Barely Spending A Dime: 10 Tips For Living On Next To Nothing
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- Опубліковано 1 чер 2024
- In this video, I explore 10 tips for living on next to (or almost) nothing. Many of these tips may be controversial or extreme, but with the cost of living crisis, these might be the choices many of us face.
From housing to food, I hope you can find some tips that help you live a more frugal life and save money.
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I’m so very happy to have you here. We are all about saving money at Frozen Pennies. Whether you have a goal like debt freedom, purchasing a home, retiring, or just making ends meet, we are all about making that happen. Here you’ll find tips on saving money on groceries, ways to tweak your budget, and living an overall frugal life (all while having more fun)! Thank you for supporting my channel.
About Sara:
Sara is a wife, mother, and creator of Frozen Pennies. With a degree in English, a former teacher, and a Certified Financial Coach, there is no better place to learn about debt freedom, budgeting, and overall frugal living.
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DISCLAIMERS:
- Links included in this description might be affiliate links. I may receive a small commission if you purchase a product or service with the links I provide at no additional charge to you.
- Information on this channel (Sara Conklin, Frozen Pennies) only represents my thoughts and opinions. I am not a medical doctor, medical professional, or financial advisor. However, I am a certified financial coach. All content on this channel is intended for entertainment, informational & inspirational purposes only. Don't hesitate to contact a professional with any questions. This video and all videos on this channel are a means of social support.
Recently met friends for a day of touring museums and lunch. Lunch was in a beautiful botanical garden setting with live music; custom made food with fresh baked desserts. The cost: 0.
The details: The museums and botanical garden are in a large urban park, free to the public. Lunch was a bag meal from home. The live music came from nearby street musicians.
It's possible to have enriching entertainment without spending!
When my husband and I built our home in 1982, interest rates were 16 %. We built a basic 3 bedroom, 1200 square foot home. Which in today's world of the mega farmhouse would not be imaginable. Anyway we paid it off in 5 years ! Obviously no internet at that time, but we did a lot of things you said. We never went out to eat, no movies, etc. But whenever we got tax money back, or maybe extra overtime money, everything went to our home loan. Also, I hear a lot of people complaining about grocery prices, yet they still go out to eat and take their Disney vacation.
I was researching interest rates a few weeks ago and was surprised at the high interest rates in the 80’s. 7% doesn’t feel so bad.
I sold real estate in the ‘80s, in New Jersey. Interest rate was 18%. Yeah, nuts. I bought my own home in 2012, 3% interest (fixed).
But cost of homes related to salaries was not the same... cost of houses increased A LOT, salaries not as much
I keep my expenses under $500 by living in a campervan in someone's driveway 😂 saving for land, manufactured house etc. Im trying to buy in cash so it'll take some time 😢
Excellent goal. Manufactured homes (mh) have gotten so expensive, but I saw a single wide on UA-cam in the last week that was only $50k+. If you find a piece of land that had a mh on it you can use the existing well, septic and electrical hookups for your new mh. My only suggestion is to get the best insulation package you can whether in cold or a hot weather area.
Best wishes!
Part of what used to tick me off about Dave Ramsey was the put-down on people living in unusual accommodations passed Baby Step 2, and his put-down of mobile homes and camper vans.
My uncle lives in a trailer park in a camper van in a mobile home park, permanently. He owns the van. Yes, the value of the camper van goes down. But he's in his late 70s, Auntie died, and this was affordable for him over other options.
Aldi gives their expired food that hasn't sold after markdown to charities such as St. Vincent de Paul, Salvation Army, food banks. They freeze it. Some places have a regular day of the month to pick up.
Not all Aldi’s do this as evidenced by UA-camr who dumpster dive at ALDIs. Additionally, before dumpster diving, be sure to know the laws in your area. Though most get a warning, other get a ticket. Paying a fine is definitely not living on nothing.
We stream free movies only! My internet costs $10.00 per month. And we read books we own and watch UA-cam for entertainment. When the weather is good we are outside! I work every day on ways to reduce our budget. It is a constant concern! But we still are happy and healthy!
Sounds like you are doing a great job! Keep up the good work!
Please tell me how you get internet for $10?
@@nadinenc3097late to the party but this may help you, I don't know about ten dollars but if you are lower income you can apply to human it , they are a charity based in California, they have very good service unlimited for 14.99 a month. Application is based on income. Hope this might help
69 years old and healthy. I can do many of the things you suggested. Being plder does not mean being incapable. I have the time and the energy.
Hi Sarah am used to living on next to nothing I receive pension rent government home but happy❤
#1- unconventional living space - such as roommates
#2- sell everything you don't need - less to clean - less to fix - no storage costs
#3- vow to only participate in free entertainment
#4- eat only the food that you prepare at home- no going out
#5- barter & trade for everything that you possibly can- try to learn new skills- network with people on social media or farmers market & be flexible - time banks or skill sharing (search in your area)
#6- (do research) freegan lifestyle
7- food rescue
8- do everything yourself/ learn skills to fix things
9- stay healthy ❤
10- unplug everything- live as off grid as you can
I find these suggestions to be excellent. Back in 1996 we had a 10 x 16 storage barn with a loft, window, and flower box built in our backyard by the Amish. A friend ran water and electricity back to it. I remember my husband's comment when he first went inside and said, "I could actually live in here." Everyone told him that he might have to when I send him to the doghouse. I never dreamed that people would actually live in homes that size. When we opened our retail store in 1986 we would dumpster dive behind other retail stores and get perfectly good fixtures that we could use in our business. Sometimes they would call us and tell us what they were throwing away. My brother would barter for almost everything. He installed security alarm systems. One trade was for a 1995 Econoline 350 cargo van. He used it until 2007 when he passed. I got it and used it for another 10 years. One time we had a customer who had a Chevy Suburban. We told them that when they were ready to sell, that we would purchase it. They sold it to us when it was 7 yrs. old for $5000. We used it for 10 years and sold it for $3000.
Yes living on a disability pension you tube is my best friend and crochetting we only eat at home
So glad to see your video! I look forward to them so much. You are adorable and real and full of great advice! One thing I am able to do to help my own finances is taking advantage of my living situation to save on utilities. I currently live in a top-floor (3rd floor) corner apt and I have big windows that face south and east. I am able to have my lights off most of the time and this winter, I have hardly needed to turn on my furnace at all, because I am getting the advantage of rising heat from the apartments below mine. For example, it was -4 degrees Fahrenheit this morning outside, yet it was 67 degrees in my apartment. I am so grateful to discover this as I moved here after I sold my 1909 house this summer. Winter heating was super expensive for that house!
Thank you so much! I appreciate your kindness. I love lots of windows and all that light. I'm always wondering how to add more light to my home.
I bought my home and while paying for it I spent nothing because the mortgage ate up most of my income. Now that I payed it off those habits just stuck. Most my furniture was hand me downs from my parents which I repainted and I don't intend to ever "upgrade" a thing
Living on next to nothing means different things to people living in large houses with a swimming pool, multiple cars, over a million dollars in the bank, fully stocked with everything you really need, working just part time and going on expensive vacations every year vs not already having everything you need in a cracker box dwelling with one old car on the edge of failing (in multiple ways), working full time plus a side gig and stuck in unrelenting poverty.
Thanks for sharing ! Some of the ideas smack of meanness and stinginess ! If I'm sitting quietly in my own home , fine . If I'm going to cadge things from others , I'm not so sure ! 😮😮
Frozen Pennies isn’t speaking to rich people. The first people you described, would tell you that they’re “comfortable”, NOT living on next to nothing.
Your comparison isn't a comparison, though it could be a contrast of two different lifestyles. Regardless, it isn't relevant and makes you sound bitter and envious.
Those in "large houses with a swimming pool, multiple cars, over a millions dollars in the bank, fully stocked with everything you really need need, working just part time and going on expensive vacations" aren't likely to say they "living on next to nothing", even if they are.
People either live beyond their means, or they live within them, regardless of income. Wealthy people can be living on the edge. Or, they can live like Warren Buffet who is frugal and still lives in the same house he bought decades ago. No one knows how financially stable strangers are.
There is no such thing as "unrelenting poverty" unless you've convinced yourself of it. That is not to say getting out of poverty is ever quick or easy but it isn't a dead end road. But getting mired in how much some have, and how little some have does harm. It's not true that every business owner, CEO, CFO, engineer or scientist, etc., you know or have read of was born into a wealthy family. Millions have done the "impossible" and gotten out of poverty.
The relevancy: If you already have everything you need then there is no need to spend more money. If you lack a rain resistant warm coat it isn't wasteful to spend money on it. If you live in a poor area there is a high chance the oversight of your water supply is lacking so buying a water filter isn't wasteful. Buying things you absolutely need and don't have or that will save you money in the long run isn't wasteful even if you have to resort to credit cards. Billionaires like Warren Buffet have no awareness let alone understanding of the realities facing people living in poverty trying to get out of it.@@tamaraliscia3408
Thanks Sara. I'm currently doing a no-spend January but hope to extend it for the whole year. I'm enjoying the challenge of finding free activity/entertainment ideas.
I think thats the best way to find success is to make it into a game! Good for you - and keep up the good work!
I worked at Walmart for many years part of the time in their claims department.They threw away enough food and clothes to supply many families.If a shirt had a makeup stain ,a missing button ,skipped seam,or small pick it would be trashed. People would open packs of socks and underwear to see the size and take an unopened package.Anytime someone got to the checks outs and they didn’t want refrigerated items they were tossed because they said they didn’t know how long it had been out of cooler.They did start donating food nearing expiration to Second Harvest ,but there still was so much waste.
To Me it's A Game ❤❤❤😮😮😮😊😊😊
A hugely effective economizing measure is cooking your own food from local produce, minimizing food wastage, and knowing how to recycle leftovers. Eating out should be a treat and not a routine.
The tools professional plumbers, tailors,carpenters, etc, use can cost a LOT of money. It’s important to factor in those costs when doing things yourself.
True! Sometimes you can ask around and borrow or rent instead.of buy. Worth a try!
Bartering is interesting because say you need to stay under a certain tax bracket to qualify for affordable medical insurance, you can't have side income because you'll go over the bracket and pay more for health insurance. But bartering isn't considered taxable income (I think/hope; correct me if I'm wrong). So that would be a good way to get necessities or extras you might want/need.
Bartering is taxable income. Be careful - please. Letting you know.
The IRS does think it is. Big hug to you
@@margiesoapyhairbillian4754 Good to know thank you
The kind of bartering the IRS is interested in us generally professional services. Say you barter x number of hours as an accountant in order to keep your boat at a boatyard. Both you and the boatyard owner should claim. But if you bring your neighbor to grocery stirec3x month jn exchange for same number of hours of babysitting, I doubt the IRS cares even tho its technically claimable.
I work for a large company that makes pie/tart shells for grocery stores, etc. At the end of the night, if there is one package short to make a full case, those shells are thrown out. The employees are free to take them, but so often, everyone already has a freezer full at home, so to the garbage they go. We can not donate any of it because of the risk of lawsuit. So sad.
Do you have friends that would appreciate them & put them in their freezers?
@kaythegardener sadly their freezers are full as well.
Is it possible for ‘friends of friends of employees’ to donate the extras to a local nonprofit soup kitchen?
@lmor7110 only if they do not know where they came from. Employees who were caught were fired.
Next week we’re going to look at a very cheap piece of land (with all utilities included) that we’ll put an RV or tiny house on….. 👍🏻👍🏻
I have applied to our state gov for electricity payment. The state gov. pays the electric company a one lump sum per year to offset my electric bills. So I am anxiously awaiting its approval! Maybe other states have this available. I live in New Mexico. I have been told it is as high as $900!
It’s a federal government program run by the states. Most states will have it except for states with Governors who refuse the money. I think 12 Republican Governors just rejected federal food money for children in poverty for the summer when they don’t get school meals free because schools are closed. Nebraska’s Governor said he didn’t believe in Food Welfare. Oklahoma’s Governor said to much bureaucracy for families. Mississippi’s Governor said it would expand the welfare state to feed children in poverty during the summer (not adults, children only benefit). Iowa’s Governor said “childhood obesity has become an epidemic.”
Like I said, it depends on the state. Though this is a child food program, there are other programs Governors can and do refuse.
New York has a heating fund called HEAP (Home Energy Assistance Program) that based on income will help with heating costs. If you have electric heat, it will also help with electricity. Our local church community has a home heating fund also. If you cannot afford to buy heating fuel, they will give you a one time fill to get you through a tough time.
I shutoff the stove and hot water tank every night. It dropped my electric bill by $10-20 a month. I pay premium for UA-cam but no other Internet except my phone. Yes I could go cheaper on the cell but they don't serve my area. I'm trying to keep the thermostat at 70. At 68° all I wanted to do was sleep & cough. On disability so I'm forced to do modifications on everything.
I turned my heat up from 68 to 70 last night and opened all my cabinet doors to absorb the heat. It got down to 13 degrees here, so I left my faucets/tub/shower dripping. It was amazing how good the extra 2 degrees felt. Like you, all I have wanted to do at 68 degrees was to bundle up and read or sleep. My house is old and drafty. As soon as the polar vortex passes my area, I will turn the heat back down to 68. I will be back to wearing more clothes. I just can't justify the extra cost the 2 degrees rise generates. God Bless You for finding ways to reduce your expenses. Diane in NC
After rent, electric and phone. I live off 140.00 dollars a month for transportation, toiletries, clothing, entertainment
@yvonneconte 3040
No food?!
Love these videos!
Food is thrown out at groceries stores prior to expiration dates because they take into account that once you buy the item it may sit in your refrigerator/pantry and expire before you can reasonably consume it. Example:fresh made items may have a 5 day shelf life, but are pulled after being on the shelf for two days that way consumers are ensured a fresh product to reasonably eat within the 5 day shelf life.
Another great video. Thank you.
Most restaurants and markets lock their dumpsters because of dumpster divers. Some pour bleach over the goods after throwing them into dumpsters. Why? Liability. All it takes is one person having food poisoning and suing the dumpster’s owner. Businesses don’t need trouble. Even donating goods to food bank they need to be careful about expiration dates.
Thanks Sara. Another wonderful video.
I kind of lived a hodge podge “second hand” or “hand me down” life Bcuz of my proclivity and love for cats. I usually went cheap Bcuz there would inevitably be pee, poop, puke, slobber, fur, dirt and boogers. And then there always had to be enough set aside or juggled around to feed and care for the fur babies. I didn’t want to pay a lot for something that would soon get ruined or that would be so hard to clean.
Ha ha. YT IS pretty much my only form of “entertainment.” (Besides a few free phone games I play regularly).
But my main future plan is just staying open to “creative housing” lol. But for sure downsizing majorly. Such as 1 or 2 bedroom manufactured home or even tiny home (if it ever could get more practical to live in one-the main thing being where would you be allowed to put it and where you are allowed, you may wind up paying lot rent that isn’t fixed or controlled. And the other options, well I’m not that talented with home building skills at all etc and what it costs to pay someone else to do it. So in the end (since I have more than a few cats) is prob going to be more traditional smaller and affordable housing.
And then also lacking “homestead” survival skills. (Such as having a l brown thumb). I’m def better at getting on as a bit of an urban scavenger…a bit like raccoons maybe. Lol. As opposed to a wild animal in full on nature. But I’ve never really had to dumpster dive. We had good food programs here and a lot of food bank type charities, so I did ok with just taking advantage of those. If you do your research, you can find many other safer ways to get free or dirt cheap food.
Prob just what I do now ya know. “Hunt and scavenge” for extreme deals in the urban and suburban “jungle.” Lol. Aim to be the most savvy procurer of all things. Always consider whether you really need it or not and if you do, always seek out what is a very good deal, dirt cheap or even free before you lay down any money for anything.
When I had to do so way more back in the day, it really was shocking how little actual real money you could squeak by and survive on. You had to have a little money, but a lot of what you got to live on came from quite a number of other creative ways besides just cash.
Your videos are always so helpful and what is actually needed in today's world thank you!😊
Thank you 😊
Every single thing that you bring into your life you have to take care of it in some form or another.
I enjoy diy, especially when in my 20s & 30s...plumbing, painting, landscaping, growing sm orchard, herbs...super fun😊
It is totally a choice. Totally. I love❤ this. I have been doing this my whole adult life. And now that I am semi retired: i find myself doing more and more of the items! OUT of pure love ❤️. It makes me happy. As i have said before, your channel IS THE BEST on UA-cam 🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉
Thanks so much!! And thank you for watching! All the best...
Very very good advice... and for some it'll take ALOT of discipline but can be achieved!! Thank you for sharing 🙂💯
Great pieces of advice! We're practicing some of these and trying to practice more of them. Gardens also reduce or eliminate the cost of therapy and gyms...in my opinion. I'm going to start volunteering with my 2 girls. Didn't think about getting a meal out of it but that'll work if there's extra.
Adding in....many places throw out pallets. If you know how to wield a hammer, saw and sander, you can make and/or sell so many things out of them!
Wow…..Growing up in the 50’s…..Did my Mom know how to cut corners…..Shampoo was made with water and “Dish-soap”…..Empty containers were used for…..”You name it”……I could go on and on…..
Podcasts are a variety of entertainment education and learning life skills. I listen daily. Best way I receive updated news, my local over the air antenna national news stations all repeat the same news broadcast, our local stations not news worthy. Content based on crimes... shootings, court cases and celebrities on Internet. I am grateful for podcasts. I also listen to audiobooks from the library app concerning any projects that I'm working on. Sometimes my local libraries have some type of event taking place in the library they're worth checking out.. pun intended 😁
Wish we lived in a state with no or low property taxes. We have home paid off but it is still $308.00 a month for property tax.🌞
The GOLDEN GIRLS LOVE IT
ive been living in shared single family homes in Hawaii for 12 yrs or so, no since 2008... so16 yrs....
It has been pretty good ... i lived alone for many years prior. Men, women, 20 somethings are a riot, i will tour a senior apartment tomorrow....1 bedroom....we'll see
Been without tv/service since 2009... my head isn't filled with things to buy😂😂😂...I'm happy 😊
One of my prior coworkers would pick up donated food which would go to the needy...but in exchange some of it helped her too. I remember I helped her load 50-100 lbs of good meat into a less popular fridge at work for a day or two safekeeping for holiday gifting to the needy...and it was all stolen! Lots of good tips some which I do; although wouldn't risk my health getting food from a dumpster. My friend's ex roommate used to get discarded meat and then serve it when entertaining.
My state gives other meats but mainly it’s venison hunted out of season by specially licensed volunteers who love to hunt. The deer are turned in to Dept. of Natural Resources for health evaluation and inspection, if healthy they are then sent to a processor and the meat if picked up by local food pantries. Win-Win-Win. People have healthy meat to eat. Hunter get to hunt. The deer don’t become over populated causing starvation, disease and car accidents.
When you say you are debt free does this mean you have no mortgage as well?
Yes. That’s correct.
👍👍👍🔥🔥🔥!!
❤
I love your videos!! By the way when you did a video about your house I noticed we both have the same sign in our kitchen THIS KITCHEN IS FOR DANCING...Now I see we own the same black and white stripe shirt. Several things I have noticed we share in common!!! It is neat to see that a person I do not even know shares a lot in common!! Just thought I would share with you!! Keep up the great videos!!!!
Thanks so much!! We’re two peas in a pod!! 😂
@@saraconklinfrozenpennies Love it!!!!!
Hey just so you know on this message I just got a weird response with someone using your profile picture and it said contact me and it sent a weird message. I took a screenshot of it and tried to send to you on here to make sure you are aware that someone is doing this on your channel. I am not sure if I am explaining it correctly but I hope it gets resolved.
You may think you're perfectly healthy only to find out you're not.
I had a TIA at the end of November and spent a few days in the hospital. Testing showed that I have a hole in my heart that should have closed up at birth and didn't. It's allowing blood to flow the wrong way and is what caused the TIA.
I'm supposed to have surgery the beginning of February. Thank God, I have good health insurance.
Legal & health authority requirements force retailers & grocery warehouses to throw out perfectly good food. Workers lose their jobs if they’re caught trying to rescue the food from the dumpster.
California just passed laws requiring food go to charities. I don’t know all the specifics, but they want to prevent it from being picked up by garbage trucks and ending up in landfills.
I think other states are looking for ways to reduce wastes and we might see more of this.
@@saraconklinfrozenpennies agreed and ways to feed those in need. Some politicians would like to do away with SNAP altogether and use just food pantries. Volunteer pantries will never be able to handle all of those in need even with additional food donations.
Who wants to live in an empty house? Jesus I don't door dash but I do have a+ member ship I don't drive it pays for its self I live in a single house and my income is less than 10000 a year never dumpster dive buy food not other people's cast offs some of your ideas are gross
As she said, some ideas won’t work for everyone. Many are extreme. It’s the “take what you need (ideas) and leave the rest,” premise.
Thanks for watching.
Any ideas on housing for an over 60 year old widow living on a fixed income Not eligible for section 8 or voucher because I make too much in retirement . I have zero
Debt and a car paid for
I might suggest reaching out to you county's Office Of The Aging to see if they have any ideas. A roommate is n option - but finding the right one is a challenge. Consider putting the word out to friends and family that they are looking. You never know.
69 years old and I moved to a more affordable area. I implemented many of the ideas here already. I don't have any debt other than my mortgage. I'm on a fixed income. I employ many frugal strategies in order to live well.