Thrifty Thursday-Following Up on Monday

     

     Monday I write about trying to save more cash to help get us through the economic downturn that's causing our retirement funds to go south. I really need to think before all purchases, but not to the point that needs aren't being taken care of. I also am thinking, don't I always, needs verse wants, verse quality of life purchases. No treats, no smiles, makes working so many hours feel so confining. Within this three legged stool is where I am trying to land. 

     Good quality food, not cheap processed stuff, but made from scratch in  efficient manners to conserve money. Looking over my work clothes, and then looking at what's available in stores to purchase, has me putting new work clothes at the bottom of my priorities. However, a hooded, quilted medium weight jacket, to use this fall and again next spring, or on mild winter days, was determined worthy of buying. I will spend a lot of time outdoors walking dogs. The options I have require odd layers, or not very walkable wools, or are just too warm. It was worth the splurge. 

     Using this lens, here's my list of what I say passed for thrift the last week. 

• Used a 30% off coupon for my puffer jacket, new underwear and socks for DH, and socks for me at Kohl's. I bought men's smallish size ankle socks for me as  they both wear better than women's, and were cheaper per pair. We used but one get second 1/2 off. 
• Earned $20 in Kohl's cash that I'll use towards Docker style pants for DH. They didn't have any his size in store, but I can order for free ship to store. 
• Bought a large whole chicken for under $8. I roasted yesterday to eat with potatoes, but also made broth for soup, plus deboned enough for at least two more meals with leftovers. Lori's white bean chicken chili is calling to me as is Tpols chicken pot pie! The pot pie ingredients are ready to go. 
• Uploaded receipts to Fetch.
• Bought a second hand dog food puzzler, but it won't come until Sunday. It still qualified for free shipping, but saved 25%
• Butcher shop bones, uncooked, thawed, are a lifeline to prevent chewing on things the dog shouldn't. He has a limited time with them per professional guidance, but I m not ashamed to say I look forward to bone time! 
• I renewed my Sam's Club membership. We determined the overall savings was worth it. There's a few expensive items, DH's vitamins, my allergy meds, dish washer tablets, and other things like that I've priced out from stores save between $7 and $18 for the year per item. My daughter's card, who got my second, was renewed too. She does really well on produce, sometimes half as much on frozen fruit and vegetables. 

     I'm filling up before I hit the road with gas in town where it's cheaper by far, plus using a coupon. I do have a coupon if I need to top off on route. I've got my own water bottle, sandwich, and snacks for the 2 1/2 hour drive each way. I've done well not eating fast food, so this is both healthier and thrifty. What wins did you have this week? Are you making concrete decisions to not buy things?