My Frugal Year

I remember back in junior high and high school having this attitude about hand-me-downs.  Being the youngest of three girls, I grew up in hand-me-downs.  My parents were fairly well off, so I think it was just a matter of convenience more than saving money.  Still, it was a big deal when I got something new.  By the time junior high rolled around and kids were concerned about being “cool,” I developed a distaste for the hand me downs.  I had no idea of the virtual treasure trove of wonderful finds at thrift stores.

It wasn’t until I had a family of my own that I learned to appreciate hand-me-downs and thrift store finds.  As a young couple with a limited income, we had to be very careful about how we spent our money.  I started shopping at thrift stores, consignment stores and resale shops for the kids clothes.  It was on those trips that I discovered the incredible number of great outfits for myself – practically new jeans, designer clothes, nice handbags and more at a fraction of retail.  I was hooked!

Now, whether I can afford to buy new or not, I always look first at thrift stores for what I need.  Only if I can’t find what I’m looking for at the many thrift and consignment stores around here do I purchase something new.  Of course there are some things I won’t buy used.  Underwear comes to mind.    When I look in my closet I estimate that over 90% of what I own now has come from thrift stores and consignment shops.  I have saved countless thousands of dollars over the years on clothing alone.

Bottom line is you can find amazing deals.  Shopping at places like Goodwill and Savers takes some time and patience.  You do have to sift through some junk to find good stuff, but it’s there for the taking.  An example would be a couple days ago I popped into Savers and found a practically new J.Jill comfy sweater – and ultra-soft cardigan that retailed for $69.  I got it for $5.99.  It’s in perfect condition and I’ll get tons of wear out of it.

I love a good deal, don’t you?

I’ll update the post at the end of the day with any savings!

A new year has begun and it’s time to focus on what is to come in the this year ahead.  The turmoil of the past few months has shown that now is a good time to watch our pennies and make the most of what we have.

I’m no extremist.  I’m not a crafty do-it-yourselfer type.  I’ve never made my own laundry detergent or used home made cloth diapers.  One thing I learned, however, is to spend less on just about everything.  Over time it’s been out of necessity, then it just became a habit.

This year I’ve decided to take another step and start tracking my savings and more importantly, start actually SAVING the savings.  It’s one thing to get a deal on something or to save a few bucks clipping coupons, but what good is it really doing if that money isn’t truly being saved?

This blog will track my savings and deals throughout the year and share information I find on great deals with you!  I hope you enjoy it.  It will be exciting to see what the savings account looks like at the end of the year.

Here goes…

Day One:

Had a little Christmas gift cash left over.  Went to Savers and got a practically new J. Jill super-comfy sweater and a nice pair of pants and a cute Kate Spade bag.

Spent $17.18

Sent my husband to the store.  No coupons this time, just the store savings card.

Spent: $53.51

Saved: $10.73

Transferred $10.73 into savings account.