Reflecting on a year of inflation. How did we make it?

[@KarenLevy-e5w]

We have everything we need, a little of what we want and health is improving. All in all we are very fortunate!

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

That's great

[@mariarooney6262]

I love listening to your videos. They are so inspiring and motivational. The first half of 2024 was horrible with illness. I was forced, because of inflation, to go back to work and it was a great decision. I’m doing work I love, serving people in the healthcare area and getting paid for it. I am saving much if what I make and am looking at my finances more closely than ever. I love continuing to learn and apply that information. Thank you for your contribution to keeping me on track and sharing your financial life with us. ❤

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

That's great and thanks for sharing

[@johnmelissaziech6207]

Yes, my husband and I and our daughters and their families are lucky to have made it through being able to pay our bills. Being careful with our money, before things happen certainly helps. Wishing us all a healthy and happy New Year!

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Those of uswho made it OK certainly do consider ourselves lucky

[@CentsibleLivingWithMoneyMom]

You all are doing such a good job. You are coping so well.

[@loriwells3918]

Yes, an inspirational and motivating video. Being reflective and real is appreciated. I really appreciate your gratitude for a simple fulfilling life. Wishing you a happy new year!😊

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

You are so welcome! More to come.

[@justjet]

This year I had 3 emergencies--air condition repair $400, freezer purchase because mine quit $500 and plumbing problem $850. Was able to pay cash for all 3. Stayed in or under my budget all year. Took year end inventory of long term food storage, pantry, freezer, OTC meds, cleaning/soaps and I'm better off than this time last year. I had heart surgery in March and I'm not carrying any debt from it into next year. It does take time, planning, lists, creativity--especially with inflation like it is. But, for me, I will call 2024 a success and I hope I'll be able to say that at the end of 2025!! Thanks for all you and Mike do!! I always look forward to your videos!

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

You did have an expensive year

[@mamat9678]

We had to remodel our bathroom after our toilet/tub started leaking. Thank goodness we had family help so no labor costs just supplies. We did take an anniversary trip in October and paid cash. First trip together in 3 years. I also paid off one credit card this month from helping our daughter move a few years back. One more card to go and we will be debt free! Loving your inspirational videos. Christmas was cash only no credit used.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

I'm glad it worked out for you

[@lizriveragoldstein3421]

Thank you for your honest look at how to keep going, staying positive and being ready for storms and flooded basements and personal emergencies! You are a wonderful role model, a great teacher, and you and Mike and your sweet dogs are always a good energy boost for me. Happy New Year and thank you so much!

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

I appreciate that!

[@kimberlyschiele1117]

I am on disability and i live in the states where the Rent for a 450 square foot apartment can run as high as $1500-$2000. Dollars per month. Im fortunate and blessed with a 1 bedroom 500 square foot apartment. My rent is subsidized so i can pay it on my $1,600. A month income. I actually pay $449. Per month. Its very cold here now so my heating and electric bill is running $220. On a cheap month. Im alloting $300 for supermarket costs. Im just a mess as far as income goes.. But with Gods help i will be just fine! I have faith. God Bless you and Mike for all that you do to help people like me. And i love your easy healthy recipes. recipes. I am currently looking for ways to use sardines. I have purchased a couple of tins and i just do not know what to do with them. 🤷‍♀️ Happy New Year to both you and mike❤

[@jocrooks1293]

My mum loves sardines on toast with fresh tomatoes, salt and pepper. Nice easy dinner when busy. Hope this helps.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

I wish you well

[@ibislife]

Thank you for the videos over the year Jane and Mike. Since September, I have mealplanned and shopped strictly after my shopping list, and preferably on sale or marked down. All surplus money has gone into a high yield savings account. And the rest of my savings for Christmas as well. So in 2024 I have saved 1013 Euros! I need to keep going, I am going for a vacation in 2025! Fun to see it works. Happy new year to you both, and the furry friends. 💐

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

So glad to hear of your savings

[@paularoberts2129]

Hi Jane I really hope that next year is better for you I live on £700 a year So this next year will be a no spend year for us I’ll be eagerly awaiting your money saving tips for 2025 I like yourself only buy reduced food I did 8 weeks in the summer of only spending £10 per week on food We are grateful for what we have And I’m sure you are as well All the best for 2025 xx❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

700 a year?

[@lynnoorman2144]

Well done you!

[@terrylopez5452]

This video was incredibly impressive! I felt as if I was listening to the State of the Union address. Not an easy task to sum up 12 months of spending, saving, and planning. Kudos to you and Mike. Wishing you all (including Mary and Dolly) a very healthy, Happy New Year! 🥳

[@AnneManley]

Blessings from sunny Central Ontario, Canada, Jane and Mike! This was an excellent video, Jane. I agreed with so much of what you said and what you did. I was very happy to hear that other people do the same as I do (saving shower water to flush the toilet, etc.) and that I am not some 'weirdo' as some of my friends like to think. It does all save money. I am going to be starting my so-called 'spending moratorium' come January 1st and, hopefully, can continue that for the next 3 months (which I've done in the past). Thank you for a wonderful year of intelligent and very inspiring videos. Looking forward to many more in 2025.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks for your feedback

[@pensivepensioner1244]

Another great video, Jane, thank you. 2024 has been a tough year for us too. Our rent increased dramatically in March (we have shared ownership bungalow) and the final blow has been losing Winter Fuel Payment. However, I managed to get an 18 month energy fix just before Christmas so we can manage. No holidays for us but we are planning frugal days out next Spring when we will take a picnic with us. Thanks so much for the inspiration. Happy New year! 🎉 Angie

[@AnnetteCulley]

Thank you for the positivity. It makes us feel that we can cope. Murphy called this month, washing machine went bang, along with the TV, followed by an emergency health scare for my DH, which means we could be facing a grim start to 2025.Thank goodness for sinking funds, which now need topping back up. However, on a reflective nature, we have coped with the raging inflation and increased bills that have all been met, like you no mortgage and no outstanding debt. It took a few months, but have now managed to stick to the written budget, thanks to your positive ideas and suggestions.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks Annette

[@Sally-wm5jh]

This year is ending on a tense note but overall the year was kind to us. An ankle injury sidelined me a bit earlier in the year, but gave me time to plan more which I am very grateful for. Our pantry and freezer are full, bills all paid up, ready to celebrate the end of this year and the start of a new one. Unfortunately I am due to have spine surgery right away in January, so the year is starting off rough but I have had time to plan meals so hubby doesn't have to cook much. I really appreciate your positive energy as you reflect on the year. Hope to learn more from you both next year. May you both have a blessed and happy new year!

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

I hope you've healed

[@preppernut]

I really appreciate the frankness, most people are quite reluctant to even say that things are getting tough. I've been reflecting a lot as well, making backup plans just in case expenses exceed income...if the pension gets cut, for example. I have a well-stocked pantry and at our age, we are allowed to defer the property taxes, which was around $1500 last year and will be more the next. But that would be a last resort because I don't like debt of any kind. I feel like I am developing more of a "survival" mindset, looking for ways to avoid the stores altogether.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

@@preppernut your choices are very wise

[@MoniqueMacdonald-m3z]

We have had a blessed year.God has been good to us.Thanks to u I have started saving...and not touching this account.The first part of tge year was very difficult as have been the last 7 or so.I have secured a small job which really helps as hubby is injured....and cant really work.I dont get much but it helps and pays the school fees which have risen again for next year. Meal prep in freezer helps as do all ur tips. I wish u and ur husband here from Australia all tge best for the New Year.Thankyou for u ...u r a blessing for me.xx

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks so much

[@karo.de.m]

Hi Jane and Mike! Thank you for this video. It made me to think and reflect on my 2024 savings, spending, emergencies - what I have noticed is that in previous years if I had emergency used the fund to cover it I was able to put money back to my emergency fund within 2-3 months but not this year and not in this economy. I will definitely have to address and adjust this in 2025 by perhaps increasing my emergency fund. Warmest regards from Cyprus!

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Our pleasure!

[@susanjacks8830]

I was so excited to have saved in a sinking fund Christmas and birthdays throughout the year and even eniugh to cover all food and drink for Thanksgiving and Christmas. It was so awesome to pay cash for everything. I also paid off my vehicle this year and am making regular mortgage payments plus a principle only payment each month to pay down the mortgage. I am already off to a good start for 2025. Like you, Jane, I am scouring the grocery ads for the deals. Enjoy your videos and appreciate all the good and helpful hints.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

You are doing great

[@MichelleRountree-w1x]

Thank you for your reflections 😊

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Any time!

[@kimberlyschiele1117]

Hi Jane... I just wanted to let you know that im trying your way of budgeting. Ive been working on it for the last 3 months. Dec imade huge progress and jan i expect to do wonderfully. Each month i have gone over budget. But Dec was only $30 over budget when Nov was $110 over and Oct was $200 over. So my goal for Jan is to not go over at all. I give myself $300. Per month for Grocery $110. For pets and$60 for fuel. I never go over on fuel. Its taken me a few months to reign in my spending and eating out. Dec i spent $50 total on eating out. That was for 2 people. My son was here while i went threw some eye surgery. Also my grocery spending is incl soaps, supplament s i need as a bariatric patient. Therefore i dont eat much BUT i do have 4 times a day i need to eat to keep up my health. So i eat for example breakfast - is 4 oz. Plain greek yogurt with 1 Tablespoon raw oatmeal and 4 oz. No sugar fruit. And 4 oz. Black Coffee. Anyway i just wanted to tell you and followers it works.. You have to keep at it! Dont give it up. Each month will be better and better. Thank you so much for you channel its incredibly helpful! ❤😃

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

I wish you well

[@annemarie3636]

Good luck with the weight loss. You've got this!

[@lorelei9393]

Had a few unexpected expenses also but not as pricey. Have also gotten serious about saving at the grocery store. Every bit counts. Thx for sharing your ups and downs

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thank you

[@tondamccarthy6537]

Dear Jane. I hope you had a wonderful Christmas holiday. It’s so lovely to have another video from you two. Our family always enjoys each one.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thank you so much!

[@gladyschandler6724]

Thank you for your tips and reflection of 2024

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

You are so welcome!

[@alifeintransition9782]

OMG!!! You have had a year! Well, you came out of it really well. I just started this lifestyle this year and I sleep better knowing that I am saving for an emergency fund before I use to just worry on how I was going to survive. Christmas was not so bad I didn't empty out my savings I still have half but I am learning a lot and I love seeing your videos on sinking funds. This has been an education thanks for passing your knowledge on.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks for your feedback

[@englishlearningexpert3595]

Thanks for all the fab videos this year and I wish you both a fantastic 2025! 😊

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Our pleasure!

[@Sandra-s3p]

Good info for me as I getting ready to set up new budget for 2025. Very, very inspiring info. Thank you Mary, Dolly, Jane and Mike. Hugs to puppies.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

@@Sandra-s3p thanks Sandra

[@helenhartley6904]

We might eat out once a year but even so frugal shopping is hard as everything suitable for a diabetic husband is expensive, eg low carb bread, almond flour to make lemon muffins, cauliflower pizza bases, etc. Legs of ham are very cheap $6/kg at moment so we buy, slice and freeze, knowing after losing the skin, fat and bone it's about $10/kg really. Lots of pea and ham soup on the freezer too! Thanks Jane and Mike.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

I wish you well

[@BrigittePivac-z8r]

Thank you Jane Mike and gorgeous doggies for your encouraging inspiring videos I watch each and every one of them. We have had a trying year 2024 and quite frankly will be happy to ring in the new year 2025 praying for health and happiness. It seems anything that could go wrong has transpired this year family health wise and costly maintenance and appliance breakdowns. Thank fully we have had some savings we knuckled down to 0 unnecessary spending and here we are very grateful we have made it budget wise to the end of 2024. I have planned our budget for 2025 hoping that we can replace some of our savings that we had to use and hopefully build a better emergency fund. I wish you and your family a healthy happy New Year and look forward to your ongoing videos. Kind regards Brigitte (Perth western Australia)

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thank you

[@miloslavadoubkova7267]

Děkuji, moc vás chválím, opatrujte se.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks for watching

[@carlienvandernet7902]

Last year was okay for me. I didn’t have any emergencies, nothing to be replaced and although the inflation I was still able to save some money. Not as much as planned beforehand but I’m still happy with how things worked out. Yes I had to be extra careful with spending money but I don’t have great needs either. Health wise it’s been a lousy year but I live in the Netherlands so our insurance is pretty good.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

I'm glad you've got affordable healthcare.

[@janetstonerook4552]

I've ended out the year well with very little debt. But I did have to buy a used car and a new wash machine this year. So I got a little pinched but came out just fine. I've gone even more low spend than usual to keep out of debt! All those frugal efforts are just becoming second nature to me now! Our food and supplies here in the U.S.seem higher than yours but fuel seems cheaper. We just don't have the sales and offers at our grocery stores like you do there.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks for sharing Janet

[@deniselovesbooks]

A tip for keeping your water heater from eroding ... change the anode every yr or 2 the rust attacks that first and people dont realise you can buy replacements just google your model and you should be able to find one online or at a diy place our water is terrible and if we dont do this a water heater could last as little as 4 years and they are a Couple thousand to replace

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks for sharing

[@Pejosach]

An upstairs bathroom leak that we were unaware of finally came through the ceiling earlier this year. Our house insurance covered the majority of the repairs but there were many, many items we had to pay for ourselves. Our renewal quote has also increased substantially for 2025 as a result. I am very frugal and as a result we were able to weather that particular storm without going into debt, however, it left us belt tightening for the rest of the year x

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Sorry to hear that

[@carolcurley7840]

It’s been a rough year alright and my frugal and old style ways have been used to the enth degree. Will be working even harder this coming year as both my husband I have retired but I enjoy the frugal ways and doubt I could ever be a spender. Have a good break and see you in 2025.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Fingers crossed!

[@Weltliteratur-]

Hallo from frosty Austria. I am so glad I have found your channel. You address real issues - a lot of people I know pretend that nothing changed albeit we are deep into inflation…

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

@@Weltliteratur- we're deep in inflation and getting worse

[@Angela-zc9xv]

Happy new year Jayne. All the best from a thrifty retired couple in Spain .🎉

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Happy new year!

[@TracyOwen-y9t]

Well done to you both 😊

[@laurajohnson8898]

Hearing this last video, and listening to you throughout the year I have learned quite a bit but it's always good to keep learning, and to read the comments, and hear other people's emergencies.... NOT wanting them to happen to anybody mind you. But knowing that we're all in the same boat ..Makes it not quite as bad.😊

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks so much

[@TenaciousP]

Pleased to come across you. We have had a second home in the Limousin for 15 years. We don’t get there as much as we’d like for various reasons sadly. We thought we’d see lots of France, eat out, live differently than in the UK - we don’t, we live frugally (not to the same extent you do 😊) when we are there - in fact it’s like being in the UK - EXCEPT it’s beautiful, isolated and magical.

[@Pejosach]

Ps: thank you so much for the inspirational videos in 2024, I appreciate them and have thoroughly enjoyed them. I am really looking forward to following you, Mike and puppies in 2025 xx

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

You are so welcome!

[@leedezern6862]

We had an expensive year as well. Late 2023 we got hit by a tornado. Structure was completely in 2024. Even with insurance we paid well into 5 figures for repairs. Then our refrigerator was replaced. That was close to $1700 usd. My car had close to 3k in repairs.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

@@leedezern6862 our dishwasher died on Christmas Eve......let's add on another 500€ too. Sorry for your expenses.

[@suelamond4060]

You will just be hand washing more dishes .​@@FrugalQueeninFrance

[@lindajacquot5391]

Your dedication to finding the best deals is understandable and admirable. I try to only buy sale/reduced items, but I don't play on your level! This coming year, though, I am really going to work much harder at it. I hope you had a wonderful Christmas (your meal looked delicious!), and may 2025 give us all a huge break. Love to you both, and to Dolly and Mary! ❤️🐾🎄❤️🐾

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks

[@sophiawolthof1238]

👍👍👍

[@AbidaS0301]

Thank you for sharing great video 📹 ❤❤❤Merry Xmas chrismas and happy 😊 new year too you Mike and the beatiful cute 😍 puppies 🐶 🤗💜💙❣💥💫

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thank you! You too!

[@cathecavalle1016]

Whew; what a year you’ve had for unexpected expenses 😮 Inflation is hideous everywhere now. I hope 2025 is a year where we are kind to others. Absolutely no cost there. ❤

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Kindness needs to flow as money certainly won't

[@gladyschandler6724]

I'm doing a no spend January. Need to save for April vacation.

[@suebee1540]

Me too!

[@muttersmenu2422]

Enjoyed the video and reading through the posts, always interesting and informative. Have a good weekend with the doggies😊👍🇦🇺

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thank you! You too!

[@Frugalpleasuresinretirement]

Dear Jane and Mike, Thank you for sharing, you got through being so organized a disciplined!👏👏👏 From the bottom of my heart wishing you a very Happy New Year! Wishing you prosperity, good health and only good things coming your way! Vera

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thank you

[@lucy14981]

Good morning from cloudy Florida! We are not the sunshine state today.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

@@lucy14981 thanks for watching

[@elizabethallan7610]

I had halved my grocery budget last year and had to raise it slightly this year. Thanks to your example I now have a two month emergency fund and I will continue to build on that next year. Best wishes for 2025

[@bria2596]

Jane and Mike. Thank you so much for sharing all of this information. It helps me a great deal. May 2025 be kind to you, and may you be able to save enough to buy your new home soon.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

New home?

[@brendavilane6183]

Thank you so much Jane you always make me understand very much of frugal lifestyle as I’ve join this community of living thrift and frugal , You make frugal living very much understandable with practical example,I’ve watched such channel but this one is the Best thank you. Brenda South Africa 🇿🇦

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks Brenda

[@nancykaufman1645]

You did a great job with the challenges that came up! I know that your videos help so many struggling to navigate our high inflation economy ❤

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

You are so welcome!

[@CherylAnderson0]

Love the video. It’s really hard to save sometimes. Hopefully major things won’t happen this year. I’m fixing to make your egg fried rice with some leftovers.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

I hope so too!

[@kathybradley9873]

Thank you for all your encouragement this year. Had hoped we could have some no spend months next year, but it doesn't look like that will happen. Have to have a few renovation things done this year. these are things we have put off way too long and are not able to avoid it any longer. Unfortunately two of them we have to hire someone to do it. The painting and other minor things I can do and that will save us a small fortune. Looking forward to next year as it brings me closer to being able to move on to the next chapters of life. I qualify for early retirement in 2.5 yrs. so my husband and I are anxiously awaiting that to arrive. Hence the need to get started on the renovations as we plan on moving within a year after retirement.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks Kathy

[@mariannewesten3638]

Thank you Jane &Michael for you're Video's in '24. They are an inspiration. Also loved the vlogmas Videos. Wishing you a happy and healthy 2025.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks Marianne

[@jocrooks1293]

A good tip for this time of year get out your diary and start writing down all your expenses you know are coming for 2025. Here in Australia is rates,water and car registration for example these are same month every year. I love doing this each year. What I have written down I don’t need to remember in my mind. ❤. Have a lovely 2025 everyone 🌸

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks for watching

[@lindastone9385]

I think what I have learned ( and it gives me some comfort)is that by taking far more control over spending and saving, it empowers one ( not in a nasty way). By spending so much less, particularly with large businesses and trying to buy from small/micro companies ( when required) it means that I can a very tiny say in the world. Yes, I still do a supermaret (s) shop, but on a much smaller scale. Me (and hubby) make so much from other people's cast offs. This then gives us the extra to have our little breaks, in the caravan. Being the poor relation, in a very wealthy wider family, has , at times been difficult. But we are happy, content and healthy and not beholden to the necessity of worrying about how much tax they might have to pay. Oooops, for the rant! Wishing you a very blessed New Year!🎉

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks for sharing your perspective

[@beverlyanntaylor9652]

😊💜

[@CreamPuff-ek8fd]

Great recap Jane and Mike. May 2025 be filled with great health for both of you and your family as well as the fur babies. May you continue to find great bargains and keep sharing great videos with us. We learn a lot from you!

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thank you

[@Cheryl-gu1hv]

Great video Jane. You continue to inspire me . I found your channel in July of this so happy I did. Give the girls a hug.❤❤

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thank you so much!

[@marypeterson1053]

The cost of living is so high. Your savings is so awesome. Good job.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Yes! Thank you!

[@gladyschandler6724]

I'm using the gift card I received in December in January for a coffee treat. I also have ground coffee for at least 2 mos.

[@gladyschandler6724]

It was an expensive year, issues with HVAC, refrigerator, and we built a deck. 2025 spending less on the house - working on yard and garden in 2025.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks for sharing

[@teresaearl5688]

Good morning from cloudy and warm Qld Australia. Thank you for all of your videos, great budgeting tips. ❤

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

You are so welcome!

[@loriwidener7342]

Glad you had savings to cover the emergencies. Here in the states grocery stores are running very few promotions. I'd love to do the grocery game like you do. I do price check everything between local chain, Walmart, Target, and Amazon. I'm only brand loyal to a couple of items.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

They were not emergencies. They were events that could and did happen. We have a fully funded emergency fund with 12 months living expenses.

[@blessedbygod3430]

2024 was an EXPENSIVE year! I had to have my sewer line placed then there was piping under the house that needed replacing also cost thousands. Thank you Lord I was able to cash flow it. 2025 is going to be a no spend year and I have to be mindful of EVERY dollar spent as electricity rates increased, health insurance premiums doubled and homeowners insurance / auto insurance premiums( with no claims) increased.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks so much

[@user-cy4fs5li5c]

Can you hear that? It’s the excavation crew under the house right now doing the very same thing…replacing the sewer line :) Merry Christmas indeed! Feeling your pain from afar….

[@carolined3058]

When life gets tough the tough get going; it's the only thing you can do . But all of us need some breathing space.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thank you

[@juliemoore6957]

It's been a rough year for me, health-wise. Thank the Lord, we've had enough $$ to cover medical bills. This year, I will have a surgery that will hopefully resolve the medical issues. All along , I used your tips to save $$ in other areas: food, electric, water, etc. This year, my goal is to have some new sinking funds and to save even more than 2024.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Good luck with the surgery

[@gladyschandler6724]

I also had an extra expense in November, my mom surprise that my brother planned. So, airfare, car rental & hotel.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Enjoy your trip

[@sheila1013]

Hi Jane and Mike. Yes, it's been quite a year for you but despite everything, you're looking well off it. 😃 At the beginning of 2024 I had to replace fencing and posts after the bad storms we had in December 2023. Right away that ate into my year's sink fund. Luckily there haven't been many other repair costs this year and I have somehow managed to break even with my allocated sink fund amount. Yes, it's the unexpected extras that make you glad you've prepared. I like your wood burning set-up. Very economical. Wish I could have one. I've invested in an electric oil filled heater and been using it in just one area of the house. On checking my latest bills, my electric bill came in £12 cheaper than my gas. I had minimally used my gas central heating during that period, which is the only thing I have on gas. Everything else is electric. Once heated up, I lower the temperature and set on eco. Seems to be doing the trick, but as we frugals do, I'll keep on monitoring it. Great video. 🤗 Xxx

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks Shelia

[@CarolFox-ut2fg]

Thanks Jane for the years summary. We are ok but, like you, have had big expenses...mainly medical and needing to pay for motel accommodation in another State. 2025 has a few big expenses on the horizon. Do you write your budget and tracking of expenses on paper or in an app. If an app, which one do you use? I just found that I lost track of everything once a life threatening medical emergency and operation was a reality. I just survived it. Any refreshing of how to” track income/expenses would be appreciated.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

We use a clever fox budgeting book

[@jodyrhodes7413]

I am so impressed that you spent your grocery dollars only on discounted items! I do this regularly but no way did I do it on every item during the year. I have a question about toilet paper ... 4 euros for 20 rolls seems really cheap. I just bought 30 rolls at the American Costco today for $19 and each role has 380 sheets and it will last me probably a year unless I host family events. I'm just curious if your rolls are of similar size or are they smaller? I do splurge on going out but I always ask them to give me a to-go box when they bring the food to the tableband immediately put 1/2 or more in it, for leftover meals at home. American restaurants including fast food are so expensive now I have definitely cut back on going out. Keep your tips coming and kudos on your bargain shopping prowess!!

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

24 rolls for 4€

[@jessieelliott3157]

Sounds like a tough year. Wishing you all the very best in 2025.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thank you

[@robinsaunders5099]

My year experience was I had buy a new motorcycle due to i crashed it in may but insurance pay out when end November my washing machine decided to die so a new washing machine but myself and mum decided it was are main Christmas present

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Glad it's working out for you

[@aisoconcranberriesu2as]

Do you have a library nearby that you could use if you want a new book

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Our libraries books are all in French.

[@andreagillan7372]

With a soon to be 21 year old car, it is a no spend year for us so we can save to buy a new to us car when we need it. Our son is disabled and we are fortunate to have $10/year paratransit service door to door which we will be using more in 2025 to preserve our car as long as possible.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Good news about the transport service

[@barbarafarquharson4826]

I moved house in October, wasnt planning to move until mid next year, it was fixed into next years budget. 5000 dollars later, ive moved, this years budget looks very sad. I had savings to use and hopefully i wont be moving for many years.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Good luck

[@cherylverber7672]

You truly are an inspiration and you have helped so many myself included. When I batch cook or have leftovers and feeeze the cooked meat for a curry or anything else. I find myself often saying, " ooh frugal Queen would be so proud" Thank you for sharing you pearls of wisdom, and I wish you a happy new year 😊

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

You're doing great

[@heatherj3030]

We had lots of car repairs and replaced a car. Also, both power and water rates increased over 30% in 2024. Following your advice about sinking funds, batch cooking at home, and having a meal plan has definitely helped. January will be a no spend month, and I will be keeping a detailed budget in 2025. Thanks for all the helpful advice Jane. It's really made a difference in our spending.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Those are big increases!

[@M-yk9bi]

2 defined benefit incomes and presumably 2 state pensions for at least as long as you were working in the UK, living as a couple (a big cost saver) in France? It is very hard to see how you don't have ample money to spend each month.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

We're early retirees. No state pension until we're 67.

[@stephanietutt3819]

I dont like queen of france anymore because it is all spoken in italian. I am english, live in italy and speak italian. So looked forwatd to janes chat in english.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Top right of the screen, click the cog, change the language back to English

[@michelehagerman216]

I just paid off my only credit card earlier this week. I had to replace my car this year, much sooner than planned, so I had barely anything saved. I had to finance new car, but payment is manageable. I am now going to bulk up my savings before attacking the car loan and get more aggressive with retirement savings (15 years to go).

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

You can do it!

[@michelehagerman216]

Forgot to add: I am off work between Christmas and New Year’s. Our weather is gray and misty. I’m staying in mostly reading, doing chores around my small place. I’m decluttering some and giving the items away on local Buy Nothing group. A friend had me over for a lunch if delicious homemade soup yesterday. She sent me home with homemade holiday cookies and brownies. Yum.

[@paularoberts2129]

Hi Jane I really hope that next year is better for you I live on £700 a year So this next year will be a no spend year for us I’ll be eagerly awaiting your money saving tips for 2025 I like yourself only buy reduced food I did 8 weeks in the summer of only spending £10 per week on food We are grateful for what we have And I’m sure you are as well All the best for 2025 xx❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

700 a year? Ouch!