10 Habits & Ways I Live More Frugal | MINIMALISM + SIMPLE LIVING

[@aki-est]

The biggest money saving habit is using the library! They have so many free resources you probably don’t even know they offer - like checking out audiobooks and movies, or the library in the last place I lived had a sewing machine that you could use for the cost of materials.

[@JoanQuinto]

I definitely will check out the local library to see what they got going on! That’s so cool yours had a sewing machine!

[@JongbumLee-z5o]

Ilia kvalito ne estas malsupera al tiuj grandaj luksaj varoj. La fortikeco kaj atento al detaloj rivalas kun la originalaj dezajnistsakoj kaj mi ne povas kredi kiom mi ?paris. ?i estas la perfekta akcesora?o por iu ajn moda knabino! Mi certas, ke mi rea?etos iujn aliajn stilojn kaj kolorojn HIDUPZ por kongrui kun miaj vesta?oj kaj ?uoj!

[@jennybanana2296]

Good points! I haven't taken as consistent and numerous measures, but asking myself if something is a real need or just something I want has saved me a lot of money.

[@JoanQuinto]

Exactly! I know we tend to get caught up just paying for things without thinking if we really need it. That’s been my biggest lesson for sure when I decided to have financial goals!

[@JongbumLee-z5o]

My mom bought one HIDUPZ and she loves it. It had been there for over 10 years when she went out with it.

[@JuanitaNance]

Txs for this motivational video!!! The 1 thing I do is park my car in front of my home when I hear a rain forecast, the next day, I wipe it down with some dry cloths, and it's better than the car wash!!! I wash clothes in a bucket to get ready for the next wash

[@JoanQuinto]

You’re welcome! Glad you liked it.

[@MsSarahJam]

I'm on a really good bus route - it takes me from my house to a 1 minute walk to my work. I buy a multiple-use discounted bus pass, it's so helpful financially.

[@JoanQuinto]

Taking the bus is sooo helpful! People tend to forget that it’s available to them, even in smaller towns. Thanks for watching!

[@XB75015]

Aldi, Winco and sometimes TJs were my grocery providers when I was living in San Diego. I think I am applying most of your recommendations for years now.

[@JoanQuinto]

That’s great! I wish i had learned all this sooner in life. Better now than never I guess! Thanks so much for watching!

[@lisabahouth8893]

I LOVE no spend months!! I often do it in November.

[@WolvesInferno]

Great video Joan! I try and live as frugally as possible. For starters, I own one car, and that car is very cheap to run and maintain. It's a Toyota Auris Hybrid that does usually over 65 to well over 70 MPG UK. I get a higher mpg city. My razors for shaving last for at least 2 years or more, just for one blade. The trick is to wet your face with a damp and soapy face cloth, and that helps the razor to last longer. When finished shaving make sure to clean and dry that razor attachment. I also don't use any streaming sites whatsoever. I tend to download movies for free from torrent sites and even KZbin has some free HD movies. I think one way for people to stop and cancel their Spotify sub is to log into KZbin on their computer, create a playlist, then simply log into KZbin on their phones and go into your account and you'll find your playlist. I also make my own meals at home and only have something unhealthy once or twice a week.

[@JoanQuinto]

Good ol’ Torrent! I definitely took advantage of that as well back in the days when I was really into movies. I also listen to music on KZbin as well. Thanks for sharing your experiences, and thanks for watching!

[@sharonpovroznik9600]

Very good video, love your ideas😊

[@JoanQuinto]

Glad you like them! Thanks so much for watching!

[@lisabahouth8893]

So far I am doing the first four!! Wasn’t even thinking of it, it’s such a necessity to save.

[@JoanQuinto]

Especially with how unpredictable the economy is these days, it’s definitely a necessity to save. Thanks for watching!

[@milicamarshastefanovich3312]

This year has been so expensive in California that I’ve cut costs on everything just to stay a float and not have to pickup a second job. If I can live without it, I’m doing so. I literally have no spent money on anything that wasn’t essential this year. I’ve cut my own hair, stopped coloring it, went to Visible wireless and pay $25 a month for service. I was forced into frugalism and there is no going back to consumerism. Americans have a massive problem with consumerism to an extreme degree. I’m looking to leave CA and go to another state where I can actually buy a modest home and have a better life. I pay $2500 for a two bedroom apartment and it’s nothing special. I can’t get ahead in this State.

[@JoanQuinto]

Gurrrrl i feel you! I lived in California most of my life and also left two years ago for the very same reasons. I wasn’t getting ahead with my finances whatsoever. Now that I’m in AZ, I’m making progress while still enjoying a higher quality of life (hardly any homeless problem in my town, lower crime, a really nice apartment for waaaay less than what you’re paying.) Best of luck to you! Trust, leaving CA won’t seem so bad/sad once you get a glimpse of what’s possible for you elsewhere.

[@Doingmybest700]

@@JoanQuintohow is the heat in AZ?

[@NotAnnaDarkmist]

​@@Doingmybest700Hot. Almost unbearable. But we don't deal with snow so as long as you have air conditioning in your car and home, you'll survive.

[@LA-wv7gf]

I hope Joan doesn't mind my sharing but to the OP, check out Prepper Princess who is a long time Californian and frugalist who recently was talking on YT about PG&E in California plus housing. Regretfully, relative to wages, things aren't better in other states. I am in TN where people are flocking and most of us locals can't afford rent either. Small non luxury 2 bedroom apartments are running around 2000/mth. A small studio$1300/1400 and it is a box and not luxury. They are giving migrants vouchers here also and property managers are allowing them to freely move in whereas local US citizens are required to pass credit screening, income 3 x the gross income to the rent etc. It is maddening. (I volunteer for a non profit so I am speaking fact regarding migrant issue).

[@JoanQuinto]

@@Doingmybest700 my first summer here, it was soooo unbearable, it got up to 118F for two weeks! But this past summer wasn’t as hot with all the rains we had, i had gotten used to it, and started spending more time in the river and lakes to cool off. You find ways to work with it!

[@LA-wv7gf]

Shopping strategically is so important. Some people become very rigid about their grocery budget, however, I am always willing to flex fhat budget some months also when I can stack discounts, BOGOs to stock up. I recently did that with meats. Esp when eating Organic, Non GMO, taking advantage of fhat is critical due to the increased costs. Great list, Joan!

[@JoanQuinto]

Absolutely! And same here, sometimes we push our grocery budget depending how we’re doing with everything else some months. I used to buy everything organic, but some months we can’t. Hoping that I can eventually get back to it soon! Thanks so much for watching!

[@georgannecollett8047]

Under The Nedian suggest the budget for the month be divided into 5 instead of 4 to allow for buying bulk items etc...I've found that wonderful Joan.. No guilt for going over the budget

[@georgannecollett8047]

Same here...i had to stop..it was so expensive...we nearly died when we saw the annual expenses due to buying organic food​@JoanQuinto

[@charmycree2024]

Thank you for another great vlog. Great ideas 💡 again!! 😊👌

[@JoanQuinto]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks again for watching! 😊

[@galex5060]

As a former barista, you need to make a lot of coffees to redeem the initial investment of a machine and by that time it's often ready for replacement. I do like your idea of buying a high quality machine. If you need a built in milk frother, ensure there is enough pressure in the water steamer or it will never do the job properly. I purchase a really good instant coffee. I have 1-2 two coffees per week out only as a treat. Calculate how many hours of work you would need to do to pay for something (it's like how many minutes do you need to exercise to work off that extra slice of cake!😆) I always buy my iPhone brand new outright rather than on a plan. I have my own SIM card and I pay $15 month. I take a good book with me when out if I am on my own or actually (shock) look around and people watch and observe my surroundings rather than fixate on the phone like so many, many people do. I stopped drinking alcohol (save up $2000+ per year) and saves so many calories. Again, I have one glass of wine when out (that's it) as a treat. I take public transport as much as I can even though I have a nice car. I am retired now, so I get a special card which means I am capped at $2.50 per day for unlimited travel! It's cheaper than crossing one local bridge ($4) plus petrol and wear and tear on the car.

[@JoanQuinto]

Thanks for sharing what you do! I totally agree, I have that mindset too with how many hours I work just to buy something. We bought our Breville Barista Express back in 2019, we've kept up with its maintenance/descaling, etc., and make lattes almost every single day. It still works great! I'm sure you have great taste in coffee :) Thanks so much for watching!

[@galex5060]

@@JoanQuinto Keep up the great work with all you are doing to live a conscientious and meaningful life. And, while I may seem clued in now, I wish I had know what you do, 30 years ago. But then, for everyone out there, it's never too late to start! 😄

[@georgannecollett8047]

Can I ask what really good instant coffee you buy?

[@schoolneverteach]

Great ways! Not buying books is perhaps the last frontier cos it is based on the awakening that things that matter to some paper are still part of consumer culture eating at our money!💰

[@rastaman39]

Very savvy

[@JoanQuinto]

Why, thank you! 😊

[@jenniferbessette7983]

I love your content! What vacuum do you have?

[@JoanQuinto]

I’m glad you love it! My vacuum is Severin, it’s made in Germany. Very solid vacuum!

[@DaysAfterDecluttering]

I don't wash my car either. I get it. Occasionally, when it gets very dirty, I'll use a coupon for a drive through car wash and call it good. It's usually $5 a couple times a year. I'm also in the no takeout coffee club. =)

[@JoanQuinto]

My car is so old, it doesn’t bother me either if it’s a little dirty. And i always had this silly thought that the dirtier it is, the less likely it will get mugged. Lol! And yes, home made coffee is where it’s at! Tastes better I think 😊

[@melissam.6004]

I like your ideas and I will definitely think about my spending more often. But I don't just see traveling as fun, it also promotes personal development, especially when I travel to faraway countries and get to know their culture. For me, it's all worth the cost.

[@JoanQuinto]

I absolutely agree about traveling being about personal development. I plan to go back to traveling again hopefully soon! But for now, I gotta focus on my finances. Thanks so much for watching!

[@autobotdiva9268]

my minimalism is maxing out the roth ira, its not fun but necessary.

[@JoanQuinto]

Hah!

[@Motaki666]

What did you cook at 6:50? It looks delicious 😍

[@JoanQuinto]

I made poached eggs on polenta cakes! I made a video on this and other recipes:

[@JoanQuinto]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/mIfOlKaVhrR6jq8si=QB7Ni8wz3WFLpjj9

[@lisabahouth8893]

Thats s polenta which you can buy in a roll at TJ or Whole Foods, or make yourself. With whatever toppings you want. Delicious

[@zoeslovely7096]

I can afford to do all these things you're talking about but I choose not to! I LOVE my homemade almond milk lattes! ❤❤❤

[@JoanQuinto]

It’s all about discipline and you have that! ;) And yes, home made lattes are the best. Thanks so much for watching!

[@pearlspetals5542]

We have the same first name. It’s quite unusual these days!

[@VRFunbox]

You are saying no subscriptions but actually one is fine because it costs way less than tickets. But rest all are actually good points. We tend to ignore these smaller things which costs more in the long run.

[@JoanQuinto]

Yes, I pay for my meditation app because it benefits my mental health. But that’s the only subscription I pay for. Thanks for watching!

[@Coetta]

About twice a year I will pay for a guy to wash it at car wash $1.25. Too much pressure on my arthritis arthritic hands. But, several times a year by puttin on a raincoat n hood got a thin nylon 1, I pour soap n water on top..front n back n hard steady rain cleans it ok.

[@Coetta]

I don't care for many movies I don't stream any. I got $30 antenna so TV is free n watch utube on my cell a lot.

[@Coetta]

In my small town they have several free activities.

[@JoanQuinto]

Love all of that! I don’t really care for movies either. Thanks so much for watching!

[@paulsargeant3764]

Hey. I fast, so my grocery bill is under £40 or $52 per month. I get a big paycheck at the end of the month, so I'm going to buy an electric bike & the rest is going into my emergency fund x

[@JoanQuinto]

Wow! How do you keep your groceries so low? I’m curious! And definitely, building your emergency fund is so important!

[@paulsargeant3764]

@JoanQuinto Compared to the USA, food prices are still super low here in the UK. Americans are suffering every day with their grocery prices

[@JoanQuinto]

@paulsargeant3764 that’s so interesting to hear that. For example, how much are a dozen of eggs? Or a thing of grated Parmesan cheese? Or a jug of apple juice? Those things i have definitely noticed a large spike in prices over here.

[@paulsargeant3764]

@JoanQuinto A dozen eggs from Aldi in the UK are £2.35 or $3.07 100g of grated parmesan cheese is £1.59 or $2.08. Hope this helps x

[@JoanQuinto]

@@paulsargeant3764 wow! Yes it’s definitely more affordable there. Thanks for sharing, it’s good to have another perspective.

[@corinneknight6489]

Oh man tell me how to cut my own hair!!!!!! I need to learn to do this. Currently my hair is to my waist. I cannot stand going to the hairdresser

[@JoanQuinto]

I’ll have to put together a video at some point! Thanks so much for watching!

[@georgannecollett8047]

Gee I would've thought it was easier with long hair...my hair is shorter and kind of layered...I wish I knew how to do that

[@vduback]

Don’t forget to live a little. Life is short I can promise you that.

[@JoanQuinto]

Absolutely!

[@Filzlauszwei]

The food here in Germany is very high.😢 but I do not have a car.I take the bus it is free for me. I cut my on haar to.

[@JoanQuinto]

Dankeschön for watching my video! 😉

[@andrefrank8270]

Beer cigarettes. Unnecessary trips overuse of utilities

[@AK-ei5st]

Living just normal is called "frugal" now?

[@JoanQuinto]

In extreme consumerist America, yes. 😂

[@LadyBeeSting2434]

@@JoanQuinto @AK-ei5st in the USA this isn’t normal. This is trying to live normal because most people our age are spending above their wage and asking about “plans” every weekend. Otherwise you’re considered odd.

[@Mushroomsam]

Why do you throw shade at Los Angeles. Every city and town has their good and bad qualities. Get rid of the negtive energy you carry and project to your audience. -California For Life

[@lisabahouth8893]

I totally agree. I love it here. I am sure there is envy out there - it’s beautiful here.

[@JoanQuinto]

I lived in California most of my life (for 24 years) and much of my adult life in Los Angeles for 7 years. I loved it for what it was way back then, but not the way it is now. LA has served its purpose for me and I can have an opinion about it.

[@Mushroomsam]

@@JoanQuinto , you sound like all them magas saying i left California high taxes, California getting expensive California is trash... all part of an agenda. Good luck, Iam out.

[@Mushroomsam]

@@JoanQuinto, you deleted my response. So you have a maga agenda? Good for you. I am still out.

[@Haiokbai]

I live in LA (have my whole life) and I’m not offended at all. She’s speaking facts. Why are you taking it so personally? That’s kinda weird.