I just finished paying off my credit card debt yesterday morning!!!! I am 50 years old and this is the FIRST TIME in my adult life that i didn't have credit card debt!!!! It was 15000 when i started!!!!!!! OMG IT FEELS SO GOOD!! thanks for your part in making this happen for me!
Congratulations!! It's SUCH a good feeling. I cried when I got that last statement and it said Balance due: $0.00 That was 2 years ago. I was 48 and like you, it was the first time in my adult life that I had no debt. You can be proud and yell it from the roof tops!
We are retired and had two cars. We now have one car and plan our appointments around that. We gave the other one to our grandson who needed a car. Love it!
Buying a car you can afford is very important. I learned this the hard way. I bought a car that was way too expensive. It broke my wallet and costs me lots of unnecessary stress.
In my planner I keep track of any money spent plus I put a big 0 on days I dont spend money plus I want at least 15 plus days that have the big 0 on them.
I have a whole bunch of cardigans in different colors. I find that I now only wear two of them...One in black, the other in a dark brown. Between the two colors, they go with everything l have!
I haven't commented in a while..but I never miss a video..as a newly single mom (we've been separated about 6 months) and now my place of work has closed because of covid..and yea also I've run out of unemployment...your videos are always a reassurance that I can do it and im not alone...thanks to having an emergency fund im ok right now and is because you where the inspiration for that ...thank you so much for every video you do.
@@christineburm3583 Thank you so much...and YES..day by day is what I need to focus on right now..specially since also the kiddos are still virtual learning in my state.
I retired Dec. 2019. Before covid, I so enjoyed all of the additional programs set up at the public library for free or minimal cost.. Movies, yoga, etc. I so miss that. Hopefully, we will be able to get to doing those things again the future.
Hi Ellie. I saw your comment & had to respond. We do too. My little 6 year old loves the library and all of their free activities for kids. I can’t wait for them to open again.
I enjoy your videos. However, I wish you would encourage local shopping: more community jobs, spend less money, if you must return it -- more apt to do it break the on-line addiction. Secondly: encourage viewers to think about their environmental impact in every decision. Did you know you can buy shampoo & conditioner and deodorant bars? No plastic! Also un-paper towels? Or simply use rags? Thanks for all you do.
Awesome content 💪. Got 22 more months until my home is paid off!! Thank you for lighting a fire under me to be super excited about being completely debt free at 44. Thank you so much for your inspiring videos 🙏. Hi from sunny South Africa 🌈
Here's a tip if you want a warmer feeling home with a thermostat turned down at night. Ours is set at 62 in winter at night and 65 by day. Before bed I boil one pot of water per bedroom and set it on the heat vent, then shut the bedroom door. The humidity off the water makes a huge difference in how much warmer the rooms feel as we lie down for bed. The water also evaporates thru the night so not as many dry air nosebleeds or discomfort upon waking. The "old" water is used in a load of wash or to water plants indoors or water for dog and cat. It's a many wins situation! LOVE YOUR VIBES AND CHANNEL!!!
👍🏼 The best thing I ever did when I was raising my kids on my own was meal plan. I went thru all the flyers and made my menu according to what was on sale. Now they are grown and I am remarried, my husband and I don’t shop until we sit down and plan our dinners for the week. We shop once and that keeps us from being in the store every other day spending unnecessarily.
Kate, you are so amazing! You’ve actually changed my life. Your vibrant personality and positivity, AND all the wonderful information you share have changed my life. Thank you, thank you!!
I’ve been terribly tempted to clothes shop recently. But, I’ve been taking clothes and mixing it up so I always have a little something different every day. I’ve just been telling myself that I might treat myself to a couple of items this summer. The carrot 🥕 at the end of the stick.
I got me a 35 dollar couch, 2.50 kitchen aid deep fryer a 20 dollar kitchen aid mixer, a 12 dollar kitchen aid toaster with the 4 slots. Everything just go to the nicer areas.
Great video, thank you! A couple of tips for frugal travel: 1. Do not eat out if at all possible... pack a cooler with food and drinks. Stop off at picnic areas or scenic spots to have a bite to eat... so much more pleasant to enjoy the scenery and sunshine than to sit in a fast food place! 2. Camp or stay at a friend’s place, instead of staying in a hotel or motel. If this isn’t an option, check into verbo or Airbnb... oftentimes, this can be a better value than a hotel; especially if there are several people in your party. 3. Go to state parks or national parks, instead of expensive outings on your trip. Visit free or inexpensive museums. Historical monuments are a great idea, especially for families with kids! Vacation and field trip in one!
You’re certainly right about who we hear financial advice from affecting how we take it in. You are so positive, and you make frugal living sound like fun! Thanks!
I just recently found you. I was scrolling thru RU-vid and your videos made me realize this was exactly what I was needing. Your videos keep me going when I want to spend money. Thank you for your inspiration! One thing I have done for years with frugal/minimalistic living, I have gotten rid of a ton of clothes and save a lot of money every year. During the first week of October, I turn ALL of my hangers backwards and when I’ve worn it I hang it back up the regular way. The next year, the first week of October, I take down every piece of clothing that is still hanging backwards and donate or sell them. I’ve saved a ton of money and made more room in my closet as well. Love your videos! Thanks for your inspiration!
You have the absolute best energy. :D I never actually realized I live frugally cuz I never did it on purpose. But here in Romania, Eastern Europe, we are taught to apply a lot of what you're saying from a young age.
@@KateKaden Definitely, our country has been through communism so it taught our parents the meaning of saving up and making do with the little you had. This was also passed onto me and I've been through severe poverty once but came out on the other side and doing well currently - your tips should be heard by everyone. I firmly believe with the way some people are spending, they are one paycheck away from financial disaster. Great channel - I have binge watched several of your videos and subscribed :D
With you extra $100 toward principle you could get your amortization chart out and see how far ahead each extra payment takes you. Especially now at the beginning of your mortgage the amount going to principle each month is minimal. So, an extra principle payment of $100 could jump you forward 2 or 3 months if not more. That’s always a nice thing to see.
I am a huge impulse purchaser...so I return a lot. Also shopped my closet. I know everything fits now and I got it organized so that I know my choice will be a good one.
Yes!!! First car was a Toyota Carolla Bubbles (paid off sold to someone who races cars) , Toyota Yaris is Dakota (paid off and my mom is driving) and Rav 4 (my dream car/paid kff) Ms. Adventure! The Mazda was Zoom Zoom and the Ford was Cyclone!
I finally got serious with my grocery budget and for everything I need plus cat food and litter cost me $55.49 bought extra of the same items put receipt on fridge going to see how long my food screeches. Already ate through freezer and pantry.
Don't use it all though! I did that and then boom the pandemic happened and I had to pay double for some things, then this past week it's need -40 all week and I didn't have to go out because we had food in the pantry.
I’m not in debt, so I’ve never really made a budget until this year. I’m on a no/low spend year and am going to track every dollar and pay attention to what I spend. It’s eye opening to both those in and not in debt.
Since COVID I’ve been going to work and home. Money is spent on groceries and that’s it. The next couple of years are no buy years while I pay off my mortgage and invest.
Watching/following you exactly a year now ☺️and totally adopted this new way of living and already reached some goals 😀thank you so much for inspiring, motivating and uplifting and just being there 🙏❤️
Sorry, this will be a long comment. We once bought a brand new car. It was a lemon. Constantly in the shop for the first two years. But we ended up driving it for just over 12 years before we traded it in on a different car for my daughter. Decided to never buy a new car again. In June 2019 we bought a 2018 Toyota Sienna. Bought the best extended warranty we could get. Traded in a 2010 Toyota Sienna and a 2009 Toyota Venza, paid cash for the balance. The reason for buying such a new vehicle was I was tied of always fixing older vehicles. My husband wanted to go older and cheaper, but the repairs always fall on me. I usually end up spending at least half a day in the city waiting for the repairs to be done, or driving to the city twice in one day. This takes away from my business (self employed). So far, after over 1 1/2 years the only work we have had to do is regular maintenance and recall work. The reason for buying the extended warranty, everything is now electric and computerized in these newer vehicles. I had the electric sliding doors go on my old van. It cost me $1300 just to get them to disconnect the motors so we could use the doors manually. It would have cost three times that to get new motors put in. That would have all been covered under warranty, which would almost pay for the warranty by itself. All that to say, buying cheap isn’t always the best option if you can afford to buy better. Sometime peace of mind is worth the extra $$. On another note, I paid off my only debt yesterday, $45,000 we borrowed to buy a different house in October 2019. It feels really good.
I do name my cars! I'm currently driving a 2008 white Pontiac Vibe named Betty. (Betty White...get It?) I named her after Betty White because she's old and still working.... Lol
I just sold my white Pontiac vibe she had almost 400,000 miles and the ones who bought marshmallow said she is still the most awesome car ever doing maintenance and caring foe the things we have makes this possible for someone else and the one who bought her is debt feee and the car I have now is debt free win win
My husband cuts my hair when I need a trim and over quarantine I did all his haircuts but as his hairline as started to recede more he decided just to buzz it and he jokes that he minimalized his hair and any products associated with it lol
My water heater is shut off except when I shower (every other day) and run the dishwashe (every few days). Not a big household here so I can get away with this - also live in FL so don't have to worry about pipes freezing. I have done this for the past 15 years - among many other frugal things :)
Awesome tips. Just caution is you are going to meal plan and cook in bulk make sure your fridge is working well. You do not want to waste you food and the energy you used prepare them.
Just come home after a 9.5 hour shift at work where I spent no money at all & when I got home there was a ready meal macaroni cheese in the freezer that can be oven cooked from frozen if it’s in for 45 minutes. That’s my dinner tonight. Another day of no spending and shopping my own freezer.
My son named my black Ford Edge, The Black Pearl. Big Disney fans and I get a kick out of thinking I have a ghost ship for a suv. I even have a pirate ship vanity plate, gives it some personality. :)
I was almost debt free, then I started couponing. It was fun. I was buying things I didn't need because it was a bargain. Then started shopping just for the hell of it as a stress reliever. $10k later on credit cards.... Well I'm starting over again. No cable/internet at home, only my phone's data plan. I did just move into a larger home but it's also newer so utility bills have actually gone down. It's always good to hear how other people are succeeding at saving, thanks for sharing this list.
Love your positive vibes!! Debt free journey here! One out of four credit cards gone 🔥 btw I’d love to quote your home & auto insurance as I’m a single mama as an independent insurance agent. So many of my families pay over $800/yr more without knowing !!
Frugal people never lease cars and don’t normally take on car payments. Learned that lesson the hard way. The one thing that stopped me from living paycheck to paycheck was paying cash for cars. If I can’t pay cash, I can’t afford it.
Hi Kate! That was a great article full of such helpful tips. The only one I pretty much use them all. Meal planning & having a budget I think we’re the best 2 tips. Doing both can save you sooo much money. Nice job.
I would totally agree about buying used. I have purchased almost all of our furniture, my son's wardrobe for 13 years, cars, household items thrifted or used and have saved at least $50,000. or more over 35 or so years. I always get a vehicle 2-4 years old after the original owner has fixed any problems and have never needed to fix anything on them and generally keep them another ten years on average. I know a lot of people feel the need to get a new car pretty frequently, but for me, I'm just sitting in it and not trying to impress anyone. My furniture, I love vintage and antique and it is so sturdy and well made and if I have to reupholster, that's fine with me. My son's clothes and half my wardrobe and more than half my husband's is all thrifted. Many items brand new with tags and I only buy it if it looks basically new. My husband is white collar and brand new shirts can be $40-50.00 so I slowly started buying all of his shirts thrifted and he never even noticed and now loves it. I've even found $150.00 shirts with tags still on. Definitely skip the salon for our house and we do frugal vacations by getting a room with a kitchen and doing a lot of free things. I've done some wonderful hand made gifts. I try not to even use the lights during the day. Coffee is where we do spend, for coffee at home we love Nespresso and bonus we can't stand coffee anywhere else, lol. I do like her list, there are so many ways to save. I do put things in the cart and wait on them and usually remove them later.
Trading/bartering has helped me get and remain out of debt.. I trade catnip toys for produce, hemming pants for a piece of ironstone pottery...let your friends know what you can offer...Also, I don't like to cook so do bulk cooking of protein, freezing most in one or two portions...cook once eat for a month with very little extra effort
I watch all the ladies you mentioned and while I enjoy their content, I relate the most to you. I think it because you are not extreme in anything and I am. It either. Thanks for all the work you do!
I have gone around the house and literally have unplugged almost anything I can find that doesn’t need to be plugged in…. My family thinks I’m crazy!! Can’t wait to see what the electric bill is next month 😂😂
🤩😎 Great recommendations! I adore 🥰 the cats 🐱. I’m in my mid 50’s & looking back, everything you say is so on point 😉. I have so much debt for not adhering to the obvious. Hoping the message of saving, mindfulness & enjoying responsibly gets through to all. I’ve been trying but need to really buckle down. Thanks for the videos 😘.
Happy Friday 🌟 My no spend month went overall well besides unexpected vet bills but that’s why I have a sinking fund for my dog 🐶 it’s awesome you’re able to support your friend that’s a stylist. I’m a stylist myself and this year has been so hard- it’s always a treat when my friends are able to come in & I can spend sometime with them / make them feel beautiful. Have a great weekend 💚
Vet bills! Yes inevitable! Lol. Man we love our pets. Gotta do it. Thank you so much for watching! Have an amazing weekend! Drop in for the live Sunday if you feel like it:)
The simplest way to save money is to round up your expenses in your checking register. I do this, beginning January 1st., and balance my account in late December. It's the easiest way to save and you'll never miss it.
My tip for my friends is if you buy something know the return policy and shipping policies. If you shop and decide you don't need or like it make the returns. Money returned is like money not spent. Also look for unused items in your home prior to purchasing gifts.
Great video, Kate. Can you discuss this subject.....it sounds like you always purchase new cars. My friend buys a new car, (trades in his old one for a good deal!!) and never buys tires, has repairs, etc. He has a car payment but it is never more than a few dollars more than his previous car. My cars are bought used and I have minor repairs, buy new tires, and keep them for YEARS! Mine has 250,000 miles on it and still serviceable. I never have a car payment. So, which style of purchase is the best bet??
Also,reassess if you really need a car.we live in chicago,and we have great public transportation. Parking here is either outrageously expensive,or not happening. Plus,with a vehicle,there are more costs than just payment.gas.maintenance.license.insurance.registration.emissons.parking.it adds up fast. Another tip to save money,buy the best possible quality the first time. Buy good quality shoes,underwear,mattress,pots and pans,cutlery,laundry soap,dish soap,trash bags.these you cannot cheap out on.
