Friday, March 3, 2017

My Uber Thrifty Month In Review - February


I ended the month with $15 in my checking account and running on fumes in my car.  The truck has a full tank so I always have back up transportation but since I wasn't ready to take the chains off yet (snowstorms in the forecast) I put 4 gallons in the tank to hold me until payday.  Once payday arrived a few days later I was good to go.

I got my monthly bills paid on time with most of them ahead of schedule.  Always happy about that.  I made a good sized payment on my debt elimination goal.  Yay!  I made deposits into my savings and retirements accounts too.

I was careful to group errands and managed to make that four gallons of fuel last me 9 days before I filled the tank.  I used my rewards card at Fred Meyer and saved an extra 10¢ a gallon too.  Every little bit helps and over time it really does add up.



I did quite a bit of thrift store shopping.  Mainly I've been scouting out supplies for crafting and making gifts.  I found several patterns for 12¢ each that were exactly what I was looking for and a few items for my retirement house project.  While thrift store shopping I was also able to get some really nice clothing pieces for my girls.  Three tops, a cardigan sweater and a brand new pair of jeans with the tags still on for a grand total of$14.00.  I'm so glad I was able to get the girls a few new items for their wardrobes and not spend much in the process.

I found a top for myself  on clearance at Dillards for $13.95.  I used the tail end of a gift card I had and part of a new one so it cost me $0.00!  I also paired up some really good coupons with some really good sales to pick up socks for my girls.  I ended up with 13 pair of socks for $9.99.  They will be Christmas gifts.  Total spent on clothes last month $27!  Total spent on clothes so far this year (not including the socks, which are gifts) $37!!

I'm getting a really good start on my Christmas and birthday gift lists for 2017.  I'm also minding my pennies and really watching my spending.  All while I'm paying down debt as well as adding to my savings and retirement accounts.  So far this year I think I'm doing really well.

Almost there!

My biggest uber thrifty task last month was to get my income tax refund deposited into my bank account and then take every single dime and apply it toward my debt elimination goal.  It cut the remaining balance in half!  Whooooo hoooooooo!  Now that's what I'm talking about!



14 comments:

  1. You did a great job with your finances this month, especially the debt reduction.

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    1. Thank you Anne. Making that big whopping payment felt soooo good!

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  2. Awesome to get that debt paid down, and eventually paid off. WTG! You found some great bargains at the thrifts. I am buying my forever aka retirement home, so all spending has come to a screaching halt. Once the dust settles, literally!, I will be scoping out Habitat for humanity for some remodeling supplies, as I have some modest spruce ups/remodeling planned for the new to me home.

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  3. Doesn't it feel wonderful to watch that debt total go down.. So happy for you.. You will be so happy when retirement time comes... and you can enjoy being debt free..
    Are you building a new house??

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    1. Yes it does! I'm considering building one or getting a fixer upper. Still haven't decided. I just feel that the right one will present itself when the time comes.

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    1. You know that is totally on my list of possibilities! I love tiny houses and park model RVs. Wouldn't it be fun to find a vintage park model RV and restore it? :)

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  5. You are always so inspiring! I visit your blog almost every day to see what's new. You are totally in control of your finances. Thank you for sharing your insights! :)

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    1. Thank you so much for your kind words. I'm so happy to know I inspire people. :)

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  6. Sounds like you had a very good month! Well done on getting the debt down to half!

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  7. Good for you. I paid off 2 debts this month and am going to pay another off very soon. Just chipping away at them.

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    1. Oh good for you! That is so exciting. That is what we need to do - chip away!!

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