2021 Controlled Spend and No Spend

[Blonde Granny]

Jun 12, 2021 7:34:08 GMT -5 TheOtherMe said:

I have made those difficult decisions about health and dental issues.  I am not doing transplants or anything that expensive.  I have survived colon cancer since 1995 and I am done with colonoscopies too.  

BG, when I was the church secretary, the church went after those who donated large sums of money.  Then the church was closed by the Synod because it was broke.  I've often wondered how the people who had donated to try to save the church felt.  There were donations of $10K to try to save it and it didn't work.

You wouldn't believe the way this church spends money:  right now it is to bring in all the missionaries that are baptists from the entire world, pay for all the families, air fair, food, lodging here for 2-3 weeks,....then turn around and tell us we need to give them more money.  Couple years ago they did a building fund...asking everyone to donate what they could and pay it over a 36 month commitment.  I pledges what I could, then about 3-4 months later they asked for everyone to pay up front the commitment they made.  Silly me did it......

[TheOtherMe]

I do understand.  When this church had no money, they still sent and paid for kids to go to the national conference.  It was suggested that no adults stay with the kids.  So the two adults were an unmarried male and female, so two rooms there.  Only one boy went so he had his own room.  It was an odd number of girls and supposedly only 2 kids to a room, so that required a bunch of rooms.  That ended up being good because one of the girls refused to shower after being outside in a stadium sweating all day.  She ended up in the single until she misbehaved so badly that she got sent home on a bus early.

We used to have people pay their pledges all at one time and others throughout the year.  Once the closing was announced, people were calling to see if we could refund the difference between what it would have been if they had paid weekly and the current time.  Well, the money was spent.  All electronic withdrawals were canceled because any leftover funds were going to the synod and the members didn't want to send money there after the bills were paid. They also took up no further collections because there was no point.

To spend down money after bills were paid, the pianist and I received a bonus.

I think we ended up sending the synod less than $300.

[Blonde Granny]

My church also has a K-12, and of course our Senior Pasters wife about runs the thing, we have a pastor for any and every possible group and all are on the Payroll. Our newest one just moved here with his wife (kids optional) and he is now the Pastor for all Mission(ary) things. The guy was a electrical engineer before he agreed to come here....can imagine his salary is well over $200K /yr....and once again, they want more money.

When we first moved here 8 years ago, water bills was then $29/mo it has now gone up to $42/mo. simply, I need to take care of me the best I can and let some others do the same....especially things I can't change.

[shanendoah]

Update: June 3/15 NSD, 1 spend


Not doing good on NSDs. It is mostly little things, but not all. I ordered myself some new clothes from a specialty clothier last Monday. I'd been planning on doing that for a while, so I count that as a controlled spend. The actual spend was that last night, we ordered a new mattress. We've only had the one we're currently using for a year, so we hadn't really been planning on a new one. But right now, I wake up a few times a night with hip pain, and can't sleep on my back because I get lower back pain within 10 minutes. I need that to stop. So, we ordered a new mattress that is rated among the best for side sleepers, hip pain, and heavy people (since C and I are both well over 200lbs). 
Our fence work is done. Our trees taken down (though we still need to get rid of the wood). We have ordered a custom shed that should be installed sometime soon. 
And then we still need to decide on our gazebo-type option for over the hot tub. It's a bit of a spendy summer, which gets to be sometimes, but really, we're fine.


Running Totals
January 17/15 NSD, 1 Spend
February 18/15 NSD
March 17/18 NSD
April untracked
May 11/15 NSD, 1 Spend

[laterbloomer]

I still haven't gone into any of the stores. friends have been telling me about all kinds of sales so it hasn't been easy but I've stayed out.

[moneysquirrel]

Managed to get to the grocery and filled up the car this week.  Went out to eat with friends yesterday.  Almost like old times.  All of us had the shots. 

[Opti]

Jun 14, 2021 17:22:05 GMT -5 laterbloomer said:

I still haven't gone into any of the stores. friends have been telling me about all kinds of sales so it hasn't been easy but I've stayed out.

There's still the internet. Really the only thing you miss is in store closeouts, which I do use a lot in various grocery stores, and seeing things & touching them in person. That's a mixed bag. I wanted to get a cheap knockaround t, maybe in green. Since Marshall's finally opened up their dressing rooms I tried on a few things. I ended up the a short sleeve top in green and white, that is more of a work top than casual t-shirt ... but I justified it with my RL. Its hard for me to find things in green I like sometimes, and there will always be a cheap t-shirt to be found later.

Marshall's shopping can be dangerous, for me & my short term bank account.

[moneysquirrel]

Opti  - Don't forget to check places like Michael's for  inexpensive tees.  And if not on sale you can use a coupon.  They usually have a variety of colors to choose from.  Other craft shores also.

[Opti]

Jun 18, 2021 11:49:54 GMT -5 moneysquirrel said:

Opti   - Don't forget to check places like Michael's for  inexpensive tees.  And if not on sale you can use a coupon.  They usually have a variety of colors to choose from.  Other craft shores also.

Thanks. When I go there I want to make t-shirts, i.e. put paint & designs on them. I have a failed attempt or two with fabric paint, but there is one close by, in the same area as Marshalls.

[moneysquirrel]

Jun 18, 2021 11:54:27 GMT -5 Opti said:

Jun 18, 2021 11:49:54 GMT -5 moneysquirrel said:

Opti   - Don't forget to check places like Michael's for  inexpensive tees.  And if not on sale you can use a coupon.  They usually have a variety of colors to choose from.  Other craft shores also.

Thanks. When I go there I want to make t-shirts, i.e. put paint & designs on them. I have a failed attempt or two with fabric paint, but there is one close by, in the same area as Marshalls.

Understand perfectfully.  However, sometimes that is the only place you might be able to find a tee in a specic color.  Will do until one finds something else. 

[shanendoah]

Update: June 5/15 NSD, 1 spend

Last week started off alright. NSD on Monday. But on Tuesday, Trevor Noah tickets went on sale, and I really want to see him live, so, purchased tickets to that. And then on Wednesday, I discovered that Halestorm and Evanescence are doing a show here, so I purchased tickets to that. Thursday, NSD. Friday was our regular CostCo day. Saturday was meant to be our shopping day, but C fell on Friday night and hit his head. He had concussion symptoms on Saturday, so I did one quick grocery store run, but not the rest of the shopping. He was doing much better on Sunday, so then I ran and hit the farm stands and did produce shopping.
This week may not be much better. We're heading to Leavenworth tomorrow, as my mom will be there, and so there will be German food and ice cream. I am hoping that today, Wed, and Thurs will all be NSDs. But no way am I making my goal this month.

Running Totals
January 17/15 NSD, 1 Spend
February 18/15 NSD
March 17/18 NSD
April untracked
May 11/15 NSD, 1 Spend

[vetswife]

Spent $100 on yard and household items that I've been needing for a while.  I was gone last week visiting friends and spent some there, but that was planned for .

[Blonde Granny]

I have finally managed to stop the spending. I did purchase 4 Christmas gifts from QVC ($30) and a new wallet for me also but that was it. The spending going forward will be from my usual monthly income. I think July will be under control from the beginning.

[moneysquirrel]

Car insurance has been paid.  All monthly bills have been paid.  Have a few annual one time payments due next month.  Also a few medical expenses from visits this month.  On the whole things have been on track so far this month.  

Still attacking the washer/dryer payment plan.  Paying extra each month is order to get rid of it without pulling from the savings account.  I may once it gets closer to the end be very tempted to just say "what the heck" and just pull from sinking funds to get rid of it. I won't be losing much in interest.  It is at 0% so there is really no need to do so but just the idea of having a monthly bill that is not a utility bill is frustrating for me. 

[Iggy aka IG]

Mar 29, 2021 14:35:49 GMT -5 Iggy aka IG said:

[snip]

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. 

Checking in about a week early with a semi-annual report.


$885.68 a month average non-essential spending.  This is slightly more than last year, but I feel more comfortable this year because of the fully funded IRA and the bit in savings.  Still working on paying off a cc and my truck, so I need to remain diligent.

The $885.68 average includes:
~An airline ticket and rental car (rates have doubled since last September!) for an upcoming trip.
~Two trips to the hair dresser.  I'll reduce this back down from every other month to quarterly.
~An Easter egg hunt and BBQ for 10 children and their families.
~A birthday BBQ with 20 guests.
~Several pieces of clothing and two pairs of much needed shoes (not sure if I should consider these non-essential).
~Easter gifts and outfits for the grandnephew, two birthday gifts, and several graduation gifts.
~March through May were heavy dining out/take away/online food ordering months.

For essential spending, I am keeping a close watch on groceries at an average of $356.99 monthly.  HBAs/cleaning/paper products average $64.18 monthly.  For the house, I bought Command Strips, a tea jug to replace the one I broke , picture frames, cell phone screen protectors, and washcloths all for a total of $68.14.

Happy 4th of July to those in the states.  

[catsareme]

June NSD - 6 

Decimated the dining out/takeaway budget this month (family in town).

Kept spending in a few areas under budget so it sort of evened out. 

More home maintenance visits in July.  The slush fund is going to get hit hard.  The back-up generator needs major work to make it "rodent-proof".  The field mice have done a fair amount of damage and it's going to be $$ to get the unit back up and functional.  Unfortunately it's a piece of equipment that in our case is a necessity.  

[vetswife]

This month was pretty spendy-flood insurance was due and I spent a bit on traveling but have accounts for both.  And I got new glasses-thankful for my vision insurance!!  It did help.  July promises more of the same as adult grandkids will be in town so there will be eating out expenses.  There are several things around the house that need to be done that I can't do myself so will see how much that will cost and try to get at least one project accomplished.  I was able to put $300 in savings; as long as I can pay my bills and put away a bit I feel pretty successful!

[moneysquirrel]

Finished June with a little bit left over.  Threw some into the sinking fund for the trip I want to take in 2022.  

July looks to be one that will not be as spendy.  Have two annual ecpenses and I may start the process to renew my Global Access.  Mine will expire in early 2022 and I don't want to wait until the last minute.  Not sure how long the renewal process will take.  I am also awaiting some possible medical bills.  I think I met my Medicare deductable already so hope that any others will be small or even better zero.

In the first six months I have paid 64% of my expected annual budget.  Hope things play out as planned.  After looking over what I think is left I know that I have several insurance premiums, the rest of the washer/dryer payments, medical bills() and property taxes.  Other than those will be the usual monthly expenses.  This is the plan and I hope nothing else comes up to make mischief.  

Keep up the good work all! Will check in as I can.

[Blonde Granny]

Trip to the oral surgeon was interesting. The end result was since I am unable to determine which tooth is the one the other Dentist believes it is, nothing aloud be done until I know which one it is......darn thing doesn't hurt, so I'm the winner so far. Oral surgeon will do nothing until I make the final decision.

I had one of 2 garage doors worked on yesterday, final cost was $447, but at least I know it's not going to fall apart and since I seldom use the other garage door, i'm in good shape. Hair cut today and since that salon has raised their prices, this will be the last time for them.

Everyone have a good weekend, and heres hoping our furry friends make it through.

[moneysquirrel]

Yesterday was a spend day.  Some of it was planned.  I finally got a few items that I had on my "wish" list.  I have been shopping for them for a while and even though what I got is not exactly what was in my mind's eye it was the closest I found after several months of searching.  Still have a few more items on the to be purchased list but think they can be put off until next month or later.  

Picked up a few books of stamps.  Prices are going up sometime in August so while I was passing the post office I decided to get some so I don't forget before that raise in price.  I don't have to mail off a lot since I do pay a lot electronically but have needed stamps for a few occasions -- like sales tax remittance after craft shows or applications for same among others.

[laterbloomer]

I finally did some comparison shopping for my house insurance. I got a quote that saves me $1200/yr. I've decided to focus on the future savings rather than how much I've overspent up to now 😪

[Blonde Granny]

I'm making a real effort (for me) to track my spending in the right categories and also input them into YMAM. I bought a larger wire kennel for my little house friend and she seems to really like it. Since it's larger, she has the space to move around and stretch out.

Now if I can keep from unnecessary spending this month, I can give myself a blue ribbon.

[nikiz628]

We are really focusing on intentional spending this month, after a few chaotic months of nutty spending. As much as we plan ahead during baseball season, we just end up throwing money at drive thrus, random shopping, etc. [If you aren't aware, my H and I are executive board members for our Little League so we spend about 10-11 weeks in utter chaos each spring]

We are nearing our money hemorrhage season- back to school (BOTH boys are now in school this year so yay for double registration fees and supply costs), H's birthday, both boys' birthdays, my birthday (although I request homemade cards and a homemade dinner as a gift), A BAJILLION friend birthdays of our kids (I swear fall is the baby boom month), and of course the holidays. Basically the rest of the year stings the wallet. I am doing my best to plan plan plan and STICK with the plan. 

July Spending Tracker
1 No Spend
2 No Spend
3 No Spend
4 No Spend 
5 Spent $30 at the movies and $43 for dinner and treats- budgeted as Summer Bucket List items to do with the kids
6 No Spend
7 No Spend 
8 Grocery Day! I have a detailed list made. Kids will not be excited when I veto "please can I have this?" requests today.
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[moneysquirrel]

Only money leaving the house sinsce last update was for bills.  Several of the monthly ones should be coming in later this week. 

Need to get to the grocery this week.  Aim is tomorrow depending on the weather.  We have had a daily rain shower/thunderstorm every day for the last several weeks.  Already had one earlier this morning and will probability get another one in another hour or so.  Only advantage is that the AC is not running as often and that I am not out except for dire need.  I hate to drive in the rain.

[nikiz628]

Jul 8, 2021 9:17:13 GMT -5 nikiz628 said:

We are really focusing on intentional spending this month, after a few chaotic months of nutty spending. As much as we plan ahead during baseball season, we just end up throwing money at drive thrus, random shopping, etc. [If you aren't aware, my H and I are executive board members for our Little League so we spend about 10-11 weeks in utter chaos each spring]

We are nearing our money hemorrhage season- back to school (BOTH boys are now in school this year so yay for double registration fees and supply costs), H's birthday, both boys' birthdays, my birthday (although I request homemade cards and a homemade dinner as a gift), A BAJILLION friend birthdays of our kids (I swear fall is the baby boom month), and of course the holidays. Basically the rest of the year stings the wallet. I am doing my best to plan plan plan and STICK with the plan. 

July Spending Tracker
1 No Spend
2 No Spend
3 No Spend
4 No Spend 
5 Spent $30 at the movies and $43 for dinner and treats- budgeted as Summer Bucket List items to do with the kids
6 No Spend
7 No Spend 
8 Grocery Day! I have a detailed list made. Kids will not be excited when I veto "please can I have this?" requests today.
9 No Spend 
10 Spent $29 on breakfast when DS1's baseball game was delayed due to rain., Spent $100 at Target, but this was for school clothes for the boys and H. So, it's budgeted. 
11 No Spend 
12 Spent $19 on pizza dinner
13 Spent $30 taking the boys out for treats. Also let them spend their own money at Walmart ($0 out of my pocket).     Spent $10 ish on clearance finds at Meijer (garden items). 
14 No Spend
15 I spent about $14 on lunch for the boys today. I was working on orders for my side hustle, so I paid for the lunch with my income from that. 
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[moneysquirrel]

Today was a spend day -- grocery and 2 other stops.  If I just did the grocery run then it would have been ok.  Some of the other items were not needed at this time -- items I was looking for were not available but I did locate other things.  They will be put to use.

[laterbloomer]

Got serious and called back and forth between my CC and the company that owed me a refund. 1.5 hours later...anyway, I got my $250 back.

[Blonde Granny]

I spent more at The Fresh Market yesterday than I intended, total was $86. Most of it was from the meat dept. but there is enough to last me easily to the end of the year if not longer. I'll get to WMT and get the items for some homemade soup and also Potato casserole. I divide the casserole into individual containers, same with the soups.

The Dr.s office called yesterday and my Covid test was negative.....quite happy to hear it, especially due to being so close to the lady was ill. Very happy I had both pzifer shots in January.

According to YNAB I am still under budget for the month.

[catsareme]

Halfway through the month and doing okay thus far.  We have plenty in the pantry and freezer so grocery shopping has been minimal.  We did splurge on fresh cherries, raspberries and marionberries - all locally grown.  

DH needed unexpected dental work (root canal).  Thank goodness for dental insurance.  The co-pay was less than I had expected and I was able to pay it in full. 

[Iggy aka IG]

Checking in a bit early for a month-end report.

July was expensive.  No, I'll rephrase that:  As I've posted in the past, traveling is expensive.  Between the rental car being 50% more than the last time I traveled, and a misunderstanding about two of my hotel nights being paid for (involving my dad, and I'm not going to call him on it), my vacation cost about $1,650.  This doesn't include airfare which was paid in full in May.  And this is despite the fact most of my meals and 4/6 night's lodging was paid for.

Other than the above, non-essential spending was down by 50% July vs June.  Groceries were down by 3/5 (June included a party for 20, and camping essentials), but the vitamin/first aid/TP/dishwasher/laundry supply category was over double over last month at $112.25 vs $39.64.