Five Frugal Things -- Free Cucumbers & $863 Frugality
1) I walked some errands and came across this neighbor's garden surplus of cucumbers and helped myself to the one on the left.
This prompted last night's "sushi bowl" dinner, which utilized leftover rice, pickled ginger, spicy Korean tuna and slices of fresh cucumber. So good, I forgot to snap a photo!
2) One of my errands was to drop off my plastics recycling at New Season's Market. A lot of Portlanders pay for bespoke recycling pickup from Ridwell, which starts at $20/month, so I always get a zing of satisfaction when I figure out how to recycle something that isn't accepted by regular recycling.
Although Portland's curbside recycling did recently start offering battery pickup, they still don't accept light bulbs, which makes Ikea's recycle station continue to be helpful.
3) I hung a load of laundry on the clothesline. I normally edit these photo to brighten them up, but I thought readers might appreciate the true deep shade of my backyard. It might take a little longer for laundry to dry, but that's okay as I can't rush the process.
4) I sold the periodic table throw blanket that I thrifted a few weeks ago for the full asking price of $58. I paid $7.19, so this hits where I prefer my eBay sales to be -- at least $50 more than I paid.
Click HERE to see the listing.
This was the thrifting trip where I also also picked up a $2.70 pepper grinder, which sold quickly for $25. (Odd prices, due to it being a "senior discount" day.) It's always validating when the random items I buy actually sell!
I guess having sold my last two thrifted items is a sign from "Ms. Good Will" that it's time to hit up some thrift stores!
5) My last "frugal thing" is not frugal whatsoever. My husband was concerned that our youngest was planning a road trip in the Prius, so he scheduled an overdue "trip check" with our mechanic. There wasn't anything wrong with the car, but it needed a full tune up, plus brake adjustment and a few other services. We trust our mechanic and this is not a complaint about being overcharged.
The total was $863.18, which we coughed up as we'd offered to foot the bill. This doesn't effect our lives, but that doesn't mean it was pleasant to pay. This amount would sit differently to a young adult who's still establishing their career.
We live below our means, with zero consumer debt, a paid off house and earn a decent living. (My husband works as a city first responder.) We're able to absorb bills like this in part because we are so cheap in most areas of our lives.
- We mostly cook from scratch.
- I only get my hair cut from the free Supercuts training center. I have no "beauty routine."
- We're okay driving older cars.
- We mend and repair our belongings.
- All our furnishings and decor items are either thrifted, curb picked or from Buy Nothing.
- My hobbies, (writing, thrifting, reading, gardening) either make money or cost zero dollars.
- I don't cheer myself up with purchases.
- I garner satisfaction finding free or almost free things to do in my own city.
- We don't hire out what we can figure out how to do ourselves. For example, my husband is going to change the oil in the Prius and I'll grab a new cabin air filter and teach our kid how to change it themselves.
- I'm not a snob about used stuff or garbage picking.
There's probably a number of items I forgot to add to that list, but that's okay as there are 18 years of blog posts to read in the archives.
In summation, save money on the daily stuff so it has a chance to be available for the large expenses.
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."
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This blog post includes an eBay referral link.
Katy, I'm glad you chose the misshapen cucumber that others may not have. And thanks for putting IKEA's lightbulb recycling on my radar. That gives me an excuse to stop in for my kids' meal of mac 'n' cheese and peas!
Yes, I chose the one I thought would be least desirable to other people.
Would love to see and hear how you organize your thrifted items waiting to be sold. Thank you.
I know I've shared a photo of my my eBay organization before, but I can't find the post, maybe I should share a photo in a new post.
Could you please give us an update on how Meatball is adjusting to her new kitten companion?
Meat and "Myr" are coexisting well, although I haven't heard that they're getting snuggly yet.
Something else about your $863.18 purchase that's thrifty: having to rescue your kid in a broken down car far from home is NOT AT ALL thrifty! (ask me how I know).
Oh yes, nobody wants that to happen!
Not to mention how dangerous it is to become stranded somewhere. Or to have a wreck. No amount of money can make up for a serious injury or, heaven forbid, a death.
I agree with L and the rest of you: There's nothing frugal whatever about neglected auto maintenance that results in a breakdown or worse.
Gosh yes. My son broke down outside of Phoenix heading to Oregon. Blown head gasket!
$1500 for a U-haul, and tow behind for his truck.
I happily paid it, as I hadn't seen him in a few years.
I'm curious about the photo of battered coins. I have a bunch of coins that look like that, because I'll pick up anything, but I'm not sure what to do with them. For now they're residing in my coin jar because I'm doubtful whether merchants will accept them. Or banks.
I walked to the post office today, and even though everyone commented on the "beautiful day" it was humid enough to have me soaked in sweat. Am I sweatier than other people? I wonder. Anyway, I logged more than 5,000 steps. I cooled off with ice coffee at a coffee shop, which wasn't cheap, but was very much appreciated.
I found three more books to read in LFL's. All kind of iffy, but I'll return them soon, whether they suit or not. One of the libraries offered up a CD of Vivaldi flute music, which is quite exciting, as I am a flute player and Vivaldi is a favorite.
I'm thawing some homemade chicken noodle soup for later. I'm making slow progress in getting my freezer cleared. But it's progress.
Yes banks will accept the coins.
I picked these pennies up in a parking lot and added them to my "Found Change Challenge" jar. I doubt the coin counting machine will accept them, but they they are still legal tender.
I have a very shady ( and wet backyard also so I understand. I also pick up unexpected bills for two of my kids so I understand
1. I walked an hour very early this morning in my neighborhood.
2. Gas prices are rising and they were $3.59 gallon…. Sigh.
3. Regular Oatmeal with dates last night for supper. I got the idea from you Katy!
4. Took my lunch sandwich to work which was roast beef deli slices from Aldi on Aldi bread.
5. It looks like it may rain and cook us off now that I am home. I will work some and probably eat a sardine or tuna sandwich for supper although I am not sure yet.
Oatmeal always hits the spot!
I am frugal about many things because it’s practical and it allows me to splurge on other things or be generous (with time or money) to others.
I recognize and like quality but mostly seek it out at thrift shops. I value clothing made with good fabrics that stand up to time. I have been whittling down my wardrobe and donating or consigning. I am definitely in a new season of life and want my wardrobe to reflect that.
I have learned a lot over the years from NCA and FG and their commentariat.
One thing I may have missed in blog posts is how important it is to have personal finance, files and passwords reasonably organized and accessible should one unexpectedly become incapacitated or die. That has become more of a priority as I age and because in the past couple of months unfortunately I know 3 people who experienced that. I think it is frugal/kind/ necessary to spare your family/heirs the hassle of trying to sort through your finances /assets/possessions if you can simplify it or at least make an effort to be better organized. It’s definitely a tedious and unwelcome task but once accomplished or even partially accomplished it is peace of mind and a gift to others.
I so agree with the financial stuff. It’s fairly easy to get it all done and organized. My family doesn’t want to hear about death, but I am practically gleefully smug knowing that their future dealings will be easy. I just tell them that they’ll be grateful that it’s done in the future.
I also find my present self more relaxed knowing that financials and “stuff” is easy for me to deal with on a daily basis.
Jean C and Jane, I've been preaching the importance of end-of-life preparedness for years. NDN1's CF and I wouldn't be having to do 90% of what we're doing for NDN1 if she'd paid one iota of attention to this--and I certainly don't intend to leave a similar mess for my designated folks to clean up.
Time for me to start researching that subject! Though only in our '60's, husband has issues, so I need to .....
Yes, this a good reminder to be thinking about the people who get tasked with unraveling our lives after we're gone.
My son is a notary and definitely wants to see our ersatz NOKBox (next-of-kin file) complete.
In addition to finances and living wills, consider other instructions for severe illness or end of life. Hospice organizations often use the Five Questions workbook to document preferences for care, like what music you might like to be played and how you might like to be touched. As well as we knew my mom, in the shock of her advanced cancer diagnosis, our brains just didn't work that well, and there was frequent doubt about her wishes while incapacitated. It would have meant a lot to have more confidence.
I find saving money in lots of small or smallish ways helps to build up our bank accounts should we need to pay a big, sometimes unexpected, bill such as what Katy and Mr. NCA did for the Prius. We have 3 "go to" accounts at our bank we can withdraw from if necessary: Christmas & Birthdays, Emergency and Regular Savings (for mini vacations, etc.).
1. I stopped at CVS to use up my $10 plus .04 ExtraCare bonus. I bought a large pump bottle of Aveeno bodywash for $6.85 after the $10.04 was applied. I have to use Aveeno per doctor's orders otherwise I wouldn't use such expensive soap. But the ExtraCare helped.
2. In the same plaza is the Salvation Army Store. I went in looking specifically for a glass pitcher (the old one had a large crack in it) and to price rocking chairs. I found no suitable glass pitchers and the two rocking chairs were way overpriced at $50 so I almost walked out but I walked by a Spritz press brand new in the box so it and a sweater set on the 50% rack for $3.50 came home with me.
3. Only in the 70s today so no A/C needed. I love these days when no heat and no air conditioner is used.
4. I went shopping in my own cabinets and found a wide mouth 2 quart glass jar that will do for making iced tea until I can find a glass pitcher. Not sure how great it will work for pouring it out into glasses but I'll give it a try.
5. I picked a few more raspberries yesterday but they really are slowing down. Tiny white berries are forming for the fall crop.
Christine, for your wide mouth jar, check out this spoon trick: https://m.youtube.com/shorts/GViPdx5yG8c
Thanks MB! I will definitely try this out. Plus I will pour over the sink...just in case! Lol.
Your #4. Amazon sells spouts for wide mouth Mason jars. I have a jar that size and the screw on spout works well. You get two in the pack for $9. Something to think about.
Thanks MEM! If the spoon trick sent by MB doesn't work out, I may indeed spring for the spouts (if they have the size I need). The mouth is about 5" across.
Wow! That is a very wide mouth.
We brew tea in the half gallon mason jars & use a 1/3 c. measuring cup to dip out tea until it gets low enough to be poured without issue. Hope this helps!
That's a great idea Jen! I have a variety of measuring cups in varying sizes. I didn't even think of that! I also have a small ladle that will probably fit into the top of the jar.
Have you thought about asking for a glass pitcher in your Buy Nothing group?
You don't need any "beauty routine". You are already beautiful!
We're all already beautiful!
THIS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Your $863 Prius expenditure reminds me of DD30 and the tires for her Subaru. A few years ago she needed all four tires replaced on her Forester. She was preparing to buy the least expensive tires Costco sold and I told her “Yeah. No. I will pay the difference and have you upgrade to much better quality tires”. I suppose we all have stories like that but my children are too precious to me not to help out financially when appropriate.
--Once again I got chilly in my bedroom, so that insulated window project really did the trick! Even had to turn off the floor fan, which picks up the cooler air from the AC floor vent and shoots it further into the room. So it's saving a bit of electricity, too. BTW, the outdoor thermometer was reading 103 when I got the chills.
-- Ran a load of dishes through the newly-repaired dishwasher and oh yessss! They came out sparkly clean. Stopped the drying cycle, just opened it up and let it air dry.
-- Skipped going out to eat, usually just a Jr. Whopper at the drive through, and ate at home on my day off.
-- Today is my watering day per city restrictions, and I got up at sunrise to get more time in. (They also restrict what time you can put on the sprinklers. Early morning and late evening. Not allowed to do it when it gets real hot due to evaporation.) Have not had to water as much this year because we've had rain...but alas, the dry spell and 100 degree heat wave is here.
-- Did not market an energy drink with my young friends and try to charge $39 for a six-pack. (Shame on you, Baron Trump!)
Re: your last item, Lisa: I'll bet you didn't hang out with a couple of manosphere influencers who are about to be extradited to the UK, either.
Ouch! That's a well deserved burn.
A good and trustworthy mechanic is worth his/her weight in gold.
1 - made two more PB sandwiches by scraping the jar
2 - not me but better half taking advantage of free hardwood firewood (mostly oak) by helping a neighbor clean up an inherited mess
3 - harvesting from our garden - tomatoes, cukes (if you were nearby you'd be on the list), potatoes. BATs for lunch this weekend.
4 - should have dug the garlic a week earlier than we did but many heads are ready for consumption. We share with our kiddos, a relative, and a friend
5 - better half used the juice from a container of Grillo's pickles which have been adorning sandwiches. Soon we'll have at home grilled chix sandwiches that are close but not quite as good as Popeye's at a fraction of the cost
That sushi bowl sounds delicious.
Trying to tighten up where we can lately - husband is remodeling our bathroom and while he's doing all the work himself, it's still going to cost $$. Oldest goes back to college in a few weeks and we'll be making tuition payments, and the AC unit at one of the rentals is making a funky sound and the tech is coming this weekend to check it. My brain is just the meme of money with wings right now lol
1. Went to mahjong at the community center, it's a standing Thursday game for whoever shows up. Free, since this center doesn't have any fees to join. Always a fun time with these ladies.
2. Meal planning from what we already have and trying to keep my spending to just milk, bread, and produce.
3. Made breakfast for dinner tonight. Used up some older eggs, turned not as fresh bread into toast, finished off 2 almost empty jam jars that were taking up room in the fridge, and made smoothies out of expired yogurt, brown bananas, and a hodgepodge of fruit that had been frozen when it wasn't looking as good fresh.
4. Last night's dinner was spaghetti with meat sauce and frozen garlic bread from the freezer, since I already had all the ingredients on hand. I ate leftover spaghetti for breakfast this morning.
5. We have a family membership at the town rec center, so 2 of my teens and I have been going there most days the last 2 weeks. My 17 year old hangs out in the teen zone and plays pool and ping pong while the 13 year old and I workout in the gym. And then cool down with a walk on the inside track playing Pokemon Go, since there's lot of good Pokestops there. Added bonus, since we're down to 1 shower at home for 5 people, it's been helpful to shower there after working out.
I now have $85 trashie rewards to redeem for gift cards. I’ll probably use them during my house sitting gig in September in So Cal
Not frugal however I shopped and got the least expensive price on heart worm meds from Chewy for my two dogs.
My frugal win for the week is that I got my washer looked at/ serviced for FREE! Was making an odd noise, so I called and the local repair guy came out looked at it, removed the agitator and dug out a bunch of change that fell thru the cracks. I was mortified how dirty it was underneath. He said it was quite clean!!! But I cleaned it up.
Got him to also clean the water screens ( I usually do this myself).
When he was done he said there was no charge due to the fact that I have passed his info on to others to use his service. What a surprise!! He’s a great repairman and doesn’t lie about parts that don’t need to be replaced! This is after a week of 2 car repair bills. So it was definitely a surprise! Gave him a dozen of fresh eggs.
Oh yay for the free repair! I know how valuable word of mouth can be especially to a small company. Well done (and eggs are always a grand gift)
Young adults these days aren’t so good at the details of life- like car maintenance. My friend recently complained her 26 year old was driving around with an expired registration (8 months past due) and a super delayed oil chance.
Maturing is a process…
My 25yo is better at this kind of thing than I ever was.
Yes to that last bit!! It makes those daily tasks worth it!!!
We are just like you, Katy. We have always lived beneath our means, however not tight wads in the least. Healthy food, cars that work, playing games, hiking, reading books to each other and long, extended European travel. We use things up and take care of all our belongings. I have tried to impart this to our grandchildren, probably to no avail. I have to remember these are different times for them. They do seem to enjoy thrift store shopping though and are wonderful people.
It's also frugal to have driven a Prius in the first place.
Have you experienced lower overall maintenance over the life of the car?