💰Ultimate Frugal Living Tips, Tricks & Hacks 💰 How We Save Thousands of Dollars & Live Well

40 of some of my BEST FRUGAL LIVING HACKS!!!!
I went all out with this video to bring you accessible tips, tricks and hacks to save money on an every day basis. These have worked for our family to save us thousands and still live well.
⚠️ I've been advised of the following possibilities by AWESOME VIEWERS!!!
⛔️ On placing medicines in small ziplock bags to bring with you - "Buy the smallest bottle of any meds you carry in your car or purse & refill it from the bigger bottle you buy to get the best price per pill. Make sure the pills you refill with look exactly the same with the same color, markings, etc as what was in the original bottle. The reason is bc if you ever deal with law enforcement & you have meds of any kind without a manufacturer label they will assume it's illegal drugs. I personally know adults that have been questioned by police when a cop saw them taking Ibuprofen while standing on the street. Had to show the officer the bottle to show that it was OTC meds not illegal drugs."
✅What are some of your best frugal tips? I would love to hear!
✅Visit some of my Frugal Friends:
💕Visit Kate: / @katekaden
💕Visit Amy: / @frugaloverfifty
✅Subscribe to my channel. It's FREE and FRUGAL!!! www.youtube.co...
✅Contact me!
Follow me on Instagram:
/ organizedfrugalminimalist
Email me at:
[e-mail]
✅About me:
I'm a full-time working mom of 1 trying to balance it all one day at a time. Follow me in my journey toward a better, fuller, simpler life.
#frugalliving #savingmoney #frugalhacks

[@TheFrugalMinimalist]

Skip to 00:58 if you just want to see the list. How do you Frugal? I'd love to hear your tips!

[@carollee9633]

Very informative

[@gaylenewood7707]

You ever thought about doing change jar anytime you got a few change in your purse or pockets or dryer put change into a jar and save it and keep collecting within time you'll have change to take to the bank and cash it like I've done and my sibilings have done..

[@Nyx773]

@@gaylenewood7707 I almost never have change. I use my Fidelity credit card for almost everything because it gives me 2% cash back. Costco card gives 4% at gas stations and 3% at restaurants. Exceptions: my hairdresser doesn't take cards, my mechanic offers a 5% discount for cash, my handyman, sometimes if I like the owners of a local shop and want to spare them the credit card fee, etc. I also prefer to tip with cash at restaurants because my niece worked at one that would charge her the credit card fee if a customer paid with a card.

[@eileenlester3313]

@@gaylenewood7707 I have a big fat navy blue piggy bank on the shelf above the washer and dryer. Any change I find goes in there. LOL

[@cjasz622]

stop eating

[@Aussieuke]

Not sure if someone has mentioned this already, but when towels and teatowels start to look worse for wear, my wife cuts them up sews the edges and uses them for cleaning cloths. They work really well and you just throw them in with the wash. Thank you for your tips.

[@priyanesan3299]

The most important tip is getting organized, from food to clothes to tools. Everything needs a place and we must know where it is. You have great organization skills. Your fridge and everything in your home is well organized. Congratulations!!!

[@beccacoleman498]

Socks! I use socks for dusting, they work sooooo much better! Also, if you can in the area you live, line dry your clothes. We have lived dryer free for several years, and even my husband doesn't want a dryer anymore. * unplug electronisc during the day * use as much day light as possible * wash laundry on cold water * use a timer when you take a shower * consolidate errands. (I live about an hour away from town, so even in my gas efficient car, I try to make a whole day of errands so I'm not driving to town more than once a week)

[@bedi09]

You used material worth at least 25 videos in just 1. Wow you have so much to share. Glad I found you.

[@TheFrugalMinimalist]

I'm so happy to be found! Thank you for all your kind words and support 🙏

[@DanceePinkston]

wow! do a single video on how to regrow food!

[@TheFrugalMinimalist]

Thank you, Dancee! I will add that to my list! Thank you so much for watching! 😃

[@llwscott5720]

After the veggie resprouts roots, you can plant in pot and it will fill out even more. Saw it in a YT video, can't remember which one. If nothing else, you have a pretty plant.

[@llwscott5720]

Also just an FYI, tomato plants are perennial if you can keep them warm. Plant them in a pot and keep in sunny spot indoors. Lightly flick the flower stems every day to pollinate.

[@aididou]

yes such a good idea, I'd love to know@@TheFrugalMinimalist

[@anjafink8996]

@@llwscott5720 This is so great! Thank you. Just two days ago I brought my tomato plant inside and wondered if it would continue to grow, bloom and build fruits. 🍅🍅🍅

[@cindybtoday443]

I always carry food and water with me. It saves so much money as opposed to stopping for a bite or a coffee. Very good tips in you video, I can’t wait to see more!

[@TheFrugalMinimalist]

That’s a great habit! And I agree it saves time and money. We do the same. 😃 Thank you so much for your kind words and for watching! I upload at least once a week but have been really trying for 2. I hope you’re having a great day!

[@hikerhobby1204]

Me too! I always leave the house with my mini cooler with three waters in it.

[@jaset3734]

Keep a case of water in your car during the winter. Always there and always cold

[@queentinadoire6931]

Great tip Cindy. I have a small lunch bag. I am going to start packing it when I leave the house.

[@joycegonzales4994]

I love the videos I’ve watched from you. To me being frugal is also being good stewards of earths resources.

[@TheFrugalMinimalist]

Thank you so much for your kind words, Joyce! Yes I completely agree with you! We are not anywhere near perfect but we do try our best. Thank you for watching and I hope you’re having a great day!

[@evpalfy2464]

If you put vegetables and dairy products like sour cream or cottage cheese in glass containers they last for about 2 to 3 weks or more so there’s less waste

[@TheFrugalMinimalist]

Thank you for this great tip, Ev! I'll bet it looks really nice too. Wins all around!

[@deedeesmith3073]

I do the same with my clothes as far as wearing them more then once. I hang them up inside out to remind me they have been worn once already. Jeans only need washing once a week in my opinion . I also agree about having a freezer . It’s just my husband and myself since out children are grown but I still cook large amounts and utilize the freezer so much. It really keeps you healthier to eat at home and also controls weight better as you age .

[@TheFrugalMinimalist]

Thank you for this awesome nugget to hang them up inside out! That is a great idea to easily separate them. The freezer is the best thing isn't it? Totally agree with you on all fronts. Thanks for watching and I hope you're having a great week!

[@anitaares8271]

I wash my clothes and then hang them up to dry in my basement. It humidifies the house (Especially in Winter!), Saves on dryers, And the clothes last longer with no sunlight to fade the colors.

[@stephenantonicelli7069]

Only shower saturday night. Save planet..:-)

[@sophiagray3191]

My husband wears a clean pair of jeans to work every day by necessity, it drives me nuts. So much laundry! At least we live in a warm climate where they hang dry super quick, I've never used a dryer.

[@ThuLe-eh1xe]

I like your channel because you are kind, honest, brief, sincere. You do not sugar talk.. You speak what is necessary. It is the heart that wins, that attract viewers. Thank you.

[@terrynorman1222]

Hello I just wanted to say some of your tips were really good- just wanted to add something if i can. I use old holey tee shirts and towels for cleaning rags also!👍🏽

[@TheFrugalMinimalist]

Absolutely I love learning new things! These are great tips and ones I had forgotten because we don't often have extras of those. 😂 Thank you very much for the reminders and thank you very much for your kind words and for watching. I hope you're having a good one!

[@thedareneewilliams8360]

I was raised by a obsessive hoarding type mother. So now that I am grown for many years I realized early on. The organization for myself is one of the best ways to avoid stress period. Love it works great for me

[@TheFrugalMinimalist]

Wow, my mother also hoarded so I am completely empathizing with everything you're saying! Organizing is very calming 🙌

[@mamaloz6200]

I pack an insulated lunch bag with medical ice packs for my boys drinks and snacks. I do this when we visit a friend/ road trips, so we're not tempted to waste money at a drive thru or gas station

[@TheFrugalMinimalist]

That's a really great way to save money and time too! And those medical ice packs are soo sturdy and useful. Are you in medicine? My sister in law is a pharmacist and she always provides us with some extra she snags from work because they have so many they usually throw them out. :( Thank you for the tip and for watching! I hope you're having a great week!

[@astrothsknot]

I just use the gel freezer packs for my cool bag (it's about 20 litres), but I've always packed a picnic and flasks, got used to my mum doing it when we were kids. meant we could go anywhere at any time and we'd have a picnic, rather than finding out there wasn't a cafe open. It's not just cheaper, it helps you make better use of your time. Kids remember time spent, not money spent.

[@betsyhazel]

Great tips. One really good one from me to you is "shop your house". Meaning when you need something, look around your own house to see if something you already have will serve the purpose with a bit of modification or touching up.

[@kylee249]

That is key

[@amandaavila5968]

Yes to regrowing food purchased at the grocery store. I just started this organic celery four days ago and it already has a little sprout! 🎉👍🏼

[@schrodingerssquirrel6973]

I do the same thing with green onions!

[@Gavagai1215]

I don't have a link but I have a suggestion that works for me. When regarding veggies and herbs, I buy them organic. You'll be more successful regrowing them. I have been reviewing scallions, romaine lettuce, potatoes, onions, carrots and many other veggies and herbs. Good luck!

[@SimplyBeautiful516]

Finally. Someone giving actual frugal tips!!! These tips are gold! Thank you. These are sooo practical.

[@hairdresser1300]

I wear thin leggings under all my pants. Keeps me warm and the bonus is no panty lines

[@TheFrugalMinimalist]

I love this idea!! I usually run cold so this will help so much. Another viewer also suggested to wear a beanie or cap to help keep warm too 😅 Thank you so much for the great tip and for watching! I hope you’re having a great weekend!

[@bedi09]

@@TheFrugalMinimalist Covering head and toes help regulate body temp. My grand father and uncle put cotton buds in their ears to stop the loss of body heat.

[@vivianp5962]

I wear thermals under my regular clothes too to keep me half way warm in the fall and winter, because i pretty much dont use my heat. Cant afford it nor do i use my a/c. When it hits 90's-100's i try and go to a friends house from 3-9pm during the hottest part of the day. I'm in trouble during the winter though. I pretty much just freeze til late spring.

[@stephenantonicelli7069]

Save more..no panties..:-)

[@vivianp5962]

Me too! Lol

[@natalialopes719]

I save any leftover coffee in the fridge. I either reheat it or make iced coffee. I partially dry my laundry in the dryer and then hang them.

[@TheFrugalMinimalist]

These are great tips, thank you! I would save my leftover coffee too, but that doesn't really exist in this house 😂 I'll bet the partially drying helps to prolong the life of the clothes too! Thank you for sharing and I hope you are having a great weekend!

[@annmcneal7582]

You can make a wonderful coffee cake from leftover coffee.

[@ayaniayani6092]

Reuse Left over coffee ruins your health

[@judithreynolds1657]

During summer I just hang them outside, some needs to go to the dryer afterward for a few minutes of softening (towels). Reusing freezer bags too. Don’t use aluminum, terrible for health, use glass, ceramic, or stainless.... I buy organic and mostly in bulk. Reuse socks for dusting, lol I hate dusting!

[@gaylenewood7707]

Well you can always put your coffee in ice cube trays and freeze it so you can make yourself frozen frappuccino if you like....ummmm frozen frappuccino sounds good to me😉😋.

[@louhoggard4508]

Dryer balls!! I have asthma and allergies and this is a wonderful, lasting solution to fabric softener. Fabric softener make clothes feel oily after a while. It also cuts drying time. It is hard on people with heart and lung problems, even on others clothing. Thank you for all your tips.

[@TheFrugalMinimalist]

Thank you Lou for your great tip! I haven’t tried dryer balls yet but definitely got that on my mind. I’m sorry about your allergies. My son has them too so I use vinegar in the rinse cycle instead of fabric softener and it works well without that oiliness you are talking about. Thank you for your great tip and for watching. I hope you’re having a great weekend!

[@littlesongbird1]

They can also help refluff say a comforter or a downed jacket. You can also use tennis balls. I learned that from the laundromat I used to go to, the girl that worked there was cleaning a comforter for a client and put some tennis balls in the driver and she explained to me that you can use them to do that if you don't have dryer ball.

[@out-n-about]

Softener is also bad for clothes and linen

[@kimberlystout7396]

I don’t usually participate in comment sections, but I had to let you know how pleasant and encouraging it is to watch your videos. I’m so grateful to have found your channel!

[@TheFrugalMinimalist]

I'm so grateful you're here and took the time to write such an encouraging message to me. I very much appreciate you! Thank you for watching 🤗

[@CentsibleLivingWithMoneyMom]

Wow I am so impressed with your channel to be honest I just started watching it first I want to say I thought you were about 30 years old you look a lot younger than 40 and also your content is excellent I'm really anxious to watch more of your videos thank you so much

[@TheFrugalMinimalist]

Money Mom!! 🤗 I am so honored to have you over here! Thank you so much for your kind words they are so uplifting and mean so much. I became your fan for life from that first frugal Friday video I watched 💕. Thank you for watching and I hope you have a great day! 😃

[@lynnmartin7123]

@Centsible Living With Money Mom I subscribed to your channel also, looks great, Thank you xx💚

[@kittyfarmer9567]

Good tips, a few I haven't seen before! I always take my brown bag lunch to work, take a reusable water bottle along wherever I go too! We eat out rarely but try to at lunchtime because it's usually cheaper. We don't have extras like alcohol or dessert, we do that when we get home!

[@TheFrugalMinimalist]

I like that tip to eat out at lunch time - that's so true it costs less and portions are much more reasonable. Great tip to have alcohol and dessert at home. I can definitely see that cutting the cost of an eat out meal. Thank you for your tips, kind words and for watching. I hope you have a great week ahead!!

[@maureenbullis1805]

I use vinegar as a fabric softener because it kills dust mites😄

[@TheFrugalMinimalist]

Oooh that's good to know, I didn't know it does that! Another win for vinegar!! Thank you for that information and for watching! I hope you're having a great day!

[@baileygratwick7861]

Maureen Bullis hi, does it make the linen smell odd?

[@stscc2009]

Maureen Bullis I had no idea that vinegar killed dust mites. My son is allergic to dust mites, so I will try this. Thanks for the tip.

[@lanahundley8625]

Me too!! 🙂

[@lanahundley8625]

@@baileygratwick7861 no they don't smell bad, kinda fresh smelling. My husband doesn't like the smell of fabric softeners or dryer sheets now 🙂

[@Raz-ot7xq]

I needed this video just paid rent and girl needs to stretch a dollar lol hit the like

[@TheFrugalMinimalist]

I'm glad the timing is right. Just putting the roof over our heads is the most expensive cost. Little steps and consistency! You got this! Thank you so much for watching and I hope you have an amazing day! 😃

[@daviddomecq1769]

Nice

[@wilmaryliz200]

Live frugal!! Try "SHOPKICK" app. It's real the egift cards arrived instantly just for going to your everyday stores and scanning items with your phone WITHOUT HAVING TO BUY NOTHING! Just Put this promocode: GOAL976404 get free 250 points in advance when you scan. You have to do it in the first 7 days to get the points. Even my children use it to buy their own stuff!! God bless you]

[@KateKaden]

OMG! Love your "youtube filming" setup! But see! We get all this good content in the most simple way possible. It works!

[@classicrocklover5615]

I live in the country, so this is obvious to me. But anyone with a chest freezer can do this. Google your surrounding towns to see if there are farmers who sell bulk, farm fresh meat. Usually a cow is available to purchase in quarters, which should equal about 200 lbs of packaged beef. Hogs are usually sold by the half. The farmer will send the animal to the butcher, who then contacts YOU to find out what cuts of meat you want, which size packages, etc. Prices will vary, but in my part of Michigan, I can usually buy a quarter beef for about $2.50 to $2.75 per POUND- that includes butchering and wrapping. And that will include cuts from hamburger to steaks and roasts. And in my experience, farm raised beef tastes better than factory meat. If you only want a quarter cow (which will take up most of a large chest freezer), tell the farmer and he will add your order together with someone else's. At the butcher's, you can inquire about buying (or even receiving for free) "undesirable " cuts like beef liver or heart, the tail for soup or tongue. You can also get HUGE bones they call them dog bones, but I use them to make beef bone broth, which I can or freeze. Hope this helps!

[@TheFrugalMinimalist]

Wow, excellent tip! We've been toying around with the idea of buying bulk meat. It's really only two people in my family who eat meat, so we're not so sure. We'd probably go in with family if we were to do this. Thank you for the great tip on how to get even more free items! The quality you're getting can't be beat for that price! And the bone broth - excellent that you get that for free that's a very pricey thing. You're a frugal pro 🙌. Thank you again for sharing with me!

[@Inkdraft]

@Classic rock Lover: Yes, I do the bulk buy for beef.

[@lesliejames-brown7962]

Can you please post a video on how you make your DIY burritos and potstickers?

[@TheFrugalMinimalist]

Yes Leslie I’ll likely post one on the burritos soon. I have footage I just need to put it together. We just ran out of potstickers so I’ll be looking to purchase all the ingredients and will definitely be filming that process. Thank you for the request and for watching! I hope you have a great weekend!

[@vivianp5962]

I would love to see how you roll burrito's. I keep try but, mine just never come out right. Dont know what im doing wrong :/

[@TheFrugalMinimalist]

Leslie James-brown - sorry for the late reply here are the links if you are still interested: Burrito: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bH6WeZqigrmdirM Potstickers: kzbin.info/www/bejne/goSrp4R9f7yFoac

[@TheFrugalMinimalist]

Hi A. L.L. - I made a video on this earlier and you can find it here if you’re interested - Burrito: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bH6WeZqigrmdirM. I hope it helps you keep the burritos together!

[@carolwasson1570]

No way are you 40! Love your channel and your voice is so calming ❤️

[@TheFrugalMinimalist]

You are too kind, Carol! Thank you for your very kind words and support!! I hope you’re having a great weekend!

[@sarahstrong7174]

I really like the silk picture of Hummingbirds behind you. Great colours.

[@TheFrugalMinimalist]

Thanks, Sarah! That is a favorite of mine also. It was a shower curtain I found on clearance and framed after not needing a shower curtain anymore. I think someone returned it after not liking it, so it was heavily marked down. The plastic liner part cost more than it! Thank you for watching and I hope you have a great weekend!

[@CJ-im2uu]

So do I.

[@carolro6673]

Love this, great ideas. I can add another. After washing sheets, I drape them over washer, dryer, bar stools to air dry. The added moisture in air is welcome. I live in a dry climate this might not work for everyone.

[@TheFrugalMinimalist]

Excellent, double win there, Carol! 🙌

[@karennesbitt9655]

Love the way you speak. You seem very kind and thoughtful and you do not come across as being sarcastic or make people feel bad if they are not being frugal. Very encouraging to move in this direction. All your tips are awesome. Especially love the one about gift cards that get you free items. I buy gift cards for others but never even thought about buying a gift card for myself for places I frequent. Thank you. I love forward to more tips!

[@TheFrugalMinimalist]

Thank you for all your kind words and support, Karen! I'm so glad to be able to provide some value through these videos. They're fun to make and I like connecting with so many awesome people like you. 💜 I hope you get to treat yourself to more gift cards too! With the holiday season coming soon, there are many deals out there. I just bought some Sprouts gift cards (a local grocery store we shop at that has nice loss leaders) for 10% off and I know we'll get to use them because we always have to eat 😅

[@dorothysue1]

I wish you would make more videos. They are so helpful.

[@mujeresvictoriosas6881]

I've been frugal all my life. And I get you when you say make things work for you, get creative. I made my first videos with two clothes pins over a glass to set my phone on it. It worked! Great tips!

[@nancyk7954]

You are a lovely and generous person to share your lifestyle with us. So many great tips. I loved when you shared which kitchen tools at Dollar Tree are the best quality and will last and not fall apart. Laughed about having so many pairs of scissors. That's me. Thanks.

[@teresaperezgarcia5606]

New subscriber here, I found your tips to be clever, innovative, and original! Thank you!! And Happy Birthday!

[@TheFrugalMinimalist]

Thank you, Teresa for your very kind words and support! They mean very much to me. Thank you for watching and I hope you have a great week!

[@SusyB]

This is definitely frugal living!! I love it!! I definitely want to have a garden one day once we have our own house. How awesome that you and your family help each other when putting together the bulk food. Thank you for sharing these awesome tips!! You do not look your age, you look great!! ❤️😊

[@TheFrugalMinimalist]

I'm so glad you enjoyed it! A garden sounds so great - I'm sure that will not only help to save you money but bring you joy as well! We try to make our work fun and more hands in the kitchen means we can tell bad jokes 😂 thank you for the compliment! I don't feel 40 but I'm grateful to be here. Thank you so much for your sweet comments and for watching! 😃

[@Cecibug1]

We use the vinegar for cleaning clothes too! I also keep protein bars in the car so when I'm out I'm not tempted to buy fast food if I get hungry

[@Gary65437]

Number one frugal tip. Don't live in California....:) And an A+ for improving the way you do things.

[@TheFrugalMinimalist]

Hah! Truer words were never spoken, Gary. 😂. Thank you for your very kind words and for watching. I hope you're having a great week!

[@granitemoss1451]

If you are chilled in your house, put on a sweater, then pop on a hat. it is amazing what a difference wearing a warm hat can do to keep ALL of you warm.

[@TheFrugalMinimalist]

Genius! It makes so much sense as heat escapes from the head. Thank you so much for the tip! I'll do next time!! 🤗

[@jimdrummer816]

A scarf will also keep you very warm.

[@hedynugget]

Yes! I keep my thermostat at 63 in the winter! We are so used to it, we don't notice. One of my daughter's friends comes over a lot and she always says "Brrrrr Im so cold" and I'm like we have extra hats and socks you can borrow! We also have a lot of cozy blankets and quilts piled up in the living room so everyone has one to snuggle into at night if they are reading or watching tv. In the summer, I wait until it is absolutely necessary (high 80s or low 90s) to turn on the AC (except at night, we use a window unit at night and sleep in the same room together). We have a short summer here so heating accounts for way more of our energy consumption than AC.

[@carmencoburn1869]

My father always wore a hat in the house and now my son does too. We like it cooler because that way you don't get a shock when you go out into the cold.

[@gaylenewood7707]

Naw if your chilly makes some hot cocoa or tea or coffee that'll warm you up while your watching a show or reading or visiting.

[@brandianderson287]

Thank you for your tips very helpful. Just want to add a few I use. Baking soda add to toothpaste for feet for floors trash. Vinegar and tea to shampoo . Beer even non alcoholic to shampoo feet soak and cook. Listerine apple cider vinegar and water foot soak...dish soap for jewelery.

[@michellelogreco3351]

Take care of what you have, for certain!!

[@TheFrugalMinimalist]

True that! It's like protecting your money that took a different form 😂 Thanks for watching and I hope you have a great rest of the week!

[@kimrector8230]

I clean all my vegetables peelingsand freeze them and once I get enough I'll boil them and make a broth for soup and freeze it

[@TheFrugalMinimalist]

That is a great thing to do! Scraps can make excellent broths and soups. I also read that most of the nutrients of produce is in the skin so you're probably getting a lot more nutrients this way too. Thank you so much for sharing! Also I very much appreciate you watching and commenting too. I hope you are having a great day!

[@TheFrugalMinimalist]

I've never heard of this technique before. That sounds delicious and you're squeezing all the nutrients out by using the skin in your final dish. Hmm, I need to get potatoes in this house now. Thank you very much for this tip!!

[@renaparker4579]

Thanks Frugal minimalista! Your tips are excellent! Thank you viewers for your tips too! Yum!

[@darlar.9043]

Do the same if you use a juicer.

[@eileenlester3313]

Me, too.

[@kimm1169]

I just found your channel!! I’m wanting to be a stay at home wife so I’m trying to find frugal tips and tricks! I loved all your ideas! I have found if you are ordering or buying something but don’t want to pay the full price, ask Siri and she will find you a promo code or coupon! I also hang dry my laundry items! It makes my clothes last and look so much better!!

[@mdh.3421]

The real sign of a frugal minimalist, no handles or knobs on your kitchen cabinets!

[@TheFrugalMinimalist]

😅 I didn't even realize this until you pointed it out, but it does work well for us! 😂

[@EllensAbundantLifeonLess]

I love your tripod, very creative! I've been using vinegar in my washer for years. I'm not sure, but I think it may also keep my washer cleaner than if I didn't use it. On another note, I drink mostly water, but I don't like the taste it and I usually buy water enhancers which can be pricey. I recently ran out of the water enhancer and scratching my head, was wondering what else I already had in my pantry that I could use instead. I had some sugar free Torani Raspberry syrup that I wasn't really using , so I tried flavoring my water with that along with some fresh lemon juice and it made a delicious Raspberry lemonade! It's fun being creative. Great video Wendy! Love your channel!

[@TheFrugalMinimalist]

Haha, I'm really trying hard not to buy equipment. 😂. I have that same belief, Ellen! I think the washer gets cleaned each time the vinegar goes through ours as well. That's a great use for the Torani syrup! It really is fun to get creative and use what you have...satisfying in my eyes as well! I am enjoying your channel as well, Ellen! Thank you for your kind words and for watching and I hope you have a great week ahead!!

[@rosemarielamothe2733]

Mending or repairing socks with holes is a relaxing activity you can do while watching TV. There are tutorials in youtube that show traditional mending and others, quite modern, that transform the repairing section into a decorative sort of embroidery.

[@sarahdeason493]

Thank You for your wonderful ideas, your beautiful calming delivery, your lovely final video which indicates how talented you are as an editor...It is calming, inspiring and a true pleasure to watch your videos !!!!

[@qmakesithappen]

This was very insightful Wendy! Your resourcefulness is next level! 💪

[@TheFrugalMinimalist]

Thank you, Q that is very high praise coming from you! Thanks so much for watching and I hope you're having a good one!

[@carolinemiddleton6239]

Love your videos 😍 thank you

[@d.h.fremont3027]

Yes, indeed.

[@FREETOFAMILY]

Been doing your whole list for years😉Great list! Romaine is bitter if it is fully grown in water but transplanting it to the garden will give it the right final growing environment 🙌🏽

[@TheFrugalMinimalist]

That's so awesome, you're a Frugal Queen! I'm just so blown away that you'd watch one of my videos! I've been watching KZbin in a silent way for a couple years now and have been a fan of yours 💕. I only started being active on this account recently. Thank you for the tip on the romaine - I've been trying things like eggshells and coffee grounds to get more. Soil seems to be the best! Thank you so much for your kind words and for watching! I hope you have a great weekend!

[@FREETOFAMILY]

SUBSCRIBED! happy you found KZbin as a creator! It is amazing and such a wonderful challenge! Thanks for watching my videos! I am honored! xoox

[@bluevelvetbutterfly6224]

Amazing - didn't know you could actually regrow food ! Thank you - I gonna need to try this !

[@TheFrugalMinimalist]

I’m so glad it could help! If you choose to regrow the romaine make sure the bottom is intact. The ones I showed in the video got that way after 2 weeks! Thanks so much for watching! 😃

[@helengren9349]

Look up hydroponic on yt & you'll be amazed of how many videos there are to Grow Your own vegetables in water only.. 👍😀 All of the best🙏

[@CharlotEYUT]

Thanks for your recommendations, everything makes sense!

[@TheFrugalMinimalist]

Thank you, friend I'm so glad to hear. Thanks for watching and I hope you have a great week!

[@EmilyDowgialo]

Love how you have hobbies focused on production rather than consumption! That's what I try to do as well and I've found it's a great frugal strategy. Great way to celebrate your birthday by creating this video!

[@martelvonc]

It took our old dental insurance denying a needed claim for us to wise up and cancel that insurance. I now put the money of the premiums for each years dental expenses into a savings account. We also purchased a dental discount plan & between both of those things we are saving a boat load of money. The dentist is happier too. We pay cash on the spot and neither of us has the agrivation of dealing with the insurance company.

[@TheFrugalMinimalist]

Sorry to hear about your troubles with dental insurance, Martha! Do you have a university near you with a dental school? When I was uninsured, I visited my local university for dental work. I had to have a lot of work done due to my lack of dental hygiene, but that is another story. I paid pennies on the dollar for any procedure and sometimes they even PAID me to get my procedure done because it was a training lesson for them. All their procedures were overseen by professors and I've been happy with the work they did! It did take much longer than a traditional dentist; sometimes it was an all day affair, but at the time I couldn't even make that much money (in the savings or payment) even if I was working. Just an alternative for you! 💕

[@martelvonc]

@@TheFrugalMinimalist No, unfortunatly we don't live near a dental school but when I was single I went to the dental school in baltimore to have my wisdom teeth out. It was very affordable.

[@sct4040]

Dental Save is a discount plan, i use that between jobs. Also, if you are at that age, AARP has a dental plan.

[@CJ62348]

I truly agree with being organized. It wastes my time, money, and energy when I am disorganized . I stress because I spend time looking for something. I don’t rest because I need to be putting things in their place. I have too many clothes. But I love them. I am in a delimina over getting rid of some of them. But not ready yet.

[@TheFrugalMinimalist]

You summed it up perfectly, Carol! It truly is a process, but one that has so many benefits. Definitely let go of items in your time and on your terms 👍

[@pinkiesmum]

I have just discovered your channel and I really like your attitude and philosophy. Thank you for all that you share. Please keep doing what you are doing!

[@martymartyn7829]

Wendy you're a gem. Thank you for sharing. We have little but are very thankful.

[@annettemurielle]

I am new to your channel and I love it! Thank you so much for all your wonderful tips!

[@harmnottheoilandwine1506]

Thanks for these tips. I enjoyed your video

[@kscriv4636]

Any tops that are holey or marked but are essentially fine, use as pyjama tops. I wouldn’t wear them in public but for night doesn’t matter 🤷🏻‍♀️💆🏻‍♀️

[@debrandw246]

You have such incredible ideas and I am so thankful for your channel. Growing up frugal has gifted you to help others save. Bless you for sharing that with us. I always get such great tips from you. Thank you.

[@TheFrugalMinimalist]

🙏 Thank you Deborah for your very kind and encouraging words. They mean very much to me!! Thank you for watching and I hope you have a great weekend!

[@boomboom7364]

Omg get outta my brain!!! Don't be brand loyal, be PRICE LOYAL!!👌👏👏👏💥

[@TheFrugalMinimalist]

I’m glad you liked that one! Price loyalty wins! 👍 💵. Thank you for watching and I hope you’re having a great weekend!

[@boomboom7364]

@@TheFrugalMinimalist YES!! You give excellent tips!

[@momentsformoms9467]

Yes. The only time I’m brand loyal is if it’s way better for our health or the ecosystem. I’m trying to be vegan,fair trade wage friendly,eco smart,local friendly(although even though we live by a bunch of farms I don’t see stands or anything often),& I haven’t been able to stop at one yet I hope to in the future.

[@atlanticalilly]

You are so good at this! I am so happy that I found this channel. I have been becoming more frugal over the past several years. I grew up in a household that was just kind of crazy and definately wasted, even for the average person. So I have had to teach myself. This is really helpful :) U guys r awesome!

[@TheFrugalMinimalist]

It's definitely good that we can learn from each other, Amy! I forgot to say that I didn't know Trader Joes owns Aldi, but I did know that both were German, so it makes a lot of sense. YOU taught me that! 😅🙌

[@stscc2009]

These are all great tips. I love how you presented them too. I just subscribed to your channel. I’m excited to follow along with your journey.

[@TheFrugalMinimalist]

Thank you, Theresa for your very kind words, watching and your support! I'm so happy to have you here and I aim to upload at least once a week. Really trying for more though 😅. Thanks again and I hope you're having a great weekend!

[@val6937]

Love your tips! Hope your family is staying safe.

[@pandoraboxhasopend6649]

Your voice is perfect for asmr. I can listen to you talk all day.

[@kalwinderkaurmann8517]

Hi Wendy, I’m Kay from the UK. Just came across your channel today and have really enjoyed watching a few from this morning. I love all your advice. Only thing is my family and I are lacto vegetarians and fussy eaters (means, we don’t eat any meat, fish or eggs). I work full time at a hospital and would love to see if you could give me recipes or anybody else watching this channel, that I could cook different kinds of food and store it in the freezer. It would be greatly appreciated. Thank you. Keep up the good work Wendy! All the best to you and your family ❤️

[@llwscott5720]

Hi, I just found your video. I'd like to add a few ideas if I may. Save the plastic umbrella sleeves that stores put out on rainy days to reuse at home - loosely fill them with empty bread wrappers, newspaper sleeves or plastic grocery bags and close tightly with a bread wrapper wire. Use these in the winter at the bottoms of doors to stop drafts. You can sew a cover to pretty them up if you desire. You can also use the plastic food containers to sprout seeds for salads or your garden. Reuse bubble wrap by taping sheets together and hanging enlarged sheets over window pane to insulate single pane windows. The large bubbles work better, but even the small bubble type insulates. If you have sheer curtains already hanging over your windows, it will give additional privacy as well, without blocking all the daylight, and the small bubbles are not noticeable from the exterior of the house.

[@TheFrugalMinimalist]

Oh my thank you for all these tips!! I love talking frugal. I've never seen stores give out those plastic umbrella sleeves! That sounds like a great use for them. I'll have to keep an eye out for them. At which types of stores do they give them out? Great tip on reusing plastic containers! I've been doing that for growing plants too. Tofu containers are my favorites. And the bubble wrap for window insulation is genius! Thank you so much for these tips you should make a video with these! 😍. Thank you for watching and I hope you have a great week!

[@barbarahull1987]

In my area, some grocery store offer the free plastic umbrella holders, located at the entrance and exit areas.

[@susanrobinson408]

I would love a pot sticker recipe!! Also, could you do a video about re-growing food? Also, I don't know how it is where you live, but in Indiana, we always need to carry medicines in their original container.

[@TheFrugalMinimalist]

I think I'll have the potsticker video out soon, Susan! And yes I'll do one on regrowing the food for sure. I've heard from another viewer that one should carry the medicines in their original containers too. I've never heard of that until this video's comments. 😳

[@SilviaHonores]

Have you try the cotton mesh bags for produce? I no longer use the plastic bags anymore. I take the cotton ones to the store to bag the produce and I put them in the fridge in the same bags. For freezing food I used containers to avoid using plastic bags, I know it takes more space but I’m ok with it. 😊

[@TheFrugalMinimalist]

No, I haven't tried cotton mesh bags for produce! I need to get better with this, Silvia 😢. I hate having all those little bags and you've inspired me to do more! I'm going to see what I can reuse around my house 🤗. That's great you freeze foods in containers! I saw a video a while back but I don't remember who it was. The lady worked in the restaurant business and actually used that as a way to inventory all her goods. I thought it was genius! Thank you for the inspiration, Silvia!

[@ThisIsMyHabitat]

Great video!! I have never used liquid fabric softeners because I am too cheap to buy them; I’ll have to try the vinegar. Packing our own food and water has saved us so much money over the years because we love to travel! Thanks for the inspiration to save money and use less. Happy Birthday 🎉🎊🎈

[@TheFrugalMinimalist]

Vinegar works well for us and I feel like it helps to clean the washing machine as well. Yes packing food is such a money saver! Thank you so much for your kind comments and for watching! I hope you have an amazing day! 😃

[@saundrajohnson1571]

Like you, I always had at least one freezer, usually filled to capacity. Currently, I live in a small rental apartment where there's not even room for a freezer and the one on the refrigerator is stuffed to the gills. So, I invested in a dehydrator. As a backup form of preserving food, I am able to dehydrate many things that I used to freeze. Bonus; dehydrated items usually shrink in size until reconstituted. Therefore, much less space is required for storage. My next investment will be a vacuum sealer, which will make my dehydrated foods shelf stable for much longer periods of time, and provide more efficient packaging for freezer items.

[@TheFrugalMinimalist]

Your investment in the dehydrator is so smart! I’ve been eying one but not ready to make the jump just yet. Have you heard of dry canning for your dehydrated foods? Homestead Tessie talks about it in some videos. She even reuses commercial pasta jars for canning!

[@saundrajohnson1571]

@@TheFrugalMinimalist Yes. I watch Tessie all the time! She's right about reusing jars - as long as they either fit canning lids, or they have "popable" lids. I'll explain, if you don't know what I mean. But as far as I know, the dry oven canning only works on a limited number of things, flour being the best example. I think the jar lid attachment for the vacuum sealer would do pretty much anything in a jar. Make that jump. I'm pretty sure you won't regret it. 🙂😉

[@asianangel5400]

Great tips. I'm 41 and I'm very much a minimalist and try to be frugal. We are a family of 4 and we get to live intentionally. It gives you a lot of freedom to do other things we want.

[@TheFrugalMinimalist]

That is so great that you live intentionally as a family! It sure does offer a lot of freedom for more value added activities. Thank you for watching and I hope you have a great weekend 😃

[@Betrsafthensory]

Hope you are doing well. I haven't seen or heard anything from your channel. I miss your videos ☹

[@megpeg8910]

I find you can fix most of life's dilemmas with a roll of duct tape. Buy a full size bath towel and cut to tea towel size. Get approx six for the price of one. Use 'cup of soup' sachets to coat meat before you cook it. Same as expensive spices or coatings.

[@TheFrugalMinimalist]

Yes duct tape such a great tool! That is a great idea in the towels - like buy one get 5 free. I never thought to use those soup packets as flavorings for anything other than soup. These are such great, frugal tips...thank you!!! I hope you have a great day! 😃

[@karensinclair1954]

#1 made me laugh! I also am a frugal minimalist and subscribed to your channel. You are refreshing and helpful. thank you!

[@elizabethsmith4580]

Please put more videos out! We really miss your ideas!! 😚

[@hannkg7715]

Thank you - this is one of the best Frugal living tips videos I have seen. So many others re-hash the same old things but this one had many unique ideas.

[@TheFrugalMinimalist]

Thank you for your very high praise! I'm so glad to be able to offer something new. I very much appreciate you watching and I hope you're having a great week so far!

[@shademarquez4555]

that's so true! these are legit unique ideas

[@thedareneewilliams8360]

Thank you Wendy I just love listening to you everyday and learning and bargain hunting and shopping and decluttering love it love it love it thank you honey 🤩 I admire and really enjoy what you're teaching your son so valuable so vital more children should be so fortunate :-)

[@TheFrugalMinimalist]

🙏 words cannot express my gratitude. Thank you! 🤗

[@melaniecox1606]

I happened upon your channel this morning and really enjoy your presentations. You are easy to listen to and I am thoroughly binging on your content. Thank you so much. I especially loved that tip in one video about soaking pasta in cold water. What a wonderful tip. I have NEVER heard that one before and I listen to a lot of channels with tips and hacks. Keep up the great work.

[@TheFrugalMinimalist]

I am so honored to be binge watched, Melanie! That is a YTer's dream. And I hope that pasta trick works as well for you as it does for us! Thank you for your very kind words and for watching. I hope you're having a great week!

[@Missy-Missy1111]

You can add a dry towel in your dryer to save on drying time.

[@xaxa1983]

Great video. One of my favourite things these days is to watch KZbin videos like this on (up to) double speed. Saves lots of time, and also trains my brain to absorb information at a faster rate :)

[@TheFrugalMinimalist]

Great tip! It was so life changing for me when I learned it. Thank you!

[@granitemoss1451]

What a great idea, the family bulk cooking of easy meals for later. Money saved and memories made (and life skills taught).

[@TheFrugalMinimalist]

It does make for really good times! It's so many levels of positive. Thank you very much for your kind comments 😃

[@fousies]

I put my umbrella in the car door

[@TheFrugalMinimalist]

🤦🏻‍♀️ such a great, easy tip. THANK YOU! 😂

[@aididou]

Sorry for the silly question, but what does that do? I'm super intrigued!

[@fousies]

Aida Js I always have an umbrella when I need it and don’t need to get into my trunk to get it! I can open it after I open the car door before I get out

[@fousies]

M Detlef 😂😂😂😂

[@munchkinheaven]

One way also that I am not sure you mentioned is always to ask for a discount on any purchase, whether it’s an appliance, or a one off purchase of something smaller, particularly furniture at the end of season when newer items need to be put out, if it’s in the sale ask for a further discount, they can only refuse, you won’t die if they say no, but you will feel alive if they say yes! If you buy something regularly from one particular shop or merchant, ask for a loyalty discount. Even thrift stores will sometimes accept an offer, this is not an immoral thing to do just because it may be a charity, if they don’t sell items they don’t get revenue for the charity and items end up being thrown away. Ask for a discount for a shop soiled appliance that is the showroom model if they have no more of the item. Do not be shy, people in business would more often than you think accept an offer, a lower price offer is better than no sale at all!

[@azurite6452]

I really enjoyed watching your advice! Thank you for sharing your hard work and ideas with us. Very inspiring!

[@okiedokey9962]

Wow. Great video and the tips are awesome. Just an add on to the Packing Tape. I keep cardboard boxes in case I need to mail something in the future. You can flatten them down for easy storage. I keep maybe three Shoeboxes on hand to send smaller items. However shoeboxes can be harder to store. This why I only keep three on hand.

[@TheFrugalMinimalist]

Thank you for the great tip on boxes. It’s crazy how much they charge at the post office or other shipping places for those things. Just keeping those handy around the house is a great, easy money saver for sure 😃

[@momentsformoms9467]

I use the boxes from stores for either ‘storage’ stuff to donate or save for garage sale. I also use them for garbage instead of wasting a bag I fill up the box with non food items,dog food bags,cat litter boxes work well too since it’s being tossed anyways. My boyfriends parents would take the empty bag of dog food & fill up a brand new garbage bag to to put it in. I was like what the heck are you doing? In the very least throw it away by itself plain not in another bag. They do that with grocery bags & pop bottles/beer can,etc. too just dump them in the trash. I’ve offered many times to put them in our trunk and return it all but they’d rather be wasteful. They trash a lot of stuff too instead of donating and it’s so heartbreaking that they’re ruining our planet for no reason.

[@FrugalOverFifty]

I just gave you a shout-out over on my channel, on my Wednesday One-Take for today, covering Frugality and Personal Responsibility. I loved your comment about price loyalty versus brand loyalty. Thank you for the inspiration!

[@TheFrugalMinimalist]

That was surreal thank you so much! I loved watching your video. I'm going to be focusing on my mindset and circle of influence too. Really looking forward to your next one! Hope you have a great day! 😃

[@FrugalOverFifty]

@@TheFrugalMinimalist You too!

[@CatmommieKG]

I agree on the expiring food. Our store marks down the baked goods, too. No deals on health insurance here. I charity knit and use the library for reading books, audiobooks, and movies.

[@TheFrugalMinimalist]

I love the baked good markdowns too. I've noticed they've gotten stingier on the markdowns lately though. :( Sorry about the health insurance not being available to you. I think it's new for us here, or at least it just came on my radar for this year. That's great to charity knit - I feel that's a lost art. And YES the library is awesome for those things! I love talking frugal! 💕

[@CatmommieKG]

We do have insurance but it's so expensive.

[@aileenmcruz3589]

I appreciate YOU!!! Thank you for sharing!! I, too, am a minimalist.

[@AliciaLynnYT]

I love to make my own cleaners. I just bought more rubbing alcohol and hydrogen peroxide for some of my diy cleaners. They are so much cheaper! Love buying close to date foods and throwing them in the freezer also. I love the idea of bulk cooking, that is something I would like to do. Being organized and being able to find things is something I need to work on, I don't know how many times we have bought things because we couldn't find something we already had! So many great ideas, awesome video!

[@TheFrugalMinimalist]

Ooh h2o2!! How do you use that for cleaning? I only use it when we have blood stains.. Yes the feeezer is one of our best investments for deals and eating at home throughout the week. Organization is a hard change and I struggle with it too. Putting things away instead of down has helped me in this area. I very much appreciate your kind comments and feedback! Thank you so much for watching and I hope you're having an amazing day!

[@kathyredmond6463]

If you have a walgreens by you this week 042819-050419 hydrogen peroxide is on sale for 2 for a dollar

[@AliciaLynnYT]

@@kathyredmond6463 Thanks so much for that info! 😊

[@eileenlester3313]

@@TheFrugalMinimalist I use hydrogen peroxide in lieu of bleach in my laundry.

[@rosemarielamothe2733]

If you have a farmers' market near your home, it's a good place to buy nice, fresh, organic vegetables an fruit. If you go near the closing time, even cheaper. If is is a bit far from youre home, It might be a fun trip for a saturday. Then you can freeze your food, raw or cooked.

[@natalieollis8281]

Love these ideas! You should definitely invest in a silicone baking sheet and reusable silicone ziplock bags! They’re a bit of money upfront but with how much you would get use out of them, it would definitely pay off! You’d never have to buy again! Will definitely have to use these tips!

[@TheFrugalMinimalist]

Thank you for your great tips! I am eyeing a silicone baking sheet. The ziplock bags I need that one to stew in my mind more 😂 but thank you for the nudges!! 😊

[@natalieollis8281]

@@TheFrugalMinimalist I haven't tried the reusable ziplock bags, but I'm excited to try them out once I run out of my current plastic ones because I heard you can also use them for cooking, freezer storage, and other cool stuff!

[@justinecurtis1753]

You are so down to earth! Love all these tips :)

[@fayefaraldo2914]

I enjoy watching you and learning tips to conserve. I mentioned that I had a hard time hearing once and you wrote back and said it was probably when you are in the store and I looked back and you are right that's when I had the hard time. Thank you for responding to my email. I would appreciate if you could show how to make an all-purpose cleaner for the house.

[@TheFrugalMinimalist]

I'm so happy to hear you're enjoying the videos, Faye! I'm glad it worked out with the other video. For the all-purpose cleaner, I use proportions: I use about 1 part 70% rubbing alcohol to 3 parts of water. Then I add about 5-10 drops of lemon essential oil and 2-3 drops of lavender essential oil. The essential oil is not necessary in the mix. I have read that rubbing alcohol is not good to use with wood, but I've used it on mine and not had any issues. But please test on small areas first! Thank you for watching and I hope you have a great rest of the week!

[@FrugalOverFifty]

Happy Birthday!!! I love this type of video. Thank you for sharing your birthday with us. And thanks so much for the shout-out at the end! Very kind, and much appreciated.

[@TheFrugalMinimalist]

Thank you! Ah I'm so happy to do it! Am loving your content! Thank you so much for watching and I hope you have an amazing day! 😃

[@FrugalOverFifty]

@@TheFrugalMinimalist Have an amazing day yourself, and look for a shout-out in my next Wednesday One-Take. You rock.

[@TheFrugalMinimalist]

FrugalOverFifty wow thank you!! You know I'll be watching either way 😃

[@FrugalOverFifty]

@@TheFrugalMinimalist Hooray and likewise!

[@Pacjam123123]

Watched several of your videos and your tips are great. I was already doing some of them, but some tips I would have never thought of. I believe everything has multiple uses and I hate to waste anything. My Husband conforms to some of these frugal tips, he's not as good at it as me. See things in a different way. Bottom line, I love not wasting and I love saving money

[@TheFrugalMinimalist]

I'm so happy to hear you are getting some value from my videos! You and me are the same kinds of frugal! My husband is similar to yours, on board, but not as frugal as me either 😂 Thank you so much for your sweet comment!! I hope you have a great rest of the week!

[@CraftyComeLately]

Great tips. Daiso has $1.50 umbrellas, the bigger ones. The smaller ones are $3.00 and Dollar Tree has the smaller ones but only once or twice a year and it may have already passed. I saw it there about a month ago. They usually get them in the beginning or during summer. Never in the fall or winter.

[@TheFrugalMinimalist]

Thank you for the great tip on the umbrella sources! I've seen Daiso ones, but never DT ones. Right now we're good with umbrellas, but I'll definitely keep this in mind for the next time! Thank you again and I hope you're having a great day!

[@thedareneewilliams8360]

Oh happy happy happy belated birthday lovely lady! :-) I have inspire me today I'm taking out to serving trays I never use and a tea kettle I never use which I was saving for company :-) thank you again

[@TheFrugalMinimalist]

🤗😍 Thank you , Miss Renee for the birthday wishes! Thank you again for your kind words and support! They inspire me to keep creating. Today has been a rough YT day for me but you are keeping me going. I appreciate you very much 🙏

[@maryhumphrey9105]

On extended warranties. We bought one one on our car. The warranty was 2000 dollars. The bill for the repairs was 6000. It did not cost up a penny so sometimes it is a good thing.