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The Frugal Five- #5

 The Frugal Five

With inflation on the rise and our salaries not being able to keep up, it seems like we have taken a pay cut and must be more careful with our money.   The Frugal Five is a series where we celebrate our daily or weekly activities that help us to live a frugal life.    



1- Take Advantage of Free Items

Each month various stores provide opportunities to pick up free items based on what you typically purchase in each store.   This month, Kroger gave me a coupon for a Silk Greek Yogurt and Starbucks Energy Drink; in addition to cheaper prices for other items.  In addition, Walgreens has offered several photos for free this month.   Although individually these things will not stock your pantry or provide gifts for everyone on your list, it will help to decrease the amount of money you have to spend while maintaining a good lifestyle.    


2- Grocery Budget: Start your seeds for your garden. 



Seeds are relatively cheap (about $1.69-$2.99 per packet) and my local library hosts a seed exchange each year where you can donate seeds you're not using and pick up seeds that you don’t have.    Over the years I have used this system to obtain local seeds.  In addition, through saving seeds each fall, I can continue to produce various vegetables.  Through my tiny garden, my family enjoys salsa, gravy and other vegetables throughout the summer.           




3- Hygge: Treats

Everyone likes to have a little treat every now and then.   With grocery prices increasing on a regular basis, it may not be feasible to pick up treats each week.   However,  it is far less expensive to bake items from scratch with some simple ingredients.   This week- Oatmeal Cookies were the treat of the week.   As a bonus, my recipe makes enough cookies to last 2 week.    


4- Baking: Wheat Bread

I found myself with some extra time this week, so I baked bread.   It has been a long time since I have had enough time to devote to this process, so it was a real treat this week.    As a result we had delicious bread to have for breakfast, in sandwiches, or just as a snack.    

             


5- Traveling Hack- Staycation


This week was spring break in our area, but we chose to do a staycation.    I know that many people are tired of staying home, but with my son’s swim schedule, it was great to stay home this week.   We painted a room, started our seeds and spring cleaned our home.     In addition, we treated ourselves with grilling out, enjoying our patio, local birds and baked some treats.     


Do you have any frugal strategies to share?    

Please leave a comment below.    
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