What Small Things Did You Do Today to Save Money?

[dee27]

The car insurance went down by $142/6 months because of our safety record.

[CCL]

Feb 1, 2018 18:29:20 GMT -5 @bamafan1954 said:

Feb 1, 2018 18:17:01 GMT -5 TheOtherMe said:

Never heard of stealing detergent from the communal kitchen either.  Toilet paper yes.  Why, I don't know as it's usually of such poor quality that I don't like using it.

Took dad for groceries today.  I get mine at the same time.  I love a different brand of lactose free milk that I found but it is so expensive.  I bought almond milk today.  Will have to decide if I want to indulge in the better tasting milk or the almond milk.

It was dishwashing detergent and name brand (Palmolive).  It was also a really big bottle.  It's obvious that the school doesn't buy it because we haven't had any for about a month.  So maybe that's what made it open season on it.

No one's ever taken it before, but I've always bought small bottles and stuff like CVS brand, etc.  

The good news is it cost me 50 cents including tax thanks to a CVS coupon and a regular coupon.  So I can "afford" to buy another bottle.

The bad news is that I am so p*ssed that I don't want to.  The salt/pepper shakers in the communal room are mine.  I'm the one that refills them.  The plastic wrap is mine.  Etc.  I put it out for everyone to use.  I didn't put it out for anyone to take.

You get the idea.  I'll buy some more this weekend, but I am really annoyed.  I even sent out an email, and it didn't find its way home.

I don't think I'd buy more. That would just give them a supply of dish detergent for next month, too. Maybe you should buy a small bottle and keep it in your desk until needed?

[Deleted]

Feb 2, 2018 7:12:46 GMT -5 CCL said:

Feb 1, 2018 18:29:20 GMT -5 @bamafan1954 said:

It was dishwashing detergent and name brand (Palmolive).  It was also a really big bottle.  It's obvious that the school doesn't buy it because we haven't had any for about a month.  So maybe that's what made it open season on it.

No one's ever taken it before, but I've always bought small bottles and stuff like CVS brand, etc.  

The good news is it cost me 50 cents including tax thanks to a CVS coupon and a regular coupon.  So I can "afford" to buy another bottle.

The bad news is that I am so p*ssed that I don't want to.  The salt/pepper shakers in the communal room are mine.  I'm the one that refills them.  The plastic wrap is mine.  Etc.  I put it out for everyone to use.  I didn't put it out for anyone to take.

You get the idea.  I'll buy some more this weekend, but I am really annoyed.  I even sent out an email, and it didn't find its way home.

I don't think I'd buy more. That would just give them a supply of dish detergent for next month, too. Maybe you should buy a small bottle and keep it in your desk until needed?

Probably.  That just seems so stingy in a work climate built on generosity.  Need a battery, someone to cover your class, change for the drink machine because you don't have quite enough?  My colleagues really are givers.  I don't want to hoard dishwashing detergent, which is what keeping it in my room implies.  

I'm just annoyed that someone took it.  I bought it for "us" to use.  Someone isn't playing nice.

But I'm making too big a deal of it.  I'll buy a small bottle of the cheap stuff this weekend.

[midjd]

That's too bad, SS.    Good for you for getting the first bottle on sale, though. It's been a while since I've bought dish soap (huge stockpile of Dawn/Palmolive back from my CVS couponing days) and I always have sticker shock when I see the price. Even the tiny bottles are >$1.50 now. 

This morning DH took my car into work with him so he could install new tires and front and rear brake pads and calipers. Between the deal he found on tires and not paying the dealership labor cost, it's saving me around $500... which I have to keep reminding myself, because I hate spending $475 on my car when nothing is obviously wrong with it! 

[Deleted]

Feb 3, 2018 10:55:18 GMT -5 midjd said:

That's too bad, SS.    Good for you for getting the first bottle on sale, though. It's been a while since I've bought dish soap (huge stockpile of Dawn/Palmolive back from my CVS couponing days) and I always have sticker shock when I see the price. Even the tiny bottles are >$1.50 now. 

I found a small bottle of Palmolive for 88 cents at Walmart today so that's what I'm taking to work on Monday.  It should last us until May.

I also found a grill cover for $5 at Walmart in the clearance section!  It's a cheapie, but what's on there was a cheapie with a thousand holes in it.  I may check tomorrow to see if they still have any and pick up an extra to store.  It looks so much better.

[Artemis Windsong]

I spent nothing.

Edit:  I poured the left over coffee into a bottle to put in the fridge to use tomorrow.

[Iggy aka IG]

Feb 1, 2018 18:29:20 GMT -5 @bamafan1954 said:

Feb 1, 2018 18:17:01 GMT -5 TheOtherMe said:

Never heard of stealing detergent from the communal kitchen either.  Toilet paper yes.  Why, I don't know as it's usually of such poor quality that I don't like using it.

Took dad for groceries today.  I get mine at the same time.  I love a different brand of lactose free milk that I found but it is so expensive.  I bought almond milk today.  Will have to decide if I want to indulge in the better tasting milk or the almond milk.

It was dishwashing detergent and name brand (Palmolive).  It was also a really big bottle.  It's obvious that the school doesn't buy it because we haven't had any for about a month.  So maybe that's what made it open season on it.

No one's ever taken it before, but I've always bought small bottles and stuff like CVS brand, etc.  

The good news is it cost me 50 cents including tax thanks to a CVS coupon and a regular coupon.  So I can "afford" to buy another bottle.

The bad news is that I am so p*ssed that I don't want to.  The salt/pepper shakers in the communal room are mine.  I'm the one that refills them.  The plastic wrap is mine.  Etc.  I put it out for everyone to use.  I didn't put it out for anyone to take.

You get the idea.  I'll buy some more this weekend, but I am really annoyed.  I even sent out an email, and it didn't find its way home.

Not sure how detailed KP duty is at your school (meaning, do y'all do your own dishes, rotate days, or maybe whomever has a few extra minutes does them for everyone) but if/when you do buy another bottle, can you keep it in your desk/classroom/etc?  I buy a smaller bottle Dawn and keep it here in my office suite, and take it to the Ladies to do dishes.  It's just myself, however, no employees (YAY!).

(ETA:  I posted this before clicking over to this new page to read further posts on the subject.)

[Blonde Granny]

i stayed home again today and have spent nothing.

[Anne_in_VA]

Feb 1, 2018 14:53:21 GMT -5 @bamafan1954 said:

Feb 1, 2018 11:24:32 GMT -5 Iggy aka IG said:

I wash all of them.  Unfortunately, right now I have to wash them with hand soap.  I'm the only one that cares about stuff like having dishwashing detergent so I generally bring a bottle to put in the communal kitchen area.  It disappeared the same day I bought it this time!  I pleaded in an email for its safe return, but no luck.

I'll probably buy another bottle just because I like having it, but I am still pouting right now.

We had bottles of dishwashing liquid disappear from our office kitchen too so now I bring in a small bottle and put it back in my drawer when I’m done.

[countrygirl2]

Only spent for 2 sodas today, that's it.

[mamasita99]

I have worked so many hours in the past two days, no time to spend much money. Monday I spent $1.11 on a McD's Diet Coke (the best fountain drinks!) and yesterday I spent $3 on an Americano from Starbucks. It was my "treat" for not ordering lunch with the rest of the office, and instead eating what I brought from home. 

[Iggy aka IG]

I didn't buy a new suitcase yesterday, though I desperately need to replace my current one.

I received a free drink at Starbucks using my birthday reward.

Eating the usual breakfast, lunch, and snack from home here at the office.

Put off grocery shopping until Sunday.

[weltschmerz]

I stocked up on food today because Friday is my surgery and I won't be able to drive for a week. Three bags of groceries.

I bought 10 cans of Fancy feast, 3 bottles of Perrier, fruit juice, 4 pounds  of hamburger, a cherry cheesecake  (people will be stopping by to look in on me, and I should offer them something), sliced turkey breast, a loaf of fresh sourdough, taco shells and spices, a seafood lasagna with lobster, shrimp and scallops, hummus, onions, cilantro, tomatoes, sour cream, and I don't remember what else.

The grand total was $3.04

I used my loyalty points.

[TheOtherMe]

I had another verified fan code for Elton John and didn't buy the ticket! That's a win.

[dogmom]

Feb 14, 2018 17:19:11 GMT -5 weltschmerz said:

I stocked up on food today because Friday is my surgery and I won't be able to drive for a week. Three bags of groceries.

I bought 10 cans of Fancy feast, 3 bottles of Perrier, fruit juice, 4 pounds  of hamburger, a cherry cheesecake  (people will be stopping by to look in on me, and I should offer them something), sliced turkey breast, a loaf of fresh sourdough, taco shells and spices, a seafood lasagna with lobster, shrimp and scallops, hummus, onions, cilantro, tomatoes, sour cream, and I don't remember what else.

The grand total was $3.04

I used my loyalty points.

WOW!! Excellent job!
Hope your surgery goes well.

[weltschmerz]

Thank you, dogmom.  I'm sure it will be fine. If it doesn't go well, I didn't want the store hanging on to all the points I worked months to accumulate.

I always tried shopping on Wednesdays, because they double the points for seniors on that day.

[catsareme]

Shopped at Fred Meyer (10% discount for military third Thursday of the month).  Paid for the groceries with a prepaid debit card I received as a rebate.  Did the survey on the receipt for additional Fuel Reward Points.  

[plugginaway22]

I put the extra cash in my paycheck into savings (from the new tax withholding).  In a month it totaled $160.

[NastyWoman]

I closed my Amazon tab without going to checkout despite the fact that I had two items in my cart 

[TheOtherMe]

Cancelled home delivery of the local newspaper.  For the content, the price can not be justified.

[Apple]

I'm going to a free cooking class tonight.  It's for "plant based cooking".  I have no desire to go vegetarian, but I always enjoy learning new cooking stuff, and will hopefully be a fun night of cheap entertainment.  They are doing a second class tomorrow with different recipes, so plan to get then as well.

Yesterday I made my own copycat "blooming onion".  It wasn't as pretty, but it was good, and saved a drive to any big city where I may have found one (I was having a craving, lol)

[Iggy aka IG]

I made my grocery list from memory before going shopping Sunday, since my list is here on the computer.  Despite the fact my coupons weren't with me, I managed to save 17% off my order shopping the sales and using e-coupons downloaded to my value card.  (In comparison, the savings is usually at least 25% when I do use paper coupons.)

Saved money while on vacation by staying at my dad's beach condo instead of a hotel room, buying food at the grocery store and only one daily meal out, and letting my friends buy me meals for my birthday (in at least 2 cases, they allowed me to pay for the tip).

Made DH a crab dinner for Valentine's Day instead of going out, and bought him clearance V-Day chocolate at 50% off when I returned from vacation. 

[dogmom]

I needed to replace my sneakers.  I shopped the clearance shoe rack, found a pair that I liked.  Usually $60.00, marked down to $16.25.  They are pretty comfortable. 

I didn't do it, but, at work, our health insurance provider was changed.  I was surprised when I renewed some maintenance drugs I'm on, the cost was less by $7.00 per 90 day supply.  (mail order)

DH is also on a maintenance drug, but his goes through the pharmacy.  I didn't do any "extra" shopping when I picked it up yesterday.

[Iggy aka IG]

dogmom , that is a pleasant surprise.  Glad the cost went down vs the other direction. 

Lately:

Saved .30/gallon at the gas pump by using my value card.

I keep the bedroom and closet lights off during my morning bathroom preening routine.

Unplugged the Crock Pot and blender when I was finished with them last night.

Unconsumed drinking water in glasses goes into plants instead of down the drain.

I combined errands last night to save on fuel.

[catsareme]

Drying the laundry on racks in front of the wood stove.

Lunch was a bagel and a container of yogurt - both free with coupons.

Staying home and out of stores.  

[Blonde Granny]

I'm doing this in advance in case I forget something today:

I did not renew my Sams Club membership @ $40. I buy so little there that I decided I would just buy what I need at Walmart

I will stop at the day old bread store on the way to Neighborhood Market and spend $.99 for Italian bread instead of $3 or so at Walmart

I'm also going to the nearest Market rather than the one up north of me. That should save be about $1.25 by not using 1 gal. for the round trip, it will be 1/2 gal. instead.

[NoNamePerson]

Feb 22, 2018 13:22:46 GMT -5 Blonde Granny said:

I'm doing this in advance in case I forget something today:

I did not renew my Sams Club membership @ $40. I buy so little there that I decided I would just buy what I need at Walmart

I will stop at the day old bread store on the way to Neighborhood Market and spend $.99 for Italian bread instead of $3 or so at Walmart

I'm also going to the nearest Market rather than the one up north of me. That should save be about $1.25 by not using 1 gal. for the round trip, it will be 1/2 gal. instead.

I consider this from time to time but I love my Sam's MC because of the rebates. I figure I cancel Sam's I lose the rebates. Haven't checked on that but my rebates more than make up for the membership. I don't buy a lot at Sam's either but $275.00 in cash this year makes the membership seem Ok! Ok, back to regularly scheduled program folks - I got sidetracked. 

[Iggy aka IG]

Feb 22, 2018 15:02:25 GMT -5 NoNamePerson said:

Feb 22, 2018 13:22:46 GMT -5 Blonde Granny said:

I'm doing this in advance in case I forget something today:

I did not renew my Sams Club membership @ $40. I buy so little there that I decided I would just buy what I need at Walmart

I will stop at the day old bread store on the way to Neighborhood Market and spend $.99 for Italian bread instead of $3 or so at Walmart

I'm also going to the nearest Market rather than the one up north of me. That should save be about $1.25 by not using 1 gal. for the round trip, it will be 1/2 gal. instead.

I consider this from time to time but I love my Sam's MC because of the rebates. I figure I cancel Sam's I lose the rebates. Haven't checked on that but my rebates more than make up for the membership. I don't buy a lot at Sam's either but $275.00 in cash this year makes the membership seem Ok! Ok, back to regularly scheduled program folks - I got sidetracked. 

Curious:  Rebates on what?

[NoNamePerson]

Feb 22, 2018 15:41:50 GMT -5 Iggy aka IG said:

Feb 22, 2018 15:02:25 GMT -5 NoNamePerson said:

I consider this from time to time but I love my Sam's MC because of the rebates. I figure I cancel Sam's I lose the rebates. Haven't checked on that but my rebates more than make up for the membership. I don't buy a lot at Sam's either but $275.00 in cash this year makes the membership seem Ok! Ok, back to regularly scheduled program folks - I got sidetracked. 

Curious:  Rebates on what?

5% on gas, 3% dining and travel (and that includes going to Wendy's for a baked potato which shocked me) LOL and 1% on everything else. I put everything on that card except Target purchases. It's not a "buy at Sam's" to get rebates - it's just charging on Sam's MC.

 Hope that answers your question. Oh, and I just have the regular membership so the Plus may have different guidelines but membership is $100 I think. Hope this helps.

[Iggy aka IG]

Feb 22, 2018 15:51:50 GMT -5 NoNamePerson said:

Feb 22, 2018 15:41:50 GMT -5 Iggy aka IG said:

Curious:  Rebates on what?

5% on gas, 3% dining and travel (and that includes going to Wendy's for a baked potato which shocked me) LOL and 1% on everything else. I put everything on that card except Target purchases. It's not a "buy at Sam's" to get rebates - it's just charging on Sam's MC.

 Hope that answers your question. Oh, and I just have the regular membership so the Plus may have different guidelines but membership is $100 I think. Hope this helps.

Nice!  I did not know this!  Thank you.