Five frugal rules that transformed our lives for the better.

If you get yourself organised you can be much better off with a frugal mindset. Here are our five steps.
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.
Instagram / frugalqueen. .
Equipment used
Camera : iPhone
Editing : iMovie on a Mac mini
Music:
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Epidemic Sound
Audionautix is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. creativecommon....
Artist: audionautix.com/
Some Sound from Zapsplat.com
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Apple iMovie*

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

I use a clever fox budget planner now. I used to use a different one but they stopped making it!

[@chasingsimpledreams]

I have one too, I love it

[@ES-xn2dc]

Can you share which one, or the model #? I looked, and there seem to be several to choose from. Since they are pricey I want to choose wisely.

[@sandradodd9728]

This channel sets the bar for frugal channels, the only thing I don't understand is that you only have 34k subscribers!

[@thefinefrugalline3232]

Agreed!

[@patmartin9727]

Agreed

[@lindagbukvic9441]

I appreciate your consistency, with the same 3 days of videos every week. And even though I know it's very difficult, each show is new and fresh. You're not rehashing the same content, in a slightly different way.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

I appreciate that!

[@judyland-obrien4259]

Less stress knowing that you're organised around your finances. Amazingly liberating. Thanks Jane and Mike!

[@preppernut]

I'm glad that you mentioned gift-giving to people you hardly know. I tell people that we don't do gifts, except to the younger children in our family. It used to be grandchildren, but now it is their children who are the beneficiaries. A friend didn't believe me, and was quite embarrassed when she brought us a gift for Christmas and I stood my ground. I do buy small boxes of very good chocolates for people who bother to come around to wish us a Merry Christmas, since we don't go out much at our age, and there are always some left over as a treat for my husband. (I am allergic to dairy, lucky for him.) It is such a stress reliever, not having to think about what somebody else would want. Instead, we help with unexpected veterinary bills, or when a friend's home burned to the ground, we donated towards her immediate living expenses, as it takes a while for insurance to kick in.

[@lindagbukvic9441]

Amen, we don't do gifts either. Stick to your convictions.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

You don't have to

[@ceyen99]

This is my favorite frugal channel

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thank you so much 😊

[@savingfortravel698]

This lady along with a few other bloggers motivated me to pay off my mortgage 12 years ago. It was 8 years of hard slog, we don't have children so we were lucky to do it. Yes we even hit the wall of being sick of being frugal. Never underestimate the power bloggers and now vloggers can have to help us change our lives. 💙

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thank you

[@lindagbukvic9441]

We have a small 800 sf house. We stick to the rule, "Something New In, then Something Old Must Go Out."

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

I love that

[@patmartin9727]

I try to stick to this rule. I live in a small property and belongings can soon become over whelming.

[@CharleneEvenson]

My only thing I suggest to people is, if you don’t have the cash to buy something, you can’t afford it.

[@misslanapaulford]

100% Agreed and DO a BUDGET...Simple old fashioned Pen and Paper. How much you have coming in per month. How much you REALISTICALLY spend per month. You are 100% responsible for what U spend..

[@Hans-k9j]

The pay yourself idea when the monthly payment is coming in is a goed idea. I adopted it and am doing well with it. The money sits in the savings immediately and is not touched. Brilliant!

[@lesleygordon1748]

Yes, I regard that savings money as gone, spent, not mine any more, until I need it for what I'm saving for. If it's no longer in the regular bank account, I "can't" touch it!

[@nurseallie]

I just had a conversation with my husband’s niece about her starting to say no to things, she’s been going into massive credit card debt for these “destination bachelorette get togethers“ this is a thing now in the US, where the bride picks a destination to go to and her and her girlfriends spend a weekend in Aruba for example! What a debacle, I can’t even believe people do this and they can’t even afford it but they go because they don’t want to say no to a friend! The craziness of it all! Thanks for a great video

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Good grief!

[@lisaward3890]

I am old fashioned at writing down our budget in a budget book. Hand and eye connection thing. When i use my debit card to make a purchase i keep track of that amount in my checkbook ledger.We do not let our gas tank in our vehicle get lower than half. We keep our gas in our vehicle topped up. I am still working full time night shift and my husband is retired. I pack a lunch pack to take with me for my food for supper. I pack a meal for my husband as well.He does not like the kitchen meal prep process very much. I rinse out bottles of everything and use the little bits. I also use bits of ketchup in soups and stews! Very tasty indeed!

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

@@lisaward3890 good idea

[@CharleneEvenson]

We don’t do presents at Christmas anymore. We concentrate on Jesus.

[@lisaward3890]

@@CharleneEvenson how did you get that focus turned around? We have 2 teenagers and a 20 year old grandchildren that never come around to visit unless there is a present for them under the tree. I am divided in my heart that if we decide no gifts then our grandchildren will not have anything to do with us! It is soooo sad!😪

[@AJ-hi9fd]

@@lisaward3890pulls on your heart strings but if that’s the only reason they have to visit, then you need to find the strength to let them go. I’ve found if I give someone complete freedom to move out of my life, they are more inclined to show up.

[@CharleneEvenson]

@@lisaward3890 We are older with no kids so we can get away with it. But I would sit down with my children and explain that we just can’t afford it anymore and they are just going to have to deal with the reality of this season of life.

[@marypeterson1053]

Thank you Mike and Jane another wonderful video.

[@elizaC3024]

Another great video you two 😊

[@Sandra-s3p]

Thank you so much, very useful. Thank you Jane Mike Dolly and Mary. Love you guys.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

@@Sandra-s3p thanks Sandra.

[@lorelei9393]

I use a small binder and accounting sheets for my budget. When work clothes get damaged and unrepairable they move to around the house clothes. Microwave died yesterday. 20+ years old. I have money set aside for new appliances so ill be shopping soon. Removed the glass turntable to save in case I need it. New one is $20! Takes up little space

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Super

[@lilalavendel3951]

Our microwave died after 29 years last month. Fortunately we found a very good deal and got a new one foe very less money.

[@engagewithpage95]

I think I have purchased one teashirt and that is the only item of "main clothing" in three years, I refuse to purchase any new unnecessary clothing unless I have too. I also think twice before purchasing any other items. I also use the clever fox planner accessory books and love them and the clever fox budget planner sounds like an excellent idea - I may consider this myself as a way forward, thank you for suggesting this to us💖. I love your videos and they are simple; to the point and I love your frugal simplified way of living🤗

[@NicolaatTheFrugalCottage]

Love this! I designed my own budget planner as I couldn't;t find one that I liked. But tracking everything and using the cash envelope system has changed my life for the better.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

@@NicolaatTheFrugalCottage Thanks

[@dianeheggadon5235]

Mike. If Jane needs any help whilst she is in Devon please let us know. I live a short distance from Plymouth . Take care. Cheers Diane.

[@Shantelle6253]

Was able to move over $1000 into the savings for my surgery in the spring despite having to repair the trunk of my car. I'll be on a No Spend AND a pantry challenge for the rest of the year 😂

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Brilliant ❤

[@mysustainabilityjourney9321]

Nice scarf! Thanks for your honesty.

[@simonefeaster5131]

Jane, you made me so happy when you talked about using eggshells and coffee grounds in the garden😊I do that and it makes me and my plants happy at no cost. I’ve also really started focusing on mending items and re-purposing them. Saving money and keeping things out of the landfill. Lots to learn still but every step is an empowering one. ❤

[@lynnhensley4326]

We have a large plastic composer for kitchen scraps, leaves, grass clippings, and shredded paper. Takes about a year with some earthworms helping to create new soil for my flower and vegetable garden.

[@SharonMcGee-b2i]

Thank goodness you keep reminding us how to make budgeting a way of life!

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

You're welcome

[@suebee1540]

I have a clever fox budget planner from 2023, but I never follow through with it. I have had a spreadsheet, for going on 4 years, that I use faithfully. I enter the data at the end of the month. Then, on the first of the month I do my new budget. I print out the spreadsheet at the end of the year. I also have a copy of my budget in the notes on my phone for each two week pay period. My latest best frugal rule is to do at least 3 no spend months in a year.

[@Dutch_Gonneke]

Your videos always give me new energy! 👍

[@marilynvelez8147]

I purchased a Japanese budget planner, called a kakeibo. I like this planner better it can't get any simpler and easy.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thank you

[@AstridKasten]

Hello from Germany, for us it has always paid off to buy good quality which lasts longer. Our frying pans were very expensive 44 years ago, but they are still going strong and look like they are new and I haven't bought a new one since. When a glass lid breaks it can still be replaced by the manufacturer. Just one little example. I agree with everything you say in your video. Thanks.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Good to know!

[@rachelkieffer8707]

I would love to know what made you have an epiphany if you'd like to share, for me it was getting close to retirement age and realizing that if we don't make changes we will not be able to afford to retire. I started with tracking and then with budgeting, got out of debt and started saving. In the past 2 years we went of vacations and trips that were all paid for in advance, it was such a good feeling not to come home to massive credit card debt like we did in the past. I am committed to a debt free life.

[@aliliveswellonless]

Hi Jane and Mike, I've followed you from way back when you first started your blog. Was it really 2009??? Great advice and tips back then and now!! And yes I track all my money but I'm not as good as you guys (yet!) at the saving/sinking funds! 🙂

[@jodieupton4000]

I always enjoy your videos so much. I relate to what you said about being asked to contribute to gifts at work. I don't do usually contribute but I feel colleagues see me as stingy. I prefer to give some of my hard-earned money each month to my church and charity, not those who don't need it and are colleagues, not friends too.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks for sharing

[@debby7124]

I’m getting there! Lots of ideas to take from your videos. Thank you both for sharing. 🙂

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

You got this!

[@josephinesage8301]

Another excellent video again. I completely agree with you

[@ludmillaaillaud2743]

If I need something I always try to have it free first, if I can't, then borrow, then buy it second hand, and at last buy it new on sales if I have no other choice. I also always try to DIY first, if I can't then ask a friend, then ask a neighbour, finally ask a professional if no other choice. I also do a lot of bartering with people in my surroundings. I really saved a lot of money acting this way.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

That's fantastic

[@hfnoskin8458]

That was such a happy video. I really enjoyed it. I do a budget every month and it is beginning to come together.I hit a bad patch when my husband died unexpectedly but I really did have to work very hard to try to get financially straight. It has been 5 years but I can see light t the end of the tunnel. I reckon another year will see me sorted. Love the dogs. They look such fun. Thank you.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks for your reply

[@carolined3058]

Monthly checking the utility meters on the customer page to check if there is a better offer in the Year contracts. Every Euro counts. When the paycheck is there then first paying the mortgage and second savings. It's hard beeing frugal but is is 10 times more hard overspending and having no money to pay the bills. Learned to love the words " NO " and " Needs" . Makes live more simple.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks for sharing

[@luba-healthywithluba6866]

Jane, thank you for sharing about unnecessary expenses! It is freeing to let go of pressure, whether perceived or real. Being creative does save money. I just wrote a blog post about homemaking tips from Little House in the Big Woods by Laura Ingalls Wilder. It is amazing how creative they were, growing and preserving food, and the like!

[@jonnaborosky8836]

I have an ongoing challenge for myself. Each month, I strive to lower each utility bill and grocery bill to a lower amount than the month before. It keeps me continually lowering those expenditures. I don't buy budget books. I create my own out of the paper and notebooks I already have. Plus, I'm back to my no-spend year.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

You're doing great 👍

[@evgeniagasumova4487]

Great video!!!!

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@lisadawson2652]

👍🏾

[@katewalters6977]

Another great video, Jane and Mike. We budget monthly and I check the accounts at least once a week to help us stay on track. We do occasionally overspend in a ‘cost centre’ but always manage to balance it out somewhere. Thank you for all the frugal reminders to help us stay on track 😊

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Great tip!

[@gladyschandler6724]

I've moved from California to Texas. So I've cut back on holiday gifts and only give to my closest friends, and usually it's something small, personal or baked.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks so much

[@sheila1013]

I have cut out the Christmas presents and now I'm retired, l'm so glad not to have the various invites from people I have little interaction with. Instead I'd rather budget for activities with my closest friends. Yes, it is surprising what a difference it makes financially. Thanks both for another inspiring video. 🤗

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Wonderful!

[@juliethompson5301]

Brenda's retirement do...🤣 I don't do works dos at all.doesnt mean I dislike my workmates

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Fabulous

[@sophiawolthof1238]

👍👍👍

[@ingalillbelander1235]

😊 well done!

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

@@ingalillbelander1235 thanks

[@beverlyanntaylor9652]

😊💜

[@denisebolin-clark8826]

I have 10percent of my paycheck automatically put into a savings account. I try to save more, and usually do but savings come first. I also give to charity. That amount varies. I don't make much money but its funny how one gets used to having less but yet being content and sometimes happy with it.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks so much

[@TheJoPaXXXX]

My frugal rule: cleaning my Cien 5 bladeshaver whit a nailbruch. It last 3 month😊😊😊😊😊

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

@@TheJoPaXXXX cool 👍

[@karencobley1862]

what is your opinion on paying an appliance insurance ? currently i pay on my washer,dryer,tumble dryer ,freezer etc etc approx £5 each and sometimes I can't help but wonder would I be better off saving seperatley for repairs or replacement

[@lynnestait8011]

if I need to buy something from Amazon, I put it in the basket and 'save for later' invariably the price will reduce after a few days

[@ES-xn2dc]

Jane, Have you changed the kind of budget book you use? In the past it was a boxcleverpress that I think you linked to on Amazon. If you have found something more useful could you share? Many thanks.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

I use a clever fox budget planner now. They stopped making the one I used to have.

[@LimousinLife]

Sound advice. Did you find it difficult to be disciplined when you started your method of budgeting? The physical ledger is definitely the way to go, spreadsheets are too anonymous!

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Initially, every thing new is a challenge but we got better at it.

[@tbee2653]

Someone needs a new tennis ball!!

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

@@tbee2653 she has one!

[@maryjothompson4578]

I tell younger family members who think the word budget is almost a dirty word, just make a spending and saving plan. Just tell your money where to go.