The Frugal Five: #94

 The Frugal Five: #94

With inflation on the rise and salaries not increasing, our ability to make ends meet keeps going down.    Therefore, we must be more careful with our money.   The Frugal Five is a series where we celebrate the daily or weekly activities that help us live a frugal life.    

I am exploring how to keep costs down during busy weeks. One strategy is to keep dinner on the table instead of eating out. Here are some of my tips and trips.   

1- Freebies  

Throughout the month, I was able to pick up freebies.   My grocery store has been offering store coupons on items throughout the month, so I took advantage of them. (bacon, bread, peanut butter, Bai, yogurt and so much more)   In addition, I received a free item (under $10.00) coupon from a local soap store.   I leveraged sales, coupons, and rebates from my local drugstore to pick up a few more items.   Finally, when there are perishables that will be bad within a few days, our school cafeteria will make them available for the staff.   I could pick up bananas and make banana chip muffins with them.    It was a nice treat. 

2- Gas Price Leverage 

This week gas prices varied by $0.40 per gallon.   I elected to drive about 3 miles out of my way to get a full tank of gas and saved $0.35 per gallon.    As a result, I saved $3.90.    I know this is under $5.00 but every little bit counts.    

3- Took Advantage of the Sales

We ran out of pre-packaged chips this week, but Kroger had a weekly sale on potato chips.    I bought 3 bags which will last at least 2 weeks.   In addition, I purchased 3 bags of cookies which should last at least 3 weeks.     We are still working on the items in the freezer, but our refrigerator is now under control. 

4- Cup of Joe from Home 

Every day I see my friends bringing in coffee cups from our local coffee shop and sometimes I feel a little jealous.   However, I remind myself that they are spending between $3.00 and $6.00 daily for that cup of joe.    I bring coffee from home and spend only $5.00 for the entire week and I drink a lot more coffee than they do.   

5- Free Bananas

Our cafeteria put out a lot of bananas last week because we went on our fall break.    I picked up several bananas and made 2 batches of banana chip muffins from what I had in the pantry.  My son was happy to have a grab-and-go breakfast for several days.    We are so grateful for everything we receive.  

What Free-bees have you been able to pick up this year?    My entire year is attached below.    

Here is my list:

Do you want to see what we did last week?   

Just click on the picture for the link. 

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