Five Frugal Things — Utter Gutter Mayhem!

1. Portland remembered who she was today with a full deluge of rain, which resulted in utter gutter mayhem. My neighbor texted me the above photo, pointing out that “Your gutter was not happy about the downpour.” Luckily I have a handy husband, who was able to repair the entire situation using supplies we already owned. I can only imagine how much money it would’ve cost to hire out this job. A million dollars? More? Probably more.

   

2. I met up with Angela and Regina from Women’s Personal Finance for a follower meetup at a local cafe. It had been scheduled at a local park, but the heavy rain put a wrench in that plan. Luckily they had a backup plan to keep us dry.

   I ended up having enjoyable conversations with a couple financially savvy women and picked their brains about whether my husband and I should pay off our mortgage. The answer was straight up “it really depends,” which is the same frustratingly fuzzy answer I got when I broached the same question made the effort to emerge from my cozy dry home.

   

3. Kristen left a few items behind, specifically a small red pepper, which I added to a Mexi-bowl for tonight’s dinner. (No food waste on my watch!) I need to point out that I cooked the bulk purchased pinto beans in my Instant Pot, which makes this an extra frugal meal!

   

4. I’m now the recipient of a Fred Meyer gift card, which Kristen tucked into a thank you card. I find it hilarious that my last two house guests have gifted me pilfered hotel tea bags and now a gift card that’s specifically for “Many pounds of bruised produce!” It’s nice when your friends really get you. Sniff . . . .

5. My step-mother went through her collection of random tea bags and gave me everything that didn’t meet her high standards. I’m happy to take her offcasts and future guests can now look forward to a plethora of choices.

Now your turn, what frugal things have you been up to?

Katy Wolk-Stanley