I've been on disability Pension since 1995. I'm 61 yrs now living in government housing I'm by myself as well. I've decored my flat to live comfortably as I'm home alot. I'm saving since January.. and have an emergencyfund now of $3,000..I watch frugal influencers and am thankful for all your wisdoms. Thank you Jane and Mike for your loyalty to the campaign to help people in need of support. I believe in eating healthy food. I had sardines with simple salad last night I'm about to have porridge with cinnamon and sugar for breakfast. Baked beans for lunch today. I find it interesting to know about serving sizes for protein daily. In the past I would over estimate. I might have fryed eggs and bread today. I google info on nutritional foods too. I don't love sardines but feel the benefits the next day. 😏 blessings Maria
When I need to really economise I find it helpful to think of myself as an eco warrior. I am trying to be a considered spender and to tread lightly on the earth. So I try not to indulge in plastics, throw away items, one use items, items that require further maintenance such a dry cleaning. This is also the first line of defence against people who want you to spend money with them. I say ‘No, I am trying not to buy things that end up in landfill in a year’s time’ It shuts them up!
One thing about cooking, there is NO rule that says dinner has to be meat, side of veggies, etc everyday. Some nights when I don't feel like cooking I might just snack instead, with some cheese, some nuts, or just a salad. I always make a meal plan but I also include a day where I just snack n don't cook, plus it saves me money.
Great advice! The peace that comes from being debt free and having a fully funded emergency fund is priceless. It is, like you say, hard work and a consistent effort. I think the hardest part is just getting started. Tracking my spending for a month was a real eye opener. I am in month 4 of my no spend year. So far so good.
Where I live, if you have a dental emergency, your sinking funds can get easily depleted. Here Medical and dental expenses can ruin your budget easily. Once my husband retires, we plan to move out. Otherwise as you get older your health gets more unpredictable, same as your budget and your income is fixed witch it’s not a good combination to say the least.
Budgeting is not as stressful as feeling like you're constantly drowning in debt! I only wish I'd started budgeting and being mindful at an earlier age. I started in my 50s but it took a few tries to get it right. At first I tended to focus on the minutia and wasn't managing the bigger items. After I retired and started living alone I realized it was much easier to tidy up my finances. I have very little debt and am able to save up from my monthly income for special occasions, short vacations, small household repairs etc. My focus now is building up my savings cushion to invest and to have a larger sinking fund. I live modestly in a rural setting and really don't enjoy shopping all that much anymore. I don't feel like I'm missing out if I don't have the latest and biggest of anything!
Good day! I wanted to share with Sally. I have health issues too. What helps me is that I cook in the mornings, or at lunch for my meal for the day. I usually cook enough to last a couple days as Jane shared. That is the time I feel my best. I know it is hard to cook when you feel poorly. Take care!
That’s a really good idea and one that I follow. I have the most energy in the morning and feel tired often in the afternoon, so I have always got our main meal of the day ready to go by about 11am. I once did one of those chef’s kitchen things where you watch a professional kitchen in a top restaurant do the evening service. I was amazed how much was actually cooked in advance and just finished when required. It was a revelation and changed the way I cook, making my life much easier and endorsed by the best chefs!
Great video and very much needed in these times. You would not believe how many people in their 50's have never learned to handle money; I was one of them. I thank God I found Dave Ramsey. I keep watching frugal videos and watching the journey of others to keep me motivated to stay the course.
What a great video. Lots of great ideas. I'm widowed and live on my own, but still cook the way my mum did in the 50s and 60s. She fed 5 kids all from scratch. Sometimes I do treat myself by going to a restaurant or buying clothes, but that is few and far between. Love your videos.
You always make me do better. THANK YOU FOR THAT. You are right about not having to cook from scratch. Batch cooking is the best thing ever. When you feel well cook and freeze your treasures
Great advice. I especially like that you are very realistic in your advice. If you are a busy working parent ( or person) it’s ok to have a frozen pizza on Friday and a bag salad. Much cheaper than take out and it’s still tasty.
I make up pizza topping bags which have cooked bacon, mushrooms, onions pepperoni or what ever you put on your pizza and I freeze them. I use a wrap as the base, always have grated cheese in the fridge. This means I can have a home made pizzas in just a few mins. You can break up the topping and put it on frozen as it will quickly thaw as you cook the pizza. It also takes up much less room than a frozen pizza in the freezer.
Super advice as always. I took your budgeting advice and started in January this year. I followed all of your instructions. I have different vaults on Revolut now so when I get paid I have the money transferring into those vaults. Now when I get a bill in, the money is there! For the first time ever I’m saving for Christmas and birthdays, car insurance and tax, electricity etc… I am eternally grateful. Thank you ❤
So so helpful, thank you. I like the way you give clear and straightforward advice, nothing patronising or critical, just say what needs to be said and explained. Thank you x
Excellent advice Jane. I have kept a budget book for the last thirty or so years. I also keep all grocery receipts for the month. I then write down the month's grocery total in the budget book. I then work out the monthly average for groceries at year end. I love the advice of stock taking one's wardrobe before making a new purchase.
I like the advice you gave the women. To begin my shrinking fund I had to start with $1.00 in each fund because I was earning such a small amount. After following the frugal life style, my shrinking funds began to be in much better shape. You're right about being consistent with a budget as well as keeping a good track of all your spending. Thanks again for sharing.
Thank you so much for this. Just got a job after not being employed since 2020. And I am trying to figure out how to get rid of all this credit card debt. This helped me out a lot. It will be a struggle for a while but in the end we will be debt free! Thank you! Hugs from Texas!
Loved this!! We've been trying so hard to get out of our situation. We both worked and earned barely enough, I made everything for my wedding and we paid less then 1000 for the whole thing. We've always got by thrifting and collecting free things... then lockdown hit and with a new baby, no job for me... I embraced homemaking and threw myself into frugality... 5 years on and another baby later... we are still getting by putting food and nappies on cards. My husband now has a better paid skilled job and its heart breaking to realise how hard we worked for such little money. Next month we might finally start chipping away at debt. But it feels like we just chase our tails. ♡ Thank you for all your videos, I agree budgeting should be taught in schools. I loved being in the Dave Ramsey rabbit hole and learning.. that's how I found you. Thank you for your wisdom ♡
I think the "storm/doldrums" analogy is exactly the perspective needed. Also, to the concern about emotional spending: you cannot let things build up. I know personally that ignoring things will not make them go away. Do what you can to pay what you can down, and put your cards away somewhere inconvenient. It will give you time to really think before going out to spend. If you are still caught up in emotional spending, reach out for support from an unbiased friend, relative, or therapist. I did, and it has made a huge difference in my life in so many ways. Good luck to those with this issue, and know you can do it!
We are very fortunate in Canada to have a saving device called a Tax Free Savings Account into which we may submit up to $6,500 each year. This fund helps with any unexpected costs. I am slightly over sixty, but still work full-time as I love my job and want to ensure that my daughters' post-secondary education is not a burden on them. A community garden is a necessity as it really annoys us to pay so much for basic vegetables. I love your content.
Thank you for all you $ Mike do. I have an “inspiration page” in the front of my planner, with things that help me remember my goals and be consistent with them, and I have a picture of you and of your cute little pink piggy bank glued on that page. You truly do inspire me in my finances and make it seem doable and fun. ♥️
Another excellent video❤ I would add don’t give up, keep at it and you will find what works for you and to follow Jane’e advice and research and educate yourself. Once you start saving, even if it’s just a small amount at first, and you pay off that first debt it will give you the boost and momentum to keep going. Probably one of the more difficult things is to “keep your blinders on” and not be distracted from outside temptations and get off track.
Sound and sensible advice. My 'too tired to cook' option is I keep some stuffed pasta in the freezer, a pack here costs under £2 to feed two adults and cooks from frozen in 5 minutes, a great quick standby to avoid takeaways.
Always pick up another nugget of useful advice - there's a strange thing going on (not sure if everywhere or just UK) were you either don't get your receipt, even in our Tesco Metro (smaller), or are asked if you want it! I mean I wasn't thinking about the budget part, which is very important! It was in case security alarm goes off, which it often does because they either haven't deactivated the security scan or there's a fault on the door alarm and you need proof of purchase - happens more often than you think!
Great video you two! Very sound advice for everyone when you don’t know where or how to start. I took your advice a while ago, and started sinking funds. I physically draw out cash each month, and divide into envelopes, which we keep in a safe. There are no more nasty surprises with car insurance and service , birthdays and Christmas. We have also done no spend months, and it’s amazing how much money you can save. Good luck to everyone watching, and thanks for sharing Jane and Mike.
Hi Jane,great advice as always.🙂All I can add is that if you are doing well don’t let people take advantage to fuel their lifestyle.I had a friend,I don’t anymore because she borrowed money & didn’t pay it back,it was very upsetting for me at the time.
Jane you are so right! We don't need heavy elaborate meals. I decided to order a whole chicken in my next order. I can get 4-5 ,meals from a chicken. I like to repurpose leftovers. I am making it a game. I have trouble with sinking funds and where to put the money until needed.
Really great advice Jane !! I started watching you a few months ago and am amazed how much we have in common . It's really interesting as I live in South Central Pennsylvania. We also garden and raise as much vegetables and fruits as we can, we zero base budget and were debt free / mortage free, retired and living on a little less then minimum wage here also. It's my husband and I, and he is also a do it yourselfer. Groceries are the biggest challenge for us and I appreciate your tips and positive attitude , it keeps me motivated! Thank you
Thank you so much for making videos to get us started and keep us motivated. Im a senior on a pension and since starting to watch I have a few hundred $ in saving and set aside money every month for bills that come up once or twice a year. It feels sooo good!!!
Morning, great information on getting on the road to being in control of finance. You mentioned the snowball system, I take it when each debt is complete you use the additional money you were making on that account together with that you have been throwing at it, to attack the next debt. Seeing each debt paid off definitely makes a good space in your head. Looking forward to watching future shows.
Thank you for another wonderful and incredibly helpful video. I’ve been budgeting for years and have sinking funds and your videos always make me feel like I’m on the right path. We have an emergency fund of a little over 2k and I’m working on building it to 3-6 months of expenses. It’s slow progress as I make sure our sinking funds are getting what they need but it’s progress all the same especially when we don’t earn a big salary. Thanks again. Take care and have a good week 😊
Thank you Jane, and Mike behind the camera! I love your videos. I am in Canada, and I have my sinking funds in an online bank called EQ. They pay 2.5% interest and I have an emergency fund and four sinking funds. You can name each account anything you want. You can set an amount for a goal for any date and it will keep track of how close you are to your goal. On payday I e-transfer the money to myself and it is deposited to the emergency fund. I then distribute it to the sinking funds. I have an Xmas sinking fund, an annual insurance fund, a car fund, and a vacation fund. Also, my house is heated by electric. We are billed every two months. Instead of having to come up with a large ammount every two months, I pay some on it every two weeks when I get paid. It builds a credit, and then when the bill comes, it is already paid!
@@FrugalQueeninFrance You have helped me so much since I found your channel. I live on my own and have been a from-scratch cook and baker for ever! Now, I batch cook for myself. Today (as this will be a challenging week) I placed an online grocery order for some (as healthy as possible) meals and ordered a budget book from Amazon. Thanks, Jane and Michael! BTW I'm 87 and still learning! Shirley Kelly USA
Thank you Jane for the reminder to get back into "storm mode"! I must admit I have become rather lax lately in sticking to the budget and keeping costs down. It's time for me to prioritize my savings as you are right, no one knows what the future may hold.
Have just rewatched this video and to be honest it's been so helpful for me. It made things click in my head and I've understood a lot more this time around. Due to my health conditions my memory can be awful. Many thanks Jane and Mike, kind regards Angeline ❤️
I just made Spaghetti sauce today, packaged it up for the freezer, we are starting on Chili this afternoon. I do not like to make food from scratch everyday either. I set up my budget from Jane, I get better every month. Best Wishes for the week ahead.
Appreciate your ideas on quick and easy meals. I'm very committed to cooking healthy meals from scratch, but feeding two teenage boys and a husband who does physical labor makes cooking often feel like a burdensome full time job--i am literally feeding three bottomless pits 😂. Just yesterday we had a discussion about quick easy meals that everyone would like. I'm going to do some serious thinking about ways I can get some days off from cooking as well. One minor change that has made a huge difference is that we bought a secondhand breadmaker for $10 the other day and it has been in constant use. No more sinking feeling when I realize we're almost out of bread AGAIN--such a timesaver! Thanks for another great video, Jane and Mike!
Plus a decent loaf of bread runs about $4.00 in the supermarkets (where I am, anyway) and it costs about $0.75 to make one. A family the size of yours probably goes though (at least) a loaf every other day. That's a savings of +/- $48.75 every month! For only one item in your grocery basket, that's a very respectable accomplishment! Well done on the purchase price of the bread machine too. New price where I am is about $80 for an economical model - if you can find one.
Oh, that is excellent advice on getting sinking funds started! Thank you, Jane. I also agree on not cooking daily. It saves time, money, energy, and stress.
Thank you Jane and Mike for helping keep so many on track. I will make a list of quick and easy meals that maybe my husband can make on days I don't feel well. I am currently recovering from shoulder and arm surgery, so he has had to learn to cook since I can't. That is a skill that will get utilized in the years ahead to offset when I am not doing well. As always your videos are so helpful to so many.
I have had a written 'inspiration' meal list taped to the inside of my pantry door for years, even though I'm a good cook!! It gets updated/revised occasionally but it always takes the biggest headache out of meals - that is, what to cook!! The list has all the meals I know I can make easily or quickly and it just gets me going if I'm stuck - I'll refer to the list and usually it will remind me of something that needs to be used up or something that I haven't made for a while! And Jane is so right - meals don't have to be gourmet events every time. Best wishes for a full and speedy recovery from your surgery. Cheers from Oz!!
For the first time in my life (I'm 65) I'm tracking every cent I spend on groceries, beginning in May. Prices have risen so much, it's making a real difference for the worse on my pocketbook. I am determined to spend less, use up my stock, and put the extra money towards paying off credit card bills. I'm actually looking forward to the challenge. I make my own Italian meatballs. It takes at least 3 hrs. I always make enough for 3 or more meals- freezing the leftovers from the first meal. Sometimes a leftover meal is as simple as meatball sandwiches and a small salad or vegetable. I'm also beginning a few sinking funds for car insurance, life insurance, car maintenance, and savings. I think the secret will be a positive mindset, rather than moaning and groaning about it- make it a game, a challenge. I know the end result is worth it.
Hi Jane, I learned something new with you today, and that is to have ☺️1 to 2 thousand aside for emergency and then pay off the debts. We are on disability’s (My husband and I) and it has been very difficult but we manage to pay off 6 credit cards . And we don’t see any money to “enjoy” or for the emergency fund. Yet I thought that after I paid off the debts that I was going to be able to start a emergency fund … this is something to consider . Thanks and God bless say hello to Mike😁
I'm not one to emotional spend but I have been concerned about out credit card debt. I've started paying down the debt but we had a set back with a health issue and that may be suspended temporarily. We have a small emergency fund but it needs to be much bigger and the way I figured we could do it is to pay off some debt. It's frustrating to think you're making progress with your budget and then something comes up. But your advice with these vlogs is so helpful. I've learned so much. Thanks!
Thanks so much for your work. I am wondering how you feel about building funds for " much further along the road". I am an older semi-retiree than are you two and am single so saving and budgeting can look a bit different. Periods of inflation while working are inconvenient. Periods of inflation after retirement have me concerned. Do you two have a method of saving for your older years, reflecting the scope of what could happen? The money put aside for retirement a few years ago, suddenly doesn't look AS good as before. Would you mind sharing your ideas regarding possible future tight times? Thank you.
Yes, as we're still earning and receive our two pensions as monthly savings, we save long term for our next car and save 10% of our income and pensions that come in each month
Great advice..may I add that if one feels the strong urge to splurge, then perhaps on kitchen appliances on sale that can help stretch the food budgets once the gadget has been purchased? In my home this includes a convection toaster oven, a small crockpot for stews or soups. One for a meal, one for the fridge for the next day, and the other two to freeze off? My convection toaster oven. I have made cornbread and snack sometimes on toast with marmalade, butter to satisfy a sweet tooth. And am occasionsal sweet potato as it's lower in calories and very high in nutrients? This gadget runs about 25F degree lower than my gas oven, which I had stopping over my arthritic bones to remove foods and cleaning. The convection oven I have not expetimented too much but advised per instructions, adjustments vary. For me, about another savings of an extra 25F difference. Also, I have went to thrift stores in the past, found loose glass lids, and they fit nicely on my cast iron. Nice heat rentention and keeps my food more on the moist side. Recently, my daughter gifted me an air popper that's been on the market for 30years. Great on my own as a healthy snack low in calories, high in fiber, nutrition. The grandkids love coming over although I do need to use my hands to block the stray popped kernels from going all over the floor. The grandkids do get a good laugh, so worth it. Electric for three minutes, butter on top and organic kernels, a huge mixing bowl that I use, is a lot of popcorn at under $1 for the entire bowl. Ziplox are filled, and I am buying stick pretzels and candy on sale including candy bars that can be broken down. The teens usually stay in their home and are now requesting bags of popcorn...the next money saving gadget will be a small food dehydrator and a $10 vacuum pump to help seal the jars. Think I will need something like oxygen absorbers. Lots of info on line. Just needing another preferred size of canning jars...also have a twin sized washing tub. Has it's quirks and I have no choice right now but to hang and dry over the shower rods with a portable fan.Still need to use the community room washer and dryers for blankets but I do not pay a water bill. Only the electric which is cheaper and less of a quarter finding quest of sharing only a few machines. As for electric bills, I have installed top easily foam under the outlet and light switch plates plus cover with dollar store child safety caps to help keep drafts out. Have moved recently and most of my investment items went with me. Am now debating on doublerods curtains and in a situation like mine, ask the management if I purchase, will they install with the understanding by state laws, when I move, the curtain rods will stay? It's called digging deep each month at the end of the month to see if I can invest in myself, my home with gadgets that might cost upfront but in the long run ei;; pay for itself and then some. Gratefully, my new place, the climate and floorplan and built solid has amazingly left me with lower gas and electric bills even though I practice frugality as much as possible.
One thing we do every so often is saving's jars, this works well if you pay cash for what you buy. Hubby tapes the jar so he can't see what's in it, I just have one of those really big jar things that looks like a bottle of Guinness, daughter has a cute white pig. I just randomly put change in after I have been shopping, don't always remember. Over the years we have bought a new TV and various other things. It's a good habit to get into if you can do it, but you do need to sort of forget about it for it to work.
I find that dating things when I open them helps me stop over stocking items. My dog's food lasts around 50 days. I always have 1 open and 1 backup since random items keep going out of stock. Apps have made price comparisons easy. I check my local grocery store's prices against Walmart, Target, Sam's Club, Amazon, and the local drug store chain. I'm often surprised which store has the best price. Picking up Dawn at the drug store thus week because it's the best price
Great tips here . When I put money by for bills I always add an extra few euro to create a small buffer. So if my electric bill is around €80 per month I pretend it’s €90! It works for me! For me the biggest waste of hard earned money is eating out. I took my son and my aunt out for lunch for their birthdays recently . We had soup and a sandwich each and a pot of tea. €80 !!!!!!! Never again!!!!
When I first became widowed, I had to face the reality of less than half of our previous income. A sensible budget in writing is necessary to get through each month. Although, I have a nest egg put away for unexpected events and/or repairs, I try not to use that money for monthly expenses. My budget isn't perfect; however, it keeps me from making a hugh financial mistake.
Just found your channel! Love your calm and straightforward advice ❤ Would love to learn about some more in depth healthy affordable food and grocery advice!
i just have to say your furbabies are the cutest. what breed or mix of breeds are they? I have two dogs of my own and an old cat so i'm starting to save money for them in sinking funds, thanks to you. I do have an emergency fund also and am working on making it grow.
Our roof will need to be done id say in 1 year or so, that is approx 12,000 usd ..we have a mortgage owing approx 107,000 and a car payment approx 40,000 which do I put extra money towards😢
I always hear sell what you do not want and do not need, but seriously I ask myself how many people are like me and have no valuable things to sell because the quality is too bad or the thing is just run down that it is not able to sell them. (Aside from me living where everybody is so cheap I simply can not compare with my most frugal way of living.)
@@FrugalQueeninFrance your welcome☺️. Todays dinner was some cheese and spinace filled tortolini ( 5 min) a slice of sandwichham sliced up, some leftover bit cheese I grated + a tall glass of tomato juice that was in my fridge.
Loved this video, I'm actually in the stage of debts paid off and emergency fund built and I am definitely having a hard time staying motivated for the next step which it house down payment, especially since my living situation is a bit up in the air at the moment so I'm just saving in a general fund beyond the 6 month emergency fund and once my life settles I hopefully can put anything saved there in the house down pmt fund, but the stress of the situation definitely has me wanting to spend, which is such an oxymoron isn't it 😂
Dear Jane, I find myself watching more and more of your videos, so I am now subscribed! ....Thanks for the effort you put into creating them, I'm finding it helpful and thought provoking. Sorry to backtrack here, but in a recent video you are using Savon De M - diluted as a cleaning solution/spray. If you wouldn't mind can you share the ratio please? And maybe hte ratio for the vinegar solution. The internet is full of contradictions. I'd be very grateful to you if you can share. Thanks in advance. Maz
Savon de Marseille I use 50/50 water and solution and I spray straight onto hard surfaces, leave a few minutes, then wipe, white vinegar is 10% acidity in strength and 50/50 with water and a tiny squirt of washing up liquid maybe 5ml.
Something to address next time: what about retirement contributions while laying down debt? I have some retirement savings (401K account here in the US, you contribute tax free and only pay taxes when you withdrawal after retirement), but have begun contributing 10% while also working on debt retirement. I’m in my mid 50s and really needed to step up the retirement savings. I can’t get social security (US equivalent of UK state pension) until 67. If I wait until 70, I get nearly $800/month more. I intend to keep working until 70.
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I've been on disability Pension since 1995. I'm 61 yrs now living in government housing I'm by myself as well. I've decored my flat to live comfortably as I'm home alot. I'm saving since January.. and have an emergencyfund now of $3,000..I watch frugal influencers and am thankful for all your wisdoms. Thank you Jane and Mike for your loyalty to the campaign to help people in need of support. I believe in eating healthy food. I had sardines with simple salad last night I'm about to have porridge with cinnamon and sugar for breakfast. Baked beans for lunch today. I find it interesting to know about serving sizes for protein daily. In the past I would over estimate. I might have fryed eggs and bread today. I google info on nutritional foods too. I don't love sardines but feel the benefits the next day. 😏 blessings Maria
Thank you
When I need to really economise I find it helpful to think of myself as an eco warrior. I am trying to be a considered spender and to tread lightly on the earth. So I try not to indulge in plastics, throw away items, one use items, items that require further maintenance such a dry cleaning. This is also the first line of defence against people who want you to spend money with them. I say ‘No, I am trying not to buy things that end up in landfill in a year’s time’ It shuts them up!
I love your ethos
I love how you remind people that simple things you cook are still cooking from scratch.
It is indeed
One thing about cooking, there is NO rule that says dinner has to be meat, side of veggies, etc everyday. Some nights when I don't feel like cooking I might just snack instead, with some cheese, some nuts, or just a salad. I always make a meal plan but I also include a day where I just snack n don't cook, plus it saves me money.
Well said
Great advice! The peace that comes from being debt free and having a fully funded emergency fund is priceless. It is, like you say, hard work and a consistent effort. I think the hardest part is just getting started. Tracking my spending for a month was a real eye opener. I am in month 4 of my no spend year. So far so good.
Thanks Loretta
Where I live, if you have a dental emergency, your sinking funds can get easily depleted. Here Medical and dental expenses can ruin your budget easily. Once my husband retires, we plan to move out. Otherwise as you get older your health gets more unpredictable, same as your budget and your income is fixed witch it’s not a good combination to say the least.
Budgeting is not as stressful as feeling like you're constantly drowning in debt! I only wish I'd started budgeting and being mindful at an earlier age. I started in my 50s but it took a few tries to get it right. At first I tended to focus on the minutia and wasn't managing the bigger items. After I retired and started living alone I realized it was much easier to tidy up my finances. I have very little debt and am able to save up from my monthly income for special occasions, short vacations, small household repairs etc. My focus now is building up my savings cushion to invest and to have a larger sinking fund. I live modestly in a rural setting and really don't enjoy shopping all that much anymore. I don't feel like I'm missing out if I don't have the latest and biggest of anything!
Thanks Janet
Good day! I wanted to share with Sally. I have health issues too. What helps me is that I cook in the mornings, or at lunch for my meal for the day. I usually cook enough to last a couple days as Jane shared. That is the time I feel my best. I know it is hard to cook when you feel poorly. Take care!
Thanks so much
That’s a really good idea and one that I follow. I have the most energy in the morning and feel tired often in the afternoon, so I have always got our main meal of the day ready to go by about 11am. I once did one of those chef’s kitchen things where you watch a professional kitchen in a top restaurant do the evening service. I was amazed how much was actually cooked in advance and just finished when required. It was a revelation and changed the way I cook, making my life much easier and endorsed by the best chefs!
Great video and very much needed in these times. You would not believe how many people in their 50's have never learned to handle money; I was one of them. I thank God I found Dave Ramsey. I keep watching frugal videos and watching the journey of others to keep me motivated to stay the course.
Thanks very much for watching
What a great video. Lots of great ideas. I'm widowed and live on my own, but still cook the way my mum did in the 50s and 60s. She fed 5 kids all from scratch. Sometimes I do treat myself by going to a restaurant or buying clothes, but that is few and far between. Love your videos.
You always make me do better. THANK YOU FOR THAT. You are right about not having to cook from scratch. Batch cooking is the best thing ever. When you feel well cook and freeze your treasures
Thanks Mary
These Q and A sessions are both informative and inspirational. I learn something every time. Thank you!
Thanks very much everyone
Great advice. I especially like that you are very realistic in your advice. If you are a busy working parent ( or person) it’s ok to have a frozen pizza on Friday and a bag salad. Much cheaper than take out and it’s still tasty.
You're welcome
I make up pizza topping bags which have cooked bacon, mushrooms, onions pepperoni or what ever you put on your pizza and I freeze them. I use a wrap as the base, always have grated cheese in the fridge. This means I can have a home made pizzas in just a few mins. You can break up the topping and put it on frozen as it will quickly thaw as you cook the pizza. It also takes up much less room than a frozen pizza in the freezer.
Super advice as always. I took your budgeting advice and started in January this year. I followed all of your instructions. I have different vaults on Revolut now so when I get paid I have the money transferring into those vaults. Now when I get a bill in, the money is there! For the first time ever I’m saving for Christmas and birthdays, car insurance and tax, electricity etc…
I am eternally grateful. Thank you ❤
That's brilliant
So so helpful, thank you. I like the way you give clear and straightforward advice, nothing patronising or critical, just say what needs to be said and explained. Thank you x
Thanks for the feedback
Excellent advice Jane. I have kept a budget book for the last thirty or so years. I also keep all grocery receipts for the month. I then write down the month's grocery total in the budget book. I then work out the monthly average for groceries at year end. I love the advice of stock taking one's wardrobe before making a new purchase.
Thanks for watching and sharing
I like the advice you gave the women. To begin my shrinking fund I had to start with $1.00 in each fund because I was earning such a small amount. After following the frugal life style, my shrinking funds began to be in much better shape. You're right about being consistent with a budget as well as keeping a good track of all your spending. Thanks again for sharing.
Thanks very much
I hope you are working on your sinking funds, not shrinking funds 😉
Thank you so much for this. Just got a job after not being employed since 2020. And I am trying to figure out how to get rid of all this credit card debt. This helped me out a lot. It will be a struggle for a while but in the end we will be debt free! Thank you! Hugs from Texas!
You're welcome and thanks for watching
Congratulations on your job! I’m sure it must be a relief to you.
@@emmalouise7837 yes it is. God has blessed me so much.
Loved this!! We've been trying so hard to get out of our situation. We both worked and earned barely enough, I made everything for my wedding and we paid less then 1000 for the whole thing. We've always got by thrifting and collecting free things... then lockdown hit and with a new baby, no job for me... I embraced homemaking and threw myself into frugality... 5 years on and another baby later... we are still getting by putting food and nappies on cards. My husband now has a better paid skilled job and its heart breaking to realise how hard we worked for such little money. Next month we might finally start chipping away at debt. But it feels like we just chase our tails. ♡ Thank you for all your videos, I agree budgeting should be taught in schools. I loved being in the Dave Ramsey rabbit hole and learning.. that's how I found you. Thank you for your wisdom ♡
Hi, keep in touch. You're really fighting your way out of this and I sincerely wish you well
I think the "storm/doldrums" analogy is exactly the perspective needed. Also, to the concern about emotional spending: you cannot let things build up. I know personally that ignoring things will not make them go away. Do what you can to pay what you can down, and put your cards away somewhere inconvenient. It will give you time to really think before going out to spend. If you are still caught up in emotional spending, reach out for support from an unbiased friend, relative, or therapist. I did, and it has made a huge difference in my life in so many ways. Good luck to those with this issue, and know you can do it!
Thanks very much
I haven't heard a better financial adviser. This is great! Thanks Jane.
Thanks very much
We are very fortunate in Canada to have a saving device called a Tax Free Savings Account into which we may submit up to $6,500 each year. This fund helps with any unexpected costs. I am slightly over sixty, but still work full-time as I love my job and want to ensure that my daughters' post-secondary education is not a burden on them. A community garden is a necessity as it really annoys us to pay so much for basic vegetables. I love your content.
Thanks for watching
Thank you for all you $ Mike do. I have an “inspiration page” in the front of my planner, with things that help me remember my goals and be consistent with them, and I have a picture of you and of your cute little pink piggy bank glued on that page. You truly do inspire me in my finances and make it seem doable and fun. ♥️
Thanks for sharing
Another excellent video❤ I would add don’t give up, keep at it and you will find what works for you and to follow Jane’e advice and research and educate yourself. Once you start saving, even if it’s just a small amount at first, and you pay off that first debt it will give you the boost and momentum to keep going. Probably one of the more difficult things is to “keep your blinders on” and not be distracted from outside temptations and get off track.
Thanks so much
Sound and sensible advice. My 'too tired to cook' option is I keep some stuffed pasta in the freezer, a pack here costs under £2 to feed two adults and cooks from frozen in 5 minutes, a great quick standby to avoid takeaways.
That's a great idea. Where do you get the frozen stuffed pasta from? I tend not to shop the frozen sections so haven't seen it before. Thanks
@@coraclouden2506 I am in the UK and it is available in supermarkets here, I get it from Sainsbury's.
Thank you 😊
Always pick up another nugget of useful advice - there's a strange thing going on (not sure if everywhere or just UK) were you either don't get your receipt, even in our Tesco Metro (smaller), or are asked if you want it! I mean I wasn't thinking about the budget part, which is very important! It was in case security alarm goes off, which it often does because they either haven't deactivated the security scan or there's a fault on the door alarm and you need proof of purchase - happens more often than you think!
I always ask 'pour le ticket de caisse'
Same in the USA. They are asking if you want a receipt in many stores. My answer is yes for budgeting, proof I paid, etc.
Very sound advice! I always get a new idea when you do these Q&As!
Thanks very much
You are an excellent teacher.
Thanks very much
Excellent practical advice, as always.
Thanks very much and have a great day
Slow and steady wins the race.😊
Great video you two! Very sound advice for everyone when you don’t know where or how to start. I took your advice a while ago, and started sinking funds. I physically draw out cash each month, and divide into envelopes, which we keep in a safe. There are no more nasty surprises with car insurance and service , birthdays and Christmas. We have also done no spend months, and it’s amazing how much money you can save. Good luck to everyone watching, and thanks for sharing Jane and Mike.
Thanks very much for your feedback
Hi Jane,great advice as always.🙂All I can add is that if you are doing well don’t let people take advantage to fuel their lifestyle.I had a friend,I don’t anymore because she borrowed money & didn’t pay it back,it was very upsetting for me at the time.
Thank you
Thank you Jane very informative and useful,I live alone on a very small wage
Good morning from southern New Jersey!
Jane you are so right! We don't need heavy elaborate meals. I decided to order a whole chicken in my next order. I can get 4-5 ,meals from a chicken. I like to repurpose leftovers. I am making it a game. I have trouble with sinking funds and where to put the money until needed.
Thanks for watching
Really great advice Jane !! I started watching you a few months ago and am amazed how much we have in common . It's really interesting as I live in South Central Pennsylvania. We also garden and raise as much vegetables and fruits as we can, we zero base budget and were debt free / mortage free, retired and living on a little less then minimum wage here also. It's my husband and I, and he is also a do it yourselfer. Groceries are the biggest challenge for us and I appreciate your tips and positive attitude , it keeps me motivated! Thank you
Thanks very much
Thank you so much for making videos to get us started and keep us motivated. Im a senior on a pension and since starting to watch I have a few hundred $ in saving and set aside money every month for bills that come up once or twice a year. It feels sooo good!!!
Thanks so much
Morning, great information on getting on the road to being in control of finance. You mentioned the snowball system, I take it when each debt is complete you use the additional money you were making on that account together with that you have been throwing at it, to attack the next debt. Seeing each debt paid off definitely makes a good space in your head. Looking forward to watching future shows.
That's right, thanks very much for watching and commenting
Thank you for another wonderful and incredibly helpful video. I’ve been budgeting for years and have sinking funds and your videos always make me feel like I’m on the right path. We have an emergency fund of a little over 2k and I’m working on building it to 3-6 months of expenses. It’s slow progress as I make sure our sinking funds are getting what they need but it’s progress all the same especially when we don’t earn a big salary.
Thanks again. Take care and have a good week 😊
Thanks Tanya
Thank you Jane, and Mike behind the camera! I love your videos.
I am in Canada, and I have my sinking funds in an online bank called EQ. They pay 2.5% interest and I have an emergency fund and four sinking funds. You can name each account anything you want. You can set an amount for a goal for any date and it will keep track of how close you are to your goal. On payday I e-transfer the money to myself and it is deposited to the emergency fund. I then distribute it to the sinking funds. I have an Xmas sinking fund, an annual insurance fund, a car fund, and a vacation fund. Also, my house is heated by electric. We are billed every two months. Instead of having to come up with a large ammount every two months, I pay some on it every two weeks when I get paid. It builds a credit, and then when the bill comes, it is already paid!
Thanks for sharing
Thank you for helping and supporting families with your knowledge, it is much appreciated. ❤️
Our pleasure
@@FrugalQueeninFrance You have helped me so much since I found your channel. I live on my own and have been a from-scratch cook and baker for ever! Now, I batch cook for myself. Today (as this will be a challenging week) I placed an online grocery order for some (as healthy as possible) meals and ordered a budget book from Amazon. Thanks, Jane and Michael! BTW I'm 87 and still learning! Shirley Kelly USA
Thank you Jane for the reminder to get back into "storm mode"! I must admit I have become rather lax lately in sticking to the budget and keeping costs down. It's time for me to prioritize my savings as you are right, no one knows what the future may hold.
Thanks
Thank you for your sound advice and boundless encouragement.
Looking forward to your video, Jane!
Have just rewatched this video and to be honest it's been so helpful for me. It made things click in my head and I've understood a lot more this time around. Due to my health conditions my memory can be awful. Many thanks Jane and Mike, kind regards Angeline ❤️
I just made Spaghetti sauce today, packaged it up for the freezer, we are starting on Chili this afternoon. I do not like to make food from scratch everyday either. I set up my budget from Jane, I get better every month. Best Wishes for the week ahead.
Thanks Sandra
Love that you mention Dave Ramsey concepts. I'm in "baby step 2". It's very comforting to think of baby steppers everywhere and anywhere. 🎉❤
Good luck with your journey
Great advice, as always. But I really watch for the dog shots at the end!
Thanks very much
Very helpful! Thank you!
Glad it was helpful!
Appreciate your ideas on quick and easy meals. I'm very committed to cooking healthy meals from scratch, but feeding two teenage boys and a husband who does physical labor makes cooking often feel like a burdensome full time job--i am literally feeding three bottomless pits 😂. Just yesterday we had a discussion about quick easy meals that everyone would like. I'm going to do some serious thinking about ways I can get some days off from cooking as well.
One minor change that has made a huge difference is that we bought a secondhand breadmaker for $10 the other day and it has been in constant use. No more sinking feeling when I realize we're almost out of bread AGAIN--such a timesaver!
Thanks for another great video, Jane and Mike!
Thanks Wendy
Plus a decent loaf of bread runs about $4.00 in the supermarkets (where I am, anyway) and it costs about $0.75 to make one. A family the size of yours probably goes though (at least) a loaf every other day. That's a savings of +/- $48.75 every month! For only one item in your grocery basket, that's a very respectable accomplishment!
Well done on the purchase price of the bread machine too. New price where I am is about $80 for an economical model - if you can find one.
Excellent advice as usual Jane!
Thanks Shelia
Oh, that is excellent advice on getting sinking funds started! Thank you, Jane. I also agree on not cooking daily. It saves time, money, energy, and stress.
Thank you Jane and Mike for helping keep so many on track. I will make a list of quick and easy meals that maybe my husband can make on days I don't feel well. I am currently recovering from shoulder and arm surgery, so he has had to learn to cook since I can't. That is a skill that will get utilized in the years ahead to offset when I am not doing well. As always your videos are so helpful to so many.
Thanks for watching
I have had a written 'inspiration' meal list taped to the inside of my pantry door for years, even though I'm a good cook!! It gets updated/revised occasionally but it always takes the biggest headache out of meals - that is, what to cook!! The list has all the meals I know I can make easily or quickly and it just gets me going if I'm stuck - I'll refer to the list and usually it will remind me of something that needs to be used up or something that I haven't made for a while! And Jane is so right - meals don't have to be gourmet events every time. Best wishes for a full and speedy recovery from your surgery. Cheers from Oz!!
I LOVED this video so much 👏🏽👏🏽. Thank you Mike & Jane.
Thank you
For the first time in my life (I'm 65) I'm tracking every cent I spend on groceries, beginning in May. Prices have risen so much, it's making a real difference for the worse on my pocketbook. I am determined to spend less, use up my stock, and put the extra money towards paying off credit card bills. I'm actually looking forward to the challenge.
I make my own Italian meatballs. It takes at least 3 hrs. I always make enough for 3 or more meals- freezing the leftovers from the first meal. Sometimes a leftover meal is as simple as meatball sandwiches and a small salad or vegetable.
I'm also beginning a few sinking funds for car insurance, life insurance, car maintenance, and savings. I think the secret will be a positive mindset, rather than moaning and groaning about it- make it a game, a challenge. I know the end result is worth it.
Once again, thank you for sharing your ideas.
You’re doing well Carol
Thank you. Very informative and clearly explained. X
You're welcome
Amazing 🤩
Hi Jane, I learned something new with you today, and that is to have ☺️1 to 2 thousand aside for emergency and then pay off the debts. We are on disability’s (My husband and I) and it has been very difficult but we manage to pay off 6 credit cards . And we don’t see any money to “enjoy” or for the emergency fund. Yet I thought that after I paid off the debts that I was going to be able to start a emergency fund … this is something to consider . Thanks and God bless say hello to Mike😁
Thanks for watching and commenting
Great channel!!!! 👍
Thanks very much
Thanks - enjoyed the Q & A session - it was really interesting and motivating 😊
Thanks for watching
I'm not one to emotional spend but I have been concerned about out credit card debt. I've started paying down the debt but we had a set back with a health issue and that may be suspended temporarily. We have a small emergency fund but it needs to be much bigger and the way I figured we could do it is to pay off some debt. It's frustrating to think you're making progress with your budget and then something comes up.
But your advice with these vlogs is so helpful. I've learned so much. Thanks!
Thanks for watching
Inspirational video Jane and Mike , thankyou for your guidance and encouragement.
Thanks for watching
Thanks so much for your work.
I am wondering how you feel about building funds for " much further along the road". I am an older semi-retiree than are you two and am single so saving and budgeting can look a bit different. Periods of inflation while working are inconvenient. Periods of inflation after retirement have me concerned. Do you two have a method of saving for your older years, reflecting the scope of what could happen? The money put aside for retirement a few years ago, suddenly doesn't look AS good as before.
Would you mind sharing your ideas regarding possible future tight times?
Thank you.
Yes, as we're still earning and receive our two pensions as monthly savings, we save long term for our next car and save 10% of our income and pensions that come in each month
I let all the ads run after your post from the other day
Thanks so very much for your support
Great advice..may I add that if one feels the strong urge to splurge, then perhaps on kitchen appliances on sale that can help stretch the food budgets once the gadget has been purchased? In my home this includes a convection toaster oven, a small crockpot for stews or soups. One for a meal, one for the fridge for the next day, and the other two to freeze off? My convection toaster oven. I have made cornbread and snack sometimes on toast with marmalade, butter to satisfy a sweet tooth. And am occasionsal sweet potato as it's lower in calories and very high in nutrients? This gadget runs about 25F degree lower than my gas oven, which I had stopping over my arthritic bones to remove foods and cleaning. The convection oven I have not expetimented too much but advised per instructions, adjustments vary. For me, about another savings of an extra 25F difference. Also, I have went to thrift stores in the past, found loose glass lids, and they fit nicely on my cast iron. Nice heat rentention and keeps my food more on the moist side. Recently, my daughter gifted me an air popper that's been on the market for 30years. Great on my own as a healthy snack low in calories, high in fiber, nutrition. The grandkids love coming over although I do need to use my hands to block the stray popped kernels from going all over the floor. The grandkids do get a good laugh, so worth it. Electric for three minutes, butter on top and organic kernels, a huge mixing bowl that I use, is a lot of popcorn at under $1 for the entire bowl. Ziplox are filled, and I am buying stick pretzels and candy on sale including candy bars that can be broken down. The teens usually stay in their home and are now requesting bags of popcorn...the next money saving gadget will be a small food dehydrator and a $10 vacuum pump to help seal the jars. Think I will need something like oxygen absorbers. Lots of info on line. Just needing another preferred size of canning jars...also have a twin sized washing tub. Has it's quirks and I have no choice right now but to hang and dry over the shower rods with a portable fan.Still need to use the community room washer and dryers for blankets but I do not pay a water bill. Only the electric which is cheaper and less of a quarter finding quest of sharing only a few machines. As for electric bills, I have installed top easily foam under the outlet and light switch plates plus cover with dollar store child safety caps to help keep drafts out. Have moved recently and most of my investment items went with me. Am now debating on doublerods curtains and in a situation like mine, ask the management if I purchase, will they install with the understanding by state laws, when I move, the curtain rods will stay? It's called digging deep each month at the end of the month to see if I can invest in myself, my home with gadgets that might cost upfront but in the long run ei;; pay for itself and then some. Gratefully, my new place, the climate and floorplan and built solid has amazingly left me with lower gas and electric bills even though I practice frugality as much as possible.
Really great advice!
One thing we do every so often is saving's jars, this works well if you pay cash for what you buy. Hubby tapes the jar so he can't see what's in it, I just have one of those really big jar things that looks like a bottle of Guinness, daughter has a cute white pig.
I just randomly put change in after I have been shopping, don't always remember. Over the years we have bought a new TV and various other things. It's a good habit to get into if you can do it, but you do need to sort of forget about it for it to work.
Good idea
Brilliant help, thank you 😊
I appreciate the budget reminders. Thank you. 😊
Great video with lots of ideas to help. Love the positive attitude you always have.
Thanks
Great suggestions. I have always lived with a budget and it works.
Thanks
I find that dating things when I open them helps me stop over stocking items. My dog's food lasts around 50 days. I always have 1 open and 1 backup since random items keep going out of stock.
Apps have made price comparisons easy. I check my local grocery store's prices against Walmart, Target, Sam's Club, Amazon, and the local drug store chain. I'm often surprised which store has the best price. Picking up Dawn at the drug store thus week because it's the best price
Good advice
Thank you!
Excellent video Jane xx
Excellent personalized advice! …Deb
Thanks
Thank you, Jane. very needed info
Great tips here . When I put money by for bills I always add an extra few euro to create a small buffer. So if my electric bill is around €80 per month I pretend it’s €90! It works for me! For me the biggest waste of hard earned money is eating out. I took my son and my aunt out for lunch for their birthdays recently . We had soup and a sandwich each and a pot of tea. €80 !!!!!!! Never again!!!!
It’s too expensive to eat out any more, I’ll leave that for the rich and feckless.
When I first became widowed, I had to face the reality of less than half of our previous income. A sensible budget in writing is necessary to get through each month. Although, I have a nest egg put away for unexpected events and/or repairs, I try not to use that money for monthly expenses. My budget isn't perfect; however, it keeps me from making a hugh financial mistake.
Thanks for watching and sharing
Just found your channel! Love your calm and straightforward advice ❤ Would love to learn about some more in depth healthy affordable food and grocery advice!
Plenty to come.
i just have to say your furbabies are the cutest. what breed or mix of breeds are they? I have two dogs of my own and an old cat so i'm starting to save money for them in sinking funds, thanks to you. I do have an emergency fund also and am working on making it grow.
Bichon frisé and thanks very much
Our roof will need to be done id say in 1 year or so, that is approx 12,000 usd ..we have a mortgage owing approx 107,000 and a car payment approx 40,000 which do I put extra money towards😢
Thanks ☺️
As usual, good common sense advice. Thanks!
Thanks very much
I always hear sell what you do not want and do not need, but seriously I ask myself how many people are like me and have no valuable things to sell because the quality is too bad or the thing is just run down that it is not able to sell them. (Aside from me living where everybody is so cheap I simply can not compare with my most frugal way of living.)
You've mastered minimalism. When we sold stuff, nothing was valuable. We might have got £2 an item at a car boot sale but those pennies added up.
Thank you, very helpful.
Brilliant video guys - loved it as always. 😊
Thanks very much for watching
Great video. Lot's of good advice.
Excellent chat.
Great advice Jane..🌹x
I think that this was a very sensible video full of advice
Thanks very much
@@FrugalQueeninFrance your welcome☺️. Todays dinner was some cheese and spinace filled tortolini ( 5 min) a slice of sandwichham sliced up, some leftover bit cheese I grated + a tall glass of tomato juice that was in my fridge.
@@pigletsbank437 that's a good meal
Love all of these tips. Thank you!
Thanks for watching
Superb video Jane and Mike, Anna.
Thanks Anna
Keep it simple!
Great advice
Loved this video, I'm actually in the stage of debts paid off and emergency fund built and I am definitely having a hard time staying motivated for the next step which it house down payment, especially since my living situation is a bit up in the air at the moment so I'm just saving in a general fund beyond the 6 month emergency fund and once my life settles I hopefully can put anything saved there in the house down pmt fund, but the stress of the situation definitely has me wanting to spend, which is such an oxymoron isn't it 😂
Good luck with your savings, thrifty life long living will always help
Dear Jane, I find myself watching more and more of your videos, so I am now subscribed! ....Thanks for the effort you put into creating them, I'm finding it helpful and thought provoking.
Sorry to backtrack here, but in a recent video you are using Savon De M - diluted as a cleaning solution/spray. If you wouldn't mind can you share the ratio please? And maybe hte ratio for the vinegar solution. The internet is full of contradictions. I'd be very grateful to you if you can share. Thanks in advance. Maz
Savon de Marseille I use 50/50 water and solution and I spray straight onto hard surfaces, leave a few minutes, then wipe, white vinegar is 10% acidity in strength and 50/50 with water and a tiny squirt of washing up liquid maybe 5ml.
@@FrugalQueeninFrance Many, many thanks. This most helpful! Cheers!
Something to address next time: what about retirement contributions while laying down debt? I have some retirement savings (401K account here in the US, you contribute tax free and only pay taxes when you withdrawal after retirement), but have begun contributing 10% while also working on debt retirement. I’m in my mid 50s and really needed to step up the retirement savings. I can’t get social security (US equivalent of UK state pension) until 67. If I wait until 70, I get nearly $800/month more. I intend to keep working until 70.
Thanks for watching
Great advie
Thanks very much
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