I was a child of 1960. Parents and 4 children. We were dirt poor. We lived below the poverty line my first 12 years of life. We paid the mortgage and gas to get to work, anything after that was hit or miss. My first piece of new clothing I was 8yrs old from my gma. My father worked full time and my mom watched neighborhood kids, sold Avon and worked almost full time as a waitress. We collected bottles on the side of a busy road, 2 pennies each, hoping to get enough for milk or bread or eggs. Sometimes we got lucky sometimes no. We missed a lot of meals. My father due to pride forbade a food bank or any government help. Eventually through hard work and education, we rose out of poverty by age 12. My mom watched the budget and our pennies. That was when you could buy things for 1 penny. I always had a budget. But by the time I was 32, married with a 2 mo. Old I became a frugality professional. Then an advanced frugality professional. I’m still learning and I am amazed at what some people can do with money and yet still live a good, fulfilling frugal life.
My grandma taught me well, how to look after every penny. She wouldn’t waste anything and my grandad would mend anything and everything to avoid having to buy new. They weren’t tight scrooges they were just wise, very wise. I really needed some curtains for my kitchen so I sorted through my scraps of leftover fabrics and made some postage stamp curtains. I’m so thrilled with them and they cost me nothing but the thread and lining that I already had.
I have been binge watching your channel and I am so grateful for the reminders you have given me from my childhood. I grew up in the early 60's and have been through a couple of recessions but frugality is more important to me now more than ever. Thank you so much for your help to guide me through the next important years
My sister keeps a bunch of small containers to put left over veggies daily - then puts them in the freezer. Once a week( usually on Wednesday) she makes soup.
Great video! I’m a 60’s child too and I remember my mum “cooking the books” as she called it. Every pay day she would sit down and work out where every last penny was going to go. Things were so tight that she used to “ borrow from Peter to pay Paul” at times but always paid the mortgage. She would say keep the roof over your head and the rest can wait for a while. I also remember my brother and I eating our evening meal but mum not eating at all. She would tell us that she’d already eaten but looking back I now know why she got so thin. 😢The only food waste in our home was the vegetable peelings and we didn’t really waste them. We had a kind of scrubland behind our house where the local farmer kept pigs so we used to feed it to them. The farmer saw us doing it once and returned the favour by giving us swedes that he would grow to feed the sheep through the winter. I’ll tell you now that’s been many a life saver for us and I love swede still. In later years my aunt started a savings club for Christmas and holidays. We would meet up every Sunday and pay our money in and have a lovely catch up at the same time. It was fantastic having that money back on the last Sunday of November and know that Christmas was already paid for and I still do that now. I’ve saved since the 1st fri of dec last year and it’s more than covered all my Christmas including the food! There will even be a little left over to start me on next years savings. It’s given me a lovely warm, Christmasy glow! Thank you for all you and Mike do to share so much of yourselves with us. I for 1 really appreciate you. Hugs from Wales. 😘😘
I grew up the same way. My grandparents were frugal (but lived a rich life), my parents were, my husband and I are, my children are, and their children are being raised the same way. We live careful, but fulfilling lives. I can still hear my dad yelling,"Were you born in a barn? Shut the door!".
My mother had a little saying that was so true it went. Put a bit away for the rainy day for the sun wont all ways shine and your best best friend is your pocket in the end so all ways put a little bit by.
Speaking as an American, we are in trouble, as a whole. Spoiled and without care or wit. I was raised poor and have always been frugal. We have been stocking up for years and forgo vacations and extras to be ahead if anything goes awry. I'm much more appreciative of a clean, warm home and meal than all the extras.
Thankyou for all your frugal videos Jane, I was born in 1943 so frugality comes as standard with us. Sadly the family just roll their eyes at us. Keep the videos coming as there is always something new we can learn.
Many people will become frugal out of necessity, some will continue in their ways. We are spoiled, some have been taught to be helpless in our rich, easy society. Hopefully, we are doing our best. Thank you for your contribution in teaching frugality. 😊
I have been moderate in my spending my whole life, but hadn't written a budget until I found this channel. I saved a bit but wasn't focused and I was a bit haphazard. When the Covid lock downs began is when I became more conscious of living more frugally and realized I needed a budget and that's when I found this channel. It has taken me probably almost 2 years to get to grips with budgeting but I have to say that because I started almost 2 years ago and got things in order and started sinking funds, I am in a much better place to weather the current financial weather in which we find ourselves. So a big thank you to you and Mike!
We went to the library every weekend when I was a child. It was free. We all loved to read. I think it is easier to save money if you are a bit of an introvert. I think I would have a harder time controlling my spending if I was more extroverted and out and about all the time.
Thanks Jane. I remember my brother having knee patches on his trousers & my grandad had tins in the kitchen which he divided his wage up into. People use snazzy envelopes/binders now. Budget in the good times for the bad times my Nan used to say to me.🤗💐💐
We grew up in the US to parents born during the depression years, so they grew up without a lot of things and that life experience stayed with them into the future. Of my parents 4 children, I am the only one that picked up all the frugal genes. We are debt free, well funded retirement account and savings account growing by the month. My brothers are all struggling to stay out of bill collectors sights and unable to retire because they lack the stability in their funds. And yet they are still spending like we are in the good times. I have used your videos to expand my knowledge of budgeting and frugal living, and I greatly thank you and Michael for that. I will come out of these rough patches better prepared for the next one, and we all know there will be a next one.
Our life is always evolving on our frugal journey Jane. The creaky floorboard going into the kitchen was the telltale for mum to shout out do not dream of opening the kitchen door you had enough at dinner lol, thanks Jane for reminding me we always thought mum had eyes in the back of her head obviously it was the old floorboards that alerted her 😀 😄 😉.
I was brought up by my grandmother who for many years we lived from her pension so learnt loads of frugal tips and habits. I am grateful everyday for the lessons learned even though at the time it was hard feeling like the poor kid.
Thank you Jane and Mike, I have been frugal throughout my life with a few exceptions, with higher prices we are in good shape for we planned ahead. Two of my three children are frugal, one is bowing to the wife. I watch every episode to stay focused, appreciate you.
I grew up the same. Close the doors, turn the lights off, don't waste the water etc. Great reminders to take with us once we became adults and had to pay our own bills. Frugality has helped me tremendously to reach my goals and be able to tighten the budget when needed, especially approaching retirement now in this economic climate. Great video!!
'Look after the pennies and the pounds look after themselves'....... 'Make do and mend'........ just two of the many gems of advice that came from my grandparents to me as I was growing up. great video guys thank you M x
I grocery shop at two stores in the same mall and pat myself on the back whenever I manage to save many dollars through carefully selecting items that are on sale or low priced.
I started the journey of beeing carefull with money to beeing frugal in the beginning of this year. I just prepared the forcast of the coming year and I'm stressfree and happy. I don't miss out , just do things different. It all started by watching Dave Ramsey . And now I'm always looking forward to your posts. They are very hands on .
Ma'am, you have described my great grandparent's, my grandparent's, and my parents too a tee. Thankfully it rubbed off and describes my family and our household Thank you for the trip down memory lane. Best regards and GOD BLESS YOU AND YOURS.
Frugal living equals freedom! Freedom from worry and stress about having enough money. It’s very stressful not to be in control of your finances. When emergencies happen, you are ready. No one is immune from emergencies! Thank you for such a positive spin on the good that will come forward from these leaner times. I so agree! We will come through stronger!!!
I was stunned tonight watching you. I am the same age with the same family history. I had the same conversation with my three grown sons this week. Thankfully they listen, save and pay into private pensions. All three live at home,knowing it is the only way to save for a deposit for their own homes.
@FrugalQueeninFrance exactly we love walking the dog and I do think to get through this you have to be active to keep positive. My husband and I say we will re-evaluate in 2 years . I have a hairdressing shop and my lease will be up for renewal next year I have decided to renew for 3 years then decide as il be 58 then but will still work . That will be a 5 year plan when we will be 60 .
I was born in the mid 50’s and don’t remember a time of pulling back but was definitely was by parents of post WWII so they were frugal. As I got older I realized that money was probably very tight but wasn’t spoken about. One December my Dad had come home with a bouncy horse on springs he had found by the side of the road. He spent weeks sanding and painting and replacing springs and when it showed up Christmas morning for my baby brother it was just beautiful. It wasn’t until years later I realized they didn’t have money to buy all the the things we wanted but we always had what we needed. I never knew we were poorer than others but times are different. I find myself now pulling on the memories of my parents frugally that I never truly understood before.
Absolutely it is a taught skill through generations. And needs to get taught forward. My kids are also taught to keep the earth clean. We will go to stores and they will pick up any garbage or recycle on our way through the packing lot. They get pretty upset about the laziness of people leaving garbage too.
Ah the way people use to get their wages. I remember my Dad bringing home his wages in a little brown envelope every week. He would pass it to my Mum who would take out the rent money, bills and shopping money. Im a child of the 80’s and teens in the 90s. Life certainly was different back then
Great video Jane and Mike. Since all this started I have said more than once that this may lead to a turning point for people. Having dealt with the stress of the price rises and struggled to learn how to be frugal people will surely see the benefits of frugality and will hopefully continue to be frugal as we move out of the recession . People will realise you can’t live beyond your means without ending up in trouble. Children will be made to learn that they can’t have everything.
One tip that helped me was always fill the gas tank every payday even if you only need 5 or 6 gallons! You won’t believe the peace of mind that gives you always knowing you have had to get to work, the pharmacy and the grocers. Plus you don’t have a huge hit when the tank is low!
Good video. When that jam, peanut butter jar was empty, we scraped it out w/a spatula. Then, Mom added warm water to it, shook it up good and used that flavored water in our oatmeal the next day.
I was cooking Turkey today in preparation for Thanksgiving. I bought a whole Turkey breast and after cooking it, Still had some meat attached to the bones. Normally, I would have thrown out the carcass and not bothered with it. However, I remembered I had carrots, celery, potatoe, and onion that needed to be used. So, now , I have the carcass in the soup pot and will be making Turkey soup this afternoon.
This is a fantastic informative vlog. You have made so many points that apply to so many people in the current situation. You speak very wisely so lets hope more people subscribe to your channel to learn how to survive in this hard time. Love to you & Mike❤
Great video Jane. Now is definitely the time to be frugal. I think it’s something that should be taught in school, along with cookery, sewing, and woodwork! Showing my age now, not sure they still have those lessons😅 Of my two grownup sons, one is excellent with money, other one not so much. Babysat on Saturday, and went round turning off every upstairs light when they left. Old habits die hard! Thanks to you both for sharing your tips. Take care.
We can teach maths but teaching frugality would involve giving an opinion on a way of life. I can assure you as a retired teacher, parents would be angry in some cases.
With the dire straits of the NHS I've been thinking about how we could help as individuals. My Mum's generation were far more aware of home remedies - sadly I didn't learn them from her. They'd save so many visits to A & E. I remember, in the mid 50s, Mum made a poultice (from kitchen staples such as mustard, bicarb etc) and put it on a lesion (a boil?) on the back of my Dad's neck. It drew the thing instantly, he shot across the room and called her all the names under the Sun! She just stoon with the pad of cotton in her hand and said calmly " Well it worked didn't it?" I imagine that US families still retain the knowledge of these remedies because their GP visits are so expensive.
Southern US here. Sadly, more don’t know home remedies than do. Even the use of OTCs to prevent secondary infections from viruses such as the common cold, is lost on most folks I know. I seem to be an oddity in only going once per year most years for a checkup only.
I was born in the 1950s when fixing things was just part of life. Today, fixing things is still the way to go but only if they can be fixed. Many items can't be taken apart and cars these days need far more than a spanner and a screwdriver. Getting the spare part of whatever item you're mending can also be a lottery. So many parts are no longer available and in some cases the spare part is more expensive than buying a completely new piece of equipment. Last year our 14 year old Meile dishwasher required a new water pump and it was cheaper to buy a new LG dishwasher than simply replace the water pump. I am a 'Frugal' and do everything you're talking about today and the world requires more of us. Thanks Jane and Mike.
I did the same and paid off my 30 year mortgage in 16 years. It is a liberating feeling when you accomplish this. I am now able to pay my insurances semi annually which is saving me even more money. Good Luck with reaching your goal! You will get there!
I took a long trip down memory lane with this video as I grew up in same time period with very frugal parents. I can recall that whenever my parents spoke of difficult times in their lives they always had a smile on their faces. I think they were very proud they accomplished as much as they did on so very little.
Good vid Jane. I have always tried to live within means as my parents and grand parents did. Gramp used to have side hussels to get extra cash. He had a growing family in the late 1920s and had to move to find work. Gran used to help him with some of the extra jobs as well as keeping the home going. They always paid cash and I am trying to get back to that partly to keep cash going for all those who can not pay by card but also it is eye opening to see how quickly it can go from your hands. It really makes you think about what you are spending.
oh what a marvellous video,I remember shaking the sauce bottle ,switching off the lights keeping the door closed.When I first married and we were married 50 years this year my Mother started me in a christmas club and also a shoe club.We were careful but happy no debts no spending willy nilly but we loved our lives and each other .
I can still remember my Mom ironing on patches to cover the holes in the knees of our pants. My Dad worked 2 jobs, we never went out to eat, my Mom cooked dinner every night.
Im just sat here with my receipt from our shopping, working out the weeks/2 weeks meals plan, so I can prep, slow cook, freeze some meals, dehydrate onions and celery etc for stocks, etc. A bit back to face, but shelves are being stripped of certain products here in Norfolk, so we look at prices for meat, veggies etc, and buy best prices and plan afterwards! By prepping though I can ensure no waste and lots of meals. I too am a 60’s babe, grew up to eat up leftovers, reuse, recycle etc. Just oven cooking some sausages and then putting a slow cooker sausage and bean casserole for tonight’s dinner. Carrot peelings are dried and powdered for adding to stews, potato peelings are dried and added to the woodburner so soot is broken down, old sheets are used as backings for drawstring bags, other sewing projects. Men’s shirts I use to make tubes for shopping bags or tights, the cuffs make neat little cable bags, bottom of the shirt is elasticated round waist to be popped under a jumper to cover your bum when in leggings, jars kept for dried and powdered foodstuffs. Cat food left over is popped out for hedgehogs or birds.
I do enjoy the creativity of being frugal. I find my cooking is a lot more interesting when I have to really think about using the ingredients I have. I learned how to preserve during lock down turned the back garden all into raised beds for vegetable and fruit growing got a dehydrator and a pressure canner but I tend to water bath everything as per le parfait. This morning I got 5 trays of dehydrated citrus slices out (to be used to decorate the wreath and Christmas presents and for slices to go on fire lighters that I make. I saved the vegetable cooking water yesterday left in the slow cooker over night to intensify the flavours and it’s now in glass jars in the water bath for 60 mins. Yesterday I made washing up liquid for the first time and it is amazing and an entire bottle is about 3p I’ve made laundry liquid and fabric softener that works incredible well. I used to spend about £6 a week on washing liquid and fabric softener but for about £10 I made a years worth. I started it out of interest but the thing with being frugal is start it when times are plentiful get in the habit so that when times are tighter it’s not such a shock and you can still live well. I’m a full time student and my son started university in September. £3k a term for student halls was quite a hit but having such a good pantry and store cupboards meant we didn’t have to do food shopping each week in-fact since September I think I have only done 2 very small food shops. We haven’t felt as if we have gone without. Being frugal gives you choices. But not only that because we prepared so well there we can also carry on helping others who are in need we don’t have to stop because our budget is tighter as we have an abundance to share.
It sounds as tho' you've learnt some great skills. What do you dehydrate? I've borrowed a dehydrator for a month and am excited to try it out :) Is washing up liquid easy to make?
Thank you for your honest and very informative video. So true on all points. There was an item on the news (Netherlands) this morning that there is a noticeable growth in having clothes mended (or reshaped) and sale of related crafts. It is happening as you predicted. Debt used to be a bad word, feared. If you needed money (as in to feed the family) you physically had to go to the pawn shop or a private moneylender. Debt now is invisible to the outside world. I think that creates a larger problem.Makes it easier in my opinion because there is no ''shame' involved. I am not saying to feel ashamed to feed your family like my great grandmother had to do many times, I just find it hard to get my head around people maxing out their credit cards on fun frivolities. Its Black Friday here (the whole week). Loved your video a while back on retailers (and their folders/adverts) just out for your money.. Thin k of it every time I see a BF commercial! No BF purchases here. M.
Wow! You described my life growing up so well...except my parents were savers and always managed to save something. My grandparents were born at the turn of the century...from 1896--1904. They lived through WW1, the boon of the '20's, and raised children through the Great Depression and then WW11. They enjoyed the boon of the '50's and '60's. They weathered the '70's just fine. My last living grandparent retired from the post office, where she'd worked for 28 years (with only 6 days off during that whole time, while she was in the hospital. The first day out of the hospital, she was back at work.) When she retired, she had more money than ever before, and had a very comfortable lifestyle after that. I think she paid off the tab she'd had with a local grocery store...since the 1930's. That tab was how she lived and raised children through the '30's and '40's. She died in '91, so she weathered massive boons and busts. My grandparents were all VERY frugal, but also managed to buy their homes, put food on the table, raise their children, and save at least a bit--even during the leanest of times...well, maybe not during the Great Depression. One great uncle was a millionaire, even through the Great Depression, because his money was not tied up in the stock market. He was a restaurateur and fine Arts dealer during that time, and catered to others who did not lose their money. My mother said that when he came to town, he would give her $5. To her, on the happiness scale, it was like being given $5000. My parents were born 1928 and 1930. So, they grew up in the Great Depression and WW11. Frugality was built into their bones as well. They got married in 1950, so they were able to enjoy the boon of the '50's and '60's, as well as we did as children. In the '70's, as a teenager, I didn't feel the slight bust as I'm sure my parents did. My parents were definitely savers and investors, as they were able to put 4 children through college on a cash basis. They really were frugal and they really did save! When my dad retired, my step-mom still worked as a teacher. They were fine. Both mom and dad, plus step-mom managed to live through books and busts. This is too long for me to go into my boons and busts. None on them were as severe as the ones my parents and grandparents survived. They were all frugal, resilient and resourceful. Now, that's built into my bones. I mend, save, use up the last drop of things, fix everything I can, challenge myself to see how long I can make things last (sewing machine bought 2nd hand in '75, but it was a 1966 model. Still works and microwave that lasted 27 years. It still worked but condensation caused a hole all the way through to metal. The next one lasted only 3 years.) I've worn clothes until they were almost embarrassingly worn, and that, after repairs...the same with shoes, handbags, hats, etc. Thanks for posting this vid.
My Mum could make a silk purse out of a pigs lughole! She was so talented I haven't inherited her amazing talent but I sewed clothes for my children and enjoyed doing it, my forte was knitting and crochet but I still sewed my eldest daughter can sew and has learned to crochet (her mother in law taught her.) My eldest step daughter brings buttons and repair jobs to me to do! So we have a mix of can and can't do it's. Lol
Me, I did Jane, and that is why and how I 😮can manage the changes that we are all feeling at the present time but we live in a time now that we do throw away clothes and food because It is cheaper than it ever was when we were young, great vid as always, keep safe.
I think it's a good lesson for people to learn now about not wasting and taking it forward. Even after we get through this economically trying time, it's good for people to pick up the habit of not wasting because of climate change and the fact that we're running out of space for landfills, etc. I remember my mother sitting in the evening watching tv, the only one we had, darning socks or knitting. I agree, many people will turn to frugality.
Another great blog guys. I think your right, being frugal is a mind set. I always look for the most economical way of doing everything. All my friends have just been given my Christmas gift of Home made door wreaths. Besides the time they took, the actual layout was a fiver each. The shop/florist price £35/45 for the same thing. Does it appear frugal or mean to my friends. No they loved them.
Thank you for the video. Growing up there was 6 kids and only my dad worked until us kids were older. Somehow my parents made it work. We didn’t have extras and certainly didn’t waste. I find myself doing things differently to help cut down on costs. My guys used to get clean clothes in every day and clean pjs at night. Now I check them after taking them off and they will wear them another day if they can. Sweater and socks and shoes are on. My one guy won’t keep them on. Tonight I put a throw blanket on him while watching his movie upstairs. Not sure if he is keeping it on. Our upstairs is so cold in the winter.
I’m a 60’S girl aswell. I’m 1 of 6 children. My dad would say switch the light of not lighting the street.😂 we grew up dad would take foraging and l still do it now. Mum use to unplull jumper and make another one. We were 6 kids and our neighbour had 10 children. And my mum was really good friends and they use past things over the fence to help each other out. And we were brought up to save money aswell. Love the beautiful robin in your vlog.
Born in the late 1970 I can follow every word, the time for frugality is now! I have seen it, Grew up with it and I am very glad I did, because frugality is a habit/ behavior so it doesn't feel so difficult to me. Iearnt so many different skills because of it, from cooking, DIY and DIY repairs, mending cloth, gardening, plan ahead, to budget ( but I haven't always done that in my twenties) and be happy with what you have or in general. One advise:Look up how to do something on TH-cam but make sure to check at least 4 different channels! talk it over with people, ask questions and start small! Do you have repair café close to you ? They have the knowledge or might know someone who can teach you... .
I was born 1965 in Australia. My parents were born in the UK in the 20’s. My parents were very frugal, never borrowed money ever, started with nothing but I never noticed any hardship growing up. Rode my bike, went on bushwalks. Happy childhood. I remember mum buying me an eiderdown quilt for winter when I was little and I know know it must have cost alot as mum looked after that quilt religiously.
Loved this, Jane. I live this way, but times are so hard right now. Life is so hard right now. Just got to keep hoping that at some point, life gets better.
I have always been frugal and still struggle these days. However, I have a mindset like yours Jane and Mike, I see this as a challenge. I try to save on everything, that's when I must spend. I have also started a side hustle which is helping me build income I recently lost...
Totally agree with all you say, like you we were born in the 60’s and learnt not to waste, to have a respect for how much things cost, and to make do and mend. So these behaviours are natural and have been all our lives, must admit we need to tighten some behaviours again but are thankful for what we have. Recently we are using what we have left in ‘stock’ for meals before doing a big shop again, and freezing leftovers too. We have discovered some really tasty vegetable recipes, especially curries. Big things are saved up for, especially Christmas and our family have moved towards ‘secret santa’ for the adults and the little ones get smaller presents too 😊
Like you I was born in the 1960s and my parents were born in the 1920s but my grandparents were born in the 1890s... plenty of cost saving measures in my family have been passed down to my nieces and nephews... oh and to my step-children.
Wholeheartedly agree . I think people will go one of two ways , be frugal and be resourceful or be like an ostrich and bury theirs head in the sand and keep spending . It’s a choice isn’t it . We say often the times we have been happiest have been we have had the least . Thank you for another great video
I believe that I was the luckiest kid. I am the oldest grandchild on both sides. I was allowed to learn from both sets for such a long time and enjoyed their company. Now, is the time to hone the skills learned from each of them. It is funny that this is happening at age 60. I am so thankful for my life’s journey that has prepared me for this time. Thank you for teaching budgeting. I have never been great at it. The skills that I have learned from you, have made such a difference in my life. I see great in my near future. 😊
Great video Jane! I am a child of the 50's and my parents and grandparents lived through the Great Depression. Life was living every day as frugal as possible. Although my parents shopped at the grocery, they also supplemented their food with a beef in the freezer which they bought from a local farmer and we also had a garden. I helped my Mom with canning and freezing every summer. We were a family of 4. On the other hand my grandparents raised nearly everything they ate. Had beef, pork, chickens as well as a huge garden. My grandmother spent her summers harvesting produce and canning. She also made her own soap. They lived a very frugal life. When grandmother died we found new dresses in her wardrobe with the tags still on them. She was saving them "for good". Thank you for keeping us all on our toes! I have a written budget but it could probably use some work. I want to make your sausage casserole. We have something called brats here which is a big sausage. What kind of sausage do you think I could buy here that would work? Again many thanks to you and Mike for all you do.
I remember my great grandfather taking a napkin and dividing it evenly into four pieces. At 6 years old I remember thinking it was strange but I get it now. We try very hard not to be wasteful.
@@FrugalQueeninFrance Indeed, a few people I know are looking for weekend work on top.of their 9-5 job to cover the bills as their employers don't offer overtime etc. Tough times for all of us ahead.
@@FrugalQueeninFrance I forecast riots like back in the 80s over pole tax. Sadly the British are not as revolutionary minded or willing to strike as the French.
My parents were born in 1940 & '1935. So we we're growing up in a frugal way. My father fixed Things,was Always looking for a frugal solution.It wasn't always easy with 1 inkom,and 3 children. But we we're Happy,and I never had a longing for Something.As Kids we became a few Cents, and we had to save wenn we wanted something.no Money,no buying anything. it was allright as it was. And I' m very proud of my parents.
Dear, a little frugal problem: my first quilt (30y or more) has lots of wear and tear. How do you mend an old quilt? Do you have an solution for that? Many thanks from the frugal Netherlands (I think we invented it, back in the 1800)
Every thing was rinsed & reused over & over new purchases many times were made based in ciukd it be reused. Grew up with bittkes uo ended until rhe last drop was gone, adding a few buts if water ti stretchnout the kast but in shampoo ect. Ketchup ect. Rubber fkexibke soatula is my vest friend in the kitchen!😊
I work in a airconditioned office. I will use the same pair of pants for a week and rotate three company shirts. I know that most Americans nowadays are very wasteful. We are not nearly as careful as the British are with natural resources. I know as a child my mom was very frugal. She sewed all our school clothes and most of our play clothes too. We were four girls so the younger kids got the hand me downs. I am glad that my kids are very frugal. Our son is as poor as a church mouse but he still provides for his family and they do not go without food, clothing, and shelter. Our daughter is pretty well off but she and her hubby live a very frugal life and do not waste money at all. They have one car that they will drive until the wheels fall off. They invest for retirement. They don't believe in debt. I am proud that my kids know the value of a dollar.
I am totally 1000% getting where you are coming from. On the other hand, shopping is the oxygen of economic life. Without it, everything would collapse because no money would be circulating. On the other hand, if people shop brainlessly, catastrophe is inevitable. I do not have a solution. A point of balance, I suppose. Thank you for the video!
The only true solution is a monetary system which doesn't create money as interest bearing debt (which our privately run central banks currently do). Money creation without interest wouldn't require ever increasing economic growth / Money supply just to service the debt.
I was a child of 1960. Parents and 4 children. We were dirt poor. We lived below the poverty line my first 12 years of life. We paid the mortgage and gas to get to work, anything after that was hit or miss. My first piece of new clothing I was 8yrs old from my gma. My father worked full time and my mom watched neighborhood kids, sold Avon and worked almost full time as a waitress. We collected bottles on the side of a busy road, 2 pennies each, hoping to get enough for milk or bread or eggs. Sometimes we got lucky sometimes no. We missed a lot of meals. My father due to pride forbade a food bank or any government help. Eventually through hard work and education, we rose out of poverty by age 12. My mom watched the budget and our pennies. That was when you could buy things for 1 penny. I always had a budget. But by the time I was 32, married with a 2 mo. Old I became a frugality professional. Then an advanced frugality professional. I’m still learning and I am amazed at what some people can do with money and yet still live a good, fulfilling frugal life.
Thanks for watching and sharing
My grandma taught me well, how to look after every penny. She wouldn’t waste anything and my grandad would mend anything and everything to avoid having to buy new. They weren’t tight scrooges they were just wise, very wise. I really needed some curtains for my kitchen so I sorted through my scraps of leftover fabrics and made some postage stamp curtains. I’m so thrilled with them and they cost me nothing but the thread and lining that I already had.
Those curtains sound gorgeous
I have been binge watching your channel and I am so grateful for the reminders you have given me from my childhood. I grew up in the early 60's
and have been through a couple of recessions but frugality is more important to me now more than ever. Thank you so much for your help to
guide me through the next important years
You’re welcome and thanks for watching
My sister keeps a bunch of small containers to put left over veggies daily - then puts them in the freezer. Once a week( usually on Wednesday) she makes soup.
Great video! I’m a 60’s child too and I remember my mum “cooking the books” as she called it. Every pay day she would sit down and work out where every last penny was going to go. Things were so tight that she used to “ borrow from Peter to pay Paul” at times but always paid the mortgage. She would say keep the roof over your head and the rest can wait for a while. I also remember my brother and I eating our evening meal but mum not eating at all. She would tell us that she’d already eaten but looking back I now know why she got so thin. 😢The only food waste in our home was the vegetable peelings and we didn’t really waste them. We had a kind of scrubland behind our house where the local farmer kept pigs so we used to feed it to them. The farmer saw us doing it once and returned the favour by giving us swedes that he would grow to feed the sheep through the winter. I’ll tell you now that’s been many a life saver for us and I love swede still. In later years my aunt started a savings club for Christmas and holidays. We would meet up every Sunday and pay our money in and have a lovely catch up at the same time. It was fantastic having that money back on the last Sunday of November and know that Christmas was already paid for and I still do that now. I’ve saved since the 1st fri of dec last year and it’s more than covered all my Christmas including the food! There will even be a little left over to start me on next years savings. It’s given me a lovely warm, Christmasy glow!
Thank you for all you and Mike do to share so much of yourselves with us. I for 1 really appreciate you. Hugs from Wales. 😘😘
Thanks very much for watching
I grew up the same way. My grandparents were frugal (but lived a rich life), my parents were, my husband and I are, my children are, and their children are being raised the same way. We live careful, but fulfilling lives. I can still hear my dad yelling,"Were you born in a barn? Shut the door!".
Yep, don’t waste heat.
That is exactly what my father used to say to us kids!
It was "were you born in a field?" for us lol
Here in Australia it was ‘born in a tent’ 😂
In our house if the light is left on in a room no one is in someone shouts “left the light in? Might as well just burn a £10 note”
American here....these are aligned with my family's beliefs, frugality all the time. Thank you for your insight from across the ocean!
Thanks for watching
No time to mess around, time to get seriously frugal 👍
Absolutely right there!
I remember my mom mending socks. Not fancy socks just nomal socks from the store. We don't bother with that anymore.
I still mend
My mother had a little saying that was so true it went. Put a bit away for the rainy day for the sun wont all ways shine and your best best friend is your pocket in the end so all ways put a little bit by.
Very true
Oh the memories of my youth! I'd add, "Close the fridge door! Are you trying to cool the house down?!"
That’s the one
Speaking as an American, we are in trouble, as a whole. Spoiled and without care or wit.
I was raised poor and have always been frugal. We have been stocking up for years and forgo vacations and extras to be ahead if anything goes awry. I'm much more appreciative of a clean, warm home and meal than all the extras.
They will learn when they have to
Thankyou for all your frugal videos Jane, I was born in 1943 so frugality comes as standard with us. Sadly the family just roll their eyes at us. Keep the videos coming as there is always something new we can learn.
Thanks so much for watching
Many people will become frugal out of necessity, some will continue in their ways. We are spoiled, some have been taught to be helpless in our rich, easy society. Hopefully, we are doing our best. Thank you for your contribution in teaching frugality. 😊
Some will but many
In every generation and hard times takes the skill forward
I have been moderate in my spending my whole life, but hadn't written a budget until I found this channel. I saved a bit but wasn't focused and I was a bit haphazard. When the Covid lock downs began is when I became more conscious of living more frugally and realized I needed a budget and that's when I found this channel. It has taken me probably almost 2 years to get to grips with budgeting but I have to say that because I started almost 2 years ago and got things in order and started sinking funds, I am in a much better place to weather the current financial weather in which we find ourselves. So a big thank you to you and Mike!
Happy to help
We went to the library every weekend when I was a child. It was free. We all loved to read. I think it is easier to save money if you are a bit of an introvert. I think I would have a harder time controlling my spending if I was more extroverted and out and about all the time.
It takes self discipline but it’s fine to budget to socialize
Thanks Jane. I remember my brother having knee patches on his trousers & my grandad had tins in the kitchen which he divided his wage up into. People use snazzy envelopes/binders now. Budget in the good times for the bad times my Nan used to say to me.🤗💐💐
Yes! Fix the roof in the summer!
Haven't heard that one for a good while something my grandad used to say
Thanks
4:15-5
Very useful. Thank you 😊
We grew up in the US to parents born during the depression years, so they grew up without a lot of things and that life experience stayed with them into the future. Of my parents 4 children, I am the only one that picked up all the frugal genes. We are debt free, well funded retirement account and savings account growing by the month. My brothers are all struggling to stay out of bill collectors sights and unable to retire because they lack the stability in their funds. And yet they are still spending like we are in the good times. I have used your videos to expand my knowledge of budgeting and frugal living, and I greatly thank you and Michael for that. I will come out of these rough patches better prepared for the next one, and we all know there will be a next one.
Then at least one of you learned
Our life is always evolving on our frugal journey Jane. The creaky floorboard going into the kitchen was the telltale for mum to shout out do not dream of opening the kitchen door you had enough at dinner lol, thanks Jane for reminding me we always thought mum had eyes in the back of her head obviously it was the old floorboards that alerted her 😀 😄 😉.
Yep, eat your meal, there’s nothing until the next one
@@FrugalQueeninFrance very true lol.
@@adaly5115 it’s still true here
@@FrugalQueeninFrance same here lol I have turned into my mother and grandmother lol 😆 Anna.
My daughter told me a couple of weeks ago that I sounded like my mum 😄😄😄
I was brought up by my grandmother who for many years we lived from her pension so learnt loads of frugal tips and habits. I am grateful everyday for the lessons learned even though at the time it was hard feeling like the poor kid.
Thank you Jane and Mike, I have been frugal throughout my life with a few exceptions, with higher prices we are in good shape for we planned ahead. Two of my three children are frugal, one is bowing to the wife. I watch every episode to stay focused, appreciate you.
Thanks Sandra, I’m thankful for two adult offspring who are sensible with income and saving.
Sides-to-middling! Mind you, you need a decent quality of sheets to start with. It's years since I did it, but I have done it.
I grew up the same. Close the doors, turn the lights off, don't waste the water etc. Great reminders to take with us once we became adults and had to pay our own bills. Frugality has helped me tremendously to reach my goals and be able to tighten the budget when needed, especially approaching retirement now in this economic climate. Great video!!
Thanks Liz
'Look after the pennies and the pounds look after themselves'....... 'Make do and mend'........ just two of the many gems of advice that came from my grandparents to me as I was growing up. great video guys thank you M x
Thanks Margaret
I grocery shop at two stores in the same mall and pat myself on the back whenever I manage to save many dollars through carefully selecting items that are on sale or low priced.
American version: mind your cents and the dollars will take care of themselves and use it up, make it do or do without!
I started the journey of beeing carefull with money to beeing frugal in the beginning of this year. I just prepared the forcast of the coming year and I'm stressfree and happy. I don't miss out , just do things different. It all started by watching Dave Ramsey . And now I'm always looking forward to your posts. They are very hands on .
I started with Dave Ramsey too
2023 will be the year for frugality and financial planning for me. I’ve learned a lot this year time for action
Good for you, onwards and onwards
Ma'am, you have described my great grandparent's, my grandparent's, and my parents too a tee. Thankfully it rubbed off and describes my family and our household
Thank you for the trip down memory lane. Best regards and GOD BLESS YOU AND YOURS.
Thank you
Frugal living equals freedom! Freedom from worry and stress about having enough money. It’s very stressful not to be in control of your finances. When emergencies happen, you are ready. No one is immune from emergencies!
Thank you for such a positive spin on the good that will come forward from these leaner times. I so agree! We will come through stronger!!!
Thanks Mary
This is wonderful all those people searching for ways to keep their heads above water.
Thanks very much
I was stunned tonight watching you. I am the same age with the same family history. I had the same conversation with my three grown sons this week. Thankfully they listen, save and pay into private pensions. All three live at home,knowing it is the only way to save for a deposit for their own homes.
We all would do well if we’d saved from an early age
Budgeting doesn't have to be boring you just do things that don't cost.
Very true, we can budget to do anything we want.
@FrugalQueeninFrance exactly we love walking the dog and I do think to get through this you have to be active to keep positive. My husband and I say we will re-evaluate in 2 years . I have a hairdressing shop and my lease will be up for renewal next year I have decided to renew for 3 years then decide as il be 58 then but will still work . That will be a 5 year plan when we will be 60 .
I love your house so cosy.
Thanks very much
I was born in the mid 50’s and don’t remember a time of pulling back but was definitely was by parents of post WWII so they were frugal. As I got older I realized that money was probably very tight but wasn’t spoken about. One December my Dad had come home with a bouncy horse on springs he had found by the side of the road. He spent weeks sanding and painting and replacing springs and when it showed up Christmas morning for my baby brother it was just beautiful. It wasn’t until years later I realized they didn’t have money to buy all the the things we wanted but we always had what we needed. I never knew we were poorer than others but times are different. I find myself now pulling on the memories of my parents frugally that I never truly understood before.
Great memories
Absolutely it is a taught skill through generations. And needs to get taught forward.
My kids are also taught to keep the earth clean. We will go to stores and they will pick up any garbage or recycle on our way through the packing lot. They get pretty upset about the laziness of people leaving garbage too.
Solid content, well-produced. Your channel has become one of my go-to places for grownup advice. Thanks.
Thanks so much
Ah the way people use to get their wages. I remember my Dad bringing home his wages in a little brown envelope every week. He would pass it to my Mum who would take out the rent money, bills and shopping money. Im a child of the 80’s and teens in the 90s. Life certainly was different back then
I think many people will sit there near pay day, and work out their budget
Great video Jane and Mike. Since all this started I have said more than once that this may lead to a turning point for people. Having dealt with the stress of the price rises and struggled to learn how to be frugal people will surely see the benefits of frugality and will hopefully continue to be frugal as we move out of the recession . People will realise you can’t live beyond your means without ending up in trouble. Children will be made to learn that they can’t have everything.
Well said Pat. After every crisis, some people take the skills forward and then pass them down to their children .
One tip that helped me was always fill the gas tank every payday even if you only need 5 or 6 gallons! You won’t believe the peace of mind that gives you always knowing you have had to get to work, the pharmacy and the grocers. Plus you don’t have a huge hit when the tank is low!
Very good advice
Good video. When that jam, peanut butter jar was empty, we scraped it out w/a spatula. Then, Mom added warm water to it, shook it up good and used that flavored water in our oatmeal the next day.
Great idea! Thanks for sharing!
I was cooking Turkey today in preparation for Thanksgiving. I bought a whole Turkey breast and after cooking it, Still had some meat attached to the bones. Normally, I would have thrown out the carcass and not bothered with it. However, I remembered I had carrots, celery, potatoe, and onion that needed to be used.
So, now , I have the carcass in the soup pot and will be making Turkey soup this afternoon.
It’ll be delicious
@@FrugalQueeninFrance Thanks. Because of your tips, I am more mindful of using up ingredients that I have on hand.
This is a fantastic informative vlog. You have made so many points that apply to so many people in the current situation. You speak very wisely so lets hope more people subscribe to your channel to learn how to survive in this hard time. Love to you & Mike❤
Thanks Jane
Great video Jane. Now is definitely the time to be frugal. I think it’s something that should be taught in school, along with cookery, sewing, and woodwork! Showing my age now, not sure they still have those lessons😅 Of my two grownup sons, one is excellent with money, other one not so much. Babysat on Saturday, and went round turning off every upstairs light when they left. Old habits die hard! Thanks to you both for sharing your tips. Take care.
We can teach maths but teaching frugality would involve giving an opinion on a way of life. I can assure you as a retired teacher, parents would be angry in some cases.
With the dire straits of the NHS I've been thinking about how we could help as individuals. My Mum's generation were far more aware of home remedies - sadly I didn't learn them from her. They'd save so many visits to A & E.
I remember, in the mid 50s, Mum made a poultice (from kitchen staples such as mustard, bicarb etc) and put it on a lesion (a boil?) on the back of my Dad's neck. It drew the thing instantly, he shot across the room and called her all the names under the Sun! She just stoon with the pad of cotton in her hand and said calmly " Well it worked didn't it?"
I imagine that US families still retain the knowledge of these remedies because their GP visits are so expensive.
Southern US here. Sadly, more don’t know home remedies than do. Even the use of OTCs to prevent secondary infections from viruses such as the common cold, is lost on most folks I know. I seem to be an oddity in only going once per year most years for a checkup only.
I was born in the 1950s when fixing things was just part of life. Today, fixing things is still the way to go but only if they can be fixed. Many items can't be taken apart and cars these days need far more than a spanner and a screwdriver. Getting the spare part of whatever item you're mending can also be a lottery. So many parts are no longer available and in some cases the spare part is more expensive than buying a completely new piece of equipment. Last year our 14 year old Meile dishwasher required a new water pump and it was cheaper to buy a new LG dishwasher than simply replace the water pump. I am a 'Frugal' and do everything you're talking about today and the world requires more of us. Thanks Jane and Mike.
The world does indeed
Being debt free is my biggest priority now. Paying more on my mortgage on the principle every month as much as I can.
I did the same and paid off my 30 year mortgage in 16 years. It is a liberating feeling when you accomplish this. I am now able to pay my insurances semi annually which is saving me even more money. Good Luck with reaching your goal! You will get there!
It took me a while to put this in my life but I found it really works.
So pleased to hear that
I took a long trip down memory lane with this video as I grew up in same time period with very frugal parents. I can recall that whenever my parents spoke of difficult times in their lives they always had a smile on their faces. I think they were very proud they accomplished as much as they did on so very little.
We will too.
Good vid Jane. I have always tried to live within means as my parents and grand parents did. Gramp used to have side hussels to get extra cash. He had a growing family in the late 1920s and had to move to find work. Gran used to help him with some of the extra jobs as well as keeping the home going. They always paid cash and I am trying to get back to that partly to keep cash going for all those who can not pay by card but also it is eye opening to see how quickly it can go from your hands. It really makes you think about what you are spending.
I’m sure they learned then and there, just like people are learning now.
I grew up that way and raised my daughter the same way use it up, wear it out or do without
Thanks Kelley
oh what a marvellous video,I remember shaking the sauce bottle ,switching off the lights keeping the door closed.When I first married and we were married 50 years this year my Mother started me in a christmas club and also a shoe club.We were careful but happy no debts no spending willy nilly but we loved our lives and each other .
Thanks Mary, that’s also how we live now. How about you?
I can still remember my Mom ironing on patches to cover the holes in the knees of our pants. My Dad worked 2 jobs, we never went out to eat, my Mom cooked dinner every night.
We still live Like that
Ah, such memories of my mum "doing the book" on Friday evening - you got your pocket money then as well!
Im just sat here with my receipt from our shopping, working out the weeks/2 weeks meals plan, so I can prep, slow cook, freeze some meals, dehydrate onions and celery etc for stocks, etc. A bit back to face, but shelves are being stripped of certain products here in Norfolk, so we look at prices for meat, veggies etc, and buy best prices and plan afterwards! By prepping though I can ensure no waste and lots of meals. I too am a 60’s babe, grew up to eat up leftovers, reuse, recycle etc. Just oven cooking some sausages and then putting a slow cooker sausage and bean casserole for tonight’s dinner. Carrot peelings are dried and powdered for adding to stews, potato peelings are dried and added to the woodburner so soot is broken down, old sheets are used as backings for drawstring bags, other sewing projects. Men’s shirts I use to make tubes for shopping bags or tights, the cuffs make neat little cable bags, bottom of the shirt is elasticated round waist to be popped under a jumper to cover your bum when in leggings, jars kept for dried and powdered foodstuffs. Cat food left over is popped out for hedgehogs or birds.
Thanks very much for sharing
I do enjoy the creativity of being frugal. I find my cooking is a lot more interesting when I have to really think about using the ingredients I have. I learned how to preserve during lock down turned the back garden all into raised beds for vegetable and fruit growing got a dehydrator and a pressure canner but I tend to water bath everything as per le parfait. This morning I got 5 trays of dehydrated citrus slices out (to be used to decorate the wreath and Christmas presents and for slices to go on fire lighters that I make. I saved the vegetable cooking water yesterday left in the slow cooker over night to intensify the flavours and it’s now in glass jars in the water bath for 60 mins. Yesterday I made washing up liquid for the first time and it is amazing and an entire bottle is about 3p I’ve made laundry liquid and fabric softener that works incredible well. I used to spend about £6 a week on washing liquid and fabric softener but for about £10 I made a years worth. I started it out of interest but the thing with being frugal is start it when times are plentiful get in the habit so that when times are tighter it’s not such a shock and you can still live well. I’m a full time student and my son started university in September. £3k a term for student halls was quite a hit but having such a good pantry and store cupboards meant we didn’t have to do food shopping each week in-fact since September I think I have only done 2 very small food shops. We haven’t felt as if we have gone without. Being frugal gives you choices. But not only that because we prepared so well there we can also carry on helping others who are in need we don’t have to stop because our budget is tighter as we have an abundance to share.
You’re living proof that you can learn new skills and take them forward
It sounds as tho' you've learnt some great skills. What do you dehydrate? I've borrowed a dehydrator for a month and am excited to try it out :) Is washing up liquid easy to make?
Thanks Jane and Mike for another great video. Enjoy the rest of your weekend
Thanks for watching
Thank you, I was thinking I remember that a lot😉. Now to get back to it 👍
We all either have skills or can learn them.
That's a great list of questions to ask ourselves, Jane. Often, it's a blessing to say, "Not right now," to myself and other family members.
A good answer
You and Michael are so inspirational and helpful
Thanks very much
Congratulation for almost 23k subs!
Thanks Yuko
Love your vids. You always have great content about living a full life while on a budget. More people need to hear this stuff!
Thanks very much
Thank you for your honest and very informative video. So true on all points. There was an item on the news (Netherlands) this morning that there is a noticeable growth in having clothes mended (or reshaped) and sale of related crafts. It is happening as you predicted. Debt used to be a bad word, feared. If you needed money (as in to feed the family) you physically had to go to the pawn shop or a private moneylender. Debt now is invisible to the outside world. I think that creates a larger problem.Makes it easier in my opinion because there is no ''shame' involved. I am not saying to feel ashamed to feed your family like my great grandmother had to do many times, I just find it hard to get my head around people maxing out their credit cards on fun frivolities. Its Black Friday here (the whole week). Loved your video a while back on retailers (and their folders/adverts) just out for your money.. Thin k of it every time I see a BF commercial! No BF purchases here. M.
Thanks Max.
Well done. Another great video. Thank you.
Thanks
Wow! You described my life growing up so well...except my parents were savers and always managed to save something. My grandparents were born at the turn of the century...from 1896--1904. They lived through WW1, the boon of the '20's, and raised children through the Great Depression and then WW11. They enjoyed the boon of the '50's and '60's. They weathered the '70's just fine. My last living grandparent retired from the post office, where she'd worked for 28 years (with only 6 days off during that whole time, while she was in the hospital. The first day out of the hospital, she was back at work.) When she retired, she had more money than ever before, and had a very comfortable lifestyle after that. I think she paid off the tab she'd had with a local grocery store...since the 1930's. That tab was how she lived and raised children through the '30's and '40's. She died in '91, so she weathered massive boons and busts. My grandparents were all VERY frugal, but also managed to buy their homes, put food on the table, raise their children, and save at least a bit--even during the leanest of times...well, maybe not during the Great Depression. One great uncle was a millionaire, even through the Great Depression, because his money was not tied up in the stock market. He was a restaurateur and fine Arts dealer during that time, and catered to others who did not lose their money. My mother said that when he came to town, he would give her $5. To her, on the happiness scale, it was like being given $5000.
My parents were born 1928 and 1930. So, they grew up in the Great Depression and WW11. Frugality was built into their bones as well. They got married in 1950, so they were able to enjoy the boon of the '50's and '60's, as well as we did as children. In the '70's, as a teenager, I didn't feel the slight bust as I'm sure my parents did. My parents were definitely savers and investors, as they were able to put 4 children through college on a cash basis. They really were frugal and they really did save! When my dad retired, my step-mom still worked as a teacher. They were fine. Both mom and dad, plus step-mom managed to live through books and busts.
This is too long for me to go into my boons and busts. None on them were as severe as the ones my parents and grandparents survived. They were all frugal, resilient and resourceful. Now, that's built into my bones. I mend, save, use up the last drop of things, fix everything I can, challenge myself to see how long I can make things last (sewing machine bought 2nd hand in '75, but it was a 1966 model. Still works and microwave that lasted 27 years. It still worked but condensation caused a hole all the way through to metal. The next one lasted only 3 years.) I've worn clothes until they were almost embarrassingly worn, and that, after repairs...the same with shoes, handbags, hats, etc.
Thanks for posting this vid.
Thanks for watching and commenting
My dad would never waste a thing .hated lights being left on.."what's this? Blackpool illuminations?" 😂
He was right
My Mum could make a silk purse out of a pigs lughole! She was so talented I haven't inherited her amazing talent but I sewed clothes for my children and enjoyed doing it, my forte was knitting and crochet but I still sewed my eldest daughter can sew and has learned to crochet (her mother in law taught her.) My eldest step daughter brings buttons and repair jobs to me to do!
So we have a mix of can and can't do it's. Lol
I also wish I had half my mum’s talents
Me, I did Jane, and that is why and how I 😮can manage the changes that we are all feeling
at the present time but we live in a time now that we do throw away clothes and food because
It is cheaper than it ever was when we were young, great vid as always, keep safe.
Food and clothes are precious, we shouldn’t waste either.
I think it's a good lesson for people to learn now about not wasting and taking it forward. Even after we get through this economically trying time, it's good for people to pick up the habit of not wasting because of climate change and the fact that we're running out of space for landfills, etc.
I remember my mother sitting in the evening watching tv, the only one we had, darning socks or knitting.
I agree, many people will turn to frugality.
Every generation will have people who learn and pass on their skills
Another great blog guys. I think your right, being frugal is a mind set. I always look for the most economical way of doing everything. All my friends have just been given my Christmas gift of Home made door wreaths. Besides the time they took, the actual layout was a fiver each. The shop/florist price £35/45 for the same thing. Does it appear frugal or mean to my friends. No they loved them.
That’s great!
Thank you for the video. Growing up there was 6 kids and only my dad worked until us kids were older. Somehow my parents made it work. We didn’t have extras and certainly didn’t waste. I find myself doing things differently to help cut down on costs. My guys used to get clean clothes in every day and clean pjs at night. Now I check them after taking them off and they will wear them another day if they can. Sweater and socks and shoes are on. My one guy won’t keep them on. Tonight I put a throw blanket on him while watching his movie upstairs. Not sure if he is keeping it on. Our upstairs is so cold in the winter.
I’m a 60’S girl aswell. I’m 1 of 6 children. My dad would say switch the light of not lighting the street.😂 we grew up dad would take foraging and l still do it now. Mum use to unplull jumper and make another one. We were 6 kids and our neighbour had 10 children. And my mum was really good friends and they use past things over the fence to help each other out. And we were brought up to save money aswell. Love the beautiful robin in your vlog.
Thanks very much
Born in the late 1970 I can follow every word, the time for frugality is now! I have seen it, Grew up with it and I am very glad I did, because frugality is a habit/ behavior so it doesn't feel so difficult to me. Iearnt so many different skills because of it, from cooking, DIY and DIY repairs, mending cloth, gardening, plan ahead, to budget ( but I haven't always done that in my twenties) and be happy with what you have or in general. One advise:Look up how to do something on TH-cam but make sure to check at least 4 different channels! talk it over with people, ask questions and start small! Do you have repair café close to you ? They have the knowledge or might know someone who can teach you... .
Well said
I was born 1965 in Australia.
My parents were born in the UK in the 20’s. My parents were very frugal, never borrowed money ever, started with nothing but I never noticed any hardship growing up. Rode my bike, went on bushwalks. Happy childhood.
I remember mum buying me an eiderdown quilt for winter when I was little and I know know it must have cost alot as mum looked after that quilt religiously.
Thanks very much for watching and commenting
Loved this, Jane. I live this way, but times are so hard right now. Life is so hard right now. Just got to keep hoping that at some point, life gets better.
I’m at the end of the phone line Nicola xxx
@@FrugalQueeninFrance thank you xx
I have always been frugal and still struggle these days. However, I have a mindset like yours Jane and Mike, I see this as a challenge. I try to save on everything, that's when I must spend. I have also started a side hustle which is helping me build income I recently lost...
Well done Mona
Totally agree with all you say, like you we were born in the 60’s and learnt not to waste, to have a respect for how much things cost, and to make do and mend. So these behaviours are natural and have been all our lives, must admit we need to tighten some behaviours again but are thankful for what we have. Recently we are using what we have left in ‘stock’ for meals before doing a big shop again, and freezing leftovers too. We have discovered some really tasty vegetable recipes, especially curries. Big things are saved up for, especially Christmas and our family have moved towards ‘secret santa’ for the adults and the little ones get smaller presents too 😊
Thanks for watching
Those iron on patches work real good
I love your message. Your kitchen looks beautiful and inviting, Jane. From Idaho, USA.
Thanks very much
Like you I was born in the 1960s and my parents were born in the 1920s but my grandparents were born in the 1890s... plenty of cost saving measures in my family have been passed down to my nieces and nephews... oh and to my step-children.
Thanks Catherine
And we always turned off the lights when we left a room
We still do, who wastes electricity?
@@Lili-xq9sn the only light bulbs we can buy here are LED
The man from the Pru!
Keep saving
Thank you for your insight 💜
Thanks for watching
Wholeheartedly agree . I think people will go one of two ways , be frugal and be resourceful or be like an ostrich and bury theirs head in the sand and keep spending . It’s a choice isn’t it . We say often the times we have been happiest have been we have had the least . Thank you for another great video
Most people are smart and they do the right thing.
I believe that I was the luckiest kid. I am the oldest grandchild on both sides. I was allowed to learn from both sets for such a long time and enjoyed their company. Now, is the time to hone the skills learned from each of them. It is funny that this is happening at age 60. I am so thankful for my life’s journey that has prepared me for this time.
Thank you for teaching budgeting. I have never been great at it. The skills that I have learned from you, have made such a difference in my life. I see great in my near future. 😊
Keep practicing. I’m going to share a fall down keep getting up video this Wednesday
Great video Jane! I am a child of the 50's and my parents and grandparents lived through the Great Depression. Life was living every day as frugal as possible. Although my parents shopped at the grocery, they also supplemented their food with a beef in the freezer which they bought from a local farmer and we also had a garden. I helped my Mom with canning and freezing every summer. We were a family of 4. On the other hand my grandparents raised nearly everything they ate. Had beef, pork, chickens as well as a huge garden. My grandmother spent her summers harvesting produce and canning. She also made her own soap. They lived a very frugal life. When grandmother died we found new dresses in her wardrobe with the tags still on them. She was saving them "for good". Thank you for keeping us all on our toes! I have a written budget but it could probably use some work. I want to make your sausage casserole. We have something called brats here which is a big sausage. What kind of sausage do you think I could buy here that would work? Again many thanks to you and Mike for all you do.
Use whatever you can get
I remember painting our apartment in the 70's.
We still paint now, we never pay anyone. No money to waste,
I'm reorganizing my pantry & taking inventory this afternoon.
Thanks for sharing
I remember my great grandfather taking a napkin and dividing it evenly into four pieces. At 6 years old I remember thinking it was strange but I get it now. We try very hard not to be wasteful.
Keep trying, frugality is the answer
The number one thing for me is you absolutely have to have a partner that is on the same page as yourself or it simply wont work.
You need to be evenly yoked
💖💖💖
Was that you or me talking today, Jane? Love it!
I added a little to my small stockpile this morning but prices have gone up yet again, it is not sustainable for many people.
It’s not. As I always say, frugality can’t cure poverty only income can do that.
@@FrugalQueeninFrance Indeed, a few people I know are looking for weekend work on top.of their 9-5 job to cover the bills as their employers don't offer overtime etc. Tough times for all of us ahead.
@@nikki27ish the UK needs a national strike as the millionaires and billionaires have never been richer
@@FrugalQueeninFrance I forecast riots like back in the 80s over pole tax. Sadly the British are not as revolutionary minded or willing to strike as the French.
@@nikki27ish you wait until they’re desperate, they’ll surprise you.
so good I watched it twice x
Thank you
My parents were born in 1940 & '1935. So we we're growing up in a frugal way. My father fixed Things,was Always looking for a frugal solution.It wasn't always easy with 1 inkom,and 3 children.
But we we're Happy,and I never had a longing for Something.As Kids we became a few Cents, and we had to save wenn we wanted something.no Money,no buying anything. it was allright as it was. And I' m very proud of my parents.
Dear, a little frugal problem: my first quilt (30y or more) has lots of wear and tear. How do you mend an old quilt? Do you have an solution for that? Many thanks from the frugal Netherlands (I think we invented it, back in the 1800)
Hi, put the question into the search box of you tube and people will show you
@@FrugalQueeninFrance I will, thank you!
👍👍👍
Every thing was rinsed & reused over & over new purchases many times were made based in ciukd it be reused.
Grew up with bittkes uo ended until rhe last drop was gone, adding a few buts if water ti stretchnout the kast but in shampoo ect. Ketchup ect. Rubber fkexibke soatula is my vest friend in the kitchen!😊
I still live like that now
I work in a airconditioned office. I will use the same pair of pants for a week and rotate three company shirts. I know that most Americans nowadays are very wasteful. We are not nearly as careful as the British are with natural resources. I know as a child my mom was very frugal. She sewed all our school clothes and most of our play clothes too. We were four girls so the younger kids got the hand me downs. I am glad that my kids are very frugal. Our son is as poor as a church mouse but he still provides for his family and they do not go without food, clothing, and shelter. Our daughter is pretty well off but she and her hubby live a very frugal life and do not waste money at all. They have one car that they will drive until the wheels fall off. They invest for retirement. They don't believe in debt. I am proud that my kids know the value of a dollar.
Passed down skill
I am totally 1000% getting where you are coming from. On the other hand, shopping is the oxygen of economic life. Without it, everything would collapse because no money would be circulating. On the other hand, if people shop brainlessly, catastrophe is inevitable. I do not have a solution. A point of balance, I suppose.
Thank you for the video!
The only true solution is a monetary system which doesn't create money as interest bearing debt (which our privately run central banks currently do). Money creation without interest wouldn't require ever increasing economic growth / Money supply just to service the debt.
Some wise person said "we can not spend our way to economic success".