What Is My Challenge For 2025 ???

[@sherryhicks4156]

Interesting challenge. Like you I live alone and retired. I am 78. Like you I was raised in a family of 5, not a lot of money. Somehow my mom made it work on very little income. I watched her stretch food. We never starved, but really ate cheaply. We all were healthy too. I have used a lot of her tricks raising my own family. $20 a week is doable. I do have a small garden that helps. I think with this challenge we could share some of the tips we learned along the way. Thanks for doing this. So many young mothers have no idea how to do this. We can teach them!!

[@maryellen8515]

Great challenge! I don't have any type of food card or I would join you. My challenge for 2025 is to keep carbs as close to 0 per day as is possible. I'm a diabetic but I firmly have confidence it can be reversed.

[@roxannevan1503]

@@maryellen8515 certain you have found but there are IMO several good diabetic YTs even from Type 1 people. Am starting a Continuous Glucose Monitor (bout $100 month) for few months to see what foods spike & where # I feel bad. Have noticed during one CGM 2 week test that I felt Bad when low ish but not dangerous low. Will see if really true or if I need smaller more often eating. Very best on your journey

[@dianepereira1860]

Good luck ❤😊

[@marilynpeppers1356]

Dennis Pollock has a channel called “Beat Diabetes” that you would probably like. He is Type 2 and he keeps his diabetes under control by limiting carbs. (I am low carb also.) Best regards.✅💜

[@maryellen8515]

@@marilynpeppers1356 I listen to Dennis also. I have several medical doctors I follow as well.

[@azgardenlover370]

Have you checked out the possibility of taking berberine combined with milk thistle to help reverse your diabetes? My nurse practitioner told me to check out a channel called myoxcience that discusses it. Good luck.

[@myhillsidegarden3998]

I am looking forward to seeing how well you do with this challenge. Having a well stocked pantry for a challenge like this is very helpful. I'm not quite at the stage of being on SS but January is always the month that we try to just eat out of our pantry/freezer for the month and just buy dairy or fresh fruit and veg.

[@maryfail2393]

That’s a tough challenge and I wish the best for ya!! Please just make sure you eat your proteins!!

[@deebee6337]

The new challenge sounds great! I will be tuning in to hear how the progress is going. Interested to see what will be on your future grocery lists. What a wonderful challenge this will be. ❤

[@carolinb52]

I’m with you, I’m going to try to cut my grocery costs down, and grow a container garden on my balcony starting in the spring. All the best! ❤️🙏🏼

[@dianneweaver4809]

I can't even imagine that working for me. But I'm anxious to see how you do and will be following along with your progress.

[@debbieswanson780]

I figured out for our household of four seniors that would be about $336.00 a month. Our budget is $600. 00 per month and we are talking about raising it by $50.00 each. Now we need to reassess Thanks granny 😂 We live in northern Alberta in Canada. Maybe that makes a bit of difference. I will be following and picking up lessons on the way. Wishing you health and prosperity this year.

[@vigerminaberrios4116]

My challenge this year is to cook more often at home and not buying at fast food restaurants. I have a notebook to keep up with my challenge. I will follow your journey because I don’t have any type of card. ❤

[@mj-hk6iv]

When I think of all the money spent in the drive through all those years we worked, it makes me cringe. I worked lots of OT and shift work. Had I changed to a regular 8 to 4 job, I probably would have cleared just as much and been a healthier person. Hind sight is 20/20.

[@mscentsibly1953]

I don’t have that med insurance. I’m 71 and am also just in social security. I’m in. I’ve spent $76 so far this month (since the fourth wed of December). May need some milk for my coffee. And no credit cards! We’ve got this! It helps to live in the south and Midwest. This would be all but impossible in CA or NY.

[@mj-hk6iv]

Please contact your states Dept on Aging. They can help with transportation, visiting nurses, legal assistance, filing your taxes, LiHeap, meals on wheels, food pantry, etc. Every state is different, my husband retired from ours. Blessings

[@lorim1234]

What a challenge Granny. And after seeing your $5 challenges, I have no doubt you can pull this off.

[@Stephens-e4y]

Thank you Granny for ALL of your inspiring and encouraging videos! I am frugal minded but need to really tighten the belt now. I am 62, widowed, was injured at work and now have permanent mobility issues, and battle major fatigue & weakness from a recent thyroidectomy. I am presently on Leave of Absence at work, living on 50% of my normal income, and praying about decisions to make about my future. Your 2025 challenge is motivating me! I have been a subscriber for about two years. This is my first comment. May God Bless you and keep you in His care.

[@mj-hk6iv]

Please contact your states Dept on Aging for assistance. Each state is different. Ours has visiting nurses, legal assistance, transportation, LiHeap (utility), meals on wheels, and food pantry, classes, etc.

[@joancoffey6566]

I'm very Interested in your challenge. This may motivate me to shop more wisely and avoid unnecessary purchases. That's my personal challenge for 2025. Thank you for the inspiration to do this!!!! Love you, Granny 🙂

[@laurakuehlke1320]

This year, I am doing another round of no/low-spending, so this challenge definitely piqued my curiosity. I make nearly everything from scratch, which helps tremendously, but I'm still looking for more ways to save. Groceries are just so expensive. There are elements of your challenge that I can incorporate for my family, and I'm looking forward to seeing how you meet your goals in this challenge.

[@dixiedarr700]

Wow! That’s a tough challenge. I’ll be interested to watch how it goes.

[@jeanettepolk4879]

I like to hear your comments on Gizmo, I have a little toy Poodle named Toby. He is my constant companion. I’m 83 years old and have been a widow for over 10 years. I was married tiny husband for 55 years, so Toby means so much to me. I love your videos.

[@charleigh3275]

Amazing idea! I have to be super careful due to medical& severe food allergies! I'm praying that soon I will have food assistance. I'm a retired school teacher. I don't have any food assistance yet. I pay 1/2 of my medical insurance. My insurance had been very good covering very costly medications. Currently, they are trying cutting the number/month and my Drs are having a fit. Constantly fighting. I have stocked up on safe foods. I will reach out to other resources suggested. I will see how far I can go and with the exception of of fresh fruit& a few other items that that currently needed every couple weeks. I have been shopping monthly. When you run out of that item it's ingredients have changed. Not every store carry the item. I'm going to try 3 months 1st. I've been very frugal since I was saving since I could babysit. I'm no longer able to drive. I have a few people that often help get me to where I need to go. I'm praying that this year w/the insurance I have that there will be some changes I've been researching. Yes there are taxes on food too. I've also just learned of federal laws I should qualify for too under the ADA. I'm needing to downsize but even finding that is proving difficult. I hope the SW& other help me get what I need. BUT, my Mom may have to live me following several major life changing events in this summer& fall. All I can do currently is try again for more assistance. I will need outside help to take to help her recover P,E&M as I was younger when I cared for another family member& was trained for all different neighbors/ situations. She's my best friend. One day at a time... It's in God's hands. I sure will be watching. I wish you all the best. For me and her qualifying for more(she might qualify for more)? Trying to find possibly another area of the state or leave the area completely! Safety has already ruled out many areas that had closer medical care. I'm sorry this is so long.

[@mj-hk6iv]

My friend gets her food through Walmart+, I believe it's discounted because she is disabled and/or on SNAP, I think they also deliver for free with a $35 min order but you would need to confirm. Please contact your states Dept on Aging for assistance for your mother, they have many programs she might qualify for. Blessings

[@thecreativecountrycrafter]

Love your challenge! I am very interested in it. I'm doing a pantry challenge during January again this year. Trying to only get milk, bread and a little fresh produce from grocery store. We eat deer meat and have for years so meat is not a problem. We have a pond that we like to fish, as well. I have some chicken in the freezer, too. I keep a well stocked pantry. I would like to extend it through the year. You always inspire me, Granny! Excited to see your videos always!

[@FrugalCraftyVegan]

I am SO excited to see how you do on this challenge! I'll be following along and trying to stick to a similar budget, although I'll be paying cash.

[@lynnbowen4141]

Considering I just spent $80 for groceries for myself that will last less than 2 weeks - and no junk food besides a bag of $3 chips - I wish you the best. I live in the Midwest and have very little choice of grocery stores. I think you should include the food bank as a resource when needed. Even if it’s just once a quarter or something.

[@donaldwalters9789]

We been using our insurance amount on our electric bill save 54 dollars each month .You offer great advice and we enjoy watching your channel Take care

[@mj-hk6iv]

Please consider contacting LiHeap in your area to see if you are eligible for assistance with utilities. My friend was surprised she had been eligible for years. She was also eligible for free insulation through a grant through the county. You might want to call and see if there is a program in your area. Blessings

[@deyonkeels5266]

I love this idea ! Can’t wait to see your upcoming videos on your challenge for the year ! You’re truly an inspiration ! Good luck for a successful year & much love 💕

[@Judi-lm2fj]

I dont have the food card. I have to buy groceries and use the foodbank. Good luck with your challenge.

[@valerierandall3640]

That’s an amazing challenge and I wish you well with it! Thinking about next Thanksgiving/Christmas dinners - maybe that’s another exception to consider?

[@KymsHomestead]

Howdy Granny, I have subscribed, and I am looking forward to following your progress for the next year 😀

[@sixtyplusliving5342]

New subscriber from Northern California Your channel came up on my feed What an interesting challenge for 2025!! Good luck! I’ll be watching to see your journey

[@vjc4502]

I'll be eating from my other freezer & using canned goods up. Will only buy fresh or frozen veggies as needed. Going back to couponing & baking. It's a good idea...always try to spend less, invest more

[@MilaThebrat]

Great Challenge Granny can’t wait to see everything you do. 😊

[@mandysimmons2769]

My best gift from last year is that my husband is doing tiny portions for his blood sugar. I just whipped together a pasta shrimp dish that is going to make four plates! Yay. I've put half of it up for freezer ( so he doesn't get sick of it this week ). He actually thought I was fussy about it but I was like whuh? I love this. Less cooking for me. I wanted to look into those cards but I assumed it was a scam or something. I'll have to check that out. Bless.

[@hockenberryholler3150]

Sounds good to me!! My food card is back this year too. Hugs~ Lea

[@lynnetaylor6720]

That challenge sounds like a good idea

[@evasochocki5209]

I think this is a very interesting challenge. It's going to be fun watching to see how well you can do it, as I'm sure you will .

[@valerierandall3640]

I won’t be joining you in the challenge but definitely will follow along! I’ve cut our food bill way down but more is needed due to an unforeseen and apparently permanent change in monthly dollars. I’m certain I’ll learn a lot from watching your journey

[@kathytate2221]

From one Granny to another You got this. Thanks for Sharing.

[@zzzzipy12]

I’m going to try to grow a container garden this year!

[@pamelalyon3264]

I have plenty of cleaning supplies and toiletries for the year except toothpaste and deodorant. A good 2 months of food. I also have a card from my insurance company, which really helps. I hope everyone gets all the help they need. Thanks for this video.

[@Organized-chaos1]

Also I love your what if videos from way back when. Please if you can try to post videos of what you get weekly and what you would maybe make from it. God bless 😊

[@dianabythebeach]

No food purchases on my healthcare card. OTC and other items for personal care...says there are 1000 items to choose from but searching thru them sounds exhausting to me. I knew the ones I needed, found them in the search option and stick to those every quarter unless I have a different need or want. I receive $50/quarter. Was $55 but they lowered it. I am sure that could happen again. Will be fun to watch your challenge. Happy shopping! 💰

[@mj-hk6iv]

Please contact your states Dept on Aging to see if you are eligible for assistance.

[@shadonnadavenport4741]

My mom is 72 and has the same insurance. I will share your video with her. You remind me of her, except she curses. Lol

[@angelaland4759]

What insurance is it?

[@jodie19831]

I definitely think it's doable. I watch a channel from Canada and she does her and her husband so $42 a week. But when she was doing it before she did $21a week by herself she uses points, store programs coupons, fuel coupons. They have accumulated a lot of stuff. It's just looking for the sales and somewhat eating repetitively at times

[@mj-hk6iv]

I also use several apps such as ibotta, fetch and receipt hog. I've earned money and points on all 3.

[@misfit7610]

Funny you are talking about this because I already decided to do this 😊. My husband receives a card so we will be using that plus we do go to the food pantry because our 2 boys moved back home and only working part time jobs because that's what they could get. I also have $100 put aside for the month so basically $200 to spend on 4 adults for the month. I think its doable. I look forward to your progress as well as ours!

[@angelaland4759]

Please do keep us informed on how everything goes. ang

[@terrimitchell1701]

great challenge! I spend a small fortune on food. I am excited to see how you do 😊

[@louiseasaffl7708]

If anyone can, you can! I wish i could join you but with my type 2 diabetes, I'm already challenged but look forward to the videos.

[@tallcedars2310]

As a Canadian in northern BC, I only eat animal fat/protein, eggs, butter, cheese, homemade yogurt( with store milk😢) and homemade sauerkraut. No shopping in aisles except for salt now. That was my goal for 2024, I made it. For 2025 my goal, thanks to Granny, is to whittle down the cleaning products, including laundry products. Thank you for your inspiration❣❣

[@FieldOfFocus]

Hi Granny! Thank you for the shout out! I truly appreciate it. I wish you well in your 2025 challenge and look forward to watching your updates! All the best!

[@morningswithgranny7789]

you are welcome!!

[@MsRene98]

I am determined this year to only use my food stamps (snap,ebt) this year and no out of pocket. That will be $96 a month for 2 of us so almost the same as you. I will be using the food bank though to make up. Fingers crossed

[@mj-hk6iv]

Please check your states Dept on Aging if you are a senior.

[@tinasimms8080]

My health care card is only for OTC drugstore purchases, like vitamins or health aids, like eye drops. I wish I could join you. I think it's a great plan and look forward to see how your journey evolves. It's a great challenge if you have a food allowance on your card.😊

[@wandagordon6453]

I’m looking forward to seeing your challenge! God bless you! 😀♥️🙏

[@lanadixon1822]

We live in town with the salvage stores you go to and the prices have really gone up at them just like everywhere else. Wise Buys ads now say they are half the price of the grocery store but in reality I can do better than half price by shopping sales and using coupons and iBotta. So we have not been in may months either. Over Christmas week S&A bad some items like 5 pound buckets of chicken salad for 1.99 but that is too much for two people so I did not make the trip to get that. They have some good meat deals right now but it is bulk packages of 20-40 pounds of whole pieces that would have to be thawed and cut and refrozen. The two of us don't eat enough meat to bother with a mess like that. We don't have a card like yours but we really are going to reduce purchases until we eat down some of what we have here which is a lot.

[@queenbear4581]

Shop your grocery flyers and only buy what is listed. Suggest no more $10 for household suppliers, but fresh fruit and vegetables no more than $15 a week. But just what you need. Once a month, visit a local food pantry for staples. Keep a log of your purchases. You will see a difference. Good eaten! Happy New Years.

[@peggyaustin5238]

I was getting 50.00 a month with my insurance card BUT they now stopped allowing me that food card anymore but I still get my over the counter allowance of 50.00 a month but not for food at all.

[@pamelalyon3264]

That's a shame. Why would they do that?

[@peggyaustin5238]

@@pamelalyon3264 When I called my insurance co and asked them wjy their response was if I was not happy about it I could change insurance companies.

[@mj-hk6iv]

Please check with your states Dept on Aging to see if you are eligible for assistance.

[@Abcdefghijk-o3h]

Wow! U are real smart Granny. Love u .

[@Organized-chaos1]

I’m right there with this challenge! Our food bank is free . Our food stamps dropped from $689/month to $177/month for a family of 6! So I’m going to be trying to save as much money as possible

[@mj-hk6iv]

Could there have been a mistake regarding the reduction in assistance? If anyone in your household is a senior please contact your states Dept on Aging. Blessings

[@Organized-chaos1]

@ no we were both unemployed and now working again but we make under our state minimum requirements for our household size. Idk

[@marilynpeppers1356]

Best of luck on your challenge for 2025! Sounds fun!

[@salonsavy6476]

Good Morning Granny ,, Happy New Year!,, ❤❤❤❤

[@shelzp7272]

Being honest I couldn’t do this but I’ll be interested to follow along and I know you’ll do it. Since we don’t eat meat, my food cost is low so that isn’t my issue but I feel like a very low budget would seem stressful to me.

[@roxannevan1503]

Your Challenge sounds interesting. Don’t have a food card. Have a ton of storage food from Pandemic & election worries. Am diabetic & need good protein & veggies (and my cream in coffee) but will see what guidelines I can set for myself. Had already set limits (none 😂) on buying of “things” and am tracking that spending. May even try some small gardening in pots. For fun if nothing else. Best to you, yours and all your viewers

[@thankfulandthrifty]

Great Challenge! I need to figure out my saving challenge for the year. Last year, I wanted to spend $250/month average for groceries, which, for my husband and I, includes toiletries, cleaning and paper products. My average ended up being $273 (down from $358), so I was happy with that. We live in rural Maine and both work part time.

[@mj-hk6iv]

You might want to contact your states Dept on Aging to see if you are eligible for assistance, if you are seniors.

[@kimedmonson3134]

🥧👏 don't skip the pie Granny! It's sooo good.💕

[@bhallmark3390]

That’s an interesting challenge you’ve set for yourself. We don’t have the kind of insurance that gives a grocery benefit so I can’t join you. But I look forward to seeing how you do with your personal goal! Now, I’m running off to check out Field of Focus. Thanks for the recommendation! ❤-Brenda

[@SharonThomas-h6o]

I’ve never heard of insurance Giving a food card. Can someone tell me about this? I have Medicare and United healthcare as a supplement

[@tedg4171]

@Sharon. I think you need to be in a Medicare Advantage program not traditional Medicare if I’m not mistaken. Maybe Granny can do a video about it. Some people swear by the Advantage plans while others say to stay away. It’s confusing for sure

[@SharonThomas-h6o]

@ thank you

[@VirginiaLawson-k4t]

@@SharonThomas-h6o you need to be on Medicare and medicaid and change to an advantage plan. I'm extremely happy with my UHC duel complete. I live in Florida

[@mj-hk6iv]

Please check your states Dept on Aging to see if you are eligible for assistance.

[@christieflesch3750]

Yeah, I don’t get a card but I regularly spend around 20 bucks but I’m more than happy to try it too. I live by myself.

[@florenceumpherville8560]

Neat idea for your new challenge

[@jodywoodruff6473]

Awesome challenge. I believe you can do it. It's always great seeing you again. I love you Granny 💜💐🦋☺️

[@jimmiepatrum]

This is a BIG challenger! I just wonder how you will handle fresh produce and fruit, plus dairy purchases. My hat's off to you for trying. It will be exciting to watch! Diane

[@marybethsmith6458]

Oh Granny, you are a much braver woman than I am to try that. Then again my two son's still live with me and they can inhale some food. I think this will be interesting to watch and see. Good luck.

[@BethGrantDeRoos]

Granny might you explain this insurance benefit that pays you for food (?) since it sounds interesting. California has no food tax because they see food as a necessity. It's really interesting seeing what people pay for food in other areas of the states. Am picky about what I buy 🙂so whenever I find a product I reallllly like, I sit down and write the company to let them know specifically why I liked their product. Often times they will write back and include coupons for their product. OMGosh I adore Linda Strickland of Field of Focus, because we are kindred spirits 🙂 She like me is a longtime homeschooler. She has a Master's degree in Neurobiology. And neurobiology meshes well with wanting to know how and why certain chemicals affect the nervous system. We are an engineering family. A lot of homeschoolers watch her videos. Also recommend Khan Academy begun by Sal Khan over in Silicon Valley. It's a great channel for adults who simply want to learn new subjects.

[@tamarasmith1023]

I've never heard of insurance cards giving away money? What kind of insurance do you have? Thanks!

[@Therese100109]

You are a very resourceful lady, and I have no doubt you can do it! 👍

[@judyopp7485]

I wonder about the food pantry? Please can you explain? We live less than a block from our local food pantry....we try to find cereals on sale because they (food pantry) are always low on cereal. I miss my cereal now since I am diabetic and try to avoid the carbs. so I like to share what used to be my go to comfort food with others. We try to donate basic can goods (corn, peas, grean beans) when we find them on sale also. Can we do better sharing in another way? I still buy boneless/skinless chicken breasts when on sale for us....I can get so many meals from the family package....1 tray is chicken for the entire month for me and my husband. I diagonally slice a couple breasts and freeze for meals...to fry or pan grill, I bake a couple for sliced roasted chicken, casserole or soup and chicken salad. We especially like shredded bbq chicken a couple times a month. When I bake or boil chicken, I place some chopped in my stainless steel bowl and shred with my hand mixer....it seems to double the quantity (this is what I bbq). Good luck on your challenge...I'll be watching and learning! Oh, my neighbor found an 8 pound bag of apples for only 8 cents (Sav-a-Lot clearance) and salvaged them into three apple pies before the ice storm hit last night...she brought us one....those food gifts are such a blessing! ❤

[@mj-hk6iv]

What a great deal on the apples. Mom used to pick up deals like that and chop up and freeze. She would make apple bread from apples that fell on the ground from the neighbors tree and freeze those in 2 cup baggies to use all winter.

[@courtneyhenderson16]

Go you! I'm excited for this challenge.

[@wandahall4435]

Granny and Gizmo ❤❤❤😮😮😮😊😊😊

[@MaryJohnson-t8e]

Granny you have great ideas God.Bless you sweetie VA. 🙏♥️👑➕️🌟🌈 😇 🔜

[@ragdollpreppers2648]

I love this challenge thank you ❤

[@BlackberryHillHomesteadingAdve]

I think you will easily succeed! You're a great shopper.

[@ConnieWallis-bc4km]

how about showing how to use a pressure cooker the kind you use on a stove they are a great way save on food

[@frankieniedorf4463]

Great idea

[@karinklapproth866]

What a great challenge!! I have a grocery budget of $100 per month, too! Take care🦋💗

[@blanchenickelson154]

Granny, do you still have United Healthcare? Or have you changed insurance plans?? I know 2025 is going to be a challenge for all of us.. God Bless you for the knowledge you share with us to help us through the difficult times. ❤❤❤🙏🙏

[@PIX11TrueCrimeNewsBatmanFan21]

I’m signing up to the challenge too!

[@rpsmith2519]

Sounds good my card is $290 a month for food and over the counter medicine so needless to say this will be much easier for me

[@IndiAcres]

❤good luck.😊

[@leslielousma7913]

Granny, what qualifies you for the spending card? My in-laws are 89 and I’m afraid they have too many assets with retired military pay, two SS incomes and a lot of property. Any advice where to google this? They have Medicare and Tricare.

[@mj-hk6iv]

They may still be eligible for assistance through your states Dept on Aging.

[@seymoursmix4810]

happy sunday granny ! you might also think about growing a garden this year for more "free" food. I'll bet you have a green thumb😃🤗

[@Peanut11111]

I've been using a card for groceries and it's great.

[@mikeandpamshumaker1777]

I love this challenge and I really think you can do it!

[@clarencekenner4937]

Quite a challenge, Grandma

[@samaholderfield1518]

Wow good luck what Insurance do you have.

[@samanthadodd8112]

Great challenge.

[@paulawhite8674]

I don't get a card but am trying to lower my food bill this year too!

[@ritaslade2989]

I know you will do awesome on your Challenge ❤😊

[@lorieckert]

You go girll 😊

[@Ac-ty8wp]

I think you should be able to go to pantry, when folks are in needs, they can go there.

[@mj-hk6iv]

I agree, our food pantry throws things away if it isn't given away, so keeping food out of the landfill is really important to me.

[@NonaMaryGrace1952]

Hello Granny. Good plan. 💕NonnaGrace 🐓

[@kathrynm9870]

Interested in watching how it goes....

[@mj-hk6iv]

I understand you don't want to use the food pantry. Ours throws food away if it isn't all taken. I think keeping food out of the landfill is very important. There is no shame in taking food offered. IMHO Have you contacted your states Dept on Aging? They can offer everything from visiting nurses, tax filing assistance, signing up for LiHeap, transportation, meals on wheels, free classes, etc. All seniors should check out their states Dept on Aging. My husband retired from there. Would you consider doing a video on this. It might help others.

[@dorisdonnelly9669]

I have never known anybody that actually has one of those grocery cards. How do you get them . I have tried but never got anything.

[@anitasmith6726]

Granny why on this challenge can you not go to food bank? It’s free

[@nancydavidson2295]

Is dumpster diving included?😏

[@jillv4006]

I’ve never heard of an insurance card that allows you food???