The Truth About 8 So-Called Frugal Habits

[@ninad9626]

I agree with lots of what you listed but will respectfully disagree on one point: I almost always reuse my ziplocks bags. I wouldn't bother if, say, raw chicken had been in it but for veggies, sandwiches etc I find it very easy to dunk in the soapy warm dishwashing water after dinner, rinse and dry on a wooden rack (Etsy buy, fantastic, dry by morning). For me, it's much more about waste than about the frugality aspect. I'm well aware I won't save the world by these small actions but I see no reason why I should waste if it's not a big deal to not do it...if that makes sense.

[@rhondadownes207]

I even save my bread bags to wash out and reuse. 🌎

[@jennywren8937]

Same here, often handy in the bathroom, take a couple to the supermarket, under the sink, holding opened tins of paint, breadcrumbing fish and wrapping the spent containers, small items in the workshop. No waste.

[@grooviechickie]

Same here. I don't understand why I would throw out something that is perfectly reusable for a while. Once they get a bit manky, then yep okay, it's bin time.

[@coraclouden2506]

Agreed on the food bag point. I label them so that the same ones are use for bread and the same for meat etc

[@margiekraftkindt4208]

Just be careful when reusing plastic that was designed for one-time use--the plastic “breaks down” and can leech into your food, which is not good . . . an example of how trying to save money can cost you highly in the long run.

[@craftypat]

Friends are shocked at what I spend on a pair of shoes. First, I need wide shoes with good support, these can't be bought off the shelf at a big box store. I have foot problems and need my feet to be comfortable. Second, my shoes last a long time. I also do not bulk buy groceries because I found food was going to waste and is not always cheaper per unit. Thanks for your videos!

[@dianeyoung8068]

I spend quite a bit for my shoes too but foot pain is no fun. Sometimes you must spend in order to have something well made that will last.

[@laundrygoddess4]

Good shoes are key! I have always worn good shoes but have bad arthritis from an accident. Foot pain is no joke.

[@judetheobscure2366]

Well, your friends just haven’t read about the Sam Vimes’ Boots theory of socioeconomic unfairness! You’re doing the right thing and saving money in the end as you say- and more importantly saving your feet!

[@deborahdawes6975]

Re: DIY, I suggest people watch a few KZbin videos on performing your particular task to help you decide if you're up to it. My 22-year-old car's passenger side exterior mirror got knocked off. I called dealers and repair shops and the best cost I got was $600. My husband and I watched a few videos (there were many for replacing the mirror on my exact old model) and we said, "We can do that!" I ordered a replacement mirror from a chain auto parts store for $60. It took us less than an hour to replace the mirror, and that includes undoing and redoing when we fed the electical wires through the wrong hole. I could do it without my husband's help next time because nothing in the process requires great strength or mechanical skill. Just by following the directions we spent $60 and an hour instead of $600, the trip to the repair shop, waiting around, and the trip home. DIY can be great, but watch some videos first, then decide.

[@magnolia718]

I agree with the DIY. Watch a few KZbin videos and there is always someone out there to show you how to fix something, in great detail too. I also replaced a side mirror in our Dodge Truck, replaced the unit in the door, which enabled the passenger window to open and close, added on a ball hitch, watched a video on how to clean out the carburetor on two push lawnmowers, and so much more, saving hundreds of dollars. All of this I did this past year, at 75 years of age, so don't be scared to watch first and see if you could possibly fix it yourself!

[@puppydood]

My dad always told me ‘buy cheap, buy twice’. He ain’t wrong. ❤

[@jochenkraus7016]

Buying the more expensive thing doesn't always turn out as expected. When my camera stopped working (size and price as entry level DSLR), I replaced it with a much better model. And got the focal length I already liked in the better variant. On paper much better, but in actual use also much bigger and heavier and less fun to carry around.

[@robertahoffmann8820]

OR opposite… but quality ? That’s my motto… when possible. Not saying name brands only. Just quality.

[@sjordan7085]

I shop Thrift Stores for high quality items in excellent condition, which tends to disprove the theory that spending more always means better quality, because it doesn't. I once paid 35 pounds for a beautiful cashmere coat. Would I have found better quality by paying more? No, so why waste the money?

[@lauriehill8240]

I grew up with 'frugal' parents in New England : one of their favorite phrases: "Use it up, wear it out; make it do or do without" - a great one to apply. I also ask myself before buying anything - do I NEED this or do I WANT it. The difference frequently has me not buying something. "Retail therapy" is an expensive way to feel better... better to clean something or organize something - you accomplish more that way!

[@KimSmith-b9v]

When you are frugal you buy less but better stuff.

[@Catherine_2571]

This. There is a time cost in replacing stuff, plus the dissatisfaction factor for poor quality.

[@PatsSweetSixties]

As a nutritionist, I would much rather make things from scratch because I know exactly what is going into it. For those with food sensitivities and allergies, it is extremely important. Once you have the basic ingredients and basic tools, cooking from scratch is far more frugal than store bought, questionable food. My depression area parents and my son who is an executive chef have taught me this. I also grow my own veggies for the same reason. I'm frugal in other areas of my life, so if I spend a little more sometimes on the quality of my food, it equals out.

[@tessaoshea5697]

You save more money by noting which items attract coupons and avoiding those items. They tend to be highly processed items with massive profit margins

[@cpaslick1]

I am a big believer in paying people with proper skills to do various jobs. I am paid for my specific skill set, and I support other people by paying them for their skills 🙂

[@andrealazar1556]

My Grandmother instilled re-use into the entire family. She raised three children on a female teacher's salary through the Depression and then there was WW2. If you throw something away that can be washed and reused, it's gone and may not get replaced when you are poor or at war. Aluminum foil, plastic wrap and bags, paper bags, rubber bands, paper clips, clothes, you-name-it! It took recycling to get any of her grandchildren to throw away aluminum foil and my auntie re-used it until you could see light through it. None of us are poor, thank goodness, but I just can't seem to throw a rubber band away!🙃

[@lindahartman4543]

My late wife drew an ovation from onlookers, once when she was couponing, she had enough in coupons to not only get a free cart of groceries and household products, but got cash back from the till. Kate was a pro!! Most of the haul was donated to a local church food pantry.

[@Serai3]

I heartily disagree with the idea that making food from scratch does not save money. A loaf of bread costs nearly $5, whereas a homemade loaf costs less than $1. And assuming it'll take years to learn to make good bread is just a myth. My first foray into bread was a recipe for hamburger buns. I thought I'd have to make lots ot learn them, but to my shock they came out great the very first time. Bread making just isn't as hard as bakers want everyone to believe. Many homemade food items are far easier than you think, and you WILL save a great deal of money. Plus, you only need fancy equipment for bread-baking if you have trouble with your hands, like arthritis. Then you'd need a mixer, but a handheld one takes up hardly any space. Otherwise, a couple of bowls, a wooden spoon or two, and an easily cleanable space on your table is all you need. Flour, salt, yeast, water, for some recipes some sugar and/ or eggs, and that's it. Inexpensive items, inexpensive ingredients (unless you insist on getting fancy; I certainly don't) are all you need to start saving money on bread. Likewise most food items. Don't fall for the myths. And if you just don't want to take the time to learn, just say so. Don't frame it as "you won't save money", because that's just not true.

[@josephbaumann292]

I only use organic flour to make my bread and it’s still cheaper than buying already made bread.

[@laundrygoddess4]

A bag of perogies is 5 bucks. The way I make them... 8. It's not always cheaper

[@josephbaumann292]

@@laundrygoddess4 what do pierogi have to do with bread? Might as well compare apples and oranges.

[@laundrygoddess4]

@@josephbaumann292 if you can't see that using superior ingredients can make homemade more expensive than cheaper ingredient mass produced items, your educational system has not served you well

[@josephbaumann292]

@@laundrygoddess4 There must be something wrong with your educational system. Me and the other poster were talking about the cost of BREAD. Not PIEROGI. Yes, not all baked goods are cheaper home made, but for us BREAD is.

[@marietroutman4584]

I agree with everything you said. I have tried some of those things and forget it. Just get a new one like I told my husband you’re 76 and I’m 75, we’re almost dead. Just buy what you want and let the kids buy their own. L O L.

[@SeekingandSharing]

I just wanted to share that your energy/aura is so comforting. I always click on your videos bc I feel a sense of authenticity and safety

[@silverandsolo]

That means a lot, thank you!

[@2000konnie]

1. Couponing. I used to look through the coupons, but I rarely saw anything I used. Most of the food items were the most unhealthy, like boxed turkey stuffing. Also, I don't have the storage space to keep multiples of items that would take me, as a single person, years to consume. 2. Making things from scratch. I've never been interested in making bread from scratch even though I love it. I love it too much. That's the problem. At one point when I was young, I got into baking. Same thing. If it tastes good, I can't stop eating. If I had a family to cook for, it might be fun to do again. 3. Watering down soap. I only do it to get the last bit out of the dishwashing soap. I wouldn't do it on a regular basis. 4. I have to say that my Samsung smart TV that I bought in 2012 has been amazing. I haven't had one problem with it, and it still has a beautiful picture. If it does go bad, I will replace it immediately. I had a new refrigerator when I moved into my unit in a multiunit building almost 20 years ago now. It was a lemon. I put so much money into repairing this, then that. The last time I said I was going to get a new one the next time it went bad. The replacement fridge has been wonderful (knock on wood). Some items are just lemons and there's no point in trying to repair them. 5. Totally agree with DIY. Do no harm. I once had to pay a contractor a lot of money to remove wallpaper that a DIY previous resident had stuck directly to the wall withOut the proper primer. (I might have these our of order lol.)

[@KeithandPamBilyeu]

Pam here….I quit coupons as it was making me spend MORE and buy stuff I normally wouldn’t buy. My neice is an extreme couponer…but it is an OCD and even a ‘greediness’ hoarder selfishness….the grocery stores hare hate it when she shows up, they do not want to check her out. My 90 year old dad went out for lunch with her, and she had a coupon for 50% off, which that paid for HER meal!! OMG he was living on retirement and she works FULLTIME and her husband makes 100k plus as a plumber. I was SO upset with how CHEAP and inconsiderate that was, to make my DAD pay for his entire meal!!

[@missp5050]

HI Pam Pam #2 here, I use to coupon also but I was going to the extreme almost now I am stuck with all this mouthwash and toothpaste you can only give away so much mouthwash and toothpaste just because you can get it practically free don't mean you have to hoard it 😢 now all I do is digital coupon for the things my family needs and I try to help others too and about your dad that was very inconsiderate she could have used that coupon on him😢

[@jochenkraus7016]

Not Pam here 😂 The description of excessive couponing sounds like the ancestor of today's fomo, haul, restock, Tiktok made me buy it etc. trends 😮

[@missmayflower]

Yup. It’s more like a mental illness.

[@carolynmaves503]

When my children were small I did a lot of sewing, it was a creative project I enjoyed. But now fabric, patterns, thread, and other sewing notions are so expensive, sewing is no longer money saving. Shopping sales and thrift stores is more frugal. I do miss that creative outlet though.

[@jandmvideos9051]

I’m in my seventies now, but when I was younger I was really hard on shoes. I do not know why. Once, my husband convinced me to pay $300 for what was deemed a really good pair of shoes. They lasted a week. The heel broke and tore the leather while I walked across a tile floor at work. I spent my lunch time shopping for shoes to finish out the work day. He never suggested buying quality shoes again.

[@coolcutsgal2]

Sometimes we "know better" for ourselves 🫣

[@gaildela5710]

😄😂

[@magnolia718]

Years ago, a good pair of shoes were made to last years, but nowadays the cheap thin leather from China, lasts just a few months!

[@lizadams7662]

My social activities are my Library knitting/crafting groups, great friendships! I hate eating out, prefer my home cooked. I used to eat out to stay in touch with friends, and now I've outlived them, no more unwanted lunch dates. So I'd say no need spend money to be sociable. Your ideas there are good.

[@Peggy731]

I used to bake rustic bread. It was fantastic! But it ran my utility bill up per loaf. I decided it was better to buy bread than make bread. It’s certainly cheaper. And my little aunt, God love her, used to make us wash and save bread wrappers. When she died, there were drawers full of bread wrappers. (Child of the Depression.)

[@reneklein6049]

Oh those elusive coupons. They'd arrive every Sunday in the newspaper, and that was my job in my childhood to cut out what we needed. Half the time, they never got used, or we'd bring them to the market, only to find that they've expired. I don't even know if we have them anymore. Now we have store cards that get scanned, and it will pick up products that are on sale. I don't water down soap, shampoo, or conditioner. You are so right. Nowadays, it's cheaper to buy new appliances than to repair them. I'm definitely not at DIY. I'd rather pay someone and know that the job is done correctly. Thanks for sharing, Jen!❤❤

[@IdaMaySmith]

I love all of your video content.. But.. By far my favorite part of every video is “Hi I’m Jenn”😊 It makes me feel so cozy and welcome.☺️

[@IdaMaySmith]

Yikes! Is it with one N or two? Sorry if I spelled your name wrong..

[@silverandsolo]

It's all good!

[@PaulaBallard-r2w]

Oops, me too. 🥴​@@IdaMaySmith

[@TallyDrake]

I don't know if anyone else does this, but when I use a product that comes in a tube (toothpaste, foot cream), when I've squeezed out all I can, I cut the tube in half and scoop out the rest. I keep the pieces in a baggie so the product doesn't dry out. It's amazing how much is left in those tubes!

[@silverandsolo]

LOL, uh, not here.

[@Julie-ii9px]

I do the same but I cut the tube into half or thirds. Scoop out the product from the top and middle sections if there is one into the bottom section, throw away the middle section and use the top section as a cap.

[@lucindalightbringer8776]

I'm an introverted frugal gal and I agree with your points. I really liked your last point--not to avoid social interactions using the excuse of cost. I love finding free activities for my family to do.

[@debbietinker2408]

Baking or cooking from scratch can save you in the long run on your health. You know what you are putting in your meals. I make a homeade bread, recipe from a Utuber I follow. 3 ingredients, plus water....and very easy.

[@broomhag]

I took a bread making class and now I bake bread almost every week. Far cheaper for me.

[@laundrygoddess4]

I make homemade pasta and perogies. But it's not for everyone. Everyone has different interest and time demands

[@debbietinker2408]

And better for you!!

[@silverandsolo]

I bet your bread is delicious!

[@cesca6829]

Thank you for another great video. My top frugal tip is look after your washing machine by doing service washes. We had a cheap washing machine for twenty years with almost daily use (family with children), but once a month I would run it on its hottest cycle, empty but with detergent as I'd read a blog post by a washing machine engineer who said to do this to clean the insides (sorry, no idea what blog). When we bought it we couldn't afford more and expected it to last about five years tops, so am very glad to have found that blog. I do service washes with the dishwasher too, which is 16 years old, no repairs needed.

[@missroxanne7123]

Me and my husband still have his grandmothers clothes dryer. We are 60. She died in the early 90s. Yep they don’t make them like that anymore. Lol

[@virginia_in_the_rearview]

I do reuse disposable plastic bags, but not for any food that could cross contaminate. I especially reuse them for small travel items. The only food I currently reuse them for is dry pasta because I break down a larger container into meal sized portions. It's sad how things like electronics don't last. I bought a push lawn mower in 1996, and it still runs great with routine maintenance. I tried couponing several times years ago and failed miserably 😂

[@maryusa8526]

There are some things not worth the effort or the time to be frugal. My mental/spiritual energies are also important ... some people put too much pressure/stress on me over zip lock bags or things I want to toss or pay 10 cents to a dollar more for. My uncle (the relaxed hassle-free one) once pointed out that driving around to pay 5-10 cents less for gas wasted more money than just finding the nearest gas station. I have been using his philosophy on other applicable instances, too. So now I have a grocery bag collection in the trunk of the car because I never remember to grab them until I'm at the checkout. I've remedied this by just having the cashier place it all back into the cart and sort it at the car (unless it's raining)

[@808OnMyMind]

Hi Jen. Thank you for your many interesting videos. I live alone too, by choice and love it, most of the time. For years I’ve been saying I have nothing in the house to quickly eat, BUT, I have lots of ingredients to make something to eat. When you’re tired, or just not motivated to take the time that’s when taking advantage of shortcuts and pre-made items can save the day.💡I’ve only recently started reconsidering my options to make life easier. Thank you for bringing this to my attention again. However, I love to make bread, and today is bread day. Dinner rolls for the freezer. Have a lovely day. 😊

[@desg6554]

Great topic! We don't have coupons here in Australia but we do have sales brochures and reward cards. I don't follow these as the points/savings are usually on items I never buy. I keep a running list beside my pantry and make a note to buy/replace something when I think of it or I run out. That makes up my shopping list for the week. Planning and only buying what I need means I can afford better quality ingredients that I enjoy rather than bulk purchasing rubbish. I do make my own bread and most meals from scratch though. I have a bunch of easy recipes that I like and make regularly stuck on the back of my pantry door. Most of them have been tweaked to make one or two serves to suit me living solo. My veggie garden is my hobby and I find it really rewarding when I successfully grow something. DIY yes! Sometimes you just need to pay up for a professional to have it done properly.

[@kambrose1549]

I try to use the fruit from my garden and do some freezing and juicing. It takes hours. I give a lot to my daughter. She has children who help so there's a team of them pitting squeezing peeling stirring etc and even they find it hard work. But it's satisfying to have it done so I'll keep at it.

[@evannerson3498]

As someone who has to pretty much make most things from scratch due to extensive food allergies I can confirm, when you add up the cost of the individual ingredients (i.e. you have to buy a whole jar of spices, for a dish you may only make every now and then) and the time spent in prep and storage and effort, you don't usually save much in the long run. I think people often forget to include their time and effort when figuring out the cost of things.

[@coraclouden2506]

I agree to a point, as you can choose not to make things once in a while, or substitute some ingredients. I agree that time is a huge factor that isn't always factored in - I learned this when I started making sourdough bread. On the plus side, you can omit unhealthy ingredients when making things from scratch

[@PatsSweetSixties]

Bulk spice stores offer the ability to only buy what you need. The bulk barn here in Canada is great for that and I use it often for trying new spices. I don't worry about the time spent on scratch cooking because it's a pleasure and not a chore.

[@laundrygoddess4]

I always make things better than the stores. That's almost always more expensive lol

[@Grace79283]

To me it's more about you know what's in the food you eat, not all that stuff you can't even pronounce

[@padmepadme]

Because we don't compost (don't have a garden), we "employ" used zip-lock plastic bags to seal up messy trash, such as, out of date refrigerator foods, et al., so as to keep our trash cans from getting nasty.

[@broomhag]

I used to can jam and jelly when my kids were little. They have grown and flown the nest so it's only me. Too much work to do onva regular basis now. I found a very good jelly vendor at my local farmers market. Her jellies are just as good as mine. I am morecthan happy to give her the money and go on my merry way!

[@ConservativeLiving]

I love this video! Now I don't feel guilty for not couponing (I always thought I was lazy for not taking advantage of coupons, but it is a waste of time); for taking advantage of boxed stuffing mix (I always thought I was lazy for not making it from scratch); throwing out broken items (I thought I was lazy for not taking them into a shop to have them repaired); for not reusing ziploc bags; for not DIYing (I'm not talented working with my hands); for not making homemade bread (I don't have the interest or talent); and for actually spending money on social events (I always thought it was a waste of money according to most people's standards, especially if you're on a low income or paying off debt, but I NEED social activities for my mental health - I'm an introvert and I need a balance of alone-time and people-time. Thank you for making me not feel guilty!!!!!!!!

[@mark98011]

Way back when - when I was a single father, I did the couponing thing. It was something I subscribed to called "The Grocery Game." The weekly email would alert me when my local Safeway grocery store had put something on sale that I had clipped a coupon for weeks earlier. I knew it had gotten out of hand when I realized that I had accumulated 20+ boxes of breakfast cereal.

[@veronicwbrennan4002]

🎉To me buying quality not quantity is frugal. To me frugal is considering before purchasing. . I think things with a long life like coffee, tea, laundry liquid and toiletries amongst others is just sensible to buy when on special. I keep watch and buy whether needed at that time or not as they will be. A wise friend told me before she put a dollar of her hard earned money into someone elses hand she paused to consider did she really need it. I think frugality is such a wise way to live but it's when it turns into stinginess (is that a word) its miserable.

[@tessaoshea5697]

Watering down is unnecessary if you live alone but if you live with people who take a certain amount, never mind the concentration then it's worth doing.

[@om617yota7]

Was thinking that too. If it's concentrated, just use a tiny little dab. No need to water it down in the bottle.

[@MeMyrrh]

This single cat/dog/fowl woman in coastal Maine enjoys your channel regularly. Thanks.

[@silverandsolo]

Welcome! I did my Teaching degree at UMPI! Love, love, love Maine!

[@virgierutledge3004]

Cooking from scratch for a single person would be hard. There are two of us and we usually cook from scratch for health reasons, not to save money. I freeze half of it for another easy day. Love your channel.

[@deedream10]

I’m single 64 and cooked scratch all my life and I’ve been single most of it. It isn’t hard. I make two loaves of bread at a time. I let it sit wrapped until next day when it’s easier to slice. I slice it all up and bag and freeze. I take out slices as I need them. I make rolls and break them apart before freezing so I can grab. Cake cookies whatever it is I make sure one serving can be removed from freezer. I make a chicken pot pie, next day when it’s been baked and now cold I slice and wrap individually. I make mini meatloaves. I pressure can meals in jars. I do the same as I would for two except take it down to one serving. Welll sometimes I do 2 servings and eat something twice . Today I bagged and froze several chicken n gravy servings. 😀

[@22vinebrook]

I must admit I’ve washed and reused zip top plastic bags. Depending on what the bag held and if it can be satisfactorily cleaned without hassle, I’ll reuse it to store non-food items. I really try not to buy those bags in the first place, a box of the quart size freezer bags can last me a year or more. It just seems so wasteful and unnecessary to throw out a zip bag that held a bunch of grapes or crackers in a lunchbox for a few hours if it can be reasonably reused. Now, it’s highly unlikely I’d put grapes or crackers in a plastic zip bag in the first place, but I’m just trying to make my point and defend my fellow bag washers. 😂🧐🤪

[@vickiLynn0111]

I reuse ziplocs if they were just holding something like an open bag of something or something that was not messy like cookies or muffins. If it’s messy enough for a wash that’s my criteria for trashing them. 😉

[@noreenn6976]

​I'll reuse ziplock bags, depending on what was in it previously. Many times the reused bag will get used to transport health and beauty items in my suitcase.

[@rhondadownes207]

@@22vinebrook I try to use glass jars as much as possible, too, for almost anything.

[@RitaCwise]

My mother had a saying, “penny wise and pound foolish “.

[@salsarmemimi7292]

OMG I remember my mother washing Ziplock type bags when I was growing up. I hated it. I would always say it was unsanitary. She still kept doing it. LOL Blessings to you from Texas.

[@debseyler2817]

I love your channel Jen!!! Thank you for your humor and fun personality 😊. I’m an introvert too - I really do appreciate your channel.

[@PaulaBallard-r2w]

Thanks Jenn. Another interesting chat. I don't disagree with anything you said and can't think of anything to add. But, really enjoyed "our visit" as usual. I look forward to Wednesdays because I know that's Jenn chat day. 😂 Have a great day and see you next week. --Paula in Ohio USA 🙋

[@gubieone]

Another great video. I actually fixed my microwave a few years ago using a KZbin video. It was simple for the model I had as I only had to replace some plug in switch things that I purchased on Amazon. It lasted a while before I decided to replace it. I don't know if I would try it again as new models have more features meaning more complicated workings. (Always be careful with electrical appliances). And I have to comment on the plastic bag reuse too. I hate throwing away plastic so I did research reuse of plastic bags. According to some videos I found, they could be reused about 10 times if kept in good condition. That seemed excessive to me. My result is I do wash my freezer gallon bags to reuse when I store non-meat items and things that are not overly greasy like bread or crackers. If when washing them I find they don't seal well, I toss them. Usually 1 or 2 reuses. It is good to know I am not the only one who obsesses a little on such things.

[@KeithandPamBilyeu]

Pam here…I use the FOAMING soap pumps. Not to make soap last longer but i can lather up quicker and the soap washers off so much easier. ..don’t have to sit there and rinse and rinse …..

[@andrearidgeway939]

Those couponing episodes might have been filmed at least a decade ago. I don't have cable, so I'm not sure. I don't see a lot of paper coupons anymore. Most are digital. I haven't seen any place that offers double coupons for longer than I can remember. At least not where I have lived. I actually miss it being easier to get the paper coupons.

[@jandmvideos9051]

I agree. When there were paper coupons, I only clipped the ones I needed or the ones for products I thought I might like to try. It took very little effort.

[@annarborite8198]

I love the “and I throw them out” shot 😂

[@robertahoffmann8820]

Jen I DO/DID THE SAME THING…with plastic bags!! Spent so much time trying to save the planet and $!!! But we recycle plastic bags here in New Jersey… CLEAN not dirty… 11:27 so I’m finally giving up trying to reuse, like you… and simply rinsing, hanging somewhere to dry then throwing it into plastic bag recycling bag. We try so hard to help our planet but sometimes it feels good to rethink and do it another way! RELIEF!

[@LurkerSmurf]

I have quality products and a few electronics from the days when such things were built to last. Nowadays, everything is disposable. When something is no longer useable, I upgrade to the best quality I can afford, and cross my fingers it will last long enough to justify the expense.

[@vickiLynn0111]

The extreme couponers in my opinion in most cases are hoarding unless they donate everything they can’t use. Most coupons are for highly processed foods. My aunt was an extreme couponer for a while. It was just her and my uncle (no kids) and she had a pantry full enough to feed a family of ten or more. It was not the only hoarding behavior she exhibited.

[@jennywren8937]

Homemade bread ready sliced in the freezer. Leftovers on toast camouflaged with cheese. I pop coupons on supermarket shelves for anyone who might find them useful. Any excess beans from the garden are left out on our post box, the postman always knows who's needy.

[@charlottekey8856]

Actually I think baked goods are often more "frugal" because they are better. Commercial baked goods are notorious for harboring types of mold you won't see. The mold growth happens when warm baked goods (many already loaded with chemicals) are put into plastic bags which are then closed tightly. A nutritionist once did an experiment in Mexico where the bread was made with no chemicals)with fresh bought bread. They stayed fresh and mold free on her counter, in a plain paper bag.

[@EL-gu8fv]

I often find that coupons are for items I don't buy, or don't like. Here in the UK, most bulk buying only serves to help the vendor shift unwanted goods.

[@Babydoll-gf6cm]

thrifting can save you a lot. I’ve found designer labels on items with the tags still on for a fraction of the price.

[@user-ye2ge4zo5lhennypenny]

Hi 👋 from Australia 🇦🇺 found your Channel a few months ago! 😀 ❤🎉 love ❤ rustic bread!

[@brucewilkinson8599]

Some great points. Thank you for putting these often common mistakes at saving money into the open.

[@VickiSutherland-b1t]

I love the term “false economies” that helps me let go of outdated expectations my depression era in-laws lived by. Thanks for your videos! 💕👍

[@tom18410]

I will reuse storage bags that had dry goods in them, like breads etc. Any that had meat or other wet goods in them are used to dispose of food scraps like banana peels or apple cores.

[@veralubov7405]

Agreed and liked, as usual! I wish I could purchase bread, pitas, buns, as I did in the past (LOVE dough in any form)...Now I have to avoid carbs and just bake by myself, using almond or coconut flour. Fortunately, I enjoy this activity🙂P.S. My Dad used to say, "I am not rich enough to buy cheap things". I follow in his footsteps without going overboard..

[@heatherh_official]

I will be the 1st to comment! I found your channel a few months back re monetizing & binged the while series & just really love your authentic content! Thank you!

[@gaildela5710]

AGREE!! 😊

[@twilde3754]

I've never used a coupon in my life. I buy only what I need/use food wise.

[@gwenellison3937]

extreme couponing is a hobby that makes you money and lets you donate way more to charity 🙂 It's a fun challenge and treasure hunt for me; it gives me energy.

[@Alverant]

Those extreme couponers ruined it for everyone else. Companies pretty much stopped with those coupons because of it. I keep my coupons in my car so I don't forget them. Today most coupons are electronic and I can use my phone to clip them in the store if I will use them.

[@jacquelinedalamal]

Brava! You’re so organised!❤

[@lindawilson4625]

Great video that was also amusing. Thanks!

[@divmagadev]

Love all your videos.... ❤❤❤

[@herekittykittykitty475]

I was having problems with odors and bugs from leftover scraps and uneaten soft cat food in my kitchen garbage can that I started using fast food drink cups as scrap containers in the freezer. On trash day I just throw away my frozen billets of scraps and no more problems!

[@judytaquino6412]

Busted! You nailed me on hanging onto things that need mending or repaired.

[@sabinegoetz1448]

Hi Jen. Agreed with your frugal habits explanations. I prefer to buy the best quality I can afford, and buy with intent for a long life. It makes financial sense over the long term. With coupons and sales, I consider the marketing behind the product push. I ask myself, would I buy this if it were not on sale or had a coupon? I also consider where the product is made, and I try to buy local, BC or Canada when I can. I always try to support small business (so much easier now with internet!). Cheers!

[@mollieanne]

I never understood people going to different grocery stores from coupons. I would think the time and gas spent would be more than the saving 50 cents for an item. Also, these stores like Kohls that pretty much make it that if you do not have a coupon and are not on their mailing list then you will have to pay a lot more is annoying. Makes me not shop at those type of stores.

[@cherylkeller5181]

I don't shop at Kohls for that reason.

[@martaaldama6419]

I agree with you, especially do it yourself stuff. I ask for help and pay.

[@FocusonFinancewithTammy]

I love your videos. You inspired me to start my own! Thanks!

[@TRev-l6o]

Baking from scratch can be really expensive. But some cookies recipes from back in the day (1960s to 1980s) are worth it. And as for shoes/boots; if you are on your feet 8 hours a day, except for breaks, an expensive pair of shoes is worth it.

[@enatp6448]

I suck at making bread but I do wash out freezer bags. It's not hard at all.

[@suem.1392]

Watering down soap!! I feel seen :) I use 2 parts soap to one part water. I feel that it is effective. And if I get a gift of body wash or shampoo that I won't use, I use that to wash my hands. It's all soap!

[@07ikkin]

I recently started using shampoo that I don't like as hand soap. Sometimes I'll add a little to my scrub brush for the tub

[@gilsand9900]

I agree about buying good quality clothes (and shoes). And if you go for classic styles, they won't go out of date. Also cooking from scratch is very important, IMO. I don't even buy breakfast cereal, but make my own muesli mix, from rolled oats and four types of seeds (sunflower, pumpkin, linseeds and sesame seeds - I grind up the last two in a coffee grinder, after a doctor told me they otherwise go straight through you!) after discovering years ago that the muesli I'd been buying in the health-food section of the supermarket, which was labelled as having "no added sugar", had a very high sugar content from the dried fruit in it. It was also expensive.

[@renaesutton3145]

I find I use coupons more now that they are electronic and attached to my customer card. It's an easy click and no physical coupons to deal with. Since it is attached to the card anyone using our customer card can use the coupons - WIN/WIN! Years ago my sister and I would use paper coupons and go to stores for double and triple coupon days - it got old really quick for sure LOL. In my area in Ohio they stopped doing all those deals for the coupons anymore, not sure if still going on elsewhere. Love your videos and you have some very good information and ideas you share. Thanks!

[@sct4040]

I look for coupons on the 2 face creams that I always buy at Walgreens, and OTC medications like dry eye drops, shampoos. Never food because I only buy fresh produces and dairy.

[@FiresideDividender]

Great video..thanks for the info!!

[@janmillerstopmotion]

When store brand items got better I stopped clipping coupons. Some grocery stores in the US have digital coupons which is nice because I've always got my phone!

[@jennywren8937]

Store pantyliners were cheaper anyway, so I left my coupons on the Sainsburys shelf along with the ones for panties.

[@rachelAB9503]

I also used to clip coupons years ago, but now I use the digital ones too, often on top of sale prices. Some really save me a considerable amount of money like the Kroger ones. I buy items I already use and also try a few new things, which has opened my family up to more variety. Baking from scratch can often help to save money, but many do it to control the quality of the ingredients and end result. There are so many unnecessary ingredients in foods nowadays, plus some have certain dietary needs, such as gluten and dairy free, such as myself. It is also wise to have a certain amount of food and water on hand at home, in case of various emergencies, which is where finding good deals on foods, cooking from scratch, and knowing how to cook from the pantry come in handy. There are also many ways to cook from scratch that don't involve having a lot of kitchen gadgets.

[@Sheila-wb7rt]

Once Again All practical, appreciated, Love picnics!! TY👍❤

[@brenyule]

So true❤

[@T.T.M.60]

Instead of using ziplock bags for everything, try stasher brand bags. They have multiple sizes and can be washed and used again and again. I love them!

[@AbiBrown-q9k]

I am with you quality over quantity, I learned that from my parents. and still use coupons once in a while

[@ninjanana102]

Great video. Thx. ❤

[@solojoy1600]

Solo here, I've started taking my cloth shopping bags and putting them open into the cart. When they are filled up, I'm done. Now I'm very selective about what i want to haul home after battling through the store. I used to love looking at the new products, now there are just too many of them.

[@slbarbieri1725]

As far as I know, here in the US, double couponing stopped after Covid - at least here in Pennsylvania. I don't know of any places that have double coupons anymore

[@Bethmeister88]

I visit garage sales and there are many who extreme-coupon, then sell that stuff for their own profit! I’ve gotten a lot of product for cheap, but it’s crazy the stuff they have!

[@dianevp8644]

Hi, Love your channel, I have learned so much from you! You may have stated this before, but wondering what are the certifications on your wall ? Can you tell us what are the special mementos on your bookshelves?

[@silverandsolo]

I have a degree in English/Psychology and another in Elementary Education/Psychology. The knickknacks are from my travels and some pottery projects that I couldn't bear to part with!

[@dnorris4733]

Had to laugh at the coupon segment, yep cut a lot of coupons back in the day. Most coupons are digital these days, and most of the coupons are for junk food, which I don't eat. I save more money shopping for items on sale. This week ground beef was 50% off, so I bought twice as much :-). Will freeze most of the meat and enjoy later.

[@atella394]

Good shoes are so worth the money. I've had the same pair of docs for 12 years, one resole and they still look great. Not brand new obviously, they've had a hard life but I get compliments on them everytime (they're a fun colour and draw attention.) Also with clothes I think we often have a backwards perspective, spending more on 'event' clothes that we only wear once or twice a year and less on our everyday wear that needs to survive hundreds of washes! It's worth it to spend money on a timeless piece you can style a thousand ways (the classic little black dress/a suit) but a whimsical dress you'd be lucky to find 3 occassions to wear in a year? Even if it was cheaper, it will still look pretty good in 2 years time.

[@MargaretGSmith-c1q]

I quit coupons when stores stop doubling them. I seldom find them anymore. I watch videos on saving during this terrible economy, but some are extreme about saving. I live in an apartment complex where dumpster diving goes on a lot. I will sit items that are gently used in a box next to the dumpster. I can’t stand to see people crawling into one of those.

[@sct4040]

I only reuse Ikea’s plastic food bags (for non-food only), because they are thicker than regular food bags. I use them for travel and my handbag.

[@kathleendoor6847]

Food for thought😊

[@mobius9818]

Grocery Store Loaf of bread: $4.00. My homemade bread: 50 cents a loaf. That is pretty frugal AND it is healthier. And it takes little of my time with a bread machine on the dough cycle, then set out to rise and baked in the oven. And I am solo. Please.

[@silverandsolo]

I think your homemade bread beats the grocery bread every day!

[@mobius9818]

@@silverandsolo Kind of you to say!

[@gillianmeehan3206]

Enjoying your videos, you talk a lot of sense. However I have to disagree with you on reusing freezer bags. I used to hate the amount of hot and soapy water that's needed to clean up a really icky bag that had been used for raw meat or similar and it almost seemed to be counter-productive so I had a think. Nowadays I wrap the meat in clingfilm (stretchwrap?) or foil first and *then* put it in the freezer bag so in effect the bag is always clean (or maybe it just needs a quick swish). Admittedly I'm throwing away a piece of clingfilm each time but I feel that this is better than throwing away the freezer bag or using soapy water to clean up a messy bag.

[@lancelotdufrane]

Seems to me, coupons are designed to create purchases. Steer your choices. Not interested. Quality. Buy once. Take care of it. Need filled. I have always thought this way. I buy very little. In reality, we live in a consumer based society. I’m a cook also. As a senior, going out to shop isn’t a good time. I hurry home. Classic clothes last forever. Thanks Jen.

[@Laura-rx9mp]

Thanks Jen. I remember the S&H stamps and their little book I exchanged the stamps for goodies at the grocery store, I think it was ACME (no longer in business) a couple of nice canvas art pieces I obtained but I had to save lots and lots of S&H stamps lol. Cheers