Friday, August 28, 2020

Frugal Friday


This week I sold one item on eBay and listed several more items for sale. 

We had to go check the mail the other day (we don't pick it up everyday) and decided to take the cash Bailey received and deposit it in the bank. We drove around for a little bit, which was a nice change of pace. 

On Monday I sent some new shirts back because of the quality. The material was very thin and I did not care for the fit. So many times Bailey gets brand new clothes with the tags still attached to sell in her online shops. I'm guilty of waiting to long to return items too, but not this time. 

Saving Money in the Kitchen

One morning I made some chocolate chip waffles using the Krusteaz pancake mix, which we already know is a money saver. 

One day I took out a large packet of chicken breast from the freezer and made those in my Instant Pot

That night I made white chicken enchiladas for dinner and had enough to serve the next day. And still had chicken left over for another meal later in the week. 


Saving Money on Entertainment

We didn't have movie night this week, but I have been reading Dr. Michael Greger's book, How Not to Die. I've also been watching Unsolved Mysteries on Peacock TV, which is free to download. 

Saving Money on Laundry

There are enough clothes in my wardrobe that  I only have to do laundry every other week, and this was the week. This system saves me money in electricity and wear and tear on my clothes. 


We used our last bottle of Tide this week. This was a batch that Bailey couponed for back in January of 2017.  Last year I mentioned that we would need to buy laundry detergent this year. 

We still have three bottles of Arm & Hammer left and a small bottle of Gain, so we've not had to buy any yet. It's great though that we haven't had to buy laundry detergent in years because we combined sales and coupons to add to our stockpile back then. 


Another way we save money on laundry is by using wool dryer balls instead of dryer sheets. Wool dryer balls are made from a renewable resource and are a good substitute for disposable dryer sheets. 

Dryer balls decrease drying time by up to 25% by distributing heat more evenly in the dryer, which also helps you save money on utility bills. Dryer balls will last for over 1,000 laundry loads and eliminates dryer sheet waste in landfills.

Of course the least expensive way to dry laundry is to hang it outside on a clothesline to dry. But, my daughter is allergic to so many thing outside, that we don't do that here. Back when I was growing up that is how we and all our neighbors dried our laundry. 

Christmas

Bailey and I have already been discussing Christmas this year. Due to me not working and less money coming in because of the pandemic, we are going to downsize Christmas this year. If you need to do that in your family, now is the time to start talking about this issue, so people can get used to the idea.

Other Frugal Things

This week I used up two bottles of shampoo samples and rinsed them out to get every last drop out of them. Even though they were free samples this helps to extend the shampoo we do have. 

The weather on Thursday morning was very cool outside when I fed the cats. It's been cooler in the evenings, so I've been able to turn off the a/c in the evenings, which will save money on our electric bill. 

This week I called my auto insurance company to see if I could get  a reduction on my auto insurance since I am not driving as much. I've read two different bloggers who have been successful with this. 

The representative told me that I was already at the lowest coverage for mileage and the only way to reduce my premiums would be to switch to liability insurance only. 

My car is a 2014 Chevy Impala, which I paid cash for when I bought it, so while I didn't have to have full coverage I still did.  So, I have to think about this and make a decision by October. 

How was your frugal week?

Belinda
~ Living within our Means ~
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26 comments:

  1. I had a 2000 Malibu, so as the years went by, I changed to liabiity only. When someone hit me broadside and totaled my car, my insurance company could not do one thing to help me get what I deserved from the car and doctor bills. So, I had to hire an attorney! I don't know where you buy insurance, but my company and several others automatically gave a discount because of the lack of driving during the pandemic. I would point this out and shop for insurance.

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    1. That is the very thing I am concerned about. I buy my insurance from Farm Bureau because it is the best deal here and I check regularly. I sure wish they were doing what the other auto insurance companies are doing.

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  2. Hi Belinda. I did a Frugal Friday as part of my Friday 5 and I featured you there too :)

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    1. Oh, that was so sweet of you, Martha. I will be sure to return the favor. :)

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  3. Sounds like a pretty good week. You really do stay frugal. That is great. I think many will be downsizing Christmas this year - or at least should. Silly to go out and spend so much money for one day - when we should be celebrating the reason for the day!
    Have a good weekend.

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    1. Excellent point, Cheryl. I agree about celebrating the reason for Christmas. I'm thinking I will get something she needs, and something she wants.

      I hope you have a good weekend too.

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  4. I'm not sure what happened to my comment, so apologies if I double post. For our laundry, we line dry almost all of our clothes inside on a clothing drying rack. We use the dryer for just towels, underwear & socks. It helps our clothes last so much longer, but also reduces drying time. We don't use fabric softener of any kind, and don't notice the need for it. Have you thought about getting a folding drying rack, assuming you have a spot for it indoor?

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    1. We do have an indoor drying rack and use it to occasionally dry items. I should think about using it more than we do, it is hard to find the space for it, but it would be a money saver for sure. Thanks for the idea. :)

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    2. Sometimes I set up my drying rack in the tub. First thing in the morning and dry before bedtime. I, too, have allergies...and drying outside can be a problem. Just thought I'd offer the idea. Sure enjoy your blog!

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    3. Thank you so much, Linda. That is a great idea!

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  5. Belinda, I think your insurance agent is not on the up and up. You were suppose to get a reduction without asking. I saw in the comments you said you were with Farm Bureau and yes you were supposed to get a discount- https://www.fbfs.com/covid-19-resources

    All insurance companies were doing this. It was in the news. We got a four month reduction without even asking. They just sent us a letter letting us know our new rate and when it would go into effect. We just got our renewal and they reduced it again because of Covid. DH & I did not renegotiate a new rate it was given to us automatically. DH is still driving the same amount this year than he was last year and we still got the reduction. Our insurance provider stated that it was because a lot of people were not driving they were able to give the reductions to everyone even if there were some who were still driving the same or more during the virus- essential workers, etc...

    I know a lot of people in my area use Farm Bureau and they were saying Farm Bureau was giving them home discounts and everything during this time. Your agent needs a serious scolding.

    Quiet frugal week here. Normal things. Covid cases are rising in my area because of the University opening up. What is funny we have three large colleges in town and only one has an outbreak. I went out and did my Autumn bulk shopping early because I just want to hide for the Autumn Season since I think it's going to get bad in my area. People here are just refusing to mask even with the ordinance. We have had several nursing home deaths this month. I live by all the nursing homes. I am what is in nursing home row neighborhood. I have been seeing a lot of ambulances at one particular one, more than normal. Not saying I will get Covid from a nursing home. :) I am just concerned the staff is getting off work and doing essential shopping and they are sick or asymptomatic. Then I go in the stores who knows if I could be sick or asymptomatic. I would feel terrible if I was part of the transmission ring and I caused somebody to die. I am a worrywart like that.

    Movie night- I used my Amazon credits to watch The Current War. It was so good. It would have even been worth "renting" it for money.

    I am reading a series. I have been getting the books at Hoopla. When I did a search for the next one in the series it was not listed. I clicked the author's name and there was the book. If anybody is using Hoopla and having trouble finding books in their app, click the author's name.

    I had to bulk buy all my laundry items when quarantine was enforced and DH was declared essential. I laughed because I told my DH that I had enough laundry supplies for two years. Three months later I am almost out. I couldn't believe it! I am doing laundry every other day and some days it can be every day. I read a lot of "essential" workers were feeling the cost increase of laundry with the virus. I know it increased in our home but I prepared for it. I know most can't do that. I was one of the lucky ones that could but it still a rise on the utility bill even if you expect it and take frugal shortcuts. We are having to buy almost triple amount of clothes for my DH during this time. Luckily I don't need any clothes since I am at home. When I am essential shopping and do a food donation I am picking up laundry supplies to donate to.

    No big Christmas here either. I really hope nobody in our family expects it. Best Christmas is family healthy. Get together will happen again someday but right now we just have to be patient and protective. DH & I never had big holidays anyway but I always like visiting family and friends during the holidays. It will be a little sad this year. I would like to do something pretty for our home this year to make people smile as they drive by. I am already thinking of ideas.

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    1. Thank you for the information on Farm Bureau, Safyne. We did get a small refund back in the spring, but I was looking for a reduction in the amount of miles I drive and was told I was already at the lowest mileage. That was a great article though thank you for posting to the link.

      I understand your concerns about COVID19. Bailey tried to go to a thrift store this week with a mask, but no one else was wearing a mask and the employee who had one had it down around his neck. She couldn't take it and left without shopping. It's very stressful, so we are still staying home too. The school system here is putting out a list of positive cases and so far there is one at the high school and one at the elementary school. So I'm glad I am not subbing as it only takes one to spread it around.

      As soon as she came home she showered and washed her clothes, so I understand about the extra laundry right now. Good thing you were able to stock up when you did.

      I like your attitude about Christmas, "Get togethers will happen again someday but right now we just have to be patient and protective". That is a great way to look at it! We will gather again some day. :)

      I'm looking up the Current War right now too.

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  6. We use will dryer balls too. I haven't been using them this summer..I didn't realize they saved that much electricity. Thanks for the tip.

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    1. You're welcome, Vickie. Sometimes they get lost in a load, but are usually pretty easy to find.

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  7. Hi Belinda :) I found your blog via Martha at SeasideSimplicity! I think that a frugal lifestyle rocks and I strive to be as frugal as I can, though I do indulge a little too much with certain things (got to cut up that credit card) Great job on the laundry! Consider me a new follower! :)

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    1. Oh, I'm so glad you're here, Rain. It's always great to meet another frugal friend! Welcome. :)

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  8. I use three tennis balls as dryer balls. 😊

    I too have a 2014 car and have full coverage on it. It doesn’t have a lot of miles on it yet, so I didn’t drop the full coverage. May be after 10 years I’ll get liability only and put savings aside for another car.

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    1. Oh, that is a good plan for your car, Nil. I like that idea. Kudos on the tennis balls, those are cheaper than the wool dryer balls too.

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  9. Good night, how are you? I am Brazilian and I am looking for new followers for my blog. And I will follow yours with pleasure. New friends are also welcome, no matter the distance.

    https://viagenspelobrasilerio.blogspot.com/?m=1

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    1. Welcome, Luiz...it's always nice to get a new follower. Welcome!

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  10. Good afternoon Belinda thanks for visiting my blog. I'm a follower number 80. And I would like to have the privilege of following you too.

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    1. You're welcome, Luiz. Thank you for visiting here too and becoming follower number 80, that makes me happy. I'm glad to have you as a follower.

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  11. Good afternoon Belinda, my share of followers is under the translator with flags. You can translate the blog texts from Portuguese to Polish.

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  12. I so admire your frugality Belinda, it takes lots of effort I know...
    I like to buy items in bulk or on sale, the problem is....the storage .
    Your meals always sound so delicious, and so varied.
    Thank you for sharing your ideas and recipes.
    Hugs,
    ~Jo

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    1. Oh, you are so sweet, Jo. Thank you. :) I know what you mean about the storage. Bailey and I have bought four sets of shelves this summer and it has really helped us to get more storage.

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