2021 Controlled Spend and No Spend

[countrygirl2]

I've been spending way to much on all kinds of stuff. Have to rein it in again. Amazon is dangerous for me.

[Blonde Granny]

I've managed to keep the last few days until control and the month end bills are on auto pay, so those are done. I had planned to visit my family in Sept, but with the new virus problems and mask rules, it may be another 6 months before I am comfortable staying in hotels etc.

At least the end of the month is almost here and my YNAB is ready to start over again.

[nikiz628]

I need to update when I get back from getting my Covid vac today, but I will admit I've lost track of a few days...

[vetswife]

July was a very spendy month, with household repairs, flood insurance, and paying hotel bill for a future trip.  I did come out with a little left over; hoping to do better in August.

[vetswife]

Uh oh, flood insurance was last month; extra medical bills were paid in July.

[moneysquirrel]

Ended the month in good standing.  Mo major bills this month.  I was able to move some extra into one of my fun sinking funds.  Hoping for a vacation next summer so am beginning to squirrel away as much as possible when I can.

[moneysquirrel]

August outlook seems ok.  Still workig on paying the washer/dryer off.  Adding extra the next two months is the goal.  If I can then this bill will be done in September.  I wll allocate that money toward saving for the next household thing that will break and to add to the vacation fund (a little more aggressively than I am now.)
Some insurance premiums-- money in account for that -- and I will start the process for Global Access as mine will expire in the spring and I have no idea how long the process will take
Can't forsee any other major expenses at this time. 

[Blonde Granny]

I have a landscaping project that should start Tuesday. It has been paid for as the money has come from a Trust from my late Aunt. After that, unless the house catches on fire, there will be no more expenses this month.

As bad as the virus situation looks, I likely will not be heading to Nebraska in Sept., but time will tell.

[Opti]

July is always a spendy month for me. First of the month is the rent increase, this year 8%! Last year was 5%, highest in my time here which is over a decade and the 8% seems like an insult and a way to fund other things off me. Unfortunately I don't think the housing market will crash within the year so, this is going to suck. I am going to look for a place to move to, as my raises at work are generally 2% and I would have liked to replace my car and mattress by now.

Left collision on my car insurance because there are too many people who are driving without thought or think they are better, faster, than they are. I am not amused by the ones who are a little better, but as long as they are out of my way by the time I get there, I am generally OK with it. Assholes who floor it to cut me off from turning though, not so much. I hope August is better and no idiot tries to tbone me or other things. 

And I've got the other front axle waiting in the wings to fail and be replaced. $$$  I feel bad, but I think there is no good way for me to fly in for Dad's bday celebration coming up. Got my guinea pig fleece and its air drying now. His spot is smaller than I thought, but right now I am leaning to keeping it and just folding it for that space. May need to find room for one of those Midwest cages people use or get some help to put the cage rack together here and repair the top of the non split cage so he can use it. He has gotten so big since I rescued him early next year. 

[catsareme]

Finished out July in the black but just barely.  The generator repair work is still a pending unknown.  I have $800 set aside and I've got my fingers crossed that it will be enough without dipping into the emergency funds.  The annual septic maintenance is next week...oh joy.  I hope there won't be any unpleasant, and expensive, surprises.  

[moneysquirrel]

Not much of anything this month.  Made a trip to Target earlier this week where I picked up AC Filters, a frame that I needed, batteries amd other household items.  Still need to pick up some additional batteries of different size later this month.  No fun stuff was purchased.  My monthly bills will begin coming in next week.  I also will be scheduling several other monthly/quarterly payments after the SS check arrives in the bank. 

I plan to continue to keep an eagle eye on expenses this month.  I know that the ulitity bills will be higher as the high tempuratures mean that the electric bill will be more than the last few months.  With heat indexes in the 100s on a regular basis the need for AC is increased.  I do run a few ceiling fans and also a tabletop fan which allows me to not lower the AC as much as most.

Will check in ehrn I can.  Keep up the excellent work all!

[moneysquirrel]

Did quite a bit of spending this week.  Almost everything purchased were things needed for the house or food related.  I did get to one craft store and got a few items.  Had two small GC and spent less than $5 OOP there.  Have another small GC that will be used at a future date.  I am noticing some things that are on their last life and that I will have to replace sometime in the future.  Numbers are increasing here so my few outings are being carefully planned.  Nothing needs to be replaced immediately.

[catsareme]

Whoo hoo the bill for the annual septic maintenance visit was $18 less than last year's bill.  Small amount saved but a savings nonetheless.  
Still waiting on the generator repair work (sigh). 

DH will be calling tomorrow to get prices on firewood for this winter.  We pay for delivery but move and stack the 5 cords of wood ourselves.  Helps to keep these two senior citizens in shape. 

[Iggy aka IG]

Holy smokes it's been an expensive month thus far.  (And, speaking of smokes, it's been smoky outside, too!)  Dining out, gifts, medical bills, and the Me category are all up this month.    This is due to wedding anniversaries, including my own, getting my hair done, and I bought a pair of slacks (40% off, though!).  The good news is I put 10% of my gross commissions into my EF.

Have a wonderful weekend, everyone!

[catsareme]

Hey Iggy aka IG - our anniversary was the 5th of this month and DD2's anniversary is next week.  And you hear how June is the month for weddings....hah! 

Our air quality is moderate and the skies are hazy but the smoke is staying high....for now.

[Iggy aka IG]

Happy belated anniversary, catsareme!!!   

[moneysquirrel]

Did a little shopping this week.  Replace one of the several pairs of shoes that I threw out earlier this year.  Still have one or two more pairs to replace all in good time.  Also a trip to HL to pick up several supplies for planned craft projects.  It was a planned trip and one that I had postponed for over a month.  Other then those purchases and lunch with a friend I stayed on budget.  Still have several items on my need to purchase list but those will wait for a while.

Keep up the great work all!

[catsareme]

Talk about a heart attack inducing piece of mail.  Our tax valuation for 2021 just arrived.  Our house and land valuation increased by 16.5% in one year and we have made no improvements to either our house or our property.    

As if COVID restrictions weren't punishment enough.  Now I get to tighten ye old belt and budget for an increased tax bill.

[TheOtherMe]

Mine did the same thing, but they changed the mill levy.  My annual taxes went up around $50.  I was surprised.

[Blonde Granny]

I had some serious car trouble yesterday, and without going into details....my car that has 10K miles on it needed 2 front tires. Since I have a very expensive care, the total for tires was $1600.00. Thank goodness the money is available to cover the cost.

[catsareme]

Blonde Granny - car tires can be replaced YOU cannot.  I hope you suffered no injuries except to your wallet.  

[catsareme]

Aug 25, 2021 18:57:10 GMT -5 TheOtherMe said:

Mine did the same thing, but they changed the mill levy.  My annual taxes went up around $50.  I was surprised.

Fingers crossed our county does the same thing.  

[moneysquirrel]

Spent yesterday.  Picked up another backup power bank for phone and filled up with gas.  Hurricane Ida is heading my way and I am staying put.   Traffic snarls are bad and I don't want to be on the road when the storm comes.  Will check in when I can.  

[Blonde Granny]

My tire expenditure amount was incorrect. Not $1600 it was $614 for 2 tires.

Money: praying that you somehow are safe and others in that path also.

[vetswife]

Ended the month by refilling my emergency fund so I can't complain.  I spent more on some things, especially food, due to having company for10 days, and also bought new sneakers which are pretty expensive.  Hope to have a good month in September.

[Iggy aka IG]

Oof it was an expensive month!  I posted a few weeks ago as to the reasons why.  Add getting my truck serviced and two medical bills to those reasons.  The good news is I haven't had to dip into savings, and our freezers, fridge and pantries are fully stocked.

See y'all next month!

[Blonde Granny]

I spent some time today reviewing receipts I had never added to my YNAB account.I What a boring job that was. I also paid my 3 credit cards....ouch!. I contacted the electrician and told him the area on the side of the house was now ready to install lights for that area. There were no lights there when the house was built and I want them so the my little chi chi can go out that door at night/early morning . Those lights should have been installed when the house was built. Likely my late DH was the one who didn't think they were necessary. That side of the house has a door straight into the sun room and not very safe. This should help....that Chelsie!

[moneysquirrel]

I am safe and with family.  Some damage to the house but fixable -- siding pieces off as well as some shingles.  Insides are ok and all items from fridge and freezer were trashed.  Much better than a lot.  Family members also did ok.

[catsareme]

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!

[Blonde Granny]

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.