Five Frugal Things
by Katy on April 6, 2025 · 75 comments
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I used the $40 from selling last month’s thrifted chair to buy gasoline as it saves around 35¢ per gallon when you pay in cash. I included the ten dollar bill that I found under my car in January, as I later learned a family member had put it there for me to find. Sadly, fifty bucks still didn’t fill my gas tank.
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I indeed went to the Franz Bakery Outlet on Saturday and ended up picking up eleven loaves of bread for a schweet ten bucks! (You get a free loaf when you spend $10.) I also scored another “punch” on my frequent buyer’s card. This may seem like an excessive amount of bread, but more than half of those loaves were gluten-free, which are ridiculously expensive. (Think $9.36 per loaf!) My freezer is now fully and truly stocked and I’ll share the gluten-free loaves with my daughter who’s on a tight budget.
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Portland experienced two full days of lovely warm weather, which inspired me to switch off the furnace and throw open the windows. I love, love, love the period between heating and cooling the house, it’s such a gift!
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• I started reading a new library book that’s neither good enough to recommend, nor bad enough to abandon. Hey, the price was right!
• My neighbor’s ornamental plum tree lost a few flowering branches, so I gave her some paper yard debris bags that we’ve had sitting unused on our back yard. I then (with permission) helped myself enough cuttings for two flower arrangements, one of which I brought to my daughter.
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I’ve spent precisely $0.00 on golfing since I took office.
Katy Wolk-Stanley
“Use it up, wear it out, make it do or do without.”
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{ 75 comments… read them below or add one }
Wish I could store that much bread! In my little condo, I only have room for an apartment-size fridge with a top freezer.
Your plum branches in the Mason jars are beautiful!
My five:
1. Free entertainment — my grandson’s volleyball game. And I could have gone to my other grandson’s ultimate Frisbee game today, but I have a sore throat.
2. I made lo mein from scratch — though not anywhere near legitimate, since I used spaghetti and leftover veggies, which happened to be broccoli, peppers, peas, onio, and garlic. Today I will add chicken, since it needs a little something.
3. I went to the Hands Off rally yesterday, riding the train to avoid using gas and paying for parking. But while there, I bought a yellow rose from a child for $5. I’m a soft touch.
4. I fixed my wobbly toilet lid myself by replacing the screws for $2.51.
5. I didn’t do anything to get thousands of people infuriated with me around the world.
I live in Brisbane Australia but Trump and his musk minions are affecting the entire world at this point so I really appreciate your attendance at the “hands off”rally. I’m hoping that people like Bernie Sanders Elizabeth O’Connor. AOC will be able to galvanise the members of the Senate and the House to push back before America and the rest of the world are shattered beyond repair!
I love a small inexpensive fix that solves a problem, especially when you know that most people would just buy an entirely new toilet seat!
Beth W,
I, also, thank you for attending the Hamds Off rally. I had to work yesterday, so was unable to attend my local rally, but have friends who did. I really, really hate what the orange blob and his cronies are doing to this country, and to the world.
I’m joining Coral and Liz on thanking you for your time and effort in protesting the Maga madman and his disciples. My DH and a group of friends went to Worcester here in central Massachusetts to protest. I had a commitment at church but was definitely there in spirit!
Thank you for attending the Hands Off rally in your area. My town’s rally had an estimated 400 people standing at the busiest corner in the city. I was all set to go and had planned to wear a presidential campaign-inspired blue T-shirt that said on the front and back WHEN WE FIGHT, WE WIN. Sadly, it was cold and rainy and I came down with the flu. But our very, very conservative town is in a very, very Red State, and we haven’t had a Democrat elected in many years. So I was heartened to see that 400 folks were out there holding signs and upside-down U.S. flags and etc. protesting Trump and Elon and all that’s been messed up since Jan. 20 (Inauguration Day).
Those flowers are so pretty in those jars!!
1. Cooked and baked at home
2. Gardened
3. Thrifted
4. Walked instead of driving
More details on each of those on my blog
I love the simplicity of your list!
Saving heat by my stupid smart thermostat which keeps trying to change the heat mode to 51 degrees. I eventually realize I’m cold and put it back. Sigh.
Genuinely kvelling over the success of my friend’s book WHICH IS ON THE FRONT PAGE OF THE NEW YORK TIMES BOOK REVIEW today.
Relaxing or trying to. Spring, as happens fairly often here, is chilly and wet. Bleah.
Making my dog a costume for the local dog beauty pageant/costume complex. I’m making a canvas coat for him (leftover from bits my daughter used for paintings) which my daughter will drip paint on in honor of local hero Jackson Pollock. I also plan to make a small jug-shape out of felt to sew on it, since he was a notorious drunk. TOO SOON?
Decided I do not have the time to make a copycat Dior 1950s hat with lily of the valley on it for the local library Easter bonnet contest. Besides, I’ll just get annoyed when I don’t win.
Didn’t crash the stock market. Yet, anyway.
Rose,
Remind me of the title of your friend’s book? I did read the excerpt you had sent a few weeks ago, and it was so good. I’d love to read her book, and offer congratulations to her on her success!
Ha ha, love your dogs costume. Personally, I’d add the jug. Bwahahaha!
Cellar Rat. It’s fantastic, but as I told her, no way on earth I’d let David Chang scream at me without screaming back. I told her obviously we have different personalities and I’m much taller than she is, but no one talks to me like that without consequences. She though it was funny. I still wanna go knee David Chang in the groin on her behalf.
I work in the culinary world and it doesn’t surprise me at all about David Chang, who has long been exposed as one of many “bros” in the industry with really bad behavior.
Is your friend in NY currently? Would love to have her come up to the Hudson Valley to give a talk.
If Katy can give you my email, please have her contact me!
Sure thing. She’s in Massachusetts now, just north or Boston.
How exciting for both your friend and for you!
Looking at the newspaper had to have given you quite a thrill.
And what a fun costume for your doggy. Enjoy that project!
Lea
Enjoying free simple things – fresh picked daffodils from my yard, reading a second book from a new English author I love Michelle Magorian from the library, homemade pumpkin spice waffles for a leisurely Sunday home brunch, walking around my yard and seeing what plants are coming up – bleeding heart from my grandmas plant years ago, picking up free seeds from the library for my future garden.
Perfection, every bit of this!
Midwest Beth,
I adore bleeding hearts! I keep meaning to add some to my garden. Maybe this is the year.
Has your area been hammered by storms and incessant rain? (I’m in SW Ohio). The Ohio river and our other local rivers are at flood stage. Gulp.
Have been calling our Senator Susan Collins daily. My 4 AM musings most likely will be ignored. I did tell her yesterday that she represented the entire State of Maine and she was not a unilateral voice. Oh I have lots to say. And do.
Continuing with the lifestyle of the Frugal and Not Famous..
Tonight’s black bean stuffed sweet potatoes will be full of drips and drabs.
Spring has not sprung here with snow predicted on Tuesday.
I don’t use my car over half the week and only catch errands when I go to town.
I did read A Well TrainedWife which I believe everyone should read— about the evangelical movement and the mechanics of the Church. It’s frightening but important.
Grateful for you Katy and this group.
Aww, thank you!
Thanks for the book recommendation.
I grew up in the Evangelical church. I recommend this book to people to help them understand why I left and why I chose to raise family differently. It required me to break ties with my immediate (parents/siblings) and other family members but as my children are now teens and not captive to that religious narrative as I once was I know made the right choice. It’s a good book.
I also recommend the book ‘A Well Trained Wife’s. I read it recently.
1. Did not want to but took on four mystery shops that paid me $600 total, plus merch. We have excellent insurance, but the husband’s recent cancer diagnosis is still resulting in extra costs that these shops will help cover this month.
2. Made a cheese vegetable soup that cleared the produce drawer and fed us for three days.
3. Husband brought home four jars of mayo that were marked down because the labels were unevenly applied. Usually he doesn’t look for deals at the grocery store, so I was impressed.
4. Cleaned out and passed on duplicate supplies from the kitchen. I do not need four ladles, for example.
5. Not frugal but made me laugh. The Dane was on his way from the front door to the car when he saw a school bus stop two doors down to pick up a pair of middle school aged kids. He veered off his intended task and promptly ran in front of the bus, stared at it for a minute, and decided to take a prolonged poop. This annoyed the driver, who apparently thought honking would be effective in moving the dog, but it amused the kids, who gave him a round of applause and shouted cheers out the bus windows when he finally finished and moseyed out of the way. The driver of the vehicle on the other side of the road followed the law about not passing a stopped school bus, so our boy managed to keep two lanes of traffic standing still. Cleaning up the poop was impossible because it was wet and snowing and the bus and cars behind him ran over it, erasing all evidence of the deed.
I love that dog.
Dogs rule!
Lindsey, this may be the best Clobber Paws story yet! And laughter is always frugal. Love to you, the husband, CP, and Houndini, as always.
You tell a bold saga, thank you!
Lindsey, your dog provides you with the best material for all of us to enjoy.
Love your pup!!
I’m wondering what would go through a Great Dane’s mind to make him bolt right in front of a school bus and stop to take a long dump. Well, he is a male, right? Somebody should’ve handed him a magazine.
Lndsey, your dog is wonderful! I needed that belly laugh!
So … when the kids got to school, I wonder if the dog was part of their excuse for being late. I mean … the dog didn’t eat their homework, but the absolute delight the middle school students must have had in relating that they were late because a dog stopped the bus to take a poop! Belly shaking laughs going on here!
1. DH won a free lavender latte on a free spin wheel at the book store’s 30th anniversary celebration. While there, we also enjoyed free cupcakes and cookies.
2. I volunteered at my church’s thrift shop yesterday. While there, I bought a pack of about 30 various cards for my friend in the nursing home for $1. I also bought myself a really lovely fitted jacket on sale for $5. The thrift shop is looking to reduce their winter inventory so instead of the usual $8, they were sold for $5.
3. I’m finishing up a library book about the importance of vaccinations. Shhhh…don’t tell RFK Jr.
4. I received an invitation from a friend a few miles away to come over for a lasagna dinner next week. No cooking for me? Lasagna? Yes, please.
5. Another friend lifted me a beautiful shawl made by a friend of hers. Soft and warm. Today at church, I had the chance to thank them both personally.
Free cupcakes and cookies?! My kind of event. And the lasagna invitation? What a nice thing to look forward to.
…gifted them, although her kindness did lift me…
Sheeesh, gifted ME…this is what happens when I try to type and carry on a conversation at the same time…
Midwest Beth,
I adore bleeding hearts! I keep meaning to add some to my garden. Maybe this is the year.
Has your area been hammered by storms and incessant rain? (I’m in SW Ohio). The Ohio river and our other local rivers are at flood stage. Gulp.
Sorry, that was supposed to go under Midwest Beth’s comment.
Katy, those flowering branches are so pretty! And awesome score on the bread. Gluten free bread is so expensive.
My FFT:
1. Was offered delicious French toast for breakfast for free at work yesterday – our chef on duty had made it, along with a blueberry sauce. I suspect they had the egg dip mixture left over from breakfast service in the cafeteria. I generally enjoy my usual breakfast oatmeal, but no way would I turn down French toast. (I am a hospital dietitian, and our office is right next to the hospital kitchen.)
2. Canceled my Audible subscription. Nothing wrong with Audible that I’m aware of, but I just wasn’t using it, and get plenty of audiobooks via my Libby app. $14+ saved per month.
3. Went to cancel my NYT subscription ($20/month), and they offered me a deal of $1/week for a year, which includes Games and Cooking. Sold! Will cancel again next year, and see what happens.
4. Based on #3, will be canceling my separate NYT Cooking subscription for this year.
5. Made lunch out of old, but still edible, small flour tortillas (they were oddly stuck together in the middle, but I used my metal spatula to unstick them), canned refried black beans (probably expired, but can was fine, and smell, consistency, etc., was fine), shredded cheese (bought on sale), plus a splash of salsa (also bought on sale). Minimal cost, + working on using up food odds and ends.
Thanks for bringing up French toast, I’ll hold onto the gluten-free bread for that exact purpose. You are on a cancelling roll, well done!
My frugal week:
1. Worked on a puzzle I thrifted for $3.00, Realized the bird picture is perfect for an appliqué to cover a stain on my white tee shirt. Tracing it to embroider soon.
2. Taught my husband how to look up his owner’s manual for his electric lawn mower when it wouldn’t start. Ended up having to look up the fix on YouTube but we saved repair costs and he was able to cut the grass.
3. Every year I try to learn something new and this year it is sourdough bread baking. So far we haven’t bought any bread since January. I am especially proud that we do not sample the warm bread unless it is for a meal. We divide it into portions needed and freeze for later meals. So far no extra weigh gain!
4. My neighbors gave us a dozen farm fresh eggs because they were going on Spring Break vacation this week. And we scored two cartons of free ice cream when we volunteered at our church on Friday – they were leftover from a wedding reception. We also were invited to dinner at a friend’s home this week.
5. I made two 9 X 13 casseroles today using frozen squash from last year’s garden to take to our church’s potluck dinner today. Cleaned out the freezer and was able to serve many people.
6. I cleaned out/rearranged my closet for spring and summer and realized I do not need to buy anything new at all. I sold two pairs of shoes on eBay.
Not buying bread since January is a very impressive feat! I love every bit of everything you wrote!
Patti, I admire your restraint on not eating bread after it comes out of the oven!
1. My husband is out golfing today for exactly $0. He volunteers as a marshal at the municipal course 5 minutes from our house. For each volunteer shift of 4 hours, he gets a coupon for a free round of golf with cart, and unlimited access to the driving range. He enjoys the volunteering and the golf and I am always thrilled when we find a way to indulge in our hobbies for absolutely free. He has owned his new-to-him golf clubs and bag for over 25 years. They were important enough to him that his golf bag was one of the 10 suitcases that were the sum total of what the 5 of us possessed when we moved to this country. Yep, we know how to run lean.
2. I got 4 loads of laundry done and dried on the solar dryer yesterday. Some of it was bedding from guests last weekend, some was seasonal laundry (also bedding).
3. I sold a toilet paper holder that I’d curb picked. Also a bag of baby clothes for my son’s family. I sold a free-to-me book on ebay. I picked up a bag of freebies from a rummage sale that I rode my bike to. They will be listed. I sorted through a bag of clothes my daughter gave to me to donate (she knows I’m at the thrift store regularly and she is not, so I’m happy to take them). I pulled out 2 items that I’m keeping for myself (1 Prana t-shirt that I think my mother had given my daughter) and 3 items to sell. I’ll keep the money, my daughter just wanted them gone. She makes more than I do and re-selling money doesn’t matter to her.
4. I put new binding on a twin size wool blanket that I’ve had for over 40 years. I’ve replaced the elastic in a queen size fitted sheet. The fabric of the sheet was still good, but the elastic was shot. I had been given a large spool of rather tough elastic that isn’t nice for waistbands in clothes, but is great for a sheet. If I’d had to buy the elastic then replacing it wouldn’t have made financial sense.
5. I up-potted 7 collard tree starts. I have plans for a row of 3 of them out front. 1 will go to my daughter. The rest probably will be given away. I accepted a Buy Nothing gift of a stack of plastic pots, which are useful to me since I give away so many starts.
Whoa, you’re on a roll!!! Well done!!!
Thanks! I haven’t been feeling well and to list what I have accomplished AND enjoyed gives me a lift.
Have been calling our Senator Susan Collins daily. My 4 AM musings most likely will be ignored. I did tell her yesterday that she represented the entire State of Maine and she was not a unilateral voice. Oh I have lots to say. And do.
Continuing with the lifestyle of the Frugal and Not Famous..
Tonight’s black bean stuffed sweet potatoes will be full of drips and drabs.
Spring has not sprung here with snow predicted on Tuesday.
I don’t use my car over half the week and only catch errands when I go to town.
I did read
Thank you for calling your senator!
FFT, Thankfulness for Friends Edition:
(1) My Mr. Fix-It friend has just completed a repair on the water dispenser/ice maker part of my refrigerator, which required $20 in parts, and for which I made him take $40. I leave you to imagine how much I saved by not calling in an appliance repair service.
(2) My DH’s long-time partner in real estate ventures came by earlier today for a visit (he now lives in another city, but returns twice a year for reasons related to his former job here). I admired photos of his new twin grandsons, and we shared memories of our late spouses (his wife died of cancer the day I placed DH in the nursing home). Bittersweet, but invaluable.
(3) My Sunday morning walking buddies and I got together at 8 am for the first time in a while (weather, injuries, and other issues have been preventing us). We completed two laps around the long, narrow pond in a local park, venting freely about current events. One of them did attend the local Hands Off demonstration yesterday, and I intend to start joining her out on the front lines, now that both the weather and my rib are improving.
(4) The #2 son of my eventual executor was here Friday (the last day of his spring break at Cornell) for 3 hours of much-needed help in garden cleanup. I did do a little light work–but he accomplished several major chores, did exactly what I asked him to do how I asked him to do it, and was pleasant company as well. Win win win!
(5) And I haven’t spent the last 2.5 months systematically going after every federal government program that improves people’s lives. Grrrr!
I love that you’re starting to be able to move your body more, your poor ribs.
How great that you have a “Mr. Fix-it Friend,” it would be a great name for a handyman business.
1. I haven’t gone anywhere today, which is rare for me, as I am not stay at home material!
2. Making a chicken soup from a rotisserie chicken carcass.
3. Visiting our new chicks at the barn twice daily, which forces me to walk 2x a day. We’ve had chickens before, so had all the necessary supplies, etc.
4. Bought a green pepper, cherry tomato, and regular tomato plant yesterday. Let’s see if my black thumb can help them survive and produce.
5. Cancelled 2 subscriptions, which saves us $13 a month.
Wow, love those beautiful flowering branches in those fabulous jars on that lovely tray!
1. Treated a dear friend to lunch for her birthday. We both got lunch specials that were smaller and cheaper than other options. The restaurant we went to offers a free birthday dessert so we split a slice of delicious pineapple cheesecake.
2. Turned some truly terrible corn tortillas into edible corn chips by brushing them with a spiced oil mixture and baking.
3. Sewed pillow covers out of a beautiful, appliqued tablecloth that I received from a friend whose house I helped declutter in preparation for selling her home.
4. Took household hazardous waste and food scraps to the new Environment Center in our county. Impressive place for lots of reasons. Went into the Reuse Room and found practically everything on my list for the hardware store! Some of them are just one-time needs so I’ll donate them back when I’m done.
5. Used leftover base shoe from our remodeling project to cover the gap in the floor inside our clothes closet that was not part of the original project.
Love all 5. What a great idea to have a reuse room. Every town could use one of those.
Katy, I’m very envious of all that cheap bread, especially the gluten-free stuff. We don’t have any bakery outlets near us or I’d be using them.
My list
1) Made a few cards from scratch using craft supplies on hand
2) cooked all from scratch
3) using up the dregs of everything (lotions, toiletries etc)
4) walking and using my home fitness supplies for exercise
5) Not buying any new clothing. Waiting til I feel like a day at the thrift store instead.
I adore your blue canning jars!!! Do the have any air bubbles in the glass and what brand are they?
Our wild plums are blooming. Hopefully I will find the time to make jelly this year.
We had a wonderful butternut bread store here but it has been closed for some time. When your bread card was full, you could redeem it for jewelry. My Mom and the home ec teacher would joke that they shopped at the same fine jewelry store.
We broke the boycott and ordered some blinds from Amazon. There aren’t any local options. Hopefully we can save on our cooling bill this summer. This is a one off purchase and will not.become a habit.
Working o.t. this week.
Picked up.an aluminum can from the road ditch to recycle.
Collected some more feed sacks to list on ebay. Repaired fence using materials I had on hand.
Nothing earth shaking here, just the same ol’ same ol’
My mom had a plum tree in her yard and would make plum butter, like apple butter. It was delicious, and I’m sure you could easily make it in a crockpot, which is easier than making jelly!
That’s an impressive collection of bread!! What a great resource.
1. I lost power for 3 days last week during a wind storm. I managed to save most of the food. I put a bag of ice in the refrigerator and kept the freezers closed. I did finally figure out how to start the generator and switch it over to run the panel in the house. I’d never done it before. One more skill to make me more self sufficient.
2. My daughter and I slept at my mom’s house until we got our power back. My mom was thrilled with the company and we had fun at our sleepover.
3. I made dinner to take to my MIL’s house. I met up with my kids there and we had a nice visit and a good meal.
4. I met up with my mom and we went to the Hands Off protest together. She fed me lunch afterwards.
5. I put a deposit on a car before the tariffs kicked in. I should get it this summer as it is just being built.
Love #2. Reminds me of an ice storm when I was a kid — only my grandmother had power, so my family and alll the aunts, uncles and cousins slept there!
1. I was within a few blocks of the Franz outlet, but didn’t go because I still have old Franz bargain bread cluttering my freezer. If I don’t need something, it isn’t a frugal move to buy it just because it’s cheap!
2. I spiffed up a frame and matted art I purchased at the bins. The items were purchased on two separate occasions. If I’m patient, I always manage to find a frame to match the art, or vice versa. My new art is now hanging in my house.
3. I ran an errand near Winco, so I stopped at Winco and bought lots of sensible staples from the bulk section. I didn’t buy any processed food.
4. I was planning to walk to Trader Joe’s to buy bread to go with dinner, but it started raining. I made bread instead. (In the oven now!)
5. I used clearance yeast to make the bread.
6. I haven’t tried to buy an election while wearing a cheese head hat.
Got a ceiling fan free on Next door Neighbor. The blades aren’t the color I want. Husband spray painted them white. They look great! It will match the other ceiling fans that are in the house we will move too.
Found some small glass sandwich plates. I had been wanting some small plates & now I have them.
Bought a fixture with three lights at the Habitat store for 25$. I looked it up at Home Depot & it retails for 95$.
I got some dining chairs free on Next door neighbor. One corner of 1 seat looks like a dog chewed on it. I’m hoping my husband can fix it with wood putty.
With patience, you can find or thrift most needed items.
Nice score on the gluten-free bread. I haven’t seen that particular option for the Franz GF bread … just, sourdough, rye, & brioche. The brioche makes the best French toast!!!! It’s good you’ve got room in your freezer. I’ve had to return two loaves to the store because they molded before the expiration date. I always toast my gluten-free bread and these all toast really nicely!!!
Those cherry blossoms are just lovely.
Alas, we’ve had 20-some temperatures for the past week, in spite of sunny skies. Some snow, too — but the high winds blew it off the decks.
And now we’re working on taxes. Which just makes me want to bite somebody.
Sorry about the bitey feeling. Maybe time to watch “Shawn of The Dead” just for the line “A wee bit bitey!”
Cherry Blossoms! I have some of those in my yard but never thought to cut them and bring them inside–thanks for the idea. I copied your list of library (audio) book ideas from awhile back and have been listening to “Bye, Baby” all day today on a long car drive. It was good enough to keep me awake, but not good enough to tell everyone about, so I am wondering if that is the book you are reading. I haven’t finished it yet, but things are getting pretty interesting with the birthday party mishap….Anyway, thanks for the recommendation and please keep them coming. I love having a queue of books at the library. Price is right.
They’re ornamental plum blossom, sadly cherry blossoms wilt almost immediately which I know from growing up with them.
That is an impressive haul on gluten free bread!
1. My boss took me to a lunch at a nice restaurant. The pasta dish I ordered was large enough to have for dinner that night.
2. My friend is house hunting, so I walked over to meet her at an Open House. Feels like free entertainment to be able to walk through every room in a stranger’s house.
3. Sold four items on ebay – two from the $1 clothing thrift sale a couple weeks ago, and two that I had picked up at yard sales. I also sold a couple lots of books on Marketplace, all porch pickup.
4. Chobani yogurt was on sale for $2.50 for a four pack, which is the cheapest it gets. I bought a few and then made a batch of granola to go with it, which used up the last of my sliced almonds.
5. One plastic downspout connector broke and I noticed water coming into that corner of the basement. Bought a replacement yesterday for $3.50 and attached it, and then walked around and checked on all the others.
Yes, I feel like there’s a lesson in the breakage of a $3.50 item that can lead to thousands in damage.
1. Got a quarter from an abandoned cart at Aldi
2. Did two mystery shops at 2 local grocery stores. Made $10 and I had to “grocery” shop anyway. Such an old fashioned word. Groceries. lol.
3. Did another 2 mystery shops that netted me $40 plus a dime I found in the parking lot.
4. Have been selling a lot of rabbit manure for spring gardens. $50
5. Rabbits are doing 3 paid Easter rabbit petting gigs this month. $300.
Julia – love that your rabbits have petting gigs for Easter! Adorable.
My grandmother called it “marketing,” so I consider the word downright modern!
Wow, I wish I could find a deal like that on gluten-free bread!
1. I used my birthday-month rewards from Lane Bryant to order a pair of shorts for summer. I chose a style that was on sale, so after my discount, they only cost $4.98 + shipping.
2. I redeemed my birthday-month rewards from Tom Thumb (a grocery store), which will give me extra points towards a future discount on everything I buy this month.
3. I bought some shirts from JC Penney during their sale last weekend. It’s my favorite brand of shirts and I needed some new ones, so I got them at the lowest price I could. Trying to get what I need before tariffs drive prices higher.
4. I started reading an e-book of Emma that I bought years ago and have never gotten around to reading until now. I also told my parents that I’m re-reading Jane Austen’s books, and they offered to let me borrow any that I want from them. Free books without even going to the library!
5. I made a detailed budget for the next few months. I have neglected budgeting lately and it hasn’t been good for my finances. I need to be more disciplined, and it starts with actually making a plan and writing it down.
I suppose we should all buy ahead of the tariffs, but I find it so infuriating.
Wahoo! Happy bread day!
1. Hosted friends on Friday night – most snacks were from our fridge and supplemented with an affordable trip to the grocery store. Bonus points for all the extra veggies I worried I wouldn’t use in time becoming a very opulent crudite board (fancy fancy!)
2. Similarly reading a library book that isn’t changing my life, but is keeping me up past my bedtime!
3. Did not do any panic spending for pre-tariff goods. We don’t have enough things that we buy on a recurring basis to know we will use any consumables or otherwise before the financial impacts set in, and stuff isn’t frugal just sitting around.
4. Cooked up all the leftover veg from #1 and some meat originally destined for chili to make some items for a more streamlined week of eating at home. Turns out ground turkey & sausage makes excellent meatballs – going to remember that for next time.
5. Gifting a friend my leftover running gels from a marathon last year. I can’t stomach the things anymore after months of training but she still loves them. Frugal for her as they are NOT cheap per box, and great for me to have them out of the pantry.
I had to give your #5 a moment of thought as I thought “running gels” were related to shoes, couldn’t figure out why they’d be in the pantry!
1) Worked in the yard with DS19 & DH. We gave up yard service a few years ago when the prices jumped quite a bit, and our yard is a ton of work. When we moved in, we found out that the previous owner enjoyed a lot of variety in plants, so there are maybe 30+ different types. It’s not the easy maintenance. We did a lot of tree trimming, leaf raking & sweeping. Spring is by far the busiest time for us to do this.
2) Cut back my oregano & mint plants, and shared with neighbors on Buy Nothing.
3) Cleaned my closet & gave away a few things we no longer needed (also on Buy Nothing).
4) Filed an appeal for an expense at DS19’s college (I was advised to do so by someone who didn’t understand the charge.)
5) Not immediately frugal, but hopefully sowing the seeds for a future job. I reached out to people in my Linkedin network about open roles at their company. Almost all tech companies pay the person sending in the referral a bonus, so it’s also a win for them if I get hired.
Crossing my fingers for you!