Absolutely Fabulous April! - CSD/NSD Thread

[Rocky Mtn Saver]

A few months back Honeylioness had an impassioned plea to get us back to the focus of our thread. The fundamentals. The basics. Plus the friendship. Did y'all know we've successfully planned vacations together? Life keeps on going with new babies, relationships, homes, challenges, jobs and financial hurdles but we stick to it. So, get sticky!

Here are some way to get your goals to stick:

#1. Post your numbers - just put it at the top of a post in bold and let us know how you're doin' and what you need help with
#2. Track your numbers - technically this should be #1 but you know it. If you need ideas for tracking post and ask the veterans for guidance
#3. Share your life but please keep it somewhat financially related - we know that everything influences finances especially when we're stressed, tired, excited and busy. BUT this is a financial accountability group, not a therapy session If you want to go off topic consider starting a fresh thread and posting a link so those who are interested can support you there.

For the new people there are no real set rules here, you set your own. The basic goal most if not all of us have are to keep track of the days we don't spend and hopefully by that work on saving money. Some are looking to put it into savings others to pay down debt.

For some they only count the day as a no spend day if they spend nothing at all. Others will count it if they keep their total under $5. Some count all spending others only count a certain part of their budget. For example MittenKitten personally take $400 out of the the bank in cash for everything that is not related to vehicle expenses (like gas, oil changes, insurance etc) or the house (mortgage, utilities, HOA) If I spend out of the $400 I count it as a spend day (although if it is less then $5 I usually count it as a no spend day.) You set your own rules. Any questions feel free to ask.

You can post your no spend days daily or whenever you want, just put it in bold at the top with the first number being the number you want me to record. If you are doing daily then:
Today (or yesterday) $0 Spend day

More then one day at a time:
4/31 days $0 Spend Which translates into 4 out of 31 days in July have been no spend so far. Some use the bigger number as their goal number so do 4/15 No spend Days which means they have a goal of 15 no spend days this month.

Here's a handy guide to some of our terminology:
NSD: No Spend Day
CSD: Controlled Spend Day
BFF: Best Friend Forever
DH/DS/DD/DSS: Dear Husband, Dear Son Dear Daughter, fiance, boy friend, Dear Step-Son
DIL, MIL, BIL, SIL: Daughter in law, Mother In Law, Brother in Law, Sister In Law
NKCW: No Killing Co-Worker Day (could also be no kill DH NKDH etc)
NS or NSD: No Spend or No Spend Day
NEO: No eating out
HTH: Hope This Helps
KWIM: Know What I mean
FWIW: For What It's Worth
IMHO or IMO: In my Humble Opinion or In My Opinion
Having a Startsmart Day is referring to when you have 20+ things on your must get done in a day and you accomplish them.
Single Mom-KY aka Smokey;
MittenKitten aka MK;
Pt_In_NY aka Pointy;
The Boy is Sheila in Cali's son.
Blue is Red_Wagon's DH
TBear is MizBear's older niece.
ZBear is MizBear's younger niece.

[3catslady]

Thanks, Rocky, for starting the thread for us.
Goal for April:  25/30 NSD, 5/30 eating out days. 
I have all the bills paid for the month except 2.  I don't expect any unforseen expenses except emergency car repairs and emergency cat vet expenses.  I am going to pay the one bill tomorrow because it is my personal loan.  It is due when I have the money and I have the money now.  I ate out tonight but I dn't know if I want to count it.  I ate at McD' and got a burger and fries for $2.63.  I had a soda in my car so I didn't need to buy that.
update: 0/25/30 NSD, 1/5/30 eating out days.  I guess I'll count it.

[Rocky Mtn Saver]

I started the month of April with 1 CSD yesterday.  I bought a used book, but still kept under my CSD limit.  I'm such a rebel!   Last month my NSD's were low, so I'd like to at least reach 10 NSD's. 

Rocky Mtn. Saver:  1 CSD/0 NSD

[shanendoah]

Update: 0NSD/1CSD/0Spend            Goals: 10NSD/15CSD/5Spend

Going high on CSDs this month because we have 3 different birthday dinners planned, some medical/dental appts (my company will pay the COBRA on medical insurance for a full year for both C and I, but won't cover dental), some activities around the adoption process, and just in general April tends to be a busy month. I will be very happy if I can get 10 actual NSDs.

[redwagon]

Ahoy! I have not fallen off the face of the Earth. DH and I actually had a really good, really frank money conversation this weekend where I laid out our debts, our monthly expenses, and our need to focus on sticking to our budget so we can pay stuff off and be in a good place when we apply for a new mortgage for the next house (assuming we can sell our current house at a good price).

Today should be a no-spend. Monday was not. Tuesday was. So I guess 2/10 so far.

[Rocky Mtn Saver]

 for you guys, red!



Rocky Mtn. Saver:  2 CSD/0 NSD. Today is shaping up to be a NSD, the first of the new month. I need to keep early April as much under control as I can, as I have a weekend vacation planned in the middle of the month.

[3catslady]

update: 2/25/30 NSD, 1/5/30 eating out days.
I did laundry today, one basket, and it cost $3 for one load to wash and dry.  No other plans to spend today.

[Rocky Mtn Saver]

Well, I technically didn't get a NSD yesterday.  I returned some accessories at one store and then bought some others at another.  I actually returned $4 more than I bought, but I'm going to keep myself honest and call it a Spend Day because I did spend a bit more than budgeted. 

Rocky Mtn. Saver: 2 CSD/0 NSD 

[shanendoah]

Update: 0NSD/2CSD/1Spend            Goals: 10NSD/15CSD/5Spend

Tuesday we spent on exactly what we planned on spending, so it got to be a CSD. Yesterday was a spend because I had no plans to spend, but we ended up swinging by PetsMart and picking up so new carpet cleaner. Howie was sick multiple time Tuesday night before we ended up at the vet (where we said goodbye, for those of you who I don't know on FB). And while our little steam cleaner did a good job with most of if, we need a specialized enzymatic cleaner for a couple of spots.
Today should be an NSD, but Friday will be grocery shopping day, Saturday we'll likely pick up something to take to my friend's after Passover seder, and Sunday I'll get gas, so all three of those days should be CSDs.

[redwagon]

Yesterday stayed a NSD so that was good.

Today is a spend day as I bought breakfast and am going out for tea and scones after work with a friend I don't think I've seen since August.

Shanen - again, so sorry for your loss.

[Rocky Mtn Saver]

Rocky Mtn Saver: 2 CSD/1 NSD. I finally got myself an NSD. Whew! Only two more weekends of tax season. Of course, now come out the weird and complex returns.

[shanendoah]

Update: 0NSD/3CSD/1Spend            Goals: 10NSD/15CSD/5Spend

We ended up doing our CostCo shopping last night. With any luck, that means today will be an NSD.
The after Passover seder we were going to attend also got cancelled, as the hostess is getting sick, so it's possible Saturday might end up an NSD too.

[redwagon]

I just bought new earbuds and a cute romper for DD for $16 total at TJ Maxx. Oops. So a spend day. I did resist the donuts this morning though...

[Rocky Mtn Saver]

Rocky Mtn Saver: 3 CSD/1 NSD. Well, although I tried to make it a Spend Day by going shoe shopping, I didn't find anything I was looking for. So just a Rednox rental it was. . Today should be an NSD.

[3catslady]

update: 5/25/30 NSD, 1/5/30 eating out days.
I'm not sure what today might bring.  I want to, so desperately, eat out at my favorite restaurant and get my favorite meal, liver, onions and a baked potato.  I hope they have harvard beets but I won't hold my breath.  They don't have them that often.  I have a load of laundry in the car to do so I may do that also.
Hope everyone has a great weekend.

[moneysquirrel]

Update 5 NSDs.

Had a long post but lost it all.
Quick summary of what I lost:

*Shopping for mostly needed items today.  Some not needed therefore today is not one of the 5 listed above.
*Major tests and projects for my students this week -- therefore I will be missing more than usual.  All of the work has to be submitted in digital form so many hours in front of the computer will be required until those are graded.
* Craft show was a wash-out.  Broke even.
* Hope the rains last week knocked the oak pollen out of the trees.  This has been one of the worse pollen seasons in years.
* May be missing for a while while I catch up on all of the grading.
*Wishing all of you a good week.

[Rocky Mtn Saver]

Rocky Mtn Saver:  4 CSD/2 NSD 

3cats, did you end up giving in to your liver and onions temptation?  

[shanendoah]

Update: 2NSD/4CSD/1Spend            Goals: 10NSD/15CSD/5Spend

Managed NSDs on both Friday and Saturday. Friday, we made chicken wings and fries and the roomie brought home a new video game, so we had "family" night sitting the living room playing/watching the game. (Because really, some of these new games are better scripted than TV/movies.)
Saturday I felt like crud and spent the whole day curled up in bed with the puppies. If I hadn't felt so awful, it would have been a pretty perfect day.
I ended up canceling writing group because of how awful I felt on Saturday, but I did feel better on Sunday, so I went out and bought some new bras- it was a need, as I've lost 50lbs. I got two $20 bras and two more expensive ones at buy one, get one half off. I also bought a couple new pairs of Spanx.
Then, I came home and registered for my professional certification exam- that cost $630.
However, the clothes and the exam are categorized as needs and planned for expenses, so Sunday was a CSD.

Hopefully today and tomorrow will be NSDs. Wednesday I have a root canal, so it will be a CSD.

[3catslady]

Rocky:  No I didn't give in to the liver.  Instead, I got an ice cream cone and took a drive for about an hour and a half.  I may do it next week but I don't know.  I am not going to count yesterday because it was only $1.50 and under $2.
update: 6/25/30 NSD, 1/5/30 eating out days.
I haven't posted for today because I am going to look for things for the other room.  I need cabinets, both wall and floor, for the other room.  I have a cabinet down at my GF's place to put the dishes in.  Right now I want to get the clothes done first.  They take up the most room.

[shanendoah]

Update: 3NSD/4CSD/1Spend            Goals: 10NSD/15CSD/5Spend

The only thing we did yesterday was go to the dog park.
Working the first of my "reduced" schedule days today. It feels very odd to not be in to work until 9am, especially since I'll still be leaving at 3pm.

[redwagon]

I've been spendy. Got a good deal on some toys for nephew's 2nd birthday at a store going out of business (woo!). Bought a Kindle Fire so I can do a new freelance project (it's ongoing, and the Kindle will pay for itself with the first project, and I'm pretty sure I can deduct it on my taxes next year since it's for business). Bought granite countertops (woah!) but that's coming from money saved and our tax refund (still haven't filed, going to kill DH if he doesn't get me his info soon).

Good news is he finally got his 401k set up! He's submitted paperwork twice but HR keeps changing staff and it's never actually gone through. But it seems like it might work, and they're going to double up to at least make up for this year so far... so that frustration will be off my mental to-do list.

I also grocery shopped for the week. And rediscovered Raisin Bran. Good stuff, that.

[Rocky Mtn Saver]

Red, here's some brief info on how to make sure a tablet will qualify as a business or employee expense:
www.rapidtax.com/blog/ipad-tax-deduction/


Rocky Mtn Saver:  6 CSD/2 NSD.
I think we are the only part of the state that didn't get much snow out of our big Spring snowstorm.  Sadly, no Snow Day for me today. And I was totally stoked for a Snow Day! 

[redwagon]

Well, it's needed for the project so I'd probably be able to deduct at least half the cost of it (I know I'll end up using it for personal use too). Thanks!

[Rocky Mtn Saver]

As long as it's used overall at least 50% for business use and is "usual, necessary, customary, and reasonable" in your line of business, you should be okay. 

[redwagon]

I have to proofread books on various eReaders/tablets so yes, needed :-)

[3catslady]

update:  7/25/30 NSD, 2/5/30 eating out days.  I ate at BK tonight because I was thirsty and didn't want to wait until I got home to get somethiing to drink.  Anyway, it was over $3 so I am counting it.

[shanendoah]

Update: 4NSD/4CSD/1Spend            Goals: 10NSD/15CSD/5Spend

Stayed home and did nothing last night. It was really nice.
Today I have a root canal (not so nice) so it will be a CSD for my office copay.

Found out yesterday that my company is giving bonuses from last year, and that I will be getting one- about $1900. Having a hard time deciding what to use it for. Lots of people have told us to go somewhere warm, and my mom and brother are both in the southern half of CA, so we might go visit them. Or, I have desperately wanted a new laptop for a while to serve as my desktop replacement, and this would more than cover anything I'd get. Or, we have ants again so need to get an exterminator out to the house. Also, we need to get a plumber out for a few issues.
We could afford any of those things without the bonus, and the exterminator and plumber are things that are needed, regardless. So maybe I'll use my bonus for something fun, but given that I'm about to be out of a job, that seems irresponsible, despite the fact that between severance, vacation payout, and UE, we can go 96 weeks on our current budget without me working.

redwagon - you'd better tell him to get his butt in gear- Monday is the deadline. (You might also want to prepare the extension forms, just in case.) But yay on getting the 401(k) set up.

[redwagon]

shanendoah - yay for the bonus!! And DH will pull through at the last minute. Everything else is set. It's not even a lot of info I need, just some stuff about his books for school and interest on his high yield account.

[ses]

Rocky--I got your Snow Day, two of them.  The snow has not stopped since 5:00 pm Monday evening.  As of now I have just shy of two feet of snow plus several deep drifts.  Hopefully, I will be dug out tomorrow.   It sure helps with the NSDs!

This storm has put a halt to the living room renovation.  Who knows when they will be back.  It has also stopped my trip out of town to pick up a ceiling fan.  When I do get out of the house it is going to be a BIG spend day.

The new furry family member us settling in nicely.  Less than a month and he is sleeping on the foot of the bed, strolling out of his way for an ear scratching and sitting patiently by his bowl whenever the fridge door is opened.  He still won't snuggle with me.  My neighbor is still Leo's "One True Love" and I am just the operator of his "Bed and Breakfast."  Maybe with time he will learn to snuggle.  It is just a matter of time and trust.  Eventually.

[Rocky Mtn Saver]

Ses, so that's where they went!

Actually, it's kind of the way storms usually work for No CO.  Everything goes around us, north to Wyoming and south to Denver.  I don't think we got any Snow Days last winter either.  We could sure use the precipitation though. 


Rocky Mtn Saver: 6 CSD/3 NSD.  There was a Spring Fair at the college yesterday that included some food, so it was an NSD for me!  LOL, occasional free food is the only perk we State Education employees get.