January 2011 Controlled/No Spend Thread

[startsmart]

munjoyhill- I know what you mean, it's always a challenge to say NO when you're in the habit of buying something! Do you use shopping during lunch to escape a bad job situation? I've been there from 2006-2010 and wasted SOOOO much money. Definitely celebrate your restraint by burning some candles tonight! I took down my Christmas decorations and decided to fill the mantle with a bunch of white candles. Can't wait to burn those and enjoy the dark evening (before summer and the long days makes it hard to enjoy).

honey- awesome deal on the toothbrushes for the troops! We had friends who went to Russian to do electrical work on an orphanage and when the kids were showing them around they took Bob to the bathroom and said "and there's our toothbrush!" There was one for about 100 kids. Bob came back to the states, told every dentist he knew the story and returned the next year with boxes and boxes of toothbrushes. Makes me appreciate the little things in life!

I'm still trying to decide how to count yesterday. Around 7:30pm I was tired and cranky and hungry and still had hours of work to do. I realized, belatedly, that I never ate lunch or dinner and had maybe 8 cups of coffee. Not good. Then I spent an hour looking in the fridge, pouting, internally whining about lack of meal worth food and being hungry. I was still trying to dry out my garage, fix the new washer and wash the wet clothes.

So I went out for dinner. There's a small diner nearby that's open late with good food and I can get dinner for under $15 including tip. I probably overtip but since I stay for an hour, minimum, I'm okay with that. I took my manuscript from NaNoWriMo and did the first run through of all 80 pages.

It all worked for the best since I came home and worked through to about 1am and went from 100 emails to under 30! Big accomplishment this week.

Also, I just signed up for a FREE teleseminar series with a bunch of incredible teachers. If you're interested in creating an online business or even reaching out with your current gifts email me for the link. my email is blessedincal (at) gmail (dot) com. I'm most excited about Marianne Williamson. Read this quote, I love it:

"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, 'Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous?' Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others."

[dakota4600]

Red- I hear you about Blue. Sometimes it feels like I'm pulling teeth when I ask DH to take care of something financial that I can't because it is his account only. (Luckily it is only 2 retirement accounts & 1 CC.) I asked him to check on something about 2.5 years ago, I bugged him for about 3 months after the initial ask then told him that I was NOT his mother and if he didn't want to do it I couldn't make him. It has been on our financial goals list since then, which we review quarterly, but nothing has been done. DH is proud to tell people that I'm the CFO and he keeps his hands out of it.

AZmom- Hugs about the race. I think we all feel that way at some point. You've been training hard for the race and I bet it hurts to know you won't be able to do it. I hope you are able to figure something out. But even if you can't we are all proud of you!

Muttley- Welcome back. Sorry about the shady car dealer and the extra cost. Hope things pickup at work. Is DS walking yet? I bet he is just adorable.

[redwagon]

everyone - our old smileys have been imported by moonbeam. they don't appear automatically, but if you click the "Select Smile" button you can see them by their HTML codes, or "View all Smiles" you can see their pictures. Choose one and it will show up in that box (to the right of Quick Reply or the left of the regular reply box), click it and the code is entered in the text box.

[3catslady]

startsmart; Wasn't that quote used in the movie "Keesia and the B"? I'm not sure of the spelling of the girl's name but she was in the National Spelling B compitition.

[muttleynfelix]

Dakota - Not quite walking. He is right there, just won't take that first step. It is pretty fun though. I will scoot around the floor and my rear and he will walk holding onto my shoulder. LOL.

Azmom, shannen, and red - Thanks for the welcome back.

Thankful For:
A healthy, happy almost 1 year old
That the lady that hit me had insurance (and everyone agreed she was at fault)
an adoring husband who puts up with our mischievious almost 1 year old (sometimes I swear the terrible twos are starting early, which scares me for when the terrible twos actually start)

Financial victories - I did not go out to lunch today. My boss has said his goal is not to go out to eat for 2 months. Hopefully I can follow his lead.

[shanendoah]

Silly little bit of happiness: In December 2009 I published a book through one of the online book publishing companies that is a combination of my brother's amazing photography and 100 word micro-fiction stories written by myself and others. I paid for it to be available through amazon, but then didn't correct an error that prevented it from actually getting to amazon. So, in December 2010, I finally went and corrected the error, and now, its on amazon! I have a book (self published yes, but I don't care) on Amazon! I'm very excited.
To find it, go to amazon.com and search for my username. It really wants to show you things called Shenandoah (which is the correct spelling of the park/river, etc, but not my name), so you'll need to click on the "show all 7 catergories" on the left and then choose "Books". It will be the very first book that shows up.
Okay, silly happiness for the day over.

[dakota4600]

COWT-
Three things I'm thankful for
1) DH & DS
2) My family
3) My health

Financial accomplishment- We paid off mini-D's hospital bill and are redirecting that money to savings (or half may have to go to increased daycare costs.)

[redwagon]

congrats, shanen!! what self-publisher did you use? If I ever finish editing my novel I might go that route.

[shanendoah]

red_wagon: I used lulu because I liked their distribution options better. However, for a book that was both photography and words, they didn't end up having a good paper selection. I'd like to do something similar with a few other friends' photgraphs and artwork, but until I can find a site that lets me combine good photo paper with words for a reasonable price, I'm holding off.

[mrslynch]

my 3 things i'm thankful for:
1. my family, those with 2 legs and those with 4
2. my house
3. literacy

financial victories: a successful first couponing trip (saved $6), paying cash for a new laptop and resisting going out to lunch when it would have been sooooooo easy to do

muttley--welcome back!
shanen--that's so awesome! as soon as i have enough to say to fill a book, i'm going to write one!

[dianartemis]

Sweet Shanen! I just saw it. It looks awesome.

Update: 4/15 NSD, 6/15 NEO, 4/15 MOAN, 1/4 QUs.

I'm doing really well on the no eating out thing. It's been a struggle, but I'm making it.

Have a nice day everyone.

[azmom]

Thanks for playing

Things I am thankful for (outside of my family and that includes you all)
*Being able to be a SAHM and having our necessities provided for
*Pioneer Women because she seriously has made me seem like a fabulous cook and I never have to ask "Is this supposed to look like this?"
*Disappointments and Challenges because they test who I am and what I really believe. I know that when it is all said and done I will be able to see the purpose.
Financial Accomplishment: Last year I switched the kids and I to an individual health care plan instead of with DH's at work. Well it will be a year in February and they are raising our monthly fee. DH and I re-evaluated the cost and coverage and went over it like grown ups. Although, they are raising it (I did an inquiry using our base info on the insurance company that I use now's website and the going rate today is actually $30 more than what they raised ours to) it is still cheaper than switching back to DH's work provided insurance-and it is better coverage. Anyhow, my financial success is simply researching, something we often lack and just end up paying a higher cost because of it.
Startsmart: I love the quote mainly because I tell my children every day when I drop them off at school to Shine Like Stars in the Universe...I guess I neglect to do the same!
Shannon: Yes, I agree that I need to get it out. My problem is that instead of having a mature conversation with DH about my feelings and frustration, I wait until I let it build up to anger and unleash in the most inappropriate way. I'm a work in progress...Congrats on your book...truly awesome
Mrs. Lynch: I wish I could add literacy to my list of things to be thankful but these days I have serious doubt
Dakota: Thank you. I sent DD to a Montessori preschool when she was 3. Purely for academic reasons since I was a SAHM. I loved how they worked based on individual progress and readiness. DD was a very advances 3 year old and she really benefited from their approach at that age.
All: Thank you for your comments...I will do as Shannen has suggested and put my big girl panties on and move on. I haven't lost hope anything could happen. Remember when I received a call out of the blue from my aunt and they paid me back some money? DH works in sales and every Saturday there is a spiff for deals made...Still even if things fall through I am truly content (after plenty of tears of course)...I even went to the gym today and ran 3 miles because this girl does not give up.
Enjoy your weekend and Happy No Spending

[startsmart]

3cats- I'm not sure whether the quote was in that movie - can't remember! I picked it up from a friend and have loved it ever since. Everytime I'm afraid I have to ask if it's because I'm afraid I don't have what it takes or that I do.

Anywhosits, really looking forward this program and loving that I get to see the back end of things because my main client is one of the presenters!

[Deleted]

Update: 3 NSD, 5 NEO, 2 Moan I am doing better at tracking. I have a little 2011 planner I keep in my purse to record the day on.

shanenI am impressed that you have a published book. I did look it up on Amazon. Very neat!

azmom I really do think we go through a lot of the same things. I don't know how many times I have just broken down and thrown a temper tantrum because I am the one who always puts my hopes and dreams on the back burner for my family. I really wish I handled things with more grace like you do, but I am getting better.

MuttleyWelcome back! You have been missed!

Good News I just had another school district pick me up to sub for them. The great news is that it is only about 6-10 miles away and I can work there during the winter. Their school hours allow me to drive my kids to school and pick them up. I am already scheduled to work there 1 day next week. I am waiting to hear back from another school as to what days they need me next week before I take any more days at the new district. If I don't hear anything by Monday from the one school then I will accept the other jobs at the new district.

What I am thankful for 1.) I am thankful that I have an amazing husband who stuck with me through depression, stress, and temper tantrums. He is a great husband, dad, and provider.
2.)I am thankful that for my 4 beautiful and healthy children. They drive me crazy some days, but I am thankful for all of them.
3.) I am thankful that I am a fighter and that I didn't give up on getting a degree.

[moneysquirrel]

Update: 6 NS / 1CS = 7/15 (Goal 15NS/CS)
Being back at work has really helped the NS/CS numbers.

However, tomorrow I have several things to get and I am sure that is will be a definite Spend day. Need to hit Office Depot and pick up some needed objects while their Teacher Appreciation Week is still on. It is amazing that with all of the supplies that I have on hand that I am totally out of a few of the basics. I will not be buying anything there that I have on hand. I have a running list of needed items that I will stock up on.

Also need to fill up the tank, get a few items at the grocery, home depot, etc.

[cheerleadingmama7]

UPDATE: 7/31 no spend days!
Work has been crazy and I have just gone from work to home and home to work. I haven't even been to the grocery store yet....although that will probably change this weekend.

We have been doing a good job at eating the food we have in the house and eating up the leftovers....I am really excited about that!

Have a great weekend everyone!

[reeneejune]

1)I'm thankful for finding the WIR in general and you ladies in particular. Without all of you, I'd still be in constant financial crisis mode, and that's a scary thought.
2)I'm thankful for my crazy family. Who else would I turn to when at the ripe old age of 26 I'm still an old maid? (My great uncle decided at Christmas that since my Grandpa, his brother, died before I found a suitable husband, it's now his job to find someone for me. This ought to be interesting, at the very least).
3)I'm thankful that even though my aunt and I lost pretty much everything we own in that fire last summer, I've still got her and we've still got the spirit to rebuild and move on with life.

Financial accomplishment that I'm proud of: This is going to sound a bit stupid, but last week the company that holds my blood-sucking "short term" loan called to tell me that I have available credit with them. In the past, I've never been able to resist that for more than a couple of days. But instead I firmly told the girl "no thanks" and asked if there was any way to opt out of those kinds of calls. She sounded surprised, but said no problem, I'll put the note in right now. Now I just need to pay them off...
Speaking of, the garnishment that's been making my budget almost impossible is now under $1,000. It will be paid off March 4. And if all goes to plan, my student loan (which is also deducted directly from my paycheck) will we paid off in September. I almost hesitate to even think this, but I may be debt free by the end of the year and still be able to go on the Black Hills trip! Maybe I shouldn't have said that... Murphy is likely to show up now.

[sparalach]

3 NS /4 MOANS
I'm grateful for my good health (I work in HC and see a lot), my critters who make me laugh, my job that is challenging and fun.
Financial accomplishment for 2010 is not using CCs and paying cash...this was a big change for me.
AZ- I love the Pioneer woman blog too, she's real.
It's a beautiful snowy day in New England and I'm on call...a good day to look over the spending plan spreadsheet.

[redwagon]

Any suggestions for questions to ask the contractor who is coming to give us an estimate on adding a 2nd bathroom?

And can I just say I hate cryptic FB posts? I think my stepsisters' grandmother died (on their mom's side) but I'm not entirely positive. I want to offer condolences or whatnot but.... argh! Ah well. I guess when they come right out with it I will.

[startsmart]

red- have the contractor take you through the entire process from getting the permits, buying material and length of the project. Write everything down. Find out what subcontractors they'll use and how many people will be in/out of your house. Get a time estimate and what things could delay the project.

Oh boy, I slept in this morning! It was so nice to relax and not worry about work. Of course I do have 80 emails to answer but I am not going to stress about it. The work will get done.

[redwagon]

$21k. Oy vey. and our pool is illegal. AWESOME!

[spruby]

3cats I got your card - thank you - it really made my day. I'll be sending you some info on Monday on PA health insurance.

All - if you would think good thoughts/prayers my way I would appreciate it. I was in urgent care last night with a massive ear infection and was told likely couldn't take our trip. I was back in this morning because my ear was bleeding - ear drum ruptured. Now maybe I can take the flight (since ear drum rupture was the concern). I'll know for sure Monday afternoon. We wouldn't loose much money wise - but I would be seriously upset.

[MittenKitten]

Red w: If the pool is illegal the sellers should have to pay to make it legal. I would contact your attorney and/or REALTOR and ask them about it.

Well the rental's furnance wasn't working and ended up costing me $900. Just what I did not need. At least I have the money to pay for it.

Thankful for: 1. My family and their health. 2. That so far we are doing okay financially although we DO need to start being proactive to get some real income in here. 3. A nice home with a yard and a safe place for DS#2 to be (well all of the kids but he is my crazy one.)

Financially: I wasn't in debt so I am unlike some so I guess I am grateful that I have for the most part always used my head when it comes to financial matters. If I had not we could be like so many and being foreclosed on and worried about enough food etc. so I am very glad to not be in that situation. Now to keep us out....

[redwagon]

MK - this issue came up the day before our closing in 2009 (way to wait until the last minute to tell us...) and the sellers said they would rip it out if we insisted on getting it legalized. We were so tired and frustrated we just closed. We could go through the steps to legalize it, but apparently we can just apply for a permit to put in a pool and never call to have it inspected, and since we'll have applied for the permit then the work on the house could go forward during that limbo period without the inspector halting construction due to lack of permit for the pool. We figure we'll rip out the pool before we sell in 4 or so years since it will be an old pool by then, and thus we won't ever really have to get it legalized. all just working the system and annoying... in any event, can't afford to add the bathroom this year but at least we have a goal amount in mind and have a better idea of what to expect with it.

So sad, this situation in Arizona. Crazy people in this world...

[constanz22]

Update: 2NS, 5CS Haven't left the house today and am not going to. Those are easy NS days!

red What all was included in your estimate? I would definitely get at least 2 more.

Has anyone heard from sharing?! I don't think I've really seen her since we moved over here

[redwagon]

constanz - He listed out everything and it included just about everything. We have to buy our own vanity, faucet, medicine cabinet, which they install. includes dormering that section of the house, new roof, siding, etc to match current house. plumbing, electrical. It was a very thorough list. He's writing it up for us. But because the inspector has to inspect the entire house, the pool would be caught, hence need to get that at least looking like we're trying to legalize it. We are planning on getting 2 other estimates by local reputable companies. This particular one only works in our town, on our specific types of houses, and has a ton of experience with the quirks of these houses, which we like.

[notallwhowander]

Update: 2CS, 5 NS

[redwagon]

Today seems to be a NS. Very exciting. I'm trying to do nothing, but I really am no good at it. So I cleaned the kitchen and dusted, and worked a bunch on my budget spreadsheet. I also showed blue the spreadsheet and goals and had a little finance meeting. So I guess I've kind of done nothing... Tomorrow we're finally going to go see Tron: Legacy. Yay for gift cards covering part! It's 3D Imax so it's crazy pricey. $18 each! But I've heard it's worth it for this one.

[sheilaincali]

Surviving the weekend so far. Its extended family Christmas at my mom's house. So all of my cousins, aunts, uncles and grandma are down. Normally we tend to go shopping (I skipped that) and eat a lot (I avoided the rooms with the buffets laid out). So I didn't spend any money yesterday or today. And I didn't cheat on my diet- except for one small piece of pie. All in all I am pretty proud of myself.

Tomorrow will probably be a spend day- DH wants a new pair of tennis shoes. He is learning though because he said "can we afford for me to get a new pair of shoes this weekend?" and "don't worry I am sure I can find a pair on sale or on clearance somewhere"

We read this article on line about the relationship people have to their belongings. It was written by this couple that moved overseas and how much they downsized and how it changed their view on the posessions they own. It seems to have had a real impact on DH because he thinks he should model his life on that philosophy. As in, give careful consideration to the things he buys, the clothes he owns, the food he puts in his body, etc. So far I like it since he has pretty much zero desire to shop lately

[redwagon]

Sheila - that's great DH is using the CS language! And that you're sticking to your diet. I'm having a really hard time getting back in to it. I haven't been tracking and definitely eating too much chocolate (which I normally NEVER have). I figure the quicker I eat all the Lindt truffles the quicker I can be back on track. lol.

I forgot to mention that while i was napping or out of it yesterday, the HR woman from the place I applied called to set up an interview. The message is wicked choppy and I can't make out her name and I think I have her number right. I'm so mad I missed the call!!! But very excited she did call. I emailed the person I sent my application in to to explain that I couldn't understand the message and could she tell me the person's name who went with such and such phone number. I hope that works. But still, exciting to have some sort of progress. I could still completely screw up the interview, of course!

Oh, progress continues to be made. We have eight zillion boxes of pasta (I tend to buy whenever I see it at $1 a box or less, and yet we rarely make it). So blue made pasta with olive oil and garlic (nice and healthy). And that's all we ate. And we ate at 5pm cause we were hungry. We were both going to have snacks to tide us until our usual dinner time, but then I figured, why not just make dinner now? Nice to break out of routine, and eat out of the pantry, and have a delicious meal! I'm now baking a cake out of the pantry, too. Yum! (doing SO bad healthy eating...)