As a 29yo woman who is bombarded by modern influencers to buy buy buy and consume, I'm so very grateful for your teachings. I don't have a frugal role model, and finding you has made a huge impact on me. I also wanted to thank you for speaking on such a clear and articulate way. I speak English with no problem, but it is not my mother tongue, and the way you speak really makes it so much easier to understand. God bless you 🙏🏽
I inherited my grandmother’s expense tracker - she even accounted for the ingredients for a cake that she made to be raffled off for the church fundraiser. Even an item as little as .25 cents was accounted for. I love looking over her lists! What a treasure!
Depending on when your Grandmother tracked the expenses, 25cents may not have been a little amount. If you only made $1 per hour minimum wage, $40 with taxes taken out to bring home was $37.50. After I gave my mother $10 board, I had $27.50 to get me to work etc on the bus which was around 25cent one way and if I didn't pack my lunch and ate out every two weeks when we got paid there wasn't much left to save for a second hand car etc. You have to find the year the cake was being made and see how much that 25cents is worth in today's money. My Dad did not make that much and Mom stayed home with 4 children and a mortgage. We didn't own a car, did not have a telephone until I was in the 7th grade. No credit cards. Everything was bought with cash or 90 day cash or put on layaway. I remember my Mom saying I didn't buy this or that because it was too dear. People watched everything they spent money on.
My mother was born in 1924 so lived thru the depression. I remember going with my mother to a local print shop where she purchased blank ledgers that she went home and with a ruler and colored pens she drew columns. She put in there every penny she spent. She carried three wallets in her purse, all for different purposes, and she could tell you at any given time exactly, to the penny, how much money was in each. She was a role model for frugality.
Will Paul's parents help the two of you come up with a cookbook or video series with recipes from the depression era, war rationings and weird food meals people used during those times to survive?
My aunt , with whom I lived, was extremely wealthy. My aunt kept a daily tally of what she spent. When i was a student I kept a tally in a notebook of all I spent every day - and it was an eye opener. You really can save money if you know how you are spending it. One of the biggest eye openers was I gave up smoking, but my husband said I had to save the money I would have spent of cigarettes separately - and after 2 years we had enough money to go on holiday overseas for 6 weeks.
Dearest Paul & Emmy, THE 1886 Expense Tracker is a Game Changer for me!!! Why isn't this taught in High Schools? I am 74yrs old and began working at 16. My family never sat down with me to share the importance of saving for retirement or a rainy day! They said the money I made was for my personal needs and I freely spent it all! By the grace of God, my husband provided me with a home and I have Social Sec., but NO SAVINGS! You have no idea what an angel you have been in my life. There was a song that said in part, "I believe for everyone who goes astray, someone will come to show the way" , you have been that person and I THANK GOD FOR YOU AND PAUL. I now have a budget, an expense tracker and started to save! I CANNOT THANK YOU ENOUGH!!!
How blessed are Paul's parents by your monthly meals to them! I wish my parents/inlaws were still alive so that I could bless them in this way. Thank you for your love of them. Diane in NC
We have been tracking expense for years and do it on a spread sheet on the computer. We also save receipts and that is great as I always have them if I need to return something. Have been doing this for at least 15 years.
Since the beginning of the year I have been tracking my expenses on a spreadsheet. I create several tables that represent my virtual enveloppes. Each time I enter an expense, I know exactly how much I have left on my budget. I should have done it a looong time ago!!!
In high school I carried a blank recipe card to track my spending. Simple and easy and made me aware of my spending. I was making $3.00 an hour at age 16. I purchased my first brand new townhouse at the age of 19 !
How I love seeing the "old handwriting" so pretty. Everyone wrote in that style years ago. I also love how you and Paul take meals to his parents, such a sweet thing to do.
Yes I keep a leather bound journal. Inside the pages are every penny I spent in the past 10 years, since my husband died. It's very helpful. I also only buy loss leaders, sales and clearance for my meal planning and pantry restock. I adapt, adjust and make do. Doing without some items because they are just too expensive. Thanks for sharing!
The dinner for Paul’s parents looks delicious. My grandmother, who raised 9 children through the depression, always tracked her spending….she taught my aunts & my mom well, they followed suit. Awe, look at that sweet face 💞. Thanks so much…
I have done this for years. I do use a computer but I set up a spreadsheet each month on what my planned spending is and I measure against it throughout the month. I can see if I'm going over in a category and adjust as i go. I am always amazed how the little expense add up. That quick drink from McDonald's, etc. My biggest tip is stay home and out of the stores.
Very true......stay out of the stores. Even tho I love going into a couple of my favorite thrift stores, I found I was buying because something was dirt cheap, I liked it, etc. All of those 2 and 3 dollar items add up in a month. And I never actually "needed" them, only wanted it.
My husband does the expense tracking. We always live below our means and have been making sure we are saving money for other big or surprising expenses. We choose not to live extravagantly, but a moderate frugal lifestyle. We drive older cars and mostly eat at home. Life is good and peaceful (when we shut ourselves from the news).
The old expense books are kinda neat to look at! I've been keeping an expense notebook since 2008 when life handed me some big challenges where I had to pinch pennies. It was a real eye opener! In the last 10 years and especially the last 7, that practice has made it easier to save money so when the car breaks down or the house needs repaired, we're not scrambling.
Thank you for discussing these ideas with compassion and understanding. I appreciate how you share suggestions about redirecting eating out into funds needed for bills. You don't chastise us for being human. Very diplomatically and kindly presented. Thank you Emmy and Paul xxx
I got the same cans of tomatoes at the grocery a couple of weeks ago. You didn't have to buy eight but the limit was six so I made sure I got 6 in different varieties. I feel the labels of this brand are particularly pretty so after I'm done using the tomatoes I take mod podge and apply on the label making it water resistant and start some basil seeds on my window sill in the kitchen. It adds pretty greenery when it's a bit to early to plant outside. ☺️
Today I ventured out into the shopping center for the first time this year(other than for groceries)! My main goal was to stock up on bulk household items and cleaning supplies at Big Lots ahead of spring cleaning. I have a habit of just buying smaller containers of these things while I'm at the grocery store. But it actually makes more sense to buy larger amounts at a discount store as it's usually much cheaper per ounce. Dish soap isn't going to go bad if I buy a big jug! And I like not running low on these things. I'm breaking down my shopping receipts into 3 categories: food, cat supplies and household supplies. Looking back, I realized I was spending far too much on canned cat food and they were getting bored and wasting a lot if it. So now I give them about half as much but jazz it up with broth or oil off canned tuna or minced up meat or fish scraps from my dinner. They love it and clean their plate!
I don't know if you already do it or not, but I f you sign up with Big Lots and give them an email, you will get coupons for 20% off, sometimes more. That is when I go there and stock up. I have a special email I use for stores like that.
I know this does not pertain to this topic, but I want to thank you for the no spend birthday inspiration. Saturday, March 4 is my birthday and my daughters are coming over and will be putting together a make your own baked potato bar for our meal and we will just be spending the day together. Thanks so much for all of your great ideas. Have a great weekend!
My hubby and I go once a week to a freight damage store and usually they have cases of slightly outdated yogurt for around $3.00 (different brands/whatever is available). For the last couple of weeks, they haven't had any, but they have been selling 16 oz. tubs of outdated lowfat cottage cheese 4 for $1.00. We like to have it with canned fruit and even canned cranberries. It's also a great substitute for sour cream on potatoes and such. We usually go to a local grocery store for fresh fruits and veggies and for discount day old bakery. We always check for any clearance items. My sister gave me a bulk bag of dried 15 bean mix and I challenged myself to make up a crockpot of soup out of it. I also baked 3 pans of cornbread (so we could have leftovers for breakfasts and lunches too). She made a surprise visit the day after I made the soup and so we enjoyed it for lunch together. When I cook, I always make extras to freeze for another quick meal. Around here, it's not unheard of to have leftovers for 2 - 3 days in a row. Leftovers are our form of fast food. I love the convenience of only having to warm it up in the microwave. A few weeks back, the temperatures were down to 10 degrees in the day time. I saw it as a challenge to add sweaters and extra layers so we wouldn't turn the heat up. It kept getting colder and colder, and I noticed the furnace wasn't firing up. Turns out, the batteries in the thermostat had died and so the furnace wasn't firing up. Lesson learned, check batteries/breaker box/plug before assuming the worst. It will save you a lot of money to not have to have a repairman come to your home to check it out. I had a friend who replaced a perfectly good freezer because she thought it was broken. When she went to plug in the new freezer, she found out the power had been tripped to that outlet. One of the best things we invested in, is paying a little extra for a freezer alarm. I hear so many stories of whole freezers full of food getting ruined when the door is left ajar or from the breaker/power being tripped.
I have my Grandma’s book where she kept track of all expenses and income during the depression. She would record how many chickens they were paid in for work that my Grandpa did. It is so interesting to look at. Love your channel.❤
I wish I had something like this to look back on. It has inspired me to have some stuff like this for our son to look back on. I may have my husband and I start separate journals.
Very cute n sweet old time tracker. I began tracking about 2 yrs ago when I added up how much I was spending at Dunkin Donuts in a month. It was $250!!!!! For 1 cup of coffee and a breakfast wrap. I was stunned. I stopped right then n there and only stop there maybe 4 times or less a month instead of pretty much everyday. Lol. What an eye opener. I actually began my Dunkin Donut morning run during covid to get out of the house. It was inexpensive but adding it up everyday on a monthly basis was like a car payment! This shock inspired me to track all my spending and I was able to reduce my expenses immensely. Great video. Thanks.
Stop & Shop? What a trip down memory lane. I worked there in 1972 as a teenager in NJ for 2 years. Moved South where they don't exist. Haven't bought clothes in ages but recently lost 28 lbs so last month it was an absolute necessity to buy new clothes. Thanx for all the great tips you share! Really enjoy your videos! So nice of you to cook for your in laws!
I track my shopping other than grocery shopping and all the times I eat out. Now, looking at your practical tracker, makes me want to track all my expenses. Thank you ❤️
My mother always kept track of the household expenses. I remember she could even tell where 5 cents was spent when my dad asked where the money went. I learned how to budget from her, but I need to do an expense tracker. Thank you for this reminder.
The highlight of Fridays!! In our area, grocery stores no longer pass out flyers in the mail!! You have to go to the store to get the ad. I always liked having them at home to go over the loss leaders before I get to the store.
If you have access to a computer, you can find the weekly ad for most stores on their website. I do my shopping plan using the online ads. Hope that helps and that you can access a computer.
A new time frugal grocery tip. I have my food delivered. I save more money than I used to when going to the store because I have time online to shop around , all without the impulse buying. I also buy weekly (sometimes for a 2 week period )and stretch my meat over many meals. I save a lot more than I used to when going into the store(on gas, and time too).
hi Emmy. I got an expense ledger from the early 20's from one of my Mom's relatives. They ran a boarding house and kept track of everything. It had who paid to stay there, who paid for laundry service, what meals were fixed in the evening, they had everything in there. It was really interesting reading through it.
@@FrugalMoneySaver I am getting there, it is just taking longer than I expected. I did put up a new cooking video, first one since Early January. It did feel good to be cooking again 😀
I have started tracking all my spending. I’m building a in law quarters for myself at my daughter’s. Tracking every nickel, paying cash. No debt. Can’t wait to get moved in and track all my spending before I retire.
Yes, I track my expenses. Started 2 years ago, and after the eye-opener, it has been a huge money saver as you are definitely more aware of what you are spending!
I started my expense tracker a few years ago, when I was suddenly all alone, and had to manage money and get myself together. I love it, because it keeps me accountable with were my money goes and I stay on track and budget. It also shows me where I might save on my electric bill or gas bill, by cutting back and shutting off lights and keeping the heat down. Great way to handle your money and see where it all goes!!!
Frugal is a bad word among some circles, like you are cheap, you are not hip. To my family it means using our resources and talents wisely to meet our needs. We have a large garden, fruit trees, berry bushes, raised beds and vegetables planted directly in the ground. Potatoes in half barrels. We can, freeze, dry herbs and fruit, plus freeze dry. We bought a wood burning stove this year as electricity costs went up. We got a $2000 tax credit on the stove, and the stove we bought is rated at 50% higher than our living space. We can still see the fire, but the heat stays in the house versus going up the chimney. It is a stove appliance that I put a cast iron steamer to humidify the dry air, plus I can simmer a soup or stew, in a cast iron Dutch oven, or even put the steel grilling iron over the top and make breakfast. I can even bake bread on it. And we have so much wood on the farm that has already been cut dow, needs splitting of the larger pieces though, that we won’t be buying wood. We have a dozen Burpee seed trays of tomatoes, peppers and assorted herbs started from seeds, far cheaper than buying plants at the nursery or farmers market. What we don’t grow ourselves, we buy the store brand versus the national brand products. The store doesn’t have a manufacturing facility, they use the same factory as the national brands, just different labels and they don’t have to spend millions in advertising. We have been doing haircuts at home for years, my boys got their haircuts by my husband since they were quite young, and know my older son is in college, and he and his younger brother still in high school still prefer to get free haircuts. They like his work and don’t want to spend their own money to pay for a haircut that won’t be any better than they get for free. He trims mine every couple months, my best friend and my mother will come every couple months, on my schedule or skip, and ask if he is free to do a haircut. Last weekend, my bestie asks if she could bring her cousin, it had been over three years since she had last had her hair cut. Hubby said ok. She said she was putting it off due to the virus scare, plus she didn’t like it getting caught in things and her ends were thinned out and looked straggly. Her daughter and sister told her to get it cut. She went last taking a seat on the stool, after watching me and her cousin going first. Hubby held up the measuring tape and I took the picture on her phone. She said that she wanted ten inches cut off. Hubby wanted confirmation that her husband, me and my bestie, heard her say that was what she wanted. Hubby did as she asked. She liked the results and said it would have cost her over $200 plus back in Long Island, assuming she could trust a stranger with the shears. Her husband liked the results, and said he will be treating us out to dinner twice locally. They stopped by to get peppers , basil and tomatoes, garlic and venison being hubby put 150# of freshly harvested venison in the freezer. Plus his mother, brother, son, daughter and his nephews wanted venison. It is his hobby to hunt deer, we get alot on the farm, so we share. We have been called throwbacks to the to the last century, we are going to be surviving the upcoming depression.
When we first got married, I used to keep track of all our expenses, but over the years, have fallen out of the habit. Thanks for the reminder. I think we may start again.😁
I started tracking on January 1 this year. I love it! It’s such an eye opener and I feel more disciplined knowing exactly what’s going out. Thank you!✝️❤️
I did the same thing Paul did and kept track of all my expenses before I retired. Once I saw I could swing it, I pulled the trigger and retired early! I have a budget and keep track of expenses to the penny! I find security in my budget and have also worked in disaster scenarios into it. Thank you for all of the great advice and look forward to your next video (maybe a few recipes in the next one? Love, love, love your recipes!!💕)
I have always had a budget, but since Jan 1 I have been diligent about tracking...especially food. It has caused me to use up food that's been in the freezer for a while and meal plan more. It really is eye opening! Love your shirt today, that color is beautiful on you 😊
What a treasure! A ticket for $2.50 to Canada - wow. I track my bills and spending on my bank app which works for me. In other news: my electric bill went up by $150 because of my family staying home during the day due to colds. You KNOW I’m now goi g room to room cutting off lights 😂 I’m not cheap I’m Bill Frugal my son says 😂
We have not been diligent about tracking expense, although we are mortgage free and debt free. You’ve inspired me to start tracking expenses right now. I’d like to aggressively add to our savings going forward, and I know those nickels and dimes add up. Thank you Emmy and Paul for the useful tip! God bless! 🌸
I saw your planner exactly a year ago on one of your videos and have used it faithfully. I especially liked when you mentioned to compare the same month from year to year. I just got my termite renewal contract, and it took all of a second to see that it is exactly the same price as last year. The planner reinforced the fact that I rarely spend if it’s not a necessity. The surprise was that I knew some months were more expensive because of taxes or holidays, but I didn’t know how much more. Now I do.
I started keeping track of my groceries this year . I couldn't figure out how I could spend so much money on one person's needs. After last month I almost fell off my chair when I saw the amount of some products I was buying. So I'll be making adjustments to a healthier diet.
Hi Emmy and Paul! I’ve tracked my expenses for years. It’s really a game changer. I don’t do a zero dollar based budget as I found it too tedious. I know what I have coming in, and I know my set monthly bills. I set aside X amount for groceries, pet food and sundries which are my biggest variables, and strive to always spend less than that. It helps that I save a set amount first each month into my savings accounts as a “fixed” bill. I always have money leftover at the end of the month so this method works for me. Shopping loss leaders and diligently working on a zero food waste goal really cuts my grocery spending. I am debt free and mortgage free as a result of tracking. BTW, I think Paul looks just like his Dad. So lovely that you get to enjoy their company still.
I kept track of expenses for almost a year then set up a budget-- it's been great! I track each month then transfer totals to my yearly budget of each category. Besides using most of your categories, I also track medical & dog expenses. It's new to me-- I also started after I retired.
i have been tracking my expenses for years after being widowed suddenly. my husband had taken everything to do with finances as he was a business man whereas I was a teacher and happy to let him do that...BUT suddenly I had to do it all...nasty shock ..please ladies start now and watch what you spend if it is in front of you it cant be ignored. thank you Emmy and Paul. love your sensible advice even here in Ireland
An expense tracker is very eye opening and is so helpful in understanding your spending on your "needs" and "wants". It helps to steer you away from throwing money away. Not that we don't all deserve a treat now and then. But an expense tracker can show you if you're going overboard on the "wants" if your goal is to save money. I love seeing those pupper eyes. Dixie is such a sweetie.
Hi Emmy, I'm 70 years old and have tried Corn Chowder! Oh my your recipe was so good! Because of Lent I left the bacon out and I did thicken it a little with corn starch ( because like you I can't leave anything alone LOL) .I can't believe I never made this for my kids. it was awesome. thank you for the recipe.
Have always tracked everything I spent for years. It’s an eye opener and I enjoy doing it. I live on a budget. Love your channel ❤ have a wonderful day.
I feel this is a must to keep track of every penny going out. We’ve been keeping track of every penny going out monthly since my husband retired end of April 2022.
I keep expenses in journal, audio and video. I am 80, and have done this since age 15. All gifts, income etc, are on my debit cards. I save receipts yearly.
I have tracked our expenses for decades. It started out on a piece of paper, then went to a columnar pad, then an Excel spreadsheet and now in Quicken. We are incredibly frugal in the dining, clothing and entertainment areas. They are next to nothing. Our problems are medical expenses, insurance and groceries. I simply cannot get our insurances any lower. It's very frustrating to say the least. I'm getting better with the groceries. Just not there yet. Thanks for another great video!
Like my mother I use a Columnar (6 column) pad. I use a page as a checkbook ledger, one as a savings ledger, and one to track my sinking funds. I've been using this method for years! It works!
Don't take your tomatoes off the vine unless you want to use them fast. They go bad quicker without the vine. It hardly weighs enough to be worth the price difference vs losing the whole tomato.
I tried to track my expenses for years and could never keep up with it and then at some point, I don't know what happened, but I finally became disciplined and started tracking every cent. Now I would feel lost if I didn't. It has literally changed my financial life. I'm still not where I want to be, but as you said it alleviates a lot of anxiety. I don't know how to explain it, but it has made a night and day difference in how I spend and I definitely feel much more in control!
When I became a single parent, a budget and expense tracker really helped me make money work hard for me. I got a notebook with dividers labeled for each category where I spent cash. At the end of the day, I took out my receipts and recorded in each category the date, notes of what I purchased, amount spent and amount of money remaining. It only takes a few minutes to record. Over the years, I make adjustments, and most areas build up balances! No money worries!
Like your expense tracker. Mine's been too complicated in the past. I like good, clean systems. I track at times and don't dome other times. Love you! ❤
Along with the monthly tracker, I make sure to subtotal at the end of every week so I can see what I'm headed towards. Otherwise, sometimes it was still ending up a surprise when I hit the end!
Yes. Absolutely track my expenses and income. I use Banktivity which will download transactions from your bank accounts, etc. And you can manually input stuff too so if you use cash you can track all that. I watch my spending like a hawk and track it all. I have done so for many years. Knowledge is power. You can only do better when you know better and knowing your income/expenses and following a budget will ensure you spend more wisely.
Tracking my expenses is something I am working on. I actually have a few antique spending trackers from my dads family that date between 1888 to to 1930. I never thought of using them for inspiration to use mine.
Absolutely! I started tracking my expenses in 2015 and it helped me get out of debt and build up my savings. I use a software called You Need A Budget and it helps me allocate where I’ll be spending my money in addition to tracking my expenses. Thank you for another great video ❤
YNAB is amazing! It prevents me from spending the same dollar twice! The expense tracker is ok but it doesn’t relate/compare expenses to how much you have available. YNAB does.
That was pretty cool seeing the ledger from the 1800’s. I finally got an address book that I did have to buy bc I did not have one. They are hard to find these days! But excited to have be able to hard copy the addresses and phone numbers I have. That was a great tip!
No I do not track spending as it is not necessary-I am a very disciplined person and have had to budget for years out of limited income so there is no option since debt is not my way of life. This may sound horrible to some but I am a very happy homebody who is always busy and as long as my son is healthy and happy then life is wonderful!!!😊
No it’s not horrible , I think it is okay to track for one month so that you can set your budget , after that is just a waste of time . If we are short on money, we will go and get a job. wash dishes baby sit ect .
Hi Emmy and Paul. I found Perdue wings for 99 cents a pound a few weeks ago and stocked up. My husband and I have been having Saturday stay-at-home date wing nights! We listen to 80's music and play board games and eat wings. Such frugal fun! Tracking expenses has been a game changer for us on our frugal journey. You can't figure out where you are going if you don't know where you've been.
I use YNAB. I have tried several other tracking and budgeting systems but YNAB is by far the easiest and most effective for me. Although, I definitely geek out over ledgers, columnar pads, etc. Great video! I am enjoying your channel so much! God bless you!
Hi Emmy and Paul! Yes, I created an expense spreadsheet for every month. I have been doing this for a while. We are so looking forward to Spring. The heating oil prices are so high per gallon is really going into increasing our expenses. We need the heat in the winter but this year it really is at a premium! The dinner you made for Paul's parents look so good!! Will that last them all month though? You and Paul are so blessed that you can do that for them. They are receiving a nutritious meal and the company of the both of you when you bring it to them!!
We have used a budget book since the beginning of our marriage. Every receipt is kept in a large mailing envelope. My husband checks our banking statement every day to make sure everything is correct as well. At the end of the month we take a final look to make sure we have stayed within the allotted amount we assigned to each category. In November we reevaluate to see if we need to move money to bolster in one area and from what category we can borrow from to make that change. Ninety-nine percent of the time we are right on target or even below what we budgeted. Once the new year starts we have our new budget in place. This has really helped in the food category. If you know your budget is say $50 and you start getting close to that amount, you think twice about buying that extra bag of chips or some little kitchen gadget that catches your eye. Last year even with rising food prices ,we were $1,000 under budget on food. Having that inventory list, coupons and a shopping list is key for us. Loved the old register and seeing those prices. The handwriting was so beautiful back then.
Hubby & I Wrote everything we spent money on right down to a postage stamp. EVERY item for about 40 years. We weren't poor but that's BECAUSE we saw each expenditure and we thought about each purchase before we made it because we knew we would have to write it down and discuss each month's expenditures. I never worked outside the home but doing the tracker made us SO THRIFTY... Some german shepherd rescues are gonna be very happy some day! Write down ever penny you spend and you will be wealthy when you're old.
I just started tracking my spending on January 1st this year. I have always been very frugal, but it is fun to write down every penny. I will continue doing it!
Yes, I track our spending. It’s eye opening! Yes, it works, hands down. Your meal for your in-laws looks wonderful! Blessings to you and Paul as well as Dixie Belle ❤️
My husband and I have been doing a money tracker for years. We have only four categories, utilities, food, fuel and misc. Figures are done daily, weekly, quarterly and yearly. Being aware of where your money is going is a great help.
Another lovely video, Emmy and Paul! Yes, we also track every penny and also try to write good notes in the columns because I forget who I bought a gift for or who I went to lunch with etc. Those are the a•ha moments.
I usually buy the 97/3% grind, because at the end of the day, that 20% fat usually ends up in the garbage. Also you can freeze eggs. Just crack a dozen into a bowl and beat then, not to put air into them but to break up the contents up for easier pouring. Then pour them into ice cube trays. I usually get different colored ice cube trays, ones for freezing herbs, one for meat and obviously one for ice. then pour the eggs into the ice cube trays and freeze. don't add anything to them, you can always do that when you thaw them out. Once they are frozen, just pop them out and either put them into ziplock freezer bags or I put them into canning jars in the freezer. depending on your ice cube trays 1 cube is usually half an egg.
Loved seeing that old expense tracker! We've been doing this since 2012 and it really does make a difference in making you think about spending money when you have to be accountable by writing it down.
Yes, I keep track of my expenses! I've been doing it for a number of years. I start by subtracting the rent from my bank balance and then each utility as I pay them. This way I am never overdrawn at the bank. I know exactly how much money is left over for extra purchases.
That was very interesting, thank you Emmy. I have been tracking what I spend for a number of years now and, I agree with you and Paul that it's really helpful to do so. It was lovely to see Dixie at the end too. She's lovely. What a great channel Emmy and Paul. Thank you so much for all you share with us on your videos. I appreciate you very much and you are a breath of fresh air in a world that is often so focused on materialism etc. God bless you both. Sending you a lot of love. xx
Yes we absolutely track our spending… have for years! I used to hate getting the credit card bill and being surprised at the amount!!! I also saved a couple of our old check book registers for kicks and giggles! Fun to remember what things cost 40 years ago when we were first married!!!😊
As a 29yo woman who is bombarded by modern influencers to buy buy buy and consume, I'm so very grateful for your teachings. I don't have a frugal role model, and finding you has made a huge impact on me. I also wanted to thank you for speaking on such a clear and articulate way. I speak English with no problem, but it is not my mother tongue, and the way you speak really makes it so much easier to understand. God bless you 🙏🏽
I inherited my grandmother’s expense tracker - she even accounted for the ingredients for a cake that she made to be raffled off for the church fundraiser. Even an item as little as .25 cents was accounted for. I love looking over her lists! What a treasure!
Love this
Love this
Depending on when your Grandmother tracked the expenses, 25cents may not have been a little amount. If you only made $1 per hour minimum wage, $40 with taxes taken out to bring home was $37.50.
After I gave my mother $10 board, I had $27.50 to get me to work etc on the bus which was around 25cent one way and if I didn't pack my lunch and ate out every two weeks when we got paid there wasn't much left to save for a second hand car etc. You have to find the year the cake was being made and see how much that 25cents is worth in today's money. My Dad did not make that much and Mom stayed home with 4 children and a mortgage. We didn't own a car, did not have a telephone until I was in the 7th grade. No credit cards. Everything was bought with cash or 90 day cash or put on layaway. I remember my Mom saying I didn't buy this or that because it was too dear. People watched everything they spent money on.
Cindy I also inherited my grand father's tracker. So interesting! Annie Charlotte
@@ladydhayney3700 What year was that? I remember my first job and I made $2.35.
My mother was born in 1924 so lived thru the depression. I remember going with my mother to a local print shop where she purchased blank ledgers that she went home and with a ruler and colored pens she drew columns. She put in there every penny she spent. She carried three wallets in her purse, all for different purposes, and she could tell you at any given time exactly, to the penny, how much money was in each. She was a role model for frugality.
Oh I love that! Very smart woman!
Love this. Thanks for sharing.
Will Paul's parents help the two of you come up with a cookbook or video series with recipes from the depression era, war rationings and weird food meals people used during those times to survive?
It's been said, "If you can't measure it, you can't control it." Great vid!
My aunt , with whom I lived, was extremely wealthy. My aunt kept a daily tally of what she spent. When i was a student I kept a tally in a notebook of all I spent every day - and it was an eye opener. You really can save money if you know how you are spending it. One of the biggest eye openers was I gave up smoking, but my husband said I had to save the money I would have spent of cigarettes separately - and after 2 years we had enough money to go on holiday overseas for 6 weeks.
That is so wonderful! Love that!!
My dad gave up cigarets and took flying lessons with the money.
Dearest Paul & Emmy, THE 1886 Expense Tracker is a Game Changer for me!!! Why isn't this taught in High Schools? I am 74yrs old and began working at 16. My family never sat down with me to share the importance of saving for retirement or a rainy day! They said the money I made was for my personal needs and I freely spent it all! By the grace of God, my husband provided me with a home and I have Social Sec., but NO SAVINGS! You have no idea what an angel you have been in my life. There was a song that said in part, "I believe for everyone who goes astray, someone will come to show the way" , you have been that person and I THANK GOD FOR YOU AND PAUL. I now have a budget, an expense tracker and started to save! I CANNOT THANK YOU ENOUGH!!!
Oh Juanita you are such a joy! Thank you! So happy you are doing so well!!
How blessed are Paul's parents by your monthly meals to them! I wish my parents/inlaws were still alive so that I could bless them in this way. Thank you for your love of them. Diane in NC
Thanks so much Diane! They are so wonderful!
We have been tracking expense for years and do it on a spread sheet on the computer. We also save receipts and that is great as I always have them if I need to return something. Have been doing this for at least 15 years.
So smart!
Since the beginning of the year I have been tracking my expenses on a spreadsheet. I create several tables that represent my virtual enveloppes. Each time I enter an expense, I know exactly how much I have left on my budget. I should have done it a looong time ago!!!
Yes, it's really so helpful!
In high school I carried a blank recipe card to track my spending. Simple and easy and made me aware of my spending. I was making $3.00 an hour at age 16. I purchased my first brand new townhouse at the age of 19 !
Sandra that is amazing! Seriously!! WOW! CONGRATULATIONS!
How I love seeing the "old handwriting" so pretty. Everyone wrote in that style years ago. I also love how you and Paul take meals to his parents, such a sweet thing to do.
Yes I keep a leather bound journal. Inside the pages are every penny I spent in the past 10 years, since my husband died. It's very helpful. I also only buy loss leaders, sales and clearance for my meal planning and pantry restock. I adapt, adjust and make do. Doing without some items because they are just too expensive. Thanks for sharing!
That's great you are doing that!
The dinner for Paul’s parents looks delicious. My grandmother, who raised 9 children through the depression, always tracked her spending….she taught my aunts & my mom well, they followed suit. Awe, look at that sweet face 💞. Thanks so much…
Smart Women!!
I have done this for years. I do use a computer but I set up a spreadsheet each month on what my planned spending is and I measure against it throughout the month. I can see if I'm going over in a category and adjust as i go. I am always amazed how the little expense add up. That quick drink from McDonald's, etc. My biggest tip is stay home and out of the stores.
Very true......stay out of the stores. Even tho I love going into a couple of my favorite thrift stores, I found I was buying because something was dirt cheap, I liked it, etc. All of those 2 and 3 dollar items add up in a month. And I never actually "needed" them, only wanted it.
My husband does the expense tracking. We always live below our means and have been making sure we are saving money for other big or surprising expenses. We choose not to live extravagantly, but a moderate frugal lifestyle. We drive older cars and mostly eat at home. Life is good and peaceful (when we shut ourselves from the news).
LOL! Yes! No news is good news!
The old expense books are kinda neat to look at!
I've been keeping an expense notebook since 2008 when life handed me some big challenges where I had to pinch pennies. It was a real eye opener! In the last 10 years and especially the last 7, that practice has made it easier to save money so when the car breaks down or the house needs repaired, we're not scrambling.
Thank you for discussing these ideas with compassion and understanding. I appreciate how you share suggestions about redirecting eating out into funds needed for bills. You don't chastise us for being human. Very diplomatically and kindly presented. Thank you Emmy and Paul xxx
Oh goodness no judgement here! We are walking this journey together!
I got the same cans of tomatoes at the grocery a couple of weeks ago. You didn't have to buy eight but the limit was six so I made sure I got 6 in different varieties. I feel the labels of this brand are particularly pretty so after I'm done using the tomatoes I take mod podge and apply on the label making it water resistant and start some basil seeds on my window sill in the kitchen. It adds pretty greenery when it's a bit to early to plant outside. ☺️
I’ve got fresh basil growing here in Cali as well as Cilantro.
That is awesome!
You’re changing my life for the better, one video at a time. Thank you so much for all you and Paul do.
So happy to hear that Jackie, thank you!
Today I ventured out into the shopping center for the first time this year(other than for groceries)! My main goal was to stock up on bulk household items and cleaning supplies at Big Lots ahead of spring cleaning. I have a habit of just buying smaller containers of these things while I'm at the grocery store. But it actually makes more sense to buy larger amounts at a discount store as it's usually much cheaper per ounce. Dish soap isn't going to go bad if I buy a big jug! And I like not running low on these things.
I'm breaking down my shopping receipts into 3 categories: food, cat supplies and household supplies. Looking back, I realized I was spending far too much on canned cat food and they were getting bored and wasting a lot if it. So now I give them about half as much but jazz it up with broth or oil off canned tuna or minced up meat or fish scraps from my dinner. They love it and clean their plate!
That's great Janet!
I don't know if you already do it or not, but I f you sign up with Big Lots and give them an email, you will get coupons for 20% off, sometimes more. That is when I go there and stock up. I have a special email I use for stores like that.
I know this does not pertain to this topic, but I want to thank you for the no spend birthday inspiration. Saturday, March 4 is my birthday and my daughters are coming over and will be putting together a make your own baked potato bar for our meal and we will just be spending the day together. Thanks so much for all of your great ideas. Have a great weekend!
Happy Blessed Birthday to you!! Oh my gosh how fun!! Have a wonderful day and enjoy!
Happy Birthday! March 4 is also my birthday, my daughter is also coming😊
🎂Happy Birthday!🎂
Happy Birthday🥳🎂
My hubby and I go once a week to a freight damage store and usually they have cases of slightly outdated yogurt for around $3.00 (different brands/whatever is available).
For the last couple of weeks, they haven't had any, but they have been selling 16 oz. tubs of outdated lowfat cottage cheese 4 for $1.00.
We like to have it with canned fruit and even canned cranberries.
It's also a great substitute for sour cream on potatoes and such.
We usually go to a local grocery store for fresh fruits and veggies and for discount day old bakery.
We always check for any clearance items.
My sister gave me a bulk bag of dried 15 bean mix and I challenged myself to make up a crockpot of soup out of it.
I also baked 3 pans of cornbread (so we could have leftovers for breakfasts and lunches too).
She made a surprise visit the day after I made the soup and so we enjoyed it for lunch together.
When I cook, I always make extras to freeze for another quick meal.
Around here, it's not unheard of to have leftovers for 2 - 3 days in a row.
Leftovers are our form of fast food.
I love the convenience of only having to warm it up in the microwave.
A few weeks back, the temperatures were down to 10 degrees in the day time.
I saw it as a challenge to add sweaters and extra layers so we wouldn't turn the heat up.
It kept getting colder and colder, and I noticed the furnace wasn't firing up.
Turns out, the batteries in the thermostat had died and so the furnace wasn't firing up.
Lesson learned, check batteries/breaker box/plug before assuming the worst.
It will save you a lot of money to not have to have a repairman come to your home to check it out.
I had a friend who replaced a perfectly good freezer because she thought it was broken.
When she went to plug in the new freezer, she found out the power had been tripped to that outlet.
One of the best things we invested in, is paying a little extra for a freezer alarm.
I hear so many stories of whole freezers full of food getting ruined when the door is left ajar or from the breaker/power being tripped.
Thanks for taking the time to share!
I have my Grandma’s book where she kept track of all expenses and income during the depression. She would record how many chickens they were paid in for work that my Grandpa did. It is so interesting to look at. Love your channel.❤
Oh how neat!! Thanks Laura!
I wish I had something like this to look back on. It has inspired me to have some stuff like this for our son to look back on. I may have my husband and I start separate journals.
Very cute n sweet old time tracker. I began tracking about 2 yrs ago when I added up how much I was spending at Dunkin Donuts in a month. It was $250!!!!! For 1 cup of coffee and a breakfast wrap. I was stunned. I stopped right then n there and only stop there maybe 4 times or less a month instead of pretty much everyday. Lol. What an eye opener. I actually began my Dunkin Donut morning run during covid to get out of the house. It was inexpensive but adding it up everyday on a monthly basis was like a car payment! This shock inspired me to track all my spending and I was able to reduce my expenses immensely. Great video. Thanks.
Happy you enjoyed the video Barbra!
Stop & Shop? What a trip down memory lane. I worked there in 1972 as a teenager in NJ for 2 years. Moved South where they don't exist. Haven't bought clothes in ages but recently lost 28 lbs so last month it was an absolute necessity to buy new clothes. Thanx for all the great tips you share! Really enjoy your videos! So nice of you to cook for your in laws!
Thanks so much for watching and sharing!
I track my shopping other than grocery shopping and all the times I eat out. Now, looking at your practical tracker, makes me want to track all my expenses. Thank you ❤️
Sara, it really helps a lot to track!
My mother always kept track of the household expenses. I remember she could even tell where 5 cents was spent when my dad asked where the money went. I learned how to budget from her, but I need to do an expense tracker. Thank you for this reminder.
The highlight of Fridays!! In our area, grocery stores no longer pass out flyers in the mail!! You have to go to the store to get the ad. I always liked having them at home to go over the loss leaders before I get to the store.
If you have access to a computer, you can find the weekly ad for most stores on their website. I do my shopping plan using the online ads. Hope that helps and that you can access a computer.
Yes! Susan, look them up online! They are all digital now as well!
A new time frugal grocery tip. I have my food delivered. I save more money than I used to when going to the store because I have time online to shop around , all without the impulse buying. I also buy weekly (sometimes for a 2 week period )and stretch my meat over many meals. I save a lot more than I used to when going into the store(on gas, and time too).
Love the 1881 gentleman's expense tracker. You always bring such interesting topics to your viewers. A sensational channel!!
So kind Mel, thank you!
hi Emmy. I got an expense ledger from the early 20's from one of my Mom's relatives. They ran a boarding house and kept track of everything. It had who paid to stay there, who paid for laundry service, what meals were fixed in the evening, they had everything in there. It was really interesting reading through it.
Hi Lori! That ledger sounds fascinating! Do you still have it?
Oh how neat! Hope you're feeling much better Lori!
@@FrugalMoneySaver I am getting there, it is just taking longer than I expected. I did put up a new cooking video, first one since Early January. It did feel good to be cooking again 😀
Oooh I'm so old fashioned ! I'm in my 40s and have used a budget book/tracker since my teenage years! It helps sos much knowing where money is going
So smart Julie
I have started tracking all my spending. I’m building a in law quarters for myself at my daughter’s. Tracking every nickel, paying cash. No debt. Can’t wait to get moved in and track all my spending before I retire.
That's wonderful Julie!
Yes, I track my expenses. Started 2 years ago, and after the eye-opener, it has been a huge money saver as you are definitely more aware of what you are spending!
So true!
I started my expense tracker a few years ago, when I was suddenly all alone, and had to manage money and get myself together. I love it, because it keeps me accountable with were my money goes and I stay on track and budget. It also shows me where I might save on my electric bill or gas bill, by cutting back and shutting off lights and keeping the heat down. Great way to handle your money and see where it all goes!!!
So smart to track your money Nancy!
Frugal is a bad word among some circles, like you are cheap, you are not hip. To my family it means using our resources and talents wisely to meet our needs.
We have a large garden, fruit trees, berry bushes, raised beds and vegetables planted directly in the ground. Potatoes in half barrels. We can, freeze, dry herbs and fruit, plus freeze dry. We bought a wood burning stove this year as electricity costs went up. We got a $2000 tax credit on the stove, and the stove we bought is rated at 50% higher than our living space. We can still see the fire, but the heat stays in the house versus going up the chimney. It is a stove appliance that I put a cast iron steamer to humidify the dry air, plus I can simmer a soup or stew, in a cast iron Dutch oven, or even put the steel grilling iron over the top and make breakfast. I can even bake bread on it. And we have so much wood on the farm that has already been cut dow, needs splitting of the larger pieces though, that we won’t be buying wood.
We have a dozen Burpee seed trays of tomatoes, peppers and assorted herbs started from seeds, far cheaper than buying plants at the nursery or farmers market.
What we don’t grow ourselves, we buy the store brand versus the national brand products.
The store doesn’t have a manufacturing facility, they use the same factory as the national brands, just different labels and they don’t have to spend millions in advertising.
We have been doing haircuts at home for years, my boys got their haircuts by my husband since they were quite young, and know my older son is in college, and he and his younger brother still in high school still prefer to get free haircuts. They like his work and don’t want to spend their own money to pay for a haircut that won’t be any better than they get for free. He trims mine every couple months, my best friend and my mother will come every couple months, on my schedule or skip, and ask if he is free to do a haircut. Last weekend, my bestie asks if she could bring her cousin, it had been over three years since she had last had her hair cut. Hubby said ok. She said she was putting it off due to the virus scare, plus she didn’t like it getting caught in things and her ends were thinned out and looked straggly. Her daughter and sister told her to get it cut. She went last taking a seat on the stool, after watching me and her cousin going first.
Hubby held up the measuring tape and I took the picture on her phone. She said that she wanted ten inches cut off. Hubby wanted confirmation that her husband, me and my bestie, heard her say that was what she wanted. Hubby did as she asked. She liked the results and said it would have cost her over $200 plus back in Long Island, assuming she could trust a stranger with the shears. Her husband liked the results, and said he will be treating us out to dinner twice locally. They stopped by to get peppers , basil and tomatoes, garlic and venison being hubby put 150# of freshly harvested venison in the freezer. Plus his mother, brother, son, daughter and his nephews wanted venison.
It is his hobby to hunt deer, we get alot on the farm, so we share. We have been called throwbacks to the to the last century, we are going to be surviving the upcoming depression.
When we first got married, I used to keep track of all our expenses, but over the years, have fallen out of the habit. Thanks for the reminder. I think we may start again.😁
Thanks for sharing!!
I started tracking on January 1 this year. I love it! It’s such an eye opener and I feel more disciplined knowing exactly what’s going out. Thank you!✝️❤️
That's the truth Ann!
I did the same thing Paul did and kept track of all my expenses before I retired. Once I saw I could swing it, I pulled the trigger and retired early! I have a budget and keep track of expenses to the penny! I find security in my budget and have also worked in disaster scenarios into it. Thank you for all of the great advice and look forward to your next video (maybe a few recipes in the next one? Love, love, love your recipes!!💕)
Always have something cooking lol!
I have always had a budget, but since Jan 1 I have been diligent about tracking...especially food. It has caused me to use up food that's been in the freezer for a while and meal plan more. It really is eye opening! Love your shirt today, that color is beautiful on you 😊
Thanks so very much Maegan!
Great color on you!
😊❤️your such a blessing to Paul’s parents
We buy whatever meat is on sale for acceptable price once a week($2.00 a pound, pricepoint we aim for). I plan the menu around what we get.
So smart Victoria!
What a treasure! A ticket for $2.50 to Canada - wow. I track my bills and spending on my bank app which works for me. In other news: my electric bill went up by $150 because of my family staying home during the day due to colds. You KNOW I’m now goi g room to room cutting off lights 😂 I’m not cheap I’m Bill Frugal my son says 😂
We have not been diligent about tracking expense, although we are mortgage free and debt free. You’ve inspired me to start tracking expenses right now. I’d like to aggressively add to our savings going forward, and I know those nickels and dimes add up. Thank you Emmy and Paul for the useful tip! God bless! 🌸
So happy the video was encouraging! Thanks and you as well!
Same.
Don't forget to scan your receipts to Fetch
ALWAYS!
I saw your planner exactly a year ago on one of your videos and have used it faithfully. I especially liked when you mentioned to compare the same month from year to year. I just got my termite renewal contract, and it took all of a second to see that it is exactly the same price as last year. The planner reinforced the fact that I rarely spend if it’s not a necessity. The surprise was that I knew some months were more expensive because of taxes or holidays, but I didn’t know how much more. Now I do.
Yes! Exactly! So happy it has worked well for you!
That is really neat to see the old time expense sheet from the 1800’s!!
So interesting!
I started keeping track of my groceries this year . I couldn't figure out how I could spend so much money on one person's needs. After last month I almost fell off my chair when I saw the amount of some products I was buying. So I'll be making adjustments to a healthier diet.
It's really eye opening for sure!
Hi Emmy and Paul! I’ve tracked my expenses for years. It’s really a game changer. I don’t do a zero dollar based budget as I found it too tedious. I know what I have coming in, and I know my set monthly bills. I set aside X amount for groceries, pet food and sundries which are my biggest variables, and strive to always spend less than that. It helps that I save a set amount first each month into my savings accounts as a “fixed” bill. I always have money leftover at the end of the month so this method works for me. Shopping loss leaders and diligently working on a zero food waste goal really cuts my grocery spending. I am debt free and mortgage free as a result of tracking. BTW, I think Paul looks just like his Dad. So lovely that you get to enjoy their company still.
Thanks so very much Kat!
I kept track of expenses for almost a year then set up a budget-- it's been great! I track each month then transfer totals to my yearly budget of each category. Besides using most of your categories, I also track medical & dog expenses. It's new to me-- I also started after I retired.
Emmy your complexion looks exceptionally pretty in this video.
So kind Valerie, thank you!
i have been tracking my expenses for years after being widowed suddenly. my husband had taken everything to do with finances as he was a business man whereas I was a teacher and happy to let him do that...BUT suddenly I had to do it all...nasty shock ..please ladies start now and watch what you spend if it is in front of you it cant be ignored. thank you Emmy and Paul. love your sensible advice even here in Ireland
Oh I am so sorry Pamela for your loss...
An expense tracker is very eye opening and is so helpful in understanding your spending on your "needs" and "wants". It helps to steer you away from throwing money away. Not that we don't all deserve a treat now and then. But an expense tracker can show you if you're going overboard on the "wants" if your goal is to save money.
I love seeing those pupper eyes. Dixie is such a sweetie.
Yes! It can point our problem areas before they become overwhelming! Dixie sends a big hug Barbara!
i love channels like this. the cost of living at the moment is ridiculous
SO true!
mayne you should consider making brown sugar with plain sugar and molasses
Hi Emmy, I'm 70 years old and have tried Corn Chowder! Oh my your recipe was so good! Because of Lent I left the bacon out and I did thicken it a little with corn starch ( because like you I can't leave anything alone LOL) .I can't believe I never made this for my kids. it was awesome. thank you for the recipe.
So glad you enjoyed it Fran!
Have always tracked everything I spent for years. It’s an eye opener and I enjoy doing it. I live on a budget. Love your channel ❤ have a wonderful day.
Thanks so much Melody! You have a great day too!
I feel this is a must to keep track of every penny going out. We’ve been keeping track of every penny going out monthly since my husband retired end of April 2022.
I keep expenses in journal, audio and video. I am 80, and have done this since age 15. All gifts, income etc, are on my debit cards. I save receipts yearly.
Hi Emme and Paul...another great video. That is an unheard of price for wings. Rochester NY native here...go Bills
Paul is from Buffalo? I am from Rochester. Wow that is a gray price on wings.
GO BILLS!
Julie my brother lived in Rochester for years!! Paul is from Tonawanda!
I have tracked our expenses for decades. It started out on a piece of paper, then went to a columnar pad, then an Excel spreadsheet and now in Quicken. We are incredibly frugal in the dining, clothing and entertainment areas. They are next to nothing. Our problems are medical expenses, insurance and groceries. I simply cannot get our insurances any lower. It's very frustrating to say the least. I'm getting better with the groceries. Just not there yet. Thanks for another great video!
Like my mother I use a Columnar (6 column) pad. I use a page as a checkbook ledger, one as a savings ledger, and one to track my sinking funds. I've been using this method for years! It works!
I love the idea of an expense tracker.
Thanks for sharing your visit with Paul's parents. The meatloaf is such a comfort food
It really is! They loved it!
Made my own mozzarella from milk, rennet and citric acid. So much fun and the taste is outstanding! B
Don't take your tomatoes off the vine unless you want to use them fast. They go bad quicker without the vine. It hardly weighs enough to be worth the price difference vs losing the whole tomato.
I tried to track my expenses for years and could never keep up with it and then at some point, I don't know what happened, but I finally became disciplined and started tracking every cent. Now I would feel lost if I didn't. It has literally changed my financial life. I'm still not where I want to be, but as you said it alleviates a lot of anxiety. I don't know how to explain it, but it has made a night and day difference in how I spend and I definitely feel much more in control!
That's so wonderful! Good for you!
You guys are a blessing to Paul's parents!
Thanks Alicia!
When I became a single parent, a budget and expense tracker really helped me make money work hard for me. I got a notebook with dividers labeled for each category where I spent cash. At the end of the day, I took out my receipts and recorded in each category the date, notes of what I purchased, amount spent and amount of money remaining. It only takes a few minutes to record. Over the years, I make adjustments, and most areas build up balances! No money worries!
So smart and money saving Mary Jo!
Like your expense tracker. Mine's been too complicated in the past. I like good, clean systems. I track at times and don't dome other times. Love you! ❤
Thanks so much Jonna!!
Along with the monthly tracker, I make sure to subtotal at the end of every week so I can see what I'm headed towards. Otherwise, sometimes it was still ending up a surprise when I hit the end!
Yes. Absolutely track my expenses and income. I use Banktivity which will download transactions from your bank accounts, etc. And you can manually input stuff too so if you use cash you can track all that. I watch my spending like a hawk and track it all. I have done so for many years. Knowledge is power. You can only do better when you know better and knowing your income/expenses and following a budget will ensure you spend more wisely.
Gretchen, you said it! Absolutely!
Tracking my expenses is something I am working on. I actually have a few antique spending trackers from my dads family that date between 1888 to to 1930. I never thought of using them for inspiration to use mine.
Oh how neat!
Your kitchen looks very cosy and 😍 pretty 👍
So kind, thank you!
I love my envelope stuffing
Absolutely! I started tracking my expenses in 2015 and it helped me get out of debt and build up my savings. I use a software called You Need A Budget and it helps me allocate where I’ll be spending my money in addition to tracking my expenses. Thank you for another great video ❤
That's wonderful!
YNAB is amazing! It prevents me from spending the same dollar twice! The expense tracker is ok but it doesn’t relate/compare expenses to how much you have available. YNAB does.
Have you been able to get rid of or decrease your debt using this system?
That was pretty cool seeing the ledger from the 1800’s. I finally got an address book that I did have to buy bc I did not have one. They are hard to find these days! But excited to have be able to hard copy the addresses and phone numbers I have. That was a great tip!
Thanks so much Kathleen!
No I do not track spending as it is not necessary-I am a very disciplined person and have had to budget for years out of limited income so there is no option since debt is not my way of life. This may sound horrible to some but I am a very happy homebody who is always busy and as long as my son is healthy and happy then life is wonderful!!!😊
No it’s not horrible , I think it is okay to track for one month so that you can set your budget , after that is just a waste of time . If we are short on money, we will go and get a job. wash dishes baby sit ect .
Hi Emmy and Paul. I found Perdue wings for 99 cents a pound a few weeks ago and stocked up. My husband and I have been having Saturday stay-at-home date wing nights! We listen to 80's music and play board games and eat wings. Such frugal fun! Tracking expenses has been a game changer for us on our frugal journey. You can't figure out where you are going if you don't know where you've been.
.99 WOW!!
That's a good deal on eggs
I use YNAB. I have tried several other tracking and budgeting systems but YNAB is by far the easiest and most effective for me. Although, I definitely geek out over ledgers, columnar pads, etc. Great video! I am enjoying your channel so much! God bless you!
Thanks so. much! God Bless you as well!
Good afternoon 🤗💞💞. I'm taking a break from cleaning hog maws and chitterlings for dinner Sunday. Having dinner guess. I knew it was time for y'all 🤗👍
YAY! So happy you were here! You know this northerner is going to ask what is hog maws and chitterlings?
@@FrugalMoneySaver 🤣🤣🤣 It's part of the pig. I'm from Jersey,
BHAHAHAH!! They sound like southern food lol!!
@@FrugalMoneySaver It is, my Mother and Father are from the south.
My husband and I are in Orange Beach, AL for a long weekend. It’s lovely here!
Enjoy Melissa!
Older we get health need expenses gets bigger too.
Hi Emmy and Paul! Yes, I created an expense spreadsheet for every month. I have been doing this for a while. We are so looking forward to Spring. The heating oil prices are so high per gallon is really going into increasing our expenses. We need the heat in the winter but this year it really is at a premium! The dinner you made for Paul's parents look so good!! Will that last them all month though? You and Paul are so blessed that you can do that for them. They are receiving a nutritious meal and the company of the both of you when you bring it to them!!
Yes! They also have meals on wheels Mon-Fri which really helps too!
We have used a budget book since the beginning of our marriage. Every receipt is kept in a large mailing envelope. My husband checks our banking statement every day to make sure everything is correct as well. At the end of the month we take a final look to make sure we have stayed within the allotted amount we assigned to each category. In November we reevaluate to see if we need to move money to bolster in one area and from what category we can borrow from to make that change. Ninety-nine percent of the time we are right on target or even below what we budgeted. Once the new year starts we have our new budget in place. This has really helped in the food category. If you know your budget is say $50 and you start getting close to that amount, you think twice about buying that extra bag of chips or some little kitchen gadget that catches your eye. Last year even with rising food prices ,we were $1,000 under budget on food. Having that inventory list, coupons and a shopping list is key for us.
Loved the old register and seeing those prices. The handwriting was so beautiful back then.
So true Sheila! That is so smart you budgeted that way!!
Hubby & I Wrote everything we spent money on right down to a postage stamp. EVERY item for about 40 years. We weren't poor but that's BECAUSE we saw each expenditure and we thought about each purchase before we made it because we knew we would have to write it down and discuss each month's expenditures. I never worked outside the home but doing the tracker made us SO THRIFTY... Some german shepherd rescues are gonna be very happy some day! Write down ever penny you spend and you will be wealthy when you're old.
Very well said Lisa!
I just started tracking my spending on January 1st this year. I have always been very frugal, but it is fun to write down every penny. I will continue doing it!
That's wonderful!
We plan our meals around loss leaders!
Yes, I track our spending. It’s eye opening! Yes, it works, hands down.
Your meal for your in-laws looks wonderful! Blessings to you and Paul as well as Dixie Belle ❤️
You and yours as well Mary! Thanks dear friend!
@@FrugalMoneySaver , ❤️
My husband and I have been doing a money tracker for years. We have only four categories, utilities, food, fuel and misc. Figures are done daily, weekly, quarterly and yearly. Being aware of where your money is going is a great help.
Another lovely video, Emmy and Paul! Yes, we also track every penny and also try to write good notes in the columns because I forget who I bought a gift for or who I went to lunch with etc. Those are the a•ha moments.
Yes! That's me too Susan lol!
OMG I love the old experience tracker. It's amazing.
Isn't it!
Oh Emmy the dinner you made for Paul’s mom and dad looked delicious 😋.
Thank you 😋
I usually buy the 97/3% grind, because at the end of the day, that 20% fat usually ends up in the garbage. Also you can freeze eggs. Just crack a dozen into a bowl and beat then, not to put air into them but to break up the contents up for easier pouring. Then pour them into ice cube trays. I usually get different colored ice cube trays, ones for freezing herbs, one for meat and obviously one for ice. then pour the eggs into the ice cube trays and freeze. don't add anything to them, you can always do that when you thaw them out. Once they are frozen, just pop them out and either put them into ziplock freezer bags or I put them into canning jars in the freezer. depending on your ice cube trays 1 cube is usually half an egg.
Thanks for sharing your tips!
Loved seeing that old expense tracker! We've been doing this since 2012 and it really does make a difference in making you think about spending money when you have to be accountable by writing it down.
We so agree Susan!
Yes, I keep track of my expenses! I've been doing it for a number of years. I start by subtracting the rent from my bank balance and then each utility as I pay them. This way I am never overdrawn at the bank. I know exactly how much money is left over for extra purchases.
So very smart Janeen!
That was very interesting, thank you Emmy. I have been tracking what I spend for a number of years now and, I agree with you and Paul that it's really helpful to do so.
It was lovely to see Dixie at the end too. She's lovely.
What a great channel Emmy and Paul. Thank you so much for all you share with us on your videos. I appreciate you very much and you are a breath of fresh air in a world that is often so focused on materialism etc. God bless you both. Sending you a lot of love. xx
Thanks so very much Yvonne! God Bless you as well!
Yes we absolutely track our spending… have for years! I used to hate getting the credit card bill and being surprised at the amount!!! I also saved a couple of our old check book registers for kicks and giggles! Fun to remember what things cost 40 years ago when we were first married!!!😊
So true!!