One of my best memories is when my boys were young and we planned a vacation around a wedding we were attending. The drive was from Alaska to Wisconsin.we had a full year of planning. They were so into saving for this trip. We planned meals for the month and found ways to save on so many day to day items. What struck me as a positive thing was during the actual trip they thought about all the hard work and considered every dime they spent. I heard them say to one another many times over the course of this vacation DO we really want to do that or maybe we should find something cheaper. We came home with half the money we had saved for the vacation and my boys had a wonderful time and were proud of their contributions to the trip. We ended up keeping the meal planning and each of my three boys had one night a week that they planned and helped make the meal.

I used to think shopping at thrift stores was shopping for junk, way beneath me .... now I realize how stupid and foolish I was. I almost never shop for anything at a regular store. I can't believe the things people get rid of! Great things at tremendously low prices !

When my husband wanted to retire early at 62 we gave up : cable tv (we use an antenna now and it's great) that saved us $165 mo. I gave up the gym and get my exercise by working in the house or yard, walking and hiking. (don't miss the gym) that's 45 mo. We buy almost everything secondhand from clothing to appliances to cars. I do miss eating out as often as we did before but it is a great trade off to be able to retire and have more time to cook and not feel rushed. Love your channel!!

We saved money for a trip to France from Chicago by not eating out. Our motto was, “would we rather eat French fries here or in France”. The choice is simple when you have goals.

I seldom buy fast food....unless I'm driving long distances and simply need to take a break at McDonalds. I feel guilty using their restroom and not at least buying a hot coffee!

I have been buying second hand since I was in my 20s. Our home is cozy and beautiful, but most items are second hand. We love it! Also I always bring a snack when I am running my errands, so I won't be tempted to buy fast food.

My daughter needed a new water bowl for her dog, so the last time I went to a thrift store i picked up a crockpot/slow cooker insert from the thrift shop and only paid $5 AUS for it. It was a lot cheaper than a store bought water bowl. The crock pot insert also holds a decent amount of water and as the bowl is ceramic it keeps the water cooler and it doesn’t tip over easily. Anything I want I usually check out the thrift stores first.

Hello from the USA! I enjoy your videos. To save money and due to a vision issue, I no longer buy books, the paper newspaper or magazines. I read books on line from the local library and get the newspaper on line, as it is cheaper. I like new appliances but used them till they wear out. We keep our cars and keep the maintance up until it gets to expensive to repair them. I save seeds and traded plants with friends for my yard and gardening. We live in the south so AC is a must but I raise the thermostat and use fans to move the air. I look for items at local thrift shops, too.

Our goal is to save extra for our increase energiecost (we are waiting for the yearly bill so its a guess, the meter is in a locked space). we turnt on the heating to lower setting and shorter periods this winter to compensate in less use. I didn't by far made as much dishes that take long like broths or beef stew. presoak our lentils longer and bought orange lentils instead that need half the time of cooking. bought a second breadtin so we can bake two in one go Easy things are to drive less often, buy one pair of quality shoes every two year, use our small wardrobe that can be mixed and matched at one time until the end ( that can be up to 15 years) , no decorations, equipment, use self grown herbs. no fast food except for a long drive back every 6-8 weeks ( on our way up we take a gf lunch but 3 days later backworth its more complicated as gf bread doest keep for to long). I cooked more vegetarian dishes and downsized our meat portions in fases. With about 10% every month or so. Switched to cheaper cheese and serve filling quick soups 2 days a week. Last but certainly not least is watch frugal youtubers to find inspiration and tips so thank you soooo much! 👍

I shop thrift shops for books, movies, and clothing. We are debt and mortgage free, but with rising prices, our money doesn't go nearly as far as it used to. We cook from scratch, grow a vegetable garden and recently have chickens. We are trying to be as self sufficient as possible. Making bread is the next thing I want to tackle.

I always take food with me when travelling or running errands and knowing I will not be back home for lunchtime. It was great that I was used to it, so when I was diagnosed with gluten intolerance it wasn't a problem for me at all as I was used to take food with me. My partner shares this way of thinking with me and honestly we enjoy to have a stop when we travelling for example, and make a little picnic. We enjoy the food and sharing this moment together.

We eat out every 4 - 6 weeks but ONLY because we catch up with the same group of friends. We always go to the same very casual but nice place where they have a $20 special, which is reasonable by Sydney standards, for chicken schnitzel, chips, salad AND a glass of wine. First time I ordered it, I couldn't finish it all as the serving is very generous! Second time I ordered it, I went prepared with my own take-away container and I discretely tucked away enough chicken for the next day's lunch. Bless my friends - they didn't laugh at me and actually thought it was a good idea.

During the 50' & 60's, my mother would take my brothers and me to secondhand shops to purchase furniture and etc. I find I am very comfortable shopping in this fashion and had to teach my husband and children to do the same. Our favorite way to eat on the run is picnic style. We love the adventure of finding nice places to visit and then eat our picnic lunch. Thanks for sharing.

I buy small things and a few clothing items second hand. But I live in a rural area where it is difficult to find good quality second hand furniture and appliances. Actually I tend to make do these days and don't buy much at all.

I have really cut down on eating out and am making my meals and snacks at home. It has allowed me to allocation quite a nice amount to one of my long-term savings goals which is a family trip currently planned for summer 2026. It really is amazing how a little bit of attention to one's spending habits can create big changes. Thanks for the great content!

I gave up glossy magazines. It saved me the price of the mag itself AND made me realise how much spending reading them influenced me to do! Saving to buy out first house and aiming to buy outright.

Great vlog, thanks Jane and Michael. We cut back a lot in 2022, no new clothes, no dining out, no takeaways, no decor. The last 8 weeks we have paid for a blind repair, a new laptop, some concrete and drainage items. We are also going to our fishing hut for 6 mths, hard to judge the overall cost but it starts with diesel for an 1800km drive (one way)! However we are in retirement and intend to have a few travel adventures.

When I had a good job, I lived on 1/2 my income (sometimes less) by using what I had, comparison shopping when I did need to buy something, and waiting for great deals. I was saving up to buy a house. I'd saved up quite a bit, so the down payment was no problem. It was a 100 year old house, so it needed some work. I was already prepared to handle that. I continued with those buying and saving habits after I purchased the house because what I learned was that, as a renter, I might end up spending a few hundred dollars at times...say for furniture, or drapes, maybe rugs. When I bought a house, though, expenditures were in the thousands of dollars...like basement water proofing, refinish hardwood flooring through out the house, paint the house, new windows, etc. I also had set up a sinking fund for house repairs, but I was spending faster than I was saving. Still, I had enough. I've used savings goals for lots of other things...almost everything. Love listening to you, Jane, as always!

We are in a good financial position with being debt and mortgage free and even though we can afford to eat out more often or go on longer more expensive holidays we choose to sometimes go out on a special occasion but sometimes we just love cooking each other a special meal and small dessert at home and we love that. We decided to save money to have energy security by buying our solar panels and a battery and our electricity bill is next to nothing and by building our surplus food storage. We just enjoy our lives together doing simple things and cherishing every moment

I am making most of our food at home, whereas in the past we ate out quite a lot. Fast food is almost as expensive as a dine in meal anymore here, and really not as satisfying as home cooked anyway.

I also pack snacks to eat when I’m out running my errands so I won’t be tempted to eat out. I don’t drink tea, coffee or pop so I always have a water bottle with me. I generally stay out of the stores and shops and only go to the ones I have a list for. We set up a list of sinking funds at the end of last year and are enjoying watching them grow. It has helped us to stay focused on our goals and not get distracted by other “wants”. Thank you as always for a encouraging and mindful video.

I've found myself almost accidentally saving a small fortune. After requesting, and receiving, stronger & stronger pain relief from my GP (no questions asked) I eventually went into Hospital. There various scans showed I was riddled with cancer, all untreatable!! Now bedrest & pain control are my only choice until the inevitable happens. At least that is the promise. The 14th Feb was my 77th Birthday - I feel lucky to have made that!

Hello Jane! Love all the great information, living frugally in North Carolina.

My daughter lives 5 hours away. We always pack dinner to eat on the way so we don’t have to get food on the road. I pack my husbands lunch for work every morning. I freeze leftovers for him and he reheats. Many in his office are jealous😂

You have a husband and someone to talk to. It is much easier to stay home and not go out when you have a companion. I find it is hard to stay home alone all of the time. For many years I have been frugal. You have a lot of wonderful ideas for a married woman.

We are also on a very tight budget and do most of what you mention. The only time we eat out anymore is with gift cards that other people give us who know our favorites. It wouldn't even occur to me to get fast food while we're out shopping. We have water with us, but that's it. Besides, we don't shop for that long that we'd need something to eat. Also, like you guys, we don't just go shopping for entertainment. We only shop when we need something specific. If we go to a thrift store, what you call a charity shop, it's for something specific. If we go grocery shopping we have a meal plan and a list and rarely stray from the list. It has to be a really amazing unadvertised deal for us to purchase it. We also save up for anything special that one of us wants. And then we purchase it for one of our birthdays or for Christmas. I tend to enjoy things more that way. Another good vlog! Thanks!

Most of what you said Jane is easy for us too! We rarely have a takeaway or eat out but we save so that when we are away to see family or something, we can eat out - because we have saved for it! We also buy very in the way of clothes- just shoes and undies- and that saves a fortune. Great video!

Another great video. Love your wisdom. This sounds random, but you're also very easy to listen to 😊

Regarding your comment about buying secondhand, we have done that many times. Also where we live in Australia we have hard rubbish collections that are booked with our local councils, where households put out unwanted items and furniture etc. to be collected. Our house has many such items 'rescued'. We also put out unwanted items which are often snaffled by a new owner before being carted off to the dump. It helps everyone really.

I'm renovating my house , so every Euro is bitten into two before spending on needs . Only 20€ funy money a month. Have to keep it up until end of the year. Keeping diary to motivate yourself helps.

I've been watching your videos for several months and finally decided to subscribe. I live in Ohio in the US and enjoy hearing how others do things.

It takes about 25 to 30 days to ingrain a habit. While there are things we can do to save money and be frugal right away, it takes time and practice to create a lifestyle of frugality. You are an excellent example of a frugal lifestyle. Through your channel, you explain and show how you and your family installed frugal habits and thinking in your everyday life. Thank you.

Thanks for sharing the majority of my clothing is thrifted only under wear is purchased new . I adore the Quimper ware tiles in your kitchen and I am happy your a frugal person and use them as they were intended . I am saving for a replacement electric stove . Gas isn’t an option in the multi family building I live in .

Hello! All from New Jersey USA 🇺🇸

Good advice.. my husband and I are now retired and we always reuse , repurpose and refurbish our furniture by painting etc. I recently upholstered my dining chairs as the cushions were worn.. we tiled an old dining table and made it our patio eating area. Old linen ... towels , sheets etc find a new life as drop sheets or rags. We always home cook it easier and better.

I need to start putting aside money for tires and eventually a car that is 13 years old.

I haven't been out to dinner in months. My friend is visiting Austin, Texas. Next week, we'll meet for dinner, probably a split bill. Also, I am going Italian and not an expensive one. If she insist on paying I will cover tip.

Nearly all my wardrobe is second hand ,and I've got some lovely pieces from the charity shops .a lot unworn and with the labels still on .most of my bags are second hand as well.in fact I think they all are apart from one my sister bought me.i highly recommend an afternoon browsing your local charity shops .oh I'm another one who loves your kitchen tiles.

I changed jobs last year and needed a dresser clothes. So I shopped the thrift stores in my area and after season sales. I saved so much money shopping this way. I love your tips and greatly appreciated you sharing these ideas.

Thank you for your video. I live in an old farmhouse, so I constantly need to save up for repairs. It's like having a money pit! I give up spending money on everything I can-- and when I buy I've thought about it for a long time, and usually it has to have more than one use!

Lots of hard work there Jane and Mike, you will reap the benefits later in the year. I love a garden but in summer you need to be working on it nearly every day. I only have a small area of garden but if my arthritic hands would allow I could be out there at least half a day 5 days a week to keep it in tip top condition.

Great video. I gave up clothing purchases last year (only bought 4 t-shirts on clearance at 2.00 each and 1 pair of used tennis shoes 8.00) and this year I'm also not planning to purchase anything for myself or my husband except underwear and socks as needed. No decorative items this year either. I will just shop my house and rearrange items if I need a different look. I'm avoiding thrift stores as much as possible. I would estimate that 80% of everything we own or wear has been purchased secondhand, almost all of my furniture was used except new bedroom suite 40 years ago, new mattresses when needed and a new lift recliner for my husband. My biggest challenge is eating out (my husband's entertainment since we are retired) or convenience foods. I generally don't purchase snack type items but I do need to do better at taking something with us to eat when we go out running errands. That's when my husband sabatoges me... LOL. and of course I'm guilty of not wanting to go home and cook either. He's the kind of guy that needs 3 full meals a day (including a generous portion of meat at each meal) so I feel like I'm cooking all the time and cleaning the kitchen all the time. LOL. I definitely need to work on meal planning.

I was able to find the 00 pizza flour recently to give a try. I made some homemade/canned pizza sauce that turned out to be extremely salty even when I didn't use the amount recipe called for. Need to tweek it by adding some plain sauce to it. Hoping the new flour will make pizza more like Papa John's pizza parlor's.

Agree about ot buying decorative items. I rarely do, preferring minimalism. I did buy a spring bunch of daffs for £1 though!

I completely understand what you’re saying about pasta sauce. I buy a pack of bread mix - 500g for a £1. I measure out 100g and make a large thin crust pizza. 20p a pizza base - I can’t make a pizza base for that x

I did not actually 'give up' buying phone order takeaway. Rather, due to a mental quirk of some sort, I find that when I look at the total cost amount on the computer I cannot bring myself to click the Order button and I eat something from the fridge instead! Over the last 3 or 4 years, I have ordered takeaway on-line maybe three or four times. Thank you for the video!

I do eat out. Cut down on deliveries altogether now. When I do eat out it is something I can’t cook myself and it’s to explore new places. So it’s an experience too.

I'm saving to pay taxes which will be close to 5k,due to working 32 hous a week and collecting social security & my pension. Next year will be less since I'll retire in early March.

I never eat out. This year my big expense is new clothes, I’ve lost a considerable amount of weight so have to replace most of my clothes, so have a $500 budget to spend in the sales online. $200 the other night went on 14 items which I am happy with. As cheap almost as the op or charity shops in my town. $50 at another store and with what I have and I am ready for Winter now.

I used my income from my side job to pay off my car 3 years early. My last 3 vehicles all have been used. I’ve been tempted a couple times to buy a newer one but I’m enjoying not having a car payment

We used to go out to eat, but, since the C we order the food and hubby picks it up. I have been trying to cut down on ordering in, however, sometimes we just want a treat. At the moment I'm trying to save enough back to order a big steak dinner, it's cheaper for us to buy the dinner all put together than buy everything separately and I'm sick of cooking. We don't have any debt, the house is paid off, we are still saving money. However, every now and then it's just a reason to keep going.

I've stopped buying clothes . I have got enough to see me out ! Also have stopped buying chocolate - I've just been told I'm a smidge under diabetic scale so got a bit of a fright ! I dread to think how much I've spent on chocolate over the years ! Prob could go on a world cruise with what I've spent ! Been going to healthy eating meeting for 5 weeks now and have lost 8 lbs so pleased with myself. Just cut out chocolate chrisps and biscuits. First week was hard but loosing weight had helped . Not buying ' ket ' has helped with shopping buget as well. Although if I loose a lot of weight I'll have to raid the charity shops again 😂

I used to consider your blog my frugal lifesaver and now your videos have taken that place ❤ All props to you ❤

I wish we had the electric option that you have in France. I live in Connecticut and our electricity cost went up 21% in July, 2022 and just went up another 50% in January, 2023. I could handle the increase in July, but the January increase added another $90 to my bill, for a total of $240.00. We don't even put the lights on when not needed and live in a small house. It's just ridiculous here. We don't eat out, buy everything second hand and cook from scratch. We are currently saving for a roof. Just hoping we get there before there's a leak! Great video as always Jane!

I just bought a air fryer second hand got a great price of $20 for a 5.5 quart almost brand new. I'm on fixed income so I rarely shop for anything new anymore

I actually cut my electric bill in half in my previous apartment. I live in the U.S. and when searching for how to lower my electric bill, I kept seeing articles and videos saying to turn off the electric water heater when not using it. I started flipping the circuit breaker for the water heater off and only flipped it back on 2 hours before I wanted to take a shower (I quickly found out it only required an hour). I had plenty of hot water to shower, enough to last through washing my hands after using the toilet, etc. until the next night. I made sure to run the dishwasher only after I had showered and turned the water heater back off. Those were the only times I had to turn it back on to have hot water for the incidentals like washing my hands. And I only ever washed clothes in cold water. It did cut my electric bill in half.

Love the way you live. I have over the years decided I will treat myself when I am out and have lunch, after reading the menu and waiting for ever for service I have 😂walked out and starved or bought chocolate. Now if we go out for t,he day eat we plan via google where we will go or take lunch with us. It is not just the cost it is the convenience. We few to Genoa last year via Brussels, we were delayed due to a strike, the queue was miles long but we had lunch with us so no problem, it is not just money it is convenient

Giving up single use items. For the cost of minor inconvenience and setting up slightly different habits and routines, you can literally NEVER again purchase storage containers, glad wrap, foil and so much more. Have a look at things you already have in your home or things that purchases come in. I switched to re-usable stuff years ago when I was focused on the environment, and it turns out that frugality is a bonus! I freeze and store foods and all sorts of things in coffee jars, jam jars etc., and that's stuff most of us can think of, but I really try to look at things differently. Recently I was given a second hand doona cover which I use on my dogs beds. It came with 2 pillow cases and I've already used one of them as a bag when I gave a friend some things. It becomes a bit of a fun game to look at how to simply use what you already have.

We eat out occasionally.. And even then we take advantage of specials offered..a local restaurant has a b1 g1 free catfish dinner on Saturday... One other has such a large portion of beef fajitas at lunch we share...I also sign up for rewards programs and have received free bbq dinners and free pizzas...

No Impulse buying, Just buying what is on our grocery list.making a Lot of presents myself( could start a fabric ,Card and Gift Shop)I'm saving Money,so I can reduce my working hours.

I easily gave up alcoholic beverages and most soda pop (occasionally I will get a taste for a Coca-cola so I will buy a small bottle). I have never really been a big drinker of alcohol anyway so giving it up after my stroke is not been a big deal. I take several different medications now and most of them say that you should not take them with alcohol so I just don't drink at all anymore. I don't objectify anyone else having a few drinks but I just choose not to. Hello to the adorable Dolly and Mary!

I recently learned that you only need a tiny amount of detergent, like a spoonful or two, for clothes. I bought a drying rack and rarely use the dryer.

Another great video! Don't know how you can find so many interesting and useful topics/ideas!

I buy everything second hand😊.I do need to work on less eating out.prices are out of hand and the quality isn’t there to justify the cost.love your channel ❤

Great tips Jane. I do most of these, especially cooking at home from scratch. Eating out is limited to occasional lunches, just a few times a year to meet up with friends or family at a distance, on those occasions when a picnic or a meal at home isn't a realistic option. We'll often take a flask and sandwiches on an outing if it's just the two of us. Impulse purchases are a rare thing for me - I like to have a discretionary amount each month but to spend it wisely. I'm focusing on building my retirement funds.

I’ve been shopping used for clothing, books, crafts etc for years. I’m an knitter, quilter, cross-stitch er, and I am always looking for second hand or thrift craft supplies. The only thing I will buy new are work shoes. I am on my feet all day, and I need quality shoes to reduce feet/back pain. It pays to save on what you need, and save on what isn’t as important. 😊

Like you, we've been doing "frugal" for some time and it's normal for us. Staying out of thrift shops and avoiding yard sales is our last hold out.

We are paying down an unexpected expense when we moved in late 2021. Almost there. 🙂👍

i always buy second hand and only eat out on very special occasions.

Great voodoo Jane. Like yourselves my first port of call is always second hand. Even though things are second hand to me I still look after them and try to make them last as long as possible. I have just replaced my 3 piece suite which I bought second hand about 25 year’s ago. The one I just bought will out live me if it lasts as long as the last one. 😊. S😊adult I did end up buying this one new as I couldn’t find anything suitable second hand, of course I saved up for it and paid cash for it. I try to say on everything I do even if it’s only pennies they all add up. This year I am having a no buy on cloths and shoes also on household items. I will only replace anything that breaks and can not be repaired but is vital to my day to day living, like my fridge or freezer.

We eat out maybe once a month. We aren’t buying any clothes this year either. Now, when everyone’s electric bill is going up, ours is going down.

Bonjour from Quebec, My friends and I, if we go out to a restaurant, have made the decision to go out for breakfast instead of lunch or dinner witch is cost prohibitive. So 1 egg, bacon, toast and coffee is $7.95 CAD instead of pasta, a glass of wine and maybe coffee at $25.00CAD. I was invited to lunch last year with an ex colleague and I chose the least expensive offer for lunch: Risotto = $36.00 CAD. Insane.

We usually pack a cooler for a trip with easy to eat fav foods and beverages. Junk food makes us both feel terrible. We actually prefer to eat at home. I would like to find a pair of sandals for this summer, mine totally fell apart last year. I avoid using electricity during peak hours. We plan to repaint our little bath upstairs this spring and some additional electrical work needs to be done., as well. Our energies are directed to the gardens.

love this video, thank you for the great ideas.

I don't take away foods, not even during Covid-19 years.

I never snack - I was bought up on 3 meals a day and I still stick to it x

I got into the habit for about 4 years of driving to nice places to walk or run my dog. Id drive to a different place everyday between 5 to 30 mins away and buy a coffee while out. Sometimes id take one of my children and buy them a drink too. Now i walk from home and have a coffee at home before i leave. I thought id get bored but i dont and it is saving me money in fuel and coffee. I want to pay our mortgage off before i turn 50 in a few years plus we have to replace sone retaining walls in our yard.

Frugal living helps with yearly expenses such as house, car and health insurance, not forgetting Vets fees for six rescue cats and a dog. I know times are tough but I shudder at those who jetison their loyal and loving pets. I think some could be saved with a little frugal living.

I've given up buying books and silly gadgets. Saving up for a new recliner and to add to my savings account.

I started upcycling as a hobby a few years back, I can look at something and say to myself 'if I can do this, with this $3 item, and sell it for $10, I've made $5 tax free money' and I do this a few times a year, it goes away for Christmas 'playtime' money.

I found out that we can make decorations for ourselves repurposing cardboard. Bottles and plastic containers. There are many videos on KZfaq from poorer countries that don't run out to a dollar store for craft items and make useful fun things out of simple materials. Great creative outlet with little cost and fun to invite ladies in for a craft night.

What a lovely video, well done jane

I love your videos. Totally agree about clothes and bills etc but in terms of going out together maybe once a month or 6 weeks for food or a day out together to make memories would be really important to me over other expenses. You can’t get time back. Just a thought not a criticism xxx

Am looking forward to getting a rechargable generator. Charge it up at nights when the rates are cheaper. Then use during the day. And, I can sleep much better waiting for the bill to arrive to expect an average of a few precious dollars shaved off by my efforts.

Will I be able to buy one of you quilts? I’m in USA love your posts🙏❤️✨

I buy 80% of my clothes at Goodwill (charity shop). I just found a pair of Italian loafers that are listed on the web at 700.00. I got them slightly used for $12.00. I laugh when people comment how well I dress. 🤣

I had to smile when you listed the trailer for your car to haul goods. I imagine that you two will find ways to make it pay for itself in a jiffy. Thank you for teasing our brains to further saving ideas.

Second hand is definitely a first go-to. I just love seeing potential in a bargain from a second-hand or charity shop and doing it up myself! Much more fun than buying new and ending up with the same thing that hundreds of others own too. We also gave up takeaways some time ago and eat out only for major family celebrations. All take away is expensive but I think pizza is one of the world's greates rip-offs. I can make my own (a huge one, laden with toppings) for between £5 and £6. To order in a takeaway one, it's very nearly £20! Horrifying! And don't you think it's twice as sweet to save eating out as a really special treat instead of its feeling almost routine? Because of energy prices I have now rethought some convenience food products. Where once I cooked everything from scratch, it's now often cheaper to buy that jar or packet sauce or a pack of ready rice, so I weigh up what's the best way before making a decision on those things.

👍👍👍

Your dog 😍

Saving for retirement

I sent à question about feeding my cats and can no longer find my comment,although it was commented on.

We decided to live like we were retired before we are and all we save we planning to pay off our house loan

What age did u retire?

Make my own clothes, better fit.

I basically eat at home except for 1 day a week we go out. May I ask ,what type of dog food you feed your little babies? Is it grain free or regular kibble? We have a Yorkie puppy and he is so picky about his food. We love him very much as he has brought us joy and entertainment.❤️🦮 Lol Thanks for the video 📹!