Trying on the Budget Front...

     

Photo by AS Photography: https://www.pexels.com

     My low spend week was anything but low spend. Some by choice, picking up dinner twice, and other necessity, kitten vet bill, but regardless money leaked, no, poured out last week. There were so many good comments on the post, like thinking, and different approaches. Now it's my birthday today, Thanksgiving Thursday, and a whole month of more holiday spending cheer (read that with a sarcasm filter.) My older daughter came over yesterday to watch the football game and hang out. We spent time reviewing calendars and figuring out ideas where each of us could save to off set so many of the splurges we both know will happen. 

     My birthday will be low key. Nothing today though maybe I'll see if there's a freebie like a scoop of frozen custard to take advantage of, though will give to my son. I'm doing the SNAP challenge the next three days and we have leftovers that need eating that my son can eat.  Friday my youngest wants to give me an afternoon tea. She looked into the ones offered and nothing in her price point. This will be so much better anyway. I have a three tiered plate holder, table cloths, teapot, and pretty china. My lovely friend Siobhan sent me an incredible gift with tea, biscuits, and coffee for my birthday and it will be enjoyed thoroughly as part of this tea. (I can't wait until next year when I can have tea with Siobhan in the UK.) I'll get a picture of my daughter's spread to share with you all. 

     My line of thought is to not restrict spending when it genuinely brings me some cheer, and save on the everyday. I'll gladly spend $80 on matinee dinner theater tickets with my siblings and their spouses to see White Christmas, and fill my travel mug with coffee made at home when out and about doing holiday shopping instead of grabbing one out. 

     I'll stock up on adult beverages for home and snacks for our own happy hours...and try and forgoe the lure of the local spots. This means more time keeping my house tidy so I feel good having friends or family stop by. I'd also have provisions to bring along to someone else's without a last minute expensive stop on route. I hope the Black Friday sales include alcohol.

     Other little strategies that I should do regularly, but feels more important for the next six weeks. 

• Stock up on basics at good prices without moving into hoarding categories. This goes beyond groceries and may mean my favorite comfortable shoe, under garments and socks...anything that needs regular replacing. 
• Big batches of soup 
• Pasta meals, freezing portion sizes for quick heat and eat
• Batches of currys, like chickpea masala and dal which pack flavor for not much money
• Using more legume, bean, and protein rich grain based meals, which we like, but I need to think ahead to prepare. Spicy black beans and rice is a favorite and makes so much. 
• Top off spices in bulk at Sam's Club, Indian grocery store
• Bake lots of breads, quick and yeast
• Walking for top up shops at local store for only loss leaders ( bonus, get extra steps in and some weight bearing exercise carrying bags home)
• Finding clearance grocery or other items for freezer when I do a bigger shop. While I'm doing the SNAP challenge for three days, I used the tip Belinda shared that the Walmart rotisserie chickens can be bought for $4 next day.I never thought to look, but found them on Saturday. I bought one for my freezer and will make soup, extra broth, and have for a hot dish. Day old breads for the freezer are great for pizza bases, garlic bread, soup accompaniment,etc. but I often don't  think to look when I just run in and out. 
• Maximizing streaming services- we pay, we need to use
• Keep heat low, use fireplace to take nip out of the family room, sweaters and blankets to bundle up
• Review supply of gift cards to off set spending of cash/ credit card purchases
• Pack snacks for holiday shopping so that if we do a meal out, it's intentionally planned, not because just too hungry to wait

     It's easy to throw those extras in the shopping cart, purchase food and drink on the go, or click on and buy adorable things from the convenience of my phone. I'm trying to make less easy through a little forethought. How are you doing extra diligence with your spending to ensure your fiscally comfortable this holiday season? Has anyone had a hard January so changed your approach to holiday season spending?