Friday Fiscal Wellness Check September 26, 2025
For Friday Fiscal Wellness Check, I copy the previous week, delete the old and updated as I go along the week as a way even when busy and not in a blogging mindset, I'm accountable to myself. Here's my recap of Friday, September 19 to Thursday, September 25. I just sort of list things as they come up, then edit before publishing.
Avoiding Spending/ Saving on Needs
- With Labor Day and a old neighborhood picnic splurges, I realized I had pushed my grocery target this month, so determined to still cut HH&G by 10-15%, I did a serious inventory and meal plan to the end of the month, and made shopping list for both this past and upcoming with only necessary items.
- Entered Fetch receipts and MS Reward.
- It was a busy week for my contract job. I will easily hit the 25 hours this and next week as more moving parts in the organization. I'll be booking in a four week block to credit their double payment.
- On a less happy but pragmatic note, I had my social security survivor benefits application phone meeting. I did the math multiple ways and since I don't intend to work enough to exceed the income max before benefits reduce and once I am eligible for my own benefits they'll be even with my husband's even if I waited, collecting at age 60 was obvious for my financial benefit.
Then, there are often other things that impacted my check book that came up without much planning or notice, an extra optional expense, or an all-out splurge.
- I promise I'll try to mend it, but my nice sheets have a slit in the fitted one. I think Little Miss is to blame. I bought an extra fitted in same thread count so for sure have one until I get to mending, which honestly could be this weekend or next year.
Daily Dinner Diary (Friday 9/19 to Thursday, 9/25).
- Fri - Dijon Chicken, roasted potatoes and Italian seasoned zucchini (last EveryPlate) I added an additional potato and a big handful of grape tomatoes from my plant to the zucchini
- Sat- Burgers and sides at sister's.
- Sun- Bean soup from the freezer with toast.
- Mon- Salad supper, from a Cooks ham steak, I made ham and pea pasta salad and left left son with nice thick pieces to eat as a sandwich with corn chowder from freezer
- Tues- bacon wrapped pork chops with pearl couscous greek salad (using a meal kit recipe)
- Weds- Goulash with mixed vegetables
- Thurs- Pork loin with ranch potatoes and zesty lime carrots
I have no plans this weekend, but have two bookclub books to consume before the 4th and 6th. I've been bingeing on too much streaming television lately so other than sports, going to try a technology fast. How was your week?
It sounds as though you are really getting a handle on the finances!
ReplyDeleteI've done ok this week with finances. I still have some cutting to do. Hopefully now that things have settled down, I can do better on the meal planning front. I cringe every time I have to spend food money.
I hope you have a good weekend. Reading sounds like a lovely way to spend some time this weekend.
Still attending to paperwork. I actually received a condolence letter from one account I had been putting off tracking down, with paperwork included. I am still waiting for paperwork from his LTC plan. They took money out for September. When I called to cancel I was told they would send me a form for the credit for September (just over $100.00) but it has to be notarized. Still no forms and I can’t work up the energy to call them just yet. I was hoping i would get it by today as I have another appointment with the bank, and they offer notary services to customers. Again, i can’t work up the urgency. If I see an October payment, however, I will do battle immediately.
ReplyDeleteOther than that, I have hit the ground running…had a gala last weekend which I know he would have wanted me to attend, and a PAC event last night. Neither event was cheap, and I even bought a new dress for the gala, but I don’t mind where the money goes. Plus, rarely do I go out. Last night we made it out in time to attend our district’s State of the Schools Address to the nearby City Council. (Our district several municipalities in two counties.) That was…hmmm…entertaining, but I shall spare you the local gossip. Monday I may attend a “no pressure book club” event. The idea is to talk about a book you have read or are reading. Monday’s theme, however, actually has a bit of pressure…talk about a book you wish you read as a kid. Well, how can I do that if I didn’t read it?
Meals are few and far between. I am also not going to the supermarket as much. So much of my cooking was for my husband, even if I wouldn’t make him things i couldn’t bear. The boys have been whipping things up, and it’s nice to see them go through the freezer and pantry to see what we have and create meals, but mealtimes just aren’t as much fun.
Ah well, this too shall pass.
Enjoy your weekend.
-Meg B.
Oh Meg, I am so sorry. Our lives can change so quickly. Wishing you and your family peace and comfort.
DeleteI wanted to spend less on our grocery bill this month too, but I think I've already spent close to $200 and that was with being careful. My Pioneer Women fitted sheet has two tears in it, which suggests to me that the fabric isn't very good as I have rarely ever had a sheet tear, must less two tears. I know a lot of what I read about social security says to collect as soon as possible and even though you get less at 62, it works out to be more over the long run.
ReplyDeleteSounds like a busy week with work and everything. Glad the social security benefits will help when you turn 60, and I'm glad you won't have to wait any longer. Your meals sound tasty. Hope you have a relaxing weekend.
ReplyDelete