10 WAYS TO STOP SPENDING! LIVE BELOW YOUR MEANS! FRUGAL OLD FASHIONED LIVING! Baked Oatmeal

[@judithhansen-nt9zm]

Best way to spend no money is to stay home and read a good book

[@allisonmodaff5635]

Yes, and preferably a library book!

[@Heyrizzo]

Hi Emmy. Thought of you today. I went to macys today after they announced they were closing some stores on LI. I have to get a dress for my daughters wedding this summer so i said let me go look, maybe I’ll get lucky. Well, i think i was beyond lucky. I found a beautiful dress that was originally $300 and got it for $19!!! It’s beautiful and my size, i just need to get the length taken up because im vertically challenged lol. But the main point here is that i didnt buy just because it was an amazing price. I bought because i loved it on me and the price was a bonus. I truly was blessed today to find an amazing dress and an amazing deal. Have a great weekend!

[@karenirving7088]

Over Christmas we emptied our freezer. We ate everything in there. We saved money and ate all the lost food 😂

[@MsDoglover02]

I used KZbin University this week to replace the cylinder in my office chair so I no longer randomly slide down in the seat. Bonus was buying the kit with a gift card! I have had the video in my watch later for ages because it seemed overwhelming but this month I thought "I can do this!" and I did. I impressed my 62yo self!

[@pspears2153]

I love #1 - Erma Bombek wrote about storing a rose shaped/scented candle from Avon and finding it had melted in storage. I had one in my bathroom that my beloved grandma (an Avon Lady in the 1950s-1970s) had given each of her granddaughters at the time and when I read that, I went and lit it. It was so freeing and I really will never forget sitting on the stool just smelling that candle burn and thinking of my grandma who lived 500 miles away at the time). I called her long distance (do you remember long distance?) every time I would light it to let her know how much I enjoyed it. I'm so thankful now I have those memories!

[@kimusa8114]

I remember reading her column when she found out she had cancer. She said to use those rose shaped soaps that you were saving for special occasions. Life is too short and you may never use those special soaps. I still remember that article. And the best thing about you used Grandma's candle? Grandma got to hear your voice every time you lit the candle.

[@MsDoglover02]

Thank you so much for sharing that beautiful memory!

[@joculp-yq3qh]

How sweet!

[@katherinerichardson1767]

Recently, I had my best friend develop early stages of dementia and had to be admitted to a retirement home some miles away. She has left the area that she has lived in for over 40 years, and where she had many friends. Her home which her father built had to be sold. Overall the experience has been very heartbreaking for her. Speaking on the phone is difficult for her so I write letters to her each week just telling what we do during the week. While I am thinking how boring the letters must be, she has commented over and over how much the letters mean to her. Keeping in contact is very important for older family members or dear friends. No one likes being left out just when difficulties come into your life. I thought about the people that had not only the hurricanes that have hit the northern states but the large amounts of snow and ice as well as the wild fires in the state of California. We have a lot to be grateful for if we have a warm place to stay and plenty of resources at our finger tips. Thank you again for sharing.

[@joanncole9603]

You are so right, I hope I never forget to encourage my lifelong friends and family members.

[@BigNate82]

Don't simply retire from something; have something to retire to. Start saving, keep saving, and stick to investments. Building wealth involves establishing routines, like consistently setting aside funds at regular intervals for smart investments

[@cynthia57169]

I repurposed a thing: a friend gifted me a coffee mug that’s awkward to hold and has an unpleasant rough texture. It’s found a new purpose as a bird food scoop. The previous scoop was an empty tin vegetable can. I think of this dear friend each time I bless the birds.

[@beckywhinery4652]

I do this with a holiday coffee cup. I think of my dad with every use. It's too small for coffee but great for cat food. Lol

[@fayeshultz4069]

Just enjoy your videos so much, thank you for sharing your presence

[@jeanmeierbachtol6154]

I made a list of things I can do rather than either shop or sit on my tablet scrolling. So I can look at that. I have things like listening to music, working on art projects. Decluttering , going for a walk. Reading, playing with my dogs

[@marym.8234]

That oatmeal recipe looks delicious. I have to bring breakfast and lunch to work since I have to be there early. I’m going to make a batch of that oatmeal and freeze some of it in squares. I know it will be delicious. One of the best ways I prevent myself from going shopping is to organize whatever area I think I need to buy in. So if I feel like I need new clothes I will go up and re-organize my closet and dresser and then I always realize I don’t need a thing. Same thing in my kitchen if I reorganized the pantry the fridge etc. I always realized I have plenty of stuff and I don’t need to get anything!

[@GretchenBostrom]

Thank you for being such a positive and encouraging light each week, Emmy & Paul. We all need more of that. I appreciate you both very much. I think the thing motivating me not to spend at the current moment is that I want to have myself in a good financial situation and I am working toward building up my emergency fund. When I think of spending, I try to take a breath and ask “do I need this? Can I make do without? Is there something else I have I can use in its place? Is this something I could make myself or buy used for a lot less money if indeed it is something I feel I need. I have never been a huge consumerism person but when I think I “need” something 9x out of 10 I find I really don’t and can make do without or I can borrow or use something else in its place.

[@sheilafreisthler4421]

Cooking in bulk hells me save. I recently made a 15 bean soup. I added ground sausage, diced tomatoes, diced onions, and spices. It made a lot so I ended up with nine more servings that I froze. I tend to pick up my crocheting to keep me busy, making lapghans for a local Hospice, slippers for my grandkids, or hats and scarves for the local homeless shelter. Uses up my yarn, and the recipients are happy to receive them.

[@rebacarmack8335]

Since it has snowed all day and is not to stop till tomorrow morning, I have cooked, cleaned out a cabinet, cleaned out a dresser drawer, more to come! I get busy w/ an at home project

[@KelliC-mw7dc]

I think one of the best things to do with those beautiful things we are not using is to donate.I recently gave some things to my local amvets its a lo cost thrift store that benefits our veterans. I get joy knowing someone will be able to buy for a great price and enjoy the item.Thank you for your ministry! I look forward to Fridays!❤

[@katmau9346]

Love reading cookbooks and crafting, it keeps me occupied from shopping.🛍️ thank you Kathy Utah

[@lj2070]

The wildflower garden sounds amazing

[@donnawilson261]

When I get the urge to splurge, I look around the house as you do, and realize how many treasures we already have. Sometimes I will write a small donation to a cause dear to us. I'm still spending a little, but it's going where it will do more good than my closets ;)

[@cynthia57169]

The urge to splurge.” Priceless phrase. ⭐️

[@kerryjames6312]

Learning is life long

[@MM-fr9yh]

Emma, you and other money savers in my life have taught me well about how to be happily frugal. Making a list of the amount I saved on groceries adds up. Last year I paid my home owners insurance and home tax which turned out to be the amount I had saved from groceries. Never thought that my frugal joiurney would do that.

[@DeborahKeator]

When I want to spend, I check my budget and look at our inventory. Then, I bake! LOL

[@paulapowers8201]

My library has Libby,I haven't bought a book in years

[@EstherWillinski]

For us is not much about buying things or clothes, is how much we spend in food, so I have gone back to menu planning for two weeks at a time. I heard someone saying that you should also make a plan for what to do with the leftovers, and write yourself reminders of the leftovers that you put in the fridge (you've probably reminded us of that many times Emmy!) I've been guilty of freezing leftovers and forget about them, so they end up go to waste. I'm trying to be more mindful of the groceries that we buy and consume. So far, these first two weeks I've been a lot better at reducing food waste.

[@janetstonerook4552]

I seldom order on line and, with the heavy snow and single digit temps we're having here in WVa, I didn't get out to hit any after the holiday sales either. So I'm doing very little spending so far in January! So today I spent a couple of hours organizing my winter clothing to see what to keep, donate or toss. I decided to pull out some of the nicer items I hadn't worn for awhile to wash up fresh and put in the front of my closet instead of wearing the same two or three outfits all the time.

[@LauraMacMillan-el2kc]

That oatmeal looks absolutely amazing! I would chop up the raisins and walnuts first; and then use it as a dressed-up fruit crisp topping - something a little extra for special family dinners or “bring a dish” get-togethers!

[@bettyadkisson1681]

I just tried a cheeseburger soup and it was so good,then my brother brought a nice chicken roast witch 3 servings an we got 2 servings and rest of it I made veggie beef soup and sent him home with 4 servings and I ate 1 bowl and canned up 7 pints of soup and 4 pints on broth for his winter meals ,because we've be in the low teens and 1 foot of snow just getting more snow. I had half a head of cabbage lefted for cabbage potatoes and polish sausage skillet and half a bag of 5lbs of carrots too can up to go with his canned turkey meat and beef that way he can heat he's own soup up. No more Eatting out for him and he saves so much money too. And I just might make up plum cobbler. Quick and easy when you have flour and baking soda or selfrise flour .

[@sheryldougherty282]

My new thing is a Christmas gift for my granddaughter. My mother in law started an embroidery blanket for my granddaughter. Sadly she passed before she finished the squares. Took me 2 years to match her stitching. Then I couldn’t get her to tell me what color she wanted. My daughter gave me the color . I checked the store for it. Then I found a way to include my crocheting and her embroidery plus quilting. Fushion Quilting. I set back money for this Christmas and this weekend I’m going to get the yarn, fabric and batting to start it. One square my daughter will add from Grammy and Grandma Sheryl and the year. Your recipe looks yummy.

[@einat1622]

Printed a calendar month and I write down the expenses at the end of each day. Being your own auditor does the trick (the wall of shame, on the fridge).

[@pspears2153]

"Wall of shame" ... 😁

[@bettyadkisson1681]

I stay home and upcycle a piece of clothing,and crochet hats and mini bags and can be used 2 different ways hat or a drawl string bag..

[@witsonsmom729]

To take my mind off shopping, I get busy and involved in another activity. Right now, that activity is crocheting. I work on my current crochet project, an afgan. I enjoy KZbin and the content I watch and have available. I often have KZbin on while I am crocheting. But, there are several channels that do get me to want to go out and buy/try things they are discussing. So, with that in mind, I am conscious and careful when watching that sort of content when I am focusing on discplining/better controlling my spending habits.

[@danielleeads8013]

I have KZbin on while I crochet too and I’m always wanting the cool gadgets they’re using. I have to tell myself that they are paid to show them, likely got all those things for free and that I really don’t NEED them.

[@katiejo711]

I need to declutter. I have back ups to my backups. I did give boxes to a friend who needed to fill her apartment

[@colleenwood8220]

Thank you for your prayers. While we live in Upstate New York, our daughter-in-law is from Malibu and her family had to evacuate. She’s absolutely devastated and I can’t stop crying over this.

[@MsDoglover02]

Praying for all the best for your family!

[@juliemoore6957]

Praying 🙏!

[@SherDavhopvoz]

My stomach started growling when you showed the finished breakfast oatmeal. It looks delicious! I have several projects in the works, and also going through clothes and other items for donations. It's so bitterly cold here that staying out of stores is easy. Thank you for the great tips!

[@kathyfranco9372]

More great ideas.. thank you so much. I have only bought 1 sweet tea from McDonald's since January 1.. I'm so excited.. you're such an inspiration

[@juliemoore6957]

To stop myself from spending, I look up outfit ideas on Pinterest and then re-create a similar outfit from my closet. So fun and creative! Also, I love a great at home mani/pedi or facial. There's so many at home facial tutorials on KZbin! I also love to pop popcorn and watch an old favorite movie or read a book with a cup of tea and a small baked treat.

[@marykayesugerman6843]

You must have some great grocery stores around you. I have looked at some sales flyers and online sales and there’s nothing we like that has been in on sale since Christmas. I’m not a pork loin fan and that’s what has been the best bargain lately. BUT I am eating out of the freezer and the pantry with supplemental fresh veggies. So far I have made homemade tomato soup and tonight I’m making French Onion soup with leftover Swiss cheese from the freezer.

[@loriehenderson1231]

That baked oatmeal looks fabulous! I’m definitely going to try that! Thanks for sharing

[@pattiraefrye]

Doing the no spend January along with pantry/freezer clean out. Only allowing myself to buy fresh produce. I ran into a discount grocery store to just get potatoes. They had Clarence sales, $5 heavy duty sweatshirts, hoodies and zip ups and $5 ten pack of thermo socks. Ugh! Sooooo I’ll try again in February😂😂😂😂

[@paulajohnstonbaugh1873]

Thank you for the reminder for Hoopla and Kanopy! I had checked my library before and they were not available, but I just checked again and both are there now. I will be signing up for both and checking them out soon.

[@marycaswell6894]

Hi Emmy & Paul Happy New Year. I am a reseller in two small booths. I have tons of boxes & bags in my storage unit that have been sitting. This year no more yard sales, thrift stores or buying more items to resell. Looking through the boxes & bags is like a new shopping trip. Wish me luck. I just know this will save me money in the long run. Going to make that breakfast for sure. TFS PRAYERS FOR ALL OF CALIFORNIA. 🙏 ☮️💜

[@peggycruit9903]

When I see something online that I am thinking about buying, I will put in the cart, and then sign out. After I wait a day, I often find that the urge to buy it is gone!

[@creativelycountry1617]

Been waiting for this!!! So excited to listen! My try something new is sourdough, I’m “late” to the trend, but looking forward to it! Edit- oh I love those teal canisters!!! Someone is going to be so glad to find those at the thrift store 🎉

[@cynthia57169]

The canisters would be welcome here! The old plastic Rubbermaid ones are from 1990 and the lids are cracking along the edges. We’re also moving away from plastic.

[@rhondawelker6742]

Thank you. I always enjoy your videos. A lot of good information to consider. 😃

[@wandahall4435]

I read when I want to spend ❤❤❤😮😮😮😊😊😊

[@Crochetlady3-l1o]

Hi Emmy and Paul! We have already dropped off 4 boxes at Habitat for Humanity/Restore, that had been in our garage for a year. Extra flooring we will never use and a desk that my husband bought, never assembled and couldn't be returned . Someone else can enjoy! Whenever I think of buying yarn (sale!!!), I look at my unfinished projects and yarn (an entire 4 cube/bookshelf of ) and say NO MORE. Until I finish these projects . Happy New Year! Hi from MB/SC😊💕🎉🙏🏻🏝️

[@Crochetlady3-l1o]

I was first!!!🎉🎉🎉

[@eileenbecker9245]

I will rewatch. Caring for family at moment 😮

[@pspears2153]

🙏🙏

[@carolined3058]

Nice tips, learning something new is also very good for your brain . At the moment I'm watching a lot ofvideo about how to do bobbin lace. Some years ago I bougth material second hand but didn't have time for it yet.

[@Trandans]

Thank you, I needed to hear this! I'm always looking for (not buying, though) vintage, beautiful kitchen- and tableware... without using the nice things I already have, to afraid to break them 😅. It's only stuff, it can be replaced. 😊

[@janicehoffman5771]

to cold out to go shopping, stay in where it is warm.

[@serendipitysue3255]

My library uses Libby. We had Hoopla before Libby. I use it regularly.

[@janetdowning1443]

When you say no spend I have been taking it literally!!!!!! Thank you for clearing that one. Your donation box - noticed your blue/aqua canisters, that was a surprise but did notice during video the more colourful ones are back. Love the work you and Paul put into videos very much appreciated 😉👍

[@FrugalMoneySaver]

The only thing we are doing a low spend on is non-essential purchases. You still have to pay bills, get food, get your medicine, doctor appointment, etc. It’s only non-essentials that are low or no spend. I’ve explained this in several of our videos. Also, it’s been about a year since we switched our canisters. Our new ones we found on bulk pick up trash day.

[@nicolescotto3918]

Happy new year Paul and Emmy. Thank you for the suggestion to look into Hoopla and Kanopy at our local library. Well guess what? Our library here in Geelong Victoria Australia has access to Kanopy! Yeah thank you 💙👍👏🏾

[@KatahadinKookingMamaHomestead]

been doing great for 10 days no spend -eat at home and been selling things we dont use and paying more ahead and debt pay off.doing the three river pantry challenge using things up in fridge, pantry then freezer and our canned goods.

[@d.parisi]

I have thought about this and I honestly don't feel the need to spend. When I was younger this was not the case.

[@veronicwbrennan4002]

Here in Wales we too can take out digital books. Fabulous idea A stop me buying trick for me is a bit nutty but it does work. I go online, maybe to a clothing store, choose and start the ordering process, saying to myself I will finish it the next day. If I haven't forgotten,which I often have, I go back in and delete. Said it was nutty. 😂

[@ginavandam735]

Check, check and check!...Im happy to say...😊 To avoid buying fast food is easy. It can be done fast at home also, if you have planned it earlier, to have easygoing things in the freezer...and it taste sooo much better... Have a great 2025❤ Greetings to you both from Sweden🇸🇪

[@arthurmantzouris4413]

Im taking this month as serious as ive taken it last year at no Spending at ALL...No MOLLA being spent here....😅😅😅😊😊😊

[@lateshachurney5965]

It was 50 and sunny at my place yesterday. It did not rain all week until today. And this next week no rain. Just clouds and sun forecasted.

[@donnamurphy1871]

I love the Can Can Sale!

[@barbaracarbone4658]

Thanks guys. I'm making your oatmeal bake right now!! 😅🎉🎉❤

[@barbaracarbone4658]

I just made your oatmeal bake and It's absolutely delicious!! I love it. I'm going to get myself another piece. Lol. Thanks so much 🎉🥳

[@RedLentilYellowLentil-g8y]

I "pretend spend" on Azure Standard before finalizing my bulk food order. Their app lets you play around adding and changing purchase amounts and dates on orders. I was able to see that certain items were going to go up significantly if I delayed a month in purchasing them and other items were staying the same price or going on sale. Since organic rolled oats, bison meat, cashews, and cannellini beans were on the way up, i ordered extra. Also trying to pay from cash in the bank to save on the credit card fee.

[@katiejo711]

I have been finding markdown items 70-90%. I couldn’t pass them up. Fresh produce $1 a bag at Meijer, potatoes,onions, carrots, broccoli, 3# bag of avocados. I am cleaning out my pantry and shelves of food in y basement so I am trying to use the extras. I am going to try to stay home

[@kathileedean3851]

Wow, Emmy… your hair looks wonderful!! What’s different? 🤔 IDK, but you look great. 👍🏻 ❤

[@kathileedean3851]

That was insulting, actually. You always look wonderful, so put together and stylish, but today your hair just looked, IDK, especially lovely… 🤭

[@RaeC]

I didn’t spend anymore money. Then out of the blue I needed $35 cat meds and a appt for $30. Other than that saving a bunch.

[@kimkirksey562]

Linen, towels, utensils, etc.

[@katemoore2980]

❤ I read a book!

[@Peggyd2]

I know that Corningware hurt Emmy, but good job!

[@lynnegordon6749]

I want to try making bread again. Emmy, I can't find the video with your sourdough starter recipe. Rya? Could post the video link, please. Thank you. The baked oatmeal looks really good.

[@karenlyle322]

We stay home 😊

[@judithhansen-nt9zm]

Can i use quick oats?

[@sparkleslade3185]

I cant eat oatmeal, it looks like barf to me, but i skip breakfast and feed the family, im not spending more, and in fact spending less because i eat 2 meals a day lol no offense to oatmeal lovers!

[@Gaylafay]

What happened to the cute intro music 🎵

[@rosepetal9748]

❤❤❤

[@ClaudiuDenis-hp4pf]

It’s really heartbreaking to see how inflation and recession impact low-income families. The cost of living keeps rising, and many struggle just to meet basic needs, let alone save or invest. It’s a reminder of the importance of finding ways to create financial opportunities. You've helped me a lot sir Robert! Imagine i invested $50,000 and received $190,500 after 14 days