Vivi, your words are so wise. I have watched you from the days of the horticultural channel. I was in debt! I decided 18 months ago i was going to change that. In 3 days time i am making my last payment to be totally debt free. I also started growing my own food. A massive thankyou xx
Oh my goodness!!!! That's totally fabulous and amazing.......so, SO chuffed for you! Blooming well done! That's a massive effort.....and so worth it. Ooooh, I wish I could jump through the screen and hug you. 😁
Oh, and, also......if you have any tips from these last 18 months please do share.....I know a lot of folk would appreciate them. Massive big up to you lovely. 😁
I have just cut out anything that wasn't needed! Pretty much what you have talked about in this video but i kept internet. I stripped our food expenses back and meal planned. My husband has been furloughed during this time too so it has been tough. We had a no spend 18 months and are still commited to carry on doing this to save some money. X
Congratulations what a wonderful achievement... I paid off my mortgage a couple of years ago, but still kept allocating the mortgage amount to savings.. I have just ordered my first 'new' furniture in 40 years... so excited.
@@grumpy_pooCongratulations! It is an amazing feeling, enjoy your new furniture and having that feeling that you paid for it without getting into debt.
Many years ago I worked on the customer service desk of a big supermarket chain. In the height of summer a customer brought back a pack of small parsnips because she hadn't realised how expensive they were. I commented that they were out of season and she looked at me as though I was from another planet!
when my children were young teens, and having a wee complain about not having all the things they wanted, I introduced them to Maslow's hierachy of needs - it changed the way they looked at the world and their place in it. At least for a while - my daughter now has a job, and saved for a car, and is enjoying spending her money - I'm nudging her to open a retirement account.
Well done Vivi, very helpful to those who want to follow. I too haven't had a pay check in years and you have to really think, but boy the challenge, it is more rewarding than the spending. We haven't had a TV for about 13 years, Out fox the market is good for gas/electric costs( by the way, if you can boil a kettle by gas it is cheaper, than electric I have found) Boil mor than you need at the same time, save the rest in a flask for a drinks later, that saves money over the year. My son lives with me and he has taught himself to repair and build everything from computers,washing machine,hoover, car anything and everything. We too grow a lot of our food and also buy in bulk and prepare in bulk, this saves time which can be spent on making clothes or seed sowing, what ever, as your time is now your income so to speak. Before you spend, think what else you may have you can use or re- purpose, money not spent doesn't have to be earned! Great stuff Vivi as usual, sending love to you in your sad time...
Sound advice. I'm an old hand at this but always looking for different ways to cut costs. I also appreciate other like minded people like yourself, it helps me keep on track and focused. I no longer have to be totally brutal however Ireland is criminally expensive to live in and property has to be maintained and taxes, property tax, insurances etc leaves very little money to live on.
Thanks so much, Vivi! I adore your very solid and well thought advice. What i adore even more is your kind and positive attitude!! I truly believe there are more caring and thoughtful people in the world, than there are bad people. Sadly, the media focuses mostly on the bad. I so wish we had some “ Good News” networks to watch! Thanks for being a bright light in our world, Vivi! Sending you best wishes from Kansas City in the U.S.💕🎉🙏
Another great video Vivi. I just love this series you're doing. You are helping all of us. Again, so sorry about your auntie teapot. I hope she left you her home or something. Because you deserve everything after all the care & love you've given her through the years. Especially with helping in cleaning up her hoard. You're an angel! Because of your positive influence, i'm thinking about going "wage-free" too.
Thank you so much lovely.....and, yay (!) for thinking about going wage-free.......do try a year of no spend first just to make sure you'll be comfortable with it........good luck!!!! You know I'm behind you every step of the way! 😊
Thank you Vivi, this is good stuff! I really need to buy my own property instead of renting. Partly because what I am working toward requires it. I am doing this! This week, I am going over all my paperwork and getting things in order. I have a lot to go through and sell off over this next year (Yay!), I also have skills for a couple of cottage industries. I will experiment and see which one works the best for me and focus on it. Thank you! I have seen a few people's no-buy /frugal journeys but yours really resonates with me. I think I will keep a small journal over this year so I can make a good report.
YAY!!!!!!!! Good on you lovely......yes....go for it!!!! It'll be hard work and miserable at times (haha !) but so worth it. Keep that journal......and keep that goal in your mind all the time. I cannot wait to hear back from you in a year.......I sooooooo feel that you're going to do it. Have fun! 😁
I agree about grey water and dish soaking. Often I “wash“ with a spray bottle of vinegar after they have soaked. Often I find myself copying my great Aunts frugal ways and do a lot of sock and undergarments washing by hand, then hang to dry by wood stove. Love 💕 your tips and channel. I’m bare bones frugal out of necessity.
Evening Vivi, another great video. The extreme is not really applicable to me but certainly I apply a lot of your tips just to save a bit more and to achieve our goal of living more simply and with joy. I did my last stint of work last February when I was made redundant. Living in a rural area I needed a car so two cars as hubby works about 30 miles away and poor bus service and no trains. We were forced really to go down to one car...long story so from that came the decision that we would live off one wage as frugally as we could. I class my job as chief budgeter! Believe it or not we save more money whenever I have not worked! Less coming in means I am microscopic in what and how we spend the money we have. I also find it extremely rewarding. The money we have is used for things that are important to us and not what corporations think we ought to have! Perhaps we all eventually come to the conclusion that we want or need to consume (in the broader sense) less. Although like you I think it’s in the genes! ❤️
It's surprising how much of our spend simply enables us to work (wardrobe, cosmetics / hair etc, commuting costs, coffees and lunches) or rewards us for having to work (holidays, treats). When work disappears (i.e. retirement) so do many of those expenses.
I've been doing this on and off (depending on my circumstances) for the past 30 years. Currently in Defcon10 survival mode. This video has reminded me to keep on doing what I am doing cos it will not last forever. I would add one neccessity to the list. Praying...and it costs noting. I believe in a caring creator God so I am provided for in ever surprisingly creative ways :)
Vivi you really should put all of this down in writing and sell it as a PDF download from your shop. Not to mention sharing the real life experience of someone who’s lived it. Excellent video as always. 👍
@@WhatVivididnext You might consider doing an audio book. There might be a way that you could take the audio from your UA-cam videos and use each video as a new chapter in your audio book. Unfortunately I couldn't explain to you how to do it because I have no clue. But some techie person might be able to tell you if it's possible.
Not only write the e-book, but do a video on its availability and a link to the shop. Google searches will find it not knowing about you. Good income idea with No work involved after the initial setup. Ideas also How to sew Banners. Frugal cooking. In depth Succession planning for your garden, there is very little on this. You will be surprised how well e-books sell by way of PDF uploads.
It's funny how quickly new frugal ways of living become habits. Of course, there are always some things that we try--then realize it's not working for us, but for the most part, I've kept my frugal changes for some years now. It does become like a challenge or game to find new ways to save. If nothing else, it shows us where we've been wasting money for things that aren't necessary or meaningful. Great video!
Exactly!!! Once we start to really look at this stuff we can see what massive sums we've been wasting. And even if we don't do it for a mortgage free life, for example, we can think of an amazing holiday....
@@WhatVivididnext Once in a while I slip back into old habits, whether it's being a bit wasteful with electricity or water....or buying something small as a pick me up (I'd say this past year has done that at least once to most people. lol Funny how some nice hand soap or gourmet coffee can make us feel like we can trudge on. ). Every now and then I have to make lists and get my act back together. ;) So many ways to save and so much potential for that saved money. :)
Thank you Vivi for another great video! I'm really enjoying your channel, so inspiring. After watching your previous video about prepping for a wage free life I started to de-clutter my home. I Managed to sell some old children's books and made about 25£, yay me! 🌸🌼🌸
The tip about the water in the toilet definitely helps us. Our water bill can go as high as $100.00 plus in the summer with the garden. A little here and a little there can make a difference. We save the cold water in the shower, before the hot water can make it to the bathroom for my plants. After we both get a shower adds up to about 21 gallons a month.
@Bri A they add our garbage pickup, and we have to pay for clean up and transport along with the water. Any one of those costs are more than the water itself. Garbage alone is $16.00.
Paying for coffee on the go! Over 3 euro where I work! Madness. Always bring your lunch... leftovers from home. Not flushing every time you pee. Reusing gray water. Smart helpful ideas! Thanks Vivi! Always wise!
Finally a fellow frugal water saver....I'm not sure there are many of us that flush the loo with our bath water. I use Epsom salts in my bath (I only have them occasionally) and use the water on my veggie patch which I'm blessed to have on my property. I do keep the soapy washing machine water for toilet flush and the clean rinse water on my garden. If I have a lot of washing I wash whites first then save soapy water to use on the next cycle. Also I think we all run clean cold water whilst waiting for hot water this too goes on my garden.💙💙
Really enjoying this series vivi 👍x I’ve recently swapped cleaning products for DIY green cleaners. 50/50 water and white vinegar for windows, bath cleaner 1tsp bicarbonate of soda , washing up liquid and white vinegar fantastic bathroom cleaner. I’m not sure for those of you in London download To good to go for discounted food that would have been thrown away Always think, can I mend it, do I need it, can I buy it secondhand? Pumpkins bought in autumn would last until spring no problem 😊 if your not growing them like you Make tortillas so cheap, flour, salt, oil water, they are like 10p to make Buy spices from the world food section get at least twice as much for half the price of the little jars .. just refill the ones you already have. I’ve made chai tea, fajita powder, chilli powder and curry powder mixed from raw ingredients You’re correct my car is £800 annually for mot, service, road tax insurance... no petrol. If you are in a couple/ family and need a car share one
I just turned on my computer and immediately saw your new video. I wish you can draw new strength and confidence from all the beautiful memories of Aunty Teapot. Big hug Claudia
I've just realized that I'm already on the right track: I write my weekly menu and only buy the things that I need for it. I always take my lunch from home with me. I wrote myself a very precise list of expenses. (Monthly or yearly) I canceled three memberships or contracts yesterday. I will no longer buy my beloved garden newspaper. (But I still have enough older copies that I can read). Have been keeping a household book for many, many years. Lets see how it goes on. I'm in good spirits and I really see such a challenge as a personal challenge. I started my "year without expenses" on March 10th, 2021. With some things I have already found that it is not as difficult as it seems. Thank you for your many good tips and suggestions.
Not sure if anyone else has mentioned it but most libraries now allow you to download newspapers and magazines for free.....just need a library card to register and then download an app. I've saved thousands over the last few years. Really helpful in bad weather as I was able to download books too.
A few years back when my daughter was getting married I was horrified by the prices of 'mother of the bride' gowns at bridal shops. After checking the thrift shops nearest the highest-income areas where I live I found a perfectly nice gown that had originally been purchased at the highest-end retailer in our area. I don't recall the price but it was certainly less than $20 and at full price had been nearly $200. Your advice to check the charity shops is spot-on, Vivi!
When I had a house I drained my bath out of the window with a hose syphon, and watered some trees and flowers. I told the water board and got a discount on the sewage part of my bill as that water wasn't going down the drain!
Thank you Felicity.....yeah, rather brutal......but folk can take it to whatever level is right for them and hopefully make life easier by taking back a bit of control. 😉
Have you ever tried thermal cooking? It is where you get your food up to max temperature and then turn off the power/gas/flame and insulate the pot and just leave it to cook in its insulative heat. We did this with our camp pots by wrapping in silver bubble wrap and it was crazy what you can cook with almost no heat. I know there are insulative bags you can make to do it for large pots too. It used to be called hay box or fireless cooking back in the past. Anyway it is a way to reduce cooking expenses and neednt cost any money to make the insulation if you are a good needle person.
I live in London and rent one room. There's no way I can do canning and storing seasonal produce because I just don't have space. The same goes with freezing - I only have a small freezer compartment in the fridge so even frozen food I have to buy in small quantities. This all adds up to the no-spend. I love picking fruit from the farm - did you try going to Cockfosters and pick your own fruit? I tried - it is ridiculously expensive. So sorry - buying it in Lidl is way more cost-effective but it won't be organic neither local. But love your videos and your thought process so keep on going :)
Hello from Canada! I am delighted to have found your channel in the past few days. You are inspiring and motivating. Keep the videos coming, please. :-)
So, I have been binge watching your videos. Such wonderful enjoyment you bring. While nosing around your house 🤭 I noticed you have a lot of books. As an avid reader in which I consider cookbooks as novels also. I was wondering if you would consider doing a video of your favorite books. Once you enjoy, ones that inspire you, whatever. I hope you don’t feel I’m being to forward. I simply respect your opinion and would love to know what your favorite reads are.
Thank you so much Natalie......yay for book lovers! As Claudia mentioned I have done quite a few chats about books I've read.....they're in the 'On the Sofa' playlist. 😊
Gray water has skin cells and bacteria. Wouldn't use it for dishes unless you add bleach to the water you wash dishes in. Have been doing these things you mentioned for decades now. Good to hear you sharing it with those who don't know😊
Hi Viv good video thank you. I just found your channel and was watching your older videos also. I just retired this year with social security and a small pension, you are doing a great job! ❤
Thank you lovely, yes, I'm OK (apart from my stupid back!!).......lots to fit in to each day so some things may need to wait a while.....like sewing....but sowing will hopefully continue. 😊
For three days I've been trying to sort out things I've never used. The problem is that everything is not junk, but really is still new. I think you have to reach a certain age first to realize what has accumulated over the course of a lifetime. That will probably be a task for the next few years. But somehow I really enjoy going through everything and cleaning out. Let's see how far I'll get in the next few weeks.
I saw a video today showing £1.50 fruit and veg boxes from Lidl !! It's a *big* box of things that are going out of date but most of it was still good. Great of you've got a big freezer.
Brilliant........grab that box, cook it all up into lovely stuff......that's a load of lunches sorted and, yes, if you've got a freezer, a load of 'ready meals' on top. 😊
Food for thought Vivi. I had to replace my 40 year old central hearing system last year. I was advised to get a combi boiler to save gas bills. The gas bill has gone down but I am ASTONISHED how much water is wasted trying to get the hot water up to temperature . There is only so much water you can carry to the garden through the house spreading dirt in and out . I'm going to have to think this through this year.
Great video, really enjoying this series of videos 😀. I've been tracking all my expenses in an excel file since January to identify what I can cut back on. It's funny how much those little and forgotten expenses amount to. I also nearly got charged for a service I no longer needed as I had forgotten to cancel the annual subscription. I'm glad I didn't put off chasing it up to cancel when I got the reminder email.
I know you have a lot on your plate right now Vivi. But, I see that you haven't posted in almost a week. I hope everything's alright. Come back to us soon my friend. And keep us updated on what's going on. Remember, we care about you! Lots of love from the USA.
Thank you so much lovely, I really appreciate your care and concern.....I'm actually getting a wee video ready to put out this evening so we can all catch up a bit. 😊
Just discovered you 😀. I love you videos I do try to live a frugal life, but I'm always looking for new ways to be able to save and plan for the future X
I must admit I don’t miss magazines anymore. I used to buy fashion and interior magazines I kept them for months on end. I can’t believe how much money I wasted on them.
Shelter: take roomate, downsize, move in with family, move in the basement or garage of family member, tiny home, mobile home, do extra work for person you renting from in exchange for free or lower rent, or work extra job to make more money to save faster
We definitely got rid of the newspaper subscription. It was fixing to go over $50.00 a month. My husband thought he was really going to miss it, but no, turns out he doesn’t even miss it. In fact he uses that time much better, than to read that thing from cover to cover.
If we were to buy in season here where I live we actually pay more. It's a shame really. The island I live on is a high tourism area and everyone charges way more for fresh island produce. For example strawberries are $5 or $6 in summer and in winter strawberries imported in are $2 or $3. Thankfully I grow my own vegetables and some fruit and save that way. I love your videos! Great advice.🙂❤
As an American that lives rurally, medicine is also a need for me. Although I can reduce my medicine through a healthier lifestyle perhaps, there are some that without them I would absolutely die and there are no very good natural alternatives. When you were making your list my insides were screaming, "Medicine". It's vital for anyone that doesn't have state supported health care.
@D. Mitchell The UK does not operate a health insurance system. It is free at point of use, although we do pay a nominal fee for individual meds if required.
I just found your channel today. So what exactly does no wage mean? Are you retired with a pension or living off what you’ve saved until the pension kicks in? I’m really enjoying it so far. Lee Ann from North Carolina USA
Thank you so much Lee and a very warm welcome to you here. No, I don't have a pension or savings.....I live on the bit I make from UA-cam and my sewing.......there's a video a couple back called 'My Subsistence budget' which explains it all in detail. Cheers. 😊
That's a great question......I tend not to use much soap and when I do it's all plant based. 20+ years of watering my seedlings this way doesn't seem to have harmed them. 😊
Thank you again for the brilliant frugal advice. We forget so much and this is a great reminder. Thank goodness for the internet, we find so much information on quick fixes on you tube and where would we be without you? Take care lovely lady. Sending love and hugs xxx 💝💐xxx
I am a member of several groups and I am shocked at what some people think is a 'need'. The justification for the 'wants' that some try to turn into a 'need'. 'frugal' groups are infused with people that are trying to be frugal, yet justify their 'need' for that pedicure. LOL.
Higher age (bad eyesight, shakey hands, problems bending towards toes), returning ingrown nails that have you limp with pain, diabetes (loss of feelings in toes) - just to name a few reasons for a medical pedicure.
I want a turkish supermarket near me 😭 I love turkish breads! But, as far as I know, there are no such shops in Birmingham, where I live. £2 for 5 kg of tomatoes? That's amazing!
@@WhatVivididnext that's so sweet of you! Thank you! It's the thought that counts! If I ever come visit London, I'll make sure to get one on my way back. PS : thank you for all the work you put in the videos! I really enjoy them and I'm learning a lot! My dream is to be able.to grow.my own food as well. When I was small, I always admired my great grandparents! They had a huge garden where they grew all their fruit and veg. The only.things they bought were things like sugar or oil that they didn't produce themselves. They had cows so had their own milk and made their own cheese, hens so they always had fresh eggs etc I wish we were stil living like that! It was hard work but it was a healthier lifestyle than what we have today
Vivi, without the internet there would be no you! I have not had a TV for 15 years due to the rubbish being shown on it plus the added benefit of no TV licence fee - yippee! I use UA-cam for entertainment plus Netflix and Amazon Prime. Last December I gave my son the car as he needed it more than me and I can 'borrow' it as and when I need to. To be honest since I finished work plus the recent lockdown I cannot justify the expense of one. I am lucky also to be able to walk into the city plus I have many food shops etc nearby. You mentioned the bath and using the water for other things. Do you not have a shower? I am thinking of saving water here. All my bills are split into twelve equal amounts and paid monthly so I am aware of my outgoings. Since your last video, I did spend £5 on some cable needles because I needed them and not because I wanted them. I hope that was OK? This video has been so helpful and useful. Thank you for the time it has taken you to produce this. Is you back better now? Forgot to mention this but I made 3 laundry bags for my clothes to be washed, one for whites, one for coloured and one for darks. Whenever one gets full then I do the washing. It also saves time sorting them out.
Donations. Most NGOs and charities pay extravagant salaries and leave little to nothing for their supposed initiatives. Be very skeptical about any fund raising organization.
Where I live a car is also a need as the nearest grocery store is a long drive with no public transportation. I am in my 3rd no-buy year....my basic needs cover property tax, insurance, electricity, heat, water, sewer, garbage, groceries, car insurance & fuel (I have to commute to everything as we live rural). Things like phone, internet, clothing (I thrift what I need & budget $100/year) are on top of the needs above. I could live without them, but they are vital to my work life 😆. I do grow a garden & can, pickle & freeze foods. I also have fruit bearing shrubs & trees. Groceries here are just so expensive!!! I have no subscriptions, no membership, no TV or streaming services, don't eat in restaurants or eat take out, don't buy a coffee to go, no gym membership..... None of these things. I literally pay the bare bones.... Only needs!
Vivi, your words are so wise. I have watched you from the days of the horticultural channel. I was in debt! I decided 18 months ago i was going to change that. In 3 days time i am making my last payment to be totally debt free. I also started growing my own food. A massive thankyou xx
Oh my goodness!!!! That's totally fabulous and amazing.......so, SO chuffed for you! Blooming well done! That's a massive effort.....and so worth it. Ooooh, I wish I could jump through the screen and hug you. 😁
Oh, and, also......if you have any tips from these last 18 months please do share.....I know a lot of folk would appreciate them. Massive big up to you lovely. 😁
I have just cut out anything that wasn't needed! Pretty much what you have talked about in this video but i kept internet. I stripped our food expenses back and meal planned. My husband has been furloughed during this time too so it has been tough. We had a no spend 18 months and are still commited to carry on doing this to save some money. X
Congratulations what a wonderful achievement... I paid off my mortgage a couple of years ago, but still kept allocating the mortgage amount to savings.. I have just ordered my first 'new' furniture in 40 years... so excited.
@@grumpy_pooCongratulations! It is an amazing feeling, enjoy your new furniture and having that feeling that you paid for it without getting into debt.
Many years ago I worked on the customer service desk of a big supermarket chain. In the height of summer a customer brought back a pack of small parsnips because she hadn't realised how expensive they were. I commented that they were out of season and she looked at me as though I was from another planet!
Hahaha, oh good grief......I hope you managed to be polite and hide your laughter. 😉
when my children were young teens, and having a wee complain about not having all the things they wanted, I introduced them to Maslow's hierachy of needs - it changed the way they looked at the world and their place in it. At least for a while - my daughter now has a job, and saved for a car, and is enjoying spending her money - I'm nudging her to open a retirement account.
Good on you lovely.....showing that to them when they were young will have helped to set them up really well. 😊
Well done Vivi, very helpful to those who want to follow. I too haven't had a pay check in years and you have to really think, but boy the challenge, it is more rewarding than the spending. We haven't had a TV for about 13 years, Out fox the market is good for gas/electric costs( by the way, if you can boil a kettle by gas it is cheaper, than electric I have found) Boil mor than you need at the same time, save the rest in a flask for a drinks later, that saves money over the year. My son lives with me and he has taught himself to repair and build everything from computers,washing machine,hoover, car anything and everything. We too grow a lot of our food and also buy in bulk and prepare in bulk, this saves time which can be spent on making clothes or seed sowing, what ever, as your time is now your income so to speak. Before you spend, think what else you may have you can use or re- purpose, money not spent doesn't have to be earned! Great stuff Vivi as usual, sending love to you in your sad time...
Thank you Pierette....it sounds like you are all doing such a great job! 😊
Sound advice. I'm an old hand at this but always looking for different ways to cut costs. I also appreciate other like minded people like yourself, it helps me keep on track and focused. I no longer have to be totally brutal however Ireland is criminally expensive to live in and property has to be maintained and taxes, property tax, insurances etc leaves very little money to live on.
Good on you lovely for managing your situation so well with such expensive costs on property. 😊
Thanks so much, Vivi! I adore your very solid and well thought advice. What i adore even more is your kind and positive attitude!! I truly believe there are more caring and thoughtful people in the world, than there are bad people. Sadly, the media focuses mostly on the bad. I so wish we had some “ Good News” networks to watch!
Thanks for being a bright light in our world, Vivi! Sending you best wishes from Kansas City in the U.S.💕🎉🙏
Oh thank you so much Barb, I really appreciate this. 😊
This is such good information.I’ve just had poached eggs on toast eggs 25 p bread 50p reduced.
Yay - that's fab! What a bargain. 😊
Another great video Vivi. I just love this series you're doing. You are helping all of us. Again, so sorry about your auntie teapot. I hope she left you her home or something. Because you deserve everything after all the care & love you've given her through the years. Especially with helping in cleaning up her hoard. You're an angel! Because of your positive influence, i'm thinking about going "wage-free" too.
Thank you so much lovely.....and, yay (!) for thinking about going wage-free.......do try a year of no spend first just to make sure you'll be comfortable with it........good luck!!!! You know I'm behind you every step of the way! 😊
Thank you Vivi, this is good stuff! I really need to buy my own property instead of renting. Partly because what I am working toward requires it. I am doing this! This week, I am going over all my paperwork and getting things in order. I have a lot to go through and sell off over this next year (Yay!), I also have skills for a couple of cottage industries. I will experiment and see which one works the best for me and focus on it. Thank you! I have seen a few people's no-buy /frugal journeys but yours really resonates with me. I think I will keep a small journal over this year so I can make a good report.
YAY!!!!!!!! Good on you lovely......yes....go for it!!!! It'll be hard work and miserable at times (haha !) but so worth it. Keep that journal......and keep that goal in your mind all the time. I cannot wait to hear back from you in a year.......I sooooooo feel that you're going to do it. Have fun! 😁
I agree about grey water and dish soaking. Often I “wash“ with a spray bottle of vinegar after they have soaked. Often I find myself copying my great Aunts frugal ways and do a lot of sock and undergarments washing by hand, then hang to dry by wood stove. Love 💕 your tips and channel. I’m bare bones frugal out of necessity.
Cheers Beth and good on you lovely. 😊
Evening Vivi, another great video. The extreme is not really applicable to me but certainly I apply a lot of your tips just to save a bit more and to achieve our goal of living more simply and with joy. I did my last stint of work last February when I was made redundant. Living in a rural area I needed a car so two cars as hubby works about 30 miles away and poor bus service and no trains. We were forced really to go down to one car...long story so from that came the decision that we would live off one wage as frugally as we could. I class my job as chief budgeter! Believe it or not we save more money whenever I have not worked! Less coming in means I am microscopic in what and how we spend the money we have. I also find it extremely rewarding. The money we have is used for things that are important to us and not what corporations think we ought to have! Perhaps we all eventually come to the conclusion that we want or need to consume (in the broader sense) less. Although like you I think it’s in the genes! ❤️
Good on you for managing so well and finding the reward in it for yourselves......I hope you can continue to do so, on your terms of course. 😊
@@WhatVivididnext ❤
It's surprising how much of our spend simply enables us to work (wardrobe, cosmetics / hair etc, commuting costs, coffees and lunches) or rewards us for having to work (holidays, treats). When work disappears (i.e. retirement) so do many of those expenses.
I've been doing this on and off (depending on my circumstances) for the past 30 years. Currently in Defcon10 survival mode. This video has reminded me to keep on doing what I am doing cos it will not last forever.
I would add one neccessity to the list. Praying...and it costs noting. I believe in a caring creator God so I am provided for in ever surprisingly creative ways :)
Good on you lovely. 😊
Vivi you really should put all of this down in writing and sell it as a PDF download from your shop. Not to mention sharing the real life experience of someone who’s lived it. Excellent video as always. 👍
💯💙
Thank you so much lovely....I would love to.....I just need to find a bit more time. 😉
@@WhatVivididnext You might consider doing an audio book. There might be a way that you could take the audio from your UA-cam videos and use each video as a new chapter in your audio book. Unfortunately I couldn't explain to you how to do it because I have no clue. But some techie person might be able to tell you if it's possible.
Not only write the e-book, but do a video on its availability and a link to the shop. Google searches will find it not knowing about you. Good income idea with No work involved after the initial setup. Ideas also How to sew Banners. Frugal cooking. In depth Succession planning for your garden, there is very little on this. You will be surprised how well e-books sell by way of PDF uploads.
It's funny how quickly new frugal ways of living become habits. Of course, there are always some things that we try--then realize it's not working for us, but for the most part, I've kept my frugal changes for some years now. It does become like a challenge or game to find new ways to save. If nothing else, it shows us where we've been wasting money for things that aren't necessary or meaningful. Great video!
Exactly!!! Once we start to really look at this stuff we can see what massive sums we've been wasting. And even if we don't do it for a mortgage free life, for example, we can think of an amazing holiday....
@@WhatVivididnext Once in a while I slip back into old habits, whether it's being a bit wasteful with electricity or water....or buying something small as a pick me up (I'd say this past year has done that at least once to most people. lol Funny how some nice hand soap or gourmet coffee can make us feel like we can trudge on. ). Every now and then I have to make lists and get my act back together. ;) So many ways to save and so much potential for that saved money. :)
Thank you Vivi for another great video! I'm really enjoying your channel, so inspiring. After watching your previous video about prepping for a wage free life I started to de-clutter my home. I Managed to sell some old children's books and made about 25£, yay me! 🌸🌼🌸
Oh that's great, good on you!!! 😊
The tip about the water in the toilet definitely helps us. Our water bill can go as high as $100.00 plus in the summer with the garden. A little here and a little there can make a difference. We save the cold water in the shower, before the hot water can make it to the bathroom for my plants. After we both get a shower adds up to about 21 gallons a month.
Wow, that's a lot of gallons......it just goes to show how much water we can get through......good on you for being mindful of your usage. 😊
Great idea:)
@Bri A they add our garbage pickup, and we have to pay for clean up and transport along with the water. Any one of those costs are more than the water itself. Garbage alone is $16.00.
I love these videos! It's like visiting with a friendly neighbor who is like minded about life. Thank you for sharing your wealth of experience.
Oh thank you so much, I always want my videos to feel like we're just some good mates having a good natter and catch-up. 😊
Paying for coffee on the go! Over 3 euro where I work! Madness. Always bring your lunch... leftovers from home. Not flushing every time you pee. Reusing gray water. Smart helpful ideas! Thanks Vivi! Always wise!
Yay! Cheers lovely. 😊
Finally a fellow frugal water saver....I'm not sure there are many of us that flush the loo with our bath water.
I use Epsom salts in my bath (I only have them occasionally) and use the water on my veggie patch which I'm blessed to have on my property.
I do keep the soapy washing machine water for toilet flush and the clean rinse water on my garden. If I have a lot of washing I wash whites first then save soapy water to use on the next cycle. Also I think we all run clean cold water whilst waiting for hot water this too goes on my garden.💙💙
Yay, good on you lovely. 😊
Really enjoying this series vivi 👍x
I’ve recently swapped cleaning products for DIY green cleaners. 50/50 water and white vinegar for windows, bath cleaner 1tsp bicarbonate of soda , washing up liquid and white vinegar fantastic bathroom cleaner.
I’m not sure for those of you in London download To good to go for discounted food that would have been thrown away
Always think, can I mend it, do I need it, can I buy it secondhand?
Pumpkins bought in autumn would last until spring no problem 😊 if your not growing them like you
Make tortillas so cheap, flour, salt, oil water, they are like 10p to make
Buy spices from the world food section get at least twice as much for half the price of the little jars .. just refill the ones you already have. I’ve made chai tea, fajita powder, chilli powder and curry powder mixed from raw ingredients
You’re correct my car is £800 annually for mot, service, road tax insurance... no petrol. If you are in a couple/ family and need a car share one
Yes, yes, YES!!! Oh I love this, good on you! Ditching cleaning products for vinegar, bicarb etc can be a great saving. Yay! 😁
I just turned on my computer and immediately saw your new video.
I wish you can draw new strength and confidence from all the beautiful memories of Aunty Teapot.
Big hug
Claudia
Awww, thank you lovely....you really do have the sweetest soul. I do appreciate you. 😊
Vivi, I just found you on UA-cam and just love your videos! Thanks for sharing your life with us!
Thank you so much.....and a very warm welcome to you. 😊
I've just realized that I'm already on the right track: I write my weekly menu and only buy the things that I need for it. I always take my lunch from home with me.
I wrote myself a very precise list of expenses. (Monthly or yearly) I canceled three memberships or contracts yesterday. I will no longer buy my beloved garden newspaper. (But I still have enough older copies that I can read).
Have been keeping a household book for many, many years.
Lets see how it goes on. I'm in good spirits and I really see such a challenge as a personal challenge. I started my "year without expenses" on March 10th, 2021.
With some things I have already found that it is not as difficult as it seems.
Thank you for your many good tips and suggestions.
Yay for you embracing the challenge....that's what it's all about. I know, somehow, that you'll make a great success of it. 😁
Awesome!
Maybe your library carries magazines? Mine does some at least, it could help scratch that itch :)
Not sure if anyone else has mentioned it but most libraries now allow you to download newspapers and magazines for free.....just need a library card to register and then download an app. I've saved thousands over the last few years. Really helpful in bad weather as I was able to download books too.
Absolutely!!! 😁
A few years back when my daughter was getting married I was horrified by the prices of 'mother of the bride' gowns at bridal shops. After checking the thrift shops nearest the highest-income areas where I live I found a perfectly nice gown that had originally been purchased at the highest-end retailer in our area. I don't recall the price but it was certainly less than $20 and at full price had been nearly $200. Your advice to check the charity shops is spot-on, Vivi!
Good on you lovely....what a bargain and great for the environment too! 😊
When I had a house I drained my bath out of the window with a hose syphon, and watered some trees and flowers. I told the water board and got a discount on the sewage part of my bill as that water wasn't going down the drain!
Yay, good on you lovely! 😊
Comprehensive......almost BRUTAL! All good common sense as always! Thank you!
Thank you Felicity.....yeah, rather brutal......but folk can take it to whatever level is right for them and hopefully make life easier by taking back a bit of control. 😉
Good as your word Vivi. Thanks so much for doing this one. Bang on topic, again.
Cheers lovely. 😊
Have you ever tried thermal cooking? It is where you get your food up to max temperature and then turn off the power/gas/flame and insulate the pot and just leave it to cook in its insulative heat. We did this with our camp pots by wrapping in silver bubble wrap and it was crazy what you can cook with almost no heat. I know there are insulative bags you can make to do it for large pots too. It used to be called hay box or fireless cooking back in the past. Anyway it is a way to reduce cooking expenses and neednt cost any money to make the insulation if you are a good needle person.
I use cast iron cookware which has a similar effect/ I love my pots! 😊
Thank you, really appreciate your time and expertise,
Cheers Pam. 😊
Buying local (in season) is usually more expensive here - that's why we started gardening. I am so thankful for the allotment.
I'm so glad you have a piece of land to grow on.....yes, very thankful for mine too! 😊
@Bri A - that is precisely the association I have with the name ;)
I live in London and rent one room. There's no way I can do canning and storing seasonal produce because I just don't have space. The same goes with freezing - I only have a small freezer compartment in the fridge so even frozen food I have to buy in small quantities. This all adds up to the no-spend. I love picking fruit from the farm - did you try going to Cockfosters and pick your own fruit? I tried - it is ridiculously expensive. So sorry - buying it in Lidl is way more cost-effective but it won't be organic neither local. But love your videos and your thought process so keep on going :)
Ach, so tricky. We each have to work with what we've got and find the best way for us. Take care. x
Hello from Canada! I am delighted to have found your channel in the past few days. You are inspiring and motivating. Keep the videos coming, please. :-)
Thank you so much....and welcome! 😊
So, I have been binge watching your videos. Such wonderful enjoyment you bring. While nosing around your house 🤭 I noticed you have a lot of books. As an avid reader in which I consider cookbooks as novels also. I was wondering if you would consider doing a video of your favorite books. Once you enjoy, ones that inspire you, whatever. I hope you don’t feel I’m being to forward. I simply respect your opinion and would love to know what your favorite reads are.
Good idea. I think Vivi has done some book reviews in earlier vlogs.
Go to Vivi's playlist under the videos. Look for the heading "On the sofa". There you will find a whole range of book presentations and book reviews.
Thank you so much Natalie......yay for book lovers! As Claudia mentioned I have done quite a few chats about books I've read.....they're in the 'On the Sofa' playlist. 😊
Gray water has skin cells and bacteria. Wouldn't use it for dishes unless you add bleach to the water you wash dishes in.
Have been doing these things you mentioned for decades now. Good to hear you sharing it with those who don't know😊
Yay, good on you lovely! It's amazing what we can achieve when we put our minds to it. 😊
@@WhatVivididnext Oh, yes!
@@WhatVivididnext 😀 Oh, yes!
Brilliant advice as ever Vivi x
Thank you lovely. 😊
Hi Viv good video thank you. I just found your channel and was watching your older videos also. I just retired this year with social security and a small pension, you are doing a great job! ❤
Thank you so much Cheryl....and a very warm welcome to you here. 😊
Hope all is getting along well with you at this sad and difficult time Vivi, Thinking of you. Gilly x
Thank you lovely, yes, I'm OK (apart from my stupid back!!).......lots to fit in to each day so some things may need to wait a while.....like sewing....but sowing will hopefully continue. 😊
For three days I've been trying to sort out things I've never used. The problem is that everything is not junk, but really is still new.
I think you have to reach a certain age first to realize what has accumulated over the course of a lifetime.
That will probably be a task for the next few years.
But somehow I really enjoy going through everything and cleaning out.
Let's see how far I'll get in the next few weeks.
Good on you lovely....if you can enjoy the process too all the better. Have fun! 😊
Great advice! I enjoyed your video. Shame we didn’t get to see the cat ( think i only toms are ginger). Look forward to your next one!
Awww, I'd have loved to show you the cat......but it would have been a bit 'Peeping-Tom' filming into my neighbours window.... 😉
So much common sense! Thanks Vivi! Wants vs needs is a big thing for many....
Cheers lovely. 😊
I saw a video today showing £1.50 fruit and veg boxes from Lidl !! It's a *big* box of things that are going out of date but most of it was still good. Great of you've got a big freezer.
Brilliant........grab that box, cook it all up into lovely stuff......that's a load of lunches sorted and, yes, if you've got a freezer, a load of 'ready meals' on top. 😊
Very helpful. My new year resolution was not to buy new and try and buy secondhand or restore.
Yay, good on you. I hope it's going well for you. 😊
Food for thought Vivi. I had to replace my 40 year old central hearing system last year. I was advised to get a combi boiler to save gas bills. The gas bill has gone down but I am ASTONISHED how much water is wasted trying to get the hot water up to temperature . There is only so much water you can carry to the garden through the house spreading dirt in and out . I'm going to have to think this through this year.
Oh that doesn't sound good. I, too, have a combi boiler and my hot water comes through within a few seconds. Is it worth having yours checked out?
What a great on point video!
Thank you Reba. 😊
New subscriber here: I love your ethos and content. I need to take a leaf out of your book x
Oh thank you so much Victoria and a very warm welcome to you here. 😊
Great video, really enjoying this series of videos 😀. I've been tracking all my expenses in an excel file since January to identify what I can cut back on. It's funny how much those little and forgotten expenses amount to. I also nearly got charged for a service I no longer needed as I had forgotten to cancel the annual subscription. I'm glad I didn't put off chasing it up to cancel when I got the reminder email.
Yay, good on you....I'm glad it prompted you to remember to cancel that subscription. 😊
Adore your videos! Thank you for doing this. I know it’s not easy.
Thank you Natalie. 😊
enjoyable video vivi
Thanks lovely. 😊
very thorough and ideas a plenty.
Cheers Shar, I hope some of them will be relevant to you. 😊
I know you have a lot on your plate right now Vivi. But, I see that you haven't posted in almost a week. I hope everything's alright. Come back to us soon my friend. And keep us updated on what's going on. Remember, we care about you! Lots of love from the USA.
Thank you so much lovely, I really appreciate your care and concern.....I'm actually getting a wee video ready to put out this evening so we can all catch up a bit. 😊
Cheers for these videos :) Enjoying and inspiring, thanks :)
Thank you. 😊
I hear that tomatoes out of season are "chemically ripened". I agree that in season produce is the way to go!
Yuk, the thought of eating those toms turns my stomach. I am so grateful to have my bit of garden to grow my own! 😊
Always buy and tailor your meals to what is in season.
@@chomama1628 Yes ma'am!
Just discovered you 😀. I love you videos
I do try to live a frugal life, but I'm always looking for new ways to be able to save and plan for the future X
Yay, thank you Natasha and welcome! 😊
Great tips Vivi thanx Luv Ontario Canada 🐝
Thank you lovely. 😊
I must admit I don’t miss magazines anymore. I used to buy fashion and interior magazines I kept them for months on end. I can’t believe how much money I wasted on them.
Ach, yes, same here.......hahaha, I could probably have had a weekend away on what I used to spend on mags and newspapers....
Great video Vivi.xxx
Thank you. 😊
I can't wait to pay off my mortgage!!!
Good luck! Make that plan on paper.....stick it up where you can see it each day.....reach and work for that goal! 😊
Shelter: take roomate, downsize, move in with family, move in the basement or garage of family member, tiny home, mobile home, do extra work for person you renting from in exchange for free or lower rent, or work extra job to make more money to save faster
Absolutely....great ideas!
We definitely got rid of the newspaper subscription. It was fixing to go over $50.00 a month. My husband thought he was really going to miss it, but no, turns out he doesn’t even miss it. In fact he uses that time much better, than to read that thing from cover to cover.
Oh that's a great saving!! 😊
If we were to buy in season here where I live we actually pay more. It's a shame really. The island I live on is a high tourism area and everyone charges way more for fresh island produce. For example strawberries are $5 or $6 in summer and in winter strawberries imported in are $2 or $3. Thankfully I grow my own vegetables and some fruit and save that way. I love your videos! Great advice.🙂❤
Oh what a shame....it's shocking that this happens in your area, hurrah for growing your own! 😊
Thank you. That was excellent advice.
Thank you so much Theresa, I really appreciate this.
We shop the thrift shops and buy groceries on sale.
Yay, excellent. 😊
Great video 🙂
Thank you. 😊
Another top video. When you mentioned the cat I was worried how far you were about to go with the thrift strategies.
Lunch?😂🤣😂
Hahahaha.
😂😂
We use biodegradable soap and use grey water to water our garden, since our water is very expensive. It saves us about $40/mo.
That's a great saving - good on you! 😊
As an American that lives rurally, medicine is also a need for me. Although I can reduce my medicine through a healthier lifestyle perhaps, there are some that without them I would absolutely die and there are no very good natural alternatives. When you were making your list my insides were screaming, "Medicine". It's vital for anyone that doesn't have state supported health care.
Ach, yes, I have the same situation......no health insurance, meds cost too much...so I do without.
@@WhatVivididnext No health insurance...do take care.
@D. Mitchell The UK does not operate a health insurance system. It is free at point of use, although we do pay a nominal fee for individual meds if required.
@@rachelrichards8312 ...and we pay for it through our taxes when working. :)
Itchy nose, means you are surrounded by angels.X
Or cats. Who can be angels or devils, when the mood suits them.
Mine have been angels this week, as I have been ill.
Jon in rural BC, Canada
My gran use to say, '' Kiss a fool.'' then i would kiss her to stop her nose itch.
😉
I just found your channel today. So what exactly does no wage mean? Are you retired with a pension or living off what you’ve saved until the pension kicks in? I’m really enjoying it so far. Lee Ann from North Carolina USA
Thank you so much Lee and a very warm welcome to you here. No, I don't have a pension or savings.....I live on the bit I make from UA-cam and my sewing.......there's a video a couple back called 'My Subsistence budget' which explains it all in detail. Cheers. 😊
I’ve stopped buying clothes on the high street or their websites. I’ve been buying second hand from eBay. Got some fab stuff at a third of the price.
Yay, good on you lovely!
Is the soap from your bath not going to harm your seeds? I wasn’t aware you could use it for that.x
That's a great question......I tend not to use much soap and when I do it's all plant based. 20+ years of watering my seedlings this way doesn't seem to have harmed them. 😊
"Dirty dishwater" has been said to be good for the garden.
Cool!😊✌...my motto question: Is this cheap and necessary?... Getting ready to give up money all together. Love love love your channel!😌💗💗💗💗💗💗
Yay, good on you lovely! Thank you so much. 😊
Nice listening
Thank you lovely. 😊
Thank you again for the brilliant frugal advice. We forget so much and this is a great reminder. Thank goodness for the internet, we find so much information on quick fixes on you tube and where would we be without you? Take care lovely lady. Sending love and hugs xxx 💝💐xxx
Thank you so much Leigh. 😊
Bake biscuits put the dough in the freezer when you need to
Yum. 😊
I am a member of several groups and I am shocked at what some people think is a 'need'. The justification for the 'wants' that some try to turn into a 'need'. 'frugal' groups are infused with people that are trying to be frugal, yet justify their 'need' for that pedicure. LOL.
Hahahaha.......oh my word! I've never had a pedicure....and it would certainly never be on my 'need' list! I can't imagine the thinking behind it! 😊
Annie, would you please share the group info? I would like to have a look.
Higher age (bad eyesight, shakey hands, problems bending towards toes), returning ingrown nails that have you limp with pain, diabetes (loss of feelings in toes) - just to name a few reasons for a medical pedicure.
@@bmedve3427 I So Agree!!! Getting old is not for sissies!
People could car share when things get back to normal to save money
Absolutely. 😊
My goal this year is to reduce my carbon footprint as much as I can 😁
Good on you lovely, that's an excellent goal. 😊
@@WhatVivididnext 😊
I want a turkish supermarket near me 😭
I love turkish breads! But, as far as I know, there are no such shops in Birmingham, where I live. £2 for 5 kg of tomatoes? That's amazing!
Ach, I wish I could send you some....but it would be stale before it got to you! 😊
@@WhatVivididnext that's so sweet of you! Thank you! It's the thought that counts! If I ever come visit London, I'll make sure to get one on my way back.
PS : thank you for all the work you put in the videos! I really enjoy them and I'm learning a lot! My dream is to be able.to grow.my own food as well. When I was small, I always admired my great grandparents! They had a huge garden where they grew all their fruit and veg. The only.things they bought were things like sugar or oil that they didn't produce themselves. They had cows so had their own milk and made their own cheese, hens so they always had fresh eggs etc
I wish we were stil living like that! It was hard work but it was a healthier lifestyle than what we have today
We also need clothes, (smile). For entertainment with friends try a virtual book club and borrow digital or audio books.
Our local libraries are FREE!
Most people have unworn clothing, drawers and wardrobes full.
Absolutely! 😊
Buying local in Latvia doesn't work. Spain produce usually are half the price the local produce :D
Oh what a shame. 😢
Nose bend year. Squeezing up against shop windows.
Better still....ignore them and walk to the park instead. 😊
Vivi, without the internet there would be no you! I have not had a TV for 15 years due to the rubbish being shown on it plus the added benefit of no TV licence fee - yippee! I use UA-cam for entertainment plus Netflix and Amazon Prime. Last December I gave my son the car as he needed it more than me and I can 'borrow' it as and when I need to. To be honest since I finished work plus the recent lockdown I cannot justify the expense of one. I am lucky also to be able to walk into the city plus I have many food shops etc nearby. You mentioned the bath and using the water for other things. Do you not have a shower? I am thinking of saving water here. All my bills are split into twelve equal amounts and paid monthly so I am aware of my outgoings. Since your last video, I did spend £5 on some cable needles because I needed them and not because I wanted them. I hope that was OK? This video has been so helpful and useful. Thank you for the time it has taken you to produce this. Is you back better now? Forgot to mention this but I made 3 laundry bags for my clothes to be washed, one for whites, one for coloured and one for darks. Whenever one gets full then I do the washing. It also saves time sorting them out.
Thank you so much lovely......I glad you found this useful. My back is almost OK again......after a week of annoying me! 😉
Ernie and I have a free bus pass,Ernie age and me my medical condition.
No public transport here at all...living in a rural area...
I'm glad you have you free passes. Ach, I find it so sad/annoying to hear how poor public transport can be in rural areas.... 😢
I have 5 out or 8 of my children at home so no chance at saving money!
Goodness me, you have your hands full! 😊
When they are old enough to work they can contribute to the household financially. I did as soon as I could growing up while still living at home.
Donations. Most NGOs and charities pay extravagant salaries and leave little to nothing for their supposed initiatives. Be very skeptical about any fund raising organization.
I hear ya.
And/or donate only to one single cause each year, say a small local one, instead of handing out several small donations to different causes.
If you didn't have the NHS your life would be much different.
True, I'm very grateful we have it. 😊
❤️❤️❤️
Thank you! 😊
Where I live a car is also a need as the nearest grocery store is a long drive with no public transportation.
I am in my 3rd no-buy year....my basic needs cover property tax, insurance, electricity, heat, water, sewer, garbage, groceries, car insurance & fuel (I have to commute to everything as we live rural).
Things like phone, internet, clothing (I thrift what I need & budget $100/year) are on top of the needs above. I could live without them, but they are vital to my work life 😆.
I do grow a garden & can, pickle & freeze foods. I also have fruit bearing shrubs & trees. Groceries here are just so expensive!!!
I have no subscriptions, no membership, no TV or streaming services, don't eat in restaurants or eat take out, don't buy a coffee to go, no gym membership..... None of these things. I literally pay the bare bones.... Only needs!
Sounds so like me....except for the car.....one of the good things, I suppose, about living in a city is fantastic public transport....phew for that!
👍👍
Cheers lovely. 😊
You couldn’t do it without the NHS!!!
Couldn't do what without the NHS?
In the USA health insurance is a huge expense.