The Beginner's Guide to Frugal Living: Save More Money - Easy Steps to Frugality

[@janetstonerook4552]

My grown children used to make fun of my extreme frugality. But they are now grudgingly admiring as I retired debt free and am financially independent now in my 70s. I'm decluttering and organizing my household and I'm so excited to empty out spaces that it's hard for me now to buy new things!

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks Janet

[@melisia8876]

Goodness, I wish I had found your channel 5 or 6 years ago. But, I am getting myself picked back up and dusted off. Thank you Jane and Michael.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Welcome!

[@luba-healthywithluba6866]

You are such a wise lady, Jane. We don't upgrade our clothes and cars. Ever since I was young I liked to keep what I like. No one needs to understand how we live. You are a breath of fresh air. Thank you! 🌷

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks Luba

[@elizaC3024]

We put a shut-off valve before our showerhead, so we can get wet and then turn it off there, maintaining the temperature setting and conserving water while we lather up, then turn on, rinse and then turn off again. I use a dishpan in the bathroom sink and collect wash water to use to water my plants just outside of my doors. The soap in the water reduces insects too, so it's a bonus. We take a thermos of coffee with us when we go out in the car. We also take a water bottle, and snacks, so we have no desire to buy extra food at the store because us being hungry.

[@suematile9078]

The minute your video begins, with the landscape view of your lovely home, I relax and sit back and enjoy whatever advice you give or journey you relate. We do much of what you advise. Finding joy in whatever frugal thing you do is such a comfort. Again, thank you.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks for watching and your lovely comment

[@cyclingonplants7444]

Great Video Jane and Michael :) We've had the same modern style, light grey leather sofas since 1984! and the same coffee table too. We clean and condition the sofas twice a year. It's getting to the point where the cushions need to be re-stuffed but we will do that instead of buying new ones. I agree with the "It's not a competition" We have an 11 year old car and it still looks great and runs well - we notice most people on our street buy new cars every couple of years or maybe they are just leasing. Even with our cycling friends we notice they buy new bikes every couple of years meanwhile ours last a good 10+ before we get new ones and we sell the old ones for a goodly amount!. You just have to make the right choices for you and feel comfortable with those choices.

[@helenmak5663]

It’s a good idea to restuff the sofa. Ours is over 20 years and the leather is still good. Never thought of that. Thank you.

[@joannahalford5672]

My other half says I’m so obsessed with your channel that I could have it as my specialist subject on Mastermind! 🤣🤩👏👏👏👏

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks very much

[@donnakallies4152]

I also gave up glossy magazines. I was addicted to pictures of pretty interiors but now I just look online at the real estate ads of houses for sale. I am more able now to recognize emotional and inspirational spending for what it is: a temporary high. I know I like your channel because I find myself humming the theme song which I usually only do at Christmas with “Deck the Halls’. Thanks.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks Donna

[@shivakat2297]

I remember when we first got married we had no air condition in our home. We live in very humid hot southern area of America. Can I tell you the joy once we saved up and bought that air conditioner!!!! We also walked thousands of miles pushing a lawn mower until we finally got the riding mower. Frugal has always been a way of life for me.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

It’s great. We cut 2 acres of grass with a push mower and my old wood cooker was cute but tiny.

[@bex438]

Thanks for all the tips Jane, I could listen to you talk about frugality all day 😊

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

So kind of you

[@patmartin9727]

Me too Jane I find you so inspirational.love your videos. You and Mike are so frugal and so good at encouraging us all to be the same.

[@tracyd2320]

Good Evening from South Africa, I am sò late in this "wisdom" for life. At 46 I feel so behind but I'm choosing not to feel defeated. I'm on Baby step 1(D.R) with 1 main debt to go. I'm still putting 2 daughters through college, which is part of my monthly budget. I am so glad to have found and subscribed to your channel. God Bless You and your husband for taking the time to teach us.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

You’re most welcome and we were where you are now! It’s a journey and the best of luck to you

[@judymcpheron5955]

Don't feel too bad. Look ahead. I started at 67 yrs old and what a difference a few years of budgeting and perseverance makes! The pride in the achieving goals is a big incentive to continue, especially when you surpass your past goals and succeed. You're doing this! 👏👏👍💐🌹

[@tracyd2320]

@@judymcpheron5955 thank you for the encouragement, appreciated 💝

[@baus7]

People do not realize the best way to save is to NOT spend. It'd hard for us to do now days.

[@kiahmadison8541]

I used to live in a house that was built in 1960s in Australia. I swear it had no insulation it was so icy cold in winter. I had to have the heater on. Where I am now even though it's milder weather I have hardly used the heater at all. It can depend on where you live.

[@FrugalMrB]

I did replace my car last year. My previous one was 19 years old, expensive to repair, poor fuel economy and high tax. My new one, 5 years old, cheap parts, twice as fuel efficient and no tax to pay! The cost of purchase will be offset by the savings on fuel, repairs, tax and insurance - so it was cheaper to replace than continue with the old one - I always do a cost-benefit analysis when deciding to replace something!

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

You did great there Andrew, cost analysis is always the right thing to do.

[@yukofreeman4483]

I've had my car for 20 years and the paint is peeling but never had a car payment 😃

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

That’s wonderful to hear, good for you

[@CentsibleLivingWithMoneyMom]

I am so glad you mentioned that some things take many years to save for. That is so true.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks Dawn for your encouragement

[@barbarabruce7648]

Yes it's common sense! And as my old boss used to say " it's not not all that common". I always pick up something I haven't thought of before from you. Instead of a six minute shower haver a five minute shower. Those little things add up. Thankyou. I have a food tip for kids with hollow legs. As well as all of the healthy stuff like chopped carrots, celery, cucumbers apples etc they will still say " I'm hungry" just when you sit down with a well earned cup of tea or coffee. So, I always have bananas, baked beans, bread jam and Vegemite, and generic Weetabix and soymilk. Cheap and easy enough for them to prepare for snacks at home.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Great advice and thanks for sharing

[@ruthhill5311]

I love having prepared food in the freezer for when the energy to cook daily just doesn't happen. This month my goal has been to cook double (or at least extra) to freeze meals to be used in February for my husband for when I won't be available to cook. We are determined to not go out for the budget and safety from the virus!

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

I always love to have something for supper

[@nelaoliveira7845]

I love your channel. It is so nice to know that there are others doing what I have done most of my life: being frugal and spending less than I earned. Slow cookers and the freezer are my best frugal friends. I also avoid using the oven as much as possible.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Electricity prices are dreadful!

[@paulinegagne-bertrand9871]

Another great video. Thanks for the advice. Some people think being frugal means you don’t have a life in fact It is the exact opposite you live better because you don’t have the stress of debt lingering over you. 😊

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks very much

[@pigletsbank437]

'Live is no conpetition' what a nice last message😍 Jane you really know how to get the message in to the world. 👌🌍❤️

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks so much

[@veronicascutaro3162]

I made a batch of pancakes today using leftover chocolate kisses from Christmas. Froze the chocolate then shattered it and used it as chips. Thank you for the pancake in the refrigerator tip!

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Good job there Veronica. We’re out of pancakes, I must make some

[@wendywilson9638]

Just found your channel (via Kathy @ When in France). Such good advice. I wonder though if 'Life is not a competition' shouldn't be the first ethic to understand? It is the single most important revelation I feel I've come to in this business of finding a 'happy' life, and understanding one's own self. Why is this stuff not taught in schools?!! It is SO important. The whole thing about 'saving for' rather than 'paying off' is another one of the greatest life skills to accomplish. The joy of knowing you truly own what you have rather than having it on loan from the bank is incomparable. Cheers from NZ.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks Wendy, welcome and I hope you enjoy our thrift life in France

[@wendywilson9638]

My husband and I are hoping to move to France when he retires in April so I really enjoy catching these vlogs of real life.

[@wendywilson9638]

The extra skill I've added recently is to learn how to bone a chicken. I do enjoy a roast chicken but with only me & hubby a whole chicken is always too much & I really don't enjoy frozen (& thawed obviously 😊) cooked chicken & jointing a whole bird is so much more economical. Still not as pretty as the professionally trimmed birds but I'm getting better. And zero waste.

[@stephaniekleppin7702]

I really liked this video! The “Joy of Waiting” really appealed to me because it is so true. There is such satisfaction in paying cash for a well thought out and researched purchase. I like to track my progress toward goals-that is a joy too. In the meantime, cultivating a grateful heart for the goals you have already achieved really helps to avoid the keep up with the “Jones’s” syndrome (funny, because my maiden name is Jones)! 😛

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Great attitude there Stephanie

[@Briannaisthestar]

Enjoyed this pep talk with rising food costs I have learned to look and buy what's on sale thanks for the encoragment

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

It does help to save money

[@ml.5556]

I’ve had a leather suite for 34 yrs. it’s starting to show its age now. Granted it did not get sat on for years when I had a busy social life. Having no pets or children helped too 🤣🤣

[@rev.ruthe.gallot9103]

great video ... deone additional hint, if you think you might be tempted while you ae out doing necessary errands to shop, take time to watch a few good frugal living KZbin videos (like Frugal Queen in France!) before you go out just to encourage you. I am doing a no spend January and doing very well on it. Today I needed to do a few errands which would not cost anything (pick up mail at post office, drop of trash/recycling at the dump/recycle center, make bank depost and drop off donations at charity shop. I wait until I had the time to do them all on the same day t save on gas. This morning I was thinking that while at the charity shop there were a few things I have been thinking about buying and might look around. But I watched a few videos to encourage myself, wrote down the items at the end of my "No Spend January" check off sheet unde the heading "thiings to consider buying next month" and skipped shopping when I made my drop off. This way I can continue to think about if I really need those items and got home without spending anything! Thanks for the continued inspiration and encouragement. (BTW, I love that scarf, such a pretty color)

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

I get lots of inspiration from you tube

[@CanadianQueen.]

Hello from New Brunswick , Canada. I enjoy your channel. God bless

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks Stacy.

[@jeanwhite2705]

Hello from Annapolis Valley, Nova Scotia, Canada. I really enjoy spending time with you ,Jane and Micheal. Thanks for such good encouragement.

[@charlenebrissette3348]

When it’s really cold, (-26 today in Quebec) keep your drapes closed because no matter how good you think your windows are, when it’s really cold, some cold air comes through.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Great advice

[@kerstinkiel5314]

Thanks for the back to basics video this week Jane .. we all need constant reminders no matter how well we think we're doing.

[@belindacopson2390]

Such sensible and realistic advice, I think you are helping a lot of people in these tough times Jane. x

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks Belinda for your kind words

[@maryd1495]

I love how your videos have important messages without the guilt or criticism. Money and budgeting can be daunting, but you make the information approachable, easy to understand, and relatable.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks very much

[@debbiekoortzen1154]

Hi Jane and Michael, this was a delightful video, right up my alley. You work so hard producing great contend, thank you! I love spending time in your company. Sending lots of love all the way from South Africa. ⚘

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks Debbie, and Mike and I thank you for watching

[@jenduck5520]

Good morning from Australia ❤️ love your videos. We are trying to live more purposefully too and reach early retirement (have managed to pay off the mortgage and all consumer debt). You seem so calm and happy.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Hi Jen - we’re living our best life

[@lynnoorman2144]

Morning,Jayne. I played the adverts through as there weren't any very long ones today but thank you for your reply about letting them roll for at least 35seconds. Reading the comments today it strikes me that us frugal folk really are an international bunch!! Amazing.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks so very much. We are all in a similar situation and the thriftier we are, the better we’ll get through these financial challenges and changes. What if this is the new normal?

[@kootenayJAK]

Well said Jane, you are lovely and inspiring and I can’t wait for the next video you and Mike cook up for us.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

You will love this Friday video

[@frenchfruga4851]

Good evening , i live in south of France , i'm frugalist in order to be on retirement as soon as possible , here is a testimonial to start this year right off : in december 2022 , i will be 40 years old , and have closed the reimbursement of my apartment purchased in january 2014 , thanks to my savings on transport-food-accomodation , 12 years money back earn , my apartment is in the same résidence where i lived Child, back to the future lol I will invest in real estates , the best way of getting more money for my retirement and protecting from inflation which is 4% in France , i agree with every tips that you share , i wish you the best for your future 👍

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thank you so much for sharing. Have a great evening

[@marlyngeeding1877]

Loved this video. Your very personable style is wonderful. You and Mike make the viewer feel that they are on a frugal journey with you both. Out of the seven steps to frugal living. The joy of waiting was the most difficult for me. When looking on line with Amazon, I now put selected items in the cart and leave it for atleast 24 hours, go back to website and ask myself do I need it or want it. Can I live without it. That cuts back buying items. When I go out to stores, I go on one day to window shop, look at items only no buying. Then go shopping to stores that have a senior citizens day, when I get an extra 10 percent off my entire purchase. My mother always did this when I was young. Now that I am 55, I am enjoying the benefits of getting older. Your videos are very informative, and a pleasure to watch. Can't wait for more videos. 😊😍

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

You're very welcome and we are the same age...well, I'm 56 now. Thanks for watching

[@marthaross6301]

I agree with your comments. I, too enjoy the extra savings for Senoir days. My favorite thrift store offers 50% off the total store on Senior day (They rotate, under 55, frontline and service workers, teachers.👍🏻)

[@charlenebrissette3348]

I love when we get the flyers because I use them to clean my mirrors and glass.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks for sharing

[@amayastrata4629]

Deleting Amazon is all well and good but I’ve just bought my budget book from there!

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Now you’ve got it, you can delete it. You know the website if you need anything.

[@moyacroukamp633]

Great advice again,and by the way Jane blue looks good on you.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks very much

[@annamartinek7998]

The joy of delayed gratification. Never heard it put that way but it is so true Jane. Thanks

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks for watching and you’re welcome

[@coettahannah3403]

Cooking on a wood burning stove makes food taste best. I dint have one but daughter does . Unless on a trip, I dint care for most restaurant food .

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Nor do we, if we go on a trip , we pack food and take it with us.

[@bria2596]

Excellent step-by-step outline to a better life. I do watch the ads, too. Have a great week.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks very much for watching and commenting

[@justdreaming3869]

Another wonderful video!! ❤

[@catherinehicks8623]

Fab video, thank you. 😊

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

You’re welcome and thanks for watching

[@karenbuchanan9420]

Love your videos Jane and Michael, always so real and interesting😀

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks Karen

[@janfoster9583]

I’ve recently converted to cold brew coffee and love it! I started putting grounds and cold water in a big glass jar and letting it sit overnight. For Christmas, I got a proper cold-brew pot. They can be quite cheap ($20 US) and greatly improve the filtering of the grounds from the finished coffee. After brewing, each cup of coffee is heated in the microwave or cooktop. So I traded the

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

You’re doing great.

[@judymcpheron5955]

Love this equation. Live below your means money wise and live like you could only dream in the future. 🌈💰💵📈☺😉

[@brendaedwards5201]

Great video love watching you both and the tips and meals you do are so inspiring and helpful We saved for our car and got it last year had to purchase a automatic as my husband had to have a knee operation and a manual was so painful for him to drive things certainly come along when you least expect them too x I watch every penny and have done for years I'm amazed how much money people waste I grew up with my mum saying if you want something save up for it and I've always stuck to it x

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

That is awesome!

[@gladyschandler6724]

Very important to make list & keep an inventory check your pantry & freezer, refrigerator

[@sadieround2766]

Hello from Gloucestershire 💕💕

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Hi Sadie

[@thecherimagee]

Thanks much for all of your tips. Really helps so much!

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

You’re welcome

[@Hide_and_silk]

The one thing we did do - after taking financial advice plus I'm an ACA - was to push our budget housing wise very early on. IMHO it was a very, very good decision. It meant our children were in the catchment area for a very highly regarded state school. They are all now doing extremely well in highly qualified professions and we put this down to the school they were able to attend.

[@catinacheatwood3084]

I love all of real truth 💯 Thank you so much 💓

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks Catina

[@adaly5115]

Thank you for another uplifting video we have never kept up with spending everything we earn. Always saved up for the next car as soon as we bought one for cash and never went looking for an expensive car that cost a great amount to service or repair the more basic car suits us fine. Only 1 car now but my husband had a motor bike for his 10km commute to and from work another basic model. Always saved for medium to small purchases and I haved save up for something and then shopped and realised do I really need it and decided I would save the money just like you with your handbag. Looking forward to next weeks mid week chat. Thanks again.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks for sharing

[@wendygardener2316]

Great video! We are living in a formerly very modest neighbourhood, which is now endlessly being gentrified. I miss all my old thrifty, gardening, DIY neighbours. Thanks for talking about lifestyle creep!

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks for watching

[@gitamariasturm6365]

Darling helpful reminders, Thank you both. I decided i don’t want to keep up with the Jones anymore, but i do want to copy what the Frugal Jane knows, as it really is aligned to how i like to live. Grins & Giggles from Pacific Northwest USA

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

You’re welcome

[@joyverhoef8209]

Thank you for this video! I had decided to turn over a new leaf: I’ve always spent too much. I know I need to learn how to be frugal, and yet knowing that and knowing I can fail at it has kept knots in my stomach. While watching your video, those knots began to loosen and I began to think, “Maybe I really can do this.” So thank you for that and for all the information, it was all useful, and I hope you will be posting much more content!

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

You’re welcome Joy, we hope to encourage

[@lisahaffner3337]

I’m trying to save up for the bigger purchases. Putting a small amount away each month when I need a new car.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

It’s the best way Lisa

[@TheLongRunwithJoelandChristy]

Great video, Jane and Michael. All great points. 👍

[@mkhuntstreasure3192]

Really enjoyed this, thanks for sharing.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

You’re welcome and thanks for watching

[@lorrainehunter5646]

Great content as usual. God bless u

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks Lorraine

[@rosemarydoran9907]

Thank you so much! Just found your channel. I am in the Midwestern U.S. I follow many U.S. based frugal living channels and I look forward to finding some outside the U.S.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

You’re really welcome, don’t forget to share our channel with other like minded people

[@amolnanawaty8429]

Hi Jane. Amol from India. Thanks for this video. I just loved the last one on competition and I think even though it's so simple, if made as core value, would make our life so so simple.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

You’re welcome and thanks for watching

[@danielintheantipodes6741]

Thank you for the video!

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks for watching

[@tracybaker5504]

Really helpful tips.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

You’re welcome and thanks very much for watching

[@candaces3959]

Thanks for another great video. It helps me keep on track and keeps me motivated - along with seeing my own progress.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks for watching

[@rachelwalsh4378]

Another great video Jane & Mike👍keeping me on track….thank you 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Our pleasure!

[@trena7770]

I just love you guys. Thank you for all of your videos. My grandma used to say to us as younger children that we had hollow legs 😂 I’ve always tried to live frugally. I grew up in California so we also were early taught to reserve water and energy. And we were a family that grew up on a very tight budget. I met my husband and moved to New York. It’s very difficult to get him and his mother that we take care of, to understand frugality and conservation, 3 kids in the mix as well but they seem to learn and understand more so than the grown adults. I’ve been here 14 years and still battling hard. I’ve made a lot of progress but dang, the mindset is very ummm…. Something. Lol!

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Keep at it

[@marco5718]

Thank you for this excellent video. You have given great advise, and I hope that I, and your other followers will be inspired by it to live more sensible, and sustainable lives.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks for watching

[@joycegonzales4994]

Great video

[@ReinaAGrace]

I enjoyed the video, great advice to help my low spend year😀

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

You’re welcome and thanks for watching

[@michellebird3120]

Fab video Jane and Mike thankyou 💚

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks so much for watching, as long as people watch, we’ll keep making videos

[@annamoorhouse7086]

Love your videos, thank you 😊

[@ruthomar5131]

Really enjoy watching all these, I'm slowly working my way through them all. So glad I found out about you, as I used to follow your blog and missed it so much when you stopped doing it. Do you have olio local to you ? There's one in my city had a few things free from it. And I used to be an olio food waste hero I had a collection from Costa coffee to do, but I had to give it up due to health x

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

I’m not sure that France has Olio but it’s a great way to save money

[@kateleese9663]

We are waiting for the prices of secondhand towing caravan to come down. The 1 we have is 16 years old and is getting expensive for replacement parts. A fixed bed and a larger washroom would mean we could stay on cheaper sites !

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Caravanning is a lovely way to holiday, you've got all your home comforts.

[@mammusaeinki6317]

Thank you.

[@diamondgirl1941]

Really Great Video Jane, 💫 I APPRECIATE the honesty, ~ it's Only Sometimes by Living Life We Learn The Lessons, ~ that teach us to be Humble, And What's Important. Frugality is A Must in these difficult times...~ I See Frugality As Being Responsible with What you Earn, Have etc. Wasteless Spending ~ whatever that may be IS Simply What it is, A Waste. The Greatest Advice I Received Recently, is to Think Like A Broke Person, ~ it Roots You into What is The Essential. Everything Else is A Bonus, Sure it is Great to Have Treats, And Some discretionary Spending, ~ but being Able to Live Securely is Such A Gift. 🎁💛💫 So Yes, Work hard, Or, And be Sensible...

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thank you

[@heathertucker7056]

Such great advice Jane and Mike! We all need a reminder now and again however well we think we are doing! Personally I think the life is not a competition is the most important thing you said today because that was going to be my downfall in the early years! I so agree about the joy of saving up and knowing that you own something outright is so satisfying and I think you enjoy the item more! Thank you for your wonderful videos

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

You’re so welcome and thanks very much for watching

[@WarriorGoddessSubliminals]

Thank youuuu 🇦🇺❤️

[@jerrychetty2524]

I used to buy beer every week and drink it whenever I felt like it but now I get a case lot and disciplined myself to have a few only once a week, usually a Saturday

[@joannahalford5672]

Advice please! I’ve gone from a job where I was paid at the end of the month, now I’m paid on 20th! It’s messed up my monthly budgeting. So do I start my July budget on 21 June the day after I get paid? Any help would be great thanks so much 🤗

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Watch our latest budgeting video.

[@ashjoma]

How do you manage in France with learning and speaking another language ? Also, was it difficult to learn to drive on the other side of the road ?

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Learning a second language is incredibly diff, takes dedication and hard work. We both muddle by as we don’t get out much, get very few opportunities to speak French. We’ve both got good comprehension and listening skills but poor speaking skills. It’s intuitive to just drive on the right. It’s not difficult at all.

[@melissagimson1910]

Hi Jane, new subscriber here. I'm a recent homeowner and my partner just moved in with me. We used to be really good at free date ideas but because of the covid lockdowns we did a lot of the staying home date nights e.g. movie nights, game nights etc to death! Do you have any recommendations for frugal activities/date ideas to do outside the home?

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Walks, visit a town or village you’ve never visited before, a beach you’ve never visited before, we take picnics,

[@frankieniedorf4463]

Great tips

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Glad you think so!

[@helenhartley6904]

No spend January is good so far, I'm even under my tighter grocery $ limit! But I have a small list of things I'd like to get, eg a new keto book that won't ever be available in my library..how do I justify the spend? I may need to give myself a small monthly allowance, do you have that?

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Hi Helen. We allow ourselves a small discretionary budget some months, if our income is low, there isn’t any. We always save 10% which some might spend but we don’t.

[@teresaoloughlin2532]

Hi just want to ask you when you started ro be frugal did you find the first few weeks /months you got down and a bit depressed

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

No, not at all. Depression is a complex issue with many causes and can be triggered by many things. Like millions of others, I have had bouts of mental illness and none of it was caused by budgeting.

[@diegeferenbach8065]

👋 I've got a question relating to your move(if you don't mind 🤔) Did you sell your home in the UK or left it to be rented?

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

We sold our UK home.

[@sophiawolthof1238]

👍👍👍

[@MA-rk7dr]

❤️❤️❤️

[@amyc5913]

I bought a food dehydrator. D

[@milda0820]

💖

[@sandramorton5510]

Great advice as always. Could you address debt vs savings, such as paying off debt before saving if money is tight? Then do not go into debt again, rely on savings. Do you think 2% of your Home value for repairs is sufficient, annually. Back in the day we had a Christmas Club saving account, then I started a school saving account. I have a budget, not as detailed as yours, something to strive for.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

I will make a debt versus savings video. It’s a great topic.

[@rebacarmack8335]

Our children can’t understand why we still have the same living room suite we’ve had for 20-25 years? We very rarely have company, neither one of us use that room on a regular basis, so Yes I might “want” new furniture but I do not “Need” new.

[@esthers9140]

I always enjoy your videos but music playing while you're talking is distracting...im getting too old.😄

[@StephanieMT]

you can save up the money you would spend on coffee out and buy fancy machine to use at home

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

You can indeed

[@virginiacervantes7988]

👍🌹

[@tracybruring7560]

amazon and groceries! kill me

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Amazon? Go on delete the app. Do a home audit, I doubt there’s anything you need. I bet you could live without some purchases you’ve made

[@lexicuryk4414]

Wonderful video...lots of great suggestions to get me back on track...Thank You!

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

You’re welcome