Hey, everyone! Reese is one of my most faithful readers; I remembered that she’d been around since forever, so I was delighted when she said yes to being featured.
And I’m extra-delighted that she sent in so many photos. I love pictures!
1. Tell us a little about yourself
Hi all! My name is Reese. I turn 35 this year and live in Wyoming with my husband and 15-month old son.
I have two bonus kids who are turning 18 and 17 this year (one graduates from high school this May!).
I’m originally from Chicago (Go Cubs!). I don’t miss much about living in the City, but I do miss being on a train in the chilly late fall months and catching whiffs of the Blommer chocolate factory hard at work.
My husband is a nurse (and it has been a very, very long year for us) and I am a graphic designer and digital marketer.
I specialize in marketing for education and large events (Broadway shows, 20,000-person graduation ceremonies, concerts—we threw a free Sir Mix-A-Lot concert one summer that was awesome—and various events for nonprofits including the largest corgi parade in the US!), but I was laid off at the start of the pandemic last year since events aren’t really a thing right now.
It took me 3 months to find another position, and now I’m working at a financial institution. I market to people in an entirely different way than before. Instead of trying to sell someone something, I’m genuinely trying to educate on how to use money wisely or what products might be best for different members…with the whole goal of having them prosper!
I serve on a number of local nonprofit boards, including our schools foundation as well as an animal shelter and 2 corgi rescues.
I love dogs, particularly the ones that ride low to the ground and resemble loaves…
2. How long have you been reading The Frugal Girl?
I remember when Zoe was really small, so about 13 years?
I know I found Kristen’s website when it was linked through someone else I was reading at the time… anyone else want to join me in asking the kids to hide stuffed animals in groceries again? 
(Note from Kristen: I started blogging in 2008, so Reese has definitely been here since the early days!)
3. How did you get interested in saving money?
My mom worked for credit unions for 40+ years. I remember her taking me in to open a savings account when I was little. Now, savings just comes in handy.
Since my husband’s work is hourly pay, what he makes can fluctuate an awful lot (to the tune of $20k a year). We pay ourselves first, then pay the other bills.
Some months we don’t pay ourselves as much, and sometimes we dip into our savings. But that’s what it’s there for and I try not to feel bad about using the money we’ve set aside.
When I was home last summer, it was nice to have unemployment and pandemic pay, but I was more at ease that we had savings to cover our costs for those three months, since the pandemic pay wasn’t guaranteed forever.
4. What’s the “why” behind your money-saving efforts?
My grandmother is 82 years old and still working. She’s made a number of poor financial choices over the years because she has a big, giving heart.
I have different goals if my husband and I should live to that age—life is too short to spend it all working.
I save now so I can spend time not working later! I have high hopes of being that grandmother known for her baking and spoiling of grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Gotta plan for that now!
5. What’s your best frugal win?
When I met my husband, I was instantly drawn to how good he is at everything, including renovating. One of our first dates was laying tile in the upstairs bathroom. Grout is my love language. <3
He knew what I wanted in my renovated kitchen. We bought supplies as we found them on sale, donations from Habitat for Humanity, or from friends/family who didn’t need things anymore. We also borrowed a lot of tools.
When I was at a conference out of state, he texted me a picture of a row of ovens/stoves at used store he was at. And there it was. Tucked in the back. A Kenmore Elite Dual-Fuel 40” double-oven.
It’s more like a 1.5 oven, but regardless… SOMEONE HAD DONATED IT.
I stepped out of my break-out session and called the store. They originally wanted $350 for it but I talked them down to $275 on the condition that I paid for it right then.
I knew if someone had donated it, it was likely in need of some repair. We were willing to take a chance.
After I Google-researched the issues it had, I sent the electrical “brain” of the stove to an online company for repair. $140 and it was fixed.
We’ve had this $2,500 beauty in our home for the past five years and all we paid was $415 total.
6. What’s a dumb money mistake you’ve made?
I had just bought a used car, and one of the neighbor dogs attacked it. My dog was sitting in the passenger seat and this other one saw him, wanted in, and scratched the ever-living-daylights out of my car in an attempt to bust through. One whole side of my car was wrecked.
The neighbor was apologetic (the dog was SUPER friendly, just overly zealous with a fresh, sharp manicure), and had her insurance cover the full cost. I stuck the repairs on my credit card, and used the money from the insurance to get gutters on the house.
Worst. Move. Ever. It took me a million years to pay off that card. I paid interest on a charge that I never should have. It was a “seems like a good idea at the time” opportunity.
7. What’s one thing you splurge on?
Home renovations.
Housing prices are insane right now… and when we have 3 kids, 2 adults, 3 dogs and a cat in our 1,500 sq/ft house, we can feel a little cramped. Our living room is about 200 sq/ft. We do want to live below our means, but we want to do it happily.
We’re also not novices about most things, and were inspired by many tutorials from Young House Love!
Two projects happening right now:
One | Garage
My husband is building a 22×28’ garage in our backyard with help from friends and family. We initially invested about $10,000 upfront into it. Now we spend as he needs materials (he started last July and only has insulation and electrical left).
It won’t be used as a garage for us, but rather his wood shop. He’s a very skilled wood worker (He can do anything I tell ya!)
Two | Refinance
We’re currently refinancing our home to not only get a lower rate, but to also get a cash out on the equity in the house. This isn’t a forever house for us, but it’s a foreseeable future house.
And to live here we really need more LIVING space (no more bedrooms or bathrooms needed!). After 6 years of homeownership, we owe right under $130,000, and our house is worth about $300,000. We’ll take out $55,000 to renovate, lower our rate, and lower our monthly payment all at once. It will extend our loan back out, but it’s ok for us!
Our goal isn’t to pay off our home at this point in our lives. Our goal is to invest wisely, then support our family and needs.
With this money, we’ll get an additional 300 sq/ft, new floors throughout the house, and then a completely finished laundry room with a new tankless water heater.
We are working with a contractor on this, since it does require working on a load-bearing wall and my husband doesn’t want to over-extend himself with the garage and this (plus I just don’t want to be living in renovations with a toddler for a year. This project will only take 7 weeks with a professional!)
8. What’s one thing you aren’t remotely tempted to splurge on?
Real estate.
This goes without saying… now is not the time to buy houses in our market. Our house just went through an appraisal, and an updated 4-bedroom, 2-bath, 1,500 sq/ft house with a 3-car garage is $300,000. I would love a different layout, to lose a bedroom, and maybe have 2,200 sq/ft. More living space with a larger kitchen and dining room.
And, of course, the external outbuilding for my husband’s shop.
But to get that?
We’d be paying in the $450,000 – $550,000 price range over here. Our mortgage would go up, as would other bills. Our bills are nearly affordable on one salary (can’t wait until braces for the teens are paid off!). We want to keep it that way in the event one of us loses a job again.
Now if you asked my husband, he has VERY different feelings than me. We’re like a real-life version of Love It or List It 😉 But he knows this frugal decision is better in the long run!
And he loves me. A lot.
9. If $1,000 was dropped into your lap today, what would you do with it?
A new couch.
We buy much of our furniture used, fix it up, and then keep it forever. Our couch came from my first marriage, and it’s seen a number of moves, pets, and now teens and a kiddo.
It would be nice to own something new that is a bit larger for our soon-to-be larger living space (And I secretly want a bold color… like teal, gold, or emerald!).
10. Share a frugal tip with other Frugal Girl readers
Any cash that we have on hand ever, whether it’s from selling items on the Facebook Marketplace, from returns, found on the street, etc… we stick in a piggy bank in my son’s room. This is money that we use as a family.
When we went to visit family for Thanksgiving last year, we used this money to pay our housesitters, gas, and lunch costs.
Now whenever I go to the store and use my debit card, I take an extra $20 out (assuming there are no fees to pull cash!), and it goes straight in there, too. Call it a small rainy day fund.
______________
Reese, thanks so much for participating! It was delightful to get a peek into your life.
deanna says
reese, are you familiar with the financial independence movement? FIRE (Financial Independence Retire Early). Based on your comments about what you hope to be doing at your grandmother’s age, it sounds like you fit right in. If it sounds interesting, check out chooseFI on Facebook.
I love your story and enjoyed reading about your interesting lifestyle. Thank you.
jodie says
I always love reading the tips from others!! Thanks for sharing,
XOXO
Jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
Susan says
Reese, for years and years, I worked a few blocks away from Blommer’s! I totally know what scent you are referencing. We’ll hope for a good season for the Cubbies. My Loyola Ramblers did ok this year.
I wish we were handy, but we’re in the hire it all out camp. I hope your renovations are smooth sailing!
reese says
I’m so glad someone can relate to that smell! A lot of my friends permanently based in Chicago can’t stand it… but man… I looked forward to it!
My Northwestern Wildcats always have next year ;D
MB in MN says
Reese: I enjoyed your post. Thanks for sharing your life with us. Loved all the photos!
Bobi says
Hi Reese,
Thanks for sharing.
*You look way younger than 35.
*I’m surprised housing is so expensive in Wyoming.
*Your pictures are all great but I’m here for the critter pics and I love corgis!
April says
Jackson near Yellowstone is super expensive. Laramie where the college is as well. Lander area pricey too. Don’t think many other places are though.
reese says
Aw you are SUPER sweet. I’ma keep you around to just tell me that when I complain about gray hair and dry skin!
As April mentioned… yep. Some areas in Wyoming are terrible. In Cheyenne, we have a military base that is scheduled to have 1B in growth over the next few years. Pair that with us having Microsoft, Magpul, Lowe’s & Walmart Distribution Centers, and a few other big companies out this way… I think it’s going to get worse in terms of demand for housing. I’m grateful I don’t have to worry about buying right now, but I feel AWFUL for the folks who have been priced out of being able to afford something of their own
Sarah G says
Wow, Reese! You and your husband both seem like the kind of people who are good at a lot of different things! You should be proud of yourself.
Corgis are such adorable dogs. We are finally talking seriously about adding a smallish dog to our household, and corgis are at the top of our list.
reese says
I joke with my husband that he’s irritating because he’s SO good at so many things, while I feel like I’m mediocre at a few ;p He’s good for me and I’m very grateful to have found him as a partner!
Corgis are my top source of entertainment on Tik Tok, too. I could watch videos of their little rumps running all day!
I hope you get one!! <3
Kris says
Wyoming is a beautiful state. Thanks for letting us learn about your life ☺️.
reese says
I feel blessed to live here! I’ve even moved back twice because I couldn’t make up my mind
It’s made up now 
elaine says
I grew up in Rock Springs – Wyoming is a wonderful state to live in. I’m curious about your breads! Can you share details?
Reese says
I have friends in Rock Springs, and we make the drive a few times a year!
This is how you know it’s a small world 
Many of my bread recipes come from King Arthur Flour, but one of them should look familiar from Kristen! Here’s what I could find in order of the pictures:
Classic Baguette: https://www.kingarthurbaking.com/recipes/classic-baguettes-recipe
Pain D’Epi (Stalk of Wheat): https://www.kingarthurbaking.com/blog/2016/02/29/baguettes-4-ways
Overnight Cherry Danishes: https://www.thefrugalgirl.com/wednesday-baking-overnight-cherry-danishes/
Cheddar Bacon Monkey Bread (I altered this recipe with cheddar, bacon and green onions!): https://www.kingarthurbaking.com/recipes/monkeying-around-bread-recipe
I hope that helps
JD says
Hi, Reese!
I’m really impressed with your husband’s remodeling skills, and I’m equally impressed that you viewed tiling a bathroom floor as a date. Obviously, you two were meant for each other.
You may already know this, so excuse me if this is unneeded advice, but a contractor’s timing to complete a job is usually a best-case scenario. Don’t be surprised at a shifting timeline.
You are really impressive – the fact that you could view unemployment with relative calm is a testimony to your frugal skills. Great job!
And I had forgotten the stuffed animals in the groceries, but now you’ve reminded me. That’s a fun memory!
PD says
Yes, I remember stuffed animals hiding in the grocery pictures too!
reese says
Yes! It’s one of the biggest concerns I’ve had about the reno–how long will we have to live without water, electricity, walking on floors, moving our furniture, etc! The contractor said his crew could do his portion of the work in 4 weeks, but I added on a month… I’m a bit concerned about the scope of the project atm, so I think it may actually run into 12 weeks
But hey, at Christmas? We’ll have an extra 300 sq.ft. to host our family. And that makes me happy!
Suz says
Hello from a fellow friend to dogs who are loaf-shaped and low to the ground! How have I never thought to describe it that way before…
I really admire your house projects – including the skills you and your husband bring to it, of course, but also the vision to figure what to prioritize and how to design it. Your kitchen is beautiful, and I love the stove story – it sums up the whole frugal approach!
(And for those of us who haven’t been reading long enough – now I’m curious – what’s this about the stuffed animals and groceries? : )
Sarah G says
In years past, Kristen would post a photo of her grocery shopping haul (I think it was for the Menu Plan Monday posts?) and her kiddos would hide some stuffed toys here and there in the photo… because it was cute :-D. I do miss that as well
Suz says
Aha, thanks!
Well, I’m glad I made it in for this next generation of fun pics (cute cats) !
reese says
I am absolutely living for the cat pictures now. It’s a fun glance into a part of life that’s normalizing. I may have thrown out two apples today, but by golly my cat certainly provides similar joy. And I think Kristen talks about Shelley in such a way that makes me appreciate mine more!!
Battra92 says
I had forgotten all about the stuffed animals in the grocery pictures. I think it started out as a sort of accident and then went on to be a much regular thing.
Amazing how much has changed for us “old timers” to the blog!
Also I find it interesting how you are younger than I am an have kids both older and younger than mine.
Sarah G says
I’m also amused at my own comparison to Kristen’s age::the age of her kiddos. We are roughly the same age (like within a year or two I think?) but my kids are way, way younger. Oldest is 8, youngest is 6 months. Kristen makes me feel like a Very Old Mom. Lol
<3
Sarah G says
I just realized you were probably referring to Reese with that comment, not Kristen. Total misunderstanding.
reese says
Ah! My husband had kids very young in life (he was 20 when his first was born–Navy life was very different than my civilian life!). When I met him, his kids were 11 and 12. He knew that I wanted to have at least one kiddo, so he agreed when we got married that we would try. And that’s how we now have such a huge split!
It’s a wonderfully blended family, and our two teens love having a younger brother who thinks they’re AWESOME.
My husband does sometimes joke that he could be a grandpa while also dropping his youngest kid off at kindergarten. So… hey. It’s life
Ruby says
Reese, we had a beloved corgi for 13 and half years and took him to local corgi parades. Such fun! I adore our rescued dachshund-mixes, but our corgi set us on the path of loving low-rider pups for life.
reese says
Low riders are just such a fun group! I love that you brought him to parades
My mom has two dachshunds and they fill my heart right now as we lost our soul corgi at 5 years old a few weeks ago to cancer <3 Our hearts are healing!
WilliamB says
Reese, I’m so sorry for your loss. I lost a rescue dog a couple of years ago. He was only seven and I’d had him for less than two years. When his cancer came back it was lightening fast – less than 3 days from “slightly off his feed” to final visit to the vet. There’s another rescue dog brightening up my life but there’s always a bit of us that’s dedicated to the pets we’ve had before.
Stephanie says
Love it!!
Rose says
That danish picture is making me hungry!
reese says
Those are Kristen’s that she found from Taste of Home I think! I love love love that recipe!
https://www.thefrugalgirl.com/wednesday-baking-overnight-cherry-danishes/
BJS says
Hi Reese! Your story and pictures are wonderful. Your son is such a cutie! I love that age. I’m impressed with your baking and home renovation know-how. Thanks for sharing your story with us.
reese says
Thank you! We’re looking forward to watching this little guy get in to all sorts of shenanigans.
Bee says
It nice to meet you. I love your do-it-yourself attitude. Sweat equity is one of the cheapest yet most valuable things you can put into a home.
I love the beautiful and diverse state of Wyoming. I don’t want to pry too much, but I was wondering if you live in one of the “big cities” or a more rural part of the state?
reese says
I live in “technically” the largest City in the state. To put that in perspective for you, we have about 68,000 people in Cheyenne. We have one 4-year college in the whole state and it’s about 45 minutes away from where we are. We have a handful of 2-year community colleges that are spread throughout the state. I’d say it’s on the quiet side, as my commute to work (at worst) is only 10 minutes
We are host to the largest outdoor rodeo in the world (Cheyenne Frontier Days) and for that 10-day period, we have 500k people in our area. The hotels fill up a year+ in advance, and extra resources are brought in just for that timeframe. Our businesses and local economy rely on the tourism that event brings.
Bee says
My son lives in Wyoming also, but he is in a town of about 2500 people.
kristin @ going country says
Hi Reese! That was fun to read. I think you’ve got the “fun grandma who bakes” thing down already. You just need the grandkids.
reese says
It’s almost scary to think that we’ll have an 18-year old later this year… and we could technically become grandparents at any point depending on what her life brings her!
(This is a potentially hot topic, but I wanted to at least clarify and say we’ll support her in whatever she chooses to do… but I’d love if she waited a bit so she could experience all sorts of different things in life before she decided to have kiddos. I went that route and am happy to be exhausted 24/7 at this stage in life ;p )
Deb says
YAY Wyoming! We have a LOT of family in Cheyenne! I love your new kitchen and great deal on the oven/stove!
reese says
Aw I love to hear people love Wyoming! I feel like we get a bad wrap…. or many people wonder what else there is to do here aside from Yellowstone
Cheyenne is a great place to call home and raise a family <3 I hope you get to visit for CFD this year!
Deb says
We avoid Frontier Days, haha, but are coming out for a wedding and to see kids/grandkids in WY and NE. Coming in July, when FL is hot and WY is still windy and cold, haha.
