Three nights of not enough sleep meant I was rather tired when I woke up, this morning. I emailed my supervisor to let him know that I'll be in late, today, and that I'll use some of my accrued time off to make up for it; he emailed back saying that was fine. I walked past the farmers' market on my way to the bus stop and bought a crusty bread roll even though I had packed a lunch. I had the bread roll, sandwiched with some sliced chicken breast, for my dinner, tonight.
I had a productive day at the office. I took one of the packages of cookies I had bought, earlier, to the office for a treat for my co-workers. People enjoyed them, as there were only a few cookies left at the end of the day.
During my lunch break, I called the retirement services people to ask a question about something on one of the forms. I was told to discuss the question at the counseling session. When I mentioned the fact that the instructions say to fill out the forms before the counseling session, I was told they just want us to fill out as much as possible, but a counselor would go over the forms with us and we can fill in the rest, then. Well, that's a relief!
I took it easy after I came home, today. I should have put gas to the car, but I decided I will wait until morning; I didn't want to risk getting more dents in the car because I was tired! Instead, I came home, had a cup of tea, and ate a snack. Then, I replied to a text a cousin had sent, asking if she might borrow my big brass oil lamp (a traditional Sri Lankan ceremonial lamp) for her son's wedding; I said, yes, of course. In fact, she had borrowed it, earlier, too, for her daughter's wedding. These lamps are decorated with strands of jasmine flowers and lit at weddings and other ceremonial functions.
I exchanged emails with a friend and video chatted with daughter.
And I looked through this week's grocery ads. Nothing much that I need, other than bread and milk and maybe more fresh produce. Zucchini is on sale for $.39/lb., cabbage for $.20/lb. (but I still have the cabbage I bought a few weeks ago!). But, here is why it is important to compare prices and decide where to shop - this week, unhusked corn is selling for 4/$1 at one store and 5/$2 at another store (and packaged corn, which has been cleaned and trimmed and packaged in a plastic wrapped tray, is selling for $2.99 for 4 at that same store). Peaches are $.69/lb. at the Armenian store, $.89/lb. at the warehouse type store, and $1.49/lb. at the chain grocery store. Papaya is $.49/lb. at the Armenian store and $.79/lb. at the grocery store. Usually, I decide based on the price; but, sometimes, time and energy come into play, too. If the price difference is $.10/lb., I might shop at just one store and pay the slightly higher price than drive to the cheaper store. So, I will buy bananas at $.59 at one store, even when I know they are $.49 at the other store, if I don't need anything else from that other store.
Today, I am grateful for:
- Being able to go in to work late on those mornings when I can't wake up on time
- Having enough accrued time off to use to account for my time on those days when I go in late
- Crusty bread rolls!
- I was able to take cookies to the office to share
- A quiet, restful evening
How was your day? Do you do price comparisons and "cherry pick" or do you just go to one store as that works best for you?
I shop just like you. I go for the best price, but if I'm tired or the other store is far away, I'll pay a little more. My time and energy are worth more to me that a few cents. Hope you had a better sleep last night.
ReplyDeleteYes, I slept better, thank you. I, too, won't chase a deal if the store is too far or out of my way. Once I am retired, I plan on making weekly visits to each of the 3 stores I go to on a regular basis, but on different days. The Armenian store has specials every Tuesday, so I might go there on Tuesdays, and go to a different store on Thursdays or Fridays. This will ensure that the car gets started and driven at least a couple of days, each week! :)
DeleteHow lovely that you are able to help your cousin out by lending your ceremonial lamp for the occasion. I am sure she is most appreciative.
ReplyDeleteMost of the time, I do not like going to more than one store to do my weekly shopping, although there are lots of times I will pop into a second store later in the week if I need to go into town for an appointment or errand. I check the flyers and choose the store that generally has the best prices for the items on my list.
I'm glad I am able to help her, this way, Susan. If I didn't have the lamp, I would have borrowed one for her from the temple; in fact, I was considering donating my lamp to the temple, as part of my decluttering!
DeleteSounds like you have a method of shopping that works out best for you. I, too, will combine errands when I can (I'll check in the dollar store or stop by the chain supermarket when I go to pick up my medications, for example, as they are all in the same mall area). But, very often, I just go to 2 or 3 different stores in one trip.
Glad you had a nice day and were able to go into the office a bit later.
ReplyDeleteI do cherry pick kind of. I will not cherry pick a store unless it has at least 3 things I need on sale. (I am not saying I won't get some wants at the same time but unless it actually meets the 3 needs I never go in the store) I am lucky and live near 5 major grocery store so I have lots of cherry picking opportunities. We are also about a week away from the beginnings of excellent produce that comes in from surrounding farms. I am looking forward to buying some by the bushel and freezing and canning it.
Anne, I like your "3 things needed on sale" concept! Sounds like you are centrally located to the grocery stores, which is nice. You'll have a busy summer ahead with the freezing and canning!
DeleteSorry you haven't been sleeping well. It's horrible when that happens. It's lucky you are able to go in late on those days. I still need to do better on the food shopping. I do compare a couple of places, but I know I could do better.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Sharon. Pretty soon, it won't matter much if I sleep till noon! I'll just make it a point to schedule all my appointments for the afternoon! :D
DeleteFood shopping depends on a number of factors - how far one is from the stores and the number of stores available within easy distance, how much time and energy one has to pursue the bargains, dietary requirements and preferences, etc. But, if you feel there's room for improvement, then, it might be something to work on. :)
hi, Different country, different retirement legislation but I'm not certain you know there is a 'tipping' number that's important to identify as a senior. Back story, We always made it a priority to contribute the maximum allowable to retirement. As a result of unanticipated bursts of value in international holdings since 2012, we are wealthier than anticipated and are unable to spend down the sums that keep us within reasonable income tax rates. Doesn't that sound ridiculous! As an early retiree, two years of outrageous percentages, I explored relief. Realized if I gave DSs gifts of cash annually, it reduced my income tax burden substantially and allowed them to boost their [Cnd] USA type ROTH equivalent to allowable while they are young. Sums grow tax free for a really really long time which is it's true value. While most of our estates will transfer to DSs tax free, the income/profit that results from those holdings will be taxed. All this long story to suggest you ask your retirement councillor about your 'tipping' point. It's presumptuous of me to assume you will not spend your total income but you have regularly discussed a frugal attitude. Will that likely continue? How can you best benefit your DD? Yeah, it's none of my business, merely an idea
ReplyDeleteHon, congratulations on being wealthier than anticipated! That has to be wonderful! Much better than being poorer than anticipated, for sure!
DeleteI'm not quite sure what you mean by "spend down the sums that keep us within reasonable income tax rates", though. As far as I know, I'll be taxed on what my income will be, whether it is in the form of wages, pension, or investment income and any gifts of cash will be made with after tax dollars.
But, thanks for bringing that up. I've already spoken with my financial planner and we'll be meeting to discuss things a bit further, once I am retired.
Retirement income is often comprised from different types of income accrued from different original sources, and unusual circumstances therefore taxed at different rates. It is not like salaried income from one employer, rates woven together based on income thresholds. Interest, Savings, Bond income, Capital Gains, International Income, and high risk, government promoted 'special circumstances, come to mind.
ReplyDeleteI hesitantly mention, it's is efficient to scan forms to laptop/iPad, to work out scenerios. 2nd, it often faster and easier to find forms electronically than to find the hard paper copy at the precise moment it's needed.
Thank you, again, Hon, for responding with additional information. I do appreciate it. :) Yes, retirement income will be a combination of different sources of income, eventually. I might need to meet with my tax consultant a bit before I have to file my taxes to go over things!
DeleteEven better than scanning documents, in my opinion, is a list telling me where my documents are! I need a memory aid! :D