2021 Controlled Spend and No Spend

[nikiz628]

Sept 12, 2021 8:12:19 GMT -5 Blonde Granny said:

The "time to change the oil" notification came on yesterday.....I did think I had another month or 2 but will need to get appointment with dealer, perhaps this upcoming week. If there is any other things to be done, I'll have that taken care of too.

I have 12,000mi on the car and it is 2 years old. I escrow (my term) for car repair at $400 year so the money is there to have all of this done.

I need to call our place tomorrow and get my SUV in for one as well. I am.... overdue. 

[Iggy aka IG]

Sept 11, 2021 16:40:09 GMT -5 catsareme said:

Halfway through September and doing okay so far.  I've really tightened down on our flexible spending amount in hopes of clearing off the mortgage the first of June instead of October next year.  The back-up generator has finally been repaired but waiting for the bill ($$$).  I hope the amount I've set aside will cover it completely.  See you in October!

catsareme, this is fantastic!  

[Blonde Granny]

I took the car in for oil change yesterday, and was a nice surprise....total cost was only $65.00. My late D and I usually drove Mecedes.....that servicing was always $300....Cadillac is a very nice change. I now don't have to have the next for 1 years.

[Iggy aka IG]

Mid-month check in.  Payday came and went, and I was very focused as I paid each bill, ie, that each serves a purpose.  Shelter, electricity, trash service, HOA, etc.  I've been more determined than ever to pay off a large CC balance.  I am SO over the interest charges!  I haven't used said card, paid 4 times more the minimum balance the past few months, and used it's reward points to put toward the balance.  Similar to last month, I was fortunate enough to put 10% of my gross commissions into savings.

The monthly grocery order was refined and I'll pick it up this evening.  I did have to order a few things from Amazon.

This month vs. last month non-essential spending is no contest.  Last month, I spent over 7.5 times the amount as this month.  Granted, this month is only half over, but looking at my calendar, there's not much expenditure wise coming up (knock wood).

[catsareme]

Sept 15, 2021 16:58:46 GMT -5 Iggy aka IG said:

Mid-month check in.  Payday came and went, and I was very focused as I paid each bill, ie, that each serves a purpose.  Shelter, electricity, trash service, HOA, etc.  I've been more determined than ever to pay off a large CC balance.  I am SO over the interest charges!  I haven't used said card, paid 4 times more the minimum balance the past few months, and used it's reward points to put toward the balance.  Similar to last month, I was fortunate enough to put 10% of my gross commissions into savings.

The monthly grocery order was refined and I'll pick it up this evening.  I did have to order a few things from Amazon.

This month vs. last month non-essential spending is no contest.  Last month, I spent over 7.5 times the amount as this month.  Granted, this month is only half over, but looking at my calendar, there's not much expenditure wise coming up (knock wood).

Yay you!!  

[Iggy aka IG]

Thank you, catsareme !  This morning, using a refund from a closed account, I put another $50 toward the balance.     Something I read last month resonated with me:  When you pay down interest, it's like giving yourself a raise.

Some may not agree with that type of thinking, but it's motivation for me.  Makes more sense than putting extra funds into savings that pay nominal interest.  (Though I do agree with the importance of having an EF and have one, in addition to a Roth IRA.)

Happy weekend, friends.

[moneysquirrel]

Checking in with you today.  Hurricane Ida was not a nice lady.  I am able to live in my house but have quite a bit of exterior damage.  I will be meeting with the insurance adjustor next week and then I can start the process of scheduling (trying to schedule) repairs.  So far I know that I will need shingles replaced, sidings -- just a few pieces replaced, fence repaired/replaced, and a new patio cover since the old one is separating from the house and is dangerous to leave as it is.  This will be a long process and not fun.  I am hopeful that insurance will cover the bulk of the damage but won't know anything until I meet with the adjustor.  I am lucky as so many people have it worse.  Several have lost everything.  

My tight hold on the purse strings will be even tighter until all of this is resolved.


Iggy aka IG -- Paying extra on the CC will save you more in interest than having it in a saving account will at the moment.  Great motivation idea.  Having an EF is a great idea and will help in real emergenies. 

hang in there all.

[Iggy aka IG]

Thanks, moneysquirrel.  And, yes, I also have an EF.    I revised my post above to that effect.  

[Blonde Granny]

I spent $110 at Sams yesterday and all of it was clothes. I bought 2 mens flannel plaid shirts (obviously for me since there is no man around). A couple of really fuzzy jogger pants with matching tops and 3 tops .

Someone on TV was talking about how expensive natural gas was going to be this winter and that's what heats my house, so some warm snuggly things to wear in the house is perfect. Also found a package of Cudl Duds of soft snuggly flannel PJs.....again for house wearing.

It's been chilly the past 2 days in the morning, and my house-mate Chelsie doesn't like this at all....but as least she will run out first thing, do her thing quickly, and run in for breakfast.

[azucena]

Sept 17, 2021 11:27:51 GMT -5 Iggy aka IG said:

Thank you, catsareme !  This morning, using a refund from a closed account, I put another $50 toward the balance.     Something I read last month resonated with me:  When you pay down interest, it's like giving yourself a raise.

Some may not agree with that type of thinking, but it's motivation for me.  Makes more sense than putting extra funds into savings that pay nominal interest.  (Though I do agree with the importance of having an EF and have one, in addition to a Roth IRA.)

Happy weekend, friends.

Carrying no credit card balance has been a huge tenet of our wealth accumulation.  Clear that debt ASAP.  Then, tackle car loans next and for us we paid off student loans too.  Then, we put those payments into savings and have purchased our last 3 $12k vehicles in cash.  It all really starts to snowball, so keep working at it.

[Iggy aka IG]

Sept 24, 2021 11:06:37 GMT -5 azucena said:

Sept 17, 2021 11:27:51 GMT -5 Iggy aka IG said:

Thank you, catsareme !  This morning, using a refund from a closed account, I put another $50 toward the balance.     Something I read last month resonated with me:  When you pay down interest, it's like giving yourself a raise.

Some may not agree with that type of thinking, but it's motivation for me.  Makes more sense than putting extra funds into savings that pay nominal interest.  (Though I do agree with the importance of having an EF and have one, in addition to a Roth IRA.)

Happy weekend, friends.

Carrying no credit card balance has been a huge tenet of our wealth accumulation.  Clear that debt ASAP.  Then, tackle car loans next and for us we paid off student loans too.  Then, we put those payments into savings and have purchased our last 3 $12k vehicles in cash.  It all really starts to snowball, so keep working at it.

Thank you, azucena!  I appreciate the support and advice.  My student loan was paid off quite some time ago.  The large CC balance I am tackling now has the highest interest rate.  And, yes, I agree, it does start to snowball, which gives me even more motivation.  

[moneysquirrel]

More damage from Ida than I expected.  Still waiting on the estimate for the roof damage.  Met with the siding and patio repair company and made a small deposit to get on the list for those repairs.  Insurance adjuster came last week and currently am waiting for his report. I did send in a copy of the siding/patio repair contract to the insurance company and will do the same when I get the one from the roofer. Other than that deposit I have been doing pretty well in keeping an eye on the spending. 

I will be needing to replace several items.  I will create a list and try to get one or two items off of it as I can.  Nothing major and nothing that has to be purchased immediately but will need to be purchased in the future.

I have added a spending worksheet to my annual spreadsheet that I track all spending no matter how small.  This year has been spendy as I had several major appliances that needed to be replaced.  And I had the siding added to the house.  So grateful that I am a saver and that my sinking funds covered a lot of these needed replacements.  Definitely in the process of rebuilding those funds even as I face the upcoming issues with storm repair issues.   Working will begin once supplies come in and labor can be scheduled.  With the amount of damage in the area it may take a bit of time before that happens.  One day at a time. 

All of you are doing well.  Keep a eye on your goals.  Will check in when I can.

[Iggy aka IG]

Sorry to hear this, moneysquirrel.  So glad you have the savings.  

And, I'm the same way:  I track almost every penny I spend.  It's helped me mentally, emotionally, and financially since the recession and subsequent BK nightmare.

[catsareme]

Moneysquirrel and Iggy aka IG count me three when it comes to tracking every penny spent.  I don't know what I would do without my handy dandy spreadsheets.  They help keep me on track whether it's paying down debt or watching my savings grow ever so slowly with the interest rates being what they are these days.  

[vetswife]

I broke even in September and have a couple of checks from the kids to repay me for hotel rentals that will go into savings this month.  Spent a little more than planned on the trip to Virginia but still didn't go over the limit.  Hoping to have a good October financially.

[Blonde Granny]

I always have good intentions the first of every month, but seem to figure out ways to over spend. I have asked my Financial Guru to cancel one of the monthly payments so I am now back to living on Social Security and a VA payment called DIC. It appears that I can live comfortably , but still will need to slow my spending.

The old YNAB is going to help, I hope.

[Iggy aka IG]

Same here, BG.  The last week or so of September was a bit pricey with a few out of town take out meals and comfort food (hello, old school fresh bakery!) and extra fuel for the truck due to a family member's surgery.

This month will be expensive with quarterly taxes and auto insurance.  Yesterday, I received the statement for the CC I've been posting about.  It's a pleasure to watch the balance reduce, and my FICO increase.   

[Blonde Granny]

I had Chelsie to PetSmart to have her nails trimmed, that was $16, but I have now given her a place in YNAB for $50/mo. I think it would be useful to take her to the vet for a good once -over since I brought her home in May.

[wvugurl26]

I would recommend calling now for that vet appointment. Locally a bunch of people got covid dogs and cats. Vets are booking a month out or more. Maybe it's not as bad in your area but better to call and know.

[moneysquirrel]

Heard from the adjuster and while I am getting some of the damage repaired with insurance money I expect that I will still be responsible for quite a bit of the repairs that will be needed.  I know that it will be quite a while before the repairs can be done due to supply and labor issues so I will continue to add to my sinking funds as a way to hopefully avoid tapping too much into my other savings once the final payments are due.  

Also I did some retail therpy this weekend and took advantage of some sales and added a few new items to my wardrobe. Other than that I plan to be back on track as I hate pulling money out of savings.

[moneysquirrel]

Staying on track again.  Had to purchase gas as the tank was getting pretty low.  I received the check from the insurance company and deposited it until I need to distribute the funds to the repair companies.  It will cover most of one company's estimate but I think that I will be responsible for the other repairs.  The order for the materials for one company was placed this morning but I am not sure as to the other company.  Will touch base with them later this week.  I figure that I would get a few pennies of interest doing it this way.  

A few of the monthly bills have come in and now are paid.  I am still waiting for the others to arrive.  Other than that I am using items I have on hand to craft with.  Have a few things  I want to finish before my next craft show.  

[Iggy aka IG]

Oct 4, 2021 13:46:10 GMT -5 Iggy aka IG said:

Same here, BG.  The last week or so of September was a bit pricey with a few out of town take out meals and comfort food (hello, old school fresh bakery!) and extra fuel for the truck due to a family member's surgery.

This month will be expensive with quarterly taxes and auto insurance.  Yesterday, I received the statement for the CC I've been posting about.  It's a pleasure to watch the balance reduce, and my FICO increase.   

Expensive month (add our annual Halloween party and a few days of travel to the above) + a lower-ish commissions check = tight month.  Challenge accepted.

[Blonde Granny]

I did a quick look at my YNAB this morning, and so far this month things are looking good. I did spend $100 yesterday on groceries at Walmart yesterday but it was all needed. I also have an Amazon order being delivered tomorrow: 1 40lb of dog food, 1 70 ct. box of Starbucks Holiday coffee pods and (for me some fancy body powder) that brings back memories of my Mom.

Anyway, all is paid for and should last for quite a while & way past first of year.

[catsareme]

Large expense for this month:  the second half of our property taxes.  Ouch!!  I had the money set aside but watching the account drop was still painful.  Two Amazon orders being delivered today:  3 cases of Sparkling Ice in Ginger Lime (can't find this flavor in any of our stores) and some Blackberry Patch No Sugar Added syrups for DH. 

Fell prey to the siren song of a Yankee Candle sale so there is that order coming too.  Everybody needs a little treat in their life....right?  At least I used a cashback website and a discounted gift card to pay for it.

[Blonde Granny]

I must admit that this month has been good for me. I've made sure that every receipt has been entered in YNAB. Due to the HOA dues being increased I also managed to already have my personal escrow account done for 2022. I usually don't do that until Jan. 1.

Overall, this year has been better than the last one.

[moneysquirrel]

Continuing to watch the budget very closely.  All monthly bills have been paid.

Repair work is still on hold -- waiting on either supplies or labor -- more than likely both. 

Have a hair appointment this week and will get a get things while I am out.  Need to fill the car again and will probabily do it then.  Plan is not to leave the house today or Tuesday.  Appointment Wednesday, in-person classes Thursday and a craft show Friday.

Take care all -- til later.

[startsmart]

I have some big savings goals that I want to hit in January so I've decided to (re)tighten the belt the last 2 months of the year. Luckily, I don't really do holidays so there's no real expenditures that I am thinking of this year. I don't even know if I'll have the desire to decorate and bring everything down from the 3rd floor. 

For my parameters, I won't count the bills that are automated as spend days. Those include utilities, insurance, cell phone, property taxes, website hosting expenses or my other, regular business expenses (including a membership that renews annually in December). 

I'll also budget $100/mo for groceries as I really need to clear out old food from the freezer and pantry. I am very well stocked which doesn't leave a lot of room for prepping meals for the week. I also have plenty of drinks, snacks and treats so I will not be going hungry. 

Entertainment is where I am most likely to get cranky but I've read 56 books this year and have a LOT more downloaded on my Kindle and on my shelves to read. Also, plenty of DVDs I have not watched in awhile. I am working on finishing my quilt projects for the year but it will be some time before I need to buy the batting for those quilts (and I already have some). House repair projects are on hold for the rest of the year because I cannot find good people to help! I do have windows on order but those are already in the budget and may not arrive until January. 

So ideally I would make it through Nov and Dec with no unnecessary spending BUT I have a client trip to New York in November so I'm starting this last week of October. When I do go to NY I'll have spending for the dog kennel, airport parking, my hotel/transportation and food while I'm in town. I am hoping to keep that spending at a minimum but at least the flight, hotel and transportation are paid by my client. 

2021 End of Year Goal: 60 NSD 

[Iggy aka IG]

Oct 13, 2021 13:07:06 GMT -5 Iggy aka IG said:

Oct 4, 2021 13:46:10 GMT -5 Iggy aka IG said:

Same here, BG.  The last week or so of September was a bit pricey with a few out of town take out meals and comfort food (hello, old school fresh bakery!) and extra fuel for the truck due to a family member's surgery.

This month will be expensive with quarterly taxes and auto insurance.  Yesterday, I received the statement for the CC I've been posting about.  It's a pleasure to watch the balance reduce, and my FICO increase.   

Expensive month (add our annual Halloween party and a few days of travel to the above) + a lower-ish commissions check = tight month.  Challenge accepted.

Almost finished preparing for the party.  Instead of frivolous costume contest and other game prizes, I'm buying gift certificates to various food establishments.  This supports local businesses instead of buying goofy things.  The main course, chili and BBQ beef sandwiches, will be made of cuts of beef we already have.  For specialty cocktails, I'll use the same spirit several ways.

DH and my days of travel were fun.  Fuel is expensive, but still cheaper than flying.  We brought snacks from home, rotated restaurant purchases (I'd buy supper, then he'd buy the next meal), and had plenty of leftovers to bring home in our cooler.  I did splurge on a few things, such as a few pieces of jewelry for me, a zip drive containing a memorabilia photo of us, and a few stocking stuffers for family.  This was our only non-camping trip together his year.  I spent a total of around $750, which includes the hotel room for two nights.

Recently, I received a few "surprise" medical bills from the past few months, but luckily had money in savings.  Oh, and I went to the eye doc for the first time in several years.  

[startsmart]

2/60 NSD so far. I haven't had a reason to go out and no online shopping so all good so far. I made a chicken tortilla soup today that should get me through the end of the week. I'm also focused on using up things like lotion, toothpaste, candles, thread... trying to prove to myself that I don't always need more stuff.

This week I've made really good progress on my latest quilt. My goal is to finish it before the NY trip and then work on getting them quilted the last 6 weeks of the year. I have a machine that can handle this size quilt but will definitely need to find out if I have enough batting. 

[vetswife]

The month wound up a little better than expected; I was able to put $200 into savings.  We'll see how November goes.