17 Things Frugal People Don't Do

17 Things Frugal People Don't Do.
#DebtFreeDana #FrugalLiving
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Hey there! I'm Dana. I'm a wife and Mother to 4 kids, including twin boys and two girls. I work full time outside the home in finance as a Corporate Accountant, but enjoy sharing my personal and parenting journey online. We live in the Philadelphia area.
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[@Widdermaker]

“We don’t hang out with losers.” Wow. That is probably the single best piece of advice I’ve ever heard. It’s amazing what hanging out with the wrong crowd will do to you! We’ll done!

[@stephelisabeth3143]

I love traveling and I do it on a shoestring budget. I went to Hawaii in September and I paid for almost my entire flight with saved airline miles and I rented a camper van instead of staying in an Airbnb.

[@PInk77W1]

1. Car Loans 2. Overdraft 3. Don’t eat cheap food 4. Credit card balance 5. Keep up w/ Jones 6. Hang w/Losers 7. Take fancy Vaca. 8. Alway Price compare 9. Research health care 10. do 401k 11. N stop learning 12. Life ins. 13. Waste food 14. Stock up 15. N pay full price 16. Shop insurance 17. Spend Emotionally

[@Suz9006]

Buy it new when you can get secondhand

[@annwilliams6438]

Thank you for the summary.

[@katherineklevenow1808]

Thanks

[@de3182]

When we got married we decided that one of us would stay home with our kids. To do that we drove 10 year old cars with no payments. We got from point A to B fine. I bought my 3 daughter's brand new cute clothes and shoes off season on clearance and stored for the next season. Also handed down basics. I made all our meals from scratch, even snacks. Bought toys and stuff at garage sales and resale stores. No comparing with friends or family. We did go on vacation every year but not fancy. We went only where we could drive. Always got a room or suite with a kitchen so we could eat in at least 2 meals a day. We searched out free activities in our destination. Those family memories were worth it to us. Our girls are nearly all grown now. But say they loved our simple get aways. Only a couple of fancy ones in 20 years. Once to Disney with 3 day cruise and two days at the park. We even took advantage of a free day promotion they had for community service. Give a day, get a day. So only paid for 1 day. Then we spent weeks in Utah at a family camp. Like summer camp for families. Was a ball! We had to fly.

[@carolc2574]

I always have food left when I go grocery shopping, but nothing goes to waste. When I put away our gorceries I make sure we leave the previous items in front of the new so nothing ever expires

[@mikki3961]

Vacation is good for mental health. One need not be a spendthrift, but seeing new things, experiencing new cultures/people is priceless.

[@ambersamusements5257]

My husband has become a wonderful bargain hunter and negotiator. So proud of my families progress in 2019! Love your channel.

[@chevonbayless798]

Oh my gosh, this is my husband and I 100% especially the vacations part. We love "stay-cationing" go do something fun then sleep in our own beds!

[@lindamasters2591]

Love the statement.. Never stop learning. The wisest thing I was taught was my grandfather saying LEARN SOMETHING NEW EVERYDAY.

[@kimb884]

I do most of these except I don’t skimp on travel. Love travel and would forgo other things.

[@CynthiaAva]

SAME here. It is expensive, but something I think is totally worth it.

[@suchabeautifulday1733]

Memories are PRICELESS. You never know how long will you live on Earth. Even with billions of money. You cannot turn the time around and spend quality time with you KIDS. You can never be FOREVER YOUNG

[@72marie]

@@suchabeautifulday1733 I agree that time together will be looked back on.

[@stoverboo]

Research shows that spending money on experiences is more satisfying than spending it on things. So, you're on the right track!

[@fnagdungdagint]

Travel pollutes. Go by bus or bicycle.

[@jasons_favorite_hobbies]

Love some of these tips. I do finance my car with 0% interest and I do take fancy vacations with cash, as I believe there is so much to experience outside of your local town. For me, life is too short to miss out seeing the world. Great tips you provided. Love your channel.

[@jokeralliance5981]

Vintage Bitsndodads I agree! Travel and explore this world while young and physically able to!

[@donnarakitzis2719]

Vintage Bitsndodads I agree. Live to travel

[@carriesmith7843]

Agreed. Loved most of the tips but vehemently disagreed with this one. Going outside of our bubble is a must. I can’t imagine working everyday just to go to the same place year after year. Doesn’t need to be fancy but exploring the world is one of our enjoyments.

[@isabelled1130]

I also finance my car at 0%

[@lifelovejourney]

isabelle d aren’t brand new cars a waste of money?

[@rachelcarter2443]

I liked the whole list except the one about hanging out with losers. I visit jail every week as my ministry. I talk to homeless people on the street. I don't think ANYONE is a loser - maybe broken and heart broken but God's children.

[@susancraigo8218]

Agreed some people have made bad choices, but that doesn't mean they are not working to fix those bad choices.

[@rickhearn4912]

I think most people understand what she means by losers, get real..

[@rickhearn4912]

She also owned her past loser choices, we all have had loser choices if not you are not honest or not learning.

[@rachelcarter2443]

I was taking issue with the list. Not her. I think she's amazing.

[@PatIreland]

She is not talking about helping them, but partying with the losers

[@williamjones7260]

I have definitely emotionally shopped before. So, I use all my moral strength to just drive home when I’m having that kind of day.

[@soozie4him308]

Dana, I've been following you since you had your boys, and I don't see a thing wrong with using credit cards if you pay them off every month! I can't imagine NOT paying them off every month. In 43+ years of marriage, there was ONE TIME when we split the credit card bill in half - I think it was when we were charging college tuition for one of our kids. We paid off the other half the next month. It was planned. Not everyone who uses credit cards keeps a balance. We taught our kids how to be financially responsible and we are so thankful that they are careful with their money. I don't agree about vacations (and what's "fancy?"). Our kids have never been to Disney (and haven't gone as adults either), but we did take them to National Parks and the ocean (both of them), etc. We have great family memories from these vacations.

[@margietucker1719]

My mom always said..."Birds of a feather--flock together "

[@asianangel5400]

My husband and I have been married for 19 years. We have been in debt before, but we have tried to live sensible and frugal throughout the years so we could be where we are today financially. We tend to eat out more than we should but other than that we are strict with our money. We are currently debt free and by God's grace I pray we continue to be debt free. My husband is a full time pastor, we have 2 older teens, we homeschool, and live off of one income less than 30k a year. We live in central PA north of Williamsport. We follow all these tips and we are in want for nothing. We are in our early 40s. I think part of being a frugal family is having a spouse that is on board and being a cheerful giver and tither. I'm not a stocker but we do have a small emergency food portion. We shop at food discount stores , we don't pay full price for many things. We love thrift stores and library book sales. One thing we also do is that we live our life as minimalst. Not extreme but enough to not have stress with abundant clutter. Great tips 😀😀😀😀

[@72marie]

I live near Houston and the best lowest cost 2 stores I go to besides dollar stores is DIRT CHEAP and FALLAS PAREDES for clothing. It is cheaper to shop there then at Goodwill. I bought Target men underwear brand Goodfellas for .25 cents a piece and .25 cents a piece for Hanes wife beater. I also got X-Mas cards and decorations there for .20 cents. I got a complete twin real cotton sheet set(they run 40 anywhere), thick comforter a pillow and pillow case for $27 dollars. I cannot find anywhere else to beat these prices on new items but they are thrown everywhere.

[@isabelled1130]

I'm with you on the fancy vacations. We spent 8000$ a couple years ago on a family vacation (hubby loves them, I don't care for them) and I still resent it. It would have been so much better to put this on the mortgage! But as a couple you sometimes have to compromise. We won't be taking another fancy vacation for a (long) while

[@geoffdearth7360]

Both of my parents grew up during the Depression so there was ZERO food thrown away when I was a child.

[@granitemoss1451]

I disagree about travel, about frugal people not taking 'fancy' vacations. We did Disney for our family of 4 two years ago, paid cash, and are headed to AZ and the Grand Canyon next April, all saved up for, paid in cash. Because we are frugal in other areas, we can afford to save up and take nice trips like that. For us, that's important before the kids are grown (currently a tween and a teen).

[@CynthiaAva]

I agree. It's important for me to experience travel with my daughter. I think there is so much to learn from it and we are creating wonderful memories. I can see both sides, but for us, I save for our trips and it is something we look forward to.

[@kaitlyne1870]

I agree. Especially since most frugal people know how to get those fancy vacations on a budget. For example, going in the off season (when you can) getting tickets when theirs a promotion, combining fun outings with work trips, etc. Honestly, I think frugal people can, arguably, get the most out of those "fancy" vacations.

[@jacquelinetiongco8354]

we are frugal in every other areas. but when it comes to life experiences and immersing ourselves in other culture, i am willing to spend a bit more since weve already been so good with other aspects anyway. but again diff people diff strokes

[@dee8261]

I agree. We save so many other ways so that we CAN take the big vacations!

[@tippytoe1250]

Vacations and experiences are where my family splurges. It’s so well worth it.

[@naimadubois]

One of the main reasons I live frugally is to take lovely vacations, paid in cash of course. Great list overall. TFS.

[@theprofitdare5387]

Thank you for continually adding new material. Your insight and tenacity are very encouraging. And V8 is awesome.

[@Betcaligarcia]

Absolutely i did finance my car but I’ve kept my car for 20 plus years. And I love love my car . I never over draft my bank account that I learned a long time ago.

[@laurapaw88]

An an American, I would take a fancy vacation to those awesome national parks you got. i went to yosemite, bryce canyon etc this year and it was awesome!

[@wildwheelsdarin]

Appreciate the honest helpful advice... your vlog seems so natural and down-to-earth! I subscribed for that reason.

[@kindcounselor]

Bravo. Beautiful analysis. Honest appraisal and I am so happy to have found you!

[@johnafagerquist8235]

Very enjoyable presentation. I appreciate your being candid. I wish I could just give people the excitement that comes from adopting frugality as a lifestyle. It is a rewarding hobby, and can be quite interesting. Not to mention the benefits, both financial and psychological. Thank you for sharing your frugal journey. I'm a new sub and I "rang" the bell.

[@PerfectionHangover]

Thanks for sharing the link to my article on the Ladders! I'm glad that you found the list to be true in most cases. Love your videos! Keep up the good work!

[@MandyGood]

You my favorite KZbin that talks about being frugal. You don’t wear loads of makeup and don’t have a bright light on your face. Love your videos!

[@emmaleebuzzard1023]

I am so thankful for your videos! It has been helping me keep up with my budget and continue to pay on our debt! :)

[@michelepastele5347]

After staying with the same insurance company for many many years, we began 'shopping' insurance quotes. It is amazing that the differences can save thousands. Very good advice.

[@tanyamckinnon5376]

Financing cars is one of the worse things you can do

[@staceykersting705]

YES! I have one of my sons listen to the engine, etc. Then, I go ahead and buy a 'beater'. Dividing the amount I paid by the number of months I have the car. Usually, the cost 'per month' is anywhere from $10-15 per month! Yes, they all had heaters, working windows 4 working doors, etc.

[@Karincl7]

😂😂 you propably have a budget

[@staceykersting705]

@@Karincl7 Oh, u must have a fleet of Bentleys. Ya, there's just me, shock of all shocks...just one car! It costs hundreds of dollars a month to park one in the metro area here. Oh, another shocker...I don't use $100 bills as toilet paper..

[@Karincl7]

@@staceykersting705 i don t have a clue what you are talking about ... i wasn t talking to you....

[@Tabby09]

I live in Florida , about 35 minutes from the coast, so we definitely stockpile for Hurricanes. Flashlights, batteries, jugs of water, canned goods, etc. I was without power for 8 days after Hurricane Ivan, and it was difficult to say the least. You definitely need to stockpile depending on where you live. We recently switched Car insurance companies that would give us a lower rate for the exact same coverage. I recently got term life insurance. My hubby has it through his job. We eat a TON of leftovers. We do not waste food. I even use veggie scraps and chicken bones to make broth/stock and freeze it. We also buy groceries once a week, and eat everything until it's gone. We have debt currently but are on baby step 2 using Dave Ramsey. We have taken many fancy vacations but we have decided to stop this. Going to use all our means to pay off debt.

[@hilo5901]

Good tips! Character base: I like that. Losers were my downfall after coming from a dysfunctional home. Negative lifestyle, etc. I learned the hard way!

[@lifelovejourney]

They don’t spontaneously buy T-shirt’s under a KZbin video. Almost did that! And might later because I like it lol!

[@megan2176]

Lots of wisdom here! I need to watch again. Love what you said about choosing friends. I need to have that conversation with my daughter. :)

[@Aileensjournal]

Thank you for sharing this really help me a lot. I started being frugal since August I never go shopping unnecessary things.

[@allencrider]

I don't stockpile much stuff either. I consider how much it costs to store things. I can rate my house by the $ per square foot if it was a rental and realize that space for storing things is worth a lot, often much more than the money I would save by buying in bulk!

[@kristymichas7015]

I love your channel ~ it's giving me so much inspiration !

[@Pickystick]

Your videos have changed my life and I can’t thank you enough!!!!

[@sherri.]

I use this saying a lot: You’re known by the company you keep! 🙂

[@hummingbird275]

Sherri So true

[@57waterlily]

Thanks Dana, I love watching your videos. They are always so full of chock full of information. Love it!

[@NonaMaryGrace1952]

Hello Dana, I resonate with just about everything you stated. I was planning a video on the same topic. So funny you mentioned almost everything on my list of things. I grew up with parents from the depression and we were very frugal. Thanks for making your video. Like you said we are always trying to learn that is how I came upon your video. Hsve a great day. 💕 NonnaGrace

[@elainegoad2111]

Yes, you can be frugal and eat healthy. Health is the highest priority and being unhealthy is very costly and can break the bank.

[@staceykersting705]

Intermittent fasting saves u tons! Also the most healthy thing u can ever do! listen to some videos by Dr Fung and google AUTOPHAGY!

[@dawiedarling]

@@staceykersting705 except that it actually shrinks the brain - not kidding or exaggerating

[@staceykersting705]

@@dawiedarling I've never seen this cited...plz reveal a source. Dr Ohsumi won a Nobel Prize for his work in how life enhancing autophagy is.

[@dawiedarling]

@@staceykersting705 you can google. I havent' time for a long explanation but, the body "retreats" during starvation. As time is added, everything shrinks until death is reached and then, shrinkage continues after death as dehydration sets in. If your goal is thinness, there is no way around the fact that muscles are the main fat-burners. If your goal is the removal of "toxins" see to it that the toxin is named and that how it's cell walls are destroyed or how it is attached to a removal- molecule and how the toxin exits the body.

[@staceykersting705]

@@dawiedarling So a 14-18 hour fast'll do this? We used to just call it 'brunch' back in the day.

[@Dwynfal]

Interesting list! I do finance my car, but only under certain circumstances, namely : - 0% apr (normally this is offered once a year here by most manufacturers of mid-range cars) - 50% paid cash up front - with a budget that will allow me to save the next car's 50% deposit by the time I need it. I do take "fancy" vacations but pay cash for them. This means only 1 vacation every 5 - 7 years but I'm happy staying home or visiting friends in the years in between. Currently I'm 2 or 3 years away from the next one which will be going to Lapland, Sweden, the polar circle for 10 days. Really looking forward to that and in the meantime I'm researching the whole thing so I will get the most out of the experience!

[@Dwynfal]

@Gilda Gottlieb thanks! It's funny you say that because most people who know me will tell you that I'm very impatient! 😁 However, after a period of financial hardship, I decided I did not want to be a slave to credit and that instant gratification would be my downfall if I gave in to it. The hardest part was getting the car cycle going. I had to drive a real piece of junk for several years before I could make it work but it was worth it!

[@julet7664]

Sylvie enjoy yourself on your trip! 👍

[@elenakalliste]

Not carrying a credit card balance and not using credit cards are VERY DIFFERENT things. Not using a credit card is actually hurting you in the long run. Credit cards allow for cash back, etc but even more importantly they provide protection from fraud, etc that you don’t have with a debit card. They also are a great way to build credit for the future for when someone wants to buy a house or something else substantial. Not carrying a credit card balance is the most financially responsible thing a person can do, but not using a credit card is really hindering you and many other personal finance bloggers who seem convinced that there isn’t a responsible way to use credit cards. It is so frustrating to see this attitude expressed so frequently by people touting budgeting and frugal living because credit cards are a great tool in budgeting.

[@thegabbybshow]

You don’t get it

[@chevonbayless798]

Not having a credit card does not hurt you lol. My credit score is excellent and I have never had a credit card. There are ways to build credit and not having a credit card has never hurt me.

[@cathydiamond6573]

Winter, power outages, very scary. Stock piled food water etc. Dont like being snowed in without necessities.

[@finallyfiguringoutlife9177]

I do a lot of these but I live in a rural area so once a month I drive one hour each way to Costco. It's the only way to get organic healthy food. I also buy clothes, household items etc. Usually someone always wants to go with me and will drive since I drive a tiny car.

[@michaelpfuntner8109]

Good common sense Good video

[@mrsm3442]

Thank you, Dana. You were such an inspiration over the last years. :)

[@tanyamckinnon5376]

We learned our lesson and no longer overdraft our account. We usually have at least a couple hundred dollars left at the end of the month and only use CC for emergencies

[@MrsPink64]

I am a limited stocker. When I open the last bottle of something, I put it on my list. I also can my garden produce quite a bit too. We stopped our term insurance recently. We saved enough for the funeral home/cemetery and put it in a sinking fund with funeral on it.

[@elainegoad2111]

If you live more rural, you can take your household trash/garbage to the local dump once a month for about $10 a car load. Also , you can take your recycling items , usually for free.

[@nancyskaien7546]

Where we live we take our trash to our local compactor which is paid by our property taxes.

[@rainbowphoenix8168]

Good video Dana! Hope your daughter is doing better...happy Tuesday!!!

[@vickieclark5931]

Yeah, I saw that same video you were talking about. It was really good.

[@msmargiek48]

We do most of these but I do have a credit card that I pay off every month and get points and cash at the year end. I always feel like it's free money. Also good to have to rent cars.

[@72marie]

I only make purchases online with a actual credit card. I do it not only for your stated reasons but because of the ultimate buying protection you get using a credit card. If I order something from China and it does not make it here I get a full refund. Why do you think so many websites will say they only accept Western Union or bank draft- RUN do not do it. They will take your money and run and there is nothing you can do.If I buy on Ebay and it is pat 30 days and the used item breaks I get the charged reversed and if i use my credit card with PayPal I can ship the item back for free through PayPal if the company or person does not send me a label. There are many reasons to use a credit card as long as you pay it back monthly and lets not forget good credit. A home is one thing even a frugal person will take a loan for.

[@julia9991]

I get about $600 per year Cash back using my credit card! I choose $100 gas ⛽️ cards that way. I do not carry a balance either.

[@isabelled1130]

Same!

[@stuffykong]

Yes, I do the same thing. I put everything on my credit cards, pay them off at the end of the period. The benefit too is I can directly see how much I am spending every month and I can see when and what is making it tick upwards and be mindful of it. Like during this pandemic shelter in place, I have been spending half of what I normally do so it's sort of a new goal for me to maintain that.

[@PassiveIncomeTom]

*Thanks for sharing this list! 👍 I'm working to pay for my son's car in cash in a few years.* *I like leftovers as well but my wife doesn't.* 😂

[@narelleworks8448]

Passive Income Tom you aren't going to teach your son how to buy his first car? Perhaps he has to contribute? If he's old enough to drive responsibility in life is important.

[@brennasmalley5999]

Maybe the plan is once he gets his car, he has to pay for gas and car insurance. I plan on buying starter cars for my children as I don’t want to have to pickup/drop off at work and have them be responsible to showing up to work themselves. Plus a part time min wage job will take them a long time to buy a car... heck I worked all the hours I could, lacked in my school work just to save $1,200.

[@tamarawilson8001]

Can you do a video on what podcasts and Audibooks you are into? Always looking for inspiration :)

[@marisol9032]

First time hearing you. So, soo happy I did. Trying to go to this way of life but it's very hard when you are used to just buy what you like.

[@randyo6019]

New sub here! Great list Dana. I still take fancy vacations paid off with my kids for the food, culture, memories and experiences. I save 6 months ahead before we go to Disney or Hawaii or where ever. I am a big planner and it helps to plan way ahead of time.

[@RonnieMinh]

I started cutting my own hair about two years ago. I looked a little goofy for six months or so but eventually I figured it out and I love it. I probably am saving about $500. Per year.

[@fundamonium]

This is a big one. I cut my hair, my sin's hair and groom our dogs myself.

[@isabelled1130]

Same here, no one goes to the hair dresser. If a haircut is needed, I take care of it. It saves a lot of money if I figure one haircut every two months for 20$ a pop, times 4 people = 480$/year.

[@g.germany2477]

I'm totally opposite of most of those things and live off of $1k a month on average this year. Use credit cards only, poor healthy foods, hang with losers/broke/big spenders because I try to motivate them to be frugal. No matter who I hang with, I'm going to do what's in my best interest. I still save/invest over 50%.

[@wanderingviolet9761]

Such inspiration- going to look for negotiation. Podcast now:)

[@paulaspeak4338]

I do keep a stockpile only because I do a lot of couponing and get a ton of items free or super cheap. What may expire I either use up or donate and on non perishables like shampoo, makeup, body wash, hairsprays and such I'll do an annual yard sale with these items to get rid of some of my stock.

[@ramonaneyrinck2292]

❤❤❤❤

[@alishajennings2013]

I agree with most of these. The leftovers came at a perfect time bc Thanksgiving just passed and we ate for days. But to change it up I took the turkey and made a casserole and the mashed potatoes and made a shepherd's pie and stuff like that. But nothing went to waste. I even took the bones and vegetable scraps and made some broth in my instant pot. I'm not sure that I stockpile stuff though. I did go through a couponing phase for a couple of months over a year ago but I only got stuff I'd actually use like laundry detergent, toothpaste, deodorant. So I still have some of that but I'm sort of a minimalist so it bothers me and I've been thinking about donating it to our local womens shelter or food bank. I'm also 24 weeks pregnant and I've been stocking up some freezer meals to eat after he's born. But it's not typical for us to have 6 weeks of meals stashed away in the freezer.

[@naomihukes8283]

I was at a garage sale once, they had a microwave for $20.00, which I thought was good. I asked if the would go lower. They said , yes how about $10.00. It works.

[@marianelavega453]

I would have gotten it for free how cheap I am people throw them out like crazy here in NYC 😂

[@andreaadams-mcknight780]

Great program. Learned a lot. Thanks!

[@ktrudy1]

Great advice. Ty😍😘

[@snowbearty]

I would love to know what podcasts you enjoy. I like listening to podcasts while I’m walking my dog.

[@susanlance8179]

Things I do when upset: garden, clean ( oh man, this is a good one when I am really upset it numbs my want to keep everything for sentimental reasons and I toss with out feeling the regreat), Sew or really creat anything☺. Some times the cleaning or gardening I need to do to work out the anger but the creating works out the sadness, the feeling stuck ( it gives you time to slow down and think), it helps me remember how truely amazing humans are. I guess it puts me in a place to set the problem aside and look at it in the big picture, it is also so healing to creat something beautiful💗. Truthfully I fit most of that list. I went shopping and wanted ribbion to do a project, it was going to cost $2.00 but I had 10 people I wanted to give this gift to. Thats $20.00 for just part of a christmas present. I turned to my husband and said I will figure something eles out that is free or cheaper. Then I also said sometimes it isn't fun being cheap, he just smiled and said he agrees. I never remember a time when living cheaply wasn't part of my life. But I do hoard peoples cast offs so I will go through those to find my replacement for what I need. Truly in the end it usually turns out to be a better gift then the one I was going to do in the first place, it just takes more time because it isn't ready made. Just my thoughts

[@Nonduality]

Great list. The only thing I'd add is that sometimes frugal people break all the rules about being frugal, but only because they have set aside "mad money." Also, the idea of stockpiling makes total sense until you find you are paying for the space to store everything, such as filling up a bedroom that could be rented or paying for a storage locker. As far as hanging out with "losers," you have to realize that a "loser" is someone whose burdens become yours. But if you are letting yourself take on the problems of others, they are not the losers. You are.

[@cherylT321]

That is so true. I dropped someone who was a friend for like 15 years. I got fed up with the fact that she would never listen to me. I’m debt free, have money saved for emergencies and I’m not struggling with anything. My former friend would rather listen to and hang out with loser types who could do nothing for her and would keep dragging her down. My former friend lost her job and became homeless because of poor decisions. Before it got that bad, I kept telling her things that would have improved her condition; she never listened. A family member took her in for a while then I think got fed up with her and I think ended up putting her out. When I asked her what happened, she wouldn’t talk about it but would call me up with nothing to say…I finally said to myself that I’ve had enough. You can’t help someone who doesn’t want to help themselves, so I stopped taking her calls and decided to let her be…I have no regrets about that decision and don’t miss all that drama!

[@ramonaneyrinck2292]

I actually found that I getting rid of the stuff that was just taking up space and putting stockpiled items I got for free from Couponing was a better use of the space that I was paying for anyways.

[@hilo5901]

What a fabulous husband! So conscientious and loyal! You are Blessed!

[@crystalcummings4475]

great job on being plantbased for 3 years i want to go plantbased so bad :) thank you for sharing.

[@nataliecat98nc]

Why not give it a try? You can always start off small, swapping out one meal or eating meat free one day a week and keep going from there. I think I cut out all meat in one go but it took me longer to cut out other products like dairy.

[@crystalcummings4475]

@@nataliecat98nc it is the dairy that is the hardest and I have 4kids and I refuse to do more then one meal so I have to try make sure everyone will eat we are mostly vegetarian just need to cut the dairy. Thank you for your comment :) I definitely am making the steps to go plant based.

[@vixxcottage]

I went plant based in February. I did it all at once. Takes couple weeks to adjust but the health benefits are tremendous!

[@sweetmslovinglife]

Traveling is good for children. My children visited and took pics of places they studied in school.

[@susancraigo8218]

When you drive a long distance to work every day and you live in a climate with harsh winters you cant afford to drive a beater, unless you know how to fix cars. Not only do you miss a lot of work and tardiness due to break downs, but you have a high rental cost while your car is being repaired.

[@rubyscott6685]

Susan Craigo True, but it is still a choice that does not have to be made. I used to work at a job that was a two and a half hour drive one way to work. One day I realized that instead of working 40 hours a week, I was actually working 65 hours per week plus an additional 5 getting ready for work. When I did the math, I was actually earning a little over half of what I thought I was earning when I counted up the hours. Time is money after all. I got a job closer to where I lived and ditched my car.

[@susancraigo8218]

@@rubyscott6685 I have tried looking for work closer to my home more then once and still keep my eye open. My current job is actually 20 miles closer than my old job. Plus traffic is horrendous. Yes, it's a choice to live where I live, but many people have to make the same choice to live in an affordable community that is safe, and has decent schools. My boss makes 2x as much and can afford to live in the high end neighborhood that is close to where the good jobs are. Just 20 miles north of me is a wonderful neighborhood with awesome schools and has Metra trains to city. Small townhome with 3 bedrooms you can expect to pay at least $350 and taxes would be around 12k per year.

[@rubyscott6685]

Susan Craigo thanks for your response and agreement that it is your choice to live with the consequences of that choice. Perhaps in the future you will be blessed with better options from which to choose. It has been a pleasure. Good fortune and continued happiness.

[@TubnQT]

I agree. I work far from home, because I live in a tiny town with no job opportunities. But it has a low crime rate, low taxes, and low home & auto insurance. I need safe reliable transportation for my long commute. Before I got my newer car, my other car had several breakdowns. My new car is completely covered under warranty and I get a loaner car for oil changes or servicing. My payment is less than the monthly cost of repairs on the old car, and I’m no longer in fear of missing work because I can’t get there. I keep the money for my car payment in an investment account that earns 3X the interest/dividends on my car loan, so I earn money by not paying cash for my car.

[@TubnQT]

I can’t move because the cost of living in my neighboring city where I work is so much higher that I couldn’t afford it, the crime rate is much higher, and my children would not come visit me there.

[@dawnt5587]

I am a couponer so we have a huge stockpile. We spend very little on groceries every week because I cook from the stockpile. With coupons, there are numerous things that are free (toothpaste, mouthwash, toothbrushes). Plus, there are a lot of things that are usually 50 cents or under like shampoo/conditioner, Bodywash, face wash, a lot of make up, a lot of food. It’s my hobby. I’ve been doing it for 8 years so I’m pretty good at it. I don’t buy newspapers anymore because you can either use printables or clip to card coupons.

[@desireesalas5820]

Ha! Same here :) I've been couponing for about a yr and am very proud the $$ I've saved has allowed me to pay off my debt and remain debt free. All of the rebate apps available now have taken couponing to the next level. I'm happy with my stockpile since it's given me the ability to share with others and provides some security if an emergency should occur. I couldn't imagine living a frugal life without couponing for essentials.

[@ramonaneyrinck2292]

❤❤❤❤ I totally loved Couponing. I had a 12 foot run 8 foot tall Zellers stock shelf in my bedroom. I felt so secure. We diapered wipe their butts and formula fed three kids for free

[@mompuff6857]

I’m so proud of you!! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@laurendodson6779]

We paid our house off in 20 years, drive our cars till they die, use credit cars but pay off balance every month and earn cash back. We use coupons and shop sales, buy clothes at resale shops.

[@jerrysmith372]

Yes! I finally found someone else that uses credit cards to make money. We make up to $8K a year with credit cards - it's free money. We've never understood why more people don't do this. We've been debt free for 35 years. All 3 properties we own are paid with cash. Cars - paid in cash. Fully funded retirement accounts - 825 credit score. Debt free is a good feeling to know.

[@staceykersting705]

How does going to church jibe with calling ppl 'losers'? Plz consider doing some volunteer work in the community...bonus points if u get your kids involved! You'll find no one's a 'loser'...some of us have just been thru horrendous circumstances. May your heart open to the plight of others.

[@pollyrg97]

From what I heard, she was reading someone else's list and took issue with the terminology. There's a difference between being present to and supporting those in need and making them the primary influence in your life. Personally, I would have phrased it along the lines of 'frugal people are primarily influenced by people of good character, and are careful about whom they allow to influence them.'

[@staceykersting705]

@@pollyrg97 Yes, thank you for that. May 2020 bring you all the best

[@CentsibleLivingWithMoneyMom]

Dana, I am here to count on how many of these things I DO. I will be honest.

[@angelicahuber3100]

Wow...that hanging with losers sounds harsh and very judgmental...good character and moral had nothing to do with debt or or having a harder time in life...that’s so messed up.

[@lindybright1938]

Angelica Huber yeah, I agree. There are so really really great people out there who are not so good with money.

[@sonyascreationsalifestylec1739]

That's not what shes saying at all.

[@aodhmacraynall8932]

Angelica I would say from your remarks you are either 16 or 80. The only people I know who talk like this are kids or boomers.

[@sepollcas]

My husband negotiates yearly our internet bill. It always worked. ;)

[@jarred333Boss]

good one subbed

[@Santu7220]

Thank you for the video and sharing your life with us. I believe, buying All bottles on the shelf, like 12, could be inspired into buying 10. This would save money And give joy to another dad or mom to take home to perhaps even have one and leave one for someone else as well. It also helps with a feast or famine mindset that was perhaps passed down- Joshua Becker has it listed as something he learnt from his parents." you´re never too poor to give." And this would be a win-win.

[@SheilaNorthcutt]

Listening to this a year into the pandemic and wondering if you prep now, lol. Not making fun, but mentality changes after 2020.

[@DrgnMage2536]

Travel is very important to me. I love to travel! I have a travel fund, so I always save before I go on any trips. Even when I was a child, my family and I would do road trips. We didn’t stay anywhere fancy, and we often cooked meals in our motel room, but we learned a lot about local cultures and history. I think you should expose your kids to other cultures and learn about history. Everyone should at least go to Washington D.C., learn history and see the museums. They’re free. Travel is a great way of learning

[@Cecibug1]

Lol I don't hang out with anyone! I'm such a home body 😂 unless they want to come over and paint rocks, or crochet or bake haha. A cool gift my parents renew every year for my daughter and us(and them as well) is a year zoo pass, it's a fun thing to do for our 3 year old who loves animals and we have gone so many times that they have well got the money's worth out of it.❤️

[@andreatamati9813]

Retirement is the most important it's there when you get older.

[@martinemeeks5065]

My mother, great grandmother to my grandchildren, always buys each of my children's families a zoo pass, they love them and it is truly a gift that keeps on giving all year long.

[@Cecibug1]

@@martinemeeks5065 it's such a wonderful gift!!

[@susanrobinson408]

These are great tips, Dana! I am new to your channel, but I'm trying to go plant based after the first of the year. Do you have any videos about what you eat in a day or how you got started? Thank you!

[@kamaliancirranoush1916]

Susan Robinson I found Starch Solution to be a simple framework to start a plant based diet, hope it is going well for you!

[@astgoddess]

I financed a car for the first time in November. It was great buying with cash and not having a payment but I love having a reliable and newer car than ever before. It's paying for convenience in many ways but I felt I needed to try this way before deciding which works best for me. I made sure to get a low rate and make deals to suit me at the dealership. I miss having no monthly payments but I don't miss frequent trips to the mechanic.

[@christopher4644]

She seems happy that her kids have never been on a plane. Not sure how old her kids are, but traveling (in my book) is a life experience. I hope they don't have to vacation in their home town every year.

[@pollyrg97]

If she's in the US, I'm guessing they road-trip it, which as I understand it is an experience in itself. I live in New Zealand, and while I love my country I acknowledge that it's small and you really do need to get out of it (by plane) at some point, even if it's only for a trip to Australia.

[@olgag9901]

I didn't get on a plane before I was 17. as long as it's coming out of her pocket, it is her choice if and when her kids travel. they can do all the travelling they want when they grow up and can afford it by themselves.

[@isabelled1130]

My kids went on a plane at age 5 and 7 and they don't spend their time talking about it! I didn't board a plane before I was an adult myself and it's not something that was missing from my life. That's a weird assumption.... Kids don't need to go to fancy far away vacations for them to be worth it, they need attention from their parents, relaxation time and plain old fun.

[@kiwibird1980]

Im from New Zealand, now live in Australia, I travelled alot before kids and we are just starting to do this as a family. All paid for upfront though and partially by cashback from credits cards we use for our daily shopping and are paid to zero each month. Each to their own but travelling is such a fabulous experience and has some of my best memories, memories we are now making as a family. My kids love looking through our photos of places such as south east asia and Egypt and we go researching for questions they have - its fantastic!

[@vixxcottage]

I know many people that spend $5000-$10000.00 yearly to rent a beach house for 1 week vacation. I was asked to go several times but was not interested. I can't think of a bigger waste of money. These same people have a falling down house and their children have to sell their soul to student loan program. What is the sense? Their children could use assistance for college. Many children have $80,000-$100,000 debt or more when they graduate. Makes no sense to me!

[@luciagibboni9680]

Agree with you on all except for taking fancy vacations does NOT absolutely equals travelling. You can travel on a budget, see the world and kids will learn a lot - that is the opposite of going to Disneyland

[@Europa1749]

I buy stuff from Amazon, mostly on sale, free shipping, and pay it off every month. It's very handy.

[@geoffdearth7360]

One unusual thing I found out was with a 3- handset phone at Walmart: If I bought it online and picked it up in the store it was like $45. If I just bought it off the shelf it was $60.

[@flyingcamel69]

Travel is the greatest learning so that contradicts the "vacation" idea, which I strongly disagreed with.

[@samanthahardy9903]

Wow! From this list i'm surprised how frugal I am now compared to 5 years ago!

[@LLhypno]

The last car we bought was a VW, we took out the finance and got a £1,000 discount. 2 weeks later we paid off all the debt and kept the discount. Always look at the finance options if you have saved to the whole price. you might be surprised at what you can save. :)

[@fgonzalez78959]

Overdraft is horrible..years ago I was trap in it..and yes car payments must be avoided at all cost..I know life is not always planable but if you must fiance don't go overboard..

[@terigroce919]

I shop for the month and stock up on sales. However, I use the food, I cook large meals and freeze so I have future meals for us. Then we will go in a spurt where for two or three weeks we are doing nothing but cleaning out freezed meals and I don't have to cook, or do much cleaning up. if it is in the freezer it usually only needs thawed and heated. and then I only have the pan I heat it up in or crock pot, two plates, forks, and cups...so a lot easier on the dishwashing. if I had to grocery shop every week, I would probably be out of food because I actually hate going to the grocery store. My truck was financed, but it will be paid for in January. I just started this frugal journey in june of 18, so I am going to be debt free in the near future and am very excited about that! I do have life insurance and agree that is key! we take a vacation every year, every other year we go to our friends in texas, so it is a frugal vacation. On the years we don't go we go away overnight to a hotel with a pool and an attraction or two we want to see. Just a day or two away, but that we can enjoy ourselves.

[@sarahrichards336]

I always ask the cashiers at department stores or shops if they have any current promotions/coupons out....it almost always helps me out at bath and body works, and I got really lucky with Joann fabrics too! Saves good money just by asking ! And I use retail me not for promotions and coupons as well.

[@michaelpfuntner8109]

Great video

[@debrasnee4402]

What are your favorite podcasts and books?

[@ZRO777]

We listen to the one and only Mr. Dave Ramsey! Awesome info!