View Full Version : June Frugals
I cut down a bush by hand rather than buy or rent a chainsaw. This will give access to an area of the foundation where i believe mice and the occasional chipmunk have been getting in. With pest block gap sealer I hope to continue my 20 year battle against rodents, so far without hiring an exterminator. I did talk to one who lives in my neighborhood and his recommendation was bait. To me that does not find and fix the root cause and becomes just another recurring expense.
Chicken lady
6-2-17, 10:19pm
Bait is also bad because sometimes the creature escapes and lives long enough to be eaten by a predator. Then you kill the predator that would have helped with ongoing pest control.
Good point CL. Was the rest of your week calmer?
Chicken lady
6-3-17, 10:23am
Yes it is better.
my frugal things so far this month are bringing home spoiled vegetables and bread from the foodbank on Thursday to feed my chickens for the week, working in my garden so that it doesn't get completely overrun, picking the cherries from my trees (hopefully pie today) and picking my radishes to make a dish for dinner tonight.
Chicken lady
6-3-17, 3:02pm
Well, the pie will be ready in half an hour, but I'm not serving it until after dinner.
dh just fixed a $70 pump with a $10 part. I'm lucky he knows how to do stuff. (That's why he gets pie.)
Went to buy a lamp for my office/bedroom. Wanted something with different task lighting capabilities. Went to favorite thrift store. There, sitting outside, was a pole lamp with five lights on flexible necks, shades in gumdrop colors--pink, coral, white, root beer, red...it's really a fun lamp.
And as when I took it inside to test, only 3 out of the 5 bulbs lit up, so I got it for $2.00 plus tax. When I plugged it in at home, I found out it's a three way switch and ALL the lights worked. I'm a Happy Camper!
We lured a neighborhood cat into the house but it did not catch the chipmunk.
Today was not particularly frugal. I stocked up on sale nonperishables at the grocery store but more than offset it by going to get my toenails done. As my vision gets worse with age I have trouble seeing my toes, so this is the first time I had this done. They tried to overcharge me although I told them twice I did not want all their extras like sand and hot stones and lotion massages on my feet. But they adjusted the price down in the end.
I really did not like someone touching my feet in part because of some sensitive scar tissue there, and they kept trying to make me put my feet in this cold water. Other people used the basin before me and I did not know how clean it was. There was no smell of chlorine or other cleansing agent. And I wasn't sure if they cleaned the toenail clippers, files, etc between customers. There was a big language barrier.
Are there magnifying mirrors maybe so I can tend to my feet myself? The glamorous salon life is not for me!
I got a few shirts on sale and with a coupon. Most of what I tried on showed the seams of my bra straps through the fabric. So my purchases were limited. I don't think I can take credit for that as a frugal action.
Overall I felt like a curmudgeon.
Went to yard sales today and got Norwegian wool for a dollar a skein. I am going to try making a shawl with it. Got a large button easy visibility speaker phone for the landline, also a dollar. Found a neat old knitting holder (wooden handles, cotton and silk bag) for a dollar fifty. A onesie and a velour duck sweatshirt for upcoming Grandbaby, 75 cents.
HappyHiker: I'm glad to hear of your success with the lamp. Our night table lamp just died, and I'm trying to restrain myself from running right out and buying a new one. I would like to take the time to find something I really love, and hopefully at a good price. DH is the one who thought of a banker's lamp we have in the living room that isn't used much, which will serve as a viable interim solution. This will take the urgency out of the situation and allow me to take the time to make a well-considered choice.
I picked a wonderful bouquet of peonies from the garden.
We got steamers (clams) at the grocery store for 3.99/lb. They typically charge about 15.00/lb for these in a restaurant, so we're eating well at home.
HappyHiker: I'm glad to hear of your success with the lamp. Our night table lamp just died, and I'm trying to restrain myself from running right out and buying a new one. I would like to take the time to find something I really love, and hopefully at a good price. DH is the one who thought of a banker's lamp we have in the living room that isn't used much, which will serve as a viable interim solution. This will take the urgency out of the situation and allow me to take the time to make a well-considered choice.
I picked a wonderful bouquet of peonies from the garden.
We got steamers (clams) at the grocery store for 3.99/lb. They typically charge about 15.00/lb for these in a restaurant, so we're eating well at home.
Love those good buys! Yum...
And yes, if what I need isn't mission critical, sometimes I just set an intention and wait for the universe to turn it up at a frugal price..which often happens eventually as it did with the lamp. Other things I pay the full price for -- for instance, have been needing some black-out curtains for my writing space and they just haven't come along at a yard sale or thrift store. Figured 13 years was long enough to wait, so just ordered some on-line...this time, my intention didn't tickle the fancy of the universe, I suppose...
Today was a no spend day doing yard work, puttering around the house, and napping. I try to do all my errands on Saturday in a big loop or two to save gas, plus relaxing Sundays prepares me for Monday, the busiest day at work.
Well, the easy visibility speakerphone did not work, so I was pretty bummed, and then I realized that we got a 25 foot cord out of it, for next corded phone, along with 4 batteries that still have a bit of life left in them, so I think we came out ahead in the long run.
A no spend day except for gas needed to get to work. I would have bought a dustpan as mine is badly cracked but remembered I had another one in the basement and swapped them out. I am hoping for warmer weather. I don't want to have to buy more home heating oil in June, but it has been in the 40's at night.
Went to a yard sale and bought a wheelbarrow, stone garden bench, floor lamp and heavy duty hand-forged fireplace set - all for $19. Also lots of clay garden pots for 50 cents each.
Went to Walgreens for their Senior Day (first Tuesday of the month) where most things are 20% off for seniors. First time I've used it although I don't know all the rules, e.g., looks like it doesn't apply to food.
I'll likely go back today to pick up a can of formula for the grandbaby - has anyone priced that stuff lately? it ranges from about $20 to $29 for a big can of powdered formula. I know it's enough to make a fair number of bottles but an infant can go through many bottles a day. Don't know how young parents afford this so I'm glad to help out a little here and there.
I am getting a weird sensation of cold damp on one of my hips. In Googling this symptom it seems the cause is hard to pin down and in many cases there are no treatments, so I am going to wait and see if it goes away on its own rather than go to the doctor and start a round of expensive tests.
Reposting this from the other June Frugals.
Hi frugal folks...I am back never really went away was just reading, healing and mostly being frugal.
Even if one has been frugal in the past having a health scare like this has made me realize how important
it is to have money socked away....BUT, also to be having the best life possible!
So far this month.
--as posted on another thread I now need to wear a breast prosthesis which I have decided not to get until
I have lost my last 15 lbs that I carry too much (down 5). The frugal is that I would not have to replace it if and when I
lost weight in the future...
--in the mean time I bought craft plastic beads and have made myself two temporary ones for the price of 1/2 of a bought one.
Amazing what you can find patterns for on Pinterest these days. Also, fixed a camisole, 2 bras, and a swim suit to take the prosthesis
again, amazing what one can learn on the internet.
--I really and I mean really have been eating down the freezers and pantry (I feel like I say this every month...lol) but, this time
I have been doing it. They do not look like they belong on an episode of the Hoarders any more...a good thing. And, it has saved
a lot of money.
--Researched and bought a new A/C it seems to be working really well and I think it was a good price. Also will be getting $400.00 rebate from the Government.
--Needed to cave in and get someone to do some of the heavy yardwork but, it was worth to not have to worry about and still be able to enjoy the yard.
--Not eating out.
--Doing some sewing for Dd, like shortening pants, taking things in etc. I don't want money but, she has insisted on buying me a few things so it is a win, win
for both of us.
--When I starting to try and lose the weight I took every last piece of clothing out of my drawers and closet and tried them on and have only put back
the things that fit right now and (the very large box that will fit when I have lost the 15 lbs is sitting right in the middle of my bedroom floor),
I am calling it my unfrugal Box of Shame.....lol,,,I have not bought any new clothes for summer and will not buy for winter.
--went on a little holiday to visit Dsis and a friend..was lucking enough to get a drive with other friends who where going to that city for the weekend
so, it was only the cost of 1/3 the gas and had great fun company on the way. Bought snacks and only had buy a few meals out. It was great to see
everyone.
That is all I can remember for now....Nice to be back
p.s. Forgot I have Also, been well enough to be yardsaling have got way too many great deals to list here but, really second it the way to go!
Edit / Delete Edit Post Quick reply to this message Reply Reply With Quote Reply With Quote Multi-Quote This Message
rosarugosa
6-20-17, 11:46am
Sorry about the duplicate thread; Alan has deleted it for us.
Glad to have you back Danna, and so glad you are doing well. We have missed you!
Meezer_Mom
6-20-17, 5:22pm
(((DANNA)))
Meezer_Mom
6-20-17, 5:26pm
No apologies needed, rosa. :)
Here, just more of the same. Between gigs, watching every cent, grateful I have a bit of savings.
Purchased airline tickets 6 months in advance. June is reportedly a good month to buy them for my destination. I am travelling in the off season and will be looking for car rental and motel deals once the bill for the tickets is in and paid. I will not be going into debt for the trip.
rosarugosa
6-22-17, 6:47pm
Trident Salmon Burgers from Costco are a new favorite! They cost $18.00 for 4 lbs, compared to the $17.00 for 12 ounces of salmon burger meat we order from Washington state. And they're really delicious!
I like the Pollock burgers at Costco. For some reason, the salmon just did not hit the spot. So hubbys gets the salmon and I cook the pollock.
rosarugosa
6-22-17, 8:11pm
Sweetana: We want to try the pollock burgers next, so I'm glad to hear that you like them.
I have a couple more things to add, while I'm thinking of it.
I borrowed my sister's Barnes & Noble flyer, went online to my library and requested several new books that were listed in the flyer. It takes awhile to get new releases, but I'm in no hurry with plenty to read in the meantime.
My vacation spending has been pretty good so far. We went to see a local play Sat night for $25 per ticket, so that was a good value. The play was "Next to Normal," and it was excellent and thought-provoking, although quite sad. Went shopping with DSIS and bought a shirt at Saver's for $6.99 and spent about $35 at Ocean State Job Lot on practical items like soap and bug spray, so not too extravagant. Visited Mt Auburn Cemetery for the first time (amazing), walked in the woods and walked the beach, so that was all free recreation. Spent money on Chinese take-out one night which is the only expenditure I somewhat regret because it wasn't very good.
Went to a mall near where I work for the first time in my 2+ months on the job. Decided it was very overpriced and only got 2 items at Macy's last call, then went to KMart and got shoes for $12.00. One purchase was a summer white shirt, a basic that will go with many things, and that I did not have since I find it hard to keep a white shirt unstained for long. I should be set with work clothes until the cold weather returns.
I love Mt. Auburn Cemetery. The Arnold Arboretum is nice too.
Sprouts has 10 ears of corn for $1 on sale today, tomorrow and Sunday only. We're on our way there later today.
I worked to set up a cd ladder earlier this year at an online bank, and the first two have rolled over, and I changed them to a 12 month duration. My interest rate is a little higher as a loyalty bonus for renewing them--renewed at 1.4 percent. Feel happy to have set this in motion!
rosarugosa
6-23-17, 7:03pm
Yppej: It sounds like you have been very disciplined about building your work wardrobe. Good for you, since it's so easy to get carried away with clothing purchases (at least for me). What destination did you settle on for your trip?
I resisted the temptation of another visit to the garden center today. I have some perennials in my seasonal containers that I will plant at the end of the summer to fill the gap in the garden bed I've been working on. At least that is the current plan. I may succumb to the temptation sooner, but not today anyway.
A really beloved friend is struggling with his finances and told my sister he was thinking of contracting with a debt consolidation firm. She suggested he talk to me first, since I had helped her come up with a plan for paying down her debts. She said this was working really well for her, and that was SO gratifying! Maybe I can become the atheist's alternative to Dave Ramsey. :)
RR it will be San Antonio, closer and with lots of free attractions but still temperate in winter. I was not frugal today - got the lunch in with the group and it did not even taste that good, though it kept me away from the candy jar. Then got my toenails done, but for $10 less than last time as I was very clear about all the extras I did not want. I wear so many sandals this time of year.
Todate
--used Oxyiclean to scrub the mildew off the deck...frugal solutions instead of hiring
--chicken thighs on sale for $1.50 a lb from Freshco, I like their chicken...froze in packs of 4 do
me for 2 meals or Dd and I for 1 meal.
--watched "LalaLand" and "Manchester by the Sea" from the library...new movies for free.
--Gassed up the car using a Gift Card purchased at 10% off with gas already on sale.
--returned garden hose I had purchased, the connection did not work, did not get another one will just use one I have
that is all for now
Garage sale season has started.
On Thursday got a black rotary dial phone for five dollars! Have been looking for about 20 years for a good one, and it works. I have been transported back to 1961!
At the supermarket my large size coffee was sold out, but I did not buy smaller, more expensive sizes. Instead I will use up the instant on hand. I avoided sugary products to minimize food cravings and the amount I spend on food and pack on in pounds, For instance, I bought cottage cheese instead of yogurt. I spend about $10.00 a day on food and trying to eat healthier has not increased that.
frugal-one
6-25-17, 2:20pm
Leaving for a short getaway tomorrow. Had half a watermelon left. I cut it up and put it in the freezer. Think I will try a watermelon margarita recipe that uses cubed watermelon (and use the garage sale unopened tequila I bought).
A no spend, no drive day. I am contemplating renewing my driver's license online to save gas and time. There is no additional cost.
Except for buying some fresh ginger and corn tortillas, dinner yesterday came entirely from what was already in the house. Even the pork roast had been on the clearance rack at the local market. The food budget is one of those things that's gotten away from me. The cost delta is not a huge amount in the scheme of what we're spending right now. But it feels good to get back to the efficient model that once was our grocery budget.
We got our Comcast bill notice yesterday. It's gone up again, by around 10%. Time to look at CenturyLink again. People I know with CL complain about them, too. And we'd have to figure out what we're doing about streaming video -- some of the channels on-line require that you subscribe to the channel "in real life" so it's not just the broadband Internet access we'd be replacing. But maybe there's enough of a deal to make it work. Or we decide just how much it's worth to us to spend the extra on Comcast. >:(
Shopping grocery sales, investigating cable alternatives ... Trading time for money. It's a classic equation.
Not sure whether yesterday was frugal or non-frugal. I spent 71 dollars to mail my son and his wife four boxes of china I found and they liked, so that they would have a nicer set of china to entertain with, as they entertain constantly and happily. It's Buffalo china, originally diner china, and it is extremely durable (thus heavy) and classic and cool. The china probably cost me 12 dollars total, for 12 dinner plates, 12 dessert plates (plain white, not patterned) and 2 buffalo china mugs, in the free box at a garage sale last week.
So generationally frugal, but expensive to mail.
Last week I found then a Dansk ice bucket, very cool mid century modern, for 5 bucks at a thrift shop. They had admired my Dansk salad bowl. I love the work of Jens Quistgaard!
Teacher Terry
6-27-17, 3:45pm
We have been eating whatever is in freezer and pantry. Every once in awhile I do this.
Spent $5.99 on a bottle of Yellowtail shiraz. I will see how this works at helping me sleep through hot flashes at night. It is more expensive than sleeping pills but I feel safer for my health at a glass a night.
freshstart
6-27-17, 6:09pm
Buddy has a possibly torn ACL and arthritis, he's one of my dogs. The vet offered surgery right out of the gate (mucho dinero and she hadn't even scanned it) or watchful waiting and meds. Got Vet-prophen, which sounds like ibuprofen but isn't and can't be substituted, that's a buck a pill. Wanted to charge me $50 for a month's worth of glucosamine/chondroitin. Found it online for 19.99. The Vet=prophen is really helping so I might try to find that online cheaper and have my doc fax a script.
rosarugosa
6-27-17, 7:04pm
Frugal-one: That sounds delicious!
Tybee: Great score on the buffalo white china - I love that stuff!
Yppej: I hate to be a downer, but wine can exacerbate hot flashes, not that I ever let that stop me! Of course, you may well have a different experience.
So far, my Barnes & Noble flier/library strategy is going well. I requested 4 new releases just about a week ago, and I already got 2 of them.
Has anyone ever done a Frugalwoods Uber Frugal Month Challenge? I'm considering it for July. Here's a link to the post:
http://www.frugalwoods.com/2017/06/19/the-uber-frugal-month-challenge-is-back-july-2017-edition/
Finished June over budget, but by less than the amount of airline tickets I purchased, a special one time expenditure.
I didn't know about the Uber Frugal challenge, but I did it when I was saving to buy a house, and one summer month I got down to $5.00 for groceries. Two meals were included in daycare, my parents liked having us over every weeknight for dinner, and I knew lots of people whose gardens produced more veggies than they wanted. This was 21 years ago when prices were lower too.
Found a wonderful white pendant lamp (been looking for several years) for 2 dollars at a garage sale today.
Returning from sale got to watch the Thunderbirds practicing over the lake. Free and very fun!
Meezer_Mom
6-30-17, 8:11pm
OK, rosa. I'll play. I'm already taking some bare bones actions but this may help me step up my game.
Most frugal tips are about food. When you're single, food is a double-edged sword. Can't really buy in bulk, and even repeat dinners are boring. It's a continuing puzzle. Good food does keep life interesting, so I'm alwayd open to tips for that frugal balance between deprivation and indulgence.
SteveinMN
6-30-17, 10:33pm
When you're single, food is a double-edged sword. Can't really buy in bulk, and even repeat dinners are boring. It's a continuing puzzle. Good food does keep life interesting, so I'm alwayd open to tips for that frugal balance between deprivation and indulgence.
When I was just on my own and working, I made two casseroles a week. One was taken to work for lunches throughout the week; the other was dinners throughout the week. It usually left a couple of times a week I went out with friends or whatever. But the same thing for lunch; the same thing for dinner. My standing rule was that, if I still enjoyed eating the dish by the end of the week, I kept the recipe. Otherwise it got tossed. It was cheap and easy and minimized meal prep and cleanup. But I like leftovers. That wouldn't work for everyone.
A freezer would be a great tool for you. Not just the one with the fridge; a small free-standing one. Make a casserole or a stew and freeze portions of it immediately. Few or no boring repeats and quick-to-serve meals in future months. A standalone freezer also will let you store good deals (sales, closeouts, etc.). If you're sufficiently into cooking, you could, for example, buy chickens, cut them into slices/shreds/chunks, make soup from the bones, and freeze portions of the chicken for future use in casseroles, stir-fries, stews, etc. You could do the same with ground beef. Or greens (side dishes, stews, etc.). Or bananas (for smoothies and desserts). It's been very useful to us.
Good ideas but I am currently renting a couple rooms from a friend with a big house. I have 1/2 a shelf of freezer to work with and 2 shelves on one side of the fridge.
Meezer, I see little freezers all the time at garage sales--one yesterday was a month old, 150 dollars. Could you put one in your landlady's garage, for example?
Garage freezers are very big in Michigan, due to deer hunting, I think. We have two, mostly full of squash from the garden.
No, no access to garage and it's an old house. Running a freezer could blow the electrical system. (Not kidding.) I make do with what I've got.
Powered by vBulletin® Version 4.2.5 Copyright © 2025 vBulletin Solutions Inc. All rights reserved.