How To Be Frugal Without Getting Overwhelmed

[@sandrabryan9106]

When we first got our Prius six years ago, we tracked our gas consumption and kept receipts. Once I had figured out the savings in the log book for the year, I threw out the receipts and stopped tracking. It made me realize our purchase was worth it. Two other things I really track is when we do a road trip, so that I can be better prepared next time. For example even though our road/camping trip was kept within our estimated budget, we spent a fortune on bug repellent, ice, and firewood. I thought the gas would have been the budget killer, but nope. I now know how I could do that cheaper. The other thing I do track is my gift budget and since it is so low, I like to see how much I saved from the original cost. It makes me feel good knowing that the effort was worth it. I do a zero balance budget so I track my "real" savings by my bank/investment balance. I like crunching numbers. Good video.

[@teresahunt5521]

I'm the lowest paid employee where I work because I've only been there for 1.5 years. We were all in the break room looking at our checking accounts last week and everyone was broke one full week before payday... EXCEPT ME! I still had 2k and all of my bills were paid. I've nickel and dimed and penny pinched myself to financial security. Two years ago, my husband had died, I was unemployed, and I was struggling to buy lentils at Dollar Tree!

[@UndertheMedian]

Well done and you're certainly leading by example in your workplace.

[@larryware1]

So sorry for your loss, Teresa. You are doing so well, however. I'm sure your husband would be proud of all you are doing.

[@makeanddohandmade]

I’ve been going strong the last few months but I do feel myself getting tired 💗 I come to you guys for encouragement! Thanks for this video!!

[@larryware1]

You are so welcome, Makeanddo! We all need encouragement these days. Blessings.

[@joantomlin7281]

one way to stay motivated is to calculate the hourly wage for frugal task. It only takes 10 minutes to hang and bring in my laundry. If I save two dollars by doing this, that's 12 dollars an hour. I'd much rather do thrifty things than get a part-time job.

[@d.b.g9216]

I have been a shopaholic for years and wanted to alter my perspective. Your videos are really good. I’ve taken on board a lot of your advice and I’m amazed how much I’m already saving ! and I’m happier 😊thank you X

[@joanncole9603]

Good for you!

[@larryware1]

Thank you, D.B.G. We love to hear that we've helped someone!

[@bria2596]

Even a little discretionary money can take the edge off of bare bones frugality. I write everything down, but I do not do minute detail work - that would drive me crazy.

[@Rosa-Perez]

I truly love to watch the both of you…you both have great ideas and information..

[@larryware1]

Awe, thank you, Rosa!

[@Rosa-Perez]

@@larryware1 you are so very welcome, and thank you to the both of you 😉

[@v113d94]

Congratulations you guys, keep up the good job.

[@larryware1]

Thank you!

[@Shantelle6253]

I'm not sure what magic words you spoke tonight but something finally clicked and I was able to identify 2 quantifiable goals. I've basically been functioning like a frugal zombie 🧟‍♂️ just saving as much as I could with no goals in mind 😂 Whatever I have been doing has been working though...my fiduciary told me on Tuesday "just keep doing whatever you're doing". He couldn't believe how low I've gotten my monthly outgoing😂

[@larryware1]

Wonderful, Shantelle!

[@melanienicholson2834]

I agree that goals are what keep me moving forward. I recently bought a Apt washing machine and the cost was 170. I usually spent 40 a month for laundry. I track how long it will take me to break even. Each month the 40 saved goes into a fund. So if for some reason I need another I will have the funds. I also just purchased mint mobile. I figure out what I saved and put the rest in a fund until I have enough to pay the next amount. After that I will start a fund for a new phone if I needed one. I invest after that all moneys towards other sinking funds. I have also increased my emergency fund. My overall goal is to have enough in my sinking funds to live for 3 months., 6 months then a year.

[@larryware1]

Great way to apply those savings, Melanie. Thank you for your comment.

[@kathybeal4408]

Excellent idea. What is the brand of washing machine that you purchased?

[@karencraig5916]

Think a lot in of us, even if we've been at this for decades, needed this calming of the "crazies" we occasionally get. Thanks.

[@janeolinger8038]

I set up so many tracking systems that I ended up confused and less effective than I had expected. I’ve had to simplify and consolidate some of these and I am still working on this.

[@larryware1]

It's a process of finding out what works and what doesn't. Trial & error. We're still refining all we do as well, Jane. Thank you for your comment.

[@leannejayne3545]

Having a separate personal spends budget is vital for me x

[@Thefarm1889]

Hi Larry and Hope

[@nelliedean7088]

I don’t know what I could have done without this channel. Not everything translates over ( I live in the U.K.) but the inspiration definitely does! What’s disheartening is big annual bills car tax car insurance and so on. Although I am fortunate enough now to be able to pay my bills in one go. The trick is planning ahead and grabbing the right offers at the right time. I loathe spreadsheets but once you get good habits it becomes second nature. Now I’m in my groove big wins cut backs etc are less common. Thank you for all you do.

[@eriseasyeats5473]

Thank you so much for clarifying the thing about not tracking how much you saved on something you never would have bought if it was full price. I’m not sure why that hadn’t occurred to me but it now makes complete sense to only track savings on stuff you were definitely going to buy regardless. 💚

[@vixxcottage]

It is easy to get overwhelmed. When an emergency takes your emergency fund that took a long time to build it is so discouraging. Saving is something I try to keep increasing. I don't go to rummage or thrift stores because I don't shop. I try not to spend but things seem to keep coming up. This months electric bill is $66.10. Typical in summer. More in winter. I have a newer fridge and chest freezer that are energy efficient.

[@arletbode4847]

You are doing a great job, keep it up!

[@AdamConstantine]

How big of a home is the $66 bill for? Did you do a lot to widdle your bill down? Ours was $262 this month. I was a bit shocked.

[@marshamchugh4558]

I got a Oupes 1200, used it in the summer utilizing fans in the house..My 1900 sq ft house, energy use was $77.05, and that was keeping the house at 79..Which might be too hot for some but it worked for me..Recharging my Oupes every 3 days well worth it!

[@vixxcottage]

@@AdamConstantine well my home is only 1200 square feet well insulated. I live on a hill with a constant breeze. Don't use a/c due to arthritis and in fact don't use a fan until after July 15th. I am quite comfortable. Use a portable washer outdoors and all clothes are hung on line. I don't use hot water tank. Realized I saved $60-$80/month by heating my water when needed. Bathing and dishwashing was only time needed. My needs are minimal. Our priorities are different and this would not work for everyone. Unfortunately due to asthma I can no longer use propane or kerosene heater so must use electric. I am looking at solar power currently.

[@MsLillyc]

Hello frugal family 😊

[@MsSarahJam]

I feel that people who have a need to micro-anotate amount saved through particular actions have a very high need to regain control in their lives. It might be beneficial for them to take a couple of steps back and ponder which area/s of their life they feel they have little or no control in. I can empathize as I know I've had these feelings myself sometimes.

[@TermiteVideo]

Very insightful, I believe you are right. So many people have lost control of their lives in very many ways

[@erinamerling1017]

I use to LOVE buying things on sale because of all the reasons you listed. Now I get joy out of saving 100% by not buying them at all. I'd refer ask myself of I even really need it at all and most times the answer is no.

[@jacquelinehenry3211]

Hello gang! We are over 160,000. Hope? Did you dreamed of it when you started it? Merci de l'avoir fait! I'm testing your french😂🎉 Hugs and claps🎉

[@Mrsmadison45]

Fantastic video ❤ Tracking expenses i do monthly from January through December this helps me stay on target for our Goals ❤

[@larryware1]

Thank you, Mrs. Madison! Glad you found an effective way to reach your goals!

[@jonnaborosky8836]

What I like is, after I've set amounts for each budget category, and I don't use all of it, I'm going to have a record of how much I started out with and what I spent. At the end of the year, I like to add up those differences to see how much I saved. That's enough for me. It's gratifying and encouraging to see that. I usually roll overages into the same fund year after year in order to have funds for big projects. I'm consistent, too. I look over the budget quarterly to assess for any needed changes. Generally, there are very few.

[@larryware1]

Sounds good, Jonna!

[@victorwadsworth821]

I got maybe a dozen extra shopping bags from the Senior Heath Fairs I recently attended & am taking them to the Food Pantry's for others. These fairs, fully free, great opportunity for a little exercise & meet people, paying nothing to park & learn valued things I can use. Got two this month to go to, one not far from me. I suggest seniors look for those near them. And extra bags, drop off at area foodbanks.

[@valeried2941]

You are amazing! I need to try brand new things at thrift store...I am worried about food costs this winter and honestly am paying alot for AC. Some days I just feel like giving up but thanks to you I keep going! Thank you for being here!

[@RochelleThundercloud-p9t]

Our apartment building has a laundry room,but it's cheaper to go to the local Laundromat to do laundry. Our washers are small and ineffective.same with dryers. And it costs $4 to wash,$4 to dry. And its only a few thin items at a time.or,take $20 and wash 120 pounds of laundry and dry it at our local Laundromat. 120 pounds of laundry for $20,washed and dried,or pay $20 to ruin six items here?

[@vibekeangelo6623]

Hanging laundry out: I have always done this, even when I lived with my four kids in a part of Sweden where winters mostly were very cold! Clothes dry up anyway. (I am a dane, now living in Denmark). I am not really doing a budget but I have my ways :) I am now alone and more or less retired, so things are more easy to keep track of. I look at my bank account every single day, and my inner goal is always: A little more on my account next month! If it doesn't happen because of unexpected costs, I am still on the track. And sometimes I then look for more income. Thank you so much for your very nice videos.

[@GEAUXFRUGAL]

Talk about saving money I've been hand washing my clothes and hanging out. My power bill has never been so low. I use fewer clothes this way. I'm rotating 3 outfits. Wearing the man made fabric vs cotton works better for this. The man made fabric dries faster.

[@Viriatha]

When I track actual savings amount, I also compute in any special tools or equipment I have to buy to do the alternate activity that "saves" money. It won't always, if you have to buy things in order to do it.

[@mae9064]

Go Hope and Larry ❤ keeping it real. 🤗

[@GEAUXFRUGAL]

Best light I use is rechargeable headlamp motion detector. It's great you have it on your head and need light wave your hand and light is on. I bought 3 on WMT clearance. When I was dumpster diving I would need them more than I use them currently.

[@maypong2007]

Purpose of my expense tracking is to safe guard my spending is on needs not wants, understand how much is my retirement needs in future, to prepare my retirement funds (expense x 25)

[@shadowslayer4455]

Larry, you said you had to go to the back yard to charge those super cute reading lamps? Do you have some sort of solar generator? That is one of my big goals. I was hoping by the end of the year but have been hospitalized twice this year…so I am pushing it back to June 1st.

[@expatiate1]

When driving your Prius and you're considering the gas that you would be saving do you also have to consider the wear and tear on your batteries and the replacement cost for them? My friend had Prius and he ended up basically throwing it away when it came time for him to buy new batteries because it was going to cost him well over $20,000 to replace the battery on his Prius

[@larryware1]

Wow! I can't imagine spending that much for battery replacement. You can buy a pretty nice Prius for $20,000. I think your friend was getting a higher than average quote for battery replacement. The Prius is one of the most reliable cars on the market. Our dealership services one with 300,000 miles. It's still running well on its original hybrid battery. I haven't noticed the batteries being a major problem with this model and there are thousands of them on the road. We've had our for 5 years now and it's getting great mileage. I will probably replace our 2014 in about 5 more years with another one.

[@rg-mi5hh]

Priuses get great mileage, and if taken care of, they last a long time too.

[@AdamConstantine]

Toyota Yaris gets 40+ on Highway. It’s a bit smaller but much less upfront cost. Both are god options. The Prius just requires expensive battery replacement along the line somewhere

[@saltyassassins5816]

I try to be frugal and struggle with doing so. Yet I bought campell spaghetti o's with meat balls on Amazon for 66 cents per can. It was a buy a 12 pack case to get the price

[@frugalstu]

Great video guys. ❤

[@gurkamalkaur3207]

Hello Larry and Hope. Wondering have you done videos on retirement finances. Also, Medicare. A friend and I were discussing Medicare and it seems quite involved. So many different parts of alphabet soup. Thank you for spreading all the helpful frugal living tips💖

[@margaritasydney7356]

Here in Australia we dry out clothes on the line ive always wondered why everyone in the states dry their clothes in the dryer!!!!

[@stephaniegaddis1716]

ah! The mental gymnastics we go through to justify our spending! lol! I agree with you that sometimes tracking your "savings" is a good exercise. Like to figure out if line drying clothes is worth the time and energy compared to running a dryer. Knowing you have an extra $5 to move into savings at the end of the month can motivate you to hang out the clothes when you just don't feel like. At the beginning of the year, I did a similar cost-benefit analysis for a BJs membership (similar to Costco or Sam's). I wanted to know if paying $55 a year for the privilege of shopping there would actually save me money. At what point would I break even on the cost of the membership? The stuff in the store is seldom cheaper than at Walmart, so that's no help. BUT, their gas is always 10 cents a gallon cheaper than other area gas stations. So, I did the math on our average monthly fill-ups for each vehicle. The math showed we will spend about $100 a year less by filling up at BJs. So, it covers the cost of the membership.

[@h.a.mmorgan1939]

I love to analyze and compare to see where I am saving and finding new ways to save. But is it always worth the time ? I was challenged by my mom to compare disposable diapers to cloth diapers. The result was that the store brand on sale was the winner. I had planned on using cloth but as my mom pointed out laundry detergent water for washing electricity for washing and gas for my dryer added up very quickly.I am not saying cloth diapers are always more ,I am saying every situation is different. If I had the ability to line dry, that would have definitely made a difference. Analyzing some things can be very motivating. I now line dry all my clothes . When it rains, I have drying racks set up inside.

[@larryware1]

It's always good to look at things from every angle and carefully count the cost. Excellent, H.A.

[@donnad4264]

I'm being frugal by only shopping for food, not clothes or anything else. We save for big purchases, ie new recliners We consolidate our trips to 2 to 3 days a week. We are retired

[@larryware1]

Excellent, Donna!

[@nickiclarke4304]

Great video hope and Larry thank you so much

[@redeemedforever6224]

Do you order your glasses online? Just noticed you have same glasses and they look good.

[@UndertheMedian]

We got these from All About Eyes. We had a discount through Larry's job. We had a HORRIBLE experience with them last time, though. So, I'm not sure I would recommend them anymore. Our son just got new glasses from SAMS and had a great experience. They had a deal for students - 2 pairs for $130 - frames and lenses included.

[@glorialafollette61]

Larry’s hair looks really good today.

[@compassion2126]

In a certain sense if you “saved money” but didn’t put it in a savings account then it’s not saved. If I get a free couch from a friend and a new one would cost me a thousand dollars, but I don’t have a thousand to spend or save, then in a sense I have not saved anything.

[@lindasmith9950]

I couldn’t possibly have the strength or patience to really have to know as close as possible about how much I’m saving but it has come to mind… but I don’t think it’s possible to accurately calculate the closest amount of drying on the line vs. the dryer, but for sure- it could really save except if in bringing in the towels and clothes, an outbreak of bugs would occur… I don’t even know if it’s possible😊

[@linxj6]

I did hang out my wash for 2 months and checked the electric bill. i only saved 5.00 per month and that wasn't worth my time. You have to value your time.

[@Ozarkmountainoutback1]

I save about $30 a month by hanging my clothes out. But with 6 people we have a lot of laundry!

[@patrickstevens3482]

Let me begin by saying I enjoy your videos.. You said you've been using your power station for some of your lights and a few appliances and then dragging it outside to charge with the solar panels. I have a question and a suggestion. Regarding the use of lights powered by the power station, do you know if it is a lower power drain using the USB ports or the 110 output? I've been thinking about it, because with the unit producing a pure wave, doesn't it use more power than the USB method?

[@patrickstevens3482]

Method? And now the suggestion. They sell extension cables so if you want to leave the power station inside and run the cables through a window to the panels. As long as the distance isn't to long there shouldn't be much of a drop. I have 2 EBL stations, a 1000 that is easy to move around, and a 2400 that is 65 pounds and it stays put. Take care.

[@RochelleThundercloud-p9t]

A deal is not a deal if 1.you never intended to buy it 2.did not budget for the item 3.have no room for it 4.will never use it or gift it

[@maryshulman2438]

I so agree. My daughter constantly tells me that. But on the flip side. I see it as an investment. Meaning if I see a great sale like let's say on Christmas stuff. I will buy it all for the following Christmas to use or to gift. I also would sell it at a much higher price than what I bought it for. That goes for shoes and clothes and anything. When it's a good sale...I am there! 😂

[@janetstonerook4552]

My easy way to stay frugal in simply not shop very often. I don't shop on line and then limit my in-store shopping to once a week....with a list and a spending allowance in mind. I do my grocery shopping first and use insulated bags. Then just pop in and out of the department store with the money I have left. My biggest snag is never amassing enough on my sinking funds to cover house and car repairs!😢

[@larryware1]

It's hard to determine exactly what cars and the home can cost. Sounds like you are on the right track, Jane!

[@katsfarm2062]

I'm trying to do a no spend week . I'm just using food I have on hand, even try to make my own moist cat food.

[@terryhenderson424]

We dont do as much for tracking when we are feeling at least somewhat comfortable. What we do instead is think of common sense changes, investment purchases which will save money, diy projects which we need but often more which will meet a want. But funny you should mention laundry and line drying. We got a little more serious about a functional line system in 2020 amd 2021; it needed some refinement. 2022 brought some repairs to our system and some consitient use in an over all doubling down on electricity use cheap we had. By the end of summer '22 we switched up when we washed bedding et al to summer rather than our traditional down times of Jan-Feb. We know that our overall electricity savings is noticeable by the usage on our bill, cognitively know we are saving by line drying and probably enough to count, but heavens we arent counting. Due to a 17% increase in electricity prices, the actual dollar savings is harder to determine but rate increase withstanding we have had a touch of a decrease in the bill.

[@GEAUXFRUGAL]

I'm saving but not sure my goal. I want to get my house in order after that I'm not sure what savings would be for. Just want to get my place where the energy is consumed properly.

[@victorwadsworth821]

Hope Larry is doing well.

[@allardvanderstarre5238]

i have two problems : i'm avinyljunkie(recordcollector) and too much booze; i must change this- i see it going wrong

[@allardvanderstarre5238]

ichecked thereceipts andits time tochange

[@GEAUXFRUGAL]

You grind the numbers and get to dumpster diving and realize you are not going to care about the numbers anymore.

[@Savvymammagreenlife22]

I am tired..Mainly cuz I try to keep all my stuff and do some extra under 200$ a week because that's how much my husband gives me.I am the budgeter.Then when I set like 40$ aside for groceries he goes out at work and spends 100s ...and doesn't keep it under.I like to budget it before spending and I keep I under that amount. IF it's over then I can't get it.He does cover car maintenance if i don't have enough and it's an emergency but another of the things he does he doesn't think.He thinks he saves more by putting it all lumped up in one wallet I like it separated.Then I know I am not spending into rent. I feel so alone.I have a little girl. We live in a camper .I stay at home . He works out of town at different shows

[@maryshulman2438]

If you have $200 a week then it's $800 a month and there's ways for you to save money and have extra at the end of the month. Like buying in bulk. Buying stuff on sale.

[@mkosachuk6530]

I have a feeling this lady may have been criticized for "not being frugal or over spending"... to prove herself. She may be in a "sad" situation. 😔😥

[@mycharles3340]

In this economy with inflation and an unknown future, we have no choice on being frugal or not. Just this year so far....i've spent 17k on vet bills. 😔

[@lindasmith9950]

❤ Any of us know that every life sometimes needs medical care that we can not escape… there’s just no ability to ignore that something may be wrong and we must make our family better at a cost; it’s unavoidable. Cost is going to happen no matter what we do, and those lives make our lives worth living. I hope someone gives you a break and helps you in other ways that bring that costs ends, closer to the middle, or that in some other ways, the burdens will lift in all positive aspects❤

[@suredeydo]

Tracking everything so precisely? Nope. She's doing too much. No wonder it's exhausting her.

[@UndertheMedian]

I should have mentioned in the video that I do know she has some very specific goals right now. That's why she's tracking so much detailed information.

[@juliemoore6957]

Oh my goodness! That viewer is taking it too far! No wonder she's burning out. Waaaaay over the top.

[@UndertheMedian]

I should have mentioned in the video that I do know she has some super specific goals right now. That's why she's been tracking so much data.

[@MsSarahJam]

I can understand that tracking values saved (ie not spent) can give a sense of staying on track with a goal but it can actually give a false sense of achievement. You feel that you've saved and done well by not using the tumble dryer 20 times (for example) but this calculation doesn't actually give you anything.

[@kerryjames6312]

I dont want to onow how much i am saving hanging clothes out to dry

[@Mrsmadison45]

Fantastic video ❤ Tracking expenses i do monthly from January through December this helps me stay on target for our Goals ❤