I would like to add, Most people don't get the point. You and Mike own your time. No debt and living within your means is owning your time to do what you want, when you want. Lots better than working to pay the interest on your toys. Now you can do the things you want while you are young enough to not have excuses not to do those things you want to do. I am retired and debt free. While I worked (Outside with manual labor) I put my earnings to pay off debt. I own a nice home with an acre and a creek. The whole world lifts off of your shoulders. It wasnt easy, and it took years to pay off debt. But I started, and I finished. I own my time.
I've had to change my diet because the doctor says I'm prediabetic, but I was able to do that just by adding $28 a month to my grocery list. I cook from scratch and I even make my own salad dressing! The quality of the food is so much better the quality of the food is so much better when you cook from scratch.
One thing that has served us well is being careful with our belongings. This week as I took a plate out of the cabinet, it occurred to me that I've been using those plates for 50 years. The set originally had 12 plates, and there are still 12 plates. They've been moved at least a dozen times, but were packed very carefully. We have furniture that's at least 40 years old, that still looks nice. The other side of this is that it helps if you only buy things you really, really like, because the next thing you know you will have spent a lifetime with some of your things!
Too funny! I am using original pots and pans and the white Corning Ware with the blue flowers and 1 set of plates and some of my flatware from my wedding 51 years ago.❤
My grandmother died in1990 and I'm using the flatware she left. I'm pretty sure she got with trading stamps. Still like new and never needs polishing! 😊
I still have 2nd hand furniture we were given 54 years ago. Still love it, I also use my royal Albert dinner set constantly, it's 42 years old, teapot broken 38 years ago not replaced because old pattern. I'm not leaving things in a glass cupboard to be looked at, if it gets broken it doesn't matter. I'd be more upset if it got broken in the cupboard.
My parents bought me Revereware pots when i graduated from college. I wanted jewelry! Guess who's never had to worry about what to cook with? My frugal parents knew they would last a lifetime
I have Revere-ware that I got 57 years ago for wedding gifts. I also inherited my MILs. They are still in perfect condition. I am also using my crockpot from my wedding gifts. Now I think they manufacture things so they will break in a couple of years.
Never buy food at work, always pack all drink and food. Never eat out or do take away. Cook from scratch, have a large garden. Don’t take fancy vacations. Don’t go shopping for entertainment. I actually hate shopping
The one frugal tip we always give others (when asked), is to never skimp on giving. We tithe/chartiably give 10 to 12% of our gross income...and we've always been blessed exponentially. The return is better than any investment out there!
@@thankfulandthrifty do you get tax exemption on that giving? Most of the world doesn’t see their gross income as tax deductions are automatic. We effectively give 22% of our gross income to the poor who have no money for healthcare, social care, retirement pension, benefits if they’re sick, having babies or can’t work. That’s our social security payment of gross pay and that’s before our taxes. Our social security payments are for everyone and not us. Personally, I think the need for charity shows a broken country.
I agree: living in a small village, it's important to give to make your community function, if you can: buy a raffle ticket, go to the gala day, support the cafe and shop occasionally.
My 10 y.o. dishwasher quit working in May. When I do finally get a repair person out, i bet he's going to say it would be cheaper to replace it with a new one than repair the old one. If so I'm going to say nah, I'm good just doing my dishes by hand! And I'll remove the old one and put in some cute storage shelves instead! I live alone and don't have much company so washing dishes by hand is not a hardship. I rather enjoy it usually. While I soak them in a pan of hot sudsy water, I do little clean up jobs near by so my kitchen is actually much cleaner and well organized than it was when I used the dishwasher! 😊
I had the same situation.. After reading reviews to replace ours, we decided to not buy one and do hand washing...only 3 of us and we take turns..works out fine
We have a tiny kitchen and use our dishwasher only as an additional space to let our hand washed dishes air dry then as additional storage for pots, pans and lids. I don't think dishwashers get dishes as clean hand washing anyway.
A rule that you mention often, and it is a valuable one, is that you do you and there is no judgment, because we all have to live with the results of our own choices. I feel that "keeping up with the Jones" or being envious of others leads to more negativity in a person's life, whereas being happy with simple pleasures, like finding a bargain or creating a beautiful and useful thing, leads to a more contented and healthy life, mentally and physically.
I am in the USA. You said your home is 80 square meters. That is under 900 square feet. That is small. That would be a three bedroom, living room, and kitchen with a laundry, furnace, and water heater in closets in the hall home in one of our subdivisions. Those homes were built in the 1950's and early 1960's. They might or might now have a one car garage on a quarter of acre lot. Those homes are now selling for $200,000 in our area of Illinois. They are fine bungalows homes for a family, but they do not have the grace of your beautiful place. Thank you for reminding all of us that there are many ways to live an enjoyable, frugal life.
Sorry, I was translating your home into small homes around by me to give me a visual frame of reference. I considered your side entry as a laundry room. Many homes by me would say that is a space for washer and dryer, as well as a space for coats and storage. Your home also has your basement space where my visual home would be built on a slab. I was not precise enough in my last post.
I try to use up and empty out my fridge of all the fresh produce before I buy more. And then wipe out the inside with a soapy cloth and dry it before i make my list and go shopping! No bad surprises of smelly leftovers or wasted fresh items. My lunch today consisted of cottage cheese, sauteed summer squash and leftover chicken stew from last night. My breakfast was fresh banana bread I'd made yesterday to use up overripe bananas and my last dollop of cream cheese with my mug of coffee. Tomorrow will be my weekly grocery shopping trip. And I am prepared!
All good rules to live by Jane. We save for things, and always buy best quality we can. Our washing machine is 21 yrs old! It was an expensive purchase, but has served us well! Our leather sofas were bought in 1997. People thought we were mad when we bought them, but we’ve looked after them, and they still look good, and are very comfortable! We don’t need to change everything every couple of years. Buying secondhand too has helped us buy items we couldn’t otherwise afford. Thanks for sharing your frugal tips.
Love it!😂 I haven’t had a TV in 15 years, no computer, laptop, I use my old cracked iPhone 7 for entertainment, news, YT. I do my laundry at my daughters and she gives me toilet paper. I don’t use paper towels. I rarely use my stove, only my instant pot, even boiling water. No debt. A nice car my brother left to me, and I sold my older car and made a profit, and I can go in and in. Thrifts shops. Rarely retail. Given shoes and clothes by good friends. Cook at home 98% of the time, save 200% of my husbands widow pension, etc. I love listening to your videos. Helps to remind me. Thank you. ❤️
I love the way you phrase how the money is not yours, it's the future car's money or the future house repairs money. I have to start thinking of it this way.
One frugal living thing I do is buying non perishables on special and donate to church.. I choose the 2 for 1 items online and get delivered to my door. What happens is I can give more value in this choice. This week I bought 1/2 priced coffee. Pass it on dears 😊 Blessings ❤️
Inspiring video once again! I made the mistake of buying a brand of dishwasher that I wasn't familiar with when my townhouse was being built. It takes over an hour to clean the filter because I need to remove 16+ screws to release it for cleaning. It's knee-aching work. I regret not buying the one I had in a previous place that cost more, but was super-reliable. I suspect my present one will not stand up in time despite not using it often. You're right: consider quality! 🤷
I love this JOMO! Some years ago I was a spender, every food has to be organic, everything has to be new, impulse buying on and an. To this day I am ashamed of my wasteful purchasing behavior. Than I found your channel and it was eye opening for me. Thanks GOD, because the company, where my dear husband works, does now short-time work for the next time. That means 700 Euro less for us every month! I am so grateful that I learned from you to be frugal. We are prepared for those times. We hope, that this short-time work will not last very long. Thank you for all your videos!
Excellent comment about your abilities based on your age. I’m saving for “future me” that needs more help. I’m hoping to get older. I’ll need more help. Save now and it will be ok!
The one thing that we do in our family is we don’t buy school clothes I’m a homeschool mom so what we do for our 4 daughters is to do a low cost or no cost room make over moving things around giving it a new paint job and fresh bedding is what makes our girls happy and for my husband and I it’s easy on our budget no going to the mall for clothes shoes backpacks or a lot of school supplies all are unnecessary for us ❤
We absolutely love wood heat, and I’ve had it in every house before this one, but in our later 70s it’s just too hard for us to keep up with it and so we’re just using the natural gas that we have to pay for as we need it
For us conservation and frugality go hand in hand. We are very happy with our daily life and we choose to budget for the things that we want(if it fits in our budget). We aren't deprived in any way, we too choose a simpler lifestyle, like my grandparents, just as you do.😊😊 Great video you two. You are teaching others to learn to save up, and wait to get the best quality 👌.
I love movies but shop around for the cheapest tickets. We have Senior Tuesdays. Never buy snacks at theater, I make sure I have water and nuts. Go on a full stomach.
No one admits this anymore, but I still buy DVDs when there's a movie that I absolutely must see (very few and far between for a long time now.) It's cheaper than tickets and snacks at the theatre; and I don't have to wade through popcorn and sticky soda on the floors and ill-mannered patrons and screaming children in the auditorium. And when I've watched it a few times I donate it so others can enjoy it, too.
I totally agree with buying needs, in advance, on sale. That's just smart shopping. I would encourage people to keep in mind, though, that this is different from rationalizing buying wants or whims just because they're on sale. If something was $50 and a big red sign says it's reduced to $30, you're not saving $20, you're still spending $30.
Love the information! I am learning a lot from you both, I am currently doing some of the things you mentioned . I live below my wages, saving for needed items. Thanks
Hi to you jane and mike love how open minded you are our frugal journeys are very different .i am in a wheelchair so grocery delivery is my go to saves a lot
I hang my clothes to dry on racks inside. Even when I have had a dryer, I would hang most everything & use it sparingly, for instance to dry large comforters. My electric bill is still high even though I'm extremely careful about my energy use. I can't imagine what they'd look like if I wasn't careful! Another technique I use to stay within my budget it I carry the cash I use in 3 distinct (small cloth tri-fold) wallets. One for gas/transportation, one for discretionary spending & one for grocery money. In the grocery wallet I divide the amount I have for the month into 2 equal amounts & keeo them separate. I dont spend the second amount until I hit the mid point of any month, so my grocery budget will stretch for the full month & not overspend because I havevthe full amount to start with. You are so right about prioritizing savings. Its reassuring to know that there is some money set aside if something unexpected crops up.
$600 per year comes to $50 per month, I’m guessing not too many pay this for running the heat or the cooker. We heat w/ wood, we do have a window air conditioner, I have a dishwasher but haven’t used it in years. I try to limit to 1-2 loads of laundry per week and use cool- cold water as much as possible. We definitely need to curtail other expenses. I have a load of medical bills to pay so budget is tight.
Yes, if missing out means it keeps me out of debt then that really does suit me.👍✔️🇦🇺 I am in my late 70’s and still do as much for myself (cooking, cleaning and shopping) I can without family or friends input is a good feeling. Thank you Jane and Mike for a sound great talk and advice. Scratches to the doggies 🐶 .
i never have 'auto renew'on insurance policies, I shop around every year, no loyalty in the frugal game - I used to do the same with energy provider until the crisis, when there were no fixed deals to be had here in the UK, most people have been on standard variable for around 2 years, I came off a £60pm deal, at the height of the crisis it trebled to £180
Hi Jane and Mike. Some good points there, each of which I can relate to. As time goes by I'm beginning to realise just how few material possessions I actually need. I'm finally getting around to wearing items that have been in my wardrobe for ages which I'm pleased about, as at least the money hasn't been wasted. Yes, I do certain things to save money, which at times, can be as you say, an inconvenience, but is worth it in the end. Wherever possible, I also try to avoid anything that could potentially cost me money for repairs and which could have been avoided. Just one example is, unloading washing out of the machine. A repair chap once told me that dragging washing out can loosen the surrounding rubber seal, which in turn can cause leaks. I now take care when doing so. Case of prevention rather than cure as the saying goes. Great video. Thank you both. 🤗
@@FrugalQueeninFrancel also wipe around the rubber seal when I finish using the machine to remove any water lodged in the seal. This stops the seal rotting and also stops the water going stale and starting to smell. I usually give everything a quick wipe around inside after I use it. Microwave is usually full of steam which then drips as it cools and can cause rusting. Food can be stuck to the roof and the sides which will go off and cause mould. The same with my toaster oven. It’s all about a stitch in time or preventative treatment.
Always buy good meat, if affordable butchers! I buy what I want food wise, I don’t scrimp its investment in me! Health wise, I pay more if convenient, mid stage Parkinson’s, less energy more tired quickly Maintenance is key on dishwasher and washing machine, quality doesn’t always pay, sometimes cheaper is better, Aldi premium cat food is nearly the same as purina one! My rules, always save, life is full of the unexpected, want or need, resisted buying any summer clothes, no need, buy secondhand clothes, except underwear and shoes (insoles and wide feet), simply my food choices (less processed). Do what I can house wise, tho less as worsening Parkinson’s
Very good! I do batch cooking, e.g. I buy canned tomato on sale and I cook 8-10 portions of Tomato sauce and freeze. Every week we have a Pasta Day, when I use one portion of the sauce and add Tuna or olives etc.
I really don't care what other people do. I'm big on not wasting anything. My adult kids will pass me bags of clothes or items that no longer interest them and I pass it on to folks around me who can use them. Everybody profits and less for landfills. Besides that, I will pay for comfort though because I did wiithout for a ling time. 😂 For me thats air-conditioning in the tropics.
Yes, but are you happy for me that I made a very tasty mostacholi leftover meat spaghetti sauce with mozzarella slices out of the freezer on top casserole tonight for dinner and boy was it tasty? And I made it at home and I didn't go anywhere? And I gave the cat a treat of some of the leftover hamburger meat without the sauce? He is. Did I mention that the meat was from an organization called "Fare for all" here in Minnesota? They sell packages of groceries at 40% off and every penny raised goes to the food shelf. It's a win/win deal. It happens once a month and I go if I can get there. I get my clothing on sale or at thrift shops or garage sales. I buy new underwear...on sale along with socks. If people put things on the free shelf in the laundry room, I take them if I can use them. If they are clothes which are stained and are 100% cotton, I take them, wash them and if I can't get the stain out, rip them for disposable rags. No paper (or very few) towels. I stopped dying my hair too. It just gets gray again...
We are back in the UK now, after one month of travelling through Brittany in our 19 year old motorhome and dancing! Only paid for one overnight stay, in the Quimper municipal campsite, aahhh the hot showers, so lovely! We went to 15 dance events and only paid €48 in total. Fantastic value, fantastic fun! BTW, I think I saw your house, we were on our way to go for a walk in Huelgoat forest and I recognised the fence and the colour of the house.
One of my frugal rules is to only buy something we need, and be very discerning about what we want. I try to buy from thrift shops and yard sales as much as practical. I wanted a larger dining set, and found a nearly complete Noritake service for 12. There are some pieces that number up to 15, so I am not sure what the original set was, but I paid only $135.00 for all of it including serving pieces. I am still on the lookout for dining room chairs. I saw some I liked but the cost was prohibitive. I'm still looking.
Evening Jane and Mike excellent video and great advice for the young generation - my wife thinks like you for buying quality -watched Sundays video yesterday and i know i've said it before but those quilts are absolutely fantastic
I look to buy quality but second hand so I get a bargain. My best buy was a 1995 second hand Mercedes E Class that has taken me from A to B in comfort and safety since 2008. Yes 16 years I have spent hardly any money on her and she will probably outlive me. I count the blessing every day.
The Jo which forms part of the user name Pejosach is because, you’ve guessed it, my name is Jo, and my profile picture on all my devices is a little cartoon which says ‘JOMO (noun) Joy of Missing Out’. Wish I could screen shot the little cartoon lady with the content smile, it’s me to a tee (she’s sitting reading a book with her slippers on and a cup of tea by her side). Really love the channel, feel I’ve finally found my tribe x
You two are happy people and I celebrate you! 🥳🌞🌈 No Netflix A.prime,etc....here too. Life is still great. Quality-yes. Same here. Love great deals too 😊 Great episode 👍🏻
I started laughing out loud when you said that you never pay full price. I am exactly the same but because we are comfortable thanks to being frugal people find it hard to accept we don’t pay full price lol.
Hi to both of you. I live in the United States and my husband of 48 years past away 2 years ago. I love listening to you and live on a budget,no debt everything is paid for including the house. I was curious, your home looks big but you always say it is small. Have a good day.
We spend less on living expenses than most never have a coffee out etc but we love traveling but do it on a budget. Also no tv subscription but even worse out digital box is out of date no HI DEF so don’t get all the channels but have found we can caste from our phone using Chrome Cast.
You both do so well, I must applaud you. By following the advice on your youtube channel and some others, we have managed to pay off our mortgage and now save directly into two isa accounts. Very necessary as we now need a more accessible bathroom since I broke my shoulder and found I had severe osteoporosis. We are getting older, my husband had a heart attack a year ago so we gave up our allotment. I still don’t have the strength back to cut my nails so a manicure is essential for now. It’s worth pointing out that accidents happen, as does old age, so very essential to save as much as you can to cover any extra costs. I’m lucky I had a thrifty Mum and Grandmother who went through WW2 rationing. We are doubling down to try to save more so watching your older youtube videos. Very helpful advice 👍
Any increase in my monthly wage and that is few and far 😂inbetween I do not take the increase that goes into increasing my pension contribution, I dont keep up with the jones or my social circle in any aspects and the most important I live no spend low spend my why is because I have aim that I want to achieve it may take a few more years yet but I'm on track and wouldn't be if I managed my money like I used to x
having had a dishwasher fire which happened when we set it off late at night and fortunately we discovered it before going to bed, we always run the dishwasher/washing machine in the day time now.
My husband and I are retired here in the USA and we watch where all our money goes. It just makes sense. We think alot like you and Mike do. Also love those puppies.
we use cold water to wash our clothes .we use powdered milk to cook with . we use mostly old rags to clean with . we use our heat pump to cool down the house a few hrs before bed rather than all day we use a fan in the room we are in .i use backing soda and vinegar to clean the drains.
@@laurabeetschen2828 I think it’s much easier as a single person, you can work 7 days a week if you want, you’ve only yourself to please. I motivate me, Mike motivates himself. We agree/compromise on the budget but it’s always easier for a single person.
Hello Jane! You mentioning being able to be inconvenienced made me think about aging and additional expenses that may come with it. For example, my mom because of her age has to hire a cleaning lady because she it takes twice the time it used to and she has to have a long down time afterwards. There could be a time for you and Mike when it will be hard or even impossible to deal with the wood and you have to hire help. How do you plan for that? Do you book it under emergency funding? (I’m sorry if something I typed sounds off. I’m not a native English speaker).
Hi, there’s absolute proof, those who live in the blue zones embody this, that people who move their bodies and do physical tough stuff, stay healthier and more active longer. My 85 year old father still does all his gardening and maintenance work. I exercise daily, lift weights to stop me being a sick frail old lady.
@@FrugalQueeninFrance thank you for your answer. Do I understand correctly then that you don’t plan for age-related changes? Does the same apply to accidents that may lead to lifestyle changes? With age, a sprained ankle takes longer to heal and a flu is more likely to cause long-term issues. Though your video was not on this topic, it really made me think about allocating some money for unintended lifestyle changes. Thank you for providing information and provoking deeper thoughts about budgeting.
@@Alibodyrus we have no plans to be frail cripples. Plan strength, eat plenty of protein, focus on mobility, daily long walks, lift heavy weights and never give up moving. You may not know strong healthy 90 year olds but I know plenty. Stay strong and keep moving.
@@Alibodyrus I think Jane has spoken in the past about providing for elder care (hope I'm not commenting out of turn here!). While it's not possible to provide for every worst case scenario, I think that having a frugal mindset, being in the habit of planning for contingencies, making sure you have sinking funds and savings, and generally being hardy and adaptable means that when changes have to be made, one is better equipped to make them. And caring for one's property and assets sets one up better for the future. We lived in a somewhat similar way here in France for 20 years, when my husband was approaching 80, and following a number of other events which pushed us towards change, we made the decision to downsize and simplify, but our previous frugal and self-sufficient way of life had prepared us for this. Now he's nearly 87, and still builds things and is full of plans, lugs bags of pellets instead of logs, I sometimes wish he'd slow down and accept limitations but really I'm glad he doesn't. I have more time for volunteering and bike rides and new activities (plus French citizenship which makes me feel a bit more secure). We've made appropriate and necessary changes but in many ways still live with the same approach to life, and welcome a level of exertion, inconvenience and relish JOMO!
Jesus Christ! We'll pay 110 euro per cubic of firewood in Greece for next winter. Last year, it was 120. It's still much cheaper from oil or gas, but it's the double of your cost. I wonder why...
Hi folks! I too buy on sale, but only if I use the item. After all, buying something on sale only to say it's on sale without it being useful is a waste of money.
I would like to add, Most people don't get the point. You and Mike own your time. No debt and living within your means is owning your time to do what you want, when you want. Lots better than working to pay the interest on your toys. Now you can do the things you want while you are young enough to not have excuses not to do those things you want to do.
I am retired and debt free. While I worked (Outside with manual labor) I put my earnings to pay off debt. I own a nice home with an acre and a creek.
The whole world lifts off of your shoulders. It wasnt easy, and it took years to pay off debt. But I started, and I finished.
I own my time.
You're living your best life. Good for you.
'Use it up,Wear it out.
Make it do or do without.'
Is my mantra
I've had to change my diet because the doctor says I'm prediabetic, but I was able to do that just by adding $28 a month to my grocery list. I cook from scratch and I even make my own salad dressing! The quality of the food is so much better the quality of the food is so much better when you cook from scratch.
One thing that has served us well is being careful with our belongings. This week as I took a plate out of the cabinet, it occurred to me that I've been using those plates for 50 years. The set originally had 12 plates, and there are still 12 plates. They've been moved at least a dozen times, but were packed very carefully. We have furniture that's at least 40 years old, that still looks nice. The other side of this is that it helps if you only buy things you really, really like, because the next thing you know you will have spent a lifetime with some of your things!
Quality lasts.
Too funny! I am using original pots and pans and the white Corning Ware with the blue flowers and 1 set of plates and some of my flatware from my wedding 51 years ago.❤
I’m using saucepans that are 40years old,they cost me a lot of money. I saved for them and they are still going strong!
My grandmother died in1990 and I'm using the flatware she left. I'm pretty sure she got with trading stamps. Still like new and never needs polishing! 😊
I still have 2nd hand furniture we were given 54 years ago. Still love it, I also use my royal Albert dinner set constantly, it's 42 years old, teapot broken 38 years ago not replaced because old pattern. I'm not leaving things in a glass cupboard to be looked at, if it gets broken it doesn't matter. I'd be more upset if it got broken in the cupboard.
My parents bought me Revereware pots when i graduated from college. I wanted jewelry! Guess who's never had to worry about what to cook with? My frugal parents knew they would last a lifetime
Quality lasts
I have Revere-ware that I got 57 years ago for wedding gifts. I also inherited my MILs. They are still in perfect condition. I am also using my crockpot from my wedding gifts. Now I think they manufacture things so they will break in a couple of years.
Never buy food at work, always pack all drink and food. Never eat out or do take away. Cook from scratch, have a large garden. Don’t take fancy vacations. Don’t go shopping for entertainment. I actually hate shopping
Great rules
The one frugal tip we always give others (when asked), is to never skimp on giving. We tithe/chartiably give 10 to 12% of our gross income...and we've always been blessed exponentially. The return is better than any investment out there!
@@thankfulandthrifty do you get tax exemption on that giving? Most of the world doesn’t see their gross income as tax deductions are automatic. We effectively give 22% of our gross income to the poor who have no money for healthcare, social care, retirement pension, benefits if they’re sick, having babies or can’t work. That’s our social security payment of gross pay and that’s before our taxes. Our social security payments are for everyone and not us. Personally, I think the need for charity shows a broken country.
I agree: living in a small village, it's important to give to make your community function, if you can: buy a raffle ticket, go to the gala day, support the cafe and shop occasionally.
My 10 y.o. dishwasher quit working in May. When I do finally get a repair person out, i bet he's going to say it would be cheaper to replace it with a new one than repair the old one. If so I'm going to say nah, I'm good just doing my dishes by hand! And I'll remove the old one and put in some cute storage shelves instead! I live alone and don't have much company so washing dishes by hand is not a hardship. I rather enjoy it usually. While I soak them in a pan of hot sudsy water, I do little clean up jobs near by so my kitchen is actually much cleaner and well organized than it was when I used the dishwasher! 😊
Good for you
I had the same situation.. After reading reviews to replace ours, we decided to not buy one and do hand washing...only 3 of us and we take turns..works out fine
We have a tiny kitchen and use our dishwasher only as an additional space to let our hand washed dishes air dry then as additional storage for pots, pans and lids. I don't think dishwashers get dishes as clean hand washing anyway.
Our frugal rule is use it up, wear it out, recycle if we can.
Try to stretch each meal to make another or at least one portion.
Great rule
A rule that you mention often, and it is a valuable one, is that you do you and there is no judgment, because we all have to live with the results of our own choices. I feel that "keeping up with the Jones" or being envious of others leads to more negativity in a person's life, whereas being happy with simple pleasures, like finding a bargain or creating a beautiful and useful thing, leads to a more contented and healthy life, mentally and physically.
@@preppernut well said
I am in the USA. You said your home is 80 square meters. That is under 900 square feet. That is small. That would be a three bedroom, living room, and kitchen with a laundry, furnace, and water heater in closets in the hall home in one of our subdivisions. Those homes were built in the 1950's and early 1960's. They might or might now have a one car garage on a quarter of acre lot. Those homes are now selling for $200,000 in our area of Illinois. They are fine bungalows homes for a family, but they do not have the grace of your beautiful place. Thank you for reminding all of us that there are many ways to live an enjoyable, frugal life.
We don't have a laundry room
Sorry, I was translating your home into small homes around by me to give me a visual frame of reference. I considered your side entry as a laundry room. Many homes by me would say that is a space for washer and dryer, as well as a space for coats and storage. Your home also has your basement space where my visual home would be built on a slab. I was not precise enough in my last post.
I try to use up and empty out my fridge of all the fresh produce before I buy more. And then wipe out the inside with a soapy cloth and dry it before i make my list and go shopping! No bad surprises of smelly leftovers or wasted fresh items. My lunch today consisted of cottage cheese, sauteed summer squash and leftover chicken stew from last night. My breakfast was fresh banana bread I'd made yesterday to use up overripe bananas and my last dollop of cream cheese with my mug of coffee. Tomorrow will be my weekly grocery shopping trip. And I am prepared!
Great lunch Janet
@@janetstonerook4552 Great ideas Janet! 👍
Im living by your rules for the most part and feel good. Idont need all the bells and whistles.😀
Love that!
@@elainearchbold259 All the bells and whistles are just more things to break down and need repair!
@@janetstonerook4552 very true Janet
All good rules to live by Jane. We save for things, and always buy best quality we can. Our washing machine is 21 yrs old! It was an expensive purchase, but has served us well! Our leather sofas were bought in 1997. People thought we were mad when we bought them, but we’ve looked after them, and they still look good, and are very comfortable! We don’t need to change everything every couple of years. Buying secondhand too has helped us buy items we couldn’t otherwise afford. Thanks for sharing your frugal tips.
That's brilliant
I cannot afford new windows right now. So I’m making quilted curtains to help with the drafts this coming winter
@@andreaskokandich6454 sounds like the perfect solution to me
Love it!😂 I haven’t had a TV in 15 years, no computer, laptop, I use my old cracked iPhone 7 for entertainment, news, YT. I do my laundry at my daughters and she gives me toilet paper. I don’t use paper towels. I rarely use my stove, only my instant pot, even boiling water. No debt. A nice car my brother left to me, and I sold my older car and made a profit, and I can go in and in. Thrifts shops. Rarely retail. Given shoes and clothes by good friends. Cook at home 98% of the time, save 200% of my husbands widow pension, etc. I love listening to your videos. Helps to remind me. Thank you. ❤️
Thanks so much
I love the way you phrase how the money is not yours, it's the future car's money or the future house repairs money. I have to start thinking of it this way.
You're welcome
Live like no one else, so later you can live like no one else - Dave Ramsey Your video is motivational
@@sandykmalta thank you
One frugal living thing I do is buying non perishables on special and donate to church.. I choose the 2 for 1 items online and get delivered to my door. What happens is I can give more value in this choice. This week I bought 1/2 priced coffee. Pass it on dears 😊 Blessings ❤️
Inspiring video once again!
I made the mistake of buying a brand of dishwasher that I wasn't familiar with when my townhouse was being built. It takes over an hour to clean the filter because I need to remove 16+ screws to release it for cleaning. It's knee-aching work. I regret not buying the one I had in a previous place that cost more, but was super-reliable. I suspect my present one will not stand up in time despite not using it often. You're right: consider quality!
🤷
Quality every time
I love this JOMO! Some years ago I was a spender, every food has to be organic, everything has to be new, impulse buying on and an. To this day I am ashamed of my wasteful purchasing behavior. Than I found your channel and it was eye opening for me. Thanks GOD, because the company, where my dear husband works, does now short-time work for the next time. That means 700 Euro less for us every month! I am so grateful that I learned from you to be frugal. We are prepared for those times. We hope, that this short-time work will not last very long. Thank you for all your videos!
@@lilalavendel3951 I hope things improve for you soon and thank you for watching
@@FrugalQueeninFrance Thank you!
Love your videos. Am frugal, myself. Feels so good to spend wisely. Always open for news ways to save. Thank you for wise ideas.
Excellent comment about your abilities based on your age. I’m saving for “future me” that needs more help. I’m hoping to get older. I’ll need more help. Save now and it will be ok!
I’m not frugal but I’m learning one step at a time with your videos. Thank you Jane and Mike. God bless
You are so welcome!
When I grocery shop I too only buy what’s on sale. Thanks so much for another great video🩷
You are so welcome!
The one thing that we do in our family is we don’t buy school clothes I’m a homeschool mom so what we do for our 4 daughters is to do a low cost or no cost room make over moving things around giving it a new paint job and fresh bedding is what makes our girls happy and for my husband and I it’s easy on our budget no going to the mall for clothes shoes backpacks or a lot of school supplies all are unnecessary for us ❤
We absolutely love wood heat, and I’ve had it in every house before this one, but in our later 70s it’s just too hard for us to keep up with it and so we’re just using the natural gas that we have to pay for as we need it
For us conservation and frugality go hand in hand. We are very happy with our daily life and we choose to budget for the things that we want(if it fits in our budget). We aren't deprived in any way, we too choose a simpler lifestyle, like my grandparents, just as you do.😊😊 Great video you two. You are teaching others to learn to save up, and wait to get the best quality 👌.
Thanks Eliza
I try to same on utilities and water. Dishwasher and clothes washing in the evening. Unplug appliances when not in use. Quick showers.
Yes, I can take a 3 or 4 minute shower depending if I wash my hair. I use lukewarm water not hot. Saves water and natural gas. I let my hair air dry.
I love movies but shop around for the cheapest tickets. We have Senior Tuesdays. Never buy snacks at theater, I make sure I have water and nuts. Go on a full stomach.
No one admits this anymore, but I still buy DVDs when there's a movie that I absolutely must see (very few and far between for a long time now.) It's cheaper than tickets and snacks at the theatre; and I don't have to wade through popcorn and sticky soda on the floors and ill-mannered patrons and screaming children in the auditorium. And when I've watched it a few times I donate it so others can enjoy it, too.
I totally agree with buying needs, in advance, on sale. That's just smart shopping. I would encourage people to keep in mind, though, that this is different from rationalizing buying wants or whims just because they're on sale. If something was $50 and a big red sign says it's reduced to $30, you're not saving $20, you're still spending $30.
It’s so funny because I am exactly like you! And my husband and I also LOVE J.O.M.O.!!!
Love the information! I am learning a lot from you both, I am currently doing some of the things you mentioned . I live below my wages, saving for needed items. Thanks
That is awesome!
Hi to you jane and mike love how open minded you are our frugal journeys are very different .i am in a wheelchair so grocery delivery is my go to saves a lot
Thanks for sharing!!
Another advantage of running the laundry and dishwasher overnight is that the warm humidity they create dissipates by morning.
I hang my clothes to dry on racks inside. Even when I have had a dryer, I would hang most everything & use it sparingly, for instance to dry large comforters. My electric bill is still high even though I'm extremely careful about my energy use. I can't imagine what they'd look like if I wasn't careful!
Another technique I use to stay within my budget it I carry the cash I use in 3 distinct (small cloth tri-fold) wallets. One for gas/transportation, one for discretionary spending & one for grocery money. In the grocery wallet I divide the amount I have for the month into 2 equal amounts & keeo them separate. I dont spend the second amount until I hit the mid point of any month, so my grocery budget will stretch for the full month & not overspend because I havevthe full amount to start with.
You are so right about prioritizing savings. Its reassuring to know that there is some money set aside if something unexpected crops up.
You're doing great
JOMO- love it! I loved this video so much I watched it twice.
Wow, thanks!
A voice of reason.THANK YOU...
You're welcome
I am in my early 30s, moving to France and so glad I found your channel! New subbie! ❤❤
Welcome!!
$600 per year comes to $50 per month, I’m guessing not too many pay this for running the heat or the cooker. We heat w/ wood, we do have a window air conditioner, I have a dishwasher but haven’t used it in years. I try to limit to 1-2 loads of laundry per week and use cool- cold water as much as possible. We definitely need to curtail other expenses. I have a load of medical bills to pay so budget is tight.
Sorry to hear that.
Yes, if missing out means it keeps me out of debt then that really does suit me.👍✔️🇦🇺
I am in my late 70’s and still do as much for myself (cooking, cleaning and shopping) I can without family or friends input is a good feeling.
Thank you Jane and Mike for a sound great talk and advice. Scratches to the doggies 🐶 .
@@muttersmenu2422 thank you for watching and leaving a comment
i never have 'auto renew'on insurance policies, I shop around every year, no loyalty in the frugal game - I used to do the same with energy provider until the crisis, when there were no fixed deals to be had here in the UK, most people have been on standard variable for around 2 years, I came off a £60pm deal, at the height of the crisis it trebled to £180
Robbing bar stewards !
Hi Jane and Mike. Some good points there, each of which I can relate to. As time goes by I'm beginning to realise just how few material possessions I actually need. I'm finally getting around to wearing items that have been in my wardrobe for ages which I'm pleased about, as at least the money hasn't been wasted. Yes, I do certain things to save money, which at times, can be as you say, an inconvenience, but is worth it in the end. Wherever possible, I also try to avoid anything that could potentially cost me money for repairs and which could have been avoided. Just one example is, unloading washing out of the machine. A repair chap once told me that dragging washing out can loosen the surrounding rubber seal, which in turn can cause leaks. I now take care when doing so. Case of prevention rather than cure as the saying goes. Great video. Thank you both. 🤗
@@sheila1013 the washing machine tip is a good one to remember
@@FrugalQueeninFrancel also wipe around the rubber seal when I finish using the machine to remove any water lodged in the seal. This stops the seal rotting and also stops the water going stale and starting to smell.
I usually give everything a quick wipe around inside after I use it. Microwave is usually full of steam which then drips as it cools and can cause rusting. Food can be stuck to the roof and the sides which will go off and cause mould. The same with my toaster oven. It’s all about a stitch in time or preventative treatment.
Always buy good meat, if affordable butchers! I buy what I want food wise, I don’t scrimp its investment in me!
Health wise, I pay more if convenient, mid stage Parkinson’s, less energy more tired quickly
Maintenance is key on dishwasher and washing machine, quality doesn’t always pay, sometimes cheaper is better, Aldi premium cat food is nearly the same as purina one!
My rules, always save, life is full of the unexpected, want or need, resisted buying any summer clothes, no need, buy secondhand clothes, except underwear and shoes (insoles and wide feet), simply my food choices (less processed).
Do what I can house wise, tho less as worsening Parkinson’s
@@dianaprice8070 good for you, make the most of your mobility whilst you have it left
@@FrugalQueeninFrance thanks I do, achy hands biggest issue so far
First time I hear the term JOMO and will definitely apply it to my life! 😀
I love it!
Very good! I do batch cooking, e.g. I buy canned tomato on sale and I cook 8-10 portions of Tomato sauce and freeze.
Every week we have a Pasta Day, when I use one portion of the sauce and add Tuna or olives etc.
I really don't care what other people do. I'm big on not wasting anything. My adult kids will pass me bags of clothes or items that no longer interest them and I pass it on to folks around me who can use them. Everybody profits and less for landfills. Besides that, I will pay for comfort though because I did wiithout for a ling time. 😂 For me thats air-conditioning in the tropics.
Thanks for your reply
Yes, but are you happy for me that I made a very tasty mostacholi leftover meat spaghetti sauce with mozzarella slices out of the freezer on top casserole tonight for dinner and boy was it tasty? And I made it at home and I didn't go anywhere? And I gave the cat a treat of some of the leftover hamburger meat without the sauce? He is.
Did I mention that the meat was from an organization called "Fare for all" here in Minnesota? They sell packages of groceries at 40% off and every penny raised goes to the food shelf. It's a win/win deal. It happens once a month and I go if I can get there.
I get my clothing on sale or at thrift shops or garage sales. I buy new underwear...on sale along with socks. If people put things on the free shelf in the laundry room, I take them if I can use them. If they are clothes which are stained and are 100% cotton, I take them, wash them and if I can't get the stain out, rip them for disposable rags. No paper (or very few) towels.
I stopped dying my hair too. It just gets gray again...
We are back in the UK now, after one month of travelling through Brittany in our 19 year old motorhome and dancing! Only paid for one overnight stay, in the Quimper municipal campsite, aahhh the hot showers, so lovely! We went to 15 dance events and only paid €48 in total. Fantastic value, fantastic fun!
BTW, I think I saw your house, we were on our way to go for a walk in Huelgoat forest and I recognised the fence and the colour of the house.
Thanks for your news. Glad you had a good time
Thanks Jane & Mike, love those puppies!
Us too!
Hi Jane love the J O M O! Great tips today!❤
So glad!
So sorry to hear of your high speed rail issues in your area especially.😢. Take care.
great tips as always you help me to keep on track love the doggy photos at the end
Glad you like them!
One of my frugal rules is to only buy something we need, and be very discerning about what we want. I try to buy from thrift shops and yard sales as much as practical. I wanted a larger dining set, and found a nearly complete Noritake service for 12. There are some pieces that number up to 15, so I am not sure what the original set was, but I paid only $135.00 for all of it including serving pieces.
I am still on the lookout for dining room chairs. I saw some I liked but the cost was prohibitive. I'm still looking.
The hunt is fun
My husband and I share your commitment to JOMO. We live simply and we are content!
Awesome! Thank you!
Ha ha... Granny never had a dishwasher! She was the dish washer. 😂 Great tips, thanks, Jane.
Granny doesn't didn't have a washing machine either or hair dryer or TV
I totally agree if not on sale it's not f me.i can wait till it goes on sale.8 hang my clothes outside on clothes lines.Love ur advice
Evening Jane and Mike excellent video and great advice for the young generation - my wife thinks like you for buying quality -watched Sundays video yesterday and i know i've said it before but those quilts are absolutely fantastic
Thanks so very much
"JOMO" ❤ I love the concept!
I look to buy quality but second hand so I get a bargain. My best buy was a 1995 second hand Mercedes E Class that has taken me from A to B in comfort and safety since 2008. Yes 16 years I have spent hardly any money on her and she will probably outlive me. I count the blessing every day.
The Jo which forms part of the user name Pejosach is because, you’ve guessed it, my name is Jo, and my profile picture on all my devices is a little cartoon which says ‘JOMO (noun) Joy of Missing Out’. Wish I could screen shot the little cartoon lady with the content smile, it’s me to a tee (she’s sitting reading a book with her slippers on and a cup of tea by her side). Really love the channel, feel I’ve finally found my tribe x
You really have!
You have! Welcome aboard
You two are happy people and I celebrate you! 🥳🌞🌈 No Netflix A.prime,etc....here too. Life is still great. Quality-yes. Same here. Love great deals too 😊 Great episode 👍🏻
I started laughing out loud when you said that you never pay full price. I am exactly the same but because we are comfortable thanks to being frugal people find it hard to accept we don’t pay full price lol.
Why waste money
LOVE MY ROKU
Thanks Jane! The JOMO rule made my day! I’m also enjoying missing out 😂.
So glad!
I do my own dishes, I don’t use or have a dishwasher. I don’t run a washing machine either, I use buckets, I brace the inconvenience!😉
Love that!
I did laugh at JOMO, brilliant! Thanks Jane, I'm making that my new mantra! 😂
The girls are just so cute 🐾🐾😊
Hi to both of you. I live in the United States and my husband of 48 years past away 2 years ago. I love listening to you and live on a budget,no debt everything is paid for including the house. I was curious, your home looks big but you always say it is small. Have a good day.
It's 80m square including the kitchen and bathrooms.
About 860 sq. ft.
Your dogs are adorable ^_^
We spend less on living expenses than most never have a coffee out etc but we love traveling but do it on a budget. Also no tv subscription but even worse out digital box is out of date no HI DEF so don’t get all the channels but have found we can caste from our phone using Chrome Cast.
JOMO is great, I love not having a smartphone or streaming!
You both do so well, I must applaud you. By following the advice on your youtube channel and some others, we have managed to pay off our mortgage and now save directly into two isa accounts. Very necessary as we now need a more accessible bathroom since I broke my shoulder and found I had severe osteoporosis. We are getting older, my husband had a heart attack a year ago so we gave up our allotment. I still don’t have the strength back to cut my nails so a manicure is essential for now. It’s worth pointing out that accidents happen, as does old age, so very essential to save as much as you can to cover any extra costs. I’m lucky I had a thrifty Mum and Grandmother who went through WW2 rationing. We are doubling down to try to save more so watching your older youtube videos. Very helpful advice 👍
@@hev2519 happy to be here to help,
Yes, I am curious about that also.
We don't replace an item or upgrade it if it still works. And we take care of what we own.
Great tip
Any increase in my monthly wage and that is few and far 😂inbetween I do not take the increase that goes into increasing my pension contribution, I dont keep up with the jones or my social circle in any aspects and the most important I live no spend low spend my why is because I have aim that I want to achieve it may take a few more years yet but I'm on track and wouldn't be if I managed my money like I used to x
Great rules
👍👍👍
Thanks
having had a dishwasher fire which happened when we set it off late at night and fortunately we discovered it before going to bed, we always run the dishwasher/washing machine in the day time now.
@@eleniburgess5099 there must have been a fault with the machine
@@FrugalQueeninFrance we had it 3rd had so it was old.
@@eleniburgess5099 ours is new, we trust it
Great video! Thank you.
Glad you liked it!
Definitely subscribe to the buy quality rule, especially when it comes to shoes
My husband and I are retired here in the USA and we watch where all our money goes. It just makes sense. We think alot like you and Mike do. Also love those puppies.
Thanks so much
we use cold water to wash our clothes .we use powdered milk to cook with . we use mostly old rags to clean with . we use our heat pump to cool down the house a few hrs before bed rather than all day we use a fan in the room we are in .i use backing soda and vinegar to clean the drains.
Thanks for sharing
Jane, do you think it is easier when there are 2 of you keeping to your budget? It strikes me that you and Mike are a great team.
Of course we both stick to our budget. We're responsible adults. If we were not compatible, we'd not be together
@@FrugalQueeninFrance I was really just asking if it is easier with two people (there is just me) to keep each other motivated
@@laurabeetschen2828 I think it’s much easier as a single person, you can work 7 days a week if you want, you’ve only yourself to please. I motivate me, Mike motivates himself. We agree/compromise on the budget but it’s always easier for a single person.
Hello Jane! You mentioning being able to be inconvenienced made me think about aging and additional expenses that may come with it. For example, my mom because of her age has to hire a cleaning lady because she it takes twice the time it used to and she has to have a long down time afterwards. There could be a time for you and Mike when it will be hard or even impossible to deal with the wood and you have to hire help. How do you plan for that? Do you book it under emergency funding? (I’m sorry if something I typed sounds off. I’m not a native English speaker).
Hi, there’s absolute proof, those who live in the blue zones embody this, that people who move their bodies and do physical tough stuff, stay healthier and more active longer. My 85 year old father still does all his gardening and maintenance work. I exercise daily, lift weights to stop me being a sick frail old lady.
@@FrugalQueeninFrance thank you for your answer. Do I understand correctly then that you don’t plan for age-related changes? Does the same apply to accidents that may lead to lifestyle changes? With age, a sprained ankle takes longer to heal and a flu is more likely to cause long-term issues.
Though your video was not on this topic, it really made me think about allocating some money for unintended lifestyle changes. Thank you for providing information and provoking deeper thoughts about budgeting.
@@Alibodyrus we have no plans to be frail cripples. Plan strength, eat plenty of protein, focus on mobility, daily long walks, lift heavy weights and never give up moving. You may not know strong healthy 90 year olds but I know plenty. Stay strong and keep moving.
@@Alibodyrus I think Jane has spoken in the past about providing for elder care (hope I'm not commenting out of turn here!). While it's not possible to provide for every worst case scenario, I think that having a frugal mindset, being in the habit of planning for contingencies, making sure you have sinking funds and savings, and generally being hardy and adaptable means that when changes have to be made, one is better equipped to make them. And caring for one's property and assets sets one up better for the future. We lived in a somewhat similar way here in France for 20 years, when my husband was approaching 80, and following a number of other events which pushed us towards change, we made the decision to downsize and simplify, but our previous frugal and self-sufficient way of life had prepared us for this.
Now he's nearly 87, and still builds things and is full of plans, lugs bags of pellets instead of logs, I sometimes wish he'd slow down and accept limitations but really I'm glad he doesn't. I have more time for volunteering and bike rides and new activities (plus French citizenship which makes me feel a bit more secure). We've made appropriate and necessary changes but in many ways still live with the same approach to life, and welcome a level of exertion, inconvenience and relish JOMO!
@@BrittanyLucy thank you, we’ve got years ahead of us and many adventures ahead of us yet
Just a question. Do you and Mike use fans to help keep you cool and circulate the air? Love your videos and look forward to them every week.
We have a fan
JOMO ❤
JOMO > love it! ❤🎉
Sales are the only way to go😊
So true
I’d rather have freedom than things!
❤
I don't have Netflix, Disney etc. I have CZcams.
Same here😊
I’ve never really understood half of the luxuries people buy. I just don’t care about them. Never have.
Nor me
Jesus Christ!
We'll pay 110 euro per cubic of firewood in Greece for next winter. Last year, it was 120.
It's still much cheaper from oil or gas, but it's the double of your cost. I wonder why...
More trees here. More water in the ground so there's more and they grow faster.
Hi folks! I too buy on sale, but only if I use the item. After all, buying something on sale only to say it's on sale without it being useful is a waste of money.
@@jerseygirl4736 thanks