We all know that saving money is chic, but where do we choose to spend and where do we choose to save? These are conscious decisions we all have to make.



Today's video is a collaboration with my dear friend, Kim, from Free to Family. You can watch her video here.

It's been all over the news lately... Americans are in debt and many cannot meet basic financial needs. It's clear that we need to become smarter savers and that saving money is chic. We also have to live and each of us (particularly women) have areas where we feel we need to spend vs. save. Every person has their own process and priorities. I share mine with you in today's video.

There are certain little luxuries that I uphold and many that I am willing to live without. I subscribe to Victoria Magazine still, for example, but have dropped all of my other subscriptions. I also subscribe to Audible and listen to my audiobooks that way. I know that I could also get them free from the library, which is an option that many people utilize.

Another little luxury I won't skimp on is natural deodorant. I could buy cheaper versions from the drugstore, but those are filled with aluminum. Over ten years ago I decided to only use high-quality natural deodorant. The one I repeatedly buy over and over is from Bend Soap Company (my favorite are the grapefruit and lavender) code DC10 gives 10% off.

I also buy high-quality skincare because I believe it will pay off in the long-run. I am currently using Paula's Choice. I also prefer high-quality natural or organic makeup over drugstore makeup. My favorite brands are Osmosis from Amazon, A'DEL Natural cosmetics, and The Organic Skin Co. I also frequently buy from bareMinerals.

Let's talk about where I save...

I do my manicures and pedicures at home, saving hundreds (if not thousands) of dollars each year. Salon manicures are very pricey and I have really perfected the art of the at-home manicure (look out for another French manicure tutorial coming very soon on the channel). My favorite nail polish brand is LONDONTOWN not only because they are 9-free, but also because they are the longest lasting at-home gel nail polishes I have ever used. I know many of you love them too. I always leave my code, JenniferS for 25% off because it is a tremendous discount.

I also do not have any expensive recurring beauty treatments. I don't dye my hair, for example, and I don't do extensions (hair or eyelash). Now here is a prime example about how saving might not look the same for each woman. I have many friends who get eyelash extensions (which can be pricey and time consuming) because they find it saves them time all month long and that they do not need to wear makeup. Those friends budget for this expensive because it is worth it to them. It is not something I'd be opposed to in the future, but right now it does not fit into my budget.

While I tend to buy higher quality "extras" in my ten-item wardrobe (coats, shoes, etc.), some of my core items are budget items. My fall/ winter ten-item wardrobe contained a Target dress and this floral dress (linking similar) was under $25 but I've worn it for over two years, for example.

As far as home decoration goes, I love to pick fresh flowers from the garden. When they are not in season, I do enjoy faux floral bouquets, which have really come a long way and look realistic. My two favorite places to get faux flowers are Nearly Natural and Horchow (I wait until the Horchow flowers go on sale).

What I'm wearing:
My blouse is from Loft
My pearl earrings and necklace are Ana Luisa NY code Jennifer10 for $10 off your order

I was under the weather when I shot this video earlier last week and I ended up getting the flu a few days later. It has been a rough week, but I am finally on the mend. I hope that you are all healthy and happy right now. Thank you for watching.


News
📍Join us for The Chic Assignment for February.

📍Become a member of The Daily Connoisseur through the MEMBERSHIPS feature. I do one livestream as well 3 episodes of my new Vodcast (a video podcast) per month. (Link must be accessed on a computer.)

📍Thank you for your wonderful support of my new book, CONNOISSEUR KIDS.

📍I am working on an exciting new eCourse for you and it is almost ready. In the meantime, check out my affordable eCourses: The Ten-Item Wardrobe, Chic Financial Principles for Debt-Free Living, and How to be Efficient at Home.


On Instagram
Madame Chic on Instagram... tag me with your photos using the hashtag #jenniferlscott

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יש עכשיו טרנד של ספרים שעוסקים במציאת הקול האופנתי האישי, לדעת מה הסטייל שהולם אותך וגם קצת על צרכנות נבונה... כמה שנים לפני כל אלו יצא הספר הזה שהכרתי בזכות @hadas.migemi בספר מתארת ג׳ניפר את השנה שבילתה בפריז במסגרת חילופי סטודנטים ואת החוויה שלה כזרה בפריז... עיקרי התובנות שלה היו: 1. יש דברים שהם לא שיק- אחד מהם הוא לנשנש בציבור... 2. לא חייבים הרבה בגדים כדי להיראות טוב. 3. תמיד להתלבש בבגדים הטובים שלכם ולא לשמור אותם לאירוע מיוחד. 4. לדחות מעלינו את החומרנות החדשה, לא חייבים לקנות הכל ואת הטרנדים הכי חדשים. 5. תמיד להיראות ייצוגיים. 6. שגרת טיפוח העור היא מאסט, וחובה להשתמש בתכשירים איכותיים. 7. בושם הוא חלק מהלוק. 8. טפחו גם את החלקים האחרים בחייכם, לימדו על אומנות, תרבות ודעו לשוחח על זה עם אנשים. 9. לימדו להנות מהדברים הקטנים בחיים. 10. איכות זו לא מילה גסה... 11. חיו את חייכם בתשוקה גדולה ובהמון התלהבות. . . . . . . #קריאה #ספרים #ספריםספריםספרים #bookstagram #book #books #picoftheday #reading #bookshelf #madamechic #lessonsfrommadamechic #jenniferlscott #jenniferscott #ayala_love_books #simonandschuster #relextime #weekendvibes#thedailyconnoisseur @dailyconnoisseur @simonandschuster

A post shared by ✨ AYALA ALON ✨ (@ayalalon22) on Jan 10, 2020 at 11:33pm PST

Comment of the Week
Regarding this month's Chic Assignment, Melissa writes, "You are so right about that performance of Adagio. It just melts my stress. I literally play it now as my trigger to stop. I’m bad about going 24/7 and in the past I’ve taken afternoon tea but something about adding that music in takes it up a notch. I now really prioritize the 15 minutes I give myself and my kids in the afternoon. It’s made a big impact on our day. Intentionally slowing down and spending that time with my kids, good tea, good music and quietly talking to each other is 🥰🥰"


Dear Melissa, thank you for sharing your Chic Assignment observations with us. There is something about Adagio that melts the stress away.


I would love to know how you save and how you splurge. What do you do in your home? Let us know and your comment could be chosen as comment of the week on The Daily Connoisseur.



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*NEW* Join The Chic Society on YouTube and become a member of The Daily Connoisseur.

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I hope you enjoyed Monday's debt-free video. The Daily Connoisseur interview series continues today with Kim from Free to Family.



Kim is so much fun to talk to. We have a lively discussion about what life is like as YouTuber, debt-free living, parenting, setting boundaries, and much, more.

I hope you enjoy today's video. Please chime in in the comments section on any or all of the topics we discuss!

News
I have another podcast interview to share with you. This time I chatted with Lauren Morley of The Author Podcast. We had a lot of fun chatting about living a chic and elegant life.

Check out my eCourses, Create Your Own Ten-Item Wardrobe, and Chic Financial Principles for Debt-Free Living.

On Instagram
Speaking of being a mom of boys... here I am being attacked by a tiny pirate. Just another aspect of #momlife ! :)

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Being attacked by a pirate: just another aspect of #momlife 😆 #dailyconnoisseur #ConnoisseurKids

A post shared by Jennifer L. Scott (@dailyconnoisseur) on Oct 13, 2018 at 10:48am PDT

Comment of the Week
On Monday's debt-free video, Celine writes: "This is all great advice. I really can't add to it. I would, however, like to see the high schools to require a finance class to teach students how to better manage their money, and how debt works. They could learn about checkbooks, paying bills, credit cards, the true cost of taking on debt, basic income tax principles, IRAs/457s and other retirement-type savings plans, making a budget, and living within their means.
I know their parents sometimes don't teach them these things, and it would be a good time to learn about it.
Celine"

Celine, I couldn't agree more. I wish practical topics like this were taught in high school. We plan to teach our children these principles so they don't make the same mistakes that we did.


Thank you for joining me for today's video. I would love to hear your thoughts on Kim and my discussion. Your comment could be chosen as comment of the week on the blog!

Visit my Author Website

*New* Shop my favorite things

Facebook facebook.com/JenniferLScottAuthor

Twitter @JL_Scott

Instagram @dailyconnoisseur

Take my eCourse on the Ten-Item Wardrobe

Take my eCourse Chic Financial Principles for Debt-Free Living

Sign up for my Seasonal Author Newsletter


FTC: This is not a sponsored post. All opinions are my own. This post contains affiliate links.

Today's video is a collaboration with Kim, from the Free to Family YouTube channel. Kim, is a debt-free enthusiast, just like me. We are both passionate about living well within our means.



We decided to collaborate on today's video to share ten extreme tips for saving money and getting out of debt. Whether you have a lot of debt, have no debt but are interested in saving money, or have a singular goal, like paying off your mortgage, today's video will have something for you.

I announced last year that our family had become debt-free, including our mortgage. We have been working toward this goal for a long time, and today's video chronicles many of the steps we took to get there. I chronicle our debt-free journey and greatly expand on this topic in my eCourse, Chic Financial Principles for Debt-Free Living.

Today, I'm excited to continue the discussion on the blog and share some of my tips with you.

In no particular order, here are 10 extreme tips for getting out of debt:

1. Share a vehicle Many Americans have enormous monthly car payments, whether they lease or own. Going down to one car per family (which is what the Chics did) and taking public transport instead or getting creative about when and how to use the car aides your finances tremendously. Of course, the vehicle must be affordable and within your budget. We currently share the family car and it has been no problem at all. We are doing this right now because we are saving for a financial investment we are making. Eventually, my husband would like to get an electric vehicle for his car.

2. Relocate to a more affordable area Last year we sold our West Los Angeles home and moved to the much more affordable suburbs. This allowed us to buy our home outright with no mortgage, allowing us to finally become fully debt-free. If you are able to relocate to a more affordable area, take the exciting plunge and enjoy the benefits in savings.

3. Enjoy your meals at home Relegate eating at restaurants to special occasions only and have the majority of your meals at home. Most people can agree, this one step saves a tremendous amount of money. The Chic family rarely ate at restaurants and enjoyed meals at home almost every evening.

4. Grow your own food My husband and I might be clueless gardeners, but our efforts in our totally out-of-control vegetable garden sure paid off this year. We had abundant vegetables the whole summer, which helped us keep our grocery budget in check.

5. Be an entrepreneur If you are able to work to provide an extra income stream, you can pay off debt and invest your money quicker. I like to encourage people to turn their passion into an entrepreneurial business. Sell on Etsy, provide services on Fiverr, and other websites of the like. I self-published my first book, which was an entrepreneurial endeavor in itself, and was able to pay off my student loans with my first book advance. (This story is expanded upon in my Self-Publishing Success video).

6. Rent a room in your home We have never done this, but know many people who have, and it brings a nice income in to the family. Madame Chic and her family brought in extra income by hosting foreign exchange students (me!) into their home each year.

7. Sell your belongings Once you start to clear the clutter in your home, you come across many items in your home that you no longer want. Whether it's clothing, handbags, furniture, or art, you can sell your belongings on places like eBay, ThredUP, Poshmark, or a consignment shop. Or have a good old-fashioned yard sale.

8. Cut out television (and other monthly expenses) The monthly cable or satellite bill is large. If you can cut this, plus any other monthly service (such as an unused gym membership) you will save hundreds of dollars each year (and have more time on your hands as well!)

9. Do the Ten-Item Wardrobe (really do it!) The Ten-Item Wardrobe is so beneficial, not only to your true style, but also to your wallet. If you truly do the ten-item wardrobe, season after season you will realize how much money you are saving. You will no longer participate in mindless shopping. Everything you buy will have a purpose and be used. For more on the ten-item wardrobe, check out my eCourse, Create Your Own Ten-Item Wardrobe and my Madame Chic books.

10. Change your mindset Ultimately, working to get out of debt, and not only save, but invest money for your future, requires an utter mindset shift away from mindless spending. It does require major frugality, but all hope is not lost. You can still live beautifully within your means.

Be sure to watch today's video for expanded thoughts on all of these topics.

News
I have another podcast interview to share with you. This time I chatted with Lauren Morley of The Author Podcast. We had a lot of fun chatting about living a chic and elegant life.

Check out my eCourses, Create Your Own Ten-Item Wardrobe, and Chic Financial Principles for Debt-Free Living.

On Instagram

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Bien dans Sa Peau📖

A post shared by Yvette🥀 (@yvibae) on Oct 5, 2018 at 10:05am PDT

Comment of the Week
Regarding last week's Q&A video, Shannon on Facebook writes, "That was the best q and a ever! All the questions I wanted to know but was too shy to ask 😂 I’m Canadian and we are for sure not as reserved as British people but are not as famously open as Americans."

Thank you, Shannon! I'm so happy you enjoyed the Q&A :)

Thank you for joining me for today's video. I would love to hear from you. Are you on a debt-free journey? Do you have any struggles in this area? Are you currently debt-free? What tips do you have for us? Let us know and your comment could be chosen as comment of the week on the blog.


Visit my Author Website

*New* Shop my favorite things

Facebook facebook.com/JenniferLScottAuthor

Twitter @JL_Scott

Instagram @dailyconnoisseur

Take my eCourse on the Ten-Item Wardrobe

Take my eCourse Chic Financial Principles for Debt-Free Living

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FTC: This is not a sponsored post. All opinions are my own. This post contains affiliate links.

In today's final video before going on maternity leave, I share a brief update for skin, diet, and how I was doing at the end of the pregnancy.



This video was shot three days before I gave birth. Those of you who follow me on Instagram know that I delivered last week, a healthy baby boy! We are so thrilled with our little man.

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It’s a boy! ❤️

A post shared by Jennifer L. Scott (@dailyconnoisseur) on Sep 8, 2018 at 10:27am PDT

I plan to take a few weeks off from the blog and channel to spend more time with my family. When I return, I look forward to sharing the birth story with you, as well as kicking off a new fall season on The Daily Connoisseur.

If you miss the blog while I'm away, and you haven't taken one of my eCourses yet, consider doing so. Create Your Own Ten-Item Wardrobe and Chic Financial Principles for Debt-Free Living are my two courses.



They are packed with hours of video instruction, notes, and quizzes, plus a lively comment section with other fellow daily connoisseurs. There is a wonderful community over there. I also try to actively engage with every student who leaves questions and comments.



Here are some testimonials on the eCourses:


This course was amazing! I am debt-free, but you have inspired me to save more, love my home life, be happy with what I already have, etc. Thank you, Jennifer! Everything you produce is of such a high quality and truly gives so much value to your audience. I am looking forward to your next course! -Nora

I so appreciate you and the financial e-course! I loved the encouragement and can do attitude!! I encourage everyone to take it, the quizzes at the end of each lecture were fun and helpful!!! - Laura

I'm a long time subscriber and just want to say how much I enjoyed this course! I really like the direction your channel is going in while maintaining your chic sensibility. Thank you for all the great work you do. -DeAnna

I have enjoyed the course and your blog. It has helped me tremendously as I down size my wardrobe and home. Thank you! - Mary Ann

Jennifer, thank you so much for your time, advice, and inspiration. I've gained a lot by taking this course and am even sad that it has ended. I know I will revisit lectures when I need a refresher. I also know I will come back and update on any new debt-free milestones I may reach in hopes that it will inspire others. God bless! - Melissa

WOW! What can I say that others haven't?! It has been a pleasure watching this course other the last few days. It has been an eye opener for sure. The exercise at the beginning to open up and share your debt story. That was a first for me. I never comment on anything and I have felt such appreciation throughout this course, that I couldn't hold back from commenting. I will be doing my best to apply all your principles and tips. All the best to all your course attendees and a HUGE thank you to you, Jennifer. -Candice

Jennifer, thank you so much for this course. Your books and vlog have improved my life in so many ways! I'm struggling to create my Ten-Item Wardrobe but with your help I've cleaned out my closet and discovered my personal style. -Terri

I just completed your e course on Chic finances and it’s incredible! Thank you for sharing your wisdom and inspiration- it’s a course where everyone can get something great that will improve their life and their finances. I love your “Yes, we can do this AND live well,” mindset, Jennifer. You’re a treasure! -
tandcocoapuff


These are just a few of the amazing testimonials that have come from the eCourses. Thank you to everyone who has joined us in the connoisseur community over there.

I appreciate each and every one of you who reads this blog and watches my videos. Thank you for your support. I look forward to returning to you soon. Until next time, as Lucia would say, *Au Reservoir* :)

With love,

Jennifer


Visit my Author Website

*New* Shop my favorite things

Facebook facebook.com/JenniferLScottAuthor

Twitter @JL_Scott

Instagram @dailyconnoisseur

Take my eCourse on the Ten-Item Wardrobe

Take my eCourse Chic Financial Principles for Debt-Free Living

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FTC: This is not a sponsored post. All opinions are my own. This post contains affiliate links.

I am so pleased to present my newest eCourse for the blog, Chic Financial Principles for Debt-Free Living.



Those of you who follow the blog know that our family recently made dramatic changes in our life in order to become completely debt-free. This isn't something that just happened overnight... we have been working toward this goal for over a decade.



In my new eCourse, I share our personal debt journey and all of the principles that we have adhered to in order to achieve our goals.



With well over two hours of brand new video content, Chic Financial Principles for Debt-Free Living covers fresh and unexpected ways to live richly, yet beneath your means.



Just like the Ten-Item Wardrobe eCourse, this new course debuts at only $5. I want to make the course affordable for everyone, without it being a burden on your wallet.



The low price of $5 will only last for two months, however, as I must cover the costs which Teachable charge me to host the course.



Once you purchase the course you may complete it at any time and at your own pace. There will be a lively comment section full of debt-free connoisseurs, who will provide encouragement and fellowship.



I'm truly looking forward to connecting with you through this new course!



This pictures in this post share only a portion of the topics discussed in the new course.



I have put so much work into this for the past few months that I am going to take two weeks off of the blog. I will be spending this time resting and also working on the new book.



Thank you for all of your support. I appreciate every one of you and truly hope you enjoy Chic Financial Principles for Debt-Free Living.



I hope you enjoy today's video. See you in the eCourse! And see you on the blog in two weeks.

Love,

Jennifer

Visit my Author Website

Facebook facebook.com/JenniferLScottAuthor

Twitter @JL_Scott

Instagram @dailyconnoisseur

Take my eCourse on the Ten-Item Wardrobe

Take my eCourse Chic Financial Principles for Debt-Free Living

Sign up for my Seasonal Author Newsletter


FTC: This is not a sponsored post. All opinions are my own. This post may contain affiliate links.