Whether you want to get out of debt, or just become more frugal to save for the future, I hope today's video motivates you to reign in spending habits. For more, visit my corresponding blogpost at dailyconnoisseur.blogspot.com/2018/10/10-extreme-tips-for-getting-out-of-debt.html Also, thank you to Kim from Free to Family for doing this collab. Be sure to check out her video (link in the description box). What extreme frugal habits do you have? I would love to hear from you! Love, Jennifer
Having no debt is the only reason I can work 15 to 20 hours a week and stay home with my family the rest of the time. I am so thankful my parents set an example of living within my means.
Great ideas!!! Another one: dont feel you have to sign your kids up for expensive activities. I have five sons (all grown now) and we let them do just ONE activity per term. Children do not have to be in five different activities in order to thrive and grow up. They need more down time for creativity.
I was a single Mom of 2 boys on a very low income. I told them that they could each pick two activities to be involved in. One from school and one other. My older son joined band at school, and my younger son made the soccer team. Both activities had known costs that I could budget for. Luckily for the other activity they both chose to become involved in Boy Scouts. I became a cub leader, and because I was volunteering my time, the Scout group reduced my financial obligation. Added to that was the bonus that we all got to participate and have extra family time together!
Oh my I just realized that I truly am debt free. I paid my mortgage off two months ago and it wasn't until I watched your video that I realized I am debt free...woohoo!! I don't know that I have any extreme tips, but here are some things I do, first of all set a budget. Second review your budget regularly, it will tell you more about yourself than just how you spend your money. Third, take baby incremental steps. For example when I have a stressful project at work, I tend to stop at a fast food place for supper. So my first change was I don't buy the meal, I just buy the sandwich. I can get a drink at home. And if I truly want fries, I can throw some frozen ones in the oven and they will be done in 10-15 minutes. Another example turn down your thermostat gradually and wear a few more layers. Fourth make this type of lifestyle habitual. Fifth doing this is actually fun and rewarding if you focus on what you are gaining, rather than giving up.
I just want to offer encouragement to anyone that is trying to be debt free. There is so much freedom in having no debt! You will finally have freedom to do the things that are really important to you because you can save money over time to do them AND not have to worry about how you will pay for them later. You will have far less worries and a sense of security that can scarcely be described. It may seem difficult at first but Jennifer is so right, you will never miss a lot of the things you once thought you had to have(like cable tv!).
If people knew how wonderfully freeing it is to be debt free, they would drop everything and follow your advice immediately! Thanks for sharing your journey, Jennifer, and getting the word out there that debt-free living is a possibility!
When we lived in Guam, the soil was lush and my grandma grew everything from tomatoes, taro root, coconuts, banana, lemons, peanuts, squash, & so many more. She was the most frugal person I know lol but it's paid off because all her houses she ever lived in including the current one is mortgage-free. And I'm so on "reselling", I started Poshmark 4 months ago and so far made $550+ ☺️
What a useful video. My husband and I are trying to find ways to cut back due to some recent financial changes. And I am still working towards the ten item wardrobe. I have just completed another closet clean out. And it really was a total clean out. Slowly but surely I am getting there! Thank you.
I LOVE this video and that you encourage people to adopt a debt free lifestyle! Our family is debt free and it is so liberating! We have employed all of the principles that you mention, except for renting a room in our home and having one car. I currently drive a 16 year old car and instead of replacing it when it no longer serves us, we plan to share my husband's car. As you know, one of my favorites is the Ten Item Wardrobe! I am loving it and I hope that more women will learn about your concept and be willing to give it a try!
My family are terrible with our grocery spend. We literally buy whatever takes our fancy. As a family of only 3 we spend double what we should. We have a very high household income (when my hubby and I first were together 22 years ago we were broke students) but I’m at a point where I would like to live more frugally and be less wasteful. Even though we are income rich we are still very modest compared to other people we know (no luxury cars, designer clothes/bags, etc) We aren’t technically “debt free” as we invested in property early on so when we retire we have a good income stream (on top of superannuation savings, shares etc). But we are at a point that if anything bad happened we would have 2-3 houses paid off plus a good private pension and life insurance, shares etc We got by with one car for 20 years (we just purchased a second car this year). I would also recommend to people that they only use credit cards if you can pay it all off in the month. Also don’t compare yourself to other people (what they own, what they get up to etc). Focus on what’s important to you financially and work from that. I think next year as a resolution I would like to make a more concerted effort to be frugal and start meal planning and trying to trim excess spending.
Great tips, I haven't had a TV most of my life and I tell people if you think you don't have time for anything, get rid of your TV. Magically many hours will open up😄
@@pepper1188 well I definitely spend too much time on my phone. Just like my parents used to watch tv I watch yt on my phone. The good thing is I recognized the problem, now I have to do something with it;)
Once again, you are an eloquent presenter. What a great topic. Thank you.. I think many of us are shifting to activities and actions which our grandparents did so as to simplify life and reduce debt. Being inventive with leftovers, etc. I learnt to darn this winter and repaired several of my husbands heavy work clothes, rather than throwing out and buying new. Good for the purse and the environment. I found it relaxing to do and I never thought I’d say that ! We budget in our household and always include small treats so as to avoid boredom - just like dieting or anything else that requires a new mindset. All the best from Australia xx
Excellent tips! I agree with all of your tips less is more cut out TV and shopping alone is HUGE. My addiction and Achilles was the designer coffees but cutting it out saved hundreds a month! It took us 3 yrs but it was so worth it. We followed the Baby Steps with Dave Ramsey!
I completely agree with the going out to eat point, that the kids don't even eat or enjoy their food sometimes! And as a single mom, it's more stressful to try to get them to behave in a restaurant. I started cutting back taking them out to eat when I realized it just was not that enjoyable. When I was a child we rarely went out to eat so when we did we recognized it for the treat that it was.
I took your debt free course at the beginning of the year when you launched it, but I still found this video very informational. We are lucky to be able to rent out two bedrooms in our house to 2 of our relatives to help pay off our debt. We sold my car that had $10,000 loan on it and bought an old Honda Oddsey with one broken back passenger door that doesn't open for $3000 cash, lol, but it gets us safely from point A to point B.
We are swimming in tax debt at the moment, and i can't tell you how stressful that is! Definitely need to set some goals, create a budget, and stick to it! Thank you for your encouraging words, Jennifer.
Loved doing this collab with you! Yes to over a decade of small and drastic changes 🙌🏽YES to debt freedom!!!❤️ Loved all of your tips! I’m so honored to be part of Kim week😉
Yay! Being debt free is a wonderful thing... unfortunately I have gone into debt and am struggling to get back on the baby steps but my new husband and I are getting on the same page so we will do this!!!
I am just blown away of how amazing you are Jennifer. I truly admire the way you chose to live. You are such a great role model for me. For the most part we live minimally but I know I can do better on a few things. Thank you for sharing these tips with us.
My #1 tip - buy just about everything used! #2 - avoid a car payment like the plague and find a honest mechanic for your used car #3- sell items you no longer use on Facebook marketplace, craigslist or Ebay We are also 100% debt free
Growing up in a military family, we would go out to dinner once a year. My mother told me when I was older, my parents wanted us (4) to be comfortable as adults going out to eat with friends and their families. Thank you.
Loved this video and your debt-free series too. For me, patience is key to saving money. I have learned how to wait and budget for things. Everything on HBO will still be available in the future and there will always be another sale at Nordstrom or Bloomingdales. Just wait. I am finally at the point where saving money gives me as much of a thrill as spending money. Thanks for the great tips! 💕
This makes me so sad because I have a friend that is always telling me they have no money but yet won't do some of these things so that they aren't spending their money that they could use to get out of debt. I understand the idea of treating yourself once in a while, like going out for a coffee with friends once a month, or getting your nails done in a salon once or twice a year, but when someone doesn't have the money to get a coffee for $6 everyday then I just can't handle someone asking me for money to put in their gas tank.
Your food budget is low for west coast! Wow! Good for you. Mine is double yours. I dont see it going down. We are debt free, always have been, besides a mortgage for about 8 years. So i feel no pressure to cut the amount i spend on food at all. We also have 2 west coast family home rentals. Fatistic income generating investments.
Hello! Kim from Free to Family sent me over :) Great video and I am so excited to read your books! I love how you show women how to live debt free and still look lovely, chic and classy. I agree the cost of living is outrageous in So Cal. When we moved out of Los Angeles we were able to buy a home double the size and in a much nicer area. I will be sending my daughters to your UA-cam channel! Thank you for doing this collaboration with my favorite UA-camr, Free to Family
I dont even have a driving licence. I want to ger it one day, BUT at the moment it saves me a lot of time, since my husband is doing ALL of the errants himself. Sometimes we go all together as a family and that makes it a fun trip. Its not a chore ever on my to do list. And I know if I had a licence Id have to do it all by myself.
Hi Jennifer, I love that you feed your family for $600 a month. I also have 4 kids and that's a great budget. But I'm curious, you said that's just food. What's your budget for diapers, household goods, toilet paper, ect? Love this video 👍
I'm curious. We are very frugal and we are 5 with 3 kids, but I have never been able to reach that kind of budget. Is it just different (everything more expensive) in New England where we live?
I would LOVE to hear your ideas on a 10 item wardrobe or minimalist wardrobe for kids! I really struggle with this, especially in Iowa since we have such drastic seasons.
Yes, please!! Every time you talk about the 10 item wardrobe I wonder if you follow the same principal with your children? Thank you for another video that has added value to my life 😊
Sweet Jennifer, I absolutely loved this video!! I might need to re-evaluate my grocery budget!!! My kids are eating so much these days😬😂 Moving to the suburbs from LA totally cut down our expenses!! Hubby loves it and so do I❤️ Awesome Tips!! Heading to Kim’s channel now!! You two are wonderful debt free mamas!!
Thank you, Maricel! Your kids are older than mine... I bet I'll have to up my budget as they grow up. And now with number four we will have to up it too! The kids do eat so much. :) We should do a collab too! It would be fun! Also, I meant to comment but I couldn't because I had the baby but I loved your husband cleaning video. Eden is a star! :) xx
Oh here’s a question - What do you do about a haircut???? My long hair costs at least $60 to $70 for just the cut not including tip. In fact, most stylists here in Charleston, SC are running at about $100 per cut. I really don’t want to go to a Supercuts!!!!!😱NOOOOOOOO!!!!! What’s a long hair girl to do???💇🏻♀️❌
Threadup pays extremely low. Like $.55 cents for an item they sell for $20 - find a local consignment shop or Crossroads or eBay your clothing yourself.
I totally agree with your tips but a big difference for the car situation here is that we are just so much more spread out than a lot of other places with minimal public transport. Germany is the size of Montana (roughly) so public transport is an easy way to get around. Here unless you live in a city it may not be a good solution. But buying outright and living within your means make all of the difference in the monthly budget.
In Germany you have to pay TV fees just by OWNING one. There is this joke: "You dont watch TV, but you own the device for it." "Well, then I want child support, I dont have children, but I have the device" 😂
Jennifer, this video was so energizing to me! Thank you for all these wonderful ideas to spark motivation! :) I'll be saving this to watch again in the future. ;)
I have thought about going down to one car our daughter is on her last year of high school so when she’s graduated I will no longer need a car. I am still taking her to school and picking her up until she graduates, we got rid of cable years ago, we have Netflix and Hulu for free from our cellphone company. I only have 25 articles of clothing. I’m not one huge on clothing. Never have been. 10 items is more then enough I would think. Thanks for these great tips!
We live in upstate New York there is no public transportation, we already live in 100,000 house on a 100 by 100 lot,we grow tomatoes and herbs growing season is short, here you need deep winter wardrobe, winter wardrobe, mud season, and summer ! Spring is about 2 days so you don't need a wardrobe, You need a coat for every drop of 10 degrees ( it could be -20 here) and the boots to go with the temperature extremes. Plus you need a winter rain coat for freezing rain. Plus a wardrobe of long johns and base layers.I don't eat out except on vacation because my doctor has me on a strict eating plan.I had to retire a year too early because of cancer and after a year long cancer drug treatements, then my mother got sick. So for the last year i have made the 250 round trip every week to take care of her. Any ideas to save money ? I already do sales and thrift shops. We cut out cable TV years ago. We recycle everything we don't need.Our food budget is under 100 a week.I switched our phone service to Cricket going from 250 a month to 98. We don't drink alcohol, or soda. I tried garage sales in the past and made a grand total of $7 for all that work .
Ting, Google, and Republic Wireless all offer even cheaper phone plans. Check out Siberian tomatoes- you might be able to extend your growing season. If you qualify, you might be able to teach English online to non-native speakers - I don’t remember the name of the site, but there’s a lot of videos that mention it.
I’m 27, and I have a job but I don’t work hard enough to earn money. I make (earn) far less than I wish I could. I hope my life turns around and I can become more independent one day. You are very elegant and pretty and polished.
Hello, I'm a new sub from Kim at Free to Family. Love your tips and am looking forward to getting us out of our huge debt we are in. Just starting our journey and have found so many obstacles already. Can't wait to dig in all your videos.
You should not think about reducing your spending as deprivation. A change in attitude makes all the difference. Become creative at ways of saving money but still having what you want. Note I didn’t say all you want but having what you want. That means being picky about what it is that’s really important to you to have a comfortable life. We all have choices.
Hi, Jennifer, Was there one pivotal moment when you or Ben said to the other, "We just can't go on like this any more!" What were the reactions of your friends in Santa Monica? Did you join a new church in your new community? Do you maintain "old" friendships? Many thanks.
Awesome video Jennifer! (like always) :) Aspecially selling clothes (I made a video about, how to sell clothes faster, maybe it is helpful :) I love your tips on saving money, thank you for sharing! :) Can´t wait for your next video :*
Thank you for your video. My challenge is the Tv. I’m going to look into Apple TV or Amazon! That was very good suggestion. Thank you for sharing your tips with us.
My husband and I just got out of debt. Between both of us we have payed off nearly $50,000 worth of debt since getting married almost three years ago. Now we want to save and pay cash for a piece of land in the country.
We’ve done all these but one too! We don’t have space to spare for rent but all the others- 👍🏻! It’s funny that having one car is rare here in the US. ☺️
My husband and I just started Dave Ramsey’s financial peace program. It’s humbling , hard, but I know it’s going to set us free. Thanks for posting on this subject. And I agree, I remember an Italian theater professor of mine once mentioned that it wasn’t the norm in his country to use credit cards-AT ALL. Haha! The clueless gardener?!! That’s me and my husband BUT we are trying our hands at it anyway! Check out Monty Don on Netflix I think and you will be inspired to created a beautiful Portages garden like the French do.
I was wondering if you have any tips for saving on utilities. I’m sure where you live it’s a pretty climate. But here in the Rio Grande Valley it’s HOT! One thing we did last “winter “ here was use an electric throw or blanket on our bed at night. That way we didn’t have to heat the whole house. It doesn’t get very cold here in the winter.
Hi Jennifer! I have been LOOOOVING your videos recently! Just wondering what you do with Ben's clothes or the kids clothes and if you've given them 10 item wardrobes as well. My husband is more of a clothes and shoes person than I am! Sorry if I have missed this in another video : ) Thank you.
I would absolutely love to know how you handle homeschool spending. Not curriculam, per se, but just BOOKS! I have such a problem with buying used, old (But good literature) books on Amazon and eBay!!! All under the guise of homeschool...lol...and building a library for home. Any thoughts?! THANK YOU for any feedback. P.S we are also a one car family, 4 children (at home, 1 on her own), and we too relocated!
Hi Mrs. O, I hear you! Books are our weakness too! I would just switch to the library more rather than buying... Our PSP also has a used book sale at the end of the year with amazing discounts. Maybe you could organize something like that for your community? ~Jennifer
@@TheDailyConnoisseur That could be a good idea so you can designate a budget for it like seasonal clothing, etc. It's just so easy to click those little 5-15 books on Amazon😊
Hi Jennifer it's my first time watching your channel . . . came from Kim's channel. These are awesome tips. I've been thinking of selling my stuff on Poshmark. It is a mind set for sure. I love your sofa . . . so pretty! I'm curious about your book a the 10 basic piece wardrobe. Thanks for sharing! Mayra
Your followers are the kindest people ever .... Yet I must strongly disagree about allowing someone to rent a room in ones home . This could be very dangerous and I would strongly advise someone not to do this . That said great advice
Hi Jennifer! Kim/freetofamily sent me over to you. I just subscribed. Thank you for your video. Looking forward to your interview with Kim. 👍🏻😊❤️👍🏻😊❤️👍🏻😊❤️
Thanks so much, Jennifer! Your tips are so helpful! One area I struggle with is our grocery bill. We tend to buy a very high-quality, organic foods. As you well know, organic foods can be pricey. I have two teens who eat a lot! Do you have any tips on how to eat organically on a budget? Unfortunately, growing my own veggies isn’t an option right now.
GirlieShoppe Go to the farmers market at the end of the day; oftentimes they will give away the remainders at super low prices and add in a bunch of extras too.
@GirlieShoppe In the same boat as you! We do quite a bit of homemade soup and reading, “The Frugal Paleo Cookbook” sure helped me up the vegetable content in my cooking. High quality meat is $$$ so trying to cut that back even a little helps!
Jennifer, tank you for the video! How do you do 600 dollars per month for family of six?🤭 do you buy generic brands or organic? Also do you always eat those small portions that you usually show on the plates in your videos? Is your husband ok with small portions ? 😁 ( love it, just wondering!)
I spend $500 a month for a family of 4 and live in California too. It’s totally possible providing you don’t purchase lots of processed foods, shop sales, eat dinner leftovers for lunch, and stock up on meats or shelf stable items when they are at their lowest price. Your freezer is your best friend for saving on grocery money. 👩🏻🍳
WITH ALL DO RESPECT: I watched your Ted talk over 5 years ago, I've read and purchased all your books , and follow your you tube channel from the beginning, and REALLY enjoy it. I've been watching Nikki and Kim from their first video as well and love you all, and so many others that u follow as well. You always ask us to comment, and I always say selflessly how I enjoy your videos. Yet I feel so unacknowledged by you because you never reply? Like I said, WITH ALL DO RESPECT. I always give thumbs up because you deserve it, and I have shared your videos with so many people.
the Daily Connoisseur Jennifer, this reply made my heart so happy. Thank you, for giving your subscribers such fun content. I will always support your channel.
I'm in North San Diego and my husband and I just went down to 1 car about a month and a half ago. I work from home and he doesn't so he takes it during the day. When I run my errands at night when he returns I feel like one of those people that are allergic to the sun. Lol (not actually a funny condition but it's a weird feeling). It's definitely taking some getting used to.
I live in Portugal and the loans for buying a house lasts 40 years, if you are not rich...that's not possible to live debt free unless someone offers you a house :)... and loans for the suburbs :(
True, credit in the US works totally differently than in Europe. However, many of these are great tips for making the most of one's budget :) Also: cultural differences play an interesting role in what is considered "budgeting" as well. In Italy for example nobody has a dryer because our flats are tight and we import 92% of our electricity, while it's perfectly normal having one in California. Although the weather in these two countries is similar, perception of bare necessities is different :)
Are you allowed to make extra payments on your mortgage? I don’t remember her full name (Ellie something), but there’s a great Instagram account and blog that covers paying off a mortgage early in Canada, where they can only make extra payments on certain days and can only pay so much extra per year. She’s only in her 30s and her house is already paid off 😀
If you do go out to eat with children why not order 1-2 meals between your children & request extra plates. Same with drinks. buy 1 or 2 & ask for extra glasses or cups. Adults can order to share too.
Whether you want to get out of debt, or just become more frugal to save for the future, I hope today's video motivates you to reign in spending habits. For more, visit my corresponding blogpost at dailyconnoisseur.blogspot.com/2018/10/10-extreme-tips-for-getting-out-of-debt.html Also, thank you to Kim from Free to Family for doing this collab. Be sure to check out her video (link in the description box). What extreme frugal habits do you have? I would love to hear from you! Love, Jennifer
That’s one thing I liked about Europe, everyone doesn’t have to have everything, so much more relaxing way to live. Always enjoy your videos, thanks.
Having no debt is the only reason I can work 15 to 20 hours a week and stay home with my family the rest of the time. I am so thankful my parents set an example of living within my means.
Great ideas!!! Another one: dont feel you have to sign your kids up for expensive activities. I have five sons (all grown now) and we let them do just ONE activity per term. Children do not have to be in five different activities in order to thrive and grow up. They need more down time for creativity.
so very wise
I will keep this in mind
I was a single Mom of 2 boys on a very low income. I told them that they could each pick two activities to be involved in. One from school and one other. My older son joined band at school, and my younger son made the soccer team. Both activities had known costs that I could budget for. Luckily for the other activity they both chose to become involved in Boy Scouts. I became a cub leader, and because I was volunteering my time, the Scout group reduced my financial obligation. Added to that was the bonus that we all got to participate and have extra family time together!
Oh my I just realized that I truly am debt free. I paid my mortgage off two months ago and it wasn't until I watched your video that I realized I am debt free...woohoo!! I don't know that I have any extreme tips, but here are some things I do, first of all set a budget. Second review your budget regularly, it will tell you more about yourself than just how you spend your money. Third, take baby incremental steps. For example when I have a stressful project at work, I tend to stop at a fast food place for supper. So my first change was I don't buy the meal, I just buy the sandwich. I can get a drink at home. And if I truly want fries, I can throw some frozen ones in the oven and they will be done in 10-15 minutes. Another example turn down your thermostat gradually and wear a few more layers. Fourth make this type of lifestyle habitual. Fifth doing this is actually fun and rewarding if you focus on what you are gaining, rather than giving up.
Congratulations, Pam! Great tips too!
I just want to offer encouragement to anyone that is trying to be debt free. There is so much freedom in having no debt! You will finally have freedom to do the things that are really important to you because you can save money over time to do them AND not have to worry about how you will pay for them later. You will have far less worries and a sense of security that can scarcely be described. It may seem difficult at first but Jennifer is so right, you will never miss a lot of the things you once thought you had to have(like cable tv!).
If people knew how wonderfully freeing it is to be debt free, they would drop everything and follow your advice immediately! Thanks for sharing your journey, Jennifer, and getting the word out there that debt-free living is a possibility!
When we lived in Guam, the soil was lush and my grandma grew everything from tomatoes, taro root, coconuts, banana, lemons, peanuts, squash, & so many more. She was the most frugal person I know lol but it's paid off because all her houses she ever lived in including the current one is mortgage-free.
And I'm so on "reselling", I started Poshmark 4 months ago and so far made $550+ ☺️
Your grandma sounds amazing!
What a useful video. My husband and I are trying to find ways to cut back due to some recent financial changes. And I am still working towards the ten item wardrobe. I have just completed another closet clean out. And it really was a total clean out. Slowly but surely I am getting there! Thank you.
I LOVE this video and that you encourage people to adopt a debt free lifestyle! Our family is debt free and it is so liberating! We have employed all of the principles that you mention, except for renting a room in our home and having one car. I currently drive a 16 year old car and instead of replacing it when it no longer serves us, we plan to share my husband's car. As you know, one of my favorites is the Ten Item Wardrobe! I am loving it and I hope that more women will learn about your concept and be willing to give it a try!
My family are terrible with our grocery spend. We literally buy whatever takes our fancy. As a family of only 3 we spend double what we should.
We have a very high household income (when my hubby and I first were together 22 years ago we were broke students) but I’m at a point where I would like to live more frugally and be less wasteful. Even though we are income rich we are still very modest compared to other people we know (no luxury cars, designer clothes/bags, etc)
We aren’t technically “debt free” as we invested in property early on so when we retire we have a good income stream (on top of superannuation savings, shares etc). But we are at a point that if anything bad happened we would have 2-3 houses paid off plus a good private pension and life insurance, shares etc
We got by with one car for 20 years (we just purchased a second car this year). I would also recommend to people that they only use credit cards if you can pay it all off in the month. Also don’t compare yourself to other people (what they own, what they get up to etc). Focus on what’s important to you financially and work from that.
I think next year as a resolution I would like to make a more concerted effort to be frugal and start meal planning and trying to trim excess spending.
Jennifer’s financial e-course is great!!! I’d love for her to make a meal-plan/grocery shopping/bulk meal prep e-course!
Great tips, I haven't had a TV most of my life and I tell people if you think you don't have time for anything, get rid of your TV. Magically many hours will open up😄
But there is still youtube:P
@@bettyzak2588 indeed, but I watch it on my fifteen-year-old phone so a couple minutes here and there are hardly comparable
@@pepper1188 well I definitely spend too much time on my phone. Just like my parents used to watch tv I watch yt on my phone. The good thing is I recognized the problem, now I have to do something with it;)
Once again, you are an eloquent presenter. What a great topic. Thank you.. I think many of us are shifting to activities and actions which our grandparents did so as to simplify life and reduce debt. Being inventive with leftovers, etc. I learnt to darn this winter and repaired several of my husbands heavy work clothes, rather than throwing out and buying new. Good for the purse and the environment. I found it relaxing to do and I never thought I’d say that ! We budget in our household and always include small treats so as to avoid boredom - just like dieting or anything else that requires a new mindset. All the best from Australia xx
Excellent tips! I agree with all of your tips less is more cut out TV and shopping alone is HUGE. My addiction and Achilles was the designer coffees but cutting it out saved hundreds a month! It took us 3 yrs but it was so worth it. We followed the Baby Steps with Dave Ramsey!
I completely agree with the going out to eat point, that the kids don't even eat or enjoy their food sometimes! And as a single mom, it's more stressful to try to get them to behave in a restaurant. I started cutting back taking them out to eat when I realized it just was not that enjoyable. When I was a child we rarely went out to eat so when we did we recognized it for the treat that it was.
♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️The USA needs more people like this wonderful one!
I took your debt free course at the beginning of the year when you launched it, but I still found this video very informational. We are lucky to be able to rent out two bedrooms in our house to 2 of our relatives to help pay off our debt. We sold my car that had $10,000 loan on it and bought an old Honda Oddsey with one broken back passenger door that doesn't open for $3000 cash, lol, but it gets us safely from point A to point B.
Lol! I just did the e-course last week. Listened to it in one day! Great content! So glad I found your channel 💕
We are swimming in tax debt at the moment, and i can't tell you how stressful that is!
Definitely need to set some goals, create a budget, and stick to it!
Thank you for your encouraging words, Jennifer.
Loved doing this collab with you! Yes to over a decade of small and drastic changes 🙌🏽YES to debt freedom!!!❤️ Loved all of your tips! I’m so honored to be part of Kim week😉
Yay for Kim week on The Daily Connoisseur ! :) xx Looking forward to Thursday's video too! Lots of love xx
the Daily Connoisseur thank you so much Jennifer! What an honor! 😌❤️
We installed an aerial antenna 10 years ago & cut CABLE 🎉🎉🎉
Yay! Being debt free is a wonderful thing... unfortunately I have gone into debt and am struggling to get back on the baby steps but my new husband and I are getting on the same page so we will do this!!!
I am just blown away of how amazing you are Jennifer. I truly admire the way you chose to live. You are such a great role model for me. For the most part we live minimally but I know I can do better on a few things. Thank you for sharing these tips with us.
My #1 tip - buy just about everything used!
#2 - avoid a car payment like the plague and find a honest mechanic for your used car
#3- sell items you no longer use on Facebook marketplace, craigslist or Ebay
We are also 100% debt free
I’m 33 and I’m like broke :/ living paycheck to paycheck but I’ll keep positive
Growing up in a military family, we would go out to dinner once a year. My mother told me when I was older, my parents wanted us (4) to be comfortable as adults going out to eat with friends and their families. Thank you.
Kim says hi 😄 I'm an author as well and my passions are organizing and finance. I love that I found you through Kim. Debt-free community unite! ✊ 😄❤❤❤
Loved this video and your debt-free series too. For me, patience is key to saving money. I have learned how to wait and budget for things. Everything on HBO will still be available in the future and there will always be another sale at Nordstrom or Bloomingdales. Just wait. I am finally at the point where saving money gives me as much of a thrill as spending money. Thanks for the great tips! 💕
This makes me so sad because I have a friend that is always telling me they have no money but yet won't do some of these things so that they aren't spending their money that they could use to get out of debt. I understand the idea of treating yourself once in a while, like going out for a coffee with friends once a month, or getting your nails done in a salon once or twice a year, but when someone doesn't have the money to get a coffee for $6 everyday then I just can't handle someone asking me for money to put in their gas tank.
Your food budget is low for west coast! Wow! Good for you. Mine is double yours. I dont see it going down. We are debt free, always have been, besides a mortgage for about 8 years. So i feel no pressure to cut the amount i spend on food at all. We also have 2 west coast family home rentals. Fatistic income generating investments.
I loved both e-courses! Totally worth the very affordable price. Great tips here as well.
Thank you, Megan!
Hello! Kim from Free to Family sent me over :) Great video and I am so excited to read your books! I love how you show women how to live debt free and still look lovely, chic and classy. I agree the cost of living is outrageous in So Cal. When we moved out of Los Angeles we were able to buy a home double the size and in a much nicer area. I will be sending my daughters to your UA-cam channel!
Thank you for doing this collaboration with my favorite UA-camr, Free to Family
I dont even have a driving licence. I want to ger it one day, BUT at the moment it saves me a lot of time, since my husband is doing ALL of the errants himself. Sometimes we go all together as a family and that makes it a fun trip. Its not a chore ever on my to do list. And I know if I had a licence Id have to do it all by myself.
Hi Jennifer, I love that you feed your family for $600 a month. I also have 4 kids and that's a great budget. But I'm curious, you said that's just food. What's your budget for diapers, household goods, toilet paper, ect?
Love this video 👍
Was wondering the same thing.
She said its just for food
I'm curious. We are very frugal and we are 5 with 3 kids, but I have never been able to reach that kind of budget. Is it just different (everything more expensive) in New England where we live?
I would LOVE to hear your ideas on a 10 item wardrobe or minimalist wardrobe for kids! I really struggle with this, especially in Iowa since we have such drastic seasons.
Yes, please!!
Every time you talk about the 10 item wardrobe I wonder if you follow the same principal with your children?
Thank you for another video that has added value to my life 😊
This was great encouragement, thank you Jennifer!
Thank you so much for the tips! I need to reign in my spending. Especially with Christmas coming...I have 4 children as well.
Sweet Jennifer, I absolutely loved this video!! I might need to re-evaluate my grocery budget!!! My kids are eating so much these days😬😂 Moving to the suburbs from LA totally cut down our expenses!! Hubby loves it and so do I❤️ Awesome Tips!! Heading to Kim’s channel now!! You two are wonderful debt free mamas!!
Thank you, Maricel! Your kids are older than mine... I bet I'll have to up my budget as they grow up. And now with number four we will have to up it too! The kids do eat so much. :) We should do a collab too! It would be fun! Also, I meant to comment but I couldn't because I had the baby but I loved your husband cleaning video. Eden is a star! :) xx
Oh here’s a question - What do you do about a haircut???? My long hair costs at least $60 to $70 for just the cut not including tip. In fact, most stylists here in Charleston, SC are running at about $100 per cut. I really don’t want to go to a Supercuts!!!!!😱NOOOOOOOO!!!!! What’s a long hair girl to do???💇🏻♀️❌
Threadup pays extremely low. Like $.55 cents for an item they sell for $20 - find a local consignment shop or Crossroads or eBay your clothing yourself.
I totally agree with your tips but a big difference for the car situation here is that we are just so much more spread out than a lot of other places with minimal public transport. Germany is the size of Montana (roughly) so public transport is an easy way to get around. Here unless you live in a city it may not be a good solution. But buying outright and living within your means make all of the difference in the monthly budget.
In Germany you have to pay TV fees just by OWNING one. There is this joke: "You dont watch TV, but you own the device for it." "Well, then I want child support, I dont have children, but I have the device" 😂
Great video! Loved your e-course as well. You're such an inspiration in this world of excess. :)
Thank you, Sarah!
Thank you for your tips.
Jennifer, this video was so energizing to me! Thank you for all these wonderful ideas to spark motivation! :) I'll be saving this to watch again in the future. ;)
Very helpful and inspiring!
I have thought about going down to one car our daughter is on her last year of high school so when she’s graduated I will no longer need a car. I am still taking her to school and picking her up until she graduates, we got rid of cable years ago, we have Netflix and Hulu for free from our cellphone company. I only have 25 articles of clothing. I’m not one huge on clothing. Never have been. 10 items is more then enough I would think. Thanks for these great tips!
We live in upstate New York there is no public transportation, we already live in 100,000 house on a 100 by 100 lot,we grow tomatoes and herbs growing season is short, here you need deep winter wardrobe, winter wardrobe, mud season, and summer ! Spring is about 2 days so you don't need a wardrobe, You need a coat for every drop of 10 degrees ( it could be -20 here) and the boots to go with the temperature extremes. Plus you need a winter rain coat for freezing rain. Plus a wardrobe of long johns and base layers.I don't eat out except on vacation because my doctor has me on a strict eating plan.I had to retire a year too early because of cancer and after a year long cancer drug treatements, then my mother got sick. So for the last year i have made the 250 round trip every week to take care of her. Any ideas to save money ? I already do sales and thrift shops. We cut out cable TV years ago. We recycle everything we don't need.Our food budget is under 100 a week.I switched our phone service to Cricket going from 250 a month to 98. We don't drink alcohol, or soda. I tried garage sales in the past and made a grand total of $7 for all that work .
Ting, Google, and Republic Wireless all offer even cheaper phone plans. Check out Siberian tomatoes- you might be able to extend your growing season. If you qualify, you might be able to teach English online to non-native speakers - I don’t remember the name of the site, but there’s a lot of videos that mention it.
So much great advice! We follow many of your same list. We are FIRE followers in Amsterdam.
I’m 27, and I have a job but I don’t work hard enough to earn money. I make (earn) far less than I wish I could. I hope my life turns around and I can become more independent one day. You are very elegant and pretty and polished.
I'm enrolling to your financial e-course too! Thanks for the inspiration♥
Hello, I'm a new sub from Kim at Free to Family. Love your tips and am looking forward to getting us out of our huge debt we are in. Just starting our journey and have found so many obstacles already. Can't wait to dig in all your videos.
We've done a lot of those things, too. Living simply can give you time to enjoy the people around you, and you save money. :)
You should not think about reducing your spending as deprivation. A change in attitude makes all the difference. Become creative at ways of saving money but still having what you want. Note I didn’t say all you want but having what you want. That means being picky about what it is that’s really important to you to have a comfortable life. We all have choices.
Do you no longer have the financial e-course available? I’m seeing three e-courses when I click the link, but none of them financial.
Kim sent me here and she said, hello. Just subscribed to your channel. Looking forward to learning
Hello Jennifer! I loved your course and all of your tips! I look forward to seeing your video with Kim on Thursday! Wonderful collab idea! 🌹Nikki
We talk about you in our video on Thursday! :) xo
Hi, Jennifer, Was there one pivotal moment when you or Ben said to the other, "We just can't go on like this any more!" What were the reactions of your friends in Santa Monica? Did you join a new church in your new community? Do you maintain "old" friendships? Many thanks.
Excellent advice in all areas. I want to read & hear more from you. Thank you.
Awesome video Jennifer! (like always) :)
Aspecially selling clothes (I made a video about, how to sell clothes faster, maybe it is helpful :)
I love your tips on saving money, thank you for sharing! :) Can´t wait for your next video :*
Thank you so much for this video!!! Kim sent me over & I'm so thankful she did
Thank you for your video. My challenge is the Tv. I’m going to look into Apple TV or Amazon! That was very good suggestion. Thank you for sharing your tips with us.
Thanks Jennifer! 👌🏽
Thanks for all your tips! But side note: where did you get your couch??? It's gorgeous!! Would appreciate a link if possible. 😁
My husband and I just got out of debt. Between both of us we have payed off nearly $50,000 worth of debt since getting married almost three years ago. Now we want to save and pay cash for a piece of land in the country.
We’ve done all these but one too! We don’t have space to spare for rent but all the others- 👍🏻! It’s funny that having one car is rare here in the US. ☺️
My husband and I just started Dave Ramsey’s financial peace program. It’s humbling , hard, but I know it’s going to set us free. Thanks for posting on this subject. And I agree, I remember an Italian theater professor of mine once mentioned that it wasn’t the norm in his country to use credit cards-AT ALL. Haha! The clueless gardener?!! That’s me and my husband BUT we are trying our hands at it anyway! Check out Monty Don on Netflix I think and you will be inspired to created a beautiful Portages garden like the French do.
What’s the grocery budget now, with all the inflation and pandemic?
I was wondering if you have any tips for saving on utilities. I’m sure where you live it’s a pretty climate. But here in the Rio Grande Valley it’s HOT! One thing we did last “winter “ here was use an electric throw or blanket on our bed at night. That way we didn’t have to heat the whole house. It doesn’t get very cold here in the winter.
We invested in solar panels... I can talk more about that in a future video.
Hi Jennifer! I have been LOOOOVING your videos recently! Just wondering what you do with Ben's clothes or the kids clothes and if you've given them 10 item wardrobes as well. My husband is more of a clothes and shoes person than I am! Sorry if I have missed this in another video : ) Thank you.
I would absolutely love to know how you handle homeschool spending. Not curriculam, per se, but just BOOKS! I have such a problem with buying used, old (But good literature) books on Amazon and eBay!!!
All under the guise of homeschool...lol...and building a library for home.
Any thoughts?!
THANK YOU for any feedback.
P.S we are also a one car family, 4 children (at home, 1 on her own), and we too relocated!
Hi Mrs. O, I hear you! Books are our weakness too! I would just switch to the library more rather than buying... Our PSP also has a used book sale at the end of the year with amazing discounts. Maybe you could organize something like that for your community? ~Jennifer
@@TheDailyConnoisseur That could be a good idea so you can designate a budget for it like seasonal clothing, etc.
It's just so easy to click those little 5-15 books on Amazon😊
Great video 😀
We relocated and that way we were able to build out own house. Before we were living in a 32 sqm apartment
These are wonderful tips. We do many of them, and are considering moving to a more affordable location. Thank you for the inspiration! xo- Cara
Finding new friends I find the most difficult. Maybe you could make a video about making new friends in a new location
Hi Jennifer it's my first time watching your channel . . . came from Kim's channel. These are awesome tips. I've been thinking of selling my stuff on Poshmark. It is a mind set for sure. I love your sofa . . . so pretty! I'm curious about your book a the 10 basic piece wardrobe. Thanks for sharing! Mayra
Thank you, Mayra! Welcome!
Your followers are the kindest people ever .... Yet I must strongly disagree about allowing someone to rent a room in ones home . This could be very dangerous and I would strongly advise someone not to do this . That said great advice
Antenna can help also!!
The way I see it, if you want the rainbow, you gotta put up with the rain. - Dolly Parton
Hi Jennifer! Kim/freetofamily sent me over to you. I just subscribed. Thank you for your video. Looking forward to your interview with Kim.
👍🏻😊❤️👍🏻😊❤️👍🏻😊❤️
Thank you and welcome!
Thanks so much, Jennifer! Your tips are so helpful! One area I struggle with is our grocery bill. We tend to buy a very high-quality, organic foods. As you well know, organic foods can be pricey. I have two teens who eat a lot! Do you have any tips on how to eat organically on a budget? Unfortunately, growing my own veggies isn’t an option right now.
GirlieShoppe Go to the farmers market at the end of the day; oftentimes they will give away the remainders at super low prices and add in a bunch of extras too.
peachpathfinder Thank you!!
@GirlieShoppe
In the same boat as you!
We do quite a bit of homemade soup and reading, “The Frugal Paleo Cookbook” sure helped me up the vegetable content in my cooking. High quality meat is $$$ so trying to cut that back even a little helps!
Hartley Family Thanks for your reply!!
Jennifer, tank you for the video! How do you do 600 dollars per month for family of six?🤭 do you buy generic brands or organic? Also do you always eat those small portions that you usually show on the plates in your videos? Is your husband ok with small portions ? 😁 ( love it, just wondering!)
I spend $500 a month for a family of 4 and live in California too. It’s totally possible providing you don’t purchase lots of processed foods, shop sales, eat dinner leftovers for lunch, and stock up on meats or shelf stable items when they are at their lowest price. Your freezer is your best friend for saving on grocery money. 👩🏻🍳
I can do a future video on this...
the Daily Connoisseur It would be very helpful, Jennifer ! Thank you for considering 😌
Спасибо!
Thank you ♥️
WITH ALL DO RESPECT: I watched your Ted talk over 5 years ago, I've read and purchased all your books , and follow your you tube channel from the beginning, and REALLY enjoy it. I've been watching Nikki and Kim from their first video as well and love you all, and so many others that u follow as well. You always ask us to comment, and I always say selflessly how I enjoy your videos. Yet I feel so unacknowledged by you because you never reply? Like I said, WITH ALL DO RESPECT. I always give thumbs up because you deserve it, and I have shared your videos with so many people.
Thank you for your support, Susan!
the Daily Connoisseur Jennifer, this reply made my heart so happy. Thank you, for giving your subscribers such fun content. I will always support your channel.
Where is your amazing top from?
Hi Jennifer! Kim, from Free to Family sent me over. She's so sweet & beautiful! I just subbed to your channel, too.
Thank you! Welcome!
Hello
kim says 👋 thanks for the collab
Welcome, Christel!
Do you and your husband do your own yard work?
I'm in North San Diego and my husband and I just went down to 1 car about a month and a half ago. I work from home and he doesn't so he takes it during the day. When I run my errands at night when he returns I feel like one of those people that are allergic to the sun. Lol (not actually a funny condition but it's a weird feeling). It's definitely taking some getting used to.
I live in Portugal and the loans for buying a house lasts 40 years, if you are not rich...that's not possible to live debt free unless someone offers you a house :)... and loans for the suburbs :(
True, credit in the US works totally differently than in Europe. However, many of these are great tips for making the most of one's budget :) Also: cultural differences play an interesting role in what is considered "budgeting" as well. In Italy for example nobody has a dryer because our flats are tight and we import 92% of our electricity, while it's perfectly normal having one in California. Although the weather in these two countries is similar, perception of bare necessities is different :)
Are you allowed to make extra payments on your mortgage? I don’t remember her full name (Ellie something), but there’s a great Instagram account and blog that covers paying off a mortgage early in Canada, where they can only make extra payments on certain days and can only pay so much extra per year. She’s only in her 30s and her house is already paid off 😀
Hi Jennifer Kim sent me from Free to Family great video
Kenya Monique hey Kenya❤️❤️❤️
Thank you! Welcome!
Hi...Kim from Free to Family said hi! I subbed to your channel...if Kim recommends your channel...then I'm on board. Lol.
Welcome!
Coming from Kim's channel. Really enjoyed this video. Great ideas!
Hi from Kim!👍😉
Most europeans have access to mass transmit. Many americans have to commute long distances to work.
"I'm Sick and tired of being sick and tired."- Fannie Lou Hamer, late civil rights advocate. NOT Dave Ramsey.
Kay
If you do go out to eat with children why not order 1-2 meals between your children & request extra plates. Same with drinks. buy 1 or 2 & ask for extra glasses or cups. Adults can order to share too.
👌🏻
37 bankers don't likey 💝