Thriving and Thrifty Thursday

I added the thriving part. I still can't control external forces that threaten to mess with our livelihood. I can't determine when an appliance is going to break and will need replacing. I definitely can't tell if and more likely when, a health crisis will disrupt my world. All I know is I can try and make the most of the money, time, and relationships I have now and every day. We may not be wealthy, but we are prosperous in things that matter. So with that, and because money alone does not create a life, I'm adding the mindset of thriving as I think about the thrifty things I did for the week. 

• Matched coupons from the Sunday paper with the Target add. I spent $132.48 after $19.50 in manufacturers dollars. I paid using $120 in Target cards bought at the December 10% off price, for a $12.00 savings, and the reminder was paid with past earned Target cards. Because I paid for the first  cards, I am counting this out of pocket as $108-but I have months of supplies stock piled. 
• I also earned an additional $30 in Target gift cards in that shop, and had $15 left from past earnings, plus the $2.48 balance. My free Target gift card balance is $47.52, plus I still have $100 worth of the cards bought in December. 
• I shared the coat success the other day, but worth repeating that I bought two gifts, some needed dish towels, and the coat for $101, plus earned $30 Kohl's cash. 
• By passed ordering a lunch for a working lunch meeting (not provided) and ate my simple yet tasty PB&J, yogurt, and clementine. Others said the sandwiches in the boxed lunches were dry and the little salads were overly dressed. 
• Instead of spending $2 on a Starbuck's last Friday when I walked to the Target for a stretch break with coworkers, I bought a 7 pack of instant coffee for $1.00.  I made myself a cup back at my desk. I've had a couple more cups since then. 

Again, nothing is dramatic, though the Target card earning always gives me a buzz. I continued to find random change in places and popped into the canister. It will go towards a nice  reward in the future. How about you? Share your wins and link if you posted about them.