March Madness Controlled/No Spend Thread

[sapphire12]

shanen -- hugs to you, DH and Smokey! That is just heartbreaking.

[pauletteg]

oh OW, shanendoah. Losing a good friend is rough -- it reads like you've well-considered the situation though. Hugs to you and Smokey.

Now that we're at the end of the first quarter, are you looking ahead to the 2nd quarter of 2011? Does your budget need any tweaking?

March Madness? This... is... SPARTAN!
I am definitely looking ahead. We're coping with inflation, a temporary pay cut, big tax bill, house maintenance projects. I may have to go look for a job.

I don't know if I can cut much from the budget. My fingers were tingling on Sunday at home, when I learned our thermostat was showing 61F. If anything I need to spend more on clothing. In response to the temporary pay cut and rising gas prices, I have been buying precious metals.

After April we won't have the tax bill, and we'll be back to our regular income. At the beginning of 2011 I was thinking I'd have only to save for a newer car. The second quarter of the year is my favourite, budgetwise, because the utility bills are not at extremes and I can place deposits on work to be performed on the house, and there's less driving the car and more walking/riding the bikes.

[reeneejune]

Shan - hugs on your puppy's health. I hope that his remaining time with you on earth is as comfortable as possible.

Apartment hunt dilemma - I need some advice from some wiser heads than mine. It's looking like I can go two routes, and I'd like some outside input. First a little background:
I'm moving into the large town that I currently work full time in. Population is just a hair under 50,000. I've been in the area long enough that I know where the good and not so good neighborhoods are, and sometimes they're only a block away from each other. My target neighborhoods are in the historic downtown part of town. One neighborhood is mostly stately historic homes dating from the late 1800's. Most are still single family homes, but some have been broken up into apartments with varying degrees of aesthetic(sp?) success. It's very close to the river, lots of very nice parks, and the beautiful historic downtown where I do most of my business. The other neighborhood is adjacent to the first, but in a slightly more "working class" area... the houses are less well kept and not usually historic, but it's mostly families.

Option 1- There's a lovely large studio apartment in one of the more gracefully divided historic homes. $450 a month, $10 a month extra if I have a pet. Pluses: allows pets, in target neighborhood, lots of character, well within budget (in fact, much less than I expected to pay), walking distance to the parks/river (7 blocks). Negatives: It is a studio, so less space, no office/sewing room, possibly odd situation with hot water (not sure if I share a hot water heater with another unit or what, but the electric for the hot water only is included in the rent, I pay for the rest of the electric), no dishwasher.

Option 2- There's a nice apartment complex just 2 blocks from my job, 2 bedroom apts. well within my price range. $550 a month, water/sewer/garbage included. Pluses: close to work and grocery store, has a dishwasher, more living space, can write off part of my rent on next year's taxes due to freelancing work. Negatives: doesn't allow pets, not in my target neighborhood, not much character, I didn't really want to live in an apartment complex.

I'm kind of torn. I haven't been inside the studio yet, but I'm pretty sure after looking at the outside of the house and the photos from the landlord that I'm going to like it. Either would work, but it's starting to look like a less space but I can have a furbaby vs. more space and a tax write off debate. And I just don't know which means more to me at the moment. I know I'll never find something that's PERFECT (unless I'm willing to pay upwards of $1,000 a month in rent, which I'm not).

[dividend]

I didn't spend a dime today. This week I tried something new and packed a big tote with lunch/snacks for the entire week to keep in the office fridge. Homemade tomato soup, sourdough bread with cheese, raw snap peas, clementines, and spanish almonds. This was a brilliant strategy. I may make it the entire week not buying lunch. Took my lunch to my brother's house today, 3 minutes from my office, and ate sitting on the porch in the sunshine. Wonderful. Didn't want to go back.

reenee - I feel like from the tone of your post about these 2 apartments, if you flipped a coin, you'd be hoping for the studio in the historic district. It certainly sounds lovely, like the kind of place I'd want if I were living by myself again. I think since it's just you, you'll find it's easy to make space for work and for play. Hardwood floors, AND it's cheaper? Heck yes!

[3catslady]

shanen; Sorry to hear about your dog. Prayers are going to you and him and the family.

[Deleted]

Mar 1, 2011 20:55:43 GMT -5 reeneejune said:

Shan - hugs on your puppy's health. I hope that his remaining time with you on earth is as comfortable as possible.

Apartment hunt dilemma - I need some advice from some wiser heads than mine. It's looking like I can go two routes, and I'd like some outside input. First a little background:
I'm moving into the large town that I currently work full time in. Population is just a hair under 50,000. I've been in the area long enough that I know where the good and not so good neighborhoods are, and sometimes they're only a block away from each other. My target neighborhoods are in the historic downtown part of town. One neighborhood is mostly stately historic homes dating from the late 1800's. Most are still single family homes, but some have been broken up into apartments with varying degrees of aesthetic(sp?) success. It's very close to the river, lots of very nice parks, and the beautiful historic downtown where I do most of my business. The other neighborhood is adjacent to the first, but in a slightly more "working class" area... the houses are less well kept and not usually historic, but it's mostly families.

Option 1- There's a lovely large studio apartment in one of the more gracefully divided historic homes. $450 a month, $10 a month extra if I have a pet. Pluses: allows pets, in target neighborhood, lots of character, well within budget (in fact, much less than I expected to pay), walking distance to the parks/river (7 blocks). Negatives: It is a studio, so less space, no office/sewing room, possibly odd situation with hot water (not sure if I share a hot water heater with another unit or what, but the electric for the hot water only is included in the rent, I pay for the rest of the electric), no dishwasher.

Option 2- There's a nice apartment complex just 2 blocks from my job, 2 bedroom apts. well within my price range. $550 a month, water/sewer/garbage included. Pluses: close to work and grocery store, has a dishwasher, more living space, can write off part of my rent on next year's taxes due to freelancing work. Negatives: doesn't allow pets, not in my target neighborhood, not much character, I didn't really want to live in an apartment complex.

I'm kind of torn. I haven't been inside the studio yet, but I'm pretty sure after looking at the outside of the house and the photos from the landlord that I'm going to like it. Either would work, but it's starting to look like a less space but I can have a furbaby vs. more space and a tax write off debate. And I just don't know which means more to me at the moment. I know I'll never find something that's PERFECT (unless I'm willing to pay upwards of $1,000 a month in rent, which I'm not).

Personally Renee, I would go with the studio because I think you still have a bit to save and pay off. I know you would want an EF before an animal so you can decide later on the animal.

[moneysquirrel]

Update: 1 NS day

Renee -- I think your heart is with the studio.
Shan - Hugs
SES -- How did the food challenge go?

[Deleted]

Mar 1, 2011 18:33:58 GMT -5 shanendoah said:

Today was a spend. Took Smokey to the vet. His recent lack of desire to eat and weight loss are the result of a tumor in his spleen. Most aggressive treatment (minimum $5k) gives him roughly 6 months to live. It was nice to know we had the money to make the decision to go aggressive, but we chose palliatative care. This is a dog for whom getting his toenails trimmed is traumatic. I could not put him through a blood transfusion and surgery for just a couple more months (If it had been years, we would have gone for it.) So, meds to help his tummy feel better, very light exercise, and we go until either the tumor ruptures (could happen at any moment) or until his quality of life drops.
So yeah, not a good day.

I'm sorry, doing what is best is always hard. If you need to yell at someone I will PM you my # after my exam on thursday.

[shanendoah]

Thank you all for the good wishes. Smokey is not in any pain. If he were, the decision would have been easier, though harder. As it is, we're supposed to keep him from moving around a lot since that could rupture the tumor and pretty much kill him. So, he'll sleep a lot and get his daily short walkies. As an 8.5 year old lab mix, that's pretty much heaven to him.
For details, I've got a post up over at my pet blog lifebypets.blogspot.com/ which is where I think I'll do all updates, so as not to clog up other spaces (like this one) with a drama that could last a few months.

I do have to say I am very grateful to the WIR and general, and to this board in particular, because we have the security net that while the aggressive option was expensive, we could honestly ignore that factor in our decision making without putting anything else at risk.

[constanz22]

I'm here for March and am just going to shoot for as many NS and CS as possible. I leave Saturday for Florida for 5 days, but that is already budgeted and paid for. Yesterday was a CS. I grabbed a piece of pizza before working late last night. I'll probably be buying cheap lunches the rest of this week because I'm not really cooking this week...I don't want to have a bunch of leftovers that'll be thrown out at the end of the week, but then I don't have leftovers for my lunches either. Considering I only buy lunch less than once a week for less than $5, buying it for the next 3 days is ok with me...
I am really looking forward to my short vacation, seeing some sun and warm temps. This winter has been brutal in the NE. Very excited to visit with DOM, and of course, see my Yankees! I was able to make arrangements so I don't have to board my dogs and am VERY happy about that too! I will still worry about them...I always do when I go away, but my dad is coming to stay with them for 2 days and BFF is coming for 2 days.

shanen I am SO sorry to hear about your furbaby. It breaks my heart...hugs to you and him

[WholeLottaNothin]

Shan - Sorry to hear about your puppy. A similar situation happened to my in-laws a couple months ago with their english lab. She has since gone over the rainbow bridge, but she will always be fondly remembered.

Reenee - As someone who has had WAY too many apartments in her time (currently in my 6th in 8 years, and will be moving again this fall for someplace bigger once the baby comes) I'd say go with the studio. How much you already seem to like it comes across in your posts, and the potential for a furbaby is hard to give up. The cheaper rent is always a good thing, and even though its a studio it may not be as small as you are picturing. Good luck and keep us posted.

I am in again for this month. I am going to try to get as many NSD and NEO at lunch as possible. Considering I would spend about $7 or $8 every time I went out to buy lunch, those certainly add up.

I have paid approx. $400 off of my credit cards. I was very gung-ho last month. I hope I can keep up that attitude. I am enjoying watching it go down, even if its a little at a time.

[sheilaincali]

Shanen: So sorry you are going through this. Hugs to you and Smokey.

Reenee: I agree with the others. You seem to be in love with the idea of the studio but the other one seems a little more practical. Forget practical. This is your first place to yourself in a long time. Go for the one you like. Put the difference between the rent on the 2 bedroom and the rent on the studio into savings so that you have a buffer if you decide to move to a bigger place next year and you are used to having the larger amount come out of your budget.

[sapphire12]

Feb Update -- 8/6 exercises; yeah for a couple of warm days last month. 28/28 CS/NS days; I kept my shopping to between 6 and 8 days, so most of those 28 days were NS. I fear hibernation is wearing off.

[dakota4600]

Shannendoah- Hugs to you! I just called the vet to take my Dakota in this afternoon. He is having issues with going number 2 in the middle of the night again. My MIL last night said he looked like their dog did just before she died as in days before.

When it rains it pours, not only is Dakota not doing well, Mini-D came home from school yesterday with oozing eyes. They are all puffy and crusty. He really isn't showing signs of discomfort or not feeling well and I'm swamped at work. But as a parent I would not want another kid who looked like mini-D does at school, so he is with his grandpa until I can call the Dr and get an appt for him to be seen.

[shanendoah]

So yesterday was a spend and I did not exercise like I should of. Instead, I spent the evening lying in bed with my doggies and watching bad TV. All of the men I really like on Idol did well last night, so that was a high point. Naturally I'm cheering for the guy from Seattle, but also Casey Abrams- not only does he remind me of DH, he plays upright bass, and that wins major points in my book.
Also, does anyone else watch What Not To Wear? On a financial note, they give people $5,000 to spend on a new wardrobe. I mean, I realize its for an entirely new wardrobe, but I don't know that I could spend that much on clothes in a week. Would they let you shop at Goodwill and other less expensive places, as long as you followed the rules? I would then donate whatever I had left over to one of those organizations that helps people get interview suits, etc, so it would still be used for theme appropriate purposes. I just really can't imagine $5,000 in clothes. Every time I go to my closet I am tempted to get closer and closer to that six piece clothing diet.

dakota: Hugs to you and your family. I think, based on your post, our houses may be psychically connected, as our roommate also has an eye infection. Based on years working for ophthamologists, it sounds like mini-D has pink eye- contagious, but not serious if treated, and generally not painful, just uncomfortable.

renee: I agree with the others. Wait and see the studio inside, but if its a good size and layout, go for it. It really sounds like a place that suits your personality, and the cheaper rent is a bonus. In addition, you are incredibly crafty. I bet you could create the illusion of separate spaces with a few well hung curtains, or old fashioned dressing screens, etc.
Plus, I admit, I am always biased toward the place that lets you have a pet. And let me tell you, $10 extra a month for that is NOTHING. I would guess the owner is a pet lover because that is a steal.

constanz: yay for sunshine and friends and family to take care of your babies.

[singlemomky]

Shan - Hugs to you during this difficult time. My DSis just found out that one of her boxers has stage II cancer so I can only imagine the emotions you are feeling. I think last night was a well deserved break/rest for you and the dogs. Enjoy the days with Smokey while you can.
Reenee - I agree w/the others; take a look at the studio and if it is what you are envisioning - go for it!
Dakota - Hugs to you and Mini D; Lil' Smokey consistently battled pink eye for about 2 years and I know that it is no fun!

[dianartemis]

shanen: I'm so sorry, lots of hugs from all of us here.

reenee: See the studio first, then be torn. Then I expect you'll choose the studio, unless it's a closet.

My best friend is on her way to Iraq tonight.

The first week of this month is going to be spend days.

[sheilaincali]

Finally did the math: our grocery budget was $400 for February. We spent $396.11 Under budget finally but there is still room for improvement. We do tend to eat a lot of fresh veggies (salad and fruit mainly) and this includes cleaning products and toilet paper too. No stores here double coupon here. Hoping to get it down to $350 for March.

[shanendoah]

diana: *hugs* to you and your bff. And heartfelt thanks to her, as well.
Totally off topic, have I ever mentioned that I LOVE your screen name. I got into Greek/Roman mythology in 4th grade, and Artemis was always my favorite (followed very closely by Athena).

[ses]

I have been having intermittent IPS problems lately but I'm here.

Shan--big hugs. I remember the last few weeks/days with 20 yo TJ Kitty. It was hard, until I remembered what he was going through and it became less me and more him.

Reenee--I, too, vote for the studio. But for different reasons. I get that you are really leaning that way(and I think I would too, for all the same reasons) but a studio will naturally limit your desires to spend money. If there is no room for something new you will think twice about "filling the empty spaces" especially with something you don't really need. You don't need to think in terms of tax deductions because I think they are on life support with the current congress. The idea of saving the extra $100 saved in rent in an EF while getting used to living without it in preparation for your next, more expensive, apartment is great. Oddly, the smallest apartment I ever lived in was my favorite space.

Moneysquirrel-- The food stamp challenge was very successful. I ended up with .24 left. I think it was the extreme planning that made it so successful. I did learn I can't freeze almond milk like regular milk. I have decided to continue with the same amount for my food budget this month. While looking over the past quarter I realized this has cut my grocery budget in half and allowed me to eat healthier, too. Once again, the result of planning, i am sure.

I have already completed my monthly shopping, which includes $10.56 on expensive (but wonderful) spices from Penzey's, about $11.00 on pantry replacements, and a fantabulous meat sale (enough for three months of beef for the budgeted amount of one month) and I still have $12 for fresh produce mid month.

I already have some steak in mushroom sauce in the crock pot which should provide a treat for the next 6-8 weeks. Later I will mix up and freeze a couple of french onion meatloaves and when the crock pot is available later this week I am planning a pot of beef bourguignonne and I have a slab of steak in the freezer to slice and marinate for steak fajitas at a later date. Next week i will work on a chicken and rice casserole and prepping for some chicken stir fry. After reading about Shanen's DH making burbon chicken (one of my favorites) I might have to add that to my list.

I understand where Paulette and Shannen are coming from when looking over next quarter's expenses. I want to tighten some holes I have discovered. More about that in another post once I know where I stand.

[MittenKitten]

Shan: Hugs on the puppy issues.

reenee: I would go for the studio. The extra money savings will help tremendously in your goals.

[ses]

mizbear-- I, too, am going to chime in for as much education as you can get to prepare you for as many options as possible in your field before you lose that option. It can only benefit you, since you are looking at an expanding field in a growing industry.

[dakota4600]

I'm back from mini-D's appointment. Not pink eye. His cold moved to his eyes and he needs antibiotic eyedrops 3 times a day. From the doctor's explanation of how to put them in a child his age, I'm expecting a grand time for the next few days. Basically lay him on the floor, straddle him pinning his arms to the ground with your knees, then pull his lower eyelid down while having him look up and put a drop on his eyelid not eyeball and repeat on the other side. Trying to figure out a less intimidating way doing it. I may give him a stuffed animal to hold onto and let him lay down and turn on his starry night turtle to get him to look up, then one of us can keep an eye on his arms while the other gives the drop. Luckily we only need to do it for 2 days after his eyes clear up.

SES- You are making me hungry! Can someone please share a bourbon chicken recipe. Sounds yummy!

Reenee- If you are happy with a studio go for it.

[shanendoah]

dakota: Our bourbon chicken recipe has migrated to have less bourbon and soy sauce and more orange juice, but I will get it from DH tonight and post it.

[mizbear]

shan- Sorry about your puppy. HUGS
renee- I agree with everyone- unless you find it's walk in closet or has mold or peep holes- go with the studio. It's great "fiscanancial" training- plus it forces you to purge stuff. My one br is pretty small (I have seen smaller, but not much) and it keeps me out of money trouble.
dakota- I wish you luck.
I appreciate everyone's support of my educational goals and advice and support with my family and health issues. HUGS
I see my therapists tomorrow- we will see what they are thinking then....
Yesterday and today were NS for me. My DB and I actually had a civil conversation about money too. To give the bare bones of it, I let him know that he needed all of the facts before he made remarks about what I do with my finances or what anyone else does.

[dianartemis]

Totally off topic, have I ever mentioned that I LOVE your screen name. I got into Greek/Roman mythology in 4th grade, and Artemis was always my favorite (followed very closely by Athena).

Aww shanen, totally blushing here.

I chose it in 1998 when I was on a mythology kick. I always thought Artemis was a little bloodthirsty (I mean a man sees her nude and she turns him into a deer and hunts him, really?). Diana I'm not as familiar with as most of the Roman deities were consumed by the Greek ones. I do remember they were both stubborn. So I chose the appropriate name. Because I'm a wee bit stubborn. ;D

[Deleted]

Mar 2, 2011 17:10:56 GMT -5 dianartemis said:

Totally off topic, have I ever mentioned that I LOVE your screen name. I got into Greek/Roman mythology in 4th grade, and Artemis was always my favorite (followed very closely by Athena).

Aww shanen, totally blushing here.

I chose it in 1998 when I was on a mythology kick. I always thought Artemis was a little bloodthirsty (I mean a man sees her nude and she turns him into a deer and hunts him, really?). Diana I'm not as familiar with as most of the Roman deities were consumed by the Greek ones. I do remember they were both stubborn. So I chose the appropriate name. Because I'm a wee bit stubborn. ;D

It was not that he saw her and then she hunted him, it was that he saw her and sat and stared at her. He knew she would be mad, and in my mind it deserved it. Learn some self control, man. ;D However, I admit, I am a little bloodthirsty myself so maybe my judgment should not be used in this case.

[mizbear]

Naah- He asked for it- and anyway- who doesn't like a good piece of venison now and again....
Tomorrow is a CS day- I have appts all day, so snack food will be in order- but DM has paid for my lunch. She doesn't seem to understand that it is perfectly safe to have slimfast twice a day for meals as long as you eat 1 healthy meal and 3 snacks. She seems to think I am starving that will NEVER happen!

[ses]

I thought Artemis was basically the renamed Greek Diana with very little other changes??? Maybe I was teaching my students wrong.

Just got back from feeding my car. Kobe beef maybe? The gas prices went UP TEN CENTS in two days here!! Regular unleaded $3.45, and Super unleaded (ethanol blend) at $3.35. Of course, these nine gallons were the first I have gotten since Jan.2, 2011. Small towns are nice.

[shanendoah]

SES: right, just backwards. Diana was what the Romans renamed the Greek goddess Athena. The Greek religion came first. There were a few changes, or at least some myths that even if the Roman's appropriated them, did not stick. Orion was the one man Artemis ever loved. He was killed when he tried to hunt the Scorpion without her help. She hung him in the stars, but the other gods placed the Scorpion right behind him, as a reminder to humans about hubris (he thought he didn't need the gods' help). As far as I know, this is an Artermis only myth, not a Diana one.