Pain keeps me from non essential spending. After many years of credit card bills, car payments, I refuse to have anything I am not able to pay cash for. Especially on a very limited income. I love being debt free. April will be my last payment on my one and only credit card that I cut up a couple years ago. Thank you for your videos. ❤️
@@helenmak5663 AND often you can enjoy this hobby by NOT doing a thing! Not going to the store, not shopping on line and not buying the newest and the latest of some device! That's the lazy side of me. If I skip a weekly trip to the grocery store and make do with what I have at home, I don't have to concern myself with coupons, sale specials, using gas for the car etc. I'm free for that week to actually pursue other interests! It's easier to do this if you have a well stocked pantry and freezer in the first place and a thorough shopping list. * If you had to go to the town well for water, would you walk there with a small glass every time you were thirsty? No, you'd take large containers and carry back all you physically could each time. Apply this idea to non-perishable grocery items.
Jane and Mike motivate me as well. I thought I was frugal and budgeting until I found their channel. Now I handle my money very definitely and save more. My thanks go out to them both for keeping us all on track and learning
Jane I’ve been in Miami 2 months escaping the cold of Chicago upon returning the prices here in Chicago are so much less then Florida. Today I was craving a bagel bacon egg sandwich they sell near by for 8.50 I heard your voice in my head not a good idea and went to Walmarts mini store near me bought eggs 1.39 bagels 12@ 3.49 bacon 4.20 went home and enjoyed a great breakfast enough for 11 more breakfast. I appreciate your words and learn and listen and please know you help many!
Hello from N Carolina USA. Love your videos. I do not shop for entertainment anymore. Wish I had learned this earlier in life. But we can only carry on from here, not the past. I can’t remember the last time I have bought anything other than essentials. I have everything I want and therefore I can cover all my needs. I think the key to being financially secure is to be content with what you have.
I was given two pieces of advice on my wedding in 1970. My Grandmother said. " Always have £5.00 in the back of your purse, that no ones knows about. (That was a weeks shopping in those days) my mother said "If you can't pay for it outright you can't have it!!!!. Always keep a budget book. I lived my entire life like that.
I keep a few dollars folded in recesses of both my wallet and my husband's. It has put gas in our car when storms knocked out there computers and it was cash only. Also last year it bought me a bushel of fresh peaches for canning at a farm stand that we happened by, when taking a different route.
I have some short one liners that I whisper to myself as I shop. These are a few of them. I do not need this. I have one already and it is better than the new one that I see. Gosh, I have a better idea of how to meet this need. If I buy this, I will have to follow my rule and say goodbye to something I already own. I am going to wrap up my shopping and go home and read 50 pages of my current book. I love being strong and independent. I have selfdiscipline. And, it works ! Well, once in a while I get weak. But, mostly, it works. Thanks for another great video.
It's occurred to me part of why I enjoy your channel is the encouragement I get listening to another frugal person since living frugally isn't the norm. So there aren't necessarily a lot of people who understand this kind of lifestyle (which you've referenced). So thanks for the encouragement.
I thought I did really well with my spending because I don't go out shopping very much, even for groceries. What baffled me for a long time was why my bank balance quickly runs low despite my lack of venturing into shops frequently. Then it dawned on me that although I don't go shopping very often, when I do, I make up for lost time but over-buying, especially on non-essentials. I'm trying to change this now but it's not easy!
I like my personal challenges like no gas , no spend and library entertainment ( checking out movies, books and magazines) walking to library. I also challenge my self to walking so many miles a day or week. Loved today's chat it keeps me motivated to stay out of malls and stores.
I used to love a visit to the sales. I would get home and say to my husband (an accountant) look how much I saved. He would reply look how much you spent. I'm a reformed character these days but it took a long time to learn that lesson.
My grocery list book is an A5 notebook. The back page is my freezer meat list. Taped inside the back cover are 2 lists to items to buy when on special to add to xmas donations for Operation Shoebox for children and Share the Dignity bags for women in need. I keep a list on a post it note for other items we need and then if I see a good price I can purchase it.
I put things in my Amazon cart, then move them to "Save for later". I don't feel the need to buy it right then if I know I can come back to it later. I also try to stay out of the stores or off online stores as much as possible. This is a good video.
I use this “ save for later so much”. I had a mini squares pan ( like you would use for eggbites) in my save for just not wanting so spend the money, when I stumbled on one at the thrift shop for $3.00 on sale 50% off and got for $1.50 I was so proud of myself
I add it to my list and then forget about it. If I really need or want it, I'll go to the trouble of looking it up. My have access my list when they need a gift idea. Once it goes on the list, Im afraid to buy it in case they've purchased it for a special occasion. Which is rare but it works!
I’ve never thought of it before but I’m one of those that shops to fill a hole that I have since my husband died 5 years ago, I don’t drive and don’t get out much.
Great common sense video. I ask myself how many hours of my life something costs (in £ rate per hour of my income). Sometimes that means i find I magically no longer want it! I am also a big fan of 'shop your home first'', using what I already have where possible . . Taking this approach most of the time means that when I occasionally buy a treat or non essential item, I really appreciate it.
We do the same thing! We always think in terms of ‘how many hours do we have to work to pay for that?’. That process gives us a whole new perspective about our ‘need or want’ decision.
Reading is my entertainment. Learning is entertainment. I used to shop way too much, though. I am trying to practice more hygge in my life. My Mother died two year s ago and I've been sort of lost. She was my heroine, my best friend, my Mother.
Good advice, Jane. I was raised by a mother who did what you said. She went into the stores, bought what she needed, and left. She was a working mother which was unusual in the 1950's and 1960's. She really did not like to spend much. I take after her. My family have always teased me about this lack of browsing that I do. I just cannot enjoy spending, what I consider wasted time, in a store.
I too love my local little thrift shops. One is run by Friends of Animals and the other helps local families with emergencies. Both are wonderful charities which I love to support and are managed by my friends. So I was justifying buying little inexpensive items from them every visit when I'd go drop off my donations. Finally I shared I was on a no buy month and they said oh just come by and visit anyway! Sometimes they have free coffee and cookies but I always drop some change in their jar. So now I don't feel guilty if I don't buy anything. I do send them a donation check every year.
Another great common sense video that we all need to keep our eye on the spending, a thing is only a bargain if you need it and was going to buy it, it’s like knowing wants and needs. A lot of non essential items just double your spending and things that aren’t in your budget. Take care everyone ♥️💋
Although we eat healthy most of the time, the prepared foods in the grocery stores would tempt me sometimes. Keeping cooked meat in the refrigerator to help make an easy and filling meal would help me not to give in to the temptation! Thank you for saying there is essential and nonessential food, water, clothing, and such. I never thought about it that way before!
I went shopping yesterday, for some needed supplies with a list and store coupons (for unbranded produce and a few things we use that are store brands). It took me a long time because there were so many temptations. I had to constantly ask myself, "Do I need it? Do I already have one?". It was annoying, but it did keep me on track and my bill was much smaller because I did this!
This is the most powerful video I have seen on my frugal journey so far. It really makes a person look at themselves and how they spend. Just thinking about shopping and how companies take advantage of us is a huge wake up call as I have been guilty in the past of wasting money on junk and sales. This just makes me tell myself to keep my eyes open even wider. Thank you so much! Xx
I really agree with your last point Jayne. Companies spend vast amounts of money on psychological research to get us to spend more - from colours used to where the product is placed. Did you know, for example, that Mac Donald's was mostly coloured red in order to make you eat faster - so you would get out quick and make room for more customers?? I studied and taught Business Studies and did research in the field. How advertising companies speak about people ( labeling by class, income, and education level with a series of numbers) is just disgusting.... Don't let em win folks!
I save by making a list and sticking to it. I also avoid the stores unless absolutely necessary. I don’t go into clothing stores as I have enough clothing. Prior to January 2021 I spent a lot on discretionary spending. But it all changed when I got the goal of paying off my house. That got me interested in budgeting, and sinking funds, which brought me to your channel. As well as “Under the Median” and “The Budget Mom” and “The Dave Ramsey Show”. I have learned so much from all of you that has increased my security and contentment. Thank you for the videos.
Thanks so much for a needed pep-talk! I turned up the volume so my beloved husband could hear it. (😉❤️). Going out for pizza is a weakness for us. One way I’ve been saving money by cutting down/out quick runs to the pizza shop, is to make a pizza shell and have it ready in the freezer. So if we get a hankering for pizza, it’s basically ready to just pop in the oven.
In my opinion, $500 a year is not much money to spend for a pastime that brings you joy. We are meant to do more than pay our phone bills. Keep those great videos coming. I enjoy every one!
I am very glad for you, that you can afford to spend that much on a hobby. Many people don't have that spare cash. I hope you have a lot of savings in case of anything happening as well. If so your are truly blessed ( as am I) and probably planned and saved for this.
I am not a shopper and like to spend as little time in a supermarket as I can get away with. I buy the essentials and save leftover budget money for things that will be useful. So last week I got myself the “Kindling Cracker’ to cut my kindling without chopping my hand off! A really good piece of wood burner kit. Now I am saving for a fan like the one on your kitchen wood oven. Thank you for your posts - they are very motivating🙂
If you live in Britain, you can get a woodburner fan at Aldi, pretty sure I saw one last week. We bought one several years ago for about £20 from Aldi, and it is great, really makes a difference.
Our local grocery store plays soothing music from the ' 70s And '80s to relax us old folks and our purse strings. 😝😁 I have shopping aversion anymore, just pop in with a list and back out again in a few minutes. Set a time and spending limit before hand!
Great video today Jane. I have just fallen foul of this... again!! I was ordering a bouquet of flowers from M&S and I chose a beautiful arrangement to have delivered to my mum in the UK for Mother's Day this Sunday. When I was about to complete the purchase, they offered a box of chocolates and a bottle of prosecco as extras I could buy and add to the gift for an additional £10 per item. I succumbed 🥺 so the beautiful flowers I was happy with suddenly seemed 'not enough' and my £30 purchase quickly became £50 😳
I'm doing a deep spring cleaning of my clothes closets and drawers. I have a beautiful full length coat which had been quite expensive. I found a ticket stub in the pocket from 2002! Which meant I hadn't worn it in 20 years! About the time I started having hot flashes and quit wearing heavy clothing! I have several other coats and jackets and now am retired and live in a very rural area. So I don't need something that heavy or fancy. So it goes back in it's zip up container and off to a charity shop to find a new owner who will actually wear it!
You doing a great job really. I'm learning English with you. You have a beautiful accent and great prounancetion and on top of that I'm bulding my resilience towards spałeś company. All of you tips are great. Thank you and your husband. Music is So calming and elegant.
I am not very good at not spending yeti but I am working on it. All the adverts on my phone that I have to delete over and over again only tick me off so I refuse to give them my money.
I make a shopping list. It contains everything, also different stores, like a hairspray or whatever it is. Even if I plan non-essential shopping. For example a bottle of wine. I also know that sometimes I will be tempted by the florist - right in front of the grocery store. I go through it in my mind. Do I need flowers now? No. Then I think to myself, i will buy a nice boquet for Easter, not now. However, I have lost my way sometimes. I am a sucker for organic stores. Buying organic food in bulk, when you might as well get the organic products in your normal grocery store for much less.. I know I will visit one of them again next week. I have allowed myself to only buy the sourdough bread. 😅
Another great video. Tracking spending definitely helps me to keep to my budget. Otherwise money just seems to disappear. ha ha The retail industry is terrible. I ordered underwear online and then started getting emails multiple times a day about all of their sales. So ridiculous. So I just unsubscribed. It also drives me crazy when you go into a store to purchase something and they ask for your email address so they can send you a bunch of advertisements. I just say no.
I am very happy to have found this channel. I loved your blog when you were in Cornwall, but stopped blogging when life got complicated. So it is lovely to see that your hard work paid off and you made it to France.
Thank you, Jane and Mike for another great video. One thing I do regarding online shopping, especially Amazon: If I'm looking for something, of course they will show you lots of other things they hope will catch your eye - and sometimes they do catch my eye. I just put things in my cart - anything I fancy. But then I leave it there, sometimes for days or weeks or more. Meanwhile I'm muddling over whether the thing will be a good addition to the house or to my life. Sometimes when I revisit the cart I do actually want the thing. But MOST of the time I find the thing not nearly as interesting as when I first saw it. I have vetoed many impulse urges this way.
Wonderful tips thank you so much! I am about to pay off my mortgage...which I did by 12 years of frugal living....and I still found your tips great! We always need these reminders!
Sound advice as usual. I was forced to pay attention to my spending a few years ago. These days i dont buy anything i dont need. I buy cash and carry just enough to get what i need. Lol
This month, for the first time in a long, long time, I had some discrestionary spending money . It must have gone right to my head, because this morning when I brought my book-keeping up to date ,I realized that almost half of that money was gone , and I'm only a week into the pay period! So I set a challenge for myself to not spend any more until I got paid again, four weeks from now. If I make it, I may then make a trip to the area antique malls to find a pretty teacup! The balance will be saved. Your advice was really timely for me! Thanks-Mrs. G
That is the point, isn't it? You slipped a bit but caught yourself before much damage was done and got back on track ! Self-forgiveness and then you reapply yourself to frugal joy. Onward and upward! 👍
I am in Los Angeles, CA. This is the 1st time I have seen a video from you. This information is so Very Relevant for everyone no matter were on lives. You are so right. I will be re-watching this specifie Video. Yes, I personally circle items on the circular/ads that are mailed to me, that are items I want, that are at a price point of my budget. Then I add a list of things that I feel that we are running low on or things that I have not seen at the prices that I am willing to pay. I see if there are substitute for such items. Like paper towels, we can use rags. Toilet paper we can try a different brand. Or go to another area to see if prices are more comterable.. by looking at ads as were through the internet. I know that, gasoline prices different from area to ares by more than 10ç upto $1. we purchase in gallons here in the states.
Thanks Jane and Michael for another great video. I wasn't much of a shopper before the pandemic and I think I'm even less of one now. I always have a list and I try to do all my stops in one go - groceries, library ( a long time favorite ) doctor's appointment etc. I have done this for years and now with the rise in gas prices there is even more incentive to continue.
Hi Jane firstly I love your channel but don’t think I could do a budget as comprehensive as yours however one way I found helped me be more aware of my spending and highlight what I have bought was to lay all my shopping on the table and look at what had found it’s way into my basket. I would identify what was essential and what I really needed and what I could have done without or maybe I had some already (non essential) then count up how much I spent on non-essential and what I could have saved. This seemed to work better for me after doing this for a while I was more aware of what was going in my basket
I love this video Jane and Mike Thankyou. I think I need you on my shoulder whenever I go out. Yesterday I had to get fresh salad and fruit from supermarket, so I took a basket instead of a trolly. Also I bought a too good fo go offer from Costa - four large paninis for £3 that’s two ready to serve lunches for us. Not essential I guess but buying the bread alone would have been big far off that. You’re so right re offers. I’m often suckered in. Although generally for stuff we do always use.
Oh my goodness,this video was for me jane.i have tried very hard to overcome non essential spending,and have made progress.i noticed in tracking my spending,a backsliding in this.you spoke the very words I needed to hear,and I took my Amazon app off my phone.you helped me clarify a way which to check if it's essential.thank you!
Hi, you’ve hit the nail on the head! I call going shopping “ running the retail gauntlet”! It’s crazy! I have contemplated buying a Dutch oven. I’ve always wanted 1 and my local supermarket has them half price atm but I’ve stopped myself. I’ve given it some thought and I’ve decided that I can live without 1. After all, it’s a convenience item and I can still cook casseroles etc by starting them in a saucepan and then transferring it into a casserole dish for the oven. Or, better still, use the instant pot! Saved myself £30! 😉😆xx
There is an official fulltime university education called " marketing psychology" it educates/ creates people who " advise" shops on how to do this, and set you on to non- essential spending. I read a book ones, I borrowed it of a bright young student it while we met in a train for four hours and I had forgotten my book. My eyebrows have been frowned all the way I think. It was repulsing and scary as I finished psychology training to help people get out of trouble with the same techniques...
Brilliant vlog Jane and Micheal I totally agree with it all. I certainly do not like your description of French supermarkets bombarding you with useless and frivolous products you do not need. I have read a number of articles and books on the psychology of marketing and how people are easily fooled with marketing e.g "you're worth it" really I am worth it anyway and I do not need your beauty products to feel it. The other one is the buy one get one free offers my response to them I'd bogoff. Your ate so right about essential shopping and wants there is so many young people being fooled by marketing strategies all around them and falling into the trap of non essential shopping. As for sales really why do I need tacky cheap items in my life. Jane your Wednesday money talks should be prescribed in senior schools before young adults go out into the big world of advertising and trickery to separate you from your hard earned money. I really love your money talks thank you Anna.
I needed that video...I’m buying summer clothes at the moment .I changed size so I need new pants and a few tops . Listening to you made me rethink my needs . I’ll go for 3 pants and 2 tops ( I have 2 summer tops that fit ) .a pair of sandals and I’m good. Buying from an online not expensive shop. Thank you Jane
Great video, I allow myself £50pm discretionary spending unless I'm having a no spend month. Tracking my spending in a budget book though means I often spend less than half that amount and pop the remaining money into short term savings.
We are all tempted all the time to spend, spend, spend by all the retailers and I think your analogy of running through the flaming hoops is a great one to remember! Stay focused on what you out out for is key! Thanks Jane , all sound advice!
Good video.. you certainly know how to hit the nail on it's head.. also touch a nerve in us all as we all often fall into this trap. I know I have. And now that we are becoming pensioners we have made a point of not having any debt. Thankyou
Jane, you are so on point here. Once one knows the traps and is determined not to be played, they will be so much more empowered to make their best choices. And you are also right about companies knowing they are praying on the Vulnerable of society. Yes, shame is on them for their practices.
In Aldi in the US, all the beautiful chocolates and cookies are immediately surrounding you! (I have to say no to myself as I pass through!) I have my list of red tag specials from the Wednesday flier in my mail box and my list of menu main dishes and sides and only buy those things. I just started this and having that extra inexpensive produce in our apartment frig means if I'm too tired to cook after work, my eldest daughter (who is an amazing cook) makes her own glazes and roasts them. So plenty of potatoes, carrots and cabbage, roasted beautifully. I usually make lentil and bean chili or split pea soup on the weekend for lunches/dinners. I loved your meat pies and meat rolls. I'm going to try this with lentils and black beans (made with either a tomato sauce base or a vegetable broth base). I'll do the pies with rolls and just sub in the lentils and beans for the vegetarians and the meat for my non-vegetarian. Oh, and I made a no-knead bread using only 3 cups of flour, salt, active dry yeast and water this last week that turned out great. (This was the recipe from Frugal Fit Mom's No Knead Bread, in case you are looking for a no sugar added recipe.) I know because my kids snapped it up before they ate the grocery store bread! So, I'll be doing that again. I'll also be experimenting with a no knead bread for my gluten-free daughter. I'll let you know how it goes. Please keep your tips coming. I'm really enjoying your videos! (I have a best friend here with her family from the UK, by the way!) Thank you!!!
One major way we stick to our shopping list is by purchasing groceries online and then picking them up. We don't go inside the store which helps us avoid impulse purchases.
I agree with that philosophy. The only downside of that is you don’t get the option of choosing the in store reduced or clearance item (if it’s on your ‘needed’ list).
My husband, son (student at College ) and I set ourselves challenges each month, last month it was to get all the weekly groceries and for my son all his lunches yellow sticker or voucher/ student card brought so organizing was the key as I had to meal plan for the week as to what we'd brought , anything we didn't use we froze. We all came together at the end of each week to say what had been spent by us all and found we had made a point of spending less! I was the only one that spent the most as I was meal planning for the whole family - all yellow sticker or I made sure my son was with me to utilise him fir his student saving card!!
Great video!! I'm saving this one to watch again because this is what I've been dealing with the last year or two - online shopping. It was so easy to get what I needed online delivered the next day. How great but the catch is- spend $35 and get free shipping. Before I knew it I was just adding to my cart to spend $35. Well I have stopped all online shopping and unsubscribed to shopping emails. I'm saving so much, but this video reminds me, when I get the pop up ads for things I looked at before, to run over the hot coals I love it. Thanks
I use some of my clothing budget ($40 per month) at thrift stores, and record purchases in my budget book. It is my fun outing, provides great clothing, and has built up $1400 balance in that fund.
What makes it possible to stick to essential spending is that I have a goal to get out of debt over the next five months and I am aggressively going after this. Once I reach that goal, I will set another to be able to keep my focus.
My guilty pleasure is a diet coke from either McDonald's or circle k every day, depending on whether I want to get out of the car or not. Have decided to right that amount down and at the end of the month move the money to a savings account. Would work well with Starbucks too and would save even more money but personally I never go to Starbucks
We only use cash. If you don't have plastic, it can't be used! Our occupations are such that we also make cash. So sort of like you, Jane and Mike, we stash our cash for next month's budget.
Great ideas. I’m just starting to track my expenses and until recently I was mindless to my spending. Some of these I am doing now or plan to do. Hope I will see a difference to my finances. Thanks for sharing x
Pain keeps me from non essential spending. After many years of credit card bills, car payments, I refuse to have anything I am not able to pay cash for. Especially on a very limited income. I love being debt free. April will be my last payment on my one and only credit card that I cut up a couple years ago. Thank you for your videos. ❤️
Congratulations Maria! Less than a month and you can celebrate!
👌
Bravo!
My current "hobby" IS SAVING MONEY! 🤗
Me too, I entertain fun creative frugal ideas. I find frugal living quite challenging.
@@helenmak5663 AND often you can enjoy this hobby by NOT doing a thing! Not going to the store, not shopping on line and not buying the newest and the latest of some device! That's the lazy side of me. If I skip a weekly trip to the grocery store and make do with what I have at home, I don't have to concern myself with coupons, sale specials, using gas for the car etc. I'm free for that week to actually pursue other interests! It's easier to do this if you have a well stocked pantry and freezer in the first place and a thorough shopping list.
* If you had to go to the town well for water, would you walk there with a small glass every time you were thirsty? No, you'd take large containers and carry back all you physically could each time. Apply this idea to non-perishable grocery items.
I'm amazed how you still provide fresh and useful content to fill a whopping 3 videos a week! Keep up the good work, you keep me motivated 👍😁
Thank you
Jane and Mike motivate me as well. I thought I was frugal and budgeting until I found their channel. Now I handle my money very definitely and save more. My thanks go out to them both for keeping us all on track and learning
Jane I’ve been in Miami 2 months escaping the cold of Chicago upon returning the prices here in Chicago are so much less then Florida.
Today I was craving a bagel bacon egg sandwich they sell near by for 8.50 I heard your voice in my head not a good idea and went to Walmarts mini store near me bought eggs 1.39 bagels 12@ 3.49 bacon 4.20 went home and enjoyed a great breakfast enough for 11 more breakfast.
I appreciate your words and learn and listen and please know you help many!
Frugal, debt free living is the best.
By spending time decluttering and organizing my home, it has made me much more aware of my spending.
That's great
you have inspired me to really dig into my bills - I think I definitely have small leaks that added up are costing me . Thank you for the inspiration
That's good to hear.
Hello from N Carolina USA. Love your videos. I do not shop for entertainment anymore. Wish I had learned this earlier in life. But we can only carry on from here, not the past. I can’t remember the last time I have bought anything other than essentials. I have everything I want and therefore I can cover all my needs. I think the key to being financially secure is to be content with what you have.
Very good advice!!!! Bloom where you are planted!!!
I was given two pieces of advice on my wedding in 1970. My Grandmother said. " Always have £5.00 in the back of your purse, that no ones knows about. (That was a weeks shopping in those days) my mother said "If you can't pay for it outright you can't have it!!!!. Always keep a budget book. I lived my entire life like that.
I have an emergency £10 in my phone case.
It’s helped when I’ve not taken my purse out with me and then needed petrol.
Me too! I keep $20 in my phone case and quarters for parking if needed
I keep a few dollars folded in recesses of both my wallet and my husband's. It has put gas in our car when storms knocked out there computers and it was cash only. Also last year it bought me a bushel of fresh peaches for canning at a farm stand that we happened by, when taking a different route.
It might need to be 10 these days. 🫢
Also I volunteer in a charity shop and have to remind myself that it's ok to like something without needing to buy it
Good point.
I've done that job! It is hard to resist at first but it gets easier! Mind you I'm still using some of those items I bought some 25 years later!
I have some short one liners that I whisper to myself as I shop. These are a few of them. I do not need this. I have one already and it is better than the new one that I see. Gosh, I have a better idea of how to meet this need. If I buy this, I will have to follow my rule and say goodbye to something I already own. I am going to wrap up my shopping and go home and read 50 pages of my current book. I love being strong and independent. I have selfdiscipline. And, it works ! Well, once in a while I get weak. But, mostly, it works. Thanks for another great video.
Keep it up Anne
It's occurred to me part of why I enjoy your channel is the encouragement I get listening to another frugal person since living frugally isn't the norm. So there aren't necessarily a lot of people who understand this kind of lifestyle (which you've referenced). So thanks for the encouragement.
You’re welcome and we frugals are out there
I thought I did really well with my spending because I don't go out shopping very much, even for groceries. What baffled me for a long time was why my bank balance quickly runs low despite my lack of venturing into shops frequently. Then it dawned on me that although I don't go shopping very often, when I do, I make up for lost time but over-buying, especially on non-essentials. I'm trying to change this now but it's not easy!
I like my personal challenges like no gas , no spend and library entertainment ( checking out movies, books and magazines) walking to library. I also challenge my self to walking so many miles a day or week. Loved today's chat it keeps me motivated to stay out of malls and stores.
I used to love a visit to the sales. I would get home and say to my husband (an accountant) look how much I saved. He would reply look how much you spent. I'm a reformed character these days but it took a long time to learn that lesson.
He was right
@@FrugalQueeninFrance this took me a long time to learn too.
My grocery list book is an A5 notebook. The back page is my freezer meat list. Taped inside the back cover are 2 lists to items to buy when on special to add to xmas donations for Operation Shoebox for children and Share the Dignity bags for women in need. I keep a list on a post it note for other items we need and then if I see a good price I can purchase it.
My shopping rule. 'Is it a need or a want' .
I put things in my Amazon cart, then move them to "Save for later". I don't feel the need to buy it right then if I know I can come back to it later. I also try to stay out of the stores or off online stores as much as possible. This is a good video.
I use this “ save for later so much”. I had a mini squares pan ( like you would use for eggbites) in my save for just not wanting so spend the money, when I stumbled on one at the thrift shop for $3.00 on sale 50% off and got for $1.50 I was so proud of myself
I do exactly the same 👍
I add it to my list and then forget about it. If I really need or want it, I'll go to the trouble of looking it up. My have access my list when they need a gift idea. Once it goes on the list, Im afraid to buy it in case they've purchased it for a special occasion. Which is rare but it works!
I’ve never thought of it before but I’m one of those that shops to fill a hole that I have since my husband died 5 years ago, I don’t drive and don’t get out much.
I’m sorry for your loss. I hope you find something purposeful to keep you entertained
Great common sense video. I ask myself how many hours of my life something costs (in £ rate per hour of my income). Sometimes that means i find I magically no longer want it! I am also a big fan of 'shop your home first'', using what I already have where possible . . Taking this approach most of the time means that when I occasionally buy a treat or non essential item, I really appreciate it.
We do the same thing! We always think in terms of ‘how many hours do we have to work to pay for that?’. That process gives us a whole new perspective about our ‘need or want’ decision.
Reading is my entertainment. Learning is entertainment. I used to shop way too much, though. I am trying to practice more hygge in my life. My Mother died two year s ago and I've been sort of lost. She was my heroine, my best friend, my Mother.
I’m sorry for your loss.
Good advice, Jane. I was raised by a mother who did what you said. She went into the stores, bought what she needed, and left. She was a working mother which was unusual in the 1950's and 1960's. She really did not like to spend much. I take after her. My family have always teased me about this lack of browsing that I do. I just cannot enjoy spending, what I consider wasted time, in a store.
I too love my local little thrift shops. One is run by Friends of Animals and the other helps local families with emergencies. Both are wonderful charities which I love to support and are managed by my friends. So I was justifying buying little inexpensive items from them every visit when I'd go drop off my donations. Finally I shared I was on a no buy month and they said oh just come by and visit anyway! Sometimes they have free coffee and cookies but I always drop some change in their jar. So now I don't feel guilty if I don't buy anything. I do send them a donation check every year.
Another great common sense video that we all need to keep our eye on the spending, a thing is only a bargain if you need it and was going to buy it, it’s like knowing wants and needs. A lot of non essential items just double your spending and things that aren’t in your budget. Take care everyone ♥️💋
Thanks very much
Although we eat healthy most of the time, the prepared foods in the grocery stores would tempt me sometimes. Keeping cooked meat in the refrigerator to help make an easy and filling meal would help me not to give in to the temptation!
Thank you for saying there is essential and nonessential food, water, clothing, and such. I never thought about it that way before!
Thanks Luba
I went shopping yesterday, for some needed supplies with a list and store coupons (for unbranded produce and a few things we use that are store brands). It took me a long time because there were so many temptations. I had to constantly ask myself, "Do I need it? Do I already have one?". It was annoying, but it did keep me on track and my bill was much smaller because I did this!
Good for you!
This is the most powerful video I have seen on my frugal journey so far. It really makes a person look at themselves and how they spend. Just thinking about shopping and how companies take advantage of us is a huge wake up call as I have been guilty in the past of wasting money on junk and sales. This just makes me tell myself to keep my eyes open even wider. Thank you so much! Xx
Thanks for watching
I really agree with your last point Jayne. Companies spend vast amounts of money on psychological research to get us to spend more - from colours used to where the product is placed. Did you know, for example, that Mac Donald's was mostly coloured red in order to make you eat faster - so you would get out quick and make room for more customers?? I studied and taught Business Studies and did research in the field. How advertising companies speak about people ( labeling by class, income, and education level with a series of numbers) is just disgusting....
Don't let em win folks!
I save by making a list and sticking to it. I also avoid the stores unless absolutely necessary. I don’t go into clothing stores as I have enough clothing. Prior to January 2021 I spent a lot on discretionary spending. But it all changed when I got the goal of paying off my house. That got me interested in budgeting, and sinking funds, which brought me to your channel. As well as “Under the Median” and “The Budget Mom” and “The Dave Ramsey Show”. I have learned so much from all of you that has increased my security and contentment. Thank you for the videos.
You’re welcome
Thanks so much for a needed pep-talk! I turned up the volume so my beloved husband could hear it. (😉❤️). Going out for pizza is a weakness for us. One way I’ve been saving money by cutting down/out quick runs to the pizza shop, is to make a pizza shell and have it ready in the freezer. So if we get a hankering for pizza, it’s basically ready to just pop in the oven.
In my opinion, $500 a year is not much money to spend for a pastime that brings you joy. We are meant to do more than pay our phone bills. Keep those great videos coming. I enjoy every one!
I am very glad for you, that you can afford to spend that much on a hobby. Many people don't have that spare cash. I hope you have a lot of savings in case of anything happening as well. If so your are truly blessed ( as am I) and probably planned and saved for this.
I am not a shopper and like to spend as little time in a supermarket as I can get away with. I buy the essentials and save leftover budget money for things that will be useful. So last week I got myself the “Kindling Cracker’ to cut my kindling without chopping my hand off! A really good piece of wood burner kit. Now I am saving for a fan like the one on your kitchen wood oven. Thank you for your posts - they are very motivating🙂
If you live in Britain, you can get a woodburner fan at Aldi, pretty sure I saw one last week. We bought one several years ago for about £20 from Aldi, and it is great, really makes a difference.
Ahh thanks for that. I shall go and look .
Our local grocery store plays soothing music from the ' 70s And '80s to relax us old folks and our purse strings. 😝😁 I have shopping aversion anymore, just pop in with a list and back out again in a few minutes. Set a time and spending limit before hand!
Great video today Jane. I have just fallen foul of this... again!! I was ordering a bouquet of flowers from M&S and I chose a beautiful arrangement to have delivered to my mum in the UK for Mother's Day this Sunday. When I was about to complete the purchase, they offered a box of chocolates and a bottle of prosecco as extras I could buy and add to the gift for an additional £10 per item. I succumbed 🥺 so the beautiful flowers I was happy with suddenly seemed 'not enough' and my £30 purchase quickly became £50 😳
I limit snacks to only 1 but for me dark chocolate is essential. I always have popcorn but not from the supermarket.
I'm doing a deep spring cleaning of my clothes closets and drawers. I have a beautiful full length coat which had been quite expensive. I found a ticket stub in the pocket from 2002! Which meant I hadn't worn it in 20 years! About the time I started having hot flashes and quit wearing heavy clothing! I have several other coats and jackets and now am retired and live in a very rural area. So I don't need something that heavy or fancy. So it goes back in it's zip up container and off to a charity shop to find a new owner who will actually wear it!
You doing a great job really. I'm learning English with you. You have a beautiful accent and great prounancetion and on top of that I'm bulding my resilience towards spałeś company. All of you tips are great. Thank you and your husband. Music is So calming and elegant.
Thank you! 😃
Possibly one of your best videos! Nothing that I didn't know already - but I still slip up sometimes. That was a great "kick!" Thank you.
I am not very good at not spending yeti but I am working on it. All the adverts on my phone that I have to delete over and over again only tick me off so I refuse to give them my money.
I make a shopping list. It contains everything, also different stores, like a hairspray or whatever it is. Even if I plan non-essential shopping. For example a bottle of wine. I also know that sometimes I will be tempted by the florist - right in front of the grocery store. I go through it in my mind. Do I need flowers now? No. Then I think to myself, i will buy a nice boquet for Easter, not now. However, I have lost my way sometimes. I am a sucker for organic stores. Buying organic food in bulk, when you might as well get the organic products in your normal grocery store for much less.. I know I will visit one of them again next week. I have allowed myself to only buy the sourdough bread. 😅
Hello, from Brisbane Australia, great tips today, thank you
Hello from sydney 😸💚🇦🇺
You are such an encouragement to us on our frugal journey. Thank you for sharing your ideas and knowledge.
Another great video. Tracking spending definitely helps me to keep to my budget. Otherwise money just seems to disappear. ha ha The retail industry is terrible. I ordered underwear online and then started getting emails multiple times a day about all of their sales. So ridiculous. So I just unsubscribed. It also drives me crazy when you go into a store to purchase something and they ask for your email address so they can send you a bunch of advertisements. I just say no.
I'm very fond of a diet coke and a packet of chocolate buttons, most days. Boy, does that add up. Probably as ,much as your charity shop splurge!
I am very happy to have found this channel. I loved your blog when you were in Cornwall, but stopped blogging when life got complicated. So it is lovely to see that your hard work paid off and you made it to France.
Thank you
Thank you, Jane and Mike for another great video. One thing I do regarding online shopping, especially Amazon: If I'm looking for something, of course they will show you lots of other things they hope will catch your eye - and sometimes they do catch my eye. I just put things in my cart - anything I fancy. But then I leave it there, sometimes for days or weeks or more. Meanwhile I'm muddling over whether the thing will be a good addition to the house or to my life. Sometimes when I revisit the cart I do actually want the thing. But MOST of the time I find the thing not nearly as interesting as when I first saw it. I have vetoed many impulse urges this way.
Agree- I do the same!
Wonderful tips thank you so much! I am about to pay off my mortgage...which I did by 12 years of frugal living....and I still found your tips great! We always need these reminders!
Sound advice as usual. I was forced to pay attention to my spending a few years ago. These days i dont buy anything i dont need. I buy cash and carry just enough to get what i need. Lol
This month, for the first time in a long, long time, I had some discrestionary spending money . It must have gone right to my head, because this morning when I brought my book-keeping up to date ,I realized that almost half of that money was gone , and I'm only a week into the pay period! So I set a challenge for myself to not spend any more until I got paid again, four weeks from now. If I make it, I may then make a trip to the area antique malls to find a pretty teacup! The balance will be saved. Your advice was really timely for me! Thanks-Mrs. G
Well done for checking on your spending
That is the point, isn't it? You slipped a bit but caught yourself before much damage was done and got back on track ! Self-forgiveness and then you reapply yourself to frugal joy. Onward and upward! 👍
Thank you for the advice and encouragement.
I am in Los Angeles, CA. This is the 1st time I have seen a video from you.
This information is so Very Relevant for everyone no matter were on lives. You are so right. I will be re-watching this specifie Video.
Yes, I personally circle items on the circular/ads that are mailed to me, that are items I want, that are at a price point of my budget. Then I add a list of things that I feel that we are running low on or things that I have not seen at the prices that I am willing to pay. I see if there are substitute for such items. Like paper towels, we can use rags. Toilet paper we can try a different brand. Or go to another area to see if prices are more comterable.. by looking at ads as were through the internet. I know that, gasoline prices different from area to ares by more than 10ç upto $1. we purchase in gallons here in the states.
Thanks for watching and welcome
Thanks Jane and Michael for another great video. I wasn't much of a shopper before the pandemic and I think I'm even less of one now. I always have a list and I try to do all my stops in one go - groceries, library ( a long time favorite ) doctor's appointment etc. I have done this for years and now with the rise in gas prices there is even more incentive to continue.
Hi Jane firstly I love your channel but don’t think I could do a budget as comprehensive as yours however one way I found helped me be more aware of my spending and highlight what I have bought was to lay all my shopping on the table and look at what had found it’s way into my basket. I would identify what was essential and what I really needed and what I could have done without or maybe I had some already (non essential) then count up how much I spent on non-essential and what I could have saved. This seemed to work better for me after doing this for a while I was more aware of what was going in my basket
You’re showing mindfulness about your purchases
Thank you, this is just what I needed to hear. It's going to help a lot.🥰
Excellent vlog! Such good advice.
I love this video Jane and Mike Thankyou. I think I need you on my shoulder whenever I go out. Yesterday I had to get fresh salad and fruit from supermarket, so I took a basket instead of a trolly. Also I bought a too good fo go offer from Costa - four large paninis for £3 that’s two ready to serve lunches for us. Not essential I guess but buying the bread alone would have been big far off that.
You’re so right re offers. I’m often suckered in. Although generally for stuff we do always use.
I see offers everywhere and it’s hard when I know they’re very cheap.
Oh my goodness,this video was for me jane.i have tried very hard to overcome non essential spending,and have made progress.i noticed in tracking my spending,a backsliding in this.you spoke the very words I needed to hear,and I took my Amazon app off my phone.you helped me clarify a way which to check if it's essential.thank you!
My mom use to shop just to people watch.
Hi, you’ve hit the nail on the head! I call going shopping “ running the retail gauntlet”! It’s crazy!
I have contemplated buying a Dutch oven. I’ve always wanted 1 and my local supermarket has them half price atm but I’ve stopped myself. I’ve given it some thought and I’ve decided that I can live without 1. After all, it’s a convenience item and I can still cook casseroles etc by starting them in a saucepan and then transferring it into a casserole dish for the oven. Or, better still, use the instant pot! Saved myself £30! 😉😆xx
There is an official fulltime university education called " marketing psychology" it educates/ creates people who " advise" shops on how to do this, and set you on to non- essential spending. I read a book ones, I borrowed it of a bright young student it while we met in a train for four hours and I had forgotten my book. My eyebrows have been frowned all the way I think. It was repulsing and scary as I finished psychology training to help people get out of trouble with the same techniques...
Brilliant vlog Jane and Micheal I totally agree with it all. I certainly do not like your description of French supermarkets bombarding you with useless and frivolous products you do not need. I have read a number of articles and books on the psychology of marketing and how people are easily fooled with marketing e.g "you're worth it" really I am worth it anyway and I do not need your beauty products to feel it. The other one is the buy one get one free offers my response to them I'd bogoff. Your ate so right about essential shopping and wants there is so many young people being fooled by marketing strategies all around them and falling into the trap of non essential shopping. As for sales really why do I need tacky cheap items in my life. Jane your Wednesday money talks should be prescribed in senior schools before young adults go out into the big world of advertising and trickery to separate you from your hard earned money. I really love your money talks thank you Anna.
You’re welcome and thanks for watching
I needed that video...I’m buying summer clothes at the moment .I changed size so I need new pants and a few tops . Listening to you made me rethink my needs . I’ll go for 3 pants and 2 tops ( I have 2 summer tops that fit ) .a pair of sandals and I’m good. Buying from an online not expensive shop. Thank you Jane
Thank you for such sage advice!
Great video, I allow myself £50pm discretionary spending unless I'm having a no spend month. Tracking my spending in a budget book though means I often spend less than half that amount and pop the remaining money into short term savings.
We are all tempted all the time to spend, spend, spend by all the retailers and I think your analogy of running through the flaming hoops is a great one to remember! Stay focused on what you out out for is key! Thanks Jane , all sound advice!
Jane you keep me inspired.
Thank you
Good video.. you certainly know how to hit the nail on it's head.. also touch a nerve in us all as we all often fall into this trap. I know I have. And now that we are becoming pensioners we have made a point of not having any debt. Thankyou
Jane, you are so on point here. Once one knows the traps and is determined not to be played, they will be so much more empowered to make their best choices. And you are also right about companies knowing they are praying on the Vulnerable of society. Yes, shame is on them for their practices.
💯 agree.
Great video & advice, thank you for sharing.
I enjoy watching your videos while I'm exercising for free at home 🙂
Great advice.
I like your idea to not spend at all for the last week of the month. I think I will do that.
Thanks for watching
In Aldi in the US, all the beautiful chocolates and cookies are immediately surrounding you! (I have to say no to myself as I pass through!) I have my list of red tag specials from the Wednesday flier in my mail box and my list of menu main dishes and sides and only buy those things. I just started this and having that extra inexpensive produce in our apartment frig means if I'm too tired to cook after work, my eldest daughter (who is an amazing cook) makes her own glazes and roasts them. So plenty of potatoes, carrots and cabbage, roasted beautifully. I usually make lentil and bean chili or split pea soup on the weekend for lunches/dinners.
I loved your meat pies and meat rolls. I'm going to try this with lentils and black beans (made with either a tomato sauce base or a vegetable broth base). I'll do the pies with rolls and just sub in the lentils and beans for the vegetarians and the meat for my non-vegetarian. Oh, and I made a no-knead bread using only 3 cups of flour, salt, active dry yeast and water this last week that turned out great. (This was the recipe from Frugal Fit Mom's No Knead Bread, in case you are looking for a no sugar added recipe.) I know because my kids snapped it up before they ate the grocery store bread! So, I'll be doing that again. I'll also be experimenting with a no knead bread for my gluten-free daughter. I'll let you know how it goes.
Please keep your tips coming. I'm really enjoying your videos! (I have a best friend here with her family from the UK, by the way!) Thank you!!!
Thanks very much
One major way we stick to our shopping list is by purchasing groceries online and then picking them up. We don't go inside the store which helps us avoid impulse purchases.
I do the same. I know it really helps me not to walk through the store and see lots of things I don’t need.
I agree with that philosophy. The only downside of that is you don’t get the option of choosing the in store reduced or clearance item (if it’s on your ‘needed’ list).
Great video Jane & Mike👍 keeping me focused and on track… thank you 🏴
I do like you do, get in the store, find what I’m there for, and get out.
My husband, son (student at College ) and I set ourselves challenges each month, last month it was to get all the weekly groceries and for my son all his lunches yellow sticker or voucher/ student card brought so organizing was the key as I had to meal plan for the week as to what we'd brought , anything we didn't use we froze. We all came together at the end of each week to say what had been spent by us all and found we had made a point of spending less! I was the only one that spent the most as I was meal planning for the whole family - all yellow sticker or I made sure my son was with me to utilise him fir his student saving card!!
Thanks very much everyone sharing
Great video!! I'm saving this one to watch again because this is what I've been dealing with the last year or two - online shopping. It was so easy to get what I needed online delivered the next day. How great but the catch is- spend $35 and get free shipping. Before I knew it I was just adding to my cart to spend $35. Well I have stopped all online shopping and unsubscribed to shopping emails. I'm saving so much, but this video reminds me, when I get the pop up ads for things I looked at before, to run over the hot coals I love it. Thanks
I use some of my clothing budget ($40 per month) at thrift stores, and record purchases in my budget book. It is my fun outing, provides great clothing, and has built up $1400 balance in that fund.
@@maryjothompson4578 nice!
Very timely. I’m retiring next month and have been finding my discretionary expenditure is creeping up.
Happy Retirement
Wow Jane thanks for the best tips ever, I am going to get full on with my unfinished D I Y projects as I have the materials for a while now
Enjoy
Love it
Thanks
Another fab video thankyou Jane and Mike x
What makes it possible to stick to essential spending is that I have a goal to get out of debt over the next five months and I am aggressively going after this. Once I reach that goal, I will set another to be able to keep my focus.
Love that!
Love that!
Thank you so much I’m on a vacation trip and really need your tips♥️
Yes! Avoid temptations. The bigger GOAL is more important! Watch those amounts for savings etc. grow no matter how slow! 💗☺🇺🇸
My guilty pleasure is a diet coke from either McDonald's or circle k every day, depending on whether I want to get out of the car or not. Have decided to right that amount down and at the end of the month move the money to a savings account. Would work well with Starbucks too and would save even more money but personally I never go to Starbucks
Thanks for sharing
We only use cash. If you don't have plastic, it can't be used!
Our occupations are such that we also make cash. So sort of like you, Jane and Mike, we stash our cash for next month's budget.
What. did you both do for work in the UK before moving to you beautiful home in France?
Thank you for the video!
You’re welcome
Great ideas. I’m just starting to track my expenses and until recently I was mindless to my spending. Some of these I am doing now or plan to do. Hope I will see a difference to my finances. Thanks for sharing x
excellent and sound advice here, great video, guys. especially the supermarket ploy to take our money!!!!
Really enjoyed this, such good advice, when I next see a so called bargain I shall see your face and think do I really want or need this, thanks x
Fantastic tips!!!
Thank you dearly
Miss your monthly budget updates
I don’t do a budget every month. They’re basically the same
I am not big on clothes, but I need to buy really good shoes that are comfortable and sturdy. So, it is always about priorities.
But Jane, I have to go to charity shops for essentials sometimes.
Ah,but I do get carried away with stocking up crafting supplies,.
Set a budget of how much you will spend in advance
Me too I'm in purging mode now but I was a terrible hoarder of vintage stuff🙄