How To Budget When You Live Beneath Minimum Wage

I run through my May budget showing you the actual figures we deal with.
Frugal Queen in France
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We are a British couple living in Brittany on a budget.
Frugal recipes, days out, home renovations and day to day making do in France.
We’ll give you hints, tips, advice and an insight into our life in France.
Website www.frugalqueeninfrance.com/
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Apple iMovie*

[@tuttsclumpcottage7911]

I want to thank both you and Mike for helping me on my frugal, budgeting journey. You have helped me to re-evaluate not only my financial goals but my life goals. Your realistic approach has given me the courage to sell my home and downsize to start from ground zero in a more affordable community. I will let you know how my journey continues as I move towards being financially responsible. It is never too late to learn something new.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

You're welcome

[@mikel2044]

Thank you Jane and Michael….you are brave to share such personal information..it is helpful for people to see the real numbers so they can understand how they can work your information into their own budgeting system. We have been keeping track of every penny in and every penny out since 1991. We are also retired and living debt free. Knowing real numbers and keeping track is financial intelligence. Thank you for working so hard on this channel.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

You're very welcome

[@cleadouglas6448]

This is turning into my favourite TV channel 😊 I just worry about people that live in countries without universal health care. What a relief that I don't have any medical bills. My husband had knee surgery, no cost out of our pockets, I had 2 ceasarians with no cost out of our pockets. I can visit my doctor without having to pay for a visit. I am grateful for the country that I live in. Great video, Jane. Thank you 😊

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

I’m grateful too. Thanks for watching

[@brendamiranda3732]

That’s wonderful! What country do you live in? Here in US medical insurance is a business and it’s so sad.

[@Amanda-pv9kz]

Jane- it was so sweet how you spoke about your pups. Mine was also the center of my universe but I lost him last October. It was and still is devastating. I spent a fortune on him and don't regret a single cent. What he gave me as a companion cannot be compared. Our kids, now grown, accused me of liking him more than them. Sometimes they were right! 😂 LOL JK Yes, as Americans, we pay much more for everything. Thanks for sharing.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks very much

[@lizscott6911]

I have just done my annual 23/24 budget. I really don't do it more than that. I have a book that I write every spent amount, and what I have brought with it. I am a pensioner, so my income is set and not fluctuating.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks Liz

[@reneeread1301]

Thank you for opening up your private information for us to see. You are right that genuine figures help us the most. You have been very encouraging to me! What shocked me is how much more I am paying for insurances, aside from health insurance. We are paying $320 a month for insurance on two vehicles (not luxury vehicles and both bought used) and our home. I think due to your video, we will be shopping around for better quotes. All in all, I felt like most of our costs line up pretty well with yours. We pay less for electricity ( averaged is $82 monthly) even though we do have central air and heat which we strategize in use. For example, all heat or air-con have been turned completely off for the last three weeks and will continue so long as we have mild spring weather. ( We just dress accordingly and use a heating pad or small electric throw blanket briefly if really needed). I also use a lot of solar -charged lighting at night. Thanks so much for your videos! You both are great inspiration to me and my husband. Though we are still employed, we can target your lifestyle for our near-future.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks Renee

[@jansumner4222]

Thanks for sharing, I have been doing my budget very similar for many years now, I have a years worth of expenses put aside so if something happened to me and I needed to take an extended break from work, I can live without to much worry for a while. I aim to be mortgage free in 18 months max. Thank you for your inspirational chats.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks for watching

[@barbpetermcgovern3613]

Completely agree with your comment regarding real numbers and real situations. Thank you for opening your books in this way, it was very instructive.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

You're welcome

[@seekingtheminimumlevel1830]

Really enjoy your videos. Just found your channel recently and am watching many of them. We are also debt and mortgage free and have always lived frugally and saved. We're older than you and Michael, and retirement is not in our future for awhile. I've always heard it is so much more expensive in the UK and Europe than the US, but most of your expenses are much less than ours. The least expensive internet we can get here is $80 USD monthly! We have the slowest service offered no frills. Health care costs are ridiculous. My dog is very important to me, and his annual vet visit with immunizations, checkup, blood work (he's old) was $600 USD! I cannot imagine paying so little for insurance, utilities, taxes, etc. , and I really watch our usage carefully. We do not live in an expensive area compared to the rest of the US either. Thankful that we've always been frugal, saved, and lived below our means. Many in the US are buried in debt with no savings.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Who would have thought the US media would tell lies about living costs in Europe. Our overall tax bills and living costs are lower and we have a better standard of living, can retire earlier even though we earn less.

[@elizabethbertsch3066]

These videos that you make with a real budget are just so helpful! It encourages me to re-evaluate my own spending categories, and see where I can save. I very much appreciate your transparency! I dies laughing at your “beauty” category for us gals 😅. You both are amazingly disciplined and thoughtful in your spending areas. Bravo to you! (I’m improving )

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks Elizabeth, we have all we need and want.

[@mirth9859]

the minimum wage in Spain is 1080 euros per month.

[@stacel1972]

I can tell you are an educator, Jane. You are very clear and easy to understand. I have shared this with my son to help him with his budget. I am not able to clearly explain budgeting as well as you do. Thank you.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks very much for your feedback

[@judithbuchanan9566]

Thank you for this video Jane & Mike. I was praying you’d post a budget video soon because I ALWAYS learn so much from watching them. Greetings from USA 🇺🇸.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

You're welcome

[@heathertucker7056]

We have two little dogs that are costing us a small fortune at the moment but luckily we have pet insurance. We don’t begrudge a single penny of their care as we love our dogs and they bring us joy every single day. I know you feel the same about your two as well. Thank you for a very transparent and helpful video.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks for watching

[@oscarblom4885]

Thank you for sharing 😊

[@adaly5115]

Brilliant video Jane and Mike thank you Anna.

[@janefoley5184]

Thank you for sharing. Very interesting

[@AlicePhillips-jc7hr]

Thank you for this video. A couple of years ago, I watched one of your budgeting videos and it made so much sense, I started doing my own that way. I've been a successful budgeter ever since. Each time you show one, I'm surprised by how little you pay for phone and internet in France. We here in the US pay a lot more.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks very much for watching.

[@Michelle-bw1xg]

Good tip to have definition of and separation of emergency fund from long term savings and sinking funds that are clearly defined. Your budgeting/planning is important and really pays off. I also appreciate the explanation that your expenses may be different than some others who are not debt/mortgage free.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks Michelle, it’s important to mention what we don’t have to pay.

[@Michelle-bw1xg]

Still blown away by the low property tax. I don't even own a single family home and pay 6x those taxes (and rising) every year. With HOA it makes it a challenge to pay extra on the mortgage by myself, but I am focused and working on it.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Your taxes don’t make sense, we pay less tax and get local services and communities like our town chose how taxes are spent locally. I hope you get excellent local services for your taxes.

[@KittyKat-vb1nd]

HOA is a joke. Never heard of such before living in States.

[@abbeyl6115]

Live in the states. Would never live in a HOA aka Homeowners Association neighborhood. Have lived in both private and several federal subsidized apartments. The private full pay apartments go by state laws like common sense rules. The Feds go by every other tenant on all complexes that required safety rules because some stupid tenants played games out of boredom and not using their common sense so in order for the properties nit to suffer ant future lawsuits, ends up a mountain of paperwork to some of the lease laws being antiquitated. So the day comes when I move out to my own home, my rules are my common sense, frugal rules and I refuse to live in an HOA that people want to on their whims, make up all kinds of rules then probably fight to enforce them.

[@deborahlewis3954]

I never understood the term sinking funds, so thank you for sharing all your detailed information - very helpful!

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks for watching

[@tkka2418]

This was a very helpful budget video. It's so nice to keep it real. Thank you!

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks very much for watching and commenting

[@s.ga21]

Thank you for the interesting video. It's helpful to see how other people organize their finances and a helpful guideline.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

You are welcome

[@terrypelletti8535]

Thank you Jane for all this information You really are one of the best channels I learn so much from you and look forward to more

[@patriciacargill4975]

Very useful and informative

[@Mrsmadison45]

We also live on Monthly zero based budgets wr are debt free and mortgage free , Retired Policeman and Healthcare Professional

[@lindaripp5902]

I enjoyed listening to you go over your method. I have my own, and it works for me but I'm glad that you've got something that works for you. Mine's not too different.

[@juliemoore6957]

Thank you! You've given me some good ideas for my budget!

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

You're welcome

[@tannaphillips6840]

Great info!!! Thanks for your help!!!

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks so much

[@jameserwin3734]

Thank you very much for outlining your process. I will try tomorrow to set up a “realistic” budget for when I find my next job. ❤

[@kakelinga]

I always look forward to your budgeting videos. I wish we had a better health care system. We pay over $900 a month for our medical plan and we pay 20% of the costs of doctor visits and medical procedures. Seems as though medical costs are rising all the time.

[@asavannah7439]

Thank you for being so transparent, this really helps!

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

You're welcome

[@sharonmcgee8178]

Thank you for explaining budgeting...it's very helpful!

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks very much

[@patmartin9727]

Love to watch your budgeting videos, I always seem to find something I need to tweak in my own budget. I have learnt so much about being frugal and how to have a tight budget and know we’re every penny is being used. I thought I was doing ok until I found your channel then I realised I was only playing at it. Thank you so much for helping me and I am sure hundreds of others to save more.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks Pat

[@kathywolfe6606]

Great video and I want to compliment you on your neat writing. Very easy on the eyes to read. My son teaches college and most of his students have terrible writing. I'm sure your budget keeps your mind at ease about future expenses.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks for watching

[@tammyr...9209]

Thank you .

[@rosemarymallin]

Very helpful Jane and Mike. Thanks for the budget information.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

You're welcome

[@tomvarnadoe4302]

Gm 👋. Luv your channel.

[@justdreaming3869]

What a great video, thank you! I love seeing all the clear detail and everything laid out. I always estimate but need to use exact numbers with mine too.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Glad it was helpful!

[@luba-healthywithluba6866]

Thank you, Jane! Your video was very helpful. I am working in a better budget for us and am surprised there are more expense categories on paper than there were in my head ... 😅

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks Luba

[@shess1640]

So thorough….gave me such great insight and I’ll make some adjustments to my own approach after having seen yours! Excellent video…Thank You

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks very much

[@lindajacquot5391]

I feel the same about our Teddy ❤🐩

[@MelissaMabe-hv3cl]

This was very helpful. I live below my income and have plenty of money saved up, but I could do so, so much better on spending less and saving more. Although I have a monthly budget, I tend to keep my sinking funds and savings in my checking for too long. I need to get in the habit of transferring money in and out. I have the accounts set up so I just need to do it. I appreciate the fact you gave us real figures- so many “experts” talk in general terms and I am a person who needs specifics. Thanks again!

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks Melissa

[@kerstinkiel5314]

Thanks Jane I will be implementing the separate accounts.. it makes so much sense and will certainly be easier

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks Kerstin

[@carolined3058]

Last year your video inspired me to start a sinking fund . Happy I have one now ; keeps the financial headache away

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks Caroline

[@Silvergirl70]

Thank you Jane and Mike, I have set up sinking funds two months ago based on your example, I am finding it very useful and reassuring too 👍

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks Tara

[@robinwoodstock4906]

Thank you so much for sharing your detailed budget. We are also debt and mortgage free. I love the way you split everything out. We live in the US so obviously things are different but it is still very helpful. I love your channel!

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks very much

[@mariedamon5655]

Hi Jane and Micheal thank you for the very help full video .hope your both well and the gorgeous doggies. I'm missing my dog and cats .we are on holiday at mine head butlins .it was my grandsons birthday he's enjoying it immensely .but holidays nearly over so back to saving up again .x

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Enjoy

[@jenniecarroll9185]

That was very interesting and inspiring. It helps me keep working towards our retirement goals of having our house paid off seeing how beneficial it will be. Thanks for sharing something so personal.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks Jennie

[@YorkshireGirlinDarwin]

Thank you ❤

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

You're welcome 😊

[@sheilahughes3561]

This was a very helpful video Jane! I was wondering how you paid for large items and that was clearly explained here!

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks Shelia

[@elizaC3024]

Great information.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks very much

[@tamarafehr1983]

I’m interested in knowing how far in advanced you starting planning this retirement? Did you start purchasing tools and items that are mostly a one time purchase while you were both still working full time? We are about 10 years older than you all and we are trying to get the large items we believe we will need before my husband retires completely. We have 16 acres and have always grown our own food and raised our meat. We are healthy but know medical is a real important aspect of our retirement. We are in the U.S. As we take stock of our assets we are making a list of what we may need. Suggestions? Love your channel!

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

We started paying into our pensions when we started our careers. We didn’t buy anything for this property until we bought it. Thanks for watching

[@frugalstu]

Great video as always ❤

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks Stu

[@grainneocarroll6427]

I had got into the habit of traveling all my spending on my cards (most of my spending - either debit card or credit card that is paid off in full monthly) through a money manager tool on my internet banking. But the bank stopped that tool last month so I need to start tracking it by hand now. But it was good to keep track of how much I spent on everything but also set budgets for things like groceries, clothes, activities for my child, fuel etc. I was surprised how much it meant I knew about what I spent - and knowing my grocery costs had gone up over the past few years etc. And seeing some months over or under the average budget allowed, (December is very big but January very small from all the bulk deals and yellow stickers I’d frozen, July (holiday treats) and September (back to school and conveniences until we’re back in routines) are😅 also big spend months for food) but also seeing that I really did keep to slightly under that monthly average when you look at the year as a whole. So I don’t feel guilty about those bigger months. Now I need to learn some extra skills in excel to see if I can do something to make it relatively straightforward to track myself to add to my overall budget book that’s been going for over 19 years. As planning on a monthly basis a year ahead and tracking spending in real time over each year has really made a big difference to making me save and not spending on things I really don’t need. I don’t have individual sinking funds allocated in the same way, but regular saving and knowing what months I need extra money and making sure I have saved enough for those has been huge to always being able to pay off my card and not pay interest, and not need an overdraft. And to paying off our mortgage 6 years early.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks for watching

[@oliviafox6745]

No questions. Your explanations were quite clear. I really appreciate you using real numbers. Nothing is more frustrating than for someone to be paraded around for "living off 40% of their income" when you have no idea what they earn. Especially when you want to be more careful financially.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks Olivia

[@v_hovila]

Thanks for keeping my motivation up for budgeting! Could you show what your accounting book looks like, I mean show people how you use it after the budget is ready? I use Excel, I just this month started to pay myself first. But just interested in the paper version, maybe someone would find that too useful.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Keep using what works for you

[@katehorrell8732]

I do my budget, sinking funds the old fashion way also with a notebook n a pen. Here in the states we do pay alot for insurance, health care, prescription drugs, along with everything else going up.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks for watching

[@dianneblackbourn2436]

Thank you Jane for sharing your personal budget. So encouraging for us all. I am definitely not as disciplined as you, as i do have splurges that are not in the budget.😂 But this shows if you out money aside, then those surprise bills aren't so dreadful. 😊

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

No one likes surprises that are bills

[@Mrsmadison45]

❤ fantastic video

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks

[@susannahedwards8230]

Thank you so much, years ago I'd get frustrated with budgets as I'd try do one and see I don't have enough coming into live. Somehow tho each year I'd get there so I would just muddle through. Over time I have learned to still at least budget by bills by paying to the provider each fortnight so when bills come in I'm in credit and I'm playing a game with my self to try get a bill cycle ahead. I do have some things in a sinking fund of sorts. I want cats soon but fear the vet bills and worry I may not be able to afford to look after them right. So I've started them a account where I pay in what I think good food, litter, and have a goal of $1,000 (Australian) for vet emergency . When I add up that 1000 plus I have a goal of $200 food/litter and the out lay of buying 2 kittens from the shelter ( desexed and vaccinated) is 400. So I am not letting my self get kittens until I have $1600 in my cat account which will leave me with a 1,200 head start on there mini budget. It's very hard cause I miss cats in my life so much. I do understand your dog grooming as I to think budget or not if we have pets we need to look after them.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks

[@vegasregs1620]

I love that you spend good money on your doggies even though you’re on a tight budget👍priorities!

[@fireflythinking1290]

I hope I can get the same lifestyle and budget when I'll be your age (I'm 24) ! Thank you for this video, it was very well explained :)

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Make sure you're paying into your retirement now, work towards being mortgage free stay out of debt

[@greenbankguy]

Thanks again for all you do. When you speak of social security are you referring to your mutuelle? We pay about €85 per month for us both for our mutuelle. Today's pharmacy bill was 0 after my carte vitale and my mutuelle coverage. The exact same mess used to be about $US 850 with my health insurance in Seattle. Thanks again from the sunny and Warm Vendee as we celebrate our first 6 months of retirement here in France.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Social security payments are a kind of tax working people pay in France. We pay 23% of gross income (from KZbin earnings) and then income tax and the CFE business tax on top. You’re retired so you won’t pay those.

[@sophiawolthof1238]

👍👍👍

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks for watching

[@deborahfoss904]

Thank you for sharing your budgeting skills, I notice you did not have wood in for your heating so assume you have either a small woodland or trees on your land. Approx how many cords of wood do you get each year from how many trees and is this sustainable. thanks

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

I use 4 cordes of wood which will cost us 900-1000€ for a years heating. We can afford that. Currently we're burning our own wood.

[@kimpatterson8741]

❤

[@krisf-h9835]

We do pay more in taxes in the US-that's what happens when we are the "police" for the world. The vast, vast majority of Americans' taxes are for our military budget. We do get free or cheaper health insurance once we hit age 65 - lower income Americans get it free as it is somewhat based on your income. Most of us then add on supplemental insurance to cover all that the government sponsored insurance won't cover which costs roughly $150-$250/month. There are also cheaper options that are a combination of government sponsored along with private insurers that even provide for free gym memberships and a food allowance. There are many choices and you just choose which plan works best for you. And of course our cost-of-living overall is more in the US than most countries but then our wages are more too - so it all evens out. We don't do sinking funds - but have a large savings pot that everything can come out of. When we retire next year, we will have one small pension of about $1100/month and social security incomes which will provide an income of over $75,000/year so we can't complain about the taxes we pay now :). Thanks for the video, I love seeing the costs of foreign countries and how others budget.

[@gretelwhite8088]

What do you do with funds that are underspent over the year that build up in the current account? Is that money transferred into savings? I think I have used the term sinking fund differently, and have used it for those expenses that occur in a big lump at some point during the year (like car servicing and insurance), rather than as savings for big future expenses that are going to occur at some point. Learning point for me! I have been saving every penny possible, but not earmarking it for specific things. I need to rethink things a bit.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

It stays there as spare

[@marypeterson1053]

I'm on ss in usa. property taxes and health insurance and medicine costs go up every year. VERY SCARY...DEBT FREE BUT THE UNKNOWN COSTS IN THE FUTURE

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Luckily we don't have to worry about medical costs. Sorry to hear of yours.

[@jennil7797]

Hello Jane, like you, our pets are very important members of the household. We are finding their food is getting more and more pricey and harder and harder to find.I am buying and cooking liver for them now as it works out to be far cheaper than commercial cat and dog food but I wondered if you have any other suggestions?

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks jenni

[@cherylT321]

There are videos on the internet for relatively cheap food you could make to give to your pets!

[@theresawhitney1384]

Thank you for your videos. They are most helpful! I do have a question though. Just wondering if you will be living on your pensions only for the rest of your life or if you will be adding some to it when you hit retirement age with something like "social security". Thank you!

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Yep, after 67 - 2 private pensions from our jobs and two state pensions from our UK taxes, two very small pensions from our 15 years of paying social security payments in France. 6 pensions in total.

[@theresawhitney1384]

@@FrugalQueeninFrance Thank you!

[@amandathemadscrapper6993]

I’m surprised your income hasn’t increased more with the big increase in your subscribers. For all the work that goes into your videos and the subscriber base I thought you would earn more. I know that might not have been the reason you started the channel but it would be nice to see you get a better financial reward for the work.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks very much. It's not about how many subscribers. It's about how many people let the adverts roll. If they skip the adverts, we don't get paid for their viewing.

[@gailm1230]

It was interesting: I don't have all of your bills, I pay more for phones/internet/electricity/fuel (even though I drive very little), and I pay less than you for food! I budget 400 Cdn for the 2 of us. You're paying that in euros! wow! Thanks for the vid!

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks for watching

[@100Noddy]

You have a lot more money coming in than I ever thought you did. That is a healthy income.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks for watching.

[@tehilash7292]

Hi Jane, thank you for this video🌺 Where I am from, parents help their adult children financially. Some pay 'monthly allowance' and some pay for : university, weddings and so on. I am wondering what is your approach to this matter? And also: I have one bank account. I have an option of savings in this account and that is how I keep 'sinking funds'.You said you have 4 accounts. What is the purpose of the numerous accounts? Why do you use an acoount for saving funds and not the saving fund option?

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Heck no! Adults pay for themselves. Adults who don’t pay are called scroungers and worse where I come from. Some of our accounts earn interest between 3 and 6%

[@tehilash7292]

@@FrugalQueeninFrance 😂 oh I wasn't expecting that🤭 I have to say: what a difference in culture...here if you don't help /pay it's almost considered 'child abandonment'. There is a competition to show who is richer...who cares more for their children. I always tell my children: 19 and 17 that they have to do theire best at school and work because I am not able to support them financialy as adults. I have to take care of me and keep the best health I can, so they would not have to take care of me... But I am the exception here😌

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

@@tehilash7292 they’re not children, they’re adults over 18 and legally responsible for themselves. We believe in backbones !

[@tehilash7292]

@@FrugalQueeninFrance hear hear!

[@lindaripp5902]

I must admit, I'm not willing to stress out about every single dollar... I've am things off and I allot to have a bit of extra just in case.

[@Mrsmadison45]

Our monthly income is $4540.00 we live on $540.00 per month and stash our Cash in savings, Tithing 20%,

[@katiefranklin5055]

22 euro a month for home insurance! You are SO lucky. We upped our deductible to $2000 in order to get our cost down to $1570 for the year. And we don't live in a large house!

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks for watching

[@Mrsmadison45]

Hello 👋 from The United States of America 🇺🇸

[@mirth9859]

Dear Jane once the emergency fund is full . Where do you move the monthly money use for it? Do you save EF money in other cathegory. My EF IS COMPLETE and i have doubt about it?

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

It's in an account that accrues interest but can be easily accessed.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

@@mirth9859 i had my fully funded emergency fund together three years ago.

[@julieemig432]

My vet bills for one dog are a lot higher then yours. One visit and vaccines is like 250 . My dog got sick it was 500

[@lrandall83]

Can I ask about the sinking funds please? Do you have different savings accounts with your bank, or do you use an envelope method? Thanks, bonne journée 😊

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Account number two has all our sinking funds and I keep a physical budget book for my sinking funds to keep running totals of monies in and out.

[@karenbuchanan9420]

Great video; question Jane; if your car needs replacing after three years is that enough ;obviously you add that amount to the car you are selling?😊

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Second hand cars here are MEGA expensive and they hold value so we would trade in our car and buy another older but good car with the value of our car plus 5000€

[@karenbuchanan9420]

Oh right makes sense; thanks Jane 😀

[@karenbuchanan9420]

Thanks for that Jane such a sensible idea👌

[@Sonoragrove4]

Our health care costs in US are out of control compared to Europe. My niece just moved back to US with her English husband. Both have masters degrees getting paid a total income of less than $55k a year in England.Both got jobs in US (Washington State)combined making over $140k with full benefits paid by their companies. So it can be relative. Their housing is a bit more but offset by not having to pay over $400 a month for heating in a cold old apartment they had in England. They could barely save money in the UK but now they will be able to in the US.

[@pigletsbank437]

Even in Europe out of pocket payments for healthcare ( therapy /glasses / dentist and medicine) can be way more expensive.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Can be. Which country are you referring to? I don't pay any thing for those here.

[@pigletsbank437]

@@FrugalQueeninFrance nl

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

@@pigletsbank437 we can get 100% santé for glasses, dental and medicine unless you go for herbal which isn't free. Therapy is available if prescribed by your doctor. If you self administer, then not free.

[@pigletsbank437]

@@FrugalQueeninFrance many therapy is maxed in 6-12 x. 1x €100,,- for standard glasses every two years ( I have complex prescription glasses and it cost me about € 350,- extra... No luxery brand glasses) Many medicine have an extra payment on top of € 169,- medical insurance fee every month pp + €385,- pp standard extra own contribution a year.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

@@pigletsbank437 not as good as France then, maybe that’s why I have so many Dutch neighbours.

[@paulinewoods5323]

If you suddenly had to work in France would you be allowed to, post Brexit?

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

We do work. Our KZbin channel generates an income: we pay social security contributions, income tax and business tax.

[@jdbd60]

I have watched previous videos and you also set aside 10% of your income for savings even before you do the sinking funds and living expenses right?

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Yes, for long term savings

[@georgehosea139]

The money you people make through your pension is little by European standards, but it is a lot in developing countries such as Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, hard you settled in such countries you would live like Kings. 😅

[@seniorbutterfly1934]

Was the money you receive from KZbin, in with your total monthly income? Do you put that money in a separate savings?

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

The total is pensions and KZbin income. We showed what we save.

[@mirth9859]

Once you 12 month emergency is done. Do you continúe adding money to it. Lets say now iwiil reach 18 month when its dóne now i will reach 24 months?

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

That's your choice.

[@kakelinga]

Hi Jane and Mike. I was wondering if you use your discretionary fund if something like a wedding, retirement party, or funeral or anything out of the ordinary should come up?

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

In the 27 years we've been together, we've not attended anything expensive. A wedding? We attended in what we had, gave a token financial gift. Funeral , the same. There's no fuss for retirement. Nothing needs much money.

[@pennyheinrich5552]

Hello fellow Dog Lover!!! I'd be curious to what you pay (estimate) on teeth cleaning and vaccinations in France for your pups. Are there certain vaccinations that are required in France?

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

About 100€ for the both of them to get their teeth cleaned and @bout 50€ for both of them every two years for rabies vaccines,

[@seekingtheminimumlevel1830]

@@FrugalQueeninFrance Wow, that is inexpensive! I just paid almost $600 USD for annual visit, vaccinations, and blood work because a surgery and teeth cleaning is upcoming that requires blood work be done first. Minor surgery and teeth cleaning will be about another $600 (I hope not more). Food is also about $100 per month to feed a decent food that prevents other medical issues with an older dog.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

@@seekingtheminimumlevel1830 yep, that's rampant money grabbing for you! Our vets drive little Renault cars and live in modest houses

[@pennyheinrich5552]

@@FrugalQueeninFrance Wow....I'm afraid to mention how much higher it is in the U.S. Whether you are a person or an animal, US healthcare is just so high. Thanks for sharing.

[@buzzybee186]

Does your dental insurance cover implants and crowns? I am just curious because my husband, that I ensure through my works dental program that is considered very good, had to have two front-ish teeth extracted. Our insurance will cover $0. The estimate given is literally $5,000 for two teeth. Apparently it is considered cosmetic and not a return to normal function... Just curious if your health care system is the same. We have a significant emergency fund that can float a 6 months but $5,000 is over 25% of our savings. Honestly it's to the point to that we are looking at medical tourism in Puerto Rico (no passport required), Mexico, or Costa Rica. It is appalling And I wouldn't consider it a luxury to have all teeth in your mouth. But US dental insurance does. Curious how you figure major dental in. Thanks and love from across the ocean!

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

It covers all dental treatments right up to and including full dentures.

[@alia9087]

Don't want to be a Debbie Downer, however, that budget does not include rent or mortgage payments which many have to pay and included in the minimum wage calculation. I live in Germany on a third of what you get but for one person. And, believe me, our utilities are high here. I am sure many people wish they could save so much each month. Without a mortgage or rent I consider myself comfortable but I have no car either and I know those on social have to live on much less. I do not consider I have enough to have a dog - I have to share my daughter's. Sorry, I seriously do not think your budget is that low

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks for watching. Did you watch all the video. I stated what I don’t pay for. We’re in our late 50s and paid off our mortgage by 50. I also stated that some would think our income was a lot and some would think it not much. Thanks for watching

[@mirth9859]

Whats the minimun wage in Germany? I am sure its much higher than in Spain,1080 euros.

[@alia9087]

@@mirth9859 set to rise to 12/hour in 2023. I am on about half that, but, no mortgage. I know my sister says the same in the UK that she would not be able to manage if she had a mortgage or rent to pay

[@southernmagnolia6576]

Your income does seem like a lot to me. In the US where I live, the minimum wage is $7.25 an hour. At 40 hours a week that is only $1160.00 a month before taxes. There is no money for health insurance and the US does not have universal health care. People making this kind of money cannot afford housing. The average cost of renting a house in my area is $750 a month. And it's not even a nice neighborhood. If you want to live in a nice neighborhood, it will cost you around $1200 a month. I do not live in a big city. I live in a small town and drive 25 miles each way to a near by town to work. I see more and more homeless people each month. Some of my co-workers have multiple jobs and the company I work for pays more than minimum wage, but it still isn't enough to support a family. I worry about the future of our country. I fear things will only get worse.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

France has a better standard of living (by your comparison) Here social housing means everyone can rent if they can't buy.