I like to share how I’m saving money. It inspires me to read these posts by other frugal bloggers, and keeps me accountable. Share your recent frugal accomplishments in the comments!
Having nothing to do with frugality, I created this printable for myself. I use it as a reverse to-do list so I can see all the things I do each day, that I might forget, that I’m proud of.
We rarely give ourselves enough credit, especially when we’re experiencing depression, trauma or burnout and struggling.
Feel free to download it HERE. Hope it helps!
1: I negotiated cheaper internet
I’ve been an Xfinity (formerly Comcast) internet customer for many years. Never had any complaints, thankfully.
But my internet bill has hovered around $125 a month. The reason it’s so high? Because there are nine human beings using it. So I have data overage charges each month.
I chatted with a customer service representative, asking if they would extend a new customer discount to me. She said yes! So for the next year, I’m paying $55/month for unlimited data.
Savings: $70 a month
I’ve done this many times with my ISP.
If you’re a long-time customer, many businesses prefer to keep you even if it means they make less money. I think it also helps to have an “offer” on the table. I looked at the new customer offers for a competitor, and told the rep that I didn’t want to switch providers, but would if I had to to save money. It works!
2: I did an ALDI freezer cook meal plan
Many moons ago I downloaded a free ALDI freezer meal plan from a blogger. (Sadly, she no longer offers it or I’d link it here.)
It is so wonderful to reach into the freezer, pull out a meal and only have to throw it in the oven or slow cooker to get dinner on the table! Spending a couple of hours in the kitchen on a weekend day is so worth it for this convenience. And having meals on hand means I don’t succumb to the siren call of eating out.
We have food at home!
(I’m motivated to stay out of fast food restaurants not just because of frugality. It’s also my rebellion against corporate greed and helps me avoid food that’s not great for my children’s health. I realize this is harder for some than others, and I acknowledge my privilege with that.)
3: I made homemade bread
I was gifted a bread machine and immediately put it to work. Few things in life are better than warm homemade bread slathered with butter!
Haven’t done the math, but I doubt homemade is much cheaper than a loaf of grocery store bread. It’s definitely cheaper than the $7 whole grain loaves I regularly bought at the local bakery. And so much more filling than store bought. I can only eat one slice.
When it comes to bread, I agree with French girls. High quality, or none at all, merci beaucoup.
4: I got a refund from my credit card company
I talk often on this blog about how I use credit cards for rewards and airline miles. And I don’t pay interest on my cards.
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Well…. last month was particularly difficult. I forgot that I’d removed the autopay feature on my main card (CapitalOne QuickSilver, who gives me cash back every month). And when I paid it late, I was hit with a late fee and interest charges.
But as I mentioned in Thing 1 above, companies are usually eager to please a good customer. I called the credit card company and asked for the interest charges and late fee to be removed.
And they said yes! The fees both appeared as a credit within two weeks. I think it helps that I’d never made a late payment before.
Savings: $221
If you don’t ask, the answer is always no.
Pro tip: If you struggle with making phone calls, ask A.I. to create a script for you. For a prompt, I’d type in something like this: “I’m contacting my credit card company to ask that they refund a late fee and interest charges. I forgot that I’d turned off autopay. Write a script for me to use when I call customer service.”
5: I helped my daughter fill out her FAFSA
One of the proudest accomplishments of my life? Helping my kids get the education I didn’t. Being raised in a cult that forbids higher education, I didn’t have that opportunity.
My daughter qualified for a scholarship from her employer and will likely receive grants due to our income. I’m so proud of my children! Supporting them while they go to school will be one of the things I’ll think of on my deathbed.
I also did all my normal, everyday frugal things:
- bought secondhand clothing
- did all my grocery shopping at ALDI
- checked out books and movies from the library
- got a new-to-me book from PaperBackSwap
What kind of frugal stuff have you been up to lately?
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