The FASTEST way to pay off debt
Вставка
- Опубліковано 14 чер 2024
- I give you a step by step guide through the methods I used on my debt free journey.
Food Budget Link:
• Help! I Can't Stick to...
Index - You can hop straight to each topic:
00:00 Start
00:50 Introduction
02:24 Our Circumstances
04:31 Bare Bones Budget
06:19 Most Important Debts
07:09 Know All Your Debts
08:10 Emergency Fund First
09:31 Non-essential Spending
13:35 Secondhand Goods Hack
15:58 Increasing Income
18:40 Reducing Your Energy Consumption
21:23 Supermarket Spending
23:30 Paying Off Debt
24:24 Snowball or Avalanche?
27:31 Non-Negotiable Savings
32:05 Budget Summary
33:31 What Changes When You're Debt Free?
34:21 Savings
35:37 Discretionary Spending
37:50 Like & Subscribe!
Frugal Queen in France
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We are a British couple living in Brittany on a budget.
Frugal recipes, days out, home renovations and day to day making do in France.
We’ll give you hints, tips, advice and an insight into our life in France.
Website www.frugalqueeninfrance.com/
FaceBook / frugalqueeni. .
Instagram / frugalqueen. .
Twitter / batt_jane
Equipment used
Camera : iPhone
Editing : iMovie on a Mac mini
Music:
Audionautix is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. creativecommons.org/licenses/...
Artist: audionautix.com/
Some Sound from Zapsplat.com
UA-cam Audio Library
Apple iMovie*
In 1970 our new semi-detached house cost £4,400. We had a 95% mortgage over 25 years. It was still a struggle to pay it on my husband’s salary. I had to leave work in 1967 because I was pregnant. No maternity pay in those days. The borrowing rate increased to 16% at one time, but slowly reduced. As the rate reduced we carried on paying at the higher rate. We reduced the 25 years to 18 years by doing this. We were mortgage and debt free at the age of 47.
We were both ‘made redundant’ in 1995, with generous offers we couldn’t refuse. I was 51 my husband was 53. We haven’t done a day’s work since. My husband is 81 now and I am 79. We have had a long and happy retirement, travelling and doing exactly what we want. How lucky are we? Frugality in the early years certainly played a big part.
As ‘war babies’ we really knew how to scrimp and save and appreciate what we had. No food was ever wasted.
Love your channel Jane, it brings back memories.
You hit the nail on the head! Everyone these days have 90 excuses and only ONE reason why they can’t live frugally! Like you, we have twice paid our mortgages off early! We reduced our mortgage on the first house from 19 years to 5 years! We both worked extremely hard , an worked 2 jobs to achieve our aim! I worked as a cleaner in a pub, cleaning toilets after working in an office job overseeing 26 engineers! I was talked about, but I wanted my daughter to have private education too! Nobody gave it to us on a gold plate! And the full equity on our first house allowed us to move outside London and buy a bigger house, cheaper than central London! And we are mortgage free again and retired at 56 and 57! It’s possible, it’s not easy, and needs a mindset! I am pleased I was able to do what I did, my daughter is in a very well paid job, and she also teaches English online to Korean and Japanese students! I despise moaners and laziness! The combination of the two is toxic!
I am totally debt free n live on a disability income of $1100 a month. I get my kids hand me down phones, which I'm totally fine with. My car is 18yrs old garage kept with 98,000 miles I fill it up once a month. I started "No Spending" in July of last yr n have been doing it ever since, I have saved a little over $4000, it works I'm proof. Another great video
Well done on the savings
My friend is from a large family and they agreed ,last Christmas ,to draw names and so everyone got a gift but not everyone had to buy for all the family members. They also set a maximum amount they could spend. ...In our family we made Christmas about the kids and the adults would get a token homemade gift...with the men giving oil changes or aunties giving so many hour free child care...things that were costing time not money...I have a back injury and receiving a weekly floor mopping was an amazing treasure to me.
After my daughter was born, I stayed home with her and just worked part - time. Fortunately, my husband had a steady, full - time job with health insurance. However, money was still very tight. A few years went by, and I got very, very sick with lyme disease and other tick - borne illnesses. I could not work for 6 months. I gradually got better, with lots of antibiotics, acupuncture, and Chinese herbal medicine. I went back to part - time jobs for a few more years, and then finally back to full - time work. When I got a full - time job, we agreed to put my entire salary towards the mortgage, and we paid it off in a few years. We were both so, so relieved. Being debt - free has really reduced our stress significantly.
We finally paid off our house 2 months ago and will pay off my husbands car this month. We are then debt free!!!
CONGRATULATIONS 🎉🎈🎊🍾
A lot of people think it's not worth selling their used goods but it adds up. I started reselling my old clothes and home items for $10-$20 each. The first few months, I only earned $300/mo. Then it grew and now I bring in $600-$1200/mo. I was able to pay off all my debt so the extra money goes into savings now. Even if you only get a few dollars per item sold, it adds up to a tidy sum!
It all adds up
2000 $1 items makes you $2000. Most likely you would sell fr more than $1 anyway.
May I ask how you sold your clothes? Was it online or at a garage sale or Facebook Marketplace?
You reminded me of my beloved Finnish grandfather. He was a coal miner and a laborer who was the smartest man I’ve ever known. He said “all work is honorable don’t let anyone shame you for working hard”.
So true❤️
Currently debt free. I used the avalanche method to pay off my debt. In the United States, credit card debt is crippling many families. Once I was debt free, I was able to build up my emergency fund and start my sinking funds. The freedom and peace that comes with being debt free is well worth the time and struggle. Thank you for sharing your journey.
Thanks very much for sharing
We also did the snowball way of paying off our debt. Every time we paid off an account or loan it was a time for a quiet celebration at home. That kept us from getting discouraged. Great breakdown of getting debt paid off.
Twenty years ago I got serious about planning for retirement and decided to be debt free when I stopped working. First thing I did was write down my bare bones budget as you suggest. I was shocked to discover that I was somehow frittering away $800 every month! I then went on a "money diet" and started putting a minimum of $500 (no excuses) onto debt repayment or savings every month. some months I was able to set aside the full $800, but it was nice to have a few dollars available for a treat now and then. Now retired with no debt, no mortgage, no car payment and money in the bank.
That’s just wonderful
This is great! I'm out of debt now, but 5 years ago, I had 20k in debt and wanted to buy a house. Now, only a small mortgage is $60k.
Me and my wife had 40000 euros in debt, we paid it in 3 years. Now we are happy and deptfree😄😄😄😄😄
That’s awesome
My daughter has been able to get everything that she needed for her home by checking on Facebook marketplace, mostly for free. They bought a home in 2018 and it needed a complete remodel, it was stuck in the 1960s. But she is too frugal to go out and buy supplies. They got free plant starts and replaced the overgrown landscaping. She got a new built in oven, and a drop in range both for under $100. Someone in an expensive neighborhood nearby was remodeling. They even got cabinets for the kitchen, and a new vanity with a custom vessel sink for free. Now she looks for her brothers wish list, since his area doesn't have finds like this.
That's great
This was such a throwback video! I have been following you for well over a decade now; from the times of your ‘frugal queen’ blogs! We had just moved to the UK and everything was new to us! Your blog was UK centric, which worked out perfectly for a new comer like me! I remember calling British Gas and the energy company (their name missed me just now) and asked them what I can do to reduce my bills.. because of my accent they asked me to ‘speak to my dad’ who they presumed was already living in the UK but I only had your blog! You taught me how to live frugally in the UK then!
You wrote about the extra work you were taking up, about the house you had purchased in Normandy and how you were visiting and doing them up.. everything you mentioned in today’s video was absolutely what you wrote about each week!
Your writing style is /was quite compelling and sometimes you let that school teacher in you come out, which you do through your UA-cam videos as well.
Just wanted to say that I have been a fan for a while and today’s episode relived many of your early blog posts. You did every one of those and wrote about the progress!
Spoke to my daughter about making plans to pay off her mortgage just yesterday and have forwarded her this video. Keep up the great work.. I don’t post often but always watch. Best wishes.
Thanks for watching
Great video!! Love all that you do! Currently, I am paying off debt. I am bound and determined and am using cash envelopes, a budget and am being very mindful which I believe will help us become debt-free! Thanks Jane and Mike!
You can do it!
I never get tired of hearing your story and your determination to get debt free. I cant remember if you have children and wonder what you did for child care while you worked those extra jobs? I think one thing that is impacting families and budgets is adult children needing financial help or moving home in this cost of living we are all in. It is definitely our reality. Maybe Jane you could give some insight into this topic.
I been spending less during the holidays, small gifts since they are far away a lovely card & a bookmark. People nearby I bake them something. Lately, since I'm in my 70's been giving my very nice jewelry as a gifts to my closest friends for their birthdays.
All excellent advice, I did all this and managed to save a quarter of my total yearly income in the last year as savings by doing all these things for the last 2 years. It works, we already live on a minimum fixed income, so it's possible if, as you say, you put your shoulder to the wheel and push forward. Also, I can't think of anything better than a gift that someone has taken the time, trouble and care to create or craft for myself. I have 2 huge slow cookers, so cook in batches, makes 10 meal portions per slow cooker, and rapidly fills the freezer with nutritious meals ready to just pop in the microwave to reheat. Saves a fortune in energy costs too. We live in a UK terraced house with a mid sized garden and basically turned it into an allotment to grow our own veg, herbs and summer/autumn fruits, so much cheaper and tastier than supermarket items. Added bonus to all this, i became healthier, cut out the unnecessary 'treat' foods and have lost 4 stones in 15 months, switching to cheaper non branded foods, switching to using lentils, beans, barley to bulk out recipes. Cheap and nutritional. Great info as always on your wonderful channel 👍
Thanks for watching and commenting
I love your ingenuity, determination, and positive attitude and look forward to your videos each week. When we had small children while we were saving up enough for me to work part-time, we worked opposite shifts in our jobs to avoid any child care costs. One of us worked days and the other worked nights. Even 30 years ago when our children were young, child care costs were expensive compared to wages, so this was a big savings for us and enabled us to pay off our only debt (a mortgage) more quickly and to start saving for our children's education expenses.
Thanks for sharing
I'm debt free but still watched because I always learn from you, Jane and Mike. Another great video.
Awesome! Thank you!
While we worked on being debt free we did $4 date night at a local casino. They have free coffee and soda, as well as popcorn 🍿. And on Friday and Saturday nights they have a live band. We take the $4 to play penny slot machines if the band is not something that we can dance to, or don't care for. More often than not, we come home with most of the $4.😊
Sounds fun
Your temps must be on the cool side, because I QUICKLY noticed that you had a hoodie, scarf around your neck and a T-shirt on. Me---I am sitting here with a minimal amount of clothes on because it is 100+ degrees in Texas. I wake up early just to do the yard work around the property because of the heat. I am grateful for all my trees. Thanks for the ideas you share on paying off debt.
Like winter here at the moment
Been retired 13 years and am debt free. We live in what is referred to as a "starter house". It is wonderful! I can keep it clean and have a nice yard. Someone is always going to have something bigger and and better. I am satisfied!!! You always provide great financial information. As a couple you have been there and worked your way to be debt free. You both should be very proud of yourselves. Thank you for all you do.
That is awesome!
Hello Jane! I watch you for your no-nonsense, clear-eyed and direct approach to managing money. It's so refreshing! I'm never disappointed. Many thanks.
Thank you so much!
Great video as always. I am both debt and mortgage free and I wouldn’t trade that feeling for the world. Not being shackled to debt payments was a game changer for making life choices. I am much more content/calm, and I feel more prepared to meet any financial challenges due to a healthy savings balance.
It's a good feeling
On point, as usual! I appreciate your sensitivity to those who are in quite difficult circumstances... many of your suggestions can spark that desire and give hope. Thank you Jane and Mike!
You are so welcome!
This was such sensible advice. I can tell you that my home is largely furnished with second hand stuff. The things I buy new are underwear, shoes, some clothes & towels. Everything
else can be pre-loved. If there is one food buy that really annoys me it is " snacks " . Where did that idea come from ? You can eat 3 meals a day & then have just a biscuit
or piece of fruit. Snack foods cost a lot. Jane - do your children also live frugally I wonder ? And why did you move to France ? I'm thinking Devon or Cornwall would be as nice
as Brittany...
I love the idea of cutting back 10% on whatever you can. We have done this, and it really is quite painless. We've even managed to cut more in some categories.
It's not that painful really
Thank you for first stating that not everyone can get out of debt. It makes me crazy when I hear people say, ‘They need to pull themselves up by their boot straps’ or ‘Why don’t they just get a job!’ Those of us who are healthy, educated, live in stable homes in safe neighborhoods, with a network of family and friends are the fortunate ones.
Thank you for your feedback
I relived the Last 20+ years listening to you Speak Jane, ~ And was Reminded of Some of the Choices, ~ I had made that lead me to create some debt, ~ but ALSO thru Some WISE FINANCIAL PLANNING, AND ADVICE, ~ Commitment And discipline, ~ to Cover "ALL the bases NOW" ~ you Can genome debt Free.
Thank~you Jane, 💐
Thanks for sharing
Another excellent video Jane & Mike!! I love the amount of detail you go into for all of us and at no time does it feel like you're 'telling' us what to do - you're giving us solid information that will definitely help those of us who really want to be debt free. I only have 1 debt and as a disabled senior on a fixed budget, I want it GONE as soon as possible. I will be using your suggestions of bare-bones budget, no-spend months, selling off everything I don't use/want/need, plus a few more you've mentioned. I am ever so grateful for your 'no nonsense' approach and am looking forward to many more videos from you & Mike.
Thanks very much for your feedback
Paid off a credit card balance and sold my car back to the dealer when covid meant i could work from home (i still do) so 12k of debt gone. We were already saving for our house deposit, it took 4 years in total but the last 2 years was laser focussed..we moved into our home last weekend and it feels amazing.
We are now aiming to pay down the mortgage at least 7 years earlier but have to watch the redemption penalty as banks make it difficult now to repay too much.
That's absolutely amazing
I live and die by my budget spreadsheet. It's kept us safe and helped us to be ready for annual bills that might sink us if we didn't set aside the money for them.
I will be leaving my 2 children a healthy inheritance, enough to buy a house without a mortgage, But I've warned them not to fritter away the money before buying a mortgage free house. What is deemed as a healthy inheritance can soon be wasted on smaller wants so I have instilled in them that to be mortgage and debt free equals freedom and a stress free life. I will be subscribing them to your channel so that they can see what a fabulous life they can have if they follow your example, as I have done.
Also subscribe yourself and them to this channel which has great advice about inheritance, investing and all things money youtube.com/@MeaningfulMoney
I've been using rain checks recently. I've noticed flyer sales are sold out lately so I've been utilizing rain checks. Something I've never done before. Secondly I cycle buy. If meat is on sale I use my full budget and freeze.
Great video. I’m not debt free but I started my frugal and budgeting journey in 2020. Hopefully I will be debt free by 2025 😊
You got this!
What I've been doing due to heat and also to budget stay home a few days a week. When I go out to multiple errands
group together.
🎉Wonderful subject! Thank you from Québec ! Personal experience: I try to do both at the same time even if some interest still charged on due amounts.. rising emergency funds is important because some emergencies (kids, lawyers..etc) do not take credit cards. Each past experience will tell how much.
We have a mortgage to pay off. We generally live a fairly frugal existence and have done since we moved in together at the start of 2020. Our frugality doesn’t feel unpleasant. This video is very sound advice. We have been sensible with our spending over the last couple of years and although our mortgage is about to increase by a couple of hundred pounds each month, we are fortunate to not be too worried. We are acutely aware of what we can afford and Jane’s point about being honest and transparent with your partner about finances is absolutely bang on. When it comes to debt, it’s not you against your partner, it should be both of you against the debt, as a team. Wishing everyone here the very best and Jane, another excellent video (love the part about tracking it on the fridge!)
Thanks very much for sharing
Your story reminds me of ours, we were in a ton of debt back in 2008-2009, we had a mortgage, car debt, and credit card debt and we had two small girls that we were trying to raise, so we obviously had enough of our own stupidity and decided we needed to change something and this is where I think people always have a problem, they don't want anything to change but they must! My husband and I got on the same page and got serious about paying off all our debt and not incurring anymore, fast forward to today we are debt-free, mortgage and all, cash flowed both of our girls through college and we are on track to retire early. As you said, it's definitely better on the other side, people just have to realize that they need to do the hard things to win, it's not easy but it's so worth it! Thanks for the great video and sound advice, really enjoy your content!
Thanks for watching
As my girls grew up, I'd take their smaller clothes, shoes, skates, etc. to a consignment store. I would receive 30% of the sale of what I brought in. Some didn't sell, but over 10 years, it added up to over $1,300! These weren't designer clothes. It's hard to imagine how much it truly costs to raise children, but having avenues to support those who appreciate clean used products and a rebate to move forward is not only good for the pocketbook, but the environment as well. On an aside, I bought the most useful vintage small freezer on Facebook Marketplace and it works like a charm. It was 90% cheaper than buying a new one and was exactly what I needed. Great video!
Thanks for sharing
I've been saving since February and transferred $5,000 into a separate account yesterday. I now have an emergency fund. I'm 61yrs been on a pension since 34yrs. Sad to say but true. I urge everyone to save as much as possible what ever the age. If on a pension don't panic be wise 😉 Blessings from Adelaide Australia.
Well Dione, that’s a good emergency fund.
I remember when you first started your journey…all those years ago! You were/are so determined..I remember that you had good days..and bad days…but you took your pleasures where you could. Your husband would bring back newspapers and magazines left on the train…free reading, you made beautiful afternoon tea with cakes for your friends when entertaining..you worked at your computer with a blanket round you in the winter…you laid out..visually..your Christmas dinner..and asked “how much more than this does one need to eat” it was ample and looked delicious..you’ll probably laugh at me but I remember a video you made of real-time cleaning your stove top…one minute!! It was a job I hated and kept putting off…but after that I thought “ one minute?” I can crack it…technowally ,remember?
Technowally!!! Hello again.
I had never checked the poverty figures. It turns out I am under the poverty level. I definitely don't feel it. I am on disability benefits and certainly have more money than a lot of people on benefits. Yes, ok, I can't work and probably have additional expenses. BUT I have been paying almost £500 a month towards debt. I admit it's not the most comfortable position to be in, but the end is in sight. I will have the credit card paid off (all things being equal) in just about a year. Then I will actually feel rich. I have a low amount of money going towards savings just now. I sold my car for now (old) but that has funded an emergency fund. I keep thinking "it's not forever"
Thanks for watching and commenting
Absolutely brilliant video Jane and Mike, you are totally right if they is more than one person tackling dept it has to be a joint plan and be on the right page along the total journey, Anna.
Great video Jane & Mike! You are absolutely right that there is no better feeling than being debt free. Thank you for sharing your journey to show others that with some hard work & determination that you can do this.
You are so welcome!
I will be debt free in October of 2024 , retired either summer of 25 or 26. Can NOT wait. Will not be rich , but I want time and less stress over more money- should still be able to save almost half my pension monthly while traveling ...you two are inspirational
Thanks. We don't have much money but we have each other, time and peace.
Thanks for these wise words. I heard a few very useful ideas! I have been debt free for some time now! Even so, I get fantastic ideas from you!
You are so welcome!
So glad I chose to subscribe to this channel.
I did not want to subscribe to many.
Chose 5 out of the thousands and I must add how Wise of a choice it was.
Currently Debt free aside from the bond payments, which is only 1 year old now.
Jane and Mike Thank you, words fail, just know that somewhere In South Africa is a grateful individual.
Take Care
Until next time ❤
Thanks so much for your feedback
Great advice Jane!
You are truly inspirational, your hard work and determination has led to a well deserved peaceful life!
I am sure some people look at your lovely home and life and do not realise how much effort it took for you to achieve it!
Thanks for sharing your story with us!
Thank you so much!
Another great video, Thank you.
My fiancé and I have a reasonably small amount of debt and watching your video has really helped us refocus on how we can clear this in a sensible way and break it down slowly but still feel like we are achieving.
I am very much looking forward to being debt free and recalibrating our budgets 🎉
Thanks very much for watching
Yes, we did have debt and used the BFI (Barefoot Investor by Scott Pape) method, a little similar to D Ramsay in some ways. It was tailored to Australians and it was extremely effective. 😁 Thank you for your clip again, always fantastic, inspiring content!
Thanks for sharing!
In Slovenia, average paycheck is €1,100 a month. Yes, our pay is much lower than most of EU nations. Credit is actually very hard to receive via banks in Slovenia.
Thank you for the video it will help me a lot and the meal plan ❤❤
Love your positive thoughts and practical approach... you always inspire me! Thank you ! X
Thanks very much
Thank you Jane, such good solid advice, on everything..xx
You are so welcome
Thank you, Thank you . well done.
Our pleasure!
Absolutely great video!
Glad you enjoyed it!
Im debt free, 2.5 yrs ago I was 25k in debt. I paid it all of in less than 2 years and it feels great. Im retired single and low income. Part of the money I owed was from a travel trailer that i lived in. I sold it and made 2k. So that debt was gone and the 2k went towards a 10k credit card debt.
Congratulations
Great suggestions on budgeting. Merry Christmas and a Happy and healthy peaceful New Year!
Thanks for watching
Great vlog as always!!! So much food for thought - I could really tell how much effort you put into this 🙂
Glad you enjoyed it!
This video has great detailed information, thank you, very helpful!
Glad it was helpful!
Good advice. Thank you.
Glad it was helpful!
I love that lamp behind you.
£5 second hand, bought it about ten years ago
Thank you for an inspiring video. Came at just the right moment.
You are so welcome!
Always good information.
Glad you think so!
Great presentation again!
Thanks again!
Thank you for sharing your wise experience
Glad it was helpful!
Jane thank you for this video. I would say it is one of the best ones yet. So many ideas to be channeled towards boosting my savings goal. You and Mike are a true blessing to so many of us.
You're so welcome!
It amazes me how you get all these ideas for a video
Trying to figure out ways to sell my items. I think you mention Facebook marketplace I’m from the USA
Great video
Thanks for the visit
Great informative video 😊
Thanks for watching
We just recently found an internet provider that was $31 cheaper but a large company instead of our local telephone company. 😭 I'm afraid that $31 will go a long way to extend our budget. That's close to $400/year savings! We already go through this large company for cell phones so it was an easy decision otherwise. Thanks for all your amazing content! ❤
I always tell people who say “ it’s only $31” but that’s $400 a year and that will pay 2 months of groceries or 4 months of fuel for the car, or savings toward another goal, or to go toward debt. Every little bit makes a difference.
That's a great savings
@@katworkstowander9853 or even a small vacation?! 🎉
👍👍👍
Continued working and took social security to pay off debt. Couldn't retire until 68.
Sorry to hear that
Great inspiring video! Thanks
Glad you enjoyed it!
🙏❤️
Most Americans have not even $400 in emergency fund or savings. It's frightening
It's crazy. The richest country in the world with so many poor people
But they have a big screen TV, cable/streaming subscriptions, new clothes and jewelry, get their hair cut/colored or get manicures/pedicures at a salon, upgrade their phones, eat out or get food delivered, take vacations and spend money on non-essential things. They secret to saving is to stop wanting so much and be willing to sacrifice everything except basic needs.
@@lindadorman2869 it's a fake facade hiding their penniless truth
Lots of people in the UK are the same. People need to wake up and take responsibility for themselves and their children.
Love this comment .. it definitely deserves it's own blog
Hi, just wanted to ask ,and appologies if you've been asked and answered this before,but was tge £45.000debt on top of your mortgage.
Thanks,another great video.😊
Yes, that's not our mortgage. Thanks for watching
Debt free and live below my means. We meal plan, bulk buy meat/chicken etc and don't ever listen to marketing propaganda. I wear what I already have and I am definitely not a slave to new fads. We are grateful for what we already have. We save for what we want and minimise our wants.
Please define "sinking fund."
Also called a saving pot, a specific individual saving fund that repeatedly fills and empties for example the annual car service. The total amount is divided by 12 and 1/12th saved each month.
@@FrugalQueeninFrance thank you!