I laughed out loud at the running shower part! That’s my husband! Has driven me absolutely crazy for 34 years. I showed him your video and said See?!?! SEE?!?!
I live in northern California and just don't like wasting water since we often have drought! When I turn my shower on it takes a little bit to get warm, so I keep a small bucket in the tub to capture the cold water. I use it to water plants.
Get low…I don’t have credit cards, only a debit card - so if the money isn’t in my account, I can’t have it. Also, I don’t use AfterPay etc.. - again, if I don’t have the money I don’t have the item. Works really well for me✅
My electric bill averages about $48/month. I use my slow cookers & mini cooking appliances when I cook; unplug the microwave, washer & dryer, & anything else when not in use. I use motion sensored lights in the hallways, top of the stairs, & in the bathroom & kitchen ( during the night), turn down the thermostat when I go to work. Enjoy drinking water & cooking meals at home, repurpose leftovers or freeze them, make a shopping list, use rebate apps & coupons. The only debt is a car payment & it will be paid off Aug. 2025. The money from working overtime goes into a special account. Small steps leads to big gains. I enjoy your videos. Stay blessed & safe.
I love this post but in my case you're preaching to the choir. I'm a senior citizen living alone in a small 2 bedroom senior apartment. I've been debit-free for nearly 30 years. I sold my last house a year and a half ago. My income is small ( only social security) but I make it work. A couple of things I do to save money are : I don't use my clothes dryer and have only used one on rare occasions over the past 11 years. I have a nice clothes drying rack that I use to dry everything. Also I have a dishwasher but I rarely use it. I'm only one person and only generate so many dirty dishes. I would have to save them up for a week to get a full load so I wash them by hand. I live in CO and try not to use the AC any more than absolutely necessary. I am on the top floor of my apartment bldg, and since heat rises, my heating bill is quite low. I'm amazed at how many people in my building, who are living on social security who don't do any of these money-making things and scoff at me because I do. Oh well, that's the way it goes I guess. Anyway, thanks for the great vlog.
I 'm living on social security, age 72, and identify with you completely. I don't even have a dishwasher. I enjoy living alone, and rarely watch TV. I save money every year to pay for a summer vacation, birthday & Christmas gifts for grandchildren, and a sinking fund in case of emergencies. Plus, I already own a burial plot and have money for funeral expenses. Thanks, Kate, for reminding me about phantom electricity!
You are a breath of fresh air on Fridays! My practical tip as a single person is when you are making food that takes effort, buy the ingredients when on sale and make extra and freeze it for meals down the road. I made a big meatloaf with hamburger that was on sale, and immediately sliced and froze two meals and ate the rest over a few days. I do that with soups also. I don’t have a large freezer, just a fridge/freezer size, but I do have enough room for some extra meals!
11/23/24...I AM A SINGLE RETIRED LADY...ON SOC SEC IN CENTRAL FL.....WITH A 17 MON OLD 🐕.. I BUY IN BULK WHEN ON SALE... I BUY BOGO.+ STOCK UP.. I BUY "SPECIALS" ESP AROUND HOLIDAYS + AFTER HOLIDAYS I BUY LEFTOVER CANDY/CRANBERRY SAUCE/BOXES WITH HOLIDAY DECORATIONS...
I drink mostly water and a cup or two of coffee everyday. But as a Texan I need to tell y'all that iced tea can be really cheap and there is nothing like it on a hot day. I like mine unsweetened with a squeeze of lemon or lime but a teaspoon of sugar is plenty for a big ol' glass.
I love unsweetened iced tea. I always take mine in a reusable bottle. Has saved me so much money and time not stopping and buying. Healthier than soda.
Take coffee with me when I head out to run errands; if not, I'll for sure stop at Tim Hortons (Canadian, eh! 😉) and get coffee AND a bagel. The kicker is that I don't even like Timmies coffee anymore.. it's awful!!!.. so bitter and they never ever fix my bagel like I ask and I don't enjoy it!.. Aaand coffee and a bagel is over $5 😮😢 .. so I take coffee from home and I keep a bag of almonds in my car; just 10 almonds is very filling and healthy. I figured just this change alone is saving me at least $40/ month. I've been able to increase my monthly savings from $100/month to $140-50/ month. You've helped me so much, Kate. I love you 💓🫂😘🎉🎵🌷
My husband and I just tonight decided to fill the freezer with our delectable homemade breakfast burritos and have them ready for travel. This is something we did in the past, and just got away from it over the years. But it's time to go back to it. It's like a picnic. We will also be returning to our habit of taking a big thermos of hot tea (and yes, our water bottles) and whatever else is handy--fruit usually, maybe some cheese. It's over an hour's drive to town for us, with errands all over for a trip that takes several hours. We almost always eat out, and it's almost never worth it. So, enough of that nonsense. Another thing I like to do is pick up a deli chicken (Sam's are cheap), some grapes and cheese and call it dinner when we get home. Then the carcass is boiled later for broth. Thanks, and keep up the good work!
You make a great point… eating out always is tempting to me but then it’s usually disappointing. I don’t mind spending if it was worth it but often it isn’t 😌
Minimalism has helped me live below my means. I don't want to spend money on stuff that will just get in my way and make my home or closet feel cluttered.
I live in a place where we have very cold winters. I have normalized wearing more clothes around the house. I keep the house at 66-67F during the day when people are home. It goes down to 63 during the workday and at night. When we leave for a couple days it is set at 62.
Finally I find someone like me, you are doing exactly what I am doing for 40 years and I live happy and no debt...I add a thing before taking your shower collect the first running cool water in a basket and use this water to flush your toilet.
We use a credit card, and I don’t even wait until the end of the month. When I order something online, which is necessary, as I am disabled, and it is very hard to get out and get things, I pay it off immediately. If I ever forget to pay something immediately, it drives me crazy.
I followed your advice on an earlier video and put savings in my budget just like my bills. It works like a charm and it’s automated so I can’t forget!
I saved my 2024 monthly SS COLA RAISE ALL YEAR.... SURE ADDS UP FOR THE YEAR. MY COLA RAISE WAS $67. SO THAT'S $804. SAVINGS IN MY PIGGY BANK FOR THIS YEAR.
Australia puts on/off switches on all of their electric outlets to stop “Phantom Power”. It’s a thing. Just as easy to unplug the coffee pot and microwave while it’s not in use.
Two things that I do similarly to what you mentioned: 1. I don’t drink coffee, but I do drink pop. I buy it from the grocery store when it’s on sale. I pack it in my lunch or take it to work or on the road with me.If I think I have to have it, it’s the cheapest way to do it. And I agree, buying it at the gas station is too expensive. We drink water in restaurants. Where we live, it’s usually at least $3 to order a pop with a meal. 2. In the shower, I shampoo my hair and rinse, then put the conditioner on and leave it. I get my washcloth all sudsy, then turn the water off while I wash my body. I turn the shower back on at the end to rinse my hair & body. It’s a small savings of warm water, but I do it because there are 3-4 of us using the showers in the mornings.
I have a 98 year old house. Evidently the tap water/service pipe is OLD. Never thought much about it, but got a letter from the city after my meter was changed. Got a faucet filter now + I'm Amazed at the great water quality. WOW. Now I hope to be feeling better too. News ystdy that our water supply has too many Nitrates in it .. way above Federal safety standards. Iowa
Yes, water I have a friend that leaves the water running when doing dishes, I fill the sink 1/4 of the way and rinse in the second sink. 🧡 all good ideas to be mindful.
Saved a couple hundred dollars by checking the tires that were waiting to go to the recycling centre behind a vehicle service business . A full set was there ( without plugs or any damage) and I will get at least one season out of them. Some people get them replaced often, even if they don't need to. It's best to check with the owner first.
When I was becoming debt free, i set a goal of paying off my car first. It was financed by my bank. A couple of times a week, I would look at my accounts. I moved the “ small change” into the car payment account. An account with $657.29 would get $7.29 transfer to the car payment. Now, I transfer the “small change “ to my vacation account.
Get low. Kate, the tip about the number of drinks in our homes can also fit with other things- chips, crackers, breads. We can select a few we like and probably don't need a choice of 10 or 12 in our home. Sometimes these either go stale before we eat them or get pushed to the back of a cabinet. This has happened in my house until I got wise.
These are great tips, and really not difficult to adopt. I do unplug my t.v. and microwave when not in use, but I live alone and the only time I watch my t.v. is when guests are here so it's probably easier for me to do that. Everything I watch is on my laptop. I also don't use the microwave every day so that's not difficult. I always do the one about food in the car too, but it's a 25 minute drive to town for me (I only go into town once a week) so I always make sure I have stuff to eat because a) I can control what I'm eating and 2) Not be tempted to stop anywhere and spend money needlessly. Now I just need to unplug the power strip in my room when I go to bed as there are a few "phantom" items plugged into that. Thanks!
11.22.2024 As I'm rinsing dishes, I run it in the other sink w/the stopper & dish liquid in, so I can use that water to wash my next sink full of dishes. Cuz as I use dishes, I slip them in that water. Just add some hot water when I start washing that load. 👊
One thing that I think cuts my electric bill more than anything is turning off the electric water heater. I know a lot of people will disagree with me but it probably saves $15-20 a month. I turn it on like 30 minutes before taking a shower, water is completely hot. Afterwards I shut it off. The water is always hot through the day for anything you need. People will probably say it’s hard on your tank but I had my last water heater over 25 years before it conked out. You are like a ray of sunshine… So happy I ran across one of your videos a couple days ago, been binge watching to hear more 😊
Kate, you are so right! I started putting away savings first. I go big though, I save about 50% of my income. I am getting a raise this year also of about $2.50, and a new job location. So that helps! I do play the Credit Card CashBack Game - but I play it really well! I buy nothing I cannot afford in cash or move from savings. I pay everything off within the week or a few days. I never let a balance slip. I'm very disciplined, and I didn't just happen to be that way. That took a lot of mindful self education and months of practice. Saying no & setting boundaries, even for yourself is such a big deal! So....pay yourself first. Never buy anything you cant afford to pay off. & Then make sure everything is paid. Theres no guide to being an adult, but it does help to seek advice where needed & for that, we thank you :)
I also play the cash back game with the credit cards. I deduct it immediately in my check register as if I had written a check. When the bill comes in, I compare it to my check register to make sure it matches, then schedule the payment to pay in full. No need to deduct the total when I do that, since I have deducted each transaction as I did it. No surprises, and the cash back can be a nice boost to my account.
I hate wasting food, so I make sure to use everything I have to create simple, tasty and healthy dishes. If veggies are starting to go bad, I will make soup. If fruit is starting to go bad, I throw it in a protein smoothly. I will add potatoes or rice and beans to a meat dish to make it last a bit longer and reduce the cost
Nothing personal but Americans take things for granted I wish they could go to a third world country just for a month he'll come back and change person I learned because my mother raised us by herself and if it wasn't enough food she didn't eat I know how to budget
G weekend! ❤ you are one of my weekend treats! 69 debt free! Downsizing and buys condo cash! Hey youngsters it took a lot of sacrifice to get hear. 35 years teaching and husband oil field. 80 hour work weeks typical. Hang on plan and work hard. You’ll get there!!
Ha! I live in Az and we have a well that requires us to haul water at certain times of the year. I’ve lived this way for a long time so I’m accustomed to being conservative with our water. If I’m watching a movie where they have left water running I can’t relax and focus on the show until it’s turned off!
I hear you Kate. I too, don't let the water run while brushing my teeth. As for my hygiene, I take primarily showers. I only take baths if I have sore & achy muscles that need an Epsom Salt bath. My showers take 5-6 minutes if that! I have two other roommates that need water too! So I try to be courteous for their sake as well. Especially now, because here in NYC we've been having the drought conditions. It has been more of a warning, then a ban. Great ideas all the other points.
Get Low! I recently started unplugging my router at night. Yes phantom electricity is a thing. I know you are friends with 'Under the Median' and they have discussed this too! I always pack snacks when going on trips, live alone now so its easy to accommodate just me :-).
Gramma Katie checking in. Good morning. I keep trying to make my daughter understand about soft drinks. Especially if we have a cheat and eat out. Order water . Those other dri.ks can add up fast
I ate breakfast before I went to a free event with free food. I was so full I couldn’t get any of the free food. I just forgot because I am so used to filling up before I leave the house 😅 .. I was a little bummed lol
I am the dishwasher, 😂 i use a dish tub in my double sink ❤ i fill up another container when i am running the water to get it warm. If you're not in the room no lights on ❤
Get low! I do most of these things. And yes, phantom energy is real. Lol on your guest's long shower. When my kids were small, 5 of them, I had An assembly line when it was shower time. One in, one out. Limit of 10 minutes. And I do take short showers. Not sure if the do. 🙂
The lights and water is so engrained in me from growing up that I cringe when I see other's leaving them on for long amounts of time. I love using my credit card, paying it off, and then using the points we earn on fancy NYC dinners. We live close to NYC so a night out is always a treat, especially when we are not "paying" for it (hahah!)
Practice ways to live below your means. Keep a budget. That's all there is. Move money from one category to another where needed to extend if need be. Put $25 per paycheck automatically into an account. Mine goes into my mortgage account. Setup an amount on payroll direct deposit so rent mortgage is separate from my bills and spending. It's so nice to keep it separate. Either automatically put money in regular savings or put left over into savings at the beginning or end of the month. I usually have$ 100 left over each month. So at the end or beginning of the month, I reset my financial ledger back to a set amount in checking. Anything left over from that set amount gets transferred to the savings. It's typically around 100$ saved per month. Slowly adds up.
I always enjoy your videos and your positivity! Thanks for posting. I enjoyed listening to your video while packing up leftovers for our lunch tomorrow. ❤
We have been using our larder (food and other) to have a much higher life style than if we didn't stock up on good to excellent prices. In general, we have fewer skus but more volume of the skus we do have. Today we stocked up on 24.? oz cans of coffee for $3.99. It Martinson's from New York which is not a brand local to us so I compare it price wise to store brand coffee. The cheapest I've seen store brand coffee of this general size is @$7.50 for sometime now so, our savings per can will be at least $3.50. We bought a LOT for sometime to come and in doing so will be spending less elsewise on what we are considering more of an investment purchase; something we buy now for savings in the future.
loved your video.. i only just started saving for my retirement.. when i was 58 i always thought i would have free energy and i always expected to work forever.. but that free energy is gone now.. and it all takes a toll on my body.. be frugal and save for your retirement.. money is a tool.. use it hard.. i loved your comment about thinking about your savings as a bill.. i love spending money and i even enjoy spending money on my savings.. i also buy stocks.. theyre fun to buy too thanks again..
I like to set goals- I love a good challenge. Our Christmas challenge is to buy 3 items for each other (my spouse) The kicker is we can't spend more than $10 total. lol My next challenge is no spend January. But the bigger challenge is to do this through March. My hubby is on board :) Our goal: Cat emergency fund replenish.
We always get the report in the mail from our electric company saying we are below all of our neighbors in energy consumption. Most of that I think is due to my use of small appliances that do big jobs like my small convection oven and my Ninja Foodi which is an air fryer, pressure cooker, steamer, slow cooker all-in-one. Both the oven and Ninja Foodi are timed. I cannot burn down the house with them. The fridge is small and I have a small packed to the brim chest freezer. We have laptops and no TV. We do not have central air. My husband does our laundry once a week in a small top washer/dryer combo.
Another great video and hugs to Kaden. I have 3 CC's with 0 balances. I had them for peace of mind when I was broke, but I have always paid them off on payday, never waiting for due date. I go online and see how much I owe and pay it off. One I use for Netflix, one for my internet bill and the third for big purchases and Amazon. It is a cash back card. I also have a pre-paid card with an online bank that I use for gas and groceries. I get interest on the money on it, and it is also cash back. I also use it for dining out. Because it is prepaid, it limits how much I can spend. I don't know if it's practical, but the way I live below my means is: When I get paid, i distribute money to investments and savings. A little here, a little there. Individually the accounts are not impressive so I can trick myself into thinking I need to save MORE. When I do my Net Worth Statement on the 1st of the month I am always pleasantly surprised!
Get low! Had extra expenses this month and able to take care of all of them. Saving all we can for a 2025 trip on our bucket list. We served others yesterday by sorting and loading food to take to others needing help with their Thanksgiving meals. ❤
It takes a while for hot water to come out of my kitchen tap. I keep a bucket nearby in the warmer months to catch the water until it heats up. I use that water in my garden or refilling the bird baths. That is a lot of water that would be wasted otherwise. I shower every other day unless I am really sweaty or dirty, but I only wash my hair 2-3 times a week - my hair is softer and easier to manage since I started doing this.
Where I live our water has too much chlorine in it because of a chemical issue last summer, so our household uses a zero water pitcher and we get the filters from Amazon. It's a nice crisp water this way and no chemical smells either.
I very rarely purchase sodas. I make southern sweet tea, buy tea bags and sugar, that's it. Cheap drink, make a gallon at a time. When I shower, water used to get wet and a soapy rag. Then off. Once washed, back on to rinse off. I'm one to unplug everything that's not being used except major appliances and TV.. Electricity bill stays really low.
Interesting, I never in my life thought about turning the water on before getting in the shower. Not because I am frugal, only it never was a possibility for me. Maby that's an American thing. I am from Austria. I guess there are people that have frugal habbits and don't even feel like being frugal. That shifts my mindset.
Adjusting the temperature beforehand avoids the risk of being scalded by sudden hot water bursts. That said, I know approxinately where the faucet needs to be turned for my comfort level. I've heard that some modern systems let a person just punch in a temp, but I've never had anyrhing that fancy.
We have a well for water, so we have to be careful about our water. I’ve gotten good at quick showers, but now and then I need a good long warm shower.
We don't have many beverages, unless we have company. Last month I got rid of our Direct TV service. I watch my antenna I got from Walmart and have so many channels for free. That's $124.99 to put into savings or spend on something special every month ! I wash most of our laundry in tap temp water, and save using hot water for other laundry and showers. I hand wash my dishes even though I have a dish washer. I use my credit card points for Christmas gifts. We only have lights on in rooms we are actively using, and have all led bulbs. Sadly, since I live in the desert, our hot months mean high electric bills, but very low bills in our cooler months. Happy Thanksgiving ! 🥰🍃🍂🍁💗✝
Get Low!! I love these tips. I always take either a coffee or a drink when I am going out and running errands. I will also tend to eat breakfast at home before I leave, so I am not as hungry 🙂
Your actually a great thoughtful person. The beat thing to do is charge people for water pretty high… You’re living the way everyone lived in the 1970’s
Hi Kate! I drink water mostly everyday. And I will drink a glass or 2 of milk. I do buy a liter of Coke if I ever am going to have pizza. I just don't want to drink water or milk with pizza. I don't order pizza from Domino's,Pizza Hut etc. I get my Kroger has on sale. Like here recently I got a Red Baron pizza for 2.99 and then another time a Digiorno pizza for 4.99 - both on sale at Kroger. I keep my electric bill down also. I only have the lights on in the room I am in. And turn off lights when I leave said room. I don't let the shower run long before I get in. I get it to right temp and get in. I don't rush or time it. I like to relax in the shower. I leave my air fryer unplugged and my tablet when it's charged unplug charger. I unplug the charger on my phone .
Two things that I do similarly to what you mentioned: 1. I don’t drink coffee, but I do drink pop. I buy it from the grocery store when it’s on sale. I pack it in my lunch or take it to work or on the road with me.If I think I have to have it, it’s the cheapest way to do it. And I agree, buying it at the gas station is too expensive. We drink water in restaurants. Where we live, it’s usually at least $3 to order a pop with a meal. 2. In the shower, I shampoo my hair and rinse, then put the conditioner on and leave it. I get my washcloth all sudsy, then turn the water off while I wash my body. I turn the shower back on at the end to rinse my hair & body. It’s a small savings of warm water, but I do it because there are 3-4 of us using the showers in the mornings.
WISHING YOU THE BEST WEEKEND! Which tip from this video might you try or start doing again?
Living a home-centered life is my best savings move. We have developed a life we don't often need away from....at home. Home is a pleasure for us.
I LOVE LOVE LOVE THIS:)
@KateKaden Thanks!
Same
When my son was a teen, he took 30 to 40 minute showers. He stopped that when he moved out and had to pay the water bill himself.
And you allowed that because ….
I laughed out loud at the running shower part! That’s my husband! Has driven me absolutely crazy for 34 years. I showed him your video and said See?!?! SEE?!?!
HAHAHAHAHAHHA! Right? I can't!!!! LOL!
I live in northern California and just don't like wasting water since we often have drought! When I turn my shower on it takes a little bit to get warm, so I keep a small bucket in the tub to capture the cold water. I use it to water plants.
I do the same. Also use it to flush.
I am in San Diego! I do the same thing with my “warming-up” water.
Get low…I don’t have credit cards, only a debit card - so if the money isn’t in my account, I can’t have it. Also, I don’t use AfterPay etc.. - again, if I don’t have the money I don’t have the item. Works really well for me✅
That is such a good idea!I'm Def. Going to give that a go!
I even catch rain water to water my plants and also to flush.
My electric bill averages about $48/month. I use my slow cookers & mini cooking appliances when I cook; unplug the microwave, washer & dryer, & anything else when not in use. I use motion sensored lights in the hallways, top of the stairs, & in the bathroom & kitchen ( during the night), turn down the thermostat when I go to work. Enjoy drinking water & cooking meals at home, repurpose leftovers or freeze them, make a shopping list, use rebate apps & coupons. The only debt is a car payment & it will be paid off Aug. 2025. The money from working overtime goes into a special account. Small steps leads to big gains. I enjoy your videos. Stay blessed & safe.
Thank you Cynthia!
I love this post but in my case you're preaching to the choir. I'm a senior citizen living alone in a small 2 bedroom senior apartment. I've been debit-free for nearly 30 years. I sold my last house a year and a half ago. My income is small ( only social security) but I make it work. A couple of things I do to save money are : I don't use my clothes dryer and have only used one on rare occasions over the past 11 years. I have a nice clothes drying rack that I use to dry everything. Also I have a dishwasher but I rarely use it. I'm only one person and only generate so many dirty dishes. I would have to save them up for a week to get a full load so I wash them by hand. I live in CO and try not to use the AC any more than absolutely necessary. I am on the top floor of my apartment bldg, and since heat rises, my heating bill is quite low. I'm amazed at how many people in my building, who are living on social security who don't do any of these money-making things and scoff at me because I do. Oh well, that's the way it goes I guess. Anyway, thanks for the great vlog.
U live very well, carry on..
I 'm living on social security, age 72, and identify with you completely. I don't even have a dishwasher. I enjoy living alone, and rarely watch TV. I save money every year to pay for a summer vacation, birthday & Christmas gifts for grandchildren, and a sinking fund in case of emergencies. Plus, I already own a burial plot and have money for funeral expenses. Thanks, Kate, for reminding me about phantom electricity!
You are a breath of fresh air on Fridays! My practical tip as a single person is when you are making food that takes effort, buy the ingredients when on sale and make extra and freeze it for meals down the road. I made a big meatloaf with hamburger that was on sale, and immediately sliced and froze two meals and ate the rest over a few days. I do that with soups also. I don’t have a large freezer, just a fridge/freezer size, but I do have enough room for some extra meals!
LOVE THIS! Thank you! And I'm always so happy to see you on Fridays!!! YAY! Have an awesome weekend!
11/23/24...I AM A SINGLE RETIRED LADY...ON SOC SEC IN CENTRAL FL.....WITH A 17 MON OLD 🐕..
I BUY IN BULK WHEN ON SALE...
I BUY BOGO.+ STOCK UP..
I BUY "SPECIALS" ESP AROUND HOLIDAYS + AFTER HOLIDAYS I BUY LEFTOVER CANDY/CRANBERRY SAUCE/BOXES WITH HOLIDAY DECORATIONS...
You are hysterical. Your facial expressions are priceless.
I drink mostly water and a cup or two of coffee everyday. But as a Texan I need to tell y'all that iced tea can be really cheap and there is nothing like it on a hot day. I like mine unsweetened with a squeeze of lemon or lime but a teaspoon of sugar is plenty for a big ol' glass.
I love unsweetened iced tea. I always take mine in a reusable bottle. Has saved me so much money and time not stopping and buying. Healthier than soda.
Amen on the credit card! My dad told me if you cannot pay cash for it save for it.
Groceries shopping list it's my main way of saving money
I love a good list!!!!
We rarely eat fast food or drink soda. Eat real food you make at home. It’s an investment in your health and saves money over time.
Take coffee with me when I head out to run errands; if not, I'll for sure stop at Tim Hortons (Canadian, eh! 😉) and get coffee AND a bagel. The kicker is that I don't even like Timmies coffee anymore.. it's awful!!!.. so bitter and they never ever fix my bagel like I ask and I don't enjoy it!.. Aaand coffee and a bagel is over $5 😮😢 .. so I take coffee from home and I keep a bag of almonds in my car; just 10 almonds is very filling and healthy. I figured just this change alone is saving me at least $40/ month. I've been able to increase my monthly savings from $100/month to $140-50/ month. You've helped me so much, Kate. I love you 💓🫂😘🎉🎵🌷
I agree. I never leave the house without a drink. Saves me so much.
My husband and I just tonight decided to fill the freezer with our delectable homemade breakfast burritos and have them ready for travel. This is something we did in the past, and just got away from it over the years. But it's time to go back to it. It's like a picnic. We will also be returning to our habit of taking a big thermos of hot tea (and yes, our water bottles) and whatever else is handy--fruit usually, maybe some cheese.
It's over an hour's drive to town for us, with errands all over for a trip that takes several hours. We almost always eat out, and it's almost never worth it. So, enough of that nonsense.
Another thing I like to do is pick up a deli chicken (Sam's are cheap), some grapes and cheese and call it dinner when we get home. Then the carcass is boiled later for broth.
Thanks, and keep up the good work!
You make a great point… eating out always is tempting to me but then it’s usually disappointing. I don’t mind spending if it was worth it but often it isn’t 😌
Minimalism has helped me live below my means. I don't want to spend money on stuff that will just get in my way and make my home or closet feel cluttered.
I feel the same way:)
I collect water in a bucket in the shower while it's heating. Water in bucket used for my plants
I love this idea but I can’t donut. We have a water softener and the water kills my plants. I wonder if I could get a filter for that?
I live in a place where we have very cold winters. I have normalized wearing more clothes around the house. I keep the house at 66-67F during the day when people are home. It goes down to 63 during the workday and at night. When we leave for a couple days it is set at 62.
Favourite way? Pack some lunch/snack/water 💦 I cringe at the cost & not health 'fast food ' Living simply is such a gift! Thank You Kate ❤❤❤
Thank you Kaitlin!!!
Finally I find someone like me, you are doing exactly what I am doing for 40 years and I live happy and no debt...I add a thing before taking your shower collect the first running cool water in a basket and use this water to flush your toilet.
Love this! So glad you’re here!
😢
We use a credit card, and I don’t even wait until the end of the month. When I order something online, which is necessary, as I am disabled, and it is very hard to get out and get things, I pay it off immediately. If I ever forget to pay something immediately, it drives me crazy.
I am the same way - use my card than I am on edge in-till I pay it off asap .
I followed your advice on an earlier video and put savings in my budget just like my bills. It works like a charm and it’s automated so I can’t forget!
This makes me SO happy Maria!!!!!!!!!!
I saved my 2024 monthly SS COLA RAISE ALL YEAR....
SURE ADDS UP FOR THE YEAR.
MY COLA RAISE WAS $67. SO THAT'S $804. SAVINGS IN MY PIGGY BANK FOR THIS YEAR.
@@eileeneclark9011I'm going to try that for because every time when I save money people always want to steal get that work for your own money sad
Australia puts on/off switches on all of their electric outlets to stop “Phantom Power”. It’s a thing. Just as easy to unplug the coffee pot and microwave while it’s not in use.
Two things that I do similarly to what you mentioned:
1. I don’t drink coffee, but I do drink pop. I buy it from the grocery store when it’s on sale. I pack it in my lunch or take it to work or on the road with me.If I think I have to have it, it’s the cheapest way to do it. And I agree, buying it at the gas station is too expensive. We drink water in restaurants. Where we live, it’s usually at least $3 to order a pop with a meal.
2. In the shower, I shampoo my hair and rinse, then put the conditioner on and leave it. I get my washcloth all sudsy, then turn the water off while I wash my body. I turn the shower back on at the end to rinse my hair & body. It’s a small savings of warm water, but I do it because there are 3-4 of us using the showers in the mornings.
I have a 98 year old house. Evidently the tap water/service pipe is OLD. Never thought much about it, but got a letter from the city after my meter was changed. Got a faucet filter now + I'm Amazed at the great water quality. WOW. Now I hope to be feeling better too. News ystdy that our water supply has too many Nitrates in it .. way above Federal safety standards. Iowa
Yes, water I have a friend that leaves the water running when doing dishes, I fill the sink 1/4 of the way and rinse in the second sink. 🧡 all good ideas to be mindful.
YASSS Thanks Karen!
‘Overall it adds up’ is helpful to remember.
YASSS Beth!!!! Thanks for being here!
Yes!! Phantom power is a thing! 😊 I argue with my husband about this alllll the time!!
HI KATIE!!!!
@@KateKaden Hi Kate!! 😁
Saved a couple hundred dollars by checking the tires that were waiting to go to the recycling centre behind a vehicle service business . A full set was there ( without plugs or any damage) and I will get at least one season out of them. Some people get them replaced often, even if they don't need to. It's best to check with the owner first.
When I was becoming debt free, i set a goal of paying off my car first. It was financed by my bank. A couple of times a week, I would look at my accounts. I moved the “ small change” into the car payment account. An account with $657.29 would get $7.29 transfer to the car payment. Now, I transfer the “small change “ to my vacation account.
You made me get up and turn a couple of lamps off and unplug the chargers. 😂
😂love this 🥰
Get low. Kate, the tip about the number of drinks in our homes can also fit with other things- chips, crackers, breads. We can select a few we like and probably don't need a choice of 10 or 12 in our home. Sometimes these either go stale before we eat them or get pushed to the back of a cabinet. This has happened in my house until I got wise.
God bless you and your son
These are great tips, and really not difficult to adopt. I do unplug my t.v. and microwave when not in use, but I live alone and the only time I watch my t.v. is when guests are here so it's probably easier for me to do that. Everything I watch is on my laptop. I also don't use the microwave every day so that's not difficult. I always do the one about food in the car too, but it's a 25 minute drive to town for me (I only go into town once a week) so I always make sure I have stuff to eat because a) I can control what I'm eating and 2) Not be tempted to stop anywhere and spend money needlessly. Now I just need to unplug the power strip in my room when I go to bed as there are a few "phantom" items plugged into that. Thanks!
11.22.2024
As I'm rinsing dishes, I run it in the other sink w/the stopper & dish liquid in, so I can use that water to wash my next sink full of dishes. Cuz as I use dishes, I slip them in that water. Just add some hot water when I start washing that load. 👊
Clever idea
Thank you!!! Love it:)
Sometimes it is just plates and silverware I'll put them in the rack and pour water over them
The carry food with you is a big one! I always have trail mix (homemade, of course) and water. Saves so much money.
YASSS perfect!
One thing that I think cuts my electric bill more than anything is turning off the electric water heater. I know a lot of people will disagree with me but it probably saves $15-20 a month. I turn it on like 30 minutes before taking a shower, water is completely hot. Afterwards I shut it off. The water is always hot through the day for anything you need. People will probably say it’s hard on your tank but I had my last water heater over 25 years before it conked out. You are like a ray of sunshine… So happy I ran across one of your videos a couple days ago, been binge watching to hear more 😊
Kate, you are so right!
I started putting away savings first. I go big though, I save about 50% of my income. I am getting a raise this year also of about $2.50, and a new job location. So that helps!
I do play the Credit Card CashBack Game - but I play it really well! I buy nothing I cannot afford in cash or move from savings. I pay everything off within the week or a few days. I never let a balance slip. I'm very disciplined, and I didn't just happen to be that way. That took a lot of mindful self education and months of practice. Saying no & setting boundaries, even for yourself is such a big deal!
So....pay yourself first. Never buy anything you cant afford to pay off. & Then make sure everything is paid.
Theres no guide to being an adult, but it does help to seek advice where needed & for that, we thank you :)
You are so welcome!!! Trisha, I appreciate you!!!!
Great! Get Low!
@@nancytoka9009 thanks!
I also play the cash back game with the credit cards. I deduct it immediately in my check register as if I had written a check. When the bill comes in, I compare it to my check register to make sure it matches, then schedule the payment to pay in full. No need to deduct the total when I do that, since I have deducted each transaction as I did it. No surprises, and the cash back can be a nice boost to my account.
I love the idea of a bucket in the shower.
Oh that ideal you had on treat your saving like a bill never thought of that. I love you
Love you more! Have an amazing weekend Carolyn!
I hate wasting food, so I make sure to use everything I have to create simple, tasty and healthy dishes. If veggies are starting to go bad, I will make soup. If fruit is starting to go bad, I throw it in a protein smoothly. I will add potatoes or rice and beans to a meat dish to make it last a bit longer and reduce the cost
New to your channel, music to my ears! My father and his people 5:26 were Mainers . I was taught frugal as common sense. Thanks for the tip s!
Nothing personal but Americans take things for granted I wish they could go to a third world country just for a month he'll come back and change person I learned because my mother raised us by herself and if it wasn't enough food she didn't eat I know how to budget
G weekend!
❤ you are one of my weekend treats! 69 debt free! Downsizing and buys condo cash!
Hey youngsters it took a lot of sacrifice to get hear. 35 years teaching and husband oil field. 80 hour work weeks typical. Hang on plan and work hard. You’ll get there!!
If you’re a teacher, you’d write, “to get here.”
Watching your videos and so thankful for your wisdom and spirit. Kind of madly in love with you
Ha! I live in Az and we have a well that requires us to haul water at certain times of the year. I’ve lived this way for a long time so I’m accustomed to being conservative with our water. If I’m watching a movie where they have left water running I can’t relax and focus on the show until it’s turned off!
Hi. I started freezing homemade meals. It is better and healthier food. I save money not buying fast food for ridiculous prices. Have a nice day.
Thank you Rose! You too!
I hear you Kate. I too, don't let the water run while brushing my teeth. As for my hygiene, I take primarily showers. I only take baths if I have sore & achy muscles that need an Epsom Salt bath. My showers take 5-6 minutes if that! I have two other roommates that need water too! So I try to be courteous for their sake as well. Especially now, because here in NYC we've been having the drought conditions. It has been more of a warning, then a ban. Great ideas all the other points.
Kate! My alarm didn't go off.😢 I work later shift. I am on the replay and Thank you! 🙏You are kazoo on my shoulder. If you know you know.😉
Always so happy to see you Drea! :) You are very welcome!!!! See you next video:) Thank you for the kind comment:)
Get Low! I recently started unplugging my router at night. Yes phantom electricity is a thing. I know you are friends with 'Under the Median' and they have discussed this too! I always pack snacks when going on trips, live alone now so its easy to accommodate just me :-).
Gramma Katie checking in. Good morning. I keep trying to make my daughter understand about soft drinks. Especially if we have a cheat and eat out. Order water . Those other dri.ks can add up fast
GOOD MORNING! Always thrilled to see you Gramma Katie!
Been using your buffer of $3,000 idea. Emergency fund is the same thing, but this and an emergency fund is a good thing to try.
YASSS!!!! Proud of you!!!! Awesome!
I ate breakfast before I went to a free event with free food. I was so full I couldn’t get any of the free food. I just forgot because I am so used to filling up before I leave the house 😅 .. I was a little bummed lol
😂
Oh Kate, I feel ya with the shower guy 100%! Thanks as always for the wonderful tips. You're amazing! 💗
Appreciate you so much Kathy!!!!!
I am the dishwasher, 😂 i use a dish tub in my double sink ❤ i fill up another container when i am running the water to get it warm. If you're not in the room no lights on ❤
OMG! I was the dishwasher for 7 years at my last home:) I hear you!
Love your videos, GET LOW, you give us these points with a beautiful smile of encouragement ❤️
Thank you so much!
Get low! I do most of these things. And yes, phantom energy is real.
Lol on your guest's long shower. When my kids were small, 5 of them, I had An assembly line when it was shower time. One in, one out. Limit of 10 minutes. And I do take short showers. Not sure if the do. 🙂
Mom to 8, I keep them to 4 minutes each.😊
The lights and water is so engrained in me from growing up that I cringe when I see other's leaving them on for long amounts of time. I love using my credit card, paying it off, and then using the points we earn on fancy NYC dinners. We live close to NYC so a night out is always a treat, especially when we are not "paying" for it (hahah!)
Love it Shannon!
Get low..... but i realy want yellow cushion for my sofa... almost never buy home decor these days, but i have this craving😅💖 happy friday Kate💖
Hi Milda!!!! HAPPY FRIDAY! Yea sometimes I crave certain things also!
Practice ways to live below your means.
Keep a budget. That's all there is. Move money from one category to another where needed to extend if need be.
Put $25 per paycheck automatically into an account. Mine goes into my mortgage account. Setup an amount on payroll direct deposit so rent mortgage is separate from my bills and spending. It's so nice to keep it separate.
Either automatically put money in regular savings or put left over into savings at the beginning or end of the month. I usually have$ 100 left over each month. So at the end or beginning of the month, I reset my financial ledger back to a set amount in checking. Anything left over from that set amount gets transferred to the savings. It's typically around 100$ saved per month. Slowly adds up.
Kate and Kaden ❤❤❤😮😮😮😊😊😊 I drink Coffee and Tea mostly
Using less water and electricity isn't really a budget thing. There's so much more than just a budget.
I unplug coffee maker after coffee is made. I just heat up almond milk.
I did wonderful last year debt free this year not to good. I got this with your videos and great advice I’ll be back on track 2025 I got this 😊
I always enjoy your videos and your positivity! Thanks for posting. I enjoyed listening to your video while packing up leftovers for our lunch tomorrow. ❤
Thank you so much! Love this!!!
My place is in a sunny corner so light only come on at night and turn off when not in the room. Electric is usually between $50 and $75😊
Love!
We didn’t have cable and it was great
We have been using our larder (food and other) to have a much higher life style than if we didn't stock up on good to excellent prices. In general, we have fewer skus but more volume of the skus we do have. Today we stocked up on 24.? oz cans of coffee for $3.99. It Martinson's from New York which is not a brand local to us so I compare it price wise to store brand coffee. The cheapest I've seen store brand coffee of this general size is @$7.50 for sometime now so, our savings per can will be at least $3.50. We bought a LOT for sometime to come and in doing so will be spending less elsewise on what we are considering more of an investment purchase; something we buy now for savings in the future.
To be happy with what you have, is a way of living below your means.
Make food out of stock/ fridge/ pantry before calling a food delivery
LOVE!
Skio the food delivery. Just go buy the food and cook at home.
Great tip to bring along some beverages and snacks. I do this and it really helps me avoid temptation.
Thank you Nancy!!!!
Watching a vid u made 3 years ago. A new subscriber. Your smile is so nice!
Thanks so much
loved your video.. i only just started saving for my retirement.. when i was 58 i always thought i would have free energy and i always expected to work forever.. but that free energy is gone now.. and it all takes a toll on my body.. be frugal and save for your retirement.. money is a tool.. use it hard.. i loved your comment about thinking about your savings as a bill.. i love spending money and i even enjoy spending money on my savings.. i also buy stocks.. theyre fun to buy too thanks again..
I like to set goals- I love a good challenge. Our Christmas challenge is to buy 3 items for each other (my spouse) The kicker is we can't spend more than $10 total. lol My next challenge is no spend January. But the bigger challenge is to do this through March. My hubby is on board :) Our goal: Cat emergency fund replenish.
Love a good challenge! :)
We always get the report in the mail from our electric company saying we are below all of our neighbors in energy consumption. Most of that I think is due to my use of small appliances that do big jobs like my small convection oven and my Ninja Foodi which is an air fryer, pressure cooker, steamer, slow cooker all-in-one. Both the oven and Ninja Foodi are timed. I cannot burn down the house with them. The fridge is small and I have a small packed to the brim chest freezer. We have laptops and no TV. We do not have central air. My husband does our laundry once a week in a small top washer/dryer combo.
That is so cool that you get those reports! LOVE that! Thanks for sharing this with us!
Always look forward to your tips on Friday!
Thank you so much Karen! I always look forward to you being here! Thank you!!!!! Have an amazing weekend. See you next video!
Excellent video. I shop every 2 weeks for groceries 😊
I need to do this. We stop at the grocery store waaay too often.
Love this! I might give that a shot at some point!
Another great video and hugs to Kaden. I have 3 CC's with 0 balances. I had them for peace of mind when I was broke, but I have always paid them off on payday, never waiting for due date. I go online and see how much I owe and pay it off. One I use for Netflix, one for my internet bill and the third for big purchases and Amazon. It is a cash back card. I also have a pre-paid card with an online bank that I use for gas and groceries. I get interest on the money on it, and it is also cash back. I also use it for dining out. Because it is prepaid, it limits how much I can spend.
I don't know if it's practical, but the way I live below my means is: When I get paid, i distribute money to investments and savings. A little here, a little there. Individually the accounts are not impressive so I can trick myself into thinking I need to save MORE. When I do my Net Worth Statement on the 1st of the month I am always pleasantly surprised!
Sue I LOVE reading your comments! THANK YOU for sharing! Love this.
Get low! Had extra expenses this month and able to take care of all of them. Saving all we can for a 2025 trip on our bucket list. We served others yesterday by sorting and loading food to take to others needing help with their Thanksgiving meals. ❤
It takes a while for hot water to come out of my kitchen tap. I keep a bucket nearby in the warmer months to catch the water until it heats up. I use that water in my garden or refilling the bird baths. That is a lot of water that would be wasted otherwise. I shower every other day unless I am really sweaty or dirty, but I only wash my hair 2-3 times a week - my hair is softer and easier to manage since I started doing this.
Where I live our water has too much chlorine in it because of a chemical issue last summer, so our household uses a zero water pitcher and we get the filters from Amazon. It's a nice crisp water this way and no chemical smells either.
I very rarely purchase sodas. I make southern sweet tea, buy tea bags and sugar, that's it. Cheap drink, make a gallon at a time.
When I shower, water used to get wet and a soapy rag. Then off. Once washed, back on to rinse off.
I'm one to unplug everything that's not being used except major appliances and TV.. Electricity bill stays really low.
Thanks Sophia!
Tv, washer/dryer, old school stereo equipment and water heaters (turn them down a knotch).
Thank you Gert:) Always so happy to see you!!!!! Have a great weekend!!!
Interesting, I never in my life thought about turning the water on before getting in the shower.
Not because I am frugal, only it never was a possibility for me.
Maby that's an American thing.
I am from Austria.
I guess there are people that have frugal habbits and don't even feel like being frugal.
That shifts my mindset.
Adjusting the temperature beforehand avoids the risk of being scalded by sudden hot water bursts.
That said, I know approxinately where the faucet needs to be turned for my comfort level. I've heard that some modern systems let a person just punch in a temp, but I've never had anyrhing that fancy.
We have a well for water, so we have to be careful about our water. I’ve gotten good at quick showers, but now and then I need a good long warm shower.
Great video and eating leftovers and shopping my pantry are my favorite things to do to save money
We don't have many beverages, unless we have company. Last month I got rid of our Direct TV service. I watch my antenna I got from Walmart and have so many channels for free. That's $124.99 to put into savings or spend on something special every month ! I wash most of our laundry in tap temp water, and save using hot water for other laundry and showers. I hand wash my dishes even though I have a dish washer. I use my credit card points for Christmas gifts. We only have lights on in rooms we are actively using, and have all led bulbs. Sadly, since I live in the desert, our hot months mean high electric bills, but very low bills in our cooler months. Happy Thanksgiving ! 🥰🍃🍂🍁💗✝
Thank you Momof2!!!
This is a great video pre shopping season! Thank you
Yes I try to drink water more and a little coffee mostly and a coke once in a while
Love it!
Kate going green!! love it
Thanks Nimzo!
First time tuning in. Thank you for the tips !
Welcome Jack!!! Thanks so much!
Get Low!!
I love these tips. I always take either a coffee or a drink when I am going out and running errands. I will also tend to eat breakfast at home before I leave, so I am not as hungry 🙂
YASSS!!!! HI LYLA!!!!!!
@@KateKaden Hi!!
Live below your means 👍
Thank you Sandra! Always so happy to see you each week. Have an amazing weekend!
Thank you for your tips. I love your videos!
Your actually a great thoughtful person. The beat thing to do is charge people for water pretty high… You’re living the way everyone lived in the 1970’s
Thanks so much Trudy:)
I created a stock market program to pay all my bills it's not quite finished but it's working.!
Thank you for a tips Kate.
Get low- unplugged! 😂 water & apple always with me!! accumulate👍✌️☀️
YASSSSS!!!!!! Good on the go items!!!!
Yep water and apple! Me too
❤ accumulate!
@ oops! 😬
Thank you kate and viewes coments so encouraging
Thank you so much!!!
I buy items from thrifty stores and discount grocery stores like Aldi
Hi Kate! I drink water mostly everyday. And I will drink a glass or 2 of milk. I do buy a liter of Coke if I ever am going to have pizza. I just don't want to drink water or milk with pizza. I don't order pizza from Domino's,Pizza Hut etc. I get my Kroger has on sale. Like here recently I got a Red Baron pizza for 2.99 and then another time a Digiorno pizza for 4.99 - both on sale at Kroger.
I keep my electric bill down also. I only have the lights on in the room I am in. And turn off lights when I leave said room.
I don't let the shower run long before I get in. I get it to right temp and get in. I don't rush or time it. I like to relax in the shower.
I leave my air fryer unplugged and my tablet when it's charged unplug charger. I unplug the charger on my phone .
I buy dry milk to use in recipes that call for milk and save the regualr milk for drinking and cereal etc.
Ha ha! I do number four all the time! I always have something on me. I get the munchies.
Two things that I do similarly to what you mentioned:
1. I don’t drink coffee, but I do drink pop. I buy it from the grocery store when it’s on sale. I pack it in my lunch or take it to work or on the road with me.If I think I have to have it, it’s the cheapest way to do it. And I agree, buying it at the gas station is too expensive. We drink water in restaurants. Where we live, it’s usually at least $3 to order a pop with a meal.
2. In the shower, I shampoo my hair and rinse, then put the conditioner on and leave it. I get my washcloth all sudsy, then turn the water off while I wash my body. I turn the shower back on at the end to rinse my hair & body. It’s a small savings of warm water, but I do it because there are 3-4 of us using the showers in the mornings.
Pur water is very expensive. We made an investment purchase of a DIY roof water collection system.