2015 Controlled Spend/No Spend

[shanendoah]

March goals: 9 NSD - 14 CSD - 8 Spend (4 Eating Out)

[3catslady]

3catslady: 1 NSD, 1 CSD, 0 eating out days.

I bought chicken legs from work but it doesn't count because I took the cash out yesterday and counted it in with the groceries.  I have been taking $10 to $20 out a week for me and the laundry.  I usually don't spend it all before the next week so I started storing it in my desk for an "emergency", like I "need" some ice cream or a coke or a candy bar.

[3catslady]

3catslady: 2 NSD, 1 CSD, 0 eating out days.

[3catslady]

3catslady: 3 NSD, 1 CSD, 0 eating out days.

[moneysquirrel]

March Update: 4NSDs and 1 CSDs

Hope all are doing well.  I am fading early tonight so goodnight all!

[3catslady]

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

[3catslady]

3catslady:  4 NSD, 2 CSD, 0 eating out days.

[3catslady]

3catslady:  5 NSD, 3 CSD, 0 eating out days.


These numbers include today.

[shanendoah]

March goals: 9 NSD - 14 CSD - 8 Spend (4 Eating Out)
March NUMBERS: 2 NSD - 5 CSD - 1 Spend (0 EO)


Mostly on track. I had some planned spending days last week, and I have a couple this week, too, making getting my NSDs a little harder, but overall, I'm in good shape.

[3catslady]

3catslady:  6 NSD, 3 CSD, 0 eating out days

[3catslady]

3catslady:  7 NSD, 3 CSD, 1 SD, 0 eating out day.

I bought myself an Easter present, a purple stuffed bunny for my bed.

[moneysquirrel]

March Update: 9 NSDs and 3 CSDs

 

As usual, I am busy with school activities and items to correct.  Trying to do a little craft work as well.  Did manage to finish one crocheted item for a gift but have not been able to get much else done.  Hope that all of you are doing well.

[ses]

NSD-12/31  2/31 eating out days

I'm here!!! I didn't get the new URL copied before it was changed. Thankfully, Moneysqurriel saved my bacon.  I had given myself a "time-out" for computer time last month.  Hopefully, I can return and still get other stuff done too.

Last month I paid back all of the medical expenses from last years surgery.  I gave myself a year and it only took 9 months to get all of my accounts back to where I am comfortable.

It is 82* today, I almost feel hot.  I hope it stays nice for a few days.  I want to visit another local (57 miles away) butcher shop Monday or Tuesday.  I am getting much better and tastier meat from the butchers although it costs more.  I guess paying a bit more for better food is worth it in the long run.  I switched to free range chicken last winter and was amazed what "real" chicken tasted like.  I had gotten used to what chicken had become.  I am glad McDonalds is going to start using a more natural chicken.  Not that I eat there much, maybe 4-5 times a year.  Although i might go out for a Shamrock Shake before they disappear.

I am continuing to go through boxes and getting rid of stuff.  Sadly, I think it will be a never ending task.

Will check in later

[shanendoah]

March goals: 9 NSD - 14 CSD - 8 Spend (4 Eating Out)
March NUMBERS: 5 NSD - 9 CSD - 1 Spend (1 EO)


Okay, so I have gone 2 whole weeks since my last spend day (Monday, 3/2). I am so proud of that. It has helped that I had a couple planned lunches out with friends, but still, I haven't been to a vending machine or a convenience store to buy junk! We did eat out on Saturday evening, but it was planned - dinner with friends. Finally feels like I'm getting back in the swing of things.

I hope everyone else is having a lovely spring!

[moneysquirrel]

March Update: 15 NSDs and 3 CSDs

My one spend day was a doozy as I had a major car repair bill.  Thank goodness for my "squirrel" car repair fund.  I hate spending but this should allow me to keep the car for several more years as I rebuild the fund as I intend whatever is left as my New Car Saving Fund.  I transfer some of the "fluff" from this to an online saving bank for that purpose and hope to be able to pay for the new one within a few years in full.  Will get a little back as from this needed repair job as I used my rewards card and the charge will be paid off before the month is out. Making the system work to my advantage is always a pleasure.

Otherwise, school is as usual keeping me busy.  Lots of big projects taking place and will be coming in for correcting very soon.  One more week before the break and a much needed one.  Things will be moving quickly once that break is over.

Need to switch loads so will sign off now. 

[3catslady]

3catslady: 14 NSD, 7 CSD, 1 SD, 0 eating out day.

[shanendoah]

March goals: 9 NSD - 14 CSD - 8 Spend (4 Eating Out)
March NUMBERS: 7 NSD - 13 CSD - 3 Spend (1 EO)


I followed last week's post about not having any uncontrolled spend days by having 2 uncontrolled spend days. Brilliant, huh.
Only little amounts of spending each day over the weekend, but I ended up taking yesterday off due to a sinus infection, so C and I went to CostCo and did our big shopping without the kids.
Like moneysquirrel, I am about to have a big car repair bill, over $2500 (before taxes). This is what the EF is for, and I'll cash flow part of it, too, so it's not a big deal. Right now I mostly wish I had an idea of when I'll get my car back. I'm driving a $10/day loaner from the dealership, which isn't bad, but it's not my car.

[moneysquirrel]

March Update: 22 NSDs and 4 CSDs
Have been very busy with school and have lots to start correcting but figured that I better update before I get started correcting the 50+ projects that I have to do.  Also need to start thinking about the exams as May will be here sooner than I expect.  

I do have off this coming week and have a to-do list pages long.  Some of it is school related, others housework items and a few craft items made their way on to the list as well.  I have one commission piece to do, one gift to finish and that afghan to finish as well (as I leftover want to put all of whatever yarn is left over away).  Also trying to get a few things made as I have one craft show scheduled for April and two for May.  

I did go through the closet yesterday and filled up another box of things to donate.  Want to do a little more decluttering as I work my way through the housework chores before I call for a pickup of boxes.  Have three filled and taped and have another one started.  Always like to get at least four or five before I arrange for pickup.

I also have to stock up in the grocery area.  I am beginning to feel like Mother Hubbard as the cupboard is getting very bare.  I have been eating my way through the freezer and that also is beginning to get empty.  I will not be doing a full stock up in that area as I like to completely empty the large freezer during the summer and live off of whatever is in the freezer of the fridge.  ( For me summer = hurricane season)  Like to have no more than what I can pack in an ice chest in case I have to leave town.  

Well I have to get started on that list so I will sign off now.

[shanendoah]

March goals: 9 NSD - 14 CSD - 8 Spend (4 Eating Out)
March NUMBERS: 8 NSD - 15 CSD - 7 Spend (3 EO)


Today is already a spend, as I stopped by the store and bought treats for the office for first day of Spring quarter. I really should build stuff like that into my spending plan, because I know I'm going to do it.

Otherwise, if I can make an NSD tomorrow, I will have met my goals. I'm pretty excited by that.
I am not excited by the $5k in car repairs that I am having to have done 2 weeks before our week long Disney vacation, but that's what EF's are for.

[moneysquirrel]

Final March Update: 24 NSDs and 5 CSDs 

April Update: 0 NSDs and 1 CSD

Slowly making my way through the list of things to do.  I will not finish everything on it this week but am making great headway on getting quite a bit done.  Not sure how much I will accomplish today as I am scheduled to spend some time with a friend so I will try to get my act together early this morning.  

Take care and will try to touch base before the week is over.

[shanendoah]

March goals: 9 NSD - 14 CSD - 8 Spend (4 Eating Out)
FINAL March NUMBERS: 8 NSD - 16 CSD - 7 Spend (3 EO)

If I had been thinking, I would have remembered that Tuesdays are scheduled to be CSD days because I have an early meeting where I get myself a chai. Overall, I am quite happy with March. I had one fewer NSD than hoped for, but also one fewer spend day. 



April goals: 6 NSD - 11 CSD - 5 Spend - $3,000 (8 vacation days)
April NUMBERS: 1 NSD - 0 CSD - 0 Spend - $0

Okay, here's the April goals. We will be on vacation for 8 days. My goal for those 8 days is to spend less than $3,000 for 4 people. This is eating out, souvenirs, groceries, "extra" experiences (actual Disney tickets are not included in this figure) This is just under $100/day/person. I think that's reasonable, especially considering two days will be mostly travel days (but will require some eating out). I don't want to try and track those individual days, so I am going with a blanket amount for the trip. Either I meet that goal or I don't.

[moneysquirrel]

Update: 2 NSDs and 1 CSD

Still working through my list of things to do and have managed to get most of them done.  Some of them were more wishing than thinking I could do it all this week.  Yesterday my friend and I ran errands and I ending up not spending at all.  Today I just didn't leave the house and spent several hours just organizing my items needed for the upcoming craft shows.  Spring shows are usually not as successful as there is no overriding reason people spend.  In the fall, Christmas is around the corner and people are looking for gifts.  Spring is always a gamble as to success.  At least they are scheduled near graduations, and Mother's Day.

Shen -- Have a great vacation.  You deserve it.  

[3catslady]

I have found myself spending more than I have budgeted.  I promised myself that I wouldn't buy anymore yarn until I got 1 tub emptied but I just filled another tub.  Instead of 3 tubs of yarn, I now have 4.  Other than that, I am buying myself something for each holiday that goes by.  I have been denying myself things for so long that I am now going the other way.  I need to get back on track because I just got a notice that my mortgage payment is going up $75 dollars a month.  So I am going to post every day until I get my mojo back.

Today, April 8, 2015, Wednesday;
I am going to do a load of laundry so that will be $3.50 from my cash on hand.

edited:  I washed my bed pillow and it came apart.  Not a pretty sight.  I had to buy a new one but I had found a gift card when I cleaned out drawers, so I used it.  Sort of cash on hand, about $10 for a bed pillow.  So, $13.50 out of pocket cash for today.

[moneysquirrel]

Update: 8 NSDs and 3 CSDs

School has been keeping me busy as usual.  I still have about 65 major projects to correct and each takes at least 20 minutes so I will be very busy this coming week as I hope to finish them asap before the next set of projects are due.  I have no time to spend so my days are beginning to build up.  I definitely will have to get a few things this month but at this time I don't see when as I have something scheduled four out of the next five days after school.  Once those appointments are done I usually am as well.  Just plan to come home and crash after them.  Will check in when I can.  Have a good week all. 

[ses]

A big thank you to you all.  

I am in the process of helping a friend establish a budget and stick to it.  It seems every time we do some work on it I hear you all whispering in my ear.  I keep giving hints and pointers that I got from this thread.  

For someone who reached 53yo without EVER having a budget she is starting out well. She has negotiated a $175 bill with Dish TV down to $50.  She also caught a $25 bill for life insurance from her Obamacare vendor that she never signed up for.  Kind of a bait and switch situation to my mind.  She called while I was with her and had a very forceful and business like conversation which resulted in a $165 refund settlement.  We will see how long it takes to get the check.  It didn't hurt that I had looked up our State Insurance Commissioner's name and phone number so she could drop it into the conversation.  We also had a "practice" conversation before the call so she would be prepared.

The next project is to set up a savings account (or two or three) to save for the closing costs to refinance her mortgage.  

She was given an ARM 18 years ago and never paid much more than the interest charges.  Luckily time and inflation have created a 25% equity to work with.  I haven't had the heart to point out she could have paid it off in that time with a 15-year fixed mortgage.  Oh well, that will happen as soon as possible.  

The thing I am most pleased about is that she closed and locked the Bank of Mom, even if her daughter doesn't have a phone right now.    

Once again thank you all for everything I have picked up here over the years.

[moneysquirrel]

Update: 13 NSDs and 3CSDs.
We have had rain everyday so my nsds have built up this week.  It has been a tragic week as well -- 2 small children and one mother lost their lives due to rainy conditions in two separate incidents.  I have managed to get all of the major projects corrected this week so the smaller projects the students are currently working on will be easier to do.  Have about three weeks before the next major week of correcting items.  
 Craft show tomorrow so I hope that the predicted weather will be wrong.  Have to check on laundry so will sign off now.

[shanendoah]

April goals: 6 NSD - 11 CSD - 5 Spend - $3,000 (8 vacation days)
April NUMBERS: 4 NSD - 5 CSD - 3 Spend - $1,200 (8 vacation days)

We ended up eating at our timeshare (cooking) a lot more than we originally anticipated, so saved a significant amount of money. We really only ate one real meal in the park (princess breakfast), and the other food we bought in the park, we used the cash we had for. We also got a Disney credit card before we went and saved 10% on pretty much every store purchase over $50. I think overall, including airfare, we are under the $3k I was budgeting, so I am very happy about that.

Otherwise, the vacation sucked. My 11 y/o just decided that if we weren't doing what she wanted when she wanted, she was going to be a whiny brat. And since it was a family vacation, not a Pop Tart vacation, she was a whiny brat about 75% of the time.

I am actually quite happy to be back and settling back into our routine.

[Blonde Granny]

Pat, d/l the trial version of YNAB. Take some time now to play with it and learn how it works and by the time your DH decides to retire you will have the system set up. I've discovered that by setting a dollar amount per month for absolutely EVERY item we could think of, it has really curbed our spending and finally gave us a true picture of our daily finances. YNAB is free for 30 days and if you decide to buy it, it's $60. Their tech support is outstanding, the forums are a big help as is watching the free webinars they have online.

You can even set up a little trial budget for your daughter to help keep her spending under control. She might even enjoy having some responsibility.

[moneysquirrel]

April Update: 19 NSDs and 4 CSDs
I have no idea what today brings but I think that it may turn into a spend day as I have been postponing a trip to the mall for several weeks.  The craft show last week started with heavy thunderstorms but after an hour or so the weather cleared up and the day turned into a really nice one for the majority of the day.  Sold a few items -- craft show money pays for more supplies -- so I was happy. I try to have my craft items pay for itself so my expenses and supplies are paid for by anything I sell.   

School is continuing to keep me busy but I am beginning to see the slowdown in correcting as the last sets of projects are in progress.  I started preparing for the final exams.  Want to get things run off before the machines get crowded/broken/need repair.  Many years of teaching have trained me to expect bad things with machines at last minute rush times.  I therefore plan to have everything ready early so I won't be in the crowds trying to hit the machines at the last minute.  

26 lbs and Blonde Granny -- Welcome.  This is a process and there are times when one slips up but get yourself up and try again.  If you keep track of your spending for several weeks you will discover areas where you are slipping up.  Giving into to impulse spending  is a major thing to look for.  Also watch for purchases that are wants and not needs.  Within time you will become aware of your trigger points and being aware is major point.  If you are aware of something than you can watch for it and take steps to counter it.

I am not here as often as others -- school keeps me pretty busy -- but I try to check in at least once a week as I find that reporting my numbers keeps me on track.  Also it keeps me up to date with the other posters.

[shanendoah]

April goals: 6 NSD - 11 CSD - 5 Spend - $3,000 (8 vacation days)
April NUMBERS: 6 NSD - 9 CSD - 3 Spend - $1,700 (8 vacation days)

Forgot to include the $500 cash we took in the vacation spending when I updated last week, so changed that- still came in under budget.

Last week was a day of planned spends - admin professionals day, first day for a couple new employees - and being sick so not going out or spending anything.
This weekend, we did all of our shopping on Saturday and managed an NSD on Sunday, which was nice.

I am now in week 3 of a pretty bad cold, so will just keep muddling through.