Even though I agree with almost all of your frugal living tips. Here is a word of advice from a person with an elderly mother with Alzheimer's and father who is deceased. My parents worked very hard and were very frugal and good, good savers throughout their marriage. Almost all of their 401K went and is going to a memory care facility for my mother. She is very well taken care of but, would get the same care if she was on Medicare. So if your mother likes purses, don't give her a hard time about buying them. Let her be happy!!!! We all need to do what makes us happy...Yes, with in reason of course. I am not sure but I bet your tires and supplies for your bikes are much more expensive than her purses. Again, you should be able to do what makes you happy and your mother should too, before she is unable to do so.

Coffee is absolutely necessary! We always brew at home though. I also invest in high quality beans and it makes a great difference. It brings our family happiness so it is worth the investment! I agree on everything else though.

I’m 100% with you except on the coffee. But I do make my own at home at least!

Term insurance. We did that about 10 years ago because my daughter was a single mom with 3 kids. It was only 14 dollars a month. When she remarried, I still kept paying for it. Then she died in 2020😢. It is helping pay for college tuition, and whatever all her children need now.

As a woman who works in the beauty and self care industry, if you do get a deep discount, please please tip on the full amount. Remember, our costs on everything have gone up as well, so if you're offered a special or discount, don't be a cheap tipper! Also, I do love trade. I trade with my hair stylist and it's a win win for us both!

I noticed on your last pantry video you’ve got beans on shelf in bags. My super cheap repurpose is wash spaghetti Jars remove labels. They have the pop top lids. Fill w beans. Add an oxygen absorber and they seal down. No cost storage. Until I could afford storage I put rice. Oats. Beans in these jars. We use a lot of pasta sauce. I buy Walmart jars. All the same. Basic gold top. Looks good on shelf’s.

We have paper towels that we use as napkins when folded!😅

We've always done the cloth napkins & handkerchiefs. It's a pretty great way to use old shirts too gnarly to donate.

Jumping in on the new vs. used cars here. In July my husband and I purchased a new Chevy pick up truck (his old one was done). He researched for a couple of months the used trucks in our area to get an idea of cost, average mileage, etc. BTW-if the car dealer has multiple locations, don't be fooled thinking that just because it says it's at your local dealer that it is...found that out the hard way. Anyway, we found the buying the Colorado new was actually less expensive than buying used by several thousand dollars. Plus there was a longer warranty with new vs. used. It used to be the used cars were less expensive (we bought that way for many years). But the whole car marketplace has changed post-pandemic. The broad statement of 'used is less expensive than new' needs to be put onto a case by case basis now.

Massages are therapeutic as are chiropractor visits (if you need them) we've got nothing if we don't have our health to start with Stress relief is the main one for health (adrenals) I shop for both cost savings AND convenience as well as how to shop to save with convenience

I live in an apt complex for older adults. An eco conscious resident has been stocking our laundry room with the Earth Breeze sheets for a few years now. Thank You, Nancy!

As a Licensed Massage Therapist I will never do an exchange again! I've done them a couple times and gave my all and I've had the cosmetologist mess up my hair in return.

There is just something so comforting about your reels. You are so relatable. You’ve had the same types of issues that the average person has, especially the co worker lunch issue. Been there! What a breath of fresh air you are Christine. ❤️

We use reusable cloth napkins ❤

The massage school in my area is $35.00 but still way less than the spa in town.

I'm surprised you have a dog. We kept track of what we spent on our last dogs--they are super expensive! We loved our pets but we do not miss all the responsibilities with having them.

Cloth napkins for the win. They're cute and soooo easy to just throw in with any dirty wash load.

We downgraded too with our wedding rings. We both got tattoos, lol. We are so active and have working hands that it was a joy to make the permanent change. Celebrating 30 years of marriage next year!

I find coffee on clearance all the time and stick it in my freezer! It’s one of my favorite frugal finds!

I used to agree with you on the extended warranty. However, having purchased "good quality" appliances the last few years, things have changed. I can't tell you how many appliances have been made incorrectly in the factory and break within 3 years. Just after the manufacturer warranty is gone. According to the repair man, this is across the board with ALL brands. I will NEVER buy an appliance without the extended warranty now. I miss the days of well made products that most could afford.

When I was in dental hygiene school, our patients were charged $25 per cleaning and x-rays were pretty cheap too. Great if you don’t have insurance!

I tried earthbreeze and its fine for washing something that is not really dirty or smelly. The scented one smells nice when you open the envelope but your clothes just smell like you used unscented detergent. I loved that it saved so much space but as far as doing laundry it was a fail.

I have small kids so I have a roll of napkins also known as paper towels

This video is a goldmine of frugal living wisdom. Thanks for the great tips on what not to buy.

Use paper towels for napkins. Use a few purses - one per season. Use a light color for summer.

I love coffee and will never be without it. I also do decorate a lot. It's part of the joy of the holidays for me. I do like Earth Breeze. I hate lifting those heavy bottles.

Definitely glad we got my husband a silicone ring... he's a mechanic and his gold band got caught a few times so I bought him a plethora of "man color" rings that he wears safely. 😊

Just found your channel a week or so ago and all of your tips are GREAT ! I, too, am a frugal person and believe in buying top quality for what I hope to be longevity items for my house, my clothes, car, etc. and because of that, we have been able to save a nice life's savings. But, here I am going to add a word of warning about being too frugal all of your life! Because my husband is 80 years old and having more health issues than I can help him with anymore at home (I'm 76), he will be going into a nursing care facility very soon. Because we have assets, we found out that we must deplete our savings first to pay for his nursing care before our health care insurance Medicare kicks in. We thought when we passed on, we would be able to leave our children and grandchildren a nice amount of inheritance; not so. Medicare demands that we pay for it until our savings are depleted . Because we own a home and a car then, I get to keep them to use until I die and then the Medicare debt is to be taken from the proceeds of the sale of the house or car(s) or anything else of large value. If I eventually go into a nursing care facility as well, then Medicare adds the cost of my care into the amount still owed from my husbands' debt. Anyway, the bottom line is for us, the savings we accumulated during our lifetime of being very frugal is not going to benefit our family as we intended but will go to the government instead. So while you are young, up and until retirement age, save your money for emergencies that occur (the leak in the house roof, the refrigerator or car that needs to be replaced, a large health care deductible because of an emergency health issue, etc), but when you get to the age of where you are about to retire, start giving your children and grandchildren their inheritance early, or go on those trips and adventures you wanted to do. SPEND IT !!! If you don't, there will not be an inheritance for your children ........only the government benefits. Words of wisdom here from a Grandma in Texas.

I've been with Earth Breeze since covid lockdown. Absolutely love it, their company mission and recommend them whenever I can.

We use "designated" cloth napkins for family members.. and re-use them a couple to few times if they don't get too dirty

Usually, I'm with you on the extended warranty. BUT. 18 months ago, I bought brand new couches (my kids DESTROYED the old ones over 15 years). For the first time in my life, I was talked into the extended warranty (because I still have 8 & 10 yr old boys). This summer one of the couches had a support break, and they sent a repair man out to fix it. I was glad I spent the money on the warranty!!

That Blueberry Bai drink you had your daughter hand to you is my favorite drink. A real treat for me!!!

Frugal Mom is a knockout. In case y’all didn’t know.

I loved this video, I already do most of the things you mentioned. I don’t like coffee or alcohol, I have a lot of old wash cloths that I use as napkins, etc. etc…. I do my own mani - pedi, have two purses for summer & winter. The best thing you mentioned was getting a massage at a school, wow! I can’t wait to try that one! Haven’t had one in years…..

I bought an extended warranty on my recliner from Big Lots for around $45/50, chair broke down before the warranty ran out. I contacted them, sent some pictures and they gave me a gift card for the FULL PRICE of my recliner. Best decision ever. I never buy extended warranties but this time I decided to and not it paid off.

I use cloth napkins. I do have a few pieces of clothing I have to iron. I like to iron, so no problem there. I've not talked myself into the detergent sheets yet. Basically, I do the rest of your list. It's nice to know there are others like me out there!

We use cloth napkins, we have about 4 dozen for our family of 9 (and growing). Most are handed down by our grandparents. My daughter bought me a set for Christmas when she was 18 ❤ I love how simple and sweet they are... but they can be elegant if I want them to be, too!

Yes, Heath Ledger was amazing as The Joker. But Michael Keaton is my Batman. 😉🦇 Glad to see your oldest getting a classical education. 😎

Love the Dolly callout with Steel Magnolias! My daughter's name is Jolene, we live in the South and she just turned 2 😊❤ We get comments all the time about how her name brings a smile to people!

I agree on the smell for coffee & alcohol. My cousin's son brought a new 2024 Ford Mustang $40,000.

Ive been watching your videos for a few years now, and realized im not subscribed! I just fixed that. Thanks for being so helpful and encouraging. We're going through such a rough time financially right now, and youtubers like you have been really great. ❤️ ✨

I don't drink either, alcohol is so bad for you, plus it just grosses me out. I stopped drinking coffee because the acid isn't good for the stomach. I do decorate, but I don't go crazy with it anymore. I cut down a lot on Dollar Tree shopping and only get something if I need it or see something really great.

I have 3 pairs of shoes: tennis shoes, church shoes, and a pair of sandals for summer. That's it. I also keep my wardrobe very limited -- less laundry, less choice-making, less to store. I wear things until they're completely worn out, and then they're recycled into sewing projects or cleaning rags. If I do need to purchase an item, I try to find it secondhand at a thrift store first.

I love setting a pretty table so I use cloth napkins. Paper for big parties. Ironing is necessary even for “wrinkle free” if you’re a perfectionist! 🙂

Most I agree with you.. as a former insurance agent- I def agree with not getting whole life…. But no coffee!!!! No way sister! 😂. I brew at home to save the monies though!

I bought the extended warrantee and thank goodness i did! It was an emergency, i needed a car, and this was the height of used cars prices. I didn't have a choice but to finance and pay too much. Flashforward a year and a half later and the car i still owe $15k on decides to need a new transmission to the tune of $5 grand. Ouch. This is after i spent $1100 out of pocket to fix an engine leak. To be fair, my commute is an hour one way so the car works for it. Now of only the warrantee would cover the rental i need 😭😭😭

Got to keep the coffee, my swedish blood is too thick....but I canceled Earth Breeze because it is made somewhere on the other side of the world.....I am going to try something made closer to home.

another addition to cutting to cable: if you live relatively close to a city, you can buy an antenna and get NBC, FOX, ABC, CBS and potentially others for free.

You’ve taught me so much in these videos.I stream or rent from library for free,I use your shopping technique,but only used dependable vehicles and only go out to eat on a special coupon!!!!

You’re on a roll with this one! I laughed through the whole thing!!

So semi related to the life insurance thing... Take a look at natural burials, and if it's available near you. Much cheaper than traditional funeral services. I know everyone has different wishes and preferences, but certainly an idea to look at

Hubby and I got our wedding rings done in ink for our 11th anniversary. Cost less than a hundred dollars for both of them. Haven't misplaced our rings for over a decade now! 😂

Well, you can get rid of cable but you still need internet for those streaming services. Internet in my area (Florida) is ridiculous. It's now $85 a month.

Frugal: I use extra paper napkins from fast food or truck stops (I don't throw the extras away) or paper towels or a dish towel; we have the least expensive washing machine and no dryer--line dry and there are no extra computer modules that go bad--lasts for 20 years or more; use the least expensive soap at all times; cook with microwave, toaster oven, slow cooker; one burner; reuse plastic (and wash it)--utensils/bottles/etc, until it is ugly (years); use blankets until they literally fall apart; use shoes and used clothing until they fall apart; if it is not a small appliance--you don't need it; use only one small appliance at a time (okay--two, if you really need to); jewelry--is it fake? then its okay--if it is cheap and fake (and have fun pretending that you are a royal and it is real--ha)--what is cheap? under $15--on sale; makeup--be a minimalist--no fake lashes or nails here; spa? you must be joking--ever hear of a heating pad?; food--restaurants do not exist--period; vending machines do not exist--period; when not working--stay home--do not go out--period (that costs gasoline); do not buy TVs--use KZfaq (not premium--the free one); do not pay for movies--there are lots of good free ones (the golden oldies); eat one decent meal a day--snacks the rest of the day--from Dollar Tree--popcorn and pretzels can fill you up; do not buy expensive cuts of meat and seafood--you would be amazed at what good sauces can do for pork, rice and beans--learn how to make them; do not buy frozen foods; do not buy boxed cereals--period; if you can't find it in the produce section--or canned goods aisle--leave it at the store; do not buy ice cream; do not put cheese on everything you eat (a once a month treat or less); use $1 spices; do not buy lots of expensive dog toys/treats/food (they love to sleep on old blankets); used cars only; buy all goods secondhand, if possible; purchase new unused shoes from China; if something is cheap and works--buy 2 or 3 on sale and plan to use them for a long time (ie shoes); buy most clothes in black or khaki (winter/summer)/use color accents (scarf/sweater)--use durable fabrics--if you don't dry them in a dryer, they last forever; don't buy fashion buys--look for lasting trends (flannel shirts, straight leg pants) with expandable fabrics that breathe; don't decorate for holidays (unless you have small children under age 8); don't make a cake when a cupcake will do (no one needs the extra sugar); eliminate the dessert category from menus; drink tea--and make your own tea--instead of colas/expensive waters/coffee--buy inexpensive tea (do not upsell and buy $20 tea bags); cold??--try extra clothing/socks/blankets--wear clothes to bed if necessary; hot?? wear sleeveless shirts and dresses--yes, even if your arms are ugly; do not spend loads on extra entertainment: streaming services, TV, tickets to anything, airplanes, resorts. RVs, sports arenas; do not spend loads on any extra techy gadgets: fancy phones (only basic); computers; TVs; printers; xerox machines, computer toys/games, etc--kids need to play? put them in the back yard with sticks and old pots and pans--ask them to build a fort out of old boxes; get them to play simple board and card games and work on family puzzles with lots of pieces that last a long time (then put the finished puzzles on the wall for a while, after glazing them with a glue finish)...; teach kids to make bread and pasta--then you will all have dinner; read a book--from the library (quaint old fashioned concept that works)...okay, dts/usa

I agree with a lot of these but not to coffee! LOL also I buy bandannas for a dollar at Walmart and those are our “cloth napkins”. They have them in every color and seasonal ones too. They wash well and don’t show stains. Cheaper than cloth napkins.

I love this list. The only thing I’d like to add is that a lot of families do not do term life insurance on the homemakers and I think that is a huge mistake.

I don't drink alcohol or coffee. I do like tea occasionally. But...soda. I am unfortunately a diet soda addict. The price has gone up so much I may actually finally give it up. I do buy napkins, but it's definitely a luxury. Decluttering for moving after 24 years turned me into a minimalist. Oh my goodness, the stuff we had. Pack stuff away that you don't use every day and put it in storage. You can go back and get the things you regret, but most of it you can donate. Purses. I totally have too many, yet I have been using the same one for 6 months. All of your tips are great. I love your channel.❤

I dont buy napkins either but we do use paper towels. the ones that tear in smaller sections

We use the select-a-size paper towels as napkins. It would feel weird to me not to have a napkin when I ate supper!

There is no alcohol in our house because neither of us drink. I own one pair of shoes and one purse. My son has 2 pairs of shoes, one pair of sandals and one pair of clogs. Great video, Christine! Thanks for another wonderful time.

I totally agree with you on the alcohol AND coffee! It’s nice to know I’m not alone!

Love this video! Your daughter has grown up so much. She's beautiful and has your personality 😊...Loved all your tips. The one I've started was not buying napkins since I already buy the select-a-size paper towels and can use one section as a napkin. I need to down-size my purses. I have so many that are just stored since I only wear one at a time and for an extended period of time. The detergent sheets look really cool- I'm thinking about trying them. Also,I agree,cable is ridiculously expensive since we don't watch all those channels anyway. Streaming is the way to go...

u must buy extended warranty for refrigerator. We were so glad and we did buy it. The refrigerators these days are garbage. it has been repaired 3 -4 serviced by 5 years. the repair guy told me he had been fixing a lot of refrigerators alot. Otherwise, I would have required to buy a new refrigerator after 3yrs of use.

No coffee is unrealistic….

I only do three of your don’ts. I drink coffee at home about twice a week. I love subscribe and save for products I use regularly, but always check so I only get things I actually need on each delivery, and that they are the cheapest way to get them. And unfortunately we just had to buy a new truck. As a full time RVer, a reliable truck is a necessity. The new one was less than any decent used one we could find. Our last truck was also bought new 23 years prior, so if we only buy a new one every 23 years, it’s still pretty frugal. 😄

You asked what was my favorite tip I don't have one they're all so good and you made me laugh and I really needed it today you are hilarious!!! I am subscribing to your channel because I need more of this in my life. I'm so sick of all the other self-help channels I could literally scream if I hear the word unpack (feelings) one more time....barf. I think you only use it because you were unpacking your freezer LOL!!

When I bought my car 2 years ago it was better to buy brand new. I opted for the tire warranty because of how much I drive for work. It has definitely paid for itself.

I have a 2012 WV GTI hatchback. I bought it new for $27k. I still have it 11 years later. it has 69k miles on it ! I have no need or desire to get something else. that is a no brainer. I paid it off in 3 yrs with dbl payments. my last car i had 18 YEARS ! '96 Honda Civic

😂 thanks to you I was smart when buying a wedding ring I got the silicone one have not regretted it a bit never have to take it off !! I can use the thousands of dollars saved to take a vacation 🎉

I love the idea movie list and things. This is some thing that we need to do before our daughter leaves for college next fall. So far, I love all of the movies you suggested and would love to see your entire list.

I haven't owned an iron in years. I have a little steamer for emergencies aka a stubborn wrinkle or 2. I do exactly what you said, give it a quick toss in the dryer-a min.or 2, and immediately hang it up, so many people out there ironing for no reason!!

Love this! Thank you for sharing

You and your daughter have the same enthusiatic energy...Love it!❤

Great vid!! I was a sahm and we didn't make much money. I learned to be frugal as well! We use cloth napkins and everybody thinks we are weird as well. I don't deco much either and the purses, for real! I have one to use and one to wash.

I only buy paper towels for guests so a roll lasts a very long time for us.

So about the cable...this is a bit extreme and we understand this. We only have a dvd player and get dvds from the library. We realized 1. How expensive it was but 2. How much time we were wasting just lounging watching things.. Also we get judged for not having napkins. People get amped about napkins

I love all the snippets you cut in. I imagine that must take quite an effort. Thanks!

You crack me up! One of my favorite channels with great information and it’s entertaining too.

My all time favorite movie is Casablanca. ❤what a movie, omg the lighting, the camera angles, the black & white.

I only use cloth napkins for years. The only decoration I got this year is a huge pumpkin for outside and 2 small ones for inside. I don't buy artwork because we have inherent quite a bit over the years, so our walls are not bear. Every room has artwork, including the guest bathroom

Sorry it’s sad to not drink coffee or use holiday decorations. Also giving up dryer sheets which are only $1 for 40 at the dollar store is ridiculous.

Love Earth Breeze and the subscription for it!!

I love the Earth Breeze laundry soap sheets! I got a year's worth at once for even less waste. Wish I would have had this discount code at the time! They're not even that expensive in the first place though! They smell good (not overwhelming or soapy at all) and are super easy to use. Definitely recommend!!

When discretionary income was really tight, I washed and ironed my husband's uniform shirts with military creases. I often slacked on that chore, so usually had to set up & use the ironing board at the last minute as he was getting ready. When there was a little more $$ available, I discovered the local dry cleaners did an awesome job at pressing. Best money spent, IMO! lol

Love that the younger generation has caught up on “sensible “ living😊. Frugal, minimalist, slow living etc. Having been raised in a large family where everyone worked after school in a small town then 20 years in military you know all these things.

No napkins. I have about 80 bar towels that I bleach until they fall apart. Sometimes-they look skank nasty, but they smell nice and wipe fine.

I follow you on all the media! I just love how real you are!

You like SPACEBALLS!!!!! Girl, we NEED to be best friends STAT. Comb the desert! 🤣

I have been using Earth Breeze for months and definitely LOVE. it!!!!!!💕

I bought a new sort of macrame` vs crochet purse over 15 years ago because it was the perfect size, was comfortable to wear and was kinda hippie styled. I have used that purse everyday since and at least twice a week I get strangers compliment my purse and ask where they can find it. I think I paid around $10 for it.

Funny how your sense of smell intensified. Mine did just the opposite. After a lifetime of having an acute sense of smell, I now have difficulty smelling food when I'm cooking. Gotta' keep the timer handy! Love your videos. Lastly, I have too many unused purses yet I can't part with them! One day...

Cloth napkins, cloth handkerchiefs, and cloth feminine pads have paid for themselves within a month in my house! Also, bamboo-thread and organic cotton socks always outlasts regular/national brands by months for some reason. So they pay for themselves as well.

I just want to say I love you and all your movie clips!! I’m a movie lover for sure!! I love your energy, vibe and genuine character. Keep up the great work! Love your tips!! ❤

Some very good points you raise Christine ❤

Lol I buy napkins for birthday parties and thanksgiving etc. and we always have so many leftover that we just use those!

I made cloth napkins about eight years ago. Simple to make out of scrap fabric. I don't care that they don't match each other. I toss them into the laundry with other stuff. Easy peasy. My kids got so used to them, they asked for a dozen or so when they moved into their own homes.

I went to Vegas for 5 days, I had one alcoholic beverage and the only gambling I did was 5 dollars at the airport on my way out just so I could say I gambled in Vegas. Saved myself so much money.

I keep a few taco bell napkins on hand only for wiping up spilled cooking oils since I don't like getting oil on my hand/kitchen towels lol

I feel you on the rings. Can't remember the last time I wore my real ring and not the $20 one I got from the flea market.

We buy paper towel in bulk and use that as napkins, cleaning supplies, grease blotters for homemade fries or greasy foods, and there’s a lot of other uses for paper towels too.