Hope you all read my community post, posted yesterday. See you at 9am❤

Just recently cleared my mortgage debt of $220K and it took just nine months! Thanks to steady growth of my portfolio I am completely debt-free and it is so rewarding, zero stress and ALL money is MINE :)

On the topic of labels/bags as the saying goes, "I'd rather buy a $10 wallet to hold $90, than to buy a $90 wallet to hold $10".

Great job planning ahead for 2024!! Getting out of debt and staying out is the key. Proverbs 22:7 "The rich ruleth over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender."

I don't "do" instagram or TikTok, etc. I limit myself to social media that I can LEARN from, like your channel.

It's so refreshing to hear someone questioning designer labels. My old dad always said that companies should pay the people to wear such advertising boards for them! I'm going to really get my craft business off the ground in the next year, so can earn something from what I make.

This is what I did last year. It was a great result! 2023 held no surprises because I knew things were going to be worse so it made sense to try to get ahead of it. Same plan for 2024. Simple living and using what we have stocked up, keep replacing things as needed. Maintain the cars. Prep and pray. ❤️ choose your INFLUENCERS wisely. You probably have all the stuff you NEED. Look at what you have and realize you are all set. 😉

Im on the 4th successful month of my challenge of No Food waste. Ive added a 3rd leftovers dinner night, even if we are all eating something different for dinner. I freeze anything that we arent going to eat in time. Ive saved on average of $40/mo on my grocery budget, every month since I started, as Im able to stretch my shopping from every 7 days to every 10 days, most weeks. We have one year of ER fund, as I was laid off in 2008, and I never was able to go back to my same profession and I wasnt able to get another job for over a year. I have nobody to lean on for a loan if I need something. So we HAVE to be self sufficient, and one year of take home earnings is what lets me sleep well at night.

A treadmill. It changed my life. I lost 53lbs and kept it off for 10 yrs. Menopause hit and I gained half of it back. Looking to get another one in the new year. This time just to improve my health.

I am going to try to do a "no buy" year. No buying anything beyond the absolute essentials so I can build up my emergency fund.

One product that changed my life was a $2000 mattress and box spring. The energy and not having aches and pains gives me more energy, clears the brain fog and a happier outlook than I have ever had!

We decided as a family that we were not gonna buy anything wants only needs this year. We are going to put all extra money on our house.

I was set on 3 months emergency fund. I was adding €50 a month. Then I did the math and realized I will need years to add up! Upping to €100 a month and cutting on Christmas frivolity this year.

My sweet spot is an amount rather than so many months…I start to panic if savings acct dips below $10k…lol. Keeping in mind I’m married over 30 years, 62, retired, mortgage and debt free, but that $10k threshold has always been in place. I think frugal people actually get “high” making those double up or extra mortgage payments, enabling them to payoff mortgages sooner, rather than spending on expensive brands…😊. In the new year, I too am pushing towards meal prepping for less waste…only buying 3 days worth of fresh produce and turning them immediately into stored meals in fridge, then ensuring they’re eaten before purchasing more groceries.

This is exactly what I say about labels/brands! I'm not about to spend my money doing their free advertisement. Storytime: I bought a car from a Honda dealership, and they had put plate holders (you know, the border that goes around a license plate) on the front and back plate. I removed them, walked them back in, and put them on the counter and told them I didn't need them. (I didn't just want to throw them away because I care about the planet). I am not about to be doing free advertisement for them after spending thousands of dollars there (if they want to pay me then that's a different story)(and yes the car was bought with cash).

In our household we have a certain dollar amount in our emergency account. This amount has changed over the years and our season of life. In a one/two income family, this amount may have been larger to cover potential job loss and life expenses. As our children grew up and moved out of the house, our focus shifted to less emergency funds and we focused more on retirement and mortgage pay off. As my husband and I are now retired, I am building back up our emergency funds to hedge inflation and pay for workers/handmen to help do repairs we are no longer able to do. It is very important to be prepared and to save for an emergency fund even if it's a little bit each month. It truly brings peace.

The Dyson stick vacuum was hands down best purchase of 2022. My husband and I both now love to use it and vacuum almost daily. Used to be such a chore to bring out the big heavy machine and plug it in.

Home canning supplies have changed my life this year. I planted a bigger garden and am learning valuable skills that will help our family budget for years to come. So sometimes taking up a new hobby or skill can be life changing in a good way.😊 I've hobbied my way into debt and then abandoned the hobby before too though. For brand names, I have a few favorites because of quality reasons, but I'm not ashamed to buy them used or in clearance. Good topic and nice video.

I totally agree with an emergency fund but…..I am retired with secure government pension from my working career. So I really don’t have to worry about losing my income source. So…I feel an emergency fund for me to cover unexpected expenses is comfortable at $3000 in a high interest savings account with any extra each month going to investments. I understand the 3 to 6 month would be for unexpected job loss or income loss.

KATE, we are so in sync!!! I made out my January 2024 budget this week. Lots of tweaking and adjusting, and it is SOLID!!! Two things that hit with me in this video: Emergency Fund and Marketing. This year, I have been beefing up my EF to a solid 6 months plus 1 baby emergency. I needed THAT number to feel secure. I also had that epiphany of not buying into labels. Out of all of my fun purchases, though well budgeted for, the product that has been “life changing” is Lumē (if you know, you KNOW). And I proudly admit Dawn dish soap. I am a sucker for that little duck! The only label I proudly wear now is my KSquad merch. ❤

My main goal for 2024 is focus on retirement savings & long term savings into my HYS. Kinda scary since my emergency fund is in standard bank savings which I feel more comfortable if there was immediate need to access my money. Also need to set aside extra money for paying higher taxes, saving for auto & buying home. Also agree 6 months emergency funds makes me feel better. Another one is to drop my food/eating out budget prior to moving out (since there will be less people in the house). Has really helped to shop at lower cost grocery store like Aldi.

Kate, great video. There seems to be a peacefulness or maturity to you now that is beginning to really shine thru. I love your kindness in your videos too. Thanks for all your wonderful content.

6-12 months makes me comfortable. A year of savings I had went away easily when we needed a new vehicle and the prices were insanely high. I’m hoping things have gotten better. The one item that did change my life was a Roomba. Scheduling that everyday helps me keep my white tile floors a little nicer when I come home from work and then my two kids mess it all up. 😂

Glad are so many of us already thinking about 2024 and working on our budgets and goals! For my family we feel more comfortable with closer to 6 months of emergencies funds. I will say we base that on how quickly we could get like paying jobs and our actual monthly expenses (which we are over all blessed to have fairly low at this current time) not our net take home pay. For Thanksgiving we are going on a much needed vacation and are completely planning on indulging our self with food and drink. My dad and senior cat with many medical needs recently passed away. So while we are still mourning the loss of both, we haven’t been able to anything for ourselves in about a year. I happened to check my airline mile account and saw I had a companion pass to us by the end of November plus had e-credits to use by the end of the year. That made us jump at the opportunity. Called our favorite hotel and they offered 30% and that pushed us over the edge-in a good way. Once back we are already planning on a minimal spending and using our pantry/freezer for as long as it will keep us nourished. Our main goal is to pay off our mortgage and then save for our retirement/2nd home.

Hi Kate, we have a 1 year emergency fund right now. Husband feels more secure with it being longer /larger than not, but I’m working on seeing if he’s open to shortening it to 6 months and using the rest to put either into investments or a high interest earning savings account! Oh I’m so not into labels, never have cared for those high end brands/labels either as I don’t really care what others think of my appearance, my net worth, etc. lol

My only designer lable clothes are from the thift store. :)

Change my life products: 1. Apple Watch. I use it to track my fitness and therefore care more and move more. I also submit the data for a rebate at work that has more than paid for it. Also I hooked it up to Outlook/Teams and can leave my WFH job and still get my notifications on my wrist so I know if I need to run back to my desk. It gives me freedom! 2. $10 JLab ear pops- cheap wireless Bluetooth headphones. I use them DAILY! I can walk around, do chores, and enjoy books/ podcasts/ KZfaq while multitasking! Game changer and I adore them.

A walking treadmill, my peloton, and weights improve my life significantly. Also my coffee pot and journal 🙃

A life-changing purchase was a serger. I've started sewing my clothes, and a serger just makes it soooo much easier.

On the topic of life changing products: I am an avid gardener, huge veggie garden, perennials etc. I got a gorilla cart 2 years ago from seeing it on a social media garden lady I follow. Completely life changing, I use it every day all spring, summer and fall. My prior was a old, rusty, heavy wheelbarrow. The gorilla cart is the perfect size and weight, does every job I need. But to Kate’s point, most of what we buy isn’t life changing!

Our generator...life changing! Air fryer...game changer for whipping dinner together in a flash!! An instant pot....omg i call it my employee, the hardest worker in my house!

“Do you stand behind Gucci?” made me chuckle so hard 😂

fully funded my HSA for 2023 and Created automatic tranfer monthly for 2024! yea!!!

One thing I bought that I still LOVE almost 10years later is my 2014 Honda Fit. I adore this car. It’s reliable, cheap on gas, fun to drive… and it has 8 cup holders! This car has been with me through so many drives, adventures, challenges. I would 1000% buy her again. ❤️

I want to start shopping at the thrift store for my clothes. Even Walmart is getting too expensive, and for plus size it costs even more.

The only quality of life changing item I can think of is my air fryer. Seriously!

As a single income family, we have chosen to keep a 6 month EF. We are debt free and getting to our EF goal. Your videos are so encouraging and helpful as we work towards our big goals! Thanks. :)

One of the best investments I've made, was installing a soaker tub when we remodeled our bathroom. I have arthritis, and an Epson salt bath in that tub is like magic! I always tell my hubs that our tub is worth its weight in gold!

My espresso machine changed my life! 😂 Best purchase ever!

My long (to the floor) fleece lined hoodie. Thought it would reduce my need to put on heating and it does. I live on an island in the middle of the North Sea so it’s cold most of the year. Makes me smile every time I put it on. Wasn’t that expensive but I’m glad I went for it.

Hi Kate, I’m with you on the marketing and the labels. Never understood why owning a $600.00 coach bag when you didn’t have two nickels to keep in it made you appear wealthy.😂.

I've never worn a piece of clothing with writing on it, not even a letter. Very proud of that... even in my younger days, when Lascoste, and Ralpe Lauren Logos were the bomb, I was never sucked in. Great content as always..

Definitely gotta be. My Roomba saves me so much time and every day I say I love this thing.

Yes!! My kitchen aid mixer changed my life forever!!

Woking on our financial frugal year 2024! Gonna do a date night with the hubs to get started on paying down home improvements (totaling $85,000) in a year. Good money vibes for all! 💚 Emergency funds, two months right now. ($3,000). Instant pot, definitely worth the money.

When you were talking of labels to make ourselves look more prosperous it reminded me of something. I handled real estate rentals as a side hustle for many years ( never again). One renter had a Cadillac sports car. She and her husband wanted to portray themselves as having money. The problem with that was she didn't comb her hair didn't put in her teeth and always looked unkept as did her son. It actually looked ridiculous. The car actually brought attention to her disheveled appearance. I always remember this. I just don't know yet what changes I will make in 2024. As far as Emergency fund I keep replenishing it and need to get the mortgage completed.

You have some good content, Kate. Please stay on KZfaq🙂

Hi Kate, I am just rewatching this video. I think the thing with advertising is to remember that they are basically selling you dissatisfaction with your current life, and telling you that their product will make it better. I might be a cynical old woman, but I tend to filter out the adverts and think of them as 'codswallop'.

Good morning Kate and happy Friday KSQUAD!! Great timing Kate! I am working on 2024 financial goals this week! I too have been rethinking my EF amount. As you know, our EF took a hit with my daughters wedding this year. The first goal is to recoup that money. I always wanted a 9-12 month EF but like you have decided that 6 months is more than enough. Once we get to that amount I am going to aggressively attack our mortgage! I HATE debt. Love from Arizona!! ❤❤❤

Hi Kate. I have around $1100 in my emergency fund right now. I’d like it to be at least 5k. I do have an IRA that I have to take money out of each year. And each year I end up taking 3-5k out of that to pay state taxes (ugh). I’m 73. I have debt out the wazoo. I’m gradually paying it off (thank God no extremely high interest rates) but I have had major necessary dental work this year so it’s probably not going to be significantly lower for 2023. I don’t incur new debt except for that. Long answer to your question but I always get great advice from you guys here. And encouragement. Thanks.

The thing I bought that has lived up to my expectations and more is a Tablo TV device. It helped me stop using Cable TV and lets me record live TV, like Jeopardy & The Rookie & Stephen Colbert & Seth Myers..... It saves me over $100 per month. It also enabled me to put my indoors TV antenna in a part of my house that gets the best reception & not have to run a wire to the living room TV.

Our goal for our Emergency Fund is to have a total amount of our 6 months of combined salary as this will give us enough time to find a new source of income in the event that we lost our current one. We can stretch it out longer if needed compared to just saving the cost of our expenses. We also have a separate emergency fund for our pets (minimum of $5k per pet) and a separate one for our house (minimum of $20k) in case something breaks down and needs fixing before we finish saving up for a replacement. This will ensure that we won't be dipping into our family's emergency fund unnecessarily.

I am cutting the paper, prime Amazon its not arriving in 2 days anymore. I am cutting the landline, Norton virus, fubo, philo, instead put antenna on house for sports. Savings of $325.00 Got rid of satellite in 2023!

Excited for this and to start planning for 2024 finances!

As far as labels go, I tend to like the bags and items that don’t have all the loud branding but you can see and feel the quality. If you know, you know.

Due to unforeseen circumstances my emergency fund went 👎 Although, I guess that’s the whole point of having one. Anywho I’m back at trying to rebuild it & id like to go for a 6mn emergency fund which for me would be 9-$10k. Which could be for 6months of my bills or if some big life event happened that I wasn’t prepared for otherwise.

Working on my Patreon and Ko-fi. Lowered plasges on Patreon to retain more money throughout the year. Saving what I can each month.

Kate - I love that you’re rethinking the amount in the emergency fund. I would say 6 months is great to keep on hand. Beyond that, I assume you’re going to still have a budget buffer for when things pop up. Otherwise if I were you everything beyond that should be going to the house and investing. You are there! It must feel so freeing and I can’t wait to be there as well!!! I know maybe 2-3 months ago prepper princess put out a video (maybe two videos) of investments she puts her money into. Worth checking out probably! It may sound weird I know it’s your life but I’m excited to hear if you put a chunk of cash on the house and / or to investing!

My 🥾🥾 hiking boots 😂have out lived their 🪄 magic.....dry warm feet in Ireland is essential. Thank You Kate!

My roomba, and now my shark robot have brought me years of joy in having dust free floors. My bose wearable speakers have brought me years of comfort and hands free freedom while listening to podcasts, music, etc. I am very frugal, not even a tv in my house. But, the things that bring us joy are varied and bring value to our lives when we look inside and find those things that will really bring us joy.

Something new for me, any raise I get will go directly into savings for emergency fund and/or paying off debt. I normally roll that into whatever we spend. Though, if we can manage financially, that would be a great way to jump start getting things paid down/saved for.

I am with you on marketing. I have become very cynical of the products marketed to women especially. They prey on our insecurities and create products to ‘fix’ made up problems. I don’t fall for it anymore. Wish I’d figured it out years ago.

A water softening system for my home was expensive but gives great returns.

You have been so encouraging to me in my minimal declutter journey for the past two years. And yes I agree with you if it were not for Facebook I would never have found your channel!

I like the idea someone commented on one of your videos. I actually have implemented it. Taking the last 3 digits of checking account balance and moving to savings. At least once per week. Once that savings gets to $100.00 apply a payment towards debt.

I’m done with luxury items. I agree with paying off mortgage and having a 8 month emergency fund. We tend to upgrade our home every so often. We need a new roof but we would save to pay all cash. I’m doing a no buy year.

THE product: an electric fan heater of 50€. And my heating g mattress pad of 20€. Best spent money ever.

A few weeks ago Istarted a tentative 2024 budget!. November is my first month of Baby step 3. I am shooting for 3 months of expenses. Once I meet that goal I will decide if I want to do 6. Thanks for the great videos.

I've never been into designer labels .

I'm right there with you about debt for sure, I can't wrap my head around"good" debt. I agree with on the 6 month amount and after that investing. Although Im thinking we need to add to it because of inflation😢

My goals 1. Pay off all credit cards 2. No more fast food "ZERO" this one is both for money n health reasons 3. Stick to my budget and save 3 months or more emergency funds. 4. Sell all the clutter around my house. What dont sell donate or trash 5. Main Goal - live a simple clutter free life. Its just me now, no reason to keep holding on to things. Clutter = stress to me.

If it sounds to good to be true run like lightning speed

Hey Kate, This morning, I watched your video and I was reviewing my budget for the year end and 2024 especially all saving categories, emergency savings and so forth. I used to do more than 6 months for emergency savings during the covid times just to be on the safe side. I agree with you that it is better to put money in the investment (or pay off debt) or other places where money can do better work as the money coming in from the different sources. Your video makes me feel calmer especially when I have so many things to do lol Love you!

🦋Hello Frugal sister Kate and K-squad family🦋 I have right now a 6 month emergency fund, feeling a little more secure in that. I’m trying to stay off all apps especially Amazon. And if I can’t eat it, I don’t buy it, and of course, this pertains to my groceries. And Kate, me too!! Love grocery pickup at walmart or Sam’s-cheapest buys in my area. I went out to eat with a bestie(for a financially-planned treat)-we split the appetizer and a main meal-saved a ton and just as satisfying along with great convo!! Thank you!! Gracias!! Your tips today were fab!! Learning to be less wasteful 😅 Love and Blessings!!! 🙏❤️🌷🌷🌷👧🏻

These are all good points to ponder. When you mentioned what item do we really like after purchase got me thinking and thinking... the only one off the top of my head is not glamorous at all -- my Dyson vacuum. Every time I vacuum, I get tremendous satisfaction at it's suction power. Cannot say the same for the Roomba, which in my experience was a total waste of money and I wonder if maybe I just got a lemon. I will never buy one again (unless Dyson comes out with an effective version).

Nothing but hard work makes a difference in my life

Product I bought that I’m still loving? My air fryer!

Skin and hair care, I spend so much on skincare! So I am now being very mindful on my costs in this area . Making sure I use up all the little leftovers, looking for cheaper alternatives , not jumping up to try the latest fashion or trend when it probably makes no difference at all. And my emergency fund target is 3 months of living costs.

I have a 6 month energency fund, and am building up my "home repairs" sinking fund. I had to buy a new fridge when mine died in May. I need sewer work. My HVAC system is 16 years old and of the lowest efficiency. It will die Any day now according to statistics on the expected lifespan of the 'newer' HVAC systems installed since the year 2000- which is an awful testament to product manufacturing/quality. I have to be prepared for that! I don't want to wipe out my entire Emergency fund to cover it. I guess that's what it is for, but I prefer to think of it as banked money for job loss or health Emergency. So I'm working on my sinking fund for anticipated home repairs. Love your videos Kate! ❤

You talk a lot is common sense. Thanks Kate

I have a £2,000 emergency fund and am saving for a contingency fund that's 3 months of my salary. But I live in a country where we have to pay very little for health care, I don't have a mortgage/pay rent, don't run a car just pay for public transport as necessary, and don't have any debt. I would definitely be saving for a much larger contingency fund if I had obligations in any of these areas though.

7:45 A PC/ laptop to have proper access to the internet and google docs/ sheets. A lot of digital forms/ web pages are difficult to navigate on mobile phone only

My dishwasher afther 4,5years I am actually loving it more than ever

I feel that the Documantry "The Art of Not Giveing a F$÷K" was a life changer.

I still love my Dyson stick vacuum. I use every day for kitchen for myv6 yr old who leaves crumbs everyday!! i hope I said that right. 😅

Yes we need to say no to the consumerism l!

I am on board with deleting Instagram 😂🎉

George Kamel of Ramsey Solutions has a new book comeing out in January "Breaking Free From Broke". I need you to talk me out of buying it. He's so cool but almost every book out of Ramsey solutions is saying the same thing.

(Abby typing) For sure the Ninja Foodi 7-in-1 original purchase from years ago. I get more and more out of it as I put more and more into it figuratively and literally. By making meals in it I am starting to offset inflation (also purchasing in bulk from Azure Standard). Also my chest freezer cuz I store my bulk frozen food in it and cook with the food.

An item that was expensive that changed my life was my Instant Pot! I love it so much!

Something I think I’ll do differently in 2024 is shop my pantry more, and prep more ingredients of meals ahead of time, so when it’s time to make dinner and I’m tired, it’s less of a chore and I stick to my strategically-planned weekly menu better. Will also review the Budget Big Picture, pick a few specific goals, and come up with real action plans to execute. Wish me luck!

A product that changed my life... Electric blanket.. 😅

Been planning for 2024 as well.

Hi Kate. You spoke about inflation. I have recalculated my monthly sinking fund contribution taking inflation into account. I don’t want any surprises. I am also saving as much as I can to cover medical and dental needs.

I So Understand This I SO HAVE STOPPED FALLING FOR THE COMPANY'S ARE INCREASING THE CREDIT LIMITS AND INCREASING THEIR PROFITS AND I AM SO HAPPY 😊 ALL I DO IS TEAR THE CATOLOGS UP NO SPEND MONTH FOR NOVEMBER EXCEPT FOOD ! AND CHRISTMAS 🤶

I fully agree about labels. I refuse to pay a company to advertise their brand. If Levi’s wants to pay me to wear a t-shirt with a huge Levi’s printed on the chest, I’ll think about it.

Im not going to change much next year but I'm going to continue working on changing my eating and spending habits around food. I've made a lot of changes for the better in the last couple of years but there's still room for improvement. I can only think of 2 things that I purchased that changed my life, and I would replace them immediately if they broke. One is my Neato robot vac. I got it in 2015 and it's still going strong. I have cats, so I vacuum every day or 2. I also have back, neck, and shoulder problems that are exacerbated by repetitive movements. The robo vac keeps my apartment floor dust and fur-free without causing me any pain. The second is my kitty litter set-up. Litter with fine granules, like clay, made one of my cats wheeze and sneeze all the time. I tried many different kinds and eventually switched to wood pellets. I experimented with many litter box setups with the wood pellets and finally settled on litter boxes 1.5 times the length of my cats with high edges all around aside from the entrance, which is low enough for my senior cat with arthritis to use, and a sifting litter box that's only for cleaning the litter. It's not as fast to clean as clumping litter but my cat is not sick anymore, the pellets don't track as much, and they're cheap because I buy a brand made for burning but that the company also advertises as safe for use as kitty litter. Both substantial investments at the time but in the long run have improved the lives of me and my cats. And over time, they've ended up not being expensive.

I’ve never used Instagram, don’t feel like I’m missing out on anything, have no desire to start. I’ll bet if you drop it, you’ll be glad. P.S. Wearing designer clothes in our beloved Maine is just SILLY! 😝

Yes, the magic is in the motion!!!😊

I never got on Instagram, got off of Facebook. I love you tube, but stopped following "influencers" who were pushing products. Especially clothes, fall wardrobes, etc. I've fallen victim to that. Btw.....hate labels that are obvious.