Is anyone else out there feeling this inflation?

Finish Projects

I decided to put myself on a financial  diet and really think about every purchase I make.  I am also going to work with what I have.  Perhaps I will work on some of my projects around the home that I haven't had a chance to tackle.  You know those unfinished projects. Like my pantry, back yard, jewelry box and more.  I can even make simple in-expensive home updates.  Do you make lists?  I find them a helpful way to stay focused on projects I am working on like my pantry below.

Entertain At Home More

I find myself inviting friends over and doing more "lunches" at my home rather than eating out.  I have found a few meals I enjoy serving and try to keep the ingrediencies on hand. 

Cut Costs on Food

Grocery costs are up 10.2% for the 12-month period ending in February 2023, according to Food Price Outlook data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.  Eating Out has also gone up in fact so has the amount requested for tipping.  I know I am planning on doing more meal planning.  We are eating at home more too. We also have a producing garden that I love.  We still get a Hello Fresh delivery so we have little food waist.  Some weeks I order online for a local fresh produce company and that saves me going to the store.  These are all ways that we can curb our food spending. 

Save Money on Getting There

I for one am happy to be driving an electric vehicle.  Gas prices are still climbing so what we have been doing is driving less. My husband and I are both working from home some, and we think about every trip.  We talk each day to see if we can combine one trip with another.  Other ideas to try would be running errands in batches, carpooling or using green transportation options such as public transportation, biking or walking anywhere within a short distance can also save you money.

Use What You Have

Here is where I come in: shop your house! It’s the best way to find items that will look nice in other areas of your home! Use what you have and be mindful that you don’t need to keep spending. It could save you a lot of money. Learning to make do instead of buying new not only saves you money, but it’s also good for the environment.  If you want some help as to where to put your own furniture, give me a call.  As a designer I can help you design your home using much of what you already have.  A new look without the purchases.  Here is another blog post on "Use What You Have" decorating.

Plan Ahead to get Budget Vacations

With year-over-year increases in the price of jet fuel and hotels, AB&B's and other lodging establishments are also on the rise.  And with dining  up in price, too, this year's vacation is likely to cost you more than in previous years. One thing to consider is vacationing Domestic, saving the international more expensive vacation for a future date.  Regardless, book your flights ahead of time—ideally at least six months in advance—and comparison shop airfare rates using online savings tools such as Hopper.com and Skyscanner.com. Having flexible travel dates can help you select the cheapest flights, as prices vary depending on the day of the week.  You might also want to look into  travel rewards credit card that provides a percentage back on qualified purchases in the form of points or miles.

Buy Secondhand

Check out items on the second hand market before you look in new retail stores.  While there can be good deals at local thrift and vintage stores, you can also find plenty of bargains without leaving the house. Local marketplace sites, sellers can list secondhand items they no longer need, and buyers can get quality pieces at a hefty discount. These sites are especially useful for staple pieces, such as sofas, armchairs, and tables, that can be expensive when you buy them new.  You might even get inspired to sell some of the things you are not using!

Here are a few popular marketplace sites to check out:

• OfferUp
• Craigslist
• Facebook Marketplace
• ETSY

Let me know if you have found other ways to keep your personal spending down.  You can connect with me by email jonelle3@gmail.com, text 9168337807 or on social media @impressionsredesign

Until next time!  Jonelle'