Five Frugal Things | when you don't trust yourself
1. I earned a $20 reward
I have a GAP-branded Mastercard that I rarely use, but occasionally they send me offers like this one:
I know they're trying to hook me into using this as my daily credit card, but I prefer my other ones.
Still, a $20 return is too good to pass up, so I used it for five everyday purchases, and now I'm just waiting for my reward to hit.
2. I shipped back my rental book
I read the required chapters, took the test on the material from this book, and then carefully looked ahead in the syllabus, where I discovered that we are done with this book. So, I decided to ship it back right away.
I'm way ahead of the return deadline, but I'd rather be way ahead than late.
3. I cancelled the month of HBO
Continuing in a similar vein: while I was sick, I paid for a month of access to HBO so that I could watch the second season of The Pitt.
And immediately after I finished the last episode, I cancelled the membership.
I know I could set a reminder for some time closer to the due date, but what if the reminder pops up while I'm at work, and then I forget to cancel it when I get home?
Basically: I don't trust myself. Ha.
Also: part of being an adult is knowing when you can't trust yourself, and then adjusting your life accordingly. 😉
4. I got a bottle of Maui Moisture for $4
I remembered that I hadn't checked my CVS app recently, so I opened it up and found some ExtraBucks in there that needed to be used.
Soo, I bought a bottle of shampoo, used a 30% off coupon, and added my ExtraBucks in.
I ordered online (the prices are better online), selected in-store pickup, and I will grab it next time I drive by that store.
5. I was too busy to spend money
As a frugal strategy, I do not recommend this because it's not a great way to live. But lately, I have spent very little money because I have very little time to spend. I don't have time to shop or go out to eat or go to a movie or go on a trip, so, I am saving money. Ha.
I go to work, I write blog posts, I go to the gym, I do homework, I cook my meals, and I manage life stuff like bills and house cleaning. Dull, but inexpensive.
I haven't even been to the symphony in a while! (I've been busy, plus the persistent Friday shifts make it difficult to go.)
This is the routine with tiny frugalities I do each Saturday morning:
1. Instead of opening all of the mail, I put my unopened bills in their spot near my computer, then open and pay them once a week, that way I only think about the bills and budget for one hour a week, and I never accrue late fees.
2. I pay all of my bills online from my checking account. My banking platform shows me my spending trends, and that's helpful. I also don't have to pay any postage this way.
3. I open my bills with a free letter opener sample mailed to me years ago. I cut off the return envelope flap and use that to make my weekly grocery and CVS lists. I still have paper bills mailed to me, because DH would not be able to do it online should something happen to me.
4. After I pay the bills, I log onto the Harris Teeter site and "clip" any coupons I want to use. I go to "my specials" and note the sales of things I normally keep in stock, then I inventory the pantry, fridge and freezer to see if those items are getting low.
5. I cut out local competitor coupons and put them in my shopping envelope. HT takes them. 🙂
Something about this routine keeps me calm and feeling on top of things.