Our spending right now is a strange mix of spending big on some things and being as thrifty as we can be on others. Moving into a new house can be like that. You’ve heard about the repairs and improvement project spending so here is the thrifty side.
1. We “saved” $2500 on the termite repairs and treatment (at least on our minds) because I kept thinking the cost was the total on the proposal. However Hubby did some of the work so it was way less. Mentally transferring that money to the yard project but in fact our overall home improvement costs lower because of Hubby’s work.
2. Speaking of the yard project, we were very aware of prices when selecting the flagstone which is sold by weight but still got what we really liked. The price per ton was around $500 vs over $1300 per ton for others we liked. The gravel is also sold by weight and we picked one of the most expensive but the costs are in a small range.
3. Happily accepted free mangoes and a sweater from Buy Nothing group members as well as green beans from our son’s garden and dinner out courtesy of the same son (we take turns paying)
4. Went to a milestone birthday party for our DIL’s Mom and Uncle. Took consumable gifts that weren’t very expensive but were what they really like.
5. Limiting our purchases to needed consumables, family time, and what is on our need or project lists. Exception for beer and wine if you are being picky.🍺🍷 We also did well keeping most of our electricity use during low rate hours but I’m going to try to improve on that. Our new vertical blinds on the West facing balcony door are really helping with the heat which is a comfort factor not cost as we don’t have air conditioning.
Can't wait to see more photos of the yard project. What fun it much be to see it take shape.
ReplyDeleteIn our better moments it is fun
DeleteI don't know how how it gets where you are. When we lived in Tucson we had enormous west facing walls. Out of desperation to block some heat we bought thin furring strips and stapled quilt batting to them. Painters tape tacked the tops of the strips to the glass, and the furring strips kept the batting in the vertical. It's a Rube Golberg solution, but if the vertical blinds aren't getting it done, it's a cheap, field expedient.
ReplyDeleteI can see how that would really help - kind of like insulated curtains. In the SF Bay area it doesn't get very hot very often so the blind will be fine.
DeleteYou are definitely being thrifty.
ReplyDeleteGod bless.
Thanks. I think we are a mix of everyday thrift and spending on projects/education/travel. It has balanced out most of the time though.
Deletethe flagstone sounds wonderful. I love the look of flagstone. You don't really get hot in the Bay except the rare days. I wondering how much rain we're going to get from that hurricane. I bet your glad you're not in So Cal, it sounds like it's going to be very bad.
ReplyDeleteHope you don't get hit hard with the rain! It sounds like in S. Cal it is the mountain areas and desert east of LA this will have the most potential problems.
DeleteConsumable gifts are the best kind! And no A/C required? To quote The Princess Bride character, "Inconceivable!" :) (109 here this week.)
ReplyDeleteI've lived many places and this is only the second where AC if rarely needed. However I did grow up without it in central Illinois and it was miserable! So I feel your pain.
DeleteAs soon as PC pulls out of the driveway, I hit the thermostat and raise it about 6 degrees. But I have to set a timer to remind myself to turn it back down before he gets home. He likes it set to 76. But I nearly freeze.
ReplyDeleteGood job saving money here and there. Rocks and landscaping are so expensive. All of your projects are coming together so well. Will be interested to see the yard when it is finished.