:: Frugal Fodder 28- In my Home September 2014

I’ve not done a post labeled Frugal Fodder in a long time! I’ve done some frugal posts…but I need to do some clean up on my blogging labels; I’ve gotten a little sloppy.

Here are some things I’ve done in my home this September that have helped to save money.

• No grocery shopping.  Today is the 28th of September and we’ve still not gone to grocery store for one big shopping trip. We won’t skip 2 months—we will definitely shop in October. We did make a trip to the local DG to pick up a few things we were out of—sugar, tea and bread.  But not much.  I don’t count that as much because for one it was right here close and not the 30 mi. trip we usually make for groceries. We’ve eaten some interesting menu items and have used up some of our stored food—that’s what we’re storing it for, right?
• Creative cooking! – made Zucchini bread for snack. Had Fig freezer jam on my Scrambled Oatmeal in the morning. Made a Crockpot of black beans and used them in tacos, with pasta,  and in spaghetti!  We’ve eaten egg salad sandwiches for dinner 1 evening—different, for us, yes! I probably haven’t had egg salad in 15 years!  It’s so YUMMY~
• Creative Sewing- I was able to sew Vince some jammas for his birthday and while at the DG bought him a ball and a sippy cup—and inexpensive gift about $7.  Also sewn, personal care items for me.  A savings of about $16 a month! ;)
• I sold my dryer!  I’ve been talking about it for over a year now.  I finally did it. I never ever use it. It was taking up space in the mudroom/laundry – so Gone!  I’m pretty happy about that.  That means I’m drying my clothes for FREE! on my solar dryer. ;)
• Free Organizers! With the new shed—I was able to clean out a collection of tools in the mudroom and use those storage containers in my craft room.  Still working in there.
• I saved .40¢ per gallon on gas at the pump with my grocer’s Thank You Card. Bought gas for $2.77 a gallon.
• UTILITIES-  WATER AND ELECTRIC: shut the pool down at Labor Day, though we’ve been hot enough to continue swimming, the savings on running the pump was necessary. We’ve turned off the air at night and early morning only running in the afternoon if needed. Not running fans if we’re outside. Turning off all phantom power users. (those appliances that stay plugged in and have little green lights on them)   PROPANE: waited til the last possible minute to fill up the tank. Signed up for 1 year on average billing with propane company.  Right now they have us paying $75 a month for propane but will review in 6 months to adjust our payment.  I believe it will go down in March, because that $75 was based on the last 24 months and last year we had that leak!  We are LEAK FREE now.  I know we won’t be using as much gas.
• INSURANCE: We changed car insurance—we get a lower rate, because we are retired and drive our vehicles less than daily drivers. That is going to save us about $20 a month…a savings of about  $240/ yr.

How about it?  have you come up with some creative ways to save money in your home?
Tell me... I am always eager to hear of new ideas in this area!

Til next time, Be Blessed!


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Be anxious for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanks giving let your request be made unto to God; And the peace of God which surpasses all comprehension will guard your heart and minds in Christ Jesus.  ~~ Philippians 4:6-7