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Frugal Five: # 113

 


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 that celebrates 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- Garden Update 

The garden is growing and looks great!   The tomatoes, peppers, cabbage, and squash are developing.  The peas, kale, basil, banana peppers, and parsley have been picked and preserved.   


In addition, I have cleaned up my preserves from last year and am eating through the last of them.     Furthermore, the canning supplies have been organized and are ready to use.   


2- Backyard update


We needed to replace our deck, and the removal of the old deck area provided us with old pavers and topsoil.    We kept several pavers and edged the small garden by the basement entry.   Now the small garden area looks finished off and lovely.    In addition, the topsoil was spread over the entry area to the wooded section of our yard.    Then we finished it off with mulch.      Now the area is usable and not a tripping hazard.   


3-  Summer Tasks 


As part of my summer task list, I am working on going through all the boxes from our move 3 years ago and organizing the basement.   I have set up an area for my downstairs pantry.      In addition, I am clearing out the basement space.  This is my largest task on the list.       


4- Hair Care—> Cutting the Cost

I am using my discounted gift card from my local salon to pay for my coloring this month.   I have a full loyalty card, which will give me a $50.00 discount on this visit.     My hair salon has changed its loyalty card policy, and this change is to my benefit.   I will earn the $50.00 more frequently.    


In addition, I cut my husband’s hair every two weeks, and we  save $80.00 per month.   On occasion, we will invest in a good pair of hair clippers, which pays for itself within a few cuts. 


5-  Portion Control 


Getting groceries at rock-bottom prices is great, but if your teenager eats everything in a week, you are not saving any money.   This is where portion control comes in.   I only purchase soda when it goes on sale, buy 2 get 3 free.  However, I can’t keep it out in the garage because my son will drink the 5 half cases in a week.     I limit the amount of soda placed in the general areas to 2 or 3 cans per week.  When other specialty items go on sale (e.g., applesauce pouches, granola bars), I try to stock up on them too, but only put 1 box at a time.   This process helps to keep the grocery budget in check, and my son doesn’t miss out on his favorites.   


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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