ESSENTIAL HABITS TO SAVE MONEY & LIVE BELOW BUDGET! OLD FASHIONED FRUGAL LIVING!

[@antoinettemoore976]

Has anyone ever told you that your content makes them feel like they are at home and are safe? I truly enjoy watching your videos! You provide many gems. 😊

[@FrugalMoneySaver]

Thank you so much! We are so happy you feel that way!

[@olderandwiser78]

I am glad that there are people watching you and others on how to live within their means. My husband and I did that for 45 years. I have my budget books for every year from 1970 when we purchased our first house until 2015. People would think that we were crazy because we literally kept track of every penny we spent, even if it was just for an ice cream cone or a candy bar. That allowed me to be a stay at home mother for 15 years while the kids were little. It allowed us to travel. Now that I am a senior and retired I don't worry about keeping a close track because the frugal habits are ingrained and I don't have to watch those pennies so much anymore.

[@FrugalMoneySaver]

That's wonderful! Thanks!

[@lilacs2082]

I’m on board with low/no spend. Opportunity to rotate through things in pantry and buy on sales that stretch this single moms dollars. My old plastic laundry basket finally cracked in too many places to use anymore. Was going to go buy a new one, but the other day when my son and I were putting away Christmas decorations, we came across an old tote whose lid has long been missing. Instead of throwing it out like most people would, it is now my laundry basket. Sturdy, works great and no spend.

[@FrugalMoneySaver]

WIN!! Love that!

[@juliequick5526]

I just booked a holiday and while at first glance this might not seem a budget option, let me explain my thinking. I have not had a holiday for over 4 years. I have saved all of 2023 to afford this and this will give me a much needed boost after a very difficult year. Very occasionally we have to spend a little more than we would like to protect our mental health and to keep us motivated. This is not something I say lightly, but running on empty is more likely to lead to poor financial choices. I hope you understand and Happy New Year xxx

[@cherylhowker1792]

Good for you. You have saved the money so book it. That’s not spending more then you had expected too- unless you did… and if you did as you say mental health is important, and if you can save this year aswell to make it back to 0 I think that’s a win too. 🙂

[@FrugalMoneySaver]

Oh how wonderful! I am so happy for you!! We love to travel! That is one of the reasons we are frugal...so we are able to take those "breaks" just like you! Love it!

[@juliequick5526]

@@FrugalMoneySaver thank you so much for your comment. I care for my very disabled husband and the Covid era has been tough xx

[@juliequick5526]

@@cherylhowker1792 thank you for your kind words! I am within budget so that”s fine and already working on savings for this year. Xx

[@HoneyBee-pc3xi]

Julie, you absolutely deserve this holiday. Enjoy every minute of it. May you be refreshed and strengthened. There is nothing like a welcome getaway!

[@BnRichardson]

Started my very first no/low spend month thanks to y'all. Been watching you for months and I am hooked. Plan on going through the year and the rest of my life on the low spend philosophy. Thank you both so much!!! Love y'all!!!

[@FrugalMoneySaver]

YAY!! Love to hear that! So happy you are here! Thank you!

[@SusanCox-pl9qp]

I always make sure I have a well-stocked refrigerator, freezer & pantry in case we have a snowy day, since I don't drive in snow.

[@CRE-w3x]

Someone posted a giveaway for 91 DVD’s and a DVD player today and we picked it up! We’re giving away a lot of the movies, but I’m excited to watch a few and really excited to have a working DVD player and especially for FREE!!

[@FrugalMoneySaver]

YAY! What a blessing!

[@gailnoll]

Such a good feeling to be well stocked and knowing you didn't pay full price is the best!

[@FrugalMoneySaver]

Absolutely!!

[@kellydickie8941]

Lots of helpful ideas. I have always been a frugal, non-waste, reuse, redo type of person. My sister has always given me a hard time about being "cheap". She recently told me that by shopping used, thrift stores, and being money conscious I am cheating those who really need it. I am 56, live on my retirement income, live in a paid for house, drive a reliable car and have no credit card debt. I attribute being able to keep my grandsons, thereby helping my daughter, to a lifestyle of frugality. Would love your input on when others, especially family make these comments.

[@NJ-xp4eb]

Really sorry to hear that your sister gives you hard time for being frugal. I sometimes get funny looks at work when I don't wear the latest trend colours, and get harshly judged when I say I spent a big chunk on education for children and made personal spending sacrifices for this. That is their problem not ours. It is not their place, it is not their life and you have your priorities spot on. Many people use thrift stores for a little business to buy items for resell, to support their families, it has also become really trendy to thrift shop to be sustainable and do your bit to save the planet- how can that be wrong?. Not only that but I have seen many extremely well to do people recently changing their shopping habit to go to thrift stores and that is ok too. Many can simply no longer afford the high prices or are prepared to pay them. So effectively you are changing your shopping habit to create less demand and if the shops and businesses finally understand how economics work instead of believing the constant algorithms that prices always need to go up, they will do the right thing and start decreasing prices. I have also seen how many times thrift shops have to either rotate, re-donate or in worst case throw away tons of items that they were donated to- in particular clothes, there is enough in thrift shops for all, plus most places, in particularly charity and community thrift stores do support a good cause, that way you don't just buy an item that most likely would have ended being recycled or trashed but put it to good use and you help a charitable cause consistently (not just with a once off donation). You are doing it right and it is a society change that will happen very soon, you are just ahead of it and that can be tough.

[@kellydickie8941]

your comment made my day @@NJ-xp4eb ☺

[@FrugalMoneySaver]

Well said NJ! Kelly, I did a short video on this exact topic. Take a listen! Hope it encourages you! kzbin.infoNrIWo_KlcRI

[@susanf4857]

Day 5 still no spend! 👏 Imagine what you would have spent at a restaurant for that delicious looking breakfast you made! 😋

[@happycook6737]

At a cheap place in my area that breakfast would be $38 + tip. Home cooked for the win. 😂

[@FrugalMoneySaver]

Absolutely right!

[@rochellethundercloud346]

Whole chicken Roast chicken Chicken Parmesana Chicken taco Chicken nuggets Chicken noodle soup Chicken and rice casserole Chicken salad. BBQ chicken. All from one chicken And chicken pot pie

[@FrugalMoneySaver]

Thanks!

[@stowie7733]

I love these no spend months because I am enjoying the competition with myself to not spend anything. I find I am in a good mood for the day as there is no shopping trips that must be done. I do have a shopping list started. I am watching for sales as I will need coffee…and that is definitely a need! 😊 I’m one of those who will be shelf cooking this month. I have my meals all planned out, plus some of the meals will be put back in the freezer for use in the next couple of months. I am able to use up all the older food before it goes bad. I sorted my food so one cupboard is all of the newer food and those items are not part of my meal plan. There is no chance of me running out of food. I am decluttering, rearranging furniture and cleaning to keep me busy, plus I am walking 1-2 miles a day. I made myself a reading nook in my bedroom which has a comfy chair, bookcase and lamp…along with a stack of books. I’ve also pulled my desk out that had been tucked in a corner and set it up so I can now use it daily (and it is where my home control journal now lives). Christmas decor will come down on the 7th and we will reset the living areas. I have a new grandson due within the next 4-6 weeks so I am helping my son and his wife get their house ready for the little one (they recently moved and still trying to settle in). Wishing all a happy and frugal year!!

[@FrugalMoneySaver]

All wonderful! We take our decorations down on the 7th too!

[@virginiamendoza9448]

I started my no spend January. I made a chart to keep track of my savings. My son wanted sausage biscuits. We used to get them at McDonalds but started buying the Jimmy Dean frozen ones. We were grocery shopping (for essentials) and he asked me to buy some of the frozen sausage biscuits. I bought a box of baking mix and a roll of pork sausage and made them for half of what it would've cost for the frozen and who knows how much less than McDonalds.

[@FrugalMoneySaver]

YAY! That's the way to do it!

[@sheilafreisthler4421]

So far so good! My win was not paying full price for my haircut this month! The amount saved was put back for Christmas! I’ve been working out at my local gym, free with Silver Sneakers!! I also crochet and take Holy Communion to a shut in on a weekly basis.

[@FrugalMoneySaver]

Wonderful wins for sure!

[@gospelgardensandtunes4109]

I am a mom to young kids. I just really enjoyed making us homemade granola, fried eggs, and roasted chopped potatoes and bacon for breakfast tacos for my husband before he leaves for work the rest of this week. It made me happy making food at home and I know I am saving money.

[@FrugalMoneySaver]

That is awesome!

[@nyssakeith]

Yay No Spend Low Spend January!! My husband and I are having so much fun encouraging each other and getting excited about the ways we have saved by making different choices. Right now we're trying to empty some of our freezer and pantry in order to rotate it, because we've been sitting on a lot of things. That's stopped us from buying extra food we don't need! I almost got a new dish rack then decided to deep clean and disinfect it, and it's good as new. That was a personal win. Good luck everyone on your Frugal Journey!! Thanks Paul and Emmy!

[@FrugalMoneySaver]

Wonderful! Isn't it fun!

[@EstherWillinski]

Dear Emmy, finding the treat bags was a sign that the Universe is supporting you! I had a win today when my coworkers offered to grab beverages from Starbucks and I said "I'm all set, thank you!" I bring my homemade coffee with me every day, and I am content with it. I need to work on my inventory this weekend, thank you for the reminder! By the way, I've been meaning to give you a tip: plant some herbs this summer, some of them are perennials (thyme, sage), then you dry them and make your own herb mixes. They are the easiest to grow! Thank you for all your support, I hope you feel better soon.

[@ellenedwards7029]

My husband said we need garlic powder I said no we dint. I took a half a bulb grunded in my bullet now he has garlic powder. Our house is from 1875 so we have two root cellars and I store my root veggies and garlic that I grow every year. So it was nice to have it in stock. I don't need any Christmas wrapping a out three yrs ago we went to a church thrift sale 2.00 a bag. They had a large donation from a lady who closed a Hallmark store and brought everything to her church. We are going in the third yr and there's still plenty if stuff left. Collected the wreaths back from the cemetery fur .next year. Shop Rite started their Can Can sale some good prices

[@FrugalMoneySaver]

Yes, this spring we sure will!

[@marywatkins6798]

I always bring my own coffee from home as well not only because it's frugal but because I don't have to stop, sit in a line, and wait for my coffee. I can start right in on my day.

[@1mourningdove54]

My daughter was so proud that she did not go to the cafeteria where she works even once last year! She is hoping to do the same this year.

[@pjlacey3990]

I think the purpose of eating out of our pantries is to make sure we are not wasting food that might get missed and expire. Some of us are not so good at rotating our food.

[@FrugalMoneySaver]

Oh I totally understand!

[@TarryWithTabs]

Have you ever shared your sourdough bread recipe? It looks amazing! 🤤 I love the idea of a boredom buster list!

[@FrugalMoneySaver]

I can definitely share my bread!

[@angielay3313]

I would love to have the starter recipe as well. It looked delish!!❤

[@pd2330]

God ALWAYS provides! Even treat bags! We are in quarantine....that will keep me from shopping in thrift stores for recreation! 😂Glad you're feeling better! 😊

[@FrugalMoneySaver]

Hope you all are okay!

[@pd2330]

@@FrugalMoneySaver Thank you. Mrs. D. H.V.

[@carolynlineberger1929]

Thank you for the enthusiasm of being frugal! You are a delight to watch. God bless you!

[@FrugalMoneySaver]

Thank you so much, Carolyn! God Bless you as well!

[@janetstonerook4552]

It's so easy in cold January weather for me to stay home and not shop for frivolous items. Brrr! I will need new car tires soon so I'm saving for that. But for now I'm just using up what I have stocked up in my pantry and freezer. And feeling appreciative.

[@FrugalMoneySaver]

Great attitude!

[@jamiecarr4184]

Every year. For about the last 15 years we get a whole cow butchered. We live in the Midwest and a farmer friend raises about 6-8 cows every year for friends and family. Depending on processing fees it costs us 4 to 5 dollars a pound. We. Keep half and split up the other half between family and friends. So late December early January is freezer clean out every year. What we can't cook we give away this years recipeint is a broke couple we know. Usually it's neighbors and they say they like to see me coming. So January is always as low spend for groceries mostly because I can't fit much else in the freezer.

[@FrugalMoneySaver]

That's so generous of you!!

[@AlicePhillips-jc7hr]

Just want to say HAPPY BIRTHDAY, PAUL. Have you decided yet what type of cake you want? I, too, was sick over Christmas with Covid but am getting back to good health as it appears you two are. But while I was sick, I was sure grateful for my stocked freezer and pantry. Take care.

[@FrugalMoneySaver]

So happy you are better!!

[@reginaldshannon4220]

Hello from reg in Dublin ireland

[@FrugalMoneySaver]

Reg! Hope you are doing well our friend!

[@reginaldshannon4220]

@@FrugalMoneySaver all good Emmy got over Christmas and new year back to the grind stone next week. Hope you and Paul are feeling better. I am looking forward to your videos . Keep safe and well 🙏❣️

[@GretchenBostrom]

Ooh, nice breakfast. What a treat! Aren’t simple pleasures like a hearty, home cooked breakfast wonderful? Wishing you a wonderful no-spend January.

[@FrugalMoneySaver]

Wishing you the same, Gretchen! Thank you!

[@susanf4857]

Another boredom buster I have to add is do a puzzle!! We plan to do one thru Jan.

[@FrugalMoneySaver]

Love puzzles too!

[@angelaholland1236]

I realized I said I was using out of my pantry and freezer this month; but I've also been grocery shopping. I had older protein that I needed to use and things expiring soon. I couldn't let it get wasted. I did splurge and get 3 items after Christmas, savings to my future self. I also used rewards and coupons to buy things I will add to gifts. Practicing the use what I have for daily needs. Anxious for the next video.

[@FrugalMoneySaver]

Oh yes, we do that too Angela! Thank you!

[@grandknit1016]

Thank you for the encouragement to do a no spend January. So far so good! Basically I’m just telling myself to stay out of stores or only buy what’s on my list. I did need a larger glass bowl for my sourdough making and my husband and I walked down to our local thrift store and found the perfect one for $4:99. When we went to check out it was 1/2 off so $2.50!

[@cherylhowker1792]

That’s a win. Put the othe 2.49 in a pot incase you need it x

[@FrugalMoneySaver]

YAY! Love that!

[@janetstonerook4552]

Looking forward to all your frugal tips for the rest of January. But even more your enthusiasm in the everyday little wins you share. Cleaning out drawers and closets and finding a forgotten item that you can use is like a treasure hunt to me!!

[@FrugalMoneySaver]

Me too LOL!

[@VampExpress]

Oh dear Emmy! My no/low spend January has gone wonky! My great intentions were going so well too...however my daughter Holly 12yrs returns to school on monday after the Christmas break here in the UK and over christmas,well over night really she has shot up in height and my no spend turned into new school shoes,2 new school skirts and 2 new school shirts plus socks and tights! I practically hemmorhaged cash today!!! Oh and she needed a hair cut too!! Goodness me it hurt!! Back on it tomorrow,new day,new start or restart at least! We fall and get back up! It has been an ouch day here! xx

[@JudithMcPheron-pb9lv]

Yes, some times things do happen and our goals are not side tracked permanently only temporarily on hold. It will get better. Sending best wishes from across the pond.

[@samjones9465]

Don't be so hard on yourself, they are essentials so you haven't broken no-spend January at all, you purse maybe sore but you have stuck to the no spend x

[@cherylhowker1792]

I would say they are things you can’t go without. So it’s essential and so it’s not enclosed. It’s not like you said- hay kid I need to spend money so grow lol I’m in the uk and yes going back to school after this break is always tricky as it’s a long break- this one was I know and my carers boys are only in for 5 weeks and if again! It’s madness. Stay strong and write this up as needed! Please xx

[@FrugalMoneySaver]

Those are all totally necessary! Children grow (thank God) and need new items!! No worries!

[@NJ-xp4eb]

Don't worry, you are still in the challenge- in our house this would be emergency purchases- I had one too this month, we will still make it!

[@sillybeeful]

Do you know what’s so special Emmy? You still sound like you love saying Paul’s name… you are both blessed in your marriage ❤❤

[@FrugalMoneySaver]

LOL! Yes, I am very blessed!

[@pennydroogsma1948]

My first no spend January win: had masking tape on my shopping list and was certain I needed it, but figured I better check in my paint supplies. Found a whole roll!😊 Glad you two are feeling better!

[@FrugalMoneySaver]

YAY! Tape for the win!

[@christophervogt7456]

No Spend January is going well. I will be eating through some of my stockpile of food. I simply have too much! I'll purchase needed sale items and fresh veggies & dairy. I'll be focusing on keeping that to a minimum. With snow on the way and the frigid temps, I plan on hibernating this weekend. I don't need to go out for a thing!

[@FrugalMoneySaver]

We are doing the same, Chris! Stay warm and safe!

[@annewright3129]

Good to see you and Paul's hands during the video. My great accomplishment has been the careful inventory of all goods. Next, I enjoyed looking through my mother's and my cookbook and recalled some good old recipes. Mother's creamed potatoes and meatloaf were like the ambrosia of heaven and will soon appear on my table with leftovers for the freezer. I will use sausage and a little vegetarian beef. I also want to make some old fashioned gingerbread and will enjoy that all next week. I love to do some of that in January and February when it is cold. I must practice a ridged economy so I can fund the inescapable increases in almost everything else. It will take a lot of planning year around and I must do well. When I pray, I ask the Lord to give me good ideas on how to accomplish this and He does and will continue to do so. I am happy for you that you are feeling so much better.

[@FrugalMoneySaver]

Lovely that you ask the Lord for guidance! So true!

[@nadineberti3611]

A tip from a north Italian. We never cook in the morning. Just make cold breakfasts sometimes. We eat bread or crossaints with jam, fruits, cookies....😊

[@FrugalMoneySaver]

Interesting!

[@kathikat7804]

Dear Emmi, thank you very much, I wish you good health, I was sick too, but I'm getting better again. I have a lot of wool at home and have now started knitting beautiful socks as gifts for my family. I don't want to buy wool again until all the old stuff has been used up and everyone is happy about warm socks.❤ May God Bless You all

[@NJ-xp4eb]

I am using the old wool bits to make an all colour blanket, so any left overs (not used for projects) end up there. Knitting is very rewarding.

[@FrugalMoneySaver]

Warm socks! What a wonderful blessing. Hope you’re feeling much better.

[@kathikat7804]

@@FrugalMoneySaver thank God, feeling very healthy now, and he helped you too ❤️

[@tracykimbro]

A pretty cool and rocking frugal tip for everyone! In the basement of my house with the dog and rocking out the tunes while doing laundry. You can play your favorite music and do laundry at the same time! Who would have thought this might be free and fun at 1am in the morning. Oh, ya on the computer.!

[@FrugalMoneySaver]

lol! Love it!

[@jocarson5310]

You have inspired us to follow your advice and we are through the first week not spending anything on things we don’t need. I look forward to your videos and find your enthusiasm so contagious! Thank you for sharing your knowledge with us. We really appreciate it!!

[@FrugalMoneySaver]

Such an encouraging comment! Thank you!

[@andreeb4507]

I will be living on my retirement income this month. I do still work full time.I want to see if I can do it. Also I will be doing a declutttering. This should keep me busy and less spending.

[@FrugalMoneySaver]

Great idea! Very Smart!

[@phyllissupa85]

Hello Emmy & Paul glad your feeling better

[@FrugalMoneySaver]

Thank you!

[@DCupcake58]

You always get me motivated. Thank you for that! A win for me is that I avoided “browsing” at a thrift store by finding a donation only facility (no retail store attached) for a box of items I wanted to donate. I’ve been keeping busy so far this month getting our paperwork in order to file taxes, setting up our 2024 financial spreadsheets and adding more at home workouts to my usual rotation so I’m up to six days of workouts. I am also re-listening to the Harry Potter series on audio while working on cross stitch projects. Finally, I’m finding creative midday snacks - a few medjool dates with a tsp of peanut butter and a cup of tea is my new favorite.

[@cmac3602]

Isn’t Harry Potter amazing on audio?! I love it.

[@suelloyd1989]

Thanks for the tip about your midday snacks. I have some medjool dates left over from Christmas that I will put to good use - that’s a much more delicious way to serve them 😋

[@hobocampmama4905]

We love Harry POtter on audio,Jim Dale is a genius! Dates and pb is amazing! Best of luck on your journey!

[@FrugalMoneySaver]

Oh I love Medjool Dates! Great tip! Thanks!

[@angieelle9334]

I would love it if you’d share your sourdough sandwich loaf recipe. It looked delicious! Thanks for sharing your videos with us. :)

[@DCupcake58]

I second this request. I want to try sourdough and have limited success finding others to show me. One said it was easy, just get a starter from a bakery. What?!

[@FrugalMoneySaver]

Yes, I sure can!

[@lizadivine3785]

I made my own potato chips slicing Yukon golds paper thin with a mandolin, coating them lightly with olive oil and then air frying. They were perfectly delicious!! And much healthier and cheaper than anything in the store.

[@FrugalMoneySaver]

YAY! Wonderful!

[@MSchipper]

You can even make them in the microwave! Lay them flat on a plate with some baking paper or kitchen towel and microwave for 1 -2 minutes. That's my reward for not buying a bag in the supermarket.

[@1mourningdove54]

Those fresh fried potatoes looked SO good! They are a comfort food for sure, and good at any meal of the day.

[@FrugalMoneySaver]

Yes, they sure are!

[@stephanieleitner]

I’d like to do a no spend but my hubby isn’t quite on board with that so a low spend month is our compromise. I’m a working mom of three teens so keeping busy isn’t a problem! I’m plowing more intentional this month about making food ahead of time so that there’s always something at home to eat and no temptation to grab something on the go!

[@FrugalMoneySaver]

Yes, that really helps!

[@cherylhowker1792]

Saturday tomorrow and gonna get mum to make me a Mc ds breakfast at home. Sausage (flats from Aldi) and egg muffin (but I eat a roll) and a hash brown… lol yummy

[@FrugalMoneySaver]

Sounds delicious!

[@cherylhowker1792]

@@FrugalMoneySaver just had it, ended up being brunch as had to go emergency dr at 1130 so had it at 1 but yea it was lovely and mum put a slice of cheese in it too so that was yummy as it melted. Thanks for the idea x

[@TheImperfectReader]

I kept my first jar of liquid gold at the end of 2023. It really has been a joy to cook with.

[@FrugalMoneySaver]

It's wonderful!

[@naomirankin214]

Put some dried tomatoes to soak to add to a soup, after having them sitting at the back of the pantry for years!

[@FrugalMoneySaver]

Wow! They were still good?

[@elainerobertson7329]

Ive started cooking at home and its so much better. No spend January is a good practice. Meatless days are great, too. It is good for health and good for the earth.

[@FrugalMoneySaver]

Yes! Very true

[@margaretlopez7672]

Love your enthusiasm and all your videos! I am for the first time making a concerted effort to stick to my no spend efforts in January snd if all goes well I will continue it as long as possible. My husband and I are hoping to buy a new car in the next couple of years as our old car is reaching its end but we want to buy it cash as we are retirees and don’t need a car payment as part of our monthly expenses so we will be focusing on saving as much as possible s as bd avoiding non essential expenses. Please pray for me! I’m an Amazon addict snd I’m seriously considering removing the Amazon app from my phone🙏😢

[@lynnegordon6749]

One day at a time! 💞🙏 I love to shop too.

[@cherylhowker1792]

Same here with Amazon it’s my go too. And I just keep saying you can look but not buy- put it in the basket as a maybe and if still there and not deleted within the month then think about it. And so far everything I’ve put in I’ve deleted lol so doing good.

[@happycook6737]

Take Amazon off your phone. You can access the website from your computer. A clean environment is essential. You can do this friend.

[@cltinturkey]

Imagine the joy of paying cash for a new-to-you car. 5-year old models tend to have plenty of life and are a great price. The original owner has paid for the depreciation. Just pay a mechanic (typically $100) to check the car out thoroughly before you buy it. (Paying cash for a car will make it worthwhile to pass up many, many Amazon purchases.)

[@FrugalMoneySaver]

Yes, Margaret remove it if it helps!

[@bettyadkisson1681]

Now where was the gravy for the fried taters. And I do buttered toast and apple sauce or rhubarb fruit that I have canned.

[@FrugalMoneySaver]

Gravy? Oh wow I have never had them that way!

[@ajricesmommyx2]

Auntie Emmy and Uncle Paul - I am happy to say that my first week of my low-spend January is going well, but you're right about having a plan. I haven't had the time to get a plan together, so this week, we winged it. I was a bit under the weather, and my husband had to step in to make dinner for two nights - thankfully, we are well stocked with frozen pizza, pasta, and sauce, so he could put together meals while I rested. Tomorrow, I plan to spend the day taking stock of my pantry, freezers, and fridges - and I plan to make that list of meals I can make with my supplies. I know you say not to use up your pantry, but we have too much, and the grocery store is a big impulse problem for me, so I'm staying away for a while unless we are completely out of staples like milk and eggs. But I love your channel because you encourage us to do what works best for our family. How are you going to spend Paul's birthday? My husband's birthday is also this month, and we are doing it frugally with a homemade cake, board games, and a taco bar so everyone can make their own.

[@FrugalMoneySaver]

You are doing great!! So smart to be stocked up with quick easy meals! Yes, always do what works best for you and your family!

[@KerryJames-l6z]

I have frozen sandwiches cereal yoghurd fruit 18 meal preps

[@FrugalMoneySaver]

Wonderful!

[@rev.ruthe.gallot9103]

No SPend January is going great, but as I have been home sick as well, there has been minimal opportunity to spend. My only intentional big accomplishment was a tiny shop to take advantage of combining sales, e-coupons, paper coupons and quarterly reward money at grocery store to pick up 1 bix of tissues, 1 bag of french fries and 1 box of cereal and spent only 6 cents out of pocket after combining the deals. Didn't NEED any of them except tissues, but the deals were something I couldn't let pass. Hope you continu to feel better. Wishing you continued success! (and great deals you got at the grocery store! Congrats)

[@FrugalMoneySaver]

Hoping you are feeling much better!

[@cherylhowker1792]

I needed some bits to make a hoop house in the garden for growing veg. I’ve seen loads made with pvc piping and the price was silly, so I talked it with the care team and decided that a hose pipe would do the same job. Save £30 and got more length! So did well there. It’s a no spend/low spend but this is essentially need to grow the veg durning the winter here- I was gonna stop but with the prices of food I can’t afford at the shop. Just for salad leaves!

[@FrugalMoneySaver]

So great you can grow year around!

[@cherylhowker1792]

@@FrugalMoneySaver yea so long as I have fabric cloth to keep it warm and I start stuff inside. It’s rare we get snow but it does happen but again the fleece keeps that off the plants. So hopefully with just one bed it will be enough to keep us going through the winter. We may get 2 done. As 2 beds are available atm

[@seekingtheminimumlevel1830]

I realized from watching multiple videos on no/low spend methods that my entire life is basically no/low spend. I still find the videos interesting and always try to learn new ways to be frugal. I'm an introvert and don't enjoy shopping or going to stores or out to eat or other entertainment venues for fun. My main entertainment is watching KZbin videos, using my local library, and borrowing jigsaw puzzles from free sources. When the weather is accommodating, we have many local parks and trails to walk for free. I know the free admission days/times to the local zoo and botanical garden. I did for the first time in about 10 years buy a roll of Christmas wrap after Christmas for 70% off. It will probably last many years. It's generic enough that it could be used for other occasions if needed. For gifts among family members, we've been reusing the same gift bags and tissue paper for decades most of which was collected and saved from gifts received. My adult children laugh and remember some of the gifts they received in the bags when they were very young. Wrapping paper is for the grandkids to enjoy tearing paper while they are young and any gift given to a non-family member.

[@FrugalMoneySaver]

What a great comment! Thank you!

[@and_furthermore]

Hi from Indianapolis Emmy and Paul! No-Spend January is going well so far. Stayed within my budget today at the grocery and picked up a couple of marked down items along with sticking to my list. Can't wait to hear about Paul's no-spend birthday!

[@FrugalMoneySaver]

Wonderful!

[@amycornell2307]

Thank you for all the great videos! I'm doing low spend for as long as possible this year. I'm also doing the Three Rivers pantry challenge on KZbin. I'm going to try to keep my grocery purchases to $100 per month...I do have a big pantry and, a nearly full, separate upright freezer. So far in 2024, I've made white and sourdough breads, sourdough blueberry pancakes, prime rib soup (used prime rib bones and meat from Christmas), spaghetti, oven roasted root vegetables, etc. Tomorrow, I'm making beef stroganoff with more of the leftover frozen prime rib meat. I love to cook and bake and enjoy getting meal ideas from you. I'm glad you are feeling better. I had the head/chest bug for 3 weeks after Thanksgiving...ugh.

[@FrugalMoneySaver]

You have been busy! So wonderful! Great job!

[@amycornell2307]

Thank you! I live north of you a bit and it looks like we are both going to be getting snow later today. My area is supposed to get around 8 in.

[@jilldalier5396]

May God continue to bless you your family and all of us viewers plus our families 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@FrugalMoneySaver]

Thank you, Jill! You and yours as well!

[@SusanCox-pl9qp]

I'm so glad you are feeling better. I make a weekly meal plan ALWAYS! I keep my inventory up to date so meal planning is easy for me. I used to be a fast food junkie years ago, but now I cannot remember when I went out to eat at a restaurant or went through a drive-through. It's literally been years. Thank you so much for your encouraging tips and support. I so enjoy your channel! Happy New Year to you and Paul!

[@FrugalMoneySaver]

Such a lovely comment, thank you!

[@CRE-w3x]

Adult coloring books are a great boredom buster AND puzzles! I’ve found a used book store where I can buy puzzles for .25 to .50 cents each, but recently put out a call on some FB groups and got some free ones!

[@FrugalMoneySaver]

Wonderful!

[@mellibee100]

It have been enjoying making handmade birthday cards for all the birthdays coming up (I think you could add this activity to your boredom buster list!)

[@FrugalMoneySaver]

Oh how lovely!

[@Crochetlady3-l1o]

Oh. My great find this year already was one of the electric egg cookers at my favorite thrift store I found when dropping off a donation. Brand new and still in box. It cooks 7 eggs perfectly and quickly and they are very easy to peel. Love it! $4! New I think they are around $12-$15. I will never botch my boiled eggs again!😃

[@FrugalMoneySaver]

That is awesome!

[@marlenakjorlien1237]

Good day I like your list of Boredom Busters - I added to the list 'learning to play the ukulele. Marlena

[@FrugalMoneySaver]

Oh how fun!

[@victoriajohnson3034]

Make sure your using organic non hormone meat too make lard. I just learned that when you render down you are concentrating all chemicals and hormones that were infected in the meat.

[@andreaharry690]

We used to do a "No spend" September every year and it was always so rewarding. Thank you for the inspiration! We may do another this year.

[@FrugalMoneySaver]

Sounds great!

[@lynnegordon6749]

I haven't seen Choc full o' Nuts here for waaay too long😢 Delicious Coffee! Going low spend this week. Dairy prices in Canada are high too. Blueberry Trifle for Paul's Birthday? Thanks Emmy and Paul! Happy Birthday Paul.🎉🎉🎉

[@FrugalMoneySaver]

I think we are doing a lemon blueberry cake!

[@cedarcottagefarm2885]

I keep track of my pantry and freezers. I grow the majority of my own produce and I preserve most it. I use a 2-3 month cook from my pantry to go through some of what I canned. I do watch for sales on canning jar lists. I also look for deals on canning jars. My biggest savings was after Christmas on fresh cranberries. I canned 5 jars of cranberry juice. I’m planning my gardens for this year. I’m expanding my small orchard and berry bushes this year.

[@FrugalMoneySaver]

sounds wonderful!

[@tncutt7369]

Thanks for all you guys do to help others. We are doing a low spend month. We are working on using items that are near expiration first. We will still pick up items when they are on sale. 😊

[@FrugalMoneySaver]

So smart!! Thanks for being here!

[@monicabrazil212]

I love your journal!

[@alicehunsaker7876]

Great video !! Always encouraging !!! I made baked potaoes and i top them with different leftovers i have in the freezer, pulled pork , chicken , brocolli ! i love them and i dont get tired of them because they have different topping ! Thanks for all you and Paul do !!

[@happycook6737]

I top mine with baked beans. Mmmm baked potatoes are the best.

[@FrugalMoneySaver]

Alice, baked potatoes are one of my favorites!

[@patricedixon2634]

I always top my baked potatoes with leftover chili. My favorite!

[@barbarawilliams67685]

Great buys Emmy! I haven't spent anymore since my amazon fiasco. Don't plan to either. Hope your voice is getting better every day. God bless you and Paul.

[@FrugalMoneySaver]

You as ell, thank you!

[@brilliant5126]

What a great deal on the canned tomatoes (and everything else)! I agree about never turning down the opportunity to pay less for food now that we know we will need. Thank you so much for linking the print outs! I really need to keep better track of exactly what is already in my freezers and pantry and what is lacking this year.

[@FrugalMoneySaver]

Yes, keeping track really helps!

[@ShellyCap9]

our freezers and pantry are so full we are only allowing for fresh produce during January. Like today I spent a total of $28 for the week for groceries. This way it forces us to use up all the frozen meat we have.

[@FrugalMoneySaver]

That’s great!

[@christineriello4669]

Looked healthy to me! It's not fast food or a full of preservatives. Absolutely healthy. :) Thanks for your tips. Such good reminders and hints!

[@FrugalMoneySaver]

We agree but there are always others who say no, lol

[@Polly3488]

So excited to be no spending with you! Haven’t spent any money yet, but will pick up some produce over the weekend. I am a salty snack addict, but restricting myself to popcorn made in my 25 year old air popper for the month😂 Feel better!❤

[@FrugalMoneySaver]

That is my weakness too...salty snacks lol!

[@lynnetaylor6720]

Ill be working on my pantry/fridge/freezer inventory tomorrow. Its supposed to be rainy and cold here tomorrow. Then a menu with what I have on hand. We had to borrow from the bank the other day for brakes and 2 rotor replacement plus an oil change (uugghh) but it needed it. Cant drive with bad brakes. The blower doesn't work in our car ,cant get it to blow out anything so i did spurge and bought a $29.88 portable heater for the car. Its been in the mid 20s here in the mornings, so its something to tie me till I can get things fixed.

[@FrugalMoneySaver]

Yes, all necessary spends for sure!

[@lorikrafft8197]

I love this breakfast you fixed breakfast is my favorite meal of the day I raise chickens, so I have fresh eggs every morning I make my own bread and I use bacon grease also

[@FrugalMoneySaver]

Fresh eggs! What a blessing!

[@debmoore629]

I bought groceries for the month and am tracking everything I make and how many servings I get out of everything so I can then figure out exactly how much it was for each meal to further motivate me to keep cooking at home more . I’m going to use eating out as a reward once a month during the summer when I travel .

[@FrugalMoneySaver]

That's a great idea!

[@goodtroublemaker143]

I just got a really nice promotion which means more money and also weekends off. I decided to use my first free weekend to do some kitchen organizing and stock-taking and meal planning. I really want this extra income to mean something (like boosting my retirement savings), so I’m going to focus on being frugal. Thank you for your videos!

[@FrugalMoneySaver]

YAY! Congrats on the promotion! Yes, making that money count in the long run will be so beneficial!

[@sitsngigglesful]

OK, you ruined my no spend/low spend, lol. No not really I have been thinking about a refillable planner and I like the one you have, so I think I'm pulling the trigger on it. So far only thing I have spent was for monthly bills. I'm really trying to meal plan and eat from the pantry better, and I really only need to plan weekly cuz I do a big Sunday cook each week and do leftovers for the rest of the week- usually including a breakfast casserole or something that simplifies that meal as well. And I went to the computer and printed those other trackers! Thanks for all the great ideas!

[@FrugalMoneySaver]

Wonderful! Sounds like you’re doing great!

[@cathyl4622]

Man, it makes me so sad that I can't partake in the Can Can sale. I used to live in NY and went every time they had the sale but I am now living in NC.

[@FrugalMoneySaver]

Yes, it does help!

[@leah-yv7xj]

Smart and frugal shopping is essential in N.Canada where a gallon of milk is 6$ on sale.

[@FrugalMoneySaver]

Oh wow!

[@marygarrett9724]

I’m looking for your sourdough bread recipe. That looked so good!

[@FrugalMoneySaver]

I have not shred that yet!

[@ladydhayney3700]

Two save money tips. If you like liverwurst or brunsweiger, i now slice the pkg and put on a pan and freeze and put in a bag and keep frozen. Take out as needed for a sandwich. I do the same with canned corned beef. U open can and put little hunks on a pan and freeze. Then repackage and take out of freezer when i want a corned beef sandwich. I defrost and put on a fry pan and get it nice and hot on both sides and then put on rye with some french dressing, swiss cheese and cole slaw. No more waste. Since i dont make a lot of home made soups anymore. No room in my refrigerator freezer. I saw a Tip to take those left over veggies i saved in the freezer and put in a blender and mix up. Make the same as you would make corn fritters. Take some veggies, flour, baking powder, egg and fry veggies fritters in hot oil. I used syrup for corn fritters but will have to find some condiment for these.

[@FrugalMoneySaver]

Great tips! Thanks for sharing!

[@JudithMcPheron-pb9lv]

Thanks Emmy and Paul! ❤😊❤

[@FrugalMoneySaver]

You are so welcome!

[@hollyroecker9019]

Very inspiring video! We are doing well with the start of our No Spend month. I stayed busy getting our budget, insurance, new planner - all those administrative tasks - organized for 2024. We volunteered with our local food pantry when I had a day off earlier this week. Church activities this weekend. For our date night, hubby made a delicious stir fry using odds and ends from the refrigerator - delicious and no waste!

[@FrugalMoneySaver]

Sounds wonderful, Holly!

[@SpatchG]

Absolutely love your boredom buster list. I do this too, really helps to plan ahead a little for such times.

[@FrugalMoneySaver]

Yes it does!

[@cynthiaakacyndsmith6539]

Thank you, we have done many “no spend “ months, I intend on doing a not spend year on craft items. I have enough stuff to last a life time…LOL. Except yarn, I will need more yarn. I need to use what I have and the projects I have planned…. But I can make cards for the next several years. Some of the stamps and ink is I have had for many many years. I got this. Thanks for the encouragement .

[@FrugalMoneySaver]

Wonderful!

[@frithar]

Love to see that you save bacon grease! I boil mine in water twice, then let it harden and peel it off the top where it floated. The salt went into the water discard. Delicious! Jumped straight in to a radical No Spend YEAR. We were desperare! Lol. Cheers

[@FrugalMoneySaver]

Great tip! Thanks!

[@janiefender]

Glad you are feeling better! Wanted to tell you that I made the Baked Ziti for New Years...had enough to put a couple containers in the freezer for future meals. It was delicious and will definitely make again!

[@FrugalMoneySaver]

YAY! Yes, it does make a lot lol!

[@robinsouder7042]

Thank you for the tip about rich and bold coffee selection to use less overall per pot. Brilliant idea! Never considered that suggestion!

[@FrugalMoneySaver]

Glad it was helpful!

[@kathleendonnelly6077]

This week I am going to make the snack bag for my car. There are times when I am out and about and get hungry. Don’t want to stop for fast food. Oh and I wanted to wish Paul a very Happy Birthday!

[@NJ-xp4eb]

good idea need to get this ready for next week as well. I might actually stock up a few items in tins and sealed packets for a couple of days rather than day to day.

[@FrugalMoneySaver]

You can do it! Thanks!

[@deidrecampbell9454]

Thank you for your common sense approach to no spend especially when it comes to food. Quinoa was on sale this week so I bought 2 large packets and saved £4. Food prices are said to go up In the U.K. due to issues in the Red Sea so in couple of months time that quinoa will probably have gone up in price.

[@FrugalMoneySaver]

So smart!

[@NJ-xp4eb]

you might also have delays with shipments so stock could become low

[@KarinCole-bk2sd]

I love the coffee tip! Thanks so much!

[@FrugalMoneySaver]

You are so welcome!

[@Ozarkmountainoutback1]

I buy my spices, salt, onion and garlic powders in bulk online. 1 oound of organic chili powder costs about $8.00 from azure and lasts me about a year!

[@FrugalMoneySaver]

Great tip!

[@reneeread1301]

Excellent video with the best food haul! You two are so generous with sharing your lives with us! Glad you both are feeling better! Happy new year!

[@FrugalMoneySaver]

Thank you! Happy New Year!

[@Kelly-fh3pn]

A storm is coming to the northeast, and I am well supplied. Thank you for your videos..

[@FrugalMoneySaver]

We are expecting the same storm!

[@edithjohnson6835]

Put those potatoes in a biscuit! Yum!

[@FrugalMoneySaver]

Oh I love a good biscuit!

[@mompofelski4191]

5 days in & so far so good. You know - a home cooked breakfast (and with home-made bread) MAKES YOU FEEL RICH. My tip is go into your freezer & see what you can use up. Finding frozen chicken soup, or lasagna, or meatloaf - I feel like my good friend (past ME) has gifted me these quick meals. Inventory is a brilliant idea. I'm not there yet, but YES - a good idea. I hope to do it this week and future ME will thank past ME all over again. Keep the ideas coming.

[@FrugalMoneySaver]

Yes, the freezer is our friend lol!