him to sew, cook, bake and mend. I know it's not cool in today's world but I love being able to do stuff. I love being part of this community I never feel bad after listening to your videos and reading others comments I feel empowered and happy knowing I'm living my best life with my husband and our beautiful dog 🙂
Love how your channel has grown since I started watching you . I must confess I do watch it several times if I have time. And always feel glad that I'm not just the only one who hates to waste money.
I don’t care what people choose to call my way of life. I choose frugality after seeing the benefits while growing up in a frugal household. We have as a nation become entitled and lazy, people want an easy life where they pay someone else to do the work they could easily do their selves. These same people are the ones complaining they have no money, putting everything on the credit cards or loans. These are the people who believe the world owes them everything they want. It is easy for these people to look down on or criticise frugal people. Well I do life my way and I am happy for them how ever they wish.
I couldn't say what you said any better . Its so refreshing to hear what you said in your comment. Matter of fact, I had to read your comment twice to make sure I was reading it right 👍. Thank You !
I really appreciate your insights about society and how society promotes people to live in debt. It also promotes unhealthy and expensive eating habits! Social conformity is a real thing! I very much appreciate this supportive community as we live a radical non conformist frugal life! Win this month we are on target with our grocery budget for the second month and on target with our new monthly savings amount this month! Many blessings! We are so happy with meal planning, not buying new clothes,and doing our own car repairs. We are actively paying down student loan debt and it’s such a wonderful journey! Bless you!! ❤
Jane, I love doing frugal things. I have a stockpile, I knit, I do my own household things etc. I am in a situation where I have no choice, but I turned that upside down by coping well in spite of everything.
I am retired for going on 4 years and find I watch almost no television and streaming services although my son shares his subscriptions. I am so enjoying your videos and learning about budgeting and becoming a budgeteer. I like being a part of your tribe although I have lots of work to do yet in order to be debt free. Still, I am on the way to debt freedom, and that feels like progress.
I started down the frugal path out of curiosity more than anything. My Mum and Nans taught me to cook and clean in a cost effective way, but I have a rampant curiosity about things and want to know how the stuff that I use is made. I learned to make soap and shampoo because I wanted to understand the process. That fact that it's so much cheaper and better didn't really factor into it. I learned to spin yarn because I'm a knitter and couldnt find the exact yarn I wanted for a project. So I made it myself. These were my hobbies and I did them because I enjoyed it. It was fun learning to make stuff Then, when my husband passed away and I was left trying to manage on a (very small) single income, my experience at "make it yourself, mend it yourself" stopped being a pastime and became a necessity. I still enjoy my hobbies but they save me so much money. I can buy a fleece for £7 and, with a bit of effort and time, I end up with a pure wool, unique sweater . £10 makes enough soap and shampoo for a year. £10 makes enough laundry soap for a year. Citrus peel steeped in white vinegar makes the best kitchen and bathroom cleaner I've ever used. And I have the fun of making it all myself. What's not to love?
"Jane & Mike, I AM SO BLESSED to have found your channel & Dave Ramsey to help me finish up my bankruptcy which would NEVER have happened if My husband and I had been frugal! In our 50yrs of marriage, we spent all we made on "fun",doing what everyone else was doing and never budgeting. Now that I'm a widow with no savings and 1 income, I am so happy I am NOT doing what everyone else is doing, have an emergency fund, sinking fund, and almost finished paying off the home equity loan my husband left me with. Then, I will have NO DEBT and have learned my lesson. YOU ARE A GREAT TEACHER BECAUSE YOU ARE TRUTHFUL AND DO NOT MIND AT TIMES BEING STERN. I appreciate that! Please know that. May God continue to bless you to teach what some of our parents did not. THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!
"an enlightened modern world when the battered sausage appeared". That is funny quote of the year so far for me! All SO true. We were happy to get fish and chips, what a special treat it was! I do love your videos, such a pick me up! Still laughing about that one!😂😂👍
I am also 57 years old. I remember those times. I am thankful because it has helped me survive so many times. I have brought my family up the same way. Being frugal should be celebrated. I love my frugal life and even if I won the lottery I wouldn't change Cheers and Blessings
Just this week I accomplished a task of replacing my toilet handle. Felt very good not having to call and pay a handyman for that. I watched a RUclips video and went to the hardware store for the part. We can learn a lot if we are willing to try and save money also.
Hi Jane.. I have taken a lot of your frugal ideas on board. Although I have lived pretty frugally over the years. Especially now... Cooking from scratch, made my and my children's clothing including knitting( in the past) I don't waste food . Make my own bread and pickles Grow a few veggies, But recently after watching one if you lovely videos, I am doing a meal plan. It's great. Just takes a little time to list everything,but such a useful idea. I'm happy, debt free and like being frugal. My Daughter is the same .. Thanks again to you and Mike.....for great content 💞💐
Thank you for your words of encouragement. It took me a few years to manage my money properly. Debt free and frugality means happiness for me. I sleep good at night not worrying about financial matters.
Well noticed Jane. How schools have changed. In the 50's and 60's our secondary schools taught. Cooking, Domestic work, metalwork, woodwork, gardening etc. Perhaps that is how my generation were able to do such things. Just a thought.
I would be happy to simply see it discussed (normalised) in schools. There is a great deal of pressure already to achieve academic excellence. Just a thought
Thank you for continuing to make videos about choosing the less popular path of frugality. Some may tell you that you talk about frugality too much. Ignore them! When you consider the number of adverts encouraging irresponsible spending, telling us that we have to eat out because "cooking's too hard", and all the rest of the manipulative drivel, your voice of common sense is vital. You two are truly performing a public service. I especially love when you get passionate about your message! It's a breath of fresh air, my dear. ❤️
When my husband and I would take our children on vacation, people would scoff when they learned that we cooked every meal, rather than eat out. I would here: " that's no vacation!". Rather than explaining our frugality, I used my son's food allergies to explain our decision to cook on vacation. Today, I proudly tell people that I'd rather line my pockets with cash than someone elses. Most times, I receive a blank stare. It isn't very often when someone wholeheartedly agrees with me. Thankfully, my sons could care less what other people think of their frugality and they tell others they rather not make someone richer when they can do it for themselves.
Thank you Jane and Mike for another great video. I am really enjoying the frugal life. Batch cooking and adding to my savings every month. The reason I started budgeting was because I watched a show on TV called "Till Debt Do Us Part". It was a woman named Gail Vaz-Oxlade who would help financially troubled couples get out of debt. It was a great show that ran for 9 seasons. It was a Canadian show. I still watch episodes on RUclips. She used budgeting and the envelope (jars in this case) system. Later she did a show called "Princess" where she would help entitled young people to be more financially responsible. She also wrote a few good books.
Frugal people tend to be creative. Just yesterday and today, I have been testing out savory/bread like meals. Using left overs and adding things to the mixture. Yesterdays were edible but a bit to soggy. Nailed it today, with adjustments. So very satisfying, healthy and cheap. Well pleased with these experiments. Keep going guys it's an adventure.
I so agree with you when you say that everything has to be fast & easy these days. Well slow & challenging is better ! What is wrong with spending time usefully instead of as you say, just watching telly ? [ I knit while watching youtube ]. It is so satisfying making things slowly such as knitted garments, quilts, embroideries, jam. Where did this speed thing come from ? Enjoy doing things slowly & enjoyably !!
My husband was always surprised at the comments he would receive when he reheated his left over dinners for lunch at work (comments were mostly about how good it smelt lol) Most of his work mates bought their lunches and had mortgages while our mortgage was paid off. He was also surprised at how many don’t each fresh fruit and vegetables regularly 😮
Great video. As a child we only had take away on our birthdays.fish and chips. As an adult my husband goes fishing and we have beautiful fresh fish and squid for our dinner . We went on a drive a while back and stopped and bought pies for lunch . 8.00 each never again as I make my own pies and pasties now .. we also did a little challenge recently to see how many meals we could get out of 1 chicken. 3 nights for us.. stir-fry, then with veg , in sandwiches with scraps left over for our dog. Boiled the carcass for stock . It can be fun to see what can be done with just a little bit of effort. Thankyou
As a Boomer (65) thankfully my parents knew how hard a depression can be. They taught me everyday life skills of survival. Our schools did teach home economics/sewing/repairing/budgeting/cooking. As we recovered and we entered an age of over abundance and bail outs people began to live only for the present. It was no longer popular to start at the bottom and work your way up. Kids all of a sudden felt entitled to live the good life and survival skills were no longer necessary. If our world should hit rock bottom hopefully there will be enough of us frugal folks to lend a hand. Very good video today.
Hi, Aussie here. My large regional town got a McDonalds when I was about 10. We never went though! We rarely go now, maybe once in 2-3 years. We have a show called Better Homes and Gardens that gives some diy garden and furniture projects, reasonable recipes.Frugal choices are I had leftover curried sausages for lunch today while volunteering at the hospital. I collaged papers at home yesterday using up craft scraps, lovely!!
My mum is the same age as you although she passed away in May 2022. She didn't teach me how to be frugal but I'm learning slowly from watching your videos and others, so thank you. I'm 23 and I am doing a work placement. When I get a job I will try and put most of my money in savings.
This video reminded me not to talk about my frugality journey quite so much to my. "antifrugal" friends and family members. I don't want to be boorish or boastful. Besides, I think it may make a few folks feel a bit guilty about their spending habits. So I'm glad we have places like this channel where others don't squirm or turn up their noses at our frugal practices!
Yes, I am sure a gardening class in high school would have been a better science credit than physics. Home Ec should include cooking from scratch and food preservation! High school girls were constantly going shopping at the mall. Where on earth did they get the money?! All my clothes were purchased on clearance or sewn.
I am paring my super-spending friends down one at a time! I am tired of being called boring because I refuse to go on these cocktail fueled weekend trips with “the girls” in their designer clothes, Botox treated, Louis Vuitton, weekends. All they talk about is their love of money, and how superior and powerful they feel. They shop high end stores only. I just about swallowed my tongue when one was showing the girls some designer glittery, tiny shoulder bag she paid $750 for. They have no practical skills whatsoever and cooking at all…forget it. They are shallow and superficial and always photograph each other with their mouths hanging open, tongues out like dogs. As a young girl they tried to drag me into their group. I turned away and never looked back. Frugality gives one a quiet personal dignity. It is a solid knowing that you can meet head on the challenges that are ahead. You are always learning and building on your personal skills. For example, when I was a young married woman I went to the barber shop with my husband. He was retiring to another state thousands of miles away so before he left he taught me himself how to cut my husbands hair. He never went to a barber again. I was able to also cut my sons hair. The money saved was put into a sinking fund for a custom made grandfather clock. It took years to save for it. We kept it and enjoyed it for some years and eventually gave it to s son for his wedding gift.
To be honest I didn’t realise how frugal I was until I watched your videos as it has been my way of life. I know no other way of living. I am 75 so there was never any spare money as a child and that has been the norm. I am in Yorkshire UK.
Jane, you are 100% correct on why frugality is "fringe." This is a very deep subject but we, in the West, are marketed to 24/7 to buy, buy, buy. It's sick that modern culture has reduced life to "things." Keep up the great work!
On our local Facebook someone asked if there was somewhere they could take their young child to be taught how to ride a two wheeled bicycle. Didn’t our dads or mums hold on to the seat running besides us and we were off in minutes?
Frugality is vilified because people want no restrictions and don't want to plan ahead. It takes discipline to follow and stick to a budget. I like to flex my frugal muscle!
Absolutely loved this video. Really great to see that there are people feeling happy with living a frugal Life like me. Good bless you Both. Susana from Portugal
Like button hit, Adverts watched. Content enjoyed. That said, We don't do what others do because then we end up with what others have. I don't want debt, worry, Or stress. I want choice and peace of mind. It's none of my business what others think about it. I'll let the results speak for me.
Actually, I find “cheapskate” a compliment. Looking forward to your video! You both put a lot of thought, time & effort into each one. It is appreciated.
Living in a small Community by the coast in North Wales, we have a fish and chip shop that only opens April - October. Lots of Summer takeaways for the holiday Community, but nothing for 6 months of the year 😅 We have no fast food deliveries and no 'burger chains etc', thats why we love it.
Really enjoyed watching this (alth I think I say that every time!) I really thought about your last comment in particular, about having confidence, as that is the one thing it can be hard to do, to stand up for what you believe in and not sway to pressure or allow yourself to be pulled along by others with different views or opinions. I also agree how too many people have become entitled and lazy, but money talks in our consumer-driven and materialistic world. I owe it to myself and to my family - esp my son as he will, I hope, be taking our beliefs forward - to be mindful of what we use and thankful for what we have. We also need to treasure our environment and not be wasteful, which I think fits really nicely with the frugal mindset.
Where I live cooking, sewing, woodworking, metal working etc. is still being taught in schools. My daughter is taking metal work and she is also in a personal finance class. It is up to the kids if they want to take these classes or not. They can also take classes to learn skills as well such as small engine repair, welding, automotive classes. Even classes to become certified in different jobs. I think it is wonderful because a lot of these skills are ones that will help them in the future.
Great analysis. A frugal lifestyle, doing things for oneself where possible, often involves questioning current social norms and lots of us here have become good at that! Nonconformity is my middle name. There's such satisfaction in this way of life.
I find that slower, simplistic frugal living is very luxurious actually. I have the freedom to enjoy so many quality things! Like taking an hour to sit in my patio sipping a hot fresh cup of coffee with a neighbor or to have quiet moments. That’s priceless to me but also, I prefer quality over quantity.
We love to live frugally so we can live as we choose. We love to travel, retire early and live without the stresses of debt! I think there are many who have decided that the hamster wheel way of living isn't worth it. That's why your channel is growing. Keep up the good work.
I woke up this morning having overslept after a bad night. Thinking oh good grief haven't got anything in to offer a lady who was calling at 10.30. So quickly got showered and knocked up a batch of scones before she arrived. Everything was in hand when she called and they were fresher and better than anything I could have bought in the shops and made for pennies
You cheered me up. I'm now constantly on guard when it comes to daily spending. I blew it last June with creating a capsule wardrobe. I was also finding it so difficult to find woolen tops If anyone likes knitting it may be a great side hustle As keeping warm is crucial in winter for everyone. Blessings Maria 😊
Thank you!!!! I am veryyyy frugal and hence no debt and can fix, repair and decorate my lovely home which brings me and my son sooo much comfort and joy. I will make you laugh-I have been called a bird-cheap cheap cheap. No I am not by any means but that is what people equate frugality with-coming to you from New York.
Thank you, Jane. I'm frugal because I can use my funds for what I really like to do movies & travel but also frugal in these areas as well. Traveling with a friend sharing airbnb expense. Movies - we have bargains on Tuesdays, $7.00 or a monthly fee, and see as many movies a month. I batch cook and bake. I haven't been to a restaurant, not even for my birthday (Dec.) yet.
Jane I just adore your channel. You breathe new life into me to fine tune my spending and become more frugal. Currently, we are working on living on my husband's retirement and Social Security and saving my Social Security check each month. January was a success and we are working on February.
I was really impressed at Jamie Oliver’s latest budget meal plan for a month, it’s a realistic free meal plan which uses batch cooking in a smart way. I hope that he’s been able to teach people some new skills with this accessible series - it’s worth a look!
Yesterday I was able to purchase a medium size box of vege’s for 5.00$. The vege’s are no longer fresh, but perfectly edible. Those that need processing will be prepared for spaghetti sauces and soup, and others will be eaten up this week. A new service from our grocery stores that keep food out of landfills, and permits me to have good vegetables at a fraction of the cost. So now, while looking at the weekly specials, I will go on line and see what is offered and work my meals around these.
Frugality makes me feel secure. We earn a good deal but don’t need to use it. If things go badly or we cannot work, we know what we can do to keep going. Being self sufficient and resourceful is hugely satisfying and comforting. Not to mention better for the planet. I’m working hard on improving my sewing and learning to repair items. We forage, grow, store and cook our own food. It’s healthier and just… better. Years ago we had the “Starbucks” lifestyle but we gradually eased into a frugal life and are so glad for it.
Another good video, with plenty to ponder on, especially why the skills that my generation who left school in the 60s were taught that aren't taught today, such as dressmaking, reading a sewing pattern, knitting a winter hat and mittens (I was about 8 I think) , basic cooking and baking. Boys did woodwork and metalwork and learnt how to use tools. My eldest grandson was asked to take ready made pastry and a tin of stewed meat to school to make a pie ! Maybe schools today don't have the domestic science kitchens and sewing rooms that my generation were lucky enough to have. At least we can pass our skills on to our own children for them to use or not. Some frugal people are called eccentric as I was at work once because I was amazed that someone had paid £2 for a small pot of chopped up fruit. I didn't mind, I like eccentric people.
You are correct that frugality is misunderstood because I think people don't see how they are in the consumerism trap. It is mind boggling how much a company will budget for marketing. I just don't buy into it...literally. I am a frugal and proud of it. I enjoyed this video.
I have learned so much from both your videos and everyone’s comments. If I come upon a struggle or decision on how or whether to be frugal I think “what would Jane say”. Frugality is a journey and it has been great to find others who are on the say path. I appreciate your thoughtful words and reflections.
We have always lived well within our means. When we were younger we did have to finance a few of our cars and did carry a mortgage on our first home but paid it off early. We both retired early, him at 60 & me at 59. We don’t have anything financed anymore and I’m so thankful we were able to retire early because my husband became disabled at 69 due to a benign tumor on his spine which the removal of cause severe nerve damage to his left leg. We do have satellite TV but we don’t go anywhere because my husband can’t travel anymore and we very rarely even go out to eat so it’s our only entertainment.
This was one of my all-time favorite Frugal Queen videos. You really hit a nerve with me today. Everything clicked. Thank you so much for this timely message.
Hi Jane. Thanks for your video and your interesting reflections. I find joy in being able to do a lot of things and have not to depend of hiring/paying for the service I need. A lot of people I talk to about my weekly/monthly organisation and about frugality in general, tell me that it is to much work for them and to much time consuming. I guess a big part of the society has got used to be in their comfort zone and don' t want to go out of it. I'm in my mid-fourties, but I feel I was born in the wrong time. Greetings and I wish both of you a nice evening! S.
I get immense satisfaction from cooking a simple tasty meal from a few things in the fridge! I thoroughly enjoy mending a garment to get a few more months wear from it! If that is what frugality is, well I’m all for it and will continue to do so! Great video today!
Had a friend ask me if I wanted to go to Paris for a long weekend to see the tennis open (from Canada). Happy she could afford that and that is how she wanted to spend her money. No need for judgement I agree!!! Every dollar spent, in my opinion, is a vote for the future you want (for yourself and in general).
You are so right! It won't be until some people are absolutely forced to through job loss or another financial catastrophe that they will realize the need to be better stewards of their money
Wonderful video - how right you are. I like living well below my means, not carrying debt, and not being wasteful. I cook, mend, and don’t buy things I don’t need. However, as a retiree, I enjoy travel, eating out sometimes with friends, spending on my hobbies, and helping those in need when I can. There’s a balance. I’m sure I have friends who think I’m overly thrifty because I don’t waste time shopping for stuff I don’t need, but I worked and saved hard for a lot of years and I’m not about to just throw it away! Thanks for your inspiring channel.
Really enjoyed listening to that. I'm not sure I'm fully frugal but over the last 3 years I have certainly become far, far more intentional with money, refining my budget and sinking funds as I learn more. In the last year from your channel's ideas I have made jars of ginger and apple chutney and caramelized onion chutney and then branched out to make tomato and chilli chutney as well. Many of these I passed on as Xmas gifts and everyone who received them has since asked for more. They've all been delicious. I've made pickled onions "Fantastic, nothing like them in the shops, please make more, we'll save you the jars" was one response. I've also passed on a recipe from Frugal Money Saver to my wife for maple syrup and pecan tray bake. They taste beyond compare and we have to hide half the bake when my youngest son comes home at weekends. More than anything, we've enjoyed making them in otherwise "TV time". Thanks for helping reopen my eyes.
I enjoy your videos - like minded people. It is very hard for me to find any in my family, and certainly not friends/acquaintances. It has has separated me from some people, but I guess they weren’t right for me.
I love when I can find a show that jsut normalizes frugality without making it a joke or polarizing lifestyles. In this economic state, we've ALL got to tighten our belts and look a bit closer at the bottom line. I've got family members and friends that have had major economic changes, soem for the better (new job, moving to a better home), and others not so much (separation, downsizing due to the economy). But one thing we've all had to do is change how we eat/shop/live to what we can afford. And for some, that has been a BIG shock.
Back in my school days (1960s - '70s), Home Economics was required for girls and shop for boys. We learned to balance a checkbook in math class. Sadly, classes like these are no longer mandatory (neither is cursive handwriting, which is a pet peeve of mine).
So many children can't read cursive any longer..so sad. They won't be able to read our national archives for themselves. In the USA, there's starting to be a comeback slowly.
When I started teaching, districts were beginning to phase our handwriting. I found the time and taught it anyway. I agree on the necessity of being able to read cursive, because without it, anyone who commits a document like the Magna Carta or Declaration of Independence to print could change the document without others knowing. Learning cursive is not difficult. It's really all a matter of practice.
Yes I remember home economics in high school. I was required to complete a personal finance course in college where I was taught budgeting , savings and investing basics. I am so thankful for those classes…they had a positive impact on my life .
Hi Jane & Mike ,yes in my village we too had just one fish shop & I think it shut early too ,now the newsagent,the post office is all gone & replaced with take aways which I don’t think many people order from as they aren’t clean.The hairdresser was replaced with a Turkish barbers with no customers ?The school demolished & built on so we aren’t a small village anymore.more like a slum really,very sad as it used to be so safe for us to play out making dens & playing two balls.I make my own fish & chips as I still have a chip pan 🙂
Good points about the economy in this country now more dependent on service industries. I am just glad that I live in a democracy and I can choose the way I want to live. Plus, I don't give a fig about what people think about my clothes/lifestyle, that's my business :-) Thank you Jane and Mike.
This was a wonderful video and I am sharing it with a friend who is doing a no spent month in March. I continue to go back and binged watch videos especially about setting up a budget because that seems to be challenging to me🌹
I think the criticism of a frugal lifestyle often comes from envy. It must be difficult for someone who is used to white-knuckling it from paycheque to paycheque to watch a friend or family member calmly and deliberately paying their bills, having money set aside for emergencies and planning for future needs. They must struggle with the notion that there they are, chasing the consumer dream, yet are suffering from it. And their friend who is bucking the system, not playing by today's "rules", is enjoying a feeling of grace and abundance in their financial life. I have always been a planner but not always careful and deliberate (new skill, thanks to your channel!!). I'm finding that the two combined really are a superpower. As a (not so) amusing aside ... When you spoke about what people aren't being taught, my son had a girlfriend in university. They were both early 20s. He was making spaghetti sauce and asked her to put the water on to boil for the pasta --- and she did not know how!!! It still to this day boggles my mind.
I have a close friend who is anti-frugal, lol. She thinks you could die tomorrow and what good did it do to save that money. Well, the odds are that I'm not going to die tomorrow and I need things in the meantime. I am my husband's full time caregiver so our income has been considerably reduced and I kind of like the challenge of stretching our dollars. I like having a bit of a cushion. It helps me sleep at night. It obviously makes my friend happy to live her life her way and it makes me happy to live my life my way. But you're right about people not being taught about how to grow their own food and stocking a pantry in case of emergencies whether it be weather or financial or whatever. Or being taught that you don't need new clothes every season. Or do your own repairs on your home or car. I'm not a mechanic but I have done a few things that would have cost us a lot more money had I paid someone to them. Things like, my rear view mirror fell down. I glued it back up myself. I needed the air filters changed and I made a spaghetti dinner for a handy friend in exchange for his help doing that. This weekend I'll cook or bake him something to change the wipers on the car. Recently the housemate and I installed new mini blinds that had fallen into a state of disrepair. I see ads all the time for having people come in and measure and install them for you. Now, maybe if I could afford to have people do these things I would pay them. And I could if I didn't care about that cushion I talked about or if I just put it on the credit card. But there is a miniscule chance that I'll die tomorrow so I think I'll just save the money, lol.
I think the main reason there are no programmes to teach frugality is that the majority of TV channels are funded through advertising. If the programme itself is advising people not to buy unnecessary items and not to cook using costly ingredients, they are hardly going to have advertisers queueing up to buy time in the interval. And so the cycle continues unfortunately. Mindless consumerism pays.
I grew up with parents,aunts, great aunts and grand parents who cooked at home, preserved garden produce, made things for the house and maintained house, car and clothes themselves. I have continued this way of living using all the skills passed on to me. I love being able to do things myself rather than having to pay someone else. I am able to use my money for things I want and enjoy. Having like minded friends really helps as we exchange skills. I still enjoy learning new skills especially if it means I can be selfsuffient. It keeps my mind active and I enjoy being able to give home made to friends as gifts.
I agree that it is an artificial construct of the "cheapskate". I think that we can counteract that by our generosity with others. I tend to make my own gifts either with needlework, or finding something really nice in a thrift shop that I know someone else will appreciate. I think what people might view as a cheapskate are the miserable antisocial ones who don't take others' wellbeing into account. If we show our sense of community with our actions, then like a flower attracts bees 🐝, our frugality may inspire others.
Hi everyone, can I politely request that you watch the video before you leave a comment. Thanks so much.
Great video thanks Jane. 👍
I have watched it and I think this was the best video ever. I am happy to be frugal and you were a good teacher for me. Thank you. Laura from Romania
Brilliant analysis of how “normal” has changed over recent generations.
I love all the different quilts you have on the back of your couch. Just beautiful. ❤
A few years ago, when my daughter was in college, in a social economics class, the teacher asked a series of questions. They had the whole group stand and as they asked questions they would sit down if they had never done something. When they said “remain standing if you have ever learned to preserve your own food, as well as processed wild game, made your own bread”. My daughter was the only one left standing for any of these questions. Many times throughout the years she has called and thanked us for making her learn things.
Thanks very much
the economic model dictates we have to buy things and services we don't need and didn't know we wanted, which is why frugal people are vilified by the media.
You got it
I'm a frugalista and proud 😀. An acquaintance of mine...she spends a fortune on meal boxes (similar to hello fresh) as she said shopping and cooking eats into her social media time 🙂...Im amazed at how lazy people are. I'm in my 40s and my mum and grandma taught me everything. My husbands mum taught him to sew, cook, bake and mend. I know it's not cool in today's world but I love being able to do stuff. I love being part of this community I never feel bad after listening to your videos and reading others comments I feel empowered and happy knowing I'm living my best life with my husband and our beautiful dog 🙂
Empowered is great
Love how your channel has grown since I started watching you .
I must confess I do watch it several times if I have time. And always feel glad that I'm not just the only one who hates to waste money.
Thanks for watching and your lovely comment
I don’t care what people choose to call my way of life. I choose frugality after seeing the benefits while growing up in a frugal household. We have as a nation become entitled and lazy, people want an easy life where they pay someone else to do the work they could easily do their selves. These same people are the ones complaining they have no money, putting everything on the credit cards or loans. These are the people who believe the world owes them everything they want.
It is easy for these people to look down on or criticise frugal people. Well I do life my way and I am happy for them how ever they wish.
Thanks Pat
I couldn't say what you said any better .
Its so refreshing to hear what you said in your comment.
Matter of fact, I had to read your comment twice to make sure I was reading it right 👍.
Thank You !
My thoughts exactly.
I really appreciate your insights about society and how society promotes people to live in debt. It also promotes unhealthy and expensive eating habits! Social conformity is a real thing! I very much appreciate this supportive community as we live a radical non conformist frugal life! Win this month we are on target with our grocery budget for the second month and on target with our new monthly savings amount this month! Many blessings! We are so happy with meal planning, not buying new clothes,and doing our own car repairs. We are actively paying down student loan debt and it’s such a wonderful journey! Bless you!! ❤
Thanks for your insights Cara
Jane, I love doing frugal things. I have a stockpile, I knit, I do my own household things etc. I am in a situation where I have no choice, but I turned that upside down by coping well in spite of everything.
We’re in the same mind
I am retired for going on 4 years and find I watch almost no television and streaming services although my son shares his subscriptions. I am so enjoying your videos and learning about budgeting and becoming a budgeteer. I like being a part of your tribe although I have lots of work to do yet in order to be debt free. Still, I am on the way to debt freedom, and that feels like progress.
That is awesome!
I've had those same thoughts, many times!
I started down the frugal path out of curiosity more than anything. My Mum and Nans taught me to cook and clean in a cost effective way, but I have a rampant curiosity about things and want to know how the stuff that I use is made. I learned to make soap and shampoo because I wanted to understand the process. That fact that it's so much cheaper and better didn't really factor into it. I learned to spin yarn because I'm a knitter and couldnt find the exact yarn I wanted for a project. So I made it myself. These were my hobbies and I did them because I enjoyed it. It was fun learning to make stuff
Then, when my husband passed away and I was left trying to manage on a (very small) single income, my experience at "make it yourself, mend it yourself" stopped being a pastime and became a necessity. I still enjoy my hobbies but they save me so much money. I can buy a fleece for £7 and, with a bit of effort and time, I end up with a pure wool, unique sweater . £10 makes enough soap and shampoo for a year. £10 makes enough laundry soap for a year. Citrus peel steeped in white vinegar makes the best kitchen and bathroom cleaner I've ever used. And I have the fun of making it all myself. What's not to love?
Agreed
"Jane & Mike, I AM SO BLESSED to have found your channel & Dave Ramsey to help me finish up my bankruptcy which would NEVER have happened if My husband and I had been frugal! In our 50yrs of marriage, we spent all we made on "fun",doing what everyone else was doing and never budgeting. Now that I'm a widow with no savings and 1 income, I am so happy I am NOT doing what everyone else is doing, have an emergency fund, sinking fund, and almost finished paying off the home equity loan my husband left me with. Then, I will have NO DEBT and have learned my lesson. YOU ARE A GREAT TEACHER BECAUSE YOU ARE TRUTHFUL AND DO NOT MIND AT TIMES BEING STERN. I appreciate that! Please know that. May God continue to bless you to teach what some of our parents did not. THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!
Thanks for sharing
Yes Jane. We frugalers are definitely happy in our world. Great video 👍👍
Aren’t we just!
"an enlightened modern world when the battered sausage appeared". That is funny quote of the year so far for me! All SO true. We were happy to get fish and chips, what a special treat it was! I do love your videos, such a pick me up! Still laughing about that one!😂😂👍
Thanks, happy to help
I am also 57 years old. I remember those times. I am thankful because it has helped me survive so many times. I have brought my family up the same way. Being frugal should be celebrated. I love my frugal life and even if I won the lottery I wouldn't change
Cheers and Blessings
Thanks for sharing
Just this week I accomplished a task of replacing my toilet handle. Felt very good not having to call and pay a handyman for that. I watched a RUclips video and went to the hardware store for the part. We can learn a lot if we are willing to try and save money also.
My hubby calls it "RUclips university" we have been studying here for years 😁
Thanks for sharing
Hi Jane..
I have taken a lot of your frugal ideas on board. Although I have lived pretty frugally over the years.
Especially now...
Cooking from scratch, made my and my children's clothing including knitting( in the past)
I don't waste food . Make my own bread and pickles
Grow a few veggies,
But recently after watching one if you lovely videos, I am doing a meal plan. It's great. Just takes a little time to list everything,but such a useful idea.
I'm happy, debt free and like being frugal.
My Daughter is the same ..
Thanks again to you and Mike.....for great content 💞💐
Thanks for watching
Thank you for your words of encouragement. It took me a few years to manage my money properly. Debt free and frugality means happiness for me. I sleep good at night not worrying about financial matters.
Thanks Emily
Well noticed Jane. How schools have changed. In the 50's and 60's our secondary schools taught. Cooking, Domestic work, metalwork, woodwork, gardening etc. Perhaps that is how my generation were able to do such things. Just a thought.
So true!
I would be happy to simply see it discussed (normalised) in schools. There is a great deal of pressure already to achieve academic excellence. Just a thought
Thank you for continuing to make videos about choosing the less popular path of frugality. Some may tell you that you talk about frugality too much. Ignore them! When you consider the number of adverts encouraging irresponsible spending, telling us that we have to eat out because "cooking's too hard", and all the rest of the manipulative drivel, your voice of common sense is vital. You two are truly performing a public service. I especially love when you get passionate about your message! It's a breath of fresh air, my dear. ❤️
Thanks very much
When my husband and I would take our children on vacation, people would scoff when they learned that we cooked every meal, rather than eat out. I would here: " that's no vacation!". Rather than explaining our frugality, I used my son's food allergies to explain our decision to cook on vacation. Today, I proudly tell people that I'd rather line my pockets with cash than someone elses. Most times, I receive a blank stare. It isn't very often when someone wholeheartedly agrees with me. Thankfully, my sons could care less what other people think of their frugality and they tell others they rather not make someone richer when they can do it for themselves.
Thank you
Thank you Jane and Mike for another great video. I am really enjoying the frugal life. Batch cooking and adding to my savings every month.
The reason I started budgeting was because I watched a show on TV called "Till Debt Do Us Part". It was a woman named Gail Vaz-Oxlade who would help financially troubled couples get out of debt. It was a great show that ran for 9 seasons. It was a Canadian show. I still watch episodes on RUclips. She used budgeting and the envelope (jars in this case) system. Later she did a show called "Princess" where she would help entitled young people to be more financially responsible. She also wrote a few good books.
It was a great show.
Frugal people tend to be creative. Just yesterday and today, I have been testing out savory/bread like meals. Using left overs and adding things to the mixture. Yesterdays were edible but a bit to soggy. Nailed it today, with adjustments. So very satisfying, healthy and cheap. Well pleased with these experiments. Keep going guys it's an adventure.
You’re doing great Liz!
Enjoyed your words of encouragement!
I so agree with you when you say that everything has to be fast & easy these days. Well slow & challenging is better ! What is wrong with spending time usefully instead of
as you say, just watching telly ? [ I knit while watching youtube ]. It is so satisfying making things slowly such as knitted garments, quilts, embroideries, jam. Where did this speed
thing come from ? Enjoy doing things slowly & enjoyably !!
Thanks for watching
My husband was always surprised at the comments he would receive when he reheated his left over dinners for lunch at work (comments were mostly about how good it smelt lol) Most of his work mates bought their lunches and had mortgages while our mortgage was paid off. He was also surprised at how many don’t each fresh fruit and vegetables regularly 😮
Yep, the state of the world
Great video. As a child we only had take away on our birthdays.fish and chips. As an adult my husband goes fishing and we have beautiful fresh fish and squid for our dinner . We went on a drive a while back and stopped and bought pies for lunch . 8.00 each never again as I make my own pies and pasties now .. we also did a little challenge recently to see how many meals we could get out of 1 chicken. 3 nights for us.. stir-fry, then with veg , in sandwiches with scraps left over for our dog. Boiled the carcass for stock . It can be fun to see what can be done with just a little bit of effort. Thankyou
Oh I adore squid
As a Boomer (65) thankfully my parents knew how hard a depression can be. They taught me everyday life skills of survival. Our schools did teach home economics/sewing/repairing/budgeting/cooking. As we recovered and we entered an age of over abundance and bail outs people began to live only for the present. It was no longer popular to start at the bottom and work your way up. Kids all of a sudden felt entitled to live the good life and survival skills were no longer necessary. If our world should hit rock bottom hopefully there will be enough of us frugal folks to lend a hand. Very good video today.
Thanks very much
Hi, Aussie here. My large regional town got a McDonalds when I was about 10. We never went though! We rarely go now, maybe once in 2-3 years. We have a show called Better Homes and Gardens that gives some diy garden and furniture projects, reasonable recipes.Frugal choices are I had leftover curried sausages for lunch today while volunteering at the hospital. I collaged papers at home yesterday using up craft scraps, lovely!!
Thanks Helen
My mum is the same age as you although she passed away in May 2022. She didn't teach me how to be frugal but I'm learning slowly from watching your videos and others, so thank you. I'm 23 and I am doing a work placement. When I get a job I will try and put most of my money in savings.
Thanks Emma and I’m sorry for your loss.
So sorry for your loss ...
Sorry for your loss
So sorry for your loss ,,I am sure your Mom would be so proud of you !,♥️
Another great channel is The Minimal Mom
This video reminded me not to talk about my frugality journey quite so much to my. "antifrugal" friends and family members. I don't want to be boorish or boastful. Besides, I think it may make a few folks feel a bit guilty about their spending habits. So I'm glad we have places like this channel where others don't squirm or turn up their noses at our frugal practices!
Thanks Janet
Yes, I am sure a gardening class in high school would have been a better science credit than physics. Home Ec should include cooking from scratch and food preservation!
High school girls were constantly going shopping at the mall. Where on earth did they get the money?! All my clothes were purchased on clearance or sewn.
Thanks for sharing
Hear hear - I couldn't have put it better, myself!
Thanks so much
I am paring my super-spending friends down one at a time! I am tired of being called boring because I refuse to go on these cocktail fueled weekend trips with “the girls” in their designer clothes, Botox treated, Louis Vuitton, weekends. All they talk about is their love of money, and how superior and powerful they feel. They shop high end stores only. I just about swallowed my tongue when one was showing the girls some designer glittery, tiny shoulder bag she paid $750 for. They have no practical skills whatsoever and cooking at all…forget it. They are shallow and superficial and always photograph each other with their mouths hanging open, tongues out like dogs. As a young girl they tried to drag me into their group. I turned away and never looked back. Frugality gives one a quiet personal dignity. It is a solid knowing that you can meet head on the challenges that are ahead. You are always learning and building on your personal skills. For example, when I was a young married woman I went to the barber shop with my husband. He was retiring to another state thousands of miles away so before he left he taught me himself how to cut my husbands hair. He never went to a barber again. I was able to also cut my sons hair. The money saved was put into a sinking fund for a custom made grandfather clock. It took years to save for it. We kept it and enjoyed it for some years and eventually gave it to s son for his wedding gift.
Quiet personal dignity. That right there.
To be honest I didn’t realise how frugal I was until I watched your videos as it has been my way of life. I know no other way of living. I am 75 so there was never any spare money as a child and that has been the norm. I am in Yorkshire UK.
Jane, you are 100% correct on why frugality is "fringe." This is a very deep subject but we, in the West, are marketed to 24/7 to buy, buy, buy. It's sick that modern culture has reduced life to "things." Keep up the great work!
Thanks for sharing!!
On our local Facebook someone asked if there was somewhere they could take their young child to be taught how to ride a two wheeled bicycle. Didn’t our dads or mums hold on to the seat running besides us and we were off in minutes?
They might have been looking for a location
Frugality is vilified because people want no restrictions and don't want to plan ahead. It takes discipline to follow and stick to a budget. I like to flex my frugal muscle!
Absolutely loved this video. Really great to see that there are people feeling happy with living a frugal Life like me.
Good bless you Both.
Susana from Portugal
Thanks very much
Like button hit, Adverts watched. Content enjoyed.
That said, We don't do what others do because then we end up with what others have. I don't want debt, worry, Or stress. I want choice and peace of mind. It's none of my business what others think about it. I'll let the results speak for me.
Thanks so much for your support
Actually, I find “cheapskate” a compliment. Looking forward to your video! You both put a lot of thought, time & effort into each one. It is appreciated.
Thank you! 😃
After watching your video…you are spot on!
Side-note: In America, we call those people that comply…”sheeple”.
Living in a small Community by the coast in North Wales, we have a fish and chip shop that only opens April - October. Lots of Summer takeaways for the holiday Community, but nothing for 6 months of the year 😅 We have no fast food deliveries and no 'burger chains etc', thats why we love it.
Just perfect
Jane you’ve done it again. You are so right. I wouldn’t change my way of life
Thanks very much
Really enjoyed watching this (alth I think I say that every time!) I really thought about your last comment in particular, about having confidence, as that is the one thing it can be hard to do, to stand up for what you believe in and not sway to pressure or allow yourself to be pulled along by others with different views or opinions. I also agree how too many people have become entitled and lazy, but money talks in our consumer-driven and materialistic world. I owe it to myself and to my family - esp my son as he will, I hope, be taking our beliefs forward - to be mindful of what we use and thankful for what we have. We also need to treasure our environment and not be wasteful, which I think fits really nicely with the frugal mindset.
Thanks for watching
My colleague said, she needs to have more money. I said: It’s a lot easier to spend less money, than it is to work more.
Yep!
Where I live cooking, sewing, woodworking, metal working etc. is still being taught in schools. My daughter is taking metal work and she is also in a personal finance class. It is up to the kids if they want to take these classes or not. They can also take classes to learn skills as well such as small engine repair, welding, automotive classes. Even classes to become certified in different jobs. I think it is wonderful because a lot of these skills are ones that will help them in the future.
Great analysis. A frugal lifestyle, doing things for oneself where possible, often involves questioning current social norms and lots of us here have become good at that! Nonconformity is my middle name. There's such satisfaction in this way of life.
You and me both
I find that slower, simplistic frugal living is very luxurious actually. I have the freedom to enjoy so many quality things! Like taking an hour to sit in my patio sipping a hot fresh cup of coffee with a neighbor or to have quiet moments. That’s priceless to me but also, I prefer quality over quantity.
This was a good video, well thought out. I appreciate the time you spent thinking through the content.
Glad you enjoyed it!
We love to live frugally so we can live as we choose. We love to travel, retire early and live without the stresses of debt! I think there are many who have decided that the hamster wheel way of living isn't worth it. That's why your channel is growing. Keep up the good work.
I woke up this morning having overslept after a bad night. Thinking oh good grief haven't got anything in to offer a lady who was calling at 10.30. So quickly got showered and knocked up a batch of scones before she arrived.
Everything was in hand when she called and they were fresher and better than anything I could have bought in the shops and made for pennies
Thanks for sharing
There are programs in some schools in Australia where growing food and preparing meals with the crops is part of the curriculum.
You cheered me up. I'm now constantly on guard when it comes to daily spending. I blew it last June with creating a capsule wardrobe. I was also finding it so difficult to find woolen tops If anyone likes knitting it may be a great side hustle As keeping warm is crucial in winter for everyone. Blessings Maria 😊
Thank you!!!! I am veryyyy frugal and hence no debt and can fix, repair and decorate my lovely home which brings me and my son sooo much comfort and joy. I will make you laugh-I have been called a bird-cheap cheap cheap. No I am not by any means but that is what people equate frugality with-coming to you from New York.
You are so welcome!
Thank you, Jane. I'm frugal because I can use my funds for what I really like to do movies & travel but also frugal in these areas as well. Traveling with a friend sharing airbnb expense. Movies - we have bargains on Tuesdays, $7.00 or a monthly fee, and see as many movies a month. I batch cook and bake. I haven't been to a restaurant, not even for my birthday (Dec.) yet.
Thanks for sharing!!
Jane I just adore your channel. You breathe new life into me to fine tune my spending and become more frugal. Currently, we are working on living on my husband's retirement and Social Security and saving my Social Security check each month. January was a success and we are working on February.
Loved this video, very thought provoking :)
Glad you liked it!
I was really impressed at Jamie Oliver’s latest budget meal plan for a month, it’s a realistic free meal plan which uses batch cooking in a smart way. I hope that he’s been able to teach people some new skills with this accessible series - it’s worth a look!
Another great chat Jane, relaxing in the heat in QLD, agreeing with everything you say, we Love being frugal 😍
Yes! Thank you!
Yesterday I was able to purchase a medium size box of vege’s for 5.00$. The vege’s are no longer fresh, but perfectly edible. Those that need processing will be prepared for spaghetti sauces and soup, and others will be eaten up this week. A new service from our grocery stores that keep food out of landfills, and permits me to have good vegetables at a fraction of the cost. So now, while looking at the weekly specials, I will go on line and see what is offered and work my meals around these.
That’s great
Aiming for simplicity is my way of describing my efforts at keeping in budget. 😊
Love that!
Excellent ! Thank you for all your helpful videos.
Glad you like them!
Frugality makes me feel secure. We earn a good deal but don’t need to use it. If things go badly or we cannot work, we know what we can do to keep going. Being self sufficient and resourceful is hugely satisfying and comforting. Not to mention better for the planet. I’m working hard on improving my sewing and learning to repair items. We forage, grow, store and cook our own food. It’s healthier and just… better. Years ago we had the “Starbucks” lifestyle but we gradually eased into a frugal life and are so glad for it.
Thanks for watching
Another good video, with plenty to ponder on, especially why the skills that my generation who left school in the 60s were taught that aren't taught today, such as dressmaking, reading a sewing pattern, knitting a winter hat and mittens (I was about 8 I think) , basic cooking and baking. Boys did woodwork and metalwork and learnt how to use tools. My eldest grandson was asked to take ready made pastry and a tin of stewed meat to school to make a pie ! Maybe schools today don't have the domestic science kitchens and sewing rooms that my generation were lucky enough to have. At least we can pass our skills on to our own children for them to use or not. Some frugal people are called eccentric as I was at work once because I was amazed that someone had paid £2 for a small pot of chopped up fruit. I didn't mind, I like eccentric people.
Me too
I am retired and having a blast recycling all I can keeps me busy and I made something new out of old
Have fun
You are correct that frugality is misunderstood because I think people don't see how they are in the consumerism trap. It is mind boggling how much a company will budget for marketing. I just don't buy into it...literally. I am a frugal and proud of it. I enjoyed this video.
Loud and proud too.
May I add positivity/ contentment as benefit of being frugal😊. Thanks for another great midweek moneychat, hitting the nail on the head🔨👍
Thanks very much and I agree
@@FrugalQueeninFrance 😊
I have learned so much from both your videos and everyone’s comments. If I come upon a struggle or decision on how or whether to be frugal I think “what would Jane say”. Frugality is a journey and it has been great to find others who are on the say path. I appreciate your thoughtful words and reflections.
And we appreciate you watching our videos
We have always lived well within our means. When we were younger we did have to finance a few of our cars and did carry a mortgage on our first home but paid it off early. We both retired early, him at 60 & me at 59. We don’t have anything financed anymore and I’m so thankful we were able to retire early because my husband became disabled at 69 due to a benign tumor on his spine which the removal of cause severe nerve damage to his left leg. We do have satellite TV but we don’t go anywhere because my husband can’t travel anymore and we very rarely even go out to eat so it’s our only entertainment.
Thanks very much for watching
THANK YOU, JANE!
You are so welcome!
This was one of my all-time favorite Frugal Queen videos. You really hit a nerve with me today. Everything clicked. Thank you so much for this timely message.
You are so welcome
I enjoy frugality because i enjoy watching my debts going down. Someday i will be free 😊
I wish you well
Hi Jane. Thanks for your video and your interesting reflections. I find joy in being able to do a lot of things and have not to depend of hiring/paying for the service I need.
A lot of people I talk to about my weekly/monthly organisation and about frugality in general, tell me that it is to much work for them and to much time consuming. I guess a big part of the society has got used to be in their comfort zone and don' t want to go out of it.
I'm in my mid-fourties, but I feel I was born in the wrong time.
Greetings and I wish both of you a nice evening! S.
What are they doing with all the time they are saving? Usually watching a screen?
I get immense satisfaction from cooking a simple tasty meal from a few things in the fridge! I thoroughly enjoy mending a garment to get a few more months wear from it! If that is what frugality is, well I’m all for it and will continue to do so! Great video today!
Same here!
Had a friend ask me if I wanted to go to Paris for a long weekend to see the tennis open (from Canada). Happy she could afford that and that is how she wanted to spend her money. No need for judgement I agree!!! Every dollar spent, in my opinion, is a vote for the future you want (for yourself and in general).
HThanks for watching
You are so right! It won't be until some people are absolutely forced to through job loss or another financial catastrophe that they will realize the need to be better stewards of their money
Thanks for sharing
Wonderful video - how right you are. I like living well below my means, not carrying debt, and not being wasteful. I cook, mend, and don’t buy things I don’t need. However, as a retiree, I enjoy travel, eating out sometimes with friends, spending on my hobbies, and helping those in need when I can. There’s a balance. I’m sure I have friends who think I’m overly thrifty because I don’t waste time shopping for stuff I don’t need, but I worked and saved hard for a lot of years and I’m not about to just throw it away! Thanks for your inspiring channel.
Thanks for watching
Really enjoyed listening to that. I'm not sure I'm fully frugal but over the last 3 years I have certainly become far, far more intentional with money, refining my budget and sinking funds as I learn more.
In the last year from your channel's ideas I have made jars of ginger and apple chutney and caramelized onion chutney and then branched out to make tomato and chilli chutney as well. Many of these I passed on as Xmas gifts and everyone who received them has since asked for more. They've all been delicious. I've made pickled onions "Fantastic, nothing like them in the shops, please make more, we'll save you the jars" was one response.
I've also passed on a recipe from Frugal Money Saver to my wife for maple syrup and pecan tray bake. They taste beyond compare and we have to hide half the bake when my youngest son comes home at weekends.
More than anything, we've enjoyed making them in otherwise "TV time". Thanks for helping reopen my eyes.
Thanks for watching
The world needs to cut the crazy consumption culture.
Agreed
I enjoy your videos - like minded people. It is very hard for me to find any in my family, and certainly not friends/acquaintances. It has has separated me from some people, but I guess they weren’t right for me.
Hi Jane. Loved your video. Keep up the great work. ❤️
Thank you so much!
Love your tips!
Glad you like them!
I love when I can find a show that jsut normalizes frugality without making it a joke or polarizing lifestyles. In this economic state, we've ALL got to tighten our belts and look a bit closer at the bottom line. I've got family members and friends that have had major economic changes, soem for the better (new job, moving to a better home), and others not so much (separation, downsizing due to the economy). But one thing we've all had to do is change how we eat/shop/live to what we can afford. And for some, that has been a BIG shock.
Thanks very much
Back in my school days (1960s - '70s), Home Economics was required for girls and shop for boys. We learned to balance a checkbook in math class. Sadly, classes like these are no longer mandatory (neither is cursive handwriting, which is a pet peeve of mine).
Everything is typing on a computer. There is now sadly no reason to learn printing or cursive.
So many children can't read cursive any longer..so sad. They won't be able to read our national archives for themselves. In the USA, there's starting to be a comeback slowly.
When I started teaching, districts were beginning to phase our handwriting. I found the time and taught it anyway. I agree on the necessity of being able to read cursive, because without it, anyone who commits a document like the Magna Carta or Declaration of Independence to print could change the document without others knowing. Learning cursive is not difficult. It's really all a matter of practice.
Yes I remember home economics in high school. I was required to complete a personal finance course in college where I was taught budgeting , savings and investing basics. I am so thankful for those classes…they had a positive impact on my life .
Spot on Jane! Insightful and positive. Keep up the fight
Thank you! Will do!
You are so right on with you message. We need to be out there talking about it.
Thanks so much
Hi Jane & Mike ,yes in my village we too had just one fish shop & I think it shut early too ,now the newsagent,the post office is all gone & replaced with take aways which I don’t think many people order from as they aren’t clean.The hairdresser was replaced with a Turkish barbers with no customers ?The school demolished & built on so we aren’t a small village anymore.more like a slum really,very sad as it used to be so safe for us to play out making dens & playing two balls.I make my own fish & chips as I still have a chip pan 🙂
Thanks very much
Good points about the economy in this country now more dependent on service industries. I am just glad that I live in a democracy and I can choose the way I want to live. Plus, I don't give a fig about what people think about my clothes/lifestyle, that's my business :-) Thank you Jane and Mike.
Thanks for watching
Home economics etc was taught in schools in the uk in the 70 but then it all changed and not for the better
It started when schools couldn’t afford staff and equipment and the curriculum was cut to the bone
This was a wonderful video and I am sharing it with a friend who is doing a no spent month in March. I continue to go back and binged watch videos especially about setting up a budget because that seems to be challenging to me🌹
Thanks for sharing!!
I have always felt like I was swimming the opposite direction in the stream. It’s all good.
Thanks very much
I think the criticism of a frugal lifestyle often comes from envy. It must be difficult for someone who is used to white-knuckling it from paycheque to paycheque to watch a friend or family member calmly and deliberately paying their bills, having money set aside for emergencies and planning for future needs. They must struggle with the notion that there they are, chasing the consumer dream, yet are suffering from it. And their friend who is bucking the system, not playing by today's "rules", is enjoying a feeling of grace and abundance in their financial life. I have always been a planner but not always careful and deliberate (new skill, thanks to your channel!!). I'm finding that the two combined really are a superpower.
As a (not so) amusing aside ... When you spoke about what people aren't being taught, my son had a girlfriend in university. They were both early 20s. He was making spaghetti sauce and asked her to put the water on to boil for the pasta --- and she did not know how!!! It still to this day boggles my mind.
My brother had a college roommate who didn't know how to make baked potatoes--he was flabbergasted and thanked my mom for teaching us how to cook!
Another excellent video!
Thanks again!
I have a close friend who is anti-frugal, lol. She thinks you could die tomorrow and what good did it do to save that money. Well, the odds are that I'm not going to die tomorrow and I need things in the meantime. I am my husband's full time caregiver so our income has been considerably reduced and I kind of like the challenge of stretching our dollars. I like having a bit of a cushion. It helps me sleep at night. It obviously makes my friend happy to live her life her way and it makes me happy to live my life my way.
But you're right about people not being taught about how to grow their own food and stocking a pantry in case of emergencies whether it be weather or financial or whatever. Or being taught that you don't need new clothes every season.
Or do your own repairs on your home or car. I'm not a mechanic but I have done a few things that would have cost us a lot more money had I paid someone to them. Things like, my rear view mirror fell down. I glued it back up myself. I needed the air filters changed and I made a spaghetti dinner for a handy friend in exchange for his help doing that. This weekend I'll cook or bake him something to change the wipers on the car.
Recently the housemate and I installed new mini blinds that had fallen into a state of disrepair. I see ads all the time for having people come in and measure and install them for you. Now, maybe if I could afford to have people do these things I would pay them. And I could if I didn't care about that cushion I talked about or if I just put it on the credit card. But there is a miniscule chance that I'll die tomorrow so I think I'll just save the money, lol.
Thanks for watching and commenting
I think the main reason there are no programmes to teach frugality is that the majority of TV channels are funded through advertising.
If the programme itself is advising people not to buy unnecessary items and not to cook using costly ingredients, they are hardly going to have advertisers queueing up to buy time in the interval.
And so the cycle continues unfortunately. Mindless consumerism pays.
It’s a never ending circle
So true!
I'm 55 in Ireland..it was compulsory to do "domestic science " for at least 3 years in second level...like it or not
We did it too, can’t say it taught me to be frugal.
@@FrugalQueeninFrance but it gave us the groundwork to cook...
Hi Jane, another good video,,,yes this is my tribe ,,,,😂
😁
Another insightful message Jane & Mike, thank you.
Glad you enjoyed it
I grew up with parents,aunts, great aunts and grand parents who cooked at home, preserved garden produce, made things for the house and maintained house, car and clothes themselves. I have continued this way of living using all the skills passed on to me. I love being able to do things myself rather than having to pay someone else. I am able to use my money for things I want and enjoy. Having like minded friends really helps as we exchange skills. I still enjoy learning new skills especially if it means I can be selfsuffient. It keeps my mind active and I enjoy being able to give home made to friends as gifts.
Thanks Suki
Brilliant show. You have summed it up so well.
I agree that it is an artificial construct of the "cheapskate". I think that we can counteract that by our generosity with others. I tend to make my own gifts either with needlework, or finding something really nice in a thrift shop that I know someone else will appreciate. I think what people might view as a cheapskate are the miserable antisocial ones who don't take others' wellbeing into account. If we show our sense of community with our actions, then like a flower attracts bees 🐝, our frugality may inspire others.
Thanks, did you watch the video?