Thursday, January 10, 2019

Thrifty Thursday-Cheap, Cheap Cheap

I was a thrifty fiend this past week, by my past efforts. Knowing the hotel for the weekend (staying two nights instead of one)  was a budget buster, I was on the look out for maximizing my funds even more. With one, I achieved Sluggy like savings. 

  • I paired a $2 off 2 CVS brand feminine supplies with a buy on get one 50% off. Plus, I had $2 in CVS bucks. $1.23 for two packages, achieving 82% savings!
  • We packed cheese meat, crackers and wine plus ice tea for the hotel room. It was mighty nice coming back to enjoy these after the long day. An old acquaintance from high school who we have since developed a new friendship as our daughters are friends, joined me before she had to resume chaperone duties. Shh-don't tell, but she  had some wine-well deserved. 
  • Filled up in Iowa with gas at $1.82 a gallon.
  • DD2 came over and helped me color my hair. It turned out pretty decent and so much easier with someone helping to make sure the coverage is adequate. I had bought the color last month for $6.79 after a $2.00 off coupon. 
  • I salvaged the remains of several things in the fridge close to going bad including cottage cheese in a lasagna, tow eggs for French toast and snack for pup, and a small bowl of chili and a few red potatoes for my lunch. Resist waste is my mantra in 2019. 
I don't shop at CVS enough to rack up lots of deals, but I'm finding the store is a go to place for a few things that I can easily put together some frugal wins. I'm already to January 10th, nearly 1/3 of the month and I've only spent $72 on Household and Groceries, despite entering the week with just regular amounts of provisions. I'm not going to do a challenge, but I am curious how low I might be able to keep that discretionary line of my budget. Wouldn't under $300 start me on the right foot? I've got great cooperation with my family too, as we all share the same goal. I feel though I'm the one really owning the execution of our plan so these Thursday recaps are motivating. 

8 comments:

  1. You did great! Nice work. Awesome job on the CVS savings, & the food packing. I find that food is a great time investment, both because you don't waste what you already have, & it reduces what you need to buy either at a store or out. Double win! However, it does come with what I think is a time hit. If you get into a routine, it feels like a natural part of life. But, in the beginning, or when I'm getting into a new plan, it can feel like a lot of overhead.

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    1. Even though my lunches have been leftovers, I've tried to invest a bit more time in making sure I enjoy them-don't scarf to fast, pa the food in real bowls or on a plate. It makes a difference to mind set.

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  2. Good for you! I have also been trying to eat out of the freezer and pantry- this morning I made Thai coconut soup, stuffed shells and pumpkin pie all with food I had! The soup was delicious too and a new recipe I tried. I'll be eating it for a couple of days of course LOL. The shells will be frozen for next week. I used spinach I had bought last week, some cottage cheese about to expire and odd ends of cheese and the pumpkin pie used up eggs and milk I had plus a can of puree. I think it's nice you get to chaperone for your daughter. My kids never had activities away from home except girl scouts for the girls and those were rarely away from home (except camping!) My daughter and family do plan on visiting grandson in Germany this spring. I'm passing on that trip-

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    1. Trying to use up all the odd bits can be challenging but worth it.

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  3. All those little things began to add up.

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    1. I'm trying to think about frugality this weekend and I will pack sandwichs and fruit plus beverages-we'll eat one meal at show choir, but I can cut the expenses in half. I see more and more are doing that-still supporting the host school, but just not for every meal and snack.

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  4. You are doing very well! The family cooperation is the key ingredient to your budget success. I am still trying to get TheHub on board. It's better but not yet perfect. As long as there is no duplication or food waste I will consider it moderately successful

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    1. If a meal is ready when they are hungry, they seem to be happy!

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