A Penny Saved is a Penny Earned!

  For the last 3 weeks, this has been my theme, so I figured I may as well write about it too! You see, in case you hadn't heard, my husband was laid off May 13th. While we were in a good position financially, we would really like to stay that way, so we set about to cut where we could and put on our thinking caps to figure out ways to save. Our initial hack and slash to our budget resulted in cutting back by over 60%! We identified other ways we could decrease as well if we need to as time goes on. We also sorted out some things we could sell that would help bolster things. In addition, I've taken on the challenge of finding every way I can to maximize our spending we do to get the most for every dollar and try to limit those dollars at the same time. If you're interested in any of these things, read on!

Budget Cuts


 While we technically had a budget before, it was more of a "what we are spending" thing than a "how much we can spend" one. That has changed. Now we have a certain amount set aside each month for groceries and if we run out, we eat from the pantry. Dining out is a thing of the past. We've let go of some expenses we were still covering for the kids and had them own it - they've stepped up brilliantly! My travel budget took some MAJOR cuts, but it's still there. We had to reassess our giving, which was really hard. If we had continued at our previous levels, our giving would have been 84% of our current budget. Obviously that wasn't going to work. So, instead, we cut back our giving by about the same percentage that our budget will be cut back between my husband's previous salary and our anticipated unemployment income. Thankfully, the ministries we've been giving to were very supportive and understanding about this. I can't imagine how hard seasons like this where the economy shifts and there are large numbers of layoffs and unemployment must be for ministries! So, we're trying things differently. We've cut out a lot of extras, like streaming services and eating out. We're also letting go of some extras that might bless others (maybe you?)...

For Sale!


 Over the years we've collected a few boats for use on a lake. We've used them primarily on Duck Lake in Ocean Shores, but I'm sure they'd be just as happy to be used on a lake near you as well! They are excellently maintained and in like-new condition. Just in case you're interested, here's the details:

Canoe


Model: Old Towne Sarnac 146

New Price: $ 899.99 

Asking Price: $500

Description: "Old Town Saranac 146 Canoe - From bow to stern the Saranac 146 provides versatility while delivering on fun. A great option for families, anglers or casual canoeists looking for a recreational canoe that performs well on the water. Saranac keeps you comfortable on the water with a contoured seat that includes padding, a cup holder, and an adjustable seat back. Stay put in your favorite fishing hole with the included molded-in cleats and strap eyes for an anchor system. With its flat bottom, straight sides, and moderate rocker the Saranac 146 tracks well while still being able to maneuver around trees and rocks while fishing." (1)

  • Comfortable contoured seats with seat backs
  • Center bench seat with storage compartments
  • 6" hatch (center)
  • Molded-in rod holders (bow seat and center)
  • Comfortable molded-in carrying handles (bow and stern)
  • Molded-in storage trays

Specs

  • Material: Thermoformed Polyethylene
  • Length: 14ft 6in
  • Width: 36in
  • Width at 4in Waterline: 34.75in
  • Bow Height: 18in
  • Depth: 13.25in
  • Assembled Boat Weight: 79lbs
  • Total Weight Capacity: 750lbs
  • Usable Weight Capacity: 671lbs
  • Bottom Shape: Flat
  • Sides: Straight
  • Rocker: Moderate
  • Seat Type: Contoured with Seat Backs

 Two Person Kayak


Model: Equinox 14' Tandem Sit in Kayak

New Price:  This model is no longer sold but comparable ones range from $849-$999

Asking Price: $500

Description: "With the Equinox 14 ft Tandem Sit In Kayak, you and a friend can not only enjoy kayaking on the water on this double kayak, but you can now enjoy each other's company at the same time. Sometimes it's just more fun doing an activity you enjoy with someone else. I know I'd rather go kayaking with a friend than by myself. The Equinox Tandem Kayak comes with 2 paddles for the 2 of you. The rear person usually controls the steering, but both of you still have to work together." (2)

    Key Features:
  • 2 Easy Rider Seats
  • Front/Rear Bungees
  • 550 lbs capacity
  • 9" Rear Hatch
  • RotoMolded Dihedral Hull for stability and tracking

One Person Kayak


 

 Model: Emotion Envy 11

New Price: This model is no longer sold, but similar models range from $750- $1,000

Asking Price: $300

Description: "Inspired by the sleek design of jet skis, the Emotion Kayaks Envy 11 maximizes fun on the water. " (3)

Features

  • Concave, V-shape hull is designed to cut through the water and offers remarkable stability on flatwater and light, rolling waves
  • Polyethylene hull resists abrasion and UV light, and it offers good looks at a great value
  • Specialized blow molding process produces a strong hull of consistent quality
  • Large cockpit opening makes it easy to get into the boat with some extra gear
  • Foam seat and back rest offer padded comfort from launch until takeout; adjustable footbraces keep you poised to paddle
  • Seat adjusts using a strap and pull tab; back rest features an adjustable angle and folds down during storage
  • Thigh padding offers a bit of extra comfort
  • Cargo netting near paddler is great for storing items out of the way and off the bottom hull
  • Fore and aft deck rigging keeps essential gear within easy reach; paddle holder secures paddle on either side of cockpit when you need both hands
  • Bulkheaded aft day hatch keeps items out of the way of splashes
  • Large, comfortable handles make it easy to get the 49 lb. Envy 11 kayak to the water
  • Made in USA.

Technical Specs

  • Best Use Flatwater Kayaking
  • Material(s) Blow-molded polyethylene
  • Length 11 feet
  • Width 30 inches
  • Depth 16 inches
  • Weight 49 pounds
  • Cockpit Size 48 x 18 inches
  • Seat Type Padded / Foam
  • Hatch Capacity 4,330 cubic inches
  • Weight Capacity (lbs) 350 pounds

Worldmark Timeshare




For Sale: 8,000 credit Worldmark Membership

New Price: $29,600

Asking Price: $1,500+$399 transfer fees

Description: We've loved using Worldmark for vacations for more than 15 years! My wonderful aunt first started letting us book through her membership back when our kids were little and we so enjoyed the space having a whole condo gave us over a cramped hotel room, especially with kids. Having a fully outfitted kitchen saved us countless dollars on eating out and the in-unit laundry saved our bacon more than once! My husband even got us in the habit of washing all of our clothes before we came home so we could just put them away. The pools and hot tubs are well maintained, and I have spent many hours floating around the lazy river in Indio!

 So why are we letting it go? Well, to be completely upfront, there are also maintenance dues that are required on the membership of $100 per month (less if you are adding these to existing credits you already own) and that's just outside of our upcoming travel budget. 

 What will 8,000 credits get you? A week every year at most of their more than 85 resorts. Most of these are located on the West Coast including Mexico, Canada, and Hawaii. So, you pay for the membership once and then just pay maintenance dues going forward. Realistically, I'm asking less than you would pay for a week in a hotel in most of these locations and these accommodations are SO MUCH BETTER! 

 Alright, that's enough of the sales pitches! But seriously, if you, or anyone you know, is interested in these things, reach out! I really don't want to have to put them on Facebook Marketplace 😕 

Maximizing our Spending


 Beyond cutting the budget and trying to bring in a few extra dollars, I realized it was going to be very beneficial for us to maximize our spending - getting the most out of every dollar. I am blessed in that I am not working outside the home so I have time to do this, it is not quick or easy! But where there is a will, there is a way, and I WILL get the most I can for my family's hard-earned dollars.
 One of our first steps was reigning in grocery spending. For a long time, this has been about what is most convenient, which entailed shopping at Costco and Safeway, our closest grocery store. Now, I'm branching out to Walmart and WinCo, and taking advantage of other special offers where I find them. For example, I took advantage of a bonus through our Chase Sapphire Preferred (4) card yesterday where I could put in a pickup order at Fred Meyers and receive 10% back + 3x rewards points. In addition, I found sales and coupons totaling $44.64, netting me about $100 worth of groceries for less than $50 - and that's before the 10%+3x back. Did it go off without a hitch? No. There were complications and I did end up having to have a nice chat with their AI bot that gave me a $20 credit where I should have received a $20 coupon, but, again, that's why I say it is neither quick, nor easy.
 To figure out whether we were getting a good value for our shopping dollars, we - you guessed it - made a spreadsheet! I went through WinCo, Costco, and Walmart (online) and recorded the prices for more than 125 different things we buy on a regular basis. To say we were surprised was understatement! We were certain we were getting the best prices for some things, but we weren't. Now we have a better idea of where to shop for what, and what we should stock up on when it goes on sale. 
 You might be surprised to hear about me shopping at WinCo if you know that they do not accept credit cards there, and that's what I'm using to bulk up my travel budget. But, like I said before, where there's a will there's a way! Turns out you can buy a WinCo gift card on their website and have it shipped for $2. That's a pretty good investment when you factor in that you can buy it with a credit card and then continue to refill it with a credit card. So, I'm still getting 2x points for every dollar I spend, even at WinCo!
 In addition to all these things, I've been learning more and more and more about shopping portals and credit card bonuses. You'll have to wait and hear about those on future posts as I'm waiting for a few things to come through before I feel 100% comfortable recommending them.

Transitioning


 We have more than a little cash floating around since my husband is sort of obsessed with unusual types of money ($2 bills, dollar coins, etc.). We decided that he would set aside some of it in case we get the chance to pass it down in the way he had hoped (IYKYK), and the rest could be used to bridge the gap between what we've been used to and where we'd like to end up. What that means is that we have a few outstanding dinner dates we haven't fulfilled with people, so it will pay for that (dining out is no longer in our budget). If there's something special we'd really like to see or do or try, we'll cover it with my husband's "funny money." I'm hoping this will help us ease into our new lifestyle without as much shock.

Here's the Thing: None of these hacks are going to make it so my husband doesn't need to get a new job eventually, but they sure take the pressure off in the interim! 

(3) From REI
(4) Earn 60,000 bonus points with either Chase Sapphire® card. I can be rewarded if you apply here and are approved for the card.  https://www.referyourchasecard.com/19s/W2E8NV0Y8A

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