1/7 Expressions

Frugal deeds for the day:  We are in receipt of the property tax refund for the foreclosure property that we filed a protest on.  I increased my 401K equivalent deduction since the new max for this year is $17,500.  I need to step up my game if I want to "retire" next year using rule 72T :) 

1/6 Expressions

Frugal deeds for the day:  I was just thinking today - if I might have reduced monthly expenses by at least $100 per month?  And yes I have.  We reduced cellphone plan charges, shortly our landline will become serviced by VOIP, cancelled the Sunday paper, and I cancelled a payroll deduction.  We have the Nescafe Dolce Gusto - our indulgence.  Wouldn't you know it - they have a rewards program and had I discovered it earlier, I would be close to getting a box of pods for free.  Anyway, each pod box code is worth 10 points and you can get a free box after reaching 100.  If we are going to indulge, might as well get a free box now and then.  My husband and I went to a matinee - "The Impossible" - and used our gift card and coupon for a nacho - nice to get out without additional out of pocket costs for this month.

1/5 Expressions

Frugal deeds for the day:  Today, my husband picked up half of the laminate and underlay from Home Depot and 1/2 the cost was covered by giftcards from the AMEX CC sign-up.  We have the other 1/2 of the laminate on order - and I just placed an order for Home Depot gift cards that were discounted 7% - and charged them on my credit card where I will earn another 1%.  So, we are making progress on the DIY.  I didn't menton that I got my 2 $10 CVS gift card yesterday and I had $3.50 in ecbs waiting for me.  So today, I stopped and got items we use at a steep discount and used 1 gift card.  Item I got with coupons/giftcard/ecb - toilet paper, body wash, deoderant, CVS brand pink stuff for the stomach and a few other items.  I also used my $5 coupon from Steak and Shake for buying a gift card last month to buy a quick lunch for the family.  Nice break from cooking :)  Oh, and I sold a gift card that we won in a gift basket to a place that we never frequent.  I took the AMAZON.com gift card option so that we could get a bit more buying power.  I received a card in the mail from another charitable organization that picks up stuff - I will be calling them Monday as I have several bags ready to go.  Good thing they are mostly looking for clothes.

1/4 Expressions

Frugal deeds for the day:  I ordered the VOIP equipment from Amazon with a $45 credit we had for a returned item.  Of couse the item was less than $45 - so, to use up the credit and take advantage of the free shipping with $25 - I ordered some pods for coffee maker.  We deposited the dividend checks we've received in the last week or so  - 3 of them and rounded them up with change around the house :)  Today I am going to get my eyes examined for "free" - I paid $50 for a plan several years ago - so, no money out from my pocket - and I will be ordering contacts - and will be reimbursed by our HSA.  And instead of a loan from from me - I will be getting a loan from the HSA as I am sure the amount paid in will be less than the amount paid out so early in the year.  I plan to stop at Earthfare for a few good cheapies - 4lb bag of organic oranges for $2 - the $5 for 5 items in the food revolution deal isn't bad either.  And, while I really should do some deculttering today - I may lighten up and relax instead :) - just for today. 

1/3 Expressions

Frugal deeds for the day:  My husband and daughter are now on the pay-as-you-go plan for their data/text/voice phones.  That conversion is a savings of $59 per month - except the first month since the new SIM cards were $10 each.  We got a check from the bankruptcy court - for our few shares of the TRIBUNE.  Since money is flying out - every little bit helps.  Next, I am going to convert the landline to VOIP.  I am not sure what our resistance has been - but money-wise - it wasn't too smart :(
I am 3 for 3 for the 30 day hot yoga challenge (20 out of 30 days).  Better health will hopefully lead to less medical expenses - and that is frugal :)

1/2 Expressions

Frugal deeds for the day:  Woot on the stock market - and not falling ove the fiscal cliff :)  Sadly, I could not order contacts today as my rx expired.  But, my eye exam is free and I have an appointment for Friday (my day off).  My husband made some progress to switching the phones to a pre-paid plan - hopefully, this will be accomplished by tomorrow.  I got a free 20oz Coke coupon in the mail.  Still waiting for rental property fix-it quotes . . .

1/1 Expressions

Frugal deeds for the day:  I went to a hot yoga class - we are having a 30 day challenge - shoot for 20 classes in 30 days.  1 down, 19 or more to go :)  I also decluttered clothes from my closet.  I have one paperbag full of clothes ready for the next charitable organization that calls for a pick-up.  I also found 2 items to take to the consignment store.  I also found 2 bags of trash - mostly newspapers and other paper no longer needed.  I am really happy a "fiscal cliff deal was made"  - oh wait, the House has not voted :(  I was going to order my contacts on line - but my most current prescription listed is not correct.  So, my daughter and husband will go the retail store and place an order for both of us.  Oh well, I could have gotten 500 mypoints had I placed the order on-line.  And of course, as soon as I get the receipt, I will be filing a claim with my health savers account.  Earthfare sent out another nice coupon 5 items for $5 - hopefully, my husband and daughter can stop by and get those tomorrow also.  And, I hope they take the Home Depot/Lowes gift cards to pick up items needed for our DIY laminate flooring installation in the bonus room/hallway on the second floor.  I will be at my day job - but hopefully, we can enjoy lunch together at home :)