25 FRUGAL LIVING HABITS (From My Viewers) PART 1 | Financial Independence | JENNIFER COOK

#frugalliving #frugalhabits #jennifercook
In "Financuary Day 12" I asked you all to share your frugal tips/habits and I would compile them into one video at a later time. All of you are amazing and have shared the best tips and habits on how you are frugal. In todays video I share part 1 with 25 of those the tips/habits. Thank you so much for sharing!

[@eringigi7096]

Nurses and nuns wear the same outfit for their entire career. The only thing people remember is manners and kindness.

[@debbiekoortzen1154]

I love this advice, thank you.

[@angeldeal3291]

I wish I could “love” this comment! So true!

[@lindabourketempleton4040]

During the depression flour bags were floral as they knew they were made into dresses for little girls

[@QuiltingCrow]

I'm autistic and I wear "uniform". I have two trousers, seven shirts with long arm, seven with short arm, two pullovers and a jacket. All in black. I can never be troubled to find something to wear :D

[@RLSCS]

An appliance repair man told me that the number 1 reason washing machines break down is because people use too much laundry detergent. He said, “all you need is a tablespoon per load”.

[@DaniDani-fx5qq]

I was told the same thing by our repairman.

[@Joyce-id3dr]

Wow, I use not nearly what they recommend but a tablespoon? Going to change by usage for sure!! Thanks!!

[@cheerfulwr]

I had problems with my front loader in the very beginning. My husband was using a cup and wouldn't listen to me. I had to have the repairman write him a note to reinforce what I was saying.

[@ninakoinz8477]

I don't use any detergent unless the clothes are really soiled.

[@catslove3884]

For sure, I use very little.

[@nancymelis2824]

As a retired childcare worker I have this tip for parents. Don’t buy food in convenience packages for the kids. So much waste and expensive! Put food in reusable containers when you pack their lunch. Yes it’s a little more work but you can save money and the planet.

[@janicew6222]

Growing up, we were very poor, my mother would take fabric softener, put 1 Tablespoon into a large empty dish detergent bottle, fill it with water and we used this as hair conditioner. Worked great, never told anyone this before.

[@ragdollpreppers2648]

That’s brilliant

[@patriciapoole9983]

This is a great ideal thanks

[@KL-tp3gq]

No lights when there is free light (sunlight).

[@mildreddelrio4420]

I wash my cloth on the 15 min circle, I also add white vinegar w the detergent ! It keeps the cloth fresh. And the machine odorless, I don’t used fabrics softness. I dry my cloth on the steam pipes , I live on an apartment.The heat is very strong. Thank

[@TheEllaTB]

Exactly! I never understood it when I saw people with lights on during the day. No matter how cloudy, I find a way to make it work

[@tashawilliams8093]

Especially during the summer.

[@debbnano]

So happy I found you. I'm 63 and am disabled so income is very low. Having a hard time making it so your tips on saving money are a Godsend. Thank you.

[@azmom0014]

The car auction ! Brings back memories! My husband and I went once when it was raining. No one was there , so we got a Toyota Corolla for $25 !!!!! No joke . Needed some engine work. Got parts from a wrecking yard and resold it for $3500. A year later we saw it driving down the highway. We STILL talk about how awesome that was. 😊 I’m the daughter of Mr Cheap and Mrs Frugal. Your videos are so informative and fun !

[@THEJENNIFERCOOK]

Mr Cheap and Mrs Frugal ... you have me rolling laughing!

[@cristinagarcia-up8zt]

Me too🤣

[@pathfinderstravelmagazine2903]

One of the many things I've learned during the past year is I've got too much STUFF (this after purging three times), I really CAN polish my own nails and eating my own cooking saves a LOT of money. And finally, inspite of lower income, I can still give something to charity to help people with less. Practice gratitude.

[@stepone6159]

I came out of a grocery store one time recently -- and on the way to my car there was a big puddle of water. In it was $220. I went back into to store and left a note with my name and phone number. Ask the manager to have the person call me if someone came to say they lost that money. After waiting 1 month, no one called. Soooo. It sure came in handy.

[@michaelwinter8583]

When I had just lost a job and I was broke I went walking to the gas station for a bottle of juice. On the way I looked down and there was a $50 bill. I'd never been so happy!!! The universe (or something) provides!

[@supersavvyspender9051]

A trick for using a quick wash cycle on the washer is that you can let the water come in, agitate a bit, and then stop the washer and let the clothing soak. After however long, finish up the cycle. I started doing this and found that things got cleaner!

[@kristenmarie9248]

Yes!!! I have always done that too! 👍👏❤🌼🌺🥰

[@cristagalli1021]

Buy a fujidenzo washing machine. It’s a whirlpool sister company. They have what they call “eco soak”. It agitates your clothes just a total of 15-20 minutes overall and soaks the clothes in between. In the Philippines, it costs me about $5 a month to run.

[@pyrochickhop8339]

yes, all my African friends do this for bright whites and you rarely see stains on their clothes. In Walmart, there is a bar soap in the hispanic laundry section called Zote. It is an amazing full-fat soap vs. detergent. It treats stains, pulls out antiperspirant and collar oils in dress clothes. Dampen, treat, and soak overnight. Then finish the wash the next day.

[@Joyce-id3dr]

I so agree with you on people could care less about what you are wearing, what purse you are carrying, what fancy cell phone you are using, etc;. The only time I notice a person's looks is if they are dirty or wearing their pj's in the store and really it's none of my business anyway.

[@deborahroper3694]

I wrote Deborah’s comment at the top of my shopping list. “Your life’s happiness cannot be bought in a store.” And guess what? I’m a Deborah too.👍

[@THEJENNIFERCOOK]

I love that idea! You are both smart Deborahs!

[@elizabethbednarcik3311]

So glad to hear you read my comment! I have to tell you, I did a no-spend January and I saved $1000 which went right into my savings account! ONE THOUSAND DOLLARS that would have just been blown on stupid crap and food. Now I am on a mission for a no-spend February. Thank you for all of your wonderful videos!

[@momof2momof2]

WOW !!!

[@THEJENNIFERCOOK]

I am sooo excited for you! Awesome job! High five (virtually)!🤗

[@amyw5647]

We're doing no spend February- this makes me excited to see how much we can save!

[@cherylT321]

That’s awesome!

[@celiahernandez3713]

Yayyy, we did it too ! Yes, mine would have been spent on extra food , that would have ended in the trash !!! Once January was over , I was like, “ ... but, I was just getting started!!!” Therefore, I’m going for a no spend- low spend February!!! Gotta keep the momentum going!!!

[@arjones0819]

I have replaced all my paper products with cloth and have saved SO much money. Napkins, cleaning cloths, handkerchiefs, family cloth, glad rags, wear ever, etc. I also cook 95% from scratch. I stopped buying multiple cleaning products and make my own

[@vickyroberts1334]

A tip I got from my sister that I now use. Cut up old bath towels, sew around the edges, you can the use them as reusable, washable kitchen "paper " towels.

[@KateWilliam75]

Two tips in one: I not take my own lunch to work but I also put morning and afternoon snacks in baggies to take so I don't go to the vending machine. I make my own "healthy" trail mix to take for my snack which is a mix of store-brand mini-wheats, raisins, roasted almonds, and pretzels.

[@grannyonthego8752]

If possible, plan your errands so that you are doing them on the way to or from work./school/church. It saves gas and time not having to make separate trips out.

[@starwish2467]

I do this. When I am out, I am running on adrenaline anyway, so I just get to my 'To Do' list. Afterwards I am tired, but I have accomplished quite a bit.

[@tiar476]

Nancy, I do exactly the same:) My route is completed in a circle, where I plan everything out. In 12 months I had only put 438 miles on my car. My husband was shocked because he does one thing at a time and clocked up nearly 8000 miles in the same 12 months. hahaha

[@motorcyclehair]

Your habit to not leave a room empty handed---has LITERALLY changed my life. Got my husband to do it.

[@THEJENNIFERCOOK]

Really!!! I love that. You are a step ahead of me bc I haven't gotten my husband on the scan the room bandwagon. 🤣

[@celiahernandez3713]

I’m working on this one!!!

[@sramos821]

I dont go to coffee shops, I dont eat out, I eat by portions sizes, for example 1 slice of bread 1 egg etc. By doing this my groceries last longer.

[@zenaaskew7710]

I do the same 😀

[@kristenmarie9248]

Yes! We don't need as much food as people think. Imho.

[@jmarie862]

I LOVE money-saving tips - these were all so good - thank you for this video! Here are a few of mine. When my kids were growing up I had a little game I played for planning dinners. My goal was always to make a meal for less than $10. This meant we ate a lot of spaghetti, grilled cheese, casseroles and frozen pizza, but I had hungry boys who never complained. I also cooked a large meal on Sundays and intentionally made extra, so that Monday was always “leftover night” - not only did I get a night off of cooking, but it was like a free meal. If you’re cooking just make extra -it doesn’t cost much more. Laundry tips - I wash my clothes inside out - it reduces the wear and tear and they will last longer. I also hang my clothes to dry - not outside, but in an extra room or the basement hanging over chairs, etc or you could put up a portable line to dry them on. I always dilute fabric softener by at least half - it is much too strong and you only need a little bit to soften your clothes. There are so many ways to save, but they all add up and if you do small things consistently over many years you will save a substantial amount of money. Not everything works for everyone, so pick the ones that work for you and do them over and over - it’s fun! And you don’t need to tell the world you do these things - they will never know the difference. :) Thanks for your videos! Judith

[@THEJENNIFERCOOK]

Judith thank you for sharing all these tips and the last paragraph about how it all adds up and you have to pick what works for you...that is exactly how I feel!

[@KL-tp3gq]

I joined my local No Buy Group on Facebook and for my no buy year I have gotten all sorts of things for free. People post things they are decluttering and you just comment that you would like to be considered and they choose someone to receive the item. i have gotten free clothing, a salt lamp, a hand thrown chip and dip pottery tray, and a sewing machine. All items were porch pick ups.

[@marysueper140]

I love that group! I have been given a lamp, a painting I just love, a bracelet for my granddaughter, and 2 laundry baskets. Great place to give, too.

[@shannonbeer3576]

Yep, love our local buy nothing group, it's been such a blessing to me, to give and receive. Got so many new work clothes, carpet cleaner, camping chairs... Gifted soon much as well. Love it!!!

[@ramonadollinger1268]

You should write a book like "frugal tips from around the world" with all the tips you have collected.

[@Joyce-id3dr]

My first husband refused to drink powdered milk which was cheaper to buy some odd fifty years ago than milk.(Don't know if that is true now) Well, he said this in front of his mother one day while we were visiting and after he left the room she started laughing and said he has been drinking powdered milk for years because that is all she could afford when he was growing up! Later I told him what she said, he had no response. The next time I served him a glass of milk he accused me of making powdered milk to fool him because he could tell the difference. Well, another good laugh- it was whole milk I served him!! The jackass didn't know the difference- (PS) he became my ex-husband because he was a jackass in so many more ways than 1!!!

[@patgriffith9525]

If we aren't doing a grungy job or exercising a lot, we are probably washing our clothes too much. I like to get 2 days wear out of my clothes, so I have fixed my closet so that I will know which clothes are clean and which have only 1 days wear. I tied a scarf around the neck of a clothes hanger. When I wash clothes, I hang them to the left of the "scarf" hanger. Then when I have worn something once, but it is still clean (no stains or visible dirt or odor), I hang them to the right of the "scarf" hanger. This has cut way down on my laundry costs. I also make my own laundry detergent.

[@kristenmarie9248]

👍🥰👏🌼🌺

[@debbnano]

I do similarly...I hang shirts inside out if I am to wear again.

[@agneseigaune8338]

Called our broadband provider to cancel our policy, as our introductory deal was ending and was going to cost £25 a month more. They EXTENDED the deal to another 18 months!! Doesn't hurt to ask.

[@dianemalek436]

One way I save money is when I have a tube or plastic container of something, i.e. toothpaste, lotions, creams, when it gets to where you can't get anymore out of it just cut the container bottom off and scrape the remaining contents into a little plastic jar with a craft stick. I have gotten an extra week of toothpaste and even longer with some other creams. Thanks for sharing these tips! They are awesome!

[@returntonature9861]

I do this as well! Try mixing used up lipstick with uncolored chapsticks to make a tinted lip balm 🙂

[@dianemalek436]

@@returntonature9861 Great idea!

[@kenyonbissett3512]

I remember years ago thinking I was so frugal, a little prideful perhaps, and a coworker shared that tip and blew me away. 😚

[@beckyw6433]

I do this with makeup - foundation and concealer. When you can’t squeeze any more out of the tube I cut the bottom off at about a half inch, and use a make up brush to get the rest out. You can then slide that half inch part back on like a lid. I usually get 2-4 more weeks out if it

[@liesbethbos3049]

I love your channel. Here are the things I do that I am not sure I have sen on your channel yet: I bought a washing machine that only uses cold water. If I want to wash with hot water I have to add it in myself. I dry the clothes on a rack. Don’t miss a dryer I handwash the dishes, wait till I have enough. I always see people in the US wash dishes under running water, I fill a small tub and can do a lot of dishes with it until it gets dirty. This is normal in the NL I have a grocery list on my phone. I can uncheck the box if I need anything I am seperated, I have the kids one week on and off. In the off week I ask them what they want to eat the next week. They can each pick two meals. One of the meals must be healthy. This way I cook things they like and plan the rest around it. I always use up everything in my fridge, I get groceries once every two weeks. It makes you very creative towards the end 😉 Turn off the heat and lights in rooms I am not in I bike everywhere. Only use the car if I am the mommy cab or if it is further than 10km. It is my free gym I shop on Wish to feed the shopping crave. Lots of weird thing are in there. I never pay though, I end up removing everything after a while If I see something I like in a store I wonder where it will go once I bring it home. And then I usually don’t want it I wear extra clothes before turning on the heat If I want new clothes I do the same. When will I wear it? Do I love it more than anything else I already have? Usually not The outdoors is my gym. I rather invest in a good bike, skates, hiking and running shoes that I use for years than a gym membership where I feel miserable anyway because I am moving but not going anywhere I bought a 2nd hand table and used it to build a wall in my home and made side tables with the left over material, as well as supports for a desk and my microwave. It was fun, just like my “empty the fridge before you buy new” project, to see how far I could stretch the material. I ask for pallets (they are always given away for free at places) and cut and chop them up. I then have fires outside with friends and we have great evenings together cooking over the fire. They give me something for free 3 times: the chopping exercise, the fire and sitting around it with a friend and cooking dinner over it. When the kids were small we bought clothes and toys on flea markets. Still going with all the trends, but finding it for a much better price. Putting things (toys) away for birthdays and holidays. I am frugal for no reason. I hate wasting money and fill the planet with more trash. So that is my reason for checking out these tips I guess. Anyway, thanks for the content, I love to see how fast your channel is growing

[@debbnano]

Liesbeth Bos you are amazing!

[@msflowers5152]

The older I get the more I think about how many hours do I have to work for an item. Most items aren't worth the effort. So I pass on those things. Saves me a lot of money.

[@THEJENNIFERCOOK]

Yep!

[@gitouttamycage9221]

Plot twist: Selena's husband planted all those coins and bills to get her out in the fresh air.

[@feathersky860]

Good One 👍 ✔️ 🦅

[@debbnano]

😂 love it!

[@kiskadee321]

🤣

[@leslievalenciano-lopez8887]

Hilarious!!!🤣🙌

[@pearlyb51]

I just came across your channel and thought I’d share one way that I save money. When I leave my home to shop or run errands, if I know that I’ll be gone a while I use my lunch bag and take my snacks or lunch with me. I use the cold pack so that things stay cold and I brew my coffee or tea and take it with me. This keeps me from the temptation of stopping at a fast food or coffee place. When I’m dieting it also helps to keep me on plan.

[@cynthia6771]

Yes! I use the 20min wash cycle. It has saved me so much money and time.

[@estherchandy6292]

I'm going to try this

[@annemarieputman8579]

I freeze leftovers in individual portions for a latter date when I may not feel well enough to cook.and I will cook meat and use it in two different meals

[@kristenfoley774]

I rip wipes in half for babe (most of the time you don’t need that huge wipe for that small area!), use wood to heat home when possible and save veggie scraps and bones for homemade broth. I haven’t bought stock in a few years! I love your videos! Keep them coming :)

[@nancyfindlay2896]

Teach your children to talk about debt and spending before you get married.

[@jackieo8693]

Or before they get married lol

[@reneematlock9657]

If you make your own bread (which is easy to do) save your water from cooking pasta or potatoes and use that for the water for your bread. It cuts down on the amount of sugar the yeast needs AND gives you a texture more like what you would find in store bought bread. Additionally, when it comes to bread, if you are short on flour but need to make bread and you have oatmeal (old fashioned or quick doesn't matter) throw it in the blender and pulverize it to make oat flour. Sift or don't but use it *before* you use your bread or all purpose flour since it absorbs a bit more water than the white flour. Fruits and vegetables that are starting to wilt can still be used... fruits can be turned into fruit breads or muffins (you can add yogurt that is a day or so past the "use by" date as well), pancakes or can be turned into pancake syrup. Vegetables that are starting to wilt can be tossed into a soup pot to make vegetable broth or to make vegetable soup. Wilted celery will come back if you soak it in a bit of ice cold water for a bit and if you put a piece of damp paper towel around the end and wrap it in aluminum foil it will keep for a while without wilting.

[@TheEllaTB]

We live in the country and there are so many ways to get by. Summer bath time for kids: bring a couple of buckets of warm water to a kiddy pool in the yard, or better yet, fill it with cold water and let it warm in the sun all day. Pool time is in the evening, they play and wash up at the same time. I might bring an extra bucket of water for a final rinse or do that inside. Then water in the pool is used in the yard and garden. I bought my 7yr old son non motorized push mower. The kids love pushing it around the yard and I have very little need to use the mower. Saves a lot of fuel. Winter, Dry clothes on a rack in the house in the evening. The clothes get dried without using extra electricity, the house gets a bit of "air freshener", and I have the moisture necessary in the air so that I don't need to run a humidifier.

[@marinacarter131]

I drive close to work, 20 minutes walk to the office, for free parking. Parking is $7 if it does rain but it adds up! As a child my Grandma gave us a bucket of water and a paintbrush or sponge and we “painted” on the concrete footpath or wooden fence with this water paintbrush. So much fun! No mess! Free!

[@sadieesther9721]

So true about the snacking. I did a semester abroad in France and one marked difference is no one “eats on the go” they always sit down, even for McDonald’s which is set up like an actual restaurant. No one eats in the car’

[@THEJENNIFERCOOK]

Intentionally enjoying food sounds like a great way to live ❤

[@obragg1]

I found black pants I like and bought multiple pairs. That’s ALL I wear. I then have fun with any color of tops. They all go with black. This cuts down on how many pairs of shoes I need, too. Just black!

[@THEJENNIFERCOOK]

Love this!!! So much easier.

[@Joyce-id3dr]

I do the same thing and sure saves on clothing expenses! And my tops are from thrift shops.

[@sherirussell7426]

Me, too. 5 pairs of identical pants, my uniform. Easy, comfortable, and I love it.

[@Rivkah_of_the_Remnant]

We ordered a bidet on Amazon for less than $40. My husband installed it. We also purchased reusable cloth baby wipes. And a bag that holds cloth diapers that are soiled for diaper bags. We hung the bag in the bathroom and we use the bidet and we just use the wipes to dry off and then we put them in that diaper bag. Every couple of days I just throw it in with a load of towels or jeans and we hardly are using toilet paper. Obviously we keep it on hand so if someone happens to stop by their welcome to use it but we're trying to reduce our waste and we're trying to purchase as many reusable items as possible. We also purchase stainless steel coffee filters. Not only is it better than using the paper filters which actually contain plastic, the coffee tastes so much better! We've made a goal that every time my husband get paid we tried to purchase one item that is reusable. It's definitely not been a fast process but we're really starting to see a huge drop in our Walmart bill. We also bought foaming soap pumps and they fit on mason jars we dilute dr. Bronner's Soap and we use this for hand soap and I also use it to scrub my face with.

[@liesbethbos3049]

Love the idea of gradually making a shift. I am going to think where I can use this idea. Thank you

[@marysueper140]

I like your coffee filter tip. Gonna look for one tomorrow. Thanks!

[@lindabennett6005]

Last year with all the chaos around toilet paper I made myself some small cloths out of flannel scraps. (Two pieces serged around the edges). Am proud to say I haven't bought toilet paper for more than 18 months. I also use cloth napkins and I made small cloths to replace the cotton pads I used for toner, eye makeup remover etc. Whenever I find a way to eliminate single use items I do it.

[@victoriathomas721]

Great tips! Something I do is make sure to only use shampoo on my hair twice a week. It took a lot of "training" to get my hair to not be greasy between washes. But my hair now looks great, and only using a fraction of the shampoo each week. Also quicker showers.

[@kelleyjerred8032]

There's a KZbin that washes her knee length hair once a month and its so beautiful

[@lynnegordon6749]

I dilute my shampoo, and my hair doesn't seem as oily as it was when I was younger, so I don't have to wash it as often either.

[@loniansley591]

I actually "wash" my hair with conditioner. I just skip shampoo unless I have sweated alot. Use the same amount, Andrea e in for about 5-10 minutes. I only need to do this one or two times a week. Im 55, and my hair is the healthiest and longest in my adult life.

[@christinebyrnes3164]

You could use your kids artwork as wrapping paper for gifts, especially lovely for grandparents.

[@THEJENNIFERCOOK]

I love this idea too!!! I have to do this!

[@cynthia6771]

Wow wat a great tip!!!!

[@annbirdsley586]

I agree with #1...I only use 2 tablespoons of laundry detergent per load. My clothes are rarely “really dirty”!

[@stephaniehansen5162]

I do the same thing!! Been doing it for years!👍

[@hopeup2792]

We downsized to a smaller house has we are older and want less to take care of... this is great because you only have so much space to put things. No need to buy anything because we don’t have a place for it. We finally have a house that we actually use all the space we have verses wasted space that only gets used occasionally.

[@deborahdixon5035]

I’m watching your video admiring your window shutters and convincing myself some would look great in my house. 🙂🤣. Move your supermarket shop one day forward each week eg if your normal shop day is Monday manage til Tuesday the following week manage til Wednesday etc etc Most of us can usually last one more day a week and it uses up things in back of cupboard. Before you know it you have saved a weeks shopping bill🙂

[@preparingformountainlife]

The paper grocery bags is a great idea to protect my books that do not come with covers. Thanks! And I remember that, covered many books in my time.

[@rachelhershberger5218]

When my kitchen sink sponge starts to get smelly but everything else about it is fine, I put it in the dishwasher. It comes out fresh and gives it a longer life.

[@THEJENNIFERCOOK]

Yes, we do that with our dish brush!

[@ninavorobeva4927]

Just microwave it in water for 2 min. It comes out brand new

[@cristagalli1021]

We don’t have a microwave or dishwasher but rinsing it with hot water then soak in vinegar with baking soda works....

[@jbtpa895]

Wash them with your kitchen towels.

[@debbnano]

@Tiana Hall easier to use too

[@simplifiedmommy9718]

Just found your channel, fellow frugal person here! We paid off our house in 3 years in 2016. It is amazing the things you can find to do save money. Love your channel!

[@pooja120683]

I got so distracted multiple times during your talking, because rather focusing on the content, I kept thinking you look like some fairy godmother from the stories... you have such a kind voice and eyes....

[@vickitatsu2752]

Walmart mainstay's flour sack towels are excellent and inexpensive. I use them for everything.

[@stowie5790]

I am paid once a month so I have a standard list of households staples that I check each month on payday, such as toilet paper, laundry soap, oatmeal, flour, etc. I walk around my house double checking my supplies on hand to see if I should restock any items. I have two of most items (cheaper in bulk) and when I have finished using the first item and begin to use the second one, I will mark it on my list or catch it when I review my monthly household checklist. When COVID first started here in the US, I decided to do my grocery shopping one day a week to limit my time in public. I like it so much that I will continue shopping once a week even after we get ahead of COVID. I also go first thing in the morning (every Saturday) when the store opens to avoid the crowds. I always shop with a list and allow myself only 1-2 additions if I see something I forgot to list (it happens 😚) or find a really good sale. This month I am focused on pantry/shelf shopping so I have written out a month of menu planning and will follow up on Sunday with meal prepping as much as I can to use up any item that is getting close to its expiration date.

[@annoravetz6697]

If I see something I want to buy either online or in the paper or mail, I repeat my mantra, “No spend year, no spend year, no spend year....”. And I move on. This is my second ‘no spend year’. I blew it the last week of the year when I went to the Bed Bath and Beyond store closing sale. I can tell you though that I will never need king pillow cases for the rest of my life!

[@ninavorobeva4927]

😂😂😂😂

[@maryjanegibson7743]

Kathleen is right --- the amount of laundry detergent and fabric softener recommended is actually bad for your clothes because they leave a residue in the clothes. I have a few suggestions. (1)Washing soda is an old-time laundry booster my grandmother used every time, and I do the same; not only does it get your clothes cleaner, it also strips out the residue that detergents and fabric softners leave. (2)When I shop online, unless I truly need an item right away, I put the items in the "save for later" section and leave them for a while. Then I go back and often end up deleting most of it. (3) Build a capsule wardrobe; a few items that can be mixed and matched will give you many outfits. (4) Have desserts only occasionally, and not at every meal.

[@strawberryholt]

I use the back side of envelopes as note paper. I turn paper bags into baskets for organizing, I banned gift wrap so that every one in the house has to get creative with wrapping because most gift paper comes from china and has inks that have lead in them. I use TP tubes for seed starting pots, as well as mushroom containers.

[@kristenmarie9248]

I have used beautiful silky napkins that I got CHEAP at the thrift store to wrap gifts, and tied it closed with satin ribbon that came on something I had bought in the past. It looked beautiful, and rich!!! They could use the napkin again too.

[@kiwifeijoa]

Great list! Lots of these frugal tips are also eco-friendly, so double wins. My homemade liquid hand soap recipe: dishwash liquid, water, and a few drops of olive oil, it comes out silky smooth.

[@najumanelson]

I do #15 all the time. I usually cook 3 days worth of food at a time and parcel it off into small containers so I just have to remember to move it from the freezer to the fridge the night before. It's so convenient!

[@taracat7141]

Fill spaces in your freezer with bottles water, if the power goes off it will heat up slower, you can remove as you need to space, you can use the frozen bottles in your lunch or when transporting food, etc

[@catherinemcgill3004]

My family owned a dry cleaning and laundry and I learned that too much laundry detergent actually attracts dirt, even in the wash. If there’s too much detergent to rinse out properly it stays in the fibres and the dirt will stick to the detergent. I use very little detergent and my clothes get very clean.

[@TinaC982]

Shop around for insurances! I’ve had the same home ins since we bought our house 9 yrs ago, shopped around and got a few quotes today which were over $600 lower! So I called our current provider, had her review our policy and was able to get our premium reduced by $700! So worth just a phone call! And she was super appreciative that I called her to check before we “jumped ship”

[@micheleohmer4117]

You can also save money by increasing your deductibles for car and home

[@TinaC982]

@@micheleohmer4117 yup! Did that too lol

[@normanschranz4599]

I know no one will do this but… My father grew up during the depression. He would put a pan of water on the wood stove, when the water was boiling he would add the coffee grounds and return the lid. After a few minutes he would strain the grounds with a sieve so he wouldn’t have to buy coffee filters.

[@nata3467]

I did this at my cabin when my coffee maker died- learned how to do this when serving in the Peace Corps

[@samevans1289]

We do this regularly in my country. Most middle-class households don't own a coffee maker. We just add boiling water over sugar and coffee grounds that are previously added to each cup, stir, and let it sit until it cools enough to drink. By that time, usually all the coffee grounds have settled to the bottom and apart from the last few sips, there are no coffee grounds in the coffee, although that's how you do it when each person takes their coffee differently-I guess you could do it all in the kettle and strain it otherwise. It's so interesting to see these cultural differences-for example most people here don't use a clothes dryer either, they air-dry.

[@Picca65]

Sounds like tukish coffee!

[@donaldangotta9379]

My wife is a big believer in utilizing coins. We have a jar we both put our coins in and once a month my wife either wraps them up for deposit or hands me some to use (I.e. $15 in quarters) when grocery shopping. Yes, I did.

[@jeanniecollier6763]

I save the slivers of soap and warm them on the stove and make another bar of soap.

[@johnevans6053]

I do that too... I bought a soap mold on Amazon ($2.50). I heat the soap up in the microwave. :)

[@ZulfahDavids7949]

I wet the new bar of soap and stick the sliver of the previous bar to the new one. And we do this at the end of 1 bar n the beginning of a new bar all the time. Then we don't have end pieces laying around.

[@almostthere2884]

I always used paper grocery bags as textbook covers. I got to decorate it however I wanted, and it was fun. Now I use the bags to wrap parcels for mailing - they work wonderfully!

[@TheAnneli77]

I have also found a lot of cash on the ground. Two places that stand out: grocery/shopping parking lots and construction sites. People come out of the cars and check their pockets for cash and cards and may drop the cash. Many construction site workers use cash for lunch and/or get paid in cash is my hunch.

[@janicelovett5457]

My grandchildren loved to finger paint. One of my favorite pictures is the grandkids and instead of buying a mat for the frame she cut out the finger painting and used that. I love it!

[@davidandamandaboots]

I used to love covering my books with the grocery bags. It was therapeutic, kinda like wrapping gifts is to me now.😊

[@THEJENNIFERCOOK]

Haha for me I didn't like the feel of paper bags kind of like nails on a chalk board.

[@karinoshea3330]

You will probably find the multipack of wash cloths at Walmart. Another thing you might try is cloth diapers. My mom was able to use a set of diapers for dusting and cleaning for nearly 20years! The more you wash them, the softer they become. Thank you for all of the ideas! I grew up with all of the Hints from Heloise books and between those and mom's habits from growing up Pennsylvania Dutch, this is like going down memory lane. Much love from Oklahoma ❤

[@momof2momof2]

I have heard of the tip from the woman from Russia, from another Russian You Tuber who lives in Russia. Hearing others ideas is always a great idea. I use cold water, the light cycle and a laundry pod for laundry, our laundry is always very fresh and clean. Homemade detergent never got our laundry clean.. I wear a "uniform" of black leggings and a tunic top every day with black flats. I think most people do. They say we wear 20% of our clothing 80% of the time. tfs 🥰🌵🏜️❣️💕💞💗💖💘💝🥰🌵🏜️❣️💕💞💗💖💘💝

[@THEJENNIFERCOOK]

I love leggings, flats and a longer top. So cute, but so comfy.

[@momof2momof2]

@@THEJENNIFERCOOK All day every day lol 🥰🌵🏜️❣️💕💞💗💖💘💝

[@carolwasson1570]

When I consider going out for fast food, ( I work from home), I think of how I would waste gas and time to sit in the drive through. I also think for the $8 I would spend I could get an entire package of 4 chicken breasts which is 4 meals for me if not more, or 8 boxes of Mac and cheese ( I like Annie’s on sale) , or a pound of really good deli meat which makes 5 sandwiches. By the time I think through all of that, I end up not going .

[@emilydurkin4217]

I sewed a bunch of bags, used string for a drawstring, for christmas one year all different shapes and sizes (about 15) and i use them for all my presents and they have lasted for years.

[@emilydurkin4217]

My family just knows to give the bags back, i haven't bought wrapping paper in years. So much better for $ and the earth.

[@Rivkah_of_the_Remnant]

This is my plan when my stock of gift bags run out. 👍

[@kenyonbissett3512]

I love this idea. Eventually you get a retro look and the an old fashioned Christmas look. I went yard sailing and found a bunch of brand new gorgeous bags of all seasons and shapes, 40-50, for $2. Christmas & valentines were reused. Birthday and others went out into the world. But I kept all bags that came to me to return to the world.

[@kristenmarie9248]

@@emilydurkin4217 Yes! Bravo!!!👍🥰

[@joyfullylivinglife7114]

We save sooooo much money on our daily coffee. We grind whole beans then make the coffee in a percolator (no filter-it isn’t really necessary) just like grandma use to use. After the initial purchase of the grinder and the percolator, we spend about $6 for more than 2 weeks of coffee. The coffee is delicious! We do have a Keurig to use when entertaining but rarely use it. Our guest usually prefer freshly ground coffee.

[@cherylT321]

I’m not a coffee drinker but that’s great!

[@kenyonbissett3512]

When you grind your coffee, grind it to the Turkish setting, this allows you to use half the amount of coffee to brew that batch. Next tip is more controversial, after you brew, save the coffee in original filter. Save in refrigerator. Next time you brew coffee, add 1/2 the usual amount to the saved amount and brew. Same taste and quality. This tip originates from a contributor to “The Tightwad Gazette”. Big savings on coffee. My ex wanted an expensive brand of whole beans, this brought the price down to a manageable cost.

[@kimkirksey562]

I save change in vases....I may not become a millionaire this way...but wow I am building...

[@WendyTomlinson]

I'm a big fan of freezing individual portions. This saves me so much money.

[@THEJENNIFERCOOK]

It seems so obvious now, but I hadn't thought of it.

[@NorthEastTrailRunner]

I do this too.

[@mandlerparr1]

I did this when I was a young mom with two babies. I cooked several meals on Sunday, put them in individual containers and just took them out as needed. I tried to do this again recently, but I was the only one eating them, so it didn't work for me anymore. What I do, do, though, is to precook ground beef and double cook chicken and pork roasts. I strip the chicken and freeze the meat and shred the pork and freeze it. Then, if i want to make spaghetti, chili, chicken soup or casserole or pulled pork sandwiches or some stir-fry-I have the meat part already cooked. I also dice up onions, celery, carrots, and bell peppers and freeze them separately so they are always ready to go. This also works to freeze beans that you cook from dry. Saves time and money. A quick chili is even quicker when you already have most of the items cut or cooked ahead of time. It makes you less likely to eat out as well. I boil a bunch of eggs every few days as well, then it is just quick to grab an egg for salad or sandwich or to just eat.

[@elizabethbednarcik3311]

Haaa I am so laughing here! My bank moved to another town once and I kept the savings account so it was very hard to drive to get the cash out. I definitely wash with cold water, light cycles, and a little detergent.

[@reginagosse417]

Loved how you read your subscribers tips!! And yes! We are all like friends!!😁 Also wanted to say that the blue top you are wearing looks absolutely gorgeous on you! A frugal tip for ya! Use a file clip(?) proper name eludes me right now), on your toothpaste tube as you use it. I keep folding over the end and clamp that sucker on! Been doing it for years and I have probably gotten 10-12 more uses then if I didn’t! P.S. The tech guy who came to fix my washer last year gave me super tips..similar to ones in this video. Most machines are designed for smaller amounts of detergent, I now use 1/4 of recommendation and he suggested I use speed wash! (Unless of course it’s heavily soiled)

[@RLSCS]

When I can’t squeeze any more toothpaste out of the tube, I cut it in half to get at the rest. You’d be amazed at how much is still in there.

[@THEJENNIFERCOOK]

Regina thank you for the kind words! Those binder clips I always thought made good Barbie purses!

[@chapternext3518]

Love these tips and love your channel! A few we follow are: We use a cash back credit card for all necessary purchases and always pay it off monthly. We buy thrift store clothes, shoes, crafts and household items and I keep a needs list on my phone to stay focused. We color and cut our own hair (😳). We drink tap water in re-usable water containers. We make our coffee, tea, snacks and (most) meals at home. We make our leftovers into other meals like dinner veggies go into eggs the next day. We only eat 2 meals a day and we've lost our excess weight!! Bonus! We re-use jars as storage containers. We workout at home or outside for free. Lastly, one of my favorites I'm just starting is, my friend won't buy anything unless she transfers the same dollar amount into her savings. For example; if she's buying $20.00 shoes she will also put $20 00 in her savings account. Love that one!

[@chapternext3518]

Didn't realize this video was from 2 years ago... sorry😮

[@THEJENNIFERCOOK]

Thank you for sharing these great ways you save money!

[@tippysgrammy3118]

#23 - Don't use electricity one day per week. Initially, this sounds hard. But, I live in Texas and a couple of weeks ago, we (and so many others) were without elec. for FOUR DAYS (some were longer than that). The pandemic has taught me what I really can do without. 👍👍

[@melaniemcgee6272]

Omg. I forgot about text book covers!!!! I miss those days!!

[@THEJENNIFERCOOK]

Yesss someone else remembers! 🤣

[@elizabethbednarcik3311]

We always did this! I often wonder why they don't anymore. We would get in trouble at school if we didn't have a cover on the book.

[@SimplyBeautiful516]

Yessss!!! They had the template in different sizes like a sewing pattern ! Thanks for the memories!

[@sadieesther9721]

@@elizabethbednarcik3311 why was it required? Maybe to make the books last longer? 🤔

[@stowie5790]

I remember those days! I loved decorating the book covers afterwards.

[@hannahjames3398]

This might sound crazy but I found it to very helpful to avoid going into stores when I’m bored just to pick up “ a few things”. Leave your wallet at home. Obviously bring your ID, but leave all your cash and cards at home when you leave for work. As long as you make sure you have your coffee, lunch, snacks, water bottle and your car is gassed up, you will have everything you need for the day and won’t even be able to buy anything since you won’t have your money on hand. Try it for a week and see how much you don’t miss spending money. That’s my favorite habit.

[@lorrainehozian8608]

A few months ago I bought my first 3 pack of paper towels (I have been married 64 years). My children were so astonished they took a picture of me and put it on facebook.

[@emilyhart2252]

I only go to the store for food. Everything else I have delivered -- no delivery charges -- and I save because I am saved from impulse purchases. I do a big stock up semi annually on household and personal supplies. In the long run it saves money.

[@jaytee2642]

I had to smile about your light bulb moment regarding square and rectangular food containers being more space efficient in the fridge...or anywhere really. I love vintage kitchen ware and over time I collected several glass refrigerator dishes. They are all square or rectangle, and have flat lids, so they are also stackable. If I'm not mistaken, some refrigerators even came with a set of those glass containers for leftovers. They date back to at least the 1940's

[@vivianstidham9596]

I reuse the plastic grocery bags to line my smaller trash cans like in the bathroom, bedroom, laundry room. Also I recycle. It's amazing how much paper containers and things that you can recycle., Paper towel roll, bathroom tissue rolls, frozen dinner containers and boxes, newspaper, milk jugs and juice containers, etc.

[@annemarieputman8579]

I have done the paper bag as wrapping paper when I didn't have money to buy wrapping paper for a present for my son's friends birthday party. The child loved it because it was customized for him by my son with stickers of things he liked

[@sunbeltliving]

I have heard of people putting their tv/DVD players on powerstrips so they don't draw power most of the day when off. And people who buy cheap solar landscape lights then bring them inside in a jar at night for inside lighting.

[@saraeclipse]

Oh my goodness, I loved using paper bags to cover books! We would decorate them however we wanted. Thanks for all the tips!

[@amandabartlett1987]

Such great tips from everyone! I can’t wait for part 2!! The laundry detergent tip was like eye opening for me! Definitely going to do this!

[@sheenafletcher3372]

Few things I do: - I cut up old and stained tshirts and use them for cleaning rags - got a little solar panel about the size of a notebook that I hook onto a backpack when I take kids on a hike and use that to charge my phone or battery bank - unplug toaster chargers microwave and such when not being used this lowered by electric bill

[@kristenmarie9248]

My Mom bought inexpensive bandanas, and we used them for napkins. What a great idea!!!

[@karenogush5622]

I'm not sure if this has already been mentioned, but we like to roast whole chickens on a regular basis. In addition to making multiple meals from it throughout the week (soups, salads, casseroles, etc.), we also save up the carcasses in the freezer and use them to make our own crockpot chicken broth (to which we add some veggie scraps and some cheap parts like backs, necks, or feet for extra oomph). We freeze the broth in 2 cup portions, which is roughly the size of a can of broth. We do a similar thing with beef bones, but we eat less of them so it takes longer to have enough for a good batch. To that we also add veggie scraps and some "soup bones."

[@chickadeetle]

I do the same then run the chicken bones through the instapot several times. When at the point of disintegration, I puree the bones, skin, cartilage, etc, then put through a sieve (to make sure absolutely no bone pieces are left. I add a little cooked rice for binding, spread out on large sheet pan and bake on low oven until dried out. My dogs know these as "Chicken Brownies" and love them so much they shake with excitement when getting a piece. Absolutely no waste on chicken!

[@nancyw294]

omg, I just thought of this and then I saw this video. I was thinking to myself, that the food only tastes good to me on an empty stomach. so the tip from Tere was so true. and so let's eat at home more and less out. :)

[@jennifermorris24]

My Granny worked at the local newspaper distribution center in our city and would bring home the leftover funny inserts and use those for wrapping paper. ❤😊

[@THEJENNIFERCOOK]

Awww Granny!❤

[@jennifermorris24]

@@THEJENNIFERCOOK Ikr! ❤👩🏽‍🦳

[@lifebeyondthesalary2458]

My mom always used the comic sections to wrap gifts, especially for the kids! She Always saved them just for that purpose!

[@georgiabraun9675]

I just purchased a never been used bread machine for $2.73 plus tax at Goodwill. I purchased a sack of flour from Sam's Club and a vacuum package of yeast from WinCo.

[@westcoastsands]

Again... awesome content Jennifer. Thank you for your videos. 🙏🏼

[@vickinelson2659]

I'm a new listener and just wanted you to know I enjoy your channel. Tons of great tips, but the best part is the inspiration I have received to pay off our mortgage. Thank you for all you do!

[@johnevans6053]

I got an energy saving tip... Put power strips on electrical items that are used intermittently. Most appliances use a significant amount of electricity even when they are shut off. Example. The microwave uses about 25Watts when it is off. Putting a power strip on it will eliminate this 24/365. Problem is the power strip costs approx. $15, so the break even time would be about 12 years. NEVERMIND. (It might be a good idea if you have a spare power strip just laying around)

[@9159bsbs]

Great tips! I’m definitely going to try the laundry hacks especially since I wash clothes separately. Also, I do love the wool dryer balls in place of dryer sheets.

[@Esther-ps3vx]

Yeah!!! You read my comment! Thank you! It is nice to know how others save money! Thank you for the video!

[@THEJENNIFERCOOK]

Esther 🤗