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The Frugal Five: #98

 


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- Volunteer Hours   

Since my last posting, I have been busy volunteering to develop stronger ties to my community.   I volunteer at my church in several different ways.   In addition, as part of my son’s swim team obligations, we must complete 35 volunteer hours each swim season.   I have completed 21.5 hours so far.  As part of our obligation, for every hour we do not complete, there is a monetary cost of $16.00 per hour.    Thus, we are grateful for putting a significant dent into the required hours.      


2- Took Advantage of the Sales


Over November and December, the stores had significant sales on freezer and pantry items, so we stocked up.    I was able to stock up on many items, so in January and February, the plan is to eat from our freezers and pantry to get our grocery bill under control. In addition, I am starting a price list to help determine when to pick up items moving forward. 


3- After Holiday Sales

I shop for the Christmas holiday year-round and it starts NOW!  The stores are dropping the prices on holiday-branded items such as wrapping paper, ornaments, advent calendars, and so much more.     Be careful that the items you pick up are general enough and are shelf stable to last until next year.    For example, I would not purchase an advent calendar that features food items, but I would pick up one with candles.    I am seeing items from 50% to 70% discounts so far.  


4- Gas Fill Up 

Our cars need gas to run and get us around.   Although gas prices are lower than last year's, the gas range cost is around $0.50 per gallon.  I used Gas Buddy to identify the area's gas prices and found that either Costco or Kroger when using fuel points have the best prices.       


5- Elevating Free-Bees

I am elevating the Free-Bees or Great Deals (75% savings)  I pick up this year.   If I can pick up an item for free or a high-quality item for at least 75% savings that my family will use within a year, I will consider it a wonderful opportunity.    


This week I was allowed to sample a 4ct. Chicken-Mini from Chick-fil-A via a reward coupon.    When I went out to pick up the discounted Christmas items from various stores, I stopped by Chick-fil-A and picked up my sample.   Having fried chicken for breakfast is common, but the mini buns were too sweet for me.   However, the chicken nuggets were yummy in the morning.      

In addition, I picked up 2 Burts Bee Masks for face hydration at a great discount.     At CVS they were $3.19 each and I picked up 2.    In addition, I had a coupon for $1.50/2 and received a $4.00 ECB for buying 2.    The net result is the masks' final cost was $0.88/2 (pre-tax) or $0.44 each.    This was a wonderful deal and I look forward to using them on a few Fridays as a treat.   


What Free-bees have you been able to pick up this year?    My last posting is listed below but come back because I will post the entire year next Wednesday.  


Here is my list:

Do you want to see my last post?   

Just click on the picture for the link. 



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


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