Skip to main content

Frugal 5: #27

    The Frugal Five: #27


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- Gas Deals  

Gas prices are starting to go up and up, so it is even more important to pay attention to the fluctuations on a regular basis.  Previously I used Gasbuddy to track the prices in my local area, but on my way to work, I pass many gas stations.    Therefore, I pay attention to the prices and note who has the best deals.   This week I was able to use a reward program to get $0.05 off per gallon resulting in a $0.50 savings. Although it is not a lot, every little bit helps. 



2- Taking Advantage of Grocery Sales

This week Kroger had a great deal on Scott toilet paper.    There was a limit of 5 and since this price is a rock-bottom price, I picked up 5.   Toilet paper is easily stored and I saved $2.00 each making it a wise choice to buy now.    Other sale items include Italian sausage, bacon, and specialty chocolates.  The meat products will help keep our dinner costs down.  For the chocolates, I only picked up 1 as this is a luxury item and I put it away for the Christmas holiday.   In addition, I received a few free item coupons from my local grocery store, so into the cart they go.    


3- Pampering Yourself




I have noticed that I am extremely stressed out every week.    My position is very demanding, so I have decided to look for ways to manage my workload differently and pamper myself.    Over the years I have picked up wonderful items that could be used to reduce my stress.   For example bath bombs, face masks, hair masks, nail polish, bath salts, and food items such as teas, hot chocolate, dessert items, etc.   This week, I will be using tea and taking the time to give myself a manicure.   


4- Homemade Energy Balls

4 ingredient peanut butter oatmeal chocolate chip energy bites

Although I did get a great deal on pre-packaged energy bars last week and stocked up, with my son’s training schedule, he will go through all of them quickly.   Therefore, I am supplementing the prepackaged bars with homemade energy bars.   The prepackaged bars are great for long meets, so we are being selective on when we use the prepackaged ones and eat the homemade energy balls during the week. 

 


5- Packed Lunches Daily 


The other week my lunch group decided to order lunch out.    I choose to join for social reasons.   I ordered a children’s meal and my bill came in at $15.00.   WOW!    I can definitely create a gourmet lunch for so much less, so that is my plan. I am enjoying a delicious lunch everyday on a budget. 


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


Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Menu Planning: #245

  NOTE-  1- Click on the picture and get a link to a post sharing the recipe.  2- Although all prices were correct at the time of the blog postings, the current cost of preparation of these dishes may be higher due to inflation and/or location.      March USDA Thrifty Food Plan ccording to this plan our family would have a budget of $186.20 per week.  Given our health concerns, we struggle to maintain this budget, but I am going to try to make this happen.    Cost Saving Tip of the Week: Check your sale flyers for loss leaders.   Each week grocery stores advertise specific products at a great price to get you in the store.   Recently, I have noticed a very specific time frame for getting these deals.   Good luck and happy hunting.   Here is what we did this week to make our week easier:   Refrigerator Clean Out Pre-cut all vegetables for the week Pulled older items to the front for easier consumption C...
Post a Comment
Read more

Menu Planning: #250

  NOTE-  1- Click on the picture and get a link to a post sharing the recipe.  2- Although all prices were correct at the time of the blog postings, the current cost of preparation of these dishes may be higher due to inflation and/or location.      March USDA Thrifty Food Plan According to this plan our family would have a budget of $186.20 per week.  Given our health concerns, we struggle to maintain this budget, but I am going to try to make this happen.    Cost Saving Tip of the Week: When I purchase fruit for the week, it helps to calculate the cost per serving vs. the cost in general.   For example, this week a whole watermelon was on sale for $3.99 each.    When it is cut up, the watermelon will yield at least 20 servings which will place the cost per serving at $0.20.    Here is what we did this week to make our week easier: Breakfast Options:  Hard Boiled Eggs Yogurt Homemade Breakfast ba...
Post a Comment
Read more

Menu Plan #307

  Menu Plan #307 NOTE-  1- Click on the picture and get a link to a post sharing the recipe.  2- Although all prices were correct at the time of the blog postings, the current cost of preparation of these dishes may be higher due to inflation and location.      February 2025  USDA Thrifty Food Plan According to this plan, our family would have a budget of $189.30 per week. Since March has 4 weeks, our monthly budget is $757.20.   We elevate our dining experiences by including fresh fruits, vegetables, and higher-quality meats.  Since we have health concerns and are active individuals, we limit our processed food choices.    Grocery Shopping Tip:     Utilize your grocery store’s loyalty program. This month, my 2 primary grocery stores have provided me with store coupons for bread, Silk milk, jelly candy, frozen vegetables, and Bali coconut water.  Here is what we did this week to make our week easier: ...
Post a Comment
Read more