2023 Controlled Spend/No Spend

[Iggy aka IG]

Thank you, catsareme.  As of this morning, it still hasn't arrived.  I was told a few weeks ago they mailed it on March 16th.  

Blonde Granny, I also don't care for ADT.  A few of their salesmen stopped by when we lived in town despite the No Soliciting sign.  I'll just leave it at that.  

I attended a funeral service Friday and treated DH and myself to a comfort meal afterward.  So as far as non-essential spending goes, just that, one liquor store purchase, and two meals out of town the prior weekend.  Monthly bills and grocery shopping will happen later this week, as will tax filing.

[Blonde Granny]

I had a great post....then forget to post it, so I'll try again.

ADT will be no more as of May 10th. I have to pay a $1200 balance to get out from under it, but it is certainly worth it. I have now paid my insurances for car, house and umbrella yesterday for a total of $2700. I have made my 1st Best Buy payment to citi Bank for my new iMac computer. I'm somewhat weary of things now, but I'm not going to get myself into more problems . I have all my little notes of things to do or not taped to the front of my desk just to keep making remember.

Maybe spring will show now.

BG

Sheesh!  I've forgotten that I have a eye Dr. on the 19th, HVAC on the 13th and my Best Buy Tech to arrive with my new iMac on the 14th.

[moneysquirrel]

Spending is mainly essentials at the moment.  I leave for my long awaited vacation next week (lots spend on that already) and I have been making sure that all of April's bills will be paid.  The few items I have left for April will be done before I leave.  Also scheduling the payment of those May monthly bills that will come in before my return.  I am estimating the amount and setting up payment through the bank to send out the estimated amount on a certain day.  Hoping that I overestimated instead of under.  Could use a credit for the following month instead of a late fee.  Pretty sure that I will be back in time to check all of them prior to the deadline.

I do know that I will have a larger than normal grocery order upon my return as my goal is to eat what I have on hand this week.  I may split up the restocking over several months as hurricane season will be here soon. Planning to keep freezer items low but will need to get other essentials. I will need to get milk this week but think I am ok on other items. 

[Iggy aka IG]

Good job, everyone.

Monthly bills were paid and the monthly grocer order was picked up last Friday
The truck has been filled up
3-month supply of two meds are on their way
Doc visit complete, routine blood work processed
Over the counter allergy drops and nose spray purchased
Taxes filed

Here's to adulting.

[catsareme]

Good golly it's already the 2nd of May.    

April was spendy.  CSD/NSD:  14/30   

May CSD/NSD goal:  16/31 or better

The first half of the property taxes were paid mid-April.  The slush fund for the second half of the taxes (due in October) is being replenished on a biweekly basis.

I have grocery reward fuel points to take some of the sting out of this month's fuel-ups for the car and truck.  Our gas prices are among the highest in the U.S.

The emergency fund has been refilled.  Yes!!

[daisylu]

So much was happening at the end of April that I lost track of where I ended up. 

Started WFH last week. Have barely left the house, and only placed one order online. So I am at 5 NSD as of 5/08.

[Iggy aka IG]

Hope everyone is doing well.  Being home ill for a week and a half helped keep me out of the grocery store and not spend money.

I received a bonus and am using it very carefully.  Or should I say, I am letting it work for me very carefully.  I paid estimated quarterly taxes, put some in EF, went in on a locally raised cow, aka cowsharing, and put a majority of it towards CC debt.  The latter included paying off a small-ish balance with a large interest rate. (I prefer the snowball method when it comes to paying things off.)  I'll put more towards the next CC on payday.  My one bonus splurge was a very nice bottle of bourbon, but I did use 20% off loyalty rewards points.

_{Just keep swimming.....}

[moneysquirrel]

My trip came in under the amount I had saved for it.  I realloctated those funds to future craft activities and put some back into my travel sinking funds.  I have a credit balance on a few of the bills that I estimated so that will reduce some of the expenses next month.  Still have not made the grocery run.  Planned power outage was yesterday and I will be out of town for a few days starting next week so I am delaying that chore until I get back.  I have several items in the freezer that I need to use up and will be eating from it for the duration.  Picking up frest items a few at a time as needed.

On the whole not bad.

[catsareme]

I met and exceeded my NSD/CSD goal for May by a bit. Planned: 16/31, Ended: 21/31

The slush funds are going to take a beating this month.  Regular yearly home maintenance plus the major project of refurbishment/repair of the house exterior has begun.  Initial work deposit for the refurbishment:  $10,810

 Unfortunately, some unplanned electrical costs have surfaced already.     I hope to keep my regular spending as low as possible in light of further unexpected costs as the house project continues.  The joy of home ownership.  

I hope everyone is doing well.

[Iggy aka IG]

Ugh, Catseye .  I hope the electrical costs are less than anticipated.

I took our neighbor kiddos and DH to the movies and then supper last night.  Holy smokes!  As a friend who is a mother of three told me, a person needs a small loan to go to the movies these days.  Over $100 for four tickets, popcorn, 2 candies and beverages!  And supper was $81.27 with tip.  And yes, though they are 9, they did offer to help pay.  I told them they can buy me a coffee sometime.  Our next time together will be a sleepover, homemade popcorn and a streamed movie, LOL.

[moneysquirrel]

Back from my craft retreat and managed to stay in budget.  I had saved for the hotel and airfare and also put money aside for the required materials.  Stayed within budget and even have a little to roll over into next years' retreat.  Will be continuing that sinking fund so that I can take advanage of opportunites as they arrive.

[moneysquirrel]

Doing ok so far.  Major expense that lowered one of my sinking funds was my car insurance this month.  Also at the start of the annual medical appointments and tests and not sure how much I will need to pay out of pocket for those things insurance doesn't cover fully.

The high heat also is keeping me in and therefore out of the stores which prevents impulse purchases and I am not a major online shopper.   

[Iggy aka IG]

Using the majority of this year's bonus to put toward CC debt increased my credit score by 25+ points.  

Buying the locally grown pig and half cow and stocking up on two types of fish at Sam's should reduce the grocery list for the next year.

My new goal is to start a cruise fund supplemented with items I sell.  First on my list are old DVDs CDs and maybe my Doc Martens boots from back in the day.  It will be difficult to see those go, but I haven't worn them, and a friend offered to buy them if they fit, so off they go....

[catsareme]

The house refurbishing/repair project is all but done; just need to retighten the screws on the log stairway treads.  The project was much costlier than I expected, and the slush fund is on life support, but I was able to keep from using either the HELOC or a credit card.  Not paying interest was my goal.

New aluminum covers for the soffit vents added another $3,100 to the bill but should be a permanent fix to keeping out the birds.  

The electrical repair/upgrade is next but may not be as pricy as first thought.

Iggy, good job on increasing your credit score.  Woo hoo!!

[Iggy aka IG]

Thank you, catsareme!  I tallied things yesterday and still have a long way to go.  

[moneysquirrel]

Iggy aka IG -- Good job on raising that score.  Will using your home office help with some of the travel expenses -- car  wear and tear, gas, etc.

catsareme -- Home projects always come in more than we expect.  I am trying to add additional money to that sinking fund as I have a big project in mind for the upcoming future and want to cash flow as much as possible.

June Recap:
15 NS days
8 Essential spending -- Food, Monthly Bills, Medical, Car Insurance, Car Service
7 Non-Essential Spending -- Craft Retreat, Lunch with friends (3), Travel, Purchases

Note: Craft Retreat, Travel, Car Insurance and Medical were funded from sinking funds.  Slowly will be rebuilding those.

I hope that July will be easier on the money front.  Other the usual monthly bills I think I only have one other expense.

Wishing all a good July.

[Iggy aka IG]

Thank you, moneysquirrel.  And yes, working from home will indeed help save vehicle related expenses.  

Looking through my check register, June wasn't as thrifty as I first thought.  It included food for a party, the movie and supper with the neighbor kiddos, a happy hour with DH, two fast food visits during a weak moment, and $1,000 toward the cow and pig.  I'll ensure the latter reduces the monthly grocery bill by $100 for at least the next year by not having to buy so many proteins.  Non-essential spending minus the latter was $375.29.  Ouch.

[Iggy aka IG]

I visited my goals to retirement sheet and calculated I've paid off $10,000 debt so far this year.  Credit cards go bye-bye first, and then I'll tackle the car loan.

Monthly bills are paid (the electric bill is over $200!  It's been HOT outside.) and I kept the grocery pick up at a minimum.

[Iggy aka IG]

Received my deposit from Decluttr.com for the CDs I sold them.  Next, I'll request cash back from two credit cards and this evening a friend is going to possibly buy my old pair of Doc Martens boots.  Into the cruise fund it will all go.  

[catsareme]

I know this goes waaay back Iggy but did you ever receive the check from the water delivery service? 

Frugal Fail:  We adopted a puppy the first part of the month with all the expenses associated with that.  Some recurring, others not.  Time to revisit the budget and adjust accounts.

Frugal Success:  The grocery bill is lower by half of last month's total.  The freezer and pantry are full so now it's time to grocery shop at home except for perishables.  

Am slowly building the slush funds back up.  July, so far, hasn't been quite as spendy as June but hasn't been as thrifty as I had hoped for either (see Frugal Fail above).  I have monies set aside for the upcoming electrical work and have added extra as I know the bill will be higher than I anticipate.

Annual inspections for the back-up generator and the water treatment system are scheduled and funded.  The inspection for the ductless units came in under budget this year so the house maintenance slush fund has some leeway...at this time.

DH has another big project in mind, and I want to cash flow it completely.  Tucking bits and pieces of everyday savings into the designated savings account and watching it as it slooowly grows.

Almost the end of the month.  Yikes!

[moneysquirrel]

July has been better on the spending front.  On the whole I spent on the usual monthly bills.  Electricity was higher than normal but with the heat we have been having I expected it.  I figure the August bill may be high as well with the temps we are experiencing. 

I had an unexpected plumbing bill but was only charged for the house call as it was an easy fix.  Having a leak and not knowing how to stop it was tiresome but that was a easy unclogging for them and piece of mind for me knowing that it was fixed.

Met friends for lunch a few  times before they return to hectic schedules was great.  Also dinner out before attending a play.

Upcoming August expenses:
*Usual monthly bills
*Medical copays
*Renewal of play season tickets.
*Insurance premiums

[Iggy aka IG]

Thank you for asking catsareme.  Yes, the water delivery service refund arrived and of course I cannot remember what I did with those funds, LOL.  Congratulations on the new puppy!  

Glad the plumbing was an easy fix moneysquirrel.

I've returned from vacation.  I drove in lieu of flying, and my vehicle averaged 19.2 MPG.  Other than food and adult beverages, I bought a baseball hat for me, some souvenirs for the neighbors for fish sitting, and two CDs at the used record store, one of which is a gift for someone.  Except for at one store, I paid cash for everything.  

The cash back checks arrived during my absence, as did a bunch of gift cards for which I used points.  A majority of the latter will be birthday and Christmas gifts including one for my mom's birthday this week.  My friend did end up buying the boots.

I'm trying to figure out what to use as a cute Cruise Cash Stash container, LOL.

[moneysquirrel]

Iggy aka IG -- Could you use a glass container that you glue a picture of a cruise ship on?  You might be able to use an old jar and with luck and care cut some type of slit in the top.  Thinking fitting some thick plastic (like on plastic file folder) or heavy laminated cardstock to cut a slit and fit it in a mason jar lid.  

That way you won't have to spend money on a bank and can just work on cruise fund.

[Iggy aka IG]

Jul 31, 2023 17:23:19 GMT -5 moneysquirrel said:

Iggy aka IG -- Could you use a glass container that you glue a picture of a cruise ship on?  You might be able to use an old jar and with luck and care cut some type of slit in the top.  Thinking fitting some thick plastic (like on plastic file folder) or heavy laminated cardstock to cut a slit and fit it in a mason jar lid.  

That way you won't have to spend money on a bank and can just work on cruise fund.

moneysquirrel , that is a great idea!  Thank you. I have several glass jars in various sizes and if I receive another brochure from the cruise company, I'll cut out an appropriate ship picture.  In the interim, I'm sure I can find one on the internet.  

ETA:  Cruise ship picture found, printed out in color, trimmed and will be affixed to a jar this evening.  

[TheOtherMe]

My dad never spent change.  He put his change in peanut butter jars.  He usually had a goal but didn't share it.  Periodically he would take it to the bank and they would count and add the amount to his account.  

He used it to pay for our vacations when I was a kid, snow blower, lawn mower, etc.  It worked for him.

[Iggy aka IG]

TheOtherMe that is awesome to hear about your dad!  I do something similar.  I have two piggy banks at the house.  I exchange the coins at the bank for the annual police and county sheriff children's Christmas shopping event.  Hand selected, these number one thing these kiddos apparently ask for are pajamas.     In the past I used the coin exchange to purchase a gift card and sent it anonymously to a family in need.

ETA:  The Cruise Cash Stash jar has been placed in the pantry where it will be seen at least twice daily.  

[Iggy aka IG]

I am pleased to announce I paid off a credit card today.  Two down so far this year, and two to go.  Which leads me to:

For those of you who are retired, what are a few top things you are glad you did beforehand to prepare for it?  

[TheOtherMe]

I didn't do much of anything right.      I didn't get the idea of live within your means until after I retired.

In my defense, I was offered an early out from a job I had come to despise.  I met the requirements.  I didn't care it would be reduced income.  I just wanted out, so I got out and I am very happy I did.

I had about 90 days to prepare, so there wasn't a lot I could do except sell my beautiful house because I could not afford it on my pension.

[catsareme]

Aug 15, 2023 18:10:03 GMT -5 Iggy aka IG said:

I am pleased to announce I paid off a credit card today.  Two down so far this year, and two to go.  Which leads me to:

For those of you who are retired, what are a few top things you are glad you did beforehand to prepare for it?  

We didn't do everything right either, but here are a couple of things I made sure we had in place before we left jobs that had become a drudgery.

About a year and half out from our projected retirement date I made a list of all our income streams in retirement (SS, pensions, military retirement).  I projected low on the income and high on the outgo (expenses).  We then did a "test drive" on the results to see what it would be like living on our retirement income.  

I made sure all our credit cards, vehicles and mortgage were paid off before we retired and that we had a healthy emergency fund in place.  We quickly discovered that the unexpected repair/replacement don't disappear in retirement.   

Attend any, and all, retirement seminars your workplace offers.  Benefit coverage/calculation can, and do, change more often than you think.  

[catsareme]

Woo Hoo Iggy on paying off two credit cards so far this year.  Way to go!!