7 Practical ways to live below your means - Mid Week Money Chat - Extreme Frugality Ideas

We give you 7 ways that you can cut costs and live below your means to squeeze the best value for money out of your income. From not keeping up with the Jones's to ignoring snobbery.
Frugal Queen in France
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We are a British couple living in Brittany on a budget.
Frugal recipes, days out, home renovations and day to day making do in France.
We’ll give you hints, tips, advice and an insight into our life in France.
Website www.frugalquee...
FaceBook / frugalqueeni. .
Instagram / frugalqueen. .
Twitter / batt_jane
Equipment used
Camera : iPhone SE (2016)
Mic : iRig MicCast2
Editing : iMovie on an M1 Mac mini
Music:
Audionautix is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. creativecommon....
Artist: audionautix.com/
Some Sound from Zapsplat.com
KZbin Audio Library
Apple iMovie

[@luba-healthywithluba6866]

Thank you for what you said! It is tiring to be asked to go out to eat. Friends who like to do things that don't cost money are a blessing. They are also rare.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks very much

[@elizabethbertsch3066]

I live in the USA, and even though things are different in some ways, being smart and frugal with your money works everywhere!😉. Also, I really appreciate your sensitivity towards those really struggling. They are usually doing the very best they can in their situation. And I just love your channel; watching you go visit places in France, cooking simple meals, and sharing ideas for frugal living. You’re a gem!

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks Elizabeth, how kind

[@rreuss9277]

I have an Aldi near me which I love. My daughter cuts my hair, (she's a hairdresser), We use all our leftovers, I have my own ducks for eggs, We don't eat out often, I bake our bread, Keep the thermostat down and wear warmer clothes, Husband does all our repairs and DIY, don't over spend on Christmas, buy some of my clothes at Goodwill or Ebay, We retired at 62 and have zero debt.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Superb and the best way to be, thanks for sharing

[@thankfulandthrifty]

"Ignore the food snobs." YES. Too many people being made to feel guilty for eating what's available.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Absolutely, if all you have is some beans and rice and you feed your children or your family, you're doing your best.

[@rreuss9277]

My kids are vegetarian, gluten free, organic, blah blah blah. It's impossible to have them over for a meal. We eat normally!

[@lilybee_]

I loved this chat Jane. We just moved and retired. I'm having a hard time with friends. So many spendy people expect us to follow suit. We live frugally because we retired early and enjoy the freedom. Most of the frugal people we meet make us feel bad because we live in a new home in a nice neighborhood..not great big expensive houses but comfortable. Our home was less than alot of the fixer uppers in the area because hime prices have skyrocketed. We signed the contract on our home a year before home prices went up 30%. We do have neighbors to chat with but "friends" comment about how it must be nice to build a new home and retire. I wish people wouldnt judge each other. We worked our whole adult life to raise our kids and buy a nice retirement home. It's my consolation prize for having to be the bread winner vs. a SAHM. Sorry for the vent! I keep telling my hubby we're moving to France haha. You show the loveliest places!

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

I didn’t stay home either, I’m happy to be a frugal early retiree with a bit of part time work. Thanks for sharing.

[@patmartin9727]

I think a lot of people’s remarks are made out of jealousy. Don’t let others dictate the life style you live. Live life in the way that makes you feel happy and secure.

[@4estdweller4ever]

Personally I get bored with people who are preoccupied with stuff, running up credit cards bc they can’t resist things on the Shopping Networks they watch everyday then hiding the boxes and receipts under their bed from their husbands. I’d rather be learning something new and interesting.

[@luba-healthywithluba6866]

@@4estdweller4ever agreed 100%!

[@maryjothompson4578]

No need to justify or explain if you feel judged. What a blessing to retire to a nice home. Enjoy!

[@kb8990]

New subscriber, and I have to say you hit the nail on the head with your comparison point. My parents and grandparents’ homes were paid for and they were old. They never updated. They never worried about what was in style. My mom still has her 30 year old wedding towels. My grandparents had original to the home kitchen appliances. I have to believe that their finances were better than most people today, at least in part, to the fact that there was NO social media or Pinterest. Even my “well-to-do aunt” had the same wallpaper on her walls for 30 years. There just wasn’t the need to worry about keeping up with frequent and hugely expensive updates. Miss those days.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

I’m glad that you enjoyed it, thanks for watching

[@janeaquilina6745]

Hi Jane and Mike Your chat are always inspiring. I always used to have friends but I was never lucky because I was bullied or tried to put my moral down. So my only friends are my 2 lovely grown-up daughters. They are so respectful and l live for them, help them and they help me. Thanks to God. Take care dear ❤❤

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thank you

[@madeleine7729]

Love the mid-week money chats! So much of what you said resonates. I appreciated you acknowledging that not everyone has enough 'means' to lower. I work in the nutrition field and whilst I prefer organic foods, the family who puts real, whole foods (ie unprocessed, made from scratch) on their table is miles and miles ahead of people eating processed and take-away foods. A garden, no matter how small, can supply some organic foods, practically for free. If it's any comfort, my parents and grandparents lived into their 80s and certainly didn't buy organic foods, super foods or any sort of hyped-up food. They ate basic and simple meals, not too much food, and sweets were treats, not everyday foods. Ah, friends! Ours are real gems. A pot of tea and something freshly baked is all we need to have a great time. I've even made toast and jam when the pantry was bare or time was short. Some just pop in - I might be still in my pjs, or covered in dirt from the garden. Because they are 'real' friends none of this matters, nor does our old car, our unfinished renovations or anything else. I wish everyone could by so lucky.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks for watching

[@MaryKane-qv5vz]

I have started staying out of the supermarkets and shops, buying only what I require, and I am amazed at the differences in what I have spent or rathet have not spent. Thanks for all the tips.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

So true!

[@marita8485]

Let the ads run!! Thanks for the reminder, it doesn't cost us anything but supports you

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks for the support

[@beebeemilo2024]

I watched a lot of these kinds of video but they are mostly from USA so a lot of their tips won’t work in Europe where I live such as couponing. Really happy I found your Chanel. New subs. I have been budgeting and save money for a grueling 2 years to pay my debt of €32K. Now I am finally debt free except my small mortgage. I threw any extra money into paying extra and hopefully would be mortgage free within 4-5 years. I have been binged-watching- your videos and they are really helping me focus on my goals. Thank you for sharing your experience and greeting from Holland.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks and welcome to everyone in the Netherlands

[@susanwheat9075]

Thanks for “want vs need”. I put a very small savings starting a $20.00 towards a car.

[@HappyLiz123]

Great reminders. Gonna have a jacket potato with humus and tinned sweetcorn for lunch. Not for my Instagram but to save money! X

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

That’s a delicious meal

[@simonedutch1264]

Truly excellent words and advise Jayne. I find it rather interesting when people know how I should be living my life and have an opinion on how I should be spending my hard earned money, yet their own life is messy and heavily in debt. I happen to really love my life and I'm proud to be frugal. xx

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Yep, don’t listen to the Jones, they’re broke.

[@Sherilibrarian]

Such good advice. I changed my social group and it was a massive success. Financial and mentally!! Do it.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Jolly well done to you. We did too.

[@2Beldam]

Thank you for advice to ignore the food snobs ❤️ I need to take that one to heart. I’ve felt so guilty explaining that we just had tuna sandwiches with fruit for dinner or chicken & veg. My friends and family eat flashy food network tv type meals. I’m just a simple home cook on a small budget. I can’t compete

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

We don’t need to compete, you eat healthily

[@2Beldam]

@Frugal Queen in France thank you for saying that. I appreciate it. I don’t why I’ve felt such shame & embarrassment when my family (the ones I’m responsible for feeding) truly loves what their eating & is satisfied & content eating simply 🤦‍♀️

[@Jennheartsqs]

Just discovered your channel and simply adore it! I live just outside Seattle which is a very expensive place to live, but I'm still able to live on about 50% of my very modest income or less. Some of the frugal things I do is cook at home for myself, and I eat the same thing several days in a row. I also gave up my car years ago because there's plenty of public transit around. I appreciate how encouraging and friendly your channel is and will probably be binge-watching more of your videos. Wanted to give you a thumbs up and say hi because I know it helps your channel. :)

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks for watching and your support.

[@patmartin9727]

Fabulous video as usual. I totally agree that spending time with people who have your values is a good thing. I am old enough to and secure enough in myself to not worry what anyone thinks. It is more important to me to be able to sleep at night knowing I owe no body anything and I am safe knowing the roof over my head is mine, I have the food of my choice in the fridge, I am never cold or hungry. I have money in the bank and can help my children and grandchildren when I need to. I was talking to someone the other day who said she had come home from holiday to a final reminder about overdue council tax yet I know they have just had 2 weeks all inclusive holiday abroad.How can people be so irresponsible when they have children to care for.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

I know that some people make different choices, I would worry

[@lisagarrison25315]

I love these chats: this one in particular. I was frugal long before it was " a thing" .....and so many people looked down their noses at us, but we kept on. Thankfully, we did, because both my husband and I became disabled and were forced into retirement when our three boys were young. Because of our frugality, we were still able to feed our sons well, give them what they needed and afford a yearly vacation ....while saving money all the while. I gravitated toward and became friends with like minded people and we remain friends today. Good advice Jane ! Keep the videos coming !

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Oh those noses, if they’re not poking themselves into people’s business, someone’s looking down theirs.

[@suematile9078]

Geraniums last from one year to the next. I just put the plants in pots and store on a shelf in our attached garage. There is no need to water and supply sun all winter. When I lived across the street I just put them in the basement. In late spring after no frost they can be repotted or planted outside. They grow green again and bloom beautifully. They survive dry time so well.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks very much

[@nikki27ish]

Great video Jane, you're absolutely right comparison is the the thief of joy. We need to learn to be happy with what we have.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Yep, comparison is not good

[@Trandans]

Great advice, great video. I have an inlaw that do their best to try to make me envious, and they can't believe that I am really not impressed by expensive hotel stays and restaurants. Personally, I would much rather be me and live my life, I live frugally and love my (lowpaid) work, my friends and close family, and my home.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks for sharing, I’ve always been happy to be at home

[@jeannebowes2898]

We had the joyful beautiful productive garden this year. We were pleased to share with neighbors, the homeless center, and the food bank. We live in a small plain ranch house in Montana. We are senior seniors , we rarely eat out, we prefer home food.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

That was very kind of you

[@lemonteapot1061]

I know it’s summer and a heatwave in the UK, but I love my porridge and have started making it in a dish which I place in my slow cooker the night before. This morning the inside of my slow cooker stayed warm for ages and it gave me the thought of warming “clean” socks in it after the dish with the porridge has been taken out 🤩

[@johnkay4701]

Hi, just to say that I endorse the last main point that you made about choosing friends or associates that don't put you down for living a cheaper lifestyle, but choose friends that support & practice a cheaper lifestyle themselves. We tend to identify, learn from, & even become like, our immediate peers; so those choosing your lifestyle will probably feel undermined & not supported by those with an income of say £30k - £100k pa. uTube is such a benefit to those trying to learn & feel like-minded support for the frugal lifestyle. Just come in from the garden from harvesting some lovely fresh & free tomatoes & from potting-on strawberry runners to expand my strawberry bed for next year. Will be lifting potatoes tomorrow if my dodgy back holds-up. You might want to give a shout-out for Freegle & Free-Cycle also. I should have a lady (via Freegle) coming tomorrow to collect some surplus raspberry plants that have root-layered from my little garden. Yup, will also be in my local Tesco's to see if there are reduced foods tomorrow early evening. That usually saves me £2 - £5 per shopping trip. Regards, JohnnyK from Colchester.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

We have Facebook groups here in France just for giving away - We had six trees down and I am not short of wood. I put the wood there to give away.

[@wendytushingham201]

Thank you so very much for tackling the deeper reasons we spend money.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

You're most welcome. There's a multitude of reasons why we sometimes can convinces ourselves that a want is a need. Thanks for watching.

[@jeannestott1456]

Always good sound advice from you just what I needed to stop me in my tracks when I was in the dumps and thought I'll just go to the shops, I stripped the wall paper from the loo walls now I have to put the paper up I bought ages ago when I was feeling like the room needed a lift!

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

ooooh, nothing like a freshly decorated loo to brighten someone's day. Thanks for sharing.

[@lynnoorman2144]

In the UK Lidil do a £1.50 box of fruit and veg which are on their way out. Yes, you have to pick around the food and process it ( freeze, cook or throw out the one or two squishy grapes, for example) but there is loads of produce for very little and a creative challenge for what to make with it all! So one exchanges time for money. Just one example of how I manage.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

That’s a great thing to do, I buy boxes like that here when I see them

[@Jennheartsqs]

I do the same thing, and at my local supermarket, I know that if I ask the produce manager nicely, he'll mark down any bananas I want to purchase if they're "single" bananas (ie: not attached in a bunch). Apparently shoppers tend to ignore the single bananas and they're usually thrown out. So not only do I get a discount, I also help reduce food waste!

[@ml.5556]

Yes, I agree that it’s great to have like minded friends, or even friends who live differently but still respect your values.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

The latter is fine. Thanks for watching

[@carolasmith5437]

Great video Jane. Oh to practice patience with the gardening. I've learned to take cuttings from one plant to create more. Also, growing from seed is much less expensive, as well.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

So true!

[@lemonteapot1061]

Wow what a great idea! Does that work on all plants?

[@carolasmith5437]

@@lemonteapot1061 the suckers on tomatoes work very well, as well as strawberries. Elderberry, roses, fruit trees, nut trees, etc. KZbin is a good resource. Some things just grow better from seed.

[@lemonteapot1061]

@@carolasmith5437 Thankyou xx

[@sheiladay8004]

I have always lived below my means. I do not know where I would be now if I didn't. Great video.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks Shelia

[@LoriSkees]

This was so helpful. I have always liked the idea of frugality, but was never really intentional about it. My husband has always had a successful business, and although we can’t afford everything we want, we have not denied ourselves a lot over the years. In the past three years, I’ve lost my mother, dealt with COVID (as everyone else), my health issues, and my husband’s heart attack and subsequent triple bypass. More than ever, the “stuff” of life is unsatisfying and most often a negative in my life. I am simplifying and downsizing things and ideas that I used to think were important. My husband isn’t opposed to the idea of frugal living, but I’m not sure he’s totally in sync with me, lol! We’re working on that! Thanks for your wisdom and inspiring, kind words!

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

You’re welcome and thanks for sharing

[@gladyschandler6724]

Love the money chats. I believe I live below my means. Do a lots free outdoors stuff travel to different local cities and just window shop.

[@mkhuntstreasure3192]

Always good honest advice from Jane, keep up the good work.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks so much for your support.

[@pigletsbank437]

Such a positive advise! Thank you for a very appreciated frugal minded video!

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks very much

[@anastasiaraisborough228]

Thank you for this Jane, for keeping me grounded and not keeping up with the joneses'

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

You’re welcome because the Jones are broke or in debt paying for everything to impress all the other Jones!

[@jacquiconnelly5814]

Thank you again Jane for the good, sensible advice. I struggle so hard with the food side of things. With all the information out there about what we should and shouldn't be eating, I tend to buy all the fruits and veg (my goodness there's so much of it in my fridge) and all the things they say we should be having for our health every single week, just to get so over whelmed with everything I've bought and don't know where to start with it that I usually resort to takeaways and convenience foods and most of the fresh food gets wasted. The money we spend on fast food is ridiculous. But, listening to your chat today I've realised I don't need to buy all what I'm buying in to make a simple healthy meal for me and my hubby. I'm going to sit and watch this video again with my hubby tonight and really take on board your advice, so that we can really start to embrace a simple frugal life, something we both want so much. Thank you both for making and taking time out to do these videos, they are so appreciated, jacqui 😊 x

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

It is all overwhelming Jacqui, remember, you’re doing your best.

[@connieholcomb8396]

Excellent advice Jane. Thank you. As always I have enjoyed this so much . Good day to you and Michael from across the sea in the USA.😃💕

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for taking the time to send us a message. We appreciate that.

[@patrice3603]

Thanks for all your great advice and your recipes! I find myself searching for new recipes to mix up my menus when I get bored with what I usually cook. This helps me to avoid getting takeout or eating out.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Great idea! Thanks for watching and sharing.

[@lindab8078]

Jane, I am really enjoying your Wednesday chats. I love that you are positive and upbeat but sensitive to all the different circumstances people are living in. It is always helpful to be able to connect with others who think the same and striving towards the same goals.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks very much

[@ReinaAGrace]

This was such a great video very encouraging and great advice.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks so much for watching and commenting

[@marisastoneobrien7834]

These chats are great. Really remind me to prioritize what is important to me. Do I need this new treat, or should I help my daughter with her college tuition, which is far more important to me.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

I'm glad that you enjoyed them.

[@AK-gh6cp]

This was one of your best videos yet! I have been a fan for a while and watch pretty much everything you put out, and this one stands out. :) Cheers from Canada!

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks for your kind support

[@bronamurton1815]

Great ideas as always, you have to do what works best for your buget and family, no one else's business anyway ,each to their own .

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Very true, thanks for watching

[@joanrevell5767]

Great chat. I just love your chats. Pity that they don't teach this kind of topic at schools. Stay save xxxx

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks for watching Joan, we appreciate the support.

[@kootenayJAK]

Brilliant, thank you for these tips.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

You’re welcome and thanks for watching

[@lemonteapot1061]

I really enjoy your videos and thanks to you and a couple of others I’m shifting my mindset. For the first time ever I haven’t visited a supermarket for ten days!!!! I used to live in them practically . watching these videos helps me to get my head around the fact that I should eat what I have and try and pay off my debts. Thankyou

[@janetpenswick8887]

Hi jane from sunny Lancashire, another great vlog , had to laugh I've been to garden centre this aft and bought geraniums. They were 5 for £5 so bargain .

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

I love them, do they survive the winter?

[@patmartin9727]

I any country that has frosts in winter will need to lift geraniums pot them up and bring them inside for the winter,here in the uk that will be about another month.

[@olgareads9107]

Thank you for a thoughtful presentation.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks Olga, we do try hard to make and present good content

[@mrsh3972]

Such wise advice. Your egg on toast picture set me off, so we've had egg, ham & chips tonight for tea. Simple food and so tasty.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Sounds great! We often have an on toast night, or a soup night, or an egg and chips night. As I say, I'm a housewife, I'm not a chef

[@cherylT321]

Yum, l would have added some baked beans to that feast!

[@mandifields2621]

I love these chats Jane. ❤

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks Mandi

[@thriftytowers7160]

One of the best vids I've seen on this topic. really encouraging thanks, gillian

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks Gillian

[@rosaestrada41]

Thank you Jane for another great video. I’m saving more money with your frugal tips. Thank you again. Hugs from LA.

[@SuperScorpio1956]

Really enjoyed this video thank you for sharing. Have a wonderful week

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thank you! You too!

[@carolineevans1565]

Great advice as always, very motivating, thank you from Caroline in Shropshire x

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

You’re most welcome. Thanks for watching.

[@sarahees891]

Great video, your channel and others are a part of my support network to live below our means!

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Happy to be part of that support.

[@atlanticvegansurfer8144]

Thank you so much Jane for your excellent videos. I really appreciate your encouragement and confidence.. It is so very helpful. Wishing you all the best from your frugal friend in New Hampshire, USA

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

You are so welcome! Thank you for your kind support

[@alisonbutler6743]

Great midweek chat Jane; you always give us plenty to think hard about!

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks Alison

[@laetitialogan2002]

"I dont care what anyone else has, as long as I have enough "...

[@cherylT321]

There you go!

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Absolutely!

[@cathyphillips679]

Totally agree. I've always said "I don't need a lot, I just need enough"

[@cherylT321]

@@cathyphillips679 👍

[@patmartin9727]

Totally agree everyone has 100 pence in their pound and I use mine on things that are important to me, this includes savings.

[@Sweetie8387]

Best one yet. So much of this resonated with me. Im an emotional spender mainly feelings of guilt as a mum and also comparing myself to others. Thanks

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Oh bless you Emily, you take care and just do your best.

[@jonihanna6449]

I live in the USA nd found you quite by accident. Thank you. I'm a new subscriber! I'm looking forward to more of your videos! Best to you from America.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Hi Joni, thanks for commenting and subscribing and take a look at our videos.

[@leanefortune4024]

Love your ideas Jane. You are very inspiring and down to earth. Love your recipes also.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

More recipes for lunchboxes tomorrow

[@rena4220]

Always enjoy watching your videos. You give such good, sensible advice. You have a good heart. I have been trying to eat what I have on hand. Saw the potatoes needed to be used up, so added time to a bowl of split pea soup. Last 2 portions went in the freezer. By the way, I made your lentil lasagna recipe and will make again. I actually thought it was better the next day, or 2 or 3. LOL

[@Chellascommoncents]

You are so encouraging! Thank you for your time and insight . 😊

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

I couldn’t do it without you, thanks for watching

[@rachelwalsh4378]

Love your chats Jane! Always such good advice 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks Rachel

[@sagewilliams8082]

Your fabulous. Im in the US I watch Under the Median here you might like her and her husbands channel . Im going to send them your channel. Feeling Blessed to have found you! Thx Sage

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

I totally love Hope and Larry. Thanks for watching and sharing our channel.

[@sagewilliams8082]

@@FrugalQueeninFrance ❤️

[@karenccs67]

I really enjoyed this video tonight Jane x

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

You’re welcome and thanks for watching

[@4estdweller4ever]

You should do a little segment on simple meals ideas. I used to cook for a big family and miss some of the meals I used to cook, but they are sometimes too elaborate to make for one person. Sometimes I just don’t have imagination to think of alternatives. Your ideas are always great. Edit~excuse me! I have found your videos on cooking! They’re great. Thank you!

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

You’re welcome, our recipes and frugal food on Friday are all quite affordable

[@lemonteapot1061]

Could you not make a big amount and freeze as small individual portions?

[@4estdweller4ever]

@@lemonteapot1061 Wish I could. I live in a RV with a freezer as big as a postage stamp.

[@lemonteapot1061]

@@4estdweller4ever oh I see ☹️

[@mariaevans5046]

This was a great talk today - thank you so much

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks for watching and commenting

[@mariamartinez9126]

Thanks for you frugal ideas to help live below our means but still enjoy life.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Like I said, still go out, meet up with friends, have day trips but take a picnic.

[@joycewilson6359]

Thank you for another great video filled with such great advice. You hit the nail on the head about food snobs, comparing everything and friends. The food snobs really like to belittle people for not eating organic this and that and anything some tv chef talks about. I grow most of my own food from seeds that I save to save money. We are also debt and mortgage free retired early couple who raised 4 healthy children. I refuse to pay 60$ for a 25 lb bag of flour that I can get for $7 just because someone said it’s better. By buying what I need at better prices and catching sales keeps our pantry well stocked. A lady that runs a group I’m in could take that to heed also. She is always trying to make her money stretch and not eating very much at all.she asked for advice on how to save money, which is what she’s supposed to be teaching! and one of the first things I said was to cut namebrands and organic flour which she only buys 25 lbs once a year for 65. She didn’t like it at all. No help for herSo far you and the you tube Mary’s Nest are the only Chanel’s that I have seen actually talk about those who cannot afford food she is always saying buy what fits your budget not because of a brand name or organic. I have respect for you both for that reason. Keep the great advice coming.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks Joyce

[@newbeginnings-myeverydaylife]

My camera assistant is called 'Tripod' Ha Ha Ha! A nice first statement my friend (much appreciated). My tip for today is to make connections with other people - and share/swap - that is how I get things I would like, but can't buy. Another great video Jane (and great filming Mike!)

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks, we’ve had a lovely day, we had trees down and have given wood away. It was nice.

[@newbeginnings-myeverydaylife]

@@FrugalQueeninFrance You are so kind and thoughtful. All the best my friend.

[@margal3120]

I’m so glad KZbin suggested your video! New subscriber galavanting around to your videos. You’re wonderful! 😎👏🏻 love this one!

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks and welcome

[@suzannawilson9275]

I love, love, love your videos, just discovered them yesterday. I moved to France from Scotland just before covid started (quelle timing !) and have been freelancing to make a living, which means I live on a super small budget, being self employed in France (hello social security costs!). I am single and have to rent, so all in all, frugality is not really a choice, but your videos already help me to see contentment in a simple life. And I've already learned a couple of useful France specific tips! Thank you!

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Hello Suzanna and welcome. We know those social charges of 22% of our gross income and income taxes on top and health insurance and the high cost of living, we know it’s expensive but we are so happy to be here in France.

[@suzannawilson9275]

@@FrugalQueeninFrance yes, it's a small price to pay to live in such a beautiful country with all these gorgeous experiences! And hitting lidl early tomorrow for my antigaspi 😉

[@joannapatterson4625]

Eating out is absolutely ridiculous the last couple of years. Huge inflation. I’ve decided that I’ll eat out 2 to 3 times a year on special occasions only. I’ve always made meals at home, especially so over the last 2 years.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

We only eat out on our wedding anniversary.

[@sheilap3100]

Such an inspiring talk. Thankyou Jane.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks for watching

[@WarriorGoddessSubliminals]

Thank youuuu so much 🌴🐊🇦🇺

[@crissieroserose]

i luv this lady

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thank you

[@cathymillar9900]

Be thankful. Do not waste. Be inventive. Do your work yourself. Being thrifty is really quite simple. Oh, but of course, I am not greatly bothered by what others think.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks for watching, commenting and sharing

[@debbiekoortzen1154]

This is great advice, thank you! You produce such great content. I love your company. Lots of love. ⚘

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks Debbie and I appreciate your encouragement

[@rev.ruthe.gallot9103]

Great video... I think it is the best one I have seen.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks Rev Ruth, thanks for watching

[@TheLongRunwithJoelandChristy]

Lovely video, Jayne. I agree so much about the food snobs. I know that we try to eat healthyish. But, I don’t think that you should rub your version of healthy in someone else’s face. In fact, my book for this month is about giving yourself grace when it comes to food. And one of the things, it pointed was when we have a judgmental attitude towards certain foods we could be hurting someone who can’t afford to eat the “socially acceptable” foods.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Absolutely. Lots of people think fresh veggies are expensive here in France but if you eat simple vegetables like cabbage, broccoli, frozen green beans or peas, carrots or root vegetables they’re a good price. I know that’s old fashioned food but it’s good nutrition. It’s the same for tinned salmon or tuna, if that’s what you can afford.

[@cynicallyyours61]

Great advice, right up my alley. I don't buy geraniums, I ask neighbours if I can take cuttings from their plants,

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Even better that way.

[@Soliada]

Another great video Jane. I follow your tips already and am happy for it!

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks for watching and commenting

[@gladyschandler6724]

We have a supermarket "Sprouts" U.S. which reduce meats.

[@LeAnneTraybsza]

This is a fantastic video. ❤️

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks so much

[@joycegonzales4994]

Great great reminders, very necessary

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Glad it was helpful!

[@janbreeze1227]

I’m new to your channel, I loved this video Jane! Thank you

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks very much and there’s plenty more for you to enjoy.

[@martapogribna6396]

Loved this video!

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks very much

[@b.a.c.7031]

I agree with all these points!

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks very much for watching

[@kimberlygray227]

Thank you for taking time to do this.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks Kimberly

[@carolinehayes3212]

thank you jane

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

You're welcome 😊

[@patmartin9727]

Great to see the subscription numbers are creeping up.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

It pleased us too

[@beverleymoore1390]

Greetings from across the Pond.....aka USA. I adopted the frugal way of living over 20 years ago and was able to retire from my job with a good pension at age 60. I am 70 now. Even though I am comfortable financially I chose to work part time to get myself out of the house sometimes and do what I like. I am agressively trying to pay off my mortgage which I hope will be done in a couple of years. I very rarely eat out because restaurant foods tend to have unhealthy ingredients like sodium which I cannot tolerate. I have discovered that the most frugal foods are the best foods for our health whether organic or not. I buy organic produce to support the local growers in northern California. Unfortunately I have not been able to get my son and daughter to adopt my frugal ways.:( Setting an example does not always work but I will keep on keeping on. Thank you for your program and your blogs. I always gravitate toward frugal groups online.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks for watching. Thankfully we’d paid off our mortgage when we downsized which made our life financially and completely debt free.

[@gladyschandler6724]

I only have dinner out once a month with my son & for our birthdays. Belong to two clubs which often involve a meal out or we do a lot of potluck too twice a month.

[@caroleturner5059]

Great advice Jane!!!!

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks for watching Carole

[@jomcd2073]

So many wise words:)

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks Jo

[@cathyosullivan718]

Many times the food you make at home is better then what you get outside.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks Cathy

[@jessieelliott3157]

Years ago we spent a year in south America eating beans and rice every single day. We would see the locals go into the supermarket and buy their rice their oil and their dried black beans in bulk. They would brighten it up sometimes with greens or a beetroot salad and squeeze lime over it, add some cubed pig skin for flavour, but it was always beans and rice. We actually loved it and still do. 20 years later and we still eat it regularly. Cheapest meal ever. Our kids love it too.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

I could eat the same food every day

[@kathyb8540]

Love your personality Jane.I live in the south good ole Beans and taters are a good meal to me.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks Kathy, thanks also for taking the time to comment.