February 2011 Controlled/No Spend Thread

[mrslynch]

i'm in for february. i think i'm going to aim for 25 controlled spends and 15 MOANs. the MOANing part shouldn't be too hard since i will be signing up with a personal trainer this week and going to the ymca 3 days a week for yoga class, plus swimming with dd at least 1 day per week. that makes 5 days/week of MOANing. it's all part of my master plan to make a new me.
i do have some purchases already planned: a new lunch bag, a cover for my new laptop and some new nail polish. i have been saving my allowance for awhile (i feel like i'm 16 when i say that) so i feel no guilt whatsoever in buying those things. even if they're not on sale. or i don't have a coupon.
i am loving my new job. i totally made the right decision in coming here. the people are great, my new office is huge, the job is superinteresting and i get to wear jeans whenever i don't have a meeting. this is the perfect environment for me at this stage of my life.
spruby--that song really did change my life. i'm happy to hear it's having an impact on you, too. good luck with your interview! i think i'll have to do more posts like that one.
muttley--sorry to hear about your hours but it sounds like you're making the best of it.
ses--if anyone can be successful at that type of challenge, it's you. if you'd like a platform to discuss your results, i'm happy to offer up my blog.
mk--my budget is $400 for 3 people. i think you're doing great!

[redwagon]

darnit. put this on the january thread by mistake:

Sweet! We won the $150 in heating oil from HEAT USA!! They're sending us three $50 vouchers that we can pay our next oil bill with. YAY!!! Oil is killing us this year, so this will be a big help!! The last fill up was over $500 and I'm afraid to go out back to see how much is left from that (as if I could make it through the snow).

[redwagon]

mrslynch - SOOOO glad your new job is working out so well!! And you sound super-motivated to MOAN. I'm going to try to follow your example and really work at it this month!

[azmom]

SES 1: Is the $112 per person or per family?
SES 2: That is how I always do it. Even though my account says a certain amount I know what I REALLY have because I have allocated money for different things. I rarely write checks anymore just because everything is done on-line but this was sign-ups and there was a fee to use my debit card. But I guess I just confused myself a little when I went to write up what I "actually" spent in January and since it technically was not out of my account I juggled the idea. Anyhow, basically it was me thinking way too much about a detail that I didn't need to change or even give thought to because I know I DID actually spend it already and technically it is theirs already and not mine. Thanks for the input.
I just gave DH the rundown on our monthly spending and he was impressed with my record keeping We really need to get the trips to the grocery store under control. I didn't realize it was that out of hand. I also need to STOP eating out for lunch! It is unnecessary and I always seem to do it when we are low on funds or I am down in the dumps because we can't afford something. How ironic is that?

[redwagon]

azmom - i bet you eat out at those times because you are rebelling against the feeling that you have no control. Kind of a "so there! I can too eat out if I want" after a period of telling yourself "no, you can't do that because xyz". Any way to work in $20 a month into the budget for those moments?

[spruby]

Azmom - I count it as a "spend" the day I spend it/schedule the payment - otherwise I might never get a NSD the way some people sit on checks!

[constanz22]

First day of the month is a NO SPEND! I went into work around noon...the roads were TERRIBLE! I just came home around 4 and they are much, much better, but I am in for the night. Since we are due to get another foot of snow tomorrow, I'm about 99% sure I will not be going to work tomorrow.

[muttleynfelix]

SES - I know we are hunkered down for the storm. I learned my lesson from 2007 and made sure all laundry was done before the storm hit. But so far we still have power, TV and internet. So we are good. The fridge is full of food. My only real concern is that DS has a cold and I'm hoping that is all it is. He's been pretty clingy to me today.

Mrsl - We're trying to just enjoy our time together and not worry too much about money. If it is long term we'll have to figure something out. It has been kind of nice today. One of us does some chores while the other one plays with DS and then we switch. ETA: Congrats on the new job. It sounds like a relief.

Major accomplishment - I had 14 months of bank statements to reconsile and I got that done this morning!! See snow days are good for something. I have 3 things crossed off my list. So, I think I'm doing good.

Cathys - I am very curious to see how DS will interact in a group of kids. He sees one little boy who is only 5 days younger at church, but never a group of real little kids.

[dakota4600]

It is coming down like crazy out there, we can barely see across the street right now. DH thinks that an inch fell while he was out shoveling. Some districts have already cancelled for tomorrow. So far so good on the power and electricity. That is my only fear we have plenty of food, but no generator, so we'd have to pack up and head to either my parents or DH's for the night. I hate to say it but I'd think I'd choose his parents over mine, since they have steam heat.

I've just pulled a cake out of the oven and put a chicken in for dinner. Yummy.

Muttley- Yeah for getting things accomplished. Hope DS isn't too sick.

AZmom- I was just looking at our spending for the month. I'll have to put together a summary, it will probably be eye opening.

MK- My budget is $350 for 3 people and 2 dogs.

MrsL= Glad the new job is going well.

[ses]

AZmom--the $112 is the average monthly allotment for one person in my state. I am curious about how it will turn out. To be honest, if I can't do it, or come really close, there is something wrong with me. As you know it all is in the planning. I have some dietary issues I have to deal with (Type II Diabetes) but so does much of America so that shouldn't be an excuse. We will see. This is an issue that I feel strongly about. There is no reason that one can't afford a healthy diet in this country

To those of you who mentioned blogging, I am doing a daily journal and if I manage to hang in there perhaps I might post a weekly update and comments.


Can you believe a computer spell check program highlighted "blogging" as misspelled?

[spruby]

ses - you might want to track the time you spend on food prep/shopping/menu planning during this food stamp experiment and what trade offs (if any) you have to make. Also, where do you shop? If you were concerned about the cost of going shopping - would you need to shop somewhere closer with a more expensive or limited selection. Just some more stuff to consider.

[constanz22]

Feb 1, 2011 17:49:11 GMT -5 ses said:

AZmom[/b]--the $112 is the average monthly allotment for one person in my state. I am curious about how it will turn out. To be honest, if I can't do it, or come really close, there is something wrong with me. As you know it all is in the planning. I have some dietary issues I have to deal with (Type II Diabetes) but so does much of America so that shouldn't be an excuse. We will see. This is an issue that I feel strongly about. There is no reason that one can't afford a healthy diet in this country

To those of you who mentioned blogging, I am doing a daily journal and if I manage to hang in there perhaps I might post a weekly update and comments.


Can you believe a computer spell check program highlighted "blogging" as misspelled?

ses Working in the social work field for close to 20 years, I have some very strong opinions on the food stamp program, its use and misuse. I probably should keep my mouth shut. They key is in your post. IT TAKES PLANNING, something that the vast majority of FS users are either not willing or able to do. Also, another "key" issue is that it is viewed as "free money". This is not grocery money that they have worked hard for and had to budget to feed themselves and their families. I do not ever spend more than $100 a month on groceries, HBA and my pets combined.

[moneysquirrel]

Today was a NS day. Came straight home from work in a massive downpour (SES -- yes it rained again!). Hope all of you remain warm and safe with the massive weather system we are all facing. (We have the heavy thunderstorms and downpours since we are so far south instead of the snow.)

MrsLynch -- So glad that you are enjoying your new position.

Azmom -- When I write the check or charge an item is the time that I count it. It may take a day or more to hit the bank or charge card.

Note:Frequently I use the CC as a way to earn money since most of the time as soon as the charge hits the account I pay it off. My bank pays me cash depending on the use of the card and the amount charged. I plan to ask for some of the cash earned later this month or next month. Will add it to money saved for Black Hills. I am continuing to check the various airlines in my comparison of flight times and fares. Still have at least one more major bill (flood Insurance) to pay prior to booking the airline. I think I will be flying in on Sunday the 26th and out on the 2nd. Is that about the time period everyone else is considering?

[startsmart]

ug, today is frustrating me within an inch of my patience. lots of things like a member who emailed me SIX times about the same issue using different emails in an hour. my last email was a very curt, listen I'm doing the best I can, I've told you for weeks where to find this information and you need to go locate it.

plus my parents left Sunday night and they always leave a trail of disaster behind them. not their fault, they're just used to leaving stuff everywhere and not caring. I care. Most things I just handle after they leave like throwing away the newspaper they bring and leave all over, cleaning up after her dogs and putting my things back. I asked my mom not to bring me food because I don't eat it, makes me feel guilty to throw it away. She gets upset.

ahhhhh.

good things:
posted on my blog today for the first time in... almost a month
my schedule is flexible so I just posted for my team I'd be offline for an hour and went out
Eli is coming over tonight

[kcgal]

Man I just came in from shoveling for the second time today. Pretty sure my back will be in pain later. The first time I shoveled was only a few inches. This time it was to the top of my shoes with drifts past my knees. Waiting to if DH can make it up the hill to our house. No one else have yet.

[ses]

This food stamp project is expanding all the time. Today I thought to check the allotments in the USDA Thrifty Food Plan market basket for low income Americans. Wow, I was blown away by what they considered necessary for a healthy diet. Here are their standards for my age group and my average per week


Grains 3 lbs/week 2 lbs/weekVegetables 8.5 lbs/week 7.5 lbs/weekFruits 8.5 lbs/week .5 lbs/weekMilk products 11.5 lbs/week 3 lbs/weekMeat and beans 11.5 lbs/week 3 lbs/weekOther foods 1.5 lbs/week 1 lb/week


spruby--I was thinking about those issues and how i could adjust/acknowledge them. I have access to both Safeway and Walmart in my small town, but the choices are somewhat limited. I have decided to use frozen or canned produce because the fresh here is not always of the highest quality. Hopefully it will be warm enough to get out and shop tomorrow. I think I will sit down and calculate those issues you mentioned. They are all critical for making this work.
constanz--I was hoping for some input from you since you know so much more about this issue than I do. If not here perhaps a private message.

[shanendoah]

Goals for Febraury: 11 NSD, 8 MOAN
I already know I won't make the MOAN, as tonight is the night I should exercise and I'm coughing worse, but I want to keep that at my standard goal.
Today was a CS as I had to pay $5 to ride the light rail to and from our downtown leadership conference.

mrsl: Glad you are so happy in the new job!
azmom: I want to add my voice to the "count it as soon as you write it" crowd. Mostly because it doesn't matter when they cash it, you've already spent it. You can't spend it again.
redwagon: Yay for winning the heating oil! Hope your friend's cat is ok
startsmart: LLC, girl, LLC. It has the most risk mitigation of any of the incorporation options.

[redwagon]

good news! the kitty is back home and recovering. it looks like she'll make it. thanks for your kitty prayers!

[ses]

mizbear--I appreciate your interest. I have already learned so much! I may be back for answers to questions.

[muttleynfelix]

DS and I are just popping in to say hi. The sun is shining and DH is starting rto dig out. I know we have drifts of at least 3 feet and I think the one in front of the house is probably 5' in the worst spot. It is crazy. I'll have to take some pictures later today and post them on facebook. My neighbor posted on facebook that the highway has been cleared and I'm assuming the interstate is back open. It was closed westbound last night. DS's cold is still here and he is very fussy and clingy this morning.

[sheilaincali]

Update: 1/20 NS, 1/25 NEO

DS is jealous of your snow days but I am not. We had some snow on Monday but it didn't cause a school closing because it was a teacher prep day anyway. All the schools around us closed early yesterday and again today. But since we live in the "big city- whooping 60,000 people) we don't close too often.

mrslynch: I am so happy for you that you are enjoying your new job. Must feel like a breath of fresh air to be out of your old toxic environment.

Red: Relieved that your friend's cat is ok and heading back home.

Nothing too exciting going on in my world. Work, gym, home, repeat seems to be the story of our lives. But that's ok- helps on the frugal front. DH's UE went through just fine and the first week's payment was deposited into our account today. Plus we have made over $600 on Ebay in the past week. With that we are actually above what my budget estimates were for the month. I keep DH's income estimated on the super low side to be safe. So with UE the difference was like $200 a month. Now with the Ebay was are $400 above the estimate so far

[redwagon]

Big Brothers Big Sisters is coming by the house today to take away two boxes of dishes/mugs and two big bags of clothes and shoes. Feels so good to finally be rid of that stuff! All in decent condition, just didn't fit/was never used. Some of it has been in the attic since we moved in (and before that in my SIL's attic. she "helped" us out by giving us all her extra dishes). Now I need to bring the books to the library or something... two boxes of those still left up there.

I really want to be snuggled in bed right now and not at work. Blech. So gross out there today.

[dianartemis]

Update: 1/15 NSD, 1/15 NEO

I'm gonna try Zumba again tonight. My toe looks normal again.

Topaz is still being very fussy about foods. What she eats one week she may not eat the next. Or she may eat it in another texture, i.e. tender bites vs pate. Of course I don't figure this out until she's turned her nose up at everything. And the vets say that nothing's wrong. If she doesn't want it, she won't eat it. She outlasted me after day 4 I caved.

[Deleted]

Feb 1, 2011 10:55:36 GMT -5 @gin1984 said:

I'm in this month, I need to get some MOANs in so 8 MOANS and lets say 5 CSD and 21 NSD.

I am at 1/5CSD, 0/21NSD and 0/8 MOANs. I brought a ton of food yesterday to school, a lunchable, a piece of fruit, chicken with rice and ate a pudding cup of my fiance's and I was still really hungry and bought some chip and a snack. I have no idea why I am so hungry but I plan to bring more food to school tomorrow.

[redwagon]

gin - looks like you could use more fiber to fill you up for longer!

[Deleted]

Any ideas for cheap/easy food to add to my days?

[redwagon]

I found Fiber One bars to be quite satisfying and easy on the go. Raspberries and apples are good, maybe some PB on the apples for protein. maybe some popcorn or a small handful of nuts? I graze all day long on little things like these, but that's my style of eating. I don't really do big meals (hence my constant battle with my employers who want me to go eat a full dinner with everyone else in the caf every day, when I'm fine with yogurt and berries).

[azmom]

Hey Gals,
I had a friend, who happens to one of the moms at my table and on my running team, go in for an emergency appendectomy last night. She is a single mom to a 6 year old little boy. Anyhow, we are putting together a get well package for her and setting up meals to be brought to her. Also, a few things for her son to play with since she will be a little sore for a few days (activity books, cars, etc) I was hoping to get input from other single moms out there as to what things you wish or could use that you would benefit from outside of the things I mentioned. I think this has just opened the door to being able to serve her on a more regular basis. DH and I were both raised by single parents. I understood on some level the difficulties in that but it wasn't until I had kids of my own that I appreciate the sacrifice and understand the hardship that I can only imagine took place. Anyhow, Ideas are welcomed!

SES: So thankful for your challenge! It has sparked a fire to get my grocery shopping under control. I'm doing okay budget wise but I could have saved so much more money if I planned better, like I used to. I just got lazy I think-the downside to have a grocery store 5 minutes away!! I have meals planned for the entire month-I used a modified version of Mrs. Lynch's categories to do it-now I am working in my list! I am actually having fun organizing a monthly menu calendar

Mrs. Lynch: I AM SO SUPER PROUD OF YOU...I am so happy the job switch is working out for you...

I am proud to say I displayed some serious strong will today. My moms table was going to go to the zoo today but it was COLD...I know that our 48 degree weather is nothing compared to what most of you are experiencing but for this Arizonan it was FREEZING and the wind made it worse....so we decided to go to a play area at the mall. After I could have joined in on lunch at the food court (I really, really wanted to) but instead DD and I went to get a free sample from See's Candies and came home for lunch I'm implementing a self imposed NEO challenge

[dakota4600]

Working from home again today. DH has dug out our driveway now we are just waiting for a plow before we try and get the car out. Hoping it comes today so we can redig out where the plow plow's us back in so we don't have to try and drive through it.

Our fridge went out again today. The freezer is working fine, but the fridge keeps getting warm. If you turn it off and let it defrost the fridge will get cold again. DH wants to try and figure out what is wrong and fix, it. I'm thinking the fridge is 20 years old and should probably be replaced instead of fixed. I have a consumer reports membership and am looking on line at different models. I would like to go Saturday to the Sears Outlet and see what kind of deal we can get on the bottom freezer model.

Gin- Fiber one bars are good and filling. Whole grain bread with PB or nutella would be a cheaper option.

[singlemomky]

AZMom - As a single mom who had unexpected surgery when I fell 3 years ago (wow can't believe it's been that long) I would say that if she does not have family readily available to take her son for a few hours a day, that would be something most welcomed. I was in a little bit different situation in that I was off work for 8 weeks and completely non weight bearing for 16 weeks but I was fortunate in that my DOM & both my DSis really helped me out. DOM and oldest DSis took turns staying the night with us for about 6 weeks and my other DSis took Lil' Smokey every weekend for 6-8 weeks.

I think in addition to the meals (which will be most welcomed), please try to have someone who is willing to hang out a bit afterward actually take them to her. I loved that my DGma would stop by during the day to fix me lunch, etc. but I LOVED that she would also make sure the dishes were cleaned and straighten up the kitchen when I was finished eating. I think sometimes people do a great job of providing meals but forget that there is still some work afterward that can be daunting to someone recovering from surgery.