Vivi its important to talk about money - women struggle more than men - please take no notice of those who are so negative - you are showing a different way of doing life ..... its inspiring
you probably dont give a shit but does any of you know a tool to log back into an instagram account? I was stupid forgot the login password. I love any tips you can give me.
If we find Vivi's free of charge tips for frugal living valuable, we should make a point of letting the ads run, so that she can benefit a little from each of us.
Really enjoyed this video, I too live off £400 a month it’s a monthly income I get from my late husbands private pension. I don’t have good health so don’t work but I’m lucky that I own my own terraced cottage outright and that I was able to get my outgoings to the bare minimum. I like the challenge that my low income gives me my life is not luxurious but I have what I need and I’m not in any debt.
Thank you so much dearheart for sharing this with me/us. Trolls must stay where they belong, smelly and under a bridge. I try not to make comments too long but I am so amazed by all you're doing. So much hard work every day to stay on top of it all and try to make a living. Last year and this year as well I try to make a succes out of my allotment because I sometimes also don't have an income. I don't have an income, my husband is self employed so we struggle along. So the extra vegs and fruit that I can get is so welcome. Even today I'm thankful that I can get my vegs out of the freezer to use that I stored last summer and it's going to help us big time right now. It will get better but in the mean time when people say, oh but you've so much time on your hands and such, yes because I make it my priority because I know that I need to build up some reserve to get through the tough times. I try to ignore those people, the same people who will say, oh it's just putting some seed in the ground and that's all you have to do. Yep people can be so ignorant sometimes/often... Oh well that's how it goes sometimes ;) Take care dearheart and stay safe and thank you so much for all the time you put into all you do and sharing it with us. xoxo Vleer.
What delights me in your whole comment is that you will take something out of your freezer today, grown last summer, to feed you and your partner tonight. This is beautiful.......never take it for granted! Big love to you both and enjoy your supper. :-)
Wow Vivi I had assumed wrongly that you had some investments that covered your basic bills every month, you are incredibly brave to have taken life by the horns as it were and full credit to you! 👏🙌
Hats off Vivi for this smashing honest video, loved it so much. I too live frugally on almost no income here in the mountains in central Italy and I have to say the UK is bloody expensive that's why I left, though I miss it there, it's home but as I don't own a house in the UK paying rent is so expensive and I just can't afford it. Here in Italy I own my little old stone house and my council tax is 90 euros a year! And water is maybe 50 euros a year, I guess it's less as I pay monthly but as I recycle water and use it frugally I haven't paid for water in almost six months! After they read the water metre they send me a letter to say that I don't have to pay anything! As for my income, I help kids with their English but its ridiculous what I get, for example in December I made nothing, in January I made 150 euros for the whole month! It's hard and I wish I can start a UA-cam channel to share my adventures, journey, experience, etc and generate some money..but I still don't have a computer or a camera, etc..let's hope...thank you again..even it's hard life, I will never go back to living in a city or working like before..hugs and purrs...Sue (remember me from Facebook? I'm unable to log in fir 4 yrs now!💕💚
Apparently we can help on UA-cam by watching the ads, giving a Like and making a comment - algorithms - make the channel popular. I literally did a lol at Vivi lounging around the garden for fun!
My hat goes off to you. It does not sound like an easy life and I can see a lot of hard work goes into keeping going. You should be super proud of yourself.
I think your channel popped up, because I watch Frugal Jo. I am retired (82) and love seeing how one can live happy and frugal. I was a child during ww2, so my mother taught me a lot. She lived that way all of her life. I have subscribed, and looking forward to your posts.
I cannot tell you how much I've enjoyed this video. First off, let me congratulate you for your honesty Vivi. If there's one thing I value in a UA-camr is their honesty, and you've shown it in spades. You kept your promise and for opening up your life to all of us. To heck with any haters out there. Who cares what those "Keyboard warriors or Karen's" think anyway. You've encouraged me, to reconsider what i'm doing, and to do what you're doing. Seeing that it is possible to live the life i want. And to really live and not be forced to work just to pay for what i think i need. Living this type of lifestyle isn't easy. I'm sure you could write a book about it Vivi. But sharing your real daily life with us, proves that yes, it can be done. Thanks for your wonderful encouragement to all of us. And for being a living example that this lifestyle can work. I mean this without any joke. You Are My Heroine.
Oh thank you SOOOO much lovely!!!! Yay, I do hope I can inspire other folk to get out of the habit of working to pay for stuff that's extraneous to need.......but also balance it with the reality......to live without a wage means giving up a LOT of stuff.......but.....it's all just stuff..... This life is hard, but the simple pleasures come so much more frequently!
The most important message in this video is to appreciate money! You work damm hard for it, and regardless of what size of income anyone earns we should never be frivolous with it. I really don’t think people actually understand money, credit is so easily affordable today and debit in this country comes to an obscene number. I think your doing fabulous and an inspiration to how to value money.
Darling you are absolutely brilliant! I own a home here in America and like you I lived on a very low income, but while raising six children. We had no vehicle and lived very rural, and in America that means no access to shops except through the internet and shipped via a mail carrier. My income was just under $500 a month and I had no financial assistance or food stamps or medical insurance even by the state. Even if I had Medicaid (state medical insurance) I had no vehicle to receive medical assistance. So that five hundred dollars had to cover, electric, water, internet (since my work was via the internet), food, clothing, seeds, animal needs, medicine, etc for a household of 8. It really is cheaper per person when you pack everyone in. I bought bulk rice and beans (50 pounds at a time) and sewed cloth diapers with cloth I bought online. Seeds and chickens were shipped to my door as well as one starter sack of chick feed. I had to sew most of the children's clothing from old clothes of mine that I literally never wore or fabric I bought online. I was very blessed though to own my home and have it paid off. My taxes were $190 a year. They are now $360 a year, but that is because I own a vehicle now they are taxed annually in my state. I will say this much, I had to be very creative. My children's staples were oatmeal, eggs, pinto beans, and rice, plus whatever I could get from the garden. Since I was a new gardener, I chose things that constantly put on like green beans, summer squash, egg plants, tomatoes, peppers, etc. This kept us in food most of the year easily since we usually have a 3 season growing season. I froze whatever extras we had each week, which wasn't much, for winter. I grew mustards and kales through the winter in case I had nothing or nearly nothing frozen. Eventually we expanded our animals to include goats for milk and cheeses. (I made a nice one from goat milk and vinegar) So just know the "trolls" are not even worth your time or attention, you do you darling. Some of us have walked that narrow road with little ones in tow and understand what an amazing feat it is to accomplish.
You are a sweetheart. Don't let the haters get under your skin. I've enjoyed every minute of the videos that you put our. Never change, you are my hero!
Isn't it funny how doing something you really love is often not able to make you rich? It is also sad, because here is where you put your heart and soul. I really admire you for living a frugal, self reliant life. You look happy and it is an ispiration for all of us to see that it can be done. Maybe we should all try it.
@@WhatVivididnext Sadly, most never consider the question of happiness, ethincs, or the right life for them when they look at how to make a life. Things like this should be brought up very early, and reinforced as we grow, so that by the time we are ready to leave home, we would be on the right track. . Instead, we are bombarded by the "you need things" propaganda, and we buy into it.
I worried too much about my financial security to ever have the guts to do what you have done. These are life choices you have made so don’t let the naysayers force their opinions on how you should live. I think you are brave and resilient and if anyone can make this work you can. You are being true to yourself Vivi. ❤️
I have so much respect for you. I believe you are pretty amazing. It really puts into perspective what's really important and it's not having tons of stuff that is for sure. 😊
Hello Vivi!,.. I just want to tell you how much I enjoy your channel. I have been following you since,. I think 2014/2015 from Sean's Channel, .. You have such a big heart, and I admire your tenacity and frugalness. Not to mention all of your wonderful garden advise and superb tips. I also love your darling "She-Shed",.. mine is a bit more rustic and needs a polish at the moment.. LOL,.. (I live in the high desert in Southern California). I am 62 years old, and have a good size back yard that I have been gardening in for many years. I have been inspired by you, and have applied many of your idea's into my growing season. I also love when you share some of your delicious recipes,.. and even though I am not vegetarian , I still have made your dishes, because I love eating my harvest!!. I also Purchased some bunting flags from you, I think about 2 years ago, in fact, I bought them for my grandson's little room,...(but selfishly kept them for myself). In fact, I won't hang the bunting outside on my shed because they would get ruined. So, once I do around to cleaning out my shed, I will be placing your adorable hand made flags INSIDE my shed, LOL. I do want to purchase some more from you, because I am expecting a great grandson in June. My granddaughter is in Italy at the moment with her husband who is in the Navy, but they will soon be state side this March, and re-locating to Virginia. Before I close, I would also like to say, that I Turn on your channel in the mornings , and when my husband gets up, he always says! "OH! Hi Vivi!",.."what is she doing today honey?",.. so my husband also watches your channel LOL,.. Keep up the good work,.. (take out the meanie-sauces and their hateful words, you don't need that),.. and I look forward to seeing more of your shows. Take care, Lisa Mathews.
Oh thank you so much Lisa, I really appreciate all this! Hello to your hubby too! Yay and hurray for your new great grandson soon.....how wonderful and special to have a new baby in the family.....enjoy! :-)
Your budgeting is truly inspiring. Thank God for my pensions. Here in Canada we get the Old Age Pension, Canada Pension Plan (the one from working) and the Supplement for low income. Hopefully, when you're a senior, you'll get something similar. I didn't know your UA-cam money was from ads. My son said he turns off his ad blocker for people he likes, lets the videos run, then watches after when they're not playing. I'll do that. ~ Jon in rural BC, Canada
Hi Vivi. You’re spot on with needing a phone. I can say from experience. 1/1/21 saw me having a fall on the farm. I have houses below my land and farm above. But not in a reachable way by shouting ( and i have a loud voice ) i slipped as the light was fading. I couldn’t walk and was starting have early signs of hyperthermia by the time the Ambulance crew got to me. It could have been a whole different out come. Just make sure you have full battery when you set off. As mine was at 3% when they found me. You can get mobiles that you only need to top up when you’ve used your credit. So its not a monthly fee, if youre not making calls you maybe able to save a little bit more on your phone bill. Its only a few quid. But every penny helps. Think tesco’s still do. Mine use to be with 3 but i think they have stop this type of contract
Gosh, yes, to a full battery on the phone....thank goodness we/you have one! In Alaska/Yukon Territory they have a code of three gun shots to announce 'I'm in trouble and need help'........that wouldn't work in London! ;-)
@@WhatVivididnext maybe we should all engage with your trolls... really rile them up. Perhaps the more they post, the more money it generates for you?? (No idea if it works like that 🙄 😊).
I starting receiving my pension last year 2021 aged 66. I don't mind telling you that it is almost double your monthly bills every month. I haven't paid full NI either as I was mostly a stay-at-home mum and then carer to my disabled husband. Well done you for being so upfront and honest and I hope your business goes from strength to strength. x
So inspiring Vivi, it’s so kind of you to be so open and show us the nuts and bolts of being wage free. You are the exact definition of a grafter. Thanks so much for sharing. X
Hi Vivi, vlog done for all the right reasons and so informative. Other you tube websites have lacked this ‘bottom line ‘ information. It is an integral part to your living day to day and so very generous of you to share it so openly. It is very responsible and appreciated with your candidness as you werent obliged to share. Some may say well its still working for a living your just self employed. Maybe in away it is, but your face when you say you are happy is a truth that not many can say without a nervous twitch or second thought. Well done Vivi you have been and are an inspiration and friend to many, I applaud you! Thank you and yes blimey council tax is good where you are lol! Take care& stay safe expat in Australia Kaz x
Really important conversation, about the pension. I dont believe people are aware of how slim their pension will be, specially for women, maybe working part time and or, stayed at home a couple of years when the children were little. I´m the same age as you, 15 years away from the state pension. (Norway) I am working full time now, and have been all my life in the private corporate sector, with minimum contribution from my employers to retirement. I was widowed at 37, with two small children, so I was never able to save for a pension either. 😅 But, my pension plan is my home, and I hope to be completely mortgage free by the time I retire! 👍 Do you sell your garden produce during the summer? I am happy that you said that you enjoy a little treat now and again! I must say you are a rich woman. Doing what you love, and are able to living off it. You are living my dream! Thanks for sharing.💕
So true that so many women will be short on their pensions....I hope folk take advice and do what they can, while they can to remedy any shortfalls. No, I don't sell any of my produce because it's only just enough for me to last the whole year. :-)
You are probably aware, but if you are at home with kids, as long as you have the child benefit in your name you get full NI contributions for those years.
@@louise9914 Unfortunately not here. There is a new reform, started enrolling in 2013, and slowly they are taking away all benefits. I thought I would have a small widowers pension on top of my pension in the future, but effective from Jan 2023, that is taken away.
As a single person I quite agree re the council tax. It's so unfair that I pay only a quarter less than a household of working adults. I just found your channel. As I am in the same boat this video is very helpful x
Thank you Lauren and a very warm welcome to you! Ugh, yes, annoying re the council tax.....I did manage to get mine further reduced (from £69) as low income household......worth exploring if you haven't already! :-)
@@WhatVivididnext thank you. Will look into it. Just been watching more of your videos. Really liked the one from a year ago when you were planning your garden for a whole year of food. Hope it worked out of x
I know it’s hard for some people to understand living a life that is not about making more money than you need. Having contentment and happiness is worth far more than money can buy. How many people have more money than they could spend and are still not happy? Good on you for being true to yourself and not getting caught up with what other people think you should be doing. How many of us can truly say we are living the life we want.
Bless you Vivi for sharing that. There are always negative sad people about who like to attack your way of life, as far as I am concerned they can go and boil their heads! Take care lovely!
I found your channel through your gardening videos but I find these types of videos so interesting. We live such different lives and I sometimes find myself thinking you deserve a good holiday, or some satsumas but then to hear you say how happy you are with your life certainly makes me think about all the materialistic things in my life and the money I spend... does it really bring me happiness? Anyway, a ramble! Thanks for making me have a good old think today haha . :')
Always love to see how people organise their budgets! And everything costs more in London, so that £10 a week shopping budget has to work even harder! 🌱💚
Lovely Vivi, you are so kind to allow us to peep into your wallet! Yes, I was feeling quite nosey about how you survive, actually, but you have answered all my questions. And now I am fully convinced that you are an economic superhero - well done girl!
You’ve inspired me to do some financial planning. I took my teacher’s pension at 55 and have been part-time self employed since but I’d love to fully retire. It’ll all be possible with careful planning 😀 My seeds arrived today and I’m thrilled - thank you SO much 🤩🌷xx
I also just recently found your youtube channel. I believe that you create your luck through hard work. I was raised poor and was babysitting by the age of 12 to purchase my clothes and medical needs. Frugality has worked for me over the years and I live quite comfortably because I saved and do not throw my money out the window. Now 61 years old and disabled my only worry is making my savings last. I will consider that my challenge and I believe I will win.
If you can do what you love and keep a roof over your head and food in your belly, then you're on the right track. It's a different mindset to be busy on your own terms or working for a boss and with colleagues that probably drive you mad most of the time. I think you're brave, bold and deserve all the riches in the world, both in terms of life and a few little windfalls would be nice too. Here's looking forward to spring Vivi, enjoy xx
I'm full of admiration for you, Vivi. You've really done your research. While I went (technically) wage free just over a year ago, I do have a (very) small income and some savings, so while I can't go mad, I can afford to keep the house warm (I'm a cold body!) and to have the occasional treat. Keep making the videos and I'll keep watching, liking and commenting 😄
Coming across your channel in November, just as we had paid off our bond, gave me the courage to take the leap into living wage free. I work freelance in my old profession most days and spend at least 3 hours a day in the vegetable garden or preserving veggies (Southern Hemisphere, so currently long daylight hours) I want to say a huge thank you for being an example of an alternative way of living. I work more hours, overall, than before, but my stress levels are waaayyyy down and my happiness and peace much increased. Thank you!
Wow Vivi! You are amazing! I'm really impressed at how you manage on so little. Just brilliant. We are going to make the last payment on our mortgage in 2 weeks time, which we've worked hard for, but still have two teenagers at home and we need a car. We do grow fruit and veg in our garden, but our basic expenses are still 2.5 times yours. I'm in awe and feeling super-motivated after watching this. Thank you. X
Hi Vivi, have loved this, put those horrible trolls in their place!!! You are a genuine frugal gal and we can learn from you. I am home with health issues ( non Covid) and my husband is losing his job shortly, so you give me hope we will manage. No mortgage or credit cards and a small raised bed and greenhouse. Loved your fab chats. Thank you for everything. Love Leigh xx
Oh my goodness, you're going through it eh? I hope you can both manage.....all I can say is be brave and keep supporting each other....divide the work and work to each of your strengths. Good luck lovely!
Vivi, those trolls are not worth wasting precious time on. Let us know if you need support dealing with them anywhere, there are so many of us who have your back - if you call, we'll come running. You are an inspiration!
Thank you for sharing your personal finance Vivi; a very inspiring insight into your life. You are self reliant and work very hard at being self sufficient. Didn't realise how many hours you put in at achieving this...and you still find time to help others...hats off to you!!! Lots of love, from your stalker :-)
Yeah .. we are very nosey 😶 but I think we are fascinated by how you can actually manage on just the YT/shop income, with no support from the govt!! Definitely appreciate all the hard work producing the videos. And yes, you do inspire me to be less of a consumer of the unnecessary stuff 👍🍅🥕
Our basic each month is 1,550. That’s if we don’t need to drive anywhere or fix anything, or the kids don’t need anything. We have a little bit more in our budget ($800) for fuel, food and other like necessities. This is for a family of 6. We have a mortgage and 4 teenagers. We went through our savings the first 18 months after Joshua’s diagnosis. We have cut out most of our extras. We have really good internet and 3 cell phones. That’s our splurge. The chickens egg savings pays for their feed along with the cats and bunny. The garden saves us. We are adding quail to our household. They will be meat and eggs. They are our oldest daughter’s project for a high school course. She wants to feel she is doing bits to help out. School funds paid for building materials for then pen. We used the stimulus money to do major repairs, adapt the garden to my physical limitations, and the cost of the quail. We also ripped out 30 year old nasty carpet in our girls bedroom and put in vinyl tiles. We had paint from an earlier project that they used on the walls. We get help with food and health insurance. We are both receiving disability pensions, both previous work related. Now we have one in college, too. Most families would need 2x what we have to survive. Long story short, we are cash poor, but family rich. We are surviving. We can get a small extra each month. There are others with more, and others with less. We make it work.
@@WhatVivididnext we simply do the best we can since we weren’t given a lot of choices. Anyway, you should know that I’m in awe of how amazingly you’ve done these past 4 years too. You’re doing a magnificent job.
Its amazing what we can do with so little. I had no idea you had to play it so close your doing a darn good job of it. Some people just don't get what it takes someone to survive on pretty close to nothing. There will always be those who know everything about everyones life. I beleive they are known as haters LOL
Thank you lovely. Ach, I wish we had some control over the length of the ads.......I'm seeing more and more these days that are over 5 minutes long....bonkers!
This was so interesting! Thank you for going over it all. You should be very proud of all your work to get to this point. I love your videos. I haven’t been able to watch lately but I do think of you often. You’re a sweetheart. Hugs!
Hi Vivi! Mama Byerfilms here. So utterly impressed with all you do and all you’ve accomplished - and on your own! Don’t let the trolls get You down. So amazed every time I log on, especially since I’m in the early stages of the gardening game and am already fully aware of how hard it is to get to the point where one actually produces stuff to eat, lol! Watching constantly and loving your journey.
Well done for showing your finances, I completely understand why you wouldn't want to with other people being judgmental about it. I really enjoyed this video, my husband and I are some of the people who would like to do this eventually and we have been working on paying off the mortgage as quickly as possible in order to. Unfortunately he is losing his job so we are having to cut back on this and survive on my part time wage for a couple of months, but it's for these reasons we have emergency funds. I must admit, I was surprised you made as much as you do from You Tube. Good for you, I'm glad it is that much and hopefully more as time passes. I really enjoy all your videos 😀
Ach, so sorry to hear abut the job loss.....I sincerely hope that you can both manage with some belt tightening until something else comes along. Wishing you well! :-)
People can be so ugly, especially when a subject touches a nerve for them personally. Pay no mind to trolls,...don't even address them, I say. Thank you for being so open with us.
I appreciate your honesty regarding your finances. There are many women in your shoes, some are retired, and living very frugal lives to get by. When I find them on UA-cam, I make it a point to subscribe and watch their videos. Love your channel and can't wait to binge watch your cooking videos!
Here in the west coast of Canada. As a bookkeeper I love budgets. Often I would watch something like this and could point out some area to save money. But everything you show seems very reasonable to me. Plus a computer will eventually need replacing.
I love numbers....I'm a total numbers nerd! I used to do the accounts and payroll for the bookshop so I'm very comfortable with it all. Getting the numbers right is a huge part of being able to live like this......starting from a realistic expectations place. :-)
I don’t think anyone who is following you would mind you adding more adds to help your income , I watch them in support of you. And your time. And my enjoyment.
This is your business Vivi, you really shouldn't have to justify yourself. I love your channel for you, such a lovely person and love your garden.. ❤️ Take good care lovely 😊
Thankyou for being so honest Vivi, economics are so very important. I appreciate your channel. Trolls be gone. I hope spring arrives soon, my onion seeds are sown and peppers and tomatoes so I'm itching to be in the garden again.
Something I have learned is that, "people say a lot of things," and motives broadly vary. I say, dump the trolls; no reason I can imagine to allow such harassment from the, "nasties." For myself, my preference is that you live as you choose, which it seems to me that you do. Offering your financial plan and practice was personally interesting to me in how your financials coincide and differ from my own while living in America. Thank you so much for your videos, I do enjoy them. I also enjoy and respect your ability to self discipline and have not once had cause to doubt your honesty. The very idea !
You're a very courageous lady, Vivi. I take my hat off to you. I know you work really hard to have the life you have, but wow, to be free must be a fantastic feeling.
New subscriber here and I’m loving your channel and will be binge watching to catch up. I have retired but coasted in a bit of a financial dwam until last year. I am now awake and looking to manage my money better. Your mention of the unfairness the council tax - I heartly agree. Take sewerage: It costs me (with my 25% discount) £185.00 a year to poop, whereas next door is a household of four pooping for £61.67 each. Can you imagine going to the hairdresser and getting charged three times as much for the same cut as the person sat next to you because you live alone? Thank you so much for all the inspiration.
There are so many unhappy people that want you to be as miserable as they are! You are happy and demonstrating how you are making it. You paid off debt so you can live the way you do. In USA if you pay into Social Security and become disabled and unable to work you can start drawing money from that. There is an arduous process to go through but when/if approved receive a monthly check.
Thank you Vicki......I think at some point further down the line, as my knees worsen, I may be able to get some help from the government......but it's really important to me to help myself in the meantime. :-)
Thank you so much for sharing such personal information. I'm a retired widow living frugally on a fixed income. You've inspired me with all you do. Cheering you on from afar!
There are some very rude people out there Vivi. How dare they make derogatory remarks about your life style. Got that off my chest !!😏 Very informative video Vivi. I'm sure your information will help a lot of people. Well done, you must or should be very proud of yourself for managing as you do. Take care
This is my first time watching you. I think you are great and really blessed. Don't let those negative comments get you down. You are happy and I am happy for you!
Your videos are always interesting and useful Vivi. This one will be especially appropriate for people who are considering taking the plunge and trying to live without a wage. Lots of practical tips and things to think about!
Thank you so much for giving us a peek into your life . Love hearing how things operate in the UK . You are amazing . You are still my inspiration to give this gardening another go . Thank you and blessings to you .
The how you live stuff is so interesting. I always wonder how people make it without a job or income. I did it for several years but it was not easy and it wasn't sustainable. I am thankfully back at work now but I can live vicariously through you lol. Thanks Vivi.
Anyone who says "live the way the rest of us do" as your troll, pfffff what a sad world that would be. Vivi, you stick with what your doing, it suits you, hard work and all, and you give good advice and a great deal of inspiration. Much love.
I like open and honest. You are a blooming hard worker and it’s good to know what I will be facing when I retire next year (possibly sooner) , thanks Vivi xxx
Vivi I have watched you for years!! I moved back to the UK in 2019 after being widowed.. had to start life over again by myself (no life insurance etc)... it can be done, but you are so impressive and I totally get what you say about emergencies! I had to get a small mortgage and at 57, not the greatest thing to take on, but we will get there. I do pretty much what you do regarding setting aside an amount each month for a yearly bill (or bills).. what is left is what I have at the moment :)
Oh gosh, that must have been such a hard time for you.......good on you for getting on with it and not falling to pieces. Wishing you peace and good days ahead. :-)
New subscriber here. I love your gardening videos and you really are stretching an amazingly small budget a long way. We’re frugal but you’re blackbelt, good luck to you and I’m working my way through your videos. We moved to France to afford a simpler life but what you’re doing there is awesome,
Hi Vivi loved your video realy look forward to watching you .I dream of going to live on a barge I wanted to do it all my life but my partner has not hot same view haha so prob won't get that dream .but you are so inspiringly brave .good for you .the hard work you put into things you deserve good things to happen to you x
Once vacations are the thing to do again, maybe you can rent a narrow boat. Tell your partner it's a caravan (RV) on the water. Maybe it'll do the trick. :) Jon in BC, Canada
Oh that would be lovely! Before I bought this flat I almost bought a Dutch barge - it was a toss up between the two - but in the end I went with the flat as I couldn't find a mooring for sale in London. :-)
Hya Vivi x I was trying to think how long I'd been following your inspirational videos and journey ? I saw/watched you on Sean's channel first and was so pleased when you took up your own channel and love the subjects you cover in your garden and shop, sewing, cooking and toiletries etc. I can understand more after this frank video, how upsetting times must have been for you over the years of your frugal adventures. Your roof repairs Bill must have been a nightmare! (I always dread roof problems) Here's hoping you'll get bumper You Tube revenues this year to give you more security and a few days off! Take care x
Thank you so much Sandra. Ach, the roof was expensive but we all pay into a fund each year (all the occupants of the building) so we had a stash of cash there and my share of the rest of it was managed with my last couple of pay cheques......I'd rather have kept them for my own emergency fund, but never mind...at least the roof should be good for another 25+ years. :-)
Vivi, you don’t owe anyone a reason what you spend your money on is your life an know one else’s. I give you credit sharing your life and finances with everyone. As long as your happy. This may give others ideas to save money. Great job. Think spring gardening time
Cheers lovely....hopefully it is useful to folk out there who may be thinking of taking a similar path.....I want people to know that it's great...but not easy! :-)
Viv, I’m hooked after this video and the one on how it all began. Do you think you could do a video on how you keep your shopping to £10 weekly and what you buy? I’m sure there would be so many people interested in that xx
Thank you so much Julia! There are a couple more videos coming soon on this subject (extreme saving for example). The simple answer re keeping my shopping money below £10 per week is that I grow the vast majority of my food - yay for having an allotment! Hahaha - my purchases would be rather too boring to show......rice, lentils, laundry powder, loo rolls...... ;-)
Hi Vivi Just found your channel. I am currently in bed with a chest infection but i so wanted to jump out of bed and get sewing. I also have an illness that means I can't work outside the home and have an online store so could so relate to you. Will keep watching as I have so much to catch up. Many thanks for the inspiration.
Yay, thank you for finding me Lindsay and a very warm welcome to you. Ach, sorry to hear about the chest infection......I hope that clears up soon and you can get back to your sewing again.....but don't rush it...make sure you're properly better first! :-)
I've enjoyed your videos on YT from the start. You manage to succeed with so little finances, but you are so rich in so many things! Working in your garden and watching the wonder of nature is absolutely gorgeous!
Hi Vivi, thank you for being so open with us. I made a list of my outgoings/incomings recently and it's scary. Rent and council tax are my biggest bugbears. Those two alone are racking up over £800 a month and I bet you a teabag that the council tax will go up again. You can imagine how my jaw dropped at your C.T.!! 😉 Much love to you xx
Ach, I totally forgot to mention that my council tax is means tested......it used to be £69 a month.....about two years in to being wage free a friend suggested I could get a reduction because my income was actually less than that of someone on benefits.....so I filled in all those forms.....and now it's a much more manageable amount. :-)
Loved hearing about it! Guess I am noisy, never asked to hear about your finances, but couldn't resist watching this. Besides my Coco de Paimpol and my Trail of tears have just arrived, I had them proudly sitting next to me, going to have to watch back for sowing dates, yay. P.s don't let the trolls get you down.
I retired in March and partly due to covid have spend a lot of time watching videos I like and you don’t get as many subscribers as most of the ones I watch. I am wondering if there is something you can do to get more subscribers. As the thing that I really have liked about watching your garden video is the cohesiveness of your monthly showing. I love the gardening video and with ones I watch I don’t learn as much as I have from you as you show wonderful detail about types of plants, what effects them, the light, the weather, when you plant them, when and how you harvest them. Robbie and Gary, Roots and refuge, You can’t eat the grass, sow the land, mossy bottom.
Thank you Pat.....sadly I don't have any answers....the whole UA-cam thing remains a mystery to me.....I have let my channel grow organically (perfect!)......I've never asked or pushed for subscribers......they just seem to turn up for the content. I'm trying to make better thumbnails this year though, so they get seen in the side bars....
One thing we can do is let the ads run in their entirety so she gets micro credit for it. But every little bit helps. A lot of videos I do not watch the ads. But I do hers
Vivi its important to talk about money - women struggle more than men - please take no notice of those who are so negative - you are showing a different way of doing life ..... its inspiring
Thank you so much Debbi! :-)
you probably dont give a shit but does any of you know a tool to log back into an instagram account?
I was stupid forgot the login password. I love any tips you can give me.
@King Atlas Instablaster :)
Hey You Guys, if you let the ads run completely, Vivi gets a bit more. Just so you'all know. She'll never say though.
Awww, cheers lovely! :-)
I've started to watch ads to help people out .
I didnt know that, so thanks.
If we find Vivi's free of charge tips for frugal living valuable, we should make a point of letting the ads run, so that she can benefit a little from each of us.
Really enjoyed this video, I too live off £400 a month it’s a monthly income I get from my late husbands private pension. I don’t have good health so don’t work but I’m lucky that I own my own terraced cottage outright and that I was able to get my outgoings to the bare minimum. I like the challenge that my low income gives me my life is not luxurious but I have what I need and I’m not in any debt.
Good on you lovely....you have such a great attitude! :-)
Block those silly trolls, what you do is inspiring and honest x
Thank you so much, I really appreciate this. :-)
You shouldn't and don't have to justify yourself...loving your channel...blessings from Yorkshire x
Thank you so much Alison. :-)
@@WhatVivididnext how can I order some seeds from you? X
@@alisonstewart78 Ach, sorry lovely but they have all gone already. :-(
Thank you so much dearheart for sharing this with me/us. Trolls must stay where they belong, smelly and under a bridge. I try not to make comments too long but I am so amazed by all you're doing. So much hard work every day to stay on top of it all and try to make a living. Last year and this year as well I try to make a succes out of my allotment because I sometimes also don't have an income. I don't have an income, my husband is self employed so we struggle along. So the extra vegs and fruit that I can get is so welcome. Even today I'm thankful that I can get my vegs out of the freezer to use that I stored last summer and it's going to help us big time right now. It will get better but in the mean time when people say, oh but you've so much time on your hands and such, yes because I make it my priority because I know that I need to build up some reserve to get through the tough times. I try to ignore those people, the same people who will say, oh it's just putting some seed in the ground and that's all you have to do. Yep people can be so ignorant sometimes/often... Oh well that's how it goes sometimes ;) Take care dearheart and stay safe and thank you so much for all the time you put into all you do and sharing it with us. xoxo Vleer.
What delights me in your whole comment is that you will take something out of your freezer today, grown last summer, to feed you and your partner tonight. This is beautiful.......never take it for granted! Big love to you both and enjoy your supper. :-)
Wow Vivi I had assumed wrongly that you had some investments that covered your basic bills every month, you are incredibly brave to have taken life by the horns as it were and full credit to you! 👏🙌
Thank you Lisa.....hahaha, no....no secret fund/income etc tucked away.....just me, my camera, my garden and my sewing machine. :-)
Hats off Vivi for this smashing honest video, loved it so much. I too live frugally on almost no income here in the mountains in central Italy and I have to say the UK is bloody expensive that's why I left, though I miss it there, it's home but as I don't own a house in the UK paying rent is so expensive and I just can't afford it. Here in Italy I own my little old stone house and my council tax is 90 euros a year! And water is maybe 50 euros a year, I guess it's less as I pay monthly but as I recycle water and use it frugally I haven't paid for water in almost six months! After they read the water metre they send me a letter to say that I don't have to pay anything! As for my income, I help kids with their English but its ridiculous what I get, for example in December I made nothing, in January I made 150 euros for the whole month! It's hard and I wish I can start a UA-cam channel to share my adventures, journey, experience, etc and generate some money..but I still don't have a computer or a camera, etc..let's hope...thank you again..even it's hard life, I will never go back to living in a city or working like before..hugs and purrs...Sue (remember me from Facebook? I'm unable to log in fir 4 yrs now!💕💚
You do so amazingly well and I'm so happy for you that you have made this life work for you.....I'm so impressed by you! Good on you lovely! :-)
I admire your decision to move away - well done. When you get your UA-cam channel l will subscribe
Where in italy did you move? I see about a little cottage in the mountains if Italy. ❤️
Apparently we can help on UA-cam by watching the ads, giving a Like and making a comment - algorithms - make the channel popular. I literally did a lol at Vivi lounging around the garden for fun!
Hahah, cheers Shelly....hahah, if only! ;-)
My hat goes off to you. It does not sound like an easy life and I can see a lot of hard work goes into keeping going. You should be super proud of yourself.
Thank you so much lovely. :-)
"In a world where you can be anything you want... be kind"
So appropriate in this day and age 😊
Abso-blooming-lutely! :-)
Oh love this!
That was absolutely fascinating and so detailed. Thank you for sharing so much of your life. I wish you a bountiful harvest this year.
Thank you so much lovely, you too! :-)
I think your channel popped up, because I watch Frugal Jo. I am retired (82) and love seeing how one can live happy and frugal. I was a child during ww2, so my mother taught me a lot. She lived that way all of her life.
I have subscribed, and looking forward to your posts.
Oh thank you so much Ellen and a very warm welcome to you here. 😊
Our Vivi as always: Open and brutally honest. Big hug for you my girl.
And of course I watched your video until the end !!!
Awww, thank you so much lovely...I do so appreciate you! :-)
I cannot tell you how much I've enjoyed this video. First off, let me congratulate you for your honesty Vivi. If there's one thing I value in a UA-camr is their honesty, and you've shown it in spades. You kept your promise and for opening up your life to all of us. To heck with any haters out there. Who cares what those "Keyboard warriors or Karen's" think anyway. You've encouraged me, to reconsider what i'm doing, and to do what you're doing. Seeing that it is possible to live the life i want. And to really live and not be forced to work just to pay for what i think i need. Living this type of lifestyle isn't easy. I'm sure you could write a book about it Vivi. But sharing your real daily life with us, proves that yes, it can be done. Thanks for your wonderful encouragement to all of us. And for being a living example that this lifestyle can work. I mean this without any joke. You Are My Heroine.
Oh thank you SOOOO much lovely!!!! Yay, I do hope I can inspire other folk to get out of the habit of working to pay for stuff that's extraneous to need.......but also balance it with the reality......to live without a wage means giving up a LOT of stuff.......but.....it's all just stuff..... This life is hard, but the simple pleasures come so much more frequently!
Vivi really does help a lot of people, thanks to the great example she sets and the vast number of tips we glean from her. 💕
The most important message in this video is to appreciate money! You work damm hard for it, and regardless of what size of income anyone earns we should never be frivolous with it. I really don’t think people actually understand money, credit is so easily affordable today and debit in this country comes to an obscene number. I think your doing fabulous and an inspiration to how to value money.
Thank you lovely. :-)
Darling you are absolutely brilliant! I own a home here in America and like you I lived on a very low income, but while raising six children. We had no vehicle and lived very rural, and in America that means no access to shops except through the internet and shipped via a mail carrier. My income was just under $500 a month and I had no financial assistance or food stamps or medical insurance even by the state. Even if I had Medicaid (state medical insurance) I had no vehicle to receive medical assistance. So that five hundred dollars had to cover, electric, water, internet (since my work was via the internet), food, clothing, seeds, animal needs, medicine, etc for a household of 8. It really is cheaper per person when you pack everyone in. I bought bulk rice and beans (50 pounds at a time) and sewed cloth diapers with cloth I bought online. Seeds and chickens were shipped to my door as well as one starter sack of chick feed. I had to sew most of the children's clothing from old clothes of mine that I literally never wore or fabric I bought online. I was very blessed though to own my home and have it paid off. My taxes were $190 a year. They are now $360 a year, but that is because I own a vehicle now they are taxed annually in my state. I will say this much, I had to be very creative. My children's staples were oatmeal, eggs, pinto beans, and rice, plus whatever I could get from the garden. Since I was a new gardener, I chose things that constantly put on like green beans, summer squash, egg plants, tomatoes, peppers, etc. This kept us in food most of the year easily since we usually have a 3 season growing season. I froze whatever extras we had each week, which wasn't much, for winter. I grew mustards and kales through the winter in case I had nothing or nearly nothing frozen. Eventually we expanded our animals to include goats for milk and cheeses. (I made a nice one from goat milk and vinegar) So just know the "trolls" are not even worth your time or attention, you do you darling. Some of us have walked that narrow road with little ones in tow and understand what an amazing feat it is to accomplish.
Yay, good on you lovely....you're an amazing example of what can be achieved.....I have total admiration and respect for you!
You are a sweetheart. Don't let the haters get under your skin. I've enjoyed every minute of the videos that you put our. Never change, you are my hero!
Awww, thank you so much lovely...I really appreciate your kind words.
Isn't it funny how doing something you really love is often not able to make you rich? It is also sad, because here is where you put your heart and soul. I really admire you for living a frugal, self reliant life. You look happy and it is an ispiration for all of us to see that it can be done. Maybe we should all try it.
What it all boils down to is......can I be happy?......can I live, ethically, the right life for me? My answer is a resounding yes!
@@WhatVivididnext Sadly, most never consider the question of happiness, ethincs, or the right life for them when they look at how to make a life. Things like this should be brought up very early, and reinforced as we grow, so that by the time we are ready to leave home, we would be on the right track. . Instead, we are bombarded by the "you need things" propaganda, and we buy into it.
I worried too much about my financial security to ever have the guts to do what you have done. These are life choices you have made so don’t let the naysayers force their opinions on how you should live. I think you are brave and resilient and if anyone can make this work you can. You are being true to yourself Vivi. ❤️
Thank you so much lovely, I really appreciate your encouraging words. :-)
I have so much respect for you. I believe you are pretty amazing. It really puts into perspective what's really important and it's not having tons of stuff that is for sure. 😊
Thank you so much for your kind words. :-)
Hello Vivi!,.. I just want to tell you how much I enjoy your channel. I have been following you since,. I think 2014/2015 from Sean's Channel, .. You have such a big heart, and I admire your tenacity and frugalness. Not to mention all of your wonderful garden advise and superb tips. I also love your darling "She-Shed",.. mine is a bit more rustic and needs a polish at the moment.. LOL,.. (I live in the high desert in Southern California). I am 62 years old, and have a good size back yard that I have been gardening in for many years. I have been inspired by you, and have applied many of your idea's into my growing season. I also love when you share some of your delicious recipes,.. and even though I am not vegetarian , I still have made your dishes, because I love eating my harvest!!. I also Purchased some bunting flags from you, I think about 2 years ago, in fact, I bought them for my grandson's little room,...(but selfishly kept them for myself). In fact, I won't hang the bunting outside on my shed because they would get ruined. So, once I do around to cleaning out my shed, I will be placing your adorable hand made flags INSIDE my shed, LOL. I do want to purchase some more from you, because I am expecting a great grandson in June. My granddaughter is in Italy at the moment with her husband who is in the Navy, but they will soon be state side this March, and re-locating to Virginia. Before I close, I would also like to say, that I Turn on your channel in the mornings , and when my husband gets up, he always says! "OH! Hi Vivi!",.."what is she doing today honey?",.. so my husband also watches your channel LOL,.. Keep up the good work,.. (take out the meanie-sauces and their hateful words, you don't need that),.. and I look forward to seeing more of your shows. Take care, Lisa Mathews.
Oh thank you so much Lisa, I really appreciate all this! Hello to your hubby too! Yay and hurray for your new great grandson soon.....how wonderful and special to have a new baby in the family.....enjoy! :-)
Your budgeting is truly inspiring. Thank God for my pensions. Here in Canada we get the Old Age Pension, Canada Pension Plan (the one from working) and the Supplement for low income. Hopefully, when you're a senior, you'll get something similar.
I didn't know your UA-cam money was from ads. My son said he turns off his ad blocker for people he likes, lets the videos run, then watches after when they're not playing. I'll do that.
~ Jon in rural BC, Canada
That's what I do.... I turn the sound off when the ads come on.
Awww, thank you lovely! Ahhh, yes, I know my pension will only be tiny but it will be most welcome! :-)
Hi Vivi. You’re spot on with needing a phone. I can say from experience. 1/1/21 saw me having a fall on the farm. I have houses below my land and farm above. But not in a reachable way by shouting ( and i have a loud voice ) i slipped as the light was fading. I couldn’t walk and was starting have early signs of hyperthermia by the time the Ambulance crew got to me. It could have been a whole different out come. Just make sure you have full battery when you set off. As mine was at 3% when they found me. You can get mobiles that you only need to top up when you’ve used your credit. So its not a monthly fee, if youre not making calls you maybe able to save a little bit more on your phone bill. Its only a few quid. But every penny helps. Think tesco’s still do. Mine use to be with 3 but i think they have stop this type of contract
Gosh, yes, to a full battery on the phone....thank goodness we/you have one! In Alaska/Yukon Territory they have a code of three gun shots to announce 'I'm in trouble and need help'........that wouldn't work in London! ;-)
@@gabriellakadar Hahahaha! Hmmmmm...I don't think I want to test it out! ;-)
Love this, Vivi! Block those trolls and keep being you!
They are firmly ensconced under the bridge! Silly buggwrs! ;-)
@@WhatVivididnext maybe we should all engage with your trolls... really rile them up. Perhaps the more they post, the more money it generates for you?? (No idea if it works like that 🙄 😊).
I starting receiving my pension last year 2021 aged 66. I don't mind telling you that it is almost double your monthly bills every month. I haven't paid full NI either as I was mostly a stay-at-home mum and then carer to my disabled husband. Well done you for being so upfront and honest and I hope your business goes from strength to strength. x
Absolutely inspirational. Thank you for sharing how you manage. I am always learning how to be more frugal from your videos. Well done 🙏🏼💫❣️
Oh thank you so much...I'm so glad you find these useful/helpful. :-)
So inspiring Vivi, it’s so kind of you to be so open and show us the nuts and bolts of being wage free. You are the exact definition of a grafter. Thanks so much for sharing. X
Thank you so much lovely. :-)
It's called personal finance no need to apologize. Love your channel and content. Stay safe and warm. Greetings from America.
Thank you Carolyn. You stay well too lovely. :-)
Hi Vivi, vlog done for all the right reasons and so informative. Other you tube websites have lacked this ‘bottom line ‘ information. It is an integral part to your living day to day and so very generous of you to share it so openly. It is very responsible and appreciated with your candidness as you werent obliged to share.
Some may say well its still working for a living your just self employed. Maybe in away it is, but your face when you say you are happy is a truth that not many can say without a nervous twitch or second thought. Well done Vivi you have been and are an inspiration and friend to many, I applaud you! Thank you and yes blimey council tax is good where you are lol!
Take care& stay safe expat in Australia
Kaz x
Thank you so much for your kind and encouraging words Kaz, I really appreciate that. :-)
You are so inspiring!! Thank you for disclosing all those points as it helps me scale down our finances as well.
Thank you lovely...and I'm delighted if this can help a bit! :-)
Really important conversation, about the pension. I dont believe people are aware of how slim their pension will be, specially for women, maybe working part time and or, stayed at home a couple of years when the children were little. I´m the same age as you, 15 years away from the state pension. (Norway) I am working full time now, and have been all my life in the private corporate sector, with minimum contribution from my employers to retirement. I was widowed at 37, with two small children, so I was never able to save for a pension either. 😅 But, my pension plan is my home, and I hope to be completely mortgage free by the time I retire! 👍 Do you sell your garden produce during the summer? I am happy that you said that you enjoy a little treat now and again! I must say you are a rich woman. Doing what you love, and are able to living off it. You are living my dream! Thanks for sharing.💕
So true that so many women will be short on their pensions....I hope folk take advice and do what they can, while they can to remedy any shortfalls. No, I don't sell any of my produce because it's only just enough for me to last the whole year. :-)
You are probably aware, but if you are at home with kids, as long as you have the child benefit in your name you get full NI contributions for those years.
@@louise9914 Unfortunately not here. There is a new reform, started enrolling in 2013, and slowly they are taking away all benefits. I thought I would have a small widowers pension on top of my pension in the future, but effective from Jan 2023, that is taken away.
As a single person I quite agree re the council tax. It's so unfair that I pay only a quarter less than a household of working adults. I just found your channel. As I am in the same boat this video is very helpful x
Thank you Lauren and a very warm welcome to you! Ugh, yes, annoying re the council tax.....I did manage to get mine further reduced (from £69) as low income household......worth exploring if you haven't already! :-)
@@WhatVivididnext thank you. Will look into it. Just been watching more of your videos. Really liked the one from a year ago when you were planning your garden for a whole year of food. Hope it worked out of x
@@Laurengreenkat It did, thank you! :-)
I know it’s hard for some people to understand living a life that is not about making more money than you need. Having contentment and happiness is worth far more than money can buy. How many people have more money than they could spend and are still not happy? Good on you for being true to yourself and not getting caught up with what other people think you should be doing. How many of us can truly say we are living the life we want.
Thank you lovely.....I think it's all about finding the right balance between the two.......I'm gradually getting there. ;-)
Bless you Vivi for sharing that. There are always negative sad people about who like to attack your way of life, as far as I am concerned they can go and boil their heads! Take care lovely!
Hahaha, brilliant! Thank you lovely :-)
I found your channel through your gardening videos but I find these types of videos so interesting. We live such different lives and I sometimes find myself thinking you deserve a good holiday, or some satsumas but then to hear you say how happy you are with your life certainly makes me think about all the materialistic things in my life and the money I spend... does it really bring me happiness? Anyway, a ramble! Thanks for making me have a good old think today haha . :')
Awww, thank you lovely. I think it's really good that we challenge our own thoughts from time to time....it's easy to get stuck in a rut! :-)
Always love to see how people organise their budgets! And everything costs more in London, so that £10 a week shopping budget has to work even harder! 🌱💚
Cheers lovely! Gosh, yes......it is a rather expensive lace to live but...where there's a will there's a way and all that! ;-)
Lovely Vivi, you are so kind to allow us to peep into your wallet! Yes, I was feeling quite nosey about how you survive, actually, but you have answered all my questions. And now I am fully convinced that you are an economic superhero - well done girl!
Hahaha....not super hero...more like super stubborn, super pig-headed, super indie. ;-)
You’ve inspired me to do some financial planning. I took my teacher’s pension at 55 and have been part-time self employed since but I’d love to fully retire. It’ll all be possible with careful planning 😀 My seeds arrived today and I’m thrilled - thank you SO much 🤩🌷xx
Yay for seeds.....and yay for careful planning to achieve your goals - good luck lovely! :-)
I also just recently found your youtube channel. I believe that you create your luck through hard work. I was raised poor and was babysitting by the age of 12 to purchase my clothes and medical needs. Frugality has worked for me over the years and I live quite comfortably because I saved and do not throw my money out the window. Now 61 years old and disabled my only worry is making my savings last. I will consider that my challenge and I believe I will win.
Yay, good on you Paula! Great attitude......and, by the way, a very warm welcome to you here. 😊
If you can do what you love and keep a roof over your head and food in your belly, then you're on the right track. It's a different mindset to be busy on your own terms or working for a boss and with colleagues that probably drive you mad most of the time. I think you're brave, bold and deserve all the riches in the world, both in terms of life and a few little windfalls would be nice too. Here's looking forward to spring Vivi, enjoy xx
Aww, thank you Melanie. :-)
I'm full of admiration for you, Vivi. You've really done your research. While I went (technically) wage free just over a year ago, I do have a (very) small income and some savings, so while I can't go mad, I can afford to keep the house warm (I'm a cold body!) and to have the occasional treat. Keep making the videos and I'll keep watching, liking and commenting 😄
Thank you so much lovely!!! And here's to many more years of full bellies and warm bodies! ;-)
Coming across your channel in November, just as we had paid off our bond, gave me the courage to take the leap into living wage free. I work freelance in my old profession most days and spend at least 3 hours a day in the vegetable garden or preserving veggies (Southern Hemisphere, so currently long daylight hours) I want to say a huge thank you for being an example of an alternative way of living. I work more hours, overall, than before, but my stress levels are waaayyyy down and my happiness and peace much increased. Thank you!
Oh bravo lovely....this is so wonderful to hear! I wish you many, many happy years ahead of living on your own terms like this! :-)
Wow Vivi! You are amazing! I'm really impressed at how you manage on so little. Just brilliant. We are going to make the last payment on our mortgage in 2 weeks time, which we've worked hard for, but still have two teenagers at home and we need a car. We do grow fruit and veg in our garden, but our basic expenses are still 2.5 times yours. I'm in awe and feeling super-motivated after watching this. Thank you. X
Yay, how exciting that your last mortgage payment is coming up.....I hope you will allow yourselves a little celebration! 😊
@@WhatVivididnext We absolutely will celebrate! Maybe a bottle of wine and some twiglets lol. Did you celebrate when you paid yours off?
@@Tess-FrugalLiving I certainly did! 😁
@@WhatVivididnext How did you celebrate Vivi?
@@Tess-FrugalLiving A guilt free night at the pub with a bunch of friends. 😊
its great to see how you manage well done to you vivi
Thank you lovely. :-)
Much love and blessing! You are truly amazing.
Aww, thank you lovely. :-)
Thanks for this video. I am always looking at better ways to manage 😌 money. I enjoyed it.
Oh that's great.....I hope you can get a few ideas of how to make things work a bit more smoothly, money wise. :-)
Hi Vivi, have loved this, put those horrible trolls in their place!!! You are a genuine frugal gal and we can learn from you. I am home with health issues ( non Covid) and my husband is losing his job shortly, so you give me hope we will manage. No mortgage or credit cards and a small raised bed and greenhouse. Loved your fab chats. Thank you for everything. Love Leigh xx
Oh my goodness, you're going through it eh? I hope you can both manage.....all I can say is be brave and keep supporting each other....divide the work and work to each of your strengths. Good luck lovely!
Vivi, those trolls are not worth wasting precious time on. Let us know if you need support dealing with them anywhere, there are so many of us who have your back - if you call, we'll come running.
You are an inspiration!
Awww, thank you lovely....I have become quite adept at kicking them back under the bridge! ;-)
Thank you for sharing your personal finance Vivi; a very inspiring insight into your life. You are self reliant and work very hard at being self sufficient. Didn't realise how many hours you put in at achieving this...and you still find time to help others...hats off to you!!! Lots of love, from your stalker :-)
Hahaha, thank you so much lovely stalker. ;-)
Refreshing, honest, transparent and positive! Best channel I've come across recently. xxxx
Oh my goodness, thank you so much for such kind words. :-)
Yeah .. we are very nosey 😶 but I think we are fascinated by how you can actually manage on just the YT/shop income, with no support from the govt!! Definitely appreciate all the hard work producing the videos. And yes, you do inspire me to be less of a consumer of the unnecessary stuff 👍🍅🥕
Yay! Cheers lovely. :-)
Our basic each month is 1,550. That’s if we don’t need to drive anywhere or fix anything, or the kids don’t need anything. We have a little bit more in our budget ($800) for fuel, food and other like necessities. This is for a family of 6. We have a mortgage and 4 teenagers. We went through our savings the first 18 months after Joshua’s diagnosis. We have cut out most of our extras. We have really good internet and 3 cell phones. That’s our splurge. The chickens egg savings pays for their feed along with the cats and bunny. The garden saves us. We are adding quail to our household. They will be meat and eggs. They are our oldest daughter’s project for a high school course. She wants to feel she is doing bits to help out. School funds paid for building materials for then pen. We used the stimulus money to do major repairs, adapt the garden to my physical limitations, and the cost of the quail. We also ripped out 30 year old nasty carpet in our girls bedroom and put in vinyl tiles. We had paint from an earlier project that they used on the walls. We get help with food and health insurance. We are both receiving disability pensions, both previous work related. Now we have one in college, too. Most families would need 2x what we have to survive. Long story short, we are cash poor, but family rich. We are surviving. We can get a small extra each month. There are others with more, and others with less. We make it work.
I am so in awe of how you manage...and give your family a wonderful, happy, engaging, loving life.......it really is fantastic!!!! :-)
@@WhatVivididnext we simply do the best we can since we weren’t given a lot of choices. Anyway, you should know that I’m in awe of how amazingly you’ve done these past 4 years too. You’re doing a magnificent job.
Happy to support anyone attempting to become more self sufficient. Good luck!!
Thank you so much lovely. :-)
Its amazing what we can do with so little. I had no idea you had to play it so close your doing a darn good job of it. Some people just don't get what it takes someone to survive on pretty close to nothing. There will always be those who know everything about everyones life. I beleive they are known as haters LOL
Hahaha, yes, too right! I doubt they'd last five minutes in my shoes. ;-)
Thank you for sharing this with us. I realize it is a very private subject but we appreciate your sharing.
I really hopeit helps to share....even for basic budgeting for folk trying to go more frugal but not necessarily go without a wage all together. :-)
@@WhatVivididnext 🌊🥦🌽🍎🥬🥕🍠🥒🍅🍓🍆🧄🧅🫑🫐🍋🍤🥔
I always watch the adverts 😁, yeah I saw that on Richard and Paul’s , ridiculous !
Thank you lovely. Ach, I wish we had some control over the length of the ads.......I'm seeing more and more these days that are over 5 minutes long....bonkers!
This was so interesting! Thank you for going over it all. You should be very proud of all your work to get to this point. I love your videos. I haven’t been able to watch lately but I do think of you often. You’re a sweetheart. Hugs!
Aww, thank you lovely....and hugs back! :-)
Hi Vivi! Mama Byerfilms here. So utterly impressed with all you do and all you’ve accomplished - and on your own! Don’t let the trolls get You down. So amazed every time I log on, especially since I’m in the early stages of the gardening game and am already fully aware of how hard it is to get to the point where one actually produces stuff to eat, lol! Watching constantly and loving your journey.
Oh thank you so much lovely. 😊
Well done for showing your finances, I completely understand why you wouldn't want to with other people being judgmental about it. I really enjoyed this video, my husband and I are some of the people who would like to do this eventually and we have been working on paying off the mortgage as quickly as possible in order to. Unfortunately he is losing his job so we are having to cut back on this and survive on my part time wage for a couple of months, but it's for these reasons we have emergency funds. I must admit, I was surprised you made as much as you do from You Tube. Good for you, I'm glad it is that much and hopefully more as time passes. I really enjoy all your videos 😀
Ach, so sorry to hear abut the job loss.....I sincerely hope that you can both manage with some belt tightening until something else comes along. Wishing you well! :-)
People can be so ugly, especially when a subject touches a nerve for them personally. Pay no mind to trolls,...don't even address them, I say. Thank you for being so open with us.
Thank you so much lovely.
I appreciate your honesty regarding your finances. There are many women in your shoes, some are retired, and living very frugal lives to get by. When I find them on UA-cam, I make it a point to subscribe and watch their videos. Love your channel and can't wait to binge watch your cooking videos!
Thank you so much Mary Ann. 😊
Here in the west coast of Canada. As a bookkeeper I love budgets. Often I would watch something like this and could point out some area to save money. But everything you show seems very reasonable to me. Plus a computer will eventually need replacing.
I love numbers....I'm a total numbers nerd! I used to do the accounts and payroll for the bookshop so I'm very comfortable with it all. Getting the numbers right is a huge part of being able to live like this......starting from a realistic expectations place. :-)
Thanks for your honesty and openness, it was a fascinating insight in your life and I admire your tenacity. Keep it going. 🤞
Cheers lovely....I hope by being open about all of this it can encourage folk but in a realistic way.......it's a great life but not easy. :-)
Good job viv ,, and to those who gave a thumb down why can’t you just move along. There really is no need to do that
I know, how weird they are! ;-)
I don’t think anyone who is following you would mind you adding more adds to help your income , I watch them in support of you. And your time. And my enjoyment.
Aww, thank you so much lovely, I really appreciate that. :-)
This is your business Vivi, you really shouldn't have to justify yourself. I love your channel for you, such a lovely person and love your garden.. ❤️ Take good care lovely 😊
Thank you so much lovely. :-)
Thankyou for being so honest Vivi, economics are so very important.
I appreciate your channel. Trolls be gone. I hope spring arrives soon, my onion seeds are sown and peppers and tomatoes so I'm itching to be in the garden again.
Yay for your first sowings.....I'm hoping to start my peppers this weekend. Gosh, spring still seems quite far away! :-)
Something I have learned is that, "people say a lot of things," and motives broadly vary. I say, dump the trolls; no reason I can imagine to allow such harassment from the, "nasties." For myself, my preference is that you live as you choose, which it seems to me that you do. Offering your financial plan and practice was personally interesting to me in how your financials coincide and differ from my own while living in America. Thank you so much for your videos, I do enjoy them. I also enjoy and respect your ability to self discipline and have not once had cause to doubt your honesty. The very idea !
Thank you so much Jude, I really appreciate this. :-)
You're a very courageous lady, Vivi. I take my hat off to you. I know you work really hard to have the life you have, but wow, to be free must be a fantastic feeling.
It's definitely hard work.....but it's all under my own steam and that's so liberating! :-)
@@WhatVivididnext Keep at it! Love your videos and I have shed envy :-)) x
New subscriber here and I’m loving your channel and will be binge watching to catch up. I have retired but coasted in a bit of a financial dwam until last year. I am now awake and looking to manage my money better. Your mention of the unfairness the council tax - I heartly agree. Take sewerage: It costs me (with my 25% discount) £185.00 a year to poop, whereas next door is a household of four pooping for £61.67 each. Can you imagine going to the hairdresser and getting charged three times as much for the same cut as the person sat next to you because you live alone? Thank you so much for all the inspiration.
Ugh, exactly....it's one of my big bug bears too! Argh!! 😉 Thank you so much for recently subscribing and a very warm welcome to you here. 😊
I love you Vivi! Please don’t justify. Thank you for uploading these videos and informing us. Love from the Netherlands 🇳🇱
Oh thank you so much Rachelle. :-)
You are great at showing others what they can do to change their mindset, not necessary just quitting their job. It’s starting with little changes
Thank you lovely.....and yes, absolutely to starting small changes...and making new habits. 😊
There are so many unhappy people that want you to be as miserable as they are! You are happy and demonstrating how you are making it. You paid off debt so you can live the way you do. In USA if you pay into Social Security and become disabled and unable to work you can start drawing money from that. There is an arduous process to go through but when/if approved receive a monthly check.
Thank you Vicki......I think at some point further down the line, as my knees worsen, I may be able to get some help from the government......but it's really important to me to help myself in the meantime. :-)
good job, you are very successful cause you know how to govern your life very well💕
Cheers lovely, I'm certainly trying. 😊
Thank you so much for sharing such personal information. I'm a retired widow living frugally on a fixed income. You've inspired me with all you do. Cheering you on from afar!
Yay, thank you so much Kathy. 😊
There are some very rude people out there Vivi. How dare they make derogatory remarks about your life style. Got that off my chest !!😏 Very informative video Vivi. I'm sure your information will help a lot of people. Well done, you must or should be very proud of yourself for managing as you do. Take care
I really hope, by sharing, it helps folk....and let's them know what to realistically expect if they go this route! :-)
This is my first time watching you. I think you are great and really blessed. Don't let those negative comments get you down. You are happy and I am happy for you!
Oh thank you so much Brenda.....and a very warm welcome to you! :-)
Your videos are always interesting and useful Vivi. This one will be especially appropriate for people who are considering taking the plunge and trying to live without a wage. Lots of practical tips and things to think about!
I really hope so! So many folk want to go this route but I want them to think long and hard before they make the leap! :-)
Thank you so much for giving us a peek into your life . Love hearing how things operate in the UK . You are amazing . You are still my inspiration to give this gardening another go . Thank you and blessings to you .
Yay Diana, go for it with the garden....the rewards go far beyond just reducing the grocery bill! :-)
The how you live stuff is so interesting. I always wonder how people make it without a job or income. I did it for several years but it was not easy and it wasn't sustainable. I am thankfully back at work now but I can live vicariously through you lol. Thanks Vivi.
Awww, thank you lovely. :-)
Love the honesty as usual. Hugs x
Thank you lovely. :-)
Anyone who says "live the way the rest of us do" as your troll, pfffff what a sad world that would be. Vivi, you stick with what your doing, it suits you, hard work and all, and you give good advice and a great deal of inspiration. Much love.
Thank you so much Chris. :-)
Will watch the ads now for you lovely.Always enjoy your videos.
Aww, thank you lovely. :-)
Great video. I've wondered how tight money wise it would be. Thanks for sharing such personal information.
I'm so glad I've finally done this.....I want to share that it IS possible.....but don't want to hide the truth of how tough it is. :-)
I like open and honest. You are a blooming hard worker and it’s good to know what I will be facing when I retire next year (possibly sooner) , thanks Vivi xxx
Oooh, good luck with your next chapter.....how exciting! :-)
Vivi I have watched you for years!! I moved back to the UK in 2019 after being widowed.. had to start life over again by myself (no life insurance etc)... it can be done, but you are so impressive and I totally get what you say about emergencies! I had to get a small mortgage and at 57, not the greatest thing to take on, but we will get there. I do pretty much what you do regarding setting aside an amount each month for a yearly bill (or bills).. what is left is what I have at the moment :)
Oh gosh, that must have been such a hard time for you.......good on you for getting on with it and not falling to pieces. Wishing you peace and good days ahead. :-)
New subscriber here. I love your gardening videos and you really are stretching an amazingly small budget a long way. We’re frugal but you’re blackbelt, good luck to you and I’m working my way through your videos. We moved to France to afford a simpler life but what you’re doing there is awesome,
Thank you so much....and a very warm, happy welcome to you here. 😊
Hi Vivi loved your video realy look forward to watching you .I dream of going to live on a barge I wanted to do it all my life but my partner has not hot same view haha so prob won't get that dream .but you are so inspiringly brave .good for you .the hard work you put into things you deserve good things to happen to you x
Once vacations are the thing to do again, maybe you can rent a narrow boat. Tell your partner it's a caravan (RV) on the water.
Maybe it'll do the trick. :)
Jon in BC, Canada
Oh that would be lovely! Before I bought this flat I almost bought a Dutch barge - it was a toss up between the two - but in the end I went with the flat as I couldn't find a mooring for sale in London. :-)
Hya Vivi x I was trying to think how long I'd been following your inspirational videos and journey ? I saw/watched you on Sean's channel first and was so pleased when you took up your own channel and love the subjects you cover in your garden and shop, sewing, cooking and toiletries etc. I can understand more after this frank video, how upsetting times must have been for you over the years of your frugal adventures. Your roof repairs Bill must have been a nightmare! (I always dread roof problems) Here's hoping you'll get bumper You Tube revenues this year to give you more security and a few days off! Take care x
Thank you so much Sandra. Ach, the roof was expensive but we all pay into a fund each year (all the occupants of the building) so we had a stash of cash there and my share of the rest of it was managed with my last couple of pay cheques......I'd rather have kept them for my own emergency fund, but never mind...at least the roof should be good for another 25+ years. :-)
Thanks for taking the time to share this Vivi. I think you could talk about putting the rubbish out and I would still love listening to you. X
Hahahahaha - cheers lovely.......that's too funny! :-)
Vivi, you don’t owe anyone a reason what you spend your money on is your life an know one else’s. I give you credit sharing your life and finances with everyone. As long as your happy. This may give others ideas to save money. Great job. Think spring gardening time
I really hope that by sharing it inspires or helps other folk! :-)
Great video and explanation about your finances Vivi. Thanks for sharing such a personal subject. Take care. Nick
Cheers lovely....hopefully it is useful to folk out there who may be thinking of taking a similar path.....I want people to know that it's great...but not easy! :-)
Viv, I’m hooked after this video and the one on how it all began. Do you think you could do a video on how you keep your shopping to £10 weekly and what you buy? I’m sure there would be so many people interested in that xx
Thank you so much Julia! There are a couple more videos coming soon on this subject (extreme saving for example). The simple answer re keeping my shopping money below £10 per week is that I grow the vast majority of my food - yay for having an allotment! Hahaha - my purchases would be rather too boring to show......rice, lentils, laundry powder, loo rolls...... ;-)
@@WhatVivididnext Thanks Vivi. I assure you that geeky frugals like your audience would love to see what you buy and we wouldn’t be bored 😃xx
Yes, we want to see the things you buy.
Yes, we want to see what you buy! I am so curious and i think those videos get views if you name them well :)
Hi Vivi Just found your channel. I am currently in bed with a chest infection but i so wanted to jump out of bed and get sewing. I also have an illness that means I can't work outside the home and have an online store so could so relate to you. Will keep watching as I have so much to catch up. Many thanks for the inspiration.
Yay, thank you for finding me Lindsay and a very warm welcome to you. Ach, sorry to hear about the chest infection......I hope that clears up soon and you can get back to your sewing again.....but don't rush it...make sure you're properly better first! :-)
I've enjoyed your videos on YT from the start. You manage to succeed with so little finances, but you are so rich in so many things! Working in your garden and watching the wonder of nature is absolutely gorgeous!
Exactly! Cash poor but life rich! :-)
It sounds difficult, very difficult, but you are successful!
You work hard doing these videos, and deserve whatever compensation it provides.👍
Thank you lovely. I do enjoy making the videos. :-)
Hi Vivi, thank you for being so open with us. I made a list of my outgoings/incomings recently and it's scary. Rent and council tax are my biggest bugbears. Those two alone are racking up over £800 a month and I bet you a teabag that the council tax will go up again. You can imagine how my jaw dropped at your C.T.!! 😉
Much love to you xx
Ach, I totally forgot to mention that my council tax is means tested......it used to be £69 a month.....about two years in to being wage free a friend suggested I could get a reduction because my income was actually less than that of someone on benefits.....so I filled in all those forms.....and now it's a much more manageable amount. :-)
Loved hearing about it! Guess I am noisy, never asked to hear about your finances, but couldn't resist watching this.
Besides my Coco de Paimpol and my Trail of tears have just arrived, I had them proudly sitting next to me, going to have to watch back for sowing dates, yay.
P.s don't let the trolls get you down.
Yay for seeds.....hahaha, it is a bit of a challenge to not race out there now and get everything sown or planted......we're raring to go eh?! ;-)
I retired in March and partly due to covid have spend a lot of time watching videos I like and you don’t get as many subscribers as most of the ones I watch. I am wondering if there is something you can do to get more subscribers. As the thing that I really have liked about watching your garden video is the cohesiveness of your monthly showing. I love the gardening video and with ones I watch I don’t learn as much as I have from you as you show wonderful detail about types of plants, what effects them, the light, the weather, when you plant them, when and how you harvest them. Robbie and Gary, Roots and refuge, You can’t eat the grass, sow the land, mossy bottom.
Thank you Pat.....sadly I don't have any answers....the whole UA-cam thing remains a mystery to me.....I have let my channel grow organically (perfect!)......I've never asked or pushed for subscribers......they just seem to turn up for the content. I'm trying to make better thumbnails this year though, so they get seen in the side bars....
One thing we can do is let the ads run in their entirety so she gets micro credit for it. But every little bit helps. A lot of videos I do not watch the ads. But I do hers