5 Frugal Things & One I Probably Shouldn't Admit

[@AmyWaytoSave]

Ever since you moved I can tell that you are so much happier (not that you were unhappy before)! It's so nice to see you in larger city where there are people your age to hang out with. Your boyfriend is cute! I'm so glad that you have met someone special!

[@booksarepeopletoo9665]

I would like to see on how you share spending in a relationship. Does your significant other share your debt free lifestyle? How do you communicate about these issues.? How do you keep spending from becoming lopsided? How do you decide on free or low cost things to do? What if do you do if one needs/wants to save and the other needs/wants to spend? You get the idea. How about a video on how to deal with money while dating especially if you are committed to a debt free lifestyle.

[@cristalradcliff1951]

BooksArePeopleToo : Good idea

[@rhondapetsch6539]

I would have returned them too. I am a minimalist and can't see keeping something you will never use. Consumerism is rampant in this country and where a big portion of where our money goes.

[@shawna2boys716]

I paid off two credit cards recently. I still have $27K to go.

[@hubert187]

You can do it, you are on the good way!

[@traciekiger1918]

I thought you said” cereal “ returners and I couldn’t figure that one out at first😜I thought you’d try the cereal and then take back lol TFS

[@hobbyhomesteader5801]

I am not a serial returner however I do give gifts and I know I would MUCH rather the recipients enjoy their gift and if that means exchanging it, do it! A gift should be enjoyed, however that joy comes about!

[@jazziered142]

I too would return. I don't think there is anything wrong with that. I agree, love what you have, don't keep what you don't.

[@juliebeal8574]

Those pillows!!! I want to make my mom one for Christmas from one of my grandfathers pajama tops! And I had NOT EVEN thought of making different covers for my throw pillows and just changing the covers! I think you just changed my life... :) I am a person who always gives a gift with the warning that if the person can't use it then they should please feel free to re-gift it to exchange, so I think it's just smart to return/re-gift rather than hide it away. :) This year my husband and I agreed that we will only give each other gifts for Christmas that we make or that comes from thrift stores, and the people that I usually buy for in my family will be getting home-made gifts. I'm pretty excited! :)

[@BudgetGirl]

yay!

[@meganbarton4411]

Budget Girl, I love your content! Thanks to your videos and advice, I have now finished Baby Step 1 and have my small emergency fund saved up! : )

[@TheChooken83]

Love the glasses, who cares if you return for something u love and can use, it’s best in the long run

[@samfinnegan4304]

I feel you on not keeping things you don't need. I'm moving soon, and even though my stuff is limited to one room, I have so much stuff!!! I've committed to each week eliminating a little bit, but so far every week it's been two trash bags out at a time, a brief feeling of accomplishment, and then a return to my room to see it looks like nothing has changed. XD

[@pkeele]

I have hard time with gift cards too - I think it's been a long road to living clutter free that it makes me nervous to bring anything home (even if it's a gift).

[@read_reviewsew674]

Thank you for the freezing bananas with peels idea.

[@rochellethundercloud346]

I agree. If possible, returning items that you will not use is a good idea. Why fill your home with excessive clutter. Great job on the pumpkins. For cheaper drinking glasses, thrift stores. Or dollar tree. Wash well,obviously.

[@ladybugrunner42]

I love that you returned the prize for something you now love! I hate to give gift cards in general. However, I also stress about picking out gifts/prizes because I want the person receiving it to love it. So this was a win win for you and the host who also enjoyed picking them out! PS: Clear and obvious winner! ;) As far as the rain boots, I would not count them as a total fail. Now you will have a pair you can keep in your car and one in your home. I have been slowly stocking up on umbrellas so I can have one at home, my office and one in each of our cars. I live in Alabama so most rainy days are warm. I keep an extra pair of old flip flops and a small towel in my car. Then I can change my shoes real quick if I get somewhere and it is raining. Rain boots would be very nice though on those occasional cold rainy days.

[@KITTYKITTYBO]

I've never returned anything, but I agree with you 100%. I'm always telling, especially younger family members, family and friends to please let me know if they don't like something so that I can handle it or give them a receipt-and I literally state otherwise it's a waste of my money for you to not enjoy it when I spent money for you to enjoy it… congratulations on the pumpkin contest!

[@findingaway5512]

Medusa is Def the winner! Lol. Something I love to do with my home made gifts of usually some cookies or chocolate pretzels is put in a cute festive dollar store bag. They have backs of like 20 or something like that. And I tie on an ornament that looks more expensive then a dollar on to the bag. The ornament serves as a tree decoration... I love getting ornaments myself, and the food is yummy. Keeps costs down and makes the gift a bit more classy then just the home made element for those I want to do more for.

[@cgale1971]

You are the "clear and obvious" winner in the pumpkin contest 😀. You guys are a great looking couple and look so happy. There is no shame in appreciating the gift enough to realize that it just isn't for you and to get what you can use. I always feel the point of a gift is to bring happiness in whatever form you see fit.

[@safepethaven]

Both carved pumpkins are excellent but yours was much more intricate so still gets #1!

[@socratesaristotle101]

We bought solar chargers for our phones, GPS, and laptop. They come with solar flashlights installed so they are great on multiple levels. They have saved us so much money in hydro. We ride bikes instead of driving if, where we are going is within Ten miles.

[@fayefaraldo9943]

Yes, I am a returner and do not feel guilty about it. Loved both pumpkins, too hard to choose. Sisters have to stick together, so I pick you. Love your channel and learn alot from you. Have a happy holiday from So. Calif.

[@atruefallenangel3]

I do the same thing all the time. When u live in a tiny home u have to love what u bring in to ur home. And yes u were definitely the winner lol I love it

[@lindashaw9034]

I like the idea of returning unused goods you dont want and finding something that you willuse. Good idea!

[@rochellethundercloud346]

A tip.if you have a lone sock,instant pot holder,cat toy,dusting rag,fill with cat litter, tie,put in a smelly shoe,or area.you can also use mothballs. Old,raggedy clothes, fabric patches and cleaning rags.if it's a button down shirt, cut off the button and save in empty pill bottles. Do this with empty pill bottles and sewing needles. And straight pins.to know exactly what you have, try the konmari method of decluttering. And you didn't waste 20 dollars on new rain boots,because you'd need to replace eventually, so you have one less thing to worry about. I agree with you on returning things that you're not going to use.today,I went to a good and clothing pantry. They had tons of makeup, but I left it alone. That makeup isn't working for me. No way was it possible to rock any of it.it was meant for a darker skin tone. They have jewelry, too.I got what looks good on me.why grab stuff nobody wants?

[@TheGardeningArtist]

Omg I just loved how you took a pic of the pumpkins and your pup. Soooooo cute!

[@MeganBecnel]

I had a friend come over and stick a whole bunch in my freezer. I've been wondering how I was gonna deal with that. Glad to know to microwave them

[@francinecruz7499]

So right about the gifts not using, man those are some pricey glasses. Enjoying your channel, and new as of yesterday.

[@katelynbendinsky5080]

Love how you always have things that we can apply today!

[@HeyHeyCaseyRae]

I will return a gift in a hot second! If I'm not gonna use it, then it's a waste of their money and my space. I actually once returned groceries. My grandma was being sweet and bought me some groceries during a hard time...but it was food I wouldn't eat...so yep...i exchanged them.

[@matemahe]

Hey Hey Casey Rae wow didn't know that was a thing

[@janeygomez4552]

If you can locate a Mexican market they should be able to tell you the good spots. My husband is Hispanic and when we travel we are searching for Mexican market that sells sweet breads aka pastries and they are always happy to tell you good places and sometimes they have little restaurants in the store. We have had some great food just stopping in for his pastries!

[@keepingitsimplebertanamari5676]

Hey. Love the pumpkins! About the ripe bananas...I often end up with just one that got a bit to ripe at the end of the week. I like to add it in a cake mix or with pancake mix. No one even notices. But it makes the cake nice and moist. Yum.

[@marinacarter131]

Hi!! I'm 20 years old you're so inspirational

[@denisestathatos4147]

The pillow covers will make great gift ideas. Go to Walmart and buy two and make the pillow covers for presents!

[@summerlyric506]

Thanks for the tips on the bananas. I froze mine peeled in ziplock and like you said they turned horribly brown.

[@reeniesroost1680]

I love the mens shirt pillows! Genius!

[@nicolehill1115]

I would have returned too! I've returned gifts my kids have received if I know they won't play with them long term. I put the money towards something they need or put it in their accounts. Love the glasses-perfect for sippin' adult bevs!

[@CentsibleLivingWithMoneyMom]

I hope it is okay to say I think you and Jacob make a very cute couple.

[@jenniferwebster296]

You guys are a great looking pair! So glad you are living so happy and well.

[@wishuponakate]

I've totally done that (returned stuff for store credit) to get someting I could get more use out of. I do re-gift sometimes too, but only if I am pretty certain the new recipient would actually value the gift I am passing on.

[@msaxon98]

Great ideas! I enJOY hearing the fun & frugal date nights you have. I think what helps most is growing up with parents who made the most in every circumstance. Balling month, Frugal Month, or Broke Month we enJOYed so Many things as family that were free or low cost as we spent time together & still had times of grand vacations & outtings as well.

[@freedominabudget]

I am totally with you on bringing those gag gifts back! It's so much more productive to get you will actually use and love! Congratulations Megan on becoming DEBT FREE!!!! Wooooohooooo!!

[@mknothe]

Love the little supermodel posing in between the pumpkins 😍😍😍😍

[@jennymcclung3620]

I am absolutely a serial returner! I've never met another one. You are correct-I feel it is wasteful and allows clutter in my life. Ain't nobody got time for that ;)

[@dpowell964]

Working on paying off my credit cards starting with the smallest balances first working my way to the larger balances.Congrats on being debt free!!!!!!

[@aiya3130]

100% with you on not keeping a gift/prize you don't use. It's not worth the space it takes to store it, the time it may take to clean it and move it around, etc. Presumably the person who gave it to you wouldn't want you to keep it if you weren't getting any use out of it, anyway.

[@sussgabbyout5608]

I'm tottally gona be doing this too! Omg yes! No shame at all. Especially with your reasoning.

[@denisejones3192]

I would have returned the gag gifts, too! I’d much rather have something I can use.

[@AlejandraEnNYC]

Denise Jones most of the time will be used for the next garage sale

[@AlejandraEnNYC]

Ok

[@lilannegirl03]

I had to pause the video to say that I completely agree with you on the Tex-Mex vs Mexican food!! And you are so right about the white queso on the Mexican rice! 😋😋😋😍 I hope you find a good restaurant soon! 👍

[@AlexandraTheeGreat]

Omg!! My family are believers in freezing fruits and vegetables and reuse for smoothies, banana beard, and mix vegetables medley.

[@jjscosita]

Love the pink glasses. They look vintage.

[@noreenn6976]

The shirt pillow covers are a genius idea, love it!!!!

[@EVRYDYPRNCSSORGANIZES]

I went to a work Christmas party and my gift from the drawing was a set of poker chips. I don't play poker. Someone at the party bought them from me for $20.

[@lizstuart4967]

I love the drinking glasses! I'm a re-gifter and a returner! I take it a step further though lol. I actually regifted some of my wedding gifts (shame shame). I recently gave my cousin a beautiful wedding frame, towels and candles I never opened and just kept my fingers crossed she didn't see me open them at my shower last year! 😂😂😂😂

[@AidynNichi]

I agree with your return of the contest prizes. Besides, once something's given to you, is yours and up to you what you do with it, right? Love your videos! Keep it up!

[@coffeetime1]

Look for a Taqueria! That's were you will find authentic Mexican food.

[@kimrodriquez6854]

OMG. Right now all I am thinking is why have I never returned things to get something I wanted. Also nice glasses. Also you two are a good looking couple. 💘

[@1roze4me]

Hmmm...looking at the pumpkins on the counter closely, it was a little difficult to chose. That spider is definitely creepy looking, esp. while it’s glowing! The Medusa was a little tough for my eyes to see until it was glowing and I was like 😲🙈 seriously, excellent job on the Medusa! But I have to declare the winner to the pumpkin in the middle. I’m sorry, but that’s the winner, hands down! Too precious! 🎃

[@HappilyNeverAfter]

Give those rainboots a try on/walkaround. I left a pair in my trunk for a few months and the heat of the car dried out the rubber and when I tried to put them on they just basically tore and crumbled. Buying a new pair might not have been a fail after all. (Though obviously I hope both pairs remain in good condition).

[@lynne2798]

If I don't like something and I know where they got it I would return as well. The glasses you picked are nice. Hubby had gotten some $ for his b-day we were going to use it to pay off a debt. Unfortunately hubbys car needed a new catalytic converter so some of the bday $ is going to that. His laptop for work/school that he has had for about 9 years died over the weekend. I also hurt myself a few weeks ago and haven't gotten clearance from the doc to go back to my part time job. Needless to say it's been a rough month but we will make it work. We have a plan.

[@MattheaRenteaMD]

Those pillow covers you made are amazing!

[@XeniaAllen]

A lot of people return gifts that are given to them to get something else that they prefer. You are hardly the only person who does it. Gives that I get and won't use, I donate to Goodwill. I stay away from re-gifting because you can end up forgetting who gave you the gift and re-gift it to the person who gave it to you, and that can be embarrassing. .Also, I prefer to use the word inexpensive instead of cheap.

[@mallorys.8066]

Don’t feel bad! I would have done the same thing. I received a very thoughtful gift from a student with Bath and Body products in it. It is so sweet but I don’t care for all the scents so I am going to exchange it. Also if you have an El Nopal it is pretty good and inexpensive!

[@ageisonlyanumber8334]

Good returns, gag gifts are not my thing either. I'd go back and get another glass because I always break one! Keep those rain boots in the car, because you NEVER know when you might be out and about and need them with you.

[@jenn7753]

You guys are so cute!! I think both pumpkins are good but Medusa looked better lit up. I have never returned a gift but I regift all the time. My aunt always gets me a bunch of “filler” gifts for Christmas. I put them in a tote and use them for secret Santa gifts or even birthday gifts if I think the person will like it. Saves me time and money. You just have to be careful you don’t regift to the person who gave it to you. lol

[@tippysgrammy3118]

I liked both pumpkin designs .... it's a "tie". 🎃😃

[@elizabethquintana4432]

Congrats on winning 1st place on the pumpkin competition! I would have exchanged the prizes too. As for Mexican food in that area, i think Bryan will be your better choice for a hole on a wall type restaurant (whatever you do stay away from taqueria arandas). But if you and Jacob want a little more of a “fancy” restaurant feel los cucos by krogers in Bryan is good.

[@Priscilla_Bettis]

I dunno, that spider pumpkin is pretty darn cool. I'd say it's a tie. Your new drinking glasses are pretty!

[@deedum75]

I agree,if it doesn't spark joy & all that. good thing you could return. Regarding the bananas, I have thrown them in the freezer for ages. always great when ya wanna make banana bread for sure.

[@TruFinancials]

Fantastic job on the pumpkins 🎃 (You are the obvious winner). I would have returned those items as well 😂 nothing wrong with that.

[@michellesunshinestar]

Can you return stuff without the receipt?

[@TruFinancials]

You can up to a certain amount I think. I had to return a Christmas gift a few years ago, and the person didn't give me a receipt. Target gave me a store credit (at the lowest price within the last 90 days I think) to use towards something else.

[@elizabethm3437]

TruFinancials 6

[@nanasplacepaula]

I bet the host(ess) wouldn't care as they had the fun of shopping, throwing the party, etc. so probably would love that you got more entertainment by getting something you can use!

[@jassyh.3174]

It's cool how you are still living the college life but getting paid well.

[@cutiepiemania45]

Finished baby step one and expecting a large return from my school that I can put towards clearing the interest on one of my loans so I can make payments to the principal

[@bshaw4568]

Keep the rain boots in your car! It's a good emergency pair!

[@nanamjbri]

I actually like them both 👍🏻 great job to the both of you 👍🏻 the most important thing is that you both had fun carving them 🎃🎃

[@deboraho6350]

If it was all adults at the party I’d have done the same and returned the gifts, if there was children their I’d have donated the prizes. Fabulous pumpkins by the way I agree you were the clear winner, is it because all the other pumpkins turned to stone! Lol Xx

[@BudgetGirl]

It was all adults.

[@sherrycunningham1253]

Great job! You're not competitive no not at all. He is good also. Better luck with the next one( smile)

[@liveyourbestlife143]

When I get gifts I do not need or like... I sell them on ebay. Sort of the same thing. 🤓

[@summerlyric506]

Wowwww!! U guys did great on the jank o lanters!!!!! I like to stuffing stuff from Dollar Tree too.

[@FrugalMomHolly]

I'm a returner and a regifter hehe

[@klarson84]

You could take your extra boots to your office, might come in handy if it rains after you get to your office and your rain boots are in your car.....not speaking from experience or anything😊

[@kaelaleedaley]

Totally agree with you returning the gifts, I don't think that the 'Prizes' that you won were really appropriate for the guests that attended. Gift Cards would have been better prizes! We're REALLY big belivers in only giving useful, not wasteful gifts - the cost is irrelevant xx

[@rhondajoyner7083]

I say the pup should have gotten a cutie pie award!

[@samanthamcmanus423]

Hi there! (sorry, late to the game). Found out about your channel when you did your debt free scream on the Dave Ramsey Show (congratulations - yay!!). I like both pumpkins - they came out very nice!! There is absolutely nothing wrong with returning anything you are not going to use, especially if it can be resold. I once returned $30+ of food (boxed/canned) to the grocery store when I was moving back home from college. Returning things you have USED may or may not be ok. If it is defective, return it. But I discovered my daughter was frequently returning make up she didn't like, like it was a buy-try-return program or something. I had to explain that is not fair to the make up company because now that the product is used, they can't resell it, and it just becomes trash. Maybe this won't hurt their bottom line very much, but it is a waste, the item just goes to the landfill, that is not the purpose of return policies, and I felt it was sort of dishonest when you are doing it all the time just so you can try make up you aren't sure about.

[@irhonda31]

Oh, I have to have my “hole-in-the-wall” Mexican food haunts, too! I don’t think I’ve had Tex-Mex, I’m in CA. TFS!

[@barbniantic]

Returning the prizes was a good idea.....they gave you a laugh which is what the host wanted and then you got what you wanted.

[@alycer.6471]

Your clearly a winner!!! 🌻

[@cristalradcliff1951]

Hey BG HE IS FINE. pumpkins look very nice. Love your Channel. Keep going strong. When I got out of debt I did NOT stop my retirement and I did just fine. Cudos to all who are striving

[@FrugalMomHolly]

What a cute little puppers awww

[@heatherwilson1910]

Ooh Medusa every time! And hello Jacob!

[@bajan256]

Wait. Hold the phone! BG got a BF. So happy for you. Sending you much vibes from Trinidad and Tobago

[@allisonfc8373]

Did you go to a taqueria? Find a taqueria. Where the menu is at least partially in Spanish. If there are items such as Tortas, Huaraches, and Sopas, you're in the right place!!!

[@kimberlymasick1752]

Your so sweet, just love you and your videos... I think you should do a side hustle making those gorgeous pillow covers!!!

[@mio.giardino]

I donate the gifts I don't like or would use. No point keeping things that'll take up valuable storage space.

[@ouvickie]

I love both pumpkins, but the Medusa was clearly more work and very creative, I would have never thought of that one! The glasses are pretty - good job thinking to return those gag gifts. I hate to sound like a scrooge, but I loathe gag gift & white elephant parties. Those gifts always end up at GW, so I rarely attend them anymore, if I do attend I take a consumable item. My FFTs: We attended a friend's birthday dinner Friday evening. I gave him an Amazon gift card - I get reward points on my account and he can have fun choosing what he wants for himself -win/win. I spent $37 at Aldi Saturday and got enough food to last us a week - I love that store. I have a credit card I've been working to pay off and my Credit Union offered to transfer the balance to one of their cards at 3.25% interest instead of 24%, no fee for transferring and I have a year to pay off the balance before it increases to 7% - that will save some money and I can get rid of the other card. I should be able to get it done in 10 months at the most. Our Health insurance premiums will actually go down for 2018, PRAISE the Lord! I decided to make a donation in the name of a deceased friend, instead of buying flowers for his funeral - much more personal and less expensive. #stickwithbg

[@brandiaden4561]

Amazon is great on returns if you haven’t used the shoes.

[@rochellethundercloud346]

Or use for cleaning rags,or patches.

[@TheRealLydiaSenn]

I love the glasses! Also, I regift like it's my job. I mean, I'm not made of money. #stickwithbg

[@kerynl.sanchez9891]

Of course returning them was the best option

[@leticiaurbach1720]

Thankyou

[@madewithlovebymari]

Love those target glasses. Good job.