I feel like I have a lot to report this week, but who knows. Maybe I was just better at tracking, since I was looking for distractions this week. In case you are wondering, I use blogging (amongst other things for distraction during times of stress). And, now is most certainly one of those times for me.
Saving on things we buy
- Picked up Easter items for Sam (I sent my mom with cash to make a basket for Nick, since she was with him in person) & a few dinner items at the store & redeemed a $20 off reward.
- I bought a small bottle of scotch for M, and the cashier let me know that a very similar kind was actually BOGO free, so I went that route. I know he likes both, so that was a definite win.
- Checked iBotta & found that there was a $.50 offer on some cheese I bought at the store that was already on sale. Also had a $.10 any grocery receipt offer, and a $.25 offer from Trader Joe's. Definitely churning out the big bucks here. ;-)
- Similarly, some of the Easter items I picked up for Sam (above) generated a 500 point Fetch offer. I don't buy brand name items very often, so this was a surprise win.
- Adjusted our car insurance, which will save about $150 now, but $600 or so for the year when our policy renews.
- I changed my flight to Boulder at the end of the month for Nick's move out. As a bonus, the flight was $48 less (I received a credit) & the rental car was 1/2 the price! I saved $140 off of the rental car, by adjusting my flight time by about 8 hours. that was a great deal that I wasn't expecting. Yay for making the trip cheaper.
Earning money
- Sold two items on eBay (a wallet & a pullover athleisure shirt) & made $148 between the two. It was nice to wake up & see the back to back sales.
- Listed a few new items on eBay, & immediately sold my fitness ring for $125. I have moved to using my watch for sleep tracking, to reduce the number of devices. I really liked the ring, but to get any value out of it, you had to have a monthly subscription, and I'm trying to be much more diligent about subscription based products.
- Also sold another $10 item on eBay (sports bra) & a sweater ($12)
Avoiding spending
- I have status on United, & get free upgraded seats. However, when I book reservations separately for M & the kids (sometimes necessary to use up credits in their name), I can't have them sit next to me without paying exorbitant fees. You can, however, call in & they link the reservations & then will adjust the seats to upgraded ones for free. By doing so, for 15 minutes of time, I was able to get upgraded seats for M for the way to/from Denver, our summer trip to/from Portland for M & Sam. All together, this saved around $300. We wouldn't have paid this out of pocket (and, certainly not for the boys!), but I like to think of it as taking advantage of perks that we get.
- Picked up some pantry items on Buy Nothing. I rarely take advantage of posts from others, but happened to see this one as I was posting my own giveaways. I picked up: three sparkling waters, 3 boxes of Mac & cheese, a few protein bars & a bag of granola. I'm sure Sam will be thrilled to have all of it.
Eating what we have
- I've been out of breakfast options (need to do some more meal prepping), so I've been having an apple with peanut butter, which is filling & reasonably healthy. It's all about use it up mode.
- We also made potstickers from the freezer, which used up part of one bag & the end of another bag. It was nice to make a little bit of progress in the freezer.
- I also specifically planned a recipe (cauliflower rice enchilada skillet) that would use up two other targets for my freezer clean out: cauliflower rice & rotisserie chicken.
- I threw together a late lunch of cheese, apples & nuts, when I didn't have other options.
For others:
- Dog sat for a friend, who couldn't find coverage for 36 hour over spring break/Easter. Happy to help her out.
- Answered a request on Buy Nothing for a cooler with wheels for a mom who is selling things at a local farmer's market & needs cool storage for her items.
- Gave away a bunch of clothing on BN as well
- Updated my special needs aunt's car insurance, when she switched cars.
What about you? Any wins to share?
One thing I love about having my yard now fenced is I've been able to do a couple urgent dog care days for family and friends. It would gave been tough backing up to the park...too many distractions to watch inside, and no containment outside. You had a lot of good travel wins.
ReplyDeleteI love the fact that you get cheap thrills out of things like Fetch and Ibotta like I do:). I wanted to see if you could suggest a resource or do a post about successfully selling on EBay. I have a few things here and there that might be of interest, but I’ve never really done it.
ReplyDeleteI love the fact that you get “cheap thrills” from using things like Fetch and Ibotta like I do! Can you suggest a resource or do a post about successfully selling on EBay? I’ve always shied away from it because of my perception regarding the time factor, but you have a busy life and still manage to do it.
ReplyDeleteThis week I have been doing some spending. However, I am also driving less, eating at home, doing my own yardwork, getting creative with meals, and using curbside at HEB which saves me from impulse buying. I am working on shedding a few pounds, so the walking and yardwork helps, as well as not buying what's not on the shopping list at the grocery store. Its all a balance!
ReplyDeleteNo wins. Tax bill paid, though, and no spend May declared. We aren’t shopping much at all anymore, but neither are we eating well.
ReplyDeleteI have an event in Spokane in June where I need to dress somewhat professionally, but I have a pair of nice black slacks which should work for both Saturday caucus meetings and Sunday session, which I can pair with a different t shirt and pumps on both days. We arrive Friday, and I will wear a long sundress for the drive and subsequent welcome party. (Juneteenth theme.) Saturday night is a reception, and I figure one of my three black dresses in my closet will work. I am sure the AG won’t remember it from another event. Biggest expense was hotel, but another delegate asked to share rooms to split the cost. I typically despise sharing rooms, but I knew she needed the help to cover costs. I am telling myself that sometimes the fun is debriefing in the room after the day is over!
FYI, which style Sam Edelman sandal did you pick. Are they comfortable for walking? I have a small but wider and very flat foot. I was looking at a pair to wear with linen colored dresses for my trip to Greece. They are waaay prettier than Birkenstocks!
-Meg B
So sorry about the stress you're experiencing, HP. I have been keeping you and your extended family in my thoughts.
ReplyDelete