Five Lil' Frugal Things -- 3¢ for The Win!
1. I received a notification from Portland General Electric informing me of a 5-8 P.M. "Peak Time Rebate," so I made the effort to switch off extra lights, unplug the microwave, not watch TV and even turned the heat down a few degrees. (We have a gas furnace, but the blower is electric.) Because . . . why not?
What did I learn? That keeping the lights on in the entryway and over the kitchen sink, (which I normally do at all times) doesn't use a significant amount of energy. They both have LED bulbs and keep us from turning on the overhead lights when passing through these rooms. I've always felt a bit guilty for this practice, but now I can let that go.
Please don't be jealous of my recent influx of money.
2. I was craving a donut, so I made myself a single blueberry pancake using pancake mix. It scratched that itch and was especially frugal as the mix was something my kid was about to throw away when they last moved.
3. I used $60 of my $100 backpack money to gas up the car and saved 25¢/gallon by paying cash. This was an extremely dull way to spend the money, but I yam who I yam.
4. I took two full bags of paper grocery bags from my mother's house and dropped them off at a consignment shop who reuses them. They're always super appreciative and I'm happy to give them a second life!
5. I didn't share state secrets with a pedophile network.
Katy Wolk-Stanley
"Use it up, wear it out, make it do or do without."
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1. I took my leftover coleslaw mix, added chicken bullion, chopped potatoes, and carrots to make a soup.
2. I may use The Tightwad Gazette method of removing liquid, adding rice , egg, and chicken bits to make chicken fried rice with the soup that is no longer soup. I do find removal of liquid more difficult than adding liquid. Still, money is money and food waste equals wasted money!
3. I walked an hour in my neighborhood and the local cemetery. I like walking in the cemetery bc no traffic.
4. I cleaned my house so didn’t pay anyone to do it. That is normal for me.
5. I have kept the air off and the heat off. It hit in the low 80’s yesterday but a bit cooler today so I put on a sweatshirt.
Cindy, I never thought to use coleslaw mix in soup. I have some to use up. Thanks for the inspiration!
1. Ordered my free pizookie ($9.99 regularly) which is the birthday reward from BJ's. As this probably contains nothing that I can eat, my husband eats this treat.
2. Made a franken-box to ship an ebay sale. I get my packing tape free at Staples because I use points received from turning in ink cartridges. Dh rode bike down to UPS store to drop off package.
3. On a clear liquid diet due to some flare up. So that saves money. I did not go to ER, instead using pain medication I had at home, as well as anti nausea medication. $500 copay saved. This isn't a false economy, I would have gone if I hadn't managed at home. Doctor called me with no cost to me (covered fully by insurance) and imaging is scheduled for Tuesday, which is pretty awesome since it was Friday afternoon when he called me.
4. Cooking beans in the IP, I noticed the other day I didn't have any in the freezer. Since I can't eat anything, this is a gift to future me.
5. Two different friends dropped off stuff for me to sell on FB marketplace and I get to keep the money. Both have high incomes and they just want the stuff gone. I, on the other hand, have chronic illness and a little hobby selling stuff is perfect for me. I can do it when I'm able and we're very grateful.
1. My mom and sister asked my husband and I to dinner at the last minute, and we said sure. The club they belong to was having a steak dinner with salad, baked potato, rolls, and a dessert for $12. Which was even more frugal because my mom and sister insisted on treating. Plus my husband and I brought leftovers home for tomorrow.
2. The weather was in the 40's today so I walked 4 miles around our country roads for free exercise. Picked up trash as I went.
3. Spent under $45 at the grocery this week. Continuing to eat from the pantry and freezer, which is starting to feel like it will never end. On one hand I am grateful to have so much, but it's so much we don't feel like eating. Staying the course and learning.
4. I have continued on my no buy low buy for almost 2 months
and with 3 days left to my budget cut off date I am $200 under my budget goal and $400 under my typical spend.
5. Listed more stuff from around the house, and gifted items on Posh and eBay. I have had a good run lately so hopefully that continues. I also brought home boxes and packing from work to use for shipping.
* I made a mental note of something I wanted to mention here, and of course I can't remember it. So frustrating.
5.