15 FRUGAL HABITS WE DON'T THINK ARE WORTH IT & WHAT WE DO INSTEAD! FRUGAL LIVING!

[@sherrysmith1529]

This Easter, we are having friends over for an Easter lunch. My big splurge this year: individual chocolate bunnies for all 10 of our guests. I’m doing this in honor of my mom who passed 2 years ago. No matter how tough times were growing up, (and believe me, they were!) she always made sure I had a chocolate bunny for Easter. God bless you & yours. 🙏🏼☀️

[@FrugalMoneySaver]

Oh I love that so much!

[@kaykrausman8012]

I agree with you 100% on not being frugal/skimpy when you've invited family for dinner. I am frugal throughout the month to where I can prepare the meal with PLENTY of leftovers to send home with them, to enjoy later.

[@FrugalMoneySaver]

Yes, we love doing that too!

[@nildabridgeman8104]

I grew up with a mother who was very cheep, especially with herself and her children even though she earned a good salary. You name it we had: broken ugly furniture, broken pot handles, hundreds of mismatched plastic butter tubs for ALL FOOD STORAGE, ugly uncomfortable clothing & skimpy meals. 😔 I still feel the pain of her being cheep. How you handle money is an indication of the condition of a person's heart & mind. I appreciate your channel & your generous heart to share the wisdom you've been given. I feel rich now having the salvation experience in Jesus Christ & the Wisdom/understanding He's giving me. These are a few of the true riches in this life and the one to come 💐

[@FrugalMoneySaver]

"These are a few of the true riches in this life and the one to come " So very well said Nilda!

[@cltinturkey]

Hi Nilda, I'm sorry because that must have been hard growing up. I'm from a giant family and we didn't have much money. I feel like I had casseroles every night for 12 years! I was joking with my dad that I didn't have any choices until I went to college. He replied that it didn't hurt me one bit, and he's right. We had simple food, but it was enough for growing kids. My parents have some super wealthy friends and they are so penurious with guests. They make one roll per person, one serving of protein, 5-7 green beans, etc. When they eat out, they share a cup of coffee. It's so sad!

[@nildabridgeman8104]

@@cltinturkey there were 8 of us children & my mother & her boyfriend. My cousins & friends when they were allowed to eat with us were all fearful of asking for more food than served

[@tammeyquirion6816]

Thank you for sharing how being frugal to a fault can hurt/offend people. Being generous as a blessing to others and making things nice for other people shows God's love. God provides.

[@debc315]

You may not have material goids but if you know Jesus as your personal savior you are rich

[@beckid5107]

My husband and I have always used a tax service to do our taxes. For us it works, they have saved us money over the years, and handled the situation when we were audited.

[@FrugalMoneySaver]

Us too! Just makes sense even more so now with our KZbin business!

[@robininva]

OMG the five-minute-shower is soooo us! We raised five kids, all adults and parents themselves now….and taking 5-minute-showers was mandatory raising them. We were a one income family and saving water was part of our daily lives. By the way, chatted w/ hubby and we’re going to start taking a day of rest on Sundays (that works for us). I’d never, ever thought of doing that….so, thank you!

[@FrugalMoneySaver]

YAY! Robin so happy you will be doing that! You will love it!

[@avondalemama470]

Sunday was set aside for worship and rest. It’s Biblical.

[@AlicePhillips-jc7hr]

DON'T USE CREDIT CARDS -- I see this frugal tip listed often and it's one I totally ignore. I use my credit card for nearly every purchase I make but I also track the expenses so I have the money to pay the balance in full when the statement arrives. I like to earn interest instead of paying it! I refuse to use a card with an annual fee. I have to admit, I really enjoy the cash back bonuses my card offers. I let the rewards build up to use when I travel; in fact, I have nearly $700 sitting there that I'm going to use in June when I visit Alaska. Great video, as usual. Thanks.

[@FrugalMoneySaver]

Yes, as long as you pay your monthly balance in it's entirety they are wonderful!

[@SirenaSpades]

I guess you are looking forward to giving up your freedom with CBDC's.

[@laurasagan2606]

I agree. I also like automatic payments on some of my bills - no late charges. I pay my bill every month and use my rewards to travel.

[@annseabolt6645]

I use a money back credit card for all my purchases and pay it off each month. I even put my new AC unit on it and it earned me over $100 back.

[@lizadivine3785]

@@annseabolt6645 you were lucky here they charge 3 percent for those types of purchases. I wanted to put my property taxes on mine, same thing. 😢

[@janefoley5184]

I agree with all of this! We don't buy cheap paint! We buy high quality paint on sale.

[@FrugalMoneySaver]

Yes, we did that once! What a nightmare!

[@maritsasjourney3107]

Hello. Great video. The decorations in the background are very nice. One thing that I do, which isn't frugal is that I get a person to help with the house cleaning, laundry etc twice a week. My husband works away from home during the week, and I work full-time. So sometimes the chores just gets overwhelming, and I need help. Totally worth it for me. Our go-to dish for easter is homemade Lemon Merengue Pie!

[@FrugalMoneySaver]

Love that! It's so important to do what works for you!

[@janetstonerook4552]

I am frugal with myself because that is my choice. But never with my guests or family who come to visit! I make sure there are plenty of fresh cooked food and treats and that there are freshly made beds and clean, well stocked bathrooms for their use.

[@FrugalMoneySaver]

That is us as well Janet! Thanks for sharing!

[@Janey234]

We dont buy cheap socks. Instead we buy smart wools on sale. Had a $10 off at EMS and bought smartwool socks. One pair cost $11, instead of $21. Cheap socks last a year, smartwools have lasted me 20 years. Happy Easter!!!

[@FrugalMoneySaver]

That is a great tip! Thanks! Happy Easter too!

[@tikacalifornia7876]

One thing that I do is to sew/patch/upcycle. I recently made my granddaughters two of the most darling little dresses from very large men's dress shirts that had never been worn (tags still on) that I found at the thrift stores. I could not have bought fabric for the price of these thrift store shirts, and the girls couldn't wait to wear them to school and show them off. Also, because I was sewing with cloth already made, I did not have to make the button holes and suchlike thus saving myself a lot of time.

[@FrugalMoneySaver]

That is so wonderful Tika!

[@farmerwife8412]

Great tip. I love sewing and this is fantastic.

[@happyday1060]

please tell how

[@victorwadsworth821]

OK, when the power & light's go out, I bring in a solar powered Tiki torch from my lawn.

[@FrugalMoneySaver]

I love that! I need a solar powered tiki torch lol!

[@cherylketelsen5217]

Thank you for all the tips! I’ve debated if I should keep my Costco membership as a single person, but just off hand I can’t justify getting rid of it. I know I’ve save hundreds of dollars on clothing, rotisserie chickens, gas, eyeglasses & contact lenses, hearing aids, tires, and most recently saved $1,300 per year on my homeowners insurance!! I was shocked! I always trust their quality and will stick with them.

[@FrugalMoneySaver]

Then you should definitely hold on to it...it works for you! That's wonderful!

[@MsDoglover02]

I forgot about my eyeglasses too!

[@mizsuzee]

@@MsDoglover02 Same here!!!!!

[@judimantos904]

How do save money on home owners insurance with a Costco membership?

[@kimkramarski-smith774]

Have a most blessed EASTER !! Do not waste $ on home warranty protection. Most are not worth the paper they are written on. I researched it because I never really knew what it was. Talk about a scam !

[@jeannel1065]

Not all home warranty coverage is a scam. I suspect most home warranties and car warranties are scams, but we had a good experience with Landmark. Our real estate agent bought us a one year Landmark home warranty on as a house warming gift when we closed on a house near Boise, Idaho in June 2021. It cost her $400 to pay for the one year warranty and it turned out to be a real blessing. They are an honest company and I recommend them. I renewed the policy when it was expired in June 2022 and will renew it again this June. When the expensive refrigerator died in late February 2022, Landmark would covered up to $1500 for the kitchen refrigerator. The inverter was replaced for over $700 and only cost us a $60 copay. When the compressor blew a month later, they offered to pay us the remaining approximately $800 of the $1500 covered, to repair it ourselves or put it toward the over $1500 compressor replacement (minus the $700+ they already paid for the inverter). We opted to pay the extra $800 ourselves and have them repair it (an exact replacement refrigerator cost about $10,000). If it had failed in the following coverage year, they would have paid up to $1500. In the second year of coverage, I paid the $60 copay for an electrician to troubleshoot a circuit breaker that wouldn’t stay on because of a short in the yard feeding to sidewalk lights. He spent 3 hours. I’m sure $60 was a bargain for 3 hours of electrician’s time. The policy renewal cost was $425, so may I could get 3 hours of electrician time for $425+$60, but it would also cover any other problems we might have run into for a $60 copay. 🤞no other problems. Landmark also suggests preseason furnace and AC inspection for $60 copay. They also sent out a locksmith to rekey the house for a $60 copay. I was impressed by the service we got in the Treasure Valley area of Idaho. It may not be as good elsewhere.

[@FrugalMoneySaver]

Happy Easter Kim!

[@sharongenco3716]

My husband watched with me this morning and his response was, I wish these people were our neighbors! Happy Easter!

[@laurie5098]

Our non frugal thing is having someone do our taxes. Infact, the person that does our taxes is a tax attorney, so, he is up to date on tax stuff , plus we have a built in attorney if we are ever audited, but I doubt we ever will be

[@tugboatgirl1296]

That is not really a non frugal thing. It is a financially smart decision if you’re on top of your taxable income and investments. Great job!

[@FrugalMoneySaver]

We do the same Laurie!

[@Grayce47]

Do not skimp on dental care. Regular cleanings and checkups catch little problems before they become big ones. I get regular maintenance on my car as well. I have a trusted mechanic that can spot problems and fix them before I have a breakdown on the road somewhere. I do not do my own oil changes. When my mechanic changes my oil he checks over my car and lets me know if anything is amiss. I could learn to change my own oil but know nothing about cars and would not be able to spot a problem.

[@FrugalMoneySaver]

Thanks!

[@sheilahughes3561]

We are not frugal when it comes to our pet cat, he gets his favourite food, cat treats and cat milk! He also has a little Christmas stocking which we fill with little toys and snacks! I agree with you about cheap batteries, they are just not worth it as they don’t last! We have always turned off lights in rooms we are not using but since my accident on the stairs we leave a small plug in night light on all night as we have two steps down to our bathroom! I used to just go down them in the dark but I don’t want to fall again!

[@FrugalMoneySaver]

That is so smart! Safety first Sheila!

[@SirenaSpades]

I use timers on lamps sometimes, mainly for security and so there is a light on when I know I am coming home in the dark. I know many people have automated homes and I could do that, too, but I like regular timers much better. I don't know if your nightlight has a daylight sensor - that would automatically turn it off during the day, they do make them, but just an idea.

[@maraujo600]

I think keeping all lamps, appliances, tvs, etc. unplugged to prevent phantam electricity cost is not worth the inconvenience for minimal savings

[@FrugalMoneySaver]

Smart!

[@cherylawitherell1800]

Happy Easter...we are having Pork tenderloin and oven roasted sweet potatoes and spring greens. Pork and potatoes in oven at the same time 😊

[@FrugalMoneySaver]

Sounds wonderful! Happy Easter Cheryl!

[@leedezern6862]

We leave our porch lights on as well. We started doing this after our home was broken in to. I fell asleep on the couch while the criminal was in the kitchen just feet away.

[@FrugalMoneySaver]

Oh my gosh no way!! How frightening!

[@patwilder1340]

About tires … a friend of ours bought a used truck one week before trip out West from FL. Did not check tires. In Nebraska on the interstate at 70 mph, they had a blow out and tire flipped end over end and landed right side up on tires. No injuries amazingly. Truck totaled. Trucker behind them saw everything. My 17 year old granddaughter said they must have old tires. She knew it! Why didn’t our good elderly friends know it?? They were blessed and so thankful to be alive. Bought another vehicle and had their 8000 mile trip successfully.

[@FrugalMoneySaver]

So happy everyone was okay...how scary!

[@1992DJP]

I have a Costco membership. My savings on gas more than pays for the price of my membership. Over the years, I’ve saved quite a bit by buying my phones & eyeglass’s from them. I happily take friends ( we call it a friends outing )with me that like to pick up things every once in a while. I also buy and stock up when they have the items that I buy normally on sale. I shop mainly at Aldi’s Costco, and a Mexican Supermercado that is within walking distance of my home. I buy and stock up when there are good prices according to my price book. I don’t feel the need to go to many stores and waste my time, picking up one or two items from each to save money. Plus living simply they have a choice of like three styles of jeans I pick one and a perfectly happy. I went to Penny’s once and they had a whole wall probably 35 to 40 different styles of jeans on display. I turned around and walked out… that was too much of a overload. My grocery items are mainly basic items that you would’ve found in a kitchen in the 1950s.

[@FrugalMoneySaver]

Thanks so much for sharing Joy!

[@colleenwood8220]

Really great advice! We had ham, found for $.89 a pound in January that I put into the freezer, scalloped potatoes, carrots, crescent, rolls, deviled eggs, salad, and a blueberry torte for Easter dinner. I freeze the ham and we enjoy it until next Easter in salads, omelettes and the occasional sandwich. And ham potato soup is on the menu tonight! Never toss the ham bone! 😂

[@FrugalMoneySaver]

Love those meals!

[@patriciacorpe6228]

Wishng you a Bless Easter. I am not so frugal at our ages of 77 and 79. But we never touch our savings neither.

[@FrugalMoneySaver]

That is the key I think Patricia! Happy Easter!

[@sarahspitzfaden]

Sending notes and thank yous via email or messenger certainly saves time and money. Sometimes it’s appropriate, but letter writing is such a lost art form and a hand written note is something that brings me joy. I really love sending notes wherever possible, especially for those I don’t see often - whether for a gift, for someone who hosted us or to just say hello. To keep it frugal I pick up paper and cards through the year or when I see a sale on something I like. I get cheaper stamps/slower postage and send in good time.

[@FrugalMoneySaver]

Great tips Sarah!

[@TC-fx5zu]

One tip I hear that is more trouble than it’s worth is to unplug everything you own except the refrigerator to save on phantom electricity usage. I saw a post that said a TV left on all day only uses $6 of electricity in a whole month so when it’s turned off what can it possibly be using? Maybe a penny? LOL I’m not wasting time plugging and unplugging stuff every day to save a few pennies. My time and my sanity are worth much more than that lol.

[@FrugalMoneySaver]

We don't unplug everything either!

[@cheleshows]

Plates, Glasses etc from thrift stores are fun. it's fun (for me) when everything doesn't match. A friend had a Early Medieval (think Knights & maidens) themed wedding in their backyard. We found/bought all the decorations, everyone' clothes, place settings, silverware, EVERYTHING from Thrift/2nd hand/Goodwill/Salvation Army stores.

[@FrugalMoneySaver]

Oh what a fun idea for a themed wedding!

[@tamihill4229]

I am in the middle of debt payoff.But I still try to get the best fruit and veg as possible. I do take leftover and make my own TV dinner from leftovers

[@FrugalMoneySaver]

So smart!

[@bluejoy8869]

Back before they even made Ketchup, mustard and mayonnaise, my mom used to butter the bread. I started making my sandwiches that way again and I am enjoying it much better. Try it sometime you might like it. To make egg salad or tuna salad I just mash up an avocado and then mix everything up in it.

[@FrugalMoneySaver]

Yes, that's a great tip!

[@wildflowers8966]

Reminds me of a lot of tea sandwiches!

[@DinoDan44]

My partner and I will never skimp on food with our guests. My nan and uncle come to visit twice a year. They've only been twice since we bought our own place a year ago, but they already know that they are guaranteed a warm welcome with good food, good music, and good conversation. If they have made the effort to come visit us while they're on holiday, hundreds of miles from home, the least we can do is ensure we make sure they don't leave us and have to go in search of something to eat. We do the same thing for my partner's mum when she visits. We've also never skimped on things our cat needs. He is a member of the family and adds so much happiness into our home, and he deserves his family taking care of him. We rearranged his cat tree recently to take out the broken scratching post parts, so that it is safe to use. When he gets through this rearrangement, he will get a new one, no question. He is insured, and will always go to the vets when needed. Some things are just too important to be cheap about it. We brush him at home, and deal with his nails at home, apply his flea and worm treatment at home, and only get him toys we know he will enjoy.

[@FrugalMoneySaver]

That's us too!

[@olafpamela]

Totally agree with you ❤👍 But on the club membership for the two of us it does play just alone on the lower gas for us. Thanks for sharing 🤗 Happy Easter and God bless

[@helenkathrynhoover7298]

Agree! Plus a $5 rotisserie chicken!

[@DCupcake58]

Agree on the club membership as well. When local stores in our area are consistently out of stock on sale items because they don't limit purchases, I can find what we need at BJ's and the gas prices are definitely a bonus. They offer decent coupons plus take manufacturer coupons as well.

[@MsDoglover02]

I live alone but couldn't imagine not having my Costco membership. I batch cook and bring frozen meals to Dad. It's very close to my home and has a gas station. When the gas station was closed for a few weeks for expansion, I realized how vulnerable I feel pumping gas at a station without an attendant even if it was daylight. Free tire rotations & they check my air pressure anytime too. I do shop like a sniper and usually avoid impulse purchases so that helps too.

[@coffeecupconversations]

I am totally with you on this one, Pamela. I make the club membership work. I get clothing for the grands as gifts. I stock up on the items that we use a lot. I use the tire dept for unlimited rotations/balance. The gas is a great deal. I don't like the local optical, but could travel if I wanted it to work for us.

[@joannahalford5672]

I just loved seeing Dixie doing zoomies to impress Loris - who didn’t look impressed 🤣❤️❤️❤️☹️

[@FrugalMoneySaver]

LOL! I know right!

[@MsDoglover02]

I'm driving my 89 year young Dad 1 1/2 hours North and his friends are driving about the same distance South to go to an Irish Pub for lunch on Easter that he read about in the paper. If it makes him happy, it's worth it! One thing I haven't skimped on is pest control because in South FL the pests are real! Also the owner of the company is the most genuine guy. I bought 2 weeks before Hurricane Wilma in 2005 and he asked me if I had shutters. When I told him no, he met me at a big box store after work to help me buy and get plywood into his work vehicle and then unload it at home. He told me he'd come back to put them up if I couldn't find someone but luckily a relative was able to take care of it. That was a bad hurricane causing me to get a new roof but at least all the windows and sliders were protected from flying debris and kept me safe. When I had to tighten my budget, I found other areas instead of pest control.

[@FrugalMoneySaver]

Your Easter meal sounds absolutely wonderful! How very fun! Enjoy and Happy Easter!

[@elizabethjoyce-iu5iv]

A lot of this is common sense. In Britain we can recycle batteries but I am trying to use rechargeable ones. I also agree with hospitality. You have invited guests. Feed them well. There are many ways to be frugal but I find they have to be what works for you or what's the point. It's your journey. 😊

[@FrugalMoneySaver]

Absolutely!

[@kristina63076]

I do not make my own laundry soap. I tried it. It’s not for me. I do not by store brand peanut butter. I am brand loyal in this instance, I can taste the difference. I love giving to people and although I often get good deals and I do that as much as I can I don’t feel bad for giving to people and not being frugal. There’s joy in giving to/blessing others.

[@FrugalMoneySaver]

Yes! We agree Kristina! Thanks for sharing!

[@janetstonerook4552]

This is an odd habit I do for cleanliness and comfort but it actually saves me money as well. I don't wear shoes in my house. Instead I wear old socks on cool days and double old thick socks on cold days! It's easier on my floors and the socks actually dust them as I go. And I don't wear out my shoes very often. It's been 3 years since I needed to buy any.

[@FrugalMoneySaver]

Great idea!

[@Jettsmom98]

Happy Easter! We had a wonderful meal at my son's house. His wife made tortellini. It was delicious. Nothing fancy. They sent home a big bowl of leftovers. I'll be eating most of the week. If not, it'll go in the freezer for another time. I just recently pulled out from the freezer, some leftover spaghetti and meatballs. So yummy. We leave a light on the stairs to the basement at night. Our small dogs will go down to potty at night. One is going blind and gets scared. It's for her safety. We also leave lights on in the back at night. Also for safety.

[@FrugalMoneySaver]

Oh I adore that you do that for your dogs! Dixie won't go down if the lights aren't on too!

[@stacir3727]

I joined Sam’s Club last year when they had a $10 joining fee, but I find I rarely go there because it is so expensive! On almost everything.

[@alishawilson4123]

Agree with you, Stacy.

[@FrugalMoneySaver]

Oh sorry Staci!

[@abbeyl6115]

Will they allow you to order online?

[@missjoann3284]

We are empty-nesters as well, but our Costco membership pays for itself with their optical department. Otherwise, I agree with you.

[@alishawilson4123]

Miss JoAnn, we go to Sams club to get our optics also, but we don’t have a membership. you don’t have to have the membership to go to the optic shop at Sams.

[@heatherinparis]

Just two of us here as well but we retain our Costco membership for both of our glasses, my hearing aids (and batteries), toilet paper, kleenex tissues, paper towels, cleaning supplies and kitchen stuff like storage bags and freezer bags. Our membership more than pays for itself in a year.

[@clairekuchel-klassen7103]

I appreciate your comments regarding keeping outside lights on all night. However, I have recently heard that this practice is both tiring and unsafe for migrating birds and bees. Instead, the recommendation is to use motion sensitive lighting. Just a thought. I appreciate what loving and generous folks you are❤

[@sandrasotorivera1657]

Greetings from Costa Rica. Thank you for your videos. You open our eyes to learn to be frugal. Happy Easter.

[@heathermoses6183]

Hi Sandra! 18 years ago my husband and I did not have an expensive, elaborate wedding so that we could afford a 2 week honeymoon in your beautiful Costa Rica! We drove all over the country, it was so much fun and everyone was so kind! 😊

[@FrugalMoneySaver]

Happy Easter Sandra!

[@virginiakihne5007]

I don’t buy the supreme gas for my car I just buy regular gas. I agree with you about the timeshare and batteries. I plan on going to my niece’s to celebrate with my family and we are eating ham and turkey on croissants with salads and desserts. There is going to be 8 kids there so it will fun and noisy, my favorite way of celebrating.

[@FrugalMoneySaver]

Sounds wonderful!

[@henriettearea9782]

I enjoy each of your videos, but the last two have been spot on, outstanding. I so agree with the concept of evaluating your own life, your own priorities, your own values and making frugal living decisions based on doing so. I always joke that a long hot shower or very full deep bathtub have saved me thousands of dollars in counseling!! Seriously though, appropriate self care is very therapeutic and spending a bit of money on can yield tremendous benefits.

[@FrugalMoneySaver]

Thanks so much Henrietta!

[@kasession]

When grocery shopping, usually, larger containers are cheaper. For me, however, as a single person, if I know it's perishable, and I'm not going finish it before it spoils, I buy the smaller container. I love your channel. 😍

[@FrugalMoneySaver]

That's smart and frugal Karen! Thank you!

[@janetstonerook4552]

I too live alone and face this issue. I've learned that if the price of the larger item is much cheaper per ounce, I'll buy it and immediately freeze what I don't use. I do this with pasta sauce since it usually doesn't come in smaller sizes.

[@janetharrah8407]

I would never skimp on dinner for guests. Just the opposite. That's when we buy treats that we would rarely buy just for ourselves. For example, we bought a box of our favorite chocolates for a Easter dessert option. We bought them on sale in February and have had them in freezer just waiting for the holiday.

[@FrugalMoneySaver]

YES! Exactly! That's what we do too!

[@marjiecleveland]

I agree with all 15! I don’t buy cheap clothing to be frugal, especially polyester. Quality lasts longer and the better materials are more sustainable.

[@FrugalMoneySaver]

So very true!

[@theherbalsanctuary811]

My ex father in law would take the chinese packets you get with the take out and put them in the soy sauce bottle he had and made a duck sauce container to put those in. When we would travel he would ask for lemons with his water and put sugar in it to make his own lemonade....

[@thatsitalian80]

Emmy, I just thought of a frugal thing we do not do. I don't use real dishes for family get togethers. I use quality Chinet paper platter size disposable dishes for our family get togethers and plastic wear cutlery (dollar tree) along with plastic cups and disposable napkins (dollar tree). I set it up pretty with a seasonal decor, a color of cup that goes for that season with a sharpie for names, and colorful smaller desert plates from Dollar Tree to make it cute. Yesterday we had over a dozen people here and it's great going around collecting and just throwing away! The only real thing on our family get togethers as far as eating or drinking is real coffee mugs. So for around fifteen dollars I've saved myself a lot of work and everyone else too. : ) Hope you are having a sweet Easter Sunday, our get together was yesterday with our kids so this is fresh on my mind. : )

[@FrugalMoneySaver]

Yes, it does save work.

[@tennbee679]

I like how you are always saying your frugal journey might not be someone else's. I agree with most everything in this video....except we love dried beans. We probably has 2 or 3 meals a week that includes beans as a protein source.

[@katherinerichardson1767]

We're bean lovers too. Just so many ways to enjoy them.

[@FrugalMoneySaver]

Just wish we liked them lol!

[@joycejackson9315]

Don't buy cheap car tires or cheap car batteries. It's worth the money to buy a good car batteries. We had a great Easter dinner. Ham, mashed potatoes with gravy, green beans, macaroni and cheese. Got rolls. Hope you both a a wonderful holiday to. God bless you . Great video.

[@FrugalMoneySaver]

You as well Joyce, thank you!

[@deblynn6809]

Instead of owning two cars, my husband and I share one car, as he works from home and I can walk to work these days. It works out just fine for us. Happy Easter!

[@FrugalMoneySaver]

Happy Easter Debbie!

[@lindseycunningham4854]

I also hate it when I see people waste condiments. When I go to fast food I use no more than two napkins and 4 of any condiment.

[@FrugalMoneySaver]

Yes, take what you will use, true!

[@katherinerichardson1767]

Because we live way....out...in the country, there are NO street lights so we installed outside motion lights on the corners of our home. These have been a lifesaver for us. No more coming up to the house in the dark, and they click off automatically when there is no motion.

[@FrugalMoneySaver]

Yes. so smart Katherine!!

[@coffeecupconversations]

I agree! I had to install a zillion things living in a bad neighborhood, but those things paid off in security and peace of mind!

[@busylittlehandsacademy78]

I groom my own dog and I have saved so much money.

[@kellycarter2497]

Hi Emmy. A homemade meal can be an experience when you have company. When people are accustomed to fast food or boxed foods, homemade can be a real treat for your guests. Doesn't have to be super fancy, but healthy and hardy. Everyone benefits.

[@FrugalMoneySaver]

Exactly! Love that!

[@judysulak5731]

Happy Easter. We are inviting our neighbors over for lamb roast and ham with mashed potatoes and green beans and dessert. We have a Costco card for the gas for our car. Most of the time it's the lowest cost.

[@fourdayhomestead2839]

The #1 tip from me is planning head for everything. Bills, holidays & life happens. Plan & save ($$ & pre-purchase) all year long for those. Dumpster dive? No, no & no😅..

[@FrugalMoneySaver]

Yes, planning ahead is key!

[@AlishaPeisha]

Happy Easter! Something I am learning not to be frugal about is clothing and shoes. I find that when I buy frugal clothing such as Walmart, it lasts only about 6 months, then looks really old. I end up donating them in like a year or 2. I find that if I spend a little more on higher quality clothes it lasts so much longer and I end up saving money.

[@FrugalMoneySaver]

Yes, we talk about that all the time! Quality in the long run always saves money!

[@juliephelps7616]

Good morning. My husband and I both work full time. I make a pot of soup each week to take for my lunches, carry my own coffee from home and forgo the vending machines. We do buy name brand shoes, he has to wear certain kinds at work and I have to have arch support and wide width due to a childhood injury on left foot. Frugally cooking is something I not only enjoy doing, but learn so much from doing it as well. Example, my husband loves bacon, I can live without out. We have a cost plus store near us and they sold bacon 2.47 a pound. We tried a pack, it was really good so we went and bought more for the freezer. We do not splurge on prepared fruits. We do that ourselves. I even break down my own poultry to cook and use the scraps for broth. We went yesterday to thrift stores and got glass baking dishes. The pyrex pie plates 1.00 a piece, glass loaf pans 1.50 each, some mason jars with lids .50 each and two cook books hard cover for 1.00 each. And the splurge was a sun hat that folds up and fits into a pocket for 4.00. On plates and such we have Corelle, they are pretty durable. We just dont use the dinky coffee cups that come with them, we enjoy the big mugs. We do splurge on specific types of meats like steak a few times a year, my husband likes to grill them, so at New Years sales we found prime rib roast on sale, bought 50.00 roast, removed it from the bones, the ribs, sliced it into steaks and vacuum sealed the steaks for summer. I also baked the ribs so my husband could eat the meat left on it. That keeps him from asking to go to the steak house. I watch all your videos but don't always comment. I really appreciate you friendly, upbeat attitude over many that spread fear. Happy Easter.

[@FrugalMoneySaver]

Wonderful comment Julie! Thanks for taking the time to share!

[@nadinemcdonald852]

This Easter we are spending dinner with my good friend Elaine. He parents fled from the Ukraine to America before the outbreak of WWI and settled in PA. Every year she bakes Ukrainian Easter bread and sells at our Parish. Her Easter dinner is full of Ukrainian delicacies and traditions. It' wonderful that we live in a country where we are exposed to so many cultures and traditions. To all your subscribers I wish you a wonderful Easter and to you Emmy and Paul may your life be full of blessings and joy.

[@FrugalMoneySaver]

Thank you Nadine! Hope you had a wonderful day!

[@lindaharrison3635]

I couldn't agree more with all of it, especially the showers! Brrrrr!

[@chrislear6676]

I normally take showers shutting off the water while I'm lathering and soaping up. But we live in Florida so most of the time that isn't a problem. But when we have our cold snaps and the temperature in the house drops you better believe that water runs. LOL!

[@FrugalMoneySaver]

LOL! Yes!

[@lynnetaylor6720]

Here's an idea, get a navy shower head and use it. It has a switch to where you can cut the flow of water off without wasting water. They're originally used on naval ships and submarines. You can get them where you get your camper or mobile home supplies

[@FrugalMoneySaver]

Still sounds cold lol!

[@clou1395]

Glad to hear of someone else that doesn’t like beans

[@FrugalMoneySaver]

LOL!

[@rosemaryedwards3293]

I agree 100% with all your frugal habits mentioned today - being frugal means that you then have the money to spend as you wish, be it vacations, treats etc. One of my cats gets all the medication from the vet that he needs every month to keep him as healthy as he can be (he is elderly and has kidney failure and thyroid problems) which costs me a lot, but I get so much joy from him that he is definitely worth spending money on! I also spend a lot on my children and grandchildren, but do not spend a lot on myself, but that is my personal choice. Keep up the good work with your channel, and happy Easter to you both.

[@FrugalMoneySaver]

Rosemary well said! You spend on what's important to you!

[@jbullen8221]

I use solar lights on my front and back porches. Lots of light without the electric bill.

[@judymcpheron5955]

Thanks Emmy and Paul. Great reminders. Single here, S.S. no pension so always minding my p's & q's. Am sure I have plenty of company out there. Walking is my best free past-time. I agree with yous: don't buy anything you know you won't eat! Stock up on paper products and regular household needs. It gives me piece of mind. Then I can eat out for special occasions with family.

[@FrugalMoneySaver]

Well said Judy! Thanks!

[@MichelleL22]

I agree 100% with every one of those tips!! My bestie and I used to make bulk trash night an event!! (I moved across country so now she FaceTimes me and we do distance bulk trash!) we made tea and snacks and would laugh our heads off.. we got amazing!!! items for our kids when they were little and cute things for the house. Love your blouse!! My favorite color!

[@FrugalMoneySaver]

Oh thanks Michelle!

[@kadi_o]

I don't like to shop and when you go into a thrift store, you have to shop around for clothes that you like, that fit, that are in good shape, and are a good deal. So I don't buy my clothes at thrift stores. Since I work from home, I just wear t-shirts & jeans anyway. Most of my t-shirts came from the sale rack at the Bible bookstore (not even kidding). They are Inexpensive & I don't have to spend a lot of time shopping for them since the selection is limited. It's a win-win in my book. 😊

[@FrugalMoneySaver]

Thanks for sharing!!

[@bethbeckermeyer1732]

Happy Easter! Until we moved here I had never heard of a swamp cooler, I feel like it’s saved us money instead of air conditioning. I agree with you on not shutting the water off in shower to lather up, It’s cold here in the winter, I would turn into a popsicle!

[@FrugalMoneySaver]

Us too LOL!!

[@mm3695]

It was a lost cause when I used ro try to do my own pest control around the house and garden. Over a year ago I hired pest control professionals and am so glad. I've been gardening and growing vegetables and saving money at groceries.

[@FrugalMoneySaver]

Oh yes! If we lived at the Little House down South we would have to do that!

[@curtisbolen2076]

In the case of tires, we bought an electric pump for our two vehicles because we now have to pay for air and we didn't want to have to pay all the time so we thought we were better off to have our own air.

[@FrugalMoneySaver]

Great idea Curtis!

[@mary7692]

Thank you Emmy! I like your channel more every time I watch it. Happy Easter.

[@FrugalMoneySaver]

So kind Mary! Thank you! Happy Easter!

[@MemeS-sb2cq]

We invested in rechargeable batteries. The Amazon brand is what we got. I havent had to buy batteries in 4 years. I bought the charger, a pack of A and a pack of AAA.

[@kathleenarchibald3301]

One reason that we keep our membership at Costco is their gas prices. In our area Costco's gas is anywhere from 30 - 40 cents per gallon less than the local gas stations. My husband is still working and commuting, so he gets a full tank every week. This saves us quite a bit of money. Just wanted to share.

[@Mina_Susnjevic]

Thanks Emmy and Paul for these great tips. I am not frugal when it comes to winter coats or good quality trenches. My woolen/cashmere coat is old 20 years and still looks amazing, and I wear it every winter. My mom gave me her Burberry’s trench, bought in 1985, and I love wearing it and it is still in great condition. Good quality sports jackets, boots, (we hike a lot) and coats are really good investment as long as one opts to buy classic style that will last and survive all trends. Thanks again!

[@FrugalMoneySaver]

That is a great suggestion! Vert smart!

[@Mina_Susnjevic]

@@FrugalMoneySaver Thanks! Happy Easter!

[@truthseeker6370]

I'm grateful to actually Like Most beans, but do understand others not liking them. Keep the Limas and kidney beans away tho! Yucky to me. I make my chili with black beans. Actually tonight I didn't want to cook, but definitely didn't want to spend on takeout. It's just me to feed. I drained a can of pinto beans and added sore brand rotel. Warmed it up and topped with cheese. I'm okay with that being my dinner tonight 😊

[@cltinturkey]

I use white vinegar for cleaning so always have several empty jugs. I hold one under the spigot while the shower water is warming up, and can typically get one gallon of fresh water to use for plants, washing dishes, or whatever I need. Seems silly, but it works super well for us, and we have the lowest water bill in the neighborhood.

[@FrugalMoneySaver]

That's so smart!

[@laurielandis9526]

I love to see your smiling face and thankful spirit. God is so good to us. :)

[@FrugalMoneySaver]

Yes He is!

[@GretchenBostrom]

Great list! I especially like “not taking extra condiments from establishments.” To me that is just cheap and tacky behavior. The restaurant is not people’s personal supermarket. Things like condiments or utensils are meant to be used w/ what you eat, not to hoard or start a collection for yourself. It’s so rude and classless when people do that. A few that weren’t mentioned that I won’t do…I will not buy cheap/discount scrubby sponges/pads. 3M all the way. They are superior quality and last longer. They also work the best at cleaning w/o having to scrub super hard or for a long time. Totally worth it. I will buy store bought pie dough or phyllo dough instead of making it. I stink at making pie dough and phyllo dough is really labor intensive. It’s is easier and more cost effective for me to buy those things as I won’t waste them if they come out badly if I make them myself. Every so often I will buy pre-cut melon chunks or pineapple chunks because I only cook for myself and usually even one small size melon or pineapple I can’t finish myself on time before it goes bad. I don’t drink smoothies so freezing is for naught in the case of melons/pineapples. I rarely eat melons or pineapples anyhow but if I do, I usually will buy pre-cut small containers as in the end, it is more cost effective for me & I don’t waste. Lastly, there are many cases where time is money. It may conserve more time and energy to pay to have something done vs taking your valuable time, which we don’t have an unlimited supply of, doing it yourself. For instance, I know changing your own oil in your car is cheaper than going to a shop. Well, I live in a city and park on street. I don’t have a space to change car oil and I am by no means an expert at doing it. I’ll spend the extra and leave it to the pros so I know it’s done right and done in a safe location. I love to bake, but if I want a croissant, I’m going to a bakery to buy it. Croissants are labor intensive to make (I’m talking real French croissants not Pillsbury crescent rolls) so the likliehood I’m going to spend a day making them is close to nil. I know the local baker is going to make them much better and easier than me, so I’ll splurge on that vs spending a day trying to make them and them maybe coming out or maybe not.

[@FrugalMoneySaver]

Wonderful comment and very well said! I agree with it all! Time is money as well!

[@dorawedlock3969]

Smiling because I agree with everything you say 100%. The goal of life should not be to save every cent like an old miser. Goal should be to have comfortable savings and value for every cent you spend, so you can say today was a good day. I just made some wonderful caramel corn to give for a few gifts. Could have bought expensive candy but they will like the corn better I am sure and my wallet does to. A lot of my gifts are homemade. Can indulge in a hobby and have gifts at the same time.

[@FrugalMoneySaver]

So well said Dora! Thank you!

[@lbacaterpillar]

I buy New Balance sneakers for my wide feet which have lots of problems. They keep me from further pain and last me for years. Cheap shoes would probably send me towards surgery or a wheelchair! I can only find wide enough shoes in this brand.

[@FrugalMoneySaver]

So smart to buy quality footwear!

[@mizsuzee]

We are lucky that our son works at Costco, so we get a free membership. There is a bunch of stuff that we like there, but might reconsider it if we had to pay for a membership. I just cannot scrimp on toilet paper. We don't have a septic, so yep, I buy the nicest TP (when they mark it down every so often!) at Costco! 🙂

[@FrugalMoneySaver]

That's great Susan! That's a money saver!

[@kathygarner1383]

I turn off the water when I am brushing my teeth

[@FrugalMoneySaver]

Yes, Paul and I do that too!

[@shirleygragilla4330]

We keep our outside light on as well. Recently we found a bulb at Home Depot or Lowe’s that comes on when it gets dark and goes off when it’s light. We love it.

[@FrugalMoneySaver]

Love that!

[@frankmachale343]

My frugal motto relates to what you had to say about buying batteries. My frugal motto is, .Cheapest is not always cheaper'. Spending money on quality saves money in the long term. xx

[@FrugalMoneySaver]

Absolutely right!

[@richardschmidt2430]

Looks like Dixie Bell had "the crazies"!!! :):):) Nice video--very balanced---:) Dawn @ Rich & Dawn in MN :)

[@FrugalMoneySaver]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@lisaj.282]

Thank you for doing this video.. We are in early retirement…we agree with everything you said.. 1) Thing we do is hire a lawn and snow removal guy to do ours.. It is one of the best things we have every done.. 2) We don’t buy the cheapest or highest, homeowners insurance.. We had the same one for 19 years and the prices kept rising. We changed homeowners insurance. We did our research.. The new homeowners insurance saved us $600 a year with more coverage… That year we had a inland hurricane in the Midwest and every home in our town had damage.. 60% of the trees went down, our new insurance company suggested wind coverage.. We had high winds of 140 mph for 40 minutes.. Thank goodness we said yes.. We had to replace our roof, our siding, our 6 foot wooden fence..all we had to pay was our deductible.. 3 I also don’t scrimp on dog and cat food or vets to take them to….I look for sales for the brand we always use…Grain Free.. Two German Shepherds that have allergies.. Thank you again for this video…

[@FrugalMoneySaver]

Thanks for watching and sharing Lisa!

[@laurasagan2606]

I also pay for snow removal ever since my husband had cardiac arrest 10 years ago. Peace of mind is priceless.

[@LauraMacMillan-el2kc]

Pet insurance is a bargain, too. Always shop around for the best prices, but just about any price is a whole lot cheaper than paying for an emergency surgery at the veterinary clinic. I found this out from my daughter. When she told me she had pet insurance for her little dog, I rolled my eyes and thought, “Well, that’s one way to get rid of an extra $120/year.” Three weeks later the dog needed emergency surgery after a fall. She paid only about 20% (?- if my memory is correct) at the clinic and the insurance picked up the rest. It saved her about $2500. Well worth it.

[@cherylawitherell1800]

I completely agree with everything, especially the BJ's membership..I quit big store 4 years ago for the exact reason. Paul has the same line of thinking as my husband. Safety is quality .I would love to know which brand names you must have instead of store brand. For us it is peanut butter and Parmesan cheese.. also. Do not buy Dollar Tree aluminum foil. That is my frugal tip

[@FrugalMoneySaver]

Thanks for sharing!!

[@crisramsey6757]

We always groomed our animals ourselves, too, but I will soon have a certified pet groomer in the family - our daughter! I buzz off my husband's hair woth clippers. I have also learned how to cut my short hair with the clippers and attachments, and I don't bother with coloring. I actually get lots of compliments!

[@FrugalMoneySaver]

I love that!

[@susanwalter8849]

I don't skimp on good shoes. I'm on my feet all day at work and need supportive footwear. I will wait for a sale so I can get them at a better price.

[@FrugalMoneySaver]

Makes perfect sense!

[@deannalail1974]

My husband bought me a set of tires for my car and they were not the brand I buy let's just say he now knows that he made a mistake Paul is so right about good tires lol 😊

[@canceronine]

It’s just me now..I truly value my paid membership to belong to a big box store…5% off gas….3% off dining out….1% off on anything else I received almost $700 in cash at the store for my rewards in the past year, plus I get free shipping on all my online orders…I ♥️ my paid membership…😊

[@FrugalMoneySaver]

That's what so great about frugal living! Everyone does what works for them! Love that!

[@Babba08]

We're lucky that we have a wonderful landlady who makes sure we have plenty of lighting on our porches. We have so much solar lighting on the porch and then motion detector lighting also. That is so important. We also don't take extra condiments when we eat out. We do get more than we need sometimes and we'll save it to use at some point, but we don't purposely grab handfuls. For example, we do Chinese takeout for New Years Eve. They throw lots of different sauces in the bag and we use those up over time. But we don't ask for it. I'm with you guys. We do not turn of the shower to lather up. We just take short showers. We've looked at memberships at BJs and Sam's club and we agree, for just the three of us, it doesn't work. If I take the time to give someone food, it will be quality. I couldn't agree more. I agree with Paul about tires. That's one of the last things anyone should skimp on. Happy Easter Emmy, Paul, Dixie, Loris and the rest of the family! I'll be making a big ham dinner for Easter. It'll just be the three of us but we're looking forward to it.

[@FrugalMoneySaver]

Barbara ecxactly! We take home and use what they give us as far as condiments. We don't grab handfuls though! Have a wonderful blessed Easter!

[@marthamette3018]

I don’t take a handful, but do take enough to cover our condiment needs. Sometimes will have 1-3 packets leftover. Which is good to use next time I misjudge. Generally this happen with sweet & sour sauce from the local Chinese restaurant. A running joke is have a little rice with the sauce. 😀

[@FrugalMoneySaver]

Oh that's totally different! I meant grabbing handfuls with the intent to use at home!

[@elizabethlocklear795]

Happy Easter

[@FrugalMoneySaver]

Happy Easter!

[@estherwillinski4031]

Happy Easter Emmy and Paul! I agree with you in many of the habits on your list, except on the beans and the showers. Cooking dry beans and shutting off the faucet at intervals when showering or brushing teeth are part of my routines. Cooking abundant dinners for guests is also a joy for me, and I always make sure our guests take leftovers with them. Have a great weekend!

[@FrugalMoneySaver]

I do shut the water off for sure when I am brushing! You as well, thank you!

[@cltinturkey]

I'm a huge fan of lentils and beans. I have about a dozen recipes that make the most of them and really enjoy the protein punch from a whole plant food. I cook them up with a bunch of vegetables and herbs and serve vegetarian chili to many guests. Several old friends always make sure that's what I'll serve when they come to eat. To each his own, but I couldn't live without them (beans or friends) now.

[@grandmaimhungry8135]

I don't get company, so I don't worry about extra servings. As for gifts, I try to shop year round for certain people in my life, but not everyone. But most of the time I don't do gifts. I do pay for Walmart+ delivery. It is much cheaper than taking a taxi, since I don't drive or have a car.

[@FrugalMoneySaver]

Shopping year round for gifts is so smart!

[@alishawilson4123]

Wonderful video, Emmy. We do NOT skimp on entertaining guests or traveling. Since we are frugal in most aspects of our life, we can afford to be bountiful and entertaining guest and when traveling. We consider both memory, making and enjoy every moment of our time with family and friends and the place we go. Easter blessings

[@FrugalMoneySaver]

EXACTLY! Thank you! That's us as well! Happy Easter!