2024 Controlled and No Spend thread

[startsmart]

Hello friends! It’s been awhile since I joined in but wanted to kick off this thread for anyone interested in tracking their spending throughout the year.

You can join for a month or all year or anytime at all.

If you’re willing, set a goal such as 15/31 NSD January.

What constitutes a no spend or controlled spend day (CSD) is up to you. Some people count bills as CS, others only count out of budget spending. There are no rules except perhaps be kind to each other

[startsmart]

Personally for January I’d like 25 NSD and I’m not counting bills that are on auto pay or business expenses.

So far 2 spend days for groceries and a gift for a birthday party I’m attending in a few weeks. What will help me is that I started painting my kitchen cabinets and that is so very time consuming. I have all the supplies I need and want to get it done so no shopping for me.

Startsmart 6 NSD

[moneysquirrel]

startsmart -- Thanks for starting the thread. 

Pulled this from earlier years -- think it was from the old MSN thread which a few of us were members

Decided to go back several years to get some information so that new members can see what we do. These are old suggestions and may or may not meet the needs of our current members. Just wanted to share from the early uears.

Everyone decides how she wants to keep track of progress. These were some of the suggestions posted a while back. Had to go back a few years for the info so examples may mention posters from the old boards.

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 therm.

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.  You set your own rules. Any questions feel free to ask.

#4 :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  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. 

[moneysquirrel]

Update: 7 NSDs 
This is one of my most expensive months.  I have a few one time expenses hitting this week.  House insurance will be coming in as well sometime this month. Followed by flood insurance next month.

Need to get to the grocery and to get gas later this week.  Have did a huge stockup on cleaning supplies at Sam's last week so a lot of those items should be good for most of the year.  Semiannual dentist visit is in the past as well.

I am trying to keep routine expenses on the low side as much as possible. Most of the monthly bills will start arriving next week.

[Iggy aka IG]

Thank you for the new thread, startsmart and thank you for pulling the header, moneysquirrel .

My 2023 goals from last year's thread with updates below it:

"As in years' past, I scrutinized my end-of-the year expenses.*  I'm getting even more detailed as I desperately want to retire early:

Reduce hair salon visits from every other month to quarterly
Reduce an annual business sponsorship by 50%
Cancel the water service at the office by getting the hand-me-down dispenser cleaned and functioning
The above three will save $1,500 annually

Say no to out-of-town trips except the major one this summer
Less client entertaining
No new clothes, tattoos or office equipment
Keep an eye on the grocery bill, use up what we have

My truck will be paid off next year so that will help tremendously."

Updates:
*I haven't yet completely reviewed 2023 expenses

1.  I did reduce salon visits to quarterly
2.  I did reduce the sponsorship by half
3.  I did receive the water dispenser, gave it a thorough cleaning, and now buy water in manageable 3-gallon jugs at a water station
4.  Travel:  Other than for business and the major CA trip, I traveled once to a neighboring state, which DH paid for, and twice to the big city for concerts.  Generally, DH and I split the latter expenses with one of us buying the tickets and food and the other the hotel room.
5.  I held the same amount of client entertainment events
6.  I only bought one much needed belt and several pairs of slacks for work (due to the 2022 weight loss)
7.  Spent an average of $401 monthly for food, which includes my portion of a cow and pig.  That's up from $320 in 2022, but it's to be expected with the rising grocery costs.
8.  I was incorrect:  My truck will be paid off next year, not in 2024.

I'll post this year's goals once I review the 2023 expense sheet.

[Knee Deep in Water Chloe]

HI! I need to join this year. 
Our spending has hit such an extravagant level, and we've likely peaked on income. 
We need to retract the lifestyle creep. 

My goal for this year is going to be a controlled spending. 
I want to spend only 75% of last year's frivolous spending. 
I'll return to explain that a bit more later. I just wanted to get myself on here.  

[startsmart]

Today I went out to lunch but didn’t spend (friend treated me) so I’m at 8 NSD. Yesterday I had to mail a package so I also put in an online order for a few items I need to finish the kitchen painting project.

[moneysquirrel]

Managed to get to the grocery this morning, forgot to get gas, stopped at bbw and cashed in several gift cards to stock up on some favorites that were on sale plus had a coupon for a free 3-wick candle.  Spent a little but should have enough to last most of the year.  Also put on the cc my final payment for the pilgrimage that I am taking in the spring.  Have the money saved for this so I just have to transfer from my checking to pay it off.  So glad that I have a sinking fund for travel as this was an opportunity that was too special to pass up.  All in all a very expense filled day. 

[catsareme]

Late to the party but really need to join in.  Thank you startsmart for starting up this year's thread.   

The last quarter of 2023 was very expensive.  The home improvement project I had planned to cash fund ending up being funded through a HELOC at our local credit union.  In addition, we had our property surveyed and found encroachment in two separate areas.  So not only did we have the home project bills but the surveyor's charges and the costs to clear and delineate our property lines.    

My main goal this year is to get the HELOC paid off as soon as possible and pay the least amount of interest.  Right now, DH is on board with low to no spend days.  I hope I can keep him motivated. 🤞  

I have a set payment in the monthly budget for the HELOC loan.  In addition, I am throwing all saved savings (coupons, rebates, military and senior discounts, tax refund) into an extra loan payment at the end of each month.  I track all the drips and drabs on an Excel spreadsheet and subtract the ongoing amount from the available balance in our checking account.

January NSD/CSD days:  7/31   Not a great start but hope to do better as the month progresses.

[Knee Deep in Water Chloe]

Okay, here are our goals for 2024 controlled spending: 

In 2023, DH and I spent $7,434.55 on restaurants. 
Our goal is to reduce that by 25% to $5,575.91 for the year. 

January to date: $106 (1.9%)



In 2023, DH and I spent $2636.17 on stuff for the house. These were mostly unnecessary purchases. 
Our goal is to reduce that by 20% to $2108.94
January to date is -0-


In 2023, we spent $3,397.39 of which 25% was DH's and 75% mine. 
For 2023, I want to limit my clothing spending to $1200. 

[Knee Deep in Water Chloe]

In 2023, DH and I spent $7,434.55 on restaurants.
Our goal is to reduce that by 25% to $5,575.91 for the year.

January to date: $171 (3.1%)




In 2023, DH and I spent $2636.17 on stuff for the house. These were mostly unnecessary purchases.
Our goal is to reduce that by 20% to $2108.94
January to date is $103.51 (4.9%)


In 2023, we spent $3,397.39 of which 25% was DH's and 75% mine.
For 2023, I want to limit my clothing spending to $1200.

January to date is -0-

[moneysquirrel]

Paid off the CC for the upcoming pilgrimage.  So the checking accounts are looking a little depleted.  Glad I had the money in my travel sinking fund as this is a once in a lifetime opportunity.

Accounts will be hit again as my homeowner's insurance will be hitting the cc this week.  Figured that I might as well get the points for it as well.  Thanks for that sinking fund as well.  

No other money moves except for the usual money bills.  Will need to stop at the grocery for a few perishables.

[startsmart]

15 NSD so far, today was a surprise one because a pickup got moved to tomorrow. I’ll need to get gas, do my pickup and maybe one more stop Tuesday but then hopefully NSD the rest of the week.

I’m preemptively saving because it’s been so cold and I don’t have central heat, I know my gas bill is going to be high next month.

[Iggy aka IG]

I finally reviewed last year's expenses.

Business expenses:  I'm running a tight ship for the most part.  2023 advertising and marketing materials were diverse, and I'm comfortable with my choices.  As mentioned, client entertainment events were about the same, which I'll repeat this year, however, I'll utilize the Dollar Tree more often when applicable.  My rent has increased since moving to our location several years ago, and I'd love for it to be less, but there aren't many choices.  Plus, I love our location, and moving is expensive.  My truck needed new tires and a front-end alignment.

Personal expenses:  Household items included reusable Keurig filters, measuring cups and spoons (bought online, I regret this purchase as they were so cheaply made and the writing has worn off the spoons), 4 storage totes, small plastic cups with lids for Jello shots, and squirrel food.  New this year in an attempt to simplify things, I'm not going to break out food vs cleaning and HBAs on my spreadsheet.  I did splurge and buy a hoodie at 30% off in December for the NFL game earlier this month.  Average coffee/dining out was $22/mo, gifts/cards/holidays/flights/hotels $128/mo, and entertainment (booze, movie tickets, concerts, one magazine subscription-which I didn't renew for this year, and 1 month of Amazon Prime which I cancelled early and got a refund) $69/mo, and the Me category (hair, hoodie and a tapestry) $83/mo.  All of these categories were 22-50% less than 2022.  

[Iggy aka IG]

I went to Dollar Tree this morning and bought two shopping totes full items for an upcoming event, a Valentine's Day card and candy for DH, and four condolence cards to keep on hand.  The latter cost 2/$1.  Our local Dollar Tree really has stepped up their game the past year.  I make a point to compliment them when I'm in.  I was told today they had a change in management which made all the difference.

[startsmart]

18 NSD so far, which isn’t too bad. I may have one more spend day before the end of the month.

Eating out of the pantry and trying to use up things from the freezer.

[nikiz628]

H and I are ready to kick off frugal February. We tracked our spending on a printed spreadsheet we hung on our fridge in January. We didn't do as well as we had hoped, especially when it came to dining out. Reigning it in in February- new trackers have been printed and put on the fridge. Can't ignore it when its in your face every time you go in the kitchen haha. 

[catsareme]

January CSD/NSD:  19/31 

Between the Saved Savings and zeroing out the budget categories at the end of the month I was able to sweep an extra payment into the HELOC loan.

The slush funds will be taking a hit this month.  The "free" pup has to be spayed and another $1700 is going to the dentist for DH.    Oh well, that's the whole reason for the funds in the first place.  

Still doing all the usual frugal things - making coffee at home, draining/scraping bottles and tubes to get every last bit of product, mindful grocery shopping, etc.

One bright spot:  our property taxes went down this year.  

[startsmart]

January total: 21 NSD

While good I know I can do better this month. Yesterday my big spend was adopting a new puppy so for February I need to stay home and train him and finish painting my kitchen cabinets which I already have the supplies to do.

February goal is 24 NSD.

[Iggy aka IG]

DH has been bringing home the coupons that come in the newspaper at his work.  I am pleased about the fact this time around there are 3 coupons for products I use.  

[moneysquirrel]

January Recap: 16 No Spend days

January is one of my most expensive months especially this year.  Besides the pilgrimage I paid for I also had my home insurance and the balance of the air purification system due.  A stock up at Sam's was also included.  Rest of the month was just the usual bills.

February Outlook:
Another month with a few insurance premiums due -- Flood and medical supplementary. 
Also need to get a new pair or two of shoes -- had some foot issues a while back and was told to get ones that had a higher heel. So flats without a wedge are no longer things I can wear without pain and I don't want to have to get another shot in the foot if I can avoid it.  Unfortunately I may have to visit a more expensive store to get the needed items. 

So far: 3 No Spend days 

[startsmart]

8 NSD this month so far. Unless I need to get more dog food this month I should not need another Walmart trip.  While my new puppy has come with some expenses, I am so glad to have him home. We do need to do a vet visit soonish but first I have my car insurance to pay and then the higher than usual gas bill.  The warmer weather has been good this month for heating the house snd I think my hot water heater is out. 

[catsareme]

9 NSD/CSD this month.  

startsmart thank you for reminding me I need to order pet food (cat and dog) soon.  I'll order through Rakuten to earn a bit extra for my Saved Savings this month. 

The pup is being spayed this week.  It's not an inexpensive vet visit but we don't need or want to add to the pet population.  As it is our Lab/Shepherd pup was adopted from an unplanned litter of 12 puppies.

We're currently using our ductless units more to use up the banked KWH as our solar bank gets zeroed out the end of March. The generation year runs from 1 April of the current year to 31 March of the next year.  This will also help stretch our firewood supply for the woodstove.

[Iggy aka IG]

Loving the puppy-ness here!   

As I've mentioned in the past, Q1 is usually a lower commission quarter, so I'm attempting to keep the monthly grocery list low.  In the ap, I put numerous items aside for save for later, rummaged around the fridge and pantries to utilize on hand ingredients, and found the block of mozzarella bought last month, saving $9.

[Iggy aka IG]

It's my birthday and payday today.  Nothing like Accounts Payable on one's "big day," LOL. 

I finally slowed down enough to focus on financials for the first 1 1/2 months of 2024.  I've gotten lazy in regard to inputting expenditures into my spreadsheet.  Spending was way up last month and included a planned out of state trip and other "I don't give a hoot" type spending.  So, I just input check register expenses into the spreadsheet and need to do the same with CC receipts from last month.  I then checked to see how many remaining payments my cell phone and my vehicle have.  Both should be paid off by the end of next year.

Today's grocery order will be around $122 and includes a credit of $2.40 Walmart Cash.  Yesterday's Sam's Club order was similar.  with $3 savings which almost offset the $4 pick up fee.    I took advantage of a free birthday Starbucks beverage this morning, a free Arby's dessert last Saturday, and I'll pick up a free donut tomorrow at the gas station which they offer through their ap.  

[catsareme]

Wishing you a Very Happy Birthday Iggy aka IG.        

Free breakfast treats are the best!!  

[Iggy aka IG]

Thank you, catsareme!

[startsmart]

12/16 NSD so far and I’ll need to get a few groceries next week (dog food and eggs, always). When I shopped last Friday they didn’t have the dog food in stock which is annoying. I’ll probably do an online order and pickup to reduce impulse buys.

Car insurance is paid for 6 months and I am keeping an eye on my electric usage so hopefully that bill comes down too.

I am saving a ton of money painting my kitchen cabinets myself. I have 10 more doors to complete and then 3 drawers and I’ll be done. Costs so far are about $150 for paint, deglosser, new knobs and new bumpers for the doors so they don’t chip. It looks really good even if it feels chaotic with the upper doors off right now.

[ners]

Iggy aka IG Hope you had a happy birthday.

[Iggy aka IG]

Thanks, ners!

Good job on the cabinets, startsmart!