I agree with you on all. One thing I started about 5 years ago is that starting in January I plan a “Clean One” in my daily schedule. Sometimes it’s literally just cleaning a small drawer for 5 minutes. Other days it might be cleaning out a closet or washing curtains. This way my spring cleaning is done early to be free to focus on outdoor yard work before we get too hot and humid. Each year, I find less and less to declutter and donate to charity shops/thrift stores.
What a great idea Ruth ….I struggle with keeping organised on a daily basis but I love this idea because it would build up to an organised space before you know it
Definition of a bargain: something you don't need at a price you can't resist. I learnt this years ago and I remind myself of it all the time. Great video Jane.
My OH had leave to use up so we've just had some time in our no spend month gardening (pruning fruit trees, after research on the internet), getting flooring sorted (repaired and varnished) and filling in and sanding down some of the walls. I say "we", but it was mostly my OH doing the work while I did the supportive baking and batch cooking, as I am aiming to use up a lot from the cupboards and freezer over the next month or so. Keeps us busy and away from being bombarded by sales and offers!
I had every intention of doing a no spend January. I have been reviewing my expenses and seeing what i can get rid off or get at a lower cost. Unfortunately, life happens. The house I moved into last year has no garage , basement, or storage shed. I have had to leave out gardening equipment and other tools outside in the elements. I have been on a waiting list with our local handyman, who notified me , he had time to build a shed for me., His bid came in about 25% less than everyone else and he is custom building it. If I did't get the job done now, I would have to wait up to several months to get back on his waiting list. so, you guess it. I went ahead and am having the shed built. I would have liked to wait to do this later on, but with the rising cost of building materials, it made more sense to go ahead and get the project done.
Oh how I needed this today! Thank you. I find if I am being lured by my wants - not needs - the best thing is to steer clear of any social media or television and get stuck into a craft project or start a new book i can lose myself in.
I love that term "snagging." I have never heard it before but I definitely want to start using it. I got it from the quilting world but another term I have used is "UFO"s for Un-finished Objects. I have far too many of those in sewing projects and that is what I am trying to focus back on in my no-spend month.
My mother trained me well as we would have 1 day weekly we went "window shopping". I learned to say "No thank you but we are just looking today". Only if and when we needed something did we buy anything.
Great advice. January is a low spend month for me. I always have a snagging list on the go, and love to embrace my indoor hobbies at this time of year - for me that includes baking, drawing and painting, more reading, and researching my family history.
I was waking up in the mornings and checking my email and I would have 75-100 SALES emails waiting for me. That didnt include the deluge of emails I would continue to get all...day...long! It was making me so frustrated. I told our daughter that I was going to wage war on consumerism! It was a painstaking process but I opened up every single email, scrolled to the bottom, found the "unsubscribe" button in 2 point font, clicked it and made them go away! It took several weeks but now I am down to essential emails in my inbox and I do not miss all those "sales" emails tempting me to spend money at all!
I certainly needed to hear this today!! I'm in the process of moving rooms around and am inundated with boxes and furniture in 3 different rooms! I am overwhelmed at the moment. Although this was my plan for several years, my husband decided to begin the process right before Christmas while I was grocery shopping! Not only was it the holidays, I had a major surgery scheduled for Jan 5th!!! I had asked for his help several times so I certainly didn't complain when he finally began this massive project even though his timing wasn't the best. But crap everywhere is driving me crazy...and it's dark outside and raining! So, I needed a your pep talk today! Thanks for always taking your time to share your life and much appreciated wisdom with us.
Great ideas. I love doing pilates with youtube. Going to the library is something i do when im feeling a little deprived. I borrow novels and gardening and cooking books and it kind of feels like ive spent money because i can take them home and enjoy them.
I was sailing along through low spend January to March when last week I began to get on line notifications about furniture and appliances I had priced earlier in the season. They are now on sale with 30 to 40 % cost reductions. So very tempting! I nearly gave in....just this once! 😲 But then I realized how rotten I'd feel about my lack of will power so I resisted. They'll be other sales later on in the year after I've tidied up my current financial commitments.
Well, Jane, I'm in my 3rd no-spend year. It has simplified my life, in that I no longer have to spend time or attention on whether or not I'm going to buy something outside of the "needs" budget. I don't even spend the time to consider it. The answer is no. I save time, money and excess decision making. Even that can be fatiguing. I love boiling down complexities into simple processes! I also found that this month, I suddenly and unexpectedly had to pay for a $600 car repair. I had the money for it. Usually, I'd struggle to come up with it. It's a good feeling to know I can cope with what comes my way! As always, Jane...love listening to you!
I have learned that I need to do my spring gardening stock up in March and April to be able to get what I need before they sell out of the product. So a no spend January and February works great for me. 😊
Find it hard with the cold weather to stop procrastinating. Looking on line for sunny hols and eating comfort foods needed this chat thank you your so down to earth and put me back in the right frame of mind for saving needed that 💜
You are right when it comes to January thrift shop sales. I used to take advantage of them as I was a nursery school teacher and often bought second hand toys for my class. There was lots to choose from as people cleaned out all their kid's toys from the last Christmas to get ready for the next batch of toys to be bought for upcoming Christmas. Love your videos.
Thank you for this wonderful pep talk reminding us that there are a hundred good activities besides shopping when we're feeling down. When I get a craving for fast food, I make a batch of French fries and plant based chicken nuggets in my air fryer. I eat them with homemade ranch and watch Frugal Queen in France, vraiment! ❤️
I keep looking at my ' odds + ends ' draw in the kitchen and say I'll tidy it up tomorrow - been like that for weeks 🙄 🤣 I WILL get it done ! . I'll faint when it's done ☺️. Got a bargain today . Went to local college to get my hair done . I usually pay around £ 20 for a cut . A friend recommended the college - wash cut blow dry £5 !!!!!! Guess where I'm going for next cut ! 👏👍👏 ☺️
I have a funny "odds and ends" drawer story. Lately I've been organizing small areas, bit by bit, in my kitchen...just one shelf, or part of a drawer, etc. The other morning exile I was waiting for my turn in the bathroom, I thought I'd use my few minutes and clean my little sinkside "junk drawer". Boy, was I surprised! I kept removing items, throwing away, grouping like items to put away. I had small piles spreading over my kitchen table, kit hen island and counter...and the drawer was still half full! I pulled the whole drawer out, emptied the back half....45 minutes later it was calm and in order, most of the "extra" piles were put away...and I was truly surprised and flummoxed that my small cubbyhole of a drawer had housed the amount of stuff I had removed from it! Well, live and learn!😊
I've been doing regular no spend months, low spend years for the past 6 years on a low part time wage as I would like to retire 2 to 3 years earlier than my retirement date, turned 60 last year so the end is within sight, when I first completed a no spend year challenge it confirmed that I could actually be disaplined with myself from learning to say no to impulse spending or fritting away my cash on things that were just a want and not a need, I learned alot about myself during these past years and my behaviour around managing the money I have looking back, I was pretty clueless, by slowly budgeting and saving I'm in a much better position than I was when I first began.
Thank you for this really helpful (as usual) video - full of great ideas and suggestions to get us through these colder wintry days. Having a good clear out and declutter is a useful way to keep busy and to remind yourself you really don’t need to buy any more “stuff”. Sort out unwanted items and take them to a charity shop instead of buying in. I like the wet stormy days when it really is too cold to go out as I can work on my quilting hobby and not feel guilty.
Good for you Pamala, just an idea for you to consider. For 18 months before I retired I made myself live on the income I would have from my pensions when I retired. That gave me two things one was the knowledge that I could afford to live on my retirement income and secondly it left me with extra income I could add to savings to boost my savings going into retirement.
Some of my No Spend strategies: deep clean/organize/declutter, spend special time visiting with my mother at her retirement home and helping her with tasks, coffee/tea/conversation at home with a friend after a walk, "spa at home" pamper day- mani/pedi/facial/mini-haircut & deep condition, soothing bath with Epsom salts.
You inspired me to clean out my bureau drawers-what a hit of dopamine to be able to open the drawers and see them all organized and find what I need easily! And I used boxes to organize them instead of buying an organizer!
Often when I overdo spending, eating or make other bad decisions is when I am tired and not thinking clearly. So often I simply walk away and tell myself I'll revisit the decision the following day. Then I do something positive for myself instead..a walk, a home manicure or even a nap. When I come back the following day, my urge to spend or overdo is usually gone. 💜👍
Yes I frequently feel tempted to let all my good plans go to hell and more so when feeling down..... I know I would deeply regret it so I'm trying to do as you suggest and use the skills I have and stuff I have to keep busy in a useful way. We have unfinished jobs everywhere... plenty to be doing. I always wanted to make things from wood but was never allowed at home or school so now my brother William is going to help me learn how to use tools and wood to make a new bird table and nest boxes for our garden. We've made a flower press and will make a stable for the nativity figures I am knitting. Winter can be miserable and lonely but it doesn't have to be. Thanks for letting us know you are just like us Jane. It is helpful when you share your thoughts and opinions with us
Very good tips as per usual, thanks. In January I do what nature does, catch up on sleep, ready for the busy spring and summer household workload such as spring cleaning, gardening and house repairs.
Great tips, as always! You are so right about doing big jobs a bit at a time. I loathe cleaning and the best way is for me to break a bathroom/kitchen clean into ten minute jobs. Eventually it gets done that way, but if I approach it as a two/three hour job it will never be touched. Thank you for the video!
Maybe I'm just getting lazy in my old age but I have to motivate myself to go to the store, so I have had NO Spend months at a time. The longest I had was 3 months in a row.
Great video Jane I too have spent the last few days finishing off little jobs that never got done when I moved house a few months ago. It will probable be Easter by the time I get to the end of the list but I am trying to do something no matter how small every day. Some days are harder than others and I choose small easy jobs on the hard days. No matter how small the task I pat myself on the back when I tick it off my to do list.
Thank you Jane. I started watching your videos a week ago and so far have calculated all my expenses and made a budget. I enjoyed your tips for getting busy. I have many little jobs which need doing and you have inspired me to get going.
The first week in January felt tough, strangely, because I am not even a spender... It cought me of gard🤣. As soon as I got the impulse I thought why I am I triggered now? 🤔I took a step back, made a cup of tea 🫖 talked about it, stayed at home and stuck with my plan. I told myself " you did this before you can do it again",. The advertisement and "big" deals where forsed up on us like never before (many buissnesses are on the brink of extinction so I can understand their desperaty to some extent). I "need" a new cheese slicer, but my old one is broken for months so I cut slices with a knife. I didn't bother to buy one in November or December so it can wait a couple of week more... Like most things you can use an alternative. But keep it save!
The only thing I’ve allowed myself to spend on is our very cheap Haven caravan Monday to Friday breaks for 2024 they've released them early this usually it’s March. I can get them for as little as £29 so don’t want to miss booking and end up not been able to afford. I call it my spend to save ♥💋
I don't go into town on a whim, I always try to combine my errands, appointments and shopping into the fewest trips possible. But then when I do go in, I want to take advantage of being there, and I sometimes pick things up that I don't absolutely need just to "make the trip worthwhile." Something I need to be aware of.
I used to buy clothes for my kids only on sales but I planned that for months and spare for it. I spared a lot with 4 kids ( boys and girls, not the same body shape). I was very proud this year to resist to wool sales, very nice kits, but I have already enough wool for years. That was so tempting ! Only thing I need is a pair of confortable shoes to walk, but that could wait next month or the good weather, I'm using my training bike instead.
This video has been really timely for me as I am doing a No Spend January, with exception of only the essentials. It has been really tough now that I am in the middle of the month being bombarded with Sales and more Sales advertising! It has been so hard to ignore it and not be tempted to buy that coat that is now 80% off even though I have a good coat and I don't need another one. So thank you for sharing this video and keeping me on track to stick to my no spend January!
I am also doing a no spend January except for food+ gas for the car. It is taking all of my will power no not order things on line, but I’ve made It for 19 days so far. I saw an interesting idea on Utube for doing small chores : almost every time there is a tv commercial, a women gets up and does 1 chore for 4-5 minutes. I am going to try that.
I’ve had a good cooking month, all from stock. I have taken the raw meat out of my freezer and turned it into meals, some to eat, some to freeze. I’ve also made cake puddings for the freezer. Ice cold Yorkshire needs a hot pudding with custard!
We live a no spend life, so that hasn't been a problem but this week has been so busy for me and it's doing things I dislike. It's been exhausting so I have neglected working out. I have found someone here on TH-cam that I highly recommend for someone my age and she has the best workouts. I have decluttered and straightened up some areas of the house, so I'm feeling good about that. And I got a couple of errands run that I really didn't want to do, so I feel like the week has been productive. One other area I've been struggling with is avoiding junk food. I've been good about it. I've avoided temptation. But it's been tough this week for that, too. I think your advice relates to more than just not spending money unnecessarily and I needed a mid week boost and you provided that. Thanks!
Just yesterday I was looking online for some garden statuary, I have a new floral bed going in this Spring and of course I'm anxious to get it started... LOL. It's only January but I'm planning. I decided no...I'm going to find things around my home/garden. I actually have two small statues inside my home that I can use and I moved a few outdoor lawn decor around and I'm etching a mirror for the garden (already had the mirror) I do the same with decorating my home, I will just move things from other rooms to get a new look. As far as new year/new you... I'm definitely participating in self-care routines.... with stuff I already have on hand (way too many products that I need to work through) I've decluttered a large black trash bag yesterday of just items that should be thrown away and one box to go to charity.
I always do no-spend January, and February too if possible. January seems to be the easiest time for me not to want to spend after the holidays are over. It's a relief not to need to buy anything.
I had a lovely morning the other day doing a job I have wanted to do for a long time . Organising my huge box of family photographs. I shut myself away in my office room upstairs with the dogs and a big mug of coffee and felt elated when I came out a couple of hours later with everything in order . A big job completed and now I can easily find the photos I am looking for .
This is a great video. It is full of very good tips and a reminder that there are many actions we can take to keep mentally healthy in the dark cold months. Thank you for creating this content.
Great ideas. Unfortunately when you have a farm you can't have no spend months. Never fails there is a barn leak or wind damage, tractor issues, well or pumps go down, animals need unexpected vet care, etc. We know it's 2 steps forward 3 steps back, but we're hanging in there and holding on.👩🏻🌾
In times like these, there is NO personal spending and won't be for quite a while. Every dime is for the farm to keep our heads above water. No matter the size of the farm, if we don't stay in business, people don't eat. HEAVY BURDEN (BLESSING) TO CARRY.
Please note that small mom and pop businesses do not make too much money in the month of January because their customers have spent everything in December. This is the hardest month for them. Please consider a trip or two to their stores to purchase something from them. Even if it is a bottle of water, cup of coffee, a quart of milk or eggs. They have their bills they need to pay also.
Wow! Have you been hiding behind my sofa? This is a great video and has given me the oomph that I need to carry on. I'm sitting watching it, coffee in hand, after sorting and organising my craft stash. Now I know what I have, I can get on with my crafting. You are such an inspiration! I'm also in the process of decluttering. You are so right about clutter and mood too. I'm already feeling better now that I have started. Please keep the wonderful videos coming. X
This is the only thing I don’t agree with many channels. January is usually the best month to spend. The sales in clothes, in the supermarket. For example this is the time to buy a car ou anything like that. I prefer do a no spend December, having everything done by November for Christmas and buy the things I need in January.
I’m always happy to be disagreed with, however like a lot of frugals, I don’t need anything. I don’t need clothes, anything for the house. Plus, in France, sales are regulated. January is fabric, clothes, bedding, bathroom towels and I don’t need anything. If you have none of those, I’d understand shopping.
I find that I spend far less in grotty weather because I don't have access to a vehicle. I have to really need something badly before I'll venture out to the shops in the cold and rain.
Thanks for another encouraging video filled with lots of great ideas. I love the 10 minute task tip--so helpful to break dreaded tasks into small manageable parts. Incidentally, I'm working on the habit of taking a brisk 10 minute walk after every meal--gets that all-important exercise in, but makes it doable rather than dreaded.
Thank you for the encouragement. Never heard the term "snagging/snacking" for doing old jobs. I have lots of those. Really like the idea of doing some hobbys and exercise (walks for me) to perk ourselves up. Gloomy grey days have been the norm hear lately. And, yes you are on to something about straightening, organizing & decluttering. Feels so good afterwards.
Well it's the 18th day of a "literal" no.spend month. No supermarket shopping, no.petrol, nothing. .using everything up in tge freezer abd cupboards. Lots of dog walking twice a day weather permitting. Getting all sorts of jobs done in the house but little and often... I walked through the house tonight thinking oh this is beginning to look really nice now. Not done a no spend before but its very satisfying indeed.
Great share, Jane. I think that the “New Year New You” theme was created by a marketing campaign, just to get you to buy a bunch of stuff in January. But I could be wrong. lol
I have been catching up on my mending and sorting things out, organizing cupboards and drawers, trying new recipes and ways of cooking using ingredients I already have…Deb Gnagey
I feel this, I'm having a no spend January, February and March which is tough but necessary for saving legal fee and survey money for purchasing a house etc.
Thank you for the inspiration. I have got an hour glass that takes 9 minuites for all the sand to get through. It helps when a job seams hard to start up. I just turn the hour glass and it helps me get started.
I watch the weather report to know when we might receive snow and how much. If I need to get a few groceries, I'll go before the storm hits. Will not leave my home in bad weather. I actually loathe shopping, therefore, I do very little. I'll look first at our one thrift store to see if they have what I need. If not, because I don't like shopping in stores, I'll place an order on line. Can't believe how much I've saved over the years by shopping this way.
Good advice as usual. I go through my home every week and slowly reassess my needs and release anything that is not required anymore. We place unwanted items in boxes and put on the footpath for another who wants to take free. It does our soul good to be organised have have good order in our home. Thankyou
I know exactly what you mean by being bombarded with sale offers! I had three emails in my inbox yesterday from the same company! It’s utter madness and luckily I can resist this company ! I can totally see how people get sucked in! Great video today Jane!
My idea is different because January & July are the months in which I shop for anything I may need, a pack of heavy socks/hats, loungewear/Christmas & birthdays presents.. Especially in February /August, when prices are further reduced.. Since I tidy up my wardrobe twice a year, I have learn which are my staples ..
January is a good time to clean out closets and purge them of all the stuff you don't wear or need anymore. I also like to start planning my garden for the spring. I don't buy anything but I start putting it on paper. I love your ideas Thank you for sharing!
I buy a new outfit one time for the winter months and then again for the summer. That way the wardrobe stays nice, and I can eliminate an old worn out outfit. However, I wait until the sales in January for the winter items, and the sales after the 4th of July in the summer for the summer sales. Recently I had my eye on a certain sweater, and it is now 70% off. That's how I keep a fresh, but cheap in cost wardrobe. Another clothing thing: I only have enough clothes that fit in my small closet and small dresser. I don't understand this latest fad of having closets the size of bedrooms in the US.
Very good advice Jane! On my next video, I will be admitting to two no spend fails 😮. Only £18 worth, but still! You’re right about using January to keep busy and finish things off.
@@FrugalQueeninFrance Believe me it is way off, I have never bought high end goods. Retired and living on just a little over a basic pension. Your philosophy is very much one I have been trying to follow for the last 10yrs. Thanks for clearing that up about who the algorithm is targeting, thought it was weird for a frugal channel. Absolutely love your channel.
@@bernieozzie7480 it could be your location, age, many things affect the algorithm. I watch a lot of travel vlogs, the algorithm sends me adverts for Tony Robin’s talks and holidays in Dubai. They don’t target what we watch, but predominantly our age group. Most retirees have money to spend.
Great video Jane. I am currently clearing out our attic. It is currently doubling up as our bedroom whilst the next phase of the barn renovation is being worked on. Unfortunately it has just become a dumping ground. I try to do an hour a day on the clearing cleaning and declutter. I break it up into short bursts as there are plenty of other chores that need doing. I totally agree that keeping yourself active and busy stops the desire to go shopping. I have reduced quite a lot of 'stuff' that was languishing up there in the attic. I have done 2 charity shop runs with a full boot, and I didnt browse or buy anything whilst there, plus a trip to the recycling centre. 2023 is the year of the great clean up and clear out. This will include all of the outbuildings and the yard and garden. We are on a low spend year. No major projects planned. Just working through each room, finishing any job that has been started. Clearing the decks as next year we have 2 major projects to tackle, so need everything else finished in order to focus on them.
Wonderful, timely and encouraging!!! 👏 I have cravings to spend around certain days of my monthly cycle. Just like any food craving , it will pass and half the battle is awareness of it! Blessings to you all 🌸
A much needed pep talk Jane, thank you. I am doing a no spend January, which is going well, but, I find the motivation to do any chores a struggle at this time of the year. I really liked your 10 minute drawer or closet cleaning idea. Thank you again.
Hi Jane,really good advice.It’s strange,when I was younger,the summer was my favourite time of the year but now I love Autumn,winter & spring.Last summer felt too warm for me.I’m enjoying films.Doing the Jobs that need doing & every other day grooming my dogs.There’s always something to do.🙂☃️
Hi Jane and Michael, I really enjoyed this video and I'm going to adapt the 10-minute rule per project from now on. Thanks ~ Nancy from Northern California
![BOWKYLION - วิงวอน (ex-change) [Official MV]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/cLdnZWDaO-w/mqdefault.jpg)
I agree with you on all. One thing I started about 5 years ago is that starting in January I plan a “Clean One” in my daily schedule. Sometimes it’s literally just cleaning a small drawer for 5 minutes. Other days it might be cleaning out a closet or washing curtains. This way my spring cleaning is done early to be free to focus on outdoor yard work before we get too hot and humid. Each year, I find less and less to declutter and donate to charity shops/thrift stores.
I certainly don’t move mountains but I do something every day. I emptied and tidied our bath towel cupboard today.
What a great idea!
What a great idea! Thanks for sharing- a clean uncluttered house makes going out to garden more fun knowing house is in order❤️
What a great idea Ruth ….I struggle with keeping organised on a daily basis but I love this idea because it would build up to an organised space before you know it
Oh I like that idea. Even on our busiest days we can manage that! It won't seem so overwhelming.
The marketing is amazingly powerful on our subconscious. Being aware is very important.
Definition of a bargain: something you don't need at a price you can't resist. I learnt this years ago and I remind myself of it all the time. Great video Jane.
Well said!
My OH had leave to use up so we've just had some time in our no spend month gardening (pruning fruit trees, after research on the internet), getting flooring sorted (repaired and varnished) and filling in and sanding down some of the walls. I say "we", but it was mostly my OH doing the work while I did the supportive baking and batch cooking, as I am aiming to use up a lot from the cupboards and freezer over the next month or so. Keeps us busy and away from being bombarded by sales and offers!
I love the midweek money chats!
You’re welcome
I had every intention of doing a no spend January. I have been reviewing my expenses and seeing what i can get rid off or get at a lower cost. Unfortunately, life happens. The house I moved into last year has no garage , basement, or storage shed. I have had to leave out gardening equipment and other tools outside in the elements. I have been on a waiting list with our local handyman, who notified me , he had time to build a shed for me., His bid came in about 25% less than everyone else and he is custom building it. If I did't get the job done now, I would have to wait up to several months to get back on his waiting list. so, you guess it. I went ahead and am having the shed built.
I would have liked to wait to do this later on, but with the rising cost of building materials, it made more sense to go ahead and get the project done.
Oh how I needed this today! Thank you. I find if I am being lured by my wants - not needs - the best thing is to steer clear of any social media or television and get stuck into a craft project or start a new book i can lose myself in.
Thanks for watching
I love that term "snagging." I have never heard it before but I definitely want to start using it. I got it from the quilting world but another term I have used is "UFO"s for Un-finished Objects. I have far too many of those in sewing projects and that is what I am trying to focus back on in my no-spend month.
My mother trained me well as we would have 1 day weekly we went "window shopping". I learned to say "No thank you but we are just looking today". Only if and when we needed something did we buy anything.
Good advice
Great advice. January is a low spend month for me. I always have a snagging list on the go, and love to embrace my indoor hobbies at this time of year - for me that includes baking, drawing and painting, more reading, and researching my family history.
Love that!
Snagging is my new favourite term.
I have 2 tech free days a week and devote these to getting essential tasks completed.
Happy snagging
I was waking up in the mornings and checking my email and I would have 75-100 SALES emails waiting for me. That didnt include the deluge of emails I would continue to get all...day...long! It was making me so frustrated. I told our daughter that I was going to wage war on consumerism! It was a painstaking process but I opened up every single email, scrolled to the bottom, found the "unsubscribe" button in 2 point font, clicked it and made them go away! It took several weeks but now I am down to essential emails in my inbox and I do not miss all those "sales" emails tempting me to spend money at all!
I’d Tidy those up and unsubscribe
I certainly needed to hear this today!! I'm in the process of moving rooms around and am inundated with boxes and furniture in 3 different rooms! I am overwhelmed at the moment. Although this was my plan for several years, my husband decided to begin the process right before Christmas while I was grocery shopping! Not only was it the holidays, I had a major surgery scheduled for Jan 5th!!! I had asked for his help several times so I certainly didn't complain when he finally began this massive project even though his timing wasn't the best. But crap everywhere is driving me crazy...and it's dark outside and raining! So, I needed a your pep talk today! Thanks for always taking your time to share your life and much appreciated wisdom with us.
Thanks for watching
Isn’t that just like a man! 😂 You can’t complain bc you asked him to do it but he chooses the most inconvenient time to do it. That’s my husband too!
Great ideas. I love doing pilates with youtube. Going to the library is something i do when im feeling a little deprived. I borrow novels and gardening and cooking books and it kind of feels like ive spent money because i can take them home and enjoy them.
Brilliant to hear that
I was sailing along through low spend January to March when last week I began to get on line notifications about furniture and appliances I had priced earlier in the season. They are now on sale with 30 to 40 % cost reductions. So very tempting! I nearly gave in....just this once! 😲 But then I realized how rotten I'd feel about my lack of will power so I resisted. They'll be other sales later on in the year after I've tidied up my current financial commitments.
If your current appliances are defunct and do not work, then they need replacing.
@@FrugalQueeninFrance No, everything works. More like upgrades and additions to what I have. More "wants than needs"!
@@janetstonerook4552 you’ve answered your own question
Well, Jane, I'm in my 3rd no-spend year. It has simplified my life, in that I no longer have to spend time or attention on whether or not I'm going to buy something outside of the "needs" budget. I don't even spend the time to consider it. The answer is no. I save time, money and excess decision making. Even that can be fatiguing. I love boiling down complexities into simple processes!
I also found that this month, I suddenly and unexpectedly had to pay for a $600 car repair. I had the money for it. Usually, I'd struggle to come up with it. It's a good feeling to know I can cope with what comes my way!
As always, Jane...love listening to you!
Thanks Jonna
I have learned that I need to do my spring gardening stock up in March and April to be able to get what I need before they sell out of the product. So a no spend January and February works great for me. 😊
Find it hard with the cold weather to stop procrastinating. Looking on line for sunny hols and eating comfort foods needed this chat thank you your so down to earth and put me back in the right frame of mind for saving needed that 💜
You got this!
You are right when it comes to January thrift shop sales. I used to take advantage of them as I was a nursery school teacher and often bought second hand toys for my class. There was lots to choose from as people cleaned out all their kid's toys from the last Christmas to get ready for the next batch of toys to be bought for upcoming Christmas. Love your videos.
I don’t buy them, it’s an example of stuff we don’t need tempting us because it’s cheap
I love the 10 minute decluttering idea. It's a great way to get started and give yourself permission to stop but who doesn't have 10 minutes in a day?
Thanks very much
Thank you for this wonderful pep talk reminding us that there are a hundred good activities besides shopping when we're feeling down. When I get a craving for fast food, I make a batch of French fries and plant based chicken nuggets in my air fryer. I eat them with homemade ranch and watch Frugal Queen in France, vraiment! ❤️
You are so welcome!
I keep looking at my ' odds + ends ' draw in the kitchen and say I'll tidy it up tomorrow - been like that for weeks 🙄 🤣 I WILL get it done ! . I'll faint when it's done ☺️. Got a bargain today . Went to local college to get my hair done . I usually pay around £ 20 for a cut . A friend recommended the college - wash cut blow dry £5 !!!!!! Guess where I'm going for next cut ! 👏👍👏 ☺️
I do this as well. £7 at my local college. Bargain.💇🏻♀️💆🏻♀️
I have a drawer like that. I keep ignoring it. Lol however, I did clean out my lid drawer and cleaned off the top of the fridge.
I have done it ! I now have very clean draws ! 😂 Thought I'd find a winning lottery ticket in there - would be a miracle - I don't buy any 😂😂 !
I have a funny "odds and ends" drawer story. Lately I've been organizing small areas, bit by bit, in my kitchen...just one shelf, or part of a drawer, etc. The other morning exile I was waiting for my turn in the bathroom, I thought I'd use my few minutes and clean my little sinkside "junk drawer". Boy, was I surprised! I kept removing items, throwing away, grouping like items to put away. I had small piles spreading over my kitchen table, kit hen island and counter...and the drawer was still half full! I pulled the whole drawer out, emptied the back half....45 minutes later it was calm and in order, most of the "extra" piles were put away...and I was truly surprised and flummoxed that my small cubbyhole of a drawer had housed the amount of stuff I had removed from it! Well, live and learn!😊
@@phoebebird1804 Isn't it amazing how much stuff can fit in one space? LOL
I've been doing regular no spend months, low spend years for the past 6 years on a low part time wage as I would like to retire 2 to 3 years earlier than my retirement date, turned 60 last year so the end is within sight, when I first completed a no spend year challenge it confirmed that I could actually be disaplined with myself from learning to say no to impulse spending or fritting away my cash on things that were just a want and not a need, I learned alot about myself during these past years and my behaviour around managing the money I have looking back, I was pretty clueless, by slowly budgeting and saving I'm in a much better position than I was when I first began.
Thanks for watching
Thank you for this really helpful (as usual) video - full of great ideas and suggestions to get us through these colder wintry days. Having a good clear out and declutter is a useful way to keep busy and to remind yourself you really don’t need to buy any more “stuff”. Sort out unwanted items and take them to a charity shop instead of buying in. I like the wet stormy days when it really is too cold to go out as I can work on my quilting hobby and not feel guilty.
Good for you Pamala, just an idea for you to consider. For 18 months before I retired I made myself live on the income I would have from my pensions when I retired. That gave me two things one was the knowledge that I could afford to live on my retirement income and secondly it left me with extra income I could add to savings to boost my savings going into retirement.
Some of my No Spend strategies: deep clean/organize/declutter, spend special time visiting with my mother at her retirement home and helping her with tasks, coffee/tea/conversation at home with a friend after a walk, "spa at home" pamper day- mani/pedi/facial/mini-haircut & deep condition, soothing bath with Epsom salts.
Brilliant!
You inspired me to clean out my bureau drawers-what a hit of dopamine to be able to open the drawers and see them all organized and find what I need easily! And I used boxes to organize them instead of buying an organizer!
That is awesome!
Often when I overdo spending, eating or make other bad decisions is when I am tired and not thinking clearly. So often I simply walk away and tell myself I'll revisit the decision the following day. Then I do something positive for myself instead..a walk, a home manicure or even a nap. When I come back the following day, my urge to spend or overdo is usually gone. 💜👍
A nap helps most decisions
Yes I frequently feel tempted to let all my good plans go to hell and more so when feeling down..... I know I would deeply regret it so I'm trying to do as you suggest and use the skills I have and stuff I have to keep busy in a useful way. We have unfinished jobs everywhere... plenty to be doing.
I always wanted to make things from wood but was never allowed at home or school so now my brother William is going to help me learn how to use tools and wood to make a new bird table and nest boxes for our garden. We've made a flower press and will make a stable for the nativity figures I am knitting. Winter can be miserable and lonely but it doesn't have to be. Thanks for letting us know you are just like us Jane. It is helpful when you share your thoughts and opinions with us
Thanks very much for sharing
I love the term snagging! While listening I walked room to room finding my snagging projects! Thanks for the positive inspirations❤
You are so welcome!
Very good tips as per usual, thanks. In January I do what nature does, catch up on sleep, ready for the busy spring and summer household workload such as spring cleaning, gardening and house repairs.
Perfect!
Great tips, as always! You are so right about doing big jobs a bit at a time. I loathe cleaning and the best way is for me to break a bathroom/kitchen clean into ten minute jobs. Eventually it gets done that way, but if I approach it as a two/three hour job it will never be touched.
Thank you for the video!
So true!
Maybe I'm just getting lazy in my old age but I have to motivate myself to go to the store, so I have had NO Spend months at a time. The longest I had was 3 months in a row.
Yes! I’d rather gargle vomit 🤮 than shop for please
Same here, I only go when absolutely necessary and it's usual for food with a shopping list.
Great video Jane I too have spent the last few days finishing off little jobs that never got done when I moved house a few months ago. It will probable be Easter by the time I get to the end of the list but I am trying to do something no matter how small every day. Some days are harder than others and I choose small easy jobs on the hard days. No matter how small the task I pat myself on the back when I tick it off my to do list.
You can do it!
Thank you Jane. I started watching your videos a week ago and so far have calculated all my expenses and made a budget. I enjoyed your tips for getting busy. I have many little jobs which need doing and you have inspired me to get going.
Wonderful!
The first week in January felt tough, strangely, because I am not even a spender... It cought me of gard🤣. As soon as I got the impulse I thought why I am I triggered now? 🤔I took a step back, made a cup of tea 🫖 talked about it, stayed at home and stuck with my plan. I told myself " you did this before you can do it again",.
The advertisement and "big" deals where forsed up on us like never before (many buissnesses are on the brink of extinction so I can understand their desperaty to some extent). I "need" a new cheese slicer, but my old one is broken for months so I cut slices with a knife. I didn't bother to buy one in November or December so it can wait a couple of week more... Like most things you can use an alternative. But keep it save!
I stop and think why do I feel like that?
@@FrugalQueeninFrance the feeling passed by like every impulse does...
The only thing I’ve allowed myself to spend on is our very cheap Haven caravan Monday to Friday breaks for 2024 they've released them early this usually it’s March. I can get them for as little as £29 so don’t want to miss booking and end up not been able to afford. I call it my spend to save ♥💋
Enjoy your holiday
I don't go into town on a whim, I always try to combine my errands, appointments and shopping into the fewest trips possible. But then when I do go in, I want to take advantage of being there, and I sometimes pick things up that I don't absolutely need just to "make the trip worthwhile." Something I need to be aware of.
I used to buy clothes for my kids only on sales but I planned that for months and spare for it. I spared a lot with 4 kids ( boys and girls, not the same body shape).
I was very proud this year to resist to wool sales, very nice kits, but I have already enough wool for years. That was so tempting !
Only thing I need is a pair of confortable shoes to walk, but that could wait next month or the good weather, I'm using my training bike instead.
Thanks for sharing!!
This video has been really timely for me as I am doing a No Spend January, with exception of only the essentials. It has been really tough now that I am in the middle of the month being bombarded with Sales and more Sales advertising! It has been so hard to ignore it and not be tempted to buy that coat that is now 80% off even though I have a good coat and I don't need another one. So thank you for sharing this video and keeping me on track to stick to my no spend January!
You’re welcome. They don’t make it easy and have sold the buy buy buy philosophy to so many people who suck it up
I am also doing a no spend January except for food+ gas for the car. It is taking all of my will power no not order things on line, but I’ve made
It for 19 days so far. I saw an interesting idea on Utube for doing small chores : almost every time there is a tv commercial, a women gets up and does 1 chore for 4-5 minutes. I am going to try that.
You really hit the button on this one! Great advice. I am going to do some "snagging" today. Should keep me busy for the rest of the year! 😉
Glad it was helpful!
What does snagging mean?
@@judimantos904 I explained in the video.
I’ve had a good cooking month, all from stock. I have taken the raw meat out of my freezer and turned it into meals, some to eat, some to freeze. I’ve also made cake puddings for the freezer. Ice cold Yorkshire needs a hot pudding with custard!
Sounds great!
We live a no spend life, so that hasn't been a problem but this week has been so busy for me and it's doing things I dislike. It's been exhausting so I have neglected working out. I have found someone here on TH-cam that I highly recommend for someone my age and she has the best workouts.
I have decluttered and straightened up some areas of the house, so I'm feeling good about that. And I got a couple of errands run that I really didn't want to do, so I feel like the week has been productive.
One other area I've been struggling with is avoiding junk food. I've been good about it. I've avoided temptation. But it's been tough this week for that, too.
I think your advice relates to more than just not spending money unnecessarily and I needed a mid week boost and you provided that. Thanks!
You’re welcome and we must all focus on our physical and mental well being
Just yesterday I was looking online for some garden statuary, I have a new floral bed going in this Spring and of course I'm anxious to get it started... LOL. It's only January but I'm planning. I decided no...I'm going to find things around my home/garden. I actually have two small statues inside my home that I can use and I moved a few outdoor lawn decor around and I'm etching a mirror for the garden (already had the mirror) I do the same with decorating my home, I will just move things from other rooms to get a new look. As far as new year/new you... I'm definitely participating in self-care routines.... with stuff I already have on hand (way too many products that I need to work through) I've decluttered a large black trash bag yesterday of just items that should be thrown away and one box to go to charity.
Thanks for sharing
I always do no-spend January, and February too if possible. January seems to be the easiest time for me not to want to spend after the holidays are over. It's a relief not to need to buy anything.
I find it easiest too
I had a lovely morning the other day doing a job I have wanted to do for a long time . Organising my huge box of family photographs. I shut myself away in my office room upstairs with the dogs and a big mug of coffee and felt elated when I came out a couple of hours later with everything in order . A big job completed and now I can easily find the photos I am looking for .
Thanks for watching
This is a great video. It is full of very good tips and a reminder that there are many actions we can take to keep mentally healthy in the dark cold months. Thank you for creating this content.
Thanks for watching
Just what I needed today! Thank you!
You are so welcome!
Great ideas. Unfortunately when you have a farm you can't have no spend months. Never fails there is a barn leak or wind damage, tractor issues, well or pumps go down, animals need unexpected vet care, etc. We know it's 2 steps forward 3 steps back, but we're hanging in there and holding on.👩🏻🌾
I’d call those business expenses? I’d still rein back on personal spending.
In times like these, there is NO personal spending and won't be for quite a while. Every dime is for the farm to keep our heads above water. No matter the size of the farm, if we don't stay in business, people don't eat. HEAVY BURDEN (BLESSING) TO CARRY.
Terrific video…here in Australia we are lucky to be in summer in January So spend a lot of our free time at our beautiful beaches 😊
Please note that small mom and pop businesses do not make too much money in the month of January because their customers have spent everything in December. This is the hardest month for them. Please consider a trip or two to their stores to purchase something from them. Even if it is a bottle of water, cup of coffee, a quart of milk or eggs. They have their bills they need to pay also.
Wow! Have you been hiding behind my sofa? This is a great video and has given me the oomph that I need to carry on. I'm sitting watching it, coffee in hand, after sorting and organising my craft stash. Now I know what I have, I can get on with my crafting. You are such an inspiration! I'm also in the process of decluttering. You are so right about clutter and mood too. I'm already feeling better now that I have started. Please keep the wonderful videos coming. X
Glad it was helpful!
I really need to realise his Thanks very much for the help Wonderful people who have lived the trials Thanks 😊 Blessings for you I pray
Trials?
January is the best time to buy certain items.
If you don’t have them, for example, you have no clothes. There’s always sales but I never tell anyone what to do,
This is the only thing I don’t agree with many channels. January is usually the best month to spend. The sales in clothes, in the supermarket. For example this is the time to buy a car ou anything like that. I prefer do a no spend December, having everything done by November for Christmas and buy the things I need in January.
I’m always happy to be disagreed with, however like a lot of frugals, I don’t need anything. I don’t need clothes, anything for the house. Plus, in France, sales are regulated. January is fabric, clothes, bedding, bathroom towels and I don’t need anything. If you have none of those, I’d understand shopping.
I find that I spend far less in grotty weather because I don't have access to a vehicle. I have to really need something badly before I'll venture out to the shops in the cold and rain.
Good point
Thanks for another encouraging video filled with lots of great ideas. I love the 10 minute task tip--so helpful to break dreaded tasks into small manageable parts. Incidentally, I'm working on the habit of taking a brisk 10 minute walk after every meal--gets that all-important exercise in, but makes it doable rather than dreaded.
You are so welcome!
I love your channel. You keep me motivated! Thank you!🤗
Thanks so much
So far I’ve only spent 10.17 USD this month and that was on perishable food.
Thank you for the encouragement. Never heard the term "snagging/snacking" for doing old jobs. I have lots of those. Really like the idea of doing some hobbys and exercise (walks for me) to perk ourselves up. Gloomy grey days have been the norm hear lately. And, yes you are on to something about straightening, organizing & decluttering. Feels so good afterwards.
You are so welcome!
Well it's the 18th day of a "literal" no.spend month. No supermarket shopping, no.petrol, nothing. .using everything up in tge freezer abd cupboards. Lots of dog walking twice a day weather permitting. Getting all sorts of jobs done in the house but little and often... I walked through the house tonight thinking oh this is beginning to look really nice now.
Not done a no spend before but its very satisfying indeed.
Go you!
Great share, Jane. I think that the “New Year New You” theme was created by a marketing campaign, just to get you to buy a bunch of stuff in January. But I could be wrong. lol
Yep, sales ploy
During this season you really need a nice snugg in your house where you can sit cosy with some tea and an good book or nice music to listen to.
So true!
I have been catching up on my mending and sorting things out, organizing cupboards and drawers, trying new recipes and ways of cooking using ingredients I already have…Deb Gnagey
Wonderful!
I feel this, I'm having a no spend January, February and March which is tough but necessary for saving legal fee and survey money for purchasing a house etc.
You will get there
Thank you for the inspiration. I have got an hour glass that takes 9 minuites for all the sand to get through. It helps when a job seams hard to start up. I just turn the hour glass and it helps me get started.
That is awesome!
Save 50 percent on sale OR don’t buy and save 100 PERCENT.
Boom!
I agree with everything you've said.
Your so good to watch and learn from keep up your work ma'am.
Thank you 😊
Thanks very much
I watch the weather report to know when we might receive snow and how much. If I need to get a few groceries, I'll go before the storm hits. Will not leave my home in bad weather. I actually loathe shopping, therefore, I do very little. I'll look first at our one thrift store to see if they have what I need. If not, because I don't like shopping in stores, I'll place an order on line. Can't believe how much I've saved over the years by shopping this way.
Thanks very much for watching
I'm trying to concentrate on hobbies and reading to pass the evenings. I'm enjoying having a focus and motivator.
Good advice as usual. I go through my home every week and slowly reassess my needs and release anything that is not required anymore. We place unwanted items in boxes and put on the footpath for another who wants to take free. It does our soul good to be organised have have good order in our home. Thankyou
Thanks for sharing!
I watched this last night before going to sleep. You are on point and I needed to hear it too! Thank you
You are so welcome
I know exactly what you mean by being bombarded with sale offers! I had three emails in my inbox yesterday from the same company! It’s utter madness and luckily I can resist this company ! I can totally see how people get sucked in! Great video today Jane!
Thanks Heather.
Always inspired & practical with a teaching spirit. The big-sister encouragement I truly needed to stay on track today. Thank you, Jane!
You are so welcome
SNAGGING
I love this attitude. This i will implement.
Thank you for that.
You’re welcome
What is it?.
@@judimantos904 watch the video
@@judimantos904 its having a list of 10 minute projects, then SNAGGING one as time allows then happily marking it off your to do list.
My idea is different because January & July are the months in which I shop for anything I may need, a pack of heavy socks/hats, loungewear/Christmas & birthdays presents.. Especially in February /August, when prices are further reduced.. Since I tidy up my wardrobe twice a year, I have learn which are my staples ..
January is a good time to clean out closets and purge them of all the stuff you don't wear or need anymore. I also like to start planning my garden for the spring. I don't buy anything but I start putting it on paper. I love your ideas Thank you for sharing!
Thanks for sharing!!
I buy a new outfit one time for the winter months and then again for the summer. That way the wardrobe stays nice, and I can
eliminate an old worn out outfit. However, I wait until the sales in January for the winter items, and the sales after the 4th of July
in the summer for the summer sales. Recently I had my eye on a certain sweater, and it is now 70% off. That's how I keep
a fresh, but cheap in cost wardrobe. Another clothing thing: I only have enough clothes that fit in my small closet and
small dresser. I don't understand this latest fad of having closets the size of bedrooms in the US.
I find the good clothes come out at the beginning of the season and the sales is the stuff they couldn’t sell.
@@FrugalQueeninFrance : That's true sometimes, and at the end of the season some sizes are gone.
But for the most part, I've been pretty lucky.
@@bookmagicroe9553 if you’re big or small, you can get lucky, if you’re average, there’s nothing nice left
I live in the US and I don't believe how someone can have a clothes closet as big as a whole room either.
Brilliant ideas and advice Jane👍. Thank You.
You are so welcome!
Very good advice Jane! On my next video, I will be admitting to two no spend fails 😮. Only £18 worth, but still! You’re right about using January to keep busy and finish things off.
So true!
I had a good laugh when one of the ads in this video was for Tiffany's 💍, not sure the algorithm is reading us right🤣 Cheers
The algorithm is personal to you.
@@FrugalQueeninFrance Believe me it is way off, I have never bought high end goods. Retired and living on just a little over a basic pension. Your philosophy is very much one I have been trying to follow for the last 10yrs.
Thanks for clearing that up about who the algorithm is targeting, thought it was weird for a frugal channel. Absolutely love your channel.
@@bernieozzie7480 it could be your location, age, many things affect the algorithm. I watch a lot of travel vlogs, the algorithm sends me adverts for Tony Robin’s talks and holidays in Dubai. They don’t target what we watch, but predominantly our age group. Most retirees have money to spend.
Always enjoy. Learn something new every time
Glad to hear it!
Thank you Jane for such sound advice.
You are so welcome!
Great video Jane. I am currently clearing out our attic. It is currently doubling up as our bedroom whilst the next phase of the barn renovation is being worked on. Unfortunately it has just become a dumping ground. I try to do an hour a day on the clearing cleaning and declutter. I break it up into short bursts as there are plenty of other chores that need doing. I totally agree that keeping yourself active and busy stops the desire to go shopping. I have reduced quite a lot of 'stuff' that was languishing up there in the attic. I have done 2 charity shop runs with a full boot, and I didnt browse or buy anything whilst there, plus a trip to the recycling centre. 2023 is the year of the great clean up and clear out. This will include all of the outbuildings and the yard and garden. We are on a low spend year. No major projects planned. Just working through each room, finishing any job that has been started. Clearing the decks as next year we have 2 major projects to tackle, so need everything else finished in order to focus on them.
Thanks for watching
Great video! I too quilt and this no spend time I get a lot accomplished. I have also adopted the”I have enough” mind set
Wonderful!
Thanks for the reminder! Heading downstairs to get on the bike!
Have fun!
Вижу новое видео - ставлю лайк))) thank you very much 🤩
Thanks very much
Wonderful, timely and encouraging!!! 👏
I have cravings to spend around certain days of my monthly cycle. Just like any food craving , it will pass and half the battle is awareness of it! Blessings to you all 🌸
You can do it!
I think people should take advantage of after Christmas sales in January and do the no spend in February
I doubt very much they actually need anything that’s on sale and they’re just buying because it’s cheap.
I strongly agree!
Great suggestions, thanks
My pleasure!
A much needed pep talk Jane, thank you. I am doing a no spend January, which is going well, but, I find the motivation to do any chores a struggle at this time of the year. I really liked your 10 minute drawer or closet cleaning idea. Thank you again.
You can do it!
Beautiful early evening, you say it very well. great inspiration, thank you. Greetings from Czech Republic.
Morning!
Very inspirationskilde, Thank you Jane
That was meant to say: Very inspirational 😅
👍👍👍
Excellent ideas! Thank you
You are so welcome!
Hi Jane,really good advice.It’s strange,when I was younger,the summer was my favourite time of the year but now I love Autumn,winter & spring.Last summer felt too warm for me.I’m enjoying films.Doing the Jobs that need doing & every other day grooming my dogs.There’s always something to do.🙂☃️
Thanks for sharing!
Great ideas!
Glad you like them!
Hi Jane and Michael, I really enjoyed this video and I'm going to adapt the 10-minute rule per project from now on. Thanks ~ Nancy from Northern California
You are so welcome!
I have just start this year and it is proving difficult, but I have been good, but I did spend a voucher does that count🤔
A voucher doesn’t count
Going to try a no spend week every month - sounds achievable .Thankyou
I hope it works for you.
great ideas! I struggle with them all even if I am not doing a no spend or trying to do a spend less challenge.
You can do it!
I collect quilts too! How many do you have?
I dont collect them, I
Make them
Marketing and Sale Ads in January, are the worst! It's all junk, we don't need anyway!
Yep, if they couldn’t sell it before and it’s in the sale, let’s face it, it’s a load of rubbish.