Frugal Five: #134

 

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.  

1- Strategic Spending

Strategic Spending is all about pre‑planning every dollar before you spend it. Over the last month, I’ve been putting this approach into practice specifically with my grocery budget—and the results have been impressive. By intentionally shopping at two stores located close to each other, I reduced my grocery bill to around $500 last month.

Here’s what made the biggest difference:

1. Price Points Vary More Than You Think

Even a few cents here and there add up over time. Each store has its own pricing rhythm, and once you start paying attention, you realize how much you can save by choosing the right store for the right items.

2. Stores Discount Different Categories

Every store has its strengths when it comes to markdowns. For example, here’s what I’ve consistently found:

• Meijer: Best reduced prices on bakery and meat

• Kroger: Best reduced prices on produce, grocery items, and bakery

By splitting my shopping between the two, I’m able to take advantage of each store’s pricing sweet spots instead of overpaying out of convenience.

2- Our Rich Backyard - Morning Coffee Ritual  

With the weather getting warmer, embracing a slower way of living is becoming more appealing.   By enjoying my morning coffee on my screened in porch while watching the sun rise, I start my mornings with calm grace that helps to ground me for the day.    

3-  Garden Blessings

My garden is starting to produce beautiful greens and other plants are growing larger.    I was able to harvest lettuce and chives this week.   My onion,pea, cabbage, broccoli and cauliflower plants are thriving and some of my root vegetables are starting to show.    I am anticipating a good harvest year.   

4- Simple Pleasures

Celebrating what you already have and savoring the simple moments in life can dramatically increase your happiness, making everyday experiences feel surprisingly luxurious.  For example, I pack my lunch every day, but I elevate the moment by bringing real silverware and a cloth napkin.  I’ll often play jazz or classical music as well, letting the melodies reset my soul. These small touches transform an ordinary lunch break into something richer, calmer, and genuinely enjoyable.

5- Shine Your Sink

Each night, I take a few minutes to clear my countertops, load the dishwasher, and shine my sink.  It’s a simple ritual, but coming downstairs in the morning to fresh coffee and a spotless kitchen sets the tone for a day that feels tranquil and unexpectedly rich.  I picked up this habit from The Fly Lady, and it has become a daily practice that brings a sense of calm and order to my home.  Give it a try and see what you think.   

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.