My husband tells me I am definitely frugal. Yet I’ve travelled all over the world. I have a nice car, plenty of clothes. What I don’t do is waste. I mend, fix, and I buy one time and look after the purchase. I carry my water bottle, park where it is free, even if this means I walk a little. Free exercise. 😊

I was more miserable being poor than by living a frugal life that put distance between myself and poverty. It took some time and effort but it was worth it. There are too many misconceived notions of frugality. Great topic!

Good afternoon everyone from a wet wintery West Yorkshire UK. Frugality is a chosen way of life for me. Saving on the mundaying things that don’t matter to me allows me to splurge on the things that matter to me. I never feel poor or deprived because I cut back on thing I choose to cut back on. I never go hungry, I never have to be cold, my shoes never leak, my cloths always keep me warm. I don’t feel I want for anything. Being frugal allows me to sleep at night no stressing over my bills. My house is paid off I have no debt, being frugal allowed me to be in this position. My attitude to others is you do it your way and I will do it mine. I live a happy frugal and contented life.

In my childhood (1950s), frugality was seen as a virtue, being a miser was not. Now they are often seen as the same thing by those who think living in constant debt is normal.

"Frugal" does not equal "Poor". In fact, frugality leads to wealth. Frugal would be better defined as "Smart"! 😊

My horrible , frugal life included going on a lovely walk in the mountains with my dog. The weather is warm and mild, and I got to enjoy the fall colors and sights. LOL

I live in the United States. My daughter went to a 4 year university for about $125,000, graduating 6 years ago without any debt or student loans because we practiced a lot of frugality. I'm retired and still living frugally. The mortgage will be paid off in January because of my life style. Frugality is totally worth it.

Frugality is simply responsibility.

My brother recently passed away at 64 and he died in debt even though he made millions in his life. I can’t imagine how different his life would be if he had been frugal (like we were raised) rather than a spendthrift. Instead of leaving a legacy for his children they are having to ask for money for his funeral. Breaks my heart.

Dear Jane and Mike you often say frugality won't cure poverty.Going by the numbers I live in poverty yet following your advice has allowed me to save and have a degree of security and comfort I once thought IMPOSSIBLE! I now never run out of money before I run out of month and am able to help others it truly changed my life from the inside out God Bless you both❤

I think many frugal people are not so much focused on money but rather focussed on getting themselves in a position so that they do not have to worry about money. There is a difference.

I am frugal, lives in a very nice house. I saved for a down payment and purchased a house that was a short sale . I also saved to pay cash for my car (08 Honda CRV) 15 years ago. I take 2 trips a year. I am almost debt free including my mortgage . I love my frugality 😊 living my best life.

I have learned to live more simply since I moved to the country when i retired. I don't buy jewelry, makeup or fancy dress clothes. I eat simple meals but take time to savor what i prepare. I agree it's much less stressful to be frugal than to be in constant debt. 👍💖

I am having a low spend year. My sisters think I'm crazy and that I'm now poor. Truth is that I've given away more in monetary donations this year than them and I've also invested more than them. I still have the same amount of money. I'm just not spending it on STUFF.

I have always been a spender and I have had a hard time delaying gratification, especially after a stressful day at work. I work on a cancer ward and see a lot of death. I sometimes feel that the future is so uncertain that I have to enjoy life now, spend money to have fun now or I might never get the chance. Watching your videos has helped me deal with this anxiety and embrace a more frugal lifestyle that does not feel like deprivation. I see living below your means in a completely different light and I am actually having fun with it! Thank you for sharing your perspective and advice. Many of us have really benefited from your videos.

Family think I'm poor when I tell them I live a frugal life... little do they know I'm comfortable with my finances and of how and when I spend. 😉 I appreciate your pep talks.. both you and Mike are awesome 👌

I think the problem is more and more people have become more frugal out of necessity and seen and improvement in their lives and corporations want you to spend,spend, spend.

Jane, everything you said about frugal living lies is spot on. In my view, frugality is a little-understood super power. Those who understand it benefit greatly from practising it, irrespective of whether they are wealthy or not. Those who don’t understand it, may end up in dire straits - the wealthy may still be wealthy but less wealthy and many will end up living pay cheque to pay cheque and deep in debt. I am so grateful that I woke up in time to realise that frugal living would help me reach my goal of being able to retire comfortably. In living frugally, I did not deprive myself and as you so rightly put it, I allocated my monthly salary intentionally, and therein lay the magic. I have to admit, though, that living frugally wasn't something I broadcast to people because many incorrectly view it as being mean and stingy and I most certainly am not that. Thank you Jane and Mike for your channel.

I worked hard for that money and once it's in my hand, I make sure that money works hard for me. Being frugal is a choice. A lifestyle. For me, knowing I can pay my bills takes away stress. I'm not worried about having money for the holidays because I budget all year for it. It's taken care of and I love that feeling. Great message today. Thanks so much!

I am spending my afternoons reading or studying or crafting. Mornings was the gym and homemaking. Loving my frugal retirement!

I had one set of grandparents who were very frugal but had all of the necessities who left their children money and a home to sell. The other set never owned a home to leave, but were very generous to everyone. Both sets were lovely but so different in the way they spent money. I never understood why my frugal way of living, until I was an adult, now am very proud of the frugal ones!

Well said Jane. I love your channel because it reinforces my frugal habits. It enable me to drop a few hundred dollars on a dehumidifier that I needed and was on sale. A quality one with great reviews. A few years ago I would have had to put it on a credit card. Living with no debt is magnificant!

My mother was extremely frugal. A young widow, she saved and invested every penny. She was able to leave a legacy that helped many people. For me, this is a huge reason to be frugal. She was always content and happy and she knew that her careful planning would have a lasting impact on those she loved.

Jane, I love this one. My husband and I were both raised in poverty. On public assistance, listening to mother's cry themselves to sleep wondering how to keep a roof over our heads and food in bellies. As adults we are both very conscientious spenders, cannot imagine living beyond our means. As we have gained income and have chosen to continue to be frugal to achieve other goals in our life we are often looked down upon and challenged about our choices, even close family do not understand. I enjoy being frugal. When we do spend on things we have saved for, with cash of course, we so much more appreciate it, savor it, enjoy it without regret. We still live a different frugal life to most Americans. But oh do we have adventures and travels. Experiences that fall into the "priceless" category. All within our mean thanks to our other frugal life. Thanks for putting it into words!

Attitude, Skills. Discipline, A thankful heart, you two have it all including a lovely life. Thank you for a great chat !

I love how directly you speak to the nonsense out there today regarding frugal living. It seems like some of these channels (and the people who watch them) get on an "I'm more frugal than you" type of competition coupled with an "I've got a right to judge you" attitude. Keep up the good work of telling it like it is -- your choice of how to live your life. Thank you!

Frugal to me is .. intentional spending and simple living.

Thank you Jane and Mike. You always manage to boost my sagging spirit with your honest perspective

I dreamed of going to Paris. We didn't have a lot of money, but we weren't poor. I got a poster of the Eiffel Tower. Every time I thought of buying something, I would think about that trip I had been waiting 25 for. I stopped buying books and music, borrowing library books and CDs. I really cut back on eating out. I just thought about having a lovely French meal on a terrace. It took a long time to get here, and I loved it so much that Paris is my permanent home. We are still frugal, but there are so many free events and I love shopping the street markets and cooking at home. I am enjoying life in my new home, and my frugal skills help me live my dream. I need to learn a lot of new things in France, and I want to thank you Jane and Michael for your video lessons and tips!

I have had many comments about how I live. We don’t eat out very often because I can make tastier meals at home quicker than getting Dressed up to go out , travel to arrive at destination,wait to be served and then not like the meal. Etc. I don’t find prepping and cooking at home a chore I see it as a pleasure. Baking, knitting, patchwork,sewing etc is really fun, an oh a good book sitting u der a tree. Your videos are where I find sanity. Thank you to you both. Lots of love from Sth East South Australia. 🧶🍞☕️🧵

It’s discipline. I can go sailing on a beautiful day but if I know in the back on my mind that something is not taken care of as it should be ,I do not have as much fun. Same with my money. If I buy something knowing that I can not pay cash for it the item does not give me the same pleasure. Love the control and satisfaction.that frugal living gives my life.

Yes Jane. There are all sorts of silly theories out there, especially the mental disorder one. I would much rather be frugal than poor. I would rather sleep at night knowing that I have some financial back-up, than spend flat out for the sake of it. I have a good life, but as you say, I like to spend my money on the things that matter to me. Thanks Jane and Mike for another great video.

The nicest thing about being frugal is that frugal people are always happy to share their tips,, they don't hold back or feel the need to brag, I often find myself in conversation with other frugal shoppers about the best discounts, frugal tips and contrary to beliefs we are not dashing to every discount bay and take the lot . Instead, many times frugal people, when they know you are look out for something in particular, they will actually advise and even help you look and often even find the item for you. It is a super nice community to be part of, because every saving for another person, is also a frugal win win and you make lots of new friends.

Jane, I love this. It was a good, encouraging confirmation of the positive reasons for frugal habits. Thanks.

You are always an inspiration to me when I’m feeling doubtful. Thank you Jane and Mike

Nice video . According to the Cambridge dictionary : "frugality :the quality of being careful when using money or food". I'm very happy I joined the road of frugality no more headache at the end of the month.

Loved this video . Bless your Dads heart , how lovely to grow fruit and veg to bless others . We are not in a position to help people financially very often . I try and give of my time when not working and we’ll enough to do so . We try and see frugality as a bit of a game and love being resourceful with what we do have . We think frugal is fun .

Frugality is a mental disorder, oh boy. Most of our ancestors were frugal out of necessity, so they must all have been mentally ill! My grandparents were immigrants with 10 children. They had to be frugal to put food on the table and clothes on the children. They valued education, and my parents, aunts and uncles all became comfortable as adults because they stayed in school and got training. My generation learned to budget from them and be wise with our money. Definitely not a mental illness.

👍👍👍you are so right!!!

Thank you, Jane and Mike.

Frugality is a way of living in relative comfort, within your means, and in sound financial state. Now, some people call themselves frugal when they are obviously just cheapskate, trying to disguise their stinginess as smartness because they understand how flawed their character is. You, on the other hand, call yourself frugal but I see you more as a responsible sustainable people who are thriving in a comfortable life that fits you.

USA. We have online giveaways. Roadside giveaways. Yard Sales. Swaps of things like houseplants...Library used book sales. It's FUN. Coupon cutters. Buy on Sale at reduced racks only. Day old Bakeries. Are we having fun yet. Lol

I think Jane that some people are too ready to criticise others for their life choices. As long as we are doing what's right for us, that's ok. 😊

So many people just don’t realise that frugal does not mean cheap or going without. Frugal is a plan for having and doing what you want which for me is an overseas holiday every year ✈️

❤the blue pumpkin on the table behind you.

I really like that you mentioned that frugality gives you "time", a resource so many have so little of. Spending some of that time to help others is truly time well spent (excuse the pun)! You're continuing to offer good ideas as I navigate towards retirement. Thank you!

My favorite frugal channel!!!

It is beautiful how you say those things are your hobbies and that you do them joyfully. Yes, it takes time to cook at home, and often less time than driving to a restaurant, waiting to be seated, waiting to order, wait to get your food, wait to receive your check, and drive home. Yes, frugal peoole can help others because they do not spend all their money on themselves. ❤

Thanks Jane and Mike, I needed this today ! Your videos are always an inspiration and make perfect sense in this mad world xx

Great video, I am frugal because I like to travel and also love to volunteer. We have a charity in NZ called Good Bitches Baking that suits me perfectly as I love to bake but don't love to have it in the house so I can indulge my hobby and give it to people who need it more than me!

love your chat just like haveing a friend in for a cuppa

Frugality simply is a great way of living

Your videos make me smile and keep on track, thank you so much ❤

Yes, once you have your own life under control financially, there is also emotional energy AND money and (depending on the situation, time) to help others. I'm not sure at what era we decided that being careful with our money was a bad thing and being a spendthrift was good and fun.

I love that jar, or what ever it is, behind you. It's beautiful

Thank you for a lovely and uplifting video as always. It occurs to me that the people who spend way too much on way too many items are something of a help to those of us who don't. They spend so we can buy it at a fraction of the cost!! I usually purchase items at about 10% of retail value unless I get it for free. Happy days!

I agree with everything you said Jane. I have the same mindset as you regarding frugality. It's a way of life I was brought up with (and I also tell it like it is! )

Thank~you for "helping" me remember some things.....💗

Loved this one.

I am downsizing my home and have a lot of things that I no longer need. Rather than sell them, I am giving them away.

I took a vacation with a friend we traveledfor 27 days London, Italy & Sicily. We took public transportation everywhere or walked. We shared an airbnb and expenses. We shared some meals or dessert. We shopped at the markets and made breakfast every other day. I actually didn't spent the funds i had saved for this vacation. We planned a year ago, as we booked airbnb we paid cash for them.

Living a simple life and being frugal is fun, then spending on the things that really matte4.❤

Thank you for pointing out what many of us frugal people know. We are frequently misunderstood. Also thanks for taking us shopping with you, I am looking for those same special offers while grocery shopping in Europe. Frugal people still cook their own meals while on vacation. 😊

The music behind you speaking is distracting to me. I love your videos! Thx for being there!

Great video!! I'm enjoying catching up on them. I've only been a sub for a couple of months and have learned something from each one. Thank you both 😊

Yesterday I started my first attempt at a “restaurant quality” chicken tikka masala. It won’t be actual restaurant quality but I think I can work at it and get it close. The chicken has been salted and marinated and the base gravy was made and portioned out yesterday (it’ll make another 4 masala’s). The cost per portion works out at under £2 (I think, still to do the sums tho). The fact that it’s possible to do this brings me joy and satisfaction. It comes hard on the heels of my char siu chicken success which I knocked outta the park last week and I don’t mind blowing my own trumpet 😊 A frugal life at party pace is awesome

Well said, Jane !

One would think people who have debt due to indiscriminate spending would be more prone to mental illness because of the stress of having to repay the money and rather than being miserable, frugal people have peace of mind because they aren't running up debt for themselves all the time. It takes time to get out of debt, too, and being in debt isn't exactly fun. Cheapskates consistently go for the lowest price without regard for the quality whereas frugal people balance out getting the best price and the best quality. Warren Buffet is frugal and he's rich. He has always been frugal and that has likely contributed to his becoming rich. 🙂

Thanks Jane for your excellent counter-arguments regarding common misconceptions about what constitutes frugality. Living below our means used to be the norm, now sadly for too many people, debt is. It’s so avoidable if, like you said, we practice delayed gratification. I’m saving this video to show to friends who think I’M the odd one out. Best wishes to you and Mike. 😁

To me frugal just means being conscience and careful with your money. Of course there are the people who take it to the extreme, as in all things. Those people live in squalor, even though they can afford common comforts, which ot me means there are issues that haven't been dealt with. Real frugal people have it all together, with no suffering, no denying themselves and their families etc. I don't know where my children and I would be if my late husband and I hadn't been careful with our money. Our friends and some family members were on us often aobut our spending habits BUT we had everything and more , our children had everything and more, have been home owners, and debt free, own 2 cars, money in the bank, retirement in place, etc. , and those other people were in debt up to their ears. .

Way to go Jane ........ xx

This was a wonderful video, full of common sense and knowledge! Your videos and tips have been very helpful to us over the years and we truly appreciate the time and effort you put into them! Thank you!

If frugality was a mental illness then all our grandmas and grandpa's here in America were nuts because they all lived frugally. ❤❤❤

In my work place we have water fontain but people still buying water in the supermarket insted of using work one and Save money.

I love your bright pink scarf!

Like always, words of wisdom from you and Mike! I agree 100% and particularly about being able to give and help people when in need! Frugal living is empowering! Keep doing what you are doing!👊🏼👍

Great topic Jane.

Frugality allows me to live comfortably in retirement.

Unrelated to topic but a curious question if you would care to share. I'd like to know more about your blue and white pottery piece on the table behind you.

My son is frugal too. Dresses simply, no jewelry or even a watch. He know how to shop and also negotiates deals.

Well said. I think its living a life of not being wasteful.

👍

I think frugal people have less wants. The 2 things l wanted when l was very young were a little British sports car and a little hairy dog. The first big item l bought myself was a Triumph Spitfire that l still have and love, the second thing was a Shih Tzu, l don't have my first one but l still have a Shih Tzu. After l got those things my bucket has been fairly empty.

Frugal people are goal oriented and use wisdom for spending money. They are very self aware of their desires, needs, compromises and priorities. I suspect those bashing frugality are people who are jealous and who waste money daily.

Wow, I really needed to see this - thank you.

Thanks for another great video!😀

Wealthy people work at hanging onto it.

My family has always been careful with money. Cgeap not careful yes. Love your videos.

In one of your videos would you please show me how you do your scarves.?

❤ living frugally has kept us out of the poor house! Because we were careful and saved and had only our house payment (no other debt) we were able to adjust to me loosing my job and going on disability (1/3 of what I had been bringing home) we still could pay our bills with no issues. We still haven't touched our savings so even better. People say that about frugality because they know what they are doing...spend like no tomorrow.....is wrong but lets demonize frugality. Very sad

We are comfortable--but, we are frugal by choice. It is the smartest way to live. I buy second hand clothes, I go to bread outlets, I use all the cash back apps that work for me. And, why not?? I believe that every dollar in your pocket is a dollar gained!!

Being frugal means you need to plan or have a plan, a budget

There are different levels of Frugality. I think every level involves being none wasteful, has intentional spending, looks after what they have and if they can do it themselves they do.

What is the difference between thrifty and frugal, please?😅 my dictionary gives me exactly the same translation.... "sparsam" for both words Thank you very much🍀🤗

Delayed gratification. That's not everyone's cup of tea lol. I'll challenge myself to give it an earnest go.

Please, no music when you are speaking. This is otherwise a wonderful video, thank you!

So true, we're all individuals, Personally I have no interest in upgrading my home, I live as cheaply as possible but holiday once a month for a few days, never been in debt and every penny saved is holiday fun, loving life my way.

An older Gen X we here from Australia 🦘 (great post today). X