Frugal February--No Spend/Controlled Spend

[ses]

I am dragging myself into the 21st century,kicking and screaming at times.  I finally learned how to pay some of my bills online!!  I went through my bank and they made it so easy.  Think how much I can save on stamps.

Good thing, because My furnace died on the day the high was 0* F.  It was fixed about 4:30 pm.  Then about 8:15 pm my neighborhood lost all power until after midnight.  Thank goodness for warm little kitties- a living heating pad. We did get power and the furnace was so appreciated.  Until 8:15 pm when it stopped AGAIN.  I can't wait to see my bill.  The "guts" of my toilet tank are plastic and broke the next day.  I told the cats to use the other toilet because I was not going going to stick my hand in the tank to work the flapper every time on of them wanted a drink.  I called my plumber about the problem and when he called me back he didn't know when he was going to be able to get here due to a massive amount of frozen pipes around town.  I very understandingly said "Give me a call whenever you can get to it."  There was silence in the line until he said "I've never heard that from a customer before."  Perhaps by being understanding the bill won't be so bad.  He got there the next morning anyway.   Thank goodness for emergency funds.  So much for my "Frugal February".  Oh, well, it is almost over. . . 

[ses]

Ombud--How is the food stamp challenge going?  I have only spent $37.48 so far.

[mizbear]

I have good news! I officially have only student loan debt as of today! I also, barring any miracles will.have a paid for car in 3 weeks. My DB paid the car off when my father died last year, but has never taken the car out of my name. So I am taking it back and he will get part of jis money back AFTER I have had tje car restored to its original condition. So he will get his $8800 minus 4 new tires, new title, inside out cleaning, and a complete service.

[3catslady]

3catslady: 9/15 NSD, 12/10 CSD, 1/3 eating out days.

I am not going to make my NSD because I am still buying groceries after work instead of going once a week and getting what I need.  Oh well, I am still not spending a lot.  I have gone from $600 to less than $400 for groceries and all expenses other than standard bills.

[Rocky Mtn Saver]

Rocky Mtn Saver: 10 CSD/6 NSD


I'm so excited for you, Mizbear! 

Sorry about your technical difficulties, ses.  We haven't lost power yet this winter, but so so so many people have!  It sucks all the way around.    Here's hoping my furnace does nothing funky for the rest of the winter.  I know the A/C will need some work this summer, so just one at a time, please? 

[moneysquirrel]

Update: 18NSDs and 4CSDs

I've been AWOL because things have been hectic as usual.   

  Hope all are doing well.  Take care and be frugal. 

[Ombud]

ses: I flunked the food stamp challenge.

My DIL2B & DS are being given a wedding shower in my home 3/8/14. Here's the problem. Their friend sent out 60 invitations (120 people) + called another dozen when they ran out of invitations. I found out about the shower when my sister called me to RSVP & wanted to know where my nephew's invitation was!! So I called their friend and asked if anyone told her I had a small house. She said that I didn't need to worry as it was going to be an outside bbq.

(1) I don't have a bbq
(2) It's supposed to rain

Got a real late call from DS so I guess the sh!t has hit the fan

[Rocky Mtn Saver]

Rocky Mtn Saver: 11 CSD/6 NSD


Ombud, sounds like they've done some awesome planning!  We're gonna want stories, you know! 

[mizbear]

Food stamps are not easy to live off of. Yes, it is meant to be a supplement, but the truth is, many families depend on that amount to buy all of their groceries. I have made it a practice to stay within that amount just because, but it isn't easy. I use savings cards, coupons, eat the same thing repeatedly sometimes.

I am now planning a move for the beginning of 2015. I am going to try to do it as inexpensively as possible.

[Ombud]

I was doing okay until I had DS's kids for the weekend. That was a $40 food week. I'm down to 2 pkgs frozen chopped chicken, 1 whole chicken, + 1 loaf of bread in the freezer

[mizbear]

I have been fairly lucky where Tbear and Zbear have been concerned. They were not accustomed to having a large grocery budget and they have been pretty good about my short budget.

[moneysquirrel]

Final February Update: 19 NSDS and 6 CSDs

Will see you on the March thread. 

[grits]

Well, I counted every day I spent a penny. If I spent for doing laundry, it counted. If all I bought was a candy bar, it counted. So, I wound up with 10 CSD's, 18 NSD's, and not one free spend day. March will not be so lucky. I plan to go to Houston next Thursday for a couple of days of R&R.  

[3catslady]

3catslady:  10 NSD, 17 CSD, 1 eating out days.

Not like I wanted it but it is okay.

Any one starting March Thread?   MAKE IT COUNT MARCH?

[mizbear]

3cats, if it isn't posted when I am done my homework, I will start the March thread... I have big frugal announcements from this neck of the woods....

BTW- I miss everyone!

[Ombud]

Great !! 1 sis & SIL got invites. I have 3 sisters & 1 SIL. Guess 50% is good? Now they wonder why I'm mad at them

[mizbear]

Moving to the "Make It Count March" thread!