The worst part of growing up in a poor household is when your teacher wants the students to stand up and tell what they received for Christmas. I remember that was the first time I felt the need to lie.....I never felt deprived as a child and was very happy with what I received for Christmas until that teacher made it clear to me how poor we were. SO! For all those well meaning teachers out there in the world....PLEASE! Don't do that to your students.
The worst part of frugality for me is that I am in a family of spenders. I always remember my aunty telling us to live your life and spend your money because when you die someone else will enjoy it. Almost every member of my family is a big spender. New cars, name brand everything from shoes to furnishings. They would always call me the poor one because my husband made the least money and we never had anything brand new while we were bringing up our children. In early 2015 came across Dave Ramsey's program and we decided to get our finances in order. I was 51 at the time. I am 59 now but we have about 5 months of living expenses if both of us were to lose our jobs at the same time. We also have 12 sinking funds to cover everything from cars and house repairs to clothes and shoes. Today, I had a call from one of my sisters telling me the company she works for went belly up and she is out of a job. She has a huge mortgage and two car loans that they are paying on. Her husband's income alone is not enough to get them by. She has very little in savings and is devastated. It pays to live below your means.
The worst part of frugality for me is those days that you are feeling unwell, tired or just too lazy to cook. It would be so easy to get takeaways delivered but the cost is almost the same as a whole week of our supermarket shop. I've learnt as a sole parent to adjust my thinking and simply cook eggs on toast, or toasted sandwiches. No one is going to die if we have cereal for dinner one night. 😃 Thank you Jane for another great video. Very encouraging.
Jane I tell people who question my dog and being frugle. I tell them they she is my entertainment. I don't go to movies and very seldom eat out. I tell them I will compare what I spend on her to their entertainment budget anytime. She brings me such joy and gives me unconditional love. She protects my home by letting me know if someone is approaching. I love her so much and can't imagine my life without her
I was a single mom, and I think my son learned how to be frugal from me. Very basic clothes, no luxuries. He's also the son who purchased a house with me and has already paid his half of the mortgage. He only spends money on good quality shoes when needed.
Frugality is not easy sometimes and especially when someone (our son) try to shame us for not getting out enough, going out to eat and traveling. We are both retired now and enjoy our frugal, easier living lives. We like to get up when we want, do chores around the house, read, take walks, etc. Our entertainment is visiting with our family and watching grandchildren from time to time and we are content.
The worst part about being voluntarily frugal was losing friends along the way. We concentrated on paying off mortgage, debt and building savings. We didn’t go out for dinner, concerts, shopping, with friends in order for us to reach our goal of an early retirement. Even though I made great efforts to invite friends for dinner and find other non costly activities …those friendships fell away…I guess we were no longer fun when not spending up to their level. We did make new friends but it was a hard and unexpected loss. Up side is we did retire early. Loving every minute
Yes, I get you. I lost friends who organised overseas holidays together and didn’t ask us as they perceived us as poor because of our frugality. We were just excluded from any invitation. I do think people who receive huge inheritances have a different value system to frugal people...they need someone to measure how far they have come financially in their eyes. Money is a measurement of how well they have done. Their family relationships may be non existent with their estranged children, but valuing money above all else, gives them something, falsely, to measure their superiority. How do they know how much I have in the bank...they don’t...it becomes painful and, in the end, I don’t want to spend time with them...this one sided ‘one up mandahip’ is not where I want to spend my time. There is no kindness or respect there.
I had my siblings wife requesting me to sign for her to get a $10,000 loan. She was renting an expensive house, good wine at every meal, cigarette smoking. I explained frugality to her and how she could easily save that money. She became angry and hasn't spoken to me since. Her rent was exhorbitant and could have gotten another at less than half that amount. People want you to pay for their lifestyle. I refused.
You will always meet people who have the entitlement attitude. I have no issues with anyone’s choice of life style but don’t expect me to put my neck on the line to assist you to live beyond your means or expect me to fund your life style.
@@patmartin9727 Years ago when I was a lot younger, I had a friend who wanted me to co-sign on an apartment she wanted to rent…I didn’t know much back then, but I did realize that if she couldn’t pay the rent, they would come after me. I changed the subject every time she brought up the topic, until she realized I wasn’t going to do it. Her sister ended up co-signing for her…A few years later, she ended up losing that apartment and ended up having to live with a family member!
I call it intentional living. I’m intentionally not buying x because at a future time I need to buy y. Delayed gratification is another good word for it. I treat it as a hobby to budget (it’s kind of mindful) and get my money stretched as far as it can go. I like to work to live rather than live to work and being frugal really helps with that lifestyle choice. I can enjoy nature as much as the King of England. There is a huge crossover with environmentalists and repurposing, recycling and buying clothes at thrift stores are very sustainable too and becoming more fashionable. The worst thing is people thinking that frugality means cheap, I’m not a bit cheap and like to be generous but I will only spend my money intentionally.
Scrapping by, literally looking for dropped pennies. Feeding your children or elderly and not eating yourself. Getting ready for bed as if you are going to walk in subzero temperatures! You can’t heat your home. I’ve had a habit of living under my income, because the fear of (__________) whatever. I cannot sleep comfortably if the budget is not paid or balanced. I began teaching my children at age 8 years and 2 years. Each Friday we had a family meeting. Which chores need to be done, any school projects the children are coming due. I would open each bill, I’d read the amount and my 8 year old would write the check and my 2 year old would stuff the bill in the envelope with the check and put on a stamp. At the end with the $5 balance we would discuss how we’d like to spend it. A picnic with pb&j’s to a city park. Fly a kite or look for 4 leaf clovers. One Summer we made a plan to visit all 275 public parks in our city. Some are no more then a sign with a tree or long forgotten parks. It made us enjoy our city and it got to be very exciting, looking for them on a map and taking a photo! This was before cell phones and Windows! Our Geo Metro was seen all over town. I have to “check” my attitude when I try too hard or kick myself for buying an extra case of canned beets! I didn’t know what wealthy looked like, I only knew this was what we had and all was okay. I’m sure (comparing, ugh!) someone a mile away from me thinks I’m a high roller or I’m as ghetto as it comes! It’s a choice.
When we were a young couple many of our friends were purchasing rooms full of furniture on credit when we were buying one piece of pre-owned furniture at a time (some we still own and use). One friend in particular said "Oh, I could never live like that!" I remember feeling so bad at the time because we were living within our budget and we were so proud of our modest home. In retrospect we made the right decision because we gave our money a job and it worked hard all those years and continues to work for us. Self discipline is never easy but almost always rewarded.
We were the same. Our friends had brand new kitchens, cars, and luxury holidays. Later you find out they were all on credit cards! When our son was born, we had nothing new for him. It was all secondhand. Looking back, he didn’t mind. He wasn’t aware he didn’t have everything new. He didn’t love us any less! I gave up a long time ago worrying what others think. We are still buying secondhand today. We have bought good quality at a fraction of the price, and enjoy telling people how much we have saved! Thanks for this video you two. You make some important points.
We actually prefer older stuff. Real wood and all that. Our basement apartment flooded and our old solid wood furniture was repairable. The Ikea particleboard shelves were toast.
When we were first married, my husband was in college and we had very little money. When he graduated I went to college. We learned to live on a dime. Because of that we have always lived below our means. Because of that we have been able to educate our children. I think its all about choices. We have a good life, but we are not wasteful.
Another great video! One downside of being frugal is people think you’re poor because you don’t have the biggest and newest of whatever. We’re not poor… we choose to spend/use our money differently than non frugals. Our “ wealth “ is not on display.
Totally agree, other people don’t need to know what I have or don’t have, what it cost and what it didn’t. I choose to spend or save for what is important to me.
We are a couple 79 a d 80 married 57 years we have always lived frugally and well within our means, having savings behind us was like a comfort blanket. We never worried about fashion and don't replace things until beyond repair. We had holidays but never overspent on unnecessary things. We have a comfortable home and have enough savings and pension to be able to have holidays abroad in winter to escape the weather. Now at our age is time to reap the benefits of our frugality and enjoy life a little, that is not to say we are not still frugal in the costs of our holidays, it is hard to change the habit of a lifetime.
@@barbiec4312 we go on Monday for 18 day and again on the 7th March for a month. We are later this year because I had a hip replacement on the 28th November, these are holidays we had to rebook after pre op assessment on the 24th October.
Good for you Sandra, enjoy the fruits of your labours(frugal ways). I too have always lived frugally and understand what you mean about savings being your safety blanket. Although I am more a saver than a spender it’s nice to know I can spend anytime I wish without using credit.
What a great, enjoyable video. "You do frugality wrong." This is such a funny comment, Jane. The worst about living a frugal life is the pitiful looks of people who don't get it. Living a frugal and mindful life is a wise choice and results in peace of mind.. It is so easy to live beyond your means, max out credit cards, and accumulate debt but in the end you pay for your carelessness. Unfortunately, as you said, there are many people out there for whom frugality is not a choice but a dire necessity. I am wishing all of them inner strength and a light at the end of the tunnel.
I live frugally by choice and really don’t care what others think but I do feel sorry for people who do not have the choice as they have no option about living frugally.
Great video topic. The worst part of frugality is when your circumstance forces you to do without and then you are asked by others to come out for coffee or attend a party or some gathering and they just assume because they can afford to you, should be able to as well. To me, frugality is about living within your means ensuring you have a roof over your head, your bills are paid, sufficient food and clothes on your back. You have everything you need and occasionally you can afford to spoil yourself.
Stick with it Laura! Most of us have been where you are in some way which why we’re choosing differently now. Find a visual way to show your progress and maybe a small treat to keep you motivated and from burning out. (It can be a walk outside, taking time to read a book…) Look forward, not back! You can do this!
For me the worst part of being frugal is that I often miss the 'rush of spending. This made me realise what an emotional spender I am! Thank you for posting your videos as I am starting to "brainwash " myself to be a saver and also now have my own budget and mini emergency fund!
I am sure that once you see the benefits of saving like the peace of mind that if the washing machine packs up you can deal with it without going into debt. I get my RUSH from seeing my saving grow slowly month on month( for me much nicer than seeing the bank balance dropping day after day)
I was a single mom for most of my children's lives. The worst part is not being able to ever splurge on your loved ones and the psychological impact being poor has on people. It does make kids driven and motivated.
the worst part of frugality is when I have carefully set away emergency funds and the they are suddenly wiped out by plumbing disasters, unexpected vet bills or trees blowing over in high winds. Suddenly all reserves are gone and I am back to square one building them up again. Yes I am grateful to have those funds, but it hard to watch all my hard work vanish in a flash, and have to start all over again.
Have not watched the video yet. But I would think this is the best part of frugality. You have the money when you need it. Many people would love to have the money when needed. Best wishes! You are doing that correctly. There are sinking funds and long term savings. Different savings for different uses.
I feel for you. I'm starting over after the water heater and furnace needed replacement. But, like you, I was grateful to be able say "no thanks" to the heating/cooling company's offer to finance them.
020143linda I have had it happen over past 2 years but I was so proud I could buy my new refrigerator without financing. First new fridge since the 80s!
@@judithvallembois2744 Don't worry. I spent over 9 years paying off our mortgage. Within a year my husband broke his neck. He survived but we were forced to take out $80,000 to pay for medical bills (we had some savings that were also used). Thank God we had paid off the mortgage so that we had access to that extra $80,000, even if it took several more years to pay that back. That's life.
I am frugal my husband is more frugal than me , when my children was young we always give them pockets money weekly, one of my son likes to spend it all then when he didn’t have enough he asked for some more, so my husband gave him some more and said that an loan so you have to pay me some back on next pocket money payment , so as it went on the next pocket money payment my son said dad I never have any money, my husband said that because you’re in debt, that what it like borrowing money, so it made my son realise the reality my son payed back as much as he could until he payed what he own my husband, it was an lesson taught, he went on living frugal as adult and is carful of his spending, thank you for the video I enjoy listening to them, and happy new year,
Thank you Jane and Mike for another great video. We live by the mantra that if our frugal lifestyle isn’t hurting anybody it’s none of their business. So yes, the worst for us is other peoples opinions. But after nearly 30 years, we can tune them out, but I do love that phrase: if my lifestyle choices aren’t harmful, and they benefit me and my family - then it simply doesn’t affect you. Have a happy new year!
Others being critical of your spending when you're frugal by necessity, hurts the most. You say, "that's the way it is". They say, "it's not that bad". Very, very grateful we're out of those situations now.
What a cute little doggy awww ❤ I cook for my doberman Venus who’s 3rd bday was yesterday and I only spend about 100 a month on food to feed us both, sometimes less in summer when my garden is huge. She helped me from a terrible depression from losing my first Doberman Mango to DCM. She was my whole life and now Venus is. Some need these loving companions who can help us with anxiety, stress depression, or even help us get out of the house to go on walks and stay healthy and can distract us from spending on unnecessary things because we are spending time with them.
I think my biggest problem, when it came to being frugal was the feeling, I have to explain myself to others. I don't feel the need to do this any more. I do my thing! and you do yours. Thank you guys for this thought provoking video. M x
I am still laughing at your very gentle rebuke to those of us who compete occasionally as to who is more frugal. I have a friend who kids herself about HER frugality and we both get a good laugh-- that is fun. However, I realize that I have compared some of my strategies with others without knowing their lives fully and that is wrong. It is also none of my business ! You use humor so well to confront folks without making us defensive. Thank you I could go on and on about this video. It was wonderful and helpful.
What others think- that I am cheap. But often they ask me for monetary help, and I always ask them how they manage money, and they are often dumbfounded.
Frugality is not easy but I'm very happy that channels like yours exist as a support. I'm always looking forward to your posts. What also helps every month I have 20 euro " funny money" to give myself some treat.
No worst part at present. It’s the way we live. Could easily spend extra but there is nothing we need or want! We are blessed and beyond grateful. Wishing all well in the upcoming year from, Susan
Well said!!! I’m a Gen-XR myself and I learned to be extremely frugal because the economy seemed to be broke most of my adult life. So I learned this out of necessities. A lot of people I know just don’t understand why I don’t want to work 4 part time jobs or commute 200k round trip to work for the rest of my life. They would rather live that way then be frugal. I have got into some extreme violent arguments on this topic. Thanks you so much. It’s nice to know there are like-minded people out there.
I have learnt to go about my frugal life quietly. I discuss it with anyone who is like minded but if someone is uninterested in frugality I put it on the list of topics not to discuss like religion and politics.
Oh this video is so enjoyable and Ive laughed out loud a couple of times. I think the answer to a.lot of these problems is to keep quietly getting on with life and leave others to do "their" own thing. No-one really needs to.know how we live.
the worst part of frugality for me ...is that i hum and ha about purchasing or doing something that costs money and wait too long and then miss out....ie concert tickets,,.wish i wasnt so stingy
For me, the worst part is the guilt I feel when I fall short of the arbitrary standard of perfection I’ve somehow established in my own head. It’s completely absurd, especially as I’m under no delusion that I’ll *ever* come close to being perfect, but dammit, I still feel guilty when I come face to face with the fact that I’m not. Heh. I grew up dirt poor in a small farming community in the Midwest (US), 1960s. In some ways, this has been very helpful, because things like living in a multigenerational household, canning and storing food in case of hard times, being happy with hand me down clothing, mending and using whatever you can lay your hands on, etc., are all concepts that have always been normal for me, so despite our being financially secure now, I’m comfortable living frugally with an eye to maintaining that security in very uncertain and insecure times. But I went through a good couple decades of being much more spendthrift, wanting all the “stuff” I wasn’t able to have when I was younger. I used to regret that period of squandering my resources, but I’m actually grateful now, because I learned some valuable lessons along the way. Nothing like screwing up to really force you to give yourself a hard, long look.😉
I have spent the afternoon doing one of the worst job for me as a frugal person. I have just redone the inventory for my pantry.I still need to do my cleaning products but I do know that I have plenty of everything as I did a big stock up just before Christmas so I am not rushing to do that. I am relieved to have got the pantry done. All the things in the kitchen cupboards are the open products that I don’t inventory I only count full packets,bottles and tins. I am running down my freestanding freezer to defrost it so I will leave that but I do need to go through the freezer of my fridge freezer. If it’s all done during my January pantry challenge when I will hopefully be doing very little shopping it will be easier. I will then be using any money left in the January food budget to restock the freezer.
Yes and I am glad I have. I have checked dates in the process and found a few items that need using up in January so I will incorporate them into the meal plan this next couple of weeks.
It really winds me up when someone tries to tell me what I can afford or not afford. Apart from my oldest daughter who will be my executor when it is needed I do not discuss the amounts and conditions of my finances. I may say things like I am saving up for this or that but I do not go into details. People just think they have a right to say things like ‘it’s ok for you’ or ‘ you can’t need to save up for that’ they smoke drink and go on all inclusive holidays abroad and then tell me who dies none of these how much money they think I have or should have. People are so rude. I just say there is 100 pence in my pound just the same as yours.
I loved this - the message is clear: You do you! I just wish more people understood how liberating it is to have your financial life under control - even if it means you appear to have less than others.
When our grown children were teenagers, I gave them a budget for their clothing. They had after school paid jobs at that time. For a couple of years they would top up their clothing budget with their own money for the branded clothes. Both of them then found that thrift stores were the best place for those brand name clothes. They both then started saving their hard earned money for their first car. By the time they had their driving license, they both were able to purchase their own car, afford the insurance and the running costs of their cars.
The hardest for us is to drive 600 miles to see family and new baby grandchildren. We want to do that every few months but it's very hard on our budget. Facetime calls help, but it's not the same.
Great points! We all have a reason for frugality. Some of us just want a quiet and simple life, some of us out of necessity and some of us have goals such as debt free travel or wishes to save for a future big purchase. I think the whole point is being sensible with your finances to meet your own personal needs!!
As an impatient person, the worst part of being frugal for me is I want to get all the house renovated (new kitchen, bathroom etc) asap but realising it will take time to save and it will take longer to do as we do it bit by bit. I'm learning to stop comparing my house to others and be grateful for having a roof over my head 🙂
When criticism happens like that, I always think, boy they sure aren’t happy if they have to pick things apart like that! It’s them, not me ❤ The toughest part of frugality for me is finding balance with my husband’s frugality. I have tendency to be more frugal, but he is as well, just not as extreme. My love for him and his for me always helps us balance. We keep working on it ❤️
My daughters co workers are always telling her she should buy a car, she is the only one without, she worked out with gas, insurance, cost of car, sticker, tyres, maintenance etc she would bring home less than half of her wages...so she would be working to pay for the car to go work in, meanwhile she walks, rides or takes the bus now. Yes it would be quicker or easier but really not worth it. Most people buy a huge truck, drive to work and park it for 8 hours in the parking lot, drive home and leave it in the driveway overnight...I've seen where the truck is worth more than the house it is parked outside, usually they are renting the house because they can't afford a downpayment !!
I believe I have to do it my way so I can make it. Let them do as they like. Thank you for caring. Because I am a plus size trying to buy clothes. Cheap!!
For me, being frugal is in my upbringing, and has been necessary for most of my adult life. I like it that way, everything is far more of an achievement. I have my weaknesses, like craft materials, but don't we all. The worst part for me is, even though she knows my circumstances are very different than hers, having my sister put me down all the time and call me a peasant and say I can't cook. I just do it my way, probably slightly eccentric, but that's me.
Hmm I detect a bit of envy coming from your sister. Underneath the bully like behaviour she is hiding something (a mountain of debt maybe?).IMO. you do you as Jayne often says
Ahh sisters. They can be so mean. Who calls any one a peasant! She sounds like a horror. If people can’t respect me and be kind to me, then I don’t want them in my life. She may be your sister, but I’d limit my contact with her. I’m sure it’s more fun just pottering in your garden or sharing a thermos is tea with a like minded friend...with a home made delicious biscuit.
Hi Jane and Mike. I’ve had to be frugal because I had no choice in order to keep a roof over my head. Then I went into debt for the lifestyle but wised up and chose to be frugal to eliminate debt. Now I am debt and mortgage free and choose to be frugal so I don’t have to be frugal. If that makes any sense! The hardest thing for me about frugality was to be kind to myself and not be so self critical about not being perfect in frugality. It’s been a journey and a learning process and will continue to be the rest of my life.
We have been frugal all our lives. Some parts of our life it was because we lived in poverty, and that part was horrible. Some parts were us trying to keep our heads above water but managing ok. Now we are debt and mortgage free, have saved up quite a bit and plan to take a trip abroad to see parts of the world that interest us. Hard work paying off. I like that your friend takes cruises because he leads a frugal life. The best kind of a reward. The Frugal Gourmet cookbook was made as a way to show how to not waste food, not that cheap food was all that was used. Frugal does indeed mean so much to so many people. Enjoy your version of frugality and I'll enjoy mine. Great video Jane and Mike.
Having family who love to shop and trend following and keep pointing out all "you are missing out of". They just don't understand that I simply don't think that way. But I still love them😅
It can be hard thinking about saving $$ all the time. Every time I put the tap on, every time there's a light on, and so on... It gets old as you said in another video. I live in Melbourne, Australia. We're a single income family and would like to have our own place one day so I've become very frugal. Times are tough, the cost of living has gone through the roof. I do miss going to the cafe and just getting a bit of coffee and cake... It gets tiring doing everything for yourself all the time.
Everybody is an expert but know that I´ve learned a lot from your channel and also enjoy it very much, hello from Argentina where we had a 100% inflation in 2022😒
tina and peter from scarborough uk love your show and agree too many give bad comments the whey you live is very good alot of what you do is like us keep up the good live thankyou both .
I enjoy watching your videos and have learned a lot from them and have supplied some tips too. My dislike about people and frugality is that so many try to guess how much money I have in the bank. Truth is, I don't know any other way to live. My parents were refugees from Eastern Europe and growing up for me was hard, they had no bank of mum and dad to fall back on. But I'm happy with my lifestyle.
We recently saved up a substantial amount of money to get our house painted and the worst part was seeing it go out of the bank account when we had to pay the bill! Im glad we have protected our asset for another 25 years though and still have no debt!
great video as usual! I'm relatively new to the idea of being frugal, as I grew up dirt poor so it was just a way of life as a child. Having come from that i spent years wasting money as an adult just acquiring things as to not feel poor again!. Now i consider it "being mature". I so wish i had been mature as a young adult lol. I now pride myself on little frugal wins, saving, etc.
Tracey I did same thing. When you grow up without your basic needs being met you spend the rest of your life trying to gain that security. As a young adult I wasted so much money. I grew up but it had some hard lessons.
The worst thing is that it’s so time consuming. Time to go looking for the things you can afford. Time to cook from ingredients always. Time to make do and mend.
It is a lot of work . One thing I find helps is things like pizza or other pre made foods on sale that make an easy meal . So you know you’ll have a break if you need one .
If a recipe serves 4, I make a triple batch and freeze in portions. I make plain rice in batches and freeze, plain pasta the same. I cook up a mince/ground beef mixture with onions and freeze. Then can whip up tacos, pasta meat sauce, sloppy joe, lasagna, cottage pie, etc quickly. I do one thing every day so it's not overwhelming. By months end I'm just reheating from my freezer. I use my slow cooker and pressure cooker a lot. Also my bread machine (from thrift/charity shop). We also do daily theme: meatless Monday stew/soup, Taco Tuesday so something Mexican, Wonky Wednesday (breakfast foods for dinner), Thailand Thursday some kind of stir fry or Thai curry and rice, Fabulous Friday homemade pizza on a naan, tortilla, or press in pan crust, Saturday Indian vegetarian curries, Sunday pasta. We take last night's leftovers for lunch the next day. By picking cheap, core meals I have less hassle. Totalling up what ready meals and takeaways cost over the next 30 years vs homemade = 😲and inspired me to cook.
I appreciated your comment that sometimes it's not a choice you have empathy for those who are struggling its good to know there are people who understand what some people are going through
I had several good laughs. Good video. My worst part is balancing the frugality with the reality of our actual savings, with the fact that we can afford to spend money. I have done the math and we don’t need to be as frugal as we were before retirement. It is a balance. I am working on a budget that is reasonable for him while leaning towards a lifetime of thriftiness by me. It is always something. That is life.
In my case I really can’t think of the down side to being frugal. I enjoy my way of life which includes living frugally. I am frugal to a level that suits me, I am in a position due to my long term frugally to be able to buy what I want to buy, I like to buy good quality goods but I only buy occasionally and I use things until it really is unusable/ unrepairable. I must add I do feel for people who have no choice because they just can not earn enough money to make ends meet or due to I’ll health they are unable to work. I do know I am lucky to have the choice to be frugal.
Yes Jane we do appear to be very alike in our thinking. I am frugal by choice but like your selves I am finding it’s getting more necessity these days. I am just grateful that frugality in the past means I have a safety net which has allowed me to increase all my sinking funds and food budget. I just struggle with the fact that it reduces the amount I put into savings but I need the security of my emergency and sinking funds.
I would so much love to meet you. You have given me so many more great ideas! One thing people cannot believe we do is we never flush paper down the toilet. We have not had to pump our septic for nine years because we do not flush paper in the toilet. We toss it in a trash can and it gets burned every other day. We are like you, we never flush -unless it's solids, but once a day, in the evening before bed. Our friends think that's gross, but evertime the toilet is flushed it runs electricity! I wonder what they will say when we rip out there toilets and put in composting toilets! LOL
I am stingy. However, it’s my money and if it runs out sooner because I don’t look after it enough then I don’t see them offering to pay for my food and bills. So, if I die with some cash leftover then I’m fine with that. It will only go to my children anyway but what it means is that I won’t be desperate during my lifetime. I’m probably boring too because for me, my home and warmth and being able to read in a nice cosy place is my idea of heaven. I don’t care that people think I should be running around having fancy holidays.
Thanks for your video. I have always taught my children to be grateful for what they have, I've said "There will always be someone who has more than you and there will be others that have less than you". Growing up we didn't take vacations every summer or have anything expensive. We had hand me downs and ate leftovers. We didn't have money, but I was grateful for what I had. I have a family member (that is very comfortable) and their children are given everything, they have said "As long as they are happy" and "I want them to be happy and that's most important". I disagree completely but I mind my own business. Needless to say, it is very hard to get them Christmas or birthday gifts because they have everything!
My friends are frugal. Had one friend mortgage free that always wanted to go to dinner and expensive. I no longer have that friend due to her lifestyle.
I’m mortgage free because I was frugal, still not a fan of hugely expensive meals out though. I have friends with expensive lifestyles but luckily they enjoy a good walk in nature so we catch up that way with our coffees in our thermo cups, or I invite to my house and have homemade cake. Who doesn’t like that?
My husband and I never go out to dinner, it’s too expensive and more often than not disappointing, I like my cooking better, I’m at an age now where I don’t worry about what anyone thinks, I have a beautiful family and a comfortable life, We holiday in our motor home and visit our children overseas wen we can, you are wise Jane to ignore the critics
Hi Jane I've been a subscriber since the first video I watched and I'm just sorry I didn't have your channel years ago when I had to figure out how to get out of debt learn what budgeting was and how to do it shop wisely and manage within my means! I bless the day I found your channel and am glad you are there to help all the people who find themselves in the position I was in.... I was an experienced well paid professional who was just living as I thought a normal lifestyle... Nice home, garage, garden, mortgage, nice area but long commute to work, car, the usual stuff and managing well then serious illness struck and not long after was beginning to mismanage by using credit card to tide me over until I got back to work.... You can imagine the slippery slope that I was on and it wasn't long before I went from being the pay everything off every month to paying but not even impacting the interest... I got help thank God and sold my home repaid mortgage, bought a more modest home and started the long process of paying debt tgat was mostly years of interest owed on a relatively small amount of credit I had used on those damned cards. I now use my debit card and never intend to have a credit card in my hand again. Like you and Mike I am now debt and mortgage free and living on a very modest pension and will always be frugal now that I know how the world works. The knowledge that you are providing to people is worth more than any degree or masters degree if only they knew it! God bless you both love v
Had to smile at the frugal Olympics comment, because in the beginning I know I came off as reallllly enthusiastic. Thing is I crave learning new things and like constructive feedback. Because I don't know everything and love being informed about ways to shave and stay debt free that I did not know of.
I'm frugal and on a budget and go without because it means we can go on holiday for 5 days, Multiple times a years. Plus money for the 6 weeks holidays here in England.. As long as you have food, heat, water, Internet electricity. Everything else can be saved for.
The quilt on your sofa today is lovely. Enjoyed the frugal olympians, LOL! I know a couple of those. Agree that the worst part is when it isn’t a choice. My childhood was like that and being made fun of by other children was never fun.
My dh and I are in our late 60’s and early 70’s. We are on that preverbal fixed income here in the US. I have always budgeted well. This season we decided was the year to end Christmas gifts. Between our children, spouses, grandkids and great grandkids were talking 25 +/-. All of these folks except 3 little ones are over 18. We told all them that we were only shopping for the babies. Instead of using half the evening opening gifts we played games. Everyone had a wonderful time. The biggest problem I have with being frugal is my husband always wanting to spend. Several of my children have always told us we needed new cars, more trips………. As I gain years and wisdom I find myself more able to ignore all of their comments. My choice is to make our income last long enough so we never have to move in with any of our children. I love watching your channel, thanks for bright spots in my days.
Wow - that's an awful lot of gifts to buy, plus the shopping stress plus most people have what they need already! Glad it worked out so well and I'll bet it was a relief for everyone that they could just relax and enjoy each other's company. I have 3 kids next door and I don't buy them Christmas presents because it would drive me nuts trying to figure what would make them happy so instead we make gingerbread houses or biscuit houses or trees that they very proudly take home - it has changed from year to year as they've gotten more experienced, but they'll always remember it - unlike some toy that ends up in the bin. Best wishes to you for a great 2023!
Hi Jane and Michael 🤗 Great video. We too don't flush the toilets when we pee - it saves a TON of water! it does cause a bit more of a vigorous cleaning/scrubbing but I'm okay with that. I like the story about your frugal friend who likes to go on cruises. We are frugal because we like to buy really nice carbon fiber bikes and go on cycling vacations. This is our "why".
The worst part of frugality is when you save and save and save and something unexpected takes your money lol. Sometimes it's hard to get the gist of what people mean when they write comments. Only face-to-face can you know a person's sentiment. I'm sure everyone enjoys this journey you're sharing that's why we are watching. Have a great New year!
I agree with you about the many ways of thinking about the degrees of frugality. I too am among those that says “If its yellow, let it mellow” but when I have house guests, I certainly flush like they do. I am not concerned with how others live. All my ways of frugality (at times considered severe) have helped me pay for my house and other things. I live alone and am okay with how I live. You do you, and thats okay. And I’ll do me. Live and let live. Love the channel.
I enjoy being frugal but for me the hardest thing is when it 'gets in my way'. Being so frugal that I hate to part with things that really should go is my biggest problem!!
Love the comment about your cruising friend! We also enjoy cruising. When once asked how manage to do it we said that we try to be frugal in other ways and for this (the cruising) God created Aldi!
It has taken me many years but thankfully now, I don't care so much about the opinions of others. As long as I am dealing with my life the way I see fit then I am happy.
I was a broken record with my kids. I would always ask them if something they requested was a want or a need. They had everything they needed but certainly didn’t get everything they wanted. I still kind of preach to them but now they are grown and make their own choices. I”m pretty sure they think we should loosen up some but we all choose what is important for us to spend our hard earned money on. Great video as always . We spend money on our pets also. They bring a lot of joy into our lives.
The worst part of frugality is when my sisters expect me to travel with them to concerts. I've done that in the past and not interested anymore. They know I'm being careful how I spend my money now. Some of them are well off and can do it.. More power to them.
Loved this video! The hardest one for me is keeping motivated. Springtime in particular seems to be where I derail a bit. This year I'm determined to keep on track.
Great video Jane and Mike. It was very educational. The worst thing for me about being frugal is family thinking I have pots of money to lend them and having a hard time saying no. Every month I say not this month and then eat my words when I end up giving money to them. Half the time I say "you don't have to pay me back". I am not doing them any real favours, but my father helped me out a lot when I was a single parent and I remember how much I appreciated it.
Oh my gosh Jane! The last of this video really showed your humor I’ve not seen before and I do love that! It made me chuckle! And I agree one hundred percent on all of this. I live in a tourist town in the Adirondack Mountains. There’s definitely a lot of side eyes for why we don’t have all the boats and stuff for where we live. But we go hiking and fish off shore and work/play on our own property and so on. Frugality is different and preferences of lifestyles are different. Thank you for this video 🥰
I have shared custudy of my kids with their father. I am extremely frugal and he is the opposite. This makes it hard on the kids when they are with me because they expect the same as they get at their dad's....
Agree about kids. My 11 year-old daughter is the biggest challenge and critic of our frugalism. We have to constantly reaffirm why we're saving (to buy our own home) and reaffirm our values (we have decided no games consoles in our house) but it definitely making her more aware and careful with money in the long run...
You have a marvelous outlook. So far we are doing well four days into the new year! Boston has been relatively mild during December and we have thenkfully avoided the terrible storms and blizzards the U. S. Midwest has suffered. It's a long way through Jan-Feb-Mar however. I hope your weather stays mild and sunny.Looking forward to your future videos.
Worst part of being frugal for me is that our shared passion is travel. Even though we have savings so we can afford it I find it hard to let go and book, I do in the end but I found it much easier when I didn’t have a frugal mindset!
I travel most of the time. I have a motor home and really use it. 80% of the time. I can afford it because I don't waste money. It allows me to really enjoy my life.
Thank you all so much for replying, that is very kind of you. Our travel money is separate . I have not always been frugal , I have been very frugal since I took early retirement at the age of 60 in July 2021. I love my frugal lifestyle, hubby still works. I think it is just my mindset is so set on thinking whether or not I need something before I purchase it! I lost my brother when he was only 40 and since then I do believe you need to live your life and do things you enjoy and travel is our passion. We do go as cheaply as we can and once it is booked I am fine and very happy! It is just the thought of spending so much I think but I do appreciate we are lucky to be able to travel even though we have made an effort to save to do so. I am looking at booking a trip now and I have managed to cut the cost by nearly 50% so that has made me a happy bunny! Thanks again, you are all wonderful, what a lovely community this is! X
Jane, you were very diplomatic about "frugal competitiveness". Really it's being judgmental of others or having to be right all the time. As you always say, "you do you", "your business is your business and their business there business", and the old adage, "live and let live". All helps with getting along with others peacefully! Happy New Year!
Frugality is my comfort blanket, I feel better with boundaries and budgets. Setting budgets helps ease the uncertainty and also creates achievable goals.
My preemptive strike method against people who want to run me is to tell them nothing in the first place. I have learnt - the hard way - not to be too open. What we should do/buy/own is definitely subjective. Rather, it is a matter of what appeals to us as individuals. I laughed at the comparisons. I belong to a book group and it is amazing the number of comments I receive because the other members do not approve of the way my shelves are arranged. Thank you for the video!
The worst part of growing up in a poor household is when your teacher wants the students to stand up and tell what they received for Christmas. I remember that was the first time I felt the need to lie.....I never felt deprived as a child and was very happy with what I received for Christmas until that teacher made it clear to me how poor we were. SO! For all those well meaning teachers out there in the world....PLEASE! Don't do that to your students.
In my 20 years of teaching, I know the schools I worked in would never be so insensitive to do that.
The worst part of frugality for me is that I am in a family of spenders. I always remember my aunty telling us to live your life and spend your money because when you die someone else will enjoy it. Almost every member of my family is a big spender. New cars, name brand everything from shoes to furnishings. They would always call me the poor one because my husband made the least money and we never had anything brand new while we were bringing up our children. In early 2015 came across Dave Ramsey's program and we decided to get our finances in order. I was 51 at the time. I am 59 now but we have about 5 months of living expenses if both of us were to lose our jobs at the same time. We also have 12 sinking funds to cover everything from cars and house repairs to clothes and shoes. Today, I had a call from one of my sisters telling me the company she works for went belly up and she is out of a job. She has a huge mortgage and two car loans that they are paying on. Her husband's income alone is not enough to get them by. She has very little in savings and is devastated. It pays to live below your means.
Sorry to hear about what happened to you previously and now your sister. Debt is a worry.
So sad for her but it might be her light bulb moment and hopefully the time she turns her finances around.
The worst part of frugality for me is those days that you are feeling unwell, tired or just too lazy to cook. It would be so easy to get takeaways delivered but the cost is almost the same as a whole week of our supermarket shop.
I've learnt as a sole parent to adjust my thinking and simply cook eggs on toast, or toasted sandwiches. No one is going to die if we have cereal for dinner one night. 😃
Thank you Jane for another great video. Very encouraging.
Well said. I absolutely have days like that where I could sigh just walking in the kitchen
Jane I tell people who question my dog and being frugle. I tell them they she is my entertainment. I don't go to movies and very seldom eat out. I tell them I will compare what I spend on her to their entertainment budget anytime. She brings me such joy and gives me unconditional love. She protects my home by letting me know if someone is approaching. I love her so much and can't imagine my life without her
Dogs are good for our mental well being and that’s priceless
@@FrugalQueeninFrance I agree!
I was a single mom, and I think my son learned how to be frugal from me. Very basic clothes, no luxuries. He's also the son who purchased a house with me and has already paid his half of the mortgage. He only spends money on good quality shoes when needed.
You did well
What a good role model 🎉
You have taught him how to build his finances for the future you have set him up well.
Well done, Mom.
You must be such a proud mama!
Frugality is not easy sometimes and especially when someone (our son) try to shame us for not getting out enough, going out to eat and traveling. We are both retired now and enjoy our frugal, easier living lives. We like to get up when we want, do chores around the house, read, take walks, etc. Our entertainment is visiting with our family and watching grandchildren from time to time and we are content.
That sounds lovely
The worst part about being voluntarily frugal was losing friends along the way. We concentrated on paying off mortgage, debt and building savings. We didn’t go out for dinner, concerts, shopping, with friends in order for us to reach our goal of an early retirement. Even though I made great efforts to invite friends for dinner and find other non costly activities …those friendships fell away…I guess we were no longer fun when not spending up to their level. We did make new friends but it was a hard and unexpected loss. Up side is we did retire early. Loving every minute
They weren’t friends, we’ve learned real friends value us, not what we do.
Yes, I get you. I lost friends who organised overseas holidays together and didn’t ask us as they perceived us as poor because of our frugality. We were just excluded from any invitation. I do think people who receive huge inheritances have a different value system to frugal people...they need someone to measure how far they have come financially in their eyes. Money is a measurement of how well they have done. Their family relationships may be non existent with their estranged children, but valuing money above all else, gives them something, falsely, to measure their superiority. How do they know how much I have in the bank...they don’t...it becomes painful and, in the end, I don’t want to spend time with them...this one sided ‘one up mandahip’ is not where I want to spend my time. There is no kindness or respect there.
I read a simple quote, “Money 🟰Lifestyle”. It’s that simple.
I had my siblings wife requesting me to sign for her to get a $10,000 loan. She was renting an expensive house, good wine at every meal, cigarette smoking. I explained frugality to her and how she could easily save that money. She became angry and hasn't spoken to me since. Her rent was exhorbitant and could have gotten another at less than half that amount. People want you to pay for their lifestyle. I refused.
That’s not good
Exactly 💯 right!
Good for you!
You will always meet people who have the entitlement attitude. I have no issues with anyone’s choice of life style but don’t expect me to put my neck on the line to assist you to live beyond your means or expect me to fund your life style.
@@patmartin9727 Years ago when I was a lot younger, I had a friend who wanted me to co-sign on an apartment she wanted to rent…I didn’t know much back then, but I did realize that if she couldn’t pay the rent, they would come after me. I changed the subject every time she brought up the topic, until she realized I wasn’t going to do it. Her sister ended up co-signing for her…A few years later, she ended up losing that apartment and ended up having to live with a family member!
Jane this one hit the nail on the head. Oh my gosh people can be so snipey at times. You two are wonderful, keep the great video's coming.
I call it intentional living. I’m intentionally not buying x because at a future time I need to buy y. Delayed gratification is another good word for it. I treat it as a hobby to budget (it’s kind of mindful) and get my money stretched as far as it can go. I like to work to live rather than live to work and being frugal really helps with that lifestyle choice. I can enjoy nature as much as the King of England. There is a huge crossover with environmentalists and repurposing, recycling and buying clothes at thrift stores are very sustainable too and becoming more fashionable. The worst thing is people thinking that frugality means cheap, I’m not a bit cheap and like to be generous but I will only spend my money intentionally.
Well said
Scrapping by, literally looking for dropped pennies. Feeding your children or elderly and not eating yourself. Getting ready for bed as if you are going to walk in subzero temperatures! You can’t heat your home. I’ve had a habit of living under my income, because the fear of (__________) whatever. I cannot sleep comfortably if the budget is not paid or balanced. I began teaching my children at age 8 years and 2 years. Each Friday we had a family meeting. Which chores need to be done, any school projects the children are coming due. I would open each bill, I’d read the amount and my 8 year old would write the check and my 2 year old would stuff the bill in the envelope with the check and put on a stamp. At the end with the $5 balance we would discuss how we’d like to spend it. A picnic with pb&j’s to a city park. Fly a kite or look for 4 leaf clovers. One Summer we made a plan to visit all 275 public parks in our city. Some are no more then a sign with a tree or long forgotten parks. It made us enjoy our city and it got to be very exciting, looking for them on a map and taking a photo! This was before cell phones and Windows! Our Geo Metro was seen all over town. I have to “check” my attitude when I try too hard or kick myself for buying an extra case of canned beets! I didn’t know what wealthy looked like, I only knew this was what we had and all was okay. I’m sure (comparing, ugh!) someone a mile away from me thinks I’m a high roller or I’m as ghetto as it comes! It’s a choice.
Thanks so much for sharing your story
When we were a young couple many of our friends were purchasing rooms full of furniture on credit when we were buying one piece of pre-owned furniture at a time (some we still own and use). One friend in particular said "Oh, I could never live like that!" I remember feeling so bad at the time because we were living within our budget and we were so proud of our modest home.
In retrospect we made the right decision because we gave our money a job and it worked hard all those years and continues to work for us. Self discipline is never easy but almost always rewarded.
Very true
How cruel your”friend” was. You have more than likely had the last laugh!
We were the same. Our friends had brand new kitchens, cars, and luxury holidays. Later you find out they were all on credit cards! When our son was born, we had nothing new for him. It was all secondhand. Looking back, he didn’t mind. He wasn’t aware he didn’t have everything new. He didn’t love us any less! I gave up a long time ago worrying what others think. We are still buying secondhand today. We have bought good quality at a fraction of the price, and enjoy telling people how much we have saved! Thanks for this video you two. You make some important points.
We actually prefer older stuff. Real wood and all that. Our basement apartment flooded and our old solid wood furniture was repairable. The Ikea particleboard shelves were toast.
When we were first married, my husband was in college and we had very little money. When he graduated I went to college. We learned to live on a dime. Because of that we have always lived below our means. Because of that we have been able to educate our children. I think its all about choices. We have a good life, but we are not wasteful.
If it’s yellow, let it mellow is the way we live in drought ridden California. SO happy for the current atmospheric rivers however. Love your content.
Thanks for watching
Yep!
Another great video! One downside of being frugal is people think you’re poor because you don’t have the biggest and newest of whatever. We’re not poor… we choose to spend/use our money differently than non frugals. Our “ wealth “ is not on display.
Very true.
Totally agree, other people don’t need to know what I have or don’t have, what it cost and what it didn’t. I choose to spend or save for what is important to me.
That’s very well said!! I found the same to be true.
We are a couple 79 a d 80 married 57 years we have always lived frugally and well within our means, having savings behind us was like a comfort blanket. We never worried about fashion and don't replace things until beyond repair. We had holidays but never overspent on unnecessary things. We have a comfortable home and have enough savings and pension to be able to have holidays abroad in winter to escape the weather. Now at our age is time to reap the benefits of our frugality and enjoy life a little, that is not to say we are not still frugal in the costs of our holidays, it is hard to change the habit of a lifetime.
That’s great.
I love your word choice about savings being a "comfort blanket". True and a very nice way of thinking about frugality.
Take two (frugal) winter holidays! Life is short.
@@barbiec4312 we go on Monday for 18 day and again on the 7th March for a month. We are later this year because I had a hip replacement on the 28th November, these are holidays we had to rebook after pre op assessment on the 24th October.
Good for you Sandra, enjoy the fruits of your labours(frugal ways). I too have always lived frugally and understand what you mean about savings being your safety blanket. Although I am more a saver than a spender it’s nice to know I can spend anytime I wish without using credit.
What a great, enjoyable video. "You do frugality wrong." This is such a funny comment, Jane. The worst about living a frugal life is the pitiful looks of people who don't get it. Living a frugal and mindful life is a wise choice and results in peace of mind.. It is so easy to live beyond your means, max out credit cards, and accumulate debt but in the end you pay for your carelessness. Unfortunately, as you said, there are many people out there for whom frugality is not a choice but a dire necessity. I am wishing all of them inner strength and a light at the end of the tunnel.
Thanks Susanne
I live frugally by choice and really don’t care what others think but I do feel sorry for people who do not have the choice as they have no option about living frugally.
Great video topic. The worst part of frugality is when your circumstance forces you to do without and then you are asked by others to come out for coffee or attend a party or some gathering and they just assume because they can afford to you, should be able to as well. To me, frugality is about living within your means ensuring you have a roof over your head, your bills are paid, sufficient food and clothes on your back. You have everything you need and occasionally you can afford to spoil yourself.
Well said
My worst part of frugality is having no choice. Partly self inflicted as I am fighting to pay off debt.
It’s short term for you, there’s an end when your debts are paid
Stick with it Laura! Most of us have been where you are in some way which why we’re choosing differently now. Find a visual way to show your progress and maybe a small treat to keep you motivated and from burning out. (It can be a walk outside, taking time to read a book…) Look forward, not back! You can do this!
There is an end to debt! Keep going and you will feel relieved and proud when you have paid it all off.
For me the worst part of being frugal is that I often miss the 'rush of spending. This made me realise what an emotional spender I am! Thank you for posting your videos as I am starting to "brainwash " myself to be a saver and also now have my own budget and mini emergency fund!
It’s good that you recognized that. It’s part of growth.
I am sure that once you see the benefits of saving like the peace of mind that if the washing machine packs up you can deal with it without going into debt. I get my RUSH from seeing my saving grow slowly month on month( for me much nicer than seeing the bank balance dropping day after day)
I was a single mom for most of my children's lives. The worst part is not being able to ever splurge on your loved ones and the psychological impact being poor has on people. It does make kids driven and motivated.
I feel the same, I was unable to treat my children .
I really like that striped chair behind you. I can just picture curling up with a book.
100 % correct
the worst part of frugality is when I have carefully set away emergency funds and the they are suddenly wiped out by plumbing disasters, unexpected vet bills or trees blowing over in high winds. Suddenly all reserves are gone and I am back to square one building them up again. Yes I am grateful to have those funds, but it hard to watch all my hard work vanish in a flash, and have to start all over again.
Have you seen any of our videos on sinking funds? If it can break or get sick, it needs a savings fund.
Have not watched the video yet. But I would think this is the best part of frugality. You have the money when you need it. Many people would love to have the money when needed. Best wishes! You are doing that correctly. There are sinking funds and long term savings. Different savings for different uses.
I feel for you. I'm starting over after the water heater and furnace needed replacement. But, like you, I was grateful to be able say "no thanks" to the heating/cooling company's offer to finance them.
020143linda I have had it happen over past 2 years but I was so proud I could buy my new refrigerator without financing. First new fridge since the 80s!
@@judithvallembois2744 Don't worry. I spent over 9 years paying off our mortgage. Within a year my husband broke his neck. He survived but we were forced to take out $80,000 to pay for medical bills (we had some savings that were also used). Thank God we had paid off the mortgage so that we had access to that extra $80,000, even if it took several more years to pay that back. That's life.
I am frugal my husband is more frugal than me , when my children was young we always give them pockets money weekly, one of my son likes to spend it all then when he didn’t have enough he asked for some more, so my husband gave him some more and said that an loan so you have to pay me some back on next pocket money payment , so as it went on the next pocket money payment my son said dad I never have any money, my husband said that because you’re in debt, that what it like borrowing money, so it made my son realise the reality my son payed back as much as he could until he payed what he own my husband, it was an lesson taught, he went on living frugal as adult and is carful of his spending, thank you for the video I enjoy listening to them, and happy new year,
What an excellent lesson! And the timing is good because he learned it early. WTG!
Great lesson
Thank you Jane and Mike for another great video. We live by the mantra that if our frugal lifestyle isn’t hurting anybody it’s none of their business. So yes, the worst for us is other peoples opinions. But after nearly 30 years, we can tune them out, but I do love that phrase: if my lifestyle choices aren’t harmful, and they benefit me and my family - then it simply doesn’t affect you. Have a happy new year!
Well said
Others being critical of your spending when you're frugal by necessity, hurts the most. You say, "that's the way it is". They say, "it's not that bad". Very, very grateful we're out of those situations now.
What a cute little doggy awww ❤ I cook for my doberman Venus who’s 3rd bday was yesterday and I only spend about 100 a month on food to feed us both, sometimes less in summer when my garden is huge. She helped me from a terrible depression from losing my first Doberman Mango to DCM. She was my whole life and now Venus is. Some need these loving companions who can help us with anxiety, stress depression, or even help us get out of the house to go on walks and stay healthy and can distract us from spending on unnecessary things because we are spending time with them.
I enjoy being frugal. It offers me peace of mind 🦋 Thank you Jane for all your help 💜
Agreed
I think my biggest problem, when it came to being frugal was the feeling, I have to explain myself to others. I don't feel the need to do this any more. I do my thing! and you do yours. Thank you guys for this thought provoking video. M x
So true!
I am still laughing at your very gentle rebuke to those of us who compete occasionally as to who is more frugal. I have a friend who kids herself about HER frugality and we both get a good laugh-- that is fun. However, I realize that I have compared some of my strategies with others without knowing their lives fully and that is wrong. It is also none of my business ! You use humor so well to confront folks without making us defensive. Thank you I could go on and on about this video. It was wonderful and helpful.
Thanks very much
What others think- that I am cheap. But often they ask me for monetary help, and I always ask them how they manage money, and they are often dumbfounded.
Good for you
Frugality is not easy but I'm very happy that channels like yours exist as a support. I'm always looking forward to your posts. What also helps every month I have 20 euro " funny money" to give myself some treat.
We budget for sanity too
I am going to start using that. “Funny money”; brilliant!!!!
No worst part at present. It’s the way we live. Could easily spend extra but there is nothing we need or want! We are blessed and beyond grateful. Wishing all well in the upcoming year from, Susan
Love that!
Well said!!! I’m a Gen-XR myself and I learned to be extremely frugal because the economy seemed to be broke most of my adult life. So I learned this out of necessities. A lot of people I know just don’t understand why I don’t want to work 4 part time jobs or commute 200k round trip to work for the rest of my life. They would rather live that way then be frugal. I have got into some extreme violent arguments on this topic.
Thanks you so much. It’s nice to know there are like-minded people out there.
Thanks very much .
I have learnt to go about my frugal life quietly. I discuss it with anyone who is like minded but if someone is uninterested in frugality I put it on the list of topics not to discuss like religion and politics.
@@patmartin9727 yes, that sounds wise.
Oh this video is so enjoyable and Ive laughed out loud a couple of times. I think the answer to a.lot of these problems is to keep quietly getting on with life and leave others to do "their" own thing. No-one really needs to.know how we live.
I agree 💯
Thanks very much
the worst part of frugality for me ...is that i hum and ha about purchasing or doing something that costs money and wait too long and then miss out....ie concert tickets,,.wish i wasnt so stingy
Maybe save so you have a fund for doing what you love
For me, the worst part is the guilt I feel when I fall short of the arbitrary standard of perfection I’ve somehow established in my own head. It’s completely absurd, especially as I’m under no delusion that I’ll *ever* come close to being perfect, but dammit, I still feel guilty when I come face to face with the fact that I’m not. Heh.
I grew up dirt poor in a small farming community in the Midwest (US), 1960s. In some ways, this has been very helpful, because things like living in a multigenerational household, canning and storing food in case of hard times, being happy with hand me down clothing, mending and using whatever you can lay your hands on, etc., are all concepts that have always been normal for me, so despite our being financially secure now, I’m comfortable living frugally with an eye to maintaining that security in very uncertain and insecure times. But I went through a good couple decades of being much more spendthrift, wanting all the “stuff” I wasn’t able to have when I was younger. I used to regret that period of squandering my resources, but I’m actually grateful now, because I learned some valuable lessons along the way. Nothing like screwing up to really force you to give yourself a hard, long look.😉
We come out the other side, kind regards
I have spent the afternoon doing one of the worst job for me as a frugal person. I have just redone the inventory for my pantry.I still need to do my cleaning products but I do know that I have plenty of everything as I did a big stock up just before Christmas so I am not rushing to do that. I am relieved to have got the pantry done. All the things in the kitchen cupboards are the open products that I don’t inventory I only count full packets,bottles and tins. I am running down my freestanding freezer to defrost it so I will leave that but I do need to go through the freezer of my fridge freezer. If it’s all done during my January pantry challenge when I will hopefully be doing very little shopping it will be easier. I will then be using any money left in the January food budget to restock the freezer.
You’ll get it done Pat.
Yes and I am glad I have. I have checked dates in the process and found a few items that need using up in January so I will incorporate them into the meal plan this next couple of weeks.
It really winds me up when someone tries to tell me what I can afford or not afford. Apart from my oldest daughter who will be my executor when it is needed I do not discuss the amounts and conditions of my finances. I may say things like I am saving up for this or that but I do not go into details. People just think they have a right to say things like ‘it’s ok for you’ or ‘ you can’t need to save up for that’ they smoke drink and go on all inclusive holidays abroad and then tell me who dies none of these how much money they think I have or should have. People are so rude. I just say there is 100 pence in my pound just the same as yours.
The "Frugal Olympics". That gave me a chuckle. You're so right.
We are saving so much money now we are frugal, just wish we had done it earlier in our lives
We do too
I loved this - the message is clear: You do you! I just wish more people understood how liberating it is to have your financial life under control - even if it means you appear to have less than others.
Well said
When our grown children were teenagers, I gave them a budget for their clothing. They had after school paid jobs at that time. For a couple of years they would top up their clothing budget with their own money for the branded clothes. Both of them then found that thrift stores were the best place for those brand name clothes. They both then started saving their hard earned money for their first car. By the time they had their driving license, they both were able to purchase their own car, afford the insurance and the running costs of their cars.
They learned well
The hardest for us is to drive 600 miles to see family and new baby grandchildren. We want to do that every few months but it's very hard on our budget. Facetime calls help, but it's not the same.
Thanks Julie
I think you're doing a great job at being frugal. It comes through in your happy smile. Thanks Jane.
Thanks so much for your comment
Great points! We all have a reason for frugality. Some of us just want a quiet and simple life, some of us out of necessity and some of us have goals such as debt free travel or wishes to save for a future big purchase. I think the whole point is being sensible with your finances to meet your own personal needs!!
Absolutely!!
As an impatient person, the worst part of being frugal for me is I want to get all the house renovated (new kitchen, bathroom etc) asap but realising it will take time to save and it will take longer to do as we do it bit by bit. I'm learning to stop comparing my house to others and be grateful for having a roof over my head 🙂
Well said
When criticism happens like that, I always think, boy they sure aren’t happy if they have to pick things apart like that! It’s them, not me ❤
The toughest part of frugality for me is finding balance with my husband’s frugality. I have tendency to be more frugal, but he is as well, just not as extreme. My love for him and his for me always helps us balance. We keep working on it ❤️
My daughters co workers are always telling her she should buy a car, she is the only one without, she worked out with gas, insurance, cost of car, sticker, tyres, maintenance etc she would bring home less than half of her wages...so she would be working to pay for the car to go work in, meanwhile she walks, rides or takes the bus now. Yes it would be quicker or easier but really not worth it. Most people buy a huge truck, drive to work and park it for 8 hours in the parking lot, drive home and leave it in the driveway overnight...I've seen where the truck is worth more than the house it is parked outside, usually they are renting the house because they can't afford a downpayment !!
It’s nut! Car owners are determined that the car comes first. I think life should come first.
I believe I have to do it my way so I can make it. Let them do as they like. Thank you for caring. Because I am a plus size trying to buy clothes. Cheap!!
You are so welcome!
Enjoyed this today- it made me laugh.
You’re welcome
For me, being frugal is in my upbringing, and has been necessary for most of my adult life. I like it that way, everything is far more of an achievement. I have my weaknesses, like craft materials, but don't we all. The worst part for me is, even though she knows my circumstances are very different than hers, having my sister put me down all the time and call me a peasant and say I can't cook. I just do it my way, probably slightly eccentric, but that's me.
I’m sure you’re doing just as you please
Hmm I detect a bit of envy coming from your sister. Underneath the bully like behaviour she is hiding something (a mountain of debt maybe?).IMO. you do you as Jayne often says
@@lynnoorman2144 No, they're loaded, just live in a different world to me.
Ahh sisters. They can be so mean. Who calls any one a peasant! She sounds like a horror. If people can’t respect me and be kind to me, then I don’t want them in my life. She may be your sister, but I’d limit my contact with her. I’m sure it’s more fun just pottering in your garden or sharing a thermos is tea with a like minded friend...with a home made delicious biscuit.
She’s probably secretly jealous of you!
Hi Jane and Mike. I’ve had to be frugal because I had no choice in order to keep a roof over my head. Then I went into debt for the lifestyle but wised up and chose to be frugal to eliminate debt. Now I am debt and mortgage free and choose to be frugal so I don’t have to be frugal. If that makes any sense! The hardest thing for me about frugality was to be kind to myself and not be so self critical about not being perfect in frugality. It’s been a journey and a learning process and will continue to be the rest of my life.
We keep trying too
We have been frugal all our lives. Some parts of our life it was because we lived in poverty, and that part was horrible. Some parts were us trying to keep our heads above water but managing ok. Now we are debt and mortgage free, have saved up quite a bit and plan to take a trip abroad to see parts of the world that interest us. Hard work paying off. I like that your friend takes cruises because he leads a frugal life. The best kind of a reward. The Frugal Gourmet cookbook was made as a way to show how to not waste food, not that cheap food was all that was used. Frugal does indeed mean so much to so many people. Enjoy your version of frugality and I'll enjoy mine. Great video Jane and Mike.
Thanks very very for your feedback
Having family who love to shop and trend following and keep pointing out all "you are missing out of". They just don't understand that I simply don't think that way. But I still love them😅
You’re not missing anything
@@FrugalQueeninFrance i know😂
It can be hard thinking about saving $$ all the time. Every time I put the tap on, every time there's a light on, and so on... It gets old as you said in another video. I live in Melbourne, Australia. We're a single income family and would like to have our own place one day so I've become very frugal. Times are tough, the cost of living has gone through the roof. I do miss going to the cafe and just getting a bit of coffee and cake... It gets tiring doing everything for yourself all the time.
Thanks for sharing
Everybody is an expert but know that I´ve learned a lot from your channel and also enjoy it very much, hello from Argentina where we had a 100% inflation in 2022😒
Yikes and thanks for watching
tina and peter from scarborough uk love your show and agree too many give bad comments the whey you live is very good alot of what you do is like us keep up the good live thankyou both .
@@peterharrison9937 thanks
I enjoy watching your videos and have learned a lot from them and have supplied some tips too. My dislike about people and frugality is that so many try to guess how much money I have in the bank. Truth is, I don't know any other way to live. My parents were refugees from Eastern Europe and growing up for me was hard, they had no bank of mum and dad to fall back on. But I'm happy with my lifestyle.
Love that!
We recently saved up a substantial amount of money to get our house painted and the worst part was seeing it go out of the bank account when we had to pay the bill! Im glad we have protected our asset for another 25 years though and still have no debt!
great video as usual! I'm relatively new to the idea of being frugal, as I grew up dirt poor so it was just a way of life as a child. Having come from that i spent years wasting money as an adult just acquiring things as to not feel poor again!. Now i consider it "being mature". I so wish i had been mature as a young adult lol. I now pride myself on little frugal wins, saving, etc.
We have identical histories
Tracey I did same thing. When you grow up without your basic needs being met you spend the rest of your life trying to gain that security. As a young adult I wasted so much money. I grew up but it had some hard lessons.
@@vixxcottage you're exactly right!
@@vixxcottage same here!
I seldom eat out but now find when I do my body is negatively affected by all that sodium and I get puffy hands and feet.
The worst thing is that it’s so time consuming. Time to go looking for the things you can afford. Time to cook from ingredients always. Time to make do and mend.
It can be hard, I personally enjoy all those
It is a lot of work . One thing I find helps is things like pizza or other pre made foods on sale that make an easy meal . So you know you’ll have a break if you need one .
If a recipe serves 4, I make a triple batch and freeze in portions. I make plain rice in batches and freeze, plain pasta the same. I cook up a mince/ground beef mixture with onions and freeze. Then can whip up tacos, pasta meat sauce, sloppy joe, lasagna, cottage pie, etc quickly. I do one thing every day so it's not overwhelming. By months end I'm just reheating from my freezer. I use my slow cooker and pressure cooker a lot. Also my bread machine (from thrift/charity shop). We also do daily theme: meatless Monday stew/soup, Taco Tuesday so something Mexican, Wonky Wednesday (breakfast foods for dinner), Thailand Thursday some kind of stir fry or Thai curry and rice, Fabulous Friday homemade pizza on a naan, tortilla, or press in pan crust, Saturday Indian vegetarian curries, Sunday pasta. We take last night's leftovers for lunch the next day. By picking cheap, core meals I have less hassle. Totalling up what ready meals and takeaways cost over the next 30 years vs homemade = 😲and inspired me to cook.
Luxury: having the time to live your life the way you want to!
Well said
I appreciated your comment that sometimes it's not a choice you have empathy for those who are struggling its good to know there are people who understand what some people are going through
I’ve been poor, skint and broke in my life and sometimes all at the same time
I had several good laughs. Good video.
My worst part is balancing the frugality with the reality of our actual savings, with the fact that we can afford to spend money.
I have done the math and we don’t need to be as frugal as we were before retirement. It is a balance. I am working on a budget that is reasonable for him while leaning towards a lifetime of thriftiness by me. It is always something. That is life.
It’s a struggle
In my case I really can’t think of the down side to being frugal. I enjoy my way of life which includes living frugally. I am frugal to a level that suits me, I am in a position due to my long term frugally to be able to buy what I want to buy, I like to buy good quality goods but I only buy occasionally and I use things until it really is unusable/ unrepairable.
I must add I do feel for people who have no choice because they just can not earn enough money to make ends meet or due to I’ll health they are unable to work. I do know I am lucky to have the choice to be frugal.
Thanks Pat, you’ve just described us
Yes Jane we do appear to be very alike in our thinking. I am frugal by choice but like your selves I am finding it’s getting more necessity these days. I am just grateful that frugality in the past means I have a safety net which has allowed me to increase all my sinking funds and food budget. I just struggle with the fact that it reduces the amount I put into savings but I need the security of my emergency and sinking funds.
I would so much love to meet you. You have given me so many more great ideas! One thing people cannot believe we do is we never flush paper down the toilet. We have not had to pump our septic for nine years because we do not flush paper in the toilet. We toss it in a trash can and it gets burned every other day. We are like you, we never flush -unless it's solids, but once a day, in the evening before bed. Our friends think that's gross, but evertime the toilet is flushed it runs electricity! I wonder what they will say when we rip out there toilets and put in composting toilets! LOL
Thanks for sharing
Heidi Ann I pumped septic 25 years ago when I purchased house. I agree do not put paper down toilet and have not had to pump it since.
I am stingy. However, it’s my money and if it runs out sooner because I don’t look after it enough then I don’t see them offering to pay for my food and bills. So, if I die with some cash leftover then I’m fine with that. It will only go to my children anyway but what it means is that I won’t be desperate during my lifetime. I’m probably boring too because for me, my home and warmth and being able to read in a nice cosy place is my idea of heaven. I don’t care that people think I should be running around having fancy holidays.
Yep! I love being home
For me it is such a holiday just because I don't have to go to work! I don't need to go to a fancy place, staying home is nice.
Don't compare. Absolute!
Thanks for your video. I have always taught my children to be grateful for what they have, I've said "There will always be someone who has more than you and there will be others that have less than you". Growing up we didn't take vacations every summer or have anything expensive. We had hand me downs and ate leftovers. We didn't have money, but I was grateful for what I had. I have a family member (that is very comfortable) and their children are given everything, they have said "As long as they are happy" and "I want them to be happy and that's most important". I disagree completely but I mind my own business. Needless to say, it is very hard to get them Christmas or birthday gifts because they have everything!
Thanks for sharing
My friends are frugal. Had one friend mortgage free that always wanted to go to dinner and expensive. I no longer have that friend due to her lifestyle.
I’m mortgage free because I was frugal, still not a fan of hugely expensive meals out though. I have friends with expensive lifestyles but luckily they enjoy a good walk in nature so we catch up that way with our coffees in our thermo cups, or I invite to my house and have homemade cake. Who doesn’t like that?
My husband and I never go out to dinner, it’s too expensive and more often than not disappointing, I like my cooking better, I’m at an age now where I don’t worry about what anyone thinks, I have a beautiful family and a comfortable life, We holiday in our motor home and visit our children overseas wen we can, you are wise Jane to ignore the critics
I totally agree!
The concept of the Frugal Olympics cracked me up 😀
They’re out there,
Hi Jane I've been a subscriber since the first video I watched and I'm just sorry I didn't have your channel years ago when I had to figure out how to get out of debt learn what budgeting was and how to do it shop wisely and manage within my means! I bless the day I found your channel and am glad you are there to help all the people who find themselves in the position I was in.... I was an experienced well paid professional who was just living as I thought a normal lifestyle... Nice home, garage, garden, mortgage, nice area but long commute to work, car, the usual stuff and managing well then serious illness struck and not long after was beginning to mismanage by using credit card to tide me over until I got back to work.... You can imagine the slippery slope that I was on and it wasn't long before I went from being the pay everything off every month to paying but not even impacting the interest... I got help thank God and sold my home repaid mortgage, bought a more modest home and started the long process of paying debt tgat was mostly years of interest owed on a relatively small amount of credit I had used on those damned cards. I now use my debit card and never intend to have a credit card in my hand again. Like you and Mike I am now debt and mortgage free and living on a very modest pension and will always be frugal now that I know how the world works. The knowledge that you are providing to people is worth more than any degree or masters degree if only they knew it! God bless you both love v
Thank you so much for your kind words, we are passionate about budgeting as it got us out of debt and where we are now.
Had to smile at the frugal Olympics comment, because in the beginning I know I came off as reallllly enthusiastic. Thing is I crave learning new things and like constructive feedback. Because I don't know everything and love being informed about ways to shave and stay debt free that I did not know of.
Thanks very much
I'm frugal and on a budget and go without because it means we can go on holiday for 5 days, Multiple times a years. Plus money for the 6 weeks holidays here in England.. As long as you have food, heat, water, Internet electricity. Everything else can be saved for.
Good point
The quilt on your sofa today is lovely. Enjoyed the frugal olympians, LOL! I know a couple of those. Agree that the worst part is when it isn’t a choice. My childhood was like that and being made fun of by other children was never fun.
Thanks for watching
My dh and I are in our late 60’s and early 70’s. We are on that preverbal fixed income here in the US. I have always budgeted well. This season we decided was the year to end Christmas gifts. Between our children, spouses, grandkids and great grandkids were talking 25 +/-. All of these folks except 3 little ones are over 18. We told all them that we were only shopping for the babies. Instead of using half the evening opening gifts we played games. Everyone had a wonderful time.
The biggest problem I have with being frugal is my husband always wanting to spend. Several of my children have always told us we needed new cars, more trips………. As I gain years and wisdom I find myself more able to ignore all of their comments. My choice is to make our income last long enough so we never have to move in with any of our children.
I love watching your channel, thanks for bright spots in my days.
Thanks Denise.
Wow - that's an awful lot of gifts to buy, plus the shopping stress plus most people have what they need already! Glad it worked out so well and I'll bet it was a relief for everyone that they could just relax and enjoy each other's company. I have 3 kids next door and I don't buy them Christmas presents because it would drive me nuts trying to figure what would make them happy so instead we make gingerbread houses or biscuit houses or trees that they very proudly take home - it has changed from year to year as they've gotten more experienced, but they'll always remember it - unlike some toy that ends up in the bin. Best wishes to you for a great 2023!
Hi Jane and Michael 🤗 Great video. We too don't flush the toilets when we pee - it saves a TON of water! it does cause a bit more of a vigorous cleaning/scrubbing but I'm okay with that. I like the story about your frugal friend who likes to go on cruises. We are frugal because we like to buy really nice carbon fiber bikes and go on cycling vacations. This is our "why".
That’s a great why
The worst part of frugality is when you save and save and save and something unexpected takes your money lol. Sometimes it's hard to get the gist of what people mean when they write comments. Only face-to-face can you know a person's sentiment. I'm sure everyone enjoys this journey you're sharing that's why we are watching. Have a great New year!
Thanks very much for watching
I agree with you about the many ways of thinking about the degrees of frugality. I too am among those that says “If its yellow, let it mellow” but when I have house guests, I certainly flush like they do. I am not concerned with how others live. All my ways of frugality (at times considered severe) have helped me pay for my house and other things. I live alone and am okay with how I live. You do you, and thats okay. And I’ll do me. Live and let live. Love the channel.
Well said and many thanks
I enjoy being frugal but for me the hardest thing is when it 'gets in my way'. Being so frugal that I hate to part with things that really should go is my biggest problem!!
I have to think hard before spending
Love the comment about your cruising friend! We also enjoy cruising. When once asked how manage to do it we said that we try to be frugal in other ways and for this (the cruising) God created Aldi!
That is awesome!
@@FrugalQueeninFrance Thank you. An enjoyable thing to do is to sit and look at photo albums and re-visit the fun times.!
It has taken me many years but thankfully now, I don't care so much about the opinions of others. As long as I am dealing with my life the way I see fit then I am happy.
You and me both
I was a broken record with my kids. I would always ask them if something they requested was a want or a need. They had everything they needed but certainly didn’t get everything they wanted. I still kind of preach to them but now they are grown and make their own choices. I”m pretty sure they think we should loosen up some but we all choose what is important for us to spend our hard earned money on. Great video as always . We spend money on our pets also. They bring a lot of joy into our lives.
Thanks for watching
The worst part of frugality is when my sisters expect me to travel with them to concerts. I've done that in the past and not interested anymore. They know I'm being careful how I spend my money now. Some of them are well off and can do it.. More power to them.
Thanks very much for sharing
THANK YOU! I really appreciate your thoughts today about frugality.
You are so welcome!
🤣 You do make me chuckle - Great post. A very happy new year to you both x
Thank you
Loved this video! The hardest one for me is keeping motivated. Springtime in particular seems to be where I derail a bit. This year I'm determined to keep on track.
You got this!
Great video Jane and Mike. It was very educational. The worst thing for me about being frugal is family thinking I have pots of money to lend them and having a hard time saying no. Every month I say not this month and then eat my words when I end up giving money to them. Half the time I say "you don't have to pay me back". I am not doing them any real favours, but my father helped me out a lot when I was a single parent and I remember how much I appreciated it.
If it’s in your budget and you’re ok with it
I went to the same school of thought about the flushing. Lol
Good to hear
Oh my gosh Jane! The last of this video really showed your humor I’ve not seen before and I do love that! It made me chuckle! And I agree one hundred percent on all of this. I live in a tourist town in the Adirondack Mountains. There’s definitely a lot of side eyes for why we don’t have all the boats and stuff for where we live. But we go hiking and fish off shore and work/play on our own property and so on. Frugality is different and preferences of lifestyles are different. Thank you for this video 🥰
Thanks very much for watching
I have shared custudy of my kids with their father. I am extremely frugal and he is the opposite. This makes it hard on the kids when they are with me because they expect the same as they get at their dad's....
Sorry to hear that
Agree about kids. My 11 year-old daughter is the biggest challenge and critic of our frugalism. We have to constantly reaffirm why we're saving (to buy our own home) and reaffirm our values (we have decided no games consoles in our house) but it definitely making her more aware and careful with money in the long run...
Brilliant, you’re the parents and you know what’s best for your family.
You have a marvelous outlook. So far we are doing well four days into the new year! Boston has been relatively mild during December and we have thenkfully avoided the terrible storms and blizzards the U. S. Midwest has suffered. It's a long way through Jan-Feb-Mar however. I hope your weather stays mild and sunny.Looking forward to your future videos.
Thanks for sharing
Worst part of being frugal for me is that our shared passion is travel. Even though we have savings so we can afford it I find it hard to let go and book, I do in the end but I found it much easier when I didn’t have a frugal mindset!
What stops you going? Do you need the savings for something else?
I travel most of the time. I have a motor home and really use it. 80% of the time. I can afford it because I don't waste money. It allows me to really enjoy my life.
Thank you all so much for replying, that is very kind of you. Our travel money is separate . I have not always been frugal , I have been very frugal since I took early retirement at the age of 60 in July 2021. I love my frugal lifestyle, hubby still works.
I think it is just my mindset is so set on thinking whether or not I need something before I purchase it!
I lost my brother when he was only 40 and since then I do believe you need to live your life and do things you enjoy and travel is our passion.
We do go as cheaply as we can and once it is booked I am fine and very happy! It is just the thought of spending so much I think but
I do appreciate we are lucky to be able to travel even though we have made an effort to save to do so. I am looking at booking a trip now and I have managed to cut the cost by nearly 50% so that has made me a happy bunny!
Thanks again, you are all wonderful, what a lovely community this is! X
Jane, that was amazing. You really hit the nail on the head.👍👍👍👍👍👍
Thanks so much!
Jane, you were very diplomatic about "frugal competitiveness". Really it's being judgmental of others or having to be right all the time. As you always say, "you do you", "your business is your business and their business there business", and the old adage, "live and let live". All helps with getting along with others peacefully! Happy New Year!
Frugality is my comfort blanket, I feel better with boundaries and budgets. Setting budgets helps ease the uncertainty and also creates achievable goals.
We do too
Love the quilt on your sofa today! Great video today.
Thanks so much 😊
My preemptive strike method against people who want to run me is to tell them nothing in the first place. I have learnt - the hard way - not to be too open. What we should do/buy/own is definitely subjective. Rather, it is a matter of what appeals to us as individuals. I laughed at the comparisons. I belong to a book group and it is amazing the number of comments I receive because the other members do not approve of the way my shelves are arranged. Thank you for the video!
Well said