Friday Fiscal Wellness Check December 13, 2024


     This sort of spending recap is for self accountability on how intentional I've been the last week and if I can find flaws that might help me make fiscally better decisions in the future. This is my summary from Friday, December 6 to Thursday, December 12th.

Avoiding Spending/ Saving on Needs

  • I did not want to go out Wednesday when temps got to 0°, but recalled my $4 CVS Extra Care bucks were going to expire. I signed into the app and ordered to pick up Thursday two cans of Progresso soup 2/$4. We always can use canned soup for an easy lunch or supper, or an easy item for food bank/ little free pantry donation. 
  • I had another $4 off anything at CVS. I stopped on route to PT and stocked up on canned tuna, another food pantry option.
  • Picked up the last of a Kohl's order on route home from the office, savings a trip to the next town up the highway. 

Spent Intentionally

  • Grocery and household spending was through the roof last Saturday, but much was to replace essentials and also towards holiday baking. I maximized a few loss leaders and bought a huge turkey for 50¢ a pound that I hope to cook Sunday, then store in meal size portions. I'll bring some to my MIL and my sisters who are in their own too. 
  • I was faster than my sister and paid the bill at the restaurant Friday night before the Women's Christmas Dessert service. The dessert place settings was beautiful. Each table differently decorated by the table host. Our table was themed "a cup of tea and a good book". 

Opportunities to add Funds/Windfalls 

  • There's not much here this week. My retirement accounts were up and down all week. Best not to even look too often, but seem to overall be on target.

     Then, there are often other things that impacted my check book that came up without much planning or notice, an all out splurge. 

  • This was sort of spur of the moment. I treated my daughters and daughter's roommate ( it was her birthday) to see Wicked. We sprang for popcorn and soft pretzels too. I regret nothing and can't wait for part two.  
     That was about it. December is proving very expensive. Tomorrow is a dinner theater luncheon with my siblings and spouses, and while paid for last month, there's tip and any beverages or desserts. (An amaretto Pink Squirrel is both). It's my son's birthday and I'm taking the family out for dinner. We had too many years not getting to celebrate with him, so happy to have this time together. I'll be a homebody, or at least a thriftier socialite, in January and February. I promise. 

This was the fruit tart option. It was so huge, I took 2/3rds home. The other desserts equally large. For Minnesotans, they came from Truffles and Tortes Dessert Cafe in Anoka.

Comments

  1. AnonymousDecember 13, 2024 at 8:24 AM

    I also bought a turkey for .50/lb. I wish I would have bought two :/ I’m coming off a seven day work stretch where I didn’t do much. I treated myself to a coffee from Dunkin on Tuesday and picked up buy one get one free pizzas for dinner last night. Daughter comes home today for winter break so I’ll be spoiling her this weekend lol. We have six free tickets to a Christmas event thanks to her hard work over the summer at a theme park so hubby and I, DD and boyfriend, DS and girlfriend will all go Saturday together. I’ll need groceries with college girl home, stuff for breakfast and her lunches since she starts her internship on Monday and I also want to treat her to a new outfit for orientation. With this past tough week behind me (work wise and some emotional stuff as well) I feel ready to enjoy the next few weeks of holiday fun and family. JoAnn

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. SAMDecember 13, 2024 at 8:57 AM

      Oh all that sounds so nice! Congratulations on her internship. My daughter was given a huge project at work..she's nervous but excited to have something substantial to add to her skills in the real work world.

      Delete
    2. AnonymousDecember 14, 2024 at 7:47 AM

      Thank you! Congratulations and good luck to your daughter as well. I just know she’s going to do great!

      Delete
  2. ElleDecember 13, 2024 at 9:22 AM

    I'm grateful we learned many years ago, to save $ all fall for December: property taxes, Bikes for Kids drive (hubsters' passionate for bikes), we buy a water package through Compassion International in name of our Christmas family drawing person) and other bigger expenses I cannot recall at the moment. We don't do gifts for each other and haven't for at least 20y. We are moderate minimalists and prefer experiences.

    Congrats to your daughter's new assignment. Maybe she can call it a stretch goal? Resume' building is positive stress ;-)

    Hugs and Blessed Friday to you!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. SAMDecember 14, 2024 at 8:55 AM

      I just know this is an expensive month so plan ahead and after to tighten up. I think she'll enjoy it..she's learning a lot on navigating the resources to pull it together.

      Delete
  3. AprilDecember 13, 2024 at 1:26 PM

    December can be way expensive, even for those of us who are careful....know what you mean!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. SAMDecember 14, 2024 at 8:56 AM

      Plan and post plan is the best we can do. I loved going out with my kids and worth the money.

      Delete
  4. SharonDecember 13, 2024 at 9:09 PM

    I think December is an expensive month! It's nice that you were able to treat people. It's great to save money, but also to be able to share a bit of joy with others

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. SAMDecember 14, 2024 at 8:57 AM

      Definitely a balance. If course, my kids don't expect this and he'd have been happy with homemade lasagna and wine at home. Winter gets long.

      Delete
  5. LindaDecember 14, 2024 at 7:01 AM

    It all does seem to be a bit of a splurge, but it's Christmas after all and your kids. So, it is not too bad since you do have plans to be thriftier after Christmas. That tart makes me drool!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. SAMDecember 14, 2024 at 8:58 AM

      I don't buy "stuff" for the most part, no fancy hair cuts and manicures regularly and I make ok money. This is my priority while I have people to enjoy time with.

      Delete
  6. MELODY JACOBDecember 15, 2024 at 6:51 AM

    It sounds like you’ve been mindful of your spending while still enjoying some treats! Love how you balance savings with thoughtful treats and experiences. You’re invited to read my blog posts!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. SAMDecember 15, 2024 at 7:24 AM

      Nice to meet you, Melody. I will look for your blog.

      Delete

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