2022 Controlled Spend and No Spend

[laterbloomer]

Sorry to take the liberty of starting this thread but I really need it and it doesn't seem anyone else is going to. I am determined to plug my spending leaks. It's only 2 days into the month and I've fought with myself constantly not to buy stuff! So far I have talked myself out of buying a coffee and end table set off of Marketplace (only $60 and the style I like but my coffee table is fine) a 50 inch TV for my bedroom (I've decided to move the 75 inch tv from the family room downstairs to the living room upstairs and the 50 inch tv from the living room to my bedroom and the 32 inch in my bedroom to my office downstairs. No one watches the tv in the family room and that big tv was just going to waste down there) Photograph paper, (I found 2 4x6 sheets left from my last pack and printed off a great picture of ISO and I taken on Boxing Day.) a treadmill, (being realistic I only walk when I'm taking the dogs out) and shelf paper for the kitchen cupboards (I actually think I already bought some and just need to figure out where I "put it away")
All that was in just 2 days! I have a problem people!!!

[Knee Deep in Water Chloe]

I wish I could reliably participate in this thread. I don't have a spending problem. My husband does. One of the goals I set last year though was to not purchase anymore clothes. I didn't meet that goal, partly because I forgot about it. If it's permissible, I'd like to participate in this thread for clothing and housewares. 
If someone else can figure out how to get my husband to not buy unnecessary stuff, I'll gladly accept that help!

[laterbloomer]

Jan 2, 2022 19:17:23 GMT -5 Knee Deep in Water Chloe said:

I wish I could reliably participate in this thread. I don't have a spending problem. My husband does. One of the goals I set last year though was to not purchase anymore clothes. I didn't meet that goal, partly because I forgot about it. If it's permissible, I'd like to participate in this thread for clothing and housewares. 
If someone else can figure out how to get my husband to not buy unnecessary stuff, I'll gladly accept that help!

Please participate! Whatever area you are working on fits. Clothes is amongst the things I am trying not to spend on. I forgot to mention I had to talk myself out of buying an interview outfit because I MIGHT be job hunting at the end of March.

[moneysquirrel]

laterbloomer -- Thanks for starting the 2022 thread.  I will be in again.  I went back to the first page from several years aga and decided to share the info we used then as an intro.  This was posed by the late SES and refers to several of the original members fron the old MSN board.  Also back then we did track our numbers but that practice has pretty much been dropped by most of us.  But the fundamental info is timeless.  Enjoy.

From the 2015 thread:
A few months back Honeylioness had an impassioned plea to get us back to the focus of our thread. The fundamentals. The basics. Plus the friendship. Did y'all know we've successfully planned vacations together? Life keeps on going with new babies, relationships, homes, challenges, jobs and financial hurdles but we stick to it. So, get sticky!

Here are some way to get your goals to stick:

#1. Post your numbers - just put it at the top of a post in bold and let us know how you're doin' and what you need help with

#2. Track your numbers - technically this should be #1 but you know it. If you need ideas for tracking post and ask the veterans for guidance

#3. Share your life but please keep it somewhat financially related - we know that everything influences finances especially when we're stressed, tired, excited and busy. BUT this is a financial accountability group, not a therapy session If you want to go off topic consider starting a fresh thread and posting a link so those who are interested can support you there.

For the new people there are no real set rules here, you set your own. The basic goal most if not all of us have are to keep track of the days we don't spend and hopefully by that work on saving money. Some are looking to put it into savings others to pay down debt.

For some they only count the day as a no spend day if they spend nothing at all. Others will count it if they keep their total under $5. Some count all spending others only count a certain part of their budget. For example MittenKitten personally take $400 out of the the bank in cash for everything that is not related to vehicle expenses (like gas, oil changes, insurance etc) or the house (mortgage, utilities, HOA) If I spend out of the $400 I count it as a spend day (although if it is less then $5 I usually count it as a no spend day.) You set your own rules. Any questions feel free to ask.

You can post your no spend days daily or whenever you want, just put it in bold at the top with the first number being the number you want me to record. If you are doing daily then:

Today (or yesterday) $0 Spend day
More then one day at a time:
4/31 days $0 Spend Which translates into 4 out of 31 days in July have been no spend so far. Some use the bigger number as their goal number so do 4/15 No spend Days which means they have a goal of 15 no spend days this month.

[laterbloomer]

2 out of 31 no spend. Today I spent $10.65 on velcro picture hangers.

[catsareme]

Thank you for starting the thread for 2022.  I need something/somebodies to keep me accountable. 

To date:  NSD stand at 1/31   Really need to work on my on-line spending habit.    

$54,352.85   Mortgage payoff as of 1 January 2022   Would like to have this PIF by the end of this year.

$30,000   My estimate for additional solar panels.  Need to contact the company for a reliable estimate of costs.  I would like to take advantage of the 2022 solar tax credit of 26%.  The solar tax credit decreases to 22% in 2023.

[laterbloomer]

My no spending is about to get easier, we are going into another lockdown on Wednesday *sigh*

[steph08]

I need to join this thread....after I get back from vacation next Thursday. 😂

I need to quit my online shopping habit.

[catsareme]

The repair bill on the back-up generator plus an unexpected plumbing bill in early December demolished my home maintenance fund.  I try to keep a $1,000 cushion, over and above the planned monthly funding and expenditures, but the overage on the generator repair costs coupled with the plumbing bill zeroed out the fund, cushion and all.     I need to up my NSD/CSD big time.

[moneysquirrel]

catsareme -- I feel your pain.  I am trying to rebuild my home repair/renovation fund as the repairs after Hurrican Ida wiped out mine.  

Doing ok so far this month.  One monthly bill paid and no purchases yet this month.  That will not be the case tomorrow as I have a dentist appointment.  While I am out I will also run a few errands and I am sure some spending will occur.  I know that milk is on the list and I am sure that it will have company by the time I leave tomorrow morning.

Stay strong alll! 

[laterbloomer]

So that makes it 3 out of 31. It's getting easier.

[Blonde Granny]

Jan 2, 2022 18:59:57 GMT -5 laterbloomer said:

Sorry to take the liberty of starting this thread but I really need it and it doesn't seem anyone else is going to. I am determined to plug my spending leaks. It's only 2 days into the month and I've fought with myself constantly not to buy stuff! So far I have talked myself out of buying a coffee and end table set off of Marketplace (only $60 and the style I like but my coffee table is fine) a 50 inch TV for my bedroom (I've decided to move the 75 inch tv from the family room downstairs to the living room upstairs and the 50 inch tv from the living room to my bedroom and the 32 inch in my bedroom to my office downstairs. No one watches the tv in the family room and that big tv was just going to waste down there) Photograph paper, (I found 2 4x6 sheets left from my last pack and printed off a great picture of ISO and I taken on Boxing Day.) a treadmill, (being realistic I only walk when I'm taking the dogs out) and shelf paper for the kitchen cupboards (I actually think I already bought some and just need to figure out where I "put it away")
All that was in just 2 days! I have a problem people!!!

I am sorry I have been unable to continue this thread as usual.  I've had a couple of days of migraine and have spent the last couple of days in bed.  I will continue as I can.

BG

[laterbloomer]

Jan 5, 2022 8:38:50 GMT -5 Blonde Granny said:

Jan 2, 2022 18:59:57 GMT -5 laterbloomer said:

Sorry to take the liberty of starting this thread but I really need it and it doesn't seem anyone else is going to. I am determined to plug my spending leaks. It's only 2 days into the month and I've fought with myself constantly not to buy stuff! So far I have talked myself out of buying a coffee and end table set off of Marketplace (only $60 and the style I like but my coffee table is fine) a 50 inch TV for my bedroom (I've decided to move the 75 inch tv from the family room downstairs to the living room upstairs and the 50 inch tv from the living room to my bedroom and the 32 inch in my bedroom to my office downstairs. No one watches the tv in the family room and that big tv was just going to waste down there) Photograph paper, (I found 2 4x6 sheets left from my last pack and printed off a great picture of ISO and I taken on Boxing Day.) a treadmill, (being realistic I only walk when I'm taking the dogs out) and shelf paper for the kitchen cupboards (I actually think I already bought some and just need to figure out where I "put it away")
All that was in just 2 days! I have a problem people!!!

I am sorry I have been unable to continue this thread as usual.  I've had a couple of days of migraine and have spent the last couple of days in bed.  I will continue as I can.

BG

Take care of yourself. We'll see you when you're feeling better. ❤

[ners]

Blonde Granny  Hope you are feeling better.

[Blonde Granny]

Feeling better than before. Thanks everyone!!!. So far this month, I had my hair cut yesterday afternoon (pixie) & all......cost was $45. I sent a small check to the bank , but for now that is now they get.

I canceled the dentist for cleaning this morning.

I am also furious with QVC. In checking the credit card I discovered that every since purchase that I said " pay in full" was put through as a "easy pay." I didn't pay enough attention, and always wondered why my credit card never changed much......This is the end for QVC, I'm done!!!!

[laterbloomer]

4/31, but my Mom Just reminded me it's my Dad's birthday on the 17th. He has short legs so my gift to him is going to be hemmed pants I ship to him.

[vetswife]

I need to do better also.  I really don't need more clothes, except for sneakers; I have bad feet and the shoes wear out quickly as I wear them all the time.  I ordered lots of clothes on and off last year so I should be good.  It is my weakness, as well as doing things for the grandchildren.  I've put a line item in the budget for grandkids; staying within it may be challenging.  This month is already expensive as I'm having repair work done and need to get someone to install a new smoke alarm.   I want to increase my emergency fund this year, as it hasn't completely recovered from the purchase of a new car year before last.

Best of luck to us all.

[laterbloomer]

Today I spent $4 for some containers I can store single servings of my home made ice cream in. I also bought groceries but I'm not counting my regular expenses as spending. So I am still 4 out of 31 and $15 of non essential spending.

[catsareme]

Still at 3/31 for CSD/NSD but I plan for Saturday and Sunday to be zero spend days.  We have 3 small evergreens to plant (purchased in December) and more firewood to split and stack.  Work like this is good for the budget as it makes me too tired to go out and shop.  

[Knee Deep in Water Chloe]

Well, we're (DH and I combined) are at 7/31 for non-essentials. 
However, this weekend is the first real test. 
We're out and about in a town with actual real stores. 
I've explained to DH that I'm really not being dramatic for January. He says he understands. 

[Blonde Granny]

Today was a run to Walmart. This was $78.00 for groceries and $100 for "cash back" for my stash. Last night was my dinner with the VA boys at Gold Corral, total was $ 9.00 for us old folks.

The paramedics and fire people were across the the street just now. They has lived here a long time even longer than me, and this looks like this could be the last one.

[laterbloomer]

$5 for a fake plant. $20 non essential spending. 5 out of 31.

[laterbloomer]

6/31

[Knee Deep in Water Chloe]

First is a clarification, please and thank you: 

So, if today is the ninth and there are 31 days in the month, and I didn't spend anything at all any of the nine days, then I'd be at 
9/31 ? right?

If that's accurate, 


Since we bought belts for DH today, and it's the ninth, and I was trying to not spend any clothing money but spent $42, then I would be 
8/31. 

[laterbloomer]

Jan 9, 2022 21:32:18 GMT -5 Knee Deep in Water Chloe said:

First is a clarification, please and thank you: 

So, if today is the ninth and there are 31 days in the month, and I didn't spend anything at all any of the nine days, then I'd be at 
9/31 ? right?

If that's accurate, 


Since we bought belts for DH today, and it's the ninth, and I was trying to not spend any clothing money but spent $42, then I would be 
8/31. 

yes

[catsareme]

Planned well for a no spend weekend but follow through was dismal.  NSD/CSD stands at 4/31 and it's already the 10th of the month.  No large expenditures just a drip...drip...drip...from the checking account.  I try to group our errands for specific days to cut back on the "why don't we go out and get (fill in the blank)".

My goal for the month was 15-16/31, looks like I may have to revise my lofty goal.    

[nidena]

I did an assessment of my purchases the past four months and the only category that I KNOW I don't need more of is clothes.  I already bought new undies so I'm set there.  I may need to get new shirts for the B&BW job--the uniform involves white shirts and I own NO white shirts--but I'll get three or four and call it a day.

In any case, this thread from the frugal sub of reddit made me think of this thread of the YMAM boards.

[moneysquirrel]

7/31 No Spend Days
2 days of bills only (not included in my 7)
1 day of spending on items not needed.

I think I will have a few more bill paying days this week and at least 1 day of errands.  Ususlly my errand days are my spending days.  Frequently there is some overlap.  I am really trying to keep spending as low as possible this month. 

Upcoming spending/bills that I think will hit this week:

Electric bill
Mobile bill
Natural Gas bill
Home Insurance
Grocery run -- running low on a few items
Sporting good store -- need a few items that I can't get elsewhere locally

 

[laterbloomer]

7 out of 31, I had to pay $20 for my university transcript for a job application. So $40 non budgeted spending.

[catsareme]

5 out of 31.  Decluttering is helping to remind me I do not need to go shopping!!