Do you think this would be frugal?

**NickiB** · 09-09-2006, 11:04 AM

I currently only have a small freezer in my fridge (the normal size fridge freezer). I store it with meat etc. I have always wanted a deep freeze because I do alot of baking. I would like to do double or triple batches to save time but don't have the freezer space. And now that I'm working I would like to have convenient quick home-made meals ready to pull out as some days I won't get home till almost 6 and the last thing i want is to buy take out.

I found a 5.5cu foot deep freeze for sale at a local store. Its 229 and if I buy black it has a $20 rebate. I have a $100 from an aunt tucked away just for this purpose. So I would only be out of pocket 109+taxes. I have looked around for used ones but I can't find any of the apartment size freezer for sale locally. I don't have the space for a big one.

Here my question. I get worried that this isn't the frugal thing to do? I'm relatively new to this and even though I sit here and think the pros of a freezer are the majority, is my need for a deep freeze not really a necessity? Does this make any sense? Before if I had the money I would spend it. And I can't help but wonder if this is my having money and spending it. However, in the long run I would save sooo much money especially as I'm working now. If I did purchase it, it may mean that I will not have all the money I wanted to into my EF this month...

What would you do?

**kymom** · 09-09-2006, 11:53 AM

My deep freezer was the best thing we ever bought. It has more than paid for itself with the money we have saved.

**Valerie in WA** · 09-09-2006, 12:23 PM

I think it's a good idea because your plan is to fill your freezer with inexpensive, homecooked (and probably healthy) meals, rather than to buy take out or convenience foods.

I also think it's good to buy new with fridges & freezers, because new models are much more energy efficient than old ones. Just look around and see if another store will beat that price.

**mom2matty** · 09-09-2006, 12:25 PM

I absolutely agree.......investing in our deep freeze was the best thing we did! It has more than paid for itself and I am able to stock up when there are great sales!!

**FarmerSue** · 09-09-2006, 01:27 PM

Without a doubt, my freezer is HUGE in helping us to live a frugal lifestyle. Not only in freezing all the baking and leftovers but in taking advantage of great prices on food that would have to be frozen or it would spoil. We ranch and we have two freezers, one is just for beef and other meat!

**kabin63** · 09-09-2006, 02:11 PM

We just bought a small chest freezer this summer. I did without one for 6 months prior, when the old went out. I missed having a freezer so much, because I couldn't take advantage of the good sales, now I can. I can also make and freeze ahead meals. I would definitely get yourself one, but see if you can find a better price.

**NickiB** · 09-09-2006, 02:18 PM

Ok, so far it looks like I'm buying a freezer. This is by far the cheapest around by about $60-80.

**annertak** · 09-09-2006, 02:28 PM

Did you check at Walmart? (do you even have a Walmart?). I saw one that size at our Walmart for a lot less than that - somewhere around the $125 range. If you don't have a Walmart, do you have a Target? They might be able to get one in if they don't stock them.

I agree with the others, a freezer is the best investment I've ever made. I'll be getting a second one soon!

**NickiB** · 09-09-2006, 03:11 PM

Ooo, i never thought of walmart. thank you. We dont' have target up here. I looked the walmart.ca site and the same brand of freezer is there but its only 5.0cu feet and white. It is $10 cheaper but i would have to spend gas money going there as I don't have one locally and I think black would keep better as its going to be in a storage spot with bikes etc... so marks won't show up as much...

**Daisygirl** · 09-09-2006, 04:30 PM

Definitely invest in a freezer -- you will find it invaluable! I think your plan sounds good, and I prefer new appliances because of efficiency! Let us know when you get it!

**leela21** · 09-10-2006, 07:22 AM

I have two-we have a store that doubles up to 2.00 so both are always stocked! You will never regret it and wonder how you ever lived without.

**MOMMYDEAREST** · 09-10-2006, 11:11 AM

my deep freezer was the smartest thing i have ever bought, i wouldn't feel bad at all for spending the $$$$$. it will pay for itsself really quickly~~

**frugalnana** · 09-10-2006, 02:51 PM

Nikki if you have an H & H Gregg you might go there to see if the freezers they have are what you want. I bought one in August that was a 5.5c Foot for $159 with tax it was $171. For years I wanted one but Dh felt it wasn't really a necessity until two of our kids moved back to our area with grandkids and then we started spending more for family gatherings. So I said you know if we had a freezer I could bake more and freeze or when meats on sale I could buy more to save on money. That did it, he said go get one and he is very happy to have it.

**redmaples** · 09-10-2006, 04:16 PM

Energy Star appliances are more efficiently run.
we bought an older model freezer used for $30, but it probably takes way more electricity than a new one will.
Buying a newfreezer seems like the smart thing to do.

**Goodwin17** · 09-10-2006, 10:11 PM

We just got one tonight!! Dh works for Lowe's so we get a 10% discount. We got a Holiday 5 cubic foot for $124 (after the discount). I'm so excited, as my poor freezer with my fridge is overflowing!