2021 Controlled Spend and No Spend

[shanendoah]

TheOtherMe - The expensive bid is from someone who pretty much works in the area around our current home. While my exact neighborhood is filled with houses that top out at around $750k, go a street or two over and you're in $1mil+ houses. So, he's used to working with people who are looking for million-dollar+ house landscaping, and so in addition to bringing me 60+ plants for my 3000sqft yard, he's building in mounds and placing decorative rocks, etc. His bid is box seats at the game.

The low bid is from a contractor that is located a bit north of us in an area where our home would be at the top of the home values list. He's looking at 20 plants (which is closer to what I am thinking, but I could negotiate that with the other bid, as well), and really just doing exactly what I've asked - remove the grass on both sides. Put in compacted gravel on one and some bark/ground cover and plants on the other. His bid is the cheap seats.

The final landscaper I had come out had to take an emergency trip to India. He should have a bid to me by this Friday. I'm hoping for a "top of the lower concourse or bottom of the upper concourse" bid. We'll see.

I did contact the first guy and thank him for his time, but no. If I decide I want the full first-class experience, I need to have a bit more in cash reserves to feel comfortable before starting the project.

[vetswife]

All but one of the routine bills paid for the month and I'm in pretty good shape.  I need to reimburse DD for my airplane ticket; around $400 but she hasn't told me the exact amount yet.  Off to Virginia tomorrow!

[Iggy aka IG]

vetswife, have a fantastic trip!

It's going to be a spend day, but conservatively:

~Just bought a Starbucks, but I had a gift card balance to use up. $1.82

~Going to get my truck serviced, but have two coupons. $10

~Going to buy lunch for sis and her girls today, and I'll use a refund I received in the mail. $?

~I need to buy fuel, but will do so at Sam's Club and use the membership discount. $?

~Speaking of, Sam's recently started carrying wine and spirits, so I'll inquire within for some comparison shopping.

~Side note:  I finally ordered our dishwasher which is expected to be delivered next Thursday.  I used gift cards, and they offer free delivery for items over XX amount.  All we have to do is install it, which DH has done before at our prior home.  Out of pocket expense $0.

Have a relaxing weekend, everyone!

[laterbloomer]

Overall this has been a spendy month and I don't really have good excuse for it. One good thing that happened, I want to rip up the rugs in my office and the spare room. I finally gave in today and ordered 500 sq ft (I was planning to do GW's room too) of laminate at $1.58 sq ft plus tax. It came to $867. I mentioned this to GW and she wasn't thrilled with changing her room (she would have had to do a good purge and move her stuff into the family room) So I got on here ready to complain about the money I was spending and a posting on my local FB marketplace popped up for 300 sq ft of laminate for $100. That's 33 cents sq ft! To make a long story shorter someone was renovating and redoing their floors, nothing wrong with the laminate and it is very similar to what I have in the family room downstairs. I bought it and canceled my other order and saved myself $776! I have a young guy that will put it in for me for $100. This will complete my office. I still need to do a good cleaning and painting of the spare room. That just elbow grease. I have enough left over paint so I don't need to buy any.

[moneysquirrel]

My old washer gave up the ghost this week.  I now have a new washer and dryer.  Can't be too upset as the old set was between 18-20 years old and both were struggling the last few months.  Both were needs. 

Also ordered the materials needed for some classes next month.  Money for that was in sinking funds.

Happy St. Patrick's Day to all!

[Iggy aka IG]

The new dishwasher was delivered successfully and it is nearly installed.  DH needs a part of some sort.

It was an interesting week financially.  Taxes were filed and we are getting a refund, which is good.  We received our stimulus and most of my half went directly into my retirement fund.  And, because I slashed expenses dramatically late last year expecting another covid year decline in sales, I actually was able to put a chunk of my commission check into savings.  And lastly, we have begun the refinance process, which should reduce our mortgage payment by approximately $400+.  We'll keep paying the same amount, however, for quicker payoff.

I'll check in with a Q1 2020 vs Q1 2021 at month's end.

Happy weekend, everyone! 

[moneysquirrel]

All monthly bills are paid.

Money for services that I pay in cash are on hand for pickup. 

And I think that I will have a surplus this month that will be the first money toward the washer/dryer bill.  Not sure when the first payment for that bill will be due but most of any extra money will be thrown at it.  As you know I don't like having any bills that I ride over monthly.  This one will but at 0% interest it is not as stressing.  But it will be paid off early.  Have to pay it anyway so the sooner it is gone the better.  Plus I still have two old appliances that while still running are over 16 years old so who knows when they decide to bite the dust. 

Beginning to make a list of items that I need to replace that are not too expensive and that I can manage on months when extra is available.  It is still a small list but I am sure that items will be added a little at a time. So far there are 2 clothing items and 1 home item.  None are pressing.  I think April will be the purchase of one clothing item.  Some yard/house items will also be added to the list.  

[vetswife]

I've had quite a few no spend days but have lost track.  Today, after church went to Lowe's and spent $39.88 on plants to replace my frozen pot plants, and spent $17.15 on a video series.  Last week on spring break with DD's family I bought a few meals out and of course, paid for airfare.  Still think I will have some left this month for savings; we'll see.

[shanendoah]

Update: March 17/18 NSD

Been a little bit since I logged in. I'm on target for the goal, which is good. We've decided not to do the front yard and instead do some stuff in the back yard to make the hot tub more usable year-round. The low-cost solution we were trying isn't going to cut it, so now we're looking at a higher-cost, more permanent solution. And I won't be sad having a covered patio, even if we get rid of the hot tub at some point in the future.

Running Totals
January 17/15 NSD, 1 Spend
February 18/15 NSD

[Iggy aka IG]

DH and I went to dinner and a comedy show in the big city over the weekend.  He bought the tickets and brunch, I paid for fuel and supper Saturday night.  Our hotel room was comped.  I also bought a few things for Easter and the house at the dollar store yesterday.

March MTD non-essential spending $381.97.  I've gone to Starbucks 3 times in the past 4 days, on which I'll put the kibosh.  Granted, this morning was with a client, so that's a necessary expense.

2021 Q1 non-essential spending $821.49 vs. 2020 Q1 non-essential spending $1,757.99 

Even better:  As mentioned above, unlike last year YTD, I've put money into savings and IRA.

See you next quarter. 

[moneysquirrel]

I did really well for a while but the last two days have been spending days.  Charged my supplies for the first craft retreat. And I ordered one clothing item that was not on my list but will be put to use in several ways so not too upset about that one.  Money was in the sinking funds for both.  Today was grocery run (couldn't put it off any longer), car was filled up and made a run to both Michael's and Dollar Tree. All ideas purchased will be used in the near future so can't really fuss about them either. 

Hoping April will be kind to the monthly budget.  I did hear that the siding work will start before the end of the week.  Figured that the balance on that work will have to be paid later next month.  Tax refund/stimulus check will cover what I was missing in the sinking fund account.  I have been putting this off for several years and it definitely needs to be done.  Then I won't have to worry about that for the rest of my life.  

Wishing all of you a joyous Easter weekend. 

[laterbloomer]

This month was really spendy. I'm going to get back on track for April, see if I can recoup some ground.

[vetswife]

I was able to put $500 in savings the end of March.  So far this month has been spendy-2 family birthdays, a couple of meals out with family members, and I'm going to need the yard man to remove some more dead plants.  I also had the windows washed-$120 but it hadn't been done for a while and they look great.  Trying to hold it down as much as possible but I will be taking a trip to Dallas-Ft. Worth towards the end of the month too to visit DS1, DGD1 and friends so will probably involve some more spending.

[Iggy aka IG]

April MTD unnecessary spending:  Liquor store, Starbucks, and a truck wash.  $39.33.

Necessary spending has been an appraisal fee for our refinance, and a few items at Walmart.

[catsareme]

All expenses MTD have been in budgeted categories but the month is still young...

First half of our property taxes are due by the end of the month.  The taxes are paid from a designated fund but it still hurts to see the balance drop.  

[laterbloomer]

I have been doing so well. I have been redoing the spare room and my bedroom and have kept my expenses really low. $30 for curtains, $30 for  nightstand, $56 for paint...then it came time for gardening. ISO LOVES to garden but he has mobility issues. So I'm spending $600 on planters to go on my deck so he can do some urban gardening. 

The best I can say is that my spending is very intentional. I'm not wasting money on lattes etc. Everything I'm buying fills a need.

[moneysquirrel]

Keeping a tight rein this month so far.  Only one of the monthly utility bills has come in so far.  Expecting quite a few to come in this week.  Also made a payment on the new washer/dryer (0% until September 2022 but will definitely will be finished long before that time -- hopefully this year.)  Only one trip to the Dollar store but all items were household/garden related and will be used.  Also have a few annual fees coming up this month or the next.  Trying to continue to keep a close eye on the spending this month.  I may try to get one of the items on my wish list later this month as well.  

All of you are doing well.  Keep up the great work all!

[Iggy aka IG]

The good news is the appraisal company is supposed to refund our money, it wasn't necessary for our refi.  I will immediately put it back into savings.

Last week:  I stocked up at the liquor store with part of my tax refund, and treated myself to a Starbucks.  I also spent way too much at an old time candy store.  

Total MTD unnecessary spending:  $150.20.

And I am getting my hair done today for the first time since October.  Cannot wait. 

[moneysquirrel]

I made a quick trip to HD Monday as I needed several items for both the house and the garden.  Will probably need to make several more trips in the next few months.  Except for a few plants the other items were needed.  Storm came through on Tuesday -- rain Monday through Saturday -- over 12.77 inches this month.  Winds were strong up to tropical storm force and knock over several plants Tuesday.  Cleaned up the area some but will need to repot several items as the pots they were in were destroyed.  

Other than the HD run I only paid a few bills.  Still have a few more monthly bills to come in.  Some this week or the next.  I haven't been to the mall except once and that was in one door, make purchase in same store I entered and leave.  Do have to make another quick trip but will see if I have a work around.  One of the places I do need to go is outside the mall so that will be a quick in and out visit I hope. 

Work on the house is almost done.  Just have to have the gutters put on.  Payment of the last half of the amount will be due shortly after.  I plan to put it on a CC to get the points.  Money is in a sinking fund to pay it off.  

Will check in later.

[Iggy aka IG]

A quick post as I am getting caught up here at the office.  We received bonuses earlier this week, and the majority of mine went into my IRA in order to max it out for the year.  Maxing it out is a first for me.     I paid my estimated quarterly taxes, and the rest went toward the new purse which happened to be 50% off , a donation to the high school drama club, and I'll take DH to a nice supper with the remaining bit.

Happy weekend, everyone.

[moneysquirrel]

Still waiting for the gutters to be added to the house.  Last item needed before I have to pay (put on CC for points) for this house project.  All monthly bills have been paid and if I don't go crazy this coming week I will end up with a little left at the end of the month,

Keep up the good work ladies!

[Blonde Granny]

My landscape job is still under way. It's looking better and better, and overall I'd say it's about 3/4 done. The overall cost so far is way under what I had thought it would be. Today is a sunny warm day, but don't know if he will be back or not, but definitely will be tomorrow.

[shanendoah]

Haven't been tracking the way I should be this month. Need to work on getting myself a desk calendar again.
Have done things like book a couple trips - went to see one of Pop Tart's track meets this last weekend, and am making plans to go to her school play at the end of May.
We booked a train trip to Minneapolis for a small convention we love. Amtrak had a deal where, if you booked one of the small sleeper cars, you got your second ticket for free. Looking forward to that.

We get our second vaccine shots a week from Wednesday, so will be fully vaccinated by the end of the month.

[vetswife]

I ended up in pretty decent shape this month, was able to add money to savings.  Part of this was due to receiving the stimulus check.  I spent money on a nice trip to see relatives and friends in the DFW area, including a night in a Marriott.  I put money aside each month for traveling so it helps when I actually make a trip.  We'll see how May goes.  I have at least 3 graduation gifts to give as well as several birthdays next month.

[Iggy aka IG]

vetswife, glad you had a nice trip.  How lovely to see everyone.

Wrapping up April month end non-essential spending coming in at $2,089.42.  This includes alcohol, a graduation and retirement gift, a trip to the hairdresser for the first time since October, the purse, 5 articles of clothing, coffee and dining out, and airfare for an upcoming trip.  Oof.  The good news is lodging is taken care of for the latter.  And, as mentioned above, I was able to put money into my IRA and savings this month.

Have a wonderful weekend, everyone.

[catsareme]

Managed to keep spending within the budgeted limits in April and was able to put another principal-only payment on the mortgage.  Right now we're leading a frugal, and rather boring, life but IF all goes well the mortgage may be history by October 2022.

[Iggy aka IG]

Apr 30, 2021 13:09:05 GMT -5 catsareme said:

Managed to keep spending within the budgeted limits in April and was able to put another principal-only payment on the mortgage.  Right now we're leading a frugal, and rather boring, life but IF all goes well the mortgage may be history by October 2022.

Awesome, catsareme!

[laterbloomer]

Not a great start, $25 today for booster cables in case the camper didn't start after sitting for 6 months. It turned over like a charm. Stupid me didn't keep the receipt.

I am really going to try to make this a low spend month. I've gone a bit crazy the last 2 months.

[moneysquirrel]

April was withing normal spending limits for me.  I did get one of the preplanned clothing items off my list last month.  Will have to see what if anything comes off the wish list in May. 

Scheduled some landscaping dirt for later in the month as well as gutter cleaning (back patio gutters) which is needed. It has been a few years and there are some low areas that needs attending too.

Still wainting for the new gutters for the front and sides of the house. Not sure when they will arrive.

Both of these house expenses have sinking funds available and both were needs. I expect that everything will be due this month and as much as I hate taking out that much at one time I needed these jobs done.  After this I only have a few minor little repairs that need to be scheduled.

I still have three kits to order for my virtual craft retreat next month.  I have paid for two already and have the money saved for these three as well.  

Keep up the good work all!

[shanendoah]

Goal: April 15 NSD
I've accepted that I just didn't track in April. Created myself a desk calendar on an old legal pad. Will see if I remember to write down spending on a regular enough basis to remember everything we've done. The weekend had 2 CS days. There will likely be a bit more spending starting this month. We got a HELOC and we've got some plans for getting a shed built in the back yard for storage (will get some of my garage back), and a pavilion/gazebo to cover the hot tub. But, those are known and planned (if expensive), so will count as CS when we put down deposits and the like.
I booked our "big" trip back in April, so that's paid for. I will have one trip to see Pop Tart this month for the school play. If she makes State for track, I will likely try and attend that meet, too.
That's about all I know of at the moment upcoming for the month.

I hope everyone is doing well.

Running Totals
January 17/15 NSD, 1 Spend
February 18/15 NSD
March 17/18 NSD
April untracked