I try to make the best use of my time, resources, and money to try and live a good life on a non endless budget. This is my view of being thrifty and it can be challenging. Many things beg for our money and time, and sometimes making the resourceful choice costs precious time or money. I summarize on Thursdays as I keep looking for balance.
Time
- I had a lovely day out with my daughter on Saturday, and while we splurged for lunch and coffee, the time together was priceless.
- Spent time helping my daughter get all her laundry done, and will no doubt do another load or two so she goes back on Sunday morning with clean clothes.
- Used time off I've accumulated to be with my daughter at the surgery plus stay with her to make sure she had what she needs. Her sister stayed over with her.
- More garbage pick up when walking pup and then separated recyclables
- DD2 used the library for some entertainment - more books to read at home.
- Took my own coffee in an insulated cup.
Money
- DH really wanted a burger, and I didn't really have any leftovers yet, so he used a coupon to buy us a BK burger last Thursday. Not perfect, but I had a very full work day and he was getting outdoor stuff done and progress over perfection worked for us this day.
- I hit another $5 Target gift card with MS Rewards.
- Had $2 Walgreens dollars to put towards DD1's meds after her procedure.
- I earned a $70 credit towards our family's annual health deductible through the wellness challenges through work.
- Used a coupon to get DD1 a vegan pizza from Papa Murphy's for her "last meal" request before her surgery.
- Ordered the two student comp tickets for DD2's on campus concert in December.
I think trying to live off just one income for a year or two would give you a good idea of exactly where you stand finance-wise (although I'm sure you already know). It could be eye-opening and since you like challenges ....
ReplyDeleteI'll be working some numbers and making some proposals to hubs about a few of our ongoing expenses.
DeleteWhat was the surgery/procedure she had? BK Whoppers hit the spot. One of those with no fry or Coke fill me up all day long! Stopping to cook takes productivity out of a day for me, especially since I don't start each day with a full tank, anyway. That is why cooking more than enough for a meal is my favorite way to cook.
ReplyDeleteI prefer eating leftovers, but BK is so close and we pretty muchonly get if we have a coupon anyway. The regular Whoppers are huge-I prefer the size of the jr.
DeleteWe only get the Whopper, jr, but last time we got a full sandwich instead.
DeleteI’m spending my one day off this week home and cleaning. Stopping for a quick coffee break and then forging on. Made dinners at home and took sandwiches for lunch. I love Burger King burgers, they are my favorite fast food other than Chick-fil-A. I kept groceries to about $65 this week but splurged in a super soft and pretty sweater. IF you call $14.99 a splurge, I kinda do but it was name brand and I liked it ;) Got a free pumpkin spice latte with oat milk at Starbucks. Sometimes I put dates other than my actual birthday down to spread out the birthday freebies from companies. Starbucks-I use my son’s birthday, a yearly reward for having an almost 9 lb baby lol. Not so much frugal as it is a joy, but got a nice employee appreciation gift from my boss. Bottle of wine, candle, cup, lotion, Christmas ornament and target gift card. We all admit that it was a rough start but we have definitely grown on each other and are a solid team now. We all chipped in to get her a gift as well. Haven’t had any other spending this week but Hubby’s birthday is Saturday so we’ll probably get something yummy for takeout to celebrate. I’m not buying him a gift, just a .50 card and some of his favorite candy. I did buy him a kayak over the summer (he purchased, but I encouraged so I’ll claim it!). No big shakes either way for us this week. Just more of the same. Hope you daughter is healing nicely! JoAnn
ReplyDeleteI think my week off will be a productive week and not so much fun. I'll mentally feel better using time off to clean, so I get what you say about using your day off to clean. The appreciation gift was nice of your boss-if they aren't in a position to do cash bonus (always better0 at least something that will be used and a treat is good. Your husbands kayak sounds like my husbands boat-gifts for a while! Though I made him blueberry pie and Nothing Bundt, plus got him candy as well. We think alike!
DeleteWell wishes for your daughter. It is hard to believe but all those little sacrifices do add up. I am proof of that.
ReplyDeleteI think so too. I didn't feel so guilty spending a bit on our lunch Saturday since I'm frugal most of the time when she is not home. I'll treat her with homemade stuff to take back to school-frugal and well apreciated.
DeleteI've had to stop doing weekly grocery shops due to their delivery being cancelled, so I've been doing smaller (to carry home) shops more frequently only for things I really need. So far, it feels like I'm spending more, even though I'm sticking to a list, but I did buy a lot of food for our party last weekend. I love your thriftiness, Sam.
ReplyDeleteI'd be very limited if I had to carry all-would probably have to have one of those pull cart things. November is going to be a belt tightener until Thanksgiving week.
DeleteHope your daughter is feeling better! We've had a few small wins, amongst some big splurges with our travel. I also took my parents out to lunch to thank them for their help last week. It was a lovely time together.
ReplyDeleteI'm still picking garden produce, which is a nice treat, and we finally have ripe pomegranates! I'm most excited about this win. I sold a hoodie on eBay, and continue to trim the kids clothing, giving things away & ordering new items. They really are growing daily, it seems like.
I added a small item to a Target order, to qualify for free shipping. I ended up really liking the item (underwear), so it's a bonus win, as it was cheaper than the shipping, & I've found an inexpensive option I like.
My daughter has been managing the pain well, but says she feels "weird" so I think that is just being on meds she normally does not. I love tha tyou are still getting garden produce. I really should force myself to learn how to do at least a small garden.
DeleteI love this thrifty Thursday theme and I hope your daughter is feeling better too!
ReplyDeleteShe is-long road until step two of her implants. Thaks for reading and leaving a comment.
DeleteSounds like you spend some lovely time with your daughter. Also great work on the little saves. They really do add up! I think trying to live off one income for a more comfortable retirement is a fantastic idea!
ReplyDeleteCorinne x
It would be good to defer drawing down on his retirement fund for a few years so that when I retire, we'll not need to take as much of mine. I'll be eligible for a full pension if I wait until I am 66 rahter than start taking at 62 when I stop working.
Deletedo DHH and DD1 have spats about meals/meat?
ReplyDeleteHappy 31st birthday to your daughter, Sam.
ReplyDelete