How We Save 50% of our Income! | Mortgage Free by 2025 | Save Money Fast | JENNIFER COOK

#frugalliving #financialminimalism
We are currently put 50% of our income towards our mortgage in order to pay it off in less than 5 years. In this video I share how we are able to save so much money with easy to follow tips we have learned over the span of the last 10 years.

[@Deborahs.6992]

I work in a dental 🦷 office & my co-workers & I use to go out to lunch everyday, 4 days a work week. Since last March, due to COVID, we all bring our lunch. I sit in my car to get a break from the office walls & have been amazed at how much I have saved by not eating out & also saving on gas. I do miss going out occasionally. When things are back to normal, we may go out once per week, but I don’t think I’ll ever go back to my old habits. Ive also cut way back on my almost daily Starbucks habit. I make my own coffee at home & only have Starbucks occasionally every couple of weeks as a treat. I like seeing the $$$ in my bank account better!😍💲🙌🏻

[@jodie923]

Thank you for sharing! - we run an electric space heater where the thermostat is so are oil heater does not run till bed time - shop only at discount food stores - make my own laundry soap - only eat take out food 1 time a week - wool balls in are dryer to cut down drying time - stop using fabric softener -pack husband’s lunch - clean most of my home with vinegar - make my deodorant - use coconut oil to brush my teeth - take a foam soap dispenser and put 1/4 of an inch of dish soap in it and fill the rest with water, mix well, we wash are hands with it as well as dishes - stay home as much as possible - keep a running list of what we need and take 1 day at the end of the week or shop every other week for the items - be creative with left overs - I only drink water all the time - fix what we can, than buy new - we have a veggie garden - we got rid of cable and now have an Amazon fire stick - shop second hand for what ever we can - we put plastic on are windows - I put long heavy curtains up to my front door, it’s very drafty - put long heavy curtains up to the windows and close them every night - I am going through all of are belongings to put all we don’t use in the basement and than have a yard sale when warm weather comes - when running errands I look to see the shortest route so I use less gas I know I am forgetting somethings but this is what comes to mind that we do to help cut cost. My husband has taken several pay cuts and every little thing we do different has added up to one big price. -- I for got, we went paperless. No more paper towels. Blessings ya all!!!!

[@Carolmaizy]

I always made a lunch to take to work, but sometimes forgot it in the fridge, until I started putting a sticky note on the inside of my house door at night, with a big L (for lunch) on it. I seldom forgot it after that. In addition, as a teacher I often ate lunch early then stayed at work later to correct papers and prep for the next day, so I kept a cache of protein bars, almonds, raisins, popcorn, oatmeal packages, etc in my desk drawer, to keep me energized at the end of the day.

[@fourdayhomestead2839]

Saving $5 bills, pay at pump gas, and making my own work meals & snacks planned to pay off debt by June (mortgage in 2025).

[@traskstoneworks]

Keep up the good work anna! we did the same, we retired at 50 owning 6 homes all free and clear.

[@tobirates916]

Honestly, Covid has helped with reducing spending since we’re not going out to restaurants or getting coffees. Turns out I spent a lot of money there!

[@THEJENNIFERCOOK]

Absolutely! I think it has woken up a lot of people who were in a fog.

[@NEVBB24]

I agree with this comment!

[@thejoyfulbudget6370]

I was in the same boat...but I've since learned how to make my own coffee creamer at home to satisfy any cravings I have and save money on creamer!

[@amberatartimec2564]

@Silverheaded Battleaxe I like this!!! Similar to what happens now (I'm self employed with irregular income) but I like the idea of making it an actual date to spend. Thank you.

[@vlmilillo]

Meal Planning/Menu planning was something I learned in Home Economics class back in high school- and I’m 58 this month.

[@catslove3884]

I never buy pasta sauce. Use a can of crushed tomatoes and add dried spices. Cheaper and no additives.

[@Carolmaizy]

I'm retired, on a smallish fixed income, so I've tailored Pinterest money- saving challenges to fit my income. I make my own grid on a sheet of copy paper and label it with $1, $2, $3 amounts. When I empty my pockets at night I fill in one square and put that amount in an old wallet in my dresser. Any pocket change goes into an old vitamin bottle in the drawer. I currently have about $100 in change and $70 in bills saved. Also, when my pension check comes in every month, any unspent money in my checking account from the previous month I transfer to savings. Its easily done electronically before I pay the new monthly bills. Little actions add up, even on a retirement income.

[@calmblueocean1177]

Wow! Your advice truly affirms that my spouse and I are on the right path. We did pay our house mortgage off a few years ago, doing exactly what you suggest. BEST thing we ever did. Early in our marriage my spouse and I made a pact to live so that if one of us lost our job, we’d be able to comfortably live on one income. With dual income we put $ away in many ways. We bought “quality” household items, very often 2nd hand. When we shop for anything we need /replace we make it a mission to seek quality items, never on impulse. Anyway, I’m still working, my spouse was forced to retire earlier than expected. We’re doing ok due to our methods of saving and spending. ❤ Your channel!

[@THEJENNIFERCOOK]

Thank you so much for sharing your story! Congratulations on paying off your home 🤗

[@Bob-yh7ir]

You are right on for so many points and reasons. My wife and I have always lived below our means even when those means were extremely limited, to the tune of living on less than 10 K a year. We now make much better income and have raised our fun factor many times over but we find we still live on 1/4 our gross pay. The rest goes into investments, savings, budgets for trips or fun, and charity. We like to cook at home and that does really keep costs down plus it's fun planning our meals throughout the week along with the leftover meal planning we do, ie. Let's see what this thrown together with this and rebaked is like.. always comes out great... and "things" you touch on is a prime problem many people have in our culture and that is the collection of things. people are buying, buying, buying to try and make themselves happy but that does not work. People and experiences are what fill your contentment meter.

[@denisecatlett7203]

When we have meat, I always make a little extra and make at least three other meals or lunches with it. For example if I make 4 breast of chicken on a Sunday throughout the next week we will have a taco night; bean and rice bowel with chicken, and usually enough left for a sandwich or two.

[@selenadansfield1305]

Have a freezer. When boneless chicken breasts go on sale for $1.99 lb, pick up 7-10 packages. When it is higher priced, don't buy it. (I'd say if you can get boneless chicken breasts for under $2.50 that's probably a good price, too).

[@WorldWideCynthia]

Meal planning and grocery delivery is a God send - no impulse buying, which I've found to be a huge money waster. Thanks for your tips.

[@lisahaffner3337]

I’m on a debt free journey and groceries are a big thing I’m trying to get down. I have 4 debts and 3 of them will be done by April. My mortgage will be the last one. Great video

[@THEJENNIFERCOOK]

I know groceries/food typically make up the next largest expense besides rent/mortgage. I have a lot of tips that I need to share on food savings. Thank you for watching and taking the time to comment!

[@traskstoneworks]

good on ya Lisa! Never had any debt other than a house payment!

[@thejoyfulbudget6370]

That must feel so amazing to be so close to debt-free! Keep it up :) I cut $500 a month off my groceries for my family of 4. I went from $750 to $250 a month for food.

[@catslove3884]

Good for you! I have no debts or mortgage. Good thing since my income is only $957/month.

[@karenmuna7179]

Hi Jennifer, thank you for your videos which I am enjoying and learning from. I am excited to try meal planning! One key item I learned last year was that we can actually free up money from I.e. subscription, policies, mobile phone bills. I called the service providers and asked what my options are. I had to free up money to contribute to my Dad’s Old Age Home (on top of paying for my Mom’s old age home as my other older siblings refuse to help). What made me wonder is how much I could have freed up all these years ago. I did the one week challenge where I didn’t buy food from the grocery store, using up my pantry and fridge/freezer items. It was so refreshing and it taught me discipline! Even a friend tried this -and we challenge each other! I am from South Africa, and I am learning a lot from your videos. Thank you!

[@THEJENNIFERCOOK]

Karen, thank you so much!

[@christined2066]

A turning point for me, orientation, at my first full time job after graduated from college, we had a speaker introducing us to the company’s 401k plan. The speaker made a comment that “ none of us will catch-up to her, because she had a couple of years of contributing the max ahead of us and will continue.” Well I saw this as a challenge. Never have I seen this person again, nor do I know or care about her 401k balance. I just saw it as something I wanted to say too! 25 years later, I am so glad this speaker used a challenge in her presentation instead of a boring retirement talk that most people in their 20’s could not relate to! It is funny how I don’t remember anything else from that day or the rest of her speech, but the challenge lit a “fire” in me. Once I payoff my mortgage within the next 2 years I will reach FIRE (by age 50)!

[@THEJENNIFERCOOK]

That is the BEST story! I love that kind of motivation!

[@KathleenJean53]

Best tip, marry someone, if that is what you want to do, on the same financial page. If you think you can change or convince or educate someone destined to become your life partner to get frugal and financially savvy Forget It!

[@THEJENNIFERCOOK]

Yep! My husband is a saver and I was definitely a spender.

[@numerologicatarot3333]

So hard because it takes serious reconditioning...

[@taniavallorani9336]

My husband is a heavy smoker and generally speaking he doesn’t know the meaning of saving. Every my effort to save money is knocked down by what he spend in cigarettes. I feel so discouraged because I cannot plan o have a project because of his spending habits. We both work full time just to pay the bills and his cigarettes, nothing else :(

[@diannathornton2911]

@@taniavallorani9336 that's awful...and there is nothing you can do about it accept to just put the cigs in the budget as a fixed expense.

[@traskstoneworks]

Damn right, my old friend told me this when I was 15, find someone who has the same goal as you. Here is what he said "two horses pulls a wagon better than one." married 48 years we own 6 homes free and clear.

[@budekins542]

"No spend day" is a great idea.

[@lorineilson7529]

I've been meal planning for years. I like coming home from work and knowing what I'm going to have for dinner

[@Carolmaizy]

Buy large cans of tomato sauce (Hunts is best ), store brand canned tomatoes, and ground beef or Italian sausage when on sale. Make a big pot of spaghetti sauce and meatballs or sausage from scratch. Have it for dinner the next night and freeze the rest in meal- sized portions. You'll have enough for several more meals over the next month or so, saving you time and energy in the future. Cook double batches and freeze the extra chile, soup (sans potatoes), taco beef, lasagna, stuffed peppers, chicken breasts, etc.

[@omygod9062]

Get a big freezer. Make soups and sauces from fresh ingredients and freeze them.

[@THEJENNIFERCOOK]

Great idea!

[@yashodaacharya]

I wouldn't like this idea.. first of all, a big freezer will cost a lot, and I prefer to make fresh meals every time to remain healthy in the long run.... I don't know if you agree with this....

[@lynnemcgrath70]

Thank you Jennifer! You’re wisdom is a blessing for us all. Gratitude turns what you have into enough.

[@sandyoklahomatransient8557]

Good morning! This is a great video! I've have found if you prepare, you won't be going to the grocery store weekly. Over time, when I would grocery shop, I would make my grocery list off of my menu planning. We would menu plan every 2 weeks to a month. When I did go to the grocery store, I'd buy for my grocery list, and would purchase double (extra) when ever possible. I'd place the extra items in my pantry for future use. I've created a vegetable garden, and can, freeze, or dehydrate what I harvest for future meals. In addition, I've learned it's cost effective for my family to purchase 1/2 a cow, 1/2 pig, or even chickens directly from my local farmer. This way,we know exactly how the animals were treated, there ohysical health along with there food in take. Purchasing directly from our neighbors, which are farmers has saved us financially, and has helped with our health. When you can prepare.....have a stocked pantry, and refrigerator/freezer it will cut spending, and the your cost substantially. Being prepared provides you with freedom from the stress of wondering how you'll feed your family if you have an uncontrolled event take place (like lose a job, a storm, ect.).

[@momof2momof2]

I wish I could save 50% of my income. I've been widowed since 2009 and its been just me providing for my children and I. I think its wonderful for those who can. I have gotten to be 100% debt free:)

[@lmlmlmlm7627]

❤️ yes, we also have different circumstances that make it easier or more challenging than others. The point is to do the best you can given your circumstances :) it’s wonderful that you are 100% debt free especially given you are single handedly providing for your children. 🙌🏽 God bless you

[@momof2momof2]

@@lmlmlmlm7627 Thank you :)

[@krashivaya]

For Us the huge difference started when we sat down and wrote all the expenses on an Excel and now with less income, cutting some expenses that we don't need, we are saving much more than before!!

[@vickiehart3707]

Make meals that then base used for new menu. Pot roast turns into beef stew then to pot pie or shepherds pie.

[@traskstoneworks]

You sound like us!

[@traskstoneworks]

Do you know what they say about where they slaughter pigs for market? the only thing that's wasted is the squeal!

[@junqueaholic7462]

Love the $5.00 idea. We planned a trip to Hawaii for 2 years. During that time we saved every $5.00 bill for our spend/ tip money. Took over $2,000 on our trip. 😃

[@THEJENNIFERCOOK]

Wow! Thats a lot!

[@robynwells8249]

I love leftovers. It’s one less thing to think about. That’s my minimalism is to reduce decision fatigue. I even have a breakfast rotation.

[@eileenmurphy2042]

Hi Jennifer..This was the perfect time to find your channel. The new year is around the corner and I need to save more money.I spend too much money on food a month. I'm gonna make a weekly meal plan to help with that. You videos are so helpful. Thank you so much.

[@NoName-jm4ev]

I live within my means ..I don't eat beans and rice every day , I don't spend money on stupid things , I spend over 100k on trips alone ,, less than 5 years left to pay the house off on a 15 year mortgage ,, bought investment properties ,, the point ,, you don't need to live like a hobo just so you can pay the house off ,, and I don't make even close to six figure income ,, the biggest f-d up thing is when I hear someone died and left 2 million to a church because they were so cheap and died without spending it ,, screw that... I want to enjoy my life now

[@christieflesch3750]

yeah my problem is I work at a grocery store so I'm going to try it the new year to pack my lunches and do all my snacks because it's so easy for me to just buy whatever I want their that's where I spend more money at than anything

[@denisegirmer4550]

I only grocery shop with cash ….much less impulse buys!

[@arabella8478]

Good job Jennifer, never stop learning...

[@doinamarina6616]

1. Games and challenges 2. Food 3. Meal plan 4. Prepare the night before what you need for the next day 5. Grocery shopping once a week 6. Buy store brands 7. Plan cheap meals 8. Eat less meat 9. Adapting minimalism 10. Adapt one in one out rule 11. Know your money 12. Save raises and bonuses 13. Invest in yourself

[@veritycaruso]

Great video. I watch ecofriend lia's minimalism channel and this video was suggested on the side. I'm glad to have found you.

[@Esther-ps3vx]

One thing I have noticed about money saving videos is that most of the comment section is filled with people who want to save money. People who waste money should be the ones watching more of such videos. Great tips and I too save most of my income and it comes naturally to me.

[@THEJENNIFERCOOK]

Agree! Thank you for watching!

[@margiegutierrez972]

Thank you for all your helpful ideas will be trying them! Looking forward to starting a better year by saving money where I can! Thanks

[@ingridramirez4436]

Ooh I love leftovers.

[@jamesfly7661]

I try very budget friendly meals and usually double soup recipes. I freeze everything after eating it the first time and enough held back for the next days lunch. I know some people hate leftovers but I can eat the same thing for several nights. I freeze meals in food saver packaging so it keeps well in the freezer. Plus if you get sick your family has meals. I purchase ham and turkey when they are on sale and plan making stock from them. I also make my own bread as much as I can.

[@barbaraarmbruster4416]

I save receipts on my spending.... All....then I review them, and delete one item.....I used this tip to quit smoking, but on a daily basis. Just one cig a day equals roughly 30 cigs a month. The next month, I put back 2, etc. By the end of the year, I've quit and can throw away all those cigs and congrats myself for quitting, and saving money!!

[@gaelenoconnell-bidabadi]

Just wanted to say hello! I discovered your channel literally tonight and am already really enjoying it. Thank you for your vulnerability, excellent tips and your candor. You seem quite real/ down to earth. I'm already taking notes on some good tips to implement. Already looking forward to more videos from you. Cheers!

[@eileenlester4342]

Always make extra when cooking. Freeze it for later. No need to eat the same thing that week.

[@fourdayhomestead2839]

I do soups & stews (extra large batches to pressure can) ... Save a ton of money.

[@susanfudge1737]

I do but we just eat more now.

[@traskstoneworks]

We have been doing that for years, right after thanksgiving turkeys get clearance out buy for less than half price then cut up, freeze and cook some then freeze.

[@Scarlett_84]

How to save money: don’t buy anything anymore except for food

[@mouwlylee5014]

Good

[@youttt27]

Groceries can be very expensive too....Important to look for the cheaper stores and house brands

[@Scarlett_84]

@@youttt27 of course...

[@monstertoy4620]

👍 Definitely discipline, food and bills only

[@joannapatterson4625]

Yes. I am reducing my grocery bill to 60/week making more crock pot meals and using fresh beans.

[@maricelaandsammyshauls894]

Tfs meal planning has helped me a lot to save money

[@jacquenewton9279]

I love your information and presentation at a time when this is needed so badly. I just discovered your channel a few days ago. Thank you for not "preaching". God Bless and Happy New Year!

[@joanngordon5247]

Thank you for your vulnerability to put this out and be your authentic self. We paid off our home in 2019 and were socking every extra dollar (after 401k) at it so that a 15 year was done in 7. The few that knew our plan thought we were crazy. I do not regret it at all. Since then we have been bolstering brokerage savings prior to our planned retirement date. Keep up the good work and stay true to you!

[@THEJENNIFERCOOK]

Congratulations! We plan the same. Once the mortgage is gone max out the investment accounts. Thank you for watching!

[@rubymartin9139]

Subscribed after a minute of watching you. Very natural, funny, and talks no nonsense.

[@THEJENNIFERCOOK]

Aww thank you Ruby! Welcome!!!

[@peted6769]

Thank you for this, as I have always known this but like the rest of us to lazy to act on it to stop and think through our spending habits like a list for food shopping and standing by that list as its to easy (lazy) to just impulse grab that food and top tip eat before you go helps too. Its top advice here, bravo !

[@ReeceCaruso]

This is so important to be discussing at the moment. Great suggestions, I really enjoyed the video!

[@THEJENNIFERCOOK]

Thank you Reece!

[@kittenmixer812]

Amazing video! Thanks for sharing. Subscribed!

[@dawnt5587]

Couponing will save you way more than you think. It’s not just cutting a coupon out of the paper and using it on a product. But watch out. It becoming addicting.😀 Also, everyone is different but I wouldn’t suggest high carb meals. Pasta, breads, cereals and other processed foods are bad for you if it is the majority of your diet.

[@vivianstidham9596]

New to your channel. Heck yea, I subscribed! Love your topics, common sense approach and motivation tips. Society teaches us the wrong things! My grandparents taught me alot about faith, family and friends. I look back and I am amazed at their way of life! The older generation gets smarter the older we get ! Will DEFINATELY keep watching. God bless!

[@THEJENNIFERCOOK]

Thank you Vivian! Welcome!

[@margal3120]

New to your channel! Great tips! I like how you say you’re more willing to make bigger meals for leftovers of the leftovers you want to eat! 👍🏻😎 genius! Shows you take tips and can fashion them to suit your lifestyle. Did you know homemade Mac n cheese tastes better the 2nd or 3rd days though? Lol it’s true. My 15-yo knows how to make it and it’s amazing!

[@yashodaacharya]

Loved this video......very useful... Liked the 'no spend day' challenge Will certainly try it...

[@zoilacruz1843]

I agree with all your points, they work 😌

[@traskstoneworks]

We paid our first house off in three years, took my whole paycheck from three months at sea put it on the mortgage, bought the next house rented out the first put the rent from the second and more than 50% of our paychecks on that mortgage, paid that one off in 5 years. We just kept that up, our son went to seven different schools. Not a happy life for him, he'll get it all when we pass!

[@mariasinclair9718]

I think investing in yourself is a great idea 💡 😊 Love your work Jennifer May the good Lord continue to shine bright in your work

[@macadamianutball7534]

Love this !! Your so funny !! My new favorite

[@suzyfoster623]

Great ideas..I had to share on Facebook..!! Thank you 🙂

[@investingwitha-aron8055]

Liked and subscribed. "Live humble" is my motto. Keep up the good work !!!

[@THEJENNIFERCOOK]

Thank you so much!

[@melissahodges3511]

Groceries for our family of 6 is more than our mortgage. Working on it.

[@THEJENNIFERCOOK]

You are trying to be intentional which is the first step! I know you can do it. I have a video coming out tonight with a few more money saving tips that can be used at the grocery store.

[@rachelpowers3975]

Also look at Jordan Page for tips about feeding a large family on a budget!

[@FreedomofSpeech865]

I can literally eat soup everyday, any season . I prefer veggie soups

[@njoolong]

Love frugal living games. Just bought cheap Costco brand laundry soap...not sure if we'll like it but willing to try. So much cheaper than other options. Mortgage free and loving it!! 💪🏻

[@THEJENNIFERCOOK]

We have loved it! I just did a video on Costco purchases. Thank you for watching!

[@riahwhipple5654]

You can make your own laundry soap. Even cheaper and works great.

[@sandrataylor8708]

I make my own laundry soap and its so much better for ur clothes and wallet...plus ur clothes smell clean not like a bunch of flowers or perfumes

[@Living-A-Green-Life]

@@sandrataylor8708 would you please share how you make it? Thanks!

[@inea-fijourney22]

thank you for the tips! Im on a debt free journey as well. Some.of this will be helpful. just found you channel liked and subscribed!! Another FI pursuer here🙋🏾‍♀️

[@THEJENNIFERCOOK]

Yay! FI! Thank you for watching!

[@kimdavies9364]

Thank you so much for doing this!

[@THEJENNIFERCOOK]

Thank you so much for watching and taking the time to comment!

[@dianecarreon5049]

Love no spend days ♥️ Great video

[@amandamockler3209]

Jennifer, THANK YOU SO MUCH for sharing your thoughts and tips. I'm INSPIRED to implement and restructure my life!

[@THEJENNIFERCOOK]

Amanda, thank you! ❤️

[@AskArianne]

Great tips!

[@staciethomas1403]

Thank you, just what I needed. I loved your messages

[@THEJENNIFERCOOK]

Thank you so much for watching and taking the time to comment!

[@josephin521]

I always buy store brand but one day my husband bought a high end brand name of canned diced tomatoes and I found to my dismay that they were much lower quality than the store brand. Surprise, surprise ...

[@southlondonreseller389]

Good solid tips

[@spikeycat81]

When me and the two people i live with have a roast chicken dinner once a month we use the leftovers to make sandwiches the next day and the carcass and scraps make 7x 400ml soups for lunches in work. The bones that we throw out are tiny.

[@marymigadakis5990]

Due to our Orthodox religion,we dont eat meat on Wednesdays and Fridays.

[@lmlmlmlm7627]

Same - as a Catholic. Not mandatory, but recommended:)

[@Cosmo26271]

Excellent video !

[@WalkinBrazil]

Nice video!

[@thechriswrobelexperience1809]

Great video, I have been off work because of a concussion for 9 months, iam now back on track to spend so much less, great video, new subscriber thanks for the great advice!

[@THEJENNIFERCOOK]

Oh my gosh! That is a tough recovery. Wishing you good health! Thank you for watching and taking the time to comment! Happy New Year!

[@agenteducateur]

Lovely video and vibe. I really enjoyed watching you. You’re real and relatable.

[@THEJENNIFERCOOK]

Thank you so much for saying that! I really appreciate it.❤

[@agenteducateur]

@@THEJENNIFERCOOK I gladly subscribed. Keep making that great content. Hugs from Romania!

[@THEJENNIFERCOOK]

@@agenteducateur Romania! Hugs to you!

[@tammiesheesley2045]

We buy a whole cow and boxes of chicken from our local farmers and have meals for months!!

[@delmahermosillo9300]

Where do you get your whole cow from? I'm from California

[@jenniferdavis9479]

We meal prep bi-weekly and shop bi-weekly. We usually have to get milk and bread in between each trip.

[@melissai4798]

Bread machine around 70 pounds and a bag of flour 16kg costs around 19pounds... endless pizza bases, breads, baps etc. No plastic on bread less rubbish too! Cheaper in long run x

[@candicedennis3940]

We buy extra sandwich bread at Aldi for a little over $1 a loaf, and stick these in the freezer. They defrost nicely on the counter after a few hours.

[@dipaknadkarni62]

The power of compounding. As Einstein said it is the eighth wonder of the world.

[@liliamrodriguez3020]

Great video

[@catslove3884]

Hmmm guessing you are saying "meal" but to my Canadian ears it sounds like "mill". Just discovered your channel today and am binging on it.

[@nancymarcoux2297]

Great video ☺️

[@THEJENNIFERCOOK]

Thank you Nancy! I appreciate you taking the time to watch.

[@shelbygreen3404]

Interesting 😊😮

[@biancakorva6085]

You need to invest for retirement too paying down your mortgage is great but you lose out of a lot of gain if u don’t do both at the same time

[@THEJENNIFERCOOK]

Hi Bianca, 100% agree. We are also investing in retirement at the same time.

[@patriciagilder3482]

@@THEJENNIFERCOOK love your channel.i got so much stuff I could get rid of.I think I'm go into do a yard sale.on my cloth from when I had the gastric sleeve.keep up the good work

[@TrustyDreams]

You know a easy way to budget if your weekly paycheck changes? Great video and will subscribe for more information

[@THEJENNIFERCOOK]

Matt I believe trying to find an average based on historical data as well as ensuring your are conservative in your projection of the income. I hope that helps! Thank you for watching!

[@afrikurl]

I used to have a fluctuating income, I would budget based on my minimum expenses. Anything above that would go to savings and for future expenses. I used to put 150 dollars aside in those months.

[@ashleyhudson6888]

What do you typically eat in a day and do for exercise

[@lindsayjones1359]

Hang clothes on a drying rack, or outside. It saves electric and good exercise.

[@lizgetsloaded9140]

Meal planning should be a goal of mine! I'm terrible at this.

[@THEJENNIFERCOOK]

Liz, I have a video coming out soon on how I meal plan. You can do it! I try to make it quick and simple.

[@lizgetsloaded9140]

@@THEJENNIFERCOOK Okay I am subscribed so I will see it! We tend to just make the same 3 or 4 things again and again.

[@vickiehart3707]

Beans to chili to nachos or chili Mac.

[@akajiblubb2401]

very nice video

[@THEJENNIFERCOOK]

Thank you so much for watching and taking the time to comment!

[@monikadoyle-realtor9559]

Great tips as always!! Same age as you and yes it took my mid thirties before I loved and accepted myself. Geez that’s a long time!! Now raising up a teenage daughter and trying my earnest to teach her to love herself and not be influenced by social media. Curious ….you mention that you do meditation and yoga…any specific channels you follow? I used to practice many years ago but the cost of going to a studio is so expensive and we aren’t in a place to allow that expense.

[@THEJENNIFERCOOK]

Hi Monika, Yes, I love yoga on KZbin. My favorite is Yoga with Kassandra. She has some of the best short 10-minute yin practices.

[@sharlenemonson8964]

Wonderful content. Just wish your videos were 10 minutes or less so I could watch them more often.

[@THEJENNIFERCOOK]

Sharlene, my newer videos are less than 10 minutes. Thank you for watching!

[@constancekang9914]

Take outs become so expensive now days! UberEat is crazy expensive!

[@blciffa]

Master list of meals sounds like a fun video if you didn’t make it already

[@magomago7819]

My starbucks drinks come from my points I earn from paying with my Starbucks credit card, plus all the person that come with the card.

[@susanfudge1737]

If your income provides a tax deferred retirement plan, always max out. Paying less in taxes is free money.

[@sophiawolthof1238]

👍👍👍

[@jessicarogers9420]

Waiting for an idea I can use. Lol. We go out to eat maybe once a year, no vacations, no donuts. What else is there to cut?

[@KathleenJean53]

Learn new useful skills, basic home fixes. I shingled the garage, helped the mason by carrying bricks to reduce cost, reupholstered a fabulous piece of used furniture. There is free education online or adult night classes, post Covid.Also barter with friends, family and neighbors. Baby sit or pet sit for some for the same in return, help paint their house and they can help with yours. Be very creative, yard raking party, putting up a shed or fence or plantings, working on a garden with someone more knowledgeable is much more fun than doing by yourself, are you good with computers, help or share all post Covid of course. My neighbor was so thankful when all I did was plug in her printer! The giving is rewarding and any getting is great.

[@Kindlelover88]

With the pandemic it’s easy not to go out. I was spending $150.00 - $200.00 on dying my hair and cuts every 8 weeks. This whole last year I’ve cut my husbands hair and I am not dying mine I just wear a baseball cap when I go out. I think we can continue to do this for one more year until it goes back to normal around November/December 2021. I also this year did not buy any clothes we are using what we have and it’s easy since we don’t really go out. Second we canceled the gym and work out at home. We called our car insurance and got them to refund and reduce our insurance since we don’t really drive much any more. No nails, no pedicure, no shopping after Christmas 50% off sales. I am using my saved Christmas bags or sending gift cards. No Broadway tickets, no concerts, no downloading movies or music, and we are not buying books. I am reading what I have, trading with friends and going to the library. We’ve refinanced twice this year dropping it to 2.65%. I am a huge crafter and am not buying anything this last year and this year 2021 but using what I have or packaging up stuff I no longer use and swapping with friends so I can have new to me stuff for free. I am journaling more which is super satisfying. Journaling prompts with supplies I already have or starting up a pen pal list which is pretty free and fun. All this is contingent upon being able to work from home and still get your regular pay. We only have Netflix, we let Hulu go, we have Disney + for free (6 months) but I have it written down to cancel early so we are not charged. Hope some of this helps.

[@traskstoneworks]

Jessica, read my comments and how we did it! basically retired at 50 owning 6 homes all free and clear.

[@stephwofford6811]

What do you suggest for online purchases if I were to throw away my credit card?

[@loriannparent5351]

You can get a pre paid credit card with a set limit (ie:$50) for online purchases

[@sherrymace8632]

You save money for buying an Amazon gift card.