With inflation rising and salaries not increasing, our ability to make ends meet is decreasing. Therefore, we must be more careful with our money. The Frugal Five is a series that celebrates the daily or weekly activities that help us live a frugal life. I am exploring ways to reduce costs during busy weeks. One strategy is to watch the pennies because they add up. Here are some of my tips and tricks. 1- Free Bee Collection This week, there are several freebies from CVS, Kroger, and Meijer's. Earlier this month, I was gifted $5.00 in ECB for picking up prescriptions from CVS. Although with coupons and sales, I leveraged the $5.00 ECB into 5 freebies. In addition, Kroger and Meijer grocery stores provided several free product coupons. I was able to pick up a grocery bag, Hidden Valley salad dressing, cauliflower, a bag of frozen vegetables, and a ½ gallon of ice cream. 2- Our Rich Ba...
This year, our family received 136 free items ! This year, I am focusing on seeking fewer freebies but looking for higher-quality items to pick up. However, I will pick up all the free bees my family will use within the year. As a result, I may need to pay more for items previously picked up for free, but I am comfortable with this. Since I have changed my focus, I will not be making a goal this year. Instead, I will use my energy to research how to elevate the items I purchase or get for free in our current economy. Typically, I pick up freebies by leveraging digital coupons, store coupons, store reward programs, samples, and rebate apps. I will seek additional ways to buy items at a significant discount or for free. January (13 Items) February (14 items) March (16 Items) April (16 Items) Ma...