2023 Controlled Spend/No Spend

[Blonde Granny]

OK, yesterday was trip to Best Buy.......nice young lady helped me. I have now a new iMac computer, 24" size. I've bought a lot of different things from there and I decided my age is also a reason to ask for some help: I have also purchased a new printer. The young lady brought my printer out to the car and put it in and back. The Geek Squad will be coming to the house to install both the printer and computer. He also will be coming to the house to install the printer AND my new iMac.

Another guy will be here tomorrow to check the roof, I'm not going to go easily when everyone around me is having an insurance company that is new roof willing.

Sometimes getting old is a good idea as it seems to be a little easier to tell people exactly what I think.

BG

[daisylu]

Check-in 7/16

[Iggy aka IG]

The water delivery person picked up their equipment and bottles last Thursday.  I put it on my calendar to follow up on the refund next Monday.

Within the past week, I bought fuel for the truck, a necessity, and have made one liquor store stop.  Other than that, it's been a frugal month.  I like staying humble by using up what we have grocery wise, and it's been fun juicing oranges given to us, using the last bit of produce in "garbage" salads, etc.  Monthly bills will be paid tomorrow and poof!  Gone.  

[vetswife]

6 out of 15 no spend days so far in March.  Tomorrow homeowners' and car insurance is due so I transferred the money for that from my "slush" fund.  I managed to reduce my cable bill by $25 by canceling something I was not using anyway.  I'm trying to find other things to cut but there's not many!

[Blonde Granny]

I attempted to deal with Best Buy and my 24" new computer. Little buy little I realize my neighbor had helped me somewhat with my iMac (she doesn't have one of those), and and totally confused me.....and it was causing some things I didn't know what to do with, so I was blaming m7 8 y/r old iMac now......

I am going to return my 24" and get my refund, keep my 27" iMac and do a little less of her with my neighbor, even though she is that good.

BG

[Iggy aka IG]

Paid monthly bills while consciously thinking about each one and how to further reduce them.  I compared last March's electricity bill vs. this year's.  It's only increased by $13 dollars, and I was expecting to be worse considering how cold it's been.  And I forgot to mention a few months ago DH unplugged the rarely used rec room mini fridge.

Budgeted $250 for monthly groceries/paper products/HBAs including taxes for them and came in at $247.35.

Yesterday I found the gas saving ap I mentioned a few posts ago to be easily utilized.  Saved 0.15/gallon.     My hairdresser told me about another ap which one can tie into gas and grocery aps, so I downloaded that.  Need to check it out to see how that works.

We're not hosting a St. Patrick's Day party this year which will also save money.

[Iggy aka IG]

Used coupons for the first time in IDK how long.  Saved $2.  

[Blonde Granny]

I discovered yesterday that most of my food in the garage freezer is wayyyyyyy out of it's time. Being a widow and living alone I don't much care if or what I have in the house. I'd just as easily eat at Cracker Barrel or any other place.

It's pathetic that I've spent so much on food only to throw it out.

BG

[Iggy aka IG]

Meanwhile, while I'm pinching pennies to hopefully retire at a decent age, a family member indicated she might travel to Vegas to watch the NCAA games.  For giggles I looked up flights.  $751 for one person.    I responded to her saying yes, Vegas sounds fun and expensive.  I know she's probably using credit and will pay for at least one daughter if not both.  Her justification is they deserve it.  My response to that was reminding her of two family trips last year, and another coming up this summer.  she said you only live once to which I responded, yes, and so does debt.  Whatever.  

[moneysquirrel]

Keeping on track for the most part.  Picked up a few needed things for my upcoming vacation and paid the balance for the craft retreat this summer.  Also paid for the supplies needed for the upcoming one in April. Saving for the supplies that I will need in June.  Glad that the instructors -- for the most part -- have listed the cost of the supplies that I have to purchase as I have been saving a little at a time to pay for them.  It is nice to know in advance what the goal is.  I estimated the costs and will begin saving for the 2024 kits once I return home from the retreats.  Saving year round for these make it easier for me. 

Monthly bills have been paid except for the few that have not come in yet.  

Shutters (that have been ordered months ago) should be installed Friday if all goes well.  I have that balance money in a sinking fund and will be paying for them once that installation is done.

All of you have been doing a great job!

[Iggy aka IG]

Mar 16, 2023 15:13:10 GMT -5 Iggy aka IG said:

[snip]

Yesterday I found the gas saving app I mentioned a few posts ago to be easily utilized.  Saved 0.15/gallon.     My hairdresser told me about another app which one can tie into gas and grocery aps, so I downloaded that.  Need to check it out to see how that works.

We're not hosting a St. Patrick's Day party this year which will also save money.

I checked it out (it's the Upside app) and it does indeed apparently offer savings of .25-.65/gallon from several nearby gas stations.  I'll report back the next time I fill up.  

[catsareme]

That's great news about the shutters moneysquirrel.  You have been more than patient waiting for this project to be completed.

Iggy   on your savings efforts!!  

[catsareme]

vetswife and daisylu you two are putting my March CSD/NSD efforts to shame.  Good job both of you!

[daisylu]

Mar 22, 2023 15:30:36 GMT -5 catsareme said:

vetswife and daisylu you two are putting my March CSD/NSD efforts to shame.  Good job both of you!

It isn't easy!

[daisylu]

Check-in 14/16. Looks like I will exceed my goal. It hasn't been easy, but I like a challenge!

[Iggy aka IG]

I discovered buying protein in bulk at Sam's Club saves a significant amount of money over Walmart.  I haven't done an official breakdown, but things such as Hillshire Farms and Jimmy Dean sausage are about $1 less per pound.  Their Members Mark bacon is less expensive vs Farmland per pound as well.

[moneysquirrel]

Shutters have been installed.  So money has been pulled out of the sinking funds and I will be rebuilding that fund for future projects.  

[Blonde Granny]

I has rained a lot so it is a lot of new roofs (mine included) are still awaiting. I finally decided that I wanted another 27" iMac computer, so it should be here something this week, then after that the gook squad the guy will be here again to reset the new
iMac .

I'm still rethinking getting rid of my garage freezer but for sure I'll clean the garage with winter finally goes away.

Tomorrow I have to start physical therapy for a few weeks, good thing I have great medical to cover the bills.

BG

[Iggy aka IG]

I worked with DH yesterday on some work computer to do items.  I want to streamline a few services to hopefully save some money.  First on the agenda is to see if GoDaddy will offer a refund if I cancel a few of their services.  Fingers crossed.

Still waiting on the water delivery service refund.  They apparently mailed a check March 16, so I'll give it a few more days before calling them again.

I'm getting my truck's oil changed later this week and have a coupon.  I'll also drop off a rather large Goodwill donation which will help with a tax deduction.

ETA:  Forgot to mention in a kitchen cupboard I discovered/was reminded that a few smaller Pyrex and Corningware dishes have lids.  So instead of buying new containers at the dollar store, I started utilizing these for weekday lunches.  This has stopped the process of transferring leftovers from a plastic container to a paper plate before reheating saving time and money.  

[Iggy aka IG]

I "chatted" with GoDaddy.  They do not offer refunds with the type of account I set up.     The rep said it was best to not cancel and to "work with what I've got."  I am incensed and told him I would be sure and tell everyone I know of their policy.

[catsareme]

April check-in:

CSD/NSD for March: 18/31

The bill for the estate lawyer was not as high as I had expected ($1,400).  At least that part of our estate is done and dusted.   

Spending $$ at the garden centers.  Had to buy a bunch of fencing for the flower beds; the rabbits just love munching on my flowering bulbs.  I also want another lilac bush, a couple more peony bushes and who knows what else will catch my eye.  The siren song of spring plantings....

Cleaned out a dresser drawer and found a travel bag full of skincare samples.  I'm now in the process of using them up.  Saving a few pennies here and there and cleaning up clutter all in one.

[daisylu]

Ended March with 19 CSDs with a goal of 16.

Still thinking about April's goal.

[Iggy aka IG]

The dealership didn't have me on their schedule, despite the fact I have a confirmation email.  I love technology.     We rescheduled the oil change for this month, and I was told they'd still honor the coupon.

I ended up doing a bit of retail shopping while in the big city.  I bought some much needed socks, three shirts, and a pillow for the grandnephew.  Everything was on sale, and the total came to just over $100.

On hold with the SS office as my statement still hasn't arrived from my March 9th request date.  Next, I'll call about my water delivery service refund which also hasn't arrived.  I am so over the lack of customer service these days.

[catsareme]

I am so over the lack of customer service these days.

Iggy I feel your pain. Your time and effort has a value and you have proof you made an appointment.  IMO the dealership should do the oil change free of charge. 

I too am tired of having to track and/or follow up on requests and refunds.  I love technology...  

BTW - Nice savings on your retail purchases. 

[moneysquirrel]

Just a quick check-in.  Things are on track.  First craft retreat is done.  No major money surprises.  Retreat and supplies were paid in advance and only had a couple of eating out days.  Entire trip took one tank of gas.  I refilled the tank when I returned home and got the car washed yesterday.  Basic car wash is $2 less on Tuesdays so I took advanataged of that price and the car was filthy with pollen and dirt and needed it.

Ordered a few items that I need for my craft.  Will take those funds from my craft supply money as that is what it is for.  I also ordered  some Euros for the upcoming trip.  Still need to pay for some activities and I need to book one museum entry.  I think all of the others have been booked.  I do have to reimburse a few friends who booked tickets for me.  Also need to book plane tickets for the other retreat which takes place in June.  Once that retreat is done I will be home for a while. And will be adding money to the sinking funds instead of pulling from them.

[Iggy aka IG]

Apr 3, 2023 18:37:47 GMT -5 catsareme said:

I am so over the lack of customer service these days.

Iggy I feel your pain. Your time and effort has a value and you have proof you made an appointment.  IMO the dealership should do the oil change free of charge. 

I too am tired of having to track and/or follow up on requests and refunds.  I love technology...  

BTW - Nice savings on your retail purchases. 

Thanks, catsareme .  After over 45 minutes on hold with social security the other day, when the gal answered the phone, she was clearly working from home.  I could hear at least two to three children in the background, one of whom was screaming.  The rep put the phone on mute at least 3 times, and I had to ask her to repeat information twice.  So unprofessional.

Called the water delivery service again today regarding the refund.  They upped their mailing time from 7-10 business days to 7-14 after I called March 16.  Whatever.

And thank you.  I'm pleased with my new socks which is good, since based on what the SS funds are, I won't be buying any anytime soon.  I only half kid....  

ETA:  moneysquirrel I hope your trip was pleasant.

[moneysquirrel]

Iggy aka IG -- The craft retreat was very much fun.  This is a yearly event for me.  Now the big trip is upcoming and my to-do list is very long.  Lots of very last minute items but some items I can get done earlier.  Also have a detailed packing list.  Just hoping that I can get everything packed under the luggage weight. 

Have done some last minute trip spending -- still have one excursion to book. I also need to pay some friends for the excursions they booked for me.  Sinking funds are being used.  I hope that I have more saved then I need.

This month spending have not started.  Waiting for the monthly bills to show up.  Planning to eat out of the freezer as much as possible so hoping that the grocery bill will be almost non-existent.  Of course, the restocking will hurt once I return.  Also this is the time of year when I always eat out of the freezer in order to avoid loss during hurricane season.  I unplug the big one in the garage and just use the smaller one in the fridge during this time.  I checked this morning and I only have a few more items to move to the smaller one during the next few weeks and I can do that unpluging.

I also plan to schedule payments to take place while I am traveling.  Will probabily overestimate what I need to pay but will take the credit on the accounts until I return.

Need to get lunch started.

[daisylu]

April has started off pretty well for me. I am at 8 CSDs. I worked from home 4 of those days, so I expect that once I go fully remote I will see a much bigger savings.

[Blonde Granny]

This week will be HVAC to have the AC checked and the better part of the day is that the Best Buy Tech will be here carrying my new 27" computer. After that, a few days later it's off to the eye Dr. along with choir practice.

The worse part today is that I'm going to go at it once again at ADT and attempt to get out of my contract since 2013 when it started. Best thing I will ever tell anyone, Do No EVER accept a contract from ADT.

[catsareme]

BG - Thank you for the warning about ADT.  🤞 you can get out of your contract once and for all.

daisylu - Great work on your CSD total so far! 😃

moneysquirrel - I'm very impressed by your organization/preparation for your upcoming travels. 👍

Iggy - I hope by now you have received the refund from the water delivery service.  The customer service regarding your SS statement was appalling to say the least.  Best wishes for a better week!