EASY FRUGAL TIPS TO SAVE MONEY FAST | Frugal Habits That Actually Work | FRUGAL LIVING TIPS

[@J3nn3mac]

My biggest money saver was when I quit shopping at Target. I realized I was going to Target for tp, toiletries, laundry detergent, garbage bags, etc, and coming out with a lot of impulse buys and things I didnt need. I started buying all those things at my grocery store instead, and it cut out all that impulse spending.

[@helenmak5663]

I haven’t stepped in Target since June and I’m going to hold on this practice as long as I can.

[@ireneroy8820]

@@helenmak5663 I haven’t walked in target for over a year. I had a small pick up because I had a gift card

[@tinashoemaker1958]

Yes. I stopped getting prescriptions filled there and stocked up on all the household stuff so I only need to go 1 a quarter. Save so much money. You can’t buy what you don’t see. 😂

[@dianam9028]

Target, Walgreens and CVS too expensive!

[@markschlienz-kk6tc]

Target is a ripoff for lazy people. WinCo is generally the best, but it's smart to know the weekly loss leaders at Safeway, Kroger, etc. because they often beat WinCo.

[@kelsieprovan]

My husband and I moved from CA to TX because we prioritized me staying at home with our kids. All by ourselves with a toddler and an infant! And 4 years later my whole family has moved to the surrounding area to us. Listen to God. Be faithful. Pray.

[@horselover123962]

We did a similar thing! We moved from WA to TX six months ago-bought a home at 42% of what we received for our home in WA. Put the remaining $$ into our retirement account! Best decision for our retirement!

[@janie5322]

Texas got so expensive after everyone moved here...

[@jessicaflake7848]

Yes my property taxes literally doubled this past year because a lot of people from California moved into and close to our tiny town. 😭 I'm here mostly because I can't afford anywhere else and now I'm starting to not be able to afford here. Hoping at least what the town offers grows so it can add at least some benifit to those that already lived here.

[@ruz7951]

Of course if you can keep a california income and move to another state you would be golden. 😅😅😅

[@lundungoth]

Is KY friendly to people who aren’t white??? If you have any color in your skin you need to consider this. A blonde haired blue eyed women telling you to move to rural states is not a good measure.

[@melissahodgson1958]

My cooking on a budget has gotten me to making better food than the restaurants we go to.

[@beth3535]

I’ve found that too! My cooking is pretty basic but very satisfying.

[@angelafritz4917]

Agree!

[@markakira8988]

I tracked everything I spent for 6 yrs using those giant XL wall calendars. Writing it down with my own hand instead of using a spreadsheet was more powerful and kept me honest. I managed to invest/save 58% of my net income. I'm on track to retire early, only 8 years, 2 months, and 14 days to go.

[@firequeen2194]

Five years for me! Early retirement. Yay for us! I worked really hard to get here but I’m not working until I drop, lol.

[@frogmoonmama]

Brilliant!

[@Singreadsmile]

That's a really good idea! I use a spreadsheet but see how writing it all down could be a lot more impactful!

[@carriesmith7165]

Hahaha I like how you have it down to how many days left till retirement. Great job and great idea 👍

[@wjb-wi6dt]

I use an online budget tool, but it's based on the envelope system. When I open the app on my phone to log a purchase, I can see what I have left in that category and how much it's going to drop with the purchase. Almost all my purchases are planned, but that little app gives me some extra help when I feeling an impulse buy urge.

[@tammymyer5347]

I have one that will blow your mind. I used to spend $250 about six times a year getting my hair cut, colored, highlights, occasional hair products plus tip, etc. That’s $1,500 a year. When my son was born 18 years ago, I decided I was not going back to a salon and paying to have my hair professionally done like that anymore. So over 18 years I have done my own hair, cutting it myself and coloring it occasionally with box color. I added up $1,500×18 years…I have saved myself approximately $27k by doing my own hair!!!!!

[@FunUrth4All]

Super 🎉❤

[@debbiewuehler8728]

I have recently quit McDonald’s and gave myself a nine dollar pay raise by driving a van . I love it

[@SandraOswalt-x8t]

Once a lady told us her husband just raved about her dinner and asked her to make it again. She said" I'm not sure I remember what was in the left side of the refrigerator. " I thought that was priceless.

[@seekingjoynow1722]

Doing a No Spend was life changing for me. I saw how addicted I was to buying things. The most I've done is about 3 days in a row, but I plan to do at least two days a week. The more you don't spend the easier it gets. I may do a No Spend November. Some people do no spend for a year. Amazing. Having self discipline is so empowering.

[@nogaaalovely7460]

Being spending too much since my mom died last month. Planning a no spend month next month too. Best of luck

[@yvonneconte3040]

I saved all my loose change for 1 year. I was able to take myself and 2 kids to Hershey park!!😊

[@supergg07]

My husband is the big change saver. He’s been doing this since he was a little kid and that has helped us a lot when we had our first two grand children we took them to Disney and I told him whatever is in this change bucket y’all can use it for spending money and I’ll be damned I had 600 bucks in there, so they got $300 apiece to spend

[@vickirobison2902]

I'm doing a "buy nothing from Amazon" month. It's just so easy to buy a bunch of stuff and it comes so fast! Just gotta stay off the cite altogether...like a gambler. Thanks for all the tips

[@Jacquie_Kirk_111]

Me too !

[@NANASplash]

I’m doing the same this month!! No Amazon!!

[@readyornot316]

You are 🎯 regarding moving to a lower cost environment. We are debt free because we moved out of a big city where the prices were inflated on everything (groceries, taxes, insurance, fuel, utilities) to a small town where the pace is slower and the cost of living is much less. Had we stayed in the city we would still be drowning in debt.

[@carrieprivette3032]

If you move to areas with a cheaper cost of living.... be nice to the people who already live there. Chances are that they might not have the same amenities you're used to (such as road quality) or the pace of life will be different. And be aware that newcomers can drive up home prices for locals, so being polite neighbors is the very least you can do for the community that welcomes you in.

[@alcogito8287]

Also realize that the cost of living is higher in the place you left because of the voting habits of the people who live there. If you bring those habits with you, you will change the new place.

[@wjb-wi6dt]

I live in a small city (possibly a big town, but I think we qualify as a city!) - the thing that really bugs me is when people move here for the space and cost of living but then complain about what we don't have. Not even the streets, as we all complain about them! But not having an airport within 90 minutes? Well, no - we're not big enough to support one. Not having super fancy restaurants? Nope, but we have some excellent local places with great food, just without the fancy and high price. No Trader Joe's, but there's one near the closest airport. Small symphony made up of people who come from the 2 nearby bigger cities, so yes, we only have 6 shows a year. You're right - you do yourself no favors when you act like you are better than your new community. We like it like this.

[@FunUrth4All]

Thank you for this kind advice❤

[@yvonnepalmquist8676]

Texas Roadhouse is my go-to save, too. I usually box half my meal before I even start eating. The last time I went I discovered the filet medallions and rice come with two sides, but I was allowed to substitute the rice for another side. So I was allowed three sides. 😮The rolls, a side salad and a medallion was my dinner. Two other meals of a medallion and a baked potato came home with me. Yep... I ordered two baked potatoes as my second and third sides and took them home with two 3 oz. filet medallions.

[@lisacrews3060]

To make eating at home and meal planning easier do 2 things: 1. Save your meal plan and the matching grocery list to reuse in the future on rotation. When you have 3-6, or whatever number works for you, just reuse them until you decide to make a change. 2. Cook once, eat at least twice. Plan to shop for and cook at least 2 meals worth of each recipe. When you make it, put 1 meal's worth on the table and put the other meal's worth in the fridge for later in the week. You just need to reheat and serve like you would for any leftovers. That means shopping for a week is 3 doubled breakfasts, 3 doubled lunches, and 3 doubled dinners plus whatever you want for day 7: leftovers, eating out, fasting, snacky no cook meals, or whatever. You can plan and shop for 4 days to get the hang of it if you're a beginner, or go longer, like 10 days or more, to cut back on trips to the store.

[@kelseyfludd5926]

That cost money tho, most people can only afford food for a week or two. They cant afford to double those meals. I always see people talking about cook extra but people dont have that in their budget

[@soothinggentlesounds]

Excellent ideas! thanks

[@lisacrews3060]

@@kelseyfludd5926 My post WAS about buying 1 week's worth of food. 3 doubled dinners, 3 doubled lunches, and 3 doubled breakfasts IS one week's worth of food. Save that week's plan and grocery list. Then the next week plan 3 doubled dinners, 3 doubled lunches, and 3 doubled breakfasts of different meals than the week before and save that meal plan and list to use later. Keep going until you have however many weekly meal plans you want to put in rotation so you don't have to plan for a while.

[@martinemikita9281]

​@@kelseyfludd5926than what are you doing for the 7 days per week? You have to eat... if ur shopping for a week... double us... same thing as shopping for a week.

[@Dindasayswhynot]

​@@kelseyfludd5926You just have to decide to do it. Many of us who follow Christine started out with next to nothing to work with. Live on rice and beans as you get started if you have to. Maybe once a week do a double entree and put the 2nd one in freezer. Repeat next week. Don't give yourself any excuse not to start. I did it from a dire financial position. You can too.

[@PianoForJesus]

Chipotle lets adults order off the kids meal menu. It’s such a good deal.

[@curiousdiamonds876]

We are moving from metropolitan Queensland to rural Victoria, we are at the stage of our lives that the cost of the house we buy down there will mean we are mortgage free. People think I’m crazy but to us it makes perfect sense. I’ve bought second hand appliances that are in good condition for the apartment, getting tradesman discounts by paying cash, I’m selling and patching and painting walls myself. It’s exciting to hunt out bargains!

[@vegasgrl99]

I have two savings techniques which work well FOR ME!. One I call 'The Maid Got Paid'. Any money I find in washer on laundry day now belongs to me. I have a tin said monies go in. At the end of each month I add the money to a savings account. Some times it's more, sometimes it's less...but seems to always be something. The other way is at the beginning of a year I write numbers 1-52 on slips of paper. I then add said slips to a jar or can. Each week ( I pick Fridays) I draw a slip of paper from the jar. That is the amount I move from checking to savings. The least amount moved would be a dollar; the most, of course would be $52. I write the amount drawn on my calendar. The amount for a year adds up to $1378 yearly. This is how I was able to by our new fridge with cash...when ours died unexpected.

[@angielay3313]

I’m gonna borrow that idea!💡. Kudos to you for paying cash!👏🏻👏🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻

[@crystellight]

I am definitely using that second one. Great idea, thank you!

[@betsynieves01]

Love this idea. Thank you.

[@camillalindeblad4492]

A colleague of mine made a very inspiring rule for herself: she is only allowed buying 10 items a year for herself. Besides of course food, gas and other essentials, she can only buy 10 things. This year so far she got a new dress for a wedding, a set of dumbbells, new ski glasses and skiing gloves. I find a lot of inspiration in that because she really thinks through before purchasing a new item. 2 years ago it made me commit to only buy second hand clothes for a year. I have now done that for more or less 2 full years except for underwear, sports clothes and pants (I have very short legs, it’s a nightmare to find pants that fit 😅). Thank you for your tips!

[@XOXO-yr9yh]

Thanks for the tips! 🙂 I can't imagine why anyone would want to leave a nasty comment on your channel when you're just trying to help. I always appreciate your ideas.

[@juliabartlam2083]

A lot of people don't want to make changes and get really snarky when someone suggests they should implement changes. It's awful but, they do.

[@anitawinpenny6563]

@@juliabartlam2083 I believe too many people want to vent and complain … but refuse to do anything about it. They want an audience for their rants, and will get angry & lash out at any suggestion or idea of what they might do to change their situation. But a definition of insanity is: doing the same thing over and over, expecting different results.

[@shaunaleessnackidies]

Agree!

[@mirandahepworth576]

My husband and I moved from California to Kansas to save money and be able to buy a home -- whats crazy -- is his job position in Construction Managment only paid 5,000 less in Kansas than California, and my california job is remote -- so win win and now we can buy a house!

[@jenalynmichaud5927]

Because rent is so high, I can't afford financing a car, electric, insurance, garbage, etc. Long story short, I ended up having to start all over. I've been homeless for more than a year, sleeping in my car. It's tough but it's necessary to be able to get my debt down. Unfortunate events. I'm staying positive. Good credit score here I come!!

[@ladybugmom10]

I feel like I’m the cheapskate queen. But never shop at target, I cut all our families hair including my own. I love secondhand clothes, furniture, appliances. I make a lot of everything from scratch. And I’m always looking for things to do for free.

[@MomNTraining]

I took your tip about boys’ haircuts. Every time my husband took the boys to get their hair cut, it was like $80! It was every couple of months. We had dog grooming clippers that we used to use for our little dog, so he starting using those and we haven’t spent a dime on haircuts for the four boys since! He’s getting better and better at it too!

[@jus.me.tanzks5834]

My parents used something similar to a flowbee but those are expensive now 😂 my mom got a second one at a thrift store tho a year or two ago tho

[@andreabellini6796]

Lol

[@MsRene98]

Friday night is clean out the leftovers night. You have taught me all about freezer meals which has gotten rid of all the food waste. We live in Lubbock Texas which is a wonderfully low cost of living. I do copycat recipes so we don't have to go out to eat. Only one day a week is a spend money day because we buy groceries for the whole week and don't need a thing. I make homemade Starbucks coffee for us both. Our favorites just 5 bucks cheaper. Now that we are in our 60s we have the money to travel and are starting next April. What fun!

[@inspiteofbecauseof4745]

Agreed! Just purchased a 2010 Mazda 6 with 50,000 miles for $8,000. Great condition and looks brand new on the inside and so far is making 33 mpg saving a ton on gas.

[@charleyme]

I don't know how safe or recommended this is but I opened a huge Costco jar of jalapenos, redistributed to smaller 500mL mason jars (pint?) and reprocessed in my pressure canner. That was over a year ago and we have may still have a jar or two left around perfectly sealed and preserved, and they were great quality. Beats a huge open jar in the fridge that is bound to go bad after time.

[@betterlivingonabudget]

So many great tips here, especially the first one! My only exception to this is if you're in the 'about to have babies' stage, which means uber-expensive daycare if one spouse can't stay home, so living closer to family/friends might really matter in that case. Daycare is insanely expensive these days. My heart goes out to everyone in their 20s right now.

[@hottiejmd1987]

BUT on the flip side if you move your husband could find a better paying job in a less expensive area making cheaper day care options possible OR even staying at home with the baby possible

[@tamip208]

I love Til Debt Do Us Part! I wish it would come back!

[@trish237]

Soooo true on writing down what you spend. I carried a mini pocket notebook in my back pocket every where I went and nothing was purchased without writing it down. at the end of the month I spotted where i could save 200$ a month. Next month, another 50$ saved. next month 40$ more saved. almost a 300$ PER MONTH in savings. it can be done.

[@tammyhowington8396]

Thanks Christine! I shop Mercari for new/gently used also market place. I use Amazon to save money. Yes, Amazon! I don’t impulse shop online. I add things to my cart as I run low such as cat food, litter, dish soap, anything that is a decent price. Twice a month I place my order. Even if something is a little more expensive I’m saving time (I’m a teacher with an hour + commute each way), money because I don’t throw extra in the cart like I do at Walmart. I’m more cognizant of what I’m spending online. I have always done money saving things. My mom taught me well. 💜

[@carolbssewing3328]

I totally agree. And the cart is a great way to cut back on impulse purchases. I shop once a month. I put stuff in the cart all month long, then on order day, I take a long hard look at what's in there. I remove the stuff I really don't need (which I'm embarrassed to say, can be a lot). Saves gas money, time, and frustration over out of stock stuff.

[@markschlienz-kk6tc]

Also, don't throw away perfectly good food just because it's passed the "best before" or sell by dates. Often, the food is good for months or years beyond that. Just throw away anything that doesn't pass the smell test, or bread that has mold.

[@dianasimplifies]

Yes!!! I get so tired of watching pantry clean outs and perfectly good food going in the trash, either learn to rotate or open the can and see if it looks and smells ok...quit just throwing it all away!

[@annsaunders5768]

The USDA has guidelines for many things. Most canned goods are good for 15-20 YEARS!

[@chigirl8907]

My family always says we are having CORN when it's an eat out of the fridge night. Clean Out Refrigerator Night C.O.R.N. 😉 Loved your video! Great info.

[@greeneyedkygirl3939]

Yay! Thanks for giving KY a shout-out! I live near Central KY. I work from home. I say this not to brag but you can get more for your money here. We brought an almost 3800 sq ft home, 4 bed, 3ba for 155k before the housing market went crazy with interest rates. Our current rate is 2.375%. I plan on staying put 🙂. I kid you not, our monthly mortgage is $826(10% of our monthly NET) and that includes escrow and homeowners insurance. Ky. still has some homes that are a good value here if you can afford the interest. Best thing is the cost of living is way cheaper! The location is awesome. I'm 2 hours from Nashville, an hour from Louisville and just over 2 hours from Cincinnati. Also low crime and great schools!! We love it here!

[@greeneyedkygirl3939]

And another thing I failed to mention. We( family of 6) have a truck, a van, 2 Prius' and a camper all paid for. No payments. But I do need to stop with the Amazon shopping😢🤷‍♀️☹️

[@kerryf9796]

We like to try new restaurants, but we go for LUNCH specials instead of dinner. It's a lot cheaper. Usually it's the same amount of food, but if it isn't that's okay too, because it's usually too much anyway! We always order water with lemon too. I cook 98% of the time and I eat the leftovers for lunch the next day. We call it "Fend for yourself" night here too lol. That's when I'm too tired to cook. Recently we have found the clearance sections in our stores. We never even realized they existed!!! They have tons of fruit and vegetables that are just not "perfect" and OMG they have had my favorite chicken sausage the last 3 times I was there. I also got some chicken tenders. It was all 50-70% off!!! We put it all in our freezers (which are filled to capacity by the way!!!!). I was like look at me! I'm like the Frugal Fit Mom lol!

[@yvonnepalmquist8676]

I learned to cut my bangs, and I do the unicorn pony tail trick for cutting my length and layers. I seriously haven't paid for a hair cut in about 15 years or so.

[@psymompa]

Great ideas! We have used many of these techniques but the biggest impact was moving. We left our favorite/family city because the job market just wasn't there. Best decision for us. We were able to save every bonus and pay off our home and college debt in 10 years and save for our kids' future.

[@FrugalFitMom]

That is awesome!

[@letsuseourbrains]

I have loved learning how to cut my husband's hair. It grows so fast! He could use a cut each week, needs it every 2 weeks for sure, and we kept pushing it out to 3 weeks to save money. Now he gets it for free as soon as he needs it.

[@teenaskipper2782]

My boyfriend and I get the exact same meal at texas roadhouse and split it just like you. Most of my friends look at me crazy when I tell them I do this. I am glad to know we are not alone. Keep up the videos.

[@FrenchTwist]

enjoying my natural color that is now grey,,,, It looks wonderful and the compliments never end. I save time and money too

[@HappyWorldStudio]

When I was in College I would go to Olive Garden e and order the cheapest meal. I would eat a double or triple serving of the all you can eat of the salad and breadsticks and then take my pasta entree home and eat it for dinner the next day. I don’t do it anymore mainly because I don’t live close to an Olive Garden

[@firequeen2194]

We went to the last day of the Bed, Bath and Beyond close out. Wasn’t much left other than fixtures BUT they were clearing the break room. My mom bought a Cuisinart microwave was $2.50 as a backup. I bought a backup Keurig coffee pot exactly like the one I have for $3. They still work perfectly. Score! I use all the shopping apps for Amazon gift cards. I finally have enough to put solar on my camper van for ZERO out of pocket just by using these apps on purchases I was already going to make. Yay!

[@tomikotomihewitt657]

Christine! My family is experiencing this right now. My son, daughter-in-law, and 2 year old twins have to move from their home state of MT to North Dakota. The ONLY reason is because they can’t afford it here. In ND they can buy a house(1/4 the cost of houses in MT) and she can stay at home with her kids! I’m sad they are leaving but it’s the only way they can get ahead.

[@NANASplash]

We called our clean the refrigerator night “Gaze and Graze” night. Gaze into the refrigerator and graze on whatever you can find.

[@mollyklich9667]

My mom always did a fend for yourself night and its the best thing now that I have a family and I'm in my 40s. The best way to save money, use leftover and save sanity on some busy days. My kids are young so they are easy, but I do what you did and pull everything edible out and have at it! Also hummus makes a great pasta sauce if you thin it out with whatever you like to add in more flavor!

[@dmiller8638]

We call nights when we’re not cooking YOYO (you’re on your own) or EMFH (every man for himself). Even when it’s just hubby and me, we still do these help yourself dinners. We also frequently have breakfast for dinner. We always split an entree when eating out. Love the channel!

[@icantthinkofascreenname3064]

“YOYO” is really funny, I love that name for it!

[@icantthinkofascreenname3064]

My mom always called it scrounge night. “You scrounge for yourself” 😂

[@ashton8878]

That’s, RUDE.

[@tashasmith1234]

I started cutting my 3 girls hair as toddlers. I'm pretty good now... 😉 layers, curtain bangs, the whole thing! 🎉

[@AliSells]

I moved to a lower cost of living area, my previous state had property taxes almost the same as my principle mortgage. I now live in a place saving $$$$ monthly. Still struggling a bit but its great.

[@clareu9539]

We are literally in the process looking to move to a cheaper area 🤣 It's great to hear you say this though, as people think we are foolish for doing it, but living in the south of England is so pricey.

[@mylindalou2426]

My garden has been a huge help in the money saving department. I also put in a ton of berries and fruit trees. Love it so much 😊

[@brendalavigne2374]

thank you for advocating Gerber life ins.. short story. back in the late 50's early 60's my aunt bought life ins for her 3 children. 1980 my cousin was killed . life isr paid for most of his funeral. he was an adult. i bought all of my children (now adults) Gerber life ins. so thank you for advocating that so important...

[@koffeekat8106]

Our meal plan this week: (NOTE: every Sunday-Thursday dinner also provides leftovers for my husband and I to bring to work for lunch) Sunday: Lunch: Eggs and Waffles / Dinner: Homemade Crockpot lasagna with a bagged salad on the side (Mango-Lemonade... i do not recommend...) Monday: Homemade beef and bean burritos with rice and chips and salsa Tuesday: Chicken fajitas with bell pepper and onion, with rice and chips and salsa Wednesday: Roasted Kielbasa, red potatoes, Brussel sprouts and mushrooms Thursday: Shrimp Stir Fry (Though, i think we're going to switch to a lomein situation, because I'm pretty over rice this week.) Friday: Frozen pizza, frozen breadsticks and a bagged salad or fruit on the side Saturday: Lunch: oven baked tiny sandwiches on Hawaiian rolls with fruit / Dinner at the grandparents' house (i don't know what they are serving)

[@cosmojinxable]

Can you PLEASE do a video on tipping? Who do we tip, how much, etc? Seems like everyone is asking for a tip nowadays and sometimes it doesn’t seem appropriate. Some examples: to go food, grocery delivery, dog sitters, Starbucks, etc. Thank you! And love your videos btw!

[@summermercier1901]

Your videos are great! I have been trying to change my spending habits a little at a time. No buying coffee. Then no fast food, making my own. Now it's packing my lunch every day. The small changes have made a big difference 🙂

[@Cheray_]

We have 4 sons, my husband has always cut his and their hair every week! That's $150/week savings...that's almost $8k a year, almost $150K savings from their first haircut at 1yo through HS graduation! I do my and our daughter's hair which is more than double the guys' savings! I also do my own nails😉 Married 22 years and have saved almost half a million dollars in hair and nails ALONE!!

[@mariaolker]

A haircut every week? Their hair must grow fast.

[@ginakutsch1001]

Love all of these tips. I agree that meal planning is 100% effective. It keeps me focused at the store and from getting fast food because I don't know what to make for dinner for the family.

[@CookingwithCatLover0330]

I totally agree with all of it but the looking at the bank account is SO important! Especially if you have bills coming out automatically. You do NOT have to do that, and I choose paper bills. I don't let any company take out money on a monthly basis, even my own bank. I go online and pay them myself automatically. Great video!

[@dianasimplifies]

Love auto pay, we just make sure everyone is only charging what they are supposed to. Never had an issue.

[@lakeishajohnson404]

Auto pay is great! Just gotta make sure you always have the income to cover the bills...

[@argeliaanchondo9907]

I’m a hairstylist and the boys hair cuts is very good 👏 good job frugal fit dad🤗

[@theresagoodwin6518]

Kentucky here ❤❤

[@wildshadowstar]

On moving to a low cost area, I’d say figure in everything when deciding on whether or not (or where) to move. Figure in daycare, which family could help with, vehicle fuel and maintenance, lawn care if you own/rent property with grass that needs mowing, whether you have to do your own house/apartment maintenance or have a building person that does that, etc. I live in the middle of rural central Kentucky and it’s 10 miles to the nearest grocery store (Kroger). Yes, there’s a Dollar General just a mile down the road, but you’re not gonna find everything there, or even the best deals there. I have family that are neighbors, one of which is my mom, and I will occasionally check in with her to see if she needs anything from town just to possibly save her a trip in, especially in the winter months when the roads can get dangerous.

[@ellendunn559]

If you have school age kids, also consider quality of public education in the less expensive area. It may be fine, but it may not be what you want. Do your homework first.

[@dianasimplifies]

Yes I'm in rural TN. It's 13-30 miles one way depending on the store. We are surrounded by DG. I almost never shop there.

[@lorimcglin6386]

I love your videos. Especially now being a single parent. My 10 year old son loves your videos as well. 😊

[@carlarancatore-white4886]

We call leftover nite fender nite (fend for yourself nite). I heatit up you dish out whatever it is you want. Also I use a lot of filler foods - potatoes (sweet or Idaho, rice, noodles, beans &let's not forget veggies). Stuffed baked potatoes with chili or veggies with cheese is an awesome meal. I can make 5 pound bag of chicken breast make at least 3 meals for 6 people. You just use less meat for meals like fettuccine alfredo etc.

[@carlarancatore-white4886]

@frugalfitmom- okay. I'm in

[@chandrahernandez5201]

Rogue and Speedy for president!!! A lot of the time we go into eating out with the mindset of it's going to last 2 meals. You should do a video where you make meals that people usually get when they go out

[@carolynfields8488]

Love your content. I may not be able to use everything, but I always find at least one tip I can apply. We did move to another state for lower costs (California to South Dakota) and are loving the choice. We also do Smorgasbord (I call it buffet) whenever we have a build-up of leftovers (usually eat those for lunch, but something there is too much for that). I'm going to try and do more meal planning. I think I have too much in the pantry that isn't getting used because I'm not planning my recipes to incorporate them. Thank you! I don't understand why you would get nasty comments. You are always so helpful.

[@mandy3486]

Right? Who are these crazy people throwing shade at her and how dare they! She's so friendly and positive and kind!

[@valarieogle2768]

One more tip. Ask if current employer can or will pay for schooling. Not just 2 yr and 4 year colleges but trade schools also. Amazon is one but there are others. It takes time and dedication but in the end pays off. If college isn’t your thing ask around who offers apprenticeships. Plummer/Electrician/etc.

[@mrsayres11]

We are literally packing up and moving completely across the country for lower house prices. I'm struggling with the idea but my husband is convinced it will be better for us 😢 I just did my kids back to school shopping at thrifts stores. I made sure where we are moving has good thrift stores 😂 I've been a stay at home mom but I am considering getting a job at one when we get there.

[@peggywalker2103]

HI Christine, Love your channel. You gave some fantastic tips today. My husband and I moved into a regional area in Australia, its a small country town, but it saved us over 30% on our mortgage from our previous house. Its been great and has really worked for us :) Have a great day

[@kimbare7434]

We have access to a resale shop that the profit goes to the local animal shelters and foster programs. They have clothes galore along with crafting supplies. But... wait for it, they have a 75% off aisle and a.99cent off rack for clothes 🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉 I scored several pairs of Levi and Gloria Vanderbilt jeans and an antique lamp paid a toy of 9$. Feels good to buy needed things and in a way charity is also receiving.

[@Michelle_Ellen87]

Love it! However, I have to stay OFF Facebook marketplace to save money. 😬🤣

[@FrugalFitMom]

You and me both!

[@goodtroublemaker143]

Fend For Yourself is Tuesday. Love it.

[@desertbluecatnm]

Christine you're doing a real life improving service for people who didn't grow up in a frugal home. And...for people who need a reminder, like me. Your youngest son is so adorable (the haircut scene) 💞

[@mizixy9624]

I probably won’t ever move because I know the weather, wildlife and societal norms of my area.

[@cajuncustomizedexcursions7064]

I love thrifting! I haven't bought anything new in so long and I've gotten some great deals! Not to mention the things we have found on the side of the road! So much great furniture and the other day we picked up two boxes of men's clothes which most were my husbands sizes!! Amazing and a blessing!!

[@joywarrick7042]

We have freezer night & sheet pan night. Works on the weekends. Thanks for your energy!!!🎉

[@annfrommassachusetts4058]

Morning, you are so right. I live near Boston, MA. All of Massachusetts actually the northeast is very expensive. Housing and groceries are super high. I feel for young families, it can’t be easy on them. Thanks for your tips. Stay happy and healthy everyone! ❤

[@stevestewart007]

We have a Friday not "Grab Night" where we pull out all the leftovers for three of us. If we do a "Pizza Night", we make easy homemade "Crazy Crust Pizza" or buy the frozen ones at the grocery store. There are some good ones. As for groceries, we found through the pandemic that ordering online was cheapest and easiest for us. I know some people have a problem with it because of perishables and fruit & vegetables, but my husband stops by and runs in into our closest store once a week on his way home and gets those items. When we stopped going INSIDE the store, we stopped all non-essential purchases. Another thing we found is that buying large, bulk items at Costco is not always easy on the budget. It's great to get twice the product, but if it is food and cannot be frozen or may go bad before you can get to it, then it's no bargain. Wasting food and having to throw it away makes me feel way worse than spending more for a usable portion.

[@robertadunaway7030]

I save $6 a day NOT buying coffee at the coffee stores.

[@Bettyboop991]

Or more depending on the size and the company!! I can buy a whole can of coffee for $6-$10

[@silmuffin86]

My husband is from Kansas City. We've also lived in Central Texas. It may be cheaper, but like I always say, there is a reason (or multiple reasons...) why a place is cheaper and not as many people want to live there 😅

[@alcogito8287]

Usually it is because there isn't enough work, or not enough well-paying work. This can be fine for retirees and people who work from home, or people with certain essential skills. Check out and compare tax burden for your own situation.

[@martynscott7006]

My husband is not an accountant, but he is extremely minded in that way (I am not). I used to think that it was a bother to get a receipt every time that I made a purchase to bring home. Now, many years later, he shows me the overall spend in all aspects of our lives, based on what I buy, as I do the shopping. It is enlightening to see the yearly spend on groceries go down, way down, while the quality goes up. Thanks Christine, it takes time to hone the skills to save money on groceries, which can be a big expense. People can do it little by little, and learn from every shopping trip.

[@katythriftyunder35homeowne57]

Love 'Til Debt Do Us Part' - Gail is amazing!

[@erikamendelson5108]

We moved from the Chicago suburbs to rural Eastern Tennessee. Cost of living is so much less and we love the change in lifestyle.

[@carolbssewing3328]

I do like watching your channel, thanks for what you do. I have done most of your suggestions with success, and have one more to add. If you have a dog which requires grooming, learn to do it yourself. My sheepdog was costing $100-150 per groom. And she needs to be groomed at least every 6 weeks. So. I sucked it up and bought the equipment, which costs about $300, if you get the minimum. Yup. She looked a little funny at first, but now she's looking pretty good, and gets groomed more frequently. Big savings there!

[@ri-riparkin3438]

I moved 20min out of the city. It added 10min to my drive but im saving 600 on mortgage and paid off 90%of our debt with the sale of our first house

[@TheRealJules]

I give my neighbor my cast-offs in exchange for her watching our dog when we are away from home. I win because I get rid of stuff I no longer need/want AND I get a trusted pet sitter. She wins because she can either use or sell what I give her. Win-win!

[@roxannenewkirk1591]

🤣😂Love your movie inserts!!! As well as your information to save...I'm a pretty frugal person (67) so I grew up in the era of frugality....love seeing the younger generation doing the same...🥰

[@kaymyers4766]

I already space out my own haircuts even before COVID-19. For example, I went 3 years between haircuts. The least amount of time between my haircuts is around one year.

[@lovelife7343]

My best saving money hack is to run my central air at night. I can cool my house way down in a few hours shut the ac down and the house is cool all day. My air conditioner doesnot run all day trying to fight the heat. My house is 67 to 72 degrees day and night while my neighbors run there air all day to maintain 75 degrees. I save $75 a month on average.

[@dianasimplifies]

You must not live where it's 95 plus every day lol😂

[@lovelife7343]

@@dianasimplifies not so much the heat it's the humidity that is bad.

[@dianasimplifies]

@@lovelife7343 it's very humid where I live. Heat index has been very high this year with actual temps up to 100. Heat index up to 120. We can't turn ours off... well we prob could but it would be closer to 78 not 72 and I can't live like that.

[@lovelife7343]

@@dianasimplifies not as hot where I live we get humid and in the 90's it's bad enough. I just find my air conditioner works great at night but fights all day to cool my house.

[@olasarts]

Ah, one more - negotiate! I did with my job, the counter was pathetic and I gave my 2 weeks notice last week! Moving on up!

[@SoloRenegade]

happy to say I already use most of these in one way or another.

[@beckyrosenowgartman3445]

Our Friday nite is " Clean out the refrigerator night- or COR.😊 Love your tips and wisdom.

[@FunUrth4All]

I stopped eating all animals and fish , dairy and eggs and saved my life! Then saving all this money for easy whole plant menu no more doctor or dental bills in 15 years, except broke a leg, finger.

[@Dindasayswhynot]

Thanks for being part of my Universe. I have been getting very strong promptings to pack up and get out of Dodge AKA unbearably expensive California for quite a while now. I was born and raised in Southern California, currently live up in Northern California and feel like a fish out of water up here. I've lived in many states with work transfers, none of them awful. Biggest issue for me is figuring out where to go. So I listen to this year old video today and what do you tell us? "Move".

[@catherinewilke5583]

I think random dinner night is wonderful. My kids, not so much. I told them we are eating up stuff from the fridge tonight and they aren’t happy. But we have to, or the leftovers will go to waste. Also, thank you for advocating for generous tipping. 20-25 % is minimum. The restaurant workers work hard, it’s not their fault the system stinks, they deserve fair compensation. Also, don’t forget to leave a tip for the room cleaners at hotels.

[@elizabethcramer851]

I absolutely LUV your channel. Im a single senior citizen and have used so many of your money saving tips!

[@FrugalFitMom]

I'm so glad!

[@tanyajohnston8262]

I live just outside a small town in Ontario. I love to thrift and we have great thrift stores here. In fact, we have 7 thrift stores all within about 8 minute drive from home. We also have many free events over Spring, summer and into Fall. I am 61 and parents have passed so no more money gifts but I do remember when …. I am also retired. I am also a vegetarian and save money buy not buying meat and making my meal planner from sale items/ marked down things.

[@HomewithCheryl]

Your so much Fun to watch and have the best tips!! ❤. I fell back in December and had to start using a walker and I quit going “out’ to lunch because of the hassle. It has helped me to bring my own lunch, quit sitting in my car running the heat or ac plus I’m saving gas. I no longer have to fill up my gas tank every week but now every other week. I appreciated what you said about looking for a job as I have been looking on Indeed - no luck there for sure. I would really love tips on how to look for a remote job! Keep doing what you do!

[@caroloshea7830]

Love your energy. Made the decision to only buy clothes (with the exception of underwear and sleepwear) from thrift stores this year. Always receive so many compliments on how well dressed I look. At my local supermarket a lot of meat is marked down to about a fifth of the normal price late on a Sunday afternoon. I buy up and freeze it. If possible, I try and buy second hand furniture. Not only is it cheap, it's already assembled. ❤from Australia 🇦🇺

[@StephanieRedenbaugh]

I did F45 for awhile and it was a great community! One of the couches there heard I was looking for a new job and instantly started spreading the word! I had multiple people from the gym come up to me asked if I wanted to come in for an interview with their company! “Networking” and telling a ‘friend’ really can work!

[@goodenoughgirl8102]

I’m a single person so I totally do that all the time. Eat out maybe once a week and split my meals. Portions are really waaaay too big for one meal. Also take advantage of the freebies like bread, salad, soups and cold to go deals (such as OG $6 take home if you dine in once….also the loads of free salad…which is mostly meal one for me). One trip dining out got me 4 decent meals that I didn’t have to cook or prep. 😬 Other times it may be more or less like Little Caesar’s pizza or high end pizza parlor. Either way, it’s about 3-4 meals. Other times I just pick up a pint of restaurant salsa and use it with my home cooked Mexican meals for a couple of weeks or sometimes I grab pre made meat entrees at the grocery store instead of dining out (esp saving even more if it’s super reduced clearance lol). It makes more sense Imo for a single person who doesn’t particularly enjoy cooking and cooking and cleaning up after for just one can be very labor intensive. And to help also with a common single person food problem…which is certain foods that can often go bad on you quickly. You’re not really saving on food if half of it winds up in the trash bin. I also track every penny spent on everything. Old school. You tend to not want to go crazy at the store if you know you’re gonna have to come home and record it. (At least that’s the case for myself).

[@tradmama2417]

We do crazy dinner night/leftover smorge. My kids think it's the absolute best thing ever. They call it restaraunt style because everyone gets to order different food.

[@deannablack3348]

Works! We moved from Central Florida to south Alabama. Saved tons!