2017 controlled Spend/ No Spend

[3catslady]

$0.00 

[shanendoah]

Nothing yesterday. Did go out for dim sum last night, but roommie paid.
I have already gotten my Starbucks for this morning (first day of classes, managed to hit the line before a few thousand students did).
Of the items I bought to help my foot/ankle last week, one of the compression sleeve things is a little shorter than I'd like, but it's okay. And the actual braces seem not bad. The pair of compression socks that I ordered (and arrived just last night) are amazing - like put on and the pain I've been feeling in that foot and ankle aren't there amazing. I think I'll be ordering another pair or two of these.
In other news, next week, I'm going to start adding Weight Watchers to my planned spending. I'm back up to 270lbs, which means I've gained back over 50lbs in the last 3-4 years, and I need to get that back under control. I know me well enough to know that without C around to help support and count calories for me, I can't do it "on my own" this time, so I'll start going to WW with my BFF (who reached and hasremained at her goal weight for a couple of years now). 
Oh, and PT which I get to do for 6 weeks before I see an orthopedist has a $50 copay per visit. That starts in 2 weeks. BUT, last time I had issues with this knee, PT put off me needing to see a doctor about it for 17 years. If I can get even 5 years (honestly, I'd take 1 year) from PT this time before I need surgery, I'll take it.

Today, I get to go buy wine and beer for 175 people. It's for a work event, so will be completely reimbursed, so I won't be counting it on my spending. But this will be fun, especially since I don't drink.

Week	Plan Met Y/N	Unplanned $ Spent
Sept 4 - Sept 10	Y	$0
Sept 11- Sept 17	Y	~$150
Sept 18 - Sept 24	N	$44.68
Sept 25 - Oct 1

Planned Spending for the Week
Starbucks
Starbucks
Starbucks
Groceries (Safeway/ TJs)
Dinner Out (Sat)
Parking (Wed)
Parking (Sat)
Movie & Snacks (Mon)
MD Copay (Mon)
Breakfast (Sun)
Lunch on Campus (Thurs)


Unplanned Spending for the Week - Allowed $40

[3catslady]

$0.00 

[shanendoah]

Trying to decide if I want my 3rd Starbucks this morning, to start my 13 hour day, or if I want it tomorrow, when I have to come to work after my 13 hour day...

Week	Plan Met Y/N	Unplanned $ Spent
Sept 4 - Sept 10	Y	$0
Sept 11- Sept 17	Y	~$150
Sept 18 - Sept 24	N	$44.68
Sept 25 - Oct 1

Planned Spending for the Week
Starbucks
Starbucks
Starbucks
Groceries (Safeway/ TJs)
Dinner Out (Sat)
Parking (Wed)
Parking (Sat)
Movie & Snacks (Mon)
MD Copay (Mon)
Breakfast (Sun)
Lunch on Campus (Thurs)


Unplanned Spending for the Week - Allowed $40
Compression socks $26.75

[3catslady]

$1.00 for water

[zibazinski]

Sept 27, 2017 10:08:14 GMT -5 shanendoah said:

Nothing yesterday. Did go out for dim sum last night, but roommie paid.
I have already gotten my Starbucks for this morning (first day of classes, managed to hit the line before a few thousand students did).
Of the items I bought to help my foot/ankle last week, one of the compression sleeve things is a little shorter than I'd like, but it's okay. And the actual braces seem not bad. The pair of compression socks that I ordered (and arrived just last night) are amazing - like put on and the pain I've been feeling in that foot and ankle aren't there amazing. I think I'll be ordering another pair or two of these.
In other news, next week, I'm going to start adding Weight Watchers to my planned spending. I'm back up to 270lbs, which means I've gained back over 50lbs in the last 3-4 years, and I need to get that back under control. I know me well enough to know that without C around to help support and count calories for me, I can't do it "on my own" this time, so I'll start going to WW with my BFF (who reached and hasremained at her goal weight for a couple of years now). 
Oh, and PT which I get to do for 6 weeks before I see an orthopedist has a $50 copay per visit. That starts in 2 weeks. BUT, last time I had issues with this knee, PT put off me needing to see a doctor about it for 17 years. If I can get even 5 years (honestly, I'd take 1 year) from PT this time before I need surgery, I'll take it.

Today, I get to go buy wine and beer for 175 people. It's for a work event, so will be completely reimbursed, so I won't be counting it on my spending. But this will be fun, especially since I don't drink.

Week	Plan Met Y/N	Unplanned $ Spent
Sept 4 - Sept 10	Y	$0
Sept 11- Sept 17	Y	~$150
Sept 18 - Sept 24	N	$44.68
Sept 25 - Oct 1

Planned Spending for the Week
Starbucks
Starbucks
Starbucks
Groceries (Safeway/ TJs)
Dinner Out (Sat)
Parking (Wed)
Parking (Sat)
Movie & Snacks (Mon)
MD Copay (Mon)
Breakfast (Sun)
Lunch on Campus (Thurs)


Unplanned Spending for the Week - Allowed $40

You may find losing the weight helps your knee issues.

[shanendoah]

Got the 3rd Starbucks yesterday, so not getting any today. 
Today I will take the left over alcohol I bought for the work event back to CostCo and get a refund. 
My plans for tonight include a hot bath, and then hanging out with friends from the comfort of my own home. I am looking forward to that.

zibazinski - Oh, losing weight will definitely help with the knee (and ankle and foot) issues. The problem is the catch 22 of - I should lose weight to help with mobility issues, but it's really hard to lose weight if I'm not mobile. 4 hours on my feet on cement yesterday really let me know that my knees are not what they used to be, even wearing knee braces on both of them the whole time. I'm back in a knee brace for my bad knee today, and it's really the only way I'm able to move around even close to normal.

Week	Plan Met Y/N	Unplanned $ Spent
Sept 4 - Sept 10	Y	$0
Sept 11- Sept 17	Y	~$150
Sept 18 - Sept 24	N	$44.68
Sept 25 - Oct 1

Planned Spending for the Week
Starbucks
Starbucks
Starbucks
Groceries (Safeway/ TJs)
Dinner Out (Sat)
Parking (Wed)
Parking (Sat)
Movie & Snacks (Mon)
MD Copay (Mon)
Breakfast (Sun)
Lunch on Campus (Thurs)


Unplanned Spending for the Week - Allowed $40
Compression socks $26.75

[zibazinski]

Well, weight watchers works even if you can't or won't work out. The more you're overweight the faster it comes off so that always is incentive.
How many calories in the Starbucks?

[3catslady]

$0.00  

[chiver78]

I need to join this thread. I bring my dinner (I work 2nd) 4 of 5 nights a week, and I buy a daily cup of either hot or iced coffee for my drive to work. that's either $2.50 (full price) or $1 (if the owner of the village market is on the register). 

I am in the process of purging my freezers of back stock of meats, veggies, sauces. I also have a pretty healthy pantry stocked with non-perishables. so my typical weekly shopping is produce/dairy, bulk stuff to stock up on, and whatever specific ingredients I might need for a certain recipe on the weekend. hoping to rein in the rest of my unnecessary spending. 

[Shooby]

Sept 27, 2017 10:08:14 GMT -5 shanendoah said:

Nothing yesterday. Did go out for dim sum last night, but roommie paid.
I have already gotten my Starbucks for this morning (first day of classes, managed to hit the line before a few thousand students did).
Of the items I bought to help my foot/ankle last week, one of the compression sleeve things is a little shorter than I'd like, but it's okay. And the actual braces seem not bad. The pair of compression socks that I ordered (and arrived just last night) are amazing - like put on and the pain I've been feeling in that foot and ankle aren't there amazing. I think I'll be ordering another pair or two of these.
In other news, next week, I'm going to start adding Weight Watchers to my planned spending. I'm back up to 270lbs, which means I've gained back over 50lbs in the last 3-4 years, and I need to get that back under control. I know me well enough to know that without C around to help support and count calories for me, I can't do it "on my own" this time, so I'll start going to WW with my BFF (who reached and hasremained at her goal weight for a couple of years now). 
Oh, and PT which I get to do for 6 weeks before I see an orthopedist has a $50 copay per visit. That starts in 2 weeks. BUT, last time I had issues with this knee, PT put off me needing to see a doctor about it for 17 years. If I can get even 5 years (honestly, I'd take 1 year) from PT this time before I need surgery, I'll take it.

Today, I get to go buy wine and beer for 175 people. It's for a work event, so will be completely reimbursed, so I won't be counting it on my spending. But this will be fun, especially since I don't drink.

Week	Plan Met Y/N	Unplanned $ Spent
Sept 4 - Sept 10	Y	$0
Sept 11- Sept 17	Y	~$150
Sept 18 - Sept 24	N	$44.68
Sept 25 - Oct 1

Planned Spending for the Week
Starbucks
Starbucks
Starbucks
Groceries (Safeway/ TJs)
Dinner Out (Sat)
Parking (Wed)
Parking (Sat)
Movie & Snacks (Mon)
MD Copay (Mon)
Breakfast (Sun)
Lunch on Campus (Thurs)


Unplanned Spending for the Week - Allowed $40

You have to front your own money to buy alcohol for 175 people?  Yes, you said that you are going to be reimbursed but having to do that at all seems absurd.  You company should just order it, pay for it via the cc and then maybe you could go pick it up or something.  That's quite an overstep for an employer in my opinion.

[Shooby]

As for weight issues, I don't hear much about weight watchers anymore, at least not around here.   I think the best approach is to really focus on feeding yourself well rather than focusing on deprivation.  Take pride in cooking yourself some delicious tasty healthy meals.  Try new fruits and veggies you have never tried.
  For me, I keep it simple.  I avoid fried foods.  If you buy a chicken breast or small steak and then slice it across , you would be surprised how that somehow feels more filling then plopping a large steak on your plate.  That's how i portion control my family.  I can feed my family of 5 with 3 steaks rather buying 5 simply by slicing it and plating it before serving.
  Frozen veggies are your friend.  I know fresh is best.  But, I keep bags of frozen broccoli and other veggies so very easy to saute a chicken breast and big plate of frozen veggies.  I keep frozen vegs and frozen skinless chick breasts in the freezer at all times.  Makes for a very simple meal.  Rice is simple and easy to make too.  I have a $15 dollar rice cooker with an on/off swtich.  

[shanendoah]

zibazinski - my starbucks is 88 calories (almond milk). WW doesn't use calories, but I did when I last lost weight, and I think 1800 was my goal each day. I can work less than 100 calories into anything.
And yes, WW works because it helps you with portioning and planning, which is why I am going to it. In addition, going with my BFF means I have extra support outside the meetings and the system, someone who did not diet, but made an actual lifestyle change permanently, so she's both great support and a good example.

Shooby - I work for the State. No state dollars can be used for alcohol. And therefore, state purchasing cards cannot be used to buy alcohol. I have a gift budget that I can charge the alcohol to and not break any rules, and that's where the money will come from. But considering the number of FOIA requests we get each year regarding alcohol at events, it's something I am extra careful with.
I purchase the alcohol and get reimbursed because I make 6 figures. My staff doesn't. I could ask my Chair or another faculty member to purchase the alcohol if need be, because I know how much they make, too. I can cover the expense if need be. But my fiscal specialist processes things incredibly quickly, so I've never had a credit card payment due before I've gotten my reimbursement. And this way, I get the credit cart points/cash back for the transaction.

Weight loss for me is not about deprivation, no matter what system/method I use. It is about making smart choices, and relearning moderation. In the last 16 months or so, I've gone back to food for stress relief (especially when I wasn't supposed to be walking due to the plantar fasciitis) and for boredom. I have also gone back to eating until I am full, instead of stopping when I am no longer hungry. None of those bad decisions have anything to do with depriving myself, or even about actually being hungry. I like good food. I will continue to eat food I enjoy. I'll just go back to making smarter decisions about it. But I'll still have my Starbucks 2-3 mornings a week. I'll still have a couple small pieces of chocolate a day. I'll just be paying attention instead of looking up and realizing that there are 5 candy wrappers on my desk when I only remember eating 2 pieces.

chiver78 - Welcome to the thread. Everyone does their own thing here when it comes to what and how they track, mostly because we all know we each have our own goals for what we're trying to control. If nothing else, simply stating "this is my goal" is often very helpful.

[TheOtherMe]

Hugs shanendoah

[grits]

I didn't spend for 8 days in a row. (I had no wheels and was stuck at my apartment).

[3catslady]

$1.25  Iced tea 

[moneysquirrel]

chiver78 -- welcome.

This past week has been a spendy one for me as I was out of town for several days. Have the money saved to finish paying off the week's expenses.  Only have the hotel bill and one excursion left to pay once they hit my account. 

This week I do have to get to the grocery as it is beginning to look like Mother Hubbard lives in my kitchen.

I haven't been online in a few weeks but have managed to be careful with my budget. I do have to contact someone about the patio cover area as I know repairs are need back in that area.  Hope to get that started with estimates this month.  Not looking forward to that upcoming expense. 


shanendoah -- Sorry to hear about the knee problems.  You will overcome it as you have a plan. Good luck.

3catslady -- Keep up the good work.

[3catslady]

I had lunch with the girls.  It has been 9 months since our last dinner with the 4 of us.  There was illness and travel that interrupted our once a month get-together but we finally did it.


Lunch--$16.65 with tip

Groceries--$72.78 with cat litter and 24 cans of cat food. 

[chiver78]

thanks for the warm welcome

today was not a no spend day, but I did some stock up grocery shopping when I went out to pick up some things for the lawn at Home Depot. the grocery store is right across the street. I spent probably $200 this morning between the two locations. but, that's the last of the lawn seed for the season and I have leftovers from today's cooking to last most of the week.

tomorrow is also not a no-spend day for me. when I changed my work hours, I started a routine of going out to lunch on Mondays, to an Italian restaurant here in town, on my way up to work. I sit at the bar with many of the same regulars every Monday, spend about $20 including tip, and take leftovers for another meal at the office.

that should be all I spend tomorrow though. is that was "controlled spend" typically means?

[grits]

I had a controlled spend day.  I went to Big Lots to replace my ice chest.  It turned out that with today being their first day open after Harvey, they had 20% off your entire purchase.  So, I bought a friend Black and Decker toaster, and a coffee pot. I got them a 5 qt crock pot too. I paid half what they want on Amazon for the items. So.....  

[shanendoah]

I didn't need to hit the grocery store at all this weekend, and my back went out on my Saturday night, so on Sunday, I did not go meet friends and have breakfast. Instead, I spent quality time with a heating pad. And once I was able to move a little bit, I took myself to a little massage place down the street and had a half hour massage that made it possible for me to move today. Really the best money I spent all weekend, and probably less than I would have spent going to the grocery store (even though I didn't actually need groceries). But, it was out of the plan, so counted as such.

Week	Plan Met Y/N	Unplanned $ Spent
Sept 4 - Sept 10	Y	$0
Sept 11- Sept 17	Y	~$150
Sept 18 - Sept 24	N	$44.68
Sept 25 - Oct 1	N	$77.75

Planned Spending for the Week
Starbucks
Starbucks
Starbucks
Groceries (Safeway/ TJs)
Dinner Out (Sat)
Parking (Wed)
Parking (Sat)
Movie & Snacks (Mon)
MD Copay (Mon)
Breakfast (Sun)
Lunch on Campus (Thurs)


Unplanned Spending for the Week - Allowed $40
Compression socks $26.75
Massage $51

[shanendoah]

New week, new month, new chart, new changes.
I start weight watchers this week. Next week (10/10), I'll get my first regular paycheck after the raise and do a new budget. Next week I also start PT.
Roommie E has successfully emigrated to Sweden, so new routines at home.
Starting what should be a regular visit schedule with Pop Tart this coming Sunday.
And official sentencing this month, too, so knowing for certain how long this part of the situation will last.
So LOTS going on this month.

For this week, we'll go see the new Blade Runner this weekend. Grocery wise, I'll need milk, bread, and bananas, but otherwise I think I'm actually really well stocked, so shouldn't need CostCo (unless we don't have the one more bag of dog food in the garage I think we have - need to double check that), or even Trader Joes. Just a quick run to Safeway, and really time to start eating out of my pantry, now that I'll mostly only be cooking for myself, since Roommie D is almost never home for dinner.

Week	Plan Met Y/N	Unplanned $ Spent
Oct 2-8
Oct 9-15
Oct 16-22
Oct 23-29
Oct 30-Nov 5

Planned Spending for the Week
Starbucks
Starbucks
Starbucks
Movie & Food (weekend)
Weight Watchers (Wed)
Parking (Wed)
Parking (Sat)
Pop Tart visit (Sun)
Groceries - Safeway (weekend)


Unplanned Spending for the Week - Allowed $40

[3catslady]

$1.00 for water at work

[chiver78]

I spent differently than planned today, but in the same ballpark of what I expected. instead of doing my typical Monday lunch at the Italian place, I stopped at the fish market around the corner and bought a small salmon filet ($4.76). paired that with some rice and broccoli for a decent meal.

once I got to work, I realized I was freezing AND had only brought cold items so far for office dinners. so I went to the grocery store near work and picked up a prepared hot meal ($3.35), a couple convenience packages of white rice to keep in my desk, and a couple things for home. total bill was $11ish.

so for the day, I'm under $16. I expected to spend about $20. that's a good day.

[shanendoah]

Last Friday, I brought in lunch, but instead ate some food that was in the office (left over from the bbq the night before). I left my lunch at the office. I thought I might eat it yesterday, but no, it was not still good. (It had been on the verge on Friday.) So, I got lunch on campus.
I also ordered a small round pillow to use for the hard round stools when I go to visit C. Given the back issues I've been having, I consider it an investment in health as much as comfort.

Week	Plan Met Y/N	Unplanned $ Spent
Oct 2-8
Oct 9-15
Oct 16-22
Oct 23-29
Oct 30-Nov 5

Planned Spending for the Week
Starbucks
Starbucks
Starbucks
Movie & Food (weekend)
Weight Watchers (Wed)
Parking (Wed)
Parking (Sat)
Pop Tart visit (Sun)
Groceries - Safeway (weekend)


Unplanned Spending for the Week - Allowed $40
Butt Pillow $12.98
Lunch on Campus $6.08

[3catslady]

$0.00

[3catslady]

Paid the bills; $1150.00

[chiver78]

unexpected spending today: 

$9.50 to ship a large tote hamper for a sale. will be getting $20 in return, for the tote and to split the shipping cost

$(unsure)  need to run out and pick up a small bottle of sriracha for the office stash. will be doing that in a little bit. 

ETA: sriracha not necessary tonight. manufacturing mgr bought his crew pizza since they are stuck way late for processing. I get to join in since I went to pick them up. score! 

[shanendoah]

The pillow made last night's visit so much more comfortable.
Got my Starbucks yesterday.
Weight Watchers will not be a fee every week. You can now join for a monthly cost, which is actually a 25% (or more) savings if you go every week - instead of $15/meeting, it is $45/month. Got myself logged in and started tracking as of this morning. 

Week	Plan Met Y/N	Unplanned $ Spent
Oct 2-8
Oct 9-15
Oct 16-22
Oct 23-29
Oct 30-Nov 5

Planned Spending for the Week
Starbucks
Starbucks
Starbucks
Movie & Food (weekend)
Weight Watchers (Wed)
Parking (Wed)
Parking (Sat)
Pop Tart visit (Sun)
Groceries - Safeway (weekend)


Unplanned Spending for the Week - Allowed $40
Butt Pillow $12.98
Lunch on Campus $6.08

[moneysquirrel]

Managed to get to the grocery.  Stocked up and should only need the perishables for a while.  Will need to do another large one for meat later.  I haven't plugged in my large freezer yet as we are still in hurricane season and now Nate is expected this weekend.

Still have to contact for estimates for the patio cover.  Will try this month or next to get info about the possibility of repair over replacement.