2021 Controlled Spend and No Spend

[shanendoah]

It's great to see everyone on here and starting the year with progress and goals.
I ended last year with a case of shingles during my week off between jobs, and then started a new job just this Monday. The job is great, but I don't have much time to be on the computer not for work during the day, and at the end of the day, I just want to get away from my computer screens. I'd like to say this has helped with spending, but it hasn't.

I ended December with 17/16 NSD. For the year, my goal was 184 NSD. I ended with 186 actual NSD and 3 spends. That's half the year as NSDs. I am happy with that. At the same time, that's half the year where I spent money, and certainly not all of it was needed. 

Of course, this year isn't starting out great. 1 week in, I have 2 NSDs and 1 spend already because we broke one of my monitors while trying to set up the new work laptop and so I needed to get another one.   And I still have a couple Christmas gifts to buy. 

The goal for January is going to be 15 NSD. I am not certain I am going to make it, but I need to try.

Update: 2/15 NSD, 1 spend

[startsmart]

Closing out the first week of the month with 6 NSD and 1 CSD. While I'll have some bills to pay next week, I hope to find another 6 NSD and keep ahead on tracking. I am practicing delayed gratification, which really sucks because who doesn't like gratification?! 

Focusing on home projects where I've already purchased the materials is helping. I have about 2 dozen electrical outlets to replace and then the plywood to re-lay the laundry room floor. IF both those things get done I will move on to prepping and painting the kitchen cabinets - all projects I have supplies to finish. 

Step away from the online shopping startsmart! 

[buystoys]

We did end 2020 with a surplus in the budget, but it was because one major project didn't cost as much extra as I had budgeted for.  That's a good thing!  We're starting 2021 off with a lot of spending, but we knew it was coming and it's in the budget.  I am trying to limit my shopping a bit again.  I was doing well (I don't really care to shop) for the first three quarters of the year and then just blew it the last three months.  I know I'm not spending because I need anything.  I've never really shopped when I was bored until last year.  Another reason 2020 sucked!

I'll spend on Tuesday for a medical procedure and then again on Thursday for my dental surgery post-op.  Friday will be groceries.  I'm trying to not spend for anything other than those items and to not purchase anything not on the grocery list unless it's a really good deal and we'll use it.

[laterbloomer]

Just $23 on gas today. I consider that essential spending, I think you guys call it controlled spending. And our lockdown just got extended by 2 weeks so it looks like I won't be getting my nails or hair done this month. That will save some money.

[Blonde Granny]

Since the first of the month I've spent $710. All of it has been budgeted for. So far, so good.

[vetswife]

    Now its 4 no spend days this week.  I did pay the phone bill which is a controlled spend.

[TheOtherMe]

Two days ago I spent too much money to take an online genealogy course.  Said it had 30 day money back guarantee.  Today I realized just how much money I spent when there are so many free webinars happening.  Went to website and followed the guidelines to get my money refunded.  

Refund is in process.

ETA:  Refund received

[startsmart]

So 1 CSD in the first 10 days of the month is really good for me! Not being able to get in my car and go anywhere is helping but I'm also not walking around town because it is still freaking cold! 

I am making good progress on my orange and yellow quilt (250 pieces done) and other "free" projects like painting my Kitchenaid mixer and replacing outlets. I have found that 2 outlets so far do not have a gang box (that blue plastic box that holds everything in place) and another box was so poorly installed you can't screw into it. Those will go on the list for the electrician to fix when I finally hire him but I am hopeful that I can get the other 20 done myself. Hopefully. 

[Iggy aka IG]

The stimulus money has landed.  I put half in savings, and the other half will help with a specific bill.  Friday is payday, and every dollar has a job to do.  Tonight's Walmart pickup order stayed within the $300 budget I gave myself in December.

Non-essential spending:   Bought niece2 a baby shower gift from their registry for just $42.  In the past I would have spent at least twice that amount.  I also ordered niece1 a birthday gift card, but used credit card points so no cash out of pocket.

Total MTD non-essential spending $106.  ETA:  Compare this to January 15, 2020's $390.47 non-essential spending. 

[Blonde Granny]

My FA failed to update my monthly pay from one of my brokerage accounts, so I did it myself.....teehee. Anyway, I called my PC Dr. office this morning and asked for 2 refills. The cost when I get called will be $41 for 2 RXs. They are both in my budget, so I'm keeping in line so far this month.

[startsmart]

Today was a CS, I paid two bills, set one up for autopay, and got groceries (under budget). At some point this week I will need to get my laundry done but I think I have enough clothes for a few more days.

And if I can close the new client I’m talking to this week then I will budget some of the money for a washer and dryer at home.

[vetswife]

Spent $35.11 on clothing ordered from Macy's.  I rarely buy clothes other than sneakers so don't feel this is too out of line.

[Iggy aka IG]

Wellll... considering Walmart was supposedly out of almost 20% of the things I ordered, it helped "save money" last night.    We'll survive, it's just a bit inconvenient.  Will try again later this week.

[shanendoah]

Update: January 4/15 NSD, 1 Spend

Not much NSD progress here. Last week was my BFF's birthday, and so I arranged to have flowers sent to her. And then my printer told me it needed a replacement drum, which happens once every 5 years or so and is almost always followed by needing toner, so I ordered both of those. 
We managed an NSD on Saturday and one yesterday. I am hoping for one today, too, and maybe even tomorrow. Thursday we have dentist appointments.

One thing I need to do is go in with a couple small FSA eligible items and get reimbursed for those for this last year. None of it big stuff, and we don't have a ton left in our FSA, but I don't want to leave any of it on the table.

[Blonde Granny]

I needed a new journal for this year as the other one was full after 4 years. Stopped at Walmart, found a rainbow color spiral one that said "make today amazing. Cost: $1.88. I've never had colored pens, so to match the notebook, the pens are pink, purple, blue, green and orange. Cost was $8.87

Total: $ 10.75.

At times I just need bright colors in my life and these will certainly do for 2021.

[startsmart]

10 NSD; 2 CSD

At some point I will spend on laundry and I am thinking I’ll also order a lamp for my living room. I need something while I work on sewing at night because the eye strain is real and I’m ONLY 36!!! That said, I started the third quilt of the year even though I’m not yet done with the second.

Maybe I’ll check around town at the furniture shop and thrift store before I go find something online.

ETA: totally forgot that my $150 visa gift card arrived today so I can get the lamp without going into my budget! Yay for free money

[vetswife]

This is looking like a big spend week, although it's all expected and planned for:  homeowners' insurance due, security service on electronics renewed.  I put money aside for homeowners, flood insurance and HOA fees monthly so have that taken care of.

[moneysquirrel]

7 NSDs and 5 CSDs

I have had several NSDs but today was not one of them.  Today was a controlled spend as I need to get the tag for the car and I charged my homeowner's insurance. (Might as well get the points.)  The guy is coming over tomorrow to finalize the plans for doing the siding on the house. I am sure that I will have to put down a deposit for that. -- Also on CC for the points.  Yesterday I got my car back.  Had to pay the deductible and my portion of the rental.  

All of these were planned and/or budgeted.  


vetswife-- I also have the money put aside for these annual expenses on a monthly basis.  My flood insurance bill will also arrive within a few weeks.  Then I will have a few months free before the next big insurance payment will be due.

All seem to be well.  Keep up the good work.

[laterbloomer]

Well we just went into a month long lockdown. No nails or hair cut for me and the dog doesn't get groomed. That saves me about $200 this month. I am resisting the online shopping. So I have had no non essential spending this week.

[Blonde Granny]

Like money squirrel, I too have what I call an "escrow account" covers 4 different insurances, HOA @ $1090/yr. I have about 14 different items but it's certainly nice not to have to worry about large years bills since the money is there to pay them.

Today was lunch with a friend. Was nice to sit in the sun while eating. had the 1/2 green salad and water . Total was $5.

[startsmart]

I really did not want to cook tonight but also have no desire to spend money. So I made quinoa, chicken, and put together a burrito bowl with salsa and peppers for dinner.

Tracking my NSD in my journal has helped because I love seeing that consistency.

[shanendoah]

I have managed 3 NSDs in a row, which normally isn't a big deal, but so far in this young year, it's huge.

Today will be an expensive controlled spend. We have the dentist, which will go on the FSA, but since we're going to be out, we're going to CostCo. In addition to regular stuff, we're likely to pick up a battery back-up that can power our router and at least one computer in case of power outages, since it looks like my job will be permanent primary work from home. In addition, we've been having issue with the wireless network in our room (which is an addition to the house), so we're looking at grabbing one of the whole house wireless systems, too. And then, we're going to get dinner take-out from Qdoba.

[Iggy aka IG]

Stopped by the liquor store last night.

Total MTD non-essential spending $133.94.

[laterbloomer]

GW2 is about to have her baby. I bought her a bassinet today. I'm going to count that as essential.

[vetswife]

Unplanned spend on Wednesday; DGD2 came by so I ordered lunch in with a generous tip: $40

[startsmart]

Still not spending money (13 NSD, 2 CSD) and I’ve decided I cannot be cranky about wanting more variety eating at home AND cranky that there’s too much in my freezer and pantry.

So far I’ve had chicken breasts, burger and salmon from the freezer and quinoa and soup from the pantry. Slow but steady working through the food I have and not eating out.

[laterbloomer]

I'm going to brag about saving a bunch of money. For a few reasons I was becoming convinced I needed a new laptop. One of the top reasons is that I couldn't get my microphone and camera to work for zoom meetings. I was making do with my phone but you can't see everyone attending that way. Tonight I finally sat down and fiddled around with it and got them working!!!! I have bought more time with this computer. I'm not sure how much but for the moment I have no need to shell out between $700 and $1000!

[laterbloomer]

I’ve decided I cannot be cranky about wanting more variety eating at home AND cranky that there’s too much in my freezer and pantry.

I've been there. Pinterest helps a lot with more interesting recipes.

[startsmart]

Jan 15, 2021 21:18:50 GMT -5 laterbloomer said:

I’ve decided I cannot be cranky about wanting more variety eating at home AND cranky that there’s too much in my freezer and pantry.

I've been there. Pinterest helps a lot with more interesting recipes.

I don’t even mind boring meals! I’ve had times when money was tight and I ate from home on a $20 grocery store budget but it’s messing with my mind to not be able to go grocery shopping weekly as usual. We don’t have any delivery service here or Uber or rental cars so I’m just trying to be zen about eating food from the pantry and mostly failing lol

[TheOtherMe]

When do you get the vehicle back startsmart?

I hear you on no deliver, Uber or rental cars.  None here either.