100 THINGS I WONT BUY IN 2023 | FRUGAL LIVING TIPS WITH FRUGAL FIT MOM

[@carmarasmussen8118]

Someone actually said Your kids must be so unhappy?!? I imagine your kids are happy, content and very well grounded. 😄

[@Mrs.Arado1980]

Amen!! I was super happy as a kid and we reused what we had or bought what we needed 😊

[@cherylcraffey]

I never bought my kids video games or video consoles my son hated me for a few years "your cheap mom" he would say.. then of course a few years later my son actually thanked us for not buying those items. They read books listen to music ride bikes ventured outside and discovered the world.

[@maryluw9915]

I bet Christine’s kids are over the moon happy simply because they DON’T have all the useless stuff to weigh them down

[@nunusky3942]

As a new mom it's really hard not to buy my son toys but I'm slowly learning about price and quality

[@amy2284]

@@maryluw9915and they have college funds because mama is so frugal and savvy

[@sarahgrumbine4327]

Really don’t understand how anybody can say your kids are unhappy because they don’t get cheap baked goods. Hello they get homemade baked goods 1 million times better. Always love your videos❤

[@E.S.K.]

Because people don't like (and don't understand) anything that isn't "normal". It's weird for them. If you're different, you have a problem, you're sad etc.

[@angelasandoval1236]

Normal?? 🤣🤣🤣🤣 I thought I was Normal, I don't go to startbuck, I don't have I pod, I don't go to dry cleaning, I wash and hand dry and iron 😅 😐 How knew!!!

[@E.S.K.]

@@angelasandoval1236 yes, you are normal, like me ;) but most of people are "normal"- they like living for show. They do what everybodys do. To fit it. They are buying expensive stuff for everybody to see it. In every country different things are "normal". My Polish teacher (I'm from Poland) always said "that's not normal, that's socially acceptable".

[@SomeYouTubeGuy]

I don't bake literally at all and I'm a single guy. I went out and bought everything to make Christines no kneed bread recipe and it was super easy and really really good. I don't have the recipe in front of me but I think it only had 3 ingredients as well.

[@Fishhead588]

Exactly! What a luxury to come home to cooked food especially nowadays

[@BudgetingJuliesWay]

Throw pillows are good for short people. Don't get rid of them all. As a shorter person most lounges or couches are uncomfortable for me as they are too wide, so a throw pillow behind my back is so much easier

[@melissaweber4622]

Ergonomics!

[@ivonneedithl]

I am so happy I have found this frugal community. I have been rejected before from “a group of friends” because I was different (not enough makeup, no new purses, same shoes 👟, same cloth, going out with them but not having a lot of food, or just a juice). Hang out with people that love you and respect you no matter what. And yes, frugality is there, for everyone, but not everyone is ready for this lifestyle 😅

[@michellepreston5710]

I don’t even have kids and noticed how crazy some of these mom groups are. 😂 Check out Dawn from The Minimal Mom, also. She how I found Christine. ❤

[@Bunny422MM]

Welcome 🤗

[@thefrugalmomma]

The only person(s) in life you need to make happy is yourself and your family (if you have one). Who cares what others think, it's how you want to live is that matters and you will always eventually find friends who have the same mind set as you. Frugality is such fun 😍

[@f.-j.j.5738]

I cannot understand how and why that matters in a friendship. It doesn't at all. We are friends with a couple who always share a restaurant meal every time we get together. They also don't drink. That bothers us zero. Convo is still great, company is still great, time together is still great.

[@ivonneedithl]

@@f.-j.j.5738 exactly, real friends don’t care about those things at all.

[@sheramelton3583]

Our local radio station recently did a poll on their Facebook page of how many times people use a towel before washing it again. Most people said they use it once and then it goes in the hamper and they get another. They also had strong opinions that it was disgusting for you to reuse your towel without washing. I thought that was insane. You hang it up to dry between uses, you are the only one using it. How is it gross?

[@lizacisneros9170]

Man they probably think I'm dirty I use my towel more then once

[@melissatweedie4761]

I mean. You use it on your clean body. Can’t be that dirty! 😄

[@samanthapicard-drouin5326]

Well too much is like not enough, i have to change my boyfriend's towel otherwise he might use it everyday for 3 weeks straight, so now I take care of the laundry 😂😂😂

[@velvetangel3000]

It's gross because of the dead skin cells that you rub off your body when drying off, also body fluids that get on it as well. 🤷‍♀️

[@Krysb107]

@@velvetangel3000 Do you wash your sheets/pillowcases everyday? Because your skin is shedding millions of cells and you get your oils and sweat on them every night. Your towel you use to dry off your clean body is much cleaner…

[@buckeyethor]

We recently bought bottled water. It was practically a necessity given the unclear information from a train derailment here in Ohio. It has been devastating to our people, environment, livestock, and crops. I think I will probably always keep a gallon of water in case of emergencies from here on out.

[@sarahkapustic1881]

Glad someone mentioned this. That catastrophe is out of control.

[@spcatmom]

Praying for you all. Horrible situation and so very scary.

[@LisaofHopewell]

Sorry you endured that. Our state dealt very poorly with it.

[@dianasimplifies]

I do keep bottled water for emergencies as well but I don’t actually buy bottled and drink it. I reuse a stainless steel bottle. I think that’s all she meant. ❤ I’m actually surprised she doesn’t stockpile some water.

[@melanie3604]

I absolutely agree. I will NEVER drink tap water!! She is way misinformed that our water is healthy in the USA. There is flouride, mercury, chlorine etc. I use distilled water only. I get sick from tap water. I use filters for bathing.

[@karenprinz5987]

I was with you until the coffee. That one I’ll hang on to for the good of my family. 😂😂

[@firequeen2194]

Ditto!

[@MariaSanchez1.]

Same 😂

[@bethshorey8458]

For the good of my co-workers.

[@RedHotTamale91]

Came here to say this 😂

[@Halfwaythere807]

As a Mom I feel like I’m always being judged but quite frankly have never given a rip!! Thank you Christine for all the good content, as a Mom I appreciate your ideas, your recipes (I make crusty bread every week) and you help me not only with your ideas but your humor!! Thank you and don’t listen to the critics…they don’t get it anyway!!😉😉💕😊🙏

[@freckledfox7308]

The sad thing is the things that they want to judge on aren't good for your family, especially your kids anyway. It's easier to project and blame then to improve your own situation.

[@natalieeubank4533]

I now make French bread every week too! It tastes much better than store bought! I’m getting accustomed to being different and I kind of like it.

[@morpheuszzz662]

I love the wool dryer balls. They help dry the clothes faster, and if you add a couple drops of essential oils to them, they make your laundry smell great. Use in place of dryer sheets. The dryer sheets leave a coating not only on your clothes (esp. making towels inefficient because they stop absorbing water) but they can be a fire hazard.

[@StaceysStash]

Anyone that actually watches your channel sees how happy the kids are, sees how many things you all do as a family! If I was able to do all the things you guys can do I would be taking my kids all the time! I would love to take my kids to do things that keep us active and I think it's great that your family does so many things together and you all have a blast doing them!

[@deborahdillon5298]

😁I so loved hearing that there are others like us who don't go out to eat, no soda, no alcohol, video games(we do have tablets/minecraft, learning games), etc.!! Our kids are happy too! My boys are outside/dirty all the time!♥️

[@MultiLadybug72]

My daughter is 39. She now appreciates when she played outside in a tent made of blankets hung from the clothes line. She and her friends spent the day in there, played, colored and ate. Let 'em get dirty. Best thing for them!!

[@shannonbrice8012]

I still play the original wii....I bought vodka to make some vanilla and almost lost my nut seeing the prices of things. I don't know how people can afford to drink. I live in canada and a case of beer (for 12) is almost 30 dollars.

[@dianasimplifies]

@@shannonbrice8012 ikr what an easy thing to cut from a budget. That and soda as well! Soda should be more of a special thing.

[@lizh1988]

​@dianasimplifies Yes. I'm thinking that hard times, or the threat of them, are a good reminder of how good we have it when times are good. Probably the emergency items we have will be useful to someone anyway. A food bank or church would likely be glad to have the overruns, even the paper towels.

[@skilgore9579]

Lamps and ambient light really create a calm and homey atmosphere. It can truly make a difference in how the room feels. We rarely ever use the overhead “warehouse “ lights ( that’s what I call them 😄) in our house.

[@barbaratozzano6364]

Amen to that. I hate over head lighting. Too harsh, and not cozy at all.

[@nettynette8697]

I quit buying dryer sheets and switched to dryer balls - and love them. They help eliminate static and for that, they work. 😁 I have 4 of them and I do find them randomly in the house and eventually all 4 make it back to the laundry room. Eventually. 😜 New subscriber and I love your channel. ❤️

[@amymosco415]

I use white vinegar for fabric softener! Works great!

[@roxannewhite9554]

I’m pregnant with my first child and the ideas & values you instill in your kids is an inspiration for me!!! Know that for every harsh thing someone says about your family or parenting, there are a lot more of us so impressed and inspired by you!! I’m obsessed with my apple & pineapple slicers and my garlic press, but I totally agree with everything else!😂

[@TheLydiaM]

If you start now before you have your children you will save soooooo much money. ❤ wish I would have!

[@Bunny422MM]

Haha yeah the one thing I was like “noooo but it’s my favorite” is the garlic press. But I’ve definitely bought some other one trick ponies just to clutter up my space… the point is very valid. The apple corer was great when I was a kid making for myself. I’m not even pregnant yet- but I love the support of this channel to be frugal and be okay with it not meshing with others’ lifestyles.

[@thefrugalmomma]

Congratulations Roxanne, you have such wonderful years ahead of you 🥰 When a child is brought up in a frugal family its just the norm for them, my daughter is now 16 and will only buy clothes from the charity shop or when on sale and under a certain price, yet her friends think she is a real trend setter as she has brilliant taste and idea's of how to wear things. She also carries this forward with many other area's of spending and loves a bargain. Lx

[@rayselby3487]

Sue here: we all can buy less, use and reuse what we already have, and learn to be content!!! You are so wise. Those that live that way enjoy real long lasting happiness, for sure. ( I do love my paper towels and cute pillows though 🤸🏡.) 🧡

[@M.Beesley91]

Amen to the homemade lunchables, not eating out, and no alcohol. Our young daughter loves homemade lunchables and they are definitely more cost effective! We don't drink alcohol at all, but the price is nuts when I hear it discussed... As for eating out, meal planning weekly has saved our life for not wanting to eat out, especially when we usually plan simple, easy to swap meals if we have a day we don't feel like cooking what is planned!

[@marleneweeks4504]

Good job Christine 🎉

[@clusterbungle]

Yep yep and yep! The only things I disagreed with were throw pillows (I have a total of 3 because I suck at decorating so they are my decor 😂), house plants because I like growing plants, and the extra sheets because I have a tiny little English house with no dryer so you NEED at least one spare set while the washed sheets are air drying.

[@rvmush3883]

Me too with the sheets. While kids no longer have accidents, my senior kitty inevitably has hers in the middle of the night usually on my bed. Ugh! I keep the extras for each bed folded up between the mattress and box on that bed. Extra pillow cases go in the linen closet, or they disappear 🤷🏻‍♀️

[@heirloomacres7445]

I change our sheets at least twice a week.

[@alisonp9545]

Every family has their own hobbies that they spend money on. For ours, it's electronics, and people may think our kids are not cared for because of that, but it's really just whatever works for your own family. I'm an author, so most of my time is spent indoors on a laptop, but I still have happy and healthy kids with a great relationship with me. Do what's best for you, and don't let haters make you feel bad for it. Your family is awesome and is the complete opposite to ours in pretty much every way. Yet I still think you're awesome.

[@sarahlangham635]

Thank you for pointing out the girl deodorant!! I use men’s old spice wilderness- it’s lavender scented and it works all day!! No matter what activity I am doing!!

[@debrasedgwick4697]

I have always used Men's Mitchums Unscented deodorant. When my daughter started use deodorant, she choose Old Spice. She said that the girl's scents were lame, (her words, not mine, lol) I have noticed that usually there is more in the men's product at the same price as women's. I guess our dainty little tiny arm pits don't use as much as men's pits do.

[@thealexandraway]

Even exercise? I'll have to try that next!

[@firequeen2194]

Love the men’s deodorant! Bigger canisters, lower price point, and no pink tax!

[@AWordofHope]

I'll have to try that. The only one I use is Secret, everything else just feels like I am not wearing anything

[@cjsidner2502]

A lot of the things works for your family, while it won't work for other families. You guys mountain bike, hike. Unfortunately some families can't do that with their kids. I personally like to do some home decor. Makes me feel good, especially when I'm/we're home most of the time. I give you credit, that most of your suggestions were good!

[@mariayelruh]

Extra sets of sheets are fantastic when there are sick kids. I've learned that no matter how tired I am, I put the dirty sheets in the washer when a kid is sick enough to change the sheets. Then when they are sick again you do another load and stick the first load in the drier. Thankfully we didn't run out of sheets before some where dry.

[@Sher1965]

If I give a gift when someone gets married or has a baby, I usually just give money. They know what they need and where they want to shop at. Recently, I was invited to a baby shower for a friend that is pregnant with twins. I found out what brand diapers that she uses on her current youngest child and the average size her babies wore when they were born. I am glad that I asked because all of her babies were large babies. She admitted to me "They will not be able to wear newborn." I did buy her store brand baby wipes that my family has used so that she can try them out and they are cheaper.

[@annemccoy7765]

Loved this. I'm very frugal myself. Like many things, Some folks (like you) are even more frugal than me. 😅 My kids also had homemade lunches, no cell phones, no soda, barely any fast food, and many other things on the list. I also hit WalMart & Walgreens after Christmas & other holidays. This year I didn't because I had plenty of stock so I didn't go. Most nights we had homemade meals. Even now, living with my grandson, I have a well stocked pantry and rarely have to grocery shop with that and my full freezer of things purchased on sale or clearance. I don't think your kids are deprived. They have the security of a loving, healthy, active family. The lack of video games & cable tv is not harmful to them. You are modeling healthy behavior. It was such a pleasure watching this video.

[@aaronhudgens8345]

“ On the contrary, you succeeded.” Highest praise for sure!!!!!! I get the look/exclamations when people talk/suggest a restaurant and I say I’ve never been there. I’d rather cook and eat at home.

[@KateWiium]

My kids ADORE stuffed animals, its the only thing i cant declutter and what they still always want. I slept with mine until 13 years old and i loved them, they gave me a sense of security! :)

[@tiagorman1553]

Do not toss the wool dryer balls, retrieve from your dog (I also have to do this😉), they shorten the drying time in your dryer and just store them inside the dryer.

[@leeanncornell8305]

I have never used a dryer and wash only cold water. Who gets that dirty? 🌸🤣🌹

[@kathymatheny6336]

@@leeanncornell8305 people that work or play outside. Factory workers. Plant workers. Anyone working with animals. Just a few that come to mind

[@rachalnocchi5600]

I am so with you on using up the cleaning products! So I actually went and looked all through my house to find out how many cleaning products I have. It was CRAZY, I was like "I have enough to clean this house for at least a year maybe more." That is nuts! I wish so much I could use powder regular Tide, it smells great and cleans great but I am allergic to it. So I use Purex or Simply Tide. The formula is different in Simply Tide, and while it does not smell as nice, it is still is a great product. All this to say, I am with you on this front girl!

[@freeinghumanitynow]

Can't believe folks are already complaining. The frugality here is in stocking up when things are on sale. As she states in the vid, you're saving in the long run, really, which you would know if you know how to budget. How y'all living frugally but not budgeting correctly? Couldn't be me!! Lol. Christine's tip on shopping those Christmas clearance sales is GOLD. You can stock up on A LOT of household and personal care products after Christmas. It's about being strategic and intentional. For example, in my area many grocery stores have turkeys marked down even more after Christmas. The smart folks will buy as many turkeys as they can budget for then proceed to preserve the turkey in as many ways possible. They can freeze, freeze dry, make broth, etc. You can pretty much do everything with turkey you can do with chicken. You can fill up your pantry, freezer and fridge on these post-holiday clearance sales. Yet another great video, Christine!!

[@kelseyfludd5926]

But most of the stuff she listed she will have to buy again once its used up. The video should be about things she will never ever buy since the video is titled “100 things i dont buy”of course you dont buy canned tomatoes when you have 10 already(but she will eventually). Of course you dont buy blankets when you have lots already

[@alliWLC2013]

@@kelseyfludd5926 it is titled “I won’t buy in 2023”

[@dianasimplifies]

@@kelseyfludd5926 a lot of us stockpile so I’m with her. I already realized early on in 2023 I wasn’t buying a lot of this stuff. I have too much stockpiled

[@sharons4611]

I can’t store one turkey let alone more than one. Yes I could buy a freezer and pay the exorbitant cost of supplying electricity to that freezer. but we are talking hundreds of dollars. I can buy a lot of food for those hundreds of dollars, if I ever find a very good deal on a freezer I probably will do it but not until then.

[@dianasimplifies]

@@sharons4611 actually it's not that expensive hooking up an extra freezer. We have 3 fridges and a chest freezer. The only reason I have 3 fridges is one is a piece of crap that's always breaking down and we had a chance at a free one so we took it. But yeah the cost is pretty minimal.

[@kristinam2719]

I agree with you on some many things Christine and I am an empty nester in my 60’s! Worth buying - good shoes; life insurance; anything of quality (i.e. sheets; towels; furniture). I do buy expensive coffee to make at home, but won’t pay for cups of coffee at a cafe. Things I don’t buy - perfume; dryer sheets; Door Dash or Uber Eats; food in packages; seasonal decor. However, I do not stock up on items like you do because I simply do not have the storage space to store stuff. I just buy as I need things and, since we’re Costco members, we only certain items like toilet paper and paper towels there.

[@courtneyswisher6967]

Holiday themed stuff right after the holiday for 75% off is actually a way to save money ;) I stay away from decorations but holiday cake mix, pancake mix, etc for .50c are great to have on hand in my opinion!

[@kimchambers3698]

Our son grew up similar to your kids. No cell phone, no computer, no fast food due to the following....no cell service, no internet, no restaurants/fast food joints for 30 miles. I will admit the cell phone and computer issue is a thing of the past...I somehow raised a techie. Restaurants/fast food is something he continues to this day to not truly enjoy or spend much money on. He cooks for one. He is an excellent cook as he cooks for us occasionally when we visit. We also got the ????? while raising him, but we have no regrets. You are rocking it. I too, like everyone else on this site, have learned additional things which are now going to be implemented in our now empty nest.

[@susanhauck7423]

I have been using mens razors for 25 years, ditch the shaving cream and buy cheap hair conditioner from the dollar tree, works perfect and moisturizes your skin!😉💕

[@9807654]

It's weird to me how everyone thinks not eating out is weird 😂 Every video I see about how to save money says to eat out less, and I'm like THAT TIP WONT HELP ME THANKS

[@dianasimplifies]

😂 we have always limited our eating out, I don’t think it’s weird either, right now we eat out more than ever but we are older and established so there isn’t any reason not to go have some fun but yeah there is nothing odd about it.

[@SomeYouTubeGuy]

As an Australian I find apartment tour videos where they don't have a kitchen just super weird. They have a bar fridge and a microwave. Because apparently they always eat out

[@allinotte4263]

We go through lots of tissues in my house but use cloth napkins. Been using cloth napkins for at least 15 years. Game changer. Always stay stocked up on TP when on sale. I hate buying full price.

[@shanp8907]

I can’t even imagine people actually say your kids must be sad… that’s ridiculous…at least your kids aren’t parked in front of a TV or video game for hours on end rotting their brains. GOOD FOR YOU! Great tips too, I need to implement some 😊

[@doveandolive1153]

Gave up fabric softener and swapped for white vinegar now clothes feel/look much better & softer, washing machine is cleaner too. Wool dryer balls work for us so we stopped buying dryer sheets. Saving quite a bit of money on just those 2 items alone and not missing them.

[@Kcarty]

I recently discovered the vinegar rinse. Not going back! Dryer balls too but I have to track them down with all the other laundry users in my house.

[@dianasimplifies]

Yep using vinegar for hubby be he is sensitive

[@suyoungsy]

Never used dryer sheets in my life and have never seen a use for it. Same for fabric softener. I've always wondered why those products hadn't been eliminated from the market all these years

[@JaneH3675]

I also use white vinegar in the rinse. Love it. Am wanting the wool dryer balls. I don't want dryer sheets anymore. Waste of money.

[@simplyfromscratchrecipes]

I was laughing at the "your house is clinical" What? Have they actually watched your videos? Seen your personality? Your kids? Stuff doesn't make a home, your family does. Keep up the amazing work, love your channel!

[@tiffanys6580]

The only thing I noticed is you said "100 things you don't buy to save money", which would suggest stuff you don't buy or use...but instead the video showed things you have stocked up and still use, but you just may not NEED to purchase for awhile due to stocking up. I enjoy your videos, they are very helpful, I have just found that lately they seem to be misleading with your ideas and the title.

[@kimberlybotkin7060]

I came looking for this comment! You don’t need to buy toilet paper anymore? Okay?

[@kistelkistel]

Yes it should say in 2023

[@jadedgramma]

Absolutely agree. I don't buy land Rovers, BMWs, etc etc etc. Deceptive.

[@coupontherapy2635]

should be things i stocked up on so i wont be buying for a while

[@happymama1015]

I’m sure it was just a mistake, my gosh🙄

[@RosieCarl]

Felted wool balls can help save energy by absorbing moisture from the wet clothes in the dryer. Wool is a fiber that can absorb 20-30% of its weight in water without feeling wet so it will help absorb the moisture in your clothes. This characteristic is why classic fisherman wool sweaters help keep fishermen warm even in a very wet environment. The action of the wool balls in the dryer helps fluff clothes and minimize wrinkles. People who are interested in trying wool balls should look for brands that have no added fragrances or anti-static chemicals as those are not necessary. Most of the info online says that they will last at least 1000 washes, assuming they are not stolen by family pets or kids who want to learn to juggle. I only recently bought wool dryer balls because our 36-year-old dryer needed some help getting the clothes dry in one cycle, so I don't know if they will really ever wear out. After I already bought the dryer balls, we realized it had been a really really long time since we cleaned out the duct from the back of the dryer to the outside. Once we did that, the dryer started working much better, so I probably didn't really need the dryer balls after all. (PS: Cleaning out that duct is really important for fire safety and is too easily overlooked.) I am a new subscriber to your channel, having enjoyed your recent videos with The Minimal Mom. I appreciate and relate to your frugal outlook. My husband and I grew up learning to be frugal by necessity, and it is a life skill that has benefited our family through 40+ years of job ups and downs. Although we can be a little less cautious now, it is really a mindset that is part of us and we are happy with our lifestyle. Looking forward to more of your content!

[@mandy3486]

I do dig the wool dryer balls. They punch my towels to get them fluffy without increasing fire risk in the dryer. But I am stuck doing the laundry in my house so they don't disappear. Had the same set for 10 years that I bought for 5 bucks at bed bath and beyond

[@kellyg9468]

Love this. Especially about that baskets/bins won't get you organized; decluttering will. I just started trying to do more organizing and your videos are so helpful for that! Also, just checked out the Luda bottles...they are awesome and I'm having a hard time deciding which one I want more. You should have one that says "measure that with your heart."

[@Ann4U2000]

The dryer balls fluff and help clothes to dry quicker by knocking up against clothes. I love them !!

[@kimcrowningshield8170]

Wow!!! I stayed to the end of your video. I'm not quit sure what to think about this video but what I do know is.......I enjoy watching all of your videos, love seeing your kids and your husband in them, and love that you don't edit out kids in the background and comments made by hubby or kids etc.😉 Your kids do seem happy and with that I feel your doing a good job with them!!!!👍 Keep up the great job!!

[@ellendunn559]

On board with 90% of this and the thinking behind it (your results may vary), but the one thing that made me go, “Huh?” is the silicone wedding rings. My wedding and engagement rings have huge significance to me, they’re only coming off before they cremate my cold, dead body, and I’m definitely not buying another (which is the topic of the video, right?). (Oh, and coffee? That stays.) Bottom line, people do frugality in a variety of ways, but the principles remain the same. Rock on, FFM!

[@dianasimplifies]

I’ve been married 30 years and I can’t even get my rings on anymore, I bought a cheap Amazon cubic zirconia, everyone thinks it’s real and is gorgeous 😂 I think she likes the silicone bc as she says she uses her hands a lot. I clean houses and even though I wear gloves my larger rings would get caught and tear my disposable gloves.

[@michellepreston5710]

Fresh spinach can go right in the freezer. Then you can use it for cooking or adding to smoothies.

[@waterbuckethomestead]

The wool balls work for me. I found in the winter dry months you need connect safetypins to them to help with static electricity. I used at least 6 balls. Eventually, they do need to be replaced.

[@erbie-wan521]

I like my drier balls as well.

[@brendalavigne2374]

grandma here, learned with my children that toys are a wate of money, so now with my grand children who spends weekends with me sometimes, we have "projects, we paint, do gardening and now with the ones that want to learn we do cooking . i do not buy toys for them, i'll buy clothing ie socks underwear pj etc , they love coming to grandma's house cause they have fun and they learn. i also do not have video games nor do i have cable. i do buy books tho, thanks Christine

[@amandam5201]

I’m a child of a boomers who washed anything that can be used again. This was not a bad thing because I do the same as well as my husband. It makes it easier when both people grew up similarly. We don’t eat out very often and also order water. We always have a back stock of toiletries and buy multi pack when it goes on sale. I used to clean houses and donated all the products I didn’t need or like. I’m down to 3 products - the glass cleaner, mixture of Dawn/water/vinegar, and Ajax. We quit using paper towels because they are so expensive and most things can be wiped up with a rag. We have garage ones for the gross stuff. I’m not a shopper or do extras for myself. I like spending my money on quality items and vacations. We try to fix things instead of throwing it out unless it’s electrical or plumbing, we call a professional. If you take care of your stuff, it lasts a lot longer.

[@dianasimplifies]

Ha! I love this, I clean houses and I’m down to dishwashing liquid, a magic eraser if their bathrooms are really dirty, and I don’t even use window cleaner anymore. I use Flylady cloths with water. Life changing! 😂😂😂 I do take a spray cleaner I water down bc I know they all want everything “disinfected” but I don’t use that stuff at my own house lol.

[@dianasimplifies]

@Aubrey Scott 😆😆😆😆I’m glad mine don’t pay attention bc I don’t like the ammonia smell 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@faithrada]

I had a friend that could not tell the difference between a USED CAR... and a JUNKER. I helped her get a decent car and had a good mechanic go over it really well. She was Amazed.

[@Kaalilou]

Yeah, I said the same thing about books until I went to my local charity shop (it's like a thrift shop here, in uk) and I ended up with 25 of them 😱

[@cupidhart-james4277]

Dryer sheets coat your towels and make them less absorbent. The woolen dryer balls can help dry clothes faster and help soften towels.

[@Brianna_Little_Apple_Mama]

Haha my husband and I are in mid-late thirties and we got new shoes at Christmas… we both were like wow we are old as we were both commenting on how supportive our shoes felt. 😂

[@cherylland8110]

I had to laugh at the extra towels and sheets. We just remodeled our bathrooms and I emptied the linen closet and donated a TON of extra sheets and towels! I was shocked at how many extras we had-total eye opener! You aren’t the only one who got hooked on Mrs. Meyer, I cancelled Grove about a year ago and am still using the products!

[@bethshorey8458]

I am currently using towels that were my Mothers. My father didn't eat them after she passed. Ma passed 7 years ago and that is when I finally got to use the good towels! I love and miss my mother and I love using her towels.

[@AylaHileman]

Ok a few points: -felt like the stockpile items is borderline cheating! Lol -I agree with most everything but occasional chips or to-go coffee is fun. -Also, you’d be proud of me! I buy 1 or 2 full size mascaras on sale for Black Friday at Ulta and that’s basically the only makeup I buy all year. -And also thank you because I’ve been seriously considering buying an Amazon swimsuit and I look then close it because I know I need to try it on first. Been burned by an Amazon dress as well. Only 1 clothing purchase from Amazon has ever worked out for me. 🤦🏻‍♀️ -baskets don’t make you organized but keep the floor tidy from all my kids’ crap.

[@cupidhart-james4277]

Be careful with the mascaras. The safe life of an open mascara is 2-3 months, tops. Old mascara is a great way to give yourself an eye infection.

[@AylaHileman]

@@cupidhart-james4277 yea. so they say.. once a year has been going fine so far. 🤷🏻‍♀️ thanks for looking out though!

[@LisaofHopewell]

Nothing wrong with an occasional treat.

[@dianasimplifies]

@@AylaHileman I agree…so they say…I have a blush I think I’ve been using for 20 years and I’m still here. Have old eye shadows too 😆 I will say using the stockpile isn’t a cheat bc I’m doing the same thing. Sometimes when you coupon or stockpile you go overboard and I decided early this year I’m not buying any of that this year. So yeah at some point I will need to buy 1 shampoo but it ain’t gonna be this year and prob not next year either 😂😂😂😂😂 same with a lot of the other items she mentioned, I had thought about making a video like this myself this year. Not sure I can come up with 100 😂😂😂 I was thinking maybe 23 in 2023 ha

[@lindav4378]

We also have two super chewers. My kid is in 4H and one of the community services projects was making cat and dog toys for our local shelter out of old tee shirts. She brought two home for the fur babies and they loved them. Now we just make a couple every now and then.

[@ilenehorowitz3060]

You guys do so much together!!! Your family trips with all the healthy out door activity is inspirational... Also movie nite and game nite. Good for you!!!

[@suzboeh633]

Love this video. Agree with so much EXCEPT i have 2 sets of sheets per bed. So easy to remove the sheets for laundering and then immeditately make up the bed with fresh linens. This was a gamec hanger for me! More than once night would come and OOPS! sheets still in the washer and not in the dryer.

[@Manu-pw1rv]

For the Libby problem, you can have several cards/libraries on the app, so if you know someone in a different city they can share 💁🏻‍♀️ Also some bigger libraries allow you to do an annually "subscription" which is still usually cheaper than Audible

[@lindagrimmett6564]

We never bought our son any game consoles. He thought himself how to write computer code while in high school and has a great job today as a result. On the subject of foils and parchment, in 2018 we bought a very large box of film wrap. And I still have it today! Crazy!

[@evelynsaungikar3553]

I bought the plastic wrap as part of a fundraiser. It’s a huge amount, 1000 feet. I bought it over 10 years ago, and still have some! We barely use it, I want to throw it out, but can’t bear to waste it.

[@nunyabiznizz5619]

I feel ya. I coupon and am stocked on so many things. I am trying to get through my expired and long frozen food right now. I overestimate how much I can eat. 🤪

[@SM-yy2vg]

Great to see someone else who doesn’t buy all of these items either. ❤

[@readyornot316]

Thank you for the warning on Walmart bikes! My sister bought a cheap mountain bike there and when she was riding off trail the handlebars came off. She broke both wrists and had to have surgery. No $ savings is worth all that.

[@absolutelyballer]

Amen to this. So many people don't understand why I spent 600 on my bike.

[@Hazelnutmegan]

Dryer Sheets & Wool Dryer Balls are both meant to “soften” your clothes. I think when most clothes were broadcloth cotton or jean material, this was more necessary, but most clothes are so stretchy now that you really don’t need to soften them & by using a chemical softener, you damage them & they fall apart quicker. Just FYI.

[@dancinginabundance]

No chips? No soda? Your kids must be very healthy and not headed toward diabetes! You go girl!

[@janetstonerook4552]

I'm glad you commented on cleaning and laundry products that are costly and totally unnecessary. The industry has really duped us! We probably only need 3 or 4 inexpensive items for all household cleaning. Fabric softener and a lot of those laundry additives are unhealthy for our bodies and gum up our washers and dryers making them wear out faster. And they cause our laundry to have waxy build up which attracts dirt and stink. I started using just washing powders and borax in the washer and added a spray of scent to a washcloth in the dryer. I cut my laundry costs to about 1/5th and have cleaner, brighter and softer clothes! And no static cling!

[@pamking8137]

I with you about 98%! I just turned 65 and I gave up make up and hair coloring! I love being all natural!

[@cynthiaakacyndsmith6539]

The dryer balls, they actually add fluf and get rid of static. If the static starts ramping up put safety pens on them. That helps, bake keeps the little Debbie’s away. Paper towels, um- never.. I have a washer and dryer and a close line.. AMEN in. The Shoes?! Yes only comfort shoes. We can do so much more for our selves. I have carried the same purse for 5 years. OH I have two sets of sheets per bed., I only have one son at home, he will always be here, the others are all gone off to their own. I love the way I work, it is comfortable for me.

[@jennifersjunkmail5935]

I purchased an inexpensive non-resident library card from a small community that is plugged into a statewide library system that is served by Libby. Lots more audiobooks available to me now! Very cost-effective alternative to Audible.

[@raejackson6763]

We must be related !! 😁 We cook/bake everything, everyday. We taught the kids to operate the lawn mower, weed eater and they know what a rake and hoe are. We talk to them about budgets, how to pay bills and save money. I also have no decorations or throw pillows and am currently re-upholstering the dining room chairs. Love your videos, you're so funny 😁

[@MultiLadybug72]

I am SO with you on pretty much ALL this stuff!!! My hubby doesn't have a clue as to how much money I DON'T spend!!! 🤣

[@leeanncornell8305]

Same here. 🙃🌸🤣

[@sdc9572]

I agree with almost everything you do but I do stock up on water. It's a staple and most important for living. The government can flip a switch and turn your water off or maybe your water gets contaminated. Store water always

[@Christine-zk6hk]

Thanks for the interesting video. Agree on the throw pillows. I don't like them and I don't use them. I do have 2, but one is a pillow I knitted on a knitting cruise and one is a pillow I knitted for my mom, who has now passed away. Unitaskers in the kitchen, I have a few because they make my life easier, but for the most part, no. I'm a techie, so that one can be harder for me. I bought my last car new, 17 years ago and am still driving it, so I don't feel bad about that purchase. I have found as I've gotten older, there are some things I buy now that I wouldn't have before to either make my life easier or to help with something that is now difficult for me to do, mostly opening things since I have arthritis in my hands.

[@beccacoleman498]

😂 I, too, remember being subscribed to Netflix when they mailed the dvds to you one or three at a time! I was a teenager at home and I remember thinking that was the coolest thing. I was married and with a baby when it moved to streaming, and it's now 2023 and streaming all my music and shows still blows my mind! Honestly, I kinda wish it wasn't that way. I want the days back where you had to have the storage space on an mp3 to hold all your music, or a good Walkmen portable CD player and a good supply of batteries. Those were the days.

[@catnapper7509]

Christine, even as a household of one woman, and a dog, I have learned alot from your videos! My entire 60 years, I have never been able to save money, build a cushion, curb impulse buys, or prioritize my actual needs over my wants. Thanks to your videos, I am doing at least 50 percent better! I spend less, don't go shopping much, stopped buying shoes, clothes, decor, etc. unless I NEED them, don't eat out often, and am paying down my debt! Thank you, and yes I love Frasier (recently rewatched the entire series! ) and I love Mrs. Meyers products especially Geranium scent! Many thanks to you, lady.

[@CR-qp3dc]

Dryer balls lifts your laundry in the dryer so it doesn't clump and it help dry faster. Thrifty tip, ball up single socks or worn out socks. They work just as well.

[@anetzband1383]

Well, I agree with a lot of what you're saying here, but not others. What I am so happy with is all the stock up I did last year and all the things I haven't had to buy this year. As I've seen increases on things like oatmeal (which I use a lot of in granola making) and tomatoes, I tell my husband it's like making a huge dividend return on my investment to use the ones on my shelf. Now, the important thing is to use them!!!

[@kathychatterton5623]

A couple of days ago, I took a friend out for lunch. She was reluctant to order what she wanted, I told her to go ahead, I have no problem spending money I just HATE wasting money. I realized that summed up my current attitude to money in one sentence. A pleasurable experience with someone I like is money well spent. Spending money on interest to buy something I could save for is wasting money. Paying full price for a bottle of barbecue sauce each month is wasteful when instead I could buy a year’s worth when I see it for less than 50% of the normal cost. To put things in perspective I am retired, and have been since age 60. I retired with no debt and feel I can buy whatever I want, the trick as a financially wise friend says, “is not to want too much”. I have never felt deprived living frugally.

[@maggierobertson2962]

I love our three throw pillows, but I don't buy them. I only buy new slipcovers for them when the old ones wear out (small kids are hard on upholstery). I've also added stuffing when they got flat.

[@judymc4213]

you read my mail! I shop at thrift Stores, TJ Maxx and Costco .And, don't forget the clearances at major stores, for next year! I cook mostly from scratch, meal plan and meal prep. But, the $4.99 chicken from Costco, always makes it home with me! If we go out to eat, it's at our local Community center{we're retirement age] for $6 a person. We walk, ride our bikes and use public transit. Our cars were purchased used. Our bikes are from a bike shop! I shop at a local grocery outlet. Dang, we do drink coffee. Keep up the good work, raising good kids.

[@jennyl.5358]

I'm so happy to hear you do the Walmart after Christmas sales for personal care items & stock up a year's worth. I also suggest Bath & Body they have 75% day after Christmas sales. I have gifts for myself & others of lotion, body wash and spray.

[@queenbee7819]

Excellent video. Suggestions: If you use dryer balls, when you take laundry out of dryer, throw the dryer balls back in dryer. Store them in dryer. (Nearly) indestructable dog toy - Use fabric strip cut from leg of old jeans. Fold it over several times & sew many times lengthwise. You can leave it in a long piece, or double it over in P shape.

[@kristinamilbach1170]

I can get on board with most things you listed with the exceptions of a few houseplants (I love the color and it brightens up our space), eating out once weekly on date night, end tables with lamps (we use for drinks, extra lighting, and blanket storage), and a back-up set of sheets (I have old cats and you never know when they'll get sick on our bed at night 😆).

[@SherryClarkI]

Cats will do it.😅😊

[@elizaC3024]

8 months ago I organized my stock of ....oh everything in the house and reigned in all purchases. What a difference!! We have been able to bank more money, and even saved for projects and an anniversary trip.

[@karsn8382]

Good to see someone who shops like me. I do have 2 pairs of sheets for each bed though, one for summer and the Berkshire minky sheets for winter (10/10 recommend, especially for a cold climate)

[@coston1986]

We have been slowly trimming away things in our budget! We also only have water mostly in our house. I buy milk for the kids though. No juices or any of that. We just switched to a pool plan on US Mobile and I have both daughters on our plan. We get unlimited text and talk and then you pick your amount of data you need to share amongst line. Each like is $9 and then pay one price for the data (data pool). We went from paying like $140 per month to $41 per month! We have also stopped eating out as much and I’ll admit at first it’s really hard because we are used to eating out lunch every day and cooking dinner every night at home. So I’ve been making small tweaks! Thank you for all your knowledge.

[@buckeyethor]

My husband loves his Sodastream. It has completely replaced diet drinks in our house. It also is saving a lot of trash into the landfills.

[@dianasimplifies]

I have one I never use. I keep thinking I need to get it back out. Where does he get the drink mixes. I felt like it kind of went out of style and I couldn’t find them anymore, Amazon??

[@buckeyethor]

@@dianasimplifies I actually got them at Kohl's! I know they sell them at Target as well because you can exchange your cartridges there.

[@dianasimplifies]

@@buckeyethor ah ok thx so much for the info. I’m going to check into it again. 😍❤️

[@dianasimplifies]

@@buckeyethor oh wow was just looking on soda stream site. They actually have organic now! I'm outta the loop! 😂

[@danicegewiss862]

I worked for Netflix and opened all of those videos and checked them for damage. Yes, I remember them. I do most of my shopping in BJ's. I use my tomato paste to make pizza sauce. I used to use Bobolis crusts for my pizzas. Now I make my own crusts. Your kids don't seem unhappy at all. We ❤️ coffee. I have been cutting back though.

[@FrugalLifeThriftyWife]

That’s how we are with paper towels and napkins. We just use kitchen towels and rags. Great way to save money!

[@nunyabiznizz5619]

Same. But if you looked at my stockpile of paper towels, you'd think I used a roll a day. 😆

[@FrugalLifeThriftyWife]

@@nunyabiznizz5619 Love it! 😂. I’ll buy them if I see a good deal because sometimes they’re really nice for those really nasty cleanups.

[@nunyabiznizz5619]

@@FrugalLifeThriftyWife I got a killer deal on them. I can't help myself. The problem is they are ao bulky to store. At least they don't expire! 😆

[@FrugalLifeThriftyWife]

@@nunyabiznizz5619 That’s a good point! 😂. Paper towels for life!

[@traceynicole7473]

BUY EXTENDED WARRANTY ON APPLIANCES! As an appliance repairman, I can tell you that for the next few years, appliances will be “Covid Quality”. They are meant to last only 5 years if you’re lucky, regardless of the brand or price you paid. Less features/bells/whistles is the way to go. We are seeing brand new washing machines unable to spin out because the actuator was not properly attached. Brand new fridges won’t get cold because there’s no refrigerant put in. Brand new dishwashers flooding kitchens because the tub was not attached properly. Also, before you make a purchase, ask about the free year warranty - if something goes wrong, do you call the store, a local shop or a 1-800 number?

[@catieawillis]

I always say I'm not going to buy more blankets, but then I find a super soft one that hasn't been through the wash and dry yet. I end up caving and bringing it home. I'm such a sucker for soft blankets, and the not soft blankets get relegated to car blankets and floor blankets 🤣

[@addyrall9359]

Same for me then they become dog blankets lol

[@tcctocrazytccarson7309]

My granddaughter went to school in 10th and 11th grade, in Utah. She had a friend over and a wanted a snack, they were out of microwave popcorn, so my granddaughter said, I'll just make some in a pan." Her friend said, "You can do that?" "Will it taste good?" She made the popcorn and the girl was suprised, it did taste good. The girl said, "Let's take some to my house." The parents were just as shocked by the popcorn as their daughter had been.🤯 I guess we're the crazy ones who thought everyone knew you don't need a machine to make popcorn 🤣😂🤣 I'm from MN & WI land of lakes & cornfields, we had popcorn at least once a week. I do know my family's technique is different tha most, I use a frying pan 😜 By the way, you are doing an awesome job as a parent, I feel you family dynamics are on point 💞💞💞

[@corrih9042]

Please never stop putting in all the funny clips!! I just find myself LAUGHING OUT LOUD! This is of course second to your wonderful content :)

[@charylliss1721]

Thank you for sharing your story buy SORRY. I am an unredeemable Bibliophile.I MUST own certain books. I MUST feel the bindings, turn the pages, even dog ear pages. I MUST underline and put notations in the margins. My addiction requires me to purchase books. Thankfully used book stores and AMAZON make my habit affordable. Purchasing DVDS means I have the movies that I want and can watch them over again anytime I want. I don't pay for ANY streaming services so that means the money I would spend 20$ a month at least goes to purchase something that can actually be an asset. Things get tough sell them online or at the Pawn Shop. The important thing is to be aware of where YOUR funds are going, why and prioritizing YOUR expenditures.

[@betterlivingonabudget]

It's always interesting to see what people stock up on, what they don't typically use, and why. I just realized we're now down to our last five rolls of TP!! 😮

[@LorreneRomanic]

I've read that dryer sheets coat your clothing with chemical residue. I've also I've heard that they leave residue on the inside of your dryer, which can make the dryer less effective/waste electricity. For most of my life, I used fabric softener & dryer sheets, but I can't stand the perfumey smells anymore - they give me a headache. Now I use wool dryer balls. They reduce the drying time (my understanding is because they separate the laundry while they're tumbling around in the dryer & keep things from sticking together) They also help with static, but if you dry any manmade materials, there will still be some static cling.

[@imafan2610]

O.k. I can see if you don't eat a lot of rice, an IP is more versatile. However, where I live a rice cooker is a necessity, not an option and it does double as a steamer. I can use it to cook one pot meals. I can boil eggs or steam vegetables while I am cooking rice. I can also make seasoned rice, replacing the water with a broth and adding vegetables and even protein as long as it cooks in 20-30 minutes. Most people here will eat rice everyday and sometimes rice is part of every meal, including breakfast. It is less messy than cooking rice on the range. BTW, minute rice is not rice.

[@kenkatie]

I totally agree, I love my rice cooker. Mine has a steamer basket too and I’ve used it for veggies and eggs but would love any ideas for protein. Thanks!

[@dianasimplifies]

I really don’t eat rice but can’t you just cook it in a pot on the stove? Why need a rice cooker.

[@jessicaowens3458]

I kicked paper napkins to the curb about 10 years ago & I don't miss them. I replaced them with cloth napkins. Ditto on paper towels. Replaced them w/fiber cloths from AMZN. The ONLY time I miss paper towels is when I need to blot dry raw meat. They still work and no regrets. My husband HATES my paper tissues because he does the laundry and tissues suck in the dryer. I have chronic allergies and can't live without tissues. I've turned into my grandmother and those paper tissues hide in pockets, bras and other places not worth discussing, lol. I just replaced them with cute, soft, absorbent ones from an Etsy shop and stoked to see how those work out.

[@TheRumbleBunny]

That oatmeal turns easily into oat flour. Lots of good baking recipes with that!

[@ruthfreeman864]

But wait..she would need a grain mill...that does 1 thing...lol

[@TheRumbleBunny]

@@ruthfreeman864 A blender will turn oatmeal in to oat flour. No grain mill needed.

[@cindythomson7042]

Dryer balls are suppose to help dry your clothes faster and prevent static cling. Some people put essential oils on it to help the clothes smell better (haven't tried it). But I do use them.