Frugal I thought I Was!

I thought I was one of the most frugal people around but I have come to realize maybe I'm not. 

I believe if I was a billionaire I would still be somewhat frugal and not a spendthrift. Who knows I could be wrong about that as well. 

Do you keep a budget and actually stick to it?

This morning while having my coffee it hit me I wonder how much we have spent on food the past year.  Let me tell y'all the total floored me!

That led to an accounting of the household expenses which made me gasp in shock!

Today I'm thinking of a plan to become more frugal.  I've done it in the past and will do it again.

I suggest that if you don't already make a list of your expenses you may want to. It might amaze you as well.  

Today I thought I'd share with you some of the most important things on my list of expenses.

House

• Mortgage
• Insurance
• Upkeep of home and property
• Repairs
• Property Taxes

• Electricity

Now that is something you can do a little to save on.  Live comfortably but turn the thermostat down or up depending on the season.  We all know this but do we do it?  Sign up for alerts with your power company if you have any. That saves on the bill also.

Autos

• Payments
• Insurance
• Property Taxes
• Fuel, oil, any repairs

Tips

1. Drive that car for its life and you'll save plenty.  I do know this we have two extremely old models still going. Both are well over ten years old.  I have been blessed with a car given to me by my children that is newer, but guess what?  I intend to drive it for its life as well.  
2. When possible consolidate trips in the same location for your needs. This saves on wear and tear and fuel.  You're already in that vicinity, right?  

I know this to be a fact. It could actually save you hundreds! It has for us!

Medical

• Insurance: This can be very expensive and only you know what you need in this area.  
• Co-Pays
• Medicine and supplies

Phone Bills

• We all know how to save on those. 
• We use the same wireless company that we used to have a contract with we no longer sign a contract but guess what they still carry us with the cheapest rates to be found anywhere in any bundle.
• We keep our wired house phone for emergencies and the internet. It is our only choice out here at the moment.

**Note** Wired phones, cell phones, and the internet are still more reasonable than most I've heard about.  We are frugal in this instance.

Clothing

• Shop wisely and keep track of your needs and wants. Children grow so fast so you really need to budget for them.
• Adults grow too!  In the past year, we adults some of us have grown in size too!  Oh my.  
• I used to think that I had to buy myself something I liked in every color but you really don't and that can get quite boring having so many of the same type.  
• I also dressed Chuck like a Ken doll now so many are just filling up the closet. Way too new most with tags. Hoping for a day soon when we can all get out and about safely and enjoy wearing them.
• Oh yeah and I like to dress well too but have cut expenses drastically in that area.
• I guess for now we need to invest a little in loungewear and slippers! 😉

Groceries

• Shopping online can cost you more unless you hold yourself back!  Be frugal at times when doing this. Take it from me it is much easier to click a button than to fill a buggy aka shopping cart.
• Shop around too for the best quality for the best prices.  You can do this online too.  It is incredible the price differences with certain stores.  

I really gasped at this total and am sure I have forgotten some receipts!  Whoa. I do like to cook and can still hear my daddy saying to me, "Feed the little punks" (that's what he called the little ones).

Prices went up on many things but 2020 was an unusual year.  I do think some are beginning to level off and come down some at least.  

My expenditures surprised me 

You may know yours

It was an eye-opening experience for me
I hope to become even more frugal!

Happy Household Bookkeeping to you!

And

Have a great weekend!