Thrifty Thursday #14 ~ Would You Rather...?

    Last week, the boys tagged along with me to the thrift store.  I let them take some of their spending money so they could have a little fun doing their own shopping.  James, who is two, has been especially eager to "go buy sumpin'" with the pocket change his grandpa gave him.  He settled on two toy cars for fifty cents.

    He was so excited over his finds and happily took them to the register, but when it came time to pay, he didn't want to give up his money- he wanted both!  I tried in vain to explain to him that when we want something in a store, we have to pay for it.  We give them our money, and they let us take our desired object.  He clung tightly to his coffee can of change (maybe he inherited my frugal gene), equally insistent on having the cars.  I offered to pay for them as I knew he might be too young to understand, but in true toddler fashion, he wanted to do it himself.  Eventually, the kind and patient thrift store volunteer got through to him and said, "If you give me one of your coins, I'll give you a car."  Reluctantly, he gave her a quarter.  She handed him a car, and the process was repeated.  By the time we left, he was happily carrying his cars and still had plenty of change left over in his jar.

    This got me thinking about what it really means to buy something.  Truthfully, I didn't want to give the nice lady my money either, but it happened that I wanted the items I chose more than the money that they required, so I handed it over (without any theatrics) and made the exchange. 

    Every potential transaction is an act of choosing one thing over another.  Most of the time, we cannot have our cake and eat it, too.  We have to ask ourselves, "Would I rather have the money or the item?"  Our decision is based on what we deem more valuable.  We are weighing the use and pleasure of the object against the time it took to earn the money, as well as other things the money could be potentially spent on.  Which is worth more? 

    Maybe you already know you are willing to part with the money, but you have only a certain amount in your budget and have to choose between two items.  I think we have all had to do this, and the same principle applies.  Naturally you are going to choose which item you want or need more.  

    My Shopping Book has really helped me with this.  I know what my personal allowance is each month, and I'm already willing to spend it, so when I see something I like in a store, I will think, "Would I rather have this item, or an item on my wish list?"  I find this helps me avoid impulse purchases.  The items in my shopping book have already been carefully planned out, and I know for sure that I want them.  Buying something else means putting those other items on hold for another month or more, so I have to make a choice!

    I find perspective plays such a huge role in saving and spending.  Taking this view when shopping is just another tool in our money-saving arsenal.  Do you think weighing your purchases this way would help you save money?

Thrifty Thursday #13 ~ Double Check

    Today's post is a simple reminder to double check your receipts and statements.

    I am very careful about planning my shopping around sales and coupons to ensure my money goes as far as it can.  It is equally important to make sure all of my purchases ring up accurately!

    Sale items won't ring up correctly if they haven't already been entered into the computer.  Sometimes the reduced price needs to be entered manually, and this can be missed if the cashier isn't aware of a sale or doesn't see the discount sticker on a product.  Other times, a cashier might accidentally scan the same item twice!  This happened to me the other day with an item that was on clearance.  The price was right but the cashier had accidentally charged me for two instead of one.  I was watching so I was able to catch it and politely asked if she could check, which she did.  I am one of those shoppers who watches the total as I am checking out just to make sure!  Sometimes I miss a mistake, but if the total seems off, I know to check my receipt to make sure everything is accurate and that any coupons I used went through.

    The same thing goes for looking over bank or credit card statements to make sure there are no fraudulent charges or discrepancies.  I have saved literally hundreds of dollars this way.  Once I found a charge for $600 for an Airbnb in Georgia, which very obviously was not ours.  That was the biggest one, but there have been smaller charges too.  The sooner you are aware of them, the sooner they can be stopped.  Fortunately in our experiences, both the bank and the businesses involved were good about removing the charges and getting us our money back.

    Even things that might not be fraudulent need to be checked.  For example, if a subscription service renews because you forgot to cancel it, it will show up on your statement as a reminder.  Or if you have cancelled and keep getting charged, you will know and can take action.  The same goes for any fees or service charges you may not have been aware of when you signed up for something.  You'll never know if you don't double check!

    What are some of the ways you have saved money by double checking your receipts and statements?  Do you find mistakes often?

Thrifty Thursday #12 ~ Personal Allowances

     

My reusable shopping bag, made by my sweet friend, Tanya, sent all the way from Australia 

    When it comes to wants and wish lists, it can sometimes be difficult to figure out how to fit them into the budget.  After all, they aren't needs, so how do we justify unnecessary purchases when we are trying to save money and live frugally?

    A few years into our marriage, I came across the idea (I wish I could remember where!) of having a personal allowance factored into the budget.  That is, each spouse gets a certain amount of money each week or month to spend on whatever he or she wants, free of guilt or explanation.  The particular amount is figured after you have budgeted for bills, necessities, and savings, so there are no worries over whether your personal purchases are going to derail your savings efforts or cause a strain to your finances.  The amount can be the same each month/week, or it can fluctuate based on changes in income and expenses.  Colton and I have had months when we were able to have generous allowances and other months when we have had very small allowances.  Other times, we've simply had to do without one.  Most of the time, though, it stays about the same and at the beginning of each new month, we look forward to having a bit of "fun money" to spend however we want.

    This is a great way to reign in spending without feeling deprived of little treats.  Saving money is hard work and can lead to burnout if you never get to enjoy any pleasures at all.  On the flipside, for those of us who are naturally savers and are reluctant to let go of a dollar, this is our permission to spend!  We don't have to worry about whether or not our money could've been better spent elsewhere because "elsewhere" has already been budgeted for.

    One of the beautiful things about the personal allowance is that, even though it is a limit, it is also a freedom.  What you buy with your personal allowance doesn't have to make financial sense or even be frugal, as long as you stay within your amount.  For example, maybe your bookshelf is full of books you still haven't read *ahem* but you find one you've been wanting at the thrift store.  You can buy it, guilt free!  Or maybe you know it's way cheaper to make your coffee at home, but once a week you want to sit at the local café and enjoy a cup there.  Do it!  You get a break here.  Allowances can be spent on anything- special foods that don't fit into the grocery budget, clothes that aren't necessities, experiences, decor, etc.  Whatever you want!

    For Colton and I, this really changed our ability to save money and put us towards getting out of debt faster than anything else I had tried to do with our budget.  The personal allowance permits us to each get what we want without the other person questioning whether that purchase is really necessary.   Instead of looking at each other's purchases with a critical eye, we excitedly talk to each other about what we plan to buy with our allowance when the new month rolls around.

    Now for some of the "rules" and how Colton and I make it fun:

    If Colton works an overtime shift, we get a small bonus amount added to our allowance that month as an incentive for both of us to make it through the extra work load and time away from home.

    As with our other budget categories, anything that isn't spent gets rolled over to the next month.  We get to build our personal "account" up this way.

    If we want an item that costs more than our allowance, we have to save up over the months until we build up to the amount we need.  This is where you can budget your allowance if you want.  Set aside a certain amount each month to save, and the rest is your spending money.  I will be truthful here, though, and say that there have been exceptions made when a large purchase is found at a bargain price!  However, this is not the norm, and even the bargains have to be within our means.  Our bank account isn't bottomless, you know ;)

    Anything we buy with our personal allowance can be turned into a profit for that person to keep as their own.  For example, if I bought craft supplies and made a set of cards and sold them, I'd get to keep the profit.  Colton does a lot of Ebay shopping for his wish list.  Sometimes he will find what he wants but it will be sold as part of a lot.  If he wins the bid, he keeps the item he wants and resells the rest of the lot.  He has done this several times and made a nice profit for himself!

    Even though anything goes, both of us try our hardest to stretch even our personal allowances.  It's "our own" money, so we are careful to get the most out of it.  We have gotten pretty creative at times!

    Before I close, I do want to clarify something.  Colton is the head of our home and the sole money earner, which I respect.  He works very hard.  As such, he doesn't need my "permission" to buy anything, nor do I have the ability to limit him.  In reality, he can spend whatever he wants and I don't have room to criticize him about it (maybe I'll write more on that topic someday).  But, he allows me to set the budget as my own contribution to our finances, as he knows that is one of my strengths and talents.  We have set certain financial goals together, and he knows from experience that my budgeting tactics will get us there.  I've earned his trust over time, and he knows that whatever I have come up with is for the benefit and prosperity of our home.  I don't take that lightly!  Years of implementing the personal allowance has simply proven to work very well for us, so he goes along with it.  If he chose not to go along with it, I would just set a personal allowance for myself to keep myself accountable.  

   Do you think a personal allowance might work for you?

Thrifty Thursday #11 ~ Mark Your Calendar

    One of the best ways to find a good price on new items is to pay attention to your calendar.  Most stores run holiday sales, seasonal sales, end-of-season sales, etc.  If you have an item on your list, waiting for one of these sales can really pay off.

    In the US, we are now in our back-to-school season.  Art supplies and office supplies are at their lowest price of the year, so this is the best time to stock up on those types of things.  Think ahead for the year, and also keep in mind that you can use any of these supplies as gifts later on.  For example, a pack of pens can be given with a set of handmade cards or a notebook (which will also be on sale this time of year).  Crayons, markers, paints, or colored pencils can be paired with a coloring book or blank sketch pad.  Other things like back packs, lunch boxes, thermoses, and food containers are also currently on sale, as well as lunch box type food and snacks.

    Back-to-school season also means that some will be going off to college.  Small appliances, bedding, storage containers, and organizers are on sale to help students get set up in their dorms.  Again, think ahead for the possibility of gifts later in the year if you have someone on your list who might benefit from any of these things.

    Here in Texas, we have Tax Free Weekend coming up, when there is no sales tax on clothing.  Many stores often run additional sales that weekend to lure customers in.  We might brave the crowds this year as Colton needs a new wardrobe for his school nurse job.  John grows out of his pants faster than we can buy them, so we might do some shopping for his next size up, too.

    As summer comes to a close, stores will clearance out all of their summer gear: toys, garden supplies, pool items, outdoor grills and accessories, patio furniture, clothes, etc.  Now is the time to act on what you might need for next summer.  This goes for any end-of-season sale.  Look ahead to next year and you won't have to pay full price when the time comes because you'll already have what you need.

    Of course, there are always sales around holidays.  Major appliances usually go on sale around Labor Day, Veteran's Day, Independence Day, Memorial Day, and Father's Day.  (This post is not about whether or not these holidays should be commercialized, so please don't come after me!  I'm simply saying that if you need something, you may as well buy it on sale and save your household some money.)  A lot of craft supplies go on sale around Halloween, and again in March as that is National Craft Month.  Thanksgiving and Christmas are good times to stock up on baking and pantry items, among other things.

    After-holiday sales can be just as good, if not better.  Again, think ahead for what you might use the next year.  Things that go on clearance after a holiday are not necessarily holiday specific, either.  Red or green will be associated with Christmas as long as it is in an aisle of Christmas items, but if you have a red kitchen and there are red cookware items on sale, for instance, no one is going to know any different.  The same with pink or heart-shaped items after Valentine's Day.  These can be used any time, or saved for other romantic occasions like anniversaries.  After last Valentine's Day, I bought several bath salt gift sets on clearance, none of which said anything about Valentine's Day on the packaging.  Something like that would make a great gift at any time of the year.  I saw a video by Frugal Fit Mom on YouTube where she went to the after-Christmas sales and bought shampoo and body wash gift sets in the brand her family likes.  She said she does this every year and buys enough of these toiletries to last them until the next after-Christmas sale.  This takes care of her needs for a fraction of what she would normally pay.  Again, I'm thinking these could be used as gifts, especially for people who may be hard to buy for, like men or teenagers.  Things like candy can, of course, be enjoyed no matter what the wrapper or packaging looks like (speaking from personal experience).

    The start of the year is all about health and fitness.  If you have been wanting to invest in exercise equipment, or you need some new tennis shoes or other workout gear, that is a good time to shop.  Many stores also run semi-annual sales in January and again in June.  Anything from household items, bedding, and linens, to clothing and beauty products can be found at a discount.

    If you keep a list such as the one we talked about last week, or if you keep a gift list for others, look over it and see if you can time your purchases to catch a sale.  Waiting for a deal is a sure way to stretch your money.

    Have I forgotten anything?  Let me know if you think of other times to save throughout the year, so we can all mark our calendars! 

Thrifty Thursday #10 ~ Keep a List

    As I wrote last week, being frugal does not mean living a life of deprivation.  From time to time, we are going to see things we want to buy and think of things we'd like to have.  Inevitably, expenses will also come up as we manage our homes and things will need to be purchased.  In order to keep track of these wants and needs, I suggest keeping a list of them.  

   { I was recently inspired to do this by Mrs. White in her post about keeping a "wish book". }

    As it wouldn't be prudent (or possible) to buy everything we want or need all at once, making a list can help us prioritize these things and see where we need to focus our efforts.  Until our budget allows for a purchase, it is fun to dream and plan, and it can serve as extra motivation to save in the meantime. 

    Keeping a list is handy when you are on the hunt for something.  If you like to shop at thrift stores or garage sales, referring to your list can help you stay focused on what you are looking for so that you don't forget anything.  This is also a good reminder to watch for sales on the items you want so that you can avoid paying full price.  In both instances, remember that It Pays to Wait.  A list can help you do that.

    Here is my own little book I made from things I had on hand:

    I have different categories: books, home, garden, preparedness, homeschool, beauty (self-care, clothes), and miscellaneous.  I also made sections for Colton and the boys.  This is so I can write down things they need or little things that they mention they want and use that as a sort of gift guide.  If there is an occasion and I need a gift for them, or if someone else asks, I can refer to my book.

    I did get a little carried away in the decorating process, but fun is part of the point.  I am thinking of writing a crafty post...if you are interested in my process and a more detailed look inside, please let me know in the comments!

Edit: Here is a detailed look inside!

    Before I close, I want to offer a word of caution.  It is so important to be content with what we have, as opposed to longing for the things we don't.  This book isn't meant to inspire any sort of materialism, covetousness, or discontent, but rather as a fun and useful tool to help you reach your savings goals while enjoying some little pleasures along the way.  So please, enjoy this activity but let it serve you and not the other way around.  Remember to lay up your treasure in Heaven.💕

Thrifty Thursday #9 ~ What is Frugality?

    

    Welcome to another Thrifty Thursday!  Today I want to chat a little bit about frugality itself- what the purpose is and what it means to me, as well as what it doesn't mean.  

    I love the definition of frugality found in Webster's 1828 dictionary:

"FRUGALITY, n. Prudent economy; good husbandry or housewifery; a sparing use or appropriation of money or commodities; a judicious use of anything to be expended or deployed; that careful management of money or goods which expends nothing unnecessarily, and applies what is used to a profitable purpose; that use in which nothing is wasted. It is not equivalent to parsimony, the latter being an excess of frugality, and a fault. Frugality is always a virtue." 

    Frugality, at its basic level, is being a wise steward of what we have been given.  As it applies to money, we don't spend foolishly, excessively, or beyond our means.  Rather, we save where possible, spend when necessary, and invest where prudent.  Nothing is wasted, nothing is squandered, nothing is done carelessly or without diligent thought.

    For me, frugality is not the goal itself.  It is the means to an end, a way of living that serves the purpose of prospering my family and making sure our financial needs are met with as little stress and worry as possible.  While we do enjoy the lifestyle, we don't save just for the sake of saving or because we like to hoard money.  We save so that our needs are taken care of, so that emergencies can be covered with peace of mind, so we don't owe anyone anything, and so that every once in a while, we may comfortably enjoy some little luxuries or experiences that are important to us.  It also means we are able to help others who need it. 

    Frugality means being thankful for what we have and seeing the opportunities to exercise that gratitude by taking good care of what has been entrusted to us.  We stretch it, increase it, and use it in the best way possible to benefit our homes. Making do, fixing, mending, shopping sales, using coupons, buying used, creating, building, growing, and investing all play a part.

    Frugality involves sacrifice.  It means saying "no" to a lot of things in order to prioritize things that are more important.  It means being countercultural when the rest of our instant gratification-geared society is saying "yes" to every whim without a thought to how it will be payed for.  People may laugh at us or think we are strange or call us party poopers, but we carry on knowing that we are getting ahead by not putting our families under the burden of more debt and its accompanying stress.  We know from experience that any sacrifice involved is well worth it, and it makes the accomplishment of reaching our goals that much sweeter.  

    Frugality doesn't mean being cheap.  While part of it may involve looking for the best prices and hunting for bargains, it does not ignore the quality or the lifespan of a purchase.  Sometimes that means saying "no" to less expensive or cheaply made items, even if the lower cost seems alluring in the moment, in order to invest in something that will serve us for a long time.  As in the definition above, frugality "employs what is used to a profitable purpose."  The money we spend should profit us in some way.  A good investment, while potentially being more expensive, will save money in the long run.

    Along the same lines, frugality isn't about not ever having anything nice.  Nice things can still be had on a budget, whether it be through sourcing things at a good price, making them, or by saving in other areas to free up the needed funds.  It used to really bother me when Colton and I had worked hard to save for something nice, and people would say things like, "Wow, you must have a lot of money" or "Hey, you want to give me some money since you have so much?"  Of course, these people had no idea what our bank account or income looked like.  I would think, if only they knew the sacrifices we have made and things we've done without to get this, while they regularly blow money on xyz without a second thought.  It doesn't bother me anymore, as I care less what people think.  Instead, I've learned to turn it into a teaching moment, and I actually taught one of the above commenters how to budget!  Now she comes to me with her financial victories and we celebrate together.  In turn, she has even taught some of her friends how to budget!  

    That is what I want Thrifty Thursdays to be about- encouraging and helping each other in areas of frugality, learning from each other, and celebrating our victories together.  It is no small thing to be tasked with managing the household finances.  Our prudence or lack thereof can build up or tear down our homes.  For our husbands to trust us with the money they labor for is a serious matter and requires prayer, wisdom, and yes, frugality.   Ladies, let's endeavor to prosper our families.

Thrifty Thursday #8 ~ Frugal Decorating Principles

    With our renovations underway, I am very much in "decorating mode".  A reader recently asked me for a decorating post, and while I initially thought I didn't have much to share, I realized I do have several principles I tend to follow when it comes to adorning my home.  As my decorating has always been of a frugal nature, I thought I would share them here for Thrifty Thursday:

    Live in the Space

    My first tip is to actually live in the space you are decorating for a while.  Spend time there doing your everyday things.  This will help you see what you like about the space and what you want to change, what functions well and what doesn't.  It will also help you take note of things like natural lighting throughout the day, temperature fluctuations, and even the views out of your windows.  All of these things are going to help you determine how you want a room to look, function, and feel.  

    I know that there are things in our current home that I wanted to change right away, but due to our circumstances, I had to make do.  Some of those things I have since embraced and come to love, which means we saved a lot of time, effort, and money by not redoing them.  Other things still need improvement, but I would never have known (or known how to fix them) if I hadn't first lived and worked in the space for a good amount of time.

Find Your Style

    It's true that decorating can come with a lot of trial and error, but it will really help in making decisions if you know your overall style.  I go to Pinterest for this because it is such a huge, free resource.  Sometimes I use it as a search engine if I am looking for something in particular, but most of the time, I just mindlessly "pin" pretty images that appeal to me.  This is helpful later on because it allows me to go back through what I've pinned and see if there are any recurring themes, styles, colors, patterns, materials, etc.  I have more than one style (I think most of us have a blend), but when I look carefully at my pins, I can see similarities that overlap and tie them together.  Do I like French country?  English cottage?  Old American farmhouse?  Whatever name or label I put on my style(s), I can look through my pins and see a lot of soft, muted colors, and a mixture of floral, plaid, and ticking stripe prints.  I can see that I like natural wood and stone, and walls with bead board, vertical paneling, and board and batten.  That gives me a sort of foundation, and the more I look at what I like, the more I am able to recognize it when I go to decorate my own space (as well as see what doesn't fit in).

    Sometimes I also glean ideas from visiting other people's homes.  Maybe I'm a bit snoopy, but I take note of how things are arranged and how the home feels.  If a home feels particularly cozy, inviting, comfortable, or fresh, I try to figure out what gives it that feeling.  Is it the colors, the arrangement, the lighting, the inclusion of personal items?  If you feel inspired by a space, pay attention to those types of things.

Think Long Term      

    Thinking long term means first choosing timeless pieces, and secondly, investing in quality where you can afford it.  Avoiding fads and cheaply made items is going to save you money in the long run, as it eliminates the need to constantly replace, change, or upgrade in the future.  When it comes to decorating (or renovating like I am doing now), I personally don't mind spending more on foundational elements if I find something that I absolutely love and know is going to last me forever.

Shop Used

    With the above being said, there is no reason to think that "quality" always equates to "expensive".  I also understand what it is to work with a limited budget and a make-do attitude!  Except for one or two pieces of furniture, most of what I have in my home is used.  It was either thrifted, purchased on Craigslist, or bought at a garage or estate sale.  I also have lots of hand-me-down items and handmade things, even things salvaged from the dump! Generally, things used to be more well-made than they are today, so thrift and antique stores are the perfect places to score things like solid wood furniture.  Antique stores are the more expensive of the two, but in comparison to buying new, you will still come out way ahead if you find one of those "investment" pieces.  When it comes to thrift stores and garage sales, I still pay attention to quality.  If an item is sturdy and has a good shape, it can be cleaned up, repainted, recovered, and so forth.  Shopping this way is also a treasure hunt- you never know what unique things you will find to add to your home.  

    Here are a couple photos of the living room of our first home.  I absolutely loved this home, and it was decorated on a shoestring budget!  The record player, some of the books, the chicken feeder arrangement on the coffee table, and the throw blanket on the couch are the only things in these photos that were not second-hand.  Oh, and the curtains, which were $5 Walmart sheets that I sewed up to fit the windows.

Use What you Have

    I really disliked this advice as a newlywed.  When Colton and I got married, we had a mattress on the floor, a dresser with a missing drawer, and an old TV that even Goodwill wouldn't take when we wanted to get rid of it.  What, exactly, was I supposed to rearrange?  But after a few years of marriage, garage sales, and thrifting, I realized that it was good advice despite my earlier circumstances.  It can really pay to "shop your house" and rearrange for a fresh look.  Don't put yourself in a box thinking that a particular item has to stay in a room because that's where it has always been.  If you move something and don't like it, you can always move it back- no money lost!  One of the ladies who works at our local thrift store told me that she used to rearrange people's homes as a source of income.  She said her clients would always be amazed with what she could do using only the things they already had in their homes.  All they needed was a fresh set of eyes.

Paint (or Clean) It

    I don't think there is anything that makes as drastic a change as a fresh coat of paint, whether it be on furniture or walls.  This is a great option if you want a big impact, especially on a tight budget.  However, I know there are times when even a can of paint can't be afforded.  My best advice for when you aren't satisfied with something in your home but can't change it, is to simply clean it.  Yes, just clean it.  Even ugly things look better clean than dirty, and it shows that you are being a good steward of what you have been given.  A "why bother?" attitude will only build resentment, not gratitude, and we must remember that "he that is faithful in the least is faithful also in much." (Luke 16:10)  I speak from experience when I say that you will feel much better about a space after you clean it.

Double Duty

    When it comes to decorating, I like things to be both pretty and practical.  Instead of adorning my shelves with trinkets, I personally prefer displaying the attractive things I actually use.  Books, tea cups and pots, candles, oil lamps, and even home canned jars of food are some of the things I consider decor items in my home.  A pretty quilt or blanket also adds to a home's beauty.  Unsightly but useful things can be stored discreetly in thrifted wicker baskets.  (Can you see my Craigslist bargain chandelier in the reflection of my china cabinet?  This is also where I store my "everyday" dishes to free up space in my tiny kitchen.)

Curate

    I am a slow decorator.  If you apply the principles above, you either are or will be too.  I think there is a beauty that comes with carefully gathering things you like, piece by piece.  That is where the homemaking aspect comes in.  We are, after all, adoring the homes we live in, not designing a showplace for people to look at and admire.  Our homes should reflect those who dwell inside, telling the story of our lives, which naturally takes place over time. You can't find that in one trip to a big box store.  Your place will be uniquely "you" because the majority of your things will not have been mass produced.  It will be beautiful because you chose only the things you really like.  The things you waited for, saved for, hunted for, and made over will have those memories tied to them.  It won't just be a decorated house, it will be a curated home.  

    Do you have any frugal decorating tips?  What are some of your best bargain finds for your home?  Are there pieces you chose to invest in that have lasted years?

Thrifty Thursday #7 ~ Marketing

    In my last blog post, I shared with you my trip to the antiques fair in Round Top.  Miles and miles of tents set up with vintage items and antiques was a feast for the eyes.  As we walked around and really looked closely at the items, however, I couldn't help but think that most of the stuff was what I would typically see at any thrift or antique store or find on Craigslist.  Granted, there were some unique items, and the sheer volume of things to look through made it a treasure hunt, but the key difference really came down to one thing: marketing.  That is what I want to talk to you about today.  My tip is:

Be aware of marketing tactics that may make a product look more desirable than it actually is.

    What I mean by this is to pay attention to the way things are packaged, displayed, and advertised.  Companies spend billions on researching what appeals to customers and what makes their product stand out on a shelf.  Marketing is an entire job field!  Knowing this, we need to look at products objectively for what they actually are.

    When you are shopping and are drawn to something, ask yourself what you like about it.  Is it the label or the way the item is packaged?  Is it because of the way the item is displayed in relation to the other items around it?  Is it simply the store's atmosphere or aesthetic that makes you want to purchase something?  I learned years ago that an item on a shelf in a store display is not going to look the same way when I get it home and put it among my own things!  Sometimes we just have to admire the beauty when we see it and move on.  I had to do this a lot at Round Top.  There is no way I would ever pay money for some old paintbrushes with dried paint on them, but somehow one seller made them look pretty by piling them on an antique plate, setting a glass cloche on top, and putting the display on a stack of vintage books.  It was all in the presentation- the marketing!

    When you see an item you like, "undress" it to see what it truly is.   Ask yourself if it would still stand out to you if it was unwrapped and sitting randomly on a thrift store shelf among a bunch of junk.  Sometimes the answer is "yes" and you found a treasure!  Other times, without the artful display, the item will have lost its luster and appeal (like old paintbrushes that nobody washed after using.)

    Now, the flipside to this is that we can use these marketing tactics to our own advantage.  My mom goes to Round Top every year but she never buys anything- she goes just for the ideas!  We can do the same thing when we shop, gaining ideas for the things we already have.  See how stores display their wares and try to figure out what makes things appealing to you so that you can recreate it with what you have at home for the same effect. Perhaps you can gain insight into what colors or textures work well together, whether it be for an outfit or home décor.  Maybe something you use every day, like soap or detergent or even food products, can get an upgrade in your home just by decanting them into different containers, such as a glass jar with a printable label and ribbon affixed.  

    Don't fall victim to the marketing strategies.  Instead, use them for frugal inspiration.  Once you see past the traps these companies set for you, you'll be able to turn the tables without spending a dime!

 

Thrifty Thursday #4 ~ Staying Home

    Welcome to our fourth Thrifty Thursday!  So far I have written a lot about thrifting, but this week I am switching gears to talk about those times when shopping may not be possible or prudent, or when you just want to save a little extra by avoiding the stores.  After all, the best way to save money is by not spending it!  How do we do this?  The answer is very simply:

Stay busy and content at home.

    I realize this is no groundbreaking tip, nor is it a new concept.  It is more of a gentle reminder that when one is content at home working on daily tasks or absorbed in special projects, there is less of a chance or desire to shop.  Instead of distracting yourself with shopping, distract yourself from shopping by keeping the focus on your home duties.  

    Some ideas that go beyond the day-to-day responsibilities are:

Tackle the project or task that you have been putting off.

Declutter a drawer, cupboard, or closet.

Reorganize what you have so that your home runs more efficiently.

Do some detailed cleaning, like wiping down cabinets and door handles, vacuuming under furniture and cushions, cleaning ceiling fans and light fixtures, laundering shower and window curtains, etc.

Clean out and wash your vehicle.

Clean out your purse.

Go through and file paperwork if you have some built up.

Update or rework the budget to see if there are any areas in which more savings could be had or if funds can be put to better use in other areas.

Revisit some of the goals you set for yourself at the beginning of the year or write down new ones; create a schedule or routine that will make your days run smoother.  Journal your thoughts along the way.

Research or read about a topic that interests you.

Write a letter to a friend or relative, even your husband or children!

Inventory your pantry and/or freezer and make a meal plan based off of what you have and what needs to be used up first.  You may have to get creative depending on what you have.  Perhaps plan something special one night and use your "good" dishes.

Go through your cookbooks and pick out some new recipes to try.  Try to choose ones that have basic, inexpensive ingredients that you keep on hand, or recipes for which you will only need to buy one or two things when you do go to the store.  Make sure the ingredients are versatile.

Get ahead by cooking some meals for the freezer or prepping ingredients for the meals you have planned for the week. 

If you find that you tend to leave home because you are of a more social nature, consider having people over for a potluck, a simple tea party, or coffee and baked goods.  Or dust off the board games and pop some popcorn for a game night with friends.

Make your entryway inviting by sweeping the porch, shaking out the rug, and wiping down the door.  (Mine usually gets dog prints on it!)

Wash the windows, weather permitting.

Use what you have around the home to style a new vignette, or rearrange your furniture for a fresh look.  Don't forget that pantry items can be used as décor, as I did in this post!

Work on a craft that you already have the materials for.

Declutter the photos on your phone and put physical ones into albums or scrapbooks.  (I need to do this!)

Maybe you intentionally shop to escape from routine.  If that is the case and you just need a break, have an at-home "spa" day.  Add oats, powdered milk, or Epsom salts to a bath.  Exfoliate with a homemade sugar scrub and try a homemade yogurt or honey face mask.  Perhaps play with your hair and try out some new styles.

Play "dress up" in your own closet to see how many different outfits you can create.  We tend to wear the same combinations, and you just might be surprised to see how many "new" outfits you have hiding in there.  Mend what needs it or alter things to fit.

    There are so many opportunities and things to do at home, and this list is by no means exhaustive.  Borrow some of these ideas or create your own list to look back over the next time you may be tempted to go shopping for recreation.  Surely there is something in your home that needs attention.  Or if not something, then someone!  By tending to these things, your home and your budget will be all the better for it, and I think you'll find yourself (and your desires) satisfied for the time being.

  Next Thursday, I will address the things at home that may be tempting us to shop and how to avoid them. 

Until next time, happy saving!

Thrifty Thursday #3 ~ Thrift Store Guidelines

    Welcome to another Thrifty Thursday!  Since the last two Thursdays have seen me do quite a bit of thrifting, I thought I would share more about how I navigate my thrifting purchases.  Today's tip is:

Set boundaries for yourself before you go thrifting to avoid excessive buying and spending.

    This tip can actually apply to all shopping, but in this instance I'm talking specifically about thrifting because it can be so easy to be lured in by a bargain!  I have no issues putting a $20 item back on the shelf without a second thought, but when that same item is $2?  That's when I need some guidelines.

    Obviously, the first rule is to not go over budget.  As any frugal lady knows, those $1 or $2 purchases can add up quickly.  You put stuff in your cart thinking, "Oh, what a deal!"  But when you get to the register, you wonder how the total got so high.  So set a realistic budget for yourself and be sure to keep track of your total as you shop.

    Next, I ask myself two questions when I find an item that I consider purchasing:

    What am I going to do with it? and Where am I going to put it when I get home?

    I am someone who strongly dislikes clutter.  I have a lot of responsibilities at home, and I prefer not to spend my time and energy shuffling stuff around because it doesn't have a specific home or purpose.  That just needlessly adds to my to-do list and gets in the way of living peacefully in my home.

    So I ask myself what I'm going to do with the item.  Is it practical?  Does it have a purpose?  Will I actually use it?  Do I have something else at home that can accomplish the same purpose (provided that I am not purchasing something as a backup)?

    Sometimes, the object I want doesn't serve a purpose other than to be aesthetically pleasing, and that's ok too!  I like pretty things, and they add beauty and comfort to a home.  But I ask myself where I'm going to put it, and I don't mean in that pile by the door where everything gets dumped when you walk in!  That adds to those ever-shifting, homeless clutter piles.  As the saying goes, "A place for everything, and everything in its place."  

    Do I have the space, or will I need to declutter something to accommodate the item?  Is it worth getting rid of something (money-wise or time-wise) that I already own to make space for something I want to purchase?  If it's something like a picture, do I know where I'm going to hang it, or do I at least have several possibilities?  Let your space be your guide, and be realistic about whether something is going to add pleasure or add unnecessary frustration to your home.

    Additionally, question the value and condition of the item.  I've actually seen things that are more expensive at thrift stores than big box stores.  Though I do realize it depends on the particular thrift store, canning jars seem to be a prime example of this.  (And consider that the new jars also come with new lids!) Other things may appear to be a good deal, but when you take into consideration the quality or condition of the item, you may find that you won't get much use out of it.  I recently passed up a denim skirt that was only a couple dollars.  I liked the style and it was my size, but I could see that the fabric was faded in spots and wearing thin.  I could've delegated it to garden work, but even then I knew I wouldn't get much wear out of it.  I'd rather put my money towards something better.  Those dollars add up, remember?  So exercise wisdom and restraint; be picky and selective.

    When you follow these guidelines, thrifting is a frugal, fun way to add to your home.  You will end up with nice, unique things that you were able to purchase inexpensively.  You may even get comments from others like, "You got that at a thrift store?"  

    Do you have any thrift store tips?  What are some of your best/favorite thrift store finds?

~

I have decided that in order to keep these posts from being too lengthy, I am going to start listing the ways I save in a monthly review type of post.  But not to worry- I will still be listing a savings tip each Thrifty Thursday.  I have a lot of them!

Thrifty Thursday #2 ~ It Pays to Wait

    

    Hello, and welcome to our second Thrifty Thursday post!  Today I want to talk about how it pays to wait.  My tip is:

Exercise patience when shopping, as acting on impulse is most often the enemy of frugality.

    What do I mean by this?  Quite simply, when I want (not need) to buy something, I don't just go out and buy it.  I wait, even if I have the funds for it.  I can't tell you how many times I have wanted something, but not wanting to pay full price for it, I pass it up only to find it cheaper somewhere else.  Sometimes, I find an alternative that I like better.  Other times I forget about the item altogether or realize that I don't really want or need it after all.  And of course, there is always the high chance that something will eventually go on sale.

    I held back a photo from last Thursday's post because I knew it would fit so well with today's theme.  This is just a small example.  I had been eyeing Rachel Ashwell's decorating books, but as they weren't something that I deemed a priority, I wasn't going to order them.  Then I saw one at a used book store and I thought, "Aha!"  But when I looked at the price, it was $18.  I just wasn't going to do that, either.  "I'll just wait," I thought.  Then as we were thrifting last week, I found these:

    They were only $3 each, so I snatched them up!  It pays to wait.

    I bought my gas stove the same way.  I researched and read reviews, shopped online to price compare, and finally found the one I wanted.  It was pricey, but for things like that, I am willing to invest.  However, just as I was about to order it, I saw that it would take over 3 months for me to get it (as just about everything these days).  So I thought I would wait.  Then it occurred to me to check Craigslist, and listed there was a beautiful gas stove that looked almost new.  I wanted it!  Of course I sat on it for a few days to make sure, but eventually Colton messaged the seller.  It was being sold by a man who lived in the Country Club estates, and he was remodeling his kitchen to accommodate a commercial stove because he loves to cook.  He said it worked great, and he even had the user manual.  I bought it for a fraction of the cost of the new one I almost bought.  It really upgrades the look of the kitchen, and it is serving me well.  It pays to wait.

    Another example: I have been thinking about how I want to have the boys' room once James moves into a "big boy" bed- which is going to be soon- so I have been looking at bedding.  Of course, ads pop up online and I saw the cutest little sheet sets from Pottery Barn.  One set had construction vehicles and another had dinosaurs- both things my boys like.  The problem is that they wanted $80 per twin size set!  I just can't justify that.  I'll invest in the comforters/quilts for the top, but I can't bring myself to do that for sheets, especially in the potty training years.  I decided I would just buy plain white ones when the time came so I wouldn't have to worry about matching.  Then one day as Colton and I were perusing the Walmart clearance aisle (we always check it when we go, even though most of the time we don't find anything), I found these:

    They are not the same as the Pottery Barn ones, but they are close enough!  And for less than $15, you can bet I was excited.  So it pays to wait.

    I have been wanting to buy a pajama sewing pattern to use for John, but I knew I didn't need to pay the MSRP.  I waited for a sale and snagged one for $1.99.  Waiting saved me nearly $12.

    Because I decided to wait instead of buying a dining room light fixture from a big box store, I now have a German crystal chandelier hanging above my dining table.  I never thought I would ever have anything like this, but it came from Craigslist for a song.  It was listed by an elderly gentleman who was going to be moving in with his son.  He had had it from his military days stationed in Germany, and he said he just wanted it to go to someone who would appreciate its beauty.  I appreciate it every day!  Can you believe it?!  It pays to wait!

    I have countless examples of this, but these are some of the more recent ones.  One thing I have learned over the years is that there is no rush when it comes to "wants" because something will always turn up.  If you do end up missing an opportunity, another one is sure to come along.  It just takes patience.  

    What about you?  Do you have any examples of how you saved by waiting?

Now for the ways I saved this week:

    As Colton has had the week off from school (he has been working as a school nurse on his days off from the fire station), we took another road trip.  It was just a short day trip this time, but we still managed to find some little thrift stores along the way to our destination.  I didn't find anything at the first one, but I found a few things at the second one: 

    The sweater is a J Crew brand wool/cotton blend.  It is so soft and doesn't look like it has any wear at all.  It was only $2.  The book actually goes along with today's tip!  I am a Sally Clarkson fan and have several of her books.  This is one I have been wanting, but since I have two by her that I still haven't read yet, I decided to wait.  I was just giddy when I found it at the thrift store and couldn't believe it.  I also found a little board book for James, but it isn't pictured because he quickly took possession of it.

    I packed snacks for the road, as usual.

    We had to stop at Walmart, and as is our custom, we checked the clearance section.  It was a different town, so I was especially interested to see what they had.  (I guess I'm easily amused!)  I found a set of popsicle molds that will be handy for making some healthier summer snacks and some craft supplies for my budding artist:

    Being in thrift store mode and taking advantage of Colton's time off, I went to our local thrift store the next day.  I hadn't been in months.  I found another sweater and a vintage princess style coat:

    I also found things for John, including a baseball glove, some geography-themed books, and a set of dinosaur stamps.  He was thrilled about the stamps:

    We sold our three ducks and one Silkie rooster.  I'm only four Silkies away from having my hatching pen back.

    I got out a fresh budget sheet for February and filled it in.  I love having a fresh start each month.

    I am being very careful to not let any fresh produce go to waste.  This week I had some things that were still good but nearing the end.  I boiled the rest of the white potatoes and made mashed potatoes to be eaten during the week.  The potato water was saved to water my rose bushes.  I baked the rest of the sweet potatoes for me to eat throughout the week, as well.  I chopped and froze celery, and I juiced some limes and saved the juice for adding to drinking water.

    I saved kitchen scraps and fed them to the chickens, dogs, and compost pile.

    I saved rainwater for watering seedlings (when I get them planted).

    I saved $39.16 on groceries by shopping the sales and using coupons.

    And that wraps up my week!  I am happy with my finds and my savings.  The last two Thursdays have seen me do an unusual amount of thrifting, and it was fun, but I think next week should look a bit more "normal" for me.  I hope everyone has a lovely weekend!

Thrifty Thursday #1 ~ Frugal Resources and Encouragement

"If you want to know how to save a dollar, just ask Kelsey."  

-My father-in-law 

    I still laugh at his statement.  I guess I have sort of built myself a reputation!  But I take it as a compliment, really.  For me, saving money and stretching what Colton works hard to bring home is my financial contribution to our household.  Ladies, it is an honor to be trusted with stewarding those hard-earned dollars!  I love the verse: 

"The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil."

- Proverbs 31:11  

    We should aspire to the same.

    Over the years, I have had a few people in my personal life come to me for money saving ideas.  The problem is that there are so many ways to save, it is hard to limit that to just one answer or conversation!  I thought I would start a series in which I compile some of my tips so that I can have a sort of resource to point people to when they ask.  I will also share the ways that I save during each week to offer up some additional ideas.  I call it "Thrifty Thursday"!

    I know there are hundreds and hundreds of resources already out there, and I am not the first one to do this type of post.  For many of you seasoned savers, these tips probably won't be anything new.  But I figure that even if two artists paint a picture of the same thing, the unique beauty and differences of each one will still leave the viewer inspired.  That is my hope.

    And that leads me to my very first Thrifty Thursday tip:

    Regularly read, listen to, and watch money saving blogs, books, and videos; visit with friends (online or in person) who are like-minded and share the same money-saving goals.

    Perhaps it is just my thrifty heart, but I have always enjoyed reading of the different ways people save.  There is always a chance to glean something new, and even when I don't, I feel encouraged to keep going in my frugal endeavors.  Being constantly inundated with advertisements and lured into comparison traps, we see much of our society spending carelessly without necessarily seeing the negative consequences, and it can be easy to sometimes feel like we are missing out.  Or we might know better but simply get lazy from time to time.  Consuming sound money-saving resources will help you stay the course, focus on your goals, and leave you feeling less alone (and crazy).

    One of my favorite frugal living books is The Complete Tightwad Gazette by Amy Dacyczyn.  Not only is it full of tips, it really challenges you to change your mindset around saving and gets you to see everything through a frugal lens.  That is what really sets this book apart for me.  (Funny story: when I went to check it out from the library, I had to request for the librarian to transfer it.  I guess she wanted to make sure she heard me correctly because when I told her the title, she suddenly looked up and repeated back to me very loudly, "Did you say, 'THE TIGHTWAD GAZETTE?'" And so there I was solidifying my "tightwad" reputation in front of everyone in the public library.  Fun times.)  

    As for blogs, my favorites are The Bluebirds are Nesting on the Farm by Annabel (you can click through her current blog to find her old one as well, which is just as good- be sure to read the comments from her readers, too!); Strangers and Pilgrims on Earth by JES; and A Working Pantry by Patsi.  Each of these contain a wealth of information and encouragement for looking well to the ways of your household.

    One of my favorite YouTube channels is Frugal Fit Mom.  I have only just recently found her, but I'm pretty sure Christine and I could be real-life friends.  I love her personality and humor.  She posts videos on grocery budgeting, pantry stocking, money saving hacks, and more.

    As I find more favorites, I will come back to this post to add them in.  Do you have any resources you recommend?  Please post them in the comments so we can check them out!

    And now for the ways I saved this week:

    I used up tidbits from the pantry (no waste) as we transition towards healthier eating habits.

    I made some banana nut bread for snacks during the week using bananas that were turning brown.  That is not "healthy" per se, but it is homemade and I know and control all of the ingredients, so it passes.  The rest of the brown bananas were frozen for smoothies.

    We were away from home for a couple days visiting my mother-in-law.  Before we left, I made sure to use up or meal prep any of the produce in our refrigerator that might otherwise go bad while we were away.  I packed snacks for the road and I turned our heater off before we left the house.  The forecast didn't predict any freezing weather, so no need to heat an empty house.

    We stopped at thrift stores along the way and I found lots of goodies, mostly books!  I have a weakness for books and have always dreamed of having a home library.  I think I am well on my way.  Most only cost around $1 or $2, some even less.  

    I found several that I will use for homeschooling.  A lot of them will be for when the boys are a little older, but I try to look for educational books when I can.  My favorites are about American and Texas history, heroes of the faith, nature, and things that promote masculinity and boyhood adventure.  Some of these are coloring and activity books that John can use now:

A couple special ones:

And a few for me:

    I was very excited to find the cookbooks, as there are several recipes in each that I can make work for me.  They look good enough that I think my family will enjoy them, too.  The Road to Avonlea set is based off of the Anne of Green Gables film (I know it is a book, but it says these are based off the film).  The entire set was $3 and I couldn't pass it up, as it should be a wholesome, light read for me.  

    I almost passed this next one up, thinking it was a gardening book.  I do love gardening books, but I have enough.  I am glad I pulled it off the shelf and looked at it because it turned out to be a decorating book.  It has beautiful images:

    I found some board games that look fun for when the boys get older:

    Some clothes and board books for James:

    And a few pretty things for the home:

    There are a few books not pictured, some clothes for myself, and glass jars that I bought, as well.  The tea cups pictured above are actually part of a set that came with a tea pot, a creamer, and a sugar dish (only $6 total!).  So you can see I had good success.  I hadn't been thrifting in a long time, so it was fun to go "treasure hunting" along our travel route.  This is one way I have frugally built up and furnished my home over the years, and it is a fun tradition any time we go on a road trip.

    Since we were away from home, that is about all I have to report for this Thrifty Thursday.  I hope you will join me again next Thursday for another tip!