I have a similar trick, I call it "ketchup and mustard diet" which means we don't buy new food until there is nothing but ketchup and mustard in the fridge😜 it's a challenge and it's often surprising how long it lasts. Sorry for my English greetings from Germany. I would love to translate your vids in German!
We started the no spend month on the first I allow $25 a week for milk ( I have little ones) and fresh fruit and vegetables. We are a family of six and it's going good. I went to get milk and some fruit and it was a great experience I had to focus and not spend over my $25. I got into my car and started crying because so many people have no choice and live on just a few dollars a week it's so sad but I'm so thankful to God that we are so blessed but it gets you thinking.
You literally saved my life! It’s only been 5 days and I still have money from last weeks paycheck. My husband and I want to buy a house but living paycheck to paycheck isnt getting us anywhere. The sad part is... after doing the math, we should be left with enough money to save. WHERE THE HECK IS OUR MONEY GOING!?! Thanks to your “grocery and others” video I’m managing and maintaining. It feels great!!! Wish I could hug you! I know I have a long way to go but with your tricks and tips I know my goal will be accomplished. THANK YOU! ❤️
Christina same! We just sat down and looked at how much we make per month and how much we spend on necessary things and realized we have hundreds left over we can’t account for so we’re using her method starting Friday (payday) and we’re both super motivated to save
When I retired last year and went on Social Security only, I’ve learned to utilize your tricks. I haven’t quite been able to stay out of the grocery store for a week, but only for a small amount. My parents taught me to ask myself, “do I want that item, or do I need it”. It has really helped me to have that mindset many times over””. Love your videos.
Love this. I read somewhere that “if you spend your money on inexpensive crap that’s all you’ll ever have... crap!” That was eye opening to me. $2-$3 here and there seems like no big deal but that’s what’s keeping many from getting ahead and having a better life and doing the good things in life.
Seriously...you're my new favorite person. You're so spot on. I already made plans for family date night tonight, but I'm instituting this once a month. But you're right, I am saving cash for a new (ish) car, and every time I want a new handbag, I say to myself "can I drive this handbag? Is it really going to change my life?" Once I get my new(ish) car I can always buy a handbag later. :-) But I'm a realtor, and I need a nicer car for my job, won't go into debt for it though, and almost have enough to buy a 3 year old Audi A4 with CASH....
Yeah my current bags are still nice and I got two Vera Bradly's secondhand from my mom so I figure I should let those get cruddy before replacing a bag. I've been finding that as I get older, the smaller bags are increasingly more difficult to use so I keep wondering what I didn't put in a purse before... especially since I have some old bags that I rarely use because I can't fit all my junk in them, like my first bag.
A spending freeze is one of my very favorite ways to save money quick! LOVE your example of saving up for a trip to Europe!!!!! Also, just like you said, I love how it refrains my brain on spending. Great video!!
I can't say it enough... I love your channel! I know this video is old but I have watched it like 5 times already this week to keep me motivated. We just got pre approved to buy our first home like two days ago. I told my husband Dec 31st that we are going to be on a spending freeze for jan. we are going pretty good. We are REALLY trying. Only thing we buy is food and that's it. No random things, no fast food, only paying bills and buying food... it's been two weeks and I feel like I am going insane.... this video calms me down and keeps me on track. Thank you so very much! I am trying really hard to save up 500 a month to be able to update the house (all the houses in my price range look like they haven't been updated sense the 60's and all the wood paneling is going to make me crazy).
Needed this today!! Husband and I are on a spending freeze currently and have been for the past 4 days and I’m itching to go to the store... this just changed my mind. Instead of going to the store because we want to get out of the house we are about to load up the 2 boys, hubby, me, and our dog and go to the free dog park...also packing lunch so there will be no expense :)
I have done spending freezes before and they are never as unpleasant as one would assume. In the beginning it felt like a punishment or something done out of necessity when it should just be a choice. Now it's a relief knowing we have the will power to stop spending if we need to!
I just did this, not by choice, but because we are broke from Christmas. I have to say, it is a great wake up call to get a better handle on my money situation, and I have felt so inspired to spend the next several months getting back on track, paying of debt and saving money. I also had no idea how creative I could get in the kitchen using up what ingredients we have left. But I am looking forward to some money this week and groceries......however, I set a budget, planned the meals and will be sticking to it.
SheastMode I think she kinda also expect us, to no spend money on anything. talking about the 3$ drinks, 2$ snacks... or 5$ 10$ purchases we make. Although I have been days/weeks that I can't buy anything But heck, Once we go back to "normal" We can do this. (Excuse my English)
such a great idea to do it just for 7 days..every time i see the one month plans I dont even think its possible and I don't do it 😧😂 love your tips girl. you are a queen! I really need this motivation! 👍👏
I LOVE the idea of a gift closet. I always feel so stressed when Christmas roles around and my extended family are expecting their prizes. I see things in February that are so inexpensive (when many online department stores have clearance markdowns) that would make great gifts in December.
I do the same. In the bag of stuff is a running list of who is getting what for which holiday. There is never a budget-blowing shopping spree in December and it has helped our family greatly.
You're a wise woman. I went through a rough patch recently and KNOW I can live off what's in my pantry for at least a month. Just takes somes creativity and discipline. I will try the 7 day freeze ❄
Totally all in on the Focus on Finance month. Printed the calendar so I already knew the spending freeze challenge was coming. I am also doing a "Spend Less Month for January" just for fun and to see how much more I can save. I only go grocery shopping 1 day a week and January 5th I had to go to town for a dr. appt. I started my freeze on Jan. 6th. It is now the 12th and have not spent a penny for anything! Our weekly grocery and non-food budget is $90.00 a week sometimes only $75.00-$80.00, depends on if I need to buy laundry soap, toilet paper, etc. Anyways, for January I cut my weekly allowance to $45.00 and am using many items from the pantry and freezer. Mainly buying produce, cheese and milk (my husband drinks4 5 gallons a week. My 18 year old son drinks half a gallon a week...Ha Ha) I only spent $45 dollars on the 5th and did not buy anything extra just because I was doing the spending freeze and it has been great. Makes cooking fun and creative. You get so much satisfaction from using up what you have knowing there is no waste! My husband and son come home for lunch everyday so I cook 3 meals a day. This is to encourage anyone out there that you can do this! Look at it as a game!
My husband just got a full time job (he's the only one bringing in income) and while he was part time, we were on a full time spending freeze lol we barely had enough to cover bills and gas, but now that he has more coming in, I am excited to give this a try! :)
This just blew my mind!!! Thank you for breaking it down like this!!! So totally doable!! I’m going to work on saying “I can do that I will start saving for that!” Instead of “im so broke I’m so sad with all this debt!” UGH I’m on it!
Yes same here. I've been on so many awesome vacations in 2019 but seriously I need to do some kind of a challenge for myself. Spending freeze sounds like a challenge.
At first I was like.. noooo... then I was like... yeah!!! Seems like a great challenge! We don't typically spend a ton- but I need to destash my pantry! Lol
I just started and I feel good . I live in central america. Hopefully I will end up like you. 😁 love what you do! You give me energy to start and end my day feeling good about myself. Thank you
This is so true! It’s works! I am currently working on the envelope money and I have 56.29 for the rest of week so I thought I better no purchasing much or nothing this week so I went to my pantry and freezer and put together 5 meals!!!!!!!! It’s amazing 🤩 thank you Jordan!
We tried this for a week and it was great. We saved $300, we did have to do it the day after a grocery shop because we shop weekly for the week and don't buy excess. It did prevent us from buying cuppas and going to get milk and bread but coming out with 5 items we didn't need and a bill of $100 so it was awesome.
This sounds like a really good idea. My only problem with the groceries is that my hubby is really healthy and makes everything from scratch. We barely have food in our pantry to "live off". Buuuut, I want to try it anyways!
Spending freezes are interesting! Sometimes they are like diets where you don't eat much for a week and then chow down and make no gain. It's good to plan what you will do after the freeze also!
THis is so good that I am seeing this before the holidays this year. I think I need to watch it in January too because it's so easy to get into a spend it all mindset during the holidays. I know I do things I wouldn't normally spend on in December for gifts etc.
Okay, just came across this video after watching so many other videos you have. It's doable because this week I printed the budget envelope. I was to do the shopping last Friday after work and I decided not to and went into my freezer, pantry and fridge and I've not done the shopping for August 1-6, why? Because I found stuff to cook for breakfast lunch and dinner! Tomorrow I will do the shopping for the week of August 9-15. As Jordan said, don't overthink it because you won't do it. I promise, it's doable. I will post what I've saved this month if anything at the beginning of September.
You are so right about going through the cupboards and freezer and be able to not spend extra the next week. I went through mine and worked out that I’ve got enough food for roughly 2 and a half weeks of eating ( minus bread and milk)
I love this idea! I've tried just not spending money for a week, but I really love that you mention that you're retraining your brain. Self control is hard, but I like that this is a fairly easy way to practice that.
I may be late to this party, but this WAS magic, and I was so smitten that we posted our own video about 13 free activities we did the week of our spending freeze (family of 4), plus how much we saved!!! The experience was totally addictive, Jordan Page! Thank you so much for cluing me into this amazing savings technique! Life changing!
I love your idea about having presents for bridal showers and baby showers and other things on hand. I do that too. Especially when I come in under budget for our weekly household expenses if I see something on sale really good that would go well for some kind of gift I buy it and it's usually given away within about 6 months.
I'm so excited to try this! I'm hosting a baby shower this week so I want to do it next week! My husband will totally be onboard I'm almost tempted not to tell him and just surprise him!
I love this! I think most of us have no idea the amount of food we have in our freezers and pantries. This is a great way to force me to get creative and use those items that I never seem to get to. Thank you!
I never wouldn’t thought this could work, but it totally does! By the end of the freeze, I’m not even interested in the items I thought I wanted anymore.
Your financial tips are always on point. I love it. My financial freeze starts tomorrow since I bought groceries to last about 2 weeks and have all our necessities covered for at least a week.
ok, I love this. Just shared it with my husband so he knows I'm not crazy. We are moving in three days for our dream job, but we are coming from literally being starving musicians (just kidding, we live WELL within our means for rent and bills and spend TOO much on food) to a full time university professorship, but MOVING IS EXPENSIVE. And we won't have a fridge for two days. So I initiated a quasi-spending freeze so that we would use up all of our food in our fridge that will expire - the rest we will give to friends/donate to our church for their homeless dinners. The magic is that we have seen SO many little bills from iTunes, or Amazon, or Spotify come through that often go unnoticed (now I'm like "Can we cancel that?") It's only been FOUR DAYS. With those little automatic withdrawals, we've only seen $40ish bucks leave our accounts. It's gorgeous. I've binged on so many of your videos! I'm totally doing this budget program once we are moved and settled. I want to annihilate our credit card debt and start a serious nest egg. We are having our first baby and want to be able to enjoy his first year, not worry about whether or not we shouldn't have done such and such because our electric bill is higher than I thought it would be! Thank you so much!
I feel like this is all doable except the babysitter. That's a have to since we both work. But other wise hubby and I definitely need to do this. Thank you for the advice!
Watched this more than once. Working on doing a "freeze week" on everything! But the first week in february I didn't buy food at all and it set the tone for the entire month (my food budget was as big as my auto budget).
I started a self imposed spending freeze last week to help us get through the week without putting another cent on our "christmas-ed" credit cards before payday on Friday. My family has definitely noticed the sometimes hodgepodge meals but we are surviving. I'm noticing that 1. I spend most of the money and 2. if I keep a positive attitude everyone else tends to come around eventually and 3. This would have been way easier if I had a stash of basics to pull from for meals. That is one of my goals for the new year... Reasonable food storage...
hey Jordan, you are such a huge Inspiration! Me and my little Family of 4 live in Germany and my husband and i try to Do IT nearly the Same. ..we try to spend no money until the 5. of every month ...but Not sooo strikt. ...i will try to Do IT as you recommend IT! thanks for your Energy you gave to us even over the big ocean!!;) greetings from germany
I wish I would’ve watched your videos before I had gone to the store yesterday and spent over $100 in groceries for the week. 😩 That more than half of what my budget is supposed to be for the month!!!
I did it! I did it for 9 days! It doesn’t seem like much but it was a big deal for me. And that included having guests over (which is usually when I blow my grocery budget 😜)
I did this for a month! I made a few mistakes but for the most part finished successfully. One thing I used that I had totally forgotten about until then......the library!!!! I got so many cookbooks and stuff that month it was so much fun! So even when I wanted to buy the new Pioneer Woman cookbook...I went to the library instead and got to read it for FREE!!!
This was seriously awesome! Tried it for a week and it got us back on track right before Christmas. We will totally do it again! Thank you for the tips and encouragement!
Finally someone doing it right...all UA-cam's I have watched have packed frig pantry and frezzers... And saiy I hope I can do this for a week.lol. You should see mine ...I use what's in house and that's it...I have been doing this for months... I have only had to replace some veggies. Awesome!!!!! Make bake open cans eat what ya have!!!!! Love it
Great ideas, but my pantry, fridge and freezer are E....M....P...T....Y at the end of the week before I go shopping again. We have no back stock...empty! I guess I need to see how you do the stocking to have a back stock...but honestly, we have food restrictions and eat fresh...so I guess there is the issue....ugh!
Try planning meals ahead of time, and only buy the groceries completely necessary for that plan. That way that food money will be considered a necessity.
I loved this. You are funny and these are some of the best tips to actually help you go through with a spending freeze. I’m currently doing a 60 day spending fast - I can buy necessities but no “wants.”
So interesting that you suggested just one week! That makes total sense but I was set up to do it for a month. I’m gonna take baby steps and do seven days. I’m good so far. Groceries are stocked! Just have to get gas. Thanks for your fun videos!
I have a two year old. So I am going to get her milk tomorrow for the whole week and I am going to do it!! With the money I save, I plan on doing the 52 week money saving challenge🙌
I always look at my pantry and see what me and the kids can survive of for the day when I need to do groceries just to void a grocery shopping trip. Lol. And I hate seeing my pantry door open because every time I see it empty it reminds me I have to go grocery shopping lol. Smh Lazy Mom! Lol.. thanks for the tips!
I found myself in an unfortunate situation where I had to go on a spending freeze. I made up some random recipes. Id basically grab a little meat if i had any available and two vegetables until i ran out and one canned ingredient. Whether it was combined or a casserole or side dishes but i did it!!!!! Now when i go to the grocery store i only spend a little under $100 to feed my family of (3). Thats on a bi-weekly basis. That's about $50 bucks a week to feed three people. This doesn't include toilet paper toothpaste shampoo and things like that since i buy those on a monthly basis. A little goes a long way and we try to make it last!
I just found your channel and I’m obsessed!! I’m lucky in a way I work out at sea and I’m out there for 6 weeks so when I get home my bank account is looking goooood 😏😏 but when I get home I go craaaaazy this off trip I spent 2k in 2 days 😩 I don’t even know how I did it! I have nothing really amazing to show for it 😟 I’m so happy for finding your channel Thankyou!!!
I'm starting tomorrow! Thanks for the idea! I've seen people do a no spend month and wanted to try but it seemed impossible. Seven days every month...totally doable!
We also usually do not spend our coins. We keep them in a jar all year and then take them to the bank. Our bank processes them for free. We have them put the $ in our savings. That go into our VAC fund. (for our cars we have cups for the coins. we bring those cups in when they get 1/2 full and add them to the jar).
How do you manage when you run out of bread, milk, eggs, salad leaves. Basics like that. Do you prepare before you have a spending freeze? Make sure you have ingredients to make bread? Freeze some milk etc? Or do you keep a little money aside from the previous weeks budget & allow yourself to spend that on particular things?
I’m paying bills, filling up the cars with gas, picking up milk, bread & eggs then that’s it! I had already decided that with all the leftovers from the holidays & the packed freezer, I wasn’t buying meat for 2-3 weeks until I cleared out my freezer or at least made it manageable to inventory. Now, it definitely ON!
Ok. I didn’t go through with my no meat buying. Pre packaged pork loins regularly priced $6 were on sale for $4 & had coupons for $4 off 2 so they were $2 each!! I stocked up!! I just couldn’t pass them up!! But I haven’t purchased any other meat. I’m extending the no meat buying for a few more weeks.
It finally worked for me to comment! I need to freeze my spending haha because now that I am home with my daughter all the time I feel like all I do is spend money 😬 I think it would be a good challenge for me!
Interesting. I did this unconsiously while working on my bachelir thesis. Stayed at home writing all day and didn't want to spend time for grocery shopping. So I raided my humble student pantry. Worked fine! But... I rewarded myself some days later with some extra purchases. ^.^' I think I will do this in the future more often and with intent.
Thank you for this! We just stocked up on the necessities last night ($13 bucks well spent!) so.... I think we are good to go! I might try it 2 (separate) weeks this month because my pantry and freezers are FULL. It's a good month to give it a go!! Thanks for the motivation
i love you so mutch i am from the netherlands and i follow you for maybe 4 years and ooh boy you are so good in what you do so graidfull that you are sharing youre way on youtube you helpt me so mutch thank you so mutch ......♡
I'm loving your videos Jordan! You are awesome! Thanks for sharing all your experience with saving money and getting out of debt. My husband and I are applying a lot of what you say in the videos. Keep up the good work! I'll definitely try the spending freeze for a week. Cheers girl!
thank you so much! i am so glad i found your channel you taught me so much ! im glad a week is enough ! you have taught me so much about meal planning ! your funny love all your tips ! never realised how not buying 1.00 drinks here and there can really add up !
I have a similar trick, I call it "ketchup and mustard diet" which means we don't buy new food until there is nothing but ketchup and mustard in the fridge😜 it's a challenge and it's often surprising how long it lasts. Sorry for my English greetings from Germany. I would love to translate your vids in German!
You have the heart of a lion! Thank you lady so much for sharing, keep on learning an teaching!
😂that's a good one! I'm going to try this week! 💪
Your English is great!
Do you feel hungry doing a ketchup and mustard diet? Yes I know you are no only eating ketchup and mustard.
We started the no spend month on the first I allow $25 a week for milk ( I have little ones) and fresh fruit and vegetables. We are a family of six and it's going good. I went to get milk and some fruit and it was a great experience I had to focus and not spend over my $25. I got into my car and started crying because so many people have no choice and live on just a few dollars a week it's so sad but I'm so thankful to God that we are so blessed but it gets you thinking.
Lidia Popa I like your idea to allow yourself a dollar amount (we also have two little one). Thank you.
You literally saved my life! It’s only been 5 days and I still have money from last weeks paycheck. My husband and I want to buy a house but living paycheck to paycheck isnt getting us anywhere. The sad part is... after doing the math, we should be left with enough money to save. WHERE THE HECK IS OUR MONEY GOING!?! Thanks to your “grocery and others” video I’m managing and maintaining. It feels great!!! Wish I could hug you! I know I have a long way to go but with your tricks and tips I know my goal will be accomplished. THANK YOU! ❤️
Christina same! We just sat down and looked at how much we make per month and how much we spend on necessary things and realized we have hundreds left over we can’t account for so we’re using her method starting Friday (payday) and we’re both super motivated to save
That’s awesome!
When I retired last year and went on Social Security only, I’ve learned to utilize your tricks. I haven’t quite been able to stay out of the grocery store for a week, but only for a small amount. My parents taught me to ask myself, “do I want that item, or do I need it”. It has really helped me to have that mindset many times over””. Love your videos.
Love this. I read somewhere that “if you spend your money on inexpensive crap that’s all you’ll ever have... crap!” That was eye opening to me. $2-$3 here and there seems like no big deal but that’s what’s keeping many from getting ahead and having a better life and doing the good things in life.
I SAVED 300 DOLLORS THAT IS A LOT THANK YOU FOR THE IDEA
"Re-train your brain". I've tried it, it works! Thanks, Jordan!
Seriously...you're my new favorite person. You're so spot on. I already made plans for family date night tonight, but I'm instituting this once a month. But you're right, I am saving cash for a new (ish) car, and every time I want a new handbag, I say to myself "can I drive this handbag? Is it really going to change my life?" Once I get my new(ish) car I can always buy a handbag later. :-) But I'm a realtor, and I need a nicer car for my job, won't go into debt for it though, and almost have enough to buy a 3 year old Audi A4 with CASH....
Yeah my current bags are still nice and I got two Vera Bradly's secondhand from my mom so I figure I should let those get cruddy before replacing a bag. I've been finding that as I get older, the smaller bags are increasingly more difficult to use so I keep wondering what I didn't put in a purse before... especially since I have some old bags that I rarely use because I can't fit all my junk in them, like my first bag.
A spending freeze is one of my very favorite ways to save money quick! LOVE your example of saving up for a trip to Europe!!!!! Also, just like you said, I love how it refrains my brain on spending. Great video!!
I love you energy. I can watch any video regardless what it's about, and be so entertained.
I get paid bi-weekly. The second week after I get paid is always a spending freeze 💀😂
Amen to that sister 😭😭😭#the struggle is real when you get paid bi-weekly
set up a second account to put a couple of hundred $$$ aside and "pay" yourself on the non payday week :) that's what I have to do
I can't say it enough... I love your channel! I know this video is old but I have watched it like 5 times already this week to keep me motivated. We just got pre approved to buy our first home like two days ago. I told my husband Dec 31st that we are going to be on a spending freeze for jan. we are going pretty good. We are REALLY trying. Only thing we buy is food and that's it. No random things, no fast food, only paying bills and buying food... it's been two weeks and I feel like I am going insane.... this video calms me down and keeps me on track. Thank you so very much! I am trying really hard to save up 500 a month to be able to update the house (all the houses in my price range look like they haven't been updated sense the 60's and all the wood paneling is going to make me crazy).
Girl!!!!! I love this! I'm gonna give this a try. Thanks for the encouragement. Woot!💃🏼
She's In Her Apron let me know how it goes!!
Needed this today!! Husband and I are on a spending freeze currently and have been for the past 4 days and I’m itching to go to the store... this just changed my mind. Instead of going to the store because we want to get out of the house we are about to load up the 2 boys, hubby, me, and our dog and go to the free dog park...also packing lunch so there will be no expense :)
We save 2k a month by doing a monthly financial fasting. We've been doing this for 4 years now about 3-4 months a year. That's an extra 6k-8k a year
Got on UA-cam to watch videos while getting ready. Left UA-cam on a spending freeze. Okay, things are escalating quickly! 😂
Hahaha! This is the BEST kind of comment! Glad you loved the video!
I have done spending freezes before and they are never as unpleasant as one would assume. In the beginning it felt like a punishment or something done out of necessity when it should just be a choice. Now it's a relief knowing we have the will power to stop spending if we need to!
I could seriously watch her videos all day. THEY'RE SO INFORMATIVE! Thanks, Jordan!
I just did this, not by choice, but because we are broke from Christmas.
I have to say, it is a great wake up call to get a better handle on my money situation, and I have felt so inspired to spend the next several months getting back on track, paying of debt and saving money. I also had no idea how creative I could get in the kitchen using up what ingredients we have left. But I am looking forward to some money this week and groceries......however, I set a budget, planned the meals and will be sticking to it.
“Spending freeze “ also known as being broke and having to wait until the next pay check ...
Too Funny!!!!
I was going to say....this is what I do when I'm waiting to get paid lol
me these last few weeks lol
Lol exactly! 😆😉
SheastMode I think she kinda also expect us, to no spend money on anything. talking about the 3$ drinks, 2$ snacks... or 5$ 10$ purchases we make.
Although I have been days/weeks that I can't buy anything
But heck,
Once we go back to "normal"
We can do this.
(Excuse my English)
such a great idea to do it just for 7 days..every time i see the one month plans I dont even think its possible and I don't do it 😧😂 love your tips girl. you are a queen! I really need this motivation! 👍👏
ashleyplus3 aw thanks Ashley! And yes 7 days is SO doable!
I LOVE the idea of a gift closet. I always feel so stressed when Christmas roles around and my extended family are expecting their prizes. I see things in February that are so inexpensive (when many online department stores have clearance markdowns) that would make great gifts in December.
I do the same. In the bag of stuff is a running list of who is getting what for which holiday. There is never a budget-blowing shopping spree in December and it has helped our family greatly.
Years ago I attempted a 6 month spending freeze - yeah, I totally set myself up for failure! I made it a month in. One week is a great idea!
Lisa vs. the Loans I do not think you failed, you succeeded at one month! THAT is something to be proud of!!!!
You're a wise woman. I went through a rough patch recently and KNOW I can live off what's in my pantry for at least a month. Just takes somes creativity and discipline. I will try the 7 day freeze ❄
Totally all in on the Focus on Finance month. Printed the calendar so I already knew the spending freeze challenge was coming. I am also doing a "Spend Less Month for January" just for fun and to see how much more I can save. I only go grocery shopping 1 day a week and January 5th I had to go to town for a dr. appt. I started my freeze on Jan. 6th. It is now the 12th and have not spent a penny for anything! Our weekly grocery and non-food budget is $90.00 a week sometimes only $75.00-$80.00, depends on if I need to buy laundry soap, toilet paper, etc. Anyways, for January I cut my weekly allowance to $45.00 and am using many items from the pantry and freezer. Mainly buying produce, cheese and milk (my husband drinks4 5 gallons a week. My 18 year old son drinks half a gallon a week...Ha Ha) I only spent $45 dollars on the 5th and did not buy anything extra just because I was doing the spending freeze and it has been great. Makes cooking fun and creative. You get so much satisfaction from using up what you have knowing there is no waste! My husband and son come home for lunch everyday so I cook 3 meals a day. This is to encourage anyone out there that you can do this! Look at it as a game!
"I don't need a sparkly jacket" - best line! lol
My husband just got a full time job (he's the only one bringing in income) and while he was part time, we were on a full time spending freeze lol we barely had enough to cover bills and gas, but now that he has more coming in, I am excited to give this a try! :)
This just blew my mind!!! Thank you for breaking it down like this!!! So totally doable!! I’m going to work on saying “I can do that I will start saving for that!” Instead of “im so broke I’m so sad with all this debt!” UGH I’m on it!
love it! were 10 days in on our no spend month doing great so far!:)
Plan on doing this in Januray- February 2020
Yes same here. I've been on so many awesome vacations in 2019 but seriously I need to do some kind of a challenge for myself. Spending freeze sounds like a challenge.
At first I was like.. noooo... then I was like... yeah!!! Seems like a great challenge! We don't typically spend a ton- but I need to destash my pantry! Lol
I just started and I feel good . I live in central america. Hopefully I will end up like you. 😁 love what you do! You give me energy to start and end my day feeling good about myself. Thank you
This is so true! It’s works! I am currently working on the envelope money and I have 56.29 for the rest of week so I thought I better no purchasing much or nothing this week so I went to my pantry and freezer and put together 5 meals!!!!!!!! It’s amazing 🤩 thank you Jordan!
Have been binge watching your videos, absolutely love your tips and tricks!
We tried this for a week and it was great. We saved $300, we did have to do it the day after a grocery shop because we shop weekly for the week and don't buy excess. It did prevent us from buying cuppas and going to get milk and bread but coming out with 5 items we didn't need and a bill of $100 so it was awesome.
This sounds like a really good idea. My only problem with the groceries is that my hubby is really healthy and makes everything from scratch. We barely have food in our pantry to "live off". Buuuut, I want to try it anyways!
I didn’t know what I’m currently doing was called spending freeze lol!! This is awesome!! 👍🏼😁
Spending freezes are interesting! Sometimes they are like diets where you don't eat much for a week and then chow down and make no gain. It's good to plan what you will do after the freeze also!
Yes! If you go out and spend everything you saved when it is over you have defeated the whole purpose. Stay in that "saving" frame of mind.
This is one of THE most helpful videos on UA-cam. Hands down. My cards are in the freezer freezing RIGHT NOW!! 😁👍🏽
Love it!
THis is so good that I am seeing this before the holidays this year. I think I need to watch it in January too because it's so easy to get into a spend it all mindset during the holidays. I know I do things I wouldn't normally spend on in December for gifts etc.
YES!! You definitely need to hop in to our Focus on Finance Month Challenge in January!
Okay, just came across this video after watching so many other videos you have. It's doable because this week I printed the budget envelope. I was to do the shopping last Friday after work and I decided not to and went into my freezer, pantry and fridge and I've not done the shopping for August 1-6, why? Because I found stuff to cook for breakfast lunch and dinner! Tomorrow I will do the shopping for the week of August 9-15. As Jordan said, don't overthink it because you won't do it. I promise, it's doable. I will post what I've saved this month if anything at the beginning of September.
You are so right about going through the cupboards and freezer and be able to not spend extra the next week. I went through mine and worked out that I’ve got enough food for roughly 2 and a half weeks of eating ( minus bread and milk)
I love this idea! I've tried just not spending money for a week, but I really love that you mention that you're retraining your brain. Self control is hard, but I like that this is a fairly easy way to practice that.
I may be late to this party, but this WAS magic, and I was so smitten that we posted our own video about 13 free activities we did the week of our spending freeze (family of 4), plus how much we saved!!! The experience was totally addictive, Jordan Page! Thank you so much for cluing me into this amazing savings technique! Life changing!
Mom - I love your personality - it sparkles just like that jacket you are wearing. You are so easy to love! Thank you for this video.
I love your idea about having presents for bridal showers and baby showers and other things on hand. I do that too. Especially when I come in under budget for our weekly household expenses if I see something on sale really good that would go well for some kind of gift I buy it and it's usually given away within about 6 months.
I'm so excited to try this! I'm hosting a baby shower this week so I want to do it next week! My husband will totally be onboard I'm almost tempted not to tell him and just surprise him!
I love this! I think most of us have no idea the amount of food we have in our freezers and pantries. This is a great way to force me to get creative and use those items that I never seem to get to. Thank you!
I often do spending freezes. Unfortunately it’s usually because I’ve run out of money until my next fortnightly pay. Sigh.
"Get creative! Get scrappy!" :D I love JP.
I never wouldn’t thought this could work, but it totally does! By the end of the freeze, I’m not even interested in the items I thought I wanted anymore.
Your financial tips are always on point. I love it. My financial freeze starts tomorrow since I bought groceries to last about 2 weeks and have all our necessities covered for at least a week.
ok, I love this. Just shared it with my husband so he knows I'm not crazy. We are moving in three days for our dream job, but we are coming from literally being starving musicians (just kidding, we live WELL within our means for rent and bills and spend TOO much on food) to a full time university professorship, but MOVING IS EXPENSIVE. And we won't have a fridge for two days. So I initiated a quasi-spending freeze so that we would use up all of our food in our fridge that will expire - the rest we will give to friends/donate to our church for their homeless dinners. The magic is that we have seen SO many little bills from iTunes, or Amazon, or Spotify come through that often go unnoticed (now I'm like "Can we cancel that?") It's only been FOUR DAYS. With those little automatic withdrawals, we've only seen $40ish bucks leave our accounts. It's gorgeous.
I've binged on so many of your videos! I'm totally doing this budget program once we are moved and settled. I want to annihilate our credit card debt and start a serious nest egg. We are having our first baby and want to be able to enjoy his first year, not worry about whether or not we shouldn't have done such and such because our electric bill is higher than I thought it would be!
Thank you so much!
kati grace cox too long to read
This sounds great unless a spending freeze is your life 😐 I wish I had extra money for a fancy cup of coffee or a date night.
same
Yep
Yes especially if you live in UK .. you feel you work to pay taxes and overy priced expenses.
@@loloalbasha233 It was okay when the UK taxed royalty out of their mansions. Today, they tax the poor out of their flats.
You'll get there Hannah :):)
I feel like this is all doable except the babysitter. That's a have to since we both work. But other wise hubby and I definitely need to do this. Thank you for the advice!
Watched this more than once. Working on doing a "freeze week" on everything! But the first week in february I didn't buy food at all and it set the tone for the entire month (my food budget was as big as my auto budget).
I started a self imposed spending freeze last week to help us get through the week without putting another cent on our "christmas-ed" credit cards before payday on Friday. My family has definitely noticed the sometimes hodgepodge meals but we are surviving. I'm noticing that 1. I spend most of the money and 2. if I keep a positive attitude everyone else tends to come around eventually and 3. This would have been way easier if I had a stash of basics to pull from for meals. That is one of my goals for the new year... Reasonable food storage...
hey Jordan, you are such a huge Inspiration!
Me and my little Family of 4 live in Germany and my husband and i try to Do IT nearly the Same. ..we try to spend no money until the 5. of every month ...but Not sooo strikt. ...i will try to Do IT as you recommend IT!
thanks for your Energy you gave to us even over the big ocean!!;) greetings from germany
That is the coolest sparkly jacket ever!!!!
Already mentally preparing to kick off 2021 with a spending freeze. I’ll be combining it with a pantry challenge and I’m actually excited about it.
Can u do a video on meal planning please
ProdutoDePortugal yes please
I’m a pretty good budgeting chick but I’m so doing this starting right now! 🥰🙌🏽🙏🏽
I wish I would’ve watched your videos before I had gone to the store yesterday and spent over $100 in groceries for the week. 😩
That more than half of what my budget is supposed to be for the month!!!
There's always next week!
Love the concept of doing a week long spending freeze instead of a month long one. I'm going to try it!
Your my favorite person to watch...I really learn so much from you...I only have two kids...But watching you we save so much money...
I did it! I did it for 9 days! It doesn’t seem like much but it was a big deal for me. And that included having guests over (which is usually when I blow my grocery budget 😜)
That zombie apocalypse joke hits a little different in 2021. Lol Love the video!
I did this for a month! I made a few mistakes but for the most part finished successfully. One thing I used that I had totally forgotten about until then......the library!!!! I got so many cookbooks and stuff that month it was so much fun! So even when I wanted to buy the new Pioneer Woman cookbook...I went to the library instead and got to read it for FREE!!!
This was seriously awesome! Tried it for a week and it got us back on track right before Christmas. We will totally do it again! Thank you for the tips and encouragement!
Finally someone doing it right...all UA-cam's I have watched have packed frig pantry and frezzers... And saiy I hope I can do this for a week.lol. You should see mine ...I use what's in house and that's it...I have been doing this for months... I have only had to replace some veggies. Awesome!!!!! Make bake open cans eat what ya have!!!!! Love it
Great ideas, but my pantry, fridge and freezer are E....M....P...T....Y at the end of the week before I go shopping again. We have no back stock...empty! I guess I need to see how you do the stocking to have a back stock...but honestly, we have food restrictions and eat fresh...so I guess there is the issue....ugh!
this is exactly our situation too
Try planning meals ahead of time, and only buy the groceries completely necessary for that plan. That way that food money will be considered a necessity.
You could do a spending freeze on everything except groceries, maybe? I’m there with ya!
I loved this. You are funny and these are some of the best tips to actually help you go through with a spending freeze. I’m currently doing a 60 day spending fast - I can buy necessities but no “wants.”
So interesting that you suggested just one week! That makes total sense but I was set up to do it for a month. I’m gonna take baby steps and do seven days. I’m good so far. Groceries are stocked! Just have to get gas. Thanks for your fun videos!
I have a two year old. So I am going to get her milk tomorrow for the whole week and I am going to do it!! With the money I save, I plan on doing the 52 week money saving challenge🙌
You are a such a good motivational speaker! I watch a few of your videos at a time to get motivated and achieve my goals! Thank you
I always look at my pantry and see what me and the kids can survive of for the day when I need to do groceries just to void a grocery shopping trip. Lol.
And I hate seeing my pantry door open because every time I see it empty it reminds me I have to go grocery shopping lol. Smh
Lazy Mom! Lol..
thanks for the tips!
I found myself in an unfortunate situation where I had to go on a spending freeze. I made up some random recipes. Id basically grab a little meat if i had any available and two vegetables until i ran out and one canned ingredient. Whether it was combined or a casserole or side dishes but i did it!!!!! Now when i go to the grocery store i only spend a little under $100 to feed my family of (3). Thats on a bi-weekly basis. That's about $50 bucks a week to feed three people. This doesn't include toilet paper toothpaste shampoo and things like that since i buy those on a monthly basis. A little goes a long way and we try to make it last!
I know it's an old vid, but you motivated me to do a spending freeze starting tomorrow! 1-7 April!
You can do it!
hehe I do it at least once a month, when my money runs out... welcome to the world of small salaries..
magdalena kuf, ugh. I live in that world 😏, lol.
hahah high five :D
Hello there, me too 👋
A week freeze sounds like a great idea! Gonna have to do this asap!
I just found your channel and I’m obsessed!! I’m lucky in a way I work out at sea and I’m out there for 6 weeks so when I get home my bank account is looking goooood 😏😏 but when I get home I go craaaaazy this off trip I spent 2k in 2 days 😩 I don’t even know how I did it! I have nothing really amazing to show for it 😟 I’m so happy for finding your channel Thankyou!!!
I'm starting tomorrow! Thanks for the idea! I've seen people do a no spend month and wanted to try but it seemed impossible. Seven days every month...totally doable!
I needed this. Been spending waaay too much money on Christmas decor and it's not even December yet...
We also usually do not spend our coins. We keep them in a jar all year and then take them to the bank. Our bank processes them for free. We have them put the $ in our savings. That go into our VAC fund. (for our cars we have cups for the coins. we bring those cups in when they get 1/2 full and add them to the jar).
“That’s a dirt bike”
I’m never spending money again
Love this idea!! Just saw this video and I think we’ll definitely be giving this a try!!
This is one of my favorite videos. It's helped my family tremendously.
How do you manage when you run out of bread, milk, eggs, salad leaves. Basics like that. Do you prepare before you have a spending freeze? Make sure you have ingredients to make bread? Freeze some milk etc? Or do you keep a little money aside from the previous weeks budget & allow yourself to spend that on particular things?
I sometimes do this for half a week, when milk run out I put ice cream in my coffee, yum
I’m paying bills, filling up the cars with gas, picking up milk, bread & eggs then that’s it! I had already decided that with all the leftovers from the holidays & the packed freezer, I wasn’t buying meat for 2-3 weeks until I cleared out my freezer or at least made it manageable to inventory. Now, it definitely ON!
Ok. I didn’t go through with my no meat buying. Pre packaged pork loins regularly priced $6 were on sale for $4 & had coupons for $4 off 2 so they were $2 each!! I stocked up!! I just couldn’t pass them up!! But I haven’t purchased any other meat. I’m extending the no meat buying for a few more weeks.
I did inventory & clean out my freezer before I bought more food though.
It finally worked for me to comment! I need to freeze my spending haha because now that I am home with my daughter all the time I feel like all I do is spend money 😬 I think it would be a good challenge for me!
Gift closet- GENIUS
You Rock Jordan!!! Have done this for a bit now...I call it "Cleaning out the pantry & frig" lol
Interesting. I did this unconsiously while working on my bachelir thesis. Stayed at home writing all day and didn't want to spend time for grocery shopping. So I raided my humble student pantry. Worked fine! But... I rewarded myself some days later with some extra purchases. ^.^'
I think I will do this in the future more often and with intent.
Thank you for this! We just stocked up on the necessities last night ($13 bucks well spent!) so.... I think we are good to go! I might try it 2 (separate) weeks this month because my pantry and freezers are FULL. It's a good month to give it a go!! Thanks for the motivation
i absolutely love your videos Jordan! It is amazing to me that you don't have over a million subs!
Aww you are so kind!! Thanks for making my day!! 🥰
i love you so mutch i am from the netherlands and i follow you for maybe 4 years and ooh boy you are so good in what you do so graidfull that you are sharing youre way on youtube you helpt me so mutch thank you so mutch ......♡
I'm loving your videos Jordan! You are awesome! Thanks for sharing all your experience with saving money and getting out of debt. My husband and I are applying a lot of what you say in the videos. Keep up the good work! I'll definitely try the spending freeze for a week. Cheers girl!
thank you so much! i am so glad i found your channel you taught me so much ! im glad a week is enough ! you have taught me so much about meal planning ! your funny love all your tips ! never realised how not buying 1.00 drinks here and there can really add up !
HOLY CRAP. **MIND BLOWN**
So simple, but I can totally see how it would work!