Happy Frugal Friday!
Here's how we saved money/spent money wisely/made extra money this week:
- Mark worked quite a bit of overtime. Unfortunately, the holidays are a very busy time of year for him. I also worked my travel business as I had guests traveling for Thanksgiving and many preparing to be gone for Christmas/New Year's.
- Friday we decorated the house for Christmas. I did a whole post on how we made old things "new" to dress up our 2024 holiday season. Always shop your shelves first!
- Mark and I each spent some time in Owen's room and closet helping him get organized. At nine, he's beginning to bridge that gap between kid and tween and his room was really chaotic. Thankfully he was open to the help and did a great job sorting, creating new systems, and passing many things on.
- Saturday evening we had Thanksgiving at our friends' house. They combine some family with some friends and do one big meal. We took along corn casserole and brownies. Mark got called into work so part way through so they sent home leftovers for him and Miss Shar sent home some of her delicious Chex mix for me.
- Our pastors are doing a Grinch themed Advent Series. Both Annabeth and I serve on the Children's Ministry Team. Our team hosted an all ages "Grinch-In" (potluck) Sunday after church complete with food, games, Bingo, and a showing of the old Grinch cartoon. We took along trukey roll-ups (on spinach tortillas to help with the theme), Ramen slaw, and chocolate dipped pretzels with Grinch green sprinkles. Mark's mom joined us for church and the event. It was a great Sunday!
- We each won a round of Bingo. The kids each chose Grinch cups with candy. I was the first one to win and Pastor Susan jokingly offered leftover spaghetti noodles - I happily took them as my prize! Mark cooked them up with onions, meat, and tomato sauce for dinner Sunday night. What a prize!
- We shopped Cyber Monday for the kids' dance shoes. The lists, thankfully, came out Monday and we were able to save $60 with Cyber Monday Deals!! This was very, very exciting! Owen needs the same pair each year and this is the first time I have ever found them on sale. With our huge savings we got three pairs for the price of two!
- Wednesday morning Owen and I had a free coffee date. I cashed in a free coffee on my Starbucks app and Owen used a Scooter's coupon from the dance studio. We wouldn't have stopped without the coupons and were excited for the treat!
- I had a friend wrap up a Cards for a Cause fundraiser with my PaperPie business. Her girls will be taking horseback riding lessons and they will be using the proceeds from their fundraiser to help cover those costs. I love helping people with this fundraiser! Want to run your own? Ask me how.
- Wednesday night Mark and Annabeth had their Christmas Date. On our Christmas Bucket List, Annabeth had requested an Oreo and Christmas Light Date with Mark. He surprised her by picking her up from dance class and they drove around looking at lights, eating Oreos, and drinking homemade hot chocolate.
- Yesterday was our homeschool co-op Christmas party and bazzar. Families can volunteer to have a table at the event if they want. This year Annabeth made scrunchies and keychains to sell. Owen made fuse bead crafts and homemade cookies. They each took a lot of care putting together their items over the past few months by using items we already had on hand.
- We did not take money to shop at the Christmas Bazaar. I realize that can feel counterproductive as our kids took things to buy, which means someone needed to buy them to make money, but it wasn't in our budget to shop. Owen did choose to spend some of his money as he earned it yesterday but we didn't spend any additional funds. It was what worked for us at this time.
- Last night we had our annual Christmas with the Kranks movie night. We always make a ham (like in the movie) and this year we added rolls, salad and tried a new macaroni&cheese recepie from a magazine that Momaw gave us. The kids ask to do this every year and love this tradition!
As we head into the holidays, one of the things on everyone's minds is budgets/money/finances. This time of year we can really feel how much (or little) there is in our budgets. It seems like every day is a new opportunity to buy a gift, donate to a cause, support a fundraiser, or chip in for a group event.
It is the most wonderful expensive time of the year!
I just want to share a gentle reminder: whatever you have, whatever you can give this year - it's enough.
From the beginning we've done "small" Christmases for our kids without a lot of fanfare around the actual gifts and more around visiting with others, church services, looking at Christmas lights, and being with friends. Even still, we're aware that our kids will open far more than others. At the beginning of the holiday season, we have the kids make their bucket list and then we stick to it. Unless an opportunity presents itself that is free or completely within our budget - we say "no thank you." Can that feel awkward? You bet! Do I wish we could see every play, musical, and ice show - absolutely! Do I wish we could get every item on our kids' wishlist - maybe!
In the end though, this holiday season is just that - a season. We have the whole rest of the year to live and we need to be mindful and careful about what we spend on our money on and how we spend it. I pray that each of you can find a way to move through this season in a way that is joyful and honoring of your financial goals.
Happy Savings to All!
No comments:
Post a Comment