10 Frugal Hacks That Make The Biggest Difference
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- Опубліковано 14 чер 2024
- I tell you the ten best hacks for frugality.
Frugal Queen in France
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We are a British couple living in Brittany on a budget.
Frugal recipes, days out, home renovations and day to day making do in France.
We’ll give you hints, tips, advice and an insight into our life in France.
Website www.frugalqueeninfrance.com/
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Our priest once told us don't keep going out to buy more stuff if you can't even take care of what you already have. That stuck with me.
If I spill a bit of laundry liquid while adding it the machine, I'll pull a small item out of the machine, mop it up and pop it back in! Waste not, want not 🤣
Same here. 👍
This is what I do too.
I do that too 🤗
Me too
Me too. I also just boil enough water to make the number of drinks needed & if I miscalculate I pop it in a small flask for later - sometimes for the 'top up' & others to reboil later - but not from stone cold! Sounds silly but heating anything uses a lot of energy. My older cousins wife told me about this 55 years ago, I thought it was daft/quaint - till I calculated how much it actually cost to boil a full kettle of water! So I've done it ever since. T.
You are absolutely right about staying home to save money.
The second I turn the ignition over in my car (I’m spending money) and it doesn’t stop until I get home.
My favorite hobbies now are: reading books, drawing and listening to music while sitting on the porch of my country home.
(that is the good life. It doesn’t get any better)
Thanks Frank
Home is such a wonderful place!
I just decided not to attend a wedding next month, bad timing and really can't afford to go.
I keep a 3-6 month working pantry at all times. When I have a low month because I'm a freelancer and income is variable, I can lean in and spend next to nothing on one of my biggest categories. With a few kids, it leaves me peace of mind for anything coming down the line. And, I pay the lowest prices possible, making it so I don't have to raise my food budget even with inflation. I am still just buying meat on clearance and whatever else is on sale. When I don't have to buy anything really week to week, I can wait for the best price on almost everything. You give me such encouragement Jane, thank you!
My tip: When renters move out in the houses around me they frequently leave.clothing. I take it home, wash it , deconstruct it and challenge myself to make items I want/need with it
If you are bored, just take a nap! I rarely get bored because I can almost always find something I want to do in my garden, but this has been a summer of many extraordinarily hot days where it is neither pleasant nor safe to work outside. That’s when I find myself wanting to “shop for fun” or make a special sweet treat or browse the internet - but I remind myself that it is cheaper and healthier to take a little nap instead!
My tip is to watch your channel and other frugal ones to Keep me in the frugal mindset. Thank you!
That’s very kind
I use my local park as my gym. I then put £1 a day away for my gym membership 🤣. I have saved £60 in 2 months this way, lost 13lb, and got to know lots of the other park users.
Love it 🌹
Bulous, I'm trying to pluck up courage to try riding a bike again (not done it for 30 years) - free exercise + saving petrol, a double gain. T.
Sorry it was supposed to say Fabulous😂
My frugal tip is to freeze any left overs you dont wanna eat the next day or so.....put em in a freezable container mark what it is and when you froze it, then when you dont feel like cooking you can pop something in your microwave or oven and the cookings already done for you. No extra cost to you.
That’s a favorite trick of mine too.
Homemade TV dinners (prepared meal) and I know what is in it.
Less chemicals and far better $$$ and IMO, taste
I do this too. if i see too many leftovers in the frig- i immediately re-package for lunches or bits of add-ins for down the road. i buy markdown items at the grocery and i batch cook so i bought lots of small 1 serving containers for leftovers for my mom. she loves a bit of soup or stew or casserole now and then- and this way- she can have what she craves. i enjoy having bits in the freezer too- if it was tasty a few weeks ago- its tasty now. everything gets dated and we all try to eat things in the freezer within 2-3 months. you can get great joy from knowing you arent wasting food and it saves me tons of time when i am exhausted from other duties and responsibilities.
I too always have batch cooked meals in the freezer so that on days I am going to be busy or days I don’t feel too good I can pull a meal out the night before to microwave for my lunch or evening meal. All left overs are eaten the next day or frozen for later.
I do the same thing. When there is enough left over for another meal I freeze it. It’s great that I can have a night off from cooking and there’s no waste. I have a friend who puts every scrap of vegetable leftover, even a spoonful, in a container and freezes it until there is enough to make a soup or stew. Zero waste mentality is the key!
@@marthaross6301 Me, too. I have plastic TV dinner trays with lids. When I make too much, I put it in some and freeze them. The next time I have too much of something, I pull them out of the freezer and put that in, too. Before long, I have complete TV dinners for when I don't want to cook.
Jon in rural BC, Canada
You just summed up everything I have been doing for the last 50 years. So now my husband and I are retired, no debt, no mortgage, and with some savings. I have never cared what other people thought.
Totally agree Maree I do me I pay my way, if you don’t like what I do I am sorry but that’s my way. Like you I too am retired with no debt, not mortgage, a second pension and some savings in the bank.
My frugal tip is to make use of your library, it’s peaceful, warm/cold has computers to use and learn, lots of books, magazines/DVDs, ebooks and audiobooks. They have lots of events for example I did a free 10 week Spanish class in one and a 10 week Italian class in another. My kids have done mini business, ukulele, Lego groups there, and when they were little different themed events for Halloween etc.. They had a toddler group in mine with story time and there was a craft group and a bookclub also.
Was that in UK?
I'm a 24 yr old nursing student from Montreal, Canada and I love your videos so much they help me all the time!!!! Thank you and please make more!
You are so welcome!
I remember a time when I had no emergency fund and how I felt - never again. Pauline.
Oh we’ve been there too.
We have all been there, some of us took a little longer to see the light.
My frugal tips is give the jonses the push. You don't need to keep up with them or anyone. Live your own life your own way. The Jonses of this world don't pay your bills
I always make sure I take water in a container for the car -- I'm never tempted to buy a drink when I'm thirsty. Also, eat before grocery shopping!
I need to remember this!!
I recently turned 49 and am still using the slow cooker, pots and food processor that I got for my 21st birthday, the popcorn maker I have had since I was 18 and numerous wedding gifts which I have had for 24 years. Keep up the great work, love watching your videos every week!
Thanks very much
I too am using pans that are around 30 years old and still in regular use. I only buy replacements for things when the previous one is either on its last legs (giving me chance to look for a second hand replacement or a good price) or not working at all. I do buy replacements for clothing as and when I see a good quality item second that I know I will use in the future. I do this because at a size 14 it is not always possible to find items second hand at the quality I want to buy at short notice. I do not allow my self to buy multiples of items that a to be stored as replacements.
I feel so sad I got rid of so many glorious appliances and clothes in my 20s thinking affordable everything was here to stay 😢 all to charity but I should have gifted them to my children
Some of my friends in torquay have built a bar shed in their garden, they take turns entertaining each other, I have hosted our family reunion twice as I have a large garden and pool. I cooked all the food for 35 people. I bought real plates, cutlery etc from the thrift store and washed them for future use.
That sounds lovely
That sounds great.
I’ve recently joined a local gym. Now I know that may not sound frugal but I consider it worthwhile. I’m going through a huge amount of stress (all beyond my control) so In an attempt to manage my mental health I’m finding working out in the gym helps tremendously. I go minimum 3/4 times a week and I always shower there, wash and dry my hair therefore saving money on my water meter and electricity at home.
Great video as always Jane
And improving your overall health! Excellent suggestion! Stay well
Frugal hack: always take your lunch with you and have snacks in your purse
Jane, went to a conference where 100% of the meals were over$20.00-$40.00 each! I brought hard boiled eggs. Baggles and fruit and coffee. Saved $200.00 just by this small thing. Also a reusable water bottle. Bottled water was $3.00 each. Mine was free.
It’s 6:30 a.m. here. Just having breakfast and it’s about to rain so I ran out to the garden to pick lettuces before the downpour. We are eating out of the garden, and putting up some of it for this winter. Use what you have.
We carry what we call “emergency food” in the car. It can be what you prefer but we keep jerky, dried fruit and the tin of prepared fish salad and crackers. Water is kept in the car as well. If we get stuck or are traveling and don’t want to buy takeaway, we have food. Once I had car trouble over a mealtime, I ate some of my emergency food which prevented me swinging through a drive thru.
Carolyn M, I like the "emergency food" for the car. We keep water in the car but the other foods you mentioned are great ideas. Thanks for sharing.
I'm going to use this tip thanks
I like eating leftovers for lunch. Todays lunch will be leftover garden salad (from last night dinner) and a bagel (freezer) with cream cheese (needs to be used up). I have the same thing for breakfast - hot oatmeal in fall/winter & yogurt and granola in spring/summer. The odd time I will have eggs or toast. Once a week, my parents used to go over to another couples house for brunch to socialize. They had coffee/tea and onion or tomato (homegrown) sandwiches, or homemade cinnamon rolls. I don't just reject throw away culture, I also opt out of our hyper consumerism culture. I like your approach to frugal living.
JOMO - definitely a wise decision, especially as we are getting older and crowds are not appealing to us. Forced engagements are not enjoyable. We find doing our own thing to be the most relaxing, enjoyable activity of all.
JOMO has been by method of operation recently. It is so freeing and frugal!
My daughter used to work in insurance. Her tip: Check with your insurance agent before purchasing a car. Certain models are much more expensive to insure than others.
I’m a former Insurance person and agree, also every year shop around for a better price but make sure you get the same cover. If you get a better price, run it by your existing Insurers to see if they will match it and save you the hassle of completing new forms etc..
My biggest frugal tip that has worked really well is from you. After having an emergency fund, put money into sinking funds. The £200 for new tyres wasn't as painful and stressful when I put money away each months towards car maintenance.
It also ensures that any clothes purchases are thoughtful and considered.
I had never put money into sinking funds prior to being an early retiree, but it has massive help x
I cut our dishwashing tablets in half. One bag of 100 tabs lasts more than a year💪. I just adore all your tips, thank you, thank you, thank you.
My partner and I love curries but I am not prepared to spend £30+ on a takeaway that I know I can make at home.
My hack is to find a curry recipe of my liking and learn to cook it at home. Lots of fun to cook with a cider in hand and some music, and also a fraction of the cost! One curry I have made is so good that it is our go to curry now and have never wanted an Indian takeaway since.
I’m with you on that one Chantelle! Plus they’re probably packed with horrible oils x
When I went to the Indian takeaway I saw vegetable Korma. Hmmm Now I buy Korma cooking sauce and throw some vegetables in. Beautiful food at home 🏡 😋
I always have a home made curry and a chilli in the freezer.I freeze them flat so they can be thawed quickly and be reheated and on the plate in 15 mins. A meal I know I will enjoy at a fraction of the price of a takeaway
I’m new to being frugal (kicked off June 21), but my biggest frugal win has been to question everything. I told myself I couldn’t lower my monthly ‘fixed’ expenses like insurance, phone internet because I’d already looked at them on renewal. 6 weeks on I’m saving over a $1000 a year just by stopping ‘assuming’ and asking myself how can I spend less on X (I’m being sensible about it though). Sometimes it means a little sacrifice like my internet speed, other times it’s just research and persistence or a little creative financial juggling… it’s not for everyone but it’s working really well for me atm :)
Thanks for sharing
Very important to call your service providers regularly and to ask for their best offer. Regularly call the service provider for their best offer. If they can't lower your bill, then call other providers and ask for their best deal. Big savings.
You are off to a great start by questioning everything. I call it "Show me the money." I have been doing it this way for years and it has really paid off. Wishing you well on your frugal journey.
I buy most of my clothes at thrift shops, but I still ask myself if I like an item well enough that I would have paid for it at a regular store. If I don’t, I don’t buy it.
The best money saver we have ever done was downsizing our home! Especially with heating costs today, the thought of heating a large home with rooms we hardly used, makes me shudder! Yes, we have missed the extra space at times, but on a practical level, we are glad we did it!
I did the same thing. I used to pay ,$200 a month for electricity. I moved to a smaller home and different area of the country. This month's bill was $40.
@@churchofpos2279 glad that worked for you too! Something people should really consider!
My lease expires 10/30 and I'm planning on downsizing instead of getting a rent increase. I haven't yet heard from my landlord, but what I'm hearing is astonishing. I live in a large city with very high housing costs.
I down sized from a 4 bed 2 bath house to a 2 bed 1bath apartment. My outgoings halved. Best move I ever made.
Love the concept of joy of missing out and enjoying ones own home. We have been downsizing and living a more minimalistic life over the past 10 years. Having a less cluttered home , less items to worry about along with satisfying hobbies helps with saying no to the temptations of the outside world.
Thanks Judy
Think you just described the way I see life Although I can go shopping all day and come home with nothing because I always question why I want something and decide I don’t really need it.An example of waste my Grandson said there was no toothpaste left well I made that empty tube last another 3 weeks lol
People need to be realistic and if they have a lot going on that week its far easier to buy convenience food in the supermarket to stick in the oven than it is to go out and eat. Its ok to have some pizzas in the freezer and a family size lasagne in the fridge etc if it saves you having to order a take away.
I love having friends over for dinner; a time to make something special even a dessert.
Terrific ideas Jane & Mike! My frugal tip would be to use only as much as you need to. A small amount of toothpaste will get the job done as well as a big squeeze. Same with shampoo, conditioner, dishwashing liquid and numerous other products.
Totally agree with your tip Laurie. Why use twice as much as you need which makes the item cost twice as much. I try to measure everything I use. I try to have all liquids in a pump action container so I can control the amount I use. I use measuring spoons for dry goods. I have a scoop for washing power, measure doses are not always what the packet says, I try to use half the recommended amount if that work I cut the amount next time until it isn’t enough then I write the amount needed on the container so I don’t over use things.
I've been chopping my dishwasher tablets in half and there's no difference in how clean the dishes come out! No idea where I saw the tip, but very glad I did :)
I put shampoo and also shower gel in hand wash dispensers and it goes further.
I love your advice dearly. One idea 💡 🤔 when buying meat ask your butcher to cut the meat thinner. Grow your own herbs 🌿 and have a vegetable patch, plant fruit and nut trees in your garden. 🌳 😋 patience is a virtue 🙏 👌 😌
My #1 frugal hack is to wait and think things over. Almost nothing is an emergency, got to buy it now or else, purchase.
Really agree with this one. Fill the shop basket online with bits you think you need. Walk away before checking out. I am often so busy I either forget about it or find that I have other things that will do the job without cost.
My frugal tip when it comes to eating is to use a small dinner plate so there’s always enough for a second meal for next day or the freezer and stops me over eating😋
Stock check, meal plan and shop once is my favorite frugal tip. We'll all heard of FOMO but I have never heard the acronym JOMO. It's a perfect cure for FOMO.
We met up with friends at a recent church BBQ, the first I have attended since the beginning of COVID and got talking with a few friends and we all discovered we love to play games so we have planned to get together for a games night and I feel like it will be the first of many. When our children were young we had a group that would meet, children and all and while the kids played we would fit in a few rounds of cards or a game. If it got late children would be put down to sleep on sofas, beds etc and scooped up at the end of the night and taken home. This allowed us to socialize without the cost of a sitter. Thanks for all the great tips and encouragement!
Thanks for sharing
Thank you. I,m 91 and have been using a budget for years but you do it differently and taught me a lesson. I was paying the expenses out of what was coming in at the end of the month. Now I will pay out of what came in at the end of last month. It solves some of the problems that often cropped up.
I thought I couldn't find any room in my tiny budget for savings, but I've been extremely unwell this last month so unable to go out at all and I am SHOCKED by how much money I have left in my account this month! Those "little" £1 or £2 "treats" here and there really add up! 🤯
There’s your savings
My Frugal tip applies more specifically to single person households. I belong to a warehouse club here in the US and my next door neighbor who is also a one-person household belongs to a different Warehouse club. We have a third neighbor who is a good friend of ours who doesn't belong to either of the clubs. The three of us will often buy things that we want and we can use the quantity of but sometimes there may be a new product we want to try or something that we both need but don't need the quantity in which it is sold. When it comes to those situations we will split a larger container or something that comes with multiples in the package. This gives us an opportunity to try something new without wasting money on it or being able to take advantage of being able to buy a larger quantity of an item we will use between the two of us that lowers the per unit or pound cost. When my mom was living we did this frequently with larger packages of meat or large quantities of Staples such as laundry detergent. It ended up saving us money while we each got enough of what we needed of an item. So if you are a single person household or even a smaller family, find someone you can go in with something on that you both use and need to see if you can get a better deal on a quantity that is more than you each need but enough for what you both need. You can end up saving money in the long run.
My tip is to become friendly with your local shop owners and shop staff. Shops throw out so much stuff you only need to ask and you might get what you need for free or on the cheap.
Example, I always ask for a discount on fruit and veg in my local shop when I see it's going bad because I can preserve it. It saves both parties money - I get to buy what I need cheaply and they save on waste disposal cost.
I work in a shop myself and got friendly with the hardware and deli staff - I get all the plastic buckets and crates I want (for storage and my vegetable garden). Even got a discount today on some plant throughs which were damaged and would eventually end up in the bin. I basically got two of them for free. Saved myself €12 and will save more by growing food in them.
Don't be afraid to ask, you never know you may get a good deal on something you need.
I cut my dish scourers in half. That way 1 lasts twice as long.
Plus cut the bottom of the toothpaste tubes when empty. I get another 2 to 3 cleans out of them.
My frugal hack is to try clothes on in the store. That goes for new or used clothing.
I drink a lot of tea, and I used to use a teabag per cup. I found a big old brown teapot at the back of my cupboatd, now 1 teabag makes a massive pot that lasts all morning. I just microwave it a few seconds to warm it up as the day goes on. Saved me massive amounts of money just doing that one thing.
Thank you for keeping me on the straight and narrow. I like the narrow path it has keep me solvent for 40 years. We have been debt free and we pat ourselves on the back when we see what happens to our neighbors. Happy Holidays
Thanks Mary
I make my kids school lunches. Every single day. I make it fresh and enticing. Sandwiches with salad. Cut fruit and vegetables. Something crunchy.
Aren't school lunches free for everyone now?
@@annkrull9894 Think so. But school lunches can be unappealing and ingredients sourced are unhealthy ones megacorporation chemical based.
Quite apart from any tips, your enthusiasm is so entertaining I would watch the videos if I was a millionaire!
Cheers!
Great video as usual, Jane. Every time I am tempted to buy something that is not on my list for the month, I start tidying up, clean something, or work in the yard. This is a win win win. It takes my mind off buying, saves me money, and things get done.
Thank you Mike and Jane. I feel that I have finally found people who think like me. And don't worry, though I'm slowly watching your past videos, I promise not to comment on every single one! I have always known that I'm different. My home is my heart. I equip my home to provide all that I need. So there is a piano, a guitar, and a keyboard. There's wool to knit or crochet, there's a sewing machine, there's books to read and re-read, there's puzzles to do, and there's work/garden to do outside. I also heat with wood since 1985. I run 2 fires: one fireplace and one cookstove. I'm in Ontario and it can get pretty cold here. I guess I am a loner. I have not been affected by Covid at all, because I always prefer to stay home as opposed to going out. I can't connect with people who need to leave their home in order to find joy? happiness? lack of boredom? So your video really resonated with me. Keep calm and carry on!
Thanks Gail
Excellent tips! It’s definitely so easy to feel pressured to attend parties etc that you can’t really afford! Since my cancer diagnosis I’ve definitely adopted the ‘don’t care what people think’ approach! Already looking forward to seeing your next video 😊❤
Prayers for a speedy recovery and wholesome healing 🙏
@@twilightshealy4152 thank you ☺️ xx
If you want spiritual support and prayers take the opportunity to attend church. It may help immensely dear. Enjoy to eat well dear
I had breast cancer surgery and chemo etc 10 years ago. It does change how you view the social world. I've cut back greatly on efforts to please demanding people. I'm courteous but politely decline to get involved in fixing other adults' problems.
🤗 💖
My favorite frugal hack is to find free groups/clubs for your hobbies. I like to read, so I take part in a book club that shares books, we discuss the books that we’ve read over the months time and let others borrow those books. No club fees, free books borrowing, and an enjoyable night out. Another tip is to utilize free services in the city town you live in. Our town does “block parties” in the local town square on the weekends during summer. There are restaurants for people to enjoy but they also have picnic areas, they have live music or activities to participate in, all free.
I put a dry erase board on my fridge and anything leftover or that will spoil quickly gets written down so I can be reminded what's in there and don't waste food. My son in law looked at the board one day and said "looks like a pizza bake casserole". Surprisingly that's what we made the next day for supper. It helps to have that visual reminder of what's in there and to see how some things mesh together to be another meal plan.
That’s a great tip. I have one for my meal plan and shopping list but never thought to put “leftovers available” area.
Sell ,donate, rehome excess anything, be more minimalistic, the less you hve the less there is to maintain. This not only frees up cash but time inwhich to mend broken items repair clothes enjoy simplicity and it will stop the thoughts of aquiring more and more. Completely agree about going small .
So apropos.... I was listening to your video while I was darning my sock!
have a sinking fund next to the emergency fund . Make sure it is there in the beginning of the year and top it up each time you use it . It helps with cooping with big bills. And grow your own veggies and fruit as much as possible
important videos for these hard times..
Live as if in Second or Third Worlds and in contentment and gratitude, SHARE resources, time, and skills with the disenfranchised and needy!
I love that you talked about the joy of missing out! That has helped me so much, now I know what to call it when i get pressure to do something I don't want yo do. I also love to challange myself to no spend days and weeks. I need to work on the month part. I look forward to your chats!
Thanks for watching
Great tips Jane. My tip is to save all the ends of the vegetables as you chop them, including the peelings ( where all the goodness is), and keep them in a soup pot in the fridge or freezer. Each week there is usually enough to make a big batch of soup in the pressure cooker which sorts the lunches for the week in the cooler weather.
Same here.
Nothing better than a nice bowl of soup with a sandwich or a bread roll for a warming filling lunch .You can make soup from nearly any veg or salad. Add beans or lentils to make it more hearty.
Fab tips once again :)))
My frugal tips are never food shop without a planned list and left overs make lovely lunches the next day! The hot of missing out and not being forced to 'go along with the crowd's feels so good :))
Totally agree...
Excellent as always, thank you. The best frugal tip I have is to have equally frugal friends. We share tips, ideas, resources, recipes, and get a real kick out of the creativity that being frugal brings. There is also an ease about being with others who approach life as you do; it adds to the overall peace of mind that being conscious of how we use our resources brings.
One thing to add: I buy only what I need and buy the best quality that I can within my budget. This is especially true for mid to long term items such as shoes, clothing, furniture,etc as everything lasts much, much longer. And I look after everything that I do have.
I agree, I have the most amazing likeminded friends and our kids/teens/adults are friends too from their childhood.
I loved the reminders! I’ve learned so much from you, Jane! I cook everything I eat, and take a snack or lunch whenever I’m out and about. I have some dietary issues so it works best for me as well as saves money. I had been going to the coffee place every day, then when I retired, I went once a week. Now I buy the chai tea concentrate, add to almond milk with ice and instead of paying $5-6 a drink I get 4 drinks for $1.30! Please keep the videos coming!
I read the other viewers' comments as well as listened to your broadcast, and I found several ideas that I am going to incorporate in my life. I like the comment you made about changing our mindset about "HOW" you do activities. Taking the time to "THINK" how something can be done and feel you have a truly frugal and fulfilled life. Thank you and thank you to our frugal community for sharing.
Thanks for watching and reading
I just made a soup with leftover roast, zucchini, squash, broccoli, spinach, onion, mushrooms most from my garden. I added leftover cheese rinds, diced tomatoes, spices....yummy.
I find that I like my cooking more than most things at a restaurant. I love to cook and cook many different types of cuisines. The only time I eat out is for a rare celebratory event. Prior to Covid concerns, I would have people over for dinner more often than I do now. I enjoy entertaining so it's a win-win for me. When I was in my 20's and 30's I was always going to try new restaurant and in that whole try all the new trendy things. I have gone off all of that now - I don't see the point. I would much rather have some friends round for a tea or coffee or a meal. Actually, I think part of saying no to events or whatever, is partly due to a maturity level that one feels when confident with decision making and not caring about peer pressure. Great video as usual! Thanks!
Thanks for watching and commenting
I don't think material possessions is a reflection of how hard you work. Love your channel and your cheery voice.
Thanks very much
Smart people do choose to have the best they can afford. The "can afford" part is what is most important. When buying a home, be sure its not too much house not only in size but also in affordability. Only buy what you can afford on one income, and can still afford if there is a time when you have little to no income coming in i.e. having an emergency fund. I use my credit card as a financial tool. Use it then pay it off. We do enjoy going out to dinner, but plan for it. I think some of the biggest things people can do , if they do these things, is to stop smoking, getting tattoos, cut out alcohol, or at least cut down, excessive shopping just for the sake of shopping etc. .
Thank you very much 😊❤️ from Kazakhstan
Thanks for watching
Not going shopping for fun!
We have a small family, so I like to make flatbread instead of large loaves of bread.It's quick and easy to make, without a long baking time. It's versatile, too; we use it for sandwich wraps and making mini pizzas. It stores flat in the freezer and takes up less space.
My frugal hack is to never say no to free stuff. We had about a cord of logs delivered a couple of days ago (which was really appreciated) and as luck would have it, a friend stopped by the next day and did the cutting to size, splitting and stacking, just for the fun of it. Somebody upstairs loves us. Anyway, I was listening to a few of your older videos and "liking" them of course, and when you talked about your quilting hobby, it struck me that I have a hobby....canning food. Don't you love useful hobbies?
Oh, I LOVE this!! JOMO! What a wonderful phrase! I love it! It's basically how I live! And, what other people think of it is on them, not me.
Oh my! I've shared my frugal ways so many times! It's hard to name just one as favorite. Every month, I try to get my utility bills lower than they were the previous month. I just had the lowest water bill I've ever had in my life! It was ZERO, with a $6 credit toward next month's bill! There must have been a change in their billing policy! I only used an average of 10 gallons a day! I go to extremes to save water. I water plants with used water, catch and use the water that would normally go down the drain as I heat up water for a shower, turn the water off while I'm cleaning everything--tooth brushing, hand washing, showering, face washing, washing dishes... I only do laundry when I absolutely have to, and have a full load. And I don't wash clothing after each wearing. If it still smells fine and has no visible soiled areas, I wear it again before washing it.
I do the same with the household gas and electricity bills. When I first heard of phantom electricity, I unplugged a lot of things. That reduced the electric bill by 76%! I got all excited and looked for more things to unplug. I thought I would unplug the stove, but I wasn't willing to pull it away from the wall to unplug it and plug it in again. Then I realized the breaker box was near...in the kitchen, so I turned it off at the fuse box while I wasn't cooking. Fortunately, I could reach the plugs of the washer and dryer. They were easy to keep unplugged till needed. Overall, I shaved an additional 11% off my electricity bill. One year, for the month of July, when daylight lasts a long time, I chose not to turn on any lights. For the couple of hours before bed, after sunset, I lit a candle and carried it around from room to room. I had no pets or children, so, I could do that. I had the smallest electric bill ever that month...$13. It would normally be about $150. I've done the same with gasoline. I can do so much online that I very rarely drive anymore. In the last 19 months, I've filled up my gas tank twice--that's right--2 times. I still have 1/2 a tank, so it may be 5-6 months before I need more. When I do drive, I group errands together in one direction. For example, if I have to go north for a doctor's appointment, I'll also shop at a grocery store in the same direction, drop off shoes for repair and go to a bank in the same direction. The only thing in that list which requires an in-person appearance is dropping off the shoes. Everything else can be done online. Some times I do need to see the doctor in person, too...which would have generated this excursion.
I cut costs on food, clothing, household items, etc.
Do you see why it's so hard to pick a favorite?! I love listening to you in your videos! Thank you so much for sharing! ❤
Thanks so much Jonna
I use cash wherever I can. I hate handing it over. It has made such a difference to my spending.
Good point
Frugal Hack is similar to others. Don’t throw food away, freeze, use leftovers first. We pay so much for food, we need to use it all up.
when we had a mortgage we always rounded our payments up to the next "10 " ...eg if the payment was $416 we would round it up to $420 amazing how much it takes off the principal of the loan ...also any windfalls like perhaps tax reunds would also go towards the house payment so we ended up paying our 20 mortgage off in just over 8 years.. its great during todays times of financial stress that this is one very big issue we no longer need to worry about
You’ve absolutely hit the nail on the head in regards to having to go out rather than to stay at home. I have two sons (14 & 10) and at times I feel that I’m depriving them because we don’t eat out and we rarely go except for special occasions. We are happy to stay at home and entertain ourselves, but there is a huge pressure from society, social media and other sources that you need to go out in order to enjoy ourselves. I’ve only just discovered your channel and I’m loving it!
Thanks Becky and welcome
Being home is so relaxing!
My frugal tip is to pack your lunch and some snacks. I can't tell you how much money the girls in the office spend buying take out at least three times a week. We also never go to movie theaters to watch movies. We wait until we can stream it.
Love all these tips. I think the biggest frugal hack of all is just getting in the right mindset. I've been looking at this as a challenge rather than as depravation. My latest hack is using packaging that items come in for at least one additional use. I use the plastic dome covers on baked goods as bowls to give away my vegs in. I'm using old egg cartons and toilet/paper towel rolls to make fire starters for this winter, either using link on candle wax. Just looking at things with a new eye and asking what else can I do with this other than just throw it out. Now I will have to make sure not to let this get out of control so I don't become a hoarder. LOL
I do this too @allison speer! I save the big 10lb bags potatoes come in, specifically for trash pickup around my neighborhood. Frugal philanthropy!! Waxed cereal bags are great for the freezer. Bread bags are great for sandwiches and snacks. My goal is 2+ uses out of all plastic bags that find their way into my home. This way, I save the expensive ziploc bags for school lunches. I don't mind if my thrifty ways make me look like a hobo at times, but I remember being in school and not wanting to be different. A single box of ziploc sandwich bags lasts me about 18-24 month because I wash and reuse them. Ha!!!!
I also try to reuse everything. Large plastic bags become trash bags, compost anything I can including the contents of the vacuum cleaner.plastic containers are reused for storage. The packaging is factored into the price we pay so why not try to make a second use for it.
Once a week I batch cook. I put something in my instapot crock pot and roaster. I freeze everything in proper serving sizes. I always have a variety of meals to choose from. I live alone and have a very busy schedule so this is very helpful.
The JOMO is a great one 😊 in my younger days, I found it so difficult to say no to invitations, that usually turned out to be very costly. Most of the time I didn’t even want to be there anyway. Now I’m older and wiser, I pick and choose which offers I accept and never feel guilty about saying ‘no’.
I love this mindset and your tips Jane. My best tip is shop your own home first and know what is in it! Checking and using what I already have has often meant I don't need to buy that item after all. I am also passionate about not wasting food and making the most of everything I have. Good stewardship and gratitude.
I have couple of frugal hacks: meal plan based on sales, measure a portion of food - I don't waste any food, washing twice per week, pressure cooker is my best friend, I use public transportation, and share driving. I try to cook food for my dog. I use my sinking funds to plan my shopping for necessary nonfood items.
Thanks for the tips
We've been stocking up on foods we regularly eat when they're half price! It's making a huge difference to our grocery bill as we don't need to buy that item when it's full price & just wait until it's half price or on special again.🥰 Blessings from South Australia💕🐨
Thanks for sharing
@@FrugalQueeninFrance 💕🐨
Wonderful ideas! I clean the whole house with window cleaning liquid. The floors with washing up liquid and hot water. No need to buy more product than these two.
There are waaaay too many cleaners on the market. Most are toxic.
These days I have a morning tea, then the second tea I will make it and steep another tea in a small cup...maybe a yummy jasmine or oolong tea. Then add the tea to my pint mug and too up with filtered cold water :)
I love the opening and the music- it grabbed me right away :)
Thanks
I love JOMO! That's my default setting.
I think one of my strongest ways of keeping things in check is the fact that I am of an age where I was brought up by parents who were children during World War II and grew up on post war rationing. I have learned so much from them in terms of using what you have and being content with that. My mum, in her late 80s, can't really think any other way, and is still giving me new tips to keep the costs down and make things last. When I went to University I didn't have a radio, but I did know how to mend and darn things (a darning mushroom was considered essential kit by mum).
When we got our black and white TV in the early 1970s the adverts on ITV were always referred to as 'the codswallop', giving us a message that these were things that we didn't need. A healthy perspective, I think.
My parents were born in 1939, so they have the same perspective.
We are still decluttering & fixing things from our move last year. As we do this, we are getting a better feel for the house and the community. We went from big city to small town, and really like it here. Thank you for the “boot in the bum” reminders! 👍
(Just unboxed my old hand crank sewing machine!)
Happy sewing
Thanks for another fantastic, common sense video Jane. I discovered JOMO a couple of years ago when our finances were quite stretched and it has been one of the best things I've ever done. A great frugal hack!
I found the tip on eating less, really good. I still cook for 3 or 4 people and there’s always a lot left, I’m just going to serve smaller portions and stretch the recipes and freeze the rest for days when I come home starving and don’t have time to cook
Thanks for the feedback
I deliberately cook recipes that are for 4 people, even though there is only me and my partner as I like to have ready prepared meals in the freezer for another day. Recently I have found that a lot of recipes I make say they serve 4 make huge amount of food and I can’t eat all of what the consider to be one persons portion, I have just started putting what I know I will manage on my plate ( and get my parter to do the same) then divide up the left overs into containers, I have noticed that out of what is considered for 4 people actually feeds 6 (and on occasions 8 people). I always have plenty to eat for that meal and more leftovers for another day it’s great.
That was a fantastic video.
I practice basically all you said.. It does make a difference..
I don't go to the shops just to ' have a look ' so no impulse buying... I waste nothing. every little leftover of food is used in some way.. Trying to " keep up with the Jones's is not the way to live...
I always say to myself. " do I need or just want it"
I am debt free and that gives me peace of mind..
Thank you for yet again a really helpful video... lots if common sense.
I'm a big fan...
cheers from Australia....💐😊
Thanks very much
I just love you!!! Thank-you for the encouragement I really need!
Beyond thinking long-term think of your future self. I remember when I was young I started saving half my paycheck. I didn't know why I was saving except that it was for my future self. I kept doing that through time investing in myself. I didn't even have real investments just savings with like a penny interest. But through time it grew. My biggest advice is to save for your future self. And always to think about your future self. I enjoy you. I like how Frank you are and it's truly practical. Thank you for all you do!
Thank you
The joy of missing out... What a phenomenal idea!
I make my own kitchen and bathroom cleaner with white vinegar and water and put it in an old spray bottle, it works a treat and I save pounds. I also dilute the last dregs of ketchup with a bit of vinegar.
Found a great recipe online for eyeglass cleaner...cheap and works so much better than commercial.
@@leanefortune4024 can you post the ingredients
I add vinegar if I want to use it as a sauce if not I add water and shake it up and add it to stew or casserole S. If I can’t use it straight away I add a little water so the last dregs don’t dry up and put it to one side until I am making something I can use it in. I also rinse out all jars and times to get the last dregs out. Some years ago I bough a set of child’s cooker tools it had 2 spatulas and a small spoon, I use these to scrap out smaller jars and bottles. I even use one of the spatulas in the bathroom to scrap out jars and tubes to get the last few drops out. These means no waste, making the product last longer.
Ingredients for eyeglass cleaner: 3 parts rubbing alcohol, 1 part water, 2 drops of dawn dishwashing liquid. I put in spray bottle and shake well before using.
One of my favorite frugal activities is making my own broth. I save my chicken bones or pork chop bones in a bag in my freezer. Also I save veg. ends and onion skins in a freezer bag as well. When I am ready to make broth or need the freezer space, I pop the above into a slow cooker. The broth cooks on low over night. I strain and freeze in old yogurt containers. I use the broth for soups, stews, and to cook noodles/pasta in. Wonderful! Also I add a bit of vinegar from my pickles to help pull more calcium out of the bones. The veg scraps go to the chickens. So, little waste!
Thanks for sharing