27 and Frugal

When I started this blog, I had several high interest debts and a strong desire to get my personal finances under control. I was focused on financial information and my debts weighed heavy on my thoughts.

Between writing about frugality and practicing it, it was something I thought about often.

Then, life happened.

I got a new job that, between commuting and working, takes up 13 hours of my day. I paid off my high interest debts and only have an interest deductible student loan remaining. While I do not have as much savings as I would like, I do something of an emergency fund that would work for, well, an emergency.

Also, I ended a four year romantic relationship and dealing with that as a personal issue has consumed my thoughts far more than the debt has.

Budgeting on Autopilot

I still keep my budget and in fact, am glad that I practiced tracking my expenses when I did. Now, budgeting is an automatic behavior. Even though my mind is consumed with other thoughts, I still complete my monthly budget.

My passion for finances may have dwindled temporarily, but the exercises have not failed.

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With busy schedules, finding time to cook, especially if you do not enjoy it, can be difficult. Many “quick and easy” recipes are subjectively so. Numerous steps and ingredients can be overwhelming to someone who is used to take-out. When cooking solely for yourself, things like plating and appearance can take a back seat to quickness.

For those of you who don’t know, I spend a minimum of 13 hours a day doing work activities (including commuting) and am never home before 7p. Although I do enjoy cooking, I do not want it to occupy my entire evening. Since I am only cooking for myself, the quicker the meal is to make, the better.

Some might scoff that this isn’t a recipe at all, but we all have to start somewhere. Putting together this easypeasy pesto pasta (say that three times fast!) is still better than take-out.

Yes, I know fresh-made pesto will taste better, but it’s winter. And sometimes, there just is not time for that.

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Every weekend, I will detail my activities and expenses to provide an example of how to implement a frugal mindset while still having a fun and active life.

Friday

I spent Friday night grocery shopping, making delicious Macaroni & Cheese with Spinach then watching more Dexter Season 3.

Friday Total Cost:$0

Saturday

Saturday early afternoon I finally won a platinum trophy in Ratchet & Clank: A Crack in Time! The rest of the day was spent at a friend’s birthday cookout. I had a great time visiting with friends and meeting new ones. All food and beer was provided.

Saturday Total Cost:$0
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There’s been quite a few posts highlighting objects people do not own and why they are happier with their decision. Admittedly, many of the objects I do not own is because I still move quite frequently, I am still living quite comfortably without them.

10 Items I Consciously Choose Not To Own

1. A Big Desk. I bought my desk at Ikea six years ago. It is basically a slab of wood on four metal legs. I can disassemble and transport it myself since it fits right in my car. Less drawers means less clutter.
2. Desk Chair with Wheels. This just is not practical for me. It is not easily transportable and does not roll very well on thick carpet. I have been using three folding Ikea chairs for six years, lugging them from apt to apt and love them.
3. Jewelry box. I was going to purchase one, when I decided to simply use a belt as an earring holder instead. Problem solved.
4. Watering can. I use a cocktail shaker. I don’t have a huge garden so this works just fine.

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Alton Brown may not be a frugal expert but his kitchen-item buying advice is dead-on: “Do not purchase uni-taskers.”

However, there are items that we eventually need to purchase. Here are some of my personal recommendations, items which I could not cook or bake without!

Magnetic Double-Ended Measuring Spoons – These are far better than any metal spoons on a ring. Being able to use one spoon for both dry and liquid ingredients is extremely convenient. You will never lose the spoons either due to their brilliant design.

Cheese Graters/Containers – I love that these containers make it so easy to grate cheese without making a mess. When you have extra, just put the lid on top and store it in the fridge. Continue reading »

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Quesadillas are not only quick and easy, but also flexible!

What You Need (Core)
2 Tortillas
Shredded cheese (cheddar, pepper jack, your preference)
Mexican seasoning (you better use mine!)

What You Do (3 Options)
1. Toaster Oven: Put quesadilla in toaster oven and toast until cheese melts
2. Oven: Put quesadilla on a baking sheet and bake at 350 for 10 mins or until cheese melts
3. Stove Top: With olive oil on a pan, place your quesadilla and cook for ~10 minutes then flip Continue reading »

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Every weekend, I will detail my activities and expenses to provide an example of how to implement a frugal mindset while still having a fun and active life.

Friday

I had plans to meet up with some friends for dinner on Friday night. I fixed myself a grilled cheese after work and snacked on some cashews on the way over. I did not purchase anything at the restaurant but still enjoyed myself. It was nice chatting with friends, some who I had not seen in a while. After dinner, we went to a local ice cream shoppe. I ate a delicious chocolate chip ice cream cone and socialized some more with friends.

Friday Total Cost:$3

Saturday

My friends were married on Saturday, so I spent most of the day getting ready for and attending to wedding things. They had an open bar so no money was spent!

Saturday Total Cost:$0
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Every weekend, I will detail my activities and expenses to provide an example of how to implement a frugal mindset while still having a fun and active life.

Friday

Since this was a long weekend, I took advantage of the extra day by doing nothing on Friday. I made a small dinner and got caught up with bills and things. Not too exciting, but it had to get done.

Friday Total Cost:$0

Saturday

I spent Saturday at the shore with some friends. I packed a lunch, brought a drink and some snacks. We took a route without any tolls and less traffic. An hour later, we were relaxing on the beach. My friends ate lunch at a place on the boardwalk where a slice of pizza and a drink was $8. I sat at the table with them eating my yummy sandwich.

Later that night, I had plans to watch the UFC fight at Buffalo Wild Wings. I knew I would eat there, which is why I did not want to eat out earlier in the day. Unfortunately, BWW changed their boneless wings into disgusting fried crap so that was rather disappointing. The Blue Moon’s helped washed the ickiness down.

Saturday Total Cost:$20
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When it comes to commuting to work or school, there is much more to be concerned about than just the price of gas and oil changes. Your mental well-being takes a toll when driving in congested traffic, bad weather, or in a hurry. Some folks like to have a good 20 minute drive from work to home to give them some “downtime” to transition into home-mode. On the other hand, some just cannot bear commuter traffic. We all have our driving preferences and limits. What are yours?

Driving Across The State

A few years ago, I took a job that involved an hour commute. Gas alone cost over $300/month plus constant oil changes. I did that for a year, then caved and moved closer. It was not because of the cost (my rent was super cheap), it was the traffic that drove me crazy. Continue reading »

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Free samples are a great example of how frugality is more about being resourceful than it is about being cheap.

Cheap people will use free samples solely because they are free. They have no intention of ever buying the product and simply think of the item as a free meal, free lipstick, free soap, etc.

Frugal consumers, on the other hand, will focus more on the fact that it is a sample. Samples allow you to try a product with no investment. If you like the sample, then spending money on it will be a smart purchase. If you do not, then no harm done. You did not waste your money. Continue reading »

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Airlines have always been fee-happy when it comes to checked luggage. Weight restriction and contents were the biggest charge-causing items. Then airlines started charging for more than one checked luggage. Now it’s for all checked luggage period. And Southwest is even charging for carry-on’s. This means the more efficiently you pack, the more money you save!

Roll With It

I took a 10 day trip in the summer, with 10+ days worth of clothes, including running clothes and shoes all in one carry on and one large purse. Everything fit because I rolled all my clothing. I stuffed socks inside my shoes. I used every nook and cranny in that piece of luggage to comfortably pack my clothes into. However, I did not overstuff anything.

Rolling your clothes makes a better use of the space within your luggage. It takes up less room and leaves less wrinkles in your clothing. You can even roll up outfits together to make unpacking easier.

This is my first video and I know it’s a bit rough, so please bear with me. Here is how I roll-up my clothes to pack. I have no idea if this is the “right” way or not, but it works for me!

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As I have said time and time again, being frugal means being resourceful. There are many resources we can tap into to save some money while still living fulfilling lives. Families and friends are an excellent resource to use (but not take advantage of). Before you head out and run to the store as soon as you think you may need something, why not see if a friend has the item first. Know a family member who has an item that he no longer uses but keeps around, why not see if you could borrow for it for a short time? It will help them clear up some space and give you a new toy. Need to free yourself from distractions, try lending out your toys to friends so you can get your work done.

There are many different reasons to borrow from or lend an item to a friend, family member or neighbor. Keep these in mind before making a purchase! Continue reading »

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Being frugal means being resourceful. A great way to be more productive and thus save money is by managing your time better. There are many times throughout the day that we find ourselves with downtime. What is the best use of this time?

I can’t just sit here!

When I first moved to New Jersey, I was continually frustrated at having to sit in my car while someone pumped my gas for me. I thought it was a terrible use of my time (pre-iPhone). I even started keeping tweezers in my car so I could do some eyebrow maintenance while I waited. What I did not realize is that these few minutes would be put to better use by simply doing nothing. Sitting there with some time to myself was something I needed more than trimmed eyebrows. Being able to mentally organize my to-do list or actively think through some decisions made me feel more calm and organized. It became a timeout from technology and distractions.
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One of the simplest ways to save money is to bring your own lunch to work everyday. It is easy to make excuses, “I don’t have time to pack a lunch,” “I get sick of sandwiches,” “I hate leftovers.” Enough already! There are a ton of lunch foods outside of sandwiches that are just as easy to bring to work. There are also many ways to kick your standard sandwich up a notch. Many foods even taste better the next day and are especially easy for cooking newbs!

Chili, Soups & Stews

These meals do not take long to put together. The most time consuming aspect is letting them simmer for 30-60 minutes but you can just watch TV or do pilates while you are waiting.

Chili is nothing other than tomatoes, meat, beans and spices! Put it all in a pot and walk away. Leave it in the fridge and bring it to work the next day. It’ll smell great and taste even better!

Chicken noodle soup is just as easy! I’ve already posted my favorite super-easy chicken noodle soup recipe. It’s simply chicken broth, chicken and veggies. Again, just boil, simmer then eat. Soup reheats perfectly and the flavors usually blend together to taste even better when reheated.

Similarly, beef stew is just beef bouillon, beef, water and veggies. You can season it to your preference. This will be a super easy dinner and an even yummier lunch.

Chili, soups and stews work so well when reheated because it completely eliminates the “soggy food” complaint. It is also very filling and not too messy to eat for lunch. In fact, you probably already purchase soup or chili for lunch at that overpriced cafe down the street!
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If you are just beginning a savings plan, take a look at my comprehensive Guide To Managing A Savings Account. There you will find a defined planning system, goal calculator and bank information.

When starting to get your finances in check, everyone will tell you to create a budget. Budgets are key to tracking your spending. Included in your budget, should be a category for savings. However, if you do not track your savings any other way, it is easy to lose sight of your savings goals!

Tracking savings allows you to see financial improvement; to see how successful your budgeting actually is!

Savings Tracker

I have created a separate worksheet just for savings within my budget spreadsheet. Savings and spending go hand-in-hand, so it really is important to keep these together.

My monthly budget & savings worksheet can be downloaded here: http://www.27andfrugal.com/files/easy_peasy_2010_budget.xls

If you already have a budget that works for you, simply copy/paste the Savings worksheet and use it on it’s own.

Ideally, the worksheet should mimic your savings account, so start with your beginning of the year balance. This sheet will be filled in automatically once you input your savings into the monthly budget sheets. Or simply manually enter in how much you are transferring to savings each month.

The interest does need to be entered manually from your monthly bank statement. Seeing exactly how much or how little interest you are earning every month may make you want to look into alternative saving account options.

The box on the right is the most important part of the whole sheet… your goal! Do everything you can to keep this goal in the back of your mind each time you make a purchase. When you are over 50% of the way to your goal, you will have incentive to put more into your savings every month. Continue reading »

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