Forty two years ago today (May 21), I graduated from college. I was exhausted, but excited. I had worked my tail off and graduated with no school debt. I did without things while in school, looked for ways to save money, and worked a lot. Would I say it was worth it? Definitely yes. I graduated with a teaching degree and although I didn't go into teaching right away, it did become my profession and I went on to get my master's and then hours beyond my master's so I could be at the top of the salary schedule when it was time to retire. A friend from college and I always celebrate our anniversary and talk about where we came from and where we are now. 

Do I believe having my college degree made a difference in my earning? I believe it did. If I planned to  stay in the little city where I grew up, it was one of the better jobs. Our city used to be major blue collar, but so many factories either shuttered or moved away. 

I was thinking today that I also learned a lot out of school. I just came from the garden where  I picked radishes I had planted. It was nice seeing the lettuce coming up, as well are the green onions, green beans, and peas. My Papa taught me about gardening. When we lived in the country, we always had a small garden to supplement. Am I a master gardener? Heck no. But I'm trying things. I have some potatoes planted that have come up from potatoes that started to get eyes and I have two celery ends that I have planted that I hope to get more celery from, in addition to buying seeds and a few plants. 

In addition to this, I've learned a lot reading blogs and forums on this site. Today's lunch was basically using a lot of things we had. I had a couple of potatoes, a sweet potato, a bell pepper, an onion, some mushrooms, and some broccoli as well as some chicken breasts. I roasted them all together to make a decent lunch with olive oil and herbs and spices. The grandson wasn't thrilled, but he's learning sometimes you don't get what you want all the time. It was filling and nutritious and even better there are leftovers for hubby and me! 

Forty two years ago I knew that I didn't know it all. And all these years later, I still don't. I'm still learning. But I'm gratified that my learning has provided a decent living and is helping me continue to save money and live a good life. 

Each Wednesday, Kroger does an ad for the week's specials plus the digital coupons. We were headed to the town where Kroger is and since we had a couple more errands to run, decided to make a stop for a few of the loss leaders. One of the things on sale was Folger's Coffee. There was a digital coupon for $7.99 whereas the regular price would be $12.99. DH caught me on my knees reaching to the back of the bottom shelf to get one of the last few cans. The ad said "as long as supplies last." There were very few left, so I might have one of the lucky ones. My dear husband laughed and said I'd do a lot to save money and when I pointed out how much, he said he'd get on his knees to to get one if need be!

Seriously, I know many of us have been trying to cut grocery costs and it is getting more and more difficult. I peruse ads, look for digital coupons, and use 6-7 grocery apps. One app never seems to have much that we buy; another sometimes does, but it is hit and miss. Just for 4 bananas, coffee, toilet paper (saved $1.50 on it), radishes, and a box of pasta that was on sale for 99 cents, we still spent over $20. 

On Facebook there has been a couple of posts on a couple frugal sites where someone shows ( I think it is the same person) all these photos how they have stocked their pantry by setting aside an extra $20 a week to buy stuff. If they have, I say all power to them, but not exactly sure how they are doing that on $20 a week. In one photo there are over 20 boxes of cereal. This person said they caught them on sale, but even so, cereal is expensive. They had shelf after shelf of canned goods and the same with paper products. Either they have better sales or are they are a better shopper than I am.

Anyway, thought I'd give you a chuckle thinking about my being on my knees!

Bet that title make you scratch your head! 

But, I did have to spend some money so I could save some. The little town we live near has a small, but active library. Unfortunately since we live on the outskirts of town, we don't pay library tax which means I couldn't get a library card unless I paid the equivalent of what we would pay in taxes to the library. I contemplated it before taking the plunge. I didn't want to get the card and then feel like it wasn't worth the cost.

This little library is pretty busy as far as activities. I've taken advantage of a couple of craft nights which had everything included. Another one is coming up this week with stamping kitchen towels. That sounds like fun. We've also sat in on "True Crime Night" where the library director gives research on true crimes. 

I've missed being able to check out books and since it is part of the system of interlibrary loan, even though the library itself is small, I can still get books from other libraries.

So, I spent the money to get the card and according to the little receipt, I've already "saved" money by checking out books. I have gotten some nonfiction how to books plus some mysteries. I believe having a library card is being frugal since I will use it. 

So, I spent money to save some! Books are expensive!