I try to be frugal.

Why? Not because I think ‘he who dies with the most money in the bank wins’. And certainly not because I think it’s some sort of moral ideal to not spend money.

I try to be frugal 90% of the time, so that I can afford not to be that other 10% of the time.

Most of the time I will buy generic groceries, repair clothes when I can, and follow the discount so that I can save those extra pennies so that I can choose to renovate the pool in my backyard which really improves my quality of life in the summer.

Most of the time I will shop around for the things I need, avoid buying the things I don’t and not care a whit about name-brand stuff, so that I can decide that I want to go on the bigger, more amazing vacation.

And, even more importantly, most of the time I will find ways to reduce, reuse, and recycle what I already have before buying new so that if some unexpected expense comes up – I have the savings to keep it from being a stressor. I can just take care of it.

Being frugal means more flexibility when I want it, and less stress when life tries to throw it my way.

All of that is to say – I try to be frugal. But I’m having a hard time coming up with five ways I was frugal this week. Because, I always try…but some weeks it’s just easier than others.

What was frugal this week?

1. There’s always groceries – but this week, I was really sick. Like sleep all day in bed for two days sick. So, going to the grocery store was not gonna happen. I decided to order groceries for delivery. The delivery fee (and tip) almost made me get in my car and do it myself – but I was feeling *that bad* that I decided to just pay the extra. I did still shop the sales, and made sure to do it as cheaply as possible. But that was only a partial win.
2. I am still working out of my freezer, and am forcing myself to use frozen veggies before buying any new fresh. This week I actually only bought carrots and cabbage, and every other veggie will be out of the freezer.
3. I guess I saved gas? I mean, this feels like cheating, but because I’ve been so sick, I haven’t left the house in two days. Which does technically mean I’m saving gas. (See, I’m really stretching it here.)
4. …

No, I’m out – I didn’t get to 5 this week. And that’s ok. But it does really give me something to think about this coming week. What can I do to DEFINITELY get to five things that I did that saved me money? Because I like vacations, and pool upgrades, and having money for emergencies. So it’s a heavy focus this coming week.