Surviving High Living Costs: Frugal Living Strategy 2025

No matter what is happening this year, here is my frugal strategy to manage high living costs in 2025. You can't control what's happening outside of your home, but you can manage the vibes and comfort inside! Back to basics...leading to a frugal, happy life.
What can you expect on this channel? I love talking about frugal living, budgeting, saving money ...and I like having fun doing it! I'm so glad you're here. Welcome the the family!
~HOW TO SUPPORT THIS CHANNEL IF YOU ENJOY IT!~
BECOME A CHANNEL MEMBER:
/ @katekaden
ROCK THE MERCH!
Get a cozy hoodie, mug or new KSquad tee! Thank you for your support! teespring.com/...
My email addy is: [e-mail] (or for those of you that ask to buy me a coffee or share a donation, this is also my Paypal. Thank you!)
Subscribe if you haven't yet! Hit LIKE if you enjoyed it. Leave a comment and share with us!
FREE MONEY FOR YOU:
RAKUTEN- Get free money and hook your friend up (me) up at the same time:) :)
Please USE MY CODE for Rakuten to get CASH BACK on your essential purchases.
www.rakuten.co...
MY FETCH REWARDS CODE (MY FAV GROCERY APP RIGHT NOW!)
WRDGU (copy and paste this as your referral to get extra points when you sign up!)
-thank you! www.fetchrewards.com
Join the KSquad Email List For Future Reading Plan updates and more!
mailchi.mp/cf5...
Want to send me snail mail?
My PO Box:
Kate Kaden
PO Box 1122
Biddeford, ME 04005
Links may be affiliates, which support my business at no additional cost to you. Thanks so much!
#costofliving #frugalliving #katekaden

[@silentnot4812]

I like to go back to the basics. Eat natural foods. Enjoy the weather. Read books. Keep everything simple in your life. Wear your favorite clothes. Keep away from stuff. Sit outside. Go on walks. Watch the sunrise or sunset. Take action on things that need action like doing taxes, getting a new job, or organizing your house.

[@sorcha0922]

Good morning Kate 😊 My home is my sanctuary and when everything is in order, I feel so comfortable. It's a huge thing to me. Makes me want to stay home and not spend money.

[@abrareads]

My family has not eating out yet in 2025 and it is because i am finally seriously meal planning and cooking dinner before work since i have time. I have finally developed the habit of taking 5ish minutes in the morning to update everydollar, check our checking account and pay off any charges that have hit our credit card. We were able to save 20% of our take home in January doing the no spend and that was after sinking funds and retirement were covered.

[@MadisonBriggsArtchick]

You are doing the right things for your life. Self care is a huge priority for me. Currently, I am not in a financial position to get massages or pedicures, but taking a walk or leisurely sitting in my reading chair with a made at home coffee and a snack while I enjoy a book or KZbin on my iPad helps me stay calm. So does cuddles with my dogs, decluttering my kitchen countertop, or taking stock of my blessings and being grateful.

[@AdamSilbert]

Hit 220k today. Appreciate you for all the knowledge and nuggets you had thrown my way over the last months. Started with 34k in November 2024..

[@MendyOsborn]

I would really love to know how much work you did put in to get to this stage

[@AdamSilbert]

I will be forever grateful to you, you changed my whole life and I will continue to preach on your behalf for the whole world to hear that you saved me from huge financial debt with just a small Investment, thank you Jihan Wu you're such a life saver

[@devpaul80]

As a beginner in this, it’s essential for you to have a mentor to keep you accountable. Jihan Wu is also my trade analyst, he has guided me to identify key market trends, pinpointed strategic entry points, and provided risk assessments, ensuring my trades decisions align with market dynamics for optimal returns.

[@HeatherHillier]

Jihan Wu Services has really set the standard for others to follow, we love him here in Canada 🇨🇦 as he has been really helpful and changed lots of life's

[@JosefMouris]

Waking up every tenth of each month to £210,000 it’s a blessing to I and my family… Big gratitude to this same Jihan Wu🙌

[@debraraby4376]

Dear Kate, I'm from the UK and found your channel a few months ago, and I'm very grateful for all your great advice. However, today your video was (in my opinion) very profound. It touches on what Victor Frankel advocated in his book "Man's Search for Meaning'. He said, like you, that we can only really control our own thoughts and how we react to situations. This is, of course not as easy as it sounds, but the concept is simple enough. I'm going to watch this video on repeat and when I feel like giving up (things are grim in the UK too). For what it's worth I think that you are an inspiring and amazing role model. Thank you.

[@HoneyBee-pc3xi]

Such a lovely video, Kate. So true! Speaking of soup, as delicious as it is frugal. Basically three main ingredients. Red Lentil and Sweet Potato Soup 2 Sweet Potatoes, cubed 1 cup onion, diced 3 cloves garlic, minced 3/4 cup rinsed red lentils 4 cups water or broth Add seasonings of your choice. I add 1/4 teaspoon turmeric 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon pinch cayenne powder pinch cloves salt and pepper 1 Tablespoon maple syrup Bring it to a boil. Simmer for about half an hour, or until all is tender. Loaded with fibre and protein. Aromatic and comforting. Keeps well in glass jar in fridge.

[@Gotsomethingtosaynow]

Kate, you are a wonderful example of someone who has her priorities right. I have followed you for many years, and it is absolutely amazing what you have achieved in so little time. You have indeed made a little sanctuary for yourself and your son. Yes, sometimes life can get us down, particularly when we have run ourselves into the ground. It is great that you can reflect on what it has done to your health. I only wish that I had half your wisdom, when I was your age. Keep on being you, because you are amazing.

[@militaryorderly5386]

Thanks a lot late. My advice to everyone is this : if you want to grow big this year especially in your finances. Be willing to make investments. Saving is great but investing puts you on a pedestal where you wouldnt have to worry about savings as you do now. Thanks to larysa Caba, my portolio is doing really great and im proud of the decisions i made last year.

[@militaryorderly5386]

Making over 48k monthly is all because of her.

[@jasperflontes4289]

I know Larysa Caba. she trades for everyone I meet. I met her twice at a meeting in Germany and after her lectures from Ella I had to personally ask her to be my financial advisor. she is definitely good.

[@annddyyy-6920]

I have never seen a trader as open and transparent as Larysa Caba with her clients. The way she decides to make a profit for her clients. she allows you to express your fears and she still rests your fears and that is my respect. I don't normally comment on videos, but this word should be included. she is really cool.

[@ivarlast2966]

I just looked up her name online. she is licensed with credible certificates and has an amazing track record. Thank you for the message.

[@bigelbow4854]

I will like to knw mre

[@lesliecolson6174]

Kate: warm and cozy (soap and pj's) I am so content and happy.

[@nikiclaypool8800]

Kate I was having a ton of trouble sleeping and I got a new pillow and started taking magnesium citrate and calcium before bed and it is a game changer to get a good nights sleep! I have also implemented a rest day. With all your jobs that could be hard but if you could carve out a few hours every week that you know are yours and you don't need to do anything then it's easier to relax because you know it's coming and the work is already done. I'm very type A and it's hard for me to relax as well. It will do you a world of good to get back to balance.

[@StrawberryFields-1]

Thank you Kate!! I wanted to share that one of the ways I've been able to give when I don't have money, is by babysitting for free for family/friends, baking a banana bread to take to someone's house, donating good items to a local thrift store rather than selling them for cash, gifting a good book I've read to a friend, and honestly- paying genuine compliments and being an encouragement to others. These are really appreciated, and it makes me feel good too. Happy Frugal Friday!!

[@LisaRaePageRosenberg]

100% on all of this. If the basics and vibe are right in your home, you can get through anything. xo

[@KateKaden]

Yass🙌 Thank you Lisa! Hope you have a wonderful weekend💕

[@rasiordia7265]

As long as my home is taken care of bills paid have food knitting supplies everything else is a bonus take care feel better❤

[@AntorSignal]

✊Thanks for the update. I advise traders, especially beginners, to research the market before entering it. I have to say that trading is more rewarding than just owning. Big thanks to Jerry who always keeps me updated. I am so glad I started his program🚀

[@kliz67]

As a newbie, what do I need to do? How can I invest, on which platform? If you know, please share. I'm new to this, please how can I contact him?

[@AntorSignal]

HIS MOSTLY ON TELEGRAMS, USING THE USERNAME

[@AntorSignal]

@JerryLtrader✅✊

[@AntorSignal]

@JerryLtrader⭐

[@kliz67]

Thanks, I have sent him a message and am waiting for a response

[@rosamondhazell2149]

Kate, thank you so much for your honesty. My home has always been my safety place especially when there is so much going on in the world. I’m retired now and remember after a hard days work coming home after 11 pm being grateful that I had a space away from the chaos of my day. ❤️

[@tiffanyjetter7254]

You inspire me a lot Kate!! I found you at the end of2024 . So happy I did! 😊❤

[@KateKaden]

I'm so glad you’re here!!!!! 🤩🤩

[@DebbieBorrie-db8fk]

I give to animal charity’s, I am a vegan and it’s so important to help charity’s. I am on a low income but I make sure I help animals. Even if u go without coffee dinner out. Help charity’s u believe in it makes a huge difference in the world

[@judithmartel6046]

Me too. 😊

[@ritasmith969]

It took me a while to come up with my word this year, but i finally have it - persistence. In that I will persist until I succeed! In everything I do. Take care of yourself and feel better.

[@culdesacgrocerygarden]

Everything you said! I'm right there with you. Except the word of the year here is "Honor". Honor the Sabbath, Honor God, Honor my parents BUT, also Honor my temple. It's a fine line trying to take care of others and also taking care of yourself. So far month 2 of the no buy year is going better than month 1. Today is my dad's birthday and because of priorities I know exactly how much I can spend for the rose for his grave. It's giving me peace. Instead of an anxious question mark in my brain, it's a firm number and that is giving me so much peace.

[@gladyschandler6724]

Health is the #1

[@terryhenderson424]

Ugg ... Ive noticed that since the beginning of December that a number of the items we routinely buy have gone up $.20 to $.50 each with one going up $1. Granted, these items were reasonable value, hadnt shrinkflated for a couple of years, and hadnt seen much for inflation. This said we bought 10lb of inexpensive russets for $3.38 which is far cheaper than a couple of years ago. Gas on the other hand is starting to get more expensive.

[@pigletsbank437]

Yep it's a bit of a 'zoo' in shops prices go all over the place. While looking for deals on no spend januari my eyes got a good amount of shock. 😅 Looks like the game has been changed.

[@terryhenderson424]

@pigletsbank437 We have Grocery Outlet stores in our area; a national franchise chain of discounted grocery stores. I noticed that through January (yeah, that low spend month) the number of super deal offerings were increasing again. This is indative that the supply chain is either backed up with unsold product and/ or product packaging is or about to change and/ or they are liquidating product which generally happens as stores/ store locations are closed down. - Those full sized, hot pink, Dolly Parton chocolate cake mixes at 4/ $.97 were were eye catchingly tempting despite being no/ low spend January and we dont bake sweets anymore for health reasons. With eyes fronted foreward, there were still a number of other great priced things my eyes couldn't escape too.

[@carolynbyrd5656]

The world is crazy. But your advice brings peace to my heart. Thank you..

[@lisag-posty]

Hope you feel better Kate. Take care of yourself.

[@trishacarlson4122]

Paying myself first also means: paying household & utilities & foods. So I guess that's different than most people's perspectives. I make sure all my "machines" (sinking funds) are good to go, and that's me considering all is good. I pay as far in advance as I can, so I buy back my time & my freedom. Each check, $400-500 goes into each sinking fund until I deem they are full. I have to restock because it's the beginning of the year & everythings a little low-low. But....we're gonna get back there. My only big change Id like to do is keep my savings in a high yield savings account so I can separate what I've actually saved instead of just my incoming. Great video as always, Kate! Maybe send us a little extra love - we lost our Old Man Cat this weekend. He was 13***. He developed kidney failure over the weekend and was gone by Tuesday morning. It was very quick and unexpected. We're heartbroken :( I have cried all the tears I can cry....I think. But I had this thought of....what if I did not have an emergency fund? I would not have been able to afford his last final vet bill & his cremation services....my partner isnt quite on my level of saving money yet. But she did ask me to teach her my ways! So thats progress! But I'm saying.....what if I didnt save the way I do? Thats so scary. We had no idea this was coming. It makes me cry for people who arent as blessed to be in the same position. That's why learning all this is so, so important. So grateful I have learned so much about money to be able to do these things.

[@daniellemoreno1070]

Thank you for posting this even when you don’t feel well. I had a bad cold that lasted a month, and it’s hard to focus when you don’t feel well. Thanks for the reminder that we still need to pay attention to our finances so we can rest!

[@lifebeyondthesalary2458]

My dream is to someday be able to hand my card to somebody at checkout like the cashier lady or man or whoever and be able to pay for multiple people‘s groceries just on the random.

[@sandrabryan9106]

I did this once for a person I knew was struggling . He didn’t know me. He and the cashier were pleasantly shocked. He had helped me once when I was in a pinch years previously and didn’t recognize me. I just happened to be in line behind him and I recognized him, so when the cashier told him his total, I interrupted and paid for his groceries. I thanked him for helping me that day, years ago and then he remembered who I was. Made my day.

[@PatriciaQuevy]

Good morning from Belgium, Kate! ☕

[@KateKaden]

Good morning!! ☀️ 💕

[@rachelr9272]

Thank you for being so encouraging. I appreciate you so much❤️

[@KateKaden]

You are so welcome! 🙏💕 I appreciate you right back:)

[@jackiemcos1407]

Sometimes the simplest things such as taking care of ourselves is so hard! Thank you for sharing this!

[@caroldaviddaviejohnson2225]

Flash of light above your head and then ball of light flew across the screen at the start of this video. Watch again folks! 🙏🕊

[@Mary-os7kw]

Saw it.

[@sandrabryan9106]

Giving is an important category for me as well. In my yearly budget, my gifting category not only consists of personal gifts but also charitable gifts. That latter does not have to be monetary, but rather your time and effort. For example, In my apartment complex, I collect good quality clothing from my laundry room that people have left for others. If no one takes it, I will collect and donate those items to the diabetes association (Canada). They pick it up and get money from a thrift store for the clothes. The thrift store in turn sells the clothes and makes a big yearly donation to the diabetes association. I’ve donated my time on an advisory committees, tenants associations, fundraising, helped start up a riding academy for the disabled, and contributed yearly a weeks worth of vacation time to help a community food bank. None of this has ever been done for personal recognition but for the greater good.

[@lindadorman2869]

Making your home a sanctuary is the most important thing you can do for your emotional and physical health.

[@Getbetter-ne9bi]

Wow - you said my plans for 2025 exactly - but much more eloquently than I can!

[@msklvr5078]

You are excellent! Your advice is down to earth and spot on. Thank you!

[@vikkienos6807]

Wise words as always Kate. Take care of your health. Thank you.

[@MariaGarcia-gj5ie]

Happy Friday Kate and Kaden! ❤

[@kristinolan7240]

I truly appreciated this video. You are all heart ❤️ and yes you do have to take care of you !

[@conniechuha3113]

My word is moment. I am going to put myself in the moment and enjoy. I'm meditating to bring my stress down. I'm going moment by moment. Right now it's cold but the sun is shining. The sun is everything right now.😊

[@BrianHornak]

Good morning Kate ..may you have a great day today🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹

[@KateKaden]

Good morning to you too! Have a great day! Thank you!

[@BrianHornak]

@KateKaden hi..thank you ..put a much needed smile on my face

[@BrianHornak]

@KateKaden always my dear..always

[@marysigmon4913]

Hope you feel better soon.

[@carolc2574]

I am lucky enough to save 50% of my income. It took me a long time to get here. But now my tiny studio is paid for, I have no debt whatsoever (senior car paid for, no consumer debt…) and my life although it is not totally frugal, as I splurge on things I love, it is a pretty low-buy. Also I have some savings in Indexed funds, and I invest 10% of my income each month. I cannot stress enough the kid of peace of mind I have. A strange nois in my car does not scare me, as my buffer can cover any repair, unexpected expenses really do not matter anymore and I am living my best life. Less clutter, more peace.

[@lindajacquot5391]

Thanks for discussing this today. It really resonated with me. Take care of yourself and get better, Kate!

[@kathleenhill5838]

Thank you Kate ! Happy Friday to you 🎉

[@anniejefferson7329]

Time is free when giving.

[@KateKaden]

So true!

[@lisafinlayson4598]

Such a great, encouraging video! Thank you! ❤️ So true about unable to control what’s out there in the world, but we do have control over what goes on in our own homes. Hope the rest of your day is peaceful and relaxing!☀️

[@KateKaden]

Thank you so much! I appreciate you 🙏💕

[@carolined3058]

We sometimes forget about ourselves. I got awake up call last July and taking much better care of myself ( food, sleep, extra vitamines, relaxing , more frugal hobbies)

[@kerryjames6312]

I have learnt and am learning so much from my daily frugual groups here in you tube

[@bakshishkaursingh1713]

Hey Kate skin looks great! Thanks for the great ideas. It is my second no spend month of the year. I have never done any no spends before. I’m glad you are feeling better ❤

[@CurlyQxyz]

I’m picking up what you’re putting down ❤️❤️❤️

[@MariaGarcia-gj5ie]

Wishing you good health and prosperity!

[@sarahouser3100]

Kate, your hair looks great, those beachy waves are so pretty. Thanks for the video.

[@Lizbeth120]

Sending so much love your way Kate, don't let yourself get too deep into the burnout. If you're able, check out your EAP through your FT job and consider talking to a therapist to help you dig out. It's the best thing I've ever done for myself. 🤗

[@LorettaNance]

Two books you might want to read are Die With Zero and 4000 Weeks. Both good books about money and living your best life.

[@cleverdiversion44]

Here to second on Die With Zero! So good!

[@marthaosborne9625]

Excellent video today!!

[@KateKaden]

Thanks so much Martha!🙏💕

[@heathermoreland6015]

Hi Kate, I hope you are feeling better and feeling that you will soon be well. I think your plan is great and easy to follow, I have been wanting to read more lately and financial books are not something I read before could you recommend to us a good place to start to learn the basics of saving and investing? You often talk about the mind shifts these books have caused in you I would love if you could elaborate a little more on this. Thanks your video was great. 😊

[@miabernard3341]

Some of my favorite books that I read while my son was young, are "Frugal Luxuries" and "Frugal Luxuries by the Seasons" by Tracey McBride. It is about how to create a haven and an abundant mindset. I agree that focusing on your home and family first is a must.

[@CrystalJones-w6p]

Great advice, as usual! Priorities! I find listening to music adds to the peace (or the fun, depending on the music) at home. I need to do better with a reasonable bedtime as well. ❤

[@KateKaden]

Love this Crystal! Add some music 🎶 💕💕💕

[@annamuja1831]

Thank you for a video Kate. Greetings from London. Have a great day.

[@marydawkins2673]

Good morning Kate! Great video!!

[@KateKaden]

Thank you so much! Have an amazing weekend!

[@GrannyPrepper8082]

My word of the year is “necessity”. I do, purchase, take and so on only that which is is a necessity for me.

[@kerryjames6312]

I agree I can control finances pretty much it

[@simplecountryliving7555]

Great video. Feel better.

[@Peacemaker198-k1e]

Good morning from the UK .

[@marthaC495]

Please take vitamins for extra boost to your health. You're doing great, Kate. Keep it up!

[@vaninnavera6948]

What a beautiful cat❤❤❤❤

[@stylishgromit8552]

Hello KSquad! 👏🏻

[@KateKaden]

Good morning sunshine!

[@marathongardener-rv8wz]

Good morning Kate, I have a quick question followed by a comment. Thanks for inspiring me to understand our finances. My husband typically looked after them, going into retirement I knew I needed to get on board and manage it together especially in the event anything happens to him. I also spend lots of money gardening so I started gardening for people to pay for my plants, but have decided to take it one more step this year and posted my first you tube video. My question is, How did you create your intro jingle? I am super active with running but had to create the habit with our finances. Not my favourite thing to do, I would rather garden or go on a run. But with this channel, and your your tips it’s become a new habit tracking and not avoiding the difficult tasks. Thx. I also have set a new bed time routine. It helps is all with feeling better. Have a fantastic day.

[@JonquilCatNew]

Brilliant video 🌼

[@JudithMcPheron-pb9lv]

Thxs Kate! ❤😊❤🎉

[@wandahall4435]

Kate and Kaden ❤❤❤😮😮😮😊😊😊

[@wandahall4435]

My word is Enjoy ❤❤❤😮😮😮

[@pigletsbank437]

Boom girl eyes on the price! Thanks!

[@KateKaden]

What a wonderful surprise on a Friday! Thank you so so much🙏💕💕💕

[@ellisandralunger9445]

i love all of my 17 cats.

[@tiffanyjetter7254]

Ur kitty is gorgeous ❤. I have 3.

[@KateKaden]

Thank you so much from one cat lover to another!

[@robins_nest_]

Beautiful green eyes!

[@jodiesbudgetlife]

Hi Kate, I really enjoyed this video and others as well. It’s the same with me when it comes to household costs, they always come first. Particularly my rent 😊 Also your cat 🐱 is so adorable, what is her name?

[@alexafernandez5743]

Kate you think like me I can't do the pay myself first... no way i can put money in my savings before paying all my bills, is just no work for me

[@maureenvallieres3555]

Heath #1

[@evangelinesamples5071]

I cut garbage pickup.

[@milda0820]

💖💖💖

[@KateKaden]

🤩

[@PenniP]

❤

[@catgodfrey6451]

😊❤😊

[@kaitlinobrien243]

🐈🐈💞

[@lifebeyondthesalary2458]

My dream is to someday be able to hand my card to somebody at checkout like the cashier lady or man or whoever and be able to pay for multiple people‘s groceries just on the random.

[@kaitlinobrien243]

❤❤❤