Five Rules I Follow to Help Me Stick To My Budget

Want to know a frugal secret? There are no secrets! I have five frugal rules that I follow fo you to think about.
Link for budget book on Amazon:
EU - amzn.to/4av2yhD
Frugal Queen in France
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.frugalqueeninfrance.com/
Instagram / frugalqueen. .
Equipment used
Camera : iPhone
Editing : iMovie on a Mac mini
Music:
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[@annbeth6730]

Times sure are degenerating. Keep a positive mindset. When things go wrong,we have one problem. If we get unhappy we have two problems. ❤

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Well said

[@maryb211]

The fact that so many things went wrong and you discussing that helps us to realize that we ALLneed to budget for the really unexpected as well! Thanks, Jane and Mike

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

We do and they all go wrong at once.

[@pattyperkins5007]

Geewhizzy im sorry all went wrong.😢

[@ludmillaaillaud2743]

Dear Jane, writing a budget every month of every year since 2001, helped me being mortgage free last week. Thank you for sharing this very simple rule.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks for sharing!!

[@janeheath2798]

Congratulations 🎉 great result x

[@thethriftycitizen]

Congratulations!!

[@sjchan3199]

Congrats you must be well chuffed. Its a fantastic feeling

[@janetstonerook4552]

I am now recording every penny I spend and it helps a lot to see where the money goes. I take a few minutes after I get home from shopping and break down my supermarket hauls into categories like my food, pet supplies, household cleaning products and personal supplies. I was surprised to see how many non-food items I was purchasing and realize I need to tighten up on that a bit. On the other hand, my food costs have gone down drastically in recent months since i began an intermittent fasting lifestyle! I'm eating much healthier in general and much less of the costly snack foods! Your channel inspires me greatly. I hope we get to see more of your outdoor gardening and yardwork efforts again this summer! 😊

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

That's super cool and thanks for sharing

[@bunnobear]

Great idea, thanks for sharing, I need to break mine down in categories

[@cynthiablodgett1882]

I've used the envelope system most my life. When we took out our window air conditioner last fall. We realized we need a new one. I started an envelope for that. We bought the air conditioner and the leftover money went into our savings. At the end of the month, if there is any money left in my envelopes. It goes into my savings and I start over. Proud to say, these last couple of months. I've had leftovers. Just love your videos. Thanks a bunch❤

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Glad to hear that's working well

[@lynngudgeon9416]

Thank you both for breaking everything down. I have watched so many videos that at the end I'm more confused than before I started watching. I really enjoy how you keep it simple but useful.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Happy to help!

[@patmartin9727]

February was my Murphy month when everything came all at once. Thank goodness I learnt about sinking funds from your channel they take away the stress of Murphy’s visits. 😊

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

I'm so glad! It’s been a tough month

[@gladyschandler6724]

I use my calendar: things to do daily, appointments, birthdays, expenses due, etc

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

It all helps

[@traceyelliott2902]

I love learning this common sense approach to budgeting. I hope you know you two are really helping so many of us!❤

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks so much for your feedback

[@caroldaviddaviejohnson2225]

Well said, 👍

[@helenmorris-3768]

Thanks Jane. I would also add, keep reminding yourself why you are budgeting. Whether its to save up for something specific or just to have confidence and the comfort that financially you will be ok. For me its so i can aim for an early retirement. Reminding myself of that helps me stick to my budget.

[@coraclouden2506]

I need my 'why' tattooed on my forehead! I start of well enough but always seem to fall off the wagon. I hope your plans work out and you are able to retire early

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Great tip!

[@jimmiepatrum]

Good video. Happily, I practice all the rules you mentioned. I especially like knowing where the money is coming from for an upcoming expenditure well before it happens. The only thing I do differently from you is that I check my bank account and credit card daily. I do use a cash back credit card because I know that I am disciplined enough to pay off any charge I make weekly. Still, I'm thinking of stopping to use my credit card because I don't like owing anything even for a week. You are such an inspiration to me. Many of my friends don't see the value in keeping close tabs on their money, but I can always count on you for encouragement to do that. Diane in NC

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Superb!

[@rachmc34]

I still use a calendar, helps me remember what is coming up!

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

It is helpful

[@CentsibleLivingWithMoneyMom]

Jane, you have such a positive attitude.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks Dawn

[@elizabethcoates3024]

Great video you two. Really budgeting is a necessity for being able to live a less stressful life.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

It really is!

[@carolynm9798]

After my husband’s 2 week stent in the hospital last year, we knew we needed to add an amount for sudden adjunctive medical costs to our Emergency fund (particularly for feeding me in the hospital, parking, buying needed items like a pill cutter etc.). Insurance covered all of his medical but not these bits. We were prepared when he went into the hospital this month for a quadruple coronary artery bypass graft.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

I hope he's recovering

[@user-yd3jd2em8e]

Reviewing your spending really opens your eyes and helps you realize how to improve your spending. And just when you think things are going well, Surprise! Hello Murphy …Repair bill, dental bill …❤ 🇨🇦

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

So true! As I always say, if you own teeth then the cost of the dentist isn’t a surprise but unplanned. We all need to save for dental and repairs

[@caroldaviddaviejohnson2225]

All excellent advice, and I too do these things, I like things done in pen and ink in a budgeting book. It's helpful incase the Internet goes down and we can't access any detailed budget online. Checking bank accounts is a good idea, sometimes supermarkets here have taken double payments by mistake from peoples account, which has caused some customers to go overdrawn, so checking the payment has left your account correctly is important to help identify a problem asap.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

So true!

[@elainearchbold259]

Thanks again for the money chat, you talk alot of good sense and i hope you have your sewing machine up and running because i love to see the quilts and other sewing related things. x

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

I hope so too! The foot pedal isn’t working so a new one is on order.

[@cm-nj]

We always do a no spend January - it actually feels refreshing after the holidays are over. Some years we do no spend July, too. I have been toying with the idea of doing no spend week every month. That would equate to 3 months' no spend in a year - that should make a huge difference in our bottom line!

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Love that!

[@lizscott6911]

However you budget, JUST BUDGET! I have an unexpected!! Fund. Similar to Jane's sinking fund. What you call it is up to you BUT make sure you have funds put aside.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Great point

[@luba-healthywithluba6866]

Jane, I am old-fashioned too! Thank you for sharing your tips. Tracking our expenses has been extremely helpful AND eye-opening.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

You are so welcome!

[@lynnestait8011]

after a career in banking before redundancy I got used to checking the accounts daily, so much quicker & easier now with apps, especially as Im POA for my elderly parents so Im responsible for their accounts and outgoings as well as our own, I run a daily paper diary and wall calender too so now where Im at at any given time - mortgage finishes in October, retirement next year, those 2 keep me focused :-) thanks for sharing your Murpheys Law visit, it happens to us all, no matter how well we plan

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

It happens to us all

[@muttersmenu2422]

Great pep talk Jane, you both are well organised on the budget front 😊.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks so much! 😊

[@gladyschandler6724]

I track my income & expenses on a monthly online Note Pad.

[@user-tm5kc8oq4y]

I try to track everyday. after grocery shop and back home put my total of receipts in my budget book, asap. Thank you so much, I always learn so much from you. Thank you Jane Mike and Puppies.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

You are so welcome!

[@gladyschandler6724]

Happy Wednesday, great tips Jane

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thank you

[@jeansmith3367]

The new thing I do now from your advice is to keep all my receipts and track every penny - eye opening! However, thankfully we had the money to renew the car insurance - absolutely astronomical increase, feel like have still paid an eyewatering renewal but spent a few hours on comparison sites and was able to reduce it. I don't understand why the current provider hikes the price when they must know you'll go to a comparison website. Feeling very aggrieved to say the least! Time to rethink about owning a car!

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Those insurance hikes are dreadful

[@francois3116]

May I advise all the people who are disabled or aging (unless they are no longer able to drive safely for themselves and others) to keep their car. A car means your independence. I am physically exhausted by a pathology and a car would carry all my groceries and drive us freely everywhere my son and I, without having to relate to public transportation and having to carry things by hand. Really, think of it !

[@carolined3058]

Good video, You actually also have to put the expected life cycles of devices in the long term budget , like a washingmachine, a dryer, a cooker , etc.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

We do.

[@loriwidener7342]

Don't forget phones and other electronic devices.

[@carolined3058]

@@FrugalQueeninFrance You put that in the emergency fund ?

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

@@carolined3058 nope separate savings fund for that

[@suzanneroberge494]

I absolutely do the 1st 3 things you mention. Being organized is very important to careful money management. It takes some effort, but not stressing about the regular bills when they come in makes it worth it. Sorry you got hit by Murphy, but a gift for your viewers, because no matter how disciplined we try to be, things we couldn't have expected will come up. Then you're super glad you chose to save & not spend!

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

That's true. Thank you

[@ireneroy8820]

Love your scarfs, do you make them? You’re beautiful! Good videos!!

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

No, they're all from charity shops

[@user-zl4rr1ic7w]

Love that! And the scarves are beautiful on you. I had an acquaintance tell me "it's too expensive unless I let someone else buy it first". 😂 He is right. Seems like many items can be purchased for 10 to 25% of the original price. Then there is my favorite price: free.

[@Pejosach]

I use a wall calender but hadn’t used it for insurance renewals etc. Have now added those 👍

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Great to hear that

[@jacd8666]

Always so inspiring Jane & Mike.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks so much

[@jackiephillips9042]

We move money from various accounts as well. Only having one account that money is paid out of saves us time and money in the long run.

[@peterleprevost2154]

Murphy visited us last month as well...but we were well prepared...no outstanding bills. thanks as always for sharing. Susan

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Wonderful!

[@ebikescrapper3925]

Make a spreadsheet of your expenses and work it out every month, 6 months and year. Add 10% to to your monthly total expenses and keep your monthly total and the 10% in a high interest account. Make your own cleaning stuff. Measure the amount of water your mop bucket holds and only add the amount of detergent you need. All chemicals has a data sheet be which tells you the diluation rate Unplug all appliances after use Ask coffee roasters if they give away free bags, the bags the coffee gets delivered in and use the bags as rubbish bags You can use less than the recommend amount of washing machine detergent and still get clean clothes

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks

[@martahagenhoyer9165]

I do all of these plus: be aware of senior discount days if you are 50 or over. If you have a family member who has been in the military be aware of military discounts. I am in Oregon USA so not sure how this works in other countries. We save 10% at the Home Depot and the local farm store due to my husband’s military discount. We save 10% at the grocery store on senior day and military discount day.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Good advice

[@francois3116]

@@FrugalQueeninFrance In France, ask for the special discount over SNCF train tickets if you are over 60.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

@@francois3116 I'm 60 next year. Thanks for the tip.

[@tildars]

Your plain coloured scarves look very nice against patterned tops.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thank you! 😊

[@maryannrogers8675]

I track all my spending on a free calendar I received from the township. It helps me be very organized and intentional with my hard earned money as a nurse. I check my bank balance daily.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Nice! Free too

[@rosemarydoran9907]

Murphy has visited me recently....3 plumbing issues, a fence repair due to high winds, my car wouldn't start and the garage door opener is in the fritz.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

It always comes at once!

[@smiley9987]

Hello! Sorry for your troubles at once. It's Retrograde. Such things tend to happen during it. It's not pleasant,but luckily you are super organised and frugal and thoughtful,so you have money on a side. Even if you had to pull from another place. Better to have,right? I wish your repaired stuff and new machine or parts, to serve you for many years ahead. Shopping only from the cash back,that would be inreresting to see what can you get. Thanks for sharing. All will be good! 🍀

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks, I part shopped today and will finish tomorrow and film that

[@smiley9987]

@@FrugalQueeninFrance Super

[@beautifuleastdallas921]

Enjoy watching you, I already do this hv been since my mom was a frugal Lady also and i teach my young adult kids because life keeps getting more expensive gotta pinch every penny we can 😊

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

You must indeed

[@sheila1013]

Hi Jane and Mike. Think my way of doing this is similar to yours. Yes, the month end budget check is the best way I think. I try to keep mine as simple as possible, which I keep track of by means of four columns on a spreadsheet I set up on my mobile phone. I work by a month end plus/minus system, which is then adjusted accordingly on what I have listed as my annual contingency fund. This covers any monthly over/underspend. At the end of the year, from this one spreadsheet, I can see right away how the year's budgeting has worked out per month, as well as the year's total spend. Last year I came in within the overall yearly budget, which included the contingency fund. Hopefully I'll manage to do so again this year, but as you say, unfortunately, Murphy can come knocking unexpectedly and no two years are the same. 😉 I also use my phone's calendar alert for insurances and birthdays etc. As well, I do have certain information written on manual notes, just in case. Thanks again to you both for sharing this. As usual Jane, you're a breath of fresh air. 😃🤗

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks for your reply

[@juliem.3936]

I'm still working, and I preplan the extra money for each pay period ahead of time. I use an Excel datasheet for it. Great ideas!

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

That's a great idea!

[@katherinerichardson1767]

Writing down what you spend, organizing what amount is needed for each month's bills, setting aside a given amount for savings and checking your bank account frequently are just common sense. These activities will give you a sense of comfort. Thanks for sharing.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Love that!

[@kellybarbolish8034]

Hi Jane! This was a wonderful video!! This is exactly what we do. I told my sister to check out your channel also. Have a great day!

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thank you so much!

[@kellybarbolish8034]

You're very welcome!

[@karryhuston1321]

Hi Jane and Mike...hope you're having a great day!

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

You too!!

[@akhiker2495]

Good video-as always. Thank you!

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Glad you like them!

[@julieemig432]

Yes I’m working on improving my record keeping. I have forgotten things and then am surprised. Oops I forgot about that expense. So I started in January writing down every nickel I spend. This month I had Murphy hit me with an unexpected large dental bill

[@justynakavi407]

I used to use apps but I switched to real budget book and pencil few months ago and it works better for me, somehow I feel more invested. Its got calendar in it too so it's reallh all I need.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Pencil is best as things change

[@maryettabeck1967]

Thank God for sinking funds! Mechanical things break and have life expectancy. Water heater, dish washer, washer, dryer, HVac etc. Replacement one at a time not bad but multiple items together hurts financially. Good job.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thank full indeed

[@lynnegeddes7532]

Having found your channel, April was a pantry challenge month and I’m going to try and do the same for as much of May as I can as well. 😊

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Good luck!!

[@janeaquilina6745]

Hi Jane I came across your videos which are very interesting and helpful thank you

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Glad you like them!

[@DebfromVa]

My employer gives out awards for results and I use them to get grocery store gift cards

[@kellykimball2099]

Love your videos ❤, Bennington VT USA

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks so much!

[@tinanolan1485]

Great tips - thank you.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Glad it was helpful!

[@tinanolan1485]

@@FrugalQueeninFrance Definitely - watched it twice.

[@doloreswilson6698]

Great video

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks for the visit

[@karencobley1862]

this is probabley a daft one - but i have always had cats and dogs and have found that cats especially can be sooo finicky - i make sure i mix up the brands ( catering to special needs obviously ) and use the offers - have seen brands go up from £10 to £15 and more and have introduced veg into their diet - resent paying for veg in a tin of dog meat that costs the same as a meat only tin - suitable left overs are always added to their food - no it hasn't hurt them - my last two cats were 27 and 16 when they passed

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

What ever works for you

[@susanjacks8830]

I have sinking funds for dental appointments since we don't have dental insurance. If we pay cash for the services (which we do) our dentist gives us a discount off our bill which saves us money. Since my husband is in his late 70s with arthritis he can no longer mow the grass so we have a sinking fund for lawn care expenses. We also write in our budget monthly Healthcare insurance and Term Life Insurance for both of us. I don't hear about anyone putting life insurance in their budget.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Probably as they can't afford it

[@Shantelle6253]

I'm a pen and paper girl myself. I used to use Mint but now they've been sold to KreditKarma and I absolutely refuse to pay money for a budget app. I tried Google sheets and excel. But paper works best for me. I use a composite notebook with sticky flags...or are they sticky tabs? for general budget, grocery spending tracking, frugal meal planning and recipes, car e penses and just for fun reading lists. It looks so pretty with all the flags.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

That'll work!

[@msgriffin41]

I use the clever fox budget book...love it!

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

It's great

[@christinerose9648]

have just seen the link 😅

[@user-es2iz6wh8l]

Hello both..we've just got back to the uk after being in our joliday home in france . And so I'm bing watching all your vlogs I've missed!! 😂😂.. You guys are always so inspirational and your budget challenges are really something we'd like to do. To help us increase our savings . Especially as we are Renovating our place in France 🇫🇷.. We've got a lot of fruit trees in our french garden and you've mentioned . Canning .freezing. prevserving , ect... Do you have past vlog episodes I could go to where you explain how to do this with your harvests ? 😊 xx

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

We don’t but that’s something for the future

[@rachelkieffer8707]

Thank you, just the motivation I need to get back on top of my budget, I've been slacking off because of family medical emergencies. I would like to figure out how to create a zero balance budget.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Here's our zero balance budget kzbin.info/www/bejne/eHXCq32Nhdeeaqssi=BSJjQIncF7oRMsAT

[@chorky2]

Hi I’ve noticed that more and more shops here in the uk don’t give receipts anymore, has anyone else noticed this. Heather

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

We’re still asked, vous prenez le ticket?

[@caroldaviddaviejohnson2225]

Yes! You're absolutely correct, I ask for a receipt, and sometimes they look at me as if I'm asking something outrageous. Sometimes in smaller shops they haven't even put a till roll in their till. Our corner shop is pretty notorious for overcharging people, so if I have to use it I always ask for a receipt from them.

[@annbeth6730]

Not yet . I always ask for one .

[@chrisnutter6933]

❤

[@bunnobear]

Great video thank you, I was hoping you would share how you use the clever fox to see if the investment was worth while. You have inspired me to set up my financial folder again, I just use printables from Etsy that I purchased years ago. One question, can you explain your thinking as to why you print off Amazon receipts etc when you are already tracking those costs? I love the idea of reducing sinking funds, I am going to whittle down my wants sinking funds to increase my savings. Early retirement is our goal ❤ I haven’t done any budget challenges and I like that idea. Thank you to both you and Mike for all you do

[@bunnobear]

Well it took me two hours and $10 of Etsy printables and I have my folder set up to track all my income, spending, goals, investments etc. so excited to use it, thank you ❤

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

It's a physical reminder, see, hold it, write it down

[@linda6292]

When things go wrong, it is certainly a relief to know that one has prepared and budgeted for such a time! We have had many months with things keep going wrong, but with a positive attitude and a budget book, we got through all of them. We just paid off our mortgage too! One question, did you find that you have a preference with your solar generators? We are looking into one and both of your options looked very good. Keep up the good work, Jane and MIke!

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

The Aferiy, it's simpler.

[@linda6292]

@@FrugalQueeninFrance Thanks so much for your response. Do you still have a discount code available? Thanks again!

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

@@linda6292 it's on the review we did in the description box

[@clairedemuth4369]

My mother (who introduced me to your channel) and I were just talking yesterday about how hard it is to stick to our budgets. For me, it's things like toiletries and items used around the house like batteries and lightbulbs that keep blowing my budget. We also have overspent on groceries because we were anxious about difficult months we knew were coming when we would need more food, but that's not our norm. I have no idea how to fix it all, especially the toiletries and things around the house. Any ideas to help would be welcome!

[@jane6517]

You could pull back on stocking up for a month and use the money for toiletries. Balance is everything! Hope this helps.

[@clairedemuth4369]

@@jane6517 Great idea! Thanks so much!

[@angielay3313]

Go through your bathroom cabinets and closets. It’s amazing how many toiletries you forgot that you already have. Good luck!!

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Those items need a separate budget. We have a house budget for those things.

[@clairedemuth4369]

@@angielay3313 Great tip! Thanks!

[@milda0820]

💖💖💖

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thank you

[@sophiawolthof1238]

👍👍👍❤

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks so much

[@bridodonnell6698]

Love your channel. Quick question, Parlez vous Français? And do you do any French language videos ? Merci

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Yes and no. Thanks for watching.

[@peggyevansquilt]

What is a sinking fund?

[@elizabethallan7610]

A sinking fund is a way of saving for a planned expense, such as an annual insurance bill, over a number of months to spread the expense.

[@peggyevansquilt]

Thank you

[@LimousinLife]

Are you finding that things are getting harder Jane, you seem to have more no spend months now.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

We have a lot to save up for, some household maintenance expenses in the future need us to put money aside

[@LimousinLife]

@@FrugalQueeninFrance I totally understand, your organisation is second to none

[@user-ww1jk7gu8i]

Sorry you had so many budget challenges this month.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks, life just catches up sometimes

[@annelis521]

Uhu i feel like such a disaster, living on minimal, trying every month to do right, but murphy keeps banging, been really ill for the last 2 years. Love your content always watch but this time it got to me. I cant. I try but i cant. Keep up you know. And that is on me, not you❤ just wanted to 😢😢😢

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Sorry to hear that. Keep going, it's hard and you will make a little progress.

[@annelis521]

@@FrugalQueeninFrance yes i will. Thank you for kind words. I will keep going🥰