How frugal are you?
As 2017 gets underway, it’s a good time to think about where you can save a dollar here and there.
James and I are both frugal which makes our lives easier (and sometimes funnier). In California where we live, there’s a new law that grocery stores can no longer give you a bag. You have to buy the bag for 10-15 cents.
I refuse to buy a bag that used to be free.
However, this new habit of remembering to bring several bags into the grocery store can be troublesome.
I have loaded onions, tomatoes, canned goods, etc. into a cart one by one, only to load them item by item into my trunk and then bag them at home for the final transport to the kitchen…because I refuse to pay 10 cents!
In my book 31 Days to a Happy Husband, I have a “Top Ten Ways You Know You’re Frugal” list which includes things like:
-You never order anything but water to drink.
-You’ve bought cologne at the dollar store.
-After a fast food meal, you raid the table for unused straws, ketchup pouches, plastic utensils, and napkins.
Since I compiled that list a few years ago, I’ve thought of a few frugal facts to add about my family. Now I must admit there are many things I don’t do. I don’t grow my own food, cut coupons, dry my laundry on a line, or make my own cleaning products. But…
- We still use the Williams and Sonoma oven mitts we received on our wedding day…18 years ago!
- I drink instant coffee instead of using a Keurig because my instant is a meager 11 cents a cup.
- We’ve also slept on the same mattress we’ve had for 18 years. We’re just about ready to get a new bed.
- We don’t order from the regular menu at Denny’s. We only order from the value menu, choosing the “Value Slam” for $4; that’s 2 pancakes, 2 eggs, 2 sausage links or bacon.
- When we’re on vacation, we’ll get a quart of ice cream from the grocery store, spoons from the store’s deli, and split it right there (after we’ve paid of course), instead of going out to an ice cream shop.
What are your frugal money saving quirks?
