Five Frugal Things (In which I still wear a watch.)
You know something funny? I started doing Five Frugal Things because I thought, oh, that'll be a quick and short post idea. And when The NonConsumer Advocate does 'em, they ARE short.
But I always seem to end up having a lot to say. Over 750 words are about to come right at ya.
1. I got a new watch battery for free.
I have a watch. I know this is vaguely old-fashioned of me, especially now that I have a smart phone.
But.
I do not always have my smart phone with me, whereas I do always have my wrist with me.
So I still feel that wristwatches are pretty handy.
(Handy? Wristy?)
Mine is a 14 year old Citizen watch, and I've had to get a couple of repairs done to it, but the repairs are always cheaper than a new watch of similar quality.
Some years back, when the battery wore out, I went to Kay jewelers to get a new battery, and they sold me this $12 lifetime warranty, which means I get free battery replacement for as long as I own the watch.
I'm not really sure how they make money on this, unless it's because people don't keep their watches for long.
I was maybe not the average customer they had in mind. 😉
I've gotten several free batteries already, and I probably will get several more before my watch completely gives up the ghost.
2. I blended up chipotle peppers.
You know how chipotle peppers come in a small can, but you still never use them all up at once because they are SO HOT?
(Incidentally, in an episode of Worst Cooks in America, a contestant blended up a whole can and put them in a sauce. That made me laugh so hard.)
Anyway, I've been freezing them for future use, but an astute reader pointed out that I could just blend them and store 'em in the fridge, because they keep forever.
Done.
And now when I need to use them, they're already pre-chopped/diced/pureed, which is perfect.
3. I noticed a medical bill error.
One of my kiddos had to have a sleep study (I seem to have passed down my large tonsils. Boo.), and we got a bill for $1800.
(!)
Fortunately, I was expecting a rather large bill because we have a high-deductible plan and it's early in the year, so for a while, everything's out of pocket.
(This is why I am still fairly cheerful even after receiving the bill. Appropriate expectations help a lot.)
BUT.
I noticed that the bill mentioned something about "if you have insurance" so I called, and it turns out, something got lost along the way and they hadn't billed insurance.
I am super glad I called because if I hadn't, I'd have paid the bill and it wouldn't have even counted toward our deductible.
I'm hoping that the bill will be a bit less once it's processed because I think there's an in-network discount. But at the very least, our deductible will be almost satisfied for the year.
And we do have some money put into an HSA every month, so that'll help a bit too.
PSA: It is very worth it to know your medical plan and to check every bill you get. I've caught loads of errors over the years and saved hundreds of dollars by doing so.
PSA II: If you have the money available, it's smart to pay a large medical bill all at once. Oftentimes there is a discount (10% or so) for paying in one lump sum. When I get the reprocessed bill back, that's what I'm planning to do.
4. I got a discount + cashback on a birthday present.
It's birthday season at my house (Mr. FG and all three girls have birthdays within a 6-week span), so I've been busy getting presents.
I signed up for an email list to get 20% off of one purchase (which shall remain secret because people in my house read my blog!), and I also remembered to shop through Upromise, which got me 9% cash back.
Not too shabby, I say. Not too shabby.
5. Miscellaneous frugality
I....baked three loaves of whole wheat bread, made a smoothie for breakfast, cooked dinner at home, wore Goodwill jeans and a clearance shirt, washed laundry in cold water (and then dried it in my drier, because I hate line-drying), used a coupon for a free pair of undies, and mailed back some clothes I ordered and didn't like.
(It is totally not frugal to keep clothes you don't love. And the return shipping was free anyway. Yay!)
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How about you? Want to take a turn? Leave your own Five Frugal Things in the comments!
I found a bag of cranberries in the produce drawer that had been there since Christmas (!) Some were a bit squishy, but I was surprised to find that most were still good. I picked them over and made up two loaves of cranberry nut bread, which lasted about two days...
Found some books that I was interested in on openlibrary.org and dowloaded Aldiko book reader onto my phone so I can read them on the go.
Bought a shirt for my daughter at the local thrift store.
Used a bunch of coupons printed from coupons.com to save money on things I had to buy anyway when I went shopping.
And just as you said in the blog entry, I paid my part of a lab bill from the hospital right away to get the 10% discount.
Wow, that's amazing about the cranberries. Yay!
Nice saves girls!
Did you also know that if you know you are coming up on a surgery...Even if it is little like tonsils or a D&C... If you talk a day or two before surgery with the Director of Billings at the Hospital of the surgery, they WILL reduce your bill! I had about $600 chopped off! I told them I have insurance but it doesn't cover it all.... And they usually are very nice 😉 Sorry about the mistakes the medical field does...so important to reread... I will remember this tip. ty
A great list you have! I wonder if Kay still has that deal. I bought a new watch bc I wanted a new style and tired of paying $12 for a new battery for my 15+ year old watch. New watch was only $18. Always check med bills before paying. Sometimes it takes 6 months or more for final processing. I didn't know that about the peppers-good idea! And I'm making bread today, too.
My watch was initially a $100+ watch, so it did make sense to buy batteries for it. But it makes even more sense now that I don't have to pay for any batteries!
that is awesome!
Is it old-fashioned to wear a wristwatch?
It's honestly never occurred to me not to! I'd be lost without it, despite the time being right there on my phone/laptop/etc
Well, all of the younger generations seem to not be wearing watches at all. They all have phones or other devices that they use for keeping track of time!
Or they just have no track of time. My 18 year old son, who does have a phone with clock, doesn't seem to ever have a clue or care what time it is. He used to wear a watch, but many bands seem to cause allergic reactions in him, and we haven't bought different watches enough to see which do and don't bother him.
I always think I'll never think of five things, but here goes:
1. Shopped at Aldi. Avoided a lot of extra spending at another store by simply not going.
2. Had lunch out with the kids and grandkids, and my dad picked up the whole tab ( not frugal for him, but saved me some $$ unexpectedly, ha)
3. My middle daughter has a new baby, a two year old and a four year old. The two year old isn't really past the stroller age yet, and at the mall we were carrying him to the playground area ( the newborn is in the stroller) and even though he's small, oy. (Had we been actually shopping, I would've rented one of the mall's strollers)The new stroller is a fancy Britax, that I got for a wonderful price online, brand new for her shower gift. Anyhoo, they have an attachment "standing board" for it, that goes right in front of mom as she pushes the stroller, for a toddler to ride along. They are $80 new, so I checked Ebay and saw one, lightly used, for $49 "or make an offer". I offered $40, it was accepted, and shipping was free.
3. Having a stir fry from pork chops in the freezer, instead of buying new meat, since I was stumped as to what to make for dinner. I'll cut them into thin strips. This also uses up two peppers, a yellow and an orange, that I had bought at Aldi when I only needed a red one from the three-pack.
4. Avoided the afore-mentioned shopping at the mall. We only went for the playground, and stuck to our resolve to NOT go shopping!
5. Made tomato-basil soup with basil from my herb garden that doesn't look too great, but was very tasty. When herbs are chopped up, who cares what they looked like, right? My recipe called for half and half, but I was out, so I used two percent milk instead of running to the store. I honestly noticed no difference, and it was healthier, too.
Look at you go! Five things!
Thought of one more!
6. My sister, who died two weeks ago, was a champion quilter. She attended so many quilt shows where she taught classes, etc. she made a small 16"x16" quilt that she attached commemorative pins to that she got at these shows. My mom wants to frame this in a shadow box frame and give it to my sister's son Travis, as a housewarming gift when he and his wife move into their brand new house this month. It must have been a long time since I had anything framed, because oh my gosh, I was shocked that Michael's wanted $230 to frame it! So I volunteered to do it, (the frame she bought has instructions with it.)
Sorry to hear about your sister, Sandy. I do a little quilting too and for her talents to be remembered and putting her pins on display is such a nice thing to do.
Thank you so much Sheryl
Oh, we go to the Mall for the fun and some food. The food is not too expensive there. The Chinese noodle/veggiess and chicken give a big box for like $7.00 that can be split for 2 adults 🙂 But yeah....we have fun! Or stop at the candy store for ONE thing, lol I wish I can post a picture of my 4 year old holding her giant round lollipop, the size of her face! hahaha
The mall playground is perfect for my grandchildren at their ages, 6,4,2,16 months, 10 months, and well, the newborn doesn't care yet! It's contained, with seating for moms and Grammies, although I may have actually been seated for about three minutes, lol.
I still wear one. Feel naked without it & i, too don't always have my phone right with me.
Another thing i do is when i get any class action lawsuit things in mail or email, i fill them out. Lately I've cashed in on 3 or 4 of them & made over $100 total. Every little bit helps & they only take a few seconds to do.
I also joined a few free garage sale sites on Facebook & have been selling items online that we no longer use & have been making a little money here or there. It all adds up!!
Brilliant on the chipotle peppers. I often don't finish a can because it gets all crusty nasty in the fridge, even with a cover on the can. Now, I will just open the can, blend the whole thing and put in a sealable container and store in the fridge! Plus, easier to use the each subsequent time.
I divide mine into one tablespoon 'dollaps,' roughly one chili per dollap, and freeze.
I do that exact thing with tomato paste. I fold a rectangle of foil, plop it in one- tablespoon amounts, and simply fold the foil over, and put in freezer. Freezes so flat it just takes up no space at all. When I need some, I unfold and pull one off the foil. I've reused that one piece of foil for about a year now, lol.
Nice -- double savings on the tin foil 🙂
1. I used leftover spaghetti squash in my chili beans. (Chopped it finely and no one noticed, plus squash or pumpkin gives the chili a nice sweet background and the kids don't even know.)
2. Made another dinner with things from my pantry and freezer that had been there way too long.
3. I needed to send my kids' birth certificates for an insurance claim and was happy to find out they accepted a copy and not just the originals. Each original costs us $12 (x 4 kids). Another time this happened, I was required to send the originals, but the insurance company happily returned them after I asked what would happen to them. Most people don't ask and they get shredded.
4. Wrote my hubby several love notes/prayers leading up to Valentines. These notes meant way more than something I could have bought. (We've been doing 14 days....love it!)
5. Washed in cold water and scrubbed a few stains to save some clothes.
Yes wash and scrub! Those shoes too! I have clothes that are from 2 girls! and now they will be going to my best friend...So practically worn 3 times! (3 girls) BUT look great (the washed OUT ones I toss especially around the knees (no point of keeping them when they will tear SOON! 😉 I cook with leftovers too 😉
Hey just want to start by wishing you a Very Happy and Blessed kinda New Year!
My top five: 1) Achem, reading thefrugalgirl for tips and ideas!
2) Grocery shop once a week (if I keep going in I always find things we need)
3) Thrift Shop FIRST, then Wal-Mart, etc (did I mention use a rewards card?!)
ps. I usually use the credit card only for grocery shopping and then by 2 months or so I would get FREE $200 worth of my choice to shop (online, gift cards, rack miles*) I LOVE using it in the summer, then when school starts, I can have around $250 for supplies and uniforms 🙂 happy happy joy joy! I need to start saving now though because $400 is much better since they need good shoes for gym....... I do buy thrifty shoes (very good) BUT I don't always find right away..
4) Eat out only every other week (if possible) (all 5 of us)
5) No paying babysitter (switch babysitting days with sister-in-law (friends)
Sorry my writing in English is never very good 🙂
It's only a house of two adults, so line-drying is not an issue for me. I don't think I'd be an enthusiast if I had more clothes to deal with. By the time the weather is good enough for clothes to hang outside, I hope my husband will have re-set our umbrella line (it fell over!). Right now though our clothes would just freeze to death if I tried.
Yes. Six people's worth of clothes, especially in the winter, is just awful to handle without a dryer. There are just so many more clothes in the winter!
Two questions--what is the first picture a photo of? It looks like a fancy ice bucket....but guessing that's not the case. And, are those the chipolte's in adobe sauce that you blended up--or some other type of chili peppers? Thanks. 🙂
Ha-it's the electric meter with ice hanging off of it. 😉
And yep, chipotles in adobo sauce. Love 'em!
I'll play today- long time reader, never comment-er.
1) We cloth diaper our 9 month old. But I have to wash them in hot water 😉
2) 80-90% of groceries are from Trader Joes. The other 10-20% from Costco- coffee, hummus, carrots, frozen veggies/fruit, eggs.
3) 90% of clothes & toys for the baby are consignment. I buy new toys when I see a great deal on the wooden ones or Melissa and Doug at Marshalls/TJ Maxx/Ross.
4) Today I've got all three of my crock pots out on the cupboard cooking beans (great northern, chick peas and black beans). Two of the crock pots were thrifted. Cooking beans from dried is at least 50% cheaper and less waste. I freeze them in mason jars for future use. We are vegetarian so basically beans = steak.
5) Later today I'll mop the floors with water and vinegar.
Woohoo! Love de-lurkers. 🙂
High five to another in the CD camp! It's literally one of the easiest chores revolving around being a father for me and yet everyone thinks I'm either being a miser or a crazy hippie. Whatever!
Good for all of you cloth diaper users. I read somewhere that form birth to potty training disposables cost $7000. Whereas cloth diapers $50. Even greater savings when used again by younger siblings. The trash produced by disposables is astronomical. Save the Earth use cloth diapers.
This was a very good article. Thank you very much.
Kay is making money because watch batteries literally cost them pennies. Checking eBay I can get a pack of ten sr626sw (a common size) for $0.71 including shipping from China. They make money on the assumption that once you come into the store you will want to buy something else. It's the same reason jewelry stores offer free cleanings on rings and things.
Faulty assumption for me personally, as a customer, but I'm sure it works out in the long run or they wouldn't do it! I'm just not the type to be remotely tempted by fancy jewelry.
I do stop in for free ring cleaning periodically, though. And I walk out with nothing but clean rings. 😉
I can't imagine fine jewelry being an impulse item, but that's just me. I'm not a jewelry girl.
Right? How do you walk into a jewelry store to get a battery and then accidentally buy a $300 necklace? I just can't imagine that happening often!
You are so funny sometimes - handy? wristy? I love it!
I just suddenly wondered about the origins of the word "handy". Did it come about because hands are always in close proximity?
The online etymology dictionary says this:
handy (adj.) Look up handy at Dictionary.com
c. 1300, "skilled with the hands" (implied in surnames), from hand (n.) + -y (2). Meaning "conveniently accessible" is from 1640s.
And I have just now learned that "handy" is slang for a mobile phone in Germany. Who knew??
I have learned more on your site today -- the chipotles, the reminders about CHECKING medical bills, and now, etymology! Who knew?!?
So, what you're saying is that Kay jewelers sells a few batteries (which costs them, idk maybe $1 each) for $12, and the buyer is guaranteed to visit the store once a year to be upsold on expensive jewelry? AND they get paid upfront for the batteries? Yeah, Kay definitely got the better part of that bargain 😛
I worked at a small town drugstore where we sold and installed watch batteries. Cost to us for the batteries was $0.47 each. We charged five times that because we were installing them the majority of the time. That was 15yrs ago, but I don't think costs in that area are increasing that much. So, yup. 24 batteries to break even on cost. But their time in replacing is worth more. Keep at 'em, Kristen!
Except that I'm not the type to be upsold on expensive jewelry. I go in with my watch and walk out 5 minutes later with only my watch. 😉
1) Taking advantage of a winter price cut on California State Parks, and will be spending the weekend RV'ing at the beach for $35 a night. Temps predicted to be in the 80's during our stay, yeah. 🙂
2) Doing a day-after Valentines dine out during above trip, using a $45 TravelZoo deal I purchased earlier in the year. The deal is for a three course meal for two at a romantic beachside French restaurant. It also includes one glass of wine each, so we are set, other than tip.
3) Took advantage of Sprout's bulk spices and bought 25 cents worth of garam masala, about one full tablespoon, to start experimenting with some new-to-me Indian recipes.
4) Leveraged loss leaders at two nearby supermarkets to replenish my supply of laundry detergent, toothpaste, TP, paper towels and dish soap. I'm convinced this is the way to go, vs a box store membership. The key is to pounce on these deals when they come up, and stock up, so you (I!) never need to run out and buy something at full price.
5) Did a quick internet search and located a 25% off promo code for a pair of summer event tickets we purchase each and every year. Thank you for the reminder to always do this Kristen!
Love the spice situation at Sprout's -- all those tiny bottles that lose potency before you use them -- never again!
I realized my outfit the other day was basically free. Besides an undershirt that I bought years ago for just a few dollars, my shirt, jeans and scarf were all given to me/ bought with free credit. Frugal for the win!
1. I had to move offices and I sold my old furniture so I would not have to move it down flights of stairs. I found all my chairs (four), end table and console table and pictures for just about 150.00 the cost of what I sold my old furniture for yeah!
2. cooked black beans in the crock pot
3. Actually used the kohl's 10 dollar reward to buy my husband some gold Toe socks only paid 7 dollar for a pack of 6.
4. Bought new vacuum at target that saved money(researched prices) and was able to purchase a 2 year warranty for only 9 dollars. The warranties have saved me a lot in the past..
5. Have to do a bridal shower at my house on Sat. I borrowed the chairs and made all of the food..and decorations..used free printable bridal shower activities. Giving her a gift I bought on clearance (Stand mixer)
6. I needed new jeans and bought them at a thrift shop on their 2 dollar tag day...
7. Bought wedding announcements printable cards at Office depot for 2 dollars each. I use them for thank you notes and I use them when I make cards as the base they are good quality for little money..
1. I made chicken and dumplings yesterday with some not-so-stellar homemade chicken stock (not sure what went wrong with that particular batch) instead of buying a box of stock. Surprisingly, it still ended up tasting good once all the chicken/veggies/spices were added.
2. I finished a twin size quilt I started about 7 years ago and then purchased new fabric using a gift card for my next project.
3. I bought 2 long sleeve shirts from goodwill that fit perfectly and are in great shape for myself. I rarely buy things for myself so this was a nice treat.
4. I made bread for sandwiches for the kids and my husband and I ate leftovers for lunch.
5. I shopped at the somewhat shady Aldi next to my son's school for milk and produce instead of driving to the other side of town to the Meijer.
Kudos to you for catching the medical billing mistake! My daughter has a lot of complex medical issues so we have two insurances for her (our private and a state Medicaid insurance for kids with special health issues) and coordinating the billing between all of them can be a nightmare. Its always beneficial to scrutinize a bill and make phone calls if needed. Also, be sure check your insurance's website to make sure they are applying your payments toward any deductible/coinsurance. You definitely want to make sure you get credit for that!
Also I wanted to add, I enjoy the comments on these type of posts almost as much as the post itself 🙂 Its always fun/inspiring to see what others are up to.
That's so true!
I haven't worn a watch in a few years. Now my mother has given me her old FitBit and it feels like a watch--I keep thinking I can look at it and see the time!
Here are some frugal things:
1. Filling crockpot before I go to work (don't get home until 6:45). And making cornbread to go with it!
2. Made a batch of microwave yogurt.
3. Rode my bike downtown for a meeting yesterday instead of using gas and paying to park.
4. Also washing clothes in cold water! I'm thinking, if homemade detergent only really works in warm water, how much does it save? Original Tide FTW.
5. Started preschoolers on allowance. If I get them started now with, say, buying their own Valentine's for school, hopefully they won't be ask-for-everything tweens and teens!
1) Made homemade split pea soup and had it for dinner for three nights.
2) Made yogurt
3) Bought a Cuisinart salad spinner (used a coupon at BB&B so total cost was $15). Read lots of reviews so I would make a good choice. My goal is to eat more salads and hopefully have better health -- a savings in the long run.
4) Got a tip from someone in line (at BB&B!) to go to Ocean State Job Lot for compressed air; he said it's the least expensive around. Made me realize I want to go there for some other items to see if I can save money.
5) Discovered my almost new hiking boots may not be waterproofed as advertised. Was very glad that I bought them at REI, where I have a year to return for any reason. They were expensive, and the money won't go down the drain.
So my tips are a little unconventional and are about not losing money, as well as saving money!
Ocean State Job Lot -- I love that place. I bought an entire box of disposable loaf pans there. I was out there on vacation and lucky for me, Southwest let you check in 2 bags for free. I know you're all thinking, "Wait, be, bought disposable loaf pans from Ocean State Job Lots while on vacation and carried them home." Yes I did. They really were cheaper there than at home, and since I could check them in for free, it really was cheaper. Yup, it sort give a different meaning to vacation souvenirs.
And yes, I realize the disposable part isn't very frugal, but I use them at Christmas time to bake quick breads to give as gifts. The convenience factor during mass baking time is worth it, and I think of it as part of the packaging cost.
Now that I've joined the 5 frugal things conversation, I hope I have 5 to post, so we'll see how far I get.
1. I've lost some weight and 2 nights ago tried on an old pair of jeans that I can now fit into! I'm hopeful I'll be able to fit into more clothes -- so I'm saving on my clothes budget.
2. Going to car pool to a family bday party. And as an extra bonus to not just saving money -- I won't have to drive the entire time.
3. My mail carrier bent my mailbox door so it was almost impossible to open. Initially I thought I would have to get a new one, but the metal is pliable enough I was able to bend it back all by myself! Yes, good as new and opens with no problem.
4. Currently eating leftovers from a work paid for lunch. One of the people ordered a dish and shared it with everyone sort of family style When the lunch was finished, I boxed up my left over lunch and boxed up hers, too. Gave it to her but she said she didn't really want it, so I just kept it and ate it.
5. Have to take a hostess gift and decided to make oatmeal cookies. The hostess likes the ones I make. I had to buy the butter, but I had everything else. So I'm using up what I have.
Whew, I made it to 5.
I still wear a wrist watch too! Although mine is a plain old Timex. But I am one of those people that does not have my phone constantly in my face. I look at a 2 or 3 times a day usually.
It cracked me up when I admired the wrist watch of a coworker and she told me it doesn't even work - she just uses it as a fashion accessory!
Nothing spectacular about my frugalness this week -
1. Have made no extra trips this, thus saving on gas and the temptation to buy things I don't need.
2. I have been sticking to my meal plan and packing my lunch every day. Last week was a frugal fail in this department so I have been on my best behavior this week.
3. Read books borrowed from the library and from friends.
4. Bought a 99 cent Stephen King book on the Kindle Daily Deal using a $1 credit I had for choosing a longer shipping speed on something I previously bought on Amazon.
5. We have had such nice weather this week I have spent my lunch hours walking in a nearby park instead of running errands or hanging out in the bookstore (See #1)
1. Potty trained my 19 month old, no more diapers (cloth or disposable to deal with)
2. Hang dried my laundry (I use my clothes line by the wood stove all winter, very effective)
3. Bought oranges and when I got home I realized that even though I picked them out of the sale bin they rang up at 2.29 a pound. Kids with me at check out made me miss it there but I called the store and they are going to refund me.
4. Had the kids finger paint and then cut the art into hearts for homemade valentines for friends.
5. Husband and I enjoyed reading books from the library last night after the kids were in bed. Today they can be returned.
Let's see ... 5 things.
1.) We ignored the "sell by" date on some taco shells and guess what, they were still edible and tasted identical to new ones. Unless it's on baby formula, the date doesn't mean much.
2.) My wife and I were able to purchase a new used car (or a used new car if you prefer) that was in our budget. We paid in cash so no car payment (yay us!) It's a safe, reliable and well maintained vehicle which we hope will last us another 10 years.
3.) We've been eating a lot of leftovers for dinner. Tonight I may go to a company event just for the free food. It might also be good for me to get out since I don't do that much. Tomorrow we're most likely going to Bible study which is a pot luck affair so I get out of making an entire dinner. Plus I get socialization which again, is in short supply here.
4.) Did our taxes ourselves so we didn't have to pay someone else to do it. Since I didn't plan for my daughter in my W-4 last year (and never changed it) we overpaid so I'll be getting some money back. We're going to use it for savings and avoiding other debt.
5.) Umm ... I didn't watch the Super Bowl so I didn't have to watch a bunch of commercials for products I don't need.
1. Last night we had baked lemon pepper chicken tenders, fajita rice(boxed flavored rice I got for 50 cents), and crock pot lima beans. I sorta threw this meal together because I didn't feel good. I made the lima bean a few days ago and I felt like I would be the only one to eat them because no one else really likes them. To my surprise my whole family ate some and actually said they were good! For some reason the easiest meals they seem to love the most and the ones I slave over they hardly mention. I got the mecca of reduced bags of various beans a week ago so I have been working them into a lot of meals and so far my family hasn't objected.
2. Returning my book to the library to avoid overdue fees. I have had it so long I should probably just buy it. It's the The Complete Tightwad Gazette which is really only second to the Bible.
3.I am continuing to avoid a haircut. My daughter just started cosmetology school so I will let her give me trim this weekend in exchange for some good company and a nice home cooked meal.
4.My kids are so excited about Valentines Day and all holidays really. I plan to make heart shaped pink tinted pancakes and use Kristen's syrup recipe with my frozen peaches. I am also throwing some apple pieces in the batter because are getting too soft to eat whole.
5.I just remembered that my youngest daughter has a bright red, sparkly,semi dressy outfit that she wore at Christmas.I think it will do perfect for a Valentine's Day outfit to get more use out of it. It's not really one she can get away with for every day wear.
Great post. Yes, check those medical bills -- I had a simple outpatient procedure and received a bill for $3000 -- my dad had just had his hip replaced plus a week's stay in the hospital for $10,000, so I knew my bill was over the top. This was many years ago, and $3000 for a simple "hole punch" procedure was outrageous. I not only called the hospital and got the business manager on the phone, I called my insurance company, because they had paid their portion of it already, leaving me about $600 to pay. The hospital finally admitted to me that they had made an error and I was told not to pay anything until they worked it out. I ended up not paying a dime -- my insurance company covered all of the corrected bill, since I had caught it and saved them a good bit of money. It may never happen again, but it was sweet.
OMG! THANK YOU for #2! I have bought them several times and thrown them AWAY after using 1/2 a pepper. I will definitely be doing this next time.
Do you know what the measurement equates to? (one tsp = one whole pepper) for example?
I'm not sure. My recipes usually call for something like a tablespoon of minced chipotle, so this is working fine for me.
I'd venture to guess each chili is about a tablespoon?
Seconding the skip the Super Bowl comment... For four hours every February, I have basically the entire country all to myself!
Here's what I did instead:
1. Vacuum-sealed a Costco pack of pork chops, 2 at a time, and froze them.
2. Made two batches of turkey bone stock from the frozen thanksgiving turkey carcasses.
3. Used some stock to make a big pot of turkey bone gumbo for Mardi Gras, froze some stock and some gumbo for later.
4. Washed all the laundry on cold, hung some of the delicates to dry (our 2-person household hangs much more in the summer).
5. Read a book borrowed from a co-worker.
1. I nurse my baby. No formula = the most frugal thing I do these days. Plus it's healthier for both of us.
2. I went grocery shopping at Winco. (Near as I can tell, it's the NW version of Aldi. Never having been to an Aldi, I don't know, though.) For $96 I got a week's worth of food for 5 of us. (The baby doesn't count yet.)
3. I signed up for a knitting class. If you bought your supplies from the store offering the class, it's free; otherwise $20. For $26, we got the supplies so the class will be free. This is less expensive than getting cheaper supplies elsewhere and paying the fee, plus everything is higher quality. Yay!
4. I bought my two older kids Goodwill jeans instead of new.
5. With our neighbor's blessing, we use her garbage can instead of paying garbage service ourselves. This saves $20+ every month.
Breastfeeding has to be one of the biggest bargains out there!
Kristen, I work for the regional sleep specialist in my area, so I was thrilled to read that you guys went through with that sleep study for your child! Snoring is so often viewed as merely comical, when really it is almost always a big sign of trouble, in both adults and children. And way to catch the billing error! That always feels so good to have a second chance on the amount.
I still wear watches, I don't want to pull my phone out of my purse or pocket every time I want to check the time, plus, in some situations that is too obvious (meetings, church, etc.). I have a lot of watches and I invested in a watch repair kit and batteries from Amazon, as around here it is about $10 to have a battery replaced. I have successfully changed some batteries, but on some of my watches I couldn't get the back off, and on a couple I discovered the batteries were a larger size than what I bought. I also messed up the hands on one watch trying to tap the back on and had to spend more to have it fixed. So $12 for free batteries for pre s a big bargain!!!!
As for frugal things I've done:
1) packed my husbands lunch for work.
2) cleaned my brother in law's house (he lives next door, single dad), he pays me $100.
3) used Ibotta, Wal-Mart savings catcher, Favado and Receipt Pal apps for savings/earnings on shopping.
4) took a load of clothes to consignment shop.
5) patched a pair of my son's jeans, sewed a button on hubbie's shirt, and altered a pair of nice thrift store jeans for myself. I have also started laundering and ironing m husband's work shirts again to save money for vacation.
Have a great day!!!
Wanted to de-lurk for a moment to say that I, too, wear a watch most days. I work in academia and have to look fairly put together most days, which for me means skirts and dresses. So...no pockets for my phone! Plus, a watch just sort of completes a look, I think.
Also, I have to say that I just read your whole not-line-drying article AND comments and wow is that issue divisive! Never understood why you would want to line dry, myself. Clothes are stiff, smell funny, and can get bleached out over time. Give me a cold washing setting and either my bathroom towel rack or my dryer any day!
It definitely is a polarizing kind of issue, much moreso than a lot of other frugal choices.
The line drying debate is a funny one, here in Ireland when the weather is dry I love putting a line of washing out & drying them naturally. They are so fresh, I always finish them in the dryer.
1. On a use it up, wear it out, make do or do without month so literally have not bought a thing except groceries in Aldi. Have avoided all temptation by not going into town or near the shops.
2. Cleaned using old rags & vinegar & water in a spray container.
3. Had movie night at home Sat night instead of trip to cinema.
4. Bought second hand Maclaren stroller for my toddler, it's in great condition and was a third of the cost of a brand new one.
5. Booked a night away for us in a hotel beside the sea that I bought in a Jan sale- booked it for Mon night as Sun night- Valentines would be way more expensive
1. Made cornmeal pancakes since I had cornmeal (and all the other ingredients!) in the pantry already.
2. Dinner is in the crockpot.....no takeout! (Slow cooker Salisbury steaks with meat I got on sale, frozen mushrooms I've had in the freezer for a while and a few other very inexpensive ingredients already in the house!
3. I haven't turned on my TV all day for the almost 2 weeks I've been back at being a SAHM (those things are energy hogs!)
4. Had my daughter make a homemade sugar scrub for her friend as a birthday present with things we had already (coconut oil, organic cane sugar, essential oil, lemon juice, the Ball jar with lid.....even the cellophane gift bag and ribbon!
5. Taking advantage of a Moe's coupon for a BOGO free burrito that expires today. We will save them for tomorrow's dinner. We have to go out anyway for karate class and Moe's is right there!
Five Frugal Things!!!! So fun! 🙂
Hi Kristen,
My five frugal things this Friday are
I made silverbeet and feta parcels for dinner with home grown silverbeet
I hand watered the garden from our water tank
Picked another home grown pineapple
Made baked ricotta with home made ricotta
Shopped at China town where the prices are so much cheaper than the normal supermarkets.
This is the first time I have posted here I think, any way I love your blog big time. It's one of six I visit everyday. Have a great day
Fi
1. Got things I needed at Giant and have 80cents off a gallon for gas points
2. Wearing all Goodwill clothes
3. walked the dog for 1 hr this morning wearing a brand new Nike sport shirt that I paid $4.00 for at Goodwill
4. Having leftover roasted chicken that I got $2.00 off from Aldis
5.Used a few coupons at CVS for Cheap TP
1. Bought a new box of dryer sheets on sale and cut them in half to double the quantity.
2. Took advantage of grocery shopping on the first Wednesday of the month to get the 10% senior discount.
3. Poured leftover beef broth into an ice cube tray to save for future use.
4. Took a utility usage customer survey and received two free light bulbs.
5. Went to the PGA golf tournament on Tuesday because I had the day off work and it’s free to watch their practice rounds.
I'm a watch person too, but I'm way too cheap to pay someone to change the batteries for me. I usually just pick one up at the grocery store for a dollar or so and do it myself. I have a cheap watch that I bought ages ago for about $5. My problem is that the bands always fall apart - but recently I found virtually indestructible nylon replacement bands for about a dollar on eBay. At this point the paint is wearing off of my $5 watch, but hey... the distressed look is "in" isn't it? 🙂
I'm trying to be more frugal and having mixed results. But practice makes perfect, right? Tonight we are having leftovers from the freezer and fridge so I can save what I was originally going to cook for another time. No sense cooking more food that won't get eaten up fast enough. I cross stitched a pretty thing for a friend of mine - 50% off the frame at Michael's, and the thread was cheap, so it ended up costing me around $11. Plus, it came out really pretty and she will love it. Bought some pre-cut up cheese, Jarlsberg, for cheap. Cut up cheese is such a needless luxury, but give it to me for half price and I'll bite. Literally. My mother gave me a pair of flip flops she didn't love - $69 Orthaheels? Yes, thank you. Lastly, made my own graham crust with some graham crackers that needed to be eaten or tossed, since they were from last Fall...a lovely lemon ice box pie is being enjoyed by my peeps.
Because we are now at a stage of life where we don't HAVE to be frugal about everything, I seldom return clothes I ordered but didn't like. I now put those in the donation box knowing how much someone else will appreciate finding new at a bargain. I did return a wrap the other day, though, because $85!
Aargh! This has not been a great week.
Yesterday I came home early from work, sick as a dog. Thanks to the chicken stock my husband made, some shredded chicken from the freezer, seasonings, and in-its-final-days bok choy we had hot & sour soup last night. Nothing restores like homemade chicken soup.
Every other night this week I've eaten on someone else's dime (business dinners). It's good for the budget, but not the waistline or my family life.
Oh, man. Feel better soon!
Hey, are you dissing my short blog posts?! 😀
Thank you for reminding me that my watch needs a new battery! I took it to Kohls for a replacement but they wouldn't do it since the watch wasn't purchased there. So I've been hauling it around in my van for months now, since I totally forgot about it.
I love wearing an old school wristwatch! Makes me feel all grown up (I'm 35 years old, married, a mother of two, and a homeowner and I still don't feel like an adult!) and old fashioned, in a good way.
37, mom of 4, married 18 years, homeowner, and also still don't feel like an adult. Welcome to the club! 😉
I especially have been feeling that way while teaching Joshua to drive and signing him up for college classes. Surely some adult should be stepping in to do these things! Right? Right??
You said it. As a child I took it for granted that all adults enjoy a constant feeling of having it all together. I have recently admitted that you never really feel that way. . Good for humility I suppose!
I so agree, I think I feel about 14 most days.
1. My birthday dinner was on a $25 gift card (which we used for a wing night + fries -- half the fries we brought home to use for home-fries for two breakfasts!).
2. Making two sets of fingerless mitts from felted cashmere sleeves (thrift store buy) and leftover sock yarn.
3. Found a local repair shop that fixed the part of the muffler system that was causing noise for $80 rather than shelling out $600+ for a whole new muffler system at the dealer.
4. Had my free birthday beverage at Starbucks!
5. Replaced by stove-top espresso maker which I accidentally overheated (and ruined !!!) with one on sale at Kitchen Stuff Plus -- actually paid less for it (even with taxes and shipping) than I did for the old one 13 years ago -- and shipping saved me an two-hour return trip to buy it.
That's a huge savings on the muffler. Yay!
1. Split one large chicken breast into 3 smaller pieces to get 3 meals worth out of it.
2. Hung up light-reducing curtains in my bedroom to help me sleep better and better insulate a cold room.
3. Washed my laundry in cold water (I line-dry about half my laundry - depends on the fabric!)
4. Made scrambled eggs this morning for breakfast using milk that I had frozen previously. It's the first time I tried freezing milk and I was pleased with the results.
5. I am hosting a party tomorrow. I didn't have enough wine glasses to serve everyone, but rather than buying disposable, my mom offered to carefully transport her wine glasses to my house before the party. It saved me the cost of disposable wine glasses and an extra errand.
Using wine boxes or bags are a good way to transport glasses. My friends and I borrow from each other all the time.
1. Started a new job (part-time) this week, and dressed very nicely in thrift shop finds. I buy better clothes at the Salvation Army than I could ever afford if paying retail.
2. Packed my homemade lunch and cold drinks from home in a sturdy old Igloo lunch bucket.
3. Instead of going out for our usual cheap date night this week, DH and I were tired, so we stayed home, had leftover homemade chili and homemade bread, and a couple of excellent inexpensive beers from Aldi.
4. We live near the state line, where the sales tax is much lower on the other side. I have started driving just a few minutes longer to get to the lower-sales tax stores (Aldi, Dollar Tree, Tractor Supply) on the other side. It's a tiny savings that will add up over time.
5. Been using up some lettuce and tomatoes left over from another meal to make very simple salads all week.
1. Finally learned how to use CoinStar. I had almost 10 dollars worth of change, mostly pennies and nickles, so I put it in my Amazon account.
2. Made soup with: carrots brought home from a work buffet, hash brown potatoes brought home from a work breakfast, marked down chicken, home made broth, and onions on sale. Yum.
3. Found out that Amazon has a trade in program, so I looked through it and found some books I don't need anymore. They send the free shipping label, and gave me Amazon credit.
4. Stayed home and made dinner for V day.
5. Signed up an employee for an award given by a major company. Appreciation doesn't have to cost anything, and even if she doesn't win, she will know I applied.
About the jewelry: I'm not one to wear a lot either, but I have a relative that feels loved and beautiful when she wears a lot of jewelry. She watches shopping channels all the time and gives some to me. I wear it for a little while, then sell it or give it to someone else.
I love these posts because it makes me accountable for my habits!
1. Made a huge pot of Chili and Lentil soup to eat off of from the week.
2. Bought discount chicken from Food Lion (all natural, no antibiotics)
3. Used gift cards and rebate cards to buy some small gifts for my boyfriend for Valentine's day.
4. Made a few handmade Valentine's day gifts for a few coworkers who bought me Christmas Gifts
5. Took inventory of both our little chest freezer and other freezer to create meals from for the week!
One comment I did not see about watches; for job hunters, especially young people, many employers are looking during the interview to see if you are wearing one. The idea is, if not, you probably look at your phone to check the time and it is too easy to get sucked in to everything else. You might turn out to be someone who wastes a great deal of time. Many companies have phones-off-the -desk policies. So, from a former HR rep, wear a watch when you interview. It wont hurt and might help.
Hi, Kristen. I just discovered your site, and I'm thrilled to be reading through it. So many great tips, and on to read about baking whole wheat bread! 🙂