I am old,my wife and i have been frugal for over 40 years. We retired at 50,debt free,live on 300 acres and enjoy life. To you men out there,a frugal wife is priceless.
I used to be reckless with money. I had hole in my hand. Now I am 48 the realisation came hard. No money, no pension and lots of debt. So a year ago I tried to be frugal and started religiously paying my debt using Dave Ramsey snow ball method. With my small paycheck I tackled €9500 in 11 month and I am striving to pay the remaining debtl €21000! which to pay it in 2 years. After that I am planning to maximise my saving and paying extra to my €58,000 mortgage. My goal that I would completely debt free within 7 years from now and would like to retire when I am 60. I stop going to shopping mall to buy clothes or shoes or nicknack and only using what I have now in my closet. I pay attention to discounted items and only go out eating in special occasions. I cut my phone plan from €50,00 to €10,00. I shopped for cheaper insurances every couple months. I sell stuffs I dont need online. Yes it was hard but when you put your mind to it and thinking of the end result, everything possible. Right now I am still on my journey to be debt free and I am sure soon I will join you living debt free !
Riska Sari I wish more people would wake up to the fact that living frugally makes a lot more sense. It cuts down on your stress levels when you know you are living within your means and not incurring more debt. Keep up the good work and good luck to you!
I wish I would have learned sooner as you did. I was always somewhat frugal because I was raised that way, but I still wasted a lot of money. I never lived beyond my means, but I never was able to really save money either. Now I woke up. No more impulse shopping and now I save. I am 53 years old and hopefully it is not too late.
Frugal people resist peer pressure and don't concern themselves with what other people have. It's not a competition! Frugal people are confident because they know that they are self reliant!
@@dmlpa506 I used to get that newsletter years ago. I grew up frugal because my mom taught me. But that newsletter put me over the edge. I began to feel guilty about every penny I spent. I had to put it aside and lighten up. My husband and I are retired and live frugally. Our things are paid off. But we also get to spend on fun. For example, my husband likes to go hunting with my son. So we budget for those small trips. It is okay to have fun! lol I also had to loosen up my time budget structure. Since I had been so busy raising a family, etc, it was hard for me to sit down and relax and realize that I had time now to watch movies, sew, play my guitar, and just relax!!
Number 11: My wife always complains I'm a hoarder keeping too much trash around. Now I know I'm frugal. Let me add number 13: Frugal people drive cars that are cheap to run and maintain, and cars that last (until the wheels fall off).
Definitely frugal. Some of my family members call me cheap because I don't let our money run threw my fingers like water. (I'm very generous where there is a need) But, we are debt free and they are up to their eyeballs in debt :)
Cynthia Gustafson. Mine, too. In fact, I just fell out with some family members because I started to realize they were taking me for granted. It’s to their detriment, though, because they spend their money stupidly then want to hit me up for money but, no more!
Thank goodness ... 12 out of 12. Over 60 yrs old widow, business I worked at closed, living off of emergency fund. No mortgage or rent, solar electric, gravity fed water, no tv or cable bill, growing +/- 90% of our food. It can be done. Not easy but better than starving and living on the street. Vivian Ann on the side of the mountain in NE Tennessee
Well, I'm very frugal. I love being cheap. Not everyone agrees with my views! Meanwhile they pay $2.49 for mac and cheese while I pay $0.28-$0.48 for most of my boxed food.
You are right on target! I'm a 15 out of your 12! When my daughter saw my "drying paper towel" in the drainboard, she said,..."Dad, you are taking this frugal thing to an unhealthy level"! Reused paper towels are great for those big messy jobs, like when my hand drops the gallon of milk! I really enjoyed your Kratky method lettuce vid!
Nailed it! lol. My husband is disabled and I am still working, but had to cut back. Frugal is totally how we live as well as we do. (Did you know you can eat all parts of celery? yum!) Orange peels make a super yummy smelling cleaner. Thanks for your vids. Your personality is a ray of sunshine is my long day at work. God bless!
I proudly say yes to all of these! I am a teacher and single woman, yet I have my own house, own car, and can travel often because I spend wisely and don't buy crap I don't need! :)
Oh, hi! I did the same video topic on my channel a while ago and started with the definition too. Excited to find your channel. Frugal for the win! HUGS! ✨💖
Thanks for teaching me and any one else what frugal ment. Lol ppl close to me called me cheap, but now i can say no, im frugal lol but if u ask them to show u money they can't because there not wise with money and end up spending on worthless items... lol great video!
Let me start by saying I'm getting older and grumpier every day and most people just flat out get on my nerves now. ;-) You on the other hand are adorable. You are so articulate and just brimming with common sense. I started out that way and somewhere along the way lost direction, caved to peer pressure and society's opinions and became riddled with stress. So don't do that! You stick to your guns and navigate this world with your exceptional brain and awesome personality and you will continue to be an incredible, successful, happy, healthy person that literally shines. All the best to you and your family.
I am a 12, not so much because I was taught to be frugal, but because I have been dirt poor all my life and that's the only way to survive, I don't have a choice in the matter. If I suddenly won the lottery now after all these years (I'm 65), I would just use the money to help me be more frugal, LOL! (I don't play the lottery though, I'm too frugal!)
New subscriber here! I usually veer towards being downright cheap lol. I've done all of these things as well as things that people say they will not do to save money. But recently I've had to let go of some things for my sanity's sake, like paying for someone to clean my house after having lots of problems after my second son's birth. Where I'm at with my frugal journey is learning that it's ok to let go and spend a little more money if it means Mama, and subsequently my whole family, is not crazy stressed.
I am extremely frugal and I am all those things. Unfortunately I also have a hard time functioning in a clutter filled home. It literally overwhelms me and I can't get stuff done. I do not keep everything that could be useful unless I have an idea of when I might use it. I have regretted getting rid of a couple of items but only a couple. Ultimately it was more valuable to me to have a little less stuff.
I agree. I am not really a saver of items for YEARS. I mean like the screening she spoke of in the video, yeah. I'd save that too and extra wood or something like that. But, I live small. I have a small home and I don't have a lot of room.
There might be a possibility that you have an obsessive/compulsive disorder as evidenced by the hoarding. You can get therapy and medication (because it's a brain disorder--not a lack of discipline, etc.) to make your life easier and clutter free. Please look into getting help for it. I mean this in the most kind and caring way and not with criticism.
I think some people might be confusing being smart w/ money aka frugal w/ being stingy. Frugal people aren't stingy. They're often quite generous. Maybe confusing the terms is why there's frugal shaming. Ron & I are frugal.Always have been & will be. It's a sensible way to go about your life & it shows you care about the planet you live on.
Excellent way to put it! In the original video I told a story about being made fun of by a family member (the day before yesterday) about being frugal. He basically said he didn't expect me to pay money I owed him for work, like we agreed. That's in part why I'm tired of the confusion on what frugal really means and that's why I made this yesterday. I had to edit the story out though because it made the video too long.
Frugalgreengirl Good luck! So often people get a notion stuck in their heads & nothing changes it. Frugal isn't about being tight-fisted & stingy! Living within your means is just good sense. But sometimes it's impossible to get someone to see how they are mistaken.
Pat Wagner I think it is about being "tight and stingy". The problem is that people who are only ever exposed to rich=spending, & spending=fun, aren't wordly enough to process the different approach. Some even find it threatening, because it points to will power and self control ... which they may lack. People like us (frugals) are intimidating to them, so they mock in self-defence.
Pat Wagner I'm serious though. Frugality is threatening to some people. Such types will even try to force you to spend, in an attempt to regain a feeling of control. Perfect example is when eating out in a group. You can bet that the most threatened person is the one who decides (without consultation) that the bill will be split evenly. They don't care if you carefully ordered the salad and a glass of water ... you're going to pay for someone else's lobster and champagne. "Bill splitters" are outrageously rude (we should always cater to the least among us), but it's rudeness brought on by a desire to make others spend.
Grow up in a household with a Grandmother who lived throw the Depression having seven children so yes I am frugal and know how to reuse, sew turn leftovers into a new meal. Thank God for my Grandmother.
There's definitely an argument for frugal people buying new too. Investing in a high quality item that has been well researched and built to last will ultimately save time, money and energy.
Yep frugal lady here & as far as keeping things w/ out being a hoarder... I TOTALLY get it. I keep every screw, nut, bolt, wall anchor & It kills me when I throw out extra wood because I don't want to keep to big a pile (then I ALWAYS wish I hadn't when I get to my next project) & my fabric stash has come in handy constantly over the years making countless things for my family.
I think I'm semi-frugal. Maybe a 4 out of 12. I buy almost all of my clothes and house items at thrift stores but on the flip side I hate cooking and like to go out to eat. I do my own hair coloring and nails, my husband changes our car oil and other maintenance but eventually we will be hiring someone to clean our house. I think the reason that some people see "frugal" as a bad thing is because there are frugal people who are very judgmental of how others spend their money. If it's not important to them, they can't understand why others do it. I see it in these comments and those people honestly just need to learn to stay in their own bank accounts.
Some of my friends pick on me and say I am cheap and I tell them their is a difference in being cheap and being frugal. They are just kidding with me I know that but when it's all said and done I am the one that always has money in my wallet when they are broke so that's kinda funny I think. I am a huge coupon girl and ad price matcher. I went school clothes shopping for my two boys one is in college and the other one is in 9th grade I bought 9 outfits a piece for them from the Polo outlet, Nike, American Eagle and Aeropostale my total before all coupons and deductions $1080.67 my out of pocket after all deductions and coupons $380.97. I teach free coupon classes in my town but I have never met anyone that's as passionate about saving money as me. I just feel it's my responsibility as a mom to make our money go as far as it can. Even though I am frugal my boys always get to do things and have things but I always try and find ways to cut my cost. I apologize for the long comment but if we lived in the same town we would definitely be frugal friends! 😊 Would love for you to do a meal planning video that's one department I could use a little help on' I do can all my veggie out of my garden so I try to shop from my pantry instead of the stores. Thank You great Video!! I hate throwing away food that really irritates me bad! I would say I am a 7 out of 12 which isn't too bad!!
I think 7 is great! Plus I was wondering if you have ever considered starting a YT channel? Sounds like you are a coupon queen and many people would love to benefit hearing about how you do it!
selenia carrico I think beeing frugal in moderation can be a good thing. A friend of mine though is just to much for me! It seems like she talks and thinks about money all the time which to me is kinda beeing very materialistic in a reverse way. Also she has more money than me-true, but she still never enjoys spending it on anything.it is no fun to hang out with her anymore! And a general question-beeing frugal with yourself-fine, but sometimes there is a fine line to beeing stingy! So what are your thougts on that?
Some of us do not find spending money just to spend it fun. Many like myself fell happy, safe and financially secure by living within or below our needs. Not having outstanding bills is a huge stress reliever. Right now I only have one other friend who lives within their means. Everyone else is stressed to the max and continues to spend what they do not have. It is not a judgement but just how things are. My car is a very nice Audi, fully loaded but a 2001 with still less than 100,000 miles and needed new brakes and rotors at the cost of $2000, by having money saved my mechanic took money off for not using a credit card and only charged $50/hr for labor. Huge savings. Don't let peer pressure keep you from keeping your money in your pocket instead of someone else's.
bonnie beme I know you weren't replying to me but what you do is absolutly great in my opinion! that's not what i meant-actually i am dept free myself and like the security too. what i meant was not having just fun spending money, but that some just focus on the money they would spend rather than if would make their life fuller-like a hobby that makes you really happy or an adventure you always wanted to have. i think it is good to have a balance between security and thwe will to spend some once in a while, to add memories to your life or fullfill dreams! i think if friends tell you, even as a "joke" that you are cheap, it goes a bit far! just wanted to clear it since e isn't my first language so it might have come across the wrong way!
That's why we hold on to so many things and parts and building materials. These save us tons of money. Even though many minimalists say they never regret getting rid of anything, I still don't believe that. It's not always easy to find a needed item at a good price exactly when you need it. That's why we get it, or save any left over materials, so when we need them, they are already here.
Agreed, there is a sort of balance to strive for between getting rid of useless stuff vs saving things that might be useful later. There was an old belt off of a mower that I had forgotten to throw out--turns out its replacement broke a year later and I needed the old one for a quick repair. So yeah sometimes we err when trying to find the balance and throw out stuff we need, and other times we just keep junk. But I believe there is a sweet spot where we will save the most over the long term.
Many minimalists are people who have very few hobbies or activities. How much stuff you need depends on how much you do. Welders need steel and a welding machine. Woodworkers need tools and lumber. Gardeners need tools, plants, seeds, and dirt. Active people need something to work with. TV zombies don't need more than a TV and a couch, because they don't do much.
Great topic and tips, will say I am frugal. My husband and I live on a written budget, began growing our own veggies and cut flowers. Do home improvement projects by self teaching from RU-vid. Thank you for your wonderful content
12 out of 12! lol I reuse bread bags and roll bags for kitty litter cleaning. Aldi bags are really strong. I have 4 kitties and that saves a lot of money. lol Just blow the bags up to make sure there are no holes in them. I think cloth diapers are great, sanitary and save a great of money. I know people who use them. I brush and clip the kitties toe nails with the help of my hubby. I have cut my own hair. Save a fortune. My husband fixes screens, and cleans filters, etc. I reuse things for my garden like if I get big pins wheels and they wear out, the stick part is great to support plants. I shade plants with other plants so I don't have to water as much, since we are on well water, that saves water. I stopped my hubby from using most of the paper towels by saying use the kitchen towel and hiding the paper towels for kitty hairballs and other messes. We do all our yard work and rent things if we have to cut down big branches. We live on an acre of land and do our lawn, landscaping and all organic, so no chemicals and have a flower garden right behind the house where we are entertained by butterflies, hymmingbirds , chipmunks, birds, etc. Love the library. thrift stores, and yards sales, etc. We got a bunch of things to decorate the yard and tons of Christmas lights, etc. for free because the neighbor moved and didn't want to pack a bunch of things up. We strung up Christmas lights around the inside of the house and bathroom to get light, so don't step on kitties, etc. It looks lnice year round and doesn't burn much electricity. We put those dollar store solar lights around the driveway and we leave them up year round to let people see our home because we live in the country and it is very dark. We put the solar lights in pots we already have with old dirt dug out of the garden, so the stakes and lights are very visible. Don't want to go on and on. You so many ideas in your past videos that save money and have taught this old dog new tricks. Thanks for sharing and have a nice weekend. Hope it is cooler. : )
I am the frugal king! I've been at it for over 30 years and still going strong. In fact, I just cancelled our internet because they tried to jack up our rate. I'll try DSL for a bit then most likely switch back to get the same introductory broadband rate. So many changes to make that not only save money but make life better...like learning how to cook really well from scratch for the best food available at any price for a food stamp budget.
I'm all about the frugal. My only beef with anyone is other youtubers "frugal shaming" poor people. (you're fine for the most part) Some people are just trying to handle their lives as best they know how. "Helping" by telling them "you're' doing it wrong," may not be the most effective way to encourage change.
When I got divorced, I had left all the furniture with my ex, I wanted new memories. I found a beautiful designer dresser at the good will for $60. I have decided after moving, that minimalism is really freeing, so I only want a few furniture pieces in my new place. I invested in a really good bed and will do the same with a couch that will be of a classic design to last throughout future decorative trends. I love your channel and have learned so much that I have financial peace of mind, going forward and a single 50 something. Thank you!
I'm frugal :) Another thing Frugal people do is Buy the Best they can For the Least they can! This is where buying second hand is such a winner! I'm always hoping I just bought my LAST (thing).I always hope the one I just bought will outlive me if I'm lucky. I found a La Crueset pan at a thrift store for $12.00. You bet I bought it, even though I had to carry it in my backpack for over a mile to get it home. I'll literally never have to buy another braising pan in my life. If, I'd bought an "ok" one for say $30.. then had to replace it every 5 years for the next 30 years...that's $180.
i am re purposing all the time and i am always looking for the very best deal if i have to replace something that just can't be fixed one more time...which doesn't mean i buy the cheapest because that can cost you money if it only lasts a year...I drive my husband crazy with the way i research things before a purchase I grocery shop for best deals buy from local farms for my meat and subsidize my produce that i can't grow with local farmers also and the nice thing is i can call and order everything i want and only make one trip my pick it all up on Saturday and the Farmers Market And i follow several of your examples WOOHOO i can call myself Frugal Great video thank you Frugalgreengirl :)
Brenda Irving I am also a huge one for researching... fortunately the hubby is onboard... and he is finally getting into it. I showed him buying a car and a pickup from the dealer with cash... incl insurance tax and all... buying a stove and a dryer... dehydrator... etc all without credit cards and now he is finally seeing the good side of frugality.
I have not had cable for 8 years. Have not had a dryer for 3 .... Our family time is spent much more fun... we hike or go on walks.... game night. And our clothes last much longer hanging them up to dry. $35. On a drying rack 3 years ago has more then paid for itself over and over.
My opinion on frugality is looking for the best value for your money. A cheap person only cares about cost being low,not value,usefulness, things like that. For example, say that you have two people. One is a cheap person. The other is frugal. They have drafty windows.The cheap person will tape garbage bags over the window. The frugal one will scope out the best price to replace the window. Also, if it's a job,like redoing the furnace, doors,window, do this in warm weather. Handle that off season.
Yes, to saving stuff! My 4th son (1yo) is wearing clothes his oldest brother (10yo) wore, which was originally a hand-me-down from another family. Saving clothing as our kids grow has saved us so much money. And we pass them on to other families when we're done. This may not sound super frugal, but I've found that shopping the clearance section of nicer stores has been helpful too. My girls love Justice clothing and I've been able to find them shirts for $4-5 on clearance that were originally $20-25. Also clothing for myself at Lane Bryant and Dress Barn from the clearance rack. It tends to last longer and be better quality than Kohls or Walmart. It's not frugal if it only lasts a year...
11ish lol I keep a lot of useful old stuff and buy at goodwill on mondays when it's 25% off new cloths or semi new for 1/3 of original price it's a win for sure.
I'm 10/12 mostly out of necessity, but if I won the lottery I would not change most habits, except I would get my car detailed professionally and hire a full time maid
Cheapskate and/or tightwad - terms that's music to my ears. Why are these negative terms? Don't/never steal/cheat but don't feel had to be seen as a cheapskate or tightwad, be proud that you are!
Cheapskate and/or tightwad - terms that's music to my ears. Why are these negative terms? Don't/never steal/cheat but don't feel that to be seen as a cheapskate or tightwad is a bad thing, you saving for your future, be proud that you are!
I mentioned this on another video comment board but would like to also mention here about a really great way to cut down your food expenses: Look in your classified ads for free produce. I just picked 30 lbs each of free apricots and plums. I've dried them and put some in the freezer for smoothies. I've also made apricot nectar and canned it--which is quite a luxury item to make for free! You can also make fruit leather and jam. (You can buy a used food dryer and other canning supplies for a low price in the ads, too. You can also find a used freezer. ) If you live in an area with wild blackberries you can pick enough to make jam, syrup, juice and frozen ones for desserts. Wild blackberries are absolutely delicious My husband and his brother traded firewood for beef. We each got 1/2 of a beef. We ate like kings when he was unemployed during the 1980's recession. An acquaintance let us borrow garden space during this time. A garden--even if it's small--helps greatly with your food bill.
taking in what you are saying I am extremely frugal to the point that most people call me a tight wad or stingy. I am not frugal by choice, I am like this because of necessity.
I definitely don't save stuff I might need in the future. I am definitely frugal and agree with most on your list. I love gardening and I usually try to fix something first before I either throw it away or pay someone to fix it.
Going from the list you are sharing I am somewhat frugal but I don't know that if I won the lottery that I would feel the same. My question to you is if you come into millions of dollars, would you still be frugal minded? Is there any times or areas that you splurge? This was a good topic, thanks for sharing.
Ann M We do frugality-by-choice. We could live like "kings", but we choose not to. We'd rather have lots of money saved/invested, than lots of shiny new stuff.
Ann M I have family members who are very frugal for most things, but will splurge on things that they consider important. They were able to save their money to do home renovations, buy new cars, go travel overseas, etc. However even if they had a million dollars to spend, I doubt they would change their habits for everyday purchases. I believe being frugal is a mindset and lifestyle, not just something do out of necessity. I know others who make much less than my relatives but spend on things that are not really needed or lasting. I hope that clears up your doubts! Also, I was raised by parents who are not frugal but my husband was raised frugally so I can see both sides.
I do 12 out of 12.My trees that shade my house are 80 percent fruit trees,the others are pine trees which i paint the pine cones at the holidays,I built large shelves for my garage out of used lumber and second hand paint.I recycle everything i can.
The easiest way to save money is on food. Watch "Sensible Food Storage" on RU-vid. Learn ways to cheaply, easily store foods of all kinds. Having food "put back" like my Mom and G'ma did allows me to save a ton. Everything I eat is bought on sale, usually in multiples and if stored properly will last a long time. I even buy staples from the LDS cannery that will last up to 25 years if stored properly. Why? Look at Peurto Rico. In a large disaster in my area happens, I've got it covered. I also keep cash at home in small bills for emergencies. Frugality helps you be prepared for reality.
i would say i am about an 11 1/2 lol......my kids are grown, so no issues with diapers and all....they are building a Goodwill right by my house!!!!! i am a happy camper ! not only for shopping, but to keep from throwing things away.
We usually rewash our clothes has long as our clothes are clean well reuse our clothes again we go thrift shopping or if we get free clothes we'll keep the clothes . We got a SUV in cash no car payments & we pay for our insurance payments for 6 months that helps I love being on a budget too We eat at home too & good video . 😉🏆
We are definitely frugal. We reuse, wear it out, make do and grow our own if we can. I would like to lower my grocery budget but haven't figured out how to to do that to include clean, healthy meats, veg and fruit. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. We are a family of 5 and I am feeding 3 teenagers and we spend probably around 4 to 500 dollars a month.
This is great. Can you do a video for young couples just starting out. Our daughter and son-in-law are moving into there first apartment on a shoe-string budget. thanks.
Right now I do most of that because I grew up poor; though I didn't realize it until I got to high school. I retired early and am waiting on disability hearings. So our income went down considerably. Kathy B.
We had a time when money was really tight. We had to skim on a lot of things in order to pay the mortgage and electric bills. Two things we gave up and never went back to using, paper towels and toilet paper. We use wash clothes in the place of both now. During this time I learned to take those plastic shopping bags and crochet them into beach bags, which I sold at the flea mall.
Definitely cloth diapers. I'm reusing cloth diapers with 2nd born. Only person I know using them which is quite sad. Breastfeeding is great too if it works out.
My tip: I have a few big powerbanks. I charge them at off peak hours and use the electricity during peak hours so I use off peak electricity during peak hours :)
I try but when it comes to clothing I have to buy online can't find 5x in the stores. Saddly I can't buy cheap shoes which I would prefer because they'ed only last 3 weeks.
Then I am definitely frugal. I am proud and happy with that fact. When watching minimalist videos, I feel something not right or does not click with me or I cannot accept, which is get rid of stuff that is still usable. This 'throw away mentality' really is not me.
I crochet stuff for extra money like scarves, hats, shawls and other things that I can sell I have a friend of mine who is asking a friend of hers to sell my stuff in his shop
