6 Common Frugal Habits I REFUSE to Follow

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[@sarahbannon4752]

I would rather live in the tiniest shoebox sized studio apartment, than a. share with a flatmate(s), and b. live in a house or larger flat in a bad neighbourhood. I’ve done flat-sharing with four other people when at university, never, ever, ever, again 🙈

[@amyjacob2100]

Same! One roommate a long time ago taught me I’d rather live alone.

[@dfjulesful]

Same! At one time I think I was sharing with five other people, never ever again

[@zo_471]

I’ve lived alone for 15 years and think it’s the best thing ever. I’ve been privileged enough that I’ve only ever shared with my brother and only for a few months 🤍🩶🖤

[@valerieannrumpf4151]

I agree 100%.

[@miamiflorida6965]

I live in 400 Square ft and work from home. I am sooo blessed. ❤❤❤

[@anaisanwar8424]

Honestly, at the end of a long day, working in retail, I don’t wanna look at another person’s face. So coming home to an empty house is pure bliss. I find coupons are for items that are unhealthy and products I would never buy in the first place. A great pair of jeans is always worth the money.

[@mspro9032]

I agree coupons are generally for unhealthy items and items that have so many chemicals in them

[@natinchile]

And a great haircut.

[@georgevavoulis4758]

I was waiting in line at Shoppers Drugmart 10 MINUTES because some bimbo who looked EXACTLY like those women on trash reality show Real Hoysewives Pf Orange County and she had a letter couriers bag full of coupons to save money then I see her go onto a $150,000 PORSCHE . I was furious if I lived in another country I tell her pay cash don't be so cheap . What fool married her

[@insomniacresurrected1000]

I work as a tour guide, I love being home alone in my room afterwards.

[@workinprogresssince1974]

I think it depends on who is couponing. I get coupons on plant based milk, fruit and vegetables. And also brands I normally don't buy because they are too expensive, but help to keep my meals interesting. I scratch cook so I don't eat ready made stuff anyway.

[@jeffreycheng5984]

Money can't buy happiness, but it can make dealing with misery a lot easier.

[@genevieveslocum2122]

Shoes are where I pull out all the stops. I’ll pay more for comfortable, supportive shoes that I can run, walk and stand it for long stretches of time and won’t give me foot problems

[@pdodwell1575]

Your comment about fixing a problem that can be fixed with money reminded me of the philosophy of my first wife. She thoroughly believed in and convinced me of the truth of the following: if you have a problem that can be solved with money and you have money, you don’t have a problem.

[@mcgrimus1455]

As an amateur woodworker I will happily take your "used" wood. Only someone who works with wood knows if something is truly trash or can be reused.

[@beatrixk.6723]

I could never share a house with a stranger even not with my best friend for the same reasons.I am a very private person and i don't like someone leaving a mess in the kitchen or bring visitors in when I come home tired from work.

[@AccordingtoNicole]

Exactly

[@YeshuaKingMessiah]

I just go in my room if I rly don’t want to pretend I’m happy when I’m not But I’m in a good mood usually n don’t feel a need to entertain ppl so I just coexist peacefully. If the kitchens bad I will literally go get them out of bed.

[@pacifica9718]

Absolutely agree on not sharing a house/renting a room. I'm happy with my own company and greatly value my own private space.

[@brucemorris3830]

2 times I have tried to find a decent roommate for a 2 bedroom apartment 2/2 I have come home to find out my roommate is smoking something like crystal meth or crack in my apartment. Idk what but it smelled like a tire fire inside a 1950s darkroom 🙄🙄🙄 two times down that was *IT* for me. No more roommates/boarders/subletters etc etc. You give these fuckers one inch and they’ll take a mile.

[@robynbaynton14]

I very recently had a much younger than me roommate move out! I will never have another roommate again

[@MatthewTheWanderer]

I've spent most of my adult life living alone. But, I have had to share a house or rent a room a few times. After doing that for a couple of years (2021-23) recently, it was such a horrible experience in all three houses I lived in during that period that I decided that I'd rather be homeless than do that again! Now, I live alone in a 2-bedroom apartment and it's infinitely better!

[@melissalee9171]

I would not rent a room to anyone. Way to stressful. If they don’t pay trying to get them out can be a nightmare and if they are a slob that is another huge problem. I think you have great values. Love your videos.

[@joaquimrodriguez8961]

I would an have in the past providing they sign a rental lease. I did it for some members of my congregation of the church I attend. $400.0 per month per room. Utility's not included. And there's extra charge for extra space needed, if they're hoarders.

[@MatthewTheWanderer]

@@joaquimrodriguez8961 $400/month is what I paid every time I rented a room in the last few years.

[@MatthewTheWanderer]

Also, being the one who rents the room is also very shitty if the landlord/homeowner/other roommates suck, which is what usually happens.

[@midnightodellewest1999]

My dad used to say that my mom could “pinch a penny tighter than anyone and not make it hurt”. She didn’t like doing lots of product research, so she followed one simple method- buy the second cheapest of the item you’re in the market for. I’ve followed suit and it has yet to fail me.

[@malcolmnicholls2893]

Interesting

[@ltwig476]

I'm 68 and I would say that is a good rule of thumb. For some things it's a bit trickier. Especially when you get into things like auto resale values. Appliances can be a bit finicky. I purchased the lowest models of washer/ dryer, refrigerator and stove. They are all well taken care of and still going strong after 30 years. I purchased the top model of water heater, sump pump, kitchen and bathroom sinks, with no regrets. For my art, I purchase #1 and #3 oil paint, never #2. For a new car, I purchase the top loaded model for better bargaining power and resale. For used vehicle, just opposite. For a new roof, the 2nd cheapest is likely the best. For auto tires, it gets real tricky. Except there are great online comparison tools to help with tires. Those big Christmas sales on big screen TVs are a nooo. Always research the specific model # for problems, no matter which good brand. Typically they are only discounting those models with problems.

[@stephenh.4476]

Give one example of an item you bought that was a major purchase and also the second cheapest.

[@midnightodellewest1999]

@@stephenh.4476 my vacuum cleaner. I could list more but you said to only list one

[@whatevergoesforme5129]

@@ltwig476 I noticed that products that don't go on sale usually tend to be good products.

[@kirbythsquirrel]

I love thrifting, but I have had to cut back because it was becoming a source of overconsumption in my life. The thrill of the hunt and the find is so fun that I ended up buying things I didn't actually need.

[@valerieewing4023]

Since extreme couponers aired, grocery stores have stopped doubling coupons and all the things that used to get the bills down to zero. Too many people started doing it.

[@ritalawson7020]

Exactly I saw people on videos on KZbin getting hundreds of dollars of food with coupons and pay hardly anything for it all

[@audrablue515]

We don’t have coupons here in my country but I wish we did. Of course I’d still only buy the things I need and use regularly. But it would be nice to get discounts on stuff. It would certainly save me a lot of money

[@YeshuaKingMessiah]

@@ritalawson7020food? I doubt it; they rarely have food coupons just packaged garbage.

[@whatevergoesforme5129]

@@audrablue515 We have coupons in my country but almost all the time, I don't like the products so I seldom use those coupons.

[@deelong9883]

I firmly believe in "you get what you pay for" especially when talking about tools and electronics. I'm convinced that companies purposely produce low quality products so that they have be replaced. Or they make products in a way that makes them almost impossible or highly costly to repair.

[@dingusdingus2152]

You are correct. This is called planned obsolescence.

[@whatevergoesforme5129]

@@dingusdingus2152 Agree...and even with expensive ones. And now, almost everything is on subscription. Plus, manufacturers make it hard to repair appliances, cars, gadgets because they are subverting our right to repair. That is why I will never buy any EV aside from the cost. And I try to hold on analog appliance or gadgets that I can still use before being forced to go digital with them. I don't even use a smart phone.

[@dingusdingus2152]

@@whatevergoesforme5129 I suspect EVs are a species of scam. They will not be the environmental salvation that the boosters want us to think. The cons appear to outweigh the pros. The car industry is a racket.

[@oldfilmguy9413]

I have had a simple philosophy for all of my adult life: If I can't be warm or cool, comfortable in my home, what am I working for? I have a friend whose wife is constantly changing the thermostat up or down depending on the season, making her husband miserable, all it the name of saving a few dollars each month. And they are more than reasonably well off. I couldn't live like that! Cheers!

[@Lenneeful]

I purchase used clothes as much as possible BUT a problem I face is the smell of perfume that stays in some clothing. I bought a really nice cotton dress that smelled like perfume. I washed it about 5 times, I left it on the clothes line in the rain for days. The smell still persisted. I couldn't keep it. I amazes me how the chemical components of perfume can stick to clothing. It surprises me even more that people still use these products.

[@AccordingtoNicole]

Bleh

[@virginialangford6257]

Oh I so agree…I am allergic to most artificial scents…they make my throat itch and I cough to the point that it actually annoys people. I know it gives some people pretty bad headaches….why it is still legal is beyond me…it’s my air too and no one has the right to ruin it ( think how we won’t allow smoking in almost all spaces) …

[@RabiaSammy]

Girl house hacking and roomates is something i will never do again, I'd rather work 2 jobs than to share my space. Roommates should be someone you love and trust, but living with a stranger is something i can never wrap my head around and has always been a nightmare

[@ritalawson7020]

I know that you can't trust someone you don't know they can even wreck things move out and you have to repair it

[@RabiaSammy]

Exactly and just another point, even in freindships its quite a bit test, people have fallen out after living with someone they considered a freind@@ritalawson7020

[@jelkel25]

There's a difference between being frugal and being a miser, we all have limits and the "buy once cry once" thing is very true for some things. I like an expensive matress because I like my back to work in the morning and good cotton sheets because poly cotton just feels horrible and they wear out much quicker. Will repurpose if the alternate use is right there in front of me but not to make dust gatherers with.

[@bufordghoons9981]

If I were a movie produce, I would cast Nicole as Peppermint Patty.

[@mindyg1975]

I especially agree about having my own space. I have never lived with anyone in my adult life, and can't imagine I ever will. I know I'm considered an oddball as far as societal norms, but I don't care. Like you said, people should do what works for them, you do you and I'll do me. I love living alone, just me and the fur-babies! Another great video Nicole!

[@timothyswauger3984]

Spot on comment!!!

[@nagarcia76]

Nothing wrong with buying a FORD. I love my old beat up pickup truck. Super reliable ad gets the job done. Please don't put companies down.

[@andreabellini6796]

My 23 year old daughter is my roommate. I definitely could never have a traditional roommate ever again. It’s never been a good experience, especially because I’m very tidy and a lot of people are really messy.

[@paul_domici]

I agree 100% ! I'm frugal where I can be and never wasteful! But I just bought a 2021 Honda Pilot from my sister in law : ) And paid cash for it! You just can't compromise on certain things! Great video Nicole!

[@AccordingtoNicole]

Well said!

[@sandrainontario6710]

Toyota, Subaru, Honda you can't go wrong. My brother worked for Honda for years and when I called to talk to him about a used Civic I was about to purchase with 125000 miles on it, he said "that's just broke in on a Honda" 😊

[@jeffreycheng5984]

​@@sandrainontario6710Love. It's what makes a Subaru burn oil, head gaskets, and CVT's.

[@agemoth]

@@AccordingtoNicoleOne day ,'you will own nothing ,and be happy.' as Klaus Schwab from the WEF declares ! (that includes your home which will be used for meetings for other people when you are not using it!)

[@vchafab]

@@sandrainontario6710 True. I sold my 2001 accord for $2500 with 340,000 miles on it. It was impeccable and ran good. I bought another accord and when I went for maintenance, the guy in front of me was the guy who bought it 3 years ago. Said it still is running great.

[@Adventuresawait68]

Agree with all your points 100%! The thrifting one cracked me up lol. Clothes that people farted in 😂

[@YeshuaKingMessiah]

I don’t get it. U wash ur thrift finds, right? Ppl trying on new clothes could also sneeze and cry and spit etc on those and put them back out on sales floor 🤔

[@ke6264]

I agree so much with this video, I consider myself frugal as well but under no circumstances am i getting a roommate, buying junk just because its on sale or cheap etc etc. My peace of mind and comfortability is what matters most to me.

[@rduff1999]

There are only two times that I have shared accommodations with. The first was at a private school; the second was 40 years with a wonderful lady, who, unfortunately, has passed over but there isn't a day I don't think of her. Pax

[@Mistressofthegroove]

Pretty much agree with all of this and I'm 56 and own my own home in the UK with 3 bedrooms, found things tough last year when I changed jobs and utilities went through the roof, but there was no way I was gonna rent out my little sanctuary, no matter how many people suggested it!

[@gobot4455]

Never go cheap on anything that keeps your a$$ off the ground: shoes, tires, mattress.

[@jenwylie4093]

I have bought cheap furniture that I have regretted in the past. I 100% agree with buy once cry once for big purchases.

[@Boringcountrylife]

I enjoy seeing people who know who they are and what they like, and aren't ashamed of either. It's a tough world out there.

[@richardsandwell2285]

In 1988 I bought a pair of walking boots, they were the most expensive in the shop, even the girl in the shop tried to persuade me to buy a cheaper pair, she probably thought I was a snob or something with more money than sense. Anyway whilst I mostly hike barefoot in nice weather, in winter I use the hiking boots, I still wear them in 2023. Now that was a cheap purchase.

[@TimelordUK]

I have friends who rent out rooms in their houses for short periods for extra cash, but like you Nicole, it's not for me. I CRAVE my solitude. I'd rather live all by myself with not much money than share my space. I have my own little barbers shop and some customers give me their unwanted advice telling me I should rent a chair out and have another barber working with me. Same thing, absolutely no way. The reason I have my own shop is so that I don't have to work with other people. It's not all about having more money! I think it comes down to personality types. It wouldn't be an issue to share your space to some people, but it's not for me

[@grannyprepper1181]

My last article of clothes I bought was a NEW London Fog puffer coat at the thrift store. It still had the price tag it, $320. and I paid $37.5O. It had a scrape on the lower right side.

[@ulawan5]

I think the "no thrifted clothes" thing is ENTIRELY valid! Especially when you are investing in high quality clothing that makes you happy, which you then wear until it wears out. I also have some germophobic tendencies that only got worse in 2020, so I'm getting on that train with you tbh Very far in the back, on another car, in a mask XD and yeah, Levi's I think were the first time I realized that large name brands were very much going downhill. Wore out in exactly the same spots too!

[@eleftheriavyzyrgianni1505]

My grandfather always said : "The cheapest of something,will end up cost you a lot! ". When we can afford a new of anything,without jeopardize our savings, it's better to go with it rather than a very cheap one and i have seen it in my life! Plus...what you said about being in discomfort for a long period without noticing how bad it was,i also have experienced this feeling and i wish i will never have to ever again! Thank you for the beautiful video ❤

[@jennyschmidt7157]

I live in a mobile home. Love living alone. I’m a Toyota fan too, but I have a Subaru now. Your right, don’t overspend, cook at home, and it’s all going to be ok ❤

[@TrinityAnnEvans]

Gonna be honest, when I first started thrifting I thought it was amazing but more and more I find myself buying items that I'm not satisfied with because they look worn, they don't fit right, and they're shitty brands. Plus the current prices at the thrift stores keep going up and it's getting insane.

[@claremiller9979]

I like thrifting but yeah same I'm suuuuper selective these days. It's time consuming too find good quality stuff so I treat it like a hobby. I found a $50 tie for $5 one day, and got it for my partner's birthday which was months later. I got a very nice, near new pair of Levis (that do fit me) for $10. I wouldn't buy something just because it was cheap, it has to be quality first (and you have to be willing to go through many thrift shops and spend hours of time before you find a quality item). It has to be fun!

[@lindawilson4625]

LOL! I like your "Buy once, cry once" comment :-)

[@lindsay3995]

For me, roommates (yes pural, I have two) is worth it for me for three reasons: 1) it allows me to responsibly afford to live in a very clean and recently refurbished secure building in my absolute favorite walkable neighborhood -- I also then don't need to incur the cost of a car -- in an incredibly expensive coastal city w/ year-round sun 2) for personal safety reasons, I like knowing as a single woman who works/plays away from home, that there would be someone to notice if I arrived late or not at all & would reach out to me, family, hospitals, authorities to see if I was in need of help. 3) As someone who chooses to live in a stimulating city with lots to offer, I don't mind the built-in "incentive" to leave my place frequently: rather than feeling stagnant by staying home for my alone-time, I like to seek my privacy on a walking trail, in a library, etc. and it's good for my brain and mental health to leave regularly.

[@YeshuaKingMessiah]

Interesting take on feeling stagnant at home If I leave, I spend $. So I hate leaving.

[@TheJase8566]

The safety aspect is why living with someone else is appealing to me. Handy to have someone if you have a medical issue

[@jamesbriggs5740]

I gave up using coupons years ago. There are not coupons for produce, meat, or dairy. And often the store brand is cheaper. Kathy B

[@edennis8578]

That's why I gave up on coupons, too. Coupons were almost never for anything I would want.

[@occamsshavecream4541]

So did I. They are just a ploy to get you to overconsume stuff that you really didn't want in the first place that's not good for you as well.

[@Minimalist-Lifestyle]

Yeah..renting a spare room is a tough one.. ...I know someone who intentionally rents a super nice house, much more than she can afford, and then sublets a couple bedrooms so she can afford to live in the nice house that she's renting. Out of desperation to keep the rooms rented, she continuously rents to total losers with unending drama, result in her having to evict people on a regular basis. I told her she would be much happier just taking a second job and foregoing the roommates.

[@mindyg1975]

That sounds awful ... plus there is a safety factor. Never in a million years would I do that.

[@AccordingtoNicole]

Sounds like my personal version of hell.

[@kristine6981]

Thank you! I'm totally with you on the 'my space' thing. I don't actually use 2 bedrooms and 1 bathroom of my house anymore. I've thought about how I "should" rent that space out, but I do use the kitchen and the main dining/living space all the time and I don't particularly want to share that space with some rando. LOL! I'm a private person who needs plenty of quiet time. I am, instead, looking at moving to a much smaller home that fits me better. It seems Americans are obsessed with these HUGE houses, so no luck yet in an affordable range. The search continues..... Thanks for your content, I'm really enjoying it and getting all of the reality checks I need. :D

[@andreabellini6796]

Vegan housekeeping tip Nicole, don’t use bleach to clean/ sanitize. Use hydrogen peroxide! Eco friendly and non toxic 😊

[@mht5875]

Or white vinegar and baking soda, that’s what I use

[@andreabellini6796]

@@mht5875 I use that as well! But hydrogen peroxide kills more bacteria than vinegar or bleach.

[@gloriamessenchuk7592]

New subscriber here, as I was so impressed with your philosophy! I’ve listened to many frugal influencers who must have a good amount of money saved but their life sounds awful. My frugality allows me to splurge in areas that make my life a joy and enables me to help others who are not as fortunate as I am. Our income puts us below the poverty line but I feel rich!

[@YeshuaKingMessiah]

Do u have a few examples of this making their life awful?

[@gloriamessenchuk7592]

@YeshuaKingMessiah I did not say their life was awful, rather that their life sounds awful (to me) as it seems the goal of their life is to gain wealth. The abundant life that Jesus talked about is something only He can give; and gaining wealth as the end goal of frugality seems to me to be selfish unless our purpose is to use that wealth to bless others. On a low income, splurging, that makes my life a joy is buying extra food to practice hospitality, gardening on a larger scale than what meets our needs so our older neighbours can share in the abundance, and putting aside extra money for the purpose of helping someone in unfortunate circumstances. We also tithe and give to charitable causes which only means we acknowledge where our blessings come from. Some influencers seem to have missed the point of being frugal, however I still listen to them as we can learn from their methods and still maintain our purpose.

[@YeshuaKingMessiah]

@@gloriamessenchuk7592 so basically Their lack of generosity- which is also lack of empathy n compassion It is hard to put others first, surely Mindset is everything

[@sunnyside287]

IKEA hacks = people glueing garbage to other garbage 😂😂😂

[@joannejohnson7367]

I agree with most of your points. I do thrift shop and buy on Facebook marketplace but I do see your point from your perspective and that’s a solid choice for you. I am retired on a fixed income but I can save $ in some areas (I cook at home and shop consciously for everything) yet extend in others to improve my quality of life. Since I was purchasing good quality items before I retired I find that my “things” are not wearing out. New subscriber and a fellow Canuck.

[@DomChic]

I struggle daily... hourly with frugal vs reasonably uncomfortable. I love your perspective! I dislike preowned clothing, but have forced myself to do it to be more sustainable, as an example. You have helped me to embrace my idiosyncrasies while still being wise with my finances. Having the proper combination of both. Great video!

[@ellenh278]

I used to coupon and over half the stuff I could get for free or for a few pennies were things I didn't need, most often baby items or personal care items (once you have 4 or 5 shampoos, bar soaps, deodorants and tubes of toothpaste you are set for the year. I could get endless toothbrushes for free too.) but I'd donate these items to shelters and the homeless. I didn't have much money to give to charity but I spent a bit of my time and donated products.

[@edennis8578]

The local shelter no longer takes donations of goods, only money. People should check before they decide to do that.

[@YeshuaKingMessiah]

@@edennis8578even new, unopened items?? That’s insane!

[@YeshuaKingMessiah]

Anyone with a fam would use those things up lol

[@tonyhoffman3309]

Donating directly to ppl or offerring free on marketplace is best.

[@marialeg2367]

This is such a great video! Sometimes it's easy to become addicted to frugality and people develop obsessive tendencies. I agree with you wholeheartedly when it comes to not depriving yourself from stuff and I don't buy second hand clothes either. Where I live it's become so popular now that it's "trendy", so instead of buying a pre-owned used item, you're buying a "sustainable, vintage" alternative (meaning that the price point will skyrocket and you could probably get yourself a brand new item of a similar quality for the same amount). Insane!!

[@ddeuerme]

I remember years ago when my mom sent me holiday cookies and I later realized she’d reused a foam meat tray for them. I was ready to write my own eulogy, sure death was at hand. She’s a depression baby who tended to take things too far. Thankfully I didn’t get sick and learned to check her gifts closely and always check expiration dates on food at her house.

[@Lisa-mw6te]

I imagine she washed that tray thoroughly. I had a Depression mother, too. 😊😢

[@lolazavala7569]

With a splash of bleach too.

[@biblioholic7139]

I wouldn't worry about the expiration dates on food too much. At least in the US those dates are unregulated manufacturers' made up dates that get people to trash completely edible food because it's "expired" then go out and buy more. Use your senses and brain, not a printed date, to figure out when something has gone bad.

[@EastCoastEDC]

Love the cardboard box and submarine reference hahaha!!! I’m in New Brunswick on the east coast and the price of stuff is absolutely fucken ridiculous as well!! Gas is at $1.80/l now and food prices are absolutely crazy. Im actually contemplating turning my basement into a 1 bedroom apartment butttt I’m an introvert and like my privacy and my own space sooo I’ll probably just continue to procrastinate on that idea haha!

[@lorla85]

Ikr? That box/submarine joke had me rolling! 😂😂😂 and the joke about Levi, 😳💀🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@EastCoastEDC]

@@lorla85 🤣🤣

[@huntersun9]

For a while it seemed that every time I complimented someone on an article of clothing, the wearer told me they found it at Goodwill or other thrift store. I want to be able get past my urge to shiver at the thought of thrifted clothing, but I just can't. So thank you for bringing this up. It really isn't because I'm a snob and need the best of everything. I just can't put my underarms or crotch where somebody else's has been! And my husband and I took in a friend of mine who was facing homelessness. She ended up staying for two years before we finally asked her to move on. With the exception of our bedroom, we had some of her belongings in EVERY room of this house. I'm lucky I'm still married. So good for you for realizing how sacred your home space is to you. As always, great tips. Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts and experiences.

[@coffeecupconversations]

i can help you. Stinky gross crotches walk themselves to bougie stores and try on tons of clothes they don't buy. When in doubt, always wash the clothes well with hot/cold water and great detergent.

[@amyhoover9]

Thrifting is what's helping me to save more money, but the trick to keeping those kinds of clothes in good condition requires a couple of steps: 1. Wash your items as soon as they enter the house! I can understand the worry of bringing home clothes that don't look used or smell weird. People have their standards, and I respect that. Personally, I just feel this sense of joy in getting a good deal/saving money, and especially with this stage of life I'm in now as I'm trying to save up money for my first apartment. 2. Look for items that are in like-new or brand new condition! In the thrift shop where I work, we tend to get a pretty generous number of high-quality donations, and those tend to sell quickly sometimes.

[@YeshuaKingMessiah]

So her bathroom stuff was in the bathroom, her kitchen stuff in the kitchen, and her living room stuff in the living room. Where did u want her stuff to be?

[@huntersun9]

@@YeshuaKingMessiah I do understand your point, but it felt a lot more intrusive than that. Imagine someone packing up their entire apartment PLUS a large storage unit and jamming it all into your living space. Furniture, boxes, piles of clothes that no longer fit her. It was a lot.

[@YeshuaKingMessiah]

@@huntersun9 oh u didnt know she had all that

[@miamiflorida6965]

❤ your channel. You are correct, frugal is awesome, cheap is NOT! My friends aunt once bought some boots at Goodwill and ALL her toes got fungus 🤮 YUKKK!!! And yes, I must live alone!

[@IP0Monsturd]

Did she pay extra for the fungus?

[@bimmons9975]

10/10 on all this! Especially thrifting and house sharing. My mom used to thrift furniture and repurpose stuff of the side of the road and we were constantly battling with insects and she could somehow never do the math that the furniture was infested but it was cheaper than buying new so it still seemed like a better deal to her. And as a person having roommates like outside of college, it’s awful.

[@IP0Monsturd]

My mother always told me “You get what you pay for.” If you buy the cheapest you sometimes pay more in the long run in replacement and repair costs.

[@julies3490]

I used to live alone in my own place and couldn't imagine sharing with others. Now I find myself in a house with extended family in the basement suite, and my husband and step-kids in the main living area with me. And at the moment one of the kid's boyfriends is here too and we have foster animals. It's hectic and different but good too.

[@YeshuaKingMessiah]

Hectic can be wonderful becuz it’s about ppl u love! Toddlers are hectic but we’ll never not love every moment. And it makes u cherish the downtime more (getting up early, staying up later or just going into ur room for a bit)

[@katechipata9934]

Roommate life is not for me! I feel the same way as you. I enjoy my own space.

[@HalfwayJac]

You’re just so smart and well prioritized. Love your content.

[@AccordingtoNicole]

Thank you!

[@andreaandrea6716]

CLASSIC Capricorn behaviour!! Everyone is different, some of us more radically different than others, and HOW WE LIVE OUR LIVES should be up to us without anyone's unwanted input, as only YOU know how best to live YOUR LIFE, and what serves you best. NO ONE should be shamed for their preferences. I LOVE second hand clothes but that is because, not only am I comfortable with 'the hunt,' but it makes me happy. And then, I ALWAYS clean the clothes before wearing them and I have some STUNNING clothes. .However, I ABSOLUTELY respect the person who is disgusted by that and chooses something different. I LOVE that we are all different. It's what makes the world the interesting place that it is. I also LOVE your rants. (And find the pace at which you speak really comforting. Slow speakers make me crazy). Thank you for your crazily good content.

[@pjlacey3990]

I am with you on the no renting a room thing! Great video today! Very thought provoking!

[@aswewonder8805]

You are so friggin refreshing. I grew up in the Sixties, was weaned on not giving a flying fuck about unimportant shit, but it is rare in 2024 to find someone like you who actually exercises your brain.

[@alibali193]

My 2 biggest refusals of cost saving. 1 showers I need to wash daily and will not limit myself to 4 minutes have all the time I need I also have a clean towel each time. 2 I work from home and tried keeping the heating down. However I was miserable and felt I was less productive when I was cold. So the heating goes on if I am cold although I do use a warm housecoat first

[@alibali193]

@@ytuser29834 yes I have a fleece lined wearable blanket. However I live in the North of Scotland and our winters can be freezing. Another reason for keeping the heating on in winter is to avoid burst pipes

[@janetstonerook4552]

I seldom buy used 😢clothing from thrift shops because I'm afraid it will have the other person's smell in it!

[@alibali193]

@@janetstonerook4552 I don't have a problem with that as long as the item is machine washable x

[@RickJohnson]

There's a term that outlines frugality to the point of stupidity - Frupid. You've clearly defined this with understanding that the cheapest is not the best in the long-run

[@edennis8578]

It used be "penny wise and pounds foolish" in the English parlance.

[@pennycaldwell8141]

@Rick... portmanteau

[@whatevergoesforme5129]

Being frugal is not the same as being a miser, though. It is knowing when to spend wisely so spending on quality items that last for a loooong time is actually being frugal.

[@robinedwards8796]

The sub joke was gold. Lmao! ☺

[@evapmama-blue77]

Thanks for sharing - some new thoughts to 🤔- I go sometimes 2 weeks without grocery shopping and just do what I call ‘pantry cooking’ - it’s amazing how long you can go without shopping if you had to - started off with one weekend- then I just wondered how far I could go - it helps use cans etc that would otherwise expire ( veggies- condiments- canned fish and chicken etc) I love to cook so it’s fun to experiment 😊 I have clothes that are too big since I’m losing weight so I try to sew them into something new - still trying lol I also unsubscribe to channels that ‘make me want to buy stuff ‘ like the paint brush they’re using - the paint set the pad the yarn and or newest pattern 🤷‍♀️at my age there are only so many more sweaters I will want to knit 🧶 ( so I tell myself) I also prefer to just pick up my groceries as it saves me at least $50 as I’m impulse shopping in the store- only meats and specific items I go in for myself with only that cash and no card - I don’t buy paper towels- I don’t have kids or pets so for me just some sets of rags I use and wash and reuse till .. - thanks again - and I love that your jeans are made in Italy 👍- I love to find items from Italy

[@emmalarson]

I agree on the roommate thing. I have one now as well as living with my boyfriend & it actually causes a lot of stress in my relationship. Her living habits are obnoxious & when she moves out or we do, I’m never getting one again even though I live in a very expensive city. It’s just not worth it anymore.

[@marcdc6809]

I had a Toyota Aygo, the first model... they don't make 'm anymore, I loved the fact they put a simple very common engine in it, everything in that simple car could be dismantled with simple tools, something rattled, I could screw it tight again, it was fun... and since it was a Toyota, for 7 years there was zero things that broke, sold it at about 8 years with the original battery still working fine...

[@scaryclarey654]

I wish I were as money savvy when I was your age. Great video and very sound examples. Thanks for the tips.

[@gypsygirl9]

Agree with the no thrifted clothing, no roommates ever, no clutter of any kind💯 !!!❤❤❤

[@suzanna1499]

I finally found someone who feels the same as me about thrifting! I just can’t do it

[@Wildflower222]

Best line, make a submarine with a PlayStation controller. What could go wrong? 😂😂😂 And agree with all you said. I too live in an expensive area in a house bigger than I need and no thank you to roommates and house hacking. I will downsize if it ever gets to that.

[@AccordingtoNicole]

Kaboom 🤣

[@lumpygravy52]

Make sure to check out government grants for house upgrades! I got a new furnace, attic insulation and also had my basement insulated, all for free from a home energy hydro program. And it will save me money in the long run.

[@kevinogracia1615]

Always a clean light shining on a dirty darkness. Peace on earth.

[@ros8986]

three rules for success - First - live a life of no excuses. Second - accept that no task, however small, never gets done unless a specific time and place are made to do it. Third - accomplishing on small task means saying no to the 50 other things I could be doing, most of which are probably more fun.

[@andreahickey2016]

Thanks Nicole! I like hearing want you won't comprise on. You made some good points that I'm going to remember. When I go out for the day, I usually prepare and bring a meal/snacks. But you're right, I shouldn't let myself get super hungry/thirsty if I didn't bring anything with me. I'm lucky enough to be in the position that I have the money to buy something if I'm hungry. Being that uncomfortable is being cheap!' I'm not going to get a pizza or something every time I'm out, but I'm not going to starve myself either to save a couple bucks.

[@YeshuaKingMessiah]

I never don’t bring water I’ve been very hungry tho while out. If I can make something fast when home (a steak or eggs) or nuke something in fridge, I wait. The stuff in eateries is sooo gross, esp nutrient wise.

[@kathywilliams5995]

I don’t blame you I have lived alone for over nine years and I love it. I do t have to put up with someone else’s attitude. Yes the rent money would be ok but not worth the aggravation I don’t want a person to come in and touching my stuff and I will not give out a key to my home If you bring in others to live in your home u are asking for more problems. I love the Jean theory. Keep up the good videos

[@AngelaMastrodonato]

Couponing as you described in the video is something called extreme couponing in the US. This was more trendy in the US like 10-15 years ago. Consumers were trying to beat the manufacturers and retailers at their own game. For a while consumers succeeded, until the manufacturers and retailers changed the rules of the game. Now in the US, there are more terms on coupons and there aren’t as many opportunities to stack coupons. Something that was a trick back when my kids were toddlers, so like 2009-2011 was to use the $1 off coupon on trial sizes, which cost $1. The manufacturers didn’t think to put size requirements on coupons. We can all guess what manufacturers started doing on their coupons. I tried it for a while, but between the clipping and organizing coupons, it was like a part-time job. While occasionally there were coupons for some healthy staple items like fresh produce and coupons were good for toiletries if you don’t have specific brand or ingredient preferences, most of the food coupons were for processed junk. I’ve had more luck sticking to off-brands of simple staple items and cooking somewhat from scratch. I do take advantage of fairly priced simple convenience items like frozen and canned vegetables and fruits. A frugal habit I can’t follow is buying dried beans. I don’t find the savings enough to justify the hassle. I also make homemade bread once in a while as a treat but don’t have the energy to only make homemade bread. I’ve found really good deals on quality name brand breads at a local bread outlet, but again, I only go there once in a while if I happen to be running another errand nearby. I can’t justify driving even 15 miles just to get bread.

[@michaelboom7704]

You and I don't travel the same road but I still like hearing your thoughts!

[@Cheri893]

Great video. Thrift clothing stores don't have much anymore. There is a lot of people who buy all the stuff and sell it online.

[@tonyhoffman3309]

Which is lame. Buying clothing online is always a gamble, regarding size. I thrift but only from thriftstores.

[@occamsshavecream4541]

All great points. Thrift shops used to have good finds. Most of it's now poorly made, cheap synthetics and really not that thrifty.

[@jeffl7852]

I like your channel. The advice is sound and shareable. Most wood is expensive and the person who got your x-ceiling parts = scored.

[@organiccher64]

Your a young lady I truly admire..you think about the same as I..I can't stand being told how to do this and don't buy that..I do as I please and spend my money on things that are useful and fun..I enjoyed your video..thanks

[@cj222100]

The couponing thing isn't really realistic for me either, & I'm in the US. Grocery stores in my area don't do double coupons, & the coupons I see are usually for products I don't use. And aren't good anyway, like 'Save $0.75 when you buy 3', & I can't use 3 by the time it expires. I do do (haha) the thrifting thing, especially for kitchen stuff & clothing. But I totally get that not everyone is comfortable with that

[@lynnoorman2144]

I am a person of reasonable hight ( or as some say, short) 😊. So i have to buy my jeans from M&S who are regarded as a quite expensive shop here in the UK. Otherwise i have to try to shorten jeans, which, since i dont have a sewing machine, never look or feel right. All the coupons i get seem to be for junk food i dont even want to try!

[@dfjulesful]

Totally understand your stance on thrifting because I felt the same before (and there are still many items of clothing I'd never thrift besides obvious ones) I have no idea how this happened but I was able to compartmentalise my germ fears for thrifting. I think it's mainly because I love vintage clothing and a lot of the things I've bought have been new with tags never worn. But again totally understand why you don't because I had the ick for it too (as a fellow germaphobe).

[@Momo-SixTimes]

Agree completely with theses. Frugality does not mean cheapness. Frugality means buying things that are the best VALUE, not the cheapest.

[@pinkminx4630]

I agree 100% with all of these. Thank you for being real!

[@dianemayberry1291]

What I love so much about you is that you are so grounded and a very good influence on all of us! I think that too many people are followers of what I would term as acceptable society. So you can be that beacon of light to guide them to start a new thought pattern about living. I wish there was an actual class about this being taught to high school students that they could use way more than many other subjects!

[@karenjackson594]

I totally agree with you on all that you say. There are a lot of videos out there that preach the opposite, I loved hearing your thought process. Thanks!

[@doodleschucky]

I always find your videos inspirational, thank you

[@maggie646]

Thanks for the video! I respect you for sticking to your guns and being honest about them. While I do agree with lots of things you said, I obviously feel differently about some of the things you mentioned (we're all different here and that's cool). I think where I draw the line is dumpster diving (for food). I'm from Australia, it's hot most of the year and we have a lot of bugs and stuff so it's not something I'd feel comfortable with. That being said, I have dumpster dived for moving boxes behind department stores, but they're designated bins for cardboard so it wasn't gross.

[@zenamorgan1754]

I agree with a lot of what you’re saying. My husband and I purchased our home out right,meeting that we don’t have a mortgage. which is great however, I did not think that I was going to have a huge backlash with family and close friends when this happened. Thinking that we were rich and entitled. That was nothing further than the truth. People never saw the fact that I don’t go out to eat ever. I prepare every single meal snack and coffee beverage for us. I always make sure that when I do go shopping, I make a full list and actually cook from my freezer and fridge. Meaning that if it’s in the freezer or the fridge I’m not gonna go out and spend money and buy something. I’m just gonna use what I have. I buy clothing that I can wear all the time and don’t have to worry about it wearing out. I also don’t like to go clothing shopping. So what I do by our classic pieces that last. I also have strict house rules, no eating in the bedrooms, couches or any place where you should not be eating food. We also are no shoes house! This is a hard one for my sister, I feel sad because we own the house that we can easily afford to buy brand new carpeting or repair floors. No! We also don’t go to the movies, complete waste of money, because in literally months or sometimes weeks, it will be on a streaming service.

[@lifelivinglite]

Love this! I'm frugal where I can be but I agree sometimes you got spend in areas of your life on what matters to you x

[@janetstraw191]

Nicole, I applaud you!! You certainly ‘Know Thyself!’ This is just a thought - but when you were talking about your jeans - it brought to mind a video I watched recently from a creator who is very much your body shape. She has been buying her jeans at Walmart in the MEN’S department! Men’s jeans are about half the price of women’s, and you can get your exact size because men’s jeans state waistline and inseam measurements. Maybe just for knocking around in - @$12.00 per pair, you might consider it? 🙋‍♀️🇺🇸👏👍🥰‼️

[@gracesimplified3860]

Ii am on the same page as you Nicole on just about everything I appreciate those that thrift, repurpose… I know it helps the environment. However, Reasons I don’t thrift clothes: I prefer wearing a “uniform” I don’t enjoy shopping and looking through racks of one item clothing in a musty store I buy multiples However, I will shop first at a thrift store for a piece of quality wood furniture rather than shop IKEA type products that are cheap and filled with environmentally hazardous materials. I don’t buy much in the way of toiletries so I too purchase preferred brands that are healthier for me and the environment. I have rented a room out to a lodger in the past, but I did this for a limited time frame when I wanted the extra funds to pay for upgrades on my home. However, I found it stressful as their habits did not always align with mine. Yes, and a dollar a day to live in my home at a comfortable temperature is worth it as is my hot shower every night before bed. Cheap is about price where as frugal is about value. Value is subjective. You do you, Nicole. Your achievements speak to the efficacy of your habits.

[@user-rf6tq7qp4c]

I've repurposed glass salsa jars to put my home-made salad dressing and home-made hummus in. It was a great choice. I don't use anything like that as a decoration, but for some types of home-made sauces, they're great.

[@jameslawler6336]

As a creative junk hoarder, it definitely is a problem at times lol. I'm also a handyman/woodworker. If I can get materials for making projects for free I'll do it. Like when I was working at a vape shop, my boss was throwing out around 100 acrylic displays meant to hold a piece of paper. I took them, cut them on my table saw with a quick and repeatable process, and ended up with about 200, 9x11 sheets of acrylic. If I went out to buy them, it'd cost me somewhere between $5-10 a sheet or $1,000-$2,000 total. My mom works in the landscape industry and they do huuuge jobs, like making entire rooftop patios with trees up there. Occasionally she'll bring me materials that didn't get used on the job, like these 2'x2' Brazillian Walnut rooftop pavers. They cost her boss ~$60 a piece and they had 14 left over. Its BEAUTIFUL wood. 12 boards 2' long x 4" wide x 1" thick per paver. With just 2 of those boards and half a sheet of acrylic, I can make the most beautiful squirrel feeder you've ever seen and sell it for $50-$100. Or a shadow box and sell it for upwards $250. I saw in another one of your videos that, like me, you dislike the suburban ticky-tacky lifestyle and how they all own the same ticky-tacky things like the big standing welcome signs. Well, when I tore down my old shed, I salvaged enough of the 2x4 frame to make 8 of those signs. $200 a piece with maybe 2 hours of work on each. Its all about finding a balance between keeping the useful junk organized and out of your way so that you can actually have room to work and do something with your junk lol. Its a work in progress xD

[@iridagazoufarmaki8466]

I really like your content because it is original. You really tell your opinion, and your thoughts..!! It's different from just give common advices for us to follow. As you say you do you, and even if somebody think different, its ok.!

[@irefusetoaskmydoctorifyour6401]

Spot on Nicole! Especially that last one - it was like I was listening to my own thoughts in your voice! I have often said I'd take on a second (or third) job before I'd bring someone else into my personal space to live!

[@awesomeladylight]

My son made a cat house out of boxes last month and the cats love it. He drew windows and cut doors and put a roof and shades. You remind me of him lol.

[@mrsm482]

Love your input, Nicole. Always. Many thanks. :)

[@donnahopper6029]

I love your channel. I'm learning!! I have a 10 year old Toyota Scion IQ and love it. You are so right about Toyota. Nothing but oil and break change. I love it!!