2024 Controlled and No Spend thread

[startsmart]

I’m at 11 NSD this month which is progress because in July it took me until the 26th to get 11 days. Today I went out to brunch and bought some badly needed new tops + not at all needed fabric and got some groceries I forgot last week. Mostly boring stuff like cat food and comet and shampoo.

I don’t have plans to go out this weekend so I want to add the new door hardware to my kitchen drawers.

I’m also working on a quilt that I need to have done by March because it’ll go into an auction so I’m starting very early to ensure it gets done on time.

[Iggy aka IG]

I'm back from vacation.  We slept in the camper 5 of the 6 nights and mid-week when we stayed at the hotel, we had pizza delivered and ate at a restaurant the next morning.  Other than those items, the only expenditures were fuel, and $14 at a local grocery store.  Total cost was much less expensive than prior years' vacations.

I paid bills this morning, and next will finally get my hair done-two months past due.  Groceries this evening.  After that I should be good to go for the month.

[Iggy aka IG]

For our anniversary, instead of buying a large bottle, I bought DH a smaller bottle of a nice bourbon.  And instead of buying a $5.98 card, I chose one from the .98 aisle.  Oh, and a King Size package of Reese's peanut butter cups. 

[catsareme]

Belated Happy Anniversary Iggy!!

[Iggy aka IG]

Aug 20, 2024 16:02:17 GMT -5 catsareme said:

Belated Happy Anniversary Iggy!!

Thank you, Cats!  The actual day is today so you are right on time.  

[moneysquirrel]

So far so good.  Ten more days.  I know of at least two more monthly bills that need to be paid but at least this month is much easier on my wallet. 

[Iggy aka IG]

I've gone even more hardcore.  Because things are becoming increasingly more  expensive, I've started calculating the cost of things in units/ounces.

-Puffs tissue are $1.498 for a 12 pack at Sam's vs. $1.71 WM's 4 pack.
-Naturally jarred Kraft mayo is less expensive vs. their squeeze bottles.
-Calculated the cost of individual snacks in variety packs and will order accordingly.  This way the neighbor kiddos will stop eating DH's Lara Bars (which are just under $20 for a box of 18).

Blueberries, bacon, Jimmy Dean, eggs, pork, deodorant, contact saline, frozen fish, bread, butter, alcohol, etc. are all less expensive at Sam's Club.

Have a wonderful weekend, everyone!

[startsmart]

I’ve got 15/20 no spend day goals and 8 more days this month!

Tomorrow is a local festival so I may spend for that and next week I have an eye exam, groceries and a haircut so if I limit spending to those 3 days I should get to my goal of 20.

While I’ve been fairly diligent, I was influenced into buying a hair thing I saw online that I hope works as advertised.

[catsareme]

Had an unexpected repair bill due to mice/rat damage to the wiring in our JD Gator.  Upon reviewing the bill, I noticed we did not receive the military discount on parts.  A trip to the repair store (part of a large loop of errands, no extra driving) resulted in a $22.71 refund.  

It's been a challenge but we're sliding into the last 3 days of the month still in the black despite paying off the HELOC loan early.  

Trying very hard to resist the siren song of Labor Day Sales.  I need new jeans but will wait until Rakuten raises the Lee Jeans rebate above 2%. 

I did purchase a Christmas gift on E-Bay, but the cost came out of the designated Christmas/Gift Account.   

[startsmart]

My unexpected expense this month is $300 to remove ll the debris from my porch demo before the city fines me. I wanted to get a dumpster and none of the local companies would answer their damn phones.

The removal is happening today and then I will work on yard cleanup of the little stuff and mowing. Hopefully that will keep me busy this weekend so I don’t spend money lol

Yesterday I did get my eyes examined and ordered new glasses for the first time in 4 years! Thankfully all of that went on my benefits card from work and so there’s no out of pocket.

[startsmart]

Ending August with 18 NSD which was fairly good for this month! Looking back I had some unexpected expenses like the porch haul off and flights I purchased for next year. I still need to transfer everything into my bullet journal but I’m pretty pleased.

For all of 2024, we’ve had 244 days and 157 were no spend so I’m still at 64% of my days are spending free.

September goal is 20 days again, I like having a hard goal to reach toward.

[catsareme]

September is not starting out as I had planned.  DH has decided to have a Gator Garage (well-sealed shed) built to keep the rodents from causing future damage to our JD Gator (one of the joys of living in a rural area).  I'm waiting on the estimate and would prefer to cash flow this project.  Of course I plan, and the deities laugh.

We did find a new company to do the annual service on our back-up generator.  The service estimate looks to be about half the cost of the company we had been using.  Travel costs were a large part of the old company's bill, and this place is much closer to where we live.

Rakuten increased the rebate on Lee Jeans, so I purchased two new pairs.  My other jeans are still fine for gardening and other grubby chores.  

[moneysquirrel]

August Totals: 

21 No Spend Days and most of the spend days were routine monthly expenses.

 I will be hitting the accounts the next few months as I decided to sign up for another pilgrimage and will be using my sinking funds for this but I hate taking money out even when it is for the purpose it was saved for.  This is a once in a lifetime opportunity for me and at 74 how many more trips like this can I do.  Deposit has been made and I will spread out the rest over the next several months  -- my bank gets too nosey if I transfer too much at one time.  Also I hate pulling out so much at once so it is easier on my nerves.  Also the next two months seems to have less big bills coming in.  December starts the large annual bills -- propery taxes, several insurance premiums, holidays, etc. 


No major purchases in the foreseeable future so keeping my fingers crossed that nothing rocks the boat.

Will check in as I can.

[Iggy aka IG]

Thanks to DH, I discovered Sam's Club's "restaurant style bacon" is less expensive per pound than Wright.  A 10-pound box was part of yesterday's order, which I'll split up and freeze.  Friskies canned cat food is also less expensive per can for a 60 can box.

Buying in bulk like this does result in a large dollar amount, but if I can buy most items at Sam's and reduce the monthly Walmart order, hopefully the grocery budget will balance out.

Happy weekend, everyone.

[Knee Deep in Water Chloe]

Sept 4, 2024 10:15:17 GMT -5 catsareme said:

September is not starting out as I had planned.  DH has decided to have a Gator Garage (well-sealed shed) built to keep the rodents from causing future damage to our JD Gator (one of the joys of living in a rural area).  I'm waiting on the estimate and would prefer to cash flow this project.  Of course I plan, and the deities laugh.

We did find a new company to do the annual service on our back-up generator.  The service estimate looks to be about half the cost of the company we had been using.  Travel costs were a large part of the old company's bill, and this place is much closer to where we live.

Rakuten increased the rebate on Lee Jeans, so I purchased two new pairs.  My other jeans are still fine for gardening and other grubby chores.  

Oh, I need to find someone to come out and fix our generator. We actually needed it the other day, and it is wonky!

[Knee Deep in Water Chloe]

We are 68.3% of the way through the year.

In 2023, DH and I spent $7,434.55 on restaurants.
Our 2024 goal is to reduce that by 25% to $5,575.91 for the year.

As of September 6, we've spent $4,261.29 which is 76.42% of the total amount we want to spend.

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In 2023, DH and I spent $2636.17 on stuff for the house. These were mostly unnecessary purchases.
Our 2024 goal is to reduce that by 20% to $2108.94

As of Sept 6, we've spent $3,383.16 which is 160% of the goal.

On June 20, we spent $2100 on original artwork to hang in our living room. That was quite an abnormal purchase for us. Without that included, we’d be at 60% of the goal.
There’s a discrepancy from what I posted on June 5; I can’t remember what I changed, but according to YNAB, I’d only spent $850.58 by then.

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In 2023, we spent $3,397.39 on clothing of which 25% was DH's and 75% mine.
For 2024, I want to limit my clothing spending to $1200.

As of September 6, I have spent $1669.79 on clothing for myself which is 133% of the goal.
So, my new goal for the remainder of this year is to not spend more than $50 on clothing for myself.

[startsmart]

It’s the 7th and if I include today I have 6 NSD this month! One purchase earlier in the month will be expensed for work and Friday I got groceries and went to the farmers market.

I also picked up my glasses today but those were paid by my HSA expense account so they’re technically free

[Iggy aka IG]

Lately:
-Saved 60% on 4 articles of clothing and a pair of shoes by taking advantage of an online Labor Day sale.
-Uploaded and have been using the Upside ap.  It works if there are participating gas stations in your area.
-Used Sam's Club and Walmart cash to "save" money when placing orders.
-Yesterday I arrived home from a long volunteering camping weekend.  My only expenses were supper on the way up, and lunch on the way back.  All other meals were brought from home.
-Instead of buying it for $10, I researched online how to make Lemi Shine for the dishwasher.
-Instead of the usual $300 monthly Walmart order, today's is $151.00.  The remaining $150 will go towards the Sam's Club CC balance.

ETA:  I forgot to mention the latest:  This morning after discovering I'd forgotten my sweater to wear here at the office, instead of driving the 30+ minutes round trip home, I put on my sweatshirt from my vehicle's emergency kit.  Not the most professional looking with slacks, but hey, it works.  

[startsmart]

Today was a spend day because I finally bought a new water heater and combined some errands while I was in town to pick that up. A friend has offered to help me install it so I’ll try to get that organized soon so I can take a long, hot bath.

I’ve got the groceries put away and now I have to get back to cleaning the house which is a disaster 😫

[catsareme]

The annual generator checkup on Friday was not good news.  The rodent infestation/damage continues. We have tried all types of repairs as well as parts replacements at the cost of several hundreds of dollars.  It looks like we will be buying a new generator, with a better design to keep the rodents at bay, in the very near future. Unfortunately, we have no choice as we cannot be without a backup power source to run the well, etc.    

In the meantime, the estimate on the Gator Garage project came in:  $15,000

[moneysquirrel]

Routine bills are within budget this month.  I did sign up for another trip and have to have it paid for by the beginning of December.  Deposit and a partial payment have been made.  I plan to make two more partial payments before I make that final payment.  I was saving for a possible cruise but this trip is more to my liking so that money was redirected to the trip.  This way December will hurt but not as much as it could have . Besides I hope to replace the sinking funds I am tapping into ASAP.  

[Knee Deep in Water Chloe]

Sept 22, 2024 10:11:44 GMT -5 catsareme said:

The annual generator checkup on Friday was not good news.  The rodent infestation/damage continues. We have tried all types of repairs as well as parts replacements at the cost of several hundreds of dollars.  It looks like we will be buying a new generator, with a better design to keep the rodents at bay, in the very near future. Unfortunately, we have no choice as we cannot be without a backup power source to run the well, etc.    

In the meantime, the estimate on the Gator Garage project came in:  $15,000

YIKES!!!

[Iggy aka IG]

Sept 22, 2024 10:11:44 GMT -5 catsareme said:

The annual generator checkup on Friday was not good news.  The rodent infestation/damage continues. We have tried all types of repairs as well as parts replacements at the cost of several hundreds of dollars.  It looks like we will be buying a new generator, with a better design to keep the rodents at bay, in the very near future. Unfortunately, we have no choice as we cannot be without a backup power source to run the well, etc.    

In the meantime, the estimate on the Gator Garage project came in:  $15,000

Oh no.     

[startsmart]

Today should be NSD # 14 which is not too bad. Tomorrow will be a spend but reimburse-able as long as I just have lunch with coworkers and no other shopping. I do not need groceries for awhile so if I can stay home I’ll be good.

Yesterday I had to buy a new kitchen faucet because I cannot fix one water issue without another popping up. That’ll be here Friday and fingers-crossed I can install it myself.

[Iggy aka IG]

Continuing to go hardcore:
-Called the energy company and had a fee removed from both of my accounts.  Annual savings $18.96
-Contemplating my budget's ability to pay my auto insurance in full next month in order to save on fees. Annual savings $18
-Going to return three items for credit purposes.
-Used CC points to buy two gift cards selected from the "On Sale Today" section.  The gift cards will be stocking stuffers.
-I've been buying more Walmart store brand items.
-Laser focusing on eating out of the freezer, especially leftover items.
-Because I didn't have enough, I substituted string cheese for some of the block mozzarella in Sunday's lasagna.  I then froze the lasagna in order to warm up after having the flu when I don't feel like cooking. 
-Continuing to bring coffee and lunch from home.
-Received a referral bonus on the Upside ap.  That balance is now over $30!
-I haven't been to Walmart since September 16th.  I need to go today for RX purposes, and there only 3 other items on the list.
-Kicking butt here at the office.  If I don't process quotes, then there's nothing to sell.  

[startsmart]

September total will be 18 NSD out of my goal of 20. I did get the water heater replaced and a new kitchen faucet which was a huge upgrade for me!

October goal is a more modest 15 NSD. It’s my birthday month and I have a handful of travel days for work.

[moneysquirrel]

September total was 21 NS days.  But at least one of those days was pricey.  I am making partial payments on my upcoming trip so that all of it would not be due at one time.  Rest of the spending was within my expectations.

October looks to be pretty normal.  I have some once a year items to pay for plus I will be making another payment on the trip. 

Good job all!

[catsareme]

Positives for September:  

Despite all the bad news we still managed to end up in the black at the end of the month with the excess monies added to the slush funds.

The bill for the annual generator maintenance came in at 46% of what we had been previously paying for this service.  WooHoo! 

October is starting out rough with belt tightening the order of the day. 

A new 20 KWH generator has been ordered.  Total cost to include installation:  $8,961.84

 

[Iggy aka IG]

Lately:
-Used a $2 (or $3?) off coupon for my allergy eye drops.
-Speaking of drops, the older bottle is nearly out.  What I do is prop it upside down and lean it against something in order to get every last drop.  I do this with mustard, etc., as well.
-Transferred Upside funds to my checking account.
-Instead of a rotisserie chicken, I made supper using canned.
-Easing up on alcohol consumption, so last night I enjoyed some gifted wine instead of buying my preferred adult beverage.
-Ensured last night's grocery pickup consisted of only things we need. 21 items for $45.40 with a 0.09 Walmart cash savings. 

[moneysquirrel]

Iggy aka IG -- I do the same for bottles at the end of life.  Also cut the bottom of tubes in order to scoop out the last little bits there.  

ALso I do several puzzles on the AARP website.  If you are logged into your account there, there are certain puzzles that earn you points.  I cash those points in for gift cards.  Most are only $5 but every little bit helps.