That sounds so easy when reading it, doesn't it? We also both agreed though, that that was hard, very hard at times.
There are no magic solutions, it's just plain self-denial.
Self-denial is not something that we as a whole of people are very good at. But in reality, at the end of the day, it's the bottom line.
It was that kind of week for us!
So, how did we do on our financial goals?
Let's see ...
Our goals for the week were ...
Stay within our grocery budget. We spent no money at the grocery store! We ate out of the garden and pantry all week ... and we ate well!
This week will be one of those 'daily grind' weeks where we're between paychecks, so we're going to be looking for ways to be extra frugal. We stayed home, spent very little money and just plain hunkered down financially.
Have as many no-spend days as possible. We had 6 no-spend days this week!
Next week we'll do an end of the month summation, a halfway through the year summation and set some specific goals for July.
That's it for this week, what about you, how did your week go and what financial goals are you working toward?
until next time,
mrs. patsi @ A Working Pantry
She looketh well to the ways of her household … Proverbs 31:27
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We mostly stayed at home gardening and attending to a few jobs. We had a ride out in the car one day to collect some things we had bought from a town some distance away, so we took a picnic and found a beautiful park to sit and eat it in. Our car got fixed, but it cost more than we thought, so we were grateful to have the money to pay for it. We have another trip planned for Sunday, so will be packing a picnic again. Next week will probably be another quiet one.
ReplyDeleteTracy, with the cost of eating out, packing a picnic is so wise. I'm glad your care got fixed, but I'm sorry it was more than expected.
DeleteI don't feel it is self-denial here, it is just a way of life for me. I did go to the store for the first time in about 3 weeks and my OOP was about $80, however I save $70 with discounts. Mainly all fresh food items - no junk and no canned goods. I was happy. Made all my meals here at home.
ReplyDeleteCheryl, you did good with your OOP and saving so much with discounts! Way to go!
DeleteYou are so right, Patsy, about just not spending on non-essentials. For some that is easier than others, and I think a person's home situation plays into it, too. As a widow, a portion of my spending is related to doing things with others. And, when you live alone, that personal interaction is critical. We all try to do things that are less expensive, but at a minimum, there's the cost of fuel. We prefer to do things at lunch, rather than dinner, or coffee at a central location, concerts in the park where we can bring our own snacks and beverages, or rotate around, so the cost doesn't fall on one person. This week involved a grocery run and I stuck to my list, a run to the pet store for pup's food and goodies, and yesterday's lunch with my widows group (more than I hoped, but it is what it is). Was supposed to go the country for produce today, but think that'll be postponed -- drizzling out.
ReplyDeleteLori, I agree that a person's home situation plays into determining essential spending verses non-essential spending. I also agree that personal interaction is critical when living alone and you are absolutely right, it costs money. Sounds like your group is taking costs into consideration.
DeleteYes, Patsy, it can be hard. Very hard. We'd not gone the Wednesday before for a 50 cent sale at Safeway, so went Tuesday night before the sale ended. That sale included canned veggies, tomatoes and beans, canned tuna, all store brand pasta, etc. The shelves were wiped bare. Other low price sale items were also wiped out. We were glad others had been able to stock up. When another store's ad this Wednesday morning offered the Italian sausage we like for 99 cents per pkg. (limit 2) and bone in country pork ribs for 99 cents lb. (limit 2), as well as lots of fresh produce at 99 cents, we left the house very early. One hour after the store opened we got the last 2 pkgs. of pork ribs and 2 of the 3 remaining sausage pkgs. Romain lettuce was almost gone, as were other items.
ReplyDeleteLong winded way of saying it's clear most in our area are shopping as we do. Non sale items are barely touched. It's an encouragement to those (like you) with frugal blogs! The general population is changing how they spend. Thank you again for sharing your journey. It's really helpful for readers to know we're not alone in life's curve balls and struggles. --Elise
Elise, we're finding the same type things when we grocery shop, the sales are few and not very good, but they are snatched up quickly. It's hit or miss on finding unadvertised mark downs and clearance items. Our local grocery stores aren't having as many, and they are quickly snatched up when they do.
DeleteThank you for your encouragement!
100% agree that self-denial is very difficult AND necessary. When we verged on bankruptcy in the late 80s, we did NOTHING extra. Not even a McD meal. Any get-away was camping at no-cost locations. No clothing unless there was zero option (IE, worn out bra/undie/shoe). I worked OR so scrubs provided, my clothes stuffed in locker and it didn't matter what it looked like.
ReplyDeletePAINFUL to say the least. But oh my coming out that period of debt with everything paid off except our mortgage? PRICELESS! You CAN do it!
Elle, thank you for such an encouraging comment! Every month moves us closer to our goal of becoming debt free and building savings.
DeleteThis post speaks to me. I have real issues with buying Bath and Body Works. It’s very difficult to say no but I need to do it.
ReplyDeleteLee Ann, we all have our areas of temptation! Mine is books, I've had to set some very hard boundaries ... buy used, limit the number I let myself purchase during a set period of time, or put on my personal gift list for occasions like birthday, anniversary, etc. Libby the library app has been a blessing and I've really started utilizing our local library more as well. I really enjoy reading!
DeleteA lot of money came and went in the past week with insurance settlements and selling stock and selling a $1200 item on Marketplace. When it was all done our van is repaired and has new tires and an alignment. Plus my new power wheelchair is paid for and at the end of it all we had the money to cover it and some leftover. God is good!
ReplyDeleteWe got 5.5 pounds of our favorite sausage patties for $13. Restocked our favorite Food Lion bakery bagels and a few produce items. Another stop for a great deal on cheese and our favorite store brand corn chips BOGO. All holes in the pantry. I end the month with $50 left in the grocery budget.
Neighbors continue to drop of bags of garden produce. We reciprocate with baked goods. Every body is happy. This morning I made two quarts of pickled cucumber salad with the abundance.
Brownies made earlier in the week did not get baked enough so I put them back in the oven and finished baking them. Even though they were almost cold it worked.
Lana, that's a lot to accomplish in one week, you all did good!
DeleteIt's always gives one a feeling of accomplishment when one finishes the month with left over grocery money doesn't it! In our current economy that is quite a big deal!!!
I've done the very same thing with brownies and the latest, a pie. It works!
We've never thought it was self denial here, but rather an investment in ourselves and in out future. When we were young we were blessed with having a member of our church and his wife take us under their
ReplyDeletewing and mentored us in becoming debt and mortgage free.it's a way of life for us.
We had some errands that needed taking care of in the town where our favorite grocery store is.
We were able to get some reduced boneless turkey breast and some thighs as well as cheeses, berries and butter. We stayed we!l under the grocery budget.
Cookie, you did good staying under your grocery budget. That's our goal every month. We get a feeling of accomplishment when we have leftover grocery money at the end of the month!
Delete