20 Ways to Be Frugal, Save Money & Reach Your Financial Goals

[@adsinozable]

I’ve just reached $1000 for my emergency fund. My goal is saving 3 months worth of living expenses, but having $1000 set aside right now is such a great feeling

[@THEJENNIFERCOOK]

Sweet! Congratulations! Let yourself feel the satisfaction of accomplishing this goal and know it's just the beginning. You will get to your 3 mths savings goal, I know it 🤗

[@bevanbuckwheatshea5520]

Fabulous!!!!!

[@thriving_adel]

Awesome, well done! 🎉🎉🎉 I'm busy saving up for mine and I'm so motivated

[@musiquefrique]

You’re doing great!!! Keep that awesome focus 😃

[@---Joy---]

'You were made in God's image. *That's* what makes you worthy.' Amen!! 👏

[@THEJENNIFERCOOK]

❤️

[@bevanbuckwheatshea5520]

Amen

[@topcropper]

I loved that !!

[@annissa8959]

I am not really a religious person, but that message responds to me anyway! ❤ I have been through really hard and dark times in my life during the pandemic and I belived I wasn't going to make it (I was never physically ill during those years though), but I survived and that made me realize there must be a meaning why I still exist. And that implies to everyone! ❤

[@annlynch593]

My son increases his retirement savings by adding 1% every year. This year he is at 27%. I am so very proud of him.

[@THEJENNIFERCOOK]

Wow! I hope he knows how awesome it is that he is doing that. He probably doesn't feel the 1% all that much each year. Such a great idea!

[@cherylT321]

That is a great idea!

[@marissatindel7073]

Saving 10% per check...got it!

[@jeridavidson9074]

Been married 44 years and have always had a change jar. We don’t notice the 12 or 39 cents we drop into it, but always are so happy to put the hundreds of dollars into our savings account. And I really enjoy your tips……always good reminders.

[@THEJENNIFERCOOK]

🤗

[@lo3769]

Yeess I've been working hard on 1) limiting my food waste and 2) eating more at home. I have a sushi addiction so I finally learned how to make it (or rather, poke bowls because I still have trouble with rolls lol). Honestly, getting 5 lbs of sushi rice, a bottle of rice vinegar, smoked salmon and 10 nori sheets was still cheaper than ONE takeout sushi, I made massive amounts the first few times and still have tons of rice... All I need is to rebuy salmon, cucumber and maybe cream cheese anytime I want to make some more. I only started a few weeks ago but it's already saved me tons 💪💪💪

[@THEJENNIFERCOOK]

That is awesome! Way to go on making your own sushi! 🤗

[@lo3769]

@@THEJENNIFERCOOK Yay thank you!😃

[@ladywytch129]

I'm working on my rolls, too😂I swear it's not as easy as people make it look 😂

[@lo3769]

@@ladywytch129 We got this girl! But seriously, poke bowls are just as tasty 😂

[@josephcollins6033]

Thanks, Jennifer. I began to study French cooking about 6 years ago (my noble, perfect cop husband died, and when I recovered a bit this helped save me). It is expensive, but you learn so many TECHNIQUES which you can use for anything. I now simply make up recipes with cheaper products; they still have a French flair, but it's just regular night cooking. French cooking just teaches you not to be afraid to throw this into that, what you have in the pantry and fridge. And, no money to study it! KZbin now has almost all of Julia Child's shows. She was my great teacher-no fear, throw it in there.

[@tshepison8907]

“Hmm, I’m not really into to that.” “Well if you’re trying to save money you need to GET INTO THAT” 😂😂 loved the tips and your approach!

[@THEJENNIFERCOOK]

Thank you so much! Hugs 🤗

[@dorothymarfleet35]

I loved your video Jennifer because I am happy to tell you that I follow every single word of advice you have given. I was born in 1943 England and "yes I was only 2 when the war ended 1945" however, I grew up following the way my parents led their lives. Dad served in RAF and I didn't really meet him properly until he arrived home from overseas in Aug. 1946. I would advise watching old wartime videos about economizing. I am a staunch believer in "wants vs needs" STICK TO NEEDS.

[@THEJENNIFERCOOK]

Hugs to you, Dorothy! 🤗

[@tammya5403]

Jennifer, you made me feel SO much better when you encouraged us to not feel bad about a negative net worth. 😅 God bless you ♥️

[@THEJENNIFERCOOK]

Tammy, never feel bad about where you are starting. The best part is you are starting! I am excited for you. You've got goals 🤗 God bless you and your family as well.

[@tammya5403]

@@THEJENNIFERCOOK Thank you! 💕

[@stephaniegarland6013]

Thank you for your content Jennifer. You are so wise and an old soul. My grandmother taught me all these frugal values but how easily they slip away in modern life. You remind me of what is truly important in life and to get back to the basics to live a happy and financially responsible life. I'm working on my debt payoff journey with your help. I think every American could benefit from your content!

[@THEJENNIFERCOOK]

Stephanie, thank you so much for your kind words! I truly appreciate them 🤗

[@sandrafrederick4923]

This is solid gold advice. Thank you. While I don't shop online, I do work retail and yes, the lure of the clearance sign is real. I do not need another piece of clothing for the next twenty years, maybe more, as I am not fashionable. I am at the point, where I cannot think of a single material thing that I feel a strong need to possess. The beautiful things out there, look just fine where they are, and where someone else has to maintain them and dust them. I think that this can work for collections too. While looking at something I admire, I make sure to include the thought of maintenance, packing, moving or reselling. I give it another admiring glance, maybe take a picture, smile, and move along.

[@THEJENNIFERCOOK]

Sandra, this is fantastic advice!

[@christinereed5036]

The game I play with my savings is this: I transfer money at the beginning of each month into my savings account and then I pretend that account just doesn't exist! I don't even check the balance except when I transfer money into it! By pretending it doesn't exist you never consider using those funds to pay for something.

[@yadycedeno5778]

Thank you for all your tips. I regret not starting to save when I was younger; Iam starting now; it is not easy but Iam working hard to save money even if it is a little like you say.

[@THEJENNIFERCOOK]

You are doing great! Focus on the present and the future, not the past regrets. You can reach your goals ❤️

[@Annejustinerobertson]

Hi, I’m Anne from Australia My favourite tip was don’t buy something, just because it’s on special if something is say $40 down to 20 and you don’t really need it. You’re not saving $20 you’re spending $20 that will stick with me. Thank you

[@THEJENNIFERCOOK]

❤️

[@esgiegee9576]

I learn to cook through KZbin and really find time to learn new dish and my family enjoys and prefers my cook over restaurants. We enjoy home cooked food and save a lot.

[@rebeccaselsky8491]

100% spot on. I recently did an audit of my husbands subscriptions and apps (many of which he wasn't even using or forgot he even had) and we were in shock how much money he was spending. $300 monthly to Apple?? 😳😳😩It took forever to find them all and cancel but so worth it! And I said it before, but implementing your budgeting method and meal planning binder has been awesome. The way you made it simple and easy just clicked for me. Meal planning is a powerful money saving tool.

[@THEJENNIFERCOOK]

Rebecca, thank you for sharing this! $300 a month?!?! You just freed up a HUGE chunk of money! Awesome job... hugs 🤗

[@rebeccaselsky8491]

@@THEJENNIFERCOOK I know! my husband just corrected me it was an average of 300 😂so basically recurring subscriptions for music plans, family sharing, storage, I don’t know what else and extra purchases for stuff randomly….either way, we pared it back to 30 monthly so that’s a win. He’s a subscription junkie and I avoid recurring charges as much as possible!

[@asavannah7439]

$300 🤯

[@candy2325]

Yesterday I bought pantry staples in bulk at a wholesale store and then today I’m getting my produce/misc staples. It definitely hurts more to spend more upfront for the bulk items but it will pay off for the month because I don’t have to run to the store constantly for basic essentials. I’m learning to meal plan key staple ingredients so that I can whip up any basic meal at any time and make a lot for leftovers. I recently got a raise at work and I’m taking advantage of this time to buy quality items and continue saving!

[@ladywytch129]

Once you are settled into the rhythm of doing it, it's not so shocking. Plus you are saving money on the gas and wear and tear on your car!

[@tinablizard6670]

Enjoyed your video. I find the best way for me to save money is to just to stay home as much as I can.

[@Frdunsing]

Made in God’s image 😊touches me deeply 😊thank you 😊

[@THEJENNIFERCOOK]

🤗

[@FidoHouse]

Encouraging, sensible, suggestions. Thank you! Regarding the temptation of buying seasonal decor: remembering that what you've bought has to be stored in its long off-season, thereby adding to clutter and storage congestion, is another reason to think twice about buying in the first place. Helps keep me in check.

[@waterfallpeace8057]

To save $, we keep our house lights off during the day. We open all the blinds & curtains for natural light. We also keep things unplugged unless in use. Of course, we keep the stove & frig plugged. Changing AC filter regularly is helpful. Thank you for your well suited videos.

[@THEJENNIFERCOOK]

Great tips! Thanks for sharing 🤗

[@sheniquamartin3080]

Hello I really needed to hear this

[@THEJENNIFERCOOK]

🤗

[@KibiHines]

I love yr channel . Can u show more how to use the google sheet how to do the weekly budget ?

[@kathydavis6408]

My plan is to eat what we have first. That is a savings I can see immediate results from. Will work in the other things too.

[@THEJENNIFERCOOK]

Awesome! 🤗

[@ruthwiseman4730]

All of your tips are great. I love watching your videos. I am totally debt and mortgage free but I still have to watch what I spend.

[@THEJENNIFERCOOK]

Ruth, congratulations on being totally debt and mortgage free! ❤️

[@mortalley]

I appreciate the fact that you said to keep your relationships, just find new things in common. Most videos I have seen are saying to drop people who don't think like you about saving and money. Which I think is sad. I highly appreciate the love and understanding you gave for old friends. Much respect. 💚 🌻

[@LadyMontane]

Hi, first time watching your vid & instant sub! Love, love, LOVE that you brought up that we waste a lot of time, energy and money comparing our lives to others in your "Put your phone down" tip! This is indeed very important and hit home for me, as I have built my vast wardrobe in order to be like all those fashionable celebrities and influencers, and now am at a point where I've ran out of space to store it... Pride might have to do something with it, something I have to work on. Keep it up, and God bless!

[@THEJENNIFERCOOK]

Thank you so much! I am glad you liked the video 🤗

[@annissa8959]

In Sweden, where I live, it is nowaday as good as impossible to save up cash in a jar because the banks here refuses to handle it and more and more stores are quitting that as payment method. I very rarely handles physical money myself, and it is quite a shame because as a kid I once remembered I saved coins and with them I went to the local toy store and bought a doll I wanted. The woman behind the counter had a great patience counting all of that money...😅 Interesting to notice that my country seems to be quite alone in going this far in digitalization, in a broader international perspective. Anyway, your tips are great and there is much to learn. I have myself a shop on credit habit I must get rid of right away, and mostly I buy stuff for my hobbies, which are also the meaning of my life so I must find a balance. I rarely regret my purchases though, but I have a hard time waiting and saving up to desired objects.

[@musiquefrique]

I really love your channel Jennifer- you are so kind, knowledgeable & genuine. It’s clear you really care about your audience and wish them the best for a successful future 💕💕

[@THEJENNIFERCOOK]

Thank you so much! 🤗

[@georgehaller6473]

My favorite game is saving for a trip to Ireland. It makes for a great vacation and when I get back home I don't have to worry about debt. ❤

[@THEJENNIFERCOOK]

🤗

[@sherrikins3557]

I like the last 2 comments, 19 & 20. Especially about who you hang out with. I had a friend and we always spent more money for some reason than we were comfortable with. We don't hang out anymore, but there is something about values that we need to realize.

[@kevinagee4528]

I did not get started getting my finances together until I was 55, I am now 68 and retired and doing fine. I have been completely debt free for 10 years now. I use my credit cards and pay them off every month. I made just over 600.00 last year by taking advantage of the rebates that my cc companies offer. You have to be disciplined with your money to make money off your cc companies

[@THEJENNIFERCOOK]

Awesome!

[@annlynch593]

Just donated 33 items from my closet. So fun! I only keep what I love. Plus painting/work clothes (6 items, folded).

[@THEJENNIFERCOOK]

❤️

[@antoniavallario3058]

Thanks, Jennifer. Your videos are a pleasure to watch. These are all sensible tips, and so valuable over the long haul. It’s always good to be reminded to review our spending/saving patterns. Sometimes we can be on “autopilot” with habits that are not serving us or helping us reach a goal, whether it be financial, eating better, or just living more simply. I am now in my 70s and did not have much in savings as a younger person until a dear older couple began encouraging me to start where I was, with the small amount I was earning. They are now with the Lord, and I will always be grateful to them for their wise advice.

[@THEJENNIFERCOOK]

Antonia, this is so well said, and thank you! What a blessing those friends were to help guide your path. Hugs 🤗

[@helenhumphreys3184]

Very good old fashion ideas that always work. Thanks

[@donnarakitzis2719]

An emergency savings is so important! You have lots of good advice

[@gladyschandler6724]

I made a list for things I needed for my new home.

[@THEJENNIFERCOOK]

Gladys, that's a great idea!

[@katehorrell8732]

I have always save my change, n when I was married all that change would be enough to pay for our vacation every summer, now that I'm on a fixed income my change goes toward Christmas gifts, n that is only possible because I use cash for everything.

[@dianegarrett7827]

Thank you for all of your financial literacy Wisdom! Diane

[@THEJENNIFERCOOK]

Diane, I appreciate your kind words so much 🤗

[@txoxley]

Nair Precision Eyebrow Wax kit changed my life. I wax my own at home now. If you use it according to the instructions properly, you will get salon level results.

[@nataliecolbert5790]

I’m sure most people know this, but I thought it worth mentioning. If you don’t want people to remember how often you wear, your clothing, don’t buy showstopper pieces at the very least don’t wear them to work. Showstopper pieces are easily remembered we’re basic what crazy is not

[@THEJENNIFERCOOK]

Natalie, that is a great point!!! Thank you for sharing it! ❤️

[@nikkimeredith2521]

Great tips!! This is my 2nd year doing savings challenges. It is fun!!

[@abcdedefgefghfghi]

I love your channel....and I am happy to learn that I'm already trying many of these tricks.... very helpful and motivating videos. Thank you!

[@andrekeulemans473]

With The Black Friday Trap. The only thing I bought in the last 3 Black Fridays that were on Special was Bread that I freezed and Long Life Milk. Especially as I work in retail

[@beatricealcaraz5799]

Grey tips I’ve been doing the meal planning you suggested and I love all your great tips really trying to implementing them were a mortgage free and debt free home , thanks for everything you do .

[@THEJENNIFERCOOK]

Beatrice, I hope you are well! I am so glad the meal planning is helping ❤️

[@kimmieobrien8108]

I really enjoyed this video. All of the tips were great.

[@THEJENNIFERCOOK]

Kimmie, thank you so much! Have a great week 🤗

[@bevanbuckwheatshea5520]

Awesome advice Jennifer.

[@GingerM14]

I love the show recommendations.. I have already watched the first episode of each.

[@THEJENNIFERCOOK]

Awesome! ❤️

[@marclapensee3864]

When you talked about helping people to save with eatery eyes I had tears... Would you mind passing a message to canadians that now we have access to Koho high yield savings account of 4.5% interest... We haven t had this option available since around 1981... Yes imagine how dreadful it was for me at 11 years old to know that our banks would never give more than 0.05% unless your privileged. Love the fact that you are genuine by the way!

[@lindaripp5902]

I saw some videos on envelope stuffing and I just love it

[@margal3120]

I always love your videos! You have a way of presenting the info in such a practical (and sometimes humorous) manner with your own personality flair! Thank you!

[@THEJENNIFERCOOK]

Thank you so much! 🤗

[@lex541]

Awesome! Thanks!

[@danellehobbs7097]

Mine is 10 right now decluttering my clothes. I have so many cute ones. But when I’m going in for those clothes. I see not cute clothes in winter don’t care because it’s winter. But then when winter gets over I see them and it’s a problem.

[@Dana-ml7sy]

I put a pause on my purchases. I look at it, want it & leave it in the cart. Very often it’s reduced but I often find I no longer want it.

[@dawncronin5906]

Great tips thank you

[@jackieburnett6881]

Enjoyed this video! Such wonderful tips.

[@THEJENNIFERCOOK]

Jackie, thank you! 🤗

[@jonnaborosky8836]

Ask for a discount of at least 3% when paying with cash. Businesses have to pay 3% of charged purchases to the credit companies. If they don't have to pay that fee because you used cash, ask for it. If you don't, that's just free money for businesses.

[@deedriawoods7609]

Oh mine is decor too, it’s already something I got tired of. I’ve been trying to keep it minimal with something small I can change per holiday.

[@prisgan6442]

Hello.. I like your practical advices.

[@THEJENNIFERCOOK]

Thank you so much! 🤗

[@puregold1725]

Yes, its not what you save, its what you spend.

[@azucena7castro]

“Cost per use”…. That’s gold

[@VC-de4jo]

Love your sweatshirt!!! I’m from Ireland 🇮🇪

[@THEJENNIFERCOOK]

Thank you so much! My best friend was there at the beginning of the year. She brought it back as a gift for me. It is the warmest and softest sweatshirt. Hugs 🤗

[@angelahayman5405]

Thank you for your tips!!!

[@THEJENNIFERCOOK]

Angela, thank you for watching the video and taking the time to comment! ❤️

[@kalliemj]

indie polishs usually dry faster than store brands and if you want fast designs you can get a stamping plate and a stamper and use the same type of nailpolish and you can get some incredible results. I used to do this when I worked professionally. It gave incredible results, helped a small business, and was way more cost effective than going to a salon

[@mariasinclair9718]

All my favourite. Thank you 😊

[@THEJENNIFERCOOK]

Maria! I hope you are well! Have a great week 🤗

[@anacorona6234]

Gracias 🙏

[@THEJENNIFERCOOK]

🤗

[@beatricenanozi1851]

The declutter pov took me out 😆😆😆, great video, thank you.

[@lanamichalski3208]

A great video Jennifer...thank you!

[@THEJENNIFERCOOK]

Lana, thank you! Hugs 🤗

[@marlenejordaan2787]

What is your suggestion to get out of debt, do I pay the highest interest rate credit card first or the lowest?

[@THEJENNIFERCOOK]

Hi Marlene, I lean towards the lowest balance first because I believe seeing progress helps keep momentum. Always do what you feel is best, though 🤗

[@marlenejordaan2787]

@@THEJENNIFERCOOK Thanks, I’ll try that.

[@tiashadae1143]

Love the sweatshirt, great video!

[@THEJENNIFERCOOK]

Tia, thank you so much! 🤗

[@tarawasinger]

Great video!

[@hlspang]

This was such an encouraging and timely video! Thank you for making these videos ❤

[@THEJENNIFERCOOK]

Holly, thank you so much! I am so glad it was encouraging 🤗

[@gladyschandler6724]

I cook chicken thighs every week, and I research on-line for new recipes with the staples I have.

[@gladyschandler6724]

Great tips

[@laruethornton103]

Examine your team. Some people are very expensive. My sister-in-law and I used to take turns picking up the tab when we had lunch together, then one day we decided we could go out more often if we each paid for our own. My late husband used to pass up meeting his son for lunch because if he couldn't afford to pick up the tab, he wouldn't go. Sometimes it's OK to let the other person pay, or plan to get together for coffee instead of lunch.

[@leannewith3]

My time for subscriptions is when you sign up, go in the next day and turn off your subscription. You can always go and resubscribe if you still want it, but it saves paying for things you aren’t using.

[@MoneyOpulence]

Your take is quite informative. I wish more KZbinrs would put the same effort into producing a video. Anyway, thanks for sharing this take.

[@THEJENNIFERCOOK]

Thank you very much for saying that! Hugs 🤗

[@deedriawoods7609]

I’m going to go through my subscriptions.

[@preparingformountainlife]

Trying to be frugal enough so that I can quit working overtime!

[@lindaripp5902]

Thanks.

[@thebestwillow]

"they need to go and figure some other stuff out!" I laughed hard at that.

[@THEJENNIFERCOOK]

🤗

[@valdamarielegault1907]

I remind myself, I washed the clothing after the last time I wore it! 😎😁😎

[@adinawahedi8719]

I’m just trying to figure out everything starting few months ago 😢.

[@THEJENNIFERCOOK]

Adina, you are doing great! Give yourself props for starting. It may feel slow at first, but once you get going it gets easier. You can do this 🤗

[@susanrobinson408]

Jennifer, I love your budgeting videos, but I'm curious about your change up of the channel. Are you still posting spiritual videos as well or did you find that there was not enough interest? If I remember correctly, you were kind of burned out on the frugal aspect of your channel. Not me!! But I love them and was so interested in your new take on life! You inspired me! But still love these, too. You can't do anything wrong!😃🥰😍

[@THEJENNIFERCOOK]

Hi Susan, it really is a rather long story. The short version is I was burned out. After taking a break, I really felt called to continue with what I had been doing in helping others take control of their money. As far as the spiritual side, it is still very much a part of my life. I hope you have a wonderful week!

[@maria_w311]

Hi Jennifer 👋🏻

[@THEJENNIFERCOOK]

Hi Maria!!! 🤗

[@judemathieu3717]

My favorite tip was “PUT DOWN YOUR PHONE!” I am still a work in progress

[@THEJENNIFERCOOK]

🤗

[@seanduncan2751]

Hi. Love your help. However I just wanted to mention, I would have opened your blinds and turned off the lamp you had on in this video. I live as if I am off grid everyday. Have a nice day ❤.

[@THEJENNIFERCOOK]

Hi there! That is my lighting setup. I film during the day, and if I open the blinds, it messes with the camera settings.

[@fgonzalez78959]

Car payments are the biggest eaters of household incomes..car payment + insurance + gas= every month! And what do they do most of the time..it sits outside our home and job and we spend hardly anytime in them.

[@reginabowers9890]

Hello Jennifer

[@THEJENNIFERCOOK]

Hi Regina 🤗

[@mayuser-n6s]

I have to declutter my closet, I have so much clothes that I can't even wear because a I sized up in the last 2 years 😂

[@stewardofthehome]

Do you have a video all on vegetarian meals you enjoy?

[@THEJENNIFERCOOK]

Hi there, I actually dont. Maybe I can put a list together and post it on my community page. 🤗

[@melindabuchok7152]

I just received 56 dollars off my insurance just by asking... I don't throw away any left overs I find a way to remake it into something different... Then use the left overs this time to use for my pets because they have allergies.

[@THEJENNIFERCOOK]

Melinda, $56 back in your pocket! Fantastic!!!

[@ConnieGarvey]

Why are vehicles not assets yet they are liabilities if there is debt on them? I understand they depreciate.. but they have a value. Seeking to learn.

[@tteeiiggeeii8472]

It's an asset if you are generating income from it . However , if the vehicle is for own use and not generating any income then it is a liability when you it's debt funded .

[@bevanbuckwheatshea5520]

Dont go into shops unless you absolutely need something.

[@frugalsweetlife3427]

NO shopping in sale

[@glife_21]

All your tips are sooo Helpful!! Makes you mindful of our choices! I listen to you when I’m getting ready for work.. and definitely send your videos to my friends! Thank YOU🤍

[@THEJENNIFERCOOK]

Thank you very much! Hugs 🤗

[@almarielewis8072]

Put vegetables in Ziploc bags and hand towel .put left over soap in socks

[@bevanbuckwheatshea5520]

Too expensive to eat out so much much better eating at home. More healthy and saves a lot of money.

[@andrekeulemans473]

Same shirt, people must look at Joshua Becker