October Budget. Income, savings & living costs.

I go through our October budget step by step to show you our savings in sinking funds & longterm savings.
Frugal Queen in France
Like the menu board & Budget Book? We have now started Amazon Affiliate Links its available here:
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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/
FaceBook / frugalqueeni. .
Instagram / frugalqueen. .
Twitter / batt_jane
Equipment used
Camera : iPhone
Editing : iMovie on a Mac mini
Music:
Audionautix is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. creativecommons.org/licenses/...
Artist: audionautix.com/
Some Sound from Zapsplat.com
KZbin Audio Library
Apple iMovie*

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

In each video we share that we're thrifty, frugal and live off a super tight budget. Every one who lives off a zero balance budget knows at the beginning of every month where every penny is going to go. A loose budget is where you don't know. Budget and income is not the same. If you watch Dave Ramsay's phone ins, you'll know there's callers with really high incomes and no budget and what Dave Ramsay's team does to help is to put them in a super tight budget where there's no waste and easy unplanned spending ends there and then. Living on a super tight budget doesn't mean someone doesn't have enough money, it means someone has planned all their long term savings, sinking funds, discretionary spending and living costs. Thanks for watching.

[@karencobley1862]

i am 70 and always skrimpted and saved but after watching you for a while i have reassessed how i look at budgeting - interesting and very helpful - no longer just putting a bit aside - i am actually targeting my " put a sides " into specific areas - thank you

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks for watching

[@mjrdedhed]

I plan to adopt a senior cat very soon. Instead of purchasing pet insurance I plan to increase my savings to cover her vet care. She's already had an exam, she's been vaccinated and her first vet visit is covered by the shelter.

[@markhedger6378]

Well done for giving the old moggy a loving home, you might like to look at the BARF diet for cats as this will definitely improve her health so avoiding vet bills , best wishes to you, kind person

[@vickiewilkins1579]

Check with your vet to see if they offer pet insurance. This way you won't have to only pay for emergencies. I have pet insurance for my 3 fur babies through their vet which includes exam, shots, and labs. Plus one emergency visit.

[@tonideluca8569]

Thank you Jane and Mike for another great video. I am mortgage and debt free. Lost my husband four and a half years ago so going at this alone and your videos are inspiring ❤️

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

I’m sorry for your loss.

[@withoutlimitsbudgets]

I would definitely say you’re better off than some other people to the fact that, taken in consideration, your debt and mortgage, free or others are living on this amount of money, and having to pay off debt and mortgage payments

[@AlicePhillips-jc7hr]

I love all your videos, but your budget ones are my favorites. They reinforce what good stewardship really boils down to. Thank you.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Glad you like them!

[@patmartin9727]

Totally agree the budget videos make me rethink my budget. Sometimes I don’t need to change anything, other times I tweak mine. I have to say I also love the cookery videos as well. I don’t learn as much but they are interesting and they do get me out of a rut with my meal planning because seeing Jane cooking makes me want to try the meals.

[@bridgetannanelson6921]

I have been shocked to recently discover our sinking funds and daily living costs are now equal to money in. Food is extortionate and everything is going up. Scary times, but with help from you both, I feel a lot more able to save with no spend weeks and negotiating better deals. This process has been a real eye opener!

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Sorry to hear that and happy to help if we can

[@adoptedscot]

My one extravagance is getting my hair coloured at the hairdressers - can give up clothes, facials , nails any other beauty stuff but hair is non negotiable 😄

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

You don’t have to give up anything if you can budget for it.

[@loydacoulombe1397]

I am the same way!!!

[@lawyerina305]

Same

[@adoptedscot]

@@FrugalQueeninFrance yes put it in our budget, hubby’s is his golf membership.

[@LorettaNance]

Same!

[@talkintime]

I'm so glad I found this channel this year and finally understand that budgetting is not a punishment. 🎉

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

We agree n that. A budget gives us permission to spend.

[@margretbrzoza8297]

Hello I applaud the store ' Carrefour"for inrtoducing "shrinkflation" to products. Labels are attached to products which have shrunk in size but cost more.. I now keep a book tallying up prices I've paid before and current prices. That's how I have to control my food budget here in my area. '

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

So do I

[@mygoodlife204]

I like that it's handwritten.

[@bunnobear]

I have used a zero based budget for many years and every time I watch your budget videos I learn something new. Thank you :)

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

You are so welcome!

[@mkhuntstreasure3192]

Mike does such an excellent job filming have you ever thought of a second channel featuring “French” items For example when you go on your days out showing more of the countryside, maybe a “day at the bakery “ featuring all the items for sale , etc. I love looking at the fronts of houses, inside churches, gardens and so on.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks for watching. We often feature those examples in our Sunday videos. We don’t share anything we do with other people and we can’t legally film in public if anyone else is there.

[@margaretghirardello5933]

We seniors live Maryland USA we get four thousand three hundred month ,we oay all bills still have house payment we r not rich at all we r frugal we use senior discounts coupons etc etc etc some months r more then others but we do with no help from grown kids no food banks we take care of our selves I ship birthdays Xmas birthdays year round I ship clearance stores with discounts l buy dollar tree lot yard sales over thirty year also get gifts at yardsales brand new tags on them helps i shop all after holidaymsales to we know senniors who seventies older have work homeless rent rms live with kids so we r blessed thankful

[@susansmit307]

It’s because of your explanation I realized we too needed a sinking fund and since June I now put away a certain amount and the peace it has given me knowing the money will be there when it comes to pay eg car insurance next June, property taxes in October, is so freeing. Thank you Jane for all your tips

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks for your feedback

[@seekingtheminimumlevel1830]

Thank you for sharing so much of your lives with us. We budget similarly to you. It is very interesting to see what is more expensive or less expensive in France versus the U.S.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

You are so welcome!

[@lisadawson2652]

Thank you for taking the time to go step by step with us this video is extremely important ❤

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

You are so welcome!

[@howellshq1165]

I find it super helpful as you mention items/lines I may have forgotten about thank you Jayne and Mike

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

You are so welcome!

[@elizabethbertsch3066]

Dolly, thank your mom and dad for me for a great video!🙋🏻‍♀️

[@guyal2332]

I can't wait till you go over the 30,000 subscriber mark.....you two deserve it! Keep up the excellent and clearly useful work you do on behalf of viewers, Jane and Mike!!!

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thank you very much!

[@abidashah4943]

Thank yoy for sharing ❤ 🙏. Great saving budget plan .I 👏 👍 👌. Old fashion way writing ✍ itdown on paper 📃 👌 ♥ 🎶 👍 😀

[@judyland-obrien4259]

Your budget is simple and effective...always the secret for success! Thanks for your "clear speak" explanations, Jane!

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

You are so welcome!

[@lesleywilson2481]

Thank you Jane and Mike for your latest budgeting video. You make, what can seem to be a daunting task, sensible, straightforward and easy to replicate. My only problem is sticking to it! Xx

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

I believe in you.

[@sharronmahoney3945]

Another brilliant blog. I’m on my 4th month of a zero budget. And l found it a game changer. And my saving are looking good.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

That's brilliant

[@bookmagicroe9553]

Our medical premiums, car insurance, house insurance are way higher here. We budget, but need a higher income to start with. USA

[@barbhuber7502]

No kidding they are higher! I’m in a suburb of Dallas, TX. Our combined water and electric bill last month was $900 and we water wisely and keep our thermostat near 80. My husband and I are retired, we spend a pretty similar amount on food. Every other category is higher though. Our medical premiums are 500$ for supplemental coverage as Medicare does not pay for everything. We have to pay for eye care and dental out of pocket.

[@bunnobear]

Same here in Australia, eye watering costs

[@bookmagicroe9553]

@@barbhuber7502 : my husband has heart trouble, mild diabetes, had radiation for prostate cancer last year and his premiums went up to $419 a month during 2023. Then there was a premium for Part D drugs for $28. There is no dental coverage or vision coverage, so those bills are paid by us. My premiums are much lower, but my copays, and maximum out of pocket is high.

[@wyldlibrarian3549]

thanks again. Not a huge budgeter myself but you inspire me to get organised. I am frugal even if I dont budget. I live on so little ... not eating meat ( a personal choice) helps enormously as you know - lentils, beans, tofu etc are very cheap! Love your channel Jane - i love to imagine living in france and i get to live vicariously through you 2.

[@sharonmcgee8178]

I found from watching I need to put aside money for having my hair done, also for my dog.

[@patmartin9727]

Another great video Jane and Mike. I love the budgeting videos I find they make me look very closely at my own budget and may encourage me to tweak my own.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks so much for your feedback and support

[@lorikorstanje2964]

very interesting the difference between Canada and where you live!

[@traceyelliott2902]

❤❤❤ thanks for explaining this so well each time! I'm starting to get the hang of strict budgeting, and I'm so happy!

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

You are so welcome!

[@bridgetannanelson6921]

We find these budgeting videos so useful and helping us to save in all kinds of ways Thank you!

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thank you for your feedback

[@deborahlewis3954]

I appreciate when you share your budget with us, thank you

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks for watching

[@sheilahughes3561]

Am looking forward to this Jane! Have just finished doing my October budget!

[@elizabethcoates3024]

Thank you so much for going over all of the details. It has me double checking my sinking funds plan for 2024. My plan begins December 1st for 2024, and our 3 no spend months begin with the new budget. We will do 3 months, but I hope to make it 4.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Good for you and I will be right behind you cheering you on

[@belindacopson2390]

Thanks for sharing Jane. Very inspiring for October!

[@mariedamon5655]

Hi Jane and Mike. We just got caught out with money and no savings to help.our dog prescious she was 15 yrs old she had to be put to sleep .broke our hearts we knew how much the bill rould br to have her put to sleep the urn and cremation but we forgot you get vat on top so we managed just to get ell this and get it payed but we were without any thing for a few weeks so that gave us a big wake uo call .the company was amazeibg sent us a card after asking how we are doing and if need any one to talk to they are there but when I got the urn out I found a card with a lovely message and a packet of for get me not seeds whag a lovely touch .I was so emotional so I'm planting them in memorie of a beautiful dog.and now going to take a leaf from your book.and save a bit x

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

I’m so sorry for your loss

[@mariedamon5655]

@@FrugalQueeninFrance thank you x

[@heatherj3030]

This was helpful! We have our savings in one account, but I haven't separated it out into different categories like you do, and between taking our first longer vacation this last summer, major car repairs and slow times at my husband's work, I've been feeling a little discouraged about seeing the savings go down. He always has slow times in the summers, but it's hard to see it go down so quickly. I think the sinking funds will help me get over the mental aspects of this. I'm definitely doing a no spend October this year.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Happy to help

[@user-zl4rr1ic7w]

Dear Dolly, Please tell your Mum and Pop "Thanks" for the video and keeping me on track with a spending plan. I need to start my October right now. Judy

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks Judy.

[@carolined3058]

In the my forcast of 2024 I'm going to implement the way you calculate the saving for the sinking fund ; good idea

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks for watching and your feedback

[@juliemoore6957]

Thank you for explaining everything so simply and clearly! My husband and I are making our retirement plans, and we'll be doing a similar version of your plan. You are a great teacher, Jane! ❤

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks so much for watching and your feedback

[@susanjacks8830]

As always great video Jane & Mike! I always enjoy the budgeting videos.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

So glad!

[@user-pp6do9cr3k]

This should be taught in schools as not all parents share their budgets with their children or even do a budget well or at all!

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks so much

[@jabow1878]

Now that I know watching the commercials helps, I’m happy to do it. Thank you for sharing your process. Ours is much the same.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks so much for your support

[@jacquelinehenry3211]

Thank tou Jane for your brillant🎉 ideas.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

You are so welcome!

[@booboo-ly6zn]

Thanks Jane and Mike great video.x

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Our pleasure!

[@sheila1013]

Hi Jane and Mike. I budget in a similar way. So much easier to keep track of both monthly and annual living costs. 🤗

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

It really is!

[@janetstraw191]

👏👏👏SO well thought out, Jane! Most helpful - thank you! 🙋‍♀️🥰🇺🇸‼️

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Happy to help

[@katherinekeon7034]

This is GREAT.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks so much

[@user-tm5kc8oq4y]

Hi, thank you so much.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thank you too

[@traciehall9526]

love watching your channel 😊😊. from Mississippi

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@user-db1nu2nv3j]

Thank you very helpful

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Glad it helped

[@rhondacromer1474]

Very informative.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Glad it was helpful!

[@debrabeal1522]

Brilliant budgeting! 👏

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks so much

[@loydacoulombe1397]

Loving your breakdown and love your monthly budgeted amount. Our health insurance monthly is a thousand dollars...

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Ouch, sorry to hear that

[@jonnaborosky8836]

Mine is a lot less than yours at $339.

[@TheLongRunwithJoelandChristy]

Great share, Jane 👍

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks for watching

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Many thanks!

[@adan9850]

Love your channel. You remind me so much of a very dear friend here in the States and her name is Jane too!

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Oh thank you!

[@Spot4art]

You sound like you have a cold! Take care of you.❤️ we are retired as well and we pay all expenses and sinking funds from our SS (USA) 3000.00/month. We have a retirement fund disbursement yearly and keep money in savings so if something bigger than sinking funds comes up we have it in cash. We never carry consumer debt. But I keep a close eye on every category in our savings/ sinking funds. It has been working smoothly. All our accounts are linked and it is easy to keep everything straight. 👍

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

I haven't. That's my voice. Thanks for watching. Thanks for sharing your budget too.

[@margaretghirardello5933]

We also refianacedmour townhouse twice still have equity in our home been here thirty seven years last time we refianaced so we updated our home

[@sophiawolthof1238]

👍👍👍

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks for watching

[@barbaracarbone4658]

Hi from New York 🗽

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Welcome!!

[@ashleybosvik3031]

What works for me is I pay all my bills and then I take a certain amount of money out of my account and that's what I use

[@alicematthews2599]

Thank you, Jane. I always enjoy your videos. I have always been super frugal and I am now trying to encourage myself to be more targeted with my savings. I have 'enough' long-term savings and I want to focus on saving for things that will improve my quality of life as a debt-free early retiree. I enjoy quilting and sewing too. Where do you fit fabric into your budget?

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Fabric comes from my personal discretionary spending money of 50€ a month. Thanks for watching.

[@alicematthews2599]

Thanks, Jane.

[@sheilahoness-dd9ws]

Hi Jane and Mike, hope you are doing good

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

You too!

[@ibislife]

Do you roll over the money from one year to the next, in the same category, or do you use the money on upgrades on your home for example?

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

We often roll our discretionary money into our savings if we haven’t used it or we roll it over for three months then spend it. We save money for a couple of years and then spend it on a big project.

[@momof2momof2]

Your home insurance really surprised me. Your insurance will pay to rebuild your entire home only paying them 22 euros a month? Does that include the cost of everything inside of your home? You might want to look over your insurance policy for this and inquire about it.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

That will replace everything in my house and rebuild it like for like. Our insurance is very low as our houses and roofs are solid stone, theft or damage is unlikely.

[@donnasaganek3641]

Very helpful but i almost fell off my chair when i see what you pay for Internet and car insurance....ours here in Michigan are at least 4 times that amount!!! Other expenses are pretty similar to yours but those two really stood out!!

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Sorry to hear that and thanks for watching. The internet is for 2 providers in case one drops out. It could be half that and the price includes TV and all European calls too

[@helenhartley6904]

Hi Jane, your costs are very different to ours, for instance our house insurance is $280 Aussie dollars per month! Q, is your dentist covered by your health fund?

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Our dentist is covered by our carte vitale for everything but cosmetic which is our socialized medicine.

[@rubyred8845]

Jane can I ask what do you do with roll over money ie, from grocery shopping or fuel?

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Keep it in my current account. Thanks for watching z

[@luba-healthywithluba6866]

Thank you, Jane! For a varying income, would you budget based on the lowest possible income and save the rest?

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Each month is a new budget. Ours is variable with a 500€ minimum to maximum difference. Each month’s budget is different. I hope that helps.

[@luba-healthywithluba6866]

@@FrugalQueeninFrance Yes, it does. Thank you, Jane! 💐

[@annebremer8011]

Mine is professional manicures and pedicures. I an insulin-taking diabetic and need to have them professionally done. One can lose a finger or a toe very easily to infection.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

So important

[@margaretghirardello5933]

Your phone Internet so cheap