4 REALISTIC WAYS to Cut the Cost of Living Alone- Saving Money with Frugal Living

[@KateKaden]

I love Fridays because I get to see YOU! Tap that like button if you love visiting to chat about frugal living, budgeting and saving money:) I appreciate each and every one of you!

[@carolynbyrd5656]

Kate. I just got though watching a old video of yours. It called ( why I'm single) I loved it so much. Of course I watch a lot of your Old ones to catch up.. love you so much

[@KateKaden]

@@carolynbyrd5656 Thank you so so much! Love you more!!!!

[@cynthiavineyard-brown482]

Cut it! I live alone & work full-time. I run my errands once a week, usually on Friday. Kroger offers 4 times fuel points on Friday , that's one reason I grocery shop on Fridays. I meal plan according to what's in my freezer, refrigerator, & pantry. I meal prep on Saturday for the following week ( I work 12 hours Sun. - Tues). I eat all the leftovers. I wash clothes once a week, sometimes, I can go 2 weeks. I use my crockpots, air fryer, & my mini dash makers, as they save on energy & electricity costs. I unplug all appliances that aren't in use. I have motion sensored lights at the top of the stairs, in the bathroom, & in the kitchen. I enjoy your videos & living frugal. Stay blessed. ❤️🙏

[@barbaras676]

Cut it! I’m hoping to move into a place of my own with my pension and SS, and found your channel today. This is my first video but you’ve already given me some great tips!

[@KateKaden]

Barbara!!!!! Welcome! I'm so glad you're here!

[@kamloopscruiser874]

Cut it!❤👍 Thank you Kate! - I doubled checked and yes 3K in the chequing baseline, and it is my budget buffer. It’s 2 months of essential expenses. Learned that from you last winter as my husband was dying and I implemented it immediately in March when he died and I took over. Such a great antidote to fear and anxiety!❤❤❤

[@KateKaden]

Thank you!!!❤❤❤

[@johnkies5343]

I do laundry once a week. I also make a grocery list which where I may add an additional item but generally stick to my list. I'll also add bank & post office if needed. I go to the library once a week. Don't have cable, satellite etc. Just over the air tv. I'm 79 now and conservatively invest my pension and use my RMD for ready cash. Seldom use a credit card. Cook the majority of my meals at home. Life is good.

[@SurinderBiring-o5e]

My mantra when shopping is you didn't have it when you walked in, so you don't have to have it when you leave.

[@jules4911]

Oooo $2000 is my zero and I was always wondering if i was the only person who did something like that 😮 thank you, Kate!!

[@PamRosenquist]

I really like you! Your sleep tips are right on. I’ve been sleeping with a fan on for years!

[@letinhsong8024]

KATE!!!! I had to get to one of your videos to tell you this…just found out my credit score is 785!!!!!!!!!! I’m so excited. It’s been “fair” like forever, which equals bad if you’re trying to do anything!!! i think the last time i looked, it was like 636. I AM SO EXCITED,JUST HAD TO TELL YOU!!!!!

[@marjamesquire8141]

I’m tuning in from the courthouse parking lot. I have my own little remote law firm and I take random cases as they roll in. I’m glad to know to see your new videos on Fridays. 😊🎉

[@KateKaden]

So glad you are here! Thank you!!!!!!!

[@janicesims6574]

Good to see you this morning, Kate. You are "right on" with these tips.

[@KateKaden]

Thank you so much Janice!!!

[@SkintLivingUK]

Kate I love your videos, your doing really well. I was a single mum too and its not easy but you have found many ways of thriving rather than just surviving - well done, honey:0)

[@bethfromva6375]

Love this topic! There are a lot of us solos out here! Thanks Kate, you are awesome!

[@Jan-vw8tj]

Cut it - boil the kettle once, pour the water into a thermos and drink hot drinks through the day 🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@virginialangford6257]

I do this too! I use a thermos pitcher. If there is water at the end of the day I use it for dishes or soaking a pan.

[@donnablend9900]

Cut it I'm a widow and live alone. I really like your ideas! I do some of the things you mentioned. I do laundry once a week. I do my grocery shopping once a week and use a list. Thank you.

[@CrystalJones-w6p]

I love Friday videos! I feel like I'm chatting with a friend. ❤

[@wendyjohnson2685]

Cut it! I’m loving this series of videos! Keep them coming! I don’t live alone yet, but the tips are still very helpful!

[@clairekuchel-klassen7103]

Same here. Cut it!

[@sarah-074]

❤ this, I never. Forget your tip to ask for things. You need you don’t want to buy for. Bday , deodorant etc care. Needs … and since changing jobs getting retrenched. I’m now with a new job a non spender best lesson ever !

[@dnorris4733]

I agree with everything but running the dishwasher once a week. I live alone. I can go 3-4 days before the dishwasher gets full. I DO drink water from the same glass during the day, though. Eat at home 3 times a day. Cut the costs. Like your 3000 'new buffer'. I park most of my money in a high yield savings account. It only takes 1 business day to transfer. I also keep some in a savings account - same bank as the checking. Can transfer immediately. Helps me from dipping into "an emergency."

[@KateKaden]

Thank you Donna!

[@memagranola]

“CUT IT” Your videos are amazing. Thanks for all the great information

[@KateKaden]

Thank you so so much!!!

[@s.v.4761]

I am loving the backdrop in these new videos Kate! 🍁🍂❤️

[@KateKaden]

Thank you so much! Trying to stay out there until it's too cold! LOL! :)

[@SkintLivingUK]

I live with my grown up son, with no partner. When I lived with my partner my bills were higher plus I had more chores to do around the house plus all the emotional labour too. My son is moving out next year and I will NEVER live with anyone again. The financial, emotional, physical cost - is way too much. In my personal experience has been XYs want a mum not an equal partner. As burbnbougie says "men need to hold their own nuts".

[@kerryjames6312]

I will be doing laundry errands shopping once a week cut daily take away coffee thank you❤❤

[@momsnewlife1197]

I like your $ for the check book. We did this 35 years ago. I don't know why we stopped. Living alone I like this idea again. I love your email idea.

[@KateKaden]

Thank you so much:)

[@laurie6644]

Hi Kate. Good to see you. It's good to hear your tips on saving $$$... and to see all your effort to improve & to succeed. You do So much and it is working for you! Love to see you training up Kaden in the way he should go and that you often include him (& the kitties) in your videos.❤

[@KateKaden]

Laurie, so great to see you!!!! Thank you!

[@lorenguetta3350]

I love your videos and your attitude. Thank you for the tips, they are very helpful. Sending love from Israel

[@myaccount9498]

Sending love back to u from Australia 🇦🇺 💓

[@janefromthecountry1820]

Kate Kaden, How much cash to you keep in your Emergency Fund? ❓❓❓We keep ours at a local bank so its less easy to get at. I like the grocery tip to only shop once a week. My hubby is in the habit of buying groceries more than once a week. I know its costing us more. So, now i decided we will break the total into # of weeks like $400 a month divided by 4 weeks. Max each week is $100. Kate, we did pay off our home mortgage this past summer. We accelerated our payments over the past few years. Empty nesters we are. Paid off 7 years early. Practice gratitude- like the Apostle Paul. Thanks Katie, you have a very solid channel. I agree practice contentment as you told us. ❤We pay CASH for our cars. No car loans helps so much.

[@brendasellers3580]

New to commenting. Love your videos. Single mom everything is paid off. I keep a certain amount in my checkbook however keep my operating money separate in my checkbook works and helps me save.

[@KateKaden]

Love this Brenda! From one single Mom to another! I'm so glad you're here. Thanks for sharing with us.

[@Sakura-zu4rz]

I haven't had any fun lately, You bring me joy!I love the kind and generous heartwarming atmosphere that you create, your kind, easygoing, warm vibe. I like the essence how you live on. I need to be true to myself and find a job I am passionate about. I want to find a way to live as who I really am.

[@KateKaden]

This comment means so much to me and I’m so glad you are here 🙏 Thank you!!!!

[@thefrugalcyborgmriii3531]

I’m so thankful for your 3000 equals zero rule, or budget buffer! Because that has helped me ever since you made that video years ago! And that’s something I constantly preach so to speak! Lol! Awesome frugal video, Kate! Have an awesome frugal Friday! :-) BOOM!

[@santafilipina9020]

I’ve always invested but beginning 2020 I decided to change my mindset. I started calling myself an Investor and not a Consumer. I become more analytical and find most goods are way overpriced and not worth it.

[@bee-q4x]

Cut it! thank you for all the great ways to help make our lives better.

[@KateKaden]

You are very welcome and I appreciate you so much!

[@gailoreilly1516]

I have always been an extremely light sleeper. I think it started when I had my babies. I would wake up when I DIDN'T hear them. Anyway, I am 70 and have been using a fan in my room at night for a couple of years. I also have a 110 pound dog that sleeps in my room. I have passed guard duty to her and sleep well now.

[@annadavis6361]

I use my rental income to pay my bills, my full time job money goes into savings AUTO transfer period and anything I earn outside of that is mine to spend as I please. This method has changed my life and my opportunity to retire with some money saved.

[@terryhenderson424]

When I, used alone, I took a slightly different approach. Things I could do a little work on then set off to do on their own were done 5 minutes at a time. This was particularly true with laundry. Washing and drying were done when ever a load was assembled. Now ....I could have multiple dried loads overflowing a basket and laid over each other atop the dryer waiting to be folded, hung, and put away in a single event. Inn terms of frugality, I did all the things about full loads, lesssclaundry soap, multiple wearing, etc... But I also invested in multiple laundry baskets; each for a type of laundry. I did this when I had in-home and also did laundry room/ laundry mat laundry. Dirty clothes went in thier laundry load basket. For a while there I was doing the "gotta drive to the laundry mat" thing and then I thrift stored enough clothing to use the double and triple washers; fewer trips, cheaper washing, and less dedicated time.

[@KateKaden]

Thank you Terry!!

[@ChristineYvonne-zr7yl]

First time visitor here... and yes i clicked like & follow. 😊 Yes!! Cut it! I never use my dishwasher - though I make sure to run it once every 3-4 months or so to help keep its gaskets from deteriorating. I do laundry approx once every 3 weeks. Solid sleep is sometimes challenging, great ideas about fans & bathroom motion-activated nightlights. Doing the best I can with the "Orange is the New Black" oops, I mean $3k is the new zero. 😂 Great idea about having a simple shortened email solely for purchases because curbing impulse buying is imperative! Thanks Kate for all your observations & suggestions. You're one smart woman!

[@miabernard3341]

Cut it! I enjoy your tips for frugal living...I have always grouped my must have errands for once a week. The goal was to keep it to 2 hours, save money but more importantly I had my organizational errands out of the way for the week. My errand trip included, gassing up the car, bank, and food shopping (my absolute must for the week). As for any activity using energy, dishwasher, showers are done at night to save energy costs (for me after 8pm). Laundry was always done on Sundays while I cooked. I found when I did this I didn't waste money on gas but a bigger plus I found was being prepared for the week. A tip that I have instituted also when shopping with others (I don't do this often) is to have a list of vetted items you can buy at the dollar limit ..when your thrifting, for presents or other needed supplies for the house. This reduces unnecessary spending.

[@KateKaden]

Mia, I love this!

[@Mawaireland89]

Great video ! One good reason to have better sleep : I drink less coffee and other energy drink. I also eat better and avoid snacks (especially sugar snacks). Better for your health in the long run !

[@karenbachar5253]

Cut it....Hi all! One thing I am starting to do is tweek recipies to make for 2 people -I was making family recipes and almost always wasting food....definitely working on this.

[@KateKaden]

Awesome Karen!!!!

[@lauragreen4899]

Hate wasting food. I eat every bite of leftovers.

[@johnclaybaugh9536]

Portion it and freeze it.

[@joannapatterson4625]

Sleep and daily movement is essential. Cultivate good habits long before perimenopause/menopause sets in. You will thank yourself!

[@KateKaden]

Absolutely! Thank you Joanna:)

[@suzettecooper382]

I'm 67 female, exercised and kept active all my life. I'm still in excellent health and exercise. I totally agree with you.

[@robinlacey9273]

I follow your once a week tip except for laundry. To be gentler on our septic system I only do a load when I have a full basket. Still only 2-3 loads a week... Just spread out

[@KateKaden]

Love it Robin!

[@WBWontYouBeMyNeighbor]

I like your plug for "mandatory good sleep" - I just set a bedtime alarm so I can start doing that tonight!! We use an old phone with the White Noise app for sleeping. There are several sounds to pick from. We put it on airplane mode. 🙂

[@KateKaden]

LOVE!!!! Thanks for being here!

[@michelleyeo2111]

I love watching your videos all the time

[@KateKaden]

This just made my day! Thank you so much Michelle!

[@kerryjames6312]

To be honest the waybpeople are these days thank God am single age 56❤

[@rosemoore5364]

Awesome advice. Not only do I want to CUT IT, I want any of your wonderful advice. Thank you and have a nice day.

[@terryhenderson424]

When single i had 2 four peice settings for a total of 8. I generally did dishes about every 3 days; sometimes instretched it to 5. I did a lot if batch and orepp cooking/ baking for which i did pots n pans as needed and typically mors often than dishes. I very eeldom used tge dish washer except as a drying rack.

[@s.v.4761]

CUT IT!! Just received a copy of the Total Money Makeover for my bday after seeing you rave about it in your videos and I'm so excited to delve into the knowledge and take notes! 🎉 Let's goooo

[@susie7823]

Cut it! I absolutely love these tips Kate ❤ Thank you so much for your videos xx

[@tutuluvsminnie7129]

i keep $3500 as my zero. i dont have it in m y account totals. I keep a journal/ledger and dont include that hidden money in totals. I am glad to hear that i am not crazy and others do it.

[@paulsargeant3764]

Kate, recently i bought a wealth building course & i'm now working on digital product. Im going to sell it via my IG & YT. If it works, it will be a nice extra side hustle 👌 x

[@badlands9100]

I mean this in a good way- I think its funny at times when you talk in third person..Thanks for sharing.

[@JGDD7190]

I wouldn't keep that $3000 in a checking account at least put in a savings account. Generally savings accounts have a higher interest rate, if you can find a credit union the interest is even better. Make that money work for you, it may not be much but as we all know...a penny earned...

[@susansampson3488]

I make a big pot of coffee, drink my cup of coffee and put the rest in a 24 hr thermos. I get 2 days of hot coffee, one day of iced coffee. I make coffee every 3rd day. I meal plan and batch cook. I only cook once a week.

[@tressalewis7004]

Nice to see you, Kate. Great info… And CUT IT!❤

[@KateKaden]

Hi Tressa!!!!!! Thank you:) :)

[@suzettecooper382]

Cut it. I calculate the weeks to my payment of bills and divide money to be able to my bills immediately. Less stress. Only wash full loads and wash dishes by hand. I live alone and hear lots of noises at night as I'm living in a rural setting in Australia. Love your cat s.

[@kaitlinobrien243]

Wow I am late to the party this week!! Have a lovely week Kate 💜🙏🌿. Cut it 🎄🎁🎄 I am feeling a little Christmas fever 😅. Yes to sleep 💤😴

[@astrumignis2030]

No matter how much I save, I have a Slogan, "I dont have any Money" it doesnt matter if my Bank Account hypothetically shows $20K, naturally to me, its as if i dont have it, but thats just how I treat it, so I totally understand.

[@KateKaden]

Love it!

[@TheThriftyPath]

great video. Thank you for sharing😊

[@KateKaden]

My pleasure!!! Thanks so much!!!!

[@fourdayhomestead2839]

❤hmm. 1x week, yes, works (2 hr side hussle that day, + in town laundry, necessary supplies if on sale at $$ general). 😊

[@KateKaden]

YASS:):)

[@Emily_CM]

Oh My Goodness! I can NEVER sleep so many hours! That’s a lot of sleep. Nice Share.

[@KateKaden]

And it's never enough:) LOL

[@Thefarm1889]

I'm going to implement the ideas. Great ideas! Thank you!

[@KateKaden]

You are so welcome!

[@fourdayhomestead2839]

#2 Goal is 5k buffer. #3 me: pay at pump when no needed sale items in their ad ($25-$30 savings each tank full 😁). #4 sleep more 2x week.

[@KateKaden]

Thank you ❤

[@wandahall4435]

Cut it ❤❤❤ Kate and Kaden 😮😮😮😊😊😊

[@KateKaden]

Cut it!!! Thank you Wanda:)

[@gingerstrait836]

Love seeing you on Friday! Cut it!

[@JudithMcPheron-pb9lv]

Thanks Kate. ❤😊❤ Cute KiKi stretching into the weekend. 🐱

[@jackiecouncil7809]

Love your personality!

[@KateKaden]

Thank you so much Jackie:)

[@suebee1540]

❤Thanks for the tips! I did say if i had a budget buffer i would spend it on frivolous things. But, you are right. I need to do better. I CAN do better, on top of emergency fund, 4 sinking funds, 4 types of investing accounts and 2 savings accounts, i will start doing a budget buffer again. 3000 is now 0. It will take me a while to get there, but I can do it. Right now my chequing account is -$2655 according to my new math.

[@KateKaden]

I adore you Sue!!!! Thank you🙏

[@suebee1540]

Oh my! I forgot to send kaden a hug! Here it is!​@@KateKaden

[@Fortnitecastaldo]

​@@suebee1540❤❤❤❤

[@Fortnitecastaldo]

You deserve a hug also ❤😊

[@pamelacallaway3922]

Good tips! ❤

[@cynthiarobinson-f4f]

Yessss, I have night lights in the bathroom

[@carolynbyrd5656]

Cut It !!!! Fantastic video. A lot of great information. Love

[@kaythegardener]

I review my online checking account 2x / month, since I get Social Security just once a month. I switch funds from checking to the associated savings account & then reverse it in the latter part of the month. But I also don't use my debit card except for a few times a year!!

[@leisure057blank3]

The new math, lol. I really want to do that email thing. The junk mail is killing me.

[@KateKaden]

Right? It's TOO much. The email thing will help for sure!

[@richardlionheart4663]

That budgetbuffer is very smart. Not only for miscalculation is budgetting. Also when the 1st day of salary pay most people take money from their checkingaccount their savingsaccount paybills. People also need to know when people get money the time they get interest on their money is one day later that they receive. The money they take from their checking account will be one earlier. So If you get like your salary and on the same day you pay your bills and put in savingsaccount. They amount of withdrawal from your checking account for bill and savings. You will pay 2 days interest. If you do this every year. That's 24 days you paying interest!

[@kristidarnbrough695]

Cut it! Thanks Kate! I am loving you videos ❤

[@KateKaden]

Thank you so so much!!!!! New ones every Friday (except holidays sometimes!) Hope you enjoy today's new video Kristi!

[@dianncotterell5531]

For me $1600 is my zero. Funny because I've been sayimg that for a year. I thought I was the only one that use the sound of the fan to sleep. That's even when it's freezing in my room. 60 degrees at times becase I also leave the window open during the winter.

[@chameeher879]

I love this!!!!! Thank you!!!

[@MissDjou14]

I live alone and I am a tenant. Currently I'm doing a kind of one-month challenge. I withdraw a certain amount from the ATM and stick to that amount for the week. My building was recently sold and I am at risk of being evicted because I don't pay much for my rent. This challenge helps me to be thrifty, in case I have to move to an apartment that will be more expensive. I live in Montreal Canada ;-)

[@teresablack6270]

Right there with you! 5000 is my zero.

[@susanryan7431]

Love this, so hard though. I go great but then give up 😢

[@carlienvandernet7902]

Most things I only do once a week as well, I’m single without kids and 60 years old, only grocery shopping I do multiple times a week now and then because I don’t have a car and can’t lift too many things to bring them home in one time. I admit I drink a lot of cola and the two liter bottles are very heavy but I just don’t like water tea or coffee. Most of the time I will sleep about 6 to 7 hours but I can function fine on just 4 hours as well. If you wake up at night always keep one eye closed that way you will be able to get to sleep again easier, your brain doesn’t really wake up that way. I also wake up at least every 3 hours to pee but I have some cola and smoke a sigaret and go back to bed and fall asleep straight away again 🤣😂🤣. No problem sleeping at all, I just feel safe in my house and don’t need any other noise to make me sleepy and when I sleep it’s like I’m in a coma and I don’t hear anything at all.

[@SassySue67]

Remember if you have ceiling fan in your home you can switch it to rotate clockwise which pushes the heat trapped at the ceiling back down into the room. Saves on heating cost. Cut it!

[@rasiordia7265]

Great video new motto live by myself “ no one is going to bail me out” cut it

[@KateKaden]

Love it!!!!!

[@biblioholic7139]

Don't shy away from buying bulk even though you're on your own. As long as you use it all, you probably save on unit cost and/or are hedging against inflation. Also, set up your programmable or smart thermostat, heating/cooling costs are the biggest housing costs that you have any ongoing control over.

[@catgodfrey6451]

Cut it😊 same here laundry, dishwasher, & errands❤

[@annettebrassbridge8413]

Love your videos

[@KateKaden]

Thank you so much Annette!!!!

[@marylambeth2561]

Cut it! Thanks for all the tips!

[@KateKaden]

You are so welcome Mary!

[@cynthiacampbell7224]

Great tips thanks

[@pigletsbank437]

That 3000 is as a budget buffer, if there is an very unecspected extra expense (like a flat Tire couple of weeks ago) or perhaps i am ill, my autopay can continue to go trough without going red or higher bills because it bounced the first time. The second email is a good tip because dentist, doctors, rent, free food delivery sent almost 8 mails for one sipping. Ending up: me missing an appointment that i shoudnt have missed in al the no nonsens mails, thanks going to fix this!

[@joeriveracomedy]

I sleep next to a fan and an amstaff who has big ears and a roaring bark

[@MaryLinton-j3s]

Real life info. Thanks ❤❤❤

[@KateKaden]

You are very welcome! Thanks Mary!

[@sinkintostillness]

I've tried to explain "zero" checking to my husband in the past. He doesn’t get my logic. I don’t know when I started this but I think it was from my first pay check at age 15. £100 meant "zero" back then! 😂 I also do all of my purchases on one email account whilst having another separate account. Have done this for years, it has been brilliant for not receiving junk. Even better is unsubscribing from them all!

[@niki9638]

Two of us. Hubby liked running dishwasher daily. It’s a 2 1/2 hour cycle. That ended about a month ago. Hand washing now. Laundry every two weeks, and hang everything we can to dry.

[@KateKaden]

Love it!

[@annmarie1758]

I never use my dishwasher and also only do laundry 2 or ,3 times a month. Saves quite a bit of both energy and money

[@Devie-q9g]

Let the dishwasher fill up so you save money on electricity and water.

[@virginialangford6257]

Live alone…also never use the dishwasher…in fact I just arranged to have it removed and a cupboard in its place. Laundry maybe 2 times a month and hung …don’t have a dryer. Use the air oven, why heat the big one? Had to get a new fridge last year…i downsized to a smaller one…actually smaller makes the kitchen look a little nicer. Don’t have a TV, computer or stereo,a tablet is all I need/ want. Sweep before vacuuming floors, hand mix whenever possible, fan first over A/C and area heaters, charge the phone in the car. It all adds up. I heat with electric…my electric bill is $60 ( average yearly) …all the little things do add up.

[@shelbygreen3404]

Hi Kate Awesome 👏 ❤

[@KateKaden]

Hi Shelby!

[@HandsomeHenley]

I keep $1000=0 buffer in checking at all times. Emergency fund in HYSA.

[@KateKaden]

Love it!!!!

[@megamusicmessenger]

I have my emergency money in a separate account "3000" so it looks like I have less money then I do. Also spending money and bill money seprate . Makes live so much easier and I always can pay my bills .

[@grannyprepper1181]

Cut it! I usually get 6 to 7 hours sleep. About once every 10 to two weeks I will do a 10 to 12 hour night. Yes, the fan is a must. And a night light. I’m too old to stumble around in the dark. 😂😂

[@kerryjames6312]

I am 56 single lady live with my 27 year old twins can relate

[@arthurmantzouris4413]

Cut it...I love these videos Kate.....😊😊😊

[@Devie-q9g]

Dishes ONCE a week?! It must be because you have a dishwasher. I wash by hand. Wash them when they go into the sink, then set in strainer to dry. Doing a fork plate and cup is easier to do immediately then have a sink full of dishes. Dishwasher: fill that thing up and save money on electricity and water.

[@Devie-q9g]

Also one load of laundry per day will seem like motivation instead of a chore. I put the second load in the washer all excited but then after the dryer my clothes either sit in the dryer or basket until the next day. ONE LOAD OF LAUNDRY PER DAY. STAY MOTIVATED!!!

[@marysigmon4913]

Great video as always

[@KateKaden]

Mary, thank you so much!!!!!