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Frugal Five: #17

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 live a frugal life.    


1- Picked up a Pitcher

We broke our glass pitcher about a year ago and I have missed it.  When I shopped around, a plain pitcher without any beauty cost $25.00.   I knew I could do better with a little patience.  I found Goodwill in our new neighborhood and took a trip to check it out.    I found a beautiful hand-blown pitcher and the price was only $6.00.   I considered this a bargain and picked it up.   


2- Free Concert

Our new area is known for its music events.   This holiday week there were several free festivals that featured free concerts, fireworks, and an area to picnic.   We choose to go to Red, Rhythm, and Boom.  We took the blanket, picnic basket, and sprays (bug and sunscreen).   ReUnion of Souls! and Smash Mouth played prior to the fireworks display.   It was a wonderful date night on a budget.  


3- Free Entertainment


This week we took a trip to our local library and signed up for a library card.    Our library has a variety of different things we can borrow or events to join in.    One great thing about our state library system is that we emphasize “electronic” and shared borrowing.  In addition, it has a Makerspace where there are 3D printers, vinyl printers, and so much more for the creative soul.   This week we picked up a movie and TV series to check out.  In addition, I found a book that I wanted to borrow but it wasn’t at our library, so I placed it on hold and it will be delivered by next week. 


4- Squirrel Baffle Fixed 

Our Squirrel Baffle was split and would easily come down if we put it up as is.    We could buy a new one for $23.00.  We still had a roll of cheap packing tape, so we heavily tapped the splits and put it up.   Now we do realize that rain will eventually affect the tape and the Squirrel Baffle will need to be replaced.   However, we now have more time with our current item.   


5-Aldi Trip 

I am still getting to know my new town and I am amazed at how high my grocery bill is each week.  This week I decided to find an Aldi’s and see if the travel time was worth the trip.    To my amazement, the Aldi is just a few miles away from Kroger.  I pre-shopped my grocery list, so I would be able to tell if the prices were cheaper.     Some items were not available or higher than at my local Kroger.     I choose to pick up the items that were available at or below the Kroger price and wait to pick up the other items until Tuesday when I have a garage appointment.    My savings for just switching stores is $8.21.   


Please leave a comment below with your ways of saving money this week.


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