Last month I wrote about how Hurricane Ike decided to make a trip to the Midwest and leave us without power for 6 days.  The frugal side of me was excited because I knew that our electric bill would be much lower due to us not being able to use it.  I was creative and kept busy without spending a ton of money: I read books, went for walks, and socialized with the neighbors; all frugal activities.  I was pretty proud of myself for not going out and spending tons of money.  I’m even more proud of myself for something I did.

I emailed my cable company, explained that we were without power and I was unable to use my phone, cable television, or high speed internet.  I asked them if they would be so kind as to give me a credit for the time I was unable to use their services, or at least give me a partial refund.  They refunded over $20.  I was pretty excited!  I guess it shows that asking for something works.  I am pretty pleased that my next bill will be a little lower, and I can use that extra budgeted money towards something else.  Maybe that will help me pay off debt faster, or fund our IRAs.

Being frugal requires you to think outside the box.  Make odd requests, stand out, and be confident.  The worst someone can tell you is no!

Posted under Save Your Money

In accordance to October’s no spending month, this weekend I stayed at home, baked a loaf of bread, hung my laundry out, painted my hallway, had my yard sale to make extra money, and didn’t go out and spend extra money even though the temptation was there. I really wanted to go shopping to have something to do, but instead I resisted the urge and stayed at home, doing things that didn’t cost me any money.  I did go and buy eggs and a toothbrush, but that was under $3 and I paid cash.  Those were some things we needed so I figured it was fine to buy them.

I wanted to go out to eat so badly that I almost caved in.  I resisted, and made my own meals at home.  Although they weren’t as tasty as eating out, they did the job; I wasn’t hungry, and I didn’t spend any extra money.  I thought about some things I could do that don’t cost any money, and decided I would come up with a list.  I think I can use some new suggestions too. 

• Rent a movie using a free Redbox code.
• Cook a nice homemade meal from scratch.  Not only will it taste great (hopefully) but you can cook with your family and make it a nice activity.
• Knit or crochet.  I’ve got a ton of yarn sitting around that can be used and I can put that to good use.  Plus, if I ever need a gift for someone, I can just give them a hand knit dish cloth.
• Go for a walk or to the park.  Going to the park uses gas, but it doesn’t cost anything otherwise.  If you go for a walk around your neighborhood that’s free, but do whichever makes you happy.
• Play a board game or card game with friends.
• Blog

Those are some of the things I do when I’m bored and trying not to spend money.  What are some things you do?

Posted under Save Your Money

October is going to be a “No Spending Month”!  I’ve never done this before, and it is certainly going to be a challenge, but I am up for it! Anyone else want to join?  Leave a comment here and I will post weekly updates on Wednesdays with links to your no spending posts.

Here’s how it will work: 

1. You are allowed to buy groceries, medicine, and necessities that are essential to every day life.
2. You may pay all your bills (hopefully on time).  We don’t want anyone homeless or without water or electricity!
3. You may not eat out.
4. You may not buy new clothing or “extras” from the store.  Only essential items! No splurges.

Anything else I should add?
Since I’ve been on a spending spree lately, this is what I’ve come up with to curb that.  I am finally having a yard sale this Friday and Saturday, and the stuff that doesn’t sell is going to be donated to Goodwill.  I am tired of clutter in my house!  I think the less ‘things’, the better!  Simplifying is wonderful!

I will post every Wednesday what I’ve spent for the month, starting tomorrow.  You can also track how much I’ve spent on the sidebar.

Alright, readers: here’s your challenge!  Who’s in it with me?

Posted under Save Your Money