Frugal Friday

We are deep into senior season for Nick, and getting everything ready for all of the events ahead!

Saving on things we buy

• One of the traditions at Nick's school is to make a graduation poster that hangs in the cafeteria. The students walk through the cafeteria on their way to the ceremony, and can then pick up their posters afterward. When I made Sam's poster last year, I accidentally double ordered a bunch of photos. I set them aside, knowing I could use some of them for Nick's poster this year. I have about 15 that will be able to be re-used. 
• On a related note, I planned to order my remaining photos at Walmart, as it's the cheapest place around. However, their photo area is temporarily closed, and the closest available was 14 miles away. No thank you! I searched & found that CVS has a photo shop, and they were having a sale for graduation, so the price was only about $5 more. Well worth it to not drive to Walmart. I also used some CVS rewards, saving another couple of bucks. 
• I've mentioned before that I go through & save any credit card offers for places we go to, even if I have no current plans for a purchase. I saved a Michael's offer, and Nick needed to pick up poster making supplies for several senior nights he was attending for friends, as well as his "prom-posal" for his girlfriend. He was able to buy his poster board & supplies & I saved $1.05. Nothing very exciting, but it was almost zero effort on my side. 
• I wanted to pick up gift cards & snacks for the boys going on the senior road trip with Nick. The gift cards generated $20 in store rewards, which was an awesome win. 

Earning money

• I was able to invoice for the first half of my class, & it felt good to get that submitted.
• Had enough to withdraw $21.86 from iBotta (converted to cash)

Avoiding spending

• We discussed a family dinner out for Mother's Day, but Nick was working all weekend (because, Mother's Day) & M offered to cook whatever I wanted. Sold! He made barbecued chicken, picked up a delicious potato salad (and offered to make that next time) & some cupcakes. We had a really lovely dinner. 
• Disputed an erroneous gym charge for Sam's old gym membership. I've worked with the gym for multiple weeks, and they also encouraged me to dispute the charge, which I did. The $14.99 is a small amount, but given it's for a service we're not using & cancelled, glad to have it back. 

Eating what we have

• We've been staying on top of the leftovers, and ensuring we are prepping enough for meals to get at least two dinners out of everything. However, our beef tomato rice bowls was enough for one dinner for three, and a couple of lunches. I will double the recipe next time! It was delicious. 
• We continue to use lots from our garden: strawberries, basil, lemons, & lettuce. 
• I bought fresh mozzarella at Costco, and we've been eating our fill of caprese. We often have it in salad form (chopped tomatoes, mozzarella & basil - seasoned with olive oil, salt & pepper & a splash of balsamic.) The basil from the garden is delicious. 

For others

• Donated soccer gear back to our soccer club, so a family on scholarship can get the gear for free. It's very expensive, and this is also a double win of avoiding waste.
• Also donated a bunch of more general soccer gear to a mom on Buy Nothing who has multiple boys on teams. 
• Passed on both boys uniform shirts & hoodies to a friend who is working out the summer camp they have previously worked at. This saves on laundry & time, because you have to wear the one shirt they give you every day! 

What about you? Share your wins for the week!