Thrift and Such June 6, 2024

                

      Here's my journal for the week in thrifty actions. My tracking week goes Thursday to Wednesday as I like to get a post up on Thursdays. 

Saving on things we buy

• I use my credit card and pay the balance in full at the end of the month as I get limited rewards. However, I calculate the fee that's passed on if there is a cash or credit difference.I paid in cash Friday with my friends because the reward was 2% but the cash discount difference was over 3%. I'm carrying cash more often than we ever used to fit that reason. Every penny and dollar saved helps stretch the budget. 
• Bought birthday and graduation cards at the Dollar Tree. I know they're not as cute or funny, but at still $1, much better than anywhere else. I had a pretty large stack of them so the savings adds up. 

Earning money

• Received $5 in CVS Extra care bucks in my promotion emails. I put towards a 2 for $5 Cheezit deal making them a freebie for grab and go snacks. 
• Did another MN Opinion Survey for a $2 Amazon eCard.

Avoiding spending

• Packed my lunch and travel mug for the office. 
• Grandpup had a free day this week for doggie daycare. 
• I keep old towels by the back door to clean the dogs up when they come in. I thought about getting another muddy paw rug but realized the just really need their feet cleaned, then can step on the one in the door. Neither are a fan., but they're so cute now, almost waiting to get their paws cleaned to humor me. 

Eating/Using what we have

• Even though I did a big shop, I used up all the little bits for Saturday and Sunday meals, essentially not wasting any food items this week. 
• The waffle recipe makes so many, so froze 6 for the toaster. One box of even generic waffles are over $2 for six and these are just as nice after toasting. 

For others

• I drove MIL to graduation party. She appreciated the ride and the company.

Thrifty Bonus 

• I don't know where to put this, so adding as a bonus. Remember I'm still learning things that were not in my wheelhouse when my husband was alive. I had a panic that I needed to get the fence insured or add to the policy. Storms are plenty and that's all I'd need. Well, turns out I'm automatically covered at 10% for outside structures and this falls in that. Good to know no additional cost and I have coverage. 

     And ..some purchases without thrift involved.  Here's the extras.

• This might be thrifty in the long run, but wasn't at initial purchase. I spent $40 on a second hose reel/ storage box for the non-kink flexible hose I bought back in April. I hope it means the hose, a pricey purchase even on sale, will last longer. My son got the hose set up right away with it. 
• This will be the last bag until late fall, but spent another $35 on grass seed. Now, I need to let it go do it's thing for a bit, which means a delay in mowing. I'm hoping between this grass repair and mulching up the grass that's there, I'll have at least more coverage than I currently have by July.
• I misread the price on a 2 lb bag of salmon. Each fillet came in at a whopping $4 per fillet. Of course way cheaper than eating salmon out, and only my son eats it. Still, he can devour two at a meal, so do the math. He reported the fish was delicious so that's good. 

     As I  get closer to finalizing a retirement date, learn my younger daughter's plans, help the other two if I can and if needed, and try to be prepared for the unexpected, I'll keep watching how I spend. Wish me luck.