Frugal Living Tiny Changes, Remarkable Results

You can get remarkable results from tiny changes. You can win Olympic Gold medals, win the Tour de France or revolutionise your household budget.
Frugal Queen in France
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We are a British couple living in Brittany on a budget.
Frugal recipes, days out, home renovations and day to day making do in France.
We’ll give you hints, tips, advice and an insight into our life in France.
Website www.frugalqueeninfrance.com/
FaceBook / frugalqueeni. .
Instagram / frugalqueen. .
Twitter / batt_jane
Equipment used
Camera : iPhone
Editing : iMovie on a Mac mini
Music:
Audionautix is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. creativecommons.org/licenses/...
Artist: audionautix.com/
Some Sound from Zapsplat.com
KZbin Audio Library
Apple iMovie*

[@maryspender-tr7ix]

Jane, you are the one who inspires me to take control of finances plus all your great recipes to batch cook . Nine months ago I discovered your videos at the same time I needed to confront our finances. My husband has always managed that side of our life well, but now has dementia and is no longer able to do so. I mistakenly thought we lived within our means. How absolutely wrong this was became clear as I confronted the truth that we were eroding our investments fast. Pulling back to live within our means , to budget has been helped by the good friend you are to so many of us , with your well set out examples of successful achievements. Thank you Jane very much. I'm still a work in progress in my organisational abilities but at age 81 am making sound decisions now. Mary

[@happycook6737]

Try having husband drink 750ml daily of a water containing silica like Fiji Water. Some patients with Alzheimer's have experienced some improvement or slower progression. I was shocked when I read about this.

[@jc10907Sealy]

Mary may God give you strength moving forward in challenging circumstances. Your story inspires me as a woman without family at 62 trying to make the best frugal decisions for the last part of my life. Wishing you blessings. ❤

[@judimantos904]

At 80 for the first time in my life, I have a budget thanks to you!

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks very much for sharing this

[@lovechangesus]

I'm lucky enough to live alone. I have a place for everything and if i were to send someone to my home to get something, i could tell them exactly where it is located. That feels good. It makes it easy to keep my purchases down since i can go look at my things to see if i need something.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Love that!

[@rickiwinter1587]

i am trying on a daily basis to get better at living this way

[@jonnaborosky8836]

I'm lucky enough to live alone, too!

[@patmartin9727]

I too live alone and keep a running inventory of what I have in stock. Each area I store thing has its own inventory. As I move thing into another area to use them i move them onto the correct inventory. By looking at the inventory’s in my note book I know weather I have an item and where it is stored. Doing this stops me buying things I already have.

[@AriesRising4444]

I have always lived by my grandmother's saying-- "A place for everything and everything in its place." I can go in the dark and find anything in my house.

[@sharonbohannon2149]

Any Dacyczyn in the Tightwad Gazette talks about small decisions. One of her points was that there is limited number of big ways to save money, but the small ways to save are unlimited. Thank you both for all your hard work and great ideas

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

I've read every word she's ever written

[@katworkstowander9853]

I love Amy Dacyczyn and her Tightwad Gazette books. She validated for me that I was not weird in my thinking regarding frugality.

[@teresaplayford2338]

Many, , many years ago my husband smoked..cigarettes cost half a crown a pack( remember half a crowns?) that’s how long ago! and he had a pack a day..and he’d say that wasn’t much, but I told him he was wasting money and if he was going to throw money down the drain then so would I. And I did, everyday that he bought a pack I would throw a halfcrown down the drain…in front of him, he was shocked but after a few days he capitulated and gave up smoking ( bit of a struggle but he did it) so then I said why don’t you save that money each day and put it towards something you want.He was able to buy himself a nice camera,projector and other bits of paraphernalia…Health improved ,life long hobby started.goals achieved.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Good analogy

[@grandmafreeman6618]

I occasionally allow myself to eat out if necessary; in fact, I add $50 for restaurants into my budget every month. That doesn't mean that I will eat out; it means, I could eat out if I want to. Most of the time, I still have $50 leftover in my budget at the end of the month.

[@dawnmorandin541]

I was brought up in South Yorkshire, England...it wasn't called frugal living back then it was just living...Grandma made bread cakes every day, washing was dried on the line, take away didn't exist, I didn't realize how I was until my daughter tells me stories about co workers habits etc and I'm astounded at the amount of money they are able to waste without even trying to save a penny, yet they are the first to complain about how they don't get paid enough to buy a house etc etc We bought our house because for over 43 years I have made small frugal changes a habit every single day, bit by bit so they added up to a down payment and now mortgage free home. They say things like yes but you bought your house when it was cheaper than today's prices, yes but why didn't you buy one also? because it was for sale when you lived here in town !!

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks for watching

[@hollyjobitner3285]

My husband and I enjoy a frugal, but plentiful life. We are debt and mortgage free as well. I don’t have a budget book, but I have a budget brain. I don’t know every penny, but that doesn’t matter to me. We like to cook and eat all of the leftovers, so that we don’t have to cook. If we choose to eat out when we visit our daughter and son-in-law we can without worry. I am very picky, thus eating at home gives me control. I have always been a frugal person since childhood. I made my own clothes, so that I could have more and be a cool cheerleader in the 70’s. I made my own scrubs while working 41 years in our local hospital. I tore a part an old one and used it as a pattern. I had many compliments on how tidy they looked. It’s just a matter of bit by bit and anyone can make a life that is enjoyable for themselves, not keeping up with the Joneses. While still working, I attempted to encourage my young co-workers to save and think about retirement because when you’re young, it’s the time to start planning, and yet they would come into work with fast food. When you have a baby it’s time to save for that child’s education, not tons of cute little clothes that they don’t wear very long. The list goes on and on. It’s comforting to be in a community of like minded people.💙

[@marykeen4462]

I will order the book through our Public Library in Virginia and save the price. I have been frugal since I was 18 and I am 71 now retired at 61 from teaching. Have been debt free for over 25 years. It is so worth it. I save money in my retirement actually more than we did when he had regular salaries. My husband says not many people can say that.

[@user-pp6do9cr3k]

Cooking at home, making lunches to take to work, and making coffee at home are huge savers. It's so mainstream to see people walking about with one of their hands holding a takeaway coffee. Convenience is the culprit for many. I just can't get on board with that. Thank you for another great video Jane!

[@addy088]

And many reward themselves with ubber eats and junk food...they work harder to make more money, their mental health is gone, have less time, have no pleasure in cooking so by the end of the day they order food that is more expensive and less healthy.

[@tammiehinkle2040]

With the cost of raw food, it isn't always cheaper to cook at home, for similar items(im not talking eating out vs rice & beans). First time in my life I've seen this to be true. I find it often cheaper to split meals(plenty of food offered here in the US)while using coupons or chosing certain budget places. It's really odd times were living in!

[@georgehosea139]

My inspiration to frugal living is seeing many people living on the streets in different cities across the world,so since i know that iam not better than these unfortunate people on the streets and since i know the same can happen to me ,i have to be frugal and watch my spending,and i have a target of saving 35% monthly,then invest after every year,so far it is working fine for me.Thanks for free financial education.😅

[@asavannah7439]

I just said to my husband: I'm watching a video from my guru Jane, Frugal Queen in France😆 🇫🇷

[@bernieozzie7480]

My mentor is Rhonda Hetzel her books and blog ( 'Down to Earth', 11 yrs of knowledge) made such a wonderful difference to my life. She is an Aussie frugal queen.

[@dennisealexanderhale1300]

Hi everyone from Australia

[@carol.luna.stella]

Hello from Scotland

[@judimantos904]

Hello from the United States

[@susanaalves6934]

Hi from Portugal

[@joycegonzales4994]

The book that was the turning point in my life was, “ Your money or your life”

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

I know it well

[@belindacopson2390]

Great advice. Every cut toothpaste tube is a small step towards early retirement! :D

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

We still do it now

[@joycef8443]

Yeah, we have one in the works now and we are retired! Comfortably!

[@happycook6737]

My dentist said toothpaste isn't necessary. Brushing with water is just as effective at plaque removal. I was shocked but it works and limits my chemical exposure which is important as a cancer survivor.

[@jonnaborosky8836]

I love the fact that you focus on what you can and will do instead of what you won't do! Such a positive approach. Thanks for sharing; I'm going to do that, too, now. I started being frugal as a 10 year old child. Our family bought a large dictionary. It had all sorts of extra information in it, like proper grammar rules, how to address every manner of person officially, business writing, a long list of baby names, time zones, etc. It had a section on basic finances. I read all of it and referenced it for years. Actually, I still do. When I 1st left home, I already knew the percentages of income to allow for each expense. I literally used envelopes. That was 1973. This taught me to function financially with a plan. I saved before that, even as a smaller child. Mother gave us a nickel when we did errands for her, like walking to the grocery store to pick up something she needed. I saved my nickels. When I was a young adult, just getting used to paying my own bills, I found saving difficult, because I didn't make much money. I finally went to work where my income could be deposited into 2 different accounts. I set up auto deposit into checking and savings. That's when I really started seeing savings add up. Then, when I got a job with a really great salary, I followed my dad's lead and tried as hard as I could to live on half the salary and to save the other half. That was to buy a house. Once I bought the house, I kept trying to live on 50% of my income. I never really made it to 50%, but I kept trying. The closest I got was about 47%. In retirement, I don't bring in enough to save anywhere near that. My income is so low, I really have a hard time saving anything, but I do still save. In order to save big, I've had to keep track of and monitor my money and budget very closely. I have to sit down and count every penny. Otherwise, all I'll have is a vague notion... and won't be able to keep track to make sure I don't overspend. It's the same with losing weight. I have to sit down and count calories every day to make sure I'm decreasing them enough,. A vague notion isn't enough to keep me focused and progressing.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

You are so welcome!

[@patmartin9727]

Great video Jane. I totally agree that all the little savings we make add up over a year. People poo hoo saving pennies by rinsing out the sauce bottle or the shampoo bottle because they can’t be bothered. I recon over the year these things save hundreds. It’s like a dripping tap if it’s going down the sink you see it as just one drip but put a bowl under it and you soon see how much your loosing. I think saving are the same. Each little bit mounts up to become a large amount. I too do a regular 10% into my savings every month. Like you I could do more but choice that amount because I am comfortable with it and although I want to save I also want to be able to live a comfortable life in my retirement.

[@dawncatalano7443]

Hello from Texas! I agree with the motion / action scenario. I am a canner and I have seen so many that invest their hard earned money into that and a garden and it sits. That, to me, is money wasted. What keeps me going is seeing my savings increase while seeing our debt decrease. When you make up that new monthly budget and see one bill has been paid in full, I'm sorry, but I hear Another One Bites The Dust go off in my head lol. Thanks for the great video and have a wonderful day (evening)! 🌻

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks for watching

[@marykappesser5145]

I guess I would say my dad was my original teacher and I picked up much of my mindset from him. He grew up during the great depression in the US. He would tell me stories about being hungry and the times he had only butter bread to eat to last a whole day. He was a saver and tracked his spending. He and my mother raised 9 children on his one salary. We ate a good variety of food, my mother was frugal, saving scraps of vegetables in a freezer bag to make soup, clipped coupons, and saved "stamps" from the store to buy Christmas gifts with. We had hand me down clothes from older siblings, or a swap with a neighbor. My dad showed me at 8 years old the magic of compounding interest and that inspired me to save. I would do more towards frugal living now, but my husband is not of the same mindset. So I do what I can.

[@johnmelissaziech6207]

A lot of my inspiration came over thirty some years ago from a young mom who put out a monthly newsletter called "The Tightwad Gazette". She and her husband wanted an older farmhouse and land but didn't have a lot of money. Her newsletter grew till she had enough to fill two books! She offered the same kind of advice that you do. Frugality with common sense and enjoyment of life along the way. She and her husband saved up enough to pay cash for their home and land (a lot like yours in Maine). I reread her books every year which keeps me on track. It's really helped us to secure our dreams and goals. We retired comfortably but still watch the small things.

[@UnStrungHero]

I have each newsletter that she put out. Tons of knowledge for very small price.

[@sargee97]

I find every day a challenge at the moment but I will keep going until it all becomes the norm. It's just a step at a time but in about 18 months I will be out of debt and I will then no doubt feel that the world is no longer on my shoulders. I think differently about money now and I know that watching yourselves, Jane and Mike has certainly given me inspiration. I don't feel so alone anymore and I can see the light at the end of the tunnel. I think I've found that I must be grateful for what I have and I don't need to keep buying the latest model of something to be happy, I just need to enjoy the things I have without feeling hard done by or second best to others. Contentment in what I have is much better than debt and keeping up with the Joneses. Meal planning, shopping lists, budgeting, planning ahead are the tools of the trade for frugal minded people, my tool box doesn't have every tool I need but it's getting there 😊 kind regards Angeline ❤️

[@auntiali9344]

Amy Dacyczyn helped me see the ways I could be frugal and would be able to stay home with my kids. We did get a couple of small inheritances but I put those away and didn't spend them wily nily. My husband, 2 kids and I have had a good life. Hubby was able to take early retirement and is enjoying it so much. We don't need much and always had money for what we did need like both kids had hearing aids, both had glasses, one had surgery to fix his hearing problem and I had two surgeries this summer that I was able to pay for.

[@ourthirtyyearadventure]

'These are motions, not actions' has just stopped me in my tracks! An eye opening realisation that I need to make some changes 😮 Thankyou for your timely video 💚

[@claudiak-p3667]

Great video! I cut my child's and husband's hair, get my hair done in hairdressing college, cook every day, hardly eat out, shop in a budget supermarket most of the time, drink alcohol very rarely, don't smoke, love the library, buy clothes in charity shops or second-hand online, have a very simple beauty routine (sunscreen, no make-up other than lipstick sometimes), tend to go out to cheap/free events if possible, and make my own cleaning sprays. My grandparents were very frugal and taught me well. 🙂 Love everbody's tips here!

[@tutuluvsminnie7129]

i love your healthy approach to life. it is the smart way to thrive happily For me, i focus on awareness of my actions to keep me in line with my goals. I take every receipt and expenditure and add them to my ledger and update my annual budget every month as needed.. When heating costs go up or electricity costs, i have to see where i can cutback for the next months. Sometimes it is a reduction in clothes budget or more self-care haircuts. I have had to really cut back on things like beer and wine and focused on finding good teas.

[@luba-healthywithluba6866]

Thank you so much for this video, Jane. You really inspire me that frugal living can be joyous and rewarding. I also enjoy reading vintage books. They have homemaking, frugal living, and simple living gems sprinkled throughout them. ❤

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

You are so welcome!

[@tonuyahubbart5398]

You have taught me so much in the past couple of years. I have learned to be intentional about LTS . Life circumstances in the past had me groundsquirreling every chance I got to put back what I could. Life is so much simpler when your husband is on the same page as you. Thank you so much for your wisdom.🤗

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks so much

[@loriella6250]

What I enjoyed most about this video is realizing how successful I’ve become at being frugal. I have the habits in place, I’m a systems person, and I’ve got a very good start at decluttering…out of the house. Thank you, Jane!

[@farmerwife8412]

I love your grammar!! I will....I shall.... fantastic to hear someone talking so well. English grammar was my favourite subject, and I don't criticise those who don't speak correctly, but I so enjoy those who do. Thank you, Jane. Great content and well presented as usual. ❤ from 🇦🇺

[@rachelkieffer8707]

This book is on my list. Glad to hear that you do not use language that feels depriving. That is one reason I personally do not use the word frugal to describe myself, it makes me feel deprived. I understand that frugal means different things to different people, so this is my personal choice. I like to feel abundant. Being debt free makes me feel abundant. Having money in the bank makes me feel abundant. Owning my home and being mortgage free makes me feel abundant. Spending money and buying things I do not need never made me feel abundant, it just gave me a temporary high that left me feeling out of control with money. I love being intentional. I love that i can make choices. I tell myself that I can have anything I want, I just can't have everything all the time. I save for and spend on things that are most meaningful for me.

[@lizscott6911]

My inspiration is, as a retired person living on only a state pension, I live a very comfortable lifestyle. 2 or 3 holidays a year and full cupboards. My frugal habits are many years in the making and I feel sad seeing people of the same age, struggling to make end meet. They possibly have the same income as me, but have very little idea of how to be frugal and budget. That is why I believe your both doing a great job at passing on your knowledge 👏👏

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks for sharing!

[@janetstonerook4552]

This was a very inspiring presentation! Being faithful in the little things. Forgiving myself when I trip up and then doing better henceforth.

[@KS-rt2kn]

I rarely, if ever, leave comments for anyone, but thought it was time since I’ve been watching your videos for over a year now and look forward to every one. The truth is I’ve learned my new healthier money saving tips from YOU! Great content and so interesting. I have a very healthy income but nearing retirement in a year or two with plans to purchase a home in Europe (I’m from the US). I’ve changed a lot of my habits watching and learning from you. Sinking funds idea are brilliant and I have a few. Thank you and I LOVE your videos! And you two are just darling…thank you!

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks very much for watching and commenting

[@shelleyimmel8067]

I always learn something from your video and I look forward to each new one. What you and Mike have done with your place is nothing short of amazing. I have not taken or implemented all of your advice😏😏 but I have thought on it, and made some changes that have improved my financial health like automatically saving 10% of my retirement income each month. I go to my gym paid for my Medicare almost every day for 60-70 minutes a day and now weight less than I have for 30 years and my health is much improved. I read Atomic Habits when it first came out but I think a refresh is in order. Thanks for offering the world a view that greatly improved one's outlook🌹🌹

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks so much for your feedback

[@lisag9493]

Great video Jane and Mike ,, habits I did when I was working was always to pay into a pension and I started an endowment policy, the man from Prudential and then the Royal London would come to the house every month and take a cheque,,those savings allowed me to pay off the mortgage at 37 and retire at 57 after a 40 years of nursing ,, What inspired me ? I think it was how I was brought up,, having parents who mended things, mum was a great cook so we rarely ate out ,, I still get a kick out of saving money where I can and search round for the best paying interest rates on savings,, then move them ,, I would advise anyone younger to start a regular savings account over 10-15 years where you can’t have access to it until it matures, a bit like a pension, because it stops any impulse buying on new furniture, new clothes or a holiday to a far flung destination ,, things that are a want rather than a need,, I know I shouldn’t, but when we get a takeout, or have a pub meal, I think of how much shopping I could have bought,, lol,, best wishes, Lisa

[@lynnoorman2144]

I loved James Clear's book too. However, i find so few folk are frugal that my community who understand my little frugal habits is on line. The reminder that I'm not foolish, or nit picking but wise and careful, that my boring habits are valid comes from people such as you,Jayne and all the commentators on here. Thank you all.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks very much

[@elainearchbold259]

Jane you are my inspiration to keep going, Istill have treats but they are saved for. The bills are paid first then savings. xx

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Love that!

[@julietteprt5673]

Congratulations 🎉 it’s important to still have treats

[@i.m.7777]

Love this video! Absolutely agree! Tiny steps eventually lead to great strides when you add them all up! This has worked for me in both budgeting and dieting.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Wonderful!

[@kimnienhouse8666]

I get my inspiration by watching your videos and a few other fugal living KZbinrs. Thanks you so much for your encouragement!

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

You are so welcome!

[@fredalearhinan6693]

As usual a great lesson to take forward . Your ideas and the way you action them is inspirational.. as a retired couple on a fixed income we have put in place lots of your ideas and never felt deprived in any way.. I have always loved clothes and my personal money nearly always is spent that way.. but I wait and watch then pounce. I bought a pair of pants that I have watched for 5 months (159.95 wow) and got them today for 29.95. I was a win.. Food is planned around our freezer stock and we never go hungry and nearly always have enough for 2 more meals.. reuse repurpose our furniture as it's better quality than the modern stuff... our cottage is small but homely. That's all a person needs to be happy also never compare yourself with others be content with what we have be happy.. thankyou Jane and Mike.❤

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks for watching

[@AlicePhillips-jc7hr]

I read Atomic Habits a couple years ago and found it very interesting and true. While reading it, I was struck by the fact that in some areas, I was already doing the steps to improve little by little and in other areas, I wasn't. Where do I get my inspiration? That's a hard one to answer but I think mainly it comes from my deep-seated desire to live the best life possible and being frugal helps me do that. Gratitude also inspires me to maximize all I've been blessed with -- life, health, family, friends, education, pensions from a good career, etc. You're a great teacher, Jane. I've been a subscriber of yours for two to three years now and seem to remember that you did teaching in your work past. Whether you were trained as one is irrelevant because you rock it!! Thank you for another excellent video.

[@sophiawolthof1238]

My inspiration comes from you 👍👍👍

[@patmartin9727]

I too was using a motion frugality system until I found your channel. I too chased the bargains and stockpiled them. I changed my frugality system after finding your channel.After watching a few of your budgeting videos realised that extra money in savings was equally be beneficial to having a years supply of washing up liquid. I am ashamed and astonished to say I have been using my stock pile of cleaning and laundry products I had stock piled for the last 2 years and I am not yet half way through the pile. I dread to think how much money I had tied up in this stock pile and that is just one pile. I now only allow myself to buy products that are down to the last 2. I do still pick up the bargains on expensive food items like meat, I also do take any free food that comes my way and food I forage or grow. I preserve these for later when they will be out of season and much more expensive.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks very much for your feedback

[@theviciouscatnextdoor]

That was an amazing review of one of my favorite books. I did want to mention that you can sign up to receive free weekly emails from James Clear that are both insightful and entertaining. I find the habits that I am best at following are not only in that sweet spot you mentioned - not too easy nor too difficult - but also the ones that are made to be fun. For me this usually involves some kind of tracking. I do best with physical records so it is very rewarding for me to keep a paper trail. Whatever your joy, include it in the process! BTW both of you are a great inspiration to me. It feels good knowing I can be part of your tribe. Thank you for your wisdom.

[@marypeterson1053]

Checking saving balance...Totally AWESOME.

[@Lemonandvanilla]

Where do I get my inspiration from? Well, that would be you Jane and Mike!!! Your channel has become a lifeline in these difficult times. Thank you for all the original content you produce!

[@happycook6737]

Love the identity piece! Very powerful.

[@janinemelton8948]

great program, What you suggest will help me, and I think people who suffer from depression may benefit from this, as you feel overwhelmed with the goals, but breaking down life like being frugal works.

[@jodieupton4000]

Thank you so much. My new habit is frugal living. I am a frugal person now.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Wonderful ! Welcome aboard

[@sheilahughes3561]

I get my inspiration from you Jane!

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks so much

[@abrightcloud6961]

I had to like, and comment, here at 4:46. I keep thinking that I need goals to succeed, but you have changed my mind, and hopefully my wayward and inconsistent habits! Alright, let’s learn some systems!

[@ellefson1]

I found Atomic Habits to be life changing and after reading it I started seeing the approach being used by other successful people. I've started leveraging this technique both in my finances and in my health. It feels too slow sometimes, but it's sustainable and I try to remind myself of that.

[@helenhartley6904]

Thanks Jane. We began steps for retirement 30 years in advance when the kids left home, mainly on one wage, we built a winter house and and paid off our main house. I view my sinking funds as goals and I love avoiding bill shock, so I pay council rates in advance (pia). In our winter cottage I pay power fortnightly and rates quarterly, in our summer house I pay rates fortnightly and insurance monthly. Being frugal allows us to go fishing in our boat, buy garden and craft items, and pia for holidays like a cruise. Our lifestyle is different to many friends who prefer coffee and brunch purchases at cafes, restaurants, concerts, pub and band nights, wine, new clothes, the latest phone or car and fancy gadgets. It's important to know your lifestyle preferences I think, then budget accordingly. I have read Atomic habits but for the bigger picture I like Maslow's hierarchy of needs and the circle of life,s 8 quadrants as motivators.

[@misslanapaulford]

My inspiration can from Dave Ramsey when he says do a budget and written down budget. Then last year when the prices started getting ridiculously stupid here in England especially for food and electricity. At the point we hadnt had a actual holiday as in you go away for the week..im lucky that we are 2 and on the same page. Having a goal, have a purpose and routine especially in the dark cold autumn/winter months can be extremely helpful.. You dont need anything fancy, just pad and pen and know how much u have to work with. Important (Rent/Utilities) first paid, then see how much u have to last over 4 weeks and how much of that u can realistic save. 😊

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

That's brilliant, I'm a big Dave Ramsay fan.

[@barbaraattwood2744]

I’m back on Grandma duties picking up my granddaughters from school on Wednesdays so missed this video at 4pm. Your videos make so much sense and the little things certainly do add up. You’ll be pleased to know Jane that when I go shopping you are now sitting on my shoulder! Thanks for the motivational/inspirational videos.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks very much

[@brendaashton6428]

Brand new viewer from Canada! I've read Atomic Habits and have been frugal since I was a young teen. My Dad teases me that I am like his Mom who lived through the Dression with the way I save and reuse. Thank you for ghe inspiration, motivation, and reminder to incorporate more of the little daily habits that make such a long term difference. I am also a debt free, mortgage free, early retiree!

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Welcome aboard!

[@traceyelliott2902]

Honestly my inspirations have come from you and one other KZbinr from the US. I'm so grateful I stumbled across both channels, because I've been able to really make some huge changes in my frugal journey. Thanks!!

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

I'm so glad!

[@asavannah7439]

Who else are you watching? Kate Kaden?

[@traceyelliott2902]

@@asavannah7439 No, frugal money saver, they're a couple from NY State, also debt and mortgage free!

[@maryettabeck1967]

Hardest part of living alone is not buying or cooking to much. Any ideas on portion control for 1? At 71 not a big appetite either. It seems too be such a waste to cook so small when i used to cook for 10.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Buy frozen meat, fish, vegetables. Take out 1 piece of meat or fish . If you can cook for ten, you have good cooking skills

[@patmartin9727]

I also live alone. If I make a recipe that feeds four I eat it today, eat it tomorrow and portion the rest up to,put in the freezer, I then use these as ready meals on the days when I don’t want to cook. I find this works as there are a couple of days a week when I need a quick meal.

[@woman5918]

Suggestion, Lisa Child’s, Instant Pot cooking for one- Recipe book. Meal plan from it and only buy and cook specific planned recipes. Of course you should then have an instant pot on hand, small sized one would do for one person etc.😊

[@woman5918]

Hmm also was watching Lulu’s Way on KZbin, she batch cooks her veggies, proteins and grains, has them in fridge ready to just “assemble” her meals…worth a try, the way she pre cooks veggies in instant pot means you won’t be eating mushy veggies…good luck😊

[@jeannetteshahenkari265]

What an excellent video, Jane and Mike!!! I took notes as I was watching and I plan on viewing it again> repetition is the Mother of Knowledge some say! Thank you so much for your hard work and dedication to helping others.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@normamason3185]

I started with The Tightwad Gazette. I own it - I scrimped and saved to buy the books, in paperback, 30+ years ago. I re-read them every year, beginning in January to inspiration and to make sure I am "checking myself" to stay on track. I also get inspiration now from Living on a Dime (KZbin channel). I believe I bought her first cookbook "Not Just Beans" not too long after I bought the Tightwad Gazettes (I have the 3 original books, not the compilation) . It has a lot of tips in it and has now expanded to a 2-volume book set which is really good. Then there's you, and a lot of other youtubers who provide inspiration on lots of subjects, that when taken together, provide advice that may have slipped through the cracks otherwise. I have been frugal all my life because I had to be, and at 68 I feel I can still learn some new ways.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thank you so much

[@annewright3129]

You are "spot on". Little habits become positive routine and accomplish large results. Frugality is one of my goals but so are Spanish fluency and household repair. Daily practice in language and fixin the next item inspire me to action. I feel creative and competant as I go along and, if I ever get bored, I will add a new goal with a set of steps. Thanks !

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

You can do it!

[@shawna620]

I haven't read either author-- my inspiration is from your channel! Really-- it's been so helpful for me. Thank you!

[@shess1640]

I love that....Systems v Goals. I'm a systems person as well. My methods won't change just because I reach a goal.

[@kathrynlongstaff9282]

I absolutely love Atomic Habits. With my year 13 tutor group I talk to them about it all time and building marginal gains and building positive affirmations of who we want to be. I am a person who... I am a person that... It has applied to my life theough dietary, health and financial decisions. Its a real game-changer. Thank you for the video, I really enjoyed it.

[@rickiwinter1587]

This is the best video yet, I just love that phrase 'The aggregation of marginal gains'. Have googled James Clear and off to the library to get it, Please note I didn't say buy😃

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

No need to buy it

[@elizabethcoates3024]

Great video,you hit the nail on the head, with the if you get bored you can slip up. That actually describes what I am doing currently. Lots of motion here, but not enough of moving forward. Boy did I ever need to hear this right now. Thank you both for being such a constant reminder about staying focused on the little things regularly and changing them up a bit to prevent the boredom of it from causing slipping. 😊

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

You’re welcome and I appreciate your feedback

[@marywiedenkeller3934]

Thanks for your inspiration!!! I have not read this book, but plan to!! God bless you!!

[@chasingsimpledreams]

i'm finding using a budget book like you have is helpful to me, more so than an app on my phone. Also, thanks for inspiring me! i'm increasing my Roth IrA contribution this Friday from 50 to 65 each week (it's a retirement account in the US). Little bit more but will help me most in long run

[@user-lu5jh6ql8h]

I love all your videos since finding you about a month ago, now I look forward to them each week, I have been motivated in so many different areas to make little and big changes. Thank you for all the work you put into the videos

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks very much

[@bria2596]

Thank you. I look for inspiration here and elsewhere, and these valuable tips, new and old, helps overcome a tendency I have to "churn."

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Welcome!

[@ludmillaaillaud2743]

I read atomic habits and apply most of his habits and idea. He is great.

[@user-tm5kc8oq4y]

I get my inspirations and to keep going from you. Thanks you

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

You are so welcome

[@jc10907Sealy]

I’ll revisit Atomic Habits on Audible! ❤

[@pamelawalton1255]

I love this book I've found making my environment works for me, finding the easiest route to making to savings and frugality is the way I live my life just making those small incremental every day bought me to be a saver rather than a fritter

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Great tip!

[@peterharrison9937]

like your show alot of what you say about saveing and cooking is common sense lam 70 and yes and yes i still do alot like my mum showed me .

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks Peter.

[@laurenyogateacher453]

Love this! So true 😊!

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks for watching!

[@sueforte4947]

My Italian grandfather said: Take care of the small coins, the big ones will take care of themselves alone.

[@melisia8876]

I appreciate your posts so much! I am still a work in progress, but you are inspiring me today. I did a major bulk shop at Costco (US) today - mostly meats that tomorrow I will break down into two meal packets (it's just me now). I do this about once ever 6 months - my nearest Costco is 1 1/2 hrs away so it is not practical to go all the time and meat prices in my area are silly expensive (it pained me to see chicken breasts for 9.99 a pound or beef at 8.99-14.99 a pound. Insane. The 'theys' are saying food shortages soon but I didn't panic buy. Proud of myself! I just reminded myself I have food in my pantry to use before I get too much more.

[@juttadestiny6810]

Do you have an aldishop near you? I save heaps at aldi! 🇦🇺💜🇦🇺

[@melisiayoung2925]

@juttadestiny6810 nope - I am on the Pacific Coast Washington State. The land were bottom rung gas is now 5.39 usd for 9/10 gallons gas.. everyone says 1 gallon but it's not... lots of 'sin' tax out here... forbid we get ahead eh?

[@thefinefrugalline3232]

I was inspired this year by my fellow countryman Jonas Vingegaard as he was the winner of the Tour De France!

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

A remarkable and very well deserved win. He is going to have a glorious GC career.

[@marypoe6709]

Thank you so much for your straight forward advice, this really resonated with me.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks for watching

[@amandathemadscrapper6993]

I was surprised to hear you say you’re not goals or outcome focused people. I guess it depends on what you mean by goals or outcomes. But the fact you know you’re likely to replace your car in, say, 3 years time, and you regularly put a certain $ into your long term savings for that purpose does indicate a goal or outcome focus. Same with finishing the barn. You know what the ‘end goal’ is, and you save for certain steps to be done to progress to that. Agree you use a system, and follow habits, but still see it as working towards goals/outcomes.

[@chasingsimpledreams]

i just read atomic habits last week and i did buy it but because i wanted to keep it and highlight it and reread it again. it is life changing for sure.

[@mkhuntstreasure3192]

Jane, you are my inspiration! Your videos have given me so much information with solutions! This is one of your best videos yet, thank you-you always manage to open my eyes a bit more.

[@zitasoregi9340]

Great video thank you! I read the book but you put a new spin on it :)

[@lisadawson2652]

This video is mind blowing 🤯

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks

[@muttersmenu2422]

Enjoyed the video. Trimming and planing the personal budget takes time and effort. The change for me came with retirement and managing the accounts but I got there. I socialise with friends and the library is a social hub. Holidays are carefully planned and paid for before takeoff. Wonderful chat and thank you Mike and Jane.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Good stuff!

[@Dingle1234]

This is great, Jane!

[@lindaday4956]

I just started Atomic Habits so this is such a timely video.

[@corinneleppard1933]

Really thought-provoking, may need to watch again. Mindset and identity are so very important and I do think it takes confidence and time to really embed beliefs and actions. Interestingly, I was discussing meal-planning and cooking from scratch with my OH last night, pointing out that it does take effort, that it shouldn't be taken for granted, but that it will help with long-term goals. As for inspiration, my approach was borne of necessity, we had very little money and our first house, as well as realising that life wasn't working for me, it was too difficult and stressful living day to day. I had some frank and lengthy conversations with my Nan, she had grown up in poverty and was really hot on budgeting; my parents didn't really discuss money, my father was in charge of finances, very traditional, and it wasn't something I could ask about, although I knew it was often very difficult to make ends meet and I can remember my mum worrying about her dwindling food budget. (late 70s). I started searching the Internet for ideas and to find like-minded people, your name came up a lot and I have followed you since your Cornish days.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks so much

[@oliviafox6745]

Like quite a few others, Amy Dacyczyn's Tightwad Gazette was pivotal in my frugal journey. I was always frugal of necessity, but an outsider because of it. She made it a creative adventure and mainstream.

[@philwhitehead8706]

Hi

[@charlotterice7418]

Really enjoyed this it made me think. Anything on the psychology of saving/attitudes to money and mind set is very interesting

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks for watching

[@suebee1540]

I am continually inspired by you and a few others. Thank you. Whenever I do a no spend month I write Aggegation of Marginal Gains across the top of the calendar. Bit by bit my savings grow.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Wonderful!

[@abidashah4943]

Thank you frugal King and frugal queen 👸 ❤ 👌 👏 habits .most l learnt from you and frugal channels on utube .can't wait for your frugal atomic habits book 📖 of yours to read 📚 ❤😊lov.all ways.learning from u dear❤❤❤❤lov from uk😊

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks so much!!

[@jodihiller4506]

This was a fabulous video! Very convicting for me! I am going to read that book. I get my inspiration from your channel and others that cover this much needed topic. Thank you!

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks for watching

[@clairedemuth4369]

My two inspirations are my mother, and you, Jane! My mother has veen teaching me how to save money for most of my life. Now we both watch Frugal Queen videos to improve our habits even more. I've learned a lot from you both and hope that I will soon be able to have my finances in order as neatly as you do. It's tough, but I'm improving them all the time!

[@reneeread1301]

Good video with new information I found quite helpful! I plan to forward to my grown children who often complain about finances. Hope they will find inspiration and clarity as I have with your videos.

[@rachelseibert7882]

I’m reading this same book, it is excellent. All the little things add up to the big!

[@katworkstowander9853]

Hi Jane and Mike. I’ve borrowed the audiobook from my library and will listen while doing my chores, and in the evening while knitting. I am very much a system person; I never thought of my being that way but it makes so much sense in terms of my always having struggled with goals but not small incremental steps. Though I did feel you were looking directly at me when you talked about decluttering and churning my stuff between rooms. 😮