I have to shout at the rooftops at how good it feels to pay down debt. We can’t always share with our friends and family this information because they don’t like to talk about it. We have paid of 20k in 3 months!! We have 3900 left on credit cards then we are credit card debt free! On to the one vehicle with a balance then the house!
This is why I go out for coffee. I live alone and I'm quite alright with that, but still, I need human contact so I meet 2 friends at Huddle House nearly every morning for coffee and conversation. I have no other social involvement where I live, so this is what I have budgeted for and I don't eat out much at all. Maybe once a month I go for Mexican food because I love it. Give me that and I'm on board with all else you say. 😊
Being frugal is about choosing wisely and with purpose. I drink coffee for the caffeine. That kind of coffee drinking would be wasteful FOR ME because I can get my caffeine fix cheaper. An entire social life where you visit with friends daily? Seems like you are getting a bargain for what you are looking for. Good for you.
We lived on one income when I stayed home with the kids until they were elementary age. When I returned to work we continued to live on only one income, saving my earnings to pay off the mortgage early and save for retirement.
Love this. My hubby will retire at the end of 2023 and we’ve been living off one income and saving his. It’s totally doable. We’ve been totally debt free (mortgage too) for 3 years now.
I am new to this at age 57, so I really need this help and encouragement. After my husband passed in 2013 I have been in a financial nightmare, so to find Kate is a blessing to me. so, here I go wish me luck
Hello Sherry my condolences ❤I have help several women including my mother is your type of situation. If you ever need guidance and a plan please let me know free of charge of course.
Happy Frugal Friday. I paid off one of my credit cards today! IN FULL! Done... 3 more to go...but one will be done in 2 more months and then another in June... Then the final one in December.. if not sooner! I do all of these things that you mentioned. It works..
Things that I do regularly to save money include: Because I work from home a number of day and on the other days I am on the road seeing different people, I have the luxury of being able to wear the same clothes more than once in a week. The nicer clothes I wear when out seeing people I will change out of immediately when I get home and can often wear at least another day because I do not get "dirty" on the job. The comfy clothes I wear to work at home on the computer get worn sveral times. Saves money on wardrobe and laundry. I also never leave the house without a wate bottle and eith lunch if needed or a snack, "just in case". I may not eat it but I'd rather have it just in case i end up being caught up at something and stat driving home later and more hungry or thirsty than I anticipated. I do cash envelopes but every big bill (like annual insurance payment, all Christmas shopping, etc.) gets paid on a specific credit card and immediately paid off using my sinking funds so that I can accumulate teh travel benefits. I also make "planned over" meals, sort of like left overs but I make them intentionally. As I live alone if I make a casserole, it is always too much for one and reheating can kind of dry it out. So I make the whole resipe, divide it into small seperate glass baking dishes, all but one of which I will freeze uncooked. This way, I always have an assortment of options in the freezer from which I can pull out one the night before, stick in the fridge and them just put into the oven when I get home and it doesn't feel like just heated up left overs. Great video, thanks!
I agree about the laundry! I work from home as well and I have wear a lot of loungewear, sweats and loose sweaters and I’ll wear them multiple times. I even go out and run errands in them. I’ve been donating so much clothes because I rarely get super dolled up and dress up.
This was really good. I caught credit card fraud just last month on my account because I check my card account two to three times a week. I use that card to earn free groceries and pay it off immediately after using it. I’m mortgage and debt free. 🙌🏽❤️
Totally agree. I pay my 1 credit card (I get cash rewards for using it) every 3-4 days. Don't want any unexpected bills at the end of the month. I stay within my budget.
Little things I do Shop ones a week (stay away from (online) shops With a grocery list Based on a mealplan for breakfast, lunch and dinner Based on real bargains Afther I checked what's in de fridge, freezer, pantry I buy what's on the list and back home straight away. Cook simple meals from scratch like Asian stirfried veggies or fried rice, noudlesoup, harira or Italian minestrone Make filling soups in a large batch for a couple dinners every week, freeze some for next week Cook one pot casserole /stew or pasta in one pot (boil veggies at the last couple of minutes and use less water or pastasaus and some water to cook the pasta in) Keep heating low or off (especially when I am not at home or a sleep) , put on layers, wear a thin head at home or a buff Leave lights out except the one you need to see what your doing at this moment Shower shortly Linedry clothing Close curtains when it's becoming darker and cold Open curtains and use daylight
I’ve tried to do cash envelopes so many times and I feel the same way! It’s easy for me to pull from other envelopes, lose track of my spending, and then there’s so record. Seeing all those charges in my account hurts more!
A good topic might be: how to treat yourself on a budget. I’m a (retiring) therapist and know that emotional spending is a real thing. What else is going on in a person’s life that might need a second look? Relationships, physical/medical needs, family issues, spiritual growth, mental/intellectual curiosities, etc.
I use cash for my groceries once a week. That keeps me in check. I also save all receipts even if using cash. Looking at all those receipts makes it real. Love your channel. Thank you for keeping it real!
I cook almost every day. We go out to eat once a week and usually bring home leftovers for another night. I love to make soups. Soup is so easy to make, it’s inexpensive, healthy and one pot is good for several meals. And it freezes well. It’s a frugal cooks best friend.
We eat at home almost always now. That didn’t used to be the case. Also: Reigning in my impulse Amazon shopping. While I appreciate the convenience I make myself wait before ordering to make sure it is a need and not a want.
MANGER chez soit pas cher. Au restaurant le pâte fine à 050€ PLUS LES LÉGUMES À 1€ ET FROMAGE RÂPER À 0,20€ ET JE PAYE À 20€ L HORREUR TROP CHER. MANGER DEHORS C EST DU LUXE
I have my coffee at home and I spend at least 30 minutes doing “free writing “ on why I want to save money and any temptations I am experiencing. This has helped a lot during the No Spend January. I write my goals etc. If I spend, I take some time to reflect as to whether it was needed or an impulse helps me figure out the triggers or the reasons. It’s helped me get in a good frame of mind before heading out the door. For example, I have slipped $25 worth of impulse used book purchases this month, but I am ok with that and will work on avoiding the library used book store in February. Lol. This means dropping books off and picking them up at the drive through windows because I know the bookstore is too tempting. Lol. I am continuing my no spend January into a “Financial Freedom February “ with the same guidelines. I have a couple knitting classes coming up that I have to buy supplies for, but I am writing a bare basic amount of funding in for those. Cooking at home and meal planning at least a week at a time has helped with both grocery shopping and knowing what to cook.
Another good snacks non salted cashews , pecans brazil nuts add some raisins &/ or plain m&m s ??? Ooor anything that you like 2 eat...in small amounts ..i also love my sode stream..i just drink freezing cold bubly water . I cant do just plain boring water. I git my machine 4 only $ 20. From mark etpkace & then i had 2 byy tge c o 2 tube & the special bottles .. b u t its super cheap & no carrying 2 lites of club soda / once in awhile pop...i do diet gingerale once in a while..
Fyi you get 60 litres of water ( or pop or bubly flavors added ) for only $ 20. Plus tsx for your c o 2 container..i also bought 2 of them ( co 2 ) so when one is finished i have a spare.
(Abby typing) I know it is No Spend January so later check out Souper Cubes which are silicon cube trays that you can freeze batches of foods like soups, stews, starches, etc into different size cubes to reheat later. If you make a huge batch of black bean soup but don't want to eat it every day or have a huge container in your fridge check them out. I have saved money using their products. Some other examples..juicing and then freezing citrus into cubes, chili into one cup cubes, pasta and sauce into cubes, all kinds of pureed fruit and juices including apple cider into cubes, Anyway you get the gist. I buy all kinds of food staples from Azurestandard and store them like beans, rice, oats so I like to make things in large batches in my Ninja Foodi. Yes I think I have "brand dropped" more in this post than ever before but maybe one of you will find it helpful. Thanks Kate!
I love Souper Cubes and Azure! The cubes are a little pricey, but they make it so much easier to quickly freeze leftovers. I’m hoping to start making intentional freezer meals with mine, but first I need to buy an extra freezer. Azure saves me money on some allergy-friendly foods, but I definitely recommend doing a price comparison because some things were cheaper locally for the exact same product.
I just bought those cubes. They are great! Expensive, but I make a lot of soups and felt it was worth it. Makes it easier to store my food in the freezer too.
Put a cup of soup or casserole into a plastic sandwich bag, seal, freeze flat, they store wonderful upright in the freezer basket, they are a quick hot meal, defrost and cooked in 5 to 6 minutes.
2 weeks ago I made a roast chicken, kept the carcass and fat to try and make my first ever chicken broth. Today, not feeling so well and thought to give a try and make broth. I only put onion powder (did not have celery or carrots) the house smells so good and tastes delicious!! WOW, I can now make my very own Chicken Broth for homemade soup!! #Win #SavingMoney #StayOnBudget
Things I do everyday to save money are eat at home, take food to work for lunch, yes take advantage of free spring water at work, avoid shopping after work, have premade meals at home from my batch cooking that I can just stick in the microwave to heat up. Engage in free entertainment ie a walk, talking on phone, UA-cam, online games, reading, making and selling things on Facebook.
Love the way you said the credit card or debit card and the paper trail keeps you accountable. Totally agree! When my husband did all the finances, I was spending money like water because it wasn’t concrete and it didn’t happen. I told him I needed to pay bills or we were going to go bankrupt. Seeing the spending in front of my face was exactly what I needed to be held accountable.
Living below our means has helped us so much in the past 20 years. Our financial planner told us that we "aren't normal". He can't quite wrap his head around how we do it, but he's taking advice from us if that tells you anything. Great tips!!!! We implement these as well, but it's great to see others do the same so save.
I print out a TON of recipes on Pinterest and I have a huge folder of recipes to rotate. I plan my meals based off the recipes that sounds good and cook accordingly. Making my grocery shopping list is so much cleaner and more streamlined when I plan ahead and only get the necessities and not just random items. I just invested in a nice, non stick cooking pan that is big enough to cook one pot meals that I ordered from Amazon and can’t wait to try it!
You're so right! When you're on a tight budget there can be no surprises or mistakes in your budget. I monitor my bank accounts daily and track my spending. When you're on a tight budget going through the drive-thru is a treat! I've had to really put the breaks on this habit. My goal is to have money leftover at the end of the month. This money is then used for savings and sinking funds! Kate, you've given us lots of good ideas!
Hi Kate, I do a lot of the same... make my own coffee (bring it and a thermos cup for 2nd - stays warm until the afternoon) and bring my own lunch/snacks as well... I also love my crock pot for the days I know are going to be busy so... supper cooks itself on those days. In regards to cash... I use a hybrid system with all my bills coming out of one account; my groceries/gas out of one account and 3 separate savings account for emergency, vacation and Christmas accounts... all my other sinking funds/wallet money is in cash... everything is assigned as soon as I get it so I can track everything easily. Luckily I am now debt free so if I use my credit card, I immediately deposit the funds from the applicable account/envelop every pay day... writing everything down also helps in the process.
I pack my kids' lunches! School lunches are around $3. Multiply that by 4 kids, and I'd be spending a small fortune each month! So we pack sandwiches, homemade pita-pizza, pasta, and sometimes convenience foods like chicken nuggets. We add a fruit and a veggie and a reusable bottle of water. Much cheaper and healthier than school lunches. And bonus, when they empty their lunchbox at night I know just how much they ate and whether they skipped their veggie. 😆
I also make my own coffee, cook meals at home and take EVERYTHING I need for the day in my lunch box! I've done this for years! I have gotten out of the habit of checking my accounts daily and I neeeeed to do that! Thanks for all the great tips! I started my now spend in December and have also been cooking out of my pantry and freezer since then. As the end of the month is approaching, I am thrilled at how much money I have saved!!! That feeling far exceed any feeling I've gotten from shopping. I plan to continue on with even after these two months. I am going to give myself a small allowance each month for fun extras, though. Thanks for the great content - just love your positive, bubbly personality and really appreciate your knowledge!
Yes coffee at home!!! A co-worker buys coffee at a drive thru everyday but complains of never having enough money and every time I see it I think in my mind cha Ching 💵 there’s that extra cash
I do all these! But my newest one (im a year in) is that I also check my bank balance every morning now thanks to you! Used to dread it! But now I'm in control :)
I am so in line with you but I use cash. I swipe and forget that bills haven't cleared. Overdrafts were killing me. So I parked the card and have managed to greatly reduce my stress level around my finances. It's amazing how we all process things similarly and differently. Success however it works best for you!
You are a joy to watch! I completely agree with you except for using cards. Cash just works better for me. I pay myself every week on Friday ($ for groceries, gas and personal, only $200). I find that I don’t even spend all the personal $. Whatever I have left at the end of the week I use it for my pantry stock up or place in savings. I do all 5 of those that you do. What has really saved me money is taking inventory of what I already have (checking my freezer and pantry inventory sheets) and planning my meals based on the sales at the stores. For example, ground beef was on sale at 5lbs for $10 and a 5lb bag of potatoes $2.49. Meals for the week: meatloaf and potatoes (made 2 meals) spaghetti meat sauce ( spaghetti and lasagna made with this), burritos (1 meal) and potato soup with homemade baked bread. I only spent total of $50 plus change ( had to get some fresh fruits, veggies and eggs 😳). The other $50 went towards savings and a few stock ups for my pantry ( sales only). No spend January has been successful thus far. I believe I will continue into the next month.
Finally, someone else who is sick of the cash envelope idea. I check my accounts every morning using my cellphone. I write down what I spend each day. This helps me see what's going on and track my spending. I've been able to identify over $1400 a month that I now use for debt repayment and savings.
I do exactly the same thing as you do. I start my day by checking my bank account and track my spending on a calendar. I write how much I spend each day. I’m doing a no spend January and a low spend 2023.
I make lunch for my son to take to school every day. Bonus: On the odd day that he buys lunch, he always talks about how much better his homemade lunches are. I check my accounts during the week and feel a little out of control if I don't. No spend January is going so well, I'm going to extend it to February. Thanks for everything, Kate! xo
My kids were the envy of their classmates because they got such nice lunch boxes. These were 90% healthy, but there was also a little treat every day. They never wanted money for the tuck shop!
I'm the same way with cash spending vs swiping a card. If I withdraw cash, It's like it's already spent and I tend to more impulse buys that way. I'm a big fan of DIY in order to save money. If it's something I know how to do, I DIY...I trim my own hair, used to color it at home--now it's gray, hem my own pants, do my own manicure, etc. I've even figured out a few home repairs with the help of youtube and google.
I didn't have my gift cards with me today so I drove on by Starbucks and Dunkin Donuts...the pain! The $1811.83/yr on car insurance I saved yesterday motivated me. My goal this year is $6500 into my brand new retirement account. Threw another 10-er in the pot today!
My husband and I work at the same place but his day started at 7 & mine at 8. We talked to our supervisors and they agreed to a half hour difference and now we car pool
Happy Frugal Friday KSquad! Wonderful, as always Kate! My No Spend January was going so well and then our car timing belt and clutch went kaput! Added to that my husband needed to buy a new suit sooner rather than later as our dear friend’s dad passed away. Thankfully we had budgets set aside for these things and what in the past would’ve been a disaster, is now a hiccup. Sometimes life gets in the way but I think if the foundation is strong, all will be well ❤ You motivate and inspire us all so much! Thank you ✨
Unfortunate events happen that can necessitate spending money. I would not count those things as "breaking" any of the No Spend January rules you have set for yourself. I still consider you 100% on track! ❤
Great tips! I batch cook in 3 crockpots each weekend. Then freeze in portions. This gives me homemade freezer meals! And ‘I Am’a great cook. Im age 73. Retired. Cooking gets better as you get older. Pat in Colorado
I have for 15 of my 16 years working at my job have brought my own food. I drink my tea at home. I had been doing really well with my budget but now have combined with my husband and he is not so much on the written budget train. It is very frustrating. I am doing what I can to keep us on track but it is hard to convince someone who for 40plus years has done things his own way. Thanks for your video.
I’ve been retired 3.5 years, but when I was working, I ate breakfast at home before going to work in the morning, I would bring my own food for lunch and snacks, and I drank water all day, just like you’re doing. I would marvel at the majority of my coworkers who would buy breakfast and lunch every single day…..🤔 Now that I’m retired, I make all my own food and rarely go out to eat. I do have 2 different sets of friends (they don’t know each other) and we try to get together once a month to meet up for lunch. So that’s part of the budget. My biggest savings tactic is that I’ve learned how to make a copycat Starbucks bottled Frappuccino drink that I can do at home and it’s delicious! The price of a case of the real Starbucks bottled drinks at Costco has risen almost $7.00!!!! I like your idea of checking your bank account every day-you can definitely keep an eye on transactions AND catch anything fraudulent that might post. Loved this video!……….❤️-Brenda
The only cash stuffing I do is what I take out once a month for spending money. The rest I manage online and keep a notebook to track everything. I'm old school when it comes to record keeping. Any spending money I have left over for the month is rolled over to the following month. Or for any extra saving challenges I am doing. At the end of the year, I turn my coins in and add half to long term savings and the other half to my emergency fund. This system is working for me so far.
I keep track of produce and dairy that will expire. This morning I made a batch of crepes using up my 2 eggs and they can also be frozen. I had a pound of fresh broccoli and milk that I also needed to use up. I made a big batch of copycat Panera Broccoli Cheese Soup. This can be frozen for up to 3 months as well!
Kate; Thank you for another great video. I make my iced coffee every morning at home. This month I am in a challenge to eat every meal and make every drink at home. I also do food prep so hubby doesn't have to go out for food - and I purchased items that go into his snack basket. I also make our own bread by hand and with a bread machine.
I make a copycat recipe for Olive Garden chicken pasta in crockpot. Love it!There is plenty to freeze for later! Do the same with pulled pork, and Italian beef in the crockpot. Today we had homemade chili that I canned in October. I try to cook up a couple meals at a time so that we have options plus there are times we don't want to cook and this keeps us from eating out. We drink water also. We can all do this!!😊
I totally agree about checking my credit card account a few days a week. There were many times over the years where someone got our number and charged things. We just called and Discover checked into it and sent us a new card. This isn’t daily but when I send my grandkids cards I get them at dollar tree.They had cute valentines 2 for $1. For Halloween treats I pass out I always get snacks I know my family likes in case I have leftovers. I have been buying liquid eggs now too.If it calls for 2 eggs I use one egg and 1 serving of liquid eggs. Turns out perfect.I cut up old t shirts to use for rags instead of paper towels.
Hi Kate. I make my own coffee. I learned how to check my accounts from you several years ago and continue to do that. I drink water. And for the most part, I make my own meals and eat at home. Thank you!
I used to take our family of 5 to McDonalds. Total was about $35. We then began to order off the value meal and use the McDonalds app and we could drop it down to $20. Then we began eating at home and only going out for ice cream there $7. Now we go to Aldi and get two ice cream tubs for $6 and we can have multiple bowls. Baby steps. 😉
Every day I make a pot of steeped tea. I can get 4 cups of tea out of one tea bag. Instead of buying milk, I have been using up my store of powdered milk before it goes out of date. Also I freeze the used tea bag for either a foot soak or to reduce eye puffiness. Yup I get my 4 cents worth out of one tea bag lol.
I buy a coffee once a week . Its my way to socialise as I live alone. Each fortnight i put money aside for rates,electricity etc. No bill problems. No stress. If I need clothes I buy on line out of season. Big savings. I'm a pensioner and I save due to simple lifestyle and some frugality. I believe we need to be happy so I treat myself to things that enhances my life eg garden plants and my beautiful pets.
Good inspiration. I so agree. The habits we drill into our routines will thrill us later. I'm a mid-westerner and like you like to spend my saved $ when things really pick up here in the spring & summer. For now it's hearty homemade soups & one pot meals. So worth it. When weather warms I do have to work on carrying the lunches & meals. 😇 Saves a bundle.
I go to my friend’s work on my day off and we sit in the lunch room and eat our meals from home. Go sit at the library if they have benches out front and shade and eat your meal. Take your kid to the park and have a meal there. We have benches outside our work under the trees
I absolutely agree with using cards instead of cash and paying them off promptly. Then the expenditures are like etched in stone, and there's no way you can pretend you did not spend that money. I find this helps me to be more accountable and better able to stay on budget! 👍🌞🤑
Documentation doesn't have to be electronic. Ask for receipts from cash and record them on your computer if you must. But a small log also works. Been doing it for fifty years. If people buy often they may think that's too much effort/labour. I'm so frugal I rarely have three entries a week. :)
I have started this January to write down all my spending, I know it all there in my checking account online but writing it down makes me reevaluate my choices, sometimes it’s painful to see how I spent when I did not have to. But this process has made me more aware and more pragmatic in my spending.
I recently opened a new savings account into which I transfer $15 each week that I am going to use to buy pretty little things that I do not "need" and I gotta say, it's making me feel much less deprived and I love it. I'm planning on buying a new set of sheets that I don't really need, I just want something different besides the same two sets that I have already. Normally I would forbid this purchase, but with this little savings account, it's painless and I'm spending that money on what I budgeted it for: random objects that I desire. It's nice and guilt free!
Same here! I have a savings called “shopping” and slowly saving up for items I would love to have. Saving slowly is nice because I’m not acting on instant gratification and can really think about the purchase
I am realizing I am starting to like the paper trail of using cards. I drink free water at work and coffee at home. We have only eaten out once during January so I am considering that a win so far.
I’ve adopted all 5 of those things this year. I’m really focused on paying down my debt and building my savings. I’m also writing everything I spend down in a notebook and at the end of the month I’ll total everything up into categories and see where I’m spending to make better decisions. I can’t wait until I get my tax return as that will allow me to take a big chunk out of loan I have and be able to pay it off about 6 months sooner than expected! That will free up so much money each month to pay down debt even faster! I’m doing my best to live under my income so that I don’t get used to having that payment gone and I can easily transfer it to something else.
You are my frugal sister!! Everything you wrote is the same for me…but I know I need to update my water intake. I paid off three bills last month, two bills will be paid in full in February and then my tax return will be used to take a large chunk out of my debt, leaving only the larger debts and bigger monthly payments toward them. Great minds think alike!
Now while the emotion and greatful feelings of no longer having your debt payment haven't hit you - Please, please, please generate an additional goal(s) and/ or a very specific (complete with prices and research), prioritorized, spending list. The month after payoff date, write the amount you've been spending on debt right into the budget. It can be something like clothes but with an amount and cap, it can be something like retirement investments or savings which you'll never physically see until "someday", some health and assest (car, house, etc..) maintenance, or some mix of austere and pure pleasure. It could even be something like a serious stand mixer, sewing machine, or some tools to add diy capability for short term savings and a prayer that the investment equipment its self will pay for its self sometime down the road. Just use it for purposeful spending from the get go.
Yes- I looked at this late (1 yr later). I am retired and on a fixed income. I shop at Costco and stock up once a month. And that's all the shopping I do. I strategically share my card with my daughter who buys for herself and her significant other. With the 2 of us racking up what we spend, membership is paid for with their rebate cheque. I also think that 'delayed gratification' should be practiced by everyone. If you think you want something. Wait a week, and see how often it would have been used, and constantly reflect on it. Quite often you find that you don't really need it after all.
I also like a digital record and use my debit or Costco (for Costco only) card for everything. My no spend is no spend on clothes for the whole year and I am seriously breaking the twitch and it's making me realize where my triggers are...mostly you tubers talking about 'minimalist capsule wardrobes'...I was always looking for the 'perfect jeans' or 'perfect tee'. It is fun shutting down that nonsense and using what I have...which is plenty and nice. I love your channel Kate....you NEVER trigger spending!
By making your own coffee you are not only saving the cost, but also the cost of gas while sitting in the long line at the drive-through and if you went inside then your taking an extra risk of COVID exposure. Don't know about in Maine, but here in Tennessee our numbers have been rising again. Two more potential costs from not making your own coffee. Debbie
I have 3 different crockpots and each day I use one of them. I have a tiny one that's good to make small batches of chili or soup up to a large one forfamily meals. This helps keep us frugal as far as food and electric.
Kate, that is sooo true about debit vs cash. I never liked using cash and didn't know why but you hit the nail on the head: accountability! This year I got my self a planner and started to record all of my spending every single day, using my bank record as my source. This really helps to become more aware of my spending and reduces it along the way.
Have you addressed the work place money issues when it comes to "birthday contributions" that you kinda get guilted into? I don't miss that anymore...retired now. Thanks for a great quick reminder to all video about keeping track of money spent It's harder sometimes when kids are involved
Hi Kate. I’ve been watching your channel for a long time, but hadn’t left a message. I usually watch while I’m getting ready in the am and then I’m out the door. Lol. Like you, I make coffee at home. I have one cup at home and I bring one to work. I find buying from a coffee shop to be an occasional treat and I usually use a gift card for that. It tastes incredible because it is a treat and not a daily indulgence. I also choose to skip breakfast and I make lunch at home and bring it to work every day. Have a great day!😊
Here locally I go to value village and no frills for clothes and groceries. Save a ton of money and clothes are reasonably good at Value Village or any thift store
My daughter and her husband are currently living with me as they are building, and they eat out or door dash at least four times a week. I eat what I have here! I also check my bank account at least once a day. I have a lot of items that are automatically deducted, but sometimes on different days, so I watch to make sure they are being paid. As for no spend January, I took a break as my younger brother died😢, and there were some unexpected expenses with that, but plan to get back on track the beginning of next .
I make large portions of soup & freeze enough for other meals. I meal plan with recipes. I look in the freezer for meats I have bought on sale to plan a meal. I always look in the cabinet & refrigerator before putting ingredients for meals on a grocery list. I have been putting money left over at the end of the month (besides allotted amount) into budget buster category instead of vacation. I am strict with utilities.
Thank you!!! I feel the same way about using my card instead of cash. I have tried to use cash for everything before, and my budget always got worse. So starting this month, I went back to using my card for "daily spending" gas, groceries, etc. I do have cash envelopes at home for sinking funds, like home repairs, Christmas/Birthdays. But I don't carry them around to get lost. My bank always has a spending tracker feature, so after setting a few parameters, I can see where everything went. Love your channel!!! Thanks again!!!
I agree 100000% about the cash. For me, it's easier to track spending on my cards. We never carry a balance...we pay it every month. I just had cash for Christmas and I felt lost. I had no idea where I spent my money!
Revisiting. I got the habit of looking at my balances daily from you Kate. Before that if I looked too often I thought i was being neurotic. Now I look at the balances and get a feeling of comfort every day watching them grow slowly over time.
Great video! I eat breakfast, lunch, and snacks from home for work! I also make my own coffee and pack it! Another thing I do is go straight home! I don’t make any stops. One stop to dollar tree can easily spy roll out of control!
Every day I check on checking activity. I also make a list of items that I do not need from the grocery store and try to do better. Like my favorite protein bars that is NOT a need and they add up. I can do better. You videos get me excited about saving and doing better. Thank you!!!!
I agree with SWIPE. I can look at my registry and see where I’m spending foolishly. Tip: print out a free check registry and write down every single dollar spent every day. Add it up. Woah! You spent how much at the gas station on Diet Coke?? Cigarettes? (I hope not!) etc. keep track and you’ll see where it’s going. As you know, I’ve been emptying closets and drawers and listing the stuff on eBay. They pay the shipping so you lose nothing! I have a deer family from Home interiors that’s at $50! No longer sitting in my closet free! I’ve made $1000 extra money. Don’t decide what won’t sell. List it!
Thank you for making videos. I’m glad to hear that you think about transactions like I do. I also started a list this year that whatever I bring in I have to record it. I want to make sure I actually use these items. And it actually hurts to add to this list. So it’s working. 👍🏻 Thanks again I look forward to your videos. 💕
Great ideas, Kate. One thing I won't scrimp on are my self care appointments. Am a generous tipper but realized if I use my debit card to tip, am overly generous. So always make sure I have cash for tips (including restaurants) in my wallet. Otherwise use debit card for everything to make me face the mirror regarding frivolous purchases. Have a great weekend Kate and KSquad 🤗
I too look at my bank acct everyday day when I get up! I don't like surprises so I keep a close eye on it🧐 lol trying to get out of debt this year is a daily sacrifice 🙃📓
I love this channel! I also cook, make my coffee at home and check bank/cc accounts regularly. Another daily habit is to watch financial channels when watching YT. It helps me stay hyped about my goals. Starting late but I really want to start building a college fund for my kids. I want to hear your weekly habits too! I have some random ones…When I was getting used to having a credit card I paid the balance daily, but have since moved on to weekly or biweekly, as it is much easier for me to manage the statement shock this way. I also try to confine spending to Saturday, my grocery day. Last, I invest weekly for that dollar cost average advantage 🎉
We started college funds for all 3 of ours and we’re fortunate that the older 2 received some scholarship money. Both have $ left in their college funds which we were able to take out tax free and put in our savings. Whatever scholarship money they get u can take that amount out. There are so many scholarships kids can apply for they just have to put the work in. Have them go to my scholly ( look at Anthony O’Neal, former Dave Ramsey personality. He talked about this on how kids can apply for scholarships starting as early as freshman year). Hope this helps
I'm conflicted about a car repair, I had a sensor go bad and the car was misbehaving, I could have waited but didn't want it to potentially cause more damage. So i fixed it for 700$. I feel like this was a need even If I could have driven my daughters car till February. Driving where i live is a must, we don't have much public transportation. still it stings, I was doing so good.
Yes ...I will definitely be listening to this one! With the debt ceiling fracas, we may be going to bare bones and saving dollars yet as we move from plan 4 to plan 5 for Jan '23.
I'm not a big coffee drinker. I have a cup occasionally, mostly w my grandma. I started brewing tea at my house more. Helped me stop drinking so much soda. (Down to the occasional, but rare coke.) I use a gallon mason jar. I heat water in a kettle and pour the water over tea bags in the jar. (I use a clothes pin holding the tea bag tags to keep them outside the jar. I close and let steep. When jar is cool/slightly warm I put in the fridge. I don't need ice, it's already cold. I can sweeten to my preference. I actually lessened my sugar little by little. Better for my health. My mom and grandma are from Kentucky. They made sun tea in the summer. Iced tea in the summer and hot tea in the winter. Figure out what works for you. It's mostly the Lipton like black tea blend bags. I get the store brand. I occasionally have a spiced chai or other flavor. I used to get together occasionally w a friend and talk over tea. We would rotate houses. Easy to have some simple cookies or muffins. Maybe a light lunch.
I have a "cheat" that I use when I really really don't want to cook. I let the grocery store & my freezer help me out. I keep a list of my "i don't feel like cooking" options. I freeze extra food for these occasions & also have on hand some main dishes that I got out of the freezer section of the grocery store, I, e, frozen lasagna, ravioli or any other entree that I can add to to make a meal. Then I don't really feel like I am cooking! I know that these items add to the grocery budget so I watch for a sale to buy them. I currently have the following on my I don't feel like cooking list - frozen meatloaf that I made, chicken veggies soup, chili, chicken casserole (using up leftover chicken, ravioli & hone made spaghetti sauce. Thus works for me & prevents me from doing the drive through for dinner
I SO AGREE about using cards over cash. I find it gives me way more accountability. I bet it's because you and I are such ninja budgeters and always look at our accounts daily! Go us!
I feel the same way about cash! Feels free in a sense. I’m much more accountable to my online CC transactions because those I have to face & get transferred to my budget
I’m with you on feeling more accountable if I use my card to buy things. And I much prefer being able to see exactly where my money went, all in one place.
You know what saves you money? Being vegan.I am more like a flexitarian(vegan most of the time),but even if I buy plant-based milk which is more expensive than dairy,not buying eggs,cheese or meat regularly will save you a lot of money.Contrary to what some might think,cooking vegan is not hard and could be tasty too.If you want to lose weight,a healthy vegan diet can help you lose weight too. UA-cam teaches so much.
That's exactly how I feel about cash and card! If I receive a big lump of cash, I try to go deposit it before I think of spending it because then I won't have that paper trail. Plus I like to use my cards on most purchases because of credit card points. I am very responsible with my credit so this does not negatively effect me.
I see we have a new camera hog in the making! 😀 I take a flask of tea with me if I go out for long periods, but I'm mostly at home because I work from home. Even so, it saves time and energy to make a flask of tea just once instead of boiling the kettle 4-5 times... I save so much money by not having to leave the house for work and having my own kitchen available for lunch, so I don't buy things from vending machines or drive-throughs. I love the way No Spend January has gone for me so far - and the Pantry Challenge. I've decided already to continue and do those again in February. I don't need anything like as much as I thought I needed. Just as well since my car needs fixing next week and that will really hammer my emergency fund (but that's what it's for, right, emergencies?). So all is well, really, and what a great time to spend as little as possible and just on essentials - when the car decides to give up the ghost! Have a great weekend, Kate - and Kaden, Mr H, Spooky and Ghost! That's pretty much the perfect family!
I have to shout at the rooftops at how good it feels to pay down debt. We can’t always share with our friends and family this information because they don’t like to talk about it. We have paid of 20k in 3 months!! We have 3900 left on credit cards then we are credit card debt free! On to the one vehicle with a balance then the house!
That is so exciting!! We here in the KSquad are celebrating with you! It does feel so good. Great job!
Congratulations. Throw yourselves a private little fun celebration when you each your goal! ?🎉🎈🎊👏👏👏
BRAVA!!
Awsome, great job!
My house has been paid off for a year now and I can just hug a wall, I am so happy and grateful!
This is why I go out for coffee. I live alone and I'm quite alright with that, but still, I need human contact so I meet 2 friends at Huddle House nearly every morning for coffee and conversation. I have no other social involvement where I live, so this is what I have budgeted for and I don't eat out much at all. Maybe once a month I go for Mexican food because I love it. Give me that and I'm on board with all else you say. 😊
Being frugal is about choosing wisely and with purpose. I drink coffee for the caffeine. That kind of coffee drinking would be wasteful FOR ME because I can get my caffeine fix cheaper.
An entire social life where you visit with friends daily? Seems like you are getting a bargain for what you are looking for. Good for you.
Good for you. It is about making your lifestyle fit your budget.
We lived on one income when I stayed home with the kids until they were elementary age. When I returned to work we continued to live on only one income, saving my earnings to pay off the mortgage early and save for retirement.
Love this. My hubby will retire at the end of 2023 and we’ve been living off one income and saving his. It’s totally doable. We’ve been totally debt free (mortgage too) for 3 years now.
I am new to this
at age 57, so I really need this help and encouragement. After my husband passed in 2013 I have been in a financial nightmare, so to find Kate is a blessing to me. so, here I go wish me luck
Sherry! We are here for you! I really hope my videos are helpful!!!!
Hello Sherry my condolences ❤I have help several women including my mother is your type of situation. If you ever need guidance and a plan please let me know free of charge of course.
Happy Frugal Friday. I paid off one of my credit cards today! IN FULL! Done... 3 more to go...but one will be done in 2 more months and then another in June... Then the final one in December.. if not sooner! I do all of these things that you mentioned. It works..
🎉🎉🎉congrats!!!!!🎉🎉🎉🎉
Things that I do regularly to save money include: Because I work from home a number of day and on the other days I am on the road seeing different people, I have the luxury of being able to wear the same clothes more than once in a week. The nicer clothes I wear when out seeing people I will change out of immediately when I get home and can often wear at least another day because I do not get "dirty" on the job. The comfy clothes I wear to work at home on the computer get worn sveral times. Saves money on wardrobe and laundry. I also never leave the house without a wate bottle and eith lunch if needed or a snack, "just in case". I may not eat it but I'd rather have it just in case i end up being caught up at something and stat driving home later and more hungry or thirsty than I anticipated. I do cash envelopes but every big bill (like annual insurance payment, all Christmas shopping, etc.) gets paid on a specific credit card and immediately paid off using my sinking funds so that I can accumulate teh travel benefits. I also make "planned over" meals, sort of like left overs but I make them intentionally. As I live alone if I make a casserole, it is always too much for one and reheating can kind of dry it out. So I make the whole resipe, divide it into small seperate glass baking dishes, all but one of which I will freeze uncooked. This way, I always have an assortment of options in the freezer from which I can pull out one the night before, stick in the fridge and them just put into the oven when I get home and it doesn't feel like just heated up left overs. Great video, thanks!
I agree about the laundry! I work from home as well and I have wear a lot of loungewear, sweats and loose sweaters and I’ll wear them multiple times. I even go out and run errands in them. I’ve been donating so much clothes because I rarely get super dolled up and dress up.
Well done!
Love your idea of dividing a casserole into individual portions and freezing. 👏🏻
Savez vous pour EVITEZ DE LAVER SOUVENT LES VÊTEMENTS AÉRÉ DEHORS SURTOUT L AIR ENLEVE LES ODEURS LA PLUIE LAVE VOS FRINGUES
À PART VOS SOUS-VÊTEMENTS
TROP LONGUE À LIRE
Intermittent Fasting is saving lot on grocery and also keep you in a good health and full of energy 🎉
This was really good. I caught credit card fraud just last month on my account because I check my card account two to three times a week. I use that card to earn free groceries and pay it off immediately after using it. I’m mortgage and debt free. 🙌🏽❤️
Totally agree. I pay my 1 credit card (I get cash rewards for using it) every 3-4 days. Don't want any unexpected bills at the end of the month. I stay within my budget.
Little things I do
Shop ones a week (stay away from (online) shops
With a grocery list
Based on a mealplan for breakfast, lunch and dinner
Based on real bargains
Afther I checked what's in de fridge, freezer, pantry
I buy what's on the list and back home straight away.
Cook simple meals from scratch like Asian stirfried veggies or fried rice, noudlesoup, harira or Italian minestrone
Make filling soups in a large batch for a couple dinners every week, freeze some for next week
Cook one pot casserole /stew or pasta in one pot (boil veggies at the last couple of minutes and use less water or pastasaus and some water to cook the pasta in)
Keep heating low or off (especially when I am not at home or a sleep) , put on layers, wear a thin head at home or a buff
Leave lights out except the one you need to see what your doing at this moment
Shower shortly
Linedry clothing
Close curtains when it's becoming darker and cold
Open curtains and use daylight
Living in Florida I don’t use my dryer April thru November. It helps alot😊
I’ve tried to do cash envelopes so many times and I feel the same way! It’s easy for me to pull from other envelopes, lose track of my spending, and then there’s so record. Seeing all those charges in my account hurts more!
Totally:)
Exactly, Jessica! I was all over the show when I tried this system!
Kate I am like tin man to creek creek untile I have my coffee I have three coffees home made at home to sister
ahaha im the same with digital. we can all conect on the urge to spend with each method feels easier
A good topic might be: how to treat yourself on a budget. I’m a (retiring) therapist and know that emotional spending is a real thing. What else is going on in a person’s life that might need a second look? Relationships, physical/medical needs, family issues, spiritual growth, mental/intellectual curiosities, etc.
I use cash for my groceries once a week. That keeps me in check. I also save all receipts even if using cash. Looking at all those receipts makes it real. Love your channel. Thank you for keeping it real!
I cook almost every day. We go out to eat once a week and usually bring home leftovers for another night. I love to make soups. Soup is so easy to make, it’s inexpensive, healthy and one pot is good for several meals. And it freezes well. It’s a frugal cooks best friend.
We eat at home almost always now. That didn’t used to be the case. Also: Reigning in my impulse Amazon shopping. While I appreciate the convenience I make myself wait before ordering to make sure it is a need and not a want.
MANGER chez soit pas cher. Au restaurant le pâte fine à 050€ PLUS LES LÉGUMES À 1€ ET FROMAGE RÂPER À 0,20€ ET JE PAYE À 20€ L HORREUR TROP CHER. MANGER DEHORS C EST DU LUXE
I have my coffee at home and I spend at least 30 minutes doing “free writing “ on why I want to save money and any temptations I am experiencing.
This has helped a lot during the No Spend January. I write my goals etc. If I spend, I take some time to reflect as to whether it was needed or an impulse helps me figure out the triggers or the reasons. It’s helped me get in a good frame of mind before heading out the door. For example, I have slipped $25 worth of impulse used book purchases this month, but I am ok with that and will work on avoiding the library used book store in February. Lol. This means dropping books off and picking them up at the drive through windows because I know the bookstore is too tempting. Lol.
I am continuing my no spend January into a “Financial Freedom February “ with the same guidelines. I have a couple knitting classes coming up that I have to buy supplies for, but I am writing a bare basic amount of funding in for those.
Cooking at home and meal planning at least a week at a time has helped with both grocery shopping and knowing what to cook.
Love Financial Freedom February ❤
J N vais plus à la boulangerie trop tenter
J fais moi même le pain. U PEU raté mais mangeable
Nul nul TT c qui CONSERNE la cuisine
I totally agree with you! 👍
Another good snacks non salted cashews , pecans brazil nuts add some raisins &/ or plain m&m s ??? Ooor anything that you like 2 eat...in small amounts ..i also love my sode stream..i just drink freezing cold bubly water . I cant do just plain boring water. I git my machine 4 only $ 20. From mark etpkace & then i had 2 byy tge c o 2 tube & the special bottles .. b u t its super cheap & no carrying 2 lites of club soda / once in awhile pop...i do diet gingerale once in a while..
Fyi you get 60 litres of water ( or pop or bubly flavors added ) for only $ 20. Plus tsx for your c o 2 container..i also bought 2 of them ( co 2 ) so when one is finished i have a spare.
ohhh the bliss of morning coffee at home before anything else ... the sheer euphoria
5:18 Finally! I feel the same Kate - spending cash is so easy and painless, but seeing balance on my bank account hurts.
This is how my kids feel, and from what I understand, most kids these days feel this way. Cash almost feels like found money to them
(Abby typing) I know it is No Spend January so later check out Souper Cubes which are silicon cube trays that you can freeze batches of foods like soups, stews, starches, etc into different size cubes to reheat later. If you make a huge batch of black bean soup but don't want to eat it every day or have a huge container in your fridge check them out. I have saved money using their products. Some other examples..juicing and then freezing citrus into cubes, chili into one cup cubes, pasta and sauce into cubes, all kinds of pureed fruit and juices including apple cider into cubes, Anyway you get the gist. I buy all kinds of food staples from Azurestandard and store them like beans, rice, oats so I like to make things in large batches in my Ninja Foodi. Yes I think I have "brand dropped" more in this post than ever before but maybe one of you will find it helpful. Thanks Kate!
I love Souper Cubes and Azure! The cubes are a little pricey, but they make it so much easier to quickly freeze leftovers. I’m hoping to start making intentional freezer meals with mine, but first I need to buy an extra freezer. Azure saves me money on some allergy-friendly foods, but I definitely recommend doing a price comparison because some things were cheaper locally for the exact same product.
I just bought those cubes. They are great! Expensive, but I make a lot of soups and felt it was worth it. Makes it easier to store my food in the freezer too.
Put a cup of soup or casserole into a plastic sandwich bag, seal, freeze flat, they store wonderful upright in the freezer basket, they are a quick hot meal, defrost and cooked in 5 to 6 minutes.
Coffee is life! I’m the same 2 cups of fresh filtered coffee at home before 11am 🤩
2 weeks ago I made a roast chicken, kept the carcass and fat to try and make my first ever chicken broth. Today, not feeling so well and thought to give a try and make broth. I only put onion powder (did not have celery or carrots) the house smells so good and tastes delicious!! WOW, I can now make my very own Chicken Broth for homemade soup!! #Win #SavingMoney #StayOnBudget
Things I do everyday to save money are eat at home, take food to work for lunch, yes take advantage of free spring water at work, avoid shopping after work, have premade meals at home from my batch cooking that I can just stick in the microwave to heat up. Engage in free entertainment ie a walk, talking on phone, UA-cam, online games, reading, making and selling things on Facebook.
Love the way you said the credit card or debit card and the paper trail keeps you accountable. Totally agree! When my husband did all the finances, I was spending money like water because it wasn’t concrete and it didn’t happen. I told him I needed to pay bills or we were going to go bankrupt. Seeing the spending in front of my face was exactly what I needed to be held accountable.
Living below our means has helped us so much in the past 20 years. Our financial planner told us that we "aren't normal". He can't quite wrap his head around how we do it, but he's taking advice from us if that tells you anything.
Great tips!!!! We implement these as well, but it's great to see others do the same so save.
That’s wonderful! He’s learning from you 😅😊
I print out a TON of recipes on Pinterest and I have a huge folder of recipes to rotate. I plan my meals based off the recipes that sounds good and cook accordingly. Making my grocery shopping list is so much cleaner and more streamlined when I plan ahead and only get the necessities and not just random items. I just invested in a nice, non stick cooking pan that is big enough to cook one pot meals that I ordered from Amazon and can’t wait to try it!
You're so right! When you're on a tight budget there can be no surprises or mistakes in your budget. I monitor my bank accounts daily and track my spending. When you're on a tight budget going through the drive-thru is a treat! I've had to really put the breaks on this habit. My goal is to have money leftover at the end of the month. This money is then used for savings and sinking funds! Kate, you've given us lots of good ideas!
Hi Kate, I do a lot of the same... make my own coffee (bring it and a thermos cup for 2nd - stays warm until the afternoon) and bring my own lunch/snacks as well... I also love my crock pot for the days I know are going to be busy so... supper cooks itself on those days. In regards to cash... I use a hybrid system with all my bills coming out of one account; my groceries/gas out of one account and 3 separate savings account for emergency, vacation and Christmas accounts... all my other sinking funds/wallet money is in cash... everything is assigned as soon as I get it so I can track everything easily. Luckily I am now debt free so if I use my credit card, I immediately deposit the funds from the applicable account/envelop every pay day... writing everything down also helps in the process.
I pack my kids' lunches! School lunches are around $3. Multiply that by 4 kids, and I'd be spending a small fortune each month! So we pack sandwiches, homemade pita-pizza, pasta, and sometimes convenience foods like chicken nuggets. We add a fruit and a veggie and a reusable bottle of water. Much cheaper and healthier than school lunches. And bonus, when they empty their lunchbox at night I know just how much they ate and whether they skipped their veggie. 😆
I also make my own coffee, cook meals at home and take EVERYTHING I need for the day in my lunch box! I've done this for years! I have gotten out of the habit of checking my accounts daily and I neeeeed to do that! Thanks for all the great tips! I started my now spend in December and have also been cooking out of my pantry and freezer since then. As the end of the month is approaching, I am thrilled at how much money I have saved!!! That feeling far exceed any feeling I've gotten from shopping. I plan to continue on with even after these two months. I am going to give myself a small allowance each month for fun extras, though. Thanks for the great content - just love your positive, bubbly personality and really appreciate your knowledge!
Yes coffee at home!!! A co-worker buys coffee at a drive thru everyday but complains of never having enough money and every time I see it I think in my mind cha Ching 💵 there’s that extra cash
I do all these! But my newest one (im a year in) is that I also check my bank balance every morning now thanks to you! Used to dread it! But now I'm in control :)
YASSSSSS JULIE!
Me too!
I do now, too!
I am so in line with you but I use cash. I swipe and forget that bills haven't cleared. Overdrafts were killing me. So I parked the card and have managed to greatly reduce my stress level around my finances. It's amazing how we all process things similarly and differently. Success however it works best for you!
Glad cash works for you; it does for me, too!
You are a joy to watch! I completely agree with you except for using cards. Cash just works better for me. I pay myself every week on Friday ($ for groceries, gas and personal, only $200). I find that I don’t even spend all the personal $. Whatever I have left at the end of the week I use it for my pantry stock up or place in savings. I do all 5 of those that you do. What has really saved me money is taking inventory of what I already have (checking my freezer and pantry inventory sheets) and planning my meals based on the sales at the stores. For example, ground beef was on sale at 5lbs for $10 and a 5lb bag of potatoes $2.49. Meals for the week: meatloaf and potatoes (made 2 meals) spaghetti meat sauce ( spaghetti and lasagna made with this), burritos (1 meal) and potato soup with homemade baked bread. I only spent total of $50 plus change ( had to get some fresh fruits, veggies and eggs 😳). The other $50 went towards savings and a few stock ups for my pantry ( sales only). No spend January has been successful thus far. I believe I will continue into the next month.
Thank you so much🙏❤️
Finally, someone else who is sick of the cash envelope idea. I check my accounts every morning using my cellphone. I write down what I spend each day. This helps me see what's going on and track my spending. I've been able to identify over $1400 a month that I now use for debt repayment and savings.
I do exactly the same thing as you do. I start my day by checking my bank account and track my spending on a calendar. I write how much I spend each day. I’m doing a no spend January and a low spend 2023.
Same. I hate going to the bank. Can’t imagine having to visit the back numerous times a month for cash envelopes.
I feel like cash fritters through my fingers. I much prefer to use my card and be able to see where my hard earned money is going!
Since one year I use terrycloth washcloth to clean instead of paper towels. I wash them and reuse them. Saves little money, but reduces waste.
I make lunch for my son to take to school every day. Bonus: On the odd day that he buys lunch, he always talks about how much better his homemade lunches are. I check my accounts during the week and feel a little out of control if I don't. No spend January is going so well, I'm going to extend it to February. Thanks for everything, Kate! xo
Lisa, YOU ROCK!!!
@@KateKaden YOU!
My kids were the envy of their classmates because they got such nice lunch boxes. These were 90% healthy, but there was also a little treat every day. They never wanted money for the tuck shop!
I buy almost everything on credit cards because it enables me to track every purchase AND I get rewards.
I'm the same way with cash spending vs swiping a card. If I withdraw cash, It's like it's already spent and I tend to more impulse buys that way. I'm a big fan of DIY in order to save money. If it's something I know how to do, I DIY...I trim my own hair, used to color it at home--now it's gray, hem my own pants, do my own manicure, etc. I've even figured out a few home repairs with the help of youtube and google.
I didn't have my gift cards with me today so I drove on by Starbucks and Dunkin Donuts...the pain! The $1811.83/yr on car insurance I saved yesterday motivated me. My goal this year is $6500 into my brand new retirement account. Threw another 10-er in the pot today!
"If I don't see it doesn't happen". Love that. Follow the paper/digital trail.
LOL!!!! That's what it feels like for sure! LOL!
My husband and I work at the same place but his day started at 7 & mine at 8. We talked to our supervisors and they agreed to a half hour difference and now we car pool
Happy Frugal Friday KSquad! Wonderful, as always Kate! My No Spend January was going so well and then our car timing belt and clutch went kaput! Added to that my husband needed to buy a new suit sooner rather than later as our dear friend’s dad passed away. Thankfully we had budgets set aside for these things and what in the past would’ve been a disaster, is now a hiccup. Sometimes life gets in the way but I think if the foundation is strong, all will be well ❤ You motivate and inspire us all so much! Thank you ✨
Unfortunate events happen that can necessitate spending money. I would not count those things as "breaking" any of the No Spend January rules you have set for yourself. I still consider you 100% on track! ❤
@@ruthcaruso9181 oh thank you so much . I do think it’s important not to be too rigid , we can only try our best each and every day ❤️
I’m so sorry for your loss🙏❤️🙏
Great tips! I batch cook in 3 crockpots each weekend. Then freeze in portions. This gives me homemade freezer meals! And ‘I Am’a great cook. Im age 73. Retired.
Cooking gets better as you get older.
Pat in Colorado
I have for 15 of my 16 years working at my job have brought my own food. I drink my tea at home. I had been doing really well with my budget but now have combined with my husband and he is not so much on the written budget train. It is very frustrating. I am doing what I can to keep us on track but it is hard to convince someone who for 40plus years has done things his own way. Thanks for your video.
I’ve been retired 3.5 years, but when I was working, I ate breakfast at home before going to work in the morning, I would bring my own food for lunch and snacks, and I drank water all day, just like you’re doing. I would marvel at the majority of my coworkers who would buy breakfast and lunch every single day…..🤔
Now that I’m retired, I make all my own food and rarely go out to eat. I do have 2 different sets of friends (they don’t know each other) and we try to get together once a month to meet up for lunch. So that’s part of the budget. My biggest savings tactic is that I’ve learned how to make a copycat Starbucks bottled Frappuccino drink that I can do at home and it’s delicious! The price of a case of the real Starbucks bottled drinks at Costco has risen almost $7.00!!!!
I like your idea of checking your bank account every day-you can definitely keep an eye on transactions AND catch anything fraudulent that might post.
Loved this video!……….❤️-Brenda
The only cash stuffing I do is what I take out once a month for spending money. The rest I manage online and keep a notebook to track everything. I'm old school when it comes to record keeping. Any spending money I have left over for the month is rolled over to the following month. Or for any extra saving challenges I am doing. At the end of the year, I turn my coins in and add half to long term savings and the other half to my emergency fund. This system is working for me so far.
I keep track of produce and dairy that will expire.
This morning I made a batch of crepes using up my 2 eggs and they can also be frozen.
I had a pound of fresh broccoli and milk that I also needed to use up.
I made a big batch of copycat Panera Broccoli Cheese Soup. This can be frozen for up to 3 months as well!
Kate; Thank you for another great video. I make my iced coffee every morning at home. This month I am in a challenge to eat every meal and make every drink at home. I also do food prep so hubby doesn't have to go out for food - and I purchased items that go into his snack basket. I also make our own bread by hand and with a bread machine.
YASS! You've got this Becky!!!
I love your tips! I have a lot of credit card debt and your podcasts are keeping me motivated❤️
I'm so so glad Georgia! I'm so glad they are helpful and I'm so happy you are here!
Me too Georgia!!!
I make a copycat recipe for Olive Garden chicken pasta in crockpot. Love it!There is plenty to freeze for later! Do the same with pulled pork, and Italian beef in the crockpot. Today we had homemade chili that I canned in October. I try to cook up a couple meals at a time so that we have options plus there are times we don't want to cook and this keeps us from eating out. We drink water also. We can all do this!!😊
I totally agree about checking my credit card account a few days a week. There were many times over the years where someone got our number and charged things. We just called and Discover checked into it and sent us a new card. This isn’t daily but when I send my grandkids cards I get them at dollar tree.They had cute valentines 2 for $1. For Halloween treats I pass out I always get snacks I know my family likes in case I have leftovers. I have been buying liquid eggs now too.If it calls for 2 eggs I use one egg and 1 serving of liquid eggs. Turns out perfect.I cut up old t shirts to use for rags instead of paper towels.
Hi Kate. I make my own coffee. I learned how to check my accounts from you several years ago and continue to do that. I drink water. And for the most part, I make my own meals and eat at home. Thank you!
I used to take our family of 5 to McDonalds. Total was about $35. We then began to order off the value meal and use the McDonalds app and we could drop it down to $20. Then we began eating at home and only going out for ice cream there $7. Now we go to Aldi and get two ice cream tubs for $6 and we can have multiple bowls. Baby steps. 😉
I fix tea everyday and I drink glasses of it.
Every day I make a pot of steeped tea. I can get 4 cups of tea out of one tea bag. Instead of buying milk, I have been using up my store of powdered milk before it goes out of date. Also I freeze the used tea bag for either a foot soak or to reduce eye puffiness. Yup I get my 4 cents worth out of one tea bag lol.
YASSSS!
Love it
I buy a coffee once a week . Its my way to socialise as I live alone.
Each fortnight i put money aside for rates,electricity etc. No bill problems. No stress.
If I need clothes I buy on line out of season. Big savings. I'm a pensioner and I save due to simple lifestyle and some frugality.
I believe we need to be happy so I treat myself to things that enhances my life eg garden plants and my beautiful pets.
Good inspiration. I so agree. The habits we drill into our routines will thrill us later. I'm a mid-westerner and like you like to spend my saved $ when things really pick up here in the spring & summer. For now it's hearty homemade soups & one pot meals. So worth it. When weather warms I do have to work on carrying the lunches & meals. 😇 Saves a bundle.
I go to my friend’s work on my day off and we sit in the lunch room and eat our meals from home. Go sit at the library if they have benches out front and shade and eat your meal. Take your kid to the park and have a meal there. We have benches outside our work under the trees
yes! seeing it on paper is completely different. it hurts to look at it.
I absolutely agree with using cards instead of cash and paying them off promptly. Then the expenditures are like etched in stone, and there's no way you can pretend you did not spend that money. I find this helps me to be more accountable and better able to stay on budget! 👍🌞🤑
Depuis que je FAIS un budget FINI DE DONNER À TOUT BOUT CHAMPS
Documentation doesn't have to be electronic. Ask for receipts from cash and record them on your computer if you must. But a small log also works. Been doing it for fifty years. If people buy often they may think that's too much effort/labour. I'm so frugal I rarely have three entries a week. :)
I have started this January to write down all my spending, I know it all there in my checking account online but writing it down makes me reevaluate my choices, sometimes it’s painful to see how I spent when I did not have to. But this process has made me more aware and more pragmatic in my spending.
I recently opened a new savings account into which I transfer $15 each week that I am going to use to buy pretty little things that I do not "need" and I gotta say, it's making me feel much less deprived and I love it. I'm planning on buying a new set of sheets that I don't really need, I just want something different besides the same two sets that I have already. Normally I would forbid this purchase, but with this little savings account, it's painless and I'm spending that money on what I budgeted it for: random objects that I desire. It's nice and guilt free!
Same here! I have a savings called “shopping” and slowly saving up for items I would love to have. Saving slowly is nice because I’m not acting on instant gratification and can really think about the purchase
@@candy2325 We're like sister in savings, I love it! More power to you, candy!!
I am realizing I am starting to like the paper trail of using cards. I drink free water at work and coffee at home. We have only eaten out once during January so I am considering that a win so far.
YASSS Abra!
I’ve adopted all 5 of those things this year. I’m really focused on paying down my debt and building my savings. I’m also writing everything I spend down in a notebook and at the end of the month I’ll total everything up into categories and see where I’m spending to make better decisions. I can’t wait until I get my tax return as that will allow me to take a big chunk out of loan I have and be able to pay it off about 6 months sooner than expected! That will free up so much money each month to pay down debt even faster! I’m doing my best to live under my income so that I don’t get used to having that payment gone and I can easily transfer it to something else.
You are my frugal sister!! Everything you wrote is the same for me…but I know I need to update my water intake. I paid off three bills last month, two bills will be paid in full in February and then my tax return will be used to take a large chunk out of my debt, leaving only the larger debts and bigger monthly payments toward them. Great minds think alike!
Now while the emotion and greatful feelings of no longer having your debt payment haven't hit you - Please, please, please generate an additional goal(s) and/ or a very specific (complete with prices and research), prioritorized, spending list. The month after payoff date, write the amount you've been spending on debt right into the budget. It can be something like clothes but with an amount and cap, it can be something like retirement investments or savings which you'll never physically see until "someday", some health and assest (car, house, etc..) maintenance, or some mix of austere and pure pleasure. It could even be something like a serious stand mixer, sewing machine, or some tools to add diy capability for short term savings and a prayer that the investment equipment its self will pay for its self sometime down the road. Just use it for purposeful spending from the get go.
C EST ce que je FAIS. J note TT
ATTENTION, J AI VOULU FAIRE COMME VOUS REMBOURSER LE PLUTÔT POSSIBLE. SOYEZ PRUDENT À CE SUJET. PRIOTEGEZ VOUS
Yes- I looked at this late (1 yr later). I am retired and on a fixed income. I shop at Costco and stock up once a month. And that's all the shopping I do. I strategically share my card with my daughter who buys for herself and her significant other. With the 2 of us racking up what we spend, membership is paid for with their rebate cheque. I also think that 'delayed gratification' should be practiced by everyone. If you think you want something. Wait a week, and see how often it would have been used, and constantly reflect on it. Quite often you find that you don't really need it after all.
I also like a digital record and use my debit or Costco (for Costco only) card for everything. My no spend is no spend on clothes for the whole year and I am seriously breaking the twitch and it's making me realize where my triggers are...mostly you tubers talking about 'minimalist capsule wardrobes'...I was always looking for the 'perfect jeans' or 'perfect tee'. It is fun shutting down that nonsense and using what I have...which is plenty and nice. I love your channel Kate....you NEVER trigger spending!
I check my bank account every day and use Every Dollar! I've been using it for a while and I love it! It helps me stay on track
By making your own coffee you are not only saving the cost, but also the cost of gas while sitting in the long line at the drive-through and if you went inside then your taking an extra risk of COVID exposure. Don't know about in Maine, but here in Tennessee our numbers have been rising again. Two more potential costs from not making your own coffee. Debbie
I have 3 different crockpots and each day I use one of them. I have a tiny one that's good to make small batches of chili or soup up to a large one forfamily meals.
This helps keep us frugal as far as food and electric.
YUMM!!!!
Kate, that is sooo true about debit vs cash. I never liked using cash and didn't know why but you hit the nail on the head: accountability! This year I got my self a planner and started to record all of my spending every single day, using my bank record as my source. This really helps to become more aware of my spending and reduces it along the way.
I use cash and you can't spend if you don't carry a card or much cash....
Have you addressed the work place money issues when it comes to "birthday contributions" that you kinda get guilted into? I don't miss that anymore...retired now.
Thanks for a great quick reminder to all video about keeping track of money spent
It's harder sometimes when kids are involved
Hi Kate. I’ve been watching your channel for a long time, but hadn’t left a message. I usually watch while I’m getting ready in the am and then I’m out the door. Lol. Like you, I make coffee at home. I have one cup at home and I bring one to work. I find buying from a coffee shop to be an occasional treat and I usually use a gift card for that. It tastes incredible because it is a treat and not a daily indulgence. I also choose to skip breakfast and I make lunch at home and bring it to work every day. Have a great day!😊
Here locally I go to value village and no frills for clothes and groceries. Save a ton of money and clothes are reasonably good at Value Village or any thift store
My daughter and her husband are currently living with me as they are building, and they eat out or door dash at least four times a week. I eat what I have here! I also check my bank account at least once a day. I have a lot of items that are automatically deducted, but sometimes on different days, so I watch to make sure they are being paid.
As for no spend January, I took a break as my younger brother died😢, and there were some unexpected expenses with that, but plan to get back on track the beginning of next .
I am so sorry to hear about your brother!
I agree wholeheartedly with you regarding the use of credit vs cash.
I make large portions of soup & freeze enough for other meals. I meal plan with recipes. I look in the freezer for meats I have bought on sale to plan a meal. I always look in the cabinet & refrigerator before putting ingredients for meals on a grocery list. I have been putting money left over at the end of the month (besides allotted amount) into budget buster category instead of vacation. I am strict with utilities.
Thank you!!! I feel the same way about using my card instead of cash. I have tried to use cash for everything before, and my budget always got worse. So starting this month, I went back to using my card for "daily spending" gas, groceries, etc. I do have cash envelopes at home for sinking funds, like home repairs, Christmas/Birthdays. But I don't carry them around to get lost. My bank always has a spending tracker feature, so after setting a few parameters, I can see where everything went. Love your channel!!! Thanks again!!!
I agree 100000% about the cash. For me, it's easier to track spending on my cards. We never carry a balance...we pay it every month. I just had cash for Christmas and I felt lost. I had no idea where I spent my money!
Revisiting. I got the habit of looking at my balances daily from you Kate. Before that if I looked too often I thought i was being neurotic. Now I look at the balances and get a feeling of comfort every day watching them grow slowly over time.
I love a revisit! That habit has totally helped me. YASSS!
Great video! I eat breakfast, lunch, and snacks from home for work! I also make my own coffee and pack it! Another thing I do is go straight home! I don’t make any stops. One stop to dollar tree can easily spy roll out of control!
Every day I check on checking activity. I also make a list of items that I do not need from the grocery store and try to do better. Like my favorite protein bars that is NOT a need and they add up. I can do better. You videos get me excited about saving and doing better. Thank you!!!!
Have you tried finding (or creating) a copycat recipe for your protein bars?
@@username00009 no! That is a great idea….I honestly did not think of that because I was so focused on not buying them. Thank you 😊
I agree with SWIPE. I can look at my registry and see where I’m spending foolishly. Tip: print out a free check registry and write down every single dollar spent every day. Add it up. Woah! You spent how much at the gas station on Diet Coke?? Cigarettes? (I hope not!) etc. keep track and you’ll see where it’s going. As you know, I’ve been emptying closets and drawers and listing the stuff on eBay. They pay the shipping so you lose nothing! I have a deer family from Home interiors that’s at $50! No longer sitting in my closet free! I’ve made $1000 extra money. Don’t decide what won’t sell. List it!
Thank you for making videos. I’m glad to hear that you think about transactions like I do. I also started a list this year that whatever I bring in I have to record it. I want to make sure I actually use these items. And it actually hurts to add to this list. So it’s working. 👍🏻 Thanks again I look forward to your videos. 💕
I've started checking my bank balance every day!!
Great ideas, Kate. One thing I won't scrimp on are my self care appointments. Am a generous tipper but realized if I use my debit card to tip, am overly generous. So always make sure I have cash for tips (including restaurants) in my wallet. Otherwise use debit card for everything to make me face the mirror regarding frivolous purchases. Have a great weekend Kate and KSquad 🤗
Some restaurants are taking a good portion of the tips as well. So cash gives more to server. Js
I too look at my bank acct everyday day when I get up! I don't like surprises so I keep a close eye on it🧐 lol trying to get out of debt this year is a daily sacrifice 🙃📓
I love this channel! I also cook, make my coffee at home and check bank/cc accounts regularly. Another daily habit is to watch financial channels when watching YT. It helps me stay hyped about my goals. Starting late but I really want to start building a college fund for my kids.
I want to hear your weekly habits too! I have some random ones…When I was getting used to having a credit card I paid the balance daily, but have since moved on to weekly or biweekly, as it is much easier for me to manage the statement shock this way. I also try to confine spending to Saturday, my grocery day. Last, I invest weekly for that dollar cost average advantage 🎉
We started college funds for all 3 of ours and we’re fortunate that the older 2 received some scholarship money. Both have $ left in their college funds which we were able to take out tax free and put in our savings. Whatever scholarship money they get u can take that amount out. There are so many scholarships kids can apply for they just have to put the work in. Have them go to my scholly ( look at Anthony O’Neal, former Dave Ramsey personality. He talked about this on how kids can apply for scholarships starting as early as freshman year). Hope this helps
I'm conflicted about a car repair, I had a sensor go bad and the car was misbehaving, I could have waited but didn't want it to potentially cause more damage. So i fixed it for 700$. I feel like this was a need even If I could have driven my daughters car till February. Driving where i live is a must, we don't have much public transportation. still it stings, I was doing so good.
Yes ...I will definitely be listening to this one! With the debt ceiling fracas, we may be going to bare bones and saving dollars yet as we move from plan 4 to plan 5 for Jan '23.
I'm not a big coffee drinker. I have a cup occasionally, mostly w my grandma. I started brewing tea at my house more. Helped me stop drinking so much soda. (Down to the occasional, but rare coke.) I use a gallon mason jar. I heat water in a kettle and pour the water over tea bags in the jar. (I use a clothes pin holding the tea bag tags to keep them outside the jar. I close and let steep. When jar is cool/slightly warm I put in the fridge. I don't need ice, it's already cold. I can sweeten to my preference. I actually lessened my sugar little by little. Better for my health. My mom and grandma are from Kentucky. They made sun tea in the summer. Iced tea in the summer and hot tea in the winter. Figure out what works for you. It's mostly the Lipton like black tea blend bags. I get the store brand. I occasionally have a spiced chai or other flavor. I used to get together occasionally w a friend and talk over tea. We would rotate houses. Easy to have some simple cookies or muffins. Maybe a light lunch.
I bring my coffee to work and I bring lunch almost every day. I am getting better at that because lunch can be so expensive.
I have a "cheat" that I use when I really really don't want to cook. I let the grocery store & my freezer help me out. I keep a list of my "i don't feel like cooking" options. I freeze extra food for these occasions & also have on hand some main dishes that I got out of the freezer section of the grocery store, I, e, frozen lasagna, ravioli or any other entree that I can add to to make a meal. Then I don't really feel like I am cooking! I know that these items add to the grocery budget so I watch for a sale to buy them. I currently have the following on my I don't feel like cooking list - frozen meatloaf that I made, chicken veggies soup, chili, chicken casserole (using up leftover chicken, ravioli & hone made spaghetti sauce. Thus works for me & prevents me from doing the drive through for dinner
I SO AGREE about using cards over cash. I find it gives me way more accountability. I bet it's because you and I are such ninja budgeters and always look at our accounts daily! Go us!
I feel the same way about cash! Feels free in a sense. I’m much more accountable to my online CC transactions because those I have to face & get transferred to my budget
I’m with you on feeling more accountable if I use my card to buy things. And I much prefer being able to see exactly where my money went, all in one place.
You know what saves you money? Being vegan.I am more like a flexitarian(vegan most of the time),but even if I buy plant-based milk which is more expensive than dairy,not buying eggs,cheese or meat regularly will save you a lot of money.Contrary to what some might think,cooking vegan is not hard and could be tasty too.If you want to lose weight,a healthy vegan diet can help you lose weight too. UA-cam teaches so much.
So many good/excellent reasons to be vegan, I totally agree!
I procrastinated but finally cut the cable tv cord! Saving 💲💲💲
That's exactly how I feel about cash and card! If I receive a big lump of cash, I try to go deposit it before I think of spending it because then I won't have that paper trail. Plus I like to use my cards on most purchases because of credit card points. I am very responsible with my credit so this does not negatively effect me.
I see we have a new camera hog in the making! 😀 I take a flask of tea with me if I go out for long periods, but I'm mostly at home because I work from home. Even so, it saves time and energy to make a flask of tea just once instead of boiling the kettle 4-5 times... I save so much money by not having to leave the house for work and having my own kitchen available for lunch, so I don't buy things from vending machines or drive-throughs.
I love the way No Spend January has gone for me so far - and the Pantry Challenge. I've decided already to continue and do those again in February. I don't need anything like as much as I thought I needed. Just as well since my car needs fixing next week and that will really hammer my emergency fund (but that's what it's for, right, emergencies?). So all is well, really, and what a great time to spend as little as possible and just on essentials - when the car decides to give up the ghost!
Have a great weekend, Kate - and Kaden, Mr H, Spooky and Ghost! That's pretty much the perfect family!
Love my own food prep. I keep eating out for a special intentional experience. Not on a whip. Thx Kate great video! 🌻💕💐💕