5 things we can no longer afford to buy! And, what we're doing instead!

[@ClaireForsberg-rl6tc]

Years ago, I was very low on funds. However, I wanted a hedge around my small back yard to keep my small dogs contained. I went to a greenhouse in our vicinity. The hedge bushes were $14 for a 1 gal pot. I purchased one, brought it home, and cut off branches to start my own nursery of hedge. I managed to get close to 50 branches. About 30 made it to root. The next spring I planted them. They took off. It took three years to realise my dream of a thick healthy hedge. It takes patience. I saved $420 dollars, and learned a lot about wants vs needs. Thank you for your wisdom. It's much appreciated.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

That's great

[@cathyphillips679]

I am vegetarian and have been finding the rising prices of fresh produce challenging, to say the least. Today, I went to the store just to buy 1 red onion that I wanted for a specific recipe. I always check the "reduced produce" rack first, and today, I got a mixed bag of produce for $2 Cdn. The bag contained 2 red onions, 2 apples, 1 orange, and 1 small eggplant! I live alone, and the eggplant is big enough for 2 meals for me. The apples are going into my oatmeal tomorrow for breakfast, and I already ate the orange! None of the produce was bad at all. The onions are quite fresh and will last quite a while.

[@jessieelliott3157]

I borrow all my books from the library, but went into a book shop with my daughter last week to buy a book as a gift for someone. We found the book we wanted, but my daughter said dont buy it here and walked me to kmart where the same book was exactly 1/2 the price. It really pays to shop around. I was proud of her.

[@theesilverghost]

I love the library! I rarely buy books too, but if I do, I try to support the independent shop. Do you have the Little Free Libraries in your area? I've found some wonderful books there, and it's a great place to declutter any books that I no longer want.

[@churchofpos2279]

Was going to go for a day trip to a resort town, but figured that the gas alone was too expensive. Instead ,took my dog to the local state park that I can go into using a senior pass, packed a lunch, and went for a 2 hour hike with my dog. The weather was wonderful and a perfect day.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

How perfect

[@joycef8443]

And your doggie loved it!

[@pammitchell3098]

Jane, the way you present lovely alternatives to things and activities that have become unaffordable to so many people is heartwarming. Thank you!

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thank you so much!

[@suelamond4060]

This is what my mother use to do when people use to take her to appointments or other things

[@rosemarydoran9907]

I do my grocery shopping online due to being disabled. I shop sales and keep a stock of meat in my freezer. Weather permitting, two of my neighbors and a couple other friends will join together for a pot luck, where we each contribute what we have to the dinner. I only go out to eat when a friend takes me to doctors appointments. I buy their lunch as it costs less to buy 2 lunches than it would to take an Uber or other ride share round trip.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

You’ve got that sorted Rosemary. I have a friend who doesn’t drive, if I give her a lift, she takes me out for coffee which is lovely

[@rosemarydoran9907]

@FrugalQueeninFrance how nice of you to bring your friend along and how nice of your friend to take you to coffee! My friends always say they do not expect me to pay for lunch, but I want to show my appreciation. Plus the two who take me most often also help me with other things, like picking up my dog's thyroid medicine and heartworm pills every couple of months from the veterinarian, setting out my trash and recycling cans each week and other things, so it is the least I can do! It is also a good social time, which is appreciated by me as being home alone most of the time is quite isolating.

[@Judith-b3t]

How nice to have friends like that! And they are fortunate to have you as well.

[@susanb1901]

We have never subscribed to streaming services. We just get DVDs out of our local library.

[@juliemoore6957]

We no longer go out for drinks or dinner with friends, but instead entertain at home. When the weather is nice we have "happy hour" on our patio and have all the guests bring their own drinks and an appetizer to share! It is so much fun!

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

That's lovely

[@Michelle-bw1xg]

I enjoyed the format - what you cut and what you do instead! I've made a lot of cuts and not too much alternatives put in place. I mostly entertain by having friends or family over for a meal. This way I can manage my costs, have tasty food, and keep some social life going. I take long transit rides to work to cut down on gas on weekdays. I shop mostly foods that are on sale and buy a little extra if I can so next time when not on sale I don't have to buy it. Occasionally I have a friend shop for me as sale items get depleted while I work. I watch You Tube and write comments to be part of the communities I enjoy rather than paying for streaming. I pay extra on mortgage principal when I can to save a bit on interest to keep overall long term costs down while some prices really escalate that I can't change. I rarely shop for nonessential items, so I come to want less. I plan to declutter and sell items rather than buy stuff I don't need. I do have one hobby to DIY build out my minivan for fun and future travel, using funds from selling my newer car to get an older one (and pay for any repairs). One must find acceptance and contentment upon adjusting.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Acceptance and contentment are precious.

[@rebacarmack8335]

We recently went to a fundraiser that had a silent auction. I got a dvd player, charger, and 4- dvd’s. I gave my autistic great nephew everything but a dvd that was not appropriate for him. He loved it, my sister said he was so excited that he was laughing and jumping up and down! Loved it!❤️❤️ oh I paid $15 usd. Eating less meat is actually a healthy option.

[@Newry2000]

Times are really tough but you are managing exceptionally well. Thank you so much for all of your helpful tips - you are both such an inspiration!

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Our pleasure!

[@seekingtheminimumlevel1830]

Thank you for making this a positive video about finding alternatives. I love the challenge of "beating the system" by finding ways, that are still enjoyable, to make do with less and/or less expensive alternatives. We have an amazing library system where we live, and that is where the majority of our entertainment - books, DVDs, so many free video streams per month, jigsaw puzzles, online e-books and audio books, reference sources and more are gotten. Library usage is paid for in our property taxes, so I make sure we take full advantage of it. Looking forward to seeing what everyone else is doing to make do and find alternatives.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks

[@aliliveswellonless]

I buy whatever meat or fish is reduced on that day or it has to be on a really good offer. I haven't bought or eaten steak for a few years now as it's just too expensive. I tend to buy frozen veggies except for carrots, onions and potatoes. I rarely buy fresh fruit, using tinned or frozen. BUT I do grow fruit and veg on my allotment and preserve it lots of ways to use throughout the year. My current supermarket budget is £25 per week for just me (includes cleaning stuff, TP, toiletries etc) and I've stuck to it since the start of the year. I cook from scratch all the time and I do eat very well 🙂

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

We eat well too. There’s always a way.

[@simonefeaster5131]

We no longer go out to eat and pack our own food for day trips/overnights as well. I have completed changed how and where I buy our food (canned to dried beans, making own broths, meal planning and selective shopping). Buy only meat on sale or yellow tag. We also had to cut out single use cleaning products like paper towels and disinfectant wipes. Turns out microfiber cloths are just fine! Frugality makes us adaptable and creative.😊

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

And that's a good thing

[@simplebigskyliving9482]

My kitchen curtains fell apart in the washing machine. I remembered I had a blue linen tablecloth from a charity shop that matches my decor nicely.. I made new curtains out of the tablecloth. I hemmed my daughters bedroom curtains and saved the pieces I cut off the bottom. I turned them into patio cushions and used old pillows to fill them. I saved and dried the flower seed heads for this years garden. I've given jars of seeds as a gift for house warming present.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

That is awesome!

[@sharoncook8020]

The seeds for gifts is a wonderful idea

[@Duke_of_Prunes]

I am old enough to remember the late 1960s and 70s, when my parents entertained friends from work or church. My mother served coffee or tea, a nice cake, and often a dinner. My wife is very social, so we continue that tradition at our home. And it gives me an excuse to trot out the china and silverware that my mother left!

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

I love to get out the good China too. It's very common for British people to entertain at home

[@Duke_of_Prunes]

@@FrugalQueeninFrance My wife is Colombian, and they really enjoy hosting dinners and parties -- never a dull moment!

[@oliviafox6745]

You actually dodged a bullet with the bamboo. Its very invasive with a massively strong root system. If you do decide to grow it, keep it in a large pot.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

I got some for free. My garden is 2.6 acres, bamboo can happily spread with ease

[@lynnhensley4326]

Be careful. Bamboo is very invasive. It was on my dad's property. It move onto 2 of his neighbors' property. He offered me some. No way I told him. I had a lot located in town that 4 other lots touched. I didn't want it to spread on to their properly.

[@farmerwife8412]

Bamboo can be very nasty. It is difficult to permanently remove.... as we have found out. 😂 almost impossible.

[@juliethompson5301]

Pork and chicken are ok here in the UK lamb and beef not so much. In fact I don't buy lamb anymore,it's priced itself out of my shopping trolley

[@craftycalley]

Nowadays I buy meat and fish on yellow sticker from the supermarket. I also sometimes buy in bulk and then sort it all into individual portion size before I freeze it. If I’m having a celebration day (birthday, Xmas and yesterday it was signed off from cancer!) then I’ll buy some lamb without the yellow sticker if I’ve nothing left in the freezer. I’m really careful for the rest of the year but sometimes it’s time to celebrate!

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Congratulations on your wellness!

[@janeheath2798]

Congratulations @craftycalley on signing off from cancer🎉 sending celebratory hugs 🤗 xx

[@hev2519]

Brilliant news on your health 🎉

[@rena4220]

Congratulations on signing off from cancer. Very worthy news to celebrate!

[@craftycalley]

@@FrugalQueeninFrance. It certainly adds perspective to life. Thank you for your kind words.

[@Litha-yz7xq]

Do the libraries in France loan out DVDs? Are they all french language? Our local library in the US has a massive selection, and they get all the new releases. My husband and I borrowed and enjoyed A Haunting in Venice just last week.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Yes, All in French. And they only have books

[@lauraIngleswilder74]

Yes we are eating less meat also here. The prices are astronomical. One thing I have given up is soda. It is a good thing because I was addicted to it. I refuse to pay $7.18 for a six pack so I just came to the conclusion that I could no longer afford to buy it. I had the habit of drinking 2 diet pepsi everyday. So that has been a good thing inflation has done for me. Going to the grocery store is just shocking everytime I go. Jane and Mike I so enjoy your input and have put it to good use. Love the puppies!

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks Laura

[@susanhoward5479]

The amount of sugar in those pepsies is scary. Well done

[@lauraIngleswilder74]

@@susanhoward5479 I drank the diet but it has aspartame which is worse. I had a terrible headache for 3 days when I stopped drinking it.

[@ireneroy8820]

Cokes for a 6 pack 16 ounce bottles are usually on sale for $2.99

[@lauraIngleswilder74]

@@ireneroy8820 not where I am

[@SueMurnin]

We always take a flask of coffee and a picnic if we go out I used to be a chef and I know how much things cost. Also on the subject of garden centres I used to buy a few choice plants not anymore they are too expensive we regularly have a plant swap day about 6 of us. I am not being mean but we have to take care of our finances I’ve always budgeted and love a bargain!

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Good to know!

[@lesleygordon1748]

Don't have a television at all, or Netflix etc. prefer music and books. Vegan household so no meat, fish or dairy has been purchased for years! Do eat out sometimes, we enjoy that and don't mind the spend.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks for sharing!

[@mimi1o8]

We have very similar lifestyles 😊

[@janefoley5184]

You should do a follow up video on how you find joy in life despite not buying things.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks

[@carlienvandernet7902]

I love strolling through garden centers but I don’t buy anything, I love to go to town (by bus) and just window shopping without buying anything that I don’t really need and can afford (which isn’t much), I don’t have streaming services so I watch KZbin, I hardly ever eat meat or fish and take an egg instead, I don’t go out to eat unless I’m out of town and than I just eat some fries from a cafeteria, drinks I always take with me, I love reading so I re-read the books that I own, I don’t go on vacation but stay at home on the balcony or go for a walk in the neighborhood, I love cats but I can’t afford to take proper care of them so I gave up that dream and I can go on like this for some time. Times are very hard unfortunately 😢.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Yes they are hence we’re determined to find ways of making it work.

[@gineenkucherak3349]

Maybe consider volunteering at a cat or animal shelter if you are able. Then you would be able to get your cat fix and help those animals waiting to be adopted.

[@carlienvandernet7902]

@@gineenkucherak3349 I’m living on disability social security so I’m not allowed to do that. The government will say I can work than and take my money away.

[@preppernut]

Thank you for supporting the small farmers. We sold sourdough rye bread (baked in an outdoor oven, no added fats or sugars) and my home baked pies and squares, challah and bedding plants at the local farmer's market and in the fall when that was done, we added sausages and eggs to the inventory and delivered throughout the winter months. I know that some vendors would charge what the market would bear, but I set my prices to reflect what I would choose to pay if I wanted to buy the stuff. There were complaints from vendors, saying that I was undercutting them, but I told them that their products were certified organic, and obviously much better than mine, so how could I charge the same as them for an inferior product? May I suggest that you look for a short season cucumber and plant directly outside once the frost has passed? I grow most of mine outside, and I suspect that our climates are similar. It is the long english types that need the greenhouse, but many other cucumbers are fine if you peel the skin. And finally, to answer your question....there is nothing that I can't afford that I want right now. As things deteriorate, who knows? I have read about the Weimar Republic, my mother was there during those times, so I am preparing for times like that, learning substitutions and stretching the food dollar just like you do. Made Lorne sausage and ate it today, so we won't be buying sausages any more.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks

[@frivoloustofrugal]

I thought your food budget was 400? Did you reduce it

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Yes, you must have missed the rationing video. Our other bills have increased so we have to cut back somewhere and the food/supermarket budget had to be cut

[@pennyheinrich5552]

We love beet greens sautéed with a little bacon. We go to the farmers market and get the greens for free..... everyone apparently wants the beets but not the greens.... so the farmer is glad to give them to us. We also go to the bakery booth and buy day-old pastries that are 1/4 of the price.... taste just as well as the newly baked. We've also gone more veggie, eating meat once a week. Use the library weekly.... Uncle Amazon gets very little $ from us..... Great video Jane.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

You’re doing great penny

[@sandrabryan9106]

We got creative last night when Ron came home with two pork tenderloin for $9.70 CAD ($7.20 USD, $6.58 Euro). We sliced half of it up thin, sautéed onion, mushroom, red bell pepper and served up on hoagie buns for 5 mock Philly cheesesteak sandwiches. 3 for dinner and 2 for leftover lunch. The other half was made into medallions, divided up and put into the freezer. We rarely buy beef now.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Sounds lovely

[@jennyeagan1840]

What are medallions? Looked it up online, but no information on the world of food.

[@sandrabryan9106]

@@jennyeagan1840 it’s just thinly sliced rounds, the shape of small disks instead of chunks. They are fast and easy to cook.

[@jennyeagan1840]

Thank you for your reply.

[@elalinejackson5892]

Never thought of using pork for a yummy cheese steak, thanks for the idea.

[@rhondabish2186]

Often, if some ladies want to grab lunch after a meeting or something, I try to just order an appetizer instead of a meal. Other people must be doing that, as prices of appetizers have gone up! I'm trying to ditch Directv, but my husband wants to watch sports, so I'm trying to work around that. thank you for your advice, and keep up the good work!

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks Rhonda

[@Mirth-l7l]

Every three month we cross the borther to Portugal. We enjoy different villages. All of them are beautiful. We go for coffe and cake, its delicious and much cheaper than in Spain. We do the bulk shopping pasta, rice, beef, chicken, cod... It's much cheaper than in my country. Also the markets offer very good quality shoes and clothes fraction of the price.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

So cool!

[@frivoloustofrugal]

I live in Portugal and they would say it’s cheaper in Spain 😂

[@Mirth-l7l]

​@@frivoloustofrugal no way beef, chicken, cod, washing powder coffee...

[@Judith-b3t]

This video is worth watching twice. Great suggestions.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@moirasutherland7443]

Your socialising is like going back fifty years and more this is how we did years ago.. In the UK in the 1950’s this is how my parents lived they would never have thought of meeting in a restaurant or tearoom.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

We love it. Most restaurants are very average. You need vast sums to eat fine food.

[@tiddlywinks456]

I meet my friends this way all the time, it’s fantastic and no manager is there telling us to leave as they need to close the cafe because we always have a great laugh and long chat together.

[@kathryncooper4001]

You're to be commended for being so mindful in your finances; it's a rare quality these days. No streaming-phone-internet deals like that in the States, I'm sure. My neighbors and I share streaming accounts to save money on home entertainment. When I was a young gardener I shared clippings with all my neighbors, and they shared with me -- saved us all a fortune. I buy clothing, household items, and gifts at a local upscale thrift store, which saves an enormous amount. I make all my cleaning solutions and use no disposables. And there's hardly ever a time when I'll buy groceries without a sale price or a discount coupon; there is nothing I need so much that I'll pay full price. I do take at least one vacation trip a year with my leftover cash, and I never take on any debt.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks

[@joycef8443]

I live in the States, also . I try to never pay full price for things. I usually have one in reserve and know to be on the look out for another. I hardly find ever find sales on dog kibble, though. The pups do eat on sale chicken and beef added to their kibble, I am vegetarian, so they get my share. It’s almost time to begin garden starts in the basement!

[@theesilverghost]

Isn't the cost of internet in the US criminal? I nearly fell over when Jane said internet for 25 euro! I work from home, so we do need a certain speed of internet, but to purchase that, we were forced to buy it in a bundle with cable -- but we don't need it. We don't own a television.

[@maureenmannion6748]

How do you share streaming services?

[@sheila1013]

Hi Jane and Mike. Yes I too have been doing a lot of swapping and changing of late. After a lifetime of visiting various hairdressers, I now cut my own hair. Over time, with practice and after watching the various online tutorials, I've now got the hang of it. Also, I've now let my natural grey come through, so it's been a moneysaver all round. In fact, people have asked me if I have had it coloured. 😆 As for the garden, I planted a lot of evergreens and shrubs many years ago which have now matured and are easily maintained. For the summer months I just buy a few bedding plants from the local fruit shop, which as you know, are much cheaper than the garden centres. I no longer have broadband. When I decided to get rid of my landline phone, I decided to use my mobile phone instead. A couple of years ago I bought a brand new phone from ebay, with a large screen, which is ideal for online viewing. I now have a SIM only deal which on renewal last week, gives me 3 months half price and 150 gb of data. I do have Netflix, but on calculation, here in the UK, I am saving around £14 a month by doing it this way. I still watch mainstream TV, which includes Freeview, so this setup does for me right now. Foodwise, for certain items, it's back to the supermarket basic ranges for me. Eating out has become a luxury, which I have reduced considerably. When I do go out, it's budgeted for in advance and covered for by my other reductions. Thanks again to you both for sharing this video, which as usual, makes complete sense. 🤗

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Well done to you Shelia, you’re doing great

[@lindagbukvic9441]

I received a coupon in the mail yesterday (12th) for a free dozen eggs, the coupon expired on the 9th. Happily they honored it.

[@janetstonerook4552]

I seldom buy many of the things you described...soft drinks, formal dining, expensive entetainment venues etc. But another thing I don't buy are any baked goods and desserts (other than an occasional loaf of bread). I'm a very good baker and prefer home baked goods because I use healthier, tastier ingredients and they're so much cheaper. Besides, I can do the baking at my leisure because such desserts are now for special occasions and not an everyday necessity! And I portion out and freeze what doesn't get eaten at that meal. 😌👍 🍪🍰🍮

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks Janet

[@123narky]

We always loved a comforting Sunday roast in our house. However I can no longer afford the joint of meat for it. Even a whole chicken to roast is now beyond my budget so instead I substitute the joint with sausages or a veggie sausage roll for me. I am continually having to find ways round things that we use to have or do. I can’t see these things improving anytime soon in fact I am steeling myself for it to get worse if anything.

[@sarmag4623]

I have an inexpensive grow light set up where i start my seeds. Set it up 10 years ago and saves $$ every year. Also allows me to start plants for late season planting. I only purchase seeds and soil and use old food containers and/or resue old pots. Also i think they are generally healthier. They often start off looking weaker and smaller than garden store starts but do far better over time.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Sounds great!

[@carissas2926]

Same! My husband got a cheap led light strip and it works great!

[@teresaearl5688]

We use the library regularly. We share a delicious tasty soup, at our Vietnamese local cafe. Have picked up items walking and driving that people are throwing out for us to take home and use..

[@iriswelch3553]

A decent loaf of bread is about $5 here in the US. I go to the bakery outlet ($2.50) or, usually I make my own!

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Making bread is cheaper

[@jankarel6454]

I used to really love magazines. Now they give me sticker shock. Most of the things that used to be in magazines can now be found on the internet--ideas on decorating, new recipes, travel tips, financial advice, etc. Also, most of the magazines I used to get were just from the perspective of the country I live in. Now I can find information from a lot of different countries, which gives me a broader worldview.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

So true! I read magazines online for free with the Libby app

[@sams.9745]

I use Libby as well for reading magazines. Great app to have!

[@Judith-b3t]

I totally agree on the sticker shock. Magazines seem more expensive than some books. Plus some of the women's magazines are simply advertisements with very few articles. We have a Humane Society thrift store that sells a good variety of used magazines for 25 cents. Love that price.

[@muttersmenu2422]

I use the local library for magazines.😊

[@arodriguez2007]

Just mentioning this in case you're not familiar with the Libby app. You need a library card to connect it to the app to be able to check books out, including magazines.

[@clarem2772]

I have never paid for TV or streaming services, I find most of the "entertainment" isn't worth paying for. I do buy some plants as gardening is one of my favorite past times but I put money aside every month for it so come gardening season I have a stash. I do go out to eat about once a week but never pay for it, I fix dinner for my sister every weekend and in return when we go out to eat she pays for my meal. I do find many of the local farmers markets or farm stands, during our short summer season, are less expensive than the grocery store plus very fresh.

[@reneebradford2885]

One thing i can't do anymore is go to the second hand shop clothes used to be $3.00 now there $10 to $15 just not in the budget don't buy hair products anymore use soap currently in the process of becoming vegetarian because simply can't afford meat anymore its a sorry world we live in

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Sorry to hear that

[@MaryKane-qv5vz]

For those who bought sodas just cut a lemon into large glass of water and refill during day; put it fridge during night and the lemon will last several days.

[@bonnie7433]

There are so many things that are unaffordable here in Australia now. I can’t afford blocks of chocolate the price has gone up so much. I have replaced them with the occasional packet of generic chocolate biscuits. Dog grooming we are now doing functional but definitely not professional grooming at home (we have 3 dogs). Postage on online shopping is also something I can’t afford anymore and making a free postage minimum purchase threshold is not happening anymore. I used to fill my cart with items that I would use but things I don’t need to restock at present. Not anymore, I just have to do without.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks

[@cindiblazer8621]

I never buy food from specifically shops. I haven't bought much food I the last 2 weeks. I'm feeding us from pantry and freezer. The sales have been nothing we eat, just prepackaged. I get my plants from a local grower. 1 to 2 dollars each plant. Prices are awful

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks for sharing!!

[@johnmelissaziech6207]

I have, for many years, shopped the marked down shelves in every store I go into. The problem is, so many others are discovering those bargain corners. I also shop the bargain shelves at garden centers, grow from seed or cuttings, and overwinter plants. Haven't bought a geranium in 30 years! We can live a beautiful, healthy life on a budget. Our friends and us started doing picnic lunches in a quiet park during the pandemic. We have continued with lunches, usually sandwiches and dessert, and spend the afternoons on our lovey porches overlooking the woods.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

That's true

[@janefoley5184]

As I live in a coastal fishing area, we have good fish markets. My fish market sells "chowder fish" for $3.99/lb. It is small fillets of white fish ( haddock & cod mostly). Most pieces are large enough for baking or frying. That works out to $1/serving. The same market offers "fish medley" ( salmon, swordfish, tuna, halibut chunks) for $5.99/lb. Pieces usually big enough to bake or make fish kebabs for grill. Works out to $1.50/serving. I would advice others to check out some unconventional options for meat of fish.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks

[@sargee97]

Hi Jane and Mike, it's all about making ends meet isn't it. Meat and fish are very expensive now and I always look for reduced before I shop for what's on my list. I will look at the reduced and if beef mince is on my list but there is minced pork that is reduced I will buy the reduced pork instead of the beef. On mother's day my boys did a surprise Sunday lunch for me at my eldest son's house. My youngest who is my carer helped to set it all up and my eldest paid and cooked it. My youngest hasn't a lot of money but his effort was his payment in his brother's eyes. My son bought and cooked roast pork and a half leg of lamb, along with all the trimmings. Oh my goodness it was amazing, my youngest and I can't afford lamb so it was such a treat. It's the first time I've had lamb in nearly a year and that was on my birthday last march. When I asked how much all this food cost he said £60, I nearly fell off my chair 😮. He said mum stop worrying, knowing you have enjoyed it so much it's worth every penny. He then gave me a bottle of my very favourite gin, Whitley Neal, rhubarb and ginger with an amazing card, my youngest gave me another stunning card from him and a beautiful heart shaped plate breakfast set and a new set of kitchen scales he knew I wanted. I am so lucky to have two loving and caring sons. To be honest I cried. I haven't had the best of times over the last month and a half so they really made me feel special. What concerns me is that everything is so commercialised these days. I am extremely grateful for what my boys did for me but I do worry about the financial impact things have on them. My birthday is on the 25th of march and they are determined to take me out for the day. My eldest has booked a day's holiday. He said I'm taking you shopping and you are not spending a penny, I said no you can't afford it and he said I've been doing overtime so yes I can mother. He calls me mother when he is being bossy. A homemade afternoon tea would be much cheaper and just as special. It's the thought that counts and knowing they love me but unfortunately they follow their mother for being stubborn 😅. We try to draw in on spending because everything is so much higher in price than before COVID. It's so difficult to try and put a little money aside these days. I really worry about the younger generation and how they will survive. Great video as always and thank you both so much for sharing. Kind regards Angeline ❤️ xx 🇬🇧

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks for sharing

[@alanstewart100]

Seed starting is a worthwhile skill to develop. A bakers rack indoors with grow lights will provide needed light. You can start seeds when the weather is still too cold to plant. By the time the weather is amicable, you have plant starts. If you germinate too many, you can share with friends. Actually you can set up grow lights without a bakers rack. It is worth researching that skill to make gardening more affordable. Best to grow plants that are the highest cost in the grocery, like herbs. Depends on your tastes. Another advantage is you can grow things that are not available in the stores. It is quite empowering. Carry on and keep the faith. Bon Apetit

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks Alan

[@bunnobear]

I pay for Amazon so get prime video for free. Also I pay $20 for one pass in Australia for the year for free delivery and extra points on purchases. Buying online really stops the trap I fall for with their marketing tricks in store. Also I can get sales quickly as I can post a single packet for free. I always buy clothes on sale at the end of the season

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks

[@RobinsRoost]

Gardening is my therapy, it is my meditation and is simply a source of joy for me. However, like you, the price of nursery plants are exceeding my budget. I have started plants from seeds this year and have been working on propagating from plants I already have, and potting up volunteers from my garden and my sister-in-law's garden. Just today, a co-worker had thinned out her flower bulbs and brought me a whole sack to plant out. Honestly, it's even more satisfying than planting on the garden center purchases.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

There's always a way

[@cathyeller5722]

It is really odd however, we got priced out of having container gardening. We have very invasive grasses, there like crab grasses that just pop up at every root section. We put down the cardboard very thick, fill the container with dirt soil we had to purchase and within two years we have to end up moving the container's and doing it all over again. The grass grows right up through the rotted cardboard and takes over, no matter how much you pull it up it just keeps coming back and stealing all the nutrients and water your plants need to grow. This year is a really crunch money time for us. We don't have the money to buy the soil to fill the container's, and with the amount of food we get out of the containers it's simply not worth it. Six bags of soil at 2.99 each is 18.00 but, we barely get enough green beans to get two pots out of. It would just be cheaper to buy the green beans rather than by the soil. So, I have our container's up for sale this year on facebook marketplace. With the sale of those, I'm planning on buying some can goods for the year. The containers were quite expensive, We are keeping one container, even though it's full of weeds and planting cucumber's they are so prolific and we eat a lot of them so, it would be worth it. Money is a worry now, it's why I'm up working on my business all night and only taking naps these days. i don't see things getting any better soon, even Walmart has raised the price of there cheaper brand of can veggies.

[@joycegonzales4994]

We grow up tomatoe plants in the house from seed

[@paularoberts2129]

We are like you Jane always cutting back but really eating well Making food do 3 days not 1 I’ve only spent £20 a week on food this year and last week it was £10 I buy everything half price I’m lucky here in the uk we have bus passes so no fuel involved etc Have a good frugal week xx❤❤❤❤

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Your doing great

[@Meli_Mels]

MIN 6:37 same goes for me. Hubby and I used to enjoy going out to a local bar for a cocktail or beer + listen to a local band. Its too expensive today.

[@linpulver2106]

I have always grown extra tomato, pepper and cucumber plants to give away to friends, family and neighbours. I can't afford to do it this year as the price of seeds and compost has risen so dramatically.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

That's a shame. All ordinary families are feeling this.

[@sjchan3199]

I dont shop in tesco or sainsburys as more expensive but price check and buy some items in asda. Tho we mainly shop aldi and lidl and places where the food is on a deal. Olio food waste app good to find food for free. We dont have tv or sports packages we have freeview box. I get books from the library if at all possible or on amazon used. Were all on 1p mobile as the other networks put their prices up and i refused to pay 25p per min. Again changed energy and internet suppliers and as i found a cheaper deals. We travel on public transport and i search for good deals to cut travel costs on days out otherwise its very expensive. We also had a water meter as we were being charged nearly £700 a yr and wanted to reduce the bill. Doing that halved our bill. Sometimes its thinking outside the box or finding a way round things can make a big difference. Thanks for the tips and ideas jane, a few i can include in my budget

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

You're doing great

[@sjchan3199]

Thanks. You seem to have it sussed too.I used i think its city preppers recession budget free printout. They announced a recession lsst dec but since cant decide if were in a recession or not!. You know what our govern.ent are like - as much use as a chocolate teapot.

[@isabellaizzy3223]

I just love your videos and all the tips and how creative you can be when it comes to frugal living❤ I think this is my first comment on a video but I wanted to share that in my country,Romania,people grow seedlings inside on the windowsill,my mother-in-law grows everything from her own seeds,maybe you could try that ifyou wanted. 😊

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks so much

[@loriar1027]

Don't forget that vegetarian options like tofu can fill in the gap for meat eaters now and then and are very nutritious.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

I'm fighting that. It feels like an agenda being forced on the poor whist the rich enjoy steak.

[@ruthiegutierrez5991]

I love listening to you talk and love all your frugal tips.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

I'm so glad!

[@kamicrum4408]

My grand mother always had a plate of sliced bread on the table at mealtime, a slice with butter could be used to top off a not quiet full tummy, i stead of anither slice of the expensive meat!

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

We grew up the same way

[@Robyn_Aus]

I have a DVD player and a large collection of old school series like As Time goes by, All Creatures Great & Small (original one), To the Manor Born and many others. No Netflix etc needed!

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Better than the rubbish they make now

[@S-K.456]

I love shopping in zero waste shops and local farms but can't longer afford it, especially as a family and 2 growing boys. Last time I went I spent over £50 just for a couple of products 😮

[@katiefranklin5055]

We can't eat out at restaurants very much. It has gotten too expensive. I am cooking more often. 🙁 I really wish that I enjoyed cooking more. We can get DVDs for free from the library, and I wondered if libraries in France also offered them - so I looked up the Huelgoat library. It has very limited hours! So then I checked the library in Rennes - a much bigger city - where my friend lives. It is open more often, but not nearly as much as many libraries in the US. I was very surprised. Why are the hours so limited? Is there less demand for library services? One of the libraries near me has a "seed library". Someone started drying seeds for various herbs, vegetables, and flowers. They put them in little home-made paper packets. They are free, and there is a limit of 6 per customer. Another library near me has a cake-pan library. If you are baking a cake and want to use a specific mold / form (flower, mermaid, truck, etc.) you can check it out for a week. Many families with children use the libraries frequently, and many retired people use the library very often, too. Is it different in France?

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

No idea. They're obviously all in French and books only.

[@samanthashaw8329]

As far as tv goes I have a smart TV and also a digital antenna with 75 mile radius Then we di have internet here at home so I use mostly free streaming apps with the apps alone u have access to 700 plus free channels Not counting KZbin Facebook instantgram or tik a tok. I do pay 12.71 after tax for 1 app to get some local channels and cable channels Even without internet I could still stream if I have a active cellphone service which I usually do as my cell phone provides its own internet or mobile data

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks Sam

[@laurierowan1632]

Started seeds in a pot for my garden

[@michellevanderwesthuizen2534]

My friends and me exchange plants and clippings all the time. Great fun. The best is they grow! Those plants from the garden centres really enjoy dieing! I also try to stick that grow easily in my area. No point in planting beautiful rose bushes in the drought and then I cant keep them alive😂

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

That is awesome!

[@melisia8876]

Jane - Thank for sharing -as always, you continue to inspire. I can no longer afford eating out - even the drive thru at McDonald's is insanely expensive! I am in the US, Washington State (coastal town) and a Big Mac hamburger meal (which includes french fries and a fountain soda) is over $18 USD. Its not worth the money (quality has gone down too). I also no longer buy as much meat and have limited my fresh veggies - sad to say, its just too much money for the poor quality (the fresh vegetables turn entirely too quickly - a head of leaf lettuce prices at $2.49 to 3.49 USD; tomatoes in the grocery store last minutes and are $4.99 per US pound). I have swapped to frozen and canned veggies. Meats - I buy sales and just supplement with lentils or beans (I also keep an eye on the canned and frozen meats - although they are off the charts too). Crazy times indeed. Take care all.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks and you take care too

[@cindyhaferbecker2966]

My family loves the sourdough boule, but its $5. a loaf here in WA state. So now i have a sourdough starter and make my own. We love it. We love going to the farmers market, but we bring our own lunch, and just enjoy walking around and seeing all the fun stuff. We might buy an apple or cookie to go with it.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Sounds great!

[@juliedaviespugh1555]

Hi Jane and Mike💖💙in February I thought it would be a change to go out for a meal, well it was Valentine’s Day. I priced it up that is driving there, food, drink for two persons. Well it priced up to over 100€ , Will setting up a good meal ( I choice duck) with my own home made fried rice and some shop bought Chinese roll ect was well under 50€ and that’s with a small bottle of wine half price 😀

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

That's great

[@SuperDancingD]

I really miss your blog 💗 It was the first thing that put me on my path of frugal living.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

I’m right here and happy to help

[@michellehowell1228]

It was a great blog! I've segued easily to your KZbin channel though. All so helpful!❤

[@SuperDancingD]

@@FrugalQueeninFrance have you thought of doing a podcast? I can't spend too much time in front of KZbin, but I could listen to you 😁

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

@@SuperDancingD as such, they don’t earn the podcaster money.Currently, you tube is our income.

[@sandiellett1786]

@@SuperDancingDI listen to KZbin while doing other things, I don't sit and watch. It's a podcast to me.

[@sharronmahoney3945]

Also help my son with his new flat and both of us are short on money. So we’ve done the charity shop got him some really nice furniture and really. Been getting abit each week. Coz neither my son or me could afford to furnish his flat. But we’re haven’t done bad on a very tight budget.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

That’s great

[@elizaC3024]

Oh my goodness the prices in those garden centers are ridiculous. I keep trying to winter over rosemary, but no luck yet. I had bought one from a garden center when we first moved here for $6, for a tiny start, and it died over the winter, in the house. Last year I bought a pitiful one at clearance at a hardware store for $1.75, and I hope that the pile of leaves that I buried it under, will have kept it safe under the snow. We don't eat out anymore, we pack a thermos and a lunch for our outings. We never buy meats or fish unless deeply discounted. We shop vegetables in season and discounted then preserve them for the rest of the year. We grow a garden and use every inch to grow as much as possible to offset our groceries. We combine our errands to limit our trips to save on gasoline. We do numerous no spend months, including little or no grocery shopping to pad our savings. We then can use it for stocking up on certain meat seasonal sales.😊

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks

[@ashjoma]

I’m in Australia. Cancelled my Foxtel and returned the tv box. I have Netflix. I love my Netflix and watch regularly. I had to downgrade to cheapest plan though

[@janerapson1019]

I recently discoverd your blog and really enjoy it. We live on a limited budget here in Spain and prices have shot up here too.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks and welcome

[@helenwilkins4337]

On a Friday we used to do a marks & sparks meal deal as a treat to celebrate the end of the working week. We don’t do that anymore I just can’t justify the price

[@elizabethbertsch3066]

Wow! Great video. I appreciate your transparency, and that makes you very relatable! For me, I am improving in the grocery area. I am trying to be more frugal and only shop once a week. I’ve been used to going to the market every few days which somehow leads to spending more. Trying to change my habits! One thing I do to save money is I make my own sourdough and regular loaves of bread. I even grind my own flours. Kind of a hobby, really. Now I am so grateful to have those skills. Bread 🍞 is between $6 - $10 here.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks

[@maureenmannion6748]

Have you ever baked gluten free bread? GF is very expensive but cannot eat regular bread.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

@@maureenmannion6748 yes and made a video about it

[@maureenmannion6748]

@@FrugalQueeninFrance terrific. Will check it out.

[@MaryKane-qv5vz]

In a recession the first business that willl close is the garden centre. Pity.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

The rich will still go.

[@allisonspeer649]

You are so right about all of this. I haven't bought flowers or plants in a Garden Center for years. I have been mostly dividing up my perineal plants. I'm using seeds for annuals because the prices for plants are crazy.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Wonderful!

[@lj2070]

I am a member of my local library and borrow DVDs and books fortnightly, I planted a small salad and herb garden, I love markdowns- freezer is full of them. I went plant based, that helps as well. Learning to do my own breakfast breads from scratch, banana, apple and cinnamon etc learning to do my own sauces, pickles and jams

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks

[@Sharlene-x4q]

You can use meat as a condiment on top of salad. Small amount for each of you

[@carolynm9798]

I have pondered your question, “Of what have we been priced out?” I discussed this with my sister and with my husband. We are all retired. We are not millionaires but we are getting our full pensions. We know we are blessed. We have not stopped getting anything that we need, but we are limiting wants. I have actually increased savings because everything has gone up a little bit and I don’t know where it will end! So I buy less stuff and put it in savings, but if I really want something; and it fits my values, the money is in the sinking fund…I get it. I still have impulsive buys, about once a month. For example, I didn’t have a green blouse nice enough for church so I bought one for St Patrick’s Day. I see no occasion to buy clothes the rest of the year.

[@ninajohnson6578]

Jane thank you. I am allergic to so many foods. My choices are very limited. And expensive. I’ve changed my mindset to eat for nutrition. I don’t enjoy food at all. But I get my needs met. Boring but necessary. And frugal.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

You can do it! Eat real food only

[@ninajohnson6578]

@@FrugalQueeninFrance Thanks Jane I do only eat real food. And I’m grateful that I can.

[@debrapritts7978]

I would say eating out and satellite TV. Definitely will have to cut that out of our budget. It’s very expensive in the USA.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Sorry to hear that

[@Louisejames23]

I cancelled all my streaming subs, I found I was paying but not really watching! Plus I had loads of dvds/blurays that I never watched. And they’re so cheap at charity shops etc. Great tips, looking forward to moving to France shortly 😊❤

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Good luck

[@teresablack6270]

We have no TV service, we watch only KZbin and DVDs from flea markets and charity stores!

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Boom! And you're doing fine

[@heidiann2435]

Jane, there is a cheap product you can get on many web- sights and places like farm supply stores. It's called Flash tape. You get literally hundreds of feet of it for a couple dollars. Deer, rabbits, squirrels, and neighborhood dogs are terrified of it. If you tie a bit of it on posts in your garden or saplings they will leave them alone.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks

[@vcmomof3]

For entertainment, we make the most of our local library. Access to books, magazines, newspapers, dvds, video games, CDs, internet, all for free. They even have classes, social activities and passes to museums and conservation areas for no charge. This has saved us thousands of dollars over the years.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Only books at ours obviously in French

[@vcmomof3]

@@FrugalQueeninFrance , can you possibly access online resources from the UK using a family or friend's account?

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

@@vcmomof3 not legally

[@veghead5121]

We love to support local museums, our aquarium, and some outdoor historical parks by buying yearly memberships. It's an expense upfront, but we get to visit as many times as we want for the entire year. Plus, my 2 kids love making picnic baskets of food from home each time! We usually get our memberships as Christmas gifts for the kids, and then we get free fun and entertainment all year long❤

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

How nice

[@theesilverghost]

That is a wonderful idea! Yes, those do cost quite a bit in one go, but the free admission throughout the year is a great bargain. Many museums, etc. in Pittsburgh will also allow the member to bring a (non-paying) guest. I know that not everyone can afford it, but I would hate to see the arts centers and museums disappear without public support.

[@helenkathrynhoover7298]

I do that also! ❤

[@Hadassahs-Holt]

Our meatloaf is now almost as much shredded carrot as ground beef, but it’s spicy and delicious. I actually prefer it to my old recipe, and it’s healthier.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Sounds great!

[@hazelnutbix]

Even in 2014 when we lived near Concarneau, we noticed that the market was way more expensive than LeClerc or Lidl. In one market we gave way to temptation and bought some cherries in season and when we got to the beach to have them with our picnic, most of them were rotten. The stall holder had given us bad ones with a few good ones on top. We don't eat out. Pot luck meals with friends. Vegan for many years, so no stress for meat or fish. We don't buy the faux meats or cheeses. We have a wild woodland garden with five apple trees and as we are usually off travelling in our old camper in the summer, we don't grow veg. The garden is a haven for birds, squirrels and hedgehogs. For entertainment, we go folk dancing, £3 each for an evening of Scottish country dancing. Ceilidhs are a bit more expensive, but it's worth it as we meet our "dancing friends" and have a great time and keep fit.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Sounds great

[@debbieviebranz8100]

Your hair❤❤❤

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks

[@kamicrum4408]

Fancy shops, window shop, slowly walk throughand glean ideas on how to arrange what you already have in a new fresh way!

[@Judith-b3t]

You gave numerous alternatives to the garden centers. Love that.

[@sueh6287]

Enjoyed this video and your positive approach to coping with soaring prices. When you mention how stretched your budget is now, though, I wonder whether you have plans for keeping up with the cumulative effects of future inflation?

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

What ever happens, we'll make it

[@9FatraBbits]

We’re in the same situation as you: eating out is not affordable for us anymore. We also meet friends for coffee at our homes or in a park or at the beach and we bring our picnics or coffee or homemade cake etc. I stay home a lot more to save money. I garden and sew and knit and mend more. No tv so I’m reading or listening to plays and dramas on KZbin. I’ve been dividing my perennials and trading pots of them for plants/cuttings I want. Last week I traded a piece of beautiful goldenrod for a couple of pots of marshmallow. Great video! Thanks.🐇🧡

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks

[@bethmay9120]

Wonderful idea to still enjoy gardening and liberate those flowers and shrubs from the roadside.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Absolutely!

[@KsoPlans]

I have been slowly making swaps of my pups dental chews and treats. Rather than the ‘brand’ on sale, I found my local Aldi has almost identical treats for almost half that sale price. I’m stretching expensive dog food pouches (sensitive tummy so can’t really swap the type of food) with 250g of beef, lamb or chicken mince. I get a few extra days food. I started a price book and started using cash at the grocery store. I love my pups but I also realise now I have ways to feed them what they love whilst freeing up some cash in my budget for other things that have gone up.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

That's true

[@caroleyates7664]

My sister in-law makes dog treats at home. Far cheaper and not filled with preservatives and junk. You can google recipes