I bought myself a condo at age 23 as a nurse in USA in 1986. It was hard to do it back then and I worked an extra shift each week to pay for it. I didn’t want to keep spending money on rent each month when I could buy a condo on my own. I’m very intentional and mindful with my hard earned money.
Truthfully Jane...I have lived what is now called a frugal life for most of my life...because I simply had no choice. I have never been fortunate enough to be a high earner, and money has always been tight. I cannot remember the last time I bought myself new clothes, ate out, had the heating on whenever it is cold, well...the list goes on and you can get the gist...this way of life is the norm and not a choice...I can remember when I was younger (I am now 63) thinking "I will know that I am well off when I can afford to buy a big jar of marmite instead of a tiny one..." I still haven't been able to do that!
@@sjordan7085 Yes, great idea and I do make my own jams and chutney but the large jar of Marmite symbolised the fact that I am still to poor to buy the BIG jar...one day...maybe...one day...
Really good advice as always, it is so hard for people to save to buy these days. For many years I have been the sole provider on low salary, recent years (6/7) that changed, I would say I earn a very good wage - this meant my daugher's funding options for Uni were cut, I didn't have a pot of gold (due to paying for everything) so she didn't go to Uni and got a job. Her potential was spotted, she's excelled, in 2020 she bought and renovated a house with her partner both at the age of 20 - they had to put almost 20k deposit! on 190k house, they did most of the work, family helped out with pennies for bits, they have struggled adjusting financially, but manage. A bit off topic (I know) she's since completed a degree, professional qualifications, spoken at national conferences, became a school governor at 24. She's one of the lucky one's, I know that, I'm not gloating, just a proud mum, but I guess what I'm saying is any dream is possible
Amazing! Good for her. When two of mine went to uni my income was low enough for them to get a full loan and they also applied for some other awards too. One year later and I would have been in a similar position to you. It's tough on parents who are on the lower end of a middle income.
Love this ❤ Pretty much all the things of frugal life you describe, are actually those of an environmentally friendly life. Frugality to me really is the way to preserve our planet ♻️💚
@@ShoestringJane 🙂 It baffles me when people say it is expensive to live sustainably! The opposite is true and I love when we start to see that. Then all kinds of things become possible, like actually saving money even if you have very low income.
Following from my earlier comment, today there was a food festival near me. Everyone at work was going. Because it was sunny, i decided to stay home and do some gardening. I feel proud of myself for that: I have saved some money and my garden looks so much nicer ❤
I've noticed that modern retail advertising demands that we be impulsive about our spending, and buy new even thought what we already have is adequate. We are convinced by advertisers that if you are not updating your home all the time you are inadequate and off trend and that you can quite literally eat whatever you want and get it delivered to the door without thinking about the consequences to health or finances. I feel sorry for the younger generations that have been brought up on this kind of advertising, constantly telling them they have to do bigger, better and to hell with staying out of debt. And all the while financial education to help them spot the pitfalls is woefully lacking.
We are all born with the ability to say no. There has always been pressure to spend mindlessly. The only difference now is that credit is more readily available
When we got married in 1972 hubby was in the forces, we lived in rented accommodation in Germany but saved X amount of £’s each month before we touched his wages, when we managed to buy our first house in 1976 it wiped our savings out but we managed to furnish our home on a budget with second hand stuff and it was so satisfying, we didn’t have a car, no central heating, just like most other people around us, 1 wage made this possible, today 1 wage just isn’t enough in fact 2 wages are starting to become not enough, and it’s not always a case of people wasting their money, just getting by and being in credit is an achievement these days. So glad you enjoyed N. Wales, we retired here 22 years ago and love it.
I just found your channel today, good advice given and I enjoyed watching. I’m 52 and I try to overpay my mortgage every month with whatever money is left over. I started doing this last year and so far it has amounted to over £2,000. My goal is to be mortgage free in 4 years. Subscribed.
I brought up my three daughters up on my own. As teenagers they did exactly the same with the washing as your daughters. I use to fold clothes and put back in wardrobe. I never had a tumble dryer either, could not afford one and still dont have one today. My youngest daughter is now living with her partner in Islington in a rented flat and they pay £1700 a month between them. My oldest daughter did manage to pay rent with her partner and save for a house they bought in Cambridge. They both worked really hard for the deposit and went without many things but they did it. They are married now and live happily in their house. My daughter tells me it was so hard. She is frugle and her husband is not so much. I agree its so hard for young people today. Good video.
Just cane across this video which i really enjoyed listening to. Couldn't agree more with what you said. I'm in a reasonably comfortable position (no mortgage) but i love adopting little frugal habits....😊
Make your of own cleaning stuff. Have a throw on your couch, cover your body when it gets cold. Measure the amount of water your mop bucket holds, only add the amount of chemical manufacturer recommends. The data sheet will tell you the diluation rate, ask manufacturer for it. Ask coffee roasters for the plastic bags they get the coffee in, use as bin bags. Keep bits of soap, melt together to form new bar. .
We're frugal because retirement and extended care can be very expensive. My partner and I enjoy being frugal but still enjoy holidays as a treat for living in this often crazy world. Nice one Jane!
When my now grown up son was a teenager I remember saying to him that maybe the only way to be able to afford his own place was to go north. Quite a few years later and after lots of saving he bought his own place last year in Scotland. It's sad that he has chosen to be so far away but in order to have the security that he wanted (not renting) he had to make a difficult decision. However he's got a house that would be way beyond his means where we are and is able to afford renovations too. Great advice as always Jane.
I always been very frugal, buying second hand. I have had my car ten years, second hand, but very low mileage, failed the MOT but for little things. I buy second hand clothes, books etc. Just been to the broker to reduce my car insurance to third party as it is old and living in France took an hospitalisation only insurance. I have a small house in London that I rent out, and I go between tenancies for a couple of months to put it in order. I was shocked by the reading of the smart electric meter that my previous tenants had installed last year...however, the reader was very useful to keep the usage in check. I intend to go back to live in my London place next year, and I will have to be extremely frugal as my income will be considerably reduced. However, food in UK is still cheaper than here, but council tax is very high where my house in SW London is located. I won't be running a car as public transport is free and excellent. I will initially keep my French house as a second home for a couple of years, to make the transition easier. Then reluctantly sell up as I am getting older, and no strength for the upkeep anymore. My only daughter is also very frugal, and careful with money which is a good thing.
Everything you said reminded me 20 plus years ago when I divorced. I had always been frugal but was even more so. I too had cheap holidays with my daughter. My daughter is not so frugal as me but she has saved and bought a house, . As usual, a good video.
A fantastic video, Jane, everything you said is so true. Your video should be shown in every secondary school in the country. Unless kids are shown the truth of budgetting and frugality they will never learn. It's such a shame that many learn the hard way by getting into debt. I'm 74 and managing on a basic state pension (just about) so frugality is a way of life. Angie x
Excellent advice. Good to find your channel today. There are definitely ways and means. It just takes thought. I agree... girls change their clothes frequently. My daughters were notorious for it... I had to introduce them to coat hangers time and again... my son too but fewer changes. I'm in Australia where the tumble dryer is reserved for wet days... we have them but fewer than the UK on average.
Good point. We have to live on far less so we can be in a position of strength when the unexpected happens. If someone has extra money, it is a perfect opportunity to put it away.
I'm frugal in most ways, finally debt free after 40 years of full time work. But I'm frugal so I can do overseas travel and have the paper and art craft supplies I want. After all, you never know what's around the corner, and life is getting shorter by the moment!
Brilliant, Jane! All good common sense. I totally agree with you about young people being demonised by some older commentators/ journalists who were lucky to be born when they were ( as were we) but fail to recognise that fact. Of course, things were hard-won in the past too but not as much as they are now.
Being frugal for me is about being thoughtful about where your money goes, as you say, priorities for your own life. There are no guarantees in this life so I think it’s about balancing being sensible with living life to the fullest. A dear friend of mine had saved and planned for retirement only to get cancer just after she finished work and I remember her feel so cheated that she had worked so hard and not got to do things she’d wanted to. Of course having savings and security takes worries away especially if hard times hit but life is about experiences too, making memories and spending time with people you love. I think this is why a lot of young people are choosing a different path, like van/canal boat life. Ultimately we’re in a housing system that isn’t working for a good majority of people so something big needs to change too. Really thought provoking video, thank you x
I just had to share this. I was just on my banking account checking out all their products and noticed they did car leasing so just clicked on it (I’ve had car leasing in the past never again!) because I was curious and it said I was likely to be approved for up to £910 per month on a lease car!!!! 😳🤬 can you believe that
I am an older millenial, a bit older than your oldest daughter. I work 2 jobs and i struggle to put away a couple of hundred £ every month. I absolutely resonate with your daughters about what they said about getting a coffee . It's a lot harder to save for this generation than it was for our parents, for the simple fact that they were not bombarded with so many options into consumerism left and right every day.
Did you see on the bbc website that some flat owners have had their service charges put up from £900 to over £5000 per year. It’s disgraceful isn’t it x
Yes, I know, and that's really worrying! I think the government was talking about bringing in some new laws but who knows when? Crazy too, as greedy freeholders don't care if you can't pay - they are allowed to repossess the property without liaising with the mortgage provider.
We have to really encourage young people and help each other find ways to manage and frugal life style will help. Such amazing questions you are asking and encouragement. Even a small property is better than nothing.
Always buy frozen fruits and vegetables. The company freezes at the peak of ripeness and it’s a lot cheaper. Plus, it never spoils.
I bought myself a condo at age 23 as a nurse in USA in 1986. It was hard to do it back then and I worked an extra shift each week to pay for it. I didn’t want to keep spending money on rent each month when I could buy a condo on my own. I’m very intentional and mindful with my hard earned money.
You must thank your past self every day for this forward planning!
Truthfully Jane...I have lived what is now called a frugal life for most of my life...because I simply had no choice. I have never been fortunate enough to be a high earner, and money has always been tight. I cannot remember the last time I bought myself new clothes, ate out, had the heating on whenever it is cold, well...the list goes on and you can get the gist...this way of life is the norm and not a choice...I can remember when I was younger (I am now 63) thinking "I will know that I am well off when I can afford to buy a big jar of marmite instead of a tiny one..." I still haven't been able to do that!
Yes, I can empathise. I had a long period where the choice was be frugal or go broke! But it can get wearing. I hope you win the lottery!
@@ShoestringJane Thanks Jane...I don't do the lottery though...its a waste of money!! IMO.
God bless you always 🙏
I love marmite as well 😆
A big jar of Marmite? I love it, but not at Amazon prices. Same goes for Branston Pickle. But, I did make my own Chutney which was pretty good.
@@sjordan7085 Yes, great idea and I do make my own jams and chutney but the large jar of Marmite symbolised the fact that I am still to poor to buy the BIG jar...one day...maybe...one day...
Really good advice as always, it is so hard for people to save to buy these days. For many years I have been the sole provider on low salary, recent years (6/7) that changed, I would say I earn a very good wage - this meant my daugher's funding options for Uni were cut, I didn't have a pot of gold (due to paying for everything) so she didn't go to Uni and got a job. Her potential was spotted, she's excelled, in 2020 she bought and renovated a house with her partner both at the age of 20 - they had to put almost 20k deposit! on 190k house, they did most of the work, family helped out with pennies for bits, they have struggled adjusting financially, but manage. A bit off topic (I know) she's since completed a degree, professional qualifications, spoken at national conferences, became a school governor at 24. She's one of the lucky one's, I know that, I'm not gloating, just a proud mum, but I guess what I'm saying is any dream is possible
Amazing! Good for her. When two of mine went to uni my income was low enough for them to get a full loan and they also applied for some other awards too. One year later and I would have been in a similar position to you. It's tough on parents who are on the lower end of a middle income.
My daugher has a 17-year-old and a 19-year-old - goodness I can't believe how much washing she does!!
Love this ❤ Pretty much all the things of frugal life you describe, are actually those of an environmentally friendly life. Frugality to me really is the way to preserve our planet ♻️💚
Yes, I think that too! The two go hand in hand.
@@ShoestringJane 🙂 It baffles me when people say it is expensive to live sustainably! The opposite is true and I love when we start to see that. Then all kinds of things become possible, like actually saving money even if you have very low income.
Following from my earlier comment, today there was a food festival near me. Everyone at work was going. Because it was sunny, i decided to stay home and do some gardening. I feel proud of myself for that: I have saved some money and my garden looks so much nicer ❤
I've noticed that modern retail advertising demands that we be impulsive about our spending, and buy new even thought what we already have is adequate. We are convinced by advertisers that if you are not updating your home all the time you are inadequate and off trend and that you can quite literally eat whatever you want and get it delivered to the door without thinking about the consequences to health or finances. I feel sorry for the younger generations that have been brought up on this kind of advertising, constantly telling them they have to do bigger, better and to hell with staying out of debt. And all the while financial education to help them spot the pitfalls is woefully lacking.
Very true!
We are all born with the ability to say no. There has always been pressure to spend mindlessly. The only difference now is that credit is more readily available
When we got married in 1972 hubby was in the forces, we lived in rented accommodation in Germany but saved X amount of £’s each month before we touched his wages, when we managed to buy our first house in 1976 it wiped our savings out but we managed to furnish our home on a budget with second hand stuff and it was so satisfying, we didn’t have a car, no central heating, just like most other people around us, 1 wage made this possible, today 1 wage just isn’t enough in fact 2 wages are starting to become not enough, and it’s not always a case of people wasting their money, just getting by and being in credit is an achievement these days. So glad you enjoyed N. Wales, we retired here 22 years ago and love it.
Lucky you to live in beautiful Wales! You're right about needing two incomes nowadays.
I just found your channel today, good advice given and I enjoyed watching. I’m 52 and I try to overpay my mortgage every month with whatever money is left over. I started doing this last year and so far it has amounted to over £2,000. My goal is to be mortgage free in 4 years. Subscribed.
Just brilliant - I wish I had started overpaying earlier.
Good luck
I brought up my three daughters up on my own. As teenagers they did exactly the same with the washing as your daughters. I use to fold clothes and put back in wardrobe. I never had a tumble dryer either, could not afford one and still dont have one today. My youngest daughter is now living with her partner in Islington in a rented flat and they pay £1700 a month between them. My oldest daughter did manage to pay rent with her partner and save for a house they bought in Cambridge. They both worked really hard for the deposit and went without many things but they did it. They are married now and live happily in their house. My daughter tells me it was so hard. She is frugle and her husband is not so much. I agree its so hard for young people today. Good video.
That's a big achievement for your daughter. £1700 a month!! Mad rents in London.
Just cane across this video which i really enjoyed listening to. Couldn't agree more with what you said. I'm in a reasonably comfortable position (no mortgage) but i love adopting little frugal habits....😊
Make your of own cleaning stuff.
Have a throw on your couch, cover your body when it gets cold.
Measure the amount of water your mop bucket holds, only add the amount of chemical manufacturer recommends. The data sheet will tell you the diluation rate, ask manufacturer for it.
Ask coffee roasters for the plastic bags they get the coffee in, use as bin bags.
Keep bits of soap, melt together to form new bar.
.
You could also ask them for used coffee grounds for your plants or for your garden!
@@cherylT321,an excellent idea. Slugs hate coffee as well.
@@northernlights6459 👍
Yes can relate about turning lights off no I don't want a clothes dryer yes minimise laundry
I have stopped takeaways though going next week with my daughters and friend to Mexican restaurant
You are a true everyday hero :). Love your advice. Your daughters will be much better off having you to advise them. Keep up the brilliant work!!!
We're frugal because retirement and extended care can be very expensive. My partner and I enjoy being frugal but still enjoy holidays as a treat for living in this often crazy world. Nice one Jane!
We do, too. It's nice to have a change of scenery, even if it's just for a few days.
When my now grown up son was a teenager I remember saying to him that maybe the only way to be able to afford his own place was to go north. Quite a few years later and after lots of saving he bought his own place last year in Scotland. It's sad that he has chosen to be so far away but in order to have the security that he wanted (not renting) he had to make a difficult decision. However he's got a house that would be way beyond his means where we are and is able to afford renovations too. Great advice as always Jane.
Scotland is so beautiful too! Good for him.
I moved to Wales, bought a property here, so much better. Manage to see family in London once a month. He made a good decision
I always been very frugal, buying second hand. I have had my car ten years, second hand, but very low mileage, failed the MOT but for little things. I buy second hand clothes, books etc. Just been to the broker to reduce my car insurance to third party as it is old and living in France took an hospitalisation only insurance. I have a small house in London that I rent out, and I go between tenancies for a couple of months to put it in order. I was shocked by the reading of the smart electric meter that my previous tenants had installed last year...however, the reader was very useful to keep the usage in check. I intend to go back to live in my London place next year, and I will have to be extremely frugal as my income will be considerably reduced. However, food in UK is still cheaper than here, but council tax is very high where my house in SW London is located. I won't be running a car as public transport is free and excellent. I will initially keep my French house as a second home for a couple of years, to make the transition easier. Then reluctantly sell up as I am getting older, and no strength for the upkeep anymore. My only daughter is also very frugal, and careful with money which is a good thing.
That's a big move! I guess you can rent the house in France out on Air B&B?
@@ShoestringJane I could but too much hassle do do it remotely.
I’m sharing plants with my sister to help both of us because the price of bedding plants has gone through the roof.
I thought that! We found B&M were reasonable for plants, although they don't have the wide variety the garden centres have.
Everything you said reminded me 20 plus years ago when I divorced. I had always been frugal but was even more so. I too had cheap holidays with my daughter. My daughter is not so frugal as me but she has saved and bought a house, . As usual, a good video.
Well done, good for her. It's not easy.
A fantastic video, Jane, everything you said is so true. Your video should be shown in every secondary school in the country. Unless kids are shown the truth of budgetting and frugality they will never learn. It's such a shame that many learn the hard way by getting into debt. I'm 74 and managing on a basic state pension (just about) so frugality is a way of life. Angie x
Thanks, Angie. I think it's a shame personal finance isn't on the school curriculum.
I love charity shops and saving where i can
Hi Jane how are you ? I try
And be frugal . We’re quite good at saving and using what we have x
I loved this video
So true the adults these days have it alot difficult now then twenty years ago
Excellent advice. Good to find your channel today. There are definitely ways and means. It just takes thought. I agree... girls change their clothes frequently. My daughters were notorious for it... I had to introduce them to coat hangers time and again... my son too but fewer changes. I'm in Australia where the tumble dryer is reserved for wet days... we have them but fewer than the UK on average.
Welcome!! I'm not surprised it's not just my kids guilty of hanging clean clothes on the floor...
Good point. We have to live on far less so we can be in a position of strength when the unexpected happens. If someone has extra money, it is a perfect opportunity to put it away.
Yes, save some for a rainy day, as they say.
I'm frugal in most ways, finally debt free after 40 years of full time work. But I'm frugal so I can do overseas travel and have the paper and art craft supplies I want. After all, you never know what's around the corner, and life is getting shorter by the moment!
Very true!
I was raised on a frugal lifestyle. I have a good job and still do it. It saves me lots of money and helps me to live well. Im all about a bargain
That makes sense to me!
Brilliant, Jane! All good common sense. I totally agree with you about young people being demonised by some older commentators/ journalists who were lucky to be born when they were ( as were we) but fail to recognise that fact. Of course, things were hard-won in the past too but not as much as they are now.
Yes, there was a certain TV presenter who happens to be the daughter of a baron, who suggested that recently *eye roll*
Drinking my coffee❤❤
Being frugal for me is about being thoughtful about where your money goes, as you say, priorities for your own life. There are no guarantees in this life so I think it’s about balancing being sensible with living life to the fullest. A dear friend of mine had saved and planned for retirement only to get cancer just after she finished work and I remember her feel so cheated that she had worked so hard and not got to do things she’d wanted to. Of course having savings and security takes worries away especially if hard times hit but life is about experiences too, making memories and spending time with people you love. I think this is why a lot of young people are choosing a different path, like van/canal boat life. Ultimately we’re in a housing system that isn’t working for a good majority of people so something big needs to change too. Really thought provoking video, thank you x
Aww, that’s so sad 😢
Yes be prepared prioritise
I just had to share this. I was just on my banking account checking out all their products and noticed they did car leasing so just clicked on it (I’ve had car leasing in the past never again!) because I was curious and it said I was likely to be approved for up to £910 per month on a lease car!!!! 😳🤬 can you believe that
😱😱
Very well said brilliant video ♥️♥️👍👍
Thank you so much 😀
Enjoyed this video!
Glad you enjoyed it!
Sensible advice….i feel sorry for the young people today i really do
Yes, it's tough in a lot of ways.
I’m celiac disease so we spend more on foods xxx
Nothing cheaper than rice and beans and veggies
Maybe your daughters would like to do a " savings challenge".. they are fun to do, there are many examples on Utube. ❤😊
We have all done them at different times. They are quite sophisticated with their money these days. The youngest is the most savvy.
I think everyone's rent is going up without much notice. My daughter's also went up 100 dollars.
It's definitely a sign of the times.
Very good chat 😊
Thanks!
Good advice😊
Thanks! 🙂
Thankyou lovely Jane! Wish you were my neighbour 😊
Aww, thanks!
I am an older millenial, a bit older than your oldest daughter. I work 2 jobs and i struggle to put away a couple of hundred £ every month. I absolutely resonate with your daughters about what they said about getting a coffee . It's a lot harder to save for this generation than it was for our parents, for the simple fact that they were not bombarded with so many options into consumerism left and right every day.
That is true, plus we didn't have the easy credit options that make it all so tempting!
Yes boiled water placed it urn for latter use
Did you see on the bbc website that some flat owners have had their service charges put up from £900 to over £5000 per year. It’s disgraceful isn’t it x
Yes, I know, and that's really worrying! I think the government was talking about bringing in some new laws but who knows when? Crazy too, as greedy freeholders don't care if you can't pay - they are allowed to repossess the property without liaising with the mortgage provider.
@@ShoestringJane it really is shocking Jane! 😒
We have to really encourage young people and help each other find ways to manage and frugal life style will help. Such amazing questions you are asking and encouragement. Even a small property is better than nothing.
Agreed. It's important to buy what's affordable.
I have an amazing butcher fruit and vegie shop yes later up
me and my partner got a second hand vw golf convertible we got it 2yrs this year cost nearly 7k out of the money saved on benefits
Wow! That's good going.
Yes it's a girl thing