My husband and I sort of adopted the 90+ yr old lady across the street after her husband passed last year. We pick up her newspaper from her steep driveway and take to her door for her, that sort of stuff. She shouldn't be driving at all but told me yesterday she was going to go to the post office. I told her I'd go for her since I was going anyway (I wasn't). Her family never comes to check on her so I find excuses to do it myself. We need to get back to knowing our neighbors and helping one another.

This is LITERALLY my favorite episode. As a 55 year old FIRE female who basically lives the same life as you- but in Ohio, I am so glad you decided to let the camera roll and shared your thoughts. I retired in 2018 on my rental incomes, live happily with my Mals in a 720 square foot home with no debt. I chuckled because I watch the same guy- he wears a GoPro and is all business when he evicts. Don't let the haters (or those who don't know how sweet it is to not be influenced by the Jones) ever change who you are.

Your morning with your neighbor was beautiful! I miss the days when neighbors dropped in (or you dropped in on them) for a cup of coffee and a visit.

If we don't hear a "thank you" the person doesn't get another gift from us. When no gift is forthcoming the next time, and we are asked why we didn't give a gift we are honest. You didn't appreciate the gift and you didn't thank us for the gift. Boundaries. Many folks don't like it when a boundary impacts their usual behavior. Oh well.

I didn’t buy my niece and nephews any gifts this year.. they couldn’t even tell my parents what they wanted and half the time they don’t even talk to me and when they do they say I’m stupid or something mean so I just got my mom and dad presents.

I got $5 from my grandparents in the 90s, mostly because they had like 40 grand and great grandkids

Didn't spend any money this year and for the last many many years. Did feed stray cats and dogs with bar- s- franks, cats said Merry Christmas and dogs said happy New Year

I have over the years give less gifts. Most did not appreciate. When I stopped sending gift to “friend” I no longer hear from them. Very little family left. My monthly expenses minus food and my cat supplies which includes the insulin and syringes. He is a diabetic. Minus all that but including property taxes is just about $800. Per month. No debt, mortgage is paid. Food and cat probably varies approximately $550 per month. My health insurance is part of my pension. I have been told to buy new furniture - I like my furniture. Sofa is over 30 years old and in nearly perfect condition. At this point in my life I do not buy just to be in style. My place is clean. Enjoyed this video.

I was disappointed that my 9 year old grandchild wouldn't even open the gift I gave her. And she didn't say thank you either. I never got even a phone call from her. My daughter was taught to say thank you so I don't understand.

People are so caught up in the materialize they loose their minds. Until those credit card 💳 bills come due in January and February!!!

Had to smile when you said you were not giving gifts next year. You said you were going to make brownies and a couple of other things for your family. That is the best of gifts. You are giving them your time.

The true meaning of Christmas along with Christmas spirit has been dead for 4 years. So many people are selfish, rude and ungrateful. It’s no pleasure to be around them anymore. At 75 I feel like I’ve done way too much for family over the years and now I just chose not to participate in the nonsense. I go on a p,erasure trip by myself instead.

My favorite Xmas gift exchange happened the year we all agreed to only give each other secondhand gifts that we secretly thrifted all summer from garage sales, estate sales and Goodwill. We had SO much fun sharing our treasure hunt finds that we acquired for minimal cost.

Had to quit the buying presents a few years ago. I bake stuff and make candies is all, I'm lucky my kids and grandkids are grateful for anything I give..

I want to thank you for all your videos. I’m 35. Deep, deep, debt. Most my own doing I turned a blind eye to my own money habits. I’m working 3 jobs (Special Ed Teacher, Special Instructor, and door dash). I work everyday. One day I am hoping to get rid of one job. Your channel has changed my mindset. Thank you. From one rainbow to another. Thank you.

You treated your neighbor with such kindness and respect…

I am 75 and knit and crochet and sew almost all the gifts I give to my family. The grandchildren love everything I make for them and have asked me to knit sweaters for them this year. Love them all so much. They gave me a full length pink robe for Christmas, which I desperately needed. I haven’t had a robe in over ten years. So thoughtful! Wishing you an amazing 2024. Enjoy your videos so much. Thank you for sharing!

I’m 64 and walk almost everyday and I noticed on Christmas Day and after Christmas I see no kids playing outside with new toys or bikes etc. thought that was strange.

Same thing with the nieces and nephews, I had the flu and stayed home, but my husband took the money holders with 50.00 for each kid, we gave to 8 kids. One kid texted to tell us thank you. Every kid has a cell phone too, they are not toddlers they are teens and up. Then I gave a neighbor who has 5 kids, 500.00, and they were in shock and so appreciative. Been thinking a lot, the trust thing I paid over 2000 for the lawyer to fix up for me is liable to get some changes. Why not?

So nice of you to help your elderly next-door neighbor!

Thank you's should be prompted by parents who are there enjoying the experience with you, when they see the kids are not saying it. That's how they learn. We only open one present at a time, in a round robin sort of way, with a family member handing them out one at a time. We can all enjoy the moment together and be happy for the thoughtful gift choices. Bless you PP! Thanks again for sharing.

Isn't it interesting that as consumerism, gluttony, & number of choices increases, so does the rate of mood disorders? Christmas is such a paradox. We buy, buy, buy. But, we are not satisfied or grateful. I lost my dad when I was 11 yrs old. Christmas, since then, has never been enjoyable. It's like my dad's death pulled back the curtain and I saw that "stuff-cannot-make-you-happy". The only joy I get at Christmas is when I help out people who are financially struggling. Discovered this by accident when I was involved in a group project years ago. I suddenly felt a wave of REAL joy that I hadn't felt at Christmas since childhood. Other than that, I just push through the consumer expectations for the family. Then, Dec 26, I'm so relieved it's over. And I'm a Christian!🤔😆♥️🇨🇦

You're correct, your gifts are unappreciated, taken for granted, largely a wasted sentiment.

I opted out completely. Stayed home with my dogs, only cooked for my dogs, Told my family 4 years ago, Im not buying anything, dont want anything, not coming to eat, not cooking for people only for me and the dogs. No hustle & bustle, no stress, BEST THANKSGIVING, CHRISTMAS, NEW YEARS EVER IN MY HISTORY!!❤

I was in the mood for your ramblings today. Kinda like having coffee with a friend.

Most years I budgeted $100 per person in the household, but there were times it was $50 each. You can fill a terrific stocking for a kid for $10.

Last year, I noticed my kids didn't enjoy half of the gifts they got, but loved all the little cheap things that we filled their stockings with. This year was Goodwill gifts and 1 new toy from Santa. I saved so much money this year and we spent more time together.

Growing up in the 70’s we got gifts for holidays and birthdays not continuous shopping and ordering from Amazon. Kids have too much “stuff”.

We focus on practical gifts. I got all my sons and daughters-in-law very cool patterned wool socks. They loved it! We also got them each a high-quality reusable water bottle.

You can dehydrate the oranges! They are awesome to add to tea when its cold out or when you are not feeling well!

I thrifted and upcycled the majority of the handmade gifts I gave out. I saved a ton of money by thinking (and spending) outside of the box.

I feel this way every time I'm watching "Christmas Carol" with how the Cratchits appreciated what they had. I asked my 15 year old Granddaughter if she could imagine getting like an orange in a stocking or something like that for Christmas? Boy, things have changed and not necessarily for the better. I certainly wouldn't mind going back to some of those years even in my childhood. We didn't have much, but I never felt we were poor.

When I was 5 my parents told me that money was tight. I Asked Santa for scotch tape, that magical substance. I was all in on helping the family. But I was disappointed that I got presents. I remember it well Over 70 years later.

OMG! I understand her frustration when it comes to holiday activities. I want to do fun things and my family does not have my vision. I tell all of my family members not to give me any gifts, or to do an exchange to buy only one gift…but it never works!!! Activities are more memorable than gifts, I totally agree with her!!

I grew up very poor, too. It has helped to shape my adulthood. I do my best to hand make gifts for others and not purchase. I cannot believe how much money people spend on Christmas, people who claim to have nothing. 🧡

People ... we've got to get the idea of "team family" firmly in place. None of the spending too much money to buy off the targets. Spending time instead of money is the best idea possible..

I told my family, we are going to have a no-gift Christmas from now on. Also a potluck dinner It is too much work and expense to hostess every occasion I love your videos.

Mom bought these silicone dinosaur finger shooters...$5 and we spent a long time shooting the heck out of each other and it was hilarious. We had tears... they were perfect... you could peg someone in the face but it didn't hurt. 😂😂😂 We made real memories. My 4 year old granddaughter to my 79 year old dad had a amazing time.... for 5 bucks... Canadian.

We draw names in our family. I only buy one gift and the limit is $50.00.

Very kind of you to gift that lady a generator. What a great neighbor

I buy presents throughout the year so I'm not hit with a big bill all at once. Kids don't know the value of money anymore, and just want want their friends have. It's quite sad

Thanks for your spin. I love simple life also. Time spent is the best .

I have a hard time giving my 5 grandkids, gifts; birthdays and Christmas... they get so much, like you said, they don't appreciate stuff. It's very sad.

I like the longer videos. Like you, I have nobody in my life who is frugal. So listening to you is like talking to a frugal friend!

I have one child I spent about $350. Most of that was a telescope that we will both enjoy throughout the year

Presents are not appreciated, so it's dishearting to spend money that can be used from something needed.

I spent less than $100. I bought stuffed toys like Santa, reindeer, snowmen, etc., and left them with the chaplain at a local small community hospital to give to the geriatric and pediatric patients.

Agreed! My niece requested a $165 sweatshirt for Christmas. A sweatshirt!!!! Then $78 pajamas. I don't spend that on myself and I make good money. Good grief! But her friends all have this stuff. One even has a nearly new Audi! It's ridiculous what these parents spend on their kids. I don't get it.

I'd rather have fresh baked cookies, cake, or brownies than having crap from the store that I don't want or need. I never give any gifts for Christmas. My aunt comes over on Christmas Eve and we eat and watch Christmas movies. That's my idea of a wonderful Christmas. When people ask in November or December if I'm ready for Christmas, I always say yes. It's cause I don't waste all that time on nonsense and junk at the store. I get what I need, usually in early December from Hickory farms or some sandwich meat and I'm all ready. Never have stress at Christmas and I never feel overwhelmed. People that feel that way do it to themselves. I'd rather enjoy the holiday than to make it something that I dread. Consumerism has ruined the holidays and keeps people from enjoy that time of the year with people that they love. It's really sad.

We never had very much as kids. We have collected so much stuff. I am trying to get rid of stuff, but it is so hard to let go.

A house I lived in for 13 years had a basement and in the walls they had stuffed newspapers, I assume for insulation. So being the explorer that I am I dug them all out and they were about Mussolini! And other interesting stories from back then. The ads were mind blowing, apartments for rent and job offers. Stuff was amazingly cheap. Every time someone would come visit me the pile of newspaper was higher and the hole in the wall was bigger. I was obsessed. They only problem was they were so brittle and delicate so the more I opened them to read them the more they would fall apart. I still wish there was a way I could have preserved them. I absolutely love old houses, there are always some kind of treasure hidden in them. Ok, I've rambled long enough. I get abnormally excited about stuff like that.

It shows the priorities of people. When did we discount food,clothing and shelter in order to spend money on Christmas gifts nobody wants anyway? Just ridiculous! I am a senior but my grandfather born 1901 gave us each $5 every Christmas. He had over 100 grandchildren, great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren when he passed away. He had 10 children. Not all lived nearby but he would give at least 40 gifts every year. This was the 70s-80s.

I didn’t buy presents for my nieces and nephews. I put money in a bank account for them for Christmas and birthdays. When they were 18 years old I gave them the money about £1,000 for them to put towards college, a car, a computer etc. most of them said thank you. Lol

If anybody asks me what I want for Christmas I tell them citrus. Citrus fruit or a tree. This year we had the neighbors over for dinner one night and gave them lemons from our tree. Another neighbor gave each of us homemade tamales. Those tamales were a special gift to me.

I loved this video. You are right on about stuff. Also I’m in a home that I’m paying off completely before any more updates. So I’m living on the bottom floor and the upstairs bedrooms need gutted. Little by little. The best thing is it’s mine and will be payed off. I follow Dave Ramsey program and am dept free except for the mortgage. Takes time and patience.

Money is freedom only if you spend it wisely. Being debt free, able to eat well, stay warm,dry and comfortable and pay your bills and taxes without worry...being able to enjoy the world around you and the people in it....that's freedom.

If the recipient doesn't say thank you for the gift then they are off the list for the next time. Doesn't include the little kids but from 13 and up should know and remember to thank others for gifts. Folks don't like boundaries when it impacts their life. Oh well, it's their problem, not ours. Great chatty video today. Can't wait to see your home updates as they get started and completed.

Now is the time go shop for next year. Everything with a Christmas motif is 50% off. I picked up some candles and scented soaps for gift giving next year. Also replenished my gift wrapping and gift bag supply. Purchased boxed chocolates to give my husband and sons for Valentine's Day....all 50% off at Home Goods!

Babbling is ok, feels like a nice visit with you. Your videos are awesome, informative and entertaining. So nice to visit with someone with common sense and like minded.🙂

My family now does a $20 secret Santa. That’s it. Xmas costs $20 a person. ( apart from me buying all the food)

Thanks for a great video! I'm a single mom. I raised 4 boys, all in college now. They are good young men. We didn't have much, they shared everything, but we always had a lot of quality time, love and fun. Now that they are older and work and have money of their own and we are better off. They always refer to having so much fun growing up. We eat, play games and just spend quality time on holidays and other times. Although we didn't have the best stuff, we made the best of what we have. It's natural that kids are going to want things, but it's important to remind them just how fortunate they are as they are growing up. 😊

I had 3 grand kids and 20 grand nephew and Neice’s under age of 13 I only spent 20.00 on each gift put me in the poor house so I told family from now on I won’t participate and only do for my grandkids, my daughter and son in law got blackberry and strawberry preserves I grew, and jalapeño pickled carrots they requested, I told them I was only giving homemade gifts to them as they are adults and mom is poor, they loved my home canned preserves

i used to fill a room full of gifts the whole room this year i changed all that this year they got 1 thing they wanted 1thing they needed and 1 experience that we can all share in they love that we are doing this

Christmas isn't what it used to be. We played games this year and it was a bigger hit than the gifts.

I think $500 per child is way too much!! They get things all year long. Parents spoil their children in this country. Growing uo we got one nice gift. Christmas has gotten commercialized!! Younger children are getting cell phones. Unbelievable!!

I hate Christmas. The greed and materialism really turns me off. I have completely unplugged from it.

Over the past 10 years I have been decreasing the amount spent on Christmas presents. This year, my husband and I took a trip to visit his mom. He worked on things around her house that needed to be done as his gift to her. His mother and I went to visit a beautiful attraction that was free. I took some beautiful photos. We ate in most of the time, but our most memorable meal came to $23 for the three of us with tip. We went to a spot for tacos, chalupas and burritos made by native cooks. When we meet with our daughter after the new year I will be baking her favorite treats and giving her a gift card for an oil change. Give gifts that are needed by the tastebuds and the practical.

Lol, my frugal grandmother allowed us 3" of water in the tub.😂 We called them Granny Baths.

That was so kind of you to help your neighbor. ❤

I totally agree with you about gift giving. I have done my best with reducing, controlling spending and was able as long as i was in control with my family when they were little. No matter how much I don’t want to be a part of it all, I’m in the middle of doing the same thing, buying presents last minute because I don’t have the money, don’t want to do it, yet it happens every year. I do enjoy giving, just not the way I feel forced into it. Thank you for sharing your experiences, advice and ideas to make life easier. ❤️

This year, i got my niece (aged 10) what i thought was a nice thougtful present. Not only did i not get any thanks for it, i actually got a message from her mother to say, it wasn't the 'right' present, the inference being that a 'better' present, ie more expensive one, was expected. I just couldn't believe the rudeness and toxicity of that attitude. So sadly im done with spending money or any sort of effort on such entitled people 🤔

I gave each of my familys ( grown kids and grandkids) a membership to the zoo where they live. So the family can go to the zoo for free all year and when im visiting them we have a adventure to go on together.

My in laws treat us like we are homeless because we don’t want to exchange gifts for Xmas. It’s funny how narcissistic ppl become when you try to do better for yourself.

My mother used to take all the gifts on Christmas night and we had to write thank you notes before we got the gifts back. It made me appreciate everything that was gifted to me.😊

You would think with the economy people would limit the amount they spend on Christmas and only give the kids gifts but not to excess! But no, they are out there shopping like crazy and of course keeping Amazon in business! It is crazy what people spend and then complain about the heating bill! Go figure! I am with you! Spend time making memories and enjoying each other for a change! I wish people would wake up!

Hi Pepper Princess You are a very practical lady and I like watching your videos. I am sick I am disabled and live off of SSI. I have been renting a two-bedroom duplex for the past 10 years and have to get really creative to make ends meet. You give me a lot of ideas. I don't even have a car. In fact, my whole life I've never had a car. I've pretty much walked my whole life Or used public transportation. And I agree with you money is freedom. If I were to come into a large sum of money the first thing I would buy would be a modest new house. Thanks for the videos and keep 'em coming!

We don't buy any Christmas presents for anyone. I cook alot of food,we play board games and watch movies.For our kids' birthdays, we take them to eat. Thats about it.

This year I bought all my kids socks underwear and thermals for work. Each of the 3 familys got a laundry basket inside had toilet paper, laundry soap, trash bags, cleaners, and a sack of their favorite foods. This is the 3rd year I have done the baskets and everyone requests them now to make a Christmas tradition. I would rather help them then to waste money on junk they don't need.

I love going all out for Christmas and here’s what I do. I make literally everything my family needs for the year into Christmas gifts. That’s when they get new socks, underwear, work shirts for my husband, snow boots for my son, any other clothes or personal care items they might need. I even use things like deodorant and toenail clippers as stocking stuffers. Last year I even bought my son potato chips for Christmas because he loves them but I rarely buy snacks 😅I do add a few fun items in so they don’t even realize that the abundance of gifts are mostly practical things that I would have needed to buy anyway. The fact that I don’t buy them anything throughout the year unless it’s desperately needed makes it exciting to open all these practical gifts. It’s kind of a psychological trick that makes the holidays feel more fun. My husband is onto me though. His underwear were getting holes in them a few months before Christmas and he said “I can’t believe I have to wait 3 months for underwear 😂 I gave in and bought him the underwear early lol. For my extended family we don’t buy gifts but I do bake cookies for them and last year we did a homemade ornament exchange and played a trivia game that my niece made. It was fun!

I was surprised to hear that people spent still after complaining about the economy. Our family buy for the littles and seniors of our family. I have aunts who are 100, 103 who appreciate the gifts but tell us its not necessary as its too expensive as times are hard. They get it.

I've tried to initiate the no gift idea a few times in my family. Some years it works then we always revert back it's so dumb. For some reason as the matriarch I feel responsible to give elaborate gifts but mostly go unappreciated. I'm going to try again this year. I like experiences over stuff because you never remember gifts but you will remember experiences. I like your channel and your videos are very inspiring.

Don't worry about making the video's long as I love listen to you talk about things.

Been there, done that. Not going back. Give those oranges to your little frozen neighbor. She could probably use some vitamin C when she comes off her caffeine high.😊

Well over a decade ago our family stopped gifting adults. We celebrate Christmas with great food and gather to watch the children open their gifts.

I bet everyone has at least one Christmas guilt story. It's a simple holiday that has morphed into a complicated mess. I totally opted out if it about 20 years ago. It's been 20 great winters since then.

It’s not the Kids fault that they are over-saturated with stuff. We will have to show them that there is a better way to live:)

"If only I could barter somebody for a new roof." Not on this planet.

I made your oreo truffles this year. Was a hit! Thank you. I made quick breads, and jellies that went along with them. Only cost was time, effort and love.

That 500.00 to 1000.00 was nowhere near my budget. And I only bought for like five people. Now have to go back and add it all up. Your a great neighbor. Glad you let her keep the generator. Merry Christmas from you to your neighbor. 🎅🏻❤️

I agree with you 100% on spending to much money on Christmas presents .

Our family was giving food, drink, clothing and essentials for xmas. I spent so much of food if someone gave me food for xmas I was happy.

Loved the longer video. Felt like we were just sitting around the kitchen table chatting. Happy New Year.

We were so poor growing up for Christmas I remember wrapping a pair of my dads socks for a gift for him when I was younger.just so he would have something under the tree.

Happy New Year! I was so pleased to see that you are now a born again Christian. ❤

last year i gave no gifts but paid off my credit card. later in the year i took loved ones out for a nice meal together. this year was a very very tight year i did not give out gifts.

I put $10 in a card for brother's bday and he said ok big spender. That's it. I said then give back. He did not.

I wanted a pair of Frey boots when I was in high school in the 70s. My mom & dad bought me one boot for Christmas. I was thrilled to get my one boot and I paid for the other boot with my own money that I earned. Best gift and life lesson I ever got!

Yup we killed ourselves to get all these gifts and we’re scraping now , even have to conserve on food , but I blame it all on my wife because I have no problem telling everyone I’m skipping this Christmas, peace ✌️ that’s the difference

Can I just say that some people have so much stuff they rent storage for the stuff they will never look at again. I have a really hard time understanding that because if something means so much that it's worth keeping...wouldn't you want that item in your home? If you don't want it in your home why keep it when someone else could be blessed with it even if you sold it to them? They pay a lot of money for things to be left to rot in storage. I had to edit to say those storage unit buildings are everywhere and apparently very profitable...if they weren't there wouldn't be so many.

I totally agree!! You seem more content and more happy and more beautiful than ever. ❤