2024 Frugal Friday File, July 5...

 

1.  I worked four days this week.  Wednesday I did NOT feel good, and at lunch said I wasn't sure I could return for the afternoon.  But before I could leave for lunch, the phone started ringing off the hook and each call was something that needed researching, or follow up, etc.  I ended up taking a brief lunch (Carey needed my car for the afternoon) and did go back to the desk after.  Got stuff done, then left a half hour or so early.  Thank goodness Thursday was a holiday; even though not a paid one for me, I needed a day off.  LOL  Oh, well, money in.

2.  We have now had our grocery credit card for six months.  I have not cashed in any rewards yet, as I wanted to see and report how much it has given us back.  When we opened the card, it offered $50 if we charged a certain amount within the first 30 days.  That was very easy money; the threshold was pretty low, and even though we only charge groceries and meals out on this card, we met the dollar amount required to get the $50 in rewards offered.  In the first six months of card use, being reimbursed 5% cash back for store-branded items and 1.5% cash back for all other purchases, our 'reward' total over and above that initial $50 is a tidy $111.87 (so a total of $161.87). Not too shabby getting that much back for food costs we would have incurred anyway.  And I haven't changed my shopping habits.  The store has very good store-branded products, but I don't always buy them if I have a favorite brand I like to stick with (which is often), but I do occasionally try a store brand which I hadn't thought of trying before.  It's like earning CD interest rates without having to tie up money.  No fees for the card, and I'm not paying any interest on my charges, as I pay balance off in full each month.

Now I'm torn about whether to claim the rewards earned, or let them continue to accumulate for the rest of the year.  It would be kind of cool to wait and be able to pay for our Thanksgiving or Christmas grocery order and have it completely covered by the rewards.  I'll let you know later.

3.  Except for one takeout meal and our Sunday supper at Kasey's, every meal this week has been prepared meals from the freezer.

     I haven't been out to the freezer, but Carey says there's a combination of single- and two-serving meals to feed the two of us six more times.  I guess I'm glad, but I kind of wish it were empty, and I could start filling it again.  I feel like we probably have already eaten our favorites.

4.  Last night we noticed what I believe is a hot spot on Rudy's front paw.  We put a sock/bandage on him overnight so he wouldn't be able to lick.  I researched a bit while at work.  A soon as I got home, I checked vet's availability.  They're not open on weekends, so I used website to make appointment for first available appointment...next Friday.  I've researched home remedies, so will try those through the weekend, but if it's not better by Monday I'll call and see if they can see him sooner than Friday.  Fingers are crossed that we caught it in time to help it without a vet visit.  But even if we have to take him, it's almost time for his annual wellness visit, so maybe we can roll both into the same visit.

5.  I'm working on the menu for next week and the grocery order.

On the menu this week:

Saturday:  leftovers

Sunday:  Sunday family supper at Kasey & Beau's

Monday:  frozen Chicken Parmesan

Tuesday:  homecooked freezer meal Dublin Coddle

Wednesday:  homemade freezer meal, pork roast, mac-n-cheese, baked beas  

Thursday:  takeout fried chicken    

Friday:  homemade freezer meal Chicken & Rice w/ green beans

**designates meatless meal