How we are frugal: no matter how much money we've made, we've only bought homes based on my husband's income and, even then, didn't max out his buying potential. Now that I'm a mom and wanted to stay home, the choice war easy because we'd always had a lifestyle that we could afford with his pay. Beyond that, we carry no debt and don't buy anything new that we can make ourselves or aquire used. A surprising aspect of my frugality now that I'm older is that I buy nicer things but less often. It results in less stuff in my home (so there's less to manage) and less overall spending because I'm not replacing things as often and place limits on the quantity of items I can buy. Also, I buy food in serious bulk, have a garden, and preserve a lot so, even though it's January, I'm still making dinners with food I grew last summer, meat from the half cow I bought, and grains stored in buckets. Food is inexpensive for me.

I’ve never heard of frugality as stewardship- that is a helpful perspective shift.

“Yes I still like clothes, but that doesn’t mean I need to be buying them constantly” So powerful!

The debt payoff hangover is soooo real. That’s why Dave Ramsey didn’t work for us because we paid off the debt then went right back in because we didn’t actually change our mindset about contentment and fulfillment

I learned when I was young and had to pay my own way through college to live frugally. That then translated to living within my means all of my life. I have relatives who think of me as "rich" even on my teacher's salary, but I am not rich, I just never spend beyond my means.

I commend all of you for your frugal way of living! SO refreshing that there are still consumers who believe in frugality! Keep up the fine work! 😊🎉

I used to be a chronic target shopper. There were staples I used to buy there and it was a line item on my budget! But, I was spending so much there. Now I don’t go to target at all! It was a huge shift in my thinking…. and spending. I still get staples of course and really plan “pretty things” because they have a way to slip into the cart. I shifted to shopping from home where I can add or take out things from my cart. I use places like Azure or Thrive, buy in bulk across the year at Costco (their sales are a bargain if you know what you’re looking for), and other strategies. Yes it takes time and thoughtful consideration -sometimes prayer- but so worth it! Debt free also has to be a constant goal!

What a fantastic episode! One quote that made me pause was “how has consumerism stunted our creativity?”

@emilykelly2815

6 ай бұрын

Yes!! I see a big difference between how my sister & myself & my children grew up! My sis & I didn't have very much and we would need to think very creatively to get/do what we wanted, but now my kids have so much more than we ever had & they just seem not to have the creative spark.

This came at a great time. I also wanted to say that it is refreshing to see younger ladies talk about this topic. I was teased growing up from family and friends and called cheap because I refused to buy things I didn't need just because everyone else was buying it. My husband has always appreciated my frugality. I love how you talk about managing your time with items. Very good point.

@josephschuster1494

6 ай бұрын

My late wife had the same concepts you’ve stated, and I LOVED that sense of stewardship she shared with me! It contributed greatly to our heavenly marriage. Great stuff! 😊🎉

I really appreciate how u explained the "no spend January". It's true, it's not just about saving money but also about tracking where u spent money together with where u wanted to spend it but didn't due to the challenge. Tysm 💜

Where is it more affordable to rent? 😆 Thats the silliest I thing I've heard. Some of your thoughts are fine, but everyone has different paths. Budgeting is key, first and foremost, and learning to be content.

@toastify79

3 ай бұрын

When you take into consideration property taxes, insurance, maintenance, home repairs, etc it’s usually more affordable to rent then own. It’s more of the phantom costs than just the monthly mortgage payment.

No spend challenge yes! That is what I'm doing this January on all items and then next month just keep going until we really need to buy the item we are wanting. Also I Wright the things down that I'd like to have as they come up and give myself 30-60 days till I actually buy it. Sometimes I realize I didn't even need the item.

This was a great podcast. The one thing I definitely don’t agree with is renting/mortgage. A mortgage, the majority of the time, is a great asset and will lead to more wealth overtime. The key is doing your due diligence to make sure you get a good home, and buy the home you can afford.

@JIKING77

6 ай бұрын

It's the normalization of the own nothing, and be happy Era.

@celianewman4809

6 ай бұрын

@@JIKING77 so true!

@marebear09

6 ай бұрын

​@loroe Yep, no thanks! Anything you don't own (and even things you do, sadly) can be taken away from you.

@celianewman4809

6 ай бұрын

@@marebear09 Exactly. It’s definitely much safer when you “own.”

@ratherboutside2

6 ай бұрын

Fully agree, especially in the market we've been in for the past few years. We've bought and sold twice and paid off debt.

Having been frugal our entire adult lives due to our modest income/one income/sahm lifestyle, I do love hearing any conversation around the mindset. The need to be creative is my favorite part. Creative and a high tolerance for imperfection! ;)

@adinabauman4627

6 ай бұрын

Z❤

Thank you for this video! I’m decorating a gingerbread house for my family while listening. We’ll take it out on January 1, 2024 as the day’s dessert while we put all the holiday decorations back into the attic. Simple traditions that cost very little, but make home time magical too! 😊

Between loving dave ramseys financial peace university and living frugally, but nice I can say it makes a HUGE difference in every choice with finances. Awesome show!

@josephschuster1494

6 ай бұрын

Well stated! Great concepts! 😊

One of my favorite guests podcast. Very informative interview and lots of wonderful tips. I too, bought something that was from a FB ad that cost close to $200 and when it came in weeks later I wasn’t as happy with having as I thought I would unfortunately now it sits on a shelf. I have been a impulse buyer and I want to change that and with these tips I believe I can do much better! I will be listening to their podcasts. Thank you!!

My first time listening! I love this so much! I'm retired and literally living on Social Security, so I'm always excited to hear ways to save $$$.🎉

This was such a great convo to listen to- thank you ladies! There is a big difference in being frugal and being cheap! As I make my next video around some of my frugal habits this was great food for thought. Thanks 😊

I love how you said you went to Target and had to see how you'd manage having an item in your home. I love the definition given for frugality too. This is one of my favorite episodes lately! I loved it.

@beans4853

6 ай бұрын

Once I started thinking that way, a lot less stuff entered my home

@Simplefarmhouselife

6 ай бұрын

Thanks so much! 😊

I’ve listened to Frugal Friends for year and totally had their voices mixed up! Whoa! That kind of threw me for a loop!

Victor is never a distraction. So sweet to watch you with your children.

When I was younger I thought I wanted a larger home as I was livining in a 1400 sq ft house, but as I aged I realized I really didn't want that. I wanted a smaller home as I didn't have the physical ability take care of it, so I sold my house & now I live in a small apartment. Was in debt but watched what I was spending & paid off

@gorgo4910

6 ай бұрын

When I was a kid, every time I admired a giant house or said I wanted to live in a mansion, my mom would always ask “but who’s going to clean it?” And I 💯 understand that now. With ownership comes responsibility.

@mellibee100

6 ай бұрын

​@@gorgo4910Same! I remember my mom and grandmothers saying that!

@beans4853

6 ай бұрын

​@@gorgo4910 that's how I respond to my husband looking at little mansions. His response is, "if I can afford this house, I can afford full time cleaning help " 😂😂😂

@vintagebeliever5023

6 ай бұрын

​@@beans4853lol

@vintagebeliever5023

6 ай бұрын

Same here... when we were looking at another home because our last child was leaving, I was finally able to afford a big victorian home. And one room would be my craft room, one room would be my husband's music room, etc. The room we never had. I felt no peace about it. We bought a little cape cod and I love it. So happy I listened to that still, small voice. 😊

Great podcast ladies. Thanks for the encouragement to keep working on this skill ☺️

We are on a very tight budget as we accelerate our mortgage. 😃 . I listen to Dave Ramsey and follow Baby Steps.

One thing i find HARD to stop doing is eating out. The other thing would be buying things for meals but then those things dont sound good so we dont end up eating them ugh

Great podcast, so many great points. Ill need to disagree with needing a smaller house because of less stuff. I want a large house of empty space to just be. I dont want to fill it!

@gathercreatelivewithleslie8340

6 ай бұрын

I also thought that and now have a 3000 foot house and kinda wish I didn't. Everything is more expensive with a larger home, especially the taxes that continue to escalate and insurance. Even once the home is paid for we will still have at least $500 a month that will go to those two things alone. Heating is another thing that just continues to increase. We hay in the future get a smaller home with just more land and have a great outdoor living space. I also don't love trying to clean such a large home, we have four dogs and they track in so much dirt and dust, but I adore them.

@beans4853

6 ай бұрын

@@gathercreatelivewithleslie8340 true, the expenses are higher. We have a long winter here and my kids don't even play with toys, they just enjoy the space. I have a big outdoor space, too and they are never inside during spring, summer and fall. If its just large empty space, it's not hard keeping it clean. Washing a bigger floor doesn't take much longer than a smaller room. It's a cost/benefit analysis everyone needs to make for themselves!

@vintagebeliever5023

6 ай бұрын

​@@gathercreatelivewithleslie8340the same reasons we bought a cozy smaller home. 😊

O girls! I usually listen to ur voices on podcast… it was a treat to connect ur voices with faces. And Jill ur voice it’s so unusual for such a petite stature. Anyway… such a nice podcast! 🥰🥰

Thank you for posting this! Hello Victor!

I listened to your podcast, but never commented. This was very helpful. Thank you!

@Simplefarmhouselife

6 ай бұрын

Thanks for listening

Very nice chat! I felt better after hearing, you don't have to like travel. Lol. My sister loves to travel and I always felt like something was wrong with me as i don't care for it. It is like you all let me know it was ok. 😂

@HomemakerHelper

5 ай бұрын

Agreed. I do like seeing new places and trying new food but travel isn't relaxing for me😂

What a great podcast just in time for the new year. Thank you

@Simplefarmhouselife

6 ай бұрын

Thanks for listening

We bought minivan when we only had 1 child at that time, now we are party of five😂

I no longer eat out anywhere where I can cook better myself. I no longer buy ornaments. I only go out to quality places otherwise I stay in and buy odd pamper treats like nice bubble bath. I also cut and colour my own hair and pull strands to pull for highlights. Also best put in pension. I read more too and love radio and music.

Just came across your channel and i am watching all of them one by one. Even my mother in law found it interesting. Loved all your video. Love from New Delhi, India

@Simplefarmhouselife

5 ай бұрын

Awesome! Thank you!

This was a great episode - lots of food for thought.

This is a very good podcast. I love all the information and makes you think about how you spend.

Love your channel. Great content. Keep the videos coming! ❤

❤

I started asking do I want to dust or clean that? Where would I store this? Helps … eating out is my Nemesis,

My great aunts are Jenny and Jill❤❤ I thought the same thing😊

Great conversation ladies ❤.

I bring my coffee in their cup.. smh. I have a problem. 😢😮😅

Loved this episode. My hubby was raised pretty poor, and can't make himself get rid of stuff. Which causes a problem. I'm the opposite.

@Simplefarmhouselife

6 ай бұрын

Thanks for sharing!!

@Just-Nikki

6 ай бұрын

I’m in the same boat. My husband grew up without financial stability, food stability or housing stability. It has a lasting impact on them. I try to be as understanding as possible but we can’t keep everything. It’s not healthy.

Victor feel better 🙏🙏🙏so adorable no distraction

Having a partner who supports these idea is also very helpful.

Gosh! 8 children and sooo young. Huge family to look after and provide for.

@elizabethsydnor5247

6 ай бұрын

Yes, God bless this beautiful family and the way God blesses you!!!

@harley8680

6 ай бұрын

Lisa is amazing! I can see you are envious as well!

@Just-Nikki

6 ай бұрын

True but her husband was able to quit his job and they live debt free so it’s working for them. It’s wonderful that they can do that.

You are the perfect example of a woman who doesn't have an expensive wardrobe and make-up and is nevertheless beautiful.

We buy one family ornanent every other year on even years only.

Can I be a frugal cheapskate...😮😅😊

How do you get free shipping using Azure Standard? I know you mention if you do it with friends...how does that work and how much do you all have to order to get free shipping? Thanks!

@southloupriverhomestead4696

4 ай бұрын

Azure Standard has pick up locations.Check for one near you . Then you have to drive there on the designated date and time. Many people drive 30 to 45 minutes to get to the drop site. If you want it shipped to your house I think you always have to pay shipping

Thank you ❤

I laugh at people who call me cheap.... because I am not spending the way she does. It is actually a form of bullying. Funny how it is my $$$$ being discussed not theirs, I spend how I want to. Comes naturally but I have a tesla, three motorcycles, a camper, solar panels, a truck and a car. I don't spend $$$ on purses or fancy cloths. I buy quality but don't shop logos or status. I shop the clearance rack no matter where I go.

Smart ladies

Toups & Co is still out of all the lighter color liquid foundation.

I wanted to let you know that FB has been dropping your videos. This has happened a few times over the last couple of weeks. I hope it’s accidental.

Please also think of single women

@southloupriverhomestead4696

6 ай бұрын

Lisa naturally is going focus on what she knows. She has 8 children. Maybe there is a different channel that could help a single woman.

@harley8680

6 ай бұрын

Do you need a hug ?

@marebear09

6 ай бұрын

I think this is mostly broad advice that applies to everyone

@sarahkennedy1481

6 ай бұрын

All women should hug and support each other

@vintagebeliever5023

6 ай бұрын

Single people can be frugal.. what's the problem?

What is the obsession with cleaning products???

@melanieb2132

5 ай бұрын

Well, basically it's been noticed that cleaning products are mostly unnecessary. The trick is to wipe your surfaces frequently. Cleaning products aren't that great for your own health.. never mind the plastic and waste of money. I switched to natural products, or just simply dish soap, lemon, vinegar, and baking soda... I use perhaps bleach or clr (calcium, lime, rust) VERY infrequently when the other just won't get the deep grime. Saves money and makes me feel good that there isn't toxic products on my homes surfaces.