We are retired and frugal. We spend money on our organic food, our shoes and our glasses. This winter we bought good coats for winter, Columbia, We walk a LOT!!! We work to protect our body, our eyes and our feet.....our health is our wealth.
Totally agree, us too. We eat all organic food. We never eat out so save a great deal from what we hear of other people’s spend. We also never eat on the road if we have to travel for work. We make a picnic, not just for economy, but the quality of food available on the road side is appalling plus the risk of food poisoning (which is not insignificant). Low level food poisoning is a constant problem of modern life. It goes largely unreported but it is bound to happen when you let a factory system make your lunch sandwiches and salads.
Agreed... I am very conscious about the flame retardants and chemicals in regular mattresses... found a really nice on on sale from Silk and Snow and it’s totally natural and without any nasties... also only need to buy one because my daughter and I share a queen bed since it’s just the two of us... I got a really good deal on it and would’ve paid more for a regular mattress.
RU-vid was invented to fit your family...isn't it funny how you were doing the same kind of video's back in 70's/80's.....you guys are the king and Queen of RU-vid 💚🧡
Awe, thank you, Tara. I've been the archiver in the family. I've always like documenting our everyday experiences with photos and video. Now with this channel it's paying off. So glad to have you with us!
Larry would appreciate this: I got my first apartment in 1974. As most kids do, I took some of my mother's things to help me get started. She gifted me her Oster blender, which was about 2 years old, and a big deal at the time because it replaced her Kitchen-Aid for small jobs. Okay, so now it's 2021 and the blender is still going strong ( I make Blender Gazpacho on a regular basis). It might be a collector's item by now!
Twenty years ago my sister gifted me with a thrift store Oster blender. It was 4 bucks. It was ancient then. (Many of the words were rubbed off from use even then). I've replaced the jar and blender blades, but it's still going strong. It's a beast.
My parents asked me what I wanted for my apartment. I asked for a steamer and rice maker. They gave me an American brand - Presto (before crap was made in China.) I had that thing thing 30 or so years. It boiled eggs, steamed any veggie, made rice and was wonderful.
Nice couple, living their life together happily and on their own terms, raised good children, never negative. Wishing them well in life and praying for their health and togetherness ❤
I love Scott 1 ply toilet paper. It is soft enough for me, lasts forever and doesn't clog up the septic tank. You couldn't pay me to go back to the quilted kind that doesn't provide the same clean, efficient service. 😁 To each his own. 😉
My grandparents had a septic system and always had to use 1-ply. They were very specific about when you did - and did not - place toilet paper into the toilet.
@@UndertheMedian - I've been fortunate enough to be able to travel to Mexico and some central American countries. They don't flush toilet paper, it goes into the trash.
I am with you on the toilet paper! One of my non negotiables is a cleaning service once every two weeks. My husband and I I each work anywhere between 60-70 hours a week and having the help for a deep clean twice a month is everything!
I paid for a service to deep clean our kitchen as a "treat" after we became debt-free. Oh my God, best $120 I've ever spent! They cleaned stuff I hadn't even thought of cleaning. I wouldn't let my husband cook or open anything in there for a solid 24 hours.
I'm so glad you"DO" spend some money! Yay!!! Well, it cracks me up that everybody drinks coffee and most businesses have it out.. however...I was the only one out of my parents and 2 sister's and 2 brother's that did not/ do not drink coffee. But, I'm also the only soda drinker in the family. I know..I know.. I'm gonna get a lot of static about that. But Please ...I already know it. Now sometimes I do drink Tea but I drink Sweet Tea..I know I know..I'm gonna get it again. I did see some flavored Coffee I thought I'd try at Walmart though. Bear with me. Now seriously... this is the Honest to Good Lord living"TRUTH" Take care of your feet ppl. I've had 2 for surgeries. 1 on each foot. First I went to Podiatrist. He did Bunion surgery. Put a plate in to keep my foot straight. Did a Hammer Toe. My toe is honestly turning under .. foot is straight though. Other foot...I went to an Orthopedic surgeon..no plate to keep foot straight.... consequently my foot over corrected and now MG left foot looks like a "c". Sad to say shoe shopping is really not an option. I have bought 2 different sized shoes for the last few years. It's the same brand ... they look the same but different sixes. Surgery to correct is really not an option.. I'm here to tell you...Please listen to Larry and Hope. They definitely know what they are talking about. You will pay one way or the other...good quality does..or possible foot surgeries. I sure RECOMMEND GOOD SHOES. When I was growing up our Dad did "take care of your feet and eyes,". Some of it isn't my fault. But I'll own what part is. God knows.
I can't believe no one hasn't already said their vacuum cleaner. I have had an Electrolux for about 30 years. My kids bought me a Dyson last year and I told them I didn't need it, but OMG that thing is AMAZING. I still kept my old canister vac though-even though the Dyson is awesome (and it wasn't cheep).
I didn't think about our vacuum. We have a Kirby - and they are expensive! We paid $650 for that vacuum - over 20 years ago. We recently got an identical unit for $20 at a thrift store. I don't know if we would do it again but it has been a long-lasting vacuum.
My brother wears size 15 shoes and weve found some epic used shoes for him. Once, we found a pair of Ferragamo designer sneakers for only $70 (usually retail $1200) and they've lasted him for years
I have the opposite problem to Larry: I wear a ladies size 4 kids size 2. No luck at thrift stores🥲. Ordering size 4 is expensive. Tend to keep and repair if possible.
I’m very agree with the north face brand. I live in Chile and I bought a polar jacket from them like 6 years ago and I use it EVERY day, and it’s perfect.
For the most part it's the same here, with anything I wear that anybody else will see. although my garden work clothes are very inexpensive and 2nd hand because no matter what I buy they are stained and in bad shape and don't last more than a season.
I have a Le Creuset braiser that I use almost everyday. It will outlast my lifetime and probably my children’s as well. And, it cooks my food perfectly, it is quite beautiful, always sits on my range, is a beautiful shade of bright green and gives me joy!! Worth every penny!!
I LOVE the throwback clips you've been putting in lately. You two are sooo cute! All those family videos will be a treasure for your children and grandchildren to look back on. I dont have one video of my mother or father young (lucky if I can find a pic) but I wish I did.
On a low fixed income, I splurge on organic foods more and more. I still use paper towels, but if I just dry my hands, i keep it on the counter for another use. And agree with the TP priority.
I'm with you, Carol - go organic! The absence of residual pesticides, herbicides and petrochemical fertilizers gives me a much greater sense that I'm putting good things in my body.
I agree about paper towels, esp if you handle meat you dont want that on sponges or towels. 2, I reuse the p. towels for cleaning the counter, stove or floor, then it gets composted. Saves on cleaning detergents and hot water too.
I do historical re-enactments, Civil War and Medieval. Both can be expensive-but they don't have to be. I disguise myself as a man and go in the field, so I need my rifle, but I had it for 20 years. I bought the clothing I needed for particular impressions, Civil War, but often bought used, and I still do whenever I can. When I got into the Society for Creative Anachronism I bought a bow off Amazon, a cloak and a few rudimentary items. My commander loaned me gear, and gave me a little too. After I got in, I found I could get used garb, free. That is right. Other SCA members thinning their wardrobes are only too glad to give away what they are not using. It is true that one man's trash is another's treasure. Then I befriended a laurel who had a room full of fabrics and taught me rudimentary sewing on a machine. With her help I made a hood that I entered in arts and sciences that I still wear. With patterns for more garb and free cloth, my friends and I are planning a sewing party to make medieval Japanese garb. Armor for heavy fighting cost, but not as much as it could. If I went to an armorer it would cost 1600 to 2000. I got off light at 500 for custom armor that fits and comes with lifetime care. The shield I sought help with, and the sword was sort of ubiquias. At present I am qualified for target archery, and heavy fighting, but still need to get my card. It is all good exercise (as US Navy I function as a skirmisher and run in the field, in wool pants, brogans, and all.
My ex sister-in-law taught me a long time ago that life is too short to buy cheap toilet paper. She was so right! Charmin Red is the tp for my house, and I appreciate it every day.
I have learned about Bosch mixers from another RU-vidr with a large family that cooks from scratch all the time...she says she received hers for a wedding gift 18 years ago and it is still going strong as well! I had never heard of them until watching her videos. I have a Kitchen Aid that I have used ruthlessly but oh how I would have loved having that Bosch for bread making for my 4 children while they were growing up! Wow! What a wonderful tool! ( I have a Bosch dishwasher that I dearly love so I absolutely support the brand!) And, you were ahead of the times by grinding your own wheat!! It’s becoming very popular now! Good for you!
YES, YES, YES - 2ply bathroom tissue !!! I buy Quilted Northern, but only when it's on sale. My local grocers sell it every few months at $5.99 for 12 double rolls ( that's 49 cents per single roll). When it's on sale, I scoop up enough to last me until they go on sale again in 3 months. Full disclosure: I store packages of bathroom tissue in the trunk of my Toyota Camry!! Good Coffee: Gotta have good coffee. There's an old brand called Eight o'Clock Coffee which was/is sold by ACME, Shop-Rite, Giant and other chains. Last year they developed a "specialty line" called "EOC" with flavor kik rs like Cafe Americano and Espresso. One of those flavors is "Black and Tan", which they describe as "a medium-bodied dark roast with a creamy texture". It's soooo good. When I can drink a coffee black, I know it's good. If I take a thermos to work, I sometimes sprinkle a tsp of instant espresso in there along with a splash of caramel almond milk, and it's SO satisfying. The other thing(s) I spend money on is my pets veterinary care. I have enrolled my pets in wellness plans at PetSmart Banfield Hospital. The cost is about $400 per year for my cat and around $500 for my dog. That included unlimited visits, annual vaccines, annual dental cleaning and more, which make those plans worth the money. I can pay up front or make monthly payments.
That vet care plan is worth every penny. We paid several hundred dollars a year for Shelby's annual check-up, shots, tags, etc. I dare say that you come out on the better end of that deal (especially as your pets age).
Two brands that spring to mind immediately that I spend good money on and appreciate are: Kitchen Aid for kettle and toaster (together around £350) and Le Creuset for pans and cookware (I have 6 pans totallying around £950). They will last me a lifetime if I look after them. Great video guys. Keep them coming please xx
Definitely with you regarding the toilet paper, shoes, and kitchen items. My spouse bought me a Kitchenaid stand mixer back in 1988 before we got married and it is still going strong. We also don't skimp on good tools - my spouse does all the repairs on our cars and most of the home repairs, so I don't quibble about getting the good stuff as it will last. We also buy some items in bulk, like tea.
I agree 100% on the wisdom of spending money to obtain good value. My mother always said we were too poor to wear cheap shoes. Took me a while, as I was growing up, to understand what she meant, but I finally got it! And I totally agree on the two-ply toilet paper. Another item I won't compromise on is good bed sheets. I usually get them at Sam's and they last me several years.
Yes! Alice, you have a valid point. I have noticed recently that several of my sheets are really showing the wear. I decided that I am going to research good sheets and then watch for a great sale on them.
I love the old clips, please keep showing them! The North Face & Apple are two of my favs that I splurge on also. I also splurge on shampoo & conditioner because Florida humidity is brutal for frizz ☀️ I have a Vitamix, but the Blendtecs are about $700 so you really do have an amazing sister!
Thanks for the mention of the old clips. We weren't sure if they were really that appreciated. I love incorporating them into the videos. Good name brands pay off when searching for products that last.
@@larryware1 They definitely are fun to watch, just like seeing the older electronics! You are the cutest couple & are smart for documenting those memories. Thanks for sharing them ✌🏽🌱
How interesting! I've not given it much thought. But, you may very well be right. I usually get a huge, industrial roll at SAMS. It costs a pretty penny, but lasts forever.
Hubby got me,right before the polar vortex,a heavy winter coat for $5 at a thrift store that has since gone out of business.its an old navy mens coat.fits,really warm.
We are frugal and we spend good money on the same things as you, plus 3 more items: tools (mechanics and construction- cheap ones don't last; good ones last a lifetime!), quality furniture (my best friend will buy 3 couches in the same timeframe that we go thru one.....and ends up spending more than the more expensive one I get to begin with), and "experiences"...(we don't take a vacation every year, but a portion of the money we save being frugal, goes to 1-3 week trips every other year or so. We managed to take our 4 kids to all 50 states. The money I saved by cutting everyone's hair for 20 years paid for a 16 day, 4 island trip for 6 to Hawaii!)
Oh, Michelle, I like the way you think! Taking savings in one area and putting it toward something you really want is so smart. We love that you have beenon so many traveling adventures with your family. You're right about quality tools. We have some that belonged to Larry's dad and are probably 70 years old. They will, undoubtedly be passed along to our kids one day. They just don't wear out.
I live frugally so I have the money to buy what I want when I want it. -When I was married, we took 2 vacations a year, 1 cheap like a road trip, packed food, camped when we could and 1 more luxury, Scotland. England, Belgium, New Zealand staying in fancy hotels and eating great meals. We didnt waste money on touristy souvenirs, rather getting something handcrafted from that country or a regional cookbook. - I use ''name brand single ply'', I live in an old house and the plumbing gets indigestion if 2 ply is used. - Value not cheap, but if cheap will work, why not. I think its just the 'smart' thing to do.
50 years ago, 2 little kids, a dog, a VW Beetle, canvas tents, hard rain every single time we camped! No cooking, running in rain to restroom. Don't know why kids shudder at the idea of camping.
I'm a Toyota lady too. Mine is 6 years old now and never had any problems. I bought new in 2015, my only luxurious spending ! I hope that I will be able to use it until 2035 - 2040 😁
Same! And I had older cash cars but they LAST! I had a 94 Camry that lasted 8 years and now have a 98 Acura going on 5th year. The money I save on payments and higher insurance I put that money aside for any repairs.😁
We have been taking public transit for the past 10 years but when we move back to Vancouver we’ll need a car and my husband has been researching for YEARS. He definitely is looking at a used Japanese auto.
I spent £1,500 building an electric mountain bike with a large high quality battery and powerful motor, the battery alone took £600 of the budget but you pay for quality! I get 100 miles of range and effortlessly get up any hill! By my estimation the bike and battery will pay for itself when taking into account the savings from not having a car.
OK, here are ours: We slept on my double bed for years. Then, we bought a mattress set really cheap (but brand new)....I think it might have been $85. for the mattress & then that for the box spring...not sure, it's been many years. That mattress got so it hurt my back so much. And it was old....so we got another bed on sale. And had it probably 20 yrs. (which is way too long for a standard mattress....they should be replaced about every 10yrs. or so) My back was hurting so much. Then in Jan.2014, we bought a Sleep Number bed & paid over $1,000. It has a 25 yr. warranty & it is The Best Bed we've ever had !!!! We LOVE it. Worth every cent. LOVE that it has 2 chambers so both of us can adjust ours to whatever setting suits us....even if we need it softer or firmer in the middle of the night, we can! It is SOOOOO comfortable. Best sleep we've experienced. I developed a taste for coffee in the early 80's. I tried all sorts. ....but when I tried Maxwell House International Coffee in the Belgian Hazelnut flavor, I found My Coffee. Angels singing, the whole bit. I have bought it ever since....& I'd say it's been my one & only coffee for about 26 years at least...maybe longer. Those little tins are not a cheap way to buy coffee !! But that is the coffee I love & it's the ONLY coffee I drink...1 mug a day, no more , no less. It's worth it to me. I savor it. And we can't stand cheap ice cream. Yuck ! We wait for sales on what we buy in the stores. Love Hagen Dazs coffee ice cream & Home Made brand from UDF (United Dairy Farmers)...their butter pecan is perfection....not that cloyingly, disgustingly sweet base like other brands make. And we treat ourselves to a Jeni's ice cream cone once in a great while. It is to die for !!! As for t.p., absolutely, totally agree w/you ! The cheap stuff is the pits !! We like Cottonelle. That one-ply scratchy stuff is for the birds. And when it comes to pet food, we go kind of middle of the road....definitely won't get the cheap stuff, but the top-of-the-line is too much....so I look for good quality that doesn't have fillers , by-products, or carrageenan. For our cats, I want wet food that has animal protein as the first 3 or 4 ingredients. Feeding them healthy food keeps the vet bills down. As for a blender.....I invested in a VitaMix & have never regretted it. That thing can make just about anything including hot soup. And my tilting KitchenAid stand mixer? Top notch. Have had it for about 30 yrs. Still going strong. I got the grain mill for it , too. And one other thing....several years ago we started buying organic (cow's) milk. We've never looked back. It tastes better & it doesn't go bad for a lot longer than non-organic milk. So...even tho it costs quite a bit more than non-organic, we get organic milk. ( This is not to say we buy everything organic.)
I loved reading your non-negotiables. Great testimonial for the Sleep Number mattress. I've always wondered if they were worth the price. Before we were vegan, we liked to buy a locally made brand ice cream (Uncle Bob's) that was really expensive, but totally worth the price. We also bought whole fat milk from a local dairy. If we timed it right, the health food store would discount the gallons by 50-75% when it was within one day of the "sell-by" date. It was still more expensive than the supermarket brand, but the discounted price was really affordable.
Totally agree with these, especially coffee, TP and good shoes. I would add Le Creuset pots and wool jumpers. Oh and a good handbag will elevate any outfit.
I'm a minimalist and kinda frugal. I believe quality over quantity. I spent $60 on 6 glasses about 3 y ago bc my youngest almost cut his mouth on a Dollar tree glass that's when I said nope I will only buy a quality not quantity. We will have these glasses 10 plus years. Cookware I will have to the day I die bc it's cast iron . I will never go cheap on household items but I do hit a sales on kids clothes,food , washing powder and things like that.
Hi Hope Hi Larry Love the clips at the end 😃 Hope, I am with you...Bath tissue is a no compromise issue in my household as well. I am an extreme couponer, so I never pay full price for any taxables...I do donate & bless others and God sure does make sure to pay it forwArd with an abundance....Thank you for all the tips & money saving ideas
My husband wears a 14 EEE. He has such trouble finding shoes. It's funny what each person considers a non-negotiable. The older I get,I balk at clearance priced clothing items even at Walmart. But, I went to culinary school, so I sprang for a Vitamix, albeit a refurbished one. I buy the Lodge version of the fancier Le Creuset pots. Which is funny to me, bc some people I know balk at Lodge prices. I don't like when people accuse others of not being frugal if someone says they splurge on certain items. Just because I chose to buy a Vitamix doesn't mean I am not frugal. And just because you like to buy "fancier " coffee on occasion, it doesn't mean you aren't frugal either. To me, being frugal in certain areas leaves more room for individuals to decide what they do want to spend money on.
I still love doing the occasional book haul now and then. My main luxury for me are drinks out. I like matcha lattes and bubble teas, but some places charge extra for plant based milks. I still like taking vacations and going travelling.
We dont buy much furniture, its mostly second hand or from heavily discounted ones but we bought a really expensive mattress and it really solved some of the back problems my husband had and we both get better sleep , it was worth it
Lavazza, in a Bialetti Moka Pot ☕️. Totally agree on good quality shoes(Birkenstocks), cars (used 2006 Toyota Camry), camping gear (Black Diamond tent, Coleman stove, Bluetti power station) TP 😂 (I'm a Charmin girl). For my 2 cents - Cat Litter - Dr. Elsey's. Can't be beat for odor control without over powering fake scents like glade. Contigo Thermos - no spill lids are important when you live in an RV. Dash mini appliances - consistent under 700 watt appliances perfect for RV living.
I agree with all of these! I will always pay extra for Birkenstocks, Boston Stoker Coffee's Highlander Grogg ( a local roast here in Dayton ), and good quality leather purses. I have been carrying a beautiful leather Coach for around 15 years and it just gets better with age. I found it new in the box at a thrift store for $12, and it retailed for $298!!! I also love my Kitchenaid mixer and my Instant Pot, worth every penny!!!
My husband wears a 14 shoe and my son wears a 13. Decent shoes are a must and like you said , many places don’t sell those sizes. Socks that fit properly are a challenge too. So we watch for deals but we will pay more overall to get them what they need.
Yes! We have to look for extra long socks. We've had good luck at Menards, believe it or not. We got some really nice, name brand, extra-long socks there at Christmas time for about $1.00 a pair. The bigger my boys' feet got, the harder it was to find used shoes for them.
For our familie, it’s Apple products, KitchenAid kitchen helpers and allergeen free shower products. For groceries we do compare brands as generic brands, the shop own brands win most of the time 😊
I adore my KitchenAid mixer! It’s been going strong for 30 years and gets a lot of use. After my mom died we gave hers to our church and it is 45 years old and going strong! I also drive a Toyota and keep my cars for 10-12 years until they die of old age. Yes to good mattresses and my Keurig too!
We spend money on cars (also huge Toyota fans!), traveling, quality shoes and boots, and outerwear. We live in New England so warm coats and winter boots are essential! The thrift stores are usually picked over, so we tend to buy new (always offseason and on sale!) 😊
We have a Vitamix blender. Worth every penny. Also, we purchase preowned Mercedes Benz vehicles and keep up with the recommended service schedule. Our vehicles have over 200,000 miles on them.
@@larryware1 I had been driving a Hyundai Santa Fe which I absolutely loved until a lady ran into my car and totaled it. Just so happened I bought a 2003 Mercedes ML500 (their version of an SUV) and it is a great car! I would never have thought to buy a Mercedes, but this one worked out perfectly. The best part - I only paid $1500 for it and everything works!
I own a 16 year old Honda that will be at 200k miles very soon. It did have some major problems when it was younger, but for the last 10 years it has just been normal maintance
Yes, Bosch, Blendtech, grain mill. All in my kitchen, all totally worth the investment. Also a Kuhn-Rikon pressure cooker. I have a couple of basic slow-cookers. Also Americraft cookware - stainless steel, best quality I've ever used.
I spend good money on woolen sweaters. Really expensive but keeps me so comfy and warm for years. Does not need a lot of washing or taking care of. Just give it fresh air on a hook and it is good to go because of the selfcleaning character of wool
#1. Good coffee!! As Hope has recommended, I started to look at my receipts, and I was spending $19/lb on Sbux beans ( 2.5/ 3 lbs per month) ; last month I found a SALE coffee for $11/ lb which was ALMOST as good at the $19/lb Sbux! Now I'm looking for the sales!!! I LOVE good coffee too...
🤔 Automobiles, Cellphones, Pocketbooks, Winter Boots, Perfume, Skin Care & Makeup, I tried the cheap brands and it was horrible for my skin, 🥵 non negotiable now! Love you guys you are the best!!! 🤗
'Round about 1993 I spent more than $2,000 for a Rainbow vacuum sweeper. You put water in the base, which catches the dust that most sweepers spew out the exhaust (great for people with dust allergies). I still have that sweeper. My mom has owned hers for approx 50 years with only one motor replacement--and it once got knocked down an entire flight of stairs! (And I am with you on TP--a definite must!)
That's fantastic. There was a hilarious episode of Everybody Love Raymond where they had that kind of vacuum. (The daugther-in-law thought she would finally show there *was* dirt in her highly critical mother-in-law's house, but when she took the vacuum there and used it, expecting the water to be as muddy as it was when she used it on her own carpet, the water stayed totally clear. Very funny.)
I like to say I'm "prudently frugal and selectively extravagant." I am able to buy a $500 guitar (if I choose) that give me a lifetime's entertainment because I don't really enjoy eating out or paying too much for beans, etc. I have money for extravagance because I don't spend it on stupid things.
First car I owned, Astrovan. It finally died under me. Then I bought a Ford Focus 2008. That was a beast. It already had over 100,000 miles on it, and I put another 100,000 miles on it. Good car. It had some problems, the most expensive one was the fuel injector going out. I got help to fix that. But a friend was quitting driving, and she wanted a good home for her car; it had less than 10,000 miles on it. Rather than selling it, she gave it to me, so I sold the ford and now I am driving a Hyandai Sonata 2011. It drives well.
Only tent I have is canvas; no floor. One door. a camp cot that I was given. The tent set me back 115.00, the poles and stakes about 25.00 I got it in 1997, and I have used it ever since. It has had some rips and tears in it, but I sew them up. A loop that goes over the stake on the side ripped; I sewed that up. It is waterproofed and flame retardant. No leaks. I still have it, and it can use it and my camp cot.
I pay for quality and/or organic food and supplements as much as I can find. My body has to last me a lifetime. For transportation here in the big city I use public transit. For special trips not too far away that busses and trains can't take me I rent a car for the time that I need it. That saves the car payments, repairs, insurance, gas, etc.
Puffs tissues are a must for me. Every other brand of tissues is too abrasive on our skin when someone has a cold. I'm so glad you mentioned the Bosch mixer! It is the only mixer I found that can handle an entire 5 lb bag of flour when making bread. I need to find more recipes to use it for, but it is a GEM.
My wise grandfather used to say a man\woman need two things in life a good bed and good pair is shoes as if your not in one hour in the other. This always stuck in our family . Love your videos in getting lots of tips in these hard time. Thank you from Scotland x
Hi there, I love Earl grey tea. When I first tried it, I didn't like it. I thought it smelt and tasted like flowers. Not that I eat flowers. Once I got used to it, that's what I like. I used to be a barista for a few years, but I don't like coffee, unless it's a specialty coffee. I bought an expensive coffee machine (an impulse buy) which I only use a couple of times a year. I do like hot chocolates though. I have always bought new wood furniture that I still have 35 years later, and they are still in great condition. I don't like the cheap furniture. I do like to upcycle furniture to but would only get wood items.
Ordered 100 free checks online from bank zero cost. Got $18.00 two-inch ribeye steak today at foodbank plus other goodies. Got property tax today, between my sister and me, runs less than $2,000.00, be glad to get this out of way so I can see where my bank & stash money stands, insurance already paid.
Great video, Hope and Larry, I loved hearing about what you won’t compromise on. Some of mine are the same: I buy the coffee I like when it’s on half price sale and stock up, I buy my toilet paper from a company that delivers AND uses half of the profits to fund sanitation projects in developing countries I go for quality kitchen appliances that come with a 5 year warranty where possible I bought a very good mattress that supports my dodgy back with an 8 year warranty I invest in sturdy shoes And I make sure I always have fresh fruit and vegetables in the house even if my budget is super tight that week.
Hope, you won't believe this but my daughter has been going on and on at me about cinnamon buns (rolls) - we can't buy them here - no-where has them (in Aus). Can you do a upload showing us how to make them??? Yours look delicious.
I think Larry took a series of really good photos of me making the cinnamon rolls. I'll have to see if I can either do a video or put a post on the website with step-by-step instructions.
Cookware: I bought cast iron thinking I would use it forever. I developed health problems and bought a cheap light weight set. Everything burned in it. So I upgraded to Cuisinart nonstick set. It cooks evenly and is not too heavy. It's also easy to wash.
I just bought hurom HAA juicer lastweek. It is an investment for me because it is not cheap.. And my brother told me.. Not a good buy during pandemic but it was on sale. It is high price considering...but no guilt. But the main reason was, my dental condition, I cannot chew very well... I guess for my over all health..And it was my wish to have one since early 2019. Next item to invest would a le creuset dutch oven. Just that one pot where I can cook all my fave recipes for my family.
I spend money on my green tea, because when I became vegan I struggled for a few months until I discovered it. It's wonderful but definitely a luxury and not a frugal thing. The brand is Pukka Teas (they make a lot of herbal teas, and only a few caffeinated). I knew you would say shoes! I agree 100% on it being worth spending money on them. You wear them for hours and hours every day, it would be a false economy and cost you more if you bought cheap shoes that needed replacing quickly. But are shoes really a luxury item? I don't think they are, even the costlier ones, as long as you get really good use out of them and your feet are happy. It's the same with mattresses on a bed - I would spend money on that, because it's sensible to invest in something well-made if you spend 1/3 of your life in it. Running a car at all on my budget is a luxury, mind you! But it's a choice to be sure I can see my mother, which is the main reason I have it. Decent toilet paper is essential! You know, I think when you are frugal, you do need investment pieces from time to time, and if you know you'll use them hard, then you should work out what you need, then buy the best make of that item that you can afford to, in the hope and with the intention of making it last many years. Buying the best you can afford means you'll get little features that will help to future-proof them. I swear by Sony TVs....
In the past, I have only bought higher end kitchen appliances (Cuisinart, Breville, etc.). Cuisinart food processer has died and I am really struggling with the replacement. Would love to have the Breville, but it is around $300. The Cuisinart is around $250. There is what I would consider a much cheaper unit at the big box store for about $140 (think beach) that includes several extra blades. The design is easier to work with because you don't have to get all the pieces lined up to make it work--you just set the work bowl on the stand. On my old Cuisinart I spent more time putting it together than it took me to accomplish the task at hand. I am afraid not to spend top dollar. Am I programmed to think this way, or is it a legitimate concern? Soo--spend the big bucks or get over it and pocket the difference? I am a new subscriber--love your videos. Am anxious to hear your thoughts on this.
We buy bamboo toilet paper that composts we buy alot of organic hygiene products I can get coupons for them Doesn't make sense to put toxic chemicals on your body when you eat natural and organic food for the inside of your body.
Someone else suggested, "Who Gives a Crap" toilet paper. I saw that they had bamboo toilet paper. The company donates 50% of their proceeds to help build bathrooms and improve sanitation in third world countries. us.whogivesacrap.org/
I will spend money on quality food such as organic, grass fed etc…Health is wealth. We also don’t eat out and cook at home. I also agree with spending money on good shoes as well. With the food I can usually find some good deals in my area on quality food and try to stock up when it’s on sale.
Bosch mixer and magic mill. Unfortunately at 18 years the kids burnt out the motor on the Bosch - I know, unheard of, but it happened. Worth every penny, Somewhere in a move the magic mill went missing and I couldn't afford to replace it. So sad.
My DH had bought me a high end Kitchen Aid mixer. It died 3 years later. I researched and decided I was switching to Bosch. Found an old used one at a price I was willing to pay. 7 plus years later still going strong. Might buy a brand new one when house is paid off. Never going back to Kitchen Aid.
I am more than happy to spend money to go on a fun vacation every couple years! I think that time is so important and money absolutely well spent! I HAVE to get the thinnest toilet paper or my toilet will try to overflow too often. Looks like I need to spend money on a plumber!
My grandparents were on a septic system and they always had to use 1-ply. They were very specific about when you did - and did not - flush toilet paper.
I see others mention this too: (organic, wool ) mattresses. Good shoes (Birkenstocks and Blundstones for me; others for my family members). KitchenAid mixer that I saved for and bought on sale at least 20 years ago. Was gifted a VitaMix when our son was a baby because I made all of his baby food (I also was gifted, it was on my shower list, a handcranked food mill for travel). I'd buy a VitaMix in a heartbeat if this one broke (first I'd check the warranty with my in-laws who gifted it to us). We bought a Roomba when our son was born. I'd say put it on your baby shower or wedding gift list if you don't have one. We've had three total, because we bought it at Costco, we've had it replaced twice for free.
I don’t have a Roomba, but I have been curious about them. I think the biggest complaint I hear is how loud they can be when they are running. It’s a great concept though!
I know some will not consider this wise or frugal, but, I buy my cars brand new and I drive them for at least 20 years. I only buy Toyota's and they pretty much have been problem free. My husband changes the oil religiously every three months. I agree 100% with Red Wing shoes. Hubby gets is a state employee and has a voucher each year for a free pair of steel toed shoes.
When Larry worked security for a local company he was able to get high quality steel toe shoes for $20 a pair! Right before he left the company he was able to buy two, new pairs. They lasted him for years.
No, kakelinga - you're doing fine by buying new and driving for 20 years. That's really getting the good out of a car purchase. I'm with you on that one. I still have an old pair of Red Wing shoes that my dad purchased over 15 years ago. They are my size and I wear them to church about once a year.
I’m with you Hope on the Boush Mixer!!! I bought mine when they were $399 and I’ve had mine 20+ years and it still works great! Now they are twice that so what an amazing investment! I make my great grandmother’s Russian Tea mix that I regularly drink and the ingredients for it are a regular part of my grocery budget!
Patagonia gear has an amazing warranty as well my coat zip would Slowly slide down during extended wearing , I returned it to the store I purchased it from and they took it back and repaired it(free) They even repair things damaged cause by actual west and tear for a small fee
Totally agree with the 2 ply toilet paper. It's worth paying more for a better experience! (I only buy it on special but I don't compromise on quality.)
My hair dryer..... It's a Dyson,..... Like Larry's shoes, cheap ones every so often, or a pair that's go in to stand the test of time... I spent 400.00 bucks on my dryer, works in half the time, my hair is healthier, cause the technology of it, won't allow it to burn my hair... Would highly recommend it to all read in this !!!!! You get what you pay for,.... Skimp on things that don't matter, so you can purchase, items that do matter....
I agree with shoes. I really like the Clark’s brand. Comfortable and they never fall apart. I end up using my older clogs for garden shoes since they were worn but still in great shape. My husband and I buy good brand appliances. We research them because we don’t want to spend money on something that needs service after a few years. We don’t invest in any extended warranties. They are a waste of money.
We don't buy extended warranties either. The only exception was that for some reason we bought the extended warrantee on one car. I have no idea why we said, "Yes" because it's not like us to spend the extra money. Turned out that it had some major electric problems. It was thousands of dollars and they had to cover it all under the warrantee. Totally worth it that one time.
Yep agree coffee, java java lol. The luxuries I spend good money on 1. Coffee of course it's my mama fuel. 2. Handmade soap since regular soap causes my hands to peel, I have paid 8 dollars for one huge bar that lasts forever, drive up to Bayfield Ontario to stock up on ten bars for the year, worth it to me.
@@UndertheMedian I also love practical luxuries so using my birthday money to buy ten bars also doubles for household helping as well because my fam gets to enjoy the soap. I do admit to hoarding the lilac ones though ❤❤❤❤
Good quality toilet paper an bin bags are a must. If anyone else is in the UK, I find the Nicky Elite toilet paper brand is my favourite and one of the cheapest too. I get it in Home Bargains but you can get it in the likes of Iceland and Savers too. I also don't mind splurging on good quality bedding, pillows and a mattress too. The difference is huge.
I agree with you on the toilet paper. Sam's club members mark is the best. I agree with the bread maker and a great blender. I have the Vitamix my husband got at a garage sale for $5. I still use my daily love the smoothies. I also am vegan. I am a new sub and am enjoying watching your videos.
Good toilet paper is a must! We used Sam's for years, but it's so linty. I recently discovered Amazon's brand, Presto. It costs a little more, but virtually no lint, it's soft, and the rolls are huge!
