Catching Fireflies July Controlled Spend Thread

[startsmart]

okay, maybe it's just one of those days but omg I'm getting cranky today (I blame my old age).

the team of people I work with like to talk about "shadow" or the things that we hide from the truth, i.e. don't bring into the light. Now I'm all for this term when it comes to your personal or business truths. Because those vary. But claiming a global or national conspiracy and calling it truth is like saying there are aliens among us and if you don't see them then you must be one of them or in on the conspiracy.

So the people I work with are quirky. *shrug* Some think if you have money in savings or the stock market or a bank then you perpetuate American wage slavery and money is a construct and blah blah blah. Beside the fact I think it's no where NEAR slavery, this is just nuts!

Today I got pretty annoyed at one of team members on facebook since he flipped through a book for 2 minutes and immediately labeled, made assumptions about and called Dave Ramsey a d*ckhead.

And defends it because "this is my truth, i'm not afraid to hide in the shadow and Ramsey is the problem"

WTF.

Not only do I think this is unacceptable for rudeness but the debater in me also says do your research before you speak. And labeling someone as the other, demonizing them and all out attacking their intentions is no way to reach out and guide someone to what you think is the truth. It only polarizes people and let's face it, Dave Ramsey has a lot more ardent supporters than this guy.

Arg.

[3catslady]

cats $10.03
crafts $1.87
soda $1.67
groceries $13.39
Total $26.96

Eating out at Subway $7.69

7 NS/CSD, 1 SD, 1 EOD. I just couldn't stay here any longer. There were 4 kids under the age of 4 next door and the noise was bad. So I went to get groceries and while I was there I ate supper.

I don't know if I told you but DS has a job. ;D
One stresser gone.

[moneysquirrel]

Update: 2 NS and 5CS days = 7 NS/CS Days
An easy no spend day since I did not leave the house today. There was nothing I absolutely had to have today so I decided to just stay home. Also kept me out of the heat -- index up to 104 in spots.

[midjd]

Okay, I think I'll take Shanen and others' advice and stop counting bills and gas as "spends", since I don't really have much choice as far as when and how much to pay...

In that case, I have 6 SD/3 NSD. Went out to dinner with my cousin last night, took DBro6 and DSis7 for ice cream earlier today, and am about to go grocery shopping. Oh, and DH bought a truck. ;D Tomorrow should be a NSD, though - I have been running ragged all weekend, I'm not leaving the house again til Monday!

[sapphire12]

Evening all -- Today was a NS, I didn't leave the house today. For some reason, I wanted more food than normal for sitting around the house. Maybe I did more today than I realized. Off to get ice cream, again for today.

MK -- I see nothing wrong with a delayed family bday party. It will be his second party. DS#1 certainly wasn't expecting the impromptu party in SD.

moneysquirel -- It was 92 degrees and dry heat today. I still opted to stay in the house. I needed a break.

3cats -- yeah for DS getting a job. Take care of yourself.

midwestern -- congrats on your networth!!! I'm sure you will continue to meet your goals. Don't stress too much about racking up no spends. It's hard at first. The fact that you are aware of your spending is a success. The fact that you can stay w/i budget is a success. The NS will come or not. Many of us don't track NS, but we are so much more aware of our spending b/c of this board. This is key.

SES -- LOL on your Black Hills Budget being under. I don't even know what it was, but I could tell on the trip that you were surprised at how economical we were. I guess it helped a little that gas has dropped from its high point.

[muttleynfelix]

mizbear - The cheesy zucchini bake will be supper at 5:30 tomorrow night. (central time, of course) The turkey taco salad at 6pm on Monday, and the chicken parmesean ... probably 7:30 on THursday. ;D

DS appears to maybe hopefully be over his episodes with the runs. Poor kiddo. He had one this morning and he just cried and cried afterwards. We had a hard time leaving and were late for the start of VBS. Because of his morning episode, I decided we would disposable diapers today instead of cloth, plus I packed 2 changes of clothes.... turned out he didn't go number #2 the whole time were there (I did have to change another little boy's #2 diaper though...ewe). He did so fantastic. He was in good spirits once we got to church and he took an hour and a half nap which is short for him, but was good for what I expected being in a new place. The poor kid was completely beat (as are his parents) by the time we got home. We did have a spend as I picked up some chicken for supper. DS was in bed by 6:20 this evening.... I don't think his mom and dad are going to be that far behind.

[mizbear]

Today cinched the deal- I WILL NOT be moving back to DGM/DMs home barring disaster. DM got nasty with me when I refused o go out to eat and then told me that I hadn't told her that I was picking up weight or having health issues. I will still help get the house finished- but I am done playing her game. I always knew my mother was a little self-absorbed, but I really didn't think she would go so far as to steam roll me like that- especially with everything I have been through medically.

My niece is adding up my receipts as we speak- but I have more NS days then anything else. Tomorrow is groceries, so that is a NS since it is already budgeted.

Hope everyone is doing well.

[MittenKitten]

sapphire: I was under budget for SD also. I figured we would spend between $600-$700 for the trip. In actuality I spend for EVERYTHING less then $500! WOOT!

mizbear: You go girl! Stand up for yourself and stick to it!

3cats: Great job avoiding temptation, I for one am very proud of you! How nice DS has a job. Now if he could just act like the adult his age says he is.

[reeneejune]

I've had two unplanned spends so far this month, so I'm still at 7 NSD. I was just starving tonight when I got done with work, so I picked up fast food. I'm trying really hard to lose weight, but after what should have been a full day's food and a really bad shift at work, I felt like I hadn't eaten all day. Today is the first coke I've had all week though. The first day without gave me a killer headache, but it's one habit that I really need to kick. I'm drinking kool-aide lemonaide at home now, and once I'm off soda reliably I'll work towards being off flavored/sugared beverages completely.

Work has been really challenging lately. I find myself repeating "only 6 more months" in my head... 6 more months until I can go back to college. I'm just praying I can keep it together that long. Working in retail makes me want to reach out and slap people sometimes. It doesn't help that I'm working a 6 day work week, and 5 of those days are closing shifts. Please let this madness be over soon.

[MittenKitten]

reenee: Working retail really is a thankless job. Hours are terrible, you have to work weekends, usually the benefits are terrible and no one appreciates your hard work. Are you going to quit completely when you go to college or go parttime?

So far a productive day, have a roast in the crockpot, pasta salad done, laundry done, kitched cleaned up and a few other things.

[mizbear]

Working retail sucks- I don't think there is enough medication in the world to make me go back to that.

Well, I am not doing too bad considering I am over budget. Niece #1 had to go to the hospital so I treated niece #2 to lunch out (after letting her sleep in) because she was really upset over her sister being hurt (scratched lens on her eye). Lunch for her and I was $9 because I didn't make her stick to the dollar menu for once. Then I bought sodas when we had to go rescue ex-SIL and DN1 because the car lost its brakes. Either way this is what it looks like so far-
1 EO, 2 S (not gonna count the bag of chips I bought and ate after that guy barked at me in the parking lot- I needed those) most of my spend was Friday, Niece Z (#2) was a little upset.

[startsmart]

Well I made it to my parent's house and they'll be back soon to head to the game. I put the little dogs outside in the gated part of the yard and now, two minutes later they've already escaped. Little devils.

Good thing I tested though because we're going to be gone for a few hours. Oh and I just had a heart attack because my dachshund can also open doors. Jeeze. Gotta go fix this.

[3catslady]

Groceries $4.98
8 NSD/CSD, 1 SD, 1 EOD, I bought iced tea and chips for the reunion today. They were not eaten so I took them home for me. There is always too much food at those things. I do not have a stove to cook on or an oven to bake in so I buy chips and soda or some other drink. For 1 person, no one minds that I don't do anything but as soon as I get a fully operating kitchen, I will supply something very good. I only stayed 2 hours because I can't stand the heat or the sun. I get hives and headaches and that is why I left.

[ses]

busybee--When I first read your post I don't think I really engaged my brain. I just looked at your spending total and went on. As I thought about it later I realized you actually did very well. When I started I allowed a day under $5 to count as a NSD. Once I started to get the hang of things I went to 4 days a week that did not count as NSD if I was under $5. Eventually I learned to plan better and I was able to keep all extra spending within my $20 weekly allowance that i don't count. This takes time, right now you are in the "becoming aware of spending" stage--which is very very important. You will eventually get things under control.

Moneysquirrel--Callleigh is very happy to be home (with no "strangers" around) and having me totally under her thumb, or would that be under her paw? However, I am kind of worrying about her. When I call her inside she streaks across the yard, jumps onto the deck, dashes the length of the deck and races inside. Once she is inside she drops onto the cool air conditioned tile of the kitchen and pants. With all of her hee, hee, heeing I would swear I was in a hospital delivery room. I didn't know cats would pant like that. I might give the vet a call just to reassure myself. I wish she would follow Onyx's example on these hot days and find a bush to lounge in the shade on these hot days.

[singlemomky]

Good weekend here in Kentucky even though it was HOT !
I got a new-to-me chest freezer. It is a barely used 14 cubit foot freezer that works perfectly and I got it for $100. I priced them to see what kind of deal I was getting - retails new for anywhere from $450 - $650.

Earned a couple more CS days - Friday & Sunday. Saturday was a spend as we had our church picnic but it was a good time.
Dakota - good to see that DH is on his way to recovery and that the surgery went well.
Mizbear - as others have said; please take care of yourself!

[shanendoah]

I'm at 6 CSD + 2 NSD.
This is summer. I'm not supposed to be having such a hard time getting up, but I'm really, really having a problem with mornings right now.
I have at least one meeting every day this week, so hopefully that will help the week go by more quickly.

I'm feeling a little out of it this morning, so hope everyone had a good weekend.

[Honeylioness]

Good morning ladies -

I had a complete list of insightful and pithy comments compiled after carefully going through the last couple of week's postings .... but then my FREAKIN' computer ate the file !!!!

So much for that ....

Welcome to those who have recently taken the plunge into the wacky wonderful world of NS/CS - You have received some great advice already from the Ladies here. Remember that we have all struggled with this for a long time so do not be intimidated by those who seem to rack up big numbers. Personally, I count only Controlled Spends. I know the ladies have heard this example before, but for the newcomers here's what I mean:

My typical monthly food budget is $400.00 This includes not only myself and two teenage girls, but also cat food and household items such as window cleaner and plastic wrap.

$400.00 monthly budget
-125.00 Spent on 07/02 - Grocery Store
- 85.00 Spent on 07/07 - Grocery Store
- 30.00 Spent on 07/15 - Farmer's market
-113.00 Spent on 07/20 - Grocery Store
- 85.00 Spent on 07/27 - Grocery Store


In this example the first four spends I would count as a Controlled Spend (CS) because they totaled $353.00 - within my budgeted amount. However the last entry would be a "spend" because it caused me to go over budget by $38.00.

This method seems to work the best for me. And I apply it to all things in my budget. Items such as condo fees, the mortgage and cable bill are easy because they are the same every month. For items such as electricity which I have estimated based on prior usage - then if we go above the budgeted amount - I count it as a spend. And I also have a SERIOUS re-education campaign with the girls about NOT leaving things on when they are not in the room.



startsmart - I see the underlying problem with the team dynamics - it's you. Yep, You Are The Problem.

You insist on reason. You expect logic and rational thought processes when discussing matters. You have this idea that people over the age of 20 should at least have a smidgen of common sense. You believe that people should at least be willing to listen or consider other viewpoints before making a judgment. Not that they have to change their views, but at least be respectful of other peoples. You are frustrated by those who toss around catch phrases and hot button words such as "slavery" as though they were discussing a grocery list.

*Sigh* Face it my dear friend - we are the minority in this world.



Dakota - Good to hear that DH is recovering from the procedure. Hernia's are no fun at all.

mizbear - I am so glad you said "No" to moving in with family. Not to be too cruel in my point - but I think for you that it would an emotionally "toxic" environment and would not do you any good. As hard as it can be, and I do speak from personal experience, you have to sometimes place yourself at the top of the list and do what is best for you - and scr3w what anyone else wants.

SES - Yes, cats do pant just as dogs do to cool themselves down. As long as she recovers fairly quickly I would just say she is being young and dumb to so exert herself in that kind of heat. Onyx has obviously learned better. But Calleigh is still a kitten so she will get there eventually. I would recommend floating an ice cube in their water dish(s) when you change the water. It will keep the water cooler longer as it melts.

3cats - Good news about your son getting a job, not so thrilled with him having yet another mouth to feed.

I have been thinking about you a lot lady m'dear. I sense you are really having some struggles at the moment and want you to remember you can always talk to us either here, or you can e-mail off-board if you want.

Not to be TOO politically incorrect (*snorts* yeah right, like THAT has ever bothered me), but someone sent me this funny recently and I immediately thought of your son.


A pastor's wife was expecting a baby, so he stood before the congregation and asked for a raise.

After much discussion, they passed a rule that whenever the pastor's family expanded, so would his paycheck. After 6 children, this started to get expensive and the congregation decided to hold another meeting to discuss the pastor's expanding salary. A great deal of yelling and inner bickering ensued, as to how much the pastor's additional children were costing the church, and how much more it could potentially cost.

After listening to them for about an hour, the pastor rose from his chair and spoke, "Children are a gift from God, and we will take as many gifts as He gives us."

Silence fell over the congregation. In the back pew, a little old lady
struggled to stand, and finally said in her frail voice, "Rain is also a
gift from God, but when we get too much of it, we realize we need to put on our rubbers."

The entire congregation said, "Amen."

[muttleynfelix]

Honey - LOL. It is good to have you back.

[MittenKitten]

Honey: LOVE IT

Just sent DS#1 off to daycamp this week. Looking forward to seeing how his day went. I am excited for him. Heck I wish I could go! Canoeing, archery, crafts, learniing about the environment, swimming, camp fire......

[dakota4600]

Honey- Great to see you back. I liked that.

DH is doing pretty well. He is not a bad patient, but he did make me run to CVS at 9:30 last night to get him Tylenol and then found out this AM that the Dr wants him to take advil. Mini-D was a complete bear this weekend. Threw a tantrum in the mall because I wouldn't buy him a cookie, threw a tantrum because he didn't want to take a nap, threw a tantrum because he wanted it sit in a different seat at dinner, threw a tantrum because daddy went in the bathroom to wipe him, there were several others, but you get the point. Yesterday I ended up calling my parents to take him so I could go to the grocery store. DH is not quite up to being alone with him, especially since he will hit or kick when throwing a tantrum.

Miz bear- Glad you decided not to move in.

Muttley- Sorry about DS runs, that is no fun. Hope is all better by now.

Singlemom- It is unbearably hot here with no relief in sight. I was hoping to take mini-D to the zoo next weekend, but they are predicting mid 90's as far out as they forecast goes. Great buy on the freezer.

3cats- glad DS found a job. Hope this means that they won't be asking you for money now.

[muttleynfelix]

dakota - He only pooped once on Saturday and once on Sunday. Saturday's was still super runny, but Sunday's was thicker. He was a little dehydrated this morning (I think based on the fact his overnight diaper was basically dry). But he drank about 7 oz of milk this morning and his bum is nearly healed!! I went total oldschool yesterday and just let him roam around in a prefold diaper. We weren't brave enough to go completely diaper free. This morning I put him in a prefold and his fleece shorts. By tomorrow I am betting he will be all better.... except for his teeth. Will his canines please please please stop tormenting him and come in?

[mizbear]

Honey-




I LOVE IT! Someone needs to explain that theory to DB!

[Deleted]

Honey, I have missed you and your politically incorrectness. I love it.

[startsmart]

Honey - I love you. Seriously, you're awesome.

I'm about to go into a meeting with these crazy people and after check ins and the astrology report it might get ugly. I'm so so tired of this b.s. and while I'm working on securing other clients so I'm not income-less it's getting harder to listen to the BS.

Yesterday was a spend for gas, breakfast and ice for the picnic lunch. Oh, and I bought some of the BART tickets to get to the game. Today should be a NSD as I'll be driving home and settling in the dogs. Once this blasted meeting is done.

[azmom]

~WELCOME BACK HONEY~

[DVM gone riding]

3nsd/1csd proud of myself for not spending any at all yest!! Sat would have been a nsd too except some friends invited me out for dinner last minute and I am so sick of eating alone that I didn't even hestiate to go! I did pass on the movie though ;D

[azmom]

7 CSD/NSD

On Friday, DH's work gave him four free tickets to the All Star Fan Fest for Tuesday. We bought one ticket so the entire family could go (we asked my MIL if she could watch the baby but she said no). So that was an unplanned spend day. Thankfully it was only $14 because DH tracked down a coupon code Friday night DH cut up his leg pretty bad sliding at his softball game. Saturday I signed DS up for football (that was planned) but I just grabbed a $5 pizza for lunch (unplanned spend day-even though it was from my fun money), then DH made a trip to walmart for first aid paraphernalia! Sunday we missed church because DH was up all night in pain from his cut-refused to go to the doctor! I was exhausted from him being up all night. I just didn't have the oomph to get all the kids showered and ready by myself. DH slept in until after noon. Which made me happy because he really didn't get any sleep and needed to get some sort of rest. HE went to the store again and bought different first aid stuff and picked up groceries for me. I'm counting this day as a CSD because he actually stuck to the list! I am a little sad because as of right now I have no idea how DH plans to even make it to fan fest. He can't walk for very long without being in pain! Praying he finds relief-TONIGHT!

It has just been one of those weekends!

Even though it was not of great quality, I was FINALLY able to update my blog this morning.

The kids have VBS all week from 5:30 - 8:00p.m. which means I need to balance making them dinner before they go with DH having dinner when he gets home from work after 7p Plus they will need a snack when they return....and I have to train for my race on Saturday!!

Holy Cow Batman....I need an IV Drip of Coffee!!!!!

[DVM gone riding]

startsmart don't get me started on dogs openning doors!!! After four other tries at things I now LOCK the inside doors to bedrooms and keep one of those "key" things to pop the door open up on the trim. It was that or get deadbolts for INSIDE doors to keep the obnoxious pup out of rooms he wasn't suppose to be in!

[dakota4600]

UPDATE: 3NS, 2CS, 7NEO's.

DVM- I have a question for you. Do you have to have a prescription to buy Science Diet dog food? Dakota was having lots of issues with vomiting and weight loss and his vet told us to try Science Diet ID food. And it worked, by the 2nd day no more vomiting and within a couple weeks his weight had rebounded (you could see his hip and shoulder blades, as well as every vertebrae & rib before, now you can only see his last 3 ribs.) We've been buying it from our vet's office since March or so. Anyway DH hadn't realized we were low on his food and I found out on Saturday when I went refill his container and there was nothing left. Luckily there was enough in there to make through breakfast today. Since our vet was already closed I went by Petsmart and they refused to sell it to me without a prescription from the in-store vet. Even if I would have had a prescription from my vet they wouldn't have sold it to me. It really annoyed me because why would I needlessly spend that kind of money on dog food. I'm thinking it is just a ploy to get biz for their vet since they told me that they wouldn't honor a prescription from another vet, but I thought I'd ask.

[sheilaincali]

Update: 6/20 NSD

I have been quiet this month- sorry for that. Been in a mood and didn't want to infect the rest of you with it. Busy month so far.
I finally went to the dentist- I HATE the dentist with a passion, which isn't fair since the dentist we started going to is a really nice guy. But long story short I haven't been in 10 years (oops). So I ended up with 3 cavities and have a cleaning scheduled for tomorrow and Thursday (breaking into two appointments). Dental insurance will cover most all of it.
But- I have a baby tooth molar with no permanent tooth underneath it (I have always known this). It will fall out in a year or so- the baby tooth's root just basically dissolves and it will fall out. The dentist wants some fancy bionic tooth put in that will cost me $2,100 for the dentist plus whatever the oral surgeon will charge to drill some stud into my jaw to hold said bionic tooth in place. Oh yeah- and I need to get my wisdom teeth out. So I am looking at a minimum of $5,000 in dental work that isn't covered by insurance. Awesome- I was better off not going to the dentist!

Friday is my county's Relay for Life event. My mom has been the Co-Chair for the last 6 or 7 years. I am our team's captain. My mom decided we should sell root-beer floats as a fundraiser the night of the relay. Awesome- forecast of 95 degrees and she wants me to sell ice cream Not going to be pretty. But wait- she has an awesome plan. I had been in the market for a deep freezer anyway so why don't I buy one, haul it to the relay, hook it up to a magical generator (that I don't know) and use it that night. Then I can defrost it and haul it to my house after. Great- because hauling a chest freezer around is a load of fun and finding out this weekend that I have to buy said freezer by Friday is awesome short notice

See why I haven't wanted to infect you all with my chipper attitude lately? Going to go crawl back under the covers now.