1. I got a free E-Z pass transponder.
(The E-Z pass is an electronic toll collection system that’s used on the east coast and also as far into the Midwest as Illinois.)
I don’t use tolls roads and toll bridges all that often, but a number are switching to only accepting E-Z pass, so if you don’t have one, you get a bill in the mail that is more expensive than what you’d pay if you had an E-Z pass.
So, I figured it was worth it to fill out the online forms to get one, even for infrequent toll trips.
2. I cancelled some unused blog services.
For instance, we haven’t used Lisey’s old baking domain in ages, so I cancelled that one.
3. I got a $26 refund from Dyn.
I used to have my blog’s DNS services through them and oh my word, they have the worst customer service ever.
Maddeningly enough, they charged me $26 a year and a half after I put in my cancellation notice.
(Which I did after I switched everything over to Agathon, who has the best customer service in the world!)
I did finally get a refund a few days ago for the charge that initially happened in August.
4. I turned a frivolous grocery run into something a little bit practical.
I made my coffee yesterday, poured it into my mug, and realized we had no cream.
NOOOOOO.
So, I put my shoes on and took a little trip to the nearest grocery store, because coffee without cream is not worth drinking in my opinion.
And milk is a very, very poor substitute.
A trip just for cream is not efficient, but…I took my Gold Medal flour rain check with me, and I also bought a bunch of fruit at good sale prices, plus two bags of bagels.
And apparently they were clearing out these small containers of cream, because they were marked to half price.
5. I popped by the library while I was in the area.
I picked up a friend’s book that one of my girls accidentally returned to the library (whoops!) and I also picked up a library book I patiently waited for through the hold system.
Your turn! Share your five frugal things in the comments.
Deidre
Saturday 18th of January 2020
Score on your tag Kristen & great that you found out about the toll changes I got a tag too but the cost is toll credit my frugalness was hit & miss this week 1. cooked at home except for fish & chips & movie nite with sis; $10 for a fun night - & I try to think Friday is F for fish to remind me to eat fish more often -(although in this instance the fried batter & chip aren't so healthy but they were yum) 2. Frugal fail bought chicken on the way home for batch cooking but ran out of time & energy to deal with it- but - I did reflect & realise I need to do that kind of cooking on a day off when I feel enthusiastic so hopefully won't do that again - failures are teachers 3. Really like drinking water, always have so that's saved me a lot over the years, that & drink bottles 4. Got extra hours at work for a while -yey! 5. Extra hours make me tired so going to bed earlier uses less power :)
Jan Hixson
Friday 17th of January 2020
I had a bag of oranges left over from the holidays so I made orange marmalade. I meant to make it for holiday gifts but ran out of time. Now we have a three-month supply!
Becca
Friday 17th of January 2020
Repurposed leftover party shrimp cocktail into shrimp & veggie stir fry one night and shrimp fried rice the next.
Baked muffins for my moms group when it was our turn to bring food instead of buying something.
Used bones from beef short ribs to make a yummy pot of stock which became vegetable soup for dinner.
Had the kids make my dad a birthday card instead of buying one.
Used the library to get some free books, movies, and activity for the kids.
Trimmed my own ends to avoid a trip to the stylist.
Kathleen
Friday 17th of January 2020
1. I have a ton of points on Amazon and resisted using them to buy books for myself. I found the books at the library and I’m saving the points for when we actually need something. 2. I’m focusing on using up food in my pantry and freezer to keep grocery bills tight this month. 3. I went out with a friend last night. We went out for dessert rather than dinner. It’s so much cheaper. 4. Hung about half the laundry to dry. In the winter I don’t have space for sheets and towels to hang, but I have two racks and can hang a load of clothes. If I do one load a day, I can stay on top of it. 5. Ate leftovers for lunch all week. I love fried rice made with leftovers of this and that.
jenni
Thursday 16th of January 2020
Five Frugal things...
1. I walked to work! Even though it's -30 degrees Celsius! Here, you'd better LOVE your winter jacket because you will be wearing it for a good 6 months!! 2. I made all meals at home and brought leftovers to work for lunch. 3. Have been using my sinking funds account like a good girl. Set a goal, save up, but item 4. Took my car in for a service, running nicely! Being proactive! 5. My husband and I cleared the snow off the roof ourselves instead of hiring someone else.