“It’s only a dollar,” most people say when they spend it. But a dollar here and there amounts to many dollars. You can all do the math. Mark and I are frugal beings. We save a dollar here when checking our supermarket receipts and challenging mistakes. We save a dollar there not buying a treat. We save several dollars by looking at GasBuddy to find the cheapest diesel in our area. Being conscious about our spending habits “saves” hundreds if not thousands of dollars a year. We say “Nope, let’s not buy that grill for our camper yet” until it drops in price and we convince ourselves “We don’t need more stuff.”
Other times, we agree we shouldn’t go out for dinner or join people to have a beer at a bar. These outings are expensive; we can eat and drink for much less at home. Often, we promise ourselves we’d use the money we didn’t spend on splurge A for splurge B another day. That day, of course, never arrives. This is our way of life – whether we like it or not, it allows us to stretch the money we have.
One of these months I hope to write a more detailed blog post about how we manage to make our money last and offer tips of how we stay on a tight budget, but today I wanted to share a few examples of how one dollar can be “stretched”. It’s only a dollar, but it can mean so much more.
Recently, one dollar gave us:
- The privilege of walking through an outdoor art garden in East Jesus, CA.
- A 4-minute shower for both of us, taking turns under the hot water in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park campground, CA (The same hot shower only costs $0.50 in Katherine Landing, AZ. 😊)
- One minute of drying time at a laundromat, taking care of one load of washed clothes.
- Two mason jars used as glasses in Zesty, our camper. They were bought in a thrift store.
- One box of healthy crackers from the Dollar Store. (Full disclosure: 8 cents of tax was added.)
- Two new bolts from Ace Hardware to keep our generator exhaust in place.
Where you grocery shop makes a huge difference in the budget as well. Ever since we discovered the Mexican supermarket El Super in Albuquerque, NM last year, we check the cities we drive through to see whether there’s one around. We found several in Phoenix, AZ. For $1 each this month, you could buy – among other things – three bunches of radishes, three pounds of carrots, and three pounds of plumb tomatoes. Where else can you get these deals?
And then there is the value of free, of course:
- Boondocking (camping without facilities) in the California desert.
- Free camping everywhere we go.
- Soaking in hot springs at a palm oasis.
- Watching millions of stars through our hatch above the bed.
- Hiking in nature.
- Gazing at art on a walk in Borrego Springs. (I mentioned some of these metal statues here before.)
- Going for a bike ride.
- Taking in the colorful painted scenes of Salvation Mountain.
Do you think before you spend a dollar, or does spending it come easy? Any other $1 examples?
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March 27, 2019 at 19:10
Interesting post, Liesbet. Years ago I read an article by Suze Orman (a financial advisor) that really made me think. This article was on the concept of money and finances in general. It basically emphasized the concept of don’t be wasteful as a key to money management. You and your husband walk the talk on how to be frugal. You give great examples. You also remind me of $1.49 day, a very popular day on the West Coast of Canada many years ago. People would wait for this day to do their monthly shopping of everything. Also, Peta, your “free” list is priceless…..nature, stars, art. I am partial to the hot springs. 😊
March 27, 2019 at 21:58
That $1.49 day in Western Canada sounds interesting to me. Why was it called that? Were some items on sale for this price? When I first started reading your sentence, I thought you were going to say that on this day, people would do their best to only spend $1.49. 🙂
Mark and I used to cheer in the past when we had a “free” day, but we have stopped that habit as it all evens out at the end of the month anyway. Instead, we congratulate ourselves when we have a relatively cheap month.
We LOVE our free activities. Mother Earth is such a wonderful provider of entertainment and enjoyment! I hope to do a quick post about the hot springs one of these weeks. They looked better than they felt! 🙂
March 28, 2019 at 07:29
Thanks for reading Liesbet. $1.49 day seemed to be a big deal from my perspective as a child. I don’t know whether it was mostly at a department store called Woodward’s. This store also had a large grocery store. Likely some of the items were loss leaders. I love hot springs (or some of our recent travels call them geothermal springs). Sounds like there is a story behind your hot springs. 🙂
March 31, 2019 at 12:00
The story about the “hot” springs just got posted, Erica. You encouraged me to post that blog first. 🙂
Thanks for the $1.49 explanations. What we have found in many grocery stores is that they have a couple of carts, or spots in the racks, with discounted prices for nice food items, that are not necessarily expiring.
March 31, 2019 at 13:19
Looking forward to reading your new post, Liesbet🙂
March 27, 2019 at 20:53
Hi Liesbet! I consider myself fairly frugal but I don’t hold a candle to you and Mark. I so admire your willingness to share with us how to do it because I think it is such a great example AND reminder that we can all do more as well. Maybe I’ll never be as frugal as you both, but I know that it possible to not only have a good life, but a great life as well. After all, the best things in life don’t even cost a dollar do they? ~Kathy
March 27, 2019 at 22:05
Hi Kathy!
You and Thom are perfect examples of how to live a conscious and great life all around – especially when it comes to finances, your relationship, the environment, health decisions and finding a balance in most aspects of your lives.
Of course, I love your quote about the best things in life being free. They sure are! 🙂
March 27, 2019 at 22:36
Unfortunately here in NZ the cost of vegetables and fruit are much higher than many other developed countries. We need more competition within our supermarket chains!!. I love frequenting local markets though they do tend to be more expensive yet again!!
Absolutely correct Liesbet the best things in life are free 🙂 Life is much easier when you have a creative mind to view beyond what is obvious.
March 31, 2019 at 11:44
The local markets and farmer markets with fresh (organic) produce are, indeed, the best, Suzanne. Unfortunately, we can’t afford to shop there. When I was in New Zealand in 2014, I noticed how it had gotten much more expensive than fifteen years prior. Yes, more competition would be good! I really like your expression “Life is much easier when you have a creative mind to view beyond what is obvious.” But, I have to add that it is sometimes easier, especially mentally, but it’s often more challenging as well. Luckily, it’s worth it! 🙂
March 28, 2019 at 00:50
I am full of admiration Liesbet. I love all the egs you give. We are reasonably frugal, but have a long way to go to get to your level. I am too tempted by just ‘drinking a coffee’ everywhere we go. I love sitting on a terrace and watching the world go by.
March 31, 2019 at 11:45
Aha, that coffee splurge! I have heard that before. 🙂 Lots of savings to be had with that one, as it certainly adds up. Then again, what’s life worth without a bit of splurging once in a while, right?
March 28, 2019 at 02:29
The only thing I wonder about in your examples is not meeting friends for a beer. Maybe friendship is worth an extra few dollars?
March 31, 2019 at 11:52
Good point, Anabel. Friendship is worth more than a few extra dollars, for sure. When we house sit and we have friends visit, we usually cook one meal and have drinks at home the first evening and go out the second one, or vice versa. We enjoy going out with friends once in a while. When we are in our camper, we’d rather be settled somewhere and have drinks together at a campsite, theirs or ours. It keeps us from having to drive at night and find another site (or leave belongings to keep the site) and we’d rather share store-bought drinks than pay up to $9 for one beer or one glass of wine. That being said, we do occasionally join new-made friends to a bar or restaurant. 🙂
March 28, 2019 at 04:37
We’re certainly not that frugal although we both know where to shop for the best price. But if we need it or want it, we get it. (And no, we aren’t in debt – the only monthly payment we make is our mortgage and that’s coming in for a landing in a couple years.) However, you have riches in other ways, such as seeing so much of this country.
And one dollar will get you a stamp and a postcard stamp. I think…
March 31, 2019 at 11:56
Not being in debt is certainly step number 1 for a cost-conscious life, Alex. And, knowing where to shop for the best price saves a lot of money as well. It sounds like you are doing great! 🙂 As far as buying what we want, that’s the advantage of living in a western society and working hard for our money. While I know that the price for stamps has gone up, you might be right we can still buy two stamps for $1.
March 28, 2019 at 05:02
I sure hope one day you and Mark will write a book on how to make a dollar stretch. You are certainly pros! I consider myself to be kind of a tightwad, but not when it comes to my 401K contributions! I loved your photos!
March 31, 2019 at 11:58
Hi Jill! You seem to have the right priorities! Mark has been putting money into his 401K forever as well. Good thing. 🙂
About that book… who knows? So many stories and experiences to share, so little time. The biggest problem is that if I focus on the writing, I can’t do the (alternative) living.
March 28, 2019 at 07:44
Your discipline is admirable. I am quite frugal in some ways (and my husband even more so), but not so much in others. For me, it’s a balancing act (like so much in life!), but we do try to be good stewards of our money and, at the same time, our environment, and it’s nice that those things go hand-in-hand a lot of the time.
March 31, 2019 at 12:07
I love how you use the term “good stewards” of money and the environment, Lexie. Yes, sometimes, they go hand-in-hand. The less resources we use, the less we have to pay (for them). The less garbage we produce, the less bags we have to pay and garbage we have to haul… Yet, buying organic food or more environmentally friendly items often cost more.
You are so right that the expense thing is a balancing act, because we need to make sure our lives are comfortable and pleasant as well, of course. And, a splurge here and there does make us happy. 🙂
March 28, 2019 at 09:24
Great posting. You and Mark are awesome in how you “save a dollar”. Now I’m more delighted than before that you joined Charlie, Sharon, Ed and I at lunch in Anza Borrego. Missing you guys!!!!
March 31, 2019 at 12:10
Hi Fran! Welcome on the blog and thanks for leaving a comment. Funny thing about going out to lunch with you guys is that it was actually our only “eating out” expense of the entire month. If we would have known that ahead of time, we might have ordered a dish each. 🙂 Missing the three of you as well.
PS: You are featured in my last blog I posted today.
March 28, 2019 at 17:42
Hi, Liesbet – I join the other commenters in greatly admiring your way with money. You are absolutely right, Mother Earth is such a wonderful provider of entertainment and enjoyment! When I think of my happiness moments, money usually was not involved (at least not directly) 🙂
March 31, 2019 at 12:11
What a wonderful thing, Donna, that most of your happy moments involved things (or people) that are free, yet priceless. Keep it up! 🙂
March 28, 2019 at 18:07
Whenever we are with friends I often find my self in the position of – I’ll splurge now and save later. But of course the saving later doesn’t really come – or if it does it doesn’t really compare to the splurge — Except last night. We were given free concert tickets. I thought we might make a night of it and eat out (since we had the free tickets) but then we were treated to lunch and our lunches were so extremely huge we had enough left over for dinner. The concert was an hour and a half away – my friends offered to loan us their car but instead we took the van since there was a Walmart near by we could stay at. We ended up eating our leftovers and having a few beers in the van before the show. We might have treated ourselves to some beers at the show but they were $10 a piece! At intermission we went back out to the van for another beer before the headlining act. It was a totally free night except for the gas to get there.
Here is my contribution to what $1 buys us – pretzels. They are $1.98 a bag at Walmart but Kroger (or Frys) sells them for 99¢ a bag. This saves us a ton of money at the rate Greg loves to snack.
March 31, 2019 at 12:16
What a great example about a free evening, Duwan! Hurrah for our camper vans, right? Having a fun night and doing it on the cheap scores high in my book. When we go to festivals, we often do the same thing, eat or drink before, or if possible, between, if not afterwards, in our van. Sometimes, we manage to “smuggle” a few drinks in. $10 for a beer is insane! My “trick” usually is to bring some run in a container and buy a sodas or juice at the festival to mix them. A win-win situation. 🙂
When we have a busy month with friends in combination with going out, we are extra careful not to go out just the two of us for a while.
We will have to check out your famous pretzels! That certainly is a good find, especially since it’s one of Greg’s (and yours) favorite snacks. Thanks for sharing them with us!
March 28, 2019 at 22:45
Hi Liesbet,
While I know we are not as frugal as you two, we are at least careful. My mother used to say if you take care of the pennies the dollars will take care of themselves. Wise words. Now that we are retired and on roughly 1/2 our previous income we are thinking harder about spreading our dollars than ever before.
March 31, 2019 at 12:19
I guess retirement is a good time to re-evaluate spending habits. I didn’t quite realize that. But, that age comes with more wisdom, so maybe the two go hand-in-hand. 🙂 I love your mom’s quote “If you take care of the pennies the dollars will take care of themselves.” I had not heard this before. I think the previous generations of people were automatically more careful with their wages and money.
March 29, 2019 at 14:04
Liesbet, we are mindful of our spending. Particularly now that we are retired, we like having value for money. So much of the things we enjoy are free like hiking, enjoying the sunshine, nature, being with friends and family. But if we do have to spend money we spend it, since life is too short and we can’t take it with us when we depart this world. I admire your commitment to live a frugal life and enjoy the life you have created for yourselves😄
March 31, 2019 at 12:23
Gilda, your words are very wise and powerful! They hit the nail right on the head. From the free activities to the controlled spending habits. As long as it’s all done in a conscious manner, it’s all good! And, you are right, life is to short and we can’t take it with us.
I often think we should splurge ourselves a bit more, and I am even trying to. Yet, the last time I had the wonderful idea to go out to breakfast together, something we very rarely do, it didn’t work out and we ended up eating our usual bowl of cereal with a cup of tea and a banana back at the van!
March 31, 2019 at 05:51
It reminds me very much of the saying “Look after the pennies, and the pounds will look after theirselves.” Have you heard that saying, Liesbet? I’ve always found it very true and am always looking for bargains. Here the UK, summer clothes go on sale in June, and winter clothes go on sale in December. It may seem very strange to do it that way, but if you’re prepared to wait, then you’ll get yourself a bargain.
March 31, 2019 at 12:27
Hi Hugh! That’s a great expression! I hadn’t heard of it until someone else (Nancy) in this comment section mentioned it. Words to stand by. Of course, these days, rarely anyone thinks about pennies anymore. 🙂 I do believe previous generations were more frugal – westerners these days are quite spoiled.
If I were to buy clothes and lived in a normal house, I’d attempt to do it during sales periods as well. Our clothes seem to last forever, though. And, we don’t have many. This means that if and when something is worn out or (too) heavily stained, we pretty much need a replacement soon. Thrift stores come in handy then. Or, Amazon/eBay shopping.
March 31, 2019 at 10:01
I am always amazed at what a dollar can still buy, Liesbet! I spend more money than I should, but do love a sale or a fabulous deal. Of course, Hans spent much of his life looking for deals and knows a great bargain when he sees one. For large purchases, it’s always smart to wait and do some research, read product reviews, etc. Lovely pics as always!
March 31, 2019 at 12:30
Hi Terri! You two seem to be pros in the shopping department as well. Research does often do the trick for us, when it comes to buying things online. Sticking to generic brands and sales items works in the grocery stores.
I’m glad you liked the photos. I’m so behind with what we’ve been doing these last two months… Be sure to check out my upcoming Arizona posts! You’ve been on my mind. 🙂
March 31, 2019 at 19:27
Liesbet, thanks for a thought-provoking post.
I switch back and forth between counting pennies and a living in abundance attitude. Having counted pennies from necessity for so long, it sometimes feels good to be a bit ‘wasteful’ – within reason, of course. Dollar stores and second hand stores are great for saving pennies.
-Janet
April 1, 2019 at 21:11
Hi Janet! I can totally imagine that it feels nice to be able to spend s bit more these days – and not only buying the absolute necessities – especially when coming from a different place. In our situation, it’s more a choice than pure necessity to be frugal. We could spend more money, but then we’d have to find “real” jobs again real soon! 🙂
One day, maybe if I ever retire, I hope to not have to be so careful and splurge a bit more. But, like you said, within reason!
April 1, 2019 at 18:49
Great post Liesbet, and some great cheap ideas too. I’m like you, I alwayssssss scan my receipts for errors in the supermarket, where more often than not, I find something in error. I do like to shop, but I always look for the best price. And if I don’t need it but love it, it must be on sale for me to buy it. 🙂
April 1, 2019 at 21:29
It certainly sounds like we are on the same page about frugality, Debbie! From your blogs I know you are a conscientious shopper, but I didn’t know (or forgot) you scan the receipts every time as well. No taking advantage of us ladies!
April 2, 2019 at 09:35
Fact. My theory is what I save I can spend on something else Lol 😉
April 2, 2019 at 11:41
Perfect theory, Debby. We say that often as well, but the “something else” never happens. 🙂
April 3, 2019 at 01:46
Wrong time to ask me. My spending habits aren’t the best lately. I’m not living beyond my means, but I really need to start saving more.
I’ve lived in poverty, where the change I found between my couch cushions meant the difference between dinner and going without. I never want to go back there.
April 4, 2019 at 09:33
You are such a busy bee, JH, that I totally understand why your priorities lie elsewhere now. It’s hard to imagine for me what being poor really means. Sorry to read about these worse times in your life. Good we have a choice now in where, how, and when we spend our money!
April 3, 2019 at 14:59
I’m generally careful with money, but there aren’t many things available around here for a dollar or less. You can’t even mail a letter for that. But every now and then the farmer’s market near us has apples for $1 a pound. Now that you’ve made me think of it, I’ll keep my eyes open! 🙂
April 4, 2019 at 15:27
Hi Diane! Being careful with money is the first step to being a good budgetter! I should probably know this, but I don’t or I forgot, but which country are you living in? $1 for a pound of apples at the farmers market sure isn’t bad. But, if it wouldn’t be for some “discount stores” in the US, our grocery bill would be MUCH higher.
April 5, 2019 at 11:04
We’re on Vancouver Island, in British Columbia, Canada. Groceries are generally very expensive here, and $1 a pound for apples is an amazing price. Usually they’re in the $2 to $3 range. Meat of any kind is almost never less than $17/lb, and a litre of milk costs around $2.50.
April 6, 2019 at 21:44
I guess it “pays” to be a vegetarian on Vancouver Island. 🙂 And, wow, milk is indeed very expensive! My husband and I actually traveled on your island for a month last September. We stocked up in the US before we hopped over though, so paying higher prices for the few necessities we purchased didn’t hurt too much.
April 6, 2019 at 13:03
Liesbet, I spent seven years living below the poverty line when I was in my early twenties. By necessity, I had to be very frugal, and eating out was rarely an option. Although now I am financially comfortable, many of those old frugal habits are still with me. However, as the saying goes, you can’t take it with you, so now I am way more likely to spend money on experiences like travel, good restaurants, gifts for my loved ones, handmade crafts and art, and good quality items (e.g., art equipment, computer, local produce). I also can afford to donate to worthy causes.
Jude
April 9, 2019 at 20:45
Great article…as a single Mom, I really had to watch my money carefully. One thing I remember doing with my boys was to have a “Salad Bar Night” at home. We would chop up all kinds of things and put them in line on the table. Everyone felt like they had choices and we had tons of fun. We didn’t miss going out at all. We also would invite all their friends over for movie nite (my cost $1 rental fee) and encouraged a “candy donation” to be shared. I would provide the popcorn and Kool-aid. The kids (now 34 and 39 years old), still have great memories of our Movie Premiers. Money has nothing to do with having a great time in my humble opinion.
April 10, 2019 at 15:48
Hi LJ! Thanks for swinging by and leaving a comment. Those are some great examples of having a wonderful and fun time “on the cheap”. I love them, especially the “salad buffet”. What an original idea and yet so special.
I find that one becomes more creative and enjoys the small pleasures of life better when being careful with money. By choice or by necessity, we find richness is so many other things – unrelated to a high cost – and the most important parts of our life are free, like family, friends, and being in nature. I totally agree that money has nothing to do with having a great time. Affordable options to do so abound!
June 29, 2020 at 08:37
Liesbet, I love this post! Your creative frugality is an inspiration. I need to find these El Super supermarkets – they sound like my kind of place. James and I were always very money conscious as kids thanks to our thrifty, hardworking parents. And when we started working for ourselves we truly learned the value of a dollar – realizing that money we didn’t SPEND was money we didn’t have to EARN. That was lifechanging! 🙂 Thanks for your valuable reminder about the value of a dollar. ~Terri
June 30, 2020 at 16:26
Hi Terri!
Thank you for reading this “archive” post; it makes me happy to learn that you’re inspired by it. At the moment, we miss “our” El Super grocery stores. Luckily, there are decent alternatives on the West Coast (Grocery Outlet) and the East Coast (Aldi). Trader Joe’s also carries a few products that satisfy us and Super Walmarts offer decent prices most of the time. But, we’d pick an El Super any time. 🙂
You sure hit the nail on the head with your realization of “money we didn’t SPEND was money we didn’t have to EARN” One of the sentences I post each month when reporting our monthly expenses is “The less you spend, the less you need to make.” We truly live by that statement; it makes life much easier and more enjoyable to work less!