I didn't graduate from high school but I was blessed to retire with social security and a pension. I don't buy things i don't need. I am happy with having anything at all. A roof over my head and food and benefits to see a Dr. I truly am ok to not live out of my car. ✝️. May God bless y'all. Amen
I discovered that my overspending was a subconscious way to connect with people. …. Now I go to the library and BORROW magazines, books, movies and music. Plus I get to say “hello” to my library family! ❤
I have embraced frugal living too, actually it becomes a hobby. Look for best deals, go thrifting, don’t waste. Make it pleasant, look ahead, try to prepare, live simply. Enjoy what you have. Thanks Margaret. There are good days ahead.😊😊😊
Oh Margaret, you are always so on point! I have been a mindful frugal prepper for more that fifty years. My parents survived two World Wars in the UK. The only piece of 'furniture' they started married life with, was one wooden orange box. Over years of simple frugal living, they became wealthy, in many ways, not, just financially. I am so grateful for all the skills my parents taught me, that are so useful, even now, in my mid-seventies. I live in a bungalow owned my daughter in the Pacific Northwest, near the Canadian border. I have a small vintage RV I renovated for local overnight trips. I enjoy Wa. State Ferry trips, to explore natural beauty. This year, I plan to grow more of my own veggies. I shop at Grocery Outlet stores, and look for items from 'REDUCED' bins, use some now and dehydrate the rest. I keep a large pantry full to avoid impulse purchases. Just about everything else, I buy used from a couple of thrift stores that support my favourite charities which allows me to pay for petrol. I volunteer at a thrift store that helps animals, and joined the local museum which has many free events and concerts. I am surprised to learn we have similar values. My biggest challenge in living alone is to always dress well and look my best, and tidy my boxes. I like to ride my electric bike, and have so many beautiful clothes so no excuse, but I do need to sort my books to take to the used book store. Sometimes, it is easier to start projects than finish them. Days out and picnics with my family are my favourite ways to spend time. Living life in harmony with my values is a priority, and making sure I leave little for my daughter to deal with when I am nolonger here is also important. I need to work on Family History, and organizing photos, writing and leaving a legacy balanced with living joyfully and being grateful. Thank you Margaret, you add happiness to my days!
Thank you for sharing. I’m so happy that you find value here and being part of this community I love your energy and your desire to make meaningful activities as you get older take care of yourself.
I've lived well for most of my adult life having nice housing, nice cars, beautiful clothes and beautiful jewelry. But like you said there comes a time when is enough enough? I began to downsize years ago then minimalizing followed suite. I think it's just the natural course of things. So I agree that frugal living is doable. At this stage of my life I have no need to "possess to excess". Been there done that. I dress nicely every day and enjoy wearing my beautiful jewelry. Frugalism is a mind set, a shift in our perception. Thanks for all your wisdom Margaret.
I have learned to curve my impulse shopping by a lot ... I now use coupons, sales, charity shopping I prepare all my meals at home. This allows me to have lunch out with the ladies and take a trip once/year. I have no bills and I feel very free!
I have been on this frugal journey for most of my life out of necessity and now it is just a way of life. The adventure to stay within your means and have no one realize that you are working on a limited budget is the reward. Everyone has ideas and experiences that will help us all. Thank you.
Being satisfied with a frugal life and enjoying the best things in life that are free! Having a budget helps you feel on top of things too. Useful talk Thankyou! ❤
After my husband died, 21 years ago, I compensated bu buying tons of clothing and furnishings I didnt need. This soothed me temporarily, but now at 73 I am sick and tired of managing all this stuff. So a few years ago I started to give it all away, and Id say 2/3 of it is gone. But even though I don't go into stores anymore, a covid habit that has stayed with me, there is still my arch foe, Amazon! Still, I drive a low mileage 16 year old Toyota, and live simply. It is calming to have some "negative" space in my house, and I'm still giving furniture away, a carload every month to Goodwill. 🌺
Margaret, you mentioned the 2008 disaster. It was awful. Though I didnt lose everything, I sold stock I should never have touched because it had gone below $20 a share. That was the biggest financial mistake of my life.
Hi Margaret, Like you, I made a choice to leave my nice home to renting many years ago. I have not owned my own personal car since 2011. For many years, I rode my bike, used public transportation, shared a car. I have taken staycations, done camping, though not lavish vacations, I loved the unique experiences. I love being creative in creating experiences that were unique. One of most enjoyable experiences I did was, taking my bike aboard Amtrak and traveling to Chicago and biking around a big city. I love adventures at low costs. We have biked on bike trails to quaint, small college town and stayed at an Airbnb and visited a university observatory. There are so many ideas on how to travel on a budget.
Yes, I know what frugal is. No holidays. No vacations. No beach. No restaurants. No shows. I am grateful for thrift stores. I do not even go into a real store except for food. I thank God every day. But frugal pinches my heart. I sure can not take my grandchildren out. I am not sad, but i would sure like a little holiday.
@@jennywren8937 Thank you. Your kind suggestion warmed my heart. 🌸 I am fortunate in that I like all weather, and I get to go for walks. The sky and sunshine are blessings. I like your name, Jenny Wren. I wish you well. God bless you. 💜🌺🇨🇦
Nancy, Time spent with grandkids is more important than vacations, resturants etc. My grandparents farmed and I spent hours with my grandmother. She never left the farm but once a year. My aunt did all errands and shopping. Those are happy memories. I followed her around and did chores with her, watched her cook, milk cows, gather eggs, make butter and watched soap operas with her. Look for free or inexpensive outings, read stories, go to parks,libraries, outside concerts, or school events. It not about money but time spent-- making memories.
Luckily there are some free or very inexpensive things to do like museums,early bird eating in restaurant (or just order a decetant coffee,pastries or side dishes,buffets.........
I really appreciate your wisdom and vulnerability in sharing your life experiences, I’m sure you are helping so many of us who are challenged with fixed or limited income. Thank you so very much!!!
I'm still learning how to not over spend or do stupid things like go out and gamble. The clubs always win. Sure I have won a lot, yet I know I have lost more ! I just returned from Mexico, and had a wonderful time. It was funny talking with people on the tour bus, I would say I really don't need anything. I bought a Frida Kahli pair of shoes and a shawl that I will turn into a table cloth. I like the dual- purpose. I bought 2 silver cheap rings, but they give me joy. Mostly the people I met were great. Because I can speak Spanish so talking with people from different regions of Mexico was informative. I got over my fear of going to Mexico, and I went on a tour. I felt safer as a woman alone. 🎉❤
I totally agree with you, I cannot imagine living any other way. But. I do need to consciously start wearing the beautiful clothes and jewelry, I've been saving. for so long. There will not always be a tomorrow, so living in the 'now' is important, as is being resilient and grateful, and always learning something new.
I started my frugal living journey back in 1989 when I had to buy a new car. I had wanted to start saving for retirement but it was hard to really start. The new car started me off. I got a 2nd job and I basically worked a 2nd job until 2001.I lived inexpensively, so frugal living is ingrained in me. I don’t know how to be anything but frugal, but I saved for retirement for 30 years, I never got in debt, well a house, and that first new car. I worked a below average wage at a place that had a pension. I got my pension and learned how to live even more frugally.Frugality is my favorite hobby, but I have everything I want, except a non cluttered house.
Margaret, We All Sincerely Appreciate Your Excellent Advice!! You Are Definitely Hitting The Major Points Pertaining To Unnecessary Spending. Thank You So Much For Your Makeup And Financial Tips. .. You Rock On All Levels! .. God Bless You Always, CC 🥰❤❤❤ PS: You Always Look So Very Beautiful And We Love The Decorative Roses In The Background That Matches Your Lovely Top!
Thank you Margaret, being creative is so important. You can make yourself delicious, nutritious soups and meals from scratch instead of unhealthy processed foods, and save a lot in the process. My Gran used to say you need less food when you're older, which is true. No need for unhealthy sugary foods. We are also the generation that learned to knit and sew, so we have nice inexpensive and rewarding hobbies. I get most of my clothes from charity shops, which are AMAZING, and because I can sew, if it's too big I can usually alter it to fit.Being retired, you have the time to be more resourceful. Young people need to be taught these skills, to help end the ridiculous over-consumption that is destroying our health and our planet. And....grow some of your own fruit and veg if you can!
Good morning and thanks for sharing your life and choices. I live frugally and understand that I have to prioritze my spending choices. I envy your travel and access to mass transit. I think this country has failed so badly in this area. Owning a car is almost a necessity in the US. So my vehicle is a necessary expense. I think I have to continue to live within my budget and try to continue to have fun. I appreciate your share and I can absolutely understand your choices. No judgment here. Thanks Margaret.
Aaah 🤗 nothing like retail therapy but times are much tighter. Almost as if I am back in my childhood days difficult but I've learned to be happier than then. It helps to hear others also plan & cope. Prayers to all to find happiness
My frugal life began with my parents who did it tough for a long time. I learnt from them and am very good at managing money. I try not to waste and do manage to save a little every month. I'm happy to not be wasteful.
Margaret, I need very little.. I'm a simple person, who doesn't chase material wealth. I have a pension, social security and a part-time job, two days a week. But, rents here in the States are outrageous, and, so are prices of EVERYTHING. I don't have a home of my own and dtive a small, used car. I think your way of living is wonderful; I admire you. My nieces and nephews seem to be in a competition with each other for who has the best home, car, etc. It's tiring to me. TFS and lots of love. 🎃🍂🍁 Rosemarie 🧡
My husband and I are retired and armchair travel every night with RU-vid to fabulous countries all over the world. Free😊 Round trip airfares for both of us completely funded by American Express points. Went to Mexico, China (from mid US) and now have enough built up for Thailand. We charge all necessities and pay off total balance monthly. Thrift stores are so much fun!🌺
@@rosiej1942 Hi Rosie! We got an American Express credit card that gives you points on every purchase. (no yearly fee) Takes quite a while to add up but so worth it. We spread 6 roundtrip flights over 10 years' time. You can also spend on hotels, excursions, everyday purchases etc. Other credit card companies do this also. Key is to make sure you pay each month balance off in full or you have finance charges.
I read decades ago a book that stressed using 80% of your income to “live on;” 10% to give away & 10% to save. I’ve continued to do this now in retirement. My husband & I always worked in non-profit church environments … so no help with any kind of 401K type of thing. Yet we both received a pension. Mine is much less than my husbands because he worked for 40 years & I worked full-time for 20 years after raising our four children. So when we retired I knew our condo had to be paid for. And I achieved that. We went down to one vehicle. We vacation typically within our state of Michigan each summer reducing travel expenses. We do have a large a family & I enjoy purchasing birthday & holiday presents. But those are our two “treats” if you will in retirement. Our one summer trip within MI & buying gifts for our children & for our grandchildren. We were never wealthy when we both worked. So we knew retirement would mirror our working years. No regrets. We feel grateful for what we can still do and happy with the decisions we made together. But the 80; 10; 10 approach for us within retirement continues to sustain us.
Such a great video....I'm sure it will help so many. I'm lucky but you have made me think about being frugal it just makes such sense all round.. thankyou Margaret. Dorothy from Scotland. X
I enjoyed this video Margaret. I have chosen the simple way of living for many years. I was a solo mum for many years and lived very frugally. When I got a job and had a bit more money to spend I went a bit crazy and spent a lot on stuff I didn't really need. Then suddenly I had a change of heart and began to be a bit more selective on what I used my money for. I have shopped in opp shops (thrift shops) all my life and even there, I have to be selective on what I buy. My treats would be candles and lovely hand soap when I feel like buying something special. Even in opp shops you can find these.
Living on fixed incomes, but I budget a large portion for savings for travel and to support my mother's assisted living expenses. I happily live very frugally to reach my goals. I have a renewed appreciation for everything I have: great family, friends and neighbors, good weather year round, lots of free outdoor activities. Have a very nice apartment with a nature preserve in my backyard. No debt, my car is old, battered but paid for & runs well. I don't need anything, really. Just very grateful for everything I have.
The wisest thought that is in everyone's minds today is to invest in different income flows that do not depend on the government, especially with the current economic crisis around the world.Retirement doesn't come with a specific requirement, people need to understand that having a right retirement plan is ideal and can help build a financial fortitude. Also, having a financial counsellor that will guide you through every process would be good, not just any expert but a very good one!
Finding financial advisors like **KAYLA TABITHA RODRIGUES who can assist you shape your portfolio would be a very creative option. There will be difficult times ahead, and prudent personal money management will be essential to navigating them. I came across her in a Bloomberg interview and got in touch with her. You can use something else. For me, her strategy works good results
My income falls way below poverty level. It's difficult. Even though I'm surrounded by mansions,my coastal town suffers enormously from food insecurity. We are fortunate that over 200 years ago the wives of fisherman started an organization that has grown.We have a brick and mortar store, trucks and buses that provide free food shopping.It's a blessing to have food and shelter.But,a very different life than I once had.
I'm now 67 but have always been conservative with my money. For several years I was a divorced mother of a son, worked full time and had to really watch my spending. I took a retirement in 2014 after 36 years with one company, I get a small pension from there. I transferred my 401k plus othet funds to investments through a financial advisor. I started taking my Social Security this past January plus I have been working 200 days a year for a local school corporation. My husband and I have debt other than our mortgage and it's very minimal. We have paid cash for the last two cars. I'm planning to fully retire in May of 2025.
I like your ideas behind this. I don't know how long I'm going to live, none of us do so want to make sure I can Afford to live to old age. I know my children will never have enough to help me so this year I have cut back, I use every drop in a bottle or jar etc. Impulse purchases get to me too. I kick myself but hey get back on the horse. Good luck.
Like you margaret i live in one room flat and try to live off my pension. I recently sold a house so have some savings for the future however long it will be.
Wise words, Margaret! One thing I'd like to know is how people plan for possible health problems. I am managing chronic medical problems successfully but I seem to just squeak by each month and wonder what would happen if I was so sick I couldn't work (and make money). I can't live on Social Security alone, I have to work. I do have a small savings account earmarked for medical catastrophe, or if I ever have to move, which would be so expensive. I have set up a few "side gig" income projects that I can do from home, even from bed, if I had to, because they are internet-based services. But health vulnerability is a concern. It would be bad enough to be really sick, but being blindsided by after-insurance medical costs would be so difficult. Right now I average $100/month for medications and dr/hospital/imaging bills after I've paid for insurance and Medicare...and that's what it costs when I'm healthy. Budgeting is a necessity, not an option. See you at the charity shop, Margaret!
My dentist has cleaned me out for a while. Had unexpected expensive dental work! Also we have huge energy bills. Day to day living I can budget. It is the unexpected items that pop up can be hard. I am in a Holiday fund so get a decent yearly holiday and if lucky another break.
Thrift stores are a total blessing. Especially when they have 50% off days. Almost everything at my house is from thrift stores. It's all vintage, nice and inexpensive. I also bought a used car years ago, but it still runs well and I hope it can last for quite a while. I combine all trips to save gas. Here in the States, especially in the suburbs, public transportation isn't as developed as it is in Europe.
I became frugal when I retired on a basic pension. I opened another bank account where I put 10% of pension every week. I have never missed it is amazing how it builds up. This is what pays for treats, for me and others. Also trips. I never use credit. If you can't resist ghe temptation cut up your cards. You can live without them. I never spend more than what comes in because I can't and never pay full price. My one regret is I didn't practice so called frugal living when I was working and earning a good income. I never saved a penny.
Loce the video and totally see eye to eye with you, being 61 old without a job and living on my savings for another 4 years before official retirement. By the way, I live in Switzerland too...and life is everything but cheap. Maybe I can join your community ???
Good morning beautiful sisters and good morning Margaret I was wondering if you might be able to share what you purchased for five dollars I love seeing things like this. It's a good topic I myself am looking for some kind of sauce pan bigger than what I have to cut down some apples and make some applesauce and also make soups. Don't have much storage and I am not allowed to store anything in the stove so my nearby Goodwill store does not have any things like that but I'll check back later. Hope everyone's doing fine take care, peace and love.☮️💕🌻🌻🌻
This is the second video I’ve listened to where she has said she was linking to a video where she shares her living space. I was not able to find that link on either one of the videos. Can someone share that link with me?
Joanne. Here is the Irish récipe. Using minced lamb. Easy. Chop Up onion, start frying in olive oil until going transparente, add in the lamb, seasoned with thyme, a little sea salt, White ground pepper, a little chopped garlic if you wish. Keep stirring the mixture till cooked through. Place in earthenware oven Dish. Cover with mashed potaroes and place in Hot oven till potaro nicely browned. Mashed potaroes: boil the peeled potaroes, add a good dollop of butter and some milk and mash. I like to add a clove of garlic to the potatoes while boiling.
@@doloresaquines1529 Thank you so much that sounds great for my Grandchildren as there not keen on my recipe lol. And two of my Children are half Irish so I think that they will love it to. Are you living in Ireland? Thank you again so kind of you. Jo ⭐️⭐️⭐️
I have lost my home all my money am 55 rent government home live of disability i have second hand furnityre and investment account in bank were i receive a good monthly intrest i have chosen this life style of fruguality now all i need is peace now
Totally my mindset. But what do you do when your partner is the opposite? We can only argue so much. He wants to replace what we have when it shows a little age. I want to take care of and restore the furniture, the plants, the carpet, the floors. A nick in the furniture and he is done with it. A thriving plant doesn’t please him and it’s in the trash. He says we are not poor, but he continues to work because he says we NEED the money. We live comfortably, but if we live 20 more years, we won’t. I cringe at every new, bigger and better stereo system.
@@doloresaquines1529 Been there, done that. He is who he is and I am who I am and we meet in many other ways, just not this. I win the bigger battles. This one is small in comparison. I’m banking we won’t live into our nineties.
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