Friday Fiscal Wellness Check, February 20, 2026
As a reminder in case you feel repetitiveness to my Friday posts, I copy the previous week, delete the old and update as I go along the week. This will help me add as the week goes on. Here's my recap of Friday, February 13 to Thursday, February, 19 . I just sort of list things as they come up, then edit before publishing.
- Matched up three pairs of socks from the assorted sock bag. I noticed my supply had been dwindling. Turned two with big holes in the heel into Swifter duster covers. These were just Hanes socks but maybe I'll learn to darn, but, I can always use rags.
- Entertainment continued to be cheap this past week with a lot of Olympic watching. .
- Meals have all been from loss leaders and adapted to what fill in items are low cost but nutritious. I've carefully counted down from my reduced grocery target to ensure I shave the 20% goal. Plus, I'm putting a few ready to heat and eat meals on the freezer to have for son and share with the girls and my sister while I'm gone ( not that they can't be self sufficient).
Opportunities to add Funds/Windfalls
- Uploaded Fetch receipts and added to my MS Rewards points.
Non-Thrifty or Frugal
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 ordered and picked up €300 for my trip, though that was budgeted.
Daily Dinner Diary (Friday 2/13 to Thursday, 2/19).
Fri - Beef burritos with black beans and rice
Sat- Chicken stuffing hotdish with stir fried green beans
Sun- BBQ pork sandwiches, potato wedges with Sriracha garlic aioli
Mon- Beef sausage jambalaya
Tues- Chicken and cheese hot dish
Weds- Olive and brie stuffed hamburgers
Thurs- Frozen pizza with carrots and hummus
I'll pick my sister up at 10:00 and her surgery is scheduled for noon. I'm bringing a book, Diet Coke, an apple, and some cheese and crackers to nibble on while waiting. Soup and sloppy joes are ready to heat and eat if she wants either. The lasagna is ready to bake tonight or tomorrow night. I'll run home and make fresh goulash on Sunday. If she feels like Subway, McDonald's or anything else I'll accommodate. Three sisters are home on Sunday so will share checking in on her starting Monday. How was your week?
So nice that you can help your sister with her surgery. Ours was largely a splurge week, but there were a few frugal wins that were helpful. I'm also in the process of sorting out final logistics for our Greece trip, and getting those paid for (flights from Athens to Santorini, ferry rides, etc.) - Hawaii Planner
ReplyDeleteAs well be mostly just Athens as my last summer spur of the moment trip began as a solo trip, I'll only be able to share that and day trips. You're so good at planning your trip will be amazing.
DeleteI have had a low spend week too - and you have reminded me that I need to pick up some Euros
ReplyDeleteSiobhan x
I think I have plenty and will use the card. Even with making some extra nice meals and comfort food for my sister, I managed to stay away from impulse buys
DeleteSounds like a good week. Nice that you can help sis out.
ReplyDeleteI had so much help with my knee. I am happy to help her. She's doing great.
DeletePretty good week. It's nice that you're close enough to your sister to be able to help her out.
ReplyDeleteIt's a long walk, but in walking distance. I can be on call.
DeleteI've not thought to use my old maid socks as a swiffer cover. Thanks for the heads up. Your sister is lucky you can be there to help her.
ReplyDeleteThey work surprisingly well and using and antistatic spray helps as a dust collector - but don't use furniture spray. Flores be one an ice rink
DeleteOld socks can also become dog toys. Stick an empty plastic water bottle inside and tie a knot at the end.
ReplyDeleteJen G.
Oh yes, hours of play when my daughter's dog was a puppy. We'd hid treats in the knots too.
DeleteHope your sister gets along ok with her surgery. I know she appreciates all your help and the yummy foods will help her feel better. Hope you have a wonderful time in Greece! So exciting!!
ReplyDeleteI agree with Jen, old socks make good cat toys too. Put another old sock and a little catnip inside, tie it off, and it makes a fun cat kicker toy.
Old socks have good second life purpose.
DeleteYour menus sound delicious! Especially those olive and brie stuffed burgers!
ReplyDeleteThey turned out better than I was hoping and used up the lingering cheese. I'll keep in mind for summer grilling.
DeleteI am so excited for you about your upcoming trip to Greece. It is such an amazing country, I hope you enjoy it as much as I did/do.
ReplyDeleteI'm starting to get excited. Picking up the Euros made it seem real.
DeleteYou asked… . The middle son with mental health issues seems to be stable this week/month. The oldest son informed me he has a serious drug addiction and he signed himself up for outpatient treatment. I am grateful he stepped up and is doing something about it. I had no clue. He works every day so he is a functional drug addict on an extremely dangerous drug. I am just glad he didn’t overdose and I am burying him. So at the moment, I am grateful. Work took a challenging turn also this week but I really don’t care, given that I have more important things to worry about. I have decided life is about curveballs, and how we handle them. I would like a more boring week next week though….… lol. A crystal ball as to what one of my four kids is going to do in the future would be nice also!!!! Cindy in the South
ReplyDeleteThat's so tough, but you handle your challenges with much more grit and patience than I seem to. Your son is showing strength recognizing he needs help. I'm happy for you for your middle sons stability this week.
DeleteCindy in the South: I am catching up on Sam's blog (I've had a packed February on family fronts, so am way behind) and saw your comment about your situation. Thumbs up for your oldest son taking the right step on his addiction; the addict saying "I need to get help" is major. May it go well for him and you all.
DeleteDid you notice that Microsoft Rewards increased the amount of points for their rewards? The gift card I’m working towards for Kroger went up by 10,000 points. Not a huge amount, but I did notice. Others were talking about it on Reddit. I don’t darn either, but Bailey taught herself using a YouTube video and they looked great. I hope your sister’s surgery goes well.
ReplyDeleteBelinda
I haven't. That stinks and might change me playing. It already was slow to earn. I'll look. I think it might be fun to have fun colored darns.
DeleteGreece is such a beautiful place, I know you will enjoy your time there. I hope things are going well for your sister. You're all blessed to have family so close by.
ReplyDeleteI'm looking forward to the trip so much. I'm fortunate to have my sister's close.
DeleteLovely that you have your sisters close by. I hope the recovery goes smoothly. Glad you got your Euros! It will be a fabulous trip!
ReplyDeleteHer surgery went well and she's getting around on her own.
DeleteI hope your sister's surgery went wel and that's she on the mend.
ReplyDeleteI'm so excited about your trip! xxx
She's doing really well. A very long travel day a week from today, but on the 4th I will have my first Greek Adventure.
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