Five Frugal Things | I installed a faucet, for one.
1. I replaced a bathroom faucet.
I walked into my kids' bathroom and noticed that the faucet was steadily dripping. Ugh.
I did some googling, as one does when faced with a homeowner problem, and discovered that fixing a leaky faucet is quite do-able.
So I took mine apart, or at least I tried to, and I discovered that this particular faucet is nigh onto impossible to take apart.
It was a cheapie $35 faucet that we bought over 12 years ago when we were rather stretched for cash, and I think the cheapies aren't really made for repairing.
I ended up taking the whole thing out and I trekked over to Home Depot, where I bought a Moen.
And then I came home and installed it.
I have a Moen in my kitchen (here's the story of me installing that one), and I love it! It's super easy to repair, and it's definitely made for the long haul.
It would have been cheaper to fix the faucet that we had, but buying cartridges for a $35 faucet doesn't make tons of sense to me.
Plus, it's not like I'd successfully managed to get the thing apart anyway.
Here's an Amazon link to the bathroom faucet I bought, but don't buy it at Amazon! It's cheaper at your local Home Depot.
On a related note: You don't need whiskers to do that.
2. I asked for a discount on the faucet.
Home Depot had two of the faucets I wanted in stock, and the box of one looked like it had some water damage.
Initially I picked up the perfect-looking box, but then a light bulb went off in my head. What if I could ask for a discount on the damaged box?
(It still was sealed, so I figured all the parts were still there.)
I took both to the customer service desk, explained that I'd love to buy the damaged box if there was a discount available (but that I'd buy the better box otherwise), and she gave me 20% off!
It doesn't hurt to ask, friends.
3. I used multiple discounts at Old Navy.
I got an Old Navy gift card when I redeemed my cashback at Ebates.
I waited until I saw a 40% off sale at Old Navy, for Gap cardholders, and then I helped my girls look for some clothes online.
I used the 40% off code, chose the free (slower) shipping, used a $5 credit I had at Old Navy, used my gift card from Ebates, and went through TopCashback for the whole transaction.
I got 8 items total, and my out of pocket expenses were only $7.47. Woohoo!
4. I'm getting a free windshield.
This is not exactly a frugal thing, but I'm adding it anyway. 😉
Unfortunately, a rock hit my van's windshield and left a ding and a crack. I tried to see if it could be fixed instead of replaced, but no luck.
So, now I'm getting a new windshield through our insurance.
There's a $0 deductible for this kind of coverage, but we've had so many claims this year, I can't help but worry that this will cause a rate increase.
But for the moment, the windshield is free.
Also, Erie offers free wiper blades with a windshield replacement, so I'm totally going to take advantage of that and send in a receipt for reimbursement.
5. I've been eating skillet meals like they're going out of style.
They're so useful when you have odds and ends that need to be eaten! They're pretty much never the same twice, but hey, that keeps things interesting.
(chorizo, pico de gallo, zucchini, lettuce, egg)
Also, I've eaten a couple using the quinoa from the freezer, so, yay for me.
The quinoa had a little extra moisture in it in the form of ice, so I just thawed the quinoa and sauteed it in my pan to help dry it out a little. Then all was well.
Here's how I make my skillet meals.
Yay Kristen! both for doing your own plumbing install as well as asking for that 20% off discount. Nice. Not to spoil things but having recently remodeled a home, I can share that the Moen faucets sold at big box stores, while certainly a better option that the generic ones out there, are not the same quality Moen as found in plumbing supply houses. My plumber advised me on this. Surprisingly, the prices at the plumbing supply weren't all that horrible. An analogy is the Nike sneakers sold at Kohl's aren't the same as those sold at the Nike store. Nice upgrade. I can also share that Moen was great when one of my faucets had an issue with the inner mechanisms on a handle. Completely replaced it, no cost to me. Nice that they do stand behind their products.
Wow, I had no idea about that. I'd never have thought of going to a plumbing supply house! Can non-plumbers go there?
Yes, 'Mam. I am now on a first name basis there as I completely gutted 2 bathrooms, a laundry room, added a 1/2 bath in the laundry, redid all of the water/drain lines, all new fixtures when I bought this forever home a year ago. Fast forward about 1 year later, the icky kitchen faucet (really cheap reno done about 6 years ago by former owner who was no handyman at all)'s spray hose died and I was not willing to put a penny into it, as I knew I wished to replace it. I got a chrome, touch to turn on/off crook neck faucet-love it! A modest kitchen remodel is the 5 year plan (When I remodeled, the kitchen got all new appliances, new install of under cabinet lights, new install of ceiling pot lights, conversion of a broom closet into a pantry with wooden shelves, large cut out in wall between LR and dining area of kitchen, install of a new red oak floor to match the rest of the house, new install of a ceiling fan with light kit. The 5 year plan is to paint/replace the existing cabinets, get a new counter, install a tile back splash, get a porcelain sink, and replaint the walls again in a different color, replace the back door with a full light one (northern facing so dark).
Well, I'll keep that in mind when I next need a faucet!
I would hope that a faucet wouldn't suffer from water damage, ya kno? Good for you for asking, being willing to take discounted damageed or "damaged" goods is a great tactic.
Windshield dings almost never increase insurance rates. Even insurance companies understand that no level of good driving can prevent rocks from flying up from the road.
1. I continue to eat down my freezer, even the things that I find very late in the process (ahem*ricotta*ahem). I'm still particularly pleased with the Spinach Ricotta Custard Muffins I made, since it used up FIVE freezer items.
2. Last week I acquiesed to the farmer's market request that I buy a large amount of English peas the next week so others could buy some also. When I bought them this week, I asked for last week's 10% off, because surely they didn't want me to suffer a financial hit because I was being nice, right?
3. My car needs significant work, a donut, and a Takata airbag replacement. I'm calling 2 dealerships, Midas, and an indy shop to find the best prices for the package. I already have a quote from the place that did my maintenance, to use as a comparison.
4. I continue to use paper from the office shredder in my compost pile. Saves the paper from the dump and saves me from having to use/degrade/replace my cheapie home shredder.
5. When I was at a different farmer's market, I did not buy fantastic glorious yarn, amazingly tasty sausages, extra bones for the dog, or any other "excess" goodies, especially ones that would go in the freezer. I bought only eggs, salsa, and pears.
I heard a lot more cars just got included in the Takata recall. So far, none of ours have popped up, but the car Joshua totalled this year was part of the recall before.
And it's a good thing we got it replaced back then, I guess, because Joshua ended up needing the airbag!
Ugh. Takata. When that whole thing first happened, my car was among the models listed as having faulty airbags, so I checked the Subaru website and put in my VIN number to check and lucky me, my car was not affected. Then I got a letter saying my car actually was affected but they didn't have replacement parts and they would notify me when they had them. In the meantime, don't let anyone ride in the passenger seat. Then I got a letter that said my car may or may not have been affected and I had to bring it in for inspection. Turns out my car was NOT affected. What a headache. I guess I'm glad I got it checked though.
Wow I loved the bathroom faucet story. We had a leaky bathroom faucet in the basement. Two unbreakable came and said they couldn't fix it. Good thing they didn't charge us anything.
We ended up hiring a Chinese contractor who spent four hours replacing the faucet for $360. The previous owner did w poor just b of finishing the basement. The faucet was too old. The pieces wouldn't fit the new faucets.
I'm just so happy the faucet is not dripping anymore!!!!
Holy moly! Four hours. Wow. That must have been some plumbing project.
Trying to figure out what I did that was frugal.. I am currently eating my breakfast before work.. A leftover small baked potato diced and fried in butter.. I added a slice of deli ham that I was less then thrilled about.. had to cut off fat/hard part... and 2 backyard eggs! Yum!
My work lunch is packed... using the rest of the less then fab ham.. will take some fruit and crackers with that..( so I will not order anything in! )
I din't feel frugal THIS week since I have done a lot of shopping.. but since I did get a good amount of meat purchased and portioned.. I am set for future meals that will come together easily versus wanting to order pizza or go out! - Burger patties preformed and flash frozen, precooked ground beef for a quick meal...
I bought underwear I did not necessarily need at walmart yesterday... a 6pk was $14.75.. it was missing 1 pair.. and on clearance for $5.82... in my size.. so I grabbed them...
I bought a bag of laundry detergent that I had a $3/off coupon.. and then a $1.10 ibotta rebate.. making it .74 cents for the bag of 16 pellets... ( I prefer the kids to use pellets and not over detergent my machine!) *
I bought 4 bags of dishwasher pellets since the price was low and I had coupons.... *
Tonights supper is quick and easy- frozen meatballs tossed into the crockpot with the half bottle of sauce I pulled out of freezer and left to defrost in the fridge... This will be served on buns with oven french fries....
* I buy household stuff like this when it is cheap.. no matter what I have at home.. b/c I will always use it.. and never have enough that will go bad..
We just got back from vacation so I'll see if I can come up with five frugal vacation things.
1. We drove to the Outer Banks for the family week we own there using the car which has better gas mileage and did it in one day so no hotel cost.
2. We ate a total of four meals out, all of which we shared a plate or lb. of shrimp-total with tip was $105 plus the $26 in groceries some of which we brought home.
3. We used my husband's National Park Pass to get all of us into Kitty Hawk, drove to the lighthouses down the coast and went to a museum, all of which were free. We did see half of The Lost Colony which was canceled due toweather at intermission. We did get senior tickets and enjoy what we did get to see.
4. On the way back, we went to College of the South where one of our children is working on her master's. Incredible campus!!! A cross between Hogwarts and Westminster Abbey! She got us lodging with a friend who rents an on campus house so our cost was her breakfast the next morning. What a deal!
5. Souvenirs? Two pieces of driftwood from the beach to make a sailboat, a handful of sea rocks for my fairy garden, a broken fishing rod and reel to decorate my porch and a huge leaf from a tree planted from a seed that went to the moon for my little nephews! All free!
A great week and now we're trying to recover!
That sounds like a fabulous week!
It was, Kristen! But it's taken us a week to recover!
1. Library reading program- free sub sandwich coupons, art museum passes and more!
2. Vbs- inexpensive activity for the kids and more study time for mom
3. Joined Ibotta and fetch. I’m buying groceries anyway- might as well benefit.
4. Emergency dinners- I’m in school so having quick easy stuff on hand like frozen pizza, pasta, and eggs on hand works great!
5. Garage sales- got the fast growing teenager a pair of 35 shorts he wanted last year in a 5 fill a bag deal.
My informally adopted son is getting married this weekend. We are all beside ourselves about it. He is the most wonderful guy and I just adore his fiancée. Such a sweetheart. Such an event, of which we are a significant part, incurs some expenses.
1) My oldest son is a groomsman and needs a haircut. I will be doing that for him tomorrow night. Much to his chagrin. He loves a "real" haircut because of how the stylists fuss over him. Being quite handsome yet very soft-spoken and shy has an interesting effect on women.
2) I am doing my own pedicure. Much to MY chagrin. I'm not very good at it, but we are paying off medical debt and that is no joke. My toes are low priority.
3) I found a dress shirt in the necessary (and rather unusual) color for one of the boys at the thrift shop. I couldn't find one for the 3rd boy so I am painfully aware that the thrift shop shirt saved me over $30.
4) Everyone is cleaning up shoes they already own. I considered new shoes, since none of my boys own dress shoes, but it is a waste. Only I will really care. Their shoes are in good shape and will look just fine. My own black heels need a touch up with the trusty black Sharpie.
5) The oldest boy has food intolerances so we will pack a cooler with lunch, dinner and snacks.
I've been feeling lately that instead of forcing Hubby to do these sorta small tasks I need to just get in there and do them myself! Thanks for inspiring me! This week I found a thrifted $1 brand new guest towel for the boys' bathroom - why have so many of theirs disappeared?? It's a mystery...I am planning a "leftovers" night tonight with meals I have stored in individual containers in the freezer - no cooking for me and no waste. Ordered filter packs on Amazon for the fridge and faucet - not exactly cheap, but I got multiples for cheaper than singles and we change them out every 6 months. And I have been eating breakfast at home or taking my lunch to work every day - greatly reducing our eat-out budget.
Yes! Like I say, it's not as though you need whiskers to do these kinds of projects. 😉
I love how resourceful you are with the skillet dinners! And noooo, not the windshield! Dang, that's too much bad luck with your cars, isn't it?
This week:
1. I made a new batch of laundry soap last week, even though I was stressed and really didn't want to. I washed a load of clothes today with it and I'm grateful I put in just a ~little~ bit of work.
2. I really wanted takeout yesterday, but I persevered and dug through my fridge for a snack-y dinner.
3. We had a rough time yesterday, so I made a mini batch of chocolate chip cookies. Nothing's more comforting than a warm, homemade cookie. I found a recipe that only made four cookies, since we can never eat an entire batch ourselves.
4. I made a nice espresso drink for myself this morning using my espresso machine. We bought it years ago on Amazon and it's definitely paid for itself.
5. I surpassed my freelance income goal for June! I'm so proud and happy. 🙂
Good job on the faucet! We just had our leaky kitchen faucet replaced, and although my husband and I used to replace them ourselves, we called a plumber this time. This one was difficult even for the plumber to get out. Anyway, how nice to have a good kitchen faucet again and a repaired deep sink, which had a broken drain connection (my husband fell against it -- he's still stumbly when he walks, but he's okay, only the sink got hurt.)
1. I have made a meal plan and shopping list for next week. It's time to get back to planning my meals, which seems to help my grocery budget.
2. While on my mission trip, I bought two small gifts for Christmas. Even paying full price, I got a bargain, and since these were definitely locally made, I helped the families that make them.
3. I earned enough Swagbucks to put $25 in my account via Paypal.
4. We are harvesting tomatoes and okra from our yard. The slicing tomatoes will be over soon, but the cherry tomatoes usually make it through more of the summer, and they are starting to produce now. Anything we can grow is less to buy, and we start from seed to reduce our costs.
5. I trimmed my own bangs, which is free and takes way less time than an appointment.
And 6. I cancelled a subscription I don't really use to an online magazine in time to get the complete refund. It had renewed while I was out of the country, oops, and I had meant to cancel already.
I trim my own bangs all the time too. Super quick and easy.
1. Used up the mystery tomato product from the fridge instead of opening a new jar.
2. Called my health insurance company to dispute a copay difference of $20.
3. In lieu of drive thru, I packed my kids some leftovers from a work picnic to eat in the car on the way to an early evening library program
4. Requested a hold on a library cookbook instead of purchasing
5. Picked raspberries from the backyard to send in my kid's lunches today
Way to ask for a discount! I love your approach in bringing up both boxes to ask for the discount. I will have to tuck that nugget of wisdom away for when I am in a similar situation.
Five Frugal for me?
I avoided going into town yesterday.
We're planning on going to the library today.
I have a 25%off family day coupon at a local produce/grocery store to use today.
I disd laundry this past week without forgetting something in the washing machine d having to wash it again.
We literally ate rice and beans at least 3 meals this week. (They turned out suspiciously similar to tacos )
I'm throwing a party which doesn't seem frugal. But since joining this community and Katy's, I now do things differently than I used to:
1. Putting out an assortment of silverware I already have, organized in a thrifted basket I already have.
2. Putting out all of my glassware and stemware, so guests can choose. Nothing matches but that doesn't bother me anymore.
3. "Shopped my house" for containers I could use to keep ice in. Putting the bright colored bin I found in a closet in my sink, filling it with ice, using that for the wine bottles. Put napkins and coozies in a basket I already had.
4. Using my sarongs and scarves to decorate. Also using leis I brought home from a luau last year.
5. Mentioned (put the word out) that I didn't have anything for lemon water, a friend said she had three and gave me a nice big one with a spigot on the front.
Real silverware for parties is my favorite thing!
PLUS I have leftovers woo hoo!
1. Still dealing with the auto accident my husband was involved in last week. I think today will be the day there is some progress of starting the repair process. While this is not frugal, I have resigned that we will not be able to go away for the 4th of July. Not fun, but will save us the money we would have spent.
2. Two different friends gave us hand me downs yesterday for my daughter! I love the generosity of folks.
3. Finished up an article this morning that I am writing for a local mommy newsletter. Now, just wait for my payment.
4. Continue to post items on Ebay. I'm slowly selling, making a few extra dollars for us.
5. Passed up on going into one of my favorite stores yesterday! probably a good thing, since I tend to loose my will power in that store.
Oh no! Your insurance company didn't give you a rental car?
we are trying to hold off on using the rental money until it is actually needed. hubby is still driving his truck until it absolutely needs to go to the shop
I went to south Alabama last weekend to help our daughter who is in graduate school move into a new apartment. It was super hot and humid. By the time I got back home, I had no interest or energy for grocery shopping so it's been a odd week for us.
1. The water was already turned off at the house my daughter was moving out of so we had to buy water so we could keep hydrated. Not wanting to pay a ton for waters, we stopped by Costco and bought cold waters out of the vending machine for $0.25 each.
2. While at Costco, I went ahead and got gas since it was cheaper than the gas stations in town.
3. I brought snacks and water with me for the car ride home so I didn't have to purchase anything else.
4. The lawn had to be mowed at the house my daughter is moving out of and we ran out of time and didn't get that done over the weekend and she was buried in school work this week. So I found a guy on Thumbtack to mow and trim the yard for $20. I realize that might not sound frugal but other estimates ran from $45 to $90 for the same service. It was well worth the $20 to have it done and since the lease required us to mow before moving out, I'm hoping spending that money helps us get our security deposit back.
5. Since I hadn't gone to the grocery store, we have been using whatever we could find in the pantry, frig and freezer to put together meals. Lunches have been more complicated since usually I take leftovers for lunch and there haven't been any but we've managed so far to not buy lunch any day. this week.
1. We are working on eating out of our freezer. It is so much cleaner now, but we will continue to do so for July also. Somethings (like chicken thighs) got eaten quickly. Other things (pizza rolls) continue to lag in there. I may just end up eating them for lunch, even though it's not the healthiest option.
2. I picked up a hold from the library and paid my fine. Although it's more frugal to not incur fines, I don't mind giving the library money and it was $4.35 for 4 books at varying stages of overdue. Still much cheaper than purchasing a book! Over the last 2 years, my library has saved me almost $2,000!
3. I gave my husband a haircut.
4. Chose an inexpensive Vietnamese restaurant to go to with a friend tonight. I will get a bahn-mi and water. Cheap and locally owned by an immigrant family. Can't get much better than that!
5. Trying to get better about batching my errands. I hate leaving the house!
Yes! Our library saves us SO much money.
Hello! I'm relatively new to your blog and I do have to say that I absolutely love it! I've gotten so inspired by your posts and I appreciate you sharing with us!! I have a question in regards to your bit about Old Navy. I am completely ignorant of Ebates or TopCashBack. Is there another post detailing more about this, if not can you do one? I don't understand how all of that works and I'd love to learn how. Thank you again for sharing with us all and I hope you have a great day!!
Here's a post I wrote that explains it pretty well! https://www.thefrugalgirl.com/2015/11/whats-the-best-cash-back-site-for-online-shopping/
We are on a family vacation so here are our five frugal vacation things:
1. Traded our timeshare week to a mountain vacation we could drive to, saving having to pay airfare to a beech vacation
2. Since we drove we took a lot of our food from home, so we didn’t have to buy too much at the grocery store when we got there.
3. Eating all of our meals in our condo and taking turns cooking.
4. Enjoying nature, swimming, fishing, hiking,
5. Not buying souviners, but taking lots of pictures!
Plumbing things, while they don't require whiskers, still intimidate me tremendously.
1. Steam cleaned our carpets with the steam cleaner we own because of all the moving we do. Having clean carpets is so nice on my feet and it is far cheaper than paying someone else to do it. But my goodness, carpet is dirty stuff, even after vacuuming it 2-3 times a week at least. Speaking of which, our 7.5 year-old Kenmore vacuum is starting to die. Any recommendations for a good vacuum?
2. Have been making meals from what's in our pantry and fridge and freezer. We are eating the oddest things right now, but our grocery bill has been remarkably lower this month.
3. Found some fabric on sale to make weighted blankets for my boys. They're expensive as all get out to buy, and it only requires basic sewing skills to make. So hopefully I'll get that done tonight.
4. Bought a bathing suit I adore (first new suit in 8 years, thanks to the high quality of Land's End) and I think this one is going to last for a long time, too (providing I stay the same size, of course!).
5. I baked my own bread, made my own yogurt, and iced coffee, and generally have stayed away from the stores except for finding items we'll need for our vacation, which is much cheaper than it could be because we're getting a cabin with some other families and splitting the cost of that, and all meals will be made at the cabin.
I'm intrigued that you are sewing weighted blankets for your boys. I have looked at them for my son and, as you said, they are crazy expensive. Did you find a pattern online or are you winging it?
I have a good deal of quilting experience, and my sister has made several weighted blankets that I've held and looked at. So with that knowledge and going over my plan with her it wasn't too hard. It took nearly 2 hours though, perhaps because I had the help of my 4 year old, or perhaps because it actually takes that long. Basically, I took 2 pieces of fabric, right sides together and sewed around 3 sides, turned it inside out (pretty side out now), and marked where my columns would be (lines running from open side down to bottom) and my rows (lines running from closed side to closed side). Then I sewed along the column lines. Figured out the volume of pellets I wanted in each square (Son's weight/10 + 1, divided by the number of squares (28 lb kid gets a roughly 4lb blanket), filled each of the columns with that quantity, sewed across the row to seal those pellets into that square, and repeated until I was to the top of the blanket. After placing the pellets into the very last row, I sewed the fabric closed (several ways to do this), I sewed all the way around the blanket one more time as extra security that the pellets will stay put.
Things I would have done differently:
1. Fold over each side of open side of the fabric after turning it right-side out at the beginning so that the blanket has a more finished look without as much effort. I got the look after forgetting that part, but it took a little bit more work and trying to fold fabric over while managing pellets is a bit challenging for me.
2. Been more careful about making sure the pellets were all the way in. I broke one needle when it hit a pellet, and the tip of the needle is still unaccounted for on my kitchen floor.
I love my Simplicity vacuum, it has metal parts and is made in the USA. IMHO, Dysons are overrated, had one before this one and this one has already lasted twice as long and still going. You have to get them from a Vacuum Store, not like Target or Costco.
Thanks! We'll look into those.
We got new carpet about five years ago, and the dealer said that carpet manufacturers were not recommending Dysons. That certainly might have changed since then.
In any case, maybe ask for a recommendation from a good carpet store manager. At the very least, the person could tell you what is most important in a vacuum, (suction, height adjustment, durability, whatever).
1) My husband figured out how to reconnect our dishwasher to the counter using things we had in the house already. Fixing things that seem unfixable to me is his frugal super power.
2) Sunday we did a day trip to the beach. It makes for a long day, but a cheap opportunity to play in the surf. We pack our own food, water, and toys. So much cheaper than renting a place.
3) I'm finishing up teaching an extra summer course at my university. The extra paycheck that results will go directly to savings.
4) I've packed my lunch everyday that I have taught over June session, even Sunday night when I was ready to collapse in bed after a day at the beach. I try to always have the fixings for sandwiches on hand. If making a sandwich is cheaper, easier, and faster than getting takeout it makes it much easier to resist the siren call.
5) One of my committee members asked if I would like to be his research assistant again this year for an extra stipend. I really enjoy the work I do for him, it looks great on my cv, and it gives us a little extra cash each month. Of course I said yes!
1. We started swimming lessons this week. The pool membership is not free, but lessons are included. And, since a basic membership includes unlimited children and four of mine are taking lessons, I'm considering that a pretty good deal.
2. Between hand-me downs, things not needing to be replaced, and sale prices I outfitted six kids with towels, swim suits, and water shoes for $12.
3. I sold a baby gate we no longer use.
4. I gave away our piano bench. We've never owned a piano. But, it was a hand-me-down from someone else that served as a side table in a small spot in our previous house. Since we moved its just been sitting in the basement. The art center in town was looking for one so given the above, and that while it is not the prettiest it is very sturdy and perfectly functional, I donated it to them. They were very thankful.
5. We are going nowhere today so no gas, eating out, or other expenses. Coincidentally we're having heavy thunderstorms all day. Without that we probably would have at least gone outside.
Swimming lessons are invaluable! Well worth the membership cost.
Yes, every child should have swimming lessons. We have lost too may tourists, old and young here, due to not knowing what to do.
Love reading all of the responses! Helps so much when I am not feeling very frugal.
Mine:
1. Washed and hung out the laundry to line dry. Paid attention to the weather report and planned accordingly.
2. This weekend is bringing the hot humid weather our way. I really enjoy it, but DH does not so the AC will be cranking away. I have already funded an extra sinking fund for the extra electric costs so it is technically already paid for.
3. Spent some serious time perusing the weekly circulars for the best grocery buys and meal planned around them. I did see a small difference in the weekly grocery budget.
4. Took one for the team and ate some pretty bland leftovers so I would not have to toss anything.
5. Stayed home numerous days in order to save gas, money, sanity, etc...
Great job Kristen on your plumbing repair!
I had to unexpectedly buy 4 new tires for my SUV this week. The estimate was almost $900. I only got 45k miles on my 55k tires so I asked the dealer to call the manufacturer to see if they would give me any credit towards new tires. The dealer said he didn’t think they would give me anything but then said maybe $50. I asked him to try...they actually gave me $60 PER tire so I saved $240 on tires then got a rebate form to get a $70 MC gift card. Better believe I’m filling that out tomorrow!
Well, that's a fabulous discount!
Have you done a post about car insurance? Do you like your company? Especially after all the claims this year? I have a 19 year old boy and our insurance is crazy. We always had USAA because we were military, but it got really expensive. We changed to Liberty Mutual recently, but it is still very expensive considering we have older vehicles.
So, we have Erie insurance, and they have been super great through all of our car troubles. The customer service has been AMAZING. They're somewhat regional, so you may or may not be able to use them, depending on where you live.
Joshua and Lisey's insurance is fairly high, but I believe that's just the case across the board for teenage drivers, unfortunately.
Yes, every child should have swimming lessons. We have lost too may tourists, old and young here, due to not knowing what to do.
Kristen I am very impressed with your fix it skills. Good job on the faucet!
1. I needed a very small amount of acrylic top-coating. The smallest can I could buy was a quart which was about $18.00. I thought about the place that I take old paint to be recycled and so I checked there. And yes! They had one can that was 3/4 full and sold it to me for $.50. I will remember this place for projects that only need a small amount of paint from now on.
2. I checked the clearance section at Ikea. I had gone there for some silverware and everything I liked was too much, but the clearance section had a set for a third of the price. The box looked a little crumpled like Kristen's faucet, but otherwise it was fine.
3. I also picked up a quality set of sheets in this clearance section.
4. I bought a large container of humus at Sam's and the price was quite a discount from what I usually pay at the grocery store. It helped make an easy meal for a working lunch we hosted here at home.
5. I chopped and froze 8 pounds of strawberries since they were on sale. They will be good for adding to smoothies for a very long time.
Great job on fixing your own faucet!
We are just coming off of a long weekend so this has not been an uber frugal week for us. I made a hearty lunch out of leftovers before we left on our 6 hr ride home so we only stopped one time for ice-cream. I am busy today decluttering and packing "treasures" for a lawn sale tomorrow.What is not sold will be gifted the same day! Summer sales are on and I found two pairs for myself but thought the price was still more than I wanted to pay and asked if I could have a larger rebate if I bought both pairs. They gave me an additional 20% off the sale price- like you said, it never hurts to ask:)) Last night was a fridge clean out dinner which brings me up to four frugals for the week. Hopefully next week will be a bit better.
This has not be a very frugal week for us, June has been expensive with school ending, a trip, and other end of the school year events. Here is what I can come up with:
1 ) Used a gift card to treat my girls to lunch at Panera
2) Decided to leave our camping trip a little earlier than planned so we could pick up our dog at the boarding place that day and avoid paying for one more night.
3) Switched vehicles with my husband one day. The kids and I stayed home and he used my vehicle which is better on gas.
4) Made a Summer Fun List with the kids and added a bunch of low to no cost activities.
5) Have decided to say no to summer camps for my kids. They don't really like them but sometimes wants to do them if their friends are.
We have decided to enroll our kids at private school in the fall due to some issues we experienced this year at their school. This means we will definitely have to be more mindful about frugalness, we've been slacking. I love these lists, I always find great inspiration.
I read the comments above about the weighted blanket, and within hours I got spam email that said "are you in the market for weighted blankets?". The internet is creepy sometimes.
So inspiring you fixed your own faucet and thanks for sharing re asking for a discount such a good reminder, I cooked some special meals/treats for some friends special occasions so not so frugal but so happy to be able to treat others and see their smiles
1. Checked my receipt! overcharged on knee high stockings so got a pair for free
2. Checked my receipt! Sales lady told me it was buy one get one free but made an error telling me which items were included so I got the 2nd one free
3. Bought a box of oats to make porridge for brekky - its really cold here and its such a warm cheap brekky
4. Had my car serviced & no surprises! Yay!
5. I am packing to move & had trouble finding small boxes for all my books; drove past a lolly wholesaler & realised lollies are heavy so they would have small strong boxes - they were thrilled to give me as many as I could take for free 🙂
Ooh, good job checking the receipt!
What a great deal at Old Navy, Kristen! Way to go!
My fab five are:
1) I pre-ordered a college planner for DS2 from Amazon and with the free trial of Amazon, I got free shipping. When the planner was ready to be shipped, the price dropped. So, amazon has a price guarantee and refunded me about $5. Savings- $5 plus shipping
2) Took my car for an oil change. I won the certificate at a fundraiser. Reg price was $40 and I spent $25. Savings- $15
3) After my oil change, the mechanic asked if I had my scheduled maintenance done yet. I said no. He printed up a list of things that need to be done (as per manufacturer) and quoted a price of $1800 !!! I called my mechanic and he will install the items if I buy the parts. I paid $762 for everything. Plus, my parts have a year long warranty from the dealership. If those parts are faulty, I just bring them in to the dealership and get a replacement for free. Savings- $1,038
4 )My oldest had a set of bald and popped tires in the garage. The local tire place wanted me to pay $10 to dispose of them. When I got there, they decided not to charge me. Savings- $10
5) Got a couple of early holiday gifts for the kids. Someone alerted me to a website called super hero stuff dot com and they're running a sale. I got a t-shirt and hat. Savings- $15 plus shipping.