We're getting into the swing of January, and trying to keep things in check as we make our second property tax payment. We will pull from savings (as planned) for most of it, but would also like to cash flow what we can.
Saving on things we buy
- Drove Sam to Sacramento (2ish hours each way) to meet up with his roommate for a ride back to college. This saves: his return flight back (now a Southwest credit), his shuttle from the PDX airport (now a future credit), and sending his skis via the mail, as the shuttle won't accept skis. Getting up at 4:30 wasn't that fun, but we made it work. His roommate's mom drove the boys & their gear back. Saved approximately $225.
Earning money
- I sold a pair of M's shoes that he didn't like for $35 on eBay & a pair of my shoes on eBay for $20.
- Cashed in some change I had lingering around & redeemed it for a Starbucks gift card, which I immediately applied to my account for a future coffee. I don't go to Starbucks often, but tend to go there in two scenarios: meeting a friend after a workout, or when traveling. It's nice to have the money on my account when I need it.
- I sold a jacket on eBay for $25.
- Cashed in money for the survey site I use & made $15.
Avoiding spending
- I own two pair of ski base layers, and when we were skiing over the holidays, I could only find one. We had no laundry, so wearing them for three days required some creative sink washing/blow drying & I wish to avoid that in the future. When I got home, I ordered myself a two pack off of Costco for $15. And, while the price is absolutely right, when washing all of Nick's ski gear, I discovered that a pair of my base layer pants were in his bag. So, no additional purchase needed, and back these went to Costco.
- Met a friend at my old office for a free lunch (she works there).
Eating what we have
- Defrosted some naan bread to go with chicken shawarma one night. It was part of the December challenge to use it up, but better late than never!
- Made homemade hummus to use up some garbanzo beans. It's always delicious & I wonder why I don't make it more often. My preferred recipe here.
- Had soup from the freezer for a lunch one day.
For others
- Helped a friend out with a networking project.
Thank you for posting your recipes. Just popping in to say I bookmark the ones you recommend and that sound interesting to me - I made a chicken dish awhile back and will definitely use this hummus one.
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely & so glad to hear that! I'm always inspired by what other people are making, so glad to share some of what we try & like. (HP)
DeleteI don't know if you like this brand, but Kohl's starts clearancing out Cuddle Duds this time of year. As I hope to do more outdoor walking, hiking, and maybe snow showing even in the cold, Im keeping an eye out to get a couple things pairs for under jeans or even leggings. Car pooling is the best for saving money plus it seems like a right of passage for college kids to hit the road together, with it without a separate driver.
ReplyDeleteMy mom used to wear Cuddle Duds every day on the playground (under her main outfit) when she supervised recess at her job. She loved them! I haven't tried them before, but I will keep my eye out.
DeleteIt was really awesome for Sam to be able to join the roommate + his dad. What a savings. (HP)
I am trying to get into the swing of January also.
ReplyDeleteJanuary can be a bit of a dark brat of a month, but we're luckily having a ton of sunshine & nice weather. Trying to soak it all in, even though I know the rest of California desperately needs some rain. (HP)
DeleteGetting into the swing of a new year is taking it's time around here this year. Frugally you did very well.
ReplyDeleteGod bless.
January & getting back into routines definitely takes time. Hope the transition gets a little easier for you, Jackie! (HP)
DeleteThat's great that Sam could hitch a ride back. A very big savings! Hard to believe his freshman year is halfway over. And your youngest will be graduating. Lots to look forward to!
ReplyDeleteIt's a little nuts! And, yes, I'm emotional already about Nick. I haven't missed any of his school games, because I know we're at the end of an era here, and I will miss it so much next year. Apparently, these feelings are why I again agreed to host poker night at our house this evening. I love having the teens over. (HP)
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