2024-12 December Frugal Thread

[lilo0003]

I now keep a list on my phone of things I am low on so I can watch for sales. For the 1st time ever I was on my last bottle of olive oil. I had a PCO offer for 3000 PCO when you spend 10.00 on all cooking oil so I price matched to the best price for the one we prefer, bought 2 bottles and earned 9000 points. When I was in RCSS everyone one was price matching. I mean every single lane, it will make grocery shopping a lot slower but we really have no choice, I found English muffins on for 44 cents with a best before of next week so I bought 8 packages. They freeze well and I like them with an egg for lunch.

[Giseledta]

I now keep a list on my phone of things I am low on so I can watch for sales. For the 1st time ever I was on my last bottle of olive oil. I had a PCO offer for 3000 PCO when you spend 10.00 on all cooking oil so I price matched to the best price for the one we prefer, bought 2 bottles and earned 9000 points. When I was in RCSS everyone one was price matching. I mean every single lane, it will make grocery shopping a lot slower but we really have no choice, I found English muffins on for 44 cents with a best before of next week so I bought 8 packages. They freeze well and I like them with an egg for lunch.

I've noticed alot more price matching!!

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[Giseledta]

Good morning all. House work day, meal prep day, I need to do a bit of work on daycare stuff, then find a Christmas movie a d crochet .
I need to keep a eye out for when Canadian Tire has a sale, bonus triangle rewards on... I want to get some bigger hand weights and a weighted vest.
Hugs to all

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[SassyAshley]

I am concerned about groceries going up.

Just reading about makes me anxious, I know I have to tools to help but it is impossible not to feel the pinch.

I look at peppers when I was at the store last week and a package I used to pay $4 or $4.50 for is now $8 and reading that Vegetables are expected to rise 4% to 6% next year. It is becoming hard and hard to keep the staples in the house.

Also reading that meat is expected to rise 6% to 9%, we are lowered the amount of meat we use in recipes but when does it stop. I was just reading last week that Beef prices are at an all time high and is not expected to come down anytime soon because the demand is so high now that so many people are on high protein diets. We do not eat a lot of beef but still used to be $1.99/lb to ground beef and I got excited over $3.97/lb but I do not think we will see that price again any time soon, the new price seems to be $4.99.

Where does it stop, I feel fortunate that we rode this wave so far and have been able to get what we need but I know so many are not in the same boat.

[SassyAshley]

Good Morning Everyone,
Over here in my winter funk still. I know I need to stop looking at the weather apps but at the same time I am trying to plan my week. I have some errands I need to run and want to get them out of the way this week because I am also trying to avoid the crowds but finding a nice day, UGH.

I thought about going today just to get them done and not have to think about them but now they are calling for a wintery mix that was supposed to end by 10 am but now they are saying it could last all day.

Also, I am not sure I want to go today because if I go out today I won't get the house stuff I need to get done, done.

I am really struggling with there not being enough time right now and now apparently we are doing Christmas dinner. I know that sounds weird but we have been skipping it but not this year.

I saw someone say this on Instagram and it is exactly how I am feeling "I am mad at the situation." Last night as I was sitting here trying to figure out how to get all the things done (work, house, prep, errands, ect.) I got frustrated that it is all on me. Don't get wrong I am grateful I am able to take care of everything we need as Mom's mobility continues to decrease and that I can take care of both us. But last night I just really wanted/needed some help but all the things on my plate are thing Mom cannot do and the mix of emotions hit me, I was frustrated, I was mad, I was sad and I was overwhelmed.

Mom has been trying to help me the best she can which I am grateful for but sadly we are at a point where what she can do is minimal compared what she cannot do. She has been doing all the produce prep and anything else she can do sitting in the living room (in the kitchen she has to use a stool that she cannot sit on for long) but this week are all the things only I can do.

Today is a new day and I have to decide what I am going to try to tackle because this list is not going to do itself.

Happy Sunday Everyone.

[Giseledta]

I am concerned about groceries going up.

Just reading about makes me anxious, I know I have to tools to help but it is impossible not to feel the pinch.

I look at peppers when I was at the store last week and a package I used to pay $4 or $4.50 for is now $8 and reading that Vegetables are expected to rise 4% to 6% next year. It is becoming hard and hard to keep the staples in the house.

Also reading that meat is expected to rise 6% to 9%, we are lowered the amount of meat we use in recipes but when does it stop. I was just reading last week that Beef prices are at an all time high and is not expected to come down anytime soon because the demand is so high now that so many people are on high protein diets. We do not eat a lot of beef but still used to be $1.99/lb to ground beef and I got excited over $3.97/lb but I do not think we will see that price again any time soon, the new price seems to be $4.99.

Where does it stop, I feel fortunate that we rode this wave so far and have been able to get what we need but I know so many are not in the same boat.

I feel the same way. I know alot of people who cannot afford basic groceries. And alot of people who are simply eat very very unhealthy.

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[Giseledta]

Good Morning Everyone,
Over here in my winter funk still. I know I need to stop looking at the weather apps but at the same time I am trying to plan my week. I have some errands I need to run and want to get them out of the way this week because I am also trying to avoid the crowds but finding a nice day, UGH.

I thought about going today just to get them done and not have to think about them but now they are calling for a wintery mix that was supposed to end by 10 am but now they are saying it could last all day.

Also, I am not sure I want to go today because if I go out today I won't get the house stuff I need to get done, done.

I am really struggling with there not being enough time right now and now apparently we are doing Christmas dinner. I know that sounds weird but we have been skipping it but not this year.

I saw someone say this on Instagram and it is exactly how I am feeling "I am mad at the situation." Last night as I was sitting here trying to figure out how to get all the things done (work, house, prep, errands, ect.) I got frustrated that it is all on me. Don't get wrong I am grateful I am able to take care of everything we need as Mom's mobility continues to decrease and that I can take care of both us. But last night I just really wanted/needed some help but all the things on my plate are thing Mom cannot do and the mix of emotions hit me, I was frustrated, I was mad, I was sad and I was overwhelmed.

Mom has been trying to help me the best she can which I am grateful for but sadly we are at a point where what she can do is minimal compared what she cannot do. She has been doing all the produce prep and anything else she can do sitting in the living room (in the kitchen she has to use a stool that she cannot sit on for long) but this week are all the things only I can do.

Today is a new day and I have to decide what I am going to try to tackle because this list is not going to do itself.

Happy Sunday Everyone.

Hugs. Big hugs. The weather apps are ... stressful. There may be a ice event tomorrow.. can't do that sorry. We got close to 5 feet over the last week. Lots is melting stuff right now.

Sassy, I so wish I was closer and could go help a bit. Big hugs. Do what you can. Hugs

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[flemeth]

Good Morning Everyone,
Over here in my winter funk still. I know I need to stop looking at the weather apps but at the same time I am trying to plan my week. I have some errands I need to run and want to get them out of the way this week because I am also trying to avoid the crowds but finding a nice day, UGH.

I thought about going today just to get them done and not have to think about them but now they are calling for a wintery mix that was supposed to end by 10 am but now they are saying it could last all day.

Also, I am not sure I want to go today because if I go out today I won't get the house stuff I need to get done, done.

I am really struggling with there not being enough time right now and now apparently we are doing Christmas dinner. I know that sounds weird but we have been skipping it but not this year.

I saw someone say this on Instagram and it is exactly how I am feeling "I am mad at the situation." Last night as I was sitting here trying to figure out how to get all the things done (work, house, prep, errands, ect.) I got frustrated that it is all on me. Don't get wrong I am grateful I am able to take care of everything we need as Mom's mobility continues to decrease and that I can take care of both us. But last night I just really wanted/needed some help but all the things on my plate are thing Mom cannot do and the mix of emotions hit me, I was frustrated, I was mad, I was sad and I was overwhelmed.

Mom has been trying to help me the best she can which I am grateful for but sadly we are at a point where what she can do is minimal compared what she cannot do. She has been doing all the produce prep and anything else she can do sitting in the living room (in the kitchen she has to use a stool that she cannot sit on for long) but this week are all the things only I can do.

Today is a new day and I have to decide what I am going to try to tackle because this list is not going to do itself.

Happy Sunday Everyone.

(((HUGS))) @SassyAshley remember you have to do self care for your self so you cam be there for your mom . I know the holidays can be overwhelming . But make sure you take time for yourself. You don’t need to get everything done in 1 day.

[coupon girl]

Did not go out all weekend ,just wasnt in the mood after going out last week a few times.Caught up on laundry ,made chicken breast in the air fryer with rice and carrots.

Wrapped a few gifts -called my daughter-in law and asked her to save a few boxes as i need a box for the frying pan from no frills .

Trying to finish 750 piece angel puzzle as it needs to be done by the 26th as i need my diningroom table.I hate the mats you do puzzles on had one given to me.

[SassyAshley]

@Giseledta , I was heartbroken talking to a co-worker who said they had to start using the Food Bank when their roommate stopped paying rent and they had to decide between keeping their apartment and a place to live or food.

@Giseledta and @flemeth , Thank you, I know it is the time of year, we are going into year-end at work, Christmas is coming, and regular life still happens and getting walking pneumonia in November did not help, but yes, one step at a time.


Mom offered to drive me to do my errands, which is huge for her, it takes almost everything out of her just to get to her car. I did ask her if she was only doing so I would not have a melt down but she said she wanted to get out of the house. I must have asked her 10 times if she was sure because I knew it was going to be a lot for her but she said she wanted too so off we went.

There are some mugs I have been eyeing for months, they are normally $12.99 and once went on sale for $10 but you could only buy one at that price. They were part of a 12-days of Christmas sale for $5 per mug. My total should have been $64.95 but instead I paid $25+tax. Saved $39.95

Only downside was I had to go and pick them as this retailer is still using Canada Post for shipping and have double their minimum for shipping. Last year when I ordered from them the minimum was $75, now it is $149. There is no location close to me it is either and hour north or an hour south and heading north this time is year is iffy so we went south.

Then I had to go to the mall (which I avoid at all costs) to pick up another order of clothing I ordered for myself on Cyber Monday. They were offering 50% off plus an additional 20% off if you ordered online. All the tops fit (Happy Dance), I hate to admit it but I really needed some new winter clothes and I was trying to put off buying them but it was time. I do have one pair of shoes I need to return.

Then we picked up Starbucks, a treat for Mom, I kept hearing about a Gingerbread Latte.

Once we got home I made dinner, kept it simple with Meat Sauce over Pasta as we didn't get home until almost 5 pm.

Mom has said she will do the produce prep tomorrow well I work, the other stuff I don't know I will figure it out. I was hoping to get some work done once we got home but that didn't happen so we shall see what all I can knock out tomorrow.

[lilo0003]

I was in Metro today and broccoli was 5.00 a head. I said to my husband at that price they must just throw it in the garbage because who is paying that. @SassyAshley thanks for pointing out the Classicico offer. I happened to be near a No Frills so I popped in, I also had to do an enquiry for the 4000 PCO. Hopefully it’s not a hassle. I did one a few weeks ago and after a week had an email advising it was sent for further review. It was 300 PCO so not worth the energy.

[HermanH]

I was in Metro today and broccoli was 5.00 a head. I said to my husband at that price they must just throw it in the garbage because who is paying that.

I have often thought the same, 'who would pay such a price?!'
Remember the time when cauliflower was $8/pound, or so?

I think that while there are frugal customers, there are also plenty more who just do not care; they want to eat YYY, which requires ZZZ in the recipe. So, they just buy it and lament at how high the cost of groceries are. No change in purchase behaviour whatsoever.

[SassyAshley]

@lilo0003 , I am sure people buy it which is sad.

Not going to lie I might be a little obsessed with watching grocery hauls online and so many tell you to set a meal plan to save which I am sure does save some money but if you go to the store and broccoli is $5 we are skipping that meal. But so many say "well, it is part of the meal plan, I have no option." Yes, yes you have an option sub it out for another meal, check the price of frozen.

This is why I prefer to set my meal plan around the sales not buy around a meal plan.

This is where my stockpile saves us so much money because I always have food on hand we can create meals from when the sales do not line up.

[Giseledta]

5.00 for a single head of broccoli..... it better be huge!!! Or its not being bought.

When I was at costxo, I checked out the prices of the big bags of frozen veggies..

And yes...I'm already starting planning our garden. Once the snow leaves for a bit, I will dig more trenches in the garden. I add the compost right to the garden bed. Let it do its thing ti ll spring. I'll turn it over a bit in the spring. Add a few inches of soil and done.

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[Frugalbigmama]

Morning! Another snow day for the kids...Looks like this pending freezing rain is for lots of areas.

Yesterday we left home at 830am and arrived at the hotel at 930am. Had a good long busy day. Kept watching the weather app and noticed that Monday morning was no longer clear. Decided if it wasn't safe could stay another night and hope Tuesday morning was good for driving. Then at 10:30pm my sister was sending me weather maps showing my area being hit hard and she suggested leaving last night for home. Finally decided to pack up at 215am and attempt the drive home... (couldn't sleep worrying about it) it was smooth sailing and hardly any other vehicles on the road which made it a perfect drive. So happy to be home and not stressed out about it.
Not leaving home till March

Today- I am tired but will power through! Have a zoom meeting this morning so once that is done I can figure out my day.
Need printer toner- hope my order will be delivered today but not counting on it with courier issues and weather!

Dinner- Brought home an order of Chicken Chow mein for each of us that love it for dinner tonight. So no cooking tonight

Have a great day!