I’m doing no spend days as often as I can. When the weathers bad (Manchester.Uk) I go on a cleaning mission indoors. Kitchen cupboards, skirting boards, windows etc. I’m trying to get in front on my bills. 1 month, 3 months and eventually 6 months. Will take some time but it’s my goal for the foreseeable future. Definately not buying anymore crap.😉☺️
And I just donated 13 blankets / crocheted which I finally finished by weaving in ends to Project Linus that gives them to hospitals and nursing homes in the area.
A big bag of popcorn fell into my basket the other day, thought it would last days and was gone in an evening. Saw some reduced price popping corn. Now popping my own for a cheap snack and controlled portion!
Been buying cars for years and finally at 64 I am proud to say I just got a 4 year old vehicle to replace my 21 year old one. It is paid in full. Wow what a feeling 😂.
Omg bits and bobs I had to laugh because that is me you are the best friend,mom,auntie,sister,cousin, teacher and truth teller we all need in our lives 🙏🏾❤❤❤
I like the idea of a no spend last week of the month challenge. I'm going to do that. I'm on my second day of no spend 2 week challenge. No detox symptoms yet. 😄
Things I do for free-ride my bike at the park, or go for a walk with a friend, go visit my aunt and uncle who live in the same city as me, do some sewing in my sewing room (though that sometimes leads me into temptation to buy fabric 😂) I do yoga with a TH-cam video, walk my dog, listen to an audiobook that I borrow from the public library.
OMG...No to the crap all the way. Cookies? Snacks? Goodies? 😆 They taste terrible anyway,why would we even bother and waste our bucks? Honestly,I walk around to see what they got. I see it and pass by,because I say to myself-I don't need this poison. Artificial colors and empty calories. Then get my fresh products and I am out to go home and cook quality food. 450? It is an achievement indeed. And 6 months no spend? Even more inspiring! Same system here for one time payment a year. Split the bills amount on 12 months savings for it. For free and for my pleasure,I go into the nearest mountain. Walk in nature, listen the nature,smell it and I bring some appropriate cooked food, salad,etc that I prepare. Otherwise getting busy with work like helping older family members with renovation, painting, organising...lot of stuff. Btw,those sites are the worst-the cheap ones. Because it's cheap and one can get stupid and grab needless items. One after another after another...feeling falsly wealthy haha till the crap arrives. In those upcoming months is soooo hot, I honestly think a person needs barely no clothes. Best months to make the most of it. Save,save,save 🍀🥳 6 months-amazing goal you two 👏
You always have the best ideas to share and as always, thanks for sharing. I learn so much and am encouraged to continue on our frugal journey. Keep these cid os coming 😊
I love a chai tea latte, hot in the winter, cold in the summer. I make it at home. I walk along our river instead of joining a health club. I get on the phone a talk to friends and family. I visit them when I can. I have a bag of old electronic products, cords and such to recyle and I take it to Best Buy. Often the biggest expense is the fuel to go visit people.
Despite the reports there is no or low inflation - Yesterday, the Frugal Money Saver TH-cam channel compared prices from a 2020 video to the prices this past week - identical items. The 2020 shop cost $26, today the cost came in at $67 for the identical items (with shrinkflation noted on several items). Proof once again, that it is not our imagination that we are against the wall with inflation on necessary items. Every small action has a big pay off, giving us some financial relief, without a decrease in quality of life. Thanks for your excellent work.
It’s calculated on a 12 month rolling period so the first month has now dropped off and a new month is added. Inflation was already high by then. Politician spin.
While foods have definitely greatly increased in price, they compared insanely cheap loss leaders from 2020 to full price items today. Eggs weren't anywhere close to 29cents a dozen regularly in 2020, nor was skippy natural peanut butter. I don't think I've seen even loss leaders THAT good in a long time, but it wasn't the greatest comparison. Emmy should've compared the *normal* price of those items to the current normal price to be accurate 🤷♀️
What a great video. I tried the no spend months but what works better for me is a low spend life, budgeting and prioritizing. I tried to eliminate eating out but that made me miserable, I love to meet with friends in restaurants and to sit down and write/read in cafes so I trimmed down my expenses at the grocery store and I am doing my own nails and hair and facials at home, I even watched TH-cam videos on how to give my husband and son haircuts! I meet friends for breakfast and coffee which is cheaper and when have my cafe writing days, I eat at home first and just get a coffee and a snack.
We live in northern Ohio, about 2 miles from Lake Erie. There is a lovely ‘MetroParks’ mile-long pier there. A great place to go and be close to the lake and get a bit of fresh air and some exercise! 🙋♀️🇺🇸💖‼️
Our low spend months are July and August! I’ll be repainting the baseboards and mouldings. Touch up painting the rest of the house. Sewing some curtains for the laundry room, the list goes on!
Used to have a bad thrift store (charity shop) habit and now only fill in with clothing as the seasons change. Another waste of money was lottery tickets. I still buy one every so often but saving up to $20/wk. I try not to shop when hungry or bored and have at least a basic list / stock up on sale items.
Gulp! I am sitting here eating some popcorn with Texas Pete hot sauce that I bought with discretionary money wandering through a short date grocery store! It was 50 cents a bag so I bought it on a whim! Thank you for reminding me to be more mindful, even with my discretionary spending! ! This is pure crap, as you would say, with little nutritional value! 👍
I am new to your videos and I have really enjoyed them so far! I can tell you were a teacher! I am too. I absolutely love your frankness that is shared in a loving way. I am almost 41 and have recently 'woken up' so to speak. Ive been buying crap for years and have been crap at saving. Things are going to change. Thank you for your advice ❤
Kate Kaden introduced me to a book called The 12 Week Year by Moran and Lennington. The premise is that you should make goals for just 12 weeks instead of a whole year, and its easier to stick to them. Every 12 weeks is a new year. Thus, I have 2 goals at the moment. Low spend for 12 weeks and save $1200; and lose 12 pounds in 12 weeks. I am 100% on point with my savings goal, but only 5 lbs down since April 1st so less than 50% on that one. You make a list of steps to take to accomplish each goal, and you should only have 1 or 2 goals.
I love the idea of no spend months but I know me so I'm going to tweak your idea and have alternate no spend weeks which is doable. Also incorporating cut backs across the board to be super frugal until I move in the future. Watching your videos and reading comments will keep me on my path. Many thanks.
Thank you Mike and Jane for another great videos. No spend months, because I moved in March to Canada there was a lot of spending in order to settle, but had allocated funds for it. The leftover $1400. 00 went into saving account, (I painted entire flat and did some DIY). Now it is all done! Managed to have 13 days NO spend in May. Very happy about that. Sorting my staff out I selling them on Marketplace, my total was $780.00 which as well went into saving account. From today whatever sells I will save 50% into saving account and 50% will be my spending money for building my arts and craft supplies. Freebies. Sightseeing all parks, gardens, attending free events (always bring my own mini-picnic). The best thing is that B.C. ferries are offering free ride between Monday-Thursday to seniors. There are lots of islands to choose as a day trip. On Thursday went to a cute village called Bowen Island. The stunning views, water, fresh air, nice sunny day and a free ride definitely was well worth.
I love thrifting.... and repurposing things, projects etc. but they cost money so right now I just try to avoid thrift stores and yard sales... because you know you can always find something to buy. I do have a lot of small home improvements and repairs that I'm working on but I've had to spend some money on those things as well, but its cash I budget for and at least it is improving our property. My weakness is gardening as well so I avoid nurseries because just like thrift stores I can always find something to buy. I currently save all of my $5.00 bills for vacations. The past 2 years I've been able to save $1200.00 each year by doing this. I love walking and hiking at our local State Park (Not free but I bought a yearly pass) unfortunately my husbands health doesn't allow him to walk very far, so if we go out sometimes we just drive around which costs money but I need to get him out of the house sometimes. You do what you need to do for the stage of life you are in.
A very low spend weekend here - supermarket essentials only. I have been getting on with home projects and enjoyed some gardening, baking, and crafting.
Joining you on a no spend June. Trying to establish a veg garden to help supplement me food budget so want to add to my garden sinking fund. I am hoping to live out of the fridge freezer and pantry in June which will allow me to use any excess from the supermarket budget. So far in June I have spent £3.49 😊🤞I won’t have to spend much more.
I am pleased to report that this weekend I have done some more of the tasks on my to do list. I did take myself out for a coffee this afternoon but only because I had a voucher for a free coffee. Knowing I had got it free only made it taste all the more yummy.
Great ideas! I love the term, "bits and bobs"! I plan to do some sewing this summer. I have tons of fabrics that I've bought (some years ago) to sew clothes. So I'm going to be sewing some summer skirts, and shorts.
I do a lot of no spend months during the year like you mention in the video. I'm getting a lot of crafts, cleaning, visiting and organizing my home done during these months. I have a good handle on my finances, but my daughter went through a horrible divorce recently and I'm now helping her learn new financial skills and trying to get her to see the importance of a no spend day, week or month. She's getting there so hopefully soon she will be well versed in it.
I am spending the next 2 months going through my belongings, extra knickknacks and furniture and listing them online to sell. No spend months and, hopefully using this time to recoup money spent on belongings that we are using. 😊 We hope to build up our long-term savings more, as well as increasing our emergency fund from 6 months to 12 months worth of expenses. We try to do between 4-5 no spend months per year.
We go to the beach every Sunday evening .My husband rests and I walk and look for shells. Nothing like the cool breeze from and sound of the ocean. It takes us less than 10 minutes to get there. How blessed are we? Though there are many here who NEVER go to the beach. Hi from SC!😎🏝😍
July is my next no spend month, I do January, July and October, gives a chance to use up freezer goodies and rotate the pantry items. I only need a few fresh bits and pieces every other week to fill in, I love my fresh fruits and salads so that is my top ups for the summer months. Still got a big chunk of shopping budget left as I didn't need very much at all (thank you freezer and pantry bargains) and that will go straight into my ISA, I get another chunk of money on Friday which will also go into my ISA as I know I don't need to touch that at all. I also have a policy from 15 years ago maturing (I didn't pay in for more than 6 months due to financial issues) that will give me almost £1K to stash away, July looks like a really good stuff the savings month already. I don't buy clothes etc unless I need something and I can't stand nik-naks everywhere so that is also a huge saving. Keep going everyone, we can do this with a deep breath and a budget that we stick to all the time. Seeing those numbers go up is satisfying, reassuring and worth it. Fab video as per normal, thank you x
@@FrugalQueeninFrance budget and menu planning keeps everything on track, rotates the food and stops eating the same food all the time. Variety is important and eat the season as it comes.
We have free trivia at local restaurants. Of course you can buy food and drink, but we stick with water. Winners get gift cards to those restaurants, so we can have a treat if we do well! There are also free museums in our area. My husband and I are going to the Negro Southern Leagues Museum here in Birmingham, Alabama this week to learn more about the history of baseball in our city.
I LOVE your No-Nonsense attitude toward No-Spend. We are trying to double our Emergency Fund, recognizing that our average sudden expenditures will happen. (I track our emergencies annually and figure a proposed expenditure for the year based on the trend.) Anyway we want to double what is in it. We haven’t hit our full funding yet. The fund has kept us solvent and without debt but my goal is to have it fully funded so that if everything « hits the fan » at once, we are covered.
Ok Jane . . . . you hit home with me on this video. Buying stuff at the charity shops, bringing it home, then finding out it doesn't work for me or just really don't like it. I've got to put a big halt on this one. $4.89 each on two separate blouses and then kitchen dishes and accessories that I find I'm not going to need. It does add up. You did this video just for me today. Thank you and thank you! Greetings from South Carolina.
This is my no spend month too Jane. Like you, I've spent what I'm willing to, on the garden, so it's time to take a breather. I have the car MOT due in August and a week's holiday to Scotland booked for early October. Both expenses will be coming out of my sink fund. I'm hoping to stay on track and come in within budget at the end of the year, but of course, as we all know, there are unexpected costs that can occur.🤞 Also, the weather here has been a bit mixed this week, so I've finally taken the time to move some of my savings around to different accounts and managed to secure some good interest rates. Now my money is working even better. I'm also to receive a switch incentive payout, so I felt good after having done so. During these summer months four of us go on a few day trips with a local coach firm. Cheap as chips but very enjoyable. Gives us chance to catch up, and at the same time, see some nice places. My closest friend and I always make contact once a week no matter what. We call it check-in. As for the supermarket, I was once told, don't go when hungry as you're tempted to spend more. It's true actually, so I try to do my food shop after meals. 😃 Thanks again both for yet another motivational video. 🤗
I have to come back and watch this when my Monday calms down, but I am laughing already from the title! I can hear Jane saying this in my head. I'm sure it will give my no-spend June a boost! I'm selling excess stuff on Mercari this month, so I'm trying to work both ends...
Hi Jane Thank you for your video For free I go to parks, concerts, libraries and beach. It’s not easy for me to have a no spending month. I tried it and failed completely. I’m going to try July and see how it goes. Have a blessed week.
Thank you so much. It’s very helpful for me to watch your videos to continually remind myself to watch what I’m doing with my money. I love the summertime and go a little overboard with buying ice cream out and summer clothes at thrifts shops. I don’t feel as well in the wintertime, so I don’t want to do as much. I enjoy when my body feels good and I want to have some fun with little treats. I will naturally start reeling myself back as the months go on. I guess that what the saying means when it says they change like the weather, I understand that now. Have a fun summer.
😊💜. I have a time determining how to get started, even a little, as everything seems important.....I do appreciate you sharing your experiences.....thank you.
I was never much of a spender so it is fairly easy for me to have no spend months. When I decided to pay off my mortgage I had two no spend years and I’ve kept that up pretty much ever since. Currently I’ve been eating through my pantry stockpile so I’ve been spending even less than usual. Last year I canceled my Netflix subscription and haven’t missed it, even though I’d had the subscription since way back when they were mailing you the CD. Next I’ll be not renewing my Amazon Prime as I don’t spend enough to justify the “ privilege” of paying them to buy things from them. I found I’m more active around the house, instead of sitting passively staring at a screen.
Most of my life is no spend as you and I both define no spend. I cannot remember the last non-essential thing I purchased. My husband sets aside an amount each month for his discretionary spending that I never question. He is not on board with no spend. We (I) do 10% challenges (idea learned from another frugal channel) for certain budget categories to try and keep up with inflation and/or put back extra money to rebuild long-term savings when something has needed to be repaired or replaced. I do not enjoy shopping, so this is not a big deal to me. I love doing free things. In our area residents get free admission to certain places such as the botanical gardens two mornings per week. I take advantage of anything free that I can. My neighbor and I exchange jigsaw puzzles to do for fun. Mine have been gifted to me, and she likes to find them at the resale shops.
My husband and I moved to WA state last summer and we are fortunate that there are literally thousands of trails, lakes, waterfront walks, waterfalls, etc. We visit these places with a picnic lunch and only spend on gas to get there and back. We feel very fortunate to be able to live in such a place. Thanks for the video, as always.
My catch up project is to use up the partial cans of outdoors paints and stains i have about the house in these next few weeks. It will make a difference toward the neat appearance of the outside of my house and buildings as well as emtying up my storage area of all those cans! I vowed not to buy any new until i finish up what I have already! It's wasteful!😊
I had a no spend January. We need to do some work on our car so no spending except for that. I need to stay out of the craft stores. Do have gift cards,though. Trying to use what I have. Love your channel. Thanks for helping stay on track.
We live in Southern California so the best free thing is the beach. Heading out this afternoon with a picnic lunch! 😊 We also paid for a yearly membership to the aquarium and go there at least twice a month with my 4 year old so it’s worth the money for us.
I am trying to clean out the crap and donate to a charity shop. Also bought ground beef (mince) about 30 lbs and would like to get 15 to 20 lbs pressure canned so we have protein on our pantry shelf and freezer. I stopped looking at the grocery ads every week. Inevitably I always find items to purchase so I need to stop that. On a bright note we received a CASHBACK check from our insurance company. If we don't file any claims on our 2 vehicles (both paid off) or homeowners insurance you get a portion back. This year it was $463 which we cashed said check and saved. That's a big help! I keep an eye on our line items for sinking funds also. This month we had 2 birthdays and 3 graduations. Thankfully the money was already set aside in our sinking funds. I try to pay the mortgage payment plus a principle only payment to help us get our mortgage down. I look forward to each and every video you guys put out. Thanks Mike and Jane!
Don't forget about keystone meat. You can order it online. It last for 5 years only has 2 ingredients. If you live in Ohio you can buy it at meijer or kroger. It's a little pricey but considering your getting a cooked item not raw your getting more for your money.
@susanjacks8830 northern Ohio here. We have lots of produce farms close by so I do a lot of freezing. I know how to can but arthritis has slowed me down. I still make apple butter with the apples picked from a local farm. Same with strawberries and blueberries. We are blessed to be so close to so many farms.
NE Ohio here and we are blessed to have lots of Amish and Mennonite stores nearby in our rural area. Lots of produce markets too. I, too, have arthritis which can make it challenging to can but I do as much as I am able. Thank goodness we have lots of resources in our state. I believe Keystone Meats is around Lima area.
Sometimes I feel like watching one of your money chats has the same effect as attending an old time church revival. 😂😂 Because it gets me back on the straight and narrow when I start to wander off into spending money on crap. So much of my urge to spend money are totally psychological. Not necessary at all.
Lol, you sure know how to get our attention with "stop buying crap". Almost spite out my soup when reading the title of your video. :-) We are debt free, retired, and have always been frugal. You'd be surprised how much saved money accumulates over the years. We're retired for thirteen years.
Great video. I will start out wuth "no spend day". I will do a Thursday as ny no spend day every week. I will increase the days every 2 months until i have reached my goal of No Spend to every other month. 😮
End goal short term: Pay off Credit Card. Essentials: Need to get a handle on this. Free: Walks in parks or by rivers, biking, reading, using the amenities (paid for in rent but off limits during pandemic) in my apartment building. Lists: Use up paint purchased for painting furniture, clean, sort things, do writing and music, arrange preps (which are also money savers since I don't impulse shop as much) Catch up with family and friends: Family is expensive, my sister just demanded a menu for her birthday of gluten free/diary free food which I don't normally eat and I already bought her gift months ago. Her other option was for me to take her out to eat and not eat at my house in the free party room. She is expensive, friends not so much. I can get together with friends for coffee or tea at home or just have a walk in the park and chat. Easy and cheap. I'm definitely not inviting my sister over again for anything. Too expensive for my budget and they have more money than I do...or more credit cards.
Aargh! This time of year, money does seem to fly into the garden! I think we’ve already spent close to $900, including $300for a maple tree and nutrients for it , planted in memory if my father in law who passed away 2 weeks ago….
I'm pretty devastated right now. After becoming an incomplete quadriplegic in 2021 they were supposed to forgive the rest of my student loans. I paid off all the medical bills (over 100K) and thought I was debt free. They've now decided to start making me pay the student loans again because they changed the rules. I hate the word fair....so I'll use the word right. I don't think it's right...at all. First payment on the new rules next month. I'm not completely whinging....I'll tighten the food budget and eliminate discretionary spending. No Spend Forever 😂
@@FrugalQueeninFrance I wanted to come back and say I spent 4 hours on the phone with my student loan lenders, the Department of Education and Social Security Administration this morning. After everyone pointed fingers at each other I got 120 day waived payments while waiting for the SSA to send me a letter, to send to the DOE, to send their letter to the lender to discharge the student loans. Thanks for your words of support yesterday...I was feeling pretty low and overwhelmed 💜
I'm good at no spend but bad at buying things I need, like last year I was told I needed a new kitchen faucet finally bought it after I turned it on and it squirted right at me so I have been making an effort to get some of the things like that off my list, been buying one per month, I have two left a lamp shade and a pair of hiking shoes that my insurance company reimburses me for so why haven't I bought those. One of my items had been on the list for four years!
Great content thank you. I am saving and investing for retirement or frankly when AI will the able to do my global role. Debt and mortgage free and saving and investing together with intentional spending is working a charm. This channel helps to keep me on track - thank you.
The car is a debt would it not be better to buy second hand , We are on a four week no spend apart from essential food so we have money for our holiday , Living out of the freezers and cupboard . Cellar is being cleaned out , rooms deep cleaned .
I don't have car debt, we save money each month to pay for our next car. We pay cash for our car. As I say at the beginning of every video, we have no debt and we've paid off the mortgage.
I think restaurant meals are the worst offender for many folks wasting money. When you demonstrate how to use your kitchen I’m sure you help many people.
Hi Jane thank you for sharing ❤great frugal tips frugal way to save .my best frugal queen voice of a angle heart of gold star 🌟 ❤bless 🙌 🙏 u and family with joy peace and happyness learning alot from you thank you so much 🙏 great channnal lov always to u and your beatiful cute puppies 🐶 ❤ adorable 🤗💚❤💛💙💜
I do not purchase biscuits or commercial cakes, too expensive and UPF. I enjoy fresh fruit instead. Last year’s clothes are still looking good 😊. Like you I try to avoid parking fees and my local social spot is the library 👍 My end goal is travel. A few years ago I managed to visit France 🇫🇷 and it was lovely
You always have the best ideas to share and as always, thanks for sharing. I learn so much and am encouraged to continue on our frugal journey. Keep these cid os coming 😊
I’m doing no spend days as often as I can. When the weathers bad (Manchester.Uk) I go on a cleaning mission indoors. Kitchen cupboards, skirting boards, windows etc. I’m trying to get in front on my bills. 1 month, 3 months and eventually 6 months. Will take some time but it’s my goal for the foreseeable future. Definately not buying anymore crap.😉☺️
Well done on not buying crap!
Bird watching is free. The library is free. Most parks are free.
Gorgeous things to do
My life is pretty much no-spend and I’m loving it.
That's fabulous
And I just donated 13 blankets / crocheted which I finally finished by weaving in ends to Project Linus that gives them to hospitals and nursing homes in the area.
How lovely
I’m planning on spending one afternoon a week this summer in the public library reading in the air conditioning.
A big bag of popcorn fell into my basket the other day, thought it would last days and was gone in an evening. Saw some reduced price popping corn. Now popping my own for a cheap snack and controlled portion!
Much better value
AMEN, JANE!!!! No crap = no clutter!
Exactly!
Been buying cars for years and finally at 64 I am proud to say I just got a 4 year old vehicle to replace my 21 year old one. It is paid in full. Wow what a feeling 😂.
Many congratulations
Omg bits and bobs I had to laugh because that is me you are the best friend,mom,auntie,sister,cousin, teacher and truth teller we all need in our lives 🙏🏾❤❤❤
We've all done it!
Hubbys bits and bobs consist of middle of Lidl 😂😂 it’s a nightmare!
Oh no
I like the idea of a no spend last week of the month challenge. I'm going to do that. I'm on my second day of no spend 2 week challenge. No detox symptoms yet. 😄
“it’s just stuff” and “crap” two descriptions I use daily to remind and motivate me NOT to spend. Very effective. ❤ 🇨🇦
Useful for anyone to remember
Things I do for free-ride my bike at the park, or go for a walk with a friend, go visit my aunt and uncle who live in the same city as me, do some sewing in my sewing room (though that sometimes leads me into temptation to buy fabric 😂) I do yoga with a TH-cam video, walk my dog, listen to an audiobook that I borrow from the public library.
Love that!
Love this. Last night at work someone actually asked me “what things do you not spend $ on”….. the list was long!
Mine too, consuming crap is not for me
OMG...No to the crap all the way. Cookies? Snacks? Goodies? 😆 They taste terrible anyway,why would we even bother and waste our bucks? Honestly,I walk around to see what they got. I see it and pass by,because I say to myself-I don't need this poison. Artificial colors and empty calories. Then get my fresh products and I am out to go home and cook quality food. 450? It is an achievement indeed. And 6 months no spend? Even more inspiring! Same system here for one time payment a year. Split the bills amount on 12 months savings for it. For free and for my pleasure,I go into the nearest mountain. Walk in nature, listen the nature,smell it and I bring some appropriate cooked food, salad,etc that I prepare. Otherwise getting busy with work like helping older family members with renovation, painting, organising...lot of stuff. Btw,those sites are the worst-the cheap ones. Because it's cheap and one can get stupid and grab needless items. One after another after another...feeling falsly wealthy haha till the crap arrives. In those upcoming months is soooo hot, I honestly think a person needs barely no clothes. Best months to make the most of it. Save,save,save 🍀🥳 6 months-amazing goal you two 👏
Thanks so much for your reply
My husband and I take a nice long walk every day. It is free and good for our health.
Us too
@@FrugalQueeninFrancerr
You always have the best ideas to share and as always, thanks for sharing. I learn so much and am encouraged to continue on our frugal journey. Keep these cid os coming 😊
Thanks
I love a chai tea latte, hot in the winter, cold in the summer. I make it at home. I walk along our river instead of joining a health club. I get on the phone a talk to friends and family. I visit them when I can. I have a bag of old electronic products, cords and such to recyle and I take it to Best Buy. Often the biggest expense is the fuel to go visit people.
Despite the reports there is no or low inflation - Yesterday, the Frugal Money Saver TH-cam channel compared prices from a 2020 video to the prices this past week - identical items. The 2020 shop cost $26, today the cost came in at $67 for the identical items (with shrinkflation noted on several items). Proof once again, that it is not our imagination that we are against the wall with inflation on necessary items. Every small action has a big pay off, giving us some financial relief, without a decrease in quality of life. Thanks for your excellent work.
I watched that! Truth!
It’s calculated on a 12 month rolling period so the first month has now dropped off and a new month is added. Inflation was already high by then. Politician spin.
Watched that and it was shocking the increase. We all know prices have gone up but not really by how much - here was the proof.
While foods have definitely greatly increased in price, they compared insanely cheap loss leaders from 2020 to full price items today. Eggs weren't anywhere close to 29cents a dozen regularly in 2020, nor was skippy natural peanut butter. I don't think I've seen even loss leaders THAT good in a long time, but it wasn't the greatest comparison. Emmy should've compared the *normal* price of those items to the current normal price to be accurate 🤷♀️
@@Desiree_RoseI thought the same thing
What a great video. I tried the no spend months but what works better for me is a low spend life, budgeting and prioritizing. I tried to eliminate eating out but that made me miserable, I love to meet with friends in restaurants and to sit down and write/read in cafes so I trimmed down my expenses at the grocery store and I am doing my own nails and hair and facials at home, I even watched TH-cam videos on how to give my husband and son haircuts! I meet friends for breakfast and coffee which is cheaper and when have my cafe writing days, I eat at home first and just get a coffee and a snack.
Thanks
We live in northern Ohio, about 2 miles from Lake Erie. There is a lovely ‘MetroParks’ mile-long pier there. A great place to go and be close to the lake and get a bit of fresh air and some exercise! 🙋♀️🇺🇸💖‼️
Sounds great!
Our low spend months are July and August! I’ll be repainting the baseboards and mouldings. Touch up painting the rest of the house. Sewing some curtains for the laundry room, the list goes on!
It's good to have a project
Used to have a bad thrift store (charity shop) habit and now only fill in with clothing as the seasons change. Another waste of money was lottery tickets. I still buy one every so often but saving up to $20/wk. I try not to shop when hungry or bored and have at least a basic list / stock up on sale items.
Thanks for your reply
Gulp! I am sitting here eating some popcorn with Texas Pete hot sauce that I bought with discretionary money wandering through a short date grocery store! It was 50 cents a bag so I bought it on a whim! Thank you for reminding me to be more mindful, even with my discretionary spending! ! This is pure crap, as you would say, with little nutritional value! 👍
We don't need to buy crap but we absolutely do not need to put it in our bodies
I am new to your videos and I have really enjoyed them so far! I can tell you were a teacher! I am too. I absolutely love your frankness that is shared in a loving way. I am almost 41 and have recently 'woken up' so to speak. Ive been buying crap for years and have been crap at saving. Things are going to change. Thank you for your advice ❤
@@Jennythetutor welcome and thank you
Kate Kaden introduced me to a book called The 12 Week Year by Moran and Lennington. The premise is that you should make goals for just 12 weeks instead of a whole year, and its easier to stick to them. Every 12 weeks is a new year. Thus, I have 2 goals at the moment. Low spend for 12 weeks and save $1200; and lose 12 pounds in 12 weeks. I am 100% on point with my savings goal, but only 5 lbs down since April 1st so less than 50% on that one. You make a list of steps to take to accomplish each goal, and you should only have 1 or 2 goals.
I watched that too
I love the idea of no spend months but I know me so I'm going to tweak your idea and have alternate no spend weeks which is doable. Also incorporating cut backs across the board to be super frugal until I move in the future. Watching your videos and reading comments will keep me on my path. Many thanks.
Any no spend even a no spend day a week will help.
“Ding dong”, Jane, your amusing today. Thanks for the giggles!
You're welcome
Thank you Mike and Jane for another great videos. No spend months, because I moved in March to Canada there was a lot of spending in order to settle, but had allocated funds for it. The leftover $1400. 00 went into saving account, (I painted entire flat and did some DIY). Now it is all done! Managed to have 13 days NO spend in May. Very happy about that. Sorting my staff out I selling them on Marketplace, my total was $780.00 which as well went into saving account. From today whatever sells I will save 50% into saving account and 50% will be my spending money for building my arts and craft supplies.
Freebies.
Sightseeing all parks, gardens, attending free events (always bring my own mini-picnic).
The best thing is that B.C. ferries are offering free ride between Monday-Thursday to seniors. There are lots of islands to choose as a day trip. On Thursday went to a cute village called Bowen Island. The stunning views, water, fresh air, nice sunny day and a free ride definitely was well worth.
Oh those Canadian islands are absolutely beautiful
I love thrifting.... and repurposing things, projects etc. but they cost money so right now I just try to avoid thrift stores and yard sales... because you know you can always find something to buy. I do have a lot of small home improvements and repairs that I'm working on but I've had to spend some money on those things as well, but its cash I budget for and at least it is improving our property. My weakness is gardening as well so I avoid nurseries because just like thrift stores I can always find something to buy. I currently save all of my $5.00 bills for vacations. The past 2 years I've been able to save $1200.00 each year by doing this. I love walking and hiking at our local State Park (Not free but I bought a yearly pass) unfortunately my husbands health doesn't allow him to walk very far, so if we go out sometimes we just drive around which costs money but I need to get him out of the house sometimes. You do what you need to do for the stage of life you are in.
My weakness is my garden too
A very low spend weekend here - supermarket essentials only. I have been getting on with home projects and enjoyed some gardening, baking, and crafting.
Wonderful!
Joining you on a no spend June. Trying to establish a veg garden to help supplement me food budget so want to add to my garden sinking fund. I am hoping to live out of the fridge freezer and pantry in June which will allow me to use any excess from the supermarket budget. So far in June I have spent £3.49 😊🤞I won’t have to spend much more.
That's brilliant and good luck
I am pleased to report that this weekend I have done some more of the tasks on my to do list. I did take myself out for a coffee this afternoon but only because I had a voucher for a free coffee. Knowing I had got it free only made it taste all the more yummy.
Great ideas! I love the term, "bits and bobs"! I plan to do some sewing this summer. I have tons of fabrics that I've bought (some years ago) to sew clothes. So I'm going to be sewing some summer skirts, and shorts.
That's a great idea! Happy sewing
I do a lot of no spend months during the year like you mention in the video. I'm getting a lot of crafts, cleaning, visiting and organizing my home done during these months. I have a good handle on my finances, but my daughter went through a horrible divorce recently and I'm now helping her learn new financial skills and trying to get her to see the importance of a no spend day, week or month. She's getting there so hopefully soon she will be well versed in it.
Good luck
I am spending the next 2 months going through my belongings, extra knickknacks and furniture and listing them online to sell. No spend months and, hopefully using this time to recoup money spent on belongings that we are using. 😊 We hope to build up our long-term savings more, as well as increasing our emergency fund from 6 months to 12 months worth of expenses. We try to do between 4-5 no spend months per year.
Sounds great!
I absolutely love the title of this episode. You made me giggle! Thank you for all you share, you are such a help and inspiration ❤
You are so welcome!
We go to the beach every Sunday evening .My husband rests and I walk and look for shells. Nothing like the cool breeze from and sound of the ocean. It takes us less than 10 minutes to get there. How blessed are we? Though there are many here who NEVER go to the beach. Hi from SC!😎🏝😍
That’s a perfect idea
July is my next no spend month, I do January, July and October, gives a chance to use up freezer goodies and rotate the pantry items. I only need a few fresh bits and pieces every other week to fill in, I love my fresh fruits and salads so that is my top ups for the summer months. Still got a big chunk of shopping budget left as I didn't need very much at all (thank you freezer and pantry bargains) and that will go straight into my ISA, I get another chunk of money on Friday which will also go into my ISA as I know I don't need to touch that at all. I also have a policy from 15 years ago maturing (I didn't pay in for more than 6 months due to financial issues) that will give me almost £1K to stash away, July looks like a really good stuff the savings month already. I don't buy clothes etc unless I need something and I can't stand nik-naks everywhere so that is also a huge saving. Keep going everyone, we can do this with a deep breath and a budget that we stick to all the time. Seeing those numbers go up is satisfying, reassuring and worth it. Fab video as per normal, thank you x
It always refreshing to hear from a frugal person who’s got their budget sorted
@@FrugalQueeninFrance budget and menu planning keeps everything on track, rotates the food and stops eating the same food all the time. Variety is important and eat the season as it comes.
This was such a good video, so much enthusiasm. I wish I had even a tiny bit of your motivation!
You can do it!
I love the way that your kitchen backsplash looks like a quilt you would make. It fits you well.
Oh thank you!
We have free trivia at local restaurants. Of course you can buy food and drink, but we stick with water. Winners get gift cards to those restaurants, so we can have a treat if we do well! There are also free museums in our area. My husband and I are going to the Negro Southern Leagues Museum here in Birmingham, Alabama this week to learn more about the history of baseball in our city.
That sounds like a very nice day out
I LOVE your No-Nonsense attitude toward No-Spend. We are trying to double our Emergency Fund, recognizing that our average sudden expenditures will happen. (I track our emergencies annually and figure a proposed expenditure for the year based on the trend.) Anyway we want to double what is in it. We haven’t hit our full funding yet. The fund has kept us solvent and without debt but my goal is to have it fully funded so that if everything « hits the fan » at once, we are covered.
I wish you well.
Ok Jane . . . . you hit home with me on this video. Buying stuff at the charity shops, bringing it home, then finding out it doesn't work for me or just really don't like it. I've got to put a big halt on this one. $4.89 each on two separate blouses and then kitchen dishes and accessories that I find I'm not going to need. It does add up. You did this video just for me today. Thank you and thank you! Greetings from South Carolina.
You're welcome Nancy. I
Had a walk around my house, touching every item, more than half of which I don't use, need or like. It can all go
This is my no spend month too Jane. Like you, I've spent what I'm willing to, on the garden, so it's time to take a breather. I have the car MOT due in August and a week's holiday to Scotland booked for early October. Both expenses will be coming out of my sink fund. I'm hoping to stay on track and come in within budget at the end of the year, but of course, as we all know, there are unexpected costs that can occur.🤞 Also, the weather here has been a bit mixed this week, so I've finally taken the time to move some of my savings around to different accounts and managed to secure some good interest rates. Now my money is working even better. I'm also to receive a switch incentive payout, so I felt good after having done so. During these summer months four of us go on a few day trips with a local coach firm. Cheap as chips but very enjoyable. Gives us chance to catch up, and at the same time, see some nice places. My closest friend and I always make contact once a week no matter what. We call it check-in. As for the supermarket, I was once told, don't go when hungry as you're tempted to spend more. It's true actually, so I try to do my food shop after meals. 😃 Thanks again both for yet another motivational video. 🤗
Good advice,
Never heard of”cheap as chips” before. 😺 love it
I have to come back and watch this when my Monday calms down, but I am laughing already from the title! I can hear Jane saying this in my head. I'm sure it will give my no-spend June a boost! I'm selling excess stuff on Mercari this month, so I'm trying to work both ends...
Great to hear that
Hi Jane
Thank you for your video
For free I go to parks, concerts, libraries and beach.
It’s not easy for me to have a no spending month. I tried it and failed completely. I’m going to try July and see how it goes. Have a blessed week.
A free family day out today. A gorgeous walk around Burrator in very sunny Devon. No cost apart from the fuel to get there.
There's always something to do for free
I live in Torquay- we are very lucky to have all the places we can get to - the moors, beaches , countryside. I hope you enjoyed your trip 😊
Thank you so much. It’s very helpful for me to watch your videos to continually remind myself to watch what I’m doing with my money. I love the summertime and go a little overboard with buying ice cream out and summer clothes at thrifts shops. I don’t feel as well in the wintertime, so I don’t want to do as much. I enjoy when my body feels good and I want to have some fun with little treats. I will naturally start reeling myself back as the months go on. I guess that what the saying means when it says they change like the weather, I understand that now. Have a fun summer.
You pick your months to suit you
😊💜. I have a time determining how to get started, even a little, as everything seems important.....I do appreciate you sharing your experiences.....thank you.
You're welcome
Great video jane and Mike! Thanks for all your tips 😊
Our pleasure!
I was never much of a spender so it is fairly easy for me to have no spend months. When I decided to pay off my mortgage I had two no spend years and I’ve kept that up pretty much ever since. Currently I’ve been eating through my pantry stockpile so I’ve been spending even less than usual. Last year I canceled my Netflix subscription and haven’t missed it, even though I’d had the subscription since way back when they were mailing you the CD. Next I’ll be not renewing my Amazon Prime as I don’t spend enough to justify the “ privilege” of paying them to buy things from them. I found I’m more active around the house, instead of sitting passively staring at a screen.
Great ideas! Thanks Jane Mike and puppies.
You are so welcome!
Most of my life is no spend as you and I both define no spend. I cannot remember the last non-essential thing I purchased. My husband sets aside an amount each month for his discretionary spending that I never question. He is not on board with no spend. We (I) do 10% challenges (idea learned from another frugal channel) for certain budget categories to try and keep up with inflation and/or put back extra money to rebuild long-term savings when something has needed to be repaired or replaced. I do not enjoy shopping, so this is not a big deal to me. I love doing free things. In our area residents get free admission to certain places such as the botanical gardens two mornings per week. I take advantage of anything free that I can. My neighbor and I exchange jigsaw puzzles to do for fun. Mine have been gifted to me, and she likes to find them at the resale shops.
You're doing so well.
I try to avoid shops or shopping centres with my kids to not buy unnecessary items.
Good idea
My husband and I moved to WA state last summer and we are fortunate that there are literally thousands of trails, lakes, waterfront walks, waterfalls, etc. We visit these places with a picnic lunch and only spend on gas to get there and back. We feel very fortunate to be able to live in such a place. Thanks for the video, as always.
That is awesome!😎
I went 1 month without going to grocery store. Also, I had no car, so I definitely had some no spend days and many even a week.
Great job!
My catch up project is to use up the partial cans of outdoors paints and stains i have about the house in these next few weeks. It will make a difference toward the neat appearance of the outside of my house and buildings as well as emtying up my storage area of all those cans! I vowed not to buy any new until i finish up what I have already! It's wasteful!😊
You've got this
OMG. I am a terrible crap spender. I need to stop! I guess it makes me feel good at the time. I'm just retired and definitely need to stop this😮
Yes you do, no one needs it
I had a no spend January. We need to do some work on our car so no spending except for that. I need to stay out of the craft stores. Do have gift cards,though. Trying to use what I have. Love your channel. Thanks for helping stay on track.
You can do it!
We live in Southern California so the best free thing is the beach. Heading out this afternoon with a picnic lunch! 😊 We also paid for a yearly membership to the aquarium and go there at least twice a month with my 4 year old so it’s worth the money for us.
So cool!
Loved this!! Thank You both.
Our pleasure!
I am trying to clean out the crap and donate to a charity shop. Also bought ground beef (mince) about 30 lbs and would like to get 15 to 20 lbs pressure canned so we have protein on our pantry shelf and freezer. I stopped looking at the grocery ads every week. Inevitably I always find items to purchase so I need to stop that. On a bright note we received a CASHBACK check from our insurance company. If we don't file any claims on our 2 vehicles (both paid off) or homeowners insurance you get a portion back. This year it was $463 which we cashed said check and saved. That's a big help! I keep an eye on our line items for sinking funds also. This month we had 2 birthdays and 3 graduations. Thankfully the money was already set aside in our sinking funds. I try to pay the mortgage payment plus a principle only payment to help us get our mortgage down. I look forward to each and every video you guys put out. Thanks Mike and Jane!
Well done
Don't forget about keystone meat. You can order it online. It last for 5 years only has 2 ingredients. If you live in Ohio you can buy it at meijer or kroger. It's a little pricey but considering your getting a cooked item not raw your getting more for your money.
Have Keystone Meats and yes I am in Ohio. I also pressure can my own proteins when I can find on sale.
@susanjacks8830 northern Ohio here. We have lots of produce farms close by so I do a lot of freezing. I know how to can but arthritis has slowed me down. I still make apple butter with the apples picked from a local farm. Same with strawberries and blueberries. We are blessed to be so close to so many farms.
NE Ohio here and we are blessed to have lots of Amish and Mennonite stores nearby in our rural area. Lots of produce markets too. I, too, have arthritis which can make it challenging to can but I do as much as I am able. Thank goodness we have lots of resources in our state. I believe Keystone Meats is around Lima area.
Sometimes I feel like watching one of your money chats has the same effect as attending an old time church revival. 😂😂 Because it gets me back on the straight and narrow when I start to wander off into spending money on crap. So much of my urge to spend money are totally psychological. Not necessary at all.
Happy to help
A lot rubbish with money. So true.
Oh #4 is my favourite hack, thanks !
Thanks
Raid freezer and Pantry. Summer time in TX stay out of the heat. Cook at home watch movies. Frugal frugal relax🎉❤
How awful to be so hot you can't enjoy summer. I feel bad for you.
Lol, you sure know how to get our attention with "stop buying crap". Almost spite out my soup when reading the title of your video. :-) We are debt free, retired, and have always been frugal. You'd be surprised how much saved money accumulates over the years. We're retired for thirteen years.
I stand by it as good advice
Great video. I will start out wuth "no spend day". I will do a Thursday as ny no spend day every week. I will increase the days every 2 months until i have reached my goal of No Spend to every other month. 😮
Good luck 👍
Just starting to budget & having a hard, confusing go of it. Any suggestions on where to start?
I'll make a video about that
You CAN learn how to budget, Karen! This channel is FULL of sensible and doable information! Best wishes!!
@@judyland-obrien4259 you do inspire me!!
@@FrugalQueeninFrance that would be grand!!!!
End goal short term: Pay off Credit Card. Essentials: Need to get a handle on this. Free: Walks in parks or by rivers, biking, reading, using the amenities (paid for in rent but off limits during pandemic) in my apartment building. Lists: Use up paint purchased for painting furniture, clean, sort things, do writing and music, arrange preps (which are also money savers since I don't impulse shop as much) Catch up with family and friends: Family is expensive, my sister just demanded a menu for her birthday of gluten free/diary free food which I don't normally eat and I already bought her gift months ago. Her other option was for me to take her out to eat and not eat at my house in the free party room. She is expensive, friends not so much. I can get together with friends for coffee or tea at home or just have a walk in the park and chat. Easy and cheap. I'm definitely not inviting my sister over again for anything. Too expensive for my budget and they have more money than I do...or more credit cards.
Your sister needs honesty. Loud budgeting, be clear about what is or isn’t in your budget.
I always think a day when we didn't spend a cent is a fantastic day!
I absolutely agree 👍
Another great video! Thank you x
You are so welcome!
We have outdoor projects and spare room needs a big sort out and clean.❤
Good luck
Aargh! This time of year, money does seem to fly into the garden! I think we’ve already spent close to $900, including $300for a maple tree and nutrients for it , planted in memory if my father in law who passed away 2 weeks ago….
Wow, how big was the tree?
Well done both of you 😊
I'm pretty devastated right now. After becoming an incomplete quadriplegic in 2021 they were supposed to forgive the rest of my student loans. I paid off all the medical bills (over 100K) and thought I was debt free. They've now decided to start making me pay the student loans again because they changed the rules. I hate the word fair....so I'll use the word right. I don't think it's right...at all. First payment on the new rules next month. I'm not completely whinging....I'll tighten the food budget and eliminate discretionary spending. No Spend Forever 😂
You live in a merciless hell hole if they expect a cripple without means to earn money to pay off any sort of debt.
@@FrugalQueeninFrance This is why so many seniors are becoming homeless and living in Campervans like me. The US is heartless.
@@FrugalQueeninFrance I wanted to come back and say I spent 4 hours on the phone with my student loan lenders, the Department of Education and Social Security Administration this morning. After everyone pointed fingers at each other I got 120 day waived payments while waiting for the SSA to send me a letter, to send to the DOE, to send their letter to the lender to discharge the student loans. Thanks for your words of support yesterday...I was feeling pretty low and overwhelmed 💜
@@Shantelle6253 how do they expect a crippled person who can't work to pay anything?
I'm good at no spend but bad at buying things I need, like last year I was told I needed a new kitchen faucet finally bought it after I turned it on and it squirted right at me so I have been making an effort to get some of the things like that off my list, been buying one per month, I have two left a lamp shade and a pair of hiking shoes that my insurance company reimburses me for so why haven't I bought those. One of my items had been on the list for four years!
We all need to buy needs. We need them.
Great content thank you. I am saving and investing for retirement or frankly when AI will the able to do my global role. Debt and mortgage free and saving and investing together with intentional spending is working a charm. This channel helps to keep me on track - thank you.
Best of luck! Happy to hear that
Happy Sunday Mike and Jane❤
Thank you
Great video Jane
Thanks
👍👍👍
Thanks
No spend week here!
Good for you
Jane, you mentioned that your garden budget is 360 euros. Wasn’t it higher before?
It was last year as we paid for work to be done
Great video!
Glad you enjoyed it
Before I buy, I ask myself, do I need it, will I use it and can I afford it? We have no debt and an easy to manage clutter free house.
So do we
Well stated
Monthly subscriptions to youtube membership,sponsor ships super thanks,buy me a coffee to different channels.
All unnecessary. You can watch this channel for free without any of that.
It is that simple: Stop buying crap. How much money on crap I have spent… 😩
The car is a debt would it not be better to buy second hand ,
We are on a four week no spend apart from essential food so we have money for our holiday , Living out of the freezers and cupboard . Cellar is being cleaned out , rooms deep cleaned .
I don't have car debt, we save money each month to pay for our next car. We pay cash for our car. As I say at the beginning of every video, we have no debt and we've paid off the mortgage.
@@FrugalQueeninFrance I see sorry not understood the situation ,
Most Animal viewing point are free. Picnics in the parks are free.
Nice 👍
Spa membership, eating out, and holidays.
All absolutely fine if it’s on budget or budgeted for and important.
I think restaurant meals are the worst offender for many folks wasting money. When you demonstrate how to use your kitchen I’m sure you help many people.
I hope so, I forget how many people just don't cook
Hi Jane thank you for sharing ❤great frugal tips frugal way to save .my best frugal queen voice of a angle heart of gold star 🌟 ❤bless 🙌 🙏 u and family with joy peace and happyness learning alot from you thank you so much 🙏 great channnal lov always to u and your beatiful cute puppies 🐶 ❤ adorable 🤗💚❤💛💙💜
Thanks
I think a lot of people are lonely and they go out for bits and bobs just to have the people contact
That's a sad indication of how low some people have fallen
No spend continually as lifestyle, and save, save, save, to be able to give to charity for the very poor.
LOL
The background music drowned out your voice! It waa diffucult focusing on what you were saying.😯
Watch on silent with subtitles. Thanks for watching.
I do not purchase biscuits or commercial cakes, too expensive and UPF. I enjoy fresh fruit instead.
Last year’s clothes are still looking good 😊. Like you I try to avoid parking fees and my local social spot is the library 👍
My end goal is travel. A few years ago I managed to visit France 🇫🇷 and it was lovely
I hope you come back soon
Pay off credit card and medical bills
Good luck
You always have the best ideas to share and as always, thanks for sharing. I learn so much and am encouraged to continue on our frugal journey. Keep these cid os coming 😊
You are so welcome!