MATTER OF $ CONTROL MAY

[ses]

Ready for a new month?




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

[3catslady]

Thanks, ses, for starting the page.

3catslady: 1/15 CSD, 1/15 NSD, 0/1 eating out day

[3catslady]

3catslady:  2/15 CSD, 1/15 NSD, 0/1 eating out day.

[moneysquirrel]

Update; 3 NSDs 

I have no idea where the beginning of this year has disappeared.  I can't believe that I only have a few weeks left of school and then a short summer break before we begin again on August 1st.  I have been busy with school work and trying to keep up with my other living activities -- housework, crafts, and a little tutoring.

I will be popping in and out this month again.  I know that this week alone I have an afternoon activity every day after school as well as a craft show this coming weekend.  I have been trying to get a few new things made for that when I have a few spare minutes. 

SES -- If I don't get a chance to speak with you before next week please know that I will be thinking of you as you prepare for your medical adventure.  Tell your sister hello for me as well.

3 cats -- I am still using the items you made for me and for many of the others several years ago.  Good thoughts go out to you whenever I use them.  

[3catslady]

money:  Thanks for the good thoughts.

3catslady:  1/15 NSD, 3/15 CSD, 0/1 eating out day.

Today was the day that the 3 of us eat out each month and it was my turn to buy, but, since the money came out on the 1st, I didn't count it.  I have been cutting down on my food intake because I weighed myself the other day and I hit 200 pounds.  I am 5 feet, 2 inches.  I found that I was having trouble breathing and that is when I checked my weight.  I find that when I have trouble breathing, it is because I have gained weight.  So now I am watching what I eat.  I had chicken stir-fry and it was very good.  I only ate half of the order so now I have another meal for here at home.  I have been getting rotisserie chicken legs at work and a bag of steamed veggies for my supper.  I think I will be on this for a while.  I have instant rice and instant mashed potatoes if I want anything else with the chicken and veggies.  I very seldom have any bread in the house.  I have cut down on the pizza (once a week instead of 2-3 times) and hoagies (once a month if I really want one).  I haven't had McDonald's or Burger King in a long time. I have to figure out if I want to use sugar or Truvia for my tea.  I started parking farther away from the store so I have farther to walk.  I am now drinking 4-5 bottles of water a day and I have cut coke down to once or twice a month instead of 1 or 2 a day.  It was hard but I just grabbed a bottle of water when I wanted one.  Those are all the changes I have made so far.  I know I have more to make but I think I will concentrate on these for a couple of weeks and see how I feel.
Sorry for the rant but I just wanted to get that out of my system and find some accountability with all of you.  Thanks for letting me rant.

[3catslady]

3catslady: 1/15 NSD, 4/15 CSD, 0/1 eating out day.

I forgot to get litter and toilet paper yesterday when I got a few groceries and it was on my list.

[3catslady]

3catslady:  1/15 NSD, 5 CSD, 0/1 eating out day. 

[3catslady]

3catslady:  2/15 NSD, 5/15 CSD, 0/1 eating out day.

[moneysquirrel]

Update: 6NSDs and 1 CSD

Wishing all of you a good week. Keeping very busy. Will check in when I can.

[3catslady]

3catslady:  3/15 NSD, 5/15 CSD, 0/1 eating out day

[3catslady]

3catslady:  3/15 NSD, 6/15 CSD, 0/1 eating out day.

[Ombud]

Scored 2 free symphony tickets (bought 1 for $11) but then splurged at Nations ($22.76 + 2c from their spare pennies tray) for dinner for the 3 of us

They don't take charge cards

[3catslady]

3catslady:  5/15 NSD, 6/15 CSD, 0/1 eating out day.

I did eat out today and I did spend today and I did get my hair cut today, but it was money I had set aside for my fun money so I am not counting it.  It was already counted in the CSD when I pay bills at the beginning of the month because I am one of the bills that I pay.  After I ate, I went down to the Dam about 5 miles away and sat at a table and watched the people walk, the boats go by and the birds fly by.  I wrote in my journal that I keep in the car for church sermons and just had a quiet day.  The next time I go, though, I will have to take some allergy meds before leaving the house.  My eyes and nose were running like a creek and I was sneezing for the first hour.  After that, I stopped maybe because I got used to the pollen or whatever.  I don't know.  I had a very peaceful time and plan to do it again.  I may make a habit of going there every Sunday and either taking my writing with me or go for a walk.  I have to buy a pair of binoculars because there are a couple pair of bald eagles down there and I could watch them for hours.  They are such a magnificent bird.  I also thought I heard a cat bird and I know there are loads of blue birds because of the houses that are located there.  Maybe I'll get a camera with a telephoto lens and take some pictures. 

Anyway, that was my Mother's Day.  I hope all you mothers had a great day.

[3catslady]

3catslady: 6/15 NSD, 7/15 CSD, 1/1 eating out day.

I ordered a delivered pizza.  Things are rough and I am tired.

[3catslady]

3catslady: 7/15 NSD, 7/15 CSD, 1/1 eating out day.

[moneysquirrel]

Update: 13 NSDs and 2 CSDs

I'm in the midst of exams so life is moving quite quickly.  Talked to SES and she is recovering from her medical procedure.  It may be a while before she is active with us as I am not sure that she will have internet access as she recovers. 

Will continue to check in as I can.

[3catslady]

3catslady:  9/15 NSD, 8/15 CSD, 1/1 eating out day.

I have around $100 cash on me at all times just in case.  Well, I used $60 of that today.  Forty went to brunch with my Granddaughter and Great-granddaughter and $20 went to laundry.  I haven't seen my great-granddaughter before and she is 4 months old.  I haven't seen her family since Thanksgiving.  She was born an hour and a half after my grandson in January.  They live near Troy, PA, so when they came in to the store last night while I was working, I told them we'd meet for lunch this morning before they head back home.  We had a great time although the baby slept most of the time. 

[moneysquirrel]

Update: 14 NSDs and 3 CSDs

In the final week with students and then a week of meetings before I have some time to play. Keeping busy with exams. Will check in when I can.

[3catslady]

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

[3catslady]

3catslady:  11/15 NSD, 10/15 CSD, 1 eating out day.

[moneysquirrel]

Update: 18 NSDs and 4 CSDs


Finishing up the school year this week.  Made it through two graduation ceremonies and exams this past week.  Have a series of meetings as well as doctor appointments this week.  Hope to schedule some pampering in the coming weeks and to get back on track in the areas of exercise and de-cluttering. I have several projects that I have been making some progress on and need to finish up.  

The good news is that the classroom is packed up and ready for its summertime use.  Only have to secure a few items and I won't have to do anything else in it until the start of the new school year.  

[3catslady]

3catslady:  13/15 NSD, 13/15 CSD, 1/1 eating out day.

[3catslady]

3catslady:  15/15 NSD, 13/15 CSD, 1/1 eating out day.

I am going to have to spend today because I left the litter pan get too low in litter and the cats can't dig their way to China.  I will probably spend more that I want to but that is usually the way it goes.  When I get the litter tonight, that will be all I need until Sunday when I do my weekly shopping.  I'll also pick up another box of litter just to have it here.  I usually had at least 2 boxes here ready for me but I've been cutting back in case DS (and that doesn't mean dear) and KDIL, (yeah the K is in front of her again) keep messing with me.  More to follow when I calm down.

JUST PUT IT DOWN JUNE?

[ses]

I'm baaaack!  I had a total hip replacement 5/12/2014 then spent about a week in a recovery center for another week.  My surgeon would not release me to go directly home since I live alone.  That will cause a hit to my emergency fund since my insurance will not cover skilled nursing care and I am not old enough for Medicare.  At least I had a healthy emergency fund. I did not know this care would not be covered by insurance until the day before i had to transfer facilities.  Big shock!!!

I came home last weekend and a friend stayed with me for three days while I learned how to live in my house.  I am walking around with a walker quite easily and with no pain.  I am still hesitant to use the stairs unless there is someone around.  I cannot bend more than 90* or drive for another four to six weeks.

Onyx was in the yard when I got home and started talking to me about leaving her for the past two weeks as soon as i got out of the car.  She didn't leave me for more than a few minutes, or stop talking, for about three days.  And she is usually such a quiet kitty.

All in all I am very glad to be home. 

[3catslady]

ses, glad to see you back.  I hope things are going okay for you.  I had my knee done in 07 and I know some of the pain discomfort you are going through.  My insurance allowed for home pt and after I was allowed to drive, which was shortly after I got home about 2 or 3 weeks, I went to the pt building.  I still cannot get down on my hunkers or knees because I can't bend that far although the doctor was very happy with my progress.  Now my other knee needs done and SS doesn't cover it all and that is the only insurance  I have at this time.  So I'll put up with the inconvenience of adjusting my kneecap back in place when I get up from sitting more than a hour at a time.  I usually only go to the dr's in a life-threatening situation or when the pain gets too unbearable.  I haven't reached that point yet.

Just a rant:  I have been lurking on the Smart Spending thread and they have a no spend one something like ours.  From what I can see, there is(are) only 4 or 5 of them that post regularly and about the same here.  One or two of them are from the old MSN thread.  Maybe we could combine with them or they could come over here.  I have this thing about duplicates or similarities and want to put them in one folder.  I am just talking out loud here, just throwing out comments. I noticed that we are down from 30-40 from the old thread to 3 or 4 here.  It seems like life is taking over and I miss the companionship we had.

[3catslady]

forgot to post my numbers:

3catslady:  16/15 NSD, 14/15 CSD, 1/1 eating out day.

[moneysquirrel]

Final May Update: 23 NSDs and 6 CSDs

I am up for the next month once someone gets it started.  I hope to be able to be more active this summer but I do have two out-of-town educational type conferences this month/beginning of July.  

I have been trying to eat out of the freezer/pantry the last few weeks and will continue to do so for several more days.  I did manage to be able to empty out the big freezer in the garage and unplugged it this morning.  Had room to move the last few items into the top freezer section of the fridge.  I have been trying to do this every summer since Katrina as part of my hurricane preparation plan.  It forces me to make sure that I don't have too many things that get lost in the back of the freezer and have to dispose of because of freezer burn/ outdated items. etc.  I have been having some weird combos but 
that's okay for a few times a year. Once my conferences are over I will have to add a few items and make a few grocery runs but hope to focus on more of the fresh variety since I will be home to try out a few new food choices.

I have been trying since I have had a few free days to work on the house.  I was able to get several items (more than five boxes) donated this week as well as reorganizing a few things in the house.  I hope to do more of that each week between appointments and conferences.  I am also making plans for fun days each week and I hope to get into a routine to get to the gym several times each week.  

Today I will be meeting with several friends to check out the new outlet mall that opened this week.  I plan for it to be an outing but realize that it might turn into a spent day if I find something on my needed list.  Later this week I have to get my car into the shop for it routine checkup.  I always try to get this done once in the summer and once around the Christmas holidays.  Doing it a little earlier than normal this year as I want it done prior to driving out of state later this month.  

I have been experimenting with several new bracelet patterns the last few weeks.  Currently working on a necklace with tiny seed beads.  I had this pattern for almost six years but at the time of purchase my skills were not up to trying it.  Since the beads are so tiny I can only work a few hours a day on it so my progress is a little slower than I would like.  I plan to work on a few other projects in between with larger components so that my eyes will not rebel too much.

SES -- glad to see you back.  Will call soon sometime prior to my first conference.
3cats -- I know the group has gotten smaller but I enjoy the company I found here.  Not sure why the group has gotten so small but think that some people just have time crunches.  I know that during the school year that I just don't have the time to check in as often.  Sometimes I read the thread late at night but don't have time to post anything.  A lot of our original posters have added to their families, accepted new jobs, etc.  Also the June name idea is ok with me.


 

[3catslady]

money, I was just thinking out loud.  It seems I have more time on my hands than I used to and yes, I know that things have changed for some, added babies, responsibilities with other jobs.  Not everyone uses this thread to get away from it all like I do.  I really enjoy the company and the way you all let me get my frustrations out and not judge me.  This is the only place that I can come to late at night and read what others are up to.  Don't get me wrong, if it wasn't for this place I don't know where I would be.  All of you have been a God-send and He knows I needed you.  I guess my paranoia is getting in full swing because of other circumstances.  And now I am crying so I am going to get dressed and go to the Dam and watch the birds.  We have a set of eagles there and I like to watch for them.  I always get like this when I don't sleep and forgot to take my meds.  Sorry and I love each and every one of you.  It seems that this week is a hard week for me.  I guess it is time to see a doctor and get some meds changed.

[moneysquirrel]

3cats -- I also used this board at least when I first got on as a way to fill the time.  It was only a few years after my husband died and I was not working full time then.  It became a way to escape from the normal of having to deal with everyday life by myself.  Now, I do like the fact that I feel that I know the persons we connect with here.  Those of us here have been together so long that we know about some of the back stories of the individuals.  I know that you have come very far from when you started.  I feel that you have been one of our success stories.  I do miss the other posters but I don't want to lose the connections we have formed here.

[3catslady]

warning: if you don't want to read this please pass over.  This is just a rant to get it off my mind.  Thank you.


money:  No, I don't want to lose them either.  You are my family and I would miss all of you so much.  It's like I said, I am having a bad week and I can't see the end yet.  I know it's there.  I tried to go to the Dam but my muffler broke off and I couldn't stand the sound so I turned around and came home.  I didn't sleep last night so I took a nap this afternoon and then went and did laundry.  I am looking forward to next Sunday because that's when the three of us go out to eat, my ex-sister-in-law and my cousin and me.  I am going to see the mechanic in the morning and see when he will have time to put a new muffler on.  He was to do that last fall but he had to have a heart procedure done and I took it to another place.  He welded the hole in the pipe instead of putting a new one on.  I had told him to put a new one on if it needed it.  I am a little upset with him because I had the money at the time for a new one.  Right now I don't have it because DS(not dear) was laid off for 2 months and for some reason, he said he couldn't collect unemployment.  I paid the mortgage and other bills that needed paid, but not his bills, just the mortgage.  
I guess I've said enough for the night.  I'll get off and do something.