10 Simple Ways to Be More Frugal in 2024 | minimalism + saving money

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  • čas přidán 15. 06. 2024
  • Go to our partner trymintmobile.com/atozenlife to get premium wireless for as low as $15 a month - buy 3 Months, Get 3 Months Free through 1/1/24!
    If you are looking for ways to be more frugal in 2024, look no further! This collection of money-saving tips and frugal living ideas is sure to help you spend less and save more in the coming year. IMHO, minimalism and frugal living go together like PB & J and if you want to save money, then simple living and frugality are an easy way to boost your savings and help you hit your financial goals. Let's go forth and BE FRUGAL!
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Komentáře • 228

  • @AtoZenLife
    @AtoZenLife  Před 6 měsíci +19

    Please give this video a like 👍 and go to our partner 👉 trymintmobile.com/atozenlife to get premium wireless for as low as $15 a month - buy 3 Months, Get 3 Months Free through 1/1/24!

    • @fourdayhomestead2839
      @fourdayhomestead2839 Před 6 měsíci +1

      I've been told mint mobile ends in January 2024.

    • @LauraBoone-cg2pp
      @LauraBoone-cg2pp Před 5 měsíci

      I have mint mobile and it is good through my renewal in June/July at least. And I love it. Saves me so much on my cell phone bill!

  • @michellemitchell4703
    @michellemitchell4703 Před 5 měsíci +45

    My favorite shopping hack is "when in doubt, leave it out". Cuts down the buyers remorse and keeps money in your pocket

  • @carloscardoso7042
    @carloscardoso7042 Před 5 měsíci +38

    1.never go shopping w/o a list
    2.save money by thinking like a monk
    3.cut or eliminate recurring expenses
    4.cut down on food waste
    5.double batch your meals
    6.look for free ways to have fun
    7.become a secondhand shopper
    8.sell clutter for extra cash
    9.earn free rewards, perks & bonuses
    10.do regular spending freezes

  • @carolutley6523
    @carolutley6523 Před 6 měsíci +121

    Switching from Target to Walmart, I noticed that I stopped the impulse buying because Target is great for their display marketing. Temptation.

    • @avgholson8143
      @avgholson8143 Před 5 měsíci

      Agreed. Wal Mart you are In and Out!

    • @esgee2464
      @esgee2464 Před 5 měsíci +4

      Yup! I never overspend at Walmart. Don’t like anything there! The decor, clothes, food, everything is awful at Walmart! Great deterrent!

    • @southpole388
      @southpole388 Před 5 měsíci

      Yessss

    • @GrayWithMe
      @GrayWithMe Před 5 měsíci +1

      And I am guessing you save money too

    • @Nursepenelope
      @Nursepenelope Před 5 měsíci

      I don’t know about that it’s easy to over spend at Walmart too they’re stepping up their stores .

  • @judyharris7795
    @judyharris7795 Před 6 měsíci +31

    I hear your voice in my brain when I’m shopping. “Just because you love it doesn’t mean you need to own it”. Then I admire the item’s beauty, set it down, and walk away with a smile. Thanks! 😊

  • @Giannina-LoveThemAll
    @Giannina-LoveThemAll Před 6 měsíci +55

    Never go shopping hungry 😂😂

    • @MyFocusVaries
      @MyFocusVaries Před 6 měsíci +5

      And not just grocery shopping. We buy more of anything when we're hungry!!

  • @sandrasauerkraut8741
    @sandrasauerkraut8741 Před 5 měsíci +19

    I have a list on my phone where I write down things that I might need or want. Most of the time when I put something on my list, I completely forget about it and when I come back to the list I think like "what a weird thing to spend money on". 🤨

  • @marieschmidt5550
    @marieschmidt5550 Před 6 měsíci +33

    I agree on selling stuff to declutter. I recently sold my wedding dress and it was a beautiful experience. I had a great exchange with the future bride and was so happy that this special dress would make someone happy again.

  • @bethsherwin7894
    @bethsherwin7894 Před 6 měsíci +55

    My math teacher husband reminds me that you save 100% if you don't buy the thing at all!

    • @AtoZenLife
      @AtoZenLife  Před 6 měsíci +5

      Smart man 👏

    • @jacqueslee2592
      @jacqueslee2592 Před 4 měsíci

      Majority of women do not like frugal men. Today, for most women this is a red flag.

  • @Nicole-zv7ee
    @Nicole-zv7ee Před 6 měsíci +27

    Utilizing the library is one of my best ways to be frugal. The library has books, audiobooks, cookbooks, magazines, music cds, movies, tv shows, workout dvds, etc......all for FREE.

  • @estheronajourneytocontentm1097
    @estheronajourneytocontentm1097 Před 6 měsíci +16

    Not my idea but don’t remember where I saw it but when you cook extra serve up the extra meal/s first into your portioned containers that way it stops you from going back for seconds just because it was so delicious but really you are already full and don’t really need it.

  • @tracys3337
    @tracys3337 Před 5 měsíci +9

    I love my local library. I needed some new jeans as my dog ruined all but one pair I can wear for work. I went to a thrift store and found a pair of Levi's in almost new condition for $15 which was crazy. I love them.

  • @user.47221
    @user.47221 Před 5 měsíci +8

    Shopping second hand is one of the most clever thing you can do in your lifetime. People make impulse buys all the time (i am not innocent of that), and then decide to sell without even using it or using 2-3 times at most. Whats the point buying something as brand new for thrice the price? I regret almost all my brand new purchases lol. Also shopowners sell their brand new stuff with just a tiny bit of fault for a fraccctttion of price. The stuff we buy get faults as soon as we start using them anyways, so its really a smart way to shop . This frugal kind of shopping is also very good for nature, too. We just cant produce and consume brand new stuff endlessly without huge negative impacts on environment. So I feel so much better and responsible when i meet my needs in this way. Only rule i have for second hand is: dont buy if it cannot be sanitized or the product is for very personal usage. And also i dont buy second hand phones. The rest is all good. By the way, most of the time its much better to shop online directly from the users. They arent after trading, just wanna get rid of the stuff they dont need. So its a total win-win situation.

  • @kuhtreesreads
    @kuhtreesreads Před měsícem

    I love the way you speak! You're not speaking too quickly or too slowly. You don't have a monotoned voice that is easy to tune out. You've got serious skills in being informative and easy to watch. Thank you for this informative and entertaining video. I hope all is well with you and that you're having a great weekend.

  • @Thesakuraharona
    @Thesakuraharona Před 5 měsíci +16

    Tip 11: Do not get suckered into the endless scrolling on ebay or other like websites - better yet, if you do not know the specific item you want, then AVOID it at all costs.
    I definitely have spent more on ebay then intended because I aimlessly scrolled through it out of curiosity. It is basically the equivalent of window shopping if you are not careful.

  • @StephanieSaintRemy
    @StephanieSaintRemy Před 5 měsíci +19

    I volunteer in a charity shop. Every now and then, my boss lets us take an item for free that isn’t selling or something we love to thank us for our time. I am grateful as money is very tight for me and with these gifts I have perfected my home and wardrobe (don’t worry, I have donated way more than I have been given!) but I do feel the pull every time we get a delivery of new things that I suddenly really want to buy it like I never knew I needed it until I saw it. I don’t feel that pull in a normal shop as you can easily find it again but in a charity shop every item is a one off and when it’s gone, it’s gone. For that reason I have a rule that if I buy one, I must donate 3. That really helps me know if I really wanted it.

  • @shaynaformity1384
    @shaynaformity1384 Před 5 měsíci +25

    If you have a library card, there's also a free online service of movies and TV shows called Kanopy. One of my favorite frugal successes was a thrift store find: a 3/4 length sleeve cotton sweater, all stripey with lots of pretty colors. I love it because it can be worn with black or gray pants/skirts, and it's good for much of the year where I live. After a couple of years, I noticed I wore it a lot, and seemed none the worse for wear, so after I discovered minimalism, I looked online for the brand and size, and found another secondhand one exactly like it the first try! It took a few more searches to find a third one, and now I have a "uniform" that fits perfectly and is totally "me"!

    • @pnwflipper2089
      @pnwflipper2089 Před 5 měsíci +1

      What brand? What material?

    • @shaynaformity1384
      @shaynaformity1384 Před 5 měsíci +6

      @@pnwflipper2089 Talbot's brand, cotton. If you find sweaters that were made over 10 years ago, they last longer than newer ones. It's because the thread was spun more tightly, so much more durable. To save money on power to run the spinning machines, cotton nowadays is not as durable. That's why everything wears out, even pricier brands. There are classic basic sweaters that never go out of style, so you don' t have to look dated, either. Same with cotton sheets. If you find old ones they won't wear out or pill, but new ones don't last.

    • @pnwflipper2089
      @pnwflipper2089 Před 5 měsíci

      Good information, thank you! I have noticed that about sheets! @@shaynaformity1384

  • @nadikaperera9590
    @nadikaperera9590 Před 6 měsíci +34

    My husband had about 120k in student debt when we started dating, so we lived extremely frugal for 14months (no car, no eating out, no vacation, no new clothes), but managed to pay it all off using some of the methods mentioned here (using credit cards that offer cash back incentives, meal planning, shopping with a list etc). I guess it depends on what your debt is/ your goals are, but my husband felt very overwhelmed with that much debt, but we felt so amazing when we had paid it all off.
    We have also started to double all of our recipes, so that we have leftovers for lunch and only shop with a list. These small habits really do make a difference.

    • @rebeccaroussel3405
      @rebeccaroussel3405 Před 6 měsíci +2

      What a great income you guys had to be able to pay off such a huge amount of debt! Proud of you two for making really frugal decisions for those 14 months ♡

    • @lisapalmeno4488
      @lisapalmeno4488 Před měsícem

      It adds up big time.

  • @HeronCoyote1234
    @HeronCoyote1234 Před 5 měsíci +6

    I took a class by Victoria Moran about 15 yrs ago. She taught us the cloud meditation technique. When a thought (or cloud) entered the scene, we looked at it, said “thank you very much, goodbye”, and mentally waved it away.

  • @debmarrett212
    @debmarrett212 Před 6 měsíci +25

    My money saving mantra when I find a good deal that I don't need, "I can't afford to save money on that."

  • @HandsomeHenley
    @HandsomeHenley Před 6 měsíci +7

    I never go inside. Do pickup always.

  • @desireebozeman1778
    @desireebozeman1778 Před 5 měsíci +3

    I love the way you jumped right into the vid!!!

  • @Muselil
    @Muselil Před 6 měsíci +10

    Our children live going to the library and ours has online audiobooks as well.

  • @Pentalinda
    @Pentalinda Před 6 měsíci +25

    Our library started a seed library this year. Packets of seeds are free (2 a day) and organized alphabetically in one of those old wood library cabinets with drawers. People are encouraged to save their seeds and donate them back to the seed library. Since I love to garden I am thrilled that I get to try growing different veggies and flowers without spending $. And I like paying it forward by sharing my seeds. 🌱

    • @AtoZenLife
      @AtoZenLife  Před 6 měsíci +2

      Oh that’s such a fun idea 🌱

  • @reillyamber160
    @reillyamber160 Před 6 měsíci +31

    I love local libraries! My library even has a tool lending section. I recently checked out a soldering iron for free. Otherwise I might have considered buying one, even though I only needed it for one thing. Some libraries also give out free museum tickets. Definitely worth looking into what your offers.

    • @amypowarzynski1737
      @amypowarzynski1737 Před 6 měsíci +5

      Libraries are gearing up to do libraries of things. These can include tools, speciality baking pans, fishing poles, bikes, snowshoes. Programs are often free and can provide fun craft, cooking or gardening ideas and supplies. Using the library also has you utilizing money you pay in taxes.

    • @olivemaycards
      @olivemaycards Před 6 měsíci +5

      Yes! Many libraries have physical and digital resources that people would never expect. It’s always a good idea to chat with library staff and deep dive their websites :) and in some regions getting a library card with one system allows you to get cards from neighboring systems too, so you can borrow downloadable books from several different libraries. It’s can be worth getting a membership even if you have to pay for it (rural friends who live outside their MidWest town have to pay $50-100 a year for their family but it’s totally worth it).

  • @margheritagrieco5403
    @margheritagrieco5403 Před 5 měsíci +4

    Dear Marissa, thank you for your advice. I love you and our family 🥰 Greetings from Bologna (Italy).

  • @OggoMoney
    @OggoMoney Před 5 měsíci +11

    I do already the to-do list, but I didn't heard about the clouds before, that''s useful 👍 The last tip about spend freeze is also awesome

  • @ear1421
    @ear1421 Před 5 měsíci +1

    Omg!! Those mermaid toys!! I had those! One lives on my bathroom shelf ❤
    I sold most of my childhood toys a few years ago but kept a few of my favorites. It was so fun to go through them and make some money.

  • @ashley.hulsey
    @ashley.hulsey Před 6 měsíci +37

    I try to double every recipe at dinner and package into glass containers for lunch for my hubby and I for the next day. Save money. Saves a decision. Almost guaranteed a healthier meal too.

  • @gingerbreadfarm
    @gingerbreadfarm Před 3 měsíci +1

    The freezer is an invaluable way to save and have convenience.

  • @nicoleh3703
    @nicoleh3703 Před 3 měsíci

    I had the same two items in my Amazon cart for almost 2 years. I finally found them in physical stores a week ago, and bought them. Since they are older versions of something, I would have had to pay shipping fees as well. I was so excited, and they were cheaper than they were online! I guess a two year cooling off period was worth it!

  • @julieburkhardt61
    @julieburkhardt61 Před 6 měsíci +2

    that's my mantra too! just bc I like it, doesn't mean I need to own it!

  • @BrainOverBingeCoachJulie
    @BrainOverBingeCoachJulie Před 6 měsíci +7

    Love this, just because I like it doesn't mean I need to own it. Yes.

  • @erickahidalgo3144
    @erickahidalgo3144 Před 5 měsíci +1

    I’m literally laugh because I’m about to make a list . Even if I have to wake up earlier in my day to create the most of my day ,I wake up meditate (set a intent , plan and Do) luv the reminder of list !

  • @mkmariak
    @mkmariak Před 6 měsíci +40

    I always learn something in your videos. The Cloud Meditation is something I could also apply to negative thoughts when they threaten to derail my progress.
    BTW, our library also lets you borrow passes to go to local museums, zoos, and other attractions for free or at a deep discount.

    • @AtoZenLife
      @AtoZenLife  Před 6 měsíci +7

      I’m glad that you always learned something from my videos, thanks for sharing that tip about the library!

    • @Cynthua-yc9zt
      @Cynthua-yc9zt Před 6 měsíci +8

      Love our library! My daughter and I are going to the Nutcracker today for free through our library

  • @danica7884
    @danica7884 Před 5 měsíci +6

    I've had mint mobile for over a year! Love it 😁

    • @NYtoNC
      @NYtoNC Před 5 měsíci

      Keep same phone? Same strong signals? Use internationally? ... Considering switching

  • @kathywinstead7460
    @kathywinstead7460 Před 6 měsíci +8

    Have you heard this one---"Just because there's a sale doesn't mean to have to participate"!

  • @staissitrading6675
    @staissitrading6675 Před měsícem +1

    Food waste is one of the problem brake my heart deeply, for many reasons:
    -Seeing my money thrown into trashbin. If only can spent half of the cost, buying half of the size of those food to avoid waste.
    -Seeing the effort spent by all the farmers, fishermen, logistic team, factory operators, to grow, catch, prepare those food from scratch to packed I bought.
    - The thought of if only all those people in starvation can also enjoy the food instead of becoming waste going to trash. So many homeless and poor people can have meal.
    -Guilty feeling of throwing food into trashbin, while people in Sudan, Palestine/gaza, and other warzone-trapped civilians, all need food.😢

    • @AtoZenLife
      @AtoZenLife  Před měsícem

      Yes, there can be a ton of those feelings wrapped up in food waste!

  • @WhosScarielle
    @WhosScarielle Před 5 měsíci +1

    I just wanna say, bless your swim coach. They really loved what they did, and it made an impact.

  • @joegilbody4878
    @joegilbody4878 Před 5 měsíci +1

    I frequent thrift stores. I no longer by coffee mugs in regular stores. I purchase vinyl records at thrift store for 1.00. they have a discount wheel 2 days a week. Discounts are pretty hefty. I have spun 75% off so my 2.00 Hawaiian shirt was 50 cents. I don't have clothes line per HOA rules but use wooden racks to dry clothes on my porch. All my organic refuse I process in a blender and use liquid in my garden. Totally safe fertilizer. Less garbage.

  • @vickiec181
    @vickiec181 Před 5 měsíci +2

    I'm going to try that cloud meditation for all kinds of situations.

  • @AliciaMarkoe
    @AliciaMarkoe Před 6 měsíci +1

    Thank you 🦋

  • @amprabhleenkaur
    @amprabhleenkaur Před 6 měsíci +2

    You are a gem.

  • @joni1
    @joni1 Před 6 měsíci +4

    Just made vegetable broth from peelings etc. Yummy. ❤

  • @monicawalker6974
    @monicawalker6974 Před 5 měsíci +2

    Take the time to really check out what your library offers. Many offer tickets to local attractions, movie streaming services, fun classes for all ages, and more.

  • @yogamannedorf2577
    @yogamannedorf2577 Před 5 měsíci +2

    I love the comparison of shopping to the Cloud Meditation - so effective! brilliant.

  • @ThereseDavidson
    @ThereseDavidson Před 5 měsíci +1

    Great video, gave me some ideas

  • @catharinab8860
    @catharinab8860 Před 6 měsíci +10

    I’ve recently realized that people go to the store without a list?! Whaaaat, that’s crazy to me. When I’ve done it it’s like those TikToks you showed in the beginning 😂 a full cart but nothing to make meals of… We always cook extra food for lunch the next days. I love the library 📚❤

  • @rms5993
    @rms5993 Před 5 měsíci +2

    I just bought a "dollar and cent" book so I can track expenditures and find out where my funds go. I always go shopping with a list, but I do leave a little wiggle room for unadvertised deals. I would ad NEVER go shopping hungry. My cellular bill, just for me is $14/month. When I meal plan I plan for leftovers and repurpose them so we don't feel we're eating to much of the same thing. I may make 2 different meatloaves, one traditional and another Italian seasoned for a meat sauce for pasta the next week. Cooked once, several meals, I also mix up the vegetables so we're not eating the exact same thing for leftovers.

  • @jmsl_910
    @jmsl_910 Před 6 měsíci

    oh the barnes & nobles in downtown evanston!!! what great memories 💛

  • @angelicamason1650
    @angelicamason1650 Před 6 měsíci +1

    Each to their own.

  • @dawnmessenger2693
    @dawnmessenger2693 Před 6 měsíci +1

    This was a super helpful video! Thank you for sharing your tips!

  • @mirthamaldonado9704
    @mirthamaldonado9704 Před 6 měsíci +4

    We had mint mobile but we changed because I don't have a good signal and it didn't work when we traveled to Mexico. Now we changed to the Google cellphone plan and now we pay $88 for four lines, unlimited internet and calls to Mexico.

  • @joseromero9933
    @joseromero9933 Před 6 měsíci +1

    Thank s for sharing

  • @gitouttamycage9221
    @gitouttamycage9221 Před měsícem

    I found the solution to the accidental Target haul. Bring your kids! They suck the fun out of browsing at Target so you get what you NEED and you leave.
    True story...

  • @brg2743
    @brg2743 Před 5 měsíci +2

    Prayer to God is the only meditation I use. Merry Christmas!

  • @Kim-Papercrafter
    @Kim-Papercrafter Před 6 měsíci

    All of these are great tips. Thank you for sharing 🙂

  • @israelpopoca8676
    @israelpopoca8676 Před 6 měsíci +2

    ❤ thanks again

  • @poodlegirl55
    @poodlegirl55 Před 6 měsíci +117

    I have four Pyrex baking dishes that I reuse. Half a recipe is enough for the two of us seniors so I double it to get four meals. I line three of the Pyrex with plastic wrap, assemble them and bake one and freeze the other three. Once they are frozen I pop them out, wrap, label and stack my Pyrex shaped meals in my freezer. When I want a meal I take one out in the morning, unwrap it, put it back in the Pyrex and thaw it in the refrigerator. I usually have about 20 meals in my freezer and don't have to buy foil pans. I am a retired hospital dietitian and I can in season produce and strive for zero waste in my kitchen. I do not usu grocery lists as I like to shop and see what looks good and is a good price and buy in bulk when I find a bargain.

    • @lindabourcet1349
      @lindabourcet1349 Před 6 měsíci +9

      That’s a great idea to line the glass dish before freezing and then you can remove the portion and reuse the dish. I also cook twice, eat once and freeze the extra portion but my freezer is filled with glass Pyrex dishes. I could be using those dishes now instead of having them frozen in the freezer.

    • @katelynnuckolls1675
      @katelynnuckolls1675 Před 6 měsíci +5

      I love this! That’s such a great method. I took a screenshot to try it

    • @cindywilkinson1610
      @cindywilkinson1610 Před 6 měsíci +1

      Wow! 🎉 congratulations

    • @Luciana-wg8gb
      @Luciana-wg8gb Před 6 měsíci +1

      Such a clever solution, gonna definetely give it a try! Thanks for sharing ❤

    • @Kim-Papercrafter
      @Kim-Papercrafter Před 6 měsíci +1

      @@lindabourcet1349Your method is better for the environment than continually using plastic wrap though. Although tin foil can be recycled. I’ve seen food safe cloth that can be used as a substitute to plastic wrap though.

  • @propertieswithmariaisabel
    @propertieswithmariaisabel Před 6 měsíci +4

    I too have Mint Mobile.

  • @angelicamason1650
    @angelicamason1650 Před 6 měsíci +11

    Over 10 years ago, I got rid of my credit card and now use a debit card only. One of the best things I have done. Much easier to keep track of my spending and only spend money that I actually have.

    • @paulwade4322
      @paulwade4322 Před 6 měsíci +2

      Nope, totally disagree. Been getting cash back on my purchases for years with a credit card with no annual fees or charges. Easy to track all purchases when the statement comes and just pay it off every month.

    • @silmuffin86
      @silmuffin86 Před 6 měsíci +2

      ​@paulwade4322 same! As long as you pay it off regularly it's insane not taking advantage of cash back

  • @92wit
    @92wit Před 5 měsíci +4

    My local library gives codes for services with audiobooks and ebooks - free pass for a month. That's how I learned last year that I love listening to audiobooks and podcasts! 😊

    • @lisapalmeno4488
      @lisapalmeno4488 Před měsícem

      Our library has a small bookstore with cards, books, and more. I've bought gorgeous Christmas and birthday cards with matching envelopes and songs and the history of those songs in them, for .25 cents each. They have been a big hit with my besties at the holidays as the card becomes a gift within itself. I've bought some local author's books for .50 cents as well. I have a nice library at home so I'm not tempted to ever pay full price for books, unless I'm supporting friends who publish them.

  • @Hannahgrace901
    @Hannahgrace901 Před 6 měsíci +2

    I love these frugal tips! Thank you so much!

  • @lindabourcet1349
    @lindabourcet1349 Před 6 měsíci +16

    Our library also has a free cart with discarded books which is well used. I know because I fill up the cart weekly as a Friend of the Library. The Friends also have regular sales where you can buy books for a dollar or fill a bag for $10. A great way to get books and you can always donate them back when you are done. Libraries are great resources and ours has puzzles and games for loan.

    • @IQSim
      @IQSim Před 6 měsíci +2

      Back at uni the library for the German department always sold used books and you could get a lot of them for a few Euros. Granted, they weren't always in the best shape, but I got a lot of good books that way and didn't have to spend too much money.

  • @profburkeanthroprofburke8929
    @profburkeanthroprofburke8929 Před 6 měsíci +12

    I have chickens who produce yummy eggs. They eat all edible leftovers so I save money on chicken feed

    • @AtoZenLife
      @AtoZenLife  Před 6 měsíci +3

      My husband was dreaming about this recently 😂👍

    • @catharinab8860
      @catharinab8860 Před 6 měsíci +5

      I have chickens as well but we’re always joking about how eggs never have been this expensive, honestly. It’s worth because they get to live their best life, but it’s not cheap getting started. It can be though, but that also takes time and effort 🐔🐔

    • @profburkeanthroprofburke8929
      @profburkeanthroprofburke8929 Před 5 měsíci

      @@catharinab8860
      Yup, we have livestock auctions here in New England, plus I bought my last group online from Iowa. They were around $4 each, 2 day old. Lost around 20% of them but rest are good layers except when it’s below freezing - which it has been here recently. They are good for entertainment value also.

    • @profburkeanthroprofburke8929
      @profburkeanthroprofburke8929 Před 5 měsíci

      @@AtoZenLife
      It’s a great hobby, plus u get eggs

  • @reneelouisesala1397
    @reneelouisesala1397 Před 6 měsíci +8

    Just paused your video to place a library hold on a book I was thinking of buying. I love that our library also let's you borrow magazines. Whenever I see an interesting title at the checkout, I get it for free from the library later (if I even remember it later)

  • @gabrielafonseca4034
    @gabrielafonseca4034 Před 6 měsíci

    I have that onesie too... in two colors

  • @HeronCoyote1234
    @HeronCoyote1234 Před 5 měsíci +1

    My best friend tends to buy the newest kitchen appliances and gadgets (high end ones, too). If I’m with him, I’ll ask him “Where are you going to put it?” I’m a minimalist; he’s obviously not.
    Think I’ll go over there today and clean out his pantry…

  • @NuitAsdf
    @NuitAsdf Před 6 měsíci +12

    What I do to avoid impulsive shopping is to do it later. If I like a product I see I leave it there. If one week (or whatever time set) later I still think about said product, then it means that I really want it and then I buy. Most of the time I forget about the product so I end not buying it.
    On fairs I look around and buy the stuff I still remember and I have hours later, and it still works.

    • @AtoZenLife
      @AtoZenLife  Před 6 měsíci +2

      Yes, a lot of minimalists do the same 👏

    • @paulwade4322
      @paulwade4322 Před 6 měsíci +4

      I have tried that. When it is a great deal, it goes away if you don't act on it. I have had to pay hundreds of dollars more for items when they were on a crazy low price on Amazon and I should have jumped on them at the moment. He who hesitates, loses.

  • @TheMaverickNest
    @TheMaverickNest Před 5 měsíci +2

    I have a friend that would say “Take what is freely given.” They come to our house for dinner once a week. They say it is the best restaurant in town with the best prices.

  • @N4sir98
    @N4sir98 Před 6 měsíci +3

    Once again, another video providing practical and sound suggestions. My wife and I practice the majority of the suggestions in this video which is reassuring that we're on the right path as practicing minimalists. Thank you for sharing them with us. 🙏

  • @MarthaRobey
    @MarthaRobey Před 3 měsíci

    I have used a grocery list for years. I buy what I need, not what I want. Need versus want saves cash.

  • @user-gm1kl6xy4m
    @user-gm1kl6xy4m Před 5 měsíci +1

    Clever❤

  • @chickensandwich3398
    @chickensandwich3398 Před 5 měsíci +1

    If your order is over $35 then Walmart pick up has no fees. The items they have on their website are priced the same as in store. If you can help it, dont go inside a grocery store. Then you wont be tempted by the unnecessary stuff. Im pretty sure I've saved money and avoided bringing items home that will just become clutter later.

  • @faithgky
    @faithgky Před 6 měsíci +11

    We eat an almost completely carnivore diet so we have very little food waste. But it bothered me that the “less palatable” parts of steaks/roasts/etc. like gristle, fat, edge bits were being cut off and thrown away. So now I put those parts into a bag in the freezer to go to a friend that has several dogs.

    • @doubles1545
      @doubles1545 Před 5 měsíci +2

      Those scrap bits can also be simmered into a broth.

  • @susanvelez6534
    @susanvelez6534 Před 6 měsíci +16

    Being frugal involves avoiding unnecessary expenses, such as courses, printable, journals, tee shirts, basically all the merch, given the wealth of free resources on CZcams. Some CZcamsrs profit from sponsorships, making paid courses questionable, especially when they lack formal teaching roles. Unfortunately, followers may miss the frugality message amid these profit-driven ventures, which is disheartening, especially considering the current economic challenges many people face.

  • @AlwaysLearning123
    @AlwaysLearning123 Před 5 měsíci

    Another tip or learning myself, unless you are really into cooking, for so so people like me, cook simple food. I stopped buying tons of ingredients just to make a special recipe. It has saved a lot of money and time for me.

  • @jgerrets7862
    @jgerrets7862 Před 6 měsíci +2

    I love your tips! I have saved so much money now that i am more minimalist. Having less stuff, gives more freedom! Good Luck with your channel ❤❤

  • @olivemaycards
    @olivemaycards Před 6 měsíci +12

    I leverage my procrastination and indecision to cut back on shopping. I used to save things to a Pinterest board I never looked at - it felt like online shopping, but the thing never arrived and 90% of the time I forgot about it. Wishlists work as long as I don’t look at them much. I sometimes journal or write detailed notes about what I want, features I need, dealbreakers (eg. velcro = death to my knitwear and crochet projects), so when I do go shopping I can easily focus on what I’m actually searching for instead of thinking that it “could be useful.” Often I realize that the problem is an existing item that isn’t working for me and decluttering it would avoid needing to buy another thing as a solution!

    • @lisaahmari7199
      @lisaahmari7199 Před 5 měsíci +1

      The Pinterest idea works well. I thought I was the only one who did that!😅 I have a "buy this" board and put all my whim things on it. I almost never look at it. It scratches the itch just being able to click on something!!

    • @bmedve3427
      @bmedve3427 Před 5 měsíci

      Soooo true about the velcro dealbreaker! I wish I'd been aware beforehand of the velcro (jacket flaps) damage on my lovely scarves!😢

  • @melissab8322
    @melissab8322 Před 6 měsíci +2

    Public libraries are awesome! Mine lets people borrow games, sewing machines, digital cameras, etc. They also do seed exchanges and now have a new cooking spice to sample each month.

  • @craftingafamilydinner
    @craftingafamilydinner Před 6 měsíci +1

    Can you send a link to your video on Rakuten? Also live the idea to look for leftovers recipes

  • @minstrelgirl451
    @minstrelgirl451 Před 6 měsíci +10

    One of my favorite money- and time--saving hacks learned this year is to save watermelon rinds - but not for pickles! You can cut up the rinds (still removing the dark green part) and cook them on the stove the next day just like a squash! You get a surprising amount of food. I love them even cooked just on their own, but you can add seasonings or incorporate them into something else as well. A sweet treat and a savory dish in one purchase!

    • @AtoZenLife
      @AtoZenLife  Před 6 měsíci

      Interesting! I’ve pickled the rind before, but never heard of this. Thanks for sharing 🙏

  • @debstayblessed9549
    @debstayblessed9549 Před 6 měsíci +3

    Such great ideas. Especially the first one. Hard to implement the second one when you're at Costco and their fudge mini bites 24+ container in a container for .97cents. Or, their 6-8 bagged persimmons for $2.00. One at most stores cost $1.00. Or a huge vegetable party tray for .97cents. I can not imagine a cloud and these deals like the aforementioned floating away. 😅 Just keepin it real. I usually shop the reduced items rack . I usually get all I can and can all I get.🎉 Happy holidays!

    • @AtoZenLife
      @AtoZenLife  Před 6 měsíci +2

      Good food is something we like spending money on, so I hear you! Our philosophy is to spend less on things that aren’t so important to us so we can save it spend on the things we love and enjoy!

  • @cindywilkinson1610
    @cindywilkinson1610 Před 6 měsíci +1

    Mint Mobile 🎉🎉🎉

  • @christinequintana881
    @christinequintana881 Před 5 měsíci

    My best tip. I don't buy on credit anymore (minus the mortgage or big home projects). If you don't have it in your bank account to spend, wait until you do. This also limits impulse buying. Thrift or freecycle websites/facebook are awesome. We all have something to share. Our town allows you to ask for what you need: ISO (in search of).

  • @suzyhunt3640
    @suzyhunt3640 Před 5 měsíci

    I love your shirt! Where did you get it??

  • @StephanieSaintRemy
    @StephanieSaintRemy Před 5 měsíci

    I have been 0 food waste for years. I even put my banana skins in a curry. I don’t overbuy, cook all the ingredients and freeze the extra meals. Meals that require less ingredients than come in the packet I make sure I’m cooking something else using that ingredient too that week so none is wasted.

  • @kennethbailey9853
    @kennethbailey9853 Před 6 měsíci +1

    Such a Life Coach !❤❤❤

  • @avir2us1
    @avir2us1 Před 6 měsíci +28

    Observation: The frugal videos are often a repeat of the same suggestions. 😂

  • @TheMennomilist
    @TheMennomilist Před 6 měsíci +5

    I agree about shopping with a list. I only get the things on my list, but I also plan out my meals and am very particular about what I get anyway. Sending my husband to shop for me is a no-no as he comes home with snacks for himself haha.
    Your cloud thoughts are so cute.
    I have double batched a few times. Sometimes it only leaves only a little extra since I am feeding teen boys. They eat a lot. You'll see soon, as it hits the most when they are about 15!!!
    Yey libraries! I don't know why people don't go to them more often.
    I sold SOOOO much when I became a minimalist. I am so glad I made a couple thousand dollars off of it or more. $600-800 was on selling vinyl records. Thankfully, back then people were still buying CDs too, since I sold a few hundred!
    I love that you are constantly teaching your kids about wise money handling. My oldest has a job and has way more money than I ever had at his age, because of being raised a minimalist and about proper money handling.

    • @AtoZenLife
      @AtoZenLife  Před 6 měsíci +1

      That’s so amazing to hear ❤️

    • @lynnb1226
      @lynnb1226 Před 5 měsíci

      I also try to never send my husband to the store. He always buy too much and doesn’t look at prices!

  • @Montegrl
    @Montegrl Před 2 měsíci

    Where we live $200k is dirt cheap for any type of home. Unfortunately, one cannot get a mortgage without homeowner's insurance. Maybe a possibility if you own your home outright. Our "new to me" car cost $200, was about to be crushed ( 30 yo Lincoln Towncar). We put about $1500 in repairs and it will be fairly reliable now. Previously paid $10k for a Ford Focus. It's a turd. Cost and value are not the same things!

  • @kr6484
    @kr6484 Před 6 měsíci +4

    Marissa, just curious, did you and your children get fluent in German??

  • @HeronCoyote1234
    @HeronCoyote1234 Před 5 měsíci +1

    Think ten times, and research reviews thoroughly, before buying anything advertised before or during CZcams videos. That may include things sponsored by the content creators themselves. I’ve spent hundreds of dollars on items I had to return or throw out for various reasons. (Make sure you get a call tag or return shipping label from the vendor.)

  • @angelasinyard3743
    @angelasinyard3743 Před 6 měsíci +1

    I have reduced tremendously!

  • @zainabdookhy2480
    @zainabdookhy2480 Před 21 dnem

    does mint mobile work in Qatar?

  • @amare83
    @amare83 Před 5 měsíci +2

    You look like Melissa Joan Hart!

  • @GizmoBeach
    @GizmoBeach Před 5 měsíci

    You know you’re a minimalist or of that mind when you see the beginning of this video and think to yourself “that place looks cluttered.” I think the pant’s messing with my mental feng shui.
    Food waste is honestly why I enjoy dining out (lunchtime) because yeah, ain’t gonna waste food at a place I know makes a great fish taco etc.

  • @beebee4334
    @beebee4334 Před 6 měsíci +7

    I find that one of the hardest things about selling off my clutter is TIME! I’m always working, and away from home most of the time. I stopped buying new things a few years ago (completely stopped! ) but I’m still looking for extra time to sell off the things I don’t need. even getting to the post office before they close can be a challenge when selling stuff on EBay etc.

    • @AtoZenLife
      @AtoZenLife  Před 6 měsíci +2

      It does take time! One trick is to sell stuff in bulk when you can to get a lot off your hands with less effort 👍

  • @Kat.Beanie
    @Kat.Beanie Před 6 měsíci +3

    I've been thinking about getting the Hexclad pots and pan set as it's high quality and lifetime guarantee but still on the fence as I don't actually need it right now.

    • @AtoZenLife
      @AtoZenLife  Před 6 měsíci +1

      I just heard about that recently as well!

    • @doubles1545
      @doubles1545 Před 5 měsíci +4

      There are people who have tried those pans and said they’re not that great. Watch some reviews before making up your mind. I’m happy to pay a premium for quality cookware as I cook at home 99.9% of the time, but I won’t pay a premium for something that’s just a celebrity sponsored gimmick.

  • @VKA53
    @VKA53 Před 5 měsíci +1

    ❤❤❤