Friday Fiscal Wellness Check April 17, 2026
For my Friday posts, I copy the previous week, delete the old and update as I go along the week. This helps me add as the week goes on. Here's my recap of Friday, April 10 to Thursday, April 16. I just sort of list things as they come up, then edit before publishing.
- Even with theoretically doing Cheryl's challenge on how long could I go before shopping, I still felt things were maybe hidden. I found another significant portion of sloppy joe meat in freezer and used for a beef, cheese, and tomato pasta bake.
- Despite buying quite a bit of staples, I'm in Use it Up mode as I want it easier to clean all food storage places, pantry, fridge, freezers, fully- tomorrow's entertainment.
- Did the quarterly Sam's Club stock up ( not everything every quarter) which included tp, tissues, and laundry soap. I'm disappointed that membership will go up another $10 when we renew, but these dry goods savings annually offset the membership, and any other savings is icing. My daughter uses the other card.
- Attended a free webinar hosted by a professional organization I'm still a member of post retirement. It never hurts to stay informed and connected.
Opportunities to add Funds/Windfalls
- Entered receipts in Fetch, played MS Rewards, and started doing surveys again as available. These earn very little but do them as I watch something on screen.
- Subbed for 4th grade classroom 1/2 day for the same teacher my youngest had for both 2nd and 4th grade. I earned the standard 1/2 day rate. I'm subbing in a 2nd grade classroom this afternoon.
- I was selected to do a dog food study in a few weeks. I think I'm a pretty good representative of the dog lover community.
Non-Thrifty or Frugal
- Pup had a couple regular vaccines, blood recheck and a refill on his arthritis pills. Whewy is my vet bill high these days, but he's doing pretty darn well for a guy who turned 15 this past Monday.
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
- I splurged at Sam's Club on a box of 23 proteins bars for my youngest. She too often skips meals due to being rushed or disorganized but is also training for a marathon (she ran a 10 k this past Sunday.) I figure she can keep these in her desk drawer and at least have a dose of protein as each are 20g a bar. If she likes, I'm happy to pick them up regularly for her.
- I stopped at Trader Joe's after my hip appointment as it was on route for some staples. A couple bottles of my favorite cheap rosé wine just happened to come home too.
- Impromptu Happy Hour to celebrate my sister getting to have the boot removed on her foot. Celebrating health and recovery is a win in my book.
Fri - Grilled cheese and TJ tomato soup
Sat- Beef, cheese, and tomato pasta bake
Sun- Chickpea and potato masala, rice
Mon- Panko crusted chicken with mashed potatoes and green beans
Tues- Homemade flatbread pizzas, used up freezer and fridge finds and my own garlic sauce base
Weds- Chicken, rice, mushroom and cheese hotdish, sautéed green beans
Thur- Turkey meatloaf, baked potatoes, broccoli
Last Friday at school went very fast only working 1/2 day so feel today will go fast as well. I hope a couple more Friday or Tuesday afternoons come up. They're a nice detour in my week with low commitment. I'm helping in my community and making a little money to go into my savings or to offset an unexpected expense. I've got the big dog this weekend as my daughter's out of town plus rescheduled family book club/cards so will be a frugal low spend weekend with hopefully lots of outdoor time if weather permits. How was your week?
A grilled cheese & tomato soup does sound good for supper one night. The protein bars sound like a good treat idea for your Daughter.
ReplyDeleteIt was a night where temos dropped late afternoon and neither of us wanted to cook.
DeleteSounds like you are doing a great job. hHappy birthday to puppers - that is pretty significant!
ReplyDeleteNo one knows how long his health will keep him up, but im happy for each day.
DeleteThe menu sounds really good and I love that the wine jumped in there! (:
ReplyDeleteIt would have been rude to not stop in the liquor store side.
DeleteSounds like a really balanced week - some treats, some money earning, & spending on priorities. - Hawaii Planner
ReplyDeleteI highly recommend with no second thoughts, impromptu Thursday Happy Hours. I had a good day at the school yesterday as well. I hope your week back leads you to similar balance.
DeleteYay to grabbing some cheap rose, wish I was able to share it with you! xxx
ReplyDeleteIt's almost embarrassing how cheap it is, but it's so good. My sister and I had one last night but good to have a spare, because just in case.
DeleteMight you share what you bought? Which name or brand please
DeleteIt's the Emma Reichart (sp.?) Pinot Noir Rose. $5.99 ! Bottle at MN Trader Joe's
DeleteThe guy working said he normally isn't a rose fan but as a pilot noir variety, he thought this was good too. I sound like a commercial!
Well done. Hmmm, now I want Rose wine, wonder if I can get Harvey to purchase a kit and make some for me..... Using a kit works out to be about $1.50 a bottle for most wines.
ReplyDeleteGod bless.
I hope he figures it out for you. Sadlyvthe get people I know who've tried to make wine were not successful...vinegar with a wine shade.
DeleteNice job with the finances. I do Fetch and it's surprising how quickly it adds up when you scan those receipts. I always try to grab the receipts my son leaves lying around too lol
ReplyDeleteThat's the way to have them add up. Mibe are slow going because I buy so few things with the extra perks. However, I gifted my kids at no cost to me, movie tickets Saturday from Fetch points.
DeleteI've heard that the wine at Trader Joe's is a very good price. We share a Sam's membership too, which works out great and does pay for itself with the savings. You are smart to stay connected, even in retirement.
ReplyDeleteIt'd be nice to do a project now and again, but minimally, I still have interest. There's a red and a pinot grigio from TJ at a low price I enjoy too.
DeleteLove these! I cook for me, so I spent about $15 on chicken drumsticks, halal and on sale - I am good for dinner until May! I overspent on some outside food for charity, but eh! The Sam's club going up by $10 is just plain ol' greed, honestly they don't need to increase, corporations are so infuriating.
ReplyDeleteDrumsticks are very versatile and I buy often for soup, grilling, baking, or just cook and debone. We prefer dark meat. I agree that a 20% jump in membership price really is greedy.
DeleteI hope all is well and you simply don't feel like writing right now.
ReplyDeleteEchoing this and sending love.
Deletethis is quite sensible to do; it keep you on task what you are trying to accomplish. I try to do this myself with my money, 'financial friday' I call it.
ReplyDeleteI hope you are ok. At this point in our lives, going quiet usually isn’t a good thing. I hope I am wrong and you are taking some well- deserved time to regroup. You are missed.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Elle, JJ anonymous- all's good but how kind to check in. Post coming today. Pause was not intentional and realized it's been a few weeks, so understand the question.
ReplyDelete