Frugal Friday

 It was a really busy work week, but I did manage a few wins:

Saving on things we buy

• I noticed that I was a bit short on a Rite Aid rewards offer on my last purchase (spend $1.60 more on Listerine & earn $6 in rewards). I didn't go for the cheapest qualifying offer, but instead picked up a $5 item that I'll need in the next few months. Spent $2 (rewards for the rest) & earned another $6 in rewards. And, have an item I know we'll use tucked away for later.
• Used the $6 in rewards another day to pick up a few last holiday items we needed (Sam needed a Christmas card for his girlfriend, & I picked up one for M. I usually make my own, but saw an adorable card & couldn't resist.)
• Bought Alaska Airlines gift cards on Costco. They are ~10% off, plus we receive another 3% off with our membership. They have no expiration dates/blackout dates & this is our preferred airline given travel destinations. We're hoping to eventually travel again! :-) 

Earning money

• I received my compensation update from my employer, including my salary, bonus & stock. My salary is ~ 1/3 of my overall compensation, but I still consider that to be the most predictable part of our income & budget largely on that. I'm coming up with a plan for my raise for next year, to give thought to where we want to spend it. Likely the kids college accounts. 
• While I've now shut down eBay sales for the holidays (due to traveling to Oregon), I did sell that last of my two crystal glasses, so I'm glad to get those out of the house & mailed off to someone who can enjoy them.
• And, I had two broken items in the mail recently, and they were properly packed & insured. It took some work to get the shipping insurance request to the post office, but they turned the claims around quickly & I received my money back, which is great. 

Avoiding spending

• Considered going into Trader Joes when I was at Rite Aid (they are in the same complex), but reminded myself that we didn't "need" anything, & I'd have to wait in line in the rain. Didn't go in, which means I spent $0  dollars on Trader Joes purchases. :-) 
• Cancelled our flights & rental car for holiday trip. We will drive instead. It's about a $1100 savings, after factoring in gas & food. We didn't make the adjustment due to cost (it's 24 hours of driving, so eats into the vacation time quite a bit), but to keep everyone as safe as possible due to COVID. 

For others

• Made a hat for the homeless charity
• Nick earned $20 on a bike repair, and used the money to sponsor the construction of a kids bike park
• Met with my mentee at work
• Sent off my contribution to my disabled aunt's health care costs. We've helped out for years, and it allows my aunt to have a little flexibility in her budget for other things. Also helped my mom with some of the organization/computer work for her support of my aunt. 
• I helped out with a project at my volunteer job & submitted my hours for a company match

That's all from our side. What about you? Any frugal wins to report this week?