2019 Controlled Spend/No Spend

[moneysquirrel]

3catslady -- good vibes and prayers coming your way.

Keeping up with everything and staying home as much as possible is helping to keep me on track.  Had my hair cut yesterday and that should be the last of any big expenditures.  Trying to work on items at home and need to add a few items to my etsy shop this month so I need to take photos and upload the info.

[shanendoah]

3catslady - Sending all the good thoughts your way. Can your family help at all? And have you contacted the hospital about getting your portion of the bill reduced based on your fixed income status? The last think you need is extra stress right now.

[Blonde Granny]

It looks like July is starting the same way June ended. Constant barrage of unexpected spending. 2 new RXs that are from the Compounding lab drug store was $86, $88 at the Fresh Market to get a good start on a new eating plan, then my battery for the security system died , that was another $40.

On a good note, there were 2 less pounds on my scale this morning!!!!!!!

[countrygirl2]

We are getting hit with bills this month, got the supplements paid, had to buy hubs a new battery, have spent money on little guy, that's ok, more money on the HVAC spent $500 on it last month I think with that a more coming up.  Just everyday some money drag.  Looks like our light bill won't go down much all kinds of stuff turned off and still will use looks like almost 1800 kwh's, why??


Our electric rates are going up 15% and our water bill is raising rates.

[geenamercile]

I might jump in.  I get paid on the 1st of each month.  By the 5th I have all big money sends done, and do a stock up shopping trip for groceries for the month (dry goods, cat food, dog food, cleaning stuff ect...)   What is left I divide between the weeks for grocery, gas, and fun stuff.  This month broke down to 250 a week for all of that stuff.  However since we are going on vacation I am rerouting some money for that.  So for the rest of the month. 

7th-13th- 150 (already spent 80 getting lunch with ODD and Walmart) 70 left.  We do have a trip to six flags on Thursday but the car is full with gas so shouldn't have to get that, and we have season passes and meal plans so that is covered.  Should be 20 for friends tickets, and 16 for locker rental.  May rent a tube for the girls we will see but those are 7.  Then Saturday we have the Dino trip to the quarry to see the fossils and footprints. Tickets are already bought and we may pack a lunch.  Again the car should still have plenty of gas.  So not much room for spending anything else this week.    

14th-15th-350-- Won't do much grocery shopping this week (30 before we leave) as we leave on the 17th for the vacation.  Taking the pop-up and camp site is already paid for.  Which means this will go to gas and road food (100), and leave about 220 for the rest of the week at the camp ground

21th-27th- 350- We leave the campground on the 23 and going to the Inlaws to drop off the girls.  Gas and road food- (120), 150 for the last days of vacation.  Which will leave 80 for groceries when I get home.  No real plans for the 25th-27th, stay home and recover.

8th-3rd- 150.  Going to pick up the girls on the 30th (50 in gas).  That will leave a 100 for any groceries and stuff. 

A normally gives me money the last two weeks of the month between (300-400), which will either be used for fun stuff or go into next month budget.  I don't do any planning on that money until I have it. 

My concern is over spending on the vacation.  The girls say they just want to hang out at the beach, and the camp ground has activities too that are free.  Food we will grill outside a lot, and I have a dual hot plate for inside of the camper.  Just don't want to deal with gas inside with the girls.  I think I can get away with around 75 dollars in groceries the first vacation week and 50 the second.  We have beach supplies and all of that we are packing.  But at the same time I want to give them an awesome trip.      

[shanendoah]

Last week went fairly well. I did decide to get us a Papa Murphys pizza for dinner on the 4th, and then when my Sunday morning plans were cancelled, I went and got a mani/pedi. Otherwise, spending was pretty much what was planned for the week, even if it moved around a bit. We did not get gas on Friday, and then ended up driving around a bit more than I thought we were going to, since on Friday, I took an injured baby bunny that we found in our yard up to the wildlife rehab center, and then on Saturday morning, I drove down to C's BFF's new house to spend a few hours helping them with move-in tasks.

This week, I leave on Thursday evening to go to a writing/storytelling convention. I will also be super close to sheilaincali, and will hopefully get to have dinner or something with her while I'm there. This is a small convention, very first year it's running, so all food will be on my own. I fly home Sunday night.
C most likely won't be paying tuition today, but he will sometime this week, so I've just got it planned for starting today.



Last week's (planned) v actual spending:
Monday: (Starbucks, yoga, tuition) Starbucks, yoga
Tuesday: (----) ----
Wednesday: (Starbucks) ----
Thursday: (----) Papa Murphys
Friday: (CostCo, gas, groceries) CostCo, groceries
Saturday: (----) Starbucks
Sunday: (Breakfast) Mani/Pedi


This week's (planned) v actual spending:
Monday: (Starbucks, tuition) Starbucks
Tuesday: (----)
Wednesday: (----)
Thursday: (Starbucks, dinner, gas)
Friday: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Activities)
Saturday: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Activities)
Sunday: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Activities)

Current Month - (P)vA Running total	NS	CS&HS	Spend	Notes
July	(2)2 (2)	(3)3 (3)	(2)2 (2)	(Current Planned - 14 days) Current Actual - 7

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	(8)9	(14)16	(9)6
April	(10)9	(16)14	(4)7
May	(10)13	(11)8	(10)10
June	(9)7	(12)14	(9)9
July
August
September
October
November
December

[shanendoah]

geenamercile - Sounds like you've got a really good plan going in. I understand wanting to give the girls a good vacation, but it also sounds like they know what they want out of that vacation - hanging out at the beach. Sometimes the simplest things are the best. And besides, you've already got a theme park planned in. Take a deep breath and enjoy the down time with your girls while you're actually on vacation.

[nikiz628]

Last week went pretty well. There were 2 instances of unnecessary spending at the gas station (drinks, snacks) but it kept us from going out to eat while running errands.(under $20 total). This week should be a true no spend week...unless I decide to buy the collapsible sports wagon I have had my eye on. The price is approx. $40. DS1 has an out of town baseball tournament this weekend and all of the parents have those nice wagons. It would make my life so much easier if I bought one, especially with DS2 (he's 3) needing so many things to keep him occupied while we are there. 

Goals for this week: 
Monday- no spending
Tuesday- Taco Tuesday date with friends, budgeted spending
Wednesday- small grocery trip to get milk/bread/snacks for hotel room
Thursday- No spending 
Friday- No Spending
Saturday- Hotel expense for tournament, budgeted spending. Dinner with team, hoping to keep it cheap. I am planning to pack lots of drinks and snacks to avoid the concession stand and other temptations
Sunday- Packing breakfast for the hotel room and snacks for the tournament. Dinner could potentially be purchased depending on how far they go in the tournament. 

[sheilaincali]

shanendoah Keep me posted. As I'm more familiar with the Cities I'm happy to come up and meet you rather than make you drive an hour. Once you get settled in shoot me a message. I'm pretty flexible- I can come up whenever. The Hubs is right off 494 at Winter Park (old Vikings facility) Not sure where you will be but we will definitely work something out.

[shanendoah]

sheilaincali - I'll be at the Crowne Plaza in Minneapolis West. (fancy schmancy ). I'll have all Friday day (until 4p) and Sunday afternoon evening, and then Saturday evening, too. We will definitely figure something out.

[geenamercile]

Well I spent 55 dollars today of the vacation money on a voucher for 4 tickets to a magic show while we are down there. ODD was as excited as she gets about these things, YDD was happy. Husband responce was we don't have to over fill the dance card for the week. Hopefully that wasn't a mistake.

[shanendoah]

So far, so good for the week

Monday - Starbucks
Tuesday - NSD
Wednesday - NSD
Thursday - Starbucks

[moneysquirrel]

Doing pretty well except for today. Had a second dental appointment because somehow I lost a filling and had to have it replaced. First appointment was for my normal checkup and had allocated the money for it. The money for today's procedure will come from the money I put aside for medical expenses, Other expenses were the normal ones of food, gas and the routine home repair expense. I have a little saved monthly for those home depot runs. I will need to order a few items for one of the craft projects I am working on but that will come out of the little money I make at the craft shows.

shanendoah -- Have a good time at the conference. Hope you get a chance to meet up with sheilaincali

geenamercile -- Not sure if I welcomed you to the thread. IF I didn't I do want to add my welcome to the others. The major thing I learned from this is that it provides a way to keep your expenses in mind and to awaken one to the choices made


To all others -- keep up the good work. Remember we all slip at times. Just jump back on the wagon. It circles back to get you when you slip off.

[TheOtherMe]

I'm still waiting for the dental bill for my replacement filling.  That happened in early May.

[geenamercile]

So far we are staying on budget.  No extra spending from what was planned   Still have 25 left for what ever.  Not planning on doing anything tomorrow, maybe we will pick up some happy hour milkshakes after the Dino trip on Saturday.  If not may just roll it into next weeks.  

[geenamercile]

So far staying on track.  We did pick up slushies after the Dino Walk on Saturday.  That was 5 dollars. 

We did fill up the Aspen yesterday, but won't be using it until the trip. That was 44 of the 120 road trip money planned.  We will most likely need to fill up once more close to the beach and that should be around 50, but will should also have about 3/4 of a tank left when we get there and that should hold us for the vacation.  That should leave plenty to get lunch on the way.  I really don't want to do a lot of stops and driving around parking lots with the trailer attached.  Spent 35 dollars at the store today on stuff for before we leave.   

Right now the budget stands at 
76- Road trip down
315- At the beach (food and fun stuff) Wednesday-Tuesday (Already took out the 55 dollars for the magic show)
120- From the beach to the ILs
80- for at home for DH and I.  (25th-27th)
150- for the 28th-3rd (including meeting the ILs to pick up the girls)

[nikiz628]

Jul 8, 2019 13:04:03 GMT -5 nikiz628 said:

Goals for this week: 
Monday- no spending
Tuesday- Taco Tuesday date with friends, budgeted spending
Wednesday- small grocery trip to get milk/bread/snacks for hotel room
Thursday- No spending 
Friday- No Spending
Saturday- Hotel expense for tournament, budgeted spending. Dinner with team, hoping to keep it cheap. I am planning to pack lots of drinks and snacks to avoid the concession stand and other temptations
Sunday- Packing breakfast for the hotel room and snacks for the tournament. Dinner could potentially be purchased depending on how far they go in the tournament. 

Update on last week's goals: 

Monday- H spent $6 at the gas station. 
Tuesday- Taco Tuesday date with friends- we stayed under budget because I ordered water instead of a tea. And because we go every week, they know us- the waiter gave us free margaritas! Score! 
Wednesday- Spent $40 at Walmart on milk, bread, and snacks/drinks for the baseball tournament
Thursday- No spending
Friday- Splurged and bought my sport wagon. $40- BEST investment made for baseball to date
Saturday- Packed hot dogs and snacks/drinks for tournament. Spent $0 at the ballpark. We did spend $23 on pizza at the hotel, budgeted expense
Sunday- Did buy breakfast at the hotel (it was $7 per adult for all you could eat, kids ate free- so $14 for all 4 of us to eat). Didn't spend any $ at the ballpark, DS's tournament ended early with a loss, so we were home for dinner. Cooked at home. 

[shanendoah]

I did really well with the spending at the conference. On Friday, I got moving late, and so didn't eat breakfast. I did one activity, and did buy a couple of magnets for my BFF. My friend M, who was also at the conference paid for dinner. Saturday, we went to Red Robin and I had a free burger on my account, so I paid like $6 total for drink and tip. sheilaincali paid for dinner. Sunday I had lunch in the con suite, so that was free. And I only got fries for dinner.

I got home Sunday night. I had yesterday off work, so we went and did all of our shopping yesterday. It should otherwise be a pretty normal week. We are going to have friends over on Saturday for board games and smoked meats. Sunday we might go to a local festival where one of our favorite bands is playing. If we go, there's a chance we'll get food or something while there.



Last week's (planned) v actual spending:
Monday: (Starbucks, tuition) Starbucks, tuition
Tuesday: (----) ----
Wednesday: (----) ----
Thursday: (Starbucks, dinner, gas) Starbucks, dinner
Friday: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Activities) Lunch, Sea Life, gifts
Saturday: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Activities) Starbucks, Lunch
Sunday: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Activities) Starbucks, Dinner


This week's (planned) v actual spending:
Monday: (CostCo, Gas, Groceries) CostCo, Gas, Groceries
Tuesday: (----)
Wednesday: (Starbucks)
Thursday: (----)
Friday: (CostCo, Groceries)
Saturday: (----)
Sunday: (Breakfast, Festival)

Current Month - (P)vA Running total	NS	CS&HS	Spend	Notes
July	(2)2 (2)2 (2)	(3)3 (3)5 (3)1	(2)2 (2)0 (2)	(Current Planned - 21 days) Current Actual - 15

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	(8)9	(14)16	(9)6
April	(10)9	(16)14	(4)7
May	(10)13	(11)8	(10)10
June	(9)7	(12)14	(9)9
July
August
September
October
November
December

[sheilaincali]

I was happy to have a spend day buying shanendoah dinner because it meant we got to hang out and visit for a couple of hours. Absolutely worth it  

I'll be honest- Prime day was a bit of a hit on the no spending/controlled spending front. Wasn't terrible but we did pick up a couple of Christmas presents for the Boy (the Kitchen aide accessories were on a really good sale)

Overall this summer has been pretty decent. With my dietary restrictions (Low FODMAP) we don't eat out much anymore and we've been really good about bringing lunches to work since I'm very limited as to where I can go to pick up a fast lunch if I don't pack on in advance. That's helped quite a bit.

[moneysquirrel]

Been doing pretty well lately.  Between the approach of Barry which thank goodness was more of a worry than a fact and the heat I have been staying home.  This has helped a lot on the spending arena.  Except for one craft online order which does not come from my regular budget I have not spent anything since last week.  


shanendoah and sheilaincali  -- sounds like a great meeting. Glad you had a chance to get together.

[TheOtherMe]

I spent less than $5 on prime day.  One Kindle book that was on sale and 99 cents for unlimited music trial.  It's on my calendar when to cancel it. 

I have the book I bought in hardback and it's autographed.  Now I can keep that in pristine condition.   

I did quite well, I think.  

[Blonde Granny]

I didn't spend anything on Prime days, but that didn't stop someone from using my CC for their spending. Just happy Amazon sends emails as I was notified immediately. After getting the purchase ($3.28) cancelled and the CC number removed from the Amazon website, then finally calling the CC company to close the account all is well, and my life is somewhat organized.

I still have some expensive meds to buy this month, and an appt. with a Dietician that Medicare won't cover.  Please, tell me that August will be much better.

[geenamercile]

Doing well with sticking to the budget. Once we got down here and did the set up shopping I split what we had left for a daily average of 50 dollars a day and 20 set aside for each girl for trinket shopping.

Wednesday set up shopping was 120.

Thursday we picked up a few more things for the site. Around 20 and pizza for dinner another 20.

Friday we did 15 at the camp store because I wasn't going anywhere.

Today we went out and got some more towels, apples and chicken for the grill. I needed some new flip flops so that was 60.

Tomorrow the plan is out for icecream and something for the grill for dinner. I am guessing around 25 or 30.

Monday we will do our trinket shopping and maybe dinner out. I may up the trinket shopping for the girls since we are around 50 underbudget right now. Then the magic show.

Tuesday we pack up and leave.

So far they have been happy with the free ranger lead activties at the campground and the beach.

[moneysquirrel]

The last few days have been spend days.  Had to paid for downtown parking and a gift for a birthday party.  Also stopped for a few perishables and one house items.  I will have to replace my little indoor grill as it no longer works and I used it a lot. Will pick one up next time I am at WM.  The last one was a $10 one and lasted at least two years.  Definitely got my money's worth as I used it at least once a week if not more.


Blonde Granny --Sorry to read about your CC issue.  I make it a point to avoid keeping any card on file online if I can.  If I know of an upcoming purchase on Amazon I usually pick up a GC locally and add it to my account.  Since I do sometime purchase these GC to give as gifts i just get an extra one for me.

geenamercile -- You are getting into the swing of things.  Being aware of spending and planning for future adventures will become a habit.  Remember if you come in under your estimated expenditures that you can put that money toward a future outing or item that you may want or need.

[nikiz628]

Plan/Goals for this week: 

Monday- Will pay school registration fees for DS1, budgeted expense
Tuesday- Going to a concert with H (I gave him the tickets for our anniversary last month). We will eat dinner out. 
Wednesday- No spend, unless we need milk/bread/filler items from store
Thursday- No spend
Friday- No spend 
Saturday- Baseball tournament, $5 gate fee per person for the weekend (Hoping they dont charge for my 3year old because, that's dumb). They have a no cooler policy but the coach told us people "sneak" them in with waters all the time. I plan to throw some waters and ice in a small lunchbox cooler and taking it with us. I will also pack snacks. 
Sunday- Baseball tournament. Should be no spend. 

[shanendoah]

Last week was completely on plan. I can't actually remember that last time that happened. The closest to being off plan is that I did buy a super cute R2-D2 outfit for BFF's baby boy, but I used rewards from my Disney card for that, so no "real" money.
This week, there is going to be a pretty big spend, as roommate has moved her computer out of the office into her room, and I need to get the office set up to be a docking station for my laptop for the days I work from home, and also to try and create a dedicated writing space for myself. C and I talked about getting a cheap monitor, and we just can't bring ourselves to do that. CostCo has a really good deal on an amazing monitor, but I don't know if we'll go to CostCo to get it or order it online. If we go to CostCo for it, it will be before Friday, since Friday is my work from home day. I'll also need a cheap keyboard and mouse. 



Last week's (planned) v actual spending:
Monday: (CostCo, Gas, Groceries) CostCo, Gas, Groceries
Tuesday: (----) ----
Wednesday: (Starbucks) Starbucks
Thursday: (----) ----
Friday: (CostCo, Groceries) CostCo, Groceries
Saturday: (----) ----
Sunday: (Breakfast, Festival) Breakfast


This week's (planned) v actual spending:
Monday: (Starbucks, Maid, MD Copay)
Tuesday: (Dentist, Lunch, Office Computer)
Wednesday: (----)
Thursday: (Starbucks)
Friday: (Massage, Groceries, Gas)
Saturday: (----)
Sunday: (----)

Current Month - (P)vA Running total	NS	CS&HS	Spend	Notes
July	(2)2 (2)2 (2)3 (2)	(3)3 (3)5 (3)4 (3)	(2)2 (2)0 (2)0 (2)	(Current Planned - 28 days) Current Actual - 21

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	(8)9	(14)16	(9)6
April	(10)9	(16)14	(4)7
May	(10)13	(11)8	(10)10
June	(9)7	(12)14	(9)9
July
August
September
October
November
December

[moneysquirrel]

Did a little spending this week.  Some was planned but some was not.  Mainly only got the items that I needed.  Had to pick up toner and that was my major expense this week.  Got a new George Foreman to replace the one that made it to the trash a few weeks ago and other items needed for the house like AC filters, paint, etc.  Another small appliance is on its last legs and I am beginning to look for a replacement.  Picked up a few display items for the craft show at the Charming Charlie's going out of business sale.

This week I have my handyman scheduled and I need to make a HD run for some other items needed.

Have a good week all!

[hopetoberich]

I have been really pleased with the Vitamix DH bought in the spring. It may have been expensive, but its paid for itself already I think.
$2 for 1 slurpee today. I make a frozen coffee every day at home for both of us so $300 saved on just drinks.
$4 getting laundry caught up.
So a $6 day

[nikiz628]

We spent more than I would have liked this past week, but it is what it is. 

It can best be summed up as "a failure to plan, is a plan for failure." We just had too many days of I didn't get this in the crockpot or let's grab lunch at this baseball tournament with the other parents...
All money we had, but I would have rather not spent. 

Next week is a new week and I am motivated to finish out July without spending another penny! 

[3catslady]

I talked to my family and they are having problems of their own.  My 2 sisters' husbands are either retiring or losing their position because of downsizing.  My next step is to contact the mortgage company and see about reducing my payments. I am sending all the medical bills $10 each. Then I am going to see if I can get lower car insurance.  Right now that is about all I can do.  I am taking as many hours at work as they will give me since we are losing 3 people this week.