Here's what hunkering down and being intentional looked like in our home this last week ...
We did not have a 'no spend' week, but it was a very 'low spend' week which we're pretty proud of.
We chose not to take our personal allowances for the week but instead left them in the budget to be applied toward debt and or savings. We won't necessarily do this every week, but we have that option if we choose.
I said 'no' to an online community homesteading subscription offer. I would have loved to been part of the community, but the timing is just not right. Maybe next year, if we accomplish our goal, I will definitely take another look at it.
I'm in the process of removing temptation from my email inbox. While I'm all about supporting small businesses, I'm not in favor of having my inbox flooded with offers of things to purchase, especially when we're trying to 'hunker down' with our finances. Hence, there's been a lot of deleting and unsubscribing going on this week in my inbox.
We cooked from scratch and enjoyed home-cooked meals.
Hubby willingly took sandwiches to work instead of eating out every day! I'm so proud of him, this was his idea! It's a wonderful thing to work together with your spouse on a common goal.
That's it for this week, how did you 'hunker down' with your finances? If we all share something we did, we will learn and inspire each other ... which is the purpose of sharing this series.
mrs. patsi @ A Working Pantry
She looketh well to the ways of her household … Proverbs 31:27
Sharing 44 years' experience of frugal, prudent living and pantry building
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You did very well in your first week, Patsi. There is always someone tempting us to spend, isn't there? I've found that if it's not one thing, it's another, so being intentional like you said is key. The feeling of triumph in saying no often outweighs the temptation for me!
ReplyDeleteI am sticking to my spending freeze for the first half of the month, with the exception of a few groceries this week, with my list being carefully planned and strictly adhered to. I've made our own snacks, some for the freezer so I have something quick when I need it. I find convenience can derail my savings efforts if I don't plan ahead.
I've based my meals off of the free 50lb box of potatoes we got after a produce truck wrecked and the contents couldn't be sold. I have really been able to stretch things out this way.
I've replaced John's old clothes that he has outgrown with new ones in his current size by "shopping" my attic. I purchase clothes ahead of time when they are on sale and store them until needed. I'm glad to have not had to spend money on them right now.
We are using and enjoying our wood stove. We have not turned on central heating in over a month. I'm trying to beat each months electric total, so now we are practicing turning the lights off when we are not in the room. More intentionality.
I hope everyone has a good week #2. Patsi, I sent you an email but I'm not sure if you got it? I promise I'm not trying to sell you anything 😉
Kelsey, I just checked, and I have not received your email. I checked the spam folder too and it's not there either. Can you resend it, I'll be watching my email for it.
DeleteYou are so right with your statement of 'convenience can derail my savings efforts if I don't plan ahead.' Planning ahead is very much a part of battle strategy for us.
Yeah for the free potatoes!
You are so wise to plan ahead and keep your attic shop stocked and ready for shopping!
We are enjoying our wood stove too. I like the idea of trying to beat each month's electric total. I'm going to talk to hubby about implementing that challenge into our plan. Sometimes when we make saving money a challenge or turn it into a game of sorts it helps to keep it from feeling like we're being deprived!
I agree about turning it into a game!
DeleteI sent the email again. If you don't get it, can you please email me and I will reply? It seems like others may have had issues with my messages going through, as well.
Kelsey, I haven't received an email from you, and I have looked everywhere for your email address. Can you send it to me in a comment, I will not approve the comment for publishing and will delete it as soon as I get the address.
DeleteYou did very well this week! Kudos to your Husband for his big savings part! Cancelling Amazon Prime almost a year ago has kept me from spending over and over again. Everywhere we turn these days there is a company with their hand out!
ReplyDeleteI reworked the budget for 2024 and was so happy to find that I am able to save 15% monthly into our money market fund and still give 12% plus. We did an insurance check up in November so that was part of the savings that I could put aside. I cut the grocery budget by 1/6 and made a few other small reductions. Out of respect for my husband's wishes over the years I did not cut the eat out budget.
We only bought necessary items at the grocery store and it felt so good not to add to the 'PILE' that is the pantry! I asked Hubby to check on our Kleenex supply because they are on sale at Sam's and was shocked to hear that we have 34 flat boxes and 46 cubes on hand. I feel like a hoarder! This is an example though of how much we need to reduce what we have on hand.
II was able to pull money from the budget here and there and cover the cost of a new Dyson vacuum. It was $70 off this month at Sam's which made it a really good price. I am thankful to have that taken care of and done.
The kids got tubs of books out of the attic and took home about 50 books for the grandchildren so I am counting that as some clearing out this house for the week. I was so glad to see our son take his Hardy Boy books home for his son and many others for both of their children. This is what makes clearing out the excess hard for us. What do we keep and what do we let go and what will our kids ask for later that we got rid of??? I had completely forgotten about those Hardy Boy books. Our son said the new ones are very different as in they have cell phones and it is current pop culture-UGH! He wants his son to read the old books that have better values.
Onward to week #2!
Lana, love your comment!
DeleteWe need to do an insurance check-up too and will put that on our list of things to explore for possible savings.
I think we're coming in at about 8 boxes of kleenex, but you have to remember that we have a small house and the rule is that every item has its place and when that place is full, it's time to stop buying until we need to restock. There are some areas that have gotten out of control because of neglect over the last 2 months due to our well saga and I'm working to get everything back in its place. If I don't stay on top of everything, our small house soon becomes a mess!
I hate to hear that the Hardy Boys books have been changed, I wonder if the Nancy Drew books have also been changed.
My husband's job sometimes demands that he or the both of us needs to eat out, so our budget for that will stay intact. I refuse to feel bad about it though, when we eat out, we make the best and most frugal choices possible and go with it.
Lana, we are breaking up with Amazon in February when our membership goes up for renewal. Even though the points we earn pay for the membership, I know we'll also spend way less without the membership (which is the whole scheme around 'earning points'). I'd be embarrassed to admit how much we spent on Amazon purchases last year. I was shocked, actually! We can do better.
DeleteWe will be breaking up with Amazon in February also. Our family of 5 adults living in 3 different states all shared the account so the points were substantial; however, it is time to try something different. We decided one day shipping is not that important.
DeleteJeannie@GetMeToTheCountry
Happy 1st Friday of the month! Intentional is a good word to sum up the week in our household, too. I intentionally stayed home when Hubs went out to pay a few bills on Wed. and stop at a couple of grocery stores (Senior Day, extra 10% off) to avoid after holiday sales. He bought only a few things at big savings:
ReplyDeleteTwo 3 lb. bags of Gala Apples - $2.70
Two boneless half pork loins, 6.6 lbs. total - $11.67
Doz. eggs - $1.77
Various produce (celery carrots, lettuce, onions) - less than $5
Three large boxes (store brand) cereal - $12.19
Two 40 lb. bags dog food - $54.00 [we give them homemade yogurt everyday, too, as a "treat"]
The apples, cereal and dog food will last through February, the pork will be cut into chops/cubes for the freezer.
Like Lana, we made changes to our medical insurance this year. We'd been paying $1300 mo. and had notice in October it would be $1500+ mo. this year. Our new plan is $1000 mo., no deductibles, and our prescriptions cost us less. It has a discounted dental plan, which will be handy... I have a dental appointment on Monday for what I hope is just a cavity and not an abscess. Dinner plans for tonight have been scrapped. We'll have a nice dinner at home. Soft food. Maybe breakfast for dinner?
Our Christmas was scaled back and so is our anniversary. Still being together after all these years is a gift in itself. One Christmas gift (a cashmere sweater) is packaged for return. Next year, for our 40th, we hope to go to the Tucson Gem Show and will be saving up for that. I got confirmation of my SS which will be auto deposited the 3rd week of every month. As mentioned before, that goes directly into savings.
We're looking for/open to other ways to save this year. I'm looking into options for selling some of what we don't use/don't need. Poshmark? ThredUp? I left FB a few years ago, but may open a new account for local selling, especially the jewelry I make using pearls and gemstones. One of our neighbors owns a jewelry store, so that may be an option, too. Once upon a time I wrote for pay, but it doesn't pay much and now there's little copywrite protection, so not sure about that. It's time consuming and isolating. Hubs keeps his eye out for anyone seeking computer programming work via part time contract. This week, though, I thanked the Lord everyday for all He has provided. --Elise
Elise, I am so sorry you are having dental trouble!
DeleteThank you, Lana. For some context so no one thinks we're being cheapskates, in early December we had to pay $650 to a county land surveyor to prove to the next door neighbor that his mule corral and dog run were 40+ ft. over the property line. At that time, and with the pup being spayed (another $500+), we agreed to keep Christmas, my b'day and our anniversary simple this year. We did get each other nice cards and he picked up sugar free chocolates. This morning I made (for him) 5 half pint jars of orange pulp jam.** I'd never had a cavity in my life before 2020 when I wound up with an abscess. We know how much that runs for root canal + crown. Crossing fingers it's just a cavity now and covered by our discount dental plan as we'd like the costly stuff to stop.
Delete**Orange Pulp Jam
4 cups orange pulp - pulsed with a blender to make smooth
1 cup fresh orange juice
2 T. lemon juice
1-1/2 cups granulated sugar
1 pkg. dry low sugar pectin
I use a nonstick, medium sized pot with pouring spout. Combine pulp, juices and sugar in a pot and bring to a full, rolling boil over medium heat, stirring regularly; continue to boil 5-10 minutes, stirring constantly, until when you lift the spoon, liquid has a glaze/syrup look. Reduce heat to low and stir in powdered pectin. Bring back to a rolling boil over medium heat and continue to boil 5 minutes, stirring constantly. It's still pourable, but should start to feel like gravy as you stir. Pour into sterilized jars (mine are in the oven at 250 while I make the jam), place a sterilized lid on each jar, add rings, and using tongs, set aside onto a clean, folded towel. You should hear the lids pop within 20-30 minutes. You can do a water bath as usual if desired. --Elise
Elise, staying out of the stores is the best way to save and then when you do have to go, go armed with a specific list and get in and out as quickly as possible.
DeleteAt one time we were pay $1800/month for health insurance and it was going up to $2200/month the next year. We had to make some changes too, now we're on Medicare but it comes with a price tag too!
I hope your dental work is cost effective and gives you as little pain as possible.
"Intentional" is such a good word, Patsy! I'm going to adopt it for myself as well this year, if you don't mind. I guess "focused" is a good word, too--but "intentional" makes it sound like it's my job.
ReplyDeleteI think you did so well this week; your husband packing lunches instead of eating out is going to help so much. That was a great move on his part! Plus, I'll bet one of your homemade lunches beats eating out any day of the week!
I am being intentional about the fam eating down our older freezer storage, even while I am adding new items. I just put a rack of sale ribs in the fridge to thaw, and will oven-roast it for DH & DS to enjoy this weekend. And I will cut up an 8-lb butt ham (97 cents/lb--woo hoo!) into meal portions.
Sue, hunkering down is our job isn't it! I like the word focused too, intentional and focused ... two good words for what we're trying to do.
DeleteWe are relying heavily on our pantry right now and I'm okay with that. It will help us keep things rotated and updated.
Thank you for this post. I, too, had chosen "intentional" as my word to focus on this year, being intentional with my words and deeds. Since Christmas, I have been intentional with my spending, in particular. I've been running from Illinois to Michigan every couple of days, due to a family emergency. I'd intentionally refuel on my way to Michigan, and top off on my way back home. Indiana gas prices have been some $0.30 to 0.40/gallon less than Illinois, so it saves a lot when traveling to/from so often. I've also intentionally stayed out of the stores. My pantry and freezer are sufficient, and the more I go (even if for something important), the more I shop the sales. Like Lana, I have plenty of what I need for the next several months -- 42 rolls of TP for a single person household should hold me for awhile and there will be additional sales in the future. I'll need to get milk at some point, but I'll do it when I"m pressent for time and can be in/out in minutes. Since Christmas, the only meal out was intentional -- to meet my nephew and at a spot that was convenient to both of us as he passed through on his way home; I also had several boxes to deliver to him, so it was well worth it to share a meal and catch up. Thanks to everyone for sharing, too. Truly appreciated.
ReplyDeleteLori, you are really doing well with the hand you've been dealt. You should be proud of yourself!
DeleteWe’ve had a hunkering down week as well. So far we’ve had to pay almost $2800 towards our tornado damage. There’s probably another $16k and we found out yesterday that our insurance is only going to pay us a fraction of it. Like maybe $5000- $6000 total. We’re disappointed to say the least but God is in control. So yep we have to hunker down and cut back. We’re okay.
ReplyDeleteLee Ann, I'm so sorry. Insurance companies seem to major in finding loopholes when it comes to paying out claims. Welcome to the 'hunkering down' club!!!
DeleteI forgot to add. How can I reach you via email? Thanks
ReplyDeleteLee Ann, send me a comment with your email address, I won't publish it. When I receive yours, I'll send you an email with mine.
DeleteMuch "intentional" going on this week. Only 4.00 for groceries, ate out once and used dog sitting money, Chris returned one of many duplicate tools he hoards, another random return for 30.00. Posted unopened cases of prescription cat food she no longer needs (I won't get my original amount back but something is better than nothing), she is now on .75/can instead of 3.13/can food and less expensive dry as well. Milk bones get broken in half or I scatter a handful of kibble for the boys to chase around. He made the decision to cut out Sugar free stuff as it raises his blood sugar, duh. I already gave up Diet Coke and he is following my lead.
ReplyDeletePattiCinCO
Patti, I have heard others talk about sugar free stuff having a negative effect on their blood sugar. I wonder if that is across the board or if it's an individual thing.
DeleteYou made some intentionally good choices this week! Very inspiring!
The body doesn't clear artificial sweeteners but stores them. Then they cause all kinds of problems.
DeleteLana, thank you!
DeleteStevia is a natural sweetener? I think so, anyway. Hope so as that's what we tend towards for sugar free.
DeleteYes, stevia is natural.
DeleteWe had a lot of unexpected expenses in the last year that put a drain on our emergency cushion account. All the happenings were paid for and we didn't incur any debt which is such a blessing. Our hunkering down or "intention" is to bring that account back up to where i t was before and maybe more. Cookie
ReplyDeleteCookie, I'm with you! You and I had different whammies but with the same end results ... emergency fund in need of replenishing. We can do this!
DeleteThis last week we changed our cell phone provider. Mint mobile had a sale of buy 3 months of service and get 3 months free. So with two phones it is costing is $5 less for 6 months of service for what we paid for one month with our pervious provider. So we will not have a phone bill for the next 5 months. The next six months would be what 2 months cost us before. So only 4 months of no bills. But that is a huge savings. We have not notices any difference in our coverage or service. I can’t believe we waited so long. I had unlocked our phones about six months ago so we were able to keep our phones and transfer them to the new provider. I even changed the SIM card myself. My grandson was the one who recommended Mint, he is a poor college student. He then told me how to change the SIM card. Guess I need to send him some cookies. Nancy in Vancouver Wa. For some reason I can’t get logged in.
ReplyDeleteNancy, thank you for sharing that. I'll ask my hubby to look into Mint Mobile. --Elise
DeleteNancy, I wish we had that option here. We're just too far out in the country for good reception for lots of carriers available now.
DeleteWe are lucky here with lots of cell choices. Mint uses the cell towers of Verizon here in our location. So far we have pretty good coverage when we are out. At least no worse than our previous carrier. They have a map online where you put in your zip code and it will show if you will have coverage. Of course at home we use Wi-Fi calling so we use no cell data. That really keeps our cell data down since we only use that when we are out and about. Without wifi calling we would not have any cell service in our own home. We live in a bad reception area. WiFi calling uses our internet connection. Nancy
DeleteWe will continue to eat out some. We support our local restaurants so float through them (there are 5 owned by local people)
ReplyDeleteAmish neighbor told other neighbor (one road over) to get ahold of us. They sell fire wood and we have bought from them when Hubby had his heart attack. Their dad had a heart attack (he lives in Michigan and we are in Ohio) and they needed to get what was left of wood out of their yard. We took our dump wagon over. We got 2 cords needing split for half price and 2 cords split they delivered for free. They are already half the price of every where else.Spent ALL day stacking wood and covering what we didn't get stacked. Bad weather coming in this weekend (first it was wind and rain now it's wind and snow)
I bought the bulk of this month's groceries. Should only be buying milk twice the rest of the month.
Went through my garden seeds to see what I need still... NOTHING. I am set. Did put in order (with coupon) for my pepper plants.
Great deal on the firewood, Chef! Four cords should last through winter? Like you, we support local, privately owned restaurants and have that in a once to twice per month budget. It's just good to get out of the house and around locals sometimes. --Elise
DeleteChef Owings, what a blessing with the firewood! I haven't checked yet, but I think we're okay on seeds too. I'm pretty sure we can make do with what we have.
DeletePatsy what a marvelous thing your husband did in taking sandwiches from home rather than buying lunch out and that I would imagine will save a lot of money :) . Not taking your personal allowances occasionally will also help to pay down any debt you have too. Like yourself DH and I have been having financial meetings and tweaked our budget so more is going into savings.
ReplyDeleteSmall changes in many areas bring great savings. I leveled out the working bank account and managed to put $1100 odd into savings from being under in a few categories and normal money left over in our budget at the end of December for my new car into our high interest bank account plus the amount we have in the budget as well so that was just over 4 months of our usual savings in one month so I am super happy with that.
A little trick I am using is not taking a grocery trolley into supermarkets when I am only picking up a few things but just taking a couple of reusable shopping bags in with me instead. I did this this week as I was only picking up half price specials on deodorants we had used a few of, some chips that DH wanted on half price sale and a tin of lychees. This stops me getting extra markdowns and things I see that although we would use them we probably don't need them as our meat freezer is very full. The checkout lady in the supermarket was impressed with how much I could fit in one shopping bag being 6 boxes of chips, 4 deodorants and a tin of lychees :) .
I know about the temptations of getting those emails for sales etc in your inbox and although I saw clothing I liked I resisted and looked at the clothing budget which was low for the start of the year and didn't buy any.
Hope everyone has a frugal hunkering down week the coming week too.
Lorna (Australia)
Lorna, you shared some good tips, thank you! Sometimes, it's easier to resist temptation than others so until our 'temptation resisting muscles' are a bit stronger, we have chosen to just stay away from and out of those things that might tempt us. It's a week by week challenge!
DeletePatsy I love the saying "temptation resisting muscles" too. I might add that carrying that one bag with all that in it was testing my muscles whilst waiting at the checkout to be served too :).
DeleteLorna
Lorna, it would have tested mine too!!! You are too funny! Bahahaha ...
DeleteI had gotten a gift card for our grocery store, that has become outrageous in its prices, and used that this week. Ihad been saving it and finally stocked up! I also did not eat out. I did get a coffee one day, my grands wanted a donut, lol. It is in the bidget but I have to watch it. I stayed home for the most part and am still unpacking my boxes. My oldest grand is still off school so he helped me put things away that this 4' 10" old lady can't reach, lol. It has been a good month so far.
ReplyDeleteBarbara, I got a gift card to my favorite sewing crafting store and I'm waiting for a good sale on fabric to go shopping. You had a good week and yeah for the grand helping you!
DeleteI tell my friends that first you need a goal, then the right mind set to stay on budget and avoid temptations. Good luck on hunkering down in 2024!
ReplyDeleteDeloris, exactly and I would also add that you need to get encouragement and inspiration from like-minded people. It just makes the journey easier!
DeleteTotally agree!
ReplyDeleteThankful for being able to finally pay off the last of debt for my family. Now to set aside savings. and also set aside funds for new tires, plus a supplements restock.
ReplyDeleteWorking to do a better job on using what we have, and not buying new things until we need.
I get overwhelmed with gratitude for all the food we do have on hand and what I've saved not having to buy only enough food for the week.
And in spite of extremely limited income, I have been blessed with many pounds of meat from a neighbor. And because of their generosity, have been able to share with others in need. What a joy!
Leah, it sounds like we've all got similar goals and yes, having a well-stocked pantry during these difficult times gives us another tool to help us work toward those goals. Blessings begat blessings!
Delete