How we saved: 2018 Week #1

We all need inspiration, especially when we are trying to achieve big goals that can take several years. In the same vein that my monthly action items are supposed to help maintain the momentum on our goals, keeping track of all the little things we do every day that move us closer to our days may also help.

So here is the how we saved the first week of 2018!

• Quiet New Year's Eve at home with a homemade fondue feast. This is a family tradition :)
• Quiet New Year's day at home, with homemade black eyed peas and a chive focaccia bread for dinner.
• Worked out at home, using free yoga videos and body weight exercises.
• Began the Uber Frugal Month challenge.
• Reusing school supplies from last quarter -- purchased no new supplies!
• Modified a planner to work for my needs instead of buying the "perfect planner."
• Played the free print-n-play version of Cards Against Humanity.
• Walked to the library instead of driving (and bypassed buying coffee even though it was 20F out!)
• Made paneer from scratch -- so easy and cheap! Used it in saag paneer for dinner one night.
• Used the leftover ground oatmeal from making oat milk to make DS1 oatmeal cookies to take to school as a snack.
• Roasted chickpeas for a salad topping, made scratch hummus, and grew sprouts for fresh greens. 
• Didn't buy a parking pass this quarter -- am taking advantage of the free student bus pass!
• Took snacks and coffee from home to school. 
• Had to get a graphing calculator -- ordered the half-price warehouse deal even though my grant covers school supplies and books. (I do get to pocket any extra cash!)
• Made a warranty claim to Keen for a damaged lace on one of my new shoes. They gave me a $150 credit and let me keep the shoes -- Pay attention corporations, this is how you win loyal customers!
• Used some of our stored apples to make an apple sheet cake for a potluck, even though I was sorely tempted to just buy something on the way.
• Movie night at home with frozen pizza and Netflix.
• Continuing to grow sprouts for salad -- keeping them in rotation so I don't run out.
• A client sent me a small holiday bonus -- straight to savings instead of purchasing a "treat." I just checked the Pretirement app: saving this $120 makes it so we can retire 4 days earlier!