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The Frugal Five: #110



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


I am exploring ways to reduce costs during busy weeks. One strategy is to watch the pennies because they add up. Here are some of my tips and tricks.   


1- Tips and Tricks on Eating Out 

Our department went to dinner this past Friday, so I always look for ways to enjoy social events without breaking my budget.     Since we went to a restaurant with a bar, I inquired about happy hour deals.      I was pleased to discover that select appetizers were reduced to $5.00.    My friend and I both ordered an appetizer instead of a full meal.     In addition, I got a glass of water with lemon, which adds zero to the bill.    Since I typically use this trick, I didn’t think anything about it, but my friend, Summer, pointed out that it was a great frugal tip and encouraged me to add it to the Frugal Five.    Thanks, Summer!    I hope this tip helps others.    


2- Cutting Out Beverage Purchases 

Soda has gotten very expensive, and even when it goes on sale, the price is still around $5.00 for 12 cans or $0.42 per can.   This is a good purchase for special occasions, but this expense needs to be eliminated.   I have started making iced tea and taking it in my thermos to work for lunch.    My son chooses water, and my husband will use a generic caffeine water enhancer.   


3-  Candy Making 


Easter is this month, and candy prices are high and prohibitive even with the sales. A peanut butter egg is just a Buckeye in a different shape. Reese Peanut Butter Eggs are $5.49 for 9.5 oz. In addition, we are limiting the amount of candy to just a few favorites at Easter.                    


4- Low-Cost Breakfasts


Here is another Low-Cost Breakfast.     I made an Oatmeal Bake, and it will provide 6 large breakfasts.   This hearty breakfast will fill your belly and keep you from snacking until lunch.          



If you want more ideas, check out my Breakfast for under a $1.00 post.   Click on the picture above for the link. 


5-  Spring Break Travel Tips and Tricks


Over spring break, we went on several short road trips to visit colleges.  Our hotel rooms have already been booked at low prices using points and location.   In addition, our hotel provides a basic breakfast, which we will take advantage of.    As a bonus, we can pick up a piece of fruit or a granola bar for a snack later in the day and fill up our travel coffee mugs to have coffee on the go.      We are taking a cooler and picking up some lunch meat and baby carrots from a grocery store to make sandwiches, fruit, and carrots for lunch during our trip.   Finally, we will take a water bottle to fill up along the way.     


What Free-bees have you been able to pick up this year?   The  2024 Free-Bee Summary has been posted.    If you missed it, then click on the link below. 


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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