Five Frugal Things
by Katy on November 13, 2017 · 100 comments
-
I passed along a frustrating wooden dust catcher puzzle through my buy nothing group, I sold a Descoware saucepan through Facebook Marketplace, I sold a Rae Dunn glazed ceramic blob that read “GIRLFRIENDS” through eBay, (both from the pay-by-the-pound Goodwill Outlet) I put together some new eBay listings and I re-listed a few Facebook Marketplace items that had expired.
-
My husband and I drove down to visit our son at college yesterday. We spent a bit of money taking him out to lunch and then dessert, but I’d rather scrimp and save in my daily routine than scrimp when it comes time to hang out with my family. The reason I choose to live a life of extreme frugality is so that I never have to think twice about paying for the things that really matter. If I have to forgo a shiny new car, annual Disneyland vacations or expensive hobbies to make this happen, then I feel very comfortable with these decisions. My sons will graduate college without student loan debt, which is better than anything I could have bought in the mall.
-
We stopped en route to fill up the minivan with cheap Costco gasoline, and also picked up a few snacks at Trader Joe’s so we wouldn’t be tempted by junk food along the way. Bananas, mixed fruit and BabyBel cheese for the win! (However, an utter zero waste “fail” is terms of food packaging.)
-
I’ve mostly been laying low on my days off from work. Puttering around the house, writing, cooking from scratch instead of venturing out into the world. I cannot over emphasize that the most frugal thing you can do is to just keep it simple.
-
I didn’t buy a Lear Jet or a vulgar gold-plated apartment in the sky.
Now your turn. What frugal things have you been up to?
Katy Wolk-Stanley
“Use it up, wear it out, make it do or do without.”
Click HERE to follow The Non-Consumer Advocate on Twitter.
Click HERE to follow The Non-Consumer Advocate on Instagram.
Click HERE to join The Non-Consumer Advocate Facebook group.
Click HERE to follow The Non-Consumer Advocate on Pinterest.
Like this post? Then please share it with your friends!
Like this:
Like Loading...
{ 100 comments… read them below or add one }
Learning about living more simply and not being controlled by FOMO (fear of missing out) instead embracing quieter life and the JOMO (joy of missing out) which takes off the pressure and stress just by changing ones attitude. This also is a natural link to frugality as there is less striving for status and more sense of contentment in the situation we’re in. Picked last of the peas and broad beans from garden, planted tomatoes and zucchini. Purchased baby toys and walker from opshop for grandchild visit over Christmas. Made open lemonade from fresh lemons. Temperatures rising as summer begins so will pull out the shade cloth to cover back of house to cool it as it heats up
Always glad to read your comments and share your Down Under contentment, Yvette! (It’s also nice to hear from you, Mand, and our other Southern Hemisphere folks at this time of year. At least somebody’s enjoying spring while we head into winter.)
I agree, it’s nice to hear of summer as we head into the short dark days of winter.
I’m with you Katy. Make everything do double duty. We work hard for our money and we need to make our money work hard for us. Being conscientious consumers, prudent buyers, and living a simple life is key to making the most of all of our resources. Thanks for your post that teach and remind us to do better and best of providing a forum where we can encourage and support each others best efforts.
I utterly failed on the frugal food front this week. I was handling a really tough family situation all week and didn’t have the energy to wrap and freeze my bulk seafood purchases. I’m still regretting that badly as one taste-test of a bit of it that’s gone off has still got me queasy. I think it’s the smarter thing to sacrifice the $7 of seafood rather than give the rest of the family food poisoning just because I feel stupid. Better judgment and lesson learned?
Forgive yourself on this one!
We all let food get away from us from time to time – life happens. Free pass on this one!:-)
We all make food mistakes, so don’t beat yourself up about this one, although I feel your pain. (I did eat that beef barley soup I scorched last week, but I didn’t enjoy it.)
Thanks for the kindness, y’all!
I defrosted frozen salmon this week in an effort to plan ahead. We didn’t end up eating it due to craziness of life and other plans. I was worried about it too and threw it out rather than risking anyone getting sick. I felt guilty too but realize you win some, you lose some!
1. Sent receipts in for a $4 rebate
2. Sold one item on Mercari
3. Sewing machine is sold with delivery on Wednesday
4. Bought NWT shirt from FB site for $5 for great nephew for Christmas
5. Frugal fail..found my favorite cookies at grocery store. They only carry them at the holidays so I bought two packages.
Katy, I’m with you on the kids’ lack of college debt: both of mine are at the university now, so that’s where most of my money is going right now. When they both graduate without debt, it will all have been worth it.
Huge frugal win from the weekend: found a gift card to a local grocery store on the ground while walking my dogs. Looked like someone’s trash, but I wondered if there was any balance left on it so decided to take it home and check. Turns out it was unused and had $20 on it! It reinforced the idea that long walks with the dogs (and keeping my eyes peeled) are a good thing.
My food scale suddenly started to display differing amounts one after the other, so changed the batteries. Hmm, still not working. I use this thing all the time & new ones are about $30! Bless DH, he called OXO and customer service asked him to send pics of the top & bottom and they’ll send us a new one! YAY!
Nice catch on the grocery gift card!
Great find on the gift card. Found a $50 restaurant gift card in a parking lot once. Don’t know what made me pick it up and check it out but was sure glad I did.
“The reason I choose to live a life of extreme frugality is so that I never have to think twice about paying for the things that really matter.”
Beautifully said! I totally agree. Although we’re not always as frugal as we could be – and not always extremely frugal – frugality has given us the ability to be able to do the things that matter most to us. It’s been 14 years since our son graduated from college, but he still thanks us for making it possible for him to graduate debt free. So worth it!
My five frugal things for this week (and maybe part of last week):
1. Made broth using the carcass of a Costco rotisserie chicken, with a piece of the rind from a wedge of parmesan cheese thrown in for added flavor. I love getting an additional use from bones and rinds and other stuff before they hit the garbage.
2. Reorganized the freezer, and finally made a new inventory sheet (which I should have done when we first picked up the latest half side of beef). There were a few surprises, but nothing freezer burned (yet) or beyond using.
3. It’s been a good week for found money – 72 cents good, to be exact.
4. I needed a few flannel shirts – my old ones were worn through, and worn through (read: see through) is not warm, nor is it a good look on me. My husband had two flannel shirts that have been sitting in his side of the closet for a few years because they were too snug on him. I tried one on. Yes, it’s big on me, but maybe that’s a good thing because I can wear a bulky sweatshirt under it and be extra warm on cold days. Okay, the look is not at all glamorous, and yes, I prefer my clothes to fit better. But they’re flannel shirts – they’re not business clothes or ball gowns.
5. Got a coupon in the mail for a free frozen pizza from one of the grocery stores. If it didn’t have my name on it, I’d swear it was a mistake. The coupon packet said “Because you’re one of our best customers” and I only shop there for loss leader items and to pick up freebies. Whether or not I’m a good customer, I think I’m a good shopper…
Oh I forgot I found a dollar in change. I give it to my youngest. That kid is such a tightwad, I enjoy the delighted look on that little face.
Mand, you’re raising a member of the next generation of tightwads – I love it!
Sort of – I have one natural born spender and one natural tightwad. That child has a jar of money that they have been saving “for my future.” The other day they wanted something and I said ‘you have money.’
‘No. That’s for my future.’
My eldest on the other hand will spend every cent on magic beans.
1. We had early family Thanksgiving this weekend using a free frozen turkey from last year’s sales. Rest of the supplies (except butter, ugh) were bought on sale. Really lovely to have a low-stress weekend with all the kids, and they each pitched in and cooked something.
2. Sold the broken freezer that’s been sitting on our curb with a For Sale sign. I’d have given it away, but hubs was convinced that a For Sale $10 sign would inspire someone to steal it. Buyer laughed and said we priced it too low – should have put it $50 or higher and it would have been stolen in moments. He was happy to spend $10 because he thinks he can fix it.
3. Caught a mouse in my el cheapo trap, and there’s been no additional, um, evidence of infestation.
4. Couple of fix-it related frugals: Needed to call a plumber for a fix, and asked him for a bid on a larger project while he was there. He said he’d give us a bid if I insisted, but he encouraged us to just not bother as the house is going on the market.
And called the furnace repair place because the furnace has been running steadily since I turned it on. We were outside the window to renew our annual maintenance plan, but they had been calling our landline to make the fall maintenance appointment and we have disconnected it. Turns out they have our cell numbers in their records, so they decided it was their fault, extended the window to renew the maintenance plan (we had to pay for the renewal, but it’s cheaper than the visit), and fixed the furnace for no additional charge. I can tell it worked because the house is now back to its usual frugal chill.
5. Still haven’t bought that Lear jet or gold-plated abode.
KJD – So glad to hear about the furnace! And we have in the past done “early Thanksgiving” and I always enjoyed it a lot. Go you!
Aww, thank you!
1. I’m raking my own leaves and hauling them to the compost pile using our tractor and wagon. One of tires is on it’s last legs. I’ll keep adding air to it and it will get us through this season.
2. My car needed new tires. We got partial credit for the tires already on it and then a sixty dollar rebate which I turned in right away.
3 Took our youngest to the movie on Saturday to see Murder on the Orient Express. It’s was the first movie of the day and the total for three tickets and a slushie was 9.25.
4. I sold another item on facebook and put another two on. Here’s hoping they sell.
5. Frugal win/fail – my husband always blows out our sprinkler system instead of hiring it out which I’m sure would cost a fair amount. He unfortunately waited too long and the part above ground froze breaking a $30 part and filling our basement, garage and yard which many many gallons of water. Fortunately he knows how to fix it himself as he’s made this mistake before. Live and learn and learn and learn.
I’m with you on the family time! I bought a bag of burgers at Braums on Saturday, so we could feed the starving kids lunch quickly and still have time to go to the ABC Discount store and the By-the-Pound GW Center. We had a fun afternoon.
1) At the ABC store (discount buy-outs of Rite-Aid stores) I bought the supplements I needed for a $1 per bottle – Krill Oil, Glucosamine, Magnesium and OTC meds – Allergy medicine, Advil, Cool Mint Acid relief tabs, etc. 2 bags of Dove Dark Chocolate covered Cherries & Almonds $1.50 each, Sulfate Free Rosemary & Mint hair conditioner – $2 and a bag of Starbucks coffee for $5. The total ended up $18 and some cents.
2) At the GW store I bought flowered vinyl tablecloth, still in the package – my granddaughters like to pretend they are on picnics with their dolls, so they can put this on the floor when they play; a small stuffed dog my granddaughter found and a cup/stuff holder that fits on the back floorboard in my car. I think I spent $4.
3) I made crockpot Pot Roast w/potatoes & carrots for dinner last night and ate some of the leftovers for lunch today.
4) I saved $5 each on OKWIT Gala tickets by joining a group of friends, who are buying a table, so we can all sit together. Thankfully the tickets were only $30 each – pretty reasonable for a Fundraising Gala.
5) I stayed home on Sunday – love my days/weekends at home. I watched National Velvet and Casablanca on TCM in the morning, did housework and finished the 3rd book in the Lumby Series by Gail Fraser in the afternoon. I started the 4th book last night. LOVE that Library card!
I have spent the last week or so cleaning up and cleaning out.
1) Four girlfriends and I had a huge garage sale on Saturday. We had lots and lots of customers, sold many items, and had a lot of fun. Unfortunately none of us made a great deal of money — but some. Prices for secondhand items are on a downward trend where we live. Too much supply and not enough demand, I suppose. How quickly the Great Recession is forgotten!
2) We all traded with one another for things that we needed or wanted. I came home with a set of cool wall sconces for my bathroom de-ugly-fication and a beautiful vintage silver bracelet. I gave a friend a beautiful old silver bride’s basket and some crystal serving pieces for her daughter’s upcoming wedding. One friend took a planter of mine and a pair of running shoes I had worn once. I brought a few things to a friend who couldn’t participate with us because of another obligation.
3) When we were done. my wonderful husband came and hauled everyone’s leftovers to our favorite charity store. Nothing came back in the house –well almost nothing. I have a piece of art that I will try and sell in another manner.
4) I have been planning my meals to use up items in the freezer and pantry. I am trying to make room for a turkey and other holiday goodies. Although we will not be celebrating Thanksgiving at our house. My family loves turkey. At $0.59 a pound it’s hard to beat, so I will freeze for later.I also have stocked up on coffee. Once every quarter, it goes on sale for 50% off.
5) We took our dog for a swim at the beach yesterday which was followed by his weekly bath. This cost us very little — just the price of shampoo. Our lovable mutt was clean and happy,mans we enjoyed the lovely October weather.
2. I love it when I have yardsales with my friends and we can trade out things we didn’t know the other one needed.
You didn’t make a ton of money on the garage sale, but you also saved money by not buying the things you shared with each other!
Bee, I liked your (1). Back in the days when we had them, our street-wide garage sales were always a lot more about hanging out with the neighbors and swapping stuff than making actual money. But now that we’ve all gotten kind of old and tired, DH and I just donate our stuff to the thrift chains and take the tax deductions.
We all got a kick out of “swapping stuff” and enjoyed eachother’s company. However, it is probably my last sale. It was so much work and not enough return. There are so many other alternatives now including donation.
Unfortunately, the past few days have not been all that frugal. I will see what I can come up with.
1. I made my daughter a character cake that was almost, but not quite,a Pinterest worthy photo. It was a hatchimals cake. The bottom of the cake was a regular 2-layer round cake from a cake mix I got on sale. The “egg” part of the hatchimal I made from cutting a 2-liter Coke bottle in half then cutting the half irregularly to look like a broken egg then drizzled white chocolate over it. The actual bird I made from 4 hostess snowballs glued together with homemade frosting then secured in the center of the cake, surrounded by the white chocolate broken egg, with bamboo skewers that I had already. For all the details on the bird I used leftover Halloween candy.
2. I wrapped my daughter’s birthday presents with Christmas paper that I got for 30 cents last year after Christmas. We are not quite paper free in my house but I’m so much better than I used to be.
3. I took my daughter to pick up her free $3 or less toy for being part of the toys R’us birthday club. They also gave her a cute Mylar balloon, a birthday crown, and a sticker that said”I’m celebrating my birthday today” that she could wear to school the next day.
4. We also went to see a movie for her birthday which was not cheap. I researched before going to try to buy tickets online. They were $3 extra per person! We just bought at the window. We ate snacks and drinks before going in and skipped the popcorn.
5. I’m putting up the tile in my kitchen today so should not be spending any money. I really want to go check out the new Aldi in town but we are going to eat from the freezer today instead. I made a big pot of chili. I threw in a half cup of frozen Rotel tomatoes and a cup of frozen pumpkin purée that has been lingering in the freezer. The bulk of the tomatoes in the chili were some I froze 2 years ago that were a gift.
It sounds like you had a wonderful birthday for your daughter. I wish you could post a picture of the cake. It sounds awesome!
Yes, we did! I wish I could post a picture, too. I’m proud of how it turned out for so little out of pocket. It was easy to turn Halloween laffy taffy, starbursts, and M&m’s into body parts. I usually just do cupcakes but she asked for this cake so I decided to figure out a way to do it.
1. It was my eldest child’s 18th. We hosted family this week and are hosting another party in two weeks plus Christmas in a month. I have been searching for secondhand patio furniture as our entertainment area was looking very average, with only one table and not enough seating. I couldn’t find anything secondhand at a fair price. Finally I settled on new, and spent $400. I got a whole new outdoor entertainment area for less than one secondhand table and chairs. I’m frustrated that new was so much cheaper – and better quality- than used. But I’m chalking it up to a frugal win because I spent much less than I thought I would and I paid cash and it looks great.
2. Party number one came in at about $50 under budget.
3. I’m having to see a Physio weekly for a back complaint and my health insurance is now covering more than they did four years ago so my OOP is less.
4. We ate leftovers from the party for several lunches and dinners and have the remains of the chicken in the slow cooker now making stock.
5. I was able to give every guest fresh produce and plants from my garden as they were leaving.
1. Finished my library book, Origin by Dan Brown, and decided I wanted to rewatch The Da Vinci Code so I put that on order at the library.
2. Batched my errands and was feeling quite hungry but knew I could stick it out and make it home to eat some yummy leftovers. Which I did.
3.My husband mentioned that he needs new running shoes – which means he needed them like 3 years ago. Since it’s more than difficult to find used running shoes in good conditions, I took him shopping where I had a gift card, and 3 coupons I’d been saving. I think it was a pretty good deal – $65 – $20 -$10 -$5 and 30% off of that.
4. My neighbor and I used to trade cat feeding duties but since our cat died earlier this year I told her I didn’t mind still feeding hers while she was gone. She brought me a box of chocolates from her last trip which I have been savoring a few at a time after dinner.
5. The last one is my husbands – his belt broke and he repaired it so he didn’t need to buy a new one. He’s handy like that ;)!
I have requested Origin from the library. I check earlier today and am 157th on the list. I finally received John Grisham’s book, Camino Island. I was 438th when I requested it. Sometimes the waiting is the hardest part.
Loved Camino Island
I love the thought of a book (I realise they probably have multiple copies) being read 438 times!
I like that idea too!
Running shoes prob should not be purchased used. There is a limit to the number of miles a shoe can take before the cushioning breaks down. I go thru two $100 pair a year. Trying to go longer than six months a pair just leads to foot and knee pain.
And cheap shoes arent worth it if u do serious runs or walks. They just dont hold up.
These are on my list of things that I never buy used. I run and walk a lot. Although I don’t think that I am old, I did get my invitation from AARP. My knees and feet need the protection of good shoes.
I recieved AARP’s magazine for awhile after my sister in law passed away (all of her mail was forwarded to our house) – it’s really great. Now that I, ahem, am eligible for my own membership, I joined without any hesitation. Got a car organizer that keeps my reusable shopping bags tidy.
Do you have any recommendations? I never seem to be able to find good, comfortable walking shoes that look halfway decent. Rb, where was that great deal you got?
I wholeheartedly agree with keeping it simple. Today was the most simple splendid day I could imagine. A walk on the hike and bike trail at the lake getting my 10,000 steps in with a stop at our new state of the art downtown central library. Just being in the library makes me happy. Soon it will include a cafe along with all the other wonders it houses. I spent some time on the roof top garden and of course, picked out some good reading material. All totally free! This afternoon I spent time on my porch in the bright warm sunshine working on a baby quilt made from fabric given to me. Living large on little!
Diane, I clicked over to look at your quilts. They are beautiful!
1. Watched Rogue One, which we had checked out of the public library. My husband and I are trying to institute a weekly date night and looking for cheap/free entertainment.
2. After last week’s successful pay-off of my student loan, I decided to move a hefty chunk of our savings into my husband’s. Katy, I admire so much your commitment to paying for your sons’ college educations! I plan to do the same for my daughter!
3. I’m eating leftovers for dinner while my husband and daughter take advantage of the free pizza at her school’s lego night.
4. I listed a second item on ebay. I hope it sells!
5. I’m about to package up a book I need to send to someone Canada from the US – usually an expensive proposition, but my mom is flying there tomorrow so I’m going to ask her to take it and mail in from within the country, which should make it much less expensive!
1. Super easy homemade soup tonight. Men coming in late from work. It will be ready whenever they arrive.
2. Saved a 1000-piece puzzle. We partially assembled it on vacation, but in the transportation an ice chest leaked on it. The image layer on quite a few of the pieces separated from the backing. It’s been sitting on the table since we’ve been home to let it dry out completely. Last night I sat down with the puzzle board, some ModPodge, and a paint brush. I separated the pieces that were damaged and used the paint brush to brush adhesive onto each background piece and glue the image layer back on. Now we can finish assembling it.
3. Bought a smallish turkey this morning. I’m not responsible for cooking the turkey this year, but so good to have for sandwiches, soups, and casseroles when the price is right.
4. I will be making cornbread tomorrow to get a head start on the dressing. Frugal time use to prepare what I can ahead.
5. Staying home and reading library ebook on my Kindle. It was due today, but I’m not quite done. I made sure the Kindle’s wifi was turned off when it looked like I wouldn’t finish in time. The book will be returned from my Amazon account, but I will be able to continue reading it on my Kindle as long as I don’t turn wifi back on to device.
Thank you for the kindle tip. I’ve missed out on finishing a book a few times because my borrow expired.
I’ve heard that it may not work on newer Kindles, but worth a try for anyone.
good Kindle tip!!
1. I cooked all but one dinner at home last week–and that dinner was a take out sub sandwich that we shared. One night I was at a late afternoon medical test and husband had leftovers to eat. I was told to bring a snack (had to fast beforehand) so I brought half a meat loaf sandwich and some grapes.
2. Have had 3 weeks of various appointments and medical tests. Tomorrow is a surgical procedure. I have 3.5 hours more to eat and drink before I have to stop. Also trying not to nap so I can sleep earlier than usual tonight. So hard to change habits! Trying to distract myself so I don’t get nervous. So far, not bad. What does this have to do with being frugal? Healthy is cheaper than sick?
3. Have been stocking the cupboards with sales at the grocery store and have saved at least 35 % a week for the last 3 weeks. Cupboards are bursting and yet there are a few good BOGOs this week! I will probably try to find room for them.
4. Today I went to the local Amish store for granola supplies–5# of local honey, 10# of regular oatmeal, and two large butternut squash @ $2 each. No, I don’t put squash in my granola but I like squash and will cook and freeze it because they won’t be $2 each all winter! I make granola about once a week and then we eat it all, and I make more.
5. I also make all our bread but I made a trip to Sam’s Club last month and bought 25# bags of bread and all purpose flour, then. So frugal to make your own. I also make pizza dough and often hamburger rolls instead of buying them. I attempt to make our own desserts too, although my sister lives very close to the best doughnut shop in town, so she did gift us with half a dozen of those last week. They are huge and I am tired of them already! It’s all right, though–my husband can eat them and he’s much thinner than I am so he could use the calories. We had pizza one night this past week for dinner and some left over as well.
6. Doing some Christmas shopping so far and managed to buy a few items using coupons, thereby saving some money!! And a couple or three weeks ago Penzey’s had a deal of a $50 gift certificate for $35. Today I used it on my order for vanilla, which is hopelessly expensive right now, saving myself $15. They didn’t say I had to give it to someone else!
#6 – darn, I somehow missed the Penzey’s gift certificate deal. $50 worth for $35 is great!
You should be able to keep the butternuts without cooking them. The hard shells are natural preservers — just keep them somewhere dark and cool, without freezing them, with some air circulating around them. I’ve kept them all winter on those wire racks in the laundry room.
1. This week got 13 gallons of gas, a free fancy coffee, and a movie trip complete with popcorn and drinks for two of us, all from mystery shops. I was dying to see Orient Express but we don’t go to the movies because of the price and also because I cannot go without buying popcorn—so a great piece of luck that a movie shop came open the same week!
2. Won a brand new book on a blog contest. I never win anything and this was a book I would have been salivating to buy. (Cookbook)
3. Cashed in Swagbucks (husband calls them Sweatbucks, because I work hard for so few points) for $20 in Amazon cards. Took me forever to earn that much.
4. It snowed 13 inches here in the last two days. Traded a vat of homemade mac and cheese (that included some undetectable pumpkin pulp) to a neighbor who blew out our driveway and sidewalk today. He is single and I don’t think he cooks much; one time I caught him sitting on his porch eating cold soup out of the Campbell’s can! He is young and about 6’4″ and has a sturdy build, so the vat may last him only two meals worth. However, the winter snows have just gotten serious, so I see a lot of trades in our future.
5. Refurbished a Christmas wreath someone at work at been intending to throw out because she thought it would make the office look “shabby.” No one wanted it and I love how it turned out after sprucing it up–for free, since I had things like pinecones and ribbon.
6. My favorite frugal version of “taking one for the team.” My husband cooks a lot of the time but he never, ever bakes. Last night he decided to make chocolate chip cookies. Then he decided to use amaretto instead of vanilla. Then the bottle slipped out of his hand and a huge glug of amaretto went into the cookies. Then he baked them. Then we could hardly stop ourselves from eating the entire two dozen. We finally put the remains in a bag and carried it outside to the Rubbermaid containers that act as freezers until spring thaw, lest we gobble them all down.
LOL at your (6), Lindsey! Your DH can come make chocolate chip cookies at our house any time.
#6 is awesome! The cookies sound delicious!!!
And I forgot to put in my FFT that we have started using the ‘walk in cooler’ again which is also known as our porch. Free refrigeration til spring!
1. Spent some time putting things in my Amazon cart that I’d like to buy for Christmas. Trying to be intentional and get gifts that will be exciting, well used, and physical for my kids. Hoping Amazon sends you an email if one of your items goes on sale during the holiday buying season. Anybody know? Oh well, I have a gift card to pay the balance either way.
2. Went to Costco today and filled up on gas. Not only is it cheaper, but much safer. (No cash kept on the premises and no tag-team thieves (one distracts while the other pilfers your vehicle while you gas up.) Yeah that never happens at Costco.
3. Stuck to the Costco list. Really I notices a $20-40 savings on just sticking to the list!!!
4. We were gifted a John Deer rider. The battery needed charged and we bought a charger, then to find out the battery was kaput. So we’re listing the rider for sale, since the replacement batter and charger is $100 altogether.
5. Set an item out for ppu. It’s only $10, but that’s better than nothing!
What is ppu?
Porch Pick Up?
1 – On my dh’s and I weekly Starbucks date we made sure to go during the B1G1 free holiday drink time and enjoyed our beverages very much. $4.15 is a great price for a date in my book.
2 – Shopped at Aldi again – I try it every couple of years hoping it will be all other people make it – but alas ours still stinks. I did come away with $0.69 pomegranates, but the rest of the produce wasn’t worth buying even at a deep discount.
3 – Dh officiated lacrosse this weekend and brought home $1200 for the win!
4 – Received a bill for $923 for my dd’s brain MRI. I didn’t panic because I knew the EOB would likely be less. Got the EOB today and we will have to pay only $157 for it! Yay!
5 – Making some dietary changes to reduce my cholesterol rather than getting meds.
If you take supplements, you might research red yeast rice. My husband was prescribed statins but decided to try the supplement first. Excellent results and even surprised the doctor.
I have yet to find good produce or meat at ALDI (in Australia). Their dairy products are excellent though. I think just get what they do well and go elsewhere for the other things.
Katy, love your blog and passion for all things frugal-especially cash flowing college! Longtime reader but this is my first time commenting.
Our momentous frugal win is paying our last ever college payment! We cashed flowed the whole thing for DS( graduated college 2016) and Our DD completes college in December. DD so disliked our financial plan to Cash flow college (2 years at community college & transfer to dorm at instate university) she earned her bachelors degree in 2.5 years. Start to finish – she had no high school AP credits she just did two semesters of 30 units each at community college) & lots of summer classes in addition to full unit load university semesters.
Oh and she has had her well paid internship for a year now. Not bad for a barely 20yr former high school varsity cheer captain….
Graduation Day is so sweet when the diploma is paid in full!
Great job and congratulations on the last college payment – and to your daughter! Our son did his degree in 3 years, which saved us a year of room and board payments, and cut the tuition cost considerably.
Thank you for all your kind words. As you can tell we are still in that beautiful “paid in full” afterglow.
Congratulations to you too and your son for completing college in 3 yrs! It is a grueling commitment for sure. Luckily all that discipline and sacrifice saves a considerable fortune!
1. Did nothing yesterday so no $ spent.
2. meal prepped for the next few days
3. bought gas for $2.47 a gallon everywhere else was $2.51 or more
4. bought needed things at cvs and everything was on sale
5. keeping the heat at 65 degrees
1. We paid our electric and water bill yesterday. We forgot about the water and it was late, thankfully they didn’t charge us a late fee. I’m happy with our water bill, I think reusing laundry and dish rinse water on the plants and to wash the car occasionally has been worth it. I think I can lower our electric bill though. My kids decided they wanted to share a bedroom again and make the other room a playroom. I realized this has meant 2 fans run all night instead of 3, one in our room and one in their room. Once it gets hotter they might want their own fans, but for now one fan on rotate does the job.
2. Now that the spare room is for play/homework my daughter was looking for something to put pencils and markers in. I gave her 2 chocolate spread containers. They should be the perfect size, no need to buy containers.
3. We ate all meals at home this week, except for once when a friend treated us.
4. I’ve been dying my hair for a few years to cover some grays. I asked my husband if he notices my grays and he said no, so I’m either gonna stop dying all together or at least put it off a while longer.
5. Didn’t make any big purchases this week.
4. I hope your husband can see better than mine can. When I asked him if he could see my gray hairs he said he couldn’t. When I look, I can pick out at least 30 right in front! Maybe he is trying to be nice?!?
hahaha, we all know that, that question is trap.
1. Spent all day saturday cleaning/rearranging my shed. took the snowblower out, put the furniture in there. found an old mouse nest – with a petrified mouse in it (Erkk. I gagged in my mask while i cleaned it out using 2 gloves and 2 plastic bags over my gloves, then threw everything away and washed my hands for about 5 minutes with very hot water. so gross).
2. Spent sunday cleaning/rearranging my basement so i could put my bench swing down there again for the winter. I did that last year and really enjoyed being able to swing while it snowed outside!
3. still eating from the fridge/freezer. the only things I’ve bought in the past 2 weeks are: 3 avocados ($1 each), heavy cream (for HM ice cream for work party), deli cheese and buff chix for the boy and a gallon of apple cider. less than $20!
4. bought a cashmere scarf for the boy for Christmas off of shopgoodwill.com. he is going to love it!
5. Received a reimbursement check from the comm college yesterday. DS dropped a class at the beginning of the semester (he will take it again in spring) and that brings his first semester cost down to 1600. Just like you Katy, my son will go through college and eventually graduate with no debt.
6. during mass on Sunday, our priest mentioned the KofC selling pie orders at the back of the church for Thanksgiving for $15. he also mentioned that, if you wanted, you could donate that amount for them to give a pie to the local addiction shelter for the men and women who live there battling addiction. i reached into my pocket and had exactly $15 in there. I donated a pie in memory of someone i love who died when they couldn’t beat their addiction. sometimes, you HAVE to spend money to share love.
Thank you for your generosity and for writing this. It made me cry a little, both for the ones who are gone and for those still with us.
Thank you, too. I know so many who struggle.
Joyce
Built a Lear Jet from my son’s Lego Duplo. I consider it a frugal win for
1) most (unfortunately not all) of the Lego is second- or thirdhand bought or was a gift to my two-year old
2) it fits into our living room – and I don’t need a pilot, gas etc. and
3) if I (respectively son) don’t like it it will be reassembled into something else…;-)
Love everybody’s frugals, keep going!
I had a very simple, quiet 3 day weekend and it was lovely. I have a hectic job which I love and am grateful for BUT I do look forward when I retire (in 4-5 years) to having more quiet time to putter, cook, garden etc. This weekend I did just that — went for a run with a dear friend, took a yoga class with DH, went to DD’s volleyball game, and grocery shopped. Otherwise I was home, cooking, doing laundry, reading, walking dog, bliss…
1. Hit both Grocery Outlet and Freddy’s for groceries, stocked up for $95 including lots of produce, 3 packs of “good” coffee and 4 pork tenderloins (got 2 packs of 2, BOGO at Freddy’s, should have gotten more but freezer is too small)
2. Made a big pot of lentil and butternut squash soup with chorizo and spinach. Hubby ate for dinner last night and I’m eating at work for lunch.
3. Am buying “treats” (aka junk food I don’t usually buy) over the next few weeks to stockpile for the week after Christmas when we’re going to the beach for a week with my 4 20-something kids and their significant others. Crackers, cookies, soda, cereal etc. I”m watching and when things are on sale I”m grabbing them. Stores in our beach town are WAAAAY more expensive than here so want to buy most stuff here and just fill in as needed.
4. Am down-sizing Christmas this year. I am going to start a Roth IRA for each of my older kids with a small amount in it (and will put the same amount in 13 yo DD’s college account) and will then buy each kid a few smaller gifts to unwrap. Last year I went crazy and it was waaaay too much — too much money, too much stuff, too much work to buy and wrap…
5. I took three huge bags of clothes and stuff to Goodwill and didn’t buy anything new to bring into my house. The sad thing is there is still SO MUCH STUFF in my closets and garage…
I think your idea of a Roth IRA is great. I also contribute to m kids IRA’s (regular) so they get tax breaks. This is a good idea if they don’t have college expenses.
I love the idea of an IRA for your children’s Christmas. For years, I have given 4 items –something you want, you need, to wear and to read. However,I am growing weary of all the shopping, wrapping and spending — not to mention the work. The meaning of the season is being lost in a sea of meaningless stuff. We are simplifying this year.
5. I have an over abundance of stuff, too. Even though each week I try to get rid of something it seems to not even put a dent in it.
1. My sister gave me a voucher for a free week of meals from Hello Fresh. We liked all three dishes and it gave me the motivation I needed to start cooking more and trying new recipes.
2. I fixed my broken rake by duct taping an old curtain rod to the handle. Actually worked well.
3. My coworker read the new Dan Brown novel and then was giving it away. Nobody else was interested, so I took it and sold it on ebay.
4. Posted a few new items on the FB boards, including a couple holiday items I have been sitting on. Sold 3 items. Someone asked if I could meet 30 minutes from my house, which is ridiculous. If you want a good deal on a cheap item, you’re driving. Precisely why the Marketplace has geographic limits you can set.
5. Someone posted a queen sized Malm bed frame for $20, which I nabbed. It’s in great shape and should be easy to sell on CL.
1) A frugal win update: After my iphone incident (phone + bucket of water = UGH), I had toggled the ringer on/off button a couple of times with no response. All still seems to be working pretty well, except for ringer and keyboard sounds, and I toggled it again this morning and sound is back! Hurray! No new phone and no trip to the “big city” to have it replaced unnecessarily!
2) We are investigating whether or not we may qualify to join Dear Wife’s business partner’s company health plan . This would mean equal or better coverage at a 50% cost savings to us a month as we have a self pay family plan. It would be a HUGE win.
3) Lots of good coupons this week to match with sales. 8 ounce ham steak with coupon is .89. I will buy three. I will also buy what may seem like a ridiculous amount of flour and sugar in the next two weeks and be stocked through winter. I love to bake and with DS’s food allergies, it is the safest way to go.
4) Trying to have soup everyday for lunch. Made lentil and keilbasa soup in crockpot overnight. Had a $1 can of good store soup yesterday. Means I don’t have to think about what to eat, better for the budget and better for my waistline.
5) Our local thrift store/non profit has changed the way they support families at Christmas. Instead of buying specific need for kids as we did in the past, this year they are seeking a broad array of general supplies that are brand new (toiletries, underwear, socks, toys, puzzles, games, books) in different ages and sizes. We have many of these things on hand already so we will hopefully be able to contribute a box full. DS is buying small gifts for the project this year with his own money. 🙂 Participating in this project is one of my joys of frugal habits all year!
I totally get your #3. I buy various types of Bob’s Red Mill gluten-free flours by the case because of one of my kids’ food allergies. One of my FFT this week (though son thought maybe I went overboard) was to buy TWO cases (24 bags) of Enjoy Life chocolate chunks. They hit the rock bottom price for my area (which was $2 off per bag!) and then I got another 10% off case discount. I’m stocked now for at least a year. It can be expensive to accommodate food allergies!
I have a hoard of chocolate chips in my pantry as well. We aren’t gf but we are nut, peanut, sesame and coconut free. Once you eliminate those ingredients there are not many shop bought cookies left, especially at the moment with the coconut obsession that has gripped the world. If something is nut free it’s bound to have coconut. So I bake and hoard sale-priced chocolate chips like a squirrel hoarding nut free snacks for winter.
Thank you both for making me feel reasonable! And chocolate abundance is always a winner in our household.
Mand – Love the image of the nut free squirrel!!! We have similar allergens. At the moment, we are nut, peanut, sesame, lentil, green pea/bean and strawberry free and he dislikes coconut. I continue to be amazed at where some of these things appear. Sesame oil in candy corn? Lentil flour in pasta? Pea protein in ice cream? What??? The upside is that we buy higher quality packaged foods than I used to and I am grateful to know how and like to cook.
1. In July, we had to get a new garage door opener, but in October our door stopped opening easily (this happens ever year). So I called the company, and they were to come out and fix it (there was a warranty). I received a bill for $150! It was not under warranty, and just coming out to say that was $150. So I called, and argued, and they agreed not to charge me as I did not know there would be a charge to come out! I am clearly in the wrong line of work.
2. Made another vat of black beans from scratch. This will help feed my ravenous children lunch, as we no longer have any concept of leftovers. The beans were also one of the toppers for baked potatoes for dinner.
3. We did not eat at home all weekend! We attended a birthday party, and a graduation party, and used Groupons for gifts. They get something nice, and no clutter!
4. Used discount coupons to see Ragnarok. We did not buy popcorn or drinks, and even forgot about the snack I had brought!
5. Going to dinner at my niece’s house tonight. I’m bringing a salad made from things we already have around the house.
1) Took a second job on the weekends. Its good money, a fun environment to work in (high end banquet venue in a historic house). The extra cash will pay for little extras we have been doing without — going out to eat once a month, affording tickets to local events, small days of adventure, maybe a new item of clothing here and there, etc. This way I can bank my whole paycheck from the first job. Since the work is at night, I still get to spend the days with my daughter.
2) I have a big birthday coming up, so have been making a list of things I would like as gifts. This will help the gift givers give me exactly what I would like — mostly podcast subscriptions and restaurant gift certificates. I prefer a fun night out with family and friends over things…
3) Still using my three year old winter coat. Still warm, still looks good as I take care of it.
4) We rake our own leaves and hubby does leaf pickup with our tractor — no expensive lawn service for us!
5) Taking special care to stick to our meal plan, buy the food we need to make those meals and eat up all the leftovers!
1. Got an old pair of shoes out of the closet with the goal of making them my primary outside shoes this winter. They were favorites a couple of years ago but then the rough texture of the suede wore off and they became shiny so I stopped wearing them. I realized that they are totally comfortable and warm, and the soles are still good so they are back in use. Surely no one will study my feet that closely.
2. Working on projects for my next craft show. I am having trouble focusing this year and once again I will not have as much inventory as usual. But we usually sell almost everything at this one, so I am trying to be creative and produce more stuff in the next few days.
3. Working on getting husband’s car insured under our other car and house policy. There will be a savings over his current policy. Not sure yet how much.
4. Continuing to eat leftovers and trying to be mindful of food waste. We find ourselves in a pattern sometimes of doing a lot of errands in the mornings and then eating lunch while we are out. Not a frugal practice, but when that happens dinner is usually the lunch leftovers or just a light snack.
5. A friend was looking for an inexpensive electrician. I shared the name of one we have used. I got two estimates for some work we wanted done and he was so much cheaper than the first man that I at first doubted that he was giving an accurate quote. But he did the work for the price stated and did it well, so I want to give him more business.
1. A friend invited me over for lunch yesterday. She made a big pot of vegetable beef stew using what she had on hand/wanted to use up. It was delicious. Afterwards we hiked in a state park. I bought a 2018 pass and I am able to use it the rest of 2017.
2. Tomorrow some friends will come over for lunch. I’m hoping the weather is good so we can take a walk on the local “trolley” trail afterwards.
3. Now that the weather is cooler I’m embracing wearing scarves/cowls. I have a few but I’d like a couple more. I am knitting a scarf using yarn that I had and a free on-line pattern. I may make more.
4. I have been buying gift cards at the grocery store that earn me a 20% discount (as in buy a $25 gift card and receive $5 off your grocery order). Also the other day we were checking out at self-check and there was a Catalina coupon for $2.50 off your next order abandoned. I knew it would just be thrown away by store employees so I used it.
5. I am readying family Christmas gifts so that I can give them at Thanksgiving, when we see the relatives.
We are also working on your #5. It saves me a significant amount of money to not have to ship and my in laws will graciously truck everything back to that side of the family. Postage on niece #2’s birthday present in September cost as much as the gift!
Love what you said about not having to think twice Katy! I feel similarly.
1. Week 2 of new job. I am the only one in my clinic of 30 people who has not ordered food in or gone out to lunch since I started last week. It amazes me how much people spend pn eating out while at work.
2. People keep complimenting my scrubs, and commenting that the brand is too expensive so they pass on them. I explain that I bought them used, and keep getting “that freaks me out to buy used clothes” comments. Oh well, keep donating your stuff for me to buy lol!
3. Getting out the Christmas decorations. Another year of our 4 foot tall, hand me down Christmas tree.
4. Kept the grocery bill to 60 dollars this week for 2 of us, and we should have plenty carried over to next week as well.
5. Boyfriend and I are considering carpooling when I get into My new work location. It would only save 2.7 miles each time we do it s(since my job will be super close), but it may be worth it. Would probbly only be 1-2x a week. Would love anyone’s input on this!
Frugal fail: made a huge pot of white bean chili. Ate it for dinner, forgot to put it in the fridge and it sat out all night. Had a dairy base so had to Ross. Ugh. Hate wasting :(.
FFT, Fall Decluttering Edition:
(1) Had a major decluttering/cleanout of our book room and my home office (these, with a 3/4 divider between them, occupy the third bedroom of our 3-BR house). So much junk and so many dust bunnies in both that I couldn’t think straight. Feeling much better now!
(2) Also weeded out our coat closet, as noted in a comment on the previous post. Between the coats and the book room/office cleanout, we took four boxes and a huge bag for donation to one of our local thrift chains.
(3) As long as we were out running errands anyway, DH took the opportunity to box up his nonfunctional electronic junk, which we recycled at our local Best Buy.
That’s a lot better than chucking this stuff into the landfill.
(4) I find myself urgently in need of a “chicken cycle” today, so I thawed two Empire kosher chickens (bought “reduced for quick sale” at Wegmans) and am roasting these as I write. Will eventually make soup stock from the carcasses, plus various chicken goodies from the leftovers in the meantime. Hence the term “chicken cycle.” (For those who might wonder why I’m not waiting for Thanksgiving and turkey stock, we traditionally spend T’day with the Bestest Neighbors–and Master Chef Dr. BN is certainly entitled to first dibs on his own turkey leftovers!)
(5) Will take advantage of tomorrow’s predicted good weather to harvest some remaining carrots, leeks, and parsley from the garden for the stock. The weather is supposed to turn crummy in Upstate NY over the weekend, so I gather my veggies while I may.
In reference to #3, Staples is giving a $10 coupon for any electronic equipment brought to the store to be recycled today 11/15.
Hubby has a friend helping him fix a couple of things on one of our cars. Saving money for sure!
We went out to lunch Saturday, hit the cheaper day buffet and used coupons for an additional discount. We don’t eat out much so it was a treat. Bill was $15 including tip.
I hit Kohl’s Veterans day sale to pick up some Christmas gifts and undies. I spent $19.50 & got 5 pair of Vanity Fair undies, 1 candle ,1 EOS & a pair of dress slacks.
Did a TopCashBack for free Rubbermaid set for Christmas gift. NOT liking TCB as my order status shows 14 weeks for approval. When I did the deal it said 14 days. I am thinking they are a scam… I signed up through another person and was to get an additional $10. That shows 14 weeks too…I will stick to Swagbucks or Ibotta from now on.
Aldi has had screaming good sales lately so I am stocked up for Thanksgiving veggies.
Have you tried Mr Rebates or Ebates? I check both sites for the best percentage back every time I shop online. It does take a while for the payback but they are both legitimate sites.
Top Cashback isn’t a scam. I use it along with Be Frugal, Ebates, Mr. Rebates, Swagbucks, & My Points. I’ve cashed out more than once.
1. Eating from the pantry lately. Made my own version of “pho” last night with fresh Chinese noodles (Grocery Outlet price .50c) … did not know they would get soggy from sitting in liquid. A friend explained that the type noodles I used are best served on the side and dipped in the broth for flavor. Next time I’ll know better. Meatloaf tonight from stuff in freezer.
2. Went online Xmas shopping for grown daughter with Freepoints from Sears and Kmart. Got 6 pair fancy undies, fleece-lined tights and kitty slippers for $22. Now that I look at it, maybe it wasn’t a huge bargain. Not sure, but she’ll like it. Now that she is 24, these slippers replace the kitty headband she wore for a zillion years… I know it’s silly. I have a bad case of old mommy-itis.
3. Chico’s sent me a $25 off anything coupon, so with the sale price I bought myself a ($39) red shirt for Xmas for $4 (& free shipping.)
4. Used Kohl’s coupon to buy 7 pairs of good socks for my walks for $5 total.
5. Invited to Disneyland twice in the coming month by friends who want to give me a fun outing/gift (they have free passes). I accepted because they were so insistent, but the place is jam-packed, full of gazillions of people and noise, and I don’t like rides. I’m feeling so very ungrateful and wish I could regift this to some kids who’d love it, but I can’t. In any event, I will do my best to enjoy it (twice) :-/ . I’m sure the holiday decorations will be beautiful and I do love the holiday.
So there is a lot to be grateful for. Happy Holidays everyone 🙂
Lol on #5….I loathe Disney World, and last time I had to go there for a work conference I bought my kids tickets (two went with me and they were 16 and 18) and I hung out at the hotel pool after conference! No one was at the pool and it was wonderful! I hate crowds, rides, and noise…..
I’m planning a birthday day of adventures for myself later in the week!
I doubt I’ll do as good as thrift ninja Katy, but hope to have a good time that’s easy on the wallet.
1. Have an appointment to get my shingles vaccine free through my town’s health department. Insurance won’t pay for it until I’m 60. I’ve got 4 more years and don’t want to take that risk with my compromised immune system.
2. Hubby was able to book a flight for our daughter to China using my frequent flier miles. Final cost was $80.
3. Ate out of the pantry tonight.
4. Haven’t gone out today so saved money that way.
5. Will batch errands tomorrow to spend little gas.
When i was turning 50, my doctor and i discussed the vaccine and i decided to wait another year. 2 months later, i had shingles. Get the vaccine early if you can!
1. Making some chili soup. Remarkably inexpensive and warms me to my toes.
2. I’m wondering about selling things on Ebay like so many of you do. I’ve been cleaning house and have some things that would sell but not sure if it’s worth the effort.
3.
Your dedication to the #collegefund is so refreshing. We live in Ashland and drive by SOU every day, and I’m always reminded of you along the way 🙂 Thank you for inspiring me to start saving early (like 14 years early) for the expense of college.
Babybel cheeses used to be one of my absolute favorite snacks! But I decided a few years ago that I just couldn’t justify all the packaging, no matter how much I liked those salty bites of cheese. Sigh.