33 FRUGAL LIVING TIPS That Really Work | SAVE MONEY Hacks

[@d.l.l.6578]

My mom used to do “cafeteria night” to use leftovers. She would heat up all the small amounts, put them on the table in dishes, and we would all walk around the table picking up what we wanted. We would even pretend pay. It was fun, felt like going out, and we had no idea we were being frugal.

[@layladarby1994]

Love this.

[@jolinecrane8795]

Genius! & Fun!

[@gaylegreene]

Your mom sounded so sweet.

[@1177kc]

The kids dad -way back in the day- would throw a tea towel over his arm, grab a pad and pencil and let them order from “the menu” (the list of leftovers) . Then we’d fix each a plate of what they ordered. I usually ended up finishing off the less popular items. Planning now to do my own freezer clean out.

[@thebusybees2006]

Awesome idea!

[@battlearmanda]

When I was a kid, we always got to go down the cake mix isle and pick out the cake mix for our birthday. I remember that being my favorite part of "planning" my party. We'd also go to the dollar store, and I could pick out the paper plates and napkins we used. I always had a sleepover with five or six friends, rented a movie, had cheap pizza and the boxed cake mix. I think it ended up being a $30 or $40. I always had a good time. I cared more about the experience than anything else.

[@Kashmine]

Wooow! Thats sound such a good idea! I might need to do that with my kids

[@dimi8069]

Sounds like so much fun!

[@hburtch50]

My mom let us pick out a boxed cake too! Then she would make a bunny cake with two cake rounds or make cat cupcakes with pretzels for whiskers, Graham crackers for ears and M&Ms for eyes and i got to help decorate them. I had a couple birthday parties at the bowling alley with pizza and also at home with a campfire and hotdogs. The best memories was definitely helping decorate the cake with my mom though.

[@mariabermudez1179]

M a

[@elizabethanne1632]

Yes! Me too! That was the best part - getting to pick the cake flavor and frosting! I had no idea bakery cakes even existed until I was at least 10.

[@rosejacobs4745]

I want to share a funny backpack story. My dad used to by us Jansport backpacks and when I was in high school they were $60. They would last about 6 months and the zipper would break. My dad finally got irritated and said that if the backpack was just going to break he would just buy a cheap one. He went to Kmart and got me a $15 Eastpak. Well. I am almost 40 and I still use it!!! Hahaha!

[@roxxwii4680]

Yes!! Eastpak!! I still have mine🤣😱 its now my diaper bag now 😁😁 very strong!!

[@maddyanderson1450]

Jansport will take them back and give you a refund!

[@kimstuart5506]

I'm laughing.

[@gorgo4910]

@Maddy Anderson they don’t guarantee the zipper (lifetime x the zipper 🙄). At least they didn’t when I was in school and I’m the same age as the OP

[@lanawilliams2942]

Eastpak in Germany is about 120 Euros! Not cheap

[@aprilheadley6271]

1. Eat leftovers 0:43 2. Cut your own hair 1:11 3. Cut cable 1:18 4. Rotate streaming services 1:23 5. Use a budget 1:42 6. Live within your means 1:47 7. Use cash 2:01 8. Save or invest your raises 2:17 9. Buy generic 2:57 10. Don’t eat out 3:11 11. Do a “no spend” week 3:36 12. Pantry clean out cooking 3:53 13. Stop shopping for fun 4:01 14. Don’t pay high interest rates 4:16 Upstart ad 4:36 15. Grocery shop once a week 5:38 16. Use the library 5:43 17. Take a walk 6:06 18. Pack snacks 6:10 19. Stop buying junk food 6:44 20. Use cleaning rags instead of paper towels 7:07 21. Don’t use fabric softener 7:35 22. Ignore everyone else 8:01 23. The Hedonic principle 8:22 24. Use printers with generic ink refills 9:18 25. Cut back on birthday parties 10:00 26. Pick and choose your tech 11:37 27. Reuse backpack 12:13 28. Meal plan 12:48 29. Discount store shopping 12:54 30. Don’t buy bottled water 13:13 31. Shop around for car and homeowner’s insurance 13:28 32. Use cash back apps 13:47 33. Allow yourself SOMETHING 14:27

[@nashantam]

Thank you!!

[@bookwormbon482]

Thank you!!!

[@Onthe9thlife3730]

Thank you for listing them out, I would have watched the video for nothing. You saved me time.

[@elizabethpatterson3677]

Thanks!

[@shorebaby8959]

I'm

[@fobbitguy]

Two things: 1) brew your own coffee and stop going to Starbucks. 2) if you work in an office you do NOT have to contribute to the countless birthdays, going away, baby showers ect in the office. The vast majority of the people were mere acquaintances. For those close work mates I would get them on the side. I worked some place with a high turnover and a few people were insistent than whenever someone left we had to get them a gift card, cake, card and flowers. You have permission to say no.

[@littlesongbird1]

For the second one: I tried that but they had everyone sign the card after they contribute and whomever was in charge had a list they crossed names off of so you had to contribute something or being the jerk who didn't.

[@Lilacs4]

I buy items on clearance for 90% off specifically to use as gifts for situations like these, such as notebooks, cute office supply kits, bath sets, coffee mugs, etc. If your workplace will let you give your own gift to the person rather than giving money for the cake etc, you can give nice presents for only a few bucks instead of a few dozen lol. ☺️

[@laliz7025]

I went to starbucks exactly once. They were giving away a free cup if you voted, so I voted and got my free cup I don't get the obsession people have with starbucks.

[@lw6502]

Kevin Murphy: Well said!👏

[@MsAussieSheila]

I do this. If I could afford it, maybe I'd put in. I can't and I'm not going to pretend I can. I figure worse case scenario, it just means they don't get me anything. Which is fine. I had a death a while ago. Did I get flowers (Standard in my team when someone in is dealing with a death)? No. Did I care? No. Flowers from acquaintances wouldn't have made it any easier.

[@marietamura4534]

Great list, I do most all of them for years. My husband died when my kids were 3 and 6. I sacrificed my big corporate job to be more available. They've grown and been through college. They both use the frugal lifestyle. We enjoyed alot within our means and have wonderful memories.

[@phoenixx6756]

❤️

[@grandmalisa796]

Do your own nails. Manicures/pedicures are a fairly recent 'requirement'. Buy inexpensive soaps and haircare products. You pay for ads and packaging on the expensive brands. Don't pay for fitness - walk, do yoga, paint your house, mow your lawn, play with your kids. I could list another 50!

[@malaikaking5550]

Thanks for this. Please share more.

[@angelachanelhuang1651]

You can sue

[@LB-vl3qn]

Great list. Gardening is great exercise and if you grow food, you get to eat the fruits of your labor. ~ Lisa

[@rocketsoccer1]

I had a High Sierra backpack my mom got me from Costco when I was in 9th grade, that thing lasted me all of high school, 3 years of college, and 4 years of university lol. I still use it for traveling!

[@kazd9662]

High Sierra backpacks are the greatest. Highly recommend. 😊

[@carolinemurray7648]

I once wrapped my toddler nephew’s Xmas present in a cereal box because it was an awkward shape - as soon as he unwrapped it he went to the kitchen to get a cereal bowl thinking I had given him crunchy nut cornflakes as a gift! Just shows young kids just like opening pressies no matter what’s in it and appreciate it! 🤣

[@averil9819]

I got a pay out at work and I got my daughter everything she wanted for her bday/xmas (they are close together). I spent like £300+ in the Disney store. She LOVED the £2:50p BOX! Never again have I spent that kind of money on just one person lol

[@affordableliving2756]

Aw.

[@asavannah7439]

That’s so cute

[@mariehalverson1247]

“Comparison is the thief of joy.” This!!! 🙌

[@justpatty7328]

I agree!

[@4pcmiknugget852]

YES!!!

[@iheartfreedom2]

I bought a Berkey water filtration system, which is amazing!! I have replaced store bought water bottles with water I filter myself. It taste great, better for my budget and the environment!

[@suezeeq12]

weve had a Big Berkey for years - couldn't agree more!

[@lillmissd]

My husband and I just purchased a Big Burkey, we've had it about 6 months, some of the best $$ we've ever spent! It has more than paid for itself in that time. I think buying bottled water is such a waste of $$!

[@kristys7172]

I've never used fabric softener. I use vinegar instead.

[@NoUseForMySoul]

Vinegar may affect the rubber components of your machine in a negative way. Citric acid is fine, as far as I know.

[@marysueper140]

Last year a friend introduced me to the local Buy Nothing group. I have been gifted bookcases, fruit & veggie starts, 3 bags of nice clothes (after losing 30 lbs), a nice lamp, and a painting that I really enjoy. And a whole lot of other things! It’s been such a blessing. Also I appreciate the friendly conversations between neighbors.

[@MittenPrepperVet]

I shop second hand stores, salvation army usually, for clothes for my daughter and I both. Each season we go through our clothes and donate what no longer fits to a local charity and then we see what pieces need replaced. Our local salvation army has a 5 for $5 sale every week and we find brand new with tags tops, sweaters, jeans, workout wear, sweatshirts, leggings etc. We just did this a couple weeks ago and I spent $15 + tax for 15 new items of clothing! #savethosedollarbills

[@littlesongbird1]

We have a few goodwill ones by me and I agree: can't beat the prices (and sometimes they still have the tags on them!). I also got a great working like new lamp for only a dollar.

[@MittenPrepperVet]

@@littlesongbird1 awesome! I always shop thrift places first since it saves the dollar dollar bills / doll hairs as Christine says.

[@alanbirkner1958]

I am the world's cheapest woman. Over 50 (fifty) years, I have gotten my husband somewhat converted. His family's motto was "what will x think". We were able to take early retirement. Most of his family works until 75. Tina

[@elizabethbatuka4646]

Any tips you have that she didnt mention?

[@heatherthomas7821]

Weird tip, but we always used a piece of bread to clean up glass shards. Something about the glass sticking in the bread and it was a good use of a crust piece. My Dad was an engineer, so that may have been the origin.

[@irinam8709]

A piece of modeling clay works well too

[@lizjones7220]

Great idea, I freak out about broken glass also. We sweep it up.

[@phyllismccall6014]

We have a Brother printer. It has told us that the ink is low for 3 years. We shake it and it keeps on printing.....

[@sellidionne]

This is hilarious 😂

[@nikikelly2003]

Brother printers are the best! We had an hp before and it never liked the Costco refills. Had to replace the printer every couple years, but our brother printer just keeps on going and it is so much cheaper to buy the cartridge for it

[@nancybaker6011]

When I was raising my two sons alone, I used brown paper bags cut open and flattened out with red ribbons one Christmas and the funny papers another Christmas. These both also work year-round for gifts. I was also that mom who recycled any half-decent wrap. My boys knew to carefully unwrap their presents unless I gave them the okay to tear away, if the wrap was really thin or on its second or third life. It goes without saying, all bows were recycled many times. They were so excited when they could rip away! They still laugh about their “cheap” mom, but I really had to economize.

[@1177kc]

I scavenge brown packing paper from deliveries at work, iron it, stencil or stamp designs to customize, and make my own bows. I use reusable gift bags or boxes and save ribbon. After holiday clearance at the dollar store for sources of ribbon, stamps and paint. ALDI Carrie’s inexpensive Brie and the little wooden boxes are great to repaint and use for small gifts.

[@user-pl2cb2uy8e]

We have always used rags as I was growing up. My mom even used to make rags out of old t-shirts, sheets and whatever she could find, which would save even more money!

[@robinswan5831]

I don't call them leftovers anymore~ It's all meal prep! Meal prep sounds better to the kids haha!

[@jen_graham]

When my kids were little, I was soo good at camouflaging the meat or prior meal and re-purpose for a new dinner! They were never the wiser!! Hamburgers on grill, cook a few extra, chop up and throw in a jar of sauce with spaghetti! An entirely new dinner the next night!

[@shannonbrice8012]

My kids only grew up knowing meal prep. People need to have something fast and easy for dinner that does not include drive thruor there will be two monsters who are angry fighting with each other.

[@mercedeswifelife6408]

I love this 😂❤

[@smallfamilysmallbudget1817]

Yes! I freeze ours so now they become freezer meals for me to use later.😊

[@Aurrsa]

When you have enough leftovers for a meal, pack it into a tiffin and eat it on a designated day like say Leftover Saturday. Its fun to take out that tiffin from the freezer and treat yourself to a day off from cooking. 😀

[@SpringFlowers537]

Things we do to save! 1) eat at home, bring snacks or pack meal when out. Just make it your personal rule to not eat out. 2) stopped buying chips and crackers and switched to fruit/veggies and hummus, tortillas hummus and hot sauce, tortillas and homemade plant based cheese, Christine’s bread and homemade palm oil free Nutella, etc healthier and so much cheaper! 3) go for a hike or bike ride every weekend. Preplan no cost activities so your not bored and spend “to do something”. Visit local free gardens and parks in summer. Wintertime in parks is a new and awesome experience! 4) buy everyday items like oatmeal, rice, beans in bulk. 5) use flour sack towels and rags instead of paper towel 6) get a bidet! Seriously! It’s $60 bucks an you can attach it yourself! Have you seen how much tp costs lately! 7) dye your own hair and/or grow it long, cut it yourself. 8) selectively pick what activities your kids attend. You don’t need to be in everything or go to everything. Covid has taught me it’s ok to say no to social things. 9) period panties, yup they save you money. You can still use store bought, but if you’re low on money that month, maybe you use your washable panties instead of $10-$20 in pads/tampons. 10) add water to your laundry detergent to make it last longer or rinse with water before recycling. Add vinegar and use borax powder available at Target/Walmart (main ingredient in detergent boosters). 11) always buy any boxed or jarred item on sale and in multiples so you never pay the non sale price. 12) Shop from your pantry and freezer first. Then grocery shop. 13) Yes please meal plan and stick to it!

[@peanut6265]

Good points

[@TheMagdalenaBB]

I use a Diva Cup for my period. It doesn't leak. It can be worn for 12 hours. It can be used for years. Win win!

[@beccaengland2884]

I don't know what period panties are and I freak out if I get period blood on my hands, so the diva cup is a no-go for me, BUT the dollar general ultra thin pads w/ wings are my go to for that time of the month. A pack of 18 count pads are less that $3.25 and a pack of 36 count pads are less than $4.25, maybe less than that, but they last and are super absorbent!!! They even go on sale every once in a while.

[@layladarby1994]

Great tips

[@1177kc]

Make your own laundry soap- washing soda, baking soda, borax, epsom salt… pennies per load and only takes a few spoonfuls- because, no fillers…

[@joybertsch5298]

I think that living below your means is one of the most important principles to live by: always.

[@gladysmicklewhite1397]

I agree absolutely! Ignoring advertising and fashion trends can save a packet, yet so many people are regularly conned into replacing stuff that doesn't need to be, from clothes to electronics, and they can't see that it's all a scam!

[@quileter]

When my towels get old and stringy I cut them and turn them into cleaning rags.

[@juanitaglenn9042]

I've got pretty fabric that i sewed onto my old towels, and those are my pot holders. You could do that for coasters too. Otherwise yah, cleaning and shop rags.

[@nikikelly2003]

I do to. Best cleaning rags. Even took my kids' well used flannel swaddle blankets and turned them into cleaning rags. They work great for windows.

[@honorsilverthorne7227]

I do this.

[@Facefuzzandfancyfree]

Love you channel, Christine. I do a lot of second hand shopping for my son. We are lucky enough to have a children’s clothing and toy consignment store near where we live. It has saved me so much money and I get compliments all the time how well dressed my kid is. It doesn’t have to cost a lot of money to look nice. Buying most of his toys second hand has saved us HUNDREDS of dollars too. The toys get a second life and there is a little less waste in the world.

[@lindakennemore6237]

So excited to hear you say “you love the library”. So do I. I would prefer to hold a book in my hands instead of reading one electronically any day!

[@gracec801]

I actually can borrow electronic books from my library and download them onto my Kindle for 21 days. It saves so much money not buying books!

[@virgierutledge3004]

We always took drinks and snacks for our family. This saves time of travel and money. Now that we are retired and no kids, we still pack our lunch for the day of travel. 1. Better food 2. Saves time 3. Saves money. Last yr. we were out West camping for over 2 wks. Only bought food out 6 times.

[@monicaadamson6727]

Here’s a tip when you get the urge to shop or spend money on things you don’t need find something to clean or organize. There is Always something you could clean or organize or go through and I feel like I’ve accomplished something and it kicks the urge to go shop.

[@gurdianzee3415]

As a college kid that pays for his classes out of his pocket this is something I need to learn because saving is very important and crucial for me

[@navywifey0307]

My McDonald's in San Diego, CA also has zero healthy options now. For me it's a good thing. One less place for me to spend my money at and one more reason to eat at home.

[@jmc8459]

I shop online - add my stuff to the cart 🛒 and then don’t buy it. I feel like I’ve saved so much money not buying. 😅😂😂😂

[@sharonsweeney4709]

Hah! I thought I was the only one who did this! By the next day, you know you don’t need it!

[@AishaMBudgets]

Ohmygoodness, I do that, too!

[@loriannegambrell905]

I do the same thing! As an added bonus, if you're thinking of something on Amazon, put it in your cart and then click to "save for later". When you go into your cart Amazon will alert you to any price changes for anything in your cart or saved for later, and if something dropped a bunch in price, pull the trigger and buy it!

[@diannacashion2047]

I do the same thing!🤣🤣🤣

[@anitaluevano9643]

I do that also instead of buy I need 5 things from my basket i only end up buying one and saving the rest for later. It helps me soo much

[@katilynwhitson3105]

Young Millennials and GenZ don't use fabric softener in general. It's a scam. So are those laundry scent beads. You're just coating your clothes in wax. 😂

[@lanakayphillips2849]

And, chemicals !

[@cynthiabromback8854]

What about dryer sheets?

[@katilynwhitson3105]

@@cynthiabromback8854 Nope! Not those either. A lot of us use those multi-use dryer balls, but most of our generation now avoids dryer sheets. Not only are they adding things to your clothes, but they're also one time use and bad for the environment. So we use the dryer balls instead to remove static. 👍😊

[@leahwilson542]

True story!

[@effinxrightt]

Yupp! Dryer sheets I only buy for my fuzzy blankets because no matter how many dryer balls I put in they are still staticky lol. A box lasts us a long time though.

[@LorreneRomanic]

I love using the library! I can go onto my local library's website, and put books or movies on hold from any branch within the library system, and have them held at my closest branch! I wait for them to tell me my items are available, and then go pick them up. It has saved me a TON of money over the years (especially when we were homeschooling). And you can even do Interlibrary Loan - If my library doesn't have a specific title, but it's at another library somewhere else in the state, my librarian can get it for me!!

[@rebeccaherman2894]

I found that splitting my accounts really really helped me - I have a house account where the bulk of the money goes and I then I have my "fun money" account where I give myself a small allowance out of every paycheck. That way I can always pay the bills and make savings out of my house account - but my "fun money" is for anything else I want. I can save for a bigger purchase - I could eat out for lunch (when I went to the office) BUT when it was gone - it was gone so I did also have to be careful how I used my fun money. It just really helped me still be able to splurge a little while never cutting into the bill/savings money.

[@RaeC5280]

I do the same thing! It is such a great way to be aware of your money.

[@elenid7530]

There were some sweet memories as a kid, if there was a movie we wanted to see (before streaming), my mom would take my brother and I to the public library and look for it there. Ever since, that's where we look, theater's can be so expensive, especially snacks! 1,000% recommend public library for cookbooks, activities and movies for kids ☺️

[@vickielewallen3799]

My sister has five kids, mostly teens now, and once or twice a week she tells them it's "fifi" night, fifi meaning "find it, fix it." It gives her a much needed break, and they can have anything they want, cereal or sandwich, whatever, so they like it. And they save "going out to eat" for birthdays, etc. They (a family of 7) have lived well on one income for years, by being wise with money. When the oldest got a job they bought her a used car. When she could afford one she wanted instead, the next kid to start working got the old car, and so on, right down the line. As you said, the library, parks, State Parks, local lakes, creeks, etc were a lot of their "entertainment and outings." I think they've done really well, been wise with their money.

[@alinewright1093]

Left over box broth, freeze it I sometimes put in glass jars or I will measure it and freeze it in ziplock sandwich bags, Freeze in ice cube trays then pop out and store in a freezer bag the freezer. 🥳 Saves so much money.

[@Willettee]

I love your tips, Christine. Most of these I do or a version of them. I only use fabric softener sheets once in a while. I love the smell of liquid fabric softener, but refuse to use it with my newer washing machine. I never use the fabric sheets with towels. They are more absorbent without the product. We eat leftovers and I've been trying to focus on that the past month. It's like my new challenge since I zoned my fridge for a leftover shelf. We eat mostly frugal meals and I make extra so I cook less often. I try to save money each month for the year. So far it's a new thing for me. Plus I'm trying to pay off some debt. It will happen, as I'm not living on Amazon and other sites after bedtime anymore and ordering several hundred extra dollars a month like I have in the past... Thanks for the video. Each tip gives me more incentive to be debt free. 🙂

[@jodyblinoff4277]

One thing that falls under the eating out category but I think deserves a special mention is brew and bring your coffee from home! In Toronto, Canada it is part of the culture to pick up your Tim Horton's, McDonald's or Starbucks coffee in the morning and throughout the day, but the cost of coffee alone added up can be astronomical! I started making my coffee at home and bringing it with me and the savings are huge! (this may have been mentioned but I haven't read all the comments yet).

[@jodyblinoff4277]

Also, I'm printing the list out with the "Comparison is the thief of joy" quote at the top and posting it in a couple of strategic places in our home for my kids (older teenagers) to help them to get into the mindset.

[@anitas5817]

I literally do not understand this. People spend an INCREDIBLE amount of money on coffee. It’s crazy to me. Anyway, I want my coffee before I get dressed and go out.

[@sadinasarvela4315]

I actually like my home brewed coffee with french vanilla creamer better than buying coffee out.

[@Happy_life117]

I went so far as to purchase a small Keurig machine I keep at work and bring reusable pods filled at home! My last Keurig lasted 6 years and was used at least 4x/week! Way cheaper than buying coffee at the coffee shop and tastes much better😉

[@shannonbrice8012]

I am from Canada and used to love Timmies, however, it is awful and now I just brew my own coffee at home and if I am going somewhere a good travel mug comese in handy. I spend 20 dollars a month on the cream and the coffee and have enough to have several coffee's a day at home.

[@virginiablasi7109]

For 20 years I have declared January as "Shopped My Stores" i.e. my pantry, freezer, and fridge. Sometimes I'd carry it over to February. More recently, I do the same sort of thing as we head into a new season. This makes sense because there are recipes that I only make at a particular time of year.

[@gladysmicklewhite1397]

We so something similar, only we call it Larder Month! We have a good old clear out of the pantry and use up all the bits that have got pushed to the back. I also check that my herbs and spices still have some potency, and try to use up any that are getting stale before replacing.

[@brittanymcdonaldbarr1106]

Great idea.

[@carriesmith7165]

Dryer sheets make your towels, wash cloths, rags less absorbent. I used to work at a high-end bed and bath store and we would always tell customers not to use dryer sheets or fabric softener on their towels. Vinegar or dryer balls are suggested to soften and prevent static cling.

[@MittenPrepperVet]

I switched to using washable towels for everything except pet accidents or something I wouldn't want to wash that's super gross. Cut out paper plates as well. Do have napkins but they last forever. Paper products are super expensive!

[@gracewillow6632]

I will forever appreciate this channel, you've helped my family alot, your videos, advice, lessons and funny words are inspirational and helpful to us. My wife and I have been able to be minimal, conscious in spending, saving and investing wisely, I now earn every week. You're such a blessing to this generation. we all love you

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[@MittenPrepperVet]

I do my own hair color, highlights and nails, etc... I also trim my teens hair. Once Michigan gets some nice, regular weather (haha... yeah right!), I grow my own garden for the majority of the veggies, fruits and herbs I eat daily. Saves a ton on groceries and I get some exercise and sun tending to the garden and raised beds on my deck.

[@nicholehoge7432]

Potatoes are ridiculously easy to grow! Look up potato towers

[@beccaengland2884]

This is soooo off topic, but I was born in and lived in Michigan, until my 9th birthday and my pediatrician's name was Royal Donnelly, not exactly sure on the 1st name. I was also in counseling at the Fox Center, until it shut down, due to the trauma I endured as a very young child. My counselor's last name was Donnelly, he might have been a child psychiatric, but can't remember. I wish I could remember his first name, but unfortunately there's ALOT I had forgotten, due to the traumatizing things I went through. Within the last couple of years, my memory of that time in my life is coming back through reconnecting with my dad's side of the family and having a husband that is 21 years older than me and listens to music from the 80s, that my aunt and mom listened to around me and my sisters when we were born and growing up in the 90s. There's one memory that I wish I wouldn't have remembered and that's the fact that Martina McBride's "Independence Day" was the icing on the cake to my nervous breakdown. The reason I'm telling you this, is because I considered Mr. Donnelly to be my person, my go to safe place, my comfort, almost like he was apart of my family. I looked up to that man, like he was an uncle or something. I was a very depressed, anxious, and afraid little girl back then and being only the very fragile ages of 4-8, I went through so much, that I shouldn't have went through. When I was told that the Fox Center shut down and that I couldn't talk to Mr. Donnelly anymore, it's like I lost a family member due to death. My go to person, comfort, and safe place was gone in the blink of an eye. By now, he would be between 50 something and 70 something, but if anything in this world, I just wish I could tell him how much he meant to me as as a child and how much I looked up to him and how I seen him as a family member, my go to safe place, my person, and my comfort. He was the best thing that ever happened to me as a child, so if by chance you are related to this person I'm talking about, could you tell him this, please? I would be forever grateful and it would mean sooooo much to me. Sorry this comment is super long, but just wanted to tell you this, just in case by some miracle that you two are related.

[@robertadunaway7030]

I've used vinegar as my softener in the washer and rinse agent in the dishwasher FOR YEARS.

[@DR-rw7es]

Cant wait to try it as a dishwasher rinsing agent. Thanks for sharing!

[@doperagu8471]

Vinegar is amazing!! It's cheap and incredibly versatile as a cleaner.

[@DR-rw7es]

Came back to say it works well but my clean dishes smelled really weird at first. 30+ days later I can confirm it helps keep the DW clean and fresh... I'll stick to Finish as rinse agent and use vinegar to disinfect / clean the DW regularly.

[@TheTiayahi]

CLEAN used (can also be unused) aluminum foil loosely (not tightly) crumpled into a ball thrown into the dryer makes the clothes soft without an overpowering scent. It can also be used multiple times

[@noblelies]

Great recommendation on the Brother printer. I not only buy generic cartridges but I have researched it enough to learn how to refill the generic cartridges. My cost of printing is now so low that it beats the bulk cost of my company printing at work. I also buy the cheapest, multi-purpose paper I can find in bulk. Sure, it's not the fanciest, but it does the job.

[@sellidionne]

mcdonalds cut the all day breakfast, salads, grilled chicken, and parfaits to cut costs for masks and social distance signage and gloves. its bs in my opinion but now i have no reason to go there 😂

[@emilyrich756]

You are so inspiring. I recently started budget grocery shopping because of you. I spent 90 dollars at a Kroger affiliate store called QFC and I got so much stuff with reduced stickers and everything Else I bought was on sale. It was insane how much veggies and meat I got. Enough to freeze for next week and potentially spend just a few on fresh veggies. Thank you!

[@DustyRolls]

Good tips. We quit buying paper towels and probably saving about 40/50 dollars a month. we do use coffee filters for wrapping a sandwich or taco and bought cotton diapers that we use for just about everything we would have used paper towels for. Thanks

[@tracynerdgirl5648]

I agree on almost everything except the birthday parties. I'm Mexican, we can't do a 2 hour party with just cake.

[@MsRight-sb5ds]

I invite myself to Mexican birthday parties! So much fun!!!

[@esmeraldamiranda8163]

Tracy same here lol!

[@allshadesg]

Facts!!! 😂

[@Knicole927]

I always love your tips and tricks- it’s always awesome getting advice from a “real person”, and I think you’re about as real as they come!

[@FrugalFitMom]

Thank you!

[@Joy-zp5lv]

The each-year-a-new-backpack-thing is funny. In Germany it´s totaly common to use the bagpacks for years (until they become too small or break). I make my own bread for several month now. It tastes better, it lasts longer (goes not bad), it´s cheaper and healthier. In Germany there are some semi-healthy options at Mc Donalds - but I never eat there. It´s way to expensive and the taste is not good at all. And I don´t know about the healthy-label =) Love from Germany ♥

[@sonjacruz54]

Agree with all of your tips. Always, always telling my kids we have food at home, also packing your lunch/snacks, and drinks is usually 1/4 the cost or cheaper (a 25 cent bag of chips vs $1 or more at the snack bar, a 50 cent Gatorade/bottled drink vs a $3 drink - you see my point). My family is a cereal for breakfast and comfort food family, so we drink/eat a lot of milk, when I do a "no spend week" or a "cutting back on milk week" I will use the powdered milk and the children are able to taste the difference and lay off it real quick and eat the other food we have. I have espoused the "love it or leave it" principle, all you ask yourself is "why don't I use/wear this more often?" It's wrinkled every time I want to wear it... the fabric feels or lays wrong... it's broken.... or it's uncomfortable (usually a pair of shoes). If it's expensive, newer or worn once, I'm inclined to attempt to sell via marketplace or other group, if it's from Kohls and certain other stores they will take it back within their return policy (60 or 90 days?). I like to go to thrift stores with quality stock and I have found some of my most favorite (high quality name brand) clothes there. Actual leather shoes will last much longer than tennis/athletic shoes, and they can be repaired. And sometimes you can just say to yourself/your spouse or children "We're fine without XYZ" Last thing is don't be a gluttonous person/family, buying things in bulk (for better pricing) is not a reason to binge consume on those items.

[@Anaphya]

I needed this today. We’re building a house and are trying to save really hard between now and November so we can put down as much as possible. Yesterday I deleted doorsash 😭 it’s my biggest splurge but it needed to go. Turned off all notifications on my phone too. No more “50% off! Buy now!!” I love these tips. Thanks so much for the inspiration!

[@amywright2243]

Congratulations on your upcoming new home! Totally worth the sacrifice. You're modeling winning behavior. 👍❤️

[@heatherjones4707]

Congratulations! You can do it!

[@dorannacorley6170]

If you are building a house, pay cash for your appliances. If you finance them with your mortgage you will be paying for them maybe 30 years and you had to replace them after about 10 years. When my youngest son was about 3 or4 he went to the grocery store with me. He asked for some fruit cocktail. I said no because it wasn't on sale. He looked up at me and said "is it against the law to buy something that is not on sale?" I said yes and he never forgot it.

[@RobinBaich]

Another laundry tip: Once every 2 or 3 weeks you can do a load of laundry without adding any detergent. Some of it does remain in washing machines, and unless your clothes are really filthy you can get away without using detergent once in a while.

[@helenhartley6904]

Never used dryer sheets or fabric softener, dry clothes on line, love windex, spot money on overseas trips, buy all clothes at kmart or thrift shops, same cardigan for 20 years! Just learnt to freeze avocado.

[@cathyjohnston240]

“Comparison is the thief of joy.” Priceless!! People need to teach this to their children.

[@elenid7530]

Something my parents always ingrained in us was, live below your means. The rest of my family sort of brushed it off, until my parents retired... And they're living just fine! So, as early as you can start saving, do so, and try to put some money in a savings account if you don't have the 401K plan ☺️ it really helps in the long run for retirement or even just for emergencies and investments

[@TShirtAndReeboks]

Also opening a Roth IRA and invest in SP 500 mutual funds. You will never have to pay taxes on the money. Great way to put aside for retirement!

[@jaclyngoodballet6740]

I haven’t used fabric softener in over a year! I think my clothes are way better off than before! And my towels are more absorbent!

[@NOVAFrugalFamily]

No cable, no fabric softener, no bottled water, and very little paper towels. We use rags for most clean up and old socks for the gross clean up like glass or around the toilet that you can stick your hand in and clean up and throw straight in the trash. We have so many socks with holes in them in an extra trash can. Every birthday party is a challenge to make it happen under $100 and we don't have the places that rent that cheaply for birthdays but I do it every year with homemade cookies to decorate and pizza from Pizza Hut which is my son's choice and I make all the activities for the kids. Love the meal plan and can't live without it!! We love our library and it was the hardest thing to do without when it was closed during the pandemic. So happy to have books again!!

[@evelinholmes6401]

Our library are still closed here in Canada.

[@cherylT321]

You could mend those socks with the holes in them!

[@elizabethkegley2008]

@Allison Phillips thank you for mentioning socks! I have so many socks that have lost their match. Now I have a use for them!

[@rachelrae2371]

We've always done our daughter's birthdays at home, we have a pond with a paddle boat and a big swingset/treehouse my husband built. I always make her cakes and we will do like finger foods. No one has complained yet lol but it's easier for us in our tiny town and a lot cheaper! Love all your tips!

[@haleydahlhoff9859]

Fabric softener can actually cause a build-up on your washer that messes with the mechanics.... basically fabric softener is unnecessary and ruins appliances.

[@ayoung9441]

My library's website has a place to borrow online content like audio books & movies. I haven't been in my library for a year. I love the Audio books!!!

[@saracrockett1208]

Your tips are so awesome. My family shares all our streaming services with each other so each one of us pays for one and it’s definitely a money saver. All together we have Netflix, Hulu, Disney plus, KZbin tv and prime and only pay for one service ourselves. I highly recommend doing this with your friends/family as well.

[@andrea.rivers]

I love using my local library, when my last Kindle died, I got a regular tablet and I switched to the Libby app and it was so much easier to use. I always try to find a cookbook there to see if I would use it before I commit to buying it. I have one of the High Sierra backpacks for a carry-on (back in the old days and we flew places lol) Costco carries them every year in the back to school season. We did upgrade our couch. lol It was time. It was a splurge and we agonized over it and finally decided to go with a better quality one. But ultimately we have zero remorse. We don't do a lot of big ticket items very often. We ditched cable but upgraded our internet speed, only have a few streaming options, do not miss cable one tiny bit.

[@victoriahill9809]

I love watching your shows. I am having such a hard time trying to get out of debt. And you are so correct about instant gratification when shopping. And buying food once weekly is so difficult because I work at Shaws which is part of Albertsons and it’s super expensive here in Stowe Vermont. I give mega kudos for accomplishing all of this !!😊

[@jessicaanderson8240]

May I suggest following Dave Ramsey? (!!!!!)

[@thebiggshomesteadkitchen]

Good morning, Christine. Very timely video as most people prepare to have kiddos home on summer break. It is so easy to break your budget over the summer on fun stuff or trying to keep the kids entertained. Love all these tips. I am also super frugal. We did a no spend with a pantry/freezer challenge for 3 months from Nov 2020 to Jan 2021 and then paid off our truck! Such a great feeling to not have that monthly payment.

[@jengasaway1032]

I like that you mentioned using rags instead of paper towels.

[@jenniferpeterson9082]

Facebook marketplace for furniture could be a great idea! Some people move and can't take things with them. We got a super nice suede couch and love seat with cupholder and it reclines for about $800! Probably was a $1500 value.

[@zellynmermaid9326]

Yes to the backpack thing! Get one your kids really like that will last and they can use it for years. I used the $70 Swiss gear backpack my mom got me in middle school all the way through college. It was more expensive, but definitely cheaper than buying a $30 backpack every year because it fell apart.

[@michellebardinelli9904]

Also the LL Bean backpacks are everlasting. My 12 year old has used the same one all through elementary, he’s getting ready for middle school. But in college I had a large one and is still in A1 shape other than needing cleaned. I’m in my 40s btw, but he can use that one.

[@Jackie_W82]

I haven't used fabric softer in a decade. Get a downy ball and fill it with white vinegar instead of softener. I also use wool dryer balls. Works wonderfully

[@Day-Zee62]

As I was listening I was, "Oh!, I bought this. Oh!, I bought that!" Knowing how I impulsed bought (needlessly)🤦🏻‍♀️You're words will resonate for me from now on. I love what you did! Thank u!!!!!🤗

[@aliciak6753]

I really like your ideas.. You are frugal but not so extreme that life is dreary...thanks for the advice an you seem so cheery!

[@julias259]

I like your current hairstyle. You are never afraid to change it up. This one is the best one yet! Thank you for today's video, always useful information to save money.

[@EmpressG]

Vinegar is the best fabric softener. I've never used fabric softener in my entire life and I'm almost 50. Hotels use it to keep the towels soft and fluffy, and it also gets rid of deep seated smells and the residue left behind from your detergent that can make towels smell funny. Great for gym clothes, anything with stinky armpits etc.

[@rosejacobs4745]

Omg I haven't been to McDonalds in years but I had no idea they got rid of their healthy options! That's too bad. I love the motto "if you can't pay cash don't buy it" :) I have never used fabric softener or paper towels.

[@PeaceDayCortez]

1.) Delete ALL shopping apps off your phone, computer and iPad. 2.) Skip the college loan, only take as many classes as you can afford ( it may take you longer but you’ll get out debt free. I did it, my sister did it and my daughter did it). 3.) Stop using paper towels use coffee filters and napkins instead. 4.) if you’re on metered water like we are in CA, catch the water in the shower while you’re waiting for it to warm up and use it to water your yard. That’s 5 gallons of water per person in my household of three. 5.) Get a vacuum sealer and seal your leftovers and freeze them if you’re not going to eat right away.

[@julzzbott]

our paper towels are strictly for glass and dog vomit 😆 rags for everything else.

[@juanitaglenn9042]

..and grease from cooking!!

[@melindagibson8606]

So relatable 🤣🤣🤣

[@chrisl418]

Ok sorry guys n gals, I just keeping adding comments...I started a veganism lifestyle a couple years ago. Once a week, I make a batch of vegan chili and every couple days use our rice maker to make new batches of flawless rice. This has saved hours of cooking and meant my online classes (during the pandemic) college daughter can eat at any time she chooses and has said she could eat it every day for the rest of her life. (I found several vegan recipes online and vary the chili slightly each week). It's very inexpensive, hearty and satisfying.

[@carriesmith7165]

I also make vegan chili often and agree it's very inexpensive and rather versatile, can have it on rice, mashed potatoes, pasta, frozen french fries, with nacho chips, or use soft tortilla shells and make a casserole. Use dry beans to save even more, costs pennies. Get your veggies from a farmer's market near the end of the day and usually can get peppers and onions for very cheap.

[@courtneywhitt9971]

Something that has saved me a lot of money is to make my own laundry soap. It costs about $25-35 (depending if you buy when items are on sale) and lasts around 9 months for a family of 5. Love it! Thanks for the tips!

[@jimbetty3731]

How! That would be interesting, what do you use?

[@courtneywhitt9971]

@@jimbetty3731 So there are several recipes online and it can be modified to your own preference but here is what I use and I try to pick up items in advance when they are on sale. All items can be found at Walmart down the laundry isle. 1-65 oz 20 Mule Team Borax 1-55 oz Arm & Hammer Super Washing Soda 2- 14.01 oz Zote Soap (I prefer smell of the Pink one) 1- 3lb tub of Oxi Clean (optional) 2-26.5 oz Downy Unstoppable the beads (optional) I shred the zote soap in my food processor (dedicated to this only purpose) and place on a banking sheet, into the oven on warm for a couple of hours. It needs to be dry before mixing. I like mine small so I run it through the food processor again once its dry. You can also shred it and leave it out to air dry for a couple of days and use your hands to break it up. Once the zote soap is fully dry mix all ingredients together in a well ventilated area-borax will make you cough if you dont. I use 1 tablespoon per load of laundry. 1.5 tablespoons if I'm doing blankets and sheets. I have found this to be much better than any store bought laundry soap out there. Let me know if you try it!

[@margaretpare8206]

@@courtneywhitt9971 how much does it make? Where/how do you store it?

[@courtneywhitt9971]

@@margaretpare8206 it’s makes quite a bit. I store it in a plastic container with a lid. Roughly 4 quart container and extras in about 4 oxi clean containers. But really anything with a lid would do. The recipe lasts about 9 months for my family of 5. Approx 3-4 loads a week.

[@GabrielleGeorge]

Our HP printer has a subscription option. We love it! Your price depends on how much you expect to print each month. They track it through your wifi and mail you ink when you are getting low. I have never ran out before new ink arrived. No extra charge unless you go over you page limit per a month.

[@hannaneuschwander2774]

This might be similar to your last tip...my husband and I always allowed ourselves each $10 each month as our "spend free" money. Which means it's our fun spending money that we can use to get something special so we didn't feel so restricted. I would always use mine strategically on my starbucks app to get as many drinks throughout the month as I could. 🙃 It just helps us to feel like we are "allowed" to treat ourselves a little throughout the month free of guilt.

[@mamasaidno1749]

All great tips. I do all of these and more. It's pretty easy to shop once a week for me, since our store has a discount for 60 plus years folks on Tuesdays. I want that 5% off, so I stay out of the store on other days.

[@nancylopez4720]

These were awesome tips. One that I was able to take advantage of was getting a discount on my mobile cell phone just because I worked for a certain company. It doesn't hurt to ask. I am saving 18%.

[@hlbookbug5556]

Your library may be in a co-operative with other libraries. Check with the libraries in neighboring towns. They may participate in a reciprocal borrowing system that will allow library card holders to check out materials from nearby local libraries.

[@brittanychaston1032]

Sometimes other counties will do the same.

[@maureendavidson8264]

Same

[@michelekuhne9179]

I recently found that I could sign up for a library card for the New York Public Library and borrow e-books from them. There are series that our local library system doesn’t have access all of the titles to that I was, happily, able to borrow from NYPL.

[@nunyabiznizz5619]

Don't forget about local college libraries. Many will issue you a library card if you live in the same community.

[@netonyaclayton8338]

Thank you for sharing❤️ A couple of things I e done in the past is clothing swap with a few friends who had children close in age/size and pantry trade. Think of a can for a can etc. If I have items in my pantry I don’t really plan on using we just meet up and trade. Also buying meat in bulk and splitting it with family

[@nvaranavage]

What we did was celebrate all three of my kids parties together in the summer, so that family could attend. I would bake one large sheet cake and decorate a third of it for each kid. Trying to convince my family to start buying experiences, rather than physical gifts......not going so well......they are so focused on physical things making more of an impression, rather than fun trips.

[@sandyseibelhager7131]

Defininitely check out your library. Ours even has free passes to local attractions like the zoo. I completely agree with you on the Brother printers. I went through so many printers of all different brands until I bought a Brother....been going strong for years. I get my cakes from Cake Gallery, they are about $26 but worth it. Our day old bread store (Sara Lee bakery) has been closed since COVID-I don't know if it's coming back.

[@robinswan5831]

Ha backpacks! My high schooler is using my old backpack that I carried to school wayyyyy back in 1994!

[@clairewillow6475]

Nice! I have my moms from the 70s ;)

[@MamaMiasCorner]

I love love love your channel. I've been binge watching and taking detailed notes! Thank you so much! **Btw you can use vinager for fabric softener and cleaning and a million other things. Amazing money saver!

[@Lizzy43645]

Amen to getting rid of fabric softener! White vinegar for the win!!!

[@oopssuedaisy]

It's been a while since I've been to McDonald's, mostly because they are SO expensive. They used to have a really good salad, but it was like 6.95!

[@AlishaPeisha]

Yes, McDonald's seems cheap but it's actually way cheaper to make your own food! Also, they get you with their fries! They are very expensive!

[@SpringFlowers537]

You can buy a salad in the bag at a grocery store for that price! I’ve even seen KZbin videos where people eat the salad out of the bag when running errands or traveling. They keep reusable utensils in their car:) I’m going to try it next time I’m starving and need food:)

[@cheryltetreault86]

Wendy"s has cheaper nd better salads

[@julielines5929]

My fourth child just turned one. We had cake. No presents. We sang happy birthday several times through the day and he loved it!!! For the record, I always get presents for my older children. We just don’t need anything else this time around and he wouldn’t care either way at this age.

[@dlarsen325]

My husband is a librarian for our local city library and would totally agree with all your awesome library comments!

[@VeronicaRichardson1980]

Your husband is awesome 📖

[@lauriehume3395]

Libraries a r e amazing I worked for 30 years at the library and still use it. Our library offers many things besides books. The library offers online learning, free access to Acorn TV, ebooks, audiobooks, music cd's, movies DVD s, they take requests for purchase, and a few branches (the bigger ones) have 3D printers, a room to access greenscreens to use when making videos music programs for videos making among other computer programs, access to the internet and Im not sure if they still, offer it but you could borrow bicycles (Im retired now so, I don't know all the things the library offers) stoytimes, adult programming, chair exercises for seniors not now because of Covid *** check out your library, (you pay for it with your taxes) and you'll be SURPRISED what the library offers!

[@lw6502]

Great tips! Everything you said is reasonable and makes sense. The ideal video to watch to take control of your spending

[@marywatkins6798]

1) Buy pre-owned clothes. Consignment, thrift store, yard sale. Especially for kids. I saved so much money on my kids’ clothes with this method. 2) Cook at home from scratch. 3) Budget and cut back on Christmas gift spending.

[@tarawerner3179]

1) True bill (app) will negotiate for a lower rate on your behalf. Their service charge if successful in lowering your bill is 40% of what your savings would have been for one year, but it saves time. I don't have to wait on hold. 2) Plan your meals around what's on sale, what your have coupons for, what you need to use up, etc. 3) Consider shopping at multiple stores for your groceries. 4) Combine discounts - sales, coupons, cash back apps, credit card rewards.

[@PsychoNova91]

I buy a jansport back pack for my kids in a solid color. We get anywhere from 3 to 4 years of use out of them.

[@europeanmominalaska]

Funny, born in Europe we never had a “pantry” we only ever bought things you eat:) didn’t have the coffee culture to buy a coffee. Moving here I have learned not to do that anymore:) Leftovers were and are life. Thank you for all your tips:)

[@stef8802]

Ya know... my senior year of high school I convinced my mom that I NEEDED that $100 backpack because it was what the cool kids had. My way of convincing her was to tell her "they have a lifetime warranty, I'll use it forever!" Fast forward 12 years later to my 29 year old self... and I still use use backpack several times a week 🤣

[@AC-qi9wo]

My mother in law bought all three grandchildren Eddie Bauer, back packs, my stepson still uses it 16 years later my other two not so much, but I have kept them, they may want them one day.

[@amyquillen2506]

I've got a Jansport backpack that I bought in 2001.

[@cherylT321]

So, you were right!

[@lisarobison]

@@AC-qi9wo I bought an Eddie Bauer backpack for grad school in 2008 and I still use it daily! I love it so much!

[@karakol86]

@@amyquillen2506 bought an jansport in 2006. Still use it and it is 15 years later

[@daniellepatten6670]

Great tips! We started using the public library and it's been life changing. SO much money saved!