I mentioned on Tuesday that since we didn't really travel for vacation, I was going to just not worry about what we spent eating out take out, or doing little extra things close by. I managed a few things worthy of note in the buckets I try to track-my use of time, resources, and money. So here are a few wins in the thrift and economy department.
Time
- Went to lake both Wednesday, and then back again Friday-Sunday for a little break. The girls watched the dog over the weekend, who gets a bit anxious when too many people and other dogs are at the cabin.
- I had a couple lunches with DD2 while we started getting her things sorted and purged. Gingers crossed she decides to pack only what she needs so she can fit in her car and save the 8 hour round trip for us.
- DH and I had a home admin project to update our retirement account tracking. He's actually got more in his accounts than I was expecting. It gave me a bit more peace of mind for the timeline to have him retire. He did throw a curve ball at me though with a goal getting a certain ongoing expense off our books before he retires. It's a pretty large goal-so motivation for down in the money category, essentially adding nearly a $25K additional financial goal to our already long list of spending priorities.
- I sorted through all my gift wrapping items to store in a more organized fashion and can officially say, I need to buy no wrapping paper, bows, ribbons or other miscellaneous for the next year! I also sorted gifts I have bought ahead to make sure I know what and for whom was purchased. This was both a good use of my time off, plus a money saver as I bought a whole lot of items over the years that might go to waste had I not taken the time to do a proper sort.
- I'm sad to say, we did have more waste than I was happy with this past week in the food department. I had to throw two peppers, onion, and strawberry's that went bad before I used. I made sure then to look at the rest of the produce and have a plan. I used broccoli in a hotdish, chicken legs were both a meal of their own, and then meat taken off for the same hotdish, and for chicken salad for lunch. I need to remember to dial way back on fresh produce when I do my big shop. I love Aldi, but that is their major flaw, at least for the one near me, the produce needs to b used within days of purchase.
- Speaking of both take out and lunch, DD2 and I both saved and ate the next day, 1/2 of our burrito bowl fixings. I order tortillas on the side and I ended up with two massive burritos, but not near the size they are when made as burritos-which then get soggy trying to save for later.
- I started up Microsoft Rewards again and am happy to say, with points already there and new trivia games, I already have another $5 Target card.
- DH's new computer was paid for with all but $27 of gift cards that he's had for years, earned through work promotions. These are the same group of cards that two years ago we purchased our bedroom and kitchen televisions with.
- In cleaning out a purse, I found both a Starbucks gift card and a Target card with a few dollars balance on each.
- When my new phone case arrived, I took the cards I kept in my old case out to transfer, and four postage stamps fell out the side. These are Forever stamps, so will still be good to use. We still use about 6 stamps a month.
Overall, it was not a frugal week financially, but neither did we break the bank with little spurges here and there. DH still has eight days of vacation before the end of the year, and I still have seven weeks already banked, and accrue over two days a month. My second week was more to burn up carry over hours. I will be turning on Adsense-thank you all that made comments that it wouldn't bother you. I'll watch to see if it gets too unyielding though. I am trying to think of other ways to have a little passive income and since I like my morning blog routine, that seemed about as passive as it gets! Feel free to share your side hustles and any links that help you that might help me and others reading.
You inspired me to try Microsoft Rewards again, and now I'm just a few points away from a $5 gift card. I don't mind it either.
ReplyDeleteYour week sounds like a good combo of fun & vacation splurges, while still watching your spending. Always a good blend!
The Microsoft rewards is a simple way to get a bit of fun money.
DeleteI also don’t mind if you turn on Adsense. I don’t feel like i even really noticed it before lol. What’s Microsoft rewards? I do all the money apps that everyone else seems to do, Ibotta, checkout 51, fetch, swagbucks, coupons.com, ReceiptPal, Shopkick and Pinecone Surveys. I’m trying to put even more effort into those of late. I won two $10 gift cards in a work contest last week. I didn’t do a real shop this week since we were watching the path of Fred. When storms come in thru the Gulf they usually curve right into Western PA and he was no exception. Better to have a little less on hand just in case. We have flooded before and that’s no fun. Getting my free birthday burrito today. Got a good deal on underwear for hubby and I-bogo, 25% off and free shipping. Trying to stretch out days between washing clothes. Just small wins around here like always. JoAnn
ReplyDeleteGoogle it or go to Bing. It's a daily quiz search feature and 6500 points earns rewards. Free burrito is a win.
DeleteI don't mind Adsense. I can ignore it.
ReplyDeleteFrugality has been elusive here, and it really gets me down. DH took youngest on a brief road trip last week to the Oregon coast which had all the associated expenses, and DD has been fast and loose with the meals out after work. (I do something you may not approve of: If a kid banks ALL his paycheck, ALL, not half, not some, ALL while they are in college, we provide them with a credit card for their spending money--textbooks, gas for their car, odd meal with friends, the rare shopping excursion. Well, DD was a bit TOO enamored with the card for the first few weeks to the point that she herself was even a bit taken aback when my husband printed out the statement with her charges highlighted.)
The house construction is coming along. Those expenses we look at as an investment, though, as we will sell our other properties. Our tenants were supposed to be out by the end of July, but asked to renegotiate, and we agreed.
Funny you should mention wrapping paper. I have a passion for Christmas wrapping paper/wrapping Christmas gifts. I don't think I could live long enough to use all the paper I have found on clearance. My kids share this passion too, with eldest even contributing a few 90% off rolls he stumbled across in his travels through supermarkets looking for kombucha A few weeks ago eldest and DH were at a neighbor's garage sale, (estate sale, really, as it was parents of other neighbors who had passed away) where there was a "free" bin of wrapping paper. Yep, eldest came home holding a pristine, unopened roll of gorgeous Christmas wrapping paper over his shoulder. While there, they also bought a beautiful, solid wood, full size headboard, footboard and rails for $2.50. DH, ever the optimist, said that he figured eventually these damn kids will find their own places, and when they do, this would be useful. In the meantime, it could live in our garage. He also bought a lovely, solid oak secretary style desk for $20.00, same thought process. Oh, yeah, and while I was finding a home for the wrapping paper (my bins cannot fit one more roll) he came in with a nice, finished on the backside as well as front, solid wood, 6 drawer desk which he bought for $120.00--I almost gasped at the cost, but I must admit I do like the drawer space, and, well, they don't make stuff like that anymore. My old (somewhat ugly, I must admit) desk went into the garage along with the bed and secretary, and now serves as eldest's work table. I told DH he shouldn't even think about getting me a Christmas gift after that expense. So, yeah, frugality has been QUITE elusive.
That's a whole lot going on there, Meg. I'd not presume to suggest what others should do to promote fiscal literacy with kids. The excitement of the cc will die down.
DeleteHello Sam, I am always throwing out celery because I think I am going to cook with it or slice, parboil and freeze it. But usually I wait too long--at least here I can add it to the municipal compost collection. I sometimes joke that I should save time and throw the fresh celery right into the compost bin. Perhaps your post today will inspire me to use properly the celery I just bought.
ReplyDelete--Jim
I had freebie celery and yes, some will go bad. Our compost pile should be well fed.
DeleteI’m glad you’ve enjoyed your staycation, Sam. Adsense would not bother me on your blog at all. You know I do Microsoft Rewards too. Every little bit helps.
ReplyDeleteI learned about MS rewards from your blog. It's a nice little bonus.
DeleteI only buy wrapping paper when it a quarter. Okay, I did buy a beautiful roll for half price. Yard sales are wonderful places for unopened rolls. But, I may have enough for the rest of my life even though I limit my stash to one skinny box.
ReplyDeleteYour vacation seems to have covered many aspects of life, frugality and fun. Finding unused cards makes me very happy!
I don't do much yard saling- maybe once retired but I would appreciate 25¢ paper.
DeleteSounds like a fun vacation, and I'm glad that you have had a few splurges esp after this past year. Enjoy the rest of your vacation, and I hope your daughter has a good year at college.
ReplyDeleteWhat a cruddy year, but we all need to find the good where we can.
DeleteAwesome article guys :)
ReplyDeleteSometimes if I find a pepper is going soft I cut that bit away and then chop and freeze the remainder of it. Sometimes I forget and on the compost heap it goes! Arilx
ReplyDeleteI should have done that, but once it doesn't smell right, to the bin it goes.
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