I have to give DH applause. He did really well not rogue shopping this week. He's grabbed a bit for lunch, but mostly at Kwik Trip where at least he's getting a banana with whatever hot food he grabbed. ( I cringe if I think about what he eats some days, but then I'm the one with the weight issue.) Pup needed dry dog food and we needed juice for him, but there weren't any of his "deals" this time. My daughter went to Sam's and Aldi and texted for me to give her my list. That filled a few holes without DH or I wandering and buying things we don't need. No stores, no mindless tossing into the cart. Overall, not much savings, but not much spending either so winner thrift week. Here's a couple highlights.
- DH was flustered at how much our house insurance went up considering we've not had a claim in forever. Of course it's due to the cost of building supplies going up, but the percent has been each year for multiple years. Not sure what we'll hear back, but he started the process to have the insurance guy look at all details. We've been good customers so I think he'll find us some relief.
- As I wrote Monday, paid tuition in full so avoided any fees.
- Saved time and gas, thanks to our daughter, by her getting the things we needed when she stopped.
- Used an Applebee's gift card for Sunday game food. I was perplexed that the bonus card didn't have a pin so couldn't be used online. We need to use by 2/28/22, so plenty of time for an easy dinner out. There's $23 balance on the gift card too. Yielded Monday lunch leftovers.
- Used my down time to sleep, but also do some surfing for tidbits to add to blog. I felt productive rather than just like a sloth.
- Used social media for good to salvage bland soup. Now I have a new trick if adding some acid. My soup was a steal at $3.75 for likely 6-10 servings, depending on size (10 cups). I feel for you that have people that don't like soup. I can't find anything so delicious for so little money. I ate same night, froze two containers of at least 2 servings, and sent same with DD1.
- Followed menu plan so far, and it does seem to be working. I'm using things that need using up and should have a low spend (for us) grocery month. I did switch and use macaroni instead of rice in last night's hotdish as DH is less a rice eater than me and will have Tuesday's rice as part of Fridays leftover night.
- I did do some shopping though. DH really needs new underwear. Kohl's had their Croft and Barrow Hanes dupes on clearance for $13.50, but I had both $10 in Kohl's cash expiring on Monday, 1/17 + email for 30% off. I got free shipping as well, resulting in 12 pairs coming later in the week for under $12. Fingers crossed he won't care about off brand but for those savings, he shouldn't.
Despite being "isolated" loosely, the week went fast. I could have been more productive and used my time better, but I figured best not to tempt fate or my fortune at not being really sick from Covid, by being overly active. I avoided taxing the health care providers and that's a good thing. How are you saving money this week? Have you done any online bundling to maximize buying for a need?
I have bought very little this week. We did go to Costco to grab nuts, Conecuh sausage, Turbo Tax, and Keto ice cream bars. (TheHub eats one of those every night. We buy 2 or 3 boxes at a time because I hate going to Costco) and we had one recreational trip to the grocery store to satisfy TheHub. Since he did not go to the store one day on his way home in about two weeks I was happy with indulging him. It is kind of funny to see what he thinks is a "need".
ReplyDeleteOther than that we needed nothing this week.
The only want I have is for this pandemic to be over.
"The only want I have is for this pandemic to be over" - amen, Sister!
DeleteDon't we all! I think our next trip to Sam's Club, DH will be like a kid in a candy store, though my daughter did pick him up his little cans of pineapple juice.
DeleteOur homeowners insurance went up drastically this year - double whammy of cost of building & fire risk. We've never had a claim, so it was really disheartening to see the rise. That's without thinking about our auto insurance & how we have two teens that will soon be added to our policies. *shivers*
ReplyDeleteYour Applebees call out reminded me that I have two PF Changs gift cards that need to be used, but similarly, I believe you have to call to order & can place it online. I should remember to use that. We have some busy weeks ahead.
For us, we've been eating out of the freezer, post long weekend ski trip. It's worked well & helped to get the freezer down to a more manageable level.
I know that building process and the national fires and other disasters spread the costs to everyone. It's just hard seeing 10-15 increase every year for four years. Make sure to request every possible discount-good grades, low # of miles driving etc. for your teens.
DeleteI've just gone absolutely mad and bought two tickets for the museum of Roman Britain treasures (a grand total of £12). I've not been since I was a Latin student in the 1980s. That's my only personal spend this week. xxx
ReplyDeleteYou're a big spending! The exhibit sounds fascinating-that period in history I think is just not known to people in the US. Quite frankly, it was a Doctor Who movie and then the Clive Owen Arthur movie that got me to look into the Roman British history.
DeleteI bought a new pair of trainers in the sale, but they're only for work so will be put through the books as an expense and I treated myself to a £4.50 skirt from the charity shop. Arilx
ReplyDeleteI'm holding off any clothes buying, even second hand, until spring and hopefully, in a lower size. I do need new tennis shoes as well (not actually for tennis). I want a replacement for the style I have now, but I've only seen them online and refuse to spend that much for them so trying to researhc an alternative.
DeleteThanks for your comment on my return to Blogland Sam. Here in England most poeple I know have got out of the habit of shopping so much, it's all charity shops and recycled stuff including with me, even at Christmas. I don't know if that is just me and the people I know! I'm using my freezer more and having quite a bit of fun making creative recipes. And yes, soup, soup and more soup. It can be bland so I often grate a little fresh ginger root in before cooking, it adds a great flavour, not really that spicy. And we get something here called Bouillon powder that is made from concentrated veggies and that saves many a bland and boring soup!
ReplyDeleteFunny, when my daughter and I went to the Mall of America (my first time in three years and likely won't go for another three), we saw hardly any shopping bags compared to the number of people. We also have bullion-I just didn't have any in the house, plus as I had Covid, couldn't go anywhere and my husband would have been so confused what I was looking for.
DeleteOur homeowners is so high and goes up every year, because of the wildfires in the area. We all have to pay even though there are no trees even near us. It is very frustrating. I am glad you slept and took it easy with covid. I just cannot believe with as careful as you have been, that you got it. It makes me all the more determined to be safer.
ReplyDeleteI guess that is how insurance works-we all share in the cost, but the amount seems so much. Now multiply X all of us with no claims, I don't think the insurance companies are hurting.
DeleteWe had a planned power outage this week due to tree trimming; does that count as saving money? :D I also managed to find three-ish pounds of Brussels sprouts marked down, along with three pounds of mushrooms- both of which we love and which have gone up in price so much that we don't get to enjoy them as often, but they were on the discount produce rack, so I snapped them up! I was really excited about that!
ReplyDeleteIf it saved pennies it is thrifty! We just never get discounts in our stores here like it seems they do in the UK or other parts of the US. I love mushrooms as well. I should have asked my daughter to get at Sam's- best prices!
DeleteI bought a pack of six panties and floor protectors so the furniture can be moved without too much trouble and ripping the carpet. I won't be using them, but someone else will, and it's not Tommy.
ReplyDeleteTommy said his homeowner's went up about 10%, but he said he heard people complaining about 30% and 35%.
We mostly bought fruit this week. There was only one box of Reynold's wrap left on the shelf that was not heavy duty and wide and not non-stick.
It is cold here, in the 30s. That is cold to me, too cold! Thankfully, it will be near 60F next week.
If it is colder than you are used to, its all relative. We had 30 degrees and people were treating it like the tropics.
DeleteIt sounds like you've made a good recovery.
ReplyDeleteI haven't been out shopping this week at all, though I suspect I'll pick up a few groceries sometime in the next few days. I did, however, hire a contractor to finish the portion of the unfinished basement so I guess, technically, I spent a lot. I just won't be paying for it immediately. :)
I won't need to again for a while. We needed dog food so I gave DH a list and nw we are topped off for at least another week. We are starting to think about bids for the bathroom and new patio/deck removal. I don't want either to go too late into the nice months as I wan tto enjoy.
DeleteI ordered my groceries online. They deliver to my door. This saves me gas, time and I stick to my list avoiding temptation. Besides it is easier to spot discounts and take advantage.
ReplyDeleteI really should do grocery delivery, but then that is the only amusement I get some weeks. I do dislike shopping though.
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