2023 Controlled Spend/No Spend

[daisylu]

Made it 2/28 yesterday and today should be easy as just work and home. Starting the month out strong!

[daisylu]

As predicted I made it to 3 CSD against my goal of 12. 🎉

[moneysquirrel]

So far this month I have all  no- spend days.  But that will change next week as I know that several bills and other items will be ordered/purchased/arranged.  I also have one more insurance premium that I will tackle this month. That one I pay quarterly and since this month looks ok I will get it out of the way while it is on my radar.  

On the whole I am doing as well as expected now that the bulk of the insurance premiums are covered for the year.  I definitely need to restock that sinking fund as it is pretty low at the moment.  Good thing is that after this last one is paid later this month I will have several months to just add to the account before I have to pull from it again.

Other expense is those shutters that will be installed sometime this month but as I said in a prior post I have that money saved and will just have to write the check.  Wish I could put it on the card to get points but this small company charges a surplus for that and it is not worth that extra amount to me, so a check it will be. 

Keep up the good work all.  Will check in sometime in the future.

[daisylu]

Yesterday made it 4/28 CSD.

[daisylu]

Sunday made it 5/28 CSD Goal  12/28

[daisylu]

Through 2/7 = 6 CSD against goal of 12/28

Need to stay strong this week. Saturday I will be spending the day with my niece, which I know will be spendy. The only definite plan is an "Alice in Wonderland" themed tea party at a local tea house.

[Iggy aka IG]

It was a very expensive week last week, so I'm reeling it in for the rest of February.  

[daisylu]

Yesterday was another NSD, putting me at 7/12. I am finding that I like the challenge and posting for accountability.

[vetswife]

$100   gifts
$20     lunch out with DGS 2
$15     for continuing education

Everything else has been bills.  5 NS days

[daisylu]

Feb 9, 2023 7:23:20 GMT -5 daisylu said:

Yesterday was another NSD, putting me at 7/12. I am finding that I like the challenge and posting for accountability.

Didn't take me long to forget about posting and accountability. 

I have been tracking though, and added 3 more CSDs - taking me to 10/12. 

[Blonde Granny]

The unexpected brought the hammer down on me: Wednesday night was a very strong storm. The best I could do was grab Chelsie and both of us go under the covers for safety. The ice was still in my front entry until yesterday. Along with yesterday was the discovery that most of us in my area needs to have our roofs replaced. Mistake # 1: years ago thought I could deal with insurance and only took $1k so now I have to pay the $5k deductible.

That happens the day after I bought the battery for my Dyson sweeper at a cost of $93.

My CPA has retired so I'm still searching for a new one.....please, someone tell me I'm not the mess I think I am.

I'm grateful for my "escrow" account and it's in tact and full, but still, a new roof doesn't sound fun.

[Blonde Granny]

So far I've been in touch with roof inspectors, other roof people and will still have to pay $5K out of pocket if the roof damages are serious. I just wish it would get over with.

[daisylu]

Added another NSD Saturday. 11/12

I can't believe next week is March.

[moneysquirrel]

Blonde Granny -- I feel for you about the roof repairs.  Had my redone after Ida and insurance only wanted to repair.  I replaced.

This month has been better.  I did book most of the excursions for my vacation but that was expected and came out of my sinking funds.  Rest of the month thus far have only been routine bills. food and gas.

[Iggy aka IG]

Feb 8, 2023 16:21:06 GMT -5 Iggy aka IG said:

It was a very expensive week last week, so I'm reeling it in for the rest of February.  

Being on staycation and subsequently snowed in helps save money, as long as one stays away from online shopping, lol.  Last week, I paid monthly bills, bought fuel, had DH pick up the grocery order.  This month the only non-essential spending was for two cards and two liquor store visits.

[Blonde Granny]

Surprisingly my roof is in very good shape and there will not be any use of my escrow funds. 2 times I've talked to the person who   works in the final department making the decision, so the money will be staying in my checking account.

I was so tempted to buy a very expensive handbag since the money "was just sitting there" but it didn't take long before I said no and walked out the door. I really don't need anything, so what's the point

[daisylu]

Feb 21, 2023 6:55:28 GMT -5 daisylu said:

Added another NSD Saturday. 11/12

I can't believe next week is March.

Added 3 more days since. 14/12. Today should be too, as it is too windy and cold to go anywhere.

[vetswife]

11 out of 28 no spend days.  I did order new sneakers.

[catsareme]

February Summary:  NSD/CSD 14 out of 28 days. 

Hard to believe March starts tomorrow.  Where did February go?

[Iggy aka IG]

Happy March, everyone.  

[moneysquirrel]

February Recap: 19/28

Paid for the excursions of the upcoming cruise from sinking funds. 
Signed up for a holiday craft show in December
Usual monthly ulitity bills, groceries, gas, yard and house cleaning, medical OTC restock, and a few purchases.

Expected non-regular expenses for March:

Shutters -- Thought to be last month but running late.
Craft retreats -- Registration for two retreats, supplies for one of them.

[Blonde Granny]

I certainly didn't get the new roof, but have received the insurance for home and car insurance. House is $ 739 for 1 year and the car insurance is $ 1443k.

Overall it has come out in my favor and I will able to cut back on my escrow account monthly payment. For now, March is looking good.

BG

[vetswife]

So far so good, I've only spent on regularly scheduled things.  I did spend $16 on birthday cards for the next few months.  My house insurance has increased considerably so I will have increase the amount I put in my special account for those type of things.  I'm planning a trip to see DS later this month too.

[daisylu]

Feb 26, 2023 11:48:07 GMT -5 daisylu said:

Feb 21, 2023 6:55:28 GMT -5 daisylu said:

Added another NSD Saturday. 11/12

I can't believe next week is March.

Added 3 more days since. 14/12. Today should be too, as it is too windy and cold to go anywhere.

Added 2 more CSDs in February, so beat the goal.

Going for 16 CSDs in March. 2/16 so far.

[Blonde Granny]

Today is spend day and lots of it: Hair cut (about $60), then off to the CPA for taxes, Tuesday is cleaning ladies followed by Wednesday is choir practice followed by light dinner with a few others.

Yesterday I did come across an old poem (or something).

Star light, Star Bright, 1st star I see tonight: I wish I may, I wish I might, have the wish I wish tonight!

I remember as new bride of standing outside saying that.

[Iggy aka IG]

Haven't spent money in person yet this month, but yesterday I did pull the trigger on an Amazon order.  A birthday cash gift covered almost half.  I bought a few things for my phone, new coffee baskets for the Keurig since the one we have has a split, face cream and two keto food items.  $116.44.

Other tiny ways I've implemented to save:
-Run the dishwasher on a shorter cycle
-Unless it's DH's work clothing I run the clothes washing machine on the light soil setting
-Still considering officially working from home one day a week which will save vehicle fuel and wear and tear
-Started perusing coupons again and checking to see if generic items are available rather than name brand

Much to my chagrin, the water delivery service company is taking its sweet time to come pick up their dispenser and water bottles.  I've called twice the past month.  A friend gave me a gently used dispenser and I'll buy bottles at the store.  Eventual monthly savings $30+.

[Blonde Granny]

My old iMac computer is just about run it's course........weird things that it does and other things it won't do at all. The first time I bought mine I used the Best Buy credit using 1 month and $100....I think I will again.

I think today is going to be the day.......Cleaning ladies will be here about 10 AM......guess I better get dressed soon......

[Iggy aka IG]

I received my commission check today and it's time to go hardcore:

-Per TheOtherMe 's advice a few years ago, I called XM again this year to renegotiate my contract because they tripled the subscription fee yet again this year.
-Reduced next week's grocery list.
-Seriously considering stopping going to the hairdresser altogether or at least discuss with her ways to reduce the cost.  I've already reduced visits to quarterly.
-Picked through what little grocery coupons apply to my household.
-Last weekend I downloaded a gas station ap which offers $0.X off per 20 gallons of fuel.  

I'll continue to scrutinize.

[moneysquirrel]

Hi all,
I fell off the wagon this week.  Most of the items purchased have been on my list for a while.  
> Inexpensive chromebook for travel -- so I don't take my good machine on the road -- @$150
>Shoes -- Three pairs -- $252 (one is for replacement as my ballet flats are beginning to fray, one nice pair od sketchers and one sandel)
>Shirt -- $17
>Lunch out -- $16 

Upcoming:
> Shutters -- spoke to person this week -- should be installed next week or the following
>Taxes -- I owe feds this year
>Craft workshop -- Paid balance on one earlier this month and will pay the balance on the other one later this week
>Supplies for workshop #1
>Dinner out with friends prior to play 
>Usual -- house cleaning, lawn care, food, gas, bills, and rx. 

All of you have been doing well this month. Will check in later.

[catsareme]

March CSD/NSD to date:  7/11

Necessary expense this coming week, meeting with the estate lawyer to update our wills and POAs.  I've been putting this off but finally bit the bullet and made the appointment.  The peace-of-mind will be worth the cost (at least to me).

Federal taxes done, refund received and deposited into slush funds.

All regular bills (utilities, gas, food and prescription co-pays) paid as they come due.  So far staying within budget.