Why I’m So Frugal
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- Опубліковано 27 тра 2024
- In this video, I talk about why I'm so frugal and also provide some frugal living tips. Also, if you want some minimalist money-saving tips, watch this video • 20 Simple Minimalist H...
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I haven’t always been as Frugal as I am now. In my 20s I had no idea how to budget my money and often would spend the final week of the month living off my credit card. However, now I’m older and wiser I am much more frugal. I think frugality can sometimes be equated to “being cheap” but I think being frugal is more about being smarter with your money.
This fits so well with my minimalist lifestyle because when I’m frugal and smarter with my spending, it means I have more money for the things that bring me enjoyment and more money to put away and save for the future.
So if you want to be smarter with your spending I’m going to go through some of the ways that I am frugal. You may not find all of these fit with your lifestyle and there may be things you don’t want to do and that’s okay. We’re all in different situations and have different needs and preferences, but hopefully, you’ll find some of them helpful.
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CHAPTERS
0:00 Being frugal doesn't mean "being cheap"
0:45 Buying used over new
1:24 Not upgrading if I don’t need to
2:00 Put spare money into savings
2:58 Compare prices for insurance
3:35 Meal plan
4:08 Batch cook
5:00 Not buying lunch out
5:31 Don't buy branded foods
6:32 Turn off lights when not in a room
7:05 What I DO spend money on
7:13 Get my car serviced
7:41 Technology that reduces friction
8:13 Buying quality items for the home
What frugal habits do YOU practice? Let me know in the comments! Also, if you want some minimalist money-saving tips, watch this video ua-cam.com/video/j_s9DCJrjtU/v-deo.html
Live a little why dont ya
@@user-ob1oi7kn2w Oh I am, don't worry 😊
You can buy new clothes on clearance cheaper than you can at. Thrift store or at goodwill.
@@lindadillman8179 💜💜💜
Initially was frugal because I was poor and was trying to build wealth. Now I can say I've achieved that wealth, but older now I realize my life is about minimalist and using our resources wisely. No reason to buy to impress. Life is easier with less.
"Using resources wisely" is a great way to describe it ☺
Yep .... less is more! Simple is peace!
Thrift shopping save me so much. I also cook daily and budget wisely. I save more than i spend.
Retiring comfortably and regret NOTHING.
Well done on retiring comfortably. That's a great achievement ☺️
I stopped buying buying buying when I realized that my extra possessions was just causing me stress. You need very little to be happy in life - focus on those few, important things.
I agree - we need less than we think ☺️
That's the truth... More of us recognized that during the pandemic...I did, now getting rid of so much stuff!
I have everything I need. Because I've always been CHEAP AND PROUD of it. I've retired debt free at 49 years old.
That's amazing, well done! 😊
Congratulations!
Absolutely agree with this! Without that constant need to “keep up with the Jones’s” I’ve been able to Retire at 39 and am in the process of moving out of the UK and over to SE ASIA. Of course I wouldn’t be able to do this in the UK at this stage, with the ridiculous cost of living but I’m more than happy to benefit from the growth Asia offers compared to our stagnant economy in the UK. I’m going to be documenting the move here on UA-cam and showing what’s available overseas :) the value is incredible :) Frugality is a major step towards being able to do this! love the vid, keep up the fantastic work
You're time has come! 😊
Frugal is not being miserable.
Yes, it's definitely not about depriving yourself ☺️
January 1 I started a 30 day no buy challenge and I stretched it to 90 days!! I have never done this before and I am 59! I did buy some clothes, kitchen gadgets and lawn/garden items last month but they were things I knew I needed or wanted. I highly recommend a no buy challenge to help you determine what you really want or need.
Yes I think those challenges would be really helpful for that! ☺
I’m doing a ‘no buy clothes’ year- doing well so far, now we are into May. I’m more resourceful with the clothes I have, putting different combinations together!
My husband and I haven't spent a penny yet this month. But tomorrow we will spoil ourselves with a take away.
That sounds perfect! I don't feel that frugality should be about depriving ourselves and I find those 'treats' are so much nicer when we don't have them all the time ☺️
I've always been frugal. I have always been hyper aware of waste and try to reduce as much as I can, or just don't by or use it. I don't pay for any apps or streaming. Books are my friends! It never bothered me that I wasn't keeping up with trends. I live a pretty decent life. I call my life curated and I love all the things I have, but I am not a weekly or even monthly shopper.
Thanks for sharing! I love the word 'curated' - it captures intentionality really well 😊
We refuse to pay for grogramming for tv
LIVING VERY SIMPLE IS PEACEFUL. LESS TO CLEAN. LESS TO MOVE. LESS TO BUY
I hate used clothes. But I make clothes last for decades.
That's great. I also have clothes that have lasted me many years ☺
My mom used to buy material at yard & estate sales to sew clothes. While I personally don’t make clothes, I do mend close to get more wear out of them.
I do the reverse of meal planning, we do have a rotation of meals, but now I plan my meals with what is on sale instead.
That's a great idea :D
Me too. I go through the grocery store and find the meat that is on sale, the fruits and the veggies. I buy eggs, but look for the best value. Same for other basics like cheese.
Because of rising food costs I’ve actually stopped buying quite a few things completely. I admit I had become used to buying what I liked or buying a variety of same items. Did I really need it all? No. Was I over-buying? Yes. So less turned out to be okay, do-able. It’s true some things I gave up I just can’t afford anymore but re-evaluating what I actually needed saved me money and helped me adjust to changes. Thanks for the thoughtful ideas.
Thanks for your comment! I agree that taking time to assess whether we really need things can help us get clearer of where we're spending unnecessarily.
What you say is so true
Buy second hand and save. Good advice. Second is amazing.
Thank you for watching!
Great advice I'm mortgage and debt free live an amazing life and so grateful for the lessons I've learned one of them was buy second ✋
I love thrift store shopping! I have actually turned a few of my friends into thrifters, too!
That's great! My mum and I used to go a lot when I was younger - we loved all the bargains!
An garage sales!😃
So true about the "brand name" foods. I nearly always buy the store brand, and there are a few that I find actually taste better than the brand name one. ❤
Yes, I'd agree with that! ☺️
However, stores like Wal-Mart here in the U.S. have gotten sneaky and have upped the costs on their store brands. Just be sure to check costs! They are not always the best value. Keeps you on your toes! 😲
So true
You have to upgrade your phone when it stops getting security updates
Im very frugal too, since 2 years ago. This gives me too much tranquility and helps me to save a lot of money, its also a more sustainable way of life. Greetings from South America
I'm glad frugality is working well for you! Greetings to South America from the UK 😁
My Daughter gifted me a Ninja Speedy and I live alone and use this every day-cook most of my beals in this.🌹
Yes, I love my Speedy!
I love that she recommends regular maintenance on her car. Change all your fluids regularly. Change the antifreeze yourself and save more money. The dealer just cleans and de acidizes
your antifreeze and puts it back in charging you 4 times as much. Change your brake fluid, too. This removes water from the brake system and guarantees you have a good brake pedal and
no rust in your system. Your calipers will thank you. You can change all the fluids yourself or with a neighbor saving yourself hundreds and prolonging the life of your vehicle.
I don’t use heating or cooling in the house.
I walk to the shops.
I rarely eat out.
I buy a packet of chips (as a treat) and divide it in half so it lasts twice as long 😂
Love this! I try to walk when possible - you save on transport and it's great exercise at the same time ☺️
@@softsophisticate I’ll take that onboard. Thanks ☺️
Your single
Our pipes would freeze.😮 We don’t use A/C much since we live where we have a nice breeze and good airflow. Would only turn it on if there are lots of hot, humid days.
I am ultra frugal (I didn’t used to be) yes, 90% of my groceries are the shops own brand, they are significantly cheaper and I cannot tell any difference. 👍
I remember first hearing about buying store brands from the moneysavingexpert forums. I picked up so many frugal tips from people there :)
I like how the word cheap has changed to frugal. I’ve been frugal my whole life but was always called cheap
Perhaps it's a shift in attitudes, especially with how things are at the moment.
Being generous and giving is a way better way to live. You will not be here forever.
@@ThisEditedLife The same with buying second hand. It's totally OK nowadays but not long ago it was frowned upon.
@@user-tk1xd9js1z yes, my Mum and I used to go to the charity shops when I was a child. I never really told anyone my clothes were second hand because it was something you'd be made fun of.
I like to cook meals for 2-4 days and freeze some. I always have 2 kinds of soups in my fridge. For the last few years we travel together with another couple, we share comfortable Airbnb, we cook together and always look for great deals.
Batching cooking saves so much time in the week, and it's great you can find bargains when you go on vacation 😊
Another great video, thank you. Preparing your own meals both for home and work is a huge cost savings . Cut down on driving that uses gas /petrol. Plan your trips in advance so that you bundle tasks during the same time at remote location. One trip to a part of town vs three trips during the same week to the same part of town reduces amount of gas/petrol you use. You will be blown away by how much money this saves you plus the wear and tear on your vehicle which equates in a higher probability of lower vehicle repairs. Keep up the great content. Huge fan from over the pond.😊
I'm so glad you're enjoying the videos, and thanks for sharing your tips! I love the idea of taking one trip to cover a few things, rather than taking three separate trips. It's so satisfying to get multiple things done at once, which help save time and money 😊
FRUGAL WITH BOTH TIME AND MONEY. As per Smartphones I am using my family member's used phones ever since. I own a a couple of Trekk pants and T shirts combination of which I can use anywhere from college to home to any party/function and off course for hiking/trekking for which these are originally made and I call it OMNI [ Multipurpose ]. My friends are impressed by this concept and they appreciate it. It not only saves money but also saves a lot of time because we do not have to be confused and think about what to wear for different events or ocassions or environments. "I am frugal with not only money but with time also " And I love this video off course 🥰🥰
Thanks for your comment! I love the fact you use your clothing for multiple situations. I'm trying to reduce my wardrobe even more because I still think I have too much choice!!
@@ThisEditedLife yeah. Seriously you would feel very light and ease in your mind when you keep your wardrobe simple
I grew up with the philosophy of take care of the pennies and the dollars will take care of themselves. Made cents to me 😉
🤣 very good!
Great video. Thank you for all the tips. My tip is rather than buy used to just dig out something suitable from my wardrobe that works. Also, I dont care about wearing the same time over and over again as long as it's still wearable. I previously would buy things to avoid wearing the same time more than once or twice, but now I just dont follow that. 😊
That's a great tip, thank you for sharing ☺️
Love to see at least 5 of your staple meals. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks for watching! 😊
Thank you for the video. Blessings to you.
Thank you for watching 😊
A big eye opener for me was deciding to go on a diet because I was becoming overweight. Keto was fantastic. I then tried carnivore. I feel and look better than ever. I save so much on food shopping now. I also eat much less as I’m not getting hunger cravings from eating processed rubbish.
Well done on your weight loss, and for the financial savings you're making too! 😊
@@ThisEditedLife Thank you!
Same for me. I do tend to eat Keto, but have added lots of meat. Turned off cravings and obsession with food. Maintain my weight easily now.
Excellent video again, great advice, thank you.
I think being frugal can be seen by some as a negative thing, like you're being tight or miserly. But to me it's about living thoughtfully, making sensible decisions, avoiding wastefulness and unnecessary purchases, making a little effort to take care of what you have, and enjoying the satisfaction of appreciating the value of the things you need and own.
Hi Deborah, thank you! I love your description of being frugal; it's so much more than being 'cheap' 😊
Thank you for sharing your journey with us. Your introduction reminded me of my life. Luckily, I've also decided to be more frugal with money. It helps to learn from people like yourself.
Thank you so much! I learn a lot from the comments I receive too - it's great that we can learn from one another ☺️
@@ThisEditedLife perfect✌
My frugal habits are pretty much the same other than owning a car or having had the habit of buying newest phones. I've actually been crossing my fingers that my current one would serve me another year or two. I've had it about three years now and four is my record so far with smart phones 😄
That's good going! I'm a bit suspicious that companies deliberately make phones so they slow down around the time of upgrading, as a way to get people to buy another one!!
My iPhone 7plus was purchased in 2016 and it’s still working fine. FYI see UA-cam videos on optimizing your smartphone.
@@sct4040 Thank you for the advice!
Nearly my entire wardrobe (which is extensive because I enjoy clothes) is from Poshmark or Thredup. I rarely buy new.
I much prefer buying used if I can ☺️
Being born in ex ussr country all of this was very common. When I lived in UK I was surprised how frivolous people could be with their money. Take outs, taxis, expensive holidays. I always was like we earn same. How do they afford it. And later I realized they all were borrowing money in one or another form.... ❤
Yes, it's certainly not sustainable over the long term.
We meal prep (batch cook) weekends & pack otr lunches at dinner time, eliminating morning stress ❤
I do the same with my lunches - I don't want to be stressed in the morning!
It helped me to keep a spending diary. For everything I spend, I note the amount but also if I’m happy with the expense. Quite a few purchases were too small, not to my taste, not refundable. Or I could have bought it second hand (window vac) or cheaper in a different shop. Very helpful.
Thanks for sharing, that's a great tip!
Love your philosophy and videos. Wish I met someone with your practices !
Thanks so much for watching! 😊
Great video, and best of luck with your house move!
Thank you so much! 😊
I mostly buy used clothing and am getting in the habit of maintaining a general idea of my cost per wear. This mindset informs my purchase choices. For example, I am unlikely to pay $150 for a dress I will only wear at one special occasion. Instead, I will thrift or borrow a dress, or add accessories to a regular dress to glam it up. Also, if you find a used item in good or great condition, you can get to a low cost per wear quickly and the item may last for years. Finally, I have been buying quality natural fabrics and brands that have a fairly small but devoted following, making it possible to resell my own garments while retaining much of the original value.
I really like that concept of 'cost per wear'. I've bought items (used and new) that I've had for 10+ years that have plenty of wear. It's a great idea to thrift or borrow something that may not get much use :)
We only buy food and pay for utilities. We have some savings in precious metals.
Tips. All chemicals have a dilution rate, ask the manufacturer for it. Measure how much water goes into your mop bucket. Then work out how much cleaning chemical you need in the bucket, write this figure on a piece of paper, stick it to the side of the mop bucket and cover it with sellotape to keep it dry.
Do a spreadsheet that calculates how much your expenses are per month, six months and yearly. Add ten per cent to the monthly (if you get paid monthly) total as an emergency fund
Ask coffee roasters and other store for big plastic bags, the coffee roasters get the beans in big bags, they are good for bin bags.
Thanks so much for your tips! ☺
You are fully right! Me too, i buy and prefer to buy used clothes! We can find real tresours!! Very expensive itens. Now, i am more cons ient of my finances.
I love getting a good bargain when it comes to used clothes!
Live within your means if you can. Theres no point living frugally and dying with a large bank balance.
Definitely - we need to enjoy it while we have it. We can't take it with us 😊
spreadsheets are eye 👁️ 👁️ opening, you quickly stop wasting money ❤❤❤love batch cooking and baking. Agreed quality furniture is worth it, but you can find reduced items, if you research online, you remain patient, and know what you want❤❤❤ 🇨🇦
I agree, doing your research can really pay off 😊
My T shirt today is 33 years young and going great . My shoes are 10 years and vibrant... never worn in the home . My Toyota is 12 years , clean it and it is as new. Etcccc.... debt free , retired 54 years , nice bungalow , no terraces in town , no restos , as experience forgotten in an hour... buttt seen the World....
Love this, thanks for sharing ☺️
I envy you! I am still working at an investment banking firm. We are frugal but need to save $ for our adult children and their future. Paid their college tuitions; chipped in with their house down payment. All big ticket items ! Still enjoy working and getting paid well.
Restaurants
The only thing i still havent been able to do is thrifting clothes......Just that thought someone has already worn it doesnt sit right in my brain......But minimalism makes life simple.......More u want, more u have to work to meet those needs.😉😉😉
I guess it's whatever feels comfortable for each individual. My mum and I used to go thrifting from my early teens, so I guess it's never bothered me about someone else wearing an item of clothing. We're all different, so I don't think we should force ourselves to do things if we really don't feel comfortable ☺️
I’m frugal too ❤
My least favorite people to have as traveling companions are those who claim their frugality prevents them from spending money but hey are often happy to let me pay for their little excesses. Lunch is equal except that they had a $12 glass of wine and they “ don’t believe in tipping” so I get to absorb their wine and their tip.
Yes, I know a few people who prefer to split the bill equally, whilst ordering more than anyone else! I say upfront that I'll pay for my own!
More fool you then
I live in Argentina, and have never had a credit card, never wanted one, I buy anything according to my budget in that moment, if I can afford it then I just go without until the next month. I'm retired and own my own house, I live up in the hills of a lovely English town, I'm happy as can be and I eat everyday and now I'm saving to buy myself a new mobile phone. All of this was achieved thanks to my dear God, and lord. Jesus Christ, I don't now what I would do without him.
Get books, clothing, shoes and housewares at yard sales and estate sales.. Only pay retail for food and gasoline. Keep water, snacks and drinks in your vehicle. Avoid over- priced coffee shops and sit down restaurants. 64 years old, No debt. No car payments.
Thanks for sharing your tips! ☺️
My dad recently showed me the Motorola phones. They cost £300, compared to £800 for an iPhone. My only concern is the camera quality for my videos lol, but I think they look okay/enough, until and if I ever became a bigger UA-camr. I love that it saved me money. Whats more, is that it was my dads 'spare' phone
That's great you saved money! Yes, if you're using the camera for filming I imagine you want to make sure it's decent ☺
A car is a huge drain on finances.
If you live in a city then you really don’t need a car unless you are working in a trade.
I do though get it is different in a rural area where public transport isn’t great.
Yes, when I worked in London I didn't need a car. The transport links where I am now are not great at all, so a car makes things much easier.
I wish I'd been like this all my life. Wow. All the money I could have now. Instead I have a bunch of useless junk in drawers and closets and stuff I've donated to the Goodwill. I am frugal now because of the inflation problem and just growing up and realizing that I don't need hardly anything in my life. People waste so much money especially in the United States
Yes, I imagine I would have been in a much better position years ago if I'd never got into debt. However, I don't dwell on that - I made my decisions based on what I knew at the time. Now I'm older (and a bit wiser!) and I feel I'm in more control ☺
Invest in stock market early years of compound interest
I’ve just found your channel and I could literally have made this video myself! Like you in my early years I had quite a lot of CC debt and have learnt my lesson! I too am frugal in the same ways and it’s been amazing for our family
I'm glad you've come through it and that it's had such a positive impact 😊
I do not buy anything that can only be used as decoration.
Yes, I like things to have a function - multiple functions if possible!
Hello. Nice informative video. Can you share your spreadsheet. I'm terrible at excel.
This website is great for budgeting and money-saving tips. There is a downloadable budget planner on this web page www.moneysavingexpert.com/banking/budget-planning/#spreadsheet
@@ThisEditedLife thank you for the link.
Sometimes I do teeter on the line of being frugal v being a total tight wad- I have to keep myself in check and make sure that I do spend $ occasionally as I find it very easy to never spend a cent
I agree that balance is key and like you, I have to be careful not to go too far one way 😊
You dont need a moblile phone. A landline is a lot cheaper.
For me, it's about weighing up cost and convenience. I need a mobile so I can contact people (and they can contact me) when I'm not at home, and for that reason I couldn't rely on a landline.
@@ThisEditedLife You have an answering service in place, messages are left on it and it is reliable and free. I've never had a mobile, its a waste of money.
@@streaming5332 I think it comes down to what fits with our lives.
How do I get a sim card or used phone instead of getting a new phone? Where? My phone does not have a sim card.
Hmm, I'm not sure to be honest. Is there anyone who sells refurbished sim-free phones?
I never buy clothes - hardly ever - community centres in my city give them away for free and neighbours do as well.
That sounds great when a community comes together to help one another ☺️
I take any money saved over the month out in cash. No point in putting in savings as interest rates are pitiful and if your bank goes down your savings can be bailed in - i.e. you risk having them confiscated.
Wow, really? I didn't know that.
@@ThisEditedLife Yes, absolutely. Last bail-outs were in 2008 during GFC.
@@kerryburns1293 that's scary
Most people work till they die.
Yes, a lot of people can't afford not to
I've never known there was a stigma about buying non branded did items. Wow. Who even knows?
There certainly used to be when I was younger (the 90s) but thankfully I think times have changed :)
I am all for used items - BUT I recommend buying new when it comes to anything upholstered. I have heard horror stories about bed bugs. If they spread around your home, you will be spending a fortune to replace all the other items that get infested. SO NOT WORTH IT!!!
I'd never thought of that. It makes sense!
But what about clothes if we have to go to office.we have to buy good clothes.
I do think it's possible to have nice clothes for work without spending a lot of money. If I need an item of clothing for work I try to buy second-hand instead of new 😊
My neighbours call me “ the girl withthe designer clothes” and it made me laugh! Everything I buy comes from thrift stores and rarely cost more than $5
@@denisedejose718 love that!!
I insist on investing my hard earned wisely,…80% goes on Ale and Backy…, the rest I just waste on bills !
Bills are such a waste, aren't they 🤣
@@ThisEditedLife ONE LIFE….LIVE IT !
I never and will never have an expensive cell phone. Total waste of money. Save gas by doing more than one errand when I am out and about. So many other frugal things I do,
That's great! ☺️
Frugal is just another word for cheap. I belong to a church and the cheap people hardly ever donate money. They always love to say that they give their time. Giving your time does not pay the bills today. They always avoid giving things unless they are used and don't want them. These people are always the first to go to anything free and not give back. They always think about saving and have turned money into their god.
I think that frugal can mean different things to different people, and we can see that in their actions. I see it as being smarter, and less wasteful, with my money so that I can not only build security but also because I want to donate money to causes I'm passionate about.
Look up,the definition of frugal...its not cheap...
@@laetitialogan2017 you can say whatever you want but all the frugal so called people I know are cheap and selfish.
I ride a bike and take public transit so I don't own a car.
That's great 😊
What’s a trolly?
As in grocery trolley, or "cart" ☺
I'm frugal, because I want to buy.
I like nice things, and I save that I can buy them.
To be frugal means that you can't buy anything.
Sales are the most precious, to by buy even luxury stuff.
I don‘t want to be frugal😂
No one says you have to be!
Good video. Youre helping people get motivated during the most terrible administration
Thank you! I'm glad you found it helpful ☺
Be cautious buying used furniture, sometimes you bring bed bugs home. Their found in mattresses as well as furniture
Good point!
Say 'Thrift' not 'Frugal' 🙂
Good on you, people, but somebody needs to support the economy, and you are definitely not helping 😂
🤣
I buy quality new products that last and I buy my car new but keep it 10 years or more.
Yes, I do think it can save money over the long term to buy better quality items. I recognise that not everyone is able to do that, though.
I rarely eat out anymore and I make simple, healthy meals for myself at home. I try to avoid frequent grocery shopping.and make do with what i have in between trips out. And i always have a detailed list of foods and supplies with me when i do shop.
I think lists are so important to help stick to a budget and ensure we use what we have. I love making simple meals - "simple" doesn't have to mean "bland" ☺️