Freezing Frenzy

The thought of a freezing anything in Texas right now is laughable, we're on track to beat out the 1882 record for hottest summer in Texas history. Regardless, I did in fact, work myself into a freezing frenzy.

I made a quick run to the store to pick up some veggies for a salad for dinner. Once there, I noticed that 1lb bags of baby carrots were on sale for 10/$10 or 1/$1, which is about 50% off. Never one to turn away from a good deal, I bought five bags, which is about 4.75 more bags than I needed for my salad. I decided that it would be a great idea to cut them up and freeze them myself, which I did. It took me about 45 minutes to slice them all and toss them into a ziplock freezer bag. It also will save me about $5 (the approximate cost of 4.5lbs of frozen carrot slices minus the amount paid for the fresh baby carrots). Not huge savings really, but it was satisfying.

Pocket Susan Advice: I've really come to value the freezer as a great budgeting tool. Not only can I freeze vegetables, but I've also started buying greater quantities of meat products when they're on sale (check the meat clearance section of your grocery store for the best deals), splitting them up into serving size portions and freezing for later use. I've gotten so I only buy chicken breasts about once per month and spread out my consumption. My grocery budget has gone down noticeably since I started this practice.

Stranded

I am effectively stranded at my apartment this weekend. Stuart has been having some health issues this week, his engine coolant has been leaking and causing a fever. We are going to the Mini dealership in San Antonio tomorrow so I'm trying not to drive anywhere this weekend and allow him to rest up for the 1.5 hour trip. So far, I have read two books and cleaned my bathroom. Reorganizing my linen closet is next. Yes, I certainly lead an exciting life!

Pocket Susan Advice: Negotiate for Lower Credit Card Interest Rate. In an ideal world, we wouldn't have to use credit cards, but most of us have at least one or two. Even if you pay off your full balance each month, it's still a good idea to have the lowest possible interest rate on your card. Just in case. Today's advice comes from financial experts, Ken and Daria Dolan, (http://www.dolans.com/).

With your account number in hand, call your credit card company andd say, "I'm calling about account number XYZ. I have been a good customer for (the number of years you've had your account.) I have gotten quite a few offers for credit cards with much lower interest rates than you are charging me. I would like to keep giving you my business but cannot do so unless you can lower my interest rate today." The person on the other end of the phone will probably respond something along the lines of, "Oh, that's just an introductory rate - you'll end up paying much more when the real rate kicks in within a few months." We want you to respond by saying, "I understand that this is an introductory rate, but even after the permanent rate kicks in, their rate is still lower than what you charge me. Can you lower my rate or should I take my business elsewhere?"

Now, don't be at all nervous about making this phone call. Either your credit card company says yes or they say no - no big deal. Worst-case scenario: They say no and you still lower your interest rate by opening a new account someplace else. Is that so terrible? We don't think so! Best-case scenario: They say yes and you immediately start saving money with a lower interest rate on your balance! Worth a five-minute phone call, wouldn't you say?

Note: I did this yesterday as one of my stranded projects. Discover lowered my rate by 7%.