Hello to all. I sure hope you are all safe, well and warm! It is very cold here this AM. 9*F when I went out this morning. The sun is supposed to shine again today - which will be wonderful. As cold as it was yesterday, the sun helped a lot. It melted anything that was left of pavement I had shoveled. The plow actually went down our street yesterday. We have a little more snow coming in again tomorrow - oh, welcome to January and winter!
Just a quick note - I hope none of you are in CA. If you have family and friends there, prayers they are safe. I have several old schoolmates there, and I am waiting to hear something about them. Such an incredibly sad situation - such tremendous loss.
I used to kind of fall for the challenges, but not anymore. I just do me!
I keep hearing NO spend for the year unless absolutely necessary. Well, that is just kind of how I live. I get what I need, don't do a lot of frivolous spending and use what I have. I make the best of what is in my house.
I keep thinking, if masses of people stop spending, it sure isn't going to be good for an already struggling economy! Maybe instead, think about shopping at more small businesses, more mom-and-pop places. Think about buying used instead of new. Also, you might pledge to stay away from big box stores if possible.
Think about going through your house and garage and seeing what you already have that can be used. (you might be surprised).
I am not intentionally 'NOT' spending - I have a freezer and pantry full of food. I am intentionally going to be using up the oldest - as I (we) should do on a normal basis. I have been negligent about using the older items in the freezer - got used to convenience of just buying new and using. Yeah, that needs to stop. I can't stand waste - so I am going to work on using the older items.
As far as other items - there really isn't much 'stuff' that I need.
IF you used it all up - as in 'let's empty the freezer and pantry' - you will spend a small fortune to replace all that food! Use some and replace as needed. Things were cheaper when you placed them in the freezer/pantry - so remember that prices have gone up.
Continue to look for sales, clearance and mark-downs. They surely do help pack those pantries.
Another thing to think about this year - IF you can (I know not everyone can) - grow something. Even if it is a planter of lettuce or a potted tomato plant. Replace a pot of petunias with a potted tomato or pepper plant! Not only is it fun, but it is also healthy, and it is cheap! You can even grow sprouts or micro greens in your house.
Now if you take part in a saving challenge - that might be good. Saving change, saving ones, trying hard to put back a good 10% of income, investing in a 401K, children's college fund. etc.
Saving is always a good thing. EVERY single household NEEDS an emergency fund!
Are any of you doing any kind of challenge, or are you just being a good steward of what you already have?
I have sent no money so far this year, but I haven't left the house either! I am in good shape. When I do go out in the near future, I will buy whatever I need, but for now I am comfy staying off the roads and out of the stores. Snug and well fed here.
Stay warm and safe.
Have a fantastic day.
Next week is when I'll start trying to save again. I've had houseguests and company and it's really hurt my efforts. Between entertaining and going out to eat ... wow! That ends this weekend. Then I'll be getting back to normal.
ReplyDeleteIt's cold here too, not as cold as you, Cheryl, more like in the teens, and snow is forecast for Friday and Saturday. Unfortunately I'll be out in it on Friday AM, but after that I plan to hermit for a while! :)
MaryB
I spent a LOT of money at the holidays on various gifts. It sure adds up. I totally understand the need to get back to 'normal'. Sounds like you had events that were very enjoyable - but time to get serious!
DeleteStay warm and safe.
No formal challenges for me, but I am working on using up what is in the fridge and freezer before buying more. Of course, I'm only here for seven more weeks, and I really don't want to be leaving a bunch of groceries behind. As a result, I'm being quite conscious about what is being put in grocery cart. So far, I've had one basic shop and one small shop for a few items. I'm pretty sure the next shop next week will be a small one too.
ReplyDeleteThat is a wise way to shop. Just get what you need while there. I wouldn't want to leave a bunch behind either.
DeleteEnjoy your time.
I do know spend days, and unlike most bloggers or vloggers I count bills and groceries as spending. Money is leaving my account so therefore it is spending. I will be shopping sales (noticed my grocery store has a sale on some pork items and some beef items) and stocking up on what I have gotten low in. I always save what is left of my monthly allowance (which is counted as spent the day I get it...money out of the account once again) and all bits of change. It can really add up.
ReplyDeleteGod bless.
I pay my regular bills, but have done nothing else so far.
DeleteGood way to think - if you take out money for a certain thing (and then don't spend it all) think of it as spent.
It really does add up quickly.
Love the needlework! Think I'll make a sign with that saying. I was picking up a prescription at Costco yesterday, and the tech wore the cutest heart print blouse and I commented on it. "Goodwill", she said. We talked about the benefits of shopping in the charity shops; prices and saving stuff from the landfills.
ReplyDeleteStill pulling older meat out of the freezer. I think we'll have cubed steak with mushroom gravy tomorrow. Comfort food!
I asked my Texas daughter Alana if they got their snow yet and she sent me two little videos 20 minutes apart and it is really coming down. They thought when the moved from Ohio that they wouldn't have bad weather in Texas.
What is happening to the people in the line of the fires in California is heartbreaking. The Farmer said he saw on the news that a bank burned with everything in it, money, safety deposit boxes, everything.
Stay warm! The sun is adding a big dose of cheerfulness to our days.
Love it. Funny, just about each grade school luncheon I go to, someone comments on a top I have on - then says "let me guess, thrift store". They know me well.
DeleteI love comfort food.
I think it seems TX gets hit a little every winter. Hey, we need to share, right? LOL
I saw fires at the base of the Getty Museum as well - there are so many priceless works of art there. Hoping they have a basement vault to have put things. So many people losing everything. I cannot fathom the terror they must be feeling.
It is all so sad.
The sun is beautiful! Licorice is laying in the drive sunning himself today! He is enjoying it too!
Yes, using those older items is a great plan. Me as well.
ReplyDeleteNice that money saved is going to such a good cause. So many around the country in need right now.
I know someone in N CA and they have talked about so much rain lately, and S CA is so dry. Odd how it all works.
I would take 40's! Sounds decent. Enjoy those warmer days - yes, the cold will be there. We were very lucky with a warmer than usual fall/early winter - now we are getting it.
Enjoy the nice weather while you can!
I don't do any of the challenges, we just live below our means. There are things, that I will spend more on and then there are things that I won't spend money on. It's all about balance for me.
ReplyDeleteYes, yes. Live below our means! I think balance is a good way of describing it.
DeleteI'm not doing any challenges. I am just carrying on as normal.
ReplyDeleteNormal is where I think we all want to get back to after the holidays. I spent a lot of extra money - as most of us do. Now just normal.
DeleteNo challenges here, just getting everyone fed healthily and under budget is enough of a challenge for me to be getting in with.
ReplyDeleteI’m with Lori, I am spending where I need to and saving if I can. I have picked up a couple of gifts for next Christmas in the sales, and also put a stuffed turkey roll in the freezer that I got super cheap from Aldi. Bargains of any sort have been hard to come by.
Enjoy the remainder of the week, take care, Louise
You feed so many - so yes, that would be a challenge in and of itself. Thank you.
DeleteWow, good for you on buying a couple gifts already! I get a bargain whenever I can.
Thanks you as well.
Since I'm a household of 1, I don't do any official challenges, but simply monitor my personal budget. At the start of the year, I set an amount that I want to attribute monthly to groceries, auto fuel/auto expenses, and entertainment (which includes meals out, as well as get-togethers with friends and fellow widows). For the last 3 years, I've not increased the amounts, even though prices went up. This year, I'm allowing an additional amount for groceries -- if necessary. Otherwise, all amounts will remain the same. I track expenditures in those categories in my day planner and tally them as the month progresses. If I come to the end of the month and I need to spend, I'll make the decision to either say "no" or "ok, but I'll take that against the coming month."
ReplyDeleteCooking at home is better for my health, and I have an ample freezer and pantry to draw from. I've also made the decision to purchase off-season produce and meat from my local grocer, rather than from the big-box national grocer. I'll also shop there on Senior/Veteran Day, to get the 10% discount. In-season, I'll shop at my favorite farm stands and grow what I can in my deck boxes -- even if it's only enough for my nightly salads, it's something. Dairy will come from Aldi, so long as they continue to have the best prices. (FYI, all of my local Aldi's have discontinued selling individual yogurts (Greek and regular) and are now only selling packaged yogurt, thereby limiting my morning variety and relegating me to eating the same flavor all week. Not a happy camper and I've told them as much.)
If I'm careful, I'll be able to stay within my slim budget and save for a major purchase I'm hoping to make this year.
Great plan. I used to track all expenditures and stopped. I have thought about doing that again. I like that you have managed to keep your budget where you want it.
DeleteI haven't seen that about Aldi - yogurt. It has been a bit since I was there. I will pay attention next time I go. They do have good prices.
Nice on the you have a place that gives senior discount.
You have a super plan.
I am determined to be a lot more careful with my money this year and I have already started my sinking fund accounts, plus a couple of more saving challenges that I hope will pay dividends at the end of the year.
ReplyDeleteMy fridge, freezer and pantry are full so this month I gave myself $60 for fresh fruit & veg and maybe some dairy and that is it. I love shopping for interesting food so it is a real struggle to stay out of the shops - so far - so good. I do have another $60 put aside in case there is a bargain that I just don't want to miss out on for the pantry but so far that is still safely tucked away.
My toaster oven died last week so I have decided just to order a small toaster as that is what I mainly used it for and it is about 1/3 of the cost. Thought I'd better get it before tariffs go into effect that might effect supplies.
I have GC for a couple of different coffee chains which will keep me going well into February, a couple of streaming services and lots of books - both ones I have on my shelf and from the library - and a couple of new puzzles so lots to keep me entertained.
I am pleasantly surprised at how much I've been able to put away already.
Love the plan for saving. Seems there is always something special we may need or an emergency and extra funds are always needed. I like you put aside money for those special finds as well! Smart.
DeleteToaster is all I have had - never had a toaster oven. Glad you got yours ordered.
There is so much entertainment we can get for free. Especially for those of us that are home bodies.
My biggest challenge for myself is NOT to buy any new cross stitch patterns this year. I have more than I will ever complete in my lifetime and it’s silly for me to keep buying them. (However I bought one or two just before Christmas haha) it’s the same with fabric. I need to sew what I already have. I must stop the madness!
ReplyDeleteLOL - you know many people are the same. I know gals who continue to buy fabric, and have reams of it! Good idea on using what you have first. (unless you find a deal you can't pass up LOL)
DeleteI think many of us are the same with other things - enough books, clothes, crafts, etc.
Look forward to maybe seeing some of those creations!!!
I have many cross stitch patterns as well which I will never be able to even start. I also bought several seasonal patterns as well. I have to start not looking online for things that I'm going to work on 'someday'. Diane
DeleteDiane - at least maybe get some of what you have done - then order new ones! Maybe just not look for a while - I know it is hard.
DeleteI am beyond the point in life of doing challenges. I spent decades building sound habits and I live them.
ReplyDeleteAh yes, the freezer. We have a 14cf in the garage. I am a gardener and prep/store it there in vac-sealed portions. As well, some of our CSA produce goes there for winter consumption. Monthly I look through it and bring into the kitchen freezer what needs to be used next.
I consistently read the weekly ads and stock-up on our usual items. Fortunately I'm not an impulse buyer. As one who dislikes shopping, it's not an issue for me.
Happy Friday everyone! I'm off to consume some apples/peanut butter :-)
Good habits are the best way to live.
DeleteHow nice to have the freezer and all the goodies in there. I do that too - see what is in the big freezer and bring some up to frig freezer. Need to do that more!
Sounds like smart living to me.
I do like to grocery shop - it is my one joy of going out.
I had an apple and peanut butter yesterday - my first in quite a while. ENJOY!
I noticed your area mentioned on the weather channel yesterday with the white stuff. I said, “Cheryl will be staying in and having all she needs 😉right there at home.” We got some beautiful snow ❄️ yesterday afternoon and this morning. My Bible study was cancelled due to the roads today. We will be staying in, except for my husband trying out his new snow shovel😅
ReplyDeleteCooking warm soups and stuff to keep our tummies fed. I think I mentioned we’ve been making suet for our visiting birds. Feels so good to be helping them out a little.
We moved to OK from So Cal; it’s terrifying what the people are going thru. Praying for everyone involved. And for those left homeless by the hurricane🙏🏻😢
Mary
LOL - well, you know me well! Other than feeding the critters and maybe shoveling later - I will be in and warm and cozy. Haven't been to the grocery since 12/27. Tell your hubby to be very careful and take his time out there.
DeleteComfort foods sure do hit the spot. Thank you for taking care of the birdies!
I know - just all so sad. Yes, we cannot forget people still in tents in winter in the SE - while focusing on the fire victims.
Just a mess.
Good reminders fore the start of the year. I had 5 extras for 9 days at Christmas and spent a lot on food too. I will never learn. Had all the "wrong" cereals. My kids never had a choice...the grandkids rule their roost as far as food I think! haha
ReplyDeleteI don't do challenges either, but am working on clearing out a lot of what's in the big freezer. I will replace on a continuing basis as I see specials. I have a "budget" but am not strict. I tally up the expenditures every month and see if I was below or above the allotted total. It all seems to average out in the end.
Happy New Year! Jane in Florida
Hi Jane. 5 extra is a lot of mouths to fee. Oh, I hear you - we never had a choice either - we ate what was there, or did without. Young ones today are sure spoiled a lot more.
DeleteYes, good plan. Use up what you have and replace on a regular basis with sales! I agree, I think it kind of balances out at the end.
Happy new year to you as well.
Lord knows I'm not disciplined enough for a challenge. Haha! But, I am working through eating down our freezer and pantry and trying not to spend so much when we already have so much at home. I have started saving money back for emergencies, though. I had gotten out of that practice and that's not good at all. Things always happen. I sure hope you and the kitties are staying warm and I just sent up a prayer for your friends in California. It's just utter devastation and so sad.
ReplyDeleteWell said! Discipline would be my problem as well. Never thought of it that way.
DeleteGood plans. We all truly need to use up what we have and slowly replace as we do. Saving is huge. You just never know when an emergency is going to happen.
Staying warm and cozy here. Tired of shoveling! I did hear from one friend who is safe from the fires right now. Just so horrible.