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!

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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.


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Take my eCourse Chic Financial Principles for Debt-Free Living

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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


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Twitter @JL_Scott

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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

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Twitter @JL_Scott

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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 may contain affiliate links.

In today's video, I respond to some criticism I have received on some of my recent posts. One of the things I love about blogging is the dialogue we have in the comments section. There are many times, however, where I feel I am misunderstood. In today's video, I respond to my critics as I discuss my budget wardrobe for this year as well as the adulting controversy that took place on the blog.

Two key points that I hope you will take away from this video:

1. Quality vs. quantity is important when choosing your ten-item wardrobe. One aspect of this that many people miss is you must purchase the best quality you can afford. Do not go into debt over your ten-item wardrobe.

2. In my Teatime with Jennifer discussing adulting, I mention that all age groups (millennials, gen Xers and even some baby boomers) are struggling with adult responsibilities. I do not pin it only on the millennial generation. This adulting (or lack thereof) phenomenon is evidenced with the hashtags and the artwork, but also with Ben Sasse's New York Times Bestselling book, The Vanishing American Adult, which discusses many of the topics I brought up in my video.



I hope you enjoy today's video as I clear up some issues on the blog today!

News
Check out my interview with Collective Hub on the ten-item wardrobe and why it is so liberating.

Take my new eCourse on the ten-item wardrobe! With over an hour of never-before-seen video instruction, notes and quizzes, you will feel prepared to create your own ten-item wardrobe. For those of you who already do the ten-item wardrobe, this course will keep you on track and provide further inspiration. The course is self-paced and includes a lively comment section with other ten-item wardrobe enthusiasts. Enjoy!



Here are some great testimonials from people who have taken my eCourse on the ten-item wardrobe.

Dee D writes, "I'm enjoying this course so much. It's giving me a system for thinking about my wardrobe and organizing it in my mind. Usually I go into a clothing store and am overcome with confusion by the number of choices. It just makes so much more sense to lay out a plan first and determine where the holes are."

Emily L writes, "Truly loved this course Jennifer! I have been following your blog for years and I have also been following others that are focused on minimalism. I don't think I am quite ready for a truly minimalist lifestyle but the 10-item wardrobe is definitely a place to start. I have also been applying your principles to our home since our move last year. I have been gradually work on just keeping quality pieces around our home. It's a work in progress. With the upcoming change in seasons, I am more encouraged to thoughtfully go through each piece! Thanks again!"



Comment of the Week

This comment from Emily regarding the Adulting post, was one of my very favorites...

Hi Jennifer,

I am a long time reader of your blog and of your books. Thank you so much for your insight and inspiration.

I am a member of the younger generation as well; however, I do not define myself with just one word. I agree with your statement in this video.

I have older parents, from the baby-boomer generation. My parents worked "blue collar" jobs all their life. They were and still are very hard working. I don't believe I ever heard them make the complaint that they couldn't do something on a particular day. Occasionally, they would have rough days at work, but that didn't mean they wouldn't go back or that they would limit themselves after they returned home.

My father was a truck driver, retired now, who dressed for work. He would wear slacks, buttoned down shirts, and shined shoes while driving. My mother would wash, fold, and iron his clothes each week and pack them for him. He never wore a wrinkled piece of clothing.

My mother was a school cafeteria worker and she always dressed with respect for her job as well. They were never too busy to complete house work, teach me life lessons, or help me with my homework. I know I benefited from their example.

I was taught early in life that everyone has a job to do that benefits society in some way. No one person is beneath a job and everyone deserves respect. I started out working at McDonald's, and I have work my way through various jobs, and now have my dream job. I have learned a great deal from my previous experience and hold on to those good and bad learning opportunities. Those learning opportunities were very valuable and I wouldn't be who I am without them.

About dressing appropriately, I do believe it's a matter of respect. I recently attended both a wedding and a funeral. At each event I saw people wearing jeans. At the wedding I saw someone wearing yoga/workout wear. I was personally upset by this because I don't think those people were showing proper respect for not only themselves, but for the events, as well.

I'm trying to remember to be the change I wish to see in the world.

Again, thank you for the inspiration that I think many of us need and benefit from.

- Emily

Emily, I loved reading about your family. It's clear your parents did a great job raising you and showing you excellent examples of hard work.

I would love to know what your thoughts are on today's video. Debt-free living, budget wardrobes, living to please other people, adulting... I want to read your comments. Yours could be chosen as comment of the week on the blog!

Have a wonderful weekend and I will see you on Monday for a September Favorites video.



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Hello Daily Connoisseurs,

I am completely blown away by all of your wonderful and supportive comments on Monday's Life Updates post. I was nervous to post Monday's video as it is a very personal vlog, but everyone was so gracious and supportive. Thank you!

Today, I go into more detail about our summer. Where am I with the ten-item wardrobe? Where did we travel? What revelation did I have about the mountains? How is homeschooling going? I discuss this and so much more in today's video.

This video was shot in the evening after all of the kids went to bed so I apologize for the low lighting and the hum of the dishwasher, but as always, I'm just keeping it real!

Featured in the video:
In the video, I'm drinking out of my Her Ladyship mug . While this mug is not very sophisticated, it sure is fun! I also found this Downton Abbey inspired mug on Amazon that is more affordable. I think these mugs would make great gifts for a girlfriend.

The website I mention for clothing is zulily. Zulily is a great website that has steeply discounted designer clothing.

News
Bloom Books released a beautiful look book of fashionable ladies posing with Lessons from Madame Chic in Vietnam. You can see the whole look book here.



Comment of the Week
Judith M. writes: I think our societal shame of talking about money is part of the reason so many people are in debt. We're pressured to live extravagant lifestyles, eat gourmet dinners, travel around the world, all the while not talking about how this is being funded. I've often wondered how some people could afford to do all this, and it wasn't until recently I realized some are going into debt in order to show how "fulfilling" their lives are. I think a finance series about living well within your means would be very helpful! Good luck with all these exciting changes in your life!

Hi Judith, I could not agree more. As a society we don't talk about spending and saving habits, and because of this, many people are drowning in debt. Thank you for your insightful comment!


Before we end today's post, I want to continue to offer my prayers for the people of Texas. We are all thinking of you and hope that you are safe during this very scary time.

See you all on Monday for a spring/ summer ten-item wardrobe look-back!



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Hello everyone, how I've missed you! I am back from my summer vacation and am renewed and excited for this new season of The Daily Connoisseur. I hope that you have had a great month and were able to spend quality time with your families.

Before this post begins, I'd like to extend my thoughts and prayers to the people of Texas who have been affected by Hurricane Harvey. I hope that you and your families are safe...

In today's video, I'm sharing some major life updates that are happening in our family right now.

The first major update is... we have moved into a new home and have left Los Angeles! This may come as a big surprise to many of you who have followed me, since it seems we only just moved to our last home. We lived there for two years and loved the home, however, my husband and I have been working toward certain financial goals, which you'll hear about in today's video, that necessitated our move.

The second update is that we are spending an extended period of time in Europe this year (mainly England) to visit my husband's side of the family. Because of this, we are homeschooling our children this year. Homeschooling really frees up your time to travel as you do not have to wait for the scheduled school breaks. This has been a decision that we have studied and researched about for an entire year and not one that we have taken lightly. Thank you in advance for your supportive comments in this endeavor! For much more on the subject, be sure to watch today's video.

News
Lessons from Madame Chic is out in Vietnam from Bloom Press.

LESSONS FROM MADAME CHIC is now out in Vietnam from Bloom Books ❤️ #MADAMECHIC #MADAMECHICVietnam #jenniferlscott #dailyconnoisseur

A post shared by Jennifer L. Scott (@dailyconnoisseur) on Jul 31, 2017 at 9:56am PDT

Today, I would love to know... what requests do you have for the upcoming season on The Daily Connoisseur? If there is anything you'd like to see, please leave your request below. If you are interested in hearing more about debt-free living, please let me know in the comment section below. Also, if any of you are homeschooling parents, please leave me your best advice down below. Your comment could be chosen as comment of the week.

It's wonderful to be back and I will see you soon!


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