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Five Frugal Things I’ve Done This Week | The Diary of a Frugal Family

Date: 2nd February 2018

Welcome back to my little corner of the internet where I share my frugal journey and the small, everyday changes that lead to bigger savings over time. This week, I’ve found some fantastic ways to cut costs without compromising on the quality of life for my family. Here are five frugal things I’ve accomplished this week!

1. Batch Cooking for the Win

With busy weekday schedules and the ever-present temptation of takeaways, I dedicated some time this week to batch cooking. I whipped up a large batch of chilli con carne and a hearty vegetable soup. Not only do these meals freeze beautifully, but having pre-prepared food in the freezer means I can effortlessly serve up healthy, home-cooked meals on busy nights. Plus, it saves a considerable amount of money compared to eating out.

2. Embracing Meatless Mondays

I’ve always been aware of the cost of meat and how it can weigh down the weekly grocery bill, so this week I decided to embrace a vegetarian approach for one day. We enjoyed a delicious mushroom risotto made with ingredients I already had at home, minimising waste while experimenting with new flavours. Going meat-free for a day is not only good for the budget, but it’s also a fantastic way to explore new recipes.

3. DIY Cleaning Solutions

Gone are the days of spending a fortune on cleaning products! I spent some time this week researching and creating my own all-purpose cleaner. Using basic ingredients like vinegar, baking soda, and essential oils, I managed to whip up a powerful yet eco-friendly cleaner that works wonders. Not only does it save me money, but I also have the peace of mind knowing there are no harsh chemicals being used around my children.

4. Utilising Coupons and Loyalty Points

I made a conscious effort this week to go through my stash of coupons and loyalty points before heading out to do the shopping. It was surprising to find how many offers I had stashed away! By planning my shopping list around the deals available, I ended up saving a nice chunk off my total bill. It pays to keep an eye on these little savings as they can add up significantly over time.

5. Library Adventures

Instead of splurging on new books for the family, we took a trip to our local library. Not only did the kids thoroughly enjoy picking out their own selection of stories, but I also managed to find a few titles on frugal living that have already inspired my next steps in saving money this month. Libraries are a fantastic resource for free entertainment and educational materials, saving potentially hundreds of pounds each year.

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There you have it! Just five simple changes I made this week that helped keep our spending in check while still allowing us to enjoy life to the fullest. I hope these ideas inspire you to think of your own frugal adventures. What small changes have you made recently? Let me know in the comments!

Remember, every little bit saved counts, and together we can continue to live richly while spending wisely.

Until next time, happy saving!

— The Diary of a Frugal Family