2019 Controlled Spend/No Spend

[shanendoah]

Normally on Wednesdays, I got to BFF's house for dinner, and hang out with her, BFFIL and baby. But yesterday, BFFIL was working late, and Grandma had baby, so BFF and I went out for dinner. We had a good time.


This week's (planned) v actual spending:
Monday: (Counseling) Counseling
Tuesday: (Starbucks) Starbucks
Wednesday: (Furnace Service) Furnace service, dinner out
Thursday: (Starbucks)
Friday: (Safeway)
Saturday: (----)
Sunday: (----)

Current Month - (P)vA Running total	NS	CS&HS	Spend	Notes
February	(0) (1)3 (2)4 (2)	(1)2 (4)3 (3)1 (3)2	(2)1 (2)1 (2)2 (2)1	(Current Planned - 24 days) Current Actual - 20 days

Year long tracking:

Month (P)vA	NS	CS/HS	Spend
January	(8)6	(19)13	(4)12
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December

[TheOtherMe]

Feb 19, 2019 12:17:38 GMT -5 TheOtherMe said:

Yesterday I ordered $61 worth of cat food and litter from chewy.com.  That will last about 8 weeks.  

Box was delivered while I took dad for groceries. 

It's too heavy for me to carry so I have to cut it open and bring in the food and litter.

[shanendoah]

Didn't go get Starbucks yesterday. Pondered getting it this morning, but felt too lazy to leave the office once I got here. 

This week's (planned) v actual spending:
Monday: (Counseling) Counseling
Tuesday: (Starbucks) Starbucks
Wednesday: (Furnace Service) Furnace service, dinner out
Thursday: (Starbucks) ----
Friday: (Safeway)
Saturday: (----)
Sunday: (----)

Current Month - (P)vA Running total	NS	CS&HS	Spend	Notes
February	(0) (1)3 (2)4 (2)1	(1)2 (4)3 (3)1 (3)2	(2)1 (2)1 (2)2 (2)1	(Current Planned - 24 days) Current Actual - 21 days

Year long tracking:

Month (P)vA	NS	CS/HS	Spend
January	(8)6	(19)13	(4)12
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December

[moneysquirrel]

TheOtherMe -- I have one delivery a few times of the year that I also cut the box open and carry items to their storage spot instead of trying to pick up the box.  It is too heavy for me to even attempt.

shanendoah -- You are doing well. Sometimes our best laid plans will have to be changed.  Hang it there.

Update: No major unplanned expenses this week.  I did get to both HD and to WM for groceries this week.  Picked up several items that I was either totally out of or getting to that point pretty much stuck to my list.  Hope that I can avoid both places in the next few weeks but know that I will have to restock perishables again.

I do have a few items that have been on my need to get list and I may try to go to the mall in the coming weeks to knock a few of them off that list.  Since retirement I have been constantly evaluating my wardrobe and there are only a few items that currently need to be updated and replaced.  Spending a lot of time at home means that my clothing needs have diminished.  I spend a lot of time in tees and yoga pants or other comfortable combos.  Glad that I have the classes each week  as they give me an excuse to "dress up" in my good jeans and nicer tops.  I have been getting rid of items that are well worn and uncomfortable.  Also going through my tees as several of them will be going with me when I travel.  They will not make a return journey.  May have a few other items that will also make a one way trip.

[3catslady]

What a lousy start to the year.  Jan 9  I was in the hospital for 2 days and they diagnosed a-fib. on blood thinner and heart med.  3 days no work.  Jan 26 totaled my car. brakes went out and slipped on ice and hit the side of my house.  no damage to the house except the down spouting.  Feb 9 to the er for left side pain.  couldn't walk.  after tests I was told nothing wrong just brusing.  2 days again no work.  Tues 19th food poisoning no work for 2 days. My house is a mess and I don't care.  Next month had better be better or I'm running away

[TheOtherMe]

Hugs 3catslady

[shanendoah]

3catslady *hugs* I hope things are better soon and that your son, DIL, and grandkids are able to help you out.

On Friday, I get off work at noon, and since the bus only runs through our neighborhood at commute times, C picks me up at a park and ride, right near the CostCo. So in his head, we just go to CostCo every week. We did not give in and buy the pretty monitor, only got grocery stuff, so I'm counting that as controlled spend.
Saturday, we went out to get a snow shovel and a mop head. We got the mop head. Both places we stopped were out of snow shovels. Went out again on Sunday to a different shopping area for a snow shovel. Nope. All out.
So we ordered one from Amazon, along with a couple other of the house things we've been talking about needing.

This week's (planned) v actual spending:
Monday: (Counseling) Counseling
Tuesday: (Starbucks) Starbucks
Wednesday: (Furnace Service) Furnace service, dinner out
Thursday: (Starbucks) ----
Friday: (Safeway) CostCo, Safeway
Saturday: (----) Target-house stuff
Sunday: (----) Amazon-house stuff

Current Month - (P)vA Running total	NS	CS&HS	Spend	Notes
February	(0) (1)3 (2)4 (2)1	(1)2 (4)3 (3)1 (3)5	(2)1 (2)1 (2)2 (2)1	(Current Planned - 24 days) Current Actual - 24 days

Year long tracking:

Month (P)vA	NS	CS/HS	Spend
January	(8)6	(19)13	(4)12
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December

[shanendoah]

So last night around midnight, C's glasses broke in an irreparable way. He is pretty useless without them. He hasn't been in for a glasses Rx since July or Aug 2017. So, we need to get him in, ASAP. I doubt it will actually be today, but I'll take today if I can get it.
Thursday, the guys from the Stacking Benjamins podcast (one of whom is a friend of mine) will be in town, and I'll be heading to a meetup with them and will need to eat.
Friday, I have a massage, and then I am working from 3p-8p (instead of my normal 7a-Noon), so will need to figure dinner.
Saturday should be our grocery shopping day, and I have a date with BFFIL to head to a local women's spa just to soak in the tubs and lay in the warm rooms. I have a gift card which should cover the entry fee, but might decide to do an add on.

This week's (planned) v actual spending:
Monday: (Starbucks, Eye Doctor, Glasses) 
Tuesday: (----) 
Wednesday: (Starbucks) 
Thursday: (Dinner Out)
Friday: (Massage, Dinner)
Saturday: (Safeway, Spa)
Sunday: (----)

Current Month - (P)vA Running total	NS	CS&HS	Spend	Notes
February	(0) (1)3 (2)4 (2)1 (1)	(1)2 (4)3 (3)1 (3)5 (2)	(2)1 (2)1 (2)2 (2)1 (1)	(Current Planned - 28 days) Current Actual - 24 days
March	(1)	(1)	(1)	(Current Planned - 3 days) Current Actual - 0 days

Year long tracking:

Month (P)vA	NS	CS/HS	Spend
January	(8)6	(19)13	(4)12
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December

[shanendoah]

I have to say, I find this thread very helpful when I'm looking at my credit card statement to make a payment and think "what was this?" In this case, it was the donation I made to my niece's fundraising back at the end of January. I was able to come here and find my notes from that week, and know what the expenditure was for.

[shanendoah]

In good news, even though it has been over 5 years since C last got glasses, CostCo still carries his exact frames. We were able to get the frames and have his lenses transferred into them on Monday. All for $60 - which is covered by the last of last year's FSA. He really should go get a check up and perhaps a new Rx (though his Rx hadn't changed from 2013 when he went in 2017), and new lenses, but at least we can plan for it, instead of having to do it as an urgent situation.
Yesterday I did not get Starbucks, but when I left work early, I swung by Dominoes for their parmesan bread bites. This morning is Starbucks.
Plans for Sunday have changed, as well, as my new writing group is finally getting going. And given that we're in Seattle, we're naturally meeting at a (non-Starbucks) coffee shop.

This week's (planned) v actual spending:
Monday: (Starbucks, Eye Doctor, Glasses) Starbucks, Frames
Tuesday: (----) ----
Wednesday: (Starbucks) Dominoes
Thursday: (Dinner Out) Starbucks
Friday: (Massage, Dinner)
Saturday: (Safeway, Spa)
Sunday: (breakfast)

Current Month - (P)vA Running total	NS	CS&HS	Spend	Notes
February	(0) (1)3 (2)4 (2)1 (1)1	(1)2 (4)3 (3)1 (3)5 (2)1	(2)1 (2)1 (2)2 (2)1 (1)1	(Current Planned - 28 days) Current Actual - 24 days
March	(0)	(2)	(1)	(Current Planned - 3 days) Current Actual - 0 days

Year long tracking:

Month (P)vA	NS	CS/HS	Spend
January	(8)6	(19)13	(4)12
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December

[shanendoah]

And checking in on folks we didn't heard from this month (February).
How's it going imanangel , sheilaincali , and zibazinski ?

[TheOtherMe]

With the exception of the spring flowers and the expensive ticket for David Crosby, I've stayed on track with planned spending.  The snow removal for the month is more than I would like, but it has to be done.  Hoping March won't be as bad in that category as January and February have been.

It's the last day of the month, so I will update my net worth.  Somehow Zillow increased the value of my house by $20,000 in one month and there is no way that is accurate.

[zibazinski]

Feb 28, 2019 11:23:41 GMT -5 shanendoah said:

And checking in on folks we didn't heard from this month (February).
How's it going imanangel , sheilaincali , and zibazinski ?

It’ll be better tomorrow!

[TheOtherMe]

I get my pension tomorrow.  

I do try to go to independent coffee houses instead of Starbucks just because I like to support small businesses.

[TheOtherMe]

Feb 28, 2019 12:19:01 GMT -5 TheOtherMe said:

With the exception of the spring flowers and the expensive ticket for David Crosby, I've stayed on track with planned spending.  The snow removal for the month is more than I would like, but it has to be done.  Hoping March won't be as bad in that category as January and February have been.

It's the last day of the month, so I will update my net worth.  Somehow Zillow increased the value of my house by $20,000 in one month and there is no way that is accurate.

Trulia inreased the value to a higher amount than the amount at Zillow.  

Realtor.com decreased the value by $40,000  

I went with the lower of Zillow and Trulia

[shanendoah]

On campus, Starbucks is my only option. And since most days, I'm getting my chai while on campus, Starbucks is the option. But I like other places, and some have better chai than Starbucks, though none have better chai than my favorite local Indian place. (Not a huge surprise, but they aren't open in the mornings, or on my route to campus.)

Today turned into a major spend. The original plan was that Pop Tart was supposed to be in town in a couple weeks and we'd do a visit, but her track schedule came out, and she has her first meet that day. So instead, I'm going over there to see her first track meet. So, flight, rental car, and hotel all got booked today. And I pay lower prices with the hotel and rental car for paying when booking.

[moneysquirrel]

Quick update as I have to leave for a meeting in a few minutes.

Only major spending this month was the purchase of a ticket to a fundraiser for an organization I am involved in.  Other spending this week were a few craft/home purchases totaling less than $20.  Tomorrow will be a spend as I need to fill up the car and to pick up a few RX.  Might get a few other items at the drugstore since I will be there anyway.  Still have not been to the mall to get the few items I need to get but between the weather and the parade traffic I will wait on them.  Plan to spend most of this weekend and the beginning of next week at home.  Mardi Gras is Tuesday and traffic at  times will be crazy.  A few of the local parades pass in front of two major malls and then the float movement also block traffic at times as the head to the set up locations.  Staying in my immediate area is my goal until after the season is over.  

[sheilaincali]

It's been up and down. Overall spending is going fine. Haven't been too many purchases that were completely unnecessary. Have been doing better about eating out less. We've been planning much better for the weekends. Last few weeks we've either not eaten out at all or only once during the weekend so that's a positive.

The Hubs was in a car accident on Feb 4th. A college aged girl (she actually goes to the university across from our house) lost control on icy roads and hit Nate's car (rear driver's quarter panel) going about 55mph on his way to work. He spun in front of her and into the guard rails. She then hit another car too. Everyone was ok physically, our car was totaled and hers was as well. The third car was drivable, but would need repairs. She finally (yesterday) accepted fault so our insurance doesn't have to pay. Valuable lesson though- we owed about $1000 more on the loan that the payoff amount. We were able to buy him an identical replacement car (same make, model and year) with 11,000 miles (versus the 33,000 his old car had on it) for less than we owed on the original loan. So at the end of the day, out of pocket we are out $1,000 and some inconveniences but we ended up with a car with 22,000 fewer miles on it. So the trade off wasn't too bad in the end.

Fewer amazon packages have been showing up at the house so that's good. I've been more active in the decluttering thread so things have been leaving but new things haven't been coming in.

[imanangel]

It has been up and down for me. I am still trying to adjust to how we are paid everything month. 
This past week I have been bad about picking up take out. I have just been exhausted and not in the mood to cook. 
I will be better in March. 
Wait...today is March.  I will be better starting Monday. Sorry, going to see my grandbaby tomorrow. I can't guarantee that I won't spend some money. 

[shanendoah]

So, as I mentioned, Thursday became a major spend for a Pop Tart visit. And more expensive than I would hope because of the last minute (travel date in 2 weeks). I need to verify that it should be okay with her family that I come to the April Saturday meet, as well, and get those tickets booked now, while it will be half the cost.
Friday I had my massage. I did not get dinner on campus and just ate when I got home. Saturday, neither BFFIL were feeling great, so we rescheduled spa to this coming weekend. 

This week's (planned) v actual spending:
Monday: (Starbucks, Eye Doctor, Glasses) Starbucks, Frames
Tuesday: (----) ----
Wednesday: (Starbucks) Dominoes
Thursday: (Dinner Out) Starbucks, Pop Tart travel, Dinner Out
Friday: (Massage, Dinner) Massage
Saturday: (Safeway, Spa) Safeway
Sunday: (breakfast) Breakfast

Current Month - (P)vA Running total	NS	CS&HS	Spend	Notes
February	(0) (1)3 (2)4 (2)1 (1)1	(1)2 (4)3 (3)1 (3)5 (2)1	(2)1 (2)1 (2)2 (2)1 (1)2	(Current Planned - 28 days) Current Actual - 28 days
March	(0)	(2)3	(1)	(Current Planned - 3 days) Current Actual - 3 days

Year long tracking:

Month (P)vA	NS	CS/HS	Spend
January	(8)6	(19)13	(4)12
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December

[shanendoah]

We'll see how this week goes. I've got a cold. It's not super awful, but I did just randomly fall asleep yesterday afternoon, and felt very close to falling asleep on the bus this morning. Tonight is a late night at work. I'll be here for 12+ hours. Looking at my schedule, I may decide to take all of tomorrow as a sick day, but not certain yet. 
On Wednesday, I'm planning on taking a walk over to a drug store on my lunch and picking up some candy for the office. Since I drive on Wednesdays, I don't get as many steps in, and this will get me a decent walk.

This week's (planned) v actual spending:
Monday: (Starbucks, Dinner?) Starbucks
Tuesday: (----) 
Wednesday: (Starbucks, Candy, Pop Tart Travel) 
Thursday: (----)
Friday: (CostCo, Gas, Safeway)
Saturday: (Spa)
Sunday: (----)

Current Month - (P)vA Running total	NS	CS&HS	Spend	Notes
March	(0) (2)	(2)3 (3)	(1) (2)	(Current Planned - 10 days) Current Actual - 3 days

Year long tracking:

Month (P)vA	NS	CS/HS	Spend
January	(8)6	(19)13	(4)12
February	(6)9	(13)12	(9)7
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December

[shanendoah]

Glad to see everyone check in.
Thinking of you 3catslady, and hoping you're doing okay.

[TheOtherMe]

I went on Amazon last night to order hearing aids for my dad.  The doctor's office told us to buy the batteries there as opposed to buying from them.  Their charge is $60 and on Amazon they cost $15.  Got then done and then saw a gadget I thought I might like and ordered it.  By this morning, I realized how much I do not need the gadget.  I was actually able to cancel the order, so that is a win.

[moneysquirrel]

I made it to the pharmacy to get the RXs and did get a few other items that I needed.  Also filled up the car.  Tomorrow I will remain home as planned.  I will need to get some errands run later this week and will have at least one spent day.  Hoping that one of the stores that carry my makeup will have bonus time soon as I am running pretty low on one item that I use a lot.  There is usually at least one store that will have it in March and I hope that I can wait until then to get a replacement for the bottle that is also empty.  Guess that I will also try to get those other items that have been on my list for a while

3catslady -- take care of yourself.  Hope your family will step up to the plate and take care of you.

shanendoah -- You seem to be getting back into your routine.  There will always be something that comes up but with your discipline you can handle it.

TheOtherMe -- I also need to order something from Amazon.  One of the CC I use has a 5% promotion for pharmacies this month so I will buy an Amazon GC from them to get my points and use that to get the item I want to get.  I try not to keep my CC on file with Amazon or any other place so this is my get around procedure.

sheilaincali -- ouch about the car but glad that no one was hurt and that the replacement turned out to be a good deal.


imanangel -- It will take a few months but you will figure it out.

[moneysquirrel]

Today was definitely a spend day.  Most of the items were on my need to get list and still have a few more on there.  

[shanendoah]

I somehow forgot to put the maid on the planned list. We thought she was coming today. She had us on her schedule for yesterday. So, she was there yesterday.
I spent the last two days home sick, so no spending other than the maid.

This week's (planned) v actual spending:
Monday: (Starbucks, Dinner?) Starbucks
Tuesday: (----) ----
Wednesday: (Starbucks, Candy, Pop Tart Travel) Maid
Thursday: (Maid)
Friday: (CostCo, Gas, Safeway)
Saturday: (Spa)
Sunday: (----)

Current Month - (P)vA Running total	NS	CS&HS	Spend	Notes
March	(0) (2)1	(2)3 (3)2	(1) (2)	(Current Planned - 10 days) Current Actual - 6 days

Year long tracking:

Month (P)vA	NS	CS/HS	Spend
January	(8)6	(19)13	(4)12
February	(6)9	(13)12	(9)7
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December

[shanendoah]

Quiet weekend at home. Friday, we made a casserole and took it over to M&B, the friends we stayed with during the house selling/buying process. They put down his dog of 19 years on Saturday, so we swung by to give them the food and say goodbye to the little guy.
Saturday, I went to the spa, but just used my gift card, no extra services, so no spending. And Sunday we only left the house to take the dogs to the dog park.

This week's (planned) v actual spending:
Monday: (Starbucks, Dinner?) Starbucks
Tuesday: (----) ----
Wednesday: (Starbucks, Candy, Pop Tart Travel) Maid
Thursday: (Maid) ----
Friday: (CostCo, Gas, Safeway) Gas, CostCo, Safeway
Saturday: (Spa) ----
Sunday: (----) ----

Current Month - (P)vA Running total	NS	CS&HS	Spend	Notes
March	(0) (2)4	(2)3 (3)3	(1) (2)	(Current Planned - 10 days) Current Actual - 10 days

Year long tracking:

Month (P)vA	NS	CS/HS	Spend
January	(8)6	(19)13	(4)12
February	(6)9	(13)12	(9)7
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December

[shanendoah]

I did not end up booking the travel for April's track tournament last week, so I need to do it this week.
Friday, we'll do our grocery shopping in the morning, I'll work in the afternoon, and then I fly across the state, and spend Saturday at the track tournament before flying home, so I'll need to eat. 

This week's (planned) v actual spending:
Monday: (Starbucks, Pop Tart travel) Starbucks
Tuesday: (----) 
Wednesday: (Starbucks) 
Thursday: (----)
Friday: (Safeway, Dinner)
Saturday: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Snacks)
Sunday: (----)

Current Month - (P)vA Running total	NS	CS&HS	Spend	Notes
March	(0) (2)4 (2)	(2)3 (3)3 (3)	(1) (2) (2)	(Current Planned - 17 days) Current Actual - 10 days

Year long tracking:

Month (P)vA	NS	CS/HS	Spend
January	(8)6	(19)13	(4)12
February	(6)9	(13)12	(9)7
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December

[moneysquirrel]

Today was a spend day as I picked up a few items.  Was able to get a few grocery items at WGs  while I was there and thus was able to avoid the grocery where I am sure that I would have gotten more items than I needed. That will be for a future trip as there are a few basics that I ran out of.  

[shanendoah]

So yesterday I booked the travel for going to Pop Tart's track meet in April. Last night at 10p, other mom texted me to let me know that this weekend's meet has been cancelled due to weather (outdoor track, another 1-3" of snow expected). So today, I paid the fee to reschedule the flight (this time to the state championships - also iffy, as no guarantee she'll qualify). I changed my car reservation and cancelled the hotel. 
I prepaid on both the car and the hotel. The hotel was simple. Even though they say for the member pre-pay rate, there is not refund if you cancel, the hotel itself is like - nope, we have a 48 hour cancellation policy, you met it, you'll be refunded fully. The car reservation comes with a $50 cancellation fee. They'll refund anything over that. Except the charge to rent the car was just under $45, so they actually would have charged me an additional $5 to cancel. However, like the plane ticket, I was able to just change that reservation to the state championships (even though it's in a completely different city/airport). And then there isn't even a change fee. 
For the flight, $125 change fee. But now I also have over $230 in credit, because the new flight was much less expensive. 

But, that also changes all plans for this weekend. Now I'll work late on Friday (and therefore still probably need to figure out dinner) for a work event. And I think I may try to convince C to go see a movie with me this weekend. I'll have to check tomorrow to see what all is playing at the 21+ theater. (We're waiting on going to see Captain Marvel in order to go with friends.)

This week's (planned) v actual spending:
Monday: (Starbucks, Pop Tart travel) Starbucks, Pop Tart travel
Tuesday: (----) Pop Tart travel reschedule
Wednesday: (Starbucks) 
Thursday: (----)
Friday: (Safeway, Dinner)
Saturday: (Movie?)
Sunday: (----)

Current Month - (P)vA Running total	NS	CS&HS	Spend	Notes
March	(0) (2)4 (2)	(2)3 (3)3 (3)1	(1) (2) (2)1	(Current Planned - 17 days) Current Actual - 10 days

Year long tracking:

Month (P)vA	NS	CS/HS	Spend
January	(8)6	(19)13	(4)12
February	(6)9	(13)12	(9)7
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December