Our Super Frugal Food Budget. How do we do it?

Want to know how I cook great food on a budget? I tell you how and show you some recent examples including Roast Pork and Moussaka!
Frugal Queen in France
We are a British couple living in Brittany on a budget.
Frugal recipes, days out, home renovations and day to day making do in France.
We’ll give you hints, tips, advice and an insight into our life in France.
Website www.frugalqueeninfrance.com/
Instagram / frugalqueen. .
Equipment used
Camera : iPhone
Editing : iMovie on a Mac mini
Music:
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Artist: audionautix.com/
Some Sound from Zapsplat.com
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Apple iMovie*

[@aliliveswellonless]

Great video as always! For context I'm an early retiree (same age as you!) and live on my own on a teeny tiny teacher's pension. This year I've set myself a budget of £100 a month (£1200 for the year) for my supermarket shop. That's for everything I buy including loo roll, toiletries, cleaning products etc. Like you I cost out every meal/snack and I cook everything from scratch with no ultra processed foods. I now bake my own organic sourdough bread. It's costs 79p a loaf and I get 12 slices from it making it. I buy reduced cream and make butter. I make scones and pancakes from the buttermilk. And so on. It takes planning and effort to stick to a frugal food budget but it doesn't mean you have to eat poorly 🙂

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

We totally agree with you

[@FrugalMrB]

You sound like me - early retired (but no pension - yet!), cook from scratch and all meals are planned out on a large blackboard I made for my kitchen. I make my own bread, but haven't tried sourdough yet. I've also never made butter or pancakes, but I keep meaning to try - I'll look out for some reduced price cream so it's not a great expense if things go wrong!

[@patmartin9727]

Totally agreeI plan and cost my meals I shop around for my items and waste as little as possible. I enjoy my meals and my life style and never feel deprived. It’s all about planning and prepping your meals.

[@TermiteVideo]

It sounds wonderful Ali!

[@maureenhunter11]

Food prices in Australia are much more and are going up each week…. It’s scandalous !

[@wen0018]

I’m spending way too much 😮. I’m inspired to do better!

[@ninajohnson6578]

I live alone and eat two meals a day only. Snack is popcorn I make myself.

[@martiansmarigolds413]

Me too, i buy it hulless (for my IBS) in bulk. Saves me $$$

[@Katrusyas_World]

I’m fascinated by such videos, Jane! I’m cooking everything from scratch, too. One of my favorite ways to stretch the costs is to cook more soups! What also helps us, are the vegetables from our garden, which I preserve every year. A glass of these is a wonderful side dish for us!

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Wonderful!

[@Silvergirl70]

You know you’re frugal if you get a thrill of excitement watching this, the breakdown of each meal cost really great thanks Jane and Mike! The sight if your cleaning supplies was especially lovely, we are doing great 😊

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

My pleasure!!

[@danielleptc]

Breaking down meal prices this way is such a brilliant idea. It makes it easier to see if and how we can make the recipe cheaper. And I found it so satisfying to see your well-stocked shelves of cleaning products and paper goods!

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

You are so welcome!

[@simonefeaster5131]

I totally agree that shopping different stores with an eye to offers and coupons can really reduce spending. My husband used to tease me about going to different stores, but once he saw the savings, he came around. 😂Thanks for another great planning video, Jane and Mike!

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks

[@juttadestiny6810]

I do the same for many years it pays to shop around! Im lucky i have aldi coles woolworths and iga all within walking distance 🧡🇦🇺

[@tbee2653]

I’m always very impressed by the quality of your videos and the work you put into them. You really do your homework and I greatly appreciate what you do. Thank you 🧡💛♥

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thank you very much!

[@luckyCat118]

I love what you do, the breakdown and visually showing how you organise and cook, I am more mindful thanks to you, i also let one or two ads runs to the end as a thank you for your content

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thank you for your support

[@TheCurlyclub]

Great video. Cooking this way means you’re eating in a very healthy way too. All that veg on your roast, negligible calories and lots of vitamins. Baked fish and chips turns what is usually takeaway into a healthy meal. Your energy is inspiring.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks so much

[@Cookie7294]

I stopped eating out because of a salt sensitivity. Restaurant and catered food makes me thirsty for hours. It's great to know what is going into your food. Giving up restaurants leaves money in the budget for fun stuff like replacing leaky pipes 😂. Thanks for showing all of us the possibilities.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Leaky pipes are the most pressing

[@jewelgaither1504]

As always, your meals look delicious! This shows just how much a person can save by cooking from scratch. Have a blessed day.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thank you! You too!

[@preppernut]

Combining your thrifty hints and mine....I managed to spend only $10.17 (CDN) on .588 grams of ground beef this week, which I will use for pasta sauce and another meal of chilli con carne, using a mixture of beans. I filled homemade fig newtons with my thick plum jam (made from our own plums) instead of figs or dates, which meant that they are only good instead of excellent, but that is ok. Cooking like this gives a person such a feeling of accomplishment.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Sounds great!

[@jacquiemoppett2391]

I use the wood ash , water, and a none stick scrubbie. Then polish with paper. For my wood burning stove. Use rubber gloves to stop staining hands.

[@beautifulheart3849]

Your numbers (subs) are really climbing, I’m not surprised, great value channel and a really positive vibe.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks

[@michellejeffrey2890]

Did you know that you can clean log burner glass with the white ash from the fire? I only just discovered this. It works a treat with a drop of water. Free cleaner and no more toxic chemicals too! Thank you for sharing. I am starting to look at my meal costs in far more detail. 🏡🏡🌸🌸🙏🙏

[@veradegernier2622]

Thank you Jane and Mike “behind the camera”😊 for another great video. Love, love the break downs, please share with us more often. So inspirational. I am on my own, I spend £60-70 only for groceries. Cooking from scratch all my meals, bake bread, etc. Just retired and next week starting my next chapter in Canada. I find the food is more expensive there. I will have to get into breaking dons the meal cost and hunt for bargains. Will set up a system in order to eat well, healthy and continue my frugal life style which really enjoy. All the best guys!

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks

[@kenyonbissett3512]

Coupons for some products are on corporate websites. Easy to google. I know cottonelle, brawny are on the same site. Best wishes on your new adventure.

[@tracyaf6084]

I love seeing this kind of video! The way you break things down makes things so clear. I can tell you were a teacher. It keeps me motivated to keep my costs down. I just ended my first no buy February thanks to your inspiration. I am very grateful for the content you put out. 😊 My grocery saving today is using substitutions. I don’t have whole milk so I’ll use the 2% I have and add a little creamer. I don’t have marbled cheese but I’ll use the cheddar and mozzarella I have. My kids will never know the difference! And I got $4 organic milk marked down to 1.49 because the best before is in 5 days. With my kids, I’d be shocked if it lasts that long.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Wow, thank you!

[@moeyzlove]

Just finished February's budgeting inspired by you. I purchased a budgeting book and did a zero balance budget for the first time. Our supermarket budget for the month is $400 canadian. this includes diapers and wipes for our baby on top of all the other household expenses. It also included a herbal supplement for my milk supply that is quite expensive. It made the budget quite tight but surprisingly we ended february with $3.90 left over! We have decided to adjust my herbal supplement out of the supermarket budget and into it's own health/medical category but sticking with the $400 a month again. We are a family of 4 and my friends are SHOCKED with our $400/month budget. To be honest I'm a little surprised myself that we made it. Thanks for all your inspiration and guidance! Loved this video! Dont think I have time to break down the cost of meals at this point but I do sooo love seeing them broken down and will get on doing that when our baby is a bit older.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks so much for your feedback

[@kenyonbissett3512]

Don’t know if it is still cheaper but once a month, I made my own baby wipes using a roll of paper towels cut in half and adding the liquid. The liquid was from a recipe I don’t have anymore but is on the internet. Back then I saved about 50% off the sale price with coupon. Hope this helps.

[@VeronicaRichardson1980]

Great job

[@elainemulligan562]

Great video Jane. Cooking at home is the best way to save money and we know where the food is coming from and what is in it. Keep us on the right track with all your videos. Have a great weekend.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

It really is!

[@lisadawson2652]

Brilliant 👍🏾

[@lynnmcfadden3164]

My budget is £200 every 4 weeks so £50 per week. I try to keep our daily cost to around £2.50 each apart from a Sunday when we have a dessert 😊. I love Jack Monroe for good wholesome cheap recipes. Love your videos 👍. Have a grest day

[@elittlebit493]

We clean the glass window on our woodstove with old newspapers. Just bunch them up and rub the soot off. You can also use a second damp one to remove the ‘crumbs’. Just learned about this earlier this past winter and it works!

[@zionic8]

This was brilliant! Thanks for sharing. Cooking for yourself is so important for saving money. And all your meals look delicious!

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

You are so welcome!

[@lilianee7778]

you can try cleaning th e windows / glass with newspaper after the cleanser. It's the traditional way and works wonders

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

No newspaper in our house, I buy window cleaner when it's around 50c a 750ml spray bottle on sale

[@gailnoll]

Love getting recipe ideas from you. You eat healthy and low cost, right up my alley. I think stocking up is key to savings. Some of the cleaning products I'm using now that I bought 6 months ago I wouldn't pay what they are asking in the stores. I dilute and it lasts and lasts. Thanks for all your good ideas/recipes. Happy weekend.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks

[@marypeterson1053]

Your so helpful for us all. APPRECIATE YOUR HARD WORK.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks

[@lindajacquot5391]

Now I am hungry! You do an excellent job making a variety of balanced meals for so very little! I also want to say your scarf is lovely, Jane. Kudos to you and Mike for another great video. 😊

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks

[@katherinerichardson1767]

Jane, I LOVE your Bargain hunting board. This is a good reminder of things to look for on flyers and while I am shopping. Because of your idea of a hunting board, I am going to start using my phone notepad to list my hunting board. This way I have the list with me while I shop. At present to keep on my food budget, I do a lot of bulk cooking, cut down on how much meat goes into a recipe, & shop the bargain. Thanks again for sharing!

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Happy to help

[@clairekuchel-klassen7103]

I do appreciate the documentation. I have always had a running list in my mind, but I do realize that the hard copy will help

[@carolined3058]

Nice menus . I always cook for at least two days in a row sometimes three. I spent max 200 euro a month on groceries incl personal care and cleaning products . I follow the promocodes but also buy straight from the farmers. I keep a pantry stock and buy in bulk. I live way more cheaper then two years ago but live more healthy .Cooking at home from scratch.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks

[@mdilworth7564]

This was an incredibly interesting video! What inspiration it has given me! The meals looked so delicious! Thank you for showing us all the details.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

You are so welcome!

[@juliemoore6957]

You are a genius with your budget meals, Jane! Thank you! You've given me loads of ideas!

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

You are so welcome!

[@Lexi-po1ur]

Great video...enjoyed seeing the meal breakdowns & the meals look delicious.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Glad you enjoyed

[@cynthiaolson959]

So inspirational! Thank you!

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

You are so welcome!

[@tammywilburn8717]

I’ve never actually broke the cost of my meals down like this, but I’m gonna give it a try!

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks

[@Disflop]

Great video as usual Jane and Mike. Thank you. Meals look lovely too.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Our pleasure!

[@lauraIngleswilder74]

Jane my husband has finally got to the point where he understands we just can't afford to buy name brands anymore. It is really nice. He no longer minds using whatever shampoo is on sale. Things here in the US or at least where I live have gone up so much that the generic is the old price of the name brands. My inexpensive shampoo has went from 98 cents to 1.98. I was shocked when I saw the price. I had bought 6 bottles a year ago at 98 cents and was out. I only bought a single bottle this time. Looking for a different shampoo.

[@rebacarmack8335]

If you have a Dollar General near ( they have a dollar isle with all sorts of offers, or Dollar tree at $1.25, either is way cheaper than almost anywhere else. Not sure if Walmart prices are equal or cheaper?

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

So expensive

[@lauraIngleswilder74]

@@rebacarmack8335 the shampoo I was buying is from Walmart. Next time I am in the area of dollar tree I will check in and see. I do not go in the dollar tree to often because the smells in the store are so strong it makes me ill for a few hours after. Bad headaches

[@kenyonbissett3512]

@@rebacarmack8335go on Saturday and use the $5 off $25 coupon and the $1 shampoo is $0.80. The name of one is Power Stick 3-1 Shampoo, Conditioner and Body Wash 18oz. HTH

[@dumbbunnie123]

We had enough food in store that we took the entire grocery budget for the month of March to purchase everything we NEEDED to have a productive veggie garden and a few packets of flower seeds. We have $7.56 left and we are going to roll it over into April.

[@patmartin9727]

Great video Jane. I do have a supermarket budget but I am not good at costing my meals out. That will be my mission in March. It will be interesting to see how much a meal actually costs. I do meal plan,shop around for the bargains, cook all my meals from scratch,do not buy many snakes mainly use fruit for my snacks and desserts. I live alone and allow myself £100 a month for my household shopping.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Best of luck!

[@kenyonbissett3512]

Snakes?

[@patmartin9727]

Sorry snacks not snakes 😵‍💫😵‍💫😵‍💫

[@jimmiepatrum]

Really informative video. You've inspired me to break down my $200 monthly budget into cost of each meal going forward. My budget includes everything yours does, plus cat food and litter for my three cats. The price of cat food and litter is killing my budget. Also, I'm diabetic, so I have to watch carbs/sugar. It's all a challenge, but seeing how well you do it is helping me. Diane in North Carolina

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks

[@ellefson1]

It's so helpful to see the detailed cost per meal - the way you break it down it's less overwhelming. Thanks!

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Glad it was helpful!

[@sheila1013]

More lovely meals there Jane. Everything always looks so appetising and well thought out. I'm on my own and currently working to a budget of £80 a month, which includes everything. Not to say it doesn't creep over from time to time, but generally it's never too far out. Not so long ago I was able to shop for less but lately this has become quite difficult to do. I do now find it easier to shop twice weekly, at which time I aim to keep the bill at £10 or under per shop. I'm lucky enough to be surrounded by many of the supermarkets but I tend to shop mostly at Liddl, Aldi, as well as Asda, who also sell a good 'essentials' range in various products. I always find that mince beef goes a long way and like you, I freeze stuff and generally eat well. It is all about forward planning and yes, I find that having a rough idea how much items are and from where, helps too. Thanks again for sharing what you do. 🤗

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks Shelia

[@muttersmenu2422]

Being able to price a recipe is a skill I learned at school many years ago. And I still price meals and consider how leftovers can’t be utilised.😊 Have tried Jacks bean burgers, a very tasty frugal meal ✔️ Thank you Jane and Mike for a very informative video 💐

[@kenyonbissett3512]

I learned how price out meals in school, also. Sadly it’s not taught in schools in my area anymore.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks for watching

[@thismuchhomestead.6935]

To save we soak lemon or orange peels or boughs from our Christmas trees in white vinegar to use as a spray cleaner. It is great for windows and mirrors as well. For laundering our clothes I use a small squirt of Castile soap. I’ve learned recently that the agitation of the machine does more to get your items clean than soap does.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Great tip!

[@loriurich2276]

I really enjoy your channel. Learned about per person/per meal. I never really thought of it that way.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@rebacarmack8335]

Check your receipts, bought Nathan Hot dogs ( not healthy, but I like them occasionally), they are regularly $5.99 per pkg. They were on a pop up sale for $2.50- I bought 2- pkgs. I was charged regular price. I went back today ( we were going there for diesel anyway. Took a pic of the sign to save time for the employee having to go back and check, returned me my $6 overcharge. Kroger does have 5# potatoes offered at buy one- get one free.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Good point

[@katiefranklin5055]

That was really interesting. I knew that homemade food is cheaper than fast food / takeout, but I did not realize by how much. It is astonishing when you look at the math. I don't really have a food budget, I just try to keep my spending low. I need to rethink that. Thanks for the video.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Glad it was helpful!

[@AbidaS0301]

Thank you for sharing great frugal bargain tips and tricks .great yummy frugal food 😋. Bargain queen 👸 in france .great to make a written food dairy .with prices great 👍 excellent quality food 👌 ❤❤❤😊cant wait for the next videos.🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@sargee97]

WOW, Jane and Mike what gorgeous food. I remember doing this in home ecenimics when I was in high school. I really haven't thought of doing my budgeting this way and I must say I think it's about time I started. It really highlights how much we NEED to spend ti eat a balanced diet. I think I have fallen back into bad habits and not meal planning and nit shopping home stocks has been allowed to fall by the wayside. This is where I have been spending wat too much and running short of money too early on. After having such an expensive car repair and still owing my eldest £250 that he lent me towards the repair I really, really need to get my head back in the game. I think of how you shop is great, ive not thought of doing things that way, buying meat on off 1 month, household cleaning another ect is a very good idea. I also think we need to cut back on how much we spend. I did see tinned garden peas at 9p a tin last week so I bought 2 cases, 12 tins each for my son and myself. I'm going to shop more consciously from now on, keeping in mind what I need and not what I want. Althoughy son and I split loaves ect and keep an eye out when each goes shopping for reductions I think more savings can be made. A great video, many thanks. Kind regards Angeline ❤️ xx 🇬🇧

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

You're welcome and thank you

[@kellydickie8941]

Super easy and cheap idea for cleaning your glass on your woodstove. Use ash from the stove and newspaper.

[@luba-healthywithluba6866]

Your scarf is beautiful, Jane! I love how you know how much each meal costs and need to implement that for our family. I have heard of adding oats to burgers bit not adding beans. The beans add potassium, iron, and fiber to the meal. ❤

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Mine have just beans. No meat.

[@luba-healthywithluba6866]

@@FrugalQueeninFrance Oh, even better!

[@suelamond4060]

Beans are also protein.

[@kenyonbissett3512]

The scarf is beautiful! Oats are common to use in meatloaf.

[@goodlifeliving1667]

Great video. I'm quite a visual person so seeing your shopping list/ utility shelf and breakdown meals really helpful as trying to reduce grocery budget in the UK

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

You are so welcome!

[@reneebradford2885]

Wow you're meals look great

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thank you

[@jgrady9553]

Good and helpful!

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Glad it was helpful!

[@user-ly6yn2sq2r]

A hack for cleaning your log burner door is to dip some wet tissue in the wood Ash and then use this to clean the door it works a treat and negates the need for oven cleaner.

[@chelleQLD]

An easy chemical free way to clean the glass of your fire is with the ash inside it. Wet some newspaper or paper towel dab it in the ash and rub over the glass in a circular motion, the wipe off with a damp cloth when clean. Comes up beautifully every time!

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

I love the scratch free method with oven cleaner for 80c a can

[@chelleQLD]

@@FrugalQueeninFrance oven cleaner starts at $5.50 a can here

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

@@chelleQLD there you go. It's just about 1.30€ here and I buy it in sale for less.

[@Deva-no3dn]

I don’t buy any household cleaning product. We have a glass spray bottle with water, white vinegar and dish liquid. It cleans all bathroom and kitchen things and I wash tile floors with it as well (spray it on, wet mop it up [or use an old wet washcloth and your foot which I mostly use] and it’s perfect). There’s a recipe online, but I just eyeball it. Love your channel. Have a great day.

[@katherinekeon7034]

Love these splendid meals. Love this math. Yummy and saving. Win Win :-):-)

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Glad you like them!

[@gillianbennett7497]

We budget £100 per person in the hiuse so that’s £800 7 of those children teens , I’ve been making a lot more from start and usually find there is money left over at end of the month . I wouldn’t have the patience to sit and work out per meal omg your amazing 😊

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

That's great

[@abdullahmirza7714]

I am fascinated by the breakdown of your food budget.When i learnt in previous videos you reduced you grocery bill by 25%.I thought it will interesting to know how you are going to achieve it.Very calculated and analytical strategy.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

You're welcome

[@sophiawolthof1238]

👍👍👍

[@FrugalMrB]

I have a specific 'Grocery - food only' section in my budget spreadsheet, which is further broken down into 6 categories - Aldi, Tesco, Morrisons, M&S, Sainsbury's and Misc shop. I budgeted £100 per month in 2023 and have kept it the same in 2024 - in 2023 I actually came in under budget at £85.99 (£19.89 per week). Cleaning products cost approx £20 per year, and toiletries are also about £20 per year.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

You're super frugal

[@smiley9987]

Good evening. Aren't you incredible and incredibly organised as well? You seem like a great cook also. Various food,never boring in your plates. Super. Fire oven is still in action for cooking?

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Yes, thank you

[@bookmagicroe9553]

Your food costs much less than ours. Thanks for the good cooking inspiration. I keep the food costs separate. I have a budget for personal items like face creams, shaving razors, etc. Then a separate record for household things like toilet paper, cleaning products, laundry soap etc. I keep track on a budget sheet listing the categories.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

That's great!

[@user-zl4rr1ic7w]

Watch your prices when at the register. I lost about $1.50 this week but plan to recover it with receipt in hand next week.

[@kenyonbissett3512]

I have learned to check before I leave. Too many register mistakes (checker) or corporate mistakes (sale price not showing up.

[@stephanieinglett8569]

I love the cost breakdown. I keep thinking and I'm going to do that just just to See. It's only me and I don't eat proper meals per se.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

You can do it!

[@oliviafox6745]

I really like the variety you have in your meals. Breaking down the specific item costs really helps to compare your ingredient costs and our own. Sometimes its nice to be encouraged that we're doing a good job. Your systematic approach, separating food and non food items is helpful as well. This was a particularly good episode. Thank you for all the good tips.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

You are so welcome!

[@cindiblazer8621]

I believe I shop similar to you. I try to not spend more than 400 A month. I can usually keep to that budget. If nothing on sale that I need. I go to the pantry and freezer. Another informative video. Thankyou

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Love that!

[@tammybrennan2040]

Great video, & I love listening to your accent 🌷:)

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thank you! 😃

[@nastienastieful]

Great video! Could you maybe show us your lunches and breakfasts next friday? And do you ever have any snacks?

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

We fast until lunch time, our evening meal is around 5pm, it's either a piece of toast with soup or an apple and piece of cheese

[@paulinegagne-bertrand9871]

Good video. I pretty much shop the way you do. We eat our leftovers. I garden and preserve for the winter what I can and I cook from scratch. We are both early retirees and are in our 70. Wouldn’t change anything.

[@suzanneroberge494]

You always do a nice job making balanced nutritious meals within your budget. It can be done, but fussiness about what's being made sort of needs to go by the wayside. However, if you have some basic cookies ng skills, that doesn't mean your meals can't be tasty "Eating what's on offer". So important. I'm eating mainly pork & chicken for meat these days [it's actually been a few years at this point] because I can buy it for half (or less) the price per pound than beef. I'm in the U.S. & even the price of meat that's on "clearance" has gotten higher. Tougher to find bargains. So glad for beans as an affordable protein option. Keep up the good work & thank you.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks for watching

[@cheeckychicken]

This was a great video with some good ideas for budget meals. We are also early retirees, a bit older than you, living in the uk on a small vicars pension and my very tiny part time nurses pension, plus we have some savings which we are trying hard not to use for daily living as we have a daughter and her family who live abroad and we save so we can go visit them. I cook from scratch most of the time and shop around for the bargains as much as possible so I find your budget meal ideas very helpful. Thank you for all you put into this channel in order to help people.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thank you so much for sharing your story

[@brendavilane6183]

Wow thank you so much for sharing your video this is so very much helpful and informative

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Glad it was helpful!

[@ranatavakoli-azar7554]

Great tips

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Glad you think so!

[@elizabethcoates3024]

Your video's are always great. So many tips to help people save lots on their grocery budget. So few of the people we know are frugal, and I have found that if I mention a great deal I found, they truly can't understand buying 10 lbs of something to stock up on. They wouldn't want to have to eat the same thing repeatedly.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

So true! I do know frugal people here

[@milda0820]

💖💖💖

[@serenaglister8017]

I’ve been planning all our meals after watching your videos and setting ourselves €300 a month for groceries. I batch cook and this month I’ve tried to live from our freezer and larder. Writing 0:00 an inventory of both has helped me to plan and use up those items lurking at the bottom of the freezer drawer, such a simple exercise but has saved us a lot of money this month to roll over. Thank you from 2 early retirees in Greece 😊

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Happy retirement

[@lesleyannjacobs1383]

I love Jack Munroe's recipes.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Me too!

[@julieemig432]

I really enjoyed this video!

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

I'm so glad!

[@jacd8666]

Amazing Jane you are a Wizard with budgeting. So, so inspiring. Thank you ❤

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

You are so welcome!

[@Pugmom1976]

Awesome video!!! ❤

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thank you!!

[@rachelkieffer8707]

I don't have a meal budget, I have a monthly budget. I am currently going over my supermarket receipts to weed out things that are not necessary. What helps me save the most is making a meal plan (it's flexible and changeable but it really helps me to focus on what's necessary) and going over my fridge and pantry first and using these ingredients first, then making a shopping list. My supermarket budget include food, pet food (I make homemade), cleaning, household items. I usually buy toiletries at the dollar store, they often have brand names and everything is $1.25.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks Rachel

[@gypsylife7822]

Love your budget meals

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks so much

[@Dianne-ut5vr]

Hi that is really great how you cost everything out. I cook from scratch and have managed to keep our shopping bills even but I have to say there are things I just don't buy anymore. Also if I can't get something at the right price i tend to go without rather then be ripped off, so today I needed some oregano but the only pot they had in asda was a named one at £2 no way was I paying that so I will walk down to Aldi tomorrow and get it there. You have inspired me to start and cost out our meals, I am sure I can get it lower than what I spend. Have a great week.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks Dianne

[@tammyr...9209]

Great video!!!

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thank you!!

[@kimpatterson8741]

❤

[@Amanda-pv9kz]

Wow! Nicely done with all the cost breakdowns.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Glad you like them!

[@user-wr4we8ou8o]

Great job!!!

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@bunnobear]

Love these type of videos, they are so detailed and easy to follow, I need to incorporate more vegetarian meals into rotation, I used to do two a week but got out of the habit.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Glad you like them!

[@georgiawise8375]

Wow eggs in Austin tx area 1 egg 25cents...I also am cooking at home monitoring cost and sales...🎉

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Oh wow!

[@evgeniagasumova4487]

Nice meals

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thank you 😋

[@chrisheuermann1022]

Have you tried water and ash to clean the class doors on your woodstove? Wet the cloth, dip in ash and rub the glass. Give it a try..

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Did it for years, as I can buy oven cleaned on deep discount, it's a small expense I'm happy with. I appreciate your tip.

[@annejones2729]

We life in Australia, I think we are the 5th most expensive place in the world for food prices, I do a lot like you, buying specials, discounted meats and menu plan around that. I have a small vegi garden which helps. 2 things that really keep my prices down and able to eat cleanly is my thermomix, yes an expensive outlay, but my it is a powerful machine, I make stock pastes, coconut milk, breads, baking goods, pastas plus much more from scratch. The thermomix has more than paid for itself over 2 years, I’ve had mine for 8 years and it’s still going strong. The second thing is I have family with dairy cows so I buy milk once a fortnight, 30 litres, I pasteurise it, then with it I make all our cheeses ( hard and soft cheeses, butter, yoghurt.) With these 2 things cooking from scratch we eat (2 adults) for about $120 a week. A good amount of work but so worth it.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

You’re doing so well

[@Shantelle6253]

I budget $250 a month for everything for just me. Stocking up on staples at walmart, shopping Dollar tree for snacks, and shelf stable milk and anything else that is an actual bargain... maths.😂. I check Flipp ap for bargains at loss leader stores but its rarely better than walmart. I'm dropping down to $35 a week for the next 90 days while on a pantry challenge.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

You're doing great

[@susanbell4528]

The roast belly of pork looked particularly delicious. I’d love to know your secret. Please!

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

No secret, I just pop it in the oven. I don't do anything special

[@susanbell4528]

Presumably you put the oven on to a specific temperature to pre-heat first. You score the skin maybe? You salt the skin perhaps or not, that sort of information. Sorry if this sounds a bit cheeky but I don’t mean to be. You can cook. I can cook. There are people who do not have a clue. And that crackling did look extra delicious!

[@judimantos904]

Jiff is a beloved brand of peanut butter in the US

[@kenyonbissett3512]

My clothes softener is vinegar about 2 capfuls. Works great and prevents mold/mildew. I also like it because it kills any germs that might be left over after cleaning. Costs much less than softener in the US.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

That's great

[@serenaglister8017]

Do the clothes smell of vinegar afterwards?

[@kenyonbissett3512]

@@serenaglister8017 absolutely NO. There is no smell. My son likes a scent so he does the vinegar in the wash and then a scent sheet for the last 15 minutes of the dryer.

[@user-uj6cw5zb5i]

I see you are wearing your new top and scarf. They look nice as do your meals.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Yes, thank you

[@bronamurton1815]

Thank you jane ,you're videos are very interesting. I'm on my own with 3 children and working, live in Manchester. I try to keep to £250 a month. I only buy meat on marked down and anything else if possible, I get up early on a Saturday morning and go to lidl for the bargains, but also shop around. I do the to good to go app every week and am lucky to get 2 boxes from aldi every week, which helps so much. I buy morrisons stamps all year ,and when it comes to just after Christmas, when everything gets marked down, I fill my freezer, then e each week keep it topped up with what bargains I can find. I mostly make every thing my self and add lots of vegetables to make the meals go a bit further. My children are not fussy eaters and so that makes my life a lot easier. We don't waste food, we have left over nights and bring lunch to work. I have a good stock pile of dried foods and cleaning items. I don't buy anything if not needed.we only buy a take a way as a treat at Christmas and if the children wish one for birthdays . My children don't like Jared sauces so I make my own and freeze, same with apple sauce and jams .I was brought up in Ireland frugal way so glad now as I can know how to manage my low income and pay my Bill's /mortgage and keep good food on the table for my children.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

You're doing great

[@sarahdivakar5277]

Interesting! My budget is $400 per month, two adults two children. 😊We have fairly low food prices here in Georgia, USA compared to the rest of the country, so if I needed to I reckon I could cut my budget in half. Single income here as well…

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks

[@kenyonbissett3512]

That would give you $2,400 a year = a vacation, pay down mortgage, increase your emergency fund, save for down payment on a new to you car, so many ways to use that savings. Once a year, on Black Friday, my theatre offers 1/2 gift cards to see movies + concessions. We go on Tuesdays $11-3.50=$7.50 but add in 50% off gift card it’s now $3.75 to see a movie. Also, on Black Friday our water park offer 50% off on season tickets. So many great ways to use that savings. From one female to another, I highly recommend you contribute to an Roth or Regular IRA for your retirement. You will not regret it, especially as a senior. Another great way to spend that $2,400 or a portion of it.

[@sarahdivakar5277]

@@kenyonbissett3512 thanks. We do contribute to a Roth IRA. And we choose to spend more on food that we enjoy (cooking is a hobby of mine) rather than some of the other things you mentioned. But if we needed to be more frugal in the area of food we would be. 😄

[@kenyonbissett3512]

@@sarahdivakar5277 glad you don’t need to be, hope it stays that way 🎉🎉🎉