My husband of 43 years and I were forced into early retirement several years ago due to illness. Mine was mental breakdown and his medical illness. Our car which we bought new and paid off in half the time is now 20 years old. Thanks to my husband being mechanically inclined it's never been in a shop and runs very well. We downsized our home after our 3 girls married. Paid off our debts. Our home now is 1/3rd the size. We pay cash or we don't buy. We live as frugally as possible. We buy thrifted items when possible. Not only saving money but challenging our creativity to reuse and redesign. We're comfortable and have greater peace of mind. Thank you for taking your time and sharing with us. 🇺🇸
I retired at 56. I was tired of work and had enough years for my pension. It didn’t matter one bit if I was ready financially, I was tired of it all. Almost 6 years in now and not one bit sorry. I didn’t really have a plan, just wanted to pay my bills and adjust my spending. I’ve never regretted it! I admire you both and Grab as much as I can from your videos. Thank you so much🙂
I bought it on my own for my husband and I. He’s 65 so he has government health care now. It isn’t easy, but it’s ok. I’m not a big spender and we have lots of land so we have our own woods.
@@debby7124 for me to self-pay its over $1000 a month and it's not that great. I live on a farm, heat with wood, garden. I try to be as self-sufficient as possible. and make those dollars go as far as they can. thanks, and best wishes to you guys.
I do not pay that Frank! I pay $200 Canadian. It covers a percentage of a variety of things. No dental coverage I pay that out of pocket. We have Health care here. It covers Doctor visits, hospital procedures and stays. We are fortunate enough to have a family Doctor. Several 1000 in our province do not. When I visit another province I purchase travel insurance. We have a farm but no longer have cattle. We sell our hay. It’s just my husband and I here but our family live pretty close. It’s good. I’m fortunate to have enough right now. If my insurance was as expensive as yours I certainly could not have retired.
I am also lucky to have a like-minded spouse. We both took early retirement from the postal service and have not regretted it once. We have enough money to live simply and enjoy our lives.
Grew up the same way, went off the rails for a while trying to impress others with brands but now back on track and realise it’s family and friends who stick with you through everything are what’s really important. You are both lucky Jane and Mike that you are both on the same page in this regard.
I find that by thrifting and shopping pre used I can also buy the better quality things I like. It does mean being patient and looking around and also sometimes buying before I need something but if I know I will use the item I don’t mind doing this. Nearly all my cloths are bought either on pre owned wed sites/shops or from charity shops and sales. It amazes me how many comments I get about my appearance. I just say thank you and smile. It really doesn’t need to cost a fortune to dress well and have a nicely furnished home.
I grew up in the 70’s Jane and well remember no central heating, eating everything on my plate as there was nothing else and generally making do with what we had! I also agree that possessions do not make you happy, in fact they can be a burden! You and Mike have a wonderful life in a beautiful home and your hard work to pay off all your debts has been well rewarded!
I was born in the 40s. My mon lived through the Great Depression. She taught me a lot on being frugal from washing and reusing tinfoil to growing a garden and canning what she grew. All our meals were cooked at home from scratch. I wanted for nothing. I'm now almost 77 and still live a frugal life, growing my own garden, washing and reusing Ziploc bags and tinfoil, hanging my laundry outside on a line, etc. I still want for nothing and extremely happy with my life.
Thank you Jane and Michael, for another interesting video. My husband and I have been married for 50 years and have both received a frugal upbringing. We have learned to regard this as a great blessing, especially now, considering the world-wide inflation. It is indeed a great gift to be content and to make do with what we have!!!
We find uses for anything that we have, repurposing many, and saving bits and scraps from a project, for a future unknown use. It has saved us lots of money and time to just go to the barn and rummage through it and find that we have something that will work perfectly for our task.
You and Mike worked hard to achieve what you have .. a beautiful character property with a glorious garden. I was envious of people when I was younger but once I passed middle age I realised what I wanted was a nice home in the area I wanted without a mortgage so I passed on the quick fix holidays etc. I am still learning that saving up for something you really want is better than trying to make yourself happy in the meantime buying small meaningless things but your posts keep me in check :)
We both grew up the same way in the 50-60s. I more than my husband got caught up in the consumer way when we were first married. Now we are retired and we both love our simple life. My clothes are functional for working outside but I can still wear them if we go somewhere. I'm in the process of cleaning out my business wardrobe. I have one gray dress that will work for weddings or funerals, a plain black skirt, one uncrusable skirt and an uncrushable dress I've kept. I do like to wear skirts in the summer. Otherwise everything else is durable pants and tops. We wear our clothes more than once before washing. If they pass the sniff test they are good for another wear unless really dirty. These days I get enjoyment from my flowers, books, hobbies, etc. I don't need a ton of stuff that my boys will just throw out when we die.
Those old sewing machines are fascinating! My mother-in-law has Singer with pedal in her summer cottage, it doesn't need electricity and it still works. I think it's from the 1940's. I fixed my shorts with last summer :)
Same for me ! Still using mum's 1958 Singer sewing machine that is hand operated. Love it. It is heavy though, one of these days I won't be able to lift it !
Absolutly love the way you both are on the same page.. Im materialistic have been all my life..I buy items that give back such as candle n soap making supplies, molds,essential oils, waxes and so many kitchen gadgets.. Im a from scratch cook/baker.. I pressure can, water bath can, dehydrate.. instead of buying clothes, haircuts, getting hair dyed, pedicures n manicures I used that money to turn my lawn into a edible/medicinal landscape with a small greenhouse.. I do nothing that doesnt give back somehow..I know at some point my skills will create wealth.. I hope to be debt free in the next 5-years..
How many hours of my life does it take me to buy that? That is the question we always ask ourselves before buying something. We prefer going for a walk and enjoying time together to working more hours in order to eat in a fancy restaurant.
This one so resonated with me. Born 1954 I somehow knew that we couldn't have everything we wanted but have come to realise now that it wasn't a bad thing. I recognise the sacrifices my parents made to give me what they could. My grandfather and father both had their own veggie gardens and yes, it was a case of eat what's on your plate or don't, up to you. Went through the "keeping up with the Jones 's " phase in early marriage in the late 70s but realised early on that it was quite silly. Now I'm happy with what I've got and grateful for it. Love your channel x
My car was 17 years old when I bought a new one. I wasn’t having any problems with it but bought a new one and gave my old one to my grandson. I’m retired now and it should last me the rest of my life. We have always lived within our means. When we were young we did have to purchase some things on credit but always paid them off as quickly as we could. We enjoyed life but were not extravagant or wasteful. We were able to retire early and travel some which was a blessing because my husband became disabled unexpectedly and now is unable to travel. Luckily we bought a new larger home before he was disabled as it would have been hard for him to get around our old small home in his walker and wheelchair. It’s bigger than we really needed but we found it at a very good price because the sellers we anxious to sell and move and houses smaller were actually higher in price. My husband will sometimes call me cheap and I tell him I’m not cheap, I’m frugal.
Your definitions of frugal and cheap are outstanding! I also do not wear jewelry or make up. Exactly! Material possessions do not make us happy, unless, of course those possessions are books!!! Lol!
We also have one bottle of shampoo and one bar of soap. I am a few decades younger and am also so past the hustle and bustle of working crazy hours. My sanity and physical health are more important than that.
Thanks for sharing. I feel a bit more normal , knowing I'm not the only one wearing no wedding ring, wearing cloth that fit and keep me warm but are not the latest Trent etc etc. Knowing there is enough $$$ in the bank if we need it. Makes a HUGE difference. Being happy and well is priceless!
I grew up in the 50's and 60's. My parents were raised during the depression and WWII. Lots of frugality growing up. Also lots of old time skills passed on to me in the housekeeping department. Hubby has lots of skills to keep up on home repairs and upkeep.
I love being frugal and saving each month even if only a small amount these habits camein extremely handy as last week I blew my cooker up on Tuesday so needed a new one the next day then whilst waiting for my cooker I blew up. My lawn mower without my regular savings we’d have been up a creak without a paddle 😂😂
Hi Jane and Mike. Another video to which I can relate. I was raised the same way you mention. I was a teenager in the 70's and yes, life was so much different then. I was never short of anything, but money was used sparingly and I knew that things had to last. Fast forward, my husband began gambling and the money situation spiralled out of control. I got out in the nick of time but he had left a trail of destruction behind him that took me a long time to recover from. I managed to save the house, which I live in to this day. That was a good few years ago and as I have always worked, I managed to start again, sort out my life in general and in 2010, I became mortgage free. Last summer I began to feel that time was becoming more important than money. Fortunately, I had reached the stage where, with some careful management, I was able to retire slightly earlier. Like you, I live well but always monitor my outgoings each month. I no longer feel the need to keep replacing things either. Thanks again for this video. 🤗
I live frugally so I can enjoy my life. I set goals and stick to my budget so I don't have to worry. I know my bills are paid every month. My freezer and pantry are well stocked. My needs are met. Knowing that takes away a lot of stress.
Thanks Jane and Mike for a great vlog. I grew up in the U.K. with parents who had lived through the depression. We didn't have central heating or any luxuries. Half a pound of broken biscuits was a big treat for us children. That way of life has stood me in good stead! I've been retired for twenty two years. We are debt free and mortgage free and have hopefully taught our children the same frugal values. Keep up the posts.
Hi, I’m so grateful for your videos I’ve been quite Frugal since about 2015 I was in a very stressful job very long hours and my Mom had got Dementia and I was trying to care for her and it was affecting my mental health and I was feeling that I was not giving 100% to my lovely Mum or my Career so I decided to give my career up and look after my Mom full time, very sad times ahead of me but it’s the best and only thing I wanted to do. My partner, like your husband is fully onboard with our way of life. So since 2015 our income was slashed to the bone but I think we’re the happiest, contented we’ve ever been. It’s the time we appreciate and want the simple things in life, we do enjoy travel and we do travel a fair bit but that’s our thing. My childhood was the best and everything you mentioned from your growing up years it was so true of my time growing up, Vosene Shampoo in the kitchen sink it brought so many memories flooding back listening to you, so yeah I have been brought up frugal and it’s put me on the right track. All I need now Jane is to get my quilting as good as yours lol, I will get there.
@@FrugalQueeninFrance Same here, Vosene, Imperial Leather and some Matey bubble bath, that I got for Christmas, in my Sunday bath. It was a luxury if I was the only one who’d used the water! 😂
Still love that smell of Vosene. Have Imperial Leather soap bar in the bathroom today and remember Matey but never had any. Also loved Camay soap or Lux when we were young as it was what mum bought.
I once got a Christmas present of a lovely soap on a rope it was Avon, I thought I was the Bee’s knees. It was a Peach 🍑 soap made to look like a Peach I will never forget that Christmas present I felt so grown up with my very own soap, lol. I wonder what the reaction of a soap on a rope would be like to children of today 🤔 yeah I wonder indeed. I bet you ladies could remember this, I would probably only be about 7 or 8. Very happy childhood days. 🍑
When I was married, and a stay at home mother, others, including family and friends would comment and make fun of us because we were so careful with our money. We owned a condo in an area of million dollar homes, we owned our cars outright, our children had everything they wanted, and we did a lot of things ourselves. We took family vacations to places like Disneyland where the children could have whatever they wanted, , and did all we wanted. My husband passed away suddenly in 2009, leaving me to raise our children and do everything else. That was when I knew we had been doing the right thing all of those years. Just being aware and careful with money doesn't mean you can't have what you want and need, it doesn't have to mean depriving yourself. Even after he passed, I have not had to go to work, because we were so good at saving money. Next year I will be retirement age, and when I want to I can tap into social security. We moved 5 years ago, paid off the condo, and I paid cash for a brand new build home. Planning for your future is crucial. My children are now young adults and I tell them often to start prepping for your senior years now. 🥰💐🍒💗✝
Totally agree with you. Two quotes came to mind as I listened to you…”Comparison is the thief of joy “ and my old school motto “To thine own self be true “ . Thanks Jane and Mike. You are voices of intelligence in a consumerist world.
We both realized we were very much like you two in the past! We appreciate our wellbeing and good health and basically the simple things in life. Thank you for reminding us and we look forward to everyday debt free!
I hate waste as well. I just made something using leftovers and it came out looking awful lol. The old me would have called it a fail and thrown it out. The new me ate it gratefully, and it was actually quite tasty!
I love your honesty. I grew up in affluent circumstances but now I'm frugal because we lost everything in 2008 and had to rebuild. That experience changed me forever. Also, you look very pretty without makeup. I wish I could pull it off but I still feel like I need it when I go out of the house anywhere.
Jane, thank you for your wise words about your frugal lifestyle. I’m single, so any decision making is mine, alone. Question- Do you and Mike ever disagree about purchases, or how to handle your money? You seem to be in great alignment, but, as humans, we will have our differences! Thanks!
I also grew up in the 1970s and remember that single bottle of shampoo and one bar of soap! I liked your comments about wellbeing and happiness and living the life you want, a frugal life can certainly help with those goals as well as material needs.
My innate frugality comes from my parents. They both were small children during the great depression, and teenagers during WWII. They grew up frugally out of sheer necessity. They started their family during the boon of the '50's. So, even though we had everything needed and more, my parents were still frugal because that's how they knew to live. That's all they knew. By listening to their conversations and decision making throughout my life, I was instilled with frugality. It's in my bones and DNA! It's just how I think. There have been times in my life when I didn't need to be frugal, but I was anyway... not miserly or penny pinching, but frugal... making sure I got the best value for the money. There have also been times when I needed to be frugal. This is one of those times. I did all the things we're taught to do financially to cover my needs and have a comfortable retirement. Well, I didn't plan on a medically necessary retirement before regular retirement age. I ended up with some exceedingly large bills as my income vanished. I had some money, but because of the rather large expenses, it didn't last as long as it was meant to. I know... the best laid plans.... Now I'm poor. I usually don't feel that way. I still have nearly everything I need, and God provides the rest in ways I would never think of. I do have some concerns, but when the time comes to take care of them, I trust there will be an answer. I just have no idea right now what it'll be. I can't see how I'll ever be able to buy another car, right now I can't see how I'll continue to buy food or get the front hedges trimmed. The hedges are like a forest. One of my care givers said she won't walk through them again, so I have to have something done by next week. We'll see what happens. When I had extra pandemic food stamps, I stocked up on food. My refrigerator is the barest it's ever been -- totally bare, but I still have food in the pantry. That's what I'm eating now. When that's gone, I'm not sure how I'll get food. I still get food stamps, but it's down to $23 a month. I don't qualify for any more. That's because Social Security increased our pensions because of inflation. Mine increased just enough to make me lose 3 times as much in other benefits...like food stamps, help with the gas bill, etc. I now start each month out $400 in the hole... since March. So, I can handle this for a short time, but there's no room for food. The rest of the budget is already at the bare bones level. While I had pandemic food stamps, not only did I stock up on food, I also saved up food stamps. I'm about to spend the very last of them. I shop monthly. I have enough for about 2 weeks worth of groceries. I'm afraid to go to the store and spend it because after then, I don't have a way to get food. That's why my fridge is so bare. I'm afraid to go to the store and spend the last of my food stamps. But I have to trust God. Something will come through. Sorry... I seem to have gotten a bit off track. All of this is a big concern to me right now. I am being extremely frugal these days... and I'm so glad I stocked my pantry up when I could! Sorry for sounding so down. I'm really not, but concerned is the word now!
Great vid, largely because my upbringing was very similar to yours. I’m quite pleased to know how to “be frugal,” even if some folks I know don’t understand it. Thanks.
Fantastic video once again. I wish I had been more frugal back in the day! But one must look to the day we are living now and put our priorities and goals in the forefront! You are 💯 in saying do not compare ourselves in this time of social media that is many people are doing.
Beautiful and so inspirational Jane. Judging from the comments I'm in a different stage of life than most here with two early elementary (primary school) children at home. We've been debt free except for our mortgage for 8 years but I'm always hoping to be better stewards of our resources and more content. You give me hope for the future as we age and that we have options and choices that are within our control. When you release a video I feel as though I'm being mentored by you as I'm sure many others are as well. Thank you!
I really enjoy your videos. I find it so hard to explain to young people why I am so frugal. they can't understand why I'm not living for the moment. I try to tell them, it's because I don't want to work forever or may not even be able to get a job when I'm older. (Because no one wants to hire seniors). Also, I don't trust that social security will be available when I'm older. they still don't get it. but they will when they get older themselves. it's nice to know there are like-minded people out there. Thanks guys.
It's sad that many younger people don't understand that 'living for the moment' isn't about spending money. Living in the moment is about mindfulness, and that costs nothing.
@@connie8298 I think they know that, they know they’re going to be poor for a very long time and they have to extract more meaning from life than earning money.
I love your description of you and mike's 70s and 80s Jane .it's identical to my childhood/teens. Our family soap was always Wright's Coal Tar or Pears .shampoo was usually Vosene.🙂 Your so right the simple things in life are the most satisfying and rewarding.
I grew up in the 50s and 60s. We sometimes ran out of hand soap, toothpaste or shampoo and made do without for a few days until we got to town to shop on payday.. Baking soda, homemade lye soap ( watch out for the bubbles) or Ponds cream worked in a pinch.
Despite all that’s happened recently, my broken shoulder, husbands fall etc we paid off the last of our mortgage, our only remaining debt, just before the interest rate went up 😅 Now we keep on being frugal in order to put back some savings. We are getting older and our recent accidents have shown us where we need to do some updates like a walk in shower. We need to budget in a more pro active way and to plan ahead👍
You are an inspiration. I am wanting to do the same when our children have finished college. For now we are busy turning our home into a minimalist home and bringing in as little as possible, hopefully teaching our sons to live with less along the way. The world has become far too materialistic in my eyes. Thank you for the motivation.
I greatly appreciate your cheerful and confident attitude toward frugality. I is wonderful when we arrive at the place where we are doing the correct stuff frugality and then turn it off and read a good book or go for a walk. Then, we are not trading one kind of stress, employment ratrace,for another, unending anxiety. Thanks for the mindset recheck.
I'm just like you. I was raised frugally as one of 6 children. Money was tight, but for the most part, I didn't feel deprived. I wore hand me downs and thrift store clothes and was content. Now, I still shop 2nd hand, and love it! I've always sewn, and always created my own fun. I'm never bored. I too choose time over money. I'm content with simple living and so is my husband. ❤
Since retiring my well-being has improved significantly. I get a lot more sleep and feel so much more energetic as a result. I get far fewer headaches as well so rarely take painkillers like ibuprofen although before I was taking them several times a week. We eat better as there’s more time to shop and cook and I take more exercise and spend more time outdoors. I have a number of interests but being able to choose to follow my real interests rather than do what I needed to do to earn a living is a wonderful thing. Everything is so much more enjoyable as a result. I hadn’t realised how stressed I actually felt until I stopped working.
Total sense. Everytime we spend it is a conversion of a percentage of our time( life) versus whatever we are purchasing. I say that as someone who isn't as frugal as I could be but far far more frugal than I use to be. Not that I had a lot of money to spend when I wasn't but there is now more thought into what is purchased. You say about a log splitter but I totally understand that as an investment into your time and also for future for when doing such a chore may become more difficult. For myself it was a dehydrator because of increased electricity prices and increased food production at home. My husband still thinks it is unnecessary but I am also currently preserving 20p bags of vegetables from the Easter deals available in the UK. My family can not get past the idea of "Who would want to eat dried food?!"... I guess the idea of rehydrating it has missed them haha. They'll eat it when it goes into pies and stews.
Thank you for another great video, frugality can serve multiple goals, an can be started from many reasons, yet it always follows with better conditions than your prior situation.
My husband and I worked hard to pay off our mortgage as soon as possible, he took a loan for his first car when he started work but any change we’ve made since has been for cash, use the credit cards for cash flow but pay them off in full monthly, and have always kept using coupons or deals for things we would buy anyway. Most importantly, we pay ourselves first - savings go from our paycheque before we do anything else. But we buy good quality items that we keep for a long time and repair. We eat well, and definitely enjoy good coffee. We are not as frugal as you and Mike as we both have professional roles still so I need to be suited and booted - but many of my clothes are over a decade old. And my 23 year old sewing machine has been well used for repairs and home furnishings, as well as fun things and presents for others. We occasionally get takeaways for convenience because we work such nutty hours but I also batch cook and do long slow roasts and bakes set on timers or in the slow cooker. I grow some veg where I can squeeze it in to my suburban pocket handkerchief garden. We like walking and relaxing by the fire with books or tv rather than lots of nights out. Definitely a frugal rather than penny pinching mindset.
I probably should add we grew up in the 70s and 80s with very little so we just continued what we grew up with rather than going nuts spending when we started work - as both are the eldest, we helped support younger siblings and our habits were set before others around us were spending everything on nights out or buying second homes and fast cars. It made a huge difference to staying afloat in the mid-2000’s recession and we are saving for a retirement free from worries and that we can enjoy, hopefully a little younger than not but we both enjoy our jobs in the meantime.
Two years ago I took early retirement-- haven't regretted it one bit! My budgeting has gotten better watching your videos-- it's fun to crunch the numbers!
Same here. My neighbors are cows. There is no shopping center, movies, etc. where I live. I have to drive 30 miles or more to enjoy those amenities. I really rather stay at home and enjoy my mountain retreat.
A few times a year I go visit family and friends in urban areas. It's wonderful but afterwards I'm really excited to get back to my quiet home way out in the mountains of WVa. Eat and sleep when I want, read, visit on line, long walks on trails in our woods and sometimes just sit and stare!!!
We’ve been married 52 years, and in the beginning like you were frugal, cause there was no choice and now they were in Social Security in the United States and make some extra money. We just saved a lot of it and then we can take a trip. We do what we really need to have money for things that breaker. It’s just a good way to live.
OUR CAR IS 22 YEARS OLD THIS JUNE . WE LOVE IT AND AS LONG AS IT TAKE ME FROM POINT A TO POINT B I AM GRATEFUL.
That's great
That’s awesome
My car is also the same age!
What’s it’s mileage? 🤗
@@joannahalford5672 170000 km
I love "The Good Life" photos. That's one of my favorite British shows!
Love That show!
My husband of 43 years and I were forced into early retirement several years ago due to illness. Mine was mental breakdown and his medical illness. Our car which we bought new and paid off in half the time is now 20 years old. Thanks to my husband being mechanically inclined it's never been in a shop and runs very well. We downsized our home after our 3 girls married. Paid off our debts. Our home now is 1/3rd the size. We pay cash or we don't buy. We live as frugally as possible. We buy thrifted items when possible. Not only saving money but challenging our creativity to reuse and redesign. We're comfortable and have greater peace of mind. Thank you for taking your time and sharing with us. 🇺🇸
Thanks for sharing too Linda
I retired at 56. I was tired of work and had enough years for my pension. It didn’t matter one bit if I was ready financially, I was tired of it all. Almost 6 years in now and not one bit sorry. I didn’t really have a plan, just wanted to pay my bills and adjust my spending. I’ve never regretted it! I admire you both and Grab as much as I can from your videos. Thank you so much🙂
Thanks very much
how do you deal with health insurance? thats the reason why a lot of older folks have to continue working. thanks
I bought it on my own for my husband and I. He’s 65 so he has government health care now. It isn’t easy, but it’s ok. I’m not a big spender and we have lots of land so we have our own woods.
@@debby7124 for me to self-pay its over $1000 a month and it's not that great.
I live on a farm, heat with wood, garden. I try to be as self-sufficient as possible.
and make those dollars go as far as they can.
thanks, and best wishes to you guys.
I do not pay that Frank! I pay $200 Canadian. It covers a percentage of a variety of things. No dental coverage I pay that out of pocket. We have Health care here. It covers Doctor visits, hospital procedures and stays. We are fortunate enough to have a family Doctor. Several 1000 in our province do not. When I visit another province I purchase travel insurance. We have a farm but no longer have cattle. We sell our hay. It’s just my husband and I here but our family live pretty close. It’s good. I’m fortunate to have enough right now. If my insurance was as expensive as yours I certainly could not have retired.
Great video. I'm enjoying my retirement as well. No alarm clock, time for a walk, focus on exercise, reading, learning Italian, enjoying my house.
Good stuff!
And NO BOSSES! 😊
I am also lucky to have a like-minded spouse. We both took early retirement from the postal service and have not regretted it once. We have enough money to live simply and enjoy our lives.
That is awesome!
Grew up the same way, went off the rails for a while trying to impress others with brands but now back on track and realise it’s family and friends who stick with you through everything are what’s really important. You are both lucky Jane and Mike that you are both on the same page in this regard.
Thanks so much
I find that by thrifting and shopping pre used I can also buy the better quality things I like. It does mean being patient and looking around and also sometimes buying before I need something but if I know I will use the item I don’t mind doing this. Nearly all my cloths are bought either on pre owned wed sites/shops or from charity shops and sales. It amazes me how many comments I get about my appearance. I just say thank you and smile. It really doesn’t need to cost a fortune to dress well and have a nicely furnished home.
Years ago, I heard a good definition of wisdom, which was, setting your priorities and learning to say no.
I grew up in the 70’s Jane and well remember no central heating, eating everything on my plate as there was nothing else and generally making do with what we had!
I also agree that possessions do not make you happy, in fact they can be a burden!
You and Mike have a wonderful life in a beautiful home and your hard work to pay off all your debts has been well rewarded!
Thanks Shelia
I was born in the 40s. My mon lived through the Great Depression. She taught me a lot on being frugal from washing and reusing tinfoil to growing a garden and canning what she grew. All our meals were cooked at home from scratch. I wanted for nothing. I'm now almost 77 and still live a frugal life, growing my own garden, washing and reusing Ziploc bags and tinfoil, hanging my laundry outside on a line, etc. I still want for nothing and extremely happy with my life.
Thank you Jane and Michael, for another interesting video. My husband and I have been married for 50 years and have both received a frugal upbringing. We have learned to regard this as a great blessing, especially now, considering the world-wide inflation. It is indeed a great gift to be content and to make do with what we have!!!
Thanks for sharing!
There is nothing wrong with leading a quiet, simple and gentle way of life. It is all about contentment and finding your own personal joy in life.
Freedom is living the life you want and knowing who you are. Thanks for sharing your inspiring journey with us.
My pleasure!
Your video reinforced all the reason I am frugal! I look forward to your posts every week!
Wow, thank you!
Yep me too, was nodding my head all the way through :)
We find uses for anything that we have, repurposing many, and saving bits and scraps from a project, for a future unknown use. It has saved us lots of money and time to just go to the barn and rummage through it and find that we have something that will work perfectly for our task.
Thanks for watching and commenting
You and Mike worked hard to achieve what you have .. a beautiful character property with a glorious garden. I was envious of people when I was younger but once I passed middle age I realised what I wanted was a nice home in the area I wanted without a mortgage so I passed on the quick fix holidays etc. I am still learning that saving up for something you really want is better than trying to make yourself happy in the meantime buying small meaningless things but your posts keep me in check :)
So nice of you
Fabulous vlog Jane and Mike thank you. Growing up in the 60s and 70s the frugality of our families was instilled in us and have never left us, Anna.
Glad you enjoyed it
Yes Jane it all makes sense to live frugally and to live more freely as a result!
Thanks Yuko
We both grew up the same way in the 50-60s. I more than my husband got caught up in the consumer way when we were first married. Now we are retired and we both love our simple life. My clothes are functional for working outside but I can still wear them if we go somewhere. I'm in the process of cleaning out my business wardrobe. I have one gray dress that will work for weddings or funerals, a plain black skirt, one uncrusable skirt and an uncrushable dress I've kept. I do like to wear skirts in the summer. Otherwise everything else is durable pants and tops. We wear our clothes more than once before washing. If they pass the sniff test they are good for another wear unless really dirty. These days I get enjoyment from my flowers, books, hobbies, etc. I don't need a ton of stuff that my boys will just throw out when we die.
Thanks Lauri
I still sew on my mothers 1953 featherweight Singer sewing machine. I am a quilter and it sews beautifully.
Oh my, that is literally the only thing I could happily buy if I could find one. Happy sewing.
Those old sewing machines are fascinating! My mother-in-law has Singer with pedal in her summer cottage, it doesn't need electricity and it still works. I think it's from the 1940's. I fixed my shorts with last summer :)
Same for me ! Still using mum's 1958 Singer sewing machine that is hand operated. Love it. It is heavy though, one of these days I won't be able to lift it !
Absolutly love the way you both are on the same page.. Im materialistic have been all my life..I buy items that give back such as candle n soap making supplies, molds,essential oils, waxes and so many kitchen gadgets.. Im a from scratch cook/baker.. I pressure can, water bath can, dehydrate.. instead of buying clothes, haircuts, getting hair dyed, pedicures n manicures I used that money to turn my lawn into a edible/medicinal landscape with a small greenhouse.. I do nothing that doesnt give back somehow..I know at some point my skills will create wealth.. I hope to be debt free in the next 5-years..
Good luck with smashing those debts
How many hours of my life does it take me to buy that? That is the question we always ask ourselves before buying something. We prefer going for a walk and enjoying time together to working more hours in order to eat in a fancy restaurant.
Good questions and a great approach
@Mirth we prefer the simple things of life too. Plus, restaurant food usually doesn't agree with us.
This one so resonated with me. Born 1954 I somehow knew that we couldn't have everything we wanted but have come to realise now that it wasn't a bad thing. I recognise the sacrifices my parents made to give me what they could. My grandfather and father both had their own veggie gardens and yes, it was a case of eat what's on your plate or don't, up to you. Went through the "keeping up with the Jones 's " phase in early marriage in the late 70s but realised early on that it was quite silly. Now I'm happy with what I've got and grateful for it. Love your channel x
Thanks Elaine
My car was 17 years old when I bought a new one. I wasn’t having any problems with it but bought a new one and gave my old one to my grandson. I’m retired now and it should last me the rest of my life. We have always lived within our means. When we were young we did have to purchase some things on credit but always paid them off as quickly as we could. We enjoyed life but were not extravagant or wasteful. We were able to retire early and travel some which was a blessing because my husband became disabled unexpectedly and now is unable to travel. Luckily we bought a new larger home before he was disabled as it would have been hard for him to get around our old small home in his walker and wheelchair. It’s bigger than we really needed but we found it at a very good price because the sellers we anxious to sell and move and houses smaller were actually higher in price. My husband will sometimes call me cheap and I tell him I’m not cheap, I’m frugal.
You are indeed
"The good life" that was honestly my favourite show as a kid. I wanted to live just like them, even back then.
Your definitions of frugal and cheap are outstanding! I also do not wear jewelry or make up. Exactly! Material possessions do not make us happy, unless, of course those possessions are books!!! Lol!
Yes! Thank you!
We also have one bottle of shampoo and one bar of soap. I am a few decades younger and am also so past the hustle and bustle of working crazy hours. My sanity and physical health are more important than that.
First time viewer. This is a breadth of fresh air. I have grown up frugal too and love the lifestyle. Thank you for sharing.
Glad you enjoyed it!
So true, you really can’t buy time and shouldn’t compare yourself. Really enjoyed this video, thank you. ✨
You're so welcome!
Thanks for sharing. I feel a bit more normal , knowing I'm not the only one wearing no wedding ring, wearing cloth that fit and keep me warm but are not the latest Trent etc etc.
Knowing there is enough $$$ in the bank if we need it. Makes a HUGE difference.
Being happy and well is priceless!
Love that!
I grew up in the 50's and 60's. My parents were raised during the depression and WWII. Lots of frugality growing up. Also lots of old time skills passed on to me in the housekeeping department. Hubby has lots of skills to keep up on home repairs and upkeep.
Thanks
I love being frugal and saving each month even if only a small amount these habits camein extremely handy as last week I blew my cooker up on Tuesday so needed a new one the next day then whilst waiting for my cooker I blew up. My lawn mower without my regular savings we’d have been up a creak without a paddle 😂😂
Love that!
Oh goodness! bad thing come in threes did you break a match
Thank you for this video! I really enjoy your content; it's great to know why you do what you do. Respect to you both.
Thanks for watching!
i love your videos. they really put our priorities in perspective thank you
You are so welcome!
Hi Jane and Mike. Another video to which I can relate. I was raised the same way you mention. I was a teenager in the 70's and yes, life was so much different then. I was never short of anything, but money was used sparingly and I knew that things had to last. Fast forward, my husband began gambling and the money situation spiralled out of control. I got out in the nick of time but he had left a trail of destruction behind him that took me a long time to recover from. I managed to save the house, which I live in to this day. That was a good few years ago and as I have always worked, I managed to start again, sort out my life in general and in 2010, I became mortgage free. Last summer I began to feel that time was becoming more important than money. Fortunately, I had reached the stage where, with some careful management, I was able to retire slightly earlier. Like you, I live well but always monitor my outgoings each month. I no longer feel the need to keep replacing things either. Thanks again for this video. 🤗
Thanks Shelia
Great video. I love your comment “ we value our well being”.
Thank you for sharing💛
You are so welcome!
I live frugally so I can enjoy my life. I set goals and stick to my budget so I don't have to worry. I know my bills are paid every month. My freezer and pantry are well stocked. My needs are met. Knowing that takes away a lot of stress.
Thanks Jane
Thanks Jane and Mike for a great vlog. I grew up in the U.K. with parents who had lived through the depression. We didn't have central heating or any luxuries. Half a pound of broken biscuits was a big treat for us children. That way of life has stood me in good stead! I've been retired for twenty two years. We are debt free and mortgage free and have hopefully taught our children the same frugal values. Keep up the posts.
Thanks
As always, great video and great advise. One bottle of shampoo, one bar of soap and we always used the same towels and wash cloths.
And we lived to tell the tale with strong immunity
We still do and always have in our married life
Enjoying sounds wonderful. Loved the video😊
I remember where I was when I realized I could have money or time. Took me a bit to get to this life but I LOVE my simple retirement.
Thanks very much for watching
Hi, I’m so grateful for your videos I’ve been quite Frugal since about 2015 I was in a very stressful job very long hours and my Mom had got Dementia and I was trying to care for her and it was affecting my mental health and I was feeling that I was not giving 100% to my lovely Mum or my Career so I decided to give my career up and look after my Mom full time, very sad times ahead of me but it’s the best and only thing I wanted to do. My partner, like your husband is fully onboard with our way of life. So since 2015 our income was slashed to the bone but I think we’re the happiest, contented we’ve ever been. It’s the time we appreciate and want the simple things in life, we do enjoy travel and we do travel a fair bit but that’s our thing. My childhood was the best and everything you mentioned from your growing up years it was so true of my time growing up, Vosene Shampoo in the kitchen sink it brought so many memories flooding back listening to you, so yeah I have been brought up frugal and it’s put me on the right track. All I need now Jane is to get my quilting as good as yours lol, I will get there.
We had Vosene, imperial leather soap and mum roll on
@@FrugalQueeninFrance Same here, Vosene, Imperial Leather and some Matey bubble bath, that I got for Christmas, in my Sunday bath. It was a luxury if I was the only one who’d used the water! 😂
Still love that smell of Vosene. Have Imperial Leather soap bar in the bathroom today and remember Matey but never had any. Also loved Camay soap or Lux when we were young as it was what mum bought.
I once got a Christmas present of a lovely soap on a rope it was Avon, I thought I was the Bee’s knees. It was a Peach 🍑 soap made to look like a Peach I will never forget that Christmas present I felt so grown up with my very own soap, lol. I wonder what the reaction of a soap on a rope would be like to children of today 🤔 yeah I wonder indeed. I bet you ladies could remember this, I would probably only be about 7 or 8. Very happy childhood days. 🍑
@@lesleychater7844 yes I used to love Avon Pretty Peach too. Soap on a rope was so posh!
A very wise & happy way to live 💖😊
Thanks very much
I love the thumb nail pic on this one. Always loved watching Good Neighbors.
Glad you enjoyed it
When I was married, and a stay at home mother, others, including family and friends would comment and make fun of us because we were so careful with our money. We owned a condo in an area of million dollar homes, we owned our cars outright, our children had everything they wanted, and we did a lot of things ourselves. We took family vacations to places like Disneyland where the children could have whatever they wanted, , and did all we wanted. My husband passed away suddenly in 2009, leaving me to raise our children and do everything else. That was when I knew we had been doing the right thing all of those years. Just being aware and careful with money doesn't mean you can't have what you want and need, it doesn't have to mean depriving yourself. Even after he passed, I have not had to go to work, because we were so good at saving money. Next year I will be retirement age, and when I want to I can tap into social security. We moved 5 years ago, paid off the condo, and I paid cash for a brand new build home. Planning for your future is crucial. My children are now young adults and I tell them often to start prepping for your senior years now. 🥰💐🍒💗✝
Thanks very much for sharing
Totally agree with you. Two quotes came to mind as I listened to you…”Comparison is the thief of joy “ and my old school motto “To thine own self be true “ . Thanks Jane and Mike. You are voices of intelligence in a consumerist world.
Thanks very much
Thank you so much for your sensible explanations!
Thanks
We both realized we were very much like you two in the past! We appreciate our wellbeing and good health and basically the simple things in life. Thank you for reminding us and we look forward to everyday debt free!
Yes Yes!!! i totally agree with this mind set. Thank you!! Sher.
Thanks so much
I hate waste as well. I just made something using leftovers and it came out looking awful lol. The old me would have called it a fail and thrown it out. The new me ate it gratefully, and it was actually quite tasty!
Jane and Mike, we agree with you, alarm clocks no, and I have not worn a watch in 10 years.
I love your honesty. I grew up in affluent circumstances but now I'm frugal because we lost everything in 2008 and had to rebuild. That experience changed me forever. Also, you look very pretty without makeup. I wish I could pull it off but I still feel like I need it when I go out of the house anywhere.
Thanks for watching
I don't know if I am frugal, but you have helped me see I don't need everything I see. I am much more relaxed and I too get up when I want. Carry on🎉😊
You are so welcome!
Jane, thank you for your wise words about your frugal lifestyle. I’m single, so any decision making is mine, alone. Question- Do you and Mike ever disagree about purchases, or how to handle your money? You seem to be in great alignment, but, as humans, we will have our differences! Thanks!
I also grew up in the 1970s and remember that single bottle of shampoo and one bar of soap! I liked your comments about wellbeing and happiness and living the life you want, a frugal life can certainly help with those goals as well as material needs.
Thanks Belinda
I have a teen that thinks a bar of soap is gross. My luxury is Pear soap once in a while. I have no idea how we got so divided.
@@MegaDdraig If you live in the US/some areas of Canada, Dollar Tree sells Pears glycerin bars.
You are both so Interesting and honest.its really helpful this video😊
Thanks very much
My innate frugality comes from my parents. They both were small children during the great depression, and teenagers during WWII. They grew up frugally out of sheer necessity. They started their family during the boon of the '50's. So, even though we had everything needed and more, my parents were still frugal because that's how they knew to live. That's all they knew. By listening to their conversations and decision making throughout my life, I was instilled with frugality. It's in my bones and DNA! It's just how I think. There have been times in my life when I didn't need to be frugal, but I was anyway... not miserly or penny pinching, but frugal... making sure I got the best value for the money. There have also been times when I needed to be frugal. This is one of those times. I did all the things we're taught to do financially to cover my needs and have a comfortable retirement. Well, I didn't plan on a medically necessary retirement before regular retirement age. I ended up with some exceedingly large bills as my income vanished. I had some money, but because of the rather large expenses, it didn't last as long as it was meant to. I know... the best laid plans.... Now I'm poor. I usually don't feel that way. I still have nearly everything I need, and God provides the rest in ways I would never think of. I do have some concerns, but when the time comes to take care of them, I trust there will be an answer. I just have no idea right now what it'll be. I can't see how I'll ever be able to buy another car, right now I can't see how I'll continue to buy food or get the front hedges trimmed. The hedges are like a forest. One of my care givers said she won't walk through them again, so I have to have something done by next week. We'll see what happens. When I had extra pandemic food stamps, I stocked up on food. My refrigerator is the barest it's ever been -- totally bare, but I still have food in the pantry. That's what I'm eating now. When that's gone, I'm not sure how I'll get food. I still get food stamps, but it's down to $23 a month. I don't qualify for any more. That's because Social Security increased our pensions because of inflation. Mine increased just enough to make me lose 3 times as much in other benefits...like food stamps, help with the gas bill, etc. I now start each month out $400 in the hole... since March. So, I can handle this for a short time, but there's no room for food. The rest of the budget is already at the bare bones level. While I had pandemic food stamps, not only did I stock up on food, I also saved up food stamps. I'm about to spend the very last of them. I shop monthly. I have enough for about 2 weeks worth of groceries. I'm afraid to go to the store and spend it because after then, I don't have a way to get food. That's why my fridge is so bare. I'm afraid to go to the store and spend the last of my food stamps. But I have to trust God. Something will come through.
Sorry... I seem to have gotten a bit off track. All of this is a big concern to me right now. I am being extremely frugal these days... and I'm so glad I stocked my pantry up when I could! Sorry for sounding so down. I'm really not, but concerned is the word now!
Yes, I love living a slow, quiet life.
Great vid, largely because my upbringing was very similar to yours. I’m quite pleased to know how to “be frugal,” even if some folks I know don’t understand it. Thanks.
Glad it was helpful!
Fantastic video once again. I wish I had been more frugal back in the day! But one must look to the day we are living now and put our priorities and goals in the forefront! You are 💯 in saying do not compare ourselves in this time of social media that is many people are doing.
Thanks so much for watching and commenting
We all have regrets about questionable financial decisions. But that's the past. Don't dwell on it. That's how we learn!
Thank You Jane and Michael for the well presented facts about frugality and the motivation behind it.
Our pleasure!
Perfect. We are frugal but could simplify even more. I enjoy it more now.
Perfect!
great vlog ... the freedom of your life choosing is amazing. keep it up . love your channel
Thank you! Will do!
You are right and your explanation is perfect ❤
Glad you think so!
Beautiful and so inspirational Jane. Judging from the comments I'm in a different stage of life than most here with two early elementary (primary school) children at home. We've been debt free except for our mortgage for 8 years but I'm always hoping to be better stewards of our resources and more content. You give me hope for the future as we age and that we have options and choices that are within our control. When you release a video I feel as though I'm being mentored by you as I'm sure many others are as well. Thank you!
Thanks so much
I really enjoy your videos. I find it so hard to explain to young people why I am so frugal. they can't understand why I'm not living for the moment.
I try to tell them, it's because I don't want to work forever or may not even be able to get a job when I'm older. (Because no one wants to hire seniors). Also, I don't trust that social security will be available when I'm older. they still don't get it. but they will when they get older themselves. it's nice to know there are like-minded people out there. Thanks guys.
Thanks
It's sad that many younger people don't understand that 'living for the moment' isn't about spending money. Living in the moment is about mindfulness, and that costs nothing.
@@connie8298 I think they know that, they know they’re going to be poor for a very long time and they have to extract more meaning from life than earning money.
@@connie8298 i like that.
I love your description of you and mike's 70s and 80s Jane .it's identical to my childhood/teens.
Our family soap was always Wright's Coal Tar or Pears .shampoo was usually Vosene.🙂
Your so right the simple things in life are the most satisfying and rewarding.
Thanks
I grew up in the 50s and 60s. We sometimes ran out of hand soap, toothpaste or shampoo and made do without for a few days until we got to town to shop on payday.. Baking soda, homemade lye soap ( watch out for the bubbles) or Ponds cream worked in a pinch.
Thanks Janet
Despite all that’s happened recently, my broken shoulder, husbands fall etc we paid off the last of our mortgage, our only remaining debt, just before the interest rate went up 😅 Now we keep on being frugal in order to put back some savings. We are getting older and our recent accidents have shown us where we need to do some updates like a walk in shower. We need to budget in a more pro active way and to plan ahead👍
Thanks
I love your video's - thank you!
Glad you like them!
Oh my gosh I loved The Good Life, it was one of my favourite shows as a kid :)
You are an inspiration. I am wanting to do the same when our children have finished college. For now we are busy turning our home into a minimalist home and bringing in as little as possible, hopefully teaching our sons to live with less along the way. The world has become far too materialistic in my eyes. Thank you for the motivation.
Best of luck!
I greatly appreciate your cheerful and confident attitude toward frugality. I is wonderful when we arrive at the place where we are doing the correct stuff frugality and then turn it off and read a good book or go for a walk. Then, we are not trading one kind of stress, employment ratrace,for another, unending anxiety. Thanks for the mindset recheck.
Thanks Anne
Best video ever !! Thank you Jane and Mike
You're welcome
I'm just like you. I was raised frugally as one of 6 children. Money was tight, but for the most part, I didn't feel deprived. I wore hand me downs and thrift store clothes and was content. Now, I still shop 2nd hand, and love it! I've always sewn, and always created my own fun. I'm never bored. I too choose time over money. I'm content with simple living and so is my husband. ❤
Thanks for sharing!!
I love your Videos, thank you Jane , my sister and i talk about your living and what we can use for our live ❤
We live in Austria
You are so welcome!
Since retiring my well-being has improved significantly. I get a lot more sleep and feel so much more energetic as a result. I get far fewer headaches as well so rarely take painkillers like ibuprofen although before I was taking them several times a week. We eat better as there’s more time to shop and cook and I take more exercise and spend more time outdoors. I have a number of interests but being able to choose to follow my real interests rather than do what I needed to do to earn a living is a wonderful thing. Everything is so much more enjoyable as a result. I hadn’t realised how stressed I actually felt until I stopped working.
Thanks very much for sharing
Good morning. Looking forward to the video
Hope you enjoyed it!
Thank you for sharing. It's very encouraging!
You are so welcome!
Total sense. Everytime we spend it is a conversion of a percentage of our time( life) versus whatever we are purchasing. I say that as someone who isn't as frugal as I could be but far far more frugal than I use to be. Not that I had a lot of money to spend when I wasn't but there is now more thought into what is purchased. You say about a log splitter but I totally understand that as an investment into your time and also for future for when doing such a chore may become more difficult.
For myself it was a dehydrator because of increased electricity prices and increased food production at home. My husband still thinks it is unnecessary but I am also currently preserving 20p bags of vegetables from the Easter deals available in the UK. My family can not get past the idea of "Who would want to eat dried food?!"... I guess the idea of rehydrating it has missed them haha. They'll eat it when it goes into pies and stews.
You're doing great Emma
@@FrugalQueeninFrance Thank you. You also. Love this channel and what you are doing.x
I agree with everything you said,, I try and buy the best quality I can afford and hate being ripped off,, best wishes, Lisa
Everything became so expensive! Being frugal is helpful! We should spend money wisely!
Thanks so much for watching
So nice to meet you. Thanks from California.
Same to you! And welcome
Thank you for another great video, frugality can serve multiple goals, an can be started from many reasons, yet it always follows with better conditions than your prior situation.
Thanks
My husband and I worked hard to pay off our mortgage as soon as possible, he took a loan for his first car when he started work but any change we’ve made since has been for cash, use the credit cards for cash flow but pay them off in full monthly, and have always kept using coupons or deals for things we would buy anyway. Most importantly, we pay ourselves first - savings go from our paycheque before we do anything else. But we buy good quality items that we keep for a long time and repair. We eat well, and definitely enjoy good coffee. We are not as frugal as you and Mike as we both have professional roles still so I need to be suited and booted - but many of my clothes are over a decade old. And my 23 year old sewing machine has been well used for repairs and home furnishings, as well as fun things and presents for others. We occasionally get takeaways for convenience because we work such nutty hours but I also batch cook and do long slow roasts and bakes set on timers or in the slow cooker. I grow some veg where I can squeeze it in to my suburban pocket handkerchief garden. We like walking and relaxing by the fire with books or tv rather than lots of nights out. Definitely a frugal rather than penny pinching mindset.
I probably should add we grew up in the 70s and 80s with very little so we just continued what we grew up with rather than going nuts spending when we started work - as both are the eldest, we helped support younger siblings and our habits were set before others around us were spending everything on nights out or buying second homes and fast cars. It made a huge difference to staying afloat in the mid-2000’s recession and we are saving for a retirement free from worries and that we can enjoy, hopefully a little younger than not but we both enjoy our jobs in the meantime.
Two years ago I took early retirement-- haven't regretted it one bit! My budgeting has gotten better watching your videos-- it's fun to crunch the numbers!
Wonderful!
Excellent video! Spot on!
Glad you think so!
Thanks
Inspiring post. Thank you!
Glad you enjoyed it!
I like my hermit life
So do we
Same here. My neighbors are cows. There is no shopping center, movies, etc. where I live. I have to drive 30 miles or more to enjoy those amenities. I really rather stay at home and enjoy my mountain retreat.
We do too.
A few times a year I go visit family and friends in urban areas. It's wonderful but afterwards I'm really excited to get back to my quiet home way out in the mountains of WVa. Eat and sleep when I want, read, visit on line, long walks on trails in our woods and sometimes just sit and stare!!!
Thank you for another great video!
Our pleasure!
Love your channel and the sound advice you give us. Long may you continue xx
Thank you, I will
Two thumbs up! 👍👍
Thanks again!
We’ve been married 52 years, and in the beginning like you were frugal, cause there was no choice and now they were in Social Security in the United States and make some extra money. We just saved a lot of it and then we can take a trip. We do what we really need to have money for things that breaker. It’s just a good way to live.
Thanks Joyce
❤️love your way of living ❤️I had to much before now I don’t care of all ❤️need to have less ❤️ just being free of material ❤️thank you love
Another great video Thank you again.
Thanks again!
Yes! Yes! YES!!!
❤ this Thank you for all you share!
You are so welcome!
Lovely video ❤
Thank you 🤗
Enjoyed this--lovely video.
Great video. I agree with you on all of the points. Inspiring again.
Thanks so much!
Thank you 😊