For the fifth week in a row I got together with Mrs. HB to do some grocery shopping and prepare some meals for the upcoming week. Those are the pictures you’ll see when you scroll through this post as well a few Mrs. HB sent that she took during the week.
So here we go… week 5 in her own words:
This past week has been a little frustrating. All this effort and not much to show as far as savings… Mr, HB says “There is always something.” Meaning expenses always pop up and for me they have been lately. I think they always have been there but because I was robbing Peter to pay Paul I didn’t notice as much.
Last week I had to pay for me and HB boy to go on a Boy Scouts camping trip, plus another one for later in the year, $320 vanished! Plus his baseball fees were $290, and at the start of this week the vacuum broke and I had to pay $250 to get it fixed. It just seems like I will never create that nest egg.
But on the positive, I have no debt. See the cut up credit cards? This past week I cut them all up and cancelled them! I feel a little less on the grid. I still have the card with frequent flyer miles because I want to use those, but it has a zero balance as well. I was so excited to present Mr. HB the cut up cards….BUT… I had forgotten I hadn’t told him I HAD them. Oops! He was a little upset.
I guess not telling is the same as lying and I know that, but I was justifying what he didn’t know wouldn’t hurt him. And true, it wasn’t technically, but it was hurting me. Honestly I felt the guilt and the stress of hiding those cards. So now I have none of that and no worries. Mr. HB is very happy and proud that I cut and cancelled all those cards.
The hillbilly kids are also getting in on this revolution. They ask me all the time “Is that in your budget?” And they are paying for things that aren’t in my budget, if they REALLY want them.
HB boy even suggested repurposing the OJ can as a drinking cup. Warms my heart! 🙂
Groceries have been becoming a little more routine in the way that they are following an expense pattern. On average they are running $140 at Costco and $50 at the grocery store each trip. I would like to get Costco down to $100 and not go every week.
I can’t believe I am saying that. It sounds like I’m spending too much when I used to spend no less than $300 a visit not to mention all the random stops here and there. No telling how much I was spending because I wasn’t really keeping track. I also repurposed my coveted Folgers container and filled it with grocery brand coffee this week. 🙂
As far as my lunch and coffee thing, I took my lunch to work three times this past week and carried coffee 4 days in my thermos made with the new coffee press Mr. HB gave me. It was nice and I’m starting to really think about how I could have ever spent $4.35 on a cup of coffee 2 or 3 times a day in the first place. Not to mention the Diet Cokes… man they have gotten expensive out and about, with some places charging $2.25.
Slowly, I think I am getting a handle on this but still have a long ways to go. Next week Ms. Mavis is weaning me a little by allowing me to go grocery shopping all by myself! LOL, but I have to say I am a little nervous. Keep your figures crossed!
~Mrs. Hillbilly
Sarah B. says
she cut up her Target debit card ??? 🙁 🙁 Does she realize that isn’t a credit card? and it has a lot of benefits?
Lori says
I agree! I save a ton of money with my Target credit card, though mine is credit and not debit, but I pay it off as soon as I use it.
Mrs Hb says
I understand but for me right now it’s a slippery slope.
Carolyn says
That’s awesome that you can recognize your money traps…..I often hear Dave Ramsey quote “Personal Finance is 80% behavior and 20% knowledge”. Even things that “save” us money might end up costing us more in the long run! Way to go!
Sarah B. says
I can understand that. I definitely have the mindset of “oooh It’s an extra 5% off so I can buy that..”
Tracy says
You are doing amazing! And have inspired me to think more about those little things that add up. Way to go!!!!!
Patricia says
That’s my go to card. I deposit money in a special account just to use at Target. Get great prices on sale items and cartwheels.
Laura says
Woo hoo Ms. HB!! Great job this week. I will suggest McDonald’s for a cheap Diet Coke fix. $1 any size, with refills, and a potty to boot!! Lol. When I first started couponing that was one of my splurges to myself. I reasoned that it was only a dollar, so not a huge splurge, but I love Diet Coke (used to be a marketer for Coca Cola) and I am aware that McD is one of the few chains (Chipotle is another because it used to be owned by McD) that uses the proper ratio of syrup to carbonated water. So, it just tastes better!
Keep it in mind when you want a soda. A McD is usually nearby for a better (and cheaper) experience!
Mrs Hb says
I have a friend that lives and dies by the availability of McDs DCoke. I will remember the ratio thing great intell!
Emily B. says
I am convinced that McD’s puts crack in their diet coke. There is NOTHING like it. The amount of syrup to fizz, and the perfect size straw. It’s the little things. 🙂
Ali says
Oh well done Mrs HB!! You’ll be just fine shopping on your own 🙂
Gwenn says
You GO GIRL! 🙂
Tamara says
Fantastic, Mrs. HB! You and your family are doing great! Keep on keeping on!
Christine says
Hi Mrs HB. I really love this kind of stuff (people getting financially empowered), so I wanted to add a couple of ideas, I hope they are helpful. If not please ignore. About the diet Coke thing, I wondered if you had ever considered getting a sodastream? It is my favourite thing that I use every day, along with my Nespresso. I don’t add flavouring to my water but it is easy to add a slice of lemon or lime, or to make your own fruit flavourings at home if you don’t like plain water. I just like the bubbles. (and saving money, used to buy Perrier). Also sugar substitutes are really unhealthy, I know not everyone agrees on that, but I try to stay away. The other tip is if you are buying chicken or beef stock, you can buy the bouillon powder and reconstitute it with water. Those cartons of stock are such a rip off. You are doing a great job, and the end results will be so worthwhile!
Carrie says
Making homemade broth is also super easy. I save the scraps from onions, carrots and celery in a ziploc in the freezer and when I buy a rotisserie chicken I throw the bones, veggie scraps and bay leaf in the crockpot and fill with water. Let cook on high for 10 hours (or over night) and then stain the broth. I freeze most in 1 or 2 cup portions. It’s a great way to turn trash into something useful and so much tastier than the box!
Mrs Hb says
Great idea plus far less
Sodium ! Thanks
Lindsey says
If you bake the bones until they are brown, before throwing them into the pot to boil, the broth will taste richer. You will also leech more out of the bones if you throw a few tablespoons of vinegar into the water as you start boiling the bones. If the end product is too feeble tasting, keep boiling it down to reduce it and the taste will get stronger.
Lace Faerie says
Wash eggshells and throw a few in your bone broth pot along with meat bones and veggie parings. Adding a dollop of organic ACV with help leach calcium and other minerals out of the bones making your end product more nutritiuous.
Carrie says
Just make sure to add salt to whatever you are making. I made a really bland chicken and rice soup once. Oops! 😉
Caro!e says
I do this too! I really love the fact that basically this yummy stock is FREE!!
Ms. HB great job, keep going and please keep us all posted. Enjoy your stories
E in Upstate NY says
Add a tablespoon or so of vinegar to your stock making water. Won’t be tasted, but will help leach out all the good stuff from the bones and make even healthier and taste broth.
Mrs Hb says
We did have a soda stream and honestly didn’t like it . Ended up donating it to Good Will … another waste of money for me , though I know a lot of people love it .
Heidi says
Every single time I go to Goodwill there is a SodaStream there so it wouldn’t cost much to try it. You can even do the frugalwoods hack of buying a CO2 tank to use on their SodaStream
ALysonRR says
When I feel like shopping therapy (ie., buying something just to feel better), I go to Goodwill and buy something. I might give it away again (like a sodastream? though actually it’s something we wanted to try – thanks for the idea) but it’s something new, which can be fun.
Linda says
Mrs HB, I am so proud of you! Learning new habits is hard work & you’re doing great! I love these posts and am cheering you on! I get that unexpected expenses make you feel like you take two steps forward only “to not pass go, not collect $200 and go directly to jail.” One suggestion: keep a notebook where you note these unexpected expenses each month so that next year you can expect them and put them in your budget?
Your dog is so sweet looking!
Amy says
Great idea, Linda! I often forget about yearly “nickel-and-dime” expenses that throw my budget off…thank you! 🙂
Teckla says
This is a great idea! Similar to what I was thinking, only better expressed. Sometimes, like the Boy Scout expense, we just don’t think about them as real expenses because they only come along once a year, but as long as the kids are involved in any activities, they should be included in our budgets. It’s so easy (for me anyway) to forget that they are going to pop up if I don’t have them written down and accounted for. It took me a couple years to get my budget fine tuned when I actually started keeping “real” track of where the money was going–estimating and guessing weren’t doing the job. And this year my goal is keeping track of every single receipt and my “petty cash” which I was going through like water before and no idea where. That’s mostly my personal spend any way I like money, but it’s down from $100 a month to $50 and I’m spending all of that only a few months out of the year. Amazing what just awareness can do! So keep up the good work. You are learning quickly and doing well, even though you have had a few discouraging bumps. You are succeeding!! You are blessed because Mavis is an excellent guide.
Teresa says
Mrs. HB you are an inspiration! I love following your progress each week. A long time ago a financial planner and I had a conversation about how to spread my money. He suggested a ‘go to hell’ account. When things ‘go to hell’ you have money to cover it. I keep $1,000 in mine. It’s not savings, it’s not checking. Car repair…house repair… that’s what it’s for. If I pull from it I make ‘deposits’ monthly until I’m back to the $1,000 mark. It’s piece of mind for me, I can handle most anything with my ‘go to hell’ account. Something for you to think about anyway. Keep up the good work.
Mrs Hb says
Great idea it’s just getting that up and running 🙂
Cecile says
Why not deposit what you have left each week from your grocery budget into this acct? You are doing a great job cutting corners to cut expenses that the funds should grow rapidly! This may sound harsh but when my kids decided the wanted to do activities that cost a fortune to participate in, they had to contribute. It meant asking G-parents to contribute funds for trips via birthday gifts and Christmas presents to which they had to put half in the bank and do what they please with the rest. One child would divide the remainder into spend and save, the other saved all of it to put towards goals. It helps them to realize you have to budget and decide what is important pretty early…great thing to know when you go off to university!
christym says
GREAT JOB MRS. HILLBILLY!
cristy says
I hate to be a downer, but from a from a credit score stand point — closing those accounts could cost her score big time. I know she said she had 1 still open, but highest credit scores are achieved when you have 5 credit accounts (1 mtge, 2 installment, 3 revolving) open with 10+ years of history rating. Once you close those account — its like they disappear from your score and never existed. I work in mortgages and see it all the time with people who think that they are helping their scores because they closed the account. When its really the opposite and the more credit you have available — and don’t use — actually improves your score. I know there are changes coming to the credit scoring system, so hopefully this wont impact Mrs. HB for long.
Amber says
I disagree. We have no debt except our house. We are a cash only family. We’ve not used credit cards in 15 years. My credit score is 810. Cut up all credit cards and yes target to. A great deals not a deal if you don’t have the cash for it.
Mavis Butterfield says
I agree. It’s not a deal if you cannot pay for it outright.
Marcia says
Same here. Our credit scores are pretty close to 850. We have a mortgage and 2 credit cards that we pay off every m onth.
NormalSaver says
We have 1 credit card (paid off each month) and 1 mortgage. Our credit score is between 845-850 every month. I am curious how it costs $250 to repair a vacuum?!
Sara says
My hubby and I tour ours apart and fixed it ourselves. We figure if we cant fix it then the repair man will have to. If it is a dyson that is what it will cost. Girl at work paid this. Crazy
Heidi says
I was wondering about the $250 vacuum fix also. I sell used vacuum parts on eBay and they always sell well for people who want to DIY it.
DebbieB says
I loved my Dyson and felt that I had made a good purchase due to it’s supposedly great 5 year warranty. So it stopped working after two years and when I took it to an authorized repair shop they said the motor was shot and it would cost about $260 to repair and was not covered under the warranty. The warranty said it would not cover the motor if used for something other than normal vacuuming. I live in a condo with wall to wall carpeting! Can you say RIP OFF? Went out and bought a Shark and threw the Dyson in the dumpster!
Brianna says
Congrats on freeing up the credit card slots in your wallet! How liberating! Replace those slots with pictures of things that make you happy as a reminder of your success. I hope that you and Mr. HB didn’t argue about your squirreling retail credit cards away in earshot of your children, but if you did please use it as an opportunity to teach them a lesson from your mistakes. Let them know that every time they go to retail stores the cashiers are trained to ask, “Would you like to save an additional 5% on your purchase today.” Most people hear the word “save” or other perks and take the bait and sooner than later those cards breed and multiply from every retailer you go too. Even if they don’t carry a balance, it can still negatively impact a credit report. If they do carry a balance, the $20 here and there quickly adds up to massive debt. I hate that this retail practice in America is legal. Saving because you used a particular stores own credit card is not really ‘saving’ in a positive manner. It’s impact is more as it carries mental weight, forces you to shop a particular merchant, dings a credit report with an inquiry and another open account, and fosters the idea to accumulate debt on credit you don’t need because you shopped just fine before at that merchant without their exclusive credit card.
I love your Range!
bobbi dougherty says
you can do this! It won’t happen overnight! Takes time. You are doing great! Congrats on cutting up the cards, something I have yet to do, but soon…
Mary Elizabeth Tait says
Wow! I am so impressed with your progress. And being honest is always best! I’m looking forward to your adventures next week. Tait
Tammy says
Good for you on cutting up the credit, cleaning up your debt, and opening up to your husband about it!!! That must have been hard!
I love what you’re doing! Keep up the good work!
Helen in Meridian says
You are doing really well. I see you discovered the $1 shelf at Fred Meyer where you got your peppers. I always look there. Yesterday’s paper had their 2# of mini peppers down to $3.99. They had been $7.99, and Costco is like $5.99 and only 1# or something, so $3.99 was a great deal. They would be good portable snacks or lunch nibbles. You really are thinking about everything and doing great.
Deborah says
I’m sorry, but this is funny to me. I have only one credit card, and it’s a prepaid card for Internet purchases. Well, actually, it’s a debit card. Refillable. I do carry my bank debit card, but rarely use it. I think I may have a credit card in my wallet, but, never use it either. I have no idea how much we spend at the grocery store other than too much. Hubby usually goes and he buys way too much. We do have some items in stock for emergencies, but he keeps buying too much.
Rebecca in MD says
My husband is also the worst grocery shopper. On the one hand I love when he goes and helps me out, but he doesn’t look at prices at all. The other day he picked up a dozen eggs for $3.99! I never pay more than $2. So, I find it is better if I do the grocery shopping………..
Marcia says
I can beat that. I sent my husband to the store for Mozzarella because he was going to make lasagna. I save my receipts and enter them once a week.
I had to text him a few days later: $8 for a pound of shredded cheese. You’re fired.
Lace Faerie says
LOL! Exactly! My bi-weekly shopping trips are often extensive/diverse and I try really really hard to keep HH from stopping at the store for those $20 loaves of bread ($2 bread, $18 on snacks and calorie laden beverages)!!
PEGGY says
Wow, great job!
Marilyn Y. says
Living within one’s means is easier said than done. Even with no more mortgage payments, I still have trouble keeping my budget. Mavis and Mrs. HB have been such an inspiration to me in that we are all trying to respect our God-given resources. Thanks to everyone for your supportive replies. I love our community of sharing. With 1.5 feet on the ground of new snow here in Western Washington, I’m so ready for spring to be here. Carry on ladies!
Bobbi says
Hi Ms. HB! I never comment on Mavis’ blog, but I absolutely had to comment on how much I really enjoy this series. It can be so difficult as a mom to put in the time to make things from scratch and closely monitor your budget. I struggle daily with it, and some days I just give up and grab a pizza on the way home. Its all about progress, not perfection. You are doing great! It took me five years and my husband physically taking my credit cards and forcing me to look at our credit report before I realized how out of control my spending was. We are still paying off that credit card debt, but things are so much better! Give yourself grace. There IS always something! But that’s okay. Its all about moving forward. Don’t give up!! 🙂
gina says
My favorite posts….Mrs HB!
We can all learn to take baby steps.
“Mavis” is such a friend. I love her dedication. I can tell how genuine her desire to help is.
Maybe next she’ll have you rounding up old Marshall purchases for a garage sale!
You guys are like Ethel and Lucy! Great fun to watch!
Stacey says
Thank you for being brave and showing us all of this. This kind of thing motivates me more than anything and I am grateful!!!
mrs. C. says
I am completely distracted by that adorable dog. Who is that, Mrs. HB?
Stacey says
You’re doing great, Mrs. HB, keep it up!
Rebecca in MD says
Congratulations on getting rid of the credit cards, Mrs. HB! That is going to help you tremendously in your financial goals. I, too, keep one credit card. I use it for my groceries and gas and it earns cash back. I always, always pay it in full at the end of the month.
Your range is gorgeous! What kind is it?
DebbieM says
I’m so excited for you Mrs. HB and love reading your posts!! Lots of credit to your husband too for being forgiving and supportive (after the initial surprise of the cards). He sounds like a great guy. We paid off credit cards, student loans and cars over a 5 year time-frame. Now it’s been 2 years and it feels so good to be free of that burden that I don’t want to spend in the same way. It definitely changes your frame of mind! You are doing so well – I’m cheering for the day you get to start bulking up your emergency account. It will totally be worth all the amazing work you are doing now. Also LOVE that your son has started to learn by your example! That is just so awesome!! The can idea is clever!
Melissa M. says
Bless You, Mrs. HB! I am really enjoying your posts and watching your progress!
Sara says
Oh to diet coke or not…….I will but at Mickey D’s. 1.00. I have so enjoyed your tale. I too am trying to cut cost. I have cc (I tend to use the excuse I am trying to build credit) They will be paid off in full in March. Mrs H you are the bomb.com. I would love it if you post your recipes. Maybe Mavis will show you how to blog…..just a thought
Beth says
Mrs. HB and Mavis, I am loving this series as well. I can so relate to your journey and I too am working on reducing my spending (especially at grocery stores and restaurants). Last year was a very expensive year because we unexpectedly had to invest a lot of money in our rental house and our daughter started college at a private college so of course that is an ongoing expense. I am trying to control what I can control- and groceries and eating out are definitely controllable. Also now that we are pretty much empty nesters, I am working on learning how to cook so we don’t have waste- this has always been a challenge for me but is even trickier now.
Mrs.HB, you are doing great- I’m still trying to figure out how much is a reasonable grocery budget for the two of us. Seeing your reusable K-cup reminded me that I need to try to do that again- I bought a big box of Hawaiian coffee k cups at Costco in December and I’m still working off of that but I know using a reusable k cup with coffee from Winco would be cheaper still.
Keep up the great work and again, I love this series!
Lace Faerie says
I, too, want to add my thanks for sharing your budget adventure with us! You are brave and well-appreciated!! Keep up the good work!
Helen in Meridian says
Mrs. HB, I want to commend you for volunteering with both the Boy Scouts and 4-H. With your work and busy family, I know it must be hard. I am sure that it is easier to eat out than pack snacks and sandwiches for the ball park, 4-H and Scouts, but you are thinking and planning ahead. Good for you. We are all cheering you Onward Girl.
Tracie H says
Congratulations Mrs. HB!! I am loving following you on this series.
Tracy L. says
I’m so impressed and amazed how fast you’ve gone from wanting to shop to wanting to cut up your credit cards!!!! I’ve read all the comments, and really would like an answer on if it does hurt your credit to cancel them. I’ve heard both schools of thought. I also am a HUGE fan of this series and appreciate your honesty and sharing your journey. Thank you Mrs. HB & Mavis.
Mrs HB says
I honestly don’t know but Mavis has a a segment for which she answers questions . I will ask her to research this because there have been soooo many comments on it . Thanks for following me it really helps to get it all out there .
Jillian says
I think your doing great!! I’m so impressed at how far you’ve come in a short time!! Great tip about the Mcdonalds diet coke too! Their bathrooms are usually pretty clean too!
tc says
well done Mrs. HB, you can do it one step at a time. I wish we had a Fred Meyer near us but we don’t so I do Von’s and Trader Joes, I never spend full price on anything at Vons I first go look at the 50% of meat section to see if there is anything I like, then to the fresh fish section for the same. With Ahi TUna at $29 lb I will not buy it unless 50% off and then only once in a while for real treat. Then I go look at the 50% off loss leader shelf, there is usually something I use at least once a week and if I don’t use it regularly I don’t buy it but if like 3 weeks ago furniture polish and other cleaners were on there I stocked up. I check their $5 friday specials, our treat is to have an 8 piece fried chicken dinner with cheap champagne (I buy six at a time when 30% off then I get an extra 10% for the six), keeps us going until the next 30% of sale comes along. Then I go shopping for what else is on my list but if not on sale I go without. I also look for the extra gas point reward specials, this next fill up in Hubby’s SUV we will save 90c a gallon because of wise shopping
I too cannot take my hubby or send him alone, he never looks at prices, goes around picking things up that he thinks might be nice but break my budget. He can afford it but I was bought up to save and scrimp, make do and mend and I can’t get out of that habit. I keep telling him what I save us at the grocery store gives us more money to splurge on our holidays
It is great to see that there are so many of us out there doing the same thing it gives me hope for our world of over consumerism