ses
Familiar Member
Joined: Dec 20, 2010 14:18:37 GMT -5
Posts: 654
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Post by ses on Nov 1, 2013 12:17:31 GMT -5
Here we go again!
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
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mizbear
Senior Member
Stand back. I have a budget, and I know how to use it.
Joined: Jan 2, 2011 13:12:46 GMT -5
Posts: 3,958
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Post by mizbear on Nov 2, 2013 7:35:51 GMT -5
Hi guys! Well, I will be done school (at least the associate's degree and certificate) either next summer or fall. I am having to spend money to replace clothing as most of mine is now too big. I have found a great way to save money next semester though. All of the classes I need are available online, so I am going to take them online and save gas, bridge tolls, maintenance, and time. This strategy will allow me to take an extra class. I also will be looking for my internship this semester to do over the summer. Mom has agreed to move, but she is not making any real strides towards it. She says she can't afford it. Well, she needs to do something, because she is not going to live out of my living room and not do anything once I go back to work.
My goal for the next 2 months is to have as many NSDs as possible.
By the way- I have all but quit drinking Starbucks!
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3catslady
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Joined: Dec 20, 2010 22:29:16 GMT -5
Posts: 1,122
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Post by 3catslady on Nov 2, 2013 13:55:12 GMT -5
3catslady: 1 NSD, 1 CSD, 0 eating out days. I am going to try something different. I am trying it the way Ombud is. I have $149.24 in my checking account. This is after I paid the bills except for the electric and a personal loan. I am starting out with this amount and will add or subtract each day. So yesterday it would have looked like this;
November 1, 2013 $1027.42 balance in account -$94.33 mortgage payment #1 -$632.13 mortgage payment #2 -$126.72 water bill -$25.00 trash bill -------------------------------- $149.24 balance in account
November 2, 2013 no spending
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Ombud
Junior Associate
Joined: Jan 14, 2013 23:21:04 GMT -5
Posts: 7,592
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Post by Ombud on Nov 2, 2013 20:13:37 GMT -5
I'll be back probably Monday. Need to figure out what I have once the auto bills clear. It's bad. Don't want to dip into the holiday money just yet, even though Hanukkah starts this month.
Congratulations, mizbear, on kicking that Starbucks habit
3cats, it's the only way I can keep it straight. Sort of a cross between the old cash only and the new no spend thread
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3catslady
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Joined: Dec 20, 2010 22:29:16 GMT -5
Posts: 1,122
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Post by 3catslady on Nov 3, 2013 23:03:50 GMT -5
3catslady: 2 NSD, 1 CSD, 0 eating out days.
$149.24 +$100.00 rent from kids --------- $249.24
I paid the electric but it won't come out until Friday because I pay it online and set the date it comes out of my account. I take it off my checking account book so I don't spend it. I almost blew the no spend day because I was hungry for pizza and was going to order delivery. Instead, I got a potato and baked it in the microwave and had cheese and bacon bits on it. I am out of soda so I am drinking water and tea. I now have a caffeine withdrawal headache and pills don't help it. I know tea has caffeine but it doesn't help. I "need" the coke stuff. And I know that is all in my head but that is the truth.
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Ombud
Junior Associate
Joined: Jan 14, 2013 23:21:04 GMT -5
Posts: 7,592
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Post by Ombud on Nov 3, 2013 23:17:57 GMT -5
Actually, I also need caffeine as a drug .... 65 mg a day to prevent my type of migraines. That's 2 ventis
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3catslady
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Joined: Dec 20, 2010 22:29:16 GMT -5
Posts: 1,122
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Post by 3catslady on Nov 3, 2013 23:37:27 GMT -5
I was just wondering if we are going to do the "Santa" thing this year. Are we going to send cards and have a "Secret Santa"? Either or both is okay with me.
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Rocky Mtn Saver
Junior Associate
Joined: Dec 23, 2010 9:40:57 GMT -5
Posts: 7,461
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Post by Rocky Mtn Saver on Nov 4, 2013 11:42:34 GMT -5
Rocky Mtn Saver: 1 CSD/0 NSD
Well, aside from planned expenses like cellphone and an anniversary gift, I didn't spend much this weekend. But I only got one CSD because what I did spend was just above my daily limit. I'm off to get new glasses/contacts today (finally!), but that's all budgeted from the HSA.
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Rocky Mtn Saver
Junior Associate
Joined: Dec 23, 2010 9:40:57 GMT -5
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Post by Rocky Mtn Saver on Nov 5, 2013 9:05:07 GMT -5
Rocky Mtn Saver: 2 CSD/0 NSD
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Ombud
Junior Associate
Joined: Jan 14, 2013 23:21:04 GMT -5
Posts: 7,592
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Post by Ombud on Nov 6, 2013 17:36:11 GMT -5
Ok. Starting point is $111.77 I have more but it's stuck into Schwab + set aside for Thanksgiving dinner
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moneysquirrel
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Joined: Dec 19, 2010 13:12:39 GMT -5
Posts: 1,908
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Post by moneysquirrel on Nov 6, 2013 20:47:35 GMT -5
Update: 3 NSD and 1 CSD
Still trying to catch up on things. Caught up on all the old grading but have a bunch of things coming in at the end of the week and the beginning of next week. Also have one craft show at the beginning of this month. So very busy. I don't see things easing up for the rest of the year. So I will pop in as I can.
Hope all are doing well.
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3catslady
Well-Known Member
Joined: Dec 20, 2010 22:29:16 GMT -5
Posts: 1,122
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Post by 3catslady on Nov 6, 2013 21:24:25 GMT -5
3catslady: 4 NSD, 2 CSD, 0 eating out.
$249.24 -$31.01 groceries - $3.37 soda ginger ale -$10.06 soda coke - $5.29 Thanksgiving candle -$11.00 laundry _________________________ $188.51 $147.20 added from my check __________________________ $335.71 in account until electric comes out.
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ses
Familiar Member
Joined: Dec 20, 2010 14:18:37 GMT -5
Posts: 654
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Post by ses on Nov 7, 2013 21:25:57 GMT -5
Strangest thing happened last Saturday. About 4 pm I realized I had only 4 dollars and some change in my wallet and had a most terrible anxiety attack--well terrible for me. Especially when I thought that Monday the bank would be closed for the holiday. About Sunday I realized I was a week ahead of myself and calmed down considerably. In actuality I didn't spend a penny until today. I don't know what caused this upset, I had plenty of checks, a debit card and a couple of credit cards and nothing i NEEDED to buy. Wish I knew what brought this on.
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3catslady
Well-Known Member
Joined: Dec 20, 2010 22:29:16 GMT -5
Posts: 1,122
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Post by 3catslady on Nov 8, 2013 18:24:23 GMT -5
3catslady: 5 NSD, 3 CSD, 0 eating out days.
$335.71 $200.00 electric ______________ $135.71 balance
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Ombud
Junior Associate
Joined: Jan 14, 2013 23:21:04 GMT -5
Posts: 7,592
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Post by Ombud on Nov 9, 2013 11:39:50 GMT -5
Bought stuff for charity drive so now sure how the month will play out.
111.77 -26.26 $85.51
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mizbear
Senior Member
Stand back. I have a budget, and I know how to use it.
Joined: Jan 2, 2011 13:12:46 GMT -5
Posts: 3,958
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Post by mizbear on Nov 9, 2013 15:38:22 GMT -5
I unfortunately can't do Christmas this year. I wish I could. Between schedule and finances, it might be next Christmas before people got their cards or gifts.
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3catslady
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Joined: Dec 20, 2010 22:29:16 GMT -5
Posts: 1,122
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Post by 3catslady on Nov 9, 2013 16:41:30 GMT -5
I started my shopping but I spent cash on hand so I am counting it as a CSD. Therefore; 3catslady: 5 NSD, 4 CSD, 0 eating out days.
As for Christmas, I can only do cards this year. I have a list of people and their addresses but I don't know if the list is currant. If those of you who want cards will PM me their addresses I will check and fix those that are wrong. Thanks.
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Rocky Mtn Saver
Junior Associate
Joined: Dec 23, 2010 9:40:57 GMT -5
Posts: 7,461
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Post by Rocky Mtn Saver on Nov 11, 2013 9:26:06 GMT -5
Rocky Mtn Saver: 5 CSD/1 NSD
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Ombud
Junior Associate
Joined: Jan 14, 2013 23:21:04 GMT -5
Posts: 7,592
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Post by Ombud on Nov 11, 2013 22:26:31 GMT -5
PM works for me!! In fact I might e-card everyone on my list Almost finished off 1 of the 5 GKs but I did it on (free / saved) reward card so it actually didn't cost me. Little outfit - pants / top - $9.42 + $26.73 (new bra for me) -- just $34.64 left on that card. Might cover GD2 so that'd be 2 down, 3 to go without dipping into my cash & leaves me another $100 reward points on another card. $85.51 in account -- need to go to grocers
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Rocky Mtn Saver
Junior Associate
Joined: Dec 23, 2010 9:40:57 GMT -5
Posts: 7,461
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Post by Rocky Mtn Saver on Nov 12, 2013 10:54:42 GMT -5
Rocky Mtn Saver: 6 CSD/1 NSD
Nothing much to report on my end. I have some training to complete for my spring side job, and this November is a busy month for nerds! I'm hosting separate fan-related parties this weekend and next weekend, as well as planning a party for some little kids in my circle of friends. Oh, well, at least the snow is holding off for now.
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Honeylioness
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 20, 2010 14:09:59 GMT -5
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Post by Honeylioness on Nov 12, 2013 18:49:16 GMT -5
Hello ladies ... well third month in a row - at least - where I feel as though I am failing at keeping track or on budget. And I received a formal job offer today .. but I am not happy with what they are offering and not sure how I will handle the negotiations.
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Rocky Mtn Saver
Junior Associate
Joined: Dec 23, 2010 9:40:57 GMT -5
Posts: 7,461
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Post by Rocky Mtn Saver on Nov 12, 2013 18:55:37 GMT -5
to Honeylioness!
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Ombud
Junior Associate
Joined: Jan 14, 2013 23:21:04 GMT -5
Posts: 7,592
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Post by Ombud on Nov 12, 2013 20:52:24 GMT -5
I received a formal job offer today .. but I am not happy with what they are offering and not sure how I will handle the negotiations. Congratulations & welcome back!! As to negotiations, did you research average salary / benefits for the position within 100+ miles? Not the end all but a start
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Rocky Mtn Saver
Junior Associate
Joined: Dec 23, 2010 9:40:57 GMT -5
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Post by Rocky Mtn Saver on Nov 13, 2013 9:00:41 GMT -5
Rocky Mtn Saver: 7 CSD/1 NSD
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ses
Familiar Member
Joined: Dec 20, 2010 14:18:37 GMT -5
Posts: 654
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Post by ses on Nov 13, 2013 18:41:40 GMT -5
Ombud--You are NOT being too cheap! Young people, and some older, are having unreasonable expectations as far as gifts go. What ever happened to gifts being a token of remembrance? In my opinion you are giving the greatest gift in providing a place to live. As you said they have other grandparents as well as their parents.
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Ombud
Junior Associate
Joined: Jan 14, 2013 23:21:04 GMT -5
Posts: 7,592
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Post by Ombud on Nov 13, 2013 20:27:52 GMT -5
Hanukkah goes for 8 nights & I always gave 8 gifts. I am cutting back to 2.
2 from me 1 from parent 1 from aunt or uncle 1 from my X 1 from other grandparents 6 unless parents want to do more
EDIT: We are having 1 cookie decorating party so that night wouldn't need a gift
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Rocky Mtn Saver
Junior Associate
Joined: Dec 23, 2010 9:40:57 GMT -5
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Post by Rocky Mtn Saver on Nov 14, 2013 9:47:26 GMT -5
Rocky Mtn Saver: 7 CSD/2 NSD
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ses
Familiar Member
Joined: Dec 20, 2010 14:18:37 GMT -5
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Post by ses on Nov 14, 2013 18:17:40 GMT -5
Hanukkah goes for 8 nights & I always gave 8 gifts. I am cutting back to 2.
2 from me 1 from parent 1 from aunt or uncle 1 from my X 1 from other grandparents 6 unless parents want to do more
EDIT: We are having 1 cookie decorating party so that night wouldn't need a gift
___________________________________________________________________
When I was a kid I was jealous of my best friend during Hanukkah because she got to celebrate for 8 days. But as an adult the thing I really remember was the night we made cards and drawings and simple handmade gifts that her mom and gram would then take with her and her two brothers to a local nursing home to deliver and sing songs with the residents. Too many elderly never get to see children to help celebrate this special time. Her family's philosophy was "the greatest gift is to give a gift of happiness to others." As an adult I realize what a great way to teach charity and compassion.
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Honeylioness
Junior Member
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Post by Honeylioness on Nov 14, 2013 20:30:18 GMT -5
So .... the other side of the story. After deliberation and budget crunching I have accepted the offer of employment from the company I have working as a contractor for since January of this year.
My tentative start date is November 25th ... which means it will have been two years and two weeks since I lost my last job until this one.
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Ombud
Junior Associate
Joined: Jan 14, 2013 23:21:04 GMT -5
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Post by Ombud on Nov 14, 2013 23:07:49 GMT -5
Whoo hoo!!
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