21 of the *GREATEST* Frugal Living Tips Out There (Save A Lot of Money With Frugal Living)

[@ParisianThinker]

My husband died 2 weeks ago. I was his caregiver for a decade. He was totally dependent making it impossible to move. Never time for me. I now have half the income. I accidentally found your channel. I must rethink my entire life.

[@THEJENNIFERCOOK]

Val, I am so sorry for your loss. May time bring you peace and clarity.

[@carmelaelliott227]

Five years ago I've lost my husband of 42 years to cancer, so I have to learn to live within my means. I've learned to pay off debt, make budget and now I'm learning to save. Blessings.

[@RobertaHolland-n9c]

For years, I have cut open lotion, conditioner, soap, etc - used a spatula to scrape every bit out of it. I learned it from my mom. Its amazing just how much is left in the bottles and most people throw it away..

[@autumn-g1n]

Me too!

[@mysustainabilityjourney9321]

Put your veggies in the fridge in cloth bags as this absorbs the ethylene and makes them last longer

[@rosemarywilliams9969]

The maintenance part also applies to your health. I wish I cared more about my health because medical and dental bills are no joke. If I stayed away from junk foods and even processed foods and exercised more, I would look and feel amazing and save thousands. I have great genetics so I never paid attention in my 20s about how I eat. But now that I'm 37 I've noticed that I've had lots of medical and dental issues that I paid thousands to correct but could have easily been prevented. So yeah maintain your most expensive possession which is your mind and body.🖤

[@nogaaalovely7460]

Well said. I completely agreed. I switch up my eating and drinking. Workout more. I'm feeling better and less money throw out at dental office. It feels so good

[@ΠανωραίαΚόκκινου-ι4σ]

I was leaving frugal for the first 33 years of my life. Then I lost control (because of depression) for 3 years. I came back to track , but covid hit and I lost control because of my work (I lost a lot of money that i worked and never got paid, more than one year salary lost ). Now at 40, I put my self back in track , especially afrer Easter Im in a good position. Now I spent a lot of money on education , but that is an investement... Learning a lot and look the best option. E.g. I make my marmelade, sauses, kimtci, everything home made canning, even meat. Im ok! Thank you!!!😁

[@misslanapaulford]

Hi. I pay the bills first, especially RENT then utilities. Then I divvy the money up between 4 weeks of what i can live on. Then the rest is saved up and put away..Whatever the target or need is.. Paying your Bills first especially rent or mortgage means you can relax having a roof over your head. RENT, FOOD & UTILITIES are a necessity to survive.

[@faith4390]

I love, love your channel. I was raised the same way...frugal frugal. I got away from it because I thought there was a better way to live life. I was wrong. I'm 48 now and to be honest I enjoy the challenge of being frugal.

[@THEJENNIFERCOOK]

Thank you so much! I agree with you that being frugal is a fun challenge 🤗

[@gladyschandler6724]

My friend came to visit for 2 weeks and we had breakfast & dinners home. We packed sandwiches & sparkling waters & snacks.

[@janetmolnar1271]

My Toyota is 25 and I love it!!

[@THEJENNIFERCOOK]

Janet, that is fantastic!

[@margal3120]

Great color on you, Jennifer! I love that color too 😂🤩 Your analogy about keeping your finances organized akin to your pantry organized was SPOT ON!!! There are too many times when I buy another container of mustard or pasta sauce and have 6 at home already!! 😮 Financial management needs to be made a priority not an afterthought - bravo!!

[@THEJENNIFERCOOK]

Thank you so much! I agree with you on money management. Money isn't too good at managing itself. 🤗

[@gwenfehr9156]

Funny that you mention lasagna. Today I made one 9x13 pan, and four 8x8 pans. The smaller pans go in the freezer for easy meals, and we will eat the larger one today & tomorrow.

[@lauraweinbrenner6]

I would love more budget videos! More details! Also, it would be awesome if you talked about how you know how much to save first before paying bills and finally spending. In my experience, I've always been taught you pay your bills first and whatever is leftover to save and spend. I have heard on multiple frugal living channels to save first, but it feels backwards. It would be nice to hear how to budget taking this into consideration and also budgeting when you're not in CC debt, and the only "debt" you have is your mortgage. I'm looking to get ahead on bills, save for new items and have a budget that is LIVEABLE and DOABLE not unrealistic! By the way --- love your channel! I've watched you for a LONG time and never commented. You are so sweet and sound so down to Earth! Keep the content coming!

[@THEJENNIFERCOOK]

Laura, I am so glad you wrote a comment! I really enjoy hearing from my viewers, and I genuinely learn a lot from them. I think you have a valid question about the order in budgeting. There are so many opinions and budgeting methods that it can get overwhelming. Let me work on a video that talks about how we budget. Budgeting can be very personal, so sometimes it's best to hear different opinions and compile your favorite parts of each to make a process that works best for you.

[@gladyschandler6724]

I started reading last year and this year joined a reading bookclub. I get books from our library recycling books for $2.00. When I've finished the book I mail them to my friends

[@THEJENNIFERCOOK]

Gladys, that is fantastic! I love that you share them after reading them ❤️

[@homesteadingwithapurpose9681]

Great video Jennifer We have saved so much on groceries doing all the things listed ⬇️ We have turned in a extra bedroom in to a mini store. 1) we tracked what meals were our favorite, what meals we liked and added some special on occasion meals. 2) then we saw sat down and made a list of all the ingredients it would take to make each meal. 3) we started to purchase extra ingredients on our shopping trips. More if there was a sale. 4) over time we have saved so much money not purchasing something on a impulse. Our money we would have spent has gone towards build our supplies. 4) we saved enough to purchase and extra freeze to perserve all those sale items. 5) we dehydrate and pressure can items from our small back yard garden or that are purchased on bulk sale. We are trying to keep at least 6-12 month supply stored. We enjoy in season fresh fruits and vegetables.

[@THEJENNIFERCOOK]

That is fantastic! Thank you for sharing 🤗

[@kenyonbissett3512]

I did everything on your list but the garden. It made an incredible difference in our finances and our lives.

[@kimdavies9364]

Another fabulous video, thanks Jennifer!

[@THEJENNIFERCOOK]

🤗

[@bobbykohtem2742]

Another tip: Liquid hand-soap dispensers are not necessary for a home! Those things are designed to “gift out” more than you’ll normally press out if you had the conventional liquid soap bottle to wash your hands.

[@megbrackney1567]

So happy I found your videos, looking forward to making changes and not making as many poor choices with money. Thank You

[@THEJENNIFERCOOK]

You are so welcome!

[@elainemartinez5961]

I wish i had found videos like this when i was at least 30. Thank you for the advice! I have been living on a budget since i was 40. I track every expense i ask myself do i really need what i want to purchase, i still take my Cruise vacations what i do in order to be frugal with my vacations is that i look for the slow season Witch are always cheaper and on that month i look up what week is the cheapest and i book up that date. Another thing i started to do is to live below my paychek and pay myself first. I save for the future, and for emergencys first. I save for my vacations and rest is for food and bills. Look foward to see more of your content.

[@THEJENNIFERCOOK]

Elaine, thank you for sharing these ideas!

[@kenyonbissett3512]

I’ve always thought it would be worth it to take a cruise from America to Europe. They are usually heavily discounted and mostly at sea. Usually take about 19 days each way. Then travel Europe for the summer, mostly using Eurorail discounted passes for Americans and buses. Once in a lifetime trip.

[@chaliajamjan9793]

Now I learn the right way to save money. Thanks

[@melodylewis1354]

Haven’t had cable or internet for six years and don’t miss it at all. Don’t eat out and always have a meal plan

[@THEJENNIFERCOOK]

❤️

[@terrihubbard1437]

You should have a million subscription! Great information!

[@kimchristianson4743]

thank you for the content. I am living frugally now but can always use more advice.

[@gladyschandler6724]

I always finish the shampoo, toothpaste, sunscreen...

[@SlimDavenport]

22. Cancel your internet phone subscription, get the Wi-Fi from your house, work or public places.

[@kenyonbissett3512]

Even if you are in an area without Wi-Fi your phone should still work to call emergency services.

[@maryjothompson4578]

I have foaming hand soap bottles that I refill with 1 part soap to 5 parts water. My refill bottle lasts a very long time.

[@christinenunn7581]

It would be great to see a budget video from you!

[@THEJENNIFERCOOK]

🤗

[@seekingjoynow1722]

Great advice. Never too late to make new frugal habits.

[@mikaylafarmers5901]

I’ve watched lots of frugal living videos in the last while, and this is the best one yet!

[@THEJENNIFERCOOK]

Mikayla, thank you so much! 🤗

[@carolgindhart7815]

Thank you so much for reminding me to invest in myself, and my future, and spend less. You are the BEST! Thank you

[@THEJENNIFERCOOK]

Carol, thank you so much! Hugs 🤗

[@lindamcteer]

Great video! Recently while on a leisurely drive to the Smoky Mountains, we decided to stop for hot dogs and cokes at a little roadside restaurant. We were so shocked when the cost was $37.00....and the hot dogs weren't even good!! Apparently the restaurant doesn't use all-beef Oscar Mayer Hot Dogs or all-beef Ball Park Franks! Have a fun week at this very fun time of year.

[@THEJENNIFERCOOK]

Linda, that is a beautiful drive, though! Yes, food costs are crazy now.

[@asavannah7439]

We spent over $50 on lunch for two in Dollywood last year. At least it was delicious!

[@lindamcteer]

@@asavannah7439 Yes Dollywood does have good food. I wouldn't have minded so much paying $37.00 for hot dogs and cokes if the hot dogs had been delicious!

[@allikat1352]

I ended up with the Subaru Outback for all of those reasons.

[@THEJENNIFERCOOK]

Those are great!

[@trishacarlson4122]

It took a lot of effort, but I quit my Kindle subscription. I have my Scrib'd I pay a year on at a time. It helps w/ that splurge feeling when I feel like I just wanna go add random books bc I can! Also I've been utilizing the library a LOT more lately. It's close by & there's really no reason not to. That's the only Subscription I have now, Scrib'd. Yay :D Including Amazon, I quit that too.

[@fourdayhomestead2839]

Invested in a few small long handled food squeeges (1 kept under the laundry sink & 2 in kitchen for peanut butter & other jars that tend to have a bit left in them). + a box cutter.😊

[@jeanettewilliams8898]

I definitely could go for a budget video I am trying to make sure I get it done right.

[@THEJENNIFERCOOK]

🤗

[@crystalh1402]

Would love a vlog on meal planning ❤ how you implement your plan

[@thelmaperez5328]

I like your videos I watch them all the time God bless Greetings from Panama

[@THEJENNIFERCOOK]

Thelma, thank you so much! Hi in Panama 🤗

[@inezviruet9178]

I love your video!! I have noticed too that I have saved a lot of money on using things up completely before I buy again.. it's incredible!.. I posted a little sign for myself in my kitchen. It says "Think before you spend that dollar" thanks again Jennifer. I really and truly appreciate your video!

[@THEJENNIFERCOOK]

Awesome! I really like the sign in the kitchen. That's great!

[@jeanettesimon7978]

Thank you for another great video. One great, take away for me from what you said, was to compare prices of grocery items from different stores. That's my next project. Thank you.

[@mysustainabilityjourney9321]

I need to invest in myself. I will make a list of my passions and improve them. Thanks Jennifer.

[@THEJENNIFERCOOK]

You're so welcome!

[@jeridavidson9074]

Yes. Another budgeting video please

[@THEJENNIFERCOOK]

🤗

[@dianejennings50]

I save old pill plastic bottles. I put tums aspirin etc into them because they lock closed in to my purse. No mess but be sure to label it

[@paulsargeant3764]

I had a BMW, but I crashed her. My next car I paid cash for & it's costs much less to fuel, tax & insure. I budget & now have an emergency fund.

[@THEJENNIFERCOOK]

🤗

[@AnnMarieHall-l6c]

I buy Olay body wash and dilute it and use a loofa The big bottle last me six months and the loofa suds it perfectly ❤❤❤❤

[@KathyJacksonSanDiegoRealEstate]

Love your ideas. I don’t buy new make up or lotions until their out

[@nicolejohnson5225]

Yay please bring budget vids! Luv seeing different types of budgets. 🌟

[@THEJENNIFERCOOK]

Nicole, I will definitely work on one. Thank you for reaching out! ❤️

[@gladyschandler6724]

I made lentils soup & eat twice, freeze the rest for next week's lunches.

[@THEJENNIFERCOOK]

Yummy, lentil soup!

[@beatricealcaraz5799]

Hey Jennifer that color is very nice on you , this was a great video thanks to you I do meal planning on a weekly basis and we don’t have cable lots of great tips thank you for everything you do to inspire us to save money god bless .

[@THEJENNIFERCOOK]

Beatrice, you are always the sweetest! Thank you so much, and God bless you as well 🤗

[@jenniferadderley2566]

Thank you Jennifer for sharing this great video. My takeaway from this video is to invest in myself and continue to budget. I'm learning so much about financial literacy which very important.

[@THEJENNIFERCOOK]

Jennifer, thank you so much! Have a wonderful week 🤗

[@jenniferadderley2566]

@@THEJENNIFERCOOK You're welcome☺ Thank you! You have an amazing week as well!

[@lleocttx2326]

Firstly, your videos are extremely informative and useful, you are a great pathfinder on this highly important topic! Yes! Please please DO make a video about setting up a budget! Caveat: In another video you suggested an app that I tried to use but it’s waaay too detailed and complicated for a non-financially savvy person. The app itself is difficult to navigate in itself, not to speak of how to actually use it. Thank you

[@karatheriault6715]

Great video!!!Each one so valuable. Implementing so many tomorrow.....Just going to check off the list. #1 Cleaning out all subscriptions. #2 I'm 62 and started a WFPB Diet and have lost 10 lbs. Creating my frugal pantry tomorrow as well. #3 I will learn how to stream the internet into my home through my phone. #4 I have to watch again:) Thank you, dear. Great, great video! Your positive vibes makes me so excited to start

[@THEJENNIFERCOOK]

Fantastic! I am so glad this video was helpful. Hugs 🤗

[@crystalh1402]

Subscriptions even when you only have a few are worth reviewing! I cancelled Amazon prime and your next tip of impulse buying was cut tremendously!

[@uberbubble]

Haha I was probably better off five years ago financially, but I didn't have my beautiful daughter. Never felt richer. Sidenote; I love that shirt on you, what a gorgeous colour!

[@sjchan3199]

Make sure you cancel any free trials b4 they end.

[@olgaw953]

Thank you. Great advices as always! Yes please to the budget videos.

[@sandramorton5510]

We just were talking about amusement parks this morning, we went often years ago, now too expensive. We shop every two weeks for the husband is a impulsive food buyer, saves so much money. I think budget planning is a good video, we are in for a long ride.

[@THEJENNIFERCOOK]

Sandra, shopping every 2 weeks is a great habit! ❤️

[@jeannelenz2418]

Nr. 6: use every last drop... Don´t be shocked, BUT: I wash my hair 4 times IN A YEAR!! And therefore I use either rye flour or shampoo as a soap bar. Admittedly, this was a long journey, but researches how woman washed their hair in further times (like all our ancestors did) convinced me to try it myself. I also don´t need any hairspray, conditioner, or other crazy stuff. I´ve got strong, healthy and shiny hair (not greasy!!) though they´re getting grey now ;-) But with this method I saved hundreds, thousands of Euros and a lot of plastic trash the past 10 years. (needless to mention that my husband doesn´t use any hairproducts, too!!)

[@glendaschilder3048]

I use aloe Vera gel for hair gel..as well as other uses

[@kellycarter2497]

Hi Jennifer. Lots of good advice here. 1 thing about the well stocked pantry, I can usually whip up a home made casserole in no time, with left overs. Makes for 2 meals and a buffet ( leftover) night!

[@THEJENNIFERCOOK]

🤗

[@elsamach5616]

😂😅😂😅😂I’m dying. You beat my nieces $21- glass of OJ….. I’m literally still laughing $73- bloody dollars for a hot dog and funnel cake that’s what popped into my head !!!!😮😮😮😮

[@LouisRUFFIN-gm1nk]

The one thing about this world and it's people that I really don't care for is how this world and it's people underneath it all, really don't care about nobody, especially don't care about people like me. You have a blessed and wonderful life's journey, ma'am. Take care and goodbye.

[@gladyschandler6724]

I have a movie monthly card for $20.00 a month & tax for each movie is a savings for me since that is my entrainment since I see at least 2 movies a week. I'm frugal in other areas - like eating out only for special occasions.

[@ruthwiseman4730]

Thank you for all the great advice. I would be interested in a budget video

[@THEJENNIFERCOOK]

Ruth, I will definitely work on a budget video for you all ❤️

[@pauletteturner8728]

Great tips!!!

[@arthurmantzouris4413]

I use food stamps. Which allows me to shop at Costco which is wonderful. And when I see a sale on meat or ground turkey which I did a while ago I got them and used my vacuum sealer to save them without them getting freezer burned. Which has saved me a TON of money....and I save on one bill which is sewage by not flushing it when I pee which has also saved me alpt of money my bill went from 65 dollars to 39 dollars. And it even was sometimes over 70 bucks.

[@kenyonbissett3512]

I’ve heard people talk about saving the water from a bath and using it to flush or a bucket in the shower to save the water used until later for the toilet or gardening.

[@cissylanier7035]

When you do not flush it is invested with bacteria. Good luck having a nasty bathroom. You are nasty.

[@francescagigli1436]

This color looks great on you 😍

[@THEJENNIFERCOOK]

Francesca, thank you so much! ❤️

[@rhondadefoor2713]

Please do a simplified video on starting a budget! I have downloaded EveryDollar, but it’s like decluttering…WHERE do I start?!?!

[@MeenaHarlow-kx4fz]

You are a breath of fresh air in these crazy times- classy and practical. Thank you for your content. Enjoying it immensely.

[@THEJENNIFERCOOK]

Meeha, thank you for such a kind compliment! 🤗

[@JodiCross-b6r]

I would like to hear your advice on making a budget. Thank you

[@gladyschandler6724]

My Honda Civic is 13 years old, and I won't buy another car until it dies, then another Honda used

[@THEJENNIFERCOOK]

That is a long lasting car brand ❤️

[@nanad1408]

The best car. I purchased it second hand and drove it for 10 years. It would have lasted even longer but unfortunately someone crashed it whilst it was parked.

[@kenyonbissett3512]

My Toyota Camry lasted 15 years and 300,000 miles. I really loved that car. My only repair is actually maintenance was the timing chain. But at the time it only cost $250 for the repair and towing in 1992.

[@cindypatrick785]

We purchased a demonstration car w only 23,000 miles on it from a car lot because we were able to get a 3.8% interest rate through our local credit union. It is a 2008 Kia Optima and we have been very pleased with it . Regular maintenance,good gas mileage, comfortable ride. However it now has 145,000 miles on it and the ride was very uncomfortable. Since replacing it is going to have to wait another year we went ahead and put new struts on. Big improvement, like riding in a newer car!!! I love not having a car payment too🙂.10:07

[@kenyonbissett3512]

@@cindypatrick785 my mil used to get her elderly car a new inexpensive paint job every other year after year 12 or 13. She said it made her and her neighbors think she had a new car, lol. Her car at 20 yrs had like 50,000 miles, very lightly used.

[@blackcloudtattooer9255]

Your content is really great. And really made me think in my time of need. Thank you

[@elsamach5616]

We have a Chrysler Sebring convertible my sons have put over 230K miles on her and she’s still kicking… looks like it was in Jurassic Park… so. Is heavy into wilderness but she’s still kicking…

[@THEJENNIFERCOOK]

Elsa, that's amazing!

[@elsamach5616]

@@THEJENNIFERCOOK thank you. I’m just horrified by the way car companies have gone wild with their pricing on vehicles… we bought that car back in 2008 with 24k at Carmax …. It’s been a good lil car

[@antoniavallario3058]

All wonderful tips, thank you so much!

[@THEJENNIFERCOOK]

Antonia, thank you so much! Hugs 🤗

[@RosyRiveroyourfreetime]

Beautiful video Jennifer. Very helpful and inspiring 👏👏🌸

[@THEJENNIFERCOOK]

Rosy, thank you so much! ❤️

[@SpatchG]

Fantastic post Jennifer

[@THEJENNIFERCOOK]

🤗

[@priscillareyes297]

I would love to watch a new budget video!

[@THEJENNIFERCOOK]

🤗

[@MichelleFouche1]

How about a video on a Day in the Life of Jennifer❤

[@ritakrizsan3740]

Great advice

[@THEJENNIFERCOOK]

🤗

[@preparingformountainlife]

Hello! Thanks for the tips!

[@THEJENNIFERCOOK]

🤗

[@MaryjaneCui-d8n]

Great video

[@evasilvalayton758]

I feel inspired THANKS

[@THEJENNIFERCOOK]

Eva, I am so glad to hear that! ❤️

[@katehorrell8732]

I have always been frugal, when I bought my SUV in 2006 I researched them all for months before I went shopping, so I knew how much I was going to spend n how much I could get in trade for my car. My Serento is now 17 yrs old, runs good, is garage kept n has 98,000 miles on it

[@THEJENNIFERCOOK]

Kate, that is fantastic!

[@maria_w311]

Good morning, Jennifer 👋🏻

[@THEJENNIFERCOOK]

Hi Maria! Have a fantastic week 🤗

[@KA_65120_]

Thank you

[@kw4507]

Is it worth it growing your own vegetables?

[@shannonyoung4653]

Could you help me with a bi weekly budget breakdown

[@beckybaustert3634]

Great video!

[@THEJENNIFERCOOK]

Thank you so much!

[@kckuc310]

I think frugal get a bad rap. It’s not frugal in everything , it’s only items like you just discussed. We will spend money in that area to get something good. Ie a home, car etc because we spend a lot of time in them.

[@gladyschandler6724]

Trader Joe's almond milk went up .20 cents I noticed. Next time I'll buy a case at Costco much cheaper

[@lalahdz9553]

Yup oly what's on sale I sont stick just to one brand

[@crystalsecor6403]

Awesome tips Jennifer 🥰 are you able to tell us what kind of vehicle you have? We are currently in the market for one and I would like to do my research too!

[@THEJENNIFERCOOK]

Hi Crystal, absolutely! It is a Subaru. I love it!

[@gladyschandler6724]

I'm happy and retired and have a home.

[@elma786]

A quick lasagne…… ???? Mine takes all day. Cooking and especially cleaning after

[@samanthadudley6412]

Having a frugal pantry is hard to do when you have 4 boys and 2 of them are teenagers and they eat all the time.

[@THEJENNIFERCOOK]

Samantha, that is absolutely true! Hugs 🤗

[@kenyonbissett3512]

So true! I looked for frugal alternatives when my son was a teenager. One year he grew 7 inches. Talk about a bottomless pit. Buy canned or dry chickpeas. Add 1-2 cups to the blender, olive oil or vegetable oil, salt, pepper and spices blend until smooth. Now add or minced garlic or onion, use blender on mix or stir in. You now have homemade hummus. Takes seconds to make with canned beans. Teach them how. I took bread ends and stale pieces, cut them up into squares or pieces. Lightly oil and add Italian seasoning for snacking with the hummus or just cup up veggies. Or have them make cheese sandwiches or microwave a potato and add toppings. Ramen noodles, add an uncooked egg into the extremely hot hot fluid and it will cook as the water cools from boiling to really warm. Plenty of fat, carbs and protein.

[@danielswords3969]

Yellow mustard is the prime example of “can’t be emptied” packaging. If anyone knows of a brand of yellow mustard usable packaged please let me know.

[@kenyonbissett3512]

First I turn it upside down in my fridge using other bottles to brace it. As you get to that last teaspoon or tablespoon at the end of the bottle use a recipe that uses mustard like some meatloaf and homemade Mac and cheese. Add that liquid to the bottle, shake and add to recipe. Buy adding the liquid the mustard is also distributed evenly throughout the recipe.

[@stacymontero6172]

I used to cut off the top 1/3 of mustard bottles to get the last bit. If there was quite a bit left, I put it into a small jar.

[@nancyjuarez2037]

I was so naieve finicially in my 20nies 😂

[@preparingformountainlife]

Thank you 😊