40 Things I DON'T Buy + Other Ways We Save Money

Find my "Get to Know Me" video here!

Many of you asked how we are able to live the lifestyle we do with the income that we have. I compiled a list to possibly give you some inspiration on ways that you and your family can budget and save money!

[lauravanags]

There's a trend in Australia called a "fiver party" for kids. On the invitation you say you're having a fiver party and request they not bring a gift but if they want to, they can bring $5 (in a card). This way you avoid an influx of plastic/junk, it's an amount most families can afford and the money goes toward a single gift the child wants.

[elainebenham]

I agree with 99% of what you say. My husband and I retired early. We did most of our home renovations ourselves and sold our home in the city for 3 times what we paid and moved to the country, bought a larger home on 3 acres at a third of what we sold our city house for. We planted a 2000 square foot organic vegetable and herb garden. We do canning and very rarely eat out. We are in a small town and we only have a pizza and Chinese food restaurant which we have never ordered from because I'm a very good cook and would rather save my money. I've been thrifting and shopping at church sales with my mom since I was 5 yrs old. I used to take my son's clothes to a consignment store and save the money for groceries. We buy vehicles that are 2 years old which saves us a ton of money. I also try to make gifts for Christmas from my garden which includes homemade canned good and bath products from my herbs and floral gardens. I collect pretty baskets from the thrift stores to put the items in.

[kathyorourke]

I just turned 74 years old and just realized that I’ve been denying myself the little luxuries in life. I bought myself a little nespresso machine and make myself coffee drinks. I now buy myself Izze drinks and potato chips etc. wash your sponges in the washing machine frequently and they never get gross.

[luckyneko]

People always thought my mom had money because of her appearance. Many of her clothes were free, things others were giving away. Also, she took good care of what she had and that makes a difference.

[lisahartz]

You surprised me…. I watch you all the time and you seem so high society (not in a bad way) just very classy. To hear you do it all on a very strict budget and are so upfront about it is Thank you for being so honest, it’s so refreshing. Social media is full of people pretending to be something they aren’t!!!! Seriously, THANK YOU!!! Makes me feel so much better about my thrifty life

[siennazylis]

My husband is a teacher and I stay at home. We are newlyweds and newly pregnant, so seeing someone with a beautiful home and family on a tight budget is so inspiring! Even though we don't have much according to the world, we feel so rich with God's blessings in His provision for us.

[rhondagreen]

I admire your list and so relatable! Years ago I was a single mom raising two children. Every other Sunday I would treat the kids to pie shop special for $5.99 soup, salad and a piece of pie at Bakers Square. They knew they could only order water. I didn’t order anything for me it was special time together. I would go home and have a bowl of cereal. To this day my 39 year old daughter will order water if we go out to eat. I’m blown away by all your sound advice and common sense wisdom!

[lowusua]

On a platform in which so many try to impress by displaying luxury or at least by trying to convince people of their wealth, I so deeply appreciate your honesty and authenticity and your general realness. So many people can relate to what you're saying and being able to see how you live intentionally but also beautifully is relatable and inspiring.

[QuiltStitcher]

I applaud you and Josh for being intentional with your budget and lifestyle. I was a full time Mom and we lived on a tight budget. Even if I had not been on a budget, I would not have purchased processed foods or colas and we would not have eaten unhealthy fast food. My kids (who are now in their late 30s) survived and thrived on homemade lemonade, water, occasional hot chocolate, fruit, and homemade snacks. I do not feel like we missed anything. Now that we are retired and can afford some of these things—new clothes, eating out, expensive home and vehicles—we have no desire for them. Also, we have no debt and pay cash for everything. I believe living your best life is what your decide that is for your family to glorify God and not dwelling what others are doing.

[lee-annegovender]

I absolutely love when someone can put their pride aside and share their secrets, wanting everyone to benefit. Thank you for sharing

[curban]

I love these. I have a group of friends and for Christmas we spend $5 for each friend but all of our gifts come from yard sales or thrift stores! It only costs each friend $20 and the thrill of the hunt is incredible. I love watching my friends open gifts( wrapped in recycled boxes and wrapping). It is so much fun!

[christined]

I agree with everything you mentioned.
Since food prices have risen, I decided to write a weekly list and just shop from my list, I am saving $30 or sometimes more shopping this way, plus I save my list and it helps me decide what dinner to cook each day..
Two years ago, I donated all costume jewelry, I own just two pairs of earrings, a pair of 14k white gold hoops and a pair of yellow gold hoops..
I have made many changes in how I shop and what I bring into my home, like you I try only buy it if it serves a purpose.
I love your thrift videos, and love your taste when thrift shopping

[angiec]

You literally just described my Family!! We don’t buy any of those items either!! I’ve been a stay at home mom for 18 years. We are low income as well but finds ways to make it work through being intentional with our spending and sticking to a budget. I wouldn’t trade the time I’ve had with my kids for any amount of money or fancy things!!

[abigailelizabeth]

So refreshing to see a young person talking about saving. So many want to live the lives that their parents have right now, and don't think about saving or retirement etc. Not to mention an emergency fund if something should need to be repaired etc. One of my favorite books is called, " The Millionaire Next Door." Many very rich people don't spend like they are rich.

[laurafitzpatrick]

Thanks for all your tips! They are great! I agree with you so much! When my creamer was out of the stock so often I looked into what else I could do. I ended up with making a simple syrup. Equal parts sugar and water, heat, add vanilla extract. I store in my fridge. I really like it so much better and I know what's in it. Also I bought a laundry tripod many years ago. I hang our clothes right out of the washer on hangers and hang on the tripod. The next morning when dry I hang in our closet. Saves me time.

[phyllisanngodfrey]

My husband walked by as I was watching your video. He paused and was fascinated! We are retired and financially very secure. We buy all of the things that you don’t. But just because we can, doesn’t mean we should. 👍🏻

[rachelmunoz]

I loved this. You have definitely inspired this 63-year-old woman to look at what I buy I’m bringing to my home. I love the thought of saving money these days it is a must. No one needs to be wasteful I am on a budget I am retired and I certainly need to look at what are you by what comes in to my home is it worth it yes or no it’s time to make some changes. Awesome video! Thank you so much for sharing.

[michellejaggard]

Wow, you really made me think about a lot of things. I appreciate that. I realize my husband and I don't buy gifts for each other, When my birthday comes around I buy what I want. I do all the yard work and I bought a weed eater, one year I bought a cultivator (I have a big garden every year) I also can a lot of our food. We only have meat one time a week. I am 69 he is 75 so our life style is very different but we are also below poverty level with SS. We have lived in the same 1400 sf home for the last 35 years. We have downsized to 1 car, We paid a yearly fee to have our groceries delivered. 1. it keeps us from seeing everything in the store and we save gas,

[rachelburge]

Agree with 99 percent ! Only thing is you can buy a colouring book and pens really cheap for childrens birthdays or thrift a present cheap . It becomes awkward for the children as they get older if they cant take a present to a party!!

[ALLara]

I just found your chanel and I'm loving it. Your home is beautiful and cozy😍 you find such good pieces thrifting. Myself with my youngest son love going to thrift stores you can find some hidden gems. Lately I've been trying to live on the minimalist side, cutting back on things I really don't need to be spending money on.💜