So, after finishing the small spreadsheet, from July to December, that I used to keep track of how much we saved using coupons -- digital or paper -- and we saved $300.54. I didn't buy stuff just because I had coupons, but used coupons on things we would normally buy. So, the goal this year is to continue to make a spreadsheet and once a month move whatever we saved in coupons into savings for a way to build up our savings without taking a big chunk of money out of checking all at once.
I probably should also keep track of how much I get in gift cards as far as my receipt apps. I don't think I've gotten a ton, but perhaps over a year, I would be surprised. We normally just use them as Amazon gift cards and credit our account because DH is often buying little techy things to either update or fix something. I donate blood and when they offer it, I take the chance for the Amazon gift card as well. We both received class action money from Facebook and I put mine into savings and recently I was given $27 for Boar's Head Class action. I used that money to buy white card stock since I have a new hobby -- using a Silhouette machine to make greeting cards.
Speaking of card making, I can't say that I'm actually saving money making them, but I like the creative aspect of them and seeing what I can figure out. I am using the Silhouette that DH's late wife had. I did use it to cut vinyl and decorate mugs and jars for Christmas gifts which did save money. I made gift tags for the kids/grandkids gifts too. It was fun working with it.
Overall 2025 was a good year personal wise. I just looked at my retirement investments and I did make some money. I was a little worried earlier in the year, but fortunately my financial advisor had me diversified. Last night I thanked my dear husband for a lovely year together and he said he was going to say the same thing. We did a lot -- worked around here, made things, grew things, gardened, finished a room in the basement, made a couple of trips, and enjoyed being together. We probably spent more than we should have, but decided that we had worked all our lives, we need to enjoy our money some more.
Next week is a big birthday for me...I turn 65. I have signed up for Medicare and got the supplement available to teachers in the state of Illinois. I think, if my calculations are correct, I will be spending less as far as paying for Medicare the supplement than I was spending just buying my insurance through the retired teachers, although overall it was a good deal too.
Hope 2026 is a success for all of us!
January 1st, 2026 at 08:00 pm 1767297648
The markets were overall up last year, so I would hope you made some money. The thing to watch is avoiding needing to sell stock during a downturn because you need to take a distribution.
If you are living on your pension and Social Security and not needing to draw from your retirement funds, then you don't have to worry--the markets may crash but the trend has always been for recovery over the long term.
If you ARE taking distributions from your retirement accounts, then hopefully your advisor has planned so that you have enough funds in money market and short-term bonds to cover the expected distributions in the short-term with some dividend-paying stocks to replenish the short-term "bucket."
Before retirement, the name of the game is accumulation. After retirement, the name of the game is "reliable INCOME."
The new hobby sounds fun--enjoy and again happy early birthday!
January 2nd, 2026 at 07:20 pm 1767381616
I just love hearing how you and your hubby thanked each other for a lovely year together. That is so sweet! I am happy for you guys and I hope 2026 ends up even better!
January 2nd, 2026 at 10:55 pm 1767394521
Fortunately, Dido, I have not had to take any money from my retirement accounts. Just using my pension and SSA.
Thanks, Tabs, for the kind words!
January 4th, 2026 at 08:35 pm 1767558954
January 9th, 2026 at 06:20 am 1767939612