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Kaleva

(36,145 posts)
51. Update 5/17/13
Fri May 17, 2013, 03:48 PM
May 2013

Been here at the house long enough now so that I'm on a $35 a month budget plan for my electric bill.

Put last year's compost in the garden and mulched up another big pile of leaves and a big box of cut up cardboard with the lawn mower a couple of days ago to get started on this year's compost. As I live in the north and the compost pile doesn't compost during the cold months, I may try worm composting this coming winter. I have the containers for that already and just need the worms.

Except when the ex wife come over, the gas valve on the water heater remains on pilot and I myself have yet to run out of hot water. I have it to "on" when the ex is here but turn it back to "pilot" when she leaves back to her place. She likes long showers.

My gas bill for the past 12 months has averaged out to $34.50 a month. That's for heat, cooking and hot water. I might sign up for the budget plan for that soon.

Haven't smoked a cigarette in over two months now. Big savings there!

Got the peas and red onions planted in the garden. Might go out later today and get started on planting the radishes. Next month after the danger of frost has past, I'll plant tomatoes, beans, beets and cucumbers. All of which i already have. Just waiting for warmer weather to plant them.

Switched my line line phone service to local and emergency calls only and that with internet brings my monthly phone bill to $57.24 (includes tax). I use my cell phone for which I get 250 minutes free every month for longer distance calls.

My water bill has been below $50 a month now (use less then 300 gallons) for some time except for 1 month when it hit $52 and change. Next month I'm going to order soap nuts to use as laundry detergent so I can use the wash water from the clothes washer for watering the garden.

My efforts at frugal living [View all] Kaleva Aug 2012 OP
Great stuff, Kaleva and a huge kudos to you. cbayer Aug 2012 #1
I'm having fun doing it! Kaleva Aug 2012 #3
You are right, frugal living is more labor intensive Curmudgeoness Aug 2012 #2
Took your advice about the clothes lines in the basement. Kaleva Aug 2012 #4
I like the vinegar idea. You will have to let us know if it works. Curmudgeoness Aug 2012 #5
Got the clothes lines up today. Kaleva Aug 2012 #6
You make me feel lazy. Curmudgeoness Aug 2012 #7
If you are going to have a chest freezer full of food put a temperature alarm on it.. Fumesucker Aug 2012 #9
Very good suggestion. Curmudgeoness Aug 2012 #10
This is awesome! Phentex Aug 2012 #8
An update Kaleva Sep 2012 #11
Wow! You are kicking butt, but you need to eat better. cbayer Sep 2012 #12
The interesting things that are available! Kaleva Sep 2012 #15
Reading that you were burning wood scraps reminded me of something. Lars39 Sep 2012 #13
Free pallets on Craigslist are as prolific as free couches and tube TVs. Robb Sep 2012 #14
I have an illegal (according to code) setup as far as the woodstove is concerned. Kaleva Sep 2012 #16
Thinking about your water heater and cold laundry wash Starboard Tack Sep 2012 #17
I haven't thought about it. Kaleva Sep 2012 #18
Saving on heating costs this winter by freezing my butt off Kaleva Sep 2012 #19
Good luck quitting smoking! mkultra321 Sep 2012 #20
I am trying to quit smoking, but it isn't easy. RebelOne Sep 2012 #21
I had switched to Murano brand cigars at about $1.33 a pack Kaleva Sep 2012 #22
An update Kaleva Sep 2012 #23
New update Kaleva Oct 2012 #24
A couple of thoughts (and a big welcome back!) cbayer Oct 2012 #26
Good question about the amount of water I use. Kaleva Oct 2012 #27
Dishes, and other points cprise Jun 2013 #53
For lighting at night Shankapotomus Oct 2012 #25
Wow, you are an inspiration! positiveidea Oct 2012 #28
Update Kaleva Oct 2012 #29
11/03/12 Kaleva Nov 2012 #30
Just want you to know I love reading your posts. Very inspirational! Starboard Tack Nov 2012 #33
thank you for posting... hopeful68 Nov 2012 #31
Looking at my gas and electricity usage history Kaleva Nov 2012 #32
Monthly Budget -Updated 1/24/13 Kaleva Nov 2012 #34
Thanks to those who find this interesting! Kaleva Nov 2012 #35
Dehydrating apples today Kaleva Nov 2012 #36
I am on Social Security and have been told the cost of living adjustment RebelOne Nov 2012 #37
Back when I was working, I thought nothing of $20 or even a $100 Kaleva Nov 2012 #38
I have been reading Worried senior Dec 2012 #39
interesting read. Thanks for sharing Liberal_in_LA Dec 2012 #40
Update: 12/1/12 Kaleva Dec 2012 #41
Push mower we can do it Dec 2012 #42
Thanks! Bookmarked. Kaleva Dec 2012 #43
No problem, I think you will love that mower we can do it Dec 2012 #44
You can reuse canning lids provided you don't distort them during removal. lumberjack_jeff Dec 2012 #45
I'm hoping to work with the ex next year doing canning. Kaleva Dec 2012 #46
Update 1/4/13 Kaleva Jan 2013 #47
Update 1/10/13 Edited 1/12/13 Kaleva Jan 2013 #48
What I did... Elron Aven Jan 2013 #49
Update 1/17/13 Kaleva Jan 2013 #50
Update 5/17/13 Kaleva May 2013 #51
I love reading your posts Worried senior May 2013 #52
Message auto-removed Name removed Jun 2013 #54
Enjoy your posts. Sienna86 Jun 2013 #55
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