I love planning!! My food and utility budget has increased dramatically over the last month. My son moved back in with us! He has been having a very hard time of it and it’s truly a blessing that he is here! I don’t mind at all the increase in expenses but it has made me retool the budget! If I didn’t live below my means and have a fully funded emergency fund, this would be a more difficult adjustment. As it is, we can support our son as he puts his life back together. God is so good! 🙏🙏
Regarding wrapping: Hit the fabric stores for discount fabrics after holidays. Some years ago, my sister and I made dozens of fabric gift bags in various sizes with drawstring closures. Now, the family doesn't waste money on what becomes instant trash, and an entire holiday's worth of wrapping takes less than 10 minutes. You can make birthday bags, Easter bags. It's fun. Drill some holes in some craft sticks, add some ribbon, print peoples names on them, and you have reusable gift tags, as well.😊🛍
I'm a unique monthly budgeter too. I do budgets for 6 months in advance so i have a big picture. Then I tinker and fine tune as I get closer to each month. Christmas isn't a big expense for me. I've trained almost everyone to just exchange cards, so including food, my expenditure last year was approximately $165. I don't understand why people spend thousands, especially on their kids who already have so much stuff. I enjoy a fun but frugal christmas.
I don’t buy Christmas wrapping paper. I buy a huge roll of brown butcher paper to wrap gifts for Christmas. Walmart! I then add inexpensive ribbon or yarn and use my Christmas ink stamps or a letter stamp for who’s gift it is. M for my husband Mike etc. it looks cute and kind of old fashion. The roll lasted for several years.
I've used brown mailing wrap for years. I do mix it up with some regular wrap but also fussy cut motifs from the regular wrap to glue stick to the brown wrap. A glue gun and some greenery (ie the tips of fallen branches) with a bright bow tossed on the brown wrap package is quicker than tying a ribbon around a package.
I am not your mom but I'm so proud of you! Your energy and enthusiasm is exactly what folks new to frugal living in these times need! I've been frugal for YEARS so, like you said, making that adjustment to higher costs of everything isn't such a struggle for us. But I can imagine for new folks it can be overwhelming. Not if they keep watching your videos! We can do it!🥰
Seeing your face in a thumbnail for a new video is a comforting thing - too many political videos and upsetting things out there but then like a ray of sunshine someone real and warm pops back into your world every week. Just LOVE your channel! Thank you!!
The freedom that comes with living below your means is priceless! Putting money stresses out of your head because you have a plan is the only way to live! I know it’s not easy, but even striving for this gives a different purpose to life. Keep sharing your message and especially your positive energy with us Kate ❤️
Planning! I once heard that it's better to say "I have a spending plan" instead of "I have a Budget" since the word Budget tends to be a negative thing to a lot of people. So, my spending plan is.......
I love to plan, especially this year. Because I'm planning I feel so much more in control. A very common expense this time of year is getting ready for Winter weather, which I wish would hold off until actual Winter. This year I decided I was getting a new Winter coat. I decided to budget $200 so I could get what I want (good brand, black and longer length). I was thrilled when I found one for $150. Then I remembered hearing about Poshmark and it did not disappoint. I nabbed my desired coat for a grand total of $56!!!!!!!! I didn't think I could get the new boots this year too, but I also found them on Poshmark for $55 AND I found high quality snow pants to match my new coat for $40. I'm getting everything I need and am still spending under the $200 I originally budgeted for.
@@AmandaJYoungs Oh yes! The thrill of the hunt and getting mega bargains on things I actually need and things that will last me for many years is just icing on the cake.
I live beyond my means everyday .. and have for over 30 yrs.. I've tried to keep up with the joneses it was an epic fail.. so now I am actually happy being well poor living on the poverty line.. I go without nothing I just shop around for the best price.. I was lucky to have signed a 4yrs lease at my current rent they can't raise for the duration of my lease I have basic internet it was free from the school but I didn't like the slowness so for a huge 9.95 I now get under the school plan unlimited home internet to power all my devices. My utilities r on a program where we pay a set amount all year round so in the hot summer and freezing winter I pay 75.00 for my gas and heat and 67.00 gor my lights.. food ect family of 3 plus a pet we survive off 1800 a month give or take if I find sweet grocery deals but groceries and car gas is our biggest expense right now.
I love to plan too😃 Kate “Failing to plan is planning to fail” I loved what you said about seeing what you have before Christmas shopping. It’s like reverse meal planning - no waste
Greetings from Minnesota! Every year I invest in cold weather gear. This year I got a set of quilted overalls at a garage sale for five dollars. My previous overalls were worn to tatters . I'll store the old ones just to be sure. Winter gear in Minnesota is serious business.
High five Kate. ✋ When first married and on a tight budget -low income, a relative who was frugal taught me all about buying great deals for my "gift drawer". I call it a treasure trove. This year I will be hosting a Christmas coffee-brunch for close family and friends. We eat simple bevs and eat practical foods and exchange white elephant gifts which we set a value of $5-10 minimum. This good food, festive decos, and thrill of visiting with dear ones makes it a big hit!
November & December are my high months. More cooking and baking months. December, my birthday month celebration and activities. I mail little gifts to a few friends. The best mailing day is the day after Thanksgiving.
I love planning! ! Having a family reunion here this weekend. I have been working all week long by dividing up all the things that needed to be done so I can enjoy the day😆
I buy all of my Christmas cards and wrapping essentials in Jan/Feb when stores have drastically reduced the price. I once found 3 unused rolls of Christmas paper in a neighbours garbage bin (needless to say I took them back to mine 😁)
Definitely am a planner here, too. Definitely my favorite time of the year (fellow New Englander here). Awhile ago I decided to add a "Seasonal Activities" sinking fund to use for special outings like extra gas for a leaf peeping drive or some apples and pumpkins (but i always buy a sugar pumpkin rather than a jack-o-lantern type because then I get double duty by being able to eat it later). This is also the quarter when I get hit with car inspection/registration and possible repairs so have sinking funds for all of those.
I try to plan. Thanksgiving is always brunch with the kids and grandkids, that way they can head to the other side for later in the day. Everyone is gone by 11:30am, so I have the rest of the day to chill and watch football! Have all ready started Christmas shopping. Snagged a pair of jeans for my granddaughter that retail at $64 for $15!
The car ride before xmas is a great idea! Not very many in Norway decorate a lot outside for xmas. But some does it here too. I have never used a lot of money for wrapping paper. Normally we get free gift paper in the store. Some stores got gift bags too. Otherwise I do something very simple at home.
I love all your topics Kate..budgeting is one of my favourite subjects...as a person that lost my husband 16 months ago..I truly have to manage...I have sent you many messages....thanks a million for your help you give all of us ..bless you & your little boy.....I really am not to much in a mood to do much of anything....
Sheridan, losing your husband must have been so hard. I'm SO proud of you. I know it must have been a huge adjustment and are still working through it. Sending you a HUGE virtual HUG!
@@sheridankuruppu4670 Sending you a Big Hug & Much LOVE !! I lost mine 2 years ago..very very suddenly. Allow yourself as Much Time as you need to grieve.. 🤗 💞 It's still a day by day challenge for me. Some days are Really hard.
Take very good care of you. Your hubby wants you to be happy. Practice gratitude every day and reach out to a Grief support group. Good, understanding people are out there wanting to share want helped them heal most. Your loved one is there in your heart & mind. Prayers 🙏 for healing. 💐💐🙏💐💐
I put a lump sum of money on my mortgage every 3 months . My kids are grown and no husband. I'm preparing for retirement in the next 6 years and would love to be mortgage free. I love to decorate for the holidays, but I reuse and add a new piece to change it up from the year before. Thanks for sharing your information. 💚
Hubby and I take the kids on a "pre-christmas" vacation to spend time as a family before the holidays gets crazy. Save a little each week into an account so the money is already there!
I love fall too!! I’ve been crocheting a set of potholders for my mother for Christmas and just generally doing some early shopping. I heard that shipping is going to cost extra this holiday season, so I wanted to get a jump on it. I am a Halloween person, but we typically put up the same decorations year after year just in new creative ways, making little spooky scenes in the yard. I try to get my decorations at thrift stores and on sale after the holiday and just use them the next year. Sometimes I forget what I buy and it’s like unwrapping a surprise when we get out the Halloween decorations and I see all the stuff I got 50-75% off that I forgot about! 😝😆 Hi to Mr. Hanum, too. PS-Best place to buy wrapping paper is Goodwill when you can find it! Sometimes it will be what we call “Vintage Christmas.” 😉
Excellent video! My Christmas shopping is almost done and I plan to stay OUT of the stores this holiday season. I have begun my food shopping for Thanksgiving - I always spread out the non perishables from September through November/December so I'm not hit all at once. I bought a Project Planner by Martha Stewart from Staples and it has been SUCH a good investment. One thing to keep in mind as you plan your winterization is to make sure you stock up on cold and flu remedies in advance, so you have what you need. I went through my medicine cabinet and threw the old ones out, and will be going out this month to get throat lozenges, electrolyte powder, Imodium and those types of things you don't want to drag yourself out of bed to buy when you're sick. Also, I will begin cooking a large batch of "sick soup" to keep in the freezer in case of any illness. Hope this helps someone! Thanks for your content! Miko from Maryland
I love your enthusiasm for budgeting! Needing to put into my budget a trip to visit my college kid...$200 for gas/toll and a nice meal out w/ kid and family hosting us $100.
I love planning. And I'm getting to love financial planning. Until this year I've only managed to check our expenses for the first 2-4 months of the year. This year I've been better at this. Next year will be even better. Thank you Kate for giving good advice and being so positive about money and frugality. Our biggest "splurges" this quarter will be extra isolation to our house and sun panels. Luckliy we have been saving for years "for something big on the house" and this was the something. With this we will save loads on electric. We usually get property taxes to pay in October, but this year I planned ahead and when my hubby got his vacation pay in the summer, we paid it all ahead of time. 👍 A tradition we have in our house is advent calendars for the kids. I started years ago, when my daughter was little (now 10yo) and I didn't want her to be overloaded with presents at Christmas Eve. Each morning "Santas helpers" come with something for them. It could be a toy, some "game money" (Robux, Minecraft coins), candy, socks, underwear, new toothbrushes, screenprotectors for their phones and tablets, etc. 😊 So both just stuff, but also something they really need. This year they will get powerbanks, so that they can be charged when we have solar power and then used during the evening. Flashlights are also a great small gift. Kids love flashlights, and they are good to have if we get power outages here in Northern Europe.
Hey Kate, thanks for keeping it real and helping me keep my life on track! Maybe you’ve touched upon this before, but do you keep a spreadsheet of expenses/your budget? I’d love to have a walk through of that.
Happy Frugal Friday!! I love to plan! The house I just bought has oil heat and I filled up the tank about a month ago and ooof.... so I feel ya on that! Moving forward, this might have to be a sinking fund so it's not as much of a hit! I'm also a fan of buying Christmas gifts throughout the year as opposed to all at once right before the holidays.
Checking back in at videos from the past I love this video !!! Quarterly spend! Historical data is everything!!!!! No matter if you’re running a business or personal !
I live in SE Georgia so I turn my AC off for the next 6 months n live in cool temps most of the time with out the heat. I've have lived frugaly most of my life, have always live on cash. I got an unexpected cash windfall of $350 last week so I did all my Christmas shopping, my son n wife are having their 1st baby so I was able to get them things too. I live on a disability income so having this extra money was a godsend for me. I LOVE ur videos
I do plan & love picking up things my family loves throughout the year when on sale. I keep them in a tote. I never buy random things on sale, it's always things I know they will use.
I enjoy decor from dollar tree for holidays. I buy one bag of candy for the workplace, and one or 2 for home. No parties on the horizon. We don't get trick or treaters. If we do, we just give them a pack of snack crackers we buy for my husbands lunch.
Meeting friends☕🍪, hot🍫 chocolate and movie nights of course!!! Plan a head, its worth it, be creative with gifts and dinners there are a million less expensive options google and watch kates videos of prior years!! I say don't forget to calculate the Christmas tree 🎄. Baught myself a very cosy good quality woolen vest, it made my sinkingfund for clothing drop quite a bit, but it will save me on heating now its getting colder. Heating last a day the vest last me years🙂 I love the idea of seeing the decorations, it's not so much a thing over here🙁 but we do walk around the neighbourhood in Christmas time to see what people made, have free exercise and warm up all in one😉
I love to plan. Happy Friday and Happy Fall Y'all 🍁🍂🎃 We went up to Kents Hill Orchard and had a fun apple picking time with all of our family. We hadn't done that in years. My daughter and I are getting ready for the new Hocus Pocus 2 movie nice night at home with some hot chocolate.
I spent to get the flooring done in 2 of my bedrooms. It was long overdue. I cut back in several areas & saved until I could pay cash for both. I'm so glad it's done.
So happy to have found your channel so I am going back in time to watch your videos. We are in MA so it is expensive in all areas of life here. Lucky for us we have wood for back up heat along with split systems we have. When we see an oil truck in the neighborhood we pray for those recipients! While we are a pretty low need retired couple, we are very aware this economy is a killer and better planning is very much needed! So glad to be here with your “squad”🤗❤️
November is car registration for my husbands truck. He accidentally paid it with the wrong atm card, so I took all that money I was saving for it and moved it into Disney fund. It was an extra deposit I wasn’t expecting but I didn’t want to nickel and dime myself out of the savings. So I moved it right away and didn’t spend any of it. 😅
I use bags I bought at qvc for wrapping. 60 bags with ribbon ties and gift tags under $20 .... They come in many sizes and I have used them year after year. Sometimes I use butcher brown wrap and decorate with stickers too. Tie with corded rope.
I've been working on my fall budget (I adore planning) and the exciting thing for our family is that we will make our final debt payment on November 1st! We paid off the house a year and a half ago and the last of our debt from our failed business will soon be gone. It's going to feel amazing to be 100% debt free at 34 years old! We heat with wood, so that's already taken care of and our Christmas fund is coming along nicely. The big expenses we're budgeting for is travel around Christmas (we take a trip instead of buying our 8 kids a bunch of stuff), extra groceries, and new year's eve because we always make that a fun movie and appetizer night at home.
I decided this year to bale on all large family holiday events. Going to best friends house where expensive gift giving isn't the focus! It stresses me way to much every year!
When I've hosted Thanksgiving, Christmas, or,New Years I start looking for super sales items beginning about Labor Day for condiments. Butter usually goes on sale sometime before Halloween, and so on. And then, I buy a little every week in between the sales.
I am a happy camper! 😊😊I plan ahead for the upcoming demands and then add 10% more to the budget on items that I figure will go up such as our electricity. Having an emergency fund also makes living in the last quarter stress free. When December 31 comes around, I usually have a good chunk of money to carry me through January. Yes, comparing last year's spending and planning my next moves, makes life stress free.
I am going to be using my slow cooker for the month of October (Croctober) to cut down on my electric bills-no oven. I've got my crockpot granola prepared and will make slow cooker yogurt to go with that,. Also I have recipes and menu planned, and have perfected my slow cooker banana bread (in the freezer) and white bread. In my freezer I have slow cooked soup and pasta sauce ready. I like to plan and doing challenges
I plan ahead,too. I'm currently digging out my winter clothing,trying it on,see what fits,what I can donate,what needs minor mending,what is not at all salvageable even for rags. I do this by the labor day weekend. I do it for summer by saint Patrick's day,too. this gives more than enough time to plan for what is needed. gifts,it's not much gift wise for us. hubby is getting me a few things online I've picked out. I told him if it comes up,gift cards are fine for me. simple.
Awesome video, Kate! living below my means was very beneficial last year, which helped me save up for a jersey T-shirt I got in December for my own Christmas gift last year. It was the New England Patriots number 10 Jersey T-shirt. it was a little expensive for my expense on shirts but it was awesome to know that I could afford it because I was living way below my means last year just to get that shirt for Christmas! and because of inflation this year, I am starting the zero-based budget alongside my budgeting system! I am excited for that! and since I started my channel, I am going to make a new frugal video on my birthday which lands on October 3! I am excited for the next three months, and can’t wait for no spend January! have an awesome frugal Friday, Kate!
FULL size candy bars given here....no recession in our house yet;-). I don’t have themed decor for Halloween anymore, kids are grown and gone, but for Christmas I will all out!
I love planning. All my bills are going up: car insurance was a huge jump, and my utility company actually emailed me to prepare for higher costs this coming winter. *sobs* but with my spreadsheet at hand I can plan and not be in debt again! Thank you for the encouragement!!!!
I love to plan. Christmas is 90%ish done. I pay my car insurance monthly. Yes I could save $1.00 per month if I pay it yearly. It’s worth the $12 per year to not stress over a 6 month bill.
Our fourth quarter is very different to yours. It is by far our most expensive quarter. Being in Australia we are coming into our warm weather and the end of our school year. So this quarter includes next years school fees, Christmas, car registration and so much entertaining/outings. All planned for. It is also our biggest income quarter due to a seasonal job. I don’t do no spend January, being summer holidays. I do low spend August(June/July are big birthday months)
I budget and plan because I need to. I don't like it, I would like to be able to spend money without having to consider if I may spend it. So, I am learning this against my wishes, valuing reason and necessity above caprice. Thank you for your work.
Chiming in late...as per my usual. ;-) I love to plan! For the first time in my life I started saving a set amount each payday, for Christmas shopping. It won't be enough to cover everything, but it's a LOT more than I had saved ahead last year----nothing. I'm gettin' my K-Squad ON!
Happy frugal Friday 👍 Live below your means and prepare for 4th quarter. Thanks Kate 👏 Cat booster vaccination in November. Had my first hot Ribena the other day that signals Autumn for me! It's a thick sweet blackcurrant cordial diluted with boiling water 😋 Cosy times 🍂🧦
yes I am a Halloween person😊 my favorite holiday, but I used the costumes I've had and just recycle how many times I can be a witch...i also don't buy NEW decorations, I just display it differently, and I LOVE to give candy to the kids that come. I spend about 50.00$ in candy but I start buying in September and I buy 2 bags a week until Halloween comes so it's alittle expense every week but not a big chunk of money spent at one time
I have a trip to Maine! And NH and Vermont,.. Checking off states,. Will only have one state after. I'm all saved up for Christmas already and I will be doing the same you with seeing all the beautiful Christmas 🎄lights,.. Here in FL! Thank you for these reminders!
Fall Yes my favourite! Blessed to be heading to California for Xmas. I am a proud Nana and seeing my granddaughter is the Best! Thx Kate brilliant video. I love Solstice and Christmas! The spirit the buzz and the lights! I love the lights! 💕 🎄 💕 🎄💕 🎄 💕
I usually have the family home for a couple of weekends and I cook a few feasts with some over the top items - like roasts or turkeys. We have now switched to a "dirty Santa" type gift exchange where everyone brings one gift instead of multiples for each other. the exception is that the tiny kids get a few other gifts
I LOVE TO PLAN!!! KATE!!! This is my AbFab time of year! All of my best inspirations in one compact quarter! I have continued to tweak and improve my budget this year, and December will be epic! PLANNING…extra extra holiday celebrations, Christmas AND first vacation funded for 2023, and best of all, I can upgrade my phone AND tv! And already looking forward to 2023 savings! KSquad and budgeting RAWKS!!!
I love planning!! My food and utility budget has increased dramatically over the last month. My son moved back in with us! He has been having a very hard time of it and it’s truly a blessing that he is here! I don’t mind at all the increase in expenses but it has made me retool the budget! If I didn’t live below my means and have a fully funded emergency fund, this would be a more difficult adjustment. As it is, we can support our son as he puts his life back together. God is so good! 🙏🙏
Regarding wrapping: Hit the fabric stores for discount fabrics after holidays. Some years ago, my sister and I made dozens of fabric gift bags in various sizes with drawstring closures. Now, the family doesn't waste money on what becomes instant trash, and an entire holiday's worth of wrapping takes less than 10 minutes. You can make birthday bags, Easter bags. It's fun. Drill some holes in some craft sticks, add some ribbon, print peoples names on them, and you have reusable gift tags, as well.😊🛍
Brilliant!
Have been been reusing bags for years. Storing them. This is such a good idea! A way to use up extra fabric!
I'm a unique monthly budgeter too. I do budgets for 6 months in advance so i have a big picture. Then I tinker and fine tune as I get closer to each month. Christmas isn't a big expense for me. I've trained almost everyone to just exchange cards, so including food, my expenditure last year was approximately $165. I don't understand why people spend thousands, especially on their kids who already have so much stuff. I enjoy a fun but frugal christmas.
I don’t buy Christmas wrapping paper. I buy a huge roll of brown butcher paper to wrap gifts for Christmas. Walmart! I then add inexpensive ribbon or yarn and use my Christmas ink stamps or a letter stamp for who’s gift it is. M for my husband Mike etc. it looks cute and kind of old fashion. The roll lasted for several years.
I've used brown mailing wrap for years. I do mix it up with some regular wrap but also fussy cut motifs from the regular wrap to glue stick to the brown wrap. A glue gun and some greenery (ie the tips of fallen branches) with a bright bow tossed on the brown wrap package is quicker than tying a ribbon around a package.
I love that idea! I may steal it this year! I think I saw something like that in Home & Gardens...
I love the idea of using initials!
I am not your mom but I'm so proud of you! Your energy and enthusiasm is exactly what folks new to frugal living in these times need! I've been frugal for YEARS so, like you said, making that adjustment to higher costs of everything isn't such a struggle for us. But I can imagine for new folks it can be overwhelming. Not if they keep watching your videos! We can do it!🥰
🥰😍🙏❤️
Seeing your face in a thumbnail for a new video is a comforting thing - too many political videos and upsetting things out there but then like a ray of sunshine someone real and warm pops back into your world every week. Just LOVE your channel! Thank you!!
😍🙏❤️ Thank you Randa!!!!
The freedom that comes with living below your means is priceless! Putting money stresses out of your head because you have a plan is the only way to live! I know it’s not easy, but even striving for this gives a different purpose to life. Keep sharing your message and especially your positive energy with us Kate ❤️
Planning! I once heard that it's better to say "I have a spending plan" instead of "I have a Budget" since the word Budget tends to be a negative thing to a lot of people. So, my spending plan is.......
I love to plan, especially this year. Because I'm planning I feel so much more in control. A very common expense this time of year is getting ready for Winter weather, which I wish would hold off until actual Winter. This year I decided I was getting a new Winter coat. I decided to budget $200 so I could get what I want (good brand, black and longer length). I was thrilled when I found one for $150. Then I remembered hearing about Poshmark and it did not disappoint. I nabbed my desired coat for a grand total of $56!!!!!!!! I didn't think I could get the new boots this year too, but I also found them on Poshmark for $55 AND I found high quality snow pants to match my new coat for $40. I'm getting everything I need and am still spending under the $200 I originally budgeted for.
Great job! You must be so pleased about all those bargains!
@@AmandaJYoungs Oh yes! The thrill of the hunt and getting mega bargains on things I actually need and things that will last me for many years is just icing on the cake.
I live beyond my means everyday .. and have for over 30 yrs.. I've tried to keep up with the joneses it was an epic fail.. so now I am actually happy being well poor living on the poverty line.. I go without nothing I just shop around for the best price.. I was lucky to have signed a 4yrs lease at my current rent they can't raise for the duration of my lease I have basic internet it was free from the school but I didn't like the slowness so for a huge 9.95 I now get under the school plan unlimited home internet to power all my devices. My utilities r on a program where we pay a set amount all year round so in the hot summer and freezing winter I pay 75.00 for my gas and heat and 67.00 gor my lights.. food ect family of 3 plus a pet we survive off 1800 a month give or take if I find sweet grocery deals but groceries and car gas is our biggest expense right now.
Correction I live below my means .. sorry..
YASS SHARON! I read your comment below that you mean BELOW! LOL! Perfect!!! GREAT JOB!!! So glad you're here. Thank you for sharing with us!
I love to plan too😃 Kate
“Failing to plan is planning to fail”
I loved what you said about seeing what you have before Christmas shopping. It’s like reverse meal planning - no waste
I DO love to plan! This Grammy is the one who gives cash. No worries, and no complaints!
Greetings from Minnesota!
Every year I invest in cold weather gear. This year I got a set of quilted overalls at a garage sale for five dollars. My previous overalls were worn to tatters . I'll store the old ones just to be sure. Winter gear in Minnesota is serious business.
I live for planning 😊 I have already been buying Christmas gifts slowly knowing what my kids want so we do not take a huge hit in December
YASSSS! Love this Sage!
High five Kate. ✋ When first married and on a tight budget -low income, a relative who was frugal taught me all about buying great deals for my "gift drawer".
I call it a treasure trove.
This year I will be hosting a Christmas coffee-brunch for close family and friends. We eat simple bevs and eat practical foods and exchange white elephant gifts which we set a value of $5-10 minimum. This good food, festive decos, and thrill of visiting with dear ones makes it a big hit!
November & December are my high months. More cooking and baking months. December, my birthday month celebration and activities. I mail little gifts to a few friends. The best mailing day is the day after Thanksgiving.
I love to plan but I’m struggling to stay with the plan. So this quarter financial goal is to fight the urge to impulse shop
You've got this Shushana! I'm rooting for you!
I love planning! ! Having a family reunion here this weekend. I have been working all week long by dividing up all the things that needed to be done so I can enjoy the day😆
I buy all of my Christmas cards and wrapping essentials in Jan/Feb when stores have drastically reduced the price. I once found 3 unused rolls of Christmas paper in a neighbours garbage bin (needless to say I took them back to mine 😁)
Definitely am a planner here, too. Definitely my favorite time of the year (fellow New Englander here). Awhile ago I decided to add a "Seasonal Activities" sinking fund to use for special outings like extra gas for a leaf peeping drive or some apples and pumpkins (but i always buy a sugar pumpkin rather than a jack-o-lantern type because then I get double duty by being able to eat it later). This is also the quarter when I get hit with car inspection/registration and possible repairs so have sinking funds for all of those.
I try to plan. Thanksgiving is always brunch with the kids and grandkids, that way they can head to the other side for later in the day. Everyone is gone by 11:30am, so I have the rest of the day to chill and watch football!
Have all ready started Christmas shopping. Snagged a pair of jeans for my granddaughter that retail at $64 for $15!
The car ride before xmas is a great idea! Not very many in Norway decorate a lot outside for xmas. But some does it here too. I have never used a lot of money for wrapping paper. Normally we get free gift paper in the store. Some stores got gift bags too. Otherwise I do something very simple at home.
Love Norway! Most beautiful place on earth in my opinion.
I love to plan. Winter boots for my son are so expensive. Thanks for the reminder. Just bought some.
I love all your topics Kate..budgeting is one of my favourite subjects...as a person that lost my husband 16 months ago..I truly have to manage...I have sent you many messages....thanks a million for your help you give all of us ..bless you & your little boy.....I really am not to much in a mood to do much of anything....
Sheridan, losing your husband must have been so hard. I'm SO proud of you. I know it must have been a huge adjustment and are still working through it. Sending you a HUGE virtual HUG!
@@KateKaden thanks for taking your time to reply me..very encouraging...
@@sheridankuruppu4670 Sending you a Big Hug & Much LOVE !! I lost mine 2 years ago..very very suddenly. Allow yourself as Much Time as you need to grieve.. 🤗 💞 It's still a day by day challenge for me. Some days are Really hard.
Take very good care of you. Your hubby wants you to be happy. Practice gratitude every day and reach out to a Grief support group. Good, understanding people are out there wanting to share want helped them heal most. Your loved one is there in your heart & mind. Prayers 🙏 for healing. 💐💐🙏💐💐
@@judymcpheron5955 Thank you So Much!! ❤💝🤗
I love to plan. I save for vacations, summer camp, and Christmas every month so it doesn’t crash the budget when the funds are due.
Good tip to look back on what you spent last year!
Best community here. Makes my day. Happy Friday 😄
Hi Elaine!!! Love our community so much!
I’m so ready for this quarter!!
I put a lump sum of money on my mortgage every 3 months . My kids are grown and no husband. I'm preparing for retirement in the next 6 years and would love to be mortgage free. I love to decorate for the holidays, but I reuse and add a new piece to change it up from the year before. Thanks for sharing your information. 💚
Hubby and I take the kids on a "pre-christmas" vacation to spend time as a family before the holidays gets crazy. Save a little each week into an account so the money is already there!
I love fall too!! I’ve been crocheting a set of potholders for my mother for Christmas and just generally doing some early shopping. I heard that shipping is going to cost extra this holiday season, so I wanted to get a jump on it. I am a Halloween person, but we typically put up the same decorations year after year just in new creative ways, making little spooky scenes in the yard. I try to get my decorations at thrift stores and on sale after the holiday and just use them the next year. Sometimes I forget what I buy and it’s like unwrapping a surprise when we get out the Halloween decorations and I see all the stuff I got 50-75% off that I forgot about! 😝😆 Hi to Mr. Hanum, too.
PS-Best place to buy wrapping paper is Goodwill when you can find it! Sometimes it will be what we call “Vintage Christmas.” 😉
I seriously need to watch your channel daily.
Yep! Kids r grown. Other Grandma and I meet up every yr to trick or treat w out grandson.!
Excellent video! My Christmas shopping is almost done and I plan to stay OUT of the stores this holiday season. I have begun my food shopping for Thanksgiving - I always spread out the non perishables from September through November/December so I'm not hit all at once. I bought a Project Planner by Martha Stewart from Staples and it has been SUCH a good investment. One thing to keep in mind as you plan your winterization is to make sure you stock up on cold and flu remedies in advance, so you have what you need. I went through my medicine cabinet and threw the old ones out, and will be going out this month to get throat lozenges, electrolyte powder, Imodium and those types of things you don't want to drag yourself out of bed to buy when you're sick. Also, I will begin cooking a large batch of "sick soup" to keep in the freezer in case of any illness. Hope this helps someone! Thanks for your content! Miko from Maryland
Your energy ! Love the singing ! Lol
Love this video ❤️❤️❤️❤️
I have a sinking fund for Christmas, and I am saving money to go to a spa in December.
Yasss!!!🙌🥰❤️
Planning is my Happy place. Thanks
I love your enthusiasm for budgeting! Needing to put into my budget a trip to visit my college kid...$200 for gas/toll and a nice meal out w/ kid and family hosting us $100.
YASSSS!!!!! Thank you Mandy!!!!!!
I love planning. And I'm getting to love financial planning. Until this year I've only managed to check our expenses for the first 2-4 months of the year. This year I've been better at this. Next year will be even better.
Thank you Kate for giving good advice and being so positive about money and frugality.
Our biggest "splurges" this quarter will be extra isolation to our house and sun panels. Luckliy we have been saving for years "for something big on the house" and this was the something. With this we will save loads on electric. We usually get property taxes to pay in October, but this year I planned ahead and when my hubby got his vacation pay in the summer, we paid it all ahead of time. 👍
A tradition we have in our house is advent calendars for the kids. I started years ago, when my daughter was little (now 10yo) and I didn't want her to be overloaded with presents at Christmas Eve. Each morning "Santas helpers" come with something for them. It could be a toy, some "game money" (Robux, Minecraft coins), candy, socks, underwear, new toothbrushes, screenprotectors for their phones and tablets, etc. 😊 So both just stuff, but also something they really need. This year they will get powerbanks, so that they can be charged when we have solar power and then used during the evening. Flashlights are also a great small gift. Kids love flashlights, and they are good to have if we get power outages here in Northern Europe.
Hey Kate, thanks for keeping it real and helping me keep my life on track! Maybe you’ve touched upon this before, but do you keep a spreadsheet of expenses/your budget? I’d love to have a walk through of that.
I love to plan ❤️. I love you energy! You rock 😊
I host Christmas dinner for my family / I consider it a type of gift!
I like to plan ahead of time 🥰🙏❤️
I'm a planner too! I hate being surprised by things
Happy Frugal Friday!! I love to plan! The house I just bought has oil heat and I filled up the tank about a month ago and ooof.... so I feel ya on that! Moving forward, this might have to be a sinking fund so it's not as much of a hit! I'm also a fan of buying Christmas gifts throughout the year as opposed to all at once right before the holidays.
The final countdown yes yes rock uhuhuhuh
Checking back in at videos from the past I love this video !!! Quarterly spend! Historical data is everything!!!!! No matter if you’re running a business or personal !
YASSS!!! Thanks Kate!
For car window defrosting.... I purchase the gallon jugs and refill a spray bottle. (The individual bottles cost so much more.)
I live in SE Georgia so I turn my AC off for the next 6 months n live in cool temps most of the time with out the heat. I've have lived frugaly most of my life, have always live on cash. I got an unexpected cash windfall of $350 last week so I did all my Christmas shopping, my son n wife are having their 1st baby so I was able to get them things too. I live on a disability income so having this extra money was a godsend for me. I LOVE ur videos
I do plan & love picking up things my family loves throughout the year when on sale. I keep them in a tote. I never buy random things on sale, it's always things I know they will use.
I enjoy decor from dollar tree for holidays. I buy one bag of candy for the workplace, and one or 2 for home. No parties on the horizon. We don't get trick or treaters. If we do, we just give them a pack of snack crackers we buy for my husbands lunch.
Meeting friends☕🍪, hot🍫 chocolate and movie nights of course!!!
Plan a head, its worth it, be creative with gifts and dinners there are a million less expensive options google and watch kates videos of prior years!!
I say don't forget to calculate the Christmas tree 🎄.
Baught myself a very cosy good quality woolen vest, it made my sinkingfund for clothing drop quite a bit, but it will save me on heating now its getting colder. Heating last a day the vest last me years🙂
I love the idea of seeing the decorations, it's not so much a thing over here🙁 but we do walk around the neighbourhood in Christmas time to see what people made, have free exercise and warm up all in one😉
YASSSS!
I love to plan. Happy Friday and Happy Fall Y'all 🍁🍂🎃 We went up to Kents Hill Orchard and had a fun apple picking time with all of our family. We hadn't done that in years. My daughter and I are getting ready for the new Hocus Pocus 2 movie nice night at home with some hot chocolate.
Oooh that sounds SO SO FUN MARY!
We have natural gas and electric bills averaged. It makes budget more even every month.
I spent to get the flooring done in 2 of my bedrooms. It was long overdue. I cut back in several areas & saved until I could pay cash for both. I'm so glad it's done.
you are delightful!! helpful!! joyful!!
Thank you so much for your kindness ❤️🙏
So happy to have found your channel so I am going back in time to watch your videos. We are in MA so it is expensive in all areas of life here. Lucky for us we have wood for back up heat along with split systems we have. When we see an oil truck in the neighborhood we pray for those recipients! While we are a pretty low need retired couple, we are very aware this economy is a killer and better planning is very much needed! So glad to be here with your “squad”🤗❤️
I'm so so happy you are here!!!!!!!!!! Thank you!
I’m a planner and not only my budget. I love planning‼️
November is car registration for my husbands truck. He accidentally paid it with the wrong atm card, so I took all that money I was saving for it and moved it into Disney fund. It was an extra deposit I wasn’t expecting but I didn’t want to nickel and dime myself out of the savings. So I moved it right away and didn’t spend any of it. 😅
I about to place the amazon order for my 2023 agenda and budget book
I love the fall...all the holidays!🎃🦃🎄
I lived this all year and oh my goodness it works!!!!!
When i had kids at home, and will do with grandkids. Buy one gift each month. Keep in a gift bin. Use bin gift for all their gifts during the year!
I LOVE to plan, Kate!
I use bags I bought at qvc for wrapping. 60 bags with ribbon ties and gift tags under $20 .... They come in many sizes and I have used them year after year. Sometimes I use butcher brown wrap and decorate with stickers too. Tie with corded rope.
I've been working on my fall budget (I adore planning) and the exciting thing for our family is that we will make our final debt payment on November 1st! We paid off the house a year and a half ago and the last of our debt from our failed business will soon be gone. It's going to feel amazing to be 100% debt free at 34 years old! We heat with wood, so that's already taken care of and our Christmas fund is coming along nicely. The big expenses we're budgeting for is travel around Christmas (we take a trip instead of buying our 8 kids a bunch of stuff), extra groceries, and new year's eve because we always make that a fun movie and appetizer night at home.
I love to plan! As I watch this video, we are February 2023. I am already planning the giftgiving for this coming Christmas❤
LOVE THIS! I love to plan too!
I decided this year to bale on all large family holiday events. Going to best friends house where expensive gift giving isn't the focus! It stresses me way to much every year!
I love planning ...oh and lists!! I just lurve lists !!!
I am always planning weekly and Monthly too ❤️🔥
When I've hosted Thanksgiving, Christmas, or,New Years I start looking for super sales items beginning about Labor Day for condiments. Butter usually goes on sale sometime before Halloween, and so on. And then, I buy a little every week in between the sales.
I love to plan...That is what I'm known for....I love to plan everything from grocery shopping to buying my car 4 cash...and everything else....😊
Love it!
Love planing!!!!! I save the most I can for my trip to my country next new year 🎉🎉🎉🎉 thank you Kate have a wonderful weekend 🥰🥰🥰🥰
I started a Christmas club account last year- wow what a load off my budget!!! Now- to commence the Christmas shopping
I love to plan! Fall is busy and a higher spend quarter for us.
Such an exciting season!!! Happy Frugal Friday! So glad you are here!
My last quarter has Christmas and all 3 kids’ bdays. I’m so pumped it’s the new year now so I can spend nothing!
If your a gardener. Buy your spring/summer supplies now!!! Great savings!
Filling up the fuel oil tank and buying ahead for Christmas.
I am a happy camper! 😊😊I plan ahead for the upcoming demands and then add 10% more to the budget on items that I figure will go up such as our electricity. Having an emergency fund also makes living in the last quarter stress free. When December 31 comes around, I usually have a good chunk of money to carry me through January. Yes, comparing last year's spending and planning my next moves, makes life stress free.
I am going to be using my slow cooker for the month of October (Croctober) to cut down on my electric bills-no oven. I've got my crockpot granola prepared and will make slow cooker yogurt to go with that,. Also I have recipes and menu planned, and have perfected my slow cooker banana bread (in the freezer) and white bread. In my freezer I have slow cooked soup and pasta sauce ready. I like to plan and doing challenges
I plan ahead,too.
I'm currently digging out my winter clothing,trying it on,see what fits,what I can donate,what needs minor mending,what is not at all salvageable even for rags.
I do this by the labor day weekend.
I do it for summer by saint Patrick's day,too.
this gives more than enough time to plan for what is needed.
gifts,it's not much gift wise for us.
hubby is getting me a few things online I've picked out.
I told him if it comes up,gift cards are fine for me.
simple.
Great video! So many good ideas! I need to make a video like this!
Awesome video, Kate! living below my means was very beneficial last year, which helped me save up for a jersey T-shirt I got in December for my own Christmas gift last year. It was the New England Patriots number 10 Jersey T-shirt. it was a little expensive for my expense on shirts but it was awesome to know that I could afford it because I was living way below my means last year just to get that shirt for Christmas! and because of inflation this year, I am starting the zero-based budget alongside my budgeting system! I am excited for that! and since I started my channel, I am going to make a new frugal video on my birthday which lands on October 3! I am excited for the next three months, and can’t wait for no spend January! have an awesome frugal Friday, Kate!
FULL size candy bars given here....no recession in our house yet;-). I don’t have themed decor for Halloween anymore, kids are grown and gone, but for Christmas I will all out!
Ooooh I like your style😍
I love planning. All my bills are going up: car insurance was a huge jump, and my utility company actually emailed me to prepare for higher costs this coming winter. *sobs* but with my spreadsheet at hand I can plan and not be in debt again! Thank you for the encouragement!!!!
I love to plan. Christmas is 90%ish done. I pay my car insurance monthly. Yes I could save $1.00 per month if I pay it yearly. It’s worth the $12 per year to not stress over a 6 month bill.
I love planning!
weekend has been great
Our fourth quarter is very different to yours. It is by far our most expensive quarter. Being in Australia we are coming into our warm weather and the end of our school year. So this quarter includes next years school fees, Christmas, car registration and so much entertaining/outings. All planned for. It is also our biggest income quarter due to a seasonal job.
I don’t do no spend January, being summer holidays. I do low spend August(June/July are big birthday months)
Wrapping paper. Buy 1 huge roll that will work for all year gifts. I do silver!
Yes Kate..our favorite time with my grandkids. Pumpkin farms
I budget and plan because I need to. I don't like it, I would like to be able to spend money without having to consider if I may spend it. So, I am learning this against my wishes, valuing reason and necessity above caprice. Thank you for your work.
Chiming in late...as per my usual. ;-)
I love to plan! For the first time in my life I started saving a set amount each payday, for Christmas shopping. It won't be enough to cover everything, but it's a LOT more than I had saved ahead last year----nothing.
I'm gettin' my K-Squad ON!
YASSS!
Happy frugal Friday 👍 Live below your means and prepare for 4th quarter. Thanks Kate 👏 Cat booster vaccination in November. Had my first hot Ribena the other day that signals Autumn for me! It's a thick sweet blackcurrant cordial diluted with boiling water 😋 Cosy times 🍂🧦
YASSSS!!!!!
yes I am a Halloween person😊 my favorite holiday, but I used the costumes I've had and just recycle how many times I can be a witch...i also don't buy NEW decorations, I just display it differently, and I LOVE to give candy to the kids that come. I spend about 50.00$ in candy but I start buying in September and I buy 2 bags a week until Halloween comes so it's alittle expense every week but not a big chunk of money spent at one time
I have a trip to Maine! And NH and Vermont,.. Checking off states,. Will only have one state after. I'm all saved up for Christmas already and I will be doing the same you with seeing all the beautiful Christmas 🎄lights,.. Here in FL! Thank you for these reminders!
I took a trip to Maine in the fall and found it so beautiful! Exactly what I had hoped it would be. Enjoy your travels.
Fall Yes my favourite! Blessed to be heading to California for Xmas. I am a proud Nana and seeing my granddaughter is the Best! Thx Kate brilliant video. I love Solstice and Christmas! The spirit the buzz and the lights! I love the lights! 💕 🎄 💕 🎄💕 🎄 💕
OOOH! YES ME TOOO!!!
LOVE to Plan, too
I usually have the family home for a couple of weekends and I cook a few feasts with some over the top items - like roasts or turkeys. We have now switched to a "dirty Santa" type gift exchange where everyone brings one gift instead of multiples for each other. the exception is that the tiny kids get a few other gifts
I love to plan🎉🎉🎉
I joined Hallmark club ...i get one free card a month. I plan birthdays ahead and use these cards ....i love to plan.
I LOVE TO PLAN!!! KATE!!! This is my AbFab time of year! All of my best inspirations in one compact quarter! I have continued to tweak and improve my budget this year, and December will be epic! PLANNING…extra extra holiday celebrations, Christmas AND first vacation funded for 2023, and best of all, I can upgrade my phone AND tv! And already looking forward to 2023 savings! KSquad and budgeting RAWKS!!!