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A very frugal day

May 3rd, 2006 at 09:01 pm

I had some idle time today (always dangerous), and started thinking of what I was wearing yesterday, and then after adding up the cost, I expanded the thought, and went through most of my expenses for the day. I was mildly surprised at how well I had kept the costs down for the day. Perhaps this will encourage someone that it is possible to live very frugally.

With that introduction, here goes.
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What I was wearing:
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Shoes: Italian made dress shoes - $1 (yard sale)
Pants: Nice dress slacks - Free (thank you Free Cycle)
Belt: Nice leather one I have used for past year and still looks new - $1 (yard sale)
Shirt: Decent dress shirt $1 (Thirft Store)
Socks: Top of line dress socks - $0.50 (JC Penney)
Undies: Top of line (no more detail, sorry - lol) - $0.50 (JC Penney)
Glasses: Wal Mart - ($90 with insurance - but with flex spending account my after tax cost was about $65)
Beard Trim & haircut: Used home trimmer with hair attachments - Free
Skin moisturizer: Free (Thanks to Wal-Mart samples)

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And then other expenses during the day...
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Lunch: Drink ($0.17 for can from Aldis, Precooked meal I made from kit with added veggies & tuna ($0.75), navel orange ($0.25)) Total of $1.17
Gas to get to job: ~$3.50 (44 miles with my car getting 35 MPG)
Gym for mid-day workout (+ daily shower): $0.40 (rate is $8 for a month)

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Dinner:
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Salad (spinach, carrots, olives, mushrooms, dressing - $1),
drink (free - gift of a couple of cans of fruit drink from person I helped move over the weekend),
turkey sandwich (included free cheese from same person above - $0.50)

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Others
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Online Bill pay: Paid two bills - Saved $0.78 in postage.
Heating / cooling at home: $0 - spring time is nice, isn't it?
TV viewing: $0 (no cable - Watched DVDs I got for free via trade-in of unread books)
Trash: Dropped off trash & recycleables at county transfer station on way to work - Free - Saves $30/mo. fee of pickup company.

Note: JC Penney sends out a great coupon each Christmas for $10 off any purchase, so I get myself top of the line items for a little over $10, so thats how I can get them so cheap.

Whew, ok, there it is. I don't feel like I deprive myself. Some may say so, considering I don't have cable, but I really didn't watch much TV anyway, and I'm happier right now without it.

7 Responses to “A very frugal day”

  1. lrjohnson Says:
    1146710636

    I'm so with ya! My experience is also that frugality doesn't come close to deprivation. And so many items out there, needs or wants, can be gotten at very good prices with a little forethought. Sounds like you had a good day, deservedly so!

  2. contrary1 Says:
    1146711583

    Nicely done!! I'm with you.........frugal doesn't come close to deprivation. It allows me to do what I want in so many ways. Most people just don't get that, and it is hard for me to explain too. You did a better job of it than I've been doing.

  3. boomeyers Says:
    1146716650

    Great job! Sounds like my wardrobe! Come to think of it, sounds like my house. Now look around at how much that costs, when you have idle time and let us know!

  4. carol Says:
    1146720333

    Outstanding in every area!!

  5. Champion Cheapskate Says:
    1146750426

    Snappy clothes, good meals, fun, exercise. . . Why rot your brain with 500 TV channels? Smile

  6. Jose Says:
    1146923206

    Very nice! A well rounded life that includes everything to keep you healthy, smart, and financially well.

  7. katwoman Says:
    1146938225

    Impressive!

    Italian shoes for a buck!?!?!?! Lucky dog, you.

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