Happy frugal Friday 🎄 It's a testament to you Kate that there are likes on your videos before they've even played 👍😊 I am so glad that I've got few expenses going through the increases in cost of living. For any KSquad member struggling, you are not alone. I hope Kate's example, guidance and practical tips are bringing you hope, support and encouragement to keep you going towards better brighter days 💙

Yesterday I got rid of cable! I. Kept internet and can now stream what I want to watch. The bill will go from $202 to $55 per month. Now I am working on cellphone costs. I pay $85 and found a plan for $15 a month! I transferred debt from a credit card to a 0% interest for 21 months. I am on my way and I am so happy! Oh and I am 74 and never had a written budget until recently.

Being content with what I have is key for me. I have wants but my needs are covered. I remind myself of that every day.

#1: YES !!! I work in health care. Every day I see the consequences of people not taking care of themselves. The economic and social cost is huge.

Love your channel! My tip can be really fun especially if you can get a few friends to do this, too! The last week of the month, don't buy any groceries, just use up what's in your pantry, freezer and fridge. Don't buy up ahead to prep for this! Then share your menus with each other - some will be very unlikely items to serve together like spaghetti sauce with spam or frozen pizza from breakfast. The best part is that you will start off your month with that week's grocery money to use to pay off a bill or save. It gives you such a great feeling of not spending all of your money every month!

Having a budget has saved my sanity! Took me a few months to really get the hang of it but now I can’t even imagine ever living in that money chaos that I used to live in before budgeting.

Having a BUDGET and a budget buffer has changed my life!! I'm on target for having all of my debt except my car paid before the new year -- wooo hooooo! Finding your channel in July was such a blessing. 😻😻

The three YT videos I've watched this morning have all had one key word: "contentment." Whenever I want something new I've been looking at what I have first. And also trying to use every last drop of things that I have already. Not only does using it up help keep costs down, but it also helps with decluttering! Groceries are the hardest part for us, so I've been trying my best to make meals with ingredients I already have on hand lately, it's helped reduce the grocery budget, and resulting impulse purchases that come with going to the store.

So you know I watched, I would be lost without my Budget. I also was in awe of the fact that your two kittens were playing near your tree but did not cause havoc with it. I kept thinking how brave you are to have a Christmas tree with two young felines around.

Meal prepping is my number 1, it takes care of my health and eliminates fast food/take-out when I'm tired.

I enjoy reading books , which is also very frugal entertainment since I am member of British Council library Another interesting hobby that I have started is trying new recipes , which directs us to intentional eating as well as help us to avoid easy take aways or eating out in expensive restaurant. Another way of frugal entertainment is doing DIY gift items. My sister has started learning piano that is also very intentional way of enjoying life. We sometimes invite close friends and enjoy barbeque at our own lawn in sunny winter mornings or cold winter evening

I recently re- started with recalling 10 things I am greatful for today before I go to sleep. Makes me sleep better.😴 Before l eat say thank you ( doesn't have to be religious can be a fact) . It makes you more conscious about what you eat and accidently found I need less. Loved your tips. Have a great weekend!

As a geriatric nurse, #1 had me cheering like crazy! Haha thanks Kate!

BUDGET!! Starting in January things are going to get serious with my budget. I recently moved back in with my mother to get into a better financial position and I thought it might be a permanent move, but I have quickly realized this can only work temporarily. While I am grateful for the opportunity, it is just too stressful to move back home at the age of 53. Time to get to work!!

I have had a budget for years. Makes like much simpler, I agree with you. I tweak it occasionally, as needed. I am completely debt free.!!!! Thanks for all your great coaching!

We are downsizing into a one level much less expensive house 🏠 ❤️

Yes! I need to work on my budget…along with everything else you mentioned. Due to circumstances, way beyond my control, life took some detours this year (faulty water heater & mold caused by the leak😖) my budget went kaput! I’m ready to make a budget that I can stick to and pay off debt this coming year. I want to do a no-spend January and limit myself to a small food & gas’s allowance so all extra funds can go towards my debt. I’m so ready for 2023!

Something my family has done this year (since we’re all adults, no kids) is make a small Christmas list where no one is allowed to buy anyone anything not on that list. We’ve found that despite people’s hearts being in the right place, if someone buys a gift someone didn’t ask for, it’s a waste of money - especially if that item never gets returned.

I was doing well but then my mother passed away last month and she had no insurance. I had to pay that expense but luckily family and friends helped with services, then my husband car hit its last leg and we got a new car. Then my car messed up and it costs about 5k to fix. I swear when it rains it pours. I love your videos and they keep me motivated and grounded. Love ya Kate. 😘

Planning on a debt free Christmas and looking forward to the no spend January!

Budget!! Setting up my budget and working with it have been such a stress buster for me! Now I know what I owe and what my plan of action is so I don't have to keep worrying about it and carrying those numbers around in my head!! 👍🌞

I’m already an experienced home cook and frugal grocery shopper, but as food prices have risen so quickly, I’ve taken yet another look at my spending, removed some items that were “wants” not “needs,” and doubled-down on menu planning and shopping my pantry and freezer first. Just by changing my mindset a little and reminding myself that I still have more than enough, I’m holding my grocery bill steady even as prices rise.

In this area, it is increasingly hard for renters to have pets. HOWEVER, the local animal shelters have increasingly opened themselves up for an assortment of volunteer activities. Very definitely 2, and I think a 3rd, in the general greater-ish area have opened themselves up for post work day, short periods of time opportunities. The one, and the one I am most familiar with, is right along a busy surface street where at the peek going home rush hour it guarsnteedly takes a coiplemof time to get through a light. They have more than one person most times of the year that pulls out of traffic and into thier lot for an hour or two of animal or shelter time. They do vett and the more and longer you're there the more you get to do; they also sorta, kinda train (people) along the way. I know more about this shelter 'cause I knew a woman who stopped on bad traffic days and walked big dogs, pretty much rain or shine, for an hour on her way home; often just one for that hour, sometimes two. Big dogs 'cause they needed it, she was good and felt comfortable with them, and the challenges they generally presented took her mind and soul away from thinking about traffic and most things outside the confines of the yard. Seriously if you've got an unmet, furry animal want/ need, check in with an area shelter to see what volunteer opportunities they might have. If they don't have something that works for you, make them a suggestion that fits your time and other commitment capabilities. In general shelters tend to fall in two categories: fairly ridged or fairly accommodating. The worst that can happen is they say no and h&!! no to any suggestions; and that is a clue that they may not be a good fit for a warm, fuzzy, decompressing volunteer opportunity anyway.

Love it as always! I definitely agree that taking care of yourself including your mental health, and taking care of your things, family and life saves you money for years to come!

I am so grateful for you and this channel, Kate! You are the grounding joy we need in this space. Contentment and gratitude ultimately leads to cost of living reduction. We always went to a cafe after our long walks, now we bring our own hot chocolate, squirty cream and marshmallows/treats. It’s more fun and definitely saves us a lot of money. We design our own country flag bunting/table decorations and have themed dinner nights instead of eating out. No one kicks us off our table (we LOVE to talk for hours) and it saves us a ton of money! ❤

Towards contentment on a lower budget, don't forget volunteering.

Budget. Learning to live with a budget is so satisfying.

In our homeschool, every Friday we have Discussion Time, where we discuss a book we are reading together. This year, that book is Atomic Habits. So one more thing you and I have in common. :) Great list, especially Contentment!

One thing we've done is what I'll call inflation buying. Mostly for food but we have expanded out a kiss. We buy in quantity when we find a good to great price then eat from our larder. We have general stocking up money and this has been left overs from other budgets and a whole assortment of other mechanisms including a plain line item in the budget. Depending, we have diverted regular grocery money to stocking up. For most items we are not replacing as we use them at this time unless they are the same general same price. - We just found the $4.99/ 25oz can coffee grounds again this past week and both stocked up in quantity and diverted some grocery money to do so. But we are unlikely to find $.30/ 15 oz can of black beans, 3/$1 8oz tomato sauce, and are only replentishing cheese at $2 to $2.50 per pound. - When there is availability at the time we have cash flow and storage capability, we aim for a year's supply figuring how many units per month or how many units per week; while also checking dates. With the "years worth" we try not too go through stuff too quickly according to the general cadence but also if there is still stuff left over it gives us a good 6 months to put an emphasis on its use. For example, we've decided we aren't as fond of canned tuna as we thought we would be in 2021 and bought enough to eat it more frequently. We are now purposefully putting it in the eating rotation even though we didn't buy what our easy chair calculations thought would be a year's worth; thank goodness. At the same time, thank goodness what we bought had long dates.

I'm in! I'll bring a bucket of coffee, shall I?! LOL

Preparing for no spend January, making sure we have enough laundry soap, dish soap, toilet paper, and any other necessities needed. Only necessities. Using everything that we have and not spending a dime on unprepared items

My mind/body started to give me signs: anxiety, overthinking, insomnia, sadness wthout a real/logical reason, tiredness. I will begin to eat healthy, to do some sport, to take some vitamins, to take a break from digital world. It's hard but it is for my own good.

Last year I traded in my Lexus (609 a month payment) as I work at home and never go out (hermit here) - was literally sitting in my garage 90% of the time. Got myself a little Honda that I should be able to pay off in a year. I rented a beach condo for a year (after leaving a narcissist and having my kids alienated - it was a healing space for me, but was so expensive) - gave myself that year, now I’m in a rental house with a yard for the dogs and it’s waaaaay cheaper and safer (Florida coast). Use Instacart for pickup instead of perusing the aisles at the grocery buying things I don’t need Turning the lights off, keeping the temp stable in the house- It’s adding up for sure❤

It is so good to see your happy face today Kate! Things pretty tough over here at the moment, so it is lovely to watch your video and have your positivity radiating through my screen. One tip I'd like to share, is that if you can, start planning to grow a small veggie garden. Even if it is just a few pots on a windowsill. I've been growing veg for a few years now, and it really does help financially and mentally it lifts you too.

I’ve been reducing debt, buying quality on sale items so they last much longer and being more content with what I already have

Health is wealth!

See you friday!

Budget! I love being debt free and being able to pay the bills as they come in.

I cut my cable, now Roku. Cut all subscriptions, Amazon, boxes for this and that, Started cleaning the gym for half my membership. Refinanced my car. Moved most my debt to 0% cards for the next 12-14 mo. Focusing on my grocery budget currently and starting this year, everything above budget will be going to debt.

My tip #2: Cook and eat at Home again instead of spending to eat out. Much better and healthier meals, good company, and house smells so good and warm 💗

Lovin the K Squad content! YES BUDGET, I've been practicing for an entire year and fall short each month, meaning I stop tracking my spending. Last month was the first time I did it!! I'm 54 btw. So I basically balanced my checkbook aka BUDGET. Thanks for all the support and great money saving tips! Happy Holidays to K & K xoxo Joni

Budget!! Just took inventory of the pantry and freezer to meal plan to help with grocery budget.

Praise God X From Australia X

Thank you for your wisdom and tips Kate. I love seeing your kittens in the background. I kept thinking they were going to knock something over 😊 They were very good around your tree! Xx

I really didn't start to do a budget until I started watching your videos about 2 months ago. Just watching what I'm spending money on has been an incredible money saver. I don't go to Kroger hungry when I'm shopping. Big mistake. Make a list of items I need instead of impulse buying. Stop donating to political candidates as well. (I'd like to have the health insurance program they have) and stopped over tipping. My brother has a bad habit of doing that and so did I but no more. I'm hooked on your videos now, keep them coming and may all your investments double! 👍🎅

Not buying wanting. Only buying needs for now. Still working on that emergency fund. I'm almost there!

I agree that relationships are more important than money. Relationships are true wealth. The person who has great friendship is the wealthiest person on earth.

Use and reuse are my main trade secrets!

BUDGET! Agree with many others’ comment. budgeting and being hyper aware of your finances, goals and expenses has removed sooooo much stress in my life ❤🎉

As for quality items, it's often better to buy used and not be in a rush. I've gotten some really wonderful kitchen tools that way. And you're right, a good quality tool is a pleasure to use and makes a better final result.

Gratitude and contentment, yes abundantly Blessed so much gratitude!!!

Staying on task. Multi tasking usually ends up with more low quality work instead of less high quality work. High quality work brings better future options 😊..

Yes yes yessss to take care of yourself!!!

Budget! Working harder on this! Cooking from scratch helps my money stretch! Bonus, I like to cook 😉

I feel stuck with the budget and debt. I know it will get better but so looking forward to your class!! ❤

I cant stress enough you're first suggestion. Get a checkup once a year no matter what. Had I forced my beloved to do this I might not have lost him 5 months ago. He was the picture of health, a marathon bike rider, didnt smoke or drink and ate very healthy and died at 72. He was against doctors. Check ups! Love you Kaden. Loce the new kitties and the other one, cant spell his name lol. Miss Buns

Before I grab the keys and head out, I ask myself what I need, then ask if I'm certain I NEED it. Most of the time I realize that I don't need anything, I'm just bored or want to get outside for a bit.

My sister and I are sharing our Tv subscriptions like Disney Netflix etc

BUDGET!! We are trying to pay off debt in 2023… your videos are very helpful to keep me on track. Thank you ❤

Creating new budget for 2023 and planning a No Buy year. I have done NO Buy months before but wanting to put a large amount into savings this year. I have been planning for about 2 months now to cut down expenses and discretionary spending while making sure I can accomplish this goal.

Budget! Yes it’s a must and lifesaver😊

Congratulations on adding a new Mr.Buns,happy frugal Friday

Budget! Has changed my life in a few months!

I definitely try all of these things however, I cannot get my husband and step kids on board. After 3 yrs he just informed me he thinks I am too intense with this stuff and doesn’t want to lower temps on the heat and throw on a sweat shirt.. doesn’t want to challenge to be on a no spend week or anything… he doesn’t care what he spends even if it breaks the budget and brings us in the negative.. super frustrating but I will not give up!!!

Funny timeing, take care of your stuff. I steped on my headphones yesterday and broke the cord between my roku tv and the headphones. Lucky me I had a spare cord

Budget...really worth it. Stay warm and Merry Christmas.

I really love this! I just found you and I feel like you're that mom we all need (even though you may be a few years younger than I am). I appreciate that you're thinking about our health and happiness as well as the money stuff. Just subscribed!

Thanks for the video and the inspiration. I am on a budget and am trying to pay off debt, little by little. Single Mom with special needs daughter and trying to cut corners and take care of my family. One step at a time. Thanks again.

Budget!!!! AND Content!!! Great advice throughout the video. I am contemplating switching to the health coaching field and feel ok with making less to be at a place of increasing self-care & having a healthy lifestyle and decreasing stress.

Budget! Yes indeedy!!

Budget! Looking forward to the tutorial, as after a year of trying to budget I am still bad at it. My spending tracking is awesome It's just converting that to a forward looking budget that sucks.

Budget! 🎉

Budget...yezzzz!

Hopefully 2023 will be my best savings year! Was able to pay off all debt in 2022. Helped so much to automate savings. Some other things that cut costs was switching to mint (great service and low cost) paying whatever I have left in my bank account on payday from my last paycheck and writing down any expenses for food or shopping.

I did the no spend January and put aside about$300 . Love your video and have to record my spending again it does help. Budgettting is good I have to be more consistent.

What helped me the most was writing down all my fixed costs. I had to see where all my money was going. I cut my one credit card & paid it off in full. I used the notes option in my phone to detail my budget. Mortgage, car payment. I copy this list bi-weekly & keep track of ALL payments. Then I transfer some money to my savings account. I also followed some advice from Dave Ramsey. I created a $1000 cash only emergency fund in case something breaks down. Now, I'm just working on living below my means. We plan to buy our car that we leased. Our contract is almost up & our buy back is less than 10k. That will free up $406/month that I can now put towards my savings account. Our goal is to pay off our mortgage in less than 5years. I will be retiring in about 11yrs. I live in Montréal Canada 🇨🇦. I love watching your posts. We are consumer debt free. ((Hugs)) 💕😊

Thank you for this list. I am trying to do most of these. It is a good reminder for me that one I am not doing as well as I could is looking after myself.

Budget! Good show! Pat in Colorado

BUDGET I was very lucky 🍀 my mother taught us how to budget with how to adjust with the times👍😊 Thanks for sharing 🤗 God Bless 🙏 Happy Holidays ✨️🎄

Happy, frugal Friday, Kate! Awesome video! One thing I do to save me money is, I use OtterBox for my phone cover. It was a little pricey when I bought it at target. But, I tend to drop my phone a lot, so it has save me money because I have the thicker rubber OtterBox cover. So, this has helped me save money in the long run because I am not having to get a new iPhone so often. Have an awesome frugal Friday, Kate! Enjoy your weekend! :-)

Working on my budget as I watch this video. Not going to lie, I'm a little worried for the next couple months. We have a lot of yearly bills due the first few months of the year. I should know to prepare better

So good! Love budgeting and I'm on an only needs 6 month plan right now!! Including no spend January with you!!

Budget 🙌🏼🎉

What im doing to keep my cost low is that i keep using my foods saver along with using my food sramps n not shopping around for things i dont really need....keeping a life of simplcity is one of the ways i keep my life simple like Jesus was saying in Matthew 6:19-23....these scriptures have helped me to keep life simple n focus on the most important things in my life, like reading the Bible and meditating on what or i shoould say how God is speaking to me in such a personal way....

You are such a breath of fresh air! I love your videos and it has helped me a lot with managing my life. Can’t wait for no spend January. I did it last year and it really made me aware of the leaks I had in my spending. It’s good to be more aware.

I will likely catch this premier late. We have undergone a number of life style changes this year to catch up and keep up. They have provided us enough to be able to rub two coins together; imagine if we had been doing these things when we were counting extra dollars. I will be listening to validate changes we have made and ideally pick up more ideas for consideration. I WANT to be able to do more wants at will realizing we will likely have to exchange some life style wants for other wants.

You remind me of Kelly Clarkson so much. Keep up your positive energy and helpful tips!

Budget. Need to start

Happy frugal Friday Kate squad! You always bring a smile to my face and I appreciate the things you share with us. I’m proud of my BUDGET. It’s fun watching your kitties too.☺️🎄❤️

Budget!!! Love the cats!!! Happy frugal Friday.

My tip to reduce cost of dog/cat food. Purchase the on sale chicken legs/thigh quarters at .59 cents a pound ! Cook in crockpot. Refrigerate and use in place of canned pet food. We add dry pet food to their chicken each day.

Budget for 2023 !!

Budget works for me.

Your tip about being careful and taking care of stuff is really hitting home. Since this aired, my laptop (in bag) slipped off the counter after I put it down (thankfully minor repair), I slipped and fell on wet tile in my bare feet (when I know to wear shoes because the dogs tracked in rain water) and yesterday dropped my phone on asphalt and the screen is cracked (if the protective layer I thought was on there, it didn't work). Overall, I've been keeping the season simple but that's not protecting me from getting distracted. I keep remembering this lesson but only after the fact.

I quit smoking 27 months ago using the strategies I learned in Atomic Habits! Great for my health and the bonus benefit of no more “feed my addiction” budget category.

Budget. Hi Kate . Hope your holiday is going great.

Budget and its working Kate

New to the channel. Love your enthusiasm! Debt free and living intentional. Best advice is learn to cook for cost and health. Make gift giving about time and smaller tokens to avoid clutter and debt. Being content and grateful brings peace.

Need to stress less

Love those new glasses on you Kate. You look great.