Hi Kate ... my goals were achieved largely by LISTS and PRAYERS .... and this worked in terms of listing courses needed for degrees and diploma programs and listing events i wanted to attend and listing projects to complete .... etc .... and Prayers are ongoing in the process as well
10 years ago when my husband and I were newly married and saving up to buy our first house, we were living in a camper. We used one income to live off of and the other income went straight into savings. We bought our first house within our first year of marriage. Bonus...if you really want to test your marriage, live in a camper. If you can survive that, you can survive anything! 😆
Mainly for adults.... Skip a meal... I eat 2 meals a day and trust me we don't need to eat as much as we do. Also reduce the types of foods that you need. As long as we eat protein, vegetables and good fats we are accessing good nutrition. Snacks are just making money for the snack industries and hurting our health (along the same lines as smokes and alcohol) 💜
Yes!! I view it as a game, I see how much I can make due with what I have. If I need something, I try and find 2nd hand. I have my bill schedule on paper, and I write 2 financial goals for every month. When I hit the goal, I write a big done and YAAY ME!! on it. I keep track of my credit score every month and write it on that bill schedule. I Make coffee at home, skip breakfast, eat 2 meals a day. I use kitchen towels mostly, (paper towel only for cat yuck) I sewed some flanel napkins for the table, so I just rewash them, the boys like them better because they are softer wiping the face. I also made smaller flanel wipes to remove my make up and face washing. We watch a lot of you tube, netflix and hulu, or play poker at home. Whatever you try, it can help, even if you choose to do it for a little while. I drive a used paid for small car, great on gas, I keep maintained with oil changes. I sell a few things on ebay, used the extra to pay credit card down to 30% usage, heading for a 10% usage next, then payoff. Love Dave Ramsey, listen to him on you tube! GO FOR IT, Winning means getting to keep more of the money you work hard to earn! (All those advertisers have their hands out and they want your paycheck) Be well !
Mistake I made is to have chosen a partner who doesn't budget and live off credit cardS. When I met him 12 years ago he was in huge debt, he still is till today. He buys kunch and dinner most days spends excesive amount on things he already has. Very stressful....
Sometimes opposite attract. Doesn't mean you can't introduce your partner to a frugal lifestyle slowly. It's a real challenge but love concurs all. Lol
We are minimalists since 2017.. we 1st sold TONS of our stuff. Next, we paid off our debts one at a time.. during that process, we installed a wood stove in our home for heating and we built a clothesline in our back yard to fry clothes. Our electricity bill was cut by just above 1/2!! We also NEVER buy coffee out, my husband does all our maintenance from watching UA-cam “how-to” videos, and we did that final item from your list!! We live on my retirement and save all my husbands!! Because of this last thing, we are now COMPLETELY debt free, even our mortgage, and it was paid off 11 years early!! I can’t say enough how much frugal and minimal living has helped us. We actually enjoy the journey more than ever!! This was a great video! I hope lots of people will take your advice!! Thank you for sharing!! 😊
I love peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and I just learned at 40 years old that you can freeze them. I make about a dozen every couple of weeks and store them in the freezer to grab and go instead of grabbing granola bars or snacks at the store. They thaw perfectly and taste great and really fill me up. I keep one in my bag almost everyday for hunger emergencies. They always hit the spot for me.
No way are you 40!!! You look 28!!! Loved your video. Keep good ideas coming! I’m 59 and I’m still learning new ideas and things from UA-cam people! It’s great to have! Thank you!
@@KateKaden I prefer to cut off the crusts before freezing the PB&J's.I toast the crusts to make bread crumbs. When I find bread on sale, I make the entire loaf into French toast then replace it in the bread bag and freeze. We can grab pieces out in the mornings, pop them in the toaster, then go. I put sugar and vanilla in my batter so there is no need for syrup.
I used to buy glow sticks and tub toys from dollar tree and do glow stick bath night, I would draw a bath, put on the night light and activate the glow sticks and let him play play play in the bath, he LOVED glow stick baths. Last summer we went night swimming and took glow sticks for diving! (he is 16 now :) cheap fun!
Or, use baking soda and salt to make a paste in your hand, can flavour it with mint if you like. No fluoride, which is one of the world's most toxic chemicals, do your research. Use a water-pik as well as dental floss.
When taking a vacation we get a hotel with breakfast to save money. We eat out for lunch at a nice place that has a lunch special that's our big meal, and for dinner we eat sandwiches in the room. It's still a fun vacation but a lot less $$$ than eating out 3 times a day.
Phi it’s Anne again haven’t watching food blogs so no hands in the hair yeh yeh I have been cutting my own hair For at least 40 years it’s a bob so easy Peary blessings from Canada
Doria Kay We look out for hotels with free breakfast too. So stress free, then i take bread and fruit for a picnic lunch, and pay for a nice, but not too expensive dinner.
In addition to a free breakfast (which is usually a continental breakfast, fruit & donuts & bagels) we take protein/granola bars (purchased on sale) and eat. As snacks.
The library is a great way to save money but it is so much more than books! You can get dvds, museum passes, childrens programs, the list goes on and on! Our library have specialty cakes pans to borrow and some lend out artwork!
Here in California public libraries have toys to borrow. And in my son's schools once a year they throw away books and toys sometimes small furniture and is free. Check your local school you guys are going to save money in good books. And some Facebook groups exchange books, and toys another way to save money.
1.turn off lights when you leave the room 2. unpug your appliances / charger 3. save your change 4.recycle 5.have emergency funds 6.live below your means 7.stay home 8.do it for free learn it in youtube etc 9. cut your own hair 10.stick to a budget 11. drink less smoke less 12.drink more water 13. practice zero food waste 14.sell everything your not using 15. use digital coupons 16. use everything until the last drop 17. use less paper towel 18.to eat at home most of the time 19.bring snacks when going out 20.explore minimalism / frugal = be happy with living less 21.bank statement every single day 22.use library 23.frugal exercise walking 24. save gas erands all at the same time 25. wash clothes less 26. eat less meat 27. utelize free entartainment 28. use one car 29. down size your house 30.never go out to eat if really need to save money 31. live in one income
Best tip: Call your house, car insurance, cable, internet etc. Negotiate a lower price. Ask to speak to manager. Don't raise your voice or be angry. Tell them that you have to save money. If they say no, accept it, hang up and call other companies for another option. It could save you thousands of dollars a year.
I was out of work for a few months and I spoke with all my insurance companies and because I had been with them for many years I was able to have a free month with one and reduced rates or suspension of payments for a bit. They were all acomadating 💚
I called my utilities and my auto & home insurance providers to ask for lower rates. All helped me get lower payments except for 2. However, the 2 which couldn't help me with lower payments, did work with me on getting different due dates and that really took the heat off the first of the month. Spending about 1.5 hours on the phone saved me $98 and oodles of late fees...well worth it.
If they say no, call back and talk to someone else. If you have been a long time customer, threaten to go elsewhere. It worked with my phone and cable.
I use a clothesline whenever I can to keep the house cool in the summer and save on electricity and gas. I also cook in the summer using a SunOven (a solar oven that uses no electricity, just the sun) using the veggies from my garden. I make a great zucchini lasagna using the SunOven..no need to cook inside the house and heating it up when the A/C is on. Yes, you can roast a chicken in it! I will use my dryer during bad weather and dry only to slightly moist and hang. I have perennial strawberries, apples, cherries, raspberries....a wonderful inexpensive treat in the summer and fall months. I make my own popsicles and fruit sorbet with the fruit which is healthier than the Koolaid pops. I make homemade apple pies , applesauce in the fall. I can whatever I can from my garden...from tomatoes to sweet corn to beans, etc. Even a couple of tomato plants can save a family so much money. And if you live in an apartment, growing a tomato plant or lettuces is easy on a balcony. My own thought is that it is important we teach our children how to grow their own food, so they may be self-sufficient if they need to.
Use cloth napkins.They come packaged in 4 pairs and we needed 2 different sets. Each family member has her own pattern of cloth napkin and is responsible for putting it in the laundry when needed. A clean napkin of that same pattern is waiting in the drawer already. We give guests their choice of special cloth napkins or paper napkins.
I cash budget. I do a mix of cash savings, digital savings, and use our CC. Plan ahead for what always happens every year (holidays, car maintance, taxes, subscriptions, etc.). That had made a big difference! No more overspending on holidays. If we run out of money for Halloween, that's it. We're done. Find what method works for you and do it!
We have in our state a college where student's study to become chefs or work in the hospitality industry. The public can book a table and have a fantastic, very cheap meal in the college's restaurant with the students being their chefs and staff. No different than a posh restaurant. The students get to practise their skills and the public pay a very reasonable price and provide feedback for the students. Maybe there is one attached to college's in other countries.
They have one at the college where I live. But, for senior citizens you cannot beat the Senior Buffets offered by casinos. Of course, that's not an option at the moment, but I also enjoyed their champagne brunches. Buffet was $4.99 and brunch a bit more. No need to gamble, just go for the food, as many people do.
One thing we do is utilize your state parks. They are usually pretty economical. The most expensive one my husband and I have gone to is $7.00 a person. Now if you have a family and you think you want to utilize state parks, you can get a year long pass for $70.00. It allows for a certain number of people or cars on it. Ours is one car per pass. Check with your state. It is pricey at first (70.00), but you get many trails that are maintained to explore, walking tours and bus tours of birding areas (usually free), fishing areas that are maintained, some have pools maintained, wildlife rooms. Each state park is a little different and offer different things, but they are all pretty cheap and a cheap vacation for the kiddos and a very active get away with plenty of picnicking and camping opportunities.
We used to stay at state camping grounds while traveling. Every 3 days wed rent out a room between state parks in different states so the children would get a camping experience and nice hotel experiences at the same time. We'd eat frugally and cook some of our meals too...family of five👴👱👧👨👦
Talking of paper towels, I too have to deal with cat puke and came across this issue early on. I asked my grandma what they used to use before all the paper towels because I couldn't imagine she would wash a towel and reuse it after it has cat puke on it. She said they used to use newspaper. I periodically grab one of the free newspapers off of public transport (or use junk mail) and whatever isn't used for cleaning up (It's good for mirrors and glass too!) We use as wrapping paper for gifts (A few handprints or scribbles on it from the kids make all the difference.)
I went over 15 years without buying paper towels. But after I got cats (I’m a multiple cat house) I had to start buying them. I’m dealing with hair balls and cat puke daily. I have a speed eater who regurgitate often because of it. I don’t subscribe to any newspapers or else I’d be giving that a try. Paper towels last me a while because they are only used for cat accidents. Cloth towels are used for everything else.
You can also cut near empty tubes of products open to get the very last drops out of them. Don't cheap out on mattresses, get a good quality one, because a good night of sleep is really important, BUT get a zippered waterproof mattress protector on it so it doesn't get spoilt, especially if it's going to be used by someone prone to spilling or body fluid leaks.
My 2 other friends and I used to go out for happy hour.. but since lockdown, we now do a wine tasting in her back yard, we all bring a different bottle of wine and taste and chat in the fresh air, socially distanced wine tasting! with masks and hand sanitizers of course!
I hardly ever drink anything except water. However, I enjoy the occasional glass of wine with a special meal, so do not find a need to restrict myself from such a small treat. I have tea and coffee at home, but not that I have a Berkey water purifier, water tastes so good, I rarely bother to have anything else. I bought the Berkey from their 'scratch and dent' dept. one tiny scratch, you would never notice! Well worth the cost, and the filters are $60.00 and last me a year. I have never smoked, even chocolate seems to interest me less and less.
I love listening to ways of saving money. One thing that I'm sure you all practice, is to never allow anything to gang up on you. I constantly clean and repair, and I make sure things are up to par before they get out of control. One can always afford soap and water.
A dishwasher uses 17 gallons of water, water is costly in my area. I hand wash using large dish pans then repurpose the grey water. Water bill down 25%.
We don't have need of air conditioning - we have deep patio covers, the windows don't face West or South and we have tile flooring and ceiling fans and portable fans for daytime, and open the windows for cool breezes at night
Thanks for your tips and mostly for your positive attitude and your abundant smile. It's so much easier to listen to someone talk about being frugal for all the right reasons when that person appears to be as happy as we'd all like to be. Thanks for showing newly frugal people that you can be frugal AND happy at the same time.
Bonnie, these are HUGE compliments that mean so much to me! THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU! Hope to see you again each Friday for a new video!!!! Really appreciate you:)
I take my lunch, dinner and snacks to work daily. I am a nurse, and work a rotating roster. I always have food and snacks prepared, and ready to grab at home. Saves much time and money. I make big pot of lentil and vegetable soup once a week, and that's my dinner every night. Easy, so cheap, and absolutely delicious. Love your videos! Have just discovered your channel, and am binge watching. So much fun!
One thing I do is use my bath towel two or three times before I throw it in the wash. I get out of the shower clean, I hang dry my bath towel to dry, repeat and do it again at least three times.
@@ChristyQQ1 Really like my large bath towel. It is thick, but I hang dry them after the wash on a clothes line, so it uses no more energy to dry. But that is a good idea.
Growing up, in our family of 8, we each had one towel and one washcloth to last us the whole week. Each kid was responsible for hanging them to dry. It only took one time leaving it bunched up in a chair (getting seriously funky) for me to learn to hang it properly.
Here are some of my frugal things I study "The Great Depression" time period. Amazing ..they had everything but money. 1. After washing clothes hang dry. 2. Mini garden..plant my favorites and favorite Herb's
No paper plates, towels, napkins 4. Make bread..tortialls.... Pizza dough. What helps is take one frugal task at a time.. see what works 5. Sorry don't have pets..it's a big cost. 6. I try to duplicate what I like..coffee..pizza...dessert at home . 7. If I need something ..maybe borrow. Amish do this. 😁 I borrowed and loan out clothes to friends. Like my dress I share with my bestie...it's for party's weddings ECT... 8. Shop pantry first.. see what I've got then build on that. Hope that helps 😁 9.
Speaking of change. I have a lil jar I got at the Dollar Tree that says Vacation Fund that has a lil slit at the top of it to put the change in. I keep it on my dryer so when I wash clothes and the loose change falls in the washer I can just put it right in the jar.
I have a tootsie roll bank that came from my youngest son’s Christmas gifts from a family member. He already had a bank so I snagged that one for the laundry room!!! 😁😁
I refer to found money as my *cleaning fee*. I have 6 sons I hubby, if they aren't going to clean out their pockets for money, who knows what else they leave in there. Any found laundry money is *MINE*! Clean out your pockets, guys!!
He is just adorable. They grow up much to quickly so enjoy every minute. Looks like you two had a blast. All they really want is your love and attention. When our grandkids were little since they lived in another state every Summer they would each get to come stay with us for a week. We had a blast, flying kites, tea parties, drawing with chalk on the driveway etc. now they are 18 and 21. We still love when they can come visit and sleep over even for a weekend in the Summer around their school and work.
I loved this video and do many of the things you mentioned. For me the best way to save money is to stay at home and out of the stores and away from the gas stations. Another, way to save money is to stop watching home shopping channels! These well trained sales people are not your friends! They are there for one purpose-to get your money! There are so many people ordering stuff they don’t need and adding debt to their credit cards!
Sunny Day You are so right! I looked at my account today and thought, wow I didn’t spend that much this week. Forgetting that I’ve been home sick in bed for almost two weeks. Just really opened my eyes, shockingly, to see how much money I was blowing in stupid stuff. And I’ve also have come to the conclusion, just don’t turn on the shopping channel, nothing really good comes from them.
I turned off QVC. Just received my credit card statement!!!! Yikes, easy pay was a hard fall. 8 items on 5 easy pays. Horrid realization on how much debt I have racked up.
I misplaced my debit card about 3 months ago, reported it "stolen" and found it a few days later. I have not replaced the card and we just rely on one card my husband carries - I use it when needed but forces me to discipline myself and really think about if my purchases are necessary -- we are NOW living below our means
Love this. I make a lot of my gifts. can be done for pennies on the dollar many times & much loved. Yesterday I ordered 3 things from amzn , saved me from driving to 3 different stores, save gas on hr round trip, didn't stop for a drink, & no impulse buying. saved on the taxes too. I think the tax saving is often overlooked. saved me money & time to buy from home. also I may put the items in the cart & think on it a day or week. buying second hand can save lots too.
I LOVE homemade gifts. One gift I got years ago from my niece when she was about 8 years old was a bookmark that was her school picture that was laminated. She went to the Dollar Store or Dollar Tree and got these jewel like bling stickers and surrounded her pretty face. I have that bookmark still and I LOVE it. So parents, let your kids draw a picture for nanna, auntie or someone special and frame it in a cheap, black frame to give it a look of importance. IT WILL BE LOVED AND CHERISHED FOREVER. I did this with my nieces and nephews a lot for Christmas to their parents when they were young (5-6 years old) and their parents still have it hanging up today as they go off to college. Another thing I did with them is to wrap presents to their parents, take butcher paper (cheap, comes in a big roll) and let them draw and decorate on it. You might even give them an idea for each person such as, draw your favorite thing about that person or something that reminds you of granny or grampa....whatever. believe me, it is like two gifts in one. The relative loves the special (cheap) paper as much as the "economical" gift of powder or lotion the little one picked out. LOL.
@@donnaleeclubb119 that is awesome, there is something about making the gifts, they come from the heart. My son when he was little drew a picture of him on his bike with a bubble that said " I love my family" I still have that. is one of those black frames. I treasure it.
Having a little binge watching session as I have just subscribed. Very enjoyable, thankyou! I find batch cooking helps immensely. Just had a day off and used up all my veg and perishables. Now have a freezer full of meals and no need to go shopping again for a while. No temptation to order take-aways and ZERO food waste !!
The first year of my daughters life I saved 500 in change and I was a single part time working mother. I would break a dollar over 5 cents or more. Every time even if I had a nickel in my purse.
I make my own laundry detergent from two ingredients: washing soda ($4/box) and OxyClean powder ($9/container). Mix equal parts (I use a potato masher to break up any clumps), put the powder in an angled candy jar, throw in a measuring Tablespoon, and keep covered (very important: moisture will eventually turn the washing soda back into baking soda). Use one level Tbs per load. $15 of detergent lasts at least a year. And no plastic bottles every month.
Love your videos. I do all of the things that you recommended. And I have for years because I was raised by the Depression Era grandparents. As our income has risen we continue to live on the same amount of money.By doing so we paid off all of our debt, saved a years worth of income, paid off large amounts on our mortgage, and fund my retirement account. I find learning these habits is something that you don’t want to give up even when you have money later down the line. I cannot stand to be wasteful. We do have a large 40 acre farm which we paid a huge down payment with cash. Built a cabin and paid a third of it with cash. We own three cars that are paid for. We have a paid for boat &tractor. Until about five years ago we made under $75,000 a year as a couple. Last year was our best year, and we put that difference of about $30,000 on our mortgage. The skills that we have developed when we were struggling making much less have helped us get ahead. We enjoy and love the journey. My husband and I have only been married a year, together seven. He has changed his ways so much and now loves this lifestyle and sees how it has changed his life. We are now building a small cabin on our property for cash to rent out.
I love the tip about playing outside with your son! My daughters are grown now, but I used to feel SO guilty that I couldn’t take them to do “fun” things due to my budget at the time. Looking back I gave them precious memories they will always have with the hours we spent playing Barbies, or drawing pictures, or reading (we visited the Library a lot)!
ABSOLUTELY!!! Time is the best. My parents could not take us to restaurants because the older generation ALWAYS practiced these "tips". One thing my parents did on vacation is stop at rest stops and picnic. There was a method to their madness. LOL. We were dying to get out of that car and run and play. Lol. Not be cooped up in some restaurant or Burger place.
We moved to a smaller apartment within walking distance of my job and hubby transitioned to working from home. We were able to sell off both of our vehicles. We do pay more in rent, but over all save about $800 month by not paying car payments, rent, tabs, repairs, etc.
I came to the U.S. 8 years ago and was so shocked that American don't use clothesline but using dryer instead, which is not only wasting money on purchasing the machine, but also damaging clothes; another shock was that many people buy coffee instead of brewing their own.
I live in UK and agree. Clothes dried outdoors small so fresh! For wet days, or in the winter, I have a clothes rail fixed high up in the warm cubby hole (it's too small to call it a utility room 😊)where our hot water boiler is. I hang all the damp clothes on hangers on the rail to dry. I drape sheets and duvet covers over two large horses/airers in the spare bedroom and they're dry within the day. No problem with damp because if it's winter the central heating's on (albeit the radiators are turned down low in the spare room) and in summer I open the window.
My grandmother and mother always used a clothes line and they taught me how to hang the clothes, but I live in a HOA townhome community and we are not allowed to have a clothes line.
I'm letting my hair grow long. I don't color it. I wash my hair with baking soda and water, And then rinse it real well before I condition it with apple cider vinegar. I may trim my own hair later (Maybe). Look up "No 'Poo" online. I don't smoke or drink. I scrap garden. I seldom buy anything retail, I buy second hand. I do dry my hands with paper towels, But I also go all around the bathroom (Cleanest to dirtiest) with that same paper towel until it falls apart. at the end of the week I just use vinegar and tea tree oil and a rag to sanitize. This saves using caustic chemistries to break hard water staining because the hard water is not allowed to evaporate on the surfaces. My components for house keeping chemistries are: Vinegar, Washing soda, Borax, Castile soap, And tea tree oil. With these I can clean ANYTHING. Just add water. No food gets wasted because I have dogs. If I cant finish it, They can!
Anita Ares I have tried baking soda and vinegar but how do you deal with the smell of vinegar on your hair ? It was so hard the smell that even some people complained at my office 🙊
Love your video! We do food swapping here. The farm behind me has chickens so I get my eggs for free. I bring them tomatoes and pumpkins. And apples from my tree which I trade for corn as well from the next place down. When I lived in LA, I had a lemon tree and a grapefruit tree and I used to swap them for avocados and oranges on my same street. Food swapping is great.
I wired my kitchen and bathroom outlets to a 60 minute timer. The outlet is off except for when I select minutes to use the appliance outlet. I never have to worry about NOT turning off the coffee pot or whatever because the outlet is dead unless I dial in X minutes. I also exchanged bathroom switches with motion detectors. Love it!
Great Video! I agree with you on everything. My friends call me Frugal Francine. If we eat out it is always with a coupon. We drive used cars that are paid for. I shop Clearance racks & thrift stores. I try and do all my errands in one day so that there are days U don't have to go out. (I am disabled so stretching my $$$ is a must)
I have gave up cable and just have a antenna, make my own cleaning products just vinegar and water, make my own eyeglass cleaner and jewelry cleaner, have a ten year old phone.Go to different libraries in my area to different events and watch new movies love the library!!!
The libraries offer SO much!!! I know because I am a library assistant!!! Lots of community events and children events. Check out any free summer programs. In my area, there are A LOT for the kids. Summer is BUSY!!
(Im a college student) Shop at goodwill/thrift stores/garage sales for things I need. Go to discount grocery store for groceries and shop in the bulk section. Only eat plant based food (beans, rice, nuts, seed, fruit, veg are cheap), sell old clothes and things online or with garage sales, carpool, cancel subscriptions, save change, try to only eat out once a month (no soda or alcohol), meal prep
Ariana! WOW! This is so exciting that you are doing this as a college student! I wish I knew then what I know now. You are making such great decisions and will be ahead of the game for sure. Thank you so much for sharing with us! I'm so glad you are here! What are you studying?
Definitely one of the best things to do is teach your children about living and being frugal and live the lifestyle. I started teaching my son from the time he could understand why we live the way we do. He is almost thirteen now and super thrifty. He hardly ever asks for anything, because he appreciates what he has. He cuts his own hair, just like I do and have for 35 years. He loves thrift shopping and hunting for needed items. He understands that we eat at home 95% of the time even if we're hungry. Now teaching my husband that has been the difficult part, explaining that he won't die if he can't have a snack, lol. My son is learning to cook, save, invest, repair and give to charity. I have purchased 90% of his clothes from thrift stores since before he was born along with toys and needed school items. When he grows out of those items I either donate them back or sell the name brand items for usually more than I purchased it for. He's learned that older is usually better made and repairable and not to fall into the trap of brands. There are thousands of ways to save, we do spend on things we appreciate for comforts, but save in most areas people never even think of.
Have you ever read Amy Dacyczyn's Tightwad Gazette? I received her newsletter in the 90's. The book is a compilation of the newsletters and her essays. She changed my life.
OMG, I also got that newsletter in the 90's but I had forgotten her name. Over the years, as our household income increased, I got caught up in consumerism. But, I'm going back to my roots with a more minimalist approach to living. Thank you for the book suggestion!
Great tips! I get my hair cut once every 2 years so I can donate it its straight, blonde and never been colored/ had highlights. The salon I go to does it for free since I donate to wigs4kids. 🥰🥰🥰🥰
I make speciality biscotti for the holidays. Everyone at work and adult relatives get some. I only make it once a year so that keeps it special. Seriously, everyone looks forward to it. Stress free and frugal.
I know one of your suggestions is to eat at home. I don't eat out often as I have been widowed for about nine months, but when I do, I always, always save half of the meal to take home for another meal...even a Happy Meal. Two things happen when I do that: I effectively pay half price for each meal, and I don't overeat just because the food is served to me. If I'm still hungry when I get home, I have carrots, celery and a little bit of ranch dressing. Or if I want something sweet, I'll have some vanilla yogurt with a little fruit chopped up in it. For Mother's Day, my children and grandchildren gave me restaurant gift cards. Even the youngest one who is still in school and doesn't have a job gave me a $5 gift card to Chik-Fil-A. I received Bojangles, Wendy's and Chick-Fil-A cards. What fun! And to make everyone feel good about giving me a gift card instead of a "real" present, I will be sure to tell them every time I use the card they gave me and how I thought of them when I used it. I'm so blessed to have such a caring and thoughtful family. I've learned to use our zero turn mower...if I had to pay someone to mow the grass, it would easily be over a $100 each time. The thing is that even though I have been nervous about doing some of the things that my late husband did, I keep persevering. I do budget carefully, have an emergency fund, and refer to The Tightwad Gazette a fair amount. I'm a new subscriber and I am loving your channel. Diane in North Carolina
Diane, I am so glad you are here! Thank you so much for watching, commenting and sharing with us! Gift Cards for Mother's Day is AWESOME. I'm very sorry to hear you have been widowed for nine months. I hope you are doing okay. Thank you again for your comments! See you again very soon! -Kate
@@KateKaden Oh Kate, how kind you are. I'm trying hard to be okay...my husband and I were married for over 53 years and I miss him terribly. Yes! I'll see you again soon. Diane
53 years! Oh wow! So I just found this video recently that I thought was beautifully said. Not sure if you are interested, but if you are, it's about Grief. It's about how we don't move ON from losing someone, we move forward with them:) I liked the way she talked about it. Hope it's helpful:) Thinking of you! www.ted.com/talks/nora_mcinerny_we_don_t_move_on_from_grief_we_move_forward_with_it?language=en
@@KateKaden Hi Kate. I just watched the video. Thank you for suggesting it. The woman made a lot of good points that I could relate to in a sad, good way. I'll be thinking more about what she said, I believe. Thankfully, I have had some very good people in my life to help me along this grief journey. Griefshare has been invaluable to me, as have my family, my friends, and my church family. I truly do appreciate your thinking of me. It makes sense that you majored in psychology, as you certainly do have a gift for being concerned about people in a very kind way.
I like your zero food waste idea. I have a tip… if you have parts of veggies you won’t eat and bones from meat, freeze them in a large ziplock until it is full. Once full put in an instant pot with plenty of water, pressure cook 30 min is best imo. You end up with extremely nutritious broth, just drain it and use it over a couple days!
Kids know how to have fun wherever they are. They have limitless imagination. They also just want to hang out with their parents when they're young. Enjoy your time together. The best memories for them is the time you spend with them. You don't need money for that. My best frugal tip: Live on half your pay each month. I get paid bi-monthly. First check is used to pay bills, buy groceries, pay rent, etc. Second check of the month is used to pay down debt and whatever is left over is invested or placed in a high yield savings account.
I LOVE that tip!!!!!! Thank you. And HECK yes you are so right. All he wants to do is play with me and it doesn't have to cost a dime. The time together is SO precious! Thank you so much for watching and commenting! Loved reading this!!! Have an awesome weekend!
Go through all your stuff and use the stuff that you forgot you had. That goes for clothing, health and beauty aides, food, and more. It's amazing what you will find! I go through my whole pantry 3 or 4 times per year. Whatever is nearing the expiration date goes into a cardboard box. I make it a priority to use that up ASAP. I enjoyed the video, Kate. Keep up the good work!
@@hollyclark690 hi Holly..I refrigerate my un used brewed coffee. It tastes fine..and you have " instant" iced coffee!!. I like Cafe Bustello instant and ground
@@hollyclark690 Oh, no...I hate instant coffee. Just get a 4-cup Mr. Coffee or even a one cup maker for less than ten dollars. I love my Mr. Coffee 4-cupper, and I never drink more than one 12-oz. mug in the morning. I save the rest in a jar and when the jar is full, I use it for that day. I just heat it in the microwave for two minutes and fifty seconds ... long enough to be good and hot and still delicious, just like the first day. Waste not, want not, but don't deprive your wonderful self of freshly brewed coffee. My mom was a coffee lover and started drinking instant when she was older. It made me feel depressed. There are probably a couple of brands that are better than they used to be, but freshly brewed Folger's Black Silk is my favorite. I use 2 large coffee scoops, that's 2 tbsp. per scoop, and one regular tbsp., which is a total of five tbsp. I don't like it too weak or too strong. It comes out just right, like Little Red Riding Hood's oatmeal.
I do enjoy your videos. I also find them funny. I'm 80, growing up "frugal" wasn't a thing it was every day Life. I'm glad to see your generation has reached the point that this is optional and some of you realize it's still the best way.
Yeah, save your change! I save all my quarters. The last time my save jar was full I took it to the grocery store and put all the change in a coin machine and I had $125.00!!! I got a a grocery store gift card and bought my groceries with that $$$!!!!
I am in my seventies and have never had a pedicure or manicure at a salon, the idea does not appeal to me. Beauty schools offer good prices if one asks for a student almost ready to graduate. But, with Corona-19 that is nolonger an option. I bought a kit from Amazon to groom my spitz dog, I would never pay someone $50.00 to do that for me.
I follow Suze Orman, . She suggests an 8 month emergency fund. I think people should strive for a one year emergency fund. For less food waste, freeze everything you can. I freeze avocados and other fruits and veggies for smoothies. I use paper towels, I buy them at the dollar store. I have no desire to clean up gross messes with cloth and then put that in my washer. I am frugal with so many other things that I have no issues with using paper towels. Being frugal and a minimalist means different things to different people I think some people carry it to the extreme. I've lived on one income for the majority of my life. When my late husband and I were raising our family we lived on his income in San Diego. We lived frugally, but had everything and more that we wanted and needed. We bought a home, which I sold last year and made a huge profit from, bought my brand new home for cash. If we could do it, living in a very expensive area of the country, virtually anyone can. Very good video! tfs Have a Lovely Mother's Day ! 🌺 🌺 🌺 🌺 🌺 🌺 🌺 🌺 🌺 🌺 🌺 🌺 🌺 🌺 🌺 🌺
What an upbeat person! Hitting that subscribe button. When times were hard, I turned off the cable, and cancelled the newspaper. Instead of buying new books my family and friends loan each other constantly, and lastly greeting cards can be 7 bucks each! I've found a heartfelt message on a card I've made is very much appreciated and more personal.
I got a 12 pk/bundle of white wash cloths from WM for a couple $. I use them for all the minor spills that happen. They bleach up well, therefore they're always clean & sanitized. For the nastier stuff, I use the cheaper paper towels. Save loads of money, & it doesn't add any extra to my wash budget.
Grow your own veggies if you can. Freeze what your family doesn't eat right away. Freeze leftovers for work lunches. If you are going to use the oven to bake, bake a lot!! Freeze the extra for when you want it. In winter, when you are done baking, leave the oven door open to utilize the warmth. Heating the oven uses a lot of electricity, don't waste it. Menu plan meals. Shop sales. Aldi's has great prices and most items are good. Close your shades in summer to keep the house cooler. Save scrap paper and junk mail envelopes for taking notes, making grocery lists, etc. Thanks for the videos Kate! New subscriber here. :)
Unplug cable box when not in use ( esp while sleeping at night). Cable is a major drain on electricity. Keep fridge n anything with motor maintained n dust free, you'd be surprised how dust clogs motors and increase electricity. By doing the above mentioned I cut my power bill in half!
I checked my bank statement recently and found that “five” dollars had been taken out of my money market account! I was like, “heck, no,” because I always make sure that I’m never charged anything! I immediately called them up to find out why money was taken from me. They told me that the money had dipped below the amount they want to maintain the account! (I had taken money out recently not realizing it would be an issue). I immediately shut down that account and transferred the remaining money to another account! It really does pay to monitor all your accounts to make sure that all of your money stays in your pocket and not the banks!
I run laundry and dish washer on off peak times. I Googled the times my electric company has peak and off peak. It saves us 25% on our bill. I'm in Florida so summer can be expensive but winter we've had $30 electric bills on average.
As I watch these kind of videos now that I'm a grown up, I realize my parents were doing many of the wise frugal habits. We were never well off but we had everything we needed. However it was incredibly painful to live like this without any proper explanation, just "because I said so and don't you dare to question". I was a curious and intelligent child and my parents just didn't give me the confidence that I could understand these things, like really understand intelectually. Could have taught me such great things to use in my own life later.
Oooh, this is such a great comment. I bet you are not the only one feeling this way. Very insightful. This makes me want to always communicate to Kaden why we do what we do. Thank you for this! :)
I haven't bought paper towels since I divorced in '12. Before then, a roll would last a few months, if I hid it. Instead, I have 3 bins of cloth rags (all hemmed to prevent raveling in the laundry): terry cloth work horse rags for general cleaning/spills, flannel for dusting and allergy/cold season.The last bin is "use and toss"-cut up undies/T's mostly. Those are used to clean up after the cat. And yes, I launder and reuse the other rags over and over again.
@@KateKaden also good will and red white and blue stores in nj....also the habitat for humanity 'restores'. builders... handy men...remodelers ...et al donate paint... Hardware... Furniture... Fixtures... Appliances Etc... I bought my lounger at a restore... Bought my kitchen sink with pull-down faucet single handle at a restore... Just donated a small shoe shelf unit to restore...
@@duggydugg3937 we have tissues (paper) in the bathrooms. Once a cold/allergy hits, we turn to my ubber soft, hemmed flannel rags-softer on the skin than lotion tissues. : )
I don’t know how I found you but I’m so glad I did. Your tips are spot on, your enthusiasm is contagious, and reading the comments have been enlightening as well as entertaining. Thank you to everyone!
I cut my cable and share my subscriptions with family members. One will pay for Netflix, another Hulu, another UA-cam and we share it. I unplug my washer and dryer between uses too.
what my husband and I do to see if we really need a purchase (ex: a new movie stand, a cool belt buckle, a game system) is to first show the other then leave it in the store sleep on the idea for at least a night if not two and then if its still a good idea we buy. (after checking online of course) the other tip we do is to turn our hobbies into cash when possible. (I weave and sell the cloths and bags online, he does some mild woodworking and gardening.) my last big tip is a work carpool. you save a bundle on gas.
I ride a razor scooter (16" wheels) in central park..union sq..Washington sq...battery park on Saturdays...yes I spend a little on food and train fare...but the ride is free unless I have a flat or need something done to the scooter..
You look so cute in this video! And I love your positive spirit. Speaking of UA-cam I had a clogged bathroom sink. Nothing worked. Before calling a plumber I looked on UA-cam. There was a solution that worked! Baking soda and vinegar. No plumber needed!
I wash my laundry during low usage time, early day or overnight. I hang out my laundry, yes we live in the country. Also re: laundry I only use 1tbsp detergent (read about it we use way more as a whole than neccessary) & vinegar for softener. If I rarely do dishes in dishwasher, I don't use the dryer option & open the door in the morning for air dry. Also I still use dishwasher disc & break it in half. Thank you for sharing this information.
Also I noticed though don't act upon it that shampoo and conditional are so condensed that one tends to be over generous in its use. You could mix with water and decant to another bottle and would stretch further.
My husband used to get a rash from laundry soap. I tried every one there was, and in the end used nothing. Just water. And the clothes came out clean except for marks! I found a bland spray on stain remover and used that on marks, but that was enough for the whole load. I only launder when necessary. .
Oooh I'm so glad you found a method that works well for you! That' so awesome! SAVING MONEY! WOOOHOOOO!!!! Thank you so much for watching and sharing with us.
I am trying to really cut back on zipper bags. I try to reuse the bags that produce comes in, and the bread bags. Also the wax paper liner pf cereal can be turned inside out and rinsed. When I order things I save the packaging.
I reuse the air filled plastic bags when I bulk order, to clean up after my dog when she uses her pads. I have used the paper as well. I release the air out of the long strip of bags with a puncture hole, use them to pick up what she leaves behind, then tie off the bag for trash. It's like using gloves, only free. I rarely need to use anything else. I also reuse old towels & irregular prefolded diapers for her pads. It's less expensive & I can dry them outside which seems to make them more absorbent. I use 0 fabric softener when washing them. Works great for me & for her. 🙂
Yes! We’ve been able to cut electric bill in half AND in the summer! We have unplugged after each use, lights off and turned up temp during the day and plug in a fan to circulate air. Cut down TV time and reading books more. Thanks for the tips!
Kate, there is a winery in California called Wine Insiders. They don't charge for shipping if you buy six bottles, and if you are signed up, they will send you emails about promotional savings. I am 83, I live alone, and I drink red wine every day with my one meal of the day. I don't abuse it, and I would never refuse it...I also cook with white wine and love chicken cooked with sherry or white wine. You don't need to use a lot, just half of a cup is enough, but it kicks it up more than one notch. The alcohol cooks out, so you get the added flavor without it. Just keep it out of the children's reach. Pour it into an empty vinegar bottle. Kids don't drink vinegar, unless they're really weird.
Hi Pat! You are 83 and AMMAAAAAAZING!!!!!!!! I have used Wine Insiders once so far and the wine was wonderful!!! Thank you so much for watching an commenting. I'm so glad you are here on my channel Pat!
Hi Everyone! If you want more frugal content, my full frugal playlist is here! ua-cam.com/video/reWfnrOR1l8/v-deo.html
Hope you enjoy!
Hi Kate
... my goals were achieved largely by LISTS and PRAYERS
.... and this worked in terms of listing courses needed for
degrees and diploma programs
and listing events i wanted to attend
and listing projects to complete .... etc
.... and Prayers are ongoing in the process as well
@@KateKaden You can use water to clean yourself in wc it is healther and cleaner... Try it.. The microbes will disappear rather than paper
When I was young I was scared of the dark... when I got older and saw the light bill... now I’m afraid of the lights
TRUE STORY!!!! Loved this comment, thank you thank you!
Just Frugal 😂😂😂
This should be on a mug or something XD
Just Frugal Me lol
😁👍🏼
10 years ago when my husband and I were newly married and saving up to buy our first house, we were living in a camper. We used one income to live off of and the other income went straight into savings. We bought our first house within our first year of marriage.
Bonus...if you really want to test your marriage, live in a camper. If you can survive that, you can survive anything! 😆
Love the old saying, " use it up, wear it out , make it do, or do without"
I love that saying so much too!
My father lives by this. He also goes by, "If it's Free then more for me. If it costs then it's a loss."
And fix things! It's amazing how little skill and special tools it sometimes needs. Look on UA-cam for instructions, demos etc.
Love this!
Thank you. This will be my new motto! :)
Mainly for adults.... Skip a meal... I eat 2 meals a day and trust me we don't need to eat as much as we do. Also reduce the types of foods that you need. As long as we eat protein, vegetables and good fats we are accessing good nutrition. Snacks are just making money for the snack industries and hurting our health (along the same lines as smokes and alcohol) 💜
Hi Tara, loved reading this! I could def skip a meal once in a while! Thank you so much for watching and sharing with us!
Yes!! I view it as a game, I see how much I can make due with what I have. If I need something, I try and find 2nd hand. I have my bill schedule on paper, and I write 2 financial goals for every month. When I hit the goal, I write a big done and YAAY ME!! on it. I keep track of my credit score every month and write it on that bill schedule. I Make coffee at home, skip breakfast, eat 2 meals a day. I use kitchen towels mostly, (paper towel only for cat yuck)
I sewed some flanel napkins for the table, so I just rewash them, the boys like them better because they are softer wiping the face. I also made smaller flanel wipes to remove my make up and face washing. We watch a lot of you tube, netflix and hulu, or play poker at home. Whatever you try, it can help, even if you choose to do it for a little while. I drive a used paid for small car, great on gas, I keep maintained with oil changes. I sell a few things on ebay, used the extra to pay credit card down to 30% usage, heading for a 10% usage next, then payoff. Love Dave Ramsey, listen to him on you tube! GO FOR IT, Winning means getting to keep more of the money you work hard to earn! (All those advertisers have their hands out and they want your paycheck) Be well !
Before choosing that partner, make sure they have the same attitude towards money as you have!
GREAT REMINDER GIRL! No prospects currently:) LOL.
I am married to an anti frugal so I tried to spend his money and save mine instead:)
Mistake I made is to have chosen a partner who doesn't budget and live off credit cardS. When I met him 12 years ago he was in huge debt, he still is till today. He buys kunch and dinner most days spends excesive amount on things he already has. Very stressful....
Sometimes opposite attract. Doesn't mean you can't introduce your partner to a frugal lifestyle slowly. It's a real challenge but love concurs all. Lol
@@VK-gr6in have you read dave ramsey? Total money make over? excellent. its really tough when you are frugal.
We are minimalists since 2017.. we 1st sold TONS of our stuff. Next, we paid off our debts one at a time.. during that process, we installed a wood stove in our home for heating and we built a clothesline in our back yard to fry clothes. Our electricity bill was cut by just above 1/2!! We also NEVER buy coffee out, my husband does all our maintenance from watching UA-cam “how-to” videos, and we did that final item from your list!! We live on my retirement and save all my husbands!! Because of this last thing, we are now COMPLETELY debt free, even our mortgage, and it was paid off 11 years early!! I can’t say enough how much frugal and minimal living has helped us. We actually enjoy the journey more than ever!! This was a great video! I hope lots of people will take your advice!! Thank you for sharing!! 😊
Thank you so much for watching and commenting and sharing! LOVED reading this!!!!!!!
Retired Book Nerd: I laughed so hard at your typo!
I'm sure you meant 'dry our clothes' :-O
Bronwyn Tully 😂😂🤣😂I had not noticed it!! We stopped frying our clothes years ago!! 😜😂
Retired Book Nerd. That is so awesome!
I want to be you when i grow up!!! On my way 😉
I love peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and I just learned at 40 years old that you can freeze them. I make about a dozen every couple of weeks and store them in the freezer to grab and go instead of grabbing granola bars or snacks at the store. They thaw perfectly and taste great and really fill me up. I keep one in my bag almost everyday for hunger emergencies. They always hit the spot for me.
YESSS!!!!! I learned that this year too! (And I am 40!) Maybe you only get to know that piece of info that makes your life easier at age 40?? LOL!
What a fabulous idea! I didn't know you could freeze them! (And I'm 50!)
No way are you 40!!! You look 28!!!
Loved your video. Keep good ideas coming! I’m 59 and I’m still learning new ideas and things from UA-cam people! It’s great to have!
Thank you!
Great tip! Thank you! I will be using it!
@@KateKaden I prefer to cut off the crusts before freezing the PB&J's.I toast the crusts to make bread crumbs. When I find bread on sale, I make the entire loaf into French toast then replace it in the bread bag and freeze. We can grab pieces out in the mornings, pop them in the toaster, then go. I put sugar and vanilla in my batter so there is no need for syrup.
I cut out my tv service and saved $140 a month. Bought an indoor antenna which picks up local stations and I watch UA-cam. I haven’t missed it.
$140 a month is HUGE!!!! YASSS!!!!!
I live you tube
I don't own a tv since 2011
Me neither, since 2000- movies from library and u tube; books to read (millionaire habit!) -- who needs the Idiot Box
Patricia Ellingsworth me too!
Love you playing with your son instead of the arcade. He'll remember those times so much more than an arcade. :)
Totally right? We had a blast!
I used to buy glow sticks and tub toys from dollar tree and do glow stick bath night, I would draw a bath, put on the night light and activate the glow sticks and let him play play play in the bath, he LOVED glow stick baths. Last summer we went night swimming and took glow sticks for diving! (he is 16 now :) cheap fun!
Toothpaste: cut the end of the tube and dip your toothbrush in to get the very last bit.
arescue mix it with water bicarbonate and coconut oil .use it longer .
Or, use baking soda and salt to make a paste in your hand, can flavour it with mint if you like. No fluoride, which is one of the world's most toxic chemicals, do your research. Use a water-pik as well as dental floss.
When taking a vacation we get a hotel with breakfast to save money. We eat out for lunch at a nice place that has a lunch special that's our big meal, and for dinner we eat sandwiches in the room. It's still a fun vacation but a lot less $$$ than eating out 3 times a day.
Phi it’s Anne again haven’t watching food blogs so no hands in the hair yeh yeh I have been cutting my own hair For at least 40 years it’s a bob so easy Peary blessings from Canada
Doria Kay
We look out for hotels with free breakfast too. So stress free, then i take bread and fruit for a picnic lunch, and pay for a nice, but not too expensive dinner.
In addition to a free breakfast (which is usually a continental breakfast, fruit & donuts & bagels) we take protein/granola bars (purchased on sale) and eat. As snacks.
@@TheTiayahi We skipped eating out and went to the grocery store deli counter! We got chicken, sides, and paid much less than going out as a family.
Renting an apartment is cheaper and buy your own food
Power strips are much easier than unplugging things individually because they have a single switch.
Good one!
Children need a parent’s Presence more than presents.
Tell that to my kids.
That is an amazing saying!!! I want to post it outside my classroom!!
you may have had a free afternoon with your son, but his smile was priceless!
His smile was priceless for sure!!!! Thank you so much for watching Angela!
Also when bringing a reusable water bottle ...you reduce plastic waste :)
YASSS GIRL!
Jackie M Cos , bringing water from home is safer & your used to ur own water . Bottled water should be only bought for emergencies
The library is a great way to save money but it is so much more than books! You can get dvds, museum passes, childrens programs, the list goes on and on! Our library have specialty cakes pans to borrow and some lend out artwork!
You are so right! It IS so much more! (It's kind of magical!) :):) HAPPY FRIDAY DANA!
@Blessed In Bowie that's so funny because when we moved to our town it was rhe first plaace we went too!
@Blessed In Bowie q
Here in California public libraries have toys to borrow. And in my son's schools once a year they throw away books and toys sometimes small furniture and is free. Check your local school you guys are going to save money in good books. And some Facebook groups exchange books, and toys another way to save money.
I love to visit local libraries when travelling abroad. Wonderful places even when they are modest and a bit worn out..
1.turn off lights when you leave the room
2. unpug your appliances / charger
3. save your change
4.recycle
5.have emergency funds
6.live below your means
7.stay home
8.do it for free learn it in youtube etc
9. cut your own hair
10.stick to a budget
11. drink less smoke less
12.drink more water
13. practice zero food waste
14.sell everything your not using
15. use digital coupons
16. use everything until the last drop
17. use less paper towel
18.to eat at home most of the time
19.bring snacks when going out
20.explore minimalism / frugal = be happy with living less
21.bank statement every single day
22.use library
23.frugal exercise walking
24. save gas erands all at the same time
25. wash clothes less
26. eat less meat
27. utelize free entartainment
28. use one car
29. down size your house
30.never go out to eat if really need to save money
31. live in one income
THANK YOU!!!
Best tip: Call your house, car insurance, cable, internet etc. Negotiate a lower price. Ask to speak to manager. Don't raise your voice or be angry. Tell them that you have to save money. If they say no, accept it, hang up and call other companies for another option. It could save you thousands of dollars a year.
Judy A. Shroads I changed my internet and mobile phone services and saved 30€ a month and 120€ upfront. It really matters
@@carolc2574 Congratulations, Carolina!!!! It just takes a little time, but can can save so much.
I was out of work for a few months and I spoke with all my insurance companies and because I had been with them for many years I was able to have a free month with one and reduced rates or suspension of payments for a bit. They were all acomadating 💚
I called my utilities and my auto & home insurance providers to ask for lower rates. All helped me get lower payments except for 2. However, the 2 which couldn't help me with lower payments, did work with me on getting different due dates and that really took the heat off the first of the month. Spending about 1.5 hours on the phone saved me $98 and oodles of late fees...well worth it.
If they say no, call back and talk to someone else. If you have been a long time customer, threaten to go elsewhere. It worked with my phone and cable.
I use a clothesline whenever I can to keep the house cool in the summer and save on electricity and gas. I also cook in the summer using a SunOven (a solar oven that uses no electricity, just the sun) using the veggies from my garden. I make a great zucchini lasagna using the SunOven..no need to cook inside the house and heating it up when the A/C is on. Yes, you can roast a chicken in it! I will use my dryer during bad weather and dry only to slightly moist and hang. I have perennial strawberries, apples, cherries, raspberries....a wonderful inexpensive treat in the summer and fall months. I make my own popsicles and fruit sorbet with the fruit which is healthier than the Koolaid pops. I make homemade apple pies , applesauce in the fall. I can whatever I can from my garden...from tomatoes to sweet corn to beans, etc. Even a couple of tomato plants can save a family so much money. And if you live in an apartment, growing a tomato plant or lettuces is easy on a balcony. My own thought is that it is important we teach our children how to grow their own food, so they may be self-sufficient if they need to.
Thank you so so much for sharing!!!! Really appreciate you!
8:48 buying and eating a little less to avoid wastage hasn't yet killed anyone.
Actually, it has without doubt saved a few lives!
Use cloth napkins.They come packaged in 4 pairs and we needed 2 different sets. Each family member has her own pattern of cloth napkin and is responsible for putting it in the laundry when needed. A clean napkin of that same pattern is waiting in the drawer already. We give guests their choice of special cloth napkins or paper napkins.
If I've got the oven on for dinner I will also make a cake, saves heating the oven up again as its pre warmed.
Oooh love this!
I watched and listened to this again as I took my free frugal walk this morning.
Oh that is so awesome!
I cash budget. I do a mix of cash savings, digital savings, and use our CC. Plan ahead for what always happens every year (holidays, car maintance, taxes, subscriptions, etc.). That had made a big difference! No more overspending on holidays. If we run out of money for Halloween, that's it. We're done. Find what method works for you and do it!
We have in our state a college where student's study to become chefs or work in the hospitality industry. The public can book a table and have a fantastic, very cheap meal in the college's restaurant with the students being their chefs and staff. No different than a posh restaurant. The students get to practise their skills and the public pay a very reasonable price and provide feedback for the students. Maybe there is one attached to college's in other countries.
Meg Peg, central PA? We have that service in Williamsport, PA. Love it!
I will check the college that I have close by. 👍Thanks! for sharing this idea.
They have one at the college where I live. But, for senior citizens you cannot beat the Senior Buffets offered by casinos. Of course, that's not an option at the moment, but I also enjoyed their champagne brunches. Buffet was $4.99 and brunch a bit more. No need to gamble, just go for the food, as many people do.
One thing we do is utilize your state parks. They are usually pretty economical. The most expensive one my husband and I have gone to is $7.00 a person. Now if you have a family and you think you want to utilize state parks, you can get a year long pass for $70.00. It allows for a certain number of people or cars on it. Ours is one car per pass. Check with your state. It is pricey at first (70.00), but you get many trails that are maintained to explore, walking tours and bus tours of birding areas (usually free), fishing areas that are maintained, some have pools maintained, wildlife rooms. Each state park is a little different and offer different things, but they are all pretty cheap and a cheap vacation for the kiddos and a very active get away with plenty of picnicking and camping opportunities.
We used to stay at state camping grounds while traveling. Every 3 days wed rent out a room between state parks in different states so the children would get a camping experience and nice hotel experiences at the same time. We'd eat frugally and cook some of our meals too...family of five👴👱👧👨👦
In Washington State a Discover Pass is $30.00 a year. You can use it for two vehicles, but not at the same time.
Talking of paper towels, I too have to deal with cat puke and came across this issue early on. I asked my grandma what they used to use before all the paper towels because I couldn't imagine she would wash a towel and reuse it after it has cat puke on it. She said they used to use newspaper. I periodically grab one of the free newspapers off of public transport (or use junk mail) and whatever isn't used for cleaning up (It's good for mirrors and glass too!) We use as wrapping paper for gifts (A few handprints or scribbles on it from the kids make all the difference.)
I went over 15 years without buying paper towels. But after I got cats (I’m a multiple cat house) I had to start buying them. I’m dealing with hair balls and cat puke daily. I have a speed eater who regurgitate often because of it. I don’t subscribe to any newspapers or else I’d be giving that a try. Paper towels last me a while because they are only used for cat accidents. Cloth towels are used for everything else.
Mishesarus your grandma is a genius
Brilliant!
@@MsKatalind I have 8 cats😸
@@MsKatalind 😸
You can also cut near empty tubes of products open to get the very last drops out of them. Don't cheap out on mattresses, get a good quality one, because a good night of sleep is really important, BUT get a zippered waterproof mattress protector on it so it doesn't get spoilt, especially if it's going to be used by someone prone to spilling or body fluid leaks.
In your opinion, what are some good mattresses that don't cost a fortune? I can't afford to spend over $500 on one, I have a full size.
The best frugal rule regarding alcohol and smoking: DON’T !!!!! At all !!! It’s a big expense!
You're right. It adds up so fast!
Why on earth would you pay to kill yourself. .. just crazy
My 2 other friends and I used to go out for happy hour.. but since lockdown, we now do a wine tasting in her back yard, we all bring a different bottle of wine and taste and chat in the fresh air, socially distanced wine tasting! with masks and hand sanitizers of course!
I hardly ever drink anything except water. However, I enjoy the occasional glass of wine with a special meal, so do not find a need to restrict myself from such a small treat. I have tea and coffee at home, but not that I have a Berkey water purifier, water tastes so good, I rarely bother to have anything else. I bought the Berkey from their 'scratch and dent' dept. one tiny scratch, you would never notice! Well worth the cost, and the filters are $60.00 and last me a year. I have never smoked, even chocolate seems to interest me less and less.
I love the pillows behind you!!!! Happiness is Homemade.
AHHH!? THANK YOU!!!!!
I noticed that too.
I love listening to ways of saving money. One thing that I'm sure you all practice, is to never allow anything to gang up on you. I constantly clean and repair, and I make sure things are up to par before they get out of control. One can always afford soap and water.
Shut computer off when not in use , raise temp of AC , only wash clothes when you have a full load , only run dishwasher when full
Definitely! Thank you so much for watching and sharing with us! So glad you are here!
A dishwasher uses 17 gallons of water, water is costly in my area. I hand wash using large dish pans then repurpose the grey water. Water bill down 25%.
We don't have need of air conditioning - we have deep patio covers, the windows don't face West or South and we have tile flooring and ceiling fans and portable fans for daytime, and open the windows for cool breezes at night
Thanks for your tips and mostly for your positive attitude and your abundant smile. It's so much easier to listen to someone talk about being frugal for all the right reasons when that person appears to be as happy as we'd all like to be. Thanks for showing newly frugal people that you can be frugal AND happy at the same time.
Bonnie, these are HUGE compliments that mean so much to me! THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU! Hope to see you again each Friday for a new video!!!! Really appreciate you:)
I take my lunch, dinner and snacks to work daily. I am a nurse, and work a rotating roster. I always have food and snacks prepared, and ready to grab at home. Saves much time and money. I make big pot of lentil and vegetable soup once a week, and that's my dinner every night. Easy, so cheap, and absolutely delicious. Love your videos! Have just discovered your channel, and am binge watching. So much fun!
One thing I do is use my bath towel two or three times before I throw it in the wash. I get out of the shower clean, I hang dry my bath towel to dry, repeat and do it again at least three times.
YESSSSS!!!! Great idea! Definitely!
@@ChristyQQ1 Really like my large bath towel. It is thick, but I hang dry them after the wash on a clothes line, so it uses no more energy to dry. But that is a good idea.
I do the same thing. I prefer a thin washcloth and a medium weight towel. Not crazy about super thick towels or washcloths.
Growing up, in our family of 8, we each had one towel and one washcloth to last us the whole week. Each kid was responsible for hanging them to dry. It only took one time leaving it bunched up in a chair (getting seriously funky) for me to learn to hang it properly.
I use my bathrobe for about a week, then wash, and air dry.
Here are some of my frugal things
I study "The Great Depression" time period. Amazing ..they had everything but money.
1. After washing clothes hang dry.
2. Mini garden..plant my favorites and favorite Herb's
No paper plates, towels, napkins
4. Make bread..tortialls.... Pizza dough.
What helps is take one frugal task at a time.. see what works
5. Sorry don't have pets..it's a big cost.
6. I try to duplicate what I like..coffee..pizza...dessert at home .
7. If I need something ..maybe borrow. Amish do this. 😁 I borrowed and loan out clothes to friends. Like my dress I share with my bestie...it's for party's weddings ECT...
8.
Shop pantry first.. see what I've got then build on that.
Hope that helps 😁
9.
Ronda, thank you so much for sharing with us!!!! Great ones!
Kate you are so fun and great tips and your munchkin is precious...good mom!!!
Speaking of change. I have a lil jar I got at the Dollar Tree that says Vacation Fund that has a lil slit at the top of it to put the change in. I keep it on my dryer so when I wash clothes and the loose change falls in the washer I can just put it right in the jar.
PERFECT!
I have a tootsie roll bank that came from my youngest son’s Christmas gifts from a family member. He already had a bank so I snagged that one for the laundry room!!! 😁😁
I refer to found money as my *cleaning fee*. I have 6 sons I hubby, if they aren't going to clean out their pockets for money, who knows what else they leave in there. Any found laundry money is *MINE*! Clean out your pockets, guys!!
I quit smoking May 10th this year hardest thing I ever did! Paid off a credit card with the extra cash!
I LOVE that you played cars with your son!!!
Thank you thank you!!!! It was a fun day!
He is just adorable. They grow up much to quickly so enjoy every minute. Looks like you two had a blast. All they really want is your love and attention. When our grandkids were little since they lived in another state every Summer they would each get to come stay with us for a week. We had a blast, flying kites, tea parties, drawing with chalk on the driveway etc. now they are 18 and 21. We still love when they can come visit and sleep over even for a weekend in the Summer around their school and work.
I loved this video and do many of the things you mentioned. For me the best way to save money is to stay at home and out of the stores and away from the gas stations. Another, way to save money is to stop watching home shopping channels! These well trained sales people are not your friends! They are there for one purpose-to get your money! There are so many people ordering stuff they don’t need and adding debt to their credit cards!
YES YES YES!!!!!!!!
@@KateKaden and haul videos on YT!
Sunny Day
You are so right! I looked at my account today and thought, wow I didn’t spend that much this week. Forgetting that I’ve been home sick in bed for almost two weeks. Just really opened my eyes, shockingly, to see how much money I was blowing in stupid stuff.
And I’ve also have come to the conclusion, just don’t turn on the shopping channel, nothing really good comes from them.
I turned off QVC. Just received my credit card statement!!!! Yikes, easy pay was a hard fall.
8 items on 5 easy pays. Horrid realization on how much debt I have racked up.
I misplaced my debit card about 3 months ago, reported it "stolen" and found it a few days later. I have not replaced the card and we just rely on one card my husband carries - I use it when needed but forces me to discipline myself and really think about if my purchases are necessary -- we are NOW living below our means
Love this. I make a lot of my gifts. can be done for pennies on the dollar many times & much loved. Yesterday I ordered 3 things from amzn , saved me from driving to 3 different stores, save gas on hr round trip, didn't stop for a drink, & no impulse buying. saved on the taxes too. I think the tax saving is often overlooked. saved me money & time to buy from home. also I may put the items in the cart & think on it a day or week. buying second hand can save lots too.
I LOVE AMAZON!
I LOVE homemade gifts. One gift I got years ago from my niece when she was about 8 years old was a bookmark that was her school picture that was laminated. She went to the Dollar Store or Dollar Tree and got these jewel like bling stickers and surrounded her pretty face. I have that bookmark still and I LOVE it. So parents, let your kids draw a picture for nanna, auntie or someone special and frame it in a cheap, black frame to give it a look of importance. IT WILL BE LOVED AND CHERISHED FOREVER. I did this with my nieces and nephews a lot for Christmas to their parents when they were young (5-6 years old) and their parents still have it hanging up today as they go off to college. Another thing I did with them is to wrap presents to their parents, take butcher paper (cheap, comes in a big roll) and let them draw and decorate on it. You might even give them an idea for each person such as, draw your favorite thing about that person or something that reminds you of granny or grampa....whatever. believe me, it is like two gifts in one. The relative loves the special (cheap) paper as much as the "economical" gift of powder or lotion the little one picked out. LOL.
@@donnaleeclubb119 that is awesome, there is something about making the gifts, they come from the heart. My son when he was little drew a picture of him on his bike with a bubble that said " I love my family" I still have that. is one of those black frames. I treasure it.
Having a little binge watching session as I have just subscribed. Very enjoyable, thankyou!
I find batch cooking helps immensely. Just had a day off and used up all my veg and perishables. Now have a freezer full of meals and no need to go shopping again for a while. No temptation to order take-aways and ZERO food waste !!
I'm honored to be a binge of yours!!!! Thank you so much for watching and sharing with us! And thank you for subscribing! See you next time!!!!!!
My favorite is saving my change I've been saving for 2 yrs I have about 500
YES SIA! That is AWESOME!
My wallet is always bursting with change. I'm going to start saving it.
The first year of my daughters life I saved 500 in change and I was a single part time working mother. I would break a dollar over 5 cents or more. Every time even if I had a nickel in my purse.
@@angelaworrell2974 Save them in a tin and use it towards Xmas gifts.
Love her playing with the kid he will remember the closeness
Thank you Patricia!!!
I make my own laundry detergent from two ingredients: washing soda ($4/box) and OxyClean powder ($9/container). Mix equal parts (I use a potato masher to break up any clumps), put the powder in an angled candy jar, throw in a measuring Tablespoon, and keep covered (very important: moisture will eventually turn the washing soda back into baking soda). Use one level Tbs per load. $15 of detergent lasts at least a year. And no plastic bottles every month.
Love your videos. I do all of the things that you recommended. And I have for years because I was raised by the Depression Era grandparents. As our income has risen we continue to live on the same amount of money.By doing so we paid off all of our debt, saved a years worth of income, paid off large amounts on our mortgage, and fund my retirement account. I find learning these habits is something that you don’t want to give up even when you have money later down the line. I cannot stand to be wasteful. We do have a large 40 acre farm which we paid a huge down payment with cash. Built a cabin and paid a third of it with cash. We own three cars that are paid for. We have a paid for boat &tractor. Until about five years ago we made under $75,000 a year as a couple. Last year was our best year, and we put that difference of about $30,000 on our mortgage. The skills that we have developed when we were struggling making much less have helped us get ahead. We enjoy and love the journey. My husband and I have only been married a year, together seven. He has changed his ways so much and now loves this lifestyle and sees how it has changed his life.
We are now building a small cabin on our property for cash to rent out.
WOW WOW WOW Courtney! I LOVED reading this! Thank you so much for sharing! This is awesome:)
We save about $50 per month buy switching to store brand foods.
Great!
I love the tip about playing outside with your son! My daughters are grown now, but I used to feel SO guilty that I couldn’t take them to do “fun” things due to my budget at the time. Looking back I gave them precious memories they will always have with the hours we spent playing Barbies, or drawing pictures, or reading (we visited the Library a lot)!
LOVE YOUR COMMENT! Thank you Elizabeth!!!!!!
ABSOLUTELY!!! Time is the best. My parents could not take us to restaurants because the older generation ALWAYS practiced these "tips". One thing my parents did on vacation is stop at rest stops and picnic. There was a method to their madness. LOL. We were dying to get out of that car and run and play. Lol. Not be cooped up in some restaurant or Burger place.
We moved to a smaller apartment within walking distance of my job and hubby transitioned to working from home. We were able to sell off both of our vehicles. We do pay more in rent, but over all save about $800 month by not paying car payments, rent, tabs, repairs, etc.
This is so great Nancy! I love it! Smart move!
Many people forget to figure in the full cost of ownership of vehicles, homes, and many other objects.
I came to the U.S. 8 years ago and was so shocked that American don't use clothesline but using dryer instead, which is not only wasting money on purchasing the machine, but also damaging clothes; another shock was that many people buy coffee instead of brewing their own.
Totally!!! :)
I live in UK and agree. Clothes dried outdoors small so fresh! For wet days, or in the winter, I have a clothes rail fixed high up in the warm cubby hole (it's too small to call it a utility room 😊)where our hot water boiler is. I hang all the damp clothes on hangers on the rail to dry. I drape sheets and duvet covers over two large horses/airers in the spare bedroom and they're dry within the day. No problem with damp because if it's winter the central heating's on (albeit the radiators are turned down low in the spare room) and in summer I open the window.
My grandmother and mother always used a clothes line and they taught me how to hang the clothes, but I live in a HOA townhome
community and we are not allowed to have a clothes line.
That's because many folk are lazy!
We always used a clothesline growing up in the 60's in CA. But many places in the US are too cold in the winter to dry clothes outside.
I'm letting my hair grow long. I don't color it. I wash my hair with baking soda and water, And then rinse it real well before I condition it with apple cider vinegar. I may trim my own hair later (Maybe). Look up "No 'Poo" online.
I don't smoke or drink. I scrap garden. I seldom buy anything retail, I buy second hand.
I do dry my hands with paper towels, But I also go all around the bathroom (Cleanest to dirtiest) with that same paper towel until it falls apart. at the end of the week I just use vinegar and tea tree oil and a rag to sanitize. This saves using caustic chemistries to break hard water staining because the hard water is not allowed to evaporate on the surfaces. My components for house keeping chemistries are: Vinegar, Washing soda, Borax, Castile soap, And tea tree oil. With these I can clean ANYTHING. Just add water.
No food gets wasted because I have dogs. If I cant finish it, They can!
LOL!!!! Dogs definitely help with that! :) :) Thank you for all your tips Anita!
Sounds like your cleaning ingredient is what I make laundry soap from.
Anita Ares I have tried baking soda and vinegar but how do you deal with the smell of vinegar on your hair ? It was so hard the smell that even some people complained at my office 🙊
Love your video! We do food swapping here. The farm behind me has chickens so I get my eggs for free. I bring them tomatoes and pumpkins. And apples from my tree which I trade for corn as well from the next place down. When I lived in LA, I had a lemon tree and a grapefruit tree and I used to swap them for avocados and oranges on my same street. Food swapping is great.
Oh that is wonderful! Food swapping! Love it!
I wired my kitchen and bathroom outlets to a 60 minute timer. The outlet is off except for when I select minutes to use the appliance outlet. I never have to worry about NOT turning off the coffee pot or whatever because the outlet is dead unless I dial in X minutes. I also exchanged bathroom switches with motion detectors. Love it!
Great Video! I agree with you on everything. My friends call me Frugal Francine. If we eat out it is always with a coupon. We drive used cars that are paid for. I shop Clearance racks & thrift stores. I try and do all my errands in one day so that there are days U don't have to go out. (I am disabled so stretching my $$$ is a must)
I have gave up cable and just have a antenna, make my own cleaning products just vinegar and water, make my own eyeglass cleaner and jewelry cleaner, have a ten year old phone.Go to different libraries in my area to different events and watch new movies love the library!!!
YESSS BECKIE!!!
The libraries offer SO much!!! I know because I am a library assistant!!! Lots of community events and children events. Check out any free summer programs. In my area, there are A LOT for the kids. Summer is BUSY!!
I stopped buying so much makeup.
LOVE IT! Saves sooo much money and makes more room where we store it all!
Julie Balderas word! That is a huge money saver.
Me,too. One tip.check ebay bulk makeup.much better value. Plus whatever wont work for you can make a nice gift for a makeup lover
I buy Dollar Tree eyeshadow👍
Same here! I had every colour lip liner. Lipstick. Several mascara. Foundations! Urggh. I'll use them all up and only buy one of each :)
(Im a college student) Shop at goodwill/thrift stores/garage sales for things I need. Go to discount grocery store for groceries and shop in the bulk section. Only eat plant based food (beans, rice, nuts, seed, fruit, veg are cheap), sell old clothes and things online or with garage sales, carpool, cancel subscriptions, save change, try to only eat out once a month (no soda or alcohol), meal prep
Ariana! WOW! This is so exciting that you are doing this as a college student! I wish I knew then what I know now. You are making such great decisions and will be ahead of the game for sure. Thank you so much for sharing with us! I'm so glad you are here! What are you studying?
We eat oatmeal not just breakfast for snack on weekends it fills us children and big break for granmom avoid fixing 5 different meals.
Great idea!
Definitely one of the best things to do is teach your children about living and being frugal and live the lifestyle. I started teaching my son from the time he could understand why we live the way we do. He is almost thirteen now and super thrifty. He hardly ever asks for anything, because he appreciates what he has. He cuts his own hair, just like I do and have for 35 years. He loves thrift shopping and hunting for needed items. He understands that we eat at home 95% of the time even if we're hungry. Now teaching my husband that has been the difficult part, explaining that he won't die if he can't have a snack, lol. My son is learning to cook, save, invest, repair and give to charity. I have purchased 90% of his clothes from thrift stores since before he was born along with toys and needed school items. When he grows out of those items I either donate them back or sell the name brand items for usually more than I purchased it for. He's learned that older is usually better made and repairable and not to fall into the trap of brands. There are thousands of ways to save, we do spend on things we appreciate for comforts, but save in most areas people never even think of.
Have you ever read Amy Dacyczyn's Tightwad Gazette? I received her newsletter in the 90's. The book is a compilation of the newsletters and her essays. She changed my life.
OMG, I also got that newsletter in the 90's but I had forgotten her name. Over the years, as our household income increased, I got caught up in consumerism. But, I'm going back to my roots with a more minimalist approach to living. Thank you for the book suggestion!
I have the books, found them in a thrift store a few years ago
Love Amy and still use a lot of the principles she taught!
@@pammills8084 I've heard of her, but don't think I ever read any of her stuff - I do remember how to pronounce her Last name tho'. Lol - "Decision"
I love Amy. Without the Tightwad Gazette, I don’t think I’d ever have owned my own home.
Frugal tip to watch these videos to keep learning!
Great tips! I get my hair cut once every 2 years so I can donate it its straight, blonde and never been colored/ had highlights. The salon I go to does it for free since I donate to wigs4kids. 🥰🥰🥰🥰
That is SO great Chelsea! I love it!!!!
You could get your hair cut by students at the lical college
I make speciality biscotti for the holidays. Everyone at work and adult relatives get some. I only make it once a year so that keeps it special. Seriously, everyone looks forward to it. Stress free and frugal.
So many of these tips resonate - and your descriptions of how you put them into practice with a young child takes me back in time. So sweet. ❤️
Thank you Amy! I love reading your comments!
Your literally the best friend everyone should have
🥰🙏❤️best compliment! Thank you!!!
I know one of your suggestions is to eat at home. I don't eat out often as I have been widowed for about nine months, but when I do, I always, always save half of the meal to take home for another meal...even a Happy Meal. Two things happen when I do that: I effectively pay half price for each meal, and I don't overeat just because the food is served to me. If I'm still hungry when I get home, I have carrots, celery and a little bit of ranch dressing. Or if I want something sweet, I'll have some vanilla yogurt with a little fruit chopped up in it.
For Mother's Day, my children and grandchildren gave me restaurant gift cards. Even the youngest one who is still in school and doesn't have a job gave me a $5 gift card to Chik-Fil-A. I received Bojangles, Wendy's and Chick-Fil-A cards. What fun! And to make everyone feel good about giving me a gift card instead of a "real" present, I will be sure to tell them every time I use the card they gave me and how I thought of them when I used it. I'm so blessed to have such a caring and thoughtful family.
I've learned to use our zero turn mower...if I had to pay someone to mow the grass, it would easily be over a $100 each time. The thing is that even though I have been nervous about doing some of the things that my late husband did, I keep persevering. I do budget carefully, have an emergency fund, and refer to The Tightwad Gazette a fair amount. I'm a new subscriber and I am loving your channel. Diane in North Carolina
Diane, I am so glad you are here! Thank you so much for watching, commenting and sharing with us! Gift Cards for Mother's Day is AWESOME. I'm very sorry to hear you have been widowed for nine months. I hope you are doing okay. Thank you again for your comments! See you again very soon! -Kate
@@KateKaden Oh Kate, how kind you are. I'm trying hard to be okay...my husband and I were married for over 53 years and I miss him terribly. Yes! I'll see you again soon. Diane
53 years! Oh wow! So I just found this video recently that I thought was beautifully said. Not sure if you are interested, but if you are, it's about Grief. It's about how we don't move ON from losing someone, we move forward with them:) I liked the way she talked about it. Hope it's helpful:) Thinking of you!
www.ted.com/talks/nora_mcinerny_we_don_t_move_on_from_grief_we_move_forward_with_it?language=en
@@KateKaden Hi Kate. I just watched the video. Thank you for suggesting it. The woman made a lot of good points that I could relate to in a sad, good way. I'll be thinking more about what she said, I believe. Thankfully, I have had some very good people in my life to help me along this grief journey. Griefshare has been invaluable to me, as have my family, my friends, and my church family. I truly do appreciate your thinking of me. It makes sense that you majored in psychology, as you certainly do have a gift for being concerned about people in a very kind way.
Jimmie Patrum Keep persevering!!
I like your zero food waste idea. I have a tip… if you have parts of veggies you won’t eat and bones from meat, freeze them in a large ziplock until it is full. Once full put in an instant pot with plenty of water, pressure cook 30 min is best imo. You end up with extremely nutritious broth, just drain it and use it over a couple days!
Oooh i love this! Thank you M.C.!!!!
Kids know how to have fun wherever they are. They have limitless imagination. They also just want to hang out with their parents when they're young. Enjoy your time together. The best memories for them is the time you spend with them. You don't need money for that.
My best frugal tip: Live on half your pay each month. I get paid bi-monthly. First check is used to pay bills, buy groceries, pay rent, etc. Second check of the month is used to pay down debt and whatever is left over is invested or placed in a high yield savings account.
I LOVE that tip!!!!!! Thank you.
And HECK yes you are so right. All he wants to do is play with me and it doesn't have to cost a dime. The time together is SO precious!
Thank you so much for watching and commenting! Loved reading this!!! Have an awesome weekend!
Go through all your stuff and use the stuff that you forgot you had. That goes for clothing, health and beauty aides, food, and more. It's amazing what you will find! I go through my whole pantry 3 or 4 times per year. Whatever is nearing the expiration date goes into a cardboard box. I make it a priority to use that up ASAP. I enjoyed the video, Kate. Keep up the good work!
Start your day brewing your own coffee.
DEFINITELY!
I had a Starbucks today...I was given a giftcard! Lol. Haven't been there in a couple of years.
@@hollyclark690 hi Holly..I refrigerate my un used brewed coffee. It tastes fine..and you have " instant" iced coffee!!. I like Cafe Bustello instant and ground
@@hollyclark690 Oh, no...I hate instant coffee. Just get a 4-cup Mr. Coffee or even a one cup maker for less than ten dollars. I love my Mr. Coffee 4-cupper, and I never drink more than one 12-oz. mug in the morning. I save the rest in a jar and when the jar is full, I use it for that day. I just heat it in the microwave for two minutes and fifty seconds ... long enough to be good and hot and still delicious, just like the first day. Waste not, want not, but don't deprive your wonderful self of freshly brewed coffee. My mom was a coffee lover and started drinking instant when she was older. It made me feel depressed. There are probably a couple of brands that are better than they used to be, but freshly brewed Folger's Black Silk is my favorite. I use 2 large coffee scoops, that's 2 tbsp. per scoop, and one regular tbsp., which is a total of five tbsp. I don't like it too weak or too strong. It comes out just right, like Little Red Riding Hood's oatmeal.
Granny Prepper , I have never been to a star bucks , I think it’s silly to buy coffee that cost so much, I make my own coffee
I do enjoy your videos. I also find them funny. I'm 80, growing up "frugal" wasn't a thing it was every day Life. I'm glad to see your generation has reached the point that this is optional and some of you realize it's still the best way.
Thank you SO much Sara! I'm SO glad you are here!
Line cat litter trays with free newspapers to save on buying litter.
Oooh, I've never heard this one! Thank you!
Yeah, save your change! I save all my quarters. The last time my save jar was full I took it to the grocery store and put all the change in a coin
machine and I had $125.00!!! I got a a grocery store gift card and bought my groceries with that $$$!!!!
I give myself pedicures. I havent been to a nail salon in 3years.
That's some great savings right there! Good job Monique!
I am in my seventies and have never had a pedicure or manicure at a salon, the idea does not appeal to me. Beauty schools offer good prices if one asks for a student almost ready to graduate. But, with Corona-19 that is nolonger an option. I bought a kit from Amazon to groom my spitz dog, I would never pay someone $50.00 to do that for me.
My husband and I have lived on his income only when I can work (we move a lot for his job...). It makes a huge difference in our savings
I follow Suze Orman, . She suggests an 8 month emergency fund. I think people should strive for a one year emergency fund. For less food waste, freeze everything you can. I freeze avocados and other fruits and veggies for smoothies. I use paper towels, I buy them at the dollar store. I have no desire to clean up gross messes with cloth and then put that in my washer. I am frugal with so many other things that I have no issues with using paper towels. Being frugal and a minimalist means different things to different people I think some people carry it to the extreme. I've lived on one income for the majority of my life. When my late husband and I were raising our family we lived on his income in San Diego. We lived frugally, but had everything and more that we wanted and needed. We bought a home, which I sold last year and made a huge profit from, bought my brand new home for cash. If we could do it, living in a very expensive area of the country, virtually anyone can. Very good video! tfs Have a Lovely Mother's Day ! 🌺 🌺 🌺 🌺 🌺 🌺 🌺 🌺 🌺 🌺 🌺 🌺 🌺 🌺 🌺 🌺
Love Suze Orman! Thank you Momof2 for sharing such great info! HAPPY HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!!!!!
@@KateKaden Thank you ! Have a Lovely weekend 🌺 🌺 🌺 🌺 🌺 🌺 🌺 🌺
What an upbeat person! Hitting that subscribe button. When times were hard, I turned off the cable, and cancelled the newspaper. Instead of buying new books my family and friends loan each other constantly, and lastly greeting cards can be 7 bucks each! I've found a heartfelt message on a card I've made is very much appreciated and more personal.
I got a 12 pk/bundle of white wash cloths from WM for a couple $. I use them for all the minor spills that happen. They bleach up well, therefore they're always clean & sanitized. For the nastier stuff, I use the cheaper paper towels. Save loads of money, & it doesn't add any extra to my wash budget.
YESSS!!!! Awesome!
I do not use paper towels. I use rags all the time. I have white rags for the small messes and dark wipes for the yucky messes.
I don't buy cloths. My cloths are worn out clothes, linen etc. My new clothes are from charity shops. Cheap, super clothes and supports a good cause.
Grow your own veggies if you can. Freeze what your family doesn't eat right away. Freeze leftovers for work lunches. If you are going to use the oven to bake, bake a lot!! Freeze the extra for when you want it. In winter, when you are done baking, leave the oven door open to utilize the warmth. Heating the oven uses a lot of electricity, don't waste it. Menu plan meals. Shop sales. Aldi's has great prices and most items are good. Close your shades in summer to keep the house cooler. Save scrap paper and junk mail envelopes for taking notes, making grocery lists, etc. Thanks for the videos Kate! New subscriber here. :)
Heidi I am so glad you are here!!!! Thank you so much for sharing with us!!!!!!
I shop at Big Lots for my furniture & have saved so much doing so. Ticket prices are literally double in places like Raymour & Flanigan, etc.
Unplug cable box when not in use ( esp while sleeping at night). Cable is a major drain on electricity. Keep fridge n anything with motor maintained n dust free, you'd be surprised how dust clogs motors and increase electricity. By doing the above mentioned I cut my power bill in half!
Ooooh! Great one!
I checked my bank statement recently and found that “five” dollars had been taken out of my money market account! I was like, “heck, no,” because I always make sure that I’m never charged anything! I immediately called them up to find out why money was taken from me. They told me that the money had dipped below the amount they want to maintain the account! (I had taken money out recently not realizing it would be an issue). I immediately shut down that account and transferred the remaining money to another account! It really does pay to monitor all your accounts to make sure that all of your money stays in your pocket and not the banks!
OH HECK NO!!!!! Glad you caught that!!!
I like your idea that wash less cloths especially in winter.
Yes! Thank you! Appreciate you Angel!
I run laundry and dish washer on off peak times. I Googled the times my electric company has peak and off peak. It saves us 25% on our bill. I'm in Florida so summer can be expensive but winter we've had $30 electric bills on average.
PERFECT! This is awesome!
Never thought of this will try it.
We have a solar plant on the roof so I use my washing machine, the dishwasher, ... at noon
I wash my own dishes.
where in Florida
As I watch these kind of videos now that I'm a grown up, I realize my parents were doing many of the wise frugal habits. We were never well off but we had everything we needed.
However it was incredibly painful to live like this without any proper explanation, just "because I said so and don't you dare to question". I was a curious and intelligent child and my parents just didn't give me the confidence that I could understand these things, like really understand intelectually. Could have taught me such great things to use in my own life later.
Oooh, this is such a great comment. I bet you are not the only one feeling this way. Very insightful. This makes me want to always communicate to Kaden why we do what we do. Thank you for this! :)
I haven't bought paper towels since I divorced in '12. Before then, a roll would last a few months, if I hid it. Instead, I have 3 bins of cloth rags (all hemmed to prevent raveling in the laundry): terry cloth work horse rags for general cleaning/spills, flannel for dusting and allergy/cold season.The last bin is "use and toss"-cut up undies/T's mostly. Those are used to clean up after the cat. And yes, I launder and reuse the other rags over and over again.
YESSSSS CT MOM!!! Thank you for sharing!
using more rags now... used to use hankies as a kid ...addicted to dollar store 'kleenex'.
LOVE THE DOLLAR STORE!!!!
@@KateKaden
also good will and red white and blue stores in nj....also the habitat for humanity 'restores'. builders... handy men...remodelers ...et al donate paint... Hardware... Furniture... Fixtures... Appliances Etc...
I bought my lounger at a restore... Bought my kitchen sink with pull-down faucet single handle at a restore... Just donated a small shoe shelf unit to restore...
@@duggydugg3937 we have tissues (paper) in the bathrooms. Once a cold/allergy hits, we turn to my ubber soft, hemmed flannel rags-softer on the skin than lotion tissues. : )
I don’t know how I found you but I’m so glad I did. Your tips are spot on, your enthusiasm is contagious, and reading the comments have been enlightening as well as entertaining. Thank you to everyone!
Carolyn! That means SO much to me! Thank you thank you and I'm SO GLAD YOU ARE HERE!!!!!!
I cut my cable and share my subscriptions with family members. One will pay for Netflix, another Hulu, another UA-cam and we share it. I unplug my washer and dryer between uses too.
Thank you for sharing netting chow! I'm so glad you are here!
what my husband and I do to see if we really need a purchase (ex: a new movie stand, a cool belt buckle, a game system) is to first show the other then leave it in the store sleep on the idea for at least a night if not two and then if its still a good idea we buy. (after checking online of course) the other tip we do is to turn our hobbies into cash when possible. (I weave and sell the cloths and bags online, he does some mild woodworking and gardening.) my last big tip is a work carpool. you save a bundle on gas.
I ride a razor scooter (16" wheels) in central park..union sq..Washington sq...battery park on Saturdays...yes I spend a little on food and train fare...but the ride is free unless I have a flat or need something done to the scooter..
You look so cute in this video! And I love your positive spirit. Speaking of UA-cam I had a clogged bathroom sink. Nothing worked. Before calling a plumber I looked on UA-cam. There was a solution that worked! Baking soda and vinegar. No plumber needed!
I wash my laundry during low usage time, early day or overnight. I hang out my laundry, yes we live in the country. Also re: laundry I only use 1tbsp detergent (read about it we use way more as a whole than neccessary) & vinegar for softener. If I rarely do dishes in dishwasher, I don't use the dryer option & open the door in the morning for air dry. Also I still use dishwasher disc & break it in half. Thank you for sharing this information.
You are so welcome! Thank you so much for sharing with us too Ginny!
Also I noticed though don't act upon it that shampoo and conditional are so condensed that one tends to be over generous in its use. You could mix with water and decant to another bottle and would stretch further.
My husband used to get a rash from laundry soap. I tried every one there was, and in the end used nothing. Just water. And the clothes came out clean except for marks! I found a bland spray on stain remover and used that on marks, but that was enough for the whole load. I only launder when necessary. .
I started the envelope budgeting system and I save tons of money!
Oooh I'm so glad you found a method that works well for you! That' so awesome! SAVING MONEY! WOOOHOOOO!!!! Thank you so much for watching and sharing with us.
Laura Cortez i did the same it works great :)
Love these tips!! I also close all my blinds during the day to keep it cool and save my ac from being overworked during our hot FL summers. ❤️
Love ya PharMa!!!!!!!!!
Yes keep adding up. Library yes
Thanks so much for watching Alison!
I am trying to really cut back on zipper bags. I try to reuse the bags that produce comes in, and the bread bags. Also the wax paper liner pf cereal can be turned inside out and rinsed. When I order things I save the packaging.
YES great idea!
I reuse the air filled plastic bags when I bulk order, to clean up after my dog when she uses her pads. I have used the paper as well. I release the air out of the long strip of bags with a puncture hole, use them to pick up what she leaves behind, then tie off the bag for trash. It's like using gloves, only free. I rarely need to use anything else. I also reuse old towels & irregular prefolded diapers for her pads. It's less expensive & I can dry them outside which seems to make them more absorbent. I use 0 fabric softener when washing them. Works great for me & for her. 🙂
Yes! We’ve been able to cut electric bill in half AND in the summer! We have unplugged after each use, lights off and turned up temp during the day and plug in a fan to circulate air. Cut down TV time and reading books more. Thanks for the tips!
That is SO AWESOME Marissa! I love hearing this!
Kate, there is a winery in California called Wine Insiders. They don't charge for shipping if you buy six bottles, and if you are signed up, they will send you emails about promotional savings. I am 83, I live alone, and I drink red wine every day with my one meal of the day. I don't abuse it, and I would never refuse it...I also cook with white wine and love chicken cooked with sherry or white wine. You don't need to use a lot, just half of a cup is enough, but it kicks it up more than one notch. The alcohol cooks out, so you get the added flavor without it. Just keep it out of the children's reach. Pour it into an empty vinegar bottle. Kids don't drink vinegar, unless they're really weird.
Hi Pat! You are 83 and AMMAAAAAAZING!!!!!!!! I have used Wine Insiders once so far and the wine was wonderful!!! Thank you so much for watching an commenting. I'm so glad you are here on my channel Pat!