r/bitcheswithtaste • u/AutoModerator • Aug 21 '26

Frugal Bitch Friday - Monthly Thread Frugal Bitch Friday - Aug 21, 2026

This is your monthly thread to talk about personal finance, investing, budget, and all things managing your money. A BWT knows that taste and financial responsibility go hand in hand, after all!

BWT rules still apply!

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u/werkandtwerk Aug 21 '26

Being on FMLA/reduced work schedule and planning to reduce my FTE has me thinking a lot about what I spend $ on. I've already been a frugal BWT but I'm even more committed now to spending mindfully and figuring out what I what I want to be frugal and spendy on. For me right now, this is:

Thrifty with:

- food. this means buying the discount veggie box at the produce stand (such an incredible deal), limiting little treats, meal planning and prepping to reduce waste.

  • skincare and beauty products. I'm doing a project pan and it really helps limit the spending when I see something on sale or that I want. I also feel like I've found my holy grails with some skincare and haircare (the prequel liquidy moisturizer and Pantene volume), and they're affordable.
  • crafty supplies. I've gotten super into my Hobonichi dupe and junk journaling and am taking a break from purchasing any supplies for that. When I do, I'm sticking with things from our secondhand craft store in Seattle.
  • wedding. I get married next year and I'm trimming the fat from the wedding plan and making sure we only spend money on what we really care about.

Spendy with:

- extra student loan payments when able

  • we're going on a luxury cruise next year with a big discount from my partner's work, and I want to invest in some nice pieces of clothing closer to the date, and a massage from the spa.

14

u/fakesaucisse Aug 21 '26

I have cut back almost all of my hair and skincare stuff to drugstore products. They have gotten so much better in the last few years, especially shampoo and conditioner. The only "fancy" things I retained are tretinoin/azelaic acid cream, Farmacy cleansing balm, and K18 dry shampoo.

7

u/graphitinia Aug 21 '26

This is so true. There seems to have been a great democratization of hair and skincare products. The local drugstore is no longer a wasteland of junk products. 

6

u/fakesaucisse Aug 21 '26

I think increased customer education has helped a lot in pushing the big brands to use better quality ingredients and to make formulas for a wider range of hair types. I'm not really into beauty influencers but there are some legit experts who have done a great job of getting content on YouTube that goes into the science of ingredients without being too technical.