I began April with
$6 in my checking account, a dollar in my wallet, a quarter tank of gas in the
car and just over that in my truck.
Honestly, not bad really. I
wasn't concerned as payday was on the horizon (with overtime pay!) and we had
loads of groceries, toiletries, household supplies and pet supplies. So far 2018 has been a very good year for us,
both financially and for stocking up. I
am truly blessed.
I began the month in
my usual fashion. Bills and savings
first, then grocery shopping and other things.
The first paycheck of the month a certain portion heads directly into my
retirement savings and then I sit and pay all of our monthly bills ahead of
their due dates. Next I set aside the
grocery budget, top off the gas tank and decide what to do with what is
leftover. Mid month I pay our mortgage
payment early, usually two to three weeks early, add more to savings and then
again decide what to do with what is leftover.
April was no exception.
Overtime pay on both
paychecks allowed me a few extras this month.
I was able to allow myself to go over budget a little bit on groceries
although I used all of those funds wisely.
I did my best to make sure I was spending the least amount possible for
the items we needed and wanted. I used a
lot of digital coupons at Fred Meyer and Albertsons and did a good sized shop
at Winco for the items I knew were less money there than at other stores. I also hit up Trader Joe's for items they
sell that are good quality at low prices too.
I find myself buying a lot of produce there. Finding good deals on markdown meats has been
a huge money saver for me lately.
At the first of the
month, despite the cooler temperatures and rainy weather, I shut off our main
heat source and we relied solely on our infrared heater and the electric
fireplace. It was plenty to take the
chill off as we eagerly awaited warmer weather.
By mid month we stopped using all additional heat sources and welcomed
the sunny warmer weather when it finally arrived. This will dramatically impact our electric
bill next month and I'll be very happy about that.
I topped off both
gas tanks this month despite the drastic rise in fuel prices. Because of that I was extra mindful of our
fuel use and made sure to combine errands and run them when en route to other
places, such as doctor appointments, as much as possible. I use the eco mode on my car all the time to
conserve as much fuel as I possibly can.
And whenever possible we just stayed home.
The biggest money
saver of the month was to do a couple kitchen updates for literally no money
out of pocket. I'm hoping to continue
with more home projects in the same fashion.
I used a lot of items I already had on hand including wood I'd gleaned from
the FREE WOOD bin located near my work.
I used a $50 gift card I earned last summer by participating in a
wellness program at work to purchase a new range hood at Lowes. I also signed up to earn another $25 Visa gift
card by participating in another program in May. I am not only proud of not spending money on
those projects, but I'm also very proud of the results. Beautiful!
I have more plans
around the house as the year progresses.
And more money saving ideas as well.
Onward and upward!
Fantastic month!
ReplyDeleteThank you Anne! :)
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