Last week's frugal efforts.

I'm using a textbook that I rented from Amazon. It was much cheaper than buying, and they will give me a free shipping label to send it back when I'm done.

I kept the thermostat down and sparingly used a space heater in the bedroom. It's unusually cold here lately.

I meal planned using food items we already had in the pantry and freezer.

I'm being more strict with my son about being done with one food item and wanting another instead. Nope.

I upped my 401k contribution at the same time my new insurance rates will be reflected on my check so in a way this is a mind game in the sense that whatever my first paycheck of the year looks like, that's what I have to work with.

I'm on a mission to use stuff up around the house. I'm burning candles and eating or giving away food items.

I'm decluttering in spurts. This always helps curb any desire to spend money.

I watched some free YouTube videos. People are so inspiring and helpful.

We made foaming soap.

My husband bought the wrong coffee creamer. Instead of pouring it down the drain or giving it away I decided to mix it with my regular creamer when I make my coffee so it's more tolerable. Hopefully he won't make that mistake again.

I ended up with a free planner. I had ordered one from Amazon, then I was gifted one at work. I went on the Amazon site to see how much it would cost to send the planner back, but it said I would be refunded right away with no need to send it back. The planner from work I decided to use for work things. It actually has made me stay more organized and on task so that's a double win.

I signed up for MyPoints so I can earn some gift cards for little effort.


What have you done to save money lately?

Moment of Pause #15

I was purging one of my bookshelves, and my son wanted to play with the books. He put them on his table along with his basket of play food and announced he was having a book party. He handed me a book so I read aloud a random passage, then he did this until I read all the books.

His imagination is blossoming, and it's fun to see what he comes up with next.

What made you take a moment of pause lately?

Recent Frugal Efforts.

I made some banana bread for gifts.

I kept the thermostat low. I was gifted a really nice Sherpa blanket so I put that on the bed to keep us warm. I use the space heater in the bedroom sparingly.

I redeemed $3 and $10 Amazon gift cards from Swagbucks.

I requested some ebooks from the library instead of purchasing them.

We got a free santa picture from a photography company at my son's school function.

My son attended free story time at the library and borrowed a lot of books.

I laminated my son's play money bills.

I unplugged my Keurig as soon as I was done with it. I got this machine from a coworker that moved away. I have 4 reusable k-cups, and I recently purchased some regular k-cups as a treat that can be recycled!

We always compost our produce and appropriate food waste. We recycle almost all plastic, cardboard, and junk mail.

I bring a stainless steel water bottle with water, a glass coffee cup with coffee, and glass containers with leftovers to work. Sometimes I'll bring a reusable k-cup.

I meal planned using items we already have in the freezer and pantry. There was one item I was about to put on the shopping list until I realized with a simple change that I could use something on hand instead.

What have you done lately to save money?

With a New Year Comes New Goals...

I was trying to do too much. Online school full time. Full time job. Taking care of the house and toddler. Trying to find time for me. Trying to be thoughtful for Christmas without going overboard.

I have a renewed sense of motivation and inclination to be accomplished.

Below are my personal goals in no particular order:

1. Declutter at least 2,017 items this year.
2. Use my planner daily to stay focused.
3. Eat down the pantry.
4. Make it a habit to clean the kitchen every night before bedtime.
5. Earn A's in all my classes this year.
6. Make all cards instead of buying them (and use up the cards I already have on hand).
7. Continue learning how to slow down my lifestyle.
8. Read more.
9. Color more.
10. Create more.

Below are my financial goals:

1. Pay off medical bills.
2. Continue contributing 25% to my 401k.
3. Build up emergency fund.
4. Use reward sites like Swagbucks and Bing to purchase wants and items needed to make gifts.

Below are my blog goals in no particular order:

1. Post frugal efforts every Monday to encourage and motivate.
2. Post Thankful Thursday posts to declare gratitude for the little things.
3. Post monthly declutter lists and accomplishments.
4. Post occasional recipes and projects.
5. Post moments of pause weekly to not forget the little things.
6. Post more. Write more.

What are your goals for the new year?