Blonde Granny
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Location: Wandering Aimlessly
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Post by Blonde Granny on Jul 27, 2017 15:28:59 GMT -5
Shane, I mentioned before I didn't quite understand the concept of a no spend day. When I started using YNAB it took me awhile to admit what I was spending on certain categories and how many different categories I actually had.
I've found that budgeting for 1 month is the best way for me to handle it. If I budget $80/mo (which I do) for eating out it really doesn't make any difference if I spend it all in 1 day or stretch it out over 30 days....the big issue is to not spend more than $80/mo. in one month. If I budget $25 for Starbucks (which I don't) it goes the same way, it makes no difference when I buy the coffee just as long as I don't go over the budgeted amount. If I want 3 cups in one day, so be it...I just need to remember, like the old envelope system, when the money is gone, that means no more till next month.
I'm obsessive over tracking my spending, for me it's almost like a game....and I love to play with the numbers and love to win each month.
Best of luck going forward for you and your family.
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moneysquirrel
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Joined: Dec 19, 2010 13:12:39 GMT -5
Posts: 1,993
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Post by moneysquirrel on Jul 28, 2017 9:16:37 GMT -5
My listing doesn't have any planning in it. Like Blonde Granny I set a monthly amount for items. As long as I stay within the limits I am ok. I am currently adjusting to retirement and a reduced amount of incoming money. I have a small pension as well as SS from my late DH. I am trying not to touch my savings if possible and I would like to let my SS grow for a few more years before I switch to mine.
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shanendoah
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Post by shanendoah on Jul 28, 2017 11:18:58 GMT -5
Starbucks, snacks, and movie yesterday = CSD.
Today I got Starbucks, but it was free, so not counting it. CostCo shopping after work. Maybe hitting the grocery store. We're low on Coke. But that might wait until tomorrow.
| Spend | Controlled | SB Only | No Spend | | July 1-9 | 2 | 5 | 1 | 1 | | July 10-16 | 1 | 3 | 1 | 2 | | July 17-23 | 2 | 3 | | 2 | | July 24-31 | 1 | 1 | | 2 |
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| | | | | Total | 6 | 12 | 2 | 7 | | Goal | <7 |
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| >9 |
Starbucks: 9 (goal <12)
The plan for this week
Monday: NSD 
Tuesday: Starbucks, Snacks, Pizza - SPEND
Wednesday: NSD
Thursday: Starbucks, snacks, movie - 
Friday: CostCo
Saturday:
Sunday:
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shanendoah
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Post by shanendoah on Jul 31, 2017 11:17:17 GMT -5
Friday was CostCo & Dinner - CSD
Saturday was groceries - CSD
Sunday - I didn't even get out of jammies all day - NSD
Today - should be SB only.
Which will have me end the month meeting my spend goal (6 days), meeting my Starbucks goal (10 SB), and missing my NSD goal by 1 (8 days)
| Spend | Controlled | SB Only | No Spend | | July 1-9 | 2 | 5 | 1 | 1 | | July 10-16 | 1 | 3 | 1 | 2 | | July 17-23 | 2 | 3 | | 2 | | July 24-31 | 1 | 3 | 1 | 3 |
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| | | | | Total | 6 | 14 | 3 | 8 | | Goal | <7 |
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| >9 |
Starbucks: 10 (goal <12)
The plan for this week
Monday: NSD
Tuesday: Starbucks, Snacks, Pizza - SPEND
Wednesday: NSD
Thursday: Starbucks, snacks, movie -
Friday: CostCo, dinner
Saturday: Groceries
Sunday: NSD
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shanendoah
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Post by shanendoah on Jul 31, 2017 11:46:14 GMT -5
I am probably going to be experimenting over the next few weeks with how I track things, given that I want to switch from daily tracking/chasing NSDs to simply tracking spending outside of plan/allowances. Checking in daily (or close to daily) really helps me remain accountable, so I will still likely be doing that but it's going to look a little different. Goals are just going to be - did I stay on plan or not? And so my goal will be to always stay on plan. I will build in some "unplanned" spending for each week, knowing that I can't foresee the future, but as long as I stay under a set amount, I'll call it good.
I am going to list the things I plan on spending on each week, and I'll cross them off as I make the spend. I will also list any unplanned spending. Some things will have a question mark after them because I am not certain they are going to happen this week (like Faire - might go this weekend, might go one of the next 2 weekends, not sure when yet), but they are in the plan for the month.
| Week | Plan Met Y/N | Unplanned $ Spent | | July 31 - Aug 5 |
| | | Aug 6 - Aug 12 |
| | | Aug 13 - Aug 19 |
| | | Aug 20 - Aug 26 |
| | | Aug 27 - Sept 2 |
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Planned Spending for the Week
Starbucks
Starbucks
Starbucks
Therapy copay
Movie (?) - tickets, snack
Ren Faire (?) - tickets, lunch, $40 other
Trader Joe's
Safeway
Lunch or Snacks on Campus
Papa Murphys Pizza or Dinner Out
Sunday Breakfast
Unplanned Spending for the Week - Allowed $40
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3catslady
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Joined: Dec 20, 2010 22:29:16 GMT -5
Posts: 1,122
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Post by 3catslady on Jul 31, 2017 12:02:56 GMT -5
My focus from now on until the end of the year is to spend less on things I can do without and don't need at this time. I will plan for them in the future and when I have the money, I will get them. Lately I have been getting them and then not have the money to get what I do need at the time. My next big purchase will be a refrigerator since mine went out with the last storm about 2 months ago. I have been buying supper each night after work or stopping at Burger King. I am getting sick of BK so I am stopping that spending in August. I'll post my plan in a couple of days but until then, I'll post my spending.
My plan for tonight is:
1 bottle of water--$.89.
1 little can of veggies--$.69?
I have a meal for tonight-- meatloaf and mashed potatoes and veggies.
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shanendoah
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Post by shanendoah on Jul 31, 2017 13:51:24 GMT -5
3catslady - If you lived near me, I'd just give you the perfectly good fridge that is sitting in my garage doing nothing. Since I don't live near you, other best advice I've got is to find out if you have a Habitat for Humanity Re-Store near you. Someone on these boards suggested it to me when I needed a new washer just a few months ago, and it saved me a considerable amount of money.
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3catslady
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Post by 3catslady on Jul 31, 2017 22:00:46 GMT -5
I spent the $.89 for water and then $5.00 for 6 cans of veggies so I am good for the rest of the week for meals.
Shanendoah, I did look at Restore but I want a new fridge because I have never had a new one. I got married in '69 and every bit of furniture I've had since then has been second hand. I want a new one. I'm just tired of hand-me-downs. I also looked there for cabinets and they had a set that I'd consider. I just need someone with a truck to bring them here.
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shanendoah
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Post by shanendoah on Aug 1, 2017 12:22:18 GMT -5
3catslady - I completely get wanting a new fridge. Makes total sense. I just worry about you going without a fridge for too long. Do you know anyone who has a mini-fridge you might be able to borrow while you save for the new fridge? Just something that you can keep some milk or other perishables in, so that you don't have to shop for every meal?
No spending other than Starbucks yesterday. Starbucks this morning, but it was free, so doesn't count.
| Week | Plan Met Y/N | Unplanned $ Spent | | July 31 - Aug 5 |
| | | Aug 6 - Aug 12 |
| | | Aug 13 - Aug 19 |
| | | Aug 20 - Aug 26 |
| | | Aug 27 - Sept 2 |
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Planned Spending for the Week
Starbucks
Starbucks
Starbucks
Therapy copay
Movie (?) - tickets, snack
Ren Faire (?) - tickets, lunch, $40 other
Trader Joe's
Safeway
Lunch or Snacks on Campus
Papa Murphys Pizza or Dinner Out
Sunday Breakfast
Unplanned Spending for the Week - Allowed $40
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3catslady
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Joined: Dec 20, 2010 22:29:16 GMT -5
Posts: 1,122
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Post by 3catslady on Aug 1, 2017 22:20:54 GMT -5
89 cents for water is all I spent today so I am doing good.
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Blonde Granny
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Joined: Jan 15, 2013 8:27:13 GMT -5
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Post by Blonde Granny on Aug 2, 2017 4:52:44 GMT -5
I spent nothing yesterday on my day off and didn't drive the car either. Today, as usual, I'm taking my lunch to work along with a large container of home made iced tea. That will keep me in a cold drink till about noon. After that I'm down to the canteen for fresh ice and cold water, and that lasts me until I get home around 2:30.
Also have a note on my computer screen that says NO! NO! Underneath is : QVC, Clothes, Stuff. Hoping for a good month. Finished July with $400 left that I transferred into savings.
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shanendoah
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Post by shanendoah on Aug 2, 2017 10:17:43 GMT -5
No spending yesterday. Starbucks this morning. We've decided no Faire this weekend or next. We'll go the last week of Faire, either Aug 19 or 20.
It is supposed to be ridiculously hot for Seattle today and tomorrow. I have therapy tomorrow at 12:30 and will probably just head home after (I work on the 4th floor of a building with no AC). So I think this afternoon I will use my "snack on campus" line to get myself ice cream.
| Week | Plan Met Y/N | Unplanned $ Spent | | July 31 - Aug 5 |
| | | Aug 6 - Aug 12 |
| | | Aug 13 - Aug 19 |
| | | Aug 20 - Aug 26 |
| | | Aug 27 - Sept 2 |
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Planned Spending for the Week
Starbucks
Starbucks
Starbucks
Therapy copay
Movie (?) - tickets, snack
Trader Joe's
Safeway
Lunch or Snacks on Campus
Papa Murphys Pizza or Dinner Out
Sunday Breakfast
Unplanned Spending for the Week - Allowed $40
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3catslady
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Joined: Dec 20, 2010 22:29:16 GMT -5
Posts: 1,122
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Post by 3catslady on Aug 2, 2017 23:25:25 GMT -5
I was called in to work today so $.89 for water. I also had a very early morning doctor's appointment and blood work. After that, I ate at the Waffle Shop and spent $13.65 plus $3 tip. Then since I had to work, I stopped Pizza Hut and had the salad bar and drink for $10.59.
It was a rather expensive day but I'm okay with it. I had the money left over from last month and just decided to treat myself.
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shanendoah
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Joined: Dec 18, 2010 19:44:48 GMT -5
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Post by shanendoah on Aug 3, 2017 10:11:35 GMT -5
No ice cream yesterday because a friend who also works on campus said "You want to get lunch?", so I got lunch with her instead.
I am about to head down and get Starbucks. Heat and stress have meant I've slept terrible the last few nights, so I need the caffeine. Working from home tomorrow, so no good option for Starbucks then.
I have therapy later today.
Movie is confirmed for Sunday night.
| Week | Plan Met Y/N | Unplanned $ Spent | | July 31 - Aug 5 |
| | | Aug 6 - Aug 12 |
| | | Aug 13 - Aug 19 |
| | | Aug 20 - Aug 26 |
| | | Aug 27 - Sept 2 |
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Planned Spending for the Week
Starbucks
Starbucks
Starbucks
Therapy copay
Movie - tickets, snack
Trader Joe's
Safeway
Lunch or Snacks on Campus
Papa Murphys Pizza or Dinner Out
Sunday Breakfast
Unplanned Spending for the Week - Allowed $40
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3catslady
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Joined: Dec 20, 2010 22:29:16 GMT -5
Posts: 1,122
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Post by 3catslady on Aug 3, 2017 21:44:06 GMT -5
$.89 for water and $10.23 for supper. It is too hot to cook
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shanendoah
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Post by shanendoah on Aug 4, 2017 12:24:59 GMT -5
Yesterday was just Starbucks and Therapy. Working from home today, so nothing spent yet, but I often try to get at least some of the grocery shopping done on Fridays. However, next week is going to suck, and so I need to figure out a grocery list that will have my buying things I will want to eat and that I'll be willing to make. It is possible there will be a few days where I only eat cereal, which isn't perhaps the best, but we'll see what I see that's quick and easy at the store when I go shopping.
| Week | Plan Met Y/N | Unplanned $ Spent | | July 31 - Aug 5 |
| | | Aug 6 - Aug 12 |
| | | Aug 13 - Aug 19 |
| | | Aug 20 - Aug 26 |
| | | Aug 27 - Sept 2 |
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Planned Spending for the Week
Starbucks
Starbucks
Starbucks
Therapy copay
Movie - tickets, snack
Trader Joe's
Safeway
Lunch or Snacks on Campus
Papa Murphys Pizza or Dinner Out
Sunday Breakfast
Unplanned Spending for the Week - Allowed $40
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3catslady
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Joined: Dec 20, 2010 22:29:16 GMT -5
Posts: 1,122
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Post by 3catslady on Aug 4, 2017 21:41:25 GMT -5
$.89 for water and $1100 for all the bills except 2 which aren't due until the end of the month.
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3catslady
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Joined: Dec 20, 2010 22:29:16 GMT -5
Posts: 1,122
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Post by 3catslady on Aug 5, 2017 22:36:28 GMT -5
$5.69 for supper tonight and $20 for the laundry for the month.
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3catslady
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Joined: Dec 20, 2010 22:29:16 GMT -5
Posts: 1,122
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Post by 3catslady on Aug 6, 2017 21:43:53 GMT -5
$5.92 lunch and $52.57 for groceries and my 3 month supply of medication. I didn't have to buy supper tonight because my granddaughter invited me to her home for it. Great cooks both of them.
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shanendoah
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Joined: Dec 18, 2010 19:44:48 GMT -5
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Post by shanendoah on Aug 7, 2017 9:28:38 GMT -5
There ended up being no unplanned spending last week. That is good.
This week, I don't know. Tomorrow is the day everything changes. I've done my best to make a plan, but we'll see.
| Week | Plan Met Y/N | Unplanned $ Spent | | July 31 - Aug 5 | Y | $0 | | Aug 6 - Aug 12 |
| | | Aug 13 - Aug 19 |
| | | Aug 20 - Aug 26 |
| | | Aug 27 - Sept 2 |
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Planned Spending for the Week
Starbucks
Starbucks
Starbucks
Massage
Safeway
Lunch or Snacks on Campus
Papa Murphys Pizza (Tuesday)
Brazilian Steakhouse (Monday, Groupon)
Dinner Out (Friday?)
Unplanned Spending for the Week - Allowed $40
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moneysquirrel
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Joined: Dec 19, 2010 13:12:39 GMT -5
Posts: 1,993
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Post by moneysquirrel on Aug 7, 2017 14:55:07 GMT -5
shanendoah -- Hope everything will go your way tomorrow. 3catslady -- You need to do what you think is best for you about the fridge. Progress: I returned from a short out-of-town trip to visit extended family. Tickets were purchased in advance and the only spending was food related. Came home with some cash that will be allocated back to travel for whenever I have to do so again. I am being somewhat consistent as I am trying to only purchase needed items -mainly groceries and gas-- and pay bills. Trying to get the items in the freezer section down a little more as hurricane season is upon us.
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3catslady
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Joined: Dec 20, 2010 22:29:16 GMT -5
Posts: 1,122
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Post by 3catslady on Aug 7, 2017 19:56:36 GMT -5
$.89 for water, $3.34 chips and soda, $7.41 sub.
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3catslady
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Joined: Dec 20, 2010 22:29:16 GMT -5
Posts: 1,122
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Post by 3catslady on Aug 8, 2017 21:22:57 GMT -5
$.50 for water, $12.45 for stuff I missed on Sunday
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shanendoah
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Joined: Dec 18, 2010 19:44:48 GMT -5
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Post by shanendoah on Aug 9, 2017 12:07:02 GMT -5
This would normally be a CostCo week. I had thought to skip it, but I've realized that I am out of many things I get at CostCo, so I am adding it into the planned spending for the week. Otherwise the spending this week have gone as planned.
| Week | Plan Met Y/N | Unplanned $ Spent | | July 31 - Aug 5 | Y | $0 | | Aug 6 - Aug 12 |
| | | Aug 13 - Aug 19 |
| | | Aug 20 - Aug 26 |
| | | Aug 27 - Sept 2 |
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Planned Spending for the Week
Starbucks
Starbucks
Starbucks
Massage
Safeway
CostCo
Lunch or Snacks on Campus
Papa Murphys Pizza (Tuesday)
Brazilian Steakhouse (Monday, Groupon)
Dinner Out (Friday?)
Unplanned Spending for the Week - Allowed $40
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3catslady
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Joined: Dec 20, 2010 22:29:16 GMT -5
Posts: 1,122
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Post by 3catslady on Aug 9, 2017 18:57:47 GMT -5
mammogram this morning, checked on fridge-Lowe's has one for $499 and free delivery  -lunch $5.91, got tire fixed at WalMart $10.60, while I was there got the groceries I needed this week, $23.10. Also checked for new linoleum for my floors, $2.49 a sq ft. My one room is 10 x 11. I'll wait awhile. I also checked on new tires , $52 each and I need 2. |
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shanendoah
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Joined: Dec 18, 2010 19:44:48 GMT -5
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Post by shanendoah on Aug 10, 2017 17:27:57 GMT -5
I needed to go downtown today. I had planned to take public transit, but a friend offered to drive me, so I paid for his parking. That's $12.50 in unplanned expenses.
| Week | Plan Met Y/N | Unplanned $ Spent | | July 31 - Aug 5 | Y | $0 | | Aug 6 - Aug 12 |
| | | Aug 13 - Aug 19 |
| | | Aug 20 - Aug 26 |
| | | Aug 27 - Sept 2 |
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Planned Spending for the Week
Starbucks
Starbucks
Starbucks
Massage
Safeway
CostCo
Lunch or Snacks on Campus
Papa Murphys Pizza (Tuesday)
Brazilian Steakhouse (Monday, Groupon)
Dinner Out (Friday?)
Unplanned Spending for the Week - Allowed $40
Parking $12.50
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3catslady
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Joined: Dec 20, 2010 22:29:16 GMT -5
Posts: 1,122
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Post by 3catslady on Aug 10, 2017 20:55:30 GMT -5
supper tonight-$8.49
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3catslady
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Joined: Dec 20, 2010 22:29:16 GMT -5
Posts: 1,122
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Post by 3catslady on Aug 12, 2017 10:54:22 GMT -5
Supper last night--$6.49 I AM BUYING MY FRIDGE TODAY. I bought one for $70 less than what I was looking at. 2 cubic feet less room but I live alone so I don't need the room. I am a happy camper.  |
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3catslady
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Joined: Dec 20, 2010 22:29:16 GMT -5
Posts: 1,122
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Post by 3catslady on Aug 13, 2017 8:14:43 GMT -5
yesterday's spending--8/12/17.
refrigerator-- $462.12, Sheets--$21.21, McD-$6.69, gas--$30.03, supper--$16.32.
My sheets are getting a little thin so I'm giving them to my girlfriend to make quilts for her church.
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moneysquirrel
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Joined: Dec 19, 2010 13:12:39 GMT -5
Posts: 1,993
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Post by moneysquirrel on Aug 13, 2017 19:21:14 GMT -5
in only spending on needed items. Only exception was committing to travel with friends to a city that has been on my wish list for ages. Have not spend the money on it yet but have the funds in my travel budget to pay for it. Also have some time before that happens. 3catslady -- good deal on the fridge. That is a need not a want. shanendoah -- Hugs  |
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