Thrift and Such May 2, 2024

    

     I like how Hawaii Plan commented that "Some weeks it doesn't really feel all that frugal, but that's likely because most weeks are much *more* frugal by comparison." I think that's so accurate when we generally try and be good stewards of our funds. This was one  of those weeks where I didn't spend wrecklessly, but frugality was hard to come by. It was a big splurge week, see bottom, but no regrets. Plus, to be fair, I could have spent a lot more and had unsatisfactory experiences too. 

Saving on things we buy

• My dryer has not been drying effectively. I Googled causes, determined likely issue was lint build up/ block in dryer vent. I compared a variety of services and found a top rated one that was between 10 and 30% less than others, and could come when it fit my schedule. He explained process, and showed result. No mess was left. So far, the dryer timing has improved. I know, I need a clothes line and getting a replacement to my umbrella style is on my list. 
• Bought a mess of greeting cards at Dollar Tree, savings a lot over other stores. Though, few are 2/$1 anymore, but at  least still just $1. 

Earning money

• Nothing this week,  not even found money doing laundry. 

Avoiding spending

• I already spent a small fortune in gas with the amount of driving to my nieces, but on Tuesday, I saved a bit by not driving all the way into the office, savings probably 20 miles/ 2/3rds of a gallon.
• I also was at a meeting right by a wonderful Mexican grocery store with a delicious ready to eat counter, plus just blocks away from the taco restaurant run by my favorite Mexican restaurant. I knew we had leftovers at home to eat for lunch, so bypassed both. Sad, but thrifty me. 

Eating what we have/ Using what we have

• Double cooked Sunday using up the rest of a bag of lentils and remnants of carrots. The other meal was burritos/ bowls using frozen taco meat and cilantro lime rice my son hauled back to Minnesota. 
• I made a batch of muffins using homemade jam. I think my baking soda is old as I didn't get much rise, but still delicious. I'm going to try the same thing this morning but bake in a pan instead of muffins since they're so sticky. 

For others

• Sent my youngest home with dal, two burritos, and two muffins. She stayed all weekend into Monday.
• My daughter used my washer and dryer (ugh and hope issue resolved for a while) to do a load of clothes and her soccer uniform and shin guards. 
• I took care of my nieces boys, picking up from child care Monday, staying over night, and bringing them the next morning. They were at a destination wedding for his family and my SIL with the sick son needed to be focused on him, not child care. She lives an hour away, plus an hour from where my Tuesday meeting was, but she was very appreciative. She left me ( all her back up caregivers) a coffee card I'll use in the future.

Thrifty Bonus 

• WhatsApp came through again, allowing my niece to call quick to talk to her boys. It's a terrific free app for foreign travel and staying connected if needed.

     And to keep myself honest, I made a few splurges as life is about "both and" when it comes to spending and saving.

• Splurged on a shared appetizer and a dessert drink for intermission at the Dinner Theater matinee. I had already spent $80 on ticket, so this was another $22 for tip, drink, and some cash to my sister who had appetizer on her bill. 
• Bought overpriced fruit and vegetable tray to bring last minute to my sister's. It was an impromptu cookout and she fed three in my family as my son and younger daughter came too. Food was delicious and it was a lot of fun being outside on their deck with the propane fireplace, though we used blankets too. Every piece of fruit and veg was eaten so a good buy, even if expensive. 

     With the duct cleaning, the play, the produce trays, and the added gas, definitely not a frugal week. But, everything spent was for good purpose, so I guess that meets my definition of thrift.