We live on less than minimum wage and save half of it. Our September Budget.

It's time to reset our budget for September. We tell you all the numbers that are involved budgeting in France.
#budgetreset #minimumwage #frugalliving #extremefrugality #costoflivingcrisis
Frugal Queen in France
We are a British couple living in Brittany on a budget.
Frugal recipes, days out, home renovations and day to day making do in France.
We’ll give you hints, tips, advice and an insight into our life in France.
Instagram / frugalqueen. .
Equipment used
Camera : iPhone
Editing : iMovie on a Mac mini
Music:
KZbin Copyright Free
Epidemic Sound
Audionautix is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. creativecommon....
Artist: audionautix.com/
Some Sound from Zapsplat.com
KZbin Audio Library
Apple iMovie*

[@jacquiehall5339]

I have nearly paid my mortgage off and have no other debt. I don’t live frugally but do live mindfully. For me, the plus of living this way is no stress! I realised a few years ago that the thought and excitement you get from buying something lasts from a few minutes to maybe a few days. Then it goes. Whereas not having debt and being happy with what I have (and grateful) gives me a constant feeling of contentment. That is worth its weight in gold. Pardon the pun.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Love that! Thanks for your input

[@gloriaroberts8963]

Hi Jane and Mike! I am older than you, not as talented, not as thrifty not as good looking, but I think we could be friends! Love all your videos- it’s great to learn new things. Thanks so much. G from Michigan USA

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

That's very kind of you

[@NobodySpecial509]

We live on less than $3837 for a family of 4, still paying mortgage, didn’t realize how poor we were, no commercial debt thankfully.. things are tight though to be sure.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

You're doing great and better than most because you're not using debt.

[@NobodySpecial509]

@@FrugalQueeninFrance Thank-you!!

[@catherinephillips8925]

Our family have an income less than this too , I think it comes down to what kind of lifestyle you pursue , We live a simple lifestyle We don’t waste money and don’t expect or feel like we miss out on anything Don’t go into debt , unless absolutely unavoidable. We appreciate what we have And happily work with what we’ve got Instead of pine ing for what others have.

[@rebeccawatson8923]

I really enjoy seeing the numbers on how other frugal people save and spend.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

@@rebeccawatson8923 you're welcome and thank you

[@BibiBitesBack]

Living beyond your means is an ongoing pandemic, people I know with good earnings are constantly paying things off & never seem to have any substantial savings. Living below your means is what people should be doing & taught how to do it & how to not go without when your means are very much reduced as incredibly well explained by Jane 👑 today 👏👏

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

@@BibiBitesBack we share it every month, if we're an example to even one person, we'd be delighted

[@EarthsHarvester-1]

The economic attack on individuals and families is multi layered. Shows like the lifestyles of the rich and famous, home remodeling, house flips, which home do you want the $1M or the $1B home type of shows, most Hollywood movies, marketing brand names over generic (people don't realize where, how, and the actual cost of the items that are made and when a brand label is put on--well that 'changes' everything, right?). The constant bombardment of these images contribute to people feeling deprived and non satisfied to the point that they too want to keep up with the images they see and go into deep debt. The marketing is psychological maneuvering to take people's wealth.

[@thomas5916]

This is by far the best video on budgeting and frugality I've ever watched! I've been disgusted, annoyed and even convinced that perhaps you ought to be loony to be frugal when I've watched other videos. Your method was so simple, practical and not harsh. It made sense and having received my paycheque today, I'll get to work😅

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

@@thomas5916 thank you for your very constructive feedback, much appreciated

[@fionapage7751]

Love the new budget format, you are so honest and transparent, it really inspires 😊me to

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Yay! Thank you!😊

[@joannleme8977]

Always uplifting and inspiring! You don’t need a lot of money to have a beautiful and fulfilling life.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Absolutely!!

[@patriciavandevelde5469]

@@joannleme8977 bs! In europe, belgium rent min,650,electricity 120,transport 200,food 300 ,internet and water 100,and average wages 1400 euros so Blablabla Blablabla

[@rachelwalsh4378]

great video Jane & Mike 👍🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@rosaestrada41]

Good day Jane. I did well in no spending month in August since I failed in July. I will be able to save more once I’m out of unexpected debt and just focus on paying off the house. All these thanks to your videos. God bless and , your hubby and your doggie.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks so much

[@Dutch_Gonneke]

The information provided by this channel has helped me in many ways. So much more overview now thanks to your budget system. And although I do not earn a lot I still managed to create an emergency fund which saved my precious dog last month when she needed an emergency surgery! (She was insured up until 2020 when I lost 80% of my income.. once I got back on my feet I couldn't get her insured anymore). Anyway.. great video. And really clear editing. Well done!

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thank you so much for your kind comments

[@gladyschandler6724]

You are doing well because you have been frugal.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thank you 😊

[@pollygiblin8311]

Thank you SOOO much for explaining the definition of a "sinking " fund! I knew what it was but couldn't figure out what "sinking" had to do with it. I have wondered about that for a long time. 🤔

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

You're welcome

[@marypeterson1053]

I learn something every time I watch your videos. THANK YOU!

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

You're very welcome

[@georgiawise8375]

Like spare tire in your car. Life happens and its always great have extra $ stash. Budgeting like maintaince on car so everything working order.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

True. That's why we have a car maintenance sinking fund.

[@denisebolin-clark8826]

You inspire me in the way you pay attention to your financial details. It gives me good ideas. As well, I commend you both on your financial transparency. You could choose to keep these things private and you don't. Thank you for all you do.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Our pleasure! Thanks for your feedback

[@momof2momof2]

I really enjoyed this style of video. I live in the US in a gated community and my space rent is $967, and I paid cash for my house. . I'm 65 , retired, widowed and my monthly income is currently $4100. But it will go up next year because I will be getting my late husband's social security. I am debt free, have over a year's emergency fund in place. Summers are expensive where I live, my electric bill is $335 a month, because we must have air conditioning. . But when it cools down here, it goes down to about $65 a month. My children and I enjoy dining out, and cooking at home, they work of course, so we all have our own spending money. I save ahead of time for biannual bills ( car and home insurance.) and my annual property tax for my home. I put between $500 and $1,000 in savings each month. We buy groceries as needed. I check my finances every day, adjusting if needed. I do pay income tax, but take my refund each year and put it away. This Summer was very expensive for me. I had to have some major home construction done, which was very unexpected, but I had the money to pay for it all. I use my credit card for big purchases and pay it off. Then for Christmas I use the points from the card that have collected all year to buy gifts, which adds up to a few hundred dollars worth of gifting free. :) Thanks for such a good video, and for sharing your budget. 🥰💐💗✝🇺🇲

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

You're doing great 👍

[@momof2momof2]

@@FrugalQueeninFrance Thank you Jane. 🥰💐💗✝🇺🇲

[@terrypelletti8535]

Very well said Jane and Mike. You’ve been responsible with your money yet still enjoy your time. You’ve proven it can be done with no feeling of deprivation ❤

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thank you

[@lynnestait8011]

loving the new graphics and video layout, well done Mike, and Jane of course :-)

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@Sandra-s3p]

Perfect timing, working my budget today , will be adding more after watching you. Thank you so much Jane Mike Dolly and Mart. Have a great day.

[@Sandra-s3p]

Sorry Mary.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

That's great 😃

[@thefinefrugalline3232]

Jane, the banks make money on you as soon as you deposit anything into your account. They invest it and THEY make the interest. If they give you any interest it is less than what they make on your money, be sure of that. So in return for that, your bank accounts should be free! We mange our finances a little like you and have a handful of different accounts for sinking funds, living expense etc, but we negotiated with our bank because we are solid customers, never get overdrawn and lots in savings. So now all our accounts are free. You can do this, and if your bank is not willing to work with you, you can tell them that you will I’ve your business elsewhere. It worked for us and we have happily been saving the 16 US dollars per month for some years now. I know it’s not a fortune, but it adds up,a nd it would for you too. Thank you for laying out your budget to us every month. Very helpful! 😊

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

No French bank accounts are free.

[@mandycharlie]

That seems like a very healthy budget to me. I live off £1600 and the two biggest monthly bills are electric/gas and council tax! I also buy smokeless fuel £400 this year. I too count every penny and budget and save, I have ten different pots, it makes it easy to manage. I put more away per year for my dogs as a dog broke a leg as a puppy and that cost over £4000, fortunately I always insure dogs for the first year when they are most likely I feel to run into trouble, after that I self fund as the insurance rates start to rise considerably. I also have a Christmas/white goods fund. I have an allotment which feeds me very well. I very rarely eat out, twice a year maybe but do enjoy a coffee with my father twice a week and I run a knitting group, so that’s another coffee and now I’ve taken to having a Friday night out. It was a big financial decision but I’m a young widow and I feel I need to socialise as well. I shall watch some more of your content, thank you for sharing.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thank you for watching

[@muttersmenu2422]

Very good talk 😊 Agreed France is not a cheap country to reside in but the nor is Australia 🇦🇺. I stay on track with my budget by keeping a record of everything spent, works for me. Thank you Jane and Mike and the pooches for another video.👍🇦🇺

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

@@muttersmenu2422 thanks so much for your reply

[@elizabethbertsch3066]

Great video! I love how you are able to break down your budget in such simple terms for us. It is very helpful. AND you do it so cheerfully 😊. I had previously thought of my budgeting as drudgery, but you’ve shown me how to cheerfully make it work. Thank you!

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

You are so welcome! We love our budget

[@sheila1013]

Hi Jane and Mike. What a professional looking video. As usual, great content and presentation. Two great trips to look forward to as well. 😀 I have some lovely memories of the South of France. Another beautiful region. 🤗

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Our pleasure! Thanks 😊

[@LimousinLife]

Jane and Mike, you are so good, a total inspiration ❤

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

@@LimousinLife that’s really kind of you

[@bettyhowatt8167]

Another great video! Those fur babies are so cute!

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

@@bettyhowatt8167 thank you

[@Amanda-pv9kz]

I just love this kind of organization

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

@@Amanda-pv9kz thanks for your kind comment

[@airlinesarefun]

This is extravagant living in my eyes 😲

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

@@airlinesarefun any less money and we'd be below the poverty line. If you watched the entire video you'll see we're below French minimum wage.

[@gwenfehr9156]

We are currently enjoying a 4-5 night holiday. On our way to British Columbia from Saskatchewan, Canada. We have a wedding to attend in BC. My husband’s job just started an employee health account at $100/year. But they are back dating it 10 years. This $1000 is being spent on this holiday. There are no limitations to what you submit for reimbursement. This past Saturday and Monday I canned peaches. 27 litres/quarts, and 25 one cup jars. I bought 75 pounds of peaches, for $150 CDN, which sounds high, but the quart jars alone would cost me at least that much. Between myself and my mom and MIL, we ate at least 10 pounds of the peaches. Here in Saskatchewan, we can’t grow peaches, apricots, nectarines. We can grow a variety of apples, raspberries, strawberries, blueberries, a variety of cherries. I have raspberry plants on my yard, so I was able to put 5+ gallons in the freezer. I also have about 8 cups of raspberry concentrate in the freezer that I will make into a sauce/drink concentrate. The drink works well as a flavouring for iced tea, and to make flavoured ginger ale. The sauce is great over ice cream, waffles, cheesecake, etc. These are ways I save money, and make healthier food, and have variety. We have a large garden too. I froze 36 cups of peas, 18 bags of green and yellow beans. I have zucchini ready to shred and freeze, or make relish with. We grow enough potatoes, carrots, and onions to make it to next spring. I have lots of corn coming as well. Some will be canned,some will be baked with cream and butter, then frozen. I do enough of these vegetables to last the winter and spring. I have to admit that we eat out about once a week. I help take care of my mother in law, usually three nights a week. Plus I have a business to run, so one night a week eating/ordering out is more a necessity to my mental health. Otherwise I cook from scratch. I enjoy your videos. Because of watching your channel I have started a sinking fund for the annual expenses. I started this fund in May, and just recently used most of it to pay our property tax bill of $4800. I have not added up my annual bills. Instead I put 10% of all earned income into this account. This works the best for me. I do buy some prepackaged food, but that is Moe for my husband. He works close to home, so is able to eat lunch at home.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

You're doing great and thanks for sharing as I love your positivity

[@trixiestreatstreasuresfoxannva]

I have several expenses planned for the next few years which I will start saving for in February, once my debt is paid. Would you call these Sinking Funds or maybe Planned Spending (like your car savings). Just wondering what accounts you would use and the record-keeping systems you have in place. Thank you for all the great information!

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

@@trixiestreatstreasuresfoxannva I have the back pages of my budget book and a page for each sinking fund to track money in and out of

[@bridge7528]

I’ve followed this type of budgeting for years and have had great success. No debt, very healthy emergency fund and savings. Helping my children learn to budget now. I think the problem is when first starting out, it’s difficult to put $ in a sinking fund and pay the bills(that you don’t already have a sinking fund for), if that makes sense. For instance, insurance bill is due, you have to pay it but also put $ in a sinking fund.

[@gladyschandler6724]

Like your graphics so detailed

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

You're welcome ☺️

[@Dutch_Gonneke]

I agree!!

[@janetstonerook4552]

I've found that being frugal, once it became a daily habit, worked well for me. I was frustrated at first because it seemed that I couldn't get a foothold and that every few months some big emergency would happen and I couldn't get ahead! Now I realize I need to plan ahead with the savings for that so I don't get overwhelmed. I now see that, at every months end, I have more left in my bank account and a little more to put into savings. It's not been anything big and flashy. Just a few less shopping trips per month, looking for bargains more, postponing buying or substituting items, and saying NO to anything g that is just too expensive to fit into my mindset.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

@@janetstonerook4552 so good to hear that Janet. Thanks for sharing.

[@judyland-obrien4259]

Always a good refresh to see the actual figures... frugality enjoys company! Thanks to you both!

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

@@judyland-obrien4259 thank you for your kind feedback

[@martapogribna6396]

You look so nice, just beautiful with your hair down! Being frugal is a bonus😂

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks

[@victoriabutler2465]

This made my day. We live on the NZ equivalent for a family of four. We are doing really well. I am very conscious of spending. Our biggest cost is food. Puts it in perspective. 1 income family.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

@@victoriabutler2465 thanks for your reply

[@juliethompson5301]

Oh the girls ❤️🐾

[@brendaedwards5201]

At the moment we are on one wage and am still saving half of it Money management is so important And I'm a always looking at ways that can be improved in areas We like to challenge ourselves can we only spend so much on this this month etc It's very rewarding Great video Jane and Michael 👍

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks so much

[@akhiker2495]

Enjoyed your video. It’s a good reset for me.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@SharonMcGee-b2i]

We all need budgets…it’s nice to know where your money needs to go.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Agreed 👍

[@suewharton9590]

Hubby and I are seventy and live in Alberta Canada. I am a Yorkshire girl so am frugal by nature!! We live on less than $4000 a month. I do find that your expenses ( food etc) are a lot less than we pay here in Canada, I am very envious. Our food costs have skyrocketed here. Thank goodness we own our house ( a mobile home so not really valuable). Here, unless you live in a big city, there is no public transportation so a vehicle is a necessity not a luxury. We also have to pay for prescriptions, which is worrisome as we age. Canada also has the most expensive mobile phone rates in the world. Heating here in Canada is also expensive given our climate. This is just to give a perspective from a different part of the world. I really enjoy watching your channel, wish we could move there! ❤

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Sorry to hear that

[@suewharton9590]

I wasn't complaining, just pointing out the differences. I actually enjoy seeing how far I can stretch each dollar. My Canadian husband of 10 years ( I was a widow) doesn't get it so it can be difficult at times. But I persevere, lol.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

@@suewharton9590 take him back to Yorkshire....Hull Is very up and coming

[@elizaC3024]

I think that when folks see your lower costs (to them),they aren't looking for the big ticket items missing. No mortgage or rent, as well as no car loan, and no home equity loan for home renovations. Which too many people have all of these now.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks for pointing that out.

[@flyorraofficial]

I'm not married, no kids. Single no kids is harder than having kids. Because you're practically homeless for the most part. (My parents divorced and have been overseas since I was 16, neglected and abandoned by them) I was finally given a one bedroom apartment to rent in subsidized housing. It allowed me to quit my minimum wage job, my boss did wage theft and didn't pay me fairly. And now I live off the disability pension. I'd like to make money, without the costs of making money. My biggest expense is nicabate gum and public transport. I smoked for 22 years, quit 5 years ago. I never drove a car, but public transport is expensive in Melbourne Australia, $5.50 a day!

[@TracyOwen-y9t]

Great video 😊

[@suebee1540]

Cute doggies, great video Mike and Jane. I get paid every two weeks and the amount changes. I do an estimated budget for each paycheque a month in advance. Updating as overtime occurs, till the final tweaks are done payday. I do it in the notes on my Android phone. I always underestimate my pay so the final amount is a nice surprise!

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Sounds great!

[@nzmoneykarma]

Thanks for the exchange rates- that makes a difference. It's more than I thought when you put it into NZD! Well done 🙂. Our family lives on about that too

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks for watching

[@Shantelle6253]

My discretionary funds for the rest of the year are going towards repairing the autolift function on the trunk of my car 😢 it's a necessity for it to stay open on its own without slamming down on your head when you have to lift a ♿ in and out on your own.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Is it going to be repaired or has it been repaired?

[@Shantelle6253]

@@FrugalQueeninFrance it's at the shop as we speak, but the part doesn't arrive until tomorrow. I'll pay out of my sinking funds and replace the funds by eliminating discretionary spending the rest of the year.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

@@Shantelle6253 BRILLIANT!

[@yellownightjar]

Your dogs sooo cute. Dogs make a home real

[@karencatalano4349]

I live alone on my social security which is 1,426.00 a month,which is way below what some people make but I am frugal and started to budget because I had to. I do get money for the holidays or my birthday,sometimes,so that I use for fun stuff but it’s doable

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks so much

[@lorelei9393]

Helpful as usual 😊

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Glad you think so!

[@BrittanyLucy]

Very smart graphics and presentation!

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thank you kindly!

[@erinlavigne6644]

Love zero based budgeting. Good job!

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

@@erinlavigne6644 thank you

[@karenwilson8607]

👏🏻

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks

[@sophiawolthof1238]

👍👍👍

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

@@sophiawolthof1238 thank you

[@marygantt1550]

Property taxes in US are 10x that per year. Give or take depending on size number of structures and land.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

You need to protest about that to your government. I sympathize but sadly can't help.

[@tracyaf6084]

I wonder what it pays for in France. I think property taxes here in the US often make up for the lower federal/state taxes we pay compared to other countries.

[@muriellherboriste2847]

@@tracyaf6084 Property taxes are only that low in very rural parts of France. I pay more than 3000 € in the great Paris area

[@tracyaf6084]

@@muriellherboriste2847 thanks for the perspective. We pay a little over $7000 usd a year but that pays for schools and such. It’s not cheap, usually 1-1.5% the value of the home.

[@loydacoulombe1397]

IDK where you live but where I live it is not 10x. It is not even 3x for us. I would move at 10x. ouch

[@tracyaf6084]

I really enjoy these videos. Like you said, your life isn’t cheap in France but it looks well worth it. Will you be scoping out future homes when you go to the south of France on vacation?

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Nope, just a holiday

[@tracyaf6084]

@@FrugalQueeninFrance bonne voyages alors!

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

@@tracyaf6084 not going for a year as we have to save.

[@BG01234_]

The biggest plus is your home is paid off. Definitely helps to not have a mortgage since that is one of the three largest budget categories. Trying to figure out how to do the same.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Ours was paid off in 2017

[@Peanut11111]

I live on 900 a month

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

@@Peanut11111 sorry to hear you're living below the poverty line. Are you of working age?

[@Peanut11111]

@@FrugalQueeninFrance no

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

@@Peanut11111 retired?

[@beverlyanntaylor9652]

😊💜

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thank you

[@melleichter9162]

I just love your videos! I would love to know at the end of the month what you decided to spend your discretionary money on.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

It's usually something practical.

[@LizSharpe-w2m]

Hi Jane, Have you ever tried a home exchange program for economical vacations? We have traveled all over Canada, Australia, England etc and I highly recommend it. If you want to come to Canada I will happily swap you! Cheers.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

We couldn't afford the air fare or pet care or spending money

[@heatherj3030]

Jane do you think sinking funds help you feel more in control of your finances. We have a fully funded emergency fund, but it's in the same account with our large, once a year expenses. We had to payout $3000 last month for annual insurances. I know we have the money, and it's budgeted for, but with our variable income I get nervous seeing our balances go down. Those big expenses coincide with my husband's slow time of year for work. I think that adds to the stress. I'm thinking that having a separate account just for those expenses, might help me feel more secure. I realize this is more of a mental and emotional issue, but I wondered if it helps feel less stressed about money going out. Thanks Jane!

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Yes we do think it's best to have a separate account for sinking funds, each one has a léger page in our budget book to track totals

[@heatherj3030]

@@FrugalQueeninFrance I'm definitely taking your advice on the sinking funds. Thank you Jane!

[@rena4220]

I was shocked to see that your phone, Internet and TV are so low. My internet only bill is $94.99 A month.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks so much

[@sandrafennell6927]

A lot of Australians would think it wonderful to have a monthly income of $4209. The monthly age pension for a couple is less than $3500 a month

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

We're not pensioners, we're 58. Most Australians will be working at that age.

[@dawncampbell4221]

Updating the super information which I commented on. In Australia compulsory super is now 11.5% of the gross wage. Paid by the employer. Compulsory super was introduced in 1992. The average wage earner in Australia pays 32.5 cents in the dollar tax. I am yet to meet anyone who earns what is classed as the average wage in Australia. From my knowledge it's approximately between $60,000 - $70,000/ year. Certainly far less than the figures I have heard quoted. A pensioner couple receiving a full pension gets $841. 40 per person per fortnight or combined $43,752.80 annually. It's not huge, but it is doable if being careful or living frugally as you do.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thank you

[@zelmawills8606]

I’m below as well Centlink Australia $1,166.43 a month 61 No super that’s retirement But I save as well And budget very tight

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks for watching. I thought it was compulsory to pay into a super annuation,

[@dawncampbell4221]

Compulsory super is paid by the employer I think the rate now is 10% of the gross wage. The employee can pay extra but Australians are fairly highly taxed and so for many it's not an option. We have a free hospital system as well as a private system. For myself and husband both on pensions we pay $117 for private health cover per week. Our pension equates to $841/week per couple. Public health has very long waiting lists. Compulsory super hasn't always been the case. People our age definitely didn't have it and those nearing retirement have some, but not enough to be fully self funded. Those working in government paid jobs were more fortunate.

[@paulamonaghan3280]

I have a question: Here in my town, in Minnesota, we pay a lump sum (every other month) for water, sewer, street lights, and refuse. The amount changes based on water and sewer but the other costs remain the same. Also recycling is included with the refuse. Do you pay any charges for sewer? Just wondering. September is going to be a no spend month here as Congress has not come up with a budget (yet again) and the Veterans Administration is in the hole for about 3 billion dollars. Yes dollars. As I am a 100% disabled veteran I have been told there will be no pension check after September 30th if Congress does not do the budget. I am better off than most because I, too, have a 1 year emergency living expense account that is fully funded. These days it is critical to have that account. Thank you for the wonderful video with its breakdown.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

We have a septic system

[@amberatartimec2564]

Hi jayne, to confirm, when you have a no spend month you don't have any discretionary spending? So this month you would save the €156? And look at being careful with food budget? Thanks

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

@@amberatartimec2564 that’s right, we’re always careful with food budgeting and never go over budget

[@joycegonzales4994]

Your hair is gory

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Yikes 😱

[@joycegonzales4994]

@@FrugalQueeninFrance I meant gorgeous

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

@@joycegonzales4994 🤣

[@aisoconcranberriesu2as]

😂​@@joycegonzales4994

[@michelehagerman216]

Jane, how much have you saved off your electricity bill with using your solar boxes?

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

@@michelehagerman216 nothing this year as we've not had any summer. We've had 7 sunny days this year.

[@michelehagerman216]

@@FrugalQueeninFrancewow! Didn’t realize your summer had been like that!

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

@@michelehagerman216 cold, wet, bloody grim!

[@frivoloustofrugal]

When you get your uk pension you will feel rich? Will you change then?

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Probably not, we’ll still have to save and budget

[@TheJoPaXXXX]

How did you get an early pension? And get a pension whit value? Im 61 and if i go in pension tomorrow i get 0 euro. I can go erly in 65 and if i get a s###tpension. I must work to 67 and get ca 1300 euro. Im living in Sweden.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

We have 2 pensions in the UK: state and private. We put 10% of gross income into private pensions and can take that pension in a reduced form at 55 years old.

[@rebacarmack8335]

What do u do with any discretionary left at the end of the month?

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

It stays in our current account as a buffer.

[@bettykosel547]

Would you ever consider solar panels for your house?

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

We can't afford thst

[@bettykosel547]

@FrugalQueeninFrance yes it is expensive here too!

[@TomRyall3]

I get that your channel is a help to people who are not good as budgeting but if you're in your fifties and have some savings and no debt what are you really putting more money aside in savings for?

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

@@TomRyall3 every thing we have will need fixing or replacing at some time: teeth, eyes, car, roof, garden, the freezer, dishwasher, washing machine. We all need savings for all those things.

[@TomRyall3]

@FrugalQueeninFrance Valid point, but then there's the other side of the coin like my father in law he stressed about money his whole life scrimping and saving, he wouldn't buy oil or electricity to heat the house and his family frozen. And then went into a nursing home at 1000 euro a week for last years of his life they ended up with all his saving. If he didn't have savings, the state would have paid for his care.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

@@TomRyall3 watch our videos, we're never cold, hungry bored or unhappy. Watch this video at 5pm Paris time today.

[@sueh6287]

@@TomRyall3 My husband and I have always been *fairly* frugal, realizing the additional expenses that come with old age. (Both my parents and several grandparents lived well into their 90s.) All of our elders required high levels of (very expensive) care in their final years, including assisted living, nursing care, and memory care. Like them, we have saved enough to cover these possible upcoming expenses because we do not wish nor expect the American taxpayers to do so!

[@dawncampbell4221]

Living frugal does not mean living a miserable life. It is mindfulness to not waste money on unnecessary things which then affords you the little extra luxuries without stressing over how to pay the bills. My husband and I have lived this way for 50 years and don't feel we have missed out on anything. Nor did our children. We live a very comfortable satisfying life.

[@gllougreig9236]

You have two incomes. You should be doing well

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

We live under minimum wages what ever your opinion that remains a fact

[@carolined3058]

You can live oke cause you payed of the mortgage otherwise it would be difficult I guess.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

When we were not retired we had an income more than double this amount. We can well because we've been frugal for years and worked hard to pay off our mortgage early.

[@frivoloustofrugal]

Why are you paying social security? Because of your you tube income? Will you get a pension from le france?

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

We earn from KZbin so we pay social security contributions on that.

[@anthonymonnier1494]

75 for a haircut I cut my own hair witch cost nothing and don't own a pet

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Nope, 75 for two hair cuts and I get my eyebrows and face waxed. There's subtitles if you can't hear me.

[@robertlee6479]

I get 1/2 a pension and still live on 1/2 of that. There is no secret I just don' smoke don' do dope, don't gamble and barely drink and that for most people is 3/4 of their income, which is why they have no money to buy food for the kids and go too the food bank; they just don't have any brains these days as long as they are having fun.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Oh heck, thank goodness you're ok

[@robertlee6479]

@@FrugalQueeninFrance I grow nearly all my food and my own wood for winter and do all my own D.I.Y. so cuts down on the bills and if I have any grapes I brew 2 gallons and that last a year or in this case2 years as poor harvest this time. I know people in U.K. that get £600 a week and still have to go food bank, but 3 packs of fags a day doesn't help at £18 a packet. This is how stupid some are.

[@ShangriLadj]

Thanks for sharing. It is very helpful for our planning for our retirement in France 😊 I just wonder why home and car insurance are in the living expences and not the sinking funds. Are those paid monthly in France ? (In switzerland we pay those once a year or quarterly).

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

We pay monthly. The amount is not different whether we pay in a lump sum or split the payments

[@ShangriLadj]

@@FrugalQueeninFrance thank you 👍🏻 Good to know this is an option ☺️