While it didn't actually save me money, I did research whether there were cheaper alternatives to the medicine I take for lupus. I'd heard a lot of autoimmune diseases medicine can be found with rebates or for cheaper, but mine is not included. But, I took the time to research options, so if I get switched to something else in the future, I know where to start.
Saving on things we buy
- Uploaded our Costco receipt to Fetch & iBotta ($.05 back on any receipt).
- I was looking for a fun option for M's birthday, and we have a crazy June (work travel + I'm going to Greece with my sister + BFF for a belated girls 50th birthday trip. My BFF is a school principal, so her days off are very fixed.) We considered Memorial Day & going to a national park, but that didn't work with the boys schedule. Instead, I booked a free night at a local resort on another weekend, using Hyatt points. It's a gorgeous property with hiking nearby, so it should be very fun. I'm sure we will spend money on meals, but the room itself will be free, and on that night the room goes for $1200/night!! It's a big savings to use points & still get a splurge.
- Saved $4 on gas ($2 from each kiddo filling up their cars). Gas is absolutely outrageous here.
- Listed some freebie items on eBay & sold a pair of kids ice skates for $58, which was a huge win.
- I also sold a dress that I'd had listed for quite a while for $30. Junk out, money in.
- Not earning, & not me, but Nick finally got a birthday check forwarded to him from Boulder, who somehow missed delivering it way back in March. The palpable excitement when I told him I was depositing a $150 check from my parents was priceless! He was so happy. :-)
Avoiding spending
- This doesn't really fall into any specific category, but M went to use Home Depot gift cards that I'd purchased at the local grocery store (you earn free groceries), but they were already used. The scratch off part had been removed entirely. We photographed everything & the cashier vouched for us, as the gift cards were still in the "protective" sleeves when M went to use them. It's taken time & effort to track it down, but we now have replacement gift cards, totaling $100. Scammers are the worst!
- My workout class was free on Mother's Day!
- Sam had to work a double shift on Mother's Day (9am - 2am), so M made him a breakfast & I packed him a lunch, to help him avoid eating out. He works in a restaurant that only offers a side salad for meals, which isn't going to help if you are really hungry.
- Bought M two athleisure shirts he loves using a gift card, saving $72. This is part of his birthday/Father's Day gift.
Eating what we have
- Used up the last of a pepper in fajitas.
- Made 1/2 a sandwich out of the last of a package of turkey that needed to go.
- Used lemons from the tree, as well as green onions, basil & mint from the garden.
- M made a really delicious dinner for Mother's Day, which was much cheaper than eating out. We had leftovers from that + the fajitas for the week, which made meal prep a breeze.
For others
- Did a coaching call with an old coworker, to give some help as he's exploring a new career.
What about you? Any wins to share?
You always have such good savings.
ReplyDeleteI think it was frugal simply investigating whether your meds could be less than you currently are charged or not. You never know until you check.
My kids always got a meal when worked restaurants so just a salad would be tough on a long shift. Because Ive been home, it spending much and eating at home for savings.
ReplyDeleteMade lunches and breakfasts for the next three days' worth of work, mainly using up items in the fridge that had to be cooked. Your mention of the pepper reminded me!
ReplyDeleteI was buying a gift card recently, and I was perusing the cards I noticed one with a scratched-off barcode - still in the sleeve too! I was thinking it was random/one-off, but it goes show vigilance is necessary.
ReplyDeleteThat is crazy about the scammed Home Depot cards! I’m glad you were able to recover them.
ReplyDeleteWell done you. I am just still clearing out leftovers, and will be taking some with us this weekend when we go visit Kris.
ReplyDeleteWe have also discovered that flowers and herbs grow really well under grow lights, so I will be doing more of that next year. So much less expensive than purchasing them.
God bless.