With inflation rising 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- Grocery Store Game
The USDA Thrifty Food Plan has increased over time, but staying within a budget while purchasing high-quality food can be challenging. According to this food plan, our grocery budget would be $190.80. (family of 3) Therefore, playing the grocery store game is becoming increasingly important as prices continue to rise. This is when you combine sale prices with coupons and/or rebate apps. By combining multiple methods of saving money, you can stock your pantry and fill your freezer at the lowest prices.
One way to maintain your grocery budget is to use up the food you have already purchased. This year, I am updating my pantry and plan on using up the food I have already purchased. In addition, I will continue to be selective about which items I pick up for free. These techniques help us to be intentional.
2- Our Rich Backyard - Community Activities
Our church hosted an Advent Festival last weekend. It was a wonderful event filled with fun activities, music, and food. The activities included ornament making, an advent wreath, and an advent calendar book. Cookies, cakes, beverages, and so much more were a delicious treat. While you were enjoying a snack or crafting, music filled the space with a drum circle, volunteer musicians sharing their talents, and the university’s artists in residence. Community events enrich our lives, and I strive to participate in them whenever possible.
3- Hair Care on a Budget
I cut my husband’s hair every two weeks, and we save $90.00 per month. This job takes about 15 minutes, and his haircut is similar to a barber's cut. On occasion, we will invest in a good pair of hair clippers, which pays for itself within a few cuts.
Unfortunately, I need to visit the hairdresser to maintain my appearance. Typically, people color their hair every 4 weeks, but they may stretch it out to 5 weeks. The result is that I save about $120 every quarter.
This week through December, my salon is offering a gift card promotion that reduces the salon cost by 20%. I plan on purchasing one. Since the salon charges a credit card fee, I will pay in cash and keep the receipt.
4- Using Up Refrigerator and Pantry Items
We have a package of andouille sausage going out of date shortly, so jambalaya is on the menu plan this week. Last week, I was able to pick up discounted milk (in date), so I made yogurt, which used up a lot of milk. Finally, I am using up my onions and green beans from our summer garden to free up space.
5- Cutting Expenses
We are assessing all subscriptions based on use, personal value, and cost. Is there a way to get similar/same benefits at a lower price point?
As part of our cost-cutting efforts, we are canceling services and trying to resubscribe at a lower rate during the Black Friday Sales. This will save us substantial money. An example of this is a subscription my husband enjoys, which costs $35.00 for new subscribers versus $175.00 to renew.
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. The new Free-bee List will be coming this Wednesday.
Here is my list:
Did you miss the last Frugal Five post? No worries, click on the picture for the link.
Please leave a comment below with your ways of saving money this week.
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