Over Spender Gone Frugal

[@NessaRossini...]

Instead of binge spending on stuff, I'm binging on watching your videos. I'm learning so much. 🥰

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Love that!

[@luba-healthywithluba6866]

Thank you for your encouragement to be frugal in a society that constantly bombards us with buying the newest gadget or style of clothing!

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks Luba

[@seekingjoynow1722]

This was interesting because I thought you were always frugal. Never thought you were ever a spender. I've been binge watching you the past couple of days. I'm a retired nurse who was a spender too. Living in California I've had to really watch my expenses. Your channel is a lifeline for me.. Keep sharing your wisdom.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks

[@stacel1972]

I spun on that wheel for years, working 60 hours plus to pay for my house and car. It was insanity. So much happier now in my 500 sq. ft home in a rural area (on 2 acres). I drive an older model vehicle. Debt free. Thank you for continuing to create relevant content!

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks very much for watching

[@Dutch_Gonneke]

Here another spender gone frugal 🙋‍♀️ Hello from Amsterdam 🌷

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Welcome

[@123narky]

I was one that followed your Frugal Queen blog and it was you that started me on my own journey. I had a 3 year old little boy when I started absorbing your terrific advice. That little boy is now a 16 year old strapping lad. It’s down to you Jane that I’m in a good steady and not to mention debt free financial situation. You’ve been my financial and lifestyle teacher for many years now - thank you so much for all that you do.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

That's lovely. Thanks very much for sharing.

[@nancytrent4482]

Jane, thank you so much for your sincere honesty. I came out of a bad marriage in 2002 with over $30,000 in debt. I found Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace at my church and began to pay off my debt. It took quite a few months, but I did it and have learned so much from my money mismanagement. I now am retired and live a very frugal life and enjoy my peace and comfort. Your honesty about previous money mistakes helps so many people understand we can overcome. You and Mike are the real thing. Thanks for your videos and encouragement.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks for sharing

[@pamelawalton1255]

It's also about knowing when enough is enough for yourself personally and about appreciating what you have I have a small static caravan I bought 20 odd yrs ago second hand and it's always been a place of fun and enjoyment, my children and grandchildren have spent their holidays growing up there, it isn't brandspank but its well cared for and as cute as a button. I often admire the new ones and sometimes think I'd like a new one but in all honesty I don't think I would ever buy one because I understand that what I already have is enough for my needs.

[@garygnagey3569]

My Mom taught me to go to the most expensive store in town and find your style, incorporating classics. Then start at the least expensive store in town and move up until you find that style with good construction, in a price that works for your budget and that you will be satisfied with! It always worked for me!

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Sounds great

[@pattimcd3177]

Smart Mom

[@amberatartimec2564]

what a fantastic idea!! I shall think on this. Thanks.

[@lat1419]

That also worked for us too. We have been serial renovators, but kept to budgets but still got the style we wanted.

[@katehorrell8732]

I have a friend that I swap clothes with, which saves us both TONS of money. I can say I haven't bought any new clothes in years. We also swap pictures for the house n furniture, appliances etc, a little bit of everything. I have been on a NO spend year, that I started July of last yr n I have saved almost $4000 in a yr. I never had saved that much money EVER, n I like to Thank you n Mike for making that happen with all ur wonderful ideas. Look forward to all ur video's every week

[@gailm1230]

I don't know how to express it, but I'd like 'people' to question "normal"/"mainstream". We've been fed/programmed into thinking that 'fun' is a vacation away from home, that eating out is expected, that one is boring if you just stay home, that home should be- as you say "a wow factor". Instead home should be 'homely', comfortable, safe, filled with comfort food, and a place to relax. I won't relax if I have to leave home and stay in a hotel, or drive somewhere everyday. And if I'm not mainstream, I consider it a complement.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks for watching

[@lynnoorman2144]

Totally agree, home should be a place of comfort and sanctuary.

[@LorettaNance]

Great video. As a former overspender I can relate to the idea of having to have "the best", now I want quality for my hard earned money. Five months into my no spend year and I am loving the freedom of not acquiring more stuff just for the sake of having more.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks Loretta

[@sharonmcgee8178]

When you know better, you do better!😊

[@janetstonerook4552]

I was a dupe for expensive perfumes and makeup....until i hit middle aged and moved to the country. I would be so overheated that my makeup would run off my face. And the mosquitos just loved my expensive perfume! So i spend very little on these things anymore.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

I like fragrance, but it has to be under 10€ and it lasts nearly a year

[@sarahbannon4752]

@@FrugalQueeninFrance I love Aldi’s perfumes, and if I want a small bottle of my favourite expensive stuff, which lasts me years, as I use it sparingly, I buy a part used bottle off of eBay, saves a ton of money!

[@susanjacks8830]

Yes we too were overspenders. 3 credit card bills every month. Hubby working 2 jobs and I was working. I got so fed up with the rat race. I borrowed the videos from Financial Peace University (Dave Ramsey) and we began our baby steps. It was an eye opener. That Christmas I bought our kids Dave Ramsey's book Total Money Makeover. Both kids began their journey. The next Christmas my son went to Nashville, Tennessee with his wife and met Dave Ramsey and had him sign my book. Today we are almost debt free. I am paying down the last bits on our vehicle and will then tackle our mortgage. We are getting there one day at a time. I smiled about the Coco Chanel perfume. Just last week someone told me I should buy it. When I looked at the $140 price tag I refused. I am doing well without it. Thank you Jane! Best video yet!!!

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks for sharing your story

[@laetitialogan2002]

Oh yes indeed..as we get older..we certainly get wiser...

[@sheilahughes3561]

I am more frugal than I used to be but I still spend too much sometimes! This week my husband is on holiday and we are staying in and getting work done in the garden and the house!

[@lorrainehunter5646]

Frugality offers peace off mind. That is priceless

[@patmartin9727]

Another great video Jane and Mike. I think most of us got caught up in the spent 2000’s but in my case not for long. My husband was more of a keeping up with the jones than me. In the lat 1980’s he got made redundant and had to become self employed. We soon found self employment meant fewest or famine. I quickly learnt to fill the panty and the freezer when there was extra money. If he knew money was tight he would cut back on his spending as he didn’t like debt thankfully. As he never went food shopping he didn’t realise I had bought extra to put by for lean times. As time went on I managed to RETRAIN his financal thinking thank goodness.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Good for you Pat

[@LeannsAdventures]

Most of the furniture I have are second hand. Just give it some fresh paint and it's like brand new.

[@charlotterice7418]

Gosh I remember the 'work place expectation' was clothes from Boden and Joules and then drinking in posh wine bars after work. Basic clothes were Next and Monsoon. I couldn't afford it then and I felt quite the failure at the time. Your worth is not stuff and stuff anyone who can't see your true worth I say. I am also concerned about over consumption for the planet, it just all seems so silly just pursuing possessions as a marker of your own success.I ask myself what does success and happiness actually look like? I have been happy in the end just trotting along my own path,most of my possessions are second hand and I rather like the boho nature of my home. With the help of the original frugal queen blog I paid off my mortgage at 44 and reduced my work hours. Much prefer that to Boden or Joules top

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

The paid off mortgage is awesome

[@charlotterice7418]

@@FrugalQueeninFrance thanks for all your help over the years it's been very valuable. Also realising that there is a community of others out there who want to live in the same.way as you do has just been fab

[@79delia]

Jane, you have a talent to explain rather complicated things in simple stories, your teaching experience is showing. I am frugal by nature, ''less is more'' works well for me. Never liked the mall experience, I prefer small shops. The first thing I consider when buying anything is maintenance., it has to be reasonably easy & unexpensive to clean or repair. Thank you for the inspiration!

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks very much

[@jodihiller4506]

We have made all of the same mistakes you have and many more! Thank goodness we have seen the light and changed our lives to the better. Life is just so much more enjoyable and much less rushed. Take care.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks Jodi

[@bradlafferty]

“Less rushed” sounds like an additional motivation to keep refining my frugal lifestyle! Thanks for sharing that!

[@nicoleholding]

I remember paying off my $5000 credit card debt many years ago and asked the bank to cancel the card. Well, they did everything int heir power to try and keep me using that card. I cracked it in the end and asked the girl was it her ambition in life to have me in perpetual debt and how could she live with herself. Finally got it cancelled and have never had a credit card again.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Good for you!

[@jonnaborosky8836]

When I worked in an office, I overspent on work clothes and hair cuts. I bought one suit of jacket, skirt and pants. It was around $300. The pants and skirt had to be hemmed, but I never got around to that. I literally donated it after I retired with the tags still on it. That was terrible! I went shopping at a thrift shop once and saw a pair of pants I liked and saw they still had the tag on them. I got closer and realized I had donated them!! I could have bought them twice! I have very thin, fine hair so that every hair counts! It was hard to find a hairdresser who could make my hair look good. I found one in a shop that had locations in London, Paris, New York and D.C. I lived in D.C. The haircut and stylings were $80, and at that point, the regular tip would be $16, so I went ahead and tipped $20. That was 30 years ago. I waited a very long time in between haircuts, but that's what I paid. Talk about overspending!! But, I learned fast. I'd shopped at thrift stores for years before that and went right back to it. I waited almost 6 months in between haircuts. I stopped using expensive make-up started using fragrance samples. That halted my overspending. Other than that one time, I've lived very frugally. I did buy one new car, 17 years ago. I'm still driving it. I've decided it should live between 21 and 25 years... we'll see! When I got my first smart phone, it was $200. That was a ton of money then. I decided it would last at least 5 years. It lasted 5 years and a few months. That's why I think I can "will" my car to last so long. Obviously, I could be entirely wrong, but I'm not allowing myself to think that now! 😁 I've also "invested" in shoes in the past. I needed the most well built shoes possible to work as a nurse. I only had a work pair, a black pair, sandals and a brown pair... because they cost SO much, but they truly were the most well built shoes I'd ever encountered. I have them repaired and new insoles put in and they are continually like new. I bought classical designs at the time so they remain wearable. If I told you how long, people might fall off their chairs in disbelief! I always take care of things to keep them looking as new as possible for the longest possible time. Let's leave it at that! 😊 OK, I think this is enough of a book for now! Thanks for being patient with me!

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks for sharing

[@joannedibben2352]

I enjoyed your frugal story thankyou for sharing🌈

[@juliethompson5301]

My wardrobe is full of Monsoon and M&S items ..all from charity shops 😊

[@tinalemna7998]

We were definitely over spenders in the past too. Had to put our big home on the market in April of 2008. We had no idea just how bad it was going to get. Now we live in a small home that is paid for and life is so much better.

[@janeyjohnson6847]

Wow, great video. I too woke up (with more than a little help from your original blog) and realised I could still have all the "nice" things, just bought in a different way. Buying second hand, really good quality things at a fraction of their new price, then looking after them is so more satisfying.

[@sandrashowalter6322]

We moved into a new home in September 2022, and while the bathrooms are dated we decided to give them a good coat of paint, new shower curtains, towels and art! While they are not magazine-worthy we can live with them! It would cost $25k just for 1 bathroom! Ridiculous!

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

That is indeed ridiculous

[@shirley1413]

Great comment, hope you’re enjoying your home❤

[@jdbd60]

You are showing and talking about my favorite perfume Coco Mademoiselle. I love it. I am retired at the moment and only wear it occasionally. This bottle has lasted me for at least 5 years. I have a little left. I have another bottle I received as a retirement gift. It will last me for at least another 5 years. I probably wont purchase it again.Thank you again for a wonderful video.

[@christinerose9648]

oh i do so hope you buy yourself another bottle when it runs out, you can be frugal but if you budget for it or save a bit each week then you could get it especially as its a thing you love

[@alisonhoyte7608]

You do provide a lovely way of putting things, frugal doesn't mean poor I feel so rich but living within our means and very happy for doing this.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks Alison

[@Amanda-pv9kz]

This was a fun one, especially finding out in your previous life that you liked Dior!! :) That stuff really doesn't bring happiness. Thanks for sharing.

[@akkedegroot4883]

Good to hear your spend to less spend&frugal story. I have grown up with pretty frugal parents (5 kids, dad earned the money, mum worked in the home). I was never a big spender, with an occasional splurge. Now i love being frugal. It makes me happy to find a bargain. I save a little bit because i work part time, i value time more then money so it works ok. We are mortgage free, otherwise it would have been tough for us right now.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks for watching

[@jenniferhart8733]

I always remember my grandpa (45 yrs ago😮) pressing 50pence pocket money in my palm and saying..spend half and save half. In adult life I didn’t always do that but now my friend and I talk about in this expensive mad world we live in how cheaply we were able to get things and our latest bargain😊. Thanks J and M for your great advice and honesty.

[@joannewalker7729]

Good morning x i don’t know if you will remember but I got in touch a few years ago to say “we are drowning in debt “ . Your response was so very helpful. We are now on a new course towards being out of debt and having a healthy amount of collateral in our property through over payments from frugal living. We a truly one of your success stories 🎉 Thank you 🙏

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks very much for sharing this

[@cajunthibs]

This is so uplifting!

[@suematile9078]

Thank you for sharing your life change. I have the opposite problem of often feeling too guilty when I spend. I just try to spend wisely. Wisely might mean to buy better quality of clothes, because they fit me better. Wisely might mean spending food money on some good quality food that we love instead of serving the same old stuff that we are tired of and does not taste good anymore. For example I had been buying Aldi frozen or canned corn. Their quality, their taste is not very good anymore. I use to freeze my own corn which tasted wonderful. Now that I am older and do not have a source of free corn from a farmer's field we have discovered Birdseye brand two colored frozen corn. Mine was better, but this close and much better than Aldi's. Spending is the hard part for me to do.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks for sharing

[@lynnoorman2144]

As a former teacher, i agree, so much of the pressure to look a certain way was absolutely not necessary but was expensive! I too bought classroom resources. And now teachers in the UK have not had a pay rise in line with inflation for years. And, due to shortages, our current government is offering teachers from abroad a £ 10, 000 incentive to work in the uk. Makes my blood boil and im glad to be out of it! I had to be frugal, as a single parent on a teachers salary. We had days out picking wild garlic or blackberries to eek out our foods and i grew what could in our tiny back yard/garden. Therefore my kids grew up frugal too. One of them has never even had an overdraft! ( the other one met a non frugal girl but is now with an expert at second hand shopping! Lol and so is out of debt)

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks for sharing your experience too. It was expensive.

[@cherylT321]

That’s great!

[@lindawhite5006]

Great ideas always worth repeating! You are an inspiration! Thank you for taking your time and sharing with us. 🇺🇸

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks very much

[@ubwaterman]

This is a great video!! very helpful. Thank you Jane! Sher.

[@kenwassonjr.6589]

My wife and I are unafraid to say that we use our credit cards to purchase everything. If a cc company is going to give me a 3-5% rebate, cash back, on my purchases, heck yeah! The key?, be sure the purchases align with your budget, and never carry a balance. Pay it off monthly. We never pay interest, but the cashback return is more than we get from our local bank.

[@suebee1540]

I was an overspender in the 1980's. I was making an astounding wage and I had the high rise apartment in a good neighbourhood they the best furniture I could find. I had my hair cut and coloured every 5 weeks and I had my porcelain nails redone every week. I went for double tanning sessions and bought all my clothes from Le Chateau. I went to the best restaurants and was in the nightclub every night. It makes me want to cry, I could have saved all that money.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks so much

[@Lexi-po1ur]

I remember those days of everything had to keep up the appearances...then fell on difficult times (divorce) & had to shop at Charity Shops...I could find needed clothes & household items that didn't break the bank...now living frugal and enjoying it.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

I love It too

[@tsf637]

I actually loved to hear how teachers in the uk dress professionally. I taught in the USA in public and private schools. The public/government run schools have no dress code. It’s quite sad. Sloppy teachers, sloppy kids coming to school in their pajamas! I kid you not! I believe it reflects on our lack of respect for education.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

That's a shame. British school children wear uniforms with blazers and ties. If the children are expected to be smart, the teachers must look the part too.

[@lat1419]

​@@FrugalQueeninFrance Thats so true. I was raised in the 60s woth strict uniform code. It made the transition into the smart dress code for the office unremarkable. I bought good quality clothes and added a new suit twice a year. I still have suits 20 years old in the wardrobe, which I will finally send to the charity shop.

[@quietpeasant]

I had a bit of an epiphany when you were talking about buying supplies, etc. for your classroom. As a former teacher I used to do the same--spent hundreds every year on books and classroom displays that were "expected" and promoted through trainings but weren't completely provided for in the year's classroom budget. What a scam I spent my hard earned money on! As you say, with age comes wisdom--I'm trying hard to train my own children in frugality so they'll hopefully attain their wisdom at an earlier age! Thanks for all you share. Really enjoyed today's video!

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks Wendy

[@margarethoughton6288]

Same in the NHS with some of us, either directly buying patient resources, because it's easier to buy it yourself and cheaper than procured or indirectly through fundraising. Whilst I don't begrudge it, many professionals have in the past supported public provision, and as with Wendy has been a bit of an epiphany x

[@abdullahmirza7714]

Love your channel Jane and Michael.Even though I have always tried to save at least half or more of our income every month but learned to make a weekly budget from you. It feels good to be organised.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks very much

[@berthaowens1588]

another great video. Thank you for taking the time to share your ideas with us. Hope you have a wonderful day.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks very much

[@myliveincolor4211]

Bin dear done that 😂😂Happy to be part of this frugal community now 😊👍

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

You're welcome

[@marypeterson1053]

It's lovely we all got smarter. Being careful with our money is the best gift we can give ourselves and our families.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

It is

[@karenmurtaghyoga9195]

Exactly. Well said.

[@curlytop4625]

Another great video Jane and Mike, with wise words. Thank you for sharing all that you do. How true is it, that with age comes wisdom? You are spot on in your examples and embracing of all things frugal. I too, recognise myself in each pay day spending a fortune on make up and clothes for work. Sheer madness.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks very much

[@adaly5115]

Brilliant midweek chat today, Jane and Mike.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks very much

[@ybois3]

Having had a low income childhood, most of my twenties and 30’s I would buy myself little bits and simple niceties, some luxury items but nothing extreme. I’ve been quite content most of my life. I enjoy the challenge of saving and frugality. It’s fun! 👏🏆💯

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks very much

[@laurinda9009]

Great video. So much truth we can all identify with- the money I used to spend 🙈. Ps I would love to see a photo of you in your high end clothes as a teacher!

[@francescagigli1436]

You're a great example Jane 👏🏻

[@vixxcottage]

Well once I became an adult I spent money. Never taught any type of financial management. Always something more needed. Everyone else had it so I should too. Lots of new clothes and credit cards. I finally came to the conclusion in my 30s that this was ridiculous. All credit cards cut up in 1996. I started noticing how much I wasted. Worked on debt reduction for years. I learned a valuable lesson. Now retired I notice how others spend their money. Went out for a meal recently with others I had worked with some retired some still working. As we were checking out I noted those still working picking up things while waiting candles $20 each. Those of us retired did not spend extra money.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks Vicki

[@laurithomasson6979]

I overspent in my younger days but thankfully as a mature adult I learned better. When we both worked we saved one salary, and used the other for expenses. This really helped when we bought the first house as we could pay for it outright. Now in our second and it is paid off. Our cars are 2010 models, they get us where we need to go. Appliances are 22 years old or if had to be replaced are secondhand, furniture is 30+ years old or IKEA. People look down on IKEA furniture but it is reasonably priced and works for us. Our house is for family and not to impress others. I remember when we were first married we rented a very small gatehouse in an expensive area. One of my friends told me that a lot of people in the expensive houses were house poor. In other words they had the "fancy house" but couldn't afford furniture to put in it. When we get ready to sell this one we will do a new roof, carpet and flooring but for now it is fine for us. After 25 years of abusing my feet while nursing I will spend for the Clarks shoes. I need good, sturdy, waterproof ones for my current job and the Clarks last. Unfortunately, there are no clothes for tall, mature women in the thrift shops near me so I do buy clothes that will last for many years. Thanks for all the encouragement that you give to all of us to stay on the frugal course.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks Lauri

[@rubyred8845]

In our younger days we used to do renting or buy now pay later financing. New cars on finance. Older and wiser now. It's sad to realise how financially silly we were. Also teachers in Australia in Primary Schools and High Schools wear casual clothes now (in public schools)

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks for sharing

[@FaithAnnNB]

I always enjoy hearing how other people have shifted to a different lifestyle. I think it’s more difficult to change to a new way of living/thinking than to have always followed a certain approach to spending. For us, a big chunk of our money always went towards multiple vacations a year and Covid was the force that put a stop to that and I haven’t really missed it.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks for watching

[@johnwilliams6900]

Hello Jane and Mike another very inspiring and interesting talk and you are talking our language - see you Sunday

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks very much

[@Michelle-bw1xg]

I too learn in life and am now more focused on how to allocate my income according to my values. Many years on a very lean budget have trained me to want less and appreciate everything I do buy and have. Needed a pair of work shoes that don't hurt my feet. Found a rare pair of cute women's flats with needed arch support and got store to price match with the manufacturer (store higher) and then used the store coupon. Feet and my wallet are happy.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

That's great

[@sophiawolthof1238]

👍👍👍i learned a lot of you Jane🇳🇱

[@joannahalford5672]

You’re just brilliant. I always tell my other half that Jane and Mike helped me get sensible with money. Love your top by the way, really suits you 🤩

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks very much

[@jodieupton4000]

I love Coco Mademoiselle and ask my husband to buy me a bottle for Christmas every 2 years. I only wear it Sundays and going out. Too expensive for everyday use. I have a cheaper one I wear for work.

[@paulacostello6912]

What a special video. I'd been under the impression that you were always frugal. Your story really struck a chord. I didn't discover frugality until I was 58 and it's changed my life. It's frustrating when I see people close to me living the old life you described -- has to be the best of everything and throw it on your credit card -- but not everyone wants to stop that behaviour. Thank you for sharing this video!

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks for watching

[@cherylT321]

So true. I’m debt free and realized the freedom that brings…I’ve been sending frugal videos to my brother and sister-in-law for years, hoping that it will open their minds…They are always broke yet never seem to get there’s another way to live!

[@guyal2332]

Jane. I have written to you a couple of times recently because I truly enjoy your vlogs. I always love your direct approach, and am convinced that you made a great teacher when you worked outside the home. But this vlog really exceeded the others that I have seen, due in no small part to your sheer honesty in describing your previous life as a teacher. I am eager to understand what factors finally got you to undertake such a dramatic transformation. My hunch is it may have been the crisis of 2008. That certainly affected us! I for one would love it if you would continue exploring this subject....because as you said...many if not most of us are currently doing far more than ever before to economize as much as possible. Your vlogs cheer us on in our challenge. Thanks, Jane and Michael from Mary in Montreal.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks very much

[@gladyschandler6724]

When I was working I would spend money on clothes & accessories. But during Covid-19, there was no need to buy new clothes or shoes, except walking sandals.

[@lat1419]

Someone commented recently that they thought I would have a larger (more ostentatious?) house. Im not sure why they said it tbh, but I've always been happy with modest homes. Even our "modest" house is 4 bed in an expensive area, but we bought it as an absolute wreck, and renovated. It was a cash purchase as it was unmortgageable and uninhabitable. We did have to use more expensive breathable lime paints and rag based wall paper as stone houses have to breathe.

[@MlleLolaBelle]

Thank you for sharing with us your personal story. That’s so motivating. 💐

[@SpatchG]

Great post Jane and Mike. My mother was a teacher so it was very interesting to hear what the work culture in the UK was like for you. New Zealand teachers dress less formally. But she certainly paid for a lot if things for her class out of her own pocket!

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks for watching and commenting

[@clairekuchel-klassen7103]

Thank you once again Jane for your most refreshing video. I think my greatest reflection is to understand that the frugal community does exist and support it's own. I appreciate thst you did include this thought. All the best, Jane & Mike

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks very much

[@katherinerichardson1767]

I love the contribution that you and your community share frugal ideas. Many of the ideas have been greatly appreciated. Thanks

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks very much

[@belindacopson2390]

A very inspiring story, thanks for sharing. I'm sure a lot of people have re-evaluated their spending recently with the cost of living crisis. It's really good to question those commercial pressures to spend on things we don't need.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks very much

[@happydodson6920]

Your story is reasonable and understandable. Good for you for "waking up" and changing your choices!

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks for watching

[@abidashah4943]

Thank yoy frugal queen voice of a angle heart of gold ❤ 👸 bless u and family with joy peace and happiness always keep safe take care love always. Lov watching abs learning 😍. Bless u and Mike 👪 🙏 ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤cant wait fir the next one😊❤❤❤

[@pigletsbank437]

I made mushrooms and leek stirfry, dropped a good dollab of cremefresh in it, I saw it was to thin of a sause so I added some instand potatomash to it and a little milk, turns out to be two meals now with the meatpatty cubes on the side. It somehow becomes a habit.😂

[@bettyhowatt8167]

Another great video!!

[@catladynj]

It's in style to be frugal. Lolol😅

[@teresayager2791]

Love your attitude!

[@kakelinga]

I appreciate your honesty and your willingness to share a part of your life with us. I believe you genuinely want to help others make the changes they need to get their finances under control and have a better quality of life. I think far too many people have no idea how to manage money at all; I was one of those people until I found Dave Ramsey's program. Having a frugal community and mentors are important. It's hard to stay focused at times and it's far to easy to get side tracked. With the economy the way it is, it's essential to get our finances under control or we may end up having to work for the rest of our lives.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks so much

[@karenschumacher9622]

I'm so glad I stumbled across your videos! I hate cooking but have enjoyed watching your batch cooking videos - they've encouraged me to buy a used Instant Pot & try some of your recipes! I love their simplicity! I also love how you champion DIY & learning how to do things yourself - I've recently remodeled a house mostly on my own to rent out. I've learned so much by doing that! Now I can help my grown children with their household projects. I'm an older divorced woman & am using my new found frugality to cut back on work & ease into retirement. You have to choose between time & money - now I'm choosing time. Thank you so much to you & Mike! Best wishes from Illinois!

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks for watching

[@angiechapman9816]

I loved listening to this story. But so glad you are where you are now. Just binge watching your video and will try some recipes. What made me laugh when you bought from Matalan, I've worked for them for 20 years. Keep doing what your doing. Angie 🇬🇧.

[@BrittanyLucy]

Funny, I always liked Clarks but I don't think I realised they were trendy! To me they were t-bar sandals as a kid, Polyveldts as a teenager, and more recently (about 5 years ago!) on a visit to one of their shops in the UK I picked up a pair of their 'unstructured' range on sale, about 30 quid, I think. They're kind of frumpy but have been so comfortable, but then the soles finally split. The first shoe repair place I took them to they were very snooty and said no way, but then I found a lovely old-fashioned one in Dinan and he said he could fix them - for 45 euros, more than they'd cost to buy! I decided to go for it anyway. Meanwhile I discovered you could buy them in France too, and second hand to boot! So I picked up another pair remarkably like the old Polyveldts, a funny chunky pair of court shoes, and a smart-ish pair of black sandals, all Clarks and the whole lot for well under 100€, postage included, on le Bon Coin. So that's me sorted for shoes for the foreseeable, and the old ones refurbished; what's more the cordonnier will stretch the sandals a bit for a fiver!

[@janetstraw191]

Thank you, Jane! I can relate to everything you’ve shared! We, also, have recalibrated our approach to the choices we make regarding our spending. I do wish we’d done it sooner! 👍🙋‍♀️🇺🇸🥰‼️

[@sheilahughes3561]

I loved Monsoon and Clark’s too Jane!

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Many of us did

[@julieemig432]

Gosh what a story. So different then mine. I work in healthcare and never had to dress or have that type of professional look. I have always been frugal although I’m more frugal now.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks very much

[@readyintn4829]

Thank you for sharing your journey with us. I have learned so much from you that has helped me save money and become much less materialistic. There is nothing better than being debt free, whatever sacrifice it takes.

[@melisia8876]

Love this!!! I am on a no spend week - if all goes well I will continue into the next. I am testing myself with getting back into meal planning.

[@nicolejohnson5225]

Thank you so much for sharing this story with us 💜

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks for watching

[@MargaretJames-p1h]

Great to hear how your life has changed and thanks for encouraging me to think I really don't need to buy stuff ! Love a charity shop haul !

[@christinerose9648]

i really loved the original Frugal Queen blog, i was totally hooked and checked everyday for the next episode, was so sad when you stopped but happy to find you in France ❤

[@reasonableandfair7662]

great advice , thanks Jane and Mike

[@alexandrarabke1094]

I really had to smile about the perfume, I've been using the Lidl perfume instead of Coco Mademoiselle for years 🥰

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

It's so good! I wear Rosa now, it's exactly like Lancôme la vie est belle

[@clarerose8782]

Love this video!! A great look back and thinking space to share your amazing journey. I agree, not all my friends think I'm mad with being frugal, I know some of them are secret about their frugality 😊. Whereas I'm loud and proud. 😊. Thank you, as always, for all your work and great words of wisdom.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks very much

[@berniceoconnor5381]

Excellent video Jayne.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks very much

[@colleenwood8220]

Thank you for keeping me aware of my spending. My husband has been after me to go out to dinner every night this week. It’s going to be 98F here in NY today. I boiled pasta for dinner later early this morning to keep the air conditioner from coming on too soon. It’s dropping over 35 degrees overnight, thank goodness!

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks for sharing

[@patriciadefreitas6191]

Waiting 🌹🌹🌹

[@simonedutch1264]

I will always remember your blog of Frugal Queen. I remember finding it and reading a line from you "so once I dragged myself up from my bra strap from underneath the vodka bottle"....or something to that effect I was hooked. I was searching for some frugal tips and I would always read your frugal ways, cooking, cleaning, shopping and your meals always looked delicious...standing in your kitchen with a beanie and gloves on. I loved it. The area you and DB walked your dogs looked so pretty in Cornwall too. Do you ever miss any part of that life Jane or does it seem a lift time ago?

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Hello, thanks for your lovely comment. We don’t miss the UK at all. You live there, you know how hectic it is.

[@simonedutch1264]

@@FrugalQueeninFrance Hello Jane, so glad you don't miss the UK. Actually I live in Sydney Australia. But like you, I'm debt and mortgage free and recently turned 50. But I got this way by being frugal. All my friends are drowning in debt, but back 10 years ago when I was doing it tough they were kicking their heels up. I think they wish now they had been more careful with their hard-earned money.

[@amberatartimec2564]

I cant frame the description of you then to the people you now are. The 'keeping up with the Jones' is not at all what you do now. What a rejuvenation for you both. Great work.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks

[@shirley1413]

Another great vlog.❤

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thank you!!

[@football_editz453]

Excellent inspiration, thank you. What subject did you teach? You're the best ever home economics teacher now with your channel 😊

[@janefoley5184]

Your best video to date! I love your honest and open story! Also, may I compliment you on your striped to and scarf combination? Very flattering! I also loved your side table with the antique sewing machine base!

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks very much