With inflation rising and salaries staying the same, our ability to make ends meet is becoming increasingly difficult. 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.
This year, my focus is on Simple Abundance, so finding ways to live well while staying on budget will be challenging. Come along and enjoy my journey of elevating joy, enjoying what you have, and finding luxury in my local area. 20
1- Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup for the Week
Work over the next few weeks is expected to be tough, and we’ll all be doing a little more than usual. With that in mind, keeping lunch elevated feels like an important way to maintain morale. March’s weather is always unpredictable, but a warm lunch becomes a small but meaningful comfort — something that makes the day feel a little more luxurious.
Last weekend I prepared a large pot of lemon chicken orzo soup and portioned it into five servings for the week. I also put together small salads, fruit portions, and packs of crackers, all divided into five ready‑to‑grab sets. It’s a simple system, but having everything prepped and ready to pack each morning makes the workdays feel just a bit easier and a lot more enjoyable.
2- Our Rich Backyard - Starting Spring Cleaning
Our lives are incredibly busy and often exhausting, so if I want to complete a full, top‑to‑bottom cleaning of our home, I need to start now. I’ve put together a list of extra DIY projects to tackle — everything from painting touch‑ups and basement clean‑outs to pantry organization, garden planning, and early spring prep.
Each week, I choose one or two items from the list to focus on. By the time spring break arrives, my goal is to have the entire set of tasks completed. It’s a steady, manageable way to make real progress without feeling overwhelmed.
3- Invested in a Walking Track
This year we are cancelling our gym membership and investing in a walking track. We cleared a space in our weight room and brought down a television to provide a visual appeal for exercising. We are on our way to becoming more healthy.
4- Simple Abundance
One way I cultivate simple abundance is by writing down what I’m grateful for. I take time to acknowledge the support of my colleagues, meaningful moments with family, the resources around me, and so much more. This practice helps reset my mindset whenever it starts to slip into negativity. By staying focused on the positive and appreciating life’s small joys, I’m able to experience each day more fully.
5- Grocery Store Sales
This week’s grocery run was all about taking advantage of Kroger’s stronger sales, and honestly, it paid off.
We were especially excited to see the 32 oz cheese sale make its return. Since that’s a staple in our house, we stocked up and grabbed five to carry us through the month.
On top of that, we scored some great discounted keto and sourdough bread, which felt like a lucky find. And because Kroger really delivered on deals this week, we rounded things out by picking up several meat specials to fill out the freezer.
All in all, a solid week for stretching the grocery budget without sacrificing the things we enjoy.
What is on Sale this Month? This series looks at what is typically on sale during each month, so you can look ahead and make better choices.
What Free-bees have you been able to pick up this year? The 2025 Free-Bee Summary has been posted. If you missed it, then click on the link below.
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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