Some good things for the food bank are Rice in microwave pouches Pasta in sauce in microwave pouches Really handy for people without an oven and just a microwave
My trick with impulse buying temptations is this: when I’m shopping and really want an unneeded item, I allow myself to carry it around with me for the duration of the shopping. Then right before I go to the counter, I ask myself if I really need it. I find myself gratified and clear-headed by then, and can easily let go of it. I used to do it with my children and noting the success, I adopted it.
I do this at the thrift store, by the time I'm done browsing I usually find something else I would rather have and put the first item back, if not if you double back it may be gone lol, mind you there are a few items I wish I had not put back but....
You did it with your children?? You carried your children around until you felt gratified and handed them back at the checkout???? Now there's a thought!!... hehehe....
At some point I'll be moving into my own flat (my mum died late may and I'm 23) and living on my own so I can do independent living (I have special needs), your videos (and others) has helped me start to learn how to save up. I'm on benefits and will get a full time job in a years time as I'm on a work course. Thank you for all the useful advice, it has really helped me learn how to prepared for the world of adulthood.
Oh I'm I'm so sorry to hear of your mum's death......hard enough for anyone to deal with but especially when you are young and have additional needs. Good on you for acknowledging your needs and for sharing that in a comment.....I really respect you for that. I wish you so much love and support as you transition into this new phase of your life. Never be afraid to ask for help or advice from those around you.
Thank you so much Vivi, I am aged 70yrs young and am expecting my polytunnel to arrive next week. I have started seeds etc from February and my bedroom is like a nursery! Apparently I ordered spent mushroom compost and all my tomatoes died along with some peppers, Kalettes, and various flower seeds. But you keep my spirits up, even when my body says NOOOOO! I was doing ok for a while with the frugal life but living in Scotland demands some protection for plants and I blew it on the tunnel. Of course I now have to be even more frugal and you help so much. Like you, I am challenged with various physical issues but try to work through them and am very motivated by your channel. Thank you again and keep doing what you are doing. God Bless you from Christine
I think a polytunnel is a really wise investment for where you live....yes, it is an initial layout of precious cash....but it should do you well in the long term. Have fun getting it planted up......an even more fun scoffing the produce!
My work is 4km from my home. I used to take the tram to work and back. Now, I walk there and I’m working towards walking back. Complete save on public transport 5 days a week! Winning. Bonus, lost 8 kgs in weight!
After working full time for 41years... I had to stop working because of anxiety... BUT I do three hours at my local social supermarket 👍 and three hours at a church toddler group. Gets me out and being social too. I hope to work again! I'm off to open a post office account 😃!!!!
Hi Vivi I took you advise and the last month I worked both my jobs took packed lunch every day and cooked all my meals from scratch alot of the time using what I already had in the cupboard, I managed to save £76 ,should have saved it but paid off a debt which I had since lockdown, so it proves it can be done, wondering what else I can reduce now, I have also moved back to town so next month it will save money on bus fare, I am pleased with what I have achieved so far this year, thanks to your suggestions
When I`m bored, I don`t go out shopping, I visit the fridge frequently and eat to much So if I could get rid of that bad habit, my grocery bill and weight would be much lower. Happy Easter Vivi and thank you for everything you do that inspires us.
I've been living like this for years to be honest so (at the moment at least) I am managing price rises. I am used to cutting back, saving and managing many spreadsheets to make sure that I never get into problems. Even 4 months on from your post here when things have progressed and no doubt will for a while yet. I think when you get used to budgeting and a more frugal lifestyle you stop thinking about it and it just becomes a way of life. I never feel like I am missing out although I am sure anyone looking into my life would probably be horrified.
I found what helped me most with frugality and the occasional resentment or negative feelings is to turn it into a game. Some might like to think of it like a board game or more like a sports game. Sometimes I play against marketers trying to part me and my money. Other times it’s find a new rhythm in a foot race. Sometimes it’s trying to beat my personal best. Mostly there is enough satisfaction in just winning or improving, sometimes there is a reward. Example: i want to go to the beach for a few days. How can I get what I want by thinking outside the box. I don’t have $500 for a weekend. Possibilities- 1. a friend lives at the beach but doesn’t have an extra bed. Maybe sleep in a tent in the garden? Or maybe we could switch homes for a weekend. 2. Rent out my flat for the weekend on Air B & B to pay for a camping spot and bus ticket. 3. Can’t afford a bus, train or plane - can I place an ad on a ride share to ride with someone to the beach, share gas cost with the driver plus other people? Where there is a will, there is a way.
Hi Vivi, all good sense there, and very encouraging. My mantra is 'will buying this *thing* take me closer or further way from my goal?' This works best of you have a really clear goal in your head and to help with this have a picture or photograph that sums up your goal in your purse so you are reminded all the time
Good day Vivi! I, like you, am a nurse. I physically and mentally just can't work in the field anymore. The stress and anxiety were ruining my health. So, also like you, I am trying to live very frugally so I don't have to go back to work. I understand that many people work very hard everyday and don't get to choose whether to live frugally because they really have no other choice. But I understand why you want to live like you do and we share many of the same reasons and challenges so I really love watching your videos! Inflation is proving to be quite the challenge (I am in the USA) because I didn't budget for this crazy economy. So I might end up back in the workforce at something part time and low stress. Anyway, keep up the good work and I look forward to continuing on this journey with you 😊
Thank you Laurie....ach, yes, it's a job which really takes it's toll on both the body and mind. I really hope you can find a way forward that's manageable.
I went part time in November 2021 after 38 years in nursing (last 2 years on covid unit) I just dropped another 12 hour shift every other week in April 2022. I’m so much happier mentally and physically. I’m learning to live more frugally and intentionally.
Horrified by what trolls say to you. You are very special Vivi. You help so many of us - practically, financially and emotionally. I have a piggy bank that I save £1 coins in. Building up nicely!
Thank you lovely, I appreciate that. Yay for piggy banks! I have an old bottle, one of those big, promotional ones, that I use for 1ps, 5ps and 20ps (they're small enough to fit through the neck!)......I save them up for Christmas.
This month we've spent less on groceries. We're trying to use up things we have at home. For quite some time now we only buy something if we have money in the bank for it. The exception has been tires for the car and medical that can be paid back with no interest. We do now have sinking funds set up for such things. We have made an exception to our rule this month. We pulled some money from our lower interest credit line to purchase an egg incubator and some quail eggs to hatch. This is an investment in our future for sure. We'll get eggs from the quail and meat if needed. We can sell extra eggs and chicks too. This added to my little garden that's doing really good, will ultimately cut our food expenses. So although we didn't follow the low spend plan, I feel we've made a good investment.
Sounds weird Vivi but when we were in a very poor financial way many years ago through redundancies, low pay etc It was almost a relief to sit down confront it and then plan for the future. It was bloomin hard but also rewarding and creative. I found a much simpler way to live and be grateful. I live a very full life and would not go back. 😻🙏❤️
Oh I hear you lovely......absolutely the best thing to do, confront it head on, know exactly where you stand.....and then the plan can happen. Good on you lovely.
Fantastic video. Thank you. I live very similarly to you in most parts of my life, but I drive for my self employed job. I'm very fortunate to have an allotment it's a luxury that I'm very thankful for. When I buy things I really appreciate the value. It's rare that I buy anything I don't need. But boy do I love it when I buy a treat. Everyone around me spends money like water. I love my simple life and in the most part all those people around me know we hold the key to longevity of life on limited money. If the world goes crazy it's not your CV that will save you it's how to grow an onion as my family tells me. Much love. Xxx
I am on a small Pension and Social security amount . I am now living in an assisted living apartment apartment . I really surprised myself last week when I went to the Hobby Lobby store and they were having clearance and 30% off items. I didn't buy any yarn. Bought 2 wooden crochet hooks , one was 82 cents, the other one was 87 cents. 3 packs of scented candles for My candle warmer night lights. Use them at night so I can get to other rooms easily and when I am going to cook something that will leave a lingering smell in my apartment. I know I could use a spray air freezer, but I am highly allergic to most of the sprays. I spent $12.11. Did not buy any yarns or fabrics, yeah got plenty of both and I need to use that supply up first. Also, I need to start a doctor/prescription savings when my medical insurance doesn't pay the full amount. Clothes that I have cut out few years ago need to be sewed up and don't buy . Thank you for being a great inspiration and very Happy Easter. God bless.🙏👍🌻💕
Hi, so glad I found your site! I'm a home owner and debt free now. A few things I do: use free public health, I use ebook app from local library, pay property tax/ council rates every fortnight in advance, solar panels feed back to grid and give me a credit instead of a bill, small vegie garden, reducing trips for groceries and freezing most foods (keto/carnivore so lots of meat, eggs, fish but no starch foods or processed stuff), save for holidays and fishing trips and read, BBQ with friends and do art to reduce boredom.
My credit is shot before the plan-demic I made $34 plus an hour (with perfect credit) now I make $14.10 lost everything but a roof over my head, my truck for transportation and food in the fridge so I am very thankful to my heavenly Father. I've been trying to stay faithful and give 10% of my tithe to places that help others who need help & not themselves. I have always believed that no one in any country should go hungry or homeless for I know in fact there is enough resources, but the leader's line their own pockets =) there I said it. My goal right now is just to keep my nose above water so if you hear any gurgling =) it's me. I think you're doing a fantastic job Vivi doing the best you can with what you have and trying to keep a positive mind. That word boredom I never use my mother taught me at a very young age to never use that word. Every time I used it to her, she would say "Well, there is weeds that need to be pulled, yard needs to be mowed, laundry needs to be done, vacuum the house." The next couple of hours I was busy =) I think you're a wonderful example Vivi and I wish I had that mindset before all this happened, but I think I needed some lessons to learn first. Keep your chin up!
Ach, I'm so sorry to hear things got so tough for you......but it sounds like you are strong and have a great attitude. Hahaha, I, too, never used the word boredom as a kid....for the same reason!
I changed my mindset and it has definitely helped me with my no spend low spend. You begin to realize you don't need a lot to be satisfied and happy. In fact, I feel so much happier because I'm not buying new but I'm enjoying what I do have and mending and make do. Back to basics. Great video Vivi!
Push out the food shop one more day - use up what you have and I luckily can find some garden produce too. Boredom - I am entertaining myself by beginning Christmas hand made gifts. On the downside have had to replace the toilet - always some unexpected bill. Good one Vivvy
I started with my studio clear out and continued on with my wardrobe and will end with sorting out the basement. I now have a huge pile ready for donation that will get even bigger. Oh and I also sorted out my books and have a garbage bag full to go as well! It feels really good. This exercise proved I have way more than I need for sure. Thanks for the inspiration Vivi. 🌟🙂 I start back at my volunteer job mid May working in the ornamental rose garden which is part of our botanical gardens. Can’t wait.
Yay for a jolly good clear out! I'm so glad you found it rewarding to do......hurrah for feeling lighter. 😊 And hurrah for getting back to the rose garden soon. 😀
Your the most frugal person I know and quite successful at it. Everyone can learn something from watching you, I know I have. When I was first married having left work to have a baby we were stretched each fortnight so we would pay different bills at the post office fortnightly then when the bills arrived we would still have a credit. Having goals is very important, I love the way you save to accomplish yours. I used to you a paying in book, aahh memories.
Other than essentials and gardening supplies we are sticking to a low spend plan. I plan on a few no spend month as well. Thanks for the encouragement.
I frequently go to thrift shops with my daughter and I have set a very small dollar amount for myself. I will carry that item in my cart but will put it back if I really don't need it or have space for it. I finally got my daughter to agree to eating at home on those days instead of buying lunch!
Yes I do too and shop with a list that is rarely altered... I also think is this purchase going to save me money or is it going to generate income to pay for itself? I do a bit of gardening and sewing for people , nothing vast but the income it generates has paid for equipment that makes things easier for me.
I am following my usual habits but the chimney cap blew off and we must pay to get someone to replace, We cannot get up on an icy roof at our age. My glasses frame just broke , but has a one year warranty. At this point of life, I need or want very little.
Great catch up video! I’ve stopped my “spending” since January and have 90% paid down my C/C . I’ve also been able to put moneys aside to savings and a monthly medications savings account. My frugal journey has given me so much!: confidence, mindfulness, appreciation and gratitude.
Hi Vivi, I volunteer in the warehouse of our local foodbank and have learned that most foodbanks have a baked bean mountain! Can I just give people the heads up not to donate baked beans? Our foodbank has a website and a section on there is a list of what they are currently short of, maybe worth folk checking if theirs does the same. Thank you for the vlog. Happy Easter x
Ach, yes, great point which I forgot to make! Thank you! Our local banks usually list their needs on the local facebook group pages....it's a great idea not only to avoid the bean mountain but also it can highlight needs which we may not think of.
Hi Vivi, love your chat! Living below powerty line, doesn´t mean poor, necessarily. It all depends on your circumstances. I´m not doing too bad with money these months, and that has made me not despair, due to repeated private eye dr. appts., and I needed new car tires. Talking about unneccessary spendings.. Feeling a bit under the weather today, just that darn endometriosis again, but have to hold on to my wallet, I have bingewatched Montys Gardeners world today. I have taken notes of flowers, bushes and trees I would like in my garden... Holy smokes, spring, garden centers full of temptations! Glad I have the kitchen counter full of seedlings, I plan to plant these out in the different raised beds this year, I will look for cuttings and seedlings from freecycle or at least cheap! 😂 I do have some seeds for flowers too, will start them soon as well. Sorry for a long comment, but to end this, I have to tell you about my lucky break.. Back in August of last year, I noticed that my electricity bill for July was higher than normal, I called my provider, and they said I could freeze the price per kwh at a set rate. I did, for 3 years. 👍 Little did I know what was in the cards for the future.. 😳 Btw.. I guess my first job at 15 would be up your alley.. I cleaned in a bookstore after school. And sometimes they gave me a book, if something was damaged in the package for example. I loved it. The best part was getting my salary, I didnt save a penny! 😂 I take the challenge for May, as I have to pay off the rest of those tires! I do have to get some groceries though, as I have a tiny freezer, and we already ate it almost empty during this easter.
Ach, sorry to hear you've under the weather....but hurrah for dreaming about garden time. What a great deal you got for your electricity....phew! Oh I would have LOVED that job when I was 15......a pay packet AND a book.......hahahaha....perfect!
Over the last two years , I have been putting my 'social' spending money into my jolly pot.... I don't go out often but the one night I did go out was usually a tenner , or the odd coffee with friends here and there .... I now find I have saved enough to replace my small sewing machine so I'm going for it ... similar to you , my sewing machines generate income and usually pay for themselves... This one is an 'indulgence' I am hopefully, going to enjoy for years and it will help this years challenge, making a quilt for myself rather than sewing for others ... my sewing also saves me money in home furnishing and clothing repairs. It also gives me enormous pleasure. If we actually costed this saving it adds up too.
Brilliant! I love that our investments in kit (sewing machines etc) gives us so much joy as a hobby AND can generate a bit of extra income for us........eventually it pays for itself and more. 😊
I'm in the USA, and some of our utility companies have an option to average out our payments based on the previous year's usage. works a treat but you do have that 'adjustment' month to make up the difference if your usage or the price has gone up... I have several of my bills on this kind of plan. I also discovered many years ago that if I don't shop, I don't want. I've found during the pandemic that I reduce my grocery bill by shopping online... less impulse buying when I'm not at the store! I understand that as a former bookshop manager you want to buy books, but I am a former librarian... got you beat for frugal there! 😅
Hahaha.....I did used to use my library but it closed.....the nearest one now is a £3.30 bus ride away. Besides.....I think of my books as supporting the charities I buy them from.....so it's a good compromise. 😉
It's funny about the boredom because I've been thinking of stuff I want lately, haven't succumbed yet, apart from books. I find the saddest thing is the unfairness with electricity meters, the people that have a pay as you go meter have to pay more for it, I find that very wrong. Same with bedroom tax, the poor are really hammered in this country lately.
I always donate long life milks and condiments to the collection points. They sometimes leave lists to say what they are low on. I've not been too bad with spending this month, no takeaways, but I have bought a heated airer for when my heating goes off.
Here is the US, you can prepay your mortgage anytime you want. I thought you meant mailing deposits at the post office. I didn't realize you can use the PO like a literal teller. That is pretty cool. My sister and I started a savings program. We list $1-$100 and we put those amounts away. You can do one at a time or multiple. Some people call it envelope savings, I don't, it just goes into my savings. It works and once complete it is a pretty nice amount. You just put whatever amount you have away. That really helps me. You have made a good point with the food bank donations to be mindful of the cost of cooking. That's really a good idea.
Good on you for making your own savings scheme, however you do it the important things is you're doing it! It's great that you can overpay mortgages any time.
Good morning x hope you had a good Easter weekend. Yes lovely that you share and help us, with your learned skills. Thank! You. 💕 Much appreciated. Much needed. In these financial times, I am trying to eat less meat, buy less junk, maintain better quality of life. Health and minimalism. I'm trying x so here we go. Best food forward x
Hi Vivi, great topic today, I really needed to hear it. I think I've been suffering a little bit from frugal fatigue, along with just generally feeling challenged by all the events and changes of the last 2.5 years. Your idea to set some challenges is a brilliant one. They say one of the keys to happiness is changing things up now and then and not getting too stuck in "same same" every day. Take care luvvy, big hugs from us in Oz. xxx
We always do averaging with utilities. No water bill , since on well. Same monthly averaging for home insurance, car insurance . My food, gas, and anything else has a set amount and that is it.
Your channel is not about poverty, it's about living the life you want on your terms. At least in my eyes. I wish we could overpay on our mortgage but there's a steep fee no matter when you do so. But we did manage to pay off the bank loan of 200+K (dkk) in just a few months after moving in by focusing on it and selling everything we could. Even billing is wonderful. We used to have that but we can't in the house. So we just got a (small) refund instead of a bill for the next three months because we used way less electricity than they estimated and all the money we had put aside for that bill will now pay most of the fee to make the electricity meter thing safe, which is sorely needed. I spent some of my fun money on raised beds this year!
Yay for your fun fund proving the raised beds......you're a lass after my own heart! Such a shame that companies 'fine' you for over paying or early paying your debt.....ugh!
@@WhatVivididnext It sucks, but at least we got in at 0,5% interest. And it does allow us to funnel more money into the garden and renovations somewhat guilt-free.
I pay a set rate for my electricity like you do for fuel. It really helps not having any surprise high bill and just pay a steady amount. My guilty money habit was going to thrift stores weekly. I have completely cut them off since January. And I've been donating and selling all my extra stuff. And a funny thing has happened during these months.....my emotional attachment to stuff has changed. I can let go now.
Saving... yes... What is this running you talk of? 🤔 How far on a train for a tenner... 😬... the end of the platform! ☹️ Just read the daily cap on the underground is now something like £14.50!! 🥺 We have lots in cupboards and we are using things up as I don't want to box up lots of food for our anticipatedove. 👍 I am now regularly being asked to write a volunteering reference for people I know so that organisations needing volunteers get the right ones for what their needs are. 👍
I see being frugal as a challenge- I've had to be frugal most of my life, and am still learning from listening to you and reading people's comments... Although I understand your rational behind shorter cooking times, cooking your own beans and chickpeas is much cheaper. Either in a pressure cooker (20mins)- 40 mins on a stove and a few hours in a home made hay chest... (or on the fireplace if you're lucky!) You take what you need and freeze (or bottle) the rest... I guess everyone is different, and what works for one won't work for everyone... While 3 tins of beans will give a family of 6 one meal, the same price in dried beans will give them several meals...
I agree for me and my cooking but in this instance I was thinking of folk who are relying on donated food and may have little to no money left for actually cooking the food.
USA - Our food bank serves families who live in their car. That limits the kinds of food they give them. We also have kids in working poor families that might not qualify for free government food programs. The kids get a backpack 🎒 filled with food for the kids in the family each day at school. The food has to be food the kids can prepare, some as young as 6/7.
Hi Vivi, I love the Beyond Frugal series- they are really helpful especially in these financially difficult times. I am really looking forward to the hair and beauty one!
My friend and I used to go to a posh area of town and have £5 as a budget each and go charity shop shopping to see how much we could get. Great fun to go home and examine each others purchases. Re Foodbanks - I volunteer at one. Please no more beans! But sanitary ware products, washing up liquid and quick cook foods like pasta and rice pouches. Tip for saving when cooking - go for one pot meals like risotto/ pasta cooked in the sauce/curry and naan bread etc.
Ach, yes, great point about what to donate to the food banks which I forgot to make! Thank you! Our local banks usually list their needs on the local facebook group pages....it's a great idea not only to avoid the bean mountain but also it can highlight needs which we may not think of.
Catch up time. Love it. I turn my no spend time into productive catch up on those jobs that I have been putting off for whatever reason. When not spending money I am spending time at home. Plenty more time to be at home doing catch up jobs.😃👍
Good for you vivi , all advice is good advice, you shouldn’t have to justify yourself, the encouragement is what we all need I also had a thought about the fit mind fifty club , we could incorporate some of the good knew habits into our list . Xxxxxxx
Happy Easter Vivi🐣 good video thank you. Your tips really help me. I have been frugal most of my life but since retirement it has been extreme but ok, would rather have the freedom than money!
Hi Vivi Manage to save £150. In my sinking fund so far. In my business savings account I’ve managed £25 so far. Sorted out business insurance and breakdown cover at a good price. Gone through all my outgoings and I even opened an ISA and started putting money in that. Debt is looking good and feeling positive about it. I have my money envelope system which has been so helpful. It really makes me think before I spend. Thinking quality over quantity. If I need something I shop my home or charity shop first. Definitely enjoying frugal living and feeling positive and healthier for it. Love your video and it was a good chat with you. Hope you had a wonderful Easter weekend xx Big hugs 🤗 xx
In Central NY. My electric bill is on a budget plan, too. That way you don't get a shocker bill in the winter. Reduced my weekly spending budget (gas, food, etc)By 10% and added that to my savings. Have a lovely Easter. Hope it's warmer than here, we had a little snow shower this morning.
Yes Martin Lewis suggests sitting in bed with an electric blanket on at 3p per day rather than heat the whole house. My oil for heating went up more than £150 since February.......AAAAARRRRGGGHHH!
In my experience growing up beans were shunned. As an adult, I embraced them and cooked them so that are more enjoyable and flavorful like curries, chili, and stews. Over the pandemic, I have picked up so many tins and bags of beans, rice, pasta, etc. Food that came from a food bank. My family, friends and co-workers have all benefited and enjoyed the meals I've made with the various goods. I think it depends on the person. Now I need to make a Chickpea Curry🤤 I'm so excited for the new challenge. So many different things to do and try! Volunteer at your local animal shelter. They need the help more than ever.
I have done ok up to now this year viv with your help and advice of course and if i do buy a treat i am so looking forwards to going to the charity shop xx
Good evening vivi, thanks to low spend videos I have been able to branch out and become a real writer. This is something that I have trained for and have wanted to do since I was a child. I reduced my bills low enough that I don't need the insane amount of income every month that I did before. Additionally, I stumbled upon the greatest opportunity to just write. So I can work at 3:00 o'clock in the morning, when my insomnia kicks in as it often does, and I can sleep until noon if I want to make up for that insomnia. I feel very fortunate. Thank you. Also, I don't have time to be bored. I'm too busy writing.
I wish i could save but having several dogs and we are all electric here as we live in a rural area my money soon goes. I buy books using vouchers that i earn through completing online surveys so that is my treat.
I watched a woman talk about she had many sources of income, none large. But each source paid for an expense. If she wanted something new, she found a source of income to pay for it. An example is to maintain a car, she rents it out by the hour, 1/2 day and day. Her electric was covered by her solar system. She gardens like Viv and keeps bees 🐝 and chickens for 🥚. She sometimes sells the extra eggs and honey to pay for her gardening and water. She gets most of her water from harvesting rainfall. She teaches at University 2 days a week (part time), 8 months of the year for cash needs.
Good chat with some great tips. I have definitely spent less this year and any purchases have been thought out and not impulsive. I have managed to complete an unfinished craft project each month and have sold some of my decluttered objects on eBay. That money is being set aside for some day trips later in the year.
I'm on a level payment plan for my gas and electric but the company sets that rate right now I have a credit but I'm sure come winter time that will be raised we have what they call a catch up billing twice a year if they underestimated our amount we pay the difference. I like the budget billing but sometimes they lower me so much I'd rather have credit then owe them twice a year it doesn't happen in the summer but in the winter I usually owe them something extra. I live on Social Security only so I have it set up that I pay my car and house insurance monthly. The first thing I do when my social security check hits the bank is put 200 straight into savings make sure all my bills are deducted and that is what I have to live on for the month and I divide that by four or five weeks I get paid the third Wednesday so twice a year I have 5 weeks in between my check but that is what I allow myself to spend on food and groceries so if week one I don't spend my allowed money I take out less the next week if I have an extra expense the third week I usually go back and take money that I saved previously most months I have a little extra in the bank and I will transfer that to savings when my next Social Security is deposited. I've been doing this for almost two and a half years and it works for me. I have a small car payment of $187 a month but luckily my mortgage is paid for and I have low real estate taxes. I really don't need more stuff in my house or clothing but what I do buy is at thrift stores or garage sales. I read a lot and I get my books at the local library if they do not have what I want they can get books anywhere in Illinois that is in their system at no cost to me if they want to get me a book out of state that will cost me a shipping fee but I don't do that
Hi vivi Good video as always I love listening to you I’m only buying reduced food and have not spent this year I’m trying a no spend year I’d like to buy a green house at some point Hopefully next year but need to look into prices and styles first Have a good Easter weekend xx🐣💛🐣💛
Good on you lovely.....I hope you are able to set some of that saved money aside so you can get your dream greenhouse......which will be a really great investment for your future food production.
Great video i'm currently out of work but my partner has just got a new job so we have had to be very frugal in our spending, we had to do it 30yrs ago when we first got a house as the interest rates were at 15% so we did everything to save money and just kept on with itxx
Wait - "best interest rate"? In Germany at the moment we're lucky if we get 0% and don't have to pay for the bank to take care of our money... 😏 Great video, Vivi! I watch your beyond frugal videos whenever I feel tempted to splurge, just to remind myself that curbing my spending is just the logical, intelligent thing to do... 😉
Ach, all our interest rates are below 1% too.......almost not worth considering....unless, of course, you have thousands to save......which, hahaha, is none of us!
Hello Vivi. I am tucking away for a move back into my home which is being worked on after a disaster, in hopes to replace some of what was lost and leave my daughter some of what I saved for putting me up thru all this time. Thank you for sharing how you have done it thru out your life, much appreciated. 😉💗💗💗
Hi Vivi just wanted to say thanks for all your great ideas and I can only admire your resilience and determination. I also have a question about TH-cam advertising which you may be able to shed some light on. My understanding is ( possibly I’m altogether wrong) that if I allow the adds to play out you gain a payment from YT…don’t worry this is not a gripe….I always allow all the adds to play out so you can hopefully 🤞get some revenue from my enjoyment. Just lately I’ve noticed that at the end of each add, there is a huge time gap which prompts the viewer to ‘skip adds’ I wait and wait until, at last, the next add or you appear. My concern is that sometimes I’ve ‘had’ to press the ‘skip add’ to move the silence on….Q, do you loose revenue because of this? Also I’m concerned this is happening to others and that you are loosing out financially. Sorry that was a bit long winded but I like the world to play fair 😆
Ugh....I hate those long time gap things! Unfortunately I have no control over the content or the length of ads.......that's why I make all of mine 'skipable' (that's the only bit I can control). I believe that if 30 seconds are watched then the creator gets something.....but I don't know for certain. I would rather people skip and enjoy watching rather than get frustrated with the ads and turn off altogether! Thank you so much for your thought in asking about it.
Charity shops around my area are really good for books they have a £1 stand for some books so i like to treat myself to one book a month from the £1 stand :D
Yea same up here in scotland some charity shops are getting expensive but so glad i found the £1 book stand its not masses of books but its always worth a look and seeing what they have that week :D
Thanks for the shot in the arm (booster), I definitely needed that!!! Keep up the good work, you helped me reset my thoughts, I appreciate you, have a blessed day 😊 🙏
No books? Haven’t you got libraries there? We have lovely Free Little Libraries sprinkled throughout the States as well. Banking at the Post Office? That is new to me. I’ll be you could get some books free via Facebook Marketplace or such.
I do have a library but it's a bus ride away so would cost more than picking up a book at a local charity shop. Hahaha......the truth is, I have plenty of unread books on my shelves so I really don't need to buy any this year! But it's so hard. 😉
Love your ideas for the food bank! Good ones! You have a great way of coming up with so many ideas, and it has given me a lot of food for thought. I think that often it is easy to get stuck into our status quo, but it is nice to re-evaluate from time to time. I just did some re-thinking about a purchase I was thinking about for a few days, and decided against it. But it is nice to really think about things actually. There are a few things I am thinking of selling too. No time for any of that right now, but I mull things over a bit while I work.
Sadly not anymore. Our old library closed......it's now run as a volunteer library/community centre.....but there is no inter-library loaning system now and the books are all donated and not what I'm after. But......but....it is a wonderful thing to have in the community for those that are using it.....and for all the arts and crafting events and workshops they offer.
hi l am sure this has been said in the past, but libraries can get get new books, for free as long as you have an email address. my friend volunteers for two hours a week. she works hard in those two hours but also buys from there, she also gets £10 each Christmas to spend in the shop. also get to meet people, which is only a good thing
Some good things for the food bank are
Rice in microwave pouches
Pasta in sauce in microwave pouches
Really handy for people without an oven and just a microwave
Absolutely!
My trick with impulse buying temptations is this: when I’m shopping and really want an unneeded item, I allow myself to carry it around with me for the duration of the shopping. Then right before I go to the counter, I ask myself if I really need it. I find myself gratified and clear-headed by then, and can easily let go of it. I used to do it with my children and noting the success, I adopted it.
I do this at the thrift store, by the time I'm done browsing I usually find something else I would rather have and put the first item back, if not if you double back it may be gone lol, mind you there are a few items I wish I had not put back but....
Yay, good on you lovely....whatever you find works is great!
I used to do that, now I generally put things in my "save for later" basket on Amazon.
You did it with your children?? You carried your children around until you felt gratified and handed them back at the checkout???? Now there's a thought!!... hehehe....
At some point I'll be moving into my own flat (my mum died late may and I'm 23) and living on my own so I can do independent living (I have special needs), your videos (and others) has helped me start to learn how to save up. I'm on benefits and will get a full time job in a years time as I'm on a work course. Thank you for all the useful advice, it has really helped me learn how to prepared for the world of adulthood.
Oh I'm I'm so sorry to hear of your mum's death......hard enough for anyone to deal with but especially when you are young and have additional needs. Good on you for acknowledging your needs and for sharing that in a comment.....I really respect you for that. I wish you so much love and support as you transition into this new phase of your life. Never be afraid to ask for help or advice from those around you.
Thank you so much Vivi, I am aged 70yrs young and am expecting my polytunnel to arrive next week. I have started seeds etc from February and my bedroom is like a nursery! Apparently I ordered spent mushroom compost and all my tomatoes died along with some peppers, Kalettes, and various flower seeds. But you keep my spirits up, even when my body says NOOOOO!
I was doing ok for a while with the frugal life but living in Scotland demands some protection for plants and I blew it on the tunnel. Of course I now have to be even more frugal and you help so much.
Like you, I am challenged with various physical issues but try to work through them and am very motivated by your channel.
Thank you again and keep doing what you are doing.
God Bless you from Christine
I think a polytunnel is a really wise investment for where you live....yes, it is an initial layout of precious cash....but it should do you well in the long term. Have fun getting it planted up......an even more fun scoffing the produce!
My work is 4km from my home. I used to take the tram to work and back. Now, I walk there and I’m working towards walking back. Complete save on public transport 5 days a week! Winning. Bonus, lost 8 kgs in weight!
Yay! Good on you lovely!
After working full time for 41years... I had to stop working because of anxiety... BUT I do three hours at my local social supermarket 👍 and three hours at a church toddler group. Gets me out and being social too. I hope to work again! I'm off to open a post office account 😃!!!!
That's amazing and inspiring. My life is overshadowed by anxiety too.
Good on you lovely! That sounds like the best sort of self-care.....and you're looking forward too. X
Hi Vivi I took you advise and the last month I worked both my jobs took packed lunch every day and cooked all my meals from scratch alot of the time using what I already had in the cupboard, I managed to save £76 ,should have saved it but paid off a debt which I had since lockdown, so it proves it can be done, wondering what else I can reduce now, I have also moved back to town so next month it will save money on bus fare, I am pleased with what I have achieved so far this year, thanks to your suggestions
Brilliant! Well done! I did this some years ago but don't forget to build in a treat for yourself in the budget!
That's fantastic - good on you lovely!!! It must feel so good to be tackling that debt accumulated during lockdown......keep it up!
When I`m bored, I don`t go out shopping, I visit the fridge frequently and eat to much So if I could get rid of that bad habit, my grocery bill and weight would be much lower. Happy Easter Vivi and thank you for everything you do that inspires us.
Ach, yes, I think this is a common problem with boredom and a tough habit to break......I hope you can devise ways to manage it.
I've been living like this for years to be honest so (at the moment at least) I am managing price rises. I am used to cutting back, saving and managing many spreadsheets to make sure that I never get into problems. Even 4 months on from your post here when things have progressed and no doubt will for a while yet. I think when you get used to budgeting and a more frugal lifestyle you stop thinking about it and it just becomes a way of life. I never feel like I am missing out although I am sure anyone looking into my life would probably be horrified.
Exactly!!!! I think the same......some folk don't understand and pity me.....hahaha.....but I'm so happy for the most part!
I found what helped me most with frugality and the occasional resentment or negative feelings is to turn it into a game. Some might like to think of it like a board game or more like a sports game. Sometimes I play against marketers trying to part me and my money. Other times it’s find a new rhythm in a foot race. Sometimes it’s trying to beat my personal best. Mostly there is enough satisfaction in just winning or improving, sometimes there is a reward.
Example: i want to go to the beach for a few days. How can I get what I want by thinking outside the box. I don’t have $500 for a weekend.
Possibilities-
1. a friend lives at the beach but doesn’t have an extra bed. Maybe sleep in a tent in the garden? Or maybe we could switch homes for a weekend.
2. Rent out my flat for the weekend on Air B & B to pay for a camping spot and bus ticket.
3. Can’t afford a bus, train or plane - can I place an ad on a ride share to ride with someone to the beach, share gas cost with the driver plus other people?
Where there is a will, there is a way.
Exactly!!!! Good on you lovely. 😀
Hi Vivi, all good sense there, and very encouraging.
My mantra is 'will buying this *thing* take me closer or further way from my goal?'
This works best of you have a really clear goal in your head and to help with this have a picture or photograph that sums up your goal in your purse so you are reminded all the time
Absolutely....the clear goal is really important! 😊
Good day Vivi! I, like you, am a nurse. I physically and mentally just can't work in the field anymore. The stress and anxiety were ruining my health. So, also like you, I am trying to live very frugally so I don't have to go back to work. I understand that many people work very hard everyday and don't get to choose whether to live frugally because they really have no other choice. But I understand why you want to live like you do and we share many of the same reasons and challenges so I really love watching your videos! Inflation is proving to be quite the challenge (I am in the USA) because I didn't budget for this crazy economy. So I might end up back in the workforce at something part time and low stress. Anyway, keep up the good work and I look forward to continuing on this journey with you 😊
Thank you Laurie....ach, yes, it's a job which really takes it's toll on both the body and mind. I really hope you can find a way forward that's manageable.
I went part time in November 2021 after 38 years in nursing (last 2 years on covid unit) I just dropped another 12 hour shift every other week in April 2022. I’m so much happier mentally and physically. I’m learning to live more frugally and intentionally.
@@maryannrogers8675 That's wonderful Mary Ann. 😊
Horrified by what trolls say to you. You are very special Vivi. You help so many of us - practically, financially and emotionally.
I have a piggy bank that I save £1 coins in. Building up nicely!
Thank you lovely, I appreciate that. Yay for piggy banks! I have an old bottle, one of those big, promotional ones, that I use for 1ps, 5ps and 20ps (they're small enough to fit through the neck!)......I save them up for Christmas.
This month we've spent less on groceries. We're trying to use up things we have at home. For quite some time now we only buy something if we have money in the bank for it. The exception has been tires for the car and medical that can be paid back with no interest. We do now have sinking funds set up for such things. We have made an exception to our rule this month. We pulled some money from our lower interest credit line to purchase an egg incubator and some quail eggs to hatch.
This is an investment in our future for sure. We'll get eggs from the quail and meat if needed. We can sell extra eggs and chicks too.
This added to my little garden that's doing really good, will ultimately cut our food expenses. So although we didn't follow the low spend plan, I feel we've made a good investment.
Good on you lovely.....a bit of a home enterprise can be a really great thing! Have fun raising your birds. 😊
Sounds weird Vivi but when we were in a very poor financial way many years ago through redundancies, low pay etc It was almost a relief to sit down confront it and then plan for the future. It was bloomin hard but also rewarding and creative. I found a much simpler way to live and be grateful. I live a very full life and would not go back. 😻🙏❤️
Oh I hear you lovely......absolutely the best thing to do, confront it head on, know exactly where you stand.....and then the plan can happen. Good on you lovely.
Fantastic video. Thank you. I live very similarly to you in most parts of my life, but I drive for my self employed job. I'm very fortunate to have an allotment it's a luxury that I'm very thankful for. When I buy things I really appreciate the value. It's rare that I buy anything I don't need. But boy do I love it when I buy a treat. Everyone around me spends money like water. I love my simple life and in the most part all those people around me know we hold the key to longevity of life on limited money. If the world goes crazy it's not your CV that will save you it's how to grow an onion as my family tells me. Much love. Xxx
Exactly! Hahaha, good on you lovely!
I am on a small Pension and Social security amount . I am now living in an assisted living apartment apartment . I really surprised myself last week when I went to the Hobby Lobby store and they were having clearance and 30% off items. I didn't buy any yarn. Bought 2 wooden crochet hooks , one was 82 cents, the other one was 87 cents. 3 packs of scented candles for
My candle warmer night lights. Use them at night so I can get to other rooms easily and when I am going to cook something that will leave a lingering smell in my apartment. I know I could use a spray air freezer, but I am highly allergic to most of the sprays. I spent $12.11. Did not buy any yarns or fabrics, yeah got plenty of both and I need to use that supply up first. Also, I need to start a doctor/prescription savings when my medical insurance doesn't pay the full amount. Clothes that I have cut out few years ago need to be sewed up and don't buy . Thank you for being a great inspiration and very Happy Easter. God bless.🙏👍🌻💕
Yay, good on you lovely.......gosh, it must have been so tempting to splurge in the sale!
Hi, so glad I found your site! I'm a home owner and debt free now. A few things I do: use free public health, I use ebook app from local library, pay property tax/ council rates every fortnight in advance, solar panels feed back to grid and give me a credit instead of a bill, small vegie garden, reducing trips for groceries and freezing most foods (keto/carnivore so lots of meat, eggs, fish but no starch foods or processed stuff), save for holidays and fishing trips and read, BBQ with friends and do art to reduce boredom.
Thank you so much Helen....and a very warm welcome to you here!
My credit is shot before the plan-demic I made $34 plus an hour (with perfect credit) now I make $14.10 lost everything but a roof over my head, my truck for transportation and food in the fridge so I am very thankful to my heavenly Father. I've been trying to stay faithful and give 10% of my tithe to places that help others who need help & not themselves. I have always believed that no one in any country should go hungry or homeless for I know in fact there is enough resources, but the leader's line their own pockets =) there I said it. My goal right now is just to keep my nose above water so if you hear any gurgling =) it's me. I think you're doing a fantastic job Vivi doing the best you can with what you have and trying to keep a positive mind. That word boredom I never use my mother taught me at a very young age to never use that word. Every time I used it to her, she would say "Well, there is weeds that need to be pulled, yard needs to be mowed, laundry needs to be done, vacuum the house." The next couple of hours I was busy =) I think you're a wonderful example Vivi and I wish I had that mindset before all this happened, but I think I needed some lessons to learn first. Keep your chin up!
Ach, I'm so sorry to hear things got so tough for you......but it sounds like you are strong and have a great attitude. Hahaha, I, too, never used the word boredom as a kid....for the same reason!
I changed my mindset and it has definitely helped me with my no spend low spend. You begin to realize you don't need a lot to be satisfied and happy. In fact, I feel so much happier because I'm not buying new but I'm enjoying what I do have and mending and make do. Back to basics. Great video Vivi!
Yay, good on you lovely!
Push out the food shop one more day - use up what you have and I luckily can find some garden produce too.
Boredom - I am entertaining myself by beginning Christmas hand made gifts.
On the downside have had to replace the toilet - always some unexpected bill.
Good one Vivvy
Ugh.......how annoying re the loo.....I hope you can get it sorted for a reasonable price!
I started with my studio clear out and continued on with my wardrobe and will end with sorting out the basement. I now have a huge pile ready for donation that will get even bigger. Oh and I also sorted out my books and have a garbage bag full to go as well! It feels really good. This exercise proved I have way more than I need for sure. Thanks for the inspiration Vivi. 🌟🙂 I start back at my volunteer job mid May working in the ornamental rose garden which is part of our botanical gardens. Can’t wait.
Yay for a jolly good clear out! I'm so glad you found it rewarding to do......hurrah for feeling lighter. 😊 And hurrah for getting back to the rose garden soon. 😀
I found doing your grocery shopping one day later every week helps cut out a weeks shopping without noticing.
Good stuff lovely.
Your the most frugal person I know and quite successful at it. Everyone can learn something from watching you, I know I have. When I was first married having left work to have a baby we were stretched each fortnight so we would pay different bills at the post office fortnightly then when the bills arrived we would still have a credit. Having goals is very important, I love the way you save to accomplish yours. I used to you a paying in book, aahh memories.
Cheers lovely. Hahaha, the little paying in book has made me inordinately happy. 😉
Other than essentials and gardening supplies we are sticking to a low spend plan. I plan on a few no spend month as well. Thanks for the encouragement.
Good on you lovely....and good luck!
I frequently go to thrift shops with my daughter and I have set a very small dollar amount for myself. I will carry that item in my cart but will put it back if I really don't need it or have space for it. I finally got my daughter to agree to eating at home on those days instead of buying lunch!
Yay, good on you lovely.
When i feel impulsive to buy something I think how many hours did I need to work to buy this, works very well for me x
Yes I do too and shop with a list that is rarely altered... I also think is this purchase going to save me money or is it going to generate income to pay for itself? I do a bit of gardening and sewing for people , nothing vast but the income it generates has paid for equipment that makes things easier for me.
Absolutely!!! I know folk use this method with dieting too.....how many hours would I have to do in the gym to burn off these calories?!
I am following my usual habits but the chimney cap blew off and we must pay to get someone to replace, We cannot get up on an icy roof at our age. My glasses frame just broke , but has a one year warranty. At this point of life, I need or want very little.
Ugh....why is it that things always break at the same time! I hope you can get the chimney sorted without too much bother.
Great catch up video! I’ve stopped my “spending” since January and have 90% paid down my C/C . I’ve also been able to put moneys aside to savings and a monthly medications savings account. My frugal journey has given me so much!: confidence, mindfulness, appreciation and gratitude.
That's fantastic....so many wins!!! Good on you lovely!
Hi Vivi, I volunteer in the warehouse of our local foodbank and have learned that most foodbanks have a baked bean mountain! Can I just give people the heads up not to donate baked beans? Our foodbank has a website and a section on there is a list of what they are currently short of, maybe worth folk checking if theirs does the same. Thank you for the vlog. Happy Easter x
Ach, yes, great point which I forgot to make! Thank you! Our local banks usually list their needs on the local facebook group pages....it's a great idea not only to avoid the bean mountain but also it can highlight needs which we may not think of.
@@WhatVivididnext very true. I am definitely going to donate foodstuffs that are quick to cook too, what a good idea of yours!
Hi Vivi, love your chat! Living below powerty line, doesn´t mean poor, necessarily. It all depends on your circumstances. I´m not doing too bad with money these months, and that has made me not despair, due to repeated private eye dr. appts., and I needed new car tires. Talking about unneccessary spendings.. Feeling a bit under the weather today, just that darn endometriosis again, but have to hold on to my wallet, I have bingewatched Montys Gardeners world today. I have taken notes of flowers, bushes and trees I would like in my garden... Holy smokes, spring, garden centers full of temptations! Glad I have the kitchen counter full of seedlings, I plan to plant these out in the different raised beds this year, I will look for cuttings and seedlings from freecycle or at least cheap! 😂 I do have some seeds for flowers too, will start them soon as well. Sorry for a long comment, but to end this, I have to tell you about my lucky break.. Back in August of last year, I noticed that my electricity bill for July was higher than normal, I called my provider, and they said I could freeze the price per kwh at a set rate. I did, for 3 years. 👍 Little did I know what was in the cards for the future.. 😳 Btw.. I guess my first job at 15 would be up your alley.. I cleaned in a bookstore after school. And sometimes they gave me a book, if something was damaged in the package for example. I loved it. The best part was getting my salary, I didnt save a penny! 😂 I take the challenge for May, as I have to pay off the rest of those tires! I do have to get some groceries though, as I have a tiny freezer, and we already ate it almost empty during this easter.
Ach, sorry to hear you've under the weather....but hurrah for dreaming about garden time. What a great deal you got for your electricity....phew! Oh I would have LOVED that job when I was 15......a pay packet AND a book.......hahahaha....perfect!
Over the last two years , I have been putting my 'social' spending money into my jolly pot.... I don't go out often but the one night I did go out was usually a tenner , or the odd coffee with friends here and there .... I now find I have saved enough to replace my small sewing machine so I'm going for it ... similar to you , my sewing machines generate income and usually pay for themselves... This one is an 'indulgence' I am hopefully, going to enjoy for years and it will help this years challenge, making a quilt for myself rather than sewing for others ... my sewing also saves me money in home furnishing and clothing repairs. It also gives me enormous pleasure. If we actually costed this saving it adds up too.
Brilliant! I love that our investments in kit (sewing machines etc) gives us so much joy as a hobby AND can generate a bit of extra income for us........eventually it pays for itself and more. 😊
I'm in the USA, and some of our utility companies have an option to average out our payments based on the previous year's usage. works a treat but you do have that 'adjustment' month to make up the difference if your usage or the price has gone up... I have several of my bills on this kind of plan. I also discovered many years ago that if I don't shop, I don't want. I've found during the pandemic that I reduce my grocery bill by shopping online... less impulse buying when I'm not at the store! I understand that as a former bookshop manager you want to buy books, but I am a former librarian... got you beat for frugal there! 😅
Hahaha.....I did used to use my library but it closed.....the nearest one now is a £3.30 bus ride away. Besides.....I think of my books as supporting the charities I buy them from.....so it's a good compromise. 😉
It's funny about the boredom because I've been thinking of stuff I want lately, haven't succumbed yet, apart from books.
I find the saddest thing is the unfairness with electricity meters, the people that have a pay as you go meter have to pay more for it, I find that very wrong. Same with bedroom tax, the poor are really hammered in this country lately.
Ugh, exactly.......it breaks my heart and makes me angry at the same time. 😢
Thankyou Vivi for your inspiring ideas, the greatest of which is your overwhelming generosity of spirit. Xx
Oh thank you so much Janine, you're so kind.
I always donate long life milks and condiments to the collection points. They sometimes leave lists to say what they are low on.
I've not been too bad with spending this month, no takeaways, but I have bought a heated airer for when my heating goes off.
The heated airer is a sensible investment....far cheaper than turning all the heating on just to dry a load of laundry!
Here is the US, you can prepay your mortgage anytime you want. I thought you meant mailing deposits at the post office. I didn't realize you can use the PO like a literal teller. That is pretty cool. My sister and I started a savings program. We list $1-$100 and we put those amounts away. You can do one at a time or multiple. Some people call it envelope savings, I don't, it just goes into my savings. It works and once complete it is a pretty nice amount. You just put whatever amount you have away. That really helps me. You have made a good point with the food bank donations to be mindful of the cost of cooking. That's really a good idea.
Good on you for making your own savings scheme, however you do it the important things is you're doing it! It's great that you can overpay mortgages any time.
Good morning x hope you had a good Easter weekend. Yes lovely that you share and help us, with your learned skills. Thank! You. 💕 Much appreciated. Much needed. In these financial times, I am trying to eat less meat, buy less junk, maintain better quality of life. Health and minimalism. I'm trying x so here we go. Best food forward x
Good on you lovely....and good luck!
Hi Vivi, great topic today, I really needed to hear it. I think I've been suffering a little bit from frugal fatigue, along with just generally feeling challenged by all the events and changes of the last 2.5 years.
Your idea to set some challenges is a brilliant one. They say one of the keys to happiness is changing things up now and then and not getting too stuck in "same same" every day.
Take care luvvy, big hugs from us in Oz. xxx
Thank you lovely.....and happy challenges! Yes, I think it's really important to shake things up every now and again.......keep ourselves on our toes!
We always do averaging with utilities. No water bill , since on well. Same monthly averaging for home insurance, car insurance . My food, gas, and anything else has a set amount and that is it.
That's great.....I find it really makes budgeting easier.
I Love your idea about quick cooking foods.
Thank you lovely......I'm just imagining families who really don't have a single penny spare for cooking. It breaks my heart.
Your channel is not about poverty, it's about living the life you want on your terms. At least in my eyes.
I wish we could overpay on our mortgage but there's a steep fee no matter when you do so. But we did manage to pay off the bank loan of 200+K (dkk) in just a few months after moving in by focusing on it and selling everything we could.
Even billing is wonderful. We used to have that but we can't in the house. So we just got a (small) refund instead of a bill for the next three months because we used way less electricity than they estimated and all the money we had put aside for that bill will now pay most of the fee to make the electricity meter thing safe, which is sorely needed.
I spent some of my fun money on raised beds this year!
Yay for your fun fund proving the raised beds......you're a lass after my own heart! Such a shame that companies 'fine' you for over paying or early paying your debt.....ugh!
@@WhatVivididnext It sucks, but at least we got in at 0,5% interest. And it does allow us to funnel more money into the garden and renovations somewhat guilt-free.
I pay a set rate for my electricity like you do for fuel. It really helps not having any surprise high bill and just pay a steady amount.
My guilty money habit was going to thrift stores weekly. I have completely cut them off since January. And I've been donating and selling all my extra stuff.
And a funny thing has happened during these months.....my emotional attachment to stuff has changed. I can let go now.
Oh this is great, good on you lovely! Win, win! 😀
Saving... yes... What is this running you talk of? 🤔 How far on a train for a tenner... 😬... the end of the platform! ☹️ Just read the daily cap on the underground is now something like £14.50!! 🥺 We have lots in cupboards and we are using things up as I don't want to box up lots of food for our anticipatedove. 👍 I am now regularly being asked to write a volunteering reference for people I know so that organisations needing volunteers get the right ones for what their needs are. 👍
Oh my goodness, I had no idea the daily cap was so high!!!! Ugh, so much for a day out in town!
I see being frugal as a challenge- I've had to be frugal most of my life, and am still learning from listening to you and reading people's comments...
Although I understand your rational behind shorter cooking times, cooking your own beans and chickpeas is much cheaper. Either in a pressure cooker (20mins)- 40 mins on a stove and a few hours in a home made hay chest... (or on the fireplace if you're lucky!)
You take what you need and freeze (or bottle) the rest... I guess everyone is different, and what works for one won't work for everyone...
While 3 tins of beans will give a family of 6 one meal, the same price in dried beans will give them several meals...
I agree for me and my cooking but in this instance I was thinking of folk who are relying on donated food and may have little to no money left for actually cooking the food.
USA - Our food bank serves families who live in their car. That limits the kinds of food they give them. We also have kids in working poor families that might not qualify for free government food programs. The kids get a backpack 🎒 filled with food for the kids in the family each day at school. The food has to be food the kids can prepare, some as young as 6/7.
I've just done a ' clutterbust'
Feel so much better!!
Yay, good on you lovely!
Hi Vivi, I love the Beyond Frugal series- they are really helpful especially in these financially difficult times. I am really looking forward to the hair and beauty one!
Thank you so much Amanda.
Great idea to donate no cook or low cook items to the food bank! I am going to start that this week!
Yay, good on you lovely. 😊
I’m buying no books, I’m going to the library and really enjoying that. Thanks Vivi
Yay, good on you lovely.
My friend and I used to go to a posh area of town and have £5 as a budget each and go charity shop shopping to see how much we could get. Great fun to go home and examine each others purchases.
Re Foodbanks - I volunteer at one. Please no more beans! But sanitary ware products, washing up liquid and quick cook foods like pasta and rice pouches.
Tip for saving when cooking - go for one pot meals like risotto/ pasta cooked in the sauce/curry and naan bread etc.
Ach, yes, great point about what to donate to the food banks which I forgot to make! Thank you! Our local banks usually list their needs on the local facebook group pages....it's a great idea not only to avoid the bean mountain but also it can highlight needs which we may not think of.
Yeah been waiting all weekend ❤❤❤ time to relax with Vivi x
Aww, thank you lovely.
Catch up time. Love it. I turn my no spend time into productive catch up on those jobs that I have been putting off for whatever reason. When not spending money I am spending time at home. Plenty more time to be at home doing catch up jobs.😃👍
Yay, good on you! 😊
Good for you vivi , all advice is good advice, you shouldn’t have to justify yourself, the encouragement is what we all need I also had a thought about the fit mind fifty club , we could incorporate some of the good knew habits into our list . Xxxxxxx
Hear, hear! Thank you lovely.
Happy Easter Vivi🐣 good video thank you. Your tips really help me. I have been frugal most of my life but since retirement it has been extreme but ok, would rather have the freedom than money!
Three cheers to the freedom over money! So long as we can make it work it's all good!
Hi Vivi
Manage to save £150. In my sinking fund so far.
In my business savings account I’ve managed £25 so far.
Sorted out business insurance and breakdown cover at a good price.
Gone through all my outgoings and I even opened an ISA and started putting money in that.
Debt is looking good and feeling positive about it.
I have my money envelope system which has been so helpful. It really makes me think before I spend.
Thinking quality over quantity. If I need something I shop my home or charity shop first.
Definitely enjoying frugal living and feeling positive and healthier for it.
Love your video and it was a good chat with you.
Hope you had a wonderful Easter weekend xx
Big hugs 🤗 xx
Yay! You're on it!!! Good on you.
In Central NY. My electric bill is on a budget plan, too. That way you don't get a shocker bill in the winter.
Reduced my weekly spending budget (gas, food, etc)By 10% and added that to my savings.
Have a lovely Easter. Hope it's warmer than here, we had a little snow shower this morning.
Yay, good on you for getting things down by 10%.......and for setting those savings aside!
I did this last month. No food shopping for a month. It helped me see just how much I use in a month.
Good on you lovely. 😊
Yes Martin Lewis suggests sitting in bed with an electric blanket on at 3p per day rather than heat the whole house.
My oil for heating went up more than £150 since February.......AAAAARRRRGGGHHH!
A heated throw is more useful than an electric blanket. You can use it wherever you happen to be seated....be that work, or leisure 😊
Oh my goodness....such a steep rise! Yes, Martin and his team have made some really useful suggestions.
In my experience growing up beans were shunned. As an adult, I embraced them and cooked them so that are more enjoyable and flavorful like curries, chili, and stews. Over the pandemic, I have picked up so many tins and bags of beans, rice, pasta, etc. Food that came from a food bank. My family, friends and co-workers have all benefited and enjoyed the meals I've made with the various goods. I think it depends on the person. Now I need to make a Chickpea Curry🤤
I'm so excited for the new challenge. So many different things to do and try! Volunteer at your local animal shelter. They need the help more than ever.
I'd love to volunteer at an animal shelter.......to give the dogs cuddles and walks......sadly it's too far away to make it viable for me.
Love your ideas on boredom that is filled with people’s (and my own) indiscretionary spending, eating, and all the vices. Lol.
Hahaha...yes, I think we can all identify with this on some level!
I have done ok up to now this year viv with your help and advice of course and if i do buy a treat i am so looking forwards to going to the charity shop xx
Good on you lovely......keep it up!
Good evening vivi, thanks to low spend videos I have been able to branch out and become a real writer. This is something that I have trained for and have wanted to do since I was a child. I reduced my bills low enough that I don't need the insane amount of income every month that I did before. Additionally, I stumbled upon the greatest opportunity to just write. So I can work at 3:00 o'clock in the morning, when my insomnia kicks in as it often does, and I can sleep until noon if I want to make up for that insomnia. I feel very fortunate. Thank you. Also, I don't have time to be bored. I'm too busy writing.
That's wonderful! 😊
I love your channel...very informative and uplifting❣
Thank you so much Valerie. 😊
istead of keep filling the kettle have a flask of hot water for your coffee or tea
Yes i do that every morning now.
Absolutely. I don't tend to drink hot drinks so I'm OK on this one.
I wish i could save but having several dogs and we are all electric here as we live in a rural area my money soon goes. I buy books using vouchers that i earn through completing online surveys so that is my treat.
Oh what a great way to get your treat! Good on you lovely.
I watched a woman talk about she had many sources of income, none large. But each source paid for an expense. If she wanted something new, she found a source of income to pay for it. An example is to maintain a car, she rents it out by the hour, 1/2 day and day. Her electric was covered by her solar system. She gardens like Viv and keeps bees 🐝 and chickens for 🥚. She sometimes sells the extra eggs and honey to pay for her gardening and water. She gets most of her water from harvesting rainfall. She teaches at University 2 days a week (part time), 8 months of the year for cash needs.
Good chat with some great tips. I have definitely spent less this year and any purchases have been thought out and not impulsive. I have managed to complete an unfinished craft project each month and have sold some of my decluttered objects on eBay. That money is being set aside for some day trips later in the year.
Oh that's great, good on you lovely!
I'm on a level payment plan for my gas and electric but the company sets that rate right now I have a credit but I'm sure come winter time that will be raised we have what they call a catch up billing twice a year if they underestimated our amount we pay the difference. I like the budget billing but sometimes they lower me so much I'd rather have credit then owe them twice a year it doesn't happen in the summer but in the winter I usually owe them something extra. I live on Social Security only so I have it set up that I pay my car and house insurance monthly. The first thing I do when my social security check hits the bank is put 200 straight into savings make sure all my bills are deducted and that is what I have to live on for the month and I divide that by four or five weeks I get paid the third Wednesday so twice a year I have 5 weeks in between my check but that is what I allow myself to spend on food and groceries so if week one I don't spend my allowed money I take out less the next week if I have an extra expense the third week I usually go back and take money that I saved previously most months I have a little extra in the bank and I will transfer that to savings when my next Social Security is deposited. I've been doing this for almost two and a half years and it works for me. I have a small car payment of $187 a month but luckily my mortgage is paid for and I have low real estate taxes. I really don't need more stuff in my house or clothing but what I do buy is at thrift stores or garage sales. I read a lot and I get my books at the local library if they do not have what I want they can get books anywhere in Illinois that is in their system at no cost to me if they want to get me a book out of state that will cost me a shipping fee but I don't do that
Good on you lovely. It sounds like you budget and manage your limited, fixed income really well. Yay for free books to keep us happy! 😊
Great vlog, Vivi. Lots of good advice and tips.
Thank you Coral.
Thank you for this series. It is so very helpful.
Thank you so much Sherri, I'm glad you find it so.
Hi vivi
Good video as always
I love listening to you
I’m only buying reduced food and have not spent this year
I’m trying a no spend year
I’d like to buy a green house at some point
Hopefully next year but need to look into prices and styles first
Have a good Easter weekend xx🐣💛🐣💛
Good on you lovely.....I hope you are able to set some of that saved money aside so you can get your dream greenhouse......which will be a really great investment for your future food production.
Yes the price of green houses is quite high
But I’m hopeful to buy one xx
Good advice Vivi especially now in these challenging times. Happy Easter lovely! x
Thank you lovely.
instead of having the elecrity on during the day we will be keeping it off unless it was too cold
I think many of us will be doing the same.
Great video i'm currently out of work but my partner has just got a new job so we have had to be very frugal in our spending, we had to do it 30yrs ago when we first got a house as the interest rates were at 15% so we did everything to save money and just kept on with itxx
Yay for the new job.......and your frugal practice over the years. You'll be grand. 😊
@@WhatVivididnext Thank you it helps not having a mortgage or debts or credit cards as we don't believe in themxx
Happy Easter Vivi,,xx
Thank you Sandra, you too.
Enjoyed our time together. No need to answer my comment, just thought I would say hello and boost TH-cam counters. 😍
Awww, thank you lovely! 😊
Wait - "best interest rate"? In Germany at the moment we're lucky if we get 0% and don't have to pay for the bank to take care of our money... 😏
Great video, Vivi! I watch your beyond frugal videos whenever I feel tempted to splurge, just to remind myself that curbing my spending is just the logical, intelligent thing to do... 😉
Ach, all our interest rates are below 1% too.......almost not worth considering....unless, of course, you have thousands to save......which, hahaha, is none of us!
Hello Vivi. I am tucking away for a move back into my home which is being worked on after a disaster, in hopes to replace some of what was lost and leave my daughter some of what I saved for putting me up thru all this time. Thank you for sharing how you have done it thru out your life, much appreciated. 😉💗💗💗
Oh good luck with it all! X
HappyEaster....Vivi good advice .
Thank you lovely.
Hi Vivi just wanted to say thanks for all your great ideas and I can only admire your resilience and determination.
I also have a question about TH-cam advertising which you may be able to shed some light on. My understanding is ( possibly I’m altogether wrong) that if I allow the adds to play out you gain a payment from YT…don’t worry this is not a gripe….I always allow all the adds to play out so you can hopefully 🤞get some revenue from my enjoyment. Just lately I’ve noticed that at the end of each add, there is a huge time gap which prompts the viewer to ‘skip adds’ I wait and wait until, at last, the next add or you appear. My concern is that sometimes I’ve ‘had’ to press the ‘skip add’ to move the silence on….Q, do you loose revenue because of this? Also I’m concerned this is happening to others and that you are loosing out financially. Sorry that was a bit long winded but I like the world to play fair 😆
Ugh....I hate those long time gap things! Unfortunately I have no control over the content or the length of ads.......that's why I make all of mine 'skipable' (that's the only bit I can control). I believe that if 30 seconds are watched then the creator gets something.....but I don't know for certain. I would rather people skip and enjoy watching rather than get frustrated with the ads and turn off altogether! Thank you so much for your thought in asking about it.
in the 90s i was shaing a flat we cooked for ourselves i had to choose fron a tin of beans and a pachet of ten ciggarettes
I hope you chose the beans!
Cheap cigarettes. Tin of beans 50 cents, pack of cigarettes $1
Loving this video Vivi.Stay well.x
Thank you Corrinne. 😊
Hiya Vivi, Thankyou for sharing. Hope all is well, Happy Easter 🐣. Blessings luv Ontario Canada 🐝
Thank you lovely. Yes, all's well here. 😊
Charity shops around my area are really good for books they have a £1 stand for some books so i like to treat myself to one book a month from the £1 stand :D
Yay...the best kind of treat! The charity shops near me have all gone a bit expensive....the £1 book is a thing of the past!
Yea same up here in scotland some charity shops are getting expensive but so glad i found the £1 book stand its not masses of books but its always worth a look and seeing what they have that week :D
Thanks for the shot in the arm (booster), I definitely needed that!!! Keep up the good work, you helped me reset my thoughts, I appreciate you, have a blessed day 😊 🙏
Awww, thank you so much Charlyne, I really appreciate that.
buying a takeaway is expensive better to make your own and save money
Absolutely!
I do take in what you’re chats 😊🌸
Thank you lovely.
No books? Haven’t you got libraries there? We have lovely Free Little Libraries sprinkled throughout the States as well.
Banking at the Post Office? That is new to me. I’ll be you could get some books free via Facebook Marketplace or such.
I do have a library but it's a bus ride away so would cost more than picking up a book at a local charity shop. Hahaha......the truth is, I have plenty of unread books on my shelves so I really don't need to buy any this year! But it's so hard. 😉
Love your ideas for the food bank! Good ones! You have a great way of coming up with so many ideas, and it has given me a lot of food for thought. I think that often it is easy to get stuck into our status quo, but it is nice to re-evaluate from time to time. I just did some re-thinking about a purchase I was thinking about for a few days, and decided against it. But it is nice to really think about things actually. There are a few things I am thinking of selling too. No time for any of that right now, but I mull things over a bit while I work.
God on you for giving yourself some thinking time about that purchase. 😊
@@WhatVivididnext 🥰 Thank YOU, Vivi.
Is it a need or a want? Can I eat it or is it water to drink if not it's not a need.
Hear, hear! 😊
i will be cluttering and giving things away because we need room
Good on you lovely.
people could buy a big hoodie to keep warm
I found a hoodie at the local charity shop. It's so cozy and it has pockets! 🤩🤪
I love my hoodies!
good video
Thank you Caroline.
buy cosy slippers
Or two pairs of socks. 😉
ii used to have a post office in 1980 i saved sixty pounds
That was a big chunk of money back then!
Do you have a library near you?
Sadly not anymore. Our old library closed......it's now run as a volunteer library/community centre.....but there is no inter-library loaning system now and the books are all donated and not what I'm after. But......but....it is a wonderful thing to have in the community for those that are using it.....and for all the arts and crafting events and workshops they offer.
@@WhatVivididnext how sad, seems to be happening a lot, all down to cut backs 😔
That would a good treat, bus fare to and from the library 📚.
i find premium bonds good
Oh my goodness, I didn't know you could still get them! I'll have to check them out, thank you.
You get them on line the least you can buy is £25 which gives you 25 bonds.
😊😊😊
Thank you lovely. X
hi l am sure this has been said in the past, but libraries can get get new books, for free as long as you have an email address. my friend volunteers for two hours a week. she works hard in those two hours but also buys from there, she also gets £10 each Christmas to spend in the shop. also get to meet people, which is only a good thing
Oh I love that she gets a 'thank you' in the form of that £10 to spend....yay for all volunteers!
👍👍👍
Thank you Sophia.
😊❤️👍🌷
Thank you Kathy.