Author Topic: What small things did you do TODAY to save money? (Read 6328987 times)

Stachetastic · « **Reply #11800 on:** August 20, 2018, 05:40:00 AM »

School starts Wednesday for the kiddo, so all supplies have been purchased and labeled. One item listed was Ticonderoga pencils, pre-sharpened. Of course the unsharpened pencils were cheaper, so I bought those and sharpened them at work (before anyone else was in the office, I didn't want to disturb people by running the sharpener for 10 min straight).

Kiddo is reusing backpack (that was originally free) and lunch box from last year.

MaybeBabyMustache · « **Reply #11801 on:** August 20, 2018, 07:17:40 AM »

-Price matched a flight, and earned $54 in credit for a future flight
-Used a coupon at Target for back to school supplies. Didn't quite have enough to use the coupon, so bought a couple of snacks for the kids to take to soccer practice. Cost me nothing out of pocket, & the kids were happy
-Found discounted Netflix gift cards & reduced the cost of our subscription by $3/month.
-Made dinner at home
-A friend took our kids for dinner & a pool party, so as a thank you, I made her homemade hummus that she was wanting to try
-Saw a good deal in an ad at our local grocery store. We're having a pool party, & the kids consider pizza bites the perfect pool party food. ;-) They are a rip off $9.99/bag normally, but were on sale for $5.99. For whatever reason, one flavor was marked down to $1.99/brand. Bought 4, which was all I could fit in the freezer. Watched my receipt, as they rang up incorrectly, & had to stand in line for the customer service agent to adjust the price to the $1.99. The price was a tagging error, but they honored it for me.

MountainGal · « **Reply #11802 on:** August 20, 2018, 01:12:01 PM »

Back from our not inexpensive anniversary weekend. I tried to save where possible by making brunch for us before we left Saturday morning, eating an appetizer for Saturday's dinner (and I am eating the leftovers as I type this for today's lunch-talk about a HUGE appetizer!), bringing alcohol and snacks from home for the hotel room, I asked and received a complimentary room upgrade to an executive suite since it was a special occasion, and we brought a bottled water into the concert. DH paid for fuel on the way to, and I paid for it on the way home. He saved .30 per gallon when I was buying using his grocery value card. Very proud of him!

Put $2.45 into my penguin bank.

Been diligent at using the produce DH harvests from his garden before it goes bad. Details on the MMM Eat All the Food in Your House thread. :)

Bringing the usual coffee, breakfast, lunch and snacks to the office from home.

centwise · « **Reply #11803 on:** August 21, 2018, 07:52:09 AM »

I'm looking after the neighbours' pet bird for a couple of weeks, so they said could harvest as much as I want from their vegetable garden as "payment". So I harvested basil, lettuce, other herbs, zucchini and green beans for free.

Took a load of beverage containers to the bottle depot and received $21 in deposit returns.

Linea_Norway · « **Reply #11804 on:** August 21, 2018, 11:02:38 AM »

At the end of the winter, we got compensation from the previous owner of the house for having done the drainage wrong by himself, without informing us about it. We got approx 5.500 USD to have it repaired. We have now started doing it ourselves. We also tried to hire a digging machine, but the owner didn't respond with a price. So we are digging by hand.

Hula Hoop · « **Reply #11805 on:** August 21, 2018, 04:04:08 PM »

We're on vacation visiting family in NYC and, rather than go to an expensive children's museum, we went to a free water playground with the kids. Now the kids are having lots of fun helping my parents make dinner.

middo · « **Reply #11806 on:** August 21, 2018, 10:11:54 PM »

Free morning tea at work today, which was big enough for lunch for me, so my lunch went back into the fridge until tomorrow.

okisok · « **Reply #11807 on:** August 21, 2018, 10:50:58 PM »

I'm within $3K of paying off my last debt, and I wanted one of those coloring sheet trackers to keep me motivated. I couldn't find any free printable ones that I liked, and I wasn't going to pay $1 for what amounts to a page with lines. I grabbed a coloring book we already owned and used an inkpen to adjust the picture to debt payoff increments. Now I have Snoopy ready to join Lucy in the pool as soon as that last payment is made ;)

Thawed out some freezer soup for dinner tomorrow. Have a small cake I got free at work (plus the two provided meals!), so I can have DBF over for a very cheap, but mostly homemade, dinner.

Trifele · « **Reply #11808 on:** August 22, 2018, 05:02:04 AM »

Quote from: okcisok on August 21, 2018, 10:50:58 PM

I grabbed a coloring book we already owned and used an inkpen to adjust the picture to debt payoff increments. Now I have Snoopy ready to join Lucy in the pool as soon as that last payment is made ;)

^^^ Love this!

MountainGal · « **Reply #11809 on:** August 22, 2018, 09:30:06 AM »

Quote from: Trifele on August 22, 2018, 05:02:04 AM

Quote from: okcisok on August 21, 2018, 10:50:58 PM
I grabbed a coloring book we already owned and used an inkpen to adjust the picture to debt payoff increments. Now I have Snoopy ready to join Lucy in the pool as soon as that last payment is made ;)

^^^ Love this!

+1!!!!! :D

IsThisAGoodUsername · « **Reply #11810 on:** August 22, 2018, 09:40:12 AM »

I cooked my own breakfast this morning (instead of going out). I remembered this when I was sitting down at the office (that the breakfast was still in the microwave).

okisok · « **Reply #11811 on:** August 22, 2018, 11:47:20 AM »

Quote from: Trifele on August 22, 2018, 05:02:04 AM

Quote from: okcisok on August 21, 2018, 10:50:58 PM
I grabbed a coloring book we already owned and used an inkpen to adjust the picture to debt payoff increments. Now I have Snoopy ready to join Lucy in the pool as soon as that last payment is made ;)

^^^ Love this!

Thanks :)

OtherJen · « **Reply #11812 on:** August 22, 2018, 06:12:28 PM »

I planned a few dishes around perishables that I didn’t want to waste, such as the beautiful tomatoes and herbs from my SIL’s garden and a cabbage and some bell peppers from our Hungry Harvest box. So now our fridge is stocked with prepared veggie-heavy dishes that can be easily assembled and heated and will keep over the weekend, which removes the temptation to stop for fast food on the way back from our road trip.

Will · « **Reply #11813 on:** August 22, 2018, 08:37:13 PM »

I started my epic cross-country road trip today. Brought snack-y things at Costco to eat on the way (dried apricots, apples, bananas, peanut butter and bread for sandwiches), fueled up at Costcos along the way when I could, and am staying at an Airbnb for my first time ever!

chasingthegoodlife · « **Reply #11814 on:** August 22, 2018, 09:47:38 PM »

Checked my supermarkets app before shopping and got some personal care products I use regularly for half price.

Shopped for ingredients to combine with leftovers.

Paid with gift card from credit card churning.

chasingthegoodlife · « **Reply #11815 on:** August 22, 2018, 09:48:10 PM »

Checked my supermarkets app before shopping and got some personal care products I use regularly for half price.

Shopped for ingredients to combine with leftovers.

Paid with gift card from credit card churning.

Linea_Norway · « **Reply #11816 on:** August 23, 2018, 01:19:41 AM »

I ordered a new credit card that will give me 2% rewards on groceries in the shops where I usually buy my groceries.

Last year I had another credit card that let you choose a reward and every month I chose 3% on groceries. But this year they have removed that option. So I had to find some other solution.

Imma · « **Reply #11817 on:** August 23, 2018, 03:23:56 AM »

Sold an old textbook. After shipping and the fee from the website I'm selling it through I'll probably only get about €10, but still, that's one more book out of my house and €10 in my pocket. I try to sell all my textbooks as soon as I'm done with them, but I kept this one for a few years because I thought I could use it as a reference while writing an article. Turns out I hardly ever used it. Next time I'm getting rid of books as soon as I can. All of these books are available at my local university library. If I need them I can get them there.

Mon€yp€nny · « **Reply #11818 on:** August 23, 2018, 09:32:43 AM »

Will make a new batch of coarsely grated union- garlic-carrot-cellery for the freezer. No left overs, no waste, easy to make quick meals. That saves money on pizza, ready made meals, take out etc.

Bracken_Joy · « **Reply #11819 on:** August 23, 2018, 10:25:06 AM »

-Husband wanted some new tank tops. Was finally out at stores nearby and let me go to a cheap store. Was able to find 2 good tanks in clearance for $3 apiece. Also, while I was there, I found a v neck t shirt for $1.30! It was a light blue/teal sort of color, so probably unpopular, but I asked Husband and he thinks he'll wear it. These are his daily wear clothes, so that's a great find.

JanetJackson · « **Reply #11820 on:** August 23, 2018, 10:43:08 AM »

- Wanted hash browns for some reason at an almost uncontrollable level on my way in to work today. Ignored it and went into the office and ate the Aldi protein bar I had packed.

- Wanted Starbucks… not just ANY coffee, STARBUCKS specifcally at about 9am this morning.... it's half a block away... I almost got it.. but didn't. I accept that I feel tired, that's ok at the moment. I might cave later.

- Wanted to leave work at noon. My work was done, I felt unproductive and like I was wasting company time. Instead I'm taking a ten minute break right now and working until the afternoon on odds-and-ends projects. I'm paid hourly, so not going home early MAKES A DIFFERENCE. :)

middo · « **Reply #11821 on:** August 23, 2018, 05:17:00 PM »

Made espresso coffees (Lattes) for myself and my wife before leaving for work, and drank them together on the commute. Saves about $8 per day. Two coffees would cost us $8.40, from our favourite coffee shop. Since I bouth the machine in May, we haven't bought a single coffee. Estimated savings and costs:

Cost:
Machine: $159
Keep cups: $4
Coffee: $140
Milk: $32
Total: $335

Expenses avoided:
Coffees: 120 x 2 x $8.40= $2016

Total saved: $1681 in 4 months.

Trifele · « **Reply #11822 on:** August 24, 2018, 05:04:38 AM »

Quote from: okcisok on August 22, 2018, 11:47:20 AM

Quote from: Trifele on August 22, 2018, 05:02:04 AM
Quote from: okcisok on August 21, 2018, 10:50:58 PM
I grabbed a coloring book we already owned and used an inkpen to adjust the picture to debt payoff increments. Now I have Snoopy ready to join Lucy in the pool as soon as that last payment is made ;)

^^^ Love this!

Thanks :)

I hope you don't mind @okcisok, but I borrowed your idea and printed off a free coloring book sheet (nice beach scene) to 'color down' my 100 days to FIRE. So much fun!

okisok · « **Reply #11823 on:** August 24, 2018, 10:39:57 PM »

Quote from: Trifele on August 24, 2018, 05:04:38 AM

Quote from: okcisok on August 22, 2018, 11:47:20 AM
Quote from: Trifele on August 22, 2018, 05:02:04 AM
Quote from: okcisok on August 21, 2018, 10:50:58 PM
I grabbed a coloring book we already owned and used an inkpen to adjust the picture to debt payoff increments. Now I have Snoopy ready to join Lucy in the pool as soon as that last payment is made ;)

^^^ Love this!

Why, of course not! I'm flattered! That's what this forum is all about, helping each other to FIRE.

Thanks :)

I hope you don't mind @okcisok, but I borrowed your idea and printed off a free coloring book sheet (nice beach scene) to 'color down' my 100 days to FIRE. So much fun!

okisok · « **Reply #11824 on:** August 24, 2018, 10:43:12 PM »

Fixed another pair of jeans with the sewing machine. I only have three pairs and I'd like them to last until I get my car paid off in the next six months. I'd like to throw every spare penny at the debt until it's gone.

Ate two meals at work. Bike to and from work, as usual (if I don't walk, that is).

Resisted buying new clothes for new job. Working through my wardrobe and seeing what others wear to make sure I'm within the vague dress code, instead of buying a bunch of new stuff. ALL of my clothes are new to my co-workers :)

okisok · « **Reply #11825 on:** August 25, 2018, 12:12:03 PM »

Sold an item on Etsy that I'd been gifted. Wrapped it in a reused bubble mailer and stamps I'd been given. Total profit! Mailed another book as a gift that I'd wrapped in an old map, also using gifted stamps. No out of pocket at all, and I rode my bike. $12 profit on that errand :) (Media Mail is your friend, if mailing books or media in the US. As long as there's no personal correspondence and it fits the USPS definition of media, it saves some postage.)

Walked my dog to the library and used a fine voucher I'd gotten for participating in the summer reading program to zero out my fines. No drive day!

Ate breakfast at home.

Repaired a pair of sandals using Shoe Goo.

daverobev · « **Reply #11826 on:** August 25, 2018, 01:24:10 PM »

Got paid to take a new iPhone 6.

Um.

Thanks, Walmart/Koodo/third party company.

Imma · « **Reply #11827 on:** August 25, 2018, 01:30:59 PM »

Quote from: okcisok on August 24, 2018, 10:43:12 PM

Resisted buying new clothes for new job. Working through my wardrobe and seeing what others wear to make sure I'm within the vague dress code, instead of buying a bunch of new stuff. ALL of my clothes are new to my co-workers :)

Thanks for the idea! I will (hopefully) start in a new job on 1 October that has a more formal dresscode then the IT-company I work for now. My coworkers regularly turn up in hoodies with holes in them so I'm easily the most formally dressed person as long as I don't turn up wearing my PJ's. In my new role I'd be reporting directly to the CFO. I was already mentally preparing myself for having to buy new work clothes, but maybe I should carefully go through my wardrobe before I do that. I don't have a lot of clothes but maybe I'll find new combinations of clothes.

I went to the wholesale store today and bought a large 5 kg bag of penne. It's cheaper than smaller bags and there's less waste. I also bought a large jar of powdered soup. I know that's not the healthiest food in the world, but when I'm super busy and really tired I can just throw a few spoons of it in a pot of boiling water and toast two slices of bread and have reasonable dinner in 5 minutes - a lot cheaper than take-away or frozen pizza and faster too.

My s/o wanted to go to a free gig tonight, our friend is playing. He's doing a frugal month challenge and felt uncomfortable going and not buying any drinks. He has a habit of losing track of loose change and I secretly save it up for him when I find it. I surprised him with enough change for 2 drinks! He left his cards at home so he's definitely not spending more than that.

Linea_Norway · « **Reply #11828 on:** August 25, 2018, 01:40:38 PM »

Both DH and I each won a free reusable bag by correctly naming some fish. And a chance in a (small) lottery.

mountain mustache · « **Reply #11829 on:** August 25, 2018, 03:38:40 PM »

I harvested about 5 pounds of plums from a neighbors tree (with permission, of course!). They were super ripe, and falling off, and I had been staring at them for days. I finally got the nerve to ask, and now I have delicious plums to make jelly with, which will become gifts for friends over the next few months.

Arbitrage · « **Reply #11830 on:** August 25, 2018, 09:34:07 PM »

In the past couple of days -
Rode my bike to the grocery store to pick up a few things.

Rode my bike to Home Depot to pick up a couple of minor DIY repair items.

Made homemade yogurt in the Instant Pot for the first time - it came out great, and doing this on a recurring basis should save me at least $10/month going forward.

Rode my bike to the library today. In fact, I haven't driven my car in almost 3 weeks (I have driven the family car for a couple of trips). A bit worried that it might not start!

Linea_Norway · « **Reply #11831 on:** August 27, 2018, 05:58:45 AM »

Quote from: mountain mustache on August 25, 2018, 03:38:40 PM

I harvested about 5 pounds of plums from a neighbors tree (with permission, of course!). They were super ripe, and falling off, and I had been staring at them for days. I finally got the nerve to ask, and now I have delicious plums to make jelly with, which will become gifts for friends over the next few months.

Jummie. You can also easily make jam from plums.

okisok · « **Reply #11832 on:** August 27, 2018, 11:22:52 AM »

Quote from: Imma on August 25, 2018, 01:30:59 PM

Quote from: okcisok on August 24, 2018, 10:43:12 PM

Resisted buying new clothes for new job. Working through my wardrobe and seeing what others wear to make sure I'm within the vague dress code, instead of buying a bunch of new stuff. ALL of my clothes are new to my co-workers :)

Thanks for the idea! I will (hopefully) start in a new job on 1 October that has a more formal dresscode then the IT-company I work for now. My coworkers regularly turn up in hoodies with holes in them so I'm easily the most formally dressed person as long as I don't turn up wearing my PJ's. In my new role I'd be reporting directly to the CFO. I was already mentally preparing myself for having to buy new work clothes, but maybe I should carefully go through my wardrobe before I do that. I don't have a lot of clothes but maybe I'll find new combinations of clothes.

I'd highly recommend this route. Two jobs ago, I was in a similar situation. I'd worn a company uniform for 8 years, and had few clothes outside of jeans/tshirts and uniform components. My new job was in a newly built location and would require business professional. As this was pre-MMM and I was dating a spendypants, I went right out and got a store credit card and charged up $1000 worth of what I thought I'd need.

Long story short, the opening got pushed back two months, so i wore a company provided polo and khaki pants every day for those two months while my new wardrobe gathered dust and interest payments. Then it turns out that several of the outfits weren't right for the job. Then they changed the dress code and I had to go buy more items.

This job change, I went straight business professional for the first few days. Then I spoke to my coworkers and superiors in a casual way about how closely we adhere to the printed dress code. Turns out, very little. Mondays are jeans & tshirts since we don't see clients those days! As long as I can come up with 4 outfits that are presentable, I'm good. Then I can switch those components and accessories around for the next 4 workdays, without spending except to replace. Honestly, who can tell one pair of black dress pants from another?

Dicey · « **Reply #11833 on:** August 27, 2018, 10:41:42 PM »

I wanted to post something on this thread, but I didn't spend any money. Does this count?

4alpacas · « **Reply #11834 on:** August 28, 2018, 09:06:00 AM »

Quote from: Dicey on August 27, 2018, 10:41:42 PM

I wanted to post something on this thread, but I didn't spend any money. Does this count?

Absolutely! You don't have to spend money to save money!

I also won't spend any money today because I did the usual--packed my lunch, made tea at the office, and will run/shower at work.

JanetJackson · « **Reply #11835 on:** August 28, 2018, 11:43:43 AM »

Just one today:
Today I used the superglue at work to clue my "work Crocs" for a second time.
I've worn these every single day for three, maybe four years now.
They're the Croc Alice shoe... and now that Crocs is going out of business, I don't know what I'll do for shoes when these wear down. They look almost brand new though, I just wipe them down occasionally and have had to glue the sole twice. Not bad for $19.99 (What I paid when I bought them).

I never thought I'd wear Crocs for ANY occasion, let alone at work, but they look dressy, are rugged, and recover from dog walks before/after work very well.

Shinplaster · « **Reply #11836 on:** August 28, 2018, 11:56:44 AM »

Quote from: JanetJackson on August 28, 2018, 11:43:43 AM

Just one today:
Today I used the superglue at work to clue my "work Crocs" for a second time.
I've worn these every single day for three, maybe four years now.
They're the Croc Alice shoe... and now that Crocs is going out of business, I don't know what I'll do for shoes when these wear down. They look almost brand new though, I just wipe them down occasionally and have had to glue the sole twice. Not bad for $19.99 (What I paid when I bought them).

I never thought I'd wear Crocs for ANY occasion, let alone at work, but they look dressy, are rugged, and recover from dog walks before/after work very well.

I thought Crocs was just closing its corporate owned factories? They will still be in business, just subcontracting the manufacturing.

JanetJackson · « **Reply #11837 on:** August 28, 2018, 12:30:19 PM »

Oh, I dunno… Guess I need to google that. :)

Quote from: Shinplaster on August 28, 2018, 11:56:44 AM

Quote from: JanetJackson on August 28, 2018, 11:43:43 AM
Just one today:
Today I used the superglue at work to clue my "work Crocs" for a second time.
I've worn these every single day for three, maybe four years now.
They're the Croc Alice shoe... and now that Crocs is going out of business, I don't know what I'll do for shoes when these wear down. They look almost brand new though, I just wipe them down occasionally and have had to glue the sole twice. Not bad for $19.99 (What I paid when I bought them).

I never thought I'd wear Crocs for ANY occasion, let alone at work, but they look dressy, are rugged, and recover from dog walks before/after work very well.

I thought Crocs was just closing its corporate owned factories? They will still be in business, just subcontracting the manufacturing.

Sun Hat · « **Reply #11838 on:** August 29, 2018, 04:08:27 PM »

Having lost sufficient weight to render all of my pants very baggy, but with about another size to go to my goal, I resisted the urge to splurge and got myself some new-to-me pants at the thrift store. Three pairs in perfect condition for $23!

MaybeBabyMustache · « **Reply #11839 on:** August 29, 2018, 04:57:11 PM »

-Free breakfast & lunch at work
-Drove electric car to work
-Paid licensing fee via credit card vs check for some extra miles (pay off our credit card every month)
-Will make dinner from leftovers

Dollar Slice · « **Reply #11840 on:** August 29, 2018, 09:53:07 PM »

Remembered to cancel a credit card before the annual fee was charged.

Linea_Norway · « **Reply #11841 on:** August 30, 2018, 01:41:43 AM »

The usual, bring my own lunch to work and walking to work.

Yesterday I was at home and made pancakes from some leftover ingredients. And used a mushroom stew from self-picked mushrooms as filling. Tasted well.

Trifele · « **Reply #11842 on:** August 30, 2018, 04:15:57 AM »

I'm on a short two-day work trip, and as usual I brought food with me and will smile later as I pocket Employer's food per-diem payment. They give us $50-$70 per day, depending on the city. Food I bring costs me $5-$10 per day.

(It isn't just about the money; I prefer to eat what I want at my leisure, rather than have to hunt for a restaurant. Plus I have lots of serious food allergies, so restaurants are inherently risky.)

OtherJen · « **Reply #11843 on:** August 30, 2018, 02:04:18 PM »

I've put off grocery shopping for yet another day (I haven't been in a couple of weeks) in favor of clearing out the freezer and pantry. Tonight's dinner will be salmon with dill and lemon (freezer, pantry, produce drawer), sautéed brussels sprouts with bacon (produce and meat drawers in fridge), and potatoes in some form (pantry). I'm also planning to make cherry-vanilla soda syrup (cherries bought in bulk and frozen, vanilla and sugar from pantry). I think tomorrow's dinner will be some form of alfredo with chicken and broccoli (freezer stocks) to use up a couple of partly used bags of dried pasta.

tungu2 · « **Reply #11844 on:** August 31, 2018, 03:34:29 PM »

Put a chocolate bar back on the shelf at the supermarket

4alpacas · « **Reply #11845 on:** August 31, 2018, 03:45:35 PM »

Bulk cooking & eating down food storage
Made peanut butter cookies instead of buying ice cream
Made lunch for a friend instead of going out to lunch

frooglepoodle · « **Reply #11846 on:** August 31, 2018, 05:19:04 PM »

Friday night dinner was from the freezer rather than going out. I spiced up the burgers by making some caramelizad onions and homemade buns.

I started a new knitting project from stash/leftover yarn instead of buying something new.

We’ve been making use of the library for my 3-year-old’s books instead of buying them. I’m making notes of the books he asks to check out again and again so grandparents can buy them for Christmas.

Signed up for a new free trial of Netflix and put a reminder in my phone so I don’t forget to cancel.

OtherJen · « **Reply #11847 on:** August 31, 2018, 06:37:12 PM »

Okay, I broke down and went grocery shopping today. I spent $13.08 at the local produce market for 5 full bags of fruits and veggies. Then I spent $22.62 at Aldi for several kitchen and fridge staples. Previously, I’d spent more than twice that amount for a similar quantity of food at standard grocery stores. Between this food and our pantry/freezer stock, I should be able to skip grocery shopping for another 2 weeks.

okisok · « **Reply #11848 on:** September 01, 2018, 12:48:18 AM »

Biked to work, per usual. Ate the two provided meals at work. Grabbed my afternoon snack from the food table at our main office since I had to drive over there this morning for a meeting. Also picked up a couple of aluminum cans from the parking lot to add to my stash to turn in for cash.

Cooked the last 6 of a carton of eggs so that we'd have hardboiled on hand instead of spoiled eggs :P Used one plus a can of tuna to have a super cheap and quick lunch, along with some crackers left over from a party.

Used some old postcards to write to far-flung friends. One of my favorite hobbies is collecting old postcards, then writing inspirational or funny quotes on them and mailing them to friends. They're cheap at thrift stores and yard sales--I've often gotten them for free just for asking. My friends are very enthusiastic about it! I once visited one that had them taped all over her fridge. All of my people know that I love stamps and stationery, etc, so I often receive them as gifts.

4alpacas · « **Reply #11849 on:** September 01, 2018, 02:33:36 PM »

Passed on having lunch out. Ate leftovers at home.
Planned an exciting dinner at home instead of making a reservation.
Bought snacks for my flights next week instead of buying food at the airport.

News:

Author Topic: What small things did you do TODAY to save money? (Read 6328987 times)